rlr` C Ij;; jg Id d h r r, B~a;.hIQ i' I Bi,i ir; a PIC 11 I ii:j::'::;I I:i i~i i: %1.ii;~i, _-:::'1:::: _j::: ji::: i,;";"~: i rri.~-"-~""$ lli '"it"-ol'? ?.i~ ~asr~ —asr ji;!1 i: rs"+ -r:j if i ",1 ~~ d R t;T:16 c a, *i a? :* r Y " D "- " " " "-,i: B as 6" ~,rF, : ,~~ " ~;~"'. g —_ ,, r RsQ sii I g p s CW14Ciii31f ~ii ~a e,IE8 a3ls!r 1 4 $ ,,,,,,*fa I a'":niic~i~' ri-r";-l l/if "-Zyrt::-::O-I'::GFljf P*fiP;ilil~i i:i(i i- r"; f"ilL' -~ Jg Ld:~'-r:i ~I;;:~ 1 b'ij ":I~ iii;i '1, jil.b;A-u;i;iii-aiI irl I r;r:?,, b a II,, I 'Pt il-F1 9:"""t`"""-"""""" ~- %,, a w F s I SjD s~X: ,,.... I ra-L _ 's ---glfega51Xf::: l;g9afns?Ei t: ~i taraR8ablsrslelllascrrusharPwutar OF ALEAN. AND BAUI CON IES WITHI OF THEIR PROMNINENT MIEN AND PIONEERS.PHI LA DELPHI A: D. W. ENSIGN & 1 880. Co0. PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. '5 INTRO D U CTIO N. THE subject of this history is the territory now composing the counties of Allegan and Barry, in the State of Michigan, and the acts of the inhabitants of that territory, whether red or white. Everything lying beyond those limits will receive only such mention as may be necessary to show the connection of events. Its plan embraces three parts, the first embracing a general history of both counties; the second containing separate histories of the townships and villages of Allegan County; the third comprising like separate histories of the city of Hastings and the townships and villages of Barry County. The General History is composed of a continuous connected account of the Ottawa and Pottawattamie Indians, who formerly ruled and occupied all this region, with an outline of the general course of events from the advent of the white man to the present time, this being followed by chapters devoted to various subjects which could not well be embodied in the continuous history,-such as the civil organization, the lists of officers, the press, etc., concluding with brief sketches of the numerous regiments in which the gallant sons of Allegan and Barry upheld the flag of the Union against pro-slavery treason. In the second and third parts each township history tells in detail the story of the hardy pioneers, whose arduous toil and dauntless resolution subdued the savage wilderness of fifty years ago; describes the organization and names the officers of the township; and finally, gives separate sketches of the various churches and societies to be found within its limits. With each township, too, are given biographical notices of prominent citizens and old pioneers, accompanied by their portraits or by views of their residences. Such is our plan, and we can at least guarantee that it is carried out to the extent of a full and exhaustive account of the principal facts connected with the history of Allegan and Barry Counties. As to the manner of the presentation and the correctness of the statements, we must leave others to judge. No one can reasonably expect perfection,-especially in a work of this size, involving the collection and collation of such a mass of details. But we have taken great pains to secure accuracy, and we believe we have succeeded, so far as success is practicable in a work of this nature. Certain it is that if reasonably accurate, this is a work the value of which will increase with every decade of years as it rolls away. Some may possibly look askance now on so simple a work as a county history, but in future years their children and their children's children will, we trust and believe, turn eagerly to these pages to learn the humble but honorable story of their home. For the earliest history of Western Michigan we are indebted principally to the works of Francis Parkman, who is the recognized authority in regard to French rule in America, and whose "Discovery of the Great West," "Jesuits in North America," and "Conspiracy of Pontiac," have been closely consulted by us. Among other works which we have examined have been Smith's "Life and Times of Lewis Cass," Drake's "Life of Tecumseh," Drake's "Book of the Indians," Los3 4 INTRODUCTION. sing's ' Field Book of the War of 1812," Lanman's "Red Book of Michigan," Durant's "History of Kalamazoo County," and especially the valuable reports made out by Gen. John C. Robertson, adjutant-general of Michigan during the war for tile Union, and still holding that position. But nearly all the latter part of our work is derived from living lips, and our informants are so numerous that it would be entirely out of the question to mention them here, but their names will often be found in the various township and village histories. We can but thank them en masse for the information they have given us. And now, our labor done, we submit our work to the candid consideration of our readers. C. J. PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 1880. CO0-N T EN1*T S. I~~ISTOR CA~ GENERAL HISTORY OF THE TWO COUNTIES. CHAPTER PAG E I.-Taking Possession.9 II.-Retrospective.1 I1I.-Our Subject in 1.671. 14 IV.-From 1671 to 1707.Is1 V.The Ottawas and Pottawattamies in 1707 17 VTI.-Ottawas and Pottawattamies from 1707 to 1815 19 VII.-Events from 1815 to 1830..26 VJJI.-Early Settlements..30 IX.-Pioneering, in General..35 X.-Indians in the Pioneer Days..38 XI.-The Wolf-Record..42 X11.-Outline of Later Years..44 XUII.-Organization..46 XIV.-Early Supervisors and Commissioners Si XV.-Early Courts..53 XVI.-County Buildings and Poor-Farms 56 XVII.-Lists of Officers...62 XVJII.-County Societies...68 XIX.-Internal Improvements, etc... 76 XX.-The Press...80 XXI.-Statistics...87 XXII.-Second and Third Infantry... 88 XXIII.-Sixth and Seventh Infantry....93 XXIV.-Eighth, Ninth, and Twelfth Infantry 96 XXV.-Thirteenth Infantry..99 XXVJ.-Fourteenth, Seventeenth, and Nineteenth Infantry. 105 XXVII.-Twenty-First, Twenty-Eiglhth, and Thirtieth Infantry.110 XXVIII.-First Engineers and Mechanics 113 XXIX.-First, Second, and Third Cavalry 117 XXX.-Fourth Cavalry...123 XXXL.-The Michigan Cavalry Brigade.130 XXXIJ.-Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Cavalry, etc. 137 XXXIII.-First Light Artillery... 142 XXXIV.-Soldiers of Other Regiments... 144 ='-A2E?1ZJrVM $ECO2MTID. THlE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. PAGE Allegan Village.147 Allegan Township.173l Casco Township Cheshire" Clyde ' Dorr " Fillmore" Ganges Gun Plain" Heath "t Hopkins" Laketown" Lee Leig-hton Manlius "t Martin " Monterey Otsegro" Overisel." Pine Plains" Salem "t Saugatuck" ITrowbridge" Watson "t Wayland "1 PAGE.~179.1 87.~196.~198.~205.~209.~218.~239.~244.~254.~257..259.2641.~269.~282.~292.~306.~312.~318.~324.~335.4.~352 E'.A2RTZr rrJE TIRE?-)D THlE CITY OF HASTINGS, AND THlE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF BARRY COUNTY. PAGE City Of h-astings..367 Assyria Township38 Baltimore.. 392 Barry ".400 Carlton ".409 Castleton ".417 Hastings8.432 Hope ".435 Irving ".442 Johnstown ".449 Maple Grove"..456 Orangeville ".464 Prairieville ".471 Rutland ".479 Thorn~apple.. 486 Woodland ".500 Yankee Springs Township..514:B1I0 Or -.A E-F3I CAI.&T. PAGE Col. John Littlejohn fac i ng 154 Joseph Fisk..156 Osman D. Goodrich, M.D... 158 Abram R. Calkins, M.D. 159 Judge Henry Hi. Booth.168 M r. and Mrs. David D. Davis.169 Augustus S. Butler.170 Lyman W1. Watkins.170 PAGE Alanson S. Weeks.. 171 Ira Chichester.. 172 Elias Streeter.. 172 T. McDowell facing 184 Hon. Crosby Eaton...185 Rev. Charles Johnson.. 185 Henry Overhiser..185 Thompson A. Bixhy..186 I 6 CONTENTS. 0 CONTENTS. BE ~IGERA-8IO E3[IA.L-i Win. M. Ruell. Albert D. Healy. Isaac S. Linderman Marcus Lane. Dr. S. S. Stout. Richard Ferris. A. B. Eaton. Jonathan Howard Orrin Goodspeed Lauren C. Gilbert Benjamin Grover Charles 11. Daugherty Edward Penfold.Charles 0. Ilamlin Levi Loomis. Benjamin Pluminer William Dornan. S. I. B. 11utchinson William A. Bellinghamn LL~vi Arnold. Friend Ives. William R. Delano George 11. Anderson John Murphy. Justus B. Sutherland Eliezer C. Knapp William Belliugham Russel B. Fenner Charfles R. I`rownell 0. J. Lemoin. Jonathan 0. Round Rt. C. Round. James M. Bafldwin, M.D. L. A. Atwater. William S. Kenfield James E. Parmelee Philip Ilerlan. Er-astUS Con1gdon George W. Corhett William B. Hooker James McCormick II. F. Marsh. Edward J. Stow l1on. William F. Harden G. B. Nichols. Walter Monteith William T. Monteith Arthiur Anderson Andrew Templeton DuncanMeVean George T. Lay. Leonard Ross. James McAlpine Hliram Sabin. Caleb F. Kenyon Joseph Thorn. lion. Wilson C. Edsell R. Koning. Daniel G. and Mrs. Mary S. Platt William Peet. George Heck. Willia inleck. Hforace D. Moore Stephen A. Morrison Williain Corner. Jacob Grover. Harvey and Mrs. Abigail Rose Ho0n. H1. E~. Blackman FAGIC 186 186 186C 192 193 194 194 195 203 203 204 204 214 214 215 216 217 217 2:13)2 232 facing 232 233 234 235 236 2 36C 237 231)8 243 244 250 251 251 251 252 252 253 253 254, 203 268 268 268 278 facing 278 279 280 280 281 282 288 290 290 291 291' 292 305 311 317 317 323 323 333 333 334 facing 335 between 336, 337 facing 340 W. S. Martindale B. W. Colburn George W. Grig-shy Edgar G. Minckler William Porter Stephen Case William A. Reynolds. Charles Miner Isaac Page. Gorum W. Gorton D. F.Ayres Rev. James SelkrigHumphrey Gardner Amaziah R. Balch horace J. Turner George H. Jackson Abel Ang-el Josiah E. Harding Samuel S. Gunn Rlollin M. Congdon William Seaver A. P. Drake Harvey N. Sheldon Daniel G. Robinson lion. Henry A. Goodyear Hiram J. Kenfield William Upjohn, M.D. Richard Jones George WV. Knapp William M. Warner Samuel Weeks Samuel and Samnuel Rt. Willison Adam Elliott Walden T. Barber Wells Byington Solornon Lawrence Jeremiah M. longers Rev. Theodore L. Pillsbury LoreDZO MNUdge Allen B. Cooper William Crahh Thomas Blasdel Lycurgus J. Wheeler George Whitney. William 11. Carpenter H. F. Peckharn, M.D.. James C. Hanna. Albert G. Dewey A. P. and B. WV. King J. E. Fisk. T. B. H1inebman. Pliny MeOmber Leander Lapham Abram S. Quick.Charles S. Dnnham Francis Hlolden Albert Warner John J. Perkins. William Y. Gilkey Albert E. Bull Robert harper. - William Colby It. B. Messer I. N. Keeler F. W. Collins Amos Hlanlon, M.D.. J. C. Bray. George Cisler PA G M 34 1 341 -342 342 between 342, 343 350 350 350 351 351 351 354 362 3 62 363 363 364 365 366 facing 3 70 " 372 379 380 381.382 390 391 398 399 404, 405 406 407 408 408 416 416 facing 424) " 428 430 430 41 434 440 441 448 454 454 455 455 461 462 462 463 475 476 477 478 between 480, 481 -495 496 496 496 facing 496 497 497 498 CONTENTS. 7:B G 0 I:RA. PI TO A0 A ILPAGE PAGE John Carveth......498 Stephen S. Ingerson.... 511 S. B. Smith. 499 Dr. David Kilpatrick...512 John Kilpatrick... 510 Washington Rowlader. 512 Levi Holmes......510 Dr. Henry C. Carpenter... 513 George M. Davenport...510 Alanson P. Iolly.......13 Joseph W. Stinchcomb....511 Henry D. Norris..... 520 IIL TSTrIA-TIOTNS PAGE Outline Map of Allegan County. between 8, 9 " Barry County... 8, 9 Geological Map of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. facing 146 AJL-EGA- COTTl-TYZv. View of the County Offices, Allegan. facing 147 ALLEGAN VILLAGE. PAGE Residence of E. C. Knapp..... facing 224 " William A. Bellingham. " 224 " and Stock-farm of Levi Arnold (double page) between 226, 227 Portraits of Friend Ives and Wife. facing 232 Portrait of William R. Delano...... 233 Portraits of John Murphy and Wife...... 235 Portrait of Justus B. Sutherland...... 236 " William Bellingham...... 237 HIEATII. Portrait of Henry H. Booth (steel) " Ruth Elizabeth Booth (steel) Portraits of Col. John Littlejohn and Wife t" Joseph Fisk and Wife Portrait of Dr. O. D. Goodrich. " Abram R. Calkins, M.D. Portraits of David D. Davis and Wife Portrait of Augustus S. Butler. t Lyman W. Watkins. " Alanson S. Weeks " Ira Chichester. " Elias Streeter between 152, 153 " 152, 153 facing 154 " 156. 158. 160 facing 161 " 164 " 164. 171. 172.172 I Residence and Fruit-fiarm of 0. J. Lemoin Portrait of Charles R. Brownell facing 239. 243 CASCO. Lakeside Farm, Residence of Rev. Charles Johnson. facing 179 Residence of T. A. Bixby...... " 180 " the late I. S. Linderman. 180 " William M. Ruell (with portraits). " 182 Portraits of T. McDowell and Wife.... " 184 Residence of Henry Overhiser (with portraits).. " 185 Portrait of Hon. Crosby Eaton....... 185 View of Gothic Ridge Farm, A. Healy, proprietor (double page) between 186, 187 CHESHIRE. Residence of Marcus Lane (with portraits). between 188, 189 " A. B. Eaton (with portraits). "- 188,189 Portraits of Dr. S. S. Stout and Wife.... 193 " Richard Ferris, Wife, and Son..194 " Jonathan Howard and Wife.. 195 DORR. Residence of C. H. Daugherty (with portraits).. facing 198 " Orrin Goodspeed... " 200 " Lauren C. Gilbert (with portraits). " 202 Portraits of Benjamin Grover and Wife.. 204 GANGES. Residence of Levi Loomis (with portraits).. facing 209 " Charles 0. Hamlin (with portraits). " 210 S. I. B. Hutchinson (with portraits). " 212 " Edward Penfold (with portraits).. " 214 Portraits of Benjamin Plummer and Wife.... 216 Residence of William Dornan (with portraits).. facing 217 GUN PLAIN. Residence of George H. Anderson (with portraits). facing 218 IOPKINS. Residence of L. A. Atwater (with portraits).. facing 244 First House built in Hopkins, in 1837.. between 246, 247 Late Residence of J. 0. Round (with portraits) " 246, 247 Residence of R. C. Round (with portraits). " 246, 247 " Mrs. M. A. Corbett (with portraits). facing 248 " G. M. Baldwin (with portraits).. " 250 " Jas. E. Parmelee... " 252 Portraits of Wm. S. Kenfield and Wife.....252 Portrait of Philip IIerlan........ 253 " Erastus Congdon..... 253 LEIGHTON. Residence of W. B. Hooker facing 259 MANLIUS. Residence of James McCormick (with portraits, double page)... between 264, 265 Residence of Ii. F. Marsh... facing 266 " E. J. Stow (with portraits)... " 268 MARTIN. Residence of Win. F. Harden (with portraits).. facing 270 " Wm. T. Monteith..... 272 " Arthur Anderson... " 274 " D. C. McVean.. " 276 Portrait of G. B. Nichols...... 278 " Walter Monteith....... 279 " Andrew Templeton....... 281 MONTEREY. Farm and Residence of George T. Lay (with portraits) facing 282 Residence of Joseph Thorn (with portraits, double page) between 284, 285 " Caleb F. Kenyon (with portraits). facing 286 " Leonard Ross..... 288 " James M. McAlpine (with portraits). " 290 Portraits of Hiram Sabin and Wife...91 OTSEGO. Chair-manufactory of A. B. and C. D. Stuart Portrait of Hon. W. C. Edsell (steel) It R. B. Fenner (with portraits) " 220 I. 303 facing 305 S' CONTENTS. I L, T IJ S T IRA. T I O I TS. OVERISEL. PAGE Residence of R. Koning...... facing 306 Portraits of Adam Elliott and Wife " Walden T. Barber and Wife " Wells Byington and Wife PAGE. 406. 407. 408 PINE PLAINS. Residence of William Peet (with portraits) Portraits of D. G. Platt and Mrs. Mary S. Platt facing 312. 317 CARLTON. Residence of Rev. T. L. Pillsbury (with portraits) " Jeremiah M. Rogers (with portraits) facing 412 " 416 SALEM. Residence and Mills of George and Wm. Neck (with portraits).... facing 323 SAUGATUCK. Residence of Stephen A. Morrison (with portraits) Portraits of Horace D. Moore and Wife (steel). bet Residence of Iorace D. Moore. " William Corner Portraits of William Corner and Wife TROWBRIDGE. Portrait of Jacob Grover Portraits of Harvey Rose and Wife... bet Residence of Mrs. John W. Grover (with portraits) " Mrs. Martin Sheffer (with portraits) G. W. Grigsby (with portraits). bet " E. G. Minckler (with portraits) View of Minckler's Lake... Portraits of Hon. 1I. E. Blackman and Wife Residence of W. S. Martindale (with portraits) " B. W. Colburn (with portraits). beta Portraits of William Porter and Wife WATSON. Residence of Isaac Page (with portraits) " Charles Miner (with portraits) Portraits of Stephen Case and Wife. Residence of William A. Reynolds " G. Wl'. Gorton " D. F. Ayres. WAYLAND. Residence of Dr. H. J. Turner. t George H. Jackson The Wayland House, Wm. Seaver, proprietor (with portraits) Residence of Josiah E. Harding (with portraits) " S. S. Gunn (with portraits). " Humphrey Gardner (with portraits) " the late A. R. Balch (with portraits) " Abel Angel t" R. M. Congdon (with portraits) B2EARC COUTT JlTuTr CITY OF HASTINGS. View of Court-House and Public School Building Portrait of Dr. A. P. Drake.. " Harvey N. Sheldon. Daniel G. Robinson. " Hon. Henry A. Goodyear " Hiram J. Kenfield " William Upjohn, M.D. ASSYRIA. Residence of G. W. Knapp (with portraits) " Richard Jones (with portraits) BALTIMORE. Residence of Samuel Weeks William M. Warner (with portraits) Portrait of Samuel Weeks facing 324 ween 332, 333 " 332,.333 facing 334.334 facing 335 tween 336, 337 " 336, 337 facing 337 ween 338, 339 " 338, 339 " 338, 339 facing 340 " 341 ween 342, 343 " 342, 343 facing 344 ' 348.350 facing 351 " 351 " 351 facing 352 " 352 " 354 " 356 " 358 " 360 " 362 " 363 " 364 facing 367 " 370 " 372.379.380.381. 382 facing 384 " 390 facing 392 " 396. 399 CASTLETON. Portraits of Lorenzo Mudge and Wife Residence of Thomas Blasdel (with portrait) Portraits of Alien B. Cooper and Wife Portrait of William Crabb. " Lycurgus J. Wheeler HASTINGS. Residence of George Whitney (with portraits) IIOPE. Residence and Mill of II. F. Peckham, M.D. Portraits of II. F. Peckham, M.D., and Wife IRVING. Residence of James C. IIanna. " Win. H1. Carpenter JOHNSTOWN. Residence of A. G. Dewey (with portraits) " A. P. and B. W. King " J. E. Fisk (with portraits) " T. B. IIinchman (with portraits) facing 420 " 424 " 428. 430.431 facing 432 facing 441. 441 facing 442 " 442 facing it it 449 450 452 454 MAPLE GROVE. Residence and Store of Leander Lapham (with portraits) facing Residence of Chas. S. Dunham (with portraits). " " Pliny McOmber (with portraits). " " Abram S. Quick (with portraits). " PRAIRIEVILLE. The Gilkey Homestead, and Residence of Mrs. L. W. Wood 456 458 461 462 hams (with portraits). Portraits of Albert Warner and Wife Portrait of John J. Perkins RUTLAND. Residence of the late Albert E. Bull. Portraits of Albert E. Bull and Wife. THORNAPPLE. facing 471. 476. 477 between 480, 481 480, 481 Portrait of John Carveth..... facing 486 " R. B. Messer..... 486 " Amos Hanlon...... 486 " S. B. Smith...." 486 Residence of J. C. Bray (with portraits)... 488 " I. N. Keeler i" ~ " 490 " Robert Harper (with portraits).. " 492 " William Colby ". " 494 Portrait of F. W. Collins..... 496 " George Cisler..... 498 WOODLAND. Residence of Hon. J. W. Stinchcomb (with portraits) facing 500 " Levi Holmes. " 50" ( S. S. Ingerson.. " " 504 " George M. Davenport. " " " 506 " Mrs. A. P. Holly..." 508 " John Kilpatrick..." 510 " Washington Rowlader. " 512 Portraits of Dr. David Kilpatrick and Wife. 512 " Dr. Henry C. Carpenter and Wife.. 513 YANKEE SPRINGS. Portrait of Henry D. Norris... 521 Reside Portra BARRY. ence of Samuel Lawrence (with portraits). facing 400 its of Samuel Willison, and Samuel R. Willison and Wife 405 I .I - - - -.~,~ # It &I *I* vF I B A R R T. v i n r1 KL i 0 I. Y I lfz I y.,A-Y Elb6 nr^~ (6 - II ik I U "'I -..................- 11-,1rs -101 -11f -7-5 1.6 't 11 Is,, a - -7 1 ' - i ' 11 - f f F 1I, r Nl 11 b _ "* II VAi 6 > 11 11 - i 1 Pt -— I 11 i- tlr ~ i~rf~s~p I ~i 19 -- 11 I 11 1 1 II I I F A M XX Ns-... I 1. - - W4... 4 H 4 --- t i N — T 11 11,z 6-. 9 2 e I X,571' 071-f iT 9f, —t l a *itwl_ /^T - '-"i X_.MTTl- 1\\ t,'r-' IrI IIt _f t1 n IN, JfPim\.y *y AWA,..:recrSpr. 7 f7 jer*,1R "4 9.j ff As 31 i T. 0 ' 1, ~ 10 It t2 -77 A P L T m 42,z 0 -N-r I a.27 1 "A 2s - 2011 I ^^^. d. 1-2 1 -' ' \I 7!Z Jl — / / i, I sj -ti I l I/K W 1f j r 1.11 I I up. I s i T.9 13-P 1 T.Wf^.F Y6, _ LI Wk WIa It -wi I 3 yu, B~fcE X.1 I- * Cle _ 57T, I r el;arlza z LN, iS/j1.. "3 1 _rLI JLk V, J6 A:3 2 I, Ml am OF 7-. -. _= It=e:l OgF A ~.' 'k _ _' iei.... #: -iii -s'''' '!!i' w *!: A$. i AIRII I 4 ':a -iei %s 11. 3,/ u. I YTciak ol c I 0 C A S_ IL, -76 049 PI R Pt L L E// 00 X-4 20.1 lk 22, 2 3 MU 12 X A N O. -70 W19 97 29 ze TeV 2's, go I Oc___ _f 111 AM I -Cfgv -26 Ak 6j ff I IR A- - 1, I,32 1 33~>1!C 'y A 3 31? _t. "l. ~~ g4 — 42(g~ T._ J.. - Z O O C 0. A A - z o o co. ~il I 1.3 1 1 T i AA I i, 'a t.,) *.H 4-.W. lw-lr c 0. -,. -- I ' I --- i_, I / - I. e " I.. f A. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. PART FIRST. GENERAL HISTORY OF THE TWO COUNTIES. BY CRISFIELD JOHNSON. CHAPTER I. TAKING POSSESSION. The Scene at Saut de Sainte Marie-Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawattamies, etc. —Their Garb and Weapons-Varied Occupations - French Voyageurs-Perrot and Joliet-Allouez and other JesuitsDaumont de St. Lusson-Blessing the Cross-The Proclamation of Possession-Views of the Indians-Speech of Father Allouez-The ProcBs Verbal-Extent of Knowledge of the Lakes-Meaning of " Michigan"-Importance of St. Lusson's Action. ON the 14th day of June, in the year 1671, a wild and motley throng was gathered beside the narrow channel down which the waters of the mightiest of lakes rush foaming towards the far Atlantic, forming a succession of rapids to which the zealous missionaries of Catholic France had already given the name of Saut de Sainte Marie (Falls of St. Mary), in honor of their most beloved intercessor, the virgin mother of Christ. By far the greater portion of the assembled crowd consisted of the fierce aborigines of the Northwest. There were to be seen the sullen occupants of that immediate locality, the Ojibwas, or Chippewas, the most intractable of all those intractable savages, whose scowling features were now, however, somewhat relaxed in anticipation of the firewater to be dispensed at the impending ceremony. There, too, were their neighbors and kinsmen, the Ottawas, a trifle less implacable in disposition, a shade less forbidding in feature, but ready, nevertheless, in the caprice of a moment, to imbrue their hands in human blood, and to subject the enemies they might capture to the most fearful tortures which a demoniac malice could invent. There also were Pottawattamies from the western side of Lake Michigan, MAiamis from the head and eastern shore of that same broad sheet, and Illinois from the banks of the river which still bears their name; while the members of numerous other tribes-Crees, Amikones, Nepissings, 2 Sacs, Winnebagoes, and Menominees-stalked haughtily along the rocky shore of the Saut. The more distant tribes were represented by delegations of chiefs, while of the nearer ones warriors, women, and children were assembled en masse in honor of the great occasion. The garb and arms of the Indians of the Northwest had not yet been changed to any great extent by the adoption of European importations. In a large majority of cases the stalwart warrior wore only leggins of deerskin and robe of buffalo-skin, or else strode among the pines in naked majesty, unrelieved save by a narrow breech-clout, while his arms were the war-club, the stone tomahawk, and the bow and arrows, with which his ancestors had for unknown generations waged war against their foes. The squaws were more amply clothed, but in the same deer-skin materials, while the bright-eyed, 'cute-looking children of both sexes disported here and there in absolute freedom, clad only in the copper-colored garments which nature had provided for them. Still, there was a considerable number of Indians and squaws adorned with gaudy blankets and cheap jewelry of French manufacture; many warriors had substituted iron tomahawks for stone ones, and occasionally there might be seen one who by extraordinary diligence in fur-hunting had acquired, or who on account of especial prowess had been presented with, a long flint-lock French musket, which he proudly bore with him wherever he went, to the despairing envy of his less fortunate comrades. The assemblage combined the characteristics of council, camp, hunting-excursion, fishing-party, and co-operative domestic establishment. While the old sachems conversed gravely regarding the occasion of their meeting, some of the younger warriors scoured the forest for game, which, when slain, was borne into camp by the ever-patient squaws. Others, in frail birch-bark canoes, fearlessly rode the foaming waters of the Saut, holding themselves poised motionless 9 I In IV HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. amid the boiling waves, and anon darting a flint-tipped lance into an incautious fish, affording an example of dextrous and picturesque fearlessness which still, as displayed by their descendants, awakens the admiration of every spectator. On shore scores of squaws were working together around the fires, preparing the food of their lordly masters. Save in a few of the very youngest there were no traces of that nut-brown beauty with which romancers have loved to endow the female companion of the Indian warrior; for toil and hardship soon destroy the small modicum of grace and symmetry which nature may have bestowed. Yet Indian custom, though harsh in its requirements in regard to labor, assigned no slight dignity and influence to the older matrons of the tribes, and their grave faces might be seen in groups here and there amid the trees, as they consulted regarding the events of the day. Conspicuous among these numerous children of the forest were a score of Frenchmen, almost as varied in appearance as their red brethren. The majority of these were voyageuzrs, a wild and hardy race, whose lives were spent on the streams and in the forests of the wilderness, and who, with French versatility, had become half-Indian in garb, in manner, and in appearance. The most prominent of these was Nicolas Perrot, who acted as interpreter between the commander of the expedition and his Indian fiiends.* Another distinguished explorer present was Louis Joliet, one of the most adventurous of French traders, whose name is now borne by a flourishing city of Illinois. There were also four black-gowned Jesuits from the mission close by, an establishment founded three years before, which, on account of its isolated position among so many savages, had a half-military appearance, consisting, as it did, of a square palisade of cedar pickets, with a chapel and residence inside. These were Claude Dablon, superior of the missions of the lakes, Gabriel Druillettes, Claude Allouez, and Louis Andre. But the great man of the assemblage, in the eyes of both whites and Indians, was Daumont de St. Lusson, a French officer who had been sent out the previous year by the intendant of Canada to search for copper-mines on Lake Superior, and who had determined to signalize his expedition by an important and imposing proceeding. For this purpose he had called together all the tribes of the Great Lakes, and the savages, already favorably disposed towards the French, and generally fond of councils, speeches, and ceremonies, had promptly responded, no less than fourteen tribes being represented in the grand assemblage. St. Lusson had caused a large wooden cross to be prepared, and also a cedar post, to which was attached a metal plate graven with the arms of France. When all was ready the commander (attended by the four priests) led forward his fourteen followers, fully armed and equipped. All around stood or crouched or reclined, the Indian * Perrot was the most conspicuous of all the voyageurs of his day, not so much on account of superior valor and enterprise, though he was both brave and enterprising, as because he had that very unusual accomplishment for a voyageur, the ability to write,-not only to write his name but to write a book. Hie was the author of a work entitled " Meurs, Coutumes et Religion des Sauvages de l'Amerique Septentrional" (Manners, Customs, and Religion of the Savages of North America). warriors, gazing with curious and half-suspicious eyes on the unwonted scene. Dablon blessed the cross, and it was then raised erect and planted in the ground, while the Frenchmen, with uncovered heads, sang the "Vexilla Regis." Next, the post bearing the royal arms was planted beside the cross, this portion of the ceremonies being accompanied by the singing of the " Exaudiat," and by a prayer for the French king on the part of one of the Jesuits. Then St. Lusson, holding his drawn sword in his right hand, raised a sod of earth with his left, and in a loud voice made this proclamation in the French language: "In the name of the Most High, Mighty, and Redoubted Monarch, Louis, Fourteenth of that name, Most Christian King of France and of Navarre, I take possession of this place, Sainte Marie du Saut, as also of Lakes Huron and Superior, the island of Manitoulin, And all countries, rivers, lakes, and streams contiguous and adjacent thereunto, both those which have been discovered and those which may be discovered hereafter, in all their length and breadth, bounded on the one side by the seas of the North and of the West, and on the other by the South Sea; declaring to the natives thereof that from this time forth they are vassals of His Majesty, bound to obey his laws and follow his customs; promising them on his part all succor and protection against the incursions and invasions of their enemies, declaring to all other potentates, princes, sovereigns, states, and republics,-to them and their subjects,-that they cannot and are not to seize or settle upon any of the parts of the aforesaid countries, save under the good pleasure of IIis Most Christian Majesty, and of him who will govern in his behalf, and this on pain of incurring his resentment and the efforts of his arms. Long live the king!" "Long live the king!" repeated the Frenchmen present, and the thousands of savages collected around yelled in sympathy with the shouting Europeans. It is hardly to be supposed that the free sons of the forest and the prairie would have consciously assisted in the assumption of sovereignty over the country they had so long called their own by an unknown potentate beyond the Atlantic, but all the tribes of this region were in great fear of the terrible Iroquois, who occupied the central and western portions of the present State of New York, and whose native valor was made still more dangerous by the muskets and ammunition which they had received from their friends, the Dutch of New Amsterdam, now New York. The upper-lake tribes were very glad to receive the promise of assistance from the French against these dreaded foes, and even the acquisition of a few French muskets and some powder would tend materially to put them on an equality with their enemies. They were accustomed also to give the respectful appellation of " Father" to the leaders of the whites, and were doubtless willing to acknowledge the great chief of the French beyond the seas as their " father" and protector, provided he would whip the Iroquois. We cannot believe that they meant more than this by the screams with which they responded to the proclamation of St. Lusson. But St. Lusson and his superiors meant much more than this, and the chances were then very great that they and their successors would be able to carry their schemes to completion; that they would be able not only to subject this whole region to the authority of France, but to place it in the actual occupation of French gentry and peasantry. After the commandant had concluded his portion of the ceremony, Father Allouez, the most distinguished of the RETROSPECTIVE. 11 priests present, though not the highest in ecclesiastical rank, harangued the Indians on the religious and political aspects of the great event. He spoke of the cross which had just been set up as the symbol of the Christian religion, and then continued in the following florid but striking language: "Look at this post, to which are affixed the arms of the great chief of France, whom we call king. He lives across the sea. He is chief of the greatest chiefs, and has no equal on earth. All the chiefs whom you have ever seen are but children beside him. He is like a great tree, and they are but the little herbs which one walks over and tramples under foot. You know Onontio [as the Indians called all the French Governors of Canada], that famous chief at Quebec; you know and you have seen that he is the terror of the Iroquois, and that his very name makes them tremble since he has laid their country waste and burned their towns with fire. Across the sea there are ten thousand Onontios like him, who are but warriors of our great king, of whom I have told you. When he says, ' I am going to war,' everybody obeys his orders; and each of these ten thousand chiefs raises a troop of a hundred warriors, some on sea and some on land. Some embark on great ships, such as you have seen at Quebec. Your canoes carry only four or five men, or at the most ten or twelve, but our ships carry four or five hundred, and sometimes a thousand. Others go to war on the land, and they are so numerous that if they should stand in a double line they would reach from here to Mississaquenk, which is more than twenty leagues away. When our king assaults his enemies he is more terrible than the thunder; he makes the earth shake; the sky and the sea are on fire with the flash of his cannon; he goes in the midst of his warriors covered with the blood of his enemies, whom he slays in such numbers that he does not count them by scalps, but by the streams of their blood. The number of the prisoners whom he takes is so great that he makes little account of them, but lets them go where they will to show that he is not afraid of them. No one now dares make war on him. All the nations beyond the sea have submitted to his power, and have humbly asked for peace. Men come from every part of the world to listen to him and admire him. All that is done on the earth is decided solely by him." This is the French report of the speech, and it shows that the worthy Jesuit, who would have given his life without a moment's hesitation for his faith, did not scruple to say whatever was necessary to make a strong impression upon his savage auditors. These were well satisfied with his gorgeous rhetoric and inflated statements, and greeted the close of his speech with vociferous marks of approval. The closing scene of St. Lusson's little drama, and one which was considered very important by all French officials in similar circumstances, was the drawing up and signing of the proces verbal, or official statement of the whole transaction.* Such a statement, made on the spot, was the almost invariable accompaniment of any important act done by a French officer; it being written, signed, and scaled by a * Notwithstanding the word "verbal," the general meaning of which is the same in French as in English, this species of process was always in writing. i i I I I notary, if one was present,-if not, then by the commander. It is somewhat doubtful whether a notary accompanied St. Lusson in his wanderings, but a "proces verbal de la prise de possession" (official account of the taking possession) was duly executed, and is mentioned in Parkman's " Discovery of the Great West," from which most of the facts set forth in this chapter are derived. It will have been observed that only Lakes Huron and Superior were mentioned in St. Lusson's proclamation. The northern part of Lake Michigan had certainly been navigated as far as Green Bay, and perhaps the southern portion had been explored, but a map made about that time delineated only the northern part, which it showed as a prolongation of Lake Huron, the whole being named "Michigane,"t or "Meer Douce des Hurons" (Fresh Sea of the Hurons). At all events, both peninsulas of Michigan are embraced in the claim of the proclamation, which included " all countries, rivers, lakes, and streams contiguous and adjacent" to Lakes Michigan and Huron. The action of Daumont de St. Lusson was the formal procedure which invested France with the sovereignty of the present State of Michigan (including, of course, the counties which are the subject of this volume) and of many adjacent lands, thus bringing all this vast region, nominally at least, under the rule of a civilized nation. It has, therefore, been selected as the starting-point of our history, and has been described with considerable minuteness. True, the proclamation and the proces verbal did not give possession of the territory in question, but like the execution of a deed it gave a legal title in the eyes of the French, and, as it was afterwards made good by the erection of forts and trading-posts throughout the Northwest, it formed an era from which we may properly date the history of the counties of Allegan and Barry. Before, however, descending the stream of time from that era, it is necessary to devote a chapter to a cursory mention of preceding events affecting the destiny of the upper-lake country, and to a description of the situation in 1671. CHAPTER II. RETROSPECTIVE. The Discoveries of Cartier-Of Champlain-English and Dutch Settlements-The Jesuits-The Terrible Iroquois-Defeat of the IIurons and Ottawas-Marquette at the Saut de Sainte Marie-Location of the Ottawas-Miamis and Pottawattamies-The "MoundBuilders"-Doubts as to their Residence in Michigan-Description of Circles and Mounds-A Sensible Theory-Description of "Ancient Garden-Beds"-Speculations on their Origin. WHEN Daumont de St. Lusson took possession of the upper lakes and their adjacent lands in the name of Louis the Fourteenth, only a hundred and seventy-one years had passed since the discovery of America by Columbus. It had been a hundred and thirty-seven years since (in 1535) the French explorer, George Cartier, had sailed up the St. t This word Michigang, or Michigan, is said to be derived from two Chippewia words, Mitchan Sagegan, meaning great lake; being applied by that tribe to Lakes Huron and Michigan, which were eonsidered as one body of water. *4 I 4 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Lawrence to Montreal, and had taken possession of all the country round about, in the name of King Francis the First, by the name of New France. He had made some attempts at colonization, but in 1543 they had all been abandoned, and for more than half a century the disturbed condition of France had entirely prevented its people from utilizing the discoveries of Cartier. In 1603 the celebrated French mariner, Samuel Champlain, had led an expedition to Quebec, had made a permanent settlement there, and had, in fact, founded the colony of Canada. From Quebec and from Montreal, which was soon after founded, the adventurous French explorers, furtraders, and missionaries had pushed rapidly into the Western wilderness, and as early as 1615 Champlain himself had visited the Hurons on the shores of Lake Manitouline. Almost or quite as early, priests of the Recollet, or Franciscan, order had established missions in the same locality. Meanwhile, in 1606, the English had settled Virginia, and in 1609 a Dutch ship, under the command of the English sailor, Henry Hudson, had sailed into the river which still bears its captain's name. These events had been followed in 1620 by the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, and in 1623 by the commencement of permanent Dutch settlement on the Hudson. Thus three distinct streams of emigration, with three attendant claims of sovereignty, had begun to make their way westward from the Atlantic, and to all appearances the French, having such ample water-communication with the interior by means of the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, had decidedly the advantage in the race for empire,-at least so far as Michigan was concerned. In 1625 there had arrived on the shores of the St. Lawrence a few Jesuits, the vanguard of a host of those fiery champions of the cross, destined to crowd aside the more peaceful or more inert Franciscans throughout the whole lake region, and substantially to'appropriate that missionary ground to themselves. Their course was generally across Canada by land to Lake Manitouline, and thence in canoes through Lakes Huron, Superior, and Michigan; for the more convenient route by way of the Niagara River and Lake Erie was guarded by the ferocious Iroquois, whom Champlain, by an ill-advised attack, had made the implacable enemies of the French. About the year 1650 those terrible confederates, already famed far and wide for their wisdom, their valor, and their ferocity, had become more redoubtable than ever before. Having destroyed the Kahquahs and Eries on the shores of Lake Erie, they had (about 1659) attacked the Hurons, or Wyandots, located on the eastern shore of the lake which bears their name, inflicting such terrible defeat that many of the conquered nation are said to have sought shelter on the frozen borders of Hudson's Bay. The greater portion, however, fled to the Ojibway hunting-grounds, on the southern shore of Lake Superior, as did also the Ottawawas, or Ottawas, who had been located in the vicinity of the Ottawa River, in Canada. The implacable Iroquois followed the fugitives to their new haunts, but the latter, by t h help of the Chppewas,* were at length enabled to:0 repulse their arrogant enemies, who thenceforth seldom sought a war-path which led so far to the north. In 1668 the celebrated Father Marquette, accompanied by Father Claude Dablon, finding the friendly Chippewas and others in peaceful possession at the Saut de Sainte Marie, had established there the mission of Sainte Marie du Saut, and had soon afterwards founded that of St. Esprit among the Ottawas, near the western extremity of Lake Superior. But in 1669 or 1670 the Ottawas, finding that they were no longer molested by the Iroquois, had established their principal seat on the island of Mackinaw, in the straits variously known as Michillimacinac, Mackinac, or Mackinaw, but which we much prefer to designate by the latter appellation, and there Marquette established the mission of St. Ignace in 1671, the same year that De Lusson took possession of the country in behalf of Louis the Fourteenth. From Mackinaw the hunting-parties of the Ottawas rapidly spread southward, especially along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, nearly or quite to the counties which are the subject of this history,-Allegan and Barry. At this time (1671) the Pottawattamies were located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, from Green Bay to the site of Chicago; while the Miamis dwelt and hunted on the eastern shore, from the head of the lake nearly to the mouth of Grand River. Such was the situation in 1671. There is but one more subject that needs to be dealt with in this retrospective chapter. That is the so-called " pre-historic race" which is supposed to have inhabited this region previous to its occupation by the Indians. In various parts of this State, and eastward along the southern shore of the Great Lakes, to the foot of Lake Ontario, numerous mounds were found by the first settlers, some of which were evidently places of sepulture, while others had every appearance of having been originally erected as fortifications. The latter were simple breastworks, from three to six feet high, usually, though not always, constructed on strong natural positions, such as a steep hill or a promontory nearly surrounded by ravines. As one goes southward the works become more extensive and elaborate, and in the vicinity of the Ohio they are so large as to have attracted the most earnest attention of scientific men. It has long been a matter of general belief by such men that those works were built by a race anterior and superior to the Indians, to whom, for lack of any other name, has been given the appellation of " Mound-Builders." It is needless here to discuss the question whether such a race actually existed on the shores of the Ohio and lower Mississippi, or, if so, what were its characteristics. It may reasonably be presumed that the general belief of the scientists is correct on those points. But as to whether a portion of that race ever resided in Michigan, we feel like expressing a modest opinion to the effect that there is but slight evidence of its presence here. In fact, the generally trivial character of the works in the lake country, compared with those on and near the Ohio, naturally raises the presumption that the former were not built by the same race as the latter. Moreover, the struc * The original name of these Indians was Ojibwas, but for a long time they have always been called Chippewas by the whites, and to avoid confusion they will thenceforth be thus designated in this volume. RETROSPECTIVE. 1i tures in the lake region were such as certainly could have been erected by the Indians, whether they were or not. True, the Indians were not in the habit of building earthen fortifications when the whites first settled in America, but they did build very elaborate palisades out of logs cut down with their stone axes, and this required much more labor and skill than the construction of small earthen forts. In fact, among warriors whose only weapons were clubs, stone tomahawks, and bows and arrows, the palisade was a much better protection than the earthwork, as it was much harder to shoot over or climb over, and may very naturally have succeeded the latter in the rude engineering of the savages. Subsequently, the Creeks, Choctaws, and other southern Indians built breastworks at Talladega, Horseshoe Bend, and elsewhere, to protect themselves from the rifles of the Americans, and there is no reason why their ancestors should not have done as much. Or perhaps the earthworks were auxiliary to the palisades, as suggested below. Moreover, some of the fortifications in the lake country contained, when discovered, large piles of round stones, evidently intended for use against assailants, and tending strongly to prove that those works were built by a very barbarous people, having none of the culture and skill attributed to the so-called " Mound-Builders" of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys. The same may be said of the mounds found in Michigan, and apparently constructed for burial-purposes. Perhaps they were not built by Indians, but they do not seem much beyond the capacity of Indians to construct. From an article by H. D. Post; Esq., in the Allegan Journal of June 8, 1878, we condense a description of several mounds, etc., carefully examined by him, and which will serve as types of those found elsewhere in Southern Michigan. They were all situated within a mile of each other, and of the crossing of Rabbit River by the Grand Haven Railroad, in the townships of Fillmore, Manlius, and Heath, in Allegan County. The first work visited was on the farm of Mrs. Bostwick, on the southeast quarter of section 36, in Fillmore. On the south end of a ridge which rises fifteen or twenty feet above the adjoining land the explorers found a circular earthwork, averaging two feet high (notwithstanding frequent plowing) and sixteen feet wide; the diameter of its outer circumference being from one hundred and twenty-four to one hundred and thirtyeight feet. It was evidently formed by throwing up earth from a ditch outside. On the land of Mr. Brouwer, on the northeast quarter of section 1, in Manlius, was a circle which had been leveled by plowing, and was then barely discernible, but which was described by early settlers as having been two and one-half feet high and sixteen feet wide when the land was cleared. Its maximum diameter was one hundred and forty-fdur feet. Another circle similar to the foregoing was found on the land of Mr. Helmer, on the southeast quarter of section 36, in Fillmore. Its greatest diameter was one hundred and thirty feet, and it was said to have been three feet high when first cleared. Another, nearly obliterated, on the same farm, had a maximum diameter of about eighty feet. There are said to have been several small mounds, about four feet by eight, inside the two circles on the Helmer place, but no traces of them remained at the time of Mr. Post's visit. Besides these there was a burial-mound, thirty feet in diameter and apparently four or five feet high, on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 6, in Heath. Mr. George Harrington, who accompanied Mr. Post, examined this in 1870, finding, some eighteen inches below the top, about one hundred human skeletons, with little or no earth among them. These extended to a depth of some two feet and a half. Beneath them was a layer of ashes and fine coals, perhaps half an inch thick, and then came the natural soil, on a level with that around. It doesn't seem as if it needed any antediluvian or prehistoric race to pile a lot of corpses together and throw some dirt over them. Another mound, on the northeast quarter of section 1, in Manlius, measured twenty feet in diameter and three feet high. It had been dug open and a large skeleton removed from it. No weapons, ornaments, nor implements were found or heard of, either in the mounds or circles. Mr. Post appended to his statement what seems to us the most sensible theory in regard to these circular earthworks that has ever come under our notice. He says,"These earthen walls, after making due allowance for the leveling of the centuries past, and the more destructive plows of latter years, could never have been high enough to have been of any use for shelter or defense alone. They are probably the remaining traces of slight stockade forts, surrounded with palisades set deep in the ground, and the earth from a ditch outside used to make an elevated walk on the inside, high enough to give their defenders command of the level, outside, and to enable them to shoot over their palisade defense." Or, perhaps, the palisade was loopholed for arrows; we think some early Indian forts discovered in the East were thus constructed. The so-called " Ancient Garden-Beds" of Michigan furnish more material for controversy. They are so named because they are raised above the earth and separated by paths, like modern garden-beds, though many times larger. They have seldom been found out of Michigan, but were quite numerous in the southern part of that State at the time of its settlement by the whites. Many were found in Kalamazoo County, and some in Allegan and Barry. Bela S. Hubbard, Esq., of Detroit, who has given especial attention to this subject, divides the beds into eight classes, which he describes as follows: "1. Wide convex beds, in parallel rows, without paths, composing independent plats. Width of beds, twelve feet; paths, none; length, seventy-four to one hundred and fifteen feet. "2. Wide convex beds, in parallel rows, separated by paths of same width, in independent plats. Width of beds, twelve to sixteen feet; paths, the same; length, seventy-four to one hundred and thirty-two feet. "3. Wide parallel beds, separated by narrow paths, arranged in a series of plats longitudinal to each other. Width of beds, fourteen feet; paths, two feet; length, one hundred feet. "4. Long, narrow beds, separated by narrower paths and arranged in a series of longitudinal plats, each plat divided from the next by semicircular heads. Width of beds, five feet; paths, one foot and a half; length, one hundred feet; height, eighteen inches. "5. Parallel beds, arranged in plats similar to Class 4) but divded 1M4 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I by circular heads. Width of beds, six feet; paths, four feet; length, twelve to forty feet; height, eighteen inches. "6. Parallel beds, of varying widths and lengths, separated by narrow paths, and arranged in plats of two or more, at right angles (north, south, east, and west) to the plats adjacent. Width of beds, five to fourteen feet; paths, one to two feet; length, twelve to thirty feet; height, eight inches. " 7. Parallel beds, of uniform width and length, with narrow paths, arranged in plats or blocks, and single beds at varying angles. Width of beds, six feet; paths, two feet; length, about thirty feet; height, ten to twelve inches. " 8. Wheel-shaped plats, consisting of a circular bed, with beds of uniform shape and size radiating therefrom, all separated by narrow paths. Width of beds, six to twenty feet; paths, one foot; length, fourteen to twenty feet." The labor involved in constructing these "beds" (which were raised from twelve to eighteen inches above the paths) was not at all beyond the capacity of the squaws, but the mathematical regularity which is attributed to them seems somewhat more precise than we should expect from Indians. But when we consider the proneness of mankind to exaggerate the wonderful character of anything they may discover, when we take into view the rapidity with which these so-called " beds" were obliterated by the settlers' plows, and the consequent difficulty of ascertaining whether they were as regular in form as represented, we may well hesitate before we create another race of men on purpose to construct and work these curious plats. Mr. Hubbard himself advances the opinion that these beds may have been cultivated until within three or four centuries of the present time. If such was the case, they were certainly cultivated by Indians, for it is almost three hundred and fifty years since Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence to the site of Montreal, finding the shores of that river occupied by Indians of the Algonquin race, and there can be no question but that the whole northern part of North America was then occupied by the red men so well known to the settlers of this country. All things considered, therefore, and in spite of the opinion of some eminent men on the subject, we must be permitted to doubt whether Michigan had ever been occupied, previous to the advent of the whites, by any race more civilized than the Ottawas and Pottawattamies who then roamed through its forests. CHAPTER III. OUR SUBJECT IN 1671. What our Subject is-The Territory of Allegan and Barry in 1671 -Surface of the Ground-The Rivers and their Tributaries-Numerous Lakes-The Trees of the Forest-Wild Animals. THE subject of this history is the territory comprised in the counties of Allegan and Barry, the events which have transpired within its limits, and the deeds of its red and white residents, wherever done. In order, however, to show the chain of events, we are obliged to mention briefly some outside occurrences connected with the general progress of discovery and civilization in Michigan and the Northwest. Before, however, proceeding down the historic pathway from 1671 to 1880, we will glance at the principal characteristics of the territory itself, as it was in the former year, and as it remained until the beginning of settlement within it by the whites. That territory would now be described as all that part of the State of Michigan bounded south by the base-line, east by the line between ranges 6 and 7 east, north by the line between townships 4 and 5 north, and west by Lake Michigan. But in 1671 there were of course no base-lines nor meridians, no ranges nor townships, and the voyageurs and missionaries, the primitive geographers of that day, would have used a far' different method of description. They would have spoken of a tract of rather sandy land, twentyfour miles wide, stretching back about sixty miles from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan (its southwestern corner being but about sixty miles from the head of that lake), and if they had been extremely minute in their explorations they might have told something of the nature of its forest covering, and of the streams which rolled across it. The surface was somewhat broken, but not extremely so, and gradually ascended from the lake eastward. It has been decided by scientific observation that at the eastern limit of the tract (being the eastern boundary of the present county of Barry) the ground rises to a height of two hundred and fifty feet above the level of Lake Michigan, and the distance is nowhere exceeded between that line and the sheet of water just mentioned. The principal stream which watered the tract under consideration was the one which, according to the early explorers, was called the Kekalamazoo by the Indians, but which has long been known to the whites under the abbreviated but still sufficiently lengthy appellation of Kalamazoo; which entered the present county of Allegan from the southeast, three miles west of its southeastern corner, and pursued a general northwestern course, though with many turns and convolutions, till it poured its waters into Lake Michigan seven miles south from the northwestern corner of the same county. Its principal tributary, now known as Rabbit River, entered the "Kekalamazoo" from the northeast, about eight miles from its mouth, and, with its branches, drained all of the northeastern part of the territory of Allegan County. The next largest affluent, which has long borne the name of Gun River, carried the waters of a large lake*from the present boundary between Allegan and Barry Counties southwestward into the Kalamazoo, which it reached only four miles below the entrance of that stream into the territory under consideration. The other tributaries of the river just named drained all the remainder of the territory of Allegan County except a small tract in the southwestern corner, the dark waters of which flowed southwestward through the various branches of Black River into Lake Michigan, and a still smaller area in the northwest, the brooks and creeks of which found their way into the long bayou now known as Black Bay. The eastern portion of the tract under consideration, now known as Barry County, was mostly drained by the main channel and the branches of a stream which flowed north westwardly through it,-making its way into Grand River, and thence into Lake Michigan,-and to which, on account of the wild fruit along its banks, was early given the name FROM 1671 TO 1707. 15 of Thornapple River, although the water of the extreme southern and western borders rippled southwestward through groves of pine to unite with the Kalamazoo. But the distinguishing feature of the territory of Barry County was the lakes which dotted its surface in the most lavish profusion. The Ottawa or Pottawattamtie warrior, as he bounded through the gloomy glades after the deer, or set out on the war-path against his distant foes, passed scores of pellucid lakes flashing in the sunlight of summer or covered with the ice of winter, and varying in size from the broad, irregular expanse now known as Gun Lake, covering over five square miles, to the miniature sheet flashing amid the dark mass of pines like a diamond imbedded in emerald. Nearly a hundred and fifty of these lakes or ponds were to be found in what is now Barry County, while the territory of Allegan County, though much larger, showed but about eighty. These hills were covered, these lakes were surrounded, largely by towering pines, comprising some of the most majestic specimens of that genus to be found in America, the dark and odorous foliage of which swayed and sighed in the breeze one hundred and fifty feet above the earth from which they sprang. These, however, did not comprise the whole of the native productions of the soil. Beeches, maples, oaks, elms, and other trees common in American forests were found in many localities, and the hemlock showed itself here and there beside the more stately form of its sister evergreen. Around the lakes and through the forest the deer roamed in large numbers. Here, too, at night, was heard the howling of innumerable wolves, always apparently hungry and seeking with ill success for food, their principal reliance being some superannuated or crippled deer which they were able to overtake. Occasionally a black bear rolled his unwieldy form beneath the trees, though the prevalence of pines, instead of the oaks and hickories on which those animals depend for food, rendered their presence rare. At still wider intervals the shrill scream of the panther, fiercest of American beasts, was heard afar in the forests, making all other animals tremble with fear, and startling even the Indian warrior with the prospect of more than ordinary danger. Raccoons, squirrels, and other small animals abounded; wild turkeys trooped in noisy squadrons through the undergrowth; wild geese and ducks, in spring and autumn, often covered the surface of the placid lakes; while amid the trees flitted thousands of the smaller birds, of varied song and diverse size and many-hued plumage. On the ground, besides some harmless varieties of serpents, the deadly rattlesnake made its tortuous way, preluding its fatal stroke with the warning note which distinguishes it from all other reptiles. Of the human occupants of this region, almost as deadly as the serpent we have just mentioned, and even more deadly, enough will be said in some of the following chapters. CHAPTER IV. FROM 1671 TO 1707. French Enterprise-Marquette and Joliet discover the MississippiMarquette's Mission to the Illinois-His Return along the Edge of Allegan County-His Death-La Salle-The " Griffin"-The Fort of the Miamis-La Salle's Return to Canada on Foot-His Misfortunes -Passage and Repassage along the Eastern Shore of Lake Michigan-His Subsequent Career-French Dominion-Forts in Eastern Michigan-Fear of Iroquois by Western Indians-Denonville's Expedition — Founding of Detroit — Pottawattamies occupy St. Joseph Valley-Ottawas and Pottawattamies jointly occupy the Territory of Allegan and Barry Counties. AFTER 1671 the French pushed rapidly forward in various directions, and under various leaders, to make good their possession of the lands over which they had so proudly proclaimed their sovereignty. The intrepid Jesuit, Father Jacques Marquette, inspired by zeal for his religion, was one of the foremost of these bold explorers of the Northwest. In 1672, in company with the adventurous trader, Louis Joliet, already mentioned, he went up Green Bay into Wisconsin, and the following spring he proceeded up Fox River and down the Wisconsin, discovering the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien on the 17th of June, 1673, and exploring it for a long distance southward. Returning to Green Bay, he remained there until the autumn, when he set out to found a mission among the Illinois. He was detained by sickness near the site of Chicago through the succeeding winter, but in the spring of 1675 he reached the Illinois, located on the river of the same name, and preached to them with all his wonted zeal. Finding his health rapidly failing, however, he set out for Mackinaw, making his way with two or three companions in a small boat along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. This is the first definite account we have observed of white men even skirting the shore of Allegan County, though it is not improbable that French missionaries had previously tried their eloquence on the wandering Ottawas or Jliamis along its shore, nor that French fur-traders had made their way up the Kalamazoo in their eager search for valuable peltry. Marquette's health continuing to fail, he and his companions landed on the 19th of May, and that same night he died. The place of his death is described as being "at the mouth of a small river, some distance south of Sleeping Bear Point." It has generally been supposed to have been at the mouth of Pere Marquette River, on the site of the present town of Ludington, which was also long known by the name of Pere Marquette, but the locality is now believed to have been farther north. But a still greater explorer than Marquette was about to traverse the lakes and lands of the Great West, though, unlike Marquette, he did not subordinate all other objects to the spread of his religion. In the month of August, 1679, the wonder-stricken savages'on the shores of the Detroit River saw what seemed to them a huge canoe, with immense wings, stemming the powerful current, without the aid of oars or paddles, and swiftly traversing the placid sheet of water now known as Lake St. Clair. This was the "Griffin," a schooner of sixty tons burden, built the preceding winter and spring on the shore of the Niagara, just 16 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. above the great cataract, and which on the 7th of August had set forth on the first voyage ever made by a sail-vessel over the waters of the upper lakes. Its commander was Robert Cavelier de La Salle, the most hardy and adventurous of all the gallant Frenchmen who explored the wilds of North America, and the one whose discoveries did the most to extend the dominions of his royal master. The only portrait which has been preserved of La Salle represents him as a handsome, blue-eyed cavalier with blonde ringlets, apparently better fitted for the salons of Paris than the forests of America, but a thousand evidences show not only the courage, but the extraordinary vigor and hardihood, of this remarkable man. He was accompanied by Tonty,* a gallant Italian, who was his second in command, by Father Hennepin, a Franciscan monk, who became the historian of the expedition, and by about thirty sailors, voyageurs, hunters, etc. The " Griffin" passed on over the waters of Lake Huron, stayed but a brief period at the post of Mackinaw, where Tonty stopped with some of the men, and then proceeded to the mission at the head of Green Bay. Thence it was sent back with a part of its crew and a cargo of furs, while the intrepid La Salle, with a score of men, remained to explore the vast empire which lay spread before him. He and his comrades coasted around the western shore and the head of Lake Michigan in birch-bark canoes, and in the month of October reached the mouth of the St. Joseph River. To this stream he gave the name of River of the Miamis, from the Miami Indians whom he found in that vicinity, and on the site of the village of St. Joseph he built a fortified tradingpost, which he called the Fort of the Miamis. This was the first post built on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and its erection, together with the appearance of a French vessel in the upper lakes, was another important step in the work of subjecting the great Northwest, and especially the southwestern portion of Michigan, to French rule. La Salle and his companions waited several weary weeks at the Fort of the Miamis for the return of the " Griffin," and also for the arrival of Tonty from Mackinaw. About the 20th of November, Tonty, with ten men, made his way in boats along the western shore of Allegau. County, having left ten more men to supply the common larder by hunting a little farther north. The gallant Italian had lost an armt on a European battle-field, but was always ready to meet the greater dangers of the American wilderness or the stormy lakes with unflinching eye, and was still more distinguished for his fidelity than his courage among the many faithless followers of La Salle. He joined his chief at the Fort of the Miamis at the time just mentioned, and was soon followed by the hunters who had been left behind. But the " Griffin," the pioneer vessel of Lake Michigan, was never heard of after leaving Green Bay. It probably went to the bottom in a storm with all its men, but it might possibly have been captured at anchor by jealous savages, the crew butchered, and the vessel itself destroyed. _ --.. --- * This name was originally the Italian one of Tonti, but La Salle's lieutenant always wrote it in the Gallic form,-Tonty. t Its place was supplied by one of iron; hence he was generally called "Bras de Fer" (Iron Arm) by the Indians, Despairing of the return of his vessel, La Salle went with the greater portion of his men to a point on the Illinois River, where he built a post to which he gave the expresive name of Fort Crevecoeur,-Broken Heart. His courage was by no means exhausted, however, and in order to obtain reinforcements and supplies he and three companions performed the remarkable feat of returning from Creveecoeur to Fort Frontenac (on the site of Kingston, Ontario) on foot, depending on their guns for support. Having once more made his way to the West he was met with new disappointment, for both the Fort of the Miamis and Fort Crevecoeur had been destroyed, and all his men, save Tonty and a few others, had deserted to join the savages or the scarcely less lawless voyageurs. Nevertheless the intrepid explorer again re-established his posts, passing, in the autumn of 1680, along the western shore of Allegan County, and thence down the lake to Mackinaw, where he obtained twelve men, with whom he returned by the same route to the fort on the Illinois. The subsequent career of this adventurous explorer is not especially connected with the history of this region, and must be dismissed in a few words. After many other exploits and hardships he descended the Mississippi to the sea, in 1682, being the first to traverse the lower part of that stream and to prove that it emptied into the Gulf of Mexico. He took possession of the country in the name of King Louis the Fourteenth, and called it Louisiana. Returning to France, he astonished and gratified the court of that monarch with the story of his discoveries, and in 1684 was furnished with a fleet and several hundred men to colonize the new domain. The fleet, however, through the blunders of the naval commander, landed in Texas instead of Louisiana, and after innumerable misfortunes the indomitable La Salle set out for Canada, in 1687, on foot, to seek assistance, but was assassinated while still in Texas by two of his own men. But, notwithstanding the unfortunate end of the great discoverer, his achievements had extended the dominion of France more widely than had those of any of his compatriots, and from that time the Bourbon kings maintained an ascendency more or less complete throughout all the vast region extending from Quebec to New Orleans, until compelled to resign it nearly a century later by the prowess of the British. French vessels circled around the Great Lakes on the track of the ill-fated " Griffin," French forts and trading-posts were erected in the wilderness, and French missionaries bore the cross among the heathen with redoubled zeal. French adroitness succeeded in establishing and continuing friendly relations with nearly all the Indians of the Northwest, and members of nearly all the tribes found their way to Fort Frontenac, and even to Montreal, with packages of furs to sell to the children of their great father across the sea. The English, busily engaged in building up a powerful but compact empire along the coast, scarcely attempted to rival their Gallic competitors in gaining control over the immense interior. The Indians would doubtless have rejected with scorn the idea of French ownership in the lands which they and their ancestors had so long occupied, but, as between the English and French, it was substantially understood that the dominion of the former extended from THE OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES IN 1707. IT' the mouth of the St. Lawrence to that of the Mississippi, the only question being where the boundary-line should be drawn between the two domains. In 1686 Fort St. Joseph was erected near the site of the city of Port Huron, where the waters of Lake Huron enter the river St. Clair, to aid in the maintenance of French dominion over the Northwest. Soon after, a post called Fort Detroit was established near the site of Detroit. Fort St. Joseph, however, was destroyed two years after its erection, by the French themselves, and about the same time a fort bearing the same name was erected at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, on the site of La Salle's Fort of the Miamis. The Indians of the upper lakes were the more ready to court the French, in order to obtain from them arms and ammunition with which to combat the dreaded Iroquois. In 1687 volunteers were obtained from almost all the tribes of the Northwest to join the expedition of the Marquis de Denonville, Governor-General of Canada, against those fierce confederates. Tonty led one band of about two hundred from Illinois to Detroit, while the main body, consisting of Ottawas, Pottawattamies, Chippewas, and others, assembled at Mackinaw. Their conduct was somewhat doubtful, but La Durantaye, the French commander, waylaid and captured some English boats which were on their way with goods to be traded with the savages, distributed their contents among the latter, gained their zealous friendship, and led them to Fort Detroit. Thence they all proceeded to the southern shore of Lake Ontario, where they assisted Denonville to defeat the Senecas in battle, but without materially diminishing their power or that of their brother Iroquois. A few prisoners were captured, and Denonville wrote about the atrocities committed by " our rascally Ottawas," whom he also accused of cowardice in the fight. Fort Detroit was soon after abandoned, and for many years the only French posts in Michigan were those at Saut Sainte Marie, Mackinaw, and the mouth of the St. Joseph River. The Miamis continued a great part of the time on the latter river, but they were absent for about ten years after 1681, and in 1697 a large number of them were massacred by the Sioux, and many, but not all, of the remainder fled the country. The territory of Allegan and Barry Counties remained a debatable ground between the Miamis and Ottawas, unoccupied save by winter huntingparties, but to all appearances more fully under the control of the Ottawas than of any other tribe. In 1701, La Motte Cadillac, who had been for several years the commandant at Mackinaw, established a permanent post on the " detroit," or strait, between Lakes Erie and St. Clair, which was at first known as Fort Ponchartrain, but soon received the appellation of Detroit, which, as post, village, and city, it has retained to this day. Cadillac immediately made strenuous efforts to induce all the various tribes of the Northwest who were friendly to the French to locate themselves around Fort Ponchartrain, evidently desirous to have them well in hand, so that the French commanders could more easily lead them on warlike expeditions against the English and Iroquois. A portion of the Ottawas accepted his invitation, while the remainder 3' continued to keep their headquarters at Mackinaw, and to occupy their hunting-grounds on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. About 1707 the Miamis, who were located on the St. Joseph River, removed to Detroit. Their place was supplied almost immediately by the warlike Pottawattamies, who established their chief seats along the lower St. Joseph, and whose hunting-parties roamed northward until they met those of their friends and allies, the Ottawas, in or near the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties. The Ottawas and Pottawattamies occupied the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, including the counties of Allegan and Barry, nearly one hundred and thirty years, and the account of their dominion must be reserved for another chapter. _r ___CHAPTER V. THE OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES IN 1707. Their Location-Their Affinity-The Algonquin Race-Its ExtentThe Iroquois in its Midst-Superiority of the Latter-League of Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies-Concentration of Michigan Indians at Detroit-Characteristics of the Ottawas and Pottawattamies-Their Freedom-Manner of going to War-Manner of carrying on War-Their Cruelty-Their Religion-Their Numbers -Enmity toward the Miamis. As early as 1707 the two tribes of Indians whose names head this chapter became the owners, by right of occupation, of the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties, and remained so until within the memory of men now living. The Ottawas were on the north, the Pottawattanmies on the south. The boundary between their respective possessions was not strictly defined,-as, indeed, boundaries seldom were among the Indians,-and the hunting-parties of both tribes roamed at will over the territory in question. As, however, the two nations were, during all the time mentioned, bound closely together by the ties of friendship and alliance, no ill results were caused by this joint ownership. The Ottawas, as before stated, were fugitives from Canada, where the Ottawa River and the capital city of British North America still perpetuate their memory, while the Pottawattamies were recent emigrants from the western shore of Lake Michigan, where they had been found by the earliest French discoverers. Yet both tribes belonged to the great Algonquin race, and both spoke dialects of the Algonquin language, so similar that Ottawas and Pottawattamies (as well as Chippewas) could understand each other without the aid of an interpreter. The Algonquins, it should be said, according to those who have made a special study of Indian history, were a great Indian race, comprising nearly all the tribes residing north of the present State of Tennessee, east of the Mississippi, and south of Hudson Bay. Nearly all, we say, for in the midst of them were established the five confed erated nations of Iroquois, who constituted a separate race, and who occupied the greater part of the present State of New York. The Wyandots, or Hurons, residing near Lake 18 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - — I Huron, were an outlying branch of the Iroquois, but hostile to that great confederacy, while the Tuscaroras were a friendly offshoot in the south, who, about that time, became the sixth of the " Six Nations." Aside from these the woods and prairies; far and near, swarmed with the divers tribes of the Algontuin race;Abenaquis in Canada, Pequots and Narragansetts in New England, Delawares in Pennsylvania, Shawnees in Ohio, Miumis in Ohio and Indiana, Illinois in the territory of the State which still bears their name,' Sauks, Foxes, and Menomonees in the country west of Lake Michigan, while the great peninsula of Michigan and some neighboring sections were occupied by the Ch/ippewas, the Ottawas, and the Pottawattamnies. All these, though so widely scattered, and though often warring desperately among themselves, belonged as has been said to one great stock, and spoke various dialects of one language. They outnumbered the Five Nations of Iroquois more than ten to one, yet such was the sagacity and valor of those confederates that they had been able to defeat their disunited foes one after the other, until the terror of the Iroquois name had spread over half the continent of North America. Even the Hurons, though of the same race and almost equal in numbers, lacked the ferocious energy of the Five Nations, and had been driven in utter rout before them. The Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies, who, as already stated, after the removal of the latter tribe to the St. Joseph valley, occupied the present State of Michigan and some adjoining territory, were united in a rude confederacy, somewhat similar to the celebrated league of the Iroquois, but far less thorough and less potent. We are unable to say whether it was formed before or after the removal of the Pottawattamnies to the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, though its origin was certainly not much later than that event, and it could hardly have been much earlier, on. account of the previous wide separation of the three tribes. Since the advent of the French, who furnished them with arms, ammunition, and leadership, these tribes had become less afraid of the Iroquois, and were consequently willing to locate themselves in positions farther east than they would previously have dared to occupy. La Motte Cadillac had urged his policy of concentration with such success that already, in 1707, a considerable number of the Ottawas, Hurons, and Miamis had located themselves under the protecting walls of Fort Ponchartrain. The main body of the Ottawas, however, remained in Northern Michigan, and the Pottawattamies were just setting up their wigwams in the fertile valley of the St. Joseph. More of the Ottawas subsequently went to Fort Ponchartrain (or Detroit), and several villages of the Pottawattamnies were subsequently transferred thither, but the two tribes still retained their ownership of the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties, and occupied it as a hunting-ground for nearly a century and a half. In winter they hunted over its hills and dales, in spring they fished in its streams, but in summer they returned, the Ottawas to the northern part of the State, the Pottawattamies to the St. Joseph valley, and some of both tribes to the vicinity of Detroit; and in these localities, during the summer, the squaws raised the corn, the beans, and the pumpkins which constituted the Indians' only relief from a diet of fish and meat. It will be seen that, while the Ottawas and Pottawattamies were undoubtedly, according to Indian ideas, the owners of the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties, their residence there was of a very transitory character. Yet, as they were so long the only human occupants of the territory in question, we shall devote the following chapter to a slight account of some of their principal exploits. This can the more easily be done because, on account of the league already mentioned, these two tribes, together with the Chippewas, almost always fought together, whether against the Iroquois, the English, or the Americans. It would be foreign to the design of our work to give an extended description of these ancient lords of the soil. They had the usual characteristics of the Indian, and especially of the Algonquin, race. Less terrible in battle, less sagacious in council, than the men of the Six Nations, they were nevertheless, like the rest of their red brethren, brave, hardy, and skillful warriors, astute managers so far as their knowledge extended, generally faithful friends, and invariably most implacable enemies. Their own time they devoted to war, the chase, or idleness, abandoning to the women all the labors which could be imposed upon their weary shoulders. They lived in the utmost freedom which it is possible to imagine, consistent with any civil or military organization whatever. Their sachems exercised little authority, save to declare war or make peace, to determine on the migrations of the tribes, and to give wise counsels, allaying any ill feeling which might exist among the people. There was no positive law compelling obedience. Even in war there was no way by which the braves could be forced to take the war-path. Any chieftain could drive a stake into the ground, dance the war-dance around it, strike his tomahawk into it with a yell of defiance, and call for volunteers to go forth against the foe. If his courage or capacity was doubted, he obtained but few followers. If he was of approved valor and skill, a larger number would grasp their tomahawks in response to his appeal; while, if he was a chieftain distinguished far and wide for deeds of blood and craft, the whole nation would spring to arms, and all its villages would resound with the terrific notes of the war-song, chanted by hundreds of frenzied braves. Even after they had taken the field (or, more properly speaking, the woods) against their enemies, they could not be compelled to fight, except by the fear of being called a " squaw," which, however, to the Indian mind was a very terrible punishment. With the Indian method of warfare the American mind is pretty well acquainted, so that we need not give a detailed description of it here. Few have not read how the warriors went forth against their foes clad chiefly in hideous paint, but armed with tomahawk and scalping-knives, and those who had been sufficiently successful in fur-catching carrying also the coveted muskets of the white man; how they made their way with the utmost secrecy through the forest until they reached the vicinity of their enemies, whether white or red; how, when their unsuspecting victims were wrapped in slumber, the whole crowd of painted OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES FROM 1707 TO 1815. M demons would burst in among them, using musket, knife, and tomahawk with the most furious zeal; and how, when the torch had been applied, men, women, and children were stricken down in indiscriminate slaughter by the lurid light of their blazing homes. It is well known, too, that those who escaped immediate death were often reserved for a still more horrible doom; that the fearful sport of running the gauntlet, when a hundred weapons were flung by malignant foes at the naked fugitive, was but the preliminary amusement before the awful burning at the stake, accompanied by all the refinements of torment which a baleful ingenuity could invent, yet supported with unsurpassable fortitude by the victim, who often shrieked his defiant death-song amid the last convulsions of his tortured frame. Their religion was what might have been expected from their practices,-a mass of senseless and brutal superstition. Marquette, the most zealous of missionaries, after several years' labor on the upper lakes, could only say that the Hurons " retained a little Christianity," but that the Ottawas were "addicted above all other tribes to the foulest incantations, and to sacrifices to evil spirits." The efforts of both Catholic and Protestant missionaries made very little improvement among them in regard to religion. In speaking of Indians, the term " nation" is generally used as synonymous with tribe, and to the civilized ear the word carries the idea of large numbers, confirmed by the immense range of Indian operations and by the terror which they always inspired on our frontiers. Yet the celebrated Five Nations, in the height of their power, numbered altogether but two or three thousand warriors; the Wyan. dot branch of the Iroquois had about the same number, and the various tribes of Algonquin lineage were proportionally small. As nearly as can be ascertained the Pottawattamies, at the beginning of the eighteenth century, numbered, all told, about eight hundred warriors, while the Ottawas had probably about twelve hundred. The Chippewas-with whom, as before stated, those two tribes were linked in a loose confederacy-were supposed to number as many as both of them. At the time of the settlement of the Pottawattamies in the St. Joseph valley, about 1707, both that tribe and the Ottawas were at enmity with the Miamis, and from the vague accounts which have come down to us it seems probable that it was the joint hostility of the first two tribes which compelled the Miamis to leave that locality and establish themselves farther southward. Yet all three tribes were under the influence of the French, who were able to produce at least partial harmony among them, and to unite them for hostile purposes against the Iroquois and the English. The following chapter gives a slight account of the subsequent history of the Ottawa and Pottawattamie lords of Allegan and Barry. CHAPTER VI. OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES FROM 1707 TO 1815. The Michigan League-Attack on the Settlement at Fort Ponchartrain-Return of the Michigan Warriors-The Conflict, Rout, and Massacre-Thirty Years' Peace-The Fur Trade-Superstition-A Child Chieftain-The War of 1744-Western Indians in CanadaThey ravage New York and New England-The Old French and Indian War-Ottawas and Pottawattamies harassing the Frontiers -Slaughtering a New Jersey Regiment-Destruction of Major Grant's Force-Evacuation of Fort Duquesne-Going to the Relief of Fort Niagara-Defeated-Fall of the Fort-Fall of Quebec-Surrender of Canada-Pontiac-The Great Conspiracy-Detroit attacked-The Siege-Capture of Fort St. Joseph-The Mackinaw Massacre-The Battle of Bloody Run-End of the Siege of Detroit -Bradstreet's Expedition-Croghan's Treaty-Fate of PontiacOttawas and Pottawattamies join Gen. Burgoyne-Their ReturnThe Futile Expedition from Little Traverse-Byrd's Raid into Kentucky-England holds Michigan after the Revolution-Indians hostile to the United States-Their Defeat by Wayne-Chief Robinson's Description of the Battle-The Treaty-Surrender of Western Posts to the United States-Organization of Michigan Territory- Treaty of 1807-Battle of Tippecanoe-War of 1812-Battles near Detroit-Massacre at Chicago-Battle and Massacre on the River Raisin-Fort Meigs-Fort Stephenson-Battle of the Thames -Suing for Peace-Close of the Independent Career of the Ottawas and Pottawattamies. THE Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and Chippewas, forming the Michigan league already mentioned, usually acted together in their numerous warlike expeditions. Of the conflicts which they waged with other savages there is seldom any record unless they fought in connection with the French. Even in that case the accounts are few and meagre. The Michigan Indians were almost continually at war with the Iroquois, and, notwithstanding the acknowledged valor and sagacity of the Six Nations, the former, having the support, and sometimes the active assistance, of the French, were able, after 1707, to hold their ground, remaining in possession of the peninsula throughout the century. Early in May, 1712, when the warriors at Cadillac's settlement at Fort Ponchartrain were nearly all absent, hunting, a large body of Outagamie (Fox) and Mascoutin Indians, supposed to be in league with the Iroquois, suddenly appeared before the fort, erected a breastwork, and made other preparations for an assault. Du Buisson, the commandant, who had only about twenty men with him, sent runners to call in the hunting-parties, and then awaited the assault of his foes. It was made on the 13th of May, and, though temporarily repulsed, there was every prospect that it would be successful, on account of the comparatively large numbers of the assailants. While it was going on, however, the Ottawa, Pottawattantie, and Wyandot warriors returned from the hunt, and immediately attacked the assailants. The latter were driven into their own defenses; those defenses were assaulted by the French and their allies, and these were in turn repulsed by the Foxes and Mascoutins. Thus the conflict continued with varying fortunes for no less than nineteen days, when the invaders fled. Several miles north of Detroit they halted and built a rude fortification, but the French and their allies attacked them with two small pieces of artillery, and routed them after three days more of fighting, when the Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and Wyandots massacred eight hundred men, women, and children. 20~k HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN..1 In fact, the Fox nation was reported to be completely destroyed, but this was not the case. Some of its warriors joined the Iroqvois, while the main body fled to the west side of Lake Michigan, where they were long distinguished for their especial hatred against the French. In 1716 an expedition was sent against them by the Governor of Canada, which defeated them near Green Bay and compelled them to assume an attitude of comparative peacefulness. On the other hand, the friendship then cemented between the French and the Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and Wyandots endured through more than half a century of varied fortunes, and was scarcely severed when throughout Canada and the West the Gallic flag went down in hopeless defeat before the conquering English. During the next thirty years there are but few records regarding the acts of the Ottawas and Pottawattamies. Their hunting and fishing parties every year roamed over the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties, and doubtless their war-parties marched across that territory against their savage foes, but England and France were at peace for thirty-one years (from 1713 to 1744), and the exploits of our Ottawa and Pottawattamie friends were not considered worthy of much notice. In 1721, Monsieur de Tonty, then in command of Detroit (a younger brother of La Salle's lieutenant), held a council with the chiefs of the Hurons, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies, and united them in a league against the hostile tribes west of Lake Michigan, but neither party was able to drive the other from its hunting-grounds. The Michigan Indians usually sold their surplus furs to their friends, the French, in exchange for blankets, calicoes, ornaments, guns, ammunition, and brandy. After 1727, however, when the English opened a trading-house at Oswego, many of the upper-lake Indians made their way thither with their furs, where they could obtain much better bargains than the French would give them. Nevertheless, their friendship was bestowed on the latter people, and a few years later the French local authorities reported to the home government that they exercised authority over a hundred and three tribes, numbering sixteen thousand warriors. But this authority was very precarious, and would more properly have been described as influence. An incident which occurred in 1734 shows the superstition which the Ottawas shared with all savage tribes. In that year they became engaged in a struggle with another tribe, said to be allied with the English. Twice the Ottawa warriors went forth to attack the foe, and twice they were repulsed with heavy loss. In vain the French commandant at Mackinaw urged them to repeat the attempt. They were discouraged, and would not try. At length the great war-chief, La Fourche, announced that he had learned from a dream that the Ottawas could not succeed unless they were accompanied by the half-breed boy, Charles de Langlade (then, according to the story, only five years old), son of a French trader and his Indian wife, the sister of the chieftain. His father consented; the boy was taken on the hostile expedition by his uncle, and the Ottawas, believing themselves protected by a powerful Manitou, rushed upon the enemy with a confidence and impetuosity that nothing could resist; routing him with great slaughter, and returning to their homes laden with glory and scalps. When war broke out, in 174-, between the French and English, numerous bands from all the northwestern tribes sought the service of the French. Some of them assailed the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia, while others made their way to Montreal, where they were furnished with arms and ammunition, and were sent forth against the settlers of New York and New England. In 1745 one of the numerous records made by the Canadian officials states that fifty " Poutewatamies," fifteen Puans, and ten Illinois came to go to war. Another mentions the arrival of thirty-eight " Outawois," seventeen " Sauternes," twenty-four Hurons, and fourteen "Poutewatamies." Similar official memoranda show the sending out of not less than twenty marauding expeditions against the English colonists in one year, frequent mention being made of the part taken by the Ottawas and Pottawattamies in these bloody raids. After the close of that war by the treaty of Aix-laChapelle, in 1748, there was comparative quiet among the red men of the Northwest until the opening of the great conflict known in Europe as the Seven Years' War, but in America called the "Old French and Indian War." This contest was begun in 1754 by a fight between a body of Virginia rangers, under Maj. George Washington, and a company of French sent out from Fort Duquesne, now Pittsburgh. The next year desperate exertions were made on both sides. Bands of Northwestern Indians again joined the French, while the Iroquois acted, as usual, in the interest of the English. The latter fitted out three expeditions, the most celebrated of which was the one under the commander-in-chief, Gen. Braddock. Early in June, 1755, that brave but conceited and thick-headed commander led forth an army of some two thousand men, mostly British regulars, against Fort Duquesne, situated on the site of Pittsburgh. After a part of the distance had been traversed he advanced with twelve hundred men and some light artillery, and on the 8th of July camped within a few miles of the fort. The French, meanwhile, had made the most earnest efforts to strengthen their meagre force with all the Indians they could induce to repair to Fort Duquesne. The red men, however, are much averse to being shut up in forts, and, according to "Sargent's History of Braddock's Expedition," there were but six hundred and thirty-seven warriors at Fort Duquesne when Braddock approached that post. These comprised Abenakis and Caughnawagas from Canada, Shawnees from Ohio, Chippewus, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies from Michigan, and some smaller bands from other sections. There were also two or three hundred French regulars and Canadian militia. These numbers, to a generation which has seen a million and a half Americans in arms at once, may perhaps seem too scanty to deserve attention; but Indian forces were usually small (extremely small in comparison with the terror they inspired), and the mere squad then gathered at Fort Duquesne was able to affect the course of the war throughout this continent, and to fill England itself with indignation and alarm. The second officer in command at the fort, Capt. Beaujeu, boldly proposed to attack the English on their march, and 21, OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES FROM 1707 TO 1815. the commander reluctantly consented. But the Indians were much alarmed at the reported numbers of the English, and at first refused to make the effort. But Beaujeu, who had great influence over them, harangued them ardently, and finally threatened to go alone against the enemy if they would not accompany him. They yielded, and were soon as eager as Beaujeu himself. The next morning, July 9th, that officer led forth about eight hundred white and red warriors and fiercely attacked the English, a little after noon, while passing among deep ravines about nine miles from the fort. Charles de Langlade, the boy already mentioned, now grown to man's estate and become an ensign in the French army, was an active participant in the fight, and is said by some to have led the Ottawas on that occasion. Beaujeu was killed at the first fire, but his lieutenant rallied the wavering forces, and the Indians ensconced themselves in the ravines, whence they kept up a terrific fire on the demoralized British, who were extremely frightened at seeing that the volleys, as was said, came out of the ground at their feet. In vain the British officers endeavored to encourage their soldiers; in vain Braddock himself rushed into the thickest of the fire, where five horses were successively shot under him; in vain his aide-de-camp, young Col. Washington, seconded the efforts of his chief, having two horses killed under him and his clothes riddled with bullets; in vain a few Virginia riflemen fought the enemy with good effect from behind trees. The whole body of regulars was completely demoralized, and after three hours' fighting, during which the general was mortally wounded, while nearly three-fourths of the officers and more than half the men were killed and wounded, the whole command fled in utter rout, and hardly halted till it reached the settlements of Pennsylvania. The Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and other Indians present celebrated their victory with a perfect carnival of blood, having never before reaped such a harvest of scalps and plunder. The defeat of Braddock encouraged the rest of the Western warriors to take up arms for the French, and nearly every Ottawa or Pottawattamie who could lift a tomahawk went forth upon the war-path against the hapless inhabitants of the Pennsylvania and Virginia frontiers. Nearly a thousand Western savages joined the army of Montcalm in Canada in 1757, and took part in the stirring scenes in that locality. The Ottawas are particularly mentioned for their valor and activity, in the accounts of that period. A letter from Montcalm describes the destruction visited by them in July, 1757, on a regiment of three hundred and fifty New Jerseymen who were crossing Lake George (N. Y.) in barges, of whom one hundred and fifty-one were killed and about one hundred and sixty taken prisoners. Three hundred and thirty-seven Ottawas were also engaged in the siege of Fort William Henry the same season, and in the ferocious massacre which followed its capture. In 1758 they were again summoned to the defense of Fort Duquesne, then threatened by another English army, under Gen. Forbes, but such was their inveterate dislike to the task of either attacking or defending fortified posts that less than a thousand were brought together. These, how ever, supported by a few French and Canadians, attacked and almost utterly destroyed a force under Maj. Grant, sent forward to reconnoitre the post. On the approach of the main army, however, the French and their red allies were compelled to abandon Fort Duquesne and retreat to fastnesses still deeper in the forest. During the summer of 1759 an Anglo-colonial force attacked Fort Niagara, at the mouth of Niagara River, and once more the French summoned their Ottawa, Pottawattamie, Chippewa, and Shawnee allies to aid them. D'Aubry, the commander at Venango, succeeded in gathering about six hundred Indians, and with these and a somewhat larger force of French and Canadians proceeded down Lake Erie and the Niagara River to relieve the fort. Sir William Johnson, however, who commanded the besiegers, attacked D'Aubry just below the Falls of Niagara, defeated, wounded, and captured him, and slew or took prisoner a large part of his command. Fort Niagara soon surrendered, and a little later the fall of Quebec (at which a large body of Western Indians was present) virtually decided the fate of Canada and the Northwest. The Indians began to lose faith in the omnipotence -of their French friends, and most of them returned to their homes on the shores of the great lakes and rivers of the West, and gloomily awaited the result. The next year three British armies were concentrated against Montreal, and the Governor-General was compelled to surrender Canada, which included the whole Northwest, to the English. Maj. Robert Rogers, a celebrated New Hampshire partisan, was immediately sent with a body of his rangers to take possession of Detroit, and the following year (1761) Mackinaw and St. Joseph were surrendered to the English, the three posts being considered as carrying with them authority over the whole peninsula of Michigan. It was not, however, until February, 1763, that the final treaty of peace between France and England was signed, by which Canada, including the Northwest as far as the Mississippi, was formally transferred to the latter power. The news of this event did not reach Detroit till the following summer, and in the mean time the newly-established power of the British was almost overthrown in the West by a few despised bands of savages. At the close of the war the principal chief of the Ottawas was the celebrated Pontiac. Tradition declares that he led the warriors of that tribe at the time of the destruction of Braddock's army, but there is no direct evidence on this point, yet the statement is quite probable, for he could hardly have become head-chief of the Ottawas without displaying his valor on many a stricken field. As before stated, the Ottawas, Pottawvattamies, and Chippewas were united in a loose confederacy, and Pontiac seems to have been recognized as its head, though his authority over the last two tribes was not so great as over his own. In the " Pontiac Manuscript," written soon after Pontiac's war and now in the possession of the Michigan State Historical Society, he is described as " Pondiac, great chief of all the Ottawas, Chippewas, and Pottawattamies, and of all the nations of the lakes and rivers of the North," yet he seems to have had no power over any but the three tribes named, save the -T 22 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. natural influence of a commanding mind; their temporary adhesion to him being entirely voluntary. Pontiac had long been the friend of the French, and he, as well as all the Indians of the Northwest who had come in contact with the English after the conquest of Canada, had been much exasperated by the rudeness and arrogance of the latter. He laid a plan for capturing all their forts in the West, including Fort Niagara and Fort Pitt (formerly Fort Duquesne), and in the autumn of 1762 sent emissaries to all the tribes of the Northwest asking their assistance. All assented. Each post had its destined captors assigned to it. The Chippewas were intrusted with the destruction of Mackinaw, the Pottawattamies of the St. Joseph promised to massacre the garrison of the little fort at the mouth of that river, while Pontiac himself, with his Ottawas, the Hurons, and a part of the Pottawattanmies, undertook the capture of Detroit. That post was defended by a hundred and twenty soldiers, under Maj. Gladwyn, of the British army, and also contained forty or fifty employees and fur-traders, who might aid in its defense. On the 7th of May, 1763, Pontiac with a large number of his chiefs obtained admission under pretense of holding a council, his intention being to massacre the unprepared officers while assembled at the council, and then, after letting in the eager horde outside, to destroy the leaderless garrison. But Gladwyn had in some way been notified of the plan (tradition says by a Chippewa damsel who lived among the Pottawattamies and had become the mistress of the British commander), and when Pontiac entered at the head of his chiefs he found the whole garrison under arms. The baffled conspirators withdrew and spent two or three more days in attempts to circumvent the English, but in vain. On the night of the 9th of May the conspirators were reinforced by a band of Chippewas, and the next morning they assaulted the fort with great energy, keeping up a furious fire for half a day, which was steadily returned by the garrison. But, though they numbered ten times as many as their opponents, the Indians dared not charge the walls, and finally suspended the attack. Pontiac then attempted to starve out the garrison by a siege, and actually maintained one throughout the whole summer and a part of the autumn,-a remarkable manifestation of steadiness for Indians to make, which shows the extraordinary influence established by Pontiac over those brave but unstable warriors. In the mean time all the other British posts doomed by Pontiac, except Forts Pitt and Niagara, were captured by the Indians, and their garrisons wholly or partially massacred. Fort St. Joseph was garrisoned by an ensign and fourteen soldiers. On the 25th of May a number of Pottawattamies, apparently friendly, strolled into the fort. They were speedily followed by others; their savage war-cry was raised, the sentinel was tomahawked, and in less than two minutes all of the garrison was butchered except the ensign and three soldiers, who were seized and bound hand and foot. These were afterwards exchanged for Pottawattamie prisoners in the possession of Maj. Gladwyn at Detroit. The post at Mackinaw was the scene of a still more ter rible massacre. On the 4th of June, the anniversary of the king's birthday, the C/lppewas played a game of ball close beside the fort, the officers and soldiers watching them with unsuspicious minds and open gates. At length the ball was thrown, apparently by accident, inside the wall; several Indians ran in after it; squaws, already inside, gave them tomahawks; the work of murder immediately began, and in a moment the whole horde of furious demons was engaged in the attack on the hated English. Seventeen were killed and as many more captured. Most of the prisoners, including the commander, were released by a body of Ottawas from L'Arbre Croche (Little Traverse), under Charles de Langlade, the half-breed officer already mentioned, being subsequently allowed to go to Montreal. After the fall of Forts Mackinaw and St. Joseph the British authority in Michigan was confined to the walls of the fort at Detroit. The Indians did not succeed, however, in reducing that post, as the English had free communication with the East by means of a couple of small schooners, which the Indians were unable to capture. On the 29th of July, Capt. Dalzell, of the British army, and Maj. Rogers, the renowned partisan, brought two hundred and eighty soldiers, with a large quantity of ammunition and provisions, to the relief of the garrison. But this aid was almost neutralized by the imprudence of Dalzell, who, at two o'clock in the morning of the 1st of August, led out his command to attack Pontiac in his camp, -an enterprise to which Gladwyn had reluctantly and most foolishly given his consent. The chieftain had heard of the threatened onslaught through some of the French Canadians who resided in the vicinity, and, instead of waiting to be attacked in his camp, he stationed his warriors on the north side of Parent's Creek (since called Bloody Run), about a mile and a half above the fort, and assailed the approaching column with a tremendous fire, made more terrible by the darkness of the night. Half of the advance guard was killed or wounded at the first fire, and after several fruitless charges on the elusive foe Capt. Dalzell was compelled to retreat. The assailants in front were Ottawas and Chippewas; the Pottawattamies and WVyandots having made a treaty of peace with Gladwyn a short time before. But when Dalzell retreated, the treacherous warriors of those tribes fiercely assaulted the flank of his column. Dalzell was killed, and it was only by the most desperate exertions that his successor, Capt. Grant, with the aid of Maj. Rogers and his American rangers, was able to make good his retreat to the fort, after a fourth of his men were killed and wounded. On hearing of this victory, new bands of warriors from St. Joseph, Mackinaw, and the intervening country hastened to the aid of their brethren, but still the Ottawa chieftain was unable to capture the fort. When autumn came the warriors were obliged to seek their huntinggrounds to obtain food for the coming season. The Pottawattamies, TVyandots, and Chippewas made treaties of peace (which they doubtless intended to keep or break, as suited their convenience), and then scattered in pursuit of deer and moose. Pontiac and his Ottawas continued the unavailing contest, firing on every Englishman who showed OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES FROM 1707 TO 1815. 23 himself outside the fort, until the last of October, when a messenger came from the commandant of Fort Chartres, the principal French post on the upper Mississippi, warning the chieftain that the French and English were at peace, and that he could expect no help from the former. Pontiac had paid no attention to previous notifications of peace, but he now sent word to Maj. Gladwyn that he should advise all the Indians to bury the hatchet, and himself soon withdrew fiom the vicinity. The next summer, 1764, Gen. Bradstreet came to Detroit with a considerable force of English, Americans, and Iroquois, the appearance of whom doubtless tended to impress the power of England on the Ottawa and Pottawattamie mind. Bradstreet sent troops to reestablish the posts at Mackinaw and Green Bay, and then returned east. The one at the mouth of the St. Joseph does not seem to have been reoccupied. In August, 1765, George Croghan, deputy superintendent of Indian affairs under the celebrated Sir William Johnson, held a grand council at Detroit with the Ottawas, Cuhppewas, and Pottawattamies. They had by that time become thoroughly humbled, and were sincerely desirous of peace and the reopening of the fur-trade. After the treaty then made, all these tribes remained steady friends of the British so long as that nation had any need of their services. Pontiac himself gave in his submission at another council held the same month. This celebrated chieftain was murdered by an Illinois Indian near St. Louis in 1769. The Ottawas and other tribes which had followed his lead sprang to arms to avenge the murder, and almost exterminated the Illinois. Except this and similar conflicts with neighboring savages, the Ottawas and Pottawatamies remained at peace until the outbreak of the Revolution. The British then made strong efforts to obtain their assistance, and in the summer of 1777 several hundred Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and Chiippewas, with some Winnelagoes and others from west of Lake Michigan, all under Langlade and another French officer, joined the army of Gen. Burgoyne. They accompanied him in his invasion of New York, but accomplished little except to burn some houses and slaughter a few families. The celebrated murder of Jane McCrea was attributed to a band of Pottawattamies. Burgoyne made some efforts to restrain their ferocity, which so disgusted them that nearly or quite all returned home before his surrender to Gates. They also complained that Burgoyne did not take good care of them, and that over a hundred of their number were needlessly sacrificed at Bennington. After this, although the Iroquois were kept employed in ravaging the American frontier, few or none of the Michigan Indians were taken to the East. When the American general, George Rogers Clarke, took possession of Southern Indiana and Illinois, the Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and other tribes were called together by the British agents at L'Arbre Croche (Little Traverse Bay), in the winter of 1778-79. Many were opposed to taking any further part in the contest, but after much debate a large force of Indians set out from L'Arbre Croche early in the spring to reinforce the British commander, Governor Hamilton, and fight against Clarke. They went up Lake Michigan in canoes to the mouth of the St. Joseph, where their leaders learned that Hamilton himself had surrendered to Clarke, and the expedition was consequently abandoned. In the summer of 1780 the British Col. Byrd led a force of some six hundred Michigan Indians into Kentucky, capturing quite a number of stockades and many prisoners. Occasional bands also made murderous raids against the frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania, but it is not necessary to describe them here. At the close of the Revolution the treaty of peace gave Michigan to the United States, but England continued to hold Detroit and the other posts of the Northwest, and all the Indians of this section were still under its influence. In 1789 the Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and other tribes were represented by their principal chiefs in a great council held by Gen. St. Clair, Governor of the Northwestern Territory, on the Muskingum River, in the present State of Ohio, where they made a treaty of peace with the United States. None the less they still hated the Americans, who were moving westward in a resistless column of emigration, and were encouraged in this feeling by the British officials. And when, a little later, two American armies, under Gens. Ilarmar and St. Clair, were successively defeated by the tribes of Ohio, those of Michigan were eager to take part in the fray. Accordingly, when Gen. Wayne led his army into Western Ohio in 1794, and the Shawnlees and Miamis gathered on the Maumee to oppose him, they were soon joined by numerous bands of Ottawas and Pottawattamies, equipped with guns and ammunition obtained at the British post at Detroit. But "' Mad Anthony" was a different kind of general from those who had previously commanded in the West, and when the hostile forces of red men and white men met a few miles south of the rapids of the Maumee, the former, after a hot contest, were completely routed, and fled with the utmost precipitation from the field. A trader who not long afterwards met a Miami warrior that had fled before the terrible onslaught of Wayne's soldiers said to him: "4 Why did you run away?" With gestures corresponding to his words, and endeavoring to represent the effect of the cannon, he replied: "Pop, pop, pop,-boo, woo, woo,-whish, whish, boo, woo,-kill twenty Indians one time,-no good, by dam I" A young half-breed Pottawtttamie, named Robinson, afterwards one of the principal war-chiefs of the tribe, who was present at the battle with Wayne, used in later years to describe it very clearly. The chiefs had selected a swamp for the battle-ground. They formed their line, however, half a mile in front of it, on the summit of a gentle elevation, covered with a very open growth of timber, with no underbrush, intending when Wayne attacked them to fall back slowly, thus inducing the Americans to follow them into the swamp, where the Indians would have every advantage, and where they expected a certain victory. But "Mad Anthony" soon broke up their plan. About half of his little army was composed of cavalry, whom he formed in front of his infantry. After a few volleys from his artillery, always very trying to the nerves of the red men, 24 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND he ordered the cavalry to advance. The Indians had never seen men fight on horseback, and supposed they would dismount before reaching the top of the ridge. But instead of that they began to trot, then drew their swords,-those terrible "long knives," which always inspired the Indians with dread,-then broke into a gallop, and the next moment were charging at the top of their horses' speed, " yelling like hell," as Robinson expressed it, swinging their swords, and looking like demons of wrath to the astonished red men. " Oh!" said Robinson, "you ought to have seen the poor Indians run then." They gave but one random fire, and fled as fast as possible towards the swamp. But it was too late. The cavalry burst through them like a whirlwind, and then wheeled about to cut off their retreat, while the infantry came up on the double-quick and barred their escape in that direction. " Oh!" the chieftain would continue, "it was awful." Robinson admired his conqueror so much that he named one of his sons " Anthony Wayne," and always expressed the most profound respect for that dashing soldier.* The chiefs were much impressed both by Wayne's vigor and by the strength of the United States, and when that general summoned them to council in 1795, at Greenville, Ohio, they all promptly responded. There a treaty was made by which the Shawnees and others ceded a large part of their land in Ohio to the government, but the Michigan Indians only agreed to keep the peace towards the United States, remaining in undisturbed possession of their old hunting-grounds. It is evident from the treaty that the Ottawas and Pottawattamies ranked among the more important tribes, for, though they conveyed no land, each tribe received a thousand dollars in gratuities, as did also the Delawares, Miamnis, Shawnees, and Chippewas, while the Kickapoos and other tribes received only five hundred dollars each. When the time came for signing the treaty, it was twice read over to the chiefs, and every section was carefully explained to them by Gen. Wayne through an interpreter. Then he said: "You, Chippewas, do you approve of these articles of treaty, and are you prepared to sign them?" A unanimous " Yes" was the response. "And you, Ottawas, do you approve of these articles of treaty, and are you prepared to sign them?" Again a unanimous affirmative. "And you, Pottawattamies, do you approve of these articles of treaty, and are you prepared to sign them?" "Yes, yes, good I" said or grunted the dark warriors of Southern Michigan. Similar responses were obtained from the other tribes; then the white officials signed the treaty, the chieftains made their marks, and the negotiation was concluded. In 1796 the British surrendered Detroit and the other posts in the West to the United States, and then, and not till then, did that government obtain any real power over Michigan. Even then the Ottawa and Pottawattamie chiefs con BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. tinued to be the most important personages in Western Michigan. Those tribes still occupied the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties as a common hunting-ground, and their war-parties still passed over it in their conflicts with the Shawnees and other tribes to the south or west. Many interesting legends regarding these contests are related by Judge Littlejohn in his work entitled " Legends of Michigan and the Old Northwest." In 1805 the Territory of Michigan was organized, and between that time and 1810 Gen. Hull, the first Governor of the Territory, made several treaties with the Ottawas and Pottawattamies, but none of much importance except the one made at Detroit on the 17th of November, 1807. By that agreement the chiefs of the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawattamie tribes ceded to the United States all their land in Michigan east of what is now known as the principal meridian, and southward of a line drawn from the centre of Shiawassee County to White Rock, on Lake Huron. In 1810-11 the warriors of those tribes, as of all the Northwest, were aroused to renewed hostility by the arts of the celebrated Shawnee war-chief, Tecumseh, who was endeavoring to unite all the Indians from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Superior in a league against the advancing Americans. In person or by eloquent messengers he visited all the tribes, reawaking their ancient hatred of the Yankees, and probably promising the assistance of their father, the king of Great Britain, a war between that potentate and the United States being constantly expected. On the 7th of November, 1811, Tecumseh's brother, "The Prophet," at the head of a large force of Indians of various tribes, including about three hundred Pottawattamies and a considerable number of Ottawas, attacked the army of Gen. Harrison on the celebrated field of Tippecanoe. After a hotly-contested battle of two or three hours, the Indians gave way at all points. Harrison destroyed the villages of the Shawnees, which were not far from the battle-field, but the more fortunate Pottawattamnies and Ottawas fled to their homes in the forests of Michigan, whither the Americans were in no situation to follow them. In June, 1812, war was declared by the United States against Great Britain. At first there seems to have been some doubt what part the tribes under consideration in this chapter would take, for the British and Americans both sent agents to the Pottawattamies to influence their action. The British agent, Jean Chandonais, attempted to capture his half-breed nephew, Jean Baptiste Chandonais, who was one of the American agents, but was instantly killed by the latter. If the Ottawas and Pottawattamies had any doubts as to their course, they were dispelled by the messengers of Tecumseh, who speedily summoned the warriors to take up the tomahawk in behalf of the British. Many of the braves promptly responded to the call, and on the 5th of August they participated with Tecumseh and his Shawnees in the defeat of Maj. Van Horn's command, on Brownstown Creek, in the northern part of the present county of Monroe. The same warriors, with a body of British soldiers, also attacked Col. Miller at Maguagua, twelve miles below Detroit, a few days later, but were defeated and compelled to flee to Canada. * Wisconsin Historical Collections, vol. vii. p. 329. OTTAWAS AND POTTAWATTAMIES FROM 1707 TO 1815. -- -*- --- —-- - ' On the 15th of August a large force of Pottawattamies attacked the garrison of Fort Dearborn (on the site of Chicago) a short distance from that post, as it was endeavoring to retreat to Fort Wayne, Ind., killing two-thirds of the soldiers and a large number of the women and children accompanying them, and capturing the remainder. Topenabee, the head-chief of the Pottawattamies, Robinson, already mentioned, and two or three other chiefs, were friendly to the Americans, sent them information of the attack, and saved several intended victims from being murdered. Robinson took Captain Heald, the commander of the troops, and his wife, both wounded, in a bark canoe along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan to Mackinaw, and delivered them to the British commander there. On the other hand, Pokagon, long known as the second chief of the Pottawattamies, was said to have received that name (which meant " rib"), in lieu of the one he.had formerly borne, on account of his having slain a pregnant woman at the Chicago massacre, and then cut under her rib and taken out the child. The cowardly surrender of Detroit by Gen. Hull on the 16th of August, 1812, preceded as it had been by the capture of Mackinaw and other posts by the British, carried with it the control of the whole of Michigan, which for the next year became practically British territory. The Indians, of course, became still more favorable to the English after this manifestation of their power, and still more warriors flocked to the British standard. The next battle in which the Ottawas and Pottawattamies were engaged was the celebrated conflict on the river Raisin, in which, in conjunction with the British troops under Gen. Proctor, they defeated and captured the American Gen. Winchester with his whole force. The sick and wounded Americans were abandoned to the tender mercies of the Indians, who butchered nearly all of them. The Ottawas and Pottawattanmies were also largely represented in the force which Gen. Proctor led against Fort Meigs, at the rapids of the Maumee, on the 28th of April, 1813, full half of the thousand Indians under Tecumseh belonging to those tribes. Gen. Harrison, who was in command of the Americans, succeeded in repelling his assailants, but during the siege, which lasted till t-he 9th of May, Col. Dudley, with eight hundred Kentuckians, was lured too far in pursuit of the enemy after a temporary success, fell into an ambuscade devised by Tecumseh, and was slain, nearly all his command being killed or captured.* * The Rev. Isaac McCoy, long a missionary among the Pttawattamnies, charges the Michigan Indians with cannibalism as well as massacre. In a book descriptive of his mission and the Indians, he says: " From well-attested facts we are compelled to believe that the Pottawattanies, Ottaiwas, Chippewas, and Mianis have all been guilty of cannibalism..... If the accounts of the Indians can be credited, the last war with England, in which Indians were mercenaries on both sides, was disgraced by cannibalism, the last instance of which we have been informed having occurred near Fort Meigs, on the Maumee River, in 1813." 4 In July the British and Indians again attacked Fort Meigs, but without success. On the 31st of July, Gen. Proctor appeared before Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, with a thousand British and fifteen hundred Indians, of whom, as before, about half were Ottawas and Pottawattamies. These surrounded the fort and fired at every soldier, while on the 2d of August a column of British attempted to carry it by storm. The assailants were repulsed, however, with heavy loss, by the garrison of a hundred and sixty Americans under Maj. Croghan, and Proctor soon retired in disgust. After the defeat of the British fleet on Lake Erie by Commodore Perry, Gen. Harrison at once advanced into Canada. On the 29th of September he took possession of Detroit, and Michigan once more-let us trust foreverpassed under American sway. On the 5th of October, 1813, he came up with the enemy at the Moravian towns on the river Thames, where Proctor with his British and Canadians, and Tecumseh with his Shawnees, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies, had determined to make a final stand. The Americans gallantly charged the hostile lines. Proctor fled almost at the first fire, Tecumseh was slain while fighting desperately at the head of his braves, and the whole combined force of British and Indians was either killed, captured, or sent flying in utter rout before the victors. This battle extinguished the hopes of victory entertained by the Indians of the Northwest. The Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and several other tribes at once sent delegations to offer peace, and on the 16th of October Gen. Harrison granted an armistice. The warriors returned to their respective villages and took no further part in the war, which closed a little more than a year afterwards. The government inflicted no punishment on them for their conduct, and by a treaty concluded at Springwells, near Detroit, on the 8th of September, 1815, it was agreed as follows: "The United States give peace to the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawattamie tribes. They also agree to restore to the said Clhippewa, Ottawa, and Pottacwattamie tribes all the possessions, rights, and privileges which they enjoyed or were entitled to in the year 1811, 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." Nevertheless, the war of 1812 closed the career and destroyed the power of the great league, consisting of the three tribes just named, which had for more than a century exercised an important influence over the destinies of the Northwest. Thenceforth they are to be considered as feeble, disorganized, and practically subjugated tribes, and, though we shall have considerable to say regarding the un' fortunate remnants of the Ottawas and Pottawattamies in the succeeding chapters, no separate record of their acts will be convenient or necessary. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- CHAPTER VII. EVENTS FROM 1815 TO 1830. A Resume of Nominal Political Changes-Allegan and Barry as a Part of Quebec-Of llesse-Of the Northwest Territory-Of Indiana-Of Michigan-Treaty of the Maumee-Of Saginaw-Bounds of the Cession then made-The Treaty of Chicago-Bounds of the Cession-The Consideration-List of the Signers-An Honest Murderer-" Give us Whisky"-Demoralization of the Pottawattamies -Their Superstition-An Indian Festival-The Ceded Land attached to Lenawee County-Course of Settlement-United States Surveys-First Townships surveyed-Barry County erected-Territory of Barry and Allegan attached to St. Joseph and Cass Counties-Early Indian Traders-Location of Posts-Articles soldMethods of Transportation-An Incident on the Kalamazoo-Early Drummers-Kinds of Fur received-Prices paid-Arbitrary Conduct of Traders. DESIRING to confine the attention of the reader in the preceding chapter to the fortunes of those ancient lords of the soil of Allegan and Barry, the Ottawas and Pottawattamies, we passed with little or no mention over several political changes which nominally, but in fact not very seriously, affected those counties. In 1774, by what was known as the " Quebec Act," the British Parliament made Michigan a part of the province of Quebec, but, in fact, it did not receive any civil government. Small tracts around the military posts were subject to the commandants, while the remainder was under the rule of our friends, the Chippewas, Ottawas, and Fottawattamies. Four years later the captain-general of Canada divided that province into four districts, the peninsula of Michigan being one of them, with the name of " Hesse," given in honor of the Hessian troops then serving King George III. in America. But the fortunes of war decided that the people of Michigan should not be " Hessians." By the treaty of peace at the close of the Revolution, as before stated, Michigan became part of the United States, but the British still held the military posts, thus retaining their influence over the Indians and the control of the peninsula. In 1787 Congress declared M1ichigan to be a part of the " Northwest Territory," which was then organized, but the possession of the forts by the British prevented the act from being carried into effect north of the Maumee. Immediately after the surrender of the posts to the Americans in 1796, Gen. St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, organized the county of Wayne, extending from the Cuyahoga River in Ohio to Detroit, and thence indefinitely into the woods of Michigan. In 1800 the western part of Michigan became a part of Indiana, that Territory being formed from the Northwest Territory in the year named, and its present eastern boundary being continued north to the Straits of Mackinaw. When the State of Ohio was formed, in 1802, the eastern part of Michigan was also annexed to Indiana. In 1805 the Territory of Michigan was organized, and the soil of Allegan and Barry Counties has ever since been a part of that Territory, or of the State into which it developed. No counties were organized in the Territory until after the war of 1812. In 1815, Gen. Cass, the first Governor after the war, reorganized Wayne County. This closes our retrospective view, and the subsequent changes will be noted in the order of time, on the occasions of their occurrence. Gen. Cass was superintendent of Indian affairs in the Northwest as well as Governor of Michigan, and immediately after the elose of the war he turned his attention to the extinguishing of the Indian title, so that the Territory might be open to settlement by the whites. In September, 1817, he and Gen. Duncan McArthur held a council with the chiefs of the Wyandots, Ottawas, Ch7ppewas, Pottawattamies, and other tribes, at the Maumee Rapids, when they ceded to the United States all their lands in Ohio, and a small tract in the southeastern part of Michigan. The Wyandots seem to have had the principal interest in the lands then ceded, as the treaty provided that they should receive four thousand dollars annually forever; the Pottawattamies being granted thirteen hundred dollars a year for fifteen years, and the Ottawa and Ch;ppewa nations a thousand dollars each, annually, for fifteen years, while the other tribes received still smaller annuities. This treaty was signed by thirty-two Pottawattamies, while all the other tribes were represented by a less number than that one. The Pottawattamies usually had very large delegations at the councils at which their interests were decided, and, judging from this fact, we should suppose them to have been the most democratic people in the whole Northwest. In September, 1819, a treaty was concluded at Saginaw with the Chippewa Indians, by which they ceded to the United States the whole of Northeastern Michigan, bounded as follows: Beginning at a point in the then Indian boundary (the principal meridian) six miles south from the baseline; running thence west sixty miles; thence northeasterly in a direct line to the head of Thunder Bay River; down that river to its junction with Lake Huron and northeast to the Canada line; thence southward along that line to the line prescribed by the treaty of 1807, and along that line to the place of beginning. A distance of sixty miles from the principal meridian reaches to the east boundary of Kalamazoo County; a line from a point in that boundary six miles south of the baseline, running northeastwardly to the head of Thunder Bay River, would cut off about one-third of the county of Barry, which seems to have then been ceded to the United States by the Chippewas. Yet in the following paragraphs it will be seen that two years later the whole territory south of Grand River, including all of Barry and Allegan Counties, was ceded by the Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and Chippewas. All the authorities show that the Ottawas and Pottawattamies occupied the land south of Grand River, and that the Chippewas did not. Doubtless the lastnamed tribe made large claims, and it was thought best, in 1819, to buy all they claimed; after that the rights of the true owners, covering a part of the same ground, were purchased. But of all the treaties concluded by Gen. Cass the most important was the one which conveyed the soil of Allegan and Barry Counties from red to white owners. It was concluded at Chicago on the 29th day of August, 1821, and has ever since been known as the treaty of Chicago. Hon. Solomon Sibley was associated with Gen. Cass as EVENTS FROM 1815 TO 1830. 27 a commissioner on the part of the United States, while the treaty was signed by two chiefs of the Chippewas, eight of the Ottawas, and fifty-five of the Pottawattamies. In fact, however, a large proportion of the two last-named tribes,men, women, and children,-were gathered at the council, the number being estimated by a spectator at from five to six thousand. Although the names of two Chippewa chiefs were signed to the treaty, yet but few of that tribe were present, and nothing was paid to them, as they had already sold whatever claims they might have had to the lands in question. The tract ceded by the treaty of 1821, is thus described in it: "All the land comprehended in the following boundaries: Beginning at a point on the south bank of the river St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, near the Parc aux Vaches [a few miles south of Niles, Berrien Co.], due north from Rum's Village, and running thence south to a line drawn due from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan; thence with the said line east to the tract ceded by the IPottaicattamlies to the United States by the treaty of Fort Meigs, in 1817, if the said line should strike the said tract; but if the said line should pass north of the said tract [as was actually the case], then such line shall be continued until it strikes the western boundary of the tract ceded to the United States by the treaty of Detroit, in 1807 [the principal meridian], and from the termination of the said line, following the boundaries of former cessions, to the main branch of the Grand River, of Lake Michigan, should any of the said lines cross the said river; but if none of the said lines should cross the said river, then to a point due east of the source of the said main branch of the said river, and from such point due west to the source of said principal branch, and from the crossing of said river, or from the source thereof, as the case may be, down the said river, on the north bank thereof, to the mouth; thence following the shore of Lake Michigan to the south bank of the said river St. Joseph, at the mouth thereof; and thence with the said south bank to the place of beginning." As the principal meridian crosses Grand River in Ingham County, that river comprised the whole northern boundary of the tract in question. Five reservations were excepted from the cession,-two in what is now Kalamazoo County, one in St. Joseph County, one in Branch County, and one at "< Maugachqua, on the river Peble." These were all designed for the Pottawattamies and the Ottawas mingled with them, as the main body of the Ottawas, who occupied the north part of the ceded tract, still retained an ample territory north of Grand River. There were also several small individual reservations near the St. Joseph River for the benefit of favored Pottawattamies. - In consideration of the cession the United States agreed to pay the Ottawas a thousand dollars a year forever, besides fifteen hundred dollars a year for fifteen years to support a blacksmith, teacher, and farmer. To the Pottawattamies the government agreed to pay five thousand dollars annually for twenty years, besides a thousand dollars a year to support a blacksmith and teacher. Such was the treaty which gave the ownership of the land of Allegan and Barry Counties to the United States, and which, in a certain sense, constitutes the basis of all the land-titles in those counties. It being of so much importance, we append a list of the chiefs and warriors who signed it, which is long and grim enough to give title to a continent. These were, on the part of the Chippewas, Mettayyaw and Michel. On the part of the Ottawas the signers were Keewagousheum, Nockawgeegum, Keeotoawbee, Ketchemee, Ep peesausee, Kayneewee, Moaputte, and Matcheepeenasheewish.* On the part of the Pottawattamies, the treaty bore the signatures, or rather the crosses, of Topenabee, Meteay, Chebonsee, Loinson, Weesaw, Keepotaw, Schayauk, Keebee, Schomang, Wawemickemack, Nayouchemon, Kongee, Sheeshawgau, Ayscham, Meeksaymauk, Meytenway, Shawwenuemetary, Frangois, Mauksee, Waymego, Mandauming, Quayquee, Aapenhawbee, Matchaweeyaas, Matchapoggish, Mongan, Puggagans, Sescobennish, Cheegwackgwago, Wawsebban, Peecheco, Quonquoitaw, Rannish, Wynemaig, Onmuckemeck, Kawaysin, Ameckose, Oseemeet, Shawkoto, Noshaweequat, Meegunn, Macshekeetenmore, Keenotoge, Wabawnesheu, Shawwawnaysee, Atchweemuckquee, Pishsheebaugay, Wawbassay, Meggeessesee, Saygawkoomick, Shawwayno, Sheeshawgun, Totomee, Ashkuwee, Shayaukkeebee, Awbetonee. Certainly, a title sanctioned by such a list of names ought never to be disputed. A curious incident in connection with this council is narrated in Smith's " Life of Cass," derived from the general himself. While the latter was watching some peculiar ceremonies of the Indians, in the early part of the proceedings, he observed a CGippewa looking very grave, and keeping apart from his fellows. Governor Cass inquired the reason, and learned that the man, in a fit of passion, had killed a Pottawattamie in the early part of the same season. The Pottawattamies had demanded the surrender of the murderer, and as the Chippewas, and in fact the homicide himiself, admitted the justice of the claim, it was expected that the clansmen of the slain man would inflict the penalty of death. But the murderer was owing some traders for goods received of them, and he was anxious to pay them before he died. He accordingly solicited and obtained the postponement of his execution until he could, by hunting, procure the means of satisfying his creditors. IHe had hunted successfully through the season, had obtained furs enough to pay his debts, and had come to the council prepared to suffer death at the hands of the friends of his victim. The Governor was touched by the stolid honesty of the doomed man, and by liberal presents to his intended executioners persuaded them to let him go free. ' The last signer for the Ottawas, Matcheepeenashewish, was the chief of the band at Kalamazoo, and the reservation there was named after him. Yet that reservation, like all the others in Michigan south of the Grand River, is generally said to have been occupied by Pottawvattamies. Doubtless they formed a decided majority, but there were some Ottawias mingled with the I'ottawattamie bands, as has been frequently observed, and it was no uncommon thing for a member of one tribe to become a chief in another, even where the relations of the two tribes were much less close than those of the Ottawas and Pottawattamies. The chieftain and the region in which he flourished are thus mentionedwin a quaint old song of the pioneer days, reprinted in the Centennial Record of Michigan. After glorifying various Michigan localities, the poet says: "But of all the darndest countries Beneath the shining sun, Old Kalamazoo can take the rag When all the rest are done. There, in the burr-oak openings, Big Matcheebeenashewish Raised double crops of corn and beans, And ate them with his fish." 28 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I Very likely a good supply of whisky was the principal consideration which induced them to forego their revenge, for that has ever been the most potent agent to reach the Indian's heart. It is related that even Topenabee, the principal chief of the Pottawattamies, the octogenarian warrior who had signed the treaty with Gen. Wayne in 1795, and had vainly endeavored to save the doomed garrison of Chicago in 1812, was more anxious about obtaining a supply of whisky than anything else. When Gen. Cass urged him to keep sober, so as to make a good bargain for himself and his people, he replied, " Father, we do not care for the land, nor the money, nor the goods. What we want is whisky; give us whisky." The old chief was a sad drunkard himself; still, it is possible that he spoke sarcastically, in view of the manifest anxiety of the Indians for their deadliest bane. The next year Rev. Isaac McCoy established what was known as the Carey Mission, on the site of Niles, Berrien Co. In his published journal he depicts the Pottawattamies as rapidly falling victims to their own love of liquor, and as becoming demoralized to the last degree, so much so that in 1832 the missionaries abandoned their selfimposed task in utter hopelessness. The Ottawas drew back into their northern wilds, and were less affected by the presence of the whisky-sellers, although even they suffered severely from them. Other statements in Mr. McCoy's book show that the Indians retained their old superstitions in addition to the acquired vices of the white man. He relates an instance of this in the story told by themselves regarding the manner in which they obtained food on a certain occasion. According to their account, four or five hundred of them were collected on the St. Joseph in the autumn of 1826, and set out to attend a council on the Wabash, under the leadership of Chebass, a prominent chief. They depended on game for their food; but during the first three days their best hunters, though sometimes as many as fifty were out in the woods at once, could not kill a deer. The people began to suffer from hunger. On the morning of the fourth day, the chief Saugana informed them that during the night a ghostly visitant had come to him in a dream and had told him that the hunters' ill success was due to the fact that Chebass had set out on the journey " like a white man," without making a religious sacrifice. Therefore Chebass must fast that day, and just twelve men, with faces blackened to indicate hunger and devotion, must go out hunting, just six on each side of the trail the company was following. By the middle of the forenoon Saugana said they would kill four deer, because in his dream he had seen four deer lying dead. These directions were followed, and, according to the Indians' story, the four deer were killed within the appointed time, and were brought to the company. A halt was called, the deer were boiled, and all went to eating except poor Chebass, who was condemned to fast till sunset, on account of his beginning the journey as irreligiously as a white man. During the rest of the expedition plenty of game was killed, and all fared sumptuously. The so-called religious ceremonies of the Indians would hardly be described as such by the whites of the present T day. Mr. McCoy thus describes one which he attended in 1825: "Different festivals have appropriate names. The seasons for some occur regularly, but most of them are occasional, as circumstances are supposed to suggest or require them. That which occurred at this time was one at which singular feats of legerdemain-such as taking meat out of a boiling pot with their naked hand, drinking boiling-hot broth, eating fire, etc.-are attempted. Some ignorant whites, who have mingled with the Indians, have reported that the latter were very dextrous in these feats; but we have never seen anything of the kind attempted among them that was not very clumsily performed. "On the present occasion a little tobacco was placed in the centre of the hall, on the bottom of a new moccasin, with a small bundle of cedar sticks resembling candle matches [pine splinters]. Three large kettles of meat, previously boiled, were hanging over a small fire, near the centre of the house. The aged chief, Topenabee, led in the ceremonies. He delivered a speech of considerable length without rising from his seat, with a grave countenance, and his eyes almost closed. He then sat and drummed with one stick, and sung at the same time, while his aid at his side rattled a gourd. At length four women appeared before him and danced. Awhile after this he arose, delivered another speech, then, drumming and dancing, turned round, and, moving slowly around the dancing-hall, was followed by all the dancing-party. When he had performed his part in leading, others went through the same ceremony, and these were repeated until every pair had twice led in the dance. "These exercises were accompanied with many uncouth gestures and strange noises. Three large kettles of meat, previously boiled, were hanging over a small fire near the centre of the house, and occasionally a man would stoop to the kettle and drink a little soup. One fellow, assuming a frantic air, attended with whooping, lifted out of a kettle a deer's head. and, holding it by the two horns with the nose from him, presented it first upwards and afterwards towards many of the bystanders as he danced round, hallooing. The droppings of the broth were rather an improvement than an injury to the floor, it being of earth and now becoming pretty dusty. "At the conclusion, which was after sun-setting, each brought his or her vessel and secured a portion of the food. Chebass, a chief, sent to me and invited me to eat with him, and I having consented he placed the bowl on the earth beside me, and said, 'Come, let us eat in friendship.' After eating, another speech was delivered, the music followed, all joined in the dance with increased hilarity, and most of them with their kettles of meat and broth in their hands, and, at length breaking of, each went to his home." For several years after the treaty of Chicago no settlements were made west of the principal meridian, and the Ottawas and Pottawattamies still continued to roam at will over the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties. Down to 1823 all of Michigan was embraced in the land district of Detroit. In that year the district of Monroe was established, which included not only the southern part of the State, but also all west of the principal meridian. In 1826 a few prospecting-parties went west over the celebrated " Chicago road," through the southern tier of counties of the State, as far as Lake Michigan; but there were still no settlers west of the meridian. In November of that year the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties was nominally brought under civil jurisdiction by an act of the Legislative Council, declaring that all the country purchased at the treaty of Chicago should be attached to the county of Lenawee. In April, 1827, the same territory was constituted the township of St. Joseph. In the spring of that year (1827) settlement began in Hillsdale County, pushing thence westward and northwestward with great rapidity. In November, 1828, it reached Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co., and in June, 1829, the first settler made his appearance on the site of Kalamazoo village. EVENTS FROM 181.5 TO 1830. 29 Meanwhile, the United States surveyors had made their way westward a little in advance of the settlers. According to the simple system of surveys adopted by the United States, the western boundary of the lands bought from the Indians by the treaty of 1807 (which ran through the centre of the present county of Ingham, nine miles east of Lansing) was adopted as the principal meridian from which ranges of townships should be numbered east and west, while the parallel of forty-two degrees and twenty-five minutes was made the base-line, from which the townships themselves (each six miles square) should be numbered north and south. This was subsequently made the south boundary of Allegan and Barry Counties, their eastern boundaries being respectively the eastern lines of ranges 11 and 7 west. In 1825, the outer boundaries of township 1 north, range 11 west (Gun Plain), were run out by John Mullett, one of the government surveyors. But it does not seem to have been the custom then to run the range and township lines for long distances, for it was not till the next year that Mr. Mullett ran the boundaries of township 2, range 11 (Martin), and Lucius Lyon those of townships 3 and 4 in the same range (Wayland and Leighton) and of township 4 in range 12 (Dorr). The boundaries of the other township were not run until 1830 or after. None of the townships were subdivided into sections until 1831. Barry County was established by law, with its present boundaries, on the 29th of October, 1829, and six days later it was attached to St. Joseph County, as were ranges 11 and 12, in the territory of Allegan, while the rest of that territory was for the time being assigned to Cass County.* We have now reached the verge of permanent settlement by white people within the territory to which our history especially relates, and have to notice but one other class of facts previous to entering on that portion of our subject. Between the close of the war with Great Britain, in 1815, and the beginning of settlement in Allegan and Barry Counties, in 1830, numerous posts were established for the purpose of trading with the Indians throughout Central and Western Michigan. Some were built by individual traders and some on behalf of the American Fur Company, of which John Jacob Astor was the head. The first in this region was at Kalamazoo, and this was followed by others at various points in Allegan and Barry Counties. The old traders are all dead or scattered far away, and the exact date of the establishment of the various posts cannot be ascertained. Even in regard to that at Kalamazoo, as to which special inquiries were made a number of years ago, there was a serious discrepancy, one early trader (the late Rix Robinson, of Kent County) fixing the date of its establishment in 1823, and another (G. S. Hubbard, of Chicago) stating it to have been before 1820. Subsequently a Frenchman named Bouchon had a trading-post in the cast edge of the present township of Allegan, on the south side of the Kalamazoo River, at the head of what was known as the " Bouchon Stretch," a long piece of nearly level water. At the point where Rabbit River * See Chapter XII. empties into the Kalamazoo, in the present township of Manlius, Allegan Co., was the post of Louis Campau, a noted French trader of Detroit. The American Fur Company had a post, as early as 1825, at what was then called Peach Orchard (from the fact that the Indians planted some peach-stones and raised peach-trees there before any settlement by the whites), but was afterwards known as McCormick's Landing, on the Kalamazoo, some four miles above the site of Saugatuck village. These were all of which we could learn which were established in Allegan and Barry Counties previous to 1830.t The houses used by the traders were of various sizes, being in some places mere huts, in others quite commodious. They were built of logs, and were usually covered with black-ash bark. Here the traders sold ammunition, tobacco, steel traps, fish-hooks, and a few hats, caps, boots, and shoes, besides beads, calicoes, and some other cloths, of those gay colors in which both Indians and squaws greatly delighted. They also sold a few shot-guns and rifles. Immense numbers of brooches, ear-rings, and other articles of adornment were likewise disposed of. From the books of William Burnet, an early trader in Berrien County, we learn that he sent by a single agent, who went to trade among the Indians in their camps, a thousand "silver brooches" of the largest size, and eleven hundred smaller ones. According to Mr. Barnes, the traders of Allegan and Barry were equally well supplied with such jewelry. It was called " silver," but in fact was made of a cheap white metal, a brooch costing only about twenty cents. But, above all other articles, whisky and other ardent spirits formed the most profitable, if not the most extensive, portion of the trader's outfit. The sale of strong liquors to the Indians was strictly forbidden by law, but the profits were enormous, the braves were thirsty, and the traders were avaricious; and we doubt whether there was a single one of them who did not sell all he could,-at least until the organization of courts in the respective counties. The traders were mostly, though not all, French or French half-breeds, and with the usual Gallic adroitness gained great influence over their savage customers. Their articles for trade were either brought across the peninsula t Our principal information in regard to the early posts and also in regard to many of the other facts mentioned in this chapter is derived from Mr. Lucius A. Barnes, of Wayland, Allegan Co., who is better informed on that subject than any one else now living in either of the two counties. lie acted as clerk for Campau at his post, at the mouth of Rabbit River, for over a year, in 1831 and 1832, and states that it had then been there several years,-how many he does not know. The post of the American Fur Company, farther down the Kalamazoo, was equally as old, or older. The logs of which it was composed and the stumps from which they were cut showed many marks of age. At a later date, as we are informed by others, a post was established by Campau at the foot of the " Bouchon Stretch," on the Kalamazoo, in the present township of Pine Plains, Allegan Co., and there was another at a place called " Wolf Skin," on the Kalamazoo, in the eastern part of the present township of Manlius, in the same county. Campau also established one on Green Lake, in what is now Leighton, Allegan Co., and one near the southeast corner of Thornapple, Barry Co. The next year after Mr. Barnes' service with Campau he worked for Rix Robinson, a celebrated trader of that day, at the junction of Thornapple and Grand Rivers, in Kent County. This also appeared quite old. W. G. Butler's post, on the site of Saugatuck village, was established in 1830, but this, though his first business was with the Indians, was intended as the beginning of a permanent settlement. 30 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. from Detroit on pack-horses, or, as was much more commonly the case, were transported from Detroit, Mackinaw, or even from Montreal, on large open boats, known as Montreal barges, which would 'carry about eight tons each in smooth water. When these boats came all the way from Montreal, they passed from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron through the streams and lakes of Upper Canada, several p6rtages being made on the way. A quite common way was for the American Fur Company, or large traders like Campau, to bring the goods to Mackinaw in sail-vessels, which were unloaded there. They were then furnished to small traders at a stipulated price, who sold them out among the Indians and paid for them with furs, skins, etc., at a price also agreed upon with wholesale dealers. Bouchon and others were furnished in this manner by Campau, and other traders were supplied by the American Fur Company. From Mackinaw the goods were brought in barges up Lake Michigan, and then up the principal rivers to the various trading-posts. The navigation of the lake was attended with much danger, and that of the river with scarcely less. G. S. Hubbard, an early trader at Kalamazoo, in a letter read before the State Pioneer Society in 1875, says: " In the fall [of 1820] I had left buried in the sand at the mouth of Kalamazoo River some heavy articles, because of the rapids, my boat being heavily loaded. In March I took a perogue, a large wood canoe, and with one of my men went for them. We camped at the foot of the rapids [where Allegan village now stands] in a snow-storm. In the morning, still snowing, we with great effort poled up the rapids; had reached the upper end-I, in the bow, poling, my man seated, with paddle. A tree had fallen into the river; pushing out to round it, current still strong, the bow striking the current, my man careless, the canoe would have upset had I not jumped into the river. Telling my man to follow me down the rapids, I swam and reached our camiping-ground safely, though much exhausted; got dried and started up again; reaching home the next day." There were two or three sail-vessels which used to run on Lake Michigan to Chicago and St. Joseph, and the traders at the head of the lake were largely supplied by them, but they rarely or never stopped at the mouth of Grand or Kalamazoo River, or elsewhere in this locality, until after the settlement of the country by the whites. The Indians paid for the articles they bought principally with furs, deer-skins, and maple-sugar. The latter commodity was not much sought for by traders, as it could not be exchanged for goods in the Eastern markets; yet, to please their tawny customers, they did receive large quantities of it, which they shipped East and sold as best they could. All the larger traders kept runners among the Indian camps all winter. These were usually French or half-breeds, who carried their goods on their backs, and brought back in the same way the furs they received. There had once been beaver-dams and beavers in this section, and there may have been a few of these animals here between 1815 and 1830, but they were all hunted out before the arrival of the white settlers. The greater part of the furs sold to the traders were those of the marten, mink, muskrat, and raccoon. The three first named were amphibious animals, spending much of their time in the water. The most valuable were the marten-skins, for which the traders usually allowed the Indians a dollar apiece, or what they called a dollar, all furs being paid for in goods, to which the traders affixed their own prices. Cheap calico sold at twenty-five cents a yard, and a better quality at fifty cents. Good mink-skins were estimated at fifty cents each, raccoon-skins at the same price, and muskrat-skins at twenty-five cents. There were also a few fisher-skins,-tlhe fisher being an amphibious animal somewhat larger than a cat,-which rated at a dollar each. Besides these, which were called by the general name of "furs," there were those which were known in distinction aa " skins," viz.,-deer-skins and quite a number of bearskins. After the treaty of Chicago, the Ottawas and Pottawattamies received a yearly payment from the government. Nearly the whole of the money thus received went into the hands of the traders. If an Indian had neither money nor furs to offer, and wanted to purchase on credit, it was generally given him, unless he was known to be dishonest. On the average, they paid quite as promptly as white men do at the present day. The traders always attended the payments by the United States agent, and generally received the money due them from the Indians. If he did not, or if there was a dispute about the amount, the trader would sometimes at least take the law into his own hands, and seize the money.* Such was the state of affairs in Allegan and Barry Counties in 1829. The scenes of the next ten years must be reserved for another chapter. CHAPTER VIII. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. First Settler in Allegan County-Butler at the Mouth of the Kalamazoo-First Settlement unconnected with Indian Trade-Giles Scott's Log House-A Puncheon Dancing-Floor-First Settler in Barry County-The First Saw-Mill-Formation of Allegan County -The Black-Hawk War-Divided Councils-Tragic Close of a Debate-Council on Gun Plain-Decision for Peace-Grand Powwow-Allegan County Volunteers-Early Marriages-Settlers in 1833 —Campau's Post in Leighton-First Settlement in AlleganIn Barry Township-In Thornapple-In Trowbridge-Emigration increasing-Settlements in Martin-In Watson-In Saugatuck and Manlius-The Trail from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids-Settlement of Yankee Springs-Of Orangeville-Of Hastings-Of CarltonOf Assyria-State Roads-Increasing Excitement-Settlement of Irving, Woodland, Castleton, and Maple Grove-More State Roads -Financial Collapse-Slow Emigration-The remaining Townships. THE first settler in the territory comprising the counties of Allegan and Barry was William G. Butler, of Hartford, Conn., who, with his wife and two children, located on the site of the village of Saugatuck, three miles up from the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, in the spring of 1830. True, his first business was trading with the Indians, and we have not generally classed Indian traders as settlers, because they had no intention of becoming permanent residents at their respective posts; but Mr. Butler did come * Mr. Barnes informs us that he saw Campau's men take away money from a chief who disputed the trader's account at a payment at Grand Rapids. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 31 EL with that intention, and selected land for that purpose.* He came by the way of the lakes, being landed fiom a vessel, with his family and a small amount of Indian goods, probably in May of the year mentioned. He immediately erected a log house on the site of Sau. gatuck and began trading with the Indians. For three years he and his family were the only white residents of the western half of Allegan County, except the transient traders mentioned in the preceding chapter. On the advent of other settlers, however, he platted a village, as he had evidently intended from the first, went to trading with the whites, and assumed the usual duties of a citizen. The first settlement in the two counties entirely unconnected with the Indian trade was made by Giles Scott, who came from Rochester, N. Y., with his wife and two children, in the autumn of 1830, and began the erection of a log house at the mouth of Pine Creek, in township 1, range 12, now the township of Otsego, Allegan Co. He had been through this region during the previous year (1829) in company with Dr. Samuel Foster and a Mr. Percival, looking for mill-sites and other points desirable for a new settler. He was accompanied in the fall of 1830 by Uri Baker, Sloan Eaton, a Mr. Hill, and John B. Yeomans. As soon as his house was complete Mr. Scott moved into it, and was joined during the following winter by the other members of his family. The house, as was usually the case with the settlers who preceded the erection of sawmills, had a floor made of " puncheons" or split logs, yet it was afterwards found sufficiently smooth to dance on, and, as Mr. Scott was-quite an adept with the fiddle, it was fiequently utilized for that purpose, the house being probably the first temple of Terpsichore in the two counties. Somewhat later than Scott, but during the same autumn, Turner Aldrich, Jr., of Lodi (now Gowanda), Erie Co., N. Y., made his appearance in the same locality. He was accompanied by two daughters, and brought with him a complete set of irons for a saw-mill, and an old-fashioned, perpendicular saw. He immediately began the erection of a saw-mill, about a mile up Pine Creek from its mouth. This was completed the following year, and was the first mill of any kind in the counties of Allegan and Barry.t About the same time that Mr. Scott made a settlement in Otsego, Amasa S. Parker, a sturdy young bachelor who had just arrived at Gull Prairie, Kalamazoo Co., selected a piece of land in township 1, range 10 (now Prairieville, Barry Co.), and began to clear it off. This was the first improvement made in Barry County. Mr. Parker, however, did not put up a house until the next year, returning to Gull Prairie to winter. The next settler in Allegan County was Dr. Samuel Foster, a native of Maine, who had practiced as a physician in Vermont, but who had given up his profession and never practiced it in Michigan. He located himself, near the end of 1830, on section 23, in the same township as Scott and Aldrich, being the first settler within the present '* As soon as the land was surveyed, which was in the summer of 1831, he made a purchase. t This mill was burned in July, 1832, while in possession of Charles Miles and Cyrenius Thompson (afterwards the first settler in Gun Plain), who had leased it. corporate limits of Otsego. His son, Samuel D. Foster, still resides there. The survey of this township into sections was completed in the latter part of January, 1831. In the certificate of survey the surveyor, Lucius Lyon, mentioned that three families (above designated) had already settled in the township, and also stated that Messrs. Sherwood and Scott were preparing to erect a saw-mill and a grist-mill on Pine Creek, near the mouth. Mr. Scott we have already spoken of. His partner was Hull Sherwood, who arrived in the fall of 1831. He was accompanied by his married sons Eber Sherwood, Hull Sherwood, Jr., and Royal Sherwood and their families, and his unmarried son Lebbeus; a still younger son, Edmund, having come with Mr. Scott. Like Mr. Scott, the Sherwoods were from Rochester, N. Y. By an act of the Legislative Council approved on the 2d day of March, 1831, the county of Alleganj was formed with its present boundaries, but this was merely a formal proceeding which did not change the actual relations of the few inhabitants. The settlers in township 1, range 12, were still citizens of Kalamazoo County for all practical purposes, while Mr. Butler and two or three traders, who were the only voters in the western part of the new county, could only exercise the franchise by going forty or fifty miles south to the settlements of Cass County. These matters are fully set forth in Chapter XIII., devoted to the subject of organization. In the spring of this year, Amasa S. Parker raised him a small lo, house (it is said without assistance) on the land he had chosen, and became the first permanent white resident of Barry County. His land was the west half of the southwest quarter of section 35, in township 1, range 2. In June, 1831, he located his tract at the land-office. But very few more settlers came into the territory of Otsego township in 1831, and at the end of the year that was still the only township settled in Allegan County. In the spring of 1832 nearly the whole West was startled from its propriety by the outbreak of the Black-Hawk war. This celebrated chief sent runners to the Ottawas and Pottawattamies to urge them to join him in a war with the whites. The old chiefs of those tribes, however, had had so much experience of the folly of fighting the Americans that they were strongly opposed to taking up the hatchet. Many of the young braves were desirous of war, and the question was zealously debated at several councils, but finally the wiser plan prevailed, and the whites of Michigan were not molested. It is related in the history of Cass County that at the council of the Pottawattamies of the St. Joseph, Topenabee, the venerable head-chief of that tribe, who had signed the treaty with Gen. Wayne in 1795, argued strongly against war and advised neutrality. A chief named Optogome charged him with cowardice. At this the ancient warrior threw a knife to Optogome, ordered him to defend himself, and then, with his own knife in his hand, advanced to attack him. At the first thrust I The word " Allegan" is evidently of Indian origin, but we have never met with any satisfactory explanation of its meaning. There is no stream nor lake of that name, and we have never heard of any tribe of Indians bearing it. The closeness of its resemblance to Allegany suggests that some New Yorker may have chosen that name, but sought to make it more convenient by dropping the "y." HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- I. the veteran drove his knife completely through the body of his antagonist, who fell dead at his feet. The council decided for peace. The Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies of this region met in council on Gun Plain (or Gun Plains, as the locality was more commonly called), in the present township of that name, to decide on the same momentous question. A half-breed, named Prickett, who lived at the mouth of Gun River (and who is said to have been of Indian and Yankee parentage, instead of Indian and French, which was the composition of most of the half-breeds), told the whites that the Indians were going to massacre them. Some buried their goods in preparation for flight, but we believe none left. In fact, it was suspected by some that Prickett wanted to frighten them into fleeing in order to get their property, though perhaps this suspicion was unjust. Bouchon, the French trader on the Kalamazoo, below the site of Allegan, came up to the settlement and agreed to attend the council, relying on the friendship of the Indians, and, if they declared for war, to notify the settlers in township 1, range 12 (Otsego), as fast as his pony could carry him thither,-albeit the warning would have come rather late, for an Indian declaration of war is usually followed very speedily by overt acts. The council lasted three days. Young Samuel D. Foster, then about nineteen, determined that he, too, would have early information of the intentions of the Indians, and every day he went over to the council on Gun Plains. Bouchon was there all the while, and from time to time he interpreted the language of the speakers, whether friendly or hostile, for the benefit of young Foster. Near the end of the third day the final decision was arrived at,-not to attack the whites,-and this, too, was promptly interpreted to young Foster. Soon afterward the squaws began to clear off a piece of ground, eight or ten rods long and twelve or fifteen feet wide. This they brushed off with great care, making it almost as smooth as a floor. Then there was a grand dance and "pow-wow," which lasted all night. Young Foster, who seemed to have had a good deal of confidence in the Indians, remained throughout the scene, and said that he never saw anything else that would compare with those extraordinary performances. The Indians jumped, and kicked, and howled from end to end of the extempore ball-room, till one might have thought a legion of demons were holding their orgies there, while the woodland arches rang on every side with their shrill, far-reaching, unearthly cries. The whites soon became satisfied that the Indians of this vicinity were not going to injure them; and when the militia was called out in May to march to the assistance of the Illinoisans against Black Hawk, several men of the Otsego settlement joined the command of Col. Isaac Barnes, of Gull Prairie, Kalamazoo Co. They were unmarried, transient men, however, and their names are not remembered. It was soon found that the danger was not as great as had been supposed, and the command only went to Niles or thereabout, being mustered out after a week or two of service. In the latter part of the summer of 1832, Dr. Cyrenius Thompson, a physician from Ohio, who had quit the practice of the profession and had moved into township 1, range 12 (Otsego), erected a framed house in the adjoining township west (now Gun Plain), and moved into it early in the autumn of that year, becoming the first white resident of that township. It was not a very elegant mansion, the boards being fastened perpendicularly to the frame with wooden pins, yet it is entitled to notice as the first framed house in the two counties,-so far, at least, as we can ascertain. In 1832, also, the first post-office in the counties of Allegan and Barry was established by the government; Samuel Foster, of township 1, range 12, being appointed the first postmaster. Another early event of much importance was the first marriage in the two counties, which as nearly as can be ascertained was a double one, which occurred in December, 1832, A. L. Cotton being wedded to Mary Sherwood, and Erastus Jackson to Ann Sherwood, her sister. Mr. Cotton and the two brides were all residents of township 1, range 12 (Otsego), but Mr. Jackson was from Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., and the officiating justice of the peace was Col. Isaac Barnes, of Gull Prairie, in the last-named county. The next marriage, which occurred during the following October, was between another of the same family, Miss Martha Sherwood, and Mr. Oka Town, who then lived in Kalamazoo County, though he has for the last forty-six years been a resident of Otsego. The officiating minister was Rev. William Jones, of Gull Prairie, who came on foot and waded the Kalamazoo River for the purpose of performing the ceremony. Quite a number of new settlers located in the present townships of Otsego and Gun Plain in 1833, and a Baptist Church-the first church in the two counties-was organized in the latter locality in that year. Not a solitary emigrant, however, made his home in Allegan County outside of these two townships, Mr. Butler's family remaining the sole white occupants of all the rest of the county (except, perhaps, two or three keepers of Indian trading-posts), while in Barry County there was but one more settler during the year, viz., Orville Barnes, who located himself on the same section as Parker, in the present township of Prairieville. The following extract from the Territorial laws of 1833 describes the first road provided for in the two counties under consideration. The " middle village" mentioned in it was an Indian village near the line between Thornapple and Yankee Springs townships: " SEC. 8. That a Territorial road shall be laid out and established, beginning at the middle village (so called), in Barry County, thence on the most direct and eligible route through or near to Gun River Plain, to the Territorial road, near the forks of the Paw Paw (so called); and William Duncan, Cornelius Northrop, and Carlos Barnes are hereby appointed commissioners to lay out and establish said road. * * * * * * -a a "Provided that no part of the expense of laying out said roads, or damage accruing to persons through whose lands either of said roads may pass, shall be paid out of the Territorial treasury. "Approved March 29, 1833." In 1833 or 1834, Louis Campau built a house, out of EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 33 timber cut on the spot with a whip-saw, near Green Lake, in the present township of Leighton, Allegan Co., where he established an Indian trading-post, but no permanent settlement was made there until several years later. At this time speculation had become rampant throughout the country, especially in the West, and speculators and capitalists were constantly wandering through the wilds of Michigan in search of locations for future cities. In 1834 a party of capitalists residing in Boston, Mass., and Rochester, N. Y., purchased the lands on both sides of the Kalamazoo, at the rapids of that river, in township 2 north, range 13 west, and also bought large tracts in the surrounding country. Here they projected the city of Allegan and immediately sent on workmen to make a beginning; the first actual settlement being made by Leander S. Prouty and family, who descended the Kalamazoo on a raft for that purpose. The details of the early improvements in Allegan are given in the history of that village. The same year (1834) the first settlement in township 1, range 9 (now Barry township, Barry Co.), was made by Moses Lawrence, who is noted in local history as having entered the first land, built the first cabin, preached the first sermon, and set out the first fruit-trees in that township. In the autumn of 1834, also, Calvin G. Hill began the settlement of the north part of Barry County, selecting a location on the site of the village of Middleville, in the present township of Thornapple. The only new township settled in the two counties in 1835 was No. 1, in range 13, now Trowbridge, in Allegan County, one of the pioneers there in that year being Leander S. Prouty; already mentioned as the first settler in Allegan. About thirty laborers were also at work on the various improvements begun in Allegan village. This year Allegan County was organized, as stated in the chapter relating to organization (Chapter XIII.), and at the first election in the autumn was found to contain sixty-one voters. As near as can be estimated, there were then about a dozen voters in Barry County, including six or eight who had settled in town 1, range 10 (Prairieville), that year. It was not until 1836 that the tide of emigration got under full headway. In that year settlements were made in the present townships of Martin, Watson, Monterey, and Manlius, in Allegan County, and in Hastings, Yankee Springs, Orangeville, Rutland, Carlton, and Johnstown, in Barry County. The first settlement in township 2, range 1 (now Martin), was made in March, 1836, by Mumford Eldred, who selected a little opening which was still occupied by a band of Indians, who were not dispossessed without considerable trouble, the story of which is told in the history of that township. The settlement of township 2, range 2 (now Watson), by William S. Miner and Daniel Leggett, followed within two or three months after that of Martin, and was contemporary with that of township 3, range 13 (now Monterey), by a person bearing the peculiar name of Gil Bias Wilcox. Wayland was also settled in 1836 by Daniel Jackson and Lucius A. Barnes, on the land of Col. Isaac and Mr. George W. Barnes. 5 Thus, by the latter part of 1836, nearly all of the western half of Allegan County was settled to the extent of having at least one family in each township. The exceptional townships in that half were No. 4, in range 11, now Leighton (in which there were no whites but the keepers of the trading-post); Nos. 3 and 4, in range 12 (Hopkins and Dorr); and No. 4, in range 13 (Salem). But not alone in Eastern Allegan were the axes of the pioneers heard resounding in all directions throughout the spring, summer, and autumn of 1836. New settlers made their appearance at Saugatuck, near the mouth of the Kalamazoo, with minds intent on lumbering and tanning; and during the same year John Allen, of Ann Arbor, laid out the city of Richmond, a few miles up that river, in township 3, range 15, now known as Manlius, sending Ralph R. Mann thither with a number of workmen, in the fall, to make a settlement. Turning to Barry County, we find it too all astir with emigrants and land-seekers of various kinds. The old Indian trail from the Pottawattamie village, on the site of Kalamazoo, to the " rapids of Grand River" (now more concisely designated as Grand Rapids), passed through Gull Prairie, in the present township of Richmond, Kalamazoo Co., and thence northward through the present townships of Prairieville, Orangeville, Yankee Springs, and Thornapple, by way of the Indian Middle Village, in Barry County, and thence down the Thornapple River. The emigrants and other travelers naturally followed the same route, and by 1836 there was a well-defined road along the old trail, although as yet no surveyor had designated any portion of it as a highway. On this road, near the northwest corner of section 35, township 3, range 10 (now Yankee Springs), and near some fine springs of delicious water, a man named Calvin Lewis and a Mr. Tryon built a log house in the year 1836. Lucius A. Barnes (now of Wayland, Allegan Co.), of whom we have already spoken, while returning from a trip to the North, came to the point named just as Lewis was about to raise his house, and helped in the task. In a few months Calvin Lewis and Mr. Tryon transferred the place to a brother of the former, William Lewis, who denominated his log tavern the " Mansion House," and hung a sign bearing that name on an oak-tree standing near the door. It attained a widespread reputation, but was generally known as the Yankee Springs House.* * The origin of this name dates back to the previous year, when Henry Leonard and family, including a youth named Charles Paul, were moving into Thornapple. They were from one of the New England States, and while they were stopping for luncheon at the excellent springs mentioned above, a stranger joined them, who was also from that part of the Union. One of the party remarked, "We are all Yankees," and suggested that the springs should be called Yankee Springs. Charles Paul hewed the bark off the side of a large oak, and cut the words "Yankee Springs" upon it. The name was adopted by the public. Lewis' tavern became known as the Yankee Springs House, and finally the township received the same appellation. All accounts agree that the Yankee Springs House was one of the very best hotels ever known in the pioneer days. Its glories were celebrated, in the lines quoted below, by George Torrey, Sr., in the Kalamazoo felegraph, in 1844. The springs, it is true, were not on HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICtIIGAN. *~. Township No. 2, range 10 (now Orangeville), which adjoined the one just mentioned on the south, was settled the same year-1836-by George Brown, John Patton, and Joshua J. Pease. The same season Lorenzo Cooley and a Mr. De Groat came and made a beginning in the way of improvement near the eastern shore of Long Lake, in township No. 3, range 9 (now Rutland), lying directly east of Yankee Springs. Passing eastward on the same line, we find that in August, 1836, several residents of Marshall, who had already bought a large tract of land on the Thornapple River, in township 3, range 8, organized a company known as the Hastings Company, which immediately set laborers at work building a saw-mill on the site of the city of Hastings, and proceeded to lay out a village at that point. Township No. 1, in range 8, now Johnstown, was settled in the fall of 1836 by Harlow Merrill, his location being made in the east half of the northeast quarter of section 35. Still another township was added in 1836 to the list of those which could be described as "settled," in the two counties under consideration in this work. This was No. 4, in range 8, lying directly north of Hastings, and 1now known as Carlton, the first settlement in which was made in September, 1836, on the banks of the north branch of Thornapple River, near the centre of the township, by Samuel and Harrison Wickham and George Fuller. Township 1. in range 7 (Assyria), was also settled in 1836, the first pioneer being Joseph S. Blaisdell, who located on section 36, in the southwest corner, a mile or two from a couple of Indian villages, the inhabitants of which were his nearest neighbors in Barry County until the following March. This brings the list of settled townships in Barry County at the close of 1836 up to nine, while in Allegan County there were ten. During the session of the Legislature of the half-way State (for Michigan, though provided with a State government, was not admitted into the Union until the fore-part of 1837), that body had provided roads for the gathering tide of emigrants so far as ijt could do so by the mere authorization of State roads without expense to the State, care being taken to insert in every law of the kind a provision that no part of the burden of either surveying or making such roads should be borne by the State. The roads through either Allegan or Barry authorized by the the direct road from "Detroit to Kalamazoo," but then something must doubtless be allowed for poetic license: " Did you ever go out to Grand River, From Detroit to Kalamazoo, In a wagon without any kiver, Through a country that looks very new? "If you're hungry, and wish for a dinner, Breakfast, supper, and lodgings to boot, If you're a Turk, a Christian, or sinner, Yankee Springs is the place that will suit. "The landlord's a prince of his order, Yankee Lewis, whose fame and renown, Far and near throughout Michigan's border, Is noised about country and town." Legislature of 1836, as shown by the session laws of that year, are as follows: Road running from Allegan eastward through the county-seats of Barry, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, and terminating at Howell, the county-seat of Livingston County. Joseph Fisk, of Allegan County, Charles G. Hill, of Barry County, and J. B. Crane, of Livingston County, were appointed commissioners to lay it out. Road beginning at Allegan, running thence to the " old county seat of Van Buren County" (Lawrence), thence to Niles, and thence to the Indiana State line. Ninian Abbott, E. G. Nichols, and Hull Sherwood, Jr., were appointed commissioners. Road from Grand Haven to Allegan. Calvin T. Warner, of Allegan, and William Hathaway and Nathan H. White, of Grand Haven, were appointed commissioners. Road from the Grand River turnpike, about two miles south of the base-line, in Wayne County, westward near the base-line to the vicinity of the Kalamazoo River, and thence by the most practicable route to Allegan. Enoch Baker, Alanson Crossman, and Charles Thayer, commissioners. Road from Allegan to the mouth of North Black River. Ira Burdick, John E. Brackett, and Enoch Baker, commissioners. Road from Edwardsburg,-in Cass County, by way of Cassopolis, Volinia, and Paw Paw to Allegan. David Crane, Jacob Silver, and John L. Shearer, commissioners. It will be observed that every one of these roads terminates at Allegan, which may be accounted for by the fact that Ron. Elisha Ely, one of the proprietors of that village, was a member of the Legislature of 1836. The year 1837 opened with popular excitement still intense and emigration still active. Nearly everybody expected to become rich through the rise of land, and especially of city lots. Surveyors were kept constantly busy running out the lines of newly-selected lands, and some of the earliest pioneers made a good living merely by showing desirable tracts to new-comers. Few emigrants located in the dark pine forests of Western Allegan, the only new township invaded that year in that region being No. 2 in range 15, now known as Clyde, whither Jacob Bailey led a party of laborers and began the erection of a saw-mill, as the agent of a New York firm. In Eastern Allegan no new township was settled. But in Barry County the tide was as strong as ever, four new townships hearing the woodman's axe reverberating through their previously unbroken forests during the year 1837. In that year A. E. Bull built a cabin and made his home in the southeast corner of section 33, township 4, range 9 (now Irving), having purchased a forty-acre lot there in 1836, as well as a much larger tract in the adjoining township to the south, now known as Rutland. His purchase was mostly prairie-land, and the locality is known as Bull's Prairie to this day. This was near the site of Campau's trading-post, kept by Moreau, as already mentioned. Township 4, range 7 (now Woodland), was first settled in the autumn of 1837, by Samuel S. and Jonathan Haight PIONEERING IN GENERAL. 35.... and Charles Galloway, who all located on section 15, near the centre of the township. Lorenzo Mudge made the first improvement in the adjoining township on the south (now Castleton) in 1837, having purchased the southeast quarter of section 32 on the south line of the township, where for eight months his family resided alone, his wife not seeing the face of a white woman during that period. Township 2 in range 7, now known as Maple Grove, like Castleton, was first occupied on its southern border, and like it was settled in 1837, though probably a few months earlier in the year. Eli Lapham, its first pioneer, was obliged to leave his family several weeks at Cleveland Ellis' house, in Assyria, while he prepared a home for them on section 35 in Maple Grove. Thus, at the close of 1837, fourteen out of the sixteen townships of Barry County had been occupied by one or more settlers each, while only eleven of the twenty-four townships of Allegan County contained any other inhabitants than Indians and wild animals. For the benefit of the numerous emigrants, as well as for that of the old settlers (for all who had been in Michigan over a year were thus designated), a new crop of State roads was provided by the Legislature of 1837 and 1838, subject, as before, to the provision that the people of each county should lay them out and work them. These were as follows: Road from Marshall, Calhoun Co., by Verona, through the south part of Prairieville, and through Gun Plains to Allegan. C. W. Spaulding, of Prairieville, Silas F. Littlejolin, of Allegan, and Cephas A. Smith were appointed commissioners. A road from Bellevue, Eaton Co., to Hastings, the county-seat of Barry County. Andrew L. Hays, Reuben Fitzgerald, and Jeremiah P. Woodberry, commissioners. Road from Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., through Gull Prairie, on the most eligible route to Grandville, in the county of Kent. George Torry, Isaac Barns, and Roswell Britain, commissioners. Road from the county-seat of Kalamazoo County to the county-seat of Barry County. Mumford Eldred, Jr., Isaac Otis, and John Mills appointed commissioners. At this period (1837) the general inflation of the currency by " wild-cat" banks, and the consequent reckless speculation in land and other property, culminated in a great financial collapse, the most distressing ever known in the United States. Nearly all the business enterprises of the West were stricken with financial palsy, and even emigration moved with an exceedingly slow pace for several years. Settlers came slowly into the townships already occupied, and it took no less than twenty-one years even to make a beginning in all of the others. In 1838 a commencement was only made in three,-now known as Hopkins, Pine Plains, and Ganges, all in Allegan County. Cheshire, Allegan Co., was first occupied in 1839; Leighton, in the same county, in 1840; Fillmore, same county, 1841; Baltimore and Hope, Barry Co., 1842; Casco, Allegan Co., 1845; Laketown, same county, 1847; Overisel, same county, 1848; Heath, 1850; Salem, 1851; Lee, 1858. A general view of the hardships undergone and the difficulties conquered by the pioneers of Allegan and Barry Counties is given in the following chapter. The names of the settlers in each township, with numerous incidents connected with them, are given in the separate township histories. CHAPTER IX. PIONEERING IN GENERAL. Two Classes of Settlers-Mill-Builders and Farmers-Settling on Prairies-Oak-Openings and Timber-Lands-Picture of an Emigrant Family on their Way-A Preliminary Cabin-Preparing Logs-The Raising-The Axeman's Task-The Whisky-Jug-An Aristocratic Mansion-Pioneer Chairs and Bedstead-Friendly Indians-Clearing Land-Scientific Tree-Chopping-The LoggingBee-Skill and Labor-Excitement and Dirt-Fence-BuildingBreaking Up-Deer and Bear-Wolves-Fever and Ague. IN the preceding chapter we have sketched an outline of the course of settlement in the two counties of Allegan and Barry. In this one we purpose to give a general idea of the scenes passed through by the pioneers after their arrival. It is true that many of them still survive, and need no county history to tell them the story of the hardships they have endured, and that others of the people have often heard from parents and friends the same absorbing tale. Nevertheless, some of our readers will doubtless be new-comers, who never knew the joys and woes of pioneer life, and it is to be hoped that a few copies of our work will survive to a day when all the forests shall have been swept from the surface of Michigan, and when the last survivor of the pioneer army shall have passed away. The settlers of Michigan were of two classes,-one composed of men with more or less capital, who erected mills and went to lumbering, and who usually laid out villages wherever there was a promising locality, and in some places where it required a very sanguine temperament to see any promise whatever; the other comprising the pioneers proper, who were usually poor, who purchased from the United States from forty to a hundred and sixty acres of land each, and who then set themselves to work to clear off and cultivate their farms with their own hands. It is of these that we speak here. In many cases the emigrant came on foot, selected his land, cleared a little piece of ground, built a cabin, and then returned East for his family. Some of the very first settlers in Allegan and Barry found small prairies, where the plow could be put at work at once. Others were able to obtain " oak-openings," where the timber was scattered, and where comparatively little work was required to fit the land for cultivation. But the large majority were obliged to content themselves with homes in the dense forest, where the soil, indeed, was generally fertile, but where the severest labors were necessary ere it could be made to yield up the wealth which was hidden within it. Those who were able to make beginnings and then bring their families belonged to the more " fore-handed" class of emigrants. Many brought their families with them in the first place. Some had horse-teams, but probably a decided majority of the settlers in Western Michigan, between 1830 and 1845, came behind ox-teams. These patient, cheap, ,-1- Ile.~ HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.. and hardy animals were much better adapted than horses to the terrible roads of those days, and possessed the further advantage of being always transmissible into beef in case of accident to them or scarcity in the family. Sometimes two or three yoke of cattle were hitched to a single wagon, and they were pretty sure to be needed on the early roads of Michigan. A picture of one emigrant family with its appurtenances on its way to Western Michigan would do for thousands of others, and we will take a look at one in imagination as a type of its class. A big substantial wagon is seen, surmounted with hoops, on which is stretched a sheet of heavy canvas which was once white, but which is now stained with every one of the seventy or eighty different kinds of mud to be found between Detroit and Battle Creek. Two sturdy yoke of cattle pull it slowly along the forest roadway, now moving easily over a comparatively dry track, and anon straining every muscle to drag the vehicle from some almost fathomless mud-hole puddle, or some unbridged creek. By their side, with long ox-goad in hand, marches a tall pioneer, the type of a class which has subdued a continent. His hair is unkempt and his face is darkly bronzed by exposure and toil, but his eye flashes with native intelligence, and his features are marked all over with the signs of indomitable will and unflinching courage. His form is long and slim and gaunt, but, except the skin and the bones, it is composed entirely of muscle, and every muscle is as tough as a rawhide whip-lash. There is no danger that he will not face, no hardship he will not undergo, no experiment he is not ready to try, if necessary, and yet his cool, sound judgment and unemotional nature prevent him from indulging in either rashness or bravado. On the front seat of the wagon sits a woman who may be the counterpart of her husband in strength and determination, but is quite likely to show the delicate features so common among American women, worn with toil and surmounted by sad eyes, which look with dread on the dark forest by which they are surrounded, and in which they are to make themselves a new home. Beside her sits the oldest girl, red-cheeked, blue-eyed, and curly-haired, her features glowing with youth, and very probably resplendent with a delicate beauty not to be found out of America in persons of no higher position in life. If you lift a corner of the canvas and glance inside, you will find the whole space below the hoops crammed full of beds, bedding, provisions, a few simple articles of furniture, and probably two or three children stowed away wherever it is most convenient. A cow and a few young cattle probably follow in the rear, driven by a youngster of fourteen, who is alternately shouting at his charge and grumbling to himself because he is not as fortunate as his big brother of eighteen, who is out on the flank with his father's rifle. If he could only carry that rifle through the woods for a day, he knows he could kill a deer, and perhaps a bear. Oh, if he could only kill a bear his highest hopes would be satisfied, and he would aspire to no loftier ambition on this earth. Day after day, from 1830 to 1845 or later, such cortdges as we have described were to be seen making their way through the wild of Western Michigan to the various townships of Allegan and Barry. If there were no settlers in the locality which the head of the family selected for his new home, a little cabin was hastily constructed of small logs, which he and his boys could handle, and covered with bark or grass, a blanket serving as a door and ample cracks taking the place of windows. If there were a few settlers within two or three miles of the selected place, the emigrant's family was probably sheltered in one of them until a log house could be built. New-comers were always warmly welcomed by their predecessors, partly, no doubt, from natural kindness, and partly because each arrival helped to redeem the forest from its forbidding loneliness, and added to the value of improvements already made. Suitable trees for a house were speedily felled and cut into logs from fourteen to twenty feet long, according to the wealth and pretensions of the builder. When these were ready a man or boy was sent to all the pioneers for miles around to summon them to the " raising." It was rare indeed that one failed to respond, for a raising not only added another house to the township, but was usually the occasion of a jollification, furnishing one of the few recreations of frontier life. On the day specified, perhaps only a.dozen men would be collected from as many square miles, but all would be able to handle their axes as easily as the deftest clerk flourishes his pen. The logs already cut were drawn by oxen to the desired spot, and four of the largest were selected as a foundation. Four of the most active and expert men were designated to build the corners. They began by cutting a kind of saddle at the ends of two of the logs. Notches to fit these saddles were cut in the other logs, and then they were laid upon the first ones. The operation was repeated again and again, the four axemen constantly shaping the logs, which were quickly raised by their comrades. Arrived at a height of six or eight feet, rafters made of poles from the forest were placed in position, and if a supply of " shakes" (rough, hard-wood shingles, three feet long) had been provided, the roof was at once constructed, the gableend being formed of logs successively shortened to the pinnacle. Then a place for a door was sawed out, and another for a window (if the proprietor aspired to such a convenience), and the principal work of the architects was done. They were usually cheered in their labors, and rewarded at the end of them, by the contents of a jug of whisky; for it must have been a very poor neighborhood indeed in which a few quarts of that article could not be obtained for great occasions. Afterward the proprietor made a door of rough boards, built a fireplace of stone, surmounted by a stick chimney well plastered with mud, and perhaps put in a glass window and a board floor. A log house eighteen feet square, with a shingle roof, a board floor, and a window containing six lights of glass, was a decidedly stylish residence, and its owner was in some danger of being disliked as a bloated aristocrat. The furniture was often as primitive as the houses. Most families brought a bed and some bedding with them, and if they added a bedstead and three or four chairs, it showed that they belonged to the higher classes. Substitutes for the latter were frequently made by splitting a slab out of a PIONEERING IN GENERAL. ~' ~ -I log, boring four holes in the corners, and inserting four legs manufactured with equal expedition. A bedstead was almost as easily constructed, four posts being quickly hewed out, holes bored in them, and poles inserted on which a rope was strung,-that is, if the family had ropes enough for the purpose. In some extreme cases strips of bark supplied their places. Usually the emigrant brought a small stock of provisions with him, for food he knew he must have. These, however, were frequently exhausted before he could raise a supply. Then he depended on his neighbors, and on the game he could shoot or could buy from the Indians. The latter still occupied several villages in the two counties. They were almost invariably friendly to the whites, and frequently sold them food at very reasonable rates, asking but a quarter of a dollar for a "saddle" of venison,that is, the two hind-quarters of a deer, large or small. They also frequently helped in raising houses, being especially fond of the whisky dispensed on such occasions. The following chapter is devoted to the Indians of that period. After building a house, the next task was to clear a piece of land. If the pioneer had arrived very early in' the season, he might possibly get half an acre of woods out of the way, so as to plant a little corn the same spring, especially if his land was wholly or partly " oak-openings." If not, his ambition was usually limited to getting three or four acres ready for winter wheat by the first of September. To do this he worked early and late, fortunate-very fortunate-if his hand was not stayed by the ague, that dreaded scourge of all new countries. The first move, of course, was to fell the trees, but even this was a work of science. It was the part of the expert woodman to make them all lie in one direction, so they could be easily rolled together. Then they were cut into logs from fourteen to eighteen feet long, and the brush was cut up and piled. When the latter had become dry it was fired, and the land quickly burned over, leaving the blackened ground and charred logs. Next came the logging. When the piece was small the pioneer would probably "change work," so as to obtain a couple of helpers, and the three would log an acre a day, one driving the team and two using handspikes, and thus dragging and- rolling the logs into piles convenient fobr burning. The first dry weather these too were fired; the brands were watched and heaped together, and when all were consumed the land was ready for the plow. Even an ordinary day in the logging-field was a sufficiently sooty and disagreeable experience, bqt was as nothing compared with a "logging-bee." When a tract of several acres was to be logged, the neighbors were invited from far and near to a bee. Those who had oxen brought them; the others provided themselves with cant-hooks and handspikes. The officer of the day, otherwise known as the " boss," who was usually the owner of the land, gave the necessary directions, designating the location of the various heaps, and the work began. The charred and blackened logs were rapidly drawn (or " snaked," according to the common term) alongside the heap, and then the handspike brigade quickly rolled them on to it. Another and another were dragged up in rapid succession, the hand spike-men being always ready to put it right if it caught against an obstacle. As it tore along the ground the black dust flew up in every direction, and when a collision occurred the sooty zephyrs arose in treble volume. Soon every man was covered with a thick coat of black, involving clothes, hands, and face in a darkness which no mourning-garb ever equaled. But the work went on with increasing speed. The spirit of rivalry broke forth, and each sooty trio or quartette strove to make the quickest trips and the highest piles. It is even said by old loggers that the oxen would become almost as excited as the men, and would " snake" the logs into place with ever-increasing energy. Teams that understood their business would stand quiet while the chain was being hitched, then spring with all their might, taking a bee-line to the log heap, and halt as soon as they came abreast of it. They had not the benefit, either, of the stimulus applied to the men, for the whiskyjug was in frequent circulation. There was a good chance, too, for the men to show their skill in ox-driving. Some never hitched to a log their cattle could not draw, and always made them draw the one they did hitch to. Others were constantly hitching to the wrong log or failing to get the right one to the heap. But as the day went on there was an increasing tendency to depend less on skill and more on main strength and recklessness. Faster and faster sped the men and teams to and fro, harder strained the handspike heroes to increase the pile, higher flew the clouds of dust and soot. Careless of danger, men sprang in front of rolling logs or bounded over them as they went whirling among the stumps. Accidents sometimes happened, but those who have been on the scene only express wonder that they were so few, and that half the necks of those present were not broken. As the day draws to a close a thick cloud covers the field, through which are seen a host of sooty forms,-four-legged ones with horns, and two-legged one with handspikes,pulling, running, lifting, shouting, screaming, giving the most vivid idea of Pandemonium that a farmer's life ever offers, until night descends, and the tired yet still excited laborers return to their homes, clothed in blackness, and the terror of even the most careless of housewives. But the work is done. The land would perhaps be sown for winter wheat, perhaps reserved for corn and potatoes in the spring. The next thing in order was fence-building. Sometimes a temporary one was constructed by piling brush together around the edge of the clearing, but this was a poor defense against a steer that was really in earnest, and if it was retained after the first year the owner would incur the reproach of " shiftlessness," that chief of sins to the Yankee mind. The universal reliance of the pioneer's heart was the old-fashioned " Virginia rail-fence." When winter had put an end to other work, the sturdy settler, armed with axe, and beetle, and iron wedge, and wooden wedges, tramped through the snow to the big oaks, elms, and walnuts already selected, working late and early to convert them into great three-cornered rails twelve feet long and facing six or eight inches on a side. Many young men made a specialty of splitting rails, and there was frequently oon HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. siderable rivalry as to the number which the respective knights of the beetle and wedge could produce in a day. To fell the trees, cut them into logs, and split a hundred rails was considered a fair day's work for an ordinary hand, and two hundred for a good hand, but some would improve even on the latter number. Breaking up the soil was also made a specialty by some of the settlers. In the heavily-timbered land it was soft, and the owner could break it as easily as in the East, with one or two yoke of cattle. In the " openings" the ground was tougher and three yoke were employed, while on the open prairie the matted turf, bound together with innumerable long, strong grass-roots, required four yoke of cattle to tear it apart and overturn it, though sometimes a less number were used. It is scarcely necessary to say that when the county was first settled wild game was found in abundance. Deer were frequently seen from the settler's cabin-door nibbling at the edge of his wheat-field, and sometimes a drove of from twenty to thirty would be found feeding at night on some secluded grain-field or grass-grown " opening." As the pioneers were usually expert with the rifle, many a fine haunch of venison rewarded their moonlight vigils. An occasional bear, too, which in its desire for pork ventured too near an emigrant's cabin, was sometimes brought low by a deadly bullet, but these were rare cases. Fish, however, was abundant in all the streams, and furnished a welcome relief from the salt pork, potatoes, and "johnnycake," which formed a large part of the emigrant's usual sustenance. Besides the deer and the bear, there was another wild animal, which, indeed, could not be utilized by the settlers for food, but which might possibly use him for that purpose, and which was certain to engage a portion of the thoughts of every pioneer who tried to keep sheep. The " wolf's long howl" was heard on every hillside by the first pioneers, and woe to the unlucky sheep which was not in safe quarters when night came down upon the forest! But the most dangerous enemy of the early settlers of Allegan and Barry was no four-legged wanderer of the woods, but a foe which entered every household in spite of bolts and bars, seized upon old and young with undiscriminating fury, and, if it did not slay them outright, often made them wish for the presence of death. This was the celebrated monster of the West, the fever and ague. This disease ruled in Michigan with more than imperial sway. If there was a solitary one of the early settlers who did not at one time or another own the power of Lord Feverand-Ague, we have yet to learn his or her name. In fact, its blessings were so widely enjoyed and are so vividly remembered that it is needless to describe them, especially as no description could do the subject justice, and as, moreover, there are enough cases occurring at the present time to give an idea of the old enemy. A. D. P. Van Buren, Esq., of Kalamazoo County, very vigorously presents some of the characteristics of the disease in an article reproduced in the history of that county, from which we quote the following vivid paragraph regarding some of its results: " There were several phases to this complaint. Some had it every 4ay, some every other day; As it began with you, so it continued.: o: It opened the account with you at such an hour on such a day, and then put in its appearance a little later every day or every other day, until your morning shake was changed to one at sunset or midnight. The cold sensation increased in severity until it culminated in shaking the life nearly out of you; then by degrees it waxed and waned perceptibly less till it left you. The ' fits' came so regularly that the settler made his calculations by it. His calendar was divided into well-days and ague-days. The minister made his appointments to preach so as to accommodate his ' shakes.' The justice entered the suit on his docket to avoid the sick-day of the party or his own. The constable watched the well-day of the witness to get him into court, and the lawyer adjourned his case on account of his ague-day. The housewife regulated her affairs by it,-she would do up her work, and sit and wait for the ague, as for a visitor to come. And the pioneer gallant went sparking on his well-night, and then he sometimes found his Dulcinea 'sitting up' with the ' fever'n ague.' " After that there is nothing more to be said about pioneering. The fever and ague was the cap-sheaf of the settler's experience. CHAPTER X. INDIANS IN THE PIONEER DAYS. The Migratory Ottawas and Pottawattamies-Coming up the LakeMackinaw Boats-Going up the Rivers-Passing the Riffles-Scattering over the Iunting-Grounds-Chasing the Deer-Indian Trails -Ponies-Ottawa Chiefs-Spearing Fish-Making Sugar-Indian Sap-Buckets-Mococks-Going Back-Roasting the White DogA Great Jollification-Removal of the Dead-The Pottawattamies go West-Decrease of Annual Expeditions-Permanent VillagesThe Selkrig Colony-Indians in Martin-The Middle Village-Two Villages in Assyria-A Band in Prairieville. DURING the first ten years of white settlement in Allegan and Barry Counties the Indians were almost as numerous and active as they had ever been. As had been their custom for more than a hundred and fifty years, most of the Ottawas spent the summer in the vicinity of Mackinaw, and came up Lake Michigan in the autumn to hunt. With these were mingled large numbers of Pottawattamies, from the banks of the St. Joseph (though they were not as numerous as the Ottawas), for the two tribes still, as of yore, occupied their hunting-grounds in common. In fact, so closely had they become united that some of the Pottawattamnies made their summer home at Mackinaw, remaining with their Ottawa friends year after year, while a few of the latter were to be found raising corn and beans in summer far south of the Kalamazoo. After the corn was harvested at Mackinaw, in the latter part of October or fore-part of November, the watcher on the shore of Lake Michigan might have seen, when there was a favorable wind, a gallant fleet of the celebrated Mackinaw boats sweeping southward before the breeze. If there was no wind, or none in the right direction, one or more Indians would go on shore from each boat, and tow it up the lake by means of a long rope made of birch-bark. As the fleet came nearer, the spectator would see a host of boats which, probably, combined size and lightness more fully than any others in the world. Twenty to thirty feet long, made of great strips of birch-bark stretched upon light ribs of cedar, and carefully sewed together with cords made of the inner bark or of deer-skin, the seams being well pitched to keep out the water, the Mackinaw boat INDIANS IN TIIE PIONEER DAYS. 39 would carry the whole family of an Ottawa warrior (consisting of himself, three or four squaws, and an indefinite number of children of various sizes), blankets, guns, fishingtackle, and an ample supply of dried corn for the winter's use. It is believed by those conversant with the subject that a Mackinaw boat would carry ten tons, and yet it was so light that when unloaded it could easily be borne by two men. A slender cedar mast was erected in it, which usually supported a cloth sail, but sometimes, when the owner was too poor for that, he supplied its place by a piece of the heavy matting woven out of bark by the squaws for the material of a tent. The boats sailed very handsomely on the lake before a light wind, though of course they would hardly weather a severe storm. Arriving in this region, the fleet would perhaps turn up the Grand River, to be followed the next day by one which would ascend the Kalamazoo, and these again by others, going up the same or other streams. A hundred boats have been known to ascend one of these rivers at once; each bearing a family which would probably number on the average ten persons. Sometimes two small families would occupy one boat, but usually the domestic establishment of one polygamous brave was considered enough for the capacity even of a Mackinaw boat. On up the streams went the frail vessels, the head of the family invariably sitting in the stern and steering, while the squaws did the harder work of paddling the boat against the often rapid tide,-up the Kalamazoo to Allegan, to Otsego, and even to Kalamazoo; up Grand River, and sometimes up the Thornapple to the centre of Barry County, for no slight obstacle would stop them. If a bit of low water or an unusually rapid riffle was encountered, all sprang out; the squaws loaded themselves with the freight in the boat, while a couple of Indians shouldered the boat itself, one under the prow and one under the stern, and passed rapidly around the obstacle. A similar methodwas used when it was desired to cut across a neck of land and avoid paddling around a long bend in the river. Each brave selected his own place for winter headquarters, though sometimes several located together. Unless they were much crowded, they chose a place on the bank of a stream navigable by their canoes. They carried light cedar tent-poles with them, and each family could put up its tent, move its household goods (consisting mostly of dried corn) into it, and be ready for keeping house within fifteen minutes from the time of arrival. Then the hunters scattered out over the hills of Allegan and Barry. As an old settler said, " The woods were alive with them." Every head of a family had a gun. Of the younger Indians some had guns, while others were still forced to content themselves with bows and arrows. But all were alike eager for the sport. They knew the drinkingplaces and the salt-licks to which the deer resorted, and could often waylay and shoot them down with but slight exertion. But if his intended victims 'became too wary for easy slaughter, the son of the forest hesitated at no toils necessary to accomplish his object. For, notwithstanding the apparent indolence and selfishness with which he abandoned the labors of the field to his squaws, he did not shirk his duty, " as he understood it." That duty embraced the fatigues and dangers of war and the chase, and nothing else. Of the pleasures of war the Ottawas and Pottawattamies had been largely deprived since their complete conquest by the United States, but the chase still remained. It was followed with ardor through the closing weeks of autumn, but it was when the white mantle of winter covered all the land that the brave girded his loins for the severest toil. Over hill and dale, over ice and snow, through chilling stream and tangled undergrowth, he pursued the track of the deer with unwavering patience and unflinching endurance. Arriving at length in the vicinity of the quarry (the nearness of which he could discern with extraordinary sagacity), his approaches are made with a skill equaling that of the profoundest military strategist. Creeping slowly and stealthily, with half-frozen feet, a mile or more, to gain the side of the doomed animal away from the wind, lying prone in a snow-bank to lull its half-aroused suspicions, standing so quiet behind a tree that he seems a part of it, he at length gains the long-desired opportunity, and a bullet from his rifle brings the stately animal to the ground. With a yell in which lingers some of the glory of the old scalphunting times, the hunter bounds forward to cut the throat of his victim, and then, after hanging the carcass on a tree, out of reach of the wolves, presses on with undiminished zeal to fresh toils and fresh conquests. Perhaps he returns and carries the animal to camp, but more probably he informs his squaw (or squaws) of its whereabouts, who skin and quarter it and carry it home. Meat was of course abundant, and a white man could always buy a fine "saddle" of venison (that is, the two hind quarters) for twenty-five cents. Though accustomed to the most distant and most uncertain excursions in search of game, yet, in traveling from one well-known locality to another, the Indians usually followed one trail year after year in all its windings, marching one after the other in the well known " Indian file," and with their own and their ponies' feet wearing a hard, deep path into the ground, barely wide enough for a pony to walk in, but six or eight inches below the surface. Ponies could not of course be brought from Mackinaw in birch-bark canoes, so they were not as common here as at the summer quarters of the Indians, but the Pottawatamies brought up some from the south. Some were kept by the Indians whose permanent homes were in this vicinity, and perhaps a few were brought down from the north by land; at all events, they were not very uncommon here. When an Indian wanted to hitch his pony, he tied his forefeet together, so that he could only travel by jumping like a rabbit, feeling certain that under such circumstances he would not go farther than was necessary to find food. Even this was no slight task, for, when there was no grass, the poor ponies usually had to subsist on browse. Occasionally a particularly prudent or tender-hearted brave would exchange fur or venison with a white man for hay; but this was not common. Nevertheless, the Indian ponies, though small, were hardy and sagacious beasts, well fitted for the service required of them, which was to carry their masters and occasionally a, 40 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I load of tent-material, kettles, etc., from place to place. The half-breed interpreter, Prickett, had a pony at the time in question, which he would lead into a canoe whenever he wished to cross a stream, and which would stand perfectly quiet while his master paddled across; but that was the only case of the kind we have heard of. At this time the head-chief of the Ottawas who came into this region was called Pinlanwan, while the war-chief was Macksawbee. Macksawbee was the best known by the whites, and the Indians who followed him were sometimes called the Macksawbee tribe. They were undoubtedly, however, part of the Ottawa tribe. Pinlanwan and Macksawbee were said to be brothers, and there were three other chiefs who were brothers of those two,-Muckatau, Shawshawqua, and Nimshaqua. About 1840, Pinlanwan was succeeded by Waukezoo as head-chief. When spring opened, new tasks and pleasures awaited the children of the forest; the men went to fishing and the squaws to making maple-sugar. Fish swarmed up the Grand River, the Kalamazoo, and their tributaries, in unlimited quantities. Besides the inevitable and irrepressible "sucker," vast numbers of sturgeon, pike, and other toothsome denizens of the lake sought the shaded recesses of the thousand streams and lakes of Allegan and Barry. Net and hook were brought into requisition for their capture, but the Ottawa brave's favorite implement was the spear. While one paddled the frail canoe at night over lake or stream-the darkness lighted up by a pitch-pine torch in the prow, and the water flashing far away beneath its rays -another stood erect with spear in hand, his fierce eyes peering into the deep as if watching for ambushed foemen there. Attracted, like moths, by the torch, the fish crowded to the side of the canoe, and ever and anon a lightning-like stroke of the spear was followed by the transference of an unlucky sturgeon or pike into the boat. These were dried by the ever-busy squaws, preparatory to transportation to Mackinaw. During the same period the squaws were also engaged in making maple-sugar. One of them would take from fifty to one hundred sap-buckets on her shoulders, and set out for the sugar-bush she designed to drain of its sweetness. It should be explained, however, that an Indian "sapbucket" was simply a piece of birch-bark, about two feet square, which when not in use was perfectly flat. When it was to be used it was soaked a short time in water, then the corners were bent up and sewed together with strips of bark, and behold a sap-bucket" which would hold six or eight quarts. The sap was boiled in brass kettles, most of which had originally been brought from Mackinaw, but which after being used each spring were hidden in holes in the ground, being covered with bark and then with earth, to await the sugar season of the next year. Numerous other articles were thus hidden, such a place of concealment being called a cache,-a French word, pronounced " cash," and meaning a hiding-place. When the sugar was made it was packed in " mococks," another article manufactured from the ever-useful birch bark. These were made with more care than the sapbucket, the corners being notched out, sewed up, and pitched, so as to make a square, permanent bucket, a lid being generally sewed on with fine strips of bark. Mococks were of all sizes. Some would only hold about a pound of sugar. These were generally adorned with hedgehogs' quills, stained with bright colors, and presenting quite a fanciful appearance. From this size they increased in capacity until the largest would hold one hundred and fifty pounds of sugar. They were also used for preserving and transporting dried corn, and for numerous other purposes. When the sugar and fish season was over, the Indians prepared to return to Mackinaw, or to the valley of the St. Joseph. Their kettles and other articles which they did not want to carry with them were put in caches; their dried venison, dried fish, and sugar was packed into their canoes; finally, their tents were struck and placed in the same capacious vessels, and then band after band made its way down the various streams to the lake. Some of their furs they took with them, but a large portion of them were sold to the traders, either during the winter or at the time of leaving. Arrived at the lake, all, or nearly all, of the Indians usually assembled at a destined rendezvous, either at the mouth of Grand River or of the Kalamazoo (or perhaps there would be a crowd at each place), and proceeded to indulge in a grand jubilee. They roasted a white dog. This ceremony seems to have been very widely diffused among the Indians; for it was practiced among the tribes of both Algonquin and Irogqlois race, and is still in use among the feeble remnants of the Six Nations, on their reservations in the State of New York. It seems to have been intended as a kind of sacrifice, the poor canine answering somewhat the purpose of the scapegoat of the Israelites,-the sins of the tribe being deposited on his unlucky head and then burned up with him. Having thus got rid of their sins, the Indians proceeded to get drunk. There may have been some exceptions, but they were so few that it would be substantially correct to say that the whole male portion of the assemblage above the age of childhood gave themselves up to the joys of intoxication. But before beginning operations all their arms were surrendered to the squaws, who took them away into the woods and concealed them. Then the attack on the whisky was begun, and was kept up until both assailants and assailed were completely conquered. The noble red men made no half-way work of it when they set out on a whisky campaign. Burns could not truly have said of them: "They were na fou, but glorious; O'er a' the ills of life victorious." They were most emphatically drunk, and their yells, half jubilant and half ferocious, rang loud and long through the lofty arches of the forest. Many a conflict took place between the warriors, but the squaws kept secret the locality of rifles and tomahawks, and the braves, being reduced to the use of nature's weapons, with which they were not expert, suffered no more severe injury than bloody noses or bruised faces. When the Indians had recovered from their spree they resumed their arms, and then their ladies got drunk in turn. Their jubilee was not as loud nor as exciting as that INDIANS IN THE PIONEER DAYS. 41 _I of their lords, but it was sufficiently so to satisfy their modest desires. The farewell rites being thus celebrated, the assembled thousands speedily embarked, and their hundreds of canoes were soon sweeping rapidly to the northward. If the hunters had had good fortune in this vicinity they would probably make their way directly to Mackinaw, but if not, then they would stop to hunt or fish at different points on the way. If the former was the case, they would take back with them those who had died during their stay in this region. These had been buried at various accustomed places. One was at " Jenner's Rift," at the foot of the Allegan County fair-ground; another on the site of the village of Saugatuck. The birch-bark, which was used for boat, sail, house, carpet, sap-bucket, and sugar-hogshead, was also employed as coffin and shroud; for when a departed Indian or squaw was to be buried, after a hole was excavated and the body placed in it, a covering of birchbark was laid over the corpse to preserve it from contact with the dirt with which the hole was then filled. If the intention was not to sail directly to Mackinaw, but to hunt or fish on their way, the dead were left behind. They were not abandoned, however. Sometimes they were left till the end of the next winter's hunt; sometimes a special visit was made for the purpose of removing them; but removed to Mackinaw they always were. Mr. Knapp, of Allegan, mentions having seen nine bodies taken away from Jenner's Rift at one time, under escort of a large fleet of boats. In silence the long, floating column swept down the turbid stream, the hard, stoical faces of the Indians becoming yet more stern and solemn from the consciousness of their mournful errand. Until about 1840 the annual visits of the Indians continued in full force. At that time the Pottawattamies were removed, in accordance with treaty stipulations, to territory beyond the Mississippi. By this time, too, the presence of so many white settlers had scared away much of the game, and the yearly attendance of the Ottawas began to dwindle in numbers. It gradually fell off during the succeeding ten years, and since the close of that period the Mackinaw boats have scarcely been known on the streams of Allegan and Barry, and the Ottawa hunters have rarely chased the deer through the forests of those counties. Besides the great body of the Ottawas who moved back and forth with the recurring seasons in the manner already described, there were some small bands which stayed in this region throughout the year, having a summer residence in some small openings where the squaws raised corn and beans, and removing a short distance for hunting purposes in the winter. The most prominent of these bands was the one of which " Sagamaw" or " Saginaw"* was the chief, and which in 1838 numbered about one hundred and fifty persons, being located on a peninsula jutting into Gun Lake, on the eastern border of Barry County. In 1838, Right Rev. Samuel A. McCoskry, Episcopal bishop of Michigan, proposed to Sagamaw and his band to locate themselves permanently on a tract of land and go to farming under the protection of the Episcopal Church. (The United States gave some aid to several churches to carry out such a plan in regard to various scattered bands of Indians.) After considerable discussion Sagamaw and his band agreed to the proposition, and in 1839 they took possession of a small tract purchased for their use, though in the name of Bishop McCoskry, situated in the present township of Wayland, near the sheet of water now known as Selkrig Lake. They were placed under the charge of Rev. James Selkrig, and went to farming in a small way under his direction. Sagamaw was killed by a drunken relative in 1845, but Mr. Selkrig continued engaged in his self-imposed task until 1878, when he died. The band, now reduced to about seventy-five persons, still occupies the tract on which it entered in 1839. The farming of the Indians is not very thorough and their houses are far from elegant, yet they support themselves by their own labor, and bear a fair reputation for honesty and morality. A detailed account of the Selkrig mission is given in the township history of Wayland.t noble bearing, of great integrity, and in every way a dignified gentleman. He was called a great orator among his people. He was a true friend to the whites. I have heard him make speeches to his people, and, although I could not understand him, his manner and voice were very interesting, and the effect of his speech on his people was very great. Hlie was the only Indian that I ever saw who was polite and attentive to his squaw. When they came to the store at Schooleraft to do their trading, he would help her off of her pony, and when they were ready to return he would place his hand on the ground by the side of her pony, and she would place one foot in it, and he would lift her with apparently great ease into her saddle, and no white man could have shown more respect and politeness. If he wished for any credit at the store, he had it and paid promptly. Any Indian that he told us it was safe to trust was sure to pay us. He always told us never to trust his son, Cha-na-ba, who was a very worthless fellow." t The most prominent of the Selkrig band was Rev. Henry Jackson, an educated minister, but a full-blooded Indian. His Indian name was Batmmenodenokaid or Storm-Cloud. He was a Chipperwa by birth and a native of Canada, but resided among the Ottawas, while his business frequently called him to the home of the little band of Pottaivattamies remaining on Nottawa Creek, about twenty miles south of the city of Battle Creek, of whom he was the interpreter and agent. The Detroit Post said of him at the time of his death: " He was well educated, and a very intelligent man. He once delivered a lecture in the Seventh-Day Adventists' church, in this city, upon 'The Manners and Customs of the Chippewas,' which drew a large audience, and which proved a highly entertaining and instructive lecture. He was probably better acquainted with the history and traditions of the Indians of Michigan than any other person in the State, and it is to be regretted that some of our State historians, or the secretary of the State Pioneer Society, did not secure these traditions and histories in writing before his death." A. D. P. Van Buren, Esq, of Kalamazoo County, has published the following regarding Jackson and his people: " I well remember Jackson, or ' Storm-Cloud.' He was a forcible speaker, earnest and pathetic in his appeals to his red brethren. His English education, and the knowledge which he had gained in his intercourse with the whites, had aided him much in his labors. One Sabbath morning I had gone with a party of young ladies and gentlemen from the school district north of the mission, where I was then teaching. We arrived at an early hour, and, entering the log -- I * This name has been given us both ways. We believe, however, that the former method is correct, and that he was the same chief who had formerly resided with his band on the reservation at Kalamazoo. That chief is thus described in a letter from A. H. Scott, of St. Joseph, Mich., dated Jan. 9, 1880, and published in the recently-issued history of Kalamazoo County: "In regard to personal characteristics of any noted Indians, etc., I would say that the best specimen of an Indian that I ever saw in those early days was Sag-a-maw, the chief of all the Pottawattamies in and about Kalamazoo County. He was a man of great good sense, of 6 42 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. A still smaller band had its headquarters in a small opening in the present township of Martin. Mumford Eldred, the first settler in the township of Martin, purchased the opening for the purpose of beginning a farm on it. He had considerable difficulty with the Indian occupants, but finally induced them to leave, and subsequently a part of them, at least, joined the Selkrig colony in Wayland. More extended mention is made of them in the township history of Martin. There was another gathering of wigwams near the present south line of Thornapple, which was known as the Middle Village, being about half-way between the village of Matchebenashewish, on the site of Kalamazoo, and the one at the rapids of the Grand River, where the city of Grand Rapids now stands. There were also two villages, containing from twenty to thirty wigwams each, in township 1, range 7 (now Assyria, Barry Co.), and some smaller collections in other parts of the two counties, but the bulk of the Indian population of Western Michigan migrated to and fro in the manner already described. In the winter of 1836-37, Rev. Leonard Slater brought a band of Ottawas, who had been under his charge at Grand Rapids, from that place to what is now the township of Prairieville, where they located themselves on sections 26, 27, and 35, where a combined church and school-house was built for them, and where they remained until 1852. They will receive further mention in the history of Prairieville. CHAPTER XI. THE WOLF RECORD. Reason for giving this Record-First Action of Allegan County Supervisors-Bounties in 1838-Heavy Slaughter in 1839-The County Bounty abolished-Allowances of State Bounty-The County gives Two Dollars in 1840-Three more in 1841-Recipients in 1842-Still more Liberal Allowance-Sixty-four Dollars at onceCounty Bounty reduced to Five Dollars in 1844-Changes from 1847 to 1852-Payments after 1852-Barry County Record-Early Wolf-Scalps sent to Kalamazoo-No County Bounty in Barry at first-Recipients of State Bounty-County Bounty granted in 1842 and 1843, but rescinded-Later Recipients. KILLING wolves, during the pioneer period, was not merely a pastime, but a regular winter business on the part of some of the settlers, from, which considerable remuneration was derived. The records of the boards of su pervisors of both counties contain numerous references to wolf-bounties and wolf-slayers. We have transcribed the record on those subjects, not only to show who were the Nimrods of those days, but also because the decrease of wolf-killing marks the advance of cultivation and improvement. ALLEGAN COUNTY. The first record made on this subject by the supervisors is dated Thursday, Nov. 8, 1838, and reads as follows: "Resolved, That a bounty of five dollars be allowed by the county for each wolf destroyed therein upon the presentation by the claimant of a certificate, agreeably to the laws of 1837-38, and for each whelp the sum of two dollars and fifty cents, proof as above." In accordance with this action of the board, and with State laws giving sometimes eight and sometimes ten dollars bounty, the following bills were audited at the same session: County. No. 1, Nicholas Shelman...................... $5.00 No. 2, James Harkinson.................. 5.00 No. 3, Samuel Emerson................ 5.00 No. 4, James H. Kinnicott.............. 5.00 No. 5, Hiram Ross............................ 5.00 No. 6, John H. Billings........................ 5.00 No. 7, Hiram Ross.............................. 5.00 No. 26, Tobin S. Higgins..................... 5.00 No. 30, Elias Streeter.......................... 5.00 State. $8.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 At the session beginning Dec. 24, 1838, the following wolf-bills were audited: County. State. Tobin S. Higgins............................... $5.00 $8.00 Justin Noble................................... 5.00 8.00 Lyman Loomis (2 wolves).................... 10.00 16.00 The following record is dated July 8, 1839: County. State. James Bracelin.................................. $5.00 $8.00 Elias Streeter..................................... 5.00 8.00 Lewis McSaubie (2 wolves).................. 10.00 16.00 The next is Oct. 9, 1839, which seems to have been a remarkably good time for wolves. It reads thus: County. State. Peter Fisher (2 wolves).......................$10.00 $16.00 Jacob B. Bailey (7 wolves)................... 35.00 56.00 R. H. Hardy (2 wolves)........................ 10.00 16.00 N. H. Hardy...................................... 5.00 8.00 E. Streeter....................................... 5.00 8.00 Jasper Fish....................................... 5.00 8.00 Only one slaughter is recorded Feb. 24, 1840, viz.: County. State. Nicholas Shelman................................ $5.00 $8.00 By the 13th of July, 1840, the county bounty appears to have been dropped and the record reads: " The following claims for wolf-bounties are presented and allowed at eight dollars each: Daniel Pike (4 wolves), A. Moncton, Nathaniel Plummer, Daniel Plummer, A. Moncton, W. S. Miner." On the 11th of August, 1840, Gil Blas Wilcox was allowed eight dollars each for two wolves. On the 19th of October, 1840, the following persons were allowed eight dollars each, except P. Richard, who was to have sixteen dollars: Elias Streeter, Daniel Cook, Peter Richard (2 wolves), D. B. Cook, W. H. Warren. Nov. 7, 1840, the bill of Peter Rickart for two wolves was duly audited. At this meeting it was ordered that a county bounty of two dollars should be allowed on wolves. Under this regulation the following audits were made: March 29, 1841. County. State. Cotton M. Kimball.............................. $2.00 $8.00 chapel, seated ourselves and awaited the gathering of the dusky congregation. Soon a young Indian came in, and, taking down a long tin horn, which hung behind the door, he stepped out in front of the chapel and wound it so loudly and musically that we could hear the twanging notes reverberating through the dim arcades of the surrounding forest and dying away in the distance. Repeating the echoing calls a number of times, he stepped back into the chapel and hung up the horn in its place. "The children of the forest now began to assemble in their rude place of worship. Quietly, with the stealthy Indian tread, old and young came in and took their seats. No noise,-not even a whisper. Nothing but the silence characteristic of their natures. The whole gathering was the very impersonation of a hushed and solemn religious assembly." THE WOLF RECORD. 43 Jutly 12, 1841. Samuel B. Hooker (3 wolves)............... $6.00 Moses Nichols (2 wolves).................... 4.00 William Tyler.................................... 2.00 William Allen (2 wolves)...................... 4.00 $24.00 16.00 8.00 16.00 At a meeting of the board of supervisors, Oct. 28, 1841, $3 was added to the county bounty. This order produced the following results: Dec. 24, 1841. County. State. Joseph McS ubie................................. $5.00 $8.00 Lyman Fisk....................................... 5.00 8.00 W. S. Hooker.................. 5.00 8.00 J. L. M iles.............................. 5.00 8.00 Jan. 29, 1842. Allen Streeter.................................... $5.00 $8.00 Joseph McSaubie........................... 5.00 8.00 Dec. 26, 1842. William S. Hooker.............................. $5.00 $8.00 Soon after this the county bounty appears to have been raised to eight dollars, though we can find no such record. The following liberal bills were audited: July 7, 1843. County. State. Allen Streeter (2 wolves)....................$16.00 $16.00 Titus Losey (6 wolves)........................ 48.00 48.00 Thomas Brown.............................. 8.00 8.00 At the meeting of the board on the day last mentioned, it was "Resolved, That all votes for the imposition of County bounty on Wolves be and are at this time rescinded, and that a County Bounty of five dollars be allowed upon every full-grown wolf killed after this time." This action, however, was evidently rescinded, as appears by the following audits: At this period the State bounty was raised to ten dollars, two hunters receiving fifteen dollars each, viz.: Jan. 4, 1847. County. State. Allen Streeter.................................... $5.00 $10.00 E. J. Cook......................................... 5.00 10.00 At the session of 1847 the State bounty was abolished, and from then until 1850 the wolf-business was very poor, only two persons applying for pay in Allegan County, viz.: Oct. 11, 1847. County. Lasan Baker................................................ $5.00 Jan. 3, 1848. Oct. 17, 1873. County. Lewis McSaubie (2 wolves)..................$16.00 Allen Streeter (4 wolves)..................... 32.00 Lyman Fish (2 wolves)........................ 16.00 Jan. 2, 1844. William Y. Gilkey (2 wolves)...............$16.00 J. W. Palmer..................................... 8.00 Alexander F. Bouck........................... 8.00 Orson Cook............................. 8.00 Silas Powell...................................... 8.00 Alien Streeter (4 wolves)..................... 32.00 Elias Streeter.................................... 8.00 State. $16.00 32.00 16.00 $16.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 32.00 8.00 County. E. J. Cook.................................................... $5.00 In 1850 the State bounty of eight dollars was restored, while the county bounty was abolished or suspended. Three payments were made during the year, namely: Oct. 15, 1850. State. Orletus C. Thayer...................................... $8.00 David Smith................................................ 8.00 Dec. 13, 185,. State. - Davis................................................... $8.00 Nurdegoish (Indian)...................................... 8.00 After this a county bounty of five dollars was allowed, though apparently by a special vote in each case. The record runs as follows: Oct. 14, 1851. County. State. Extra. Robert McCarty (2 wolves) each............ $8.00 $5.00 David Smith (2 wolves) each................ 8.00 5.00 Jan. 6, 1852. Seth A. Lucas.................................. $8.00 $5.00 Wat-u-noka (Indian)........................... 8.00 5.00 After 1852 the amounts paid are not stated in the record. The wolf-slayers were allowed "full bounty," which we may presume to be something more, than State bounty, probably the sums' last mentioned,-eight dollars and five dollars. The following is the list of recipients and the dates of payment: June 15, 1853. Joseph Schonn................................. full bounty. March 30, 1854. L. K. Pratt and J. S. H. Miller.................full bounty. Oct. 10, 1854. Samuel Town and Marcus Booers..............full bounty. June 10, 1856. Walter Kronemeyer (7 wolves)..................full bounty. Oct. 15, 1857. M. McDowell, Moses Sperry, George Middaugh, 0. W. Goodrich, Samuel Smith, Barent Bongelaa, E. P. Goslin. Jan. 4, 1858. William Inderson, Samuel Fifer, Russell Davis, Jr., Timothy Bliss, David Bergett. Oct. 4, 1858. Joseph McSaubie....................................full bounty. Thomas C. Jenner................................... Heman P. Fisher (2 wolves)......................, Oct. 18, 1859. henry Allen................................... full bounty. Jan. 4, 1860. John H. Beaman............................. b y. Jan. 5, 1844. Allen Streeter (2 wolves).....................$16.00 $16.00 Lyman Fish....................................... 8.00 8.00 Jan. 6, 1844. John M. Reed.................................... $8.00 $8.00 In January, 1844, the county bounty was all taken off, but it was soon restored, though at the reduced amount of $5. Under this rule the following allowances were made: Oct. 14, 1844. County. H. C. Kibby....................................... $5.00 - Dascon............................... 5.00 T. Losey........................................... 5.00 A. Streeter (2 wolves)......................... 10.00 Nathan Boyington (3 wolves)............... 15.00 William B. Hooker............................. 5.00 Dec. 13, 1844. Richard Weare................................... $5.00 Harvey C. Kibby............................... 5.00 Jan. 7, 1846. Allen Streeter................................... $5.00 State. $8.00 8.00 8.00 16.00 24.00 8.00 $8.00 8.00 $8.00 44 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - -- ---- Jan. 9, 1862. Robert McCarty........................... full bounty. S. L. K onkel........................................ " Oct. 16, 1862. Robert McCarty (3 wolves).........................full bounty. This closes the record of Allegan County. If any of the grayback robbers were slain afterwards in that county, they sank into the arms of death unwept, unhonored, unsung, 'and unpaid for. BARRY COUNTY. Previous to the organization of this county, wolf-slaughter could only be rewarded by the slayers taking the scalps to Kalamazoo. For several years after the organization, also, the county paid no bounty. The first action taken by the board of supervisors on this subject was on the 8th day of July, 1839, when State bounties were awarded to the following persons: Bache (an Indian)................................. $8.00 Samuel Hagar (two wolves).......................... 16.00 Moses Durkee................................................ 8.00 The dates, recipients, and amounts of the bounties allowed during the next three years are as follows: Oct. 15, 1839. Ko-ba-ga-zich (an Indian)............................. $8.00 Nov. 11, 1839. Hiram Tillotson............................................. $8.00 Nicholas Campbell......................................... 8.00 Feb. 10, 1840. Demir Bennett............................................ $8.00 Samuel S. Haight........................................ 8.00 Samuel Hagar............................................... 24.00 James H. Hagar............................................ 8.00 Jully 1, 1840. George Nichols..............................................$16.00 Orlando W eed............................................... 8.00 July 13, 1840. James H. Hagar..................................... $8.00 M us-tah-nis (an Indian)................................. 8.00 Melvin C. Barnum.......................................... 8.00 On the 28th of December, 1842, the board resolved, "That an additional bounty of five dollars be allowed for the killing of every full-grown wolf, and two dollars and a half on every wolfs whelp, killed within the county of Barry;" and in the October following the bounty on wolves was raised to $12.00, and on whelps to $6.00. The whole county bounty, however, was soon abolished, and only the State bounty was paid. In the supervisor accounts for 1843 occur the following names, to whom were granted wolf-certificates: I. Brown......................................................$16.00 G. B. Manchester................................ 32.00 Ira Shipman................................................ 8.00 D. Sm ith..................................................... 8.00 N. Lovell..................................................... 8.00 W. W ickham................................................ 8.00 J. Bowerman................................................ 8.00 E. Drier....................................................... 8.00 A. L. Ellis............................... 8.00 J. Hager...................................................... 48.00 W. H agar..................................................... 32.00 C. Brigham......................................... 48.00 J. Brown...................................................... 32.00 J. Fish..................................................... 32.00 J. B. Crane......................................... 32.00 June 25, 1845. Kais-o-bit (an Indian).......................... $8.00 Jan. 4, 1847. Peter Downs................................................10.00 Oct. 9, 1848. " John Fish was allowed two bounties for killing wolves." CHAPTER XII. OUTLINE OF LATER YEARS. Population in 1840-Condition at that Time-A Log House RegionProgress during the next ten Years-Forerunners of the Holland Colony-Brief Mention of that Colony-Population in 1850 -Change from Log Houses to Frame Houses, etc.-Population in 1860-A hopeful Future-Outbreak of the War-Soldiers of Allegan and Barry-Progress after the War-The Fruit Business. AFTER the pioneers had fully begun the work of settlement, the events occurring in the territory under consideration were of course of a less remarkable character, and most of them are sufficiently noticed in the histories of the separate townships, or in those chapters of the general history devoted to various separate organizations. Only a brief and cursory survey is necessary of the general progress of the two counties during the past four decades. By the census of 1840 the population of Allegan County was seventeen hundred and eighty-three, and that of Barry County was ten hundred and seventy-eight. The people were still sorely distressed by the great financial disaster of 1837, although the first breath of returning prosperity was beginning to revive the country. There was at that time scarcely a framed house in the two counties, except a few in the village of Allegan. The village of Hastings, which had been designated for about six years as the seat of justice of Barry County, and which had been settled four years, contained in 1840 but one framed house and four or five log ones. The settlements were scattered far apart through nearly the whole of Barry County and the eastern half of Allegan. The western part of the latter county had still no occupants except the Indians and wild animals, save in three or four localities, where saw-mills had been erected and a few laborers had located around them. During the succeeding ten years immigration went on slowly at first, and then with increasing rapidity. By the close of 1842 settlements had been made in all the townships of Barry, and by the end of 1850 all those of Allegan had been settled except Salem and Lee. The older townships had also been filled up by sturdy emigrants, until log houses and clearings of greater or less size were to be found on nearly every section of Barry County and of the eastern half of Allegan. In 1846, Rev. A. C. Van Ralta (commonly called Dominie Van Ralta), Mr. John Grotenhous, and Mr. Harm Kook arrived at Allegan, looking for a location for a company of Hollanders who were seeking a home in the West. This company, numbering from three to four hundred, had set out from Holland, intending to locate in Pennsylvania. On arriving in that State, however, thinking the climate too warm for them and the land too dear, they determined to go farther north and west. They accordingly proceeded to St. Clair, Mich., whence the three gentlemen before mentioned went ahead to select a suitable location. On their arrival at Allegan they visited Mrs. Elisha Ely, as her parents were natives of Holland and she could talk some in that language. She advised them to consult Judge Kellogg, of Allegan, who was the agent for large tracts of OUTLINE OF LATER YEARS. 45 land in this part of Michigan. He recommended them to locate at the head of Black Bay. They adopted his recommendation and conducted the colony to that place, where the city of Holland was founded. This was the beginning of the large emigration from Holland which, in the course of a few years, overflowed a great portion of Ottawa County and several townships in the northwestern part of Allegan. The advent of the Hollanders in the latter region is mentioned in the township histories. By 1850 the population of Allegan County was five thousand one hundred and twenty-five, while that of Barry County was five thousand and seventy-two. The former contained nearly three times as many as it had had in 1840, while the latter had almost five times as many as at that date. After 1850 a marked change took place throughout the two counties. The energy and industry of the settlers had furnished a large part of them, not, indeed, with wealth, but with a moderate competence, and this resulted in the constant change of log houses for framed ones throughout Barry County, the eastern part of Allegan County, and some portions of the western part. The change went on rapidly through the decade between 1850 and 1860, and by the latter year a majority of the residents of the two counties lived in framed houses. The picturesque but inconvenient old well-sweeps, which in the pioneer days were seen from afar beside every farmer's house, gave way to modern pumps, orchards were in full fruitage on every farm, and, in fact, the greater part of the two counties had been changed in less than thirty years from a wilderness to a land of pleasant homes. In 1860 the population of Allegan County was sixteen thousand and eighty-seven; and that of Barry was thirteen thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight. The financial crisis of 1857 had somewhat checked the tide of prosperity, but it was so trivial in comparison with that of 1837 that old settlers hardly considered it as worthy of the name of crisis. The country was rapidly recovering from it, and all looked forward hopefully to a long era of prosperity and improvement. But in the autumn of 1860 a President was chosen who was unfavorable to the spread of human slavery over the territory previously free, and at once there came from the South murmurs of discontent and anger. How they swelled and increased through all that fateful winter, how State after State fell away from its allegiance, how the whole South resounded with preparations for war, need not be recounted here. It is a part of the nation's history. Here, as elsewhere throughout the North, men looked on in amazement, hoping even to the last for peace, and deeming it impossible that the lunacy of secession could ever ripen into the open madness of armed rebellion. Few made any preparations for the event, yet all were in that angry and excited condition which needs but a word to develop into the most determined action. On the 14th of April, 1861, the spark was applied to the waiting magazine, and the whole North burst into a flame of patriotic fire. In the great contest of the next four years it is well known that the soldiers of Michigan stood in the very foremost rank, and among them those of Allegan and Barry were certainly quite equal to any of their peninsular compatriots. Tie story of their valor, their dangers, and their sufferings is told in the last chapters of the general history, which consist of sketches of all the regiments which contained any considerable representation from Allegan and Barry Counties, together with the names of the officers and men from those counties. For several years after the war the population increased with almost as much energy as in the old pioneer days. By the census of 1874 the population of Allegan County was eighteen thousand eight hundred, and that of Barry County fourteen thousand four hundred and forty-one. When the country was released from the immediate duty of preserving its own existence, the people sprang with renewed energy to the task of developing the magnificent resources committed to their care. They swarmed westward almost as readily as ever. Many sought the fertile farming-land of Allegan and Barry; many expended their energies on the pine forests which still overshadowed a considerable portion of the territory in question; and by the census of 1870 the population of Allegan County had increased to thirty-two thousand one hundred and five, and that of Barry County to twenty-two thousand two hundred. Before such a population the pines have gone down more rapidly than ever, and now there is scarcely a township in the two counties which has not been, to a great degree, denuded of those stately lords of northern forests. Along the shore of Lake Michigan, and for many miles eastward, the lumber business has been largely replaced by the culture of fruit, to which the soil and climate (tempered, as the latter is, by the breezes of the lake) are found admirably adapted. Details regarding this business will be found in the histories of some of the western townships of Allegan County. The two counties which form the subject of this history of course suffered a serious check at the time of the great financial crisis of 1873, but they promptly responded to the breezes of prosperity which swept over the land in 1879, and all the probabilities now point to a long period of material prosperity. We now call the attention of our readers to various sketches describing the process of organization, showing the civil officers who have resided in the county, depicting the career of the Allegan and Barry regiments in the war for the Union, and setting forth various other matters which are necessarily given in independent form. 46 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I CHAPTER XIII. ORGANIZATION. First Act affecting the Two Counties-Attached to Lenawee County and to St. Joseph Township-Organization of St. Joseph and Cass Counties-Part of Allegan attached to the Former, and Part to the Latter-Erection of Allegan County-Its Organization as Allegan Township-Attached to Kalamazoo County-Record of First TownMeeting-Record of First Election-Organization of the CountyRecord of Meeting to nominate County Officers-The Officers commissioned-Copy of the Probate Judge's Commission-Notice of the First General Election-The Election at two Places-Contest over the County Registership-Our Solution-The County divided into Four Townships-Their Description-Formation of ManliusOf Martin-Trowbridge-Watson-Wayland-Plainfield changed to Gun Plain-Formation of Ganges-Dorr-Monterey-Leighton -Fillmore-Pine Plains-Cheshire- Heath-HLopkins-CascoSalem-Overisel-Laketown-Lee-Clyde-Newark changed to Saugatuck-Barry County-Forming Counties without PeopleAct forming Barry-Origin of Name-Organization of Barry Township-First Town-Meeting-Officers elected-Second Set of Township Officers-Division of County into four Townships-Organization of County-Copy of Law —First County Officers-Formation of Yankee Springs-Of Irving-Changes relating to Irving -Formation of Spaulding, and change to Prairieville-Formation of Castleton, Woodland, and Carlton-Of Assyria-OrangevilleMaple Grove-Rutland-Change and Restoration of Yankee Springs-Formation of Baltimore and Hope-The City of Hastings. THE first enactment which, nominally at least, brought the territory of Allegan and Barry Counties under civil jurisdiction was that passed by the Legislative Council of the Territory.of Michigan in November, 1826, which declared that all the country to which the Indian title had been extinguished by the treaty of Chicago should be attached to and compose a part of the county of Lenawee. On the 12th day of April, 1827, another act formed the territory thus annexed to Lenawee County into the township of St. Joseph. That township must have contained at least ten thousand square miles. ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF ALLEGAN COUNTY AND ITS TOWNSHIPS. After the organization of the whole region acquired by the treaty of Chicago as the township of St. Joseph, as just narrated, the first change in the municipal relations of the territory of Allegan County was made by the law passed by the territorial council, and approved on the 4th of November, 1829, which organized the counties of St. Joseph and Cass, and provided that Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Branch, Barry, and Eaton Counties,* and all the country north of township 4, north of the base-line, west of the principal meridian, south of the county of Mackinaw (as then formed) and east of the line between ranges 12 and 13, should be attached to and compose a part of the county of St. Joseph. By the same act the counties of Berrien and Van Buren, and all that tract north of Van Buren County and west of the line between ranges 12 and 13, should be attached to and compose a part of the county of Cass. The latter tract embraced the four western ranges of townships in the present Allegan County. On a close examination of the statute it will be seen that the first-named tract did not include the two eastern ranges of Allegan * These had been laid off and named six days before, but the territory of Allegan had not then been mentioned. County, yet it was doubtless intended to do so, and those eight survey-townships seem to have been always considered, from that time till the organization of Allegan County, as a part first of St. Joseph and then of Kalamazoo County. Possibly a law was passed which was not published (there were some such cases) temporarily annexing those towaships to St. Joseph County. On the following day (Nov. 5, 1829) Kalamazoo and Barry Counties, and all the country lying north of the same which was attached to the county of St. Joseph, were formed by law into the township of Brady. On the 2d day of March, 1831, a law was approved forming the counties of Clinton, Ionia, Kent, Allegan, Ottawa, Gratiot, Montcalm, Oceana, Saginaw, Midland, Gladwyn, Avenac, and Isabella. The fourth section reads as follows: "That the country included within the following limits-to wit, south of the base-line and south of the line between townships 4 and 5 north, west of the line between ranges 10 and 11 west of the meridian, and east of the shore of Lake Michigan-be and the same is hereby set off into a separate county by the name of Allegan." The four western ranges still remained attached to the township of Penn, in Cass County, and the two eastern ranges, as before stated, were treated as a part of St. Joseph County until the organization of Kalamazoo County (July 30,1830), and subsequently as a part of Kalamazoo County. On the 29th day of March, 1833, a law was approved which enacted " that all that district of country which has been set off into a separate county by the name of Allegan shall be a township by the name of Allegan;" also " that said township of Allegan shall be attached to the county of Kalamazoo for all legal purposes whatsoever." As the township thus formed comprised the whole county, we give here a copy of the record of the first town-meeting, taken from the original township-book, which was afterwards used by the township of Otsego: "The inhabitants of the Township of Allegan met on Saturday the 6th April, 1833, at the house of Samuel Foster, according to previous notice, and proceeded to organize, when Hull Sherwood was chosen moderator, and Cyrenius Thompson township clerk; Charles Miles, supervisor; Ebenr. Sherwood, Calvin White, and D. A. Plumber were chosen assessors; Martin W. Rowe was chosen collector; Giles Scott and H. C. White, overseers of the poor; T. Aldrich, Norman Davis, and R. Sherwood were chosen commissioners of highways or roads; M. W. Rowe, constable; Orlando Weed, Eben. Sherwood, U. Baker were chosen overseers of roads, and Abijah Chichester also overseer of roads; S. Foster, C. Miles, S. Thompson were chosen school inspectors. The meeting then adjourned, to be convened again at 10 O'C. A.M., on first Monday of April next. " CYRENIUS THOMPSON, Town Clerk." The following records show the time of holding and the results of the first general election held in the county: "At a meeting of the electors of the town of Allegan, in the County of Allegan, M. T., the 8th of July, 1833, at the house of Samuel Foster, it was found, after duly canvassing the votes, that Lucius Lyons had for delegate to Congress twenty-two votes. (Signed) f SAMUEL FOSTER, ection,; JOHN L. SHEARER, I ector of Electio ALMIRIN L. COTTON, L CYRENIUS THOMPSON. " At a meeting held by the electors of the town of Allegan, in the County of Allegan, M. T., on the 8th of July, 1833, at the house of Samuel Foster, it was found, after duly canvassing the votes, that 9 ORtGA NIZATION. 47 - Calvin Briton had for delegate to legislative Council twenty votes and that H. S. Sherwood had two votes for the same appointment. f SAMUEL FOSTER, Inspectors of Election, I JIN L. SHEARER, ALMIRIN L. COTTON, L CYRENIUS THOMPSON, Town Clerk." Township-meetings were likewise held in Allegan while it embraced the whole county in 1834-35, but as nearly all the participators resided in Otsego, and as the town-book has been retained there, the names of the officers elected are given in the history of that township. On the 6th of October, 1834, the Governor of the Territory appointed Oshea Wilder, Cyrus Lovell, and Isaac E. Crary as commissioners to locate the county-seat of Allegan County, as was the practice at that day. Their report on making the location, and the Governor's proclamation confirming the same, cannot be found in the office of the Secretary of State, but it is well known that the county-seat was duly located at Allegan village. In 1835 a considerable number of people located themselves at Allegan village, and in the summer the people of the county thought themselves strong enough to have a separate county organization. The matter was presented to the Legislative Council, and an act was duly passed organizing the county. It is not published with the other territorial laws, and we are not able to give the exact date of its passage, but we learn from the Secretary of State that one of the sections provided for the act's taking effect on the 1st day of September, 1835. A meeting was then called, to be held at Otsego on the 12th of August, to recommend suitable persons to the Governor and council to be appointed to the various offices of the county. We are greatly indebted to Mr. Martin T. Ryan, of Allegan, for the original record of that meeting, which we quote verbatim. It is somewhat defective in clearness, yet its meaning can easily be understood. It is indorsed, " Proceedings of Co. Meeting to organize Co. of Allegan, Augt., 1835." The paper itself reads as follows: " The Inhabitants of Allegan met on Wednesday, the 12th inst., according to notice. When on motion Elisha Ely, Esq., was cald to the chair, and J. L. Shearer was chosen Secretary. " Resolved, That we deem it expedient for the organization of the said county of Allegan. " On motion Resolved, that we vote by ballot for said Nomination. "On motion Resolved, that thair shal be a Majority of all the Votes present to constitute a choice. "Voted that Elisha Ely and John Anderson Ware duly Nominated as Judges for said Co.*' "Voted that Alexander L. Ely was duly Recommended for Co. Clerk. " Voted that J. L. Shearer be duly Recommended for Sherif of said Co. "Voted that Martin L. Barber be duly Recommend as Co. Surveyor. "Voted that 0. K.t Town shal Hold the office of Judge of Probate. "On motion Resolved, that we choose a committee to forward these proceedings to the Govr and Legislative Counsel. When on motion Eber Sherwood, Daniel A. Plummer, and -+ Fisk was chosen said Committee. "On Motion, Meting ajourned, The committee performed the duty assigned to it, and on the 25th of August the Governor issued commissions to the above-named persons for the offices to which they were respectively recommended. It will be observed that the meeting did not recommend any one for county register or treasurer. None of the survivors of that period recollect with certainty who were appointed to those offices, but from all the evidence, of which more will be said farther on, we are satisfied that Alexander L. Ely was appointed register as well as clerk, and that Milo Winslow was appointed treasurer. By the favor of Oka Town, Esq., we are permitted to give. a copy of the commission issued to him, which reads as follows: "STEVENS T. MASON, "Secretary, and at present Acting Governor in and over the Territory of Michigan. To all to whom these Presents may come, Greeting: " Know ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity and ability of Oka Town, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council of the said Territory, have appointed him Judge of Probate in and for the County of Allegan, and I do hereby authorize and empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that office according to law; to have and to hold the said office, with all the rights, privileges, and emoluments thereunto belonging, during the pleasure of the Governor of the Said Territory for the time being. " In Testimony Whereof I have Caused these Letters to be Made [L.S.] Patent, and the Great Seal of the said Territory to be hereunto affixed. "Given under my hand at Detroit, this twenty-fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the sixtieth. "By the Governor. STEVENS T. MASON, "Secretary of Michigan Territory, and at present Acting Governor." This was the period at which Michigan was passing from the condition of a territory to that of a State, and the first election after the organization of the new county was held to choose State officers, members of the Legislature, and a Congressman, under the constitution just formed, and also to take a vote on the question of approving that constitution, as will appear from the following notice, for which we are also indebted to Mr. Ryan: " NOTICE "Is hereby given that a meeting of the electors of the Township of Allegan and County of Allegan will be held at the usual place of holding Township Meetings in said township, on Monday, the 5th day of October next, at ten of the clock, A.M., and on Tuesday, the 6th day of October next, at the lHous of A. L. Ely, Esq., in the Village of Allegan, at eleven o'clock, A.M., for the purpose of Electing One Governor, one Lt.-Governor, one Representative to'Congress, one Member of the Hous of Representaves of Michigan For the County of Allegan, and three Senators for the third Senatorial District, composing the Counties of Hilsdale, Branch, St. Josephs, Cass, Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Allegan, and Also to take into Consideration the Ratification or Rejection of the Constitution for the State of Michigan, agreeable to the 9th Article Entitled Schedule of said Constitution. Dated at Allegan, Sept. 25, 1835. "JOHN L. SHEARER, Town Clerk." " The usual place of holding township-meetings in said township" (which, it will be remembered, still embraced the whole county) was at the house of Samuel Foster, in the village of Otsego, and there the election was held on the 5th of November. At the close of that day, Oka Town, a justice of the peace and one of the election board, took the ballot-box to his residence. The next morning he ted his horse, took the ballot-box under his arm, and tode "ELISHA ELY, Chairmrean. "JOHN L. SHEARER, Secty." * Meaning associate judges. t Oka. T This space is left blank in the original. The person referred to was Col. Joseph Fisk, of Allegan. 48 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. i through the woods to Allegan, where the second day's election was held. There was no contest in regard to any office, except that of representative to the Legislature from this county, and for this position the struggle was entirely sectional. Dr. Lintsford B. Coats was the candidate of the settlers of Otsego and Gun Plain, and that vicinity, while the proprietors and workmen who were making a beginning at Allegan supported Elisha Ely. At the close of the election it was found that Dr. Coats had thirty votes and Mr. Ely thirty-one, and the latter was accordingly declared elected. No county officers were chosen at this election. In April, 1836, a county treasurer and a county register were elected by the people. Milo Winslow, the appointee of the Governor, was chosen treasurer, and to the best of our knowledge Joseph Fisk was elected register. Owing to the long time which has elapsed, and the mass of important business which has occupied his attention, Col. Fisk himself does not recollect the ekact date at which he entered on the office, nor is there any one else now living in Allegan County who is at all certain as to the facts. The books show that a number of the earliest entries were made by Mr. Ely or his deputy, Mr. Parkhurst, though the minute of the reception of each one was not dated and signed, as has since been the case. After that, for several months, closing about the last of June of that year, deeds and mortgages are marked as received for record, sometimes by Joseph Fisk, and sometimes by A. L. Ely, and, what is more strange, the handwriting of the records made in the same book at this period are alternately in the handwriting of the respective deputies of Messrs. Fisk and Ely. Now, that an election for treasurer and register was held in April, 1836, and also that there was some legal defect in the election or the method of conducting it, appear by the fact that in June of that year a law was passed by the State Legislature, legalizing the election of treasurer and register of Allegan County, in spite of any illegality in the election or the manner of canvassing the votes. Immediately after that, Mr. Ely ceased entirely to act as register, all the records bearing Col. Fisk's name until the close of the year. Then Mr. Ely again took the office, by virtue of his election in November, 1836. From all this, we infer that Mr. Ely was first appointed register by the Governor; that Col. Fisk was elected to the same office in April, but that, on account of some legal defect in the election, Mr. Ely still claimed to be the register; that both acted from that time until the passage of the law before mentioned, when Col. Fisk took entire control. Apparently, the first deeds were not copied when received, or were copied into a temporary book, and when the contest was decided, each of the contestants, or his deputy, copied the deeds he had received into the present book of records. There are some deeds and mortgages which are marked as received by Col. Fisk before the 1st of April, but these may have been some which Mr. Ely, in the confusion of that period, had failed to record, and which, when they came into Col. Fisk's possession, he dated back to the time of their reception by Ely, as we learn from other evidence was sometimes done. The whole matter is involved in much confusion, as any one may see by glancing at the first book of records; but the above is the most plausible solution we can suggest. On the 23d day of March, 1836, an act of the State Legislature was approved, dividing the township and county of Allegan into four townships, as follows: Plainfield contained survey-townships 1, 2, 3, and 4 north, in range 11 west; now the civil townships of Gun Plain, Martin, Wayland, and Leighton. Otsego comprised the same numbered townships in range 12; now Otsego, Watson, Hopkins, and Dorr. Allegan included the same numbered townships in ranges 13 and 14, being the present civil townships of Trowbridge, Allegan, Monterey, Salem, Cheshire, Pine Plains, Heath, and Overisel. Newark contained the survey-townships bearing the same numbers in ranges 15 and 16, and a small fraction of township 1 in range 17, its territory being now divided between the townships of Lee, Clyde, Manlius, Fillmore, Casco, Ganges, Saugatuck, and Laketown. Town-meetings were duly held in the four townships in April following, and the board of supervisors met for the first time on the 4th day of the ensuing October. Its proceedings on that occasion are given in Chapter XIV. Since that time there have been twenty new townships organized in Allegan County, and several other changes made. Until 1852 such organizations and changes were directed by the State Legislature. From that time until 1860 the board of supervisors had full authority over those subjects. Control over them was then resumed by the Legislature, but no townships have been formed in Allegan County since that time. The following is the record: Manlius was formed from Newark on the 6th day of March, 1838, consisting of township 3 north, range 15 west,-its present territory.* Martin, formed from Plainfield March 22, 1839, comprised townships 2, 3, and 4 (Martin, Wayland, and Leighton). Trowbridge, taken from Allegan Feb. 16, 1842, included townships 1 in range 13, and 1 in range 14 (Trowbridge and Cheshire). Watson, taken from Otsego Feb. 16, 1842, embraced townships 2, 3, and 4 in range 12 (Watson, Hopkins, and Dorr). Wayland was organized on the 9th day of March, 1843, being taken from Martin, and being composed of townships 3 and 4 in range 11 (Wayland and Leighton). The name of Plainfield was changed to Gun Plain, March 19, 1845. Ganges was organized on the 16th day of March, 1847, being formed from Newark, and comprising townships 1 and 2 in range 16, and a small fraction of township 1 in range 17 (now Ganges and Casco). Dorr, formed from Watson on the 16th day of March, 1847, embraced townships 3 and 4 in range 12 (now Dorr and Hopkins). Monterey, taken from Allegan on the 16th day of March, 1847, was composed of townships 3 and 4 in range 13, and * Township 4, range 14 (Fillmore), was taken from Newark and annexed to Manlius by the Legislature, but was subsequently given a separate organization, as mentioned a little farther on. ORGANI ZATION. 49 ORGANZATIN. 4 of township 4 in range 14 (now Monterey, Salem, and Overisel).* Leighton, erected on the 9th day of March, 1848, was taken from Wayland, and was composed of township 4 in range 11, its present territory. Fillmore, organized on the 15th day of March, 1849, was formed from Manlius, and comprised township 4, range 15,t its present territory. Pine Plains was formed from Allegan and Newark on the 28th day of March, 1850, comprising townships 1 and 2 in range 15 (now Lee and Clyde), and all of township 2 in range 14, west of the Kalamazoo. The part of the lastnamed township east of the river was subsequently annexed to Pine Plains, the limits of which now correspond to those of the survey-township just mentioned. Cheshire, formed from Trowbridge on the 2d day of April, 1851, consisted of survey-township 1, range 14, as it does at the present time. Heath was erected on the 18th day of March, 1851, and consisted of all of survey-townships 2 and 3, range 14,-east of the Kalamazoo. Its boundaries have since been made to correspond with those of survey-township 3, range 14. The townships formed after this time were erected and organized by the board of supervisors. Hopkins was established on the 29th day of December, 1852, being taken from Dorr, and comprising township 3, range 12, as it still does. Cases, formed from Ganges Dec. 27, 1844, embraced then as now township 1, range 16, and fractional township 1 (about three sections) in range 17. Salem was erected on the 10th day of October, 1855, being formed from Monterey and comprising township 4, range 13,-its present territory. Overisel was formed from Fillmore on the 14th day of October, 1856, and comprised township 4, range 14,-its present territory. Laketown came into existence on the 13th day of October, 1858, being taken from Newark, and comprising fractional township No. 4, in range 16 (about twenty-two sections), which still constitutes its territory. Lee was taken from Pine Plains on the 4th day of January, 1859, being composed of township 1, range 15, as is still the case. Clyde, the last township formed in the county, was taken from Pine Plains on the 12th day of October, 1859, and was composed of township 2, range 15, which is its present territory. The name of Newark was changed to Saugatuck in 1861. Its territory had been reduced to fractional township No. 3, in range 16 (about twenty-seven sections), of which it is still composed. ERECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF BARRY COUNTY AND ITS TOWNSHIPS. In most countries municipal divisions are formed after it is found that there are people who need them, but west of * Township 4, range 14 (Overisel) was taken from Monterey and annexed to Fiilmore by an act of the Legislature approved March 28, 1850. t The published session laws of 1849 say "fourteen," but that is evidently a misprint. 7 the Alleghanies it has long been common to form counties first and put the people into them afterwards. In accordance with this custom, the Legislative Council of Michigan passed an act, which was approved on the 29th day of October, 1829, establishing the counties of Washtenaw, Ingham, Eaton, Barry, Jackson, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, and Berrien. Section 4, with which alone we are especially concerned, reads as follows: "That so much of the country as lies north of the base-line and south of the line between townships 4 and 5 north of the base-line, west of the line between ranges 6 and 7 west of the meridian, and east of the line between ranges 11 and 12 west of the meridian, be and the same is hereby set off into a separate county, and the name thereof shall be Barry." Of the thirteen counties established by this act, eight (Jackson, Calhoun, Van Buren, Ingham, Eaton, Branch, Berrien, and Barry) were named respectively after the President, the Vice-President, and the six cabinet ministers of that date. Barry received its appellation from the Hon. William T. Barry, then Postmaster-General under President Jackson.$ By an act approved on the 4th day of November following, the newly-formed counties of Branch, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Barry, and all that tract lying north of the north line of the townships numbered 4 in the several ranges, west of the principal meridian, east of the west line of range 12, and south of the south line of the county of Mackinaw, was temporarily attached to St. Joseph County for legislative and judicial purposes. On the following day (Nov. 5, 1829) a law was approved enacting that Kalamazoo and Barry Counties, and the tract, belonging to no county, described in the preceding paragraph, should form a township by the name of Brady; the first town-meeting being directed to be held at the house of Abram I. Shaver, in the south part of Kalamazoo County. Barry County was not formed into a separate township until the 24th day of March, 1836, when an act of the State Legislature was approved, which contained the following sections: "SEC. 50. The County of Barry shall be, and the same is hereby, set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Barry, and the first township-meeting shall be held at the dwelling-house of Nicholas Campbell. "SEC. 51. The inhabitants of the aforesaid township shall have the same rights and privileges, and be subject to the same duties and restrictions, as the inhabitants of other townships of this State." The dwelling-house of Nicholas Campbell, mentioned in the first section just quoted, was situated in the present township of Prairieville, and there the first town-meeting in Barry County was held, in the fore-part of April, 1836. Charles W. Spaulding was chosen moderator, and Orville Barnes clerk. A full list of officers was elected, whose t William Taylor Barry was born in Lunenburg, Va., Feb. 5, 1784. He removed to Kentucky when a young man, and was a member of Congress from that State in 1810-11. He served in the war of 1812, and was a United States senator in 1814-16. After holding various other offices he was made Postmaster-General by President Jackson, in March, 1829. He retired from that position in 1835, and was imme diately appointed minister to Spain. He died at Liverpool on the 30th day of August, 1835, while on his way to Madrid to assume the duties of his new station. 60 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. names we give here, as they resided in various parts of the county, and were not specially connected with any of the present townships: Supervisor, C. G. Hill; Town Clerk, Orville Barnes; Assessors, Benjamin Hoff, Henry Leonard, and C. W. Spaulding; Commissioners of Highways, Amasa S. Parker, Nicholas Campbell, and Calvin G. Hill; Justices of the Peace, Orville Barnes, C. W. Spaulding, Benjamin Hoff, and C. G. Hill; Collector, William Campbell; School Commissioners, C. W. Spaulding, Benjamin Hoff, and Luther Hill; Directors of the Poor, Linus Ellison and Moses Lawrence; Constables, Lewis Moreau and William Campbell. In 1837 the election was held at the house of Charles W. Spaulding, also in the present township of Prairieville, and the following were the officers elected: Supervisor, Isaac Otis; Town Clerk, Ambrose Mills; Assessors, Duty Benson, Thomas Bunker, and C. W. Spaulding; Commissioners of Highways, Ephraim Block, Eli Waite, and William Lewis; Justices of the Peace, George Brown, Henry Leonard, and Isaac Otis; Collector, Ambrose Mills; School Commissioner, Benjamin Dibble; Directors of the Poor, no record; Constables, Timothy G. Johnson, Isaac Messor, and Ambrose Mills. By an act passed on the 6th day of March, 1838, the county of Barry was divided into four townships, each comprising one-fourth of its territory. Survey-townships 1 and 2 north, in ranges 9 and 10 west (now Orangeville, Prairieville, Hope, and Barry), were formed into the civil township of Barry; numbers 3 and 4 in the same ranges (now Thornapple, Yankee Springs, Irving, and Rutland) were organized as Thornapple; 1 and 2, in ranges 7 and 8 (Baltimore, Johnstown, Maple Grove, and Assyria), received the name of Johnstown; while townships 3 and 4 in the same ranges (Carlton, Hastings, Woodland, and Castleton) became, under the same act, the civil township of Hastings. These townships duly held town-meetings under the law (accounts of which will be found in the townships still bearing the four names above given), and thus entered on their organic existence. It was not until the 15th day of March, 1839, one year and nine days after the formation of the four townships before mentioned, that Barry County was duly organized by an act of the Legislature. As this law is the foundation of and warrant for all legal and municipal proceedings in the county since that time, we give a copy of it entire: "AN ACT TO ORGANIZE THE COUNTY OF BARRY. "SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That the county of Barry be, ant the same is, hereby organized, and the inhabitants thereof entitled to all the rights and privileges to which, by law, the inhabitants of the other counties of this State are entitled. "SEc. 2. All suits, prosecutions, and other matters now pending before any court or before any justice of the peace of the county to which the said county of Barry is now attached for judicial purposes [Kalamazoo] shall be prosecuted to final judgment and execution, and all the taxes heretofore levied shall be collected in the same manner as though this act had not been passed. "SEC. 3. That the sheriff of the county of Barry, under the direction of the commissioners of said county, shall provide a convenient place for holding courts in said county, at or near the county-seat, until pu lie buildings shall be erected. "SEC. 4. There shall be elected in the said county of Barry, on the first Monday of April next, all the several officers to which by law the said county is entitled, and whose term of office shall severally expire at the time the same would have expired had they been elected on the first Monday and next succeeding day of November in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-eight; and said election shall in all respects be conducted in the manner prescribed by law for holding elections for county and State officers. " SEC. 5. The board of canvassers in said county, under this act, shall consist of two of the presiding inspectors of said election from each township, and said board shall meet on Thursday next after said election, at the county-seat in said county, at one o'clock in the afternoon of said day, and organize by the appointment of one of their number chairman, and another secretary, of said board, and shall thereupon proceed to discharge all the duties of a board of county canvassers, as in ordinary cases of elections for county officers. "SEC. 6. This act shall take effect from and after the date of the passage thereof. "Approved March 15, 1839." The election was duly held on the first Monday of April, and the following officers were duly elected: Probate Judge, Stephen V. R. York; Associate Judges, Nathan Barlow and Isaac Otis; Sheriff, Willard Hayes; County Clerk, Thomas B. Bunker; Register, Abner C. Parmclee; Treasurer, Chas. W. Spaulding; County Commissioners, Nelson Barnum, John Bowne, and Calvin G. Hill; County Surveyor, Calvin G. Hill; Coroners, Calvin Brown and Henry Leonard. Before the time for holding the election-namely, on the 22d day of March-the number of townships in the county had been increased to five by the organization of Yankee Springs, with boundaries embracing survey-township 3, in range 9, and the same numbered township in range 10, being the south half of the old civil township of Thornapple. Its first town-meeting was held on the first Monday of April (the same day as the first election of county officers), when the county of Barry entered on its organic existence, with five subordinate organizations within its limits. About two weeks later (on the 17th of April) still another township was erected and organized, by the name of Irving, which comprised survey-townships 3 and 4, in range 9, being the west half of both Thornapple and Yankee Springs, which were thus reduced to their present limits. The act organizing Irving was not to take effect until the 31st day of March, 1840. On the 30th of March, 1840, the law was repealed. The people apparently did not hear of the repeal before the first Monday of April, for on that day they elected a full set of township officers, some of whom, at least, proceeded to exercise their functions as such. On the 18th of March, 1841, the original act establishing Irving was revived by law, and the official acts of the township officers just mentioned were made valid. Since then, besides those already mentioned, the following ten townships and the city of Hastings have been organized, and the following changes of name have been made: On the 20th day of March, 1841, the township of Spaulding was organized by the Legislature, being taken from Barry, and comprising survey townships 1 and 2 north, in range 10 west. Its name was changed to Prairieville by an act of the Legislature approved March 9, 1843. The township of Castleton was formed from Hastings by an act approved Feb. 16, 1842, being composed of surveytownship 3, in range 7, which is its present territory. EARLY SUPERVISORS AND COMMISSIONERS. 51.... Woodland was also formed from Hastings on the same day as Castleton, having the same limits as now,-those of survey-township No. 4, in range 7. Carlton was likewise taken from Hastings (which was thus reduced to its present limits, except that the city of Hastings has been since formed from it) on the 16th of February, 1842, embracing survey-township No. 4, in range 8, which is its present territory. Assyria was formed from Johnstown by an act approved Feb. 29, 1844, then comprising survey-townships Nos. 1 and 2, in range 7, now Assyria and Maple Grove. On the 4th day of May, 1846, the township of Orangeville was formed from Prairieville (which was thus reduced to its present limits), comprising then as now survey-township No. 2, in range 10. Maple Grove was formed from Assyria by an act approved March 25, 1846, comprising survey-township 2, in range 7 (its present territory), and reducing Assyria to its present size. Rutland was formed from Irving by an act approved March 16, 1847, comprising survey-township No. 3, in range 9, both townships having after the passage of the act the same territory as now. The name of the township of Yankee Springs was changed to Gates in 1848, but was very properly changed back to its original appellation by an act approved March 15, 1849. The township of Baltimore was formed from Johnstown by an act approved March 14, 1849, the latter township being thus reduced to its present boundaries, and those of the former being then as now those of township 2, in range 8. The last township organized in the county was Hope, which was taken from Barry at the session of the Legislature in 1850. It comprised the same territory that it now does, viz., survey-township No. 2, in range 9, while Barry, which had once comprised the whole county, was by the act of separation reduced to its present limits, those of township 1 in the same range. The city of Hastings was formed from the township of Hastings by an act of the Legislature approved March 11, 1871. Although it is surrounded by the township, yet it is in a legal sense entirely separate from it, and constitutes the seventeenth of the distinct organizations comprised in the county of Barry. CHAPTER XIV. EARLY SUPERVISORS AND COMMISSIONERS. Allegan County: First Record of Supervisors-Equalizing Assessment Rolls-Sums voted for Bridges-County Contingent Fund-Township Expenses-Place to keep Prisoners-Poor-Fund-Votes on County Buildings-Wolf-Bounty-Establishment of Board of Commissioners-First Commissioners of Allegan County-Reestablishment of Board of Supervisors-First Board under new Law-Barry County: its first Commissioners-Record of their first Action-Second Meeting-Equalizing Valuation-Abstract of Assessments for 1839-Meeting in October, 1839-Taxes Raised -Apportionment of Taxes to Townships-Re-establishment of Supervisors. ALLEGAN COUNTY. THE first record of the proceedings of the supervisors of Allegan County is as follows: "State of Michigan, 1 County of Allegan, - Board of Supervisors. 3 "On this 4th day of October, 1836, being the first Tqesday of the said month, the day appointed by the Laws of this State for the Annual meeting of this Board, the following persons, Supervisors of the several townships in the said county, are convened in the village of Allegan-that is to say: Hull Sherwood, Jr., Supervisor of the township of Otsego; Alexander L. Ely, Supervisor of the township of Allegan; Daniel A. Plummer, Supervisor of the township of Newark; John Murphy, Supervisor of the township of Plainfield. " Hull Sherwood, Jr., is chosen chairman of this Board, and Hovey K. Clarke, of the township of Allegan, is chosen clerk, and duly sworn." At this first meeting bills were audited to the amount of $28, and it was voted that orders on the treasurer should be issued in favor of the several parties. The supervisors presented the assessment-rolls of their several townships for examination, and the board proceeded to ascertain whether the valuations had been made in just proportion in all the townships in the county. It was then ordered "That the valuations in the townships of Otsego and Plainfield be confirmed; that there be added to the valuations in the township of Allegan twenty-two per centum, and that there be added to the valuations in the township of Newark fifteen per centum." The board then adjourned to meet on the following day at nine o'clock. At the meeting held pursuant to adjournment it was ordered " That there be raised by tax upon the county the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars to be expended in repairs on bridges in the county as follows: For the bridge across Gun River, $30; for the bridge across Pine Creek, $75; for the bridge across Schrobel Creek, $75; for bridges between Allegan and Newark, $75." Also, " That there be raised by tax upon the county the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars for a county contingent fund." This order was reconsidered, and three hundred and fifty-seven dollars was inserted in the place of two hundred and fifty. Still later, at the same meeting, it was ordered that four hundred dollars should be inserted in place of three hundred and fifty-seven. This last amount was not changed, and constituted the contingent fund of the county for that year. On application of the supervisors of the several townships, it was ordered that the following sums be assessed for township expenses: On the township of Allegan, one hundred and fifty dollars; on the township of Otsego, seventy-five dollars; on the township of Plainfield, fifty dollars; on the township of Newark, seventy-five dollars. A small amount of other business was transacted, and then the board adjourned without day. A meeting of the board of supervisors was held on the 7th day of March, 1837, at the office of the county clerk, in Allegan, at which the chairman and clerk were author ized to procure and prepare some suitable place to confine prisoners. 52 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICIIIGAN. At a meeting held in November of the same year it was unanimously resolved that one hundred dollars should be raised to constitute a poor-fund, and also that the sheriff should be authorized to procure a suitable place for the confinement of debtors and criminals; provided, the expense should not exceed one hundred dollars for one year. At the same meeting the clerk was directed to put up public notices in three places in each township, requesting the qualified electors at the next town-meetings to authorize the board of supervisors, by a vote of said electors, to borrow on the credit of the county such sum as the body should deem proper, not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars, for the purpose of erecting county buildings, pursuant to an act of the Legislature passed March 20, 1837. A bounty of five dollars was authorized to be paid by the county treasurer for each wolf that should thereafter be taken and killed therein; the proof of the same to be a certificate of a justice of the peace, based upon the oath of the claimant or a competent witness, and on the production of the scalp. After a three days' session and the transaction of considerable other business, the board adjourned " sine die." By the provisions of a law passed by the Legislature in 1838, the powers and duties of the board of supervisors were transferred to a board of county commissioners. The first commissioners of Allegan County were Oshea Wilder, of Newark; Silas F. Littlejohn, of Allegan; and Hull Sherwood, of Otsego. These officers were duly qualified on the 20th of December, 1838. The board then organized, with Silas F. Littlejohn as chairman, and adjourned to meet at Allegan on the 15th of January, 1839. The business of the county was transacted by the new board until the office of county commissioner was abolished and that of supervisor was revived, by an act of the Legislature approved Feb. 10, 1842. The powers which had been exercised by the commissioners were then resumed by the supervisors of the county, whose first meeting under the new law was held July 4, 1842. As they were not all present, the board adjourned until the next day, when the townships were represented as follows: Lintsford B. Coats, Otsego; Archibald Jameson, Plainfield; Joel Brownson, Martin; Stephen A. Morrison, Newark; John H. Billings, Manlius; Amos D. Dunning, Watson; John Weare, Trowbridge; Alexander L. Ely, Allegan. Alexander L. Ely was elected chairman for the ensuing year. From that time until the present the board has exercised the legislative authority of the county. An account of its action in regard to the poor-farm and the erection of county buildings is given in Chapter XVI. BARRY COUNTY. When Barry County was organized by the Legislature in March, 1839, county commissioners had just been substituted for supervisors throughout the State. Commissioners were accordingly voted for at the first election for county officers, on the 4th of April following, and Calvin G. Hill, John Bowne, and Nelson Barnum were duly elected. The following is the record of the first proceedings of the board: "BARRY COUNTY, ommissioners' Record. "STATE OF MICHIGAN. mmisiner' Record. "At the first meeting of commissioners-elect for the county of Barry, held at the county-seat, to wit, the village of Hastings in said county, on the thirteenth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine,-present, Calvin G. Hill and John Bowne,"Three numbers were prepared by the clerk, and the commissioners present drew for the term of time for holding their said office. Whereupon it was found that Calvin G. Hill drew for one year, John Bowne for two years, leaving the term of three years to Nelson Barnum, who was absent by reason of sickness. " The commissioners present then took the oath of office prescribed by law, and organized the board by choosing Calvin G. Hill chairman for the legal term, and then proceeded to business. " On motion, Resolved, That John J. Nichols, of Barry, John W. Bradley, of Yankee Springs, and William P. Bristol, of Johnstown, be and are hereby appointed superintendents of the poor, in and for the county of Barry, for the term of one year from the date of their said appointment. On motion, the board adjourned without date." It will be seen that the only business done at the first meeting was the appointment of superintendents of the poor, but on the 8th of July, 1839, pursuant to public notice, the board convened for the purpose of examining the assessment-rolls of the several townships and other business. After a proper examination of the rolls it was resolved, " That to the township of Yankee Springs twenty per cent. be added in order to produce an equal relative valuation in the several townships in the county." The following is an abstract of the assessment-rolls in each of the several townships in the county of Barry for the year 1839: Townships. Acres. Hastings................. 69,451 Johnstown............. 63,092.33 Barry.................... 50,581 Yankee Springs........ 31,913.72 Thornapple............ 28,281.55 Valuation. $241,246 189,829.70 151,743 96,888.38 84,844.59 Personal. $2398 2097 9768 4826 2395 At a meeting of the board of commissioners on the 15th of October, 1839, it was resolved that a State tax of two mills upon each dollar of valuation should be assessed in the county of Barry for the year 1839, and that there should likewise be assessed a tax of one and a half mills on each dollar for county purposes for the same year. At the same meeting the following resolution was also adopted: " Resolved, That the amount of moneys to be raised in each township for different purposes, for the year 1839, should be as is herein set forth, and that the ratio should be as set forth in this exhibit." YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP. State tax.................. $203.43 County tax................ 152.57 Township tax............. 212.21 Highway tax.............. 558.09 Total............... $1126.30 Ratio for State, county, and township tax, six and a half mills to the dollar, which raises the valuation twenty per cent. BARRY TOWNSHIP. State tax..................... $323.03 County tax.................. 242.27 Township tax............... 392.24 Poor tax................... 15.00 Total................ $972.54 Ratio, six mills to the dollar valuation. THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. State tax................... $174.48 County tax............. 130.86 Township tax............. 170.38 Highway tax............. 666.79 Total............... $1142.51 Ratio, five mills to the dollar valuation. JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP. State tax.................. $383.S6 County tax................. 287.89 Township tax............. 272.72 Highway tax......... 1347.86 Total............... $2292.33 Ratio, five mills to the dollar valuation. EARLY COURtTS. 53 ~_ I I I I- EARLY COURTS - I,. I53 I - I -1; - - I ~ I -~ - - - - -. -- ~ I HASTINGS TOWNSHIP. Total amount of State State tax................. $487.29 tax for the year 1839. $1572.48 County tax................. 365.46 Total amount of county. 1179.05 Township tax............. 203.49 Total amount of townHighway tax.............. 1842.64 ship....................... 1351.98 Total............... $2898.88 Total for 1839.... $4103.52 Ratio, four and a half mills to the dollar valuation. The commissioners transacted the business of the county until July 4, 1842, when the functions of the board of supervisors were restored. Supervisors from the townships of Spaulding, Barry, Thornapple, Yankee Springs, Irving, Hastings, Johnstown, Castleton, Carlton, and Woodland constituted the first board under the tnew arrangement. The business of the county has since been transacted by the supervisors. Their action in regard to the county buildings and the poor-farm will be found in Chapter XVI. CHAPTER XV. EARLY COURTS. Allegan County Probate Court-First Letters of AdministrationThe first Circuit in Allegan County-First Day's Record-Second Day's Record-First Grand Jury-First Petit Jury-First Admission of an Attorney-First Bill in Chancery-Judge RansomOther Judges-Allegan County Court-Attorneys admitted or having practiced in Allegan County-First Circuit in Barry County -Copy of the Record-First Grand Jury in Barry County-First Petit Jury-The Circuit Judges-Barry County Court-Attorneys admitted in the County. COURTS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. PROBATE COURT. THE first session of a court held in this county was held by Oka Town, judge of probate. The first business transacted was the granting of letters of administration to Sophia Sherwood, as administratrix upon the estate of Libbeus Sherwood, with instructions to make an inventory of the estate and exhibit the same to the register of probate at or before the 28th day of March following. These letters were granted on the 25th day of December, 1835. On the 28th of the same month, Sophia Sherwood, Royal Sherwood, and Hull Sherwood entered into bonds to the judge of probate, in the sum of four thousand dollars, for the faithful performance of her duties as administratrix by the first-named person. On the 25th day of January, 1836, Judge Town appointed Silas Dunham, Eber Sherwood, and Hull Sherwood appraisers of the estate, which, according to the inventory made by them, amounted to four thousand one hundred and fifty-two dollars and eleven cents. The business of the estate was not closed until 1837, under the administration of Ebenezer Parkhurst, the second judge of probate of Allegan County. THE CIRCUIT COURT AND ITS JUDGES. The first Circuit Court for Allegan County was held in November, 1836. The following, from the records, will show its proceedings on the first day: "STATE OF MICHIGAN, 8. ALLEGAN Co. "Be it remembered that at a Session of the Circuit Court for the 3d Circuit of Michigan, holden at the Court House in Allegan, within and for the County of Allegan, on the 2nd Monday after the 4th Monday of October, being the 7th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, neither of the judges of said Circuit Court having attended on said day, being the first day of the said term; John L. Shearer, the Sheriff of said County, adjourned the said court to to-morrow morning at ten o'clk before noon; pursuant to the Statute in such case made and provided. "ALEXANDER L. ELY, Clerk, by ELISHA G. BINGHAM, Dep. Clk." The following is a record of the proceedings of the second day, the first on which business was actually transacted: " STATE OF MICHIGAN, }8. ALLEGAN Co. "At a session of the circuit Court of the 3d Circuit of Michigan, within and for the County of Allegan, holden pursuant to adjournment on the 8th day of November, 1836, were present: Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom, Circuit Judge; Elisha Ely, John Anderson, Associate Judges. The Grand Jurors being called by the Clerk, the following persons appeared and answered to their names, viz.: Thomas H. Thomas, Silas F. Littlejohn, Elias Streeter, Milo Winslow, Ebenezer Parkhurst, Eber Sherwood, James Preston, William Finn, Dahartus Willard, Royal Sherwood, James Hawks, Martin W. Rowe, Chandler HIollister, Hiram Sabins, William Dibble, Samuel Weeks, Lloyd Fitzgerald, James Bracelin, and Alfred Mann. "Silas F. Littlejohn was appointed Foreman of the Grand Jury by the Court, and authorized to issue subpoenas and swear or affirm witnesses. "The Grand Jury, after being sworn and having received their charge from the Court, retired, under the charge of Hiram Bassett, to consider the business before them. "The Petit Jurors being called, the following persons appeared and answered to their names, viz.: L. Wilcox, John Sweazey, David D. Davis, Philip Davis, Jason Torry, Alanson Weeks, Isaac Dexter, George Hollister, Benjamin Foster, William R. Jenner, James Nelson, Orsamus Eaton, Aldrich Atwater, Corydon Eaton, Daniel Bracelin, James McCormick, Seneca Peak, John Peabody, and Joseph Rogers. " George Y. Warner made application to the court to be admitted as an Attorney and Counselor-at-law, and having produced satisfactory evidence to the Court that he has been regularly admitted as an Attorney and Counselor-at-Law in a Court of Record in the States of Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia, and has been in the practice of law in said States during the period of two years previous to his application for admission, that he is of good character, and has sustained the character of an able and fair practitioner, and that he actually resides in this State, was admitted to an examination, and the said applicant having been examined by the Judges of said court, and, on such examination had, the said Judges being of opinion that he is qualified and is of good moral character, it is ordered that he take and subscribe the oath of office, and that the clerk of this court record the admission of said George Y. Warner. Whereupon the said George Y. Warner appeared in Court and took and subscribed the oath prescribed by Law. " The Grand Jury came into Court and announced that no business had been submitted to them, and that none had come to their knowledge requiring their consideration, thereupon they were discharged from further attendance upon this Court, and it appearing that there was no business for the Petit Jury they were discharged by the Court." "Case No. 1. "ISAAC ALDRICH, f Appellee, uV8. WILLIAM FORBES, L Appellant. "On motion of Defendant's Attorney it is ordered that this cause be continued to the next term of this court. " Read, corrected, and signed in open court this 8th day of November, 1836. "'EPAPHRODITUS RANSOM, President Judge. 54a HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. "There being no further business, the court then adjourned without day. "ALEXANDER L. ELY, Clerk, by ELIJAH G. BINGHAM, Dep'y CI'k." At the May term of this court, in 1837, the grand jury for the first time presented to the court sundry indictments for minor infractions of the law. At the November term of the same year " George Y. Warner was appointed prosecuting attorney during the present term of court." The first bill in chancery was filed Sept. 29, 1849, by Johnson & Higley, solicitors for the plaintiff in the case of Bela Turner vs. Michael Spencer et al. An order to take the bill as confessed was entered Jan. 9, 1850. Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom, who held all the early circuits in Allegan County, was a native of Hampshire Co., Mass. He graduated at the Northampton law-school in 1825, removed to Michigan about 1833, and was admitted to the bar at Kalamazoo in 1834. In 1836 he was appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court, and became chief justice in 1843. In 1848 here signed to accept the office of Governor of the State. He was succeeded in this circuit by the Hon. Charles W. Whipple, who presided, for the first time in this county, at the May term, 1849. His last term here was held in October, 1851. The next circuit judge was the lion. Abner Pratt, whose first term in this county was held in April, 1852, and his last one in May, 1856. Upon the organization of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, the Hon. Flavius J. Littlejohn was elected to the position of circuit judge. He first presided at the July term, 1858. He was re-elected for a full term in 1863, and served till the summer of 1869, when he resigned. Hon. Charles R. Brown succeeded Judge Littlejohn, serving the remainder of that term, and being re-elected in 1870. Upon the organization of the Twentieth Circuit, in 1873, Hon. John W. Stone was elected its first judge, in April of that year, but resigned Nov. 1, 1874. He was succeeded by Hon. Dan. J. Arnold, who was appointed Nov. 5,1874, and was elected Nov. 5, 1875, for a full term. He still occupies the bench. THE COUNTY COURT. The old county courts were abolished in April, 1833, the circuit courts of the Territory of Michigan taking their business and jurisdiction. It was re-established in 1846, with one county judge and a second judge, who officiated in the absence of the former. The first session held in the county of Allegan was after the re establishment, and was held April 5, 1847, by Hon. Henry H. Booth, county judge, in the Methodist chapel (then occupied as a court-room) in the village of Allegan. No business was brought before the court at this session, and it was adjourned without day. The first official act of Judge Booth was the appointment, on the 10th of April, 1847, of E. Bourne Bassett as county clerk, in place of N. Manson, Jr., deceased. During the continuance of the county courts, Judges Henry H. Booth and Abram J. Dedrick presided over that of Allegan County. Those courts were finally abolished in 1853. We close these remarks on the courts of Allegan County with a list of attorneys and counselors admitted to practice in that county (with date of admission) or residing and practicing there. Those with no dates attached to names were not admitted here: George Y. Warner, Nov. 8, 1835. F. J. Littlejohn (practiced here from 1836). Hovey K. Clark, April 27, 1839. e D. W. C. Chapin. Theodore Chapin. Robert Goble. Gilbert Noyes. Thomas H. Marsh. Henry C. Stoughton. W. B. Williams. Joseph Thew, Sept. 25, 1857. Elisha Belcher. Amos A. Harle, Dec. 12, 1846. E. B. Bassett, Nov. 14, 1849. George H. House, July 22, 1858. Wilson C. Edsell, Oct. 19, 1858. Silas Stafford, March 10, 1859. John N. York, March 10, 1859. James F. Steck, March 20, 1860. Levi M. Comstock, March 21, 1860. B. F. Travis, Oct. 24, 1860. R. B. Coles, Oct. 24, 1860. Henry C. Briggs, March 23, 1861. Benjamin D. Pritchard, March 23, 1861. Francis X. Ward, March 23, 1861. John W. Stone, Jan. 17, 1862. Lawrence L. Crosby, March 20, 1862. Alfred Wallin, March 17, 1863. H. N. Averill, Oct. 26, 1865. Johnson Parsons, Oct. 26, 1865. Alonzo H. Chandler, March 13, 1866. Patroctus A. Latta, July 10, 1866. John P. Hoyt, Aug. 8, 1867. J. Bird Humphrey, Jan. 16, 1868. Philip Padgham. Frank Bracelin, April 8, 1868. Edwin B. Grover, April 8, 1868. Albert II. Fenn, April 10, 1868. Jacob V. Rogers, April 15, 1868. E. D. Steele, Oct. 5, 1868. Daniel Earle, Oct. 7, 1870. M. D. Wilbur, Aug. 23, 1871. Wm. W. Warner. Bronson Schoonmaker, May 27, 1873. John H. Padgham, May 27, 1873. W. A. Woodworth, April 14, 1874. Lyman H. Babbitt, Sept. 26, 1874. Ogden Tomlinson, Sept. 26, 1874. Julius M. Eaton, Feb. 14, 1876. Richard L. Newnham, Oct. 21, 1876. Edward J. Anderson, Nov. 27, 1876. Frank S. Donaldson. J. Lee Potts, Dec. 4, 1876. Hiram B. Hudson, Nov. 27, 1876. John E. Babbitt, Dec. 22, 1876. George F. Peck, May 4, 1877. Frank B. Lay, June 6, 1878. Dion H. Pope, July 19, 1879. Cornelius T. Bennett. BARRY COUNTY. THE CIRCUIT COURT AND ITS JUDGES. The first term of the Circuit Court for the county of Barry was held in May, 1840, in the school-house in the village of Hastings, which was situated on the southeast corner of Jefferson and Court Streets. The following : 'EARLY COU3RTS, 55 EARLY COURTS. 55 caption is taken from the court journal, and shows the occupants of the bench: "At a session of the Circuit Court, holden at the Court-House in the village of Hastings, in and for the County of Barry, on the 6th of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty. Present, Epaphroditus Ransom, Circuit Judge; Isaac Otis and Nathan Barlow, Associate Judges." After the court had been duly opened by the sheriff, the grand jury was called, and the following persons appeared and were sworn: John W. Bradley, Nelson Coman, Charles W. Spaulding, George Brown, John I. Nichols, Samuel Case, Cleveland Ellis, Lorenzo Mudge, Israel H. Cooper, Phineas Coe, Nelson N. Sprague, Jared S. Rogers, Orris Barnum, Frederick Ingram, Samuel Wollotson, Calvin G. Hill, Charles Paul, Stephen Collier, and Hiram F. Merrill. They retired after receiving the charge of the court. Three appealed cases were decided by the court. In two of them judgments were entered in favor of the respective plaintiffs, while one was decided in favor of the defendant, and one case was continued by consent of both parties. The first case in which a petit jury was called was that of John Patten vs. Lawrence Van De Walker, in which the following persons were sworn as petit jurors: Demie Bennett, Hiram J. Kenfield, John Hangun, George Fuller, Anson Seely, William B. Shorod, William M. Paul, Mager Mott, Albert C. Hill, Rufus Cowles, Estus Rich, and Charles V. Patrick. The jury, having heard the testimony and received the charge of the court, and having retired and duly deliberated thereon, returned into court and rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant. There being no further business before the petit jury, it was discharged. The grand jury came into court and presented sundry indictments, and was also discharged. The record of the court was read, corrected, and signed in open court on the 6th day of May, 1840, by Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom, presiding judge. Judge Ransom held his last term of court in Barry County in April, 1847. The next circuit judge who held court in Barry County was the Hon. George Martin. He was elected on the 7th of April, 1851, and presided for the first time in this county at the August term of that year. He served a full term, holding his last session here in October, 1857. The Hon. Louis S. Lovell succeeded Judge Martin, being elected on the 6th of April, 1857, and holding his first session in this county in February, 1858. He was re-elected in April, 1863, and again in April, 1869, holding his last term of court in Barry County in April, 1871. The Hon. Birney Hoyt became the successor of Judge Lovell, being elected in April, 1871, to fill out the unexpired term of that magistrate. His first session here was held in May of that year. He was re-elected for a full term in April, 1875, and held his last court in this county in February, 1877. During this year a change was made in the judicial districts, after which Philip T. Van Tile presided over the circuits of this county, holding his first I term in May, 1877. He resigned April 1, 1878, and the Hon. Frank Hooker was appointed to fill the vacancy. In November following he was elected by the people, and still presides over the circuit. BARRY COUNTY COURT. Barry County, having been organized after the old county court was abolished, had no such tribunal until 1847, when county courts were re-established throughout the State, each having one county judge and one second judge. The first term of the Barry County court was held by Hon. Hiram Greenfield, county judge, in April, 1847. The following from the records will show the organization: "On the first Monday of April, it being the fifth day of said month, the county court for the county of Barry convened at the clerk's office, in the village of Hastings, at ten o'clock in the forenoon of said day, for the purpose of organizing and transacting such business as might come before the same. Court was opened by proclamation of the sheriff, and duly organized. "The office of I. A. Holbrook, in the village of Hastings, had been designated by the board of supervisors as the court-house. "There being no further business, the court adjourned to meet again the first Monday in May." The county court was finally abolished in 1853. The following is a list of the attorneys who have been admitted to the bar in the county of Barry, with date of admission. The practitioners of the county are mentioned in the respective townships: Eli L. Stillson, Nov. 3, 1842. Fenner Ferguson, Nov. 8, 1844. Hiram Greenfield, Nov. 8, 1844. George M. Mills, Nov. 7, 1845. John E. Cropsey, April 25, 1854. Charles G. Holbrook, Oct. 29, 1856. George W. Mills, Feb. 24, 1859. Orrin L. Ray, April 24, 1856. Asa C. Leonard, July 15, 1862. Isaac M. V. B. Flint, July 15, 1861. William H. Hayford, Oct. 24, 1864. 'John Carveth, July 28, 1868. Charles H. Bauer, July 26, 1869. Edward A. Holbrook, April 27, 1870. Orrin C. Batesford, Nov. 5, 1870. Daniel Striker, Nov. 5, 1870. Hickson W. Rolfe, Jan. 26, 1871. Lucius Russell, April 29, 1871. Thomas C. Taylor, Nov. 27, 1871. William Rowley, Feb. 26, 1872. Charles M. Fox, Aug. 8, 1872. A. Halstead Ellis, Nov. 19, 1872. John R. Eastman, Feb. 13, 1874. John L. Fish, Feb. 5, 1875. James Clarke, Aug. 4, 1875. Loyal E. Knappen, Aug. 5, 1875. Abijah M. Flint, Nov. 10, 1875. Joseph M. T. Orr, May 20, 1876. Charles M. Knappen, Nov. 24, 1876. Thomas J. Wilder, Nov. 24, 1876. John A. Turner, May 8, 1877. Erwin W. Hewitt, Dec. 3, 1877. William H. Powers, Nov. 30, 1878. Perley P. Cady, Nov. 29, 1878. Lewis Durkee, Feb. 12, 1879. Edwin Fallas, May 6, 1880. 56 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. CHAPTER XVI. COUNTY BUILDINGS AND POOR-FARMS. Attempt to erect Buildings in Allegan County in 1837-A Resolution in 1839-A Jail and Jailer's House built-Erection of first FireProof Building-Old Offices fitted up for Court-Room-Vote of Supervisors to build Court-House in 1852-Not carried out-The Baptist Church at Allegan bought for a Court-House-New Jail built in 1861-Report of-Committee in favor of new Fire-Proof Buildings in 1867-Title to the Public Square-Erection of new Fire-Proof Building in 1871-First Places of holding Court-Description of first Jail —Grading of Public Square-Allegan PoorHouse and Farm-First Poor-Tax-First Bills for Support of Paupers-Distinction between Township and County Poor abolished -First Superintendents of Poor-Sealed Proposals for supporting Paupers-First Step toward buying Poor-Farm, in 1849-Nothing further done until 1864-Farm purchased in 1866-Building of Part of Poor-House in 1868-Construction of Main Building in 1870-Erection of Insane Asylum in 1874-Erection of Children's Building in 1877-Expense of supporting Poor in 1879-Barry County Buildings-First Jail in the Ground-Resolution of Commissioners to build Jail and Court-House in 1842-Its Construction-Its Cost-Description-Destruction by Fire-Movements toward building a New Jail-A Committee authorized to buy Lots, make Contract, etc.-Contract for and Erection of Present Jail-Erection of Barry County Court-House-Title of Court-House Square-First Location of County Offices-Their Location in the old Court-House-In the new Court-House-Barry County PoorHouse and Farm-First Appointment of Superintendents of the Poor-First Movement to obtain Poor-Farm, in 1849-Resolution to purchase Farm, 1854-Resolution not to purchase in 1855-Last Resolution rescinded-Farm bought in 1855-Poor-House built in 1878. ALLEGAN COUNTY BUILDINGS. THE reader will have observed in Chapter XIV. that the board of supervisors of Allegan County, at their meeting in November, 1837, endeavored to obtain a vote of the people authorizing the sum of fifteen thousand dollars to be raised for the purpose of erecting public buildings. There is no record to show whether this vote was taken or not, but, as nothing further was done by the board in reference to it, it is fair to presume that the proposition was voted down or was not acted upon. The next action tending toward that object was taken at a special meeting of the board of commissioners held on the 25th day of April, 1839, when the following resolution was adopted: " Resolved, That S. F. Littlejohn be authorized to procure a plan for a convenient jail, to be constructed of wood, and a jail house for the jailer, to contain a convenient room for county purposes, the expense of said buildings not to exceed $1200, and receive'proposals for the construction." On the 7th day of June, the same year, the board examined the proposals for a jail and a jailer's house, submitted under the foregoing resolution. Six proposals were presented, the highest being for the sum of two thousand and ninety-five dollars, the lowest for sixteen hundred dollars. After due examination and consultation the plan and proposal presented by S. F. Littlejohn were adopted, and a contract for the erection of the proposed building was made with him. On the 27th of February, 1840, the countybuilding, then completed, was examined and accepted, and Mr. Littlejohn was released from his contract. The cost of the building was fifteen hundred and sixty-seven dollars and ninety-eight cents. Some extra work was done after that time, and a final settlement was not made until the 16th of June, 1841. At the annual meeting of the supervisors on the 15th day of October, 1846, the sum of five hundred dollars was voted to erect a fire-proof building for county officers, and on the 8th day of January, 1847, the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That in accordance with the appropriation made for that purpose, a fire-proof building be built by the county for the safety of the county records. That said building be of the size of 20 feet by 30 feet; to contain three rooms, with a hall part way across the building, to be built of brick with tin roof." Henry H. Booth, Ralph R. Mann, and David D. Davis were appointed a building committee, with power to draw plans and specifications, advertise for proposals, make a contract, and accept the building when completed. The contract was let to Thomas M. Russell, who erected the building the following summer, and at the session of the board in October of that year the building committee reported the completion of the structure, which report was accepted and adopted. The total cost of the building was five hundred and twenty-eight dollars and fifty cents. It was of brick, twenty feet by forty (the original plan of twenty by thirty being found to be too small), and one story high. There was a hall part way along the north side, the entrance to which was at the west end of the building. The probate judge's office was on the right of the entrance, in the southwest corner, that of the treasurer being situated next east. The office occupied by the county clerk and the register extended entirely across the east end of the building. The county clerk was authorized at this meeting to fit up that part of the county-building previously occupied for offices so as to be a convenient room for holding courts, etc. At a session of the board in the fall of 1851, Messrs. Kellogg & Bailey were appointed a committee to inquire as to the facilities for effecting a loan, and as to the propriety of raising a tax for the purpose of building a court-house, also to draw a plan of such house and to estimate the expense of the same. At the next annual meeting, held on the 14th day of October, 1852, the following resolution was adopted by eleven yeas to six nays: " Resolved, That the present board of supervisors order the sum of $2000, to be assessed upon the taxable property of the county of Allegan, for the purpose of building a court-house in the village of Allegan; the same to be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next annual township election." There is no record of any action of the people on this subject, but on the 4th day of January, 1853, a resolution passed the board directing that a committee of three should be appointed to examine the brick church (Baptist), and to report their opinion as to its value and the practicability of purchasing the same for a court-house. The committee appointed consisted of Messrs. McMartin, Day, and Wheeler. At the same meeting Messrs. Bassett, McMartin, and Field were appointed a committee to nego tiate with the Baptist society for the purchase of their house and lot. On the 30th day of March, 1854, this last committee re COUNTY BUILDINGS AND POOR-FARMS. 57 Ii ported that they had concluded negotiations with the Baptist society for the purchase of their house and lot, for the sum of two thousand dollars. The committee on county buildings was instructed to prepare the building for use, which was accomplished at a cost of eleven hundred and six dollars and sixty-three cents. At the January meeting of the board in 1859, the committee on county buildings reported the necessity of erecting a new county jail, and four days later a resolution was adopted submitting to the people the question whether the sum of five thousand dollars should be expended for that purpose. A committee was also appointed to procure plans and estimates for the proposed structure. The people duly authorized its erection. On the 2d of May, the same year, Messrs. Jam3son, Chichester, Henderson, Strong, and Raplee were appointed a committee to investigate and report in regard to a site for a jail. This committee reported the next day in favor of locating the edifice on the lot now known as the courthouse lot, and the location was duly adopted by the board. A building committee was then chosen (consisting of Messrs. Leonard Bailey, Ira Chichester, and Eli D. Granger), with instructions to advertise for proposals for the erection of a brick building with stone foundations, forty feet by fifty in size and two stories high. Twentynine feet on the west side were to be finished as a jail, with four cells below, each eight feet by twelve, and six cells above, each eight feet by ten. The front part of the building was to be the jailer's residence. Some time elapsed before the work was commenced, and there are few records of its progress, but on the 9th of January, 1862, the committee reported that the new jail was in the possession of the sheriff, that they had effected a settlement with the contractor, and that the cost of the building was four thousand eight hundred and ninety dollars. On the 4th of January, 1867, the committee on public buildings, in the board of supervisors, made a report, of which the first part reads as follows: "To THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: "Your Committee on County buildings ask leave to report That they have examined the buildings occupied for County offices and find the same inadequate and insufficient for that purpose. "That the Building is not of sufficient capacity to properly accommodate the several county officers and the people who have official business to transact at said offices. That the building has become dilapidated, and the increasing demands and business of the several offices requires that a new building should be erected, more commodious, and so situated and arranged as to afford greater protection and security for the public records, papers, and property left and deposited therein. "Your Committee have also examined the condition of the CourtHouse, and are of the opinion that the same is not what will soon be required for the growing business of the County, and is not provided with proper and convenient Jury Rooms, and other accommodations usual and proper for a Court-House." Other reasons were given at length, and the committee recommended that a court-house should be built with rooms in it for the county offices, and that the sum of twentyfour thousand dollars should be raised by tax upon the county, but that the question of raising such tax be submitted to the people. 8 The proposition was voted upon at the next election, and was lost. On the 15th of January, 1869, the committee of the supervisors on county buildings recommended the erection of a fire-proof building for the county offices, but nothing further was then done in relation to the matter. On the 4th of January, 1870, a committee was appointed by the supervisors to visit the county buildings of Kent County, at Grand Rapids, and then to report a plan for the county offices of Allegan County. This committee performed its duties, and on the 7th of January presented a report, which was duly adopted. It also presented two plans for the consideration of the board. The committee recommended that the site of the court-house should be in the centre of the public square, and that of the county offices on the south side of the court-house, twenty feet from the line of Hubbard Street. Ira Chichester, Alanson Case, and Ira Chaffee were appointed a building committee to superintend the construction of the proposed building, provided the electors of the county should vote the money to build the same. The board also authorized the county treasurer to raise a temporary loan of five thousand dollars, to be used for the purpose above mentioned, with the same proviso regarding the sanction of the people. In one of the early meetings of the same session (January, 1870), Messrs. Hardin, Mincklin, and Crawford were appointed a committee to request the prosecuting attorney to investigate the title to the public square. No detailed report is given of the result of this investigation, but a search in the register's office shows the following to be the facts in the case: On the 23d of June, 1837, Samuel Hubbard and Charles C. Trowbridge, proprietors of the village of Allegan, recorded a plat of that village in the register's office of Allegan County. The Public Square is laid out on that plat. On the 7th of April, 1847, two deeds were recorded in the register's office,-one from Samuel Hubbard and Charles C. Trowbridge to the board of supervisors of Allegan County, the other from the president, recorder, and trustees of the village of Allegan to the board of supervisors. These deeds both recite that they dispose of "all right, title, and interest of as much of the public square as is laid out and applied for that purpose on the villageplat as may be wanted or used for county buildings and necessary appurtenances, and this grant is for no other purpose." These conveyances doubtless make the title of the county to so much of the public square at Allegan village as may be necessary for county buildings absolutely perfect. At the October session of 1870 the committee on county buildings reported that they had examined the building and offices in which the public records are kept, and found them extremely unsafe, the building being, in fact, in danger of falling down, and the records and maps being more or less damaged by every heavy storm which occurred. During the same session a resolution was adopted directing the submission to the people of Allegan County at the next annual town-meeting the question whether the sum of HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. six thousand dollars should be raised in 1871 for the purpose of erecting county offices. The question was so submitted, and was decided in the affirmative. The building was erected on the public square, and is a neat and substantial edifice of brick, forty feet by forty-two, and two stories high. It contains a hall through the centre, and offices on each side. On the 1st of January, 1872, the committee on county offices reported the cost of the structure at that time as seven thousand four hundred and sixty-one dollars and ninety-seven cents. On the 18th of October the same year they reported the further amount expended for work on and about the new building, and for furniture and fixtures in it, at two thousand and ninety-nine dollars and twentyeight cents, making a total of nine thousand five hundred and sixty-one dollars and twenty-five cents. The offices were first occupied by the county officers on the 1st of January, 1872, the county clerk and judge of probate occupying the upper floor, and the register and treasurer the first floor. LOCATION OF COURT-ROOM AND PUBLIC OFFICES. In the records of the board of supervisors for 1838 the following appropriations are to be found: "To A. L. Ely, For the use of School-House for the circuit court of this County previous to 1837, $4.00. "To the Dist. Board of School District No. 1, in the Township of Allegan, For the use of School-room for holding courts in the years 1837 and 1838, $28.00. " To Henry Booher, for use of room for Grand Jury at fall term of Circuit Court, $4.00. "To Daniel Emerson, for use of room for Petit Jury, $4.00." The school-house mentioned above was situated on the south side of Trowbridge Street, just east of Pine Street, in the village of Allegan. Henry Booher, in whose house the grand jury met, was the landlord of the Michigan Exchange, which is still standing. Daniel Emerson's house was situated on the north side of Trowbridge Street, on the first lot east of where John Askin now resides. The records show that in January, 1844, seven dollars was allowed to Spencer Marsh for the use of the Methodist chapel for the October term of court, and on the 15th of October, 1844, six dollars was appropriated to pay for the use of the same building during the spring term previous. Similar payments were regularly made after that time to the trustees of the Methodist chapel for the use of the room for several years, the last being in October, 1847. For some time afterward the courts were held in the basement of the jail, then standing on the southwest corner of the public square, on the north side of Hubbard Street near Walnut.* The courts were also held for a time in the basement of the Baptist church at Allegan. Upon the purchase of the property of the Baptist society, in 1856, the upper portion (then unfinished) was fitted up as a courtroom, since which time the courts have been regularly held there. * The jailer's house was about twenty-four by thirty feet, one story and a half in height, with basement in which the offices were kept. The jail was built of hewed timbers, and stood in the rear of the jailer's house, being about twenty feet square and one story in height. The jailer's house now stands on the north side of the public square, and is used for a residence. The county offices, previous to 1841, were kept at either the residences or business-places of the officers. At that time the jail was completed and the offices of the clerk and register, judge of probate, and treasurer were thenceforward kept in the basement of the jailer's house until the completion of the old fire-proof building in 1846, when they were removed to that building. The committee on public buildings of the board of supervisors, appointed in 1870 to superintend the erection of a building for the county offices and the grading of the site for it, found the public square about eight feet higher on the north side than at present. It was soon after graded down to its present condition, and now slopes from the centre two or three feet to the north line. ALLEGAN COUNTY POOR-HOUSE AND FARM. The board of supervisors, in November, 1837, passed a resolution to raise six hundred dollars by tax, one hundred dollars of which should constitute a poor-fund. This is the first official action in reference to paupers. Bill No. 31, of the county audits of 1838, debits the county as follows: "To Moses Hawks, a director of the poor, for examining a pauper, $1. " To Moses Hawks for the support of John Hansel, a county pauper, from Oct. 14 to Nov. 10, 1838, $19.29." Another bill, dated December 24th, of the same year, makes a similar charge: "To Moses Hawks, for keeping county pauper from November 10th to 22d, $5 per week, $8.59." At a meeting of the county commissioners, on the 15th day of November, 1839, a resolution passed the board to abolish the distinction between township and county poor, and providing that all the poor in the county should become a general charge. At that time Elisha Ely, of Allegan, John W. Watson, of Plainfield, and George Y. Warner, of Allegan, were appointed superintendents of the poor. By the first annual report of the superintendents, presented October 27, 1840, it would appear that but little business had been before them, as the report shows that only three dollars and twenty cents more than their salaries had been expended. No further action in reference to the county poor is shown by the record until Jan. 3, 1849, when a committee was appointed by the board to confer with the superintendents of the poor as to the best method of disposing of paupers. It reported in favor of instructing the superintendents to give notice publicly for a reasonable time that they would receive sealed proposals for keeping the whole of the county poor. The report was accepted and adopted. At a meeting of the supervisors, held on the 5th of January, 1849, the first step was taken toward providing a farm for the support of the county poor. The superintendents were authorized to purchase a farm of from forty to one hundred acres, with suitable buildings thereon for the accommodation of the poor, at an expense not to exceed twelve hundred dollars; the purchase not to be concluded without the concurrence of the entire board. No report was made of the purchase of a farm, and in October, 1851, Messrs. Kellogg, McMartin, and Heath were appointed a committee to inquire and report to the COUNTY BUILDINGS AND POOR-FARMS. 5 board as to the propriety of purchasing such an establishment. Nothing appears to have been done, as thirteen years elapsed before any further action was taken. On the 12th day of October, 1864, the superintendents of the poor earnestly recommended to the supervisors to provide a more permanent and suitable location for the county poor than the temporary places then occupied. Two years later, on the 14th day of January, 1866, a committee which had been appointed to examine farms for county purposes reported that it had received several proposals, covering land valued at from twenty-five to fifty dollars per acre, and that after due examination it recommended the farm of J. P. Pope as the best suited for the purpose. The report says: "It contains 160 acres, about 95 acres improved, an orchard of 100 bearing apple-trees, a fair grain and corn barn and small dwelling, about 300 sap-buckets, about 20,000 feet of pine logs. The farm is the southeast quarter of section 5, township 2 north, range 13 west (Allegan), and could be purchased for $7000." This report was accepted and adopted. The farm was purchased and the deed recorded on the 15th day of June, 1866. On the 14th day of October, 1867, the committee on county buildings reported that it had examined the county farm, buildings, and conveniences, and recommended an appropriation of one thousand dollars, to be expended in buildings for the accommodation of the poor and insane; the means then in use being entirely inadequate for the purpose. The next day Joseph Fisk, Ira Chichester, and Dr. 0. D. Goodrich were appointed a committee to make, or cause to be made, a plan and an estimate for a poor-house on the poor-farm. This committee made a verbal report Jan. 15, 1868, and submitted a plan for a building, which report was accepted and adopted. On the 14th day of October, 1868, the building committee reported that the poor-house was in course of construction, and that the expense thus far incurred amounted to twelve hundred and eighty-eight dollars and ninety cents. On the 13th of January, 1869, the same committee reported the building completed, at a cost of two thousand and ninety dollars and seven cents. Two days after the acceptance of the new building the committee on the poor-farm reported that a certain portion of the poor were yet compelled to occupy the old building, which was rapidly falling into decay, and recommended that measures be taken to secure the completion of the main building, according to the plan originally designed, and that the board authorize a loan of three thousand dollars for that purpose. In view of this recommendation, the following resolutions were adopted: "Resolved, By the Board of Supervisors of Allegan County, that the Chairman and Clerk of this Board be authorized to issue bonds upon the credit of this county to the amount of $5000, for the erection and completion of the buildings for the reception of the Poor. "Resolved, That in case the Legislature of this State authorize said Board to issue bonds upon the credit of this County for the erection and completion of the building for the reception of the Poor of said County, we do hereby authorize and instruct the building committee to erect and complete said buildings at a cost not to exceed the sum of $5000, or so much thereof as authorized by the Legislature of the State." No immediate action was taken, and on the 7th day of January, 1870, the committee on the poor-farm again urged the board to take immediate action in regard to the completion of the main building of the poor-house. The next day the superintendents of the poor were instructed by the board to build the main building of the poor.house, after a plan in the office of the county treasurer; said building to be completed by the 10th day of October in that year. The work was pushed rapidly forward, and on the 13th of October, 1870, the poor-committee reported the structure completed, in a creditable and satisfactory manner, at a cost of seven thousand four hundred and sixty-one dollars and ninety-seven cents. During the year 1-874 a committee of the board of supervisors visited the insane asylum at Kalamazoo, to obtain information bearing on the expediency of erecting a building for the insane of Allegan County. After a conference with the authorities of the asylum, and a thorough examination of the subject, the committee recommended the board to erect a building for that purpose. The board accordingly authorized the superintendents of the poor to erect such a structure on the poor-house farm, at an expense not exceeding one thousand dollars. The building was erected during the summer and autumn of that year. It was two stories in height, containing four rooms in the basement, and sixteen above. It was occupied on the 1st of January, 1876. The total cost was thirteen hundred and twenty-eight dollars and sixty-two cents. On the 3d day of January, 1877, the board of supervisors adopted a resolution looking towards the erection of a separate building for children on the poor-house farm, and directing the appointment of a committee to examine regarding the size and expense of such a work. Two days later the committee appointed under that resolution recommended the construction of a building thirty by forty-six feet, to be divided into rooms, the cost of which should not exceed the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. The board adopted the report, and the committee on county buildings was placed in charge of the work. On the 11th day of January, 1878, it reported the Juvenile Building completed and occupied, having been placed in charge of the superintendents of the poor on the 1st of December, 1877. The contract price was fourteen hundred and forty-nine dollars and forty-nine cents, and the entire cost was sixteen hundred and thirtythree dollars and thirty-nine cents. The expense of supporting the poor for the year 1879, as given in the report of the superintendents, was ten thousand and eight dollars and thirty-six cents. BARRY COUNTY BUILDINGS. THE FIRST JAIL. The first place set apart for the detention of prisoners was located on the south side of the court-house square, on the corner of Broadway and Court Streets. This place was a hole in the ground, about six feet deep and ten feet square, covered with plank about four feet above the surface of the earth. This was used until the building of the jail and court-house, in 1842-43. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. THE OLD JAIL AND COURT-HOUSE. The first record that appears on the books in reference to a county jail and court-house is that of the proceedings of the board of county commissioners on the 13th of January, 1842, which reads as follows: "The first business unler consideration was the subject of building a jail. After the subject had been fully discussed, drafts were made, together with estimates upon the same. "The Board resolved that it is expedient for the county at this time to erect a jaittogether with a room suitable for holding courts. Therefore, further Resolved, that we will adopt a plan as soon as may be, receive proposals, and let the job of erecting the said building to the lowest bidder." The commissioners commenced the erection of the courthouse and jail in the spring of 1842. Before its completion the board of county commissioners was abolished and its powers transferred to a board of supervisors, which held its first meeting on the 4th of July, 1842. The contract for building the combined court-house and jail was awarded to H. J. Kenfield, and in the treasurer's account for 1842 appears this item, "To HI. J. Kenfield on contract, $425.77." The building was not finished until the 25th of December, 1843, and in the treasurer's report for 1843 appears another item, "To H. J. Kenfield on contract, $788.15," making the whole cost of the court-house and jail twelve hundred and thirteen dollars and ninety-two cents. During the session of the board in the fall of 1843, Messrs. Lacey and Alden were allowed thirty dollars "' for doing their contract better than it called for." This work was on the well and out-buildings. At this session it was likewise voted, "That A. C. Parmelee be requested to cause two slats of wood to be properly put on before each window in the court-room, for a protection against damage of said windows. Also to procure and put up a suitable curtain in the rear of the judge's bench; and further, that the table for the use of the bar in said court-room be covered with suitable cloth." On the 25th of December, 1843, the court-house and jail were reported complete, and authority was given to have it insured in the Marshall Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which was done. The building was two stories in height, the court-room being in the upper story. The jail, consisting of four cells, was in the southeast corner of the building, on the lower floor. The jailer's residence was in the southwest corner, while the county offices occupied the front part of the building. This court-house was in use until 1846, when it was destroyed by fire, which caught near the chimney in the jailer's residence. From this time until the completion of the brick jail, in 1853, prisoners were taken to Kalamazoo. THE PRESENT BARRY COUNTY COURT-HOUSE. After the destruction of the old court-house and jail, in 1846, the supervisors, at their first meeting, in January, 1847, resolved to build a court-house, and invited individuals to present plans and specifications. Plans were accord ingly presented, and the following resolution was adopted Jan. 6, 1847: " Resolved, That the county give the man who will build the courthouse according to the plan agreed upon by the board two thousand two hundred dollars, provided that proper steps (to the house) be in eluded, and the siding, all the doors and door-casings, window-casings on the outside, corner boards, water table, etc., be of good yellow pine lumber; further reference to be had to bill drawn by John Lewis." On the 9th of January John Lewis was allowed one dollar for drawing a bill of expenses for building the courthouse. On the 28th of April, 1847, the board finally adopted the plan presented by Mr. Lewis, and on the same date a contract to build the court-house was executed by the property committee and Alvin W. Bailey. The final price agreed upon was two thousand three hundred and eighty-one dollars and nine cents, an addition having been made to pay for raising the house and chimneys two feet higher than the original plan. The time for completion was also extended to the 15th of March, 1848. On the 30th of April, 1847, it was resolved by the board of supervisors " that the court-house to be built by A. W. Bailey be set directly south of the wall on which the old court-house stood, so that the north side of the house come within two feet of the south wall of the old house." The court-house was not finished at the date specified, and the time was extended till October, 1848, a new contract being drawn March 16, 1848. On the 19th of January, 1849, the supervisors examined the court-house, then nearly completed, and at their session the next day it was accepted. Settlement was made with Mr. Bailey the same day, on condition that he give bonds with sufficient security for the entire completion of the court-house, in conformity to the contract. Later in the same session Mr. Bailey presented a bond agreeably to the resolution, which was accepted and approved, and Mr. Bailey was allowed three hundred dollars for extra work over and above the amount he was to receive by his contract, and three hundred dollars for furniture. John Lewis was allowed seventy-five dollars " for his skill and attention given in the erection of the court-house." Soon after, in January, 1849, the offices of the county clerk, register, treasurer, and sheriff were removed to the new court-house, where they still remain. The square on which the court-house stands was deeded by the Hastings Village Company to the supervisors of Barry County on the 15th of October, 1840, the deed being recorded in Liber B, page 424, Oct. 18, 1842. This square is on the plat that is designated in the deed from Eurotas P. Hastings to the Hastings Village Company, dated July 26,1836, as the "Barry County-Seat Purchase." TILE PRESENT JAIL. Nothing was done toward erecting a new jail until the fall session of 1851, when H. J. Kenfield was appointed a committee by the board of supervisors to procure a plan for building a jail, which he was to present at the next session. No mention is made of such a plan being presented at the next meeting, although the propriety of building a jail was then under consideration. A resolution was offered by Mr. Salisbury to raise two thousand dollars for the purpose of building a jail and to lay the question before the electors of the county at the spring election of 1852. This resolution was lost. The subject was not brought up for consideration till the 10th of October, 1853, when the board appointed Cleveland Ellis, John Miles, and E. R. Carpenter a com COUNTY BUILDINGS AND POOR-FARMS. 61 — I mittee to investigate in regard to the practicability of building a jail. The report of the committee was substantially embodied in the following extract: " That the county of Barry proceed to build a jail of the dimensions of the upright building of the (alhoun County jail, and that a committee of three be appointed to purchase a site and get a plan, and make an estimate upon the probable cost, and lay the same before the board at their next session. The committee also report favorably of the purchase of village lots Nos. 583 and 584." The report was adopted, and it was resolved that the sum of one thousand dollars should be raised by tax that year to be applied to the construction of the jail. Nathan Barlow, Jr., G. K. Beamer, and E. R. Carpenter were appointed the committee for the purpose mentioned in the report. At the next session of the board, in January, 1854, the committee on the jail made a verbal report, which was accepted, and the committee was discharged. Messrs. Barlow, Ellis, and Beamer were then appointed a committee to superintend the building of the jail, to purchase lots on which to place the same, to let the contract for building it, agreeably to the specifications and plans adopted by the board, to draw upon the county treasurer for such moneys as might become due to the contractor, and to report to the board of supervisors at its next session. A contract for the erection of the building was duly entered into by Messrs. Ferris and Edgecourt. The land on which the jail was erected was purchased of Oliver N. Boltwood, the deed bearing date March 27, 1854, and being recorded April 13th the same year. The price paid was one hundred and fifty dollars; the premises are known as lots 729 and 730, and are situated on the south side of Court Street, between Park and Washington Streets, in the village of Hastings. There the present jail was erected during the summer of 1854. LOCATION OF OFFICIAL QUARTERS. The offices of the county during the first year or two after its organization were kept in an addition to the double log house owned by Abner C. Parmelee, situated on the north end of the lot that corners on Broadway and Water Streets, about fifteen rods south of the bridge. Upon the completion of the first court-house and jail they were removed to that building. After its destruction the offices were kept at the business-places or residences of the officers. On the 19th of January, 1849, the officers were instructed to remove their papers to the offices fitted up for that purpose in the new court-house. All the principal county officers now have their offices in that building, except the probate judge, whose office is located on the north side of Broadway, in the city of Hastings. BARRY COUNTY POOR-HOUSE AND FARM. Superintendents of the poor were appointed at the first session of the county commissioners after the organization of Barry County, in 1839. From this time until 1849 no special mention is made of any effort for the relief of paupers, whose board had been hired by the superintendents at the lowest rates possible. On the 31st of December of that year the board of supervisors resolved " That the superintendents of the poor be requested to solicit and obtain terms and information preparatory to purchasing and building a county poor-house and premises, and report to the board of supervisors at their annual session." The superintendents made no report that is on file in reference to a purchase, and nothing further is recorded concerning it until 1853, when the subject was again brought up. The superintendents then earnestly recommended the board to take some action relative to obtaining a county poor-farm, whereupon W. W. Ralph was appointed an agernt to open a correspondence and elicit such information as would be useful in obtaining a suitable farm for that purpose. On the 11th of October, 1854, the board of supervisors resolved " That a tax of eight hundred dollars be assessed upon the taxable property of the county, to be applied towards the purchasing a county poor-farm, and that R. N. Hanna, D. G. Robinson, and Hiram Lewis be appointed a committee to select a proper location for said farm and report to the board at its next meeting." On the 2d of January, 1855, this committee made its report, which was not adopted, and the board resolved not to purchase a poor-farm. The record of the next day's proceedings on this subject is as follows: "The resolutions passed yesterday not to purchase a farm for the county poor was rescinded, and. Messrs. John Miles, O. B. Sheldon, and Silas Bowker were appointed a committee, with the powers conferred in the following resolutions, to wit: Resolved that the committee purchase a poor-farm as soon as practicable, to select a proper location, and to exercise their own judgment as they shall think proper in the situation and purchase of such farm, and they shall have power to draw upon the county treasurer for money to pay for said farm not exceeding eight hundred dollars." A farm of one hundred acres was purchased of John L. McLellan, it being the west half of the southeast quarter and the east twenty acres of the southwest quarter of section 27, in township 3 north, in range 8 west (Hastings). The deed for this property bears date Feb. 17, 1855, and is on record in Liber M, page 19, of Barry County deeds. The price paid was three thousand five hundred dollars. Repairs, improvements, and additions were made upon and to the buildings from time to time, until the October session of the supervisors in 1877. The committee on county buildings then reported that they found the poor-house entirely unfit for the comfortable keeping of the inmates, and recommended the board to construct a new one, containing rooms for the comfort of the insane; the material to be brick, and the cost not to exceed six thousand dollars. At the same session it was resolved that a poor-house should be erected on the poor-farm at a cost not exceeding six thousand dollars. David G. Robinson, Lewis Durkee, and Samuel J. Bidelman were appointed a building committee to adopt plans and specifications and advertise for proposals. The money for the purpose was taken from the county contingent fund. The building was reported complete on the 9th of January, 1879, and was then given in charge of the superintendent of the poor. 62 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. _ _. - CHAPTER XVII. LISTS OF OFFICERS. List of Principal Civil Officers resident in Allegan County, with length of Term and Date of entering on Office-Representative in Congress-Secretary of State-State Treasurer-Regents of the University-Commissioner of the Land-Office-Railroad Commissioners-State Senators-Representatives in Legislature-Circuit Judges-Associate Judges-County and Second Judges-Circuit Court Commissioners-Probate Judges-Sheriffs-County Clerks -Registers-County Treasurers-County Commissioners-County Superintendents of Schools-County Surveyors-Prosecuting Attorneys-Coroners-Members of Constitutional Conventions-List of Principal Civil Officers resident in Barry County-Secretary of State-Regents of the University-State Senators-Representatives in Legislature - Associate Judges - County and Second Judges-Circuit Court Commissioners-Probate Judges-Sheriffs -County Clerk-County Registers-County Treasurers-County Commissioners-County Superintendents of Schools-County Surveyors-Prosecuting Attorneys-County Drain Commissioners-Coroners —Members of Constitutional Conventions. OFFICERS RESIDENT IN ALLEGAN COUNTY. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS (Two Years). William B. Williams, Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1873, to fill vacancy caused by the death of Hon. W. B. Foster; took his seat Dec. 5, 1873; re-elected Nov. 4, 1874; term began March 4, 1875. SECRETARY OF STATE OF MICHIGAN (Two Years). James B. Porter, Allegan; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term began Jan. 1, 1861; re-elected Nov. 4,1862; again elected Nov. 8, 1864. STATE TREASURER (Four Years). Benjamin D. Pritchard, Allegan; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term beginning Jan. 1, 1879. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY (Six Years). Elisha Ely, Allegan; elected April 15, 1851; John R. Kellogg, elected Nov. 7, 1854. MEMBER OF STATE BOARD OF CHARITIES. William B. Williams, Allegan; appointed in August, 1871; reappointed April 5, 1873; resigned December, 1873. COMMISSIONER OF THE LAND-OFFICE (Two Years). Benjamin D. Pritchard, Allegan; elected Nov. 6, 1866; beginning term Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. RAILROAD COMMISSIONER. William B. Williams, Allegan; appointed by the Governor, May 1, 1877; reappointed May 1, 1879. STATE SENATORS (Two Years). Flavius J. Littlejohn, Allegan (for Fifth District); elected Nov. 6 and 7, 1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845; elected president pro tempore of the Senate Jan. 6, 1846. Gilbert Moyers, Allegan (for Thirteenth District); elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Henry C. Briggs, Allegan (for Nineteenth District); elected Nov. 15, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. Wilson C. Edsell, Otsego (for Nineteenth District); elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865. William B. Williams, Allegan (for Seventeenth District); elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868; president pro tern. in 1869. Francis B. Stockbridge, Saugatuck (for Seventeenth District); elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Mark D. Wilbur, Allegan (for Fourteenth District); elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Henry F. Thomas, Allegan (for Fourteenth District); elected Nov. 3, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Wilson C. Edsell, Otsego (for Fourteenth District); elected Nov. 7, 1876: term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. -I I Nathaniel W. Lewis, Ganges (for Fourteenth District); elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. REPRESENTATIVES IN THE LEGISLATURE (One Year). Elisha Ely, Allegan; elected Nov. 4 and 8, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837. John R. Kellogg, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1837; term commenced Jan. 1, 1838. David B. Stout, Allegan; elected Nov. 5 and 6, 1838; term commenced Jan. 1, 1839. Flavius J. Littlejohn, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1841; term commenced Jan. 1, 1842; re-elected Nov. 7, 1842. Peter J. Cook, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 5, 1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845. Lintsford B. Coats, Otsego; elected Nov. 3, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847. Flavius J. Littlejohn, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1847; term commenced July 1, 1848. Horace H. Comstock, Otsego; elected Nov. 7, 1848; term commenced Jan. 1, 1849. Friend Ives, Plainfield; elected Nov. 6, 1849; term commenced Jan. 1, 1850. REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED FOR TWO YEARS. Oka Town, Otsego; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851. John Murphy, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Flavius J. Littlejohn, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. Chauncey B. Goodrich, Ganges; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. James M. Baldwin, Hopkins; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859. Franklin B. Wallin, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. Philetus 0. Littlejohn, Allegan (First District); Daniel D. McMartin, Gun Plain (Second District); both elected Nov. 4, 1862; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1863. William Packard, Ganges (First District); William E. White, Wayland (Second District); both elected Nov. 8, 1864; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1865. William Packard, Ganges (First District); Thomas Shepherd, Martin (Second District); both elected Nov. 6, 1866; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1867. Francis B. Stockbridge, Saugatuck (First District); Milo E. Gifford, Gun Plain (Second District); both elected Nov. 3, 1868; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1869. Richard Ferris, Cheshire (First District); Charles W. Watkins, Wayland (Second District); both elected Nov. 8, 1870; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Henry F. Thomas, Allegan (First District); Charles W. Watkins, Wayland (Second District); Jan W. Gavelink, Fillmore (Third District); all elected Nov. 2, 1872; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1873. William F. Harden, Martin (Second District); elected March, 1874, to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Charles W. Watkins. James Eggleston, Monterey (First District); William F. Harden, Martin (Second District); David W. Wiley, Saugatuck (Third District); all elected Nov. 3, 1874; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Crosby Eaton, Casco (First District); Jerome Winchell, Plainwell (Second District); both elected Nov. 7, 1876; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Crosby Eaton, Casco (First District); Henry E. Blackman, Trowbridge (Second District); elected Nov. 5, 1878; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1879. JUDGES OF CIRCUIT COURTS (Six Years). Flavius J. Littlejohn, Allegan; elected April 4,1858, upon the organization of the Ninth Circuit; re-elected in April, 1863; term commenced Jan. l, 1864; resigned in 1869, after holding the April term. John W. Stone, Allegan; elected April 7, 1873, upon the organization of the Twentieth Circuit; resigned Nov. 1, 1874. LISTS OF OFFICERS. 63 Dan J. Arnold, Allegan; appointed Nov. 5, 1874, to fill vacancy occasioned by resignation of John W. Stone; elected for full term in April, 1875. ASSOCIATE JUDGES (Four Years). Elisha Ely, Allegan; John Andersen, Plainfield; both elected Nov. 4, 1836; terms commenced Nov. 8, 1836. John Anderson, Plainfield; John R. Kellogg, Allegan; both elected Nov. 2, 1840; term commenced Jan. 1, 1841; both re-elected Nov. 4, 1844. COUNTY JUDGES (Three Years). Henry H. Booth, Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847. Abram I. Dedrick, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851. SECOND JUDGES. Eber Sherwood, Otsego; elected Nov. 3, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847. Abram Hoag, Otsego; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851. CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS (Two Years). Henry C. Stoughton, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Flavius J. Littlejohn, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. George Y. Warner, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Josiah L. HIawes, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859. Joseph Thew, Allegan; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. Dan J. Arnold, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863. Joseph Thew, Allegan; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865; re-elected Nov. 6, 1866. Patroclus A. Latta, Otsego; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869. Joseph Thew, Allegan; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Philip Padgham and Joseph Thew, Allegan; both elected Nov. 5, 1872; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Joseph Thew, Allegan, and Warner A. Woodworth, Saugatuck; both elected Nov. 3, 1874; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Joseph Thew and Frank S. Donaldson, Allegan; both elected Nov. 7, 1876; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Joseph Thew and Edward J. Anderson, Allegan; both elected Nov. 5, 1878; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1879. PROBATE JUDGES (Four Years). Oka Town, Otsego; appointed by Territorial Governor, Aug. 25, 1835. Ebenezer Parkhurst, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1836. George Y. Warner, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1840; term began Jan. 1, 1841. Elisha Ely, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term began Jan. 1, 1845. De Witt C. Chapin, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1848; term began Jan. 1, 1849. Elisha Ely, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term began Jan. 1, 1853. E. B. Bassett, appointed to fill vacancy caused by the death of Elisha Ely, in December, 1854. William B. Williams, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857; re-elected Nov. 15, 1860. Dan J. Arnold, Allegan; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term began Jan. 1, 1865; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. James B. Humphrey, Allegan; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term began Jan. 1, 1873; re-elected Nov. 7, 1876. SHERIFFS (Two Years). John L. Shearer, Otsego; appointed by the Territorial Governor, Aug. 25, 1835. John Murphy, Plainfield; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837; re-elected Nov. 5, 1838. Joseph Fisk, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1840; term began Jan. 1, 1841. William Still, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term began Jan. 1, 1843; re-elected Nov. 4,1844. Benjamin Pratt, Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1846; term began Jan. 1, 1847; re-elected Nov. 7, 1848. Nelson Chambers, Wayland; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term began Jan. 1, 1851. Benjamin Pratt, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term began Jan. 1, 1853; re-elected Nov. 7, 1854. Willard Higgins, Otsego; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Jacob Grover, Trowbridge; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term began Jan. 1, 1859. Andrew P. Grover, Trowbridge; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term began Jan. 1, 1861; re-elected Nov. 4, 1862. William B. Hooker, Leighton; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term began Jan. 1, 1865. Alexander Henderson, Trowbridge; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term began Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. William L. Ripley, Monterey; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term began Jan. 1, 1871. William Hay, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term began Jan. 1, 1873; re-elected Nov. 3, 1874. Thomas J. Parker, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term began Jan. 1, 1877. William Hay, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term began Jan. 1, 1879. COUNTY CLERKS (One Year). Alexander L. Ely, Allegan; appointed by Territorial Governor, Aug. 25, 1835; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837. Elijah G. Bingham, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1837; term began Jan. 1, 1838. CLERKS ELECTED FOR TWO YEARS. Elijah G. Bingham, Allegan; re-elected Nov. 4, 1838; term began Jan. 1, 1839. Henry H. Booth, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1840; term commenced Jan. 1, 1841. Alexander L. Ely, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term began Jan. 1, 1843. John Weare, Trowbridge; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term began Jan. 1, 1845. Nathan Manson, Jr., Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1846; term began Jan. 1, 1847. E. Bourne Bassett, Allegan; appointed by the county judge, April 10, 1847, and elected Nov. 2, 1847, to fill vacancy caused by the death of N. Manson, Jr.; re-elected Nov. 7, 1848, and again Nov. 5, 1850. James B. Porter, Otsego; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853; re-elected Nov. 7, 1854. Henry C. Briggs, Monterey; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term began Jan. 1, 1857; re-elected Nov. 2, 1858. John W. Stone, Allegan; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term began Jan. 1, 1861; re-elected Nov. 4, 1862. Ami Whitney,5 Gun Plain; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term began Jan. 1, 1865. Hannibal Hart, Allegan; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term began Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. Almerin E. Calkins, Allegan; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Hiram B. Hudson, Clyde; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term began Jan. 1, 1873; re-elected Nov. 5, 1874. Nahum Gilbert, Otsego; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term began Jan. 1, 1877; re-elected Nov. 5, 1878. COUNTY REGISTERS (Two Years). Alex. L. Ely, Allegan; appointed by Territorial Governor, Aug. 25, 1835.t Joseph Fisk, Allegan; elected in April, 1836, and served from that time until Jan. 1, 1837. Alexander L. Ely, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837. * Resigned in 1866. Johnson Parsons was appointed in 1866 to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Ami Whitney. t See Chapter XIII. 64 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Elijah G. Bingham, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1838; term began Jan. 1, 1839. Ebenezer Parkhurst, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1840; term began Jan. 1, 1841; re-elected Nov. 7, 1842. Elisha Ely, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term began Jan. 1, 1845; re-elected Nov. 3, 1846; again Nov. 7, 1848; and again Nov. 5, 1850. James B. Porter, Otsego; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853; re-elected Nov. 7, 1854; again Nov. 4, 1856; and again Nov. 2, 1858. Jacob B. Bailey, Allegan; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. Ralph Pratt, Wayland; elected Nov. 4, 1862; term began Jan. 1, 1863; re-elected Nov. 8, 1864, and again Nov. 6, 1866. William C. Weeks, Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869; re-elected Nov. 8, 1870. Perry J. Davis, Allegan; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term began Jan. 1, 1873; re-elected Nov. 3, 1874. William V. Hoyt, Wayland; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term began Jan. 1, 1877; re-elected Nov. 5, 1878. COUNTY TREASURERS (Two Years). Milo Winslow, Allegan; appointed by Territorial Governor, Aug. 25, 1835; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837. Alvah Fuller, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1838; term began Jan. 1, 1839; re-elected Nov. 2, 1840. Lintsford B. Coats, Otsego; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term began Jan. 1, 1843. Osmond Smith, Otsego; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term began Jan. 1, 1845; re-elected Nov. 3, 1846; again re-elected Nov. 7, 1848, and again Nov. 5, 1850. Stephen A. Morrison, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. David D. Davis, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term began Jan. 1, 1855. Duncan A. McMartin, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term began Jan. 1, 1857; re-elected Nov. 2, 1858; again Nov. 15,1860; again Nov. 4, 1862; and again Nov. 8, 1864. Ira Chichester, Allegan; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868; again Nov. 8, 1870; again Nov. 5, 1872; and again Nov. 3, 1874. Duncan A. McMartin, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Martin Cook, elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (Three Years). Silas F. Littlejohn and Oshea Wilder, Allegan; both elected Nov. 5, 1838; Hull Sherwood, Otsego; elected Dec. 20, 1838 (special election); term of all three began Jan. 1, 1839. Milo Winslow, Allegan, and Cotton M. Kimball, Martin; both elected Nov. 2, 1840; terms began Jan. 1, 1841. Chester Wetmore, ]lainfield; elected June 17, 1841, to fill vacancy caused by death of Milo Winslow. Stephen D. Nichols, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 1, 1841, to fill vacancy. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS (Two Years). James M. Ballou, Otsego; elected April 1, 1867. Patroclus A. Latta, Allegan; elected April 5, 1869; re-elected April, 1871. Isaac HI. Lamoreaux, Manlius; elected April 7, 1873. COUNTY SURVEYORS (Two Years). William Forbes, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837; re-elected Nov. 4, 1838. John P. Allard, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1839; term began Jan. 1, 1840; re-elected Nov. 2, 1840. Edward B. Wilber, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term began Jan. 1, 1843. Aaron Chichester, Otsego; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term began Jan. 1, 1845. Herschel B. Seymour, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 3, 1846; term began Jan. 1, 1847. Charles E. Watson, Watson; elected Nov. 7, 1848; term began Jan. 1, 1849; re-elected Nov. 5, 1850. - I I -~ --- James C. Haile, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term began Jan. 1, 1855. Elisha Mix, Mnalius; ele-tel Nov. 4, 1856; term began Jan. 1,1857 Ira Chichester, Allegan; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term began Jan. 1, 1859; re-elected Nov. 15, 1860; again Nov. 4, 1862; again Nov. 8, 1864; and again Nov. 6, 1866. Joseph W. Hicks, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term began Jan. 1, 1869; re-elected Nov. 8, 1870, Nov. 5, 1872, Nov. 3, 1874, and Nov. 7, 1876. Albro Gardner, Allegan; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. TEMPORARILY APPOINTED FOR EACH TERM BY THE COURT. George Y. Warner, for November term, 1837. Flavius J. Littlejohn, for the several terms in 1838. Mitchell Hinsdell, for one term in 1839. APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. Flavius S. Littlejohn, served during 1840, 1841, 1842, and 1843. R. B. Goble, appointed June 17, 1845. ELECTED FOR TWO YEARS. Dewitt D. Chapin, Allegan; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851. Henry C. Stoughton, Otsego; elected Nov. 2, 1852; term began Jan. 1, 1853. John Murphy, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term began Jan. 1, 1855. George Y. Warner, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term began Jan. 1, 1857. Henry C. Stoughton, Otsego; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term began Jan. 1, 1859. Gilbert Moyers, Allegan; elected Nov. 15, 1860; term began Jan. 1, 1861. Silas Stafford, Plainwell; elected Nov. 4, 1862; term began Jan. 1, 1863. John W. Stone, Allegan; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865; re-elected Nov. 6, 1866, and again elected Nov. 3, 1868. Albert H. Finn, Allegan; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871; re-elected Nov. 5, 1872. Philip Padgham, Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1874; term began Jan. 1, 1875; re-elected Nov. 7, 1876. Hiram B. Hudson, Allegan; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term began Jan. 1, 1879. CORONERS (One Year). Daniel A. Plummer, Newark, and James Preston, -; elected Nov. 4, 1836; term commenced Jan. 1, 1837. Roswell Crane, Otsego; elected Nov. 4, 1837; term commenced Jan. 1, 1838. Ralph R. Mann, Manlius, and Hull Sherwood, Otsego; elected Nov. 4, 1838; term commenced Jan. 1, 1839. Ebenezer Parkhurst, Otsego, and George Y. Warner, Allegan; elected Nov. 4, 1839; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1840. George Y. Warner, Allegan, and Levi Loomis, Wayland; elected Nov. 2, 1840; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1841. Eber Sherwood, Otsego; elected Nov. 1, 1841, to fill vacancy. CORONERS ELECTED FOR TWO YEARS. Hull Sherwood, Otsego, and Ralph R. Mann, Manlius; elected Nov. 7, 1842; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1843. Reuben M. Bigelow, Otsego, and John H. Billings, Ganges; elected Nov. 4, 1844; terms commenced Jan: 1, 1845. James C. Haile, Newark, and George Y. Warner, Allegan; elected Nov. 3, 1846; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1847. Almerin S. Cotton, Otsego, and George Y. Warner, Allegan; elected Nov. 7, 1848; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1849. John H. Billings, Ganges, and Almerin S. Cotton, Otsego; elected Nov. 5, 1850; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1851. Alexander Henderson, Trowbridge, and Jonathan 0. Round, Hopkins; elected Nov. 2, 1852; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Alexander Henderson, Trowbridge, and Elias M. Dibble, Newark; elected Nov. 7, 1854; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1855. Alexander Gilles, Martin, and George E. Dunn, Newark; elected Nov. 4, 1856; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1857. LISTS OF OFFICERS. 65 Donald C. Henderson, Allegan, and George E. Dunn, Newark; elected Nov. 2, 1858; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1859. Ralph R. Mann, Manlius, and Adrian C. Zwerner, —; elected Nov. 16, 1860; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1861. Thomas Lamoreaux, Manlius, and Jan W. Gavelink, Fillmore; elected Nov. 4, 1862; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1863. Charles W. Hawley, Gun Plain, and James W. McCormick, Clyde; elected Nov. 8, 1864; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1865. Allan Haggart, Martin, and Randolph Densmore, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 6, 1866; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1867. George N. Wade, -, and George B. Nichols, Martin; elected Nov. 3, 1868; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1869. George B. Nichols, Martin, and Asa C. Goodrich, -; elected Nov. 8, 1870; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1871. John P. Leland, Ganges, and George H. Anderson, Gun Plain; elected Nov. 5, 1872; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Remelt Koning, Overisel, and Wm. A. Smith, Dorr; elected Nov. 3, 1874; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Edward B. Wright, Saugatuck, and Benjamin Thompson, —; elected Nov. 7, 1876; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Henry H. Stimson, Saugatuck, and Edward B. Wright, Saugatuck; elected Nov. 5, 1878; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1879. MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. Richard Weare, Trowbridge, member of Convention of September, 1836. Silas F. Littlejohn, Allegan, and Orsamus Eaton, -, members of Convention of December, 1836. Oka Town, Otsego, member of Convention of June, 1850. William B. Williams, Allegan, and William E. White, -, members of Convention of May, 1867. OFFICERS RESIDENT IN BARRY COUNTY. SECRETARY OF STATE (Two Years). Daniel Striker, elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871; re-elected Nov. 5, 1872. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY (Six Years). William Upjohn, elected April 7, 1851; term commenced upon election. James A. Sweazy, elected April, 1857; term commenced upon election. STATE SENATORS (Two Years). John Bowne, Hickory Corners; elected Nov. 6,1849; term commenced Jan. 1, 1850. Henry A. Goodyear, Hastings; elected Nov. 7,1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. Norman Bailey, Hastings; elected Nov. 6, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. John M. Nevins, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865. George Thomas, Gull Lake; elected November, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869. George M. Dewey, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. David R. Cook, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. REPRESENTATIVES IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE (One Year). Nathan Barlow, Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 2 and 3, 1840; term commenced Jan. 1, 1841. Abner C. Parmelee, Hastings; elected Nov. 6 and 7, 1843; term commenced Jan. 1, 1844. William Lewis, Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 4, 1845; term commenced Jan. 1, 1846. Henry A. Goodyear, Hastings; elected Nov. 1, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847. Nathan Barlow, Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 2, 1847; term commenced Jan. 1, 1848. John Bowne, Hickory Corners; elected November, 1848; term com menced Jan. 1, 1849. Nathan Barlow, Jr., Hastings; elected Nov. 6, 1849; term commenced Jan. 1, 1850. Zalmon C. Hall, elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1,1851. 9 REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED FOR TWO YEARS. Alvin W. Bailey, Hastings; elected Nov. 9, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. George W. Brown, Orangeville; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. John M. Nevins, Hastings; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. George K. Beamer, Irving; elected Nov. 6, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. James A. Sweazey, Hastings; elected Nov. 11, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863. John G. Runyon, Carlton (First District); elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865. Leander Lapham, Maple Grove (Second District); elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865. James A. Sweazey, Hastings (First District); elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867. Richard Jones, Assyria (Second District); elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867. Robert J. Grant, Hastings (First District); elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869. Adam Elliot, Hickory Corners (Second District); elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869. Robert J. Grant, Hastings (First District); elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Henry P. Cheney, Johnstown (Second District); elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Frederick W. Collins, Middleville (First District); elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Gilbert Striker, Hastings (Second District); elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Henry A. Goodyear, Hastings; elected November, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Amos C. Towne, Gull Lake; elected November, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Joseph W. Stinchcomb, Woodland (First District); elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Asa D. Rork, Rutland (Second District); elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Porter Burton, Hastings (First District); elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. George McAllister, Barry (Second District); elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1878. ASSOCIATE JUDGES (Four Years). Nathan Barlow, Yankee Springs; elected April 4, 1839; Isaac Otis, Prairieville; elected April 4,1839; both terms commenced upon election. Nathan Barlow, Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 7, 1843; term commenced Jan. 1, 1844. William P. Bristol, Johnstown; elected Nov. 7 and 8,1843; term commenced Jan. 1, 1844. Thomas J. Humphrey, Assyria; elected April 9, 1843; term commenced Jan. 1, 1844. COUNTY JUDGES (Four Years). Hiram Greenfield, Hastings; elected November, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847; re-elected Nov. 5, 1850. SECOND JUDGES (Four Years). David G. Robinson, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847; re-elected Nov. 5, 1850. CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS (Two Years). Norton S. Palmer, Hastings; elected Nov. 9, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Hiram Greenfield, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. William Burgher, Hastings; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. O. L. Ray, Hope; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859. Harmon Smith, Hastings; elected Nov. 6, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. 66 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Harvey Wright, Middleville; elected Nov. 11, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863; re-elected Nov. 8, 1864, and again Nov. 6, 1866. William L. Cobb, Middleville; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869; re-elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. George C. Worth, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. William H. Hayford, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Lucius Russell, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. William L. Cobb, Middleville; elected Nov. 3,1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Edward A. Holbrook, Hastings; elected Nov. 3, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Alonzo D. Cadwallader, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Philip W. Niskern, Hastings; elected Nov. 7,1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. James M. Martin, Nashville; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. Alonzo D. Cadwallader, tie vote; appointed; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. PROBATE JUDGES (Four Years). Stephen V. R. York, Johnstown; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced upon election. Calvin G. Hill,'Middleville; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term commenced Jan. 1, 1843. Richard N. Hannah, Irving; elected November, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847; re-elected Nov. 5, 1850. Thomas J. Humphrey, Assyria; elected Nov. 9, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Orrin L. Ray, Hope; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Sherman C. Prindle, Rutland; elected Nov. 6, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861; re-elected Nov. 8, 1864; again Nov. 3, 1868, and again Nov. 5, 1872. Clement Smith, Nashville; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877. SHERIFFS (Two Years). Willard Hays, Hastings; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced upon election. George W. Brown, Orangeville; elected Nov. 2, 1840; term commenced Jan. 1, 1841. Hiram J. Kenfield, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term commenced Jan. 1, 1843. Victory P. Collier, Johnstown; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845. Russell Slade, Jr.; elected Nov. 1, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847. John L. McLellan, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1848; term commenced Jan. 1, 1849. Philip Leonard, Thornapple; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851. Hiram Wood, Woodland; elected Nov. 9, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Washington K. Ferris, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855; re-elected Nov. 4, 1856. Oliver E. Everts, Castleton; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859; re-elected Nov. 6, 1860. Daniel H. Everts, Hastings; elected Nov. 11, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863. John E. Hall, Hope; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865. Edwin H. Mallory, Maple Grove; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. Isaac W. Vrooman, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871; re elected Nov. 5, 1872. John Q. Cressy, Prairieville; elected Nov. 3, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875; re-elected Nov. 5, 1876. Henry Houghtaling, Baltimore; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. COUNTY CLERKS (Two Years). Thomas S. Banker, Hastings; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced upon election. Willard Hays, Hastings; elected Jan. 25, 1841; term commenced on election. Nathan Barlow, Jr., Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term commenced Jan. 1, 1843. Isaac A. Holbrook, Hastings; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845. J. W. Bradley, Yankee Springs; elected November, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847. Willard Hays, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1848; term commenced Jan. 1, 1849. Henry E. Hoyt, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851; re-elected Nov. 9, 1852, and again Nov. 7, 1854. George W. Mills, Hastings; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Daniel Striker, Hastings; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859; re-elected Nov. 6, 1860. Henry P. Cherry, Johnstown; elected Nov. 11, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863. James M. Cadwallader, Barry; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865. Daniel Striker, Hastings; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced fan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. William H. Powers, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871; re-elected Nov. 5, 1872, and again Nov. 3, 1874, and Nov. 7, 1876. Enoch Andrus, Carlton; elected Nov. 5, 1878. COUNTY REGISTERS (Two Years). Abner C. Parmelee, Hastings; elected April 4,1839; term commenced on election; re-elected Nov. 2, 1840, and again Nov. 7, 1842. Salmon C. Hall, Barry; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845. O. B. Sheldon, Castleton; elected November, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847; re-elected Nov. 7, 1848. Charles V. Patrick, Middleville; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851. William Upjohn, Hastings; elected Nov. 9, 1852; term commenced Jan. 1, 1853. John S. Van Brunt, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855; re-elected Nov. 4, 1856. R. B. Wightman, Hastings; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859. Sylvanus H. Cook, Prairieville; elected Nov. 6, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861; re-elected Nov. 11, 1862; again Nov. 8, 1864; and again Nov. 6, 1866. William H. Jewell, Assyria; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869; re-elected Nov. 8, 1870. John Hotchkiss, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873; re-elected Nov. 3, 1874. William M. Scudder, Prairieville; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877; re-elected Nov. 5, 1878. COUNTY TREASURERS (Two Years). Charles W. Spaulding, Prairieville; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced upon election; re-elected Nov. 2, 1840. Abner C. Parmelee, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term commenced Jan. 1, 1843. Nathan Barlow, Jr., Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 4, 1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845. Salmon C. Hall, Barry; elected November, 1846; term commenced Jan. 1, 1847; re-elected Nov. 7, 1818. Orson B. Sheldon, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851; re-elected Nov. 9, 1852. Harvey N. Sheldon, Castleton; elected Nov. 7,1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855; re-elected Nov. 4, 1856; again Nov. 2, 1858; again Nov. 6, 1860; again Nov. 11, 1862; and again Nov. 8, 1864. A. D. Rork, Rutland; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867; re-elected Nov. 3, 1868. Milo T. Wheeler, Woodland; elected Nov. 6, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871; re-elected Nov. 5, 1872, and again Nov. 3, 1874. George H. Wilcox, Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 7, 1876; term commenced Jan. 1, 1877; re-elected Nov. 5, 1878. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (One Year). Nelson Barnum, John Bowne, Prairieville; Calvin G. Hill, Middleville; all elected April 4, 1839; term commenced upon election. LISTS OF OFFICERS. 67 - - ~ -- William Lewis, Yankee Springs; elected Nov. 4, 1839; term commenced Jan. 1, 1840. Calvin G. Hill, Middleville; elected Nov. 2, 1840; term commenced Jan. 1, 1841. John Bowne, Prairieville; elected Nov. 1, 1841; term commenced Jan. 1, 1842. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS (One Year). John H. Palmer, Nashville; elected April 1, 1867; term commenced upon election; re-elected April 5, 1869. Theodore B. Diamond, Orangeville; elected April 3, 1871; term commenced upon election; re-elected April 7, 1873. COUNTY SURVEYORS (Two Years). Calvin G. Hill, Middleville; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced upon election; re-elected Nov. 2, 1840. William Upjohn, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1842; term commenced Jan. 1, 1843. George B. Manchester, Thornapple; elected Nov. 6,1844; term commenced Jan. 1, 1845; re-elected November, 1846; again Nov. 7, 1848; and again Nov. 5, 1850. Alpheus G. Hill, Thornapple; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. Alfred C. Wilson, Maple Grove; elected Nov. 4, 1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. James H. Brown, -; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859. Alfred C. Wilson, Assyria; elected Nov. 6, 1860; term commenced Jan. 1, 1861. Asa D. Rork, Rutland; elected Nov. 11, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863; re-elected Nov. 8, 1864. Alfred C. Wilson, Assyria; elected Nov. 6, 1866; term commenced Jan. 1, 1867. James W. Houghtalin, Maple Grove; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869. a Russell J. Mershon, Baltimore; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. John C. Cressy, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Frank S. Bowen, Orangeville; elected Nov. 3, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875; re-elected Nov. 7, 1876, and again Nov. 5, 1878. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS (Two Years). Isaac A. Holbrook, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1850; term commenced Jan. 1, 1851; re-elected Nov. 9, 1852. Hiram Greenfield, Hastings; elected Nov. 7, 1854; term commenced Jan. 1, 1855. James A. Sweazey, Hastings; elected Nov. 4,1856; term commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Isaac A. Holbrook, Hastings; elected Nov. 2, 1858; term commenced Jan. 1, 1859; re-elected Nov. 6, 1860. Frank Allen, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1862; term commenced Jan. 1, 1863. Charles G. Holbrook, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1864; term commenced Jan. 1, 1865; re-elected Nov. 6, 1866. Frank Allen, Hastings; elected Nov. 3, 1868; term commenced Jan. 1, 1869. John R. Van Velsor, Hastings; elected Nov. 8, 1870; term commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Charles G. Holbrook, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1872; term commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Charles H. Bauer, Hastings; elected Nov. 3, 1874; term commenced Jan. 1, 1875; re-elected Nov. 5, 1876. Loyal E. Knappen, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1878; term commenced Jan. 1, 1879. COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER (Two Years). James M. Houghtalin, Maple Grove; elected April 5, 1869; re-elected April 3, 1871, and again April 7, 1873. CORONERS (One Year). Calvin Brown, Orangeville; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced on election. Henry Leonard, Thornapple; elected April 4, 1839; term commenced on election. William P. Bristol, Johnstown; elected Nov. 4,1839; term commenced Jan. 1, 1840. Henry Leonard, Thornapple, and Rufus Cowles, -; elected Nov. 2, 1840; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1841. Slocum H. Bunker, Hastings, and John J. Nichols, Orangeville; elected Nov. 7, 1842; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1843. Peter Downs, Maple Grove, and Hiram Lewis, Prairieville; elected Nov. 4, 1844; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1845.* Roswell Wilcox, Rutland, and Horace Bidwell; elected Nov. 7,1848; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1849. Philander K. Barnum, --, and Nehemiah Lovell, Woodland; elected Nov. 5, 1850; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1851. Henry Leonard, Thornapple, and David Rork, Rutland; elected Nov. 9, 1852; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1853. Lorenzo Mudge, Castleton, and Alpheus Hammond, -; elected Nov. 7, 1854; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1855. Milo T. Wheeler, Woodland, and Lorenzo Mudge, Castleton; elected Nov. 4, 1856; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1857. Peter Cramer, Castleton, and Joseph P. Spencer,; elected Nov. 2, 1857; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1858. Adam Elliott, Barry, and Carlos 0. Scott, Castleton; elected Nov. 6, 1860; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1861. John 0. Reiley, Rutland, and Isaac Messer, Carlton; elected Nov. 11, 1862; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1863. George P. Stephens, Assyria, and James J. Jackson, HIope; elected Nov. 8, 1864; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1865. Samuel J. Bidleman, Hastings, and James S. Sisson, Carlton; elected Nov. 6, 1866; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1867. Joseph Cole, Hastings, and Isaac Messer, Carlton; elected Nov. 3, 1868; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1869. Charles B. Benham, Hastings, and Isaac Messer, Carlton; elected Nov. 8, 1870; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1871. Henry H. Ward, --, and Milo S. Williams, Baltimore; elected Nov. 5, 1872; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1873. Curtis Perry, Prairieville, and Porter Burton, Hastings; elected Nov. 3, 1874; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1875. Joseph Cole, Hastings, and Curtis Perry, Prairieville; elected Nov. 7, 1876; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1877. Joseph Cole, Hastings, and Milo T. Wheeler, Hastings; elected Nov. 5, 1878; terms commenced Jan. 1, 1879. MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. Joseph W. T. Orr, Irving; member of Convention of June, 1850. Harvey Wright, Middleville, and Adam Elliot, Barry; members of Convention of May, 1867. * No record of election of coroner in 1845, 1846, or 1847. 68 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - CHAPTER XVIII. COUNTY SOCIETIES. Allegan County Pioneer Society-Original Notice-First Meeting and Officers-Object of the Society-Original Signers of the Roll-Subsequent Meetings-Present Officers-Allegan County Agricultural Society-Copy of the Early Records as lately gathered-Lists of Presidents and Secretaries-Purchase of Land by the SupervisorsLegal Organization-Buildings-Allegan County Pomological Society-Organization-First Officers-Reorganization with State Society-Allegan County Medical Society-First Officers-The Auxiliary Medical Society-Farmers' Insurance Company of Allegan and Ottawa Counties-By whom organized-Its Object-Its Success-Present Officers-Barry County Pioneer Association-Organization and First Officers-Second Meeting-Meeting at the Fair-Ground-Subsequent Annual Meetings-List of MembersBarry County Agricultural Society-Defective Records-The Second Fair, in 1853-Officers in 1858-Fair in " Market Square"Title to Land-A Pithy Record-Reorganization-Grounds increased to Eighteen Acres-Buildings-Care taken of by a Resident Family-List of Presidents and Secretaries-Sheep-Breeders' Association-Organization and First Officers-Barry County Pomona Grange-Copy of the Secretary's Report-Barry County Medical Society-Organization and First Officers-Subsequent MeetingsHahnemann Medical Society-First Meeting and Officers-Subsequent Officers-Present Members-Women's Christian Temperance Union-Organization and Objects-First Officers-Barry County Bible Society-Farmers' Insurance Company of Barry and Eaton Counties-Organization in 1863-Limits of its Business-First Members and Officers-Increase of Business-Present Officers. ALLEGAN COUNTY PIONEER SOCIETY. ON the 8th day of September, 1875, the following notice was published in the Allegan County papers: "NOTICE TO PIONEERS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. "In pursuance and in accordance with an act of the Legislature of the State of Michigan approved April 25, 1873, notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Pioneers of Allegan County at the fair-grounds, in the village of Allegan, on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 29, 1875, for the purpose of organizing a county pioneer society, in pursuance with the act above specified. A general invitation is extended to all the old settlers of this county to be present and join the society. "JOSEPH FISK, F. J. LITTLEJOHN, LYMAN W. WATKINS, JOHN ATKIN, IRA CHAFFEE, JACOB B. BAILEY, N. DICKINSON, DANIEL D. DDAVIS." A large number of pioneers met at the fair-grounds on the day mentioned, when Duncan A. McMartin, of Allegan, was chosen chairman, and Dr. Lenora Foster, of Otsego, secretary. The following persons were then elected officers, and were authorized to prepare a constitution and by-laws of a county pioneer society, to be auxiliary to the State pioneer society, which constitution and by-laws were to be reported at the next meeting of the society: President, Col. Joseph Fisk, Allegan. Vice-Presidents, Calvin C. White, Gun Plain; - ollett, Martin; Abel Angel, Wayland; George Dexter, Leighton; A. D. Botsford, Otsego; Jesse D. Stone, Watson; J. 0. Rounds, Hopkins; Orrin Goodspeed, Dorr; Henry E. Blackman, Trowbridge; Dr. O. D. Goodrich, Allegan; S. Rumery, Monterey; L. B. Brown, Salem; Leander S. Prouty, Cheshire; Alfred Muma, Pine Plain; Charles R. Brownell, Heath; J. G. Wolterink, Overisel; Thomas Raplee, Lee; James W. McCormick, Clyde; Ralph R. Mann, Manlius; Isaac Fairbanks, Fill more; Timothy McDowell, Casco; Levi Loomis, Ganges; Stephen A. Morrison, Saugatuck; and A. J. Ncerken, Laketown. Recording and Corresponding Secretary, Dr. O. D. Goodrich, Allegan; Treasurer, Lyman W. Watkins, Allegan; Executive Committee, D. A. McMartin, Allegan; Lenora Foster, Otsego; George T. Lay, Monterey. Pursuant to a call of the executive committee, the society met at the Chaffee House, Allegan, on the 16th day of February, 1876. The executive committee presented a constitution and by-laws, which were accepted and adopted. The third article of the constitution declared the object of the association to be the collecting and preserving of historical, biographical, or other information in relation to the county of Allegan; and the eighth article provided that any person not less than 40 years of age, who has resided in this county 25 years, might become a member on subscribing to the articles of association. We give below a list of the members of the association who signed the roll at that meeting. It gives the name of each, the place and date of birth, the place and date of first residence in the county, and the residence at the time of signing: Calvin C. White, Grafton, Mass., Feb. 10, 1803; Gun Plain, 1832; Gun Plain. Asa Morse, Oneida Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1803; Allegan, June 15, 1837; Allegan. Osman D. Goodrich, New Hartford, N. Y., May 10, 1808; Allegan, May 6, 1836; Allegan. Duncan A. McMartin, Amsterdam, N. Y., July 19, 1810; Allegan, Oct. 29, 1836; Allegan. M. T. McMartin, Henrietta, N. Y., June 5, 1829; Gun Plain, Sept. 15, 1833; Allegan. Joseph Fisk, Charlemont, Mass., May 22, 1810; Allegan, March 7, 1834; Allegan. Betsey Fisk, Hartford, N. Y., Sept. 22 1810; Allegan, March 7, 1834; Allegan. Alby Rossman, Harding, N. Y., June 14, 1812; Allegan, July 20, 1836; Allegan. Electa Rossman, Conquest, N. Y., May 6, 1819; Allegan, Oct. 21, 1837; Allegan. Ira Chaffee, Oswegatchie, N. Y., July 2, 18 35; Allegan, Oct. 28, 1835; Allegan. Lavinda Chaffee, Indian Orchard, Pa., Nov. 18, 1821; Allegan, July 31, 1838; Allegan. Jacob B. Bailey, Marlborough, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1807; Allegan, Nov. 20, 1836; Allegan. Mary L. Bailey, New York City, N. Y., June 9, 1809; Allegan, June 3, 1837; Allegan. Spencer Marsh, Lansing, N. Y., March 25, 1805; Allegan, July 5, 1836; Allegan. Charlotte E( Wilkes, Salisbury, England; Allegan, 1844; Allegan. Daniel Ammerman, Mt. Bethel, Pa., June 18, 1814; Allegan, Sept. 2, 1836; Allegan. G. W. Kibby, Winfield, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1817; Allegan, June 12,1844; Monterey. S. R. Rumery, Lockport, N. Y., Feb. 17, 1820; Allegan, Oct. 15, 1839; Monterey. B. R. Fenner, Pompey, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1814; Martin, Oct. 10, 1844; Martin. Henry Dumont, Seneca Co., N. Y., 1815; Gun Plain, Oct. 17, 1835; Allegan. Luvia A. Dumont, Barnet, Vt., May 15, 1821; Allegan, June 9, 1836; Allegan. H. E. Blackman, Aurora, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1820; Gun Plain, Jan. 31, 1839; Trowbridge. L. S. Blackman, Otsego, Mich., Aug. 8, 1836; Otsego, Aug. 8, 1836; Trowbridge. A. S. Weeks, Wheelock, Vt., Jan. 12, 1812; Allegan, June, 1836; Allegan. William A. Knapp, Lima, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1820; Allegan, Sept. 13, 1836; Allegan. COUNTY SOCIETIES. 69 COUNTY SOCIETIES. 69 E. A. Murray, Charlton, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1810; Allegan, November, 1839; Allegan. J. B. Streeter, Rochester, N. Y., July 4, 1829; Allegan, September, 1835; Allegan. Benjamin Eager, Lancaster, Mass., March 10, 1812; Allegan, March 30, 1835; Allegan. Julia Ann Eager, Royalton, Vt., June 8, 1817; Allegan, 1839; Allegan. H. S. Lay, Cambria, N. Y., July 28, 1829; Allegan, September, 1849; Allegan. Ephraim Brownell, Ogden, N. Y., April 4, 1817; Allegan, May 1, 1837; Allegan. Orrin J. Goodspeed, Mentor, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1816; Allegan, Oct. 15, 1845; Dorr. Warren Jones, Manchester, N. Y., Jan. 13, 1819; Dorr, November, 1844; Dorr. D. C. Henderson, Thurso, Scotland, March 20, 1826; Allegan, 1841; Allegan. Robert Mabbs, Chathamshire, England, March 9, 1826; Allegan, May, 1849; Allegan. Lyman W. Watkins, Chester, Vt., March 10, 1817; Allegan, May, 1836; Allegan. Sylvira Watkins, Lansing, N. Y., March 14, 1823; Allegan, October, 1843; Allegan. Benoni Collins, Ira, Vt., March 21, 1821; Allegan, Sept. 6, 1848; Allegan. William Partridge, Geddents, England, June 15, 1827; Allegan, August, 1850; Allegan. Sarah Partridge, Lampert, England, September, 1831; Allegan, August, 1850; Allegan. Joseph W. Drew, Stanbridge, Canada, Dec. 11, 1820; Otsego, September, 1836; Otsego. Sally Drew, Connecticut, Feb. 15, 1800; Otsego, September, 1836; Otsego. Jesse D. Stone, Canajoharie, N. Y., Feb. 13, 1812; Allegan, October, 1836; Watson. Randall W. Brooks, Alabama, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1817; Allegan, March, 1838; Watson. John Parsons, Lyme, Conn., Dec. 15, 1805; Watson, September, 1840; Hopkins. Z. L. Griswold, Bethany, N. Y., May 11, 1814; Allegan, Sept. 1, 1844; Allegan. William A. Bliss, Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1828; Allegan, July 4, 1836; Allegan. Rhoda M. Bliss, Westford, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1828; Allegan. Levi Loomis, Hamilton, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1810; Allegan, June 25, 1836; Ganges. Sally A. Loomis, Hamilton, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1806; Allegan, June 25, 1837; Ganges. Henry C. Smith, Norfolk, Conn., June 6, 1825; Allegan, Oct. 15, 1844; Allegan. Cynthia Smith, Conquest, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1834; Allegan, 1837; Allegan. F. J. Littlejohn, Litchfield, N. Y., July 20, 1804; Allegan, August, 1836; Allegan. Harriet B. Littlejohn, Herkimer, N. Y., 1811; Allegan, 1838; Allegan. Almira C. Hudson, Hudson, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1826; Trowbridge, October, 1845; Trowbridge. Alfred Mumna, Hamilton, Canada, Nov. 28, 1822; Allegan, May, 1846; Pine Plains. Ann Muma, Dumfries, Canada, Nov. 16, 1830; Allegan, Feb. 6, 1837; Pine Plains. Charles C. Spear, Charlotte, Vt., Aug. 23, 1828; Gun Plain, December, 1835; Allegan. Richard Weare, Bolton, Canada, Dec. 21, 1806; Allegan, April, 1834; Trowbridge. Wilson C. Edsell, Pike, Pa., July 18, 1814; Otsego; Otsego. Jonathan Peabody, Ellisburg, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1812; Allegan, Sept. 10, 1836; Allegan. E. H. Phetteplace, Norwich, N. Y., April 19, 1826; Allegan, September, 1846; Allegan. Hannah J. Davis, Bolton, N. Y., May 10, 1814; Allegan, May 19, 1836; Allegan. S. P. Stanley, Brighton, N. Y., July 23, 1827; Allegan, June 10, 1817; Allegan. I I --- John Higgins, Sutton Valance, England, July 9, 1809; Allegan, June, 1836; Allegan. M. C. Sherwood, Otsego, Jan. 11, 1833; Otsego, Jan. 11, 1833; Allegan. Ruth E. Booth, East Bloomfield, N. Y., April 27, 1811; Allegan, Oct. 10, 1836; Allegan. John Askins, Chatham, Canada, Sept. 15, 1815; Allegan, April 22, 1835; Allegan. Esther Askins, Indian Orchard, Pa., Sept. 13, 1819; Allegan, July 28, 1838; Allegan. Ira Chicnester, Unadilla, N. Y., March 6, 1823; Otsego, July 7, 1835; Allegan. Ann Mary Chichester, Medina, Ohio, June, 1817; Gun Plain; Allegan. Ralph Pratt, Pembroke, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1825; Wayland, April, 1846; Allegan. Almira C. Pratt, present residence, Allegan. Henry Kingsbury, Lima, N. H., June 8, 1800; Allegan, Nov. 4, 1839; Allegan. H. L. Hurd, Dunham, Canada, Sept. 18, 1833; Allegan, Nov. 4, 1839; Allegan. Daniel Leggett, Saratoga, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1807; Allegan, Oct. 4, 1837; Watson. Joseph H. Wetmore, Westford, Otsego Co., N. Y., March 27, 1826; Gun Plain, November, 1835; Allegan. Caroline F. Wetmore, Seneca Falls, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1832; Allegan, 1836; Allegan. Albert D. Wetmore, Middlefield, Otsego Co., N. Y., April 17, 1833; Gun Plain, November, 1835; Allegan. The annual meeting for 1877 was held at the village of Allegan. It was proposed to hold a summer meeting, and the subject was finally placed in charge of the executive committee, but no account of such a gathering is given in the records. At the meeting in January, 1878, it was resolved to adjourn to the 29th day of May following, at the fair-ground in the village of Allegan, and there hold a basket-picnic. Owing to the inclemency of the weather but few were present in Allegan at the time specified, and the meeting was held at the office of Warner & Latta. It was adjourned to the 26th day of June at the fair-grounds. This last meeting was a marked success; several hundred were in attendance, and the day passed very pleasantly. The annual picnic for 1879 was held at Otsego, on the 20th day of August. Much interest was manifested, and people gathered from all parts of the county. The Hon. Wilson C. Edsell delivered an address of welcome, and the Rev. A. M. Bush read a poem prepared for the occasion. Speeches containing numerous reminiscences of the olden time were made by many others. The presidents of the society have been as follows: 1876, Joseph Fisk; 1877, Flavius J. Littlejohn; 1878-79, S. Rumery. The officers for 1880 are as follows: President, Duncan A. McMartin; Recording Secretary, Don C. Henderson; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. M. T. McMartin; Executive Committee, H. S. Lay, H. E. Blackman, and J. H. Wetmore. The society numbered at the annual meeting in January, 1880, two hundred and forty-nine members. ALLEGAN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The early records of this society were very imperfectly kept, but considerable information regarding its history from 1853 to 1858 was gathered and recorded a few years since. The following is taken from that record: "The Allegan County Agricultural Society was organized in 1853. Elisha Ely, of Allegan, was the first president, and Charles R. Wilkes, Leander S. Prouty, and Levi Loomis were efficient in the organization and operation of the society. The first county fair was held at the *"+ 70 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. court-house in Allegan (then the Baptist church) in the fall of 1853; and Hon. F. J. Littlejohn delivered the annual address. John R. Kellogg was the second president, and the second fair was held on the Russell fraction, on the flat, in 1854, and F. W. Curtenius delivered the address. Elisha G. Hackley was the third president; Henry Dumont, Secretary; James Dawson, Treasurer. The third fair was held at the same place as the last, and the 'Tent' was made. Charles E. Stuart delivered the address. Henry H. Booth was the fourth president; Levi B. Smith, Secretary; Daniel Emerson, Treasurer; John Billings, Charles S. Wilson, and C. C. White, Executive Committee.;he fourth fair was held on the company's grounds. The Rev. Edward Taylor delivered the address, in the absence of Gen. H. L. Stevens, of Pontiac. "William Still, of Gun Plain, was the fifth president; Henry Dumont, Secretary; Levi B. Smith, Treasurer; William Granger, T. M. Russell, William B. Williams, Hiram Sabin, and Frederick Day, Executive Committee. The fifth county fair was held on the company's grounds, in October, 1857, and the Hon. Joseph R. Williams, of Lansing, delivered the annual address. E. B. Barrett was elected and acted as corresponding secretary during the first five years of the society's existence. "The foregoing memorandums are made and entered here, in 1858, from recollection up to that time, no regular records having been preserved." The subsequent presidents and secretaries are given below as far as they can be ascertained: PRESIDENTS. 1857, Levi Loomis; 1858-60, no record; 1862, Henry Dumont; 1863, Levi Loomis; 1864, Chester Wetmore; 1866-67, F. B. Wallin; 1868, Dr. L. Foster; 1875-76, Hiram Bailey; 1877-78, J. H. Wetmore; 1879, Levi Loomis; 1880, William F. Hardin. SECRETARIES. 1857, Levi B. Smith; 1858, David D. Davis; 1859, H. S. Higinbotham; 1860, A. S. Butler; 1862, A. S. Butler; 1863, John W. Stone (acting); 1864, E. B. Bassett; 1866-67, B. D. Pritchard; 1868, H. H. Pope; 1875, J. S. Bidwell; 1876, S. S. Dryden; 1877, J. S. Bidwell; 1878, Edwy C. Reid; 1879, Irving F. Clapp; 1880, G. H. La Fleur. During the year 1856 the supervisors of Allegan County purchased eight acres of land on the southwest quarter of section 21, township 2, range 13 (Allegan), for the use of the agricultural society. The following is an account of the grounds and the buildings erected on it, so far as one can be gleaned from the imperfect records of the association: On the 4th day of January, 1859, a motion was made and adopted ' that a building thirty-six by one hundred feet be built on the society's grounds for the purpose of exhibition during the current year." This building was erected, and was occupied for the fall exhibition. In the autumn of 1861 an exchange of land was made with James Dawson, which is thus described on. the record: "Dawson to have all of Society lands on the east and south below the brow of first and second tables, and the Society to have all west of the brow of table and north of their own land." The original association not being legally organized, the members, in January, 1866, formed themselves into " The Agricultural Society of Allegan County," under the laws of the State. A constitution was adopted and officers were elected. The supervisors then deeded to the society the land previously purchased for its use. During the next season a new tract was laid out and graded, and other improvements were made. In the year 1874 the society purchased by contract nineteen and seventy-one one-hundredths acres of land west of and adjoining the old grounds, at a cost of fifteen hundred and eighty-three dollars and twenty-five cents. A floral hall was erected in the summer of 1877, and was occupied during the fall exhibition. At the present time the association is in possession of about twenty-eight acres of land, well fenced, with commodious and well-arranged buildings, and is in a decidedly prosperous condition. ALLEGAN COUNTY POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. On the 21st day of December, 1878, a meeting was held at the council-rooms in the village of Allegan for the purpose of organizing a society for the promotion of pomology and its kindred sciences. It was organized with H. Dewey as president and L. A. Lilly as secretary. A committee was appointed, consisting of H. Dewey, L. A. Lilly, and G. H. La Fleur, to draw up a constitution and by-laws. The meeting then adjourned until the 18th of January, 1879. On that day the society adopted the constitution presented by the committee, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year: H. Dewey, President; Rev. John Sailer, Vice-President; Lyman A. Lilly, Secretary; G. H. La Fleur, Allen Wood, J. B. Dumont, William Andrus, L. A. Lilly, and S. C. Campbell, Executive Committee. At a meeting held on the 16th day of March, 1880, Mr. C.W. Garfield, of the Michigan State Pomological Society, made an address, and stated that he had come to propose a new plan of action, viz., a joint membership with the State society. The plan had been under consideration for some time, having been proposed at the December meeting. After the address Mr. E. C. Reid moved that the society reorganize under this plan, and become a part of the State society. An official reorganization being necessary, the society proceeded to hold an election, with the following result: President, George T. Lay; Vice-President, H. G. Buck; Secretary, Edwy C. Reid; Treasurer, B. D. Pritchard. A new constitution and by-laws were adopted, and meetings were fixed for the third Tuesday in each month. Discussions are held at these meetings on the different methods of cultivating fruit, and essays are read on topics connected with that subject. ALLEGAN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETIES. Pursuant to a previous call, Drs. L. B. Coats, E. N. Upjohn, L. Foster, G. W. Hubbard, and A. R. Calkins, physicians of the county, met at the town clerk's office in the village of Otsego on the 18th day of February, 1850, for the purpose of forming a county medical society. Dr. L. Foster was appointed chairman, and E. N. Upjohn secretary. It was resolved to form an association to be known as the Allegan County Medical Society. Permanent officers were elected as follows: Dr. L. B. Coats, President; Dr. E. N. Upjohn, Vice-President; Dr. A. R. Calkins, Secretary; Dr. L. Foster, Treasurer. A committee was also appointed to draft a Constitution and by-laws. On the 20th day of March the same year a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and a fee-bill was arranged and accepted by the society. The physicians of other parts of the county, however, paid but little attention to the Otsego organization, and its COUNTY SOCIETIES. 71 meetings were consequently very thinly attended. On the 14th of February, 1867, the physicians of Allegan and vicinity met at the Exchange Hotel in that village, and organized and resolved to form an Allegan County auxiliary medical society, with the usual by-laws. Meetings are held annually. The society now numbers thirteen members, and the officers for 1880 are as follows: J. J. McConkie, President; W. H. Bills, Vice-President; F. M. Calkins, Secretary; Milton Chase, Treasurer. Drs. Chase, Thompson, and Thomas are the censors. ALLEGAN COUNTY COUNCIL OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. This body, designed to form a link between the State Grange and the subordinate granges of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was organized on the 20th day of December, 1879. The officers then elected and now serving are as follows: President, J. Wetmore, Allegan; VicePresident, W. A. Webster, Casco; Secretary, M. V. B. McAlpine, Monterey; Treasurer, H. Schultes, Martin; Lecturer, 0. G. Lindsley, Cheshire. THE FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF ALLEGAN AND OTTAWA COUNTIES. This company was organized on the 1st day of March, 1870, by John B. Dumont, Calvin C. White, Lenora Foster, Horace Wilson, Augustus Lilly, Joel Batchelor, and J. H. Wetmore. The office for the transaction of business was located at Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich. The object of the company is the mutual protection of farmers against loss or damage by fire or lightning, it being strictly confined in its risks to farm property, and in its territory to Allegan and Ottawa Counties. The company has steadily gained in the confidence of the community, and its numbers have increased to 2009, with a capital of $2,961,212. The losses for 1877, upon an aggregate risk of $1,711,946, were $515.73; in 1878, with a total risk of $2,261,651, the losses were $1163.65; in 1879, with a risk of $2,961,212, the losses summed up $2388.48. The amount of expense on each thousand dollars at risk in 1878 was eighty-nine cents; the amount of loss about five mills. The company is now in a very flourishing condition under the efficient management of the following officers: George E. Jewett, President; Thomas Stratton, VicePresident; Ira Chichester, Secretary and Treasurer; S. D. Marvin, A. Names, F. J. Brown, H. H1. French, J. B. Weber, W. H. McCormick, and J. B. Dumont, Directors. BARRY COUNTY PIONEER ASSOCIATION. On the 13th of January, 1873, a call was published, signed by twenty-four of the old citizens of Barry County, requesting all persons who had been residents of the county twenty-five years and upwards to assemble at the courthouse in the village of Hastings, on the 26th of that month, for the purpose of renewing old associations, and of effecting an organization of the pioneers of the county. Pursuant to this call, a goodly number assembled at the time and place specified. Articles of association were presented by Willard Hays, read, accepted, and adopted. Speeches were made by several of the pioneers concerning the trials of early life, and contrasting it with the present time. Officers were elected as follows: H. A. Goodyear, President; W. P. Bristol, Vice-President; Willard Hays, Secretary. After the business was concluded refreshments were served, and around the tables filled with good cheer the best of feeling prevailed, friendships were renewed, old memories were revived, and time sped on to the "wee sma' hours" before the meeting broke up, all feeling that the association would be a means of binding together those who came into the county when it was a wilderness, and who by hard and patient labor wrested a competence, and sometimes wealth, from the most adverse circumstances. The second annual meeting of the society was held at Union Hall, Hastings, on the 8th of January, 1874, the Hon. Henry A. Goodyear presiding. Mr. Amasa S. Parker, of Prairieville, the first settler in the county, gave a brief but interesting sketch of the history of the county of Barry from 1830 to 1840. Mrs. Dr. Burton read a poem appropriate to the occasion. Short speeches were made by Mr. Calvin G. Hill, Hon. Leander Lapham, Mr. Joseph Davis, Hon. John Roberts, Mr. Lorenzo Mudge, Mr. Henry Hoyt, Hon. H. A. Goodyear, Mr. Albert Warner, Mr. J. F. Emory, Hon. J. V. T. Orr, and others. At this meeting a register of the names of one hundred and sixty persons who came into the county prior to 1849 was made out. It was voted to hold a meeting at the fairground in the city of Hastings on Thursday, June 11, 1874. The following officers were elected for the year: Hon. Henry A. Goodyear, President; Lorenzo Mudge, First Vice-President; Hon. Nathan Barlow, Second VicePresident; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; Hon. David G. Robinson, Treasurer. On the 11th of June, 1874, pursuant to the vote just mentioned, the society met at the fair-ground in the city of Hastings. Mr. Boyington read a sketch of early life in Barry County after 1837, and of settlers in the township of Barry. A. C. Towne, Isaac Messer, Elijah Barnum, J. W. T. Orr, A. S. Parker, Hiram Merrill, and others, followed with short speeches. The third annual meeting was held in Union Hall on the 14th of January, 1875, Vice-President Emory presiding. Speeches were made by several of the members. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: John F. Emory, President; J. W. T. Orr, First Vice-President; Lorenzo Mudge, Second Vice-President; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; H. A. Goodyear, Treasurer; Rev. Amos Wakefield, Chaplain. The fourth annual meeting was held at Union Hall, Hastings, Jan. 6, 1876. Speeches were made by the president and others, among whom was an old Indian named "Eskiran," who is recorded in the Barry County Pioneer Register as having been born in January, 1818, on the territory now occupied by the city of Hastings. The following officers were elected for 1876: Henry A. Goodyear, President; J. F. Emory, First Vice-President; Lorenzo Mudge, Second Vice-President; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; Nathan Barlow, Treasurer. The fifth annual meeting was held at Union Hall on 72 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. the 4th of January, 1877. The session was interspersed with interesting speeches, essays, and songs. The following persons were elected officers for 1877: Henry A. Goodyear, President; Lorenzo Mudge, First Vice-President; Jonathan Haight, Second Vice-President; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; Nathan Barlow, Treasurer. On the 10th of January, 1878, the sixth annual meeting was held in Hastings, and the following officers were chosen for 1878: Henry A. Goodyear, President; Lorenzo Mudge, First Vice-President; J. F. Emory, Second VicePresident; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; David R. Cook, Treasurer. The seventh annual meeting convened in Hastings on the 9th of January, 1879. After the dinner was served, the president requested all the persons then married who lived in Barry County in 1836 to arise. Only two responded to the call. Of the unmarried residents of that year six were present. Thirteen persons arose who lived in the county in 1840. The officers elected at this meeting were George K. Beamer, President; H. A. Goodyear, First Vice-President; Lorenzo Mudge, Second Vice-President; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; D. R. Cook, Treasurer. The association held its eighth annual meeting in the city of Hastings on the 8th of January, 1880. The president, Hon. George K. Beamer, delivered an address of welcome. Speeches were made and sketches read; among others, Hon. D. R. Cook read a sketch written by Mrs. Lydia Bresee, and one by Benjamin S. Dibble. The officers elected for 1880 were Hon. Henry A. Goodyear, President; Hon. George K. Beamer, First Vice-President; Lorenzo Mudge, Second Vice-President; John Q. Cressy, Secretary; Hon. D. R. Cook, Treasurer. The society has a membership of four hundred and sixty persons, whose names are given below, with the date of their entering the county. LIST OF MEMBERS. Mrs. R. K. Mudge, Oct. 1843. D. B. Pratt, Aug. 15, 1845. Mrs. A. E. Davis, Jan. 1843. W. K. Barber, May, 1842. B. Travis, April, 1847. H. B. Barnum, March, 1838. J. Hines, born Aug. 7, 1842. Mrs. H. Wood, Nov. 15, 1843. S. S. Ingerson, June, 1845. Mrs. 0. P. Wellman, fall, 1838. David Hoes, Dec. 1844. Emeline Trego, fall, 1836. John Barnum, Sept. 1847. D. W. Smith, Sept. 1842. E. Shattuck, Oct. 1844. J. W. Culler, Oct. 1844. W. P. Wilkinson, Jan. 4, 1836. Jesse Jordan, born Sept. 1839. A. E. Stevens, March, 1847. Charles Galloway, Oct. 1837. Jonathan Haight, Oct. 1837. S. Iaight, Oct. 1837. J. W. Hendershott, Oct. 1844. C. W. Young, Sept. 1841. W. Marble, July, 1845. G. W. Knapp, Feb. 1842. Mrs. Eli Lapham, July, 1837. James Kilpatrick, Nov. 1847. Mrs. M. A. Morrell, born Oct. 1837. Amasa S. Parker, Sept. 1830. Hiram J. Kenfield, Oct. 1839. Mrs. Alvin W. Bailey, Dec. 1839. Alvin W. Bailey, 1839. John S. Van Brunt, March, 1839. W. C. Trego, May, 1848. Israel S. Gear, Nov. 1847. Allen Jones, April, 1846. John F. Emory, April, 1848. Luther Bennett, May, 1845. Philo A. Sheldon, June, 1846. Mrs. A. D. Cook, Nov. 1844. A. J. Bowne, June, 1837. R. B. Messer, Aug. 1844. George H. Robinson, spring, 1841. W. H. Stebbins, June, 1845. W. P. Booram, Oct. 1846. Fred Barlow, Feb. 1847. M. Durham, May, 1849. J. D. Wickham, Nov. 1836. John A. Robinson, May, 1846. James Townsend, July, 1837. William Crabb, Sept. 1847. W. S. Rogers, March, 1848. Milo T. Wheeler, March, 1846. J. M. Rogers, Nov. 1836. P. McOmber, Nov. 1838. D. McOmber, Nov. 1838. James B. Carpenter, Oct. 1847. Asa Odell, Sept. 1843. David G. Robinson, June, 1848. John J. Hendershott, May, 1844. Mrs. Daniel Williams, 1840. Mrs. W. A. Moore, Sept. 1843. Orin Wellman, June, 1841. Mrs. J. W. Maynard, Nov. 1845. Wm. 0. Wooley, Feb. 1837. Mrs. Eliza Wooley, Feb. 1837. Mrs. Eunice Barnum, Nov. 1849. Mrs. Lucinda Sprague, Feb. 1838. J. H. Durkee, Sept. 1844. Mrs. R. Whitcomb, Feb. 1845. Estes Rich. B. W. Johnson, May, 1838. Edward Bump, Jan. 1841. Hiram Bronson, Nov. 1841. Jedediah Grammond, Feb. 1841. Mrs. Ellen Miller, Oct. 1848. Mrs. Matilda Wheeler, May, 1848. Mrs. Sarah A. Robertson, Oct. 1844. Mrs. Mary McQueen, May, 1845. Stephen Nichols, 1844. Mrs. Angela Hitchcock, Aug. 1840. A. J. Walker, Oct. 1848. C. W. Palmenter, Feb. 1840. Jerome Palmenter, Feb. 1840. Manning Dowd, Nov. 1848. G. D. Moore, Sept. 1848. Jacob Odell, Sept. 1843. Mary Townsend, Feb. 1839. Abby A. Whipple, 1847. John A. Jordan, Dec. 1838. Mrs. Mary Stemhoff, April, 1844. J. H. Jordan, Feb. 1846. George H. Keith, June, 1848. Martha M. Cook. J. H. Linington, Dec. 1846. H. A. Goodyear, Nov. 1840. R. E. Fuller, Sept. 1838. Mrs. Hannah Hendershott, Dec. 1844. B. J. Hendershott, Dec. 1844. Mrs. B. J. Hendershott, Oct. 1848. Henry P. Cherry, 1838. Sherman C. Prindle, June, 1848. Mrs. Eliza Prindle, June, 1848. Charles Parker, Sept. 1835. Samuel W. Murry, Oct. 1844. Ruth Bates, Oct. 1835. J. H. Persons, Jan. 1837. Hannibal Marble, July, 1845. Seymour Andrus, Sept. 1835. B. F. IIungerford, Sept. 1848. Rachel Haynes, Oct. 1837. Thomas Blackman, April, 1842. Mrs. C. J. Blackman, April, 1842. P. P. Wheeler, Dec. 1845. Wells Boyington, 1837. William Ingram, March, 1837. Jesse Townsend, July, 1837. B. W. Wheeler, July, 1842. A. B. Cooper, 1837. A. A. Mead, 1844. Mrs. L. A. Benson, Sept. 1842. Clarinda A. Fifield, Nov. 1843. Porter C. Freeman, 1843. Mary L. Geer, Jan. 1847. Mrs. Lucy Bradley, 1847. Mrs. Leza Philips, 1849. James N. Coal, 1843. Mrs. James N. Coal, 1843. Julia Teeple, 1844. Sarah G. Dibble, Oct. 1836. Mrs. T. P. Barnum, 1848. D. C. Shendon, Oct. 1842. John H. Norton, Oct. 1847. Orrin Jordan, fall, 1841. Sanford Otto, Dec. 1840. G. L. Wheeler, 1845. David A. Bowker, 1845. Mrs. Boardman Cooper, 1837. Mrs. Estes A. Jordan, 1840. L. J. Wheeler, March, 1842. Samuel Bardon, 1848. David J. Hagar, April, 1841. Rachel A. Hagar, Nov. 1840. Reuben Barton, fall, 1849. Josiah Burge, March, 1847. Calvin Hill, Sept. 1835. Isaac Messer, July, 1836. Loren Rich, born in county, July, 1839. Levi Holmes, Sept. 1845. T. P. Barnum, Sept. 1843. B. S. Dibble, Oct. 1836. C. W. Bassett, Sept. 1836. Henry Marble, Aug. 1847. Newell Nichols, Oct. 1846. A. E. Wellman, Feb. 1843. A. S. Quick, Nov. 1838. John A. Fuller, April, 1836. Anson Weir, Sept. 1840. Willard Hayes, 1837. William Hayt, Aug. 1836. Mrs. Abram Quick, 1837. James Hathaway, June, 1837. Flavia Van De Walker, 1836. D. S. Bugbee, Jan. 1845. O. P. Wellman, 1840. Charles McQueen, Sept. 1845. William Green, Sept. 1848. Hiram Jones, 1845. George Cline, Feb. 1841. Mrs. George Cline, Feb. 1837. John Q. Cressy, Oct. 1842. Nelson Coman, 1836. A. Whitcomb, Feb. 1845. A. G. Stinson and wife, Oct. 1841. Sarah E. Durkee, 1835. J. G. Gordon, born 1845. J. M. Wood, 1845. W. H. Cressy, Oct. 1842.,Jacob Rhodes, Sept. 1837. W. A. More, April, 1838. Ira Shipman, Feb. 1838. Mrs. John Q. Cressy, March, 1844. A. E. Henyon, born in Carlton, 1838. H. E. Hoyt, 1848. George Freeman, Sept. 1843. Joseph Freeman, 1843. Mrs. E. I. Sprague, Sept. 1840. William Tinkler, April, 1845. George Ingram, born Dec. 1839. Mrs. I. A. Holbrook, 1842. Celestia Coman, Sept. 1840. Phebe Coman, July, 1844. Dr. William Upjohn, July, 1841. James Young, 1848. Mrs. James Young, Nov. 1848. C. J. Norris, Aug. 1849. Mrs. C. J. Norris, Aug. 1842. Leander Lapham, May, 1837. Albert Warner, Oct. 1845. Mrs. Albert Warner, June, 1835. Mrs. Lucina Hanna, Oct. 1842. A. W. Chapin, June, 1840. COUNTY SOCIETIES. 73 COUNTYT S E S Hervey C. Lewis, 1843. William Lewis, 1848. Adam Tinkler. George Tinkler, from Sept. 1850. James W. Hotchkiss, 1845. Horace Dodge. Orson Dodge. Mina Stanley. William Gunn, 1846. Mrs. H. P. Bishop. Andrew A. Young, Oct. 1841. Mary E. Young, 1849. I. A. Holbrook, Jan. 1844. H. N. Sheldon, fall, 1841. D. C. Leach, 1838. Mrs. D. C. Leach, 1838. John L. Fish, Jan. 1849. Z. B. Willison, 1840. William D. Hayes, 1846. L. N. Mixer. Jonas A. Hall, 1846. Mary T. Goodyear, 1846. N. Bailey, 1848. I. A. Swin, 1849. J. W. IHahnes, 1843. M. J. Lathrop, 1837. S. C. Blood, 1837. Moses Durkee, 1838. H. C. Rogers, 1845. Slate Sisson. Mrs. Louisa Rogers, 1836. Philip Leonard, 1836. B. S. Dibble, 1836. T. P. Johnson, 1836. George Jordan. John Hynes, 1842. W. C. Sabasol, 1848. D. C. Warner, 1848. Elizabeth Booram, 1847. J. S. Fowler, 1842. Isaac N. Keeler, 1849. Mrs. Isaac N. Keeler, 1848. William Vester, 1844. Chauncey A. Barnes, 1845. Henry Jones, Dec. 1849. Judge R. Barnum, 1845. Mrs. John Gutchers, 1837. William Smith, 1837. Oscar Young, 1840. William B. Hitchcock, 1847. Mrs. A. Wakefield. Congdon Brown, 1836. George Whitney, 1845. Thomas Tinkler, June, 1846. L. C. Gesler, 1850. Francis Holden, Dec. 1836. Hiram Rogers, Sept. 1842. Aaron Durfee. Amanda Durfee, 1839. J. W. Buckle, 1841. Eskesau (Indian, born Jan. 1, in Hastings), 1818. Celeste IHayford, 1850. S. Rich, 1848. Mrs. E. T. Hagle, 1851. D. C. Sheldon, 1842. James Willison, Oct. 1842. Esther J. Willison. P. N. Baldwin, July, 1842. Mrs. Townsend. Mrs. Horace Wellman, 1838. Robert S. King, March, 1839. Mrs. Earl-Brown, July, 1850. Byron Dennis, Jan. 1847. George W. Bump, 1844. 10 Mrs. Edward Bump, 1839. Mrs. M. P. B. Hendershott, 1844. Mrs. Mira E. Bump. 0. T. Munion, Oct. 1844. Mrs. Vashti Munion, 1844. Mrs. Sisson. L. W. Hitchcock, Sept. 1845. John Woodman, Jan. 1846. Birney Van Brunt, 1844. Mrs. Eliza Turner, 1840. Eunice A. Doyle, 1849. Dr. A P. Drake, 1851. Mrs. Rogers, 1831. Allen Green, 1848. A. E. Durfee, 1846. A. M. Durfee, 1839. A. Dodge, 1851. Joshua Booram, 1849. Bord Craig, Aug. 1850. John Olner, 1851. George Gregory. Archie McQueen, 1850. B. J. Trego, May, 1849. D. D. Smith, Nov. 1850. H. D. Pierce, Dec. 1851. Mrs. Elizabeth Gage, 1847. J. W. Hitchcock, 1846. Mrs. J. F. Emory. Mrs. F. Smith, 1845. W. J. Phelps, 1851. Jesse Townsend, Jr., 1849. Mrs. Harriet E. Barnum, Jan. 1846. C. Center. Charles Williams, Oct. 1844. John J. Fuller, Sept. 1849. Richard Harvey, March, 1841. Levi Chase, Nov. 1844. Madison McMurray, Jan. 1851. Edward Hines, July, 1843. Charles Horton, March, 1847. Nehemiah Lovell, 1841. Mrs. Dawson, 1850. Mrs. Matilda Wheeler, April, 1846. M. J. Lathrop, 1851. L. A. Cain, May, 1850. Lester Van Brocklin, April, 1849. Russell Slade. Mrs. Hannah Quackenbush. D. W. Rogers, 1850. T. B. Diamond, 1847. M. Willison, Jan. 1840. C. S. Dunham, Sept. 1851. D. W. Ellis, July, 1844. Dan Bolinger, July, 1847. Isaac Fish, 1844. Mrs. Eliza C. Fish, 1844. A. B. Morford, Sept. 1846. Mrs. Hannah E. Morford, 1851. Mrs. Mary A. Kipp, 1846. Orson Sheldon, 1851. Mrs. Mary 1H. Robinson, 1849. C. V. Robinson, 1846. William Hi. Hayford, 1850. Mrs. Elizabeth Haines, 1846. Seth Leverwell, March, 1844. J. C. Russell, 1849. Mrs. Minnie Hammond. George Lewis, Nov. 1850. Mrs. Lucinda Lewis, 1850. Mrs. Mary Cook, 1850. Delia A. Durham, 1850. T. HIoughton, Sept. 1846. M. A. Ludlow, March, 1845. C. S. Whitcomb, March, 1845. Frank Stebbins, born here, 1853. Ezra C. Barnum, born here. Horace Ludlow, March, 1845. John W. Buckle, Jan. 1841. William Lewis, 1849. R. B. Wightman, Oct. 1851. Louisa Brown, June, 1850. Moses Shults and.wife, April, 1854. Byron Travis, spring, 1846. Wm. Morgan and wife, 1847. Laura McPherson, 1847. Francis Miller, Jan. 1850. Mrs. Nellie Wellman, 1849. N. R. Wheeler, Dec. 1845. Aaron Leonard, Oct. 1851. Peter Young, 1843. Isaac Hoyt, fall of 1848. M. W. Blanchard, 1845. L. Chamberlain, Sept. 1850. J. J. Pease, 1836. Mrs. Malvina Barnum, 1837. M. H. Maynard, born Sept. 1849. B. R. Rose, Feb. 1852. John Patton, 1836. John McCallum, Dec. 1838. B. C. Cramer, April, 1851. Frank Pratt. Henry Hlendershott, 1844. James Hines. Elizabeth Irving. Felix Chamberlain, 1850. D. R. Trego, 1849. Mrs. L. A. Snyder, 1846. H. S. Larkin, 1851. J. M. Leach, 1839. Wm. W. Sortwell, 1851. W. A. Sortwell, 1851. John R. Robinson, Aug. 1848. B. J. Bottom, 1848. Anson Maynard, born here, 1850. Mrs. H. S. Widger, born here in 1849. William Robinson, 1847. James A. Sweazey, June 5, 1851. Henry Bennett, Jan. 1840. Ira Virgil, 1852. Rachel Virgil, 1852. Mrs. M. H. Wing, Nov. 1853. Elsie Magoun, Nov. 1853. P. E. Johnson, Dec. 1846. Philura Shaw, April, 1852. James Meeloy, 1848. Samuel Garrison, 1852. M. H. Wing, March, 1853. Alfred J. Haines, 1848. Simon Matthews, 1854. P. A. Throop, 1851. Geo. W. Conkwright, 1852. Wm. G. Brown. Elijah A. Shaw, 1860. Isaac Virgil, 1853. E. 0. Johnson, Dec. 1846. Elam Elliott, Sept. 1852. John M. Nevins, April, 1853. William Peake, Nov. 1863. Sarah Peake, Nov. 1863. George H. Robinson, 1838. Thomas Burr, 1852. Frank A. Prindle, Nov. 1852. W. P. Fifield, Sept. 1853. S. C. Kenyon, Nov. 1854. D. F. Fish, Feb. 1844. F. A. Fuller, 1844. A. F. McIntosh, 1854. E. Robinson, 1853. J. M. Hams, June, 1853. James Dunning, July, 1853. Thomas Altoft, July, 1853. Barney Wright, 1855. A. J. Hams, Aug. 1854. J. A. Hams, 1847. Milo L. Williams, 1850. Eli Nichols, Feb. 1837. BARRY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The record-book of this society contains on the first pages the constitution and by-laws, accompanied by the solitary statement that the association was organized on the 29th of December, 1851. Nothing further is to be found in the book of records until the 12th of July, 1858, when mention was made of a meeting in the village of Hastings for the purpose of electing officers and transacting other business. From the columns of the Barry County Pioneer, published at Hastings in 1853, we learn that the second annual fair of the society was held at the court-house in October of that year, an address being delivered by Charles S. May. At that meeting the following officers were elected: Hiram Lewis, Prairieville, President; J. W. Bradley, Yankee Springs, Secretary; H. A. Goodyear, Hastings, Treasurer; R. N. Hanna, D. B. Pratt, C. Balch, T. P. Johnson, and W. P. Bristol, Executive Committee. At the meeting for the election of officers held on the 12th of July, 1858, one vice-president was appointed from each township, as follows: Alonzo Barnum, Woodland; Isaac Messer, Carlton; C. Hanna, Irving; I. N. Keeler, Thornapple; T. Johnson, Yankee Springs; Asa D. Rork, Rutland; Nathan Barlow, Hastings; Lorenzo Mudge, Castleton; Leander Lapham, Maple Grove; Gilbert Striker, 74 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I Baltimore; J. E. Hall, Hope; Henry Brown, Orangeville; Hiram Lewis, Prairieville; Irvin Hewitt, Barry; William P. Bristol, Johnstown; Cleveland Ellis, Assyria. It was resolved that the seventh annual fair be held at Hastings on the 13th and 14th of October next. The names of the officers-elect will be found in the list of officers. The president and secretary at that time were J. W. Bradley and R. B. Wightman. As near as can be ascertained, Ashman A. Knappen was the first secretary; the first fair was held in the court-house and the surrounding square, the lower hall being used for the exhibition of articles, and the court-room above for reading reports and delivery of addresses. Fairs were held at the same place for several years, and for two years at Prairieville. In the year 1859 it was decided to hold the annual fair on the " market square," which was prepared by the citizens of Hastings for that purpose. The square was leased from the corporation of the village of Hastings. Several pieces of land adjoining were soon after purchased, which, with Market Square, included the blocks bounded by State Street on the north, Market Street on the east, Centre Street on the south, and Benton Street on the west. The society received a quit-claim deed from R. B. Wightman, dated March 13, 1862, and one from N. Barlow, dated Nov. 2, 1863. These two deeds covered the same property. On the 21st of November, 1864, Nathan Barlow deeded to the society lot 738, it being the northeast corner lot of the block south of Market Square. At the annual fair on the 11th of October, 1861, officers were elected who subsequently declined to serve. The following from the records will show the condition of the association in 1862: " The Barry County Agricultural Society being destitute of officers, destitute of funds, and destitute of credit, and probably destitute of an existence, no fair was held in 1862." The members seem not to have been discouraged, for at a meeting held on the 8th of October, 1863, new articles of association were drawn up, adopted, and signed by the following-named persons: David Robinson, William S. Goodyear, N. Barlow, D. Striker, J. P. Roberts, Gilbert Striker, R. B. Wightman, S. H. Cook, H. N. Sheldon, and J. N. Ladow. Copies of the articles were filed,-one in the clerk's office of Barry County, and one in the office of the secretary of the State agricultural society,-and the association thus became a body corporate under the name of the Barry County Agricultural Society. The title to its land having been secured, as before stated, the ground was put in good condition, and on the 29th of June, 1872, the two blocks west of the old ground were purchased of Daniel Striker, making in all an area of eighteen acres. An exhibition-hall about twenty by thirty feet was the first building erected. It is now situated on the north side of the track, and is used for horticultural displays. In 1870 a refreshment-hall was erected, at a cost of one hundred and sixty dollars. This building was used for that purpose until 1879, when it was fitted up for a dwelling. The next year after the purchase of the new ground, in 1872, a new track, half a mile in length, was laid out and graded, at a cost of three hundred and sixty-two dollars and ninety-four cents. In the year 1875 the Horse Association of Hastings built a grand stand one hundred feet in length, which was purchased by the agricultural society from that association in 1879 for four hundred dollars. Floral Hall was erected in 1878, at a cost of six hundred and eighty-six dollars and seventy-five cents. It is in the form of a Greek cross, the central part being seventeen feet square, and each wing also seventeen feet square. The grounds and buildings are taken care of throughout the year by a family who reside in a dwelling-house built by the association within the inclosure. The amount of premiums paid at the annual fair of 1879 was nine hundred and fourteen dollars and eighty cents. The receipts from all sources were two thousand two hundred and seventy-two dollars and forty-two cents. The society is now out of debt and in a flourishing condition. The following is a list of the presidents, secretaries, and treasurers as far as can be ascertained: PRESIDENTS. Hiram Lewis, 1853; C. Balsch, 1858; William P. Bristol, 1861; Gilbert Striker, 1863-65; J. C. Hanna, 1866-67; A. Ryerson, 1868; J. C. Bray, 1869-70; S. J. Bidleman, 1871; Richard Jones, 1872; Thomas Aloft, 1873; D. W. Ellis, 1874; Thomas Aloft, 1875; John Keagle, 1876; John Dawson, 1877; Henry Ioughtalin, 1878; Burton W. King, 1879; Charles B. Benham, 1880. SECRETARIES. J. W. Bradley, Yankee Springs, 1852-54; H. A. Goodyear, 1858; D. Striker, 1859-60; J. M. Nevins, 1861-65; Charles G. Holbrook, 1867; J. M. Nevins, 1868-70; M. L. Williams, 1871; D. R. Cook, 1872; J. M. Nevins, 1873-76; T. Philips, 1877; William II. Merrick, 1878; J. Q. Cressy, 1879-80. TREASURERS. H. A. Goodyear, 1853-54; R. B. Wightman, 1858; Sherman C. Prindle, ]863; 11. N. Sheldon, 1864-65; S. C. Prindle, 1866-67; D. G. Robinson, 1868-69; D. Striker, 1870; William H. Powers, 1871; David G. Robinson, 1872-75; D. Striker, 1876-77; Porter Burton, 1878; Daniel Striker, 1879; David G. Robinson, 1880. SHEEP-BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION. Pursuant to a published call, several of the farmers of Barry County convened at the court-house in the city of Hastings on the 9th of March, 1880, for the purpose of organizing a sheep-breeders' and wool-growers' association. The Hon. James A. Sweazey was called to the chair, and W. H. Merrick was chosen secretary. A committee of three, consisting of A. Ryerson, L. D. Gardner, and Harvey Burton, was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, which were presented and adopted. The constitution was then signed by those present. Nine directors were chosen, as follows: James A. Sweazey, A. Ryerson, A. C. Towne, Friend D. Soule, L. D. Gardner, Henry Burton, Albert Kent, William Lee, and C. McQueen. The following officers for 1880 were then elected by the directors: A. Ryerson, President; W. H. Merrick, Secretary; J. A. Sweazey, Treasurer. A festival was held on the Barry County Agricultural Society's fair-grounds on the 6th of May, 1880. BARRY COUNTY POMONA GRANGE. The brief history of this organization, which is composed of the subordinate granges throughout the county, is fully COUNTY SOCIETIES. 75 given in the secretary's report, which we therefore quote: "A meeting appointed by J. J. Woodman, Master of the State Grange of Michigan, was held at Union Hall, Hastings, Dec. 4, 1879, for the purpose of forming a Pomona Grange. C. L. Whitney, general deputy, presided. After organization, seventy-one members joined. "An election was then held, which resulted in the choice of the following members to fill the several offices for the coming year: "Master, A. Luther, of Rutland Grange; Overseer, G. R. Durfee, of Baltimore Grange; Lecturer, M. W. Blanchard, of Johnstown Grange; Steward, B. B. Travis, of Irving Grange; A. S. Steward, Byron Travis, of Thornapple Grange; Chaplain, George M. Hudson, of Hope Grange; Treasurer, J. J. Hendershott, of Irving Grange; Secretary, J. A. Robertson, of Thornapple Grange; G. Keeper, A. B. Harris, of Yankee Springs Grange; Pomona, Mrs. J. J. HIendershott, of Irving Grange; Ceres, Mrs. J. J. Ilealy, of Rutland Grange; Flora, Mrs. C. McQueen, of Thornapple Grange; L. A. Steward, Mrs. M. W. Blanchard, of Johnstown Grange; Executive Committee, George Sheffield, Johnstown Grange; Z. B. Hoyt, Rutland Grange; C. N. Youngs, Hope Grange, Master and Secretary. "After the election of officers, C. L. Whitney, the Lecturer of the State Grange of Michigan, delivered an address in open hall which was well calculated to interest the community, whether members of the order or not, and especially every person who earns his living by tilling the soil. "The first meeting of Barry County Pomona Grange will be held at Middleville, in the hall of Thornapple Grange, No. 38, in the afternoon of Wednesday nearest the full of the moon, which will be the 14th of January. "J. A. ROBERTSON, "Secretary of Pomona Grange." The meeting called as above was not held until the 28th of January; eighteen members then joined the society, raising the total membership to eighty-nine. BARRY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. Pursuant to a call signed by Dr. Charles Russell, A. B. Drake, and W. E. Upjohn, of the city of Hastings, the following-named physicians of the county met on the 23d of January, 1877, at the office of Dr. Charles Russell, in Hastings: Miss Dr. D. J. Wolf, of Hastings; Dr. Turner, of Orangeville; Dr. David B. Kilpatrick, of Woodland; Dr. D. McLeay and Dr. Sackett, of Prairieville; Dr. Ellis, of Nashville; and Drs. Russell, Drake, and Upjohn, of Hastings. A constitution was duly adopted, and the following permanent officers were then elected: Dr. D. McLeay, President; Dr. A. B. Drake, Vice-President; Dr. W. E. Upjohn, Secretary and Treasurer. Meetings for discussion, clinical examinations, and reading of essays were to be held once in three months. The annual meetings for 1879 and 1880 were held in the city of Hastings, in May of each year. The officers of 1879 were re-elected in 1880, and were as follows: Dr. A. B. Drake, President; Dr. Wm. H. Young, Vice-President; Dr. Wm. E. Upjohn, Secretary and Treasurer. The present members of the society are W. H. Young, Nashville; D. McLeay, Prairieville; A. L. Van Horn, Baltimore; D. B. Kilpatrick and J. A. Baughman, Woodland; A. B. Drake, C. Russell, Miss D. J. Wolf, William Upjohn, and William E. Upjohn, Hastings. HAHNEMANN MEDICAL SOCIETY OF BARRY AND EATON COUNTIES. On the 5th of March, 1879, Dr. C. S. Snell, of Vermontville, Eaton Co., and Drs. I. Dever, E. H. Lathrop, and C. S. Burton, of Hastings, met at the office of the last-named gentleman for the purpose of organizing a society composed of the homoeopathic physicians of Eaton and Barry Counties. The following persons were elected officers: Dr. C. S. Burton, of Hastings, President; Dr. H. A. Barber, Nashville, First Vice-President; Dr. I. Dever, Hastings, Recording Secretary; Dr. C. S. Snell, Vermontville, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. F. L. Snell, Kalamo, Treasurer. Drs. Burton, C. S. Snell, and Dever were appointed censors to examine candidates for admission. Before adjournment a constitution and by-laws were adopted. A meeting was held on the 14th of October, 1879, at the Follett House, Vermontville, and another on the 17th of December following, at the Wolcott House, in Nashville. At these meetings discussions were held and essays read on subjects pertaining to the profession. Clinics were also held, and other business was transacted. The second annual meeting was held at the Wolcott House, in Nashville, on the 3d of March, 1880, when the following officers were elected: Dr. C. S. Burton, of Hastings, President; Dr. H. A. Barber, of Nashville, First Vice-President; Dr. L. P. Hazen, of Olivet, Second Vice-President; Dr. E. F. Grant, of Hastings, Recording Secretary; Dr. C. S. Snell, of Vermontville, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. F. L. Snell, of Kalamo, Treasurer. Mrs. Dr. Burton read a paper before the society on " Influence of Mind upon the Nervous System." Discussions were held on clinics, softening of the brain, and typhoid fever. The present members of the society are Drs. C. S. Burton, Hastings; H. A. Barber, Nashville; L. P. HIazen, Olivet; E. F. Grant, Hastings; C. S. Snell, Vermontville; F. L. Snell, Kalamo; E. H. Lathrop and I. Dever, Hastings; W. H. Griswold, Nashville; - Linkleiter, Carpenter, Woodland; - urchess, Vermontville; W. Polhemus and Henry Miller, Hastings. WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION OF BARRY COUNTY. On the 2d day of December, 1879, pursuant to a call by Mrs. N. Bailey, vice-president of the State Women's Christian Union for the Third Congressional District, a number of ladies from the various townships of the county assembled in the city of Hastings to consider the question of organizing a county union. Mrs. N. Bailey presided, and Mrs. Charles Bentley, of Hastings, was chosen secretary. After some remarks by the president on the desirability of establishing a county union for the mutual good of the unions of the different townships, it was decided to establish such an organization. Mrs. Burton and Mrs. Hayes, of Hastings, and Mrs. Sprague, of Middleville, were chosen a committee to draft a constitution, which, after due deliberation, was presented by the president and adopted by the meeting. Resolutions were then adopted which embodied the sentiments of those present; the first one, which relates substantially the whole object of the society, is as follows: " Resoled, That we, women of Barry County, pledge ourselves to use our individual and united efforts to educate public sentiment in behalf of temperance and all moral and social reformation which shall redound to the strength, wisdom, and sobriety of its present and future citizens." 76 HISTORY OF AILEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Encouraging reports were made by members of various township unions; essays were also read by several ladies, -one by Mrs. Fleming, of Nashville, entitled " An Appeal to Mothers and Sisters;" one by Mrs. Robinson, of Hastings, on "Sowing the Seed;" and one by Mrs. Clement Smith, whose subject was " Literature and its Influence on our Children." These subjects were taken up and earnestly discussed by Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Fleming, Mrs. Bailey, and Mrs. Boltwood. The ladies of the union, realizing that much of the vice and moral weakness which exists in the country is caused by the immoral and trashy literature of the day, determined to banish all such reading from their own homes, and to endeavor earnestly to induce others to do the same. Believing, also, that the use of tobacco is a most objectionable habit, incompatible with purity and decency, and gravely injurious to those who indulge in it, they earnestly besought the Christian mothers, sisters, and teachers of the county to do all in their power to repress that pernicious custom in the young. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mrs. N. Bailey, Hastings; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Fleming, Nashville; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Clement Smith, Hastings; Treasurer, Mrs. E. D. Sprague, Middleville; Vice-Presidents (one from each township), Mrs. John Hendershott, Irving; Mrs. Henry Barnum, Carlton; Mrs. Dr. Carpenter, Woodland; Mrs. Z. B. Hoyt, Yankee Springs; Mrs. Lucinda Monroe, Rutland; Mrs. H. A. Lathrop, Thornapple; Mrs. L. Wing, Orangeville; Mrs. Hunt, Hope; Mrs. Charles Crothers, Baltimore; Mrs. Pliny McOmber, Maple Grove; Mrs. Wales, Prairieville; Mrs. W. Barber, Barry; Mrs. Jonathan Stevens, Johnstown; Mrs. W. W. Cole, Assyria. The townships in which unions are organized and actively at work are Thornapple, Hastings, Rutland, Carlton, Castle-.ton, Baltimore, Irving, and Yankee Springs. Assurances have been received that similar organizations will be established in all the other townships. The township unions are auxiliary to the county unions, the county unions to the State union, and the State union to the National Union. BARRY COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. It is not known exactly when this society was organized; the first records now extant are dated Dec. 29, 1867. At that date Robert J. Grant was president, and he has continued to occupy the position till the present time. Daniel Striker was then the secretary, and filled the position until the spring of 1870, when he was succeeded by John M. Nevins, who still acts in that capacity. The society is auxiliary to the American Bible Society, to which an annual report is made. FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF BARRY AND EATON COUNTIES. In the year 1863, G. K. Beamer, Cleveland Ellis, Lorenzo Mudge, Willard Davis, John Dow, R. M. Wheaton, P. S. Spaulding, William P. Bristol, and A. C. Ells-all residents of Barry and Eaton Counties-associated them selves together as an incorporated company for the transaction of the insurance-business under the above title. By its articles of association the company is restricted to the insurance of dwelling-houses and barns (with the personal property in them), detached one hundred feet from other buildings, and all dwellings, barns, and out-buildings upon farms, together with household-furniture, farm-implements, stock, and grain which may be therein, or on the premises, against loss or damage by fire or lightning. Willard Davis was elected president, and W. A. Nimrocks secretary. The first policies took effect on the 12th of April, 1864. The company has steadily increased in numbers and usefulness, and on the 31st of December, 1879, it had three thousand three hundred and nine outstanding policies, covering a total risk of five million five hundred and eighty thousand dollars. From the date of its organization to May 1, 1880, about ninety thousand dollars have been paid in losses, which is an average of about twenty cents for every hundred dollars upon the amount of risk. The present officers of the company are as follows: President, D. B. Hale; Vice-President, B. J. Bidlenlan; Secretary, D. W. Rogers; Treasurer, C. E. Chappell; Directors, Z. B. Hoyt, Yankee Springs; A. C. Towne, Prairieville; D. W. Smith, Castleton; R. K. Stanton, Baltimore; Orson Swift, Maple Grove; S. W. Mapes, Kalamo, Eaton Co.; B. L. Bently, Eaton Rapids, Eaton Co.; J. W. Ewing, Oncida, Eaton Co.; M. L. Squier, Vermontville, Eaton Co.; S. W. Harmon, Chester, Eaton Co. CHAPTER XIX. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. Clinton and Kalamazoo River Canal-Provision for it in the System of 1837-Preliminary Survey through Barry and Eaton CountiesMr. Littlejohn's Survey-Navigation of the Kalamazoo-First Raft —Lumber-Vessels-The Flatboat Lines-First SteamboatOther Steamers and Schooners-Ship-building at Saugatuck-Allegan and Marshall Railroad-Lawton and Grand Rapids Railroad -Kalamazoo, Allegan and Grand Rapids Railroad-The Original Name-First Articles filed-Change of Route-Change of Name -Road built to Allegan-Road built to Grand Rapids-Statistics of Traffic-The Grand Haven Railroad-The Three Original Organizations-Their Consolidation-Building of the Road-Road in Hands of a Receiver-The Sale-New Company-New NameStatistics-Grand Rapids and Indiana Road-Time of Construction -Statistics-Chicago and West Michigan Road-The Original Name-Construction-Given up to Bondholders-Reorganization -New Name-General Information-Allegan and Southeastern Road-Quick Construction-Part of Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake Michigan Road sold under Foreclosure-Reorganization and Change of Name-Statistics-Grand River Valley Road-Chartered in 1836-Long Postponement-Proposed Road from Battle Creek to Hastings-Given up-Revival of the Valley Road-Its Construction- Statistics. THE PROPOSED CLINTON AND KALAMAZOO RIVER CANAL. UNDER the system of internal improvements adopted by the State in February, 1837, money was appropriated for the survey of a canal commencing near the mouth of the Clinton River, to terminate at or near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River; and also for the survey of the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rivers, with a view to the use of the same by slack-water navigation. The prelimi INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 77 nary survey for the canal was made by the State engineer in the summer of 1837. The line started at the mouth of Clinton River, ran through Oakland County, touching the northwest corner of Ingham, and thence through Eaton, Barry, and Allegan Counties to the village of Allegan; whence it was intended to use the river to its mouth. Mr. F. J. Littlejohn was employed by the board of internal improvements, in the winter of 1837-38, to make a thorough survey of that portion of the line running from a " bottom-peg" placed by the State engineer on the west side of Barry County, near the north end of Gun Lake, to Allegan, and thence to the mouth of the Kalamazoo, and to make the necessary estimates retarding the same. The proper instruments were furnished by the board, and the work was both commenced and finished in February, 1838. When Mr. Littlejohn made his report to the State engineer, it was found that the result reached by him differed but three-tenths of a foot from the preliminary survey of that official, although the latter was made in the summer and Mr. Littlejohn's in the winter, with two feet of snow on the ground. The point where the canal, according to the survey, was to reach the Kalamazoo was in the village of Allegan, at the north end of the north bridge across that river. The only portion of the canal which was ever built was sixteen miles at the eastern end. NAVIGATION ON THE KALAMAZOO RIVER. In the month of June, 1834, Oka Town and Abijah Chichester ran a raft containing thirty thousand feet of lumber from Pine Creek (where the first saw-mill in Allegan County was located) to the mouth of Kalamazoo River, where it was transferred to William G. Butler, who had bought it. They were obliged to hire an Indian to pilot them back through the woods. This was the first raft which was taken down the river. Vessels were soon after constructed along the lake-shore for carrying lumber. Among the first builders was James McLaughlin, who built the " Crook." The "Octavia" was soon built by Carter & Co. at Singapore. In 1841, David Walbridge, from Buffalo, N. Y., came to Kalamazoo and commenced buying wheat. He established a line of flatboats, on which the grain was carried down the river, being transferred at Saugatuck to sail-vessels bound for Buffalo. In the spring of 1842 he leased a grist-mill, and carried on an extensive business in grinding flour, which followed the same course to the Eastern market. The first flatboat of any size on the Kalamazoo was the "Pioneer," built by James D. Bush, of Allegan, for Milo Winslow. This vessel carried one thousand barrels of flour, and twelve men were necessary to pole it up and down the river. The " Great Western" employed ten men, and the "Tippecanoe" eight. There were several others, but these were the most important. These boats were in active operation on the river until the opening of the Michigan Central Railroad, in 1846, furnished a quicker and more convenient means of transportation. About 1842 a flat-bottomed steamboat named " C. C. Trowbridge" was built at Singapore by Porter & Co. for river-service between Saugatuck and Allegan. It made but two trips, however, and was then transferred to the lake trade. The steamer "Adelaide" was built in the village of Allegan, below the Littlejohn bridge, about the year 1847. The machinery was that previously used in the " Maid of the Mist" at Niagara Falls. Captain Elliott was the commander. It ran from Allegan to Saugatuck one day and back the next, for about two years, and was then sold at Chicago. J. D. Bush built the " Helen Mar" at Allegan about 1854, and subsequently ran it five or six years on the river. It was finally dismantled. All its machinery was built at Allegan except the boiler, and is now in use at Vosburg's mill, at that village. Two barges were built at Allegan about the same time, named " Adam" and " Eve." They were intended for towing on the lake, and were the first experiment of the kind. The schooner " Lavinda" was built at Allegan in 1861, and was used on the lake, running from Saugatuck to Chicago. It is still in use. The steamer "Aunt Betsey" was built for Ira Chaffee, George Stone, and J. C. McMillan. It plied on the river for about five years, and was sold to parties at St. Paul, Minn. In the year 1867 the propeller "Ira Chaffee" was built at Allegan for the lake trade. It was owned by Ira Chaffee, Frederick May, E. B. Costin, and George Dutcher. The same year the schooner " White Oak" was built at Allegan for the lake trade, and the next season the propeller " Dunbar" was built. In 1865 the barge " Utell" was built at Allegan. It ran on the river for a time, but was finally sold to parties at Grand Rapids. Ship-building has ceased at Allegan, but is still energetically carried on at Saugatuck. Numerous tugs and lumberbarges have been built there, besides several propellers and large grain-carrying vessels. The year 1879 was an extremely busy one for Saugatuck ship-builders, and the business is still increasing there. ALLEGAN AND MARSHALL RAILROAD. The Allegan and Marshall Railroad Company was incorporated on the 4th day of March, 183G6. The directors residing in Allegan County were John R. Kellogg and Alexander L. Ely. It was hoped that the building of a road from Marshall to Allegan would lead to a choice of this line to the lake for the Central Railroad, the western terminus of which had not then been determined on. An extremely circuitous route was surveyed, which passed from Marshall through Battle Creek, Comstock, and Bronson (now Kalamazoo) to Allegan. Cars, and even cushions for the seats, were purchased, for the latter of which suit was brought several years afterwards, but no part of the road was ever graded. LAWTON AND GRAND RAPIDS RAILROAD. The next projected railroad was from Lawton, on the Michigan Central, through Paw Paw and Allegan, to Grand Rapids, about 1848. F. J. Littlejohn made a preliminary survey, but no work was ever commenced. The project was defeated by the efforts made at an early day to locate 78 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I the route of the Grand Rapids and Indiana road from Kalamazoo through Allegan to Grand Rapids. This latter route was also surveyed, and followed the previous line from Allegan to Grand Rapids. This project also failed for the time, and when it was revived several years afterwards a route was chosen ten or eleven miles east of Allegan village, as appears in the sketch of the Grand Rapids and Indiana road. KALAMAZOO, ALLEGAN AND GRAND RAPIDS RAILROAD. Articles of association were filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Michigan in the spring of 1868 for the organization of the Kalamazoo and Allegan Railroad Company. The directors belonging to Allegan County were Joseph Fisk, of Allegan, and Wilson C. Edsell, of Otsego. A preliminary survey was made, which passed through the townships of Gun Plain, Otsego, Watson, and Allegan. A map of the line was filed at the register's office on the 7th of May, 1868, but a change of route was made, and a new map was filed on the 4th of August of the same year. This change was on sections 22, 24, 27, and 28, in the village of Allegan. During the summer of 1868 the articles of association were amended so as to change the name to the Kalamazoo, Allegan and Grand Rapids Railroad Company, and providing for the extension of the road from Allegan to Grand Rapids. The map of the survey of the northern portion of the line is dated in September, 1868, and was filed on the 21st of October following. The extension passes through the townships of Allegan, Monterey, Hopkins, and Dorr. The tract was completed, and the first train of cars ran into Allegan on Thanksgiving-day, Nov. 23,1868. On the same day work was commenced on the northern portion, and the first train of cars reached Grand Rapids on the 1st of March, 1869. On the 1st of October of the same year the road was leased to the Michigan Southern Railroad Company, by whom it is still run, being known as the Kalamazoo Division of that road. The length of the road from Kalamazoo to Allegan is twenty-six miles, and from Allegan to Grand Rapids thirtythree miles, making a total of fifty-nine miles. The cost of construction of the road was $1,450,000. The equipment is owned by the Michigan Southern Company. The receipts during the year 1878 from transportation of passengers was $43,082.67; fiom that of freight, $73,436; of mails, $4612.85; of express matter, $504.66,-making the total earnings $122,546.18. The expenses of operating the road for the same time were $101,917.28. The funded debt of the company amounts to $840,000. THE GRAND HAVEN RAILROAD. The company that now operates this road had its origin in three organizations,-the Allegan and Holland, the Holland and Grand Haven, and the Muskegon and Ferrysburg Railroad Companies. The first two were organized in the spring of 1869, but accomplished little even in the preliminary work of location and survey. The last-named company had built a road between Muskegon and Ferrysbug, which was then in operation. During the summer of.'g. \ 1869 the three companies were consolidated under the name of the Michigan Lake Shore Railroad Company. The stock was sold to parties interested in the Pennsylvania system of roads, and who also controlled the Grand Rapids and Indiana road. The survey was adopted by the company on the 19th day of August, 1869, and was filed in the register's office of Allegan County on the 7th of September following. The route passed through the townships of Allegan, Heath, Overisel, and Fillmore, in the county of Allegan. Upon the completion of the Kalamazoo, Allegan and Grand Rapids road the contractors placed their men immediately upon this work. It was prosecuted with great vigor, and on the 1st of July, 1870, was opened from Allegan to Muskegon,-a distance of fifty-seven and a half miles. The company defaulted on the interest of its bonds in 1873 and 1874, and the road passed into the hands of D. P. Clay, of Grand Rapids, as receiver. It was operated by him till the 1st of October, 1878, when it was sold on the foreclosure of its mortgage bonds and purchased by the bondholders' committee. A new company was then organized under the name of the Grand Haven Railroad, by which the road has been operated from that time till the present. The cost of the construction of the road and its equipment was $960,000. The new company, upon its organization in October, 1878, owed debts to the amount of $160,000. The receipts for the carriage of passengers during the year previous to the last annual report was $22,223.07; for that of freight, $27,780.31; of mails, $3250.45; of express matter, $1565; of miscellaneous articles, $878.47. The receipts other than earnings were $11,615, making a total of $67,312.40. There are employed on the road three locomotives, weighing over twenty tons each; three eight-wheel passengercars, one express- and baggage-car, thirty box freight-cars, and sixty-six platform-cars. The Ward air-brake is used on the passenger-cars. The number of passengers carried during the year 1878 was 46,376. The total number of tons of freight carried over the road was 25,223, distributed as follows: Grain and flour, 1727; provisions, 322; other agricultural products, 422; lumber and forest products, 19,479; coal, 131; plaster, 160; petroleum, 52; pig- and bloom-iron, 23; other iron and castings, 114; stone and brick, 82; manufactures, 873; merchandise and other articles not previously mentioned, 1830. The United States Express Company does business on this road, paying five dollars per day for the use of an apartment in a car. GRAND RAPIDS AND INDIANA RAILROAD. This road extends from Fort Wayne, Ind., to Petoskey, Mich.,-a distance of three hundred and twenty-two miles. The first section, from Grand Rapids to Cedar Springs, was opened for traffic Dec. 23, 1867, and the last one, from Fife Lake to Petoskey, in May, 1874. The portion from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, running through the county of Allegan, was first opened for business in Octo INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, ETC. 79 ber, 1870. It passes through the townships of Gun Plain, Martin, Wayland, Leighton, and Dorr. The cost of construction of the road and its branches was $9,877,363.99; that of equipment, $1,214,721.47. The funded debt of the company amounts to $8,000,000, the unfunded debt to $2,164,706.72. The receipts from the carriage of passengers during the year 1878 was $425,882.33; from that of freights, $699,557.84; of mails, $17,142.06; of express matter, $17,238.68. The total expenses of operating the road during that year were $958,170.80; the total earnings for the same time, $1,200,629.19. There are employed on the road seventeen locomotives weighing over thirty tons each, twenty others which weigh over twenty tons each, and one other which weighs over ten tons. There are ten twelve-wheel and eleven eight-wheel passenger-cars, ten express- and baggage-cars, three hundred and forty-seven box freight-cars, seven hundred and thirty-six platform- cars, and twenty-one conductors' waycars. Thirteen locomotives and thirty-two passenger-cars are equipped with the Westinghouse air-brake. The number of tons of through freight was 241,962, and of local freight 141,348, distributed as follows: Grain, 39,160; flour, 5324; provisions, 2038; other agricultural products, 13,460; lumber and forest products, 239,830; coal, 11,449; plaster, 2785; salt, 2931; petroleum, 900; railroad iron (iron and steel rails), 1993; pig- and bloomiron, 507; other iron and castings, 2544; stone and brick, 3897; manufactures, 13,835; merchandise and other articles not previously mentioned, 42,757. The United States Express Company transacts business on this road, paying forty-five dollars and forty-five cents per day for the transmission of four thousand pounds of freight. The company operates the Allegan and Southeastern road, as mentioned a little farther on. CHICAGO AND WEST MICHIGAN RAILROAD. In May, 1869, a company was organized at St. Joseph, Berrien Co., under the general law of the State, called the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad Company, for the purpose of building a railroad from New Buffalo northward along the western shore of Lake Michigan. The work was begun at St. Joseph, the grading was rapidly carried southward from there, and on the 28th of January, 1870, the road was completed to New Buffalo, and subsequently it was built northward from St. Joseph, being completed to Grand Junction, Van Buren Co., on the 28th of February, 1871, and to Pentwater, its present terminus, on the 1st of January, 1872. The last-named portion runs through the townships of Lee, Clyde, Manlius, and Fillmorc, in Allegan County. The distance traversed in that county is twenty-six miles. The road was managed by the original company until 1874, when it was given up to the bondholders. They operated it about three years, and then foreclosed their mortgage. On the sale most of the stock passed into the hands of citizens of Boston, who organized themselves into a new company, by which the road has since been controlled. The new company adopted the name of the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, and changed the name of the road accordingly. The cost of construction was $6,225,802, and that of equipment $899,220. The funded debt of the company amounts to $6,630,000, the unfunded to $2,517,218. The receipts from carriage of passengers during the year 1878 (the one covered by the last report of the railroad commissioners) was $175,921; from that of freights, $333,809; from other sources, $28,293; total, $538,023. The entire running expenses for the same period were $500,479. There are employed on the road twenty-one locomotives weighing over thirty tons each, and five which weigh under that amount. There are three twelve-wheel and ten eightwheel passenger-cars, nine express- and baggage-cars, one hundred and fourteen box freight-cars, three hundred and seventy-six platform-cars, seven conductors' way-cars, and one pay-car. The total number of tons of freight carried over the road during the year 1878 was 266,701, distributed as follows: Grain, 14,055; flour, 1949; other provisions, 1225; other agricultural products, 9673; lumber and other forest products, 153,563; coal, 2585; plaster, 12,000; railroad iron, 189; pig- and bloom-iron, 11,050; ores, 19,499; stone and brick, 2812; merchandise and other articles not previously enumerated, 38,151. The American Express Company sends its freight over the road, paying for the privilege one and a half times the price of first-class railroad freight. ALLEGAN AND SOUTHEASTERN RAILROAD. This road was built in ninety days by Joseph Fisk, the contractor, who completed it in September, 1871. It was then a section eleven and a half miles long (from Allegan to Monteith, in the township of Martin), belonging to the Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake Michigan Railroai Company. The intention of that company was to construct a road from Mansfield, Ohio, to Allegan, Mich., but the portion from Allegan to Monteith was all that was ever completed in this State. The property and franchises of the Mansfield company were sold under the foreclosure of its mortgage bonds on the 28th of August, 1877, and on the 13th of December following the purchasers subscribed to new articles of association, changing the name to the Allegan and Southeastern Railroad Company, and fixing the amount of the capital stock at $1,500,000. These new articles were filed in the office of the Secretary of State of Michigan on the 22d of January, 1878. The road has been operated by the Grand Rapids and Indiana Company since its completion, and a formal lease was made to that company on the 5th of March, 1879. The cost of construction and equipment was $250,700. The company has no funded or unfunded debt. The revenue received from passengers during the year 1878 was $3568.99, and that from freights $2593.27. The receipts other than earnings were $6192.11. The total expenses of operating the road during that year were $5294.89. The rolling-stock is furnished by the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company. The total number of tons of freight carried over the road in 1878 was 80 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 7418, distributed as follows: Grain, 195; flour, 155; provisions, 36; other agricultural products, 265; lumber and other forest products, 5730; coal, 12; plaster, 50; salt, 24; petroleum, 2; railroad iron, other iron, and castings, 41; stone and brick, 2; manufactures, 276; merchandise and other articles not previously enumerated, 618. The express business on this road is done by the United States Express Company. GRAND RIVER VALLEY RAILROAD. Through the exertions of Amos Root, of Jackson, a charter for a company to build a railroad from Jackson to Grand Rapids, to be known as the Grand River Valley Railroad, was granted by the State Legislature on the 4th of March, 1836. The route was through the townships of Castleton, Hastings, Rutland, Irving, and Thornapple, in Barry County, following the valley of the Thornapple River along its entire course in that county. The capital stock of the proposed company was $1,000,000. The road was to be commenced within three years, twenty miles were to be constructed in five years, and the whole was to be finished within ten years from the passage of the act of incorporation; otherwise that act was to become void. No work was done during the prescribed ten years, but the charter was extended from time to time, and about 1866 the matter was again earnestly agitated. At that time the question of building a road from Hastings to Battle Creek was under discussion. Subscriptions had been obtained in support of the project, and a preliminary survey had been made. The line passed, in Barry County, through Hastings, Castleton, Maple Grove, and Assyria. The citizens of Battle Creek were not very earnest in favor of the work, however, and it was finally given up. But in the mean while the people of Barry County had become excited on the railroad question, and Amos Root, the original projector of the Grand River Valley road, came into the county and urged the construction of that work. Subscriptions were given to aid the project, bonds were issued by the townships of Barry County, and after the survey was completed work was commenced in the spring of 1867. On the 26th of January, 1869, regular trains commenced running fiom Jackson to Nashville, and on the 22d of February of the same year the road was completed to Hastings, when trains began to run regularly to that place. Work was pressed forward on the northern portion of the route, and in the spring of 1870 the road was completed to Grand Rapids. It was then leased to the Michigan Central Railroad Company, by whom it was equipped and has since been managed. It is known as the Grand River Valley Division of that road. The cost of the construction of the road was $2,840,031. The funded debt of the company amounts to $1,500,000, which constitutes their total liability. The receipts for the transportation of passengers during the year previous to the last report were $114,722.03; for that of freight, $147,462.29; of mails, $8537.40; of express matter, $1989.31; miscellaneous, $3920.70, total, $276,631.73. The running expenses for the same period were $245,261.73. The number of passengers carried during the year was 144,326. The number of tolls of freight carried over the road was 115,793, distributed as follows: Grain, 38,186; flour, 3550; provisions, 383; other agricultural products, 3230; lumber and forest products, 28,549; plaster, 10,043; salt, 2431; merchandise, 29,421. The American Express Company send their freight over this road. CHAPTER XX. THE PRESS. The First Attempt-Allegan County Democrat-Allegan and Barry Record-Its First Issue-A Whig Proprietor and Democratic Publishers-A Venerable Number-Motto, Price, etc.-Two Months getting Paper-Changing Sizes-Printing mixed with HuntingA. L. Ely-D. C. Henderson-Change to Allegan Record-Politics -Character in 1855-Owners and Editors-Allegan Journal-Its Modern Appearance-" Our Bow"-Its Politics-An Editor in the Field-An Additional Proprietor-Increase of Size-Successive Writers-Allegan County Democrat (No. 2)-Establishment in 1857 -Various Changes-The Northwestern Bible and Publishing Company-Changes in 1876-Allegan County Detnocratic Association -Adoption of Greenbackism-Allegan Democrat-Allegan Tribune-Otsego Courier-Otsego Herald-Allegan County RecordWeekly Union-Plainwell Republic-Plainwell Independent Republic-Lake Shore Commercial Papers-Wayland Papers-Barry County Pioneer-An Active Editor-An Early Number-Its Description-An Extract-Paper stopped in Harvest-Sold to A. A. Knappcn-Faltering Democracy-A Rival Sheet-The Pioneer returns to its Founder-Depressing Influences-Successive Proprietors-The End in 1866-Hastings Republican Banner-Its Establishment in 1856 as the Republican Banner-Opposition to Slavery Extension-Editorial and Proprietary Changes-J. M. Nevins takes Control-His Administration-Name changed to Hastings Banner -Sale to G. M. Dewey-Change to Present Name-The Independent-W. R. Young first Editor-Office destroyed by Fire-Hastings Home Journal-Founded as Barry County Democrat-Change to Present Name-Democratic in Politics-Changes of OwnershipAdopts Greenback Principles-Barry County Sentinel-Barry County Republican-Established as Middleville Plaindealer-From Republican to Greenback Party, and back-The Blade-Nashville Independent-The News-Marked Success-The Citizen. ALLEGAN COUNTY. THE first movement towards the establishment of a newspaper in Allegan County was made at the embryo city of New Rochester, which was laid out at the junction of Pine Creek with the Kalamazoo River, in the township of Otsego. The exact date at which the attempt was made is unknown, but it was probably about 1837, the era when so many promising enterprises had their birth and met their death in swift succession. The arrangements were pushed so far that a building was erected at the village just mentioned, intended for a newspaper office, but the " hard times" which crushed so many other schemes also overwhelmed this one, and the journalistic history of New Rochester came to an end just before the beginning of its first chapter. THE ALLEGAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT. The first paper actually established in the county was the Allegan County Democrat, the first number of which was issued at the village of Otsego on the 12th day of April, 1842, by Moses Hawks, editor and publisher.* We have * Mr. Hawks was the first printer in the county. He had previously been foreman of the Oeswego (N. Y.) Palladium, and in 1840, THE PRESS. 81.... not been able to find a copy of the Democrat, and doubt whether there is one in existence. It is known, however, to have been Democratic in its politics, and, from the brief period of its existence, may be presumed to have suffered from serious financial difficulties. It was doubtless of the same size as its successor, the Allegan and Barry Record, which had four pages, each sixteen inches by twenty,-that is, when a full sheet was issued; but various exigencies frequently compelled the publishers of those days to issue a half-sheet, or even a still smaller production. The Democrat was only published seven or eight months, when it suspended. TIHE ALLEGAN AND BARRY RECORD. On the suspension of the Democrat, the press and type of the office were purchased by Alexander L. Ely, one of the founders and chief proprietors of the village of Allegan, who removed them to that village, and used them to establish a new paper called the Allegan and Barry Record. The first number of the Record was issued on the 23d day of January, 1843. It was the only newspaper published in the two counties the name of which it bore, and, like most other journals in new places, depended largely for sustenance on the official printing which might be done in the office. Now, the dispensers of official favors in Michigan in that day were thorough-going Democrats, while Mr. Ely was a decided Whig. He cared, however, more for the interests of the village of Allegan than for those of the Whig party, so he procured a succession of Democrats to publish the paper for him, and it gave a moderate support to the Democracy (though it paid very little attention to politics in any way), which secured for it the coveted official printing. The first publisher placed in possession by Mr. Ely was Augustine W. Adams, an intelligent and well-educated gentleman, who superintended the publication about a year and then returned to Pontiac, the place of his former residence. By the courtesy of Mr. Henderson, of the Allegan Journal, we have been permitted to examine a tattered copy of the Record,-a solitary relic of early journalism in Allegan County. It is No. 46, Volume I., and is dated Dec. 5, 1843. Beneath the heading, "Allegan and Barry Record," appears the elaborate motto "Devoted to the Maintenance of Democratic Principles in Politics, News, Education, Agriculture, Literature, and Good Morals." The business notice in the upper left-hand corner declares that the Record will be published for the proprietor by Augustine W. Adams, price two dollars per annum, payable in advance, with the additional statement,-very illustrative of the condition of affairs at that period,-" All kinds of produce received in pay for subscriptions." The price of advertisements was announced at fifty cents per folio for the first insertion, and twenty-five cents for each subsequent one. The normal size of the Record was that of a four-page sheet, each page having five columns and being sixteen just before coming to Allegan County, had occupied the same position in the office of the Detroit Advertiser. He was connected with the press of the county many years, as will be se( n farther on, sergeantat-arms of the Legislature of this State in 1845, and died at Plainwell, in 1872. 11 inches by twenty in dimensions. But the number which we examined was only a half-sheet, and even that was more than sufficient to contain the news, for in truth there was not a solitary article of news in the whole paper. The absence of local news was a characteristic of all the papers of that period, but they usually contained some general and foreign news. The issue in question contained two short editorials,-one on " The Balance of Trade," and one on " A Canal around the Falls of St. Mary,"-a full list of the State and county officers, a story of four columns, two columns of legal advertisements, about a column and a half of other advertisements, a few miscellaneous articles, and a political article, copied from the Detroit Free Press, in relation to a contest for the office of representative in the Legislature between Hon. F. J. Littlejohn, of Allegan, and A. C. Parmelee, Esq., of Hastings. The reason for the issue of a half-sheet, as given in the following paragraph, shows very forcibly the slowness of business proceedings and the difficulties of transportation at that period: "Some time in September last we commenced making preparations for procuring a supply of printing-paper, thinking that two months' time would be sufficient to get it from Ann Arbor to this place. It seems, however, that we were mistaken. We are reduced to the necessity of issuing but a half-sheet this week, but shall endeavor to make such arrangements as will secure a supply of paper by the next publication." Doubtless this was the true reason for the publication of a half-sheet on this occasion, but a half-sheet issue was no uncommon occurrence in the history of the Record. The printers were young apprentices and their pay was poor, while the hunting and fishing in the vicinity were excellent. Consequently, the boys often went fishing and hunting, and as a further consequence there were frequent proclamations of " sickness in the family," " absence of the editor," or other valid reasons for the issue of half a sheet, or even less. Sometimes the journal bearing the lofty title of the Allegan and Barry Record consisted of only a twocolumn slip, containing the legal ~advertisements. These must be printed, for these brought money, whereas most of the subscriptions were paid, when paid at all, in wheat, oats, potatoes,'lumber, or such other articles as the subscribers thought they could spare. Mr. Adams was succeeded as publisher by a Mr. Bacon, and he, after a short time, by Moses Hawks, the founder of the original Allegan County Democrat. The first editor of the Record was Hovey K. Clarke (now of Detroit). He was succeeded by Dr. John F. Ely, a brother of the proprietor. Mr. A. L. Ely continued to own the paper until 1846, when he removed to Cedar Falls, Iowa, of which place he was the founder.* The first apprentices who printed the Record, when they were not hunting, fishing, nor indulging in other recreations of the period, were Boyd Coates and George H. Foster, both since deceased, and Donald C. Henderson, who went to New York in 1847 and obtained a position on the Tributne, becoming one of the assistant editors of that paper. When Mr. Ely removed to Cedar Falls he sold the Record to the then publisher, Mr. Hawks, who owned it in * He died there in 1848. 82 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. whole or in part (or at least it was published under his name) until 1857. Mr. E. B. Bassett was the chief editor during all of this period after 1847, though Hon. F. J. Littlejohn was a frequent and valued contributor. Until 1851 the Allegan and Barry Record was the only journal published in the two counties named in its title. In the fore-part of that year the Barry County Pioneer was established at Hastings. It naturally obtained the subscription, advertisements, and official business of that region, and so the word Barry was dropped from the name of the Record, which became the Allegan Record. It was steadily Democratic in politics, except that in 1848 it supported Van Buren and Adams, the Free Democratic or Free-Soil candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency. We have examined a file of the Record for 1855, which is preserved in the office of the Allegan Journal. It was then a four-page sheet (seven columns to the page), the dimensions of each page being sixteen by twenty-two inches. Hawks & Manson were the publishers, the latter gentleman having purchased a half-interest in May of that year. The editor's name did not appear. This was at the time when the people of the North were much excited over the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska act the year before, and when the Republican party was in rapid process of formation. The Record, however, staunchly adhered to the Democratic party, and its issue of May 21, 1855, declares that " The Record will, as formerly, be found doing battle against all the isms of the day, and knife to the hilt to anything that opposes Democracy, of which we know but one kind." The Record of that day still retained the principal characteristics of the old style of typography, with numerous black-letter capitals, such as are still to be seen in English papers. It had very little local and not much general news, although it had progressed so as to give a column of New York correspondence. Until 1856 the Record was the sole paper published in the county, and after it6 first struggles were over enjoyed a reasonable amount of prosperity. But in that year the Allegan Journal was established as a Republican organ, and, as the Republican party became largely predominant in the county, that paper naturally took the lion's share of the patronage. In 1858-60 the Record was owned and edited by William Francis, an accomplished gentleman of English birth, who was the candidate of the Douglas Democrats for Secretary of State of Michigan in 1860, and who still resides in the vicinity of Allegan. He was assisted in his editorial labors by Frederick Lyman. In the fore-part of 1861, Mr. Francis disposed of the paper to Mr. E. B. Bassett, so long its editor, who continued it for two years more as a thorough-going Democratic organ. But the war had still more increased the strength of the Republican party, and all of Mr. Bassett's efforts and ability were unable to sustain a Democratic paper in Allegan. In August, 1862, Mr. Bassett sold the Record to Mr. Henderson, who transferred the material to the Journal office, and the former paper ceased to exist, after a varied life of between nineteen and twenty years. TIHE ALLEGAN JOURNAL. This paper was established in April, 1856, by Donald C. Henderson. The first number was issued on the 30th day of that month, although, owing to the non-arrival of the press in time, it was only a little sheet, ten inches by twelve, printed on one side. The next week, the press having arrived, a handsome paper, twenty-four inches by thirty-six, was issued. The Journal was, in many respects, the pioneer modern-style newspaper of Allegan County, the print having the light, open appearance of the present day, in contrast to the old " black letter," while the publication of the news was a more important item than in the Record, and editorial articles were much more frequent. The price of the Journal at that time was one dollar per annum, and the cost of a square of advertising was fifty cents a week, or eight dollars a year. The second number (the first full-sized one) has not been preserved, but Mr. Henderson's salutatory, entitled "Our Bow," was reprinted in number three. It declares that " The Journal will advocate as best it knows how the principles and policy of the great Republican party of the nation," adding, however, that it will not be exclusively a political paper, but will devote itself largely to the advancement of local interests. It also claimed that it already had a larger circulation than any other paper in Western Michigan, and that subscriptions were pouring in from every quarter. The same number contained an editorial on Kansas affairs, and another on the approaching Republican National Convention of 1856, in which the editor says: "Our first choice for the Presidency is that veteran champion of Liberty and Reform, William H. Seward, whose name alone is a tower of strength to the Republican cause." Mr. M. Bates Mills was announced as one of the proprietors of the Journal, but remained connected with it only a short time. Mr. Henderson then carried it on successfully as sole proprietor, publisher, and editor, it being always a strong Republican paper. In August, 1862, he purchased the Allegan Record, as before stated. In the following year he enlisted as a private in the Third Michigan Cavalry,* transferring the Journal to his brother, Alexander Henderson. The latter gentleman conducted the paper throughout the war. On the conclusion of peace Mr. D. C. Henderson returned, and the Journal was retransferred to him, and he has been its principal editorial writer since that time. In August, 1872, the paper was increased to a sheet twenty-nine inches by forty-seven. In 1874, Mr. Edwy C. Reid, who had been the local editor of the Jolurnal during the previous two years, became one of the proprietors, and it has since been published by the firm of Henderson & Reid. The local department has been entirely conducted by Mr. Reid. Being a vigorous and able writer and a capable business-manager, Mr. Reid has contributed his full share to the success of the Journal during the past six years. X Mr. Henderson is believed to be the only Michigan editor who served in the army as a private. IIe was appointed a lieutenant in 1864, but declined the position. THE PRESS. 83 In March, 1876, the Journal was changed to an eightpage sheet, each page having six columns, and the dimensions of the whole being thirty-one inches by forty-four. The Journal has now just passed its quarter centennial, and is apparently in the full tide of success. Besides Mr. D. C. Henderson and Mr. Reid, its editorial writers have been James D. Henderson, E. J. R. Currey, A. C. Wallin, G. H. House, William B. Williams, and Gustavus A. Morgan. THE ALLEGAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT (No. 2). From the time of the sale of the Allegan Record to the proprietor of the Journal, no Democratic paper was published in Allegan County until December, 1867. On the 11th day of that month Mr. Freeman D. Austin issued the first number of the Allegan County Democrat, a handsome four-page sheet, twenty-six by forty inches in size. It was owned and conducted by Mr. Austin until his death, in July, 1869. It was then controlled for a short time by Mr. Oscar Hare, but during the same year passed into the hands of Messrs. Martin T. Ryan and George C. Furber (composing the firm of Ryan & Furber), Mr. Ryan being the editor. These gentlemen carried on the establishment until the summer of 1874, when Mr. W. W. Watkins took the place of Mr. Furber, and the firm assumed the name of the Northwestern Bible and Publishing Company. In the following year Mr. O. D. Booth purchased an interest, and the proprietors were then incorporated as a stock-company under the same name which had previously been borne by the firm. In 1876 several changes were made. In March of that year the paper was made an eight-page sheet, its entire dimensions being twenty-nine inches by forty-three. In July, Mr. D. R. Waters became the principal editor of the Democrat, and occupied that position as long as the paper existed. In October, 1876, the Northwestern Bible and Publishing Company was dissolved, and the Democrat became the property of a stock company, composed of about twenty prominent Democrats, known as the Allegan County Democratic Association. Mr. Waters remained the editor. From this time the Democrat continued to advocate the Democratic principles suggested by its name until the summer of 1878. It then embraced the cause of the Greenback party, though still under the same proprietorship and editorship. It continued in its career until the close of the year 1879, when it was sold to Messrs. Morgan & Bailey, and ceased to exist as a journal. The last number was published on the 31st day of December, 1879. TIIE ALLEGAN DEMOCRAT. Although this paper has the same politics, the same editor, and nearly the same name as the Allegan County Democrat, yet it is an entirely new journal. The material of the Allegan County Democrat was used for the establishment of the Allegan Tribune, while, immediately after the suspension of the former paper, Mr. George Scales, the proprietor of the Plain well Independent Republic, purchased an entirely new outfit and established the Allegan Democrat, at Allegan, the first number of which was issued on the 7th day of January, 1880. It is a bright eight-paged sheet, its dimensions being thirty inches by forty-four. Its editor is Mr. D. R. Waters, who for three years and a half held the same relation to the Allegan County Democrat. Mr. Scales is in charge of the local department. Its politics are " Greenback, with Democratic leanings." Its history is necessarily short, and its future of course cannot be prognosticated, but it is vigorously written, well printed, and full of news. The editors are able, and it may reasonably be expected that the era of prosperity which has opened before the country since the resumption of specie payments will bring prosperity to this promising journalistic enterprise. THE ALLEGAN TRIBUNE. On the first day of January, 1880, Messrs. E. R. Morgan and Frank W. Bailey (the firm being Morgan & Bailey), having purchased the material and good-will of the Allegan County Democrat, issued at Allegan the first number of a new four-page paper, twenty-four inches by thirty-six, called the Allegan Tribune. It is Republican in politics, having for editor Mr. G. A. Morgan, previously connected with the Otsego HIerald and the Allegan Journal. Like its compeers and rivals in Allegan journalism, it is fill of news, and especially of local news. In fact, one can hardly imagine a greater contrast than that presented by the papers of forty years ago or more, which scarcely ever mentioned an event occurring in their respective counties, and those of the present day, which chronicle all the most trifling circumstances in the whole region round about. THE OTSEGO COURIER. In the year 1855 the State government of Michigan was in the hands of the newly-formed Republican party, while the only newspaper in Allegan County (the Allegan Record) was of Democratic politics. There was a good chance for a Republican paper to obtain that coveted boon of those days, the State advertising, and accordingly Mr. George A.. Fitch, of the Kalamazoo Telegraph, removed a small quantity of type and other material from the office of that paper to Otsego, and established a little journal called the Otsego Courier. It accomplished its object for the time, but on the establishment of the Allegan Journal, in the spring of 1856, the party patronage naturally accrued to it, and the Courier was found to be a non-paying enterprise. The material was accordingly moved back to the Telegraph office, and the Otsego Courier ceased to exist. THE OTSEGO IERALD. Ten years after the establishment of the Otsego Courier, in the year 1865, Mr. George W. Parks founded the Otsego Herald. It was also a small paper, and its financial course was beset with difficulties, as may be seen by the number of proprietors through whose hands it passed during the four years of its existence. These were in succession, after Mr. Parks, S. M. Hubbard, F. D. & W. F. Austin, G. A. Morgan, Morgan & Hart, P. B. Lines, Geo. Scales, and G. A. Morgan. The Herald closed its career in 1869. The material remained, however, and after the death of the Allegan County Record (noticed below) the Herald was revived three several times between 84 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1871 and 1875 by George Scales, Jerome Michell, and Thomas T. Talbot successively. In 1875 it sank to rise no more. THE ALLEGAN COUNTY RECORD. Just after the suspension of the Otsego Herald, in 1869, Mr. H. E. J. Clute established in the same office, but with an entirely new outfit of material, a neat little Republican paper called the Allegan County Record. It was published by Mr. Clute alone until September, 1870, when Mr. Edwy C. Reid became a partner with him. The paper was continued until May, 1871, when the prospect of its yielding any profit to the owners became so poor that it was discontinued. THE WEEKLY UNION. The first number of this paper was issued at Otsego on the 2d day of August, 1875, by C. H. Harris and V. V. Campbell. Mr. Campbell retired at the end of a few months, his place being taken by Mr. G. A. Morgan, who remained connected with the paper about a year. Mr. G. E. Johnson then became Mr. Harris' partner, and the paper has since been published by the firm of Harris & Johnson, the former gentleman being the editor. The Union, which was at first a four-page sheet, was enlarged to eight pages (six columns on a page) in 1878, and now vies in size and appearance with almost any country paper. A part of it, however, is printed outside of the county. TIHE PLAINWELL EXPRESS. The first newspaper published in Plainwell was the Plainwell Express, which began its career in the spring of 1868, being owned and edited by the proprietors of the Allegan County Record at Otsego. It was a small independent, four-page paper, and was discontinued at the end of four months. THE PLAINWELL REPUBLIC. This paper was established at Plainwell by Jerome Mitchell in February, 1871. It was a four-page sheet, with six columns on a page. It was independent in politics until the opening of the campaign of 1876, when it advocated the Republican side of the Presidential contest. A Mr. Hickok became a partner of Mr. Mitchell in 1878, and remained so until the absorption of the paper by the Plainwell Independent. The Republic was twice enlarged, having in the latter part of its existence eight columns on each of its four pages. THE PLAINWELL INDEPENDENT-REPUBLIC. The first number of the Plainwell Independent was issued on the 25th day of May, 1876, George Scales being the editor and proprietor. In June following, Mr. Scales purchased the Plainwell Republic, and the two papers were consolidated under the name of the Plainwell IndependentRepublic. Mr. Scales is still the proprietor, and was the editor until the 1st of January, 1880. Since that time Mr. A. C. Roberts has been the editor. The IndependentRepublic is a handsome eight-page sheet, with six columns on a page, and is devoted to local interests. It is partially printed out of the county. THE LAKE-SHORE COMMERCIAL. This paper was established at Saugatuck by Dr. A. H. Pattee, in July, 1868, under the name of the Saugatuck Commercial, the first number being issued on the 9th day of that month. Dr. Pattee published the paper about a year, also issuing at Douglas, during a part of the same time, a journal called the Douglas Messenger. The latter venture soon collapsed, and even the Commercial was not very profitable. Dr. Pattee disposed of it to a stock company, who installed E. W. Perry as manager. Not long afterward the company sold out to Myron Tarbox, and he in turn transferred the paper to John Wilson and Ienry Elmeyer. These gentlemen employed Charles M. Winslow as editor. In 1877, C. F. Wasson & Co. became the proprietors. They were succeeded in January, 1879, by L. E. Woodhull, who is still the proprietor and publisher. The paper now bears the name of the Lake-Shore Cormmercial. WAYLAND PAPERS. No less than three papers were published in the village of Wayland between 1870 and 1877, but none of them attained much success, and journalism has finally been given up, at least for the present, in that place. The Wayland News was established in 1870 by A. V. Hopkins. It was published by him something less than a year, when lie died. The News then passed into the hands of O. E. White, who conducted it a little over a year, when the enterprise was abandoned. A short time afterward Mr. W. W. Secord established The Venture, but it proved to be an unfortunate one, and endured but a short time. In 1876, Mr. George L. Miles established the Wayland Courier, of which he was the editor and proprietor. This, too, was unable to stand the storm, and went down at the end of about a year. BARRY COUNTY. THE BARRY COUNTY PIONEER. This was the earliest newspaper published in Barry County, its first number being issued at Hastings on the 20th day of February, 1851. The proprietor was George A. Smith, who is said to have also been publisher, editor, typo, and devil, —all in one.* Through the courtesy of Mrs. 0. N. Boltwood, we have been permitted to examine the tenth number of this paper, published on the 25th of April, 1851. It is a four-page sheet, each page having five columns, and being fourteen inches by twenty in size. It announces that the Barry (ounty Pioneer is published every Friday by George A. Smith; office two doors west of Barlow's, up stairs. Terms, taken at the office or sent by mail, one dollar per year; delivered by carrier in the village, one dollar and a half. One shilling is to be added for every three months during which payment is delayed after subscription. The charge for an advertisement of one square (ten lines or less) is X We think, however, he must have had the aid of the sulphurous personage last mentioned, for he advertised to deliver the paper by carrier, and it is fair to presume that the duties of that office were discharged by the gentleman from Tartarus, who is known to be a good traveler. i 4~ THE PRESS. 85 fifty cents for the first insertion, and twenty-five cents for each subsequent one. For a square, one month, one dollar; three months, two dollars; one year, six dollars; for a column, one year, twenty dollars. The number in question contains a six-column story, a column of local editorials, two columns of outside news, five columns of local and legal advertisements, and six columns of prospectuses and other worthless advertisements. The Pioneer was Democratic in politics, and the number of which we are speaking complains bitterly of treachery on the part of a faction of that party in this locality. A paragraph on local affairs reads as follows: "Our village for a short time past has presented an uncommon lively appearance. New buildings are going up in various parts of it, and the almost daily arrival of emigrants from the East are conclusive evidences that they will not come amiss. The improvement of the court-house square will add much to the beauty and pleasantness of the place. Our merchants are bestirring themselves for a fresh supply of goods, a vast amount of which, we apprehend, will be sold here during the present season. Judging from the passengers we occasionally see alighting from the stages at ' The Astor House of Michigan,' kept by H. Edgcomb, in this place, they are also alive back north of us, in the vicinity of Grand Rapids or thereabouts." The following paragraph in the same number tends to show that there was some rascality in the good old pioneer times, as well as now: "We are informed by Constable Tinkler of this village that seven gentlemen, charged with horse-stealing and other criminal offences, were, last week, arrested and lodged in Kalamazoo jail. These, together with the railroad haul, makes out quite a goodly number for one week." Whether Mr. Smith was possessed of a devil or not, it is certain that during that first year he had no other assistance. He had some farming-land near Hastings, and in the middle of the summer he published a notice that, the editor being called upon to do his harvesting, no paper would be issued until the completion of that work; and no paper was issued for three weeks. On another occasion the suspension of the Pioneer for a week was excused on the plea of " an increase in the editor's family." In December, 1851, Mr. Smith sold the paper to Ashmun A. Knappen. That gentleman soon slightly enlarged it, making it a six-column sheet, each of its four pages being sixteen inches by twenty. In April, 1853, it was considerably enlarged, the pages thereafter-being each eighteen inches by twenty-four. The issue of April 8, 1853 (for a perusal of which we are also indebted to Mrs. Boltwood), announced that this enlargement would take place two weeks from that time. Mr. Knappen was still the editor, and the price had been advanced to one dollar and twentyfive cents per annum. The paper then bore the motto, "Our Country and our Country's Good," and the editor evidently thought that the country's good required a strict repression of intemperance. A man had just been drowned at Hastings while under the influence of liquor, apropos of which event the Pioneer contained a brief editorial denunciation of the liquor business and an earnest contributed article in favor of the Maine law. About this time the paper is said to have displayed Whig (perhaps Free-Soil) proclivities, which alienated its Democratic supporters. They accordingly induced its founder, George A. Smith, to establish a rival journal of pronounced Democratic politics, called the Barry County Review, which took away a large part of the Pioneer's support. A number of the latter sheet, dated Oct. 7, 1853, which we have perused, frequently mentions the Review under the name of the "court-house organ" in very bitter terms. In 1854, Mr. Knappen was obliged to sell his paper to the proprietor of the Review. The latter consolidated the two journals, adopting the original name of the Barry County Pioneer, and retaining the old series of volumes and numbers. An issue of Jan. 17, 1855, with Mr. Smith's name at its head as editor and proprietor, bears the sounding motto: " Here shall the press the people's rights maintain, Unawed by tyrants, and unbribed by gain." It also states that the price is one dollar and a half per year if paid in advance, and two dollars per year if paid after six months. It shows evidences of increased prosperity, having seven columns of local and legal advertisements. The Pioneer continued its career over eleven years more, but the organization and growth of the Republican party, the establishment of a rival newspaper in the interest of that party, and the events of the war, which still more depressed the fortunes of the Democracy, all combined to injure the Democratic champion. In July, 1860, Mr. Smith transferred the paper to F. D. Ackley, who employed C. G. Holbrook as editor. It subsequently passed to George W. Mills, from whom it was again acquired by F. D. Ackley, in the summer of 1865. The last-named owner sold the paper to a Mr. Gensler in the spring of 1866. That gentleman conducted the paper through the summer, but with constantly-decreasing hopes, and when the returns from the autumn elections showed an overwhelming Republican victory he abandoned the field in disgust, and the Barry County Pioneer ceased to exist. THE HASTINGS REPUBLICAN BANNER. In April, 1856, just as the young Republican party was marshaling its forces for its first great conflict, several prominent members of that party in Barry County, including John S. Van Brunt, Harvey N. Sheldon, Norman Bailey, A. W. Bailey, John W. Stebbins, and C. S. Burton, under the firm-name of C. S. Burton & Co., established a newspaper at Hastings, called The Republican Banner, to advocate the principles of that party. It was placed under the charge of C. S. Burton as publisher, and of Norman Bailey as editor, and the first number was issued on the first day of May, in the year just mentioned. It bore quite as high-sounding a motto as its rival, the Pioneer, the legend reading (apropos of the journal's name),"Long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." It was a four-page sheet, each page having seven columns and being twenty-four by thirty-six inches in size. By the courtesy of Mr. John M. Nevins, we have examined several of the early numbers of the Banner. No. 4 contains an editorial on "Slavery and Slavery Extension," in which strong ground is taken in favor of the great Republican principle, opposition to the extension of slavery into free territory. The next issue states that the success of the 86 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- paper equals the highest expectations of the proprietors. In the number issued on the 26th of June there appears for the first time the Republican national ticket: for President, John C. Fremont; for Vice-President, William L. Dayton. On the 11th day of December, 1856, the firm-name of the proprietors became R. J. Grant & Co., when George W. Mills appeared as the editor. Several changes in the business management took place during the winter and spring, but Mr. Mills continued to be the editor until July, 1857. On the 18th of that month the firm of J. M. Nevins & Co. (J. M. Nevins and J. S. Van Brunt) took possession as proprietors, and two weeks later Mr. Nevins assumed the chair as sole editor. This position he occupied nearly nine years, supporting the Republican and national cause with unswerving zeal through all the gloomy period of Buchanan's administration and the stormy days of the great rebellion. In May, 1859, the price was reduced from one dollar and a half to one dollar and a quarter per year, and in October, 1861, it was further reduced to one dollar a year. On the 7th of May, 1862, the name of the paper was changed to The Hastings Banner. On the first day of April, 1866, Mr. Nevins, who had become the sole proprietor, sold the Banner to George M. Dewey, who immediately assumed control as editor and proprietor. Mr. Dewey gave the paper the benefit of both the names it had previously borne, calling it The Hastings Republican Banner; under which name, and under Mr. Dewey's editorial and proprietary management, it has ever since remained. From May 1, 1876, to May 1, 1877, a semi-weekly edition was published; all the rest of the time the paper has been issued once a week. As under his predecessors, so under Mr. Dewey, the Banner has been at all times a staunch Republican paper, battling with untiring energy against Democracy, Greenbackism, and all other foes of the Republican cause. THE INDEPENDENT. In January, 1867, W. Roscoe Young, having obtained possession of the material formerly used to publish The Pioneer, issued the first number of a weekly paper called The Independent, professing to be independent in politics, but leaning decidedly toward Democracy. It was published by Mr. Young until December, 1867, when the office was destroyed by fire, and the career of The Independent came to a sudden end. THE HASTINGS HOME JOURNAL. Until the autumn of 1868 the Democracy of Barry County had no organ. At that time a subscription among leading Democrats assisted in the establishment of The Barry County Democrat, a weekly journal, of which W. Roscoe Young was the editor, the first number being issued on the 20th day of October, in that year. In October, 1869, the paper was sold to the firm of Gibson Brothers, who changed its name to The Hastings Home Journal, but carried it on as a Democratic paper until the spring of 1870. Through the Stae campaign of 1870 they advocated the cause of prohibition. On the 5th November, in that year, they transferred the Journal to Dennis, Aiken & Co., who made it a thorough-going Democratic paper again, Mr. J. H. Dennis becoming the editor. In May, 1871, that gentleman's partners sold their interest to Charles B. Wood, the firm-name becoming Wood & Dennis. In September, Mr. Wood sold out to George C. Worth, the firm being then known as Worth & Dennis. In March, 1873, Mr. Worth transferred his interest to W. H. Holmes, when the firm of Dennis & Holmes was formed, which has ever since owned and controlled The Home Journal. In 1878 the paper became an advocate of the Greenback party, and has since remained in that faith. THE BARRY COUNTY SENTINEL. In April, 1878, Philip W. Niskern began the publication of a Greenback organ, which he called The Barry County Sentinel. He issued thirty-one numbers, and then disposed of it to E. E. Smith, who changed its politics to Republican. After an experience of twelve months, which convinced him that the investment was not a desirable one, Mr. Smith sold the good-will and subscription-list of the Sentinel to the proprietor of the Banner. THE BARRY COUNTY REPUBLICAN. The original name of this paper was The Middleville Plaindealer. Its first publishers were Marvin & Dunn, and the date of its first issue was April 14, 1870. The Plaindealer was a weekly Republican journal. It flourished a short time under Marvin & Dunn, but after the death of the latter Mr. Marvin sold out (in February, 1871) to P. W. Niskern. At the close of 1871, Mr. Niskern changed the name of the paper to the one given above,- Tle Barry County Republican,-and thenceforward conducted it with much success until June, 1876, when he disposed of it to M. F. Jordan and William M. Watkins. In April, 1877, Mlr. Watkins sold his interest to Mr. Jordan, who immediately transformed the Republican into a Greenback organ, and carried it on as such until Jan. 11, 1879. William M. Watkins, his former partner, then repurchased the paper, returned it to the Republican fold, and still conducts it in the interest of the Republican party. THE BLADE. Meanwhile, in October, 1878, Mr. F. B. Angier came to Middleville and established a weekly Republican paper called The Blade, thinking to supply the place made vacant by the departure of the older journal from the Republican ranks. It soon became apparent, however, that two papers could not be sustained in Middleville, and in January, 1879, the material of The Blade was purchased by the proprietors of The Republican, and The Blade itself ceased to exist. THE NASHVILLE INDEPENDENT. The inhabitants of the growing village of Nashville, realizing the advantages to be derived from an enterprising newspaper in promoting the interests of the place, made liberal overtures in the spring of 1872 for the establishment of a weekly publication among them. These offers were accepted by Rev. C. H. Ellis, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Nashville, and William S. O'Brien, a practical printer from Charlotte, Eaton Co. As STATISTICS. 87 a result, the Nashville Independent came into existence with a flattering list of cash subscribers and considerable advertising patronage. The paper was not a success, however, and after a struggling existence of half a year it passed into oblivion. TIlE NEWS. On the 3d of October, 1873, Orno Strong, a young printer with a two years' editorial experience, began the publication of a seven-column weekly sheet called The News, mailing the papers to a list of sixty-eight subscribers, the result of nearly a month of energetic canvassing. This enterprise was begun amid many discouragements, as may be seen by the following item, clipped from the leading paper of the county: " Report says that another effort is to be made to establish a newspaper at Nashville, in this county, this time by a gentleman from Lawton. We trust, for the sake of the would-be publisher, the report is not true; for the investment cannot be other than a financial disaster."-' He devoted himself with especial zeal to the compilation of columns of brief and spicy locals, realizing that matter of this character is usually more sought for than carefully prepared editorials of a political or aesthetic character. The following is the result of the venture, given in figures denoting the bond fide circulation of The News for each succeeding year of its existence: Jan. 1, 1874, 240 copies; Jan. 1, 1875, 384; Jan. 1, 1876, 480; Jan. 1, 1877, 624; Jan. 1, 1878, 768; Jan. 1, 1879, 960; Jan. 1, 1880, 1248; May 1, 1880, 1560. From a seven-column folio The News has grown to a sixcolumn quarto (eight pages), and its printing-office is fully equipped with everything needful for such an establishment. THE CITIZEN. On the 13th of June, 1879, the publication of another paper, called The Citizen, was begun in Nashville by Edwin E. Smith; but, the field not proving large enough for two journals, the new venture came to an end after a very brief existence. CHAPTER XXI. STATISTICS. Population of Allegan County at Successive Periods-Comparative Rank in the State-Age and Sex of Residents-Population by Townships in 1874-Votes on Successive Constitutions-All the Presidential Votes in Allegan County-Votes in 1878 and 1879-Statistics of Wheat, Corn, Potatoes, Iay, Wool, Pork, Cheese, Butter, and Sugar-Statistics of Barry County-Population at Successive periods-Comparative Rank in State-Age and Sex of ResidentsPopulation by Townships in 1874-Presidential Votes of Barry County-Votes in 1878 and 1879-Statistics of Wheat, Corn, Potatoes, Wool, Pork, Cheese, and Butter. STATISTICS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. TOTAL POPULATION AT SUCCESSIVE PERIODS. 1837................ 1,469 1860............. 16,087 1840................ 1,783 1864................ 18,830 1845............... 2,941 1870............. 32,105 1850................ 5,125 1874................ 32,381 1854............... 7,786 I Comparative Rank of Allegan County in the State, as to poptlation.-In 1850, No. 26; in 1860, Nb. 22; in 1870, No. 12. Number of males in Allegan County in 1874, 16,976; females, 15,405; total, 32,381. Number of males over twenty-one years old, 8577; females over eighteen years old, 8109. POPULATION OF ALLEGAN COUNTY BY TOWNSHIPS IN 1874. Allegan............. Casco.................. Cheshire............. Clyde................. Dorr.................. Fillmore............. Ganges............... Gun Plain.......... Heath................ Hopkins............ Laketown.......... Lee................... 3718 1219 1304 545 1594 1719 1130 2460 680 1308 689 294 Leighton........... Manlius............ Martin.............. Monterey........... Otsego.............. Overisel............ Pine Plains....... Salem............... Saugatuck........ Trowbridge........ W atson............. W ayland.......... 1233 663 1160 1240 2118 1273 360 1172 2212 1256 1267 1761 POLITICAL STATISTICS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. Vote on the constitution of 1835, submitted to the people in the autumn of that year, ayes 49, noes 2. Vote on the constitution of 1850, submitted in November, ayes 509, noes 107. Vote on the constitution submitted in April, 1868, ayes 1963, noes 2880; vote for annual legislative sessions, 850; for biennial sessions, 2484; vote for prohibition, 2279; against, 1942. PRESIDENTIAL VOTES. 1836.-Van Buren (Democrat)....................... 1840.-VtVn Buren (Democrat)........................ Harrison (Whig)................................. ]844.-Polk (Democrat)................................. Clay (Whig)....................................... 1848.-Cass (Democrat)................................. Taylor (Whig)................................... Van Buren (Free Soil)......................... 1852.-Pierce (Democrat)............................... Scott (Whig)..................................... Hale (Free Soil)................................. 1856.-Buchanan (Democrat).......................... Fremont (Republican).......................... Fillmore (American)............................ 1860.-Douglas (Democrat)............................. Lincoln (Republican)........................... Breckenridge (Bolting Democrat).......... Bell (Constitutional)............................ 1864.-McClellan (Democrat).......................... Lincoln (Republican)........................... 1868.-Seymour (Democrat)........................... Grant (Republican)............................ 1872.-Greeley (Democrat and Liberal)............ Grant (Republican)............................. O'Conor (Straight Democrat)................ 1876.-Tilden (Democrat)............................. Hayes (Republican)........................ Cooper (Greenback).............................. 92 174 257 299 323 303 274 175 582 547 66 1027 1526 29 1554 1896' 11 1 1543 1861 2351 3556 1596 3473 55 3164 4281 274 Election for Governor, November, 1878.-Democratic, 363; Republican, 3205; National, 3170. Judicial Election, April, 1879.-Shipman (Democrat and National), 3151; Campbell (Republican), 3207. Whole number of voters (census of 1870), 7576; number who were owners of property, 5736; not property owners, 1840; number who could not read nor write, 362. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. Acres wheat harvested in 1853................... 4,610 Bushels " " "......... 55,965 Average number of bushels per acre............. 12.13 Acres wheat harvested in 1863.................... 16,291 Bushels " " ".................... 210,454 Average per acre....................................... 12.91 Acres wheat harvested in 1873..................... 26,812 Bushels "........................... 356,883 Average per acre..................................... 13.31 -*The opinion was perfectly justifiable, in view of the perils which environ a young village newspaper, but in this instance Mr. Strong's energy and skill have wrested success from very adverse circumstances. 88 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - I Acres corn harvested in 1853....................... 7,818 Bushels " " "...................... 113,504 Average per acre....................................... 14.51 Acres corn harvested in 1863...................... 10,196 Bushels " "...................... 241,895 Average per acre..............23.................. 23.72 Acres corn harvested in 1873...................... 19,045 Bushels" " "...................... 560,061 Average per acre...................................... 29.42 Bushels potatoes raised in 1863.................... 92,138 " " " 1873.................... 112,024 Tons hay raised in 1863............................. 18,918 " " " 1873............................. 31,548 Pounds wool sheared in 1863...................... 65,515 " it" " 1873...................... 114,040 Pounds pork marketed in 1863.................... 602,795 " " " 1873.................... 1,039,790 Pounds cheese made in 1863....................... 45,907 " " " 1873....................... 34,308 " butter " 1863....................... 380,058 " " " 1873....................... 1,101,970 maple-sugar made in 1864........... 289,182 it" " " 1874............ 259,737 Number farms in Allegan County in 1874...... 4,342 Number acres in farms in 1874.................... 328,978 Election for Governor, 1878.-Democrat, 553; Republican, 2204; National, 2386. Judicial Election, April, 1879.-Democrat and National, 2632; Republican, 2271. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS OF BARRY COUNTY. Acres wheat harvested in 1853..................... 8,176 Bushels " " "..................... 109,444 Average number bushels per acre.................. 13.38 Acres wheat harvested in 1863..................... 25,190 Bushels " " "..................... 272,386 Average per acre....................................... 10.81 Acres wheat harvested in 1873..................... 39,011 Bushels " " "..................... 555,584 Average per acre....................................... 14.24 Acres corn harvested in 1853........................ 7,026 Bushels " " "........................ 148,879 Average per acre....................................... 21.18 Acres corn harvested in 1863........................ 10,947 Bushels " " "........................ 214,189 Average per acre....................................... 19.56 Acres corn harvested in 1873........................ 17,089 Bushels " " "........................ 621,982 Average per acre....................................... 36.39 Bushels potatoes raised in 1863.................... 79,059 " t" " 1873....................105,846 Tons hay raised in 1863.............................. 21,505 " " " 1873.............................. 23,409 Pounds wool sheared in 1863........................ 130,719 " " " 1873....................... 173,576 Pounds pork marketed in 1863..................... 480,819 " " " 1873..................... 1,237,337 Pounds cheese made in 1863........................ 33,019 " " " 1873........................ 4,931 'Pounds butter made in 1863........................ 352,369 " " " 1873........................ 886,969 STATISTICS OF BARRY COUNTY. TOTAL POPULATION AT SUCCESSIVE PERIODS. 1837.................. 512 1860................ 13,858 1840.................. 1,078 1864................ 14,441 1845.................. 2,602 1870................ 22,200 1850.................. 5,072 1874................ 22,051 1854.................. 7,789 Comparative rank of Barry County in the State as to population.-In 1850, No. 28; in 1860, No. 26; in 1870, No. 25. Number of males in Barry County in 1874, 11,646; females, 10,554; total, 22,200. Number of males over twenty-one years old, 5756; females over eighteen years old, 5720. POPULATION OF BARRY COUNTY BY TOWNSHIPS IN 1874. City of Hastings... 2,075 Hastings Town — ship............... 1,046 Assyria............ 1,122 Baltimore........... 1,216 Barry................ 1,230 Carlton.............. 1,089 Castleton............ 1,960 Hope................. 1,127 Irving............... 1,126 Johnstown........ 1,139 Maple Grove...... 1,315 Orangeville........ 1,051 Prairieville......... 1,168 Rutland............ 1,092 Thornapple........ 2,005 Woodland.......... 1,451 Yankee Springs... 833 POLITICAL STATISTICS OF BARRY COUNTY. Vote on the constitution of 1856, submitted in November, ayes, 629; noes, 52. PRESIDENTIAL VOTES. 1840.-Van Buren (Democrat)............... 105 Harrison (W hig)................................... 128 1844.-Polk (Democrat)................................... 249 Clay (W hig)......................................... 228 1848.- Cass (Democrat).................................... 382 Taylor (W hig)...................................... 243 Van Buren (Free Soil)........................... 93 1852.-Pierce (Democrat)................................ 652 Scott (W hig)........................................ 478 H ale (Free Soil).................................... 107 1856.-Buchanan (Democrat)........................... 873 Fremont (Republican)........................... 1495 1860.-Douglas (Democrat).................... 1038 Lincoln (Republican)............................ 1901 1864.-McClellan (Democrat)............................ 1022 Lincoln (Republican)............................ 1652 1868.-Seymour (Democrat)............................. 1657 Grant (Republican)............................... 2923 1872.-Greeley (Democrat and Liberal)............... 1202 Grant (Republican)................................ 2677 O'Conor (Democrat)............................. 46 Black (Prohibition)............................... 38 1876.-Tilden (Democrat)................................. 1902 Hayes (Republican).................... 2966 Cooper (Greenback)..................... 603 CHAPTER XXII. SECOND AND THIRD INFANTRY.* Formation of the Second Infantry-Battle of Bull Run-In Kentucky-In Mississippi-Siege of Knoxville-Re-enlistment-Off to Virginia-The Campaign of the Wilderness-Muster out-Members from Barry County-Members from Allegan County-The Third Infantry-Representation from Barry and Allegan Counties -The Regiment at Bull Run-Steadiness of its Brigade-Praise of the New York Tribune-Winter-Quarters-Gallantry at Williamsburg-At Fair Oaks-Prince de Joinville's EncomiumThrough the Seven Days' Fight-Second Bull Run-At Chancellorsville-At Gettysburg-Sent to New York-Back to VirginiaThe Mine Run Campaign-In the Wilderness and Subsequent Fights-Non-Veterans sent Home-Veterans and Recruits formed into a Battalion-Consolidated with the Fifth Infantry —Call for Men in July, 1864-Raising the New Third Infantry-It goes to Alabama-Back to Murfreesboro'-Depots-Faulkner's BrigadeThe Regiment goes to Texas in 1865-Stays there till 1866-Mustered out in May-Barry County Officers and Soldiers-Allegan County Officers and Soldiers. SECOND INFANTRY. THE Second Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry, the first three years' regiment to take the field from that -a During the civil war Allegan County received credit for twentyone hundred and seventy-five men, and Barry for sixteen hundred and twenty-seven. This is more than can be found in the reports of the adjutant-general of the State, but the discrepancy is principally due to the fact that re enlisting veterans were credited to the county twice, while their names appear in the reports but once. A number of men, also, served in the navy whose names do not appear in the reports. The credits also include those drafted men who, in the first months of the draft, were allowed to pay three hundred dollars each in lieu of personal service, though of course they are not represented on any rolls. A few names were also, doubtless, omitted from the reports, in spite of the energy and fidelity of Adjt.-Gen. Robertson, on SECOND AND THIRD INFANTRY. 89 I State, rendezvoused at Detroit, and was mustered into the United States service May 25, 1861. With an aggregate force on its muster-rolls of one thousand and thirteen men, commanded by the brave Col. Israel B. Richardson,* it left Detroit, June 5, 1861, and at once proceeded to the seat of war on the Potomac. The Second participated in the first battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and was one of the few regiments that did not become thoroughly demoralized as a result of that engagement (see history of the Third Infantry). From that time until March, 1863, it shared in all the victories and defeats of the Union arms in Virginia. It was then transferred to Kentucky, where it remained until June, when, with Gen. Parke's division of the Ninth Army Corps, it reinforced Gen. Grant at Vicksburg. With Sherman at Jackson, Miss., it lost heavily. From Mississippi it rereturned to Kentucky, and in September, 1863, marched via Cumberland Gap to Knoxville, Tenn., where, under Gen. Burnside, it took part in all the severe fighting incident to the siege of Knoxville, losing one-half its effective strength. A large number of its remaining men re-enlisted in December, 1863, and returned home on furlough. From Mount Clemens, Mich., the regiment returned to Virginia in May, 1864, arriving in time to plunge into the Wilderness and bear its share on that hotly-contested field. Thereafter, at Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, and in all the other principal engagements which culminated at Appomattox, the Second was an active participant. It was mustered out of service at Delaney House, D. C., July 28, 1865, and arrived at Detroit, Mich., for final pay and disbandment, August 1st of the same year. MEMBERS OF THE SECOND INFANTRY FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company B. Henry D. Thompson, disch. for disability, Sept. 16, 1862. Company C. William S. Fox, disch. for disability, Oct. 2,1862. Royal G. Rice, disch. at end of service, July 21, 1864. Charles J. Robinson, disch. at end of service, Jan. 26,1865. George Rogers, missing in action at Jackson, Miss., July 11, 1863. Samuel R. Wilson, disch. for disability, Feb. 3, 1865. Company D. William Scudder, disch. at end of service, Feb. 10, 1864. Company K. Moses Boyden, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7,1864. Thomas M. Ellsworth, disch. at end of service, Nov. 16, 1863. Estes Rorke, disch. at end of service, Nov. 10, 1863. John C. Stewart, disch. at end of service, Jan. 7, 1864. ALLEGAN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE SECOND INFANTRY. Company I. David S. Buck, missing in action at Savage Station, Va., June 29,1862. Martin Crane, veteran, Dec. 31,1863; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., Oct. 27, 1864. James Carruthers, disch. at end of service, June 22, 1864. Clark Conrad, veteran, enl. Dec. 31, 1863. George B. Myers, disch. at end of service, June 22, 1864. Nathan A. Tanner, died of wounds at Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 11,1863. George P. West, disch. for disability. Company K. Alfonso Crane, died of disease at Jackson, Miss., July 11, 1863. THIRD INFANTRY. The Third Regiment of infantry, which was recruited during the month of May, 1861, mainly from the counties of Allegan, Barry, Clinton, Easton, Gratiot, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Ottawa, had its rendezvous at Grand Rapids. It was the first regiment organized in this portion of the State, the second mustered for three years, and the third to take the field from Michigan. Barry County was represented by about a hundred and fifty men,t scattered through all its companies except I, while Allegan's representation was divided among companies A, C, E, F, I, and K. Having upon its muster-rolls the names of one thousand and forty officers and enlisted men, the regiment left Grand Rapids on the 13th of June, 1861, and proceeded directly to the seat of war on the Potomac. It was soon after assigned to the brigade commanded by Col. Israel B. Richardson, and first met the enemy at Blackburn's Ford, Va., July 18, 1861. Three days later Richardson's brigade was engaged in that famous conflict, the first battle of Bull Run. To show that the Michigan regiments then and there gave evidence of the material composing them, we need but cite the New York Tribune's account of that battle, from which the following is an extract: " I was told that a few regiments besides the three faithful ones of Blenker's brigade had come in in fair order, and that they were the Second and Third Michigan and the Massachusetts First, of Richardson's brigade." Gen. McDowell also stated that " Richardson's troops were the last to leave the field." When the defeated and almost disbanded Union army fell back on Washington, Richardson's brigade served as rear-guard. It maintained its position at Centreville Heights until the morning of July 22d, and when all detachments and stragglers had passed to the rear, it deliberately took up the line of march to Washington, where it arrived in perfect order. To this brigade was then assigned the duty of guarding Bailey's Cross-Roads and picketing other highways leading from Rebeldom to Alexandria and Washington. After I account of the apathy or ignorance of the regimental and company officers. In the preparation of the sketches of the services of the regiments great care has been taken to make them —although necessarily brief -as correct and interesting as possible. The adjutant-general's reports and the "Red Book of Michigan" have been closely examined, surviving soldiers of the various regiments have been consulted, and in many cases items have been added derived from the personal information of the gentleman who, under the direction of the general historian, compiled these military sketches. That gentleman, Mr. J. S. Schenck, was formerly adjutant of the Sixteenth Illinois, and served nearly three years side by side with several of the Michigan regiments whose exploits he has here narrated. It is intended that the sketches of the various regiments shall bear some proportion as to size to the number of men from these two counties in them. It may be proper to add here that during the Mexican war Samuel Brown, Jr., Henry Starring, Franklin H. Heath, Silas S. Price, and Chester Ross, of Allegan County, served in Capt. F. W. Curtenius' company in the First Michigan Infantry of that period; the two men last named dying in the service. C. J. * Col. Richardson was a native of Vermont, and a graduate of West Point. He served in the Mexican war, and attained the rank of major. lHe was made brigadier-general of volunteers in September, 1861, promoted to the rank of major-general soon after, and met his death at the battle of Antietam, Sept; 17, 1862, while commanding a division. t This number represents all who served in both the first and second terms of service. 12 90 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. assisting in the construction of the defenses of Washington, the Third went into winter-quarters near Alexandria, Va., where it remained until March, 1862, when it moved with McClellan's army to the Peninsula. At the battle of Williamsburg, fought on the 5th of May, 1862, Berry's brigade* of Kearney's division moved, through mud and rain, to the front at double-quick, formed line under fire, and, immediately charging a superior force of the enemy, recaptured a lost position and artillery, and did not stop until the enemy was dislodged and beat back from his own position to the plains below. In regard to this fight, a Tribune correspondent said: "By confessions of rebel prisoners, eight hundred of Berry's men, mostly of Michigan regiments, drove back sixteen hundred of the enemy." At Fair Oaks, on the 31st of May. the Third particularly distinguished itself. Its commander, Col. Stephen G. Champlin, was severely wounded, and the gallant Capt. Samuel A. Judd was killed. The total losses of the regiment in this action were thirty men killed, one hundred and twentyfour wounded, and fifteen missing. The Prince de Joinville, an eye-witness of this battle, said: "As at Williamsburg, Kearney comes to re-establish the fight. Berry's brigade of this division, composed of Michigan regiments and an Irish battalion, advances firm as a wall into the midst of the disordered mass which wanders over the battle-field, and does more by its example than the most powerful reinforcement." The Third was also engaged at Savage Station and Peach Orchard, June 29, 1862; Glendale (or Charles City CrossRoads), June 30th; Malvern Hill, July 1st; and Groveton (or Second Bull Run), Aug. 29, 1862. In the latter battle it lost twenty men killed, besides a large number wounded and missing. Proceeding from Edward's Ferry, Md., via Warrenton and Falmouth, Va., to Fredericksburg, Va., the regiment was engaged at the latter place Dec. 13, 1862, losing nine men wounded. At Chancellorsville, on the 1st, 2d, and 3d of May, 1863, it sustained a loss of sixty-three men, killed, wounded, and missing. On the 11th of June the regiment began a toilsome march via Centreville, Va., Edward's Ferry, and Frederick City, Md., to Gettysburg, Pa. The roads were dusty, the heat was intense, and the men suffered terribly. At Gettysburg, on the 2d and 3d days of July, 1863, the Third again dealt staggering blows to the cohorts of treason, sustaining a loss on its side of forty-one men, killed, wounded, and missing. Having followed the enemy to Williamsport, it marched thence to Harper's Ferry, crossed the Potomac at that point, and moved forward to Manassas Gap. On the 17th of August, 1863, the regiment proceeded to Alexandria, Va., and from there to New York City, whither it had been ordered to aid in the preservation of the public peace and the keeping down of a mob during the then pending draft. Remaining there some days, it proceeded up the Hudson to Troy, N. Y., where it was stationed two weeks. It then returned to its brigade in the Army of the Potomac, arriving at Culpepper, Va., Sept. 17, 1863. \ On the 26th of November, 1863, the regiment took part in the. Mine Run campaign, engaging the enemy on the 27th at Locust Grove, and on the. 30th at Mine Run. With the army it returned to Brandy Station December 2d, having lost during the movement thirty-one men in killed, wounded, and missing. One hundred and eighty members of the regiment reenlisted as veterans Dec. 23, 1863. They received a thirty days' furlough, and at the expiration of that time returned to their command. From December, 1863, until the beginning of May, 1864, a season of inactivity prevailed. On the 4th of the latter month the Third crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford, advanced to Chancellorsville, and during the three following days was in the midst of the terrific battle of the Wilderness, sustaining a heavy loss. It was also engaged at Todd's Tavern on the 8th and at Spottsylvania on the 12th, where it participated in the successful charge of the Second Army Corps. At the North Anna River it again encountered the enemy, May 23d and 24th. The Pamunky River was crossed on the 27th, and the advance continued toward Cold Harbor. During this month of continuous fighting the regiment sustained a loss of thirty-one men killed, one hundred and nineteen wounded, and twenty-nine missing. At Cold Harbor, on the 9th of June, 1864, the regiment, with the exception of the re-enlisted men and such as had joined since the original organization, and certain designated officers, was ordered home for the purpose of being discharged. The remaining officers and men-some three hundred and fifty in number-were formed into a battalion of four companies, and attached to the Fifth Michigan Infantry. The order consolidating these regiments was confirmed by the War Department June 13th, and on the 20th day of June, 1864, the old Third, which had been one of the first to take the field in defense of the government, was formally mustered out of the United States service. THIRD INFANTRY (NEW). In addition to the hundreds of thousands gone before, on the 18th of July, 1864, the President issued his proclamation calling upon the loyal States for five hundred thousand more men. Volunteers from the several States were to be accepted for one, two, and three years, as they elected. Michigan's quota under this call was more than eighteen thousand, of which twelve thousand had to be recruited or drafted. Governor Blair determined to raise six new regiments of infantry, viz., the Third, Fourth, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first, or one in each Congressional district, and in pursuance of this plan issued his proclamation on the 21st of July, 1864. On the 29th of the same month orders were issued to reorganize the Third Infantry, and to Col. Moses B. Houghton (formerly lieutenant-colonel of the old organization) was intrusted the charge of raising the new regiment. Grand Rapids was named its place of rendezvous, and the Fourth District its field for recruiting. The exigencies of the service did not permit the com plete organization of all these regiments before the enforcement of the impending draft (Sept. 5, 1864), and seven companies, which had been raised for the Thirtieth at * Composed of the Second, Third, and Fifth Michigan, and a New York regiment. SECOND AND THIRD INFANTRY. 91 II --- —--- Pontiac, were distributed between the Third and Fourth, four companies going to the former and three to the latter, and the organization of the Thirtieth was abandoned. The Third, thus reinforced, completed its organization at once (October 15th), and, being mustered in with eight hundred and seventy-nine officers and men, left camp for Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 20, 1864, going thence to Decatur, Ala. It remained at Decatur-having meanwhile a skirmish with the enemy at that point-until November 25th, when it was transferred to Murfreesboro, Tenn., and ordered to duty at Fort Rosecrans. On the 7th of December, while Gen. Milroy was engaged at the Cedars with the principal part of Forrest's rebel command, Faulkner's rebel brigade of mounted infantry made a dash on the picket-line at Murfreesboro, drove in the guard, and gained possession of the town. After a spirited engagement of an hour's duration, four companies of the Third, together with an equal number of companies of the One Hundred and Eighty-first Ohio, with a section of artillery, repulsed the rebels and pursued them two miles. The regiment remained at Murfieesboro and its vicinity until Jan. 16, 1865, when it was moved to Huntsville, Ala., and assigned to the Fourth Army Corps. On the 31st of January it was ordered to Eastport, Miss., and proceeded as far as Nashville, Tenn., when, the order being countermanded, it returned to Huntsville, remaining there until the middle of March. With its brigade it then marched to East Tennessee, occupying successively positions at New Market, Bull Gap, and Jonesboro', where it was employed in pursuing, capturing, and driving off the numerous guerrilla bands infesting that region. The Third was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., on the 20th of March, arrived there the 28th, and on the 15th of June, 1865, with its corps, proceeded by rail from Nashville to Johnsville, Tenn.; thence by steamers down the Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, arriving on the 5th of July. After a short delay the regiment proceeded in vessels to Indianola, Texas, and thence it marched to Green Lake. On the 12th of September it started out for Westerin Texas, and, after a fatiguing march of fourteen days' duration, it reached San Antonio. During the following winter two companies were on duty at Gonzales. Early in the spring of 1866 the entire regiment was ordered to Victoria, Texas, and was there mustered out of the service, May 26, 1866. Marching to Indianola, it took steamers to New Orleans, going thence via the Mississippi River to Cairo, Ill., whence it was transported by railway to Detroit, Mich. It arrived there June 10, 1866, and was soon after paid off and discharged. BARRY COUNTY OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS WHO SERVED IN THE THIRD INFANTRY (FIRST TERM). Non-Commissioned Staff. Sergt.-Maj. Israel S. Geer, enl. June 10, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. C, Aug. 1, 1861. Company B. John Goff, must. out July 5, 1865. Willard Main, must. out July 9,1865. Robert Strong, must. out May 19, 1865. Company C. Capt. Israel S. Geer, corn. Dec. 26, 1861; wounded and taken prisoner at Wilderness, May 6,1864; must. out Sept. 21, 1864. Jacob T. Bipley, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., July 12, 1864. Jacob Broepphe, missing at Mine Run, Va., Nov. 30,1863. Christian Fostler, trans. to 5th lrf., June 10,1864. Lewis Ruthardt, disch. for disability, May 1,1864. Company D. John Winebremer, trans. to 5th Inf., June 10,1864. Company E. Sergt. Andrew Nickerson, Hastings; enl. June 10, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. H, Aug. 5, 1862. Musician James L. Reed, disch. May 24,1862. Mathew Bain, discl. for disability. George W. Btgl)ee, disch. for disability, Feb. 17, 1865. James G. Birdsall, disch. by order, Sept. 1, 1863. Cornelius Barkluff. Alonzo H. Bennett, must. out May 30, 1865. Thomas Burke, must. out May 27,1865. Daniel E. Birdsall, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863. Samuel B. Cook, disch. for disability. George Decker, must. out June 28, 1865. Washington Feriis, disch. for disability. D. W. Foster, died of wounds at Portland, June 17,1862. Franklin Green, trans. to 5th Inf. Emmett A. Hamilton, died of wounds at Groveton, Va, Aug. 29,1862. George H. Hill, died in action at Wilderness, Va., May 6,1864. Ralph IHenley, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863. Andrew J. Jordan, must. out May 17, 1865. John A. Kellogg, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863; must. out July 5, 1865. Andrew G. Kilpatrick, veteran, enl. Dec. 23,1863. James Kilpatrick, disch. for disability, Sept. 30,1862. David C. Leach, must. out July 5, 1865. Samuel McMurray, veteran, enl. Dec. 23,1863. Dwight T. Merrill, must. out Aug. 23, 1865. John B. Osgood, must. out July 5,1865. William Paustle, disch. from Vet. Res. Corps, July 28,1865. Merrick D. Reed, veteran, enl. Dec. 23, 1863. Daniel A. Randall, trans. to 5th Mich. Inf. Truman Sawdy, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 26, 1863. Martin M. Sweet, tranis. to 5th Mich. Inf. Joseph E. Sutton, disch. at end of service, Nov. 10, 1863. Simeon C. Stanton, must. out July 5, 1865. Edward Stevens, must. out July 5,1865. Truman J. Wisner, trans. to 5th Mich. Inf. Company F. James R. Dexter, disch. for disability, Aug. 8, 1861. Samuel S. Garrison, disch. at end of service, June 20,1864. John Oberly, disch. for disability, Jan. 14, 1863. Timothy Penders, disch. for disability, Nov. 12,1863. Ephraim Parsons, must. out May 8, 1865. Owen F. Palmer, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863. Isaac Walker, ditch. for disability, Feb. 7, 1863. Company G. Capt. Abram J. Whitney, Hastings; com. 2d lieut., Co. I, May 13,1861; pro. to 1st liout. Aug. 1, 1861; capt., June 9, 1862; resigned Sept. 26, 1862. Company ti. 2d Lient. Andrew Nickerson, com. Aug. 5,1862; pro. to slt lieut., Co. K, Oct. 20, 1862. Aaron E. Dupee, disch. at end of service, Nov. 10, 1863. James F. Dibble, disch. at end of service, Nov. 10, 1863. Jeremiah Sanders, disch. at end of service, Nov. 10, 1863. Company K. Capt. Andrew Nickerson, Hastings; com. Nov. 1, 1863; 1st lieut., Oct. 20, 1862; killed in action at Wilderness, May 6,1864. Corp. Edwin H. Mallory, enl. June 10, 1861; disch. at end of service, June 20, 1864. Wagoner Isaac D. Reed, enl. June 10, 1861; disch. at.end of service, June 20, 1864. Edward Bugbee, died of disease at Yorktown, May 3, 1862. William Buck, disch. for disability, Dec. 4, 1862. Henry II. Bailey, disch. at end of service, June 20,1864. Austin Dibble, disch. for disability, July 18, 1862. Charles W. Feber, disch. at end of service, June 17, 1864. Oscar Gaines, disch. to enlist in regular service, Dec. 17,1862. Jonathan Kellogg, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. Jonathan Kelly, trans. to Vet. Res Corps. Orange McClure, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863. Mortimer Millard, disch. at end of service, June 20, 1864. Lorenzo W. Payne, disch. for disability, Jan. 9, 1863. Jacob S. Pickle, died of disease at Washington, D. C., Sept. 17, 1861. William Parrish, must. out July 5, 1865. Henian Parrish, veteran, enl. Dec. 24,1863. Cody M. Reed, disch, to enlist in regular service, Nov. 29, 1862. Alfred H. Slocum, disch. for disability, June 20,1862. Charles H. Sanford, died in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3,1863. Warren Wilkinson, disch. at end of service, June 20,1864. 92; HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. r- - - ~-~ -- --- --- ---- I - - - ALLEGAN COUNTY MEMBERS OF TILE THIRD INFANTRY (FIRST TERM). Company A. Capt. Milton Leonard, corn. 1st lieut. Nov. 1, 1863; 2d lieut. Feb. 5, 1863; died in action at Wilderness, Va., May 6,1864. Company C. Musician John B. Champion, disch. Feb. 28,1862. Theo. Castor, trans. to 5th Inf., June 10, 1864; must. out Sept. 4,1865. Christian Pleigden, disch. for disability, Nov. 20, 1861. John P. Scheidt, disch. for disability, Nov. 20, 1861. Valentin Schaeffer, disch. for disability, June 20,1861. Anton Steffles, disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1862. Thomas Schneider, died of disease at Baltimore, July 19, 1863. Jos. A. Schuler, disch. at end of service, June 20, 1864. Peter Wagner, disch. for disability, Oct. 1, 1861. Company E. Edward T. Webster, died in action at Wilderness, May 6, 1864. Harvey Wilson, disch. for disability, July 29, 1861. Samuel F. Woolman, died May 30,1864, of wounds. Company F. 2d Lieut. Milton Leonard, trans. 2d lieut. from Co. A, May 1, 1863; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. A, Nov. 1, 1863. Musician Edward C. Wheelock, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; must. out July 5, 1865. Geo. W. Bailey, disch. at end of service, June 20,1864. Harvey S. Briggs, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; trans. to 5th Inf.; must. out July 5,1865. John Calkins, disch. at end of service, June 20, 1864. John Hefner, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; trans. to 5th Inf.; must. out July 5, 1865. Martin Jones, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; trans. to 5th Inf.; must. out July 5, 1865. Daniel G. Slade, disch. for disability, Nov. 20, 1861. Company 1. Wm. H. Campion, disch. for disability, November, 1862. Nelson J. Davis, died in action at Seven Pines, Va., May 31, 1862. Edward R. Goble, died in action at Seven Pines, Va., May 31, 1862. Sylvester Gay, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, July 1, 1864. Alfred M. Gardner, disch. for disability, Dec. 31, 1862. Perry Goshom, disch. for disability, Nov. 17,1862. Josiah E. Huff, died of disease, Nov. 18,1861. Lonson Hill, died in action at Seven Pines, Va., May 31, 1862. Albert Hamlin, disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1862. Calvin Hall, veteran, enl. Dec. 24,1863; must. out July 5,1865. Jerome Kibbee, disch. for disability, Dec. 9, 1862. John McDonald, disch. for disability, Oct. 1, 1863. Joseph L. Paney, disch. at end of service, June 20, 1864. Jas. Reeves, disch. for disability, Aug. 7,1862. John Simpkins, died in action at Seven Pines, Va., May 31,1862. Willard Sweet, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; trans. to 5th Inf.; must. out July 5, 1865. Company K. John Felton, died in action at Wilderness, May 6, 1864. Win. H. Harvey, trans. to 5th Inf.; must. out June 8, 1865. Edwin Nickerson, trans. to 5th Inf.; must. out June 9, 1865. MEMBERS FROM BARRY* COUNTY IN THE REORGANIZED THIRD INFANTRY. Field and Staff and Non-Commissioned Staff. Asst. Surg. Philo H. Drake, Hastings; com. Nov. 24, 1864; res. June 20, 1865. Sergt.-Milj. Geo. W. Sheldon, pro. to 2d lieut. May 19, 1865; must. out May 25, 1866. Company A. Francis Rogers, must. out Aug. 5,1865. Company B. Charles Tichenor, disch. at end of service, March 18,1866. Company C. Corp. Vine E. Welch, Barry; enl. Sept. 3, 1864; trans. to Co. F. Richard D. Hudson, must. out May 23,1865. Company D. Capt. Washington K. Ferris, Hastings; enl. Sept. 10, 1864; res. March 12, 1865. Corp. Jacob Rhodes, Baltimore; enl. Aug. 26, 1861. Corp. James Marvin, Johnstown; enl. Aug. 17, 1861; must. out May 25, 1866. Barry Baulch, must. out Aug. 5, 1865. Thomas Boggart, must. out Nov. 6,1865. John H. Dty, must. out June 12, 1866. Simon Eberly, must. out Aug. 17, 1865. David L. Fereter, must. out Aug. 11, 1865. Benjamin G. Foster, must. out May 26, 1866. John A. Harrington, must. out Aug. 5, 1865. Leonard M. Hyde, must. out July 18,1865. Bayliss T. Sweezy, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., June 16, 1865. Anthony B. Wisner, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 17, 1865. Philip A. West, must. out July 11, 1865. William H. Watts, must. out May 2.5,1866. Company E. Capt. Reuben P. Lanmb, Prairieville; corn. July 28, 1864; res. May 12, 1865. 1st Lieut. Albert H. Ellis, Hastings; cornm. July 29, 1864; hon. disch., May 15, 1865. Sergt. Samuel M. Tripp, Prairieville; enl. Aug. 17, 1864; disch. by order, May 3, 1865. Sergt. Edwin King, Prairieville; enl. July 25, 1864; must. out May 26, 1866. Sergt. John T. Shelp, Prairieville; enl. Aug. 17, 1864; disch. by order, April 16, 1866. Sergt. Henry M. Merritt, Hastings; enl. Aug. 5, 1864; disch. by order, July 3, 1865. Sergt. John White Prairieville; enl. July 25, 1864; must. out May 25,1866. Corp. James N. Collister, Prairieville; enl. Aug. 18,1864; disch. July 12,1865. Corp. Samuel Lamb, Prairieville; enl. July 25,1864; disch. May 17,1865. Corp. Robert Frost, Woodland; enl. Sept. 3, 1864; disch. by order, July 25, 1865. Corp. John H. Freeman, Prairieville; enl. July 28, 1864; disch. by order, Sept. 5,1865. Corp. William Wickham, Woodland; enl. Aug. 30, 1864; disch. by order, Sept. 5,1865. Corp. William Scudder, Prairieville; enl. Aug. 19, 1861; absent sick at muster out. William Atwood, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., June 30, 1865. C. J. Brown, disch. at end of service, March 2,1866. Joseph Barnes, must. out Aug. 10, 1865. Eugene A. Beach, must. out May 25,1866. Lewis S. Campbell, must. out from Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 12,1865. David F. Campbell, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 10, 1865. Fabrius Deplanta, must. out Sept. 25, 1865. Jacob Frink, must. out May 25,1866. Stephen Heath, must. out July 24, 1864. Stephen Ilaight, must. out Oct. 6,1865. Benjamin Hass, must. out Sept. 4, 1865. William N. Haight, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., December, 1864. Conrad Kehler, disch. at end of service, March 2, 1866. Seth Lovell, must. out July 15, 1865. William J. McArthur, must. out May 25, 1866. John H. McArthur, must. out May 25, 1866. William Myers, must. out Sept. 28,1865. William Mills, must. out May 25,1866. Alpheus F. Morse, must. out July 13, 1865. James Myers, must. out Sept. 9, 1865. Samuel M. Martin, must. out June 13, 1865. William McNeil, disch. at end of service, March 2, 1866. William Nichols, must. out March 3,1866. Oliver P. Nichols, must. out May 25,1866. Nelson H. Orr, must. out April 16,1866. Charles W. Pickle, must. out May 25,1866. Willis Peck, must. out Sept. 5,1865, Samuel A. Phillips, disch. at end of service, May 2, 1866. Andrew Smith, must. out May 25,1866. David Sisco, must. out May 25,1866. John E. Spaulding, must. out Sept. 28, 1865. Gilbert Van Brunt, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., April 19, 1865. Sidney J. Wiley, must. out May 25, 1866. Company F. Corp. George S. Ward, Barry; enl. March 2, 1865; must. out March 2, 1866. Lewis S. Campbell, must. out from Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 12, 1865. Philip Ragle, must. out June 18,1865. * Allegan County had no credited representatives in the new regiment. SIXTH AND SEVENTH INFANTRY. 9: CHAPTER XXIII. SIXTH AND SEVENTH INFANTRY. Formation of the Sixth Infantry-"The Peculiar Regiment"-The Allegan County Company-On Duty in Baltimore-By Ship to New Orleans-Sickness there-Services in Louisiana-Siege of Port Hudson-Converted into Heavy Artillery-Re-enlistment-Services in Arkansas-Reducing Mobile-Subsequent Services-Mustered out-Members from Allegan County-From Barry CountyOrganization and Departure of the Seventh Infantry-Ball's Bluff -On the Peninsula-Second Bull Run and South Mountain-Terrible Fight at Antietam-Gallant Passage of the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg-Chancellorsville-The March to GettysburgHard Fight there-At New York-Re-enlistment-The Great Campaign of 1864 and 1865-Mustered out —The Barry County Members. SIXTH INFANTRY. TirIs regiment was formed during the summer of 1861, having for its rendezvous the village of Kalamazoo. It was afterwards organized as heavy artillery, and on account of its almost entire isolation fiom other Michigan regiments during its term of service, and of the fact that it served as both infantry and artillery as occasion required, it was denominated at State headquarters the " peculiar regiment of Michigan." Allegan County had a large representation in its ranks. Company G, which started for the front under the command of Capt. Chauncey J. Bassett,* was most emphatically an Allegan County company, and was the first entire command to leave that county's borders. Bearing upon its rolls the names of nine hundred and forty-four officers and enlisted men, and commanded by Col. Frederick W. Curtenius, of Kalamazoo, a veteran of the Mexican war, the regiment left its rendezvous Aug. 30, 1861, and proceeded to Baltimore, Md., where it remained on duty for several months. Early in March, 1862, it sailed for Ship Island, Miss., and from there in April proceeded to New Orleans, and was one of the first regiments to enter that city upon its surrender to Gen. Butler and Admiral Farragut. On the 15th of May it sailed up the Mississippi, and was engaged in the battle at Baton Rouge on the 5th of June, and again at the same place on the 5th of August, losing on the latter day fifty-three men. From Aug. 20, 1862, until December 6th, the regiment was stationed at Metairie Ridge, guarding one of the approaches to New Orleans. This location was exceedingly unhealthy, and the command was so reduced that on the 6th of December, when it moved to New Orleans, only one hundred and ninety-one, out of an aggregate of seven hundred and fifty-five, were fit for duty; but the men soon recovered upon their arrival in the city. In January, 1863, the regiment was with the expedition, under Gen. Weitzel, to Bayou Teche, which destroyed a rebel gunboat. In the early part of February it was stationed a few miles out from New Orleans, and on the 23d of the month accompanied an expedition to Ponchatoula, where it had quite a sharp skirmish, losing two men * Capt. Bassett was commisioned major of a colored regiment in October, 1862. He afterwards rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the same regiment, and was killed while in command of it, during the disastrous Red River campaign. wounded. On the 12th of May it made a raid on thy Jackson Railroad, destroying a camp at Tangipahoa, capturing sixty prisoners, and destroying property of the value of four hundred thousand dollars. On the 21st of the month it embarked for Port Hudson, where it arrived on the 23d. During the siege of this stronghold by Gen. Banks it was in an advanced position, and participated in the assaults of May 27th and June 14th, in which it lost severely. On the 29th of June a detachment of thirty-five men formed the forlorn hope of an assaulting column which attacked the "citadel," but were driven back with a loss of eight killed and nine wounded. By an order of Maj.-Gen. Banks, commanding the Department of the Gulf, issued on the 10th of July, following the surrender of Port Hudson, the Sixth was converted into a heavy artillery regiment, and on the 30th of the same month the order was approved by the Secretary of War. The regiment was stationed at Port Hudson from the last-mentioned date until March 11, 1864, engaged in garrison duty. At the latter date, the men having mostly re-enlisted as veterans, the command proceeded to Kalamazoo, Mich., on a firlough of thirty days. On the 11th of May it arrived at Port Hudson, with its ranks well filled by men recruited in Michigan. On the 6th of June it was ordered to Morganza to serve as infantry, at which place it remained until the 24th, when it proceeded to Vicksburg, where it joined the engineer brigade. On the 23d of July it was sent to the mouth of White River, Arkansas, and thence to St. Charles, in that State, where it was attached to a regiment of infantry. A detachment of the regiment, while on a transport en route from Vicksburg to White River, was fired upon by a rebel battery, and lost two men killed and several wounded. It remained but a short time at St. Charles, when it returned to Morganza, where it was for some time employed on engineer service, but subsequently was returned to duty as heavy artillery by the chief of artillery. It was present at the surrender of Fort Morgan, Alabama, but not in time to participate in the bombardment. On the 1st of October portions of the regiment were stationed at Forts Gaines and Morgan, in Mobile Bay. On the 23d of December, 1864, five companies were detached for an expedition under Gen. Gordon Granger against Mobile, and were temporarily attached as infantry to the brigade of Gen. Bertram, with which they continued until Jan. 27, 1865, when they were returned to the regiment. On the 31st of March, Companies A and K were detached from the command at Fort Morgan and ordered to report to Gen. Granger at the front, each being equipped with a battery of ten-inch mortars. On their arrival they were placed in position under the guns of the Spanish Fort, where they did fine execution at fourteen hundred yards' range. Upon the surrender of this fort the two companies manned and turned the captured guns, consisting of seven-inch Brooks rifles and one-hundred-pounder Parrotts, on the remaining rebel forts, Huger and Tracy, which soon after surrendered. April 10th, Company B was placed on picket duty at 94 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY~ COUNTIES, MIChIGAN. Navy Cove, and Company E was assigned to duty in garrisoning Fort Powell. Companies A and K rejoined the garrison at Fort Morgan, April 20th, and on the 9th of J-uly the regiment was ordered to report to Gen. Sheridan at New Orleans, where it arrived on the 11th, and encamped at Greenville, four miles from the city. At that place it was furnished with new camp-equipage and wagontrain, and placed under orders for Texas; but on the 5th of August orders were received for its muster out, which was completed on the 20th, and on the 30th it arrived at Jackson, Mich., and on the 5th of September was paid and disbanded. Its losses during the war were sixty-five men killed or died of wounds, and four hundred and fifty died of disease,-the heaviest loss by disease of any Michigan regiment during the war. MEMBERS OF THE SIXTH INFANTRY FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. VNon- Commissioned Staff. Com.-Sergt. Leander W. Leighton, enl. Aug. 21,1861; disch. for disability. Hosp.-Stew. Geo. W. Moore, enl. Aug. 21, 1861; pro. 1st lieut. 11th Regt. Col. Art'y, Aug. 6,1863. Drum-Msj. Danl. W. Marbell, enl. Aug. 21,1861; disch. for disability, March 30, 1862. Company A. Win. R. Ashcroft, must. out Aug. 20,1865. Company B. Clayton M. Carr, must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Company C. Jefferson Brown, must. out Aug. 20,1865. Wm. Gorman, must. out Sept. 5,1865. Albert Pearsall, died of disease at New Orleans, La., Oct. 9,1864. Company E. Geo. Nichols, must. out Aug. 20,1865. Company G. Capt. Chauncey J. Bassett, Allegan; corn. Aug. 19, 1861; pro. maj. in Louisiana Regt. Col. Troops, Oct. 20,1862. Capt. Henry Stark, Otsego; corn. Oct. 21, 1862; 1st lieut. Aug. 20, 1861; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. 1st Lieut. Wm. H. White, Otsego; com. July 1, 1862; died of disease at Carrolton, La., Oct. 16,1862. 1st Lieut. Oscar Haire, Otsego; corn. Oct. 21, 1862; enlisted as sergt. Oct. 21, 1861; res. July 19,1864. 2d Lieut. Alfred C. Wa!lin, corn. Aug. 21, 1861; res. June 30,1862. Sergt. Win. H. White, Otsego; enl. Aug. 20, 1861; pro. 1st lieut. July 1, 1862. Sergt. Jas. E. Garrison, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; disch. for disability, June 26,1864. Jas. Stewart, enl. Aug. 20,1861; disch. for disability, Jan. 29, 1863. Sergt. Sidney Ruuse, Otsego; enl. Aug. 20, 1861; veteran, Feb. 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. Corp. Richard W. Duncan, enl. Aug. 20, 1861; killed at Port Hudson, June 30, 1863. Corp. Alonzo H. Chandler, enl. Aug. 20,1861; disch. for disability. Sergt. Geo. M. Guest, enl: Aug. 20,1861; disch. by order, Sept. 28,1863. Corp. Walter Wood, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. Corp. Rodolplhus Symonds, died of disease at Port Hudson, July 23, 1863. Corp. Geo. H. Hiarris, disch. Dec, 10, 1863. Corp. John E. Hopper, disch. for disability, Feb. 19,1863. Musician Charles Bassett, died of disease, Nov. 10, 1861. Musician Curtis Myers, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. Musician Warren Johnson, disch. for disability, Jan. 20,1862. Wagoner John P. Parish, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. Jas. Austin, died of disease at Fort Morgan, Ala., April 12, 1865. Wm. Bailey, disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1862. Daniel Buskerk, disch. for disability, Jan. 20, 1862. John Born, died in action at Baton Rouge, Aug. 5,1862. Jas. H. Booker, died in action at Port Hudson, May 27, 18a3. John Bartlett, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Milo Baker, must. out Aug. 20,1865. Thomas Carey, died of disease at New Orleans, Aug. 15,1862. Elijah Crane, died of wounds at Port Hudson, May 28, 1863. Richard L. Darling, died of disease, June 28, 1862. Frederick Dailey, died of disease at Port Hudson, Aug. 24, 1863. Geo. W. Dailey, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23,1864. Carlos E. Dexter, disch. for disability, June 5,1863. Enoch S. Dexter, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Jas. W. Edwards, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. Lewis Eggleston, died of disease, May 28,1862. Terry C. Fuller, died of disease at Port Hudson, Aug. 26,1862. Geo. W. Frank, disch. at end of service, Aug. 2:3, 1864. Bevj. Fry, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23,1864. James Frew, disch. at end of service, Aug 2:3, 1864. David C. Frew, disch. by order, April 26, 1864. William Frew, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Joseph W. Fay, missing in action. Jennings Goring, died of disease, Nov. 18,1861. IHenry Guest, disch. by order, July 25, 1865. Abram E. Garrison, disch. by order, Oct. 8,1863. Miles Horn, disch. for disability, June 30, 1862. Edward Haumer, disch. at end of service, Feb. 20,1865. Robert Harrison, died of wounds, July 1,1863. Freeman Hudden, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. Francis M. Hurd, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Almos J. Jackson, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. William Kerns, disch. for disability, April 10,1862. John J. Kennison, dis(ch. for disability, Aug. 1, 1862. J. E. Kennison, disch. by order, Feb. 26, 18C4. William Kidder, died of wounds at Port Hudson, May 28,18C3. Luke Maloy, died of wounds at Port Hudson, May 28, 1863. Homer Mankus, died of disease at Vicksburg, July 12,1864. William Marshall, died of disease, Sept. 16,1862. Henry Marble, died of disease, Oct. 24,1862. Leonard Minard, disch. for disability, Dec. 10, 1861. John J. Maine, discl. for disability, Jan. 30,1864. Solomon McBride, must. out Aug. 20,1865. John McBride, veteran, enl. March 1,1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. Ebenezer G. Murma, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. Robert H. Norris, (lied of disease at New Orleans, La., Jan. 5, 1863. George Newton, disch. for disability, Oct. 3, 1863. Oliver Potts, disch. for disability, Api il 9,1862. William H. Parish, disch. for disability, April 11,1862. Curtis Z. Pratt, discli. by order, Oct. 8, 1863. Silas Pratt, died of disease. Charles Parkhurst, died of disease at Carrollton, La., Feb. 11, 1863. Robert Payne, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Charles E. Plummer, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out. Aug. 20, 1865. William Ross, disch. tor disability, Dec. 10,1861. Leander Ross, discli. for disability, Aug. 1,1862. Orlando D. Rosenburg, disch. at eind of service, Aug. 23,1864. John Rollins, discli. at end of service, Aug. 23,1864. Riley Southwell, disch. for disability, Oct. 15,1862. Henry Southwell, disch. for disability, Dec. 26,1862. John B. Smith, disch. for disability, Aug. 1, 1862. Enoch Simpson, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. Csborn Swaney, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23,1864. Hiram Sliriver, died of disease at Carrollton, La., Sept. 30, 1862. George H. Starkweather, died of wounds, July 1,1863. Samuel Schrickengast, died of disease at Port Hudson, July 23, 1863. Frank B. Seymour, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20. 1865. Orvis Sweetland, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Charles Symonds, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. James C. Symonds, veteran, etl.March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Byron Teal, disch. for disability, Oct. 10, 1861. John W. Van Lent, discli. for disability. Peter Wyner, died of wounds at Baton Rouge, July 3,1863. Henry A. Wiltse, disch. at end of service, Aug. 23, 1864. Brown Wynne, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Frank Whipple, veteran, enl. March 1,1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. Theodore Weed, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. James Youlden, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Company I. George M. Pardee, died of disease at Vicksburg, Sept. 25, 1864. Company K. Henry Ilixon, must. out Aug. 20,1865. BARRY COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE SIXTH INFANTRY. Non-Commissioned Staff. Sergt.-Maj. George T. Griswold, Vermontville; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. H. Company C. Chauncey Boyce, disch. to enlist in regular service, Nov. 17, 1862. William H. Burges-, disch. by order, May 18, 1865.' G. P. Sterling, disch. to enlist ill regular service, Nov. 17, 1862. Company G. Samuel Russell, must. out Aug. 20,1865. Company H. 1st Lieut. Henry C. Baer, Castleton; corn. March 7, 1865; 2d lieut. Dec. 2, 1864; must. out Aug. 20,1865. 2d Lieut. George T. Griswold, Hastings; corn. March 7, 1865; previously sergt.maj.; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Allen T. Baer, died of disease at Oak Hall, Va., Nov. 18, 1861. Henry C. Baer, veteran, enl. March 1, 1864. SIXTH AND SEVENTH INFANTRY. 95 Leander Cros%, died of disease at New Orleans, La., Dec. 25, 1862. John A. Gregg, veteran, enl. Feb. 1, 1864; must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Ely Myers, died of dis(ase at Natchez, Miss., May 18, 1862. SETENTH INFANTRY. The Seventh Regiment of Infantry was recruited during the summer of 1861, and rendezvoused at Monroe. It was mustered into the service for three years, August 22d, and, bearing upon its rolls the names of eight hundred and eighty-four officers and enlisted men, set out for Virginia, Sept. 5, 1861. Arriving there, it was stationed on the upper Potomac. It was one of the regiments detailed to go to Ball's Bluff, on the 21st of October, under Gen. Baker, and shared in the losses inflicted by the sudden and overwhelming attack of the enemy on that disastrous day. In the spring of 1862 it proceeded with the Army of the Potomac to the Peninsula. At Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, and the "Seven Days' Fight," the Seventh was an active participant. Retiring with the same army from the Peninsula, the enemy was again met at the second Bull Run, Aug. 30,1862, and at South Mountain, September 14th. Three days later it stood face to face with the foe at Antietam. Here it was engaged in one of the most terrific struggles of the war, and bravely maintained itself throughout, though the victory it assisted to achieve was purchased at the cost of a list of killed and wounded embracing more than onehalf of its force present in action. After Antietam the Seventh continued with the Army of the Potomac, in its marches through Northern Virginia, until the 11th of December, 1862, when that army stood on the north side of the Rappahannock gazing across at the enemy's works at Fredericksburg. During the night of the 10th the Union pontoniers had partially constructed a pontoon-bridge across the stream, but at daylight the rebel sharpshooters soon drove them away. Volunteers were called for to cross the river and seize a foothold on the opposite shore. Lieut.-Col. Baxter, then in command, called on the Seventh for that duty, and as one man they responded to the call. Foremost of all the army, they sprang into the boats and pulled for the opposite side. The rebel bullets fell thick and fast among them and many were slain or wounded, among the latter being their gallant commander, but still they held on their way, and at length made good their landing. Close behind them came a Massachusetts regiment. The two formed on the bank, dashed up to the heights above, drove the enemy from his entrenchments, and captured several hundred prisoners at the point of the bayonet. The bridge was then completed, and a portion of the army crossed in safety. The subsequent disasters which befell the forces there assembled under Gen. Burnside cannot dim the glory gained by the Seventh Michigan Infantry in the execution of this brilliant exploit. On the 3d of May, 1863, the regiment again crossed the Rappahannock to take part in the battle of Chancellorsville, but was not seriously engaged. During the Gettysburg campaign the regiment under went more than the usual hardships of that dusty and torrid period. On the 27th of June it marched thirtyseven miles, six on the 28th, and on the 29th thirty-two miles, making seventy-five in three days,-a remarkable exploit when it is considered that every soldier carried a rifle, bayonet, full cartridge-boxes, belts, blanket, haversack with three days' rations, and canteen, and that the marching in column in a cloud of dust is far more fatiguing than walking alone. The Seventh arrived at Gettysburg on the 2d of July, and immediately went into battle on Cemetery Hill. In this exposed position it remained until the close of the action, meeting and repelling some of the fiercest attacks of the enemy. So much had the regiment been depleted by its previous conflicts that only fourteen officers and one hundred and fifty-one men went into this fi^,lt. Of this small number twenty-one were killed (including the commander, Lieut.-Col. Steele) and forty-four wounded, the total casualties being nearly half of the whole number engaged. Shortly after the Gettysburg victory the regiment was ordered to New York City to assist in preserving order during the enforcement of the draft. Returning to Virginia, it was engaged in skirmishing, marching, etc., until December 7th, when it went into winter-quarters at Barry's Hill. Here one hundred and fifty-three men re-enlisted as veterans, and the regiment was sent home to recruit. After thirty days' furlough it returned to Barry's Hill. It remained there until the grand advance of the army took place, during the early days of May, 1864. From that time until the collapse of the Rebellion was rendered certain by the surrender at Appomattox, the Seventh was ever found in the fore-front of battle. In the campaign from May to November, 1864, it had lost forty-one men killed, one hundred and thirty-one wounded, thirty-six taken prisoners, and thirty reported as missing in action, some of whom were killed. After the review at Washington, D. C., the regiment was ordered to Louisville, Ky., where it arrived June 23d. It was mustered out of service at Jeffersonville, Ind., July 5th, and reached Jackson, Mich., two days later, where it was paid off and disbanded. BARRY COUNTY SOLDIERS WHO SERVED IN THE SEVENTH INFANTRY. Company H. Thomas Cromp, disch. by order, July 7, 1865. Comepany I. Capt. Bezaleel W. Lovell, corn. Aug. 22, 1861; res. Aug. 30, 1862. Capt. Elhanan C. Phetteplace, com. Sept. 2, 1862; 1st lieut., Aug. 22, 1861; res. May 11, 1863. Capt. Samuel C. Ilodgman, comr. June 22, 1863; 1st lieut., Sept. 2,1862; 2d lieut., Aug. 25, 1862; res. March 1, 1864. Corp. Irving Rose, enl. Aug. 22,1861; disch. for disability, Dec. 6, 1862. Musician P. B. Haman, enl. Aug. 22, 1861; disch. April 10, 1863. John B. Ashley, died of wounds at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 2, 1862. Orman Armstrong, disch. for disability, May 12, 1864. Joshua Boorum, disch. for disability, April 14,1863. John Chapman, disch. for disability. Henry Cromp, disch. by order, July 28, 1865. Lucius M. Cady, died at Savage's Station, June 30, 1862. Wallace Evans, disch. July 23, 1862. Augustus M. Fonts, disch. for disability. Andrew J. Forber, died in action at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17,1862. Alonzo Fonts, died of disease at Bolivar, Md., about Dec. 1, 1862. Joseph A. Kidder, died of disease at Camp Benton, Md., Dec. 29,1861. Caleb Kelly, disch. for disability, Sept. 2, 1862. John H. McClelland, disci. for disability, June 30, 1862. Thomas McLeod, disch. for disability, July 9,1862. Philander Mead, must. out July 5,1865. James Norton, died in action at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 96 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- Charles H. Palmer, died of disease at Fort Monroe, May 3,1862. Nathaniel S. Pangburn, disch. for disability, March 4,1863. Xylar Sweet, disch. Nov. 15, 1862. Charles Scoby, veteran, enl. Dec. 18, 1863; must. out July 5, 1865. James M. Travis, died of wounds at Frederick, Md., Oct. 10, 1862. Henry M. Taylor, disch. May 30,1862. Henry L. Valentine, disch. for disability. Amos W. Warner, disch. for disability. Charles 0. Wade, disch. for disability, Aug. 5, 1862. CHAPTER XXIV. EIGHTH, NINTH, AND TWELFTH INFANTRY. Formation and Departure of the Eighth Infantry-Takes Part in the Expedition to South Carolina-Its Services and Battles there-Its Casualties-To Kentucky and Mississippi-Back to KentuckyThrough Cumberland Gap to East Tennessee-Siege of Knoxville -Re-enlistment-Off to Virginia-Services in the Campaign of 1864-Brilliant closing Services-Muster out-Members from Barry County-From Allegan County-The Ninth Infantry recruited, mustered in, and ordered to Kentucky-Winter-Quarters thereServices in Tennessee-Six Companies attacked at Murfreesboro by Forrest's Division of Cavalry-Suffers Heavy Loss, and is conpelled to surrender-Prisoners exchanged-Regiment detailed as Provost-Guard-Re-enlistment- Continuation of Guard Duty through the War-Marches with Sherman's Army to AtlantaServices at Chattanooga and Nashville-Mustered out-Allegan County Members-Barry County Members-The Twelfth Infantry -Mustered in and hurried to the Front-Pittsburg LandingBattle of Metamora-A Detachment defends a Block-HouseServices in Mississippi-In Arkansas-Close of its Services-Barry County Members-Allegan County Members. EIGHTH INFANTRY. Tils regiment rendezvoused at Detroit. It was mustered into the service Sept. 23, 1861, and on the 27th of the same month, having on its rolls the names of nine hundred and fifteen officers and enlisted men, it set out for the front, led by the gallant Col. William M. Fenton, of Flint. At Annapolis, Md., on the 19th of October, 1861, it embarked as part of the expedition which under Gen. T. W. Sherman was to operate against the enemy along the South Atlantic coast. From this time until the termination of the Antietam campaign the regiment was very actively engaged, participating in nine battles, occurring in four different States, viz.: Hilton Head, S. C.. Nov. 7, 1861; Port Royal Ferry, S. C., Jan. 1, 1862; Fort Pulaski, Ga., April 14, 1862; Wilmington Island, Ga., April 16, 1862; James Island, S. C., June 16, 1862; Bull Run, Va., Aug. 29 and 30, 1862; Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862; South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862; and Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. Its casualties at Wilmington Island were fourteen killed and thirty wounded; at James Island, thirteen killed, ninety-seven wounded, thirty-five missing, and thirty-five taken prisoners. The alterations from the time of its enlistment to Nov. 1, 1862, showed the following astonishing results: Number of men discharged,* two hundred and sixty; died of disease, fifty-five; killed in battle or died of wounds received in action, eighty-nine; wounded in action, two hundred and forty-three; deserted, ten; taken pris * One hundred of these were discharged because of their enlistment in the regular army. i I -- oners, forty-eight; joined by enlistment, two hundred and seventy-three; officers resigned, twenty-one. In March, 1863, it proceeded with the Ninth Army Corps to Kentucky, and in June following to Vicksburg, Miss.; thence in August it proceeded, via Cairo, Cincinnati, and Nicholasville, to Crab Orchard, Ky., and on the 10th of September it marched, via Cumberland Gap, to Knoxville, Tenn., where, with the Ninth Army Corps, under Gen. Burnside, it participated in the stirring scenes there enacted during the fall of 1863. During the siege of Knoxville by the rebels under Longstreet the Eighth occupied the front line of works, and assisted to repel the fierce assault on Fort Sanders, Nov. 29, 1863. The regiment during this period endured many hardships and privations from want of sufficient food and clothing. The enemy were finally compelled to retire, and were pursued by the Eighth as far as Rutledge. The regiment then re-enlisted as veteran volunteers, and on the 8th of January commenced its march across the mountains via Cumberland Gap. Nicholasville, Ky., was reached January 19th; a march of two hundred miles, through icy passes and over rough mountain-roads, having been performed in ten days. Arriving home, a large number of recruits was obtained, and on the 9th of March, 1864, the regiment left its rendezvous at Flint, and again proceeded to join the Ninth Army Corps in Virginia. Thenceforth its history was identified with that of the Army of the Potomac. In the battle of the Wilderness it lost ninety-nine men, killed, wounded, and missing; at Spottsylvania, forty-nine; at Bethesda Church, fifty-two; at Petersburg, June 17th and 18th, forty-nine men. At the Crater, Weldon Railroad, Ream's Station, Poplar Grove Church, Pegram Farm, Boydton Road, and Hatcher's Run, it was also engaged, losing numerously in killed, wounded, and missing. During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, it had lost in killed, or died of wounds received in action, eightysix men; died of disease, forty; wounded in action, two hundred and eighty-seven; missing in action, twenty-nine; taken prisoners, thirty-seven; while it had gained by reenlistment of veterans two hundred and ninety-nine, and by the joining of recruits, five hundred and forty-two. In the final campaign in Virginia the Eighth bore a distinguished part. It assisted to repulse the enemy when he assaulted Fort Steadman, March 25, 1865, and on the 2d of April was engaged in the attack on his position at Fort Mahon, when it carried the works in its front, and was the first regiment to place its colors on that rebel stronghold. It occupied Petersburg, April 3d, and soon after marched to 'City Point, whence it embarked on transports to Alexandria, Va. It was mustered out of service at' Delaney House, D. C., July 30, 1865, and, arriving in Detroit, Mich., Aug. 3, 1865, was paid in full and disbanded. MEMBERS OF THE EIGITH INFANTRY FROM BARRY COUNTY..Non-Commissioned Staff. Hosp. Stwd. John Michael, Hastings; enl. Aug. 30, 1861; disch. at end of ser, vice, Sept. 23,1864. Company B. Sergt. Saml. Stowell, enl. Aug. 26, 1861; disch. for disability, March 23, 1863. James II. Black, disch. to enl. in regular army, Oct. 28,1862. John C. Black, veteran, enl. Dec. 29,1863; must. out July 30, 1865. David C. Lee, disch. to enl. in regular army, Oct. 28,1862. EIGHTH, NINTH, AND TWELFTH INFANTRY. 97 Company F. 1st Lieut. Travers Philips, Hastings; cor. Aug. 29,1861; res. June 11,1862. 2d Lieut. Jacob Maus, Hastings; corn. Aug. 29, 1861; res. Jan. 9, 1862. 1st Lieut. Austin D. Bates, Irving; enl. Jan. 9, 1862; sergeant; res. Oct. 23, 1862. Sergt. Wm. A. Thomas, Prairieville; enl. Sept. 7, 1861; disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1862. Sergt. Jas. F. Mead, Hastings; enl. Sept. 7, 1861; pro. 2d lieut. June 6, 1864; must. out at end of service, Sept. 23, 1864. Sergt. Chas. H. Swartout, Prairieville; enl. Sept. 7,1861; veteran, Dec. 30,1863; pro. 2d lieut. Co. G. Sergt. Chas. Snyder, Prairieville; enl. Sept. 13, 1861; veteran, Dec. 30,1863; pro. 2d lieut.; must. out sergt., July 30, 1865. Sergt. John M. Bessmer, Hastings; enl. Aug. 30, 1861; disch. for disability, Dec. 31, 1863. Corp. Augustus I. Newton, Hastings; enl. Sept. 9, 1861; veteran, Dec. 30,1863; mut. out July 30, 1865. Corp. Edgar A. Nye, Prairieville; enl. Sept. 12, 1861; veteran, Dec. 30, 1863; died in action at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. Corp. Wm. H. H. Powers, Hastings; enl. Sept. 2, 1861; veteran; disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1862. Corp. John H. Wolfe, Maple Grove; enl. Sept. 13, 1861; disch. at end of service, Sept. 23, 1864. Musician Wilbur F. Dickinson, Hastings; enl. Sept. 13, 1861; vet. Dec. 30, 1863; disch. by order, Aug. 8,1865. Wagoner Robert D. Gates, Prairieville; enl. Sept. 13, 1861; disch. by order, May 3, 1863. Saml. Belsom, disch. for disability, Dec. 27, 1862. Alonzo H. Bennett, disch. for disability, Feb. 13, 1863. Julius Brazee, disch. at end of service, May 15, 1865. Win. 0. Barrett, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. Wm. C. Barrett, (lied of disease at Washington, D. C., August, 1864. Dorrance E. Burdick, veteran, enl. Dec. 29, 1863; must. out July 30, 1865. Sidney D. Cobb, died in action at James Island, S. C., June 16,1862. Emmett Cole, disch. for disability, Oct. 18, 1862. Harlan Cole, disch. for disability, Oct. 26,1862. Geo. Cross, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. Alonzo B. Duffy, disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1862. Alvan B. Durham, veteran, died of disease at Washington, D. C., May 4,1865. John G. Dowd, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must. out July 30, 1865. William Desmond, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must. out July 30,1865. Edward H. Easton, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must. out July 30, 1865. Henry Grebel, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must. out July 30, 1865. William H. Geiger, disch. fQr disability, March 27, 1862. Abraham Guntrip, disch. Jan. 8,1863. Joseph Garnish, died of wounds at Washington, D. C., June 30,1864. Oliver H. Greenfield, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; disch. by order, July 6,1865. William LI. Holden, veteran, eul. Dec. 30,1863; must. out July 30, 1865. Henry W. Hawes, disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1862. Edward Johnson, disch. for disability, Sept. 27, 1861. Elijah Kibbee, disch. by order, Aug. 15, 1865. Herman Knickerbocker, died in action at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12,1864. George W. Kightliner, veteran, enl. Dec. 30,1863; died on picket duty before Petersburg, Va., Dec. 9,1864. George Lusk, died in action at James Island, S. C., June 16, 1862. James Y. McLellan, died of wounds, June 25, 1862. John F. Maile, disch. for promotion, Aug. 11,1864. Daniel McKenzie, disch. at end of service, March 27,1865. John L. Maile, veteran, enl. Dec. 30,1863; disch. by order, Jan. 20, 1865. Duncan McBain, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; disch. by order, June 13, 1865. Daniel Pierce, veteran, enl. Dec. 30,1863; disch. by order, Aug. 12, 1865. John F. Phillips, died of disease at Hilton Head, S. C., Nov. 23, 1861. James S. Perry, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. James I. Fullmer, disch. for disability, Oct. 26, 1862. George W. Peck, disch. for disability. Close R. Palmer, disch. for disability. Charles M. Runyan, disch. for disability, Oct. 26,1862. Griden C. Rathbun, died in action at James Island, S. C., June 16, 1862. William Stokes, died of disease at Hilton Head, S. C., Nov. 27,1861. Benjamin Sirebury, disch. for disability. Henry Sliter, disch. for disability, Oct. 26, 1862. Hiram Seeley, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22,1864. Edward G. Stoffe, veteran, enl. Dec. 30,1863; must. out July 30,1865. Richard C. Smith, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; died of disease in Michigan, Feb. 2, 1864. John B. Tatro, died of disease at Hilton Head, S. C., Dec. 6, 1861. William S. Turrell, died of wounds at Fredericksburg, Va., June 18,1864. Harmon Wanderlish, died in action at James Island, S. C., June 16, 1862. Luther B. Wilcox, died at Spottsylvania, Va., May 9,1864. Myron H. Wells, disch. for disability, Dec. 9,1862. William R. Wheeler, disch. for disability, Dec. 9, 1862. George Wellman, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; must. out July 30, 1865. John W. Waggoner, veteran, enl. Dec. 30, 1863; disch. by order, Aug. 12, 1865. Company G. 1st Lieut. Chas. H. Swartout, Prairieville; enl. Oct. 18, 1864; pro. capt. Co. K, April 25, 1865; must. out July 30, 1865. 13 I William Carpenter, must. out July 30,1865. Daidimus M. Darling, must. out July 30,1865. John English, must. out July 30,1865. John Lewis, must. out July 30, 1865. Company L Edgar A. Clark, disch. by order, July 6,1861. Edgar H. Clark, disch. by order, Aug. 9,1865. Alonzo Gilbert, disch. by order, Aug. 9, 1865. Elijah P. Guiger, disch. by order Aug. 9, 1865. Pelingal D. Wright, disch. for disability, Feb. 4,1865. ALLEGAN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN THE EIGHTH INFANTRY. Company D. Quincy C. Lamoreaux, died of disease at home, April 25, 1865. Company G. Wm. Coleman, must. out July 30,1865. Nathaniel Davis, must. out July 30,1865. Robt. Patterson, must. out July 30, 1865. Thos. Welch, must. out July 30, 1865. Chas. Wilson, killed on picket before Petersburg, Feb. 18, 1865. NINTH INFANTRY. This regiment, so well known in the old Army of the Cumberland, was recruited during the summer and fall of 1861, its rendezvous being at Fort Wayne, near Detroit. It was mustered into the United States service for three years Oct. 15, 1861, and ten days later proceeded to the seat of war in Kentucky, being the first regiment from Michigan to enter upon active service in the field, west of the Alleghanies. It reached Jeffersonville, Ind., on the 27th, and the following day embarked for Salt River, Ky. Soon after, it constructed a defensive work on Muldraugh's Hill, a point on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, where it remained during' the winter of 1861-62. During its stay at that place the men of the Ninth were terribly afflicted with measles and other diseases, and as many as four hundred were on the sick-list at one time. The regiment remained at its winter cantonment until February, 1862. Immediately after the capture of Fort Donelson it was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and after a few weeks to Murfreesboro, Tenn., where it was on garrison duty nearly all the time until July 13, 1862. During that period, however, it formed part of Gen. Negley's command, which marched as far south as the Tennessee River, opposite Chattanooga, and then returned to Murfreesboro. Subsequently four companies were detached and stationed at Tullahoma, Tenn. On the 13th of July, at four o'clock in the morning, the six companies stationed at Murfreeibboro were attacked by three thousand rebel cavalry under Gen. Forrest. The Third Minnesota Infantry, with a battery, was encamped two miles northwest of the town. The first attack on the camp of five companies-one company was at the courthouse-was repulsed. Gen. Forrest then attacked the single company in the court-house. Col. Parkhurst sent to the commander of the Minnesota regiment for aid, which the latter, perhaps for good reasons, declined to give. The one company in the court-house held the foe at bay two hours, but was obliged to surrender. Forrest then returned to attack the camp. The men had meanwhile thrown up some slight defenses, behind which they fought vigorously until past noon, having just one hundred officers and men (out of less than three hundred) killed and wounded. Finding themselves outnumbered ten 98 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. to one, and receiving no assistance, they finally yielded to the inevitable, and surrendered. The enlisted men were paroled at McMinnville, but the officers were not released until several months later. In the latter part of December, 1862 (the prisoners taken at Murfreesboro having been exchanged and returned to duty) the regiment was detailed as provost-guard of the Fourteenth Corps, with Col. (afterwards General) Parkhurst as provost-marshal. Gen. Thomas remarked, when he made the detail, that he had fully acquainted himself with the conduct of the regiment in the defense of Murfreesboro, and that he needed just such a force for provost-guard. The Ninth acted in that capacity throughout the remainder of the war. Its services at the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga in stopping runaways and maintaining order were arduous in the extreme, and were warmly complimented by Gen. Thomas. When that gallant officer assumed command of the Army of the Cumberland, after Chickamauga, Col. Parkhurst was made provost-marshalgeneral of the department, and the Ninth became the provost-guard of that army. In December, 1863, two hundred and twenty-nine of the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and returned to Michigan on furlough. In the latter part of February, 1864, they again appeared at Chattanooga, with their numbers increased to about five hundred men. The regiment was again ordered to act as provost-guard of the Army of the Cumberland, and during the summer and autumn participated in all the movements of that army in Georgia and Tennessee. It entered Atlanta on its evacuation by the enemy, and was there engaged in provost duty until that city was abandoned by the Union forces, when it returned to Chattanooga. It was largely recruited during the season, and, notwithstanding the muster out of non-veterans whose terms had expired, had eight hundred and ninety-seven enlisted men on the 1st of November, 1864. It remained in Chattanooga until the 27th 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 15th of September, when it was mustered out of service. The following day it set out for Michigan, arriving at Jackson on the 19th, and on the 26th day of September, 1865, the Ninth Michigan Infantry was paid off and disbanded. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Company E. John C. Henry, must. out June 20,1865. Loren Hill, must. out June 20,1865. Geo. H. Kirkland, must. out June 20,1865. Richard C. Kent, died of disease at Nashville, July 2, 1865. Company H. Mason F. Rose, died of disease at Chattanooga, March 25, 1865. Samuel A. Raplee, must. out June 20, 1865. Hiram Saxton, must. out June 20,1865. Asahel Sprague, must. out June 20, 1865. Jas. W. Schemerhorn, must. out June 20, 1865. Company I. Christian Sutter, disch. by order, Jan. 7, 1865. Eli Shuck, must. out June 20, 1865. Company K. John E. Kenyon, must. out Sept. 15, 1865. Win. L. Torry, must. out June 20,1865. Edwin O. Fenny, must. out June 8, 1865. John Weigand, must. out July 4, 1865. Company B. Jas. W. Bennett, must. out June 20,1865. Nicholas Barton, must. out June 20, 1865. Wm. Corey, must. out June 20, 1865. Horace Cook, must. out June 20, 1865. Saml. Coleman, must. out June 20,1865. Patrick Colton, must. out June 20, 1865. Martin J. Darling, must. out June 20,1865. Miles Woodmansee, must. out June 20, 1865. Company C. Albert Emmons, must. out June 20,1865. Samuel Fisk, must. out June 20,1865. Lorenzo Lawrence, died of disease at Nashville, July 2, 1865. Company D. Wm. D. Green, must. out June 20,1865. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company A. William W. Ashley, must. out Sept. 15, 1865. Company B. Orrin J. Buck, must. out June 20, 1865. John H. Crispel, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 19, 1865. Company E. Sidney M. Constantine, must. out Sept. 15, 1865. George Gordon, disch. by order, Sept. 27, 1865. Levi Kingsbury, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Jan. 7, 1865. Company G. Samuel A. Owen, disch. by order, June 20,1865. Company H. Sheil Pulsifer, must. out June 20, 1865. Orrin Potter, must. out Sept. 15, 1865. Company L Watson W. Wait, must. out Sept. 15, 1865. Company K. John Tagle, must. out Sept. 15, 1865. TWELFTH INFANTRY. The Twelfth Regiment of Michigan Infantry was mustered into the United States service at Niles, March 5, 1862, and on the 18th of the same month proceeded to St. Louis, Mo. From there it was hurried forward to the Tennessee River, and reached Pittsburg Landing in time to take part in the battles fought there on the 6th and 7th of April. It was also engaged in the battle of Metamora. on the Hatchie River, Oct. 5, 1862. From the time of its organization to Nov. 1, 1862, it had lost forty-seven men killed, or died of wounds received in action, ninetytwo wounded in action, one hundred and six died of disease, and one hundred and six men taken prisoners at Shiloh. On the 24th of December, 1862, while one hundred and fifteen of the regiment were occupying a block-house at Middleburg, Tenn., they were attacked by a force of the enemy's cavalry three thousand strong. A severe engagement ensued, ending in the complete repulse of the enemy, with a loss to him of nine killed and eleven wounded, left on the field. Gen. Grant in subsequent orders warmly congratulated the men on account of this heroic defense. Early in June, 1863, the regiment was ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., and during the siege was stationed on Haynes' and Snyder's Bluffs. After the surrender of Vicksburg it was ordered into Arkansas, where the remainder of its service was performed. It re-enlisted as a veteran regiment at Little Rock, in November, 1863, when it returned to Niles on furlough. It again took the field -its ranks swelled by numerous recruits-in March, 1864; THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 99 I returning to Arkansas, where various duties were well performed until Feb. 15, 1866, when it was mustered out of the service at Little Rock. It arrived at Jackson, Mich., February 27th, where its members received their final pay and their discharge-papers, on the 6th of March, 1866. BARRY COUNTY SOLDIERS WHO SERVED IN THE TWELFTH INFANTRY. Field and Staff. Asst. Surg. Almon A. Thompson, Vermontville; com. Sept. 24,1862; res. Jan. 28, 1863; asst. surg. in 11th Cav., Dec. 23,1863; must. out Aug. 10, 1865. Company A. Alfred L. C]yborne, disch. by order, Jan. 24,1866. Henry Casselman, disch. by order, Jan. 24, 1866. Charles E. Ferguson, disch. by order, Jan. 24,1866. John Heath, disch. for disability, Sept. 23, 1865. Jay Proctor, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Jan. 7, 1865. Company C. Duncan McDonald, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Company E. Perry Brown, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., April 6, 1865. William Brown, disch. by order, May 27, 1865. Jesse Callihan, must. out Feb. 15,1866. George L. Chandler, must. out Feb. 15,1866. Elijah J. Hale, must. out Feb. 15,1866. Charles C. Jenson, disch. by order, Sept. 14,1865. Company G. Joel G. Brown, must. out Feb. 15,1866. Hamilton Brown, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Merritt Everett, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Warren Everett, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Alfred Feighner, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., June 28, 1864. John Rinehart, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., Aug. 14,1864. Ansel Towle, must. out Feb. 15,1866. Aaron Wright, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 17,1863. John Walker, died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., June 3, 1864. Company I. John Hartwell, disch. by order, Aug. 22, 1865. Solomon Seward, disch. by order, Sept. 30,1865. Company K. Hiram Johnson, died of disease at Washington, Ark., July 11, 1865. MEMBERS OF THE TWELFTH INFANTRY FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Company B. Albert Critz, died of disease at Camden, Ark., Sept. 24,1865. Edward P. Coots, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Company E. Frederick Hardy, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Jacob Snyder, disch. by order, Sept. 15. 1865. Company F. Sergt. Columbus Blake, Gun Plains; enl. Dec. 10, 1861; died of disease at Pittsburgh, Pa. Stephen Eldred, disch. September, 1862. Lawrence B. Green, discl. by order, May 20,1865. Stephen M. Hamblen, disch. at end of service, Sept. 9,1865. Andrew J. Munger, disch. by order, June 17,1865. David S. Reynold, disch. Sept. 1, 1862. Thomas H. Stubbarts, veteran, enl. Feb. 24, 1864; disch. for disability, Jan. 19, 1865. Company G. Benjamirl Alexander, disch. by order, June 17, 1865. Isaiah Rathbone, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Company H. Milton Burnip, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Sept. 15,1864. Alfred Dolittle, must. out Feb. 15,1866. Joseph Pattengill, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. Samuel F. Stainbrook, must. out Feb. 15, 1866. CHAPTER XXV. THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. Large Representation from These Counties in the Thirteenth-It joins Buell and marches to Pittsburg Landing-Siege of Corinth-Returns with Buell to Kentucky, and again advances to TennesseeBattle of Stone River-Great Bravery and Heavy Loss-Hard Marching-Battle of Chickamauga-Ordered to serve as Engineers -Re-enlistment-Services near Chattanooga-In Northern Alabama-It joins Sherman at Atlanta-The March to the Sea-The Method of the March-Through the Carolinas-Manner of Procedure-The Battle of Bentonville-A Hard Fight-Col. Eaton killed -Carlin's First Brigade holds its Ground-Repulsing the Enemy -Capturing a Large Force-Heavy Loss-Subsequent ServicesMuster out-Officers and Men from Allegan County-From Barry County. THE regiment above named, recruited during the fall of 1861, was mustered into the United States service for three years at Kalamazoo, Mich., Jan. 17, 1862. Among its officers and enlisted men the counties of Allegan and Barry were largely represented; the former by more than three hundred men,-its greatest representation in any separate command during the war. It contained, too, a larger number of the sons of Barry County than any other regiment, excepting the Sixth Cavalry. Commanded by Col. Michael Shoemaker, the regiment left Kalamazoo for the seat of war in Kentucky, Feb. 12, 1862, with nine hundred and twenty-five officers and men, to which number seventy-four were added by enlistment prior to July, 1862. The Thirteenth joined Gen. Buell's forces, and with him marched through Kentucky and Tennessee, via Bowling Green and Nashville, to Pittsburg Landing, which place it reached, after a forced march, near the close of the second day's battle, too late to take part in the conflict. From that time until the evacuation of Corinth by Beauregard, the Thirteenth was engaged in the arduous picket and pick-and-shovel duties performed by Gen. Halleck's army during the siege. It then moved with Gen. Buell's forces into Northern Alabama, and was the last of the command to leave that locality when the general fell back towards Louisville. It shared all the hardships of that long march across the States of Tennessee and Kentucky, and soon after reaching Louisville, in October, 1862, retraced its weary steps in pursuit of its old enemy, the rebel Gen. Bragg. It aided in chasing him and his motley forces out of Kentucky, but was not present at any heavy engagement. It suffered severely from disease, however; the deaths from this cause during the year ending Nov. 1, 1862, numbering seventy-one, while the number discharged for disability during the same time was one hundred and twenty. After a short stay at Silver Springs, Tenn., the regiment advanced and aided in driving the enemy from Lebanon. Proceeding to Nashville, it was on duty in that vicinity until the 26th of December, when it marched with Gen. Rosecrans' army towards Murfreesboro. On the 29th it was deployed as skirmishers, and lost several in killed and wounded. On the 31st of December, 1862, and the 1st and 2d of January, 1863, the regiment was hotly en gaged in the battle of Stone River, having twenty-five killed, sixty-two wounded, and eight missing out of two hundred and twenty-four who entered the conflict. On 100 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - the 31st of December it recaptured by a bayonet charge two Union guns which had fallen into the hands of the enemy. After the victory at Stone River the Thirteenth was engaged in building fortifications at Murfreesboro, and in scouting through the adjoining parts of Tennessee, until the 24th of June, 1863, when it advanced with Gen. Rosecrans against Bragg. After various marches and countermarches in rear of the retreating forces of the latter general, the regiment, with its division, moved from Hillsboro', Tenn., to cross the Cumberland Mountains. By a four days' march, over mountain ranges rising three thousand feet above the valleys, along roads so steep that the artillery and ambulances, and the baggage, supply- and ammunition-wagons often had to be hauled up by hand, the division reached the Sequatchie Valley. It then crossed the Tennessee River at Shell Mound, and, marching upon Chattanooga, the Thirteenth was one of the first regiments to occupy that place. On the 19th and 20th days of September, 1863, the regiment was in the midst of the hotly contested field of Chickamauga, where, although the Union troops, being outnumbered, were forced to retire from the field, the rebel loss far exceeded their own. The Thirteenth went into this battle with two hundred and seventeen officers and men, and of that number lost twenty-five killed, fiftyseven wounded, and twenty-five missing, some of whom were probably killed. The total number of those killed or mortally wounded in action during the year ending Nov. 1, 1863, was fifty-one, while there were ninety-two others wounded, sixty-six who died of disease, and one hundred and sixty-two who were discharged for disability. On the 5th of November the Thirteenth, together with the Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Michigan Infantry and the Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, was organized into a brigade of engineers and assigned to duty at Chattanooga, being attached to the headquarters of the Department of the Cumberland. It was present at the battles of Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain, but was not seriously engaged. During the months of December, 1863, and January, 1864, it was stationed on the Chickamauga, engaged in picket duty and in, cutting logs for building warehouses at Chattanooga. The Thirteenth re-enlisted as a veteran organization January 17, 1864, and on the 5th of February started home, arriving at Kalamazoo on the 12th. After the usual veteran furlough the regiment returned to the front on the 26th of March, with its numbers increased by over four hundred new recruits. Chattanooga was again reached April 20, 1864, and for five months from that time the regiment was stationed at Lookout Mountain, engaged in the construction of military hospitals and guarding the sick and wounded sent back from Sherman's army. It was then relieved from engineer duty and assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. After a severe march through Northern Alabama, in pursuit of Forrest's and Roddy's rebel cavalry, the regiment joined its brigade at Rome, Ga., on the 1st of November. As the Fourteenth and other corps retraced their steps towards Atlanta, the towns on the route, bridges, tele graph lines, and railroads were all destroyed. And when the corps marched into Atlanta, on the afternoon of November 15th, the city was already in flames, no more to be made a rebel stronghold. On the following morning Gen. Sherman's army set out on the celebrated " march to the sea" with one day's rations in the haversacks and none in the supply-trains. This renowned but comparatively easy achievement was accomplished by sixty thousand men,* veterans, all of them, and the flower of the whole Western army, who swept in a resistless mass through Georgia, brushing contemptuously aside the few feeble detachments of militia and conscripts which endeavored to oppose them, without delaying for a moment their own mighty and majestic advance. Having reached Savannah on the 10th of December, 1864, the regiment was on duty in the trenches before that city until the 21st of the same month, when Hardee's rebel forces evacuated the place. On the 17th of January, 1865, The force under the immediate command of Gen. Sherman in his march through Georgia and the Carolinas was composed of the Fifteent and S nnh and Seventeeth Army Corps, or " Army of the Tennessee," under Gen. Howard, as the right wing, and the Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps, or "Army of Georgia," under Gen. Slocum, as the left wing, while Kilpatrick's division of cavalry guarded the front, flanks, and rear. The Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps formed the major portion of the Army of the Cumberland during the Atlanta campaign of 1864, but at the beginning of Gen. Sherman's " march to the sea" the name of Army of Georgia was adopted, to distinguish Gen. Slocum's command from the troops commanded by Gen. Thomas, who still remained in command of the Army and Department of the Cumberland, with headquarters at Nashville, Tenn. These four army corps already mentioned were composed of three divisions each, except the Fifteenth, which had four divisions, and each corps, having its own artillery, ammunition, ambulance, pontoon and supply trains, was a separate and well-equipped army in itself. When no enemy appeared the corps moved on parallel roads from ten to fifteen miles distant from each other. In case fighting was apprehended, the two corps forming a wing were massed upon one road. The Fourteenth Corps, commanded by Gen. Jeff; C. Davis, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, was usually to be found on the extreme left flank of the armies. Its First, Second, and Third Divisions were commanded respectively by Gens. Carlin, J. D. Morgan, and Baird, and their movements were made in the following order: Carlin, with the First Division, wculd take the advance for three days; from two to five miles in rear of him was Morgan, with the Second; while in the rear was Baird, encumbered and struggling to bring forward over swamps, creeks, and rivers the corps trains of six hundred wagons, to each of which was attached six mules, guided with single rein by a profane Northern Jehu, who did not seem to enjoy his position unless covered with mud from spur to visor. On the morning of the fourth day Carlin would fall in in the rear, taking Baird's position, Baird would move in the centre, while Morgan took the advance, and thus they alternated at the beginning of each fourth day. Meantime, foraging-parties of from fifty to sixty men, detailed daily from each regiment, scoured the country in front and on the flanks for provisions. Indeed, so anxious were these foragers to " strike a fresh plantation" before those of other commands that they usually left camp as early as two o'clock A.M., and throughout the day kept in advance of the main column of troops by a distance of from five to ten miles, very frequently being found in advance of Kilpatrick's cavalry. Whether on foot, on mules, or mounted on Southern thoroughbreds, jolting along in a loaded plantation cart, or riding into camp seated in a sumptuous barouche, the foragers of the Fourteenth Corps cared little for Wheeler's, Butler's, or I1impton's rebel cavalry, and when attacked by them, readily organized their skirmish line and reserve, without officers, and, advancing, cleared their way. Thus did Sherman's armies bowl " down to the sea," and after the proud and defiant city of Savannah was within their grasp the same scenes were re-enacted in the march northwards through the Carolinas. THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 101 the regiment advanced with the Army of Georgia up the right bank of the Savannah River to Sisters' Ferry, where, after much labor and delay, it crossed into South Carolina. Thence it proceeded, via Barnwell Court-House,Williston, and Lexington, to near Columbia, S. C.; there it crossed the Saluda River, and, moving up the west bank of the Catawba, crossed the latter river at Rocky Mount, where rains, mud, and swollen streams again hindered the Fourteenth Corps for more than a week. After making the passage of the Catawba, the command was hurried forward by forced marches to Cheraw, where, on the south bank of Great Pedee, the main forces were overtaken. From there to Fayetteville, N. C., skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry was a daily occurrence. The enemy under Hardee was driven out of the latter place and pursued to Averysboro', N. C., where, on the 16th of March, a sharp engagement ensued; the enemy being driven from the field, losing heavily in killed and wounded, besides many prisoners,among the latter being Col. Rhett and his famous regiment of young South Carolinians. The Union forces operating in this field were those of the Fourteenth and Twentieth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Slocum; the Army of the Tennessee, or right wing, being some twenty-five or thirty miles to the eastward, moving on Goldsboro'. One division of the Fourteenth Corps and of the Twentieth were guarding their respective corps-trains, leaving but four small divisions-at the most not more than twenty thousand men, and onethird of those shoeless-to engage such numbers as might oppose them. From Averysboro' the Fourteenth Corps took the advance, Morgan's Second Division leading, and Carlin's First coming next. Baird was guarding the train, while the two divisions of the Twentieth Corps were in the rear of Carlin. During the 17th and 18th of March, Morgan's skirmishers had several encounters with the enemy, but the latter rapidly retired whenever his columns were seen advancing, until late in the afternoon of the 18th, when the Confederates disputed his further progress with artillery, supported by infantry and cavalry. Morgan's First Brigade, composed of the Tenth and Fourteenth Michigan Infantry, Sixteenth and Sixtieth Illinois Infantry, and Seventeenth New York Infantry, being in the advance, immediately formed line of battle and moved forward, when the enemy again retired. The regiments of this brigade stacked arms on their color-lines and encamped for the night. Gen. Sherman, with his staff and escort, also established his headquarters in the midst of this brigade the same evening. Early on the morning of the 19th the general commanding set out to join the right wing, and Carlin's First Division of the Fourteenth Corps moved to the front, to take the advance for the three succeeding days. By this time Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, one of the best officers in the Confederate service, had collected all the available rebel troops in Georgia, North and South Carolina, and was prepared with near forty thousand men to make one desperate effort to stop Sherman's advance toward Richmond, or at least to defeat his left wing. He accordingly took up a strong position near the little village of Bentonville, which gave its name to the battle which followed. His presence was unknown to the Union troops in his front, and when Carlin's troops moved out on the morning of the 19th, they did so with buoyant spirits and the long, swinging stride so characteristic of this army. Johnston's army and line of earthworks were scarcely five miles distant from the place where Morgan encamped on the night of the 18th. Therefore, Carlin had hardly given room for Morgan to place his command on the road when his (Carlin's) advance struck the enemy,* and at once became hotly engaged. Morgan's troops hurried forward on the doublequick and took position, by orders of Gen. Davis, on Carlin's right, while the two divisions of the Twentieth Corps came up with all possible speed and went into line on his left. At the beginning of the battle the First Division advanced with confident steps to what they expected would be but a repetition of their former easy victories, and at one time the Thirteenth Michigan gained a position within six rods of the enemy's intrenchments, but the storm of lead was too severe to be withstood. The brave Col. Willard G. Eaton, of Otsego, was shot dead at the head of his men, and at length the whole division was compelled to fall back to the shelter of a low acclivity within easy musket-range of the enemy's works. The battle raged with wavering fortunes all the rest of the day. Johnston, in the hopes of destroying before reinforcements could come up a force much less than his own, forced the fight, but the men who here represented the Union arms were the surviving heroes of Donelson, Shiloh, Island No. 10, Corinth, Perrysville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and Lookout Mountain, besides the score of battles fought during the Atlanta campaign; while the eastern troops of the Twentieth Corps had breasted the leaden storm on the Peninsula, at Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg before joining the Army of the Cumberland. They were men who had been out two months from Savannah, receiving during that time no mails, letters, or tidings from home, and they did not piopose to be balked in their onward march now, or to assist in filling rebel prison-pens, and the oft-repeated assaults of the enemy were met by a withering fire and counter-charges which sent them hurrying to the shelter of the woods. While Carlin's division and the Twentieth Corps were so warmly engaged on the open ground, Morgan was equally busy in the pines on the right, and his First Brigade, under Gen. Vandever, composed of the Michigan, Illinois, and New York Regiments previously mentioned, had the best fortune of any of the troops in the battle of that day. This brigade was stationed on the extreme right, and its right flank was guarded by an impenetrable swamp. During the intervals between the charges of the enemy, Vandever's brigade was enabled to erect log breastworks, the trees being felled and cut into the required lengths with hatchets, of which nearly every man carried one in his waist-belt. Late in the afternoon, during a desperate charge on Morgan's left, one of his brigades gave way, and a column of * The rebels occupied low, swampy ground. Their position was screened by a dense pine forest, and was approached by the Union forces over cleared fields. 102 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. the enemy passed through the gap. Wheeling to the left, they moved down in rear of Vandever's brigade, making it necessary for the Union troops to occupy the front side of their own works, from before which their immediate opponetits had happily retired. Here a short sharp fight of a few moments' duration was ended by Vandever's men leaping forward in a charge, and compelling the surrender of several hundred rebels. In this battle the Thirteenth Michigan Infantry lost one hundred and ten officers and men, killed, wounded, and captured. During the long night which succeeded, Gen. Sherman was marching the Army of the Tennessee to the reinforcement of the almost overwhelmed, but not defeated, Army of Georgia. He arrived at daylight of the 20th, and a day or so later Johnston was driven from the field. After his surrender the Thirteenth proceeded with its command to Washington, D. C., and participated in the grand review of Gen. Sherman's army, May 24, 1864; left that city on the 9th of June, reaching Louisville, Ky., on the 15th of the latter month. It was mustered out of service at Louisville, July 25th, and on the 27th of July, 1865, arrived at Jackson, Mich., where it was paid off and disbanded. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY WHO SERVED IN THE THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. Field and Staff. Col. Willard G. Eaton, Otsego; corn. Feb. 23, 1865; maj., May 26, 1863; capt. Co. I, Oct. 20,1862; 1st lieut. Co. I, Oct. 3,1861; killed in action at Bentonville, N. C., March 19,1865. Lieut.-Col. P. Van Arsdale, Saugatuck; com. May 12, 1865; maj., April 25, 1865; must. out July 25,1865. (See Co. A.) Adj. Alanson B. Case, Otsego; corn. Jan. 20, 1863; must. out at end of service Jan. 16, 1865. Non- Commissioned Staff. Sergt.-Maj. Alanson B. Case, Otsego; enl. Oct. 17, 1861; pro. to 2d lieuit. Co. B. Sergt. Maj. Clark D. Fox, Otsego; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. I. Q.-M. Sergt. Kilburn W. Mansfield, Otsego; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. A, July 4, 1862. Corn. Sergt. John Kirby, Allegan; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. A, April 25, 1865. Company A. Capt. P. Van Arsdale, Saugatuck; com. Feb. 28, 1863; 1st lieut., July 13, 1862; pro. to maj., April 25,1865. (See Field and Staff.) 1st Lieut. Kilburn W. Mansfield, Otsego; com. Feb. 28,1863; 2d lieut., July 4, 1862; pro. to capt. Co. I. 2d Lieut. John Kirby, Allegan; corn. April 25,1865; must. out July 25, 1865. Carlton Barton, disch. for disability, April 30, 1865. Edgar Barton, must. out July 25, 1865. Clark B. Brewster, disch. by order, Sept. 8,1865. Henry Carmody, died of disease in New York City, Jan. 12,1865. Edwin Chamberlain, must. out July 25, 1865. John E. Case, must. out July 25, 1865. James Delevan, must. out July 25, 1865. Russell Dyer, died of disease in Allegan, Oct. 1, 1862. Abial Emmons, disch. for disability, June 25, 1862. William Ernmons, disch. for disability, June 23,1862. Philander J. Edson, must. out July 25, 1865. Myron C. Finch, disch. by order, July 14, 1865. Henry Gillespie, must. out July 25, 1865. Joseph W. Hershaw, must. out July 20, 1865. Edward Howe, must. out July 25,1865. Martin Harter, must. out July 25, 1865. Amasa Jones, must. out July 25, 1865. Chlauncey Jones, must. out July 25, 1865. Joseph Kipp, must. out July 25,1865. James H. Lewis, must. out July 25,1865. Clark H. Lyman, must. out Aug. 4, 1865. Alvin W. Morley, disch. by order, May 20,1865. Henry Merchant, must. out July 25,1865. Amos C. Root, died of disease on government steamer, May 7,1865. Jacob Schweikert, disch. by order, June 7, 1865. Alexander W. Sprague, must. out July 25, 1865. Abel Stearns, must. out July 25, 1865. Samuel Shepard, must. out July 25, 1865. Calvin Underwood, disch. for disability, May 16,1862. Job Underwood, died of disease at Louisville, July 6,1862. George B. Van Arsdale, died of disease at Pittsburgh, May 30,1865. I Walter Wood, disch. for disability, Sept. 17, 1862. Milton B. Williams, disch. by order, June 13,1865. Company B. Capt. George B. Force, Gun Plains; com. Sept. 23, 1861; res. May 31, 1862. Capt. Dewitt C. Kenyon, Ganges; corn. March 19, 1864; let lieut., Jan. 31, 1863; must. out July 25, 1865. 1st Lieut. Jacob G. Fry, Ganges; com. May 31, 1862; 2d lieut., Oct. 3,1861; res. for disability, Jari. 31,1863. 1st Lieut. John H. Baldwin, Ganges; corn. May 12,1865; 2d lieut., Aug. 26,1864; must. out July 25, 1865. 2d Lieut. Alanson B. Case, Otsego; corn. May 31,1862; pro. to 1set lieut. and adj. (See Field and Staff.) 2d Lieut. Howell H. Trask, Gun Plains; corn. Jan. 20, 1863; pro. to 1st lieut.; res. as 2d lieut. 2d Lieut. Leonard E. Perry, Gun Plains; corn, April 25, 1865; must. out July 25, 1865. Sergt. Spencer H. Banks, Ganges; enl. Oct. 9, 1861; died at Corinth, Miss., June 12, 1862. Sergt. Howell IH. Trask, Ganges; pro. to 2d lieut. Sergt. Dewitt C. Kenyon, Allegan; enl. Oct. 10, 1861; pro. to 1st lieut. Sergt. William 0. Allen, Ganges; enl, Oct. 2,1861; missing in action at Chickamauga, Sept. 19,1863. Sergt. John H. Baldwin, Ganges; enl. Oct. 1, 1861; veteran, Feb. 11, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. G. Corp. Joseph Miller, Ganges; enl. Oct. 4, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Corp. William H1. Sherman, Gun Plains; enl. Oct. 1,1861; died of disease at St. Louis, March 16, 1862. Musician Edward Breen, Ganges; enl. Oct. 17,1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Musician William Martin, Ganges; enl. Dec. 10, 1861; disch. for disability, May 27, 1862. Elias Anway, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Edson Amidon, must. out July 25, 1865. James Briggs, must. out July 25, 1865. Noah Briggs, must. out July 25,1865. Linus Bathrick, disch. for disability, July 19,1862. William Burns, disch. Aug. 8,1862. Lewis Bell, disch. at end of service, March 22,1865. Horace S. Beach, disch. by order, June 8,1865. William H. Barnes, disch. by order, June 9,1865. William II. Briggs, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Dec. 21, 1864. James W. Billings, trans. to Signal Corps, Jan. 13,1864. Win. B. Chase, disch. for disability, April 28, 1862. Henry C. Curtis, disch. for disability, Jan. 15, 1864. Geo. Curtis, disch. by order, June 15, 1865. John Curtis, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Warren Cushman, disch. by order, June 21,1865. John Crow, must. out July 25, 1865. L. Y. Cady, must. out July 25, 1865. Henry Cheney, must. out July 25,1865. John Claffy, must. out July 25, 1865. Orson W. Davis, must. out July 25,1865. Luzerne Durand, disch. by order, July 11, 1865. Freeman II. Day, died of disease at Lookout Mountain, June 30,1861. James Eggleston, must. out July 25,1865. Herman P. Fisher, disch. for disability, Aug. 28,1862. Austin Foot, died of disease at Shiloh, Tenn. Freeland Gray, disch. for disability, June 22, 1864. Wm. Gould, veteran; enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Wallace Goodsell, must. out July 25,1865. Thos. A. Hubbard, must. out July 25,1865. Frank Hapgood, must. out July 25,1865. Jas. Huddlestone, must. out July 25, 1865. Elijah Howard, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Jan. 17,1864. Geo. Hamilton, disch. for disability, Sept. 12,1862. Pembroke Hazen, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. Morris A. James, must. out July 25,1865. John Knowlton, must. out July 25, 1865. Daniel Lee, died ot wounds received in action, Dec. 24,1863. Cyrille Le Due, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. Frank May, disch. for disability, May 21, 1863. Sylvester Munger, disch. for disability, April 2,1863. Wirt J. Morris, disch. for disability, Feb. 28, 1863. Chas E. McCarty, disch. for disability, May 22, 1862. Geo. A. Miller, disch. for disability, May 20,1862. Wm. B. Miller, died of disease at Bowling Green, March 14, 1862. Adam Mil er, must. out July 25,1865. Elliott McRae, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Robert Meldrum, must. out July 25, 1865. Geo. H. Newcomb, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864. Ruloff P. Ockford, disch. for disability, July 9, 1862. Henry B. Oliver, veteran, enl. Jan. 18,1864; must. out July 25,1865. Lemuel W. Osborn, must. out July 25, 1865. Edson M. Porter, must. out July 25, 1865. John D. Patterson, must. out July 25,1865. TEIRTEENTH INFANTRY. 103 Stephen G. Parker, must. out July 25, 1865. Edward Penfold, must. out July 25, 1865. Henry Penfold, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., June 12,1863. Milton Pratt, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Feb. 15, 1865. James Pierce, died Qf disease in New York Harbor, April 8,1865. Geo. W. Russell, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1863. Irwin L. Ross, disch. for disability, June 2, 1863. Wm. H. Ross, disch. at end of service, Jan. 18, 1865. Leroy Root, must. out July 25, 1865. Melvin Reed, must. out July 25, 1865. James Seringer, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Samuel E. Stillson, veteran, enl. Feb. 8, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Albertus Simons, disch. by order, July 19, 1865. Jos. Sinclair, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. Orletus C. Thayer, disch. at end of service, April 28, 1865. Ormenus Thayer, disch. for disability, May 21, 1862. Chas. T. Wilson, disch. for disability, May 21, 1862. Geo. F. Warner, veteran, enl. Feb. 8, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Wm. White, must. out July 25, 1865. David Woodbeck, must. out July 25, 1863. Company C. Sergt. Albert G. Wetmore, Allegan; veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; pro. 2d lieut. Co. F. Jos. W. Buttrick, died of disease, Jan. 15, 1864. Lewis M. Bennett, disch. at end of service, Jan. 20,1865. Geo. Cook, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Geo. Delabarre, disch. for disability, Oct. 21,1865. Leander Fox, killed in action in North Carolina, March 19,1865. Alden C. Hand, killed in action at Stone River. Abram Hofmeister, must. out July 25, 1865. Isaac Itofmeister, must. out July 25, 1865. John Hofmeister, must. out June 8, 1865. Saml. Mosier, must. out July 25, 1865, Isaac E. Morse, died of disease at Kalamnizoo, Feb. 15, 1862. Chas. W. Morse, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Francis Murray, disch. by order, Jan. 14, 1864. Andrew McGaw, disch. for disability, June 2,1862. Eliphalet Porter, disch. for disability, April 10, 1862. Walter Pullman, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Burtis Rutgers, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. John Sweezy, must. out July 25,1865. John Staring, disch. by order, June 2,1865. J. H. Tanner, died of disease at Corinth, Miss., June 7,1862. Salem True, must. out July 25,1865. Chas. Tyler, must. out July 25, 1865. Geo. Tyler, must. out July 25,1865. Nathan G. Wilson, died of disease at Nashville, Sept. 19, 1862. Warren W. Wilcox, veteran, entl. Jan. 18, 1861; died of disease at Jackson, Mich., April 24,1864. Samuel Winger, disch. for disability, Nov. 7, 1862. John Wynn, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Joel Yerton, must. out July 25, 1865. Company D. Lee J. Bishop, disch. for disability, May 1, 1862. Chas. Butterfield, disch. Aug. 1, 1865. Harvey D. Culver, disch. for disability, March 27, 1863. Win. Sloan, disch. July 5, 1862. Company E. Chauncey E. Blossom, must. out July 25, 1865. Samuel Caruthers, died of disease, Dec. 12, 1863. Peter Lahman, must. out July 25, 1865. David Lowe, disch. May 15, 1865. Jabez McClelland, disch. for disability, July 7, 1865. Joseph Misner, must. out June 26, 1865. Bela G. Moulton, must. out July 25, 1865. Philander Palmer, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Ebenezer E. Ross, died of disease at Washington, Oct. 26, 1862. Alfred W. Sliter, disch. for disability, Sept. 14, 1862. Thos. J. Shellman, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Caleb Van Vrain, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., May 30,1865. James Wood, must. out July 25, 1865. Company F. 2d Lieut. Albert G. Wetmore, Allegan, May 26,1864; pro. 1st lieut. July 5,1865; must. out July 25, 1865. James Cisnee, must. out May 15, 1865. Wm. H. Drake, disch. by order, May 30,1865. Company G. Capt. George M. Rowe, Saugatuck; com. March 9, 1865; 1st lieut. Feb. 13,1863; com. maj. July 6,1865, but not mustered; must. out as capt. July 25, 1865. Sergt. Jolhn H. Baldwin, Ganges; pro. 2d lieut. Co. B. Corp. Fredk. Severance, enl. Nov. 18, 1861; disch. for disability, Aug. 15, 1862. Wagoner Win. H. Meade, enl. Oct. 23, 1861; disch. May 30, 1863. John S. Black, disch. for disability, July 10, 1862. Wm. A. Babbitt, must. out July 25, 1865. Edwin F. Case, died of wounds, Sept. 24, 1863. David Cornelius, died of disease in Indiana, Jan. 22,1865. Edward Germond, died in Andersonville prison, May 16, 1864. Henry Hinds, died of wounds at Chattanooga, Nov. 26, 1863. Chillon Runnels, died of disease, Jan. 15,1864. Wm. Starr, died of disease. Feb. 15, 1861. Byron Teal, disch. for disability, Oct. 20,1862. Jeptha Waterman, disch. for disability, July 10, 1862. Randall C. Waterman, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Company H. David Barrington, disch. by order, July 18, 1865. Wm. H. Cronk, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. Elisha W. Call, disch. for disability, Jan. 3, 1863. Albert M. Dustin, must. out July 25, 1865. Isaac Fisher, must. out July 29, 1865. Henry Germond, discl. at end of service, Jan. 17, 1865. Seth Loveridge, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. James Orr, disch. by order, May 27, 1865. John M. Pinney, disch. for disability. Wm. H. Rumsey, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863. James Shattuck, disch. for disability, July 13, 1862. Orville Whitlock, discli. for disability, Dec. 22, 1862. Company L Capt. Henry C. Stoughlton, Otsego; com. Oct. 3, 1861; res. Oct. 20, 1862. Capt. Willard G. Eaton, Otsego; com. Oct. 20, 1862; let lieut. Oct. 3, 1861; pro. to maj. May 26, 1863. Capt. Clark D. Fox, Otsego; corn. June 13,1863; 1st lieut. Oct. 20,1862; sergt.maj.; killed in action at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 19,1863. Capt. K. W. Mansfield, Otsego; cornm. March 19, 1864; 1st lieut. Feb. 28,1863; must. out July 25, 1865. 2d Lieut. P. Van Arsdale, Saugatuck; corn. Oct. 3, 1861; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. A, July 13, 1862. 2d Lieut. Geo. M. Rowe, Saugatuck; corn. July 13, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut., Co. G, July 13, 1863. 2d Lieut. Geo. Nelson, Otsego; corn. June 13,1863; wounded, and disch. June 1, 1864. 2d Lieut. John H. Stephens, corn. April 25, 1865; must. out July 25, 1865. Sergt. Isaiah Beard, Otsego; enl. Oct. 7,1861; disch. for disability, Jan. 25,1862. Sergt. Clark D. Fox, Otsego; enl. Oct. 16, 1861; appointed sergt.-maj. Sergt. K. W. Mansfield, Otsego; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. A. Sergt. Geo. M. Rowe, Saugatuck; enl. Nov. 1, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. I. Sergt. Geo. Nelson, Otsego; enl. Oct. 21, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. I. Sergt. John W. Travis, Otsego; enl. Oct. 7,1861; died of disease at Nashville, April 20, 1862. Sergt. John H. Stephens, Allegan; enl. Oct. 26, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18,1864; pro. to 2d lieut. Corp. Amos. Dunning, Saugatuck; enl. Nov. 1,1861; died of disease in Alabama. Corp. Hugh W. Dixon, Manlius; enl. Oct. 26, 1861; trans. to Co. A. Corp. G. H. Slotman, Overisel; ertl. Nov. 12,1861; disch. at end of service, May 22, 1865. Corp. Edward M. Bissel, Otsego; enl. Oct. 23, 1861; trans. to Invalid Corps; disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Corp. Edward Stowe, Manlius; enl. Oct. 23,1861; trans. to Invalid Corps, Aug. 1, 1863. Corp. Jacob M. Chapman, Manlius; enl. Jan. 9, 1862; died at St. Louis, May 25, 1862. Musician Clark C. Bailey, Fillmore; enl. Dec. 3, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Musician Herbert Day, Otsego; enl. Nov. 12, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18,1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Wagoner John A. McClaire, Saugatuck; enl. Dec. 16, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Cyrus E. Ames, shot in a quarrel, Sept. 20, 1863. Samuel Agan, must. out July 25, 1865. Benjamin T. Binn, must. out July 25, 1865. Charles Barry, must. out July 25, 1865. Charles L. Bard, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25,1865. Benjanmin B. Brush, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Boswell R. Burlinghame, died of disease at Otsego, Mich. Isaac Brundage, died of disease at New Albany, Ind. Erritt Brockman, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 24,1862. Oscar Bissell, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 3,1863. Martin S. Brown, died of disease at Salina, Mich., April 17, 1863. William C. Brundage, disch. for disability, Jan. 25, 1862. Peter H. Billings, disch. for disability, Nov. 5, 1862. Edward Bissell, disch. by order, Aug. 26, 1863. Leander Ballard, disch. for disability, Dec. 5, 1863. Henry L. Beach, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 15, 1864. Thomas Cooper, must. out Jlly 25, 1865. Jan. Dannenborg, died of disease, April 28, 1862. William W. Dormer, disch. for disability, May 13, 1863. James K. Dole, disch. for disability, Oct. 4,1862. William Dusenbury, disch. for disability, Nov. 15, 1862. Charles 0. Edwards, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Dec. 1, 1863, 104 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. --- Daniel Eaton, must. out July 25, 1865. Miles B. Eaton, must. out July 25,1865. Charles Francisco, must. out July 25, 1865. William E. Fields, must. out July 25, 1865. James L. Fairbanks, veteran, enl. Jan. 18,1864; must. out July 25,1865. Frederick R. Fuller, died of disease at Louisville, Oct. 1,1862. Charles Garlock, disch. by order, July 20, 1865. Henry Holt, disch. for disability, May 13, 1863. David Hammond, disch. for disability, June 1,1863. John Hackhouse, disch. for disability, May 4, 1864. Charles Hogle, must. out July 25,1865. Jacob Hazen, mulst. out July 25, 1865. John Inman, must. out July 18,1865. John P. Jones, must. out July 25,1865. George N. Joslyn, disch. by order, June 8,1865. William Joslyn, disch. for disability, Aug. 1, 1863. James C. Jones, disch. for disability, Nov. 28,1863. O. P. Kingsbury, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn. Martin Kramer, died of dise:se at Lookout Mountain, Aug. 2,1864. John Kramer, must. out July 25,1865. John Knight, veteran, enl. Jan. 18,1864; must. out July 25,1865. Smith Larkin, disch. for disability, May 2,1862. Jasper Lusk, disch. for disability, Nov. 11, 1862. Jacob Mooney, died of disease at Danville, Va., May 14,1862. William McKee, died of disease, April 16, 1862. George C. Miner, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 4,1863. William Miner, must. out July 25,1865. Andrew J. Myers, must. out July 25, 1865. George A. Myers, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Joseph Masterson, must. out July 25, 1865. John McQueen, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; died in action at Bentonville, March 19, 1865. Robert Nelson, veteran, enl. Jan.18, 1864; must. out July 25,1865. Henry Newton, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Hezekiah B. Niles, disch. for disability, Oct. 28, 1862. Stephen Pratt, disch. for disability. Sylvanus S. Palmer, died of disease, May 15,1862. Philander Palmer, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864. John W. Purdy, died of wounds, April 22,1865. Thomas L. Parker, must. out July 25,1865. George E. Reynolds, died of disease, July 13, 1862. Alonzo Rouse, died of wounds, Sept. 26,1863. Stephen Rowe, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Peter Rauf, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16,1865. Allen Smith, disch. for disability, Nov. 11,1862. Ward P. Smith, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 1, 1863. James Smith, must. out July 25, 1865. William Simmons, veteran, eil. Jan. 18,1864; must. out July 25,1865. David Simmonds, disch. by order, July 14,1865. Perry Slaw, died of disease, May 22, 1862. Harvey H. Sqnlier, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Dec. 31, 1864. Norton Schermerhorn, must. out July 25, 1865. John H. Slotman, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1865; must. out July 25,1865. Wm. A. Upson, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Burd Vanderhoop, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. John R. Ward, disch. by order, Aug. 14,1865. Danl. Warne, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Henry Wilson, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Eldridge Wilson, must. out July 25, 1865. Levi Wilson, must. out July 25, 1865. Enos Warner, must. out July 25, 1865. Geo. W. Wise, must. out July 25, 1865. Itha Xocum, must. out July 25, 1865. Company K. Frank A. Beardsley, disch. by order,June 8,1865. Win. Gibson, died of disease at David's Island, New York Harbor, June 28,1865. Robert Nelson, disch. for disability, Aug. 28, 1862. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. Field and Staff and Non-Commissioned Staff. 1st Lieut. and Q.-M. Charles H. Ruggles, Prairieville; corn. March 19, 1864; 2d lieut.; must. out July 25, 1865. Q.-M. Sergt. Daniel B. Hosmer, Castleton; pro. to 2d lieut., Co. D, Sept. 17, 1862. Con. Sergt. Fitz Allen Blackman, Prairieville; must. out July 25, 1865. Company A. 2d Lieut. Charles H. Ruggles, Prairieville; con, Feb. 28,1863; pro. to 1st lieut. and quartermaster. Sergt. Thos. B. Dunn, Prairieville; enl. Dec. 25, 1861; died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., July 6, 1863. Sergt. Nathaniel P. Bunnell, Barry; enl. Dec. 18, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Corp. Wm. L. Gunton, Thornapple; enl. Dec. 13, 1861; disch. July 25, 1862. Corp. Dyer Russell, Maple Grove; enl. Dec. 14, 1861; died of disease at Allegan, Oct. 1, 1862. Corp. Wm. J. Storms, Prairieville; enl. Oct. 23, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; absent sick at muster out. Musician Anson G. Philips, Prairieville; enl. Nov. 1, 1861; disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Robert Allen, disch. for disability, June 23,1862. Noah J. Bowker, disch. for disability, April 30, 1861. Aaron Borie, disch. July 4,1862. Jacob Bennett, died of disease at Iuka, Ala., June 11, 1862. James Brew, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. James Cook, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. Lyman A. Cross, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 29, 1862. Horace Castle, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Oct. 21, 1862. Elnathan H. Case, disch. for disability, Aug. 16,1862. Benjamin T. Cobb, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16,1865. William Campbell, disch. for disability, Aug. 18, 1862. Marcine B. Chamberlain, disch. for disability, Oct. 29,1862. Edward C. Cole, disch. for disability, Oct. 21, 1862. Warren Easton, disch. by order, June 8,1865. Horace J. Easton, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Levi Gilespie, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 1, 1863. Joshua P. Iart, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., March 30,1862. William S. Harris, died of disease, Dec. 31, 1862. Harvey A. lavens, disch. by order, June 30,1865. Benjamin L. Harper, veteran, enl. Jan. 18,1864; must. out July 25,1865. John P. Hart, must. out July 25,1865. Jay R. Lathrop, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., March 31, 1862. Theodore V. Linderman, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16,1865. Samuel Lightner, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. James B. Miller, disch. for disability, Oct. 26, 1862. George Nickols, died of disease near Corinth, Miss., May 26,1862. Samuel A. Owen, disch. for disability, May 13, 1862. David A. Randall, disch. for disability, July 18,1862. EbeLezer Rathbone, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 26, 1862. Ira Smtith, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16,1865. Aarun D. Staley, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. Samuel S. Tyler, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 20, 1862. Geo. W. Tuttle, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. George S. Tuft, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. George W. Wilber, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Cornelius S. Wbitcomb, must. out July 25,1865. Frederick W. Williams, disch. at end of service, Jan. 16, 1865. Company B. Sergt. Calvin Iill, Yankee Springs; enl. Oct. 2, 1861; disch. Sept. 8, 1862. Corp. Geo. W. Knickerbocker, Yankee Springs; enl. Oct. 8, 1861; veteran, Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Corp. Leander B. Pryor, Yankee Springs; enl. Oct. 8, 1861; must. out July 25, 1865. Corp. Irwin L. Ross, Trowbridge; enl. Oct. 7, 1861; disch. July 24, 1862. Corp. Lewis Slater, Yankee Springs; enl. Oct. 8, 1861; disch. Feb. 11, 1863. Rollo Bishop, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., May 9, 1863. Charles Bishop, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1861; must. out July 25, 1865. Littlejohn Baker, veteran, enl. Feb. 13, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. John D. Bishop, must. out July 25, 1865. Rockwell D. Corwin, must. out July 25, 1865. Joseph Case, died of disease at Bardstown, Ky., April 26, 1862. Andrew J. Case, disch. at end of service, March 24, 1865. John B. Crandall, disch. by order, June 15, 1865. William F. Edgitt, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Thomas A. Hubbard, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864; must. out July 25, 1865. Richard IIecox, died of disease at Prairieville, Mich., Jan. 18, 1862. John C. Henry, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 18, 1863. Newton Hubbard, disch. for disability, May 23, 1862. Henry W. Knickerbocker, must. out July 25, 1865. Alva J. Morehouse, died of disease at Illinois, Nov. 18,1862. Squire M. Nichols, must. out June 8,1865. Edward Pryor, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 5, 1862. Orville J, Pryor, died of disease at Detroit, Mich., Feb. 17, 1865. Robert E. Pryor, must. out June 8,1865. Leonard E. Perry, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. Leander B. Pryor, disch. for disability, March 7,1863. Orwin Potter, disch. for disability, Feb. 22, 1862. Johnt W. Rodgers, discli. by order, June 8, 1865. Charles H. Rodgers, must. out July 25, 1865. Orvis Stater, disch. at end of service, March 14, 1865. Winton Smith, disch. May 27,1862. Henry Smith, disch. for disability, May 21, 1862. William B. Williams, disch. for disability, May 21, 1862. Joseph J. Wrist, disch. for disability, May 21, 1862. Harrison C. Wrist, disch. for disability, May 21,1862. John Withey, disch. for disability, Feb. 1, 1863. Francis Withey, must. out July 25, 1865. William Withey, killed in action at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862. Francis Youtng, died of disease at Kalamuazoo, Mich., Feb. 14,1862. Company C. Milo Bunce, must. out July 25,1865. Isaac Burget, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. FOURTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH, AND NINETEENTH INFANTRY. 105 James H. Durkee, disch. by order, June 8,1865. Franklin A. Durfee, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. William 0. Hurd, disch. by order, May 26,1865. Jacob Heaton, disch. by order, June 22, 1865. George Hindmarch, died of disease at Gallatin, Dec. 19, 1862. Horace E. Ludlow, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. John W. Pryor, died of disease, June 26, 1865. Stephen V. Wheaton, must. out July 25, 1865. Company D. Capt. Daniel B. Hosmer, Castleton; enl. June 19, 1863; 2d lieut., Sept. 17, 1862; sergt.; killed in action at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 19, 1863. Robert E. Ferguson, veteran, enl. Jan. 18, 1864. Company E. George H. Durkee, must. out July 25, 1865. Cyrus A. Morse, disch. May 15,1865. William McConley, disch. by order, May 19,1865. Henry P. Ralston, disch. by order, Jan. 16, 1865. Company F. Dewitt C. Dye, disch. Feb. 24,1863. Company G. Calvin P. Angell, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. Lyman C. Angell, died of disease, Dec. 2,1864. Richard Blucher, died of disease at Huntsville, Ala., Aug. 27, 1862. Thomas Besinger, disch. for disability, July 18, 1862. William H. Mead, disch. for disability, May 30,1863. Justice Mudge, died of disease at Milledgeville, Ga., Dec. 4,1864. George A. Willard, died of wounds at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 4, 1863. Company H. Corp. Geo. P. Coon, Orangeville; enl. Dec. 20,1861; disch. April 8, 1863. Celo C. Colley, disch. for disability, Aug. 7, 1865. Jehiel Chalker, disch. by order, June 8, 1865. Joln Daggett, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 12,1862. George H. Ford, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, May 1, 1864. William H. Gilbert, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. Jesse McVane, must. out July 25,1865. Benjamin Smith, disch. at end of service, April 7, 1865. James H. Smith, veteran, eul. January, 1864. Company I. Benjamin Jones, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 28, 1864. Company K. George W. Boen, died of disease at Savannal, Ga., Feb. 2,1865. Wallace Coryden, disch. by order, June 9, 1865. William P. Sidman, disch. by order, May 6,1865. Jacob Young, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Feb. 7, 1865. CHAPTER XXVI. FOURTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH, AND NINETEENTH INFANTRY. The Fourteenth goes to Northern Mississippi-Brigaded for the War -Arduous Service in Tennessee-The Long Combat from Dallas to Atlanta-The March to the Sea-Through the Carolinas-Muster out-Allegan County Members-Barry County Members-The Gallant Seventeenth-Company D, from Allegan and Barry-Off to the War-Attacking the Enemy-Brilliant Success-Heavy Loss-Battle of Antietam-Through the Winter in Virginia-Under Grant in Mississippi-Back to Kentucky-With Burnside to East Tennessee -The Campaign of the Wilderness-Hard Fight at Spottsylvania -Engineer Duty-Subsequent Services-Muster out-Members from Allegan County-Members from Barry County-Organization and Departure of the Nineteenth Infantry-On Duty in KentuckyTransferred to Army of the Cumberland-Ordered to Franklin, Tenn.-The Brigade on a Reconnoissance-Attacked by Seven Brigades of Cavalry-A Long and Desperate Fight-The Enemy again and again repulsed-Ammunition exhausted-New Rebel Forces appear-Unionists compelled to surrender-Exchanged and Reorganized-Services in Tennessee-Captures a Battery at Resaca -Its Colonel killed-Averysboro' and Bentonville-The CloseAllegan County Officers and Men-Members from Barry County. FOURTEENTH INFANTRY. THE Fourteenth Infantry, which represented many portions of the State, was mustered into service at Ypsilanti, 14 Ii I --- Feb. 13, 1862, and left for the seat of war in Northern Mississippi on the 17th of April following. At Hamburg Landing, Miss., it was assigned to Gen. Pope's Army of the Mississippi, and joined a brigade made up of the Tenth, Sixteenth, and Sixtieth Illinois Infantry, and the Tenth and Fourteenth Michigan Infantry, of which it was composed during the remainder of the war, except that the Tenth Illinois gave place, in July, 1864, to the Seventeenth New York. After the retreat of Beauregard from Corinth the brigade was employed in various duties in Northern Alabama and Mississippi until September, 1862, when, with Gen. J. M. Palmer's division, it marched to Nashville, Tenn., and assisted to hold that place while Buell was advancing toward Louisville, Ky. After Gen. Rosecrans assumed command of the Department of the Cumberland, and marched his forces from Kentucky to the relief of Nashville, Palmer's division was transferred from the Army of the Mississippi to the Army of the Cumberland, and thereafter the regiments composing it operated in the Department of the Cumberland. The Fourteenth performed arduous service until the close of the war. It served as mounted infantry in Tennessee from September; 1863, until the spring of 1864, when it re-enenlisted, and after the usual veteran furlough rejoined its brigade at Dallas, Ga., June 4, 1864. It then participated in all the movements of the Army of the Cumberland until the fall of Atlanta. On the 16th of November, with the brigade, it moved southward from Atlanta on the march "through Georgia," assisted in the capture of Savannah, and thence, in January, 1865, with its command,-viz., First Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps,proceeded northward through the Carolinas. At Averysboro' and Bentonville, N. C., the brigade particularly distinguished itself. (See history of Thirteenth Infantry.) After the surrender of Johnston the command marched to Washington, D. C., vid Raleigh and Richmond. It passed in review at the National capital, May 14th, and on the 13th of June proceeded, via the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, to Parkersburg, W. Va.; going thence by steamer to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out of the service on the 18th of July, 1865. It arrived at Jackson, Mich., on the 21st, and on the 29th of the same month was paid off and disbanded. MEMBERS OF THE FOURTEENTH INFANTRY FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Company A. M. D. Hulenberg, must. out July 18, 1865. Eli P. Spaulding, must. out July 18,1865. Company B. Nathaniel C. Austin, must. out July 18, 1865. James Conlan, disch. for wounds, June 5, 1865. Moses Green, must. out July 18,1865. Judson Kitchen, must. out July 18,1865. John McCreery, must. out July_8, 1865. Company D. Erastus N. Bates, must. out July 18, 1865. Ashel S. Carr, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., July 18,1865. Company E. Nicholas Mateen, must. out July 18, 1865. Company F. Sylvester Auway, must. out July 18, 1865. Geo. H. Leavitt, must. out July 18, 1865. Chas. H. White, must. out July 18, 1865. 106 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -" a - - — I Company G. Fred. Hoffer, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Lambert Van Valkenberg, disch. by order, June 27, 1865. Company I. Jerry Monroe, disch. by order, May 30,1865. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE FOURTEENTH INFANTRY. Company B. Harvey H. Austin, disch. by order, July 20,1865. Company D. Thomas B. Luce, must. out July 18,1865. Michael Roush, must. out July 18, 1865. Nelson Vanevery, must. out July 18,1865. Company E. Charles W. H. Cassady, must. out July 18,1865. William S. Sibbs, must out July 18,1865. David Roush, must. out July 18,1865. SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY. This gallant command, celebrated as the "Stonewall" regiment of Gen. Wilcox's division of the Ninth Army Corps, was organized at Detroit Barracks, in the summer of 1862, by State Inspector-General James E. Pittman. Its original commanding officer, Col. William H. Withington, was commissioned Aug. 11, 1862, and on the 21st of the same month the regiment was mustered into the United States service for three years. Company D embraced a large majority of the members of the regiment from Allegan and Barry Counties. Under the command of Col. Withington, the regiment left its rendezvous on the 27th of August, 1862, and proceeded directly to Washington. Scarcely had it arrived at that place when it was assigned to Gen. Wilcox's division, and in less than three weeks from the time of leaving Michigan its members were gallantly battling for their country at South Mountain. On the evening of the 13th of September the regiment marched from Frederick City, Md.,-where it had bivouacked the night before with the rest of the Ninth Army Corps,-over the National turnpike in the direction of South Mountain, and about midnight rested for a few hours not far from Middletown. Before daybreak of the 14th Middletown was passed; the base of the mountain being reached about nine o'clock A.M. The enemy was found in force on each side of a gap, holding each crest of the mountain, and strongly posted behind stone fences and other available shelter, with his batteries in commanding positions enfilading the main road. The regiment was then ordered to advance up the Sharpsburg road. This movement was executed in common by the whole of Wilcox's division, which proceeded far up towards the crest of the mountain and moved to the support of a section of Cook's battery, which had been sent up to open on the enemy's guns on the right of the gap. The division was about to deploy, when the rebels suddenly opened at two hundred yards with a battery, throwing shot and shell, killing several in the regiment, and driving back the battery; the cannoniers of which, with their horses and limbers, rushed back through the ranks of the infantry, causing a temporary panic among some of the troops, that might have resulted in the loss of the guns had the enemy taken advantage of it. The Seventeenth promptly changed front under a heavy fire, and moved out with the Seventy-Ninth New York to protect the battery, lying in line of battle until nearly four P.M., exposed to a severe fire from Drayton's brigade of South Carolina infantry, posted in its immediate front. Being unable to reply to this fire, and having become impatient and anxious to advance, the order to charge upon the enemy was received with enthusiastic cheers. The regiment, being on the extreme right of Wilcox's division, moved rapidly forward through an open field upon the enemy's position, under a terrific storm of lead and iron from the stone fences in front and the batteries on the right; then, with cheer after cheer, sent up in defiant answer to the peculiar rebel yell, the Seventeenth gallantly advanced to within easy musket-range without firing a shot. It then opened a murderous fire upon the enemy, and, steadily advancing the extreme right of the regiment, it swung round, obtaining an enfilading fire upon the rebels intrenched behind the stone walls. Unable to withstand this destructive fire, the enemy broke in confusion, and the left of the regiment charged over the walls with shouts of triumph, pursuing the fleeing remnants of Drayton's command over the crest and far down the mountain slope, gaining and holding the key-point of the battle-field. The splendid valor and extraordinary coolness of the raw recruits of the Seventeenth in this engagement gave the regiment much celebrity, and this conflict has since been mentioned in history as one of the most brilliant achievements of the war. The regiment suffered severely at South Mountain, having twenty-seven officers and men killed and one hundred and fourteen wounded. Three days later, at Antietam, it was again hotly engaged, sustaining a loss of eighteen killed and eighty-seven wounded. After following Lee's defeated army through Northern Virginia, and camping for a while at Falmouth, the regiment crossed the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, but did not participate in the battle of that place. It remained in the Army of the Potomac through the winter, but in the spring was ordered to Kentucky. After a short stay in that State, it proceeded with the Ninth Army Corps to Mississippi, and joined Gen. Grant. It was stationed at Haynes' Bluff and Milldale, and was slightly engaged before Jackson on the 10th of June. It soon returned to Kentucky, and moved thence with Burnside's army into East Tennessee. It took part in numerous movements and counter-movements for which the forces in East Tennessee became famous, and on the 16th of November was acting as the rear-guard of the army, which was falling back towards Knoxville. While it was crossing Turkey Creek, near Campbell's Station, the enemy attacked in force, and a sharp engagement followed. The Seventeenth, with its brigade, steadily covered the rear of the army, having twenty-six officers and men killed and wounded during the fight. That night the whole Union force moved into Knoxville, and from then until the retreat of the enemy, on the 4th of December, the regiment was busily engaged in the defense of that place, suffering greatly from want of rations, but gallantly performing its duty. After the defeat of the Confederates, the marching up and down the Tennessee Valley FOURTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH, AND NINETEENTH INFANTRY. 107 was resumed, and was kept up, with some intervals of rest, throughout the winter. On the 20th of March, 1864, the regiment set out with the Ninth Corps from Knoxville, and marched over the Cumberland Mountains to Nicholasville, Ky., whence it moved at once to Maryland. With the same corps the Seventeenth passed through the great campaign of 1864. It was sharply engaged in the Wilderness on the 6th of May, having forty-six men killed and wounded. At Spottsylvania, on the 12th of May, the regiment charged gallantly on the rebel works, but was surrounded by a superior force in the dense woods, and had twenty-three killed, seventy-three wounded, and ninetythree taken prisoners, out of two hundred and twenty-five engaged. So small a squad remained for duty that on the 16th of May it was detailed for engineer service, though still retaining its regimental number. It served throughout the winter of 1864-65 either in this capacity or as provost-guard. During the Confederate attack on Fort Steadman, however (March 25, 1865), the Seventeenth advanced as skirmishers, drove back the enemy's skirmishers, and captured sixty-five prisoners. After the capture of Petersburg and the surrender of Lee the regiment moved north to Washington, set out for Michigan on the 4th of June, 1865, reached Detroit on the 7th, and was forthwith paid off and discharged at the latter place. MEMBERS OF THE SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Field and Staf. Surg. Abram R. Calkins, Allegan; corn. June 26, 1862; res. Oct. 14, 1862. Company D. 1st Lieut. Wm. H. White, Wayland; com. June 17, 1862; res. March 20, 1863. Corp. Chas. Parsons, Wayland; enl. July 31, 1862; died of disease at Lebanon, Ky., April 25, 1853. Corp. Peter J. Murphy, Wayland; enl. July 31, 1862; must. out June 3, 1865. Orville Slade, Wayland; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; killed in action at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. Daniel Ball, disch. for disability, Jan. 30, 1863. Calvin Ball, disch. for disability, April 28,1863. Chas. L. Burrell, pro. in U. S. C. T., Nov. 3, 1863. Myron Burrell, tralns. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 15,1864. Wm. M. Coleman, disch. for disability, Oct. 25, 1864. Cornelius Devenwater, disch. for disability, Jan. 4, 1863. Richard Dennis, died at Weverton, Md., Nov. 4,1862. Luther E. Ellis, disch. for disability, Jan. 15,1863. Joseph G. Fenner, disch. for disability, Jan. 11, 1863. Saml. Potter, died of wounds near Jackson, Miss., Oct. 28,1862. Wm. Parker, must. out June 3, 1865. Stephen Springer, must. out June 3, 1865. Edward H. Schofield, disch. for disability, Dec. 7, 1862. John Truax, disch. by order, May 10,1865. Henry Tomlinson, killed in action at South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. Benj. Ward, killed in action at South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. Martin White, must. out July 18, 1865. Company E. Sergt. Philo M. Lonsbury, Allegan; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; absent sick at muster out. Musician Jas. C. Leggett, Allegan; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must. out June 3, 1865. Herbert W. Lonsbury, Allegan; kylled in action at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864. Company I. Hiram Bushnell, died of wounds. Samuel Buchanan, must. out June 3, 1865. Alfred Cook, must. out June 3, 1865. Oliver P. Carmen, must. out June 3, 1865. Levi B. Davis, must. out June 3,1865. Jas. Hibberdine, must. out June 3, 1865. Geo. Kitchen, disch. for disability, Nov. 3, 1862. David V. Lily, (lied in action at South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. Frederick Leonard, disch. for disability, Jan. 1, 1863. James V. Orton, must. out June 3,1865. Samuel Parker, died of disease at Covington, Ky., April 9,1865. Daniel Polk, disch. by order, May 12, 1865. Penter Ross, must. out June 3, 1865. Nahum Snow, must. out June 3, 1865. Alvin H. Stillson, must. out June 3,1865. Simon Starring, must. out June 3, 1865. M. V. B. Smith, died of disease at Memphis, June 24, 1863. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY. Company D. 2d Lieut. David L. Morthland, Barry; must. out as sergt., June 3, 1865. Sergt. Wallace H. Scoville, Johnston; disch. for disability, Feb. 25, 1863. Musician James Goodman, Hlastings; disch. by order, Sept. 16,1862. Andrew E. Breese, disch. for disability. David Brotherton, must. out June 3,1865. Jalo W. Convin, must. out June 3, 1865. Charles W. Convin, must. out June 3, 1865. Zenas S. Clark, died of disease at Newport News, Va., March 17, 1865. Charles D. Cowles, disch. for disability, Jan. 30, 1865. Charles Dickinson, disch. for disability, Oct. 25, 1864 Hector M. Dodge, must. out June 3, 1865. David Eldridge, died in action at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12,1865. W. S. Hinckley, disch. for disability, April 10, 1863. Daniel Hoffman, discb. for disability, Jan. 6,1863. William H. Hoffman, died of disease at Washington, D. C., Nov. 28,1862. Martin Moore, killed in action at South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. Herman W. Manford, trans. to navy. John P. Manning, must. out June 3,1865. A. Palmatier, killed in action at South Mountain, Md., Sept. 14, 1862. Nathan F. Powers, died of disease at Big Spring Hospital, Oct. 28,1862. Harlan A. Poor, killed in action at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. William W. Seebore, disch. for wounds received, Sept. 14,1862. Charles Shoemaker, must. out June 3, 1865. Company H. William H. Godsmark, disch. Dec. 31, 1862. Jerome M. Lampman, disch. for disability, May 17,1864. Martin Mallet, discli. for disability, Jan. 4,1865. Isaac Vantyle, must. out July 3, 1865. NINETEENTH INFANTRY. The Nineteenth Regiment of infantry was recruited during the summer of 1862 from the counties of Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, and Allegan, Company B including within its ranks a large majority of those from the latter county. The regimental rendezvous was at Dowagiac, Cass Co., where the regiment was mustered into the United States service on the 25th of August, 1862. On the 14th of September following, under the command of Col. Henry C. Gilbert, the Nineteenth proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Nicholasville, Ky., and later, towards the close of the year, to Danville, Ky. It was first assigned to duty with the Fourth Brigade, First Division, Army of the Ohio, which brigade, on the formation of the Department and Army of the Cumberland, was transferred to that army as part of the Reserve Corps. The regiment moved from Danville early in February, 1863, and reached Nashville on the 7th, proceeding thence to Franklin, Tenn. Immediately after, Col. Coburn's brigade, consisting of the Nineteenth Michigan, Thirty-Third and Eighty-Fifth Indiana, and the Twenty-Second Wisconsin Regiments of infantry, numbering fifteen hundred and eighty-seven men, strengthened by two hundred men of the One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Ohio Infantry, with detachments of three regiments of cavalry, about six hundred strong, and a full battery of artillery, moved out from Franklin on a reconnoissance in force. After a march of about four miles the enemy's outposts were encountered, but they retired before the Union skirmishers, and the brigade bivouacked there for the night. Resuming the march on the following day, the Union 1'08 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - - - - - I I I - - - --- column found the enemy in force and strongly posted, at Thompson's Station, nine miles from Franklin. At the point where the railroad crosses the turnpike the rebels opened fire on the forces of Col. Coburn, who immediately formed his men, and ordered a section of the battery to occupy a bill on the left of the road, sending the Nineteenth Michigan and the Twenty-Second Wisconsin to support it. The Thirty-Third and Eighty-Fifth Indiana, with the other guns of the battery, took position on a hill at the right. The enemy had two batteries posted on a range of hills three-fourths of a mile in front and south of the position occupied by Coburn's troops. The Indiana regiments made a demonstration on the left of the enemy, to draw him out or charge his batteries, as circumstances might dictate. This movement was made under a most galling fire from the enemy's batteries, and when the position was reached two entire brigades of dismounted rebel cavalry were disclosed strongly posted behind stone walls and other defenses. As it was found impossible to advance farther under the severe and incessant fire, these regiments were ordered to return to their former position on the hill, supported by a squadron of cavalry; but for some unexplained reason the cavalry failed to occupy the supporting position, as intended. No sooner had the two regiments commenced to fall back than they were pursued by two rebel regiments, firing rapid volleys into the retiring Union force, which was at the same time under fire from the enemy's artillery. But as soon as they reached the hill the Indianians turned upon their rebel pursuers and drove them back on the run; killing Col. Earle, of Arkansas. The enemy rallied, charged desperately, and was again handsomely repulsed; but it soon became evident that Col. Coburn's command had here encountered the entire cavalry force of Bragg's army, eighteen thousand strong, consisting of brigades commanded respectively by Gens. Forrest, Wheeler, French, Armstrong, Jackson, Crosby, and Martin, all under the command of Gen. Van Dorn. The enemy, under Forrest, then advanced on the position occupied by the Nineteenth Michigan and its companion regiment, the Twenty-Second Wisconsin. At the time the attack was made the section of artillery posted with these regiments hurriedly left its position, and at the same time three companies of the Wisconsin regiment, with their lieutenant-colonel (Bloodgood), abandoned the field without orders, moving off by the left flank, and joining the retreating Union cavalry and artillery. The Nineteenth Michigan and the remainder of the Twenty-Second Wisconsin, however, bravely poured in their fire, and held their assailants at bay fully twenty minutes. Forrest, checked in his advance, made a circuit to the east with his whole force, beyond the ground occupied by Col. Coburn, with the intention of turning his (Coburn's) left flank. The Nineteenth and Twenty-Second were then moved to the west side of the turnpike, leaving the Thirty-Third and Eighty-Fifth Indiana to protect the southern acclivity of the hill. The four regiments had scarcely formed in line behind the crest when Armstrong's rebel brigade charged from the east and the Texans from the south. The battle now became terrific. Three times the enemy charged gallantly up the hill, and thrice was he forced back with severe loss. In one of these charges the colors of the Fourth Mississippi were captured by the Nineteenth Michigan. The fighting became still more desperate. The enemy, having gained possession of the hill on the east of the road, was sweeping the Northern ranks with canister, and, bravely as the Union troops fought, it soon became evident that the struggle was hopeless. Their ammunition was nearly exhausted, and Forrest, who had already cut them off from Franklin, was advancing on their rear. Col. Coburn faced his command to the north to repel this new danger, and thus Forrest was held in check until the Union men had expended their last round of ammunition. Then the brave band fixed bayonets, determined to charge through the enemy's lines and escape; but just then it was discovered that still another line lay in reserve, and still another battery opened on them from an unexpected quarter. Escape was now hopeless, and to avoid a further and useless loss of life the command surrendered. Col. Gilbert had had his horse shot under him in the early part of the fight, and throughout all the fierce engagement had borne himself most gallantly. When he offered his sword to the Confederate commander the latter declined to receive it, with the remark that " so brave an officer, commanding so gallant a regiment,* deserves to retain his arms." A part. of the Nineteenth had escaped capture at Thompson's Station. This small body, with those who had been left in camp at Franklin, were sent to Brentwood, organized with the remaining fragments of the brigade, and placed under command of an officer of another regiment. This force was surrendered to the rebel general Forrest on the 25th of March, 1863, without the firing of a gun. The enlisted men were soon paroled and sent North; the commissioned officers were exchanged on the 25th of May following. The regiment was reorganized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and on the 8th of June, 1863, left Columbus to engage once more in service at the front. It reached Nashville on the 11th, and from that time was employed in ordinary camp and picket duty until July, when it formed a part of Rosecrans' column advancing on Tullahoma. The regiment was ordered back to Murfrecsboro on the 23d of July, to do garrison duty in the fortifications at that point and along Stone River, where Company D was captured on the 5th of October by a rebel cavalry force, under Gen. Wheeler. After having been plundered, the men were released on parole. About the last of October the Nineteenth was ordered to McMinnville, Tenn., where it remained engaged in the construction of fortifications and similar duty until the 21st of April, 1864, when it was ordered to join its division and march with the strong columns of Sherman into Georgia. It reached Lookout Valley on the 30th, and moved forward with the army on the 3d of May, being then in the Twentieth Army Corps. Moving by way of Buzzard Roost and Snake Creek Gap to Resaca, it was, * Of five hundred and twelve officers and men who went into action, one hundred and thirteen were killed and wounded. FOURTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH, AND NINETEENTH INFANTRY. 109 with its brigade, desperately engaged in the battle at that place on the 15th; on which occasion it gallantly charged and captured a battery of the enemy, afterwards holding the position against all efforts to retake it. It was in that charge that Col. Gilbert received the wound from which he died at Chattanooga, on the 24th of May. The total loss of the Nineteenth in killed and wounded was eighty-one. The regiment was also engaged at Cassville, Ga., on the 19th of May, at New Hope Church on the 25th, at Golgotha on the 15th of June, and at Culp's Farm on the 22d of June; having in these engagements eighty-three officers and men killed and wounded. Joining in the pursuit of the enemy after his evacuation of the position and works at Kenesaw Mountain, the Nineteenth, then under command of Maj. John J. Baker, crossed the Chattahoochie and took part in the battle of Peach-Tree Creek, on the 20th of July, in which its loss was thirty-nine killed, among the latter being its commander, Maj. Baker. During the remainder of the siege of Atlanta the regiment wvas constantly on duty, much of the time under artillery-fire; its loss during that time being eight killed and wounded. In the early days of November, 1864, the Nineteenth was quartered in the city of Atlanta, and on the 15th of that month moved with its brigade (the Second of the Third Division, Twentieth Corps) on the storied march to Savannah; taking an active part in the siege of that city, until its evacuation on the 21st of December. It remained near Savannah until Jan. 1, 1865, when, with the companion regiments of its command, it moved across the Savannah River into South Carolina. It crossed the Pedee River at Cheraw on the 2d of February, arrived at Fayetteville March 11th, assisted to destroy the arsenal and other public buildings at that place, and moved thence toward Raleigh. On the 16th the enemy was found in heavy force at Averysboro'. Here the Second Brigade was ordered to assault the works, and carried them with great gallantry, capturing the guns and a large number of prisoners, the loss of the Nineteenth being nineteen in killed and wounded. During the battle of Bentonville, on the 19th of March, the regiment stood in line of battle, but was not engaged. From Bentonville the regiment moved to Goldsboro', arriving there on the 24th of March, and then marched'to Raleigh. Here it remained until the war was virtually closed by the surrender of Johnston's army. Then, with its corps, it faced northward and marched through Virginia to Alexandria, where it arrived on the 18th of May. Six days later it marched with the bronzed and battered veteran's of Sherman's army, on the 24th of May, through the streets of the national capital. From that time it remained in camp near Washington till June 10th, when it was mustered out of the service and ordered to Michigan. Covered with honor, the men of the Nineteenth returned to Jackson, and were there paid off and discharged, on or abnout the 15th of June, 1865. ALLEGAN COUNTY OFFICERS AND MEN. lVon-Commissioned Staf. Q.M.-Sergt. George L. Clark, Allegan; enl. June 1, 1863; pro. in U. S. C.T. June 20, 1864. Company A. Capt. Joel H. Smith, Allegan; com. July 28,1862; res. July 11, 1864. Herman F. Dibble, died in action at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. Company B. Capt. Samuel M. Hubbard, Otsego; com. June 24, 1863; 1st lieut., May 1, 1863; 2d lieut., Aug. 11,1862; wounded in action May 28,1864; hon. disch. Nov. 30, 1864. 1st Lieut. William T. Darrow, Allegan; corn. July 28, 1862; res. Feb. 6,1863. 1st Lieut. John W. Duel, Allegan; com. May 8,1865; must. out June 10, 1865. 2d Lieut. Augustus Lily, Allegan; com. May 1, 1863; pro. to 1st lieut. May 15, 1864; disch. 2d lieut., April 9,1865. 2d Lieut. Robert Mabbs, Allegan; must. out as sergt., June 10, 1865. Sergt. Jeremiah Dugan, Martin; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; must. out July 1, 1865. Sergt. Phineas A. Hager, Otsego; enl. Aug. 9,1862; died of wounds, Aug. 8, 1864. Sergt. George L. Clark, Allegan; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; appointed q.m-sergt., June 1, 1863. Sergt. Julius E. Bigsby, Heath; enl. Aug. 9,1862; disch. for disability, June 22, 1863. Sergt. John W. Duel, Otsego; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut. Corp. Robert A. Patterson, Martin; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; must. out June 10, 1865. Corp. David R. Anderson, Otsego; enl. Aug. 9,1862; disch. for disability, Aug. 9,1864. Corp. Pascal A. Pullman, Allegan; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; died in action in Georgia, July 20, 1864. Corp. George L. Baird, Otsego; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; disch. for disability, Oct. 6, 1864. Corp. David 0. Brown, Martin; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; must. out June 10, 1865. Corp. Joseph W. Ely, Allegan; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; must. out June 10, 1865. Corp. John J. Young, Allegan; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must. out June 10, 1865. Musician Benjamin F. Chapin5 Cheshire; enl. Aug. 7, 1862; absent sick. Musician James J. Bachelder, Martin; enl. Aug. 8,1862; must. out June 10, 1865. Musician Martin R. Parkhurst, Heath; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; must. out June 10, 1865. John Ailes, must. out June 10, 1865. Emerson Allen, must. out June 10, 1865. Judson L. Austin, must. out May 26,1865. Pascal L. Austin, died in action at Thompson's Station, Tenn., March 5, 1863. William Anderson, disch. for disability, Jan. 10, 1865. James Billings, disch. for disability, March, 1863. Harvey Bell, disch. for disability, June 22, 1863. Ilenry L. Blakeslee, died in action at Thompson's Station, Tenn., March 5,1863. John H. Brinkman, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 26, 1863. Ansel T. Baird, must. out June 30, 1865. Edward A. Baird, must. out July 10, 1865. Milo H. Barker, must. out June 10, 1865. David Bellinger, must. out June 10, 1865. Horace C. Beverly, must. out June 10, 1865. Alplieus G. Bradley, must. out June 10, 1865. Henry W. Brown, must. out June 10, 1865. Sidney Brundage, must. out June 10, 1865. Carlos Baker, must. out July 10, 1865. Todorus Botren, must. out July 14, 1865. Guilford D. Case, died of disease at Nicliolasville, Ky., Dec. 27, 1862. Frederick Campbell, died in action at Altoona, Ga., May 25, 1864. Timothy Dygert, must. out June 30, 1865. Henry W. Durand, must. out June 10, 1865. Albert French, must. out June 10,1865. Edwin Griffin, must. out June 10, 1865. Jacob Gunsaul, must. out June 10, 1865. Jerome Green, died of disease at Annapolis, Md., March 3, 1863. Leander S. Goff, died in prison at Richmond, Va., March 3, 1863. John H. Howard, died of disease at Cincinnati, Ohio, November, 1862. John Hogle, must. out June 15,1865. Charles H. llogeboom, must. out June 15, 1865. Martin M. Jones, died of wounds at Louisville, Ky., July 18, 1864. Isaac M. Kinney, died of disease at Danville, Ky., Feb. 10,1863. Joel R. Kuper, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., March, 1863. Stephen Knapp, disch. for disability, March 27, 1865. Thomas R. Kincaid, must. out June 10, 1865. Egbert Kluffman, must. out June 15, 1865. Neil Livingston, must. out June 10, 1865. Garrett Lohies, must. out June 10, 1865. Alfred Leonard, died of disease at Nashville, March, 1863. W. Merchant, died of disease at Annapolis, March, 1863. James McIntee, died of wounds at Columbia, Tenn., April 20, 1863. Donald McLeod, disch. for disability, Oct. 6, 1864. William Manchester, trans. to 10th Inf. James H. Martin, must. out June 15,1865. George A. Martin, must. out June 10, 1865. Lawrence Montague, must. out June 10,1865. Eldridge Morris, must. out June 10, 1865. Thomas McCormick, must. out June 10, 1865. Carlton Norton, must. out June 10, 1865. Henry Noble, must. out June 10, 1865. Francis C. Newton, trans. to 10th Inf. John B. Nelson, died of disease at McMinnville, Tenn., March 20, 1864. Stephen Ostrander, must. out June 22,1865. Harvey Pullman, must. out June 10, 1865. 110 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Erastus Purdy, must. out June 23, 1865. Charles H. Prentiss, must. out June 3,1865. George W. Platt, must. out June 10, 1865. Elisha Platt, must. out May 26, 1865. Comstock H. Platt, disch. for disability, Feb. 28,1865. N. S. Peabody, died of disease at Danville, Ky., Feb. 1, 1863. Vernon A. Rose, died of disease in Indiana, June 18, 1864. John Rutgers, must. out June 10, 1865. Peter Starring, must. out June 10, 1865. Stephen Sampson, must. out June 10,1865. Benjamin Stephens, must. out June 10, 1865. S. B. Stephens, died of disease in Indiana, Feb. 13, 1863. Charles Southworth, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 17,1864. John Southwell, disch. for disability, June 22,1863. Solomon Springer, disch. for disability, Feb. 4,1863. Andrew Schoener, disch. for disability, June 22, 1863. Joseph A. Trutsch, must. out May 24, 1865. Charles L. Vahen, must. out June 10, 1865. Norman Wilson, died of disease at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 20, 1862. William Watson, died of disease in Michigan, July 18, 1863. Cyrus B. Wheeler, died of wounds, Aug. 3, 1864. Henry W. Wilcox, trans. to Mississippi marines. Company F. Musician Charles W. Owen, Martin; enl. Aug. 14,1862; must. out June 10,1865. Company G. Eli B. Baker, trans. to 10th Inf. Benjamin Brown, trans. to 10th Inf. William C. McLeod, trans. to 10th Inf. Company K. A. J. Myers, disch. for disability, March 31, 1863. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company E. William Henry, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. George Ii. Martin, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. Hiram Rodgers, died of wounds at Chattanooga, Tenn., July 21, 1864. George H. Snyder, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. John W. Snyder, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. Henry Smith, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. Walter Searles, must. out July 15,1865. Company F. William H. Allen, died July 20, 1864. Mylon Angel, must. out June 10, 186.5. David N. Griffith, must. out June 1(0, 1865. John B. Nichols, must. out June 10, 1865. Thomas Pennock, disch. for disability, July 1, 1863. Austin Smith, died of disease at Annapolis, Mdi., April 1, 1863. David Searles, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. James Searles, must. out June 10, 1865. Otis P. Taller, must. out June 10, 1865. Company G. Alonzo P. Beaman, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. George H. Clark, trans. to 10th Mich. Inf. Company K. William Harvey, must. out June 10, 1865. CHAPTER XXVII. TWENTY-FIRST, TWENTY-EIGHTH, AND THIRTIETH INFANTRY. The Big District which sent out the Twenty-First Infantry-Company C from Barry County-The Regiment joins Buell-Battle of Perryville-Battle of Stone River-Death of Capt. Fitzgerald - Gallantry of Sheridan's Division-The Advance through Tennessee -Battle of Chickamauga-Subsequent Service in Company with the Thirteenth Infantry-Battle of Bentonville-Officers and Soldiers from Barry County-The Twenty-Eighth Infantry goes to the Front in 1864-Battle of Nashville-Ordered to North CarolinaFight at Wise's Forks-Subsequent Services-Muster out-Members from Allegan County-Members from Barry County-Thirtieth Infantry raised to protect Frontier-Its Services-Members from Allegan County-Members from Barry County. TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY. TihI regiment, which so nobly distinguished itself on several hard-fought fields during the war for the Union, 4.1 was recruited in the summer of 1862 from the Fourth Congressional District, a very large one, comprising the counties of Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Mason, Manistee, Grand Traverse, Leelenaw, Manitou, Oceola, Emmet, Mackinac, Delta, and Cheboygan. Ionia was the place of rendezvous, and, until the regiment was organized, J. B. Welch, Esq., was the commandant of the camp. Company C, which was led into the field by the brave Capt. Leonard O. Fitzgerald, of Hastings, was Barry's representation in the Twenty-First. The regiment was mustered into the United States service Sept. 4, 1862, and eight days later, with one thousand and eight officers and enlisted men, commanded by Col. Ambrose A. Stevens, left Ionia, with orders to report at Cincinnati. It was immediately pushed forward to join Gen. Buell's forces in Kentucky, and on the 8th of October, as part of Gen. Sheridan's division, was engaged in the battle of Perryville, where it suffered a loss of twenty-seven men killed, wounded, and missing. With other troops of Gen. Rosecrans' command it then marched forward to Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived Nov. 10, 1862. On the 26th of December, as part of Gen. Sill's brigade, of Sheridan's division, it moved forward with Gen. Rosecrans' army to attack Bragg, then lying in front of Murfreesboro. In the great battle of three days' duration which ensued on the banks of Stone River, during the last day of December, 1862, and the 1st and 2d of January, 1863, the Twenty-First covered itself with glory; suffering a loss, however, of one hundred and thirty-nine brave men, killed, wounded, and missing. Among those who relinquished their command on that field and joined the battalions gone before was Capt. Fitzgerald, of Company C, who was mortally wounded on the 31st of December, and died at Nashville on the 8th of January following. In the terrific engagement fought on the morning of December 31st, which was commenced by Cheatham's, Cleburn's, and McGown's rebel divisions of Hardee's corps, which fell unexpectedly on McCook, who commanded the right wing of the national forces, first Johnson's and then Davis' division was driven back in inextricable disorder. Their defeat was almost simultaneous with the attack, and upon Sheridan's division of McCook's corps-composed of Sill's, Roberts', and Shaefer's brigades-devolved the task of checking the impetuous onset of the victorious foe. This single division, outflanked and surrounded by panic-stricken fugitives, must give battle to three divisions of a triumphant and exultant enemy, and must at least hold them in check until the general in command could make dispositions to meet the terrible emergency. Most nobly did Gen. Sheridan and his division fulfill their task. Four times they repulsed the rebel host. Surrounded, outflanked, outnumbered, in danger of utter destruction, and pressed back into the cedar thickets in their rear, they fought on till one-fourth of their number lay bleeding and dying upon the field,-till two out of three of their brigade commanders were killed,-till every gun and cartridge-box was empty, and then they retired slowly, steadily, and in good order. As they passed Gen. Rosecrans, while deliberately falling I TWENTY-FIRST, TWENTY-EIGHTH, AND THIRTIETH INFANTRY. lit back to make way for reinforcements, Gen. Sheridan was heard to say to his commanding general, with touching pathos, " Here is all that is left of us, general." His men were even then clamoring for ammunition, and an hour later were again in line of battle. His division consisted of six thousand four hundred and ninety-five men. They lost in that fearful conflict among the cedars seventeen hundred in killed, wounded, and missing, including seventy officers, two of whom were brigadiers, and the only remaining brigadier fell before nightfall. After the defeat of Bragg's army at Stone River, the Twenty-First remained in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, employed on picket duty and as guard for forage-trains, until June 24th, when, commanded by Col. William B. McCreery, it advanced with Rosecrans on Tullahoma. During July it was located at Cowan and Anderson, stations on the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. Subsequently it occupied Bridgeport, Ala., under Gen. Lytle, who succeeded to the command of the brigade after the death of Gen. Sill at Stone River. On the 2d of September the command crossed the Tennessee River, and advanced with the corps of Maj.-Gen. McCook to Trenton, Ga., whence it crossed the mountains to Alpine, thence made a forced march between mountain ranges towards Chattanooga, and on the 19th of September the regiment was formed in line of battle at Chickamauga. During the succeeding day the Twenty-First, with other regiments of Sheridan's division, stubbornly contested the rebel advance on the field of Chickamauga, but with its shattered corps was finally compelled to fall back to Chattanooga, after sustaining a loss of one hundred and seven officers and men in killed, wounded, and missing. Of the thirty-five missing, twenty-one were known to be wounded. Among the wounded and captured was Col. McCreery, while Lieut.-Col. Morris B. Wells was left dead on the field. Gen. Lytle, the brigade commander, was also killed. On the 5th of November this regiment, the Thirteenth and Twenty-Second Michigan Infantry, and the Eighteenth Ohio Infantry were organized as an engineer brigade, and from that time until Sherman's victorious armies marched into the national capital, in May, 1865, the field-services of the Thirteenth and Twenty-First Michigan Infantry were performed side by side, both regiments performing engineer duty for a period of five months, and both being assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, early in November, 1864. (See history of the Thirteenth Infantry.) At Bentonville, N. C., on the 19th of March, 1865, the regiment was heavily engaged, losing six commissioned officers and eighty-six enlisted men killed and wounded, out of two hundred and thirty present in action. The Twenty-First participated in the grand review at Washington, D. C., May 24, 1865. It was there mustered out of service June 8th, arrived at Detroit, Mich., on the 13th, and on the 22d of the same month was paid and disbanded. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Field and Staff and Non-Commissioned Staf. Chaplain Theo. Pillsbury, Hastings; com. Aug. 29,1862; res. Dec. 15, 1862. Com. Sergt. Horatio G. Steadman, Thornapple; enl. Nov. 1,1864; must. out June 8, 1865. Company A. George Adgate, must. out June 10, 1865. Richard Benjamin, must. out June 8,1865. Albert W. Dillenbeck, must. out June 8,1865. Newell Hotchkiss, must. out June 8,1865. Wallace Lovewell, disch. for disability, May 30,1863. John Rowleader, disch. for disability, May 13, 1863. Company '. Capt. L. C. Fitzgerald, Hastings; cor. July 30,1862; killed in action at Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862. 1st Lieut. Perry Chance, Hastings; corn. July 30, 1862; res. Jan. 17, 1863. 2d Lieut. Marion C. Russell, Hastings; con. July 30, 1862; res. Feb. 25, 1863. 2d Lieut. James Houghtalin, Hastings; com. Jan. 17, 1863; res. June 11, 1864. Sergt. Henry H. Striker, Baltimore; enl. July 21, 1862; died at Danville, Ky., Oct. 28,1862. Sergt. Wm. H. H. Powers, Hastings; onl. July 21, 1862; disch. for disability, May 1, 1863. Sergt. Jas. Houghtalin, enl. July 21, 1862; pro. to 2d lielt. Sergt. Geo. Miller, Hastings; enl. July 26, 1862; died of disease at Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 25,1863. Sergt. Ilor. G. Steadman, Thornapple; enl. July 13, 1862; pro. to com. sergt., Nov. 1, 1864 Corp. Jas. H. Smith, Woodland; enl. Aug. 5,1862; died of disease, May 6,1863. Corp. Chas. Miller, Castleton; enl. July 26, 1862; disch. for disability, March 31, 1863. Corp. Jas. H. Foote, Thornapple; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 28,1863. Corp. John H. Mills, Woodland; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; must. out June 8, 1865. Corp. Justus Mudge, Castleton; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; disch. by order, Oct. 2, 1862. Corp. Wallace W. Stillson, Hastings; enl. July 26, 1862; must. out May 31, 1865. Musician Robt. D. Searles, Thornapple; enl. Aug. 9, 1862; disch for disability, April 23, 1863. Musician Leslie T. Mosely, Thornapple; enl. Aug. 9,1862; must. out June 8, 1865. Wagoner Chas. Loomis, Thornapple; enl. Aug. 9,1862; died at Nashville, Tenn., June 8, 1863. Edson Andrus, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 8, 1863. W. H. Bennett, died of disease. Tracy Baldwin, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 8,1862. Alfred Baldwin, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 30, 1864. Daniel D. Brown, disch. for disability, Oct. 29, 1862. Henry C. Bronson, disch. for disability, March 11, 1863. Nathaniel Barbour, disch. to enl. in marine service, March 11, 1863. George Brown, missing at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1863. Americus Barnum, must. out July 5, 1865. John Bolton, must. out June 8, 1865. David C. Bussell, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 1, 1863; must. out Aug. 2, 1865. James R. Chase, must. out June 8, 1865. Alexander T. Cramer, must. out June 8,1865. Harrison Carpenter, disch. for disability, Nov. 8, 1862. William J. Crablb, died of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 9,1863. Andrew M. Cure, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 19, 1863. Henry Demund, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862. Vinal Dean, died of wounds at Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 10, 1863. Philander Durkee, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863. Asa B. Durkee, must. out June 8, 1865. Silas Foster, must. out June 8, 1865. John Fisher, disch. for disability, Aug. 11,1863. Benjamin L. Francisco, disch. for disability, Nov. 18, 1862. Leon Fry, disch. to enl. in marine service, Jan. 3,1863. David W. Fry, killed in action at Chattanooga, Tenn., Sept. 30,1863. Augustus M. Fontes, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., March 29,1865. James Gibson, died of disease at New York Harbor, April 25, 1865. Eli Gleason, missing in action at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862. Alfred Gibbs, must. out June 8, 1865. James B. Holis, must. out June 27,1865. John H. Hall, must. out June 8, 1865. Hoel P. Hosier, must. out June 23, 1865. Frederick W. Harris, must. out July 3,1865. Schuyler Heath, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Feb. 13, 1865. Myron Heath, died of disease at Andersonville prison, July 31,1864. David D. Hall, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., June 26,1863. Thomas J. Hallock, died of disease at Crab Orchard, Ky. Lester M. Jones, died of wounds, Jan. 2, 1863. David Jordan, must. out June 8, 1865. Nelson Kilmer, must. out June 8, 1865. Peter Kilmer, killed in action at Bentonville, N. C., March 19,1865. John A. Kelly, died of wounds at Murfreesboro, Tenn., March 23,1863. Edgar C. Leonard, disch. for disability, April 27, 1863. Francis Mead, disch. for disability, Oct. 12, 1863. James Moulton, disch. for disability, April 7, 1863. Francis W. Maynard, disch. for disability, June 18, 1863. Alexander McArthur, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1862. Eber C. Moffitt, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 25,1862. 112 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -I John Mead, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 17, 1862. Byron H. Melroy, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Tenn., May 19,1863. Leonard Mauch, killed in action at Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865. Lewis Massacar, killed in action at Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865. Robert Mitchell, killed in action at Bentonville, N. C., March 19,1865. James D. Miller, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863; must. out June 8, 1865. William Miller, must. out June 8, 1865. Nelson J. Millard, must. out July 7, 1865. John Osborn, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. Joseph Osborn, must. out June 8,1865. Henry G. Orwing, disch. for disability, Feb. 10,1863. Adam Pratt, disch. for disability, July 7, 1863. Henry D. Pierce, must. out June 8, 1865. Calvin H. Palmer, must. out June 8,1865. Allen Roush, must. out June 8, 1865. Thomas W. Roush, must out June 8, 1865. George M. Reed, must. out June 8, 1865. Frederick Rickle, disch. for disability, Aug. 25,1863. Horatio N. Sackett, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Oct. 28,1862. Daniel P. Sixberry, died of disease, March 3,1865. John Smith, died of wounds at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb. 16,1863. John F. Swaine, missing in action at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862. Silas W. Steelman, disch. for disability, July 22, 1863. George P. Sweet, disch. for disability, Oct. 16,1863. W. H. S. Smoke, must. out June 12,1865. James H. Sawdy, must. out June 23,1865. John C. Spencer, must. out June 26,1865. John Strouse, must. out June 8, 1865. Anthony Thompson, must. out June 8, 1865. Byron W. Tomlinson, must. out June 10, 1865. Ansel S. Thrasher, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 6, 1862. Elisha Tracy, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1863. William Varney, must. out June 8,1865. George Varney, must. out June 8, 1865. Michael Vanderhoof, must. out July 5, 1865. William B. Warner, must. out June 8,1865. James Williams, must. out June 8,1865. Isaac B. Wooley, must. out May 30,1865. Comspany D. Joseph Kilmer, died of disease at Bardstown, N. Y. Jacob Young, must. out June 8, 1865. Company E. 2d Lieut. Selden E. Turner, Hastings; cornm. July 30, 1862; res. Jan. 13, 1863. Musician George Croninger, Thornapple; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; trans. to Inv. Corps, Feb. 15,1861. William E. McConnell, must. out June 8,1865. Benjamin R. Ogden, must. out June 8,1865. Samuel F. Rosencrans, died of disease at Stone River, Tenn., March, 1862. Company I. 1st Lieut. Herman Hunt, Hastings; com. July 30, 1862; died of disease, Dec. 16, 1862. Robert M. Gamble, must. out June 8, 1865. James M. Hale, disch. by order, April 15, 1863. Charles D. Kellogg, died of disease at Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 3, 1862. MEMBERS OF THE TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Company C. Almon D. Bisbee, must. out June 16,1865. Reuben Fisher, died of disease in New York Harbor. Frederick Leonard, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 12, 1865. Company E. William H. French, must. out May 26, 1865. TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. This regiment was recruited during the summer and early autumn of 1864, and finally completed its organization by the consolidation of several partially-formed companies intended for the Twenty-Ninth Infantry. It left Kalamazoo, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Delos Phillips, October 26th, and arrived in Louisville, Ky., on the 29th. On the 10th of November it was ordered to Camp Nelson to guard a wagon-train from that point to Nashlville, Tenn., where it arrived on the 5th of December. The advance of Hood's rebel army on Nashville soon brought the regiment to face the realities of war, and, under the command of Col. William W. Wheeler, it participated in the defense of that city by Gen. Thomas, from the 12th to the 16th of December, 1864, fully establishing its reputation as a gallant command, and reaching the uniform high standard of Michigan troops. After the battle of Nashville the regiment was attached to the Twenty-Third Army Corps, which was sent to the Atlantic seaboard to constitute a part of the force concentrating in the vicinity of Wilmington, N. C., to cooperate with Gen. Sherman's army on its approach to the coast. The regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division (Ruger's), and arrived at Morehead City Feb. 24, 1865, and on the 2d of March marched with its division towards Kinston, joining Gen. Cox. Meeting the enemy at Wise's Forks, the Twenty-Eighth, commanded by Col. Wheeler, took an active part in the battles of the 8th, 9th, and 10th of March at that point. On the 8th the regiment was engaged in heavy skirmishing during the entire day and night. On the succeeding day the enemy pressed Cox's lines strongly without making an assault, and at the same time attempted to turn his right, but failed on account of a prompt reinforcement, of which the Twenty-Eighth formed a part. On the morning of the 10th the rebels made a fierce and determined charge upon the left, breaking the lines, but were finally repulsed. The Second Brigade charged the rebels on the double-quick, driving them back, and taking over three hundred prisoners, among whom were several field-officers. About two P.M. the enemy made a heavy and desperate onset on the left and centre of Gen. Cox's lines, but again most signally failed by reason of reinforcements coming up so promptly from the right. The Second Brigade, among the first to arrive, fought most gallantly for about two hours, when the enemy retired from the field, leaving his dead and wounded and a large number of prisoners. In this spirited engagement the regiment lost seven men killed and thirteen wounded. Continuing the march, the regiment reached Kinston on the 14th, and Goldsboro' on the 21st. It was then placed on guard duty along the line of the Atlanta and North Carolina Railroad. On the 9th of April it marched again to Goldsboro', and on the 13th arrived in Raleigh. After the cessation of hostilities it was on duty at Goldsboro', Raleigh, Charlotte, Lincolnton, Wilmington, and Newbern, N. C., until June 5, 1866, when it was mustered out of service. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Field and Staff. Adj. Hiram R. Ellis, Saugatuck; com. Sept. 10, 1861; must. out June 5, 1866. Non-commissioned Staff. Sergt.-Maj. John M. G. Mavers, Allegan; enl. Aug. 20,1864; must. out June 5, 1866. Company D. E. A. Lindley, died by suicide, March 6,1865. Henry C. Meeker, died of disease at Alexandria, Feb. 11,1865. Company E. Capt. Samuel S. Thomas, Allegan; com. Aug. 15, 1864; res. May 15, 1865. Sergt. Jeremiah Walter, Allegan; enl. Aug. 25, 1864; disch. Nov. 1, 1865. Corp. Wm. A. Lisco, Allegan; enl. Aug. 31, 1864; must. out June 5, 1866. Corp. George Cady, Allegan; enl. Aug. 23, 1864; disch. by order, June 18,1865. George W. Cummiings, must. out June 5, 1866. William Eggleston, disch. for wounds, Aug. 17, 1865. William French, disch. for wounds, June 16,1865. 113 FIRST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. John Hamilton, disch. by order, Sept. 3,1865. Jacob Killam, must. out Nov. 17,1865. Lyman Lamoreaux, must. out June 5,1866. John Moore, must. out June 5,1866. Ashley R. Nichols, must. out June 5, 1866. Alva L. Pierce, must. out June 5,1866. Herman H. Palmer, must. out June 5, 1866. Frederick Porter, nust. out June 5, 1866. James B. Paul, must. out June 5, 1866. Peter Sergeant, disch. for disability, April 26, 1865. Aaron Van Patten, must. out June 5, 1866. Allen N. Wait, must. out June 5,1866. Ira Woodstock, died of disease at Alexandria, February, 1865. Company H. James G. Lindsley, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Feb. 19,1865. Company I Sergt. Charles W. Hoskins, Hopkins; enl. Sept. 12, 1864; disch. by order, April 7, 1865. Corp. Lewis H. Fountain, Hopkins; enl. Sept. 10, 1864; must. out June 5,1866. Henry Bryant, must. out Oct. 24, 1865. Company K. 1st Lieut. Jeremiah B. Haney, Leighton; corn. Oct. 18, 1864; res. Nov. 8, 1865. 2d Lieut. William Duryea, Lee; com. Oct. 18, 1864; res. July 6, 1865. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company B. Sergt. Isaac J. Brooks, Maple Grove; enl. Sept. 2, 1864; must. out June 5,1863. Corp. Charles J. Hanley, Maple Grove; enl. Sept. 10, 1864; died of disease at Nashville, Jan. 8, 1865. Emanuel Briggs, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 14, 1865. Levi Brigg-, died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky., Nov. 12,1864. Charles Edwards, disch. for disability, Sept. 13, 1865. Isaac Green, must. out April 4,1865. William S. Hyde, disch. at end of service, Feb. 21, 1866. S. T. Lazarus, must. out June 5, 1866. C. R. Palmer, disch. at end of service, Feb. 21,1866. Ephraim Trimm, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 13, 1865. John E. Wilcox, disch. at end of service, Feb. 21, 1866. Company C. Theodore Steinkram, must. out June 5,1866. George W. Howell, must. out June 5,1866. F. Havens, disch. at end of service, April 12,1866. Company D. Dallas Downs, must. out June 5,1866. Company E. John Sell, must. out June 5, 1866. Company K. David Pott, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., July 10, 1865. THIRTIETH INFANTRY. On account of the numerous attempts made by the enemy in Canada to organize plundering raids against our northern border, authority was given by the War Department to the Governor of Michigan, in the autumn of 1864, to raise a regiment of infantry for one year's service, especially designed to guard the Michigan frontier. Its formation, under the name of the Thirtieth Michigan Infantry, was begun at Jackson in November, 1864, and was completed at Detroit on the 9th of January, 1865. To this regiment Allegan and Barry Counties furnished between sixty and seventy men, who were scattered among various companies. When the organization was completed, the companies were detached and stationed at different points along the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers,-at Fort Gratiot, St. Clair, Wyandotte, Jackson, Fenton, Detroit, and Detroit Barracks. But the speedy collapse of the Rebellion put an end to Canadian raids, and the regiment, although the men were ready for service, had no active duty to perform. It remained on duty until the 30th of June, 1865, and was then mustered out. 15 MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Non-commissioned Staff. Principal Musician Chas. Barton, Gun Plain; enl. Dec. 21, 1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Company A. Corp. Oliver Westfall, Otsego; enl. Nov. 30, 1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Corp. Henry H. Saunders, Otsego; enl. Nov. 30,1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Corp. Addison Childs, Otsego; enl. Dec. 5, 1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Thos. Baxter, Wm. F. Cole, Clas. Davey, Thos. Jackson, Samuel G. Mills, Win. G. Stearns, Michael Shaughnessy, Harvey Sutton, John Shea, Ebenezer Warren, Chas. W. Wood, Wm. E. Yale, Merrick Zautz, must. out June 30, 1865. Company B. Arnson A. Culver, Daniel Wasker, Doctor M. Wasker, must. out June 30, 1865. Company C. Mathew J. Allegan, Chas. K. Bowlin, Melvin Eastwood, Harvey McDonald, Jesse Van Camp, Sr., Jesse Van Camp, Jr., L. Van Camp, must. out June 30, 1865. Company E. Wm. Curry, Birney Hathaway, must. out June 30, 1865. Company F. Wm. J. Durand, Wm. W. Freese, John McEwen, Edward Norman, must. out June 30, 1865. Company G. Leander Fuller, Milford Roosa, must. out June 30,1865. Company H. Sergt. Saml. P. Spaulding, Gun Plain; enl. Dec. 19,1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Sergt. James R. Londray, Gun Plain; enl. Nov. 26, 1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Corp. E. M. T.Silliman, Gun Plain; enl. Dec. 19, 1861; must. out June 30,1865. Corp. Jacob IIildebrand, Martin; enl. Dec. 28, 1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Wm. A. Bratt, Frederick Bless, Franklin Burlingame, Thos. Carroll, Ralph B. Clark, Nelson Degraff, Marshall H. Ensign, Frederick Green, Gregory Navarre, Sylvester D. Randall, Sylvanus H. Randall, Orlando Ryan, Chas. Williams, Patrick Walch, must. out June 30, 1865. Company K. Sergt. James Shippie, Overisel; enl. Dec. 24, 1864; must. out June 30, 1865. Wm. P. Hunter, Chas. Maxon, Andrew J. Parsons, must. out June 30, 1865. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company F. William P. Fifield, Theodore A. Healey, Silas N. Miller, John H. Rook, Asa D. Rook, must. out June 30,1865. Company I. 1st Lieut. Geo. M. Brooks, Orangeville; com. Jan. 9, 1865; must. out June 30, 1865. CHAPTER XXVIII. FIRST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. Organization of the Regiment-Departure for the Front-Service by Detachments-Building Bridges, etc.-Difficulties regarding Pay -Fight at Lavergne-The Regiment defeats Wheeler's and Wharton's Brigades-Service in the Summer of 1863-Placed on a Footing with Regular Engineers-Building Bridges in the Winter -Erecting Block-Houses-Importance of the Engineers' Services -Close of Original Term-The March through Georgia-Through the Carolinas-A Detachment left in Tennessee-It rejoins the Regiment-Closing Services-Allegan County Members-Barry County Members. THIS regiment, every company of which contained men from Allegan and Barry Counties, was organized under the.law of Aug. 3, 1861, authorizing the President to receive into service five hundred thousand volunteers. Its original members rendezvoused at Marshall during the months of August and September, 1861, remaining there in camp of instruction, busily preparing for their duties in the field, until the 17th of December, 1861. It was then, with an aggregate force of one thousand and thirty-two men and officers, commanded by Col. Wil 114 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICIIIGAN. liam P. Innes, transferred by rail to Louisville, Ky., joining there the army commanded by Maj.-Gen. Buell. From this time it began a series of varied services, principally by detachments. One of these detachments, then under Gen. O. M. Mitchell, was the first Union force to enter Bowling Green, Ky., after its evacuation by the enemy, and another was at the battle of Chaplain Hills. During the spring and summer of 1862 the regiment was mostly employed in the repair or reopening of the railroads between Nashville and Chattanooga, Nashville and Columbia, Corinth and Decatur, Huntsville and Stevenson, and Memphis and Corinth, and twice assisted in reopening the road between Louisville and Nashville. In the month of June, 1862, alone, it built seven bridges on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, each from eighty-four to three hundred and forty feet in length-in the aggregate nearly three thousand feet-and from twelve to sixty feet in height. After the battle of Pittsburg Landing it was engaged at that point eight weeks in the construction of steamboat-landings, etc., with only one day's rest. Serious difficulties existed in the regiment during the first months of its service, owing to a misunderstanding as to the pay the men were to receive, it having been found after their organization that there was no law by which they could receive the pay expected. This trouble was finally remedied by an act of Congress, which act also proposed to increase the regiment's strength from ten to twelve companies of one hundred and fifty men each, forming three battalions, each commanded by a major. Half the men, as artificers, drew seventeen dollars per month, and the others thirteen dollars per month. On the 1st of November, 1862, the regiment was encamped at Edgefield, Tenn., when the alterations and casualties to that date aggregated as follows: Died of disease, seventy-five; died of wounds received in action, two; killed in action, one; wounded in action, seventeen; discharged, one hundred and twenty-four; taken prisoners, fifteen; deserted, twenty; recruits received, sixty-seven. Until June 29, 1863, the regiment was stationed at Edgefield and Mill Creek, near Nashville, at Lavergne, Murfreesboro, and Smyrna, and at a point near Nashville on the Tennessee and Alabama Railroad. During this time the regiment built nine bridges, besides a number of magazines and buildings for commissary, quartermaster, and ordnance stores, and also repaired and relaid a large amount of railroad track. At Lavergne, Tenn., on the 1st of January, 1863, it was attacked by the rebel Gens. Wheeler and Wharton, who, with a force of over three thousand cavalry and two pieces of artillery, were compelled to retire with loss, the loss of the regiment in this action being but one man killed and six wounded. On the 29th of June, 1863, the regiment moved south from Murfreesboro, and during the two succeeding months was engaged repairing and opening the railroad from Murfreesboro, Tenn., to Bridgeport, Ala. Of five bridges completed in July, the one over Elk River was four hundred and sixty feet in length; that over Duck River, three hundred and fifty feet long. During September and October detached companies were employed in building an immense bridge over the Tennessee River at Bridgeport, Ala., constructing commissary buildings at Stevenson, Ala., and building and repairing bridges, etc., on the lines of the Nashville and Chattanooga and the Nashville and Northwestern Railroads; the headquarters of the regiment being at Elk River Bridge, Tenn. By an act of Congress passed in 1862, regiments and independent companies which had been " mustered into the service of the United States as volunteer engineers, pioneers, or sappers and miners" were " recognized and accepted as volunteer engineers, on the same footing, in all respects, in regard to their organization, pay, and emoluments, as the corps of engineers of the regular army of the United States." The standard of organization thus established allowed the regiment twelve companies of one hundred and fifty enlisted men each, viz., two musicians, ten sergeants, ten corporals, sixty-four artificers, and sixty-four privates. The alterations and casualties for the year, to Nov. 1, 1863, were: Died in action or of wounds, six; died of disease, fifty-eight; discharged for disability, one hundred and eighty-nine; discharged for other causes, fourteen; deserted, twenty-seven; officers resigned, ten; joined as recruits, three hundred and seventy-two; aggregate strength, nine hundred and sixty-five. In the months of November and December, 1863, and January and February, 1864, the regiment was engaged in building trestle-work and bridges on the line of the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad, and in the construction of store houses and other buildings at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Bridgeport, Ala., for the quartermaster, ordnance, and other departments of the army. At the same time one battalion was engaged at Chattanooga in refitting saw-mills, where it continued during the months of March, April, and May, employed in running saw-mills, getting out railroad-ties, building hospital accommodations, and working on the defenses. Detachments from the other battalions were engaged erecting block-houses on the lines of the Tennessee and Alabama, the Nashville and Chattanooga, and the Memphis and Charleston Railroads. Two companies were at Bridgeport, Ala., building artillery block-houses. Two companies were at Stevenson, Ala., completing its defenses, while another battalion was stationed on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, building block-houses at various points. between Decatur and Stevenson. The major portion of the regiment was finally concentrated upon the line of the Atlantic and Western Railroad during the summer months of 1864, where it built and repaired railroads, block-houses, etc. The task allotted to this regiment during the fierce campaign of Sherman's army, in 1864, was one of great magnitude, and most nobly did its members fulfill their duty. But for such men as composed the Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and the rapidity with which they repaired the railroad right up to the enemy's skirmish-line,* the more than * As Johnston's army fell back from one chosen position to another before the fierce attacks and flank movements of Sherman's veterans, the railroad was invariably destroyed by the enemy, and in a manner, too, that would seem to require days to repair it. Imagine, then, the surprise and chagrin of the "Johnnies," when, in the course of a very few hours, a locomotive bearing the legend " United States FIRST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS, 115 I one hundred thousand Union soldiers in front would many times have gone to sleep without their usual rations of "hard tack, sow belly, and coffee." At the close of the Atlanta campaign, headquarters of the regiment were established in the latter city. The alterations and casualties for the year were reported as follows: Died of disease, one hundred and twelve; transferred, thirty-six; discharged for disability, etc., fifty; re-enlisted as veterans, one hundred and forty-eight. On the 31st of October, 1864, the original term of the regiment expired, and such officers as desired to leave the service were mustered out, as were also the enlisted men whose terms had expired. The re-enlisted veterans, together with the recruits who had joined the regiment, enabled it to maintain its organization entire and nearly its full strength. From the 1st to the 15th of November, 1864, the regiment, with the exception of Companies L and M, was stationed at Atlanta, Ga., being employed in constructing defenses, destroying rebel works, depots, rolling-mills, foundries, gas-works, and other rebel property, and in tearing up and rendering useless the various railroad-tracks in the vicinity. After the complete destruction of Atlanta,* the regiment set out on the morning of November 16, with the Fourteenth Army Corps, as part of the engineer force of Gen. Sherman's army; going to Sandersville, Ga., and thence with the Twentieth Army Corps, to Horse Creek, where it received orders to join the Seventeenth Army Corps, with which it continued on to Savannah, Ga., reaching there Dec. 10, 1864. During this march the regiment was required to keep pace with the movements of the army, traveling over twenty miles a day, and meanwhile was engaged tearing up railroad-tracks, twisting rails, destroying bridges, repairing and making roads, building and repairing wagon-bridges, etc. On the 10th and 11th of December the regiment built a dam across the Ogechee Canal under the fire of rebel batteries. From that time until after the evacuation of Savannah by the enemy, the regiment was constantly at work tearing up railroad-track and destroying the rails of the several railroads leading out of the city, and in constructing long stretches of corduroy-road for the passage of army-trains. On the 23d of December it moved into the city, and five days later commenced work on the fortifications laid out by direction of Gen. Sherman. These works, constructed by and under the supervision of this regiment, were over two miles in length, and included several strong battery-positions and lunettes. The regiment was again put in motion on the 3d of January, 1865; marching to Pooler Station, converting the railroad into a wagon-road, and then returning to Savannah. It embarked on board transports for Beaufort, S. C., January 26, 1865, and on the 31st started with the victorious Military Railroad," driven by a greasy Northern mechanic, would dash up in their very midst, as it were, saluting them with several toots, and then a prolonged shrill whistle. The salute, however, as well as the cheers from the "Yanks," usually, and very quickly, too, received a response in the shape of shells from a rebel battery. * Afternoon and night of Nov. 15, 1864. army on its march to Goldsboro', N. C. It moved with the Fifteenth Army Corps to Banbury, S. C., thence with the Twentieth Army Corps to Columbia, S. C., thence with the Seventeenth Corps to Fayetteville, N. C., and thence with the Twentieth Army Corys to Goldsboro', N. C., where it arrived March 23, 1865. It is estimated that during this campaign, besides making and repairing a great distance of corduroy-road, the regiment destroyed and twisted the rails of thirty miles of railroad-track and built eight or ten important bridges and crossings. At Edisto the bridge was constructed under fire from the enemy's sharpshooters. At Hughes Creek and at Little and Big Lynch Creeks the bridges and approaches were built at night. At the last-named stream the men worked in water waist-deep. A foot-crossing was made there in one night, nearly a mile in length, and the next day the space was corduroyed for the heavy army-trains and artillery to pass over. The regiment destroyed factories and rebel army supplies at Columbia, rebel ordnance and stores at Cheraw, and the old United States arsenal at Fayetteville, N. C., etc. Companies L and M, which had been detached from the regiment early in the summer of 1864 and placed upon the defenses at Stevenson, Ala., having completed those works, which consisted of a system of eight block-houses, were retained in the Army of the Cumberland. They assisted to fortify and defend the line of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad for some weeks, and on the 28th of November, 1864, were moved to Elk River Bridge. For some time after that, when not interrupted by Hood's rebel army, they were engaged in building block-houses between that bridge and Murfreesboro, Tenn. During the most of the month of December a portion of the Engineers and Mechanics was engaged in completing and repairing Fort Rosecrans, Murfreesboro, Tenn., while the rebels, under Hood, were investing Nashville. A detachment, consisting of Company L of this regiment, with several companies of an Illinois regiment which had been sent out to bring through from Stevenson, Ala., a railroad-train of supplies, was captured Dec. 15, 1864, after several hours' hard fighting. On the 1st of March, 1865, Companies L and M left Murfreesboro, Tenn., to rejoin their regiment, and proceeding by rail, vid Louisville, Indianapolis, Crestline, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, to New York, they then took steamer to Beaufort, N. C., thence by rail to Newbern, and finally joined their comrades at Goldsboro', N. C., March 25, 1865. Gen. Sherman's army began its last campaign April 10, 1865. By breaking camp at Goldsboro' and moving rapidly to the northward, Johnston's fleeing forces were pursued to, through, and beyond Raleigh. The Engineers and Mechanics marched with the Twentieth Army Corps, but proceeded no farther than Raleigh, where they remained until after Johnston's' surrender.t On the 30th April the regiment moved out on its homeward march with the Seventeenth Army Corps. It crossed the Roanoke River at Monroe, and, passing through the cities of Petersburg, Richmond, and Alexandria, Va., arrived at Washington, t April 26, 1865. 116 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- D. C., during the latter part of May, 1865. It participated in the grand review of two hundred thousand veteran soldiery held at the nation's capital, May 23 and 24, 1865, and then went into camp near Georgetown, D. C. Early in June the regiment was ordered to Louisville, Ky., thence to Nashville, Tenn., where it was employed upon the defenses until September 22d, when it was mustered out of the United States service. It arrived at the designated rendezvous, Jackson, Mich., September 25th, and on the 1st day of. October, 1865, was paid off and disbanded. The battles and skirmishes which by general orders it was entitled to have inscribed upon its colors were those of Mill Springs, Ky., Jan. 19,1862; Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862; siege of Corinth, Miss., May 10 to 31, 1862; Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862; Lavergne, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1863; Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 6, 1863; siege of Atlanta, Ga., July 22 to Sept. 2, 1864; Savannah, Ga., Dec. 11 to 23, 1864; Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Company A. Charles R. Averill, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Edward Averill, disch. by order, July 18,1865. Cvrus E. Babbitt, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Hiram Bisby, died of disease at Willets' Point, N. Y., May 14,1865. Theodore Crapey, disch. by order June 6, 1865. William Degoit, disch. by order, June 6,1865. David Frank, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Henry Frank, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Samuel Frank, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. 0. L. Gleason, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Cyrus E. Goodspeed, disch. by order, July 21, 1865. George H. Goodspeed, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Jan. 9,1865. Russell H. Jones, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Hugh Johnson, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Riley Miller, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Jefferson Reed, died of disease at Goldsboro', N. C., March 28, 1865. William M. Shepherd, disch. by order, June 6,1865. J. M. Sterling, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Mathias Van Tassell, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Company B. Philip Bovee, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Walter Curtis, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., July 8, 1865. Lyman M. Henderson, died of disease at Annapolis, Md., April 4,1865. Myron Heffron, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Elisha Poland, disch. by order, June 6,1865. George R. Roach, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Myron Sullivan, disch by order, June 6, 1865. Michael Strayer, disch. by order, May 22, 1865. William E. Ticknor, died of disease in Indiana, May 17,1864. Company C. Augustus P. Howe, disch. by order, May 30,1865. William H. Wallace, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company D. Corp. George H. Fausler, died of disease in Kentucky, Feb. 7, 1863. David F. Ayers, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Theodore M. Ayers, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Richard Boyle, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Jan. 26, 1865. Leaider Brewer, disch. for disability, Dec. 11, 1865. Andrew E. Bates, veteran, enl. Jan. 3,1864; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Joseph Douglass, disch. for disability, Jan. 18, 1863. William Everhardt, died of disease at Nashville, March 28,1863. Moses H. Fausler, died of disease at Nashville, May 3, 1862. Samuel Hunter, disch. by order, June 6,1865. John C. Hirspool, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Leonard T. Kinner, died of disease, March 11, 1862. Henry Leslie, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Hezekiah Mason, disch by order, June 6, 1865. Lyman Mathews, disch. by order, May 29,1865. Leroy Root, disch. for disability, July 8, 1862. Andrew J. Ross, must. out Sept. 22,1865. John Parsons, disch. for disability, March 9,1863. Edgar A. Thompson, veteran, enl. Jan. 3, 1864; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William Witherell, disch. for disability, June 20,1865. Company E. 1st Lieut. John W. Spoor, Allegan; com. Nov. 3,1864; 2d lieut., Jan. 1, 1864; sergt.; must. out Sept. 22,1865. Corp. Philip J. Coon, Wayland; eul. Sept. 11,1861; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Amasa B. Carpenter, died of disease, Feb. 25,1863. Marshall Darrow, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Francis M. Filkins, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. James Goodspeed, died of disease at Alexandria, May 8,1865. Cyrus E. Hollister, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Lucius F. Hill, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Minot Hoyt, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Isaac N. Hoyt, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Charles W. King, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Curtis Murray, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Chester D. Walchl, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Company F. Ambrose Mudge, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Jacob W. Ridgely, died of disease in Tennessee, March 11,1865. Company G. Gilbert Eagle, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31,1864. Henry H. Jennings, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Albert H. Lillie, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. William Osman, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Frank F. Russell, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Henry Starring, disch. for disability, June 23,1862. Charles Stratton, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Company H. 2d Lieut. Osmer Eaton, Otsego; cornm. Jan. 1,1864; disch. at end of service, Oct. 26, 1864. Albert Brundage, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. David Fargo, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Perly Mann, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31,1864. George Robbins, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Parker Truax, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Aaron Wing, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Company L Ephraim Prindle, disch. by order, June 27,1865. James B. Yeamans, disch. by order, June 29, 1865. Company K. Clement C. Bement, died of disease at Chattanooga, March 10, 1864. John Dean, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Ira S. Harriman, must. out Sept. 22,1865. John B. King, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Francis P. Williams, disch. for disability, June 18, 1862. Robert Williams, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Company L. Sergt. Cornelius Engles, Otsego; enl. Jan. 1,1863; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Augustus Dean, disch. by order, June 6,1865. William Heydenberg, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Sanford Scott, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Company M. John W. Leoply, must. out Sept. 22,1865. William F, Leoply, must. out Sept. 22,1865. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS. Company A. William Scott, disch. by order, July 21,1865. Company B. Charles Dowse, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., June 24,1862. William C. Goodyear, disch. for disability, Dec. 19, 1863. Company C. Sergt. Zophar Sidmore, Hastings; enl. Sept. 14, 1861; disch. for disability, April 17, 1863. Sergt. Andrew J. Beers, Irving; enl. Sept. 12,1861; veteran, Jan. 1, 1864; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. L. Corp. Joseph L. Hewett, Irving; enl. Sept. 17,1861; disch. by order, July 14, 1863. Musician Jonathan R. Russell, Thornapple; enl. Oct. 9, 1861; disch. for disability, Sept. 2,1862. George H. Brownson, disch. for disability, Oct. 8, 1863. Nathaniel Birdsall, disch. by order, June 6,1865. William H. Bayless, disch. by order, May 29, 1865. Eliphalet R. Cartwright, disch. by order, June 6,1865. James Curtis, disch. for disability, Sept. 9,1862. Benona A. Cotant, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Dec. 15,1863. James Clark, must. out Sept. 22,1865. James W. Cutler, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Oliver Cheeney, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD CAVALRY. 117 William Clark, must. out Sept. 22,1865. George H. Darmat, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Frederick A. Fuller, disch. at Nashville, Tenn. o James M. Flanigan. veteran, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must. out Sept. 22,1865. Alson Gray, disch. for disability, April 24,1862. Oliyer P. Hewitt, disch. for disability, March 7,1862. William Hazen, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Abner Hall, died of disease-at Nashville, Tenn., March 29,1864. Solomon Hardenburgh, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., March 15,1864. T homas Haney, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Hiram Jones, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Horatio Morgridge, must. out Sept. 22,1865. John MeOmber, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., March 15,1864. Orson Myers, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., March 17, 1864. Daniel S. Mead, died of disease at Hastings, Mich., Feb. 5, 1864. Liberty Marble, disch. for disability, March 3,1863. William Morgan, disch. for disability, Nov. 28,1863. John H. McLellan, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Theodore R. Mattison, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Francis Nye, veteran, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. George W. Osborn, disch. for disability, July 25,1862. William Roberts, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Walter Robinson, disch. by order, June 27, 1865. Mathias Reiser, died of wounds at Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 25,1863. David H. Sanford, disch. for disability, April 30,1862. Samuel Sweet, disch. for disability, Oct. 6,1862. Norman Seaver, disch. for disability, Dec. 4,1862. Ezra Sweet, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Charles W. Sheldon, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Edwin B. Sidmore, veteran, enl. Jan. 2,1864; must. out Sept. 22,1865. Abel Shepard, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Charles 11. Stone, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Washington Topping, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Jefferson Turner, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Alonzo Van Horn, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. William D. Vaughan, disch. for disability, July 28, 1862. William Vester, disch. for disability, Jan. 25, 1863. John Vredenburgh, disch. for disability, Oct. 29, 1862. Watson E. Woodruff, disch. for disability, June 3,1863. Amos W. Warner, disch. by order, June 6,1865. James C. Woodruff, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. John Weisert, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Oscar H. Young, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Company D. James H. Gault, died of disease at Ypsilanti, Mich., May 25, 1862. Matthew A. Patrick, disch. for disability, Aug. 8, 1865. Roswell Webster, disch. for disability, Jan. 31, 1863. Company F. Samuel Gibbs, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Robert Holliday, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William H. Johnson, disch. by order, Aug. 4,1865. Albert B. Sayles, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company G. Edwin M. Bowman, died of disease at Town Creek, Ga., Nov. 24, 1864. Lewis C. Bugby, died of disease at Savannah, Ga., Feb. 16, 1865. Andrew E. Breese, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Stephen E. Crandall, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Henry Haugh, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Wilson F. Hart, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Southern Monroe, disch. by order, June 6,1865. Levi Palmatier, disch. by order, June 6, 1865. Company H. Stephen Downs, disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1864. Lewis Ives, disch. for disability, April 26, 1862. Company K. John Jacobs, veteran, enl. Dec. 31,1863; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William H. H. Miller, disch. for disability, Feb. 18, 1863. John Vandermere, died of disease at New York Harbor, May 4, 1865. Company L. Andrew J. Beers, 1st lieut., must. out Sept. 22, 1865. CHAPTER XXIX. FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD CAVALRY. The First Cavalry goes to Virginia in October, 1861-Winters in Maryland-Its Battles in 1862-Assigned to the "Michigan Brigade"-Defeats Hampton's Legion-The New Battalion-Loss in the Wilderness-At Trevillian-At Front Royal, Winchester, and Cedar Creek-In at the Death of the Rebellion-Ordered to the Rocky Mountains-Disbanded in March, 1866-Allegan County Soldiers-Barry County Soldiers-The Second Cavalry goes to St. Louis-Operates on the Mississippi-Services around CorinthPhilip H. Sheridan its Colonel-Ordered to Kentucky-A March to East Tennessee-Then to Middle Tennessee-A Fight with Forrest -More Fighting in Middle and East Tennessee-Re-enlistmentResisting Hood's Advance in the Fall of 1864-Closing ServicesOfficers and Soldiers from Barry County-From Allegan CountyAllegan County's Representation in the Third Cavalry-Operations on the Mississippi and around Corinth-A Gallant AchievementBattle of Iuka-Fights in the Winter of 1862-63-Fighting Guerrillas in 1863-Description of that Kind of Warfare-Re-enlistment -Subsequent Services-Ordered to Texas-Mustered out-Officers and Men from Allegan County-Soldiers from Barry County. FIRST CAVALRY. THE First Regiment of Michigan Cavalry was organized during the summer of 1861, and left its rendezvous at Detroit for the seat of war in Virginia, under the command of Col. T. F. Brodhead, on the 29th of September of the same year. Among its original members were several from Allegan County, and before the close of the war some fifty men had joined its ranks from the counties of Barry and Allegan. The regiment passed the winter of 1861-62 in camp near Frederick, Md., and in the following spring entered upon active service on the Upper Potomac, in the Shenandoah Valley, and near the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge. It was in battle at Winchester, Va., March 23, 1862; at Middletown, Va., March 15th; at Strasburg, March 27th; at Harrisonburg, April 22d; at Winchester again, May 24th; at Orange Court-House, July 16th; at Cedar Mountain, August 9th; and at Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. In the last-named battle Col. Brodhead was mortally wounded, and the regiment lost twenty men killed and wounded, seven prisoners, and one hundred and six missing. To Nov. 1, 1862, ten others had died of wounds received in action, and sixty of disease. After passing another winter near Frederick, Md., the regiment again entered the field, and during the early part of 1863 performed picket duty along the line of Union defenses extending from Edward's Ferry to the mouth of the Occoquan. On the 27th June it moved northward in the Gettysburg campaign, and for fifteen days it was almost constantly engaged in conflicts with the enemy. The First formed part of the celebrated " Michigan Cavalry Brigade,"* of which Gen. Custer was so long the commander, and which contributed very largely to the renown of that distinguished cavalry leader. At Gettysburg, on the 3d of July, 1863, the First met and charged Hampton's Legion, consisting of three regiments of rebel cavalry, and defeated it in six minutes, * A more detailed account of that brigade is given in Chapter XXXI., to which the reader is referred. I 118 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. having eleven officers and eighty men killed and wounded out of three hundred who went into the action. In September, 1863, the War Department authorized the consolidation of the twelve companies into eight and the raising of a new battalion of four companies. These were speedily raised, and the new battalion was mustered into service at Mount Clemens, in December, 1863. This battalion went to Camp Stoneman, near Washington, in December, 1863, and remained there until the spring of 1864. Meanwhile, the two old battalions re-enlisted, came home on veteran furlough, and joined the new levies at Camp Stoneman. The three battalions went to the front together, and in the latter part of March, 1864, joined Gen. Sheridan's cavalry corps at Culpeper, Va., being still a part of the " Michigan Cavalry Brigade." The regiment had ten men killed and twenty wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. It was engaged at Hanovertown, on the 27th of May, and at Hawes' Shop on the 28th, where fifteen of its members were killed and wounded, and at Old Church on the 30th, where fifteen were killed and wounded. On the 31st of May and 1st of June it was engaged, together with other cavalry regiments, at Cold Harbor, where it fought, dismounted, in advance of the infantry; having eighteen men killed and wounded. It shared the fortunes of the brigade throughout the summer; having fifty-one men killed and wounded at Trevillian Station (where six commissioned officers were killed), eleven killed and wounded at Front Royal in the Shenandoah Valley, thirty-two at Manchester, and twenty-seven at Cedar Creek. During the six months closing on the 1st of November, 1864, the regiment had eighty-two men killed or mortally wounded in action, and one hundred and two less seriously wounded, while only thirty-three died of disease. After being in quarters with the brigade near Winchester through the winter, the First went with it in Sheridan's great raid in March, 1865, and was warmly engaged in the closing scenes of the Rebellion. After this the regiment moved into the edge of North Carolina, then returned to Washington, and immediately after the review of the Army of the Potomac, on the 23d of May, 1865, was sent by rail and steamer to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., whence it was ordered across the Plains. There was much dissatisfaction, but most of the regiment set out on the march; reaching Camp Collins, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, on the 26th of July. Its headquarters remained there until about the 1st of November, when it was moved to Fort Bridger. There it was consolidated with those men of the Sixth and Seventh Michigan Cavalry who had the longest time to serve; forming an organization known as the First Michigan Veteran Cavalry. Company K was distributed among several other companies. After the consolidation eight companies were sent to Camp Douglas, near Salt Lake City, while four remained at Fort Bridger. The regiment garrisoned those two stations until the 10th of March, 1866, when it was mustered out, paid off, and disbanded. The men were given their choice,-to be disbanded in Utah then, or to remain till June and then be marched to Fort Leavenworth, without horses or tents. All but about seventy made the former choice. The commutation paid them in lieu of transportation, however, was not enough to carry them home, and, on representation of the injustice to Congress, that body voted three hundred and twenty-five dollars to each member of the regiment, minus the amount already paid as commutation money. This gave each member about two hundred and ten dollars extra, which was duly paid them by the government. ALLEGAN COUNTY SOLDIERS. Company A. John Rutan, (lied of disease at Alexandria, Va., June 10,1862. Company B. Robert W. Martin, must. out May 14,1866. Amos Ruland, must. out Dec. 5,1865. Company C. Miles Wright, must. out Dec. 5, 1865. Company E. George Brown, must. out March 10, 1866. Aretus E. Black, must. out March 10, 1866. James H. Birkhead, must. out March 10, 1866. Henry L. Monteith, must. out March 10, 1866. Florence Sullivan, must. out Dec. 5. 1865. Company F. Hiram O. Miller, must. out March 25, 1866. Company G. Darius J. Cushman, must. out March 10, 1866. Darwin E. White, must. out March 10, 1866. Company H. Thomas Hoagland, mustered out. Origen Hamilton, mustered out. Company I. 2d Lieut. Orrin M. Bartlett, Gun Plain; cor. March 7, 1865; killed in action at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865. 1st Sergt. Nahum Gilbert, Otsego; enl. Aug. 21,1861; disch. for disability, July 14, 1863. Corp. Charles W. Belcher, Otsego; enl. Aug. 21, 1861; missing in action at Brandy Station, Oct. 11,1863. Corp. Otis A. Cackler, Otsego; enl. Aug. 21, 1861; disch. for disability, Jan. 7, 1862. Musician I[iomas Jeffs, Allegan; enl. Aug. 21, 1861; veteran, Dec. 21, 1863; trans. to Co. L; disch. by order, July 1, 1865. Saddler William J. Monteith, Allegan; enl. Aug. 21, 1861; veteran, Dec. 21, 1863; trans. to Co. L; disch. by order, July 1, 1865. Company K. Franklin J. Church, mustered out. Company L. Jefferson Brown, must. out Dec. 5,1865. William Brown, must. out by order, June 7,1865. Horace Dunning, disch. by order, Sept. 12,1864. Isaac Furgeson, must. out Dec. 5, 1865. Nelson Russ, must. out Nov. 14,1865. Friend Reed, must. out Dec. 5,1865. Thomas Schlayer, disch. by order, June 26,1865. David C. Smith, disch. at end of service, Aug. 22, 1865. Company M. Barzillai Houston, must. out June 30,1866. Johnson Mellott, must. out July 24,1865. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company D. Andrew L. Barnum, died in action at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19,1864. Company E. William D. Mathews, must out March 2,1865. Rollin C. Norton, must. out March 10, 1866. Company F. Grant H. Van Voorhies, must. out June 30,1866. Company G. William M. Davis, must. out Dec. 5, 1865. Company K. Alfred Train, must. out March 25,1866. Company L. Clinton J. Williamson, died of disease at Fort Kearney, July 23,1865. FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD CAVALRY. 119 SECOND CAVALRY. Allegan and Barry Counties were both represented by good men in the Second Cavalry. The companies comprising this fine regiment rendezvoused at Grand Rapids early in the fall of 1861. On the 28th of November, 1861, the Second proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where it was encamped at Benton Barracks until early in the spring of 1862, when it joined the forces organizing under Gen. John Pope to operate against New Madrid and Island No. 10. After the capture of those rebel strongholds the regiment proceeded with Pope's " Army of the Mississippi," via the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers, to Hamburg Landing, Tenn. It was engaged in the battle of Farmington, Miss, May 5, 1862, and in the subsequent siege of Corinth during the remainder of that month. It pressed closely upon Beauregard's retreating columns when they fled south from Corinth, and fought them at Boonville, Blackland, and Baldwin, Miss. Thereafter, throughout the summer of 1862, the regiment was actively employed on various duties in Northern Mississippi and Western Tennessee. Its colonel was then Philip H. Sheridan, now lieutenant-general, who had recently been detailed fiom duty as a captain in the regular army to receive the colonelcy lately vacated by the promotion of Gen. Gordon Granger. Col. Sheridan commanded a brigade, consisting of the Second Michigan, Second Iowa, and Seventh Kansas Cavalry, and at its head made numerous excursions through the country around Corinth, to keep down guerrillas and learn the movements of the enemy. Early in the autumn, however, Col. Sheridan was made a brigadier-general of volunteers and transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, and about the same time the Second Cavalry was sent to Kentucky. In December, 1862, and January, 1863, it was engaged in a movement into East Tennessee, the men being in the saddle twenty-two days and taking part in several sharp skirmishes. Soon afterward it moved into Middle Tennessee, and for several months its headquarters were at or near Murfreesboro, while it was almost constantly engaged in scouts and raids through that region. On the 25th of March, 1863, it had a sharp encounter with a large rebel force under Gen. N. B. Forrest, killing and wounding many and capturing fifty-two prisoners. The Second had seven men killed and wounded. On the 4th of June it had another brisk skirmish between Franklin and Triune, Tenn., five of its men being killed and wounded. When the army advanced from Murfreesboro in June, 1863, the Second accompanied it in the cavalry division, driving the enemy from Shelbyville, Middletown, and other points. In the autumn it was engaged in scouting around Chattanooga, at one time being part of a force which chased Gen. Wheeler's cavalry one hundred and ninety-one miles in six days (October 3d to 8th, inclusive). In November it marched into East Tennessee, and on the 24th of December it participated in an attack on a large force of the enemy at Dandridge, Tenn., having ten men killed and wounded. On the 26th of January, 1864, the Second with other forces attacked a brigade of rebel cavalry on Pigeon River, capturing three pieces of artillery and seventy-five prisoners, and having eleven of its own men wounded. Three hundred and twenty-eight of the men re-enlisted as veterans, and in April went home on veteran furlough. The rest of the regiment accompanied Gen. Sherman in his Atlanta campaign, having several sharp skirmishes with the enemy, but being ordered back from Lost Mountain to Franklin, Tenn., where it was rejoined by the veterans in July. During the summer and autumn the Second was busily engaged in marching through Middle Tennessee, fighting with the horsemen of Forrest and other rebel generals. On the 5th of November, 1864, the regiment was attacked at Shoal Creek, Ala., by a large Confederate force (a part of Hood's army, then advancing against Nashville), and was forced back with heavy loss. It steadily fell back, skirmishing almost constantly with the enemy, and at Franklin, on the 30th of November, it resisted his advance all day, having eighteen officers and men killed and wounded. After Hood's defeat before Nashville, the Second pressed hard on his rear, and at Richland Creek, on the 24th of December, charged repeatedly, driving the foe sixteen miles, and having seven men killed and wounded. After Hood's final retreat from the State the regiment remained mostly in Middle Tennessee until March 11, 1865, when it set out on a long raid through Northern Alabama to Tuscaloosa, and thence through Talladega to Macon, Ga., where it arrived on the 1st day of May, 1865. After remaining in Georgia on garrison duty until the 17th of August, the regiment was mustered out and sent home, arriving at Jackson on the 25th of August, 1865, where it was paid off and disbanded. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Field and Staff. Lieut.-Col. Marshall J. Dickenson, Vermontville;* c, m. July 31, 1865, but not mustered; maj. Sept. 13, 1863; capt. Co. B, May 17, 1862; 2d lieut. Sept. 2,1861; must. out as major, Aug. 17, 1865. Company B. Capt. Marshall J. Dickenson. (See Field and Staff.) Capt. Isaac Griswold, Vermontville;* com. Jan. 31, 1865, but not mustered; 1st lieut. Oct. 1, 1864; must. out as 1st lieut. Aug. 17, 1865. Company C. Capt. Martin L. Squier, Vermontville*; com. Oct. 22, 1864; 1st lieut. March 1, 1864; 2d lieut. April 15, 1863; sergeant; must. out Aug. 17, 1865. Musician Augustus Atkins, died of disease in Iowa, July 26, 1862. James W. Hotchkiss, disch. for disability, Sept. 11, 1862. James R. Shadden, must. out July 26, 1865. Herman E. Wood, disch. for disability, May 2,1862. Company F. Philip Arthur, must. out June 21, 1865. Lorenzo Livingston, must. out Aug. 17, 1865. Charles I. McMurray, disch. for disability. Julius Otto, must. out June 21, 1865. Company G. James Ileaton, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1864. Company H. Henry Parker, must. out July 25, 1865. Company L Franklin Austin, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 15,1863. Myron S. Cook, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864. * Vermontville is in Ingham County, near the Barry County line, and was evidently the post-office address of these Barry County officers. 120 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Highland Honeywell, disch. at end of service, Oct. 22,1864. George Henshaw, disch. at end of service, Oct. 22,1864. Richard Hoffenden, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1864; must. out Aug. 17, 1865. Frank M. Osgood, disch. by order, May 23, 1865. Samuel N. Woodman, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1864. Company L. John Lamaure, must. out Aug. 17, 1865. ALLEGAN COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE SECOND CAVALRY. Company I Corp. Alonzo Mapes, Martin; enl. Sept. 3, 1861; veteran, Jan. 5, 1864; sick in hospital. Corp. Joseph Lindsley, Otsego; enl. Sept. 15,1861; disch. for disability, July 31, 1862. Albert Brewer, disch. for disability, March 22,1862. John C. Bugbee, died of disease at Benton Barracks, Feb. 13, 1862. Leonard Camhout, disch. for disability, July 31,1862. William Fessenden, died of disease at Stevenson, Ala., Nov. 22,1863. Elick Elickson, veteran, enl. Jan. 5,1864; must. out Aug. 17, 1865. Seward Harrington, veteran, enl. Jan. 5, 1864; must. out Aug. 17, 1865. Stillman Shepherd, veteran, enl. Jan. 5,1864; must. out Aug. 17, 1865. THIRD CAVALRY. This regiment rendezvoused at Grand Rapids in the summer of 1861, and was there mustered into the United States service, November 1st of the same year. Company A, which proceeded to the front under the command of Capt. Gilbert Moyers, was an Allegan County company, and the same county was also represented in every other company of the Third. Barry had but few men in the regiment, and they were scattered among Companies E, K, L, and M. Under the command of Lieut -Col. Robert H. G. Minty, previously major of the Second Michigan Cavalry, the regiment left its rendezvous Nov. 28, 1861, and proceeded to Benton Barracks, Mo., where Col. John K. Mizner soon after assumed command. It remained at St. Louis until early in the spring of 1862, when it joined Gen. John Pope's ' Army of the Mississippi," and actively participated in the operations which resulted in the capture of the rebel strongholds Island No. 10 and New Madrid. With Gen. Pope's army it then proceeded, via the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers, to Pittsburg Landing, where it arrived soon after the battle of Shiloh, and took an active part in the advance of Gen. Halleck's army upon Corinth, Miss. Immediately after the evacuation of Corinth by Beauregard the Third was ordered to Booneville, Miss., to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy. While in the performance of this duty a small detachment of the regiment was sent out in advance, under Capt. Botham. It ran on to a rebel force of all arms, drove them from their position, halted, and bivouacked for the night. The following morning, while eating breakfast, a Union scout discovered the enemy in the vicinity. The men left their breakfast half eaten, mounted, and hurried forward. They soon found a small body of rebel cavalry, who fled before them. The Union horsemen advanced at a rapid pace, and soon came upon an entire regiment of rebel cavalry drawn up to dispute their further progress. There was no time for consideration. If the little command had then retreated, it would have been attacked and crushed by the elated Confederates. Capt. Botham knew it was essential for cavalry to get the advantage of its own momentum in a combat, and accordingly shouted the order to charge. The detachment dashed forward at.the top of its speed, burst through the Confederate lines, and then turned and charged back. The enemy was so demoralized by these movements that no attempt was made to follow. How many of the foe were killed and wounded was not known, but it was certain that at least eleven were dismounted, for eleven of their horses accompanied the Union force on its returning charge. After retreating a short distance, Capt. Botham halted and sent a dispatch to camp. About four o'clock in the afternoon he was relieved by the Second Michigan Cavalry, under the command of Col. Philip H. Sheridan. The latter drove back the enemy four or five miles, and then rejoined the main army. The regiment was actively engaged in the usual cavalry duty of picketing and scouting throughout the whole season. Through the month of August it was at Tuscumbia and Russellville, Ala. On the approach of Price's rebel cavalry it returned to the vicinity of Corinth. At Iuka, Miss., on the 19th of September, 1862, while in command of Capt. L. G. Wilcox,-Col. Mizner being chief of cavalry,-the regiment was actively engaged, and was specially mentioned in Gen. Rosecrans' report of that battle. When Price and his defeated rebel army retired from the field the Third hung on his flanks and rear for many miles; becoming several times hotly engaged, and causing him repeatedly to form line of battle to check the Union advance. At the closeof the year ending Nov. 1, 1862, the regiment had lost one hundred and four men who died of disease, seven killed in action, forty-five wounded in action, and fifty-nine taken prisoners. Its battles and skirmishes to that date were New Madrid, Mo., March 13, 1862; siege of Island No. 10, Mo., March 14th to April 7th; Farmington, Miss., May 5th; siege of Corinth, Miss., May 10th to 31st; Spangler's Mills, Miss., July 26th; Bay Springs, Miss., September 10th; Iuka, Miss., September 19th; Corinth, Miss., October 3d and 4th; and Hatchie, Miss., October 6th. It advanced with Gen. Grant's army into Mississippi in November and December, 1862, and engaged the enemy at Holly Springs, November 7th; at Hudsonville, November 14th, where it captured an entire rebel company; at Lumkin's Mill, November 29th; and at Oxford, December 2d; and shared in the defeat of the Union cavalry at Coffeeville, December 5th. The following winter it was on active duty in North Mississippi and West Tennessee. During the year 1863 the Third Cavalry was principally engaged in the arduous service of driving out the numerous bands of guerrillas which infested Western Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, and repelling the incursions of Confederate forces from other quarters; its camp being most of the time at Corinth, Miss. There were few very severe battles in this kind of warfare, and few opportunities for winning martial glory amid the shock of charging squadrons, but it tested to the utmost the endurance, the fortitude, and the patriotism of the hardy sons of the West. Day and night, in sun and rain, the cavalry was kept in motion. Often, when all the camp lay locked in the deep slumbers of two o'clock in the morning, the silence would suddenly be broken by the stirring sounds of the bugle, and a moment later the officers would be heard going from tent to tent, arousing the half-awakened men with the FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD CAVALRY. 121 orders, " Turn out here, Company B." "Turn out, Company F." " Get ready to march with three days' rations." "Lively now; lively, I say." Then would follow a hurried drawing of rations, the filling of haversacks and saddle-bags with coffee, pork, and " hard tack," and perhaps the cooking of a hasty meal for immediate consumption. Presently the bugles would sound ' Boot and Saddle," the horses would be speedily equipped, mounted, and ridden into line, the voices of a dozen captains would be heard in succession commanding "Fours Right-Column Right-March!" and away into the darkness would go the Third Michigan, or the Seventh Kansas, or the Third Iowa, or any two of them, or all of them, as the occasion might seem to require. Nobody would know where they were going except the field-officers, and very frequently they didn't; but all sorts of rumors would pass rapidly among the boys: " Forrest is coming to attack the camp " "Roddy is out here ten miles;" " Chalmers is raising the devil over at Holly Springs," etc. A ride would follow, perhaps lasting two or three hours, perhaps extending through three or four days and half as many nights, and sometimes embracing a period of one, two, or three weeks, during which the bold riders were generally compelled to live upon the country they traversed. In that half-cleared country there was seldom an opportunity for the dashing charge which one naturally associates with the idea of cavalry service; but whenever they met the foe, which was quite frequently, both sides dismounted, and a lively skirmish with carbines against shot-guns ensued, which lasted until one party or the other retreated. The retreating party was usually, though not always, the rebels, for notwithstanding the best Confederate troops, after the battle of Corinth, in October, 1862, were taken away to other sections, leaving only undisciplined bands of what was called " shot-gun cavalry" in Northern Mississippi and Western Tennessee, the " chivalry" fought well. In such tasks the Third Michigan Cavalry was engaged throughout 1863, taking part in sharp fights (and generally defeating the enemy) at Clifton on the 20th of February; at Panola, Miss., on the 20th of July; at Byhalia, Miss., on the 12th of October; at Wyatt's Ford, Miss., on the 13th of October. At Grenada, Miss., also, on the 14th of August, the Third led the Union advance, and, after a vigorous fight, drove back the enemy, captured the town, and destroyed more than sixty locomotives and four hundred cars, gathered there by the Confederate authorities. In the latter part of January, 1864, the regiment being then in winter-quarters at Lagrange, Tenn., three-fourths of the men re-enlisted, and the command became the Third Michigan Veteran Cavalry. After the men had enjoyed their veteran furlough the command went to St. Louis in March, 1864, and in the latter part of May proceeded, dismounted, to Little Rock, Ark. It was not mounted until the 1st of August, when it resumed the work of chasing guerrillas, scouting for information, etc., with an experience similar to that already described. From November, 1864, to February, 1865, the Third was in garrison at Brownsville Station, on the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad, where the men built such a fine16 I appearing set of quarters and stables that the place was commonly called Michigan City, instead of Brownsville Station. In March, 1865, the regiment, as a part of the First Brigade, First Division, Seventh Army Corps, proceeded to New Orleans, and in April continued its course to Mobile. After the capture of that place the Third was on outpost duty in that vicinity until the 8th day of May, when it marched across the country to Baton Rouge, La. In June it set out for Texas by the way of Shreveport, and on the 2d of August arrived at San Antonio, in that State. Its headquarters remained at San Antonio until the 15th of February, 1866, while successive detachments were scouting the country, protecting the frontier against Mexicans and Indians. In February, 1866, the regiment was dismounted, mustered out, and sent home; being paid off and disbanded at Jackson, Mich., on the 15th of March, 1866, after a service of four years and a half unsurpassed as to hardship and fidelity by that of any other regiment in the army. It is claimed to have captured during the time over two thousand five hundred prisoners, besides those taken in co-operation with other regiments. OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Field and Staff. Lieut.-Col. Gilbert Moyers, Allegan; com. Aug. 13, 1862; maj., Feb. 27, 1862; res. Dec. 2, 1864. (See Co. A.) Maj. James G. Butler, Allegan; com. July 4, 1865; capt., Sept. 7, 1864; 1st lieut. and q.m., Sept. 15, 1862; 2d lieut., May 25,1862; corn. sergt., Sept. 2, 1862; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Company A. Capt. Gilbert Moyers, Allegan; corn. Aug. 28,1861; pro. to maj., Feb. 27, 1862. (See Field and Staff.) Capt. Thonmas Dean, Allegan; com. Oct. 26, 1864; 1st lieut., Feb. 16, 1863; 2d lient., Oct. 1, 1862; enl. Sept. 1, 1861; res. Oct. 17, 1865. 1st Lieut. Horace H. Pope, Allegan; com. Aug. 28, 1861; trans. 1st lieut. to Co. I, Feb. 27,1862. 1st Lieut. Isaac Wilson, Saugatuck; corn. Feb. 27, 1862; 2d lieut. Sept. 7, 1861; pro. to capt. Co. K, Oct. 1, 1863. 1st Lieut. Nathan V. Btuck, Allegan; corn. Oct. 26, 1864; 2d lieut., Sept. 13, 1864; res. June 2,1865. 1st Sergt. Frank W. Mix, Saugatuck; enl. Sept. 1, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. G, March 26,1862. Q.M.-Sergt. George R. Stone, Allegan; enl. Sept. 6, 1861; disch. by order, Jan. 15, 1863, for pro. in 4th Cav. Sergt. Nelson 0. Moon, Allegan; enl. Sept. 3,1861; disch. for disability, Oct. 18, 1862. Sergt. Robert W. Helmer, Saugatuck; enl. Sept. 12, 1861; disch. for pro. June 27, 1863. Corp. Martin C. Garver, Allegan; enl. Sept. 3, 1861; died in Tennessee of accidental wounds. Corp. Nathan V. Buck, Allegan; enl. Aug. 28, 1861; veteran, Jan. 19, 1864, sergt.; pro. to 2d lieut. Corp. William W. Pullen, Allegan; enl Sept. 2,1861; disch. for disability, July 14, 1862. Corp. Stephen Odell, Allegan; enl. Sept. 9, 1861; veteran, Jan. 19, 1864; sergt.; must. out Feb. 12,1866. Corp. William Lawrie, Allegan; enl. Sept. 2, 1861; disch. for disability, July 24, 1863. Musician Osteen G. Pike, Allegan; enl. Sept. 3, 1861; disch. for disability, June 14, 1862. Farrier Solomon Stanton, Saugatuck; enl. Sept. 4, 1861; disch. for disability, Oct. 28, 1862. Wagoner William Fisher, Allegan; enl. Aug. 28, 1861; disch. for disability, Nov. 10, 1862. Joseph Agan, died of disease in Tennessee. Samuel Andrews, must. out Aug. 25,1865. James Alger, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864: must. out Feb. 12, 1866. George D. Bronson, died of disease in Arkansas, March * 1862. William Bignall, died of disease in Arkansas, Nov. 23, 1864. Charles Billings, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24,1864. Lewis Blaisdell, disch. by order, June 2, 1865. Edgar Blaisdell, must. out June 7,1865. Lorenzo Brown, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Elijah Brown, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Morris Burr, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12,1866. 122 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. III George Bowman, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Benjamin F. Briggs, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12,1866. Reuben D. Barker, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Daniel Collins, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. George Cody, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Joshua Cornwell, disch. for disability, Aug. 25,1862. Lucius T. Cobb,disch. for disability, Jan. 23, 1863. John Cummins, disch. for disability, March 28,1864. William A. Cheney, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24,1864. Ralph Cass, died of disease at Cairo, Ill., July 20, 1864. William Colon, died of disease at Austin, Texas, July 29,1865. Warren K. Carman, died of disease at San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 4, 1865. Andrew Cochrane, must. out Feb. 12,1866. James K. Dale, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Seymour Dye, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Horatio E. Emery, veteran, enl. Feb. 1,1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Frederick Edwards, died of disease at Rienzi, Miss., July 25,1862. A. H. Esterbrook, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. Albert Fenn, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24,1864. Theo. Flitcraft, must. out July 14,1865. Joseph Gray, must. out June 7, 1865. John Garrison, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Hiram N. Goodell, veteran, eul. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Kneeland Graves, died of wounds, April 25, 1863. Horace P. Haight, died of disease, March 2,1862. Washington Howe, died of disease on steamer, June 15,1865. Wesley E. Howe, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Jacob Herringer, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Henry Hoak, veteran, eal. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Charles H. Jones, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Morris Kent, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Theo. Kleeman, disch. for disability, Nov. 9,1862. Bertrand Loomis, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., March 27, 1864. Isaac Laws, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Ark., July 15, 1864. Oliver Martin, died of disease at Monterey, Mich., Sept. 12, 1864. William H. McCormick, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. William McMillan, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. Christopher Martin, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. William E. Martin, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12,1866. John Mocklencute, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; disch. for promotion, March 21, 1865. Morgan Maybee, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; disch for promotion, June 5,1865. Thomas McQueeny, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Martin Millis, disch. for disability, Feb. 16,1865. Bernard McKerney, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 6, 1863. John Pangburn, died of disease, Sept. 24, 1862. Alonzo Prentiss, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, July 6,1864. Edward Phelan, disch. for disability, March 28,1864. George Pierce, disch. for disability, Dec. 24, 1862. Benjamin C. Palmer, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 18C4. Benjamin F. Parker, veteran, eul. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12,1865. John Priest, veteran, enl. Feb. 27, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Charles F. Peck, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Washington Pound, must. out Feb. 12,1866. John Piersons, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Freeman Ross, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12,1866. Martin V. Reed, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Lyman Reed, disch. for disability, Aug. 26, 1862. Miles Reed, disch. for disability, Dec. 20,1862. William Rull, disch. for disability, Dec. 20,1862. Charles Ruber, died of wounds at Memphis, Feb. 15,1864. Stephen D. Stone, disch. for disability, Oct. 12, 1862. Edward Slocum, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. Seely Squires, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; disch. by order, Oct. 22,1865. John Stone, must. out Feb. 12,1866. William L. Stannard, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. John H. Sage, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Henry Starring, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Edmund Starring, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., April 13,1864. Thomas J. Stilson, died of disease at Cairo, Ill., Aug. 8,1864. Charles Tiefenthal, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24,1864. Frederic Wiseman, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1864. Seth H. Winn, disch. for disability, Nov. 10, 1862. / Ralph Winn, veteran, enl. Jan. 19,1864; must. out Feb. 12,1866. David White, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; 2d lieut.; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Alonzo Wilcox, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Emmett Ward, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Edward Warren,must. out Feb. 12,1866. Albert Wilson, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Joshua C. Young, died of disease at NewMadrid, Mo., March 8, 1862. Company B. 2d Lieut. David White, Saugatuck; must. out Feb. 12,1866. Company C. 1st Lieut. Frank W. Mix, Saugatuck; cornm. May 25, 1862; pro. to capt. in 4th Cav., Aug. 13,1862. (See Co. G.) Company D. Chas. Hartwell, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Company E. 2d Lieut. Jas. G. Butler, corn. May 25, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut. and q.m., Sept. 15, 1862. Chas. H. Allen, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Wm. Ballinger, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Almon J. Boyles, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Aug. 2,1864. Mortimer Culver, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Columbus Greenman, disch. by order, May 3, 1865. Wm. Orr, disch. by order, Jan. 8, 1865. John H. Rhodes, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Solomon Staunton, must. out Sept. 23, 1865. Company F. Capt. Jas. G. Butler, com. Sept. 7, 1864; pro. to maj., July 4, 1865. Dennis Considine, must. out Feb. 12,18t6. Clias. Deval, disch. for disability, Nov. 1,1864. Spencer Deval, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, Aug. 16,1864. Clias. Gleason, must. out Feb. 12,1866. John L. Simpkins, disch. for disability, Jan. 31, 1863. Company G. 1st Lieut. Wm. H. Campion, Allegan; corn. Nov. 17,1864; must. out Feb. 12, 1866. 2d Lieut. Frank W. Mix, pro. to 1st lieut., Co. C, May 25, 1862. Company H. James Burnham, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Ephraim Gleason, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Adolphus Haire, died of disease at Duvall's Bluff, July 24,1864. John Muunger, must. out Sept. 23,1865. Geo. G. Manning, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Harmon Vosburgh, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Company I. Capt. Horace H. Pope, corn. June 11, 1862; 1st lieut., Feb. 27, 1862; resigned Nov. 7, 1864. John Frank, disch. for disability, Sept. 18, 1862. Israel McCall, veteran, enl. Jan. 19, 1864. Company K. Capt. Isaac Wilson, Saugatuck; corn. Oct. 1, 1863; honorably disch. June 6, 1865. 1st Lieut. Chas. W. Tenny, Allegan; corn. Nov. 8, 1865; 2d lieut., Jan. 2,1865; sergeant; must. out Feb. 12,1866. Stephen M. Finch, died of disease at Chicago, Dec. 18, 1864. Company L. Nelson Beer, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Thos. C. McGinley, must. out Aug. 11,1865. Company M. Ezra D. Barlow, must. out Feb. 12,1866. David Barney, must. out May 25,1865. Robert Buchan, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Henry Earl, must. out Feb. 12,1866. David Fox, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Albro Gardner, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. James Jones, died of disease in Arkansas, Aug. 29, 1864. Myron Lighthieart, discharged by order, Sept. 1, 1865. Silas B. Pike, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Samuel Reed, must. out Feb. 12,1866. William Shoemaker, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Absalom Walker, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. SOLDIERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company E. Francis A. Benson, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., June 28, 1864. William F. Benson, must. out Feb. 12, 1866. Company K. James Ward, veteran, enl. Jan. 20, 1864; must. out June 2, 1865. Company L. William Ransom, must. out Feb. 12,1866. Company M. Leonidas Wright, died of disease at Rienzi, Miss., July 2,1862. FOURTH CAVALRY. 123 CHAPTER XXX. FOURTH CAVALRY. The Regiment recruited by Col. Minty-Company L, under Capt. Pritchard, from Allegan-Other Allegan and Barry Men-Fighting Qualities of the Fourth-It moves to Kentucky in September, 1862 -Chasing John Morgan-Capture of Franklin, Tenn.-Battle of Stone River-Expedition to Harpeth Shoals-Charging and routing a Confederate Brigade-The Battle of Shelbyville-Col. Minty's Report-In Advance of Rosecrans' Army-The Battle in Lookout Valley-Seven thousand Infantry and Cavalry fought all Day by Minty's Brigade-Full Report by Col. Minty-Covering the Retreat from Chickamauga-Fighting Wheeler's Cavalry-All but One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Horses worn out by Service-The Regiment remounted at Nashville-Forward to Atlanta-Fight at Tanner's Bridge-Gallant Service near Kingston-Continuous fightingBrilliant Conflict at Lattimore's Mill-Repulsing an Overwhelming Force-A Rebel Correspondent praises Yankee Valor-Minty's Reports-Advancing and Fighting-In the Trenches as InfantryMounted and off under Kilpatrick-Defeating the Rebel Horse at Fairburn-March to Lovejoy's-Surrounded by Confederates of all Arms-Cutting out-Minty's Brigade on the Advance-A Splendid Charge-The Cincinnati Commercial's Report-In Pursuitof Hood -Routing the Enemy at Rome-A Corporal's Gallant Defense of a Block-Hlouse-The Regiment remounted at Louisville-Once more to the Front-Wilson's Great Raid through Alabama-Dangers of the March-Arriving at Selma-Its Strong Defenses-The Fierce Attack-Splendid Success-Forward into Georgia-Capture of Macon-Pursuit of Jefferson Davis-Surprising his Camp-Particulars of his Capture-A Stalwart Mother-in-law-" Don't shoot him"An Unfortunate Rencontre-A Lucky Scamp-A Special Escort to Washington-The Regiment disbanded-Officers and Soldiers from Allegan County-From Barry County. THE Fourth Michigan Cavalry, which gained such renown in the Department of the Cumberland during the war for the Union, was recruited and organized during the summer of 1862 by Col. Robert H. G. Minty, previously lieutenant-colonel of the Third Cavalry. It rendezvoused at Detroit, and was there mustered into the United States service, Aug. 29, 1862. Of its twelve companies, of one hundred men each, Company L, which took the field under the command of Capt. Benjamin D. Pritchard,* was recruited almost entirely from Allegan County, while the same county was also represented in the field and staff, non-commissioned staff, and Companies A, C, D, E, F, and G. Barry's representation of less than thirty men was distributed among eight companies. During its whole term of service it proved a most reliable and gallant regiment. It was justly proud of its fighting reputation, and accomplished an unusual amount of duty. In fact, the fighting of the Fourth seems to have been so uniformly vigorous and effective that much difficulty is found in particularizing those engagements in which it was most distinguished. On the 26th of September, 1862, the regiment left Detroit for the seat of war in Kentucky, receiving its arms at Jeffersonville, Ind. It at once crossed the Ohio River, and was soon engaged with the redoubtable guerrilla Gen. John H. Morgan. It was in the advance on the attack on Morgan at Stanford, Ky., Oct. 14, 1862, and pursued him as far as Crab Orchard. It also led in the attack on Lebanon, Ky., on the 9th of November, five hundred and forty-three of its men pushing in Morgan's pickets at a gallop, entering the town two miles in advance of the infantry, and driving out the guerrilla leader with seven hundred and sixty followers. After a short stay at Nashville the regiment marched, on the 13th of December, to Franklin, Tenn., drove out the rebels, thirteen hundred strong, killed, wounded, and captured a number of them, and also captured their colors. On the 26th of December it moved in advance of the army towards Murfreesboro, and began the fighting at Lavergne. At Stone River, on the 31st, it charged the enemy three times, each time driving a brigade of rebel cavalry from the field, and having ten of its own men killed and wounded. The Fourth was the first regiment to enter Murfrcesboro on the morning of Jan. 5, 1863, and from the 9th to the 19th of the same month it was engaged in an important cavalry expedition to Harpeth Shoals, by which Wheeler's, Forrest's, and Wharton's mounted rebels were driven beyond Harpeth River. In this movement the men suffered terribly from lack of supplies, cold weather, and constantly wet garments. During the month of February the regiment was constantly on the move, and captured one hundred and fortyfive prisoners, including two colonels and fourteen other commissioned officers. Numerous other expeditions were made from Murfreesboro during the spring of 1863, in all of which more or less prisoners were taken and stores destroyed. On the 22d of May following, the regiment, with two companies of United States cavalry, charged into the camp of the Eighth Confederate, First Alabama, and Second Georgia Cavalry, at Middleton, Tenn., and after a sharp engagement routed them, taking fifty-five prisoners and destroying their camp. The colors of the First Alabama were captured by the Fourth Michigan, and are now in the office of the State adjutant-general. At Shelbyville, Tenn., on the 27th of June, 1863, the success attending the brigade commanded by Col. Minty was mainly accomplished by the brilliant and tenacious fighting of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, then commanded by Maj. Frank W. Mix. Col. Minty, in his report of this battle, says: - Gen. Benjamin D. Pritchard was born in Nelson, Portage Co., Ohio, in 1835. He received an academical course of instruction in the public schools, and at the Western Reserve College, in his native State, where he continued to reside until 1856, when he became a resident of Allegan, Mich. Engaging in the study of law, he completed his course in the law department of the University of Michigan in 1860, and soon after formed a law-partnership with Hon. William B. Williams, late member of Congress, and now commissioner of railroads. He recruited Company L of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry in the summer of 1862, and was commissioned its captain August 13th of the same year. From that time until the close of the war he performed most gallant and efficient service, which is described at length in the accompanying history of his regiment. He was brevetted a brigadier-general of United States Volunteers, to rank from May 10, 1865, for faithful and meritorious services in the capture of Jeff Davis, and was mustered out of service with his regiment July 1, 1865. He again resumed his law-practice with Mr. Williams, and in 1866 was elected, on the Republican ticket, commissioner of the land-office of the State, and was re-elected in 1868. In 1878 he was elected State treasurer by the Republicans, over Alex. McFarlan, Democrat, and Herman Goeschel, National. Gen. Pritchard is still a resident of Allegan, and, besides attending to his professional duties, is president of the First National Bank of that village. 124 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I "At Shelbyville I found myself, with a force of fifteen hundred men, in front of formidable breastworks, with an abatis of over onefourth of a mile in width in front of them, behind which Gens. Wheeler and Martin had an opposing force of four thousand men and three pieces of artillery. I detached the Fourth Michigan, in command of Maj. Mix, well to the right, with orders to force their way through the abatis,* and assault the works, and if successful to turn to the left and sweep up the intrenchments, promising that so soon as I heard their rifles speaking I would make the direct assault on the Murfreesboro and Shelbyville pike. They did their work so well that as I entered the works on the main road they joined me from the right, having carried the works and taken prisoners from six different regiments. The fruits of that day's work were the whole of the enemy's artillery and six hundred prisoners, while over two'hundred dead bodies were afterwards taken out of Duck River, into which I had driven Wheeler and his entire command." After two or three minor skirmishes the regiment entered Chattanooga, Tenn., on the 11th of September, 1863. On the 13th, Col. Minty's command-viz., the Fourth United States, Fourth Michigan, and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry regiments, and one section of the Chicago Board of Trade battery-marched from Chattanooga and reported to Maj.-Gen. Crittenden, commanding the Twenty-First Army Corps, at Gordon's Mills. The brigade was ordered to cross Mission Ridge into Lookout Valley on the 14th, and on the three succeeding days was employed in learning the enemy's whereabouts. On the 18th it was warmly engaged with a large force of the enemy's infantry, the combat being thus described in Col. Minty's report: "At six A.M. of September 18th I sent one hundred of the Fourth United States Cavalry towards Leet's, and one hundred from the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania towards Ringgold. At about seven A.M. couriers arrived from both scouts, with information that the enemy was advancing in force. I immediately strengthened my pickets on the Lafayette road, and moved forward with the Fourth Michigan and one battalion of the Fourth Regulars and the section of artillery, and took up a position on the eastern slope of Pea Vine Ridge, and despatched couriers to Maj.-Gen. Granger, at Rossville; Col. Wilder, at Alexander's Bridge; Gen. Wood, at Gordon's Mill; and Gen. Crittenden, at Crawfish Springs. The enemy's infantry in force, with about two hundred cavalry, advanced steadily, driving my skirmish-line back to my position on the side of the ridge. The head of a column getting into good range, I opened on them with the artillery, when they immediately deployed and advanced a strong skirmish-line. At this moment I observed a heavy column of dust moving from the direction of Graysville towards Dyer's Ford. "I sent a courier to Col. Wilder, asking him to send a force to hold the ford and cover my left, and sent my train across the creek. As the force from Graysville advanced I fell back until I arrived on the ground I had occupied in the morning. Here Col. Miller, with two regiments and two mountain howitzers, reported to me from Col. Wilder's brigade. I directed Col. Miller to take possession of the ford, and again advanced and drove the rebel skirmish-line over the ridge and back on their line of battle in the valley, where a force was in position which I estimated at seven thousand men, thirteen sets of regimental colors being visible. "The rebel line advanced, and I was steadily driven back across the ridge. My only means of crossing the creek was Reed's bridge, a narrow, frail structure, which was covered with loose boards and fence-rails, and a bad ford about three hundred yards higher up. I masked my artillery behind some shrubs near the ford, leaving one battalion of the Fourth United States to support it, and ordered the remainder of that regiment to cross the bridge, holding the Fourth Michigan and Seventh Pennsylvania in line to cover the movement. " Before the first squadron had time to cross, the head of a rebel column carrying their arms at 'right shoulder shift,' and moving at the double-quick, as steadily as if at drill, came through the gap not five hundred yards from the bridge. The artillery opening on them from an unsuspected quarter evidently took them by surprise, and _.. 4. I immediately checked their advance, again causing them to deploy. immediately checked their advance, again causing them to deploy. The Fourth Michigan followed the Fourth United States, and the Seventh Pennsylvania the Fourth Michigan, one squadron of the Fourth United States, under Lieut. Davis, most gallantly covering the crossing of the Seventh Pennsylvania. One squadron of the Fourth Michigan, under Lieut. J. H. Simpson, on picket on the Harrison road, was cut off by the rapid advance of the enemy. They made a gallant resistance, and eventually swam the creek without the loss of a man. The artillery crossed the ford in safety, and I placed it in position to dispute the crossing of the bridge, from which Lieut. Davis' men had thrown most of the loose planking. "Here I was soon hotly engaged, and was holding the rebels in check, when I received a note from the officer in charge of my wagon-train (which I had sent back to Gordon's Mill), stating, ' Col. Wilder has fallen back from Alexander's Bridge; he is retreating towards Gordon's Mill, and the enemy is crossing the river in force at all points.' I sent an order to Col. Miller to join me without delay, and on his arrival I fell back to Gordon's Mill, skirmishing with the enemy, who followed me closely. " With less than one thousand men, the old ' First Brigade' had disputed the advance of seven thousand from seven o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the evening, and during that time fell back only five miles. "On arriving at Gordon's Mill my men were dismounted, and with Col. Wilder's brigade of mounted infantry, and a brigade from Gen. Van Cleve's division, repulsed a heavy attack about eight o'clock P.M. We lay in position all night within hearing of the enemy, and were without fires, although the night was bitterly cold. At break of day Gen. Palmer's division relieved us. I then moved to the rear and procured forage for our horses and rations for the men, who had been entirely without since the previous morning." During the 18th the regiment lost fourteen men, killed, wounded, and missing. Among the wounded was Capt. Pritchard, then in command of a battalion. The next day it fired the first shots in the disastrous battle of Chickamauga, and subsequently protected the left and rear of Rosecrans' army and the trains moving to Chattanooga. On the 20th, while assisting to hold the enemy in check until the shattered Union forces could retire from the field, Minty's brigade attacked and defeated Scott's rebel brigade of cavalry and mounted infantry, driving it back across the creek. The regiment bivouacked on the ground it had held, but the next day was compelled to share in the general retreat. On the 30th of September it was driven by Wheeler's rebel cavalry near Cotton's Ferry, on the Tennessee; but from the 1st to the 3d of October the tables were turned, and the Fourth had the pleasure of following its late pursuers with ardor and success. By the 1st of November, 1863, the service of the regiment had been so severe that only three hundred of the men were mounted. This battalion was actively engaged on picket and scout duty in Southeastern Tennessee and Northern Georgia and Alabama throughout the winter; the number of mounted men being reduced by the latter part of March, 1864, to one hundred and twenty-eight. Meanwhile, the dismounted men had been employed in various duties in the same locality, and also in Middle Tennessee. The regiment, except the one hundred and twenty-eight mounted men, set out for Nashville on the 28th of'March, 1864, where, under the supervision of Capt. Pritchard, the men received new horses and equipments, and were armed with Spencer carbines. On the 14th of April, under the command of Maj. F. W. Mix, the regiment joined the Second Cavalry Division at Columbia, Tenn. Thence it advanced with eight hundred and seventy-eight men into Capt. Pritchard led the advance battalion in this assault. I FOURTH CAVALRY. 125 Georgia, where the cavalry began its arduous and dangerous labors in co-operation with Gen. Sherman's army, which was then advancing on Atlanta. On the 15th of May the command attacked the enemy's cavalry at Tanner's Bridge, nine miles from Rome, Ga., routing and pursuing them seven miles, when, meeting a superior force with artillery, it retired; this regiment having lost in the affair ten wounded and missing. From Woodland, on the 18th, seven companies, under Capt. Pritchard, were sent toward Kingston on a reconnoissance. Meeting the enemy's cavalry, the detachment drove them several miles, until at length it was stopped by the rebel infantry. The opposing horsemen then threw themselves on the flanks and rear of the Michigan men, but the latter drew their sabres and cut their way out, with a loss of twenty-four in killed, wounded, and missing. Crossing the Allatoona Mountains and Etowah River, Col. Minty's command moved on to Dallas, where it was warmly engaged, and captured many prisoners. It also participated in all the flank movements which forced Gen. Johnston's rebel army back from one stronghold to another, resulting in the engagements at New Hope Church and Big Shanty. On the 9th of June the regiment assisted in driving the enemy's cavalry, supported by infantry, to the base of Kenesaw Mountain, capturing a number of prisoners, and on the 12th again encountered the enemy at McAfee's Cross-Roads, where a line of rebel intrenchments was carried. Skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry was daily continued until the 20th of June, 1864, on which day, at Lattimore's Mill, on Noonday Creek, two battalions of the Fourth performed one of the most brilliant feats of the war. A small detachment of the Seventh Pennsylvania cavalry had crossed the creek, and, becoming hotly engaged with a superior force of the enemy, Capt. Pritchard, with two battalions of the Fourth Michigan, was ordered across to its support. This force had scarcely reached the position assigned it when a whole rebel division, eight times their own number, swept down upon the Pennsylvania and Michigan men, with the evident purpose of driving them back across the creek. They did not, however, propose to go immediately, so, dismounting and availing themselves of the protection afforded by the inequalities of the ground, they met their assailants with terrific and continuous volleys from their Spencer carbines. Again and again did the rebels bear down upon them, making desperate efforts to destroy the little force of Unionists, but being as often repulsed. At length, after holding their ground against the repeated assaults of the enemy for more than two hours, they retired slowly and in good order at the command of Col. Minty. The following extract from a letter published in the Memphis Appeal, at Atlanta, Ga.,* June 25, 1864, gives the rebel version of this fight, and shows very plainly the gallantry of Minty's brigade and the immense preponderance of the rebel force: "On the 20th instant two divisions, Kelly's and Martin's, and one brigade, Williams', of our cavalry, went round to the left flank and ' The Memphis Appeal was published at half a dozen different places, to which it was successively driven by the victorious Unionists. rear of Sherman's army,-it was said to capture a brigade of Yankee cavalry situated at McAfee's. We succeeded in getting to the right place, where the enemy, Minty's brigade, was vigorously attacked by Williams' and a portion of Anderson's brigade. After a sharp conflict the enemy were driven from the field, Ilannon's brigade having come up and attacked them on the flank. The Yankees fought desperately and fell back slowly, with what loss we are unable to ascertain, as they carried off their wounded and most of their dead. To one who was an eye-witness, but not an adept in the 'art of war,' it seemed very strange that the whole Yankee force was not surrounded and captured. Dibrell's brigade was drawn up a few hundred yards from and in full view of the battle-ground, with Martin's whole division immediately in the rear. This is one of the best fighting brigades the Yankees have, and to have captured or routed it would have added a bright feather to the plume of the successful hero accomplishing the feat. After he (Minty) had been driven from his first position, Martin's whole division was brought up, and lost several men of Allen's brigade. Brig.-Gen. Allen had his horse shot. The Eighth Confederate and Fifth Georgia of Anderson's brigade lost several killed and wounded. Williams' Kentucky brigade also lost several good soldiers." Col. Minty, in his report, after quoting this statement, added: "According to the above, there was the following rebel force in the field: Kelly's and Martin's divisions, consisting of the brigades of Anderson, six regiments; Hannon's, five regiments; Allen's, five regiments; and Johnson's, five regiments; and the independent brigades of Williams and Dibrell, composed of five regiments each; say in all, thirty-one regiments, of which the Fifth Georgia numbered over eight hundred. The entire force I had engaged was, of the Seventh Pennsylvania one hundred and seventy men, and of the Fourth Michigan two hundred and eighty-three; in all, four hundred and fifty-three. These few men held their ground against the repeated assaults of the enemy for over two hours, and when I ordered them to fall back, they retired slowly, in good order. I beg to call the attention of the general commanding to the heavy loss sustained by this small force. In a loss of over twelve per cent., the very small proportion reported missing shows how steadily and stubbornly they fought." In a note appended to this report, Col. Minty said: "My loss in this engagement was two officers and sixty-five men. The Marietta (Ga.) papers acknowledge a loss of ninety-four killed and three hundred and fifty-one wounded. Two battalions of the Fourth Michigan repulsed three sabre charges made by the Eighth Confederate and Fifth Georgia, numbering over one thousand men, and one battalion led by Capt. Hathaway repulsed a charge made by Williams' Kentucky brigade by a counter-charge." Of the two hundred and eighty three officers and men of the Fourth engaged at Lattimore's mill, thirty-seven were killed and wounded, and three were reported missing, Lieut. T. W. Sutton being among the killed. Having crossed the Chattahoochee River, the regiment, under the command of Maj. F. W. Mix, participated in a constant succession of raids and fights until the 1st of August, 1864, during which many miles of railroad-track and many bridges were destroyed, thus impeding the operations of the enemy and facilitating those of Gen. Sherman, who had steadily advanced to the front of Atlanta. From the 1st to the 14th of August it was employed as infantry, occupying a portion of the trenches before the besieged city. Col. Minty's brigade then received orders to report to Gen. Kilpatrick. At one o'clock on the morning of the 18th the command broke camp, and quietly moved out to the rendezvous of the expedition at Sandtown, arriving there at six A.M. The movement was commenced under cover of darkness, to prevent, if possible, any information 126 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICIIGAN. C~-~ ---I being obtained by the enemy, yet a rebel letter captured on the 20th, dated at Atlanta on the 18th, gave the number of Minty's command and the destination of the raiders. Gen. Kilpatrick's force consisted of the Third Cavalry Division, commanded by himself in person, and Minty's and Long's brigades of the Second Cavalry Division, in all some five thousand men, with two sections of the Chicago Board of Trade Battery. On the evening of the 19th the combined forces moved out toward the West Point Railroad, which was reached near Fairburn, where the first rebel assault was made. Ross' and Ferguson's brigades of rebel cavalry struck the Union column on the left flank with so much force as to cut the Seventh Pennsylvania in two, but it was immediately reinforced by the Fourth Michigan, when a vigorous and irresistible attack was made on the enemy, driving him from the ground in great disorder. The rebels were pursued to Flint River, and finally into the town of Jonesboro', twothirds of the town being destroyed by fire. While this was being done the rebel cavalry was reinforced by a brigade of infantry. Kilpatrick's main object being to destroy the railroad rather than to whip the enemy, except when necessary in the execution of his purpose, he left Jonesboro' and marched directly toward Lovejoy's Station, on the Macon road. At a point one and one-half miles from the station the command began destroying the railroad. In the mean time the enemy was hurrying forward heavy bodies of troops by rail from Atlanta and Macon, and ere much time had elapsed Kilpatrick was surrounded by from eighteen to twenty thousand rebel troops of all arms, commanded by Gens. Cleburn, Reynolds, Jackson, Armstrong, Ferguson, and Ross. The position of Gen. Kilpatrick's force and the overpowering numbers opposing him rendered his condition most critical, leaving him to choose between surrender and the imminent prospect of destruction in the effort to extricate himself. He chose the latter alternative, and Minty's brigade was instantly formed in a line of regimental columns to lead the charge. The Seventh Pennsylvania was on the right, the Fourth Michigan in the centre, and the Fourth United States on the left, with Long's brigade in the rear, and the Third Division, under Kilpatrick, on the left of the road. The advancing enemy was immediately charged upon by Minty's men, who, with drawn sabres, burst through the ranks of the rebels like a whirlwind, chasing them off the field, opening the way for the safe passage of other commands and the accomplishment of the objects of the expedition. A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial described this charge of Minty's brigade as follows: " While the various regiments were being manoeuvred into position to meet the onslaught of the rebels, who were sweeping down upon them, the men had time to comprehend the danger that surrounded them,-rebels to the right of them, rebels to the left of them, rebels in rear of them, rebels in front of them; surrounded, there was no salvation but to cut their way out. Visions of Libby prison, Andersonville, and starvation flitted through their imagination, and they saw that the deadly conflict could not be avoided. Placing himself at the head of his brigade, the gallant and fearless Minty drew his sabre, and his voice rang out clear and loud: 'Attention, column! forward, regulate by the centre regiment, trot, march!-gallop, march!' and away the brigade went with a yell that echoed away across the valleys. " The ground from which the start was made, and over which they charged, was a plantation of about two square miles, thickly strewn with patches of woods, deep water-cuts, fences, ditches, and morasses. At the word away went the bold dragoons at the height of their speed. Fences were jumped, and ditches were no impediment. The rattle of the sabres mingled with that of the mess-kettles and frying-pans that jingled at the side of the pack-mule brigade, which was madly urged forward by the frightened darkies who straddled the animals. Charging for their lives and yelling like devils, Minty and his troopers encountered the rebels behind a hastily constructed barricade of rails. Pressing their rowels deep into their horses' flanks, and raising their sabres aloft, on, on, on, nearer and nearer to the rebels they plunged. The terror-stricken enemy could not withstand the thunderous wave of men and horse that threatened to engulf them. They broke and ran just as Minty and his men were urging their horses for the decisive blow. In an instant all was confusion. The yells of the horsemen were drowned in the clashing of steel and the groans of the dying. On pressed Minty in pursuit, his men's sabres striking right and left, and cutting down everything in their path. The rebel horsemen were seen to reel and pitch headlong to the earth, while their frightened steeds rushed pell-mell over their bodies. Many of the rebels defended themselves with almost superhuman strength; but it was all in vain. The charge of Federal steel was irresistible. The heads and limbs of some of the rebels were actually severed from their bodies. It was, all admit, one of the finest charges of the war. The individual instances of heroism were many. Hardly a man flinched, and when the brigade came out more than half the sabres were stained with human blood." The command reached Lithonia on the 21st; having made a circuit around Atlanta and the rebel armies, and having been in the saddle, and almost constantly engaged, since early in the morning of the 18th. After the fall of Atlanta the regiment moved northward, and on the 4th of October, 1864, joined its division-the Second-at Marietta, Ga., with which it started in pursuit of Hood's rebel army, then on its way into Middle Tennessee; having had numerous skirmishes with its rear-guard. One of the sharpest of these encounters occurred near Rome, Ga., on the 13th of October. A body of Union troops was occupying Rome, and a force of mounted rebels undertook to drive it out. While a brisk skirmish was going on, Minty's brigade crossed the Oostenaula River and made a sabre charge on the flank of the Confederates. The latter fled in the utmost confusion. The Unionists rode over a rebel battery, captured it in an instant, and then pursued the enemy several miles, capturing many prisoners, and sabring those who resisted. The Fourth Michigan alone took one hundred and twenty-eight prisoners, which was about the number of the mounted men in the regiment; nearly all the horses having been worn out by the severity of the service. The regiment, in pursuit of Hood's forces, then recrossed the Oostenaula and marched, vid Rome, Kingston, Adairsville, Resaca, Summersville, and Galesville, Ala., to Little River, where, on the 20th, it engaged Wheeler's cavalry; forcing the enemy to retire. Meanwhile the dismounted men, whose horses had been killed and worn out by the arduous service of the past six months, were sent to the rear from time to time, and employed in garrisoning block-houses on the line of the Nashville and Huntsville Railroad. On the 17th of September, 1864, Corp. Charles M. Bickford and seventeen men of the regiment, stationed in a block-house, were attacked by Wheeler's rebel cavalry, a force of several thousand, with artillery, but, although the assailants shelled the blockhouse for over five hours, they could not compel the gallant FOURTH CAVALRY. 127 little squad to surrender, and finally retired, after having eight men killed and sixty wounded. The corporal was promoted to be a commissioned officer, and the names of his men were honorably mentioned in general orders. After the fight at Little River, before mentioned, the mounted men of the regiment, then numbering but about one hundred, transferred their horses to the Third Brigade, and proceeded to Louisville, Ky. The dismounted men also concentrated at the same point. They remained there until the latter part of December, 1864, being in the mean time remounted and furnished with new Spencer sevenshooting carbines. On the 28th of December, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Benjamin D. Pritchard, the Fourth again moved southward, with twenty-six officers and six hundred and ninetysix enlisted men. It proceeded by way of Nashville to Gravelly Springs, Ala., where it remained until the 12th of March, 1865. Here its members suffered severely for want of rations, and were obliged to live on parched corn for several days. On the latter day the regiment broke camp, and set out on Gen. Wilson's great cavalry movement through Alabama and Georgia. Four divisions of cavalry stretched in an almost interminable line as the command made its way southward over mountains, rivers, creeks, and swamps, building miles of corduroy-roads, etc. It crossed the Black Warrior River on the 29th of March by swimming the horses, losing one man and from thirty to forty horses. During the night the Locust was crossed in the same manner, and on the 31st Shades Creek and the Cahawba River were crossed by passing the accompanying battery over the railroad bridge, which was temporarily floored with ties; five or six horses and mules being killed by falling nearly a hundred feet from the bridge to the river. The enemy's cavalry under Forrest was encountered and defeated at Mulberry Creek on the 1st of April, and on the 2d, Minty's brigade, being in the advance, started at four A.M. on the direct road to Selma; arriving in front of that place at two o'clock P.M. This, the chief city of Central Alabama, was surrounded by two lines of bastioned intrenchments. The works were found to be stronger and more perfect than those at Atlanta; consisting of an inner line of redans and redoubts, mounted with 12-pounder howitzers and 20-pounder Parrots. The main and outer line, which extended entirely around the city from river to river, consisted of twenty-five redoubts or bastions connected by curtains, the parapet being about twelve feet high and surrounded by a ditch and well-built palisade, in front of which was swampy ground, partially covered with abatis. These works were defended by Gen. Forrest with a force estimated at nine thousand. The Second Division, in which was the Fourth Michigan, was ordered to assault the works on the Summerville road, and the Fourth Division those on the Plantersville road. About the time the assault was to take place, the rebel Gen. Chalmers attacked the rear of the Second Division. Three regiments were detached to oppose him; the re mainder, including the Fourth Michigan, swept forward to the assault. Besides the men holding the horses, the force resisting Chalmers, and other detachments, there were about fifteen hundred men of the Second Division in the assaulting column. These moved forward under a terrific fire from the breastworks, which was followed by a swift succession of volleys from the Spencer carbines of the Unionists steadily aimed at the top of the parapet. Col. Long, the division commander, was shot in the head at the beginning of the assault, and Col. Minty,* of the Fourth Michigan, assuming command, led the division against the works. Increasing their pace, the Unionistst dashed forward with resounding cheers, swarmed into the ditch and over the breastworks, killed, captured, or drove away the rebels almost in an instant, and took possession of the enemy's main line in twenty minutes after the first advance. Three hundred and twenty-four out of the fifteen hundred assailants were killed and wounded in this brief period. The inner line of works was also taken by the Second Division by the time the Fourth Division arrived at the outer line. The result of the whole operation was the capture of one hundred pieces of artillery, two thousand eight hundred prisoners, and an immense amount of ammunition and stores. On the 7th of April the command moved eastward; passing through Montgomery and Columbus into Georgia. A portion of Minty's brigade,-the Fourth Michigan and Third Ohio,-commanded by Lieut.-Col. Pritchard, marched all the night of the 17th of April to save the double bridges over the Flint River, reaching them early in the morning of the 18th, when a gallant sabre charge was made by one battalion of the Fourth Michigan, which carried the bridges and captured every man of the rebel force left to destroy them. The Second Division, which was in the advance, after a rapid march of twenty-seven miles on the 20th of April, was met some twelve or fifteen miles from Macon, Ga., by a rebel officer with a flag of truce, who informed Col. Minty that an armistice had been stipulated between the contending armies, and requested him not to enter Macon. Col. Minty immediately reported the matter to Gen. Wilson, and awaited orders. The general replied that he had no notification of any armistice existing, and that he should not stay out of Macon; and ordered Col. Minty to move forward. Thereupon Col. Minty said to the rebel officer, ' I will give you five minutes start (taking out his watch) in returning to Macon, and you had better make good use of it." The officer and his escort set out on the gallop. Col. Minty sat on his horse, watch in hand, until the five minutes had elapsed, when he returned the watch and gave the order: " Forward! gallop, march!" The division dashed forward, in thundering column, toward Macon. Over hill and down dale it pursued its headlong course. The flag-bearers were run down and passed; some small detachments stationed along the road were swept away like chaff, and at six r.M. the division dashed * It is reported that Col. Minty was the first man to get inside the enemy's works alive. t In this charge the Fourth United States and Third Ohio were at first repulsed, but the Fourth Michigan, under Lt.-Col. Pritchard, pressed steadily onward, and were the first to leap over the works. 128 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I - I into Macon, where it received the unconditional surrender of Gen. Howell Cobb and about two thousand men, with sixty-two pieces of artillery. Being there officially notified of the surrender of the rebel armies under Lee and Johnston, Gen. Wilson stayed the farther advance of his corps. Gen. Cobb was highly indignant at the unceremonious manner in which the Union officers possessed themselves of Macon, and gave it as his opinion that when the matter was referred to the proper headquarters the Union troops would be ordered to withdraw. On the other hand, Gen. Wilson replied in most emphatic language that when his troops left the city, under such circumstances, there would not remain one brick upon another. On the 7th of May the Fourth Michigan, four hundred and forty strong, under Lieut.-Col. Pritchard, left Macon for the purpose of capturing Jefferson Davis and his party, who were known to be making their way toward the coast. Having struck the trail of the fugitives at Abbeville on the 9th of May, Col. Pritchard selected one hundred and fifty-three of his best-mounted officers and men, and moved rapidly by a circuitous route to intercept them. At Irwinsville, at one o'clock in the morning of the 10th of May, the colonel learned that a train, which probably belonged to Davis, was encamped a mile and a half distant. Moving out into the vicinity of the camp, he sent Lieut. Purinton, with twenty-five men, to wait on the other side of it. At daybreak Col. Pritchard and his men advanced silently, and without being observed, to within a few rods of the camp, then dashed forward and secured the whole camp before the astonished inmates could grasp their weapons, or even fairly arouse themselves from their slumbers. A chain of mounted guards was immediately placed around the camp, and dismounted sentries were stationed at the tents and wagons. While this was going on, Corporal George M. Munger, of Company C, and Private Andrew Bee, of Company L, observed two persons in women's dress moving rapidly away from one of the tents. "That ought to be attended to," said one of the soldiers. Yes," replied the other; and Munger immediately rode around in front of the two persons and ordered a " Halt!" "This is my mother-in-law," said one of them; " she is going after some water; can't you let her pass?" Her companion, a tall person, much bent, wrapped in a woman's "water-proof," with a shawl over the head and a pail in one hand, remained silent. " No, you can't pass," replied Munger. At that moment other soldiers rode up, and the hitherto silent personage, seeing that further disguise was useless, straightened up, dropped the pail, threw off the water-proof and shawl, and disclosed a tall, thin, sharp-faced, sour-looking man, with gray hair, gray whiskers under his chin, and one blind eye. No one at first seemed to recognize in this forlorn fugitive the renowned chief of the defunct Confederacy. Mrs. Davis, however (for she was his companion), had her wifely fears aroused by the grim faces and clanking arms around her, and threw her arms around her husband's neck, exclaiming," Dun't shoot him! don't shoot him I" " Let them shoot," said Davis, "if they choose; I may as well die here as anywhere." But no one was inclined to be his executioner, and the squad, with the two prisoners, moved back toward the tents. Mrs. Davis, when questioned, admitted that her companion was the ex-President of the Confederacy. Meanwhile Col. Pritchard had taken the greater part of the force and gone to the assistance of Lieut. Purinton, in whose front heavy firing was heard. It proved to come from a most unfortunate rencontre with a detachment of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, which was also in pursuit of Davis, and the advance-guard of which began firing on Purinton's men before ascertaining who they were. After this error was discovered (which was not until several men had been killed and wounded), Col. Pritchard returned to camp and discovered that, besides Davis, his wife, and four children, his command had also captured two of his aidesde-camp, his private secretary, several other Confederate officers, thirteen private servants, waiting-maids, etc., making a total of about thirty persons. As he rode up, Col. Pritchard was accosted by Davis, who asked if he was the officer in command. The colonel said he was, and asked how he should address his interlocutor. " Call me what or whoever you please," said the rebel chieftain. " Then I shall call you Davis," replied Pritchard. After a moment's hesitation the former admitted that that was his name. He then suddenly drew himself up with great dignity and exclaimed,"I suppose you consider it bravery to charge a train of defenseless women and children; but it is theft; it is vandalism." Without stopping to inquire whether the distinguished prisoner considered himself a woman or a child, the colonel set out with his command for Macon, joining the rest of the regiment on the way. The lucky man of the expedition was one Michael Lynch,* a deserter from the Confederate army, who had enlisted in the Fourth Michigan. He secured a pair of saddle-bags containing five thousand dollars in Confederate gold. Although vigilant search was made for it by the officers, he managed to conceal it, got out of camp with it, and buried it. He was strongly suspected from various circumstances of being the person who had it, and the acting adjutant-general of the brigade endeavored to persuade him to give it up, saying it would certainly be found, and then he would lose it, but if he would give it up he (the officer) would use his influence to have it, or a part of it, given back to him. " Well now, captain," said Lynch, with great apparent frankness, "I haven't got that money, but if had it I shouldn't be green enough to give it up." "Why, what could you do with it?" queried the officer. "What could I do with it?" replied Lynch; " why, I would bury it, and after I was discharged I would come back and dig it up. But then I haven't got it." And this was precisely what he had done, and what after his discharge he did do. * A worthless, quarrelsome, unprincipled fellow. FOURTH CAVALRY. 129 From Macon, Col. Pritchard, with twenty-five officers and men, was ordered to Washington, as a special escort for Davis and his party. While this party went to Washington (giving Mr. Davis into the custody of the commandant at Fortress Monroe), the rest of the regiment returned, by way of Atlanta and Chattanooga, to Nashville, where it was mustered out and paid off on the 1st of July, 1865. It reached Detroit on the 10th of the same month. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Those marked with an asterisk were present at the capture of Davis. Field and Staff. Lieut.-Col. Benj. D. Pritchard,* Allegan; com. Nov. 26, 1864; bvt. brig.-gen. U. S. Vols. May 10, 1865, "for faithful and meritorious services in the capture of Jeff. Davis;" must. out. with regiment, July 1, 1865. Maj. Frank W. Mix, Allegan; corn. Feb. 18, 1863; capt. Aug. 13,1862; 1st lieut. 3d Cav., May 25, 1862; res. Nov. 24, 1864. 1st Lieut. and Q.-M. Geo. R. Stone, Allegan; corn. March 18, 1863; pro. capt. Co. A, Aug. 25, 1864. 1st Lieut. and Q.-M. Perry J. Davis,* Allegan; corn. Aug. 23, 1864; bvt. capt. U. S. Vols. May 10,1865, " for meritorious services in the capture of Jeff. Davis;" must. out July 1, 1865. Non- ommissioned Staff. Com.-Sergt. Harlan P. Dunning, Allegan; must. out July 1, 1865. Principal Musician John B. Champion, Allegan; must. out July 1, 1865. Company A. Capt. Geo. R. Stone, Allegan; corn. Aug. 25, 1864; 1st lieut. and q.-m. March 18, 1863; must. out July 1, 1865. 1st Lieut. Thos. J. Parker, Allegan; corn. Feb. 18, 1863; 2d lieut. Co. L, Aug. 1, 1862; res. Dec. 21, 1864. Madison Bipler, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., April 8,1864. Gilbert Haight, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Marion Hicks, died of disease at Nashville, Feb. 12, 1864. Daniel Hendrick, died of disease at Nashville, Feb. 4, 1864. John Nero, must. out Aug. 15,1865. Company C. Peter Semyn, died of disease at Nashville, July 21,1865. Andrew I. Shepherd, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Company D. 2d Lieut. Chas. W. Fisk, Allegan; corn. Dec. 6, 1863; sergt. Co. L; pro. 1st lieut. Co. H, Aug. 1, 1864; must. out July 1, 1865. Company E. Geo. W. Banks, disch. by order, June 21, 1865. Sherman Egan, must. out Aug. 15,1865. Company F. Capt. John H. Simpson, Allegan; com. Dec. 10, 1864; 1st. lieut Aug. 23, 1863; 2d lieut. March 31, 1863; sergt. Co. L; must. out July 1, 1865. Company G. Timothy C. Green, must. out. Hiram Comstock, died of disease at Chattanooga, June 13, 1864. Company L. Capt. Benj. D. Pritchard, Allegan; corn. July 25, 1862; pro. lieut.-col. Nov. 26, 1864. 1st Lieut. Isaac Lamoreaux, Allegan; corn. Aug. 4, 1862. 1st Lieut. Geo. R. Stone, Allegan; corn. March 1, 1863; app. q.-m. March 18, 1863. 2d Lieut. Thos. J. Parker, Allegan; com. Aug. 1, 1862; pro. 1st lieut. Co. A. 2d Lieut. Samuel F. Murphy, Allegan; corn. Jan. 18, 1865; must. out July 1, 1865. 1st Sergt. John F. Beebe, Allegan; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; must. out July 1, 1865. Q.-M. Sergt. John H. Simpson, Allegan; enl. July 26, 1862; pro. 2d lieut. Co. F. Com.-Sergt. Orson D. Dunham, Allegan; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. for disability, March 18, 1863. Sergt. Chas. W. Fisk, Allegan; enl. July 31, 1862; pro. 2d lieut. Co. B. Sergt. Hiram B. Hudson, Allegan; enl. July 21, 1862; must. out July 1, 1865. Sergt. Francis L. Hickock, Allegan; enl. July 28, 1862; disch. by order, June 7, 1865. Sergt. Silas F. Stauber, Allegan; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; disch. for promotion, May 22, 1864. Sergt. Samuel F. Murphy, Allegan; enl. Aug. 11, 1862q pro. 2d lieut. Sergt. Chas. Carter, Allegan; enl. July 30,1862; disch. for disability, Sept. 26, 1864. Corp. Samuel S. Baldwin, Allegan; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; disch. Feb. 16, 1863. Corp. Horatio N. Price, Allegan; enl. July 21, 1862; died at Murfreesboro, March 5, 1863. Corp. Alex. Hurd, Allegan; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; wagoner; must. out July 1,1865. Corp. Elijah Wilcox, Allegan; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; died at Murfreesboro, Feb. 20, 1863. 17 Corp. Chas. L. Knight, Allegan; enl. July 26, 1862; sergeant; must. out July 1, 1865. Corp. Alvah C. Fisk, Allegan; enl. Aug. 2,1862; must. out July 1,1865. Farrier Wm. Pulcipher, Allegan; enl. Aug. 4,1862; died at Bowling Green, Ky. Farrier Jesse S. Penfield, Allegan; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; must. out July 1,1865. Saddler Wilts H. Williams, Allegan; enl. Aug. 7,1862; must. out July 1, 1865. Teamster Jonathan Brewer, Allegan; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; trans. to Inv. Corps, Aug. 1, 1863. Wagoner Jos. Hofmaster,* Allegan; enl. July 25, 1862; quartermaster-sergeant; must. out July 1, 1865. Allen Ash, must. out July 1, 1865' Jacob I. Bailey, must. out July 1,1865. John Bentley, disch. by order, June 19,1865. Wm. H. Baker, disch. for disability, Oct. 19,1863. Bradley M. Bates, disch. for disability, June 5, 1863. Henry C. Braman, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15,1864. David Beck, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 1, 1863. Miles Bidwell, died of disease at Allegan, Feb. 2,1865. Alonzo C. Burnham, must. out July 1, 1865. Andrew Bee,* must. out July 1,1865. Elijah Cummins, must. out July 1, 1865. Benj. K. Colt,* sergt., must. out July 1, 1865. Edward R. Crawford, died of disease in Michigan, Jan. 28, 1863. David V. Davidson, died of disease at Murfreesboro, Dec. 1, 1862. Herbert H. Davidson, died of disease at Lebanon, Ky., March 5, 1863. John C. Everts, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 5, 1863. Henry C. Edgerton, disch. by order, May, 1865. Andrew T. Foote, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 10, 1863. Alexander Fry, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. Leander J. Fields, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 12, 1862. Jas. M. Flowers, must. out July 1, 1865. Chas. H. Gurney, discharged Dec. 10, 1862. Lewis C. Goodrich, disch. for disability, March 11,1863. Martin J. Guyot, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 24,1862. Abner B. Hughes, died of disease at New Albany, Ind., June 13, 1863. Edwin C. Hughes, died in action at Sumumerville, Ala., April 2, 1862. David H. Hall, disch. for disability, Feb. 28, 1863. Jas. Holdsworth, disch. by order, July 25, 1865. John Harrington, must. out July 1,1865. David H. Haines, must. out July 1, 1865. Hiram B. Hudson, must. out July 1, 1865. Otis L. HIalton, must. out July 1, 1865. John Keyser, must. out July 1, 1865. Jacob Keyser, died of disease at Lebanon, Ky., Feb. 14, 1863. Walton Kibbey, died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Jan. 7, 1863. Gordon N. Kenyon. must. out July 1,1865. Edgar Lindsley, must. out July 1,1865. John W. Lindsley,* must. out July 1, 1865. Edward Lane,* must. out July 18,1865. John McLoughrey, died in action at Stone River, Dec. 29,1862. Chas. C. Marsh,* corp., must. out July 1, 1865. Alonzo Miller, must. out July 1, 1865. Win. Mann,* must. out July 1, 1865. E. L. G. Myers, disch. by order, July 27, 1865. Albert Miller, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1863. " Geo. W. Moore, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 1, 1863. Francis Merchant, died of disease. Geo. F. Nichols, died of disease at Nashville, July 10, 1863. Jos. Naregang, died of disease at Murfreesboro, April 27, 1863. Geo. Noggle,* must. out July 1,1865. Win. M. Oliver,* corp., must. out July 1, 1865. Peter Passenger, must. out July 1, 1865. David D. Parkhurst, must. out July 1, 1865. Charles Pettit, died of disease in Kentucky, Nov. 3,1862. Horatio N. Price, died of disease at Murfreesboro, March 5, 1863. Edward W. Pardee, died of disease at Nashville. Edward Reed, must. out July 1,1865. William G. Rowe, must. out July 1,1865. Joseph Richie, disch. for disability, Aug. 9, 1863. Jonathan D. Squires, disch. for disability, Oct. 19,1863. Charles F. Smith, died of disease in Ohio, Feb. 1, 1863. Edward F. Safford, died of disease at Nashville, June 15,1863. Leland H. Shaw, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. Ferdinand Sebright, must. out July 1, 1865. Gilbert Stone, must. out July 1, 1865. Henry Smith, must. out July 1, 1865. Joseph Stewart,* must. out July 1, 1865. Isaac C. Seely, must. out July 1, 1865. Charles F. Tubah, must. out July 1, 1865. Ira Tuttle, disch. by order, July 21,1865. Salem True, disch. for disability. E. S. Finley, disch. for disability, July 18, 1863. Frederick Woodham, must. out July 1, 1865. John Wilson, must. out July 1, 1865. Daniel Willis, must. out July 1, 1865. William West, must. out July 1, 1865. Sylvester Wedge, must. out July 1, 1865. 130 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. BARRY BOUNTY MEMBERS OF THE FOURTH CAVALRY. Company A. Levitt D. Faulkerson, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Company C. Simon Cooper, must. out Aug. 15,1865. John D. Rockwood, died of disease. Company D. Watson S. Williams, must. out. Aug. 15,1865. Company H. Lucius Bates, must. out July 1,1865. Milo D. Cooper, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Horace Freeman, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 4, 1863. John W. Holmes, must. out July 1,1865. Madison A. Hoose, must. out July 1, 1865. Ira Leach, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 25, 1862. Newell Nichols, disch. for disability, Feb. 22,1863. Owen A. Nichols, disch. for disability, July 14, 1863. J. P. Reynolds, trans. to Yet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1864; must. out July 1,1865. Chester Savacool, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864; must. out July 1, 1865. Company I. Hiram Lamb, disch. Feb. 8, 1865. Company K. Byron R. Purdy, disch. by order, May 19, 1865. Herman C. Purdy, disch. by order, May 19,1865. Company L. Ira D. Brooks, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Benjamin F. Carpenter,* must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Albert D. Carpenter, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Rooney G. Flowers, must. out Aug. 15, 1865. Company M. Samuel H. Hubbard, must. out July 1, 1865. CHAPTER XXXI. THE MICHIGAN CAVALRY BRIGADE.* Company I, of the Fifth, from Allegan County-The Regiment assigned to the Michigan Brigade in the Spring of 1863-Battles in the Summer of 1863-Casualties-Winter-Quarters in 1863-64-Kilpatrick's Raid to Richmond-Col. Dahlgren's Expedition-Back to North Virginia-Reorganization of Sheridan's Command-Battle of the Wilderness-Sheridan's Raid to Richmond-The Dash into Beaver Dam-Battle with Stuart at Yellow Tavern-Stuart routed and slain-Before Richmond-Battle on the Chickahominy-Especial Gallantry of the Michigan Brigade-Return to the Army of the Potomac-Fight at Hawes' Shop-Old Church Tavern and Cold Harbor-Battle of Trevillian Station-Brilliant Victory-Fight at Louisa Court-House-In the Shenandoah Valley, Middletown, Front Royal, etc.-Victories at Opequan and Winchester-Casualties during the Year-Winter-Quarters-Sheridan's Great Raid to the Army of the Potomac-Dealing the Death-Blow to Rebellion-Ordered West-Men with Two Years to serve transferred-Regiment mustered out-Allegan County Members-Barry County Members -The Allegan and Barry Representation in the Sixth Cavalry-Its Battles and Casualties in 1863-Kilpatrick's Richmond Raid-The Wilderness-Beaver Dam, Meadow Bridge, and Ilawes' Shop-Trevillian Station-The Shenandoah Campaign-The Great Ride to Richmond-Closing Scenes-Ordered to the Rocky MountainsPowder River Expedition-A Guard "corraled"-The Regiment mustered out-Barry County Soldiers-Allegan County SoldiersFormation and Departure of the Sixth Cavalry-Assigned to the Michigan Brigade-Its Battles in 1863 —Its Battles in 1864-The Brilliant Close in 1865 —Its Frontier Service-The Muster outThe Barry County Members-The Allegan County Members. FIFTH CAVALRY. COMPANY I, of this regiment, was wholly an Allegan County organization. It was recruited by ex-Congressman *This celebrated body was composed of the First, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Cavalry. It was organized in the fore-part of 1863^ and I William B. Williams, of Allegan, in the summer of 1862, and under his command proceeded to Detroit, Mich., the regimental rendezvous, in August of the same year. The regiment was first commanded by Col. J. T. Copeland, and was mustered into the United States service Aug. 30, 1862. It was subjected to a long delay in procuring arms and equipments; a spirit of discontent prevailed in consequence, and numerous desertions occurred. The regiment finally left the State for Washington on the 4th of December, 1862, only partly armed, but otherwise fully equipped and well mounted. Down to that date it had carried on its rolls the names of one thousand three hundred and five officers and enlisted men. Upon its arrival at the seat of war it was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, otherwise known as the Michigan Cavalry brigade. (See note at beginning of chapter.) It was engaged with the enemy at Hanover, Va., June 30, 1863; at Hunterstown, Pa., July 2d; Gettysburg, Pa., July 3d, where it was hotly engaged, charging the enemy repeatedly and losing heavily. It was also in conflicts of more or less importance at Monterey, Md., July 4th; Cavetown, Md., July 5th; Smithtown, Boonsboro', Hagerstown, and Williamsport, Md., July 6th; Hagerstown and Williamsport, Md., July 10th; Falling Waters, Md., July 14th; Snicker's Gap, Va., July 19th; Kelly's Ford, Va., September 13th; Culpeper Court-House, Va., September 14th; Raccoon Ford, Va., September 16th; White's Ford, September 21st; Jack's Shop, Va., September 26th; James City, Va., October 12th; Brandy Station, Va., October 13th; Buckland's Mills, Va., October 19th; Stevensburg, Va., November 19th; and Morton's Ford, Va., Nov. 26, 1863. Sixty-four men were killed and wounded during the year 1863, besides one hundred and twenty-one reported missing in action, many of whom were killed. Other reports of alterations and casualties show that from the time the regiment was organized until the close of 1863 forty men died of disease, sixty-eight were discharged for disability, twenty-one by sentence of general courtmartial, fifteen by order, two for promotion, one hundred and seventy-seven deserted, twenty officers resigned, one officer was dismissed, and the total number of recruits received was thirteen. During the winter of 1863-6-1 the Fifth had its quarters at Stevensburg, Va., and was employed mostly on picket duty along the Rapidan. In the latter part of February, 1864, it took part in the raid made by the cavalry under Kilpatrick to the outer defenses of Richmond. The main body of the regiment T. continued in service as a brigade until the close of the war; being commanded successively by Gens. Kilpatrick and Custer, and gaining, whether rightly or wrongly, the highest reputation of any cavalry brigade in the service. As three of the regiments of which the brigade was composed follow each other consecutively, and as all of. them contained a considerable representation from Allegan and Barry Counties, we have grouped them together under the general title given above. As there are nunerous matters, however, which concern the regiments separately, we have furnished separate sketches of these bodies; giving the fullest description of the operations of the brigade in the history of the Fifth Regiment, which had the largest representation from these counties. THE MICHIGAN CAVALRY BRIGADE. 1 131 crossed the Rapidan, marched thence, via Spottsylvania and Beaver Dan Station to Hungary Station, and moved down the Brook turnpike to within five miles of the city of Richmond. Being attacked on the 2d of March by a superior force of the enemy, the Union cavalry was compelled to fall back on Gen. Butler's forces, stationed at New Kent Court-House. A detachment of the regiment had also accompanied the forces commanded by the gallant Col. Ulric Dahlgren. They moved down the James River to within five miles of the rebel capital. The detachment of the Fifth, being in front, charged the enemy's works and captured his first line of fortifications. Following up its advantage, Dahlgren's command pushed back the enemy from one line to another, until a point was reached within two miles of the city, when it was found impossible to advance farther with so small a force. Meanwhile the rebels were gathering from all points, and in the endeavor to extricate itself from its perilous position the detachment of the Fifth became separated in the night, which was rainy and very dark, from the main portion of Dahlgren's command. On the following day this detachment cut its way through a strong rebel force posted at Old Church, and succeeded in rejoining the regiment near White House Landing. At Yorktown, Va., on the 11th of March, the regiment embarked on board transports for Alexandria, whence it marched to Stevensburg, arriving there on the 18th of April, 1864. Here a reorganization of the cavalry forces, under Gen. Sheridan's command, took place, and the Michigan Cavalry Brigade was thenceforth known as the First Brigade of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. On the 5th of May the brigade, commanded by the fiery Custer, again crossed the Rapidan, and soon became engaged in the great battle of the Wilderness; fighting mounted, the first three days, against the forces led by the renowned rebel cavalry leader, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart. On the 9th of May the cavalry corps set out, under Gen. Sheridan, on his great raid toward Richmond. Three divisions, numbering full twelve thousand men, turned their horses' heads to the southward; the blue-coated column, as it marched by fours, extending eleven miles along the road, from front to rear. On the route they overtook a large body of Union soldiers, who had been taken prisoners at Spottsylvania, released them, and captured the rebel guard. Toward evening, the same day, the Michigan brigade, followed closely by the rest of the column, dashed into the rebel depot at Beaver Dam Station, scattering, almost in an instant, the force stationed for its defense. All night long the men were busy destroying the immense amount of rebel supplies accumulated at Beaver Dam, worth millions of dollars, consisting of three long railroad trains, with locomotives, stores of goods of various kinds, and one hundred loaded army-wagons, the flames of which rose in lurid columns through the darkness amid the cheers of the exultant soldiers. At daybreak the next morning the command moved forward, and after tearing up the railroad-track at Negro Foot Station it reached " Yellow Tavern," ten miles fiom Richmond, on the 11th of May. There Gen. Stuart had assembled a large force of rebel cavalry, and a severe battle ensued. The Fifth Cavalry fought dismounted, and charged' the enemy's position under a heavy fire; routing him after a most stubborn resistance. The rebels lost heavily in this engagement, including their commanding officer, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, who was mortally wounded by a private of this regiment. Having brushed aside all the forces opposed to it, the Union column pursued its way " on to Richmond" unmolested. The next day the command arrived within a mile and a half of Richmond, but found fortifications in front on which cavalry could make no impression. Gen. Sheridan then turned his course toward the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge. The rebels had destroyed the bridge, and a large force of them disputed his further progress. The approaches to the stream led through a swamp, along which not more than four men could ride abreast, and a wellposted battery on the opposite side cut down the head of the Union column, completely checking its advance. The leading brigade vainly endeavored to force a passage. The next one likewise failed. Gen. Sheridan then sent for Custer and his Michigan brigade, which at once hastened to the front. There the youthful general dismounted the Fifth and Sixth Michigan, and sent them forward into the swamp as flanking-parties, while with drawn sabres the First and Seventh Michigan breathlessly awaited the order to charge. The dismounted men drove the enemy from their first position, advanced through water waist-deep to the railroad-bridge, crossed it on the ties, and then plied their Spencer rifles on the rebel cannoniers with such effect that the latter were obliged to turn their guns on these assailants to prevent being entirely enfiladed. The moment they did so Custer gave the order to " Charge," and the two mounted regiments, with brandished sabres and ringing cheers, dashed forward at the top of their horses' speed. The rebels had barely time to limber their guns and retreat; leaving the road again open for the advance of the whole corps. The command then proceeded, via Malvern Hill, Hanover Court-House, White House, Ayelitt's and Concord Church, to Chesterfield Station, where it joined the main Army of the Potomac. On the 28th of May the regiment was hotly engaged near Hawes' Shop, where it aided in driving the enemy from their position after a desperate hand-to-hand fight. The loss of the regiment in this action was very severe. Moving to Old Church Tavern on the 30th, it was engaged with its brigade in the routing of Young's rebel cavalry. On the 31st of May and 1st of June it was engaged, together with other cavalry regiments, at Cold Harbor, where it fought dismounted in advance of the infantry, and, although losing heavily, succeeded in capturing many prisoners. The Michigan brigade soon after set out under Gen. Sheridan to join Gen. Hunter, who was moving from the Shenandoah Valley to Lynchburg. On the 11th of June the command met at Trevillian Station a large force of the enemy, both infantry and cavalry. During that day and the next there ensued one of the severest cavalry fights of the war, the Union cavalry mostly fighting dismounted. The Michigan brigade did most of the fighting the first day, and lost heavily. The brigade battery was. three times 132 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. ~L I *I- r C --— C. aptured by the enemy, and as many times recaptured by the determined efforts of the Michigan men. The rebels were finally driven from the field and pursued several miles; six hundred prisoners, fifteen hundred horses, one stand of colors, six caissons, forty ambulances, and fifty wagons being captured by the victorious Unionists. Moving subsequently in the direction of Louisa CourtHouse, the regiment encountered a column of the enemy, but cut its way through with considerable loss in prisoners. Gen. Hunter failed to make the passage of the mountains. Gen. Sheridan, in consequence, then marched his troops to White House Landing, and soon after joined the Army of the Potomac, south of Petersburg. After serving on picket and scout duty in front of Richmond and Petersburg during the month of July, 1864, the Michigan brigade was taken on transports to Washington, D. C., early in August, and thence marched to the Shenandoah Valley. Here it followed Custer in many a desperate charge, fully sustaining its old renown. At Middletown the Fifth Cavalry was attacked by a strong force of the enemy, but repulsed them, capturing sixty-five prisoners. Again, on the 19th of August, while a squadron of the regiment were scouting to the front, they were attacked by a greatly superior force of the enemy under the guerrilla leader Moseby, and being overpowered were driven into camp with a loss of sixteen men killed. It was also engaged at Front Royal. August 16th; Leetown, August 25th; at Shepardstown, August 25th; Smithfield, August 28th; Berryville, September 3d; Opequan Creek, September 19th, where the Michigan brigade utterly routed the enemy's cavalry and broke their infantry lines, capturing two battle-flags and four hundred prisoners; Winchester, September 19th; Luray, September 24th; Woodstock, October 9th; and Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, where Custer's command charged the enemy's main line; driving it back in confusion and capturing a large number of prisoners. During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had seventy-six men killed, one hundred and seventeen wounded in action, fourteen missing in action, one hundred and ninetyfour taken prisoners, two hundred and nine recruits joined the regiment, while but thirty-three men died of disease and but two desertions were reported. The Michigan brigade went into winter-quarters near Winchester, Va., in December, 1864, and remained until tlhe latter part of February, 1865. On the 27th it broke camp, and with the cavalry corps commanded by Gen. Sheridan started on a long and rapid march up the Shenandoah Valley, past Staunton, over the mountains, and down the James River to the Army of the Potomac. The command met with but little opposition, dispersed all forces opposed to it, destroyed much property on the line of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, locks, mills, and aqueducts on the James River Canal, and on the 19th of March joined the forces assembled to give the last blow to Lee's rebel army. On the 30th and 31st days of March and 1st of April, 1865, the Michigan brigade was warmly engaged at Five Forks. During these three days of battle it was in the advance, and on the extreme left of the Union arlnies, fighting dismounted,-and finally succeeded, with the rest of Sheridan's corps, in capturing the enemy's line of defense, and several thousand prisoners. From this time until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, April 9, 1865, it was constantly engaged with the enemy, and, being in the advance, the flag of truce to negotiate the surrender was sent through its lines. After the surrender of Lee this regiment moved with the cavalry corps to Petersburg, Va. Soon afterward it made an incursion, with other forces, into North Carolina; thence it marched to Washington, D. C., participated in the review of the Army of the Potomac, May 23, 1865, and immediately thereafter, with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, was ordered to the Western frontier. The Fifth was sent by rail and steamboat to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where the men having two years or more to serve were transferred to the First and Seventh Michigan Cavalry Regiments. On the 22d of June the regiment, as an organization, was mustered out of service. It arrived in Detroit, Mich., July 1, 1865, and was there paid off and disbanded. ALLEGAN COUNTY MEMBERS. Company I. Capt. Win. B. Williams, Allegan; cor. Sept. 3, 1862; resigned June 11, 1863. Capt. Geo. N. Dutcher, Saugatuck; corn. June 13, 1863; 1st lieut., Aug. 14,1862; disch. for disability, Nov. 2,1863. 1st Lieut. Geo. W. Lonsbury, Allegan; corn. July 15, 1864: 2d lieut., Sept. 1, 1863 (previously sergeant); pro. to capt. Co. M, Nov. 10, 1864; bvt. maj., March 13, 1865, "for gallant and meritorious services during the war;" must. out June 22, 1865. 2d Lieut. Geo. N. Gardner, Saugatuck; enl. April 14, 1865; must. out June 22, 1865. Q.-M. Sergt. L. L. Crosby, Saugatuck; enl. Aug. 12,1862; trans. to Signal Corps, April, 1864. Com. Sergt. Hannibal Hart, Allegan; enl. Aug. 18,1862; disch. for wounds, June 14, 1864. Sergt. Wm. C. Weeks, Allegan; enl. July 22, 1862; must. out June 23, 1865. Sergt. Hiram R. Ellis, Saugatuck; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; disch. for promotion, Aug. 29, 1864. Sergt. Geo. W. Earl, Gun Plains; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; must. out June 23, 1865. Sergt. Martin Baldwin, Allegan; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; must. out June 23, 1865. Sergt. Wm. A. Piper, Allegan; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; disch. for disability, Dec. 12, 1864. Sergt. Wm. White, Saugatuck; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. L, May 2, 1865. Sergt. Geo. H. Smith, Allegan; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. by order, June 13, 1865. Sergt. Irving Batchelor, Gun Plains; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; must. out June 23, 1865. Corp. David P. Taylor, Ganges; enl. Aug. 14,1862; died of accidental wounds, March 27, 1863. Corp. Austin A. Andrews, Allegan; enl. Aug. 21,1862; must. out June 23,1865. Corp. Herman Garvelink, Allegan; enl. Aug. 15,1862; kllied in action at Hawes' Shop, May 28, 1864. Corp. Louis Hirner, Saugatuck; enl. Aug. 15, 1862; killed in action at Yellow Tavern, May 11, 1864. Farrier Mortimer Andrews, Allegan; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. by order, June 13, 1865. Farrier Geo. Masson, Gun Plain; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; trans. to Inv. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863. Saddler Jacob E. Miner, Allegan; enl. Aug. 22,1862; absent sick at City Point, Va. Teamster John Cook, Allegan; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. for disability, Sept. 16, 1863. Wagoner Dewitt C. Sanford, Gun Plain; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. for disability, Feb. 13, 1863. Samuel Atkins, must. out June 23, 1865. Oriss Buchanan, must. out June 23, 1865. Caleb Bennett, disch. by order, July 12, 1865. E. J. Burlingame, missing in action at Richmond, March 1, 1864. Hendrick Cook, missing in action at Trevillian Station, Jutle 11, 1864. George Canouse, missing in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864. Elliott Chase, died of disease at Detroit, Oct. 19, 1862. Lawrence L. Crosby, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April, 1861. James Collins, died in Andersonville prison-pen, July 9, 1864. David Cummings, died a prisoner of war, of disease, Aug. 15, 1864. Daniel C. Collier, must. out June 23, 1865. THE MICHIGAN CAVALRY BRIGADE. 133 Samuel Clark, must. out June 23, 1865. Gabriel Cole, must. out June 23, 1865. Robert Dyer, must. out June 23, 1865. Russell Dyer, must. out June 2:3, 1865. Seth Dyer, disch. by order, July 17, 1865. James Dyer, missing in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864. George Drury, missing in action at Trevillian Station, June 11, 1864. William Drury, missing in action, Oct. 1(, 1864. Benjamin S. Dalrymple, must. out June 23, 1865. Abner Emmons, must. out June 23, 1865. Orliter P. Eaton, disch. by order, May 19, 1865. Lafayette Fox, must. out June 23, 1865. Cornelius Gavin, disch. by order, July 20, 1865. Vernon Groucher, must. out June 23,1865. William Goodman, died of disease, a prisoner of war, July 24, 1864. George H. Hicks, died in action at Smithfield, Va., Aug. 29, 1864. Hannibal Hart, disch. by order, Jan. 14,1864. George Hodgetts, trans. to 7th Mich. Cav. John Iill, must. out June 23,1865. Morgan B. Hawks, must. out June 23,1865. James Kitchen, disch. at end of service, Aug. 20,1865. Morgan D. Lane, trans. to Signal Corps, April 23,1864, William McWilliams, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, March 15, 1864. H. W. Mann, (lied in action at Shepardstown, Va., Aug. 25,1864. Gottlieb Miller, missing in action at Riclimond, Va., March 1,1864. Charles E. Moses, died of disease, a prisoner of war, Sept. 29, 1865. John E. Murphy, must. out June 23, 1865. George E. Munn, must. out June 23, 1865. Orlando C. Masson, must. out June 2:3, 1865. Franklin Miller, must. out June 23,1865. William Neuhof, disch. by order, May 3, 1865. M. A. Powell, disch. by order, Feb. 2, 1865. George Pullman, died of disease, a prisoner of war, April 12, 1864. Giles A. Piper, must. out June 23, 1865. Albert Rynick, must. out June 23, 1865. Raphael Ross, trans to Vet. Res. Co:ps, Jan. 15, 1861. Caspar Robb, disch. by order, July 11, 1865. Jacob Rinehart, disch. by order, July 12,1865. Joseph Slagel, disch. by order, Dec. 24, 1863. Samuel Shaver, must. out June 23, 1865. David H. Seaman, must. out June 2:3,1865. George Shuport, must. out June 23, 1865. George Shepard, missing in action at Richmond, Va., March 1, 1864. Marcus C. Thompson, (lied of disease, a prisoner of war, Sept. 4, 1864. George W. Thompson, must. out June 23, 1865. Henry Warner, disch. for wounds. Homer Watson, must. out June 23,1865. Henry Zoneman, must. out June 23, 1865. BARRY COUNTY. William H. Cook, Co. L, of this regt., was from Barry County. He was last reported as missing in action at Trevillian Station, Va., June 11, 1864. SIXTH CAVALRY. Allegan County had but few members in the Sixth Cavalry, but Barry was represented in all its companies except I; Company K being almost exclusively from that county. The regiment rendezvoused at Grand Rapids. Its ranks were rapidly filled, and it was mustered into the United States service, under the command of Col. George Gray, on the 13th of October, 1862. Mounted and equipped, but not armed, carrying on its rolls the names of one thousand two hundred and twenty-nine officers and men, it left the regimental rendezvous on the 10th of December following, and proceeded to the seat of war in Virginia. It was soon assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac (the Michigan Cavalry Brigade), of which a somewhat extended notice has been given in the sketch of the preceding regiment, to which the reader is referred for details. Before the beginning of its first campaign Company K, by reason of discharges and resignations, had lost all its original commissioned officers except Lieut. Pendill. The regiment fought at Hanover, Pa., June 30, 1863; at Hunterstown and Gettysburg, Pa., and Monterey, Cavetown, Smithtown, Boonsboro', Hagerstown, Williamsport, 7 and Falling Waters, Md., in July of the same year; at Snicker's Gap, Va., July 19, 1863; at Kelly's Ford, Culpeper Court-House, Raccoon Ford, White's Ford, and Jack's Shop, Va., in September, 1863; at James City, Brandy Station, and Buckland's Mills, Va., in October, 1863; and at Stevensburg and Morton's Ford, Va., in November of the same year. At Gettysburg and Falling Waters it particularly distinguished itself. Its principal casualties from the time it entered the service until Nov. 1, 1863, were reported as thirty-six killed in action, seventy-five missing in action, and forty-five who died of disease. During the winter of 1863-64 it was quartered at Stevensburg, Va. In the latter part of.February it started for Richmond, forming part of Gen. Kilpatrick's raiding force. It participated in all the hard riding, skirmishing, etc., attendant upon that unsuccessful expedition, and, with others of the command, succeeded in joining the Union forces at New Kent Court-House. Thence it moved down the Peninsula, proceeded on transports to Alexandria, and then marched to its former camp at Stevensburg. On the 18th of April the Michigan brigade was transferred to the First Cavalry Division, and thereafter until the close of the war was known as the First Brigade of the First Division Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. Companies I and M, which had been operating in the Shenandoah Valley during the year 1863, rejoined the regiment on the 3d of May, 1864, and on the 6th of that month the Michigan brigade was in the midst of the terrible battles going on in the Wilderness. As victors, it emerged into the open country on the 8th of May, and on the morning of the 9th started with Sheridan's corps on a raid to the rear of the rebel armies, the brigade leading this splendid body of twelve thousand veteran cavalrymen. The Sixth assisted in destroying the immense rebel depot of supplies at Beaver Dam Station, fought in the thickest of the battle at Yellow Tavern, and gained imperishable honor at the crossing of the Chickahominy at Meadow Bridge.* Again, at Hawes' Shop, on the 28th of May, 1864, the regiment took part in a decisive charge on the enemy's lines. After a severe conflict the rebels were forced to retire, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The Sixth lost heavily in this engagement. Of its members present, one-fourth were either killed or wounded in less than ten minutes. Engaging in the raid of Sheridan's forces towards Gordonsville, the regiment, on the 11th of June, participated in the battle of Trevillian Station, charging the enemy repeatedly, and capturing many prisoners, most of whom, however, were recaptured. From the time it crossed the Rapidan, on the 5th of May, until it passed the James, on the 28th of June, the regiment lost twenty-nine men killed, sixty wounded, and sixty-four missing. Early in August the Michigan brigade, with others of Sheridan's command, was transferred to the Shenandoah Valley, where it took an active part in all the skirmishes, battles, marches, and counter-marches that occurred during this part of the Shenandoah campaign,-a campaign which.. I * See history of Fifth Cavalry. 134 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICIIGAN. -...._.,..:_._;I,..........; had made the names of Sheridan, Winchester, and Cedar -Creek famous from one end of the country to the other. The actions in which the Sixth participated in the valley may be summarily catalogued as those of Front Royal, Leetown, Smithfield, Opequan Creek, Winchester, Luray, Port Republic, Mount Crawford, Fisher's Hill, Woodstock, and Cedar -Creek. In December, 1864, it went into winterquarters near Winchester. Its total list of killed to November 1st amounted to fifty-five, while forty-four of its members had died of disease. During the last days of February, 1865, the regiment, began its final Virginia campaign. After a long and eventful march under Sheridan, during which it helped to defeat the rebel Gen. Rosser at Louisa Court-House, to break up the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, and to destroy the locks, aqueducts, and mills on the James River Canal, it reached White House Landing on the 19th of March, and immediately took part in the succession of brilliant triumphs which ended at Appomattox Court-House on the 9th of April, 1865. After the surrender, the rebel Gen. Pickett, who was taken prisoner in one of these engagements, spoke of a charge made by this regiment which he witnessed as being the " bravest he had ever seen." After participating in the grand review held at Washington, D. C., May 23, 1865, the Michigan brigade was ordered, vid the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers, to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. At that point the Sixth received orders to cross the Plains. These orders produced much dissatisfaction among its members, as they, with all other volunteers, had supposed that with the collapse of the Rebellion their services would no longer be required. Remembering, however, their noble record as a regiment, adhering firmly to the high degree of discipline and faithful observance of orders which had ever distinguished them, its members marched forward by way of Fort Kearney and Julesburg to Fort Laramie. At the latter point the regiment was divided into detachments by order of Gen. Connor. One was to form a part of the " left column, Powder River expedition," one was to remain at Fort Laramie, while another was to escort a train to the Black Hills. The Powder River detachment, on reaching that stream, found that the Indians, of whom it had been sent in pursuit, had managed to escape. The troops then built the fort since known as Fort Reno. On this expedition Capt. 0. F. Cole, of Company G, lost his life; having heedlessly ridden a long distance from the column, he was surprised by Indians and shot to death with arrows. From Fort Reno a small detachment was sent out as a train-guard to Virginia City, Montana. Meeting a large warparty of Arapahoe Indians, the guard was "corraled"that is, surrounded and stopped-by them for twelve days. 'Gen. Connor was finally apprised of their condition, when reinforcements were sent to their relief. Sergt. Hall, of Company L, and Private Evans, of Company F, were the brave men who succeeded in conveying the intelligence to Gen. Connor. They traversed a distance of fifty miles through a wild and to them unknown country, swarming with hostile savages, and thereby saved the detachment. I I,.. On the 17th of September, in pursuance of orders issued by Maj.-Gen. Dodge, the men of the Sixth whose term of service did not expire before Feb. 1, 1866, were consolidated with the First Michigan Cavalry, and the rest of the regiment was ordered to Fort Leavenworth, Kan. It was there mustered out of service Nov. 24, 1865, and on the 30th of the same month it arrived at Jackson, Mich., where its members received final pay and discharge-papers. BARRY COUNTY SOLDIERS. Field and Sktff. Q.-M. W. H. Jewell, Assyria; com. Dec. 11, 1864; must. out Nov. 7,1865. (See Co. K.) Non-Commissioned Staff. Hosp. Steward Benj. R. Rose, Carlton; enl. Nov. 1, 1863; disch. by order from Co. K, May 3,1865. Company A. Andrew L. Barnum, died in action at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19,1864. Company B. Peter Dunham, disch. by order, Dec. 4,1865. Myndert Yemans, must. out March 10, 1866. Company C. Thomas Cowell, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav., Nov. 17, 1864. Andrew J. Fisher, disch. at end of service, Feb. 17, 1866. Simson D. Inman, must. out Feb. 17, 1866. George M. Jenkins, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav., Nov. 17,1864. Company D. John P. Mallin, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav., Nov. 17,1865. Andrew Rogers, must. out March 31, 1866. Company E. Wilson Perkins, died in action at Beaver Pond Mills, Va., April 4,1865. Joseph Snith, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav., Nov. 17, 1865. Company F. Robert McNee, trans. to Yet. Res. Corps, July 1, 1863. Asa Smith, must. out. Company G. Daniel Bowerman, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav., Nov. 17, 1865. Orrin Clark, must. out Feb. 10, 1866. George W. Cline, must. out Feb. 15,1866. James V. Judd, disch. Oct. 1, 1863. Company H. Hiram F. Lawrence, must. out Feb. 17, 1866. Thomas Mayo, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., Oct. 9, 1864. Oliver S. Reed, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Company K. 1st Lieut. Peter Cramer, Woodland; com. Aug. 26, 1862; res. Feb. 18, 1863. 2d Lieut. Lewis H. Jordon, Irving; corn. Sept. 25, 1862; disch. March 6, 1863. 2d Lieut. Cortez P. Pendill, Prairieville; corn. March 16, 1863; eul. as 1st sergt., Aug. 26, 1862; res. for disability, Sept. 16, 1S64. Q.-M. Sergt. Chas. W. Taylor, Maple Grove; enl. Aug. 26, 1862; discharged. Corn. Sergt. H. C. Hendershott, Irving; enl. Oct. 11, 1862; trans. to Inv. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. Sergt. Wm. H. Jewell, Assyria; enl. Sept. 2, 1862; pro. to regimental quartermaster. Sergt. Lorenzo D. Cobb, Yankee Springs; enl. Sept. 8,1862; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. L. Sergt. Parley H. Rice, Hope; enl. Sept. 7, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps; must. out July 5, 1865. Sergt. John C. Dillon, Maple Grove; enl. Aug. 29, 1862; disch. for disability, Jan. 28, 1865. Sergt. Selden E. Norton, Castleton; enl. Aug. 26,1862; must. out July 25,1865. Corp. Jas. K. Francisco, Prairieville; enl. Sept. 2, 1862; died of wounds, Sept. 26, 1864. Corp. Mathew Baird, Hope; enl. Aug. 30,1862; must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Corp. John L. Williams, Yankee Springs; enl. Sept. 20,1862; must. out July 7, 1865. Corp. Clifton G. Barnum, Carlton; ertl. Aug. 27, 1862; died of disease at Fairfax, Va., April 18,1863. Corp. Henry C. Rice, Hope; enl. Sept. 7, 1862; trans. to Inv. Corps, Jan. 15,1864. Corp. Presley W. Haskinson, Yankee Springs; enl. Sept. 20, 1862; must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Corp. Milo 0. West, Hope; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; died of disease, Aug. 24,1864. Musician John J. Cobb, Yankee Springs; eul. Sept. 8,1862; must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Musician Myron Paul, Thornapple; enl. Sept. 8, 1862; must. out July 25, 1865. Farrier Aaron J. Walker, Irving; enl. Oct. 10, 1862; trans. to Inv. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. THE MICHIGAN CAVALRY BRIGADE. 135 Farrier Jeremiah B.aribaugh, Castleton; enl. Oct. 10, 1862; must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Teamster Anson Cary, Thornapple; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; disch. for disability, Sept. 26, 186:3. Teamster Samuel Barton, Irving; enl. Aug. 30, 1862; must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Wagoner David R. Trego, Irving; enl. Oct. 10, 1862; trans. to Vet. Res. Co rps, Jan. 3, 1864. Jacob Alverson, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Clifren Bowerman, died of disease at Washington, D. C. W. H. Brown, died of disease at Washington, D. C. David Brown, died of disease, Jan. 8, 1864. Munson Buck, missing in action at Hanover, Pa., June 30,1863. John Beach, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Amos Beach, must. out Nov. 24,1865. Stephen P. Barnum, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. William E. Bolton, must. out Nov. 24,1865. George H. Brownell, died of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa. Frederick Bergman, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864. Josiah L. Campbell, disch. for disability, Jan. 2, 1863. Myron Chamberlain, discli. for disability, Sept. 6,1863. Norman E. Clark, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Emerson Cartwright, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Austin W. Clark, must. out Nov. 19, 1865. Marquis A. Dowd, must. out Nov. 24,1865. John A. Dennis, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. George W. Dart, disch. for disability, Feb. 11, 1863. Edward Dacons, died of disease, Jan. 13, 1865. Amos J. Eggleston, disch. for disability, Sept. 30, 1863. Joseph Fishburn, died of disease at his home, Nov. 11, 1864. William Gordon, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864. Adam Hart, died of disease at Washington, D. C. Benjamin lHeath, disch. for disability. Frederick Hart, disch. for disability, May 15, 1865. James H. Hunt, must. out June 12, 1865. John Irwin, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Van Rensselaer Jones, disch. for disability, July 21, 1863. Lyman C. Jayquays,* must. out June 30, 1866. Ira Kelsey, died at Newby's Cross-Roads, Va., July 24, 1863. Dewitt C. Kenyon, must. out June 29, 1865. Jeremiah Killmer, must. out Nov 24, 1865. Jefferson Kelley, must. out Nov. 24,1865. Jacob Kabler, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Franklin R. Lewis, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Samuel Murdock, must. out June 20,1865. Hiram McCartney, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., March 29, 1864. Justin W. Miles, must. out March 31, 1866. Edwin Meads, disch. for wounds, April 6, 1864. John A. Miller, disch. for wounds, Oct. 5, 1864. Archibald Murdock, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Oct.12, 1865. Mark Norris, must. out March 31, 1866. Mason Norton, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Levi Presley, must. out March 26, 1866. George M. Payne, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Samuel Presley, disch. for disability. Jonathan Smith, died at Newby's Cross-Roads, Va., July 24, 1863. Albert H. Sidman, disch. for disability. Justice Smith, reported missing in action, but returned. Stephen A. Stanley, trans. to 1st Michi. Cav. Robert W. Slhriner, must. out June 20, 1865. Russell K. Stanton, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Justin A. Smith, must. out July 10, 1865. Eber A. Stanley, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Elisha Skillman, must. out Nov. 24,1865. James A. Vandechoten, must. out June 13, 1865. L. F. Vester, died of disease at Baltimore, Md., Sept. 22, 1864. David Way, Jr., died of disease. Orville Wheeler, died of disease in Michigan, Nov. 28, 1864. Joel 0. Wheeler, disch. for disability, Jan. 2, 1863. Lycurgus J. Wheeler, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 3, 1864. William R. Wheeler, must. out March 10, 1866. Oscar White, must. out July 1, 1865. Henry A. Ward, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Company L. 2d Lieut. Lorenzo D. Cobb, Yankee Springs; com. Dec. 10, 1864; must. out Nov. 21, 1865. Martin Babcock, must. out Aug. 12, 1865. Jeremiah Crandall, must. out March 10, 1866. Alfred Fraine, trans. to 1st Micl. Cav.; must. out March 25, 1866. Charles Furness, must. out July 6, 1865. Calvin C. Norton, trans. to 1st Mich. Cay., Nov. 17,1865. Charles Terry, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Company M. Sergt. Silas M. Smith, Irving; enl. Sept. 7,1862; must out Nov. 24, 1865. J. Q. A. Briggs, tranls. to Ist Mich. Cav... ' Or Jaques. I~ Johnson N. Bowen, must. out Nov. 24,1865. Deloss D. Bassett, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Alfred Flanders, must. out June 30, 1866. Daniel Hewitt, must. out Nov. 24,1865. John Klock, died of disease at tarper's Ferry, Va., Aug. 1, 1864. William C. Kelly, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., Sept. 15,1864. Robert McNee, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, July 1, 1863. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Field and Staff. 1st. Lieut. and Adj. Elliott M. Norton, Wayland; corn. Jan. 4, 1865; 2d lieut. Co. H, Jan. 1, 1864; trans. to Vet. Cav. Nov. 17, 1865; must. out March 10, 1866. Company A. Merritt C. Mosher, missing in action at Todd's Tavern, Va., May 6, 1864. Company B. Sergt. E. M. Norton. (See Field and Staff.) Edwin E. Whitney, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Company I. Peter J. Alden, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. John Madison, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Company K. Versal P. Fales, must out June 2, 1865. Justus German, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. Henry F. Haney, must. out Oct. 24, 1865. Origen Hamilton, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Elisha Inman, supposed killed by guerrillas. Wells T. Latourette, must. out Nov. 24, 1865. SEVENTH CAVALRY. This regiment numbered among its members sixty officers and men from Barry County, and less than a dozen from the county of Allegan, these being scattered among all its companies, except G and L. The rendezvous was at Grand Rapids, where the regiment was organized during the fall of 1862 and the ensuing winter. Two battalions left Grand Rapids for the seat of war in Virginia, Feb. 20, 1863, and were joined by the third battalion in May following, Col. William D. Mann being in command of the regiment. The Seventh was assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, so often mentioned already, and until the close of the war participated in all its glory and renown. It took part in minor actions at Thoroughfare Gap, Va., May 21, 1863; at Greenwich, Va., May 30th, and at Hanover, Pa., on the 30th of June. On the 3d of July at Gettysburg it was very hotly engaged, charging the enemy repeatedly, and having fifty-seven of its men killed and wounded, besides twelve missing and twelve taken prisoners. It was also engaged at Smithtown, Md, July 6th; at Boonsboro', Md., July 6th and 8th; at Hagerstown, Md., July 6th and 10th; at Falling Waters, Md., July 14th; at Snicker's Gap, Va., July 19th; at Kelly's Ford, Va., September 13th; at Culpeper Court-House, Va., September 14th; at Raccoon Ford, Va., September 16th; Brandy Station, Va., October 13th, and others. Ninety-two men were killed and wounded in action, forty-six were reported missing in action, many of whom were killed, and down to Nov. 1, 1863, the date of making that report, fifty of its numbers had died of disease. During the winter of 1863-64 the Seventh was mostly employed on picket duty in front of the Army of the Potomac, but resumed more active service on the 28th of February, 1864, when it marched with its brigade on the "Kilpatrick raid." Arriving before Richmond on the 31st of February, it was placed on picket the following night. Here it was attacked by a superior force of the enemy, and, being unsupported, was driven back. Forty-four men were 136 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. ---— ~- --- —--- reported missing, among whom was the commander of the regiment, Lieut.-Col. A. C. Litchfield, The command soon marched to Yorktown, whence it proceeded by transports to Alexandria, Va. Having crossed the Rapidan with the Army of the Potomac on the 5th of May, the regiment set out on the 9th in Gen. Sheridan's movement against the enemy's communications. On the 11th it was in the battle of Yellow Tavern; charging the enemy's cavalry and driving it from the field, and having eighteen of its own men killed and wounded. The operations of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade on that raid have been mentioned in the sketch of the Fifth Cavalry, previously given, and the Seventh took its full share in them all. After rejoining the army it attacked the rebel cavalry on the 27th of May, charging and driving one of their brigades several miles, and capturing forty-one men. The next day it was in a fight at Hawes' Shop, where fourteen of its men were killed and wounded. It also took part in the attack on the enemy's works at Cold Harbor on the 30th of May, fighting dismounted in advance of the infantry. With the rest of the Michigan brigade and other regiments, it then moved, under Gen. Sheridan, towards Gordonsville, and on the 11th and 12th of June had a hard cavalry fight at Trevillian Station, losing twenty-nine killed and wounded during the conflict. On the first day of the fight a small squad of the Seventh recaptured from a large force of the rebels a piece of artillery which had been taken from a Union battery. The command then returned to the main army, and on the 31st of July the Michigan brigade set out for Washington and the Shenandoah Valley. On the 16th of August the Seventh Cavalry was in the battle of Crooked Run, where it had twelve men killed and wounded, and where, according to the official report, "one battalion charged a brigade of rebel cavalry, routing them and capturing nearly a hundred prisoners." On the 25th of August it was engaged near Shepherdstown, with slight loss. On the 29th, its division being attacked by infantry in force, it covered the retreat to Smithfield, having fourteen killed and wounded. On the 19th of September the regiment was warmly engaged in the battle of Opequan Creek. It charged across that stream, drove the enemy from the bank, advanced and aided in driving him at headlong speed through the town of Winchester. Twenty-three officers and men were killed and wounded in the Seventh; among the mortally wounded being its commander, Lieut.-Col. Melvin Brewer. Five days later the regiment was in another combat at Luray, driving the enemy back in great confusion, and capturing sixty prisoners. On the 9th of October the Seventh took part with its corps in routing the rebel cavalry under Gen. Rosser. Ten days later, at Cedar Creek, while the regiment was on picket, the enemy, by a sudden attack, broke through the line of the Union infantry and struck it in the rear. It made good its retreat, however, without serious loss. When Sheridan galloped up from Winchester and retrieved the fortunes of the day, the Seventh Michigan Cavalry took an active part in the conflict, and in the final charge which drove the foe in confusion from the field it captured about one hundred prisoners. During the year ending Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had had no less than one hundred and fifty-nine officers and men killed and wounded,-a very heavy loss for a cavalry regiment. The Seventh remained in camp near Winchester most of the time until the 27th of February, 1865, when it moved up the Shenandoah Valley, with its corps, to take part in Gen. Sheridan's celebrated march to the James River. On the 8th of March the regiment aided in routing a portion of Rosser's cavalry near Louisa Court-House, and capturing the town. After destroying a large part of the Lynchburg and Gordonsville Railroad, and the locks, aqueducts, and mills on the James River Canal, the command reached White House Landing on the 19th of March, and was soon, with,the cavalry corps, established on the left of the Army of the Potomac. The Seventh took an active part in the battle of Five Forks, and was engaged with the enemy almost till the moment of Lee's surrender at Appomattox. After a short stay in North Carolina the Michigan brigade returned to Washington, and thence proceeded to Fort Leavenworth, whence it was ordered to cross the Plains and operate against the hostile Indians. There was much bitterness felt by the men at this extension of their service to another field from what was originally intended. Nevertheless, they crossed the Plains to the Rocky Mountains, and were employed until November in guarding the overland stage-route from the Indians. About the 1st of November the regiment transferred two hundred and fifty men, whose term extended beyond March 1, 1866, to the First Michigan; the remainder of the regiment returning to Fort Leavenworth, and being there mustered out of the service. It was paid off and disbanded at Jackson, Mich., on the 25th of December, 1866. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS. Field and Staff. Surg. Wm. Upjohn, Hastings; com. Nov. 1, 1863; must. out Dec. 15, 1865. 1st Lieut. and Com'y James W. Bentley, Hastings; com. Oct. 15, 1862; must. out Dec. 15, 1865. Hosp. Steward George A. Smith, Hastings; appointed Nov. 14; 1862; disch. by order, May 3,1865. Company A. Henry Allen, must. out Dec. 15,1865. Marshall Billinger, must. out Dec. 15,1865. James Barber, must. out Dec. 15, 1865. Charles Cook, must. out Dec. 15,1865. Edgar A. Clark, died of disease at Little Blue, Neb., July 5,1865. Edward H. Harvey, disch. by order, Dec. 22, 1864. Alexander McNeal, must. out Dec. 15,1865. Edgar Nye, must. out Dec. 15, 1865. Company B. Alfred Dyvis, must. out March 10, 1866. Company C. James Thomas, must. out Dec. 15,1865. Company D. James F. Saddler, must. out July 14, 1865. Company E. James Dawson, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Nov. 17, 1865. Charles E. Hyde, disch. from Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 7, 1863. Jacob D. Hendrick, disch. from Vet. Res. Cotrls, Aug. 2,1866. EIGHTH, TENTH, AND ELEVENTH CAVALRY, ETC. 137. - - - Company F. Sergt. Harmon Smith, Prairieville; pro. 2d lieut. Dec. 12, 1865; must. out as sergt. Dec. 15, 1865. James Blanchard, died of disease in Andersonville prison, Ga., Sept. 15, 1864. Charles 11. Bergnman, must. out March 10, 1866. John L. Chandler, must. out March 10, 1866. Eugene Cooper. trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Nov. 17,1865. R. Cone, died of disease at Jackson, Mich., May 18,1864. Daniel Eldridge, must. out March 10, 1866. James Henry, must. out March 10, 1866. Isaac 0. Howe, died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., Nov. 17,1864. Charles J. Jenner, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Nov. 17, 1865. Robert A. Kelly, must. out March 10, 1866. Thomas H. McLeod, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. Alexander F. McIntosh, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864. John M. Peck, died of disease. Peleg T. Phelps, died of disease at York, Pa., Aug. 27,1864. 0. F. Ralph, died in action at Falling Waters, Md., July 14,1863. Norman Ruggles, disch. for disability, Sept. 14, 1863. Joseph F. Trenchard,.disch. for disability, June 24, 1865. Joy S. Terry, disch. for disability, Oct. 13, 1863. Peter Wilbert, disch. for disability, Sept. 14, 1863. George L. Wilcox, must. out July 11, 1865. Job J. Williams, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., July 25, 1863. Company H. W. C. Bush, must. out March 10, 1866. Edwin Bissell, must. out June 2, 1865. Perry G. Fisher, must. out March 10, 1866. Byron Fisher, must. out June 24,1865. Robinson Norwood, must. out July 25,1865. Milton F. Nottingham, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Nov. 17,1865. Loski 0. Peck, trans. to 1st Micl. Cav. March 10, 1866. William Shean, died of disease at Brandy Station, Va., March 10, 1864. Irvin Teneyck, missing in action at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19,1864. Company I. Robert Strong, discharged Aprij 24, 1863. Company K. Q.M.-Sergt. Fitch M. Searles, Orangeville; enl. Dec. 27, 1862; must. out Jan. 26, 1865. Corp. William W. Bitgood, Orangeville; disch. for disability, Aug. 3, 1863. Blacksmith Jesse G. Sprague, Hastings; trans. to Inv. Corps, Nov. 1, 1863. Jsmes Campbell, missing in action at Boonsboro', Md., July 8,1863. Oliver Chalker, must. out March 6,1866. Frederick Hahn, must. out March 6,1866. Edward Leslie, must. out July 12,1865. Colburn Osgood, must. out March 6, 1866. Hugh Smith, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav., Nov. 17,1865. John L. Young, must. out March 6, 1866. Company M. Erastus Havens, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864. MEN FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY IN THE SEVENTH CAVALRY. Company D. D. Eldridge, disch. for disability, Nov. 6,1863. Company F. Irving Jambs, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Company H. Samuel B. Delaney, must. out Marcli 20,1866. George R. McHenry, must. out Dec. 15, 1865. Sidney R. Prentiss, died of disease at Baltimore, Sept. 24,1864. Company I. William H. Kirshner, must. out Dec. 15,1865. Nelson J. Kendall, must. out Dec. 15, 1865. Company K. Joseph Staley, trans. to 1st Mich. Cav. Company M. John Will, trans. to lbt Mich. Cav. CHAPTER XXXII. EIGHTH, TENTH, AND ELEVENTH CAV&ALRY, Etc. Organization of the Eighth-Company F from Allegan County-Officers from the Two Counties-Service in Kentucky —Routing Morgan at Buffington's Island —Hard Marching-Services in East Tennessee-Back to Kentucky on Foot-Remounted-Joins Sherman at Kenesaw-Services in the Atlanta Campaign-Surrounded, but breaks out-Afterwards surprised and routed-Those who escaped sent to Nashville-Fighting Hood-The End-Officers and Soldiers from Allegan County —From Barry County-The Tenth Cavalry-On Duty in Kentucky and Tennessee-Engagement at Carter's Station-At Butt's Gap —The Summer of 1864 -Routing and Killing Morgan-Expedition to Saltville, Va.Expedition into North Carolina-Hard Marching and FightFight at Henry Court-House-Victory at Salisbury, N. C. —Barry County Soldiers-Allegan County Soldiers. EIGHTH CAVALRY. THIS regiment, the rendezvous of which was at Mount Clemens, was recruited during the fall of 1862 and the winter following, but did not take the field until May, 1863, when, with one thousand one hundred and seventeen officers and men, it proceeded to Kentucky. Allegan and Barry Counties were well represented in the Eighth; the former county furnishing almost all of Company F, which was recruited by Capt. (afterwards Col.) Elisha Mix, of Manlius. Asst.-Surg. Samuel D. Toby, of Ganges; Adjt. Homer Manvel, of Saugatuck; Second Lieut. Miles Horn, of Otsego; Capt. John E. Babbitt, of Allegan County; and First Lieut. Adrian L. Cook, of Hastings, were also conspicuous officers of this regiment. Martin Cook, of Allegan, was a hospital steward. From Covington, Ky., the regiment entered upon active service on the 1st of June, 1863, and between that time and August 10th, in that year, marched twelve hundred and forty-two miles, exclusive of over sixteen hundred miles marched by detachments of the regiment while scouting, etc. It was first engaged with the enemy on the Triplet, Kentucky, and Salt Rivers, and at Lebanon, Ky. When the rebel Gen. John H. Morgan made his celebrated raid through the States of Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, the Eighth was one of the foremost in the chase, and, hanging closely on his flanks and rear, at length brought him to bay at Buffington Island, Ohio. Here, on the 19th of July, 1863, it immediately attacked and routed his forces; capturing two hundred and seventeen prisoners, besides killing and wounding many others. Twice during this pursuit of Morgan the regiment marched forty-eight hours, halting but twice on each occasion, and then only for a few minutes. At another time the chase was kept up for twentyfour hours, without stopping to feed and rest but once. From Buffington Island the regiment returned to Kentucky, where it fought and defeated Scott's rebel cavalry. In August it advanced with the Union forces into East Tennessee. At Calhoun and Athens, Tenn., on the 26th and 27th of September, the brigade to which it was attached was attacked and defeated by a rebel force of some ten thousand men, commanded by Forrest and Wheeler. The Unionists retreated to Loudon; the Eighth having suf fered a loss of forty-three men, killed and wounded, besides several missing. 18 t88 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Until the early part of February, 1864, the regiment was very actively engaged marching and skirmishing up and down the valleys of the Tennessee and Holston Rivers. It had also engaged in all the operations termed the " siege of Knoxville," pursued Longstreet's retreating army, and fought him at Bean's Station, Dandridge, and Strawberry Plains. On the 3d of February the regiment moved to Knoxville, transferred its horses to the quartermaster's department, and thence marched on foot to Mount Sterling, Ky., a tedious tramp of more than two hundred miles over the Cumberland Mountains. It was there remounted, and on the 28th of June joined Gen. Sherman's army in front of Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. On the march from Mount Sterling the regiment had scoured the country bordering the railroad; capturing one hundred and forty prisoners. Forming part of Gen. Stoneman's cavalry force, it covered the right of Gen. Sherman's infantry during the crossing of the Chattahoochie and the advance on Atlanta. It participated in the Campbelltown and Macon raids in July, 1864, and a detachment of the Eighth succeeded in capturing and destroying three railroad-trains loaded with rebel stores. In the latter raid, at Clinton, Ga., July 31st, the forces commanded by Gen. Stoneman were surrounded by a superior force of the enemy, and he ultimately surrendered, but prior to that time the Eighth, having obtained permission, charged through the enemy's ranks and endeavored to reach the Union lines near Atlanta. On the 3d of August, however, being iBeav1y worn out with service, having been in the saddle with little or no rest or sleep for seven days and eight nights, it was surprised and routed by the enemy with heavy loss; losing two hundred and fifteen officers and men, mostly taken prisoners. The remainder of the regiment was employed on picket duty until the middle of September, 1864, when it was ordered to Nicholasville, Ky., and then back to Nashville, where it arrived on the 26th of October. The Eighth was engaged through the month of November, skirmishing with the cavalry advance of Hood's army, being several times surrounded by the enemy, but always managing to cut its way out. After Hood was defeated at Franklin and Nashville and driven out of Tennessee, this regiment had no service more severe than that of suppressing the guerrilla bands who still infested the country. In July the Eleventh Cavalry was consolidated with the Eighth, the combined regiment retaining the latter name. It was mustered out of the United States service at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865, and was soon after paid off and disbanded at Jackson, Mich. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Field and Staff. Col. Elisha Mix, Manlius; corn. Dec. 3, 1864; lieut.-col., April 16, 1864; maj., March 2, 1863; must. out with regt., Sept. 22, 1865. (See Co. F.) Asst.-Surg. Samuel D. Toby, Ganges; corn. July 20, 1864; must. out July 20, 1865. 1st Lieut. and Adj. Homer Manvel, Saugatuck; must. out Sept. 22,1865. Non-Commissioned Staff. Hosp.-Steward Martin Cook, Allegan; enl. March 15,1865; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company A. Z. W. Hopkins, must. out June 10, 1865. Gordon B. Rust, must. out June 10, 1865. Company B. David M. Austin, must. out June 10, 1865. James Fuller, must. out June 10, 1865. Delos W. Hare, must. out June 10, 1865. Charles 0. Hicks, missing in action in Tennessee, Nov. 23, 1864. William Jones, must. out June 10, 1865. William Pratt, must. out June 10, 1865. James B. Rhodes, must. out June 10, 1865. William 11. Rhodes, must. out June 10, 1865. William II. Randall, must. out June 10, 1865. Truman Smith, must. out June 10, 1865. Charles C. Wallen, must. out June 10, 1865. Edwin C. Wallen, must. out June 10, 1865. Fernando Yemens, must. out June 10, 1865. Company C. Sylvester Farnsworth, must. out June 6, 1865. Company E. 2d Lieut. Miles Horn, Otsego; corn. Jan. 1, 1863; died of disease at Kalamazoo, Sept. 8,1865. W. D. Austin, must. out Sept. 25,1865. Frederick E. Grant, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Charles H. Harper, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Joseph L. Payne, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Elisha E. Pratt, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. George Whitney, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Hiram Winters, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Company F. Capt. Elisha Mix, Manlius; corn. Nov. 1, 1862. (See Field and Staff.) 1st Lieut. John E. Babbitt, corn. Nov. 1, 1862; pro. to capt. Co. I, Aug. 31, 1863. Q.M.-Sergt. Homer Manvel, Saugatuck; etl. Nov. 28, 1862; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. H. Sergt. John McDowell, Casco; enl. Dec. 4, 1862; died in Andersonville prison, June 28,1864. Sergt. Miles Horn, Otsego; enl. Jan. 1, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. E. Sergt. Byron Teal, Cheshire; enl. Nov. 22, 1862; must. out Sept. 22,1865. Corp. Richard A. Follett, Ganges; enl. Dec. 20, 1862. Corp. Timothy S. Cook, Casco; enl. Dec. 20, 1862; trans. to navy, May 12,1864. Corp. James Buyce, Casco; enl. Dec. 20, 1862; died of disease at Paris, Ky., April 12, 1864. Corp. Stephen Fairbanks, Fillmore; estl. Dec. 29, 1862; died of disease at Allegan, Jan. 21,1865. Teamster Elisha J. H. Walker, Ganges; must. out June 19, 1865. Teamster John Wilson, Otsego; discharged. Farrier Charles E. Tompkins, Otsego; must. out Sept. 22,1865. Sol. J. Andrews, died of disease at Chattanooga, Aug. 8, 1864. John Avery, disch. July 28,1863. Samuel Brown, disch. for disability, July 16, 1861. W. Bidwell, died of disease at Knoxville, Tenn., Sept. 19,1864. Charles D. Bristol, disch. by order, June 26,1865. J. E. Brinkhart, died of disease in Iowa. Walter Billings, disch. for disability, June 15,1865. Randall Billings, must. out June 30,1865. John Blossom, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William Bailey, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. George H. Buchanan, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Jacob R. Boas, must. out June 10, 1865. Jay F. Barker, must. out Sept. 22,1865. George H. Cushman, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Jacob Corwin, must. out Sept. 19, 1865. Charles Emmons, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. George H. Engles, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Seneca L. Everts, must. out June 10, 1865. Isaac Foster, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Michael Gilligan, disch. for disability, June 15,1865. Charles Hawkins, discharged. William H. Howe, died of disease at Annapolis, March 23, 1865. Juhn C. Haines, died of disease at Nashville, March 28,1865. Norman P. IIaines, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Lewis Huntley, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Seth Hinds, must. out May 25, 1865. George E. Kinney, must. out Sept. 22,1865. William H. Kinney, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. John A. Kinney, killed on Mississippi River steamer, April 15, 1865. Edward Lindsley, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Joseph B. Morris, disch. by order, May 18, 1865. Thomas J, Mills, disch. by order, July 20,1865. Matthew Orr, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William H. Parrish, must. out June 10, 1865. Charles Powers, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Stephen Powers, disch. for disability, Dec. 20,1863. William Pryor, died of disease in Tennessee, Aug. 9,1864. Harold Sherman, must. out Sept. 22,1865. William H. Thompson, died in Andersonville prison-pen, Aug 23,1864. Reuben Thomas, disch. by order, July 3, 1865. EIGHTH, TENTH, AND ELEVENTH CAVALRY, ETC. 139 I John M. Weaver, disch. by order, July 30,1864. Nathaniel Wellman, disch. for disability, May 27,1865. John J. Willerton, missing in action on raid to Macon, Ga., Aug. 4,1864. James Wasson, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Company H. 2d Lieut. Homer Manvel, Saugatuck; com. Nov. 20, 1864; pro. to 1st lieut. and adjt. Charles W. Holmes, must. out June 10, 1865. Samuel W. Kendall, must. out June 10, 1865. Charles J. Seigner, died of disease in Indiana, Jan. 28,1865. James Stanton, died of disease in Tennessee, March 25, 1865. Richard Williams, disch. by order, May 29,1865. Company L Capt. John E. Babbitt, honorably discharged, Dec. 27,1864. James T. Bentley, must. out Sept. 22,1865. James Bassett, must. out Sept. 22,1865. George Collins, must. out June 13,1865. Philo L. Edson, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Enoch Howe, must. out June 10, 1865. Timothy V. Haight, must. out Sept. 22,1865. George W. Knapp, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Martin Munzer, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Marshall Meriker, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. George W. Lawrence, must. out June 10, 1865. Theodore Larkins, died in Andersonville prison-pen, Jan. 22, 1865. George E. Patten, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Reuben A. Putnam, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Orville J. Whitlock, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company K. Sergt. Charles D. Gray, 2d lieut.; pro. April 25, 1865; not mustered; died of wounds at Pulaski, Tenn., April 30, 1865. Warren Collins, died of disease at Annapolis, March 8, 1865. Joseph Simmers, died in Andersonville prison-pen. William Tudehope, disch. by order, May 31, 1865. Samuel S. Thomas, disch. for promotion, Sept. 26,1864. Company L. Isaac A. McCarthy, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. James H. Smith, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company Tl'. Hiram Annis, must. out May 17, 1865. Benjamin Ross, died of disease at Chattanooga, June 28, 1864. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company A. Russell E. Benedict, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 23,1865. Reuben W. Norton, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Company B. Frank 0. Clark, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company D. William H. Eaton, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company E. Isaac Albrougli, must. out Sept. 22,1865. William Berringer, disch. by order, Sept. 21, 1865. Company G. Levi Breese, must. out June 10, 1865. Company I. Eli Booth, must. out June 10, 1865. Company K. W. W. Crowfoot, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company L. 1st Lieut. Adrian L. Cook, Hastings; com. Jan. 8, 1865; must. out Sept. 22, '65. Marquis D. L. Crapo, must. out June 10, 1865. Dewitt 0. Dodge, must. out June 10, 1865. Henry C. Downs, must. out June 10, 1865. Nathan Eaton, must. out June 10, 1865. Silas Hewett, must. out May 18,1865. Andrew Hathaway, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 26, 1861. John Johnson, must. out June 10, 1865. Simon Mathews, must. out June 10, 1865. George H. Robinson, disch. for disability, Feb. 24, 1865. John Vredenburgh, must. out June 10, 1865. John W. Willard, must. out June 10,1865. Company M. Sergt. Adrian L. Cook, Hastings; pro. 2d lieut. Jacob K. Ennis, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. TENTH CAVALRY. The Tenth Regiment of Michigan Cavalry was recruited during the fall of 1863, its rendezvous being at the city of Grand Rapids. Among the many counties represented in the organization were those of Allegan and Barry, but neither had a full company in its ranks. With a force of nine hundred and twelve officers and men, commanded by Col. Thaddeus Foote, the regiment left its rendezvous on the 1st of December, 1863, and proceeded to Lexington, Ky., whence it marched, on the 13th of that month, to Camp Nelson. During most of the winter of 1863-64 it was on duty at Burnside Point, Knoxville, and Strawberry Plains, Tcnn. On the 24th of April it was ordered to Carter's Station for the purpose of destroying the bridge over the Wautaga River, but failed in consequence of the enemy being in force and occupying an intrenched position. In the engagement which ensued the Tenth lost eleven men killed and wounded and three missing. On the 28th of May a detachment of one hundred and sixty men of the regiment, while engaged in a reconnoissance to Bull Gap and Greenville, encountered a superior force of the enemy, whom they put to rout; killing and wounding a large number, besides capturing thirty prisoners and a number of horses and mules. During the summer of 1864 the regiment was actively engaged in various parts of East Tennessee, and with varying success fought the enemy at White Horn, Morristown, Bean's Station, Rogersville, Kingsport, Cany Branch, New Market, Moseburg, Williams' Ford, Dutch Bottom, Sevierville, Newport, Greenville, Mossy Creek, Bull Gap, Blue Spring, Strawberry Plains, Flat Creek Bridge, Sweet Water, Thornhill, Jonesboro', and Carter's Station. On the 4th of September the regiment participated in the surprise and rout of Gen. John H. Morgan's forces at Greenville, Tenn. In this engagement Gen. Morgan was killed and his staff and a large number of his men captured. To Nov. 1, 1864, the regiment had lost in killed and wounded fifty-seven; missing in action, forty-four; by desertions, ninety-six; while the large number of one hundred and forty had died of disease. In December the Tenth joined in the expedition to Saltville, Va., and assisted in destroying the salt-works at that point. It also fought the enemy at Kingsport, Bristol, and Chucky Bend, Tenn. Returning to Knoxville, its brigade soon after marched with Gen. Stoneman in his taid into North Carolina. The regiment was engaged with the enemy at Brabson's Mills, Tenn., and at Boonville, N. C. Moving rapidly, vid Wilkesboro', and thence towards Salisbury, the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad was reached at Christiansburg, and one hundred miles of its line, together with the bridges, was destroyed. This accomplished, the regiment made a rapid march to Henry Court-House, Va., traversing ninety-five miles in twenty-two hours. At that point, on the 8th of April, 1865, it became engaged with a superior force of the enemy's cavalry and infantry, and was compelled to retire with a loss of eight killed and wounded, Lieut. Kenyon being among the former. On the 9th and 10th, while the 140 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -7- — I —i- t~ ----. ---. 7. -T T - I I.I I.- - 1. -- regiment was employed destroying the railroad and bridge north of Salisbury, at Abbott's Creek, the enemy was again encountered and defeated, after a three hours' contest. The regiment then proceeded along the upper waters of the Catawba; picking up bands of rebel cavalry endeavoring to make their escape southward. It was engaged in skirmishes with the enemy at Statesville, N. C., on the 14th, and at Newton, N. C., on the 17th of April, 1865. Upon the surrender of Johnston the Tenth joined in the movements looking to the capture of Jeff. Davis. It was soon after ordered to West Tennessee, where it served until Nov. 11, 1865, when it was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn.; reached Jackson, Mich., for final pay and disbandment, November 15th of the same year. BARRY COUNTY SOLDIERS. Company B. Ashfield Graham, died of disease at Knoxville, Teun., June 22,1865. Samuel Hall, must. out Nov. 21,1865. Minor Mead, must. out Oct. 28,1865. Melvin Mead, died of disease at Knoxville, Tenn., April 5, 1865. Moses H. Taylor, must. out Nov. 21, 1865. J. B. Upperson, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Company C. William Vaughan, must. out May 31, 1865. Company D. George W. Jay, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Albert A. Jay, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Company F. John C. Coleman, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Edward Fisher, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Clinton A. Gregory, must. out Oct. 4,1865. Myron H. Stephens, must. out June 21, 1865. Company G. William Bundy, disch. by order, Aug. 30,1865. Lewis Landon, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Amos Leek, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Harvey G. Patrick, must. out Nov. 11,1865. George T. Smith, must. out Sept. 29,1865. Company H. Hiram 0. Paine, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Company I. Samuel W. Sturdevant, must. out Nov. 22, 1865. Company K. Joseph H. Adams, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Edward S. Bronson, must. out June 30,1865. George W. Bump, must. out Sept. 6,1865. Myron Bruce, must. out Nov. 23,1865. Wallace M. Bracket, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Edward Cook, must. out Sept. 19,1865. Nelson W. Cook, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Edward Chaffee, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Byron Johnson, must. out Nov. 15,1865. Daniel Lewis, must. out Nov. 11,1865. Frederick F. McNair, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Melvin Mead, died of disease at Lenoir, Tenn., June 22,1865. Edgar D. Reid, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Albert Sponible, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Washington Sponible,n'ust. out Nov. 22,1865. Company L. Thomas J. Curties, disch. for disability, Jan. 12,1865. Wm. Estess, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Walter M. Keagle, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Allen T. Rowley, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Company M. Frank Demond, died of disease at Knoxville, Tenn., July 20, 1865. Richard Demond, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Company E. Capt. Wm. H. Dunn, Ganges; com. Jan. 6, 1865; slt lieut., April 25, 1864; 2d lieut. Co. D, July 25,1863; brevet maj., U. S. Vols., April 11, 1865, for gallantry in action at Abbot's Creek, N. C.; must. out Nov. 11, 1865. William A. Alien, disch. by order, Aug. 18,1865. George E. Dunn, disch. for disability, Aug. 24,1865. George Jones, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Charles H. Taylor, must. out Oct. 9, 1865. Company F. Edwin Conrad, disch. by order, June 25,1865. Company I. Edward Margason, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. William A. Palmer, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. John Stephens, disch. for disability, June 13, 1863. Company L. S. P. Howard, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Lester Multhop, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. Peter Stacey, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. George Whittle, must. out Nov. 11, 1865. ELEVENTH CAVALRY. This regiment was recruited at Kalamazoo during the summer and fall of 1863. It was mustered into the service December 10th, and under the command of Col. Simeon B. Brown left its rendezvous for the field on the 17th of the same month; its rolls showing the names of nine hundred and twenty-one officers and enlisted men. Company C was almost wholly from Barry County, while the same county was also represented in all the other companies except those of A, B, E, and I. Six men from Allegan County were distributed among five different companies. (See roster.) The Eleventh proceeded to Lexington, Ky., and, after receiving arms and equipments, was employed during the months of January and February, 1864, in scouting; having its headquarters at Lexington. In April it moved to Louisa, Ky., and, with the Thirty-Ninth Kentucky Infantry, with which it was brigaded, was employed in protecting the eastern part of the State from rebel raids and incursions, which came in from Virginia, until the last of May, when it was sent on an expedition into West Virginia, under Gens. Burbridge and Hobson; but, hearing that the rebels, under Morgan, had invaded Kentucky, the division returned, and by forced marching overtook the enemy at Mount Sterling, Ky. Here, on the 8th of June, the enemy was routed with severe loss. On the 12th of the same month the rebels were again encountered at Cynthiana, and a second time defeated and dispersed. From August 23d to September 17th it was stationed at Camp Burnside, on the Cumberland River, and was employed, with other troops, in protecting the southern part of Kentucky from threatened invasion by Gen. Wheeler's cavalry. In the latter part of September it was engaged in a raid to Saltville, Va. At Bowen's Farm the regiment was warmly engaged, and also at Richland Gap and Rich Mountain, and was part of the assaulting force upon the enemy's position at Saltville, which, defended by a superior force, was found too strong to be captured. During the return march into Kentucky the Eleventh formed the rear-guard. At Sandy Mountain it was nearly surrounded by the enemy, but succeeded, after a severe struggle, in rejoining the command. During November it was constantly engaged in clearing the country of guerrillas, and had severe skirmishing at Hazel Green, McCormack's Farm, Morristown, Mount Sterling, and other points. It was at Crab Orchard and Cumberland Gap; marching from the latter place to Clinch River, where it had a sharp fight December 28th. From EIGHTH, TENTH, AND ELEVENTH CAVALRY, ETC. 141 the 1st to the 11th of December it was engaged in scouting and foraging about Bean's Station, Morristown, Russellville, Whitesboro', and Cobb's Ford. On the 11th of December it moved with Gen. Stoneman's command into North Carolina, and on the 13th was at Bristol, where a number of prisoners and a large amount of stores were captured. At Max Meadow Station the regiment destroyed a large arsenal. It skirmished with the enemy's cavalry about Marion on the 17th, and the whole command had a severe fight with Breckenridge's infantry, the enemy finally falling back. The command then proceeded to Saltville, where the enemy's extensive salt-works were destroyed. After an arduous campaign the regiment finally returned to Lexington, Ky., where it arrived on the 2d of January, 1865, many of the men having lost their horses and coming in on foot. During the campaign from November 17th to January 2d the regiment had marched an average of twenty-eight miles a day, not including scouting and foraging. It was engaged in scouting the eastern portion of Kentucky until February 23d, when it was ordered to join Gen. Stoneman's command at Knoxville, which it did on the 15th of March, moving by way of Louisville and Nashville. It formed a part of the expedition under Stoneman into East Tennessee, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. At Salisbury, N. C., where it arrived on the 12th of April, the command was engaged with a superior force of the enemy, and captured eighteen hundred prisoners and twentytwo guns, besides destroying a large amount of property, including the railway and telegraph lines. From Salisbury it marched to Asheville, where, on the 26th of April, it captured two hundred prisoners and a large amount of property and munitions of war. On the 1st of May it was at Anderson Court-House, S. C.* On the 11th it captured the cavalry escort of Jefferson Davis, near Washington, and on the 13th was on the Tugaloo and Savannah Rivers. Returning from this great raid, the regiment reached Knoxville, Tenn., on the 3d of June, and encamped at Lenoir Station until the 24th, when it moved by rail to Pulaski, where, on the 20th of July, it was consolidated with the Eighth Michigan Cavalry. It was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn., on the 22d of September. Returned to Michigan on the 28th, and was paid and disbanded. OFFICERS AND MEN FROM BARRY COUNTY. Coompany C. 1st Lieut. Charles A. Bailey, Hastings; corn. Oct. 23, 1863; disch. for disability, August (?). 2d Lieut. Theron Mason, Hastings; com. Jan. 3,1865; sergt., Sept. 2, 1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Com.-Sergt. Henry A. Lathrop, Castleton; enl. Sept. 22,1863; pro. in U. S. C. T. Com.-Sergt. Harmon H. Munger, Hastings; trans. to 8th Cav. 7-7 1 'I Sergt. David Todd, Hastings; enl. Sept. 18, 1863; died of disease at Nashville, March 25,1865. Sergt. Augustus Taylor, Hastings; enl. Sept. 14, 1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Sergt. Nelson Parker, Hastings; enl. Sept. 28, 1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Corp. Isaac B. Monk, Hastings; enl. Sept. 10, 1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Corp. Michael McFarlin, Hastings; enl. Sept. 3,1863; disch. by order, Sept. 1, 1865. Corp. John W. Stillson, Hastings; enl. Sept. 20,1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Corp. Frederick Myers, Hastings; enl. Sept. 25, 1863; must. out March 1, 1865. Farrier George Munger, Hastings; enl. Oct. 18,1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Farrier William D. Vaughn, Hastings; enl. Sept. 16, 1863; must, out May 31, 1865. Wagoner P. B. Homan, Hastings; enl. Sept. 15,1863; trans. to 8th Cav. John W. Bronson, disch. by order, Aug. 4,1865. Joshua Boorom. must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William P. Boorom, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. William F. Brown, must. out Sept. 22,1865. E. W. Benjamin, must. out May 19,1865. Moses E. Baylor, must. out June 16,1865. N. J. Bronson, must. out June 16,1865. Adrian Cook, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Levi Chase, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Marcus L. Cooley, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Elbridge Carr, must. out May 13,1865. George L. Crosby, must. out May 16,1865. George W. Cassady, died of disease at Lexington, Ky., Aug. 28,1864. Alfred Drake, died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky. Oscar F. Dunham, disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865. Anson Fowle, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Charles Horton, must. out Sept. 22,1865. William H. Hayward, died of disease at Mt. Sterling, Ky., Feb. 16,1865. Seymour Harris, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Patrick McFarlin, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Edward H. McCormick, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Riley Munger, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Henry Miller, must. out Sept. 22,1865. William H. Maloy, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Henry Marble, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Dec. 30,1864. Horace A. Orwig, must. out May 16,1865. George W. Peck, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Amasa L. Quant, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Israel Roush, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Benjamin F. Roush, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Peter L. Rorke, must. out June 16,1865. James L. Reed, trans. to U. S. C. T. James Swin, disch. by order, Aug. 10,1865. Isaac Stanton, died of disease at Ashland, Ky., Jan. 20,1865. Frederick A. Spencer, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Peter D. Sage, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Henry D. Thompson, must. out Aug. 31,1865. Company D. W. H. Knickerbocker, must. out June 16,1865. Company F. Sergt. Lewis A. Raymond, Castleton; enl. Sept. 16,1863; disch. by order, May 26, 1865. Sergt. Norman H. Latham, Baltimore; enl. Sept. 9,1863; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Corp. Michael Fisher, Pfairieville; enl. Sept. 9,1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Wagoner John Case, Johnstown; enl. Oct. 5,1863; trans. to 8th Cav. Alonzo R. Coe, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Russell B. Norton, trans. to 8th Mich. Inf. John R. Snow, died of disease at Marion, Va., Dec. 15,1864. Philo Shaff, must. out July 13, 1865. Robert Strong, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. James Strong, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Benjamin Tungate, must. out Sept. 22,1865. John Tungate, died of disease at Richmond, Va., May 10, 1865. Company G. Sergt. Albert S. Eno, Maple Grove; enl. Oct. 5, 1863; trans. to 8th Cav., Co. B. Cassius M. Gould, disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865. Andrew J. Henrich, must. out July 19, 1865. Henry H. Mayo, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Reuben Norton, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. James P. Stokes, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company H. G. 0. Clark, trans. to 8th Mich. Cav. Philo R. Dunning, must. out Sept. 22,1865. Company K. Daniel Crump, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company L. David R. Dutton, must. out Sept. 18,1865. George Norwood, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. George Penock, disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865. * At Anderson it was estimated that the command destroyed three million dollars' worth of.public property. At this point also were found and brought away a great amount of Confederate paper money, and three of the plates (engraved in England) upon which bills were printed. These last, together with a specimen gold coin (five dollars), struck by private enterprise, are the property of Gen. C. E. Smith, of Kalamazoo. 142 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I Company M. E. H. Corwin, disch. by order, May 30, 1865. Henry Howe, must. out Sept. 22, 1865. ALLEGAN COUNTY MEMBERS. Company C. Corp. Wm. Herbert, Gun Plains; enl. Oct. 15, 1863; must. out Sept. 22, 1865. Company F. Edgar F. Brundage, dlsch. for disability, May 1, 1865. Company H. Monroe Durkee, trans. to 8th Cav. Alonzo Kenney, disch. by order, June 21, 1865. Company I. Sergt. Win. Bartlett, Ganges; enl. Sept. 25, 1863; must. out Aug. 10, 1865. Company L. Chas. E. Day, must. out May 29, 1865. MERRILL HORSE. This was the name of a body of cavalry recognized as a Missouri regiment, three companies of which, viz., H, I, and L, were raised in the State of Michigan, and to the close of the war retained their distinctive character as Michigan troops so far that their officers were commissioned by and their members credited to the latter State. Companies H and I were recruited early in the autumn of 1861, and the latter company especially had a large representation from Barry County. Company L was not organized until December, 1862. The regiment to which these companies belonged served during the whole term of its service with the Western armies. It engaged the enemy at Memphis, Moore's Hill, and Kirksville, Mo., in 1862. At Brownsville, Bayou Mecoe, Ashley's Bayou, Little Rock, Benton, Princeton, Little Missouri River, Prairie Dehan, Camden, and Jenkins' Ferry, Ark., in 1863-64. At Franklin, Otterville, Independence, and Big Blue, Mo., in October, 1864. In the latter part of 1864 the regiment was transferred to Nashville, Tenn.; thence by steamers it proceeded to Eastport, Miss., and on the 11th of February, 1865, it began a march, via Florence, Huntsville, Stevenson, and Bridgeport, Ala.,,to Chattanooga, Tenn. During the remainder of its term of service it was employed in Northern Georgia on scout duty. In Georgia it encountered the enemy at Trenton Gap, Alpine, and Summerville. Its service closed on the 21st of September, 1865, when it was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company H. 1st Lieut. Nathan J. Aiken; corn. Aug. 26,1861; resigned March 18,1862. Samuel Baird, must. out Sept. 19,1865. Sidney S. Fish, disch. by order, June 15,1865. Luther Holman, died of disease at Augusta, Mich., July 15, 1864. James Paul, must. out Sept. 19, 1865. Isaac Snyder, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 21,1865. Company I. 2d Lieut. Lucien B. Potter, Maple Grove; corn. July 2, 1862; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. B. Sergt. John M1 Gitchell, enl. Aug. 26, 1861; veteran, Jan. 5, 1864; must. out Sept. 19,1865. Sergt. Hubbard L. Baldwin, enl. Aug. 27, 1861; veteran, Jan. 5, 1864; must. out July 25. 1865. Sergt. John M. Brown, enl. Aug. 23,1861; veteran, Jan. 5,1864; must. out Sept. 19, 1865. Corp. James E. Jones, enl Aug. 27,1861; disch. for disability, May 30, 1862. Corp. John M. White, enl. Aug. 17, 1861; disch. for disability, Jan. 9, 1863. Corp. John D. Christley, enl. Aug. 30, 1861. Corp. Albert -H. Eaton, enl. Aug. 28, 1861; veteran, Jan. 5,1864; must. ott Sept. 19, 1865. Farrier Sylvester D. White, enl. Aug. 24,1861; died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 4,1861. Orsemis Britton, disch. at end of service, Sept. 15, 1864. Henry Houghtalin, disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1862. Wesley Houghtalin, disch. for disability, May 9, 1862. Theron Haynes, died of wounds received at Memphis, July 18, 1865. Benjamin J. Hall, died of disease at Fayette, Mo., April 26,1862. Rufus B. Harrington, must. out Sept. 19, 1865. Nathaniel Jeffries, disch. for disability, April 6,1862. Reuben Johnson, disch. for disability, Feb. 26,1862. John H. Johnson, disch. for disability, April 24,1862. Edwin Mills, disch. by order, June 15, 1865. Henry S. Scoville, died of disease at Fayette, Mo., March 13,1862. George Scoville, died in action at Memphis, Mo., July 18,1862. John H. Taylor, died in action at Moore's Hill, July 28, 1862. Moses B. Taylor, disch. for disability, Sept. 13, 1861. James Willson, died in action at Memphis, Mo., July 18, 1862. Charles Wilkinson, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 9,1861. Company L. tergt. James Telford, Johnstown; enl. Nov. 29,1862; died of disease at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 12, 1864. ALLEGAN COUNTY MEMBERS. Company H. William J. Hensell, disch. by order, June 15, 1865. Company I. Charles Ingraham, must. out Sept. 19, 1865. CHAPTER XXXIII. FIRST LIGHT ARTILLERY. Batteries unconnected with each other-Battery C largely from Allegan County-Its Services in Northern Mississippi-It joins Sherman-The Atlanta Campaign-Its Battles-Marching through Georgia-The Carolina Campaign-Muster out-Soldiers of the First Light Artillery from Allegan County-From Barry County. This regiment contained a comparatively large number of men from the counties of Allegan and Barry, but they were scattered through several of the batteries of which the regiment was composed, and the histories of these batteries are as unconnected with each other as are those of the same number of cavalry or infantry regiments. Therefore the First Light Artillery cannot be described as a whole; nor is it practicable, except in the case of Battery C, to give separate sketches of the several batteries, in each of which a few men only were found fiom these counties. Battery C, however, drew about forty men from the two counties (all but one, we believe, from Allegan), and of that we will therefore give a slight sketch. Its first official designation was the Third Michigan Battery, but it was most commonly known as " Dees' Battery." It had its rendezvous at Grand Rapids, and was recruited into service in connection with the Third Cavalry. Commanded by Capt. Alexander W. Dees, it left its rendezvous on the 17th of December, 1861, and joined the forces then assembling for operations against the enemy on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. It was engaged in the battle of Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862; siege of Corinth, Miss., May 10 to 31, 1862; battle Iuka, Miss., Sept. 19, 1862; Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3 to 4, 1862; and at Lumpkin's Mills, Miss., Nov. 29, 1862, where it disabled two of the rebel guns, and with a cavalry brigade forced the enemy into their earthworks at the Tallahatchie FIRST LIGHT ARTILLERY. 143.. I River. It continued in service in Northern Mississippi and West Tennessee until the spring of 1864, when it joined Gen. Sherman's army, then operating in Northern Georgia. During the hotly-contested Atlanta campaign, Battery C successfully engaged the enemy at Resaca, May 14th; Dallas, May 27th; Big Shanty, June 15th; Kenesaw Mountain, June 25th; Nickajack Creek, July 1st; Decatur, July 20th; and the siege of Atlanta, July 22 to Aug. 25, 1864. From Nov. 1-12, 1864, it was engaged in the pursuit of Hood's rebel army into Northern Alabama. On the 16th of the same month, with Gen. Sherman's army, it began the march "through Georgia." Hardee's rebel forces were encountered in front of Savannah on the 9th of December, and Battery C assisted in driving him inside his works. On the 10th it engaged him all day, and on the 11th dismounted one of his guns and silenced others. On the 4th of January, 1865, it embarked on a transport for Beaufort, N. C., and on the 16th was in camp at Pocotaligo. Its Carolina campaign was commenced on the 29th of January, and on the 9th of February it was warmly engaged with the enemy at the crossing of the South Edisto River. Columbia was reached on the 17th, and on the 4th of March, near Cheraw, the rebels were again encountered and defeated, and twenty-eight guns were taken from them. The Cape Fear River was crossed at Fayetteville, N. C. On the 13th of March the enemy was attacked and driven from his position. The series of actions which culminated at Bentonville, N. C., March 19th and 20th, the advance to Goldsboro', N. C., the pursuit of Johnston to and through Raleigh, his surrender, the march to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Va., and the grand review at the nation's capital, were events in which Battery C took an active part. It arrived in Washington, D. C., May 23d, marched to Detroit, Mich., June 13th, and was there mustered out of the service, June 22, 1865. ALLEGAN COUNTY SOLDIERS IN TIHE FIRST LIGHT ARTILLERY. Battery A. Albert Bragg, must. out July 28, 1865. John H. Hicks, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 15, 1863. Battery B. William C. Thayer, veteran, enl. Dec. 24, 1863; must. out June 14, 1865. Battery C. 2d Lieut. Asa Estabrook, Allegan; com. Dec. 18,1864; must. out June 22, 1865. Sergt. Martin V. Heath, Allegan; enl. Oct. 11, 1861; disch. for disability, April 24, 1862. Corp. James Sullivan, Allegan; enl. Oct. 25, 1861; disch. for disability, Sept. 12, 1862. Corp. Frank Fort, Allegan; enl. Oct. 14, 1861; veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must. out June 22, 1865. Saddler James Clark, Allegan; enl. Oct. 14, 1861; veteran, Dec. 28, 1863; must. out June 22, 1865. Musician Benoni Collins, Allegan; enl. Nov. 8,1861; disch. for disability, July 11, 1862. Fitch R. Barker, died of disease at St. Louis, March 11, 1862. John S. Crary, disch. for disability, March 24, 1862. Warren Collins, disch. for disability, March 4,1862. Volney Clark, disch. for disability, Aug. 8,1862. Luman Cooley, disch. for disability, Feb. 26, 1863. Iarmon H. Cooley, disch. for disability, Sept. 1, 1862. Benjamin B Carter, veteran, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must. out June 22, 1865. Enos Clark, veteran, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must. out June 22, 1865. John S. Curtis, must. out June 22, 1865. Abel Dunton, disch. for disability, Dec. 4, 1862. Elijah Evans, veteran, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must. out June 22, 1865. Horace Eldred, must. out June 22, 1865. John Frank, disch. for disability, Oct. 8, 1862. Angus Frazer, mustered out. Herbert Howe, disch. at end of service, Dec. 18, 1864. John HIemmett, died of disease at Rome, Ga., Aug. 22, 1864. Frank J. Higgins, disch. at end of service, Dec. 18, 1864. Burroughs Ingham, veteran, enl. Dec. 28,1863; must. out June 22, 1865. Chandler B. Jones, disch. for disability, Oct. 8, 1862. Abram Morris, died of disease in Missouri, May 14, 1862. Edward Nichols, died of disease in Indiana, May 19,1862. Solomon Ostrander, disch. at end of service, Dec. 18, 1864. Henry D. Synes, died of disease at St. Louis, Jan. 18, 1862. Elihu Smith, veteran, enl. Dec. 28, 1863; must. out June 22, 1865. Earl B. Tyler, disci. for disability, Jan. 11, 1862. Absalom Walker, disch. for disability, Aug. 25,1862. Philip Valmy, disch. for disability, Aug. 11, 1862. Battery F. Daniel Burleson, disch. by order, June 17, 1865. Battery G. Alpheus Mansfield, died of disease at Fort Gaines, Ala., Dec. 6, 1864. Solomon Shoemaker, died of disease at Greenville, La., Aug. 22,1861. Jos. St. Clair, disch. at end of service, Feb. 12, 1865. Battery H. Wilson Rossman, must. out July 22,1865. Battery K. Geo. K. Lewis, disch. by order, May 17,1865. Battery L. James French, died of disease at Coldwater, Mich., April 26, 1863. Wm. C. Thornton, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, May 1, 1864. FOURTEENTH BATTERY. Sergt. Wm. E. Forbes, Gun Plain; enl. Sept. 7,1863; on detached service, Corp. John Flynn, Gun Plain; enl. Sept. 4, 1863; must. out July 1, 1865. OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM BARRY COUNTY IN THE FIRST LIGHT ARTILLERY. Battery A. James McCalley, died of disease at Clattanooga, Tenn., May 8, 1864. Andrew J. Mattison, must. out July 25,1865. Battery B. Jesse C. Benjamin, disch. for wounds, June 3,1865. Franklin Campbell, must. out June 3, 1865. John Castle, must. out June 14,1865. Augustus Ford, must. out June 14, 1865. David M. Hueston, disch. by order, June 29, 1865. William Palmatier, died of disease at Rome, Ga., Aug. 20, 1864. Henry L. Raymond, died of disease at Rome, Ga., July 27,1864. Chester S. Stoddard, must. out June 14, 1865. Ralph T. Stocking, must. out June 14,1865. John Slamm, must. out June 14,1865. Battery C. Charles HI. Williams. must. out June 14,1865. Battery E. 1st Lieut. Leonard Wightman, Hastings; com. March 16, 1864; 2d lieut. Oct. 1, 1862; (previously a corporal) bvt. capt., June 20, 1865, "for meritorious services;" must. out July 20, 1865. John Burd, must. out Aug. 30, 1865. John Carpenter, must. out Aug. 30, 1865. George W. Cain, must. out Aug. 30, 1865. Amos Greentiam, must. out Aug. 30, 1865. Nathan Lucas, must. out Aug. 30,1865. Lucius L. Landon, must. out Aug. 30,1865. James McNee, disch. by order, June 30, 1865. John McNee, disch. by order, June 26, 1865. Jacob Odell, must. out Aug. 20, 1865. Elijah A. Shaw, must. out Aug. 30,1865. George C. Smith, must. out Aug. 30,1865. Cornelius Senter, disch. by order, June 30, 1865. George D. Scoviile, trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Oct. 18,1864. Rufus W. Vester, must. out Aug. 30,1865. Peter Wilbert, must. out Aug. 30, 1865. Miles S. Young, must. out Aug. 30, 1865. Battery 0. William Cranston, disch. for disability, May 13, 1865. Dayton S. Peck, must. out Aug. 6,1865. Battery I. John I. Miller, must. out July 14, 1865. Battery K. William Quick, died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn. 144 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I Ba ttes L. Sergt. Austin D. Johnson, Prairieville; enl. March 16,1863; must. out Aug. 22, 1865. Corp. George H. Brooks, Orangeville; enl. March 16, 1863; disch. for promotion in 30th Inf. Thomas McLane, must. out Aug. 22, 1865. Jesse Quick, disch. for disability, May 13,1865. Richard Shaw, died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky., July 14, 1865. William Swartout, must. out Aug. 22, 1865. Thirteenth Battery. Edwin P. Clark, must. out July 1,1865. Zebulon Caswell, must. out July 1, 1865. Jeremiah Harper, must. out July 1, 1865. Peter Schrontz, died of disease at Fort Sumner, Md., Dec. 25, 1864. Heman Train, died of disease at Fort Sumner, Md., Nov. 29, 1864. CHAPTER XXXIV. SOLDIERS OF OTHER REGIMENTS. Remarks on the scattering Soldiers of Allegan and Barry CountiesMen in the First Infantry-In the Fifth Infantry-In the Tenth Infantry-In the Eleventh Infantry-In the Fifteenth InfantryIn the Sixteenth Infantry-In the Eighteenth Infantry-In the Twentieth Infantry-In the Twenty-Fourth Infantry-In the Twenty-Fifth Infantry-In the Twenty-Sixth Infantry-In the Twenty-Seventh Infantry-In the First Colored Infantry-In the First Sharpshooters-In the Forty-Fourth Illinois Infantry-In the Sixty-Sixth Illinois Infantry-In the Nineteenth Wisconsin Infantry-In the First United States Sharpshooters-Miscellaneous. BESIDES the commands whose histories have been thus briefly outlined, there were many others containing soldiers from Allegan and Barry Counties,-soldiers whose records are equally as bright and honorable as those of any in the army, but of whom we cannot speak here, owing to the smallness of the number in each organization. We gladly give, however, the following list of their names: FIRST INFANTRY. FROM ALLEGAN. Dennis Cosier, Co. K; veteran, enl. Feb. 17, 1864; disch. by order, July 6, 1865. John Dorrance, Co. K; discharged June 1, 1863. FROM BARRY. Frederick Cook, Co. H; must. out July 9, 1865. FIFTH INFANTRY. FROM BARRY COUNTY. Charles J. Jenner, Co. D; disch. at end of service, Dec. 17, 1863. 1st Lieut. Daniel E. Bitdsell, Co. E, Hastings; com. Sept. 1, 1864; 2d lieut., June 10, 1864; sergt.; wounded Oct. 27, 1864; disch. for disability, Jan. 10, 1865. John Gaff, must. out July 5,1865. Edward Stevens, must. out July 5, 1865. George Shultz, must. out July 5, 1865. Milo Fisher, Co. F; must. out July 5, 1865. Joseph Foster, Co. I; must. out July 5, 1865. Mortimer Lowing, Co. I, must. out May 31,1865. TENTH INFANTRY. FROM ALLEGAN. Eli Baker, Co. B; must. out July 19, 1865. Johnson Parsons, Co. C; must. out. July 19,1865. Chas. F. Smith, Co. E; must. out Aug. 3, 1865. Thos. Hayner, Co. G; must. ouf July 19, 1865. Ethan Whitney, Co. I; must. out July 19,1865. Francis H. Norton, Co. K; must. out July 19,1865. FROM BARRY. John W. Snyder, Co. A; must. out July 19, 1865. Charles A. Allen, Co. B; must. out July 18, 1865. Niel t. Alden, Co. C; must.'out Aug. 21, 1865. William H. Muffley, Co. C; must. out July 19,1865. Thomas McGuire, Co. G; died of disease at New Albany, Ind., Feb. 4,1865. ELEVENTH INFANTRY. FROM ALLEGAN. Corp. James Sprague, Co. G; disch. at end of service, Sept. 30, 1864. Joseph Annis, Co. G; disch. at end of service, Sept. 30,1864. James Rose, Co. G; disch. at end of service, Sept. 30, 1864. Wm. II. Smith, Co. G; died of disease, Feb. 4, 1862. Darius Sprague, Co. G; disch. at end of service, Sept. 30,1865. ELEVENTH INFANTRY (NEW). FROM ALLEGAN. Talbot Ballinger, Co. B; must. out Sept. 16,1865. Lewis C. Cady, Co. B; must. out Sept. 16,1865. James Lutz, Co. B; must. out Sept. 16,1865. David Stevenson, Co. B; must. out Sept. 16, 1865. FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. George W. Colborne, Co. A; died of disease at Louisville, Ky., June 10, 1865. Albert N. Russell, Co. A; must. out Aug. 13,1865. Ezra H. Heath, Co. B; disch. by order, July 1, 1865. Thomas Burt, Co. C; must. out Aug. 13,1865. Ralph Parrish, Co. C; d;sch. by order, July 1, 1865. Cortland Brownell, Co. D; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. John Haywood, Co. D; disch. by order, July 20, 1865. Charles W. Tyler, Co. D; disch. by order, June 16, 1865. George Kitson, Co. E; must. out July 18, 1865. John H. Butler, Co. F; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Sidney M. Bennett, Co. F; disch. by order, May 30,1865. James Reeves, Co. F; disch. by order, July 26, 1865. Peter Schneider, Co. F; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Sylvanus Snell, Co. F; must. out Aug. 13,1865. Gaylord Helmer, Co. H; disch. by order, May 31, 1865. George W. Roe, Co. H; must. out Aug. 13,1865. Austin G. Pike, Co. I; disch. by order, July 1, 1865. Charles Butler, Co: K; disch. by order, July 15, 1865. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS. Asa S. Durham, Co. A; must. out Aug. 13,1865. Mills W. Corning, Co. C; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. James Curley, Co. D; disch. by order, Aug. 28,1865. George W. Shepard, Co. D; disch. by order, June 22,1865. James Racey, Co. E; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Henry Blodgett, Co. F; disch. by order, May 30, 1865. Amphious Bliss, Co. F; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Edwin C. Davis, Co. G; disch. by order, May 30, 1865. Austin D. Bates, Co. H; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Orison Lovewell, Co. H; must. out Aug. 13,1865. Alfred S. Millard, Co. H; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Elnathan Gilbert, Co. I; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. William F. M. Mitchell, Co. K; must. out Aug. 13, 1865. Robert Rouse, Co. K; disch. by order, May 30,1865. SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Jacob Lugensland, Co. A; must. out July 8, 1865. John W. Brown, Co. B; must. out July 8, 1865. Austin Corbett, Co. B; disch. by order, Aug. 26,1865. John Hoof, Co. B; must. out July 8, 1865. Elias Leonard, Co. B; must. out July 8, 1865. John McCreery, Co. B; must. out July 8, 1865. James R. Griswold, Co. C; must. out July 8, 1865. Alexander Hayden, Co. C; must. out July 8,1865. James O'Brien, Co. C; must. out July 8, 1865. Richard Purdy, Co. C; must. out July 8,1865. John Thomas, Co. C; must. out July 8, 1865. Harmon Campbell, Co. F; disch. by order, June 14, 1865. Robert H. Gould, Co. K; must. out July 8, 1865. Jerry Munro, Co. I; disch. by order, May 30,1865. BARRY COUNTY MEMBERS. Daniel Myers, Co. D; must. out July 8, 1865. Francis 0. N. Leonard, Co. I; veteran, March 1,1864. Louis B. Barber, Co. K; must. out July 8, 1865. George Roth, Co. K; must. out July 8, 1865. EIGHTEENTH INFANTRY. FROM ALLEGAN. 'Benjamin M. Curtis, Co. C; died of disease at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 21,1862. John A. Carpenter, Co. C; must. out June 26, 1865. SOLDIERS OF OTHER REGIMENTS. 145 TWENTIETH INFANTRY. FROM BARRY. Thomas H. Barker, Co. C; died of disease near Falmouth, Va., Jan. 10, 1863. Willard S. Cook, Co. C; died of disease, Dec. 12, 1862. Ira Messinger, Co. C; died of disease at Falmouth, Va., Dec. 28, 1862. Samuel W. Onwig, Co. C; died of disease in Andersonville prison, Ga., Sept. 8, 1864. Oliver J. Stevenson, Co. C; must. out May 30, 1865. Capt. George W. Bullis, Johnstown; Co. F, Nov. 28, 1863; 1st lieut. Co. I, July 29, 1862; disch. for disability, Aug. 10,1864. TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. FROM BARRY. Mortimer W. Hunter, Co. F; died of disease at Richmond, Va., June 8, 1865. Florence A. Hunter, Co. F; died of disease at Richmond, Va., June 8, 1865. TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. MEMBERS FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. William F. Henry, Co. A; died of disease at Camp Butler, II1., March 28,1865. Selden Sperry, Co. A; must. out June 30, 1865. William White, Co. A; died of disease at Camp Butler, Ill., April 8,1865. Rollin Wood, Co. A; must. out June 30, 1865. Clark Bailey, Co. E; must. out June 30, 1865. Newton Belden, Co. E; must. out June 30, 1865. Edward Crew, Co. E; died of disease at Camp Butler, Ill., May 14,1865. Hollis Ward, Co. E; must. out June 30, 1865. Gideon Chilson, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. John G. Collins, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. Orson J. Davis, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. George Doxey, Co. F; must. out June 30,1865. Henry De Roslyn, Co. F; must. out June 30,1865. Charles M. Failing, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. Benjamin F. Lamoyne, Co. F; must. out June 30,1865. Samuel Piper, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. Luther S. Pelham, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. Edward Rogers, Co. F; must. out June 30, 1865. Thomas Iddles, Co. H; must. out June 30,1865. James W. Parker, Co. H; died of disease at Camp Butler, Ill., March 21, 1865. James Blytheman, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. James Daama, Co. I; must. out June 28,1865. Cornelius Lockker, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. Garrett N. Nieland, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. Mathew Notier, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. Jerome Mockma, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. Frank S. Popplewell, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. Everett Russell, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. James Roe, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. Joseph Sharpe, Co. I; must. out June 30, 1865. John Scriven, Co. I; must. out June 30,1865. John F. Tidd, Co. I; must. out June 30,1865. Gardner A. Terry, Co. I; must. out June 30,1865. Lewis Mapes, Co. K; died of disease at Camp Butler, April 25,1865. FROM BARRY. Detzel Bradford, must. out June 21, 1865. TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY. FROM BARRY. Moses Steeber, Co. H; must. out June 24, 1865. TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY. MEMBERS FROM BARRY COUNTY. Company H. 2d Lieut. Jesse Jordan, Woodland; com. Dec. 23,1863; disch. for wounds, Dec. 5, 1864. Company I Sergt. Jesse Jordan, Woodland; enl. Aug. 12,1862; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. H. Corp. Adam J. Hagar, Woodland; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must. out June 17, 1865. Corp. James G. Jordan, Woodland; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; must. out June 17,1865. Judge B. Barnum, must. out June 4,1865. Aaron J. Cupp, must. out June 4, 1865. Marcus G. Corsett, must. out June 4, 1865. Charles Dewey, died of disease, Jan. 11, 1864. L. D. Edson, died of disease, Aug. 9,1864. Samuel E. Grant, must. out June 4, 1865. Hugh Kilpatrick, must. out June 4, 1865. Henry Miller, died of disease at Washington, D. C., Feb. 6,1864. Levi L. Paddock, died of disease at Elmira, N. Y., Aug. 8,1864. Jeremiah Riggs, died of disease at Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 1, 1864. 19 Oscar E. Sheldon, died of disease at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 23,1863. Joel St. Johns, disch. for disability, Aug. 14, 1863. Milo Sheldon, must. out June 4,1865. Samuel S. Straight, must. out June 4,1865. George W. Tyler, disch. for disability, May 6, 1864. William H. Wheeler, died at Farmville, Va., April 7,1865. Ransom Wolcott, must. out June 4,1865. John Wilcox, Co. K; must. out May 30, 1865. TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY. FROM BARRY. Henry B. Moon, Co. D; must. out July 26,1865. FROM ALLEGAN. Oscar E. Dunton, 2d Ind. Co. Sharpshooters; died in Andersonville prison-pen. TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY. FROM BARRY. J. A. Kenyon, Co. H; must. out Sept. 6,1865. FIRST MICHIGAN (102D U. S.) COLORED INFANTRY. FROM BARRY. Cairo Bolin, Co. B; must. out Sept. 30,1865. Amos Cisco, Co. B; must. out Sept. 30,1865. Amos Swanagan, Co. C; must. out Sept. 30,1865. FROM ALLEGAN. James Chambers, Co. F; must. out Sept. 30,1865. Albert Tolbert, Co. F; must. out Sept. 30, 1865. Musician William Gilmore, Co. G, Gun Plain; enl. Dec. 20,1863; must. out Sept. 30,1865. Aquilla Corey, Co. H; must. out Sept. 30,1865. William J. Harris, Co. H; must. out Sept. 30,1865. David Silence, Co. I; must. out Sept. 30, 1865. FIRST SHARPSHOOTERS. BARRY SOLDIERS. Musician Charles M. Stephens, Co. A; enl. April 18,1863; must. out July 28, 1865. Amos W. Bowen, Co. A; must. out July 28, 1865. Edward F. Cox, Co. A; died in action near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. Edgar F. Davidson, Co. A; died of disease at Camp Douglas, Ill., June 23, 1864. Curtis A. Davidson, Co. A; must. out June 28, 1865. Elias Farwell, Co. A; must. out Aug. 1, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps. Joseph Fisher, Co. A; disch. for disability. John Fisher, Co. A; died of disease at Kalamazoo, Mich., Jan. 28,1863. Benjamin F. Hinckley, Co. A; died of wounds at Washington, D. C., July 12, 1864. Nathaniel Jeffreys, Co. A; disch. Nov. 22, 1864. Darius A. Kent, Co. A; must. out July 28, 1865. John Livingston, Co. A; died of disease near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. Henry Stevens, Co. A; must. out June 28, 1865. Gilbert Wilber, Co. A; died in action near Petersburg, Va., June 17,1864. Robert Finch, Co. B; disch. for disability, Sept. 17, 1864. Darius Fonts, Co. C; must. out July 28,1865. John McGraw, Co. F; died of disease at Andersonville prison, Ga., Oct. 26,1861. David E. Grant, Co. G; died of disease at Camp Douglas, Ill., December, 1863. Charles D. Beckford, Co. I; must. out July 28,1865. Herman McIntyre, Co. I; must. out July 28, 1865. John R. Pitts, Co. I; must. out July 28, 1865. Francis Marquette, Co. K; must. out June 27, 1865. ALLEGAN SOLDIERS. Levi Porter, Co. C; died in Andersonville prison-pen, Aug. 2,1864. Obadiah Gleason, Co. D; disch. for disability. William Hawley, Co. C; died of disease at Camp Douglas, Ill., Feb. 26,1864. FORTY-FOURTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY. FROM BARRY COUNTY. Francis P. Backus, Prairieville, Co. H; died in Missouri, Dec. 16, 1861. Edward Doyle, Yankee Springs, Co. H; died of wounds, April 6,1862. Sergt. Arthur Hamilton, Yankee Springs, Co. H; veteran, enl. Jan. 1, 1864; must. out Sept. 25,1865. Corp. Benj. F. Norris, Yankee Springs, Co. H; veteran, enl. Jan. 1,1864; must. out Sept. 25, 1865. John Shelp, Prairieville, Co. H; disch. for disability, Jan. 12, 1863. Thos. W. Travis, Prairieville, Co. H; must. out May 26, 1865. Philip Terry, Yankee Springs, Co. H; veteran, enl. Jan. 1,1864; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 4, 1865. 146 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Chas. W. Bates, Allegan, Co. H; disch. for disability, Feb. 1, 1862. James M. Conrad, Gun Plain, Co. H; veteran, enl. Jan. 1,1864; pro. to sergt. Lafayette Willis, Allegan, Co. H; disch. for disability, Jan. 10,1862. SIXTY-SIXTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY (WESTERN SHARPSHOOTERS). FROM BARRY COUNTY. Andrew J. Herrick, Co. D; disch. for disability, April 25, 1862. Samuel Russell, Co. D; disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1863. Michael Whalen, Co. D; must. out July 7,1865. NINETEENTH WISCONSIN INFANTRY. FROM ALLEGAN COUNTY. Edward P. Adams, Wayland, Co. H; died of wounds at Fort Monroe, Va., Dec. 11,1864. FIRST REGIMENT UNITED STATES SHARPSHOOTERS. FROM BARRY COUNTY. Leander P. Johnson, Co. K; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 15, 1863. Edwin B. Parks, Co. K; disch. by order, Oct. 8,1864. MISCELLANEOUS. MaJ. David Cornwell, enlisted as a private in Co. K, Eighth Illinois Infantry, at Bloomington, Ill., April 25, 1861; served three months, and re-enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years; was in the battles of Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing; trans. to Bat. D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, serving as private and bugler; in February, 1863, comn. 1st lieut. Fifth U. S. Artillery (colored); wounded at Milliken's Bend, La.; pro. to capt. June 6,1863, and com. maj. in February, 1864; then on staff till close of war; must. out May 20, 1866. GEOLO0GICAL.MAP - OF THE LOWER PENINMSULA, 100 WAUfiDI.00 A A ECOSTA AhEU ALL.AN AR I C fN~ I MtC It' A 0C R BER AN C J * Cl~ / Ca LED ew DAL I N I Is I r, t COUNTY OFFICES, ALLEGAN,M ICH.,J PART SEC ONTD. THIE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF ALLEGAN COUNTY. ALLEGAN VILLAGE.* NATURAL FEATURES, ETC. THE village of Allegan is located on both sides of the Kalamazoo River, which pursues its winding course in such manner as almost to surround the business part of the village. The residence portion is built partly on the peninsula first alluded to, and partly on a plateau which rises from 20 to 50 feet above the surface of the river. The upper and lower sections of the village both have very irregular boundaries, and two or three ravines also diversify the landscape. Extensive views of the lower part of the town and of the surrounding country are obtained from the plateau before mentioned. Altogether the village has one of the most picturesque sites to be found in any portion of Michigan. It is amply supplied with shade-trees, among which are many native pines and oaks that add greatly to its beauty. Allegan derives its principal advantages from the waterpower furnished by the Kalamazoo, and from its railroad connections; the Kalamazoo division of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern road, the Grand Haven and the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroads making the place easily accessible from all portions of the State. ORIGINAL PURCHASES. Allegan was first projected in 1834, and the earliest actual movements toward building a village there were also made in that year. The present corporate limits embrace portions of sections 20, 21, 22, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, and the whole of section 28. The parties who originally purchased from government the land embraced within these limits were as follows: Stephen Vickery and Anthony Cooley, southwest fractional quarter of section 28, Aug. 3, 1833, and the east half of southeast quarter of section 29, on same date. Stephen Russell, southwest fractional quarter of the southwest quarter of section 21, Sept. 16, 1833. Also the west half of northeast quarter of section 28 on the same date. Stephen Vickery, Hazen Ballow, Husten and Anthony Cooley, south fraction of same section, Nov. 2, 1833. George Ketchum, east half of northeast half of section 29, Nov. 29, 1833. Samuel Hubbard, northeast quarter of section 32, April,30, 1834. Stephen Russell, west half of the southwest quarter of section 27, June 7, 1834. Samuel Brown, northeast fraction of northeast quarter of section 33, June 7, 1834. Asa C. Briggs, northwest quarter of northwest quarter of section 34, June 9, 1834. George Ketchum, southeast quarter of northwest quarter of same section, June 21, 1834. Stephen Vickery, northwest fraction of northwest quarter of section 33, June 21, 1834., Same party, north part of west fraction of northwest quarter, same date. Anthony Cooley, southwest fraction of northeast quarter of section 33, July 15, 1834. Martha Stoddard, west half of southeast quarter of section 29, Aug. 6, 1834. Nelson Sage, southeast fractional quarter of section 20, Aug. 8, 1834. Samuel Hubbard, north fraction of northwest quarter of section 28, Aug. 26, 1834. Same party, west half of northeast quarter of section 29, same date. Same party, east half of northeast quarter of section 28, Aug. 27, 1834. Same party, northeast fraction of southwest quarter of section 21, Aug. 30, 1834. Same party, southwest quarter of northwest quarter of section 33, Sept. 31, 1834. Ansel Dickenson, east half of northwest quarter of section 34, Oct. 8, 1834. James Lowe, southwest quarter of section 22, Nov. 3, 1834, and the northwest quarter of section 27, on same date. Samuel Hubbard, east half of the southeast quarter of section 21, Nov. 11, 1834. Same party, east half of the southwest quarter of section 27, Jan. 27, 1835. Same party, west half of the southeast quarter of section 21, May 4, 1835. Same party, southwest quarter of northwest quarter of section 34, May 4, 1835. Alby Rossman, Island No. 1, in the Kalamazoo River, section 33, Aug. 18, 1851. Same party, Island No. 2, in the Kalamazoo River, same date. Johu R. Kellogg, Islands Nos. 3 and 4, same date. 147 * By E. 0. Wagner. 148 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I ~~- I - THE ALLEGAN AND BOSTON COMPANIES. During the year 1833, Mr. George Ketchum, of Marshall, Calhoun Co., and Messrs. Stephen Vickery and Anthony Cooley, of Kalamazoo, purchased from the government a tract of land now covered by the central portion of the village of Allegan. Stephen Russell and others bought lands at the same period, which were subsequently included in the village, but we are now dealing with the nucleus of the place. On November of that year they sold one undivided third of their land to Mr. Elisha Ely, of Rochester, N. Y. (subsequently known at Allegan as Judge Ely), who agreed to have a race dug and a saw-mill erected there. In May, 1834, an arrangement was made for the conveyance of Mr. Ely's interest to his son, Alexander L. Ely, and a deed to that effect was executed. It was not recorded, as the elder Ely evidently retained some kind of a claim on the property. Yet the younger man acted as the virtual owner, and was the principal manager of the enterprise. During the summer of 1834 he and his other partners, Ketchum, Vickery, and Cooley, projected the village of Allegan, Mr. Oshea Wider, a civil engineer, having ascertained that there was a fall of eight feet in the Kalamazoo River at the point in question. Before anything was done, however, an important change of ownership was made. In the summer of 1834, Hon. Samuel Hubbard, of Boston, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, employed Mr. Ketchum, of Marshall, to buy some wild lands for him in Michigan. Mr. Ketchum made some purchases in Allegan County, and recommended Judge Hubbard to secure an interest in the village projected by Ely and his associates at the rapids of the Kalamazoo. The judge consulted some of his friends, and the result was that he and Edmund Monroe and Pliny Cutler, of Boston, and Charles C. Trowbridge, of Detroit, united in purchasing the interest of Messrs. Vickery, Cooley, and George Ketchum in the village tract, that interest being the one undivided two-thirds. Hubbard held the title for himself and the three other gentlemen named. Subsequently Judge Hubbard loaned Mr. A. L. Ely several thousand dollars, and Mr. Trowbridge took the title of Ely's interest, holding it for HEubbard's benefit, as security for his claim, so that Samuel Hubbard and C. C. Trowbridge appear on the records as proprietors of the village. Soon after the purchase by Judge Hubbard and his friends, he, Cutler, Monroe, Trowbridge, and A. L. Ely formed themselves into the " Allegan Company" for the purpose of developing the intended emporium. This was not, however, an incorporated company; it was merely a firm, composed of the gentlemen named, who adopted that name for the purpose of convenience. The people generally spoke of it as " The Company." About the same time, Hubbard, Monroe, Cutler, and Trowbridge, who had then purchased, or subsequently did so, over 20,000 acres of wild land outside of the village, in Allegan and other counties, assumed the name of the "Boston Company" in all their operations connected with those lands, in order to distinguish that part of their busi ness from the village matters in which Ely was concerned. This "company," like the Allegan Company, was not incorporated. Yet, on account of both firms being composed largely of the same persons, and of their both being commonly mentioned as " The Company," there is quite a general impression at the present day that the " Boston Company" founded, laid out, and improved the village of Allegan, but this idea, as has been seen, is erroneous. Nevertheless, after Mr. Ely's interest passed conditionally into the hands of Judge Hubbard, as already mentioned, there was very little distinction between the two companies. Mr. Sidney Ketchum continued for many years the agent of the Eastern capitalists, managing their interests in both "companies." In 1841, F. J. Littlejohn was appointed resident agent under him. In 1835, Elisha and Alexander L. Ely removed to Allegan, and Sidney Ketchum also spent much of his time there. In 1835 a plat of the village was made, and measures were at once taken to further the interests of the hamlet. Work had, in fact, been begun in 1834, but only a little had been done. The race was dug, the dam built, and a saw-mill erected. The need of a school-house was apparent as laborers in the interest of the company arrived, which was soon after built, and tenement-houses followed in rapid succession. The most sanguine expectations were indulged in with regard to the future of the little village, and, with the prospect of a railroad, there was no limit to the value of property. It is credibly stated that Mr. A. L. Ely was offered $100,000 for his third interest in the property. He refused this offer, but proposed to unite with the other holders of the property and dispose of forty shares at $5000 per share; stipulating that Judge Hubbard and Trowbridge should retain the title as trustees. A few shares were sold at exorbitant figures, the proceeds of which were devoted to the improvement of the property. In June, 1835, the lots in the village plat were placed on sale. Col. Joseph Fisk enjoyed the distinction of being the first purchaser, securing lots Nos. 282 and 283. This was the beginning of a period of inflation in Allegan, which increased in 1836 and '37 (embracing in its course a "wildcat" banking project by which unsalable acres were made the basis of a bank of issue), and which finally culminated in one grand financial wreck, depriving the settlers of all available capital save their own indomitable courage and tireless industry. The first survey of the village embraced two tiers of blocks, and was (partly on account of the haste in which it was made) both ill-planned and inaccurate. The proprietors consequently employed Flavius J. Littlejohn to make a second survey in 1837 and '38. Yet even in this Mr. Littlejohn was forced to work in accordance with the lines already adopted, which will account for the irregularity of the present village plat. By direction of the company, Mr. Littlejohn repaired, during the winter of 1838, to Albany, N. Y., where he had a plate engraved and 500 copies printed for distribution. The plates were then placed in the hands of Mr. Trowbridge, one of the proprietors, who, later, had a second edition printed from them. The projectors of the village did not allow themselves to become discouraged, and in 1838 a railroad was surveyed from Allegan to Marshall, and an agent appointed to take charge of the work of construction. The sanguine parents of this scheme were no more fortunate than in their other ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 149 -------- r - - I projects; the railroad enjoyed a brief existence only in the minds of the credulous directors. The village had now become, during its brief existence, comparatively well settled, emigrants from the East having been attracted by the fame of its water-power and the enterprise which the proprietors had displayed in its early settlement. After the railroad project had failed, and the wildcat bank had spread disaster around, the condition of the community became more and more straitened. Nearly everybody owed the company. Some one, about 1839 or 1840, suggested that the company set the people at work repairing the race and dam, which by this time were in a bad condition, and pay them in company orders. This was done, and very numerous and curious were the uses to which this local currency was put, some amusing illustrations on this head being given in a letter published in the Allegan Journal, in 1878, from which the most of our information regarding the Allegan and Boston Companies is derived. The writer says: "Everybody owed the company, therefore the 'company orders' were equal to gold. I spent some days with Mr. Doane Davis at his hotel. One evening there was a writing-class of young men and young women in the dining-room. I was agreeably surprised. I said, 'Doane, how do these young people contrive to pay the master?' 'Oh,' replied Doane, 'they pay in company orders; they take them for their services, and, as he owes the company, they are gold to him.' Another evening there was a dance. Doane's wagon brought the young people. The pipers came from some creek above Allegan. Doane got the party a nice supper. 'How's this, Doane?' 'All right,' said he; 'I owe the company, the pipers owe the company, and it is gold to us.' Well,' I asked, ' how do you do for small chalnge?' 'Easily,' said Doane; 'Judge Ely has a little attachment to the sawmill, and there he turns out wooden bowls.'" This was in 1840. Company orders were not current in the payment of taxes, and this fact presented the most serious obstacle to the financial schemes of the little community. Although the business of the country began to revive from this time, yet the fortunes of the Boston and Allegan Companies showed no improvement. One of the Boston partners failed in business; another disposed of his share to a Mr. Jabez Fitch, who soon after died, and the company's affairs seemed involved in a labyrinth of embarrassments. A steamboat was built at Singapore by the proprietors of Allegan, about 1842, which was named the " C. C. Trowbridge," and was intended to run on the Kalamazoo River. It only made two trips, however, and was then taken off. The early boats are mentioned in Chapter XIX. in the general history. In 1844 an inventory of unsold lands of the Boston Company was made, embracing in all about 20,000 acres. These were classified and appraised, and were then divided among the owners by lot. In 1849 the Allegan village property not previously sold was disposed of at auction by the trustees, the proceeds being divided among the interested parties. Judge Hubbard had died during the interval, leaving Mr. Trowbridge, who still resides in Detroit, the sole survivor of the original partners EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The settlement of the village of Allegan began in 1834, though Elisha Ely, of Rochester, N. Y., had been over the ground the previous year on a prospecting-tour. The proprietors of the village had already made a beginning, and found themselves much in want of labor to complete the system of improvements that had been projected. Mr. Ely returned to Rochester, and brought back with him a small company, consisting of Leander S. Prouty, his wife, and a small boy; Andy J. Pomeroy, who was appointed foreman of the work to be undertaken; and J. Hoyt. Mr. Prouty states that on their arrival at Detroit, whither they had come by lake from Rochester, they purchased a yoke of oxen and a wagon, the latter being well laden with household-goods. One team proving insufficient, they hired another on the route, to assist them in reaching Kalamazoo, for which they paid the exorbitant sum of $40. From that point they depended upon the river to reach their destination, and embarked upon rafts; Mr. Ely having purchased lumber with which to erect shanties on their arrival. A man named Sherwood took charge of one of the rafts, while Mr. Prouty revived the maritime experience of his younger days in commanding the other. Before the little squadron had proceeded far on its journey Sherwood's craft capsized, and much of its freight was thrown overboard. By a desperate effort the pork and other valuable articles which comprised the cargo were secured, and, by the exercise of a very rigid discipline as commander, Mr. Prouty finally succeeded in bringing the party to their much-desired destination. The ladies of the company went ashore while the rafts were being repaired, and excited no little wonder and admiration among the Indians, many of whom had never before seen a white woman. Arriving at the spot where the city of Allegan was to be built, they at once erected a shanty on a bit of ground nearly opposite the site of the Chaffee House, Wallace Crittenden, who had joined the party on the way, driving the first nail, and causing the forest first to re-echo to the sound of the hammer. An acre of ground was immediately cleared, and one of the party was dispatched to Otsego to secure a plow, their own having been left in the bed of the Kalamazoo at the time of the disaster to the raft. This ground they planted with potatoes and such seeds as had been brought from the East, raising crops which afforded them an ample supply for winter. Mr. and Mrs. Prouty were both employed by the proprietors to keep house for the men in their employ, for which the former was to receive $12.50 a month, and the latter $5 for the same period. They occupied the shanties first erected until more comfortable and spacious log houses were built, into which they removed. Provisions were scarce, and the supply brought with them was limited. Schoolcraft, forty miles distant, was the most accessible point at which they could be obtained, and thither Mr. Prouty repaired to supply his larder. He returned with a quantity of pork, which, for want of a more convenient method of conveyance, he was obliged to carry on his back. Fish and game were readily obtained from the Indians, who were ever eager to " swop" those commodities for bread, potatoes, and other articles in more general use among the whites. Allegan at this early day presented all the aspects of an uncleared wilderness. Indians were numerous, the deer and wolf were as yet hardly conscious of the presence of the ;150 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - settler, and the "massasaugas" were so abundant as to make it necessary for the laborers to protect their limbs with a covering of white-ash bark as a safeguard against their venomous bite. Mr. Prouty very soon proved himself a valuable man to the village company, and was given the position of foreman of the work being carried on, which position he held for fifteen months. At the expiration of this period he removed to township 1, range 13 (now Trowbridge), where he had previously entered 200 acres, on which he still resides. An addition was made to the colony by the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Prouty, who, though the earliest white infant in Allegan, was born in Otsego. Mr. Ely, in honor of the event, presented the little one with a village lot. That gentleman returned to Rochester in the fall of 1834, being replaced by his son, Alexander L. Ely, who very soon became prominently identified with the growth of the village. The next year his father resumed his residence in the county, and made it his permanent home. Mr. Prouty was succeeded by Mr. Keep and wife, who were the landlord and landlady at the boarding-house for a season, but, not being favorably impressed with the advantages of Allegan, they soon departed. Col. Joseph Fisk, another Rochester pioneer, followed soon after, his advent occurring in the spring of 1835. At the time of his arrival there was but one family in the place, that of Leander S. Prouty, and but one other family in the four western ranges of Allegan County, that of William G. Butler, of Saugatuck. Col. Fisk came at the instigation of Sidney Ketchum, then acting as agent of the Allegan and Boston Companies and the proprietors of Allegan, who had pictured in a very attractive light the future of that place. He at once erected a log house on the site of the Allegan House, and then returned to Marshall for his family, bringing them by way of the Kalamazoo River. On his arrival the whole white population of the county numbered but sixty souls. On the site of his first log house he afterwards built the Allegan House, and was its earliest landlord. In company with Alva Fuller he opened a store containing a general stock on the east end of Hubbard Street, nearly opposite his residence, and ordered a supply of goods from New York. No less than three months were consumed in transporting the goods to their destination, and the expense amounted to $2.50 per hundred pounds. Col. Fisk became the first owner of land in the village, aside from the company. In 1837, in connection with Sidney Ketchum, he built the first grist-mill, on the site now occupied by Oliver & Co.'s furniture-manufactory. Later he engaged in the purchase and shipment of grain, and embarked extensively in the construction of railways in this and other States. In the spring of 1835 the first birth occurred in the settlement,-that of Joseph Allegan Fisk, son of Col. and Mrs. Joseph Fisk. The middle name was adopted at the request of Mr. Ely. The little one, however, hardly reached the age of one year, and his was probably the first death in the village. The same year (1835) also witnessed the first marriage, or rather marriages, in Allegan. On Christmas Day, Alexander L. Ely was united in wedlock to Miss Mary Weare, and George Y. Warner to Mrs. Williams, both ceremonies being performed by the Rev. William Jones. Indian wigwams at this time lined the bank of the river, Macsaubee, one of the chiefs, and a few of his followers choosing the peninsula where are now the race and mills. Farther down the stream they raised a sufficient quantity of corn to supply their meagre wants. They were on cordial terms with the whites, and especially kind in time of sickness. Macsaubee had several bright, intelligent sons and a very attractive daughter. The language of the aborigines was for a time entirely unintelligible to the settlers, and a half-breed whom Mr. Ely brought from the East did good service in interpreting between the people of the two races. Very soon, however, their language became somewhat familiar to many of the whites, and conversation with them was comparatively easy. Rochester had another representative in Allegan in Horace Wilson, who arrived in 1835, when there were but two log houses in the place. He soon made himself acquainted with the characteristics of the country round about, and was for a while actively employed in pointing out desirable localities to speculators and pioneers. He also cleared off the main portion of the village, now occupied by imposing business blocks, felling the lofty trees which grew there with dauntless energy and industry. These trees were burned some time after chopping, when the fire, becoming uncontrollable, destroyed several dwellings which had been erected, and the frame of the only church edifice in the village. Mr. Wilson seems to have been satisfied with this latest achievement, for he soon after left the allurements of village life for the less exciting pursuits of a farmer, locating in the township of Monterey. Among the pioneers of 1835, who by their public spirit and energy have done much to make Allegan the progressive village it is, may be mentioned the name of Ira Chaffee, who came to that place from Ogdensburg, N. Y., in 1835, and at once engaged to Alexander L. Ely for a year at small wages. He proved himself so efficient that his wages were more than quadruple ththe following year, when he was selected to superintend the erection of a dam and sawmill for other parties at Swan Creek, seven miles below the village. He was then occupied in running one of the company's saw-mills. At a later period Mr. Chaffee became engaged in various business enterprises of his own, and in 1841 he purchased the saw-mill built by the proprietors of the village, which he has managed continuously since that time. In 1872 he built the Chaffee House, an imposing structure, which in point of convenience and excellence of material ranks among the finest hotels of the State. Mr. Chaffee is still a resident of Allegan, and is actively engaged in business pursuits. Doane D. Davis, David Anthony, and one Baker came in 1835, at the suggestion of Col. Fisk, and were engaged in building for him; the former marrying the following year and making Allegan his home. During the earlier years of his residence he followed the trade of a carpenter. Later he was engaged as a contractor, and was actively interested in various enterprises of considerable importance. He was ALLEGANlP VILLAGE. 151 AL A VIL E also elected to several official positions, and during one term held the office of county treasurer. Mr. Davis, as the result of years of well-directed industry, left on his death a handsome estate to his widow, who bequeathed in her will a considerable legacy to the Baptist Church of the village, of which she was a member. Elias Streeter, another New York pioneer, made his advent in 1835, accompanied by his three sons,-J. B., T. E., and A. L. Streeter,-all of whom are now residents of Allegan. On Mr. Streeter's arrival he engaged in labor for the proprietors of the village, but afterwards, preferring a more independent career, he embarked in the lumbering business on his own account. He established a first-class record as a hunter, and was also remarkably skillful as a trapper. On one occasion, while placing in position a heavy iron wolf-trap, several miles from home, his wrist was caught between its formidable teeth, which deeply mangled the flesh.' The spring of the trap was so strong that he was unable to open the jaws with his remaining hand. In spite of the intense pain, he made his way to a sapling, which, having a hatchet with him, he cut down with one hand. Out of this he succeeded in making a wedge. He then by repeated efforts forced it a little at a time between the teeth of the trap, and finally, after much labor and great suffering, opened the jaws so that he could extricate his hand from their terrible grasp. Mr. Streeter died many years since, at his home in Allegan. W. C. Jenner had formerly been a British subject. He made Allegan his home in 1835, bringing with him two sons, W. B. and T. C. Jenner. He was the first shoemaker in Allegan, and his skill in that occupation was in great demand. At a later period he and his son, T. C. Jenner, embarked in the dry-goods business at Allegan. He erected, on the corner of Locust and Hubbard Streets, a comfortable frame house, in which he resided until his death. The family have resided here ever since his arrival in 1835. His son, W. B. Jenner, still survives. John Askins was the first millwright who sought the wilds of Allegan. He followed the fortunes of Judge Ely, as did many other Rochester emigrants of 1835. Being also a skillful carpenter and joiner, he was employed in building the dam and saw-mill, and, a little later, found a wide field for his labors in the erection of buildings for the pioneers. He enjoyed the reputation of being the most skillful hewer of timber in the settlement. Mr. Askins still resides in Allegan. Though in a measure retired from the active pursuits of his early years, his hand has not yet lost its cunning. James Dawson was another of the settlers of 1835 who followed the calling of a carpenter and joiner, in which he is yet actively employed. He built a comfortable home on the corner of Monroe and Walnut Streets, and still occupies it. Justus W. Bond, another Rochester man, which city he left in 1835 for the forests of Allegan, was early engaged as a painter and glazier. He still pursues his callingin the village. E. Parkhurst, on his arrival the same'year, became Mr. Ely's accountant, and acted in this capacity during the early flourishing period of Allegan's existence. He was subsequently elected a justice of the peace and a probate judge. He died, however, early in the history of Allegan. Elisha Moody improved a quarter section of land now embraced in the village limits, but soon after, becoming weary of the privations incident to a newly-settled country, returned to Rochester, whence he had come in 1835 at the suggestion of Mr. Ely. Rev. W. Jones was the first divine who cast his fortunes with the pioneers of Allegan. He built a residence on the ground now occupied by the First National Bank, and held the earliest religious meeting in the little hamlet. His services were much in demand on wedding occasions, when his genial nature contributed greatly to the pleasure of the occasion. Among the remaining settlers of 1835 were B. Eager, L. Fish, J. Weare, and a few others who soon removed out of the village and located themselves on farms. The year 1836 witnessed a great increase in the emigration to Allegan. It has seemed to us as if the remark of an old settler, that "everybody came in 1836," was almost literally true. Among the emigrants of that year the following are recalled: Flavius J. Littlejohn was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., in July, 1804. He graduated from Hamilton College, in that State, in 1827, delivering the valedictory address. In the spring of 1836, finding his health failing, he removed to Allegan, with the purpose of devoting his energies to surveying and such other occupations as would admit of an active out-of-door life. He had been in the settlement but a year when the Allegan Company employed him to make a survey of the village, the preliminary survey of Oshea Wilder not having proved accurate, probably from want of the necessary facilities. He was engaged in this labor until 1838, as already mentioned. After this, at the solicitation of friends, he entered into the practice of law. During the years 1842, 1843, and 1844 he was a member of the House of Representatives of Michigan, and in 1845 and 1846 he served as a State senator; was re-elected to the House in 1847; serving in 1848; being present during the first session held at Lansing. While a senator he was the chairman of the Committee on Revision of the Statutes, and during his second year he was the president pro tempore of the Senate. In 1852, Mr. Littlejohn actively resumed the practice of law; was later elected circuit judge, with jurisdiction over a field embracing twenty counties, which position he filled for eleven years. Judge Littlejohn from time to time purchased much land in various portions of the county, which was afterwards disposed of as the demand for desirable locations increased. On his arrival at Allegan but four acres of the village site had been cleared of trees, and even that tract was still well filled with stumps, the only streets being narrow roads in which teams could barely pass. Not a single settler had ventured to locate between Allegan and Grand Rapids, and not an acre had been cleared. Judge Littlejohn, after a short illness, died on the 14th day of May, 1880, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His father and three brothers, John, Philo B., and Silas F. Littlejohn, followed him to Allegan. The last named 152 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. followed his occupation of carpenter, and erected, in 1837, a spacious and, for those early days, an elegant residence on the site now occupied by Col. Fisk's house. Silas F. Littlejohn did not long survive his coming to Michigan. John Littlejohn settled in Allegan in 1844, and soon became actively interested in various business enterprises. A more extended biography of this gentleman is given in the latter part of this chapter. A son, Philetus O. Littlejohn, who had formerly been extensively engaged in contracting at the East, left his home in Virginia in 1852, and located in Allegan. For many years he took an active interest in public enterprises, but has recently devoted his time principally to the care of his landed property in Pine Plains. Lyman W. Watkins, Zadoc Huggins, and Andrew Hermants all left Genesee Co., N. Y., early in 1836 for Chicago. On their way they were induced to turn aside to Allegan by the promise of lucrative employment upon the works then in progress there. At Marshall, Messrs. Huggins and Watkins purchased a canoe, and made their way down the river to Allegan without difficulty. The former gentleman soon after purchased a farm in Monterey. Mr. Watkins worked for a while in the mill at Allegan, but for several years followed the calling of a boatman on the Kalamazoo River. He afterwards opened a grocery-store, and with it the first meat-market in Allegan. Still later he established a drug-store, which he conducted until his retirement from active business. Rev. W. C. H. Bliss, one of the earliest preachers of the gospel to the little colony, was a former resident of Rochester, N. Y., from which place he emigrated in 1836. He was a cabinet-maker as well as a minister, and opened the first cabinet-shop in Allegan, on the site of the City Hotel. Many of the early religious services in the village were held by him, the scene of the first having been a carpenter-shop near the site of the Allegan House. Afterwards, for many years, he fulfilled the duties of a circuit-preacher, traveling many miles on foot in the performance of his sacred functions. Though in his seventy-eighth year, he still officiates at funerals, and occasionally preaches other sermons. Alva Fuller came from the State of New York in 1836, and began life in Allegan in the mercantile business with Col. Fisk. He remained in Allegan several years, and then returned to his native State, where he purchased a farm. He- had, however, become thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the West, and soon migrated to Illinois, where he now resides. From Auburn, N. Y., the same year, came Alby Rossman, who at once went to work at his trade as a machinist. In connection with Hyman Hoxie, another of the pioneers of 1836, he established a furnace and machine-shop, which establishment was conducted by Mr. Rossman nearly thirty years. An anecdote told by that gentleman forcibly illustrates the extreme scarcity of money at that period. That gentleman made a contract for the purchase of 500 bushels of charcoal, the agreement being that it should be paid for in trade, with the exception of 25 cents in money, to enable the seller to obtain a letter from the post-office. At a later period Mr. Rossman purchased 100 acres of land, on which he erected a spacious brick residence, where he now resides. John R.'Kellogg came from the State of New York in 1836, located in Allegan, and engaged in real-estate business. He was subsequently engaged in lumbering and other business, being always ranked among Allegan's most enterprising citizens. With him came two sons, Andrew J. and John G. Kellogg, the former of whom now resides in Detroit and the latter in California. N. B. West, who is still one of the most enterprising business men of the village, was also a pioneer of 1836. He at first followed his trade as a carpenter for two years. After an absence of three years he returned in 1841, and engaged in the business which he has ever since followed,that of a manufacturer of doors, blinds, etc. When Mr. West came there was but one tavern in the place,-the Allegan House,-and so great was the rush of travel that he was unable to secure quarters there. He accordingly repaired to the Exchange Hotel, then being built by Wm. Boone, where he found a comfortable bed in one of the stalls of the barn. The Exchange was soon after completed, and was speedily filled with guests. Dr. O. D. Goodrich enjoys the distinction of being the first physician who ministered to the ills of the settlers of Allegan. He arrived there in 1836, having left Oneida Co., N. Y., two years before, and at once began the practice of his profession. His circuit extended many miles in every direction, a large part of his time being spent in battling with that scourge of Michigan, the fever and ague. He has since that time, with the exception of a few years spent in Connecticut, been in active practice in Allegan, though of late years he has sought relief from professional labor whenever practicable. Duncan A. McMartin, the present president of the Pioneer Society, arrived in Allegan in 1836, a weary pedestrian, en route for Illinois. He was, however, so favorably impressed with this region and the cordial welcome of the settlers that he determined not to leave. He still resides in the village, and with his accomplished wife, whose advent in the county dates back to 1833, takes great interest in all that pertains to its early history. Among the most public-spirited of Allegan's citizens who came in 1836 was Henry H. Booth. He had previously been a resident of Weedsport, N. Y., and was attracted to Allegan by the rumors of its rapid growth which had reached the East. Most of his household goods had been shipped the previous winter by schooner, and, having been stored in Detroit, had been destroyed by fire. On his arrival Mr. Booth found there was not much to do at his trade of cabinet-making, and accordingly engaged for a while in teaming, which he found quite profitable. Subsequently he was elected county clerk, which office he filled acceptably for several years. He afterwards officiated as county judge, and was for several years the agent of the Boston Company in the sale of their lands. In 1856 he built Pine Grove Seminary, a capacious structure, the use of which he gave, free of rent, to the various instructors who occupied it for educational purposes. The building was purchased, in 1865, by School District No. 1, and is now occupied by the Union School of Allegan. Mr. Booth died in 1867, in Allegan, where his widow still retains her residence. Milo Winslow was a son of the Green Mountains who I 0 I I I I X /1? -$ Li $ a V ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 153 left his native State of Vermont for Allegan in 1836. He early built a store on the site of the Allegan City Bank, a spacious building for that day, which he filled with a general stock of goods. He established a good trade, and was' chosen the first treasurer of the county; but his career was suddenly terminated by a melancholy fate. He embarked on a schooner for Chicago, where he intended to purchase goods. The vessel was capsized by the wind, and Mr. Winslow was drowned. William A. Knapp, another pioneer from Rochester, N. Y., was induced by Alexander L. Ely to cast his lot in Allegan in 1836. He found one saw-mill completed on his arrival and another in process of erection, the Allegan Company at this time having a large number of men in their employ. He was at once engaged to assist in the mill, where he remained two years. Mr. Knapp afterwards purchased a farm, but has nevertheless resided much of the time in the village, having for a number of years served as a public officer. Alanson S. Weeks, who also arrived in 1836, was the second painter and glazier in the village, which trade he combined with that of a chair-maker. His sons, V. C. and H. C. Weeks, though residents of the village, are extensive breeders of blooded stock, and have, on their fine farm near by, the largest herd in the county. J. B. and Leonard Bailey left the excitements of New York City for the wilds of Michigan in 1836, the former having been employed by New York parties to superintend the erection of a saw-mill on the Kalamazoo, fourteen miles below Allegan. Leonard Bailey was a carpenter, and had immediate charge of the construction of the mill. He at first placed his family in Allegan, but ere long moved it to the locality of his business, where they remained until 1840. They then returned to the village, and have resided there ever since, Mr. Bailey being actively employed in business in Allegan. Leonard Bailey engaged in the milling business, and has also held various official positions, being also a resident of Allegan. Jason Torry was another of the early carpenters, who left the State of New York in 1836 and migrated to Allegan. Hie was at first engaged in a pail-factory, but subsequently followed his trade until his removal to another portion of the State. Hiram Bassett, of Rochester, N. Y., worked in one of the saw-mills when he first came, and was otherwise employed by Mr. Ely. He remained in Allegan until his death, in 1876. Among those who came early in 1836 was a man named Greeley, who followed the occupation of well-digging and boarded at Leander S. Prouty's. He died the same year, his death being the first in the settlement. In 1836 also came William Waycott from the suburbs of Detroit, where he had followed the joiners' craft. Soon after his arrival he met a tragic fate, which caused much gloom in the little settlement. While engaged in raising the frame of J. B. Bailey's house, one of the timbers fell and struck Mr. Waycott with a force which made the blow instantly fatal. This melancholy event was the first violent death which occurred in the village. Hovey K. Clarke acted for a brief time as agent for the Boston Company. He then engaged in the study of law 20 with Judge Littlejohn, and was afterwards an active practitioner. He also attained some local distinction as the cashier of the Allegan wildcat bank. Mr. Clarke subsequently removed to Detroit, where he has for years enjoyed a reputation for distinguished ability in his profession. George Y. Warner, a New Englander by birth, arrived in 1836, and engaged in the practice of law. He held several official positions, among them those of probate judge, Circuit Court commissioner, and prosecuting attorney. He afterwards cleared a farm in Trowbridge and resided upon it many years, but has since removed from the State. Richard Cook came from Rochester, N. Y., early that same year, and was employed in excavating the race. Afterwards he purchased a farm in Allegan township, where his sons, John and George, now reside. From Wayne County, N. Y., came Wells Field (also in 1836), who located in the village. Col. Fisk had returned to the East and mustered a band of thirteen recruits, among whom were his brother, Oramel Fisk, and Mr. Field. The latter gentleman had engaged on his arrival to take charge of Col. Fisk's store, recently opened, which he did for one year, at the expiration of which he leased the Allegan House, and became its landlord for a year. In 1840 he removed to a farm he had purchased in the township of Watson, upon which he remained ten years. He then returned to the village, where he has since resided. William Finn, a native of Madison Co., N. Y., also cast his lot with the Allegan pioneers in 1836. He arrived when the village plat was not yet cleared, and only a few log houses and slab shanties offered shelter to the meagre population. After a short time Mr. Finn returned to the East for a stock of provisions, which he purchased for $2000 and sold for $6000,-wildcat money,-narrowly escaping the loss of his capital. He afterwards embarked in the dry-goods business, and in various milling enterprises. He is still a resident of Allegan. Among the other arrivals during this eventful year were E. A. Murray, J. D. Stone, S. Marsh, L. Loomis, J. Higgins, W. Porter, John J. Jones (formerly postmaster), T. A. West, W. H. Brown, W. Allen, E. G. Bingham, G. McCoy, J. P. Austin, D. Emerson, L. Wilcox, E. W. R. Dickinson, Z. Booth, H. Hoxie, J. L. Shearer, D. B. Stout, H. Annis, A. Johannot, J. Biilings, I. Bush, W. Pullen, Ellis C. Miner, Philander Chaffee, T. M. Russell, J. J. Miner, G. Jewett, and G. Nelson. Yet these were only a part, for, during the year 1836, more than five hundred people halted for a time at least at Allegan. Many of them, however, did not become permanent residents of the village, merely making it a temporary abode until another abiding-place could be provided in other portions of the county. Among the pioneers of 1837 was Daniel D. Davis, who made his advent in July of that year, most of his family having preceded him. For a while he followed his occupation as a carpenter and joiner in summer, employing the winter months in the manufacture of wagons and sleighs. He bought two lots on the north side of the river, upon which he at first erected a shanty, and, later, a comfortable residence. He finally removed to land he had previously purchased on section 5, Allegan township, and engaged for 154 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. c several years in its improvement, but later years found him again a resident of the village which he chose as his early home. E. C. Southworth, having removed from Little Falls to Allegan, soon established a factory for the manufacture of pails. He was also a merchant, and for a brief time the landlord of the Allegan House. He afterwards purchased a farm, to which he removed, but ultimately departed for California, where he is now engaged in mining. Among others who came in 1837 were R. W. Brooks, J. D. Leggett, G. H. Hill, L. Ross, J. Davison, L. K. Pratt, J. M. Thomas, A. Parkinson, T. N. West, L. Winslow, Asa Morse, N. and C. Dickenson, G. Benson, N. Briggs, J. P. Nolan, C. Austin, J. Weare, Jr., B. Pratt, W. C. Rowe, J. Hudson, W. F. Brown, G. H. Hull, J. Robinson, H. Hutchins, George Ely, A. Goodrich, A. D. Dunning, J. Doty, John F. Ely, J. and L. Eager, M. Van Norman, D. C. Alling, T. Sands, J. P. Austin, A. Edgarton, E. Flannagan, J. H. Wells, J. Smith, G. Morton, and H. and J. Allett. James Henderson, a native of Scotland, came to Detroit in 1835, and three years later removed to Allegan, where he assisted in the construction of the first flouring-mill. Subsequently he became a farmer, to which occupation he devoted the remainder of his life. He was a man of cultivated tastes, and devoted much of his leisure to intellectual pursuits. He resided in Allegan at the time of his death, which occurred in 1875. His son, Donald Campbell Henderson, who came to Allegan with his father in 1838, has since attained much distinction as a journalist, and is well known throughout the State as the founder and editor-inchief of the Journal. A sketch of Mr. Henderson's paper will be found in Chapter XX. of the general history. In 1838 came also C. G. Wilson, F. Day, H. Cole, J. and S. L. Stone, N. Manson, C. F. Nichols, G. Perkins, 0. Smith, R. and G. W. Fairchild, H. Fisher, D. A. Plummer, W. Marshall, W. P. Giddings, D. Bracelin, B. W. Kibby, F. Van De Bogert, S. Brockway, I. Dexter, F. C. Parker, J. Knowlton, R. Rogers, J. W. Willard, and J. B. Price. The principal emigrants of 1839 were H. L. Hurd, D. Kingsbury, J. Green, S. Underwood, D. and E. Wilder, and A. P. Bush. During the following ten years, among the arrivals, some of whom remained but a brief time, were E. and L. Knapp, J. B. Alexander, M. Hawks, S. Miles, L. Barker, H. C. and G. C. Smith, H. Staring, J. B. Allen, J. Frost, A. and A. B. Carpenter, W. Hinckley, C. C. Willis, C. C. Brownson, H. Lounsbury, J. P. McCormick, E. B. Bassett, C. R. Wilkes, R. and L. Thompson, A. R. Calkins, J. Moses, R. Dyer, J. and J. W. Kent, G. Bigsby, C. J. Tanner, G. Updyke, O. Goodspeed, T. N. Hudson, R. G. Winer, J. Rawley, H. J. and M. Cook, S. Peek, J. Sadler, S. P. Stanley, O. B. Bellinger, R. Updyke, L. Comstock, R. Collins, Watson Brown, L. Sage, J. E. Babbitt, W. Partridge, J. Dyer, H. Stimson, C. and M. Richards, J. Yeldon, H. Cole, G. Peet, M. Baldwin, H. Green, and T. J. Parker. Many leading citizens came to the village at a later period, who by their energy added greatly to its growth and improvement, but they cannot be classed as among the early settlers. VILLAGE PLATS. Very soon after the organization of the Allegan Company a preliminary survey of two tiers of blocks was made by Oshea Wilder. This was, however, so inaccurate that in 1837 the company employed F. J. Littlejohn to make a second survey of the plat. Thus surveyed, maps were engraved, which were distributed among the various purchasers of lots. Since that time the following additions have been made to the original village plat: Allerds' survey, Russell's fraction, Streeter's addition, Higginbotham's addition, Russell's addition, Stein and Green's addition, Cummins' addition, Briggs' addition, Davis' addition, Green's addition, Lee's addition, Lowe's division map of section 27, Lowe's second division map of section 27, Streeter and Andrews' addition, Riley and Thompson's replat of part of Block B, Streeter's addition, Rossman's addition, Goodrich's addition. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. The village of Allegan was incorporated in 1838, the first president being William C. Jenner, who was re-elected for several successive years. The village records of the first twenty years have been lost or destroyed, and no reliable information can be obtained regarding the village officers of an earlier date than 1858. During that year the village obtained a new charter and an election was held, of which the following record was made in the village book: "At an election held at the Old Court-House, in the village of Allegan, in the County of Allegan and State of Michigan, on Monday, the 8th day of March, A. D. 1858, for the purpose of Electing village officers under the new charter. lion. Wm. B. Williams and Dr. 0. D. Goodrich were duly Elected Inspectors or Judges of such Elections, and E. B. Bassett was chosen Clerk, who were duly sworn as provided by law." From and including that year the following officers have been elected: 1858.-President, Henry H. Booth; Recorder, E. B. Bassett; Trustees, David D. Davis, T. M. Russell, C. R. Wilkes, C. W. Calkins, S. N. Pike; Treasurer, Homer G. Case; Assessors, Wells Field, William Finn. 1859.-President, Thomas C. Jenner; Recorder, E. B. Bassett; Trustees, Thomas J. Parker, Alanson Case, Ira Chaffee, E. D. Follett, Wells Field; Treasurer, Amos P. Bush; Assessors, Amos Pratt, Nathan B. West. 1860.-President, Alanson Case; Recorder, E. B. Bassett; Trustees, C. J. Bassett, Thomas J. Parker, Alby Rossman, Andrew Oliver, John H. Mayhew; Treasurer, Amos P. Bush; Assessors, J. B. Bailey, Daniel D. Davis. 1861.-President, C. W. Calkins; Recorder, E. B. Bassett; Trustees, Alby Rossman, N. B. West, William B. Jenner, E. D. Follett, R. S. Updyke; Treasurer, Amos P. Bush; Assessors, D. A. McMartin, D. D. Davis. 1862.-President, Ira Chaffee; Recorder, E. B. Bassett; Trustees, W. C. Messenger, Frederick Runte, C. F. Nichols, David Thompson, C. W. Calkins; Treasurer, A. P. Bush; Assessors, L. W. Watkins, Daniel D. Davis. 1863.-President, Charles R. Wilkes; Recorder, D. J. Arnold; Trustees, David Thompson, C. W. Calkins, Wells Field, Ira Chaffee, William C. Messenger; Treasurer, A. S. Butler; Assessors, P. 0. Littlejohn, D. D. Davis. 1864.-President, E. B. Bassett; Recorder, Silas E. Stone; Trustees, W. C. Messenger, Homer G. Case, R. S. Updyke, George D. Smith, Andrew Oliver; Assessors, Wells Field, F. O. Littlejohn. 1865.-President, C. W. Calkins; Recorder, D. J. Arnold; Trustees, Ira Chaffee, Henry Vosburgh, J. D. Bush, George W. Stone, Photos. by C. G. Agrell, Allegan, Mich. MRS. COL. J. LITTLEJOHN.: D COL. JOHN LITTLEJOHN was born in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Oct. 10, 1790. He received an academical education, and before he attained his majority he acquired much reputation as an accomplished and successful teacher in the schools of his native county. On the breaking out of the war of 1812 he offered himself as a volunteer, and soon received a commission as lieutenant. He was wounded at the famous battle of Lundy's Lane, and was commended for his bravery by Gen. Scott, the commanding officer. After the close of the war he engaged very actively in business connected with the construction of the Erie Canal, successfully executing large contracts, and winning an enviable name for integrity and energy of character. To him belongs the credit of building the most difficult link in the first important railroad in this country,-the inclined plane between Albany and Schenectady. He also took a conspicuous part in building the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, also the James River and Kanawha Canal. About the year 1840 he removed to Allegan; and, investing considerable capi tal there, threw himself with his customary energy and enterprise into the work of developing the resources of the place. One result of his enterprise was the building of the first flouring-mill of any considerable size in the county. Infirm health obliged him to retire from business during the last ten years of his life. He died during a visit to Omaha in January, 1868. His surviving sons are P. 0. Littlejohn, Esq., of Allegan, and the Right Rev. A. N. Littlejohn, D.D., Bishop of Long Island. Col. Littlejohn was twice married: first to Miss Amy Dewey; she died some seven years after their marriage; and in 1823 he was again married,-to Miss Eleanor Newkirk, of Montgomery Co., N. Y., where she was born Nov. 23, 1799. She is a lady of rare personal excellence and remarkable industry and thrift, a faithful, true, and patient wife, an affectionate mother, and a valuable friend. She is now in her eighty-first year, and still evinces much of her former vigor and energy. A glance at her portrait is only necessary to recognize the force of character which she possesses. ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 155 Wells Field; Treasurer, H. C. Smith; Assessors, P. O. Littlejohn, David D. Davis. 1866.-President, Joseph Fisk; Recorder, D. J. Arnold; Trustees, Zenus L. Griswold, C. R. Wilkes, Columbus Coleman, Joseph G. Stack, S. N. Pike; Treasurer, J. D. Bush; Assessors, Wells Field, L. W. Watkins. 1867.-President, Ira Chaffee; Recorder, James F. Stack; Trustees, William J. Pollard, Benjamin Eager, G. D. Smith, Henry Vosburgh, James Caskey; Treasurer, H. C. Smith; Assessors, Alanson Case, D. A. McMartin. 1868.-President, Ira Chaffee; Recorder, Frank J. Higgins; Trustees, W. B. Jenner, Alanson Case, Willian C. Messenger, James B. Streeter, Samuel Lederman; Treasurer, George Geppert; Assessors, Henry Vosburgh, A. B. Case. 1869.-President, William B. Jenner; Recorder, J. F. Alley; Trustees, William C. Messenger, James B. Streeter, Alby Rossman, Ira Chaffee, C. W. Calkins, A. J. Kellogg; Treasurer, George D. Smith; Assessors, Alanson Case, L. W. Watkins. 1870.-President, F. J. Littlejohn; Recorder, A. E. Calkins; Trustees, William C. Messenger, D. D. Davis, William Mason; Treasurer, G. D. Smith; Assessor, Alanson Case. 1871.-President, F. J. Littlejohn; Clerk, George D. Smith; Trustees, Horace B. Rich, Ira Chaffee, Alby Rossman; Treasurer, George Geppert; Assessor, J. H. Wetmore. 1872.-President, John W. Stone; Clerk, Martin T. Ryan; Trustees, Andrew J. Kellogg, Nathan B. West, Leonard Bailey; Treasurer, George Geppert; Assessor, P. 0. Littlejohn. 1873.-President, F. J. Littlejohn; Clerk, Martin T. Ryan; Trustees, Horace B. Peck, Joseph W. Surdaker, George Oliver; Treasurer, Irving F. Clapp; Assessor, William R. Webster. 1874.-President, F. J. Littlejohn; Clerk, Sherman P. Stanley; Trustees, D. J. Arnold, James B. Streeter, W. C. Weeks; Treasurer, Irving F. Clapp; Assessor, Leonard Bailey. 1875.-President, Horace B. Peck; Clerk, Sherman P. Stanley; Trustees, George R. Stone, John M. Mendel, H. N. Hopkins, A. F. Howe; Treasurer, Silas E. Stone; Assessor, William R. Webster. 1876.-President, William C. Weeks; Clerk, Sherman P. Stanley; Trustees, B. B. Sutphen, J. W. Chaddock, Augustus Lilly; Treasurer, S. E. Stone; Assessor, Leonard Bailey. 1877.-President, John M. Mendel; Clerk, Joseph M. Killian; Trustees, Perry J. Davis, A. E. Calkins, F. B. Leweke; Treasurer, IV. B. Jenner; Assessor, William R. Webster. 1878.-President, D. C. Henderson; Clerk, Sherman P. Stanley; Trustees, Andrew Oliver, Charles F. Tubah, John Allett; Treasurer, 11. B. Peck; Assessor, Leonard Bailey. 1879.-President, Henry F. Thomas; Clerk, Frank D. Stuck; Trustees, J. O. Hoffman, B. B. Crouk, A. E. Calkins; Treasurer, William T. Clark; Assessor, William R. Webster. SCHOOLS. A school was taught in Allegan village as early as 1-835, and a school district was organized the following year. The first school, as nearly as recollected, was held in a building just west of the site of the Peck Block, the teacher being Miss Hinsdale, of Kalamazoo County, who did good service as a pioneer instructress in various portions of the county. In the fall of 1836, Miss Eliza Littlejohn taught a private school, and afterwards kept the district school for several successive summers. Miss Mary Parkhurst also taught a private school about 1838. In 1839 and 1840 the education of the youth of the village was intrusted to Miss Lavia Bingham. Among the earliest male teachers were Messrs. Spencer Marsh, G. Y. Warner, E. larkhurst, and H. Muner. The first district school building was erected in 1836, standing a short distance southeast of the site of J. B. Bailey's residence. It was 26 by 40 feet in size, and had a cupola with a bell in it,-a bell which still does good service in behalf of the village fire department. An institution known as the Allegan Academy was organized in 1846, which was for several years under the management of Elisha B. Bassett, a graduate of Williams College, and a gentleman who is still remembered as having deserved and received the affectionate regard of his pupils. The school was apparently prosperous, but was not of long duration. In 1857, Judge H. H. Booth erected, in a beautiful pine grove on the hill in the western part of the village, a large building for a private school, which he named "Pine Grove Seminary." He gave the use of the building to the teachers, and kept it in repair. This school was taught for several years by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Perry, and later by Rev. L. F. Waldo. In 1865, Judge Booth sold the building to the school district, and it is now occupied as the principal edifice of the Union School. A female seminary was opened and taught for a year or two by Dr. S. D. Tobey and sister, in the residence now occupied by W. B. Jenner. The present Union School, established in 1867, is now graded on the plan adopted by the State Association of School Superintendents, the work in the higher grades being especially adapted to those preparing to teach in district schools. In the high school there are three courses of study provided,-the English course, the Latin course, and the German course,-each extending over a period of three years. In the year 1879 three students graduated in the English and four in the Latin course. At the present time more than one-half of the pupils in the high school are studying some other language than English. The school is provided with a fair chemical and philosophical apparatus, and is also the possessor of a mineralogical cabinet of over two hundred specimens, presented by the editors of the Allegan Journal. The cost of superintendence and instruction for each scholar is, in the primary grades, $7.22; in the grammar grades, $9.08; and in the high school grades, $22.85. The cost of incidentals for each scholar in all the grades is $2.58. The average total cost of education per scholar is $11.87 a year. The present school buildings may be described as follows: 1. The Central School, a wooden building formerly used as a private seminary, contains four large rooms, a recitation-room, and the superintendent's office. Three of the large rooms have, within the past two years, been furnished with new and improved seats. 2. The North Ward building is of brick, and contains two large rooms. 3. The South Ward building is also constructed of brick, and contains two large rooms, both on the ground-floor. 4. The West Ward building is of the same material, and contains two rooms, both on the ground-floor. 5. A room in the Exchange building has been leased during the past two years, and is used for primary scholars. The list of superintendents since 1867 is as follows: 1867-68, Wm. H. Stone; 1868-71, Silas Wood, graduate of Normal School; 1871-74, Albert Jennings, Ph.B., graduate of Michigan University; 1874-77, Daniel P. Simmons; 1877-80, Edmund D. Barry, B.A., graduate of Michigan University. 156 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. The present corps of teachers consists of the following persons: Edmund D. Barry, Superintendent and Principal; Miss Mary Bassett, Preceptress; Mrs. M. J. Ingersoll, grades 8 and 7, Central School; Miss Ida Furber, grade 6, Central School; Miss Nettie H. Ingersoll, grade 5, Central School; Miss Emma E. Holton, grades 5, 4, and 3, North Ward; Miss Jennie Langley, grades 2 and 1, North Ward; Miss H. A. Allen, grades 5, 4, and 3, South Ward; Miss Kate Edmonds, grades 2 and 1, South Ward; Miss Ellen Heath, grades 4 and 3, West Ward; Miss Lizzie Eager, grade 2, West Ward; Miss H. S. Way, grade 1, Exchange building. The board of trustees is composed of H. H. Pope, Director; Judge D. J. Arnold, Moderator; Ira Chichester, Assessor; J. W. Chaddock, H. B. Peck, and Dr. Henry F. Thomas. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. The first fire-apparatus in the village of Allegan of which we can learn was bought in 1863, when Ira Chaffee, then one of the village trustees, was authorized to purchase a hook-and-ladder apparatus at a cost of $75. The following year a hand-engine, together with three hundred feet of hose, was secured by direction of the trustees at a cost of $900, R. S. Updyke having been deputized to make the purchase. An engine-house was constructed the same year, at a cost of $398. In 1869 a conflagration occurred which destroyed the block of stores where the Chaffee House now stands, and other property, and it was felt that the efforts of the firemen were much impeded by the lack of co-operation between the companies. The village authorities determined to have a more thorough organization of the fire department, and a chief engineer was accordingly appointed; A. Rossman being selected for that position. In 1870 the department was reorganized with the following officers: President of Department, William Pollard; Chief Engineer, A. Rossman; Foreman of Engine Company, James Ganson; Foreman of Hose Company, Edwin Wheelock; Foreman of Hook-and-Ladder Company, 0. T. Booth. The latter gentleman was the same year succeeded by A. E. Calkins. In 1871 other changes were made, and the following gentlemen filled the respective offices mentioned below: Chief of Department, Andrew J. Kellogg; Assistant Chief, D. D. Davis; Foreman of Engine Company, A. J. McCarthy; Foreman of Hook-and-Ladder Company, A. E. Calkins. During the year the hook-and-ladder and hose companies were each presented with an elegant trumpet by Andrew J. Kellogg. The officers elected for 1872 were as follows: Chief of Department, A. J. Kellogg; Assistant Chief, A. E. Calkins; President, W. J. Pollard; Foreman of Hook-andLadder Company, J. F. Clapp; Foreman of Engine Company, A. J. McCarthy. In December, Assistant Chief Calkins died, being buried on the 18th of that month, when the department turned out in full ranks in honor of his memory. The following year the chief of department remained the same, with Clark Nichols as assistant and Joseph Killian as foreman of the hook-and-ladder company. During that year the engine company was disbanded on account of the success of the Holly Water-works, and Alert Hose Company No. 1 was organized, George Geppert having been chosen as foreman. The officers for the year 1874 were the following: Chief, A. J. Kellogg; Assistant Chief, Clark Nichols; Foreman of Hook-and-Ladder Company, J. F. Clapp; Foreman of Hose Company, George Geppert. By an ordinance of the board of trustees, passed December 3d of that year, the office of second assistant chief was created, and James D. Follett chosen to fill the position. The officers for 1875 were as follows: Chief, George Geppert; 1st Assistant Chief, J. F. Clapp; 2d Assistant Chief, Henry Rosa; Foreman Hook-and-Ladder Company, Alexander Hurd; Foreman Hose Company, L. G. Cady. During the year A. J. Kellogg, the late chief, presented the department with a large and elegant flag as a memorial of his connection with the organization. Chief Geppert was rechosen for the following year (1876), with Clark Collins as first assistant, and J. C. Van Valkenburg as second assistant. He resigned, however, during the year, when S. D. Pond was chosen in his place. In May of this year Alert Hose Company was divided, and two companies of 15 men each were formed; John Holmes being made the foreman of Alert Hose Company, No. 1, and George Lonsbury foreman of Rescue Hose Company, No. 2. W. R. Webster was elected foreman of the hook-and-ladder company. The citizens of'the village, in token of their appreciation of the efficiency of the department, presented it during the year with a handsome silver trumpet. The list of officers for 1878 embraced the following: Chief, Samuel D. Pond; 1st Assistant Chief, J. C. Van Valkenburg; 2d Assistant, Jerry Crittenden; Foreman of Hook-and-Ladder Company, W. R. Webster; Foreman of Alert Hose Company, John Holmes; Foreman of Rescue Hose Company, A. Messenger. The present officers are as follows: Chief of Department, J. C. Van Valkenburg; 1st Assistant Chief of Department, Jerry Crittenden; 2d Assistant Chief of Department, Clark Collins; Foreman Alert Hose Company, John Holmes; Foreman Rescue Hose Company, A. Messenger. HOLLY WATER-WORKS. In the fall of the year 1870 the question of adopting the Holly system of water-works in Allegan was very generally discussed by the taxpayers and voters of that village. Negotiations were opened by the village officers with Mr. Holly, and that gentleman submitted a proposition to furnish the requisite machinery for such works, to be propelled by water-power, to the officers above mentioned. At the annual election of village officers in March, 1871, the whole question was duly submitted to the electors, with a further proposition to borrow $25,000 on time bonds (at not over ten per cent. interest), to be expended in purchasing the necessary machinery and putting it in operation. Three hundred and fifty-five votes were cast, of which 225 were for and the remainder against the measure. Bonds were at first issued for $12,500, payable in five equal annual payments, and were negotiated at ten per cent. MRS. JOSEPH FISK. COL. JOSEPH FISK. COL. JOSEPH FISK. Among the truly representative men of Allegan County, few if any have been more intimately associated with its material development than Col. Joseph Fisk, the well-known contractor and builder, who has witnessed the transition of a small hamlet into one of the important towns in this part of the State, of a thin settlement into a busy and prosperous community, of a semi-wilderness into a fertile and highly productive region, and in his own person has typified so admirably the agencies which wrought many of these changes, that no history of Allegan would be complete without some sketch of his life, labors, and character. Col. Fisk was born in Charlemont, Franklin Co., Mass., May 22, 1810. About 1816 the family removed to New York State, near the Massachusetts line, and from there to Macedon, N. Y. About 1826 they again moved, locating at Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., where Joseph became acquainted with Miss Betsey Davis, whom he married in January, 1832. His early life, like that of most of our successful business men, was one of close application, self-reliance, and self-denial. He acquired the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and obtained a liberal common-school education. In 1834 he emigrated to Michigan with his family, and settled in Marengo, Calhoun Co., where he remained until March 7, 1835, when he came to Allegan and purchased the first lot after the village was laid out and lots offered for sale. The colonel entered into the development of the little hamlet with the same energy and enterprise that has characterized his subsequent operations. Soon after his arrival he contracted for the erection of ten or twelve dwellings for the Boston company; he employed a large force of men, and for many years was engaged in the erection of buildings. In 1852 he took the contract for the construction of the Chicago breakwater, which he executed successfully, and which still stands as a monument to his mechanical skill, and which gave him a prominent position among the large and successful contractors of the West. His career as a railroad contractor dates back to 1853, at which time he took a contract for building the Eel River road in Indiana, of about one hundred miles in length. In 1854 and 1855 he was connected with the construction of the Dubuque and Pacific in Iowa; he also built a pile bridge across the bay at Milwaukee, Wis., a double track a mile and a quarter in distance; also a structure of about the same length across Mud Lake on the Watertown road. From 1857 to 1863 he was engaged in Missouri; he built the southwest branch of the St. Louis and Pacific, and was also engaged on the main line, and constructed twentyfive miles on the Iron Mountain road. Immediately after the close of the war he was associated with Messrs. Champlin & Smith in the construction of the North Missouri road to the Iowa State line; also the branch to Kansas City, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. In 1867 he built the road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, a distance of fifty-seven miles. In 1868 he built the road from Allegan to Muskegon, and in 1871 the Allegan branch of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad; this road, twelve miles in length, he constructed in ninety days. The last contract of any note was for the building of the Lansing division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern. The aggregate number of miles built exceeds one thousand. In all these enterprises, involving large expenditures and heavy responsibilities, and frequently attended with great risk, he has been eminently successful. Honesty and a firm desire to succeed have been the essential media of his success. In all his transactions he has evinced excellent judgment, and sterling honesty has been the basis of all his operations. This is high testimony, but it is only the reflex of the prominent traits of Col. Fisk's character, and what to the strange reader may seem to be the language of eulogy will be readily recognized by all who know him as a mere plain, uncolored statement of the salient points in his character and the features in his career. He has figured quite conspicuously in State and county politics; was the first register of Allegan County, and subsequently was elected sheriff; for many years held the office of magistrate for Allegan township. But political life to him was devoid of charms; he had no desire for political preferment, and when he accepted a nomination it was more from a desire to advance the interests of Allegan than for his own aggrandizement. Col. Fisk never enjoyed the advantages of a finished education; but, being endowed with a large amount of common sense, industry, perseverance, and ambition, he has succeeded in building a reputation as widespread as it is enviable. Indeed, it may be truly said of him that his entire career is one worthy the emulation of the young, and a fitting example for all sorts and conditions of business men to follow. Col. Fisk's biography would not be complete without special mention of his estimable wife, who shared the privations of the early days, and whose portrait, so full of character, may be seen on this page. She is a woman of rare personal excellence, a faithful, true, and patient wife, a careful and affectionate mother, of pleasant manners, and beloved and respected by all who know her. She is one of the original members of the First Baptist Church of Allegan, and closely identified with its various religious and charitable enterprises. She has been the mother of six children, three of whom are living,-Julia A., now Mrs. James A. Lee; Charles W., now residing in Texas; and George D., connected with the Grand Haven Railroad. I. Ij or ~ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 157 ALLEAN VLLAG. 15 interest. The works were started with double turbine-wheels and attachments, and ten-inch mains up to the business centre of the village; then, as the mains were extended in different directions from that centre, they were reduced to eight inches, and finally to six inches, in diameter. At the expiration of a year a vote was carried to raise $15,000 more by the same means, to be used in extending the mains, and in December, 1873, about $4500 more was voted for the same purpose. All the bonds so issued were arranged so that $2500 would become due on the 1st of September of each year. Thus far the payments have been promptly made. The works have proved eminently successful. Double hydrants were early placed at suitable points along the lines of water-pipes. The hook-and-ladder and hose companies are well equipped and under constant drill, and all fires have been promptly and effectually checked. Along the line of pipes, water is furnished to all who desire at low rates, the tank at one of the railroad depots being thus supplied. The receipts about meet the current running expenses, including superintendence and repairs. The first supply-well proving inefficient, a second one, 40 rods distant, was sunk, and is now in use. Its diameter is 20 feet, with a depth of water of 12 feet. This is inclosed in a substantial circular building of stone. The works are sufficiently powerful to throw from a double hydrant, situated on an elevation 100 feet above the machinery and over half a mile away, two three-quarter inch streams 70 feet higher than the hydrant. THE BAR OF ALLEGAN. To make up a methodical and trustworthy record of the commencement, outgrowth, and entire membership of the bar of Allegan village requires patient research, and, in the absence of all reliable data, a heavy tax upon the memory of its older members. George Y. Warner and F. J. Littlejohn were the first resident lawyers of Allegan County; the former reaching Allegan in the early spring, and the latter on the last of June, 1836. In the succeeding year Hovey K. Clarke was added to the number. In that year the first regular term of the Circuit Court was held in the school-house near the base of the western hill. At that period, and for a decade thereafter, the business in the Allegan courts was largely conducted by attorneys from Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties; chief among these were Gordon and Bradley from the former, and Stuart, Balch, Miller, and Mower from the latter, county. Although serving for a while as prosecuting attorney, the attention of Judge Littlejohn was chiefly directed to other pursuits. He later filled various official positions, and obtained a distinguished place upon the bench and at the bar of Allegan County. Mr. Warner was judge of probate for one term, and his practice at the bar was also interrupted by other avocations. The attention of Hovey K. Clarke was also for a brief space attracted by other objects, he having been chosen to the cashiership of the wildcat Allegan bank. He is now a very able lawyer at Detroit. Next in order came De Witt C. Chapin and Theodore Chapin. The former filled the office of judge of probate for a term. After them came Robert Goble, who settled in Allegan, and was elected prosecuting attorney. Following him was Gilbert Moyers. In the winter of 1855, William B. Williams settled in Allegan and entered upon the practice of his profession, subsequently filling the position of circuit judge. In the spring of the same year, Elisha B. Bassett, who had previously been judge of probate, and Hon. F. J. Littlejohn formed a copartnership in business, which was dissolved by the election of the latter to the circuit bench in the spring of 1858. In the year 1857, Joseph Thew entered upon practice at Allegan. Between the years 1858 and 1866 quite a large number of gentlemen became members of the bar of Allegan village, as follows: George H. House, Dan J. Arnold (present circuit judge); Hannibal Hart, John W. Stone, John N. York, James F. Stuck, first at Otsego and then at Allegan; Henry C. Briggs and Benjamin D. Pritchard, both of Allegan; Francis H. Ward, Lawrence L. Crosby, Alfred C. Wallin, H. N. Averill, Patroclus A. Latta, John P. Hoyt, J. Bird Humphrey, present judge of probate, and Philip Padgham, formerly prosecuting attorney; Frank Bracelin, now of Muskegon; Edwin B. Grover, not now in practice; Albert H. Fenn, late prosecuting attorney; E. D. Steele and Daniel Earle. Between 1870 and 1878 the following names were added to the numbers, as near as is possible to ascertain, to wit: B. F. Travis, R. B. Cowles, Mark D. Wilbur, William W. Warner, John H. Padgham, Lyman H. Babbitt, Frank S. Donaldson, of Allegan; Edward J. Anderson, J. Lee Potts, Hiram B. Hudson, John E. Babbitt. Several whose names appear on the roll of attorneys have practiced but a brief time at the Allegan bar. Of those who have devoted themselves to professional business, quite a number have filled various positions of public trust with credit to themselves and their profession. Mony of them are yet young in years, and give promise of extended usefulness in the future. There has always existed an unusual degree of amity and goodfellowship among the members of the Allegan bar. In matters of practice they have ever evinced great courtesy and liberality towards each other, and a deference towards the court which is in striking contrast with what is occasionally exhibited elsewhere. As advocates, quite a number rank high in public estimation, while as jurists, learned in the law, their arguments have frequently commanded the marked attention of the highest courts of judicature. For the above facts, the historian is indebted chiefly to Hon. F. J. Littlejohn. A list of all the lawyers who have either practiced or been admitted to the bar in Allegan county is given in Chapter XV. of the general history. The present members of the Allegan village bar are as follows: Flavius J. Littlejohn, William B. Williams, Joseph Thew, Benjamin D. Pritchard, J. B. Humphrey, Albert H. Fenn, Horace H. Pope, Hannibal Hart, Philip Padgham, William W. Warner, J. H. Padgham, Patroclus A. Latta, Frank S. Donaldson, Hiram B. Hudson, John E. Babbitt, Frank B. Lay, C. Y. Bennettare, D. H. Pope. 158 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - -- -- -- THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY OF ALLEGAN. The medical profession was represented in Allegan very soon after the settlement of the hamlet, the various malarial fevers incident to the opening of a new country having made the presence of the physician indispensable. The subjoined sketch gives a brief record of the various members of the profession who have practiced in the village since 1836. Dr. R. M. Bigelow was the first physician to locate in Allegan. He began the practice of medicine there in the year just mentioned, but after a residence of nearly four years removed to Otsego, where he entered into partnership with Dr. L. B. Coats. In 1847, Dr. Bigelow joined one of the first trains that went to California, and resided on the Pacific coast until his death, the date of which is not known. Just previous to the removal of Dr. Bigelow from Allegan, Dr. -- Sawtell opened an office there. He remained but a year or two, however, after which he also set out for the land of gold. His subsequent history is unknown. OSMAN DEWEY GOODRICH, M.D. This gentleman, the pioneer physician of Allegan, and whose name is prominently associated with the history of the medical profession, was born May 10, 1808, in New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y. His parents, Leonard and I I profession at Huron, Huron Co., Ohio, which at that time was a new country. Here he remained two years, during which time he aided in the organization of the first church, and was one of the ten original members. In March, 1836, at the earnest solicitation of the Hon. Elisha Ely, one of the pioneers of Allegan, he decided to remove there, which he did in May of that year. Shortly after his arrival his wife and child were taken sick, and this, in addition to other hardships and privations, rendered his first experience in the county bitter indeed. There was but one house within ten miles of Allegan. North and south of the village was an unbroken wilderness, and west not a dwelling until the shores of Lake Michigan were reached. Pioneer life and its attendant privations, in connection with his arduous duties as a physician, made sad inroads upon his health, and in September, 1845, he was obliged to relinquish his practice and make an effort to recover his health. He went to Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn., residing there and at New Haven until September, 1855. Eight years of this time were spent in the employ of the New York and New Haven Railroad Company. During his residence in the East he investigated the principles of homoeopathy, and adopted its practice, and upon his return to Allegan he again established himself in his profession, and became the first homoeopathic physician in the county. May 15, 1832, he married Miss Emeline Dickinson, of Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn. She was an estimable woman in all respects, and highly esteemed by all who knew her. She died Sept. 30, 1872, leaving two sons and one daughter. In 1873 the doctor was married to Jane E. Shepard, realizing again the fulfillment of those words of Holy Writ, " Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." She departed this life April 24, 1879. The pioneer life of Dr. Goodrich was one of hardship and privation. In the practice of his profession he was frequently obliged to ford streams, following an Indian trail to the rude home of the early settler who was so unfortunate as to require his professional services. He has not only witnessed the transition of a wilderness into a highly prosperous agricultural section, of a hamlet into a busy and enterprising village, but in his own person has typified many of the agencies that have wrought these changes. He has made an enviable reputation as a citizen. He possesses the necessary qualifications of the physician other than knowledge,-geniality of disposition blended with firmness, kindness, and compassion. He will long be remnembered for his genial faith in the Christian religion, carrying its precepts and teachings into his every-day life. He is now the only pioneer physician remaining in Allegan County. In the year 1846, Dr. Goodell settled in Allegan. lie remained but a short time, and then moved to Ohio. Dr. H. S. Lay may also be counted one of the pioneer physicians, as he cane to Allegan in 1849. He was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., in the year 1828, and at the age of twenty-two years commenced practice in Allegan; with the exception of two years' residence in Dansville, N. Y., and four years in Battle Creek, Mich., that place has since been his home. While in Battle Creek the doctor was physi DR. O. D. GOODRICH. Susannah Goodrich, were among the pioneers of that county, having emigrated there in 1800. The elder Goodrich was a farmer, and reared a family of five children,three sons and two daughters,-OsiLanl D. being the fourth. He remained upon the farm until he attained lhis seventeenth year, after which time some three years were spent in efforts to regain lost health. He commenced the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. Uriel H. Kellorg, of New Hartford, and in 1834 graduated at the Berkshire Medical Institute, at Pittsfield, Mass. In July following his graduation he established himself in the practice of his ALLEGAN VILLAGE.. 159 A I 159 cian-in-chief of the " Sanitarial Health Institute" of that city, and was also the editor of the first volume, beginning in August, 1866, of the Health Reform,-a journal published in connection with the institute. The doctor reentered college in the winter of 1877, and graduated from the Detroit Medical College with the class of that year. Dr. Elliott commenced the practice of medicine in Allegan in 1855. He remained until the spring of 1861, when he entered the army as a surgeon. At the close of the war he removed to Titusville, Pa., and from there to Buffalo, N. Y., where he still resides. Dr. - Lovejoy came to Allegan in 1857, but after a residence there of about three years he removed from the county. Dr. J. K. Wilson, a graduate of the University of New York, came to Allegan in 1858. He practiced medicine there until 1877, when he also left the county. Dr. J. J. McConkie, a graduate of Columbus College, Ohio, came to Allegan in 1867, where he soon established a large and lucrative practice. Failing in health, the doctor concluded to go farther north, and in 1879 he purchased a large tract of land in Grand Traverse County, in this State, whither he at once removed. Dr. Edwin Amsden, a son of Dr. Elihu Amsden, came to Allegan in May, 1868. He was born in Gainesville, N. Y., in December, 1827, and studied at Buffalo, N. Y., under Professor Austin Flint, now one of the most eminent physicians of New York City, graduating from the Buffalo Medical College in 1853. He served three years in the war for the Union as surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Regiment New York Volunteers. Soon after coming to Michigan, Dr. Amsden entered into partnership with Dr. A. R. Calkins, which association continued until just previous to Dr. Calkins' death. Henry F. Thomas, M.D., was born on the 17th of December, 1843, in the township of Tompkins, Jackson Co., Mich. He entered Albion College in 1859, and remained two years. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventh Michigan Cavalry as first sergeant of Company D, and in 1864 received a lieutenant's commission. He participated in all the numerous battles and raids of that regiment, related in Chapter XXXI. of general history, including its arduous service in the Far West after the close of the war. Dr. Thomas graduated Trom the medical department of the University of Michigan in 1868. He began the practice of his profession in the spring of 1868, at Constantine, St. Joseph Co., Mich. From there he removed to Allegan in June, 1869, and has remained there to the present time. Dr. Thomas was a member of the House of Representatives of Michigan in 1873, and of the State Senate in 1875. In the spring of 1879 he was also elected president of the village of Allegan. Dr. 0. E. Goodrich, son of Dr. 0. D. Goodrich, was born in Allegan, June 22, 1844. He graduated at the Hahnemann Medical College, at Chicago, in 1866, and practiced medicine at Allegan until 1878, when he retired from the profession. Dr. A. B. Way was born in Canfield, Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 1839, and came to Allegan in 1873. He graduated from Little Miami College, at Cincinnati, in the class of 1863. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted as a private in the Sixth Ohio Regiment of volunteers, and was transferred to the hospital department of Ohio, where he served two years. He has retired from practice during the present year. Dr. W. H. Bills was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., March 24, 1846, and came to Allegan during the fall of 1872. He obtained his literary education at the Middlebury Academy, in the State of New York, and commenced the study of medicine in 1865, graduating from the Buffalo Medical College Feb. 22, 1870. He began the practice of medicine in Pentwater, Mich., the same year, residing there two years. He then removed to Allegan, where he has since remained. Dr. F. M. Calkins, son of Dr. A. R. Calkins, was born at Allegan, Mich., on the 19th of September, 1852. He began the study of medicine with Drs. Calkins and Amsden in 1871, and graduated from the Long Island College Hospital, at Brooklyn, N. Y., on the 25th of June, 1874. In 1878 he entered into partnership with Dr. W. H. Bills, which business connection still exists. Dr. James A. Mabbs was born Oct. 29, 1851, at Ransom, Hillsdale Co., Mich. He commenced the study of medicine in 1871 with Dr. J. J. McConkie, and graduated from the Chicago Medical College in 1875. He immediately returned to Allegan and entered into partnership with his former preceptor. Iu 1878 the doctor removed from Allegan, and at present is practicing at Fillmore, in the same county. Dr. F. R. Hynes, a homoeopathic physician, came to Allegan in 1877, and engaged in practice, in which he still continues. Dr. Charles Russell was born in Byron, Ogle Co., Ill., in September, 1843. He began the study of medicine with his father, Dr. J. M. Russell, of Hastings, Mich., in 1863, and graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan in 1866. Immediately after receiving the degree of doctor of medicine he associated himself with his father in practice at Hastings. In 1879 he removed to Allegan, where he is now in practice. The present resident physicians of Allegan are H. S. Lay, M.D., E. Amsden, M.D., H. F. Thomas, M.D., W. H. Bills, M.D., F. M. Calkins, M.D., and Charles Russell, M.D., of the regular school; O. D. Goodrich, M.D., and F. R. Hynes, M.D., of the homoeopathic school; and A. G. Weeks, M.D., of the botanic school. ABRAM R. CALKINS. Abram R. Calkins was born in Malta, Saratoga Co., N. Y., May 19, 1822, and died in Allegan, Mich., March 17, 1873. In 1833 he removed with his father to Richland, Kalamazoo Co., Mich. At this place his father died in 1837. He then entered the family of his older brother, Chauncey W. Calkins, and continued his literary studies. At the age of nineteen he began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. Coats & Biglow, of Otsego, Mich., and graduated from the Geneva Medical College, N. Y., in 1845. Soon after, he opened an office in Allegan, where he was married, in November of that year, to Miss Lucy Maria Winslow, who was the mother of his two sons, the younger 160 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I of whom, Dr. Fred M. Calkins, follows his father's profession in the same place. For nearly thirty years Dr. Calkins practiced medicine in Allegan, often fording streams and following an Indian trail through the forest to the rude home of the pioneer. Ambitious to succeed in his profession, full of energy and vigor, daunted by no difficulty, deterred by no obstacle, he became skillful both as a physician and surgeon. Sympathetic and kindly in his nature, he was ever a welcome visitor at the bedside of suffering humanity. He displayed an active interest in every work that promised, by good roads; and the log dwellings replaced by attractive farm-houses. Full of generous impulses, courteous, genial, and social, he was prized while here and mourned when gone. Active and busy to the last, his life was another sacrifice to the profession which, when once adopted, leaves a man no longer his own master. An affectionate husband, a watchful, indulgent, and loving parent, an obliging friend, and an upright citizen, it is well to cherish his memory. RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. This body was organized April 23, 1836, a meeting of those interested having been held at the house of William C. Jenner. Its first members were Alexander L. Ely, Julia S. Austin, John Littlejohn, William C. Jenner and wife, Sarah Jenner, Thomas C. Jenner, William B. Jenner, and Silas F. Littlejohn. The following day Mary A. N. Ely was received upon profession, and Milo Winslow, George Y. Warner, Mrs. Hannah Winslow, and Mrs. Mary Ann Littlejohn by letter, making in all fourteen members. From that date to the present time more than 500 persons have been enrolled as members; many of them have died or been dismissed, but the present membership numbers more than 160. The little band of worshipers of 1836 met for a while at the residence of William C. Jenner, where the Rev. William Jones officiated as minister, but soon afterward the Allegan Company erected for their use a small edifice, which was donated to the society. It had been occupied, however, only two or three Sabbaths when it was destroyed by fire, caused by the clearing of land now embraced in the village. The society then assembled on Sabbath in a carpenter- and joiner-shop, later in a chamber of Mr. Jenner's house, and finally in a school-house, which also did duty as a court-house. Silas F. Littlejohn also opened his house for worship during one winter. The church then determined to erect a house of worship of its own, and it did so in 1842, at a cost of $850, under the ministry of Rev. Samuel Newberry. The building was repaired and renovated in 1853, and was enlarged under the pastorate of Rev. John Sailor. On the night of Sept. 18, 1874, the edifice was totally destroyed by fire. The church was not disheartened, and the members at once devoted themselves to the work of erecting a new edifice. A little more than one year from the destruction of the old building the congregation occupied a much more spacious and imposing structure, which had been built at a cost of $10,000, and which was free of incumbrance, except a trifling indebtedness, which was soon after liquidated. From the small beginning seen in 1836 the church has not only become self-supporting, but has been active in the cause of charity, and given liberally of its substance to both foreign and domestic missions. The following is a list of the pastors from the organization of the church to the present time: Revs. William Jones, 1836-37; Augustus Littlejohn, five weeks; George W. Elliott, three months; Luke Lyons, 1837-39; Hervey Hyde, 1840-41; Samuel Newberry, 1842-45; E. F. Waldo, 1846-48; William Page, 1849-50; Charles M. ABRAM R. CALKINS, M.D. in his opinion, the elevation and welfare of mankind, and was helpful in every society of which he became a member. To the church he gave his presence, his counsel, and his means. In the school board he labored for the physical and moral as well as the intellectual advancement of the young. To the society of Freemasons he was a valued acquisition. In politics he was a Republican, positive and firm in his opinions. He entered the army in 1862, and was appointed surgeon of the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry; participated in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. He served in the army for a year, when the severe sickness of his wife induced him to resign his position. She died before his return. At the time of his death he was a member of the County and State Medical Societies, and also of the American Medical Society, having been sent by the State Society as a delegate to that body at its meeting in Philadelphia in 1872. Dr. Calkins was thrice married, the second time in June, 1855, to Miss Helen G. Bingham, and again in April, 1863, to Mrs. Lottie S. Smith, who survives him. Although Dr. Calkins died at the age of fifty-one, he lived to see the comparative wilderness amid which he began his life-work bud and blossom as the rose, the streams substantially bridged, the Indian trails succeeded I DAVID DOANE DAVIS. MRS. D.D. DAVIS. ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 161 Morehouse, 1851-54; Joseph A. Ranney, 1854-59; Jo3l Kennedy, 1860-64; John Sailor, 1865-74; John D. McCord, 1874-78; A. B. Allen, Jan., 18'79, who is now the pastor. The present elders are D. A. McMartin, John O. Northrop, Henry Cook, Henry Dunning, W. B. Jenner, George Knapp, L. G. Stedman. The trustees are Ira Chichester, H. H. Pope, H. B. Peck, John S. Bidwell, H. P. Dunning, Henry Rosa, John Stegeman. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. This church was organized by the Rev. Mr. Williams, of the North Ohio Conference, in the spring of 1836, the Methodists being then under the supervision of the Conference just named. The original class consisted of seven members, namely: Mrs. Weighty Wilson, Enoch Baker and wife, Miss Clarissa Wilson, Miss Streeter, and Mr. Torrey, all of whom are dead with the exception of Mrs. Baker. Enoch Baker was chosen as the first class-leader. Among those who very early united with the church were Spencer Marsh, who died in 1877, Rev. William C. H. Bliss and wife, who came from Rochester, N. Y., in the spring of 1837, and Rev. William Brown, who has been an active local preacher for more than forty years. The first board of trustees was organized and the society legally incorporated in the fall of 1837. The little congregation first assembled in a school-house which stood near the present grocery-store of Mr. C. W. Hall, on Hubbard Street. The first church edifice was erected in 1839, on the site of the present one, which was completed in 1853. This latter building was enlarged in 1866, during the pastorate of Rev. E. Marble. The following are the pastors who officiated prior to 1856, with the exception of a few which it was not possible to obtain: Revs. Williams, Todd, F. Gage, Erchenbrach, D. Bash, Edward L. Kellogg, C. Mosher, Parker, William C. H. Bliss, A. J. Eldred, F. Glass, J. H. Peitzel, and S. A. Osborn. Since that date the following is a complete list of the ministers in the order of their succession: Revs. D. Bush, 1856; S. A. Dunton, 1858; D. R. Latham, 1860; A. Y. Graham, 1861; N. S. Otis, 1862; James Billings, 1864; E. Marble, 1865; H.. C. Peck, 1867; H. P. Henderson, 1868; George W. Sherman, 1870; James Hamilton, 1872; R. C. Crawford, 1874; L. M1. Edwards, 1876; and the present pastor, Rev. W. A. Hunsberger, 1879. The society is in a very flourishing condition. Besides the church property on the corner of Trowbridge and Walnut Streets, it owns an excellent parsonage on the corner of Trowbridge and Pine Streets. Connected with the charge in Allegan is a Sunday afternoon appointment at Mill Grove, where there is a prosperous church of 54 members, making a total of 198 members connected with this pastorate. There is a church edifice at Mill Grove belonging to the society, erected mainly through the liberality of Mr. Alonzo Vosburgh, worth about $1400. The church is entirely free from debt. THE BAPTIST CIHURCH. It is impossible to obtain more than a very meagre history of this organization, though repeated efforts have been 21 made to render the information more complete. It appears that the members of the society resident in Allegan were formerly connected with the Plainfield Church, a communication having been sent by the Allegan Baptists to that organization on the 26th of December, 1840, to be constituted a branch of that church. In January, 1841, the names of the following persons were enrolled as members of a branch of the Plainfield Church: Joseph Fisk, A. Ross, John R. Kellogg, Noah Briggs, J. Ross, Hannah Davis, E. Colburn, Wm. Finn, Betsey Fisk, Daniel Leggett, Jonathan Peabody, H. Munger (pastor), H. Ross, John G. Colburn, Rhoda Munger, H. Fisk, Mary Ann Stone, S. Briggs, Aurelia Fuller, Chester Wetmore, John Griffith, Frederick Day, Amianda Griffith, Nancy Ross, Leonard Ross, Fanny Day, Mary Jane Kenyon, Lemuel Wilcox, Samuel Wilcox, Phoebe Ross, Levi Wilcox. The society, however, soon effected a separate legal organization, and Rev. H. Munger was settled as the first pastor, Joseph Fisk being selected as church clerk. Noah Briggs and John G. Colburn were appointed deacons, and the following were elected as a board of trustees: Chester Wetmore, Win. Finn, Lyman Fisk, one year; Daniel D. Davis, Elias Streeter, Alvah Fuller, two years; T. M. Russell, Noah Briggs, Joseph Fisk, three years. From that time on the church pursued the even tenor of its way without any very remarkable incidents, but with steadily increasing prosperity. A house of worship was erected, and the church greatly increased and grew in numbers. In September, 1877, Mrs. Hannah J. Davis, widow of David Doane Davis, died and bequeathed her estate, valued at more than $60,000, to the First Baptist Church, of which she was a member, and for charitable purposes. Included in this bequest was a spacious and completely furnished residence, which is generally used as a parsonage, though the church is now without a pastor. The officiating board of trustees is as follows: Joseph Fisk, Ralph Pratt, F. S. Day, C. W. Calkins, G. M. Smith, F. H. May, Charles E. Pratt, John H. Colburn, George E. McCarthy. F. H. May, Clerk; C. W. Calkins, Treasurer. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first service was held in Allegan by Rev. W. N. Leyster in 1842. The next service was not held until ten years later, and was conducted by Bishop Littlejohn, now of New York. In 1858 a series of services on week-day evenings was inaugurated by Rev. L. N. Freeman, of Kalamazoo, and sufficient interest was manifested to warrant their continuance for a period of more than a year. During this time 17 persons were baptized and 11 confirmed. Rev. J. Rice Taylor removed to Allegan in October, 1859, as the first settled rector, and remained nearly four years, the services at that time having been held at the court-house. The parish was organized as the Church of the Good Shepherd, and admitted into union at the Diocesan Convention in 1860. The society began the erection of the present church in 1867, and first occupied it on Palm Sunday, March 21, 1869. Rev. Henderson Judd, who had been installed as rector the year previous, remained six years. He instilled a spirit of labor into the hearts of his parishioners, and under his ministry the church rapidly in 162 IIISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. creased in size. He was succeeded by Rev. Walter Scott, who began his labors May 8, 1875, and is still the rector. The church roll embraces 80 communicants, and the parish generally is in a healthy condition, with large prospects of usefulness. A flourishing Sabbath-school is also connected with the society. The officers are as follows: William B. Williams and D. J. Arnold, Wardens; Augustus Lilly, Almeron E. Calkins, and P. Padgham, Vestrymen; George R. Stone, Treasurer; Joseph M. Killiam, Secretary. GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. A mission in connection with the German Methodist Episcopal Church was established in Allegan County as early as 1856. In that year Rev. G. Berthrams, of Lansing, visited the German population of the county and expounded the Scriptures to them in their native tongue. He was succeeded by Rev. H. Krill, and he by Rev. Jacob Krebill, who, however, confined their labors principally to Salem and Monterey, where societies connected with this church were organized. In the year 1864, Rev. V. Jahrens was installed as pastor of the little flock in Allegan, and organized a church with only five members, namely: Daniel Ellinger and wife, Frederick Ruute and wife, and Maria Ellinger. These labored earnestly, however, among their friends, and they soon enjoyed the satisfaction of witnessing a slow but healthy growth. The same year ground was purchased for a church edifice, which was built the next year, being dedicated on the 1st of December, 1865. A parsonage was also secured for the pastor. The congregation was ere long placed in charge of Rev. Henry Maertz, who also had the superintendence of the societies at Salem, Monterey, and Hopkins. The membership of the German Methodist Church in Allegan County now numbers 160, over whom Rev. C. A. Militzer is the pastor, with his residence in Allegan. The various societies are in a very flourishing condition, and subscribe liberally for benevolent purposes. There is also a successful Sabbath-school, with 145 scholars. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The Congregational Church had its inception during the year 1858, when a little band of ten persons of that creed, anxious for the establishment of a church of their own, was gathered on the 10th of June of that year at the house of H. H. Booth, in the village of Allegan. On Sunday, the 20th of the same month, their first service was held in Pine Grove Seminary, Rev. Mr. Wolcott officiating on the occasion. Mr. Andrew Oliver was chosen clerk of the society. Preaching after this was irregular, though the customary weekly service was maintained without intermission. In 1858, Rev. D. Wirt was called to the pastorate, preaching his inaugural sermon on the 6th of November of that year. He was succeeded by Rev. L. H. Jones, and he by Rev. L. F. Waldo. Rev. E. Andrus was next installed as pastor, who was followed by Rev. R. Apthorp. After him Rev. L. F. Bickford filled the pulpit, being succeeded by Rev. D. E. Hathaway. The cbngregation erected a house of worship after they had become fully established, which was dedicated Jan. 7, 1865. Ten years afterwards a comfortable parsonage was added to the church property. The present membership is 158, the pastor being Rev.. John Sailor. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CIIURCH.: The Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Allegan was duly organized on the 7th of December, 1861. In 1863 it completed the plain but neat house of worship which is located on Cutler Street. This building is capable of seating about 300 persons. When the church was organized it numbered but nine souls. As this embraced individuals in moderate circumstances, it was only by dint of much sacrifice and strenuous effort that they were enabled to complete and pay for their house of worship, which was dedicated in the summer of 1864. Elder J. N. Andrews (now missionary to Switzerland) conducted the services. At a meeting held Dec. 7, 1861, Horatio S. Lay was elected elder, and James M. Foster clerk. About one year later, or on Nov. 12, 1862, the elder elect was duly ordained by the laying on of hands and prayer, Elder James White, of Battle Creek, Mich., and Elder Moses Hull, of the same place, officiating. Dr. H. S Lay having removed to Battle Creek, Mich., the church was left without an elder for several years, the regular services being conducted by leaders who were choscn from time to time. In the mean time Henry 11. Pierce, formerly deacon of the church at Monterey, having re moved to Allegan, was chosen to fill that office in the latter place. On the 13th of July, 1878, James M. Baker, having been previously selected for that purpose by the church, was duly ordained as elder. In 1867, Elder J. N. Loughborough, now a missionary to England, spent some weeks in Allegan, during which time he delivered a course of lectures on the prophecies. As the result of his labors some 10 or 15 members were added to the church. About the same time, also, several persons in the vicinity of Douglas (Saugatuck township), having embraced the faith, were also admitted into membership with the church at Allegan. Subsequently, however, a Seventh-Day Adventist Church was raised up at Douglas, and letters were granted to all the members of the Allegan Church. residing in that vicinity to enable them to become members. The membership of the Allegan Church was thus reduced to about its present number, 33. Like most Seventh-Day Adventists' Churches, this one has been compelled to sustain itself without the aid of a local pastor, their ministers being largely employed in spreading the faith of the church throughout all lands. Elder W. H. Littlejohn, who is a resident minister of the place when not laboring in other parts of the State, frequently addresses the members of this church on the Sabbath, and they are occasionally visited by other ministers of the denomination. They have a thriving Sabbathschool, numbering 30 members, of which J. M. Baker is superintendent. Besides a weekly prayer-meeting, they have organized a tract and missionary society for the dis * By Elder W. H. Littlejohn. ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 163 tribution of publications which set forth the reasons of their faith, and a branch club of the American Health and Temperance Association, for the advancement of the health and temperance of the community The latter institution is both unique in its character and radical in its work. All members of the association are expected to sign one of three pledges. The 'first obligates them to abstain from the use of alcohol in all its forms; the second, from that of alcohol and tobacco; and the third, from alcohol, morphine, opium, tobacco, tea, and coffee. None but the signers of the third pledge are eligible to office. This club was organized Aug. 20, 1879. It is not denominational in its character, the rights and privileges of its membership being extended to all who are in sympathy with its objects. The regular weekly services of the church are held on Saturday, or the seventh day of the week, in obedience to what its members regard as the only Sabbath law which God has ever promulgated. The Seventh-Day Adventists are firm believers in the near coming of Christ; but, unlike those known as First-day Adventists, they do not now, and never have, indicated the exact time at which Christ will come. GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCt. The German Lutheran Society was organized in the year 1869 under the direction of Rev. John Bowman, the first board of trustees being composed of Michel Eckert, Gustav Meske, and Fred Schuman. The pastor was Rev. Christian Metzger, under whom the society increased in number and became so prosperous as to warrant the erection of a church edifice, the previous services having been held in the courthouse. To this end a building committee was appointed, consisting of Samuel Ellinger, Gustav Meske, and Michel Eckert. The work progressed rapidly, and in 1874 the edifice was completed at a cost of $1600, many willing hands aiding in the work. Rev. Mr. Metzger was succeeded by Rev. Frederick Frankenstein, and he by the present pastor, Rev. Albert Schernberg. The trustees are Francis Meyer, Michel Eckert, and Julius Schermer. SECRET SOCIETIES. ALLEGAN LODGE, No. 111, F. AND A. M. In the month of April, 1858, a few members of the Masonic order, resident in Allegan, met to petition the Grand Master for a dispensation to organize a new lodge. The petition was granted, and on the 4th of August the lodge was opened with the following as its first officers: T. N. Hudson, W. M.; J. B. Streeter, S. W.; J. W. Nichols, J. W.; H. C. Smith, Treas.; H. S. Manson, Sec. The charter bears date Jan. 1,41854, and the earliest elected officers were E. B. Bassett, W. M.; E. D. Follett, S. WV.; Alby Rossman, J. W.; J. E. Babbitt, Treas.; H. S. Manson, Sec. Since that time the following gentlemen have served the lodge as Masters: E. B. Bassett, four times; E. D. Follett, twice; G. D. Smith, three times; A. S. Butler, three times; William J. Pollard, five times; E. E. Edwards, once; G. R. Stone, once; H. Franks, once; and E. D. Motley, the present Master, once. The lodge numbers 94 members, and is in a highly prosperous condition. EUREKA CHAPTER, No. 50, R. A. M. The dispensation for Eureka Chapter bears date May 23, 1867, and the charter January 8th of the following year, the charter members being A. J. Kellogg, George D. Smith, George Geppert, Zara Clifford, H. S. Butler, R. S. Updyke, A. B. Case, W. J. Pollard, F. B. Schorno. Its first stated communication under the dispensation was held at Masonic Hall, Aug. 16, 1867. The first convocation was held at the same place, Jan. 23, 1868, for the purpose of electing officers, the result being as follows: A. J. Kellogg, M. E. H. P.; R. S. Updyke, King; G. D. Smith, Scribe; B. B. Sutphen, Treas.; F. J. Higgins, Sec. Its present officers, elected Dec. 2, 1879, are W. H. Pollard, MI. E. HI. P.; B. B. Sutphen, King; J. P. Barclay, Scribe; G. R. Stone, Treas.; J. M. Killian, Sec. The regular convocations are held on the first Tuesday of each month, and the organization is in an exceedingly flourishing condition. ALLEGAN LODGE, No. 105, I. 0. 0. F. Allegan Lodge, No. 105, was instituted Nov. 8, 1866, by William Oaks, Grand Master of the State, its charter members being Allen Wood, Sherman P. Stanley, A. F. Howe, S. H. Priest, James Caskey, Sr., and James Caskey, Jr. Its first officers were James Caskey, N. G.; Sherman P. Stanley, V. G.; A. F. Howe, Sec.; Allen Wood, Treas., the charter bearing date Jan. 14, 1867. Its present officers are Richard Baker, N. G.; Richard D. Thompson, V. G.; Allen Wood, Rec. Sec.; H. D. Hunt, Per. Sec.; Joseph W. Ely, Treas. It has upon its list 81 active members, and enjoys much prosperity. MAY LODGE, No. 16, I. 0. 0. F. (DAUGHTERS OF REB EKAHI). This was organized Sept. 2, 1875, by George W. Griggs, G. M., its first officers being William J. Frost, N. G.; Mrs. Eliza Baker, V. G.; Mrs. Netty Ely, Sec.; Mrs. Jennie Frost, Treas.; Mrs. C. E. Hopkins, Per. Sec. Its present officers are Henry Osborn, N. G.; Mrs. George Davis, V. G.; George Davis, Sec.; Mrs. Ida Osborn, Treas.; Mrs. B. B. Cronk, Per. Sec. The lodge holds its meetings in Odd-Fellows' Hall, on Locust Street, the second Friday of each month, and enjoys much prosperity. It numbers on its roll 42 members. HOME LODGE, No. 290, I. 0. 0. F. This lodge was organized under a dispensation, March 3, 1877, which was granted to the following members: W. H. Shepard, L. Livingston, D. R. Thralls, R. R. Tick, J. E. Babbitt, L. H. Babbitt, J. J. McConkie, and James E. Fuller. The charter was granted March 28, 1877, with the following as the first officers: J. E. Babbitt, N. G.; James E. Fuller, V. G.; D. R. TLralls, Sec.; J. J. McConkie, Treas. Its present officers are Ralph Pratt, N. G.; E. R. Morgan, V. G.; 0. T. Booth, Sec.; W. A. Cheney, Treas. The lodge is in a very flourishing condition, and is rapidly growing in numbers, its present membership being 58. Its meetings are held in a well-appointed hall in the Ebmeyer Block. 164 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. --- I. - HEART AND HAND ENCAMPMENT, No. 32, I. O. O. F. The encampment was instituted Sept. 17, 1868, by John N. Ingersoll, Grand Patriarch of the State Encampment, and obtained its charter Jan. 20, 1869. Its charter members were Henry Vosburgh, Eugene E. Bacon, Fayette S. Day, Nelson F. Strong, John C. Gorman, George Hall, Titus Doane, William W. Ward. Its first officers were Henry Vosburgh, C. P.; Fayette S. Day, H. P.; John C. Gorman, S. W.; Eugene E. Bacon, Scribe; William W. Ward, Treas.; George Hall, J. W. Its present officers are Richard Baker, C. P.; Fayette S. Day, H. P.; James E. Fuller, Scribe; George M. Hodges, S. W.; Allen Wood, Treas.; Thomas Powers, J. W. Its present membership is 51. ALLEGAN LODGE, No. 938, I. 0. G. T. In December, 1875, the " Women's Crusade Band" was the only temperance organization in the village, and the temperance-workers concluded to form a society which, while offering ample facilities for aggressive work, should include both men and women, and also present social advantages to reformed men. Accordingly, early in January, 1876, J. W. Scott, of Pontiac, held two meetings, the main points discussed having been the relative merits of different plans of organization for work. The majority seeming to favor the organization of a lodge of Good Templars, a meeting was held at the Presbyterian church, January 24th, and a lodge was organized known as Allegan Lodge, No. 938. The following officers were chosen: Worthy Chief Templar, R. C. Crawford; Worthy Vice Templar, Mrs. H. A. Pope; Sec., D. P. Simmons; Assistant Sec., Grace B. Sailor; Treas., H. B. Hudson; Financial Sec., Charlotte Askins; Marshal, S. N. Pike; Deputy Marshal, Ruth Burgess; Inside Guard, Charles G. Agrell; Outside Guard, H. Van Kammen; Chaplain, John Sailor; Past Worthy Chief Templar, J. J. McConkie; Right Hand Supporter, Mrs. E. Amsden; Left Hand Supporter, Annis Pullen; Lodge Deputy, Luther Fowler. Papers were circulated the same evening, and 60 persons who wished to engage in the work signed their names to the roll. The lodge now began steadily to increase in numbers and influence. Proposals for membership followed in regular order, the largest number initiated at a single meeting having been 20. At the end of three months the number had increased to 178, and at the end of six months to 216, this being the maximum number during the existence of the lodge. At this time, and until the meeting of the Grand Lodge, in October, 1878, Allegan Lodge was the banner lodge of the State. At the end of the first year the books showed 181 names in good standing, which decreased slowly to 116 at the end of the second year. This number became 103 at the next report, and suddenly fell, Nov. 1, 1878, to 51, when the minimum number was reached. Since that time the list has slowly increased until the present, when 65 working members are enrolled upon the books of the lodge. The present officers are William H. Bierce, W. C. T.; Rev. John Sailor, W. C.; Henry Marbh, P. W. C. T. The first meeting of the lodge was held in Odd-Fellows' Hall. After some changes in location the present hall, in the Union Block, was secured, and dedicated March 12, I 1877, F. S.' Day, District Deputy, having officiated. In this spacious and comfortable hall its meetings are now held. It is the only surviving temperance organization in the village of Allegan, and, though not so flourishing as formerly, is still accomplishing a good work in the cause of temperance and morality. ALLEGAN LODGE, No. 41, ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. This order was introduced into Allegan in 1878, in March of which year the above lodge was organized, with 22 charter members. Its first officers were Fayette S. Day, M. W.; Joseph W. Ely, S. W.; H. Leroy Peck, 0.; A. M. Shepard, Recorder; E. Leavenworth, Receiver; A. D. Nelson, Financier; H. S. Lay, M.D, Medical Examiner. The present officers are W. V. Hoyt, M. W.; E. S. Doty, S. W.; George Turner, 0.; G. M. Smith, Recorder; F. S. Day, Receiver; 0. T. Booth, Financier; J. W. Ely, Past Master-Workman. The present membership is 40, and the meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, at the hall in Union Block, on Locust Street. OTHER SOCIETIES. THE ALLEGAN LITERARY AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. This association was organized in June, 1871, a meeting having been called at the office of A. H. Fenn the previous March for the purpose. Dr. E. Amsden was appointed chairman, and J. B. Humphrey secretary. A. S. Butler, who was foremost in the enterprise, stated the object of the gathering. After a free discussion and interchange of views, a committee was selected to draft a plan for a permanent organization. It consisted of A. S. Butler, John W. Stone, William J. Pollard, H. C. Weeks, and J. B. Humphrey. The meeting then adjourned subject to call. On the 23d of May a meeting was held in Empire Hall, at which a constitution and by-laws were adopted, 50 members and 2 life members (A. S. Butler and C. W. Hall) having joined the association. Annual members were to pay $1 each per year, while life-members paid $25 once for all. J. B. Humphrey was made chairman of this meeting, and held office until the regular annual gathering in June. In 1871 occurred the first regular annual meeting for the election of officers. The following gentlemen were chosen: President, A. S. Butler; Treasurer, B. D. Pritchard; Corresponding Secretary, J. B. Humphrey; Recording Secretary, M. T. Ryan; Librarian and Collector, H. C. Weeks; Executive Committee, J. W. Stone, E. Amsden, C. W. Hall. In July there were on the books 129 annual members and 4 life-members, Joseph Fisk and William B. Williams having been added to the latter class. The association gave a course of lectures in the fall and winter which netted nearly $400 profit. The lecturers were Will M. Carlton, E. B. Fairfield, B. F. Taylor, Rev. Mr. Milburn, the blind preacher, Fred. Douglass, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, M. D. Wilber, Josh Billings, W. E. McLaren, and Theodore Tilton. At the annual meeting in June, 1872, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. E. Amsden; VicePresident, Mrs. Constance A. B. Jewett; Treasurer, Geo. AUGUSTUS S. BUTLER. LYMAN W. WATKINS. A ALLEGAN VILLAG E., 165 A IL B. Robinson; Corresponding Secretary, Albert Jennings; Recording Secretary, M. T. Ryan. The following is the report of the treasurer at the close of the year: RECEIPTS. From two cantatas.................................... $116.60 " former treasurer.............................. 610.81 " door-receipts, lecture course................ 180.14 Season tickets, lecture course....................... 631.60 Membership dues.....................1............. 112.00 Sale of organ............................................ 54.20 Social at Chaffee House.............................. 8.39 Total............................................... $1713.74 The disbursements amounted to $1404.72, leaving a balance on hand of $309.02. B. D. Pritchard was elected president in 1873; George W. Lonsbury, in 1874; William W. Warner, in 1875; re-elected in 1876; Andrew Oliver, in 1877; C. W. Hall, in 1878; and E. Amsden, in 1879. In June, 1875, the association organized under the statute as a stock company, all life-members being entitled to a share upon completing their payment of $25. Any person over sixteen years of age residing in Allegan County is entitled to a share of stock upon payment of $25. The following is a list of the shareholders: Mrs. O. T. Booth, E. Amsden, J. S. Bidwell, D. J. Arnold, Mrs. S. E. Bingham, Mrs. A. S. Butler, E. B. Born, Mrs. Elizabeth Booth, William A. Bliss, Ira Chichester, H. P. Dunning, Mrs. John Dumont, Hannah J. Davis' estate, J. B. Humphrey, C. W. Hall's estate, D. C. Henderson, Mrs. Constance A. B. Jewett, George W. Lonsbury, J. M. Mendell, F. H. May, Mrs. D. A. McMartin, George Oliver, Andrew Oliver, B. D. Pritchard, H. H. Pope, H. B. Peck, E. C. Reid, Mrs. S. J. Ryan, Julius Tomlinson, N. B. West, W. B. Williams, William W. Warner, H. C. Weeks, William C. Weeks. The library contains about 900 volumes, which, with book-cases and fixtures, is valued at about $2000. Present officers: President, E. Amsden; Vice-President, Mrs. Elizabeth Booth; Clerk, Edwy C. Reid; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. 0. T. Booth; Treasurer, H. B. Peck; Librarian and Collector, Mrs. S. E. Bingham; Executive Committee, John M. Mendell, H. H. Pope, George W. Lonsbury, William W. Warner. TIIE WOMAN'S LYCEUM. The Woman's History Class of Allegan was organized on the 1st of February, 1875, with twenty ladies present. A leader, assistant leader, and secretary were chosen, a compact by which every member was pledged to discharge all duties imposed by the vote of the class was signed, and appointments were made for weekly meetings at the homes of the members. Study began with the earliest known history of the world; the mythology of different nations followed. This was succeeded by histories of Egypt, Phoenicia, the Jews, Ethiopia, Carthage, the Punic wars, Persia, Assyria, Lydia, Damascus, and Palmyra. Next followed the history of Greece, the battles of Thermopylae, Salamis, Platea, and Mycale, the Peloponnesian wars, histories of Macedonia, Sicily, Pontus, Armenia, Cappadocia, Rhodes, Bactria, Parthia, and other lesser countries, interspersed with essays on various subjects, readings from the poets, etc. In September, 1878, the name of the organization was changed to the Woman's Lyceum, and the meetings were conducted in a more parliamentary manner. The study of Gibbon's History of Rome to the Fall of the Western Empire has been completed, also Bayard Taylor's History of Germany, and the ladies of the lyceum are now engaged upon the History of France. Early in February, 1880, the fifth anniversary of the organization was celebrated. The Woman's Lyceum of Allegan may now be considered a permanent institution, having about 30 working members who are still full of zeal in the cause. ALLEGAN VALLEY BAND. In the summer of 1879 the musical portion of the community gave encouragement to the efforts of a number of young men, and as a result the Allegan Valley Band was formed in September, 1879, its leader being J. D. Woodbeck. Its membership embraces 13 performers, as follows: J. D. Woodbeck, W. Powers, Edward Taylor, L. Y. Cady, J. C. Holmes, Frederick Jackson, Jacob Kershman, Thomas Powers, B. Cook, L. A. Amsden, Jay Gero, Frank Tilton, Thomas McClelland. The citizens, by liberal subscriptions, provided the band at the time of its organization with uniforms, and instruments were procured as means were acquired to purchase them. Meetings for rehearsal are held every Monday and Thursday evening. The officers are Abner H. Fenn, President; Thomas McClelland, Secretary; Jacob Kirshman, Treasurer. THE BAN KS. TIHE OLD ALLEGAN BANK. The Allegan Bank was one of the celebrated wildcat institutions of over forty years ago. It was organized in the fhll of 1837, and issued its first paper promises to pay near the close of that year, Alexander L. Ely being the president and Hovey K. Clarke the cashier. Its capital stock consisted of real-estate mortgages. The banking-house was an upper room over a store on Brady Street. The bills issued by the establishment not only passed readily in the home market, but soon extended through a large part of the State. The ready confidence 'of the credulous public was secured by a couple of incidents of otherwise trivial importance. Soon after the bills were issued a citizen had occasion to use a small sum at the East. Iis Allegan money would not answer, and the emergency admitted of no delay. He applied to the president of the bank as a friend. The latter had a small sum in Eastern funds, which he exchanged with him for Allegan bills. Rumor seized on the occurrence and magnified the amount a hundredfold. Within a few days it was currently reported and believed at Kalamazoo that the Allegan Bank redeemed its bills in Eastern funds on demand at the counter. The news was soon prevalent in all the settled parts of the State, and, as few or none of the Michigan banks redeemed their bills, those of the Allegan Bank were eagerly sought after. The other occurrene which gave the bank a high standing was the visit of inspection made by the State commis 166 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. sioner early in 1838. Just before the day appointed for that event, the president of the Allegan Bank, knowing that two of his neighbors had a considerable sum in gold coin, designed for the entry of lands, effected a temporary loan of the gold and placed it among the bank assets. It was counted by the commissioner with great complacency the succeeding night, and the same gold preceded him to the bank of Singapore, at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, where the official also counted it as a part of the assets of that bank. Yet the credit thus obtained was of very short duration, for, notwithstanding the favorable report of the commissioner, both of these banks collapsed within a few months without any available assets whatever. ALLEGAN CITY BANK. This bank was established in 1860, by Augustus S. Butler, with whom H. B. Peck was subsequently associated, the firm being Butler & Peck. In 1873 this firm was succeeded by that of LI. M. & H. B. Peck, who are the present owners, the former being the president and the latter the cashier. It is a bank of deposit and exchange, and possesses, by its capital and extensive connections, excellent facilities for the transaction of a large banking business. Its president is also vice-president of the Kalamazoo City Bank. FIRST NATIONAL BANK. The First National Bank of the village of Allegan was organized in June, 1870, the earliest board of directors being B. D. Pritchard, T. C. Jenner, W. H. Nickerson, G. B. Robinson, and Z. L. Griswold. Its first officers were B. D. Pritchard, President; T. C. Jenner, Vice-President; and G. B. Robinson, Cashier. It was organized with a capital stock of $50,000, and at once commanded the confidence of the business community. The present board of directors is composed of B. D. Pritchard, N. B. West, Ira Chichester, I. P. Griswold, E. G. Truesdell, and J. H. Hart. The officers are B. D. Pritchard, President; Ira Chichester, Vice-President; F. G. Truesdell, Cashier; Leon Chichester, Teller. MANUFACTORIES AND MILLS. ALLEGAN WATER-POWER ASSOCIATION. In 1834 the erection of a dam and the excavations for a race were begun at Allegan by the proprietors of the village, under the superintendence of Martin Barber. Soon after, a saw-mill was erected and put in operation, which was speedily followed by other saw-mills and a grist-mill, which were managed by Mr. Ely, or changed hands as the varying fortunes of the Allegan Company made transfers necessary. The dam not proving in all respects equal to the demands upon it, F. J. Littlejohn was authorized to reconstruct it, which he did by digging 20 feet or more for a more solid foundation and filling in with timber, stone, and other material, at an expense of about $4000. It was again repaired by the owners in 1847, under the immediate direc tion of Elias Streeter, at a considerable expense, and subsequently by Ira Chaffee, who devoted- much time and labor to the improvement of the dam and the increase of the I I- - - water-power. During the summer and fall of 1879, under the immediate supervision of J. B. Streeter, a new crib of timber 60 feet square and from 12 to 16 feet deep, filled with gravel, has been put into the north side of the dam. This substantial work, with a bridge 120 feet long and 10 feet wide, the necessary coffer-dam, and a pier of slabs 25 rods long, and a solid pier in the dam centre 12 by 12 and 16 feet deep. are the later improvements that secure an average head of 11 feet, with a waste fully equal to the water used. The work was done at a cost of a trifle less than $1400. The power is estimated by run of stone, the recent improvements having made a single run of stone equivalent to 20 horse-power. The following list embraces the order in which the power was utilized by various proprietors, together with the owners' names and the amount of power owned by each of them, the whole power being equal to 40 run of stone: 1st. The mill built by the Allegan Company, in 1835, now owned by Ira Chaffee, with 4 run of stone. 2d. The furniture-manufactory of Oliver & Co., formerly a grist-mill, built at an early day by the Allegan Company, representing 4 run of stone. 3d. Furnace of Tomlinson & Co., established by Rossman & Hoxie in 1836, with 1 run of stone. 4th. Schooleraft Mill, built by the Allegan Company, now occupied by Peck & Streeter as a site for a saw-mill, with 6 run of stone. 5th. The Nichols & Ely mill, the site now owned by Messrs. Chaffee & Fisk, representing 4 run of stone. 6th. Pail-factory built early by Ezra Southworth, and now owned by J. Ambler; 1 run of stone. 7th. N. B. West's sash-, door-, and blind-factory, established in 1842; power equaling 3 run of stone. 8th. Leonard & Davidson's sash- and blind-factory; site owned by P. Leonard. Not in use; 1 run of stone. 9th. John Littlejohn's grist-mill, built in 1840, afterwards known as the Kellogg Mill, and now the property of Wetmore Bros.; 4 run of stone. 10th. S. N. Pike's mill, first built in 1855 as a sawmill, and now used as a grist-mill; 3 run of stone. 11th. A. E. Calkins' grist-mill, formerly built for a shingle-mill, representing 2 run of stone. 12th. Mill built by S. N. Pike in 1849, and now owned by J. M. Mendel & Co., having 3 run of stone. 13th. Eagle Foundry, built by Fisk & Calkins, and now owned by L. W. Watkins, with 1 run of stone. The Allegan Manufacturing Company leases a cablepower from the above. 14th. Allegan 'Water-Works, 2 run of stone. 15th. J. M. Heath's wood-works, 1 run of stone. The original race, built by the Allegan Company, extended over a length of 36 rods, an extension of the same number of rods having been added very early by the Boston Company to enable them to furnish a water-supply to the Schooleraft mill. The owners of these establishments have organized themselves into an association, and obtained a charter under the title of the Allegan WaterPower Association, with the following officers: N. B. West, President; George Oliver, Secretary; J. B. Streeter, Treas ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 167 AL A VL.. urer and Superintendent; who are also a board of trustees, in connection with J. M. Mendel and A. E. Calkins. N. B. WEST'S MANUFACTORY OF SASH, DOORS, AND BLINDS. This business was first established in 1842 by West, Davis & Higgins, who were succeeded by A. & N. B. West. The senior member having died in 1852, the enterprise has since been conducted by N. B. West, the present proprietor. A water-power representing 60 horse-power, or 3 run of stone, is employed in running the mill. Sash, doors, and blinds are principally manufactured, and a planing-mill is kept in constant operation. A portion of the stock is shipped to Ohio, though a market is principally found in adjacent portions of the State. When first established, there was no enterprise of a similar character in Western Michigan. During the active season 20 hands are employed in various departments of labor, but there is no present demand for so large a force. The building has been three times burned and rebuilt. FURNITURE-FACTORY OF OLIVER & CO. The business of manufacturing furniture was first established by Wilkes & Richards, who were succeeded in 1855 by the present firm. They produce furniture of all descriptions, together with a variety of coffins and caskets. The manufactory is located on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, from which they derive their water-privilege. This is equal to 80 horse-power, or 4 run of stone, which they own. Sixteen men are employed in the workshops and saw-mill, and the business at one time leached $20,000 a year in sales, but is not at present so active. Chicago was then the point of destination, and the trade was exclusively wholesale. The sales are now principally effected through agencies established at Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Plainwell, Vicksburg, and other convenient points. A considerable wholesale trade in extension-tables is enjoyed by the firm. ALLEGAN WAGON- AND CARRIAGE-FACTORY. This establishment is owned and managed by E. B. Born, who first engaged in business in October, 1854. He at first rented a building, but, as his patronage increased, erected in 1857 a shop on Water Street, which embraces a wood-, blacksmith-, and paint-shop, together with a salesroom adjoining. Connected with this are also a salesroom in Ganges and another at Plainwell, where a large assortment of tie wares of his establishment may be found. The work done by him has a deservedly high reputation for excellence and finish, and is executed under the personal supervision of the proprietor, who is assisted by his three sons, one being in each department of the business. J. TOMLINSON'S FOUNDRY. This foundry was first established by Rossman & Hoxie in 1836, and after the death of the latter gentleman the Smith Bros. became partners. They were succeeded by Winslow Peek, under the firm-name of Rossman & Peek, which firm continued until 1865, when Mr. Rossman disposed of his interest to John 1. Heath, and the firm became Feek & Heath. In 1870 the share of Mr. Feek was purchased by J. Tomlinson, the present proprietor, who became associated with Mr. Heath, who still retains an interest in the business. The establishment manufactures machinery of all kinds used in milling, agricultural implements, and engines, besides doing much job-work. A market for these products is found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. When run to its fullest capacity 25 men are constantly employed, though the present demands upon the foundry will not furnish labor to that number. The owners also do a considerable business in the manufacture of pumps, for which there is an extensive sale in the northern portion of the State as well as in the immediate vicinity. Grain-separators are among their wares, for which they have established an enviable reputation. KIRSHMAN & ROSA'S WAGON-FACTORY. The business of manufacturing wagons and sleighs which is carried on by this firm was first established by Kirshman & Parker in 1865. T. J. Parker succeeded, but after he had conducted it a brief time the present firm became proprietors. They make their wares principally to order, keeping comparatively little stock on hand. The demand for the goods is found principally at home. There is also a tannery, owned by the heirs of T. C. Jenner, and leased by John Kugler, which is run by horsepower, and is actively engaged in the manufacture of leather. Philander Chaffee is extensively engaged in the manufacture of pumps, for which there is a considerable local demand, and J. M. Heath in the production of fruitdryers, emery-wheels, etc. Messrs. Peck & Streeter's extensive saw-mill and broom-handle and heading-factory, one of the most important enterprises of the kind in the place, was consumed by fire during the preparation of this work. FENN & PERKINS' MANUFACTORY, FANNING-MILLS, ETC. This business was established in 1873, and managed by the Allegan Manufacturing Company until October, 1877, when Dickenson & Fenn became proprietors. Two years later the former gentleman disposed of his interest to Mr. Perkins, of the present firm. Besides doing a general jobbing business in the shops they manufacture fanning-mills, milk-safes, feed-cutters, etc. The fanning-mill made by them is modeled after the Messenger pattern, and possesses so many excellences as to make it deservedly popular among the farming community. A market for these articles is found principally in adjacent portions of the State. In addition, the firm do much in the way of dressing and finishing lumber for other parties. ALLEGAN AGRICULTURAL WORKS. This enterprise was established in 1874 by a stock company for the purpose of manufacturing railway-cars, contracts for which were promised by certain companies on the completion of the works. A panic having occurred in financial circles which affected the railroad interests, it was then converted by the company and a few additional stockholders into an establishment for the manufacture of agricultural implements, in which cultivators of an improved pattern, as well as other utensils used in farming pursuits, are produced. A portion of the building, which is a spa 168 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. cious one and located near the depot, is used by the Grand Haven Railroad Company as a repair-shop. SPRING-BED MANUFACTORIES. Among the manufactures of Allegan, the spring-bed industry holds a prominent place. An inferior grade of this necessary article has for several years been made, but with the invention of the celebrated " 140-spring" or " Peerless" bed an article was produced which has proved excellent in quality and correspondingly popular. Allegan, having shipping facilities and an abundance of basswood timber, has proved a favorable point for this industry. About 10,000 of these beds were made and readily sold during the last year, the South and West affording a market for them. Amsden Brothers and C. E. Smith & Co. are the leading manufacturers in Allegan. WETMORE BROS.' FLOURING-MILL. This mill was built in the year 1840 by Col. John Littlejohn, and in 1850 sold to John R. Kellogg, who, three years later, rebuilt and enlarged it, adding much that was modern in the way of machinery and increasing its capacity by another run of stone. In 1858 Mr. Kellogg sold to A. and H. G. Case, who managed the mill successfully for a period of years and then disposed of the property to Amos Smith Brown, of Breedsville. The latter gentleman continued its owner until his death, in 1873, when it was purchased by Wetmore Bros., the present owners,. under whose management it has been greatly improved. It has a water-privilege equal to 80 horse-power and the latest improved water-wheels. There are 5 run of stone, which give it a capacity of 100 barrels of flour and 300 bushels custom-work daily. The market for the flour produced is found principally in the Eastern States. J. M. MENDEL & COMPANY'S MILL. This mill was built by S. N. Pike as early as 1849, and after a brief ownership by the builder was sold to Henry Dumont, who in turn sold to Pollard & Abbott. They disposed of it to Julius Tomlinson. Feek & Wetmore became their successors, from whom the property was purchased by the present proprietors in 1870. The mill is three stories high, and is run by a water-supply equal to 3 run of stone, which is owned by the firm. The.capacity of the mill is 100 barrels per day, though not run at present to its fullest limit. Both flour and feed are ground, the market for the forner being found principally in Vermont. In the machinery are embraced most of the modern improvements for making a superior quality of flour. S. N. PIKE'S FLOURING-MILL. This mill is located adjacent to the saw-mill of Ira Chaffee, and was built by the present proprietor in 1855. It is run by water, and has a power equal in capacity to 3 run of stone, or 60 horse-power, which is owned by Mr. Pike. The mill has been twice destroyed by fire, and each time rebuilt. Both custom- and merchant-work are done, and it is possible to produce 400 barrels of flour a week exclusive of custom-work. The market for products of the mill was formerly found in Chicago, but a demand Or 0 I has more recently been made from the Eastern market, and much of the flour is shipped to Pittsburgh, New York, and other Eastern points. Much modern machinery is employed in the manufacture of flour, which is of a superior quality. The mill is at present leased by William A. Knerr. KALAMAZOO VALLEY FLOURING-MILL. This mill, which was built in 1878 by A. E. Calkins, is located on the west side of the race, and manufactures flour principally for shipment, though a limited amount of custom-work is done. The mill, like most other enterprises of a similar character in Allegan, is run by water furnished by the Kalamazoo River, the supply of which is equal to 3 run of stone, or 60 horse-power, this share of the water-privilege being owned by Mr. Calkins. The capacity of the mill is 300 barrels per week, in addition to much feed and grain, which is shipped to the northern portion of the State. Machinery has been placed in the mill for the manufacture of flour by the new process, the demand for it being found principally in Portland, Me., whither it is shipped. IRA CIIAFFEE SAW-MILL. This mill is without question the oldest on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, the original- structure having been built by the Boston Company as early as 1835. It was later owned by Southworth & Streeter. In 1841 the present proprietor purchased the interest of Mr. Streeter, and the firm became Southworth & Chaffee. With their milling enterprise they combined a mercantile business until 1850, when the senior member of the firm disposed of his interest and embarked for the Golden State. The business was then conducted by Mr. Chaffee, who has managed it since. It has a water-privilege equal to 4 run of stone, together with one of the best sites upon the river. The mill is principally employed in sawing logs, and has an almost unlimited capacity. It has frequently produced 300,000 feet per'week, and can accomplish even more when run to its utmost limit. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JUDGE HENRY H. BOOTH. The subject of this memoir, from all that can be gathered from his associates in life, stood far up the scale in all that pertains to true manhood, and among the many self-made men who have lived and died in the county of Allegan, no one is more justly entitled to a prominent place in these biographical sketches than Judge Booth. Yet, perhaps, no one among them all cared less or strove less for what men commonly call success in life, or fame and fortune, than he,.and, perhaps, no one among them, laying aside mere selfish considerations, cared more or strove more than he for what he thought to be the best good of his fellow-men. In his character there seemed to be a strange mingling of manly sternness and womanly tenderness; kind and gentle almost to a fault, yet, when he thought the occasion required, he ALLE.AN VILLAGE. 169 ALG VILLAGE could rebuke with severity. In his life and aims he was more the philanthropist than the philosopher. His motives were not always quite understood by those with whom he had daily intercourse, yet they knew that he was always purely good at heart and true, and if what he said and did did not always meet with their approval, yet he always commanded their highest esteem. Judge Booth was born in Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt., April 3, 1803. His father, Zachary Booth, was a saddler by occupation, and reared a family of three children, the judge being the only son. But little is known of his boyhood days. He was early taught to rely upon his own resources, and received a common-school education. He acquired the trade of a cabinet-maker, and at the age of twenty-one he removed with his parents and sisters to Weedsport, N. Y., where he followed his trade, maintaining the family. Here he became an earnest worker for the church, and in those early days of temperance reform he became an earnest advocate of the cause, frequently delivering temperance lectures. In October, 1836, he emigrated to Allegan County with his family. He first engaged in the produce business, in which he remained one year, buying his stock in the country and hauling it to Allegan himself. The following year he was deputy county clerk, and so well did he discharge the duties of the office that he was elected for the succeeding term, and was again re-elected. Upon the expiration of the term he was called to fill the office of county judge, and it is stated that during his term of office, which extended over several years, not an appeal was taken from his decision. As a jurist he manifested clearness of perception, sound common sense, and indefatigable perseverance, and had he received a legal education he would no doubt have obtained celebrity as a lawyer. Previous to the expiration of his judgeship he was appointed agent of the Boston Company, in whose employ he remained up to within seventeen months of his death, which occurred June 22, 1867. One very marked feature in the life of Judge Booth was the deep interest he took in educational matters. He was ever ready to assist others to obtain through competent teachers what he secured only by labor and privation. In 1856 he built the Pine Grove Seminary wholly at his own expense and purely as a benevolent enterprise. He employed the most experienced teachers, the school soon obtained an enviable reputation, and up to the time of his failing health he exercised a watchful care over its interests. In social life he was noted for his hospitality and good nature. He possessed in a rare degree that quality of bearing and manner, united with a comeliness of person and a fine presence, which not only favorably impressed the stranger, but endeared him to those who enjoyed his society. He was genial, patient, and forbearing, and was actuated by those higher motives which are always recognized and felt when systematically and constantly exercised, as they were during his long life. Edward Buck, of Boston, who had an intimate acquaintance with him, says, " He was a valuable man in any community, a man of great energy and sympathy, and in business matters prompt and active." 22 He will long be remembered for his genial faith in the Christian religion; he became a member of the Congregational Church at the time of its organization, and was an earnest and devoted supporter of it during his life. In his domestic relations his life furnishes a bright example of all that adorns the character of a devoted husband and a warm-hearted, faithful friend. As an energetic, enterprising, and useful citizen he had no superiors and few equals. Oct. 30, 1834, he was married at East Bloomfield, N. Y., to Miss Ruth Elizabeth, daughter of Anson Munson, Esq., one of the prominent citizens and pioneers of that place. Her portrait, so full of character, may be seen on another page. She is a woman of rare personal excellence, of a deeply religious nature. She was one of the first members of the Congregational Church of Allegan, and closely identified with its various charitable and religious enterprises, and a worthy counterpart of her husband in all the salient points of his character. MR. AND MRS. DAVID D. DAVIS. David D. Davis was born in Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 1814. His father, William Davis, was a carpenter and joiner by occupation, and reared a family of eight children. But little is known of David's early life. He received a common-scliool education, and at the age of twenty came to Michigan, in company with his brother-inlaw, Col. Joseph Fisk, of whom he learned his trade,-that of carpenter and joiner. The year 1834 he spent at Marengo, Calhoun Co., and came to Allegan in June, 1835. May 18, 1836, he was married to Miss Hannah J. Robinson; they immediately returned to Allegan. Mr. Davis and his wife were among the pioneers of the village, and contributed much to the development of its wealth and that of the county. Being very energetic and extremely industrious, and withal saving and judicious in his investments, they were highly successful in the accumulation of property. They first lived in a log house built where the wing of the Allegan House now stands. Their second home was on the corner of Monroe and Walnut Streets, and while living there they built the beautiful residence on the corner of Cutler and Walnut, where Mr. Davis died Dec. 17, 1871. He was a man of much strength of character and determination, and emphatically a self-made man. His life was comparatively uneventful, and marked by few changes save such as occur in the lives of most successful business men. After his settlement in Allegan he followed his trade for many years, and his savings were judiciously invested in real estate. He never engaged in any speculative enterprise, but steadily pursued the path he had marked out. He took a deep interest in all matters pertaining to Allegan. He held several positions of trust and responsibility, notably among the number that of county treasurer. For years he was a member of the board of trustees of the Baptist Church, and took a deep interest in its welfare and prosperity. Mrs. Davis was a woman of more than ordinary ability and discernment, and a worthy counterpart of her husband in all that pertained to energy, industry, and thrift. She 170 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.. was possessed of deep religious convictions, and was converted when twelve years of age; she united with the Baptist Church, and continued an earnest Christian and zealous Baptist until her death. She was one of the thirteen who constituted the first membership of the Baptist Church of Allegan. By her labors,{ counsel, and pecuniary assistance she did as much as or perhaps more than any other of its members in bringing it from its beginning to its present standard; nor was her work confined to her own church. With the means at her command she aided weak churches, and her contributions to charities were numerous. She was fearless in advocacy of what she deemed right, and outspoken in opposition to what she thought wrong. In her death, which occurred Sept. 30, 1877, the Baptist Church lost its strongest supporter and one of its most constant workers, temperance an earnest advocate, and the poor a friend. In the disposition of her estate Mrs. Davis left eight thousand dollars to the Kalamazoo Theological Seminary; five thousand dollars to the Nashville (Tenn.) Institute for Colored Students; five hundred dollars to the Baptist State Mission; and, with the exception of the abovementioned legacies and six thousand dollars, she bequeathed the balance of her estate, which was valued at about sixty thousand dollars, to the First Baptist Church of Allegan. AUGUSTUS S. BUTLER. Augustus S. Butler was born in Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1834. In 1840 his parents emigrated to Michigan, and settled in Adrian, where they remained till 1847, when they removed to Lansing. At the age of thirteen young Butler became a clerk in a store, and walked twenty-six miles to hold the position. Ever prompt, ready, and accurate, he gave unbounded acceptance in this position, and in 1854 was given a clerkship in the office of the Secretary of State, discharging his duties to the entire satisfaction of all. For several years he compiled the Legislative Manual. In 1856 he assisted in the compilation of the land abstracts of Ingham County. lie removed to Allegan in 1857, and compiled for the Hon. John R. Kellogg the abstract of land-titles for Allegan County, a work in which he was engaged for three years. From his boyhood he took a deep interest in public affairs. Frank in the expression of his sentiments, he always made his views manifest on all the great questions of the day. In 1860 he was deputy United States marshal, and assisted in the collection of the census for Allegan County. In 1861 he formed a copartnership with Wolcott H. Littlejohn, in the book and stationery business, opening the first store of that kind in the county. In December, 1862, Mr. Butler opened the first banking establishment in the county in the Ebmyer building, occupying a small space in the store of A. B. Case & Co., at a rental of twenty-five dollars per year, and with a capital of two hundred and fifty dollars. He rapidly acquired the confidence and patronage of the business men, and the enterprise proved to be highly remunerative. In 1868 he formed a copartnership with H. B. Peck, which continued for five years. Mr. Butler took great interest in political matters, and filled several positions of trust; he served on many important committees, and took a prominent part in the conventions of his party. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention of 1872, where he took a prominent part in the nomination of Horace Greeley. He was the founder of the Allegan Literary and Library Association, and was elected its first president. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and at the time of his death was Worshipful Master of the Allegan Lodge and member of the Knights Templar Commandery at Kalamazoo. In 1861, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Cornelia, daughter of the Hon. Flavius J. Littlejohn, of Allegan, who still survives him. From all that can be learned of his associates, he was a man far up the scale in all that pertains to true manhood. He was energetic and prompt in business, and in all respects a worthy citizen and a useful member of society. He met his death Aug. 11, 1873, by the overturning of a stage while on a pleasure excursion in New Hampshire. LYMAN W. WATKINS. Lyman W. Watkins, one of the pioneers of Allegan village, was born in Chester, Vt., March 10, 1817. In 1819 the family removed to Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y., where they remained until 1829, when they went to Titusville, Pa., where the elder Watkins died at an advanced age; but little is known of his history farther than that he served his country in the war of 1812 as a private soldier. He was a farmer by occupation, and an exemplary man in all respects. He reared a family of eleven children,-four boys and seven girls. Lyman improved his meagre facilities for education, and at an early age was obliged to rely upon his own resources. At the age of nineteen he decided to try his fortune in the West, and in May of 1836 came to Allegan. He was first employed by Alexander Ely, and did his first work upon what was known as the big mill. For several years he was engaged in the lumber trade, and about 1844 he purchased the steamboat " Pioneer," which he ran for several years, when he engaged in the manufacture of lath; this business he carried on for some time, when he went into the grocery trade, but soon changed his stock to that of drugs, in which trade he was engaged about twenty years. The life of Mr. Watkins has been comparatively uneventful, and marked but by few changes save such as occur in the lives of most business men. His name has not been known in official circles, with the exception of eight years in which he served his fellow-townsmen as magistrate, but among those men who have, by their own industry and energy, developed the resources of Allegan County, he occupies a conspicuous position. In November, 1845, he was married to Miss Sylvania Snedaker. Five children were born to them, all of whom died in infancy. In his religious and political affiliations Mr. Watkins is a Presbyterian and a Democrat. All in all, he is one of those gentlemen whose identification with any community is always productive of good. ALLEGAN VILLAGE. 171. Photo. by C. G. Agrell, Allegan. ALANSON S. WEEKS. Alanson S. Weeks, son of Samuel and Susannah Weeks, was born at Wheelock, Caledonia Co., Vt., Jan. 10, 1812. He received such an education as the meagre facilities of that day afforded, and at the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the trade of a painter and chair-maker, serving his time with one Ira Church. In the spring of 1834, in company with his brother, Corydon, he started for Michigan; their conveyance was a horse and buggy; the journey occupied some four weeks, and was devoid of any incidents worthy of mention. They arrived in Detroit on the 12th of August, 1834, where they attended the funeral obsequies of Governor Porter, the last of the territorial Governors of Michigan. After a short rest they started West, their point of destination being Kalamazoo, then known as Bronson. Here Mr. Weeks remained during the autumn and winter, working at his trade. In the spring of 1835 he made his first visit to Allegan, and, being favorably impressed with its natural advantages, decided to make it his home. He purchased a farm on section 5, in the town of Trowbridge, and returned to Kalamazoo, where he remained until the spring of 1836, when he purchased property in the village of Allegan and made a permanent settlement. The following year (1837) he was married to Miss Harriet N. Peckham. She was also a native of Vermont, and was born in 1819 in Franklin County. About 1827 her father removed to Canada, and in 1836 she came to Michigan in company with her brother-in-law, J. P. Austin. She was a noble type of the pioneer woman, and endured cheerfully all the hardships and deprivations of the early days. She died in 1855, at the age of thirty-six years, leaving her husband and four children to mourn her loss, the youngest being a babe of two months. For seven years the father filled the place of mother and nurse, attending to his household duties after his day's work was done. To his children he has been a father in all that the name implies; he early taught them lessons of morality, industry, and thrift, and to him they are largely indebted for the enviable position they hold among the representative men of Allegan County. The eldest son, William C., enlisted as a private in the spring of 1862, in Company I, Fifth Michigan Cavalry. He participated in many of the decisive battles of the war, and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He was severely wounded in the battle of Five Forks, where he lost a foot; he was taken prisoner, and was confined in " Libby Prison" from March, 1864, to August of the same year. In July, 1865, he was mustered out, and returned to Allegan, where he has since resided. In 1868 he was elected register of deeds; he discharged his duties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people, and in 1871 was re-elected to the same position. He has been closely identified with the interests of Allegan, and was elected president of the village in 1876. The second son, Harrison S., entered the military academy at West Point at the age of eighteen, graduating with honor at the age of twenty-two, and was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Eighth United States Cavalry. He is at present. stationed at Fort Union, New Mexico. The third son, Harold C., learned the business of a druggist, but by reason of ill health turned his attention to real estate. In 1870 he bought the abstract records of Allegan County, and is at present associated with his elder brother, William C. In connection with their abstract business, they are extensively engaged in agricultural operations and breeding Durham cattle, their stock being from some of the best herds in Kentucky. They own a fine farm of several hundred acres, about two and a half miles from Allegan village. In his political affiliations the elder Weeks was originally an Old-Line Whig, but identified himself with the Republican party upon its formation; the three boys each cast their first Presidential vote for the immortal Lincoln, and are the staunchest of staunch Republicans. Socially, Alanson S. Weeks is genial and courteous, winning the re O 172 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 'gard and esteem of all. He is everywhere known as a man of unquestioned integrity and honesty. He has many of the virtues and but few of the faults of humanity, and is one of those whose identification with any community is always productive of good. He has witnessed and has been identified with the many changes in Allegan history, and while his life has been comparatively uneventful, the position he holds among those who in the early days laid the foundation for the present wealth and prosperity of Allegan County, and the part he has taken in its development, are creditable alike to himself and his posterity. IRA CHICHESTER. This gentleman is one of a family of seven children,three sons and four daughters. He was born in the town of Unadilla, Otsego Co., N. Y., March 6, 1824. His parents were Abijah and Betsey (Olmstead) Chichester, and were farmers by occupation. The elder Chichester removed who for:several years held the position of county surveyor, instructed him also in the art, and he has surveyed much of the county of Allegan. With the exception of the year 1860, he represented his township on the board of supervisors from 1858 to 1866, inclusive. During his service occurred the great civil war, and his duties were arduous in his position. The war widows and families of diseased or disabled soldiers received his earnest attention, and all have cause to remember him with gratitude in those trying days of warfare and suspense. For ten years in succession he held the office of county treasurer. In 1866, Mr. Chichester was married to Ann Mary Ives, daughter of Friend Ives, one of the most prominent citizens of Allegan. In January, 1867, Mr. Chichester located in Allegan with his family, and is at present residing in that city. Although yet young in years, he has arisen to prominence, and is one of the most respected and influential citizens of his county. ELIAS STREETER. Few of the early pioneers of Allegan are more prominently identified with the growth and development of the village than was Mr. Streeter. Having been associated IRA CHICHESTER. from Connecticut about 1805, and settled in Otsego Co., N. Y. Aside from his farm labors he engaged in teaching school, and won a reputation in life for honesty and strict integrity. He removed from Unadilla in 1835, and settled in the town of Otsego, in the same county, four miles below the village, upon a farm he had purchased. His wife died in 1837. He finally came to Michigan, and died in Gun Plain, Allegan Co., in 1856. The early advantages of Ira Chichester were extremely limited. His education was obtained in the district schools of the time, and, in common with the other members of the family, he experienced the various phases of pioneer life, and endured its many hardships and privations. After arriving at the age of manhood he acquired proficiency in the trade of the carpenter and joiner, and also employed a portion of his time in teaching school. His brother, Aaron Chichester, who was a surveyor by profession, and ELIAS STREETER. in Rochester, N. Y., with the family of Judge Ely in lumbering interests, he was readily persuaded to follow their fortunes in Michigan, whence he removed in 1835, where little else than a wilderness presented itself on his arrival. His native place was the township of Phelps, N. Y., where his parents, Thomas and Ruth Streeter, resided at the time of his birth. His early life was uneventful, though it is probable that careful home-training developed those qualities of fortitude and perseverance which enabled him in after-life to fill so successfully the role of pioneer. He early engaged in lumbering pursuits in the Empire State, and, in 1825, married Miss Julia ALLEGAN TOWNSHBIP. 173 AT I Ann Boeu, of Springville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. On his arrrival in Michigan he engaged again in lumbering, and was also actively interested in building and furthering the interests of the village of Allegan, having been employed by the Boston Company. Mr. and Mrs. Streeter had a family of five sons and five daughters, eight of whom are still living. Mr. Streeter's death occurred at the home of his son, James B. Streeter, in Allegan, July 22, 1868, in his seventieth year. The portrait accompanying this sketch is the filial tribute of this son to his memory. James B. is one of the most progressive of Allegan's citizens, and largely engaged in commercial enterprises there. _ _- _ _-Q-__c ALLEGAN TO V NSHIP.* NATURAL FEATURES. THE township of Allegan maintains an important position on account of its containing the county-seat, which is also the business centre of a large circuit of country. It is bounded on the north by Monterey, south by Trowbridge, east by Watson, and west by Pine Plains, and is described in the United States Survey as township 2 north, of range 13 west. It was surveyed by Lucius Lyon in September, 1836. It has many high elevations and deep ravines, some of the former commanding extended views of the surrounding country. On the west and south sides are level stretches of pine-land, and a considerable portion of the tract along the northern boundary is also level, and even shows some traces of the swampy land which was formerly to be seen there. The Kalamazoo River follows a circuitous course through the township, entering it from the south and flowing northwesterly, making its exit near the centre of the western boundary. There are fertile bottom-lands along its course, embracing some of the richest soil in the township, and the banks in many instances are very precipitous. Several creeks of greater or less length flow into the river, most of them from the north. The surface of Allegan is also dotted by a number of lakes of varying size. The most important of these is Miner Lake, which embraces portions of sections 11, 12, and 13, and covers an area of nearly a square mile. It is a favorite resort of pleasure-parties, and the sportsman with his fishing-rod finds ample employment along its shores. The larger portion of Dumont Lake is also claimed by Allegan township. It lies on portions of sections 4 and 5, and is in some localities remarkable for its depth. Wetmore Lake is located on section 3, and Littlejohn Lake, the only one near the southern boundary, is on section 31. The soil varies in different localities, being generally a strong clay mixed with sand, though the pine-lands are composed principally of sand. The bottom-lands along the river are the most fertile tracts in the township. Though a large portion of the township produces a luxuriant growth of grass, yet wheat and corn are the staple products. Wheat is grown with much success, some localities yield' By E. 0. Wagner. This chapter relates to that part of the township outside of the village, except as to valuation and officers. ing extraordinary crops. The usual vegetables also find a congenial soil, and large crops of them are produced. The amount of improved land, by the census of 1874, was 9446 acres, divided among the 221 farms. The official valuation in 1877 was $1,118,205, and the equalized valuation $1,120,000, including personal property. The progress of improvement in the township was for years somewhat retarded by the fact of its lands having been held by non-residents. These have since been cleared and rendered productive. Almost all varieties of timber abound in the township of Allegan. Elm, ash, cedar, and tamarack are found in the swampy portions, while beech and maple flourish in other localities. Lofty pines were formerly seen in abundance on the southern border, some of which were of gigantic proportions. Fruit-culture has more recently absorbed the attention of many of the residents. Large orchards of apples are seen on every side, some of which have produced fruit of very superior quality and size. Plums are grown to a limited extent, and peaches have been gathered which are pronounced quite equal in flavor to those produced in the celebrated Michigan fruit-belt. Many acres are now covered by these trees, and so much interest has been awakened in the subject as to have induced farmers to devote their land to the culture of the peach as well as the apple. Much interest is also manifested in the improvement of stock, many specimens of the choicest varieties of horses, cattle, sheep, and swine being found in the township. The Kalamazoo division of the Michigan Central Railroad, the Grand Haven Railroad, and the Allegan and Southeastern Railroad all traverse this township. They are described at length in Chapter XIX. of the general history. The county-farm is located in Allegan township, and consists of 100 acres of the best quality of land, 90 of which are improved. The buildings are spacious, and in most respects well adapted for the accommodation of the unfortunate inmates. One of the buildings is a two-story structure, with basement, built in 1869, for the keeping and treatment of the insane, in which the officers have had encouraging success. There is also a neat two-story building, erected two or three years since for the care and instruction in school of the poor children thrown upon the county, of sufficient size for the accommodation of 30 174 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. of them, in which 15 were provided for last winter, and homes obtained for them in the spring. This is the first institution of the kind established in the State in connection with the county-house.* ORIGINAL PURCHASES OF LAND. The lands of Allegan township, including the village, were purchased from the government by the following parties: Section 1.-Bought from 1837 to 1858 by William B. Clymer, Asa Hard, John Kent, Samuel T. Reed, Gottlieb Beese, Lewis Peck, Edgar Blaisdell, Anna M. Alley, George W. Delano. Section 2.-Bought from 1837 to 1863 by Alfred Dutcher, 0. C. McCracken, Benjamin Eager, William B. Clymer, Thomas R. Sherwood, Henry Wetsel, Jacob Garlock. Section 3.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Chester Wetmore, Samuel Hubbard, Charles Butler. Section 4.-Bought from 1835 to 1836 by Peter Dumont, Chester Wetmore, Samuel Hubbard, Juniua H. Hatch, Stephen V. R. Trowbridge. Section 5.-Bought from 1835 to 1836 by Milo Winslow and Amos Bronson, Silas F. Littlejohn, Sylvester Clark, William S. De Zenay, Milo Winslow, and Jotha P. Austin. Section 6.-Bought in 1835 by Peter Dumont and John Robinson, Jr. Section 7.-Bought from 1832 to 1836 by E. P. Hastings, Charles Butler, Arthur Bronson, E. P. Hastings, Peter Dumont and John Robinson, Jr., Charles Butler. Section 8.-Bought in 1835 by Joseph D. Beers and S. muel Sherwood. Section 9.-Bought from 1835 to 1836 by 0. B. Ely, A. L. Ely, Chester Wetmore, B. F. Lamed, Lewis Huttleston. Section 10.-Bought from 1835 to 1852 by Alexis Packard, Alanson Edgerton, 0. C. McCracken, Chester Wetmore, John W. Edger, Ira Agan. Section 11.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by William Teall,William B. Clymer, Ira Agan, Henry H. Booth and D. D. Davis, A. S. Smith, Fred Leichto, George F. Morten, J. A. Frost, A. S. Kennet. Section 12.-Bought from 1835 to 1860 by John E. Brackett, William Teall, Peter Richart, William B. Clymer, Dorastus Kellogg, Charles S. Wilson. Section 13.-Bought from 1836 to 1837 by Isaac R. Elwood, Jonas Russell, James H. Woods, John J. Miner, Dauphin Brown. Section 14.-Bought from 1835 to 18.36 by Amos P. Bush, James B. McRay, James Carter. Section 15.-Bought from 1835 to 1837 by Peter Dumont, Edward Pimley, Jonathan Peabody, John Askins and Benjamin Eager, Benjamin Scott. Section 16.-Bought from 1839 to 1864 by Justen Ely, John Wilson, Albert Wilson, N. B. West, O. B. Bellinger, Oka Town, 0. Smith, C. S. Wilson, E. A. Murray, Charles Southwell. Section 17.-Bought from 1833 to 1835 by L. I. Daniels, E. P. Hastings, Alex. L. Ely, Joseph D. Beers, and Samuel Sherwood. Section 18.-Bought from 1832 to 1866 by E. P. Hastings, Charles Butler, Arthur Bronson, Silas Trowbridge, Joseph D. Beers and Samuel Sherwood, William Bracelin. Section 19.-Bought from 1833 to 1836 by E. P. Hastings, Samuel Hubbard, Thomas Burch, Alex. H. Edwards. Section 20.-Bought from 1834 to 1835 by Nelson Sage, Samuel Hubbard, Chauncey Bassett, Alexander H. Edwards, and William H. Welsh. Section 21.-Bought from 1833 to 1851 by Stephen Russell, Samuel Hubbard, Chauncey Bassett, Elisha Moody, Philander Leonard. Section 22.-Bought in 1834 and 1835 by James Lowe, Zenas L. Griswold, William Briant, Edward Pinley. Section 23.-Bought from 1835 to 1837 by Wilson Coggswell, Alphonso Blakesley, Enos Northrop, Stephen V. R. Trowbridge, Benjamin F. Lamed, Daniel L. Case, Laurence Kealey. Section 24.-Bought in 1836 by Stephen V. R. Trowbridge, Simon N. Dexter and Benjamin W. Raymond, Henry Gray, James Carter, Ira Hamilton. Section 25.-Bought from 1836 to 1849 by B. F. Lamed, S. N. Dexter and B. W. Raymond, John W. Bancroft, Samuel Holmes. Section 26.-Bought in 1835 and 1852 by Joseph D. Beers and Samuel Sherwood, Prescott B. Thurston. Section 27.-Bought in 1834 and 1835 by Stephen Russell, James Lowe, Samuel Hubbard, Lewis H. Sanford (in trust for Helen S. Greves), A. Aldrich, John Askins, Benjamin Eager. Section 28.-Bought from 1833 to 1851 by Stephen Vickery and Anthony Cooley, Stephen Russell, Vickery Ballou and Cooley, Samuel Hubbard, Alby Rossman, John R. Kellogg. Section 29.-Bought in 1833 and 1834 by Stephen Vickery and Anthony Cooley, George Ketchum, Silas Trowbridge, Martha Stoddard, Samuel Hubbard. Section 30.-Bought in 1834 and 1835 by Samuel Hubbard, Thomas Burch. Section 31.-Bought in 1835 by L. H. Moore, Alex. L. Ely, James McThomas, James B. Hunt. Section 32.-Bought in 1834 by Samuel Hubbard. Section 33.-Bought from 1834 to 1851 by Samuel Brown, George Ketchum, Stephen Vickery, Anthony Cooley, Samuel Hubbard, Alby Rossman. Sectio, 34.-Bought in 1834 and 1835 by Asa Briggs, Ansel Dickenson, Samuel Hubbard, Lewis H. Sanford (in trust for Helen S. Greves), Alex. L. Ely, George Green. Section 35.-Bought in 1835 by Alexander L. Ely, John I. Eastman, Samuel Hubbard, James Lowe. Section 36.-Bought in 1836 by Elisha Moody, James H. Woods, Simon N. Dexter and Benjamin W. Raymond, Bradley Granger, Richard B. Wiggins, Noah R. Gates. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The first settler in the township of Allegan outside of the village was Elisha Moody, who came in June, 1836, and located on section 21, where he had entered 160 acres. He made some improvements, such as erecting a cabin and clearing a few acres; but either the location was unsatisfactory or the life of a pioneer was unpleasing to Mr. Moody, for during the following year he disposed of his property to Elisha Dickenson, who immediately moved on to it and became the second settler in the township. He, too, seems to have been of a restless nature, for he soon divided the property into parcels, sold it, and left the township. The third settler, and the first permanent one, was Chester Wetmore, who came from Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1835, and after remaining one year in Gun Plain removed to the township of Allegan, having entered 480 acres of land on sections 3 and 4. He built a scow, in which, with his family, he floated down the Kalamazoo to Allegan village, from which point he cut his own road to the place he had chosen for his home. He had gone there himself a few weeks before and built a log house, but it was still without doors or windows. Mr. Dickenson was his nearest neighbor, and he was about three miles distant. Mr. Wetmore devoted his energies to the clearing of his land, employing two men to help him. At the end of the year he had the satisfaction of seeing 25 acres improved, and a portion of it under cultivation. With Mr. Wetmore came his two sons, who are now the proprietors of the large flouring-mill of Wetmore Brothers in Allegan. William Allen came soon after from New York, and located as a tenant upon a farm that had previously been entered by Justus Ely, and on which a small clearing had been made. Mr. Ely was a resident of Allegan village, and was principally engaged in lumbering. Jonathan Peabody arrived in the village of Allegan, from Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1836, and immediately entered 40 * See Chapter XVI. ALLEGAN TOWNSHIP. 175 acres of land on section 15. Finding profitable employment in the village, he remained there two years, when he built a logt house on his place, moved into it, and began improving his land. In the spring, squaws were busy in the vicinity making sugar. The method they pursued was not such as to tempt an epicurean palate. Game of various kinds is said to have been cooked in the sap, which was afterwards reduced to sugar, packed into " mococks"* and sold to the settlers for potatoes and meal. In the family of Mr. Peabody occurred probably the earliest death in the township,-that of one of his infant children, in 1837. Peter M. Higginbotham may, with some justice, contest the honor of being the earliest settler. He arrived from Oneida Co., N. Y., and entered land on section 15 early in 1835, before the settlement made by Moody. There he built a shanty, and remained sufficiently long to begin the work of clearing. He then returned to the East, where he stayed during the following winter. The next spring we find him again with axe in hand felling the forest. It was not, however, till the spring of 1837 that he brought his family from New York and took permanent possession. It consisted of his father, his mother, and his brother, John B. Higginbotham. Another brother, H. S. Higgintbotham, came in 1839 and located on section 21, his land being now embraced within the village limits. This brother is the only surviving member of the family. Peter Higginbotham was undoubtedly the first to begin a clearing in Allegan township, outside the village, but not the first to take up his permanent residence in it. In 1841 Mr. Higginbotham removed to section 21, where he resided until his death. Niram Abbott came from Elmira, N. Y., in 1835, to the village, and a year later began improving his place on section 30. This was the first farm improved near the village, and Mr. Abbott while clearing it continued his residence in Allegan. He built a comfortable home for that period, but in a short time moved to Monterey. Even this did not content him, and in 1839 he emigrated to Illinois, finally moving to Minnesota, where he died. His daughter, Elizabeth S., now the wife of H. S. Higginbotham, was the first little white girl in Allegan township, out of the village. Z. L. Griswold left his early home in Batavia, N. Y., in 1835, and located 160 acres on section 22 on the 8th of June of that year. While entering his land at Kalamazoo, Mr. Griswold met Elisha Moody and recommended a tract adjoining his own, which he (Moody) immediately examined and purchased. Three weeks later Mr. Moody had built a log house upon it and established his family in it. When Mr. Griswold returned the following year he found Elisha Dickenson in possession of the Moody place, with whom he remained three weeks, paying $5 per week for board. Meanwhile, he erected a shanty on his land, moved into it, and went to keeping bachelor's hall. He chopped 11 acres, which he planted principally with potatoes, the seed of which cost from $1 to $1.50 per bushel. Few of the settlers devoted themselves entirely to the improvement of their land, but worked for the Allegan or the Boston Companyt in chopping and drawing logs. For this reason no very marked progress was made in the improvement of the township for several years. Mr. Griswold was given the contract for building the first school-house in his neighborhood, a very early school having previously been taught in a barn built by him, by Miss Olivia Wetmore. In the school-house just mentioned was held the first Sabbath-school in the township, Mr. Griswold having been the superintendent. Like many other old residents of the township, Mr. Griswold retired to the village to spend the declining years of his life. Peter Dumont, a brother-in-law of Chester Wetmore, came in the spring of 1837, having remained at Gun Plain during the two previous years. He entered 160 acres on section 4. His family remained with Mr. Wetmore until a log house was constructed, to which they removed. Mr. Dumont cleared 30 acres and built a barn, but, finding a purchaser of the place in Rev. W. C. H. Bliss, removed to another farm which he purchased on section 6, where he died in 1852, and where his sons John B. and Robert now reside. Wolves were plenty at this period, and the bounty for killing them was large enough to be a material object to a skillful hunter. An instance is related of one settler who paid for his farm from the proceeds of wolf-scalps. The first public religious services in the township, outside of the village, were probably held in the school-house on section 21. Elder Munger is recollected as an early preacher, as were also Rev. William Jones and Rev. W. C. H. Bliss. The latter gentleman has already appeared as having purchased the farm of Peter Dumont. For a time the week was occupied by Mr. Bliss in physical labor, and the Sabbath in pastoral work in various parts of the county. His services were in constant demand on funeral occasions, and at intervals he performed a marriage ceremony, though his annual income was not materially increased by the frequency of these latter events. When Mr. Bliss became a circuit-preacher, he traveled twenty-two hundred miles in one year in fulfilling the duties of his position. Though advanced in years, he still occasionally officiates at religious gatherings, and still occupies the homestead on which he first settled. Corydon Weeks emigrated from Vermont in 1834, and located in Allegan village. After a brief residence there he settled upon the farm now occupied by Charles S. Wilson. Later, he removed to Ohio, but, finding the attractions of Michigan superior to those of the Buckeye State, he returned and purchased 40 acres on section 17, where he now resides. Joseph Bush came from Rochester, N. Y., in 1835, and became a resident of the village. In 1837 he purchased of William B. Jenner 40 acres on section 9, to which he removed. During the first year he was absent much of the time helping to build schooners for the lake traffic, he being by trade a ship-carpenter. Mr. Bush had been a soldier in the regular army, and had been engaged in the Black Hawk war. For years Mrs. Bush accompanied her husband, and endured the hardships of camp-life and its privations. John J. Miner, one of a numerous family, most of whom located in Watson, entered 80 acres on section 13, in Allegan township, in 1836. He improvec this land and ren * See Chapter X. t See preceding chapter on Allegan village. 176 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. dered it a productive farm, but ultimately removed to the village, where he died, and where his widow still resides. Clement Miner, a brother, also has a home in Allegan. John Wilson, another pioneer from Monroe Co., N. Y., came in 1836, and made the village his residence for three years. At the expiration of that time he purchased 40 acres on section 16, which he soon after disposed of, and bought 80 acres on another portion of the same section. On the first tract he built a cooper-shop, probably the only one anywhere in that region. He has since removed to the village, but still retains his farm. George Muma came from Upper Canada in 1837, and was employed by Z. L. Griswold to clear a portion of his farm, upon which he resided. He subsequently settled upon section 16, and afterwards upon section 17, where he owned 80 acres. His latest purchase was in Pine Plains. John and Ephraim Brownell were pioneers from Monroe County in 1837. Unlike most of the emigrants from that county, who were attracted to the village by the prospect of employment, they proceeded directly into the woods, and each located himself upon an 80-acre tract on section 6. Afterwards their brother, Richard Brownell, came and chose a farm on section 6, subsequently removing to section 7. The two brothers who first arrived are still residents of the township, Richard having since died. Asa Morse, another Monroe County man, arrived in 1837 and remained a year in the village, after which he removed to a 40-acre lot on section 9, to which he added 80 additional acres on the adjoining section. He still owns the farm on which he settled, but lives in Allegan village. Three of Mr. Morse's children died soon after his arrival of scarlet fever. There were but few neighbors, but these all came in turn to spend the nights in watching by the bedside of the little sufferers. James Lowe came to Allegan from the banks of the Hudson, in the State of New York, in 1838, and entered 320 acres of land on sections 22 and 27. He was for a while engaged in land-speculations, and afterwards returned to his native State, where he remained until 1840. He then settled upon his purchase with his family. He also owned valuable land in St. Joseph County. Mr. Lowe died in 1842. Mrs. Lowe, though left with a large family and a farm to supervise, overcame all obstacles, and by giving her personal efforts to the improvement of the land succeeded in rendering it very productive. From Wayne Co., N. Y., came William Pullen in 1837, who remained one year in the village and then purchased 240 acres on sections 24 and 25, upon which he settled. While in the village he prepared a house of planks ready for erection, which he removed with a team to its destination (although there was no road but an Indian trail), where it was speedily put up. Twenty-two acres were chopped over the first year, but the brush was so green that it would not burn. Mr. Pullen, however, made a virtue of necessity, and planted potatoes and corn among the logs and bushes, obtaining a very respectable crop. Mr. Pullen's house afforded an early resort for the children, who availed themselves of the instruction of Miss Harriet Blackman, who taught at the early age of fourteen years. She is still teaching in the county. Mr. Pullen, under a contract with the highway commissioners, cut alone twelve miles of road through the township. Among the men employed by A. L. Ely in cutting the race at the village were Daniel and James Bracelin, who came from Washtenaw County in 1835. After the demand for laborers in the village had subsided, Mr. Ely induced them to purchase each 40 acres on section 33. Daniel then engaged to clear a piece of timbered land for Mr. Ely, which was subsequently known as the Bracelin lot. The brothers found no roads near their places, and were not greatly impressed with the advantages of the situation. James sold to Ely and Daniel exchanged his lot for 80 acres in Watson, whither they both removed soon afterwards. James Green came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1838, and took up his residence on section 23, but subsequently retired to the village, where, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, he is still vigorous and active. William A. Knapp, who was one of the early pioneers of the village, became, in 1844, a resident of an 80-acre tract on sections 9 and 16, on which he resided until he again removed to the village, in 1863. When he began the clearing of his land not a house had been erected between his farm and Allegan. Like many other settlers who have removed to the village, Mr. Knapp still retains his farm. Philo Van Keuren removed from Orange Co., N. Y., in 1836, and made the village his residence for a number of years, following the occupation of a boatman on the Kalamazoo River. In 1846 he purchased 160 acres on section 24, upon which he built a substantial framed house, and cleared 10 acres the first year, keeping bachelor's hall in the mean time. The first school building in the neighborhood was built on Mr. Van Keuren's land. Later, a building was erected by the district on the northwest corner of the same section. Mr. Van Keuren has continued to reside upon the land he originally purchased. Among those who came at a later date and have aided greatly in the advancement of the township, though not among its pioneers, may be mentioned the following: Charles Wilson, a former resident of Rochester, arrived in the county in 1838, but did not purchase land until 1852, when he secured a farm embracing portions of sections 9, 10, 15, and 16, which had been owned by Justin Ely. The same year came Allen Wood, who had arrived in the village three years previous, from Monroe County. He purchased 80 acres and built a house, but it was not until two years later that he became a permanent resident. In 1869 he removed to the village, where he now resides. Gustav Maskey is a native of Prussia, but came to this country in 1852, making his way directly to Michigan, where he has since resided. He located upon 80 acres on section 26, now within the village limits. George E. Jewett came originally from Maine, and located at Saugatuck, where he remained several years. In 1853 he purchased 320 acres on section 8, in Saugatuck, a portion of which he afterwards sold to his brother, Nathaniel Jewett, leaving 200 acres, which he now owns. ALLEGAN TOWNSHIP. 177 Alanson Lilly came from Ohio in 1853, and purchased a farm on section 16. Although his arrival occurred at a comparatively late period, the land he purchased and that immediately surrounding it was still an unbroken forest. He began the labor of clearing at once, and very soon had the larger portion of it under cultivation. Philip Vahue was a pioneer from Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., and located in this township in 1854. With him came O. G. and C. S. Vahue. All three settled on sections 8 and 9. Watson Brown moved from Massachusetts in 1848, and purchased 80 acres on section 24, which he made his permanent home. EARLY ROADS. Previous to 1836 no roads had been surveyed in the township. At the foot of State Street, near the site of the Allegan House, in Allegan village, was a ferry From it, on the opposite side of the river, a rough road had been marked out and partially cleared, which ran to Pine Creek, then to Otsego, and thence to Kalamazoo. This road had not been surveyed, and could be regarded as little else than a mere track. The earliest legal road was surveyed by Flavius J. Littlejohn in September, 1836, and is described as a public road leading from the village and county of Allegan southeasterly to the village and county of Kalamazoo, in Michigan. It followed substantially the course of the road above described, the record showing the following courses and distances: "Beginning at a stake near high-water mark in the centre, and at the foot of State Street, in the village of Allegan; thence south across the Kalamazoo River to a stake on the south bank thereof, the same being north 54 degrees west and 42 links distant from a beech-tree, marked as a witness-tree, and also south 73 degrees 30 minutes west, distant from an oak-tree marked as a witness-tree; thence south 14 degrees 30 minutes east 5 chains 10 links to a stake north 60 degrees east and 12 links distant from a maple-tree marked as a witness-tree; thence south 50 degrees east 94 chains 68 links, to a pine-tree marked with a blaze, three hacks, and a cross, as a sight-tree; thence south 67 degrees 45 minutes east 184 chains 87 links, to a stake north 31 degrees west of and 21 links distant from. a maple witness-tree, and also north 24 degrees east of and 25 links distant from a maple witness-tree; thence south 60 degrees 30 minutes east 46 chains, to a stake upon the east line of township 1 north, of range 13 west, 21 chains from the southeast corner of section line of said town, and 97 links north of a marked tree on said section line. Note.-The above courses are given after allowing 4 degrees 30 minutes for the variation of the needle." The commissioners of highways at this time were Enoch S. Baker, Elisha Moody, and Elisha Ely. The second road in the township was also surveyed by F. J. Littlejohn, and is described as "a State road from the county-seat of Allegan County to the county-seat of Van Buren County (Paw Paw), in the State of Michigan," the portion running through Allegan township only having been recorded. It was surveyed in March, 1837. The next road was known as the Pine Creek road, and was surveyed July, 1837, probably by the same person, under the direction of John Billings, George Y. Warner, and F. J. Littlejohn, commissioners of highways. A portion of the road was discontinued, as may be seen by reference to a profile of a road-survey, by order of the 23 commissioners, by William Forbes, county surveyor, on the 6th and 7th days of March, 1838. A road was next surveyed leading from the village of Allegan to the village of Edwardsburg, Cass Co., Mich. The survey was made on the 25th of November, 1837, by H. P. Barnum. From this time roads were surveyed as settlers appeared and the demand for them increased. SCHOOLS. A school was taught in the township before the erection of a school building, at the house of Chester Wetmore, on section 21, the earliest teacher being his daughter, Miss Olivia W. Wetmore. Meanwhile, Mr. Wetmore had erected a new barn, which, being spacious and clean, was devoted for a time to the uses of a school. In 1841 the first school-house in the township, outside of the village, was built on the Dickenson farm, on section 21; the school being taught by the lady before mentioned, and her earliest pupils being Joseph H. Wetmore, Rhoda M. Wetmore, Albert D. Wetmore, Lucy J. Wetmore, William A. Bliss, Henry Bliss, and Chester Ross. The first school district in the township was organized in 1836. Others soon after followed, until the territory is now divided into seven whole and four fractional districts. The directors of the various districts are H. H. Pope, Winslow Feek, Brewster Peabody, Lewis Blaisdell, W. O. Hudson, Sylvester Campbell, Emerson Allen, and J. B. Adams, the village being included in the school report of the township. The whole number of children receiving instruction is 897, of whom 35 are non-resident pupils. Three male and 23 female teachers are employed, to whom the total amount in salaries paid is $4861.20. Eight school buildings adorn the township, three of which are built of brick, and the total value of school property in Allegan is $24,650. BURIAL-PLACES. The largest of the township cemeteries is located within the limits of the village. One and a half acres of land, situated on the north half of the southwest quarter of section 29, was early donated by Alexander L. Ely as a burialplace, with the stipulation that a lot be reserved for the interments of his family. When it ceased to be used for this purpose, by the terms of the bequest the remains of himself and his family were to be exhumed and the lot was to revert to his heirs. An effort was made in 1869 to remove the burial-ground to section 32, where 40 acres had been purchased for the purpose. On an examination of the terms of Mr. Ely's bequest, the project was found to be impracticable, and the land purchased was disposed of for agricultural purposes. Six acres adjoining the old cemetery was then secured from W. B. Williams in 1873, and added to the original tract. This not only affords additional space, but contributes greatly to the attractiveness of the spot. A half acre of ground was purchased Aug. 30, 1847, described as lying on the road known as the Miner road, running east from the Grand River road to the township of Watson, being on the north side of the northwest quarter of section 22, and being about 60 rods east of the Grand River road. This ground was deeded by Gerry Pardee to 178 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. __ I B. L. Griswold, R. Cook, and J. Hudson, as trustees of the burial-ground, for a consideration of $20. Another tract, embracing three-eighths of an acre, was purchased Jan. 1, 1866, described as the southwest corner of the east half of the southwest quarter of section 5. It was deeded by Allen Wood and wife to the Fairfield Cemetery Association, and which was described as a parcel of land ten rods north and south, and six rods east and west, out of the southwest corner of the above premises, which was conveyed to said association for purposes of burial, to be used for that purpose and no other, and at all times to be kept well enclosed with a good and substantial fence by the corporation. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. By an act of the territorial council of 1833, the territory of the county of Allegan was constituted the township of Allegan, and attached to Kalamazoo County for judicial and legal purposes.* By an act of the State Legislature of 1836, those townships situated in ranges 13 and 14, Allegan County, were constituted the township of Allegan, embracing in all eight survey-townships of that time and eight civil townships of the present day,- namely, Trowbridge, Allegan, Monterey, Salem, Cheshire, Pine Plains, Heath, and Overisel. Various portions were successively set off from Allegan until that township was reduced to its present limit of six miles square. At the first town-meeting after the division, held pursuant to notice in the village of Allegan, in April, 1836, Joseph Fisk was chosen moderator, Joseph Allen and Elisha Moody were made clerks, and the following officers were elected: Supervisor, Alexander L. Ely; Township Clerk, Nathaniel Livermore; Justices of the Peace, Joseph Fisk, Elisha Ely, Elisha Moody, Enoch S. Baker; Assessors, Elisha Moody, Hiram Abbott, Joseph Fisk; Highway Commissioners, Elisha Moody, Elisha Ely, Enoch S. Baker; Overseers of the Poor, Lyman Fisk, Elisha Ely; School Commissioners, Sylvester Aldrich, Benjamin McCoy, Enoch S. Baker; School Inspectors, Alexander L. Ely, William C. Jenner, Joseph Allen. The following are the remaining township officers in succession to the present time: SUPERVISORS. 1837, Flavius J. Littlejohn; 1838, Silas F. Littlejohn; 1839, Joseph Fisk; 1840, Hyman Iloxie; 1841, William Finn; 1842, Alex. L. Ely; 1843, Elisha Ely; 1844, James Andrew; 1845, William Finn; 1846, Noah Briggs; 1847, William Finn; 1848-50, David D. Davis; 1851, Leonard Bailey; 1852, Elisha Ely; 1853-56, E. B. Bassett; 1857, Benjamin Pratt; 1858-60, E. B. Bassett; 1861 -62, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1863-66, Alanson Case; 18d7, Joseph Fisk; 1868-69, Alanson Case; 1870-74, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1875-79, Leonard Bailey. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1837-41, Alvah Fuller; 1842, Leonard Bailey; 1843, Benjamin Pratt; 1844, Alexander L. Ely; 1845-46, E. B. Bassett; 1847, Charles S. Field; 1848, Ralph B. Goble; 1849-50, Amos W. Stone; 1851, Levi B. Smith; 1852, Horatio S. Lay; 1853, James B. Streeter; 1854, Levi B. Smith; 1855, Henry C. Smith: 1856, C. 0. Bush; 1857-58, John Kirby; 1859, A. S. Butler; 1860, W. B. Jenner; '* The residents of this old township of Allegan lived in Otsego and Gun Plain, and the officers they elected are mentioned in the history of Otsego. 1861; A. S. Butler; 1862, Henry C. Smith; 1863, George L. Askins; 1864, H. S. Higginbotham; 1865-66, J. F. Alley; 1867, John W. Stone; 1868, A. F. Howe; 1869, E. B. Grover; 1870, A. E. Calkins; 1871, Irving F. Clapp; 1872-74, Samuel D. Pond; 1875, A. E. Calkins; 1876-78, S. P. Stanley; 1879, W. W. Vosburgh. TREASURERS. 1837-38, no record; 1839, William Finn; 1840, Oramel Fisk; 1841, David D. Davis; 1842, James Andrew; 1843, Alex. L. Ely; 1844, Leonard Bailey; 1845, David D. Davis; 1846, Daniel Emerson; 1847-48, Justus W. Bond; 1849, William Finn; 1850-52, Daniel D. Davis; 1853-54, William Finn; 1855-56, John J. Jones; 1857, J. W. Nichols; 1858-59, John J. Jones; 1860-63, Martin Cook; 1864-66, A. S. Butler; 1867, 11. C. Smith; 1868-69, Silas E. Stone; 1870-71, George D. Smith; 1872, A. S. Butler; 1873, D. A. McMartin; 1874-77, Martin Cook; 1878-79, William J. Pollard. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1837, Chester Wetmore; 1838, S. F. Littlejohn; 1839, Wells Field; 1840, Elisha Ely;, 1841, E. C. Southworth, D. B. Stout; 1842, Benjamin Pratt; 1843, Frederick Day, Nathan Manson, Jr.; 1844, Alby Rossmnan; 1845, Hiram Sabin; 1846, Benjamin Scott; 1847, Nathan Manson, Jr.; 1848, Osmand Smith; 1849, Levi B. Smith; 1850, Amos P. Bush; 1851, Charles R. Wilkes; 1852, Osmund Smith; 1853, Daniel D. Davis; 1854, John J. Jones; 1855, J. D. Pope, 11. 1I. Booth; 1856, Elias Streeter, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1857, Homer G. Case; 1858, John E. Babbitt, Joseph Wetmore; 1859, P. 0. Littlejohn, Allen Wood; 1860, George W. Stone; 1861, Benjamin Pratt; 1862, Joseph H. Wetmore; 1863, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1864, J. D. Pope; 1865, Benjamin Pratt; 1866, James F. Stuck; 1867, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1868, William Finn; 1869, D. A. McMartin; 1870, Alanson Case; 1871, William B. Jenner; 1872, Fayette S. Day, John P. Barkley; 1873, John E. Babbitt; 1874, Albert D. Wetmore; 1875, William Francis, Robert Campbell; 1876, Fayette S. Day; 1877, Myron Henshaw; 1878, Joseph Thew; 1879, Allen Wood. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1837, John Billings, F. J. Littlejohn, George Y. Warner; 1838, Benjamin Eager, Daniel Emerson, 0. D Goodrich; 1839, Chester Wetmore, John Askins; 1840, John P. Allard, William Porter, Hiram Sabin; 1841, F. J. Littlejohn, Gil Blas Wilcox, J. G. Coleman; 1842, F. J. Littlejohn, Wells Field, Isaac Dexter; 1843, Ira Chaffee, Hiram Sabin, F. J. Littlejohn; 1844, Jacob D. Seaman, Ira Chaffee, Hiram Sabin; 1845, Philo Van Keuren, Nathan Manson, Jr., J. D. Seaman; 1846, Harvey Kenyon, Hiramn Sabin, Philo Van Keuren; 1847, David Amnerman, Philo Van Keuren, Ira Chaffee; 1848, Clark F. Nichols; 1849, Joseph H. Wetmore; 1850, R. H. Brownell, James M. Heath; 1851, Jerome Moses; 1852, Philo Van Keuren, Watson Brown; 1853, Ephraim Brownell; 1854, George Perkins, Lauren Sage; 1855, P. 0. Littlejohn, John Askins, Chester Wetmore; 1856, Ward Wilson; 1857, W. A. Bliss, John Askins; 1858, J. D. Pope; 1859, Daniel Amerman, Philo Van Keuren; 1860, John Wilson; 1861, James M. Heath; 1862, Daniel Amerman; 1863, Joseph Fisk; 1864, Jacob Garlock, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1865, Daniel Amerman; 1866, Jacob Garlock; 1867, Ira Chaffee; 1868, J. H. Wetmore, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1869, Daniel White; 1870, Daniel D. Davis; 1871, Samuel H. Priest; 1872, Joseph H. Wetmore; 1873, Judson A. Frost, Clark Nichols; 1874, Alexander Hurd; 1875, Judson A. Frost; 1876, A. D. Wetmore; 1877, Ira Chaffee; 1878, Quincey Fausler; 1879, John Wilson. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1837, William Jones, George Martin, Spencer Marsh; 1838, 0. D. Goodrich, John H. Wells, Spencer Marsh; 1839, James Andrews, R. M. Bigelow, Alexis Ransom; 1840, 0. D. Goodrich, R. M. Bigelow, D. A. McMartin; 1841, E. C. Southworth, Nathan Manson, Jr., A. P. Thompson; 1842, 0. D. Goodrich, John P. Allard, D. B. Stout; 1843, H. K. Clarke, Samuel Newberry; 1844, E. B. Bassett, E. G. Hackley; 1845, F. J. Littlejohn; 1846, E. Saw tell; 1847, F. L. Littlejohn, F. T. R. Jones; 1848, Levi B. Smith; 1849, Osmund Smith; 1850, L. A. Smith, H. S. Day; 1851, H. S. Day; 1852, F. J. Littlejohn; 1853, H. S. Day; 1854, F. J. Littlejohn; 1855, L. B. Smith; 1856, F. J. Littlejohn; 1857, L. II II I I: ----: . ~ - '~- : ~~.:.-~~.-. r-. ~.~-~:.. -~...:~~:: 1-:-I -~.ff iL,::i i 5 "' 1'L "LAKESIDE FARM RESIDENCE OF REV. CHARLES JOHNSON, CASCO, ALLEGAN CO.,MICH. CASCO TOWNSHIP. 179 B. Smith; 1858, F. J. Littlejohn; 1859, Henry C. Briggs; 1860, W. L. Littlejohn, J. L. Hlawes; 1861, E. B. Bassett; 1862, James B. Streeter; 1863, Charles Brownell; 1864, James B. Streeter; 1865, H. S. Higginbotham; 1866, F. J. Higgins; 1867, H. S. lHigginbotham; 1868, William B. Jenner; 1869, John S. Bidwell; 1870, J. C. Fisk; 1871, Martin T. Ryan; 1872, J. M. Pennock; 1873, Mark D. Wilber; 1874, A. E. Calkins; 1875-76, Charles W. Sage; 1877-78, F. M. Calkins: 1879, H. A. De Lano. ASSESSORS. 1837, Silas F. Littlejohn, Hiram Abbott, J. R. Kellogg, 11. K. Clarke, Milo Winslow; 1838, A. L. Ely, George Morton, Lorenzo Winslow; 1839, F. J. Littlejohn, Nathan Manson, Jr., A. L. Ely; 1840, Noah Briggs, Alexis Ransom, W. 1H. Rood; 1841, Chester Wetmore, Henry Dumont, John Billings, Jr. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1837, Elisha Ely, Charles Dickenson; 1838, D. C. Ailing, Benjamin Atkins; 1839, Hlyman HIoxic, Alby Rossman; 1840, Ebenezer Parkhurst, Cephas Field; 1841, Elias Streeter, Alanson S. Weeks; 1842, William C. Jenner, Festus Wilson; 1843, Elisha Ely, A. P. Bush; 1844, A. P. Bush, Cephas Field; 1845, William Finn, A. P. Bush; 1846, Elisha Ely, Elias Streeter; 1847, Elisha Ely, Alby Rossman; 1848, George Muma, Elisha Ely; 1849, Elias Streeter, Alby Rossman; 1850, G. C. Smith, P. N. Higginbotham; 1851, E. G. Hackley, P. N. Higginbotham; 1852, Elias Streeter, P. N. Higginbotham; 1853, S. N. Pike, George C. Smith; 1854, Alby Rossman, David D. Davis; 1855, Alby Rossman, Elias Streeter; 1856, George Perkins, Moses Fausler; 1857, Elias Streeter, Alby Rossman; 1858, David Ely, P. 0. Littlejohn; 1859-60, no record; 1861, Daniel D. Davis, John Askins. DRAIN COMMISSIONER. 1876-78, John Wilson. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875-76, M. D. Wilber; 1877, F. M. Calkins; 1878-79, Walter Scott. CONSTABLES. 1837, George Y. Warner, Alanson Edgarton; 1838, D. A. McMartin, Henry Dumont; 1839, Henry Langley, James Andrew, Lloyd Austin, Garret H1. Baker; 1840, James Andrew, Wells Marshall, John Billings, 11. A. Buffum; 1841, Wells Marshall, Zadoc tHuggins, James Andrew, Jonathan Peabody; 1842, Wells Marshall, Samuel Underwood, Jr., Harvey Kenyon, T. C. Jenner; 1843, L.W. Watkins, Philo Van Keuren, Rufus Fairchild, Lewis Huttleston; 1844, Rufus Fairchild, Alexander Henderson, Philo Van Keuren, Zadoc IHuggins; 1845, Rufus Fairchild, Alexander Henderson, George Warner, L. K. Pratt; 1846, Daniel D. Davis, Rufus Fairchild, L. B. Smith, Alfred Muma; 1847, E. C. Southworth, Nathan Manson, Jr., James M. Heath; 1848, Rufus Fairchild, Thomas Cook, J. W. Nichols, Robert Bottsford; 1849, J. W. Nichols, John Allett, John J. Jones, Levi A. Barber; 1850, J. J. Jones, IL. C. Smith, S. M. Holmes, Joseph Cook; 1851, J. J. Jones, J. P. McCormick, J. B. Streeter, Henry Allett; 1852, J. P. McCormick, Thomas Cook, Thomas Streeter, Joseph Fiske; 1853, John J. Jones, Ward Wilson, Thomas Streeter, J. P. McCormick; 1854, William Finn, Thomas B. Streeter, James Garrison, J. P. MecCormick; 1855, C. C. Spear, J. E. Garrison, T. B. Streeter, S. A. Hewett; 1856, J. E. Garrison, William Wedge, Joseph Cook, Henry Seaman; 1857, Allen Streeter, James E. Garrison, Lyman Pratt, John Steadman; 1858, F. Atwell, Albert French; 1859, James E. Garrison, George Cook, Benjamin Curry, H. C. Allett; 1860, 11. S. Priest, Lyman K. Pratt, John Allett, f1. L. Gassett; 1861, Samuel HI. Priest, H. L. Gassett, Lyman K. Pratt; 1862, George C. Nicholson, G. N. Alexander, L. K. Pratt, J. P. McCormick; 1863, Martin Cook, L. K. Pratt, George H. Foster, J. P. McCormick; 1864, J. E. Garrison, E. B. Tyler, Benona Collins, Henry Southwell; 1865, Riley Thompson, D. W. Dodwell, F. Atwell, S. H. Priest; 1866, S. H. Priest, Earl Tyler, Riley Thompson, W. C. Wood; 1867, S. 11. Priest, J. C. Gorman, D. S. Cosier, W. G. Wood; 1868, Charles E. Smith, John C. Gorman, Clark Nichols, F. S. Day; 1869, John E. Babbitt, Jeremiah Lester, Hubbard Wilson, Clark Nichols; 1870, C. W. Fisk, 0. S. Hardy, J. R. Aldrich, T. D. Ely; 1871, George W. Byron, Fayette S. Day, William R. Webster, 0. S. Hardy; 1872, William R. Webster, Samuel 11. Priest, George W. Bailey, Spencer Wright; 1873, James M. Foster, Charles E. Pratt, Gybrecht Stein, Joseph Ely; 1874, C. E. Pratt, John C. Holmes, Joseph Ely, William R. Webster; 1875, W. F. Clark, Quincey Fausler, William H. Jones, Hulbert Wilson; 1876, Allen Mosher, Fred. Hall, Joseph W. Ely, Walter Benjamin; 1877, Allen Mosher, W. H. Jones, Fred. Hall, Joseph W. Ely; 1878, Thomas Clifford, M. P. Grice, W. H. Bierce, Dennis R. Thralls; 1879, M. 11. Wetton, Frank D. Stuck, M. P. Grice, Ed. P. Girard. The hamlet of Mill Grove, a portion of which lies in Allegan, will be more fully described in the history of Pine Plains. C A S C O.* CASCO, the southwestern township of Allegan County, includes survey-township No. 1 north, in range 16 west, and the fractional township No. 1, in range 17, containing in all nearly 40 full sections. On the north is the township of Ganges, on the south the Van Buren county-line, on the east the township of Lee, and on the west the waters of Lake Michigan. Casco holds a prominent place among the fruit-growing towns of Western Michigan, and in the culture of peaches especially is making very rapid advances. With an assessed valuation in 1879 of $285,000, the township then ranked next after Saugatuck and Fillmore in that particular. * By David Schwartz. The north and middle branches of Black River, flowing from the north and east to section 31, there join in forming the main stream, but neither affords any very desirable water-power. Both, however, are of ample volume to serve the demands of lumbermen in log-running, and the north branch was some years ago navigated by keel-boats to a point about nine miles above South Haven. Along the lake-shore the land generally rises in high, abrupt bluffs, and presents a picturesque front to travelers on passing vessels. The lake-shore region is, of course, the favorite fruit-growing district, and the southwestern portion of the township resembles a vast peach-orchard. South Haven is the principal market, and the chief place for shipping fruit, although in the eastern part of the township the Chicago 180 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. and West Michigan Railway receives much freight from this source. On the 17th of May, 1869, the town agreed by a vote of 113 to 103 to raise $5000 in aid of the Kalamazoo and South Haven Railroad, but at a subsequent meeting reconsidered and defeated the resolution. On the 25th of October, 1869, a resolution to aid the Chicago and Michigan Lake Shore Railroad was defeated by a vote of 109 to 2. Two attempts to raise money for the erection of a townhouse have also met with failure. Casco has no village, but has two post-offices, one church edifice, and three others in process of erection. THE EARLY COMERS IN CASCO. Until the autumn of 1844 the township of Casco had not heard the ring of the pioneer's axe, and until the spring of 1845 had received no permanent white settlers. It was John Thayer and his two sons who led the way in the peaceful invasion of Casco, and it was upon section 2, where Thayer had bought land, that they first made a clearing, in the fall of 1844. While engaged in this work they made their home at Levi Loomis', in Ganges, where Thayer's family abided until the summer of 1845. In April, 1845, before the Thayers had taken up their residence in the township, Mortimer McDowell and William B. Reynolds came in and began at once to make a clearing on section 18. Timothy McDowell, a resident of Western New York, had bought 320 acres of land in Casco, and had sent his son Mortimer and his brother-in-law Reynolds out to put up a cabin and make a small clearing preparatory to the coming of the rest of the family. While doing this, Reynolds and young McDowell lived at A. N. Crawford's house, in Ganges, walking thither every night and back the next morning. By June they had put up a cabin and cut up the timber on half an acre of land, and on the 17th of that month Timothy McDowell, with his wife and three children, having come by wagon from their New York home, appeared and took possession of their new abode, thus becoming the first actual residents of the township of Casco. Reynolds, after thus assisting in giving the McDowells a good start, went to Kalamazoo and engaged in railroad work. He died in Minnesota in 1879. Mortimer McDowell still lives in Casco, as does his mother. His father, who was Casco's first supervisor, and who, during his subsequent life, was a prominent citizen of the township, died in 1876. When Mr. McDowell came West he brought a pair of fine horses, which he expected to use on his farm, but a survey of the wild country to which he had come quickly satisfied him that his horses would be sadly out of place, and he accordingly exchanged them for a yoke of cattle. In a country where there were no roads horses and wagons were almost useless property, but oxen were nearly invaluable. Not long after Mr. McDowell came the lake-shore road was opened between his house and Saugatuck, but south from his place the lake-beach was the only highway as far even as St. Joseph. In front of his residence a ravine led to the lake-shore, and of that ravine McDowell made a roadway by which travelers fiom the south reached the Saugatuck road. His house was a halting-place for all who journeyed that way, and served many a weary traveler as a welcome place of entertainment. Although McDowell brought his family to Casco by land, he sent his household goods by lake to Saugatuck, whence they were conveyed, in charge of Alexander Henderson, to McDowell's landingplace in a scow, which was towed along the lake-shore by men walking on the beach. John Thayer built a cabin on section 2, and brought his family in shortly after the McDowells made their settlement. With him also lived James Donnelly, who became a settler upon a 10-acre tract which he bought of Thayer. Orletus, one of the sons of John Thayer, who was the first person to be married in the township, took for a wife Clarissa, a daugliter of James W. Wadsworth, of Ganges. Their daughter, Eutheria, now a resident of Wisconsin, was the first white child born in the township, and Mrs. Hayes, the mother of Mrs. John Thayer, was the first white person who died in the same territory. She was buried on Mr. Thayer's farm, where her remains rest to this day. The McDowells and Thayers remained for five years the only white families resident in Casco. H. J. Cox, who now lives upon section 6, was a young unmarried man when he came to Casco, in 1845, to work for Mr. McDowell, and, although he continued to live in the neighborhood, he could hardly be called a permanent resident until several years afterwards. The next comer was Garret Updike, who made his appearance in 1850; following him were the Sheffers, Mungers, Hollisters, L. D. Cook, Joseph Dow, W. W. Ockford, M. F. Rose, J. Emmons, W. P. Davis, Ezra Brown, the Bardens, E. H. McLouth, the Thomas brothers, D. H. Cady, the Reeds, Crosby Eaton, A. B. Avery, John Flint, the Buys, John Faben, Thomas Idelles, R. Bowles, W. Crates, the Hamlins, L. W. Osborn, and Andrew Brown, all of whom settled in the township between 1850 and 1860. In the year 1850, Clark M. Sheffer bought a tract of land on section 36, in fractional township 1, range 17, but did not make a permanent settlement there until 1852, although he lived there in a shanty and peeled considerable bark. In 1851, Joseph Dow, who had been living a year at South Haven, came with his son to a place on the same section, which he had bought of J. C. Hale, erected a log cabin, and began to make a clearing. To get nails for the construction of his cabin Dow had to send to Paw Paw, near thirty miles distant. As to roads, there was a tolerable highway northward to McDowell's (his nearest neighbor in that direction); the one leading to South Haven was a mere path marked by blazed trees. It was not until some years afterwards that the lake-shore road southward from Mr. Dow's place was made a decent thoroughfare. In 1852, Mr. Dow brought the rest of his family to his home in the woods, and in the same year Clark M. Sheffer and his brother, S. G. Sheffer, made permanent settlements close at hand. East of these there was then nobody in the township save Smith and Thayer, on sections 1 and 2. The nearest places for the settlers of Casco to go to mill were Lawrence and Allegan, and both were so far away that a lull L OF T. A. BI X BY, CAsco A LLEGAN CO.,MI CH. ^ LA. CIL*^ N LI I CASCO TOWNSHIP. 181 journey to either was always regarded as a most unpleasant task. The woods were so dense that one of Dow's sons, who had gone but a short distance from the house after a pail of water, completely lost his bearings while watching the movements of some deer which had come near him. When he recognized the fact that he was lost, he climbed a tree and tried to "look out," but the attempt was a failure. After a time his brothers missed him and went to seek him, finding him only after a protracted search. The Dow boys used to take firewood home along the lake-shore in a scow, towing the vessel by means of a horse on the, beach. One day, however, a sudden squall of wind swamped the scow, set the cargo afloat, and came near pulling the horse'into the lake. That ended the business of " towing on the lake." The next settlers on the lake-shore after Dow and the Sheffers were L. D. Cook and Andrew Ilollister, who located themselves, in 1852, on section 24, in range 17. At that time there was a stage-route between South Haven and Saugatuck, which went along the beach from the former place to McDowell's, and then followed the lake-shore road. The stage-driver was John H. Billings, an early settler in the town of Ganges, and for many years a wellknown knight of the whip in the western part of Allegan County. In 1852, Sylvester Munger and F. L. Hollister came into the township, and in 1853 W. W. Ockford and M. F. Rose. The year 1854 brought among others J. Emmons and W. P. Davis, and in 1855 Richard Barden, a Kalamazoo pioneer of 1837, joined the Casco settlement, locating himself upon section 8, where he now resides. The land was entirely in a state of nature, and the east-and-west road which now passes his place was only underbrushed. The only settler between Mr. Barden's farm and the lake was Eli Weind, who lived upon the farm now occupied by S. H. Hamlin, with whom Mr. Barden and his family resided until his own necessary improvements were completed. E. H. McLouth and Levi Thomas also came in 1855, as did Reuben and J. B. Thomas; D. H. Cady in 1856, and J. V. Sheffer and S. and A. Reed in 1857. When Crosby Eaton (now representing his district in the Legislature) came to Casco from Massachusetts, in 1858, and located on section 5, in range 17, there was no one south of him to the county-line. In 1858, too, John Flint, a Kalamazoo County pioneer of 1836, and a merchant in Galesburg for fourteen years, bought the Earl mill, on section 9, and carried it on several years. Among the other settlers of 1858 were Cornelius Buys and his brother; and among those of 1859, L. W. Osborn and Reuben Walker. In 1860 additions to the settlement were made in the persons of Andrew J. Munger, N. Q. Munger, S. H. Hamlin, S. M. Hamlin, and others. N. Q. Munger says that the lakeshore region was pretty wild even when he came in. He lived with his family the first winter of his stay in the barn of his brother Sylvester, and when he built his cabin he could not find a clear spot large enough to put it on without cutting down a few trees. He says it was a common thing for him to shoot deer from his cabin door. H. A. Fowler, the most extensive peach-grower in Casco, came hither in 1862 from Otsego, and settled upon a tract of new land previously owned by Linus Bathrick. Among the later comers on the lake-shore may be mentioned J. J. Goodemote, T. A. Bixby, M. H. Bixby, D. E. Histed, C. H. Wigglesworth, H. Griffin, A. D. Healy, H. W. Bishop, E. D. Farnum, H. J. Lindeman, Charles Johnson, William Carter, Daniel Lutz, and N. D. Fitch. The first burials on the lake-shore were made in family lots. William Darling laid out the cemetery on section 18. John McDowell, who died a prisoner at Andersonville, built the fence, and, in view of the few deaths with which the town had been afflicted, he was led to remark, " I guess we'll have to kill somebody to start this graveyard." EASTERN CASCO. The whole eastern part of the township was exceedingly backward in the matter of settlement, and not until about 1865 did the pioneers take hold of that portion with a will. Thenceforward, however, that section was rapidly peopled, and, although there is yet some uncultivated land there, the tract is generally well improved, and is highly valued as a farming district. There were originally large tracts of pine and hemlock timber, and some swamp land in that region which repelled settlers and retarded the progress of the town. At length, however, a few sanguine pioneers located themselves on the tract in question, reclaimed the lowlands, and soon proved that no part of the township offered better inducements to the farmer than existed there. They quickly received accessions to their numbers, and ere long the section which had been called the poorest in the township was known as one of the most valuable. As an illustration of the esteem in which Eastern Casco was held only a little over twenty years ago, Thomas Idelles, who located there late in 1858, says that en route from Saugatuck to his new home he stopped at a settler's house to rest, and upon indicating his destination was cheered by his host's exclaiming that if he went there and stayed he would starve, "as sure as preaching."' Mr. Idelles made his settlement in October, 1858, upon 80 acres in section 12 that he had bought of David Gideon, a land-speculator living in Wisconsin. On section 2 Idelles found John Thayer, with whom he lived until his own cabin was put up. On section 12 he found John Faben, who had effected his settlement in 1856. On section 1 were James Smith and Ezra D. Brown, but on sections 3, 4,10, 11, 13, and 14 there had been no move made towards settlement. George Crates, on section 36, was the solitary settler in the southeast portion of the town. South of Idelles, in 1858, to the county-line and west to the centre of the township, the only settlers were George Crates, E. V. Bodfish, and James Emmonds. Ezra D. Brown, already mentioned, served through the war of 1812, and in 1854 located the land-warrant which he had received for his services on a quarter of section 1 in Casco. His widow, now living in Casco, says that except John Thayer they had no white neighbors nearer than five miles, their nearest being the McDowells and Crawfords. " There were indeed Indians and wolves for neighbors," she continued, in her remarks to the writer, " and the wolves especially were so neighborly that they never let a night ' 182 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. pass without howling about the house as if they would howl it down." The place occupied by Brown, on section 1, is now owned by Henry Dow, who came to the township in 1868. In 1860, Isaac Stelar came in to make a settlement on section 26. While building a cabin, he lived, with his family, beneath the shelter of a bark roof put up against a log. In 1860, Henry Overhiser came to Michigan from Indiana, and in March, 1861, located himself upon 40 acres on section 1, which he had bought of W. W. Ockford, a previous settler on section 16. At that time the settlers in Eastern Casco included James Smith and E. D. Brown, on section 1; John Faben and Thomas Idelles, on section 12; Thomas H. Janes and James Carthrop, on section 11; John Thayer and his two sons, on section 2; Isaac Stelar, on section 26; Daniel Matthews, on section 35; and John Brewer, on section 36. There was no settler on sections 14, 23, 24, or 25. In March, 1864, Overhiser moved to his present location, on section 14, at which time the only road near him was the north-and-south road passing by his land, and that was only underbrushed. In 1861 a road was cut out through sections 1 and 2, but between sections 1 and 36 the territory was entirely unprovided with a highway, except an underbrushed road through sections 11 and 12. Whenever a settler started on a journey with his ox-team, before the war, he always carried an axe with him, and expected to clear his own way as a matter of course. One of the early grist-mills owned by John Faben consisted simply of a hemlock-log mortar and a spring-pole pestle, but settlers were glad to use it, as it saved them a trip of 20 miles to Allegan. The first year of his settlement Mr. Idelles bought Indian corn of Messrs. McDowell & Barden and had it pounded at Faben's mill, but when his own corn began to grow he improvised a still cheaper mill by perforating a tin pan, and then he and his family regaled themselves on bread made of grated green corn. Indians were plentiful in Eastern Casco even as late as 1858, their favorite camping-grounds being near the big springs on sections 11 and 22. Hunting, fishing, and trading with the whites employed their time, and, although averse to work, they were seldom beggars. Scott Lake, in Lee township, was the most popular fishing-place. They remained in the vicinity until 1861, when they passed away from the neighborhood. To show what some settlers had to begin on, it may be told of Henry Overhiser that when he bought his land on section 1 he turned his horse, harness, and saddle in as part payment on it, and then, with nothing left to him in the way of capital but his bare hands, lie managed to clear his land by logging for others, giving two days of his own work for one of a man with a team. The cemetery on section 2 was laid out in 1859. The first tombstone placed in it was erected over the grave of Henry Overhiser's son. In the spring of 1861 the wife of James Carthrop died, and those who recollect the event say there was not a horse-team at the funeral, for the simple reason that there was not one in the township, or at least in that part of it. Settlements in the eastern part of the township were continued in 1863, when E. Leisure located on section 11. In 1864 W. W. Johnston, now living on section 16, made a settlement there. Samuel Clover was also on section 14, and in 1865 Jacob Berry (who came to Michigan in 1856) located on section 22. In that year, also, William M. Ruel and George Whitney became settlers on section 14. In 1866 came W. L. Zook, in 1867 J. Cady and Peter Black, and in 1868 Henry Dow and L. A. Spencer. S. W. Bennett, now living on section 33, was an early comer in Lee township, where he was engaged in lumbering, but when he decided to make a permanent location he chose his present home. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Casco was a portion of Ganges until 1g54, when it was set off under its present name, Timothy McDowell, E. K. McLouth, and S. G. Sheffer being appointed a board to preside at the first town-meeting. John Thayer suggested the name of Cornfield for the new town, because he thought the country a great corn-growing district. Others suggested Wheatland, and still others Winfield (in honor of Gen. Scott), while L. D. Cook, a warm admirer of Lewis Cass, wanted to call the new township by his name. "Political feeling," says Mr. Cook, " prevented the honoring of Gen. Cass in that way, but I was bound to preserve a portion of the name anyhow, and so I prevailed on the people to name the township Casco." The township records were entirely destroyed in 1869 by the fire which burned Linus Bathrick's house, and none of the details regarding township business previous to that time can be obtained. The names of the supervisors can, however, be given from 1855, and are as follows: 1855, Timothy McDowell; 1856, Richard Barden; 1857-59, William P. Davis; 1860, Crosby Eaton; 1861, William P. Davis; 1862 -63, John Willett; 1864, A. J. Munger; 1865-68, Crosby Eaton. The following persons served the township from 1869 to 1880 as supervisor, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: SUPERVISORS. 1869-76, Crosby Eaton; 1877-78, H. Overhiser; 1879, M. Bugden. CLERKS. 1869, Linus Bathrick; 1870-75, L. A. Spencer; 1876-77, Reuben IIodson; 1878-79, L. A. Spencer. TREASURERS. 1869-75, H. Overhiser; 1876-77, H. W. Bishop; 1878-79, D. E. Histed. JUSTICES. 1869, S. G. Sheffer; 1870, Thomas Idelles; 1871, S. M. Hainlin; 1872, G. W. Spencer; 1873, J. G. Potter; 1874, Thomas Idelles; 1875, Joseph Snyder; 1876, T. W. Brainard; 1877, E. D. Farnum; 1878, J. S. Marr; 1879, W. A. Webster. The votes cast at the election in 1869 were 103; in 1870 there were 208, and in 1875 they reached 241. TAX-PAYERS OF 1855. Below we give a list of the persons whose names appear as tax-payers upon the assessment-roll of 1855: Name. Sec. Name. Sec. E. D. Brown....................... 1 0. H. Thayer..................... 2 James Emmons.................. 1 John Thayer...................... 2 0. C. Thayer...................... 2 Lawrence Heyd.................. 5 -~~r. _~: i.-:i~..~''~;;: ~i:i~~;'~::::i; r:l::i~:~:~::;;~~~~ ~:" ~~::~~i~i;:;- l, ~. - ~,. - -,,,.I ~,-:.,.,-_,_:e,:.:,~ - i'::; ':'?,~,,,. C...,,.,., I.,, I ', _tl I I I. ~ ~,. I I l ~., I ~.,. ~.-:.,., -~-.,.~, ~ -., —. —'-~,.'%.-`,,. -~,.,'.. t~.., ~~, ~,.:,'-.~ ~ " ~,~,;~ ~..' -~ ~,:.,,;..-:,,.:.-;;::.:,,, - I -.~~~~-.1~~. -..., il.-.;: -,,;l?:~~":II.-.;.!:-1:._::~i 1~;*:. ~.:,:;" i a.,: i,, I.. -I,: ~.:..: -.,~. ~,,~: '- -.~ ~" ~," I,,,,,~,. 1.,,,,,- - I r:. ~ ~ ~:,:: 'e. "~,,,,:,, l,.,, ~.',-'. - -,, -.~,~ m ".~ ~1 _.,. ~-,.,..' I. ~,,..~ _,... 1~ ",.," ~ ",,,,,,, i,, ~,,,,.:..,,!,`,,".,", 4- I I I ~ i,,~,w m.,,.~;~;~.'.:..~,~,f,a.,: r iI~,~: ~ c1.. I.:I.I I IIw,. I:.: 4. I.I.,,:.,:,;. - - I - -.:,.~;:.,:",I.-I -~.-; ' ",,.,..,,..~ I.;... Ii ~,:. II ' ~,. -,~;,,,,..,- ~ 1 - ~:,j` ~ ~ '.,, i:st fI ~i t:Dt CASCO TOWNSHIP. 183 Name. Sec. Name. Sec. W illiam P. Davis...............5, 6 W. McDowell.................... 18 M orris Shannon.................. 6 John Ryan........................ 18 Levi Thomas...................... 6 Timothy McDowell.............. 18 II. J. Cox........................... 6 Mortimer McDowell............ 7 W illiam Purdy................... 6 Carrell Lake.................... 13 James Hall........................ 7 Edward Judson.................. 24 Sylvester Munger............... 7 Andrew HIollister................. 24 Eli W eind.......................... 7 L. D. Cook........................ 24 C. D. W oodmansee.............. 7 Samuel Follett.................... 25 C. M. Sheffer...................... 36 Joseph Dow, Jr.................. 25 Joseph Dow....................... 6. 36 G. Sheffer....................... 36 Moses Bartholomew............ 36 Christian Bartholomew......... 36 Herman Purdy.................... 7 Joseph W agner.................. 30 Garret Updike.................... 12 Daniel Howard...............30, 31 Richard Barden.................. 12 Harriet Griffith.................. 35 E. K. McLouth.................. 18 FATAL ACCIDENTS. One of the most direful calamities ever known in the western part of Allegan County was the burning, in February, 1869, of the three children of Linus Bathrick, of Casco. Mr. Bathrick, who was a Methodist exhorter, went with his wife one evening to a prayer-meeting some miles away from his home, leaving in the house his three young children, the oldest of whom, ten years of age, was idiotic. She was confined to a sofa; the others were put to bed. The household lamp was left burning, and the door was locked. During the absence of the parents the house took fire (no one knew how), and the sleeping innocents were all burned to death. The awful tragedy caused a gloomy sensation throughout the county, and in Casco is yet a fresh and mournful incident of local history. It was at that fire, too, that the township records were destroyed; Bathrick being the township clerk. In 1862 a man named Patterson, living on section 20, was killed by the caving in of the earth while digging a well on his place, and in 1870 William Fox lost his life in ~ similar manner while digging a well for William Hadaway. Hadaway himself was killed three years afterwards by the fall of a tree. FOREST FIRES. The forest conflagrations which in the fall of 1871 raged fiercely through Allcgan County worked much destruction in Casco. Timber, fences, and even sheep, were burned up, while the occasional destruction of a house or barn increased general dismay. " Fighting fire" was for many a weary day the only occupation thought of, and indeed 'the only means by which hundreds of homes were saved from the flames. Many people buried their valuables and other goods in the ground, fearing the country was doomed to destruction, and the excitement, as may be imagined, mounted to fever-heat. The charred forests still tell the story of the great fires, while those who participated in the events of that time preserve the most vivid recollections of the exciting contest with the flames. v MILLS. Stephen Earl put up a saw-mill on section 9 in 1858, but almost immediately sold the property to John Flint and Daniel Harris. There was then considerable pine, hemlock, and whitewood timber in that vicinity, and for six years the mill did a flourishing business. After that it passed into the possession of J. D. Clute & Co., for whom L. C. Manning acted as manager. At a later period they erected a grist-mill with two run of stone, beside the saw-mill. In 1876 both mills were burned to the ground, and since then no efforts have been made for the restoration of either. David Flora's steam saw-mill on section 13 has been doing a good business for six or eight years, and on section 16 William Hawkhead's steam grist-mill is a great local convenience. CHURCHES. In the earlier days of Casco religious worship was enjoyed by the pioneers either in South Haven or Ganges (at Packard's Corners). In the eastern part of the township meetings were held in a log school-house, after 1859, by Free-Will Baptists and Adventists. Prayer-meetings were frequent, but it was only on rare occasions that a preacher happened out that way. Linus Bathrick, a Methodist local preacher, was the first of that denomination to hold services in that quarter. A union Sunday-school was organized in the Idelles school-house in 1861, through the efforts of John Thayer, and since that time it has been regularly maintained. Since 1877 Henry Overhiser has been the superintendent. The average attendance is 48. A United Brethren class was organized in the Idelles schoolhouse in 1865, with 7 members, and for a few years increased largely in strength. Thomas H. Janes was the first class-leader, and Rev. Mr. Balding the first pastor. Towards 1875 the membership became so reduced that the class was dissolved. EAST CASCO METIODIST CLASS. Immediately after that event a Methodist class was organized in the Berry school-house with 6 members: Lonson Overhiser, Herrenia Overhiser, Wilson Rozel, Corisande Bailey, Oscar M. Frude, and Alonzo Herrington. Lonson Overhiser was chosen the first class-leader, and still serves as such. The class, now including 12 members, worships in the Idelles school-house, but will late in the summer occupy a church edifice now in process of erection opposite the hall of the East Casco Grange. Although to be called a Methodist church, this edifice will be built by contributions from members of other denominations, and will be free to all desiring to use it for evangelical worship. The stewards of the class are W. W. Johnston and A. G. Pease. A UNITED BRETHREN CLASS. Another class of United Brethren was formed in the Buys school-house, Dec. 10, 1865, by Rev. S. C. Buck, with a membership of 22. Austin Hamner was chosen the first class-leader, but was succeeded in a short time by John Patterson. The first steward, according to the records, was Elisha Fields, who was elected Feb. 18, 1866. Before the organization Rev. Mr. Balding used to preach to the United Brethren of the vicinity. The first pastor of the class was Rev. S. C. Buck, who was succeeded by Rev. Robert Linn, but in 1873 returned for a second term. Rev. R. H. Watson, who was Mr. Linn's successor, was followed by Rev. J. W. De Long, the present pastor. The membership is 38, the class-leader is James Barden, the steward is Henry Ridley, and the trustees are Henry Overhiser, George Bowles, and Samuel Hadaway. The class is in the Ganges Circuit, which includes also two classes in Ganges and one in Cheshire. Meetings are now held in the Hada 184 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.. way school-house, but a church edifice is to be erected during the summer of 1880. THE WEST CASCO METHODIST CLASS. This class was organized in the McDowell school-house in the. fall of 1865 by Rev. William Paddock. The first members were W. W. Sly (Class-Leader), H. A. Fowler, (Steward), Mrs. H. A. Fowler, A. J. Munger (Steward), Mrs. A. J. Munger, Henry Patterson and wife, Mrs. W. W. Sly, C. H. Hamlin and wife, Linus Bathrick and wife, and Elizabeth Barden. Among the pastors have been Rev. Messrs. Paddock, Kellogg, Richards, Boggs, Carlisle, McChesney, Parker, and Hunsberger. The present classleader is A. J. Munger, and the pastor is Rev. M. D. Carel, of South Haven, who preaches once a fortnight to the West Casco class. The membership is now 31. The stewards are H. A. Fowler and A. J. Munger; the trustees are A. J. Munger, L. W. Osborn, and H. A. Fowler. TIHE CHURCH OF GOD. This body was organized in March, 1874, in the Buys school-house, by Elder B. D. Bright. The first members were Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Munger, Mr. and Mrs. James Fitch, Mrs. Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Thomas, and Mr. Manning. Sylvester Mungcer and Mr. Manning were chosen the first deacons. Elder Bright preached until 1878, when he was succeeded by the present minister, Elder Jasper Moffat. The church membership now numbers 30. The deacon is Albert Updike, and the ruling elders are Charles Willett and Levi Thomas. Preaching is at present enjoyed once a fortnight. The congregation worships in a church edifice which was built in 1874, directly after the organization. SCHOOLS. In 1849, Mary Platt, of Ganges, taught a school in that town, near Mr. Crawford's, whither Mr. McDowell used to send his children. That school lasted but three weeks, and then Mr. McDowell engaged Miss Platt to teach his children at his house. After Garret Updike came, in 1850, his children also went to school at McDowell's to Miss Platt, who taught there during the winters of 1849 and 1850. In 1851 the first school-house in the township was built on the place now occupied by N. Q. Munger, the first teacher there being Austin Collins, the second Miss Laura Gardner, and the third Miss Susan McDowell, now Mrs. William Plummer. A log school-house was built on section 11 in 1859, and in the winter of 1860 and 1861 Charles Emerson taught the school there. Scholars were so few that it was the exception and not the rule when Mr. Emerson had any in attendance. He would often call school in the morning when none would be there to hear him. In that case he would busy himself until noon in clearing land near the school-house, which belonged to him. If no pupils appeared at noon, he would devote the afternoon to the same work. In that way he chopped four acres while waiting for scholars who wouldn't come. The official report for 1878 gave the following statistics touching the public schools of Casco: Number-of districts...................................... 10 Enrollm ent.................................................. 526 Average attendance....................................... 423 Value of property.......................................... $6775 Teachers' wages............................................ $1432 The school directors in 1878 were H. A. Fowler, W. G. Plummer, T. J. Royal, Reuben Hodson, L. C. Seymour, L. C. Cady, James Usher, J. W. Chase, C. S. York, and S. B. Phelps. FRUIT-FARMING. Casco has been and is making rapid strides forward as a peach-growing township, and, although there are in the town no such mammoth peach-orchards as those of R. M. Moore and Williams & Son, of Saugatuck, there are quite a number containing each from 2000 to 2500 trees. Of course the peach district is adjacent to the lake-shore, and in the southwestern corner of the town the cultivation of that fruit is almost the exclusive industry. The limits of peach-culture in Casco can scarcely be fixed, since the business is yet in its early growth, but it is certain that it must speedily become very extensive. Among the prominent peach-growers may be mentioned Histed & Wigglesworth, Mrs. J. S. Lindeman, H. A. Fowler, T. A. Bixby, M. H. Bixby, Mortimer McDowell, J. J. Goodemote, Clark M. Sheffer, A. D. Healy, L. W. Osborn, S. H. Hamlin, and J. V. Sheffer. It was only eleven years ago that the cultivation of peaches in Casco for shipment first began to be thought of. In the season of 1879 thousands of bushels were shipped to Chicago and other markets, and the indications promise that the shipments of 1880 will exhibit an increase of 100 per cent. over those of 1879. EAST CASCO GRANGE, No. 338. This grange was organized on the 16th day of March, 1874, with about 40 members, and in the fall of that year a grange hall was built on section 15. The first officers were as follows: Alva Cady, M.; C. 0. Wood, O.; Jesse D. Chaplin, L.; W. W. Johnston, Chap.; L. A. Spencer, Sec.; Marshall Bugden, Treas. The membership is now 48, and the officers are as follows: C. 0. Wood, M.; James Bailey, O.; L. A. Spencer, L.; Mrs. Marshall Bugden, Chap.; J. Cady, Sec.; Robert Adkin, Treas.; Joseph Bailey, Steward; Edward Haggar, Asst. Steward; Warren Ockford, Gatekeeper; Miss Nancy Overhiser, Ceres; Miss Katie Pease, Pomona; Miss Emma Morrisoni, Flora; Mrs. Warren Ockford, Stewardess. MICHIGAN LAKE-SHORE GRANGE, No. 407. This organization was formed in April, 1874, with a membership of 70, at Richards' Hall on the lake-shore, which, although still the place of meeting, is likely to be soon replaced by a grange hall. Of the first officers chosen L. W. Osborn was M.; C. F. Cook, O.; Hamilton Patterson, Chap.; Albert Seymour, Sec.; Mortimer McDowell, Treas. The membership on the 1st of March, 1880, was 65, and the officers: W. A. Webster, M.; W. G. Plummer, O.; S. M. Hamlin, L.; German Richards, Chap.; C. A. Seymour, Sec.; E. E. McDowell, Treas.; Mrs. George Griffin, Ceres; Mrs. L. W. Osborn, Pomona; TIMOTHY McDOWELL. MRS. EMELINE McDOWELL. TIMOTHY McDOWELL. This gentleman may with truth be spoken of as one of the most enterprising of the pioneers of Casco. His birth occurred in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1801, and was of excellent New England extraction. He was married in 1825 to Miss Emeline Reynolds, at Lockport, N. Y. During the year 1845 both he and his wife became interested in the new country in the West, which resulted in their removal to the present township of Casco, Mich. The family of Mr. McDowell were the earliest settlers within its boundaries. No pioneer had yet entered its dense forests, and no post-office nearer than Saugatuck was accessible. To reach this point required a journey of fifteen miles. Mr. McDowell brought much energy to bear in the pioneer labor that awaited him, and ultimately had the gratification of seeing luxu riant crops upon his estate, and the country around him rapidly settled. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell were the parents of six children, the eldest having died at the age of seven, and the youngest at the age of ten months. These little ones were buried in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Two sons, John and Warren, died after reaching mature years, the former having fallen a victim to the horrors of Andersonville prison. Mr. McDowell's death occurred at his home in Casco, Feb. 6, 1877. He was one of the most influential and affluent residents of the township, and had been for years a director of the South Haven First National Bank. Aside from his high character as a business man, he was an exemplary and esteemed citizen. I I I HENRY OVERHISER. MRS. HENRY OVERHISER. RESIDENCE OF HENRY OVERHISER, ESQ.,CAscOTe, ALLEGAN CO., MICH. CASCO TOWNSHIP. 185 CASCO TOWNSHIP. 185 i Mrs. L. W. Seymour, Flora; Mrs. Frank Tourtellot, Stewardess. POST-OFFICES. Casco's first post-office was established on the lake-shore in 1856, being called New Casco. Upon the removal of that office in 1861 to Ganges, Timothy McDowell obtained the establishment of another post-office in the township, called West Casco, and was himself appointed postmaster. He was succeeded, in February, 1871, by' N. Q. Munger, whose successor was J. S. Richards, the present occupant of the office. Spring Grove post-office, on section 3, was established in the spring of 1878, with Sanborn Marr as postmaster, and still remains in his charge. The mails are brought to both offices three times a week. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCIHES. r I.. many important offices in both township and county. For twelve terms he has been supervisor, for six years superintendent of schools, and for two successive terms representative in the State Legislature. The latter election was especially complimentary to his character as a citizen. Mr. Eaton has been twice married,-in July, 1851, to Miss Ellen M. Woodman, of Auburn, Me., and in November, 1855, to Miss Sarah J. Wilson, of Calais, Me. REV. CHARLES JOHNSON. The subject of this sketch was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1825, and in early life emigrated to Michigan, which with brief exceptions has been his home ever since. He passed the years of his minority on a farm in Genesee County, but, as the pioneer life of those days afforded very limited facilities for mental improvement, on reaching his majority he went to Ohio, and spent several years in educational pursuits, teaching a portion of the time in that State and Kentucky. Returning to Michigan, he again engaged in teaching at Flint, Fenton, Saginaw, and Milford. At the latter place he also became pastor of the Baptist Church, in connection with his charge of the Union School. This continued several years, when he resigned both positions to become teacher in the State Reformn School at Lansing. After three and a half years spent in that work he became pastor of the Baptist Church at Flint, but again returned in the early part of 1867 to become superintendent of the Reform School, and remained at Lansing in that position till the spring of 1875, when he spent the summer at Lakeside Fruit Farm, his present home. In the fall of the same year he became superintendent and chaplain of the Iowa Reform School, which position he held till the spring of 1878, when he resigned to be pastor of the Baptist Church of South Haven, in this State, and removed with his family to his farm, which is situated near that village, South Haven being his post-office address. HENRY OVERHISER. The father of Mr. Overhiser was a native of New York State, and born in 1804. He early acquired something of a reputation for pedestrian exploits, having frequently walked a distance of three hundred miles. Henry was born Jan. 2, 1835, in Steuben Co., N. Y., and was the sixth in a family of thirteen children. His early life, to the age of nineteen, was spent at home, and at the end of that time he acquired the trade of a carpenter. In February, 1855, he was married to Miss Sarah McKee, of Blackford Co., Ind., a former resident of Ohio, where she was born in 1836. Her grandfather was an early pioneer of that State, and fell a victim to the brutality of Indians on the Ohio River in 1811. Henry soon after purchased a portion of his father's farm, and two years later removed to Rush Co., Ind. He made successive removals after this until his final settlement upon his present farm in Casco in 1864. This land was then unimproved and its immediate neighborhood destitute of highways. The ground was, how HON. CROSBY EATON. The father of Mr. Eaton was born in the town of Seabrook, N. H., in July, 1789, and removed with his parents at an early date to the State of Maine, the land on which they located having been at that period wholly destitute of any mark of civilization. Here Crosby was born, Dec. 3, 1823. He exercised his industry upon the farm at an early age, and later taught the district schools of the neighborhood until his twenty-first year, when he migrated to Massachusetts and became overseer in a cotton-mill. He was subsequently employed by Dr. J. C. Ayers & Co. as superintendent of their patent-medicine manufactory. Mr. Eaton in 1858 accomplished what he had previously long desired,-a residence in Michigan. He purchased a farm in Casco, Mich., which has been devoted to grain and fruit-raising, in which pursuit he has been eminently successful. He is a Republican in politics, an active political worker, and has filled 24 186 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. ever, soon cleared and the wilderness transformed to productive fields. Mr. Overhiser is a Republicin in politics, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has filled the offices of supervisor and treasurer with acceptance, having been elected to the latter office ten successive years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Overhiser are members of the Church of the United Brethren; though kindly disposed towards other orthodox denominations. Eight children have been born to them, in the following order: Lonson M., Nov. 9, 1855; William A., Jan. 11, 1857; Olive J., April 26, 1859; Ida May, Oct. 13, 1861; George G., Dec. 14, 1864; Charles H., Jan. 1, 1867; Mary Ann, Oct. 19, 1869; and Minnie B., April 22, 1874. Of this number but one is deceased, George G., whose death occurred Sept. 14, 1866. THOMPSON A. BIXBY. Mr. Bixby may recur with commendable pride to his New England origin. The Green Mountain State had for years been the home of the Bixby family, and Guilford, Windham Co., the birthplace of members of the present branch. Thompson A. Bixby was the eldest in a family of five children, and was born Oct. 26, 1836. His early years were spent with his father, where the intervals of rest after arduous labor were employed in study, attending school at Westminster Seminary, Vt. His thoughts had long been directed towards the West, where he ultimately found a home. A brief time was spent in Kalamazoo, after which, in connection with his brother, he purchased, in the fall of 1866, the present home of sixty acres. It abounded at that time in a luxuriant growth of hemlocks, but has since been converted into a productive fruit farm, upon which peaches are made a specialty. Mr. Bixby was married Dec. 15, 1870, to Miss Sarah Dow, of Casco, who was a native of Connecticut, and born Sept. 27, 1839. Her parents were pioneers to Michigan in 1852, and are still residents of Casco, having erected the earliest frame house in the township soon after their arrival. Mr. and Mrs. Bixby have had six children, born as follows: Willard J., Aug. 2, 1872, who died Sept. 27, 1872; John E. and Josie E., born April 18, 1875; Blanche S., July 15, 1878; and Grace A. and Glen A., July 14,1879. The mother of Mr. Bixby died in 1849, and in 1873 his father (Ezekiel Bixby) became a resident of Casco, having been extended a welcome to the cheerful family circle of his son. His death occurred May 21, 1880, aged seventy-four years and eight months. Mr. Bixby is a Democrat in his political preferences, though not an active partisan. W. M. RUELL. The parents of W. M. Ruell were of English birth, his father having left his early home when eighteen years of age. W. M. was the eldest in a family of four children, and was born in Pittsford, Monroe Co., Nov. 22, 1838. He was left fatherless at the tender age of ten years, and at once turned his youthful energies in the direction of labor for the support of the remainder of his family. At the age of seventeen he emigrated to Michigan and purchased a home for his mother in Calhoun County, where she still resides, though married a second time. W. M. Ruell was married in June, 1866, to Miss Celia, daughter of David and Nancy James, who was born in Calhoun County, Oct. 14, 1842. They have had three children,-Frederick James, born May 5, 1870; Florence E., whose birth occurred Feb. 1, 1873; and Mary F., born Feb. 27, 1877, who died the same year. Mr. Ruell after his marriage sold his property in Calhoun County and removed to the present home in Casco, which embraces one of the most desirable farms in the township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres under a high state of cultivation, with an orchard of two thousand trees. Mr. Ruell's political predilections were formerly Democratic, though recent events have made him an advocate of the principles of the Greenback party. He is an influential member of the " grange," and has held minor offices in the township, though not ambitious for such distinctions. With little else than energy and fidelity to duty as his original capital, Mr. Ruell has gained both a competency and an honorable name among his associates. ALBERT D. HEALY. Nelson K. Healy, the father of Albert D., was a native of Massachusetts, and became a Michigan pioneer in 1838, coming to the State when twenty years of age, and choosing Mendon, St. Joseph Co., as a location. The mother was a pioneer of 1835, and a former resident of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Healy were married during the year 1843, and their son, Albert D., was born Oct. 5, 1844, at Mendon. Until his eighteenth year he was a member of the home-circle, where farm labor, varied by attendance at the public school of the neighborhood, occupied his time. He soon after acquired the trade of a painter, and embraced fourteen States in the area over which he followed this vocation. Mr. Healy was married Oct. 16, 1872, to Miss Amanda, daughter of William and Susan Ellis, of Covington, Ky., who was the seventh in a family of twelve children. Mr. Ellis was a Virginian by birth, while Mrs. Ellis was a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Healy have two daughters,-Fanny E., born Aug. 1, 1875, and Mina Myrtle, whose birth occurred March 19, 1878. Their residence, a sketch of which is given on an adjoining page, is known as the " Gothic Ridge" farm, and embraces thirty-two acres of land. It is devoted principally to the cultivation of choice varieties of fruit, and its proprietor has achieved a reputation as a successful fruit-grower. He has seventeen acres covered by peach-trees, eight hundred and eighty plum-trees, and six acres embracing various other fruits peculiar to the climate. The attractive residence upon this ground was built from designs made by its owner. Mr. Healy's political affinities have been since the beginning Democratic, though his business affairs preclude the possibility of devoting his time to public interests. ISAAC S. LINDERMAN. Tompkins Co., N. Y., was the scene of Mr. Linderman's birth, which occurred May 23, 1819, his father having I I II GE FRUIT FARM, CASCO, M4CHlGAN A. H EALY, Pfop. I,LIO^ I e CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. 187 been Henry Linderman, also a native of New York State, whooAied in 1856. The mother removed to Illinois, and survived her husband many years. Mr. Linderman's early opportunities were limited, his time having been chiefly occupied in labor. A quick intelligence, however, and keenness of observation compensated in a great measure for the lack of educational advantages. He married, when twenty-two years of age, Miss Catherine Smith, of Newfield, N. Y., whose parents were also natives of the Empire State. They had six sons, all, with a single exception, living. Mrs. Linderman died Sept. 20, 1862, and in April, 1864, Mr. Linderman was married to Miss Permelia N. Gregory, whose birthplace was South Caro lina. He was again afflicted in the loss of his second wife, who died in September, 1870, leaving two children. In 1872 he was united to Miss Eleanor Holmes, of South Haven, a former resident of Pennsylvania, who has one daughter. Mr. Linderman removed to Casco in 1868, and died Oct. 16, 1878, at his residence in the township. Mrs. Linderman still resides upon the estate, which by the energy of her husband had been converted into a most productive fruit-growing farm. Mr. Linderman, though not actively interested in church matters, was inclined towards the creed of the Universalists. He was an exemplary citizen, and enjoyed the esteem of neighbors and friends whose intimate relations afforded them an insight into his manly character. C ESHIRE.* THE township of Cheshire, which comprises surveytownship No. 1 north, in range 14 west, is located on the south line of the county, which is also the base-line of the United States survey, being bounded on the north by the township of Pine Plains, south by Van Buren County, east by the township of Trowbridge, and west by Lee. Its surface is slightly undulating, with some small hills, but it is almost entirely composed of arable ground. There was formerly considerable swampy land, but most of this has been transformed by the labor of its owners into the most productive portion of the township. Cheshire is adorned with many very beautiful lakes, which give variety to the landscape and greatly enhance the attractions of the township. The most important of these is Swan Lake, located in the centre of the township, and lying principally upon section 16. It is surrounded with fertile fields and excellent timbered land, and its shores and waters, moreover, offer many allurements to the sportsman. Advent Lake is situated on the east side of sections 11 and 12, while northwest of it are Silver and Mud Lakes. Eagle Lake, so called from its fancied resemblance to that imperial bird, lies on the county-line, part of it extending into Van Buren County, but the larger portion being in section 35, in Cheshire. Duck Lake, on section 36, is very properly named. Its surface, when the writer visited it, was almost literally covered with wild ducks, and these birds have long made it a favorite haunt. Little Lake lies on sections 20 and 29, and a second Mud Lake is found northwest of Eagle Lake. The township has also several considerable streams flowing through it. Their waters nearly all find their way eventually to the Kalamazoo River, Swan Lake being the general reservoir and Swan Creek the medium through which they are conveyed to that stream, into which the creek empties, after passing through the northwest corner of Cheshire, in the township of Pine Plains. By E. O. Wagner. The soil may be described as a gravel and clay loam, with a fair proportion of sand in the northern and western portions. Much drainage has been done, and the crops produced by the strong clayey soil bear ample evidence to the value of this species of improvement. In 1873 the number of acres of wheat harvested was 1023, which yielded 10,921 bushels of that grain, while 807 acres, which were planted with corn, produced 33,496 bushels, this crop being in some localities especially prolific. Various other grains are also grown with success. The soil and climate are well adapted to the raising of fruit, which is likely in time to prove one of the most profitable products of the township. All kinds of timber flourish in Cheshire. In the north part beech and maple timber abounds, the trees attaining large size, while elsewhere the ground was originally shaded by an ample growth of basswood, oak, walnut, butternut, elm, and ash. The pine is of good quality, and has always been in much demand. In the low and swampy land the usual luxuriant growth of tamarack is discovered. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Until the year 1839 not a tree in Cheshire had fallen before the pioneer's axe. In that year two residents of Monroe Co., N. Y., Simeon Pike and the Rev. Jonathan Hinckley, left their native State for Michigan. The latter settled at Breedsville, in Van Buren County, while Mr. Pike entered 40 acres of land on section 31, in Cheshire, and later acquired an additional 40 acres in Bloomingdale. Horace Humphrey and Joseph Peck, in Columbia, were his nearest neighbors for two or three years, they having settled the year before he did. His family, consisting of his wife and three children, remained with these neighbors until a comfortable house had been erected on his land; after that he cleared a small tract and devoted it principally to grain and other supplies for family use. His time was, however, chiefly given to the management of Alex. L. Ely's 188 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. grist-mill, where he was employed until it was consumed by fire. He then repaired to Paw Paw and engaged in the milling business there; his family meanwhile remaining in Cheshire. After the burning of the mill he was obliged to make a pilgrimage of twenty-three miles to convert his grain into flour. Mr. Pike spent his latter days upon the farm, where he died in 1861, aged sixty-five years. His oldest son, Osteen G. Pike, now lives in the township, on section 27. The next settler was Samuel Goodell, who came from Monroe Co., N. Y, in 1840, and located upon 160 acres on section 32, having remained with Horace Humphrey while erecting a log house, to which he soon after removed. He immediately began clearing his farm, on which he remained until his death. His brother Nathaniel Goodell purchased land near him, but subsequently removed to Monterey, where he now resides. The township for several years had few accessions to the small band of early pioneers. As late as 1844 the only tax-payers whose names appear on the records are Samuel Goodell and Simeon Pike. In the spring of 1847 came Samuel Lane, from Monroe Co., N. Y., who entered 80 acres on section 33, which he cleared, and on which he remained six years. He then removed to the township of Bloomingdale, Van Buren Co. At about the same time came Washington and Matthew Merchant, who located in the northeastern portion of the township and remained several years. They then moved away, and little is now remembered about them, as their location was a very isolated one. Cyrus W. and James G. Lindsley with their families came to the township in 1850, where they built a saw-mill on a small creek running through section 27, which is the outlet of Eagle Lake. Subsequently, C. W. Lindsley built on the same stream a shingle-mill, which he owned until his death, in 1873. James G. Lindsley purchased land on section 22 and erected a saw-mill, the saw of which worked back and forth horizontally, cutting off the top of the log first. Mr. Lindsley entered the army, where he died in 1863. In the year 1848, Caleb Ward purchased 120 acres of land on section 31 from D. S. Heywood, who had bought it of the government. Previous to the purchase, however, Mr. Heywood had made an arrangement with Melvin Hogmire to clear off a part of it, receiving for his labor a portion of the land. Mr. Hogmire at the time of the sale had cleared about 30 acres, and Mr. Ward purchased his interest also in the land, and entered upon the cleared tract at once. His son, Emmet Ward, lives on the farm his father bought. A settler named Buck, a man of advanced years, came from New York and located upon 240 acres on section 9, in 1849. He was an eccentric character, and was well known throughout the county, where he occasionally performed the functions of a preacher. He removed several years after to Illinois, and died there.\ A. B. Eaton was an emigrant from Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1849, who purchased a farm of 120 acres on section 34. There was already some clearing done, and a shanty had been erected. His nearest neighbor was Reuben Ward, in Van Buren County, with whom Mr. Eaton's family found a cordial welcome on their arrival. For months Mrs. Eaton and Mrs. Ward were the only white women seen in this portion of the township. Before Mr. Eaton's arrival his farm had been occupied by a settler named Tyler, who probably came as early as 1848, but died soon after. Harvey Munger, better known in this and adjacent portions of the State as Elder Munger, one of the pioneers in ministerial work in Allegan County, became a resident of Cheshire in 1850, having previously resided in Allegan. He purchased 200 acres on section 34, and after a residence of ten years removed to Van Buren County. He called together a little band of worshipers of the Baptist faith, who convened in the school-house, the list of which embraced the names of A. B. Eaton and wife, Miss Anna Palmer, Miss Mary Ann Piersons, Miss Rhoda Cooley, and Elder and Mrs. Munger. The elder ministered to this little flock several years, after which they became a portion of the Bloomingdale Church. A Sabbath-school was established in 1851, which, though held at the house of Harvey Howard, in Bloomingdale, was chiefly sustained by the residents of Cheshire, Mr. A. B. Eaton having been superintendent. Marcus Lane, whose early recollections cluster around the beautiful valley of the Mohawk, in the State of New York, came to Cheshire in 1850, and purchased 128 acres on section 33. He stayed with his brother, Samuel Lane, while erecting a house of his own, to which he subsequently brought a wife. To the raising of this house the neighbors for a long distance around were summoned as usual. They responded readily, but a part of them withdrew on the announcement that no whisky would be given them. Mr. Lane, however, preferred to maintain his temperance principles at the risk of unpopularity, and with the aid of the remaining few succeeded in erecting the frame. Mr. Lane, when he came West, intended to go to Illinois, but has found Michigan a field of labor both congenial and profitable. Dustin Murch, formerly a resident of Orleans Co., N. Y., located 80 acres on section 18 in 1849. He had already erected a shanty when his family arrived, to which they removed. The following spring a band of Indians located near him on sections 20 and 29, close to Little Lake, many of whom proved industrious farmers and met a fair degree of success in their agricultural pursuits. They numbered 8 or 10 families, and were of the tribe that settled in Wayland. Was-sa-to was the most prominent among them. Elizur Hogmire arrived the same winter, and located one mile south of Mr. Murch, where he engaged in the manufacture of shingles. Richard Ferris left Van Buren County in 1854, and purchased 560 acres on sections 17 and 19, in Cheshire. Even then there was but one house between his land and the village of Allegan. He accepted the hospitality of Dustin Murch while erecting a shanty, and soon after built a saw-mill on Swan Creek, which was the second mill in Cheshire. He carried it on until it was burned, in 1860. Three years later it was replaced by another, situated eighty rods west of the site of the first one. Mr. Ferris still resides upon his original purchase, and has established a good record as a successful farmer and a public-spirited citizen. A 7A747I,g- , , ,,,i:F,, 08,11,11liL;zl4-"".,-,-";',, -; 1 I iA 'MRS- MARCUS LANE. MARCUS LANE. /iESIOENCE OF MARCUS LANE CHESHIAUTP, ALLEGANH CO., MItCH. MRS.A.B, EATON. I'*:; ^..... -:" A B EATON., -, -..- E i 'U. 9S',' -, I RESIOENCE OF A..A I U/N, tHESHIRE'IP., ALLEQAN (O., CH. I* CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. 189 William L. Torry arrived from Ohio in 1855, and located himself upon 40 acres on section 17. The pioneers of Cheshire had principally settled in the southern portion of the township, the central and northern lands remaining comparatively unoccupied. Mr. Torry found not only his own purchase uncleared, but the larger portion of the neighboring land in the same condition. On section 4 a settler named Oliver had made some improvements, and on the southeast quarter of the same section, William Gates, who had come from Ohio a short time previous, began the clearing of 40 acres, upon which he erected a log house. Mr. Buck's house afforded him shelter until his own could be completed. Mr. Gates resided for many years upon his land, and finally removed to Monterey, where he still resides. Mr. Torry afterwards removed to section 5, where he purchased a small farm, which he still cultivates. Richard Blanchard settled in 1855 upon 160 acres on section 8. He was a former resident of New York, but had emigrated from Chicago to the forests of Cheshire. He was known as a public-spirited citizen, and became an active expounder of the faith of the United Brethren. Sylvanus Stewart, another Ohio pioneer of 1856, purchased of H. H. Booth 80 acres of land on section 20, for which he paid $4 per acre. He still resides on the same farm, which he has made one of the most desirable in the township. Warren )owd, a former resident of Wyoming Co., N. Y., settled upon 80 acres on section 8 in 1856. He had previously learned the trade of a shoemaker, and for a while worked for W. C. Jenner, of Allegan. In that occupation he was accustomed to repair to the village on Monday morning and remain until Saturday night, and then return to Cheshire with supplies for his family on his back. A well-improved farm and a substantial residence are the rewards of his industry and enterprise. John F. Dowd, a brother of Warren, came the same year from Wyoming Co., N. Y., and remained two years with Richard Ferris. He, meanwhile, purchased 40 acres on section 16, to which he subsequently added 40 more. On the arrival of his wife, in 1857, he removed to his purchase, having previously erected a comfortable framed house. Another emigrant from Wyoming County was John Brason, who located himself, in 1860, upon 145 acres on section 16, one mile north of John F. Dowd, who was his nearest neighbor. After building a substantial framed house and planting an orchard, he sold his place and moved across the road to another, on section 17, where he still resides. His latter purchase was made from the Indians, whom he taught to cultivate their land and to raise wheat. This greatly delighted them, and made them regard Mr. Brason in some degree as a benefactor. They would exclaim, "Eat 'em wheat,-eat no more corn I" David Gile, previously of Ohio, purchased a place on section 9, adjacent to that of Warren Dowd. William A. Lisco, another emigrant from the Buckeye State, secured a farm on section 3, embracing 40 acres. This he cleared and labored upon until his enlistment in the war for the Union. On his return he purchased the Gates farm, and subsequently removed to the northern portion of the State. Jeptha Waterman came from New York in 1856, and became the owner of 40 acres on section 39. He, too, entered the army,.and in 1865 sacrificed his life to the Union cause, having died while receiving medical care in a hospital. Mrs. Waterman now resides upon section 18. COLORED CITIZENS. A considerable proportion of the population are of the colored race, who merit notice in a history of Cheshire. As a class they stand well for both sobriety and industry. Many of them have farms upon which comfortable houses are built, and the land of which is improved and well maintained. They also have two church organizations, to which a liberal support is accorded, and of which mention is made farther on. They are by no means the least influential of the citizens of the township, and have won much credit for the ambition they display in their farming pursuits and the good reputation they have established in all their social relations. The first colored men to settle in the township were C. Tomison and K. Taylor, who located on the southwest quarter of section 28. The land owned by the colored people was mostly bought of the Indians when they departed. POST-OFFICES. The first post-office in the township was kept by Jonathan Howard, on section 32. Afterwards William Heywood was appointed postmaster, and the office was kept at his residence for many years on section 22, until its discontinuance in March, 1879. It was re-established in June of the same year. The office is now located on section 23, Timothy Church being the postmaster. The mail arrives semiweekly. EARLY PURCHASES. The following are the original purchases of land in the township: Section 1.-Bought from 1836 to 1868 by L. HI. Moore, A. L. and A. Ely, N. L. Strong, Elias Whitcomb, William Nouerly. Section 2.-Bought from 1836 to 1859 by William Larzelard, Oramel Griffin, Willis Butcher, J. C. Cleveland, John Reed, Lucia R. Hawes (assignee), Orlo R. Lane. Section 3.-Bought from 1836 to 1856 by William Duncan, Oliver Babcock, George L. Otis, L. R. Hawes (assignee). Section 4.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by David Ladd, Thompson and Gates, E. W. Oliver, Isaac Stulla, George D. Potter. Section 5.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Charles E. Stuart, Daniel Mann, Moses Drake, Thomas Ward, T. B. Potter, D. D. Davis. Section 6.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Charles E. Stuart, David Ladd, George Pains. Section 7.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by William Duncan, John IH. Ostrom, Palmer and Walker, David Ladd. Section 8.-Bought in 1836 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker. Section 9.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by A. G. Burke, L. S. Brown, Charles Green. Section 10.-Bought from 1837 to 1859 by Charles Green, L. J. Cobb, Thompson and Gates, A. G. Conant, N. P. Buck, E. Morey. Section 11.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by L. H. Moore, Dexter and Richmond, Hill and Cobb, M. Clark, Jr., John Herrington, Amasa Jones, Eli and George Hart. Section 12.-Bought from 1836 to 1860 by Hill and Cobb, W. Merchant, J. W. Schermerhorn, Nancy J. Case. Section 13.-Bought from 1837 to 1870 by Ralph Emerson, M. Merchant, D. D. Davis, Jesse Hlerrington, A. W. Morey, J. W. Van Fussen, J. D. Graham, George Sherwood. Section 14.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by William Duncan, Robert Walter, Daniel Bowler, Victor Austin, Askel Morey, Seth Flitcraft, W. A. Albert. 190 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Section 15.-Bought from 1836 to 1864 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, H. H. Booth, E. G. Hackley, E. H. Parks, H. Chesley, George Brennan. Section 16.-Bought from 1855 to 1861 by A. C. Grey, 0. J. Buck, J. H. Chesley, J. F. Dowd, J. W. Coburn, D. D. Davis, William Ridwood, William Barrett. Section 17.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, Indians, Harriet W. Gates. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1866 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, 0. W. Rice, Phoebe Ann Rice, Isom McDaniel, J. B. Moore, R. S. Russell, J. W. Brown. Section 19.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, 0. R. Babcock. Section 20.-Boughtfrom 1836 to 1855 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, J. R. Kellogg, Indians. Section 21.-Bought from 1835 to 1869 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, Indians, W. L. O'Brien, Jr., A. V. Bodine, Justin Smith, H. P. Haight, L. W. Hewitt, E. S. Canning, Thomas Spotts. Section 22.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by Ostrom, Walker, and Palmer, J. G. Lindsley, W. S. Heywood (assignee), Russell Hamilton, Z. C. Howard, Alex. Denna, Samuel Humiston, J. W. Tenhoff, Joel Hewitt. Section 23.-Bought from 1853 to 1858 by W. S. Heywood, Enos Chapin, G. G. Swat, H. H. Booth, Victor Austin, Gustavus Heywood, Robert Winter, O. J. Buck, Daniel Springer, Calmon Springer, Robert Winter. Section 24.-Bought from 1854 to 1859 by H. H. Booth, T. M. Russell, Seth Fletcraft, I. G. Austin, Isaac Laws, William Crosby, J. G. Austin. Section 25.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by S. R. Griffin, George Pierce, H. P. Blake, J. A. Bigbey. Section 26.-Bought from 1837 to 1864 by Reed and Wells, William Chapman, Daniel Collins, Martin Cooley, Charles Dunn, Isaac Laws, W. W. Finch, J. J. Kinniston. Section 27.-Bought from 1850 to 1858 by C. W. Lindsley (assignee), J. G. Lindsley, W. S. Heywood (assignee), James Davis, II. Cooley, I. Tyrrell, T. E. Sperry, Ezra Whaley, J. B. Kinniston, J. D. Bowman. Section 28.-Bought from 1852 to 1858 by James Davis, T. E. Sperry, Calvin Davis, Kingsbury Taylor, W. H. Burden, Adam Turner, B. F. Woodworth, Hiram Baker, A. V. Bodine, Chas. Thomson. Section 29.-Bought from 1836 to 1864 by J. R. Kellogg, J. II. Cook, A. Turner, J. Burkhead, Alfred White, F. Melvin, L. R. Lowell, S. B. Goodell, N. Daniels. Section 30.-Bought from 1835 to 1866 by L. Ir. Moore, A. S. Wicks, 0. R. Babcock, R. C. Rice, L. E. Goodell, Thomas Southward, Byron Teal, S. B. Goodell, H. J. Hamilton. Section 31.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by T. H. Hulbert, D. S. Heywood, Simon Pike, Samuel Goodell, J. A. McMillen, Phoebe Pike, Rufus Townsend, Samuel Hendrickson. Section 32.-Bought from 1837 to 1858 by Samuel Goodell, R. Swift, Ora Cooley, J. M. Steward, F. M. Pearson, Caleb Ward, R. Humeston, H.-C. Briggs, M. C. Turner, E. Quick, Eli Bell. Section 33.-Bought from 1837 to 1858 by Thomas Boulton, William French, Samuel Lane, Ezra Whaley, Elizabeth Whaley, Horace Tanner, Daniel Gray, Henry Case, John North, J. McDaniel. Section 34.-Bought from 1835 to 1852 by Elisha Doan, 11. M. Hinckley, Anna Hisrodt, L. J. Lac'y, Samuel Strong, C. W. Lindsley, A. B. Eaton, Daniel Gray, Seaman Cooley. Section 35.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Huston and Moore, S. D. Foster, Henry Mower, Henry Case, Daniel Collins, William Chapman, Trumen White, H. P. Blake, George Perkins. Section 36.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, Inman White, George Perkins. EARLY ROADS. The writer is informed that the earliest road in Cheshire was a short one which ran from the base-line on the south bounds of section 34, through Mr. A. B. Eaton's land, and between Mud and Eagle Lakes. It is doubtful, how ever, if this was an officially surveyed road, and certainly no record of it has been preserved. The first recorded road in the township was surveyed by James G. Lindsley, in July, 1852, under the direction of Samuel Strong and Marcus Lane, highway commissioners. The survey is designated "Road Survey No. 1," the line running as follows: "Beginning at the Southeast corner of Section Thirty-Three, on the base-line, running north along the east line of said section and the east line of Section Number Twenty-Eight to the northeast corner, being two miles in length according to the United States Survey thereof, in Township Number One North, of Range Fourteen west." "Road Survey No. 2," is thus designated in the record, although bearing date May 3, 1852, two months before No. 1. The record is as follows: "A survey of a road commencing at the i corner on the north side of Section Nine, township one, North of Range Fourteen West, running west one half mile on the Section line between Nine and Four, thence South on Section line between Nine and Eight, one mile thence west on Section line between sections Eight and Seventeen one mile. The said road is two and one half miles in length according to the United States Survey. "MARCUS LANE, "DUSTIN MURCH, "SAMUEL STRONG, "Highway Connmissioners." The line of " Road No. 3," is thus described: " Beginning at the Corners of Sections Three and Four of Township One, north, of Range Fourteen, west, on the base line; thence north one degree thirty minutes west to the quarter line of Section Thirty-Four in Township One, north, Range above described; thence north forty-five degrees East to the Section line of Sections ThirtyFour and Thirty-five; thence north on said line to a stake eleven rods south of the corners of Sections Twenty-six and Twenty-Seven and Thirty-Four and Thirty-Five; thence north eighty-six degrees east thirty-eight rods; thence north forty-four degrees east to the Section line between Sections Thirty-Five and Twenty-Six; thence east on said line to the Corners of Sections Thirty-Five and Six, and Twenty-Five and Six. The above survey accords with the true magnet of 1852, which varies between four and five degrees east of north of the United States Survey. Surveyed November 13th, 1852, by James G. Lindsley." SCHOOLS. On account of the small population, no school was taught in Cheshire previous to 1852. The first one was located in the south part of the township, near the " base-line." A very simple structure of boards served as a shelter for the children for a period of two years, when a more spacious and comfortable building was erected, which is still in use. The young lady who first instructed the youthful minds of this portion of the township was Miss Ann Palmer, a sister of Mrs. A. B. Eaton. The second school was opened in the Lindsley neighborhood, on section 22. This building, as primitive as its predecessor, was later replaced by a convenient and tasteful structure surrounded with a fine playground, which is protected from the sun by a luxuriant growth of shade-trees. All of the school buildings of Cheshire are comfortable and a few of them are decidedly elegant, confirming the reputation which the township has established for the excellence of its educational appointments. One of the former superintendents introduced the normal-school system, and awakened sufficient interest to encourage the opening of evening-classes, which for a while were well sustained and did much to inspire a love of study among those who were attendants. CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. 191 The township is divided into seven entire districts and one fractional one, which are managed by the following board of directors: S. S. Stout, B. W. Morse, H. H. Howard, Richard Ferris, N. S. Groves, Hiram Flanagan, and J. U. Schermerhorn. The number of children receiving instruction is 449. They are taught by 3 male and 18 female teachers, who receive an aggregate salary of $1232.25. The total value of the school property is $6300, and the total resources for educational purposes $2713.04,per year. ORGANIZATION, OFFICERS, ETC. Township No. 1'l, in range 14, was surveyed by Calvin Britain in 1831, the survey having been completed on the 1st of May, in that year. It was a part of the civil township of Allegan until 1842, when it was made a part of Trowbridge. The act of the State Legislature organizing it as a separate civil township was approved April 2, 1851, and reads as follows: "An act to organize the township of Cheshire, in the county of Allegan: "Section One. The people of the State of Michigan enact, That township number One north, of Range Fourteen west, now forming a part of the township of Trowbridge, in the County of Allegan, be, and the same is hereby set off from said township by the name of Cheshire, and that the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Samuel Lane, in said township. "Section Two. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after the first Monday in April, eighteen hundred and fifty-two." The following list embraces for the year 1852: Timothy Buck. Washington Merchant.. Matthew Merchant. Eliab Wright. Dustin Murch. Hishack (an Indian). Wasato (an Indian). Batis Wasato (an Indian). James G. Lindsley. Cyrus W. Lindsley. Benjamin Tryon. Simeon Pike. the tax-payers of Cheshire Caleb Ward. Henry W. Duran. Royal Cooley. Marcus Lane. Charles Cooley. Ezra Whaley. Samuel Strong. Asel B. Eaton. Harvey Munger. Henry Case. Miles Tanner. 1 TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1853-54, Gustavus HIeywood; 1855, Richard Ferris; 1856, William L. Torry; 1857-58, Warren Dowd: 1859, C. W. Lindsley; 1860, James G. Lindsley; 1861-62, George Drury; 1863-64, Orrin J. Buck; 1865-67, William L. O'Brien; 1868-70, Hiram Flanagan; 1871-79, William L. O'Brien. TREASURERS. 1853, Samuel Strong; 1854, Enos Chapin; 1855-56, Victor Austen; 1857, William M. Tanner; 1858, William L. Torry; 1859-72, George G. Sweet; 1873-77, John Mocklencate; 1878, William G. Rowe; 1879, John Mocklencate. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1853, Jonas Buck, Caleb C. Ward; 1854, Cyrus W. Lindsley, Eliab Wright; 1855, Russell Humiston; 1856, Solomon Cobb; 1857, Blodgett Torry, P. H. Oliver; 1858, Samuel Strong; 1859, Warren Dowd, Marcus Lane;' 1860, John Reed, William M. Tanner; 1861, Jacob A. Haite, Warren Dowd; 1862, W. H. Rockwell, Samuel Strong; 1863, Samuel Marble, R. B. Roe; 1864, Warren Dowd, Samuel Strong; 1865, Richard Blanchard, E. B. Roe; 1866, Samuel Strong, Enos Chapin; 1867, E. B. Roe, Enos Chapin; 1868, Orren W. Avery; 1869, Jacob Mound; 1870, Richard Blanchard, Enos Chapin; 1871, Warren Dowd, Stark Lampman; 1872, Nelson C. Moore; 1873, R. C. Harmon, Richard Blanchard; 1874, L. H. Albright, W. W. Spencer; 1875, B. F. Chapin, Warren Dowd; 1876, W. W. Spencer; 1877, Timothy Church; 1878, Hiram Flanagan, R. C. Harmon; 1879, Hiram Flanagan. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1853, Dustin Murch; 1854, Caleb Ward; 1855, Ezra Whaley; 1856, Dustin Murch; 1857, William Gates; 1858, Ezra Whaley; 1859, Nelson 0. Moon; 1860, E. B. Roe; 1861, John Brason; 1862, Daniel Gray; 1863, Moses Sprague; 1864, John Brason; 1865, William L. O'Brien; 1866, Victor Austin; 1867, Richard Blanchard; 1868, S. C. Angevine, William L. O'Brien; 1869, Samuel B. Drury; 1870, S. C. Angevine; 1871, Aaron Richardson; 1872, Daniel Collins; 1873, Joseph St. German, William S. Heywood; 1874, W. S. Heywood; 1875, Joseph St. German; 1876-77, William S. Heywood; 1878, W. G. Roe; 1879, N. S. Graves. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1853, Cyrus W. Lindsley; 1854, A. B. Eaton; 1855, C. W. Lindsley; 1856, R. H. Oliver; 1857, Richard Ferris; 1858, George G. Sweet; 1859, Nelson 0. Moon; 1860-61, Richard Ferris; 1862, Richard Ferris, George G. Sweet; 1863, George G. Sweet; 1864, Richard Ferris; 1865, George G. Sweet; 1866, O. J. Buck; 1867, Richard Ferris; 1868, 0. J. Buck; 1869, Andy L. Prouty; 1870, 0. J. Buck; 1871, A. L. Prouty; 1872, R. C. Harmon, Hiram Flanagan; 1873, 0. J. Buck; 1874-75, A. L. Prouty; 1876-77, O. J. Buck; 1878, Robert C. O'Brien; 1879, R. C. Harmon. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1853, Jonas Buck, Caleb Ward; 1854-56, Daniel Collins, A. B. Eaton; 1857, William S. Heywood, Alexander Dana; 1858, Warren Dowd, Hiram Chechy. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1873-74, Warren Dowd; 1875-76, R. C. O'Brien; 1877-78, George A. Chapin. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875-76, R. C. Harmon; 1877-79, Hiram Flanagan. CONSTABLES. 1853, William M. Tanner, William S. Heywood, E. M. Eaton, J. G. Higgins; 1854, Ezra Whaley, William M. Tanner, George Pierce, George U. Schermerhorn; 1855, Cotton Leach, William M. Tanner, Ezra Whaley, M. A. French; 1856, Addison Gates, Justice Fox, Ezra Whaley, C. M. Leach; 1857, John Isenhart, W. A. Lisco, I. N. Willis, Jesse Harrington; 1858, William A. Lisco, James Strong, Franklin Pearsons, John Isenhart; 1859, H. W. Durand, The following is the record of the first town-meeting in Cheshire: "At the first election held in the township of Cheshire, in the county of Allegan, for the purpose of organization in pursuance of legislative enactment detaching the above-named township from Trowbridge, in Allegan County, State of Michigan, Harvey Munger was chosen moderator, and S. Strong clerk. James G. Lindsley and A. B. Eaton were chosen inspectors. The oath of office was then administered according to statute in such cases, when the polls were declared open. The following officers were elected: James G. Lindsley, Supervisor; Harvey Munger, Township Clerk; Marcus Lane, Treasurer; Marcus Lane, C. W. Lindsley, S. Strong, Dustin Murch, Justices of the Peace; Marcus Lane, Dustin Murch, S. Strong, Highway Commissioners; C. Lindsley, S. Strong, School Inspectors; Caleb Ward, A. B. Eaton, Directors of Poor; Ezra Whaley, A. B. Eaton, Constables." The subsequent officers of the township have been as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1853-55, James G. Lindsley; 1856, Harvey Munger; 1857, James G. Lindsley; 1858, P. H. Oliver; 1859, Samuel Strong; 1860-64, C. W. Lindsley; 1865-67, John Branson; 1868-70, William L. O'Brien; 1871-77, Stephen S. Stout; 1878, William Albright; 1879, Stephen S. Stout. 102 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN..l - Abel Stearn, Elijah Howes, Ezra Whaley; 1860, Isaac Noble, A. W. Morey, Charles Tyler, Russell Humiston; 1861, C. M. Tyler, George Hamilton, C. M. Leach, H. C. Munger; 1862, C. M. Tyler, Gilbert Haight, Joseph Watts, G. U. Schermerhorn; 1863, C. M. Leach, Abel Stearns, Addison Gates, C. M. Tyler; 1864, C. M. Leach, Alva Pierce; 1865, C. M. Leach; 1866, B. F. Woodward, C. M. Tyler, Warren Dowd, Richard Ferris; 1867, B. F. Woodward, Isaac Noble, Alexander Dana, Joseph Chamberlain; 1868, Isaac Noble, B. F. Woodworth, Alexander Dana, L. Shaw; 1869, G. D. Haight, Isaac Noble, C. M. Tyler, J. H. Cline; 1870, Isaac Noble, G. W. Roe, James Lockwood, G. D. Haight; 1871, Alexander Dana, James H. Cline, E. Howard; 1872, William A. Lisco, Edmund Root, Orin Church, W. W. Spencer; 1873, A. U. Wait, Edward Richardson, Alvin Rockwell, Darius Marble; 1874, Richard Fenn, Abel Stearn, George Pierce, E. H. Richardson; 1875, George Pierce, Benjamin Stearns, E. C. Lindsley; 1876, William Thompson, Charles D. Nash; 1877, E. J. Baird, John Ridgley, Frank Albright, A. T. Sharp; 1878, John McMahon, Victor Austin, Eugene F. Murch, Leonard Webster; 1879, A. T. Sharp, Eugene Murch, L. M. Webster, J. F. Ridgway. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The white people of' Cheshire generally attend church in other townships or worship at the school-houses in this one, but the colored people have two organizations of their own. Regular Methodist services were first held among them some years ago at the house of William Thompson, by Rev. Johnson Burden, a colored preacher, though occasional meetings, conducted by Elder Burke, had previously been held at the same place. Elder Rhodes also frequently addressed the colored citizens of the township at the residence of Mr. Thompson. An effort was made by Elder Burden, after the society had become thoroughly organized, to build a house of worship, and the present structure was accordingly erected. It is not yet completed, the members of the church preferring to finish it as their means shall permit rather than to contract a debt. They have now a surplus in the treasurer's hands, and with an occasional donation seem likely soon to accomplish their desire,-a completed and dedicated church edifice. The trustees who superintended the erection of the building were William Thompson, Jesse F. Ridgley, and Ezekiel Howard. The pastors in rotation have been Elders Johnson Burden, John Jordan, L. D. Crosby, John Myers, and Lewis Ratliff, the present incumbent. The membership embraces 50 names, and shows good prospects of a considerable increase. A flourishing Sabbath-school is also held during the summer months. The present board of trustees is composed of William Thompson, Jesse F. Ridgley, M. C. McCully, Matthew Russell, James T. Russell. THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. Another organization among the colored population of the township was known as the Church of God. The writer is informed that, owing to a difference of opinion on the part of the Cheshire congregation from the denomination, that body seceded and took the name of the Church of the Living God. The pastor is Samuel Smith, who is accredited with great fluency of speech, and also with a versatility of mind which enables him to promulgate such doctrine as may be most pleasing to his hearers, rejoicing in very great freedom from creed or form. Several brethren of the congregation are also fluent in exhortation. The services are held in a log structure on section 21. t I CHESHIRE BANNER GRANGE, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. This lodge was organized Sept. 29, 1874, and received its charter during the year 1879. Its earliest officers were J. M. Howard, Master; G. W. Lewis, Overseer; W. J. Eaton, Steward; Dr. S. S. Stout, Lecturer; H. A. Lindsley, Assistant Steward; Daniel Collins, Chaplain; B. T. Chapin, Gatekeeper. Its officers for the present year are M. E. Bagley, Master; John Brason, 'Overseer; William H. Albright, Steward; 0. G. Lindsley, Lecturer; Joseph Enos, Assistant Steward; William Raymond, Chaplain; 0. G. Pike, Gatekeeper. The grange now numbers 140 members, and is in an exceedingly flourishing condition. A spacious hall has just been completed, in which its meetings are held. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. MARCUS LANE. Among the early settlers and good practical farmers of Cheshire township none have a better record for personal integrity and high moral worth than he whose life and character forms the basis of these lines. Coming to Michigan in 1851, he stopped at Allegan County with a brother, and assisted him in clearing off a piece of ground and getting in a crop of corn, which was planted among the roots, logs, and stumps, but the result of this labor was eighteen hundred bushels of corn. It was not Mr. Lane's intention to make Michigan his home, having started for Illinois; but, meeting his brother in Buffalo, he was induced by him to come and see Michigan. After a short stay here he decided upon making it his permanent home, purchased forty acres of land, and erected a log house. The lumber used for this was brought from Pine Grove, with a creek between his cabin and the lumber. Going with an ox-team, he, on his return, found the waters so high that he must swim his oxen in order to cross. This he did. Such were pioneer experiences. Few these latter days comprehend the hardships through which the pioneers of the State passed. Neither can they understand the strength of the bonds of sympathy and fellowship which united these first dwellers in the woods. After his cabin was completed another difficulty arose, but, remembering it was said "That it is not good for man to be alone," he returned to New York, and, Sept. 25, 1851, married Harriet F., daughter of George and Mirze Miller. Two weeks after their marriage this 'young couple started to their home in the wilds of Michigan. Upon their arrival they took an inventory of their stock of this world's goods with which to begin life, and found, besides a few household effects, one cow and threedollars. But with a hearty good will both went to work to make a home, and how well they succeeded can be seen. Mr. Lane engaged in buying and selling land, owning at times several hundred acres. Their home farm now consists of one hundred and forty-eight acres. Although be ginning with such small capital they have always had plenty to supply their wants, yet could look around them and see their neighbors almost destitute, at times being obliged to CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. 193 subsist on leeks and potatoes for weeks at a time. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have a family of seven children, viz., George M., the first white male child born after the organization of the township; Win. C., Almon B., Herschel D., Jennie M., Edwin E., and Lena M. George M. married Miss Mary Fry, and is engaged in the grocery business in Chicago. Wm. C. married Miss Belle Bagley; is living on a fine farm in Bloomingdale. The others are at home with their parents. Mr. Lane was born in Hume, Allegeny Co., N. Y., March 15, 1827. He had the misfortune to lose his mother in 1831, when an uncle, Wm. Hill, took him into his family, where he found a pleasant home until he was twenty-seven years of age. His uncle being engaged in farming and dairying, Marcus assisted during the summer and attended school in the winter months. After arriving at his majority he returned to his native county, engaging two years in the dairy business with his brother William. Some time during these two years he lost the use of three fingers, caused by a cut received at the hands of one Hiram Turner. Later in life Mr. Lane has been engaged in farming principally, but in connection with this has spent five years in a saw-mill, lumbering, and in mercantile business in partnership with Cooley & Munger. At this time Mr. Lane owns a saw-mill. In politics he is a Republican, and has held several offices of trust in his township. In religion is a Baptist, and has ever been willing to devote a portion of his time and money for the spread of the gospel. Was one of the men who organized the first Baptist Church in his township, and so well did the members of his church appreciate his services that they elected him deacon and superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which position he has since filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to others. Mr. Lane's father died in New York, in 1870. Mrs. Lane was born in Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 1830. Her father, George Miller, died in Ohio in 1859. Her mother in New York in 1867. - -......-.....-... -,. MRS. S. S. STOUT. v e Photos. by Agrell, Allegan. DR. S. S. STOUT. S. S. Stout, son of Wm. A. Stout, was born in the State of New York, in 1829. The father was a farmer, and here S. S. remained until he was grown to manhood. He then made choice of a profession, selecting that of medicine, going to Dr. Downing to pursue his course of study. Attended medical lectures at Geneva, N. Y., in 1853. After leaving college spent three and one-half years working on the Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan Air-line Railroad, then being built. This road passed through the northern part of the State of Ohio. After leaving the railroad pur25 chased a farm in Michigan, intending at the time to become a farmer, but his health being poor, and not having a disposition to work on a farm, now entered the practice of medicine. A successful practice has extended over a period of twenty-two years, thirteen years of that time in the township of Cheshire. He possesses the necessary qualifications of a physician other than knowledge,-geniality of disposition, kindness, and compassion. He is in every sense a worthy citizen. 194 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. RICHARD FERRIS. MRS. RICHARD FERRIS. JOSEPH G. FERRIS. Photos. by Briggs, Allegan. RICHARD FERRIS. Richard Ferris, son of Leonard Ferris, was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Aug. 7,182 '. His father being engaged in farming, Richard worked at home on the farm until he was eighteen years of age. During the winter months he attended the district school near home. One winter he attended a select school in Mishawaka, Ind., taught by a blind man. The winters of 1848 and 1849 he was at Notre Dame University, near South Bend, Ind. His educational advantages were superior to many young men of that day. Mr. Ferris made several changes in his business and place of residence before his final settling in this State. These changes are as follows: in 1843, went to Mishawaka, Ind., working in a mill-yard; in 1844, hired out by the month in Cass Co., Mich.; returning to Mishawaka the latter part of the same year, he engaged in a saw-mill as a sawyer; in 1850, came to Lawrence, Van Buren Co., Mich., working in a saw-mill in summer, and teaching in winter in the village of Lawrence; in 1851, returned the second time to Mishawaka, this time buying an interest in a saw-mill; in August, 1851, returned to Michigan, and here bought an interest in a saw-mill at Lawrence, on Brush Creek; in 1854, moved to Cheshire township, Allegan Co., purchasing five hundred and sixty acres of wild land. Here he commenced clearing, and erected a saw-mill for the purpose of sawing up the lumber. This mill burned down in 1860. A new one was erected in 1863. He spent a part of his time attending to his farm, but since 1876 he has devoted his time exclusively to farming. He is now living on the same tract of land he purchased when first coming into the township; he now owns five hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Ferris is a Republican, and is an active member of the party. He has filled the offices of township clerk and school inspector for several years. In 1870 he was elected to the lower house of the Legislature. He is of Irish and American parents. In religion he is a liberal Catholic. April 29, 1851, he married Hannah, daughter of Thomas and Ann Milburn. They have had four children, viz.: William M., Mary E., Marcus A., and Joseph G., who died Dec. 8, 1879. The others are living at home with their parents. Mrs. Ferris was born in England Jan. 1, 1826, remaining there until she was twenty-two years old. A. B. EATON. A. B. Eaton was born in Cornwallis, N. S., May 12, 1818, and was the second son of Stephen and Mary Eaton. When he was but five years old his father moved to New York City. Remaining there but a short time, they went to Euclid, Ohio. At the end of two years returned'to New York State, settling at Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y.; thence, after three years' stay, to Porter, Niagara Co., N. Y. At the age of twenty-one, when most young men want to begin life for themselves, A. B., no exception to this general rule, bought a piece of land in Wilson township. In 1849, Mr. Eaton became interested in the West, and as many were emigrating from New York to Michigan he fell into line with them, and landed in Cheshire, Allegan Co. To-day we find him living on the same farm he then bought. It consisted of one hundred and twenty acres. He has since added forty acres. Mr. Eaton has been twice married. His first wife was Maria B., daughter of Amon and Patta Palmer. Three children were born of this union, viz.: O. P., Mary E., and Washington Irving, who died Jan. 2, 1876. O. P., the other son, is a physician in Detroit. Mary E. was married on the 30th of June, 1867, to F. C. Petty. Mr. Petty died, leaving his wife and two children, -U. E. and M. C.,-who make their home at Mr. CHESHIRE TOWNSHIP. 195 Eaton's. Mrs. Eaton died June 5, 1859. The second wife was Lovina, daughter of George and Juliana Hopkins. This marriage took place March 14, 1861. Mrs. Eaton's father was a grandson of Gen. Ebenezer Walbridge, of Bennington, Vt. Gen. Walbridge was an officer in the French and Indian war, and in the Revolutionary war was promoted to the rank of general; he took an active part in the battles of Bennington and Ticonderoga, and in the capture of Burgoyne. In politics Mr. Eaton has always been a Republican, with which party he is prominently identified and a working member. In religion is a Baptist, and is an earnest worker in his church; was one of the number who organized a church three miles north of Bloomingdale. None have been more earnest in the support of the gospel, and few members of the church more regular in their attendance upon its appointed services. His wife and daughter are members of the same church. Mr. Eaton is one of the substantial and respected men of his township, and enjoys a good reputation for industry, honesty, and economy. JONATHAN HOWARD. MRS. SOPHIA HOWARD. JONATHAN HOWARD. On the 19th of May, 1808, Jonathan Howard was born; Rome, N. Y., was the place of his birth. Removing to Monroe Co., N. Y., he there remained until the fall of 1854, when he came to Michigan. Jan. 28,1833, he married Miss Emeline Whipple, who was born Dec. 4, 1809, and died March 17, 1836; by this marriage two children were born,-a son and a daughter. The daughter, Adeline, is living in the State of New York. The son, J. M., lives on the old homestead in Cheshire. Mr. Howard married for his second wife, Jan. 22, 1839, Miss Sophia Johnson. J. M. Howard's early life was spent in New York State on a farm, his father being a good practical farmer and a man of sound common sense, who is now, at the age of. seventy-two years, living with his son on the farm which he first bought on coming to Michigan. The son has managed the business for the past fifteen years. Having been in Michigan since a small boy, he has witnessed some of the development of the State, much of it being an unbroken wilderness upon their arrival here. Well he remembers the hard labor done by these men who were making for themselves homes in these wilds, going to their daily work with their rifles, axes, and their ox-teams. Both father and son have been enterprising men in their township, the father serving six years as postmaster. They are staunch Republicans. Their real estate consists of one hundred acres of land,-eighty in Allegan County, and twenty in Van Buren County. J. M. married Sarah C., daughter of William and Julia More, on the 18th of April, 1866. Two children have been born to them. CLYD E.* TOWNSHIP 2 north, range 15 west, was organized in 1860, and named Clyde after the place of the same name in New York State. It is bounded on the north by Manlius, on the south by Lee, east by Pine Plains, and west by Ganges. The Chicago and Michigan Railroad passes in almost an air-line between north and south, having in the town two stations,-Fennville and Sherman. These are small but growing villages. Clyde is just beginning to develop as a fruit-producing township, and gives encouragement to believe that in the near future the peach-culture will be a large and valuable industry. In January, 1880, about 200 acres were set to fruit,-mainly peaches,-of which latter J. W. McCormick had 13 acres; Bathrick & White, 12 acres; William H. McCormick, 10 acres; while W. H. Silcox, S. Atwater, H. Hutchins, and others were likewise prominent as peach-growers. The great tracts of lowland in Clyde, heretofore neglected and worthless, are in a fair way to be redeemedto agriculture Efforts upon a liberal scale, looking to effective drainage, have thus far been attended with satisfactory results, and it may therefore be regarded as a simple question of a brief time as to the ultimate reclamation, of the major portion at least, of what is now a waste region. THE EARLY COMERS IN CLYDE. Doubtless the first invasion by white men of the territory now occupied by Clyde was effected by Jacob Bailey and a company of laborers he brought with him for the purpose of setting up a saw-mill on section 10, in the interest of a New York land-owning firm, known as Green,'Mitchell & Co. Bailey's advent occurred in 1837, and from that time until 1840 he carried on the mill and cleared land with considerable activity. In 1840, however, the company ceased operations in Clyde, and Bailey, with his men, mill, and all, disappeared from the neighborhood. Shortly after that, James Harris located on section 1, upon the Allegan and Saugatuck road, where he opened a blacksmith-shop, and Robert G. Winn temporarily located upon a place on section 6. Harris and Winn were for five or six years the only white inhabitants of the township. The next settler was Charles T. Billings, a New Yorker, who in 1846 located upon 40 acres on section 6, where he still resides. When Billings came, Harris was living on section 1, but Winn had moved fiom section 6 into Newark, whence he subsequently went to Ganges, his present home. Walter Billings, who made a location upon section 5 in 1847, remained only a few years. In 1849, Harrison Fry came on, and moved into the shanty earlier occupied by Winn on section 6. James Harris, above mentioned, was a millwright, and in 1837 was doing mill-work in Newark township. He was sent for in 1839 to assist in repairing Bailey's mill, on section 10, in Clyde. It was after the failure of Green & Mitchell, the company owning the Bailey mill, that Harris located on section 1, on the Allegan road, and there opened a tavern, in connection with which he kept the blacksmithshop already spoken of. Harris carried on the tavern-stand nine years, and then traded the place to one Dr. Coats for land in Otsego, whither he removed and engaged in farming. The Coats family conducted the tavern business a couple of years, and then sold to the Phillips family, who disposed of it in turn to George B. Smalley. On section 1 also lived one Bushnell, a neighbor of Harris, who died there at an early date, and was buried on his farm. His widow soon afterwards left the town. There was also a man called Marmaduke Wood, a resident upon section 1. Wood worked hard to make a living, but after an experience of four years concluded that he couldn't do it, and, selling out, moved to Ininois. The first school taught in the neighborhood was a subscription school in Manlius, in a log house erected by the people in the vicinity, on the town-line, about eighty rods east of the present Fennville school-house. This was in the winter of 1846, and the teacher was Laura Hudson, now Mrs. Harrison Hutchins. The first birth was that of Mary, daughter of Chas. T. Billings, Dec. 21, 1848, now living with her father. The first marriage was that of Helen A. Billings to Stephen Atwater, in 1862, and the first death that of Jacob Baragar, Feb. 2, 1847. FENNVILLE. The first clearing upon the site now occupied by Fennville was made in 1860 by Henry Blakslee, who did but little, however, before he entered the army, in 1861, not long after which he was killed in action. In 1862, Elam A. Fenn, an early settler in Manlius, where he had put up a saw-mill, erected, in company with Levi Loomis, a saw-mill just west of where the railroad-track now passes through Fennville. The mill was soon destroyed by fire, and then Emerson & Co., of Rockford, Ill., who owned considerable land near there, joined Fenn in rebuilding the mill, and engaged him to clear their land and cut their lumber. In 1870 the railway-line was run east of Fenn's mill, and David Walter, a shoemaker who came to Clyde in 1854, boarded the railroad laborers at his house, near Fenn's. Fennville was then in the woods, but in 1871 was platted by Emerson & Co., and given its name in honor of the sawmill man. The village site was then in Manlius, opposite the mill. In the fall of 1871, when the village consisted of the stfres of Pardee Grizzell and Stephen Atwater -t By David Schwartz. 196 CLYDE TOWNSHIP. 197 I the post-office, and a half-dozen houses, everything, including the saw-mill, was burned to the ground. After the fire the restoration of the village was effected upon Wilson's addition, previously laid out by M. C. Wilson upon the property occupied by Henry Blakslee in 1860. There the business portion of the village is now located. The first house in the addition was built by M. C. Wilson, upon the ground now occupied by David Signor's hotel. Stephen Atwater was the first to build a store there, and presently Dr. Asa Goodrich, of Ganges, came and opened a drugshop in Atwater's store, while he also practiced the healing art. To Daniel Thomas belongs the distinction of having been the pioneer blacksmith. Stephen Atwater, M. C. Wilson, Waterman Hutchins, and David Signor, still living at Fennville, are reckoned the oldest residents of the place. A post-office was established in 1866 for the benefit of the people near the saw-mill, and called " Fenn's Mill." Elam Fenn was the first postmaster, and, until the completion of the railway, received a mail three times each week by way of Manlius. Previous to 1866 the latter place was the post-office for the people at Fenn's Mill. When the village was laid out, the name of the post-office was changed to Fennville. Succeeding Fenn, the postmasters have been Stephen Atwater, Wm. Seiver, George Smead, and J. W. McCormick, the present incumbent. Fennville is fast rising to importance as a shipping-point as well as a trading-place. During the season of 1878 the railway-shipments included 5000 barrels of apples, 55,000 baskets of peaches, and 25 cars of wheat. During the season of 1879 shipments included 137,000 baskets of peaches, 4000 barrels of apples, and 60 cars of wheat. The outlook for 1880 promises a material advance in business over the figures for 1879. Besides Dr. Asa Goodrich, Fennville's physicians have been Drs. C. F. Stimpson, Hull, McCullough, Andrews, and Meaghan. The two latter are now the resident physicians. SHERMAN. In 1867, Alonzo Sherman and Ezra L. Davis came to Clyde, with about 20 men, and set up a saw-mill on section 32. They also opened a store, and called the place Sherman. Davis remained only a few years. Mr. Sherman has continued uninterruptedly to follow the saw-mill business at the place ever since. When the railway was opened, in 1871, a post-office was established at Sherman and called Bravo, its present name. The appellation is supposed to have been suggested by some one who wished thus to indicate the spirit that must have animated the pioneers of the place in starting a village in the woods. Chandler Eaton, the first postmaster, was succeeded, in 1873, by the present incumbent, Eugene D. Nash, who has also been the railway agent since that time. The village when visited by the writer, in February, 1880, boasted three stores, a saw-mill, and a stave-mill. The railway shipments at Sherman depot during the season of 1879 included 25,000 baskets of peaches, 37 cars of wheat, and 1400 bushels of clover-seed. The business of shipping fruit and wheat at this station is expected to advance materially during 1880, and, as two new stores were erected in the village in February, 1880, public ex pectation would seem to point to a speedy and vigorous trade increase. CLYDE CENTRE. Settlements in Clyde were confined until quite recently to the northwestern portion. Sherman, in the south, was settled in 1867, and in 1872, Eggleston and Hazleton, interested with Stockbridge and Johnson, extensive landowners, put up a large saw-mill at the place now called Clyde Centre, employing in the woods and at the mill about 75 men. They erected a number of houses, including a large boarding-house for their laborers, opened a store, caused a railway-station and post-office to be established there, and carried on their business prosperously until 1877, when, the timber-supply being about exhausted, they removed the mill elsewhere, and Clyde Centre was accordingly relegated to obscurity. James Bathrick and James E. White were among the first hands employed in the mill, and when it was removed they bought farming-land on section 20, where they have since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, particularly, however, at present in the business of fruit-growing. W. A. Briggs, whose parents settled in Manlius in 1851, located at Clyde Centre in 1874, and lives there now. There is at the Centre a Free-Will Baptist Church organization, which worships in the school-house and has a small membership in the thinly-settled neighborhood. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Clyde, originally a portion of Pine Plains, was set off by the county supervisors Oct. 12, 1859, and named by Ralph Parish, who had come from Clyde, N. Y. At the first town election, held April 2, 1860, 13 votes were cast by the following persons: Ralph Parish, George G. Smalley, E. H. Heath, David Walter, Charles T. Billings, Stephen Thayer, John Withrow, Henry Davidson, E. B. Wells, Richard Purdy, Robert Hayes, Frank Seymour, Jeremiah Stafford. The following persons have been chosen annually since 1860 as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: SUPERVISORS. 1860-64, Ralph Parrish; 1865, E. A. Fenn; 1866-79, J. W. McCormick. CLERKS. 1860, George G. Smalley; 1861, William Williams; 1862, E. H. Heath; 1863, R. H. Bushnell; 1864-66, David Walter; 1867, Newton Arnold; 1868-72, David Walter; 1873, Newton Arnold; 1874-75, David Walter; 1876-79, S. Atwater. TREASURERS. 1860, E. H. Heath; 1861, C. T. Billings; 1862-63, D. Walter; 1864, R. Bushnell; 1865, W. F. Billings; 1866, J. Robertson; 1867, M. C. Wilson; 1868-71, S. Atwater; 1872-75, H. F. Pullman; 1876-77, W. W. Hutchins; 1878-79, C. T. Billings. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1860, C. T. Billings; 1861, B. W. Phillips; 1862, R. Parish; 1863, E. H. Heath; 1864, E. A. Fenn; 1865, C. T. Billings; 1866, J. W. McCormick; 1867, E. L. Davis; 1868, E. A. Fenn; 1869, C. T. Billings; 1870, J. W. McCormick; 1871, Joseph Pyles; 1872, George Cook; 1873, S. Atwater; 1874, J. W. McCormick; 1875, W. H. Silcox; 1876, E. D. Nash; 1877, S. Atwater 18781 J. W. McCormick; 1879, S. B. Severns. 198 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. Clyde contains no house of worship, although the village of Fennville has, on the Manlius side, a Methodist Episcopal church edifice, in which many of Clyde's citizens worship. There are in the township, at various school-houses, frequent religious meetings, but thus far no denomination has found itself strong enough to erect a house of its own. Of schools there are but four, and one of them is in a fractional district. The enrollment of school children in the four districts is 124, and the average attendance in three of them is 90. DOR R.* THE township of Dorr, designated in the original survey as township No. 4 north, of range No. 12 west, is situated upon the northern border of Allegan County, east of the centre. The adjoining townships are Byron, in Kent County, on the north, Leighton on the east, Hopkins on the south, and Salem on the west. The general surface, except through the centre from north to south, and a narrow belt on the east border, where a considerable extent of swamp-land exists, is rolling, and presents many beautiful landscapes. Originally the township was heavily timbered. About two-thirds of the southwest quarter was covered with pine, and another small tract of pine was found southeast of the centre, the remainder being of the deciduous varieties, such as beech, maple, oak, ash, white-wood, elm, lynn, tamarack, etc. The soil compares favorably with that of other townships, and is of the same nature as that found throughout the State, viz.: alternating belts of sand and clay loam on the uplands, with alluvial deposits in the swamps and lower portions. A system of ditching will ultimately reclaim nearly every acre of the present waste-lands in the township. The lakes and water-courses are unimportant; sections 11, 29, and 30 are each dotted with a small lake of from 15 to 20 acres in extent. The stream known as Big Rabbit River cuts the extreme southwest corner. Its tributary, Red River, enters the township from the northeast corner, and, after pursuing a very sinuous course, finally leaves it, near the centre of the west border. The people of Dorr are chiefly engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, their soil being well adapted to grazing and the culture of fruit, grass, corn, and the various cereals. Abundant harvests annually reward the husbandmen for their toil, and an appearance of general prosperity prevails. Neat farm-houses, commodious out-buildings, handsome and well-managed farms grace the landscape in many portions. For the improvement of their live-stock the people have thus far been mainly indebted to the Messrs. Averill, Bates, and Gilbert. Jxcellent railway facilities are afforded by the lines of thie Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad and the %rand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. The former passes through the pentre of the township from north to south, * By J. S. Schenck. its station being Dorr Centre. The latter, running in the same general direction, intersects sections 1, 12, and 13; its station in this township being Moline. EARLY HISTORY. ORIGINAL SURVEYS. Deputy United States Surveyor Lucius Lyon ran out all the township and sectional lines of Dorr. He was here first in 1826, when he traced the northern, eastern, and western boundaries. On the 3d of May, 1831, he reappeared upon its borders and blazed the southern line, and during the months of May and June of the same year completed the work by subdividing the township into 36 sections. FIRST AND OTHER EARLY LAND-ENTRIES. That portion of the public domain lying within the present township of Dorr was first thrown open to purchasers in the summer of 1835, and the first persons to avail themselves of the opportunity were two well-known residents of Otsego, -Hull Sherwood and Almerin L. Cotton, who on the 31st day of August, 1835, purchased individually certain portions of section 31. One or two other lots were entered during the same year, and a large amount in the years 1836 and 1837; but a considerable portion of this township remained vested in the general government until after the year 1844. Following is a list of the first and other early entries made upon each section: Section 1.-Harry Van Man, June 2, 1845; Nathaniel Goodspeed, September, 1845; Edward Moore, October, 1845; William B. Floyd, October, 1845; George C. Rice, October, 1845. Section 2.-Nathaniel Goodspeed, September, 1845; Edward Moore, October, 1845; C. and A. M. Hoy, October, 1845; Cyrenus Bartholomew, 1845; Erastus B. Snow, 1845; John Jackson, 1845. Section 3.-Harry Van Man, June, 1845; Cyrus Snow, 1845; Ira G. Snow, 1845; Marshall M. Wells, 1845; Charles II. Coggeshall, 1845. Section 4. Rodney C. Sessions, 1850. Section 5.-Marshall Morrill, Sandusky, Ohio, 1848. Section 6.-Zenas L. Griswold, Nov. 7, 1836. Section 7.-Jacob Bartz, November, 1852. Section 8.-Timothy Brown, December, 1851. Section 9.-David R. Averill, March, 1853. Section 10.-Marshall M. Wells, December, 1845. Section 11.-Wm. R. Moore, October, 1845; Cyrus Snow, November, 1845; Charles H. Coggeshall, December, 1845. Section 12.-Josiah Williams, October, 1845; James E. Gould, October, 1845; Winm. H. Culver, September, 1846. K I I /* Y, / MRs. C. H. DAU E T C.H. YDAL: J CTY RESIDENCE OF C..H. DAUGHERTY, DORR rT., ALLEGAN Co., MICHIGAN. I DORRt TOWNSHIP. 199 DORR~ TOWNSHIP. 199 Section 13.-Dennis Williams, October, 1845; C. and A. M. Hoy, October, 1845; Elihu Luce, November, 1845. Section 14.-C. and A. M. Iloy, October, 1845; Cyrus Snow, November, 1845; Elihu Luce. November, 1845. Section 15.-Enos T. Throop, July, 1847. Section 16.-F. Rummctt, February, 1855. Section 17.-Reuben Barrett, May 23, 1836; Samuel Pettibone, May 23, 1836; Samuel M. Bartlett, July, 1836; James Ewing, March, 1854. Section 18.-William P. Green, July, 1836; James Ewing, March, 1854. Section 19.-Samuel Camp, January, 1856; Putnam Hills, November, 1854. Section 20.-John R. Kellogg, January, 1836; Daniel B. Miller, July, 1836; Goodwin Stoddard, July, 1836. Section 21.-John R. Kellogg, January, 1836; William B. Clymer, Bucks Co., Pa., December, 1836. Section 22.-Harry Van Man, June, 1845. Section 23.-Harry Van Man, June, 1845. Section 24.-Benjamin Patch, November, 1845. Section 25.-Samuel C. Jones, May, 1847. Section 26.-Peck, Hooker & Co., Jefferson Co., N. Y., December, 1836; Isaiah IIillman, Lewis Co, N. Y., December, 1836. Section 27.-David S. Dille and Isaac Barnes, January, 1836; Daniel B. Miller, July, 1836. Section 28.-John R. Kellogg, January, 1836; Goodwin Stoddard, July, 1836; Lyman Pettibone, February, 1837. Section 29.-Cornelius Wendell, January, 1836. Section 30.-Samuel Camp, January, 1836; Cornelius Wendell, January, 1836; George Brace, January, 1836. Section 31.-Almerin L. Cotton, August 31, 1835; Hull Sherwood, Aug. 31, 1835; Samuel Hubbard, October, 1835; Boltwood & Sweetser, 1836. Section 32.-Samuel Hubbard, October, 1835. Section 33.-Samuel Hubbard, October, 1835; Sylvester Wright, Feb. 4, 1837. Section 34.-Benjamin Truax, Sept. 2, 1852. Section 35.-Emerson Ketcham, March, 1853. Section 36.-George W. Barnes, February, 1836; Samuel Moon, December, 1836; Ballard Ball, December, 1836; Ira Camp, February, 1837; Charles C. Comstock, March, 1854. FIRST SETTLEMENTS. The first settlement was made in this township in October, 1845, by Nathaniel Goodspeed and his son Orrin. They came from Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, with their own conveyances, drawn by one horse and one ox-team, and also brought in twelve head of cattle. The father was a widower. Orrin's family consisted of himself, his wife, and sons, George, Cyrus, Daniel, and William. Their lands, purchased while en route, at Marshall, Mich., were situated on the north sides of sections 1 and 2, were entered in the name of Nathaniel Goodspeed, and, except one other, were the first purchases made upon those sections. The father erected a small log cabin, near the present residence of Orrin Goodspeed, and the latter lived with him that winter, establishing himself the same season in another log house, on section 2. Thus situated, they passed the winter of 1845-46, and a very severe one it was, too, especially for their cattle. Their nearest neighbors were seven miles distant, to the northeast, while on the south nine miles had to be traversed through the forests ere a settlement was reached. Not a particle of hay or straw could be obtained for their livestock; but by a vigorous and daily use of the axe, their cattle were enabled to eke out a scanty subsistence through the winter by " browsing." In the spring and summer of 1846, 18 acres were cleared sufficiently to put in crops of corn, wheat, potatoes, and turnips, and from that time the generous soil supplied them abundantly with food, but, notwithstanding, money was hard to obtain. Store goods were unreasonably high, and only to be obtained at distant points, and Orrin Goodspeed's children frequently wended their way to school in the snow barefooted. The elder Goodspeed was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He was a tanner and currier by trade, and before settling here had lived in various portions of the country. In September, 1850, he committed suicide by shooting himself in his own house, and his is believed to have been the first death to occur in the township. The first white child born in the township was Charles L., son of Orrin Goodspeed, whose birth occurred June 21, 1846. The next settlers in the township were the bachelor brothers Edward and William R. Moore. Edward purchased land on sections 1 and 2 in October, 1845, and with his brother erected a log cabin, and settled upon the premises now owned by L. C. Gilbert, in the winter of 1845-46. Both were prominent citizens in the township when it included the present town of Hopkins; served as justices of the peace and in other capacities. Edward Moore now resides in Byron, Kent Co., Mich. Augustin M. Hoy, who owned lands situated upon sections 2, 13, and 14, was also a resident in 1846 or 1847, but did not continue here long. Edmond Johnson, the fourth to settle his family in the township, arrived during a December snow-storm, in 1847. The same day witnessed the arrival here of Warren Jones and Rodney C. Sessions. They arranged a shelter for the first night by turning their wagon-box bottom upwards, crawling underneath; and the next morning there was ten inches of snow upon the ground. The settlers last mentioned were from Oakland Co., Mich. James A. Sterling, who settled upon section 10, was also one of the prominent early settlers. He built the first framed house in the town, and, as he served for many years as justice of the peace, his house was a well-known place of resort for early litigants. Frequently his court held open till midnight. Meantime, his good wife would prepare supper for those assembled, of whom about one-half paid for their entertainment. Squire Sterling would earn perhaps $1.50 in fees, while next morning it required two or three hours' hard work to clear up, and arrange household matters again. For the first years settlements tended towards the northeast quarter of the township, and the families coming in were principally Americans. But soon after 1850 several Germans began improvements in the northwest portion, and their numbers have been increased by others, until to-day they own at least one-fourth of all the lands in the township. They are good citizens, and most excellent farmers. Among those not already mentioned who were settled here prior to June, 1853, were Benjamin Truax, Stephen Perkins, William H. Lock, Cyrus C. Babbitt, Robert Sproat, James Clark, David R. Averill, David R. Averill, Jr., John L. Barney, Dudley Miller, Byron Nelson, Jason J. Morrill, Thomas A. Morrill, George Krauss, Levi Swartz, Anton Harrish, Jacob Bartz, Nicholas Kline, George H. Sessions, William Kite, and Norman Miller. 200 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - -- I RESIDENTS IN 1853. The following list comprises the names, etc., of all who were assessed as resident tax-payers in June, 1853. This was the first assessment made after the organization of Hopkins, and those here named may be considered the charter members, the real pioneers of the township of Dorr: Section. Acres. Tax paid. Orrin Goodspeed........................ 1, 2 216 $20.77 John L. Barney......................... 2 80 3.66 Dudley Miller............................ 2 70 7.42 W arren Jones............................ 3 80 6.26 Byron Nelson............................ 5 80 2.99 Jason J. Morrill......................... 5 100 3.97 Thomas A. Morrill..................... 5 80 4.05 George Krauss........................... 5 160 6.03 Levi Swartz.............................. 5 80 3.79 Anton Harrish........................... 7 80 4.49 Jacob Bartz.............................. 7 80 2.87 Nicholas Kline........................... 8 81) 3.53 David R. Averill........................ 9 40 13.08 James A. Sterling...................... 10 40 2.66 George H1. Sessions..................... 10 80 6.86 W illiam Kite............................. 10 80 4.96 Norman Miller.......................... 10 50 6.02 Edmond Johnson....................... 10 120 6.75 Wm. H. Lock.......................... 11 80 5.34 Cyrus C. Babbitt........................ I 80 4.17 Robert Sproat........................... 13 80 5.19 James Clark.......................... 24 80 2.87 Benjamin Truax........................ 34 4t0 1.72 David R. Averill, Jr................... Personal 5.79 Stephen Perkins........................ " 1.30 Since 1860, and more especially since the close of the war and the completion of the two different lines of railways, population has increased so rapidly that Dorr township of to-day is one of the most populous in Allegan County. The names of many other early settlers are mentioned in the lists of township officers, church and village histories, etc., to which the reader is referred. CIVIL HISTORY. From the 23d of March, 1836, until the spring of 1842, the territory comprised within the present limits of Dorr formed part of Otsego township. Watson was formed in 1842, and included within its boundaries the present townships of Watson, Hopkins, and Dorr. By an act to organize certain townships in the State of Michigan, approved March 16, 1847, the township of Dorr was erected. That portion of the act relating to this territory reads as follows: -' Section 2. That townships three and four north, of range number twelve west, in the county of Allegan, be and the same are hereby set off from the township of Watson and organized into a separate township by the name of Dorr,* and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the school-house, in school-district number three, in said township." FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING, ETC. At the first township election, which was held at the school-house in district No. 3, Monday, April 5, 1847, the meeting was organized by choosing William H. Warner chairman, John Parsons clerk, Jonathan 0. Round and Edward Moore inspectors of election. The whole number of votes polled was 14, and all were thrown for John Parsons for supervisor. The other officers elected were Jonathan 0. Round, Township Clerk; William H. Warner, Treasurer; Edward Moore, William H. Warner, School * A name supposed to be derived from the principal in Dorr's (Rhode Island) rebellion. Inspectors; Orrin Goodspeed, Erastus Congdon, Jonathan Brewer, Highway Commissioners; William H. Warner, Harvey N. Baker, Directors of the Poor; William H. Warner, Edward Moore, Harvey N. Baker, Justices of the Peace;t Orrin Goodspeed, John Parsons, Jason Baker, Jonathan 0. Round, Constables. The appointments for overseers of highways were: Jonathan 0. Round for District No. 1, Jonathan Brewer for District No. 2, John Parsons for District No. 3, and Edward Moore for District No. 4. The electors then concluded their business by voting as follows: "To raise $150 for township expenses. To raise $250 for highway purposes, and $15 for wolf-bounties. To pay $3 for each wolf killed in the township. That for school purposes, fifty cents be raised on each child in the township between the ages of four and eighteen years. That Timothy J. Crampton's barn-yard be the Pound, and William 11. Warner serve as pound-master. That the next townshipmeeting be held at the house of Timothy J. Crampton." On effecting a settlement with Watson, Dorr received of the highway fund $439.31, and of the Watson township library 56 volumes, valued at $28.63. The total amount of taxes collected during the year ending April 1, 1848, was the sum of $76.60, which was disbursed as follows: Paid to township officers................................ $62.01 ' school district No. 1........................... 3.97 " " " " 2........................... 8.78 " road " " 4........................... 1.84 $76.60 At a meeting of the Allegan County board )f supervisors, held Dec. 29, 1852, township No. 3 north, of range No. 12 west, was set off from Dorr, and organized into a separate township, by the name of Hopkins. The first meeting after this change of boundary-lines was effected was held at the house of Orrin Goodspeed, on the first Monday in April (4), 1853. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a list of the principal township officers of Dorr, elected annually,4 for the years from 1848 to 1880, inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1848-50, John Parsons; 1851-52, Luther Martin; 1853, David R. Averill, Jr.; 1854, Orrin Goodspeed; 1855, David R. Averill, Jr.; 1856-57, John Frank; 1858, Bradley Gilbert; 1859-62, David McConnell; 1863, Charles D. Wood; 1864, David McConnell; 1865-66, William A. Smith; 1868-73, Philetus S. Pullen; 1874-76, William A. Smith; 1877-78, William J. Sproat; 1879, William A. Smith; 1880, David McConnell. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1848-50, Jonathan 0. Round; 1851, William H. Warner;: 1852-53, James A. Sterling; 1854, L. C. Gilbert; 1855-56, C. C. Babbitt; 1857, Chauncey Stone; 1858, Philetus S. Pullen; 1859-63, Robert Sproat; 1864, Benjamin V. Stone; 1865, James Jeffers;11 1866, George S. Thomas; 1867, Alfred Emons; 1868-69, Robert Sproat;.1870, Joseph Sterling; 1871-75, William J. Sproat; 1876, John A. Beamer; 1877, George S. Thomas; 1878-79, John A. Beamer; 1880, Lewis N. Fisher. t Erastus Congdon, having been elected justice of the peace of Watson, held over, and served his unexpired term-two years-in this township. t All vacancies, resignations, and appointments are not shown. # Resigned. J. 0. Round appointed July 24,1851. II H. N. Averill appointed August, 1865. 1I REsioENCEorORj9IN GOQODSPEED, DoRR TR.,ALLEGANCO.,MJCH. DORR TOWNSHIP. 201 TREASURERS. 1848, William H. Warner; 1849, William R. Moore; 1850, Rodney C. Sessions; 1851-53, Orrin Goodspeed; 1854, Nahum Snow; 1855-58, David McConnell; 1859-64, Philetus S. Pullen; 1865 -66, Frank Neuman; 1867-69, John Sommer; 1870, William H. Ewing; 1871, Harmon Campbell; 1872, John Sommer; 1873-75, William H. Ewing; 1876, Joseph Neuman; 1877, Anton Weber; 1878-79, Joseph Neuman; 1880, Philetus S. Pullen. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Jonathan Brewer, Jr., 1848; William R. Moore, Jason Baker, Seralpha C. Buck, 1849; Erastus Congdon, Jason Baker, William R. Moore, 1850; Rodney C. Sessions, 1851; Byron Nelson, Henry N. Baker, 1852; Orrin Goodspeed, Robert L. Sproat, James A. Sterling, 1853; Nahum Snow, 1854: David R. Averill, Sr., Thomas A. Morrill, 1855; Thomas Cary, Byron Nelson, 1856; James A. Sterling, Jonathan Sooy, 1857; Hiram Ross, Thomas Cary, 1858; Hiram Bisbee, 1859; James A. Sterling, Charles H. Dougherty, Anton Weber, 1860; James Jeffers, Jonathan Sooy, 1861; M. W. Van Tassel, 1862; Charles D. Wood, Anton Weber, 1863; James A. Sterling, Charles H. Dougherty, 1864; John A. Potter, 1865; Charles H. Dougherty, Joseph Gilbert, Anton Weber, 1866; Jonathan M. Sooy, 1867; M. Grandy, 1868; Orrin Goodspeed, James A. Sterling, 1869; Anton Weber, Robert II. Helmer, 1870; Joseph Woodhams, 1871; George W. Pennell, Lewis F. Smith, 1873; William J. Sproat, 1874; Alfred It. Phelps, Edwin Byles, 1875; Lewis F. Smith, 1876; Frank Sommers, Daniel Stein, 1877; Lyman E. Parke, 1878; Alfred H. Phelps, 1879; Anton Weber, 1880. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. William R. Moore, 1848; Erastus Congdon, 1849; Jonathan Brewer, 1850; Edmund Johnson, 1851; Harvey N. Baker, 1852; Thomas Morrill, Robert L. Sproat, 1853; David R. Averill, Sr., 1854; Oliver Emmons, 1855; Benjamin Truax, 1856; Anton Weber, 1857; Oliver Emmons, 1858; Frank Neuman, William H. Lock, 1859; William Wood, 1860; Thomas Rauk, 1861; Edward Averill, Frank Neuman, 1862; John A. Potter, 1863; John Sommers, 1864; James Jeffers, John Sommers, 1865; Edward Averill, John Wegand, 1866; Ferdinand Neuman, 1867; M. Grandy, 1868; no record, 1869; Frank Neuman, 1870; Robert W. Helmner, 1871; Eli Driskell, 1872; Hampton Ellis, 1873; Daniel Stein, 1874; Frank Neuman, 1875; Lyman W. Ehle, 1876-77; Wenzell Schindler, 1878; Frank Neuman, 1879; James Tanner, 1880. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. Sylvanus Paul, 1872; George S. Thomas, 1874; Bradley Gilbert, 1876; Hampton Ellis, 1878; Charles R. Averill, 1879. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. Erastus N. Bates, 1875; James W. Humphrey, 1876; Sylvanus Felton, 1877-80. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. John Parsons, 1848; Rodney C. Sessions, 1849; John Parsons, 1850; Luther Martin, 1851; William A. Warner, 1852; David R. Averill, Jr., Robert L. Sproat, 1853; Nahum Snow, 1854; David R. Averill, Jr., 1855; John Frank, 1856; Charles D. Wood, 1857; James A. Sterling, 1858; Charles D. Wood, 1859; Charles 1I. Daugherty, 1860; Heman B. Robb, 1861; Charles D. Wood, Benjamin V. Stone, 1862; Philetus S. Pullen, 1863; James A. Sterling, 1864; Charles D. Wood, 1865; Charles H. Daugherty, James A. Sterling, 1866; George Jordon, 1867; David McConnell, Philetus S. Pullen, 1868; no record, 1869; P. S. Pullen, 1870; William A. Smith, 1871; V. Van Sickel, 1872; Howard L. Merrill, 1873; Albert V. Averill, 1874; Bradley Gilbert, 1875-76; Joseph W. Schirem, 1877; Henry P. Evarts, 1878-79; Wright E. Mills, 1880. EDUCATIONAL. The first school district organized* wherein schools were taught and attended by children from this township was * Upon the organization of Dorr (including Hopkins), in 1847, township No. 4 north, of range No. 12 west, was known as school district No. 2. 26 a fractional one, including parts of Dorr and of townships in Kent County. The school-house stood upon the countyline, and in it Miss Mary Baker, of Hopkins, taught the first school. About 1853 a school district was organized in the northeast quarter of the township, and the house was built near the Congregational church. Mr. D. Prindle taught the first school in this house, and, in early years, it was facetiously termed the " Dorr Academy." For several years after the separation of Dorr and Hopkins townships the school records were loosely kept, and no information can be gained from them. We find that the teachers licensed in 1857 were Helen Leonard, Mary Miller, and Mary Smith, and that there were 162 children of school age residing in the township. The teachers of 1858 were Jane Sooy, Ellen M. Styles, Reuben A. Wilson, William P. Wilson, C. D. Wood, and Peter Reausek. In 1859, Charles Winchester, Effie M. Baker, William Pepper, John W. Stone, Louisa Bates, Rebecca Miller, and Jackson D. Dillenbeck. In 1860, Lydia Camp, Emma Leonard, Levi H. Webster, Augusta Houston, Delia A. Smith, and Jane Sooy. In 1861, Adelia Smith, Maria Stone, Jane Pullen, Levi H. Webster, and Lewis F. Smith. The primary school fund, apportioned for 1860, was as follows: District. Scholars. No. 1............ 38 " 2............ 47 " 3............ 33 Amt. $17.48 21.62 15.18 District. Scholars. No. 5............ 35 " 6............ 36 "t 9............ 20 Amt. $16.10 16.56 9.20 The moneys received from 1870 were apportioned to District No. 1................ $30.15 " 2................ 21.04 " 3................ 49.34 " 4................ 11.94 the primary school fund in District No. 5................ 6................ 7................ " 9............... $31.06 40.18 23.31 21.49 As showing the present condition of schools in the township, the following statistics, gathered from the township school-inspector's report for the year ending September, 1879, are appended: Number of whole districts................................ 9 " children of school age residing in the township..................................... 523 " children attending school during the year........................................... 394 " frame school-houses........................ 9 " male teachers employed.................... 4 " female " ".................... 11 Paid male teachers.......................................... $670 " fem ale "......................................... $907 Total resources for the year, $2441.78. VILLAGES. DORR CENTRE. Dorr has two villages within its borders, named respectively Dorr Centre and Moline. The former is situated in the central part of the township, and is a station on the line of the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. It contains about 200 inhabitants, a Congregational church edifice, Masonic lodge-rooms, steam saw-, flouring-, and shingle-mills, two hotels, numerous stores, and several small mechanical shops. Wheat, flour, pork, lumber, and stave-bolts are the principal articles of shipment. 202 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Among the business and professional men at present residents of the village are Messrs. Frank Neuman and Lyman W. Ehlis, hotel proprietors; Barris & Neuman and Ewing & Sproat, grain-dealers; Edward Byles, lumbermanufacturer; E. S. Botsford, Fritsche & Co., Joseph Neuman, and John Sommer, merchants; L. N. Fisher, railroad-agent; H. M. Averill and John A. Beamer, attorneys; Ferd. Neuman, flouring-mill; Lyman E. Parker, hardware-merchant, postmaster, and express agent; Seth Colvin, stave-manufacturer; Drs. Theodore Cole, H. P. Evarts, and J. H. Smith, physicians; Rev. N. K. Evarts, clergyman. Improvements were first made on the village site by Mr. Frank Neuman, an energetic German, who came from the Fatherland in 1855, to Dorr Centre in 1856, becoming its first settler, and in 1857 erected the first framed house. He also established the first wagon-shop, and was the first in many other enterprises. On the 27th of September, 1869, as proprietor, he caused to be surveyed and laid out the original village-plat, to which an addition was made by Joseph Neuman the same day. As already noticed, the Neumans are among the most prominent and successful business men of the village at the present time. IOLINE. This small village, situated on the east side of Dorr township, was started by Alfred Chappell, John L. Shaw, and Edward P. Vining, July 16, 1872. It is a station on the line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, seventeen miles south of Grand Rapids, lumber and farm products being the principal articles of shipment. The village was projected in 1870, and now contains about 100 inhabitants. Among those doing business here are B. Gilbert, postmaster and merchant; Balch Bros, saw-mill proprietors; Alfred Chappell, station and express agent; W. M. Pierce, merchant; R. J. Rogers and Charles H. Wademan, blacksmiths. MASONIC. P.S. Pullen Lodge, No. 307, F. and A. M. —The original members of this lodge held their first meeting in the grist-mill at Dorr Centre, July 1, 1871, and inaugurated measures for the building up of a lodge and lodge-rooms. On the 21st of February, 1872, the first regular communication was held in their new hall, and the officers first installed were as follows: J. M. Burnett, WV. M.; William J. Sproat, Sec.; E. J. Boynton, S. VW.; Otto R. Fritsche, J. W.; Harron Campbell, S. D.; Eli Driskell, J. D.; Fred. Custer, Tyler. Other charter members were Philetus S. Pullen, Frank Neuman, Ferdinand Neuman, A. G. MeConough, Charles L. Christie, John McNeal, Thomas Carruthers, and William H. Reid. The subsequent Masters to the preset t time have been J. M. Burnett, to 1875, inclusive; Eli Driskell, 1876-77; Henry P. Evarts, 1878; George W. Shriner, 1879; William J. Sproat, 1880. Other present officers are Eli Driskell, S. W.; Alfred Emmons, J. W.; George W. Shriner, S. D.; J. W. Pullen, S. D.; P.S. Pullen, Treas.; Lyman E. Parker, Sec.; and Andrew Truax, Tyler. The lodge numbers 40 members, and regular communications are held in their lodge-rooms at Dorr Centre, Wednesday on or before the full moon. MEDICAL. Dr. Benjamin J. V. Stone, who subsequently became an army surgeon and died at Alexandria, Va., March 3, 1865, was the first resident physician in the township. He had a large practice, and was very successful. Dr. Max Snitzer, a German, who settled in the northwest part of Dorr, was also an early physician, and practiced extensively among those of his nationality. Dr. Theodore Cole, a graduate of the Michigan University, of the class of 1869, first practiced in St. John, Clinton Co. From thence he removed to Dorr Centre in March, 1870, where, to the present time, he has been engaged in an extended and successful practice. Drs. H. P. Evarts and J. H. Smith have each practiced here some six or seven years. RELIGIOUS. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DORR, whose church edifice is situated in the northeast quarter of the township, was organized Aug. 27, 1857, in a small school which stood near the present church site. The original society was comprised of 11 members, viz., Bradley Gilbert, Martha J. Gilbert, Nahum Snow, Sarah Snow, Lauren C. Gilbert, Judith Gilbert, Edward Averill, Mary B. Averill, William A. Smith, Elizabeth Smith, and Sarah Smith. William A. Smith was chosen the first deacon, and Nahum Snow the first clerk,-positions which both held many years, the latter until his death, in March, 1876. In February, 1858, Rev. James A. McKay accepted the pastorate, and remained four years. The following September the First Congregational Church of Grand Rapids presented this church a communion-service, which is still in use. Rev. N. K. Evarts became their pastor in the autumn of 1862.* A Sabbath-school was established at the beginning, of which Mrs. Elizabeth Smith was the teacher and superintendent. The growth of the church has been steady and healthful, marked by no unusual events or divisions. Before the war its members indulged in the hope of soon erecting a church edifice, but at the call of their country all the able-bodied male members joined the Union armies, and the subject of building a house of worship was dropped. Meetings were continued in the school-house, and the question was not again revived until 1870. When some of the people were disappointed in the location of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad station, an effort was made to consolidate the Hilliard's Church with this, and together build a church edifice at Dorr Centre. On the 18th of November, 1872, the place of meeting was changed to the Centre. The consolidation failed, but the church edifice at the Centre was commenced in 1873. However, owing to an alleged failure on the part of the contractor, the building committee would not accept the structure, and litigation followed. Meantime, during the summer of 1873, a Sabbath-school was re-established in the old school-house. This proved * Just previously, Charles W. Coit, a theological student, preached here for a short period. II I-?1711 t 10,:1.0 'IV rT 0 Q).-, iA If r-; I-. I I 11 .f I i I I A. I L DORR TOWNSHIP. 203 to be the nucleus around which gathered the original members of the church, and on the 6th of March, 1875, the vote of Nov. 18, 1872, was rescinded, thus changing the place of holding meetings from the Centre back to the school-house. Soon after, the subject of building a church edifice in the latter neighborhood was again brought forward, and finally resulted in the completion and dedication of the present beautiful house of worship in 1876. It cost $2500, has sittings for about 250 people, and a membership of 100. A flourishing Sabbath-school, long presided over by Bradley Gilbert as its superintendent, is now in charge of Mr. E. M. Gilbert. Among other pastors who have administered to the spiritual wants of this congregation since the expiration of Mr. Evarts' first term were C. N. Coulter, N. K. Evarts (again), Moore, George W. Sterling, N. K. Evarts (for the third time), and Albert C. Lee, of Watertown, N. Y., the present incumbent. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF DORR VILLAGE. This organization was formed Nov. 11, 1875, and its original members were Adrian De Clark and wife, William H. Ewing, H. T. Pomeroy and wife, Antoinette Kelly, Christina Patterson, Horace Barton and wife, N. K. Evarts andwife, and Mary J. Byles. Rev. N. K. Evarts became the first pastor in 1875, and has continued to the present time. The church edifice was commenced in 1873; it was completed soon after, and is the one mentioned in the sketch of the other Congregational Church. The society numbers 24 members. OTHER RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. It is probable that Rev. F. Glass, a Methodist divine, presided over the first religious meetings held in this township, in 1849. Two classes of this denomination exist at the present time, and are connected with the Byron Circuit. A society composed of United Brethren is located mainly in the eastern part of the township. In the northwest quarter the German Catholics have a large congregation, composed of members of fiom 40 to 50 families. Their church edifice-the largest house of worship in the county-is situated near the county-line, and on the highway dividing sections 5 and 6 of this township. They also have a well-conducted private or parochial school in the same vicinity. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ORRIN GOODSPEED. Orrin Goodspeed was born in the township of Mentor, Geauga Co., Ohio, Aug. 6, 1816. His father, Nathaniel Goodspeed, a native of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., married a widow, Mrs. Miller, and became an early settler in Ohio. Orrin, their only child, grew to manhood in the latter State, and on the 9th of March, 1837, was married to Sally M. Curtis, of Northfield, Ohio. As farmers the father and son passed an uneventful life in the Buckeye State until the autumn of 1845. When journeying with their own conveyances to the northern border of the present township of Dorr, they purchased a quantity of State lands, and during the same season became the first settlers within its limits. From the time of his settlement here until the present Orrin Goodspeed has been one of the most prominent citizens, and by habits of industry and economy is now the possessor of a most beautiful and fertile farm, embracing the lands purchased by his father in 1845. To Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Goodspeed were born twelve children, viz.: George N., Feb. 14, 1838; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., Jan. 9, 1865, while serving his country as a member of the Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. Cyrus E., born Sept. 20, 1839; died Sept. 17, 1874. Daniel V., April 27, 1842. Then an infant who died unnamed. William F., April 20, 1844; died Aug. 19, 1853; Charles L., June 21,1846; died May 21, 1856. Orrin A., March 30, 1848; Sylvia A., May 20, 1850; Catherine J., May 1, 1852. John W. W., May 24, 1854; died March 13, 1867. Sally M., May 22, 1856. Phoebe A., Feb. 22, 1859; died Jan. 9, 1880. The wife and mother died Sept. 28, 1864. LAUREN C. GILBERT. Lauren C. Gilbert, the tenth child in a family of seventeen children, was born in Chester, Geauga Co., Ohio, March 17, 1830. His ancestors were early settlers in the vicinity of Boston, Mass., and numbers of them served in the Continental army during the war of the Revolution. Joel Gilbert, the father of Lauren C. Gilbert, was a native of the State of Connecticut, and married Miss Crisilda Crocker. He emigrated westward, and successively became a pioneer in Genoa, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and in Chester, Geauga Co., Ohio, finally locating upon lands in the latter State now owned by E. O. Lyman. When nine years of age, Lauren C. Gilbert began work for E. O. Lyman, and remained with him-the proceeds of his labor being paid to his father-until twenty years old. He then remained at home for a short period, and on the 3d of March, 1852, married Miss Judith Wisner, of his native town. In the autumn of 1853 he removed to his present place of residence in the township of Dorr, purchasing eighty acres, the lands originally occupied by Edward Moore, and of which but sixteen acres were then improved. Additions to his first purchase have been made from time to time, until he now owns in this and Leighton townships four hundred and sixty acres. The major portion of the home-farm is under a high state of cultivation, and the whole embellished by a tasteful residence, commodious farm buildings, fruit- and shade-trees. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the First Regiment of Michigan Cavalry, participated in all its campaigns, and, with his regiment, was mustered out of service at Salt Lake City, Utah, March 10, 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert six children have been born, viz.: Wallace B., Sept. 2, 1854; Samuel J., April 8, 1857; Lauren D., April 16, 1862; Oliver L., Feb. 3, 1867; Frederick C., Dec. 12, 1870; and Nellie S., June 11, 1872, who died Oct. 22, 1874. Politically, Mr. Gilbert is a Republican. Socially, and as a true representative of the agricultural classes of Allegan County, he is most highly respected. 204 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I B+ENJAMItN GROVER. MRS. MARY M. GROVER. BENJAMIN GROVER. Benjamin Grover was born in Bennington, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Feb. 9, 1826. He was an adopted son of Benjamin and Mabel Grover, and passed his boyhood and early days of his manhood in that section. He married, in 1851, in Darien, Genesee Co., N. Y., Miss Mary M., daughter of Sebra and Dura Weaver, who had removed with her parents from Wellington, Tolland Co., Conn., in 1828. She was born Feb. 2, 1827. In September, 1853, Mr. Grover came to Dorr, Allegan Co., all this section being then a wilderness, and the woods the abode of all kinds of wild animals. He purchased first eighty acres, upon which his widow still resides; he afterwards added one hundred and twenty acres, which is now in possession of their son. Mr. and Mrs. Grover were the parents of the following children: Flora A., born Oct. 13, 1851; died Feb. 17, 1865. Jerome A., born Nov. 3, 1852; married Caroline Burgman Jan. 1, 1876. George C., born Feb. 18, 1853; died March 17, 1854. Infant son, born and died Dec. 22, 1857. Delew B. Grover, born Oct. 14, 1860; died June 15, 1867. Mary C. Grover, born July 16,1867; died Aug. 26,1867. Benjamin Grover was not a member of any church, believing that to the just and those willing and ready to be judged and meet their God, no other creed or baptism was necessary. His death occurred Feb. 9, 1875. He was much respected as a neighbor, citizen, and man in the community in which he lived. Mrs. Mary M. Grover is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. CHARLES H. DAUGHERTY. Charles LI. Daugherty was born in Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1829. His father, a native of Ireland, emigrated to America when quite young, and settled in the State of New York, where he married a lady of Scotch parentage. About 1833 he removed to the State of Ohio, purchased a farm in Spencer township, Medina Co., and t1 resided upon the same until his death, which occurred in April, 1879, at the age of eighty-nine years. His wife died suddenly of apoplexy in 1845. Charles H., the third child, the only son, and the only surviving member of his father's family, remained under the parental roof assisting his father in farm labor until 1852, when he married Miss Armina N. Inman, March 31st of the same year, a young lady who had engaged in teaching in Spencer, Ohio, for several years, and where her parents still reside. In the autumn of 1858, Mr. Daugherty removed to the present township of Dorr, where he has since successfully engaged in the pursuits of farming and lumbering, and is now conspicuous as one of its most prominent citizens. An elegant farm-residence, erected in 1875, surrounded by necessary out-buildings and one hundred and fifty wellcultivated acres, silently yet eloquently attest to the facts of which we speak. He enlisted in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics in the fall of 1864, joined his regiment at Atlanta, Ga., soon after, served as regimental inspector of elections, in November of the same year participated in the memorable march through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia, in 1864-65 was present at the siege of Savannah, Ga., the battles of Averysboro' and Bentonville, N. C., the grand review at Washington, D. C., continued with his regiment until its honorable muster out of the service, and during all that time was never in an ambulance or absent one day from his company. In his political convictions Mr. Daugherty is a Republican, and represented his party in the State Convention held at Detroit, May 12, 1880. He has also served his townsmen in many other official capacities. (See township civil list.) To Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty have been born four children, who all survive, viz.: Julia 0., Sept. 27, 1853; Chester C., April 12, 1856; Eugene A., Dec. 21, 1858; and Stella S., April 6, 1868. F I L L M O R E. TOWNSHIP 4 north, range 15 west, now called Fillmore, and previously a portion of Manlius, lies on the northern border of Allegan County, and is bounded on the north by the Ottawa County line, on the south by Manlius township, on the east by Overisel, and on the west by Laketown. The population of thle township in 1874 was 1720, and is composed now, as it has been since 1847, almost exclusively of Hollanders, who, in the year last named, were numbered among the earliest settlers, and who have gradually acquired the territory. Two railways, the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad and the Grand Haven Railroad, pass through the township, only one of which, however,-the latter,-has a station in it, that being known as Fillmore, where there is a small, but bustling, village. There is also in the northwest a village called Graafschap, which lies on both sides the line between Fillmore and Laketown. Between the west and northeast there is a narrow belt of lowland, which is being gradually reclaimed by effective drainage to valuable usefulness. In that region, especially of late, heavily overgrown with timber, may be observed the desolation wrought by the wide-spread forest-fires that passed through Western Allegan in the autumn of 1871. The town is liberally supplied with excellent schools, and in the matter of school buildings has just reason to be proud. Equally abundant are the conveniences for religious worship. Water-power there is none, and manufactures have therefore received but little attention. Agriculture is profitable, however, and the farmers are, as a rule, thrifty and prosperous. THE FIRST SETTLERS IN FILLMORE. The first five white settlers in Fillmore were George N. Smith, Anton Schorno, Daniel Lamoreux, Isaac Fairbanks, and Benjamin Fairbanks, who ranked as to priority in the order named. All save Schorno and Daniel Lamoreux are still living,m-Smith, in the Mackinaw country, Isaac Fairbanks, in the village of Holland, and Benjamin Fairbanks, in California. George N. Smith was a Congregational minister, and was sent out by the Congregational Church, in 1841, as a missionary to the Indians in Western Allegan. He bought some land on section 3, in town 4, and with the assistance of Indians put up a log house and made a small clearing. He then built a second log house on his place, and into that building he used to gather such Indians as could be persuaded to come, taught them from school-books during the week, and preached to them on Sundays. At the outset the redskins took kindly to the project, and came in considerable numbers to school and to church, but when the - By David Schwartz. novelty of the proceedings wore off, they declined, as a general thing, to give their attendance, so that towards the last Mr. Smith had barely a dozen willing to be instructed. In 1844 lie received the appointment of government missionary to the Indians, and set about the establishing of an Indian colony. To that end, he induced several Indians to purchase land in town 4, and to encourage the project still further the government appointed Isaac Fairbanks, in 1845, to be an " Indian farmer," charged with the duty of instructing the savages in the business of farming. Mr. Fairbanks came, in 1845, to township 4 from near Kalamazoo, settled upon section 3, adjoining Mr. Smith's place, and assisted the latter in civilizing the sons of the forest; but somehow the scheme was not a success. In 1848 the Indians moved farther north, to the Mackinaw. Smith accompanied them, and at latest advices, in 1878, was still living there. Previous to Isaac Fairbanks' advent, Anton Schorno, a German, who had been living at Singapore, in Newark township, settled in township 4, on section 26, in 1842, where lie lived until his death, in 1879. In 1844, Daniel Lamoreux located on section 34, whence, however, he soon removed to township 5. Settlements in the northern part of the township, near the county-line, following that of Isaac Fairbanks, were made by Benjamin Fairbanks on section 2, and by Homer E. Hudson, who came with Dominie Van Raalte, the founder of the Dutch colony at Holland, and started a nursery upon the Smith place. Not succeeding in the venture, he soon changed his location to Holland. George Harrington, who conveyed Van Raalte to Holland and assisted in the erection of the first house at that place, bought a place on section 3, in township 4, and in that year -1847-made a settlement upon it. He was at first engaged in teaming, and hauled many loads of supplies for the Dutch colony between Holland and Grand Rapids, Allegan and Kalamazoo. Darwin Drew made a settlement near Schorno's, but did not stop long. The first Dutch settler in that quarter was John G. Kronemeyer, who, in the winter of 1847-48, located with Behrend Seeman on section 23. Their neighbors in the north, on the road to Holland, were Isaac Fairbanks and George N. Smith. That road, which had been underbrushed by Schorno, was subsequently, in 1849, fairly constructed; being called the Bee-line road, by which name it is yet known. In 1847 a log school-house was put up on section 26, and there a Miss Boies, of Saugatuck, taught nine scholars, four being children of Kronemeyer and five of Schorno. Three days after Kronemeyer began to make a clearing on his place his left arm was broken by the fall of a tree. As soon as a surgeon could be fetched from Zeeland he had the required atten205 206 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I tion, but it was not until the next day. He was of course compelled to lie idle for a time, but it was a sore trial for him to do so, since upon the labor of his hands alone the support of his family depended. Becoming at last impatient over his enforced quiet and being resolved to work at all hazards, he resumed his chopping operations with one hand only, and after that fashion, until he got over the injury (four months after he was hurt), he wielded his axe with his strong right arm and carried his left in a sling. The incident serves to illustrate how pressing were the needs of the hour, and how stubbornly the pioneers faced misfortunes disheartening enough to prostrate any but the stoutest energies. Kronemeyer and two of his young sons went out once in search of wolves, the presence of which had been reported hard by, and after a persevering tramp captured seven of these animals in a bunch on section 15. As the bounty on wolf-scalps from State, county, and town amounted then to something handsome, they were well paid for their day's work.* Apropos of wolves, a daughter of Mr. Bonselaar, seeing in her father's yard what she took for a fox, ran hastily to obtain a pitchfork, and succeeded in pinning the animal to the ground, when she was somewhat astonished to find that she had brought a wolf, instead of a fox, to grief. Had she known at first that it was a wolf she might possibly have hesitated before venturing upon the attack. THE DUTCH COLONY. In the summer of 1847 the settlements by the Dutch at Holland began to penetrate into Fillmore and Laketown on either side the line between the two towns. Among those who located on the Fillmore side were A. J. Neerken, Lukas Tinholt, D. Mantingh, and others. Henry Schrotenboer and wife, accompanied by Dirk Lenters, came in 1848. The former lived near Graafschap until 1856, when he removed to section 20, where he found Lenters already located. The latter had been living here and there until 1855, when he made his Fillmore settlement on section 20, as the pioneer in that vicinity. There came into the neighborhood shortly after, J. H. Tencate and William Plassman, and these four families were for some time the only residents thereabout. The country was so heavily timbered, and in many places swampy, and in coming in they found it a matter of such difficulty to make roads for wagons, that they brought their goods in afoot upon their backs. Lenters used to walk nine miles to Saugatuck after flour, and walk back again, lugging 100 pounds of the commodity upon his back. For some time the only road these settlers had was an Indian trail passing between Manlius and Holland, and even at that late day wolves and bears were sometimes seen, although they gave no trouble. The next settlers in that vicinity were John Otten, Peter Allen, Garret Brower, G. J. Weavers, John Deiters, J. II. Glupker, John Glupker, Jacob Deiters, J. H. Seiblink, J. J. Dekker, J. H. Lammen, B. Camps, and H. Bonselaar. Berend Timmerman moved from Overisel in 1852 to sec tion 24, in Fillmore, where his son Hendrick now lives. r I At that time the settlers about there used to go to mill at Allegan, and, traveling by ox-team, could not at best complete the round trip in less than two days. Garret De Witt moved to Holland in 1848, and thence to section 10, in Fillmore, upon land which had until then not known the ring of the woodman's axe. His neighbors were Isaac Fairbanks, James Vanderbett, T. Sluiter, Stephen Fairbanks, the Nies family, on section 1, and the Schaaps, on section 2. After De Witt, the comers to that neighborhood included John Fork, H. Schuttmaat, Mr. Oldemeyer, and Mr. Overbeck. The Garvelinks were early settlers in Holland, -in 1847,-and after the elder Garvelink's death his sons moved to Fillmore, where their father owned land. One of his sons,-Jan W.,-who lives on section 8, has been conspicuously identified with township affairs since 1857, having been supervisor fourteen years, town clerk two years, and justice of the peace twelve years. After 1856 the Hollanders gradually extended their settlements to every portion of the township, and at this time comprise almost the entire population of Fillmore, -indeed, it would be difficult to find in the town a dozen families not Hollanders. In 1859, along the townline road between Fillmore and Manlius, Christian Arzt, Jacob Illg, and Frederick Kern were settlers on the Fillmore side, while there were also Hollanders on the Manlius side. Later, the Dutch began to people both sides of the line quite freely, and where the Chicago and West Michigan Railway crosses it they have a village called East Saugatuck, which lies on both sides the town-line, but chiefly in Manlius. In 1859 the town-line road, although " chopped out" previously, had become thickly grown over, and was then at best a mere cattle-path. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Fillmore was set off from Manlius in 1849, and named in honor of the then Vice-President of the United States. The name was suggested by the wife of Ralph R. Mann, at whose house Isaac Fairbanks called to enlist the influence of Mr. Mann in favor of a petition asking for the separation of town 4 from Manlius. " What will you call the new town?" asked Mrs. Mann. "We haven't decided upon a name," replied Mr. Fairbanks, whereupon Mrs. Mann exclaimed, " Call it Fillmore," and Fairbanks, adopting the suggestion, so christened it. By some mischance the records of township elections from 1849 to 1851, inclusive, have been lost, but as to the officials elected at the meeting in 1849, it is known that Isaac Fairbanks was chosen Supervisor; Benjamin Fairbanks, Clerk; Anton Schorno, Treasurer; and Isaac Fairbanks, Anton Schorno, George N. Smith, and George Harrington, Justices of the Peace. The officials for 1850 included Isaac Fairbanks, Supervisor; A. Schorno, Treasurer; B. Fairbanks, Clerk. Those for 1851 cannot be clearly ascertained. The first election was held at the house of Isaac Fairbanks, on which occasion six votes were cast, by Benjamin and Isaac Fairbanks, George N. Smith, George Harrington, Anton Schorno, and Darwin Drew. A list of those who were chosen annually, from 1852 to 1880, to be supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace, is hereto appended: * See Chapter XI. of the general history. 1 FILLMORE TOWNSHIP. '207 SUPERVISORS. 1852-56, Isaac Fairbanks; 1857-58, E. J. Harrington; 1859, J. W. Garvelink; 1860, E. J. Harrington; 1861-71, J. W. Garvelink; 1872-76, G. W. Mokema; 1877-78, J. W. Garvelink; 1879, G. W. Mokema. CLERKS. 1852, G. Harrington; 1853-56, H. Brouwert; 1857-58, J. W. Garvelink; 1859-60, I. Fairbanks; 1861, A. H. Brink; 1862, P. Van Anroy; 1863, A. H. Brink; 1864, H. Kronemeyer; 1865-67, I. Fairbanks; 1868-71, S. Den Uyl; 1872, J. II. Eppink; 1873 -76, S. Den Uyl; 1877-79, P. Volmari. TREASURERS. 1852-56, C. J. Voohorst; 1857-59, H. Garvelink; 1860, G. Harrington; 1861, H. Garvelink; 1862, E. J. Iarrington; 1863, I1. Garvelink; 1864-68, D. Lenters; 1869-74, H. J. Klomparens; 1875 -78, M. Notier; 1879, G. Garvelink. JUSTICES OF TIIE PEACE. 1852, Anton Schorno; 1854, I. Fairbanks; 1855, C. J. Voohorst; 1856, H. G. Mickmanshuizen; 1857, E. J. llarrington; 1858, II. Lucas; 1859, H. Timmerman; 1860, I. Fairbanks; 1861, E. J. Ilarrington; 1862, A. J. Brink; 1863, I. Fairbanks; 1864, A. Southwick; 1865, Jan Nies; 1866, I. Fairbanks; 1867, A. H. Brink; 1868, R. W. Marten; 1869, J. W. Garvelink; 1870, I. Fairbanks; 1871, G. Moherman; 1872, H. Lucas; 1873, J. W. Garvelink; 1874, I. Fairbanks; 1875, H. J. Klomparens; 1876, II. Lucas; 1877, J. W. Garvelink; 1878, J. H. Eppink; 1879, H. J. Klomparens. The town-board in 1849 was composed of Isaac Fairbanks, George N. Smith, and Benjamin Fairbanks, and a settlement with Manlius on road and school moneys, etc., was effected May 8th of that year. In 1850 the township now called Overisel was set off from Monterey and attached to Fillmore. In 1857 Overisel was detached and given separate jurisdiction. In 1850 the town board was composed of Isaac Fairbanks, Anton Schorno, and Benjamin Fairbanks; in 1851, of Isaac Fairbanks, Anton Schorno, and George Harrington. In 1853 the voters at the annual election were Cornelius Lepeltak, Peter Boven, Hendrik Klumper, Peter Van Anroy, William Oldebekking, Berend Telman, H. J. Smit, H. Strabbink, Egbert Nykerk, J. Schroetenboer, Harm Bouws, Hendrik Schroetenboer, Hendrik Hulst, Johannes Porter, Hendrik Beltman, Garret Peters, G. J. Finewever, Hendrik Huishur, H. G. Mickmanshuizen, Egbert Nyland, William Hulsman, J. Karelse, William Kleit, Hendrik Almink, G. J. Wolterink, Albert Eske, G. W. Koojers, Jacob Schaap, Cornelius Notting, Hendrik Strabbink, Abram Krapshouse, Lukas Dangremond, Kaas Simpel, M. Ypma, J. H. Streur, G. J. Immink, Hendrik Lamping, Hendrik Geurink, Berteld Vredeveld, Hannes Kok, Mathew Naijer, Harm Schippert, Lukas Vredeveld, J. W. Agteresch, W. R. Root, Rolf Van Dam, Jan Van Rhee, Berens Boersekool, Klaas Vanzouten, Garret Vrilink, M. Kleinheksel, Bernhard Seeman, A. J. Neerken, J. G. Kronemeyer, Hendrik Timmerman, G. J. Brouws, G. J. Hopman, M. Von Tubbergen, M. Martman, A. Von Tubbergen, Lambert Hopman, J. H. Hopman, M. Slotman, Z. Vugteven, Jan Poer, C. J. Voohorst, J. Hopman, J. W. Grotenhust, H. Kleinheksel, Anton Schorno, Isaac Fair banks, J. Hellenthat. In 1856 the voters numbered 135; in 1859 101; in 1861 121; in 1865 104; in 1872 186; and in 1877 254. ROADS. In December, 1840, R. R. Mann and James McCormick, highway commissioners of Manlius, laid out a road, commencing fifty links east of the southwest corner of section 34, in township 4, and terminating at the southwest corner of section 8, in township 3, Aaron Chichester being the surveyor. The Richmond road was laid out in September, 1841, and two others in 1842. Anton Schorno and Benjamin Fairbanks were highway commissioners in Fillmore in 1849, and August 20th of that year laid out the first road. In 1850 they laid three, and two in 1851. FIRST BIRTIt AND DEATH. George N. Smith's daughter, born during the early days of his settlement and dying soon after, was the first white person born, as well as the first one to die, in the township. She was buried on her father's place, but was afterwards removed to the Holland cemetery, lying just out of the northwestern corner of Fillmore and owned conjointly by the townships of Fillmore and Laketown. FILLMORE CENTRE. This village, known as Fillmore Station on the Grand Haven Railroad, is the seat of Fillmore Centre post-office. There was built there shortly after the completion of the railway, in 1870, Telman, Hoffman & Wagenar's saw-mill, now carried on by H. Telman. In 1875, Telman, Hoffman & Lemmers built a fine grist-mill, with three run of stone, which, owing to litigation, was stopped in January, 1880. The first store opened at Fillmore Centre was that of Hendrik Kronemeyer, who began to trade there in 1874. The post-office was established in 1873, and G. Wagenar appointed postmaster. In June, 1874, he was succeeded by Hendrik Kronemeyer, the present incumbent. The village now contains three stores, and in railway shipments it makes a very satisfactory exhibit. CHURCHES. DUTCII REFORMED CHURCH AT GRAAFSCIIAP. The first religious organization formed in the township of Fillmore was located at the village of Graafschap. The church was organized in 1848, and in the same year being incorporated as a society, purchased of G. Henevelt 81 acres on the east side of the Fillmore and Laketown line, which they laid out as the village of Graafschap, and upon which they built a log church, meetings having, however, been held for nearly a year before that time in the houses of settlers. The officers first chosen were Jans Rutgers, Stephen Lucas, Lambert Tinholt, and Henry Salmink, as elders, and Johannes Van Anroy and Mathias Naaye, as deacons. Upon the organization of the church, a call was sent to Rev. H. G. Klyn, in the province of Zeeland, kingdom of the Netherlands, who came on at once to take charge, being accompanied, moreover, to America by Adrian Zwemer, now pastor of the same church. Mr. Klyn, who served as pastor two years, now resides in Keokuk, Iowa, at the venerable age of eighty-six, and is still engaged in preaching. His successor at Graafschap was Rev. Martin Ypma, upon whose retirement, in 1853, there was a vacancy in the regular succession for 208 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. some years, although the pulpit was meanwhile supplied by the church at Holland. During Rev. Mr. Ypma's term the church parsonage was converted into a church, the old log cabin was abandoned, and a new parsonage was built. In 1857 differences on religious opinion arose in the congregation, and as a result about three-fourths of the members decided to effect a new departure as the True Reformed Church of America. Being in the majority, they retained the church property, while the minority continued the original church organization at such times and in such places as they best could for two years thereafter, and, although they were without a regular pastor, managed to enjoy preaching pretty regularly. In 1859 the present house of worship was built, and, in 1861, Dominie Peters, a graduate of the New Brunswick Seminary, was employed as the first pastor subsequent to the church division, in 1857. His successors were Dirk Broek in 1865, Dominie Ogger in 1871, William Van Derkley, who served until December, 1875, and Adrian Zwemer, the present pastor, who entered 'upon his pastorate in July, 1876. Mr. Zwemer remembers preaching, while he was a student at Holland, to the congregation in Mr. A. J. Neerken's house, in 1857, when but 7 families worshiped with the church. Now the congregation includes 74 families. The present elders are G. Henevelt, A. J. Neerken, Albert Bekman, Herman Strabbing, and Hendrik Zuidweg. The deacons are Berend Lugers, Stephen Speet, Garret Zalmink, Hendrik Joldersma, Hendrik Brinkman. The Sunday-school, in charge of the pastor, employs 12 teachers, and has the names of 85 scholars on its roll. Connected with the church is a Sabbath-school on section 2, in Laketown, at which 25 children usually attend, and which is in charge of Frederick Zwemer and George Henevelt. TRUE REFORMED CHURCH AT GRAAFSCIIAP. After the division of the Dutch Reformed Church at Graafschap, in 1857, those who pronounced for the True Reformed Church retained, as has been stated, the church property, including a church, a parsonage, and the property upon which the village was laid out. They used the old parsonage for public worship until 1861, when they erected the commodious edifice now in use. Subsequent to the division, Rev. Mr. Bush occupied the pulpit for several years, preaching once in three weeks. There were other ministers also until 1864. when Rev. D. Vanderwerp was called to be the first pastor. He preached every Sunday until 1872, after which, until 1874, the dependence was upon supplies. In 1874 Rev. H. W. Trealing was called, and remained until 1877. In April, 1879, his successor, the present pastor, Rev. R. T. Knipers, took charge. The church has prospered from the outset, and has now an average attendance of 150 families. The elders are Henry Lamping, Jacob De Frel, John Bouws, Egbert Fredericks, Henry Lubbers, H. H. Broenne, R. Brill. The deacons are Cornelius Lokker, Lucas Tinholt, G. Mokma, John Slink. The Sunday-school, in charge of the pastor, has 9 teachers, and a membership of 200. DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH ON SECTION 2. This body was organized in 1867 by members of the church at Holland, for the sake of having a place of wor ship nearer home, and that year a church edifice was erected. The first elders chosen were G. Dalman, William Oonk, Garret Wildering. The deacons were Jacob Fork, Peter Knaber, and Frank Lucas. The first pastor was Rev. R. C. Knipers, who remained in charge until 1877, and was succeeded by Henry E. Dascher, the present pastor. About 70 families attend the church and enjoy public worship every Sunday. The church elders are William Oonk, Henry Dalman, William Kooyers, and Garret De Witt. The deacons are Jacob Fork, John D. Bloomers, Garrit Rooks, and J. W. Wildering. The Sunday-school, which is in charge of the pastor, has 8 teachers and 70 pupils. TRUE REFORMED CHURCH ON SECTION 28. This was organized in 1868 by members of the Graafschap church living in the southwestern portion of Fillmore. A church edifice was built in 1868, and, being destroyed in the forest fires of 1871, was rebuilt in the spring of 1872. The first elders and deacons were Dirk Lenters, John Leiblink, John Lohrman, H. Bruhn, and E. Bruhn. The first pastor was Rev. John Staat, whose successor, Rev. Mr. Skabus, was followed in 1875 by the present pastor, Rev. William Von Leyung. The average attendance is 90 families. The elders are R. Pastma, H. Helms, H. H. Dobben, and A. Kunnen. The deacons are Dirk Lenters and Henry Garvelink. EAST SAUGATUCK DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH. This church was formed Dec. 23, 1868, by a council composed of Revs. A. C. Van Raalte, J. G. Nykerk, D. Broeck, and Elders G. J. Walderdenk and G. Henevelt. Twentytwo members presented themselves at the organization, which was effected in a log school-house, on the town-line, in Manlius, where meetings had previously been held. Edward Sprick and A. Boesel were chosen elders, and H. S. Berksman and H. Dalman deacons. Directly after the organization a church edifice was built on the town-line, in Fillmore. Preaching was supplied until 1873, when Rev. J. F. Zwemer, now in charge, was employed as pastor. From a membership of 22 in 1868 the church has increased to a present strength of 110 families. The elders are Edward Sprick, G. Van Tubergen, J. Lankhorst, and J. Heeringa. The deacons are H. Neuwenberg, John Lubbers, B. Vandenberg, and John Eisen. The Sundayschool has 12 teachers and 80 scholars. SCHOOLS. George N. Smith and Benjamin Fairbanks were chosen school inspectors at the election in 1849, and on the 5th of May organized districts No. 1 and No. 2. The organization of No. 3 is unrecorded, but on the 22d of June, 1852, it was ordered that No. 3 should contain the southeast quarter of the town. No. 4 was formed Aug. 21, 1851, fractional district No. 5 in 1854, and fractional districts No. 6 and No. 7 in 1867. In 1853 the school children between the ages of four and eighteen numbered 206, including 40 in district No. 1, 70 in No. 2, 20 in No. 3, and 76 in No. 4. The first record of the appointment of teachers appears in 1853, when Phineas A. Hagar, Harriet H. Hudson, Constance Bingham, Mathew Janse, and Gracia P. Briggs were engaged. I I / 7/ i C.) ci I Z 0 z 0 -J -4 CJ) Lai 0 0 0 -4 LL 0 0 Li z LAJ w 0A N -I GANG-ES TOWSNSHIP. 209 GAGS ONSI. 0 Fillmore has now six fine school-houses, of which three are brick structures and two graded schools. The annual report for 1879 gave the following statistics: Number of districts (whole, 4; fractional, 2)...... 6 Enrollm ent................................................. 882 Average attendance...................................... 623 Value of property......................................... $6970 Teachers' wages............................................ $2055 The school directors for 1879 were G. De Witt, J. W. Garvelink, H. J. Klomparens, Dirk Lenters, Jan Bouws, A. Kirschman. THE BERGMAN MYSTERY. Fillmore was somewhat agitated, in 1877, over what was known as the Bergman mystery, and to this day the subject is a matter of lively recollection. Some time before the year named, Bergman left Fillmore and his wife, and, as no word came from him, after a reasonable lapse of time his wife married again. Not long after that Bergman made his appearance in Fillmore, but, unlike Enoch Arden, was unwilling to release the right to his spouse without protest. Husband No. 2 persuaded him, however, to waive his claim in consideration of a donation of $25, and, the bargain being thus peacefully concluded, Bergman abandoned himself to the delights of single blessedness. Unhappily for him, certain youthful but high-spirited citizens of Fillmore resolved to rebuke the heartless bartering a wife away for a paltry $25, and so, coming upon Bergman in the shades of night, they assailed him most grievously, and wounded him sorely by means of divers and sundry blows. So disconcerted was Bergman at such treatment, and so frightened moreover at the prospect of more beatings, which were promised him if he did not leave the town, that he stood not upon the order of his going, but went as fast as ever he could. News of the assault coming the next day to the ears of the town authorities, and a rigid search for Bergman failing to disclose his presence, the impression straightway prevailed that his assailants had murdered him and made away with the body. They were arrested, on the charge of murder, and upon preliminary examination were held for assault with intent to kill. Being tried, they were found guilty of assault and battery, and were each fined $25. With the result of that trial, however, the good people of Fillmore were not satisfied. Bergman had not been found, nor was he likely to be found, and the murder-theory, taking a fresh start, gained ground rapidly, until the public was more than ever convinced that Bergman had really been foully dealt with. The excitement was wide-spread and intense. At a town-meeting it was voted to offer a reward of $500 for the production of Bergman, dead or alive, and for a time nothing was talked of but the Bergman mystery and the evident determination of the townspeople to probe the affair to the bottom. Meanwhile, Bergman was peacefully earning his bread in the State of Georgia, all unconscious of the solicitude exercised on his behalf, and glad, no doubt, to be thus far from the muscular moralists of Fillmore. By chance his presence in the flesh in Georgia became revealed to the Fillmore people, and thereupon, satisfied that the man was not murdered after all, they returned to tranquil contentment, saved their offered $500, and blessed their stars that the affair had turned out so happily at last. a - - G A N THIS township, organized in 1847 and named by Dr. Coats, a member of the Legislature from Otsego (who for some unknown reason selected the name of the holy river, of India), is known on the United States survey as town 2 north, in range 16 west, and is bounded north by Saugatuck, south by Casco, east by Clyde, and west by Lake Michigan. It is an excellent farming township, and near the lake the land is devoted chiefly to the cultivation of peaches. This branch of industry has come into prominence in Ganges within the past six years, and, as it continues to expand from year to year, the town seems likely to gain from this source no inconsiderable wealth. Carefully-compiled statistics gave the number of peachtrees of all ages in the township, in the spring of 1879, as 63,985, and according to the best estimates about 20,000 more were set out during the year, so that by Jan. 1, 1880, G E S.* the number of trees reached 84,000, of which 30,000 were four years old and over. The largest growers in the township have about 3000 trees each, while those who have 2000 each are quite numerous. The fruit of Ganges is mainly sent away at Fennville, on the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, although considerable amounts are forwarded by ships every season from the Ganges piers, from Douglas, and from South Haven. There is some lowland in the southeastern portion of the township, through which the north branch of the Black River flows, but it is being rapidly reclaimed. During the season of navigation communication by water with lake-ports is easy, while the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad is also near at hand. The township refused in October, 1869, by a vote of 167 to 21, to raise $30,000 in aid of the road just mentioned, but in November of the same year agreed, by a vote of 106 to 31, to donate $15,000. The railroad company did not, however, run its line through the township. * By David Schwartz. 27 210 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I THE PIONEERS. Harrison Hutchins, a New Yorker, led the way in the fall of 1838 to the settlement of Ganges, and where he then settled he lives to-day. He had come West in 1836, and while residing in Allegan had purchased 160 acres of land in Manlius in 1837, and the same amount on section 1 in Ganges. Meanwhile, in Allegan, in the fall of 1838, he put up a log cabin, 16 by 18 feet, on his Ganges tract. In November of that year he brought his sister and her three children to his house (he being himself unmarried), and began life as a pioneer. In December, 1838, John H. Billings, with a family consisting of a wife and five children, came with Cyrus A. Coles to Ganges, to locate upon lands which Coles had previously entered. They moved into Hutchins' cabin, and, although the house had but one room, the two families, which, including Coles, numbered 13 persons, managed to live in it from December, 1838, to February, 1839. Mr. Billings then moved his family into his own cabin, on section 3, where he had bought land of Coles. In that same month (February, 1839) James W. Wadsworth, who had come to Manlius, near the Ganges line, with James McCormick, in December, 1838, made a settlement upon section 2. The neighborhood then consisted of the families of Hutchins, Billings, Wadsworth, and McCormick, the latter being nearer to the Ganges people than to his fellowtownsmen of Manlius. Wadsworth was the only one of them all who boasted the ownership of a pair of cattle. Cyrus Coles was a bachelor, but intended to make a settlement upon his land in section 3. He did not, however, like the idea of pioneering alone, and, after helping to roll up Wadsworth's cabin, returned to the East. Subsequently he married there and brought his wife to his Ganges farm, where he still resides. In February, 1839, when Hutchins, Wadsworth, and Billings were the only residents in the town, Ganges was entirely a forest, with the usual accompaniments of Indians, wolves, deer, etc. The Indians were all friendly, and much given to trading with the whites. The wolves were so numerous as entirely to prevent the keeping of sheep; while the deer were also plentiful, furnishing the settlers with venison in lieu of the mutton of which they were deprived. The three families already mentioned were for two years the only white inhabitants of Ganges. In 1841 they were joined by Levi Loomis. That gentleman came from New York in 1838, and with his brother Lyman-both carpenters-had worked at Singapore, at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, during the intervening period. Levi Loomis was noted during his stay in Singapore as a skillful hunter, and in the slaughter of deer was especially successful. In 1841 he purchased 160 acres on section 11 in Ganges, and made his home upon it. He continued, however, to do considerable carpenter-work, erecting many houses and helping to build a number of mills in the county. Mr. Loomis was a lonely settler in the midst of a densely-timbered tract, al though he could reach his nearest neighbor by a mile's travel. He was himself a worthy neighbor, always willing to lend a helping hand to incoming settlers. He owned one of the two pairs of cattle in the settlement, and was always ready to loan them without reward to his less fortunate neighbors, frequently to his own serious inconvenience. He showed an unwearying determination to assist those who needed assistance whenever possible, and he is remembered for his kindness to this day. He was for a time coffin-maker in general to the surrounding country, and for that work never charged a penny. Once, when asked how much he received for making a coffin, he replied, " Well, sir, when I get so that I'll have to charge for making a coffin I'll quit the business." For ten years after the advent of Mr. Loomis settlers came very slowly. In the south part of the township they did not begin until 1843, when A. N. Crawford located upon the lake-shore, and in 1845, when Timothy McDowell settled in Casco, the people of both townships were so few that Loomis and Hutchins went from near the north line of Ganges to assist in raising McDowell's barn. A. N. Crawford, alluded to above, who had lived in Calhoun County eight years, was the first settler on the lakeshore; and when he located upon section 30, in 1843, his nearest neighbors on the north were Levi Loomis in Ganges and James Hale in Newark (now Saugatuck), each more than six miles distant, while there was nobody south of him to the base-line. The next settlers in that locality were Nelson Root, who stayed only a yeahr, W. R. Clark, H. F. Bostwick, and Orville Hudson. Mr. Bostwick's widow and A. N. Crawford are the oldest living members of the little pioneer band who first located in that portion of Ganges. C. 0. Hamlin made a settlement in December, 1846, upon land in section 32 that he bought of Nelson Root. Hamlin set up a blacksmith-shop, which proved to be a great convenience to the country around, and to which people often brought their horses for shoeing from Singapore and Manlius. In 1845, John B. Goodeve, of New York, bought of one Bascom some land on section 4, in township 2 (now Ganges), and with his wife and two children started by land for Michigan. On the way they were joined in Ohio by A. S. Collins and family, and all came to Ganges in company. Collins bought 40 acres of Goodeve, and while they were building Goodeve's house both lived with their families in an abandoned log cabin on James Wadsworth's place. In the spring of 1846, however, they both had houses of their own. As evidence regarding the character of the timber, Mr. Goodeve says that from a piece of 5| acres he cut logs enough to make 50,000 feet of lumber and over 400 cords of hard-wood. After that he cleared the balance of the land, and when his men came to "log" for him they remarked that the number of logs upon the ground indicated that there hadn't been a stick hauled away. As may be imagined, roads in such a country were not easily made. There was a tolerably good road on the lakeshore, but nowhere else in the township. The nearest neighbor to Collins and Goodeve was David Updike, who had, a few days before their coming, moved upon a place on section 8, now occupied by S. I. B. Hutchinson, and first settled by a German. Their next nearest neighbor was James Hale, in the present township of Saugatuck. r C. O.HAMLIN MRS. C. 0.H AMLIN.!MESIDENCE OF UANrLLb U. HAIVLI IV, UGANGE, ALLEGAN (O., MICHIGAN. I I GANGES TOWNSHIP. 211 Amos Hale, who had lived at Singapore from 1844 to 1846, located in the last-named year in Ganges. His widow married E. S. Collins. Besides those already named, the residents of Ganges in 1845 included Mr. Baragar, Mr. Bankson (on the present O'Brien place), Mr. Stewart (on section 11), Thomas Carter, G. F. Hughes, Mr. Roach, and S. M. Thompson. Among those who came soon afterwards were Amos Hale, Samuel Weaver, Benjamin and Nathaniel Plummer, Roswell Daily, Orlando Weed, Richard Mack, William Dunn, Thomas Wilson, Charles M. Link, Wm. Dornan, William Warren (whose wife's son, G. D. Dean, now living on section 21, came when a lad with his mother), Larned Cook, W. R. Clark, Jonathan Warrick, Orville Hudson, T. Tracey (who died 1879, aged eightynine), J. R. Kelley, Harrison Fry, the Bardens, Nyes, and others. Richard Mack located upon section 31, where he had bought 120 acres of his brother-in-law, A. N. Crawford. Peter Sargent, an early settler in Clyde, removed to section 1, in Ganges, where he now lives. Nathan Slayton, who had visited Ganges soon after 1841, settled ultimately on section 10, where he lived until his removal to Kansas, in 1870. Walter Billings, who had come to Michigan in 1834, living meanwhile near Detroit, in Allegan, and in Clyde, moved to Ganges in 1851, where he now lives upon a place he bought of James Wadsworth. Among other early settlers may also be mentioned H. J. Atwater, S. W. Loveridge, William Goodwin, John Stilson, Hiram Lee (a blacksmith), who sold his place to Rufus Dowd in 1862, A. A. Johnson (a salt-water sailor, from Maine, who bought a place on section 9, of Nathan Plummer, in 1854), Simeon Staring, Charles McVey, William Dunn, Philander Taylor, S. I. B. Hutchinson, W. A. Seymour (who bought the W. R. Clark place), J. Gardner, R. J. Knox, William Darling, E. Penfold, W. McCarthy, R. C. Eaton, Joseph Trigg, and Joseph Johnson. ROADS. The first highway of any consequence in the township was the lake-shore road, which was laid out about 1843 by Mr. Chichester, the county surveyor, and ultimately run through to South Haven. The first highway commissioners chosen in Ganges were Roswell Daily, Nathan Slayton, and John Thayer. In 1847 the town was laid out into six road districts. Previous to that twelve roads, including the Breedsville road, had been laid by Nbwark township in the territory subsequently called Ganges. After 1847 town roads were rapidly constructed. FIRST BIRTH AND DEATH. Singularly enough, the first birth anul death in Ganges both took place in the family of one who was not a settled resident of the township. In 1840, Russell Hall, a brotherin-law of Harrison Hutchins, had a piece of land in Manlius from Mr. Hutchins, and while making it ready for a residence was living in the house of that gentleman in Ganges. While he was living there, in the year before named, his son, Daniel H. Hall, was born, he being the oldest white native of the township. He now lives in Kansas. The same year, and while still living in Hutchins' house, Russell Hall himself fell ill and died, his being the first death in what is now the township of Ganges. Rev. L. Gage, of Plainwell, a Methodist circuit-minister, preached Mr. Hall's funeral sermon, which was the second sermon preached in the township. Mr. Hall was buried on Mr. Hutchins' place, and there, for some years afterwards, was the only burial-ground the township had. PHYSICIANS. At that time there was no physician to be had short of Allegan. ' Dr. Chauncey B. Goodrich settled in the township soon afterwards, however, and until his death, in 1879, was almost continuously in practice in the western part of Allegan County, in which he was for many years the only physician. Dr. E. E. Brunson has been practicing in Ganges since 1875. MILLS. The pioneers of Ganges were not very well off with respect to grist-mills. Saw-mills were convenient enough, but there was not a very pressing demand for lumber by the early settlers of Ganges, who generally rolled up log houses as the cheapest and most expeditious method of providing homes. The nearest grist-mill was at Allegan, and a journey thither, over the roads of that day, involved a trip of two days, and sometimes more. Occasionally a family which had used up the last of its stock of bread would be in sore need before the journey to mill and back could be accomplished, although some neighbor was generally found to supply the deficiency. Mrs. Plummer remembers that when the family of Ralph R. Mann reached their new home in Manlius they found themselves without bread, and, learning that Mr. Plummer was their nearest neighbor, five miles or more distant, they sent a messenger on foot to the residence of that gentleman to ask the loan of a loaf of bread. Fortunately, the Plummers had the bread to spare, and willingly supplied the wants of their distant neighbors. DROWNED IN THE LAKE. Mention will be made in the history of Saugatuck of a calamity on the Kalamazoo River in 1841 whereby three children of John H. Billings, together with Mrs. Billings, were drowned. Three other children of Mr. Billings, in the boat on that occasion, were saved, but one of them, Ozias by name, seemed born under an adverse star, for he subsequently lost his life in Hutchins' Lake, in Ganges, while crossing on the ice. He was warned that the journey was a risky one, but boy-like he persisted in making the venture, and before he had proceeded far felt the ice giving way beneath him. He struggled bravely to save himself, but in vain, and soon went down beneath the icy waters of the lake. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Township No. 2, in range 16, was a portion of the civil township of Newark-until 1847, and when Ganges was formed in that year it included survey-townships No. 2 and No. 1, now known respectively as Ganges and Casco, the latter having been set off in 1854. The first town-meeting in Ganges was held at the house of Orlando Weed, April 5, 212 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.. ~1 I 1847, when 27 votes were cast by the following electors; A. H. Hale, S. H. Weaver, J. W. Wadsworth, J. B. Goodeve, S. M. Thompson, Nathan Slayton, Nelson Smeed, Peter Baragar, Roswell Daily, Timothy McDowell, David Updike, C. 0. Hamlin, E. S. Collins, Caleb Fuller, V. Wadsworth, John Ryan, John Lutz, Charles M. Link, Henry Baragar, H. N. Crawford, Levi Loomis, John Thayer, Orlando Weed, Harrison Hutchins, N. D. Plummer, George F. Hughes, 0. C. Thayer. The officials chosen on that occasion were the following: Supervisor, A. H. Hale; Clerk, S. H. Weaver; Treasurer, Levi Loomis; Justices of the Peace, N. D. Plummer and G. F. Hughes; School Inspectors, Daniel Platt and A. H. Hale; Directors of the Poor, J. W. Wadsworth and Nathan Slayton; Assessors, J. W. Wadsworth and J. B. Goodeve; Commissioners of Highways, Nathan Slayton, Roswell Daily, J. B. Goodeve; Constables, John Lutz, Henry Baragar, S. H. Weaver, and 0. C. Thayer; Pathmasters, District No. 1, Henry Baragar; No. 2, David Updike; No. 3, N. D. Plummer; No. 4, C. 0. Hamlin; No. 5, Timothy McDowell. At the same meeting $300 were voted for ordinary township purposes, and $250 for roads and bridges. At the election in 1848 there were 38 votes; in 1855 there were 62; in 1858 there were 147; in 1867 there were 155; in 1871 the number advanced to 205, and in 1875 declined to 164. A list of those chosen annually from 1848 to 1880 to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace is given below. SUPERVISORS. 1848, A. H. Hale; 1849, C. B. Goodrich; 1850-51, Elisha Weed; 1852, S. M. Thompson; 1853-54, Elisha Weed; 1855-57, A. M. Crawford; 1858-62, H. F. Bostwick; 1863-64, G. D. Webster; 1865-68, H. F. Bostwick; 1869, G. F. Hughes; 1870-71, R. C. Eaton; 1872-73, N. W. Lewis; 1874-75, W. S. Chase; 1876, R. C. Eaton; 1877, W. S. Chase; 1878, R. C. Eaton; 1879, W. S. Chase. CLERKS. 1848, S. H. Weaver; 1849-51, S. M. Thompson; 1852, S. H. Weaver; 1853, L. A. Shead; 1854, John Weed; 1855-56, S. H. Weaver; 1857, Lorenzo Wood; 1858, C. HI. Abbott; 1859-62, S. H. Weaver; 1863-64, 0. S. Shaw; 1865, J. S. Payne; 1866, J. H. Baldwin; 1867, Elijah Weaver; 1868, L. A. Pattison; 1869-72, W. A. Woodworth; 1873-76, J. H. Baldwin; 1877, B. 11. Powers; 1878, N. W. Lewis; 1879, J. H. Baldwin. TREASURERS. 1848, Levi Loomis; 1849-50, T. D. McDowell; 1851-53, A. N. CrawfQrd; 1854-56, G. F. Hughes; 1857, Nelson Smead; 1858-60, N. D. Plummer; 1861, William Dunn; 1862, N. D. Plummer; 1863-64, C. M. Link; 1865, J. B. Goodeve; 1866-67, J. G. Fry; 1868, Rufus Andrews; 1869-70, C. B. Goodrich; 1871, G. W. Chapin; 1872-73, J. P. Leland; 1874, J. B. Goodeve; 1875-76, S. R. Lewis; 1877, C. B. Goodrich; 1878, S. R. Lewis; 1879, H. J. Atwater. JUSTICES OF THIE PEACE. 1848, Levi Loomis; 1849, Orlando Weed; 1850, Isaac Patch; 1851, Walter Billings; 1852, H. F. Bostwick; 1853, William Dunn; 1854, L. D. Cook; 1855, W. Billings; 1856, W. R. Bostwick; 1857, William Dunn; 1858, Lorenzo Weed; 1859, Levi Loomis; 1860, Joseph Evarts; 1861, Warren Prentice; 1862, S. L. Payne; 1863, Silas Brooke; 1864, R. C. Eaton; 1865, Elijah Weaver; 1866, J. S. Hudson; 1867, S. Bowker; 1868, W. Bostwick; 1869, W. M. Hendryx; 1870, J. Leckenby; 1871, S. Bowker; 1872, J. G. Fry; 1873, J. H. Baldwin; 1874, J. Wadsworth; 1875, A. N. Crawford; 1876, R. C. Eaton; 1877, L. IH. Howard; 1878, Nelson Smead; 1879, S. Bowker. PLUMMERVILLE. Plummerville, so called, was founded in 1846, by Benjamin Plummer and Orlando Weed, who came from Saugatuck and set up a saw-mill on the creek near there. 0. R. Johnson and a Mr. Noyes soon started a tannery near by. Plummer opened a store, and, in company with Mr. Robinson, built a lake-pier, four hundred feet in length, at which considerable lumber and cordwood was shipped. Mr. Weed went to California in 1849, and then Mr. Plummer carried on the saw-mill alone until about 1858. The tannery flourished until 1875. John and Loren Baldwin, now living on section 8, and Charles M. Link, a resident of section 5, were employees in Plummer & Weed's saw-mill, which was the first one of any kind erected in Ganges. The second was put up by G. F. Hughes, a short distance south. Mr. Plummer, who was one of the pioneers of Saugatuck, where he located in 1834, still resides at Plummerville, which, however, has ceased to show any of the characteristics of a village. PIER COVE. The village known as Pier Cove was laid out by Deacon Sutherland, in 1851, upon section 5, where he had located in 1849. The first improvement of any consequence was a steam saw-mill, erected by Abbott, Squires & Co. Franklin Nichols set up a turning-lathe directly afterwards, and subsequently transformed it into a grist-mill, which has been in continuous operation to the present time. Mr. Sutherland built a pier into the lake, sixteen feet wide and three hundred and twenty-three feet in length, and on subsequent occasions made additions which brought the total length up to two hundred feet and the width to forty feet. A store was opened by Mr. Cranston, a tavern was built by J. J. Gardner and George Dunn, and several other residents located in the young village. Business reached such a volume presently that the village boasted of four stores, a population of 20 families, and such brisk times at the pier that it was no rare thing to see a half-dozen vessels loading there with lumber, cordwood, etc., at the same time. Affairs prospered until 1867, when, the supply of timber becoming exhausted, the saw-mill was discontinued, shipments ceased, and the place relapsed into quietude. It has now a store, post-office, and a population of a dozen families, and during the proper season of navigation does something in the way of shipping fruit. There is some talk of restoring the pier (now much dilapidated), and if this should be done the fruit business would be likely to show a material increase. During Pier Cove's most prosperous era the village contained three practicing lawyers,-W. A. Woodworth, Alonzo Chandler, and a Mr. Lyons. POST-OFFICES. In the earlier days the settlers obtained their mail at Saugatuck, and after 1853 at Pier Cove, a post-office being established at that place that year. Samuel M. Thompson was the first postmaster, and after him the incumbents were Lorenzo Weed, John S. Payne, Elijah Weaver, William ;-i:.:::::,.~:.~ ---.ii: -I: ri 1 ~: I:; -1.~~.:~`,, $ r? E.-i il /I /' MRS. S, I. B. HUTCHI1NS ON. S. I. B. HULTCHINSON. RESIDErNCE Or S.I.8,HUTCHINSON, GANGESTP, ALLEGAN Co., MICH. I GANGES TOWNSHIP. 213 GAGS ONSI. 1 Ferguson, and Martin Pratt, now in office. The name of the office remained Pier Cove until 1874, when it was changed to Ganges. New Casco post-office was established in Casco township in 1856, when Lawrence Hyde was appointed postmaster. Wm. P. Davis was the second appointee, and Wm. 0. Packard the third. During the administration of the latter gentleman the location of the office was changed to Packard's Corners, in Ganges. After Mr. Packard, Winm. Chase was the postmaster, he being followed by Geo. T. Clapp, the present incumbent. Early in 1879 the name of the office was changed to that of Glenn, which it now bears. Peach Belt post-office, on the northern line of the township, was established Feb. 1, 1879. Walter Billings was the postmaster until December of that year; in January, 1880, John Hoover was appointed. CHURCHES. METHODIST CLASSES. The first sermon preached in Ganges was delivered by Rev. L. Gage, of Plainwell (a Methodist circuit-preacher), in James Wadsworth's house, during the year 1840. After that Mr. Gage generally preached in Ganges once in four weeks. His circuit covered a wide stretch of country, extending from the Kalamazoo Circuit to the lake-shore. He was a tireless worker, and for that reason came to be known as " the breaking-up plow." Gage organized a class which worshiped at times in Wadsworth's house and barn, and also in an old log house on Harrison Hutchins' place. Subsequently a second class was formed, a mile and a half south of the town line, in what was known as the " White School-House." This latter was afterwards united with the Pier Cove class. The Methodist class now worshiping near Pier Cove was organized about 1852. The first members were V. Wadsworth and wife, E. S. Collins and wife, Wm. Corner and wife, Jas. W. Wadsworth and wife, Charles Goodeve, Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Daily, Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Plummer, Mr. and Mrs. Winm. Dunn, Mrs. Samuel Weaver, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons. Meetings were at first held at the houses of Nathaniel Plummer and E. S. Collins, and at the Wadsworth schoolhouse until 1867, when the present church edifice was built. Among the earliest pastors were Rev. Messrs. Bliss, Boyington, Erkenbach, Mosher, Campbell, Eldridge, and Earl. The present pastor is Rev. N. M. Steele, who preaches at Pier Cove once a week. David Hoover is the present class-leader. The trustees are Wm. Dunn, E. T. Collins, Philander Taylor, Wm. Corner, James Gardner, David Hoover, Wm. Ferguson, V. Wadsworth, and John Wadsworth. The Sunday-school superintendent is Wm. Corner. There is also a class at Packard's Corners, known as the South Ganges class. Its membership is 11, and its leader German Richards. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. This body was organized as a branch of the church in Allegan, July 16, 1853, by Elder Harvey Munger. The first members were nine in number, as follows: Levi Loomis, Sarah Ann Loomis, Joseph Collins, Marcus Suth erland, Almira Hudson, Charlotte Collins, Mrs. Sutherland, Eunice Crawford, and Bathsheba Rockwell. The first deacon was Marcus Sutherland, and the first clerk Levi Loomis. Among the pastors who served the church during the first twenty years of its existence were Elders Austin Harmann, C. P. Grosevenor, Silas Bowker, Abner Webb, E. O'Brien, and William Munger. Worship is held at present in the Lewis school-house, although a movement is afoot looking to the speedy erection of a church edifice. Rev. J. E. Platt, the present pastor, has been in charge since 1877. The membership is 54. The deacons are Harrison Hutchins and G. W. Loveridge. The trustees are Glenn O'Brien, Gillette Spencer, and Edward Hutchins. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. The Second Baptist Church was organized Sept. 22, 1868, by members of the First Church and others, aggregating, all told, 17 persons. The first pastor was Rev. Silas Bowker; the first deacons were William P. Sherman and J. H. Barden, and the clerk Levi Loomis. The present deacons are Levi Loomis, William P. Sherman, and 0. P. Carman. Weekly Sunday services are held by Rev. J. E. Platt, in the " Sherman" school district. The membership is now 38. UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. A United Brethren class was formed at the Pier Cove school-house by Rev. Mr. Foote. in 1861, with a membership of 24. The first class-leader was Lorenzo Weed. Until 1875, services were held in the school-house. The class had at one time a membership of 50, but it now numbers only 35. Among the immediate successors of Mr. Foote were Rev. Messrs. Buck, Baldwin, and Linn. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. De Long, of Casco, who preaches at Pier Cove once in two weeks, and similarly to a class worshiping in the Sherman school district. The charge is in the Ganges Circuit, which includes six appointments. The church now used by the Pier Cove class was built in 1875. The present class-leader is Arthur Howland, the trustees are Elisha Weed, Robert Linn, Edwin Goodwin, and John Goodwin, and the Sunday-school superintendent is Edwin Goodwin. TIHE WESLEYAN METHODIST CLASS OF PEACH BELT. This church was formed by Rev. Mr. Burnell, in the Billings school-house, with 14 members, Charles Atwater being the class-leader. Rev. Mr. Grinnell, of Ganges, is now the pastor, and is in charge of the Peach Belt Circuit, which includes Laketown, Peach Belt, and Mack's Landing. The church stewards are William Ledig, Walter Billings, and Mr. Frazier. Meetings are held in the Billings school-house once in two weeks. SCHOOLS. School district No. 1 was formed in April, 1847, and had for its first teacher Isaac Stewart, who had previously been teaching a school in James Wadsworth's house. Districts 2, 3, and 4 were organized July 20, 1847. Among the early district school-teachers besides Stewart were Mary Platt, Samuel H. Weaver, Helen E. Seymour, Frances 214 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. _ Pool, Jeanette Earl, Constance Bingham, and Eliza Jane Starr. The official report for the year 1879 furnishes this information touching the Ganges public schools: Number of districts................................... 10 Enrollment............................................... 481 Value of property................................. $6100 Teachers' wages....................................... $6185.50 The school directors for 1879 were A. C. Goodrich, W. H. Dunn, W. A. Seymour, C. M. Link, Edward Lindsey, George W. Hampton, John Wadsworth, James Miller. GANGES GRANGE, No. 339. This was organized July 8, 1874, with 42 members, Anson Grover being the Master; W. A. Woodworth, O.; James Gardner, L.; A. N. Perrotlet, Sec.; and Edward Hawley, Treas. The succession of Masters from the first has been Anson Grover, William Cummings, S. R. Lewis, and William Cummings. The membership in February, 1880, was 50, and the officers were William Cummings, M.; S. R. Lewis, Sec.; E. Hawley, Treas.; N. W. Lewis, L.; Henry Plummer, O.; Freeman Robinson, Steward; Andrew Staring, A. S.; Clarence Ardrey, G.; Mrs. F. Robinson, Chaplain; Mrs. E. Hawley, Ceres; Mrs. William Corner, Pomona; Mrs. Taylor, Flora. The grange owns a commodious hall at Lewis' Corners, which was completed in March, 1880. TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. During the winter of 1877-78 a strong temperance movement was started in Ganges with the organization in school district No. 10 of a Red Ribbon Club. The cause prospered steadily from the outset, and in February, 1880, was encouraged by four Red Ribbon Clubs in various portions of the town, with a promise of much increase of strength. THE SAUGATUCK AND GANGES POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. This society was organized Sept. 30, 1871, at the village of Douglas, as the Lake-Shore Agricultural and Pomological Society. It then embraced members from the twelve western towns of Allegan County. The officers chosen at the organization were D. W. Wiley, President; J. J. Holmes, S. R. Lewis, James McCormick, B. F. Dressler, R. C. Eaton, and R. B. Newnham, Vice-Presidents; C. A. Ensign, Secretary; E. W. Perry, Corresponding Secretary; J. S. Owen, Treasurer; H. H. Goodrich, J. P. Leland, Alexander Hamilton, and J. F. Taylor, Directors. The charter members numbered 85. A report, issued in 1878, set forth the following facts in regard to the society and the fruit business: "The society believed they had the fairest part of the State for their field of labor, and that within its limits was contained all that the farmer or fruit-grower could desire. From the commencement of this society, when there was not fruit enough raised in this vicinity for home consumption, till the present time there has been a constant and steady increase in the agricultural and pomological productions not surpassed by any other locality, and equaled by very few. "The high price of fruit, and especially of peaches, during the first years of this society gradually gave prominence to pomology in its discussions. The remoter towns paid less and less attention to it till the membership was confined mostly to the towns of Saugatuck and Ganges. These two facts being discussed, it was decided to change the name of the organization, and accordingly the change was effected in September, 1877, to The Saugatuck and Ganges Pomological Society. "Since the organization, seven years ago, the production has increased from not enough to supply home consumption to over 100,000 bushels for shipment fromthe towns of Saugatuck and Ganges alone, and only a small portion of the trees in full bearing. It is fair to presume that the amount will be more than doubled within the next five years." The membership of the society in March, 1880, was 40, and the officers as follows: James F. Taylor, President; Levi Loomis, Alexander Hamilton, N. W. Lewis, J. H. Bandle, William Corner, and P. Purdy, Vice-Presidents; Byron Markham, Secretary; J. S. Owen, Treasurer; J. P. Leland, S. R. Lewis, A. Hamilton, and H. L. F. Crouse, Directors. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. EDWARD PENFOLD. Mr. Penfold is of English extraction, and was born in Sussex, England, May 21, 1828. Having become impressed with the superior advantages accorded artisans and laborers in the New World, he, at the age of twenty-one, bade adieu to the mother-country and embarked for America. After a brief residence in New York State Mr. Penfold returned to England, and was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Gratwick, who was born Dec. 31, 1827, and was a native of Sussex County, as were also her parents. Two children add to their happiness,-Henry J., born Oct. 11, 1856, and Charles E., whose birth occurred Nov. 21, 1862. An adopted daughter, Miss Hattie, is also a member of the pleasant family circle. Mr. Penfold returned again with his bride to America, where, in connection with his brother Henry, who had meanwhile left his native shore, Edward engaged in labor in New York State. During the year 1855 they removed to Michigan, where he purchased 40 acres of land in Ganges. This was soon transformed from a wilderness into fruitful fields, and two years later sold and a more extensive farm purchased, upon which his present residence stands. During one of the big fires in that year of fires (1871), and on the day Chicago was burned, his log house and the lumber and shingles for a new one, and two barns, together with all utensils, were burned. During the late war both Edward and Henry Penfold were actively engaged in the contest, the latter of whom sacrificed his life for the cause. In 1877, Mr. Penfbld, accompanied by two neighbors, visited again his native land for a brief period. They revived many pleasant associations, but returned fully impressed with the advantages of a republican over a monarchical government. Mr. Penfold is regarded as a public-spirited citizen, and his career has fully justified the estimate in which he is held. His wife and his eldest son are exemplary members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. C. 0. HAMLIN. C. O. Hamlin was born in Lexington township, Stark Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1813, and was the third in a family RESIOENCE Of EDWARD PENFOLD, GANGES TP, ALLEGAN Co., MICHIGAN. GANG1ES TOWQINSHIP. 215 GANGS TONSHI. 21 of eleven children,-six boys and five girls. His father, Stephen Hamlin, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Elizabeth (Felts) Hamlin, was also a native of that State, having married Mr. Hamlin some time in 1807, afterwards removing to Ohio, locating on the farm where they died,Stephen Hamlin in 1856, and Elizabeth Hamlin in 1878. C. 0. Hamlin, like most boys of his time, passed his boyhood days with little advantages of schooling, and less time for play and recreation, hard work being the portion of nearly all in those days. At the age of twenty he commenced life for himself, working on a farm for the first- years by the day and month. Then he learned the blacksmith's trade, and at the age of twenty-five he married, in Stark Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1837, Miss Margaret M. Fisher, daughter of Reuben and Lavina (Knox) Fisher, both natives of Crawford Co., Pa., where Miss Margaret was born, Aug. 2, 1820. Mr. Fisher's death occurred in Michigan in 1851 or '52, and Mrs. Fisher's in Kalamazoo, in 1873. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin they commenced housekeeping in the town, Mr. Hamlin working at his trade. Here they remained for nine years, and in the spring of 1846 started westward with their family of five children, traveling in the usual way of those days, by wagon, stopping first at Battle Creek for some six months; then moved to and settled on the farm where they now live, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 32, and which only had a small improvement when they purchased, and, though Mr. Hamlin has continued working at his trade, being the only blacksmith in that vicinity for many years, still has managed his farm with success and profit. Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin are the parents of the following children, who have grown to manhood and womanhood, viz.: Harvey R., born Dec. 10, 1838; Melissa L., born April 13, 1840; Jarret H., born Sept. 13, 1841, died Dec. 12, 1861, in the army; Malinda M., born May 7, 1843; Maria 0., born Dec. 22, 1844; Caroline F., born Oct. 23, 1848; Emeline M., born Aug. 2, 1850; Ida A., born Sept. 1, 1852, died May 22, 1873; Viola A., born Aug. 12, 1854; Charles F., born March 31, 1862; besides these, three have died in childhood. In addition to the home-farm of one hundred and sixty acres, Mr. Hamlin owns other land in the township to the amount of one hundred and twenty: five acres. He has always followed mixed farming, but, like many others of this township, has of late years interested himself in fruit-raising, and with success. Politically, Mr. Hamlin is a Republican, but never seeking the emoluments of political work, leaving for others who wish them the offices and honors. Their family are all grown to manhood and womanhood, and, with the exception of one son and one daughter, have left home seeking fortunes for themselves. Mr. Hamlin built the first pier on this portion of the lake. It is now known as the Clapp Pier, and was built by him in 1860. LEVI LOOMIS. Mr. Loomis is the direct descendant of Revolutionary stock, one of his ancestors having been a soldier of the war of 1812. His parents were Josiah and Rebecca (Sheen) Loomis, who were the parents of four sons and a daughter. Their son, Levi, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1810. On the death of his mother he found a home with a family friend,-Dr. Foot,-with whom he remained five years, his time having been principally occupied in school duties. He later engaged in labor, and with the proceeds liquidated the indebtedness upon his father's farm. Subsequently, having learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, he, in June, 1835, removed to Michigan, landing in Detroit on the 23d; July 3d he went to Marshall; on the 4th went to Grand Rapids; thence to St. Joseph, and crossed the lake to Illinois. He returned to St. Joseph on the 28th, and commenced work on the steamboat " Royalon." On the 8th of September he quit work on account of the ague. He sailed on the lake from May 1st to June 19th, being towed from St. Joseph to Swan Creek, Allegan County. He built a mill, thirty-five by fifty, doing all the framing and laying foundation, and within three weeks, with the help of a millwright, had it in running operation. He remained there until the 10th of May, 1837, when he returned to the East, and was married to Miss Sally Ann Skinner May 25th, same year, and returned to Michigan, crossing the State in a wagon, going from Allegan to the mouth of the Kalamazoo River on a raft. Of their eight children five are married and living near their parents' home. The early home of Mr. and Mrs. Loomis after their marriage was Singapore, where they erected the first dwelling in the hamlet. Mr. Loomis followed for a period of years his calling of a millwright, assisting to build a mill fifty by one hundred and twenty feet. In the spring of 1839 he moved to Saugatuck, then to Kalamazoo: left there in January, 1840, for a farm of eighty acres which he had purchased in 1839, which was then uncleared land, and is the site of the present homestead. Eighty acres has since been added, and the whole farm placed under a high state of cultivation. After becoming a farmer he was not satisfied, but built a mill at Fennville; built and supplied it from his farm; but fire wiped it out, and about four hundred thousand feet of lumber, worth about six thousand dollars. He then went back to his farm satisfied. Much of this land is devoted to fruit-raising, ten acres being, devoted to apples and twelve to peaches. This has proved exceedingly lucrative. He may justly be said to have been the pioneer in the peach-growing interest in the western portion of the county. Mr. Loomis was formerly a Whig in his political convictions, and has fallen very naturally into the Republican ranks. He is not in any sense an office-seeker, though several minor offices in the township have fallen to his lot. He was the earliest assessor in Saugatuck, and, with the assistance of Mrs. Loomis, made the first assessment-roll in the township. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and are, in their daily walk and conversation, exemplars of the faith they profess. Two of their sons were soldiers in the war for the preservation of the Union, one of whom sacrificed his life in 1864. With this affliction, together with the loss of two other of their children, their lives have been saddened, though many occasions for thankfulness are still gratefully recognized by them. 216 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. BENJAMIN PLUMMER. MRS. BENJAMIN PLUMMER. BENJAMIN PLUMMER. Few residents of the county of Allegan are more familiar with its pioneer history or more closely identified with its early interests than is Benjamin Plummer, who, in 1834, became a settler within its boundaries. He was born Nov. 20, 1802, in Maine, having been the oldest child of David and Hannah Ames Plummer, both natives of New Hampshire. They were for a brief period residents of Pennsylvania, after which they removed to Wayne Co., Ohio. His father having died in 1828, the mother accompanied her son to Michigan, where her death occurred in 1857. Mr. Plummer, in 1827, married Miss Elvina Andrews, who was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1805, her parents having been natives of Connecticut, and pioneers to Ohio in 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer's family circle embraced seven children, four of whom are now living. Andrew, the second son, has the honor of having been the first white child in Saugatuck, where his parents removed in 1834. After a residence of twelve years in the latter township, where all the deprivations incident to pioneer life were endured, they removed to Ganges, their present home. Both lumbering and farming engaged Mr. Plummer's attention here, as had been the case previously. His original purchase was one hundred and fifty acres. This, by division among his children, has been reduced to fifty, which is now cultivated. During the ravages in 1853 of the cholera in Michigan, Mr. and Mrs. Plummer were severely afflicted in the loss of four children in one week. This severe dispensation has marked an era in their lives which is otherwise fraught with many happy memories. Mr. Plummer's political career has not been an eventful one. He is a staunch Republican, though not an office-seeker. t .~~~.-~ ~~~-; ~~:: -~~~ ~: i-:-... ': i-1:~ ~1.1~ : ~~-~..~-i.~. ~~,. - -I:f.r.~..-~~ 51;~~~;;..:;. r i C RESIDENCE AND FRUIT FARM OF WILLIAM DORNANI GANGES Tn., ALLEGAN Co., MfCH. GANGIES TOWmNSHIP. 217 GANGESTOWNSHP. 21 WILLIAM DORNAN. The life of William Dornan presents a conspicuous example of the power of industry to overcome obstacles. He was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, March 30, 1820, his father, a native of Pennsylvania, having moved from that State to Ohio a short time previous to William's birth. The subject of our sketch was afflicted with the loss of his mother at an early age, her death occurring in 1830, and soon after William drifted from the parental roof and became, as soon as possible, independent of other aid than that afforded by his own hands. His father's death occurred in Indiana in 1845 or '46. In the fall of 1847, William was married to Miss Nancy McClurg, a former resident of his native town, her parents having removed to Ohio from Pennsylvania in the fall of 1844. Mr. Dornan visited Michigan on a prospecting tour previously, but did not remove his family thither until 1851. He then located on section 20 in Ganges township, clearing up the farm of eighty acres first purchased, and, selling that, bought one hundred and sixty acres on sections 20 and 29, which he still owns, and where he lived until within a short time, now living on section 7, having recently purchased a fruit-farm of thirty-seven acres, a sketch of which can be seen upon another page. Mr. Dornan was severely afflicted by the loss of his wife in 1870, who left a family of six boys and two girls, all of whom are, with the exception of the youngest, still living. He was a second time married, to Mrs. Simpson, Nov. 23, 1873, who was a native of Pennsylvania, her maiden name being Mary Jane Riheldaffar; she came to Michigan with her first husband in 1858. Mr. Dornan is an advocate of the principles of the Greenback party, being formerly a Democrat, though but little interested in political matters, being wholly absorbed in his farming and business interests, although spared much of the responsibility of the farm management by the ability and judgment of his sons, who have been remarkably successful in all the departments of agriculture to which their attention has been directed, his crop of wheat last year of thirty acres averaging over forty bushels per acre, some going as high as fifty-five. In common with many of the pioneers of the State, Mr. Dornan's advantages for education were limited, and he has experienced many of the privations of pioneer life, but the inherent quality of self-reliance he possesses in an 28 eminent degree has enabled him to overcome every obstacle; and, although he has had his share of bad luck, among which was the loss of nearly everything by fire some fifteen years ago, and by which he was compelled to begin again almost at the bottom-round of the ladder, yet he is now comparatively independent. In religious convictions he is in fellowship with the Methodist Church, of which he is a member. S. I. B. HUTCHINSON. The subject of this biography is descended from Revolutionary stock, his maternal grandfather, Joseph Beecher, having been a captain in the war of 1776. Mr. Hutchinson was born May 18, 1809, in Chenango Co., N. Y., and until his twentieth year was engaged in labor incident to farming pursuits. In May, 1829, he became impressed with the advantages afforded by the State of Michigan to young men of energy, and bade adieu to the scenes of his early life. Arriving at Monroe, Mich., he pursued the trade of a brickmaker for a period of three years. This calling frequently necessitated travel over a wide range of territory, and Mr. Hutchinson remembers traversing the ground now covered by the city of Toledo when not a dwelling marked the site of the present thriving commercial centre. In 1834 he located a farm in Emmett, Calhoun Co., upon which lie soon after removed and lived the solitary life of a bachelor. In May, 1842, he was married to Miss Charlotte Hughes, daughter of John and Elizabeth Hughes, of England, her birthplace. She came to America when seven years of age, and became a resident of Calhoun County in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have had four children, two of whom are now residing in Douglas, Allegan Co. The remaining two are deceased, the son having repaired to California in pursuit of health, where he died in 1879; the daughter's death occurred in 1870. Mr. Hutchinson, in 1862, disposed of his extensive farm in Calhoun County, embracing three hundred and twenty acres, and removed to his present residence, the land of which has been devoted principally to the raising of choice varieties of fruit. He is a firm advocate of the principles of the Republican party, though not an active partisan in politics. In religious opinions both Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson are liberal, with a profound respect for the convictions of others. G U N PLA IN: THE township bearing this name embraces the territory designated in the United States survey as township No. 1 north, of range No. 11 west, and is situated in the southeast corner of Allegan County. Barry County joins it on the east, and Kalamazoo County on the south, while the townships of Otsego and Martin, in Allegan, form respectively its western and northern boundaries. Except those portions bordering upon its water-courses and the beautiful tract known as " Gun Plains," which are comparatively level, the surface is generally rolling, and in a few instances hilly, the highest points attaining an altitude of one hundred and fifty feet above Lake Michigan. The original forests were deciduous in their nature, beech, maple, oak, whitewood, sycamore, lynn, and ash predominating, and the growth most dense on the bottomlands skirting the streams. Although pine was found in many places, it never flourished extensively on any particular section. "Gun Plains" was a burr-oak opening of the finest quality and prairie-like in its appearance. Frequently but two or three trees were found standing upon an acre. The soil of the plains, rich and friable in its nature, yielded readily to cultivation when once broken. The soil of the township generally is excellent, being a sand and clay loam with alluvial deposits intermixed, and is distinguished by no traits rendering it different from that of the greater part of the Peninsular State. The principal water-courses are the Kalamazoo and Gun Rivers, and Silver Creek. The former enters the township on the south line of section 33, and thence, in its rapid flow towards the great lake, pursues a northwest course, and, intersecting sections 33, 32, 29, 30, and 19, leaves the township by crossing the west line of the latter section. By the construction of dams and an artificial channel at the village of Plainwell, excellent water-power is obtained and utilized by various mills, village water-works, etc. Gun River takes its rise in a lake of the same name in Barry County, and, as a tributary to the Kalamazoo, flows in a southwesterly direction across the northern part of this township, and finally effects a junction with the latter stream in the eastern part of Otsego. Its current is sluggish, and extensive swamps and marshes abound along its course. These marshes were of great benefit to the early settlers, for here they were enabled to obtain pasturage and hay for their stock at a time when the present well-cultivated fields were covered with forests. By dredging and the cutting away of drift-wood, thousands of acres now valueless can and will yet be reclaimed. Silver Creek, a small and limpid stream, flows from Prairieville across the southeast corner of Gun Plain, and etters the Kalamazoo in Cooper township. * By J. S. Schenck. As an agricultural district, Gun Plain stands in the front rank among Allegan County townships. Indeed, for many years succeeding its first settlement it took the lead of all others as regards the number of acres of improved land, value of live-stock, and farm products. Its population in 1850 was 587 inhabitants; in 1860, 1068; and in 1874 (the time of taking the last enumeration) it had a total of 2466 inhabitants. With 784 voters, it has now (1880) an estimated population of 3500 inhabitants. ORIGINAL SURVEYS AND FIRST LAND-ENTRIES. The township boundary-lines were run by John Mullett, deputy United States surveyor, in December, 1825, and the sectional lines by Sylvester Sibley, in March, 1831. The first purchase of lands in this township and in the county was made by Sylvester Sibley, of Wayne Co. Mich., June 15. 1831. His purchase embraced the northeast fractional quarter of section 30, and was chosen, doubtless, while he was engaged running the subdivision lines. Samuel C. Wells, of Jefferson Co., Ohio, concluded the next purchase, June 22, 1831, his choice resting upon a portion of section 18, and on the 9th of December, 1831, Hull Sherwood, of Otsego, Mich, bought lands situated upon section 15. These three entries included all made during the year 1831 in Allegan County. Other early entries for parts of sections are mentioned by years as follows: 1832. Calvin C. White, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 17, February. Norman Davis, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 19, March. Orlando Weed, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 20, March. Hull Sherwood, Mich., section 31, March. 1833. William C. Warrant, England, section 19, June. Stephen Russell, New London, Conn., section 19, August. Friend Ives, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., sections 20, 21, July. Thomas J. Warner, New London, Conn., section 20, August. William Still, Monroe Co., N. Y., section 29, June. Silas Dunham, Monroe Co., N. Y., section 32, June. Dan Arnold, Chittenden Co., Vt., section 33, April. Isaac Aldrich, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 35, September. Justus B. Sutherland, Broome Co., N. Y., section 35, October. 1834. Lucius Lindsley, Chenango Co., N. Y., section 30, June. Edwin Toby, Chenango Co., N. Y., section 31, June. Elisha Tracy, Wayne Co., Pa., section 34, May. John W. Watson, Worcester Co., Mass., section 17, February. James Flockhart, Scotland, section 19, July. 1835. William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., section 7, December. Charles Eels, Ontario Co., N. Y., section 8, November. William Y. Gilkey, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 11, June. Jonathan Russell, Allegan Co., Mich., section 11, July. 218 MRS.GEO. H. ANDERSON, QEO.H. ANDERSON. RESIDENCE OF&ECO.H. ANDERSON. PLAIN WELL MICH.... - - -I '..I - -- —...... GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 219 Orlando Weed, Allegan Co., Mich., section 13, December. Stephen Russell, New London, Conn., section 11, November. George W. Kennicott, Montgomery Co., N. Y., section 29, July. Elisha B. Seeley, Monroe Co., N. Y., section 33, June. John Murphy, Monroe Co., N. Y., section 34, August. 1836. Luther H. Trask, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., sections 1, 2, March. Peter Buckley, Allegan Co., Mich., section 1, December. Samuel D. Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., section 1, December. Simeon Bailey, New York City, sections 2, 10, February. Nelson Sage, Monroe Co., N. Y., section 2, June. John McDermaid, Livingston Co., N. Y., section 4, May. Cyrenus Thompson, Allegan Co., Mich., section 4, June. Abram I. Dedrick, Montgomery Co., N. Y., sections 4, 5, 8, June. Chester Buckley, Otsego Co., N. Y., sections 4, 6, 7, June. William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., section 5, March. Alexander B. Law, Washington Co., N. Y., section 5, May. John Rutherford, Livingston Co., N. Y., section 5, May. Samuel Hubbard and Isaac Parker, Boston, Mass., section 10, May. John Anderson, Allegan Co., Mich., section 10, July. Charles Davidson, Allegan Co., Mich., section 10, November. Justin Ely, Allegan Co., Mich., section 11, July. John F. Gilkey, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 11, May. Samuel Begole, Livingston Co., N. Y., sections 12, 14, May. Henry Mower, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 12, July. Norman Davis, Allegan Co., Mich., section 13, April. Archibald Jameson, Allegan Co., Mich., section 13, March. Jacob Woodwortli, Montgomery Co., N. Y., section 36. 1837. Calvin C. White, Allegan Co., Mich., sections 3, 5, December. Henry Mower, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., section 1, January. John McNaughton, Livingston Co., N. Y., section 6, April. Arch. Stewart, Livingston Co., N. Y., section 6, April. William and Lawrence Kealey, section 7, January. David Bel, Calhoun Co., Mich., section 8, June. Roswell Fisk, Berkshire Co., Mass., section 9, February. Jonas Rowe, Allegan Co., Mich., section 9, March. John W. Watson, Allegan Co., Mich., section 9, March. Leman G. Orton, Allegan Co., Mich., section 9, October. John J. Viele, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., section 12, January. Chester Comings, Worcester Co., Mass., section 12, March. Henry Flockhart, Allegan Co., Mich., section 12. FIRST SETTLEMENTS. Dr. Cyrenius Thompson, whose parents emigrated from Connecticut to Hudson, in the present county of Summit, Ohio, about 1801, was born in the latter town during the month of January, 1802. Early in life he studied medicine with the practitioners of his native village, and finally graduated from the medical college of Middlebury, Vt. In 1828 he married Miss Anna Pelton, of Euclid, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where he practiced his profession for a short period, as he also did in the town of Dover, in the same county. He likewise purchased a farm in Dover, but, the location not suiting him, he sold his possessions in Ohio, resolved to try his fortunes in the Territory of Michigan. He came to Gull Prairie in 1830 and pre-empted lands, which were finally entered for him in 1831 by Levi White. During the spring of the latter year Dr. Thompson settled upon the prairie. He practiced medicine but little, his attention being devoted more particularly to farming. He soon became dissatisfied with his prairie farm, however, from the difficulty found in obtaining a plentiful supply of water. Again selling out, he soon after purchased the east half of the northwest quarter of section 20, in township 1 north, of range 11 west. In March, 1832, he leased Turner Aldrich's saw-mill on Pine Creek, and removed his family to that location, having purchased for their occupancy a small board shanty erected by an earlier pioneer. In company with Charles Miles, he managed this mill until July, 1832, when it was burned. He then tore down his shanty, and, moving the material to his land in the present township of Gun Plain, erected with it the first habitation in range 11 of Allegan County. This house stood on the north side of the road, opposite the eastern part of the cemetery, and was first occupied early in the fall of 1832. It was a story and one-half in height, and was constructed by fastening the boards-which ran up and down, barn fashion-to the frame with wooden pins. A floor of loose boards and a door finished its appointments. The cooking was done outside. Mrs. Thompson relates that while occupying this shanty she was greatly annoyed by the dogs owned by her Indian neighbors. They would dig holes under the sills of the house, and, by pushing aside the loose flooring, thereby gain an entrance and steal any and all eatables left in their reach, and it was difficult to imagine a place which those wolfish dogs could not reach. The Indians seemed to think more of them than of their wives, and as this was the time of the "Black-Hawk war," when all Indians in Michigan were looked upon with fear and suspicion by the few white families then in the interior, Mrs. Thompson's position was not a pleasant one, as can well be imagined. After Dr. Thompson's house had been completed, Calvin C. White and John H. Adams came from Gull Prairie and boarded with him for about a year while clearing and improving their individual farms, Mr. White having first purchased land on section 17 in February, 1832. Upon the organization of the township of Allegan* in 1833, Mr. Thompson was elected township clerk. During the same year the Plainwell post-office was established, and he was appointed postmaster. In the fall of 1834, Dr. Thompson, with his family, returned to Ohio, where he remained a few years. He then resumed his residence in this township. Not an office-seeker, he was yet a prominent and highly-respected citizen. He died April 17, 1853, at the age of fifty-one years. His widow, Mrs. Anna P. Thompson, still resides upon the premises first occupied in 1832, and is remarkable for the pioneer vicissitudes through which she has passed, as well as for her lively recollections and youthful appearance. Her daughter, Myra E., now the wife of Dr. Erastus N. Upjohn, of Nebraska, was born here in the fall of 1833, and her birth was one of the first, if not the first, to be chronicled in the township. The next family to settle here was that of Jonathan Russell. Mr. Russell emigrated from New London, Conn., to Gull Prairie, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., in the fall of 1830, where he joined his father-in-law, William Giddings. He purchased an 80-acre lot, situated upon Gull Prairie, and made some improvements upon it, but sold the same in 1832. He then bought the east one-half of the northeast quarter of section 19 in this township. In June, 1832, he hired at Gull Prairie a breaking-team of five yoke of oxen, and, coming here, plowed five acres, situated on the * Allegan township included the whole of Allegan County. 220 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - f extreme northeast corner of his lot. This land was sowed to wheat in the fall, and was the first field plowed and cultivated in the township. Mr. Russell's dwelling was also completed in the fall of 1832, and during the succeeding winter Mr. Thompson and himself were the sole householders in the eastern tier of townships of Allegan County. During the Black-Hawk war Mr. Russell was called out, and with the Gull Prairie men proceeded as far as Niles, Mich. He was afterwards commissioned a lieutenant in the Michigan State forces. For his services he received $75 and warrants for 160 acres of land. His son, Ulysses D., was a gallant soldier, and color-sergeant of the Second Michigan Infantry. He died of wounds received at Knoxville, Tenn., in 1863. In the spring of 1833, Orlando Weed boarded with Mr. Russell while he (Weed) was building his barn, the first framed building erected in the township, and during the same year the population of the township was still further increased by the arrival and settlement of about ten persons with their families. Among them were Norman Davis, on section 19; Warren Caswell, who was the first settler in the northeast quarter of the township; Isaac Aldrich, who, in 1835 or 1836, kept the first tavern on the Plains; Friend Ives, from Medina, Ohio; and William Forbes, from Scotland. In the south part of the town, on the road leading to Gull Prairie, were Dan Arnold, from Chittenden Co., Vt.; Silas Dunham and William Still, both from Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y. Mr. Dunham also kept an open house for the accommodation of weary travelers and "' land-lookers." His daughter-since Mrs. D. A. McMartin-brought from Buffalo, N. Y., the pits from which were grown the first peach-trees to bear fruit in Allegan County. William Forbes emigrated from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to America in 1832. He remained for a few months in the city of New York, where he married a Mrs. McCausland. In the spring of 1833 he came to Gull Prairie. Learning that Lucius Lyon, the surveyor, was the owner of some desirable lands situated on section 18 in this township, he purchased a tract from him, and in the fall of the same year, after having built a substantial dwelling, made it his home. Mr. Forbes was a surveyor, a gentleman of talent and education, and was prominently identified with the early public interests of this township and county. For some six years immediately preceding his emigration to America he was engaged upon the survey and mapping of the county of Sutherland, Scotland, for the Duke of Sutherland. He was the first township clerk of Plainfield, one of the early county surveyors, and ran out many of the early highways in this and other townships of the county. In 1837 he platted the village of Plainfield,-a place described as " situated near Gun River, one mile north of the Kalamazoo River, in township 1 north, of range 11 west, twenty-seven chains and eighty-five links from the southeast corner of section 18." John Forbes,-a brother of William,-now a resident of the village of Plainwell, came direct from Peterhead, Scotland, to this township, arriving in October, 1834. He settled west of his brother, on the premises on section 18 now owned by Jerome Wait. It required three months' time to accomplish the journey from Scotland. He was accompanied by his wife and two children, one member of his family-a daughter-having died at Detroit while on the way. James Flockhart, also from Peterhead, Scotland, preceded Mr. John Forbes by some three months, having arrived July 4, 1834. He purchased the east half of the northwest quarter of section 19, where he resided for a period of about forty-five years. Justus B. Sutherland, of the town of Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., came to Michigan first in 1833, and bought the south half of the southwest quarter of section 35. In May, 1834, accompanied by his wife and six children, he began a journey, via the Erie Canal and the lake steamer " Old Pioneer," for the purpose of settling upon his purchase. At Detroit he bought a yoke of oxen, and, attaching them to his wagon, which had been shipped as freight, he set out along the Territorial road to Battle Creek; thence via Gull Prairie to Silas Dunham's residence, where his family remained for four weeks, while he was building a log house. Dan Arnold was his nearest neighbor on the road towards the Plains, while Dr. Demming's, in Cooper, was the nearest habitation in that direction. In June, 1834, John Anderson, from Mayfield, Montgomery Co., N. Y., became a resident. He was one of the first justices of the peace elected in Plainfield, and for many years was the postmaster of the Plainwell office. He was also an early supervisor and one of the associate judges of Allegan County. Other settlers of this year were Nathaniel Weed, who built the first saw-mill in the township, on Silver Creek, and Elisha Tracy, his son-in-law, from Wayne Co., Pa. Elisha B. Seeley and family came from Pittsford, Monroe Co., N. Y., and in the early part of the summer of 1835 settled upon a portion of section 33. George W. Kennicott, now a resident of Kalamazoo, Mich., came from Mayfield, Montgomery Co., N. Y., to this township in July, 1835. He purchased from the general government the north half of the southeast quarter of section 29, where he settled and remained until November, 1853, when he removed to Kalamazoo. In 1850, as an assistant United States marshal, he took the census of Allegan County, which then had a total of 5127 inhabitants. His son, James C., a member of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, was killed in the Shenandoah Valley, Aug. 19, 1864. John Murphy, the first supervisor of Plainfield and the first -elected sheriff of Allegan County,* came from Rochester, N. Y., and settled upon section 34 in August, 1835. His family, consisting of himself, wife, and three children, made their home at Mr. Seeley's house while his own was in process of construction. He became the sheriff of Allegan County in 1836, and besides holding that office two terms he served one term in the State Legislature, and was also elected district attorney,-a position he did not fill, by reason of non-qualification legally. * John S. Shearer had previously been sheriff by the appointment of the Territorial Governor. 5 /:rD / Ad I I 1 I I GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 221 Archibald Jameson, prominent for many years as the supervisor of Plainfield and Gun Plain, also began his residence in this township in the fall of 1835. IIe came from Erie Co., N. Y., although a native of New Hampshire, and first settled on section 19. In 1861 he removed to his present residence at Silver Creek, where he is now postmaster and merchant. Prior to the making of the first assessment of the township of Plainfield, in June, 1836, there were also settled there, in addition to those already mentioned, Silas Hall, Charles Bush, John W. Watson, Peter Dumont, an early justice and postmaster, Mumford Eldred,* Jefferson Warner, Curtis Brigham, Chester Wetmore, Charles Ives, Orrin Orton, Leman G. Orton, Freeman Calkins, John Stewart, and William Y. Gilkey. As showing the names of resident tax-payers in June, 1836, the amount and kind of their real and personal estate, the following statistics, gathered from the first assessment-roll of Plainfield, are hereto appended: Orlando Weed, acres, 200; value of real estate, $400; oxen, 6; cows, 4; horses, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $698. Silas Hall, acres, 80; value of real estate, 160; cows, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $175. Warren Caswell, acres, 160; value of real estate, $320; oxen, 4; cows, 6; young cattle, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $444. Calvin C. White,t acres, 240; value of real estate, $720; oxen, 6; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $890. William Forbes, acres, 560; value of real estate, $1480; oxen, 6; cows, 2; young cattle, 3; total value of real and personal estate, $1705. John Forbes,t acres, 120; value of real estate, $208; oxen, 2; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $350. C. Bush and J. W. Watson, acres, 360; value of real estate, $840; oxen, 4; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $975. John H. Adams, acres, 160; value of real estate, $480; oxen, 2; cows, 2; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $566. Peter Dumont, acres, 80; value of real estate, $300; oxen, 2; cows, 2; young cattle, 4; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $475. Isaac Aldrich, acres, 80; value of real estate, $260; cows, 1; horses, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $343. Turner Aldrich, oxen, 2; cows, 3; horses, 1; total value of personal estate, $102. Mumford Eldred, acres, 40; value of real estate, $160; oxen 4; cows, 2; young cattle, 4; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $193. James Flockhart, acres, 80; value of real estate, $220; oxen, 2; cows, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $285. Jonathan Russell,t acres, 80; value of real estate, $260; oxen, 2; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $331. Jefferson Warner, acres, 80; value of real estate, $220; oxen, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $265. Curtis Brigham, acres, 160; value of real estate, $440; cows, 1; horses, 3; total value of real and personal estate, $556. Chester Wetmore, acres, 80; value of real estate, $240; oxen, 2; cows, 1; young cattle, 3; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $369. Charles Ives, oxen, 2; young cattle, 3; total value of personal estate, $80. Orrin Orton, acres, 80; value of real estate, $222; oxen, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $265. Leman G. Orton, acres, 80; value of real estate, $240; oxen, 4; cows, 3; young cattle, 5; total value of real and personal estate, $415. Cyrenius Thompson, acres, 80; value of real estate, $280. Friend Ives, acres, 640; value of real estate, $1920; oxen, 8; cows, 5; young cattle, 9; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $2300. *' Was in the present township of Martin. t The persons thus marked are now living. Calkins, acres, 711; value of real estate, $177; oxen, 4; cows, 3; horses, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $336. Dan Arnold, acres, 265; value of real estate, $861; oxen, 6; cows, 15; young cattle, 10; horses, 2; total value of real and personal estate, 1388. Elisha Tracy, acres, 160; value of real estate, $440; oxen, 2; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $508. Justus B. Sutherland,t acres, 160; value of real estate, $400; oxen, 2; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $456. Nathaniel Weed, acres, 40; value of real estate, $100; cows, 2; total value of real and personal estate, $128. John Murphy, acres, 80; value of real estate, $200. Elisha B. Seeley, acres, 103; value of real estate, $282; oxen, 4; cows, 1; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $422. Silas Dunham, acres, 94; value of real estate, $282; oxen, 4; cows, 4; young cattle, 7; horses, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $489. William Still, acres, 98; value of real estate, $294; oxen, 4; cows, 3; total value of real and personal estate, $426. George W. Kennicott,t acres, 80; value of real estate, $220; total value of real and personal estate, $220. John Anderson, acres, 380; value of real estate, $1045; oxen, 2; cows, 2; young cattle, 1; total value of real and personal estate, $1120. Alfred Dunham, acres, 40; total value of real estate, $80. Freeman Calkins,t acres, 112; value of real estate, $284. John Stewart, acres, 40; value of real estate, $110. John F. and William Y. Gilkey, oxen, 4; cows, 8; young cattle, 100. The total tax levied on resident and non-resident estatet was $235.92, of which but $50 were collected by William Still, the township collector. During the years 1836 and '37 there were many accessions to the settlement, and many of the new-comers fared hardly in consequence of fevers, lack of medicines, and necessary supplies of every kind. Those who had settled prior to 1835 were enabled to buy cheap live-stock and provisions, from the pioneers of Kalamazoo County. But when the flood-tide of emigration from the State of New York swept over Southern and Central Michigan, beginning in the spring of 1836, it soon consumed the scant surplus of the earlier settlers, and the year which followed (1837) was in many localities one of utter destitution. All who came to Michigan in those days, however, did not remain. Many who started out from the Empire State with buoyant hopes, flushed with the anticipation of cheap homes and a future competency in the new State, became utterly discouraged by the privations they here endured, the women particularly; so that after a few weeks' sojourn, with their purses depleted, their ranks thinned by death, the survivors carrying with them the unmistakable effects of a bilious climate, they hastened back to their old homes as rapidly as the means of locomotion then in vogue permitted. This remark would apply with equal force to all parts of settled Michigan during the fourth and fifth decades of the present century. Among the additional residents of this township assessed for taxes in 1837 were Chauncey Abbott, Eli Arnold, Henry Babcock, Timothy G. Crittenden, Henry Crittenden, Jonah Halsted, William Kelly, John Robinson, Lucius Wait, Levi Monroe, George F. Nichols, Sandusky Nichols, John Nichols, Maj. D. Nash, Henry Flockhart, Jonas Rouse, Orrin Roberts, and Horace Lounsberry. Other well-known pioneers who were here prior to 1842 were Joel Batchelor, who sold the first goods in the townt Plainfield then embraced survey townships 1, 2, 3, and 4 north, of range 11 west. 222 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- -- -- -- ship and was an early mail-contractor, etc., George Warner, Abram I. Dedrick, John Robertson, Ashbel Gates, Clark Corey, Lewis F. Tobey, H. B. Seymour, and William Chart. The tax-paying residents of the township in 1844 are shown in the following list: Acres. Arnold, Dan, sections 28, 32, 33........................... 281 Aldrich, Isaac, sections 5, 8................................ 80 Aldrich, Ira.................................... Personal Anderson, John, sections 10, 28, 29...................... 393 Brigham, Curtis, section 28................................. 160 Batchelor, Joel, sections 9, 20.............................. 160 Bush, Charles, sections 9, 20............................... 158 Bellingham, William, section 15.......................... 80 Corey, Clark, section 18..................................... 80 Crawford, I1. N., sections 19, 24.......................... 255 Calkins, Freeman, section 32............................... 112 Calkins, James, section 32............................... 23 Cunningham, Seymour............................... Personal Cunningham, James H., section 32..................... 87 Chart, William, section 29.................................. 90 Chart, Obed, section 19...................................... 50 Crittenden, Timothy G., sections 19, 20................. 174 Caswell, Spencer, sections 15,36.......................... 68 Caswell, Sarah, section 15................................... 29 Caswell, Jasper......................................... Personal Caswell, Eber........................................... Personal Coleman, James, Jr., sections 23, 34..................... 280 Dunham, William and S. E., section 29................. 40 Dunham Estate, section 32................................. 95 Dedrick, Abram I., section 19.............................. 25 Delano, William R., sections 21, 22...................... 160 Delano, John S., section 28................................ 160 Diamond, George, sections 32, 33......................... 196 Diamond, Peter...................................... Personal Earle, Henry, section 26.................................... 80 Earle, Henry, Jr., section 27............................... 80 Forbes, John, section 18.................................... 80 Forbes, William, section 18................................. 138 Flockhart, James, section 19............................... 80 Flockhart, James, section 1................................. 80 Flockhart, Henry, section 1............................... 80 Gates, Ashbel, section 5..................................... 80 Gray, James, section 1....................................... 80 Gray, Alexander........................................ Personal Hogaboom, John J., section 5............................. 80 Hicks, John A., section 5................................... 40 Hicks, Levi, sections 4, 8.................................. 120 Hepden, -, section 30...................... 80 Hinckley, John, section 26................................. 80 Hollister, Andrew...................................... Personal Hay, William, section 18.......................... Village lot Harrington, Daniel, section 26............................ 80 Ives, Friend, sections 1, 2, 20, 21........................ 671 Ives, Charles W., section 21............................... 127 Ives, Noah E............................................ Personal Jameson, Archibald, sections 13, 26...................... 160 Kennicott, George W., section 29........................ 82 Kelly, William, section 7.................................... 80 Knight, Lyman, section 11................................. 320 Lindsley, Lucius, section 30............................... 120 Monteith, William, sections 21, 22..................... 240 Monteith, William, Jr................................ Personal Mann, Angus C., section 4................................. 162 Masten, Isaac, section 5.................................... 40 McMartin, Daniel D., sections 3, 5..................... 122 Murphy, John, section 34.................................. 80 Monroe, Lewis, section 14.................................. 120 McCarter, Thomas............................. Personal Nash, Maj. D., section 35.................................. 80 Nichols, George F., sections 23, 26...................... 400 Nichols, Elam, sections 11, 14............................. 79 Nichols, William, section 14.............................. 40 Orton, Jane E., section 9.................................. 80 Rouse, J6nas, sections 8, 9, 20, 21........................ 240 Robinson, John, section 9................................. 80 Richmond, Benjamin, section 36......................... 80 Russell, Jonathan, section 19.............................. 107 Robe, Elder James T., sections 24, 25.................. 160 Smith, Dexter, section 35................................... 240 Smith, Dexter D., section 25.............................. 40 Sherwood, Giles, section 29................................. 102 Spear, Francis, section 11.................................. Stout, Benjamin, section 8................................ 160 Seeley, Nathaniel, section 30.............................. 82 Still, William, section 29.................................... 94 Stewart, John, section 30................................... 40 Stewart, Admiral....................................... Personal Sutherland, Justus B., section 35....................... 80 Spear, Garrett, section 4......................... 40 Storms, Abraham, section 14.............................. 80 Acres. Thompson, Cyrenus, section 20........................... 80 Toby, Edwin, section 31.................................... 80 Upjohn, Dr. Erastus N., section 18...................... I1 Updike, Gilbert........................................ Personal Upson, W illiam....................................... Personal Watson, John W., section 17.............................. 360 W oodman, Frederick................................. Personal Warrant, Thomas W., section 30......................... 100 W arrant, W illiam C., section 19.......................... 87 W ait, Lucius, section 28.................................... 80 W eed, Nathaniel, section 34................................ 80 White, Calvin C., sections 3, 5, 8, 17, 18............... 419 W alker, W illiam, section 5................................. 40 W eed, Orlando, section 13.................................. 160 With the completion of the plank-road, in 1854, began the growth of the present flourishing village of Plainwell. Its population and industries, as well as those of the agricultural districts of the township, were successively accelerated by the construction of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern and the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroads, until the township of to-day is one of the most flourishing and populous in the county. The names of other prominent early citizens not previously mentioned will be found by referring to lists of township officers, history of village, societies, churches, etc. EARLY ROADS. While this township formed part of Allegan several roads were laid out under the orders of Turner Aldrich, Jr., and Norman Davis, highway commissioners for the township of Allegan. They were surveyed by Col. Isaac Barnes, of the Gull Prairie settlement, in the winter of 1833-34, and were placed on record by Cyrenius Thompson, township clerk of Allegan, in February and March, 1834. These highways, designated in the original records as Nos. 5 to 10, inclusive, were, in their general direction and length, as follows: No. 5 commenced on the south line of section 24, eight chains east of the southwest corner stake, and ran to a quarter stake on the south line of section 19. Whole distance, one mile, fifty-seven links, twenty-five chains. No. 6 commenced on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, running thence north, 45~ east, twenty chains, to the southeast corner of section 19, township 1 north, range 11 west, thence north on section-line two miles to the northwest corner of section 17. Whole distance, two miles and twenty chains. No. 7 commenced at southwest corner of section 17, running thence east on section-line two miles, thence north, 45~ east, one mile and eight chains, to a yellow oak eighteen inches in diameter, north 34~ 30' west, twenty chains five links from quarter stake on the east line of section 15. Whole distance, three miles eight chains. No. 8 commenced at the base-line fifteen chains west of the quarter stake on the south line of section 34, and ran thence to a point on the Kalamazoo River south, 45~ west, twenty chains from the southeast corner of section 19. Whole distance, three miles twelve chains. No. 9 commenced on the section-line fourteen chains east of quarter stake on the south line of section 29, running thence west on said line to a quarter stake on the south line of section 30. Whole distance, one mile fourteen chains. No. 10 commenced on the banks of the Kalamazoo River, GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 223 south, 550 east twenty-five chains twenty-five links from a quarter post on south line of section 19, thence to a point south 58~, east twenty-seven chains from a quarter post on the south line of section 30. Road No. 12 of Allegan township was surveyed by Carlos Barnes in June, 1835, and extended from the baseline seventeen chains seventeen links east of the quarter stake of section 35, to a point in the Territorial road south 790 20', west twenty chains ninety-five links from the northeast corner of section 24. Whole distance, five miles two hundred and ninety-eight rods. CIVIL HISTORY. ORGANIZATION. This township, originally forming part of Allegan,* was erected as Plainfield in 1836. Section 38 of "an act to organize certain townships, and for other purposes," approved March 23, 1836, reads as follows: "All that portion of the County of Allegan designated by the United States Survey as townships number one, two, three, and four, north of range number eleven west, be, and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Plainfield, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the dwellinghouse of Isaac Aldrich, in said township." Section 53 of the same act says: "If in any of the townships organized at the present session of the Legislature there shall not be held a township-meeting on the first Monday of April next, then said township-meeting may be held on the third Monday in April next." Later, Section 53 was so amended as to make legal elections held on the first Monday in May, 1836. FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING. Pursuant to the foregoing act and amendments thereto, the electors of the township of Plainfield assembled at the house of Isaac Aldrich, on Monday, April 4, 1836, and duly organized for business by choosing John Murphy moderator, William Forbes clerk, and John Anderson, Esq., judge of the election. As a result of this meeting the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: John Murphy, Supervisor; William Forbes, Township Clerk; William Still, Collector; Curtis Brigham, John Anderson, Peter Dumont, John Murphy, Justices of the Peace; Orlando Weed, Justus B. Sutherland, Chester Wetmore, Highway Commissioners; Curtis Brigham, John Anderson, William Forbes, School Commissioners; Charles Bush, Friend Ives, Elisha B. Seeley, Assessors; Peter Dumont, Chester Wetmore, Overseers of the Poor; Friend Ives, Elisha B. Seeley, Warren Caswell, Fence-Viewers; William Still, Peter Dumont, S. H. Upson, Chester Wetmore, Orrin Orton, Warren Caswell, Leman G. Orton, John H. Adams, Constables. Pathmasters.-Charles Bush, District 1; Charles Ives, District 2; Elisha Tracy, District 3; Elisha B. Seeley, District 4. It was resolved at the same meeting: " That a lawful fence shall be five feet high. " That boars shall not run at large if over three months old. "That $3.00 for a wolf and $1.50 for a whelp shall be given by this township for all killed in township one north, and that the money be raised next year and paid in township orders. * See history of Otsego township. "That this meeting be adjourned to the school-house this time next year. (Signed) "WILLIAM FORBES, Clk. "JOHN MURPHY, Moderator. "JOHN ANDERSON, J. P." EARLY ELECTIONS. The total number of votes polled for candidates for county offices Nov. 8, 1836, was 12. At an election for member of Congress, held Aug. 21 and 22, 1837, Hezekiah G. Wells received 19 votes and Isaac E. Crary 29 votes. At the gubernatorial election of November 6th and 7th of the same year C. C. Trowbridge received 36 votes and Stevens V. Mason 30 votes. In 1840, 80 votes were polled for the two candidates for the office of supervisor, and there were tie votes for several of the candidates of the opposing Whig and Democratic parties, the contest being finally decided by lot. DIVISION OF TOWNSHIP. The township of Martin, including survey-townships Nos. 2, 3, and 4 north, of range No. 11 west, was set off as a separate organization by an act of the State Legislature approved March 22, 1839. NAME CHANGED TO GUN PLAIN. By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 19, 1845, the name of the township of Plainfield was changed to Gun Plain, the latter being the name long borne by a beautiful and quite extensive tract of country lying between Gun River and the present village of Plainwell. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following list embraces the names of the principal officers of the township for the years from 1837 to 1879, inclusive, except for a period of which no record can be found in township clerk's office: SUPERVISORS. 1837-39, Archibald Jameson; 1840-41, John Robinson; 1842, Archibald Jameson; 1843, John Robinson; 1844, Archibald Jameson; 1845, Freeman Calkins; 1846, James H. Commins; 1847-48, John Robinson; 1849, Daniel D. McMartin; 1850, Abram I. Dedrick; 1851, Daniel D. McMartin; 1852, William Still; 1853-54, Duncan A. McMartin; 1855, Henry Jackson; 1856, Duncan A. McMartin; 1857, George C. Mills; 1858-60, Archibald Jameson; 1861, Henry Jackson; 1862-63, Archibald Jameson; 1864, Henry Jackson; 1865, Milo E. Gifford; 1866, Archibald Jameson; 1867-68, Walter C. Pierson; 1869, Augustus H. Hill; 1870, George C. Mills; 1871-79, Eleazer C. Knapp. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1837-38, William Forbes; 1839, John Forbes; 1840-41, George W. Kinnicutt; 1842, Abram I. Dedrick; 1843, George W. Kinnicutt; 1844-46, Clark Corey; 1847-49, John Hawks; 1850, Clark Corey; 1851-52, Duncan A. MeMartin; 1853, John Gray; 1854, Joel Batchelor; 1855, William Bellingham; 1856-57, Orson D. Dunham; 1858, B. Bannister; 1859, A. C. Roberts; 1860, John H. Lasher; 1861, George B. Force; 1862, L. Bannister; 1863, Theron Cummings; 1864-65, John H. Lasher; 1866, Julius J. Howe; 1867-74, Henry Keeler; 1875, Royal Adams; 1876, Harvey W. Chamberlain; 1877, George Scales; 1878-79, Charles D. Hart. TREASURERS. 1839-41, Timothy G. Crittenden; 1842-43, Joel Batchelor; 1844, Justus B. Sutherland; 1845, Calvin C. White; 1846, Noah E. Ives; 1847, William Still; 1848-63, no record; 1864, Benjamin S. Conrad; 1865, Walter C. Pierson; 1866, William Forbes; 1867 - 2-2 o.24 IISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 72, William Hay; 1873-76, John Crispe; 1877-78, Job C. Estes; 1879, William E. Forbes. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1837, Archibald Jameson, Mumford Eldred, Charles Bush, Calvin C. White; 1838, M. J. Nichols; 1839, Archibald Jameson; 1840, George Warner; 1841, Joel Batchelor, Abram I. Dedrick, William Forbes; 1842, John Murphy; 1843, Archibald Jameson; 1844, Angus C. Mann; 1845, Clark Corey; 1846, Duncan A. McMartin; 1847, Henry Earl, Jr., Daniel D. McMartin; from 1848 to 1863, inclusive, no record; 1864, Russell B. Fenner; 1865, Archibald Jameson; 1866, Orson D. Dunham; 1867, Alfred Brownson, James B. Smith; 1868, Reuben House, George F. Nichols; 1869, Henry K. Mills; 1870, Bronson Schoonmaker; 1871, Daniel Earl; 1872, Charles W. Hawley; 1873, Archibald Jameson, Henry K. Mills; 1874, Reuben House; 1875, Daniel Earl, Russell B. Fenner; 1876, Chauncey J. Poore; 1877, James Jameson; 1878, Andrew Carruthers; 1879, A. C. Roberts. COLLECTORS. 1837, William Still; 1838, Henry Crittenden; 1839, William Still; 1840, Justus B. Sutherland; 1841, Chauncey Abbott. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1837, William Still, Mumford Eldred, Justus B. Sutherland; 1838, William Still, Calvin C. White, Friend Ives; 1839, William Still, John Stewart, Silas Hall; 1840, John Stewart, Justus B. Sutherland, George Warner; 1841, John Forbes, William Still, Chauncey Abbott; 1842, Justus B. Sutherland, John Stewart, Joel Batchelor; 1843, John W. Watson, John Murphy, Archibald Jameson; 1844, John Stewart, Harvey N. Crawford, John Murphy; 1845, Calvin C. White, Elam Nichols, John G. Smith; 1846, Harvey N. Crawford, William Billingham, Silas Earl; 1847, William Forbes, Calvin C. White, Elisha Weed; from 1848 to 1863, inclusive, no record; 1864, Lister D. Smith; 1865, Eleazer C., Knapp; 1866, John W. Brigham, George F. Nichols, Walter C. Pierson; 1867, John H. Peirce, William C. Warrant; 1868, William Forbes, Henry K. Mills; 1869, John W. Brigham; 1870, Reuben House; 1871, Augustus H. Hill; 1872, Nathaniel Seeley; 1873, John W. Brigham, Reuben House; 1874, Joseph IH. Hunt; 1875, John W. Brigham; 1876, Charles Knapp; 1877, William E. Estes; 1878, Lewis B. Raber; 1879, Edward T. Crispe. ASSESSORS. 1837, Charles Bush, Mumford Eldred, Elisha B. Seeley; 1838, Dan Arnold, Calvin C. White, Silas Hall; 1839, John Robertson, Silas Hall, M. J. Nichols; 1840, John Anderson, Abram I. Dedrick, Ashbel Gates; 1841, Joel Batchelor, John Anderson, Charles Bush; 1842, John Murphy, Clark Corey; 1843, Joel Batchelor, Orlando Weed; 1844, Joel Batchelor, Harvey N. Crawford; 1845, John Anderson, Harvey N. Crawford; 1846, Dexter Smith, Harvey N. Crawford; 1847, Freeman Calkins, Cyrenius Thompson; from 1848-63, inclusive, no record. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1872, William Estes; 1873, Augustus H. Hill; 1874, Archibald Jameson; 1875-76, Edward T. Crispe; 1878, A. J. Murphy. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1837-38, William Forbes, John Nichols, George W. Kinnicutt; 1839, John Robertson, William Forbes, Lewis F. Tobey; 1840, Abram I. Dedrick, George W. Kinnicutt, H. B. Seymour; 1841, Abram I. Dedrick, H. B. Seymour, George W. Kinnicutt; 1842, Abram I. Dedrick, Clark Cory, John C. White; 1843, John Robinson, John W. Watson; 1844, Abram I. Dedrick; 1845, Angus C. Mann; 1846, William Forbes, Abram I. Dedrick; 1847, Duncan A. McMartin; from 1848-63, inclusive, no record; 1864, William Forbes; 1865, Henry Jackson; 1866, Joseph W. Hick; 1867, Charles W. Hawley; 1868, Joseph W. Hicks; 1869, Charles W. Hawley; 1870, Joseph W. Hicks; 1871, Charles W. Hawley; 1872, Joseph W. Hicks; 1873, Oscar E. Yates; 1874, Joseph M. Copp; 1875-77, Oscar E. Yates; 1878, A. C. Roberts; 1879, George H. Bean. SUPERINTENDENTS OF TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS. 1875-77, Benjamin Thompson; 1878, Richard Pengally; 1879, Benjamin Thompson. EDUCATIONAL. According to the recollections of the earliest inhabitants, the first school-house erected in the township was built in the spring of 1834, upon lands then, or soon after, owned by Charles Bush. Jonathan Russell was chosen school director, and the same season he hired Miss Hensdill, daughter of Judge Hensdill, of Gull Prairie, to teach the school. Receiving as compensation one dollar a week, she taught for a few days only, being compelled to relinquish her task by reason of sickness. Miss Sabra Ives, afterwards the wife of Dr. Coats, of Otsego, was then employed to finish the term, for which she received one dollar and a quarter per week. This unpretentious yet historic edifice was built of logs, and was long known as the "Gun Plain School-house," and in it were held early religious services of the Congregational and Baptist societies. In the spring of 1837 the residents of the Silver Creek settlement built a school-house on or near the site of Mortimer W. Sutherland's present residence. The first school in this district-No. 1-was taughct the following summer by Miss Lucy Eldredge, of Cooper township. The winter term of 1837 and 1838 was taught by Miss Esther Doolittle. Twenty-four pupils attended, of whom eight were from the family of Justus B. Sutherland. During the succeeding summer, Miss Polly Nichols officiated as school-mistress in the same district. The Silver Creek school-house afforded accommodations for early Methodist Episcopal services. The first mention made in the township records concerning schools are found in the proceedings of the first township election, held April 4, 1836, when John Anderson, Curtis Brigham, and William Forbes were elected school commissioners, and at its close the meeting was " adjourned to the school-house this time next year."' Nothing seems to have been done by this board of commissioners,-at least they made no record of their proceedings. In 1837, William Forbes, John Nichols, and George W. Kennicott were elected as school inspectors. They held a meeting Sept. 16, 1837, and organized nine school districts, the boundaries of which were described as follows: " District No. 1 shall include sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36, and the first meeting shall be held in the school-house, Oct. 2, 1837. " District No. 2* will contain section 28, and that part of sections 29, 30, 32, and 33 lying northeast of the Kalamazoo River, and the meeting to organize shall be held at Silas Dunham's, Oct. 2, 1837. "District No. 3* will contain section 31, and all that part of sections 29, 30, 32, and 33 lying southwest of the Kalamazoo River, and the first meeting shall be held in the house of Simeon Calkins, Oct. 2, 1837. "District No. 4 to contain sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and south i of section 7. The first meeting to be held in the 'Gun Plain school-house.' " District No. 5 will contain sections 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and the north i of section 7. " District No. 6 will contain sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, north ~ of 12, the whole of 15, north i of 14, and the whole of 22. The first meeting in said district to be held in the house of Warren Caswell, Oct. 2, 1837. " Fractional School District No. 7 shall contain sections 23, 24, south ~ of 14, the whole of 13, and the south I of section 12. * Districts numbered 2 and 3 were consolidated Feb. 3, 1841. RESIDENCE OF E.C. KNAPP, GUN FLAIN TP., ALLEGAN CO.,MICH. RCSIOENCE OF WILLI AM A. BELLI NGHAM, GUN PLAIN TR, ALLEMAN CO.,MICH. I I i A. GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 225 l " District No. 8 shall embrace the south one-half of township No. 2 north, of range No. 11 east.* "District No. 9 shall contain the north one-half of township No. 2 north, of range No. 11 west." The following embraces the names of the residents in school district No. 1, and the amount of tax paid by each for the support of a school during the winter of 1837 and 1838: Chauncey Abbott............. $1.28 Justus B. Sutherland........ 2.78 Elisha Tracey.................. 2.99 Nathaniel Weed............... 1.49 John Murphy.................. 1.38 George F. Nichols............ $4.64 S. W. Nichols.................. 1.28 Major D. Nash............... 1.28 Daniel Herrington........... 1.49 The first apportionment of school moneys found recorded was in the year 1838, when District No. 1, having 23 children of school age,f received..... $14.72 " i 2, " 10 " " " "..... 6.40 t" " 4, "t 19 " " " "..... 12.16 " " 6, " 15 " " " "..... 9.60 In 1839, 107 children of school age were reported as residents of the township (Martin had then been set off), and $42.88 were apportioned. The teachers granted certificates in 1840 were Miss Sarah Bates, for district No. 1; Miss Eliza Patrick, for district No. 2; Miss Harriet Cooper, for district No. 4; and Miss Laura Parkhurst, for district No. 6. Other early teachers are mentioned by years, as follows: 1841.-John Tarbell, Phoebe Doolittle, John C. White, and E. C. /Hensdill. 1842. —Miss Rosa, Cornelia Davis, Mary Davis, Alzina Crittenden, Mary Ann Batchelor, Eli Hathaway, Frederick Doolittle. 1843.-Walter Dunning, Minerva Miles, Permelia Aldrich, Julia Brownson, Alonzo W. Ingerson, John C. White, and Ezekiel Skinner. 1844.-Eliza Warner, Henry Jackson, Sarah Weare, and Angus C. Mann. The boundaries of districts were changed in 1844, and but five districts occupied the territory formerly covered by ten. The teachers of 1845 were Antoinette Brown, William Shearman, Irvin Murphy, and Jacob N. Nevins. The names of teachers mentioned as receiving certificates during the years from 1846 to 1850 were Mary Bennett, Harriet A. Wood, Hellen Williams, R. H. Mitchell, Ellen Fyfe, Mary H. Williams, Eliza A. Bingham, Samantha J. Woodward, Mary McMartin, Mary A. Warner, Henry Jackson, Flavel J. Woodward, Harriet Dedrick, Miss P. Earl, David E. Towers, Duncan A. McMartin, Edward Phetteplace, Hannah M. Howe, Elizabeth A. Adams, Lydia A. Estes, Maria T. Dunham, Mary Barnett, Sarah M. Woodward, Ann E. Allen, and Mary Jane Forbes. The public moneys apportioned and the number of children of school age in the township in 1843 are shown by the following table: The amount received from the primary school fund in 1860 was $164.22. Since the era of railways and the building up of Plainwell village, population and school interests have largely increased. In comparison with the foregoing brief summary, statistics compiled from the report of the township board of education for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879, are herewith appended: Number of districts (whole, 7; fractional, 3).... 10 Children of school age residing in the township 752 " attending school during the year...... 461 " non-resident attending schools......... 30 Number of school houses (brick, 2; frame, 9).. 11 Sittings in eleven school-houses.................... 859 Value of school property.............................. $20,150 Teachers employed during the year (male, 8; fem ale, 22).......................................... 30 Months taught by male teachers.................... 35~ " " " female ".................... 55~ Paid male teachers...................................... $1462.34 " female "...................................... 2175.50 RESOURCES. From moneys on hand Sept. 2,1878, two mill tax, primary school fund, tuition of non-resident scholars, district taxes, and all other sources............. $6948.89 EXPENDITURES. For teachers' wages, building and repairs, bonded indebtedness, and other purposes............................ $4859.93 Moneys on hand Sept. 1, 1879................................... $2088.96 VILLAGE OF PLAINWELL. The village of Plainwell, an incorporated municipality of about 1650 inhabitants, is pleasantly situated on both banks of the Kalamazoo River. It is also a station of importance on the lines of the Grand Rapids and Indiana and the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroads, which roads here cross each other. By rail it is distant 12 miles from Kalamazoo, 36 miles from Grand Rapids, and 13 miles from Allegan, the countyseat. Plainwell is a village of comparatively recent origin and growth, yet, lying in the midst of a district rich in agricultural resources, the seat of busy mills and manufactories, and the home of a thrifty, energetic people, it is deserving of more than mere mention in the history of Allegan County. Among the original owners of the lands within or near its present corporate limits were Norman Davis, Thomas J. Warner, Sylvester Sibley,. Lebbeus Sherwood, Thomas M. Warrant, Lucius Lindsley, Samuel Foster, Joseph D. Beers, Samuel Sherwood, Hull Sherwood, James Hanmer, and Sarah R. Hoskins. Prior to the beginning of the plank-roads, these lots, lying mainly upon sections 29 and 30, had changed ownership repeatedly, and the vicinity was looked upon by the pioneers simply as farming-land; not even a mill-site seemed practicable. The early residents in its vicinity were William Still, John Anderson, William Chart, William Woodhams, and George W. Kennicott. In 1852 began the building of a plank-road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, and a branch extending from this point to Allegan. This being the intended junction of the T Sibley purchased the northeast fractional quarter of section 30, 35Oy acres, June 15, 1831, thus-according to the land-office records, -becoming the first private owner of lands in the county of Allegan. District No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, Scholars. 27................................. $17.69 25................................. 16.56 36................................. 23.87 17................................. 11.27 16................................. 10.61 In 1845, 168 scholars were reported, and in 1850, 206.: Districts from No. 1 to 7, inclusive, were all in township No. 1 north, of range No. 11 west. t Five and under seventeen years of age. 29 226 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN ANDA-BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. two, a man named Wellever* looked upon it as an exceedingly advantageous locality for the establishment of a relayhouse, tavern, etc. Consequently, he purchased one acre of land, and during the fall of 1853 began the construction of the old Plainwell House. At this time-in November, 1853-came Orson D. Dunham from Eaton Rapids. He purchased 40 acres of land situated on the east side of section 30, south of the river, a tract which nearly encircled Wellever's acre. By purchase he soon after became the owner of Mr. Wellever's unfinished building and lot, and in July, 1854, the Plainwell House was formally opened to the public as a place of entertainment for wearied, hungry men and beasts. Thus began the settlement and business at the Junction, and this was the origin of a name which the village continued to bear until after its incorporation. The plank-road was completed in 1854, and immediately became a thronged thoroughfare for the hauling of freight, lumber, and farm produce; besides, it was a favorite route for stage travel. Mr. Dunham relates that very frequently he had the passengers of seven four-horse stage-coaches stopping at his house for dinner. He also became postmaster at about this time, succeeding Judge Anderson, who had been postmaster for many years. When Mr. Dunham first came here, William Woodhams was living in his residence, the ancient-looking structure still standing on Bridge Street, near the river, and an unoccupied log house stood on the site of Waldo's store. These were the only dwellings on the site of the village proper, and the log house was used as the residence of the Dunham family until the completion of the hotel. After Wellever sold his hotel property he purchased the opposite corner,-now owned by George H. Anderson,erected a small frame building, and within it exposed for sale a meagre stock of groceries. He soon after, however, sold to Alfred S. and Albert Pierson, who continued the business, while Mr. Wellever removed to the city of Flint, Mich. In the fall of 1855, Mr. Dunham sold his hotel property to Messrs. Mills & Merritt, and a man named Pratt then became proprietor of the same, changing the name to the "Merritt House." Mr. Dunham then built a store, on the site of the Sherman store, bought Pierson's stock of groceries, removed the same to the new building, added dry-goods, notions, etc., and thus kept the first store of general merchandise at the Junction. Soon after, Messrs. Bannister & Whitney succeeded Mr. Dunham in the mercantile business, and largely increased the stock. Among other early merchants were old Mr. Wooley, Cummings, and Peter Saxe, brother of John G., the poet. John H. Lasher, the first shoemaker to settle here, came in July, 1855. His recollections of people and matters at that time are as follows: William H. Woodhams was residing near the bridge. On the northeast corner of Bridge and Main Streets was Alfred S. Pierson's grocery-store, he residing in the same building. Hart Dunham's dwelling stood near the present post-office building, and hard by was the blacksmith-shop. Orson D. Dunham was postmaster and proprietor of the Plainwell House, and in the old log house, previously mentioned, lived Harry Munn, an Englishman. The old school-house stood near Corporation Hall, and a man named Franklin lived in a small dwelling standing near the school-house. Abel Dunham's house was where Frederick Woodhams now resides, and a considerable distance west, on Allegan Street, was Hiram W. Anderson's log dwelling. The Lovelock family also lived near the blacksmith-shop. Nathaniel Seeley was on the extreme west side, and in the vicinity of the village, on the northeast side of the river, were John Anderson, William Still, and Calvin Dunham. Lasher's first dwelling, which stands on the north side of Allegan Street, west of the race, was built in the fall of 1855. After the plank-road and the success attending Patterson, Glenn & Lyon's line of stage-coaches, the next impetus given the village was the organization of the Plainwell Water-Power Company. It was formed in the spring of 1856, the members being George C. Mills, Orson D. Dunham, Mr. Fairchilds, Giles Sherwood, William H. Woodhams, and John K. Bingham. The race was excavated during the summer and fall, and a saw-mill completed in the winter following, the cost of first mill and race amounting to $3000. In 1858, George C. Force and Orson D. Dunham built for a rake-factory the mill now occupied by Patterson, and during the fall of the same year Henry J. Cushman built the grist-mill now owned by Lantz. The planing-mill owned by Cressy was built by O. D. Dunham and Walter Pierson in 1860. The mills already mentioned and a thriving mercantile trade had gradually attracted population to the Junction; so much so that at the beginning of the war the inhabitants gathered here numbered about 200. On the 8th day of April, 1863, William H. Woodhams, George H. Anderson, John C. Bannister, M. E. Cushman, Peter Hatfield, and M. E. Gifford, proprietors of lands situated on section 29, west side of the river, had the same surveyed by Ira Chichester and a map recorded as the first plat of the village of Plainwell.t About the year 1864 a flouring-mill which stood between the present paper- and saw-mills was built by Orson D. Dunham, Sanford H. and K. B. Corbyn. After running two years, and while owned by Bartley & Co., it was burned. Messrs. Bartley & Co. then erected the extensive fiouring-mills now owned by Merrill & McCourtie. INCORPORATION. Meanwhile, the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad had been completed to this point. The inhabitants of t Additions to the original plat have since been made by Ami Whitney, Aug. 18, 1865; Anna P. Thompson, Aug. 21, 1865; Mary R. Lasher, April 16, 1867; William H. Woodhams, Feb. 10, 1868; Mary Ann Brigham, Feb. 12, 1868; Anna P. Thompson, March 18, 1868; Joel Batchelor and Orson D. Dunham, May 14, 1868; Joshua Hill, R. R. add., Aug. 31, 1868; George A. Van Horn, March 24, 1869; Giles Sherwood, April 15, 1869; same, Dec. 21, 1869; Harriet C. Hill, July 11, 1870; John Anderson, April 1, 1871; William H. Woodhams, Sept. 3, 1872; and Giles Sherwood's replat, Sept. 10, 1872. '" Supposed to be Henry Wellever. I I RESIDENCE AND STOCK FARM OF LEVI ARNULU, GUN PLAIN TP., ALLEGrAN CO, MICHIGAN. I 't GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 227 the village had increased to about 1000 in number. Those engaged in merchandising and mechanical pursuits were very active. Mr. Winegar had established a bank of exchange and brokerage, associating with himself a Mr. Soule, formerly of the map-firm of F. W. Beers, Ellis & Soule; and a newspaper, the Plainwell Express, was about to disseminate news abroad concerning the doings in the busy village Leading citizens believed that their interests would be best promoted and protected by a village charter, and in consequence, during the winter of 1868-69, a petition, very generally signed, was sent in to the State Legislature then in session, praying that an act be passed for the incorporation of the village of Plainwell. Their petition received favorable consideration, and by an act approved March 26, 1869, the territory herein described was duly incorporated as the village of Plainwell. The act reads as follows: "The People of the State of Michigan enact, That so much of the township of Gun Plain, in the county of Allegan, as is included in the following territory, to wit: The southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section twenty-nine, the northwest quarter of section twenty-nine, the southwest quarter, excepting the southeast fractional quarter thereof, of section twenty-nine, the east half of the southeast quarter, the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter, the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter, the east half of the northwest quarter and the northeast quarter of section thirty, the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section nineteen, and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section twenty, in town one north, of range eleven west, be, and the same is hereby constituted a village corporate, by the name of the village of Plainwell." Section 2 of the same act authorized the inhabitants of the village having the qualifications of electors to meet at the Plainwell House the second Monday of March next, and on the first Monday of March annually thereafter at such places as shall be provided in the by-laws of said village, for the election of village officers. FIRST CHARTER ELECTION. Pursuant to the provisions of their charter, the qualified electors of the village assembled at the Plainwell House, Monday, March 29, 1869, and from among their number Henry Keeler, Eli Hart, and Jacob V. Rogers were chosen judges of election. The whole number of votes polled was 215, and as a result of this election the following officers were declared elected: Joseph W. Hicks, President; Henry W. Church, Clerk; Augustus H. Hill, Treasurer; William Still, James T. Hyde, Giles Sherwood, William L. Ripley, D. C. Kenyon, Abel S. Dunham, Trustees; Carrick B. Randall, Marshal. RESIDENTS, 1869. The names of the tax-paying inhabitants of the village in June, 1869, were as follows: Anderson, John. Allen, Alexander. Anderson, George II. Balch, A. B. Anderson & Gifford (merchants). Bradley, Orrin. Adams, Charles. Brigham, John. Ainsworth, Theron. Brigham, Stillman. Alvord, S. N. (grocer). Butts, Reuben F. Anaway, Nathan. Brown, John. Atchinson, J. H. (prop'r Plain- Bannister, J. C. well House). Brown, O. E. Adams, Dr. E. C. Ball, Clara. Anaway, Harvey. Buchanan, John. Bird, James B. Buchanan, A. E. Buchanan, George. Bliss, George. Beckwith, Ransom. Brigham, Eben. Bean, George H. Boyer, James. Burgess, Erastus. Bradley, Samuel. Chamberlin Bros. (bakers). Conrad, Jacob. Crump, R. 0. Cronk, B. B. Cline, Lydia M. Clark, William II. Cushman, M. E. Cushman, Henry J. Cox, William. Crispe, John and William. Cartwright, George W. Crispe, Edward. Cox & Crispe (druggists). Corbyn, S. H. (saw-mill). Corey, Caroline. Corbyn, K. B. Countryman, P. S. Chambers, T. (grocer). Curtis, John. Crawford, Alex. Chandler, R. Clement & Ritchie. Cummings, Parmilla. Cook, J. B. Chart, Mary. Campbell, Albert H. Corliss, G. W. Diboll, William II. Daniels, C. J. Dunham, Orley. Dunham, A. S. Day, Henry. Drayton, Lyman. Dunham, C. II. Dunham, A. G. Dwight, C. G. Davis, David. Dunham, Orson D. Dennis, John. Dougal, James S. Daniels, Dr. L. A. Dodge, Albert. Edson, Edmond. Earle, Henry. Eldred, D. P. Earle, Benjamin. Emerick, Laura A. Earle, George W. Fuller, A. N. Fletcher, Rev. John. Ferguson, Ruth. Fisher, William L. Faygar, John. Fenner, R. B. Forbes, John. Forbes, John, Jr. Fuller, David. Forbes, James. Fox, Mrs. Green, Peter. Goodale, C. F. Gleason, Lewis. Gilkey, Mrs. Goldsmith, Mrs. Glenville, William. Hill, A. H. Harding, A. Holmes, Mortimer S. Hay, William. Hatfield, Peter. Houghton W. S. Howard, Samuel. Hart, J. J. Hawks, James. Howe, Wesley E. Hart, Eli. Hall, Andrew. Hyde, J. T. Hatfield, George E. Hicks, Joseph W. Hyder, C. E. Hopkins, Susan. Hume, Dr. E. M. Hayes, Frederick A. IIamlin, Mary P. Hawks, John. Hiaggart, Allen. Horne, George. Ingraham, Daniel. Ives, C.W. Ives, Mrs. C. S. Ives, J. C. & C. S. (merchants). Ives, Julius C. Johnson, Judson. Jameson, E. W. Johnson, William. Johnston, George. King, J. T. Koch, William. Knowlton, John. Kellogg, Norton. Kenyon, D. C. Kimball, John A. Krouse Bros. (boots and shoes). Lockhart, Frank. Lent, John. Lockhart, John. Lantz, II. II. (miller). Lasher, J. H. Lasher, Mary R. Linton, John. Mosher, William. McCarthy, J. Morris, Foot. Mallory, E. W. McMartin, Rev. Peter A. Monroe, J. J. (merchant). Martin, John S. McIIenry, George. Monroe, Squire. Mills, George C. Monroe, B. F. Male, James. Masson, George. Martin, James. Manley, William. Manley, Adrian. Madden, John II. McNeil, Philo. Newton, I., & Son. Osborne, Mrs. Owen, Jesse. Owen, F. A. Patterson & Kellogg (planingmill). Pangburn, Jerome. Pangburn, Charles. Pierson, Emily. Pierson, Simeon D. Platt, -. 228 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Pierson, Albert A. Peters, Dr. J. D. Pierson & Co. (planing-mill). Pratt, George W. Rounds, Oziel H. Rauf, Peter. Rogers, J. V. (attorney). Rouse, Warren. Randall, C. B. Russell, T. L. Ross, J. L. Rouse, Jonas. Robbins, H. Ripley, William L. (merchant). Richmond, Alonzo. Root, Edward K. Russell, R. D. Starr, William. Starr, Charles. Stoddard & Hay (merchants). Sheldon & Poore. Sherwood, Giles. Smith, Johnson. Spaulding, L. Spaulding, Electa. Still, William. Shults, H. W. Shafer, E. S. (baker). Smith, I. D. Sisson & Bartley (grist- and sawmills). Sternberg, John. Schoonmaker, B. Scott, H. R. Sisson, Orrin. Sherman, Eddy (merchant). Smith, C. H. Stoddart, H. L. Spencer, E. (grocer). Storms, Williams. Stafford, Silas (attorney). Smith, Moses. Stearnes, Mary B. Stearnes, P. S. Sherman, Seth. Snow, Almira M. Tinny, L. (builder). Terrell, Mrs. Tapscott, Mrs. Townsend, Abel. Truatt, William. Treffrey, Robert. Talbot, William. Thompson, Dr. Benjamin. Truax, Joseph. Talcott, Z. Van Horn, George. Van Patten, Benjamin. Woodhams, William 1H. Woodhams, Walter W. Woodhams, Josiah. Woodhams, Frederick. Webster, Charles F. Winegar & Soule (bankers). Woodard & Monroe (merchants). Whitcomb, Laura. Warner, Ebenezer. Washington, John (barber). Webster, John. Warrant, William C. Wellever, Abram. Woodhams, Mary. Wightman, Ira. Walker, W. A. Wright, James. Woodhams, F. & J. H. Wilkinson & Shourds (tin and hardware). Wing, Woodard, 0. J. Yates, Dr. 0. E. i I liam Starr, Norton P. Kellogg, G. A. Van Horn, Dewitt C. Kenyon, Trustees; A. Manley, Marshal. 1871.-Henry H. Mills, President; Oziel H. Rounds, Jr., Clerk; Orrin J. Woodard, Treasurer; Daniel Earl, James F. Putnam, James H. Bartley, Trustees; Edwin R. Smith, Marshal. 1872.-Augustus H. Hill, President; Clarence M. Giles, Clerk; Orrin J. Woodard, Treasurer; Joseph M. Copp, Rozelle Rose, Robert P. Vanderwerken, Trustees; Carrick B. Randall, Marshal. 1873.-Joseph W. Hicks, President; John S. Havens, Clerk; George G. Soule, Treasurer; Amos C. Bird, Daniel Earl, Augustus EI. Hill, Trustees; Royal Adams, Marshal. 1874.-Joseph W. Hicks, President; John S. Havens, Clerk; George G. Soule, Treasurer; John W. Brigham, George E. Hatfield, A. Bryant, Trustees; Peter Hatfield, Marshal. 1875.-Joseph W. Hicks, President; John S. Havens, Clerk; George G. Soule, Treasurer; Augustus H. Hill, Daniel Earl, John Crispe, Trustees; Charles Howe, Marshal. 1876.-Morrison Bailey, President; George W. Merriman, Clerk; George G. Soule, Treasurer; Chester S. Cressy, Joseph M. Copp, Charles W. Hawley, Trustees; Peter Hatfield, Marshal. 1877.-Daniel Earl, President; George Scales, Clerk; George G. Soule, Treasurer; Augustus H1. Hill, George H. Anderson, William Forbes, Trustees; C. C. Hurlburt, Marshal. 1878.-Morrison Bailey, President; George Scales, Clerk; George W. Merriman, Treasurer; Job C. Estes, Edward K. itoot, Eddy Sherman, Trustees; John Sternberg, Marshal. 1879.-Daniel Earl, President; Charles D. Hart, Clerk; Harvey W. Chamberlin, Treasurer: Edward J. Anderson, Joseph W. Hicks, Augustus H. Hill, Trustees; John Sternberg, Marshal. 1880.-Ogden Tomlinson, President; Charles D. Hart, Clerk; William Crispe, Job C. Estes, James Smith, Trustees; Harvey W. Chamberlin, Treasurer; John Sternberg, Marshal. VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WATER-SUPPLY. On the 3d day of February, 1870, the trustees of the village by resolution established a fire department and enacted by-laws to govern the same, the department to consist of two hose companies and a hook-and-ladder company, controlled by a chief engineer and assistant engineer, who were to receive their appointment from the village council. Each hose company was to have at least 20 members, and not more than 25, the hook-and-ladder company not to exceed 30 members. In March, 1870, a committee of trustees, consisting of Norton P. Kellogg, Dewitt C. Kenyon, and Jonas Rouse, was sent to Kalamazoo to inspect and report upon the Holly system of water-works there in use. It reported on the 26th of March, 1870, as follows: " In the opinion of the committee, the Holly system, in connection with our water-power, would afford the best and most secure protection against fire for the least money." The following estimates were based upon information received from Horace Phelps, superintendent of the Kalamazoo water-works: Holly pump and wheel................................... $1000 545 feet of 6-inch pipe.................................. 700 660 " 4 " "................................... 560 5 double hydrants.................................. 250 3 gates..................................................... 100 Lead and oakum.......................................... 125 $2735 At a session of the board of trustees held June 13, 1870, it was resolved to adopt the Holly system, and to expend on the work $3400, of which $2400 should be spread upon the tax-rolls of the year 1870, and a contract was made Since its incorporation and the completion of the two railroads, the village has gradually increased in population to its present numbers. Street grades have been established, miles of sidewalks have been laid, and the Holly system of water-works has been adopted. In 1873 the present Plainwell Water-Power Company was organized and incorporated, the village becoming part owner. The old company, for a comparatively minor consideration, then deeded*its right, title, and interest to the new one. During the same year the race was enlarged to its present proportions,-i.e., a fall of 10 feet at the bulkhead, and a power of 8000 inches,-thus placing Plainwell in the front rank as a manufacturing centre. An extensive paper-mill was also established in 1872. Following along the course of time to the present day, we find that many other minor industries have since contributed their mite to the general prosperity, until the village of to-day, with its busy mills, its active merchants, its churches, and a noble school edifice, may justly be regarded as one of the most prosperous of the many villages which dot the surface of Southern Michigan. VILLAGE OFFICERS SINCE 1869. The following are the village officers elected annually for the years from 1870 to 1880 inclusive: 1870.-Jonas Rouse, President: John H. Madden, Clerk; William Hay, Treasurer; Orson D. Dunham, Giles Sherwood, Wil GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 229 with Horace Phelps, to construct the works, on the 14th of June, 1870. In December, 1870, William Cox and 0. M. Bradley were appointed the first fire-wardens. Dewitt C. Kenyon was appointed superintendent of water-works Jan. 20, 1871, and was ordered to take full control of keys, fire apparatus, etc., until a fire company should be organized and a chief engineer appointed. J. J. Monroe was appointed the first chief engineer, March 13, 1871. The water-works were completed in the spring of 1872, and on the 8th of April of the same year a contract was made with Messrs. 0. D. Dunham and R. P. Corbyn for 1000 square inches of water from their race, for which they were to receive $1150. Jonas Rouse was appointed to take charge of the works in August, 1872. Halcyon Hose Company was formed in December, 1872. 'Early in the spring of 1873 the present water-power company was formed, and for an unknown consideration the title was transferred from Messrs. Dunham and Corbyn to it. The village then became part of the new company, with the understanding that it was to have the first right to 1000 square inches of water, " subject, however, to the rise and fall of the river." During the summer of 1873 the race was enlarged to its present proportions. A hook-and-ladder truck, costing $975, was purchased in October, 1877, also Babcock fireextinguishers. Hook-and-Ladder Company No. 1 was also organized during the same month. To A. E. Smith and Fred. A. Williams was given the contract for erecting a building for the storage of fire apparatus. The building was completed in January, 1878, costing about $700. In February, 1878, George H. Bean, chief engineer of the Plainwell Fire Department, in his annual report for the year ending March 1, 1878, said: "At the time of my appointment last spring there was only one company, of about fifteen members; now, at this date, we have two full companies, a substantial building for all purposes of the fire department, and Plainwell is as fully provided with protection against fire as any place of its size in the United States. The present force of the department is a chief engineer, Halcyon Hose Company, No. 1, with twenty members, and Plainwell Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1, with thirty members. " The apparatus consists of one good hose-cart,-two-wheeled,equipped with one thousand feet of serviceable linen hose, one new hook-and-ladder truck, with all equipments, and eight Babcock extinguishers, the Holly pump, supplied with about three thousand feet of pipes, and five hydrants in good repair. "There has been one fire and two alarms of fire during the year. "I would recommend to your consideration the advisability that the office of chief engineer be an honorary one, and that some competent person, recommended by the chief engineer or hose company, to be confirmed by the board of trustees, be appointed to take charge of the wheel-house and pump, and to be held responsible for the good working order and care of the same. "Also that some plan be provided that the business men may have the use of water during the summer season for sprinkling the streets, etc. For reasons: " 1. It is not the duty of the fire department, or those in charge of the pump, to let on water at the call of any and every one who sees fit to ask it, as was done last summer, and then be cursed when not doing it. 2. Tom, Dick, and Iarry should not be allowed to run it,-perhaps go and let on the water, and then forget all about shutting it off or oiling the machine bearings. 3. The present arrangements are very dissatisfactory to the citizens, and a bill of expense to the village." At the present time the fire companies, apparatus, etc., are in about the same condition as shown in the foregoing report. PLAINWELL PAPER-MILLS. These mills were established by Messrs. Lyon and Page in 1872, and are now controlled by the firm of B. F. & F. M. Lyon, of Kalamazoo, Mich. Twenty-five people are steadily employed, and the daily products amount to two tons of news-printing paper. PLAINWELL EXCHANGE BANK. This institution was established in 1869 by Messrs. Winegar & Soule. Upon the death of Mr. Winegar, Mr. Joseph W. Hicks, the first president of the village, became a member of the firm. Mr. Hicks has served as county surveyor, and in many other responsible positions has proven himself a gentleman of ability and integrity. PLAINWELL POST-OFFICE. As previously mentioned, the Plainwell post-office was first established in 1833, Dr. Cyrenius Thompson, the first settler in the township, becoming the first postmaster. Mails were received weekly, via Gull Prairie, John H. Adams usually performing duty as mail-carrier. When Dr. Thompson returned to Ohio, in the fall of 1835, Orlando Weed became postmaster. A year or so later, when Weed removed from the Plains, Peter Dumont succeeded him. Mr. Dumont retained the office but a short period, however, for in 1837 he removed to the northern part of the county. John Anderson then became postmaster, and continued as such for nearly eighteen years. In the summer of 1854 the office was transferred to the Junction,* where it has since remained. Orson D. Dunham, the first postmaster at the Junction, has been succeeded by John H. Lasher, George C. Mills, Milo E. Gifford, Eli Hart, Krouse, Fred. Hays, and John Crispe. PROFESSIONAL. Physicians.-As already noticed, we find that Dr. Cyrenius Thompson was the first physician to settle in the township. He did not practice, however, the early residents relying mainly upon Dr. L. B. Coats, of Otsego. About 1840, Dr. Erastus N. Upjohn, brother of Dr. Uriah Upjohn, of Gull Prairie, a native of England, and a graduate of a New York City medical college, became the first resident practicing physician in the township. He married Myra E., daughter of Dr. Thompson, in 1850, and removed to the State of Nebraska in 1855. Dr. Charles W. Hawley was born in Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1827. With his parents he removed from New York to Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., in 1836. He studied medicine with Dr. James A. Allen, of Kalamazoo, and completed his course at Laporte, Ind. In 1849, Dr. Hawley taught school in the Silver Creek neighborhood, this township. The following year he located in Wilmington, Will Co., Ill., where he practiced three years. He then returned to this township, settling at Silver Creek. In the fall of 1875 he removed to his present place of resi dence, in the village of Plainwell. * Village of Plainwell. 230 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. For several years subsequent to 1853 the doctor's practice extended throughout this township, also into the towns of Martin, Prairieville, and Cooper,-situated respectively in the counties of Allegan, Barry, and Kalamazoo. Quite early in life Dr. Hawley married a daughter of John K. Bingham. Mr. Bingham was one of the earliest pioneers of the State. He came to Ann Arbor first in 1826, and, being a practical millwright, built the pioneer mills in many localities of Southern Michigan. He finally settled at Silver Creek, where he placed in good working order the old saw-mill first built by Nathaniel Weed, and in 1847, in the same locality, established the first grist-mill in Gun Plain. He was also one of the original members of the Plainwell Water-Power Company, and to his advice and energy was largely due the success which attended the enterprise. Dr. J. D. Peters is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a graduate of the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute. He first began practice in Alamo, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where he remained eighteen months. He then removed to Otsego, Mich., remaining there one year. In the fall of 1861 he settled here, thus becoming the first physician to settle permanently in the village. Previous to his coming, a Dr. McNett had practiced here for a few months. Dr. Peters removed to the city of Grand Rapids in 1872, and remained there until January of the present year (1880), when he returned, and is again established in the village of Plainwell. Succeeding Dr. Peters, and prior to 1869, Drs. O. E. Yates, Benjamin Thompson, E. C. Adams, E. M. Hume, L. A. Daniels, and Dr. Sherman had settled here. The physicians at present practicing in the village are Drs. Charles W. Hawley, J. D. Peters, O. E. Yates, Benjamin Thompson, and - Rosenkrans. Attorneys.-Silas Stafford, the first lawyer to settle in the village or township, came here from Martin, in 1865. In 1867, J. V. Rogers, a former resident of Wayland township, began the study of law with Mr. Stafford, and was admitted to the bar in 1868. Mr. E. D. Steele also practiced here for a short time, and, later, Bronson Schoonmaker was admitted. The resident attorneys at the present time are Messrs. Silas Stafford, J. V. Rogers, B. Schoonmaker, Daniel Earle, E. J. Anderson, and Burnett. VILLAGE SCHOOL STATISTICS. School district No. 2, of the township of Gun Plain, includes within its territory the village of Plainwell, and from the director's (0. J. Woodard) report for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879, are taken the following statistics: Children of school age residing in the district... 448 " attending schools during the year....... 427 " non-residents attending school during the year..................................... 23 Volumes added to library during the year........ 28 Present number of volumes in library............. 156 Number of school buildings......................... 2 Frame schoolhouse...................................... 1 Brick "...................................... 1 Seating capacity of school-houses................... 385 Value of school property.............................. $14,000 Men teachers employed during the year........... 1 Women " " " "........... 8 Months taught by men................................. 9 " " women......................... 9 Paid men teachers...................................... $850 " women teachers................................... $1680 Total resources for the year......................... $4480.43 SECRET BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. Plainwell Lodge, No. 35, F. and A. IM., commenced work under a dispensation Sept. 9; 1867, and was chartered Jan. 9, 1868. The first officers installed were Jacob V. Rogers, W. M.; James J. Hart, S. W.; Walter C. Piersons, J. W.; Jerome J. Monroe, Sec.; Simeon R. Piersons, Treas.; James B. Smith, S. D.; Henry Sherman, J. D.; P. S. Stearns, Tyler. Its presiding officers since that time have been Jacob V. Rogers, 1868-69; William E. Forbes, 1870; Jacob V. Rogers, 1871; Jerome J. Monroe, 1872; Jacob V. Rogers, 1873-74; Benjamin Thompson, 1875 -77; George H. Bean, 1878; and Benjamin Thompson, 1879. The present officers are Benjamin Thompson, W. M.; Darwin E. White, S. W.; Frank D. Carter, J. W.; J. V. Rogers, Sec.; Hamilton W. Wright, Treas.; William A. Murphy, S. D.; Levi W. Cheesbrough, J. D.; Lewis W. Bean, Tyler. Regular meetings are held Wednesday evenings, on or before the full moon of each month, and the lodge numbers 68 members at the present time. The first meetings were held in a hall over J. C. Ives' hardware-store, and were continued there until 1872, when the lodge was removed to its present quarters. For building, furnishing, etc., nearly $2000 have been expended. Gun Plain Lodge, No. 120, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 2, 1868, and the first officers installed were Milo E. Gifford, N. G.; Henry Day, V. G.; C. J. Poore, Sec.; William Starr, Treas.; J. B. Munson, Warden. Presiding officers during subsequent years have been Henry Day, C. J. Poore, 1869; William Starr, O. A. Conrad, 1870; Augustus H. Hill, H. K. Mills, 1871; Jonas Rouse, J. C. Estes, 1872; William Hay, J. N. Hill, 1873; Oscar E. Yates, William Cox, 1874; William English, Avery Chappell, 1875; Amos M. Hart, Samuel F. Murphy, 1876; Edward K. Root, I. N. Hitchcock, 1877; Arlando C. Masson, Daniel F. Lantz, 1878; Joseph W. Hicks, Edward K. Root, 1879. The present officers are A. V. Badger, N. G.; Frank Houghtailing, V. G.; I. N. Hitchcock, Sec.; Monroe Durkee, Per. Sec.; John Sternberg, Treas. The lodge numbers 88 members, and regular meetings are held Monday evenings of each week. This lodge also held its first meetings over Ives' store, removing to its present rooms in 1874. Plainwell Encampment, No. 71, I 0. O. F., was instituted April 26, 1875, and the officers then installed were William Cox, C. P.; Joseph W. Hicks, H. P.; Samuel F. Murphy, S. W.; Jerome Winchell, Sec. Those who have since held the position of presiding officer have been Samuel F. Murphy, Joseph W. Hicks, 1876; Avery Chappell, J. N. Hill, 1877; Edward K. Root, 1878; and Augustus H. Hill, 1879. The present officers are Harvey W. Chamberlin, C. P.; Joseph W. Hicks, H. P.; J. Cullom, S. W.; J. N. Hill, J. W.; William Cox, Sec.; John Sternberg, Treas. The encampment meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, and numbers 26 members. These lodges are in a prosperous condition, and have expended large sums for benefits, regalias, furnishing, etc. RELIGIOUS. Baptist Church of Plainwell.-The history of the Baptists of Gun Plain township dates back to the year 1833, GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 231 when meetings were first held at the house of Silas Danhaul. These meetings were continued at irregular intervals, generally at the house of Mr. Dunham, until March 8, 1835, when Deacon Curtis Brigham commenced stated meetings in the log school-house on the Plains. On the 13th of September, 1835, Rev. Jeremiah Hall, of Kalamazoo, was employed to preach once in four weeks, Deacon Brigham occupying the intervening Sabbaths. A meeting was held at the house of Silas Dunham, Dec. 26, 1835, to "take into consideration the expediency of organizing a Baptist Church. After conferring on the subject, it was resolved to unite in church fellowship." The constituent members, eight in number, were Silas Dunham, Tirza Dunham, Elisha B. Seeley, Sarah Seeley, Curtis Brigham, Lydia Brigham, Alfred Dunham, and Edwin Dunham. Thus was organized the First Baptist Church of Plainfield, and the first church of any kind in the county of Allegan. Rev. Henry Munger became its pastor April 26, 1840, which position he continued to hold for a period of five years. In 1844 the organization changed both its name and location, and was known as the First Baptist Church of Otsego. Meetings were held alternately on the Plains and at the village of Otsego. Subsequently the place of meeting was changed from the Plains to the school-house at the Junction, an insignificant hamlet, from which has arisen the present flourishing village of Plainwell. It soon became evident that a village of some importance would be the result of the development of the Plainwell water-power and the construction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, and on the 11th day of May, 1864, the Plainwell Baptist Church was organized, 22 persons having received letters of dismission from the Otsego Church for this purpose. Rev. O. S. Wolfe was at this time pastor. Rev. J. Fletcher, who had just previously served as chaplain of the Ninth Michigan Cavalry, became its pastor Oct. 1, 1865, and has remained continuously to the present time. In 1865-66 a house of worship was built. It was enlarged in 1870, and a spacious lecture-room added. A chapel, situated two and one-half miles east of the village, was built in 1871, for the accommodation of those members residing in that locality. Present membership of the church, 230; value of church property, both houses, $6000.* Methodist Episcopal Church of Plainwell.-In the spring of 1836 a class composed of Elisha Tracy and wife, Nathaniel Weed and wife, and Mrs. John Murphy was formed at the house of Elisha Tracy, in the Silver Creek settlement. Rev. Messrs. Davis and Franklin Gage were the first preachers. Their meetings were held at irregular intervals in the dwellings of the early members. Three years later Rev. William Todd came into the field to do missionary work in the territory comprising all of Allegan County, and Cooper and Alamo, in Kalamazoo County. A class of 7 members was then formed in the Gun Plain school-house, one mile north of the present village of Plainwell. Of this class Archibald Gates and wife, Abram J. Dedrick and wife, Amos Rouse and wife, and Levina Batchelor were the original members. Mr. Todd remained on the mission two years, and was then succeeded by Rev. F. Gage. In the summer of 1841 a camp-meeting was held near Gun Marsh, east of the Plains. Large numbers of the people attended, and many joined the church, which gave Methodism its first important start in the county. After Mr. Gage came Revs. Daniel Bush, in 1842; Thomas Jakeways, 1843; Jacob Parker, 1844; George King, 1845; M. B. Camburn, 1846; Curtis Moshier, 1847-48; Andrew J. Eldred, 1849; Ransom Goodell, 1850. In the fall of 1851 this class was set off into the Otsego Circuit, and Rev. Thomas H. Bignell became the preacher in charge. He was followed by A. Wakefield, in 1852-53; W. F. Jenkins, 1854-55; Porter Williams, 1856; S. Hendrickson, 1857; V. G. Boynton, 1858; T. H. Bignell, 1859; L. M. Bennett, 1860; F. Gage, 1861; G. Van Horn, 1862-63; E. H. Day, 1864-65; L. H. Pierce, 1866-67; A. J. Van Wyck, 1868. At the session of the Michigan Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held at Three Rivers, Sept. 3, 1868, a new circuit was organized, embracing Plainwell, Martin, and South Wayland, receiving the name of the Plainwell Circuit. Thomas Lyon became the presiding elder, and Ira R. A. Wightman preacher in charge, the members constituting the official board of this circuit being L. S. Church, A. C. Beach, A. C. Wheeler, L. Spaulding, D. S. Owen, William Chapple, C. C. White, Jonathan Russell, 0. A. Conrad, R. G. Smith, A. W. Miller, Stephen S. Germond, David Gilger, Win. H. Southwick, and J. R. Richardson. In May, 1869, a church site was purchased in the village of Plainwell at a cost of $500, and the work of building a house of worship at once commenced. It was completed at an additional cost of $6000, and dedicated Feb. 3, 1870. It is of brick, and has sittings for 400 people. In the summer of 1878 a vestry, together with a kitchen, was built, costing $550. Rev. Ira R. A. Wightman remained two years. He was succeeded by B. S. Mills, who remained one year. J. W. Miller served three months, when, having been appointed presiding elder of the Grand Traverse district, Charles Hartley filled out the year. Others since have been J. T. Iddings, one year; J. H. Potts, three years; J. P. Force one year; J. S. Valentine, two years; and George L. Cole, who is the present pastor.t Plainwell Presbyterian Church.-This society was first organized, as the Presbyterian Church of Plainfield, at the house of George N. Smith on the 7th of January, 1837. The original members, sixteen in number, were Rev. Mr. Knapen, Rev. A. S. Ware and wife, Mr. Chamberlin, wife, and son, George N. Smith and wife, Cyrenius Thompson and wife, John Forbes and wife, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Adams, and Mr. Orr. In 1842 the society was placed under care of the Kalamazoo Presbytery, and the following year a church edifice,t t Data furnished through the courtesy of Rev. George L. Cole.. This building was removed to the village of Plainwell-north side of the river-in 1866, and is now owned and used by the Catholics as their house of worship. - From information furnished by the pfstor. HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND 232 BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. situated one mile north of the present village of Plainwell, was built. 1872 a new house of worship was completed at the village, the one in present use. It has sittings for 400 people, and cost about $4000. A session-room was added in 1879, at a cost of $400. From 1842 to 1850 the pastors were Rev. Messrs. McLaurens, M. Fuller, and E. F. Waldo. Since May 12, 1850, when Rev. R. McMath became pastor, his successors have settled as follows: Revs. S. qtevens, May 23, 1852; F. Fuller, June 4, 1854; David S. Morse, May 1, 1858; S. Osinga, Dec. 1, 1862; John Jackson, June 1, 1865; P. A. McMartin, Feb. 10, 1867; H. H. Morgan, Aug. 6, 1871; J. A. Ramsey, Jan. 5, 1873; J. Crane, June 1, 1873; L. G. Marsh, May 1, 1876. The present membership of the society numbers 58. Other Religious Organizations.-In 1871 a Protestant Episcopal society was organized in Plainwell, and three years later a neat little church edifice was completed. Some twenty families are connected with this church, which stands, relatively, as a mission of the Allegan Episcopal Church. Rev. Walter Scott, rector, officiates here weekly. The Catholics of this and surrounding townships form a parish, of which their church edifice-formerly the old Presbyterian church building-is pleasantly situated on the north side of the river. They comprise some twenty or more families, and are under the care of the Battle Creek Church. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM A. BELLINGHAM. William A. Bellingham was born in Rutherfield, Sussex Co.,England, Nov. 19,1824. When nine years old his father came to Washtenaw Co., Mich. A history of their voyage and of his ancestors will be found in the biography of his father, to which reference is here made. Growing up in a new country, as he did, his chances for an education were necessarily very limited, yet he made the most of his opportunities and acquired enough to fit him for the successful business life he has led. Arrived at his majority, he at once bought the eighty acres on which he now resides, and worked by the month in Allegan to pay for it, taking his pay in lumber, which was accepted as payment, as no money was to be had for work in those days. His land paid for, he at once commenced to improve it, and had made considerable advance in doing so when, in 1852, he joined a party who were going to California and made the trip across the plains, enduring the hardships and privations then attending a three months' trip to the land of gold. He worked in the mines and at teaming, meeting with fair success. In the spring of 1855, Mr. Bellingham returned to the States, and soon after married and settled down on his farm, which he has improved, and on which he has built one of the finest houses in the township, which, with good out buildings, makes a fine home; a view of which appears on another page of this work. To the eighty acres then bought he has'added until he now owns four hundred and eighty-six acres, with three different sets of buildings. Mr. Bellingham is called by his fellow-townsmen one of Gun Plain's most successful farmers, and one who has made his wealth by hard work and good management, and whose honesty and integrity are above suspicion. He is a Democrat in politics, but not a politician. On the 4th day of March, 1856, he was married to Miss Ann Stewart, daughter of John and Anna (Underwood) Stewart, who was born May 30, 1826. There has been born to them seven children, viz.: Eliza A., born May 8, 1858; Hattie, born April 27, 1860; Ella, born Feb. 11, 1863; Edgar, born July 3, 1865; Mary, born July 11, 1867; Charles E., born Feb. 2, 1869; and Sarah A., born July 15,1872. LEVI ARNOLD. Levi Arnold was born July 11,1844, in the township of Gun Plain, Allegan Co., Mich., where his father, Dan Arnold, settled in 1833, buying the farm now owned by his heirs, and occupied by Levi, from the government. On this farm Levi has grown to manhood, seeing much of early life in a new country, and growing up with the county his family has done so much to clear up and improve. In 1862, Levi and his brother, George T., bought the homefarm of the heirs, and for several years worked it in common. They then sold back to the heirs, and Levi has since then rented it and carried it on successfully. On the 11th day of December, 1872, Mr. Arnold was married to Miss Julia Starr, who was born Feb. 17, 1850. Their union has been blessed with one child, Harold L., born Feb. 14, 1878. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Arnold enlisted in the First Michigan Infantry, but was thrown out on account of size and a broken foot. In 1869, with an idea of improving his own stock, he bought of E. B. Bissell the Poland China known as " Old Darkey," which was the first full-blood Poland brought to the county. The following year Mr. Arnold bought of F. B. Pratt the Poland China known as " Lady Pratt," and the same year of E. B. Bissell " Long John," and soon after " Richard Jones," of C. W. Jones, of Richland. The same year, wishing to better his herd, he went to Ohio, and of David Finch, one of the best stock-breeders in that State, bought "Old Success," which was one of the best Polands ever brought into the State. These purchases were followed by others as good, making his herd one of the best in the State. He also bought in Ohio, of Joseph Morton, another famous breeder, the animals known as " Black Bess" and "Maid of Oxford;" also of William W. Greer "Billy Greer A," and second " Queen of Butler." These purchases represent the Harkrader, Pugh, and Perfection strain. Mr. Arnold keeps his herd well filled by purchasing, from time to time, from other States, the best animals that can be bought, thus keeping up the reputation of his herd and increasing his popularity as a breeder of pureblooded swine. From the small beginning made in 1869 "he has increased his business, until now his animals are sent to all parts of the United States, and his patrons are each year increasing. *,-.oS r PACKAAto MRS. FRI.END IVES. FR I EN D IVES, HON. FRIEND, IVES. Among the early settlers of Allegan County we find the name of Friend Ives, who may well be ranked as one of the self-made and prominent men of the early days of the county. His an(cestors were New England people, he himself being a native of Plymouth, Conn., where he was born on the 22d day of December, A.D. 1790. His father was a farmer, and on his farm Friend grew to manhood. His chances for an education were limited to the district schools of his day, yet he obtained enough to fit him for the active, successful business life he afterwards pursued. Arrived at his majority, he started out in life for himself. He traveled through the States of Maryland and Virginia selling Yankee clocks. This he followed several years, acquiring an insight into the ways of the world and its people which afterwards served him well. In after-years he used to relate, in his graphic way, incidents of his wandering life that would have made an interesting volume. We. next find him and his family living among the Shakers in New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y., where he stayed a few years pursuirg his old business. In 1818, becoming desirous of settling down with his family, he emigrated to Medina, Medina Co., Ohio, where his father-in-law had bought for each of his children one hundred acres of wild land. Medina County was then a new country, and Mr. Ives found only forests of heavy timber awaiting him. It was thirty miles to Cleveland, where they had to go to mill and for their supplies. He built a log house and at once commenced to improve his land. Before the neverceasing strokes of his strong arm the forest rapidly disappeared, and cleared fields and fine buildings soon took its place. In 1833, having sold his Ohio farm, he again turned his face westward, and we find bim in the fall of that year building a log house in the town of Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich., now the town of Gun Plain. He had bought a section of land and reared his home on the beautiful burr-oak plains from which the town derives its name. There were but few in the town at that time, and he had his choice of land, all of which he bought from the government. Again he cleared up a farm in a new country, set out orchards, and erected good buildings, thus doubly earning the title of a pioneer. In the township of which he became one of its most prominent citizens, Mr. Ives passed the remainder of his days, honored and respected by all, passing away Feb. 22, 1874, in his eighty-fifth year. In politics he was always a Democrat, and by his party was elected to fill many offices in the gift of his fellow-citizens. In 1835 he was elected assessor of the then town of Allegan, and was also one of the first assessors of the town of Plainfield. He was also elected one of the associate judges of the county, and subsequently represented his district in the lower house of the State Legislature, all of which were filled with credit to himself and his constituents. Mr. Ives married Miss Harriet Warner, who was born July 17, 1792, and died March 17, 1867. Of this union there were born to them eight children, as follows: Jane, June 22, 1812; Charles W., 1814; Sabra D., Dec. 22, 1816; Betsey, 1818; Harriet, May 15, 1820; Elnathan, May 2, 1822; James, Sept. 17, 1824; and Ann, June 17, 1827. Of the children only Harriet, James, and Ann are now living. Harriet married Joshua Hill, Nov. 25, 1842; their children were Sarah, born Jan. 2, 1845, James, who died in infancy, and James N., born April 9, 1849. Ann married, June 21, 1854, Ira Chichester, an old resident of the county. There were born to them four children, viz.: Ernest M., April 9, 1858; Wilton, April 8, 1861; Leon, Jan. 15, 1863; and Fred, Aug. 27, 1866. James was married, Dec. 31, 1851, to Octavia Chambers; they had but one child, viz., George T., born Oct. 22, 1852. Married, second, Miss Mary Jane Pierson, who was born Nov. 13, 1834. GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 233 WILLIAM The Delano family are of English origin, and emigrated to America soon after the great fire in London in the fifteenth century, they having, it is said, lost their all by that disaster. Israel Delano was born in Pembroke, Mass., where his mother resided during her husband's absence at sea, he being captain of a whaling vessel and dying on board ship. Israel, when quite young, emigrated to Ontario Co., N. Y., which was then an almost unbroken wilderness, and was called Ontario township as well as county. Hle located in what afterwards was known as Palmyra township, subsequently divided, making his residence in Macedon township, Wayne Co. He thus lived in two different counties and three townships without ever changing his abiding-place. He bought three hundred and twenty acres of land, receiving an article which said he should have a deed when the purchase-price was paid. Hle was the possessor of only an axe and the indomitable will and the industry for which the pioneers of America have always been noted. He went into Ontario with the family of Judge Rogers, whose daughter, Martha, he afterwards married. The judge's mother was noted far and near for her great strength, there being but few men in the country around that she could not master in a trial of strength. Accounts of her prowess are still given by the descendants of the early settlers of that part of New York. On the land thus obtained Mr. Delano resided until his death, in August, 1857, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Hle cleared up and improved the farm, which ultimately became one of the fine farms of Wayne County. There were born to them eleven children,-four sons and four daughters, growing to man's and woman's estate. William R. Delano, the ninth of the family, was born in Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 6, 1812. His chances for an education were very limited, as the children 30 R. DELANO. of his father's family were put to work as soon as they were old enough to be of any assistance. Arrived at his majority, he commenced life on his own account. He cleared and cropped land on his father's farm a couple of years, then, in the fall of 1835, came to Michigan, and bought of the government one hundred and sixty acres of land in Gun Plain township, Allegan County, and then returned to Washtenaw County, where he worked at jobbing during the winter. The following spring he joined a surveying-party sent out by the government, and spent the spring and summer of 1836 surveying in Wisconsin. The winter of 1836-37 was passed in Washtenaw County, working at whatever he could get to do, and the following season in St. Joseph, Mich. The spring of 1838 found him on his land in Gun Plain, on which he built a log shanty just large enough to eat and sleep in and keep out the wolves. For several years he then worked on his farm when not working for other parties, to earn the money necessary to keep his modest establishment, over which he alone presided, in running order. In 1848 he returned to the old home in Wayne County, and worked his father's farm, which he continued to do until the death of his father, when he bought out some of the heirs and became part owner of the old homestead. In 1865 he returned to Michigan, having previously sold his interest in his Wayne County property and bought in Gun Plain township four hundred acres of land lying in sections 1, 10, and 15. The home-farm is nicely situated on a beautiful little creek which meanders through it. In this fine home Mr. Delano will probably pass the remainder of his days. He is a Republican, but not a politician, and is not a member of any church. Of him his neighbors and fellow-townsmen say that he is a man whom to know is to respect and esteem, and one of whom naught but the highest praise is spoken. 234 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I GEORGE H. ANDERSON. The Anderson family are of Scotch origin, Daniel Anderson having been born in Scotland, from whence he emigrated soon after his marriage, and settled in the town of Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y., where he bought a tract of wild land, Mayfield being then a newly-settled country. His son, John Anderson, was born in Mayfield, Dec. 29, 1797, and grew to manhood on the home-farm. He was early taught that work was one of God's ordinances, and that boys, though small, were no exceptions to the rule. His education was obtained evenings by the light of the fireplace, and by a close observance of men and the ways of the world. He was a natural mechanic, and could make anything that could be made with tools. Arrived at his majority, he built on his father's farm a saw-mill, which he ran until about the time of his marriage to Miss Laura Rice, which occurred Feb. 23, 1826. Miss Rice was born in Fulton Co., Feb. 19, 1799. After his marriage, Mr. Anderson worked at the carpenter trade, also as a millwright, which he followed until the spring of 1834, when, with his wife and two children, he started for Michigan in quest of a home. He came to Grass Lake, in Jackson County, where he left his family and then set out on foot in search of government land. He came to Kalamazoo, but, finding the desirable land occupied, he pushed on farther north into Allegan County, which was then on the outskirts of civilization, and in what is now Gun Plain township he bought of the government four hundred acres of land. He then returned for his family, and at once came on to the new home in the wilderness. Until a log house could be built they lived in a deserted house, then moved into their own home, which was built on the northwest quarter of section 29, part of which is now the village of Plainwell. He at once commenced to improve his farm, and soon cleared fields made beautiful by waving grain took the place of the forest, while on every hand the homes of new settlers were springing up. Mr. Anderson cleared up one hundred acres of his farm and erected on it good buildings, and upon it he lived until his death, which occurred Jan. 17, 1877. In politics Mr. Anderson was in early life a Whig, and joined the Republican party on its organization, and was always one of its strongest supporters. He was for many years postmaster at Plainwell, was also justice of the peace, school inspector, supervisor, and associate judge. He is spoken of by his old friends and neighbors as one of nature's noblemen, a man whom to know was to love and esteem, and against whom no evil could be said. George H. Anderson was born in Mayfield, Fulton Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1827. In 1834 came to Michigan, as set forth in the biography of his father, John Anderson. On the farm in Gun Plain Mr. Anderson grew to manhood, going to school with his sister to the log school-house in the woods, they being the only scholars from their part of the town. When eighteen years old he attended Dr. Stone's school one term, and four years after passed two terms in the college at Olivet. He then worked on his father's farm summers, and taught school winters until his marriage, which occurred June 25,1852, his bride being Miss Elizabeth Woodhams, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Chart) Woodhams. She was born in Croyden, Surrey Co., England, May 1, 1833. In September, 1852, Mr. Anderson and his wife, in company with a party of friends, sailed in the clipper-ship " Green Point" for California, going around the Horn, and being five months on the way. They arrived in San Francisco March 11, 1853, and soon after went into a ranch in Santa Clara Valley, near Redwood City. Remained on the ranch one year, engaged in stockraising. He then returned to San Francisco and bought a mill-ranch near the city, on which he remained until the fall of 1859, and meeting with marked success. He then sold out and returned home, coming via Panama. Soon after his return he engaged in the mercantile business in Plainwell, also carrying on his farm of two hundred acres near the village. In 1869, Mr. Anderson sold out his mercantile business, since which he has managed his farm and attended to his property in the village, consisting of tenant-houses and other buildings. He is, and has always been, a Republican, but not a politician, never having sought or desired office. Mr. Anderson and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church. There have been born to them six children, as follows: George W., born March 29, 1853; Edward J., born Sept. 9, 1854; Ella E., born Jan. 25, 1857; Ida M., born Nov. 18, 1858, all born in California; Edith A., born Nov. 1, 1860; and Lewis C., born Feb. 21, 1876, the two last in Plainwell, Mich. George W. is a conductor on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, a position he has held six years. Edward J. enlisted in the regular army when fifteen years old, and served five years. After his return he entered the office of Silas Stafford, in Plainwell, as a law student, was admitted to the bar in 1876, since when he has followed his profession in Plainwell, where he has an office and a good practice. He is at present one of the Circuit Court commissioners for Allegan County. Mrs. Anderson's father, William H. Woodhams, was born in the county of Kent, England, Oct. 12, 1801. He is of Welsh descent, his ancestors living in Wales prior to their removal to England. His family were wealthy farmers, he himself having a lease of a farm which had been leased by his family for generations. In his boyhood days he was a miller's apprentice, but never followed the business. In 1827 he married Elizabeth Chart, which union was blessed with six sons and two daughters. In 1845, Mr. Woodhams bought ninety-five acres of land in Gun Plain, Allegan Co., Mich., and the following year sold his lease, and with his family emigrated to America; he at once moved on to his farm, which he improved, and on part of which he laid out a portion of the village of Plainwell. The growth and prosperity of this flourishing village are due in a measure to Mr. Woodhams, who has done much for its advancement. He also bought other tracts of land, and lots in Kalamazoo village, a good deal of which is now owned by his sons. lie has now in his old age retired from business with more than a competency. Mrs. Woodhams, who was a lady of fine literary abilities, and noted for her generous and noble qualities, died Dec. 15, 1873, in California, whither she had gone for her lealth, mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives. GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 235 JOIN MURPIY. MRS. JOHN MURPIIY. JOHN MURPHY. Among the self-made men of Allegan there are none who better deserve the title than John Murphy, of whom this brief sketch is written. He was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 19, 1794. He was of Irish descent, his grandparents having first seen the light of day on the Emerald Isle, from whence they emigrated to America when John's father was an infant. John grew to manhood in Pennfield, Genesee Co., N. Y., where his father owned a farm bought in its wild state. The country was new and schools were few and of the most primitive kind, hence Mr. Murphy obtained but a limited amount of the knowledge derived from books, but what he lacked in education he made up in energy and natural ability. Arrived at his majority, he bought a farm in Pennfield, which he carried on a number of years. During this time he served as constable for several years, thus becoming proficient in a line of work that afterwards made him useful to the new county of Al-. legan. After selling his farm in Pennfield he went to Rochester and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed a few years, and then went to Ohio, where he took jobs in building the Ohio Canal. He also helped to build the Pennsylvania Canal, on which he lost a large sum through the dishonesty of a partner. Having married while in Ohio, and being somewhat disheartened by his losses in Pennsylvania, he concluded to settle down, and in a new country. He returned to Rochester and sold out his business there, and in the spring of 1835 came to Michigan in search of a home, leaving his wife and children in Ohio. He came to Detroit, and thence on foot through the country to Allegan, where he bought 80 acres of land on section 34, in Gun Plain township. Mr. Murphy stayed in Gun Plain during the summer, living with, a Mr. Seeley, whose house he helped to build. In the fall he returned to Ohio for his family, with whom he at once returned to Mr. Seeley's, where they remained while he built a house. While living I with Mr. Seeley's people Mrs. Murphy, who was an old teacher, taught her own and Mr. Seeley's children, they occupying seats near the spinning-wheel, which she ran as she taught. This was the first school in their part of the town, and the lessons then learned were as valuable as those received in the costly schools of to-day. When settled in their new home they found themselves with a capital of twelve dollars and fifty cents, and with no team, stock, or tools, but with energy and perseverance they at once commenced to make for themselves a home. Fruit-trees were at once set out, clearings were made, and fences built. Roads and cleared fields soon took the place of the forests, while on every side the homes of the new-comers were springing up as if by magic, and Mrs. Murphy says they were very happy in those days, with none of the jealousies and heart-burnings of the present day. Mr. Murphy was a Democrat, and was often the standard-bearer of his party. He was the first supervisor of the town, and held other township offices. When the county was organized he was elected its first sheriff, which office he held two terms, the first term doing the entire business on foot. His popularity and the efficiency shown in the offices he had held brought him prominently before the public, and in the fall of 1852 he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, which position he filled with credit to himself and his constituents. He was chairman of the committee on Indian affairs during the time of his service in the house. On his return from Lansing, Mr. Murphy retired from political life and gave his attention to his farm, until his son finally took entire charge of it. He died June 19, 1874, mourned and regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Murphy was married Jan. 4, 1825, to Miss Mary Ayers, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Hawkins) Ayers. She was born in Bridgewater, Windsor Co., Vt., Dec. 19, 1804. There were born to them the following children: 236 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Irving S., born April 16, 1827, died in California, Oct. 25, 1850; Andrew J., born Dec. 21, 1828; Mahala J., born June 14, 1831, died Sept. 22, 1867; James H., born July 4, 1833; and Mary Helen, born Nov. 14, 1839, died Oct. 19, 1853. Andrew J. married Miss Anna Healy; their union has been blessed with two children,-Irving A., born Jan. 22, 1877, and Helen M., born Nov. 10, 1878. JUSTUS B. SUTHERLAND. Reuben Sutherland was born at Horse Neck, on the seacoast, in the State of New York, where he grew to manhood. (His father was born in Scotland, and wore the bonnet and kilt.) Arrived at his majority, he went to Dutchess Co., N. Y., and bought a farm, and there he married. He was a strong Whig, and had unbounded faith in the Continental Congress and its financial policy. To prove his faith he took entire pay for his farm (which he sold about the beginning of the Revolution) in Continental money, and which became worthless in his possession, thereby depriving half of the southwest quarter of section 35. He then returned to Broome County, and the following spring, with his wife and six children, started for the new home in the wilderness. They came by water to Detroit, where he bought a yoke of oxen, and with his goods and family loaded in the wagon started for Allegan, on the old Territorial road. It was not then the road it is to-day. Its bridges were of the most primitive kind, many of the little lakes and streams being bridged only with floating logs, which often rolled under the oxen's feet, looking at times as though a ducking, if nothing worse, awaited the whole family. The distance from Detroit to Gull Prairie, now made in five hours, then took Mr. Sutherland, with his ox-team, as many days, and, although he traveled as cheaply as possible, it cost him sixty-four dollars. Arrived in the town, he stayed a few days with old Mr. Dunham while he built a log house on his farm. There were then but a few families in the town, Mr. Arnold's family being the nearest one west, while east of him there was no one living in the township. The house completed, he at once moved his family in, and life in the new home had begun. Around the house the deer and other game roamed by day, while the wolves made night hideous with their howling. So thick were the latter that Mr. Sutherland found it impossible to keep sheep or calves unless in a high pen. With the energy and perseverance for which the pioneers were noted, he at once commenced to clear and improve his farm. His land and traveling expenses had taken nearly all his means. Still, his family never went hungry or knew want. Clothing then was hard to get, and often buckskin took the place of cloth. On the farm he then bought Mr. Sutherland has lived nearly half a century, and he intends to pass the remainder of his days where so many pleasant hours have been passed. The then wilderness has changed to beautiful homes, churches, and villages, all of which changes he has done his share to create. He is now in his eighty-second year, and a man respected and esteemed by all who know him. In politics Mr. Sutherland is a Democrat. When the town was first organized he was elected constable and collector, which offices he held at different times. Ie has also been treasurer and school inspector. For his first wife Mr. Sutherland married Elmira Bliss, daughter of Ebenezer Bliss. She was born Oct. 10, 1803. They had the 1ollowing children: Bliss, born Jan. 1,1824; Abraham K., born Dec. 12, 1825; Mercy, born March 1, 1827; Louisa, born April 30, 1829; Francis N., born March 12, 1831; Morris J., born Oct. 10, 1832; Lazetta, born Aug. 15, 1834; Pitt D., born Aug. 18, 1837, killed by a horse, Oct. 27, 1856; Emily M., born Dec. 18, 1839; Darwin D., born Dec. 28, 1841; Dewitt C., born Aug. 28, 1842; Mortimer W., born Oct. 21, 1845. Mrs. Sutherland died March 1, 1853. For his second wife, Mr. Sutherland married his first wife's sister, Mrs. Esther Allen, who was born Oct. 11, 1796. ELIEZER C. KNAPP. Eliezer C. Knapp was born April 14, 1828, in the town of Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He is of Scotch origin, his ancestors on his father's side having emigrated.USTUS B. SUTHERLAND. him of his all. He was not subject to the draft, but enlisted in the patriot army and served as a private. Was present at the surrender of Burgoyne. After the war he moved to Broome Co., N. Y., where he bought one hundred and ten acres of new land, which he partly improved, and where he died, Sept. 10, 1799. His son, Justus B. Sutherland, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Lisle, Broome Co., N. Y., March 15, 1799. Here he grew to man's estate, living with his mother until her death, which took place when he was twenty-two years old. After his mother's death he bought a small farm of fifty acres, which was all new. This farm he cleared, and upon it he lived until 1833, when he sold out and, leaving his family behind, came to Michigan in search of a home where land was cheap and plenty. Coming to what was then Allegan township, now Gun Plain, he bought the south GUN PLAIN TOWNSHIP. 237 from Scotland. Peter Knapp, the father of Eliezer, was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., where he resided on the farm of his father until 1834, when he moved into Wayne County, same State, and bought a farm in the town of Arcadia, on which he resided until his death, in 1848. Eliezer grew to manhood on the home-farm, learning early that boys as well as men were destined to earn their living by the sweat of their brow. Arrived at his majority, he started out in life for himself, his capital consisting of health, strength, and determination to carve out for himself a successful future. His first work was in a warehouse in the village of Newark, where he worked one year. Then for a couple of years he found employment in a machine-shop in Newark, and at the carpenter's trade in Clyde. In the spring of 1852, having been in poor health for several months, he started for California, his physician having recommended a change of climate. He went by the Nicaragua route, and arrived in San Francisco in July, 1852. Soon after his arrival he went up the north fork of the American River and engaged in mining. In the fall lie went to Sacramento, and there worked at his trade for a short time, when he went to Marysville and took charge of a machine-shop, a position he held until the spring of 1854, when lie returned to the States with but little more money than when he left home. Soon after his return he came to Michigan, and in the town of Gun Plain bought the farm he now owns, running almost entirely in debt for it. There were no buildings and but twenty acres improved. By his management and labor the farm has become one of the fine farms of the township, with good buildings and nearly all improved, while to it he has added, until it now comprises one hundred and forty-six acres, the result of untiring energy and industry. In politics Mr. Knapp is a Democrat, although he now and for eight terms past has held the office of supervisor in a Republican township, filling the office to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. On the 16th day of November, 1851, he was married to Miss Charlotte Harvey, daughter of Byron and Ruth (Waite) Harvey, who was born Oct. 15, 1830. To them was born Ida E., Feb. 9, 1855. She is the wife of Henry Crosbie, and resides in Ionia. Mrs. Knapp died Sept. 1, 1856. For his second wife Mr. Knapp married, June 28, 1858, Miss Frances Linderman, who was born Dec. 16, 1833, daughter of Jacob and Desire (Conrad) Linderman. Their union has been blessed with three children, viz.: Will, born Jan. 23, 1860; Mabel, born Aug. 11, 1862; and Genevieve, born March 16, 1865, died Oct. 20, 1865. WILLIAM BELLINGIIAM. William Bellingham was born March 20, 1800, in the town of Rutherfield, Sussex Co., England, where his ancestors had resided for more than a century, and being what is called in England small farmers. His father, Joseph Bellingham, at one time owned a small farm, which he sold, and then rented a large farm, which he was working at the time William was born. They were men in moderate circumstances, but always bore characters which were above reproach. William grew to manhood on the farm in Sussex County, going to what was called a charity-school, and which was kept by his uncle. His father paid his schooling, although it was called a charity-school. Arrived at his majority, lie started out in life for himself, at one time working his father's farm, then taking a farm, which he continued to work until he emigrated to America in 1833. Prior to Photo. by J. D. Smith, Phlinwell, Mich. WILLIAM BELLINGHIAM. that time his brother-in-law had emigrated to America, and sent back such glowing accounts of their farm and home in the New World that Mr. Bellingham resolved to cast his fortunes in the same country, and with his wife and children left England in the spring of 1833. They landed in New York, fiom whence they went to Troy. Their money being exhausted, they stopped in Troy, where Mr. Bellingham worked in a market-garden, while his son, William A., then a lad of eight years, worked in the market mornings, receiving sixpence a morning for his services, which consisted in calling out in his English way, " Here's where you get your nice inyans and lettuce," which attracted much attention and a good deal of merriment. In August they came on to Detroit, where they again found themselves out of means, save a half-dollar. The family and goods were located in the street, where they were to stay until Mr. Bellingham and William A. could walk to the brother-in-law's (Mr. John Young), in Washtenaw County. As they were about to set out, a stranger came to them and asked what they were doing in the street. On being told that it was for want of means to do any better, he at once invited them into his house, to stay until Mr. Bellingham returned. They then invested their half-dollar in crackers and cheese, and set out about four o'clock in the afternoon for Waslitenaw. That night they slept in a straw-stack and the next day reached their destination. William A. and his cousin returned for the family, whom they found with the kind stranger, who refused to take any pay for his kindness. They found Mr. Young, like the most of the -early settlers, the owner o a farm and scarce anything else. They remained with him a 238 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. shoil time, then went by themselves, Mr. Bellingham working at whatever he could get to do, mostly ditching. He finally got enough ahead so that he bought of the government forty acres in the town of Lima. To this he added eighty acres, all of which he traded for the west half of the southeast quarter of section 15 in Gun Plain township, Allegan Co., and on which he located in 1844, and where he resided until his death, Nov. 2, 1878. His farm he cleared and improved and enlarged to three hundred and twenty acres. He was a Democrat, and held the offices of justice of the peace and township clerk. Was a member of the Baptist Church. He was highly esteemed by his neighbors and fellow-townsmen, and is spoken of as one whom to know was to admire and respect. Mr. Bellingham was married Jan. 18, 1819, to Miss Phillis Powell, who was born March 28, 1800. There were born to them the following children: Catherine, born April 9,1822; William A., born Nov. 19, 1824; Ellen, born April 20, 1827; Ruth, born July 19, 1829; Esther, born May 9, 1832; Ann, born Sept. 28, 1834; Sarah, born July 7, 1838; and Orpha, born Jan. 6, 1843,-the two last born in America. Mrs. Bellingham died Jan. 2, 1844. Sarah, married July 4, 1853, Ralph Richmond, who was born in Twinsburg, Portage Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1828. Their union has been blessed with two children, viz.: Lucy, born Sept. 25, 1859, and Ernest, born Oct. 15, 1869. RUSSEL B. FENNER. James L. Fenner was born in Massachusetts, May 21, 1777. His ancestors originally settled on Long Island and were from England, but at what time is not known. After his marriage to Miss Betsey Perry, James emigrated to Onondaga Co., N. Y., and settled in the town of Manlius, where he worked at his trade, that of a millwright, helping to build many of the first mills of that then new country. In 1818, having sold his land in the town of Pompey (same county), where he had been living for some time, he moved with his family into the town of Lysander, Onondaga Co., where he bought a large tract of new land. This land he cleared and improved, setting out orchards and erecting fine buildings, and making it in time one of the fine farms of his township, and on which he lived until his death, Jan. 16, 1851. There were born to them nine children, of whom Russel B. Fenner was the sixth. He was born in Pompey, Feb. 9, 1814, and grew to manhood on the farm of his father, for whom he worked until he arrived at his majority, when he started out on his own account. He worked one year for his father, then one season at the carpenter's trade, after which he worked his father's farm on shares four years. In 1841 Mr. Fenner bought fifty acres of land, which he built upon and improved, and which he traded with his father for one hundred and forty acres of wild land in the town of Martin, Allegan Co., Mich. In 1844 he came to Martin, and soon after, in company with his brother, built the first saw-mill in the town. It was called Fenner's mill, and was built in what was laid out to be the village of Smyrna. The brothers ran the mill about four years, when Russel sold his interest in it and then gave his attention to farming and the carpenter's trade. He improved about seventy acres of his farm, and built on it a large log house and a fine barn. In 1855 Mr. Fenner sold his Martin farm and bought in the town of Gun Plain the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 5, and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 4, which was partly improved. On this place he has erected good buildings, planted orchards, and pade himself and wife a beautiful home, a sketch of which appears on another page of this work. Mr. Fenner is in every sense of the word a self-made man. He is one who believes that what one man can do another can, and he has never hesitated to attempt any work that place and circumstances has called upon him to perform. He has devoted much time to the study of medicine, and, though he has no diploma as a physician and does not hold himself out as one, still he has in his day performed many cures. He is and has always been a Democrat, and has been for three years road commissioner, and for eleven years a justice of the peace in a Republican township. On the 28th day of September, 1837, Mr. Fenner was joined in marriage to Miss Hannah V. Schenck, who was born in Lysander, Aug. 13, 1817. She is a daughter of Rulef and Elsie (Baird) Schenck. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fenner five children, viz.: Byron R., born March 4, 1839; Eliza E., April 1, 1842; William P., Dec. 22, 1844; all in Lysander. Rulef James, born Sept. 17, 1850; and Franklin M., Oct. 11, 1854; both born in Martin. t II II PLi Lii.M4 N4 4HI IIEAT HI.* THE township of Heath has grown but slowly since its settlement, from the fact that its first residents were attracted by the prolific growth of pine timber, and located there only for purposes of lumbering. Finding no strong inducements to remain after the forests had been felled, they departed for other fields of labor. In point of convenience Heath has an advantageous location, with the Grand Haven Railroad running transversely across it, and affording at the stations of Dunningville and Hamilton opportunities for the shipment of produce. It is designated on the United States survey as township 3 north, of range 14 west, having Overisel on the north, Pine Plains on the south, Monterey on the east, and Manlius on the west. The township has many beautiful and expansive views, and a considerable variety of surface. No striking elevations are to be seen, but many gentle slopes and numerous level plains diversify the scenery. A portion of the level land is swampy, though efforts are being made to drain these tracts. Two rivers traverse the township, the Kalamazoo, which passes through the southwest corner, and Rabbit River, which affords a fine water-power in the northwest portion. Silver Creek, in the northeast quarter, flows in a northerly direction, and finds an outlet in the last-named river. The Kalamazoo River is fed by Deer and Bear Creeks, which flow from the west and join it on section 32. Pine has been the principal timber of the township and its chief source of revenue. The largest and best trees have, however, been generally converted into lumber, leaving an inferior quality still upon the ground, and even this is rapidly disappearing. In the northwest and southeast portions beech, oak, and maple flourish to a moderate extent, while the swampy land produces tamarack and other timber' peculiar to such soil. The prevailing soil of Heath is a sandy loam, with occasional streaks of clay. On the bottom-land along the rivers and creeks an alluvial soil is found, which equals in productiveness any in the county. Wheat and corn are the staple products of the township, a large portion of which is not yet sufficiently cleared to raise crops. Fine crops of corn have been raised on the clay land when deeply plowed, and on the river-bottoms an unusual yield is obtained. In 1874, the year of the last census, 196 acres were sown with wheat and 219 acres were planted with corn, which gave a yield of 1845 bushels of the former and 7341 of the latter. This is not much behind the average in the county. Of course, however, the best tracts were selected for cultivation, and it must be acknowledged that there is considerable land which would hardly pay for til lage by crops of corn and wheat. Yet potatoes and garden vegetables find here a congenial soil and attain great size. Fruits are raised to a considerable extent, many fine orchards being found on the farms of the settlers. Peach crops are engaging the attention of farmers, both the soil and climate of Heath having been found well adapted to their growth. Many orchards have recently been started, and give promise of good revenues to their owners; in fact, fruit-culture bids fair to be decidedly successful, and to redeem Heath from the somewhat dubious agricultural reputation which it has heretofore acquired. PURCHASERS OF LAND FROM GOVERNMENT. The following parties were the first purchasers of the land embraced in the present township of Heath: Section 1.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by J. S. Smith, G. M. Shaw, J. B. Rumsey, S. S. Graham, Fitch Swan, John McCrary. Section 2.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Fetterman and Abbott, Benjamin Eager, Fitch Swan, D. H. Dowd. Sectfon 3.-Bought from 1833 to 1854 by Bronson and Swan, Daniels and Fetterman, Lucius Abbott, Benjamin Eager, Henry Abbott. Section 4.-Bought from 1833 to 1835 by Butler and Swan, Arthur Bronson, Daniels, Foster and Mills, Samuel Hubbard. Section 5.-Bought from 1833 to 1836 by Arthur Bronson, Samuel Hubbard, Charles Butler. Section 6.-Bought in 1835 by Charles Butler. Section 7.-Bought from 1854 to 1863 by Heath and Albro, Gilbert Miner, W. L. Field, Baldwin Hyde, R. M. Moore, C. R. Brownell, John Cummins. Section 8.-Bought from 1852 to 1869 by E. Judson, Heath and Albro, Ellen Littlejohn, P. 0. Littlejohn, M. R. Parkhurst, Wm. Lowrin, A. W. Judd, W. C. Flanner, J. B. Porter. Section 9.-Bought in 1836 by Samuel Hubbard, E. Farnsworth. Section 0.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Samuel Hubbard, Charles Butler, E. Farnesworth, F. A. S. Jones, H. Abbott. Section 11.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Fetterman and Abbott, David Lafier, Athiel Mills, F. Nichols, Mrs. T. S. Atlee, M. H. Atlee. Section 12.-Bought in 1854 by A. Graham, M. R. Buffem, C. Hollepeta, Lemuel Daily. Section 13.-Bought in 1836 by Chandler Hollister, A. L. and A. Ely, Jr. Section 14.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by C. Hollister, A. L. and A. Ely, Jr., Alex. Beach, E. B. Fox. Section 15.-Bought from 1852 to 1854 by J. A. R. Clement, J. H. Mixer, John Feed. Section 16.-Bought in 1866 and 1869 by 0. R. Johnson, Johnson and Stockbridge. Section 17.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by E. Farnsworth, J. J. Littlejohn, J. Littlejohn, Jr., Henry Fisher, Daniel Richardson, William Rider. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by E. Farnsworth, J. J. Littlejohn, P. 0. Littlejohn, J. Richardson, S. R. Powell, I. McDaniels. Section 19.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by J. R. Kellogg, Davis and Fisher, Ellen Littlejohn. Section 20.-Bought in 1836 by Samuel Hubbard. Section 21.-Bought in 1836 and 1853 by Samuel Hubbard, Chandler Hlollister, Charles Butler. Section 22.-Bought in 1836 and 1854 by Samuel Hubbard, Charles S. Mixer. * By E. 0. Wagner. 239 240 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Section 23.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Jonathan Hart, Hart and Merritt, E. M. IIamlin, Curtis Cady. Section 24.-Bought in 1836 by Samuel Hubbard, Chandler IIollister. Section 25.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Hart and Merritt, A. S. Judd, Daniel Correll, Daniel and James Correll, Stephen Sutton, D. A. Fausler, Epaphroditus Ransom, D. A. Fausler. Section 26.-Bought in 1836 by J. Hart and James Merritt. Section 27.-Bought from 1833 to 1854 by Arthur Bronson, Samuel Hubbard, Andrew Whisler. Section 28.-Bought from 1833 to 1854 by Arthur Bronson, Samuel Hubbard, Samuel Bigsby, Willard Dodge. Section 29.-Bought from 1833 to 1853 by Arthur Bronson, Samuel Hubbard, R. D. Hill, Alexander II. Edwards, Samuel Bigsby, Ellen Littlejohn, Davis and Fisher, J. B. and 11. Dumont. Section 30.-Bought from 1836 to 1856 by John R. Kellogg, Leonard Strow, Z. L. Griswold. Section 31.-Bought from 1850 to 1855 by L. S. Parker, assignee, Z. L. Griswold, Jarvis Sperry, Thomas Graves, James Youngs, James W. Parker. Section 32.-Bought from 1836 to 1866 by J. B. Murray, Frederick Booher, Z. L. Griswold, Moses Sperry, C. D. Phelps. Section 33.-Bought from 1833 to 1854 by Arthur Bronson, Trowbridge and Porter, J. B. and 11. Dumont. Section 34.-Bought from 1833 to 1854 by Arthur Bronson, Trowbridge and Porter, Henry Power. Section 35.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Trowbridge and Porter, F. H. Heath, Jesse Clements, Nathan H. Parks, D. H. Daniels, Ambrose Belden, Wilson Freed. Section 36.-Bought from 1837 to 1852 by S. D. Webster, Silas Hubbard, John Sadler, Daniel Rhodabaugh, John M. Heath, J. W. Fausler, Epaphroditus Ransom. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Considerable of the land of Heath was purchased from the government as early as 1833, but the first settler did not appear until 1850, when Simon Howe obtained control under a contract of a portion of section 6, upon which he and Col. John Littlejohn erected a saw-mill on Rabbit River. This property was subsequently leased to other parties, and after a brief residence in the hamlet of Rabbit River, now Hamilton, Howe moved to Kalamazoo County, where he died. He passed through many vicissitudes during his business career at Rabbit River, and ultimately left the place with his exchequer greatly reduced as the result of his commercial schemes. The second settler was John Sadler, who left Rochester, N. Y., in 1841, and first located in Allegan township, where he remained ten years. Having, during this time, purchased 80 acres on section 36, in Heath, he removed thither in 1851. With him came his three sons, Jonathan, Richard A., and Andrew J. Sadler. They found Simon Howe already established on section 6 and preparing to build his saw-mill. Mr. Sadler and his sons, having previously lived within a short distance of their new purchase, had found it easy to make the necessary improvements on the land before becoming residents. They had already erected a log house and cleared a considerable tract. Indians were still quite common in the spring and fall, usually chosing their spring residence in the vicinity of maplegroves, where they made considerable quantities of sugar for use or exchange. Mr. Sadler died in 1863 on the homestead which is now occupied by his son, Andrew. Jonathan Sadler resides on the east half of section 36. Porter Shields arrived in the township in 1852, and lo cated upon section 35. He was afterwards employed in the saw-mill built by Ambrose Belden in 1856, and while at work there he met with an accident which caused his death. Joseph Shank and Amos S. Judd, who had previously been residents of Hancock Co., Ohio, located in the township in 1853, both having purchased land on section 24. The former moved some years afterwards to the northern portion of the State, where he now resides. Mr. Judd is still a resident of the township. Stephen Sutton, a former neighbor in Ohio, followed them a year after, and improved a farm on the same section. He survived but a few years. In 1854, Allen Beach became a resident of section 14, where he had previously purchased 160 acres. Hle continued to reside in the township until his death, in 1879. Indiana was represented among the early pioneers by C. K. Calkins, who purchased a farm on section 12, which he cleared and made productive. He afterwards relinquished the occupation of a farmer for that of a landlord, and removed to section 1, where he opened a house of entertainment, known as the'; Diamond Springs Hotel," of which he is still the proprietor. Abram Parkhurst, previously a resident of Branch County, moved to Heath in 1854, and purchased 40 acres on section 8. The work of farming was interspersed with the exciting life of a hunter and trapper, in which occupations Mr. Parkhurst was remarkably skillful. Deer and other game were still plentiful, and his revenue was materially increased by the various furs and skins which he captured. The opportunities for such exploits are now so rare as to enable him to devote his attention exclusively to his farm, upon which he is still a resident. Philander Smith settled in 1854 upon 40 acres in section 36, which he purchased of Daniel Rhodabaugh. He built a shingle-mill, which was run by horse-power, and for a while supplied many of the shingles which were used in that portion of the township. Daniel Rhodabaugh also owned a farm on the same section, having obtained it on a land-warrant for services in the Mexican war. He entered the army at the beginning of the late war, and after his return moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he now resides. His farm is now occupied by Joseph Taylor. Peter Rhodabaugh came in 1854, and established a shingle-mill on section 12. Daniel H. Dowd, who now resides in Allegan, left the city of Chicago for the pine-forests of Heath in 1856. He chose section 2 as a location, where he purchased 320 acres of land. The largest log house in the county (which is still occupied), together with a substantial barn, was built by him soon after his arrival. Samuel S. Graham had previously erected a log shanty just east of Mr. Dowd's place, which he had been in the habit for several years of occupying in the summer, removing in the winter to his more comfortable residence in Branch County. Into this cabin Mr. Dowd and his family removed until his own residence was completed. Mr. Dowd cleared a considerable portion of his land, much of it having been covered with pine of a superior quality. A part of it, by hard labor, he made quite productive. On Silver Creek, which runs through the farm, his son, Charles S. Dowd, owns and manages a large saw-mill, which is one of the most flourishing of the business enterprises of the township. HEATH TOWNSHIP. 241 William Lowrie purchased 400 acres on sections 8 and 9 in 1855, upon which he built a house and improved 40 acres. He subsequently sold it, however, and removed to Monterey. Fitch Swan purchased, in 1855, the north half of the northwest quarter of section 1, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 2. He improved this land and remained upon it several years, after which he exchanged it for land in Branch County, owned by James Roblyer, who became a resident of Heath in 1866, and now occupies the land he obtained from Mr. Swan. George H. Phelps, in connection with his son, C. D. Phelps, erected a saw-mill on section 28 in 1855, which was for many years in operation, but is now in ruins. Mr. Phelps resided in Heath until his death, in 1872. Charles Davis came to the township in 1862, and purchased land at Hamilton. Mrs. Davis was a daughter of James M. Heath, from whom the township was named. The family still reside near the hamlet just named. The earliest death recalled was that of Jesse Clements, who fell a victim to the brutality of his son. The culprit was sentenced to the State prison, where, after repeated exhibitions of his murderous instinct, his existence finally ended. HAMILTON. The little village of Hamilton (formerly known as Rabbit River), dates its first recorded event in 1835, when Charles Butler entered the whole section upon which it is located. It subsequently came into the possession of Anton Schorno, Chauncey W. Calkins, and Elnathan Judson. Simon Howe became the controller, under a contract, of a certain portion of the land, and, in connection with Col. John Littlejohn, built the saw-mill known throughout the county as the Rabbit River Mill, which contained both a circular and an upright saw. This mill was built in 1852, but the same year the dam gave out. It was in 1855 rebuilt by Col. Littlejohn, and subsequently purchased and controlled by Howe, by whom it was leased to Messrs. Allen & Jewett. In 1857, James B. Streeter managed it, and at the expiration of his period of ownership, embracing eighteen months, it became the property of H. M. Peck, who sold it to Robert M. Moore, by whom Henry Porter was employed to superintend the enterprise. In 1873 Charles R. Brownell, who had previously rented the property, purchased it, and is now the proprietor. The capacity of the mill is 12,000 feet per day. The earliest settler was a man who was engaged to board the hands employed by the first owners of the mill. His name is not recalled. A shanty was erected for his convenience on the north side of the river, which for a brief time afforded shelter to all who came to the little hamlet. G. B. Sheffield came from Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1852, and after a brief residence in Holland removed to Hamilton. He built a framed house, and was for a while employed in the mill. In 1858 he purchased a farm in the township of Fillmore, where he at present resides, though still transacting much business at the place of his early residence. In 1855 a man named Lockrey came to the place and engaged in lumbering. The year previous Joseph Jewett 31 was employed as foreman in the saw-mill, and at nearly the same time Aaron Willards became interested in it, and was among the transient residents of the place. W. H. Mohn arrived later, from Wayne Co, Ohio, and settled in Hamilton. He removed with his family to a framed house that had been erected and vacated, and engaged in work at the mill. He afterwards followed his trade as a carpenter. Simeon Howe found for a short time a home in the family of Mr. Mohn. The population was at this time, and has been since, transient in character, very few of those employed in milling or lumbering having become permanent residents. The present supervisor, C. R. Brownell, is a resident of the place, where he is engaged in milling and other occupations. He removed from Allegan in 1866, where his father now resides. Mr. Brownell placed the writer under many obligations for aid in his researches after facts. TIHE GRIST-MILL. In 1861, George P. Heath built a grist-mill on Rabbit River, occupying the site of the present mill, and conducted it until 1867, when Frank Schorno purchased the property. While under the management of Lewis Schorno the mill was burned, and the site remained unoccupied until 1879, when Messrs. Kullen, Kepple & Co. purchased the site and erected one of the most complete grist-mills in the county. The interest of the first partner was soon after transferred to John Schipper, and the mill was in active operation during the same year. Its power is supplied by water from the river, and with four run of stone its utmost capacity is 100 barrels per day, though not often pressed to this limit. It has also a feed-stone, which is constantly in use. The latest improvements in making flour by the most recent process are adopted, and a ready market is found in Milwaukee, Boston, and portions of Illinois. The home market also makes large demands on this mill, 100 barrels per week being disposed of at Muskegon and Grand Haven. OTHER BUSINESS. There are at Hamilton, in addition to the mill, two stores, containing a general stock of goods, kept by H. J. Fisher, who is also postmaster, and by Messrs. Kolvoort & Baker; one hardware-store, owned by Benjamin Bosman; a blacksmith-shop, kept by Hiram Lee; a shoe-shop, by Eugene Lesperence; and a cooper-shop, by Southwin. The school of the district is taught by Harry Sears. A bendingworks doing an active business is owned by W. B. Lincoln, and a hotel built in 1872 is kept by C. M. Woodruff. The physician of the place is Dr. Charles H. Kimber, who is also the proprietor of a public hall which does credit to the enterprise of Hamilton. SCHOOLS. The first school was opened in district No. 1, now embraced in that portion of the township known as Pine Plains. The second district embraced what was known as the Sadler neighborhood, a log school-house having been early built in this locality. None of the early teachers are remembered. Miss Mercy Bigsby was the first to instruct the little ones in district No. 1, though this territory would now be properly regarded as a portion of Pine Plains, and 242' HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I not within the province of a sketch of the township of Heath. The third school was opened in district No. 3, and the school building formerly located on section 12 was removed to the township-line. Heath is divided into one fractional and four whole districts, the board of directors being B. B. Martin, Jonathan Sadler, C. S.- Dowd, D. P. Veach, and C. M. Woodruff. There are four frame school buildings in the township, valued at $1430. The number of children who are instructed is 170, three male and six female teachers being employed in the various districts. They receive in salaries annually the sum of $776. The total resources of the township for school purposes are $1329.02, of which $107.44 is derived from the primary school fund. EARLY ROADS. Soon after the Holland colony arrived in Michigan an effort was made to divert their trade to Allegan, and thereby secure a portion of the gold with which many of them were bountifully supplied. With that view, two highways were surveyed from Allegan, having Holland as their objective point, both of which traversed the soil of Heath. The first was known as the Dumont road, and was surveyed by John B. Dumont in 1847. It began at Peter Dumont's land, on section 6, in Allegan, to which point a road had been already surveyed from Allegan village, bore to the northwest through Pine Plains, and entered this township on section 36. It ran directly north, crossed the Rabbit River, and passed out of the township on the section-line between sections 1 and 2, on its way to Holland. A railroad, known as the Bee-Line road, was projected by James M. Heath, which also had Holland as its terminus. It began near the residence of Maj. Heath, on section 12, in Pine Plains (then Heath), and, passing northwest into Heath, which it entered on section 35, ran diagonally through the township in a northwesterly direction, passing out near the northwest corner, on section 6. This highway was surveyed a few months later than the Dumont road, and had an equal share of the public travel. DUNNINGVILLE. This hamlet was first settled by Andrew Whistler, who arrived early (the date is not remembered) and purchased the half of section 28, upon which he located a saw-mill, Bear Creek affording the water-power. He was accompanied by his nephew, John Whistler. After the mill had been established and conducted a brief time by Andrew Whistler, it was sold to Martin Miller and John Whistler. Their term of ownership was also brief, when it passed into the possession of Riley Granger, who in turn disposed of the property to Messrs. Dunning and Hopkins, of Saugatuck. Their successor was a party named Brewer, durinfg whose ownership it was burned. The present owner, William Scott, then purchased the property, and erected on the debris of the old mill a new and more complete structure, which is now in successful operation. William A. Earl erected the first and only store in the place, which has since been closed. A hotel affords hospitality to the tray eler, the landlord being William Scott, who is also postmaster. A religious society of Wesleyan Methodists exists in the place, who worship in the school-house on each alternate Sabbath, no church edifice having been erected. The district school is presided over by Nelson Young, whose skill as teacher has warranted his employment for a succession of years. REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH. The Society of the Reformed (Dutch) Church at Overisel, having observed at this locality the want of conveniences for worship, determined upon the erection of a church edifice. Aided by subscriptions from the residents of the township, they erected the present building, and also a convenient parsonage, at a total cost of $3000. The work was done under the supervision of Rev. Gerret Dangremond, who after the dedication of the edifice was installed as its first pastor. He remained until 1871, when the pulpit was supplied by the Methodist Conference. Rev. N. D. Marsh was the pastor from 1874 to 1876, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. D. Lawrence, who remained until 1878. At present there is no regular organization, though services are held each alternate Sabbath by clergymen whose residences are adjacent to the place. A flourishing Sabbath-school, embracing 50 members and a corps of devoted teachers, is maintained, and much interest is manifested in the work. The superintendent is B. W. Lincoln, and the secretary C. R. Brownell. LODGE OF I. 0. 0. F., No. 315. The charter of this lodge bears date Oct. 19, 1878, the following gentlemen having held office when it was instituted: G. B. Sheffield, N. G.; C. E. Siple, V. G.; C. W. Stone, Sec.; J. Bowman, Treas. It has 27 members, and holds its convocations in a hall fitted for the purpose and rented for five years from G. B. Sheffield. The present officers are C. R. Brownell, N. G.; Albert Helmer, V. G.; John Boyd, Sec.; J. Bowman, Treas. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. The survey of the township of Heath was made by Calvin Britain, and completed on the 7th of March, 1831. It was formerly included in the township of Allegan, having been made an independent township by an act of the State Legislature approved March 18, 1851, which reads as follows: " That all that portion of territory lying east and north of the Kalamazoo River, in township 2 north, of range 14 west, together with the whole of township 3 north, of range 14 west, be and the same is hereby set off from the township of Allegan and organized into a separate township by the name of Heath, and that the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of James M. Heath, in said township." In 1871 its area was diminished by as much territory as is now embraced in Pine Plains, lying north of the Kalamazoo River, leaving it with a boundary six miles square. It was named in compliment to one of its early settlers, Maj. James M. Heath. The earliest township-meeting of the township of Heath was held on the first Monday in April, 1851. The officers chosen were: Supervisor, James M. Heath; Township Clerk, John M. Heath; Treasurer, George P. Heath; Justices of the Peace, Simon Howe, Samuel Bigsby, James Albro, HEATH TOWNSHIP. 243 James M. Heath; Highway Commissioner, Simon Howe, who was also elected School Inspector; Directors of the Poor, L. P. Ross, Harvey Howe; Constables, Daniel Rhodabaugh, Charles Howe, L. P. Ross, Henry Ammerman. The remaining township officers to the present time are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1852, Simon Howe; 1853, John M. Heath; 1854-55, Ambrose Belden; 1856-57, J. M. Heath; 1858-59, G. H. Phelps; 1860-61, J. Wilson; 1862-65, G. C. Smith; 1866, G. P. Heath; 1867, W. J. Shirley; 1868-69, G. H. Phelps; 1870-72, Charles R. Brownell; 1873-74, Jonathan Sadler; 1875-76, J. F. Gilchrist; 1877-79, C. R. Brownell. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1852, Daniel Rhodabaugh; 1853, John E. Babbitt; 1854-55, D. Rhodabaugh; 1856-58, J. A. Whistler; 1859, W. B. Smalley; 1860 -62, W. J. Shirley; 1863, J. M. ITeath; 1864-66, Wilson Huntley; 1867-70, J. J. Young; 1871, H. J. Van Valkenburg; 1872, D. S. Hopkins; 1873-76, C. R. Brownell; 1877, I. W. Fay; 1878-79, M. W. Pierson. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1852, James Albro, John E. Babbitt; 1853, A. S. Judd; 1854-55, C. D. Clements; 1856, Andrew Whistler, Andrew Alexander; 1857, James M. Heath; 1858, L. C. Lemoin; 1859, R. H. Fuller, William Peet; 1860, David Spafford; 1861, G. H. Phelps, G. C. Smith; 1862, R. B. Minier, G. B. Newman, Fitch Swan; 1863, G. P. Heath; 1864, Samuel Bigsby; 1865, L. C. Lemoin, Ambrose Belden; 1866, Jeptha Bartholamew, Ambrose Belden, Julius Bigsby; 1867, Andrew Burnside, William Peet; 1868, Franklin Schorno: 1869, Jonathan Sadler; 1870, Isaiah Willson; 1871, R. W. Martin, D. S. Hopkins; 1872, W. A. Earle; 1873, D. H. Dowd, C. C. Spears; 1874, C. A. Field, John McCrary; 1875, R. W. Martin, C. R. Brownell; 1876, John McCrary, C. R. Brownell; 1877, Washington Cook, J. A. Peck; 1878, N. L. Foster, C. R. Brownell. TREASURERS. 1852, Charles Howe; 1853, G. P. Heath; 1854-55, C. B. Butler; 1856, G. P. Heath; 1857, Otis Holton; 1858, Otis L. Holton; 1859-61, A. W. Judd; 1862-63, Jonathan Sadler; 1864, Salmon Thayer; 1865, A. W. Judd; 1866-69, Salmon Thayer; 1870-72, Jonathan Sadler; 1873-76, D. Spofford; 1877-78, C. M. Woodruff; 1879, William Dean. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1852, John M. Heath; 1853, Stephen Sutton; 1854-55, E. M. Hamlin; 1856, Daniel Rhodabaugh; 1857, Ozias Lemoin; 1858, John M. Heath; 1859, Samuel Graham, John A. Whistler; 1860, John P. Paris, G. H. Phelps; 1861, G. 11. Phelps; 1862, Ambrose Belden; 1863, Ozias Lemoin; 1864, J. E. Chapman; 1865, Ambrose Belden; 1866, John J. Young; 1867-68, J. E. Bigsby; 1869, Charles D. Phelps; 1870, Charles A. Field; 1871, C. R. Brownell; 1872, W. W. Heffron; 1873, Byron Murray, Ambrose Belden; 1874, R. W. Martin, C. D. Phelps; 1875, J. W. Taylor; 1876, C. A. Field; 1877, C. R. Brownell; 1878, Walter Burton; 1879, H. C. Howlet. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1852, Simon Howe; 1853, Joseph Shank; 1854-55, Alexander Beach, G. H. Phelps; 1856, J. M. Heath; 1857, Andrew Whistler; 1858, Cyrus Hollopeter; 1859, Salmon Thayer, W. L. Field; 1860, W. L. Field; 1861, Harvey Howe; 1862, John McCrary; 1863, James Albro; 1864, Valentine Young; 1865, Herbert Howe; 1866, Asa Estabrook; 1867, James N. Sullivan; 1868, Charles Woodruff; 1869-70, James Sullivan; 1871, Charles Gilchrist; 1872, 0. J. Lemoin; 1873, G. W. Platts; 1874, William Lowrie; 1875-76, William Scott; 1877, Joel W. Taylor; 1878, George N. Plotts; 1879, William M. Scott. DIRECTOR OF THE POOR. 1852, James M. Heath. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1874, Orange H. Powers; 1875, E. B. Davis; 1876-77, William H. D6an; 1879, Henry J. Plotts. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, C. D. Phelps; 1876, Joel W. Taylor; 1877-79, Harvey A. Sears. CONSTABLES. 1852, Isaac Crow, George P. Heath, James Albro; 1853, William Kelsey, Jonathan Sadler, John P. Shields, B. Ingham; 1854 -55, Ashley Babbitt, George Curtis, J. P. Shields; 1856, M. V. Heath, William Lowrie, Muer Bigsby, M. F. Bluffum; 1857, A. Babbitt, William Dunton, Peter Rhodabaugh, Martin Miller; 1858, Martin Miller, S. E. Bailey, Ashley Babbitt, James Sullivan; 1859, Philander Smith, P. Rhodabough, Willard Field, Volney Young; 1860, Daniel Rhodabaugh, Willard Field, Horace Beverley, Martin Miller; i861, Joseph Withrow, George W. Kingsley, W. E. Field, John Crow; 1862, R. Flanner, Alfred Sorine, W. E. Field, Daniel Wilson; 1863, William Roxbary, Schuyler Bassett, Ashley Babbitt, William H. Mohn; 1864, C. C. Clark, R. Sadler, Joseph Emmons, Frank Schorno; 1865, M. G. Mack, L. W. Swezy, O. J. Lemoin; 1866, G. M. Star, Seth F. Smith, James Roe; 1867, James Roe, Corwin Roxbury, Charles Woodruff, O. G. Lemoin; 1868, Corwin Roxbury, Ilarlow Bills, O. J. Lemoin, William H. Mahn; 1869, Jacob Holman, L. W. Swezy, Osmer Warner, Charles D. Phelps; 1870, Peter Rhodabaugh, William Flanner, A. Warner; 1871, Peter Rhodabaugh, Joseph M. Labadie, J. N. Sullivan, William Roxbury; 1872, Henry Earl, O. J. Lemoin, William Lowrie, J. M. Labadie; 1873, John Beardsley, David Dunning, Levi Tuttle, L. C. Schorno; 1874, J. M. Labadie, John Beardsley, W. C. Flanner, D. McCrary; 1875, J. M. Labadie, W. Scott, John Beardsley, Ambrose Belden; 1876, John Beardsley, William H. Mohn, W. H. Dean, Edward Rouse; 1877, James Granger, W. H. Dean, H. M. Fay, Charles Conklin; 1878, Johnson Shank, Henry W. Piotts, E. J. Ketchum, Charles Conklin; 1879, A. C. Bachelor, H. J. Plotts, H. C. Howlet, Johnson Shank. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CHARLES R. BROWNELL. John W. and Lovonia (Sadler) Brownell were natives of New York who came to Allegan township in 1838 and engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch, Charles R. Brownell, was born Feb. 25, 1841, and continued at home and school until twenty-two years of age. He married Clarissa A. Moon, of Van Buren Co., Mich. One .244 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. (their only) child, Horace Brownell, born April 25, 1864, ~was left Mr. Brownell upon the death of his wife, in September, 1868, and is now attending college at Kalamazoo, Mich. Jan. 1, 1874, Mr. Brownell married Fidelia M. Spencer, daughter of Simeon and Mehitable (Baker) Spencer, known as one of the pioneers of Clinton Co., Mich. In 1873 Mr. Brownell purchased the Rabbit River Mills; previous to and since that date he has made several purchases of pine-lands, and has been quite extensively engaged in lumbering. At the present time he is preparing to engage largely in peach-culture. Aside from his business interests, Mr. Brownell has served his townsmen as supervisor and clerk since 1869; although not a politician, favors the Democratic party. Is known and recognized among a large circle of acquaintances and friends as a thorough and conscientious business man. O. J. LEMOIN. The parents of L. C. and Rozilla Lemoin were of French descent, and resided in Geauga Co., Ohio, where 0. J. Lemoin was born, Dec. 31, 1834, being the second son in a family of five children. In the year 1853 the family removed to De Kalb Co., Ill., where they remained till the fall of 1855, when the scarcity of timber induced them to remove to Allegan Co., Mich., locating in the township of Heath. O. J., not yet of age, purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, making a small payment, and until 1859 devoted his time, winters, lumbering, summers returning to Illinois to work at his trade (masonry). December 9th of that year he married Harriet A., daughter of H. G. and Amanda M. Howlett, residents of Lee Co., Ill., and returned to his wilderness home in Michigan. In 1867 he purchased eighty acres on section 26, where lie removed June 1, 1868. This, with an additional purchase of two hundred and eighty acres, constitutes his farm. Mr. Lemoin was influenced to his purchase, believing that the location and soil were adapted to fruit-culture, which has proved correct. He first began by planting three acres of peaches, pears, and grapes, increasing the acreage, until to-day he has over seventy acres planted. He may proudly call the reader's attention to his view as illustrative of the above. We append as the -result of the union of these goodly people their family record: Frank F., born May 6, 1861; James E., born Nov. 4, 1864, died Nov. 1, 1865; Mary A., born Jan. 5, 1866, died in infancy; Rosilia A., born May 22, 1867; Cornelia C., born Dec. 20, 1869; Jenette M., born Aug. 29, 1874; Cora A., born Dec. 11, 1877; Fred H., born Oct. 23, 1879. HO P K I N S. NATURAL FEATURES. SURVEY-TOWNSHIP No. 3, range 12, constitutes the civil township of Hopkins. It is bounded on the west by Monterey, on the east by Wayland, on the north by Dorr, and on the south by Watson. It ranks among the foremost townships of the county in the quality of the land and in the amount of its crops, while its reputation as a sugar-producing district has extended beyond the limits of Allegan County. Portions of the surface of Hopkins are level, though the larger part is undulating. Along the southern boundary and in the northwestern portion many hills and valleys are to be seen, which abound in picturesque and beautiful views. The level lands were earliest cleared, and are now covered by fine orchards and fertile fields of waving grain. On the west side of the township there is some swampy land, which, however, easily yields to the excellent system of drainage in use, and is rapidly being converted into productive acres. A branch of Rabbit River enters the township at the northeast and another at the southeast corner. They unite on section 20, whence the combined stream passes out of the township near the northwest corner. These streams X By E. 0. Wagner. afford ample water-power for milling or other purposes. There are two or three lakes of great magnitude on sections 18 and 32, and numerous springs. The prevailing timber is beech, oak, basswood, elm, with a small quantity of pine in the northwestern portion.. The soil of Hopkins varies in different localities, but is well adapted to the growth of all grains, as well as most vegetables and fruits. A species of vegetable mould abounds in the swamps; a strong clay subsoil is found on the level plains; and sand and gravel, interspersed with clay, yield abundant crops on the elevated ground. The yield of wheat is quite equal to the average throughout the county, while oats are exceptional in their prolific growth. Much fine grazing-land is also found in this township, and the hay crop is generally extremely good. In the summer of 1873, 771 acres of wheat were harvested, which produced 9523 bushels of that grain, while 777 acres of corn yielded 18,770 bushels. Of other grains 14,404 bushels were produced. Since that time a large area of land has been rendered available, and the crop of all grains is proportionally increased. Hopkins' especial boast, however, is its yield of maplesugar, not being approached in the production of this delicious article by any of its neighbors. In 1874, 103,650 pounds was made, over two tons having been the yield of a I L.A. A TWATER. MRS RESIDENCE OF L, A. ATWATE-......... jr HOPKINS TP., ALLEGAN CO.,MICH. HOPKINS TOWNSHIP. 245..445 single grove. Very few farms are without a sugar-bush, and all the modern appliances are used for converting the sap into syrup, and afterwards into sugar. Most varieties of fruit thrive in Hopkins, especially the apple, which has yielded extraordinary crops in some of the orchards on the level lands. Grapes find here a congenial soil and a climate well adapted to their perfect growth. The farm-residences of Hopkins, while making no pretensions to elegance, are substantial and usually spacious, with excellent barns and out-buildings. Occasionally a log cabin is seen, but these relics of pioneer days are fast disappearing. The township is admirably located for the purpose of exporting its products, the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad crossing the western portion, with two stations within its boundaries, while the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad runs within a mile of its eastern line. It has also two small villages, one of which is the centre of a considerable grain traffic. LAND-ENTRIES. The entries of government land in township 3, of range 12, are as follows: Section 1.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by Talcott Ioward, James L. Glen, t1. S. Morgan, and William Huntington. Section 2.-Bought in 1837 by J. L. Glen, C. S. Phillips, Ira Camp, C. I. Walker. Section 3.-Bought from 1851 to 1858 by Christopher Johnson, John Reis, William Truax, John Barber, R. M. Congdon, Henry Frour, Peter Meier, David F. Heydenbeck. Section 4.-Bought in 1835 by Samuel Hubbard. Section 5. —Bought in 1834, 1835, and 1836 by Samuel II. Sill, George Fetterman, Lucius Abbott, Samuel Hubbard, Benjamin Eager. Section 6.-Bought in 1835 by Talcott Ioward, A. L. Cotton, Samuel Hubbard. Section 7.-Bought in 1836 by James B. Murray, Cyrus Smith. Section 8.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Charles Butler, James B. Murray, Cyrus Smith. Section 9.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Samuel Hubbard, Charles J. Lauman, Hugh Y. Purviance, William Frue, William H. Parmalee. Section 10.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by C. J. Lauman, J. L. Glen, C. S. Phillips, Silas Trowbridge, B. Doten, Ira Chaffee, B. S. Whithead, W. H. Parmalee, R. M. Congdon. Section 11.-Bought in 1839 by Glen and Phillips, C. H. Judson, Elder P. Dwight, Silas Chappel. Section 12.-Bought from 1852 to 1861 by Enoch Spencer, H. II. Pratt, G. L. Hicks, If. M. Peck, Jerome Valentine, W. S. March, W. S. Kenfield, E. H. Gere. Section 13.-Bought from 1852 to 1858 by Merrick Burton, B. A. Pratt, II. M. Peck, Alexander McDonald, S. M. Iall, James A. McKay, 0. D. Parsons, Abram Buskirk. Section 14.-Bought from 1837 to 1858 by Silas Chappell, Iiram Loomis, Jacob Poucher, J. Moffatt, Jr., Samuel Grouwnon, Chauncey White, Anna tIacket. Section 15.-Bought from 1836 to 1852 by F. Armitage, C. J. Lauman, Erastus Congdon, Luther Martin, C. P. Staats. Section 16.-Bought from 1854 to 1860 by N. N. Upson, G. Parmalee, E. L. Bull, N. S. Atwater, E. Parmalee, M. Parmalee, J. P. Parmalce, J. W. M. Baird, J. W. McBride, Iiram Satterlee, N. H. Wilson. Section 17.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Silsbee and Frost, Charles Butler, George Brace, Cyrus Smith. Section 18.-Bought in 1835 by Silsbee and Frost. Section 19.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by N. Silsbee, Elias Streeter, Konrad Krug, John Pierce. Section 20.-Bought from 1835 to 1853 by Samuel Hubbard, Elias Streeter, Nelson Sage, John Stevenson. Section 21. —Bought in 1835 and 1837 by Charles Butler, Esek Baker, Morgan and Huntington. Section 22. —Bought in 1836 by Charles Butler. Section 23. —Bought from 1837 to 1853 by Thomas Moshier, Nathaniel Barnard, Olive Alford, Salmon Kingsley, Abram Colman, Wainwright Rabbitt. Section 24. —Bought in 1851 and 1852 by Samuel C. Lewis, Parley Dean, J. E. Harding, W. B. Clark. Section 25.-Bought from 1837 to 1852 by Adam and Chrisholine, Danford Dean, L. H. Pratt, S. B. Cram. Section 26.-Bought from 1837 to 1853 by Morgan and Huntington, C. M. Kimball, Erastus Congdon, J. 0. Round, A. A. Ingerson, S. Kingsley, Jr., W. R. Ingerson. Section 27.-Bought in 1837, 1853, and 1854 by C. C. Clute, John Peer, J. M. Baldwin, Francis Forbes. Section 28.-Bought from 1836 to 1.853 by Henry Dumont, Daniel Hawks, Esek Baker, Armenius Tice, S. W. Mankin, Jonathan Brewer. Section 29.-Bought from 1836 to 1868 by Henry Dumont, Charles Benson, Justus Noble, Nathan Smith, Philo Van Keuren, A. Tice, Albert Lane, D. C. Ingerson, D. L. Hilliard, Ransom Durkee, J. M. Smith. Section 30.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Daniel Hawks, Henry Wilson, Henry Staring, George Wise, Philo Herlan. Section 31.-Bought in 1854 by Joseph Thorn, Philo Herlan, Lewis Halen. Section 32.-Bought from 1837 to 1855 by William C. Jenner, D. C. Ingerson, John Stevenson, Leander Brewer, George N. Mason, E. G. Allen, Lewis IHerlan, Charles Butler. Section 34.-Bought from 1837 to 1858 by John I. Barnard, D. M. and Laura Booth, Ralph Emerson, Fanny Richardson, Henry Powell, J. M. Baldwin, 11. J. Baldwin, J. W. McFarland, John B. Finkcr, William Perkins. Section 35.-Bought from 1837 to 1855 by Henry Barnard, J. I. Lardner, Nelson Corbett, Edwin Daily, Jr., Mary J. Corbett, Sylvester Finker, Ira Hill, I. M. Perkins, William Simmons. Section 36.-Bought from 1837 to 1853 by Stephen Vail, Daniel Arnold, R. C. Round, Ira Hill, Elisha Griswold. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. As late as the fore-part of the year 1838 the area now embraced in the township of Hopkins was an unbroken wilderness, and the only inhabitants were the deer, the wolf, and other wild animals, and their formidable foe the red man. During the year above mentioned, Jonathan Olin Round, a native of Vermont, and latterly a resident of Kalamazoo County, made his advent as the first settler of Hopkins. Mr. Round had come the previous year and located the southwest quarter of section 26, where he had erected a log cabin and made a small clearing, so that a rude home was ready for his family when they arrived in 1838. The life of the Round family was, until the arrival of the next settlers, an extremely isolated one, it being no less than five miles to the nearest neighbor. Mr. Round's first clearing was necessarily very roughly done, and his first crops grew up scattered here and there among not only stumps, but logs. His corn was husked in the fields, beside a blazing fire of logs. He dryly remarks that he gave no invitation to husking-bees, as there were no neighbors to respond. In the family of Mr. Round occurred the first birth in the township, that of his daughter, Sarah A. Round, now Mrs. William S. Kenfield, who was born in 1838. In June, 1839, Mr. and Mrs. Round were afflicted by the death of their son, Oziel Hopkins Round, aged two and a half years, his being the first death in the township. Mr. 216 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. and Mrs. Round still enjoy a vigorous old age, surrounded by their children, in the pleasant home in Hopkins which they made for themselves out of the wilderness. In the fall of 1838 came Erastus Congdon, who built a cabin on section 26, the northwest quarter of which he purchased, and on which, a year later, he became a permanent resident. Ele was also a Vermonter, and had been a temporary resident in Kalamazoo County, where he arrived in company with Mr. Round. Mr. Congdon was afterwards the first postmaster in the township. His death occurred at Hopkins in 1871, where his two sons, Albert P. and Erastus B. Congdon, now reside. Among the earliest pioneers of Hopkins.were Esek Baker and two sons, Harvey N. and Jason Baker, the first of whom entered 160 acres of land on section 28 in 1837, to which he subsequently added 40 acres. Harvey N. Baker had been a resident of Canada previously to 1836, when he came to Michigan. After a short stay in Martin he removed to Hopkins in 1838, having also located on section 28. While residing in Martin he had built a log house and made some advances towards clearing his land. Jason Baker is the only survivor of the family, and still occupies the old homestead, which he has made one of the most productive farms in the township. Jackson Baker, a son of Harvey N. Baker, resides in Hopkins, on section 3, where he has 100 acres, which he purchased in 1854. The first wedding in the township occurred at the house of Mr. Esek Baker, the parties being his daughter, Miss Huldah Baker, and Mr. John Lardner. T. J. Crampton settled in Hopkins in 1839, having purchased 40 acres on section 16. John J. Lardner arrived in 1841, and purchased 120 acres on section 35, and an additional 40 in the adjoining township of Watson. He found the same obstacles awaiting him that had been encountered by his predecessors, but devoted much energy to the work of improving his land. Subsequently he purchased a farm in Kalamazoo County, and made it his residence. William Tyler followed soon after, and found a home upon 80 acres on section 29. John Hicks was also a pioneer of about the same period, but does not appear to have become a land-owner on his arrival. Nelson Corbitt and his family made their weary and tedious way to Hopkins with an ox-team in the fall of 1846. On section 35 he purchased 120 acres, and the family obtained shelter at the log house of Jonathan O. Round until quarters could be erected on their own land. Mr. Corbitt went to work resolutely to clear his place, but did not long survive his advent. His death occurred in the fall of 1850, and his estate, with his heritage of hard labor, passed to his son. The latter died in 1878, and left the farm in possession of his widow, who now resides upon it. John Parsons became a resident upon 160 acres on section 1 in 1843, and William H. Warner purchased and occupied 40 acres upon section 15 the year following, which they both improved. For many years there was little emigration to Hopkins, although the neighboring townships were being rapidly populated. In 1853 and 1854, however, a considerable number of emigrants arrived from Ohio, who located within a convenient distance from the centre of the township, and christened the locality " Ohio Corners." Joel Button, a former resident of Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, located in 1853 upon 80 acres on section 15, to which he afterwards added 80 more. It was partially cleared, and a log house had been erected upon it by Luther Martin, who, after a brief residence, had removed to Indiana. J. P. Lindsley arrived with his neighbor, Mr. Button, in 1853, and found a home on 30 acres of section 33. He was one of the Ohio colony, and purchased of Zenas Pratt, who moved to another part of the township. James E. Parmalee, formerly of Summit Co., Ohio, located in 1854 upon 80 acres on section 22. He was a carpenter by trade, and found many demands made upon his time and skill. Mr. Parmalee erected a substantial fiame house upon his farm, and also speedily demonstrated that the labors of the husbandman were no less congenial to him than those of the carpenter. His nearest neighbors were Edward Barbarow, who purchased 50 acres on section 23 (where he died in 1859), and J. P. Lindsley, already mentioned. At nearly the same time came William II. Parmalee, who located 120 acres upon sections 9 and 10, which he cleared and improved. He participated actively in public affairs, and held many offices of trust in the township. Among the leading citizens of German descent in the township are the family of Hoffmasters, who removed from Mahoning Co., Ohio, in 1854. John Hoffmaster purchased 80 acres on section 19, and placed his family under the care of a brother in Monterey while he erected a comfortable habitation for their occupancy. He at once began the labor of improving his land, doing all this labor with his own hands, as he had neither oxen nor horses to assist in the operation. His nearest neighbor was Konrad Krug, who preceded him from Ohio in 1853, and had settled upon 120 acres on section 19, where he still resides. Mr. Hoffmaster still lives in Hopkins, but has recently moved to the southeast portion of the township. Gotlieb Hoffmaster, a native of Wittenberg, Germany, emigrated to America with his father in 1817, and arrived in Hopkins in 1854. He purchased 80 acres on section 20, and the log house of his brother John gave him temporary shelter until he could build one of his own. He, too, is still a resident of the township. Joseph Hoffmaster arrived in 1855, and at once secured 320 acres on section 18. He was the eldest of the brothers, and had accumulated property in Ohio, which of course greatly aided him in his Michigan experience. He lived upon the farm until his death, in 1873, having previously divided his property among his children. Albert Lane, another Ohio pioneer, came from Summit County, in that State, in 1854, purchased 80 acres on section 22, 120 acres on section 27, and 80 acres on section 29. On section 27 a log house had already been built and 10 acres chopped. This dispensed with much of the preliminary labor of the settler, and enabled Mr. Lane to make rapid progress. Forty acres of cleared land was the result of his first year of toil. His nearest neighbors were Jason Baker. and Seralpha C. Buck, the latter of whom had preceded him and located upon 115 acres on section 27. Mr. k P II c ~ F R ST HO USE SU ILT I N H 0P K I N /8137. )7 FR ST SETTLfM EN T. JRS0J.ROUNDO N..1 LATE FEsiDENcEi OF J. 0. ROUND, HOPKINs Tr., ALLEG~AN C O., M I CH. .. - - - - -,I111... i N'. II i I I i R.C. ROUND. i eess- _ $.v.ii:-~ ~ 51 ~r-r,J:~i rii; fESIDENCE OF n. U. tnI U V U HOPKINS, MICHIGAN. I I I - I I HOPKINS TOWNSHIP. 247 Lane afterwards sold a portion of his farm and removed to section 22, where he now resides. H. F. White, another member of the Ohio colony, arrived in 1854, and chose a residence upon section 22, where he purchased 80 acres of unimproved land. As Mr. White had no team, he could improve his land but slowly, his first planting being done without any plowing whatever. Luther Martin early located on section 15, where he owned 50 acres, which he cleared up. He then repaired to section 23, and finally removed to Indiana, where he died. Alonzo Button arrived from Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1855, and purchased 240 acres on section 14, a small portion of which had been cleared. He still lives on the place he originally selected. Among the enterprising pioneers of 1854 were Abram, Peter, and Eliphalet Buskirk, who like so many others had been residents of Ohio. Abram and Peter purchased land on section 23, the former owning 40 and the latter 60 acres. Eliphalet, however, made his home upon 80 acres on section 13. They devoted themselves to improving their farms, and all still occupy their original locations, upon which inviting frame houses have since been built. Williamn Buskirk came one year later, and purchased 160 acres on section 24, where he now resides. Dr. James M. Baldwin became a resident of the township in 1853, and immediately began the practice of his profession. Previous to this date the health of the townspeople was cared for by Drs. Briggs and Bradley, of Wayland. S. W. Mankin, a native of Columbiana Co., Ohio, with his wife and three children, emigrated to Hopkins in the fall of 1853, and purchased of Jonathan Brewer 80 acres on section 28. After converting the uncultivated land of 1853 into a fine farm, Mr. Mankin moved to Hopkins' Station in 1877, leaving his place in charge of his son. At the station he engaged in carrying on the business of blacksmithing and repairing wagons. William R. Ingerson, a native of Vermont, emigrated to Michigan in 1850, and purchased land near Jonathan O. Round, where he still resides. His brother, D. C. Ingerson, came in 1854, and located 160 acres on section 24, where he now lives. They have met with the success that always follows persistent and well-directed efforts. L. A. Atwater became a resident of Hopkins in 1856. He worked several years in R. A. Baird's saw-mill. He purchased 50 acres of land on section 14 from Alonzo Button, subsequently added 40 more, and finally moved on to his place in 1863. Robert Ashley Baird arrived from Ohio in 1856, and in connection with Dr. E. H. Wait erected a steam saw-mill, the first in the township, on section 26, of which he soon became the sole manager. Afterwards he purchased a farm upon the adjoining section, on which he resided until his death, in 1872. His widow still occupies the place. His brother, J. A. Baird, also arrived in 1850, and two years later secured 80 acres on section 15. The nearest neighbor at this time was J. H. Avery, who was then located upon section 15, but has since removed to Monterey. Mr. Baird's highly-cultivated farm and attractive appurtenances are evidence of his success in agricultural pursuits. Samuel Eggleston, formerly of Geauga Co., Ohio, settled in 1858 upon 80 acres of wild land on section 9. William Parmelee's hospitality was gladly accepted while Mr. Eggleston was engaged in erecting a habitation of his own. There were no near neighbors, with the exception of William Frue on the same section, whose death occurred in 1860. Mr. Eggleston is still a resident of the township. Among other settlers who arrived as early as 1853. or earlier, were Jonathan Brewer, who located 80 acres on section 28; John Breslin, who resided on section 32; R. B. Congdon, who purchased 80 acres on section 28; D. C. Ingerson; I. Joy, who settled upon 160 acres on section 24; Hiram Loomis, who located on section 14; John Parsons, whose farm embraced 160 acres on section 1; John Truax, who owned 80 acres on section 3; Matthew Van Dusen, who made his home on section 1; Thomas Wilson, Benjamin Truax, Chester B. Storrs, and Edward Daily, Jr. Many of these gentlemen were active in promoting the interests of the township, but it is impracticable to go into further details. Hopkins, like other Michigan townships, could not display much wealth in its early days, and, perhaps on account of its slow settlement, had a longer struggle with poverty than some townships whose prosperity is not now equal to its own. Johnny-cake was the staple article of diet, and a tattered garment did not prove an obstacle to admission to the best society of Hopkins. Many barefooted worshipers were seen at the religious services on Sabbath, and William Wheeler, who conducted the exercises in the log schoolhouse in district No. 2, frequently officiated without coat or shoes. Poverty in the primitive days of the township history was accomaanmle with nc disgrace. EARLY ROADS. The earliest recorded highways were surveyed in 1810, the line of the first road being laid out by S. Barber, in April of that year. It pursued the following course: "Commencing at the northeast corner of section two, in township four north, of range twelve west, in Allegan County and State of Michigan; from thence south five miles to the northeast corner of section thirtyfive; from thence south forty-five degrees west to the southwest corner of the above-named section, all in the above-named township; thence south between sections two and three in township three north, of range twelve west, one mile to the northeast corner of section ten; thence south forty-five degrees west one hundred and thirteen chains, to the northeast corner of section sixteen; thence south sixty-three chains to an iron-wood post, distant from a white-oak tree twenty-four inches in diameter ninety-seven links, course from post to tree being north forty-four degrees west; thence south seventy-eight degrees east four chains one hundred and twenty-five links, to a beech-tree three inches in diameter, distant from an elm-tree twelve inches in diameter fifty-six links north forty-eight degrees east; thence south thirty-one degrees five minutes east three chains and forty-six links, to a thorn-apple post three inches in diameter, standing on the north bank of Rabbit River, distant eighty-five links." The next road began at the northwest corner of section 28, in township 3, range 12, running thence east on the section-line one mile, to the northeast corner of the same section. This road was surveyed by R. T. M. Wells. The record of its adoption is dated April 16, 1840, and is signed by William S. Miner and Clark Corey, as highway commissioners. 248 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I SCHOOLS. The first account of any action taken by the people of Hopkins in reference to schools is in the township records, from which the following items are gleaned: A meeting was held at the house of Erastus Congdon on Tuesday, the 1st day of October, 1844, and a contract for the construction of the first school building in Hopkins was awarded to Jason Baker, for which he received the sum of $26.50. The earliest school was opened on the 16th day of December, 1844, Miss Josephine Wait being the teacher. This building was erected in district No. 1, and was known as the " Round School-house," from the fact of its having been adjacent to the residence of J. 0. Round, the earliest settler in Hopkins. It was many years before a second school building was erected. The township is now divided into ten whole school districts and one fractional one, with the following board of directors: Frederick Hodge, Charles W. Button, N. W. Smith, Aaron Kroug, Edward Scofield, H. Avery, W. H. Parmelee, Henry Buskirk, L. C. Chadwick, R. L. Taylor, and James Huttleston. There are nine framed school-houses and one of logs, where 443 scholars receive instruction. The salaries of the teachers amount to $1796.50 annually. HOPKINS STATION. The hamlet known as Hopkins Station is built on section 19, and principally known as a station of the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad. The site was originally owned by John Hoffmaster, who purchased the land in 1854, and afterwards sold it to his nephews, John and Philip Hoffmaster. The railroad company established a station there in 1871, and appointed Royal L. Taylor its agent, who found a temporary habitation in the log house originally erected by John Hoffmaster. In 1872 the first framed house was erected by Henry Guyott. Two years later Mr. Taylor built a house and store, the latter of which was filled with goods before it was supplied with doors and windows. Messrs. Burnip & Iliff had previously built a cabin, which was temporarily used for the sale of a small stock of groceries. Mr. S. A. Buck, whose advent occurred in 1873, had previously been a resident of Kent County. He purchased 10 acres of the Hoffmasters, a plat of which was recorded on the 17th of October, 1874. John Hoffmaster recorded an addition on the 10th of March, 1876, and another was made by George Wise on the 12th of May, 1877. In the fall of 1873, Mr. Buck built a wagon- and blacksmith-shop and engaged actively in business, meanwhile erecting buildings and generally advancing the interests of the place. The hamlet has since become of considerable importance. Its leading places of business are a hotel, formerly kept by Abram Hoffmaster, and now managed by Wendle Ederly; a saw-mill, owned by Cooper & Konkle; a broomhandle factory; three general stores, owned respectively by John Bragenten, J. H. Luddington, and Messrs. Furber & Kidder; a harness-shop, the proprietor of which is S. V. Bourne; a tin-shop, kept by Andrew Bee, who enjoys con siderable fame as one of the heroes of the Jefferson Davis capture; two blacksmith-shops, carried on by S. W. Mankin and Abram Naggell; a wagon-shop, owned by George Pratt; the two millinery-stores of Mrs. L. E. Reed and Mrs. J. H. Luddington; and a market, kept by Walter Kibby. The public school of the district, kept by Miss Russell, is also located here. A post-office was early established at Hopkins Station, Henry Guyott having been the first postmaster. Royal L. Taylor now holds the appointment. The physicians of the place are Drs. Luddington and Leighton. HOPKINS. The original owners of the land embraced in the present village of Hopkins were Erastus Congdon and Elder Buck. In 1856, Dr. E. H. Wait purchased a tract of Mr. Congdon, and in connection with Robert A. Baird erected a steam saw-mill, which was soon after entirely controlled by the latter gentleman. Dr. Wait meanwhile erected a store, and placed in it a stock of goods. This business he conducted for several years, and then sold to William Richmond, who in 1861 built a flouring-mill and began to operate it. Mr. Richmond disposed of his interest in the store to a Mr. Salisbury, who, however, sold it to its former owner. It finally became the property of parties residing at Kalamazoo. The building was then rented, and was ultimately purchased by Messrs. Aldrich & Baker. On the retirement of Mr. Baker, the firm became Aldrich & Owen. The second store in the hamlet was built by Messrs. Hopper & Smith, who engaged for a while in business, and had a liberal trade, but at length disposed of the property and departed for Nebraska. Dr. William K. Darling arrived in 1872, having previously enjoyed an extensive practice in Otsego. For five years after his arrival in Hopkins he followed his profession, when ill health compelled him to relinquish its arduous duties. He then engaged in mercantile pursuits, building the store he now occupies, and placed in it an extensive stock of drugs and groceries. This business he still carries on. Charles S. Chadwick purchased, in 1878, the building erected by Dr. E. H. Wait, and is now extensively engaged in trade. He is also the postmaster of the village. Ira Hill conducts a hardware business, and Thomas Hicks has a blacksmith-shop. He was one of the pioneers of 1857, having arrived in the county as early as 1839. Dr. U. R. Fox and Dr. Lafayette Stuck are the practicing physicians of this locality. The public school is taught by Martin Baldwin. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The earliest religious meetings preparatory to the organization of a society were conducted in the various schoolhouses of the township, clergymen of the Methodist Church and the Church of the Disciples having officiated. A society under the auspices of the Congregational Church was formed Aug. 4, 1857, embracing 13 members, the first meeting having been held at the Red school-house in school district No. 1. On this occasion the Rev. Edward Taylor, of Kalamazoo, delivered the formal sermon, while Rev. Thomas Jones and Rev. E. Andrew assisted in the exercises. John Parsons and William H. Parmalee were at this time chosen as the first deacons. The little band continued to worship in the Red school-house, varying the routine by occasional A A LO.CORBE7r, AMRS#M.A -COR RESI OENCE O MRS.M.A. CORBETT, HOPKINS, MlCH. :* >* HOPKINS TOW-7NSHIP. 249 HOKN TONHP 24 services in the school building in district No. 2. until 1860, when an effort was made to erect a church edifice. This undertaking was successfully accomplished, and $700 cheerfully subscribed to defray the expense of building. The structure was enlarged to meet the growing wants of the people in 1871, and the amount necessary very readily obtained. The pastors in succession since the organization of the church have been Revs. James A. McKay, D. W. Comstock, Lewis E. Sikes, S. W. Noyes, Thomas Nield, and J. S. Kidder. WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURChI. A class under the auspices of this denomination was organized in 1873 by C. G. Fero, services having been held in the school-house on section 32. These services were continued under the successive ministrations of Elders Harvey Johnson and J. Burke, who is the present pastor. The school building, which had for a season been the place of meeting of this small body of worshipers, was finally purchased by them, remodeled, and converted into a neat and attractive church edifice, in which services are now held semi-monthly. A flourishing Sabbath-school is also connected with the society. Occasional religious services are held in other portions of the township, the various school-houses affording convenient places of meeting. HOPKINS LODGE, No. 270, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized Feb. 19, 1876, with the following charter members: James Armstrong, A. P. Varney, C. B. Eldred, E. B. Congdon, Richard Redhead, U. R. Fox, John Hicks, Erwin Hill, William Edgell, Thomas Hicks, M. T. Smith, H. M. Baker, and George Blake. Its first officers were James Armstrong, N. G.; C. B. Eldred, V. G.; U. R. Fox, Recording Sec.; Richard Redhead, Permanent Sec.; Thomas Hicks, Treas. The present officers are James Witter, N. G.; S. M. Eggleston, V. G.; E. B. Congdon, Recording Sec.; Frank White, Permanent Sec.; Robert Frea, Treas. The lodge embraces a membership of 38, and holds its meetings in a hall erected for the purpose and leased by its members. HOPKINS GRANGE, No. 390, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. Hopkins Grange was organized as early as 1874, with the following officers: Silas W. Mankin, Master; J. M. Baldwin, Overseer; Samuel Baldwin, Steward; Jonathan Brewer, Lecturer; William Edgell, Chaplain; Horatio Hodge, Treas.; Erastus Congdon, Sec. The present officers are Erastus Congdon, Master; Martin Smith, Overseer; William Edgell, Steward; G. M. Baldwin, Lecturer; Albert Congdon, Treas.; Mary Edgell, Sec. The meetings of the Hopkins Grange are held weekly in the school building of district No. 9, 60 members being enrolled on its books. HILLIARD'S. Capt. Lonson Hilliard, a previous resident of the Domin ion of Canada, located in the township in 1860, having formerly been an extensive operator in lumber in Kalamazoo and adjacent portions of the State. He purchased 160 32 acres on section 5, which was then covered with a heavy growth of timber, very little of it having yet been cut. A saw-mill had already been erected on the Rabbit River by a man named Potter. Capt. Hilliard, finding this a favorable locality in which to carry on lumbering interests, increased his purchases of land until he owned nearly 2000 acres. He erected a frame residence, and then devoted himself with his accustomed energy to business pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1871. Mrs. Hilliard still resides upon the homestead. Capt. Hilliard had in early life attained a high reputation as a skillful navigator upon the St. Lawrence River. A successful voyage in 1840 won for him the admiration of the men of his craft and a handsome testimonial bearing the following inscription: " Presented to Capt. L. Hilliard by John Hamilton, to commemorate the safe arrival of the steamboat ' Ontario' at Montreal from Prescott, Upper Canada, being the first descent over the rapids of the St. Lawrence by steam. "AUG. 19, 1840." The station of Hilliard's, on the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, now bears the name of this enterprising pioneer. Three sons are still residents of the township. William H. is the proprietor of the mill which is converted into a handle-factory, Eugene is engaged in mercantile pursuits, and David L. cultivates the farm. A fourth son, Charles H., is a resident of Ottawa County. At the station are two stores, owned respectively by Woodhams & Hilliard and Foot & Mudget; a blacksmith-shop, owned by George Lewis; a saw-mill, owned by Willard Sadler; a stave-factory, the proprietor of which is D. W. Lankton; and a shoe-shop, kept by Charles Armstrong. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. The subdivision lines of the survey of survey-township No. 3 north, of range 12 west, were run by Lucius Lyon, being finished on the 14th of September, 1831. Township 3 was at first a part of the township of Allegan, and then Otsego, which included the four townships in range 12. After two divisions of that territory,-the first separating the three northern townships from Otsego and organizing them as Watson, and the second severing the two northern from Watson under the name of Dorr,-No. 3 was set off from Dorr and separately organized by the following ordinance: "At a meeting of the board of supervisors, held Dec. 29, 1852, it is ordered by the board of supervisors of the county of Allegan, twothirds of all the members voting therefor, that township No. 3 north, of range 12 west, in the said county, be, and the same is, hereby set off from the township of Dorr, and organized into a separate township by the name of 'Hopkins,' and that the first township-meeting for the election of township officers shall be held at the school-house known as the ' Round School-house,' in said township, on the first Monday in April next, and Luther Martin, Jason Baker, and Erastus Congdon are hereby appointed to act as inspectors of election at said township-meeting. It is further ordered that the next townshipmeeting, in and for the township of Dorr, shall be held at the dwellinghouse now occupied by Orrin Goodspeed, in said township." The first annual township-meeting of Hopkins was held at the log school-house on section 26, in school district No. 1. Luther Martin, Jason Baker, and Erastus Cong 250 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. don were chosen inspectors of election, and the following officers were elected: Supervisor, J. O. Round; Township Clerk, John Parsons; Treasurer, Erastus Congdon; Highway Commissioners, Hiram Loomis, William R. Ingerson; Justices of the Peace, John Truax, Jason Baker; School Inspectors, D. C. Ingerson, M. Vanduzen; Directors of the Poor, Thomas Wilson, T. J. Crampton; Constables, O. Perry, W. R. Ingerson. The officers elected from that time to the present are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1854, Matthew Vanduzen; 1855-56, J. 0. Round; 1857, Joseph M. Baldwin; 1858, E. H. Wait; 1859, Albert Lane; 1860, William HI. Parmalee; 1861, Albert Lane; 1862, J. M. Baldwin; 1863, Robert A. Baird; 1864, J. M. Baldwin; 1865-66, Robert A. Baird; 1867-69, D. C. Ingerson; 1870, Samuel Baldwin; 1871, D. C. Ingerson; 1872, J. 0. Round; 1873, D. C. Ingerson; 1874, Joseph Hodge; 1875, J. 0. Round; 1876, S. W. Mankin; 1877, S. M. Eggleston; 1878, Alton Warrington; 1879, Herman F. White. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1854, Zenas A. Pratt; 1855-56, J. M. Baldwin; 1857, E. t1. Wait; 1858-59, William t1. Parmalee; 1860, Albert Lane; 1861, Edwin Parmalee; 1862, 0. t1. Judd; 1863, Edwin Parmalee; 1864, E. S. Lindsley; 1865, John E. Hopper; 1866, George Ilolcomb; 1867-71, U. R. Fox; 1872-73, C. B. Eldred; 1874, N. H. Faulkner; 1875-79, C. C. IIodge. TREASURERS. 1854, William Wheeler; 1855-56, William Perkins; 1857-58, Stephen Carver; 1859-64, S. W. Mankin; 1865-66, E. H. Wait; 1867-71, R. A. Baird; 1872-78, H. F. White; 1879, Albert Lane. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1854-55, John Parsons; 1856, Albert Lane; 1857, D. C. Ingerson; 1858, Albert Lane; 1859, F. L. Hicks; 1860, 0. H. Judd; 1861, W. H. Parmalee; 1862, F. L Hickok; 1863, Albert Lane, W. IH. Parmalee; 1864, Albert Lane; 1865, E. S. Lindsley; 1866, D. C. Ingerson; 1867, W. H. Parmalee; 1868, Albert Lane; 1869, E. Peters; 1870, Albert Lane; 1871, F. E. Pickett, Albert Lane; 1872, Albert Lane, E. Parmalee; 1873, F. E. Pickett; 1874, E. W. Pickett; 1875, C. W. Button; 1876, Ephraim Wilson; 1877 -78, Emerson Chamberlain; 1879, G. P. Baldwin. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1854, Luther Martin, Edward Daily; 1855, J. P. Lindsley, S. W. Mankin; 1856-57, Matthew Vanduzen; 1858, E. H. Wait, Wm. Buskirk; 1859, J. M. Baldwin, Samuel S. Baldwin; 1860, Luther Martin; 1861, Samuel M. Eggleston; 1862, Lonson Hilliard, O. D. Parsons; 1863, D. E. Ingerson, Thomas Hicks; 1864, J. P. Lindsley, Alton Warrington; 1865, Jason Baker; 1866, Lonson Hilliard, Ezra Norton; 1867, D. C. Ingerson, H. M. Baker; 1868, R. L. Haines, William Parmalee; 1869, Albert Lane, Morris Todd; 1870, Henry Rashmann; 1871, D. C. Ingerson, Harrison E. Smith; 1872, E. W. Pickett, Alexander Allen; 1873, D. L. Hilliard; 1874, G. P. Baldwin, J. II. Avery; 1875, D. C. Ingerson, H. J. Avery; 1876, R. L. Taylor. William H. Hilliard; 1877, Joseph Woodhams; 1878, George P. Baldwin; 1879, D. C. Ingerson, Eugene Hilliard. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1854, Abram Buskirk, R. C. Round, John Truax; 1855, Ira Hill; 1856, John Parsons, Silas W. Mankin; 1857, Matthew Vandusen; 1858, Henry Hoffmaster; 1859, J. M.Baldwin; 1860, S. M. Eggleston; 1861, John Hoffmaster; 1862, F. L. Hickok; 1863, Volney Hibbert, S. S. Baldwin; 1864, 0. Lewis; 1865, Alton Warrington; 1866, Philip Herlan, Volney Hibbert; 1867, N. N. Upson; 1868, Nelson Herrick; 1869, Philip Herlan; 1870, N. N. Upson; 1871, W. L. Gere; 1872, F. P. Smith; 1873, Harvey Anivay; 1874, W. R. Ingerson; 1875-76, S. S. Baldwin; 1877, W. P. Lindsley; 1878, J. W. Lindsley; 1879, William Edgell. DIRECTORS OF TIHE POOR. 1854, J. H. Corbitt, Peter Buskirk; 1855, Abram Buskirk, Erastus Congdon; 1856, William Wheeler, S. C. Buck; 1857, S. C. Buck, Luther Martin; 1858, S. C. Buck, Edward Barber. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, E. W. Pickett; 1876-78, C. W. Button; 1879, L. C. Chadwick. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1874-75, F. E. Pickett; 1876, William R. Ingerson; 1878, S. S. Baldwin. CONSTABLES. 1854, William Truax, Abram Buskirk, C. B. Stone, Luther Martin; 1855, W. R. Ingerson, Joel Button, William Truax; 1856, W. R. Ingerson, William Truax; 1857, N. S. Atwater, Alanson Tanner, Alonzo Button; 1858, Jonathan Brewer, Alanson Tanner; 1859, Jackson Baker, C. B. Stone, Lyman Atwater; 1860, Daniel Buskirk, William R. Ingerson, Joel Button, O. D. Parsons; 1861, W. R. Ingerson, Samuel Eggleston, Daniel Buskirk, J. H. Durst; 1862, Jason Baker, M. Vandusen; 1863, Lyman Attwater, M. Vandusen; 1864, Joel Button, Robert Carver; 1865, Joel Button, N. W. Smith; 1866, James H. Avery, Henry Smith; 1867, 11. H. Smith, A. Cochran; 1868, H. H. Smith, Gilbert Hacket; 1869, H. Smith, B. Veers; 1870, James De Long, J. G. Ellinger; 1871, James De Long, Joseph Hodge; 1872, James De Long, Joseph Hodge; 1873, Joseph Hodge, James De Long; 1874, James De Long, James Frew, E. B. Congdon; 1875, J. W. Avery, E. B. Congdon, W. S. Kenfield, Henry Smith; 1876, E. B. Congdon, 11. HI. Smith, J. E. Richie, Eugene Hilliard; 1877, Joseph Hodge, James Allen, Myron Finch, E. B. Congdon; 1878, Joseph Hodge, James Frew, Abram Hoffmaster, E. B. Congdon; 1879, Abram Hoffmaster, Robert Frew, Joseph Hodge, Seralpha A. Buck. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JONATHAN OLIN ROUND. The name of Round is associated with the earliest efforts of the patriots of 1776 to establish freedom in the colonies. The grandparents of Mr. Jonathan O. Round were George and Martha Hopkins Round. The first participated in the war of the Revolution, and the second was a sister of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The father was Oziel Hopkins Round, and the mother Anna Olin, a descendant of Chief Justice Theophilus H arrington, of Vermont, who replied when requested to return a fugitive slave he harbored, " If you have a bill of sale from God Almighty, you can take this negro; otherwise, not." The foregoing names very aptly illustrate the character of the stock from which Mr. Round is descended. He was the first son in a family of fourteen children, and was born in Clarendon, Rutland Co., Vt., Oct. 10, 1809. At the age of twenty-one years he married Miss Sallie Congdon, who was born July 10, 1810, and was also a resident of Clarendon, Vt. In May, 1834, Mr. Round followed the tide of emigration to Michigan, and purchased one hundred and fourteen acres in Kalamazoo township and county. Comstock township afforded them a temporary home, where the material for a house was constructed and floated down the Kalama zoo River to its destination. To this he removed his family, having been accompanied by his brother-in-law, Erastus Congdon. In the spring of 1837, while prospect MR S. G. BAL WI N. RESIDENCE OF G. M, BALDWIN, HOPKINS TP, ALLEGAN CO., MICH. A HOPKINS TOWNSHIP. 251 ing, he became impressed with the excellence of the land in Hopkins, and Mr. Round located the southwest quarter of section 26 in that township. A log cabin was erected during the fall of the same year, in which the family were comfortably housed the succeeding spring. Mr. Round continued his agricultural employments until the year 1877, when he retired from active labor and removed to his present home in the hamlet of Hopkins. Mr. and Mrs. Round have been blessed with an old-fashioned number in their family, having nine children, who were born in the following order: Rollin C., born July 13, 1831; Avis Ann, born Nov. 1, 1832 (now Mrs. W. B. Andrews); Henry C., born July 27, 1834; Oziel H., born Nov. 25, 1836, died in his second year; Sarah Ann, born Nov. 5, 1838 (now Mrs. Wm. Kenfield); Joseph R., born Oct. 8, 1840, died while serving in the late war; Amelia S., born Dec. 26, 1842, died in her nineteenth year; Delia E., born July 1, 1844 (now Mrs. J. A. Lawrence); Olive M., born May 1, 1846 (wife of Lyman A. Atwater). Mr. Round has been for successive terms elected supervisor, and while acting as assessor severely injured his sight by devotion to his arduous duties. Mr. and Mrs. Round are now enjoying the autumn of their lives among their children and friends that surround them, age having no perceptible effect upon their cheerful and elastic spirits. R. C. ROUND. The above-named gentleman is the son of Jonathan Olin Round, the earliest pioneer in Hopkins, and was born July 13, 1831, being a lad of six years on the arrival of the family in the wilderness then embraced in the township. At the age of twenty he became ambitious for a more extended and independent sphere of usefulness than his home afforded, and purchased forty acres on section 36. A year later he added an additional forty acres, erected a log house, and planted his first crop. In May, 1854, Mr. Round was united in marriage to Miss Zarada Andrews, whose parents, Norton and Caroline (Root) Andrews, were residents of Hopkins. In the midst of prosperity and happiness death entered the family circle, and on Dec. 13, 1877, Mrs. Round was "summoned to that bourne fiomr whence no traveler returns." Their surviving daughter, Clara A., since the death of her mother, has assumed the entire responsibility of the household economy. Mr. Round has been persevering and energetic, and now enjoys a highly-cultivated estate and an attractive home as the result of his laudable efforts. This is the more gratifying since many obstacles were met during his career, all of which his buoyant nature and unfailing resources enabled him to overcome. JAMES M. BALDWIN, M.D. Dr. Baldwin was a native of Portage Co., Ohio, where he was born Dec. 4, 1810. He early acquired the trade of a blacksmith, and devoted to it the energy which was characteristic of his nature. Having been unfortunate in losing the use of one wrist, he was induced to abandon his trade for the profession of medicine. He graduated from the Cleveland Medical College, and began practice in Solon, Cuyahoga Co., in 1851. Two years later he removed with his family to the township of Hopkins, where he had previously located two hundred and eighty acres of land. In January, 1833, Dr. Baldwin was married to Miss Jane Bissell, of Portage Co., Ohio. Two sons were born, -James H., whose birth occurred July 13, 1835, and G. M., born Dec. 15, 1836. An adopted daughter, Miss Ellen D. Patterson, was also a member of the family circle. On his arrival in Michigan the doctor at once began the arduous duties of his profession, which were supplemented by his farming interests, in which he was greatly aided by the younger son. The country was then in an almost primitive condition, which rendered the practice of medicine one of much hardship. In 1865 he relinquished these active duties as a result of failing health, and his death occurred some years later, superinduced, no doubt, by excessive toil. His son, G. M., succeeded to the possession of the homestead. He was married Nov. 7, 1858, to Miss Mary E.lngerson, and has a family of three children,Martha J., born Sept. 20, 1859, now Mrs. Buck, of Allegan; totta A., whose birth occurred June 1, 1868; and Blanch A., born Aug. 31, 1875. James H. Baldwin is a prominent citizen of Indianapolis, Ind. The venerable mother still resides upon the homestead. L. A. ATWATER. During the year 1836, Jared and Sarah Alderman Atwater, who were natives of the State of Connecticut, removed to Summit Co., Ohio, where their son, L. A. Atwater, was born, Dec. 25, 1836. In the year 1856 the family removed to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., and after a residence of nine years at the county-seat repaired to Hopkins, Allegan Co. The father of Mr. L. A. Atwater died in March, 1873, and his wife survived him but three years, her death having occurred in 1876. On his arrival the son sought employment with Robert A. Baird, of Hopkins, and in 1856 he purchased fifty acres of land of Alonzo Button, on section 14, on which he afterwards erected his buildings, making occasional payments as the opportunity offered from his annual earnings. He was married, Jan. 11, 1863, to Miss Olive, daughter of Jonathan Olin Round, and, having added forty acres in same section, bought of R. A. Baird in 1860, to the original purchase, the young pioneers began with a will the arduous labor of improving their land and making for themselves an inviting home. Mr. Atwater has erected a convenient and tasteful residence on the land, a view of which accompanies this brief sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Atwater have three children, the eldest, Olin J., having been born April 10, 1866. Ida D., the only daughter, was born Sept. 9,1867, and the birth of the younger, Fred R., occurred Oct. 10, 1870. Mr. Atwater comes of distinguished lineage, a genealogy of the family having been published some years since. The limits of this sketch will not admit of more than an allusion to this interesting compilation. 2'52 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. WILLIAM S. KENFIELD. Phuto. by'C. G. Agiell, Allegans. WILLIAM S. KENFIELD. MRS. WILLIAM S. KENFIELD. Mr. Kenfield may with pardonable pride refer to the career of his grandfather, Erastus Kenfield, who was one of the stalwart soldiers of the Revolution, and at the close of the conflict retired to Hampshire Co., Mass., where he survived until his eighty-third year. The father of William S., who bore his parent's name, Erastus, was born Feb. 19, 1801, at Belcher, Hampshire Co., Mass., and spent his early days in agricultural pursuits. He was wedded to Miss Clarissa Piper in November, 1828, a native of Glastenbury, Conn., whose father, Samuel Piper, was a man of fervid patriotism and suffered severely from a wound received during his service in the war of 1776. Erastus, Jr., and his wife resided in Hampshire County until 1834, when they became pioneers to Ohio, having purchased unimproved land in Medina County in that State. He still resides upon this farm at the age of seventy-nine years, while his companion has reached her seventy-fourth year. JAMES E. PARMELEE. Alfred and Sylvia (Rutley) Parmelee were each born in Middlesex Co., Conn., in 1798 and 1799, respectively, where they were united in marriage in 1823. Their son, James E., whose life forms the subject of this brief biographical sketch, was the third of seven children, having been born in the year 1828. During his third year he became, with his parents, a resident of Summit Co., Ohio, and later of Clay Co., Ind. After a brief residence in the latter State he was left fatherless, and the mother, not having formed attachments in her new home, determined to return to her friends in Ohio. James remained with the family until twentyone, when he became ambitious for a more independent life. He attained proficiency in the occupation of a carpenter and joiner, and for five years labored assiduously at his trade. With the accumulation of these years he em William S., the second son, was born in Belcher, Berkshire Co., Mass., March 28, 1831. After a varied career of industry in the Buckeye State and in the county of his birth in M\assachusetts, he followed the tide of emigration to the West in 1854. During a temporary residence in Wayland, Mich., he married Miss Sarah A. Round, who was the first white child born in the township of Hopkins, their marriage having occurred July 3, 1858. Soon after, Mr. and Mrs. Kenfield located in Hopkins, upon a farm of eighty acres, on section 12. It was at this early date little else than a wilderness, but industry and a spirit of progress, which has been evinced to a remarkable degree, have changed it to a productive and inviting home. One child graces their cheerful fireside;-Carrie A., born Dec. 26, 1859. barked for Michigan, and chose a home in Hopkins in the spring of 1854. The eighty unimproved acres which he purchased, evinced in its rapidly improved condition his energy. He in 1858 erected a comfortable residence (a view of which will be found on another page), and speedily returned to Ohio to bring to it a wife. Mrs. Parmelee was formerly Miss Catharine White, daughter of Hanford White, Esq., who was born in Middlesex Co., Conn., in 1797, and married in April, 1822, Miss Hcpzabah l'ratt. Of a family of seven children, Mrs. Parmelee is the fifth. Mr. Parmelee has added to the dimensions of the farm since -the first purchase, which now embraces a sugar-grove of nine hundred trees that has been for years remarkably productive. The buildings upon this fine estate were erected by him personally. Their pleasant home is enlivened by the presence of two children,-Gilbert 11., born June 6, 1860, and Otis A., whose birth occurred June 19, 1864. SUGAR CAMP RESIDENCE OF JAMES E FPA RMELEE, Hop~itUN Tpl ALLEG.AN CO. MI CH I HOPKINS TOWNSHIP. 253 PHILIP HERLAN. Among the emigrants from Baden, Germany, to the hospitable shores of America was Mrs. Herlan, with a family of three children, who arrived in 1832, and at once repaired to Erie Co., N. Y., where she purchased a small tract of land. Philip was the sixth child in order of birth, and a mere lad on his arrival. Being well advanced in years, the mother deeded her property to the elder son, leaving the remaining two without an inheritance. Endowed, however, with good health and a determination to succeed, Philip, at the age of fourteen, left the Photo. by C. G. Agrell, Allegan. PHILIP I1ERLAN. home, and barefooted pursued his way in search of employment. He reached Jonesville, Cattaraugus Co., where he remained three years, and then returned to his former residence. In 1838 he purchased sixty acres of timbered land and built a house, to which his mother soon repaired as the presiding genius of the family circle. In January, 1842, he was married to Miss Margaret Zapp, a lady also of German extraction. In 1844 he removed to Calhoun Co., Mich., and later to Kalamazoo County, where he engaged with D. S. Walbridge in a flouring-mill. This employment was followed until 1857, when he removed to Hopkins upon three hundred and twenty acres of land previously purchased. In this wilderness he erected a log cabin and began the work of clearing. Mrs. Herlan died June 12, 1870, leaving a family of five children. Their family circle formerly embraced seven children,-two having died,-their names and births as follows: George L., born May 28, 1845; Mary C., born Feb. 8, 1847; Alvina C., who died May 4, 1874, having been born April 8, 1848; David P., born Oct. 5, 1851; John F., whose birth occurred Nov. 28, 1852, and his death Oct. 14, 1875. Mr. Herlan in August, 1871, mar ried Miss Mary Moge, of Allegan, also a native of Germany, from whence she emigrated in 1870 to the United States. At the present time his elder children are all living, and comfortably established in homes of their own given by a generous parent. Mr. and Mrs. Herlan have one daughter, Mena B., born April 25, 1874. Mr. Herlan enjoys the reputation of being an excellent farmer and a man of uniform integrity of character. ERASTUS CONGDON. Erastus Congdon was the third of six children of George and Sallie Palmer Congdon, and was born Feb. 20, 1799, in Clarendon, Vt. In 1823, having grown to manhood, he emigrated to Yates Co., N. Y., where lie was married to Miss Emma Sperry, in the fall of 1830, a native of Bennington, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Congdon remained in the Empire State until 1834, when the vast resources of the West attracted them, and influenced their removal to Michigan, where they purchased a tract of land in Kalamazoo County...ERASUS CONU. N. ERASTUS CONGDON. In the spring of 1839 they disposed of this property, and followed their relative, Mr. J. O. Round, to Hopkins, where Mr. Congdon secured from government one hundred and sixty acres on section 26. To the business of farming he then devoted his attention, with occasional speculations in land. Mrs. Congdon died in July, 1863, and her husband survived until May 3, 1871, when his death occurred. After this event the homestead was purchased by their son Albert, who was the fourth in a family of ten children. Mr. Congdon was the earliest postmaster in Hopkins, and held many positions of responsibility in the township. His son Albert married, in 1861, Miss Mary A. Ingerson, whose parents were among the pioneers of the township. Their hearth was enlivened by the presence of three children,-Lavinia, born Jan. 13, 1863; Frank, whose birth occurred Oct. 13, 1865; and Addie, born March 18, 1869, who died Dec. 30, 1869. The family of Congdons have occupied since their advent in Hopkins the distinguished position their ability and integrity justly entitle them to enjoy, the sons being in all that is excellent worthy successors of the father. 254 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - --- -- GEORGE W. CORBETT. Nelson, and his wife, Sabrina, Corbett, the parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of Vermont, where George W. Corbett was born, Feb. 25, 1831. Seeking a home in the West, they removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where they resided for a short time. Determining to locate in Michigan, they purchased an ox-team and journeyed td Hopkins township, Allegan Co., Mich., where they arrived in the fall of 1846. They purchased forty acres of land on section 35, and proceeded to erect a log cabin, meantime making their home with Mr. J. 0. Round. Once installed in their new home, everything seemed to prosper until Mr. Nelson Corbett sickened and died, Sept. 23, 1850. The management of affairs then devolved upon George W., then nineteen years of age. He continued the improvement of the farm, purchased additional acres, erected commodious farm buildings, and, Oct. 25, 1859, married Martha A. Baldwin, formerly of Oswego Co., N. Y., at that time visiting a brother, who resided at Allegan. Everything seemed to prosper, and he had become one of the prominent and substantial men in this portion of the county. Two children had come to gladden their hearts and enliven their home,-Ada O., born April 15, 1860, and Ella M., born Sept. 20, 1872. The good mother had continued with them, sharing the blessings of a good home, until Jan. 19, 1877, when she died. Not quite one short year after, Mrs. George W. was called to follow her husband to the grave, having the sympathy of all who knew him. He was buried with Masonic honors by the Bradley Lodge, of which he was a member, and to-day a fine monument marks his resting-place, erected by his devoted wife and companion, who now continues alone in the path of life. endeavoring to instruct those left in her charge to fulfill their duty to God and mankind. A sketch, accompanied with their portraits, may be seen in this work. L AK E TO W N.* TOWN 4 north, range 16 west, is a fractional township of eighteen full and six fractional sections. It lies upon Lake Michigan, and has upon the north the Ottawa county-line, on the south Saugatuck township, on the east Fillmore, and on the west Lake Michigan. Although settlements were made in the northeast by the Dutch as early as 1847, there were few, if any, attempts at settlement in other portions of the township until 1859, and even after that period they progressed slowly. There was considerable swamp-land in the township at an early day, but the march of civilization has brought this land to the uses of agriculture. Laketown is just beginning to assume a place as a fruitgrowing town and in the matter of peach-growing has set forward with a fair promise of acquiring valuable importance. Carefully-compiled statistics in the spring of 1879 showed the following report touching agricultural products: Acres, improved............ 4,574 Potatoes, bushels........... 2,356 " wheat................ 1,015 Hay, acres.................... 851 Bushels "................ 17,805 " tons..................... 964 Acres corn.................... 602 Horses......................... 192 Bushels".................... 18,870 Milch cows................... 375 Acres oats..................... 156 Other cattle................... 313 Bushels".................... 3,855 Apples, acres................. 83 Potatoes, acres............... 47 Peaches,................. 103 Estimating 100 peach-trees to the acre, the number of trees set out in the spring of 1879 was 10,300, and that number was likely to be doubled by the spring of 1880. Laketown is largely peopled by Hollanders, who prevail chiefly along the line between Laketown and Fillmore, and at Graafschap village, which is the point of the first settlement, and which occupies territory in both townships. Although there is no railway, nor yet a mill, within the township limits, both market and mill conveniences are easy of access, from the north to Holland, and from the south to Saugatuck. SETTLED BY THE DUTCH. In June, 1847, several members of the Dutch colony then gathering at the village of Holland were desirous of seeking locations elsewhere, but near at hand, and were advised by Dominie Van Raalte to settle in township 4, range 16, then a part of Newark, and now called Laketown, that township being then unoccupied by white settlers. The people thus advised to make their first permanent homes in the New World had come in company across the ocean from Holland to America, and naturally desired to continue their fraternity as settlers. They were Aaron J. Neerken (a bachelor), Jans Rutgers and family, Lukas Tinholt (a bachelor), Lampert Tinholt and family, Henry Brinkman and family, Geert Henevelt (a bachelor), Stephen Lucas and family, Henry Kleeman and family. As before observed, all came West together and made Holland village their destination, where they found temporary accommodations in the log cabins of those already located there. In accordance with Dominie Van Raalte's suggestion, they agreed to settle in the township now called Laketown, and so he entered lands for them according to their means and his judgment. When the members of the colony had completed their land-purchases and were ready to begin the work of settlement, one John Robbus, a Hollander, who professed to know all about that region of country, volunteered to pilot the pilgrims to their new possessions, but by some mischance he located some of them upon the Fillmore side of the town-line, the lands they had bought lying close to the line in Laketown. Kleeman had 40 acres in the north * By David Schwartz. LAKETOWN TOWNSHIP. 255 I_ eastern corner of the town; Neerken and Rutgers were also on section 1, and the rest on section 12. The mistake in location was not discovered until Tinholt, Lucas, and Neerken had built their cabins on the Fillmore side, and then, to avoid the annoyance of moving, they made fresh purchases of the land they occupied in Fillmore. In the erection of cabins each assisted the other, and so in a brief time they were all comfortably domiciled and ready for the business of wrestling with the forest for the possession of fruitful farms and the privileges of civilization. In the midst of a densely-timbered country this little band of hardy pioneers were shut in by themselves and a dreary stretch of wilderness, but they were, after all, within easy reach of neighboring settlements. There were people east of them, in Fillmore, north, in Holland, and south at Saugatuck, where the advanced stage of the settlements gave many advantages to those of the surrounding country. The pioneers named in the foregoing as members of the Dutch colony were, therefore, the advance-guard of Laketown's settlers. Of their number those living in February, 1880, were A. J. Neerken, Lukas Tinholt, Henry Kleeman, and Geert Henevelt, all of whom reside in Laketown, near Graafschap. Soon there came to that locality other Hollanders, who effected locations near the eastern town-line southward. Among the earliest were Berend J. Brinkman, J. H. Hatger, G. B. Speet, B. H. Scholte, H. J. Brinkman, J. H. Slenk, and J. H. Lemmen. Among those who settled early near the north town-line were the brothers Hopkins, -Henry, Elizur, William L., and James,-who located on section 2, where James and William L. are now living. The latter was among the early government contractors in the building of the piers at Holland, and has for years been interested in the improvements made at that point. THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE TOWN. This did not begin to receive settlers until 1859, and the same statement may also be made as to the lake-shore region. In the year named Nathan Kendall, Eli Knowlton, and John Hogeboom made settlements upon section 22, and to the close of that year were the only residents in the southwestern portion of Laketown, although east of them, on the town-line, there were a few Hollanders. In 1859, Laketown contained 69 resident tax-payers, and had an assessed valuation of $31,123. In 1879 the assessed valuation was $114,780. In 1861 the tax-payers in the south included also W. H. Rose, James Delvin, and George Amesbury, and, in 1862, J. H. Tidd and Nathaniel Stratton. The first saw-mill Laketown boasted was built on section 35 by John and Nicholas Sutton. The town has never had a grist-mill, and has now no mills of any kind. The first death in the Dutch settlement was that of Garrit Salmink, in 1847, and the first birth that of a daughter of 1H. Schroetenboer, now the wife of Henry Lubbers, of Fillmore. The first couple married were Geert Henevelt and Gracia Kropscott, who were united in 1847 by Elder Dunnewind. SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, ETC. The first school at which the children of Laketown's pioneers imbibed learning was in school district No. 2, in Fillmore. In 1859 district No. 1, in Laketown, was organized, and from the first annual report it is learned that out of an enrollment of 67 school children in the district but 36 attended the school. From the school records it is further learned that the first school-teacher employed was Harriet H. Hudson, and the second Ann E. Leonard. District No. 2 was organized November, 1860, district No. 3 in 1870, and district No. 4 in 1873. From the annual school report for 1879 have been obtained the subjoined statistics: Number of districts..................................... 4 Enrollment..............,.................................. 322 Average attendance....................................... 255 Value of property......................................... $1900 Teachers' wages............................................ $913 The school directors for 1879 were Gerrit Rutgers, Wm. Corvor, Wm. Van Hoef, and J. C. Hoek. As to churches, Laketown is singularly destitute. There is at present no church edifice in the town, and but one church organization. That is a Wesleyan Methodist Church Society, worshiping in a school-house on section 27. They erected near there, in 1873, a church frame, but before it could be inclosed a wind-storm leveled it to the ground, and no attempt at its restoration was made. Two churches in Graafschap, on the Fillmore side, provide ample conveniences in the way of religious worship to the Hollanders of that neighborhood, in both Fillmore and Laketown. When the first settlements were made, there were no roads save such as each incoming settler made in reaching the place of his location. Presently, however, there was a road between Holland and Graafschap, for between those points there was considerable communication. There was a much-used Indian trail between Holland and Saugatuck, and upon that trail was shortly laid what was from the first known as the Colony road, and which is now a much-used thoroughfare. Early interments were made near the Dutch Reformed church, but in 1861 Laketown and Fillmore purchased and laid out in common a cemetery just north of the line between the two towns, and since then it has been used by both towns. GRAAFSCHAP VILLAGE. Graafschap lies upon both sides of the line between Fillmore and Laketown, and belongs equally to both, but, in view of its having been founded by the early settlers of Laketown, that township has a special claim on it. These early settlers came from the region lying between the kingdoms of Hanover and the Netherlands, and in recollection of the system prevalent in that country of giving small principalities to the rulership of graafs (or counts), whose districts were known as graafschaps, they gave that familiar appellation to their new home in the Western world. Geert Henevelt owned 81 acres just over the line in Fillmore, and in 1848 he sold the property to the Dutch Reformed Church Society. The latter erected a log church upon the tract, which was laid out as Graafschap village. Trade was inaugurated in 1849 by Mathias Naaye, who opened a store, which was, however, a trivial affair, and endured but a year or so. After that there was no pro 256 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. nounced effort towards a revival of the enterprise until 1857, when a Mr. Boer undertook to prosecute it, and after a year's trial abandoned it. In 1860, A. H. Brink took hold, and made it a success; continuing it for some years, much to his own profit and the convenience of the village. A post-office was established at Graafschap in 1867, when A. H. Brink was appointed postmaster. Brink disposed of his store to G. W. Mokma in 1874, when the latter received also the appointment as postmaster, and still retains the office. In 1867 the Laketown portion of Graafschap was laid out upon land belonging to A. J. Neerken. The first physician to locate in the village was Dr. William Reus, who came in 1869 and remained until 1872. The present village doctor is Dr. Mantingh. Graafschaap is now a small but active village, containing three general stores, a furniture- and hardware-store, and two churches, and gives promise of steady growth, now that the neighboring country is developing its resources as a " fruit-belt." THE FOREST FIRES OF 1871. The wide-spread forest fires which raged through Western Allegan in the autumn of 1871 were especially disastrous in Laketown, and consumed vast quantities of standing timber. Remembrancers of that fiery epoch are still to be seen upon every hand in charred trees and blackened stumps, which blur the face of nature and inflict upon the prospect a dreary and desolate presence. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Laketown was a portion of Newark township until 1859, when it was set off with a jurisdiction of its own. At the first town meeting, held April 4, 1859, A. J. Neerken and Gerrit Rutgers were inspectors of election, John Lucas was the moderator, and Gerrit Rutgers and John Rouse clerks. The poll-list on that occasion included the following persons: Harmon Bouws, Gabriel Rosbach, Hendrik Brinkman, J. H. Arens, M. Van Bie, Harm Klomparens, B. J. Brinkman, William Schelling, Hendrik Tuurlink, Jan Wolbert, G. H. Lubbers, R. Voorenkamp, John Hogeboom, Jan Knol, Lukas Tinholt, H. J. Brinkman, Arend Arens, Jan Klomparens, Berend Steginck, J. D. S. Heeringa, Geert Meyer, J. H. Lampers, John Lucas, Albert Klomparens, John Rutgers, Geert Henevelt, Berend Lugers, Hendrik Bakker, Geert Heerspink, Derk Ten Cate; A. J. Neerken, Hendrik Lucas, Steven Lucas, Hendrik Lubbers, J. H. Slenk, Jan Raterink, John Brouse, B. H. Scholte, Gerrit Rutgers, J. H. Hartger, Jan T. Yippink, Markus Yippink, Lukus Haltger, A. J. Klomparens, Cornelius Zweemer, G. J. Speet, Jans Rutgers, Hendrik Kleiman. The officers elected at that meeting were: Supervisor, John Rouse; Clerk, Gerrit Rutgers; Treasurer, A. J. Neerken; School Inspectors, A. J. Neerken, John Rouse, Harm Rouse, Albert Klomparens; Commissioners of Highways, Reinderd Voorenkamp, Gerrit Rutgers, John Lucas; Justices of the Peace, A. J. Neerken, H. J. Brinkman, John Rutgers, and Harm Klomparens; Constable, Geert Heneveld, B. J Brinkman, Derk Ten Cate, Hendrik Bakker; Overseers of Ilighways, G. H. Lubbers in District No. 1, Gabriel Rosbach in District No. 2, Harm Bouws in District No. 3. At the same meeting $75 were appropriated for the incidental expenses of the township, and $75 for roads. Herewith is presented a list of the persons chosen annually from 1860 to 1880 to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: SUPERVISORS. 1860-61, John Bouws; 1862-74, A. J. Neerken; 1875-79, Benjamin Neerken. CLERK. 1860-79, Gerrit Rutgers. TREASURERS. 1860-77, John Rutgers; 1878-79, II. Brinkman. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1860, John Bouws; 1861, John Rutgers; 1862, W. H. Rose; 1863, G. Rutgers; 1864, J. Bouws; 1865, J. Rutgers; 1866, S. M. Corvor; 1867, W. Simpel; 1868, F. Van Dewerp; 1869, J. Rutgers; 1870, C. W. Holmes; 1871, A. J. Neerken; 1872, F. N. Van Dewerp; 1873, J. Rutgers; 1874, C. W. Holmes; 1875, A. J. Neerken; 1876, E. Von Balem; 1877, Irvine Bell; 1878, Lucas Lugers; 1879, J. S. Holmes. It is interesting to observe that since its organization in 1859 the township has had but four different supervisors (A. J. Neerken serving in that office thirteen consecutive years); but one clerk (Gerrit Rutgers); and but three different treasurers,-John Rutgers filling the place 18 years in succession and being yet in the office (February, 1880). L E E. LEE, one of the newest townships in Allegan in respect to settlement, lies upon the southern border of the county. having Clyde upon the north, the Van Buren county-line upon the south, Cheshire on the east, and Casco on the west. It was surveyed as township 1 north, range 15 west, but by reason of its lack of desirable farming-land was far behind its sister-townships in point of settlement, being indeed unpeopled until invaded by lumbermen, which was not until 1858. Measures have recently been set on foot looking to the eventual reclamation of great tracts of swamp land now covering a large portion of the town's area, and towards this much-desired consummation the eye of expectation gladly turns, since the valuable farming region will by such means be materially enlarged, and the best interests of Lee will accordingly be more conspicuously advanced than by any method now within contemplation. In the southeast and northwest, however, may now be found tracts of excellent farming country, and, while the west promises to develop into an important fruit-producing region, the east is already rich in the production of wheat. Saw-mills are now quite active, for there is yet considerable valuable timber uncut; but this branch of industry must be abandoned in a brief space, and leave the town's prosperity to rest upon its agricultural resources alone. Lee has no church within its limits, but is provided with five schools,-one of them created only in January, 1880. The other four have an average attendance of 110 out of an enrollment of 144 school children in the four districts. The Chicago and West Michigan Railroad passes from north to south on an air-line, while numerous water-courses, furnishing in some instances good mill-power, divide the face of the country in the south. The forest fires which raged through Western Allegan in the autumn of 1871 played sad havoc with the timber lands of Lee, and laid waste many homes. The track of the flames seemed most sharply defined along the route of the railway, where for miles one may now observe acres of evidence showing the resistless march of the fire-king and his victory over the monarchs of the forest, whose stately forms are now replaced by charred and blackened trunks. LEE'S EARLY SETTLERS. The nature of the country in the township of Lee was not such as to attract settlers at a very early day. There were great tracts of pine-lands and swampy regions whose only virtue was the stock of timber they contained, so that, while the tillers of the soil sought more favorable localities, Lee was left to court the attention of lumbermen. Even these did not penetrate the swampy recesses of the township until about 1858, and up to that time the six miles square of solitude remained unbroken, save by the appearance of a single settler, Thomas Scott by name. Scott located a tract of land between the two lakes, now bearing his name, and, although aiming to do something in the way of farming, devoted his energies chiefly to hunting, in which business he was an expert, and, as there was ample material upon which to exercise his skill, he made this sport quite profitable. Scott was known as "the man with the wolf-skin cap," and was famous for his success in the capture of wolves, upon whose scalps the county offered a handsome premium. He settled in Lee about 1844, and between farming and wolfcatching passed his time until 1849, when he determined to move in the gold-seeking throng to California, his wife returning East to her friends. Scott was reported to have made a fortune on the Pacific Slope, where in the course of time he died. As before remarked, from the time of Scott's advent in 1844 until 1858 nothing was done towards populating Lee. In the year last named, however, the South Haven Lumber Company, having become possessed of considerable quantities of land in the township, sent out a company of lumbermen in charge of J. H. Thistle, and then came too Thomas Raplee, Harmon B. Rice, Michael Hoy, David W. Matthews, Henry Davidson, Winchester Jenkins, and others, who in 1859 organized the township. Thomas Raplee occupied the old Scott place for a while, removed afterwards to Ganges, and, returning subsequently to Lee, lives now upon the place of his earliest settlement. Mr. Raplee was prominently identified with township affairs from the outset, and during his residence in Lee was, to the close of 1876, a town official, his last services being given as supervisor from 1872 to 1876, inclusive. Reuben Johnson, of Indiana, moved to South Haven in 1866, and, there making an engagement to work in Lee for Dickinson, Rogers & Co., moved to that township in 1867, and made his home in a lumberman's cabin on section 22. At that time the firm named was largely engaged in lumbering in Lee, and moved great quantities of logs down the Black River to South Haven. After working for Dickinson, Rogers & Co. about four years, Johnson concluded to become a tiller of the soil, and bought a farm on section 22. where he has lived ever since. William Rhodes, who came with Johnson, worked with him for a time as lumberman, but, tiring of the business, returned to South Haven, where he died. When Mr. Johnson came to Lee, in 1867, there were not above a dozen settlers in the township. Among them were Michael Hoy, Robert Hilton, Robert Crawford, John 257 * By David Schwartz. 33 258 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Orr, John H. Thistle, Charles Griffing, and 0. Hodgman. Town-meetings were frequently held at Mr. Johnson's house, and on such occasions the participants were furnished with a dinner at the town's expense. Mrs. Johnson has prepared many such dinners on election days, but the custom was abandoned after the number of voters reached beyond the number of a baker's dozen, although periodically revived thereafter. Until lately there was but little done in the way of farming. True, there was some agricultural activity in the east and southwest, where there were a few sections of excellent tillable land, but lumbering was the main industry, highways were chiefly lumber-roads, and the population was naturally of a constantly changing character, for the inmates of the lumbering camps, without any fixed location or permanent interests, moved in and out as the notion possessed them. In 1864 the inhabitants north of the river were few and far between, and one might have then journeyed a long way without encountering a settler. South of the river there were a few settlers and a considerable community of barkpeelers. G. F. Heath, living on the eastern line of the township, has been a resident of Lee since 1867, since when he has been closely connected with the administration of township affairs and a farmer of considerable prominence. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Lee was a portion of Pine Plains township until Jan. 3, 1859, when the county supervisors set it off as a separate town. Although the reason for giving it the name it bears does not appear clear, it is likely that the town of Lee, in Massachusetts, suggested it. The township records were at first very badly kept, and it is extremely difficult to obtain information from them. The best information obtainable, however, from the records, has been gathered touching township proceedings since 1859, and is now presented. The first entry in the records reads as follows: " That the Township Board of Lee and Pine Plains met at the house of Michael Hoy, in Lee, August 11, 1859, for the purpose of settling all claims between the above named townships. Harmon B. Rice was called to the chair, and John P. Parish appointed Secretary. It was agreed that the said township of Pine Plains should pay $155.84 school and other funds, due school district No. 2, of what was Pine Plains. It was further agreed that Pine Plains should have the benefit of any money due from Allegan County at the time of the division, and to pay the indebtedness of said township at the time of division. Further, the town of Pine Plains should let the town of Lee have one-third of the library books of said town. (Signed) CHARLES MEADOW, Township Board J. P. PARISH, of JARVIS SPERRY, Pine Plains. THOMAS RAPLEE, Township Board WM.. RICE, of H. B. RICE, j Lee." The first township-meeting was held April 4, 1859, when Thomas Raplee was chosen moderator, Harmon B. Rice and Henry Davidson inspectors of election, Ezra H. Heath clerk, and John Joslin assistant clerk. At that election eight votes were cast, and the following persons elected officers: Supervisor, Thomas Raplee; Clerk, E. H. Heath; Treasurer, H. B. Rice; Justices of the Peace, H. B. Rice, Henry Davidson, Thomas Raplee, and John Orr (the latter subsequently declared an alien); Highway Commissioners, Michael Hoy and David W. Matthews; School Inspector, Henry Davidson; Constables, David W. Matthews, Winchester Jenkins, and Michael Hoy; Overseers of Highways, District No. 1, H. B. Rice; District No. 2, Winchester Jenkins; District No. 4, Michael Hoy. At that meeting $250 were raised for township purposes, and a similar amount for highways and bridges. The second annual election was held on section 22, in Dikeman, Hale & Co.'s block-house," in which place also many subsequent elections were held. Although the votes cast in 1859 were but 8, there were only 5 in 1860, and 13 in 1861. From that there was no material change until 1869, when there was a sudden increase to 27. A list of the names of the persons who have been annually elected, from 1859 to 1880, to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace, follows here: SUPERVISORS. 1859-60, Thomas Raplee; 1861-62, G. B. Rust; 1863, J. A. Thistle; 1864, J. S. Wagoner; 1865, R. Griswold; 1866, J. R. Griswold; 1867, J. E. Babbitt; 1868-70, A. D. Parker; 1871, George F. Heath; 1872-76, Thomas Raplee; 1877-79, A. D. Parker. CLERKS. 1859, E. H. Heath; 1860, J. W. Joslyn; 1861-63, Henry Spencer; 1864-68, A. B. Crawford; 1869-70, 0. Hodgman; 1871, William Fritz; 1872-73, G. F. Heath; 1874-79, G. W. Baughman. TREASURERS. 1859-60, II. B. Rice; 1861, J. H. Thistle; 1862-63, S. W. Bennett; 1864-67, John Orr; 1868-70, E. Deming; 1871, A. Dunn; 1872, A. Borden; 1873, A. Rodarmel; 1874-76, B. Cook; 1877-78, E. Deming; 1879, G. F. Heath. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1859, H. B. Rice; 1860, John Stanton; 1861, J. G. Ostrander; 1862 -63, G. B. Rust; 1864, John Orr; 1865-67, R. Griswold; 1868, A. B. Crawford; 1869, M. Sharp; 1870, A. Rodamel; 1871, G. F. Heath; 1872, T. Raplee; 1873, C. Bryant; 1874, E. Deming; 1875, T. Raplee; 1876, R. Snell; 1877, C. Bryant; 1878, W. F. Rhodes; 1879, G. F. Heath. HOPPERTOWN. Hoppertown, so called, a signal-station on the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, occupies a quarter of section 9, land owned by Hopper & Bennett, of Michigan City, upon which two brothers named Clement put up a saw-mill in 1870. They sold the mill to Holden & Loney, who took the job of clearing Hopper & Co.'s land. In 1871, Bonfoey & Hurlbut erected a shingle-mill, and Sweet & Ferguson a saw-mill. In 1872, Hyatt & Anderson helped matters along with a 30 horse-power saw-mill, and in that year Hoppertown rose to the dignity of a hamlet, boasting a population of 23 families or about 215 people all told, who were supported by the industry of four sawmills,-a prosperous era indeed in Hoppertown's history. Affairs flourished, however, in this fashion only about four years. In the summer of 1876 the mill machinery had ceased to perform its accustomed functions, business had I ,44 Jw,1 a m l, \ 1 I.C2.W.,:I — lb. K RESIDENCE OF W. B. HOOKER, LEfGHTON T,ALLEGANTR,MICH. LEIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 259 utterly ceased, and of the population there remained but two families, those of Aaron Bowles and A. D. Hurlbut. In the winter of the same year there was a business revival. Snell & Cobb purchased the old Bonfoey & Hurlbut shingle-mill, and, setting it once more in motion, restored Hoppertown to activity. Now the place boasts two sawmills, which have produced for shipment since 1877 from 18 to 20 car-loads of lumber each week. A post-office was established at Hoppertown in 1876, when Ransom Snell was appointed postmaster, and as such he still continues. This station, besides forwarding considerable lumber, shipped during 1879 about 6000 baskets of peaches, and with improved depot conveniences will forward thrice that number the coming season. BLACK RIVER STATION. George Kraal established a saw-mill at this place in 1871, and presently sold it to William Ferguson, who discontinued it about 1874. Nothing more was done at the place until 1875, when D. J. Dorkey set a saw-mill in operation there, and has carried it on ever since. He employs at times as many as 20 men, and ships considerable lumber. A postoffice was established here in 1877, and called Lee. Mr. Dorkey, who was appointed postmaster, is yet the incumbent. About a mile south of Black River Station, Adam White, of Geneva, carries on the business of charcoal-burning. He has three large kilns, owns several hundred acres of land in the vicinity, and employs an aggregate of 75 men in clearing land and burning coal.., LEI GI TO N. LEIGHTON is prominent as the northeastern township of Allegan County, and in the field-notes of the original survey was designated as township No. 4 north, of range No. 11 west. It has Kent County on the north, Barry County on the east, and the townships of Wayland and Dorr, in this county, for its eastern and southern boundaries. The surface is rolling, rendering drainage both easy and practicable. Originally, it was heavily timbered with the deciduous trees common to this region, and many acres of the primeval forests still remain. The soil is most excellent, and well adapted to all the pursuits of agriculture. This is shown by the fact that, although it was one of the most recently settled and organized townships, it is now one of the largest wheat-producing and fruit-growing districts in the county. Green Lake, a beautiful sheet of water, embraces portions of sections 2, 3, 10, and 11, some 320 acres in all. It is of great depth, and an excellent fishing-place. Several other small lakes are found in the northeast part of the township. Green Lake Creek, the principal stream of Leighton, takes its rise from Green Lake, and, flowing to the southwest, through the north and west parts of the township, finally becomes tributary to the Rabbit River. It affords good water-power privileges on section 8, where are situated Brown's saw-mills. The road-bed of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad intersects sections 18, 19, 30, and 31, but no depots are located in this township, the people being afforded railway facilities at the stations of Wayland and Moline. EVENTS PRECEDING PERMANENT SETTLEMENTS. ORIGINAL SURVEYS. The northern, eastern, and western boundary-lines of this township were run by Deputy United States Surveyor LuX By J. S. Schenck. cius Lyon in the year 1826, but the field-work was not completed until the spring of 1831, when Sylvester Sibley, also a deputy United States surveyor, ran out the southern boundary-line and subdivided the territory described into sections. FIRST AND OTHER EARLY LAND-ENTRIES. The first entry of public lands in township 4 north, of range 11 west, was made on the 11th day of July, 1835, by the well-known Indian trader, Louis Campau. His tract embraced the east half of the southwest quarter of section 10, and lay immediately south of Green Lake. From the fact that he had squatted there some two years previously, and erected a large and substantial framed building, it is very probable that the lands in this township were not placed upon the market until about the time of Campau's purchase. A few other lots were purchased during the same year (1835), but it was not until the year 1836 that anything like a general raid of "land-lookers" and speculators was made upon this portion of the public domain, and, strangely enough, some entire sections remained vested in the general government until quite a recent period. To illustrate still further, we append the following list of first and other early entries made upon each section: Section 1.-Frederick Wilson, November, 1850. Section 2.-N. Sillsbee and I. Frost, Oct. 12, 1835. Section 3.-Louis Campau, Feb. 12, 1836; Joel Guild, April 19, 1836 Horace Gray, April 19, 1836; George Sheldon, April 19, 1836; Alanson Sumner, Monroe Co., N. Y., September, 1836. Section 4.-S. Hubbard and I. Parker, May 3, 1836; Lewis Hoyt, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., September, 1836. Section 5.-John Beach, Aug. 12, 1846. Section 6.-Seth A. Lucas, Jan. 29, 1846. Section 7.-Joel Brownson, Aug. 24, 1852. Section 8.-Samuel Payne, May 25,1836; James I. Godfrey, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1836; Philip Edgerton, May, 1852. Section 9. —James S. Wadsworth, April, 1836; Martin Ryerson, April, 1836; David Bunnell, April, 1836; T. Robertson and L Miller, 260 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. July, 1836; John J. Covert, Seneca Co., N. Y., April, 1836; Allen A. Robinson, Monroe Co., N. Y., April, 1836. Section 10.-Louis Campau, Michigan, July 11, 1835; Nathaniel Sillsbee and I. Frost, Oct. 12, 1835; Charles Ross, Jan. 18, 1836; Samuel Payne, May 25, 1836. Section 11.-George W. Barnes, Nov. 12, 1849; Charles Rathbone, Nov. 12, 1849; William Jeffords, Nov. 12, 1849; Lawson N. Wade, 1850. Section 12.-Peter Craise, Oakland Co., Mich., February, 1849; Charles Covert, December, 1849. Section 13.-Edwin E. Munn, Nov. 5, 1836; Richard B. Glaiser, December, 1838. Section 14.-Thomas Emerson, Jan. 27, 1836; John Street, Jr., Jan. 9, 1838. Section 15.-T. Robertson and I. Miller, July 7, 1836; John Westcott, September, 1836; James Willson, September, 1836. Section 16 was school lands. Section 17.-Oliver Davenport, July 15, 1836; Allen A. Robinson, Nov. 5, 1836. Section 18.-James J. Godfrey, Nov. 4, 1836. Section 19.-N. Sillsbee and I. Frost, Oct. 12, 1835; Alanson Sumner, Monroe Co., N. Y., September, 1836. Section 20.-Marshall Chambers, September, 1849. Section 21.-Nelson Lester, Oct. 16, 1848. Section 22.-Richard Bragg, Jan. 30, 1849. Section 23.-Ira Sperry, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 27, 1836; Johnson Sperry, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 27, 1836; John Ball, Troy, N.Y., Nov. 5, 1836; Hiram Sherman, Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1836. Section 24.-Samuel D. Webster, Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 27, 1836; John Ball, Troy, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1836. Section 25.-James Anderson, Ionia, Mich., Nov. 5, 1836; John Ball, Troy, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1836; Horatio M. Monroe, Nov. 5, 1836. Section 26.-John Ball, Troy, N. Y., Nov. 5,1836; William W. Dodge, Monroe, Mich., Nov. 8, 1836. Section 27.-Martin Lipe, Feb. 9, 1848. Section 28.-William H. B. French, April 20, 1849; Joseph M. C. Moore, Nov. 6, 1849. Section 29.-Darwin W. Hooker, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 29,1849. Section 30.-Alanson Sumner, Monroe Co., Mich., Sept. 29, 1836; James I. Godfrey, Nov. 4, 1836; Allen A. Robinson, Nov. 5, 1836. Section 31.-Isaac and George W. Barnes, Dec. 25, 1835; George W. Barnes, Feb. 19, 1836; Alanson Sumner, Monroe, Mich., September, 1836; Allen A. Robinson, Monroe, Mich., November, 1836. Section 32.-Josiah Hillman, Lewis Co., N. Y., Dec. 7,1836. Section 33.-E. Jackson, Nov. 14, 1849. Section 34.-George W. Barnes and William Logan, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., March 9, 1836; Samuel B. Hooker, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 29, 1840. Section 35.-Isaac and George W. Barnes, Dec. 25, 1835; George W. Barnes and William Logan, May 9,1836; James Anderson, Nov. 5, 1836; John Ball, Troy, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1836. Section 36.-Samuel Centre, Sept. 27, 1836; James Anderson, Nov. 5, 1836; John Colt, Nov. 5, 1836. FIRST SETTLEMENTS. Louis Campau, the Indian trader whose name is prominent in the history of Kent County and other sections of Western Michigan, made the first improvement in this township. As early as 1833 or '34 he came in from Grand Rapids and built a large framed building on the north part of the east half of the southwest quarter of section 10. This house stood on the east side of the present highway, between the outlet and the lake, and about forty rods from the latter. The timbers and other material of which it was constructed were sawed out by means of the oldfashioned saw-pit and whip-saw. Those who were familiar with the appearance of this old structure describe it as having been very substantially built. It was a long, low building, one and one-half stories in height, with dormer windows, a style of architecture peculiar to the French Canadians of half a century ago. It is a difficult matter, now, to determine what his objects were in the choice of this site and the construction of so large a building here in the wilderness,-whether as a trading-post, or the nucleus of a proposed village in a locality which his unerring instinct pointed out as romantic and rich in natural beauties. However that may be, he held this location as a squatter or by right of pre-emption until July 11, 1835, when it was entered in his name upon the land-office records. On the 12th of February, 1836, he purchased the northeast fractional quarter of the same section, also the southeast fractional quarter of section 3. Together, his purchases embraced an area of 280 acres, all resting upon Green Lake. The first man to occupy the building erected by Campau was one Watson. He remained but a year or so, and then gave place to a man named Pelton. About 1836 or 1837 Campau traded his property here-or part of it at leastwith E. B. Bostwick for lands lying within the limits of the present city of Grand Rapids. Bostwick erected a barn, also a small building which he occupied as a store, and in 1837 Lucius A. Barnes found him installed here as tavernkeeper and merchant. His hotel patrons were those unhappy creatures, the " land-lookers," and through travelers from Bronson* to " the Rapids," while his store customers were Indians. Mr. Bostwick remained at the lake two or three years. He cleared about 20 acres, one half of which was brought under cultivation. During subsequent years this old Campau building was occupied by several different parties and kept as a hotel, and among the landlords of that early period was L. A. Barnes. The building itself has long since disappeared; not a vestige of it now remains. The next occupants of the territory now known as Leighton-and they were here but temporarily-were found in the persons of George W. Barnes, of Wayland, and William Logan, of Gull Prairie, who during the spring of 1836 entered lands situated upon sections 34 and 35. Messrs. Barnes and Logan were here in the summer of 1839, engaged in lumbering, and the first assessment-roll of Martin informs us that they were assessed for lands before described and one yoke of cattle valued at $70, all in township 4 north, of range No. 11 west; and what is otherwise quite conclusive, no other portion of the township was then assessed as resident land. The brothers Samuel B. and William S. Hooker were natives of the State of Vermont, and came to Michigan in 1838 or '39, stopping a short time at Gull Prairie, where their brother Darwin had preceded them by some four or five years. On the 29th of January, 1840, they purchased the northeast quarter of section 34 in this township, and began an improvement upon their land during the same spring, which resulted in the establishment of the first permanent homestead in Leighton. The Hookers were prominent and re spected citizens. Both held offices in Wayland, and were conspicuous in the organization of their own township.: Kalamazoo. LEIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 261 Boughton Wilson seems to have been the next settler, and came in soon after the Hookers. His location was the northwest quarter of section 24. He was a plain, unassuming citizen, not given to office-holding, and died years ago, while still a young man. His widow still owns a large portion of the original homestead. When Wayland was organized, in 1844, the Hooker brothers and Boughton Wilson were the only resident taxpayers in township 4 north, of range 11 west. The personal estate of the former was valued at $174; of the latter, at $120. In 1845 the population was further increased by the settlement of George W. Lewis on section 34, Alfred Mann on section 22, and John Woodward on 34. Lucius A. Barnes and H. Gardner were also here at that time. Prior to the first township-meeting, in 1848, Levi S. Bagnell and Seth A. Lucas were both settled on section 6. Others who were here, but were not real-estate owners, were John Goodspeed, Homer Hulett, Samuel E. Lincoln, Jehu Wilson, Warren Spencer, and Stephen Hartwell. Darwin W. Hooker, a brother of Samuel and William, came from Essex Co., N. Y., to Gull Prairie, Mich., in 1834, and was a prominent citizen of that locality until 1849, when he removed to his present place of residence in this township. Hie was born in Rutland Co., Vt., and early in life became a tailor. Afterwards, at Castleton, Vt., and Keeseville, N. Y., he carried on an extensive merchanttailoring establishment. Since his settlement in Michigan, however, he has devoted all his energies to farming. Here, as well as in Kalamazoo County, he has served many terms as justice of the peace, and with great gratification asserts that none of his decisions have been reversed by a higher court. Especially was he triumphant in the " Leighton road war." Among other well-known citizens of Leighton who came in during the sixth decade, and in years which are believed to be correctly given below, were the following: 1849-50.-Charles Furber, Loren M. Lester, M. H. Lester, V. N. Lester, Ransford Corning, Marshall Chambers, Elihu Nickerson, R. Watkins. 1852.-Henry E. Wallace, Thaddeus Wade, James Thompson, 11. F. Haney, Chauncey Wade. 1853.-Franklin Peck, Amos J. Cook, Frederick Severance. 1854.-Francis Inglis, Joseph Elliott, John Heaney. 1855.-John Fales, Reynolds Kenyon, F. E. Kenyon. 1856.-Alfred Chappell, Orrin Plumley, Dan. Rice. 1857.-Roswell Clement. 1858.-John A. Rogers, George B. Manchester, David V. Lilly. 1859.-Frederick W. Collins, Lorenzo D. Pratt, Horatio N. Tubbs. STATISTICAL. The growth of population and the development of the fine farming-lands of this township have not been marked by any period of activity which deserves especial mention. Gradually but surely, however, the people have advanced in population and prosperity, until to-day they point with just pride to theirs as being one of the best agricultural districts in the county of Allegan. Various statistics, therefore, gathered from the United States Census Reports, will, in this connection, prove of interest: 1850. Number of dwellings................................. " families.................................... " inhabitants............................... Value of real estate owned.......................... Number of occupied farms.......................... " acres improved......................... " " unimproved..................... Value of farm-lands................................... " farming implements...................... Number of horses..................................... " milch cows................................ " working oxen............................ " other cattle.............................. " sheep...................................... " swine.......................... Value of live-stock.................................... Number of bushels of wheat produced in 1849. " " rye " " t it corn " " < " oats " i" " barley " ( " potatoes " " pounds of wool " " Value of orchard products " Number of pounds of butter " " tons of hay " " pounds malple-sugar" " Value of home-made products " " 22 22 112 $10,850 5 118 437 $5,100 $270 4 11 10 24 33 20 $1,164 426 40 670 100 20 410 107 $30 1,300 62 2,000 $130 1860. Number of dwelling-houses......................... 134 " fam ilies................................... 129 " inhabitants............................... 676 Value of real estate owned.......................... $130,700 Number of farms...................................... 92 " acres improved.......................... 3041 " t unimproved....................... 5825 Value of farming-lands.............................. $127,200 i" " implements..................... $5,829 Number of horses.................................... 66 " milch cows............................... 194 " working oxen........................... 141 " other cattle........................... 205 " sheep...................................... 394 swine....................................... 579 Value of live-stock............................... $22,410 Number of bushels of wheat produced in 1859. 7349 " " rye " " 287 " corn " " 14,564 " " oats " " 2350 " " barley " " 78 " " buckwheat " 508 " " potatoes " " 4599 " pounds of wool " " 574 Value of orchard products " " $362 Number of pounds of butter " " 15,962 " " cheese " " 1000 " tons of hay " " 808 " pounds of maple-sugar " 23,120 " steam saw-mills......................... 1 Capital invested in the business................ $10,000 Number of feet sawed annually................ 2,000,000 Value of annual products........................ $21,000 Number of hands employed..................... 20 The State census of 1874 (the latest) returned a total population of 1308. An approximate estimate of the present number of inhabitants places them at about 1700. Formerly the people had a post-office in their midst, but the township of to-day boasts neither a post-office, railway station, village, store, rum-shop, nor tavern. One small church edifice-German Evangelical-is situated on the northwest corner of section 12, in which vicinity quite a number of families of that nationality and faith have settled. CIVIL HISTORY. ORGANIZATION. Forming successively part of Allegan, Plainfield, Martin, and Wayland townships, Leighton was finally set off as an independent organization by an act of the State Legislature which was approved March 9, 1848. The following is that portion of the act applying to this township: 262 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.. i "Section 3. That township number four north, of range number eleven west, ih the county of Allegan, be, and the same is hereby set off from the township of Wayland, and organized into a separate township by the name of Leighton, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the Green Lake school-house, in said township." FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING. The electors of the territory thus organized as the township of Leighton assembled at the Green Lake school-house on Monday, April 3, 1848, for the purpose of electing township officers. Thereupon, John Goodspeed was chosen moderator, Samuel B. Hooker clerk, John Woodward and Levi S. Bagnell inspectors of election. The whole number of votes polled for candidates for the office of supervisor was 20, of which George W. Lewis received 12, and Samuel B. Hooker received 8. The final result was as follows: George W. Lewis, Supervisor; Samuel B. Hooker, Township Clerk; George W. Lewis, Treasurer; John Woodward, Jehu Wilson, Assessors; Seth A. Lucas, Alfred Mann, School Inspectors; Levi S. Bagnell, Samuel E. Lincoln, Jehu Wilson, Highway Commissioners; Homer Hulett, Seth A. Lucas, Alfred Mann, Justices of the Peace; William S. Hooker, John Woodward, Poormasters; Pbiletus W. Wood, John Goodspeed, Constables. The further business of this meeting was concluded by the appointment of John Woodward roadmaster of district No. 1 and Stephen Hartwell roadmaster of district No. 2, by voting to raise $80 for township expenses, to pay a bounty of $5 for each full-grown wolf killed in the township, and to levy a tax of fifty cents for each child of school age residing in the township. FIRST ASSESSMENT. The names of resident tax-payers appearing upon the roll in June, 1848, were as follows: Acres. George W. Barnes, section 35............................ 80 Levi S. Bagnell, section 6........................... 117 John Goodspeed.................................Personal W illiam S. Hooker, section 34............................ 80 Samuel B. Hooker, section 34............................. 80 Homer Hulett.............................................Personal George W. Lewis, section 34............................ 40 Seth A. Lucas, section 6......................... 40 Samuel E. Lincoln.................................. Personal Mosher & Barnes, section 31............................... 305 Alfred Mann, section 22........................... 40 John Woodward, section 34..................... 40 Boughton Wilson, section 24.............................. 160 Jehu Wilson....................... Personal Spencer W arren..................................... Personal The total tax levied on resident and non-resident lands for the same year was $396.83. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a tabulated list of township officers elected annually for the years from 1849 to 1879, inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1849, George W. Lewis; 1850, Charles Furber; 1851-52, George W. Lewis; 1853, M. H. Lester; 1854-56, Francis Inglis; 1857-58, Franklin Peck; 1859-60, Frederick W. Collins; 1861-63, Jeremiah B. Haney; 1864-65, Vespucius N. Lester; 1866-67, Frederick W. Collins; 1868-72, George B. Manchester; 1873-76, Alexander C. Jones; 1877-79, William A. Chappell. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1849-50, Samuel B. Hooker; 1851, L. M. Lester; 1852, Charles Furher; 1853, L. M. Lester; 1854-55, William S. Hooker; 1856, Frederick W. Collins; 1857, Roswell Clement; 1858-59, William S. Hooker; 1860-63, V. N. Lester; 1864, Sidney Jenkins; 1865 -67, George B. Manchester; 1868-74, Francis Inglis; 1875-76, Andrew Brog; 1877-79, Israel J. Cook. TREASURERS. 1849-50, Samuel B. Hooker; 1851-52, John Woodward; 1853-55, A. J. Cook; 1856, William S. Hooker; 1857, Loren M. Lester; 1858 -61, Francis Inglis; 1862-63, Frederick W. Collins; 1864, William S. Hooker; 1865, Frederick W. Collins; 1866-72, George W. Lewis; 1873-77, John A. Rogers; 1878, William O. Vreeland; 1879, John T. Smith. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Homer Hulitt, 1849; Darwin W. Hooker, Charles Furber, George W. Lewis, 1850; Homer Hulitt, Levi S. Bagwell, 1851; R. Watkins, 1852; Henry E. Wallace, Darwin W. Hooker, 1853; Joseph Elliott, Darwin W. Hooker, 1854; Thaddeus Wade, Darwin W. Hooker, 1855; Reynolds Kenyon, 1856; John Woodward, Alfred Chappell, 1857; John Woodward, Apollos P. Brownson, 1858; David V. Lilly, 1859; Lorenzo D. Pratt, Francis Inglis, 1860; Lorenzo D. Pratt, Henry F. Haney, 1861; H. N. Tubbs, Thaddeus Wade, 1862; Darwin W. Hooker, Amos J. Cook, 1863; Amos J. Cook, 1864; John F. Ellingwood, Francis Inglis, 1865; George B. Manchester, 1866; Alexander C. Jones, 1867; Amos J. Cook, 1868; John F. Ellingwood, 1869; George B. Manchester, 1870; Harlow J. Dean, 1871; Amos J. Cook, 1872; Francis Inglis, 1873; George B. Manchester, Wade P. Hard, 1874; Harlow J. Dean, 1875; Amos J. Cook, Morell C. Smith, 1876; William W. Paull, 1877; Francis A. Kough, William R. Olds, 1878; Amos J. Cook, Samuel C. Seabring, 1879. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. Jehu Wilson, 1849; William S. Hooker, Ransford Corning, 1850; Elihu Nickerson, 1851; James Thompson, 1852; George W. Lewis, 1853; H. F. Haney; Frederick Severance, 1854; John Heaney, 1855; John Fales, Orrin Plumley, 1856; George W. Lewis, Dan. Rice, 1857; F. E. Kenyon, 1858; John A. Rogers, 1859; Horatio N. Tubbs, George W. Lewis, 1860; George B. Manchester, 1861; George W. Lewis, 1862; Francis Inglis, 1863; Jonathan Chamberlin, Charles A. Orton, 1864; William 0. Vreeland, John Fales, 1865; John Fales, 1866; Charles L. Barrell, 1867; J. McMore, 1868; John A. Rogers, 1869; James Clark, 1870; Joseph Herrington, 1871; John A. Rogers, 1872; Thomas W. Ronan, 1873; Wade P. Hard, Lewis Henderson, 1874; Wade P. Hard, 1875; Henry Conrad, 1876; Lewis Henderson, 1877; James Pierce, 1878; Andrew J. Brown, 1879. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. Darwin W. Hooker, 1849; Alfred Mann, 1850; Marshall Chambers, 1851; M. H. Lester, Alfred Mann, 1852; Chauncey Wade, 1853; Francis Inglis, Franklin Peck, 1854; Chauncey Wade, 1855; Francis Inglis, 1856; Vespucius N. Lester, 1857; Alfred Chappell, V. N. Lester, 1858; Frederick W. Collins, 1859; Lorenzo D. Pratt, 1860; Frederick W. Collins, William S. Hooker, 1861; Lorenzo D. Pratt, 1862; Jeremiah B. Haney, 1863; V. N. Lester, Frederick W. Collins, 1864; Lorenzo D. Pratt, 1865; Frederick W. Collins, Alexander C. Jones, 1866-67; Frederick W. Collins, 1868; William W. Paull, 1869; Orville Everson, 1870; George R. Lewis, 1871; Orville Everson, Rush Lewis, 1872; James Clark, 1873; Andrew Brog, Orville Everson, 1874; Amos Hunsberger, 1875; Israel J. Cook, 1876; Alexander C. Jones, 1877; William W. Pierce, 1878; Francis Inglis, 1879. ASSESSORS. Jehu Wilson, William S. Hooker, 1849. Since 1850 the supervisors have acted as assessors. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. Samuel E. Lincoln, William S. Hooker, 1849-50; Alfred Mann, Stephen Hartwell, 1851. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. Francis Inglis, 1872; Thomas W. Ronan, 1873; Edward Williams, 1874; Harlow C. Dean, 1875; Samuel C. Sebring, 1876-78. LEIGHTON TOWNSHIP. 263 TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. Alexander C. Jones, 1875-76; Joseph B. Weber, 1877; Lorenzo D. Pratt, 1878; Edward L. Cook, 1879. EDUCATIONAL. In May, 1844, school district No. 1,* of Wayland, was organized, and included sections 34, 35, and 36 in township 4 north, of range 11 west. The school-house, which was built soon after, was a small plank building, and stood in the vicinity of Barnes' saw-mill. Here the children of the earliest settlers in the Hooker neighborhood obtained their first school advantages. Prior to the organization of Leighton, in 1848, a schoolhouse known as the Green Lake school-house had been erected. But it seems that no schools were taught in it prior to-or for a year or more succeeding-the date mentioned. Seth A. Lucas and Alfred Mann, the school inspectors elected in 1848, made no record of their official acts, and it is very probable they performed none. On the 19th of March, 1849, Darwin W. and Samuel B. Hooker, school inspectors, met at the township clerk's office "for the purpose of forming a school district in said township," and ordered "That the southeast quarter of section 21, the whole of section 22 and 23, the west half of 24 and 25, the whole of sections 26, 27, 28, and the east half of section 29, shall constitute and form a school district, to be known as school district No. 1." This was the first school district organized within the township. It was enlarged March 23, 1850, by annexing the north half of sections 34 and 35, territory which had previously belonged to the Wayland and Leighton fractional districts. On the 26th of June, 1850, the first teacher was licensed by the Leighton authorities, but unfortunately her name was not placed on record. The next teacher in district No. 1 was Miss F. M. Jones, who received a certificate April 28, 1851. District No. 2 was formed Nov. 1, 1851, and district No. 3, Dec. 20, 1851. On the latter date Miss Frances M. Ralph and Mr. M. H. Lester received teachers' certificates. Other early teachers were licensed as follows: Sarah Jane Freeman, May 4, 1852; Susan A. Matteson, Nov. 22, 1852; Miss Caroline Barton, April 9, 1853; Elizabeth Stokes, May 2, 1853; Amanda Brownson, Nov. 5, 1853; Charity Cowan, Alfred Brownson, Nov. 12, 1853. District No. 4 was formed March 10, 1853; district No. 5, December, 1855; No. 6, October, 1856. Since the latter date many changes have occurred in the numbers and boundaries of districts. Many other quite early teachers were licensed, whose names are given in the following list: 1854.-Jane Beach, Harriet Page, Iretta Shaw, Uretha Dexter, Sarah Johnson, Horace Haney. 1855.-Helen Snyder, Pamelia Cranson, Laura J. Brewer, Emily Chase. 1856.-Harriet Page, Sarah Nickerson, Jane Nickerson, Lucy J. Eldred, Vespucius N. Lester, Miss Arnold. 1857.-Charity A. Cowan, Alice M. Stryker, Mary Bosworth, Elvira Brewer, Susan A. Matteson. 1858.-Jane Nickerson, Sarah Nickerson, Emily Nickerson, Martha M. Darling, Julia A. Williams, Amelia Swett, Mr. J. Alden. 1859.-Charlotte P. Barrett, Julia A. Williams, Aaron Clark. I 1860.-Helen Everhart, Jane T. Worden, Elizabeth Hendricks, H. C. Whitney, Miss Terrell, Ruth M. Hall, Emily Chambers, Harriet Smith, Mary Rice. 1861.-Mary Rice, Emily Nickerson, Jane Nickerson, ElizaJ. Bisbee, B. V. Stone, Parmelia Cranson, Nancy Crosby, Jane T. Worden, Jane Bullock, Vespucius N. Lester, Jeremiah B. Haney, Adeline Kemp, Hattie Wilcox, Harriet Smith, S. Nichols, Isabella Chappell. 1862.-Helen Arnold, Mary J. Rice, Isabella Chappell, Emma Wade, Lucy J. Joslyn, Julia Williams, Jane T. Worden, Emma Sheffield, Charles A. Orton, Ellen C. Avery, Sarah Dillenbeck, Eliza A. Rounds, Jane M. Hooker, Julia B. Williams. Since the first organization of the township it has been supplied with a public school library, to which yearly additions have been made. As showing the present condition of school interests in Leighton, the following statistics, taken fiom the school inspectors' annual report for the year ending Sept. 1,1879, are appended: Number of districts (whole, 9; fractional, 2).................... 11 " children of school age residing in the township.. 484 it" " attending school during the year........ 365 " school-houses (brick, 1; frame, 8).................. 9 " teachers employed (male, 5; female 10)........... 15 Paid male teachers....................................................... $696.25 " female "...................................................... $747.00 Resources, from moneys on hand Sept. 2, 1878, two-mill tax, primary school fund, tuition of non-resident scholars, district taxes, and from all other sources....................... $3446.90 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. WILLIAM B. HOOKER. William S. Hooker, the father of the immediate subject of this brief sketch, was born in the State of Vermont, Aug. 17, 1818. After residing for some years in Essex Co., N. Y., he removed to Gull Prairie, Mich., about 1838 -39. In 1840, together with his brother Samuel B., he purchased of the general government lands situated upon section 34 in the present*township of Leighton, and during the same year, accompanied by his father (Josiah) and mother, began the first improvement in the southern half of the township. He was an active, energetic citizen, was prominent as a township official, and also served as sheriff of Allegan County. On the 17th of January, 1844, he married Miss Mary Betterly, of Battle Creek, Mich. Of this union six children were born, as follows: Dorinda, Aug. 18, 1847, died, April 14, 1850; Marcia C., Aug. 14, 1849; Dorinda A., April 27, 1851; Lucy F., Jan. 14,1853; William B. and Mary B., Feb. 10, 1856. Mary, the wife and mother, died Feb. 22, 1856. On the 14th of May, 1857, he married Mrs. Hannah Watkins, of Leighton; but one child was born of this marriage, viz.: Emma J., Sept. 12, 1859. At the time of his death, which occurred March 21, 1874, Mr. Hooker was the owner of two hundred and forty acres. Iis son William B. Iooker, who married Miss Isabella Crittenden, of Martin, March 24, 1880, now owns and oc cupies the homestead. It is situated on the old stage-route between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, and is one of the most pleasant locations in the township. I ' See history of Wayland. A N L I US. MANLIUS, known on the United States survey as township No. 3 north, in range 15 west, is bounded by Fillmore on the north, by Clyde on the south, by Heath on the east, and by Saugatuck on the west. It contains considerable wild land and some swampy tracts, but, judging from the past, it appears very probable that much of the unimproved land will, within the next ten years, be brought under cultivation and devoted to the fruit business, which, although of comparatively late development in this township, is rapidly expanding. The traffic in lumber has heretofore been important, but is now declining, and is being succeeded by the more important industry of fiuit-culture, especially the culture of the peach, from which very profitable results are, with reason, anticipated. The Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, which runs across the township almost due north and south, has a station in Manlius, called Richmond, fiom which there is easy communication, both by stage and by river, with the villages of Saugatuck and Douglas. The Kalamazoo River, which passes through Manlius from east to west, is navigable for steamboats from the mouth to Richmond. Manlius first attracted attention because of its importance as a lumbering region, and its timber-lands were early purchased in large tracts by Eastern capitalists, who for years carried on extensive operations in the country bordering the Kalamazoo River, which afforded an excellent highway upon which to transport both logs and lumber to the lake. The valuable timber has well-nigh disappeared, yet the millbusiness still retains a place among the industries of the township, although farming and fruit-raising are fast superseding. The largest fruit-grower in the township is James McCormick, on section 31, who, in the spring of 1880, had 40 acres set out to peaches and 11 to apples. Charles Hanson, E. J. Stow, Allen Owen, G. Veeder, and P. C. Whitbeck, although smaller producers, have, in all, several thousands of peach-trees. JOHN ALLEN'S CITY OF RICHMOND. The first movement looking towards the permanent settlement of Manlius was made by John Allen, of Ann Arbor, in connection with three Eastern capitalists and land-owners,-Lucius Boltwood, Luke Sweetzer, and a Mr, Morgan. These gentlemen owned large tracts of land in the western part of Allegan County, and John Allen made arrangements with them by which he took on himself the charge of starting a city on sections 7 and 8, in township 3. Early in 1836 he visited the locality, and upon the whole of section 8 and the eastern half of section 7 laid out a town, which he called Richmond, after the place of that name in Virginia, whence he had come to Michigan. He returned to Ann Arbor, where he caused handsome maps of his intended city to be made and circulated wherever he thought that men might be induced to migrate thither. At Ann Arbor he encountered Ralph R. Mann, who had just come out from Connecticut with his family in search of a Western location, and bargained with him to go to Richmond and superintend the improvements to be made there, and also to open a store and boarding-house for the benefit of the laborers to be sent thither. Preparations. were speedily made, and in October, 1836, Mann embarked at Marshall upon a scow, with a dozen laborers and a full cargo of supplies, and set out by way of the Kalamazoo River for Richmond. Allen, with Mann's wife and sisterin-law, proceeded overland to Otsego, where they expected to meet the scow. From Marshall to Kalamazoo the rivertrip was a tedious one, and, what with snags and low water to obstruct their progress, Mann and his men were ten days in reaching the latter point. Twice during the trip from Kalamazoo to Richmond the craft ran upon rocks and came very near sinking, but the desperate exertions of the amateur mariners prevented this misfortune, and after a three weeks' journey the party landed safe and sound at Richmond. There had been an Indian trading-post kept at that point some time before,t and of the abandoned cabin previously occupied as a trading-house Mann, Allen, and the rest took immediate possession. It served them for shelter until something better could be provided, which was speedily done. Not much could be done that fall and winter, but the next spring the work of city-building was begun with great vigor. Allen's laborers cleared some land, Mann carried on a boarding-house and store, a few houses were put up, timbers were got out for what was to be a monster sawmill, work was begun upon a mill-race, and for a time everything went on swimmingly. In 1838, however, just before the improvements in Richmond reached their full development, Allen failed, his brilliant enterprise came to a sudden halt, and the magnificent prospects of the city of Richmond faded into nothingness. Allen remained a year after that, and then betook himself to other scenes. Mann lived upon the site of the ruined city until 1844, when he moved to a place a mile and a half south, afterwards known as Manlius, where he still resides. JAMES McCORMICK. Following close upon the advent of Allen and Mann, James McCormick, of New York, came to Manlius in * By David Schwartz. t See Chapter VIII. of general history. 264 .I II1 LI MRS. JAMES M CORM ICK JAMES M? COMI C. JAMES MY CORMICK. I I MANLIUS TOWNSHIP. 265 1838, having come to Michigan in 1837. He made his way with his family overland from Allegan to section 31, where he had bought 160 acres, and, although he was compelled to cut out the road a portion of the journey, the generally open character of the woodland made traveling tolerably convenient. When Mr. McCormick made his settlement, Jacob Bailey was operating a saw-mill on section 10, in Clyde, for a New York company, but there was not at that time, to Bailey's knowledge, even one settler between him and South Haven. Shortly after McCormick's location, however, he had near neighbors in Ganges, where Harrison Hutchins and four or five other pioneers led the march of civilization. John H. Billings, just mentioned, settled in Ganges in 1838, but in 1841 removed to Manlius, where he lived on section 31, becoming ultimately a resident of Saugatuck village, where he died in 1874. MANLIUS VILLAGE. When Ralph R. Mann moved to a location south of the site of Richmond City, he erected a water saw-mill-the first in the township-there, and there soon after came to the same locality a number of settlers, of whom Jonathan Wade located in 1844 and Asa Bowker in 1845, the latter having come to the township in 1841. Mr. Bowker was afterwards drowned, in the lake, off the mouth of the river, by the capsizing of a vessel in which he had taken passage for Chicago. James Harris opened a blacksmithshop on section 21, and W. C. Meeker, a hand in the mill, became a settler on section 16, where he died in 1870. Johnson Parsons built the first store opened in Manlius village, and John Roe the first tavern, which T. S. Coates afterwards bought and enlarged. When the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad was completed to that point, Manlius was made a station, but the mill being abandoned in 1874, by reason of the destruction of the dam, and the tavern being burned the same year, Manlius village became gradually of less and less importance, and in 1879 the railway company discontinued the station at that point. It now bears a deserted appearance, but the very excellent water-power has more than once caused an effort to be made for the erection of a grist-mill there. The property, however, is-owbed by New England people, who do not appear anxious to sell, and so the water-power is suffered to remain idle. The township has never had a grist-mill, and the people are still obliged to go to Saugatuck to have their grain ground. John T. Gidley, who came to Michigan in 1836, became a settler in Manlius during the " hard winter" of 1842-43 upon an 80-acre lot on section 28. He died in 1862, leaving a widow, who still resides in Manlius with her son, A. P. Gidley. Daniel Lamoreux, a New Yorker, came to Michigan in 1844, and located in what is now Fillmore township. In 1845 he moved to section 8, in Manlius, and there, during the same year, was joined by his brother Thomas, who built on section 8 the framed house now occupied by Charles Hanson. When Thomas Lamoreux came, there were living in the neighborhood only his brother Daniel and a Mr. Price, who moved away soon after. Thomas Lamoreux's 34 children now in the town are Isaac, Lyman M., and George, and Mrs. B. Colf; Daniel's children are, Ebenezer, Mrs. James Smead, and Mrs. E. J. Stow. George Veedor also came from the State of New York in 1845, in company with Charles T. Billings, and after stopping a while in the shanty of John H. Billings, on section 31, bought of the latter a tract of 30 acres on the same section, where he still lives. Among the settlers who came into Manlius at a later date may be mentioned E. J. Stow (a resident since 1847), Allen Owen (since 1858), and the Whitbecks. Down to the year 1861 there were but few settlers in the northern portion of the township. At that time there were in that locality John and Frederick Gretzingcr, Charles Eisner, Amos Brooks, Thomas Lamoreux, and Eldredge Stanton. In the east were the Woodcocks, the Shermans, and the Hammonds. RICHMOND VILLAGE. The little village known as Richmond, at which is located the post-office If New Richmond, was created by the completion of the Chicago and Western Michigan road, being chosen as a station because of its easy access by river from Saugatuck. H. F. Marsh, who owned land in the neighborhood, laid out the village, called it Richmond, built a sawmill, and soon afterwards a few people came in and put up residences. Mr. Marsh then opened a store, and in a short time Gilbert Lamoreux stocked a second store and erected the commodious tavern now known as the " Western Hotel." B. F. Wheelock also opened a hotel, called the " Richmond House." Richmond was quite a brisk place at one time, obtaining its support from the lumbering and farming business around. At least four extensive firms were then engaged in lumbering in the vicinity, employing a small army of men. Although the business of the village is not now as large as it has been, it is steadily improving by reason of the increase of fruit-shipments there. During the season of 1879 upwards of 11,000 baskets of peaches were shipped at the station, while there were also forwarded considerable amounts of other products. EARLY MAILS. The first post-office within the present township of Manlius was established in 1837 at Richmond,-i.e., the old village of that name. Jonathan Stratton, a surveyor in the employ of Allen & Co., was the first postmaster, and a Mr. Fairchild was the mail-carrier. The latter was popularly supposed to carry a mail from Allegan down the river on a raft to Saugatuck once every week, stopping en route at Richmond, but, as a matter of fact, he carried the mail as convenience suited, and frequently neglected the business for a month at a time. Ralph R. Mann became postmaster at Richmond in 1838 and remained so until 1843, when, being convinced that a post-office was useless at a point where little, if any, mail was directed, he refused to serve any longer, and the office was wisely abolished. Once during his term he was advised from Washington that he had failed to make his " returns." Mann replied that he hadn't made any returns for the reason that he had not seen the mail-carrier for a month. The next post-office in the township was at Manlius vil 266 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- lage, Randall Curtis, who had put up a tannery there in1846, being appointed postmaster. On his removal the position was given to William C. Meeker. Ralph R. Mann succeeded Mr. Meeker, and was in turn followed by T. S. Coates, David Signor, Norman Bowker, and James W. Sackett. In 1872 the office at Manlius was discontinued, and one was established at Richmond, the name of New Richmond being given to it, as there was already a Richmond post-office in this State. Gilbert Lamoreux was appointed postmaster and served until 1878, when William Delvin, the present incumbent, succeeded him. EAST SAUGATIUCK. East Saugatuck, a village peopled almost exclusively by Hollanders, and a station on the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, lies upon both sides of the line between Fillmore and Manlius, but chiefly in the latter township. In 1859 the town-line road, although chopped out at an earlier day, was a mere cattle-path. The settlements made upon it about that time were by G. F. and John A. Gretzinger and Charles Eisner, in Manlius, and Christian Arzt, Frederick Kern, and Jacob Illg, in Fillmore. The Gretzingers moved into an abandoned log shanty upon a clearing made some time before by William P. Sherman, the only clearing upon the road in 1859. In the northern part of Manlius, as indeed in nearly every other portion, the land had been taken up at an early day by speculators, and had afterwards fallen into the hands of lumbermen. In 1859 the business of lumbering was briskly carried on in the northern part of the town by Stockbridge & Johnson, who employed a large number of men. At that time the settlers north of the Kalamazoo River in Manlius, besides those already enumerated, were Theophilus Harrington, Thomas Lamoreux, William Woodcock, John Hammond, and John Boyles. Traveling in that region was an extremely difficult matter, and neighbors living within three miles of each other rarely met except at log-raisings. The settlers named as being on the townline in 1859 remained about the only ones until 1867, when the Hollanders began to gather in the vicinity and locate in considerable numbers upon both sides of the line. When the railway was completed and East Saugatuck station established, Schelter Bergsma built a store at that place, and in 1873 a post-office was established there, W. C. Sempel, who had opened the second store in the village, being appointed postmaster. In 1874 he was succeeded by Jacob Heeringa, the present incumbent. The railway.station, post-office, and one store are on the Manlius side of the line, another store being located on the Fillmore side. Near the village, in Manlius, the Bangor Furnace Company have eight large coal-kilns, which have been making charcoal since 1874, and which have, moreover, rendered excellent service in causing the clearing up of the country round about. Until 1867 there were no roads in the vicinity worth mentioning, and in 1871 the country was still so wild that the railway-station was built in the woods. The first school house was a log cabin, put up on the Manlius side in 1867, to which the children from both sides turned their youthful steps. There is a Methodist class south of East Saugatuck, of which Horace Belcher is the leader, and to which Rev. Thomas Collins has preached every Sunday since 1877. EARLY ROADS. The first public highway in the town was cut out in 1838 by Ralph R. Mann and two laborers. It extended from the then village of Richmond towards Allegan for a distance of eight miles. According to the records, the roads first regularly established were the Allegan road, the McCormick's road from section 17 to section 31, the Rabbit River road, the Singapore road, and the Black River road. These all were established May 23, 1839, by John Allen, Samuel Town, and Truman D. Austin, road commissioners. In 1840 the township was divided into two road districts. In 1845 there were four road districts, in which the highway overseers returned an aggregate of $313.08 as nonresident highway taxes. MINOR ITEMS. Mention has been made in Chapters VII. and X. of the general history of the habits of the Indians and of the principal Indian traders of the early days. Among the subordinate traders were George Campau, a relation of Joseph Campau, and John Godfrey, who used to circulate among the Indian camps, usually traveling afoot with their packs on their backs. Campau had a longing for the soothing fire-water, and had a fashion of pleading for " something that would not freeze a man's heart." Thomas Lamoreux was the popular coffin-maker for the Indians, and charged ten shillings a coffin, big and little. The Indians had a fancy for elaborate coffin-decorations, and often had those which, though cheap, were quitegorgeous. For a long time Ralph R. Mann owned the only horse in his neighborhood, and whenever a doctor was wanted Mann's horse was invariably borrowed to hunt up the man of medicine. Dr. Goodrich, of Ganges, was the main dependence in time of sickness, and when he was persuaded to locate at Manlius village it was upon the pledge of the inhabitants of the surrounding country that he should receive'a yearly compensation to a certain amount. At the general election in 1840 only eight votes were cast, and they were equally divided between the Whigs and Democrats. The question of conveying the returns to Allegan coming up for consideration, it transpired that no one desired to undertake the tedious task. Thereupon somebody suggesting that, as the votes were evenly divided, their return would have no effect upon the result, it was accordingly resolved not to send any returns, and that was the end of the matter. The first white child born in the township was a daughter of Jonathan Stratton, the surveyor, in 1838. Two weeks later David R., a son of Ralph R. Mann, was born, the first white male child born in range 15. He now lives in Plainwell. Susan L., daughter of Ralph R. Mann, was the first person who died in the township, the date of her death being Jan. 1, 1837. She was buried in the woods on the hill back of the then village of Richmond, but was subse HESIDENCE OF H. F. MARSH, MANLIUS, ALLEG-AN CO., MICHIGAN. MANLIUS TOWNSHIP. 2G7 MT I quently removed to the cemetery near Manlius. Near where she was first buried was also interred the body of a German killed by the fall of a tree, and there his bones still rest. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. The township of Manlius, previously a part of Newark, was organized by an act of the Legislature approved March 6, 1838. It received its name from John R. Kellogg, a member of the Legislature, who presented the petition for organization, and who, having been born in Manlius, N. Y., desired to honor his native place. John Allen wanted the town named Richmond, but, as there was already a Richmond in Michigan, his desire was not gratified. Manlius was originally of the same size as now, embracing only survey-township No. 3, in range 15. Township No. 4 was subsequently added, but was at a still later date given a separate organization as Fillmore.* The first town-meeting was held at the house of R. R. Mann, April 1, 1839, when John Allen and Samuel Town were chosen moderators or inspectors of election, and Ralph R. Mann clerk. The officers chosen were John Allen, Supervisor; James A. Poage, Clerk; Samuel Town, Orren Ball, and John Allen, Assessors; R. R. Mann, John Allen, and Truman D. Austin, Commissioners of Highways; Orren Ball, Constable and Collector; Samuel Town, Paul Shepard, and Isaac Vredenberg, School Inspectors; Paul Shepard, Treasurer; R. R. Mann, Samuel Town, James A. Poage, and J. W. Palmer, Justices of the Peace; R. R. Mann and Isaac Vredenberg, Directors of the Poor; John Allen, Overseer of Highways for District No. 1; James McCormick, for District No. 2; Truman D. Austin, PoundMaster. Although there appear to have been 10 voters in the township at this time, less than that number of votes were cast, since the successful candidates received but four votes each. At the same meeting the sum of $50 was raised for the support of the poor and other expenses. Following is a list of those elected annually from 1840 to 1880 to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: SUPERVISORS. 1840-41, R. R. Mann; 1842, J. H. Billings; 1843, R. R. Mann; 1844, J. H. Billings; 1845-46, R. R. Mann; 1847-52, Johnson Parsons; 1853, J. H. Billings; 1854, T. Lamoreux; 1855-56, Elisha Mix; 1857, I. H. Lamoreux; 1858, T. Lamoreux; 1859-70, I. H. Lamoreux; 1871-72, A. Brooks; 1873-79, G. F. Greitzinger. CLERKS. 1840, I. Vredenberg; 1841-43, G. N. Smith; 1844, J. H. Billings; 1845-46, Randall Curtis; 1847, A. P. Gidley; 1848, R. G. Winn; 1849-50, R. R. Mann; 1851, A. P. Gidley; 1852, R. R. Mann; 1853, D. Lamoreux; 1854, I. H. Lamoreux; 1855-56, William Shearman; 1857, Asa Bowker; 1858-61, Elisha Mix; 1862, G. A. Coif; 1863, B. S. Ketcham; 1864, William Sherman; 1865, I. H. Lamnoreux; 1866-71, G. Myer; 1872-75, A. A. Burhans; 1876-78, D. L. Reynolds; 1879, P. C. Witbeck. TREASURERS. 1840, Samuel Town; 1841, J. Horton; 1842-43, Asa Bowker; 1844, James Harris; 1845-46, Asa Bowker; 1847, D. Lamoreux; 1848, J. HI. Billings; 1849, Walter Billings; 1850-52, J. 11. Billings; 1853, W. C. Meeker; 1854, R. R. Mann; 1855-56, T. Lamoreux; 1857-58, E. Lamoreux; 1859, W. C. Meeker; 1860-61, E. A. * See Chapter XIII. of the general history; also the session-laws of 1838. Fenn; 1862-64, E. Lamoreux; 1865-68, J. G. Lamoreux; 1869-70, B. Crawford; 1871-77, L. Benson; 1878-79, A. Turrell. JUSTICES. 1840, R. R. Mann; 1841, G. N. Smith; 1842-43, Josiah Martin; 1844, J. A. Dimock; 1845, George N. Smith; 1846, Daniel Lamoreux; 1847, R. R. Mann; 1848, J. H. Billings; 1849, T. S. Coates; 1850, R. R. Mann; 1851, J. Parsons; 1852, J. H. Billings; 1853, Randall Curtis; 1854, B. F. Wheelock; 1855, J. W. Daily; 1856, Jesse Earl; 1857, J. Hammond; 1858, T. S. Coates; 1859, R. R. Mann; 1860, T. Lamoreux; 1861, William Sherman; 1862, B. Crawford; 1863, D. R. Mann; 1l64, W. C. Meeker; 1865, J. W. Sackett; 1866, J. Delvin; 1867, M. K. Stickney; 1868, J. L. Barker; 1869, G. Myer; 1870, F. Nichols; 1871, J. Delvin; 1872, J. L. Barker; 1873, W. C. Sempel; 1874, R. Ranse; 1875, J. Delvin; 1876, J. Ieeringa; 1877-78, P. C. Whitbeck; 1879, G. Myer. The total number of votes cast in 1840 was 10; there were 23 in 1847; in 1848, 10; in 1849, 21; in 1851, 10; in 1852 the number rose to 14; in 1854, to 31; in 1855, to 50; in 1856, to 64; in 1859, to 87; in 1866 there was a decline to 75; in 1868, an advance to 119; and in 1872, to 150. The voters at the election in 1843 were R. R. Mann, James McCormick, Josiah Martin, Ira Ogle, Asa Bowker, John S. Gidley, Robert G. Winn, and John H. Billings. Those who voted at the election in 1846 were Asa Bowker, A. V. Benham, R. R. Mann, Daniel Lamoreux, Thomas Lamoreux, Randall Curtis, George N. Smith, Josiah Martin, James McCormick, E. W. Gillman, J. H. Billings, Isaac Fairbanks, Jonathan Wade, W. C. Meeker, Ahaz Williams, and Luther Holman. CHURCHES. There was a Methodist Episcopal class at Manlius village in 1846, of which Randall Curtis and Daniel Lamoreux were the leaders, but it exists no more. A Wesleyan Methodist society has been organized at Richmond, and, although now worshiping in a school-house, will presently build a church edifice. A Methodist class was organized about 1850, by Rev. Mr. Mosher, of Allegan, in a schoolhouse in Manlius, upon the Clyde line. The class had 7 members, of whom 5 were C. T. Billings and wife, John Billings and wife, and Harrison Hutchins. Worship was held in the school-house until 1870, when Walters Hall, near Fennville, was occupied, and in 1871 the society built the church now standing in Fennville on the Manlius side. The membership is now very small. Preaching is supplied once a fortnight by Rev. N. B. Steele. The church trustees are James Withrow, Edward Cotton, C. T. Billings, Stephen Atwater, and Loomis Benson. The Sabbath-school, in charge of Edward Cotton, has regular weekly sessions, and enjoys a flourishing prosperity. SCHOOLS. Manlius is well supplied with six schools, which in 1879 provided instruction for 281 pupils. The school-houses are, as a rule, commodious and well conditioned, and a credit to the town. Appended are statistics taken from the official reports for the year 1879: Number of districts (whole, 4; fractional, 2)...... 6 Enrollment................................................... 376 Average attendance........................................ 281 Value of property.......................................... $4420 Teachers' wages............................................. $938 268 2HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY, COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. The school directors for 1879 were G. Coif, N. Arnold, C. D. Reynolds, P. C. Whitbeck, C. Hanson, and F. Brink. FENNVILLE GRANGE, No. 461, was organized in June, 1874, with 30 members. W. H. McCormick was chosen Master, and George W. Whitbeck Secretary. Meetings, which were first held in Walters' Hall, at Fennville, are now held in a public hall on the Manlius side of the village. J. N. McCormick was Master of the grange from 1874 until the election in 1879. The membership is now about 60, and the officers are as follows: J. R. Goodrich, M.; S. W. Bryan, O.; N. D. Benson, L.; D. A. French, Sec.; J. K. Purdy, Treas.; Charles Shoemaker, Steward; Peter Sargent, A. S.; Philetus Purdy, G.; Mrs. J. R. Goodrich, Ceres; Mrs. Israel Stauffer, Pomona; Mrs. Susan Purdy, Flora; Mrs. Milo Barker, Stewardess. Rev. Loomis Benson, the grange chaplain, died Jan. 22, 1880. His death was the first one in the grange membership. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JAMES McCORMICK. Mr. McCormick, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest in a family of eleven children. A Canadian by birth, he was born Feb. 7, 1806. His father, Nathaniel McCormick, a native of Belfast, Ireland, emigrated to the hospitable shores of America at an early day, and settled in the State of Pennsylvania. He subsequently removed to Canada, where he married Miss Elinor Campbell, a lady of Scottish descent, as the name implies. When James was a small boy his parents removed to the town of Porter, Niagara Co., in the State of New York, where he spent his early life under the shadow of the paternal roof. After he came to manhood's estate he divided his time for two years between Ulster and Dutchess Counties, after which he went to Canada and was employed at carpenters' work, building locks on the Welland Canal. Returning to the scenes of his former home, he purchased a farm, and at the age of twenty-six years chose for a wife Miss Maria Billings. She was born March 25, 1816, near Albany, N. Y., as were also her parents. They subsequently removed to Monroe County, where is located the family burial-place. In 1833 Mr. McCormick disposed of his Eastern home, and, with his family, emigrated to the then far West, locating in Michigan, where, after several changes of location, he settled upon the splendid farm he now occupies. It was then a dense forest, unbroken by the woodman's axe, and the tall hemlocks marked the spot where now stands his beautiful residence. Mr. McCormick possessed, however, the requisite energy to carve a home out of the wilderness; this, combined with his indomitable will, has worked the transformation. He has given much attention to the raising of fine fruits, especially peaches, having, during the past year, shipped (to Chicago) fourteen thousand baskets, produced from his own orchards, of this delicious fruit. This land is also well adapted to the raising of the various grains, of which very bountiful harvests are reaped. Mr. McCormick has few political aspirations; he formerly voted the Whig ticket, and is generally known as a Republican, though not a partisan; his vote is a matter of right rather than that.of party. He has held several minor township offices, but is not ambitious for political preferment. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have been cheered by the presence of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living; these are married and settled near the paternal home, with the exception of the youngest son, who resides upon the old homestead. Though not a man of strong religious fervor, Mr. McCormick is inclined to the belief of the Spiritualists. H. F. MARSH. Mr. Marsh was a former resident of the State of Connecticut, and became a Michigan pioneer in 1853. He was identified soon after his arrival with the interests of the village of Allegan, having purchased the hotel known as the "Exchange," which was for a period of nine years under his management. In 1862 he relinquished the duties of host for the congenial pursuits of a farmer. The land in the township to which he removed was wholly unimproved on his advent, but very speedily yielded to the axe and the plow. Mr. Marsh has continued its cultivation since that time, and is fast developing one of the most attractive estates in Manlius. His industry and energy are being well rewarded. EDWARD J. STOW. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Stow, who was Capt. William Stow, formerly of Connecticut, removed to Stow, Summit Co., Ohio, at an early day, where the subject of this biography was born, March 18, 1823, being the eldest child and only son. The father of Edward having died when the lad was in his fifth year, he a few years later removed to the home of a Mr. Eldred, and remained for four years under his protection. He afterwards returned to the family of his stepfather, and ultimately learned the trade of a carriage-trimmer. His removal to Michigan occurred at a later period, where, having chosen Allegan County as a place of residence, he engaged in lumbering and rafting upon the Kalamazoo River. This occupation, having proved a congenial one, was pursued for seven consecutive years, after which he was married to Miss Sarah M. Lamoreux, a native of Yates Co., N. Y., from whence her parents came to Michigan in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Stow's household has been brightened by the presence of three children,-Allen C., born April 17, 1859; William H., whose birth occurred Oct. 4, 1874; and Mary A., born June 28, 1878. Two years after his marriage Mr. Stow located upon his present farm, in Manlius, which then embraced eighty acres, and has since been increased to two hundred. He was a soldier in the late war, and much of the time detailed for special service. During this period Mrs. Stow manifested much ability in her administration of the farming interests. Mr. Stow's industry and acknowledged integrity of character have won for him an enviable place among the citizens of the township of Manlius. RESIDENCE OF E. J. S TOW. MANLIU S, ALLEGAN CO., MICHIGAN. I MARTIN.* THAT portion of Allegan County known as the township of Martin is situated on the east border, south of the centre, and is adjoined on the north by Wayland, on the south by Gun Plain, on the west by Watson, in this county, and on the east by Orangeville, in the county of Barry. In no important particular does its general surface differ from that of neighboring townships, having all the natural features which distinguish Michigan lands,-that is, plains, swamps, rolling land, etc., at irregular intervals. Originally, it was termed a hard-wood township, the predominating varieties of timber being beech, maple, oak, sycamore, ash, white-wood, linn, and elm. On section 11 was a grove of handsome pine, and in the southwestern part many acres of " oak-openings." The soil is excellent, especially the central and western portions of the town, and is not surpassed by any other part of Allegan County. Gun River-its most important water-course-takes its rise in an extensive lake of the same name, and soon after enters this township from the east border of section 1. From thence it flows in a general southerly direction, passing out near the southwest corner of section 36. This stream is sluggish, and in this township alone is bordered by swamp-lands more than 2000 acres in extent. Fenner and Pratt Lakes and Lake No. 16 are situated on sections 15 and 16, and together embrace an area of perhaps 160 acres. Gun Lake includes within its surface the extreme northeast corner of section 1. The railroads intersecting Martin are the Grand Rapids and Indiana and the Michigan Lake-Shore. The former passes from north to south across sections 5, 8, 17, 20, 29, and 32. The latter, running in a northwest and southeast course, crosses sections 30, 32, 33, 34, and 35. Those roads effect a crossing at Monteith. The other stations-which are on the line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad -are Martin Corners and Shelbyville. EVENTS PRECEDING SETTLEMENT. The United States surveying-party, led by John Mullett, ran the township-lines of Martin in January, 1826, and designated territory supposed to include an area of 23,040 square acres as township No. 2 north of the base-line, in range No. 11 west of the principal meridian. In the winter of 1830-31, Sylvester Sibley led another surveying-party into this still unoccupied region, and completed the government survey by subdividing the township into sections. EARLY LAND-ENTRIES. As will be shown, Mumford Eldred purchased the first land in this township, Jan. 8, 1836. The following list, * By J. S. Schenck. however, comprises the first and other early entries of land upon each section in the township: Section 1.-William 11. Cummings, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1836. Section 2.-Friend Ives and William Upson, Allegan Co., Mich., Jan. 24, 1837; Thomas Hubbard and Asa Patrick, Jr., Hampden Co., Mass., Feb. 18, 1837; Orrin Orton, Allegan Co., Mich., May 10, 1837. Section 3.-Leman G. Orton, Allegan Co., Mich., Jan. 13, 1837; Lucien Minor, Charlotteville, Va., February, 1837; Asa Norton, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., March, 1837; Hubbard D. Edgerton, Oneida Co., N.Y., April, 1837. Section 4.-John H. Adams, Allegan Co., Mich., Dec. 17, 1836; Ambrose W. Post, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; Henry Crittenden, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; Merrit Barrett, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 5.-William Porter, Oswego Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1836; George Sturgess, Delaware Co., N. Y., February, 1837; Eli Arnold, Allegan Co., Mich., March, 1837; Shubael Ladd, Oneida Co., N. Y., April, 1837. Section 6.-Cotton M. Kimball, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1836; William Porter, Oswego Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1836; Joseph S. Lyman, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; Hiram Dewey, Lewis Co., N. Y., May, 1839. Section 7.-Allen Kennicott, Montgomery Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836; Ichabod Hart, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 7, 1837; Oliver Bostwick, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June 7,1837; William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 8.-Jacob Woodworth, Montgomery Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836; William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; John Wilson, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1837; Henry Ladd, Oneida Co., N. Y., April, 1837; Martin Blanchard, Allegan Co., Mich., September, 1843. Section 9.-I. Frost, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 14, 1836; Lathrop S. Bacon, Genesee Co., N. Y., July 11, 1836; Alfred Chappell, Allegan Co., Mich., December, 1838. Section 10.-Leinan G. Orton, Allegan Co., Mich., Dec. 17, 1836; Moore and Newman, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., July, 1837; Frank Sanford, Boston, Mass., July, 1837; Richard P. Hart, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July, 1837. Section 11.-Michael A. Patterson, Lenawee Co., Mich., Jan. 28,1836; George B. Chandler, Caledonia Co., Vt., June 6, 1836. Section 12.-Swamp-lands. Section 13.-William I. Humphrey, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 3, 1847. Section 14.-George B. Chandler, Caledonia Co., Vt., June 6, 1836; Lewis Auger, Lewis Co., N. Y., Jan. 23, 1837. Section 15.-Thomas Christy, New York City, May 4. 1836; Cotton M. Kimball, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1836; Joseph S. Lyman, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; E. G. D. Giddings, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., January, 1837; C. M. Kimball and Sidney Stafford, January, 1837. Section 16.-L. W. Fenner, Allegan Co., Mich., June 19, 1847; J. S. Fenner, Allegan Co., Mich., June 19, 1847. Section 17.-Allen Kennicott, Montgomery Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836; James H. Kennicott, Montgomery Co., N. Y., May 26, 1836; Timothy G. Crittenden, Allegan Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836; Cotton M. Kimball, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 16, 1836; Merrit Barrett, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 18.-Lancaster Gorton, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836; Edward S. Chase, Monroe Co., N. Y, May 13, 1836; Albert Cornstock, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836; Nelson Sage, Monroe 269. 270 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836; James and Allen Kennicott, Montgomery Co., N. Y., May, 1836. Section 19.-Luke Sweetser and Lucius Boltwood, Hampshire Co., Mass., Feb. 9, 1836; Ostrom, Palmer, and Martin, Oneida Co., N. Y., April, 1836; Harvey W. Chase, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1836; Nelson Sage, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1836; Timothy G. Crittenden, Allegan Co., Mich., December, 1836; L. Buckley, Allegan Co., Mich., June, 1837. Section 20.-Sweetser and Boltwood, Hampshire Co., Mass., Feb. 9, 1836; Matthew Shellman, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Feb. 10, 1836; Sweetser and Boltwood, Hampshire Co., Mass., Feb. 29, 1836; James H. Calkins, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1836; J. Frost, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1836; Darius Hinds, Bennington, Vt., July, 1836; Isaac Parks, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., January, 1837; James Strang, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 21.-Chauncey W. Calkins, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1836; Erastus H. Chappell, Wayne Co., N. Y., July, 1836; Albert G. Myrick, Rutland, Vt., July, 1836; Ichabod Hart, Wayne Co., N. Y., July, 1836; Timothy G. Crittenden, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 22.-Albert G. Myrick, Rutland, Vt., July, 1836; Ichabod Hart, Wayne Co., N. Y., July, 1836; Stephen Hammond, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 1837. Section 23.-Hiram Dewey, Lewis Co., N. Y., January, 1837; Darius P. Fenner, Onondaga Co., N. Y., September, 1839. Section 24.-Samuel Hubbard and Isaac Parks, Boston, Mass., May 13, 1836. Section 25.-William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., Jan. 25, 1837. Section 26.-Darius P. Fenner, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1839. Section 27.-Phineas L. Sherman, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 11, 1836; Stanton Renzarr, Oswego Co., N. Y., July 11, 1836. Section 28.-John McKee, Washington Co., N. Y., May 14, 1836; John Law, Washington Co., N. Y., May 14, 1836; Calvin White, Allegan Co., Mich., May 16, 1836; Orrin Roberts, Allegan Co., Mich., July, 1836; Lyman Prindle, Genesee Co., N. Y., July, 1836; Horace Jaynes, Monroe Co., N. Y., January, 1837. Section 29.-Mumford Eldred,-; Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 8, 1836; Mumford Eldred, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Feb. 6, 1836; Sweetser and Boltwood, hIampshire Co., Mass., Feb. 9, 1836; Matthew Shelman, Kalamazoo Co., Mich, Feb. 10, 1836; Amos Gould, Erie Co., Pa., April 28, 1836; William Monteith, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836. Section 30.-Sweetser and Boltwood, HIampshire, Mass., Feb. 9, 1836; Ostrom, Palmer, and Walker, Oneida Co., N. Y., April, 1836; Daniel C. McVean, Livingston Co., N. Y., May, 1836; John D. McVean, Livingston Co., N. Y., May, 1836; Allen T. Lacey, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1836. Section 31.-Daniel C. McVean, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836; John D. McKean, Livingston Co., N. Y., May 13, 1836; Joseph Divine, Allegan Co., Mich., June, 1846. Section 32.-Thomas Monteith, Livingston Co., N. Y., entire section, May 13, 1836. Section 33.-Calvin White, Allegan Co., Mich., May 6, 1836; John Law, Washington Co., N. Y., May 14, 1836. Section 34.-John McKee, Washington Co., N. Y., May 14, 1836; Ross Allard, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 17, 1836. Section 35.-Clark K. Thornton, Hancock Co., Ohio, Aug. 29, 1853; Pike and Sloane, Hancock Co., Ohio, Aug. 29, 1853. Section 36.-William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., Jan. 15,1836; Hubbard and Parker, Boston, Mass., June 6, 1836; William Dibble, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December, 1836; Frederick Rice, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December, 1836. FIRST AND OTHER EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Mumford Eldred, the first settler within the limits of this township, was a native of Pownal, Bennington Co., Vt., and passed his boyhood days in sight of the Green Mountains. After arriving at manhood's estate, he engaged for some time in buying and selling live-stock. Subsequently, the brothers Caleb (afterwards the well known Judge Caleb I Eldred, of Kalamazoo County) and Mumford Eldred established a meat-market in the village of Catskill, Greene Co., N. Y. By his first marriage, Mumford became the father of four children, viz.: Norman, Mumford, Jr., Cornelia, and Margaret. While a resident of Catskill he married, for his second wife, Miss Jane Whitaker. About 1832 he removed to Delaware Co., N. Y., where he remained two years. In the fall of 1834, accompanied by his wife and five children, viz.: Andrew, Stephen, Belinda, Elizabeth, and Catherine, he journeyed to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where his brother Caleb, his son Mumford, Jr., and many other relatives, had already became conspicuous as among the first settlers and the most active business men of that region. Mumford Eldred first located his family in the Gull Prairie settlement, where they remained about eighteen months. On the 8th day of January, 1836, he made the first purchase of land in township 2 north, of range 11 west, it being a tract of 40 acres known as the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 29. Four weeks later, however, lie bought 40 acres more, a tract described as the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of the same section. Early in the spring of 1836 (March) a substantial log house was erected upon the land first purchased, and soon after, assisted by Hugh Kirkland, of Gull Prairie, and James Flockhart, of Plainfield, Mr. Eldred and family were duly installed within its walls as the first white family in the township. The live-stock brought in consisted of a horse,-" old Black 'Hawk,"-one yoke of cattle, and a cw. The land first chosen by Mr. Eldred was prairie-like in appearance, or in other words contained an " opening," some 30 acres in extent, which invitingly awaited the approach of the pioneer's plow. To observers the improvement of these lands seemed an easy matter, and Mr. Eldred's real estate was then considered the most desirable one in the township. But with the completion of his cabin-which stood upon or near the site of William Nesbit's present residence-and the removal of his family to it, his difficulties had but just commenced. A small band of Indians, remnants of the once powerful Ottawa and Pottawattamie tribes, occupied the opening and claimed it as their own. Here, on the northern border, was their little village of bark wigwams, and farther out their scattered patches of broken soil, where the women had cultivated for many years corn, pumpkins, potatoes, etc. Here had been celebrated victories gained over their enemies, and the surrounding forests had doubtless reechoed many times with lamentations when defeat had attended their warlike expeditions. Their children had been born here, and here their dead had been prepared for the happy hunting-ground. The little prairie was their home; they were loth to depart from it. Who can blame them? Yet had Mumford Eldred been less austere and more gracious in his bearing towards them, this would not have been one of the exceptional cases in, the history of the settlement of Southern Michigan in which the white settler and his Indian neighbors were at enmity. But Mr. Eldred chose a different course; he considered the land his own, * The first purchase, being the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter. W HAiEN I-i.jI4- *l RESIDENCE OF WM.F. HARD EN, MAFrTIN TP., ALLEGAN CO., MICH. do MlARTIN TOWN'SHIP. 271 MATNTWNHP_7 the Indians as interlopers, and ordered them away. They demurred, and moved not. He plowed their little patches of loose soil and planted his crops. Upon their appearance above the surface the corn and potatoes were pulled up and the stalks scattered. His hogs, and for a truth " old Black Hawk," at last disappeared. After vain searches they were given up as gone forever, and he declared the Indians had stolen them. Terribly enraged, he again ordered his dusky neighbors from his vicinity, threatening that unless they did so within a time specified, he would fell an immense tree upon their wigwams, or such of them as its trunk and branches would reach. At the expiration of the time allowed them the Indians were still there, stoical and unconcerned in danger as only Indians can be. Eldred seized his axe, and with lusty blows began the fulfillment of his threat. They watched him intently for a few moments. The chips flew rapidly from the incisions made with his keen axe, and at last they seemed to understand that he was in earnest, that it was only a question of moments when the tree would come crashing upon them, demolishing in its fall wigwams and household idols. They called to him to desist, promising that if permitted to remain until their chief, who was sick, was able to be removed, they would depart in peace. With this understanding they remained a few days longer, and then removed to the present township of Wayland. As soon as vacated, their wigwams were burned by Eldred, and thus did he with his family become the sole occupant of the "opening." He was not fairly rid of the Indians, however, for they made frequent visits to the locality, and his crops and stock were always in danger. He had aroused a life-long enmity, and had not the Michigan Indians been so completely cowed, abject, and in fear of the white man's power, dating from the time of Tecumseh's defeat, Mr. Eldred's career would have terminated ere he had a neighbor in sight of his opening. Upon the death of the sick Indian before mentioned, his body was brought to the near vicinity of Mr. Eldred's house. A square pen of logs was constructed, roofed with bark, and inside the inclosure, in a sitting posture, was placed the remains of the dead chief, covered with his blanket. Mrs. Eldred, who is still living in the township, wherein at that time she was the only white wonian, relates that the sight of this dead warrior keeping his lonely vigil was a most distressing one to her. She could not step outside her house without looking in that direction. About one year after the death of the chief, Mr. Eldred had helping him one or two young men from Gull Prairie. Arising early one morning, they filled the pen with dry wood and brush, and then, setting the whole on fire, finally succeeded in cremating the remains. In 1837, Mr. Eldred was elected a justice of the peace of Plainfield, and while Martin formed part of the old township he held other responsible positions. As justice of the peace of the latter township he presided at the first election in Martin, in 1839, and was also elected assessor. He died Jan. 24, 1870, aged eighty-four years. Mrs. Eldred still survives, at the age of seventy-six years. A son, Samuel, who was born Dec. 10, 1836, bears the distinction of having been the first white child born in Martin. Rev. Andrew Eldred, the first child of Mumford by his second marriage, is now a distinguished divine of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Calvin White, from Canada, was the next to settle. He purchased 100 acres, situated on sections 28 and 33, May 16, 1836, and became a resident during the fall of the same year. Although a graduate of a medical college, he practiced but little here, devoting his time and energies chiefly to the clearing and improvement of his land. He was a man of many eccentricities, antagonistic in principles to a large majority of those who were his friends and neighbors, and seeking every opportunity to express his opinions concerning politics and religion. Consequently, although ambitious to wear official honors, he found great difficulty in obtaining votes when he most needed them. It is believed, however, that he was the first postmaster of the " Martin" office, which was established some time during the administration of Martin Van Buren. Walter Monteith was also an early postmaster. Cotton M. Kimball was born in Marlborough, Windham Co., Vt. About 1805, with his parents, he removed to Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y. His father, Ruel Kimball, was a teacher, and afterwards became a minister of the gospel in Lewis Co., N. Y., where he preached for thirty years. Having resided in Lewis and Jefferson Counties, N. Y., until the spring of 1836, Cotton M. Kimball then journeyed to Michigan. He arrived in the present township of Martin in May, 1836, and made choice of lands situated on sections 15 and 17. The land on section 15 was bought in partnership with one Sidney Stafford, and included a mill-site. During the summer of 1836, assisted by Stafford and residents of Plainfield, Mr. Kimball erected a log house on the latter section, 18 by 24 feet in size. This house was built of whitewood logs, and was the second dwelling erected in the township, although not the second one occupied. Mr. Kimball remained in the State until January, 1837, in order to obtain a hearing at the land-office and get a title to his land. He then returned to the State of New York on foot. In April, 1837, accompanied by his wife and three children, Huldah C., Edward R., and Henry, he began a second journey to Michigan, via the Erie Canal and Lake Erie to Detroit. The family, while en route, suffered much inconvenience and considerable sickness. At Detroit he hired a man named Stonehouse to take himself and family to that portion of Plainfield now known as Martin, for which he paid him $45. The wagon-journey, from Detroit required nine days to accomplish, and from Mumford Eldred's to the log cabin awaiting them they had to cut their own road. During the interval from the building of his house until its occupation, Dr. Calvin White, William and Walter Monteith had settled in the township. Mathew Shelman and family settled the same year (1837). Upon the organization of Martin, in 1839, Mr. Kimball was elected the first supervisor, and during a long residence there was prominent in many other positions of trust and honor. In 1843 he removed from his first location to the premises on section 17 now occupied by his son, Edward R. Kimball. Mr. Kimball and wife were prominent members of an early Methodist Episcopal class, and were also 272 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. largely instrumental in the establishment of the first Sabbath-schools. Mathew Shelman and his sons, who were prominent in the early history of Martin, established themselves first upon sections 20 and 29, a location purchased by the former, Feb. 10, 1836, and upon which he settled in the fall of 1837. Monteith is a name which has ever been conspicuous in the annals of this township since its first settlement. The progenitors of the numerous descendants living here came from Scotland prior to the Revolutionary struggle, and settled in Montgomery Co., N. Y. They very naturally espoused the cause of the colonies. The brothers, Thomas and William Monteith, the fathers and eldest members of the Monteith family who settled in Allegan County, both participated in the war of 1812. During the early settlement of Livingston Co., N. Y., members of this family, together with many other people of Scotch descent, emigrated to it from Montgomery, and impressed their nationality upon a portion of old Livingston's surface, by naming their place of settlement Caledonia. Here we find them in the year 1835. An exodus from the northwestern counties of New York to the " far West" was then in full progress, and the Monteiths of Livingston, too, soon joined the multitude of emigrants bearing down upon Michigan Territory. In the fall of 1835, William T. and Walter Monteith journeyed by the usual route from Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., to Moscow, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where they remained during the following winter. Meantime, their father, Thomas Monteith, Sr., had proceeded to the State of Illinois to view land in that region. The season was unpropitious, mud and water predominated everywhere, and, utterly disgusted with Illinois, he returned eastward as far as Kalamazoo. He visited the Gun Plain settlement, and prospected for desirable lands in this township. As a result, his sons at Moscow were invited to meet him at Kalamazoo, and on the 13th day of May, 1836, Thomas Monteith, Sr., purchased the whole of section 32, while William T. entered 280 acres situated upon section 29, being all that then remained of the latter section. Early in the spring of 1837, the brothers, William T., Walter, and Thomas, Jr., began their first improvements here. Their father did not become a resident of Martin until several years later. As before mentioned, this family have numerous representatives in the township, a majority of them being located in the southwest part, or the vicinity of Monteith Station, and they are the possessors of some of the best farming-lands in Allegan County. Prior to holding the first township-meeting, which occurred April 13, 1839, John H. Adams, John C. White, Orrin Roberts, Adam W. Miller, Peter Hanmer, and Orrin Hart became residents, and during the years 1840-41 and 42, Darius P. Fenner and Thomas J. Stancliff. Horace Sornbury, James Patterson, Thomas Monteith, Sr., Duncan A. McMartin, Thomas A. Drayton, Tyler Johnson, Daniel Cook, Eli Arnold, John Cook, Joseph Divine, Nicholas Skinner, Lovinus Monteith, Martin Blanchard, Richard H. Warn, and Rensselaer G. Smith still further increased the population of the township by the ar rival and settlement of themselves and families. The township of Wayland, including townships 3 and 4 north, of range 11 west, was set off in 1844, and the remaining resident tax-payers, as shown by the assessment-roll completed in June, 1844, were 44 in number, with property as follows: Acres. John Monteith, section 32................................. 160 R. B. Wiggins........................................... Personal Joseph Divine................................... Personal Tyler Johnson, section 17.................................. 80 Thomas Monteith, sections 31, 32........................ 318 Duncan McMartin, section 32............................. 2 Richard H. Warn, section 30........................... 160 James Monteith, section 20........................... 160 Asa N. Carpenter, section 5................................ 80 Addison Carpenter, section 5.............................. 80 Philip Miller, section 18.................................... 80 John Baird............................................... Personal Orrin Hart, section 7........................................ 161 Adam W. Miller,* section 7............................. 120 Leverett Johnson,' section 21........................ 160 B. P. Chase, section 19...................................... 100 William Russell,* section 19............................... 80 Lovinus Monteith,- section 30................ 160 Mumford Eldred, section 29................................ 40 Henry Crittenden, section 19.............................. 160 William T. Monteith,* section 29.................. 280 Lafayette Shelman, sections 20, 29....................... 120 M. L. Shelman........................................ Personal Mathew Shelman....................................... Personal Nicholas Shelman, section 20.............................. 80 Cotton M. Kimball,'' sections 15, 17.................... 149 Darius P. Fenner,- sections 10, 20, 15, 23, 26......... 559 Eli Arnold, sections 5, 16................................. 100 John H. Adams, section 4.................................. 140 Thomas A. Drayton," section 8........................... 80 Martif Blanchard, section 8............................... 80 Abiaham Shelman, section 28.............................. 40 Walter Monteith,- section 32..................... 160 Thomas Monteith, Jr.,- section 32....................... 160 John C. W hite.......................................... Personal Calvin White, sections 33, 28.............................. 100 Horace Sornbury, sections 28, 33......................... -- John Patterson, section 22................................. 80 John Casson, section 22..................................... 40 John Bloom, section 22..................................... 40 Hubbard Pratt,* section 15................................ 40 James L. Fenner, sections 11, 15...................... 119 Rensselaer G. Smith,5 section 10......................... 80 - Roby........................... Personal During the years from 1845 to 1850, Orrin A. Porter, William S. Wheeler, David Wylie, John Patterson, John Redpath, John B. Nicholson, Miland Gurley, Robert Patterson, Thomas Shepherd, John E. Borie, Joseph B. Cook, Eli H. Chase, Samuel S. Whitlock, Mathew Wylie, and Jason Gillespie also became conspicuous as residents and officeholders. At the close of the fourth decade of the present century the township still contained but a limited population, as the following statistics from the United States census report of 1850 will show: Number of dwelling-houses.......................... 62 " families.................................. 64 " inhabitants................................ 329 Value of real estate..................................... $71,000 Number of occupied farms........................... 34 " acres improved....................... 1497 Value of farms.......................................... $52,870 " farming implements, etc................... $3410 Number of horses....................................... 35 ' milch cows................................. 85 " working oxen............................. 70 " other cattle................................ 103 " sheep................................ 482 swine....................................... 257 Value of live-stock..................................... $8035 Number of bushels wheat produced in 1849..... 5051 " " rye "..... 120 " " Indian corn prod. in 1849... 6000 t " "( oats produced in 1849...... 3105 " " barley " "....... 124 * Still living. RES I D ENCE OF WM. T. MONTEITH, MARTIN,MICH. Ii II MARTIN Number of bushels buckwheat prod. in 1849... 120 " " potatoes produced in 1849.. 4430 " pounds of wool " " 1363 Value of orchard products " " 80 Number of pounds butter " " 8320 " " cheese " " 420 " tons hay " " 288 " bushels clover-seed " " 15 pounds maple-sugar " " 13,610 " water-power saw-mills.................. In 1860 the inhabitants had increased to 794 in number, and the amount and value of their products and resources in proportion. The census of 1874 (the latest) reported a total population of 1160. Although more than 2000 acres of swamp-lands lie within its borders, the central and western parts of Martin are conceded to be among the fairest and most productive found in Allegan County. Neat farm buildings and wellcultivated fields abound as a rule, and the inhabitants seem to be in the enjoyment of a high degree of prosperity. CIVIL AND POLITICAL. By an act of the State Legislature approved March 22, 1839, the township of Martin was formed from Plainfield. Section 1, of an act to organize certain townships, reads as follows: "That all that part of the county of Allegan designated by the United States survey as townships number two, three, and four north, of range number eleven west, be, and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Martin, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of John H. Adams." To Mrs. Mumford Eldred, the first white woman to reside here, was accorded the honor of naming the new township. She suggested several names, but when the Hon. George W. Barnes-the member of the State Legislature from this district-arrived in Detroit, he found that those chosen by Mrs. Eldred had already been adopted by other localities. He therefore sent in the name of Martin, as a compliment to the then President of the United States, Martin Van Buren,-a name which was universally approved by the pioneers then within its borders, and which the township bears to-day. FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING, ETC. In accordance with the act before quoted, 17 legal voters, residents of the territory described, assembled at the house of John H. Adams, on the 13th day of April, 1839, and organized by choosing Timothy Gregg, George W. Barnes, and John H. Adams inspectors of election. Mumford Eldred, Esq., and Calvin White, Esq., took seats as members of the board of canvassers by virtue of their offices as justices of the peace, they having been elected to that position in the township of Plainfield in 1837. This first meeting resulted in the election of the following officers: Cotton M. Kimball, Supervisor; Timothy Gregg, Township Clerk; John H. Adams, Treasurer; George W. Barnes, John H. Adams, Mumford Eldred, Assessors; Nicholas Shellman, Collector; George W. Barnes, John C. White, Cotton M. Kimball, School Inspectors; Abraham Shellman, Adam W. Miller, Walter Monteith, Highway Commissioners; Timothy Gregg, Abraham Shellman, Directors of the TOWNSHIP. 273 Poor; George W. Barnes, Abraham Shellman, Justices of the Peace; Nicholas Shellman, Oziel H. Rounds, Constables. At the same meeting the following resolutions were adopted: "That $100 be raised for the support of the poor the ensuing year." "That the sum of $3 be paid as a bounty on each and every wolf taken and killed in said township, and half that sum for each wolfwhelp." The total expenses incurred by the township during the year ending April 1, 1840, were $139.65, as follows: Paid to township officers.............................. $126.77 " " E. Robinson (surveyor)...................... 11.00 " E. G. Hill "..................... 1.88 $139.65 Thirty-one votes were polled at the Presidential election of 1840, and 9 additional ones in 1841. The gubernatorial election in 1845 (after the separation of Wayland) resulted as follows: For Stephen Vidtery, 26 votes; for Alpheus Felch, 17 votes. FIRST HIGHWAYS, ROAD DISTRICTS, ETC. In 1837, Road District No. 6, of the township of Plainfield, embraced within its boundaries the present towns of Martin, Wayland, and Leighton; Mumford Eldred, overseer. No highways recognized by authority existed; only the by-paths of early settlers and the trails of the aborigines traversed the region mentioned. Consequently Mr. Eldred's duties as overseer could not have been onerous. "Road No. 12," of the town of Plainfield, seems to have been the first regularly laid highway to penetrate township 2 north, of range 11 west. It was surveyed by William Forbes in January, 1838, by order of Mumford Eldred and George F. Nichols, highway commissioners of Plainfield. This road commenced 84 rods north of the southwest corner of section 8, in the present township of Gun Plain, and ran in a general northerly direction through the Monteith Settlement and Martin Corners, to the north line of Martin township, a distance of seven and threefourth miles. Roads numbered in the Plainfield records as 13, 14, 15 16, 17, and several others, were also laid out during the year 1838. The first road laid by the authorities of Martin began 22 rods north of the quarter post between sections 15 and 16, in township No. 2 north, of range 11 west; running thence, as described by field-notes, to a post near Col. Barnes' saw-mill, on the southwest quarter of section 2, in the same township. Another road began on the county-line between Allegan and Barry Counties, at the corner of sections 25 and 36 in township 3 north, range 11 west; thence to quarter post of section 33, on the south line of said township. These roads were surveyed by E. Robinson, surveyor, on the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th days of May, 1839. The first road districts in Martin were established by Commissioners Abraham Shellman and Adam W. Miller, March 20, 1840, and were described as follows: "District No. 1. To consist'of sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 30, 31, and the * Darius P. Fenner's, on section 15. 35 274 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. west half of sections 5, 8, 17, 20, 29, and 32, in township 2 north, range 11 west. "' District No. 2. To consist of all that part of said township not comprised in District No. 1. " District No. 3. To consist of the east half of townships 3 and 4 north, of range 11 west, also sections 28 and 33, in township 3 north, range 11 west. " District No. 4. Shall consist of all that part of townships 3 and 4 north, range 11 west, not comprised in District No. 3." During the intervening forty years many changes have gradually taken place in respect to highways and road districts, but it would hardly interest our readers to follow them farther. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a list of the principal township officers elected* during the years from 1840 to 1879, inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1840, George W. Barnes; 1841-42, Joel Brownson; 1843, Duncan A. McMartin; 1844, Abraham Shellman; 1845, Cotton M. Kimball; 1846, William T. Monteith; 1847, Orrin A. Porter; 1848-49, William T. Monteith; 1850, William S. Wheeler; 1851, Richard H. Warn; 1852, Eli H. Chase; 1853-57, William S. Wheeler; 1858, Luther R. Delano;t 1859, Orrin Brown; 1860-61, Thomas Shepherd; 1862, Orrin Brown; 1863, Thomas Shepherd; 1864 -65, William F. Harden; 1866-67, Orrin Brown; 1868-69, Wm. F. Harden; 1870, Thomas Shepherd; 1871, Henry Shultes; 1872 -79, William F. Harden. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1840, Timothy Gregg; 1841, Darius P. Fenner; 1842-43, John H. Adams; 1844, Horace Sornbury; 1845, Lovinus Monteith; 1846, Cotton M. Kimball; 1847, William S. Wheeler; 1848, Chester Bovie; 1849, William S. Wheeler; 1850, Chester Bovie; 1851, David Wylie; 1852, Lovinus Monteith; 1853, Silas Stafford; 1854, William T. Montieth; 1855, George G. Tuthill;4 1856-58, David Wylie; 1859-60, George B. Nichols; 1861-65, William Mathews; 1866, William T. Allen; 1867-73, William Mathews; 1874-75, Andrew Patterson; 1876, James R. Wylie; 1877-79, Thomas H. Shepherd. TREASURERS. 1840, Peter Hanmer; 1841, John H. Adams; 1842, Joseph Heydenberk; 1843, Richard H. Warn; 1844, Orrin IIart; 1845-50, Richard H. Warn; 1851, Horace Sornbury; 1852, Ebenezer Wilder; 1853, John W. Cook; 1854-56, John B. Nicholson; 1857-58, John W. Cook; 1859, Horace Sornbury; 1860-61, Harvey A. Sweetland; 1862, Horace Sornbury; 1863, Ebenezer Wilder; 1864, George T. Bruen;~ 1865, Charles HI. Howe; 1866 -67, Frederick Faling; 1868-69, Andrew Templeton; 1870-73, William H. Southwick; 1874, George F. Patterson; 1875-76, Morris Van Gelder; 1877-78, Robert A. Patterson; 1879, Arthur Anderson. JUSTICES OF TIHE PEACE. Adam W. Miller, 1840; Darius P. Fenner, 1841; George W. Barnes, 1842; William T. Monteith, John Patterson, Thomas A. Drayton, 1843; Martin L. Shellman, John Patterson, 1844; John H. Adams, 1845; Rensselaer G. Smith, 1846; William T. Monteith, Cotton M. Kimball, 1847; William S. Wheeler, 1848; John H. Adams, John Redpath, 1849; Rensselaer G. Smith, 1850; William T. Monteith, 1851; William S. Wheeler, 1852; Thomas Shepherd, 1853; Rensselaer G. Smith, 1854; Darius P. Fenner, 1855; William S. Wheeler, 1856; Thomas Shepherd, 1857; Orrin Brown, 1858; Peter Hatfield, Benjamin P. Wheeler, 1859; John Blair, Orrin Brown, 1860; William T. Monteith, 1861; Thomas Shepherd, 1862; Frederick A. Stanford, 1863; John Blair, 1864; * This list does not show all vacancies and appointments. t Thomas Shepherd appointed to fill vacancy, April 16, 1858. t David Wylie appointed to fill vacancy, June, 1855. j John Monteith appointed to fill vacancy, Aug. 25, 1864. Orrin' Brown, 1865; L. Monteith, 1866; John Hunt, 1867; John Blair, Horace Woodworth, 1868; George W. Green, 1869; Joseph H. Wylie, 1870; Cyrus L. Tousey, John L. Wheeler, 1871; Luman W. Fox, Orrin Brown, 1872; Walter Monteith, Rensselaer G. Smith, 1873; John L. Wheeler, 1874; Orrin Brown, 1875; Thomas Shepherd, 1876; John Blair, Rensselaer G. Smith, 1877; Thomas Shepherd, 1878; William Nesbit, 1879. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. Orrin Hart, George W. Barnes, Horace Sornbury, 1840; Nelson Chambers, Martin L. Shellman, Darius P. Fenner, 1841; Isaac Barnes, Joseph M. Gregg, Orrin Orton, 1842; Martin Blanchard, Tyler Johnson, Lovinus Monteith, 1843; Joseph Divine, Nicholas Shellman, Darius P. Fenner, 1844; Rensselaer G. Smith, Thomas A. Drayton, Henry Crittenden, 1845; John Cook, Thomas Monteith, Jr., John B. Nicholson, 1846; John Cook, Henry Crittenden, Thomas J. Stancliff, 1847; Miland Gurley, 1848; Robert Patterson, 1849 Thomas Shepherd, 1850; Lafayette Shellman, 1851; Robert Patterson, 1852; Adam W. Miller, 1853; William Russell, 1854; Milo E. Harding, William White, 1855; John Hunt, John E. Bovie, 1856; Stephen Eldred, 1857; Milo E. Harding, 1858; David Bradley, 1859; William F. Harden, 1860; Orrin Brown, 1861; John Hunt, 1862; Timothy G. Crittenden, 1863; Edward R. Kimball, 1864; R. B. Wallace, 1865; H. A. Walker, 1866; Robert Patterson, Thomas Monteith, 1867; Stephen Eldred, 1868; James T. Batchelder, 1869; William T. Monteith, 1870; Edward R. Kimball, 1871; Israel S. Harding, Avery A. Dwight, 1872; Avery A. Dwight, 1873; James T. Batchelder, 1874; Avery A. Dwight, 1875; Samuel Chase, 1876; Ralph Pollitt, 1877-78; Martin M. Harding, 1879. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. Arthur Anderson, 1873; Luther R. Delano, 1874; Robert Patterson, 1875; Cyrus L. Tousey, 1876; Thomas Shepherd, 1877-78. COLLECTOR. Oziel H. Rounds, 1840-41. ASSESSORS. Orrin Hart, William T. Monteith, George W. Barnes, 1840; Orrin Hart, Nelson Chambers, John 11. Adams, 1841; David Cook, Martin L. Shellman, John Patterson, 1842; Orrin Hart, Walter Monteith, 1843; Joseph Divine, John C. White, 1844; Adam W. Miller, Walter Monteith, 1845; Adam W. Miller, William S. Wheeler, 1846; Walter Monteith, Adam W. Miller, 1847; Adam W. Miller, William Russell, 1848; John E. Bovie, Adam W. Miller, 1849; Joseph B. Cook, Thomas J. Stancliff, 1850; Adam W. Miller, Thomas J. Stancliff, 1851; Uri Baker, John Patterson, 1852; William S. Wheeler, Thomas Monteith, 1861. All other years the supervisor has made the assessment. TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. George B. Nichols, 1875; Henry Shultes, 1876; Freeman D. Harding, 1877-78; Mahlon D. Harden, 1879. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. Adam W. Miller, Cotton M. Kimball, Oziel H. Rounds, 1840; James Selkrig, Isaac Barnes, William H. Warner, 1841; James Selkrig, George W. Barnes, Adam W. Miller, 1842; Darius P. Fenner, Duncan A. McMartin, 1843; Darius P. Fenner, 1844; Orrin A. Porter, 1845; Lovinus Monteith, 1846; Cotton M. Kimball, David Wylie, 1847-48; Addison Carpenter, 1849; David Wylie, Lovinus Monteith, 1850; Jason Gillespie, 1851; Orrin A. Porter, 1852; David Wylie, 1853; Alexander Gillis, 1854; Darius P. Fenner, David Wylie, 1855; Addison Carpenter, William Anderson, 1856; William Anderson, 1857; Jason Gillespie, 1858; George E. Hatfield, 1859; David Wylie, 1860; William F. Harden, 1861; David Wylie, 1862; William F. Harden, 1863; David Wylie, 1864; George B. Nichols, 1865; C. B. Smith, 1866; David Wylie, Cyrus L. Tousey, 1867; George B. Nichols, 1868; David Wylie, 1869; William F. Harden, George B. Nichols, 1870; C. B. Smith, 1871; *Burt Van Gelder, 1872; David Wylie, Martin M. Harding, 1873; Morris Van Gelder, 1874; George F. Patterson, 1875-77; Arthur Anderson, 1878; Peter D. Campbell, 1879. : a I'ESIDENCE OF AHIHURH ANUERSON, MARTIN TP., ALLEGAN CO.,MICH. SHORT HORNEO STOCK IN FOREGROUND! Ia MARtTIN TOWNSHIP.I[fP 275 MT T DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. Cotton M. Kimball, Timothy Gregg, 1840; Calvin White, Mumford Eldred, 1841; Abraham Shellman, Mumford Eldred, 1842; Calvin White, Mumford Eldred, 1843-44; Eli H. Chase, Addison Carpenter, 1845; John Cook, Thomas Monteith, 1846; Thomas A. Drayton, Samuel S. Whitlock, 1847; Thomas A. Drayton, Thomas J. Stancliff, 1848; Mathew Wylie, Joseph B. Cook, 1849; Jason Gillespie, Adam W. Miller, 1850; Asa A. Carpenter, Walter Monteith, 1851; Mumford Eldred, Cotton M. Kimball, 1852; Thomas J. Stancliff, Lafayette Shellman, 1853; John Mathews, Mathew Wylie, 1854; William Russell, William S. Wheeler, 1855; Lovinus Monteith, Walter Monteith, 1856; Adam W. Miller, Miland Gurley, 1857; Miland Gurley, Adam W. Miller, 1858. EDUCATIONAL. The first action taken by township authorities regarding schools and school districts in township No. 2 north, of range 11 west, was in the year 1837. On the 19th day of September, William Forbes, John Nichols, and George W. Kennicott, school inspectors of Plainfield, met and determined the boundaries of nine school districts. Districts numbered from 1 to 7, inclusive, were all located in the present township of Gun Plain, while district No. 8 embraced the south half of township 2 north, range 11 west, and district No. 9 included the remainder or northern half of the latter township. It is possible that schools were taught in one or both districts last mentioned prior to the organization; but, if they were, we have not been able to learn the names of teachers or any statistics regarding them. It is quite certain, however, that no school moneys were apportioned to any districts in this township while it formed part of Plainfield.* Upon the organization of Martin, in 1839, George W. Barnes, John C. White, and Cotton M. Kimball were elected school inspectors. In August of the same year this board of education, represented by Messrs. Kimball and White, met and organized two school districts, described as follows: "District No. 1 will embrace sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and the south half of sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, in township number two north, of range number eleven west, and the first meeting in said district shall be held at the house of William T. Monteith on the 14th day of September, 1839. " District No. 2 will embrace sections 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, and 19, and the north half of sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, in township number two north, of range number eleven west, and the first meeting in said district shall be held at the house of Mumford Eldred, Sept. 14, 1839." Since 1840 changes have been made almost yearly of districts and their boundaries. The records preserved relating to school matters are meagre and incomplete, and to the chronicler afford but little satisfaction. It is credibly stated that John McVeant taught the first school at Martin Corners, or old district No. 2, about 1842-43, and the first school in district No. 1, or the Monteith neighborhood, was opened at about the same time. At the close of the township election held in April, 1847, it was voted that the next annual meeting " be held in the new school-house near Lafayette Shellman's." In * See history of Gun Plain. t It is also claimed that Miss Chichester taught the first school in this district. this house Miss Huldah Kimball taught the first school, probably during the summer of 1847. On the 11th of December, 1847, Elizabeth Adams, Alsina Rose, and Jason Gillespie received teachers' certificates. From an apportionment of school moneys made in September, 1848, we gather the following: District No. 1, having 39 scholars, received........................ $27.71 " " 2, " 31 " "........................ 22.02 " " 3, "3 26 " "........................ 18.46 Fractional-district No. 3 (Wayland), having 4 scholars, received 2.84 The teachers receiving certificates during the same year were Huldah C. Kimball, Delia Divine, and Belinda Eldred. The total primary school fund apportioned during the year 1849 was $48 18. During the past thirty years, the schools of Martin have advanced in common with those of other sections. Their present condition is shown by statistics gathered from the school inspectors' report for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879: Number of whole districts................................ 5 ( fractional districts.......................... 3 " children of school age residing in the township............................... 374 " children attending school during the year.......................................... 329 " frame school-houses...................... 8 " male teachers employed.................. 8 " female " "t.................. 10 Paid male teachers.......................................... $898.25 " female "......................................... $326.50 Total resources for the year ending Sept. 1,1879, including money on hand Sept. 2, 1878, twomill tax, primary school fund, district taxes, and from all other sources..........................$1919.91 MEDICAL. Dr. Calvin White, one of the first settlers, was the first physician to reside in the township of Martin. He came from Canada in 1836, and continued a resident until his death. He never practiced here to any extent, however, as the early residents were attended by Dr. L. B. Coats, of Otsego, and Dr. Erastus N. Upjohn, of Gun Plain. Dr. Alexander Gillis, a native of Scotland, and a graduate of Edinburgh Medical College, practiced here at an early period. He finally removed to Hickory Corners, Barry Co., Mich., where he died. Dr. David Bradley removed here in 1854, from Wayland township, where he had been conspicuous as the first resident physician, an early postmaster, merchant, and tavern-keeper. He was not a medical graduate, yet was quite successful in the treatment of ordinary ailments. Dr. George B. Nichols graduated at the Castleton (Vermont) Medical College, in 1852, and thereafter until the spring of 1858, practiced his profession in Ontario Co., N. Y. He then settled at his present place of residence,-i.e., Martin Corners,-where he has long been known as the principal physician of the township. His field is an extensive one, and one in which he has been uniformly successful. Among other disciples of the healing art who, since Dr. Nichols' settlement, have practiced at various periods, there have been Drs. S. W. Thompson, George W. Houghton, and F. E. Rosenkrans. The first now resides in the village of Otsego, the latter in Plainwell. 276 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. VILLAGES AND RAILROAD-STATIONS. The villages and railroad-stations of Martin are known as Martin Corners, Monteith, and Shelbyville. The former is the most important, and includes within its limits a portion of the lot first settled upon by Mumford Eldred, in 1836. A few years later, a school-house, situated one-half mile south of the Corners, was built, and, as a crossing of country roads occurred here, the locality was convenient for holding caucuses and township-meetings, apd consequently became an early resort of the townspeople for various purposes. But it was not until the building of the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids plank-road, in 1853 and '54, that the " Corners" took on the appearance of even a hamlet. In the year last named, John Gray began the construction of a hotel. When it was only partially built, A. Haggart bought the property and finished the building. He then rented it to Messrs. Bradley & Pratt. In 1856 David Bradley became proprietor of the house, and a few months later it was burned with all its contents. The present hotel was rebuilt by Bradley soon after. A man named Phittleplace sold the first goods in 1854. Tuthill McClelland and William Mathews were also early merchants here. The Martin post-office was removed to this point upon the completion of the plank-road. In 1858 the business men at the Corners were Frederick Faling, hotel-keeper; Hugh Finley, merchant, in the building now occupied by Wylie & Shepherd; William Mathews, merchant and postmaster; Drs. David Bradley and George B. Nichols, physicians; and Peter and Stephen Hatfield, blacksmiths. Since the completion of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, in 1870, the population has gradually increased. The village of to-day contains two church edifices,-Methodist Episcopal and United Presbyterian,-two stores of general merchandise, one hotel, one drug-store, several small mechanical shops, one grist-mill, one saw-mill, grainelevators, and a population of about 200 inhabitants. MONTEITI STATION is situated near the southwest corner of the township, and is prominent only as being the point of crossing of the Grand Rapids and Indiana and the Allegan and Southeastern Railroads. SHELBYVILLE, also a station on the line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, is situated near the northwest corner of Martin township. It contains an extensive saw-mill, a store of general merchandise, several small mechanical shops, a postoffice, and some half-dozen dwelling-houses. RELIGIOUS. UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MARTIN.* The original elements of the United Presbyterian Church in North America run back through different organizations to the best days of the Reformed Church of Scotland. Owing to corruptions in the Established Church of that country, the Associate Presbyterian Church was organized in 1733, under the leadership of the Erskines, Fisher, and others; and in 1743 another branch broke off, called the Reformed Presbyterian Church, but more commonly known as Cameronians or Covenanters; Renwick, Cameron, and others being the leaders. In the course of time members of these two churches found their way to the United States, and at their request ministers were sent to preach to them. Thus these two bodies were transplanted into this country,-the Associate Presbyterian in 1753, and the Reformed Presbyterian in 1774. They differed mainly on the subject of civil government. But during the Revolutionary war they both united in the support of one government, and thus the way was prepared for an organic union, which took place in 1782, the united body taking the names of the two churches,-Associate Reformed Presbyterian. Some of the Associate Presbyterians, not entering into this union, continued the existence of their church, so that the two churches-the Associate Presbyterian and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian-existed side by side, holding substantially the same doctrines and using the same forms of worship. Descending from the same source, it was but natural that these two streams should eventually flow together, which they did in a formal union in 1858, the resultant body taking the name which it bears to day, "The United Presbyterian Church." The church of Martin having had an existence prior to 1858, and under both of the previously existing bodies, it will be necessary to notice-1. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian; 2. The Associate Presbyterian; and 3. The United Presbyterian Church. 1. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.As early as 1838 we read of Rev. T. C. McCaughan preaching in this vicinity. But what may be regarded as the origin of this church was the removal, in 1841, of Thomas Monteith, Sr., to this place from Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y. A ruling elder in the church and devoted to the cause of Christ, to him, and to his wife and family, the church of Martin is very largely indebted for its existence and prosperity. The first meetings were held in his house and barn. Among the first ministers we find the names of Revs. Wilson Blain, T. F. Kerr, J. Barnett, W. Lind, Jeremiah Dick, John N. Dick, D. B. Jones, J. A. Campbell, and J. A. Frazier. The first members came mainly from Caledonia, N. Y., and Peterhead, Scotland. In the year 1842, in answer to a petition for the organization of a church, the Rev. Wilson Blain was appointed by the Presbytery of Michigan to perform the duty of organization, which he did on the 5th of February, in the house of Thomas Monteith. The original members were as follows: Thomas Monteith, Jane A. Monteith; Isaac Maston, Jane Maston, William Walker, Elizabeth Walker, William Russell, Margery Monteith, Lovinus Monteith, Jennett Monteith, William Hay, and Mary Hay by certificate, and William T. Monteith, Walter Monteith, Elisabeth Monteith, and Daniel D. McMartin by profession. Thomas Monteith seems to have been the only elder elected at the organization. Of the 16 original members, but 7 remain. The additions to the Session were as follows: 1843, William T. Monteith and William Russell were elected, their ordination taking place June 10, 1843. In 1847, * Contributed by Rev. Wm. M. Ritchie. __ _ _ __ I_ rsl z C, m Co C] m -4 r" Sb 3 -I z: -4 --- — - -- -- r- -- -.. ---1 --—.1. - — 1 - ar I MARTIN TOWNSHIP. 277 David Wylie, an elder from Fawn River, St. Joseph Co., Mich., was received, elected, and installed. In 1849, Jason Gillespie, an elder from Graham's Church, Orange Co., N. Y., was received, elected, and installed. May 8, 1854, John Wylie, an elder from Ontario, Ind., was received, elected, and installed. The first pastor was James A. Frazier, a licentiate of the First Presbytery of Ohio. He was ordained in 1848. His pastorate was of short duration, but successful in building up the church. Having had his attention directed to the work of foreign missions, when the church resolved, in 1850, to establish a mission in Palestine, he offered himself, and was elected. He went out in 1851. In 1860, owing to the disturbances in that country, he returned to America, but in a few months resumed his work. He died at his post Aug. 30, 1863. The next pastor was Rev. William T. Canning, who came from the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia, and was installed in 1853. He labored in this place about three years. In 1856 he resigned his charge, when he removed to Canada and connected himself with the Canada Presbyterian Church, where he is still laboring. The first church building in Martin was erected by this society in 1846, mainly by the labors and generosity of Thomas Monteith, Sr. It is a comfortable framed building, erected at a cost of about $800, with a seating capacity of about 200. It is located one mile south of Martin's Corners, and is now used as a common school-house. 2. The Associate Presbyterian Chzrch.-In the year 1851 a number of persons petitioned the Home Mission Board of the Associate Presbyterian Church for the preaching of the gospel. Their petition was granted, and Rev. D. S. McHenry was sent to supply them for six months. The first services were held in the house of Robert Patterson, Sr. Some time in the fall of that year a petition was sent to the nearest Presbytery-that of Richland, Ohio-for the organization of a congregation. The petition was granted, and Rev. Samuel Anderson appointed to organize. The organization was effected on the 8th of March, 1852, at which time 12 members were received, 8 by certificate and 4 by profession. The following are the names: Robert Patterson, Jennett Patterson, Orin A. Porter, Jennet Porter, John Redpath, James Redpath, N. Davidson Redpath, Maria Redpath, Lovinus Monteith, Jennet Monteith, Charles Davidson, and Robert Davidson, -the last four by profession. At the organization Orin A. Porter and N. D. Redpath were chosen ruling elders. These two elders having been removed by death, James Redpath and John Blair were ordained to that office Feb. 5, 1855. A house of worship was erected in 1855, at a cost of about $1000, capable of seating about 250 persons. It is now used as a carriagemanufactory. This church never had a settled pastor, but was furnished with preaching in accordance with the home mission regulations of the church. Among the names of the supplies are some of the first men in the denomination, such as Revs. D. S. McHenry, James M. Smeallie, Samuel Anderson, J. B, Clark, J. H. Andrew, Samuel Patten, J. A. Shankland, Gilbert Small, and others. 3. The United Presbyterian Church.-The Presbyteries of the two churches having agreed on a basis of union, the highest courts of these bodies completed the consolidation in Pittsburgh, Pa., May 26, 1858. -Where both these churches had existed in the same place, an adjustment in regard to church property, officers, etc., was necessary. To effect this in Martin, Rev. Thomas Calahan was commissioned by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Michigan. On the 25th of November, 1858, the churches agreed on a union, the Session consisting of the elders of both of them, as follows: William T. Monteith, William Russell, David Wylie, John Wylie, James Redpath, and John Blair. The members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church numbered 45; of the Associate Presbyterian, 34; total, 79. The first pastor of the United Church was Rev. T. J. Wilson, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Chartiers, who was ordained and installed May 5, 1864. On account of feeble health he was obliged to resign. He removed to Oregon in 1868, where he has been engaged most of the time in preaching; first at Salem, at present at Halsey, in that State. Mr. Wilson's work was very successful, and he is affectionately remembered. The second pastor was Rev. John Anderson. Mr. Anderson was ordained by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Michigan. June 20, 1857, and labored in Northern Indiana until after Mr. Wilson's resignation, when he accepted a call from Martin. He was installed in 1869. He labored with great acceptance until troubles arose, when he was obliged to resign. He was released April 10,1877. Since then he has been connected with the reunited Presbyterian Church, and is laboring at Kalamazoo. Since Mr. Anderson's resignation the pulpit has been supplied by the Presbytery, the present incumbent, Rev. William M. Richie, being appointed for a year, commencing Nov. 20, 1879. The present church building was erected and dedicated in 1871, at a cost of about $6000. It is a large, wellproportioned edifice, with a seating capacity of 500 or 600, finely frescoed, the inside work being of ash and walnut. It is surmounted by a cupola with a good bell, and is heated by furnaces in the basement. Around the church are about 40 sheds, in good order, for the comfort of teams. Mr. Thomas Shepherd was elected and ordained to the Session in 1875. He, with the surviving members of the former one, make the Session as follows: William T. Montieth, David Wylie, Thomas Shepherd. The present superintendent of Sabbath-schools is John S. Monteith. Number of officers and teachers, 12; number of scholars, 60; contributions for the year, $34. Whilst many have been received into the communion of the church, many have died and others have moved away. The number of church members reported for April 1, 1880, was 124. From published records, this society has, in the last twenty years, contributed to pastors' salaries over $13,000, and for the spread of the gospel in other parts of our own land and in foreign countries, over $5000. The church is at present in a prosperous condition. Four young men, members of this church, have given themselves to the work of the ministry, and have met with much acceptance by the church: Revs. Thomas Wylie, Hebron, N. Y., died April 3,1877; Thomas W. Monteith, 278 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Port Huron, Mich.; Robert C. Monteith, North Kortright, N. Y.; Robert T. Wylie, Oxford, Pa. THE MARTIN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHIURCH.' This body was organized in 1840 by Rev. William Todd, the preacher in charge of the Allegan Circuit. The first members of the Martin class, who were Ashbel Gates (leader), Phoebe Gates, Abram Shellman, Mary A. Shellman, and a Mrs. Hanmer, held their first meeting in a small log house, situated one mile and a quarter southeast of Martin Corners. Until a school-house was built in the vicinity, other early meetings were held in the dwelling-houses of the pioneers. In time the school-house afforded them a convenient place for worship, and there their usual services were held until the building of a church edifice, in 1868. In September, 1811, Rev. F. Gage became the preacher in charge. He remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Daniel Bush, in September, 1842. Other pastors were Thomas Jakeways, who came in September, 1843; Jacob Parker, September, 1844; George King, September, 1845; M. B. Camburn, September, 1846; Curtis Mosher, September, 1847; A. J. Eldred, September, 1849; and -- Godell, in September, 1850. At the close of the year 1850 the charge was divided, and Otsego became the head of this circuit, the pastors of the Otsego. Circuit being T. H. Bignell, who came in September, 1851; A. Wakefield, September, 1852; W. F. Jenkins, September, 1853, who remained two years. In September, 1855, the charge was again divided, Otsego being set off and Martin attached to Wayland, the circuit assuming the name of the Wayland Circuit, with Porter Williams preacher in charge. He was succeeded by A. C. Beach in September, 1856; L. M. Bennett, September, 1858; Cleveland, September, 1860; J. Billings, September, 1861; - Blowers, September, 1862; C. H. Fisher, September, 1864; D. R. Latham, September, 1866; and J. R. A. Wightman, in September, 1867. The Martin class was attached to Plainwell charge in September, 1868, and the last-named pastor appointed to Plainwell, thus retaining the pastorate over the Martin class for the term of three years. In September, 1870, B. S. Mills was appointed, and he was succeeded in September. 1871, by J. W. Miller, who, after a few months, was called to Grand Traverse district. J. C. Hartley was appointed to fill out the year, and was succeeded by J. T. Iddings in September, 1872. This, with other appointments, became Martin charge in September, 1873, with Abraham J. Van Wyck pastor. He served for a short period, when, having located, D. M. Ward was appointed in his stead, who served until May 5, 1874. An exchange was then made, and N. Saunders filled out the year. The subsequent pastors have been G. W. Hoag, appointed in September, 1874; T. Clark, appointed in September, 1876; and 0. E. Wightman, the present incumbent, who was appointed in September, 1877. Under the pastorate of J. R. A. Wightman, in January, 1868, a house of worship was completed and dedicated. It is a neat wooden structure, pleasantly situated in the vil I I lage of Martin Corners, and contains about 225 sittings. The church is in a prosperous condition. It has a present membership of 165 persons. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HON. WILLIAM F. HARDEN. Hiram Harden was born in the township of Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., where his ancestors had lived many years. About the year 1820 he emigrated to the town of Williamson, Wayne Co., N. Y., where his son, William F., was born July 19, 1830. At that early day (1820) Wayne County was a new country, and Mr. Harden bought a farm in the midst of an almost unbroken wilderness. This farm he cleared up and improved, living on it half a century, leaving it to go into the village of Williamson a few years previous to his death. Wm. F. grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a good commonschool education. Arrived at his majority, he worked for seven years his father's farm on shares, teaching school winters. In this way he got his first start in life. In 1858, Mr. Harden and his wife came to Martin township, Allegan Co., Mich., on a visit, and while here bought of his brother-in-law one hundred acres of the farm on which he now resides. It was partly improved, and embraced a small barn and a log house. To the farm then bought Mr. Harden has since added, until he now owns three hundred and ten acres, of which two hundred and fifty-five acres are under a splendid state of cultivation, with a large house and many and fine out-buildings, while he stands high as one of Martin's most successful farmers and business men. In politics Mr. Harden was in early life a Whig, as were his ancestors before him. On the organization of the Republican party he became one of its most ardent supporters, and still believes it to be the party of progress and civil liberty. He has been many times its standard-bearer, having been in his township school inspector, highway commissioner, and for twelve years supervisor,-eight years successively. In 1876 he represented his county on the State board of equalization, and in 1875 was elected to represent his district in the lower house at the special session of the State Legislature, to which he was again elected for the full term of 1875-76. He served as chairman on the committee on federal relations, and as a member of the committee on local taxation. All of which positions Mr. Harden has filled with credit and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. On the 29th day of September, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary J. Wilcox, who was born in Wayne County, where her parents were among the earliest settlers. She was a daughter of Earl and Jane (Stewart) Wilcox, and was born Aug. 21, 1830. Their union has been blessed with five children, as follows: Josephine J., born March 31, 1853; Malon D., Nov. 6, 1855; Jennie E., Sept. 19, 1860; Hattie M., May 7, 1866; and Cora B., May 11, I * From data furnished by Rev. 0. E. Wightman. 1872. -~-~- - DR. G. B NICHOLS. Dr. G. B. Nichols was born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., June 12, 1827. His father, Alfred Nichols, was born in Suffield, Hartford Co., Conn., July 27, 1802, and is still living. In the year 1825 he emigrated to Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., and March 8, 1826, was married to Miss Angeline Lyon, who was born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1808, and died Oct. 21, 1873. G. B. Nichols, who was the oldest of their family, during his boyhood attended the best schools his town and vicinity afforded, and while in his teens commenced teaching school winters and working by the month, farming, summers. In the spring of 1848 he entered the office of his uncle, Dr. Lester Sprague, an old and successful practitioner in Naples, and commenced reading medicine, continuing to teach winters to furnish the "sinews" to pursue his studies and enter college. He attended the session of 1850-51 at Geneva Medical College, New York, and graduated at Castleton Medical College, Vermont, in November 1852, and from that time has practiced his profession. After his graduation he returned and practiced with Dr. Sprague until 1858. On Dec. 21, 1853, he was married to Miss Eunice M. Watkins, daughter of Bingham and Mary Watkins. She was born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Nov. 1, 1832. She has ever since been the willing helper, noble woman, and faithful wife, contributing much to the success and prosperity of following years. In the spring of 1858, Dr. Nichols thought it best to seek a new field of labor, and started for the West, driving his horse and sulky, and arrived at Martin, Allegan Co., Mich., in due time. He was in a strange land, poor in purse, but rich in energy, willing to work, and strong in confidence of success. Strangers extended the friendly hand, gave the cheery, heartfelt welcome, while the latchstring hung out from every door of all the nationalities that constituted the then sparse population of the town of Martin. Soon friendships and associations were formed, which grew warmer, stronger, and more dear and mature as succeeding years passed, the recollections of which are freighted with pleasure and gratitude that his lot was cast among such. Dr. Nichols has for over twenty-two years practiced medicine in Martin and its surrounding towns, and by his energy and untiring perseverance met with marked success, and now has an extensive and lucrative practice. Dr. Nichols is and has been throughout his life a hard student, thus keeping up with the times and making himself proficient in the profession he loves. He has always been an active Republican, preferring rather to work in the "ranks" than to hold a "commission." Gave his first vote, in 1848, for "Free-Soil," Van Buren, and Adams. *\, MARTIN TOWNSHIP. '279...... WALTER MONTEITH. Among the early settlers of Allegan County there are few, if any, who have done more to advance the best interests of the county, its growth and prosperity, than Walter Monteith. Of Scotch descent and born in the town of Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., he grew to manhood among the sturdy Scotsmen by whom that town was settled, and from them learned lessons of industry and sterling honesty which have followed him through life, making him one of that class from which the ranks of American pioneers have been recruited. His educational advantages were limited to the common schools of his day, while his knowledge of the world and its people have never been limited, but have expanded year by year. In the fall of 1835, Mr. Monteith, in company with his brother William, came to Michigan, stopping first in Hillsdale County, where they remained until the following July, working at whatever they could find to do. They then returned to New York. While in Hillsdale, Mr. Monteith cast his first vote, it being for town offices and he voting the Whig ticket. In the spring of 1837 the brothers again came West, driving through with a team. From Detroit they came to Kalamazoo, and from there to Plainwell. In the town of Martin their father had bought of the government section 32; to this land they followed an Indian trail from Gun Plain, no road having been cut through at that time. There were then but two families in the township, those of Mr. Eldred and Mr. White. On the farm now owned by Walter the brothers built a log house, and at once commenced to improve and clear their land. They broke up and the same season sowed ten acres to wheat, which was their start in life. Their father afterwards gave each of his boys a quarter section, which was their only help. The first four years Mr. Monteitll boarded himself part of the time, being impelled thereto by the low state of his finances. At that time the people of Martin went to Plainwell to vote, and to Kalamazoo and Plainwell for their supplies, while their nearest mill was at Pine Creek. The new farm Mr. Monteith then moved on to, has now become one of the fine farms of Martin, and is the work and management of he who cut upon it the first tree, and who now in the evening of life sees around him cleared fields, fences, and buildings, and who has gained more than a competency,-the result, not of speculation, but of honest toil, good management, and adherence to the calling which he so well understands. His farm now consists of three hundred and thirty acres of land in Martin and a large tract in Nebraska. In politics Mr. Monteith is a Republican; he was the first assessor in the town, and one of the first road commissioners. He has been for thirty-five years a member of the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was many years a trustee. He has always taken a deep interest in church matters, and has done his share towards building three churches. On the 14th day of March, 1840, Mr. Monteith was married to Miss Elizabeth McMartin, daughter of Duncan and Margaret (McArthur) McMartin. Their ancestors were born in Scotland, from whence they emigrated to Johnstown, N. Y., where Elizabeth was born, April 14, 1814. Their union has been blessed with five children, as follows: Margaret E., born May 15, 1844; Arthur, June 2, 1848; Mary, July 26, 1850; Millard, Sept. 15, 1855; and Catherine A., Sept. 26, 1859. 280 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. WILLIAM T. MONTEITH. Among the old and prominent families of Allegan County are the Monteiths, who settled in the town of Martin when there were but two families in the township. They are of Scotch origin. William, the grandfather of the present William T., was born in Stirling, in the lowlands of Scotland, June 4, 1743, and was one of a long line of Monteiths who trace their lineage back to the early days of Scotch history. He emigrated to America and settled in Broadalbin, Montgomery Co., N. Y., prior to the Revolution, in which war he took an active part. He took up and improved a farm in Broadalbin, where he was among the first settlers, and where lie lived until his death, at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. His family consisted of five sons and two daughters, Thomas, the father of William T., being the youngest, and born March 10, 1792, on the old homestead in Montgomery County, where he grew to manhood. In 1812 he married Miss Jane Allen, and a couple of years later moved into Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., then an almost unbroken wilderness, where he bought fiom the government a tract of wild land, which he cleared and improved, and on which he resided until about 1840, when he sold out and moved into Martin township, where he had previously bought from the government and divided among his sons the entire section 32. He bought more land, which he cleared up and on which he lived until his death, which occurred Feb. 13, 1858. Mr. Monteith was a Scotch Presbyterian of the old school, and did much to advance the cause of religion in his vicinity. Iis wife still resides on section 32, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. There were born to them five sons and three daughters, of whom William T. was the oldest child. He was born Aug. 7, 1813, in Broadalbin, but grew up on the farm in Caledonia. His education was such as could be obtained at the winter schools of his district. In the fall of 1835 he came to Michigan in company with his brother Walter, stopping during the winter in Hillsdale County, working at anything they could get to do. The following summer they returned to New York, where they remained until the next spring, when, as set forth in Wal. ter's biography, they returned to Michigan, and settled on the land previously entered in Martin by their father. William helped his brother get started on his land, and then returned again to New York, where, on the 16th day of May, 1839, he was married to Miss Margery Sinclair, who was born in Caledonia, June 9, 1813. Her parents emigrated from Scotland. Soon after his marriage Mr. Monteith returned to Martin, and settled on the quarter-section where he still resides, and on which he intends to pass the remainder of his days. To the farm he has added until he now owns one of the fine large farms for which Martin is noted, the work of his own hands and management. He is, and for forty years has been, a member and elder of the United Presbyterian Church, to the advancement of which he has ever done his share. He has also been prominent in Sabbath-schools, of which he has been superintendent for twenty-five years. In politics Mr. Monteith is a stalwart Republican, in early life a Whig. He was among the first supervisors of his township, which office he held four terms, justice of the peace sixteen years, town clerk one year, and road commissioner one term. By the old residents of the town he is spoken of as one who did much to help the new-comers in an early day,-not by words alone, but by efficient aid, enabling them to get a start in a new country,-and there are many who remember him with gratitude and affection. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Monteith the following children: Margaret Ann, July 9, 1841; Thomas W., Dec. 3, 1843; John L., Feb. 15, 1846; Jane, July 27, 1848; William H. and Margery L. (twins), Sept. 1, 1851 (William H. died Dec. 31, 1851); Elizabeth S., Nov. 26, 1855; and Eudora, born Dec. 30,1861. ARTHUR ANDERSON. Among the enterprising farmers of Martin township, there are none who have done more to show that success depends upon energy, industry, and enterprise than Arthur Anderson, who was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Nov. 22, 1838. In 1852 his father, William Anderson, left his home in the lowlands of Scotland, where many generations of Andersons had lived and died, and in a sailing vessel embarked for the New World beyond the sea. They landed in Quebec, Canada, on the 24th day of May, 1852, and soon after came to Gun Plain township, in Allegan County, where the elder Mr. Anderson bought a farm, and on which Arthur grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. He remained with his father until his marriage, March 28,1865, to Miss Ann Robertson, daughter of John and Jannette (M'Donald) Robertson, who was born in Scotland (from whence her family emigrated in 1856), Dec. 30, 1846. In 1865, Arthur bought of Mr. Patterson two hundred acres of land in Martin township, running in debt for the most of it. To this he has since added eighty acres, making a large farm, and one well adapted to stock-raising, which Mr. Anderson is now making a specialty. In 1873, wishing to improve his stock, he bought of the State Agricultural College a fine short-horned Durham, called Capt. Absolute, and numbered 13,599. The following year he purchased the Crown Prince, numbered 13,738. Previous to this he had purchased of E. L. Smith, of Kalamazoo, the Roan Beauty and Minnie Harris. In 1877 Mr. Anderson, wishing to still improve his herd of short-horns, bought of Isaac Runyan two very fine animals, known as May Flower and Sturgis Maid. Two years later, becoming more interested in the handling of blooded cattle, and believing that money expended in improving his herd was means well spent, he purchased Clement, numbered 11,519, of Richard Daugherty This animal was one of the finest ever brought into the State, he having taken the first premium at the Northern Ohio Fair when two years old, and afterwards sold for one thousand dollars. The same year he bought the Hampton Lad, numbered 23,388, sired by the second Duke of Oneida, who sold for twelve thousand dollars at the New York Mills' sale. Other fine animals have MARTIN TOWNSHIP. 281 MT T at different times been added to the herd, thereby keeping up the reputation of his stock, which has given Mr. Anderson many customers and ranks him among the successful breeders of fine stock. In politics Mr. Anderson is a Republican, and has filled the offices of drain commissioner and town treasurer, and is now president of the Martin Protection Society. He is, and has been since he was twenty years old, a member of the United Presbyterian Church. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson six children, viz.: William H., Dec. 15, 1865, died Dec. 27, 1870; John C., Dec. 16, 1868; Jessie J., July 29, 1870; Jenniq M., April 24, 1873; Ann E., May 11, 1876; and Arthur, March 31, 1880. ANDREW' On the Cauldhame farm, in Ayrshire, Scotland, there has resided for generations the Templetons, one of the old and honored families of that historic land. On this farm generation after generation of the family have been born, have lived, and died. From time to time different members of the family on reaching manhood have left the old farm and emigrated to the New World beyond the sea, where they have become useful and influential members of society. Such an one was Andrew Templeton, of whom this brief sketch is written. He was born on the old farm Jan. 29, 1825, and remained there until he arrived at his majority, receiving a fair education. In 1852 he emigrated to America. Upon landing in New York City, Mr. Templeton went to Martin township, in Allegan County, where he had cousins living. In July, 1854, he bought of a Mr. Wolcott one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 19. It was all new, and Mr. Templeton at once commenced to improve his farm and erect buildings. That his efforts were crowned with success is shown by one of the finest 36 TEMPLETON. farms in Martin, with a beautiful house and grounds and fine out-buildings. Ile was brought up in the United Presbyterian faith, with which church he united at an early age, and of which he remained an esteemed and consistent member until his death. In politics Mr. Templeton was a Republican, and was by that party elected to different offices, which he filled with credit and ability. He was a man of sterling worth, of fine business qualities, and one esteemed by all who knew him. He died March 25, 1873, mourned and regretted by many friends and acquaintances. On the 23d day of May, 1855, Mr. Templeton was joined in marriage to Miss Susan G. McFarlan, daughter of Alexander D. and Elizabeth (Allen) McFarlan. She was born in Broadalbin, Fulton Co., N. Y., July 3, 1829. Her parents were of Scotch descent, her father having been born in Scotland, from whence his parents emigrated when he was an infant. They settled in Broadalbin when that country was new, and where Mr. McFarlan lived and died. 289 ". HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. DUNCAN C. McVEAN. Among the pioneers of America who left the old country to make for themselves and their posterity homes in a country where land was plenty and cheap, there came from the highlands of Scotland representatives of the McVean and Creighton families. Daniel McVean came with the British army during the Revolutionary war, he having enlisted on condition that at the close of the war he could return or remain, as he saw fit. He was a sergeant, but remained with the army only until he could honorably leave it. After the war he emigrated to Montgomery Co., N. Y., which was then new, and where he was among the first settlers. He bought three hundred acres of land, which he cleared and improved, and on which he died. His son Duncan was born on the old homestead, in Johnstown, where he remained until after his marriage to Miss Jennette Creighton, when he moved into Livingston Co., N. Y., where he was a pioneer. His wife's father, Daniel Creighton, came from Scotland soon after Daniel McVean, Sr., and also settled in Montgomery County. Duncan McVean bought one hundred and fifty acres of land in Livingston County, which he made into one of the fine farms of that county, and where he passed the remainder of his days. There were born to them seven children, of whom Duncan C. was the sixth. He was born in Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 29, 1826; remained with his father until he was twenty years old, receiving a common-school education, with one year at the Genesee Academy. In 1846, Mr. McVean came to Michigan, coming to Buffalo with a team and wagon. At Buffalo he, with his team, took passage on a steamer for Detroit; then, following the old Territorial road, he came to Allegan County, arriving in Martin in September, where he bought of the government the southwest quarter of section 30, in partnership with his brothers John and Daniel C., whose interest he afterwards purchased. To this farm he has added, until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of wellimproved land, one hundred acres of which he has chopped and cleared himself, and on which he has built a fine house and out-buildings, a view of which appears on another page of this work. In politics Mr. McVean is an ardent Republican, but not a politician; in religion a Presbyterian, of which church he has been a member twenty-five years. In 1852, Mr. McVean was married to Mary Johnson, who died March 24, 1853. On the 29th day of November, 1855, he was again married, his choice being Miss Mary Davidson, who was born in Pavilion, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1836, daughter of Robert and Mary (Simpson) Davidson, who emigrated from Scotland. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McVean nine children, viz.: Franklin D., Daniel J., Mary A., Flora A., Elizabeth, Hugh D., Jennette F., Millard C. and Marion S., twins. i - M O N TT E E Y. NATURAL FEATURES. MONTEREY, which is designated on the United States survey as township No. 3 north, in range 13 west, is one of the most important townships of Allegan County, not only from the excellence of its land, but from the wealth and intelligence of its citizens. It is bounded on the north by Salem, on the east by Hopkins, on the south by Allegan, and on the west by Heath. Its surface is remarkable for its varied aspect, the township containing numerous hills of moderate elevation and valleys of rich and luxuriant verdure. Some of these hills are sufficiently high to afford an extended view of the surrounding landscape; but it is only at a few points that the land is so rugged as to offer any obstacles to cultivation. There are some small bodies of water to be found in Monterey, but no large ones. The most important is Dumont Lake, a portion of which lies on sections 32 and 33, the remainder being in the township of Allegan. There are one or two smaller sheets, but they can hardly be dignified by the name of lakes. A creek of some importance flows from the northwest corner of the township, which has a fall rapid enough so that it might be utilized for mills or manufactories. The township is also well watered by numerous smaller streams. The soil of Monterey is varied, the level land being composed of clay, sand, and gravel, with a large proportion of gravel also in the hills. There is occasionally a bit of swampy land, but much of this has since been made arable. This soil is especially adapted to the growth of grain, of which it produces large crops. Wheat is the staple product of the township, some of the residents claiming precedence for Monterey, in this regard, over all the rest of the county. The enormous amount of 51j bushels of wheat to the acre was produced on a small tract of land by one of its farmers, though this is of course very exceptional. Monterey was formerly especially well supplied with timber, but the larger portion of' this has been cut for market. It was composed of beech, oak, elm, basswood, pine, black walnut, and white and black ash, and there are considerable quantities of these kinds of timber still standing. A strip of pine-land is found on the western boundary of the township, and the northeast corner also has a limited amount. The soil and climate of Monterey are well adapted to the culture of fruit, and fine orchards adorn nearly all the farms of the township. Apples are a staple crop, and peaches are grown with so much success as to warrant many farmers in devoting much time and labor to their growth. Grapes and cherries also find here a congenial soil. * By E. O. Wagner. FARM & RESIDENCE OF GEO. T LAY, MONTEREY, MICHIGAN. A MONTEREY TOWNSHIP. 283 ' ORIGINAL PURCHASES OF LAND. Monterey was surveyed September, 1831, by Lucius Lyon, and the lands of the township were originally purchased from the government by the following individuals: Section 1.-Bought from 1835 to 1836 by Charles E. Stuart, Samuel Hubbard, James B. Murray, Willard Dodge, E. C. Lowrie, George C. Stevenson, John Stevenson (assignee), Charles A. Clark. Section 2.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Samuel Hubbard, Talcott Howard, Benjamin Eager, Cornelius Ogin, Charles W. Lowrie. Section 3.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Talcott Howard, Philip Davis, Edwin Callender, David Smith, Bennett Beard, Ava Jones, Charles W. Lowrie. Section 4.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Talcott Howard, David D. Davis, Rodney D. Hill, Oramel Griffin, Frazier Luce and Charles S. Mixer. Section 5.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Samuel Iubbard, Rodney D. Hill, James Seymour, Frazier Luce and Charles S. Mixer. Section 6.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Niram Abbott, William Hayer, G. M. Thompson. Section 7.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Z. C. Priest, Abel Drenton, George B. Swan, Otis Harrington. Section 8.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by R. D. Hill, Z. C. Priest, Horace M. Burch, F. Luce and C. S. Mixer. Section 9.-Bought in 1836 by C. C. Trobridge, Frederick Booher, R. D. Ilill, Nelson Aldrich, Horace M. Burch. Section 10.-Bought in 1836 by Frederick Booher, R. S. Parks, Nelson Aldrich, Elias Streeter, Edrick Atwater, H. P. Alexander. Section 11.-Bought from 1835 to 1852 by Samuel Hubbard and Isaac Parker, Horatio Price, William Merryman, Josiah White, John Howard (assignee). Section 12.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Samuel Hubbard, N. H. Brown, E. T. Throop, Josiah White, Reuben Clark, Gibson Brown. Section 13.-Bought from 1836 to 1847 by Daniel Wooden, S. Hubbard and Isaac Parker, Thomas Brown, E. T. Throop. Section 14.-Bought in 1836 by Hamilton White, S. Hubbard and I. Parker, Calvin Miller. Section 15.-Bought from 1835 to 1836 by Horace Wilson, C. C. Trowbridge. Section 16.-Bought from 1$47 to 1856 by A. F. Briggs, N. Goodell, F. Day, E. Hagmin, William Briggs, A. Moreheart, M. Ilenton, J. Plotts and G. W. Plotts, James Eggleston, Osman Smith, A. F. Briggs and C. Briggs, Hiram Plotts, John Eggleston. Section 17.-Bought from 1836 to 1852 by Alfred Mann, Elias Beach and Horace M. Beach, William Iloyer. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by Charles Hollister, Z. C. Priest, G. W. Secoucarte, F. H. Rider, G. C. Rush. Section 19.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Chandler Hollister, Ambrose Belden. Section 20.-Bought in 1836 by Chandler Hollister, Elias Beach. Section 21.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Nelson Sage, Justus Bond, Elias Beach, Edward L. Day, 0. C. Atwater, Richard Talcott. Section 22.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by C. M. Cooper, Hiram Sabin, Gilblas Wilcox, Martin Loder, Hiram Hickox, Benjamin Eager. Section 23.-Bought in 1836 by Charles Butler. Section 24.-Bought in 1836 by Chas. Butler, John Alury and Horatio G. Wolcott. Section 25.-Bohght in 1836 by Charles Butler, Nelson Sage. Section 26.-Bought in 1836 by Samuel Wilcox, Charles Butler. Section 27.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Nelson Sage, James B. Murray, Edward H. Macy. Section 28.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Nelson Sage, J. B. Murray, Elias Beach, Isaac Dexter, Philo Van Keuren, Frazier Luce and C. S. Mixer. Section 29.-Bought from 1836 to 1851 by L. H. Sanford, Spencer March, D. A. McMartin, Jesse Benjamin. Section 30.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Chandler Iollister, Willard Dodge, Frazier Luce. Section 31.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Peter Dumont and John Robinson, Jr., Chester Wetmore, Chandler Hollister, Silas Hubbard, Wm. A. Stewart, Frazier Luce. Section 32.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Peter Dumont and John Robinson, Milo Winslow and Amos Brownson, Osman D. Goodrich, Phineas Searl, James McCenly. Section 33.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Samuel Hubbard, C. C. Trowbridge, A. T. McReynolds, Richard Talcott. Section 34.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Samuel Hubbard, Charles Butler, Isaac R. Elwood. Section 35.-Bought from 1836 to 1848 by Alexander Crocker, Edwin M. Clapp, Lorid Austin, Huram Ross. Section 36.-Bought from 1837 to 1867 by E. P. Dwight, Robert Calvin, Henry Manty, Bethel P. Dean, John Cummint, Fred'k Webber. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The year 1836 witnessed the first settlement of Monterey, the earliest pioneer to make a permanent location being Gil Bias Wilcox. He had removed from Rochester, N. Y., the same year, and after remaining a few days in Allegan repaired to the southwest quarter of section 22, in township 3 (now Monterey), which had been previously entered for him by John Swezy. Several choppers had been employed by Alexander L. Ely to clear a tract of land in the township, owned by him, who remained only during their term of labor, and did not become permanent settlers. Mr. Wilcox had provided himself with a cloth tent, under which he obtained temporary shelter, devoting himself at once to the work of clearing some garden-ground and build-ing a house, and repairing once a week to Allegan for provisions. At the expiration of a month he had completed a very comfortable log structure, to which his family, which had meanwhile remained in Allegan, was removed. A suffitient tract had also been cleared to provide them with garden products. Indians, wolves, bears, deer, etc., were of course abundant. There was not a road in the township, one which had been surveyed in 1832 not having been opened. Messrs. Wilcox and Swczy obtained a contract to open this road for a distance of six miles. The following summer Mr. Wilcox built a barn, the cost of which was liquidated by the sale of corn and potatoes he had raised. He was for a while diverted from his farming by the excitements of a boatman's life on the Kalamazoo River, but returned ere long and worked steadily to improve his land. He remained in Monterey until his removal to Trowbridge, where he now resides. The first birth in the township was that of a son of Mr. Wilcox (whom he named Elijah), an event which occurred on the 1st day of October, 1837. Another early birth occurred in the family of John Swezy. The first death in the township was that of one of the choppers employed by Alexander L. Ely, on section 34, the name of the individual having been Tanney or Penney, as nearly as can be recollected. His disease was similar to that known to modern science as diphtheria, though unfamiliar to the practitioners of that day. This was unquestionably the first death in the township. The next pioneer who made Monterey his home was Henry Wilson. He came from Rochester, N. Y., in 1836, and took possession of 160 acres, which had been previously entered by his brother Horace, on section 15. He built a house and remained upon the place where he resided three years. He then moved to section 26, where he lived several years, and finally took up his residence in Heath, where he died. His brother, Horace Wilson, who has already been alluded to as having cleared the plat on 284 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I. which the village of Allegan is located, moved to the farm which Henry had vacated, and remained there a few years. He subsequently located upon section 26, but ultimately moved back to Allegan, where he died. John Swezey was the third settler in Monterey. He entered 160 acres of land on section 22 (which he reached by following the Indian trail from Allegan) in 1836, but did not make a permanent location upon it until 1837, having, on his arrival in 1835 from Rochester, N. Y., his former home, taken up his residence in Allegan. After working for two years for Mr. Ely he built a house on his land and removed thither with his family. The earliest preaching in the township occurred at his home in 1837, Rev. Bradley Granger having officiated on that occasion. Elders Tyler and Gage also preached occasionally in Monterey in the pioneer days. The foregoing facts are obtained from Messrs. Swezy and Wilcox. From Akron, Ohio, came Leonard Ross in 1837, who located upon 80 acres on section 27, which he found entirely uncleared. Like others, while building his cabin and making his first clearing he had to depend on Allegan for supplies, which were so extravagant in price as to render it almost impossible to obtain more than the bare necessaries of life. Pork, the staple article of diet for the laboring man, was $18 per hundred, salt cost the same sum per barrel, and other articles were proportionately high. One of the earliest settlers was Noah Briggs, whose advent in Allegan occurred in 1836, he having been a former resident of Oswego, N. Y. Two years later he located upon 80 acres on section 15. His household goods had been shipped from his New York home by lake, and had been lost during a storm, so that when the family moved to Monterey they were almost destitute of the articles necessary for keeping house. Mr. Briggs and his family, however, struggled bravely with adverse circumstances, and soon made themselves a comfortable home. He increased his original 80 acres to 240, but ultimately removed to Kalamazoo County, where he died in 1875. Nicholas Brown came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1838, and settled on 125 acres of uncleared land on section 12. Lemuel Wilcox, the father of Gil Blas Wilcox, came from Rochester, N. Y., in 1836, and made his temporary residence in Allegan. In 1837 Ale moved to Monterey with his family, where he had purchased 80 acres on section 21. His son, Samuel Wilcox, then a lad, was with him. In 1849 the latter bought 50 acres on section 36, but soon exchanged it for a tract on section 28, where he cleared up a farm. He afterwards removed to Monterey Centre, where he now resides. Frederick S. Day, another Rochester pioneer, removed from that city in 1838 to Watson, Allegan Co., where he remained three years, after which he purchased 120 acres in Monterey, on section 21. On this land a small piece had been chopped, but the larger portion was still uncleared. No road had yet been opened, and the Indian trail, along which the whites had cut away the underbrush, was the main highway to Allegan. Small bands of Indians frequently stopped at Mr. Day's residence on their way to Grand Rapids, where government money and supplies were apportioned to them, but they were always friendly to the whites. Sylsbre Rumery purchased land on section 34 in 1839, and still resides upon it. From Chenango Co., N. Y., Hiram Sabin came to Allegan village in 1835, and the year following entered 80 acres on section 22, but did not then take up his residence upon it. He devoted his time principally to lumbering, but occasionally did some work on his place, until in 1843 he had a comfortable house and 12 acres under cultivation. In that year he married, and the very next day he repaired with his young wife to his farm and began life amid the forests of Monterey. His nearest neighbor was Harvey Kenyon, who had 53 acres upon section 15. Mr. Sabin had raised a bountiful crop of grain and vegetables the year before their advent, and the young couple was, therefore, better supplied than the average of new beginners iu the wilderness. Mr. John Swezy and Mr. Sabin are the only ones among the surviving pioneers of Monterey now residing upon their original farms. Another representative of Ohio is the venerable William Briggs, a brother of Noah Briggs, who located upon section 21 in 1845, where he had previously secured 80 acres. His brother's house afforded him a shelter until he could build a residence on his own land, the lumber for which came from Peter Dumont, in Allegan. Afterwards he moved to section 21, near the centre of the township, where he now resides. Joseph Tanner, another pioneer of 1845, located west of the centre, upon section 21. The following season he purchased the farm which had formerly belonged to Gil Blas Wilcox, on section 28, where he remained until his death, in 1872. James McAlpine came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1845, and settled upon 80 acres on section 28, remaining with the family of Fluskey Atwell until he made his own land habitable. He chopped 20 acres the first year, which he speedily made productive. With Mr. McAlpine came his brother Willis, who assisted him in the improvement of his land and afterwards returned to his old home in New York. Ira Miller came with two sons to the township in 1847, having been a former resident of Ohio. On section 14 he purchased 160 acres of wild land. On section 15 lived Lewis Huttleston, his nearest neighbor, who afterwards removed to Kalamazoo County. Mr. Miller died at the residence of his son, Chandler F. Miller, on section 23. Another son, Madison Miller, resides upon section 15. Among the most successful of the pioneers of Monterey is John M. Granger. He removed from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1849, and, in connection with his brother, purchased 400 acres of Charles Howard, of Detroit, on sections 21, 22, and 28. Of this land Mr. Granger retained 120 acres, on which he now resides. The township at this time was being rapidly settled, and the work of the laborer was apparent in the fields of lofty corn and waving grain that had superseded the ancient monarchs of the forest. John M. Granger's brother, Eli D. Granger, came soon afterwards, and located upon a portion of the original 400 acres. Mr. Granger was a graduate of the New York State Normal School, and a gentleman of scholarly attainments. He, however, adapted himself to the rugged life of a pioneer, :1 f rr I A pik::I FI m //:,. JOSEPH THORN. M s. JO -S EP - R N-. - "s It& FX ~ K i.:ri # l't,. t- *., t^**^ i 'lt -?6^ <-.~JR E" lu,.;A;,; -.~~al*be RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH TH U0-N, MONTEREY, MICH. N MONTEREY TOWNSHIP. 285 built him a house, and at once began the labor of clearing his land. His death occurred in Kalamazoo County in 1866. B. F. Granger, another brother, located, in 1852, upon section 26, where he owned 80 acres, which were purchased of William Knapp, of Allegan. Christian Renzehousen emigrated from Ohio in 1852, and settled upon section 25, where he became the possessor of 70 acres of land. His original purchase was 160, which he divided with his brother, who has 90 acres. The latter, August Renzehousen, came two years later. John Goodell, on his arrival from Cleveland, first settled in Trowbridge, but, in 1849, came to Monterey, where he secured 40 acres on section 10. To this he has added at varioufs times, until he now has 220 acres in the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Goodell had no neighbor for a distance of sixteen miles north and for twenty miles west. Noah Briggs was near him on the south, and Thomas and Nicholas Brown had located on the east, two and a half miles away. Mr. Goodell removed to his present farm in 1858. John Chase, a native of the State of New York, became a resident of Monterey in 1851, having purchased 80 acres on section 36. After making many improvements upon it' he finally removed to Kansas. Mr. Chase was a publicspirited citizen, and very active in promoting the interests of the township. Joseph Thorn, formerly of Ohio, purchased of Robert Weeks 160 acres on section 25. He was, for some time after his advent, a member of Horace Wilson's family, but finally removed to his own land, where he at present resides. C. F. Kenyon, another native of the Buckeye State, pur. chased a farm of William Hoyer, which had previously been entered by Osman Smith on section 16, but boasted no other improvement than a log house. William Hoyer resided south of him, on section 21, and was his nearest neighbor. Mr. Kenyon still resides upon his original purchase. The largest landed proprietor in Monterey is George T. Lay, who includes in his possessions 960 acres of land, his residence being located on section 25. Mr. Lay came from Pennsylvania in 1844, but remained for ten years in the village of Allegan, following the occupation of a boatman on the river. In 1851 he purchased 160 acres of land in Monterey, and employed a man to chop 100 acres, building a log house for his use. To this house Mr. Lay moved his family in 1854. Sylsbre Rumery and Horace Wilson were their nearest neighbors. At this time two-thirds of Monterey was still uncultivated. Mr. Lay is one of the few who mention any special bad behavior of the Indians beyond getting drunk. He says that when he was working on the river they would frequently board his raft and purloin whatever eatables or drinkables could be found. He passed through a varied experience with them, and was sometimes exposed to much danger from their violent tempers. Especially was this the case when they resolved to resent any fancied injury. Christian Sebright and Henry Mentz were among the pioneers of 1854, each of whom purchased 80 acres of land, which they at once improved. Mr. Sebright died in 1872. Mr. Mentz, who still resides in the township, has during the larger portion of his life been a minister of the gospel, and officiated as pastor of the German Methodist Church in the township. Hiram Bailey came in 1855 and located upon section 20, where he owns 80 acres, besides land on the adjoining section. He had previously been a resident of Rochester, N. Y., and had followed the occupation of a boatman. Among other prominent settlers in the township during the years attached to their respective names may be mentioned the following: L. Huttleston in 1841; S. Squires and S. J. Reed in 1842; S. B. Guyot in 1849; J. Thorne, C. Gibson, and J. H. White in 1851; M. Reed, J. G. Merrifield, Adam Knoblock, and G. Shank in 1853; C. Atwell and S. J. Stranahan in 1854; G. Huskinson, P. Feltenbarger, J. Pierce, A. Symonds, F. Webber, and H. Merrifield in 1856. EARLY ROADS. The earliest highway in the township was the one from Allegan to Grand Rapids, which passed through Monterey from north to south, angling slightly near the township-line of Allegan. It was originally surveyed by Pierce Barber, in 1832, and marked by blazed trees, but, not being cleared, the lines became so obliterated as to make a re-survey necessary. This was made by F. J. Littlejohn in 1841. The weather at the time this was done happened to be extremely cold; the members of the surveying party suffered severely, and on reaching a place of shelter at night one of them fell senseless upon the floor, while the remainder were rendered almost speechless by the cold. The same year a contract was awarded John H. Swezy for opening that portion of the road which passed through Monterey. The second road, which was surveyed soon after (probably by Mr. Littlejohn), began on the southeast corner of section 24, and ran west on section-lines through the township. BURIAL-PLACES. In 1842 the meagre population of the township determined to set apart a tract of ground for burial-purposes. A spot was accordingly selected on section 28, which was neatly fenced and improved so as be suitable for the purpose to which it was devoted. The first interment occurred soon after, Lemuel Wilcox, one of the township's oldest residents, being the first to find a resting-place in the new cemetery. It has since been maintained as a burial-ground, and is adorned with many beautiful tablets and memorial stones. A cemetery located in Hopkins is also used by the residents of the eastern portion of the township. EARLY SCHOOLS. The first school in Monterey, if the meagre information relating to the subject be correct, was established upon section 22, on land belonging to John Swezy. A log structure was erected, and school established in it, which was patronized by the few residents of the district, including the families of Messrs. Ross, Wilson, and Huttleston. Mr. Horace Wilson cut a road from his place to the schoolhouse to enable his children to reach it with ease. The 286 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. first teacher was Miss Mary Jane Kenyon, afterwards Mrs. Brooks, who taught but one season. The township is now divided into eight whole districts and one fractional one, of which the directors are Joseph Chamberlain, Fred. Miller, C. F. Miller, Frank Lay, Zopher Cornell, Josiah Feltenbarger, John W. Avery, F. P. Heath, and A. O. Reed. There are 9 school buildings in the township and 359 scholars receiving instruction, 23 of whom are non-residents. The teachers are paid an aggregate annual salary of $1430.20. MONTEREY CENTRE. The hamlet of Monterey Centre is located on the four corners of sections 15, 16, 21, and 22, its geographical position being the exact centre of the township. It was first settled by Horace Wilson, who purchased in 1835 the southwest quarter of section 15. He made some improvement on the land and then disposed of it for a location on sections 26 and 27. He was followed-by Justus W. Bond, who entered the northeast corner of section 21. He employed Eli Griffith to do the first chopping, to whom he gave 40 acres of uncleared land as compensation for his services. Mr. Bond afterwards removed to California. George W. Kibby became, in 1847, the owner of 80 acres, embracing the northwest corner of section 22, which he improved and on which he built a house. In 1860 he erected a hotel, the upper portion of which is now used as a public hall. Andrew Briggs located 40 acres on the southeast corner of section 16 in 1848, upon which he built an ashery. He subsequently removed to Allegan, where his death occurred in 1877. The earliest store was opened by Andrew Briggs, on the corner of section 21. After conducting it for a brief time he was succeeded by Dr. See. It subsequently passed under the control of Messrs. Ferguson and Moore, who were followed by Messrs. Hoffmaster and Miller. After a few years one of the proprietors died, when the business was closed up. A store was next erected by Abram Berry, which lie afterwards disposed of to Henry Guyot. The local lodge of Odd-Fellows purchased the building and converted it into a hall for the use of that organization. In 1869 a store was built by Messrs. O. R. Johnson & Co., which is at present occupied by F. B. Watkins, his stock embracing all goods suited to a country trade. A store of a similar character is kept by Frank Hewitt, in which the post-office is located, Samuel A. Hewitt being postmaster. There is also a district school, presided over by W. F. Benson; one blacksmith-shop, kept by Squire Bishop; a wagon-shop, owned by John Frey; and a bootand-shoe shop. CHURCHES. GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH. The earliest missionary of the German Methodist Church who labored in Monterey was Rev. G. Berthrams, whose advent occurred in 1856. His successor, Rev. Jacob Kre bill, was instrumental in the organization of the first class in the township, his assistant at the time being Rev. H. Krill. These clergymen who had already inaugurated the good work were succeeded by Rev. Nathaniel Myer, and later by Rev. V. Jahraus, all four being during their pastorates residents of Allegan. Next came Rev. Laas, with whom was associated Rev. Henry Mentz, who is still a resident of Monterey. Rev. William Burns then became' pastor, after which Rev. Henry Krill was recalled. In 1868 the charge was under the pastoral care of Rev. Conrad Wauas, who, during the second year of his pastorate, made strenuous efforts which resulted in the erection of a church edifice, the building committee, who labored assiduously in the enterprise, having been Christian Renzehousen, Peter Deudel, and August Renzehousen. The cost of the edifice was $1400, exclusive of much labor volunteered by members of the congregation. Rev. Henry Mentz became the pastor after the completion of the church, and remained in charge three years, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. C. Herzer, now the presiding elder of the district. Rev. Andrew Myer was then installed, and at the expiration of his term of service Rev. C. A. Militzer, of Allegan, the present pastor, began his labors. The church has upon its roll the names of 40 members. A flourishing Sabbath-school is connected with it. The present board of trustees ts composed of Christian Renzehousen, Peter Deudel, Claus Buck, Henry Mentz, August Renzehousen. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH. The first meetings held with a view to introducing the faith of the Seventh-Day Adventists occurred in the winter of 1855, under the auspices of Elder M. E. Cornell. As a result of his labors a church was organized the following year with 35 members, Charles Jones and John Russ being installed as local elders. In the summer of 1858 a small church edifice was erected, and in 1860, Elder Joseph Bates, who was one of the earliest to embrace the faith, located at Monterey as pastor of the little flock. He remained until his death, which occurred in 1872, John Russ, one of the local elders, having died the same year. The dimensions of the house of worship proving inadequate to the wants of the congregation, which had considerably increased in numbers, a new edifice was erected in 1862, in which they at present worship. The membership numbers 71, Elder H. M. Kenyon being the pastor. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIURCH. The Methodist Episcopal society in Monterey, which was formerly a part of Allegan charge, was made a separate one by the action of the Michigan Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held at Lansing in the fall of 1867. Rev. Joseph Wood was the first preacher in charge. During the year a house and lot at Monterey Centre were purchased for a parsonage at a cost of $600. It has since been improved, and its value increased. The present church edifice on section 26 was erected during the pastorate of Rev. E. Hayes. It was completed in September, 1862, at a cost of $2700, being dedicated by Rev. E. B. Jocelyn, D.D., president of Albion College. The church has a present membership of 75, and is in a flourishing condition, the residents of Monterey being MRS C. F. KEN YON. ~_ 4 * 4 dA f.A RESIDENCE OF CALEB F. KENYON, MONTERfE, MICHIGAN. _:d -ii~; MONTEREY TOWNSHIP. 287 eminently a church-going people. Since its separation from the Allegan charge the church has been served by the following pastors: Revs. Joseph Wood in 1867, H. Hurbert in 1868 and 1869, G. W. Cathorne in 1870, E. Hayes from 1871 to 1873, N. D. Marsh from 1874 to 1877, W. A. Bronson in 1877 and 1878, and E. A. Tanner (the present incumbent), installed in March, 1880. SECRET SOCIETIES. LODGE No. 337, F. AND A. M. This lodge was organized under a dispensation in 1876, its first officers having been Ransom Harrington, W. M.; Hiram Bailey, S. W.; Samuel Goyt, J. W. Its present officers are Allen Mosher, W. M.; Hiram Bailey, S. W.; Aaron Krug, J. W.; C. C. Lindsley, Sec.; Philip Feltenbarger, Treas. The meetings are held in a well-appointed hall, and the body is in a prosperous condition. LODGE No. 130, I. 0. OF O. F. A lodge of this order was first established in Monterey in 1869 and organized in April of that year, the first officers under a dispensation having been Fayette S. Day, N. G.; M. A. Powell, V. G.; Daniel Loeb, Sec.; Oliver Gordon, Fin. Sec.; Joseph HIoofinaster, Treas. The charter was obtained a year later, the charter officers having been M. A. Powell, V. G.; Joseph Hoofmaster, V. G. The present officers are Clifton Chamberlin, N. G.; Abner Warner, N. G.; Zelotes Ship, Sec. The lodge has 80 members on its roll. LODGE No. 983, I. O. OF G. T. The charter for the organization of a lodge of Good Templars was granted June 12, 1876, its first officers having been Edward Eggleston, W. C. T.; Libbie Marsh, W. V. T.; N. D. Marsh, W. C.; Orin L. Foster, Sec.; Sarah Briggs, Assist. Sec.; Hiram Sabin, Treas. Its present officers are Fred. Wilcox, W. C.; Sarah Briggs, V. T.; M. A. Powell, Sec.; Amy Wilcox, Treas. MONTEREY GRANGE, No. 247, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. Monterey Grange was organized by a dispensation granted Feb. 19, 1874, by S. F. Brown, Master of the Michigan State Grange, its first officers having been William M. White, W. Master; B. F. Granger, W. Overseer; M. V. B. McAlpine, W. Lecturer; W. F. Benson, Sec.; James McAlpine, Treas.; F. J. Strong, Steward; S. B. Guyot, Assistant Steward. Its present officers are Martin McAlpine, Master; Samuel H. Wilcox, Overseer; David Cornwell, Sec.; W. F. Benson, Lecturer; Joseph Chamberlin, Treas.; Noah Briggs, Steward; Earl Ross, Assistant Steward. The organization now embraces 150 members, and has since its inception been one of the most popular enterprises in the township. DIAMOND SPRINGS. Diamond Springs is a small hamlet, located on the four corners of Salem, Overisel, Monterey, and Heath. It claimed some years ago considerable attention as the centre of a large milling business, but boasts at present only one establishment of this character, a saw- and grist-mill, owned by W. E. Sawyer, which enjoys some patronage from the residents of the northwest corner of the township. A store containing a general stock was formerly kept by J. Clark, but this has since been discontinued. The school building of the district embracing this portion of the township is located here. The spot takes its name from a spring of clear, delicious water, which attracted the first settler to this locality. ORGANIZATION. The act organizing the township of Monterey was approved March 16, 1847, and reads as follows: " Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That townships number three and four north, of range thirteen west, and township four north, of range fourteen west, in the County of Allegan, be and the same are hereby set off from the township of Allegan, and organized into a separate township, by the name of Monterey, and the first township-meeting therein to be held at the block meeting-house in said township." This territory embraced Salem and Overisel, the former of which was organized as a separate township in 1855, and the latter attached to Fillmore, leaving the township of Monterey as it at present exists. On its organization several names were proposed, among them Wilson, in honor of Horace Wilson, one of the earliest pioneers. This not proving acceptable to the committee who were appointed to christen the new township,-consisting of Horace Wilson, Hiram Sabin, Sylsbre Rumery, John Chase, and Isaac Dexter,-Hiram Sabin suggested the name of Lynn, which was accepted, and Messrs. John Chase and Sylsbre Rumery were appointed a committee to convey the intelligence to the county clerk, who was to forward the name to the Legislature. They were apprised of the existence of a township of Lynn in St. Clair, which precluded the use of that name. Burlington was then suggested, but proved amenable to the same objection. The clerk then informed the committee of the triumph of American arms in Mexico under Gens. Taylor and Worth, and the victory won on the field of Monterey. Mr. Rumery suggested that in honor of this event, the township be called Monterey, which met the approval of his colleague, and the name was adopted and confirmed by the Legislature. CIVIL LIST. The first township-meeting was held April 19, 1847, Isaac Dexter having been appointed moderator and John Chase clerk. Horace Wilson and Lemuel Ross were chosen as inspectors of election. The following officers were elected: Supervisor, John Chase; Township Clerk, Noah Briggs; Treasurer, Frederick Day; Justices of the Peace, James M. McAlpin, Horace Wilson, N. H. Brown, Gil Bias Wilcox; Highway Commissioners, Gil Bias Wilcox, James M. McAlpin, George W. Kibby; School Inspectors, John Chase, Henry Wilson; Directors of the Poor, Thurum Ross, Joseph Tanner; Constables, George M. Kibby, Silas Reede, Harvey Kenyon, Horace Dexter. The remaining officers of the township to the present - time are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1848, John Chase; 1819, Noah Briggs; 1850, James M. McAlpin; 1851, Noah Briggs; 1852, E. D. Granger; 1853, Frederick Day; 288 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1854, John M. Granger; 1855, Eli D. Granger; 1856, George T. Lay; 1857, William White; 1858, James M. McAlpin; 1859, William White; 1860, Benjamin F. Granger; 1861, John M. Granger; 1862-63, Cyrus D. Clements; 1864, John S. Day; 1865, James M. McAlpin; 1866-67, Myron Powell; 1868-70, James Eggleston; 1871, Isaac Maxfield; 1872, George Cady; 1873, William White; 1874, James Eggleston; 1875, Hiram Bailey; 1876, William White; 1877, Isaac Maxfield; 1878, B. F. Granger; 1879, William White. TOWNSIIP CLERKS. 1848, Noah Briggs; 1849, Charles Tanner; 1850-51, S. H1. Shaw; 1852-53, S. H.Wilcox; 1854, John S. Day; 1855, Ira Plotts; 1856, B. F. Granger; 1857-58, William A. Mallory; 1859, Frederick Day; 1860, William White; 1861-62, William H. Briggs; 1863, James Eggleston; 1864, Wesley Moored; 1865, John B. Moore; 1866, James Eggleston; 1867-70, Edward Eggleston; 1871-72, Wilbur F. Benson; 1873-74, Edward Eggleston; 1875, Hiram Bailey; 1876-79, Henry Quist. TREASURERS. 1848, Frederick Day; 1849-51, William Briggs; 1852, John Guyot; 1853, Hiram Sabin; 1854, Fluskey Atwell; 1855, Silas I. Reed; 1856, Sylsbre Rumery; 1857-58, Frederick Day; 1859, Samuel H. Wilcox; 1860-62, John Goodell; 1863-64, E. M. Braden; 1865, Charles Gibson; 1866, John Goodell; 1867, Isaac Maxfield; 1868-70, Joseph Hoofmaster; 1871-72, Seth K. Tanner; 1873-75, S. H. Wilcox; 1876, M. B. McAlpin; 1877, George W. Sweezy; 1878, S. B. Guyot; 1879, W. S. Patterson. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1848, William Briggs; 1849, John Chase; 1850, John Guyot; 1851, Ira Miller; 1852, William Long, George W. Kibby; 1853, James M. McAlpin, William Briggs; 1854, S. S. Stranahan, John Guyot; 1855, George T. Lay, Eli T. Granger; 1856, John S. Day; 1857, Jacob Garlock, William Briggs; 1858, John Guyot, William White; 1859, E. D. Granger; 1860, William White, William A. Chamberlain; 1861, Horace Wilson, M. N. Cutler, William Briggs; 1862, John Henderson, Thomas Gibson; 1863, John Goodell; 1864, E. D. Granger, D. H. Pierce; 1865, Henry Day, William Dodge; 1866, H. W. Durand, Sylvester Ferguson; 1867, John Henderson, William E. Sawyer, Joseph Thorn; 1868, Joseph Thorn; 1869, Myron A. Powell; 1870, William A. Chamberlain; 1871, John Henderson; 1872, W. E. Sawyer, IH. M. Durand, John Henderson; 1873, William E. Sawyer, Isaac Maxfield; 1874, H. W. Durand, George K. Johnson, C. Ht. Reynolds; 1875, Schuyler Bassett, William Jackson, Albert B. Town; 1876, Charles Fufenthal, W. F. Benson, Charles Gibson; 1877, John S. Day, Edward Eggleston; 1878, W. F. Benson, William Johnson; 1879, Albertus Symonds. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1848, Hiram Sabin; 1849, Horace Wilson; 1850-51, William Long; 1852, Hiram Sabin, Horace Wilson; 1853, Charles Gibson; 1854, John N. Chase; 1855, William Briggs; 1856, Charles Gibson; 1857, G. W. Plotts; 1858, Jacob HIoofmaster, Hiram Bailey; 1859, J. C. Symonds; 1860, Joseph Thorn; 1861, Cyrus D. Clements; 1862, Myron A. Powell; 1863, Alonzo Gregory, Alanson Reed; 1864, Sylsbre Rumery; 1,865, T. J. Strong; 1866, George Cady; 1867, Sylsbre Rumery; 1868-69, Henry A. Gregory; 1870, Charles Gibson; 1871, Hiram Plotts, Peter Cady, John Goodell; 1872, A. G. Mallory, Peter Cady, Hiram Plotts; 1873, John Goodell; 1874, Hiram Bailey; 1875, B. F. Granger; 1876, George W. Platts; 1877, Henry Sebright; 1878, Henry A. Gregory; 1879, Albert B. Town. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1848, Henry Wilson; 1849, John Chase; 1850, Noah Briggs; 1851, Eli D. Granger; 1852, Leland H. Shaw, Eli D. Granger; 1853, John Chase, John S. Day; 1854, HI. F. Guyot, S. J. Stranahan; 1855, William White; 1856, Eli D. Granger; 1857, F. Day; ' 1858, I. Plotts; 1859, William White, Eli D. Granger; 1860, Joseph Thorn; 1861, Peter Kuoblock; 1862, Ebenezer Braden; 1863, M. S. Burnham; 1864, J. C. McCave, L. M. Comstock; 1 - 1865, John M. Granger; 1866, Joseph Thorn; 1867, Myron A. Powell; i868, John S. Day; 1869, Myron A. Powell; 1870, John S. Day; 1871, Joseph Thorn; 1872, Joseph Thorn, James Eggleston; 1873, Joseph Thorn; 1874, Joseph Thorn, George K. Johnson; 1875, M. V. B. McAlpin; 1876, John M. Granger; 1877-78, Thomas G. Strong; 1879, Lee Rumery. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1848, Joseph Tanner, Huram Ross; 1849, Huram Ross; 1850-51, Iiram Sabin, John Chase; 1852, William Briggs, John Chase; 1853, Sylsbre Rumery, Hiram Sabin; 1854, S. J. Reed, Jacob Hoofmaster; 1855, Hiram Sabin, Frederick Day; 1856, Henry Mautz, Hiram Sabin; 1857, Lewis Zimmerman, Charles Gibson; 1858, Hiram Sabin, Lewis Zimmerman; 1859, F. Hilbar, Hiram Sabin. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1873-74, George W. Kibby; 1875-77, Frederick Wilbur; 1878, James M. Stone; 1879, Sylsbre Rumery. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, George W. Brewer; 1876, M. V. B. McAlpin; 1877, Henry W. George; 1878, James C. Clemens; 1879, Wilbur F. Benson. CONSTABLES. 1848, George W. Kibby, Levi Wilcox, John N. Chase; 1849, Harvey - Kenyon, Caleb Atwell; 1850, Marvin Guyot, G. W. Kibby, F. Atwell; 1851, Frederick Day, George W. Kibby, John N. Chase; 1852, James F. Pierce, Hiram Chesley, Iiram Sabin; 1853, C. Briggs, Lewis Huttleston, John N. Chase, F. Atwell; 1854, C. Renzenhousen, William Guyott, B. F. Granger, William Iloyer; 1855, Henry Mentz, J. M. McAlpin, Frederick Day, James White; 1856, C. Renzenhousen, John Henderson, Frederick Day, Fluskey Atwell; 1857, John Merrifield, David Woodbeck, H. H. Cooly, Henry Sebright; 1858, David Woodbeck, Oliver Plotts, John Merrifield, Peter Starring; 1859, S. Knowlton, George W. Sweezy, A. J. Mallory, David Woodbeck; 1860, William Gibson, John Warner, George Cady, R. H. Symonds; 1861, M. P. Guyot, G. M. Kenyon, Frederick Day, A. J. Mallory; 1862, Frederick Day, C. F. Miller, G. M. Kenyon; 1863, F. P. Tompkins, Albertus Symonds, Lyman Reed, Alfred Wilson; 1864, Isaac Reed, A. J. Miller, William Briggs, Frederick Day; 1865, Silas J. Reed, Joseph H. White, George W. Kibby, William Briggs; 1866, II. A. Gregory, William Jones, J. H. White, Isaac Maxfield; 1867, Addison Gates, William L. Hart, B. F. Dalrymple, Joseph Hoofmaster; 1868, Jacob Sprou, Addison Gates, C. F. Miller, Albertus Symonds; 1869, Joseph Hoofmaster, Sylsbre Rumery, W. F. Calkins, William Thomas, Sr.; 1870, F. J. Shaw, H. W. Durand, Frank Keesler, James Holdsworth; 1871, William L. Hart, William H. Dwight, H. C. Lince, Sylsbre Rumery; 1872, Chauncey Reynolds, H. S. Pierce, Sylsbre Rumery, James Eggleston; 1873, William L. Hart, H. C. Lince, Chauncey Reynolds, F. J. Shaw; 1874, Noah Briggs, Andrew Jones, F. A. Sawyer, F. J. Shaw; 1875, Noah Briggs, George W. Smith, George W. Sweezy, J6hn C. Symonds; 1876, Noah Briggs, Michael Stroyer, Horatio Rumery, Ienry Kibby; 1877, Horace Pierce, Henry Kibby, James Eggleston, Horace Plotts; 1878, Horace Pierce, Noah Briggs, Zopher Cornell, Lee Rumery; 1879, Noah Briggs, John A. Gibson, Eugene McOmber, John Starring. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GEORGE T. LAY. The subject of this sketch (George T. Lay) was born Oct. 28, 1822, near Lockport, Niagara Co., N. Y. His father, Abner Lay, emigrated to that place from Vermont when a young man, at which time that portion of the State was a dense wilderness. He afterwards took an active part in the war of 1812, being engaged in a number of a C) ' 1 0 0 -C 0 N. MONTEREY TOWNSHIP. 289 battles along the lines near Buffalo and Black Rock. The settlers of that portion of the State were inclined to look with great discredit upon the project of a canal from Albany to Buffalo, and hooted at the idea of raising the boats by a system of locks as fanaticism of the wildest character, many of the settlers along the line of survey declaring that they asked no longer lease of life than to be spared to see the idea in successful operation. The mother of George T. Lay, whose maiden name was Mehitable Talbot, was a native of Massachusetts, and was a lineal descendant of one of three Talbot brothers who were among the very earliest settlers of Massachusetts. In the fall of 1832, Abner Lay purchased a tract of wild land in Erie Co., Pa., and contracted with certain parties to erect a cabin thereon, to be occupied by liis ftlmily the following winter. A few weeks after his return to New York, he fitted out a train composed of two yoke of oxen and a long sled loaded with necessary liousclold goods and a limited supply of provision. Tlere were to accompany this load six head of cattle, twenty sheep, a man to drive the oxen, and a boy fifteen years old to drive the cattle and sheep. That boy has since been a member of the Legislature of this State. George T. (then a lad of ten years) was directed to accompany this train to assist in driving the livestock to Pennsylvania, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, which journey he accomplished on foot in the dead of winter. The remainder of the family were to make the trip with a horse-team, and arrive in advance of the above-described train. However, on the day before that set for their departure, they met with an accident while returning from a visit to a near relative. The sleigh-tongue slipped from the neck-yoke, capsizing the sleigh and its contents, and seriously injuring the mother. The horses, being very spirited and badly frightened, immediately separated; one of them, running some distance into the woods, was found the next day checked up, having tramped one acre of two-feet snow to a solid road-bed. The other ran a short distance and entered the hall of Muldo's hotel, where he was found apparently waiting for further orders. The above-named hotel enjoys the reputation of being the place where the abductors of William Morgan stopped to change horses at midnight, and it is said that Muldo's fancy team conveyed him from thence to the Niagara River. On the arrival of the ox-train at the new home, they found only the log body of the cabin, without a roof, and two feet of snow inside. The snow was shoveled out, a single board roof put on, a fire built in one end, and the first meal eaten in the house was composed of flour mixed with water, placed upon a board and turned up to the fire to bake. Notwithstanding its primitive character, this meal was eaten with very evident relish. The next step was to cut a large hemlock-tree so as to lodge it in a similar one, which device formed a shelter for the stock until spring. After a week of suspense the horse-team appeared with the rest of the family to share their pioneer life, to the great delight of young George, who had begun to feel the pangs of home sickness. Eleven years later, at the age of twenty-one, he left the cleared and well-improved farm in Pennsylvania to seek his own fortune farther west. He landed first at Jack37 son, Mich. (at that time the terminus of the Michigan Central Railroad), and with satchel in hand traveled on foot through different towns and counties, landing finally at Allegan in May, 1844. The best outlet Kalamazoo then had for her flour was by shipping in keel-boats to Allegan, transferring from boats above the dam to boats below, and thence down the river to Lake Michigan. Our hero shipped on board the keel-boat " Pioneer," and spent his first summer in Michigan sailing up and down the Kalamazoo River before a stiff white-ash breeze, or, more properly, a stiff white-ash pole manipulated by his own hands. He then engaged in the lumber trade, and for the succeeding nine years worked in all its branches, from taking it from the stump in the forest of Allegan County to retailing the lumber on the docks at the head of Lake Street, Chicago (now the site of large and valuable blocks of buildings), and found hard labor ill Ill departments, except that of carrying home the molny received for the lumber. About this time the failure of the wildcat banks left Allegan without any currency that would pass for money. Numerous saw-mills were in operation, and lumber became the fiat-money that kept Allegan alive through that financial crisis. During this time a certain head-sawyer found himself at the close of his week's labor with his pockets full of wildcat, yet without the means to buy even a pound of sugar, whereupon he loaded his broad shoulders with as much clear siding as he could carry, which he exchanged at the store for a supply of groceries, and for the balance due him received as change a 2 by 4 scantling. This system of exchange kept Allegan from bankruptcy until the finances of the county became settled. After residing in Allegan for a few years, and exercising great economy, Mr. Lay became able to purchase by contract one hundred and sixty acres of land in the township of Monterey, on section 25. Instead of paying for his land immediately, he used what means he had in hiring men to chop, and adding to this his own labor he succeeded in clearing up one hundred acres at once. The first and second crops from this paid for the land and cleared him from debt. He was married in Allegan, Oct. 5, 1851, to Mary E., daughter of Chester and Nancy Barber. She was born in Old Canaan, Conn., July 14, 1825, and at the age of nine, with her father's family, emigrated to Freedom, Portage Co., Ohio, afterwards to Allegan in 1844, and after their marriage remained there until the birth of their first child, which occurred May 27,1853. At the time of its birth the father was at work on his present home in Monterey, preparing a place to move his family. On his return home, Saturday night, he found a little blueeyed daughter two days old waiting to welcome him. At the age of twenty this child was married to E. Brackett, and two years later a daughter was born to her in the same house and room where she was born. Mr. and Mrs. Brackett are now residents of Van Buren Co., Mich. His other three children are now residents of Monterey, and married as follows: Alta R. to J. C. Clemens, formerly of Iowa; Frank B. to Belle M. Barclay, of Allegan; and Ida E. to M. H. Lane, of New York. Mary E., the wife of George T. Lay, died Nov. 27, 1862. On the 5th of April, 1864, he was married to his present wife, who was the 290 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN.., daughter of Daniel and Hannah Finch Stone, and was born Feb. 11, 1833, in Oswego Co., N. Y., and in 1834 removed with the family, by way of Erie Canal and Lake Erie, to Portage Co., Ohio, and in 1843, with her parents, brother James S. Stone, now a resident of Kewanee, 111., and sister Harriet, now Mrs. Stephen Gardner, and resident of this town, emigrated to Shiawassee Co., Mich., performing the journey in a covered wagon, and passing through what was then known as Maumee Swamp. She afterwards resided for some years in Erie Co, Pa., and removed from there to Allegan Co., Mich., in 1856. Mr. Lay's fine orchards and large productive fields have amassed to him wealth; while his extensive dealing in agricultural implements has made him very generally known throughout the county and adjoining towns. LEONARD ROSS. Among the pioneers of Monterey meriting conspicuous mention is Leonard Ross, a native of the State of New York. He was the eldest in a family of six children of Huram and Nancy Bidwell Ross, the former of whom was born July 3, 1796, in Vermont, and died Aug. 8, 1866, in Monterey; the latter's birth occurred April 3, 1798, and her decease took place in January, 1858. The birth of their son Leonard occurred during their residence in Bangor, Franklin Co., N. Y., April 25, 1821. He remained at home during the early years of his life, and aided his father in the improvement of his land. In 1837 the latter gentleman determined to cast his fortunes with the Michigan pioneers, and purchased the south half of the southeast quarter of section 28, in Monterey, upon which his son, the subject of this biography, still resides. The details of the journey from their Eastern home, the adventures they encountered, and the discouragements they met are too voluminous to come within the province of a brief sketch of this character. They were subjected, however, to all the privations common to pioneer life which are recounted in the pages of this volume, braved all dangers, were indifferent to obstacles, and ultimately arrived at their destination, where they were comfortably settled in a house erected by Mr. Ross and his son. On the 10th of August, 1848, Leonard Ross was married to Miss Laura Ann Tanner, daughter of Joseph and Lydia Kenyon Tanner, their daughter having been born in Granville, Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 27, 1820, and was the oldest in a family of nine children. The father of Mrs. Ross claimed the same village as a birthplace in the year 1799, and died in Monterey at the age of seventy-three years. The mother, also a native of the Empire State, died Oct. 17, 1856, in her fifty-sixth year. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Ross has been cheered by the presence of seven children. Myron A. Ross was born June 23, 1849, and married April 20, 1873, to Miss Mida Jane Brewer; Mary M. was born July 26, 1851, and married in December of 1874 Nelson M. Bartlett; Harris Earl, whose birth occurred Oct. 23, 1853, and his marriage to Miss Orsa Goblie, Oct. 22, 1875; Seth Adelbert, who was born March 31, 1856, and married to Miss E. Barber, April 14, 1877; Emma Jane Ross, whose birth occurred May 16, 1858, and her marriage to Clifton Chamberlain, Dec. 22, 1874; Franklin J., born in 1860, who died in 1863; and Jesse A., born in 1862, and whose death, the result of diphtheria, also occurred in 1863. Mr. Ross was formerly a Democrat, but espoused the principles of the Republican party in 1860. Both himself and wife were originally Baptists in faith, but have more recently connected themselves with the Seventh-Day Adventists, who. have a flourishing society in Monterey. JAMES McALPINE. The Empire State seems to have been the home not only but the permanent abiding-place of the McAlpine family previous to the arrival of the subject of the present biography in Michigan. His father, William McAlpine, was born in 1792, and died in 1867. His mother, Lydia, whose birth occurred about 1790, died in 1869, both having remained in their native State of New York all their lives. Of their five children, James was born in Windham, Greene Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1820, and at the age of eleven years departed from the paternal roof and sought employment abroad, his father receiving the proceeds of his labor. At the age of twenty he married Lucinda M. Granger, who was born Oct. 17, 1819, in Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., and was the sixth of a family of ten children. Her father, Noble Granger, was a native of the Bay State, as was also her mother, both bearing the family name of Granger, though not related. James McAlpine after his marriage spent some time in agricultural pursuits in his native State, first in Ontario County, and later in Monroe County, where he cultivated farms on shares. In 1845 he came to Michigan on a prospecting-tour. Having been favorably impressed with the soil of Monterey, he purchased land in that township, and later returned for his wife and child. On their arrival in Michigan they found a hospitable welcome at the house of Flasky Atwell, a near neighbor, until a substantial frame house could be erected by Mr. McAlpine on his recent purchase, to which they removed Nov. 25, 1845. After his arrival, thirty dollars was the cash balance remaining with which to engage in the work of improvement. However, Mr. McAlpine was equal to the emergency. Employment was found in the immediate vicinity, which enabled him to provide for the wants of the household, while the intervals were devoted to cultivating the land and securing crops which should afford them a subsistence. By industry and excellent judgment this land was soon converted into the productive farm upon which he now resides. Mr. McAlpine's political convictions have caused him to affiliate with the Democratic party. He has devoted much time to the interests of the township, and held many important public trusts. Mr. and Mrs. McAlpine have had three children, the first of whom, Martin V. B., was born June 23, 1843; William Noble's birth occurred Nov. 23, 1849, and his death in October, 1853; Henry C. was born Feb. 24, 1856; he is still residing with his parents, while the elder son is married and located near them. These children have each been educated in the faith of their parents,-that of the Methodist denomination. 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The progenitor of the Sabin family in Monterey was Ziba Sabin, who was born in the State of Massachusetts in 1784, and in July, 1809, married Miss Hannah Phillips, who was a native of the State of New York, where she was born in 1788. Mr. Sabin's death occurred in 1847, while his wife survived until 1868, and died in Monterey. A family of four children graced their home,-Hiram, whose brief biography is here traced; Oliver, who is a resident of New York State; and two daughters, Eunice and Clarissa, both residents of Allegan County. Hiram Sabin was born in Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 21, 1815, and during his early life assisted his father upon the farm. At the age of twenty he became ambitious for a wider, and at the same time more independent, field of usefulness, and departed for Michigan, reaching Allegan in November, 1835. Here he found a village projected, and aided in the first clearing of the ground upon which it was subsequently built. In March, 1836, he entered the land embraced in his present farm, described as the east half of northwest quarter of section 22. He began in 1839 the clearing of this tract, and in the winter of 1842-43 erected a house, to which, in February, 1843, he brought his wife, who was formerly Miss Deidamia, daughter of Josiah and Sarah Potter, natives of New Hampshire. Mrs. Sabin came to Michigan in 1837, having been attracted thither by the presence of her sister, Mrs. William Allen, who was a resident of Allegan. Mr. and Mrs. Sabin have four children: Sarah H. was born July 20, 1844, and is married to Noah Briggs, of Monterey; Martha D., whose birth occurred May 16, 1847, and is the wife of Morris Price, of Isabella Co., Mich.; Harlan I., born Oct. 15, 1851; and Hattie A. Sabin, born Aug. 27, 1859. The two latter remain at home with their parents. Mr. Sabin is an earnest Democrat in his political convictions, and has been all his life active in the public interests of the township. He has occupied in succession the various offices of road commissioner, township treasurer, and justice of the peace in Monterey, each of which positions he has filled with ability and credit. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sabin have been devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, and have exemplified in their lives the teachings of the faith they espoused. He has always been a strong advocate of temperance and its principles. This rare unity and consistency of character have gained for them the affection and respect of all who know them. CALEB F. KENYON. The father of the gentleman who is the subject of this biography was Elijah Kenyon, who was born in Rhode Island in 1793, and died in 1875, reaching the good old age of eighty-two years. He married first Miss Hannah Calkins, of Vermont, who died, as nearly as can be determined, in 1824, and later Miss Mary Briggs. From the first marriage there were three children, one of whom was Caleb F. Kenyon, who was born in Vermont, Feb. 8, 1822. Six children blessed the latter union, and Mrs. Kenyon still survives and resides in Monterey. Caleb F., early having a desire to fulfill the duties of a faithful son, remained with his father until twenty-one years of age, having accompanied him to Ohio in 1832. The two following years after having attained his majority he devoted to chopping and clearing land. He was married May 22, 1845, to Miss Jane Eggleston, daughter of Newell and Mary Eggleston, who was born July 12, 1828, in Ohio, and was the first in a family of seven children,-two boys and five girls. Caleb and Jane were married in the village of Medina, Ohio. Her father died in 1871; the mother is still living, and resides at Battle Creek, Michigan. After his marriage Mr. Kenyon purchased cattle, and 292 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. conducted the business of a butcher for three years in the county of Cuyahoga, Ohio; and in the year 1850 he came with his family to Michigan, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 20, and later exchanged it for their attractive home. Coming into the country at an early day, they endured the many privations and hardships of a pioneer life, the entire township being nearly a wilderness. They have had seven children; four of them died in infancy, and the survivors are Hiram, born April 27, 1846, and was married to Katie Johnson, of Allegan, Oct. 6, 1874, the latter of whom died Oct. 17, 1878; and Freeman, born April 6, 1850, and was married to Inez Pierce, the only child of Horace and Harriet Pierce, March 30, 1876, and is now living opposite the homestead; and Almeda, who was born April 29, 1857, and is now married to E. F. Ferris, and living at Grand Traverse. In politics Mr. Kenyon is a Republican. They are respected citizens, and by economy and patient industry have acquired a sufficient competency for their declining years. JOSEPH THORN. Joseph Thorn was born in Liberty, Trumbull Co., Ohio, May 16, 1830. His father died when he was but two months old. Joseph remained with his mother, on the farm, until he was twenty-one years of age, attending the district school winters. When he had attained his nineteenth year his time was given him by his stepfather. He subsequently attended the Kinsman Academy, in Trumbull Co., Ohio, for one term. The two years following he was employed by the month on a dairy-farm. He inherited from his father a tract of land of about fifty acres, located in Ohio; this he traded July 4, 1851, for one hundred and sixty acres, the northeast quarter of section 25, in Monterey township, Allegan Co., Mich. In the month of October following he visited Michigan, looked at his new possessions, and returned to Ohio, being but nine days absent from home. In November, 1852, he came to Monterey, Mich., and, boarding with Horace Wilson, commenced chopping on his own place. He did not commence the clearing until 1854, which year he planted two acres of corn and twenty-four of wheat. In 1855 he harvested six hundred and ten bushels, as the yield of twenty-four acres, the seed being dragged in without plowing. He married, Dec. 20, 1855, Mary Louisa Wilson, daughter of Horace Wilson, an early settler (who cleared the village plat in Allegan in 1836). Mr. Thorn had raised a log house the November previous, and soon after his marriage moved into it; this remained his humble home until December, 1869, when he moved into his present residence. Mr. and Mrs. Thorn have had but one child, which is deceased. Mr. Thorn is a Republican in politics, "first, last, and always." Both himself and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is now, as he has always been, active in all the material interests of the town in which he lives........... _~ '_~ - _ O TS E G O.* THIS township, prominent as the seat of the first important settlement in the county of Allegan, derives its name from Otsego Co., N. Y., and embraces territory designated in the original survey as township No. 1 north, of range No. 12 west. It is situated on the southern border of the county, east of the centre, is bounded on the south by Kalamazoo County, and for about a mile in the southwest corner by Van Buren County; on the north, east, and west it is bounded by the townships of Watson, Gun Plain, and Trowbridge, respectively, in Allegan County. Its surface is generally rolling, and originally that part north of the Kalamazoo River was covered with dense forests of beech, maple, oak, ash, whitewood, lynn, blackwalnut, and many other deciduous varieties. Along Pine Creek were many acres of handsome pines, while to the eastward of the same, and south of the Kalamazoo, was an extensive tract of oak-openings. The Kalamazoo and Gun Rivers, Schnable Brook, and Pine Creek are its principal water-courses. The former river, in its course towards Lake Michigan, passes from east to west, bearing a little north, through the central part of the * By J. S. Sehenck. township. It has been, and ever will be, the most important natural feature of Otsego. Its descent and flow are rapid. High banks on either side keep it within its channel at the highest stage, and by means of dams and artificial channels at the village of Otsego excellent water-power privileges are secured, which are among the best in the State of Michigan. Gun River enters the township by crossing the east line of section 13, and after flowing one mile to the southwest empties into the Kalamazoo. Schnable Brook comes in from Watson township, and, flowing to the southwest for a distance of some two miles, pours its waters into the Kalamazoo, near the centre of section 7. Pine Creek enters the township near the southwest corner, and, taking a northeasterly direction, empties into the Kalamazoo River on section 21. The soil of Otsego is excellent. It is well adapted to grazing, and in the cultivation of fruit, corn, and cereals the inhabitants are very successful. EARLY HISTORY. ORIGINAL SURVEYS. The first survey-party to visit this region was led by John Mullett, of Detroit, who, as deputy United States surveyor, ran out the east boundary-line of this township, as OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 293 -I well as the lines of other townships lying to east and north, in December, 1825, and January, 1826. The south line was traced by William Brookfield, May 4, 1827; the north line. by Lucius Lyon, Dec. 29, 1830; the west line by Lyon, Dec. 31, 1830; and on the 27th day of January, 1831, Mr. Lyon completed the government survey by finishing the subdivision of the township into sections. The following interesting description of this township as it appeared to him in January, 1831, will be of interest to present residents: "The township of which the foregoing are the field-notes is a fine tract of land for a new settlement. Three families have already located themselves within it, and more are coming in the spring. So that before the close of next summer this township will probably contain thirty families. "Sections twenty-eight, thirty-one, and thirty-three contain some groves of valuable pine-timber, which is much needed in the oakopening country to the south and east. "A Mr. Turner Aldrich is now erecting a saw-mill on Pine Creek, in the northwest quarter of section twenty-eight, and, it is understood, is designing to cut off most of the pine before the land comes into market. In this, however, the inhabitants about here feel an interest in preventing the waste of this timber, and hope he will be disappointed by the early sale of the land. " Messrs. Sherwood & Scott are also making preparations to erect a saw-mill and grist-mill on Pine Creek, near its mouth, on section twenty-one. "There is also a mill-site on Gun River, in section twenty-four and the south part of section thirteen; and another good one on the Grand Rapids of the Kalamazoo River, in the west part of section twentythree; and another in sections five and six, on a stream running southwest into the Kalamazoo River. " Water-power is abundant. The soil of the land is generally good, the surface rolling, and in some places hilly. The timber is beech, sugar-maple, oak, ash, lynn, black-walnut, with iron-wood, and in some places briars and vines. Everything considered, this township may well be designated first-rate. "Of its geology and mineralogy little can be said. No rock appears in sight in this township, though in many places there are deep ravines and favorable places for observation. A deep stratum of earth covers the whole. But if an opinion may be formed from the configuration of the surface and the character of the pebbles seen, the underlying rock is probably calcareous sand-rock. No metals are found, but several springs indicate the existence of iron-ore." FIRST AND OTHER EARLY LAND-ENTRIES. The public lands lying in Otsego were not placed upon the market until in September, 1832. On the 11th day of the latter month the first entries were made as- follows: Giles Scott, east half of the southwest quarter of section 21; Hull Sherwood, west half of the southwest quarter of the same section; and John B. Yeomans, a portion of section 33. During the succeeding days of September, 1832, many other entries were placed on record. Following is a list of the earliest entries made on each section in the township, as obtained from the records, but it does not include all who purchased of the general government: Section 1.-John Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., March, 1836; Walker, Ostrom and Palmer, Oneida Co., N. Y., April, 1836; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., April, 1836. Section 2.-Leicester Buckley, Genesee Co., N. Y., April, 1836; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., April, 1836; Anthony Schuyler, Calhoun Co., Mich., June, 1836; Chester Buckley, Allegan Co., Mich., July, 1836; Edmund Hawks, Oswego Co., N. Y., July, 1836. Section 3.-Sylvester Clark, June 6, 1836; Edmund Hawks, Oswego Co., N. Y., July, 1836. Section 4.-Almon Allen, Jackson Co., Mich., July, 1836; Jeremy Drew, Allegan Co., Mich., 1837; David Merrill, Allegan Co., Mich., 1837; William B. Clymer, Bucks Co., Pa., 1837. Section 5.-Myron Short, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1834; Arthur and Frederick Bronson, New York City, April, 1834; Almon Allen, Jackson Co., Mich., July, 1836. Section 6.-George Schnable, Union Co., Pa., July, 1834; Beers and Sherwood, New-York City, August, 1835; A. and F. Bronson, New York City, April, 1836. Section 7.- Eurotas P. Hastings, Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 22, 1832; George Schnable, Union Co., Pa., July, 1834; George Redfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1834; George Redfield and Myron Short, July, 1834; A. L. Ely and J. D. Beers, June, 1835; Samuel Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835. Section 8.-Sidney Smith, Allegan Co., Mich., July, 1835; Thomas Smith, Allegan Co., Mich., August, 1835; Sidney Smith, Allegan Co., Mich., September, 1835. Section 9.-Thomas Smith, Allegan Co., Mich., September, 1835; Ezra Sibley, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1835; Stokes White, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1835; Joel Eaton, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1835; John Almny and Horatio G. Wolcott, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836. Section 10.-Warren Walston, Chittenden Co., Vt., September, 1835; Charles Elis, Ontario Co., N. Y., November, 1835; Ichabod Clark, Genesee Co., N. Y., 1836; Justin Ely, Allegan Co., Mich., 1836; Sylvanus Aldrich, Allegan Co., Mich., 1836. Section 11.-Charles Elis, Ontario Co., N. Y., November, 1835; Horace H. Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., April, 1836; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1836. Section 12.-William Forbes, Allegan Co., Mich., March, 1836; Benjamin S. Organ, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., April, 1836; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1836; Samuel D. Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; Thomas Goadley, New York City, January, 1837. Section 13.-Beers and Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835; Ira Chaffee, Medina Co., Ohio, November, 1835; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., February, 1836; Alexander Kelsey, Monroe Co., N. Y., February, 1836; James R. Cary, Dutchess Co., N. Y., February, 1836. Section 14.-Eurotas P. Hastings, Wayne Co., Mich., November, 1832; Horace H. Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., July, 1834; Charles Elis, Ontario Co., N. Y., November, 1835; L. C. Anderson, Wayne Co., Mich., February, 1836; Samuel D. Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., March, 1836; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., April, 1836. Section 15.-Austin Smith, Hampden Co., Mass., August, 1834; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1835; Royal Sherwood, Allegan Co., Mich., June, 1835; J. 11. Hatch, New York City, June, 1835; Samuel Foster, Allegan Co., Mich., July, 1835; Gain R. Allen, Wayne Co., N. Y., September, 1835; Warren Walston, Chittenden Co., Vt., September, 1835; Charles Elis, Ontario Co., N. Y., November, 1835. Section 16.-E. E. Chapman, B. H. Martin, J. L. Pratt, W. P. Ward, George W. Holland, all in 1853; H. Hoag and J. G. Miller, in 1854. Section 17.-Abijah Chichester, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Sept. 22, 1832; Joel Wheeler and Joel Wright, Bennington Co., Vt., July, 1834; William Brown, Wayne Co., Mich., November, 1834; Samuel E. Town, Allegan Co., Mich., June, 1835; Beers & Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835; Jeremiah Richardson, Ontario Co., N. Y., June, 1833. Section 18.-Thomas James, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December, 1833; George Redfield and Myron Short, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1834; James Shear, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., September, 1834; Samuel Hubbard, Boston, October, 1834; Hull Sherwood, Allegan Co., Mich., December, 1835; Hubbard and Parker, Boston, May, 1836. Section 19. —William Finch, Niagara Co., N. Y., June, 1835; Andrew Mack, Wayne Co., Mich., April, 1836; Hubbard and Parker, Boston, May, 1836; Edmund Hawks, Oswego Co., N. Y., July, 1836; Hull Sherwood, Allegan Co., Mich., July, 1836. Section 20.-Hull Sherwood, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Oct. 10, 1832; Simeon Newman, Allegan Co., Mich., July, 1834; Almiran Lake Cotton, Michigan, September, 1834; Horace H. Comstock, Michigan, November, 1834; William Finch, Niagara Co., N. Y., June, 1835; Almiran L. Cotton, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1835; Justus 294 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I _ __ Burdick, Kalamazoo, Mich., April, 1836; A. L. Cotton, September, 1835. Section 21.-Giles Scott, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Sept. 11, 1832; Hull Sherwood, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Sept. 11, 1832; Warren Caswell, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Sept. 15,1832; Horace H. Comstock, Otsego Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1832; Henry L. Ellsworth, Hartford Co., Conn., November, 1832; Hull Sherwood, Michigan, July, 1834; Lewis Adams, Michigan, July, 1834; Simeon Newman, Michigan, July, 1834. Section 22.-Hull Sherwood, Jr., Michigan, Sept. 15, 1832; Eurotas P. Hastings, Michigan, Sept. 22, 1832; Erastus A. Jackson, Michigan, Sept. 22, 1832; Horace H. Comstock, Michigan, July, 1834; Isaac Fisher, Jr., Windsor Co., Vt., August, 1834; Eber Sherwood, Michigan, August, 1834; H. H. Comstock, Michigan, October, 1834; Nelson Sage, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1835. Section 23.-Horace II. Comstock, Otsego Co., N. Y., September, 1832, the entire section, except Island No. 2, in the Kalamazoo River, which was entered by Henry Booher, Aug. 18, 1851. Section 24.-James Pickett, Aug. 18, 1851; Jeremiah Richardson, Ontario Co., N. Y., June, 1833; Randall Crosby, Michigan, August, 1833; Samuel Foster, Michigan, October, 1833; H. H. Comstock, Michigan, July, 1834; L. B. Coats, Michigan, July, 1834. Section 25.-Edric Atwater, Broome Co., N. Y., June, 1834; Spencer Herrington and Albert Eldred, Erie Co., N. Y., July, 1834; H. IH. Comstock, Michigan, October, 1834; John Weare, Orleans, Vt., May, 1835. Section 26.-Horace H. Comstock, Michigan, July, 1824; Orsamus Eaton, Monroe Co., N. Y., October, 1834; Jeremiah Lindsey, Monroe Co., N. Y., October, 1834; Horace H. Comstock, Michigan, October, 1834; Calvin White, Michigan, June, 1835; Beers and Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835; Samuel Foster, Michigan, February, 1836. Section 27.-Eber Sherwood, Michigan, June, 1835; Oka Town, Michigan, November, 1835; Eber Sherwood, Michigan, March, 1836; H. IL. Comstock, Michigan, April, 1836; Eber Sherwood, Michiigan, April, 1836; John E. Brackett, Michigan, July, 1837; Hosea B. Iuston and L. H. Moore, Kalamazoo, Mich., April, 1837. Section 28.-John H. Smith, Michigan, Sept. 12, 1832; Hull Sherwood, Michigan, Sept. 24, 1832; Turner Aldrich, Jr., Michigan, Oct. 8, 1832; Turner Aldrich, Jr., and Charles Miles, Michigan, Sept. 19, 1832; John Gibbs, Michigan, Nov. 27, 1832; Beers and Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835. Section 29.-Hull Sherwood, Michigan, Oct. 10, 1832; Lebbeus Sherwood, Michigan, March, 1834; Giles Sherwood, Michigan, June, 1835; J. H. Howard, March, 1836; Edwin Hawks, Michigan, April, 1836; Alexander Campbell, Niagara Co., N. Y., 1836; Edmond Hawks, Oswego Co., N.Y., 1836; Jeremiah Richardson, Ontario Co., N. Y., 1836. Section 30.-Minton Hicks, Ontario Co., N. Y., November, 1835; Almy and Wilcox, May, 1836; George Ashley, July, 1836; Jeremy Drew, Otsego Co., N. Y., January, 1837. Section 31.-Royal Sherwood, Michigan, Oct. 10, 1832; Thomas W. Barnard, Michigan, Nov. 16, 1832; Minton Hicks, Ontario Co., N. Y., November, 1835; L. H. Moore, Michigan, April, 1836; Beers and Sherwood, New York City, April, 1836; James Parker, Jr., Michigan, February, 1837. Section 32.-Horace H. Comstock, Otsego Co., N. Y., Sept. 24, 1832; Eber Sherwood, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Oct. 10, 1832; Randall Crosby, Michigan, September, 1834; Charles Miles, Michigan, September, 1834; Seneca Peck, Michigan, September, 1834; Rockwell May, Michigan, February, 1836; Edmund Hawks, Michigan, April, 1836; L. H. Moore, Michigan, April, 1836. Section 33.-John B. Yeomans, Michigan, Sept. 11, 1832; Beers and Sherwood, New York City, April, 1836; Edmund Hawks, Oswego Co., N. Y., July, 1836. Section 34.-John G. Bixby, Genesee Co., N. Y., April, 1836; A. L. Cotton, Michigan, April, 1836; 11. H. Comstock, Michigan, April, 1836; Beers and Sherwood, New York City, April, 1836. Section 35.-Beers and Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835; John G. Bixby, Genesee Co., N. Y., April, 1836; Horace H. Comstock, Michigan, April, 1836; James Clements, Michigan, April, 1837; Leicester Buckley, Michigan, April, 1837. Section 36.-Beers and Sherwood, New York City, August, 1835; Samuel D. Foster, Michigan, April, 1836; Ebenezer Parkhurst, Michigan, April, 1836; Samuel Foster, Michigan, April, 1836; Elisha Tyler, Otsego Co., N. Y., January, 1837; Leicester Buckley, Michigan, April, 1837; Abraham Edwards, Michigan, March, 1837. FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Among those men who traversed and looked over a large portion of this county prior to the first settlement were Giles Scott and the Sherwoods, of Rochester, N. Y., Samuel Foster, from Vermont, and Turner Aldrich, Jr., from Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They were here during the winter of 1829 and 1830, and explored the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries, looking for mill-sites, and for pine tracts in their immediate vicinity; likewise for good farming-lands. Of all the region examined, this locality suited them best. They returned to their homes early in the spring of 1830, and we may believe that during the intervening months all due preparations were made for the removal of themselves and families, and their permanent settlement in the then wild Territory of Michigan. Giles Scott,* the son-in-law of Hull Sherwood, Sr., seems to have eclipsed all others in his preparations, for we find that, accompanied by his wife and one or two small children, he arrived at the mouth of Pine Creek early in the fall of 1830, and constructed a small log house, described by Lucius Lyon in January, 1831, as situated " on the bottom-lands, about ten chains back from the river." Edmund Sherwood, son of Hull, Sr., then a boy of fourteen years, came with Mr. Scott, and probably some other members of the Sherwood family. Their place of settlement was on the north part of the southwest quarter of section 21, and was held by right of pre-emption until the lands of this township came into the market, in September, 1832. Mr. Scott was a genial spirit among the early pioneers, an excellent fiddler, and many " hoe-dow\ns" were tripped o'er his puncheon floor by the lads and lasses of early times. He built a tavern at Pine Creek in 1836, over which he presided until his death. Following Mr. Scott by but a few days came Turner Aldrich, Jr., from Lodi, Erie Co., N. Y. He was accompanied by two daughters as housekeepers, and besides household goods brought with him mill-irons, a saw, and all other fixtures necessary to construct and put into operation one of those primitive water-power saw-mills so common fifty years ago. Mr. Aldrich was an experienced lumberman,his father having constructed and managed one of the very earliest saw-mills in Western New York (on Cattaraugus Creek),-and immediately began building a saw-millt X His was the first white family in the county excepting that of William Gay Butler, who located at Saugatuck in the spring of the same year. The only surviving member of Mr. Scott's family who came in with him is his daughter Rachel, then nearly four years old, afterwards married to William H1. Carter, and now residing in the village of Otsego. As none of Mr. Butler's family are now living in the county, Mrs. Carter is its earliest surviving resident. t This mill was burned in July, 1832, while being operated by Cyrenius Thompson and Charles Miles. (See history of Gun Plain.) It was immediately rebuilt by Mr. Aldrich, and was then operated by Orlando Weed prior to his removal to the Gun Plain settlement. OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 295 on Pine Creek, one mile from its mouth. It was completed in the spring of 1831, and probably cut the first lumber in all Western Michigan. Uri Baker, now a resident of Martin township, came in with Mr. Aldrich; also Sloan Eaton, a Mr. Hill, and John B. Yeomans. During the fall of 1831, Hull Sherwood moved in with the remainder of his numerous family. He came from Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., and was accompanied by his married sons Eber Sherwood, Hull Sherwood, Jr., and Royal Sherwood, with their families, Lebbeus Sherwood, an unmarried son, and a young man named J. McCormick, now a resident of Gun Plain township. The Sherwoods also settled near the mouth of Pine Creek, and, assisted by Mr. Scott, commenced building a dam and saw-mill at the mouth of that creek. Their saw-mill was completed in the winter of 1831-32, and was followed in 1834 by a gristmill,* of which J. Volentine was the master-mechanic. For some two or three years the settlement at the mouth of Pine Creek was the most important one in the county, and a village known as New Rochester was platted by Hull Sherwood at a very early day. Here were established the first grist-mills, stores, shops, etc., and doubtless Mr. Sherwood secretly entertained the hope that some day the little hamlet might emulate, if it did not rival, its great namesake. The next family to settle in the township, and the first on the site of the present village of Otsego, was that of Dr. Samuel Foster. Dr. Foster was a native of the State of Maine. Early in life he removed to Vermont, and there married Miss Pamelia Camp, of Barre. He was a regularly educated physician, and practiced his profession in Montgomery, Franklin Co., Vt., until his removal to the State of Michigan. He was accompanied here by his wife and the following-named children,t Samuel D., Gould C., Pamelia, Betsey, Benjamin W., George H., and Everissa, and by Norman Davis, a young unmarried man. Dr. Foster's youngest child, Albert R., the first child born in the village of Otsego, was ushered into this troublesome world during the year 1834. The trials and vexations experienced by Dr. Foster and his family in their removal to and settlement in Otsego were about the same as attended all Michigan pioneers of that date. They and their household goods, farming implements, etc., were conveyed on boats, via the Erie Canal and Lake Erie, to Detroit. In the latter city the doctor bought a yoke of oxen, some Indian ponies, and a wagon, and after all his goods and the younger members of the family were snugly arranged therein he started westward along the Territorial road. But very few white families were seen after passing Ann Arbor. At Battle Creek a halt was made, while Mr. Foster and his party erected two log houses.t From there the journey was continued, vid( Gull Prairie, to the forest home on the banks of the Kalamazoo, where all arrived safely in the fall of 1831.~ Dr. Foster pre-empted a large portion of section 23, and built his first house on the south bank of the river, in rear of the Lutkins House. After his settlement here he gave up the practice of medicine, devoting his time and energies principally to farming. In 1832 he was appointed the first justice of the peace and the first postmaster in the territory now comprising the county of Allegan. His house was the rallying-point for all important meetings of the early pioneers, and he was one of Otsego's most prominent citizens. During the year 1832 the settlement thus commenced was still further increased by the arrival of Charles Miles, the first supervisor elected in the county, and a most prominent man at an early day in many other respects; Martin W. Rowe, an early merchant, and the first constable and collector in the county; Abijah Chichester, one of the first township officials; A. L. Cotton, who came here first as one of Lyon's surveying-party, and afterwards married one of Hull Sherwood's daughters; John L. Shearer, who served as one of the first inspectors of election in 1833, and was afterwards prominent as an official in the township and county; and Warren Caswell. This was the year of the celebrated Sauk or Black-Hawk war, and the few white families then settled at Pine Creek, at the rapids ll of the Kalamazoo, and in the Gun Plain neighborhood were kept in a fearful state of suspense and trepidation during the early summer, while awaiting the decision of the surrounding bands of Ottawa and Pottawattamie Indians whether they were for war as allies of Black Hawk, or for peace and the friends of the Michigan pioneers. At a council of several days' duration, held on Gun Plains, the Indians at last decided to remain quiet and peaceable, and thereafter no trouble was apprehended or experienced by the whites at their hands. Meantime, while the excitement was at its height, a worthless halfbreed named Pricket or Picket, then living near the mouth of Gun River, assured his white neighbors again and again that the Indians meant mischief, that they were bent on war, and advised the settlers to fly with their families from the country and avoid massacre. As it proved, he belied the dusky race with whom he was connected. His purpose was'supposed to be to inaugurate a precipitate flight of the whites, and afterwards appropriate to himself such articles as they might leave behind. * Oka Town and three other men went with four ox-teams to Detroit to procure the iron and machinery for this mill, the trip requiring three weeks' time. This mill for several years supplied a wide extent of country. It was strongly built, and having since been repaired and enlarged, is still at work. t These children all grew to manhood and womanhood, married, and became heads of families, except Benjamin W., who was drowned, at the age of thirteen years, in the Kalamazoo River.: These houses were built for Messrs. Guernsey and Converse, and were the first buildings erected at Battle Creek. 2 There seems to be Some discrepancy in the statement made by Mr. S. D. Foster concerning the date of his father's settlement here and the transcribed field-notes of Lucius Lyon's original survey and subdivision of the township. Under date of Jan. 27, 1831, Mr Lyon says: "In section twenty-three, opposite Foster's house, is a spring, and the river here is very rapid." Therefore, of the three queries,viz., whether Mr. Foster built his house during his first visit to Michigan, whether he settled here in the fall of 1830, instead of 1831, or whether a mistake has been made in transcribing the original fieldnotes of Mr. Lyon, and that the date should be Jan. 27, 1832, instead of Jan. 27, 1831,-we cannot undertake to answer either. Mr. S. D. Foster avers that after their settlement Mr. Lyons and his surveyingparty were here at work. This may be true, and yet Lyon may have been doing unfinished work in adjoining townships while making his headquarters here in the settlement. II Now Otsego. 296 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. In September of the same year the lands of this township were placed upon the market. The choicest tracts soon found purchasers, and from that time the population and importance of these heretofore outlying settlements rapidly increased. By an understanding with Horace H. Comstock, formerly a resident of Otsego Co., N. Y., the lands pre-empted by Dr. Foster were entered in the name of the former. The event of 1833 was the organization of the township of Allegan and the election of township officers. The first meeting was held at the house of Samuel Foster, and, as the electors all resided in the present townships of Otsego and Gun Plain, the full proceedings of this and subsequent meetings held before the subdivision of Allegan into four townships will be found upon succeeding pages. Among the settlers of 1834 was Oka Town, from Vermont. He was elected an assessor in the spring of 1835, was appointed the first probate judge of Allegan County the same year, was chosen a justice of the peace in 1836, and a supervisor in 1837, and has since most worthily filled many other positions of trust and honor. And now, after forty-six years of continuous residence in the township, he still remains one of its most active and prominent citizens. Randall Crosby also settled here in 1834. Dr. Lintsford B. Coats, the first practicing physician, and the first school-teacher to reside in the county, settled on the site of Otsego village in the fall of 1833, where he soon after erected the first framed house. He was thoroughly educated, was a successful physician, and most efficiently served both his township and county in many responsible civic positions. Albert Eldred, from Vermont, Jeremy Lindsley, from Monroe Co., N. Y., who still resides upon the land purchased by him in October, 1834, and Orsamus Eaton, from the same place, also settled here in 1834. Mr. Eaton established the first store* at Pine Creek immediately after his settlement. In 1835, Chester and Lester Buckley established the first store on the site of Otsego village. J. S. Higgins built a saw-mill on a branch of Pine Creek, some three miles from the river, where was sawed the lumbert to build the first framed house in Battle Creek. The first bridge over the Kalamazoo was completed at Pine Creek. Janus Hawks also settled at the latter place the same year, and the following year (1836) established himself' in business there as a grocer. RESIDENTS IN 1836. The township of Otsego, including surveyed townships 1 to 4, inclusive, of range 12, was organized in the spring of 1836. The assessmentt was made in June, and the * Previous to the coming of Mr. Eaton, Eber Sherwood had sold at the Creek some goods he had brought to Michigan when he came with his family, but, as he did not replenish his stock when exhausted, we do not think he earned the title of merchant. t Willard Higgins, son of J. S., then but twelve years of age, hauled this lumber, shingles, etc., brought back provisions on his return, and, safely traversed roads which now would be considered impassable. I The total tax levied on resident and non-resident property amounted to $1379.88. I -i following table shows the names of all who were then assessed as resident tax-payers, also the number of acres owned and the value of real and personal estate possessed by each at that time. Albert Eldred, acres, 80; value of real estate, $320; value of personal estate, $80; total value of real and personal estate, $400. John Weare, acres, 280; value of real estate, $1120; value of personal estate, $320; total value of real and personal estate, $1440. Oka Town, acres, 100; value of real estate, $400; value of personal estate, $77; total value of real and personal estate, $477. Chester Buckley, in the village; value of real estate, $420; value of personal estate, $200; total value of real and personal estate, $620. L. B. Coats, acres, 301; value of real estate, $222; value of personal estate, $70; total value of real and personal estate, $292. Timothy Coats, acres, 117; value of real estate, $468; value of personal estate, $100; total value of real and personal estate, $568. Samuel Foster, in the village; value of real estate, $1500); value of personal estate, $345; total value of real and personal estate, $1845. S. D. Foster, acres, 80; value of real estate, $320; value of personal estate, $55; total value of real and personal estate, $375. Sloan Eaton, value of personal estate, $40. J. S. Higgins, value of real estate, $200; value of personal estate, $95; total value of real and personal estate, $295. Gilbert Higgins, value of real estate, $1000; value of personal estate, $55; total value of real and personal estate, $1055. Hull Sherwood, Jr., acres, 93; value of real estate, $440; value of personal estate, $135; total value of real and personal estate, $575. Eber Sherwood, acres, 359; value of real estate, $1486; value of personal estate, $230; total value of real and personal estate, $1716. Samuel Town, acres, 41; value of real estate, $200; value of personal estate, $90; total value of real and personal estate, $290. James Hawks, acres, 240; value of real estate, $960; value of personal estate, $100; total value of real and personal estate, $1060. M. W. Rowe, acres, 36; value of real estate, $130. Orsamus Eaton, acres, 80; value of real estate, $320; value of personal estate, $15; total value of real and personal estate, $335. Royal Sherwood, acres, 120; value of real estate, $560; value of personal estate, $100; total value of real and personal estate, $660. A. L. Cotton, acres, 315; value of real estate, $1260; value of personal estate, $120; total value of real and personal estate, $1380. Abijah Chichester, acres, 76; value of real estate, $304; value of personal estate, $70; total value of real and personal estate, $374. Sophia Sherwood, acres, 197; value of real estate, $788; value of personal estate, $125; total value of real and personal estate, $913. Hull Sherwood, Sr., acres, 270; value of real estate, $1160; value of personal estate, $135; total value of real and personal estate, $1295. Levin Adams, acres, 111; value of real estate, $444; value of personal estate, $70; total value of real and personal estate, $514. Giles Scott, acres, 105; value of real estate, $420; value of personal estate, $190; total value of real and personal estate, $610. Edric Atwater, value of personal estate, $75. Charles Miles, acres, 120; value of real estate, $480; value of personal estate, $250; total value of real and personal estate, $730. Norman Davis, value of personal estate, $50. James Kendall, value of personal estate, $15. Jeremy Lindsley, acres, 80; value of real estate, $320. Thomas James, acres, 71; value of real estate, $284. James Smith, Jr., acres, 240; value of real estate, $1760. J. L. Shearer, acres, 4; value of real estate, $50; value of personal estate, $200; total value of real and personal estate, $250. Sherwood & Co., acres, 140; value of real estate, $2560. IH. J. Sherwood, administrator of Jackson's estate, acres, 60; value of real estate, $300. EARLY BUSINESS MEN. Those persons, residents of Otsego, subject to the payment of a specific State tax during the third quarter of OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 297 1836 (" there being no persons liable for the payment of such tax within the second quarter of said year") were Rowe & Eaton; time of commencing, August 1st; occupation, retail store. Eaton & Chichester; time of commencing, September 13th; occupation, retail store. D. L. Case; time of commencing, September 13th; occupation, retail store. The additional names reported for the last quarter of 1836 were J. S. Higgins; time of commencement, October 14th; business, inn-keeper. John Hawks; time of commencing, October 10th; business, grocer. In 1838 those assessed for the same tax were Roswell Crane, inn-keeper; time of commencing, Dec. 18,1837. L. Buckley, merchant, Jan. 1, 1838. S. and S. D. Foster & Co., merchants, Jan. 1,1838. H. and B. Sherwood & Co., merchants, Jan. 1, 1880. Turner Aldrich, business not specified, Jan. 1, 1880. RESIDENTS OF TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGES IN 1840. Section A. L. Cotton....................18, 20 Eber Sherwood......22, 27, 28, 29 Oka Town............24, 27, 31, 34 Albert Eldred.......................25 Timothy Coats..................... 24 John Demarest.....................36 Jeremy Lindsley.................. 26 E. Eaton................... 27 Henry Fisher.....................13 Isaac Fisher.......................13 Samuel Beckwith.............15, 34 Edward Sherwood................21 Benjamin Martin..................17 Gaines Rose.............. Personal T. B. Pierce, tavern-keeper........ Jeremy Drew....................4, 30 H. D. Pierce........................30 Orsamus Eaton..................... 8 N. N. White........................ 9 Turner Aldrich....................28 Royal Sherwood.........15, 20, 28 Section Crawford & Packard..............24 R. B. Wiggins................14, 23 E. H. House................Personal E. Aldrich.........................19 Luke Bailey........................14 Samuel Foster......................25 H. H. Comstock..........14, 23, 24 Daniel Wing...................... 36 Widow Weare......................25 lieman Parkhurst..............8, 22 11. M. Sherwood....................22 Levin Adams........................21 Charles Miles.......................32 E. Bragg.............................32 Martin W. Rowe................. 32 Abijah Chichester.................17 Abram Chichester.................18 W. Clark........................29, 32 James Hawks.......................29 John Hawks.......................32 Giles Scott...........................21 Section Anderson, Austin................. 10 Allen, Ethan........................10 Allen, Charles K.....................2 Allen, Obadiah...................vil. Aldrich, Isaac................... 13 Booher, Henry..................vil. Brewster, T. S.....................vil. B uck, Ira...........................vil. Beard, John...................10 Baird, John D........................2 Baird, J. W.....................11 Baird, Albert.1...................11 Benson, Charles................12 Barto, Carlton....................10 Brundage, William C............10 Burlingham, Philip..............20 Baker, John........................13 Brundage, IHarry...............15 Barnes, A. M...................32 Buck, A. M.....................22 Ballou, Byron.....................vil. Botsford, A. D......................3 Belcher, Widow...............vil. Batchelor, Joel................. vil. Blackmond, A. W...........vil. Chapman, Ezra E............... 16 Cary, Willard E.................22 Chadbourn, Benjamin.......11, 12 Carter, William...................19 Crane, Henry F....................13 Chapman, Joseph H.............22 Coffin, Mathew............... 25 Crissy, W. H.................vil. Coney, W. H................ vil. Coats, L. B.................... vil. Coats, Boyd..................vil. Chichester, Ira................22 Crittenden, Nelson...............22 Cotton, A. L....................20, 18 Duncan, John.................. 13 Duncan, Simeon...................13 Drew, Jeremy...................4, 30 Drew, Joseph W..................20 Drew, Darwin.................... Per. Dunn, David........................13 Dunning, C. F....................25 Dean, David W................. vil. Day, T. S...........................vil. Edsell, Wilson C..............14, 23 Eldred, Ferdinand............24, 25 Engel, John................... 19 Engel, William.....................19 Eaton, Ebenezer...................34 Eaton, Willard G..................22 Edson, Charles................21, 28 Eager, Benjamin, Jr............vil. Eaton, Orsamus.................vil. Eaton, R. C................. vii. Edwards, T. A. H................vil. Fuller, Samuel.....................36 Fort, Daniel........................14 Farnsworth, Moses...............17 Fox, C.D...........................vil. Fitch, James....................vil. Foster, Lenora.................. vil. Foster, Samuel D............26, vil. Foster, George H., furnace and fixtures on mill-race. Foster, Widow....................vil. Foster, A. R., store. Foster, Nathaniel................vil. Fossel, Peter.................. vil. Franklin, James...................34 Gray, James........................12 Gaylor, Russell..................30 Gates, George C.................... 14 Gillman, Ezekiel.................. 13 Gibbs, John........................31 Green, Henry.......................35 House, E. H.......................14 House, William A.................25 Hart, Nathaniel....................30 Hendrickson, Levi.................3 Hendrickson, Daniel...............3 Hendrickson, David................3 Hicks, Thomas..................... Hager, P. A.................... 22 Houghton, Rufus................ 35 Hall, Daniel M., tannery........13 Hard, Jonathan.................... 14 Hawks, James....................29 Higgins, J. S.......................32 Higgins, Willard.................vil. Hill, Joshua................ vil. Section Hopkins, C. D.....................vil. Hoag, Abram.....................vil. Hawks, Mrs. L. A.................33 Houghton, Lewis.................vil. tHanmer, John....................vil. Hanmer, James.................vii. Haines, C. C......................vil. House, John.................. vil. Johnson, Israel.......................2 Johnson, Henry S..................2 Johnson, Herman...............36 Lane, Leland....................... 1 Lemm, S. C.........................26 Lindsley, Jeremy................26 Lewis, Adam S.......................8 Lewis, Alpheus......................8 Leighton, George.............29, 32 Leighton, Samuel.............29, 32 Lamphier, Benjamin.............21 Lane, James F....................11 Munn, John.......................24 Martin, Benjamin.................17 McGary, James.....................26 Myers, Charles T.............26, 27 Mansfield, L., shop on race....vil. Mansfield, Alpheus..............vil. Mansfield, William.............Per. Mead, Michael....................vil. Monteith, William J............vil. Moulton, Henry..................vil. Monteith, James..................vil. Mansfield, William, saw-mill..vil. Newton, D........................8, 9 Nelson, Robert..................... 26 Norton, James, store and gristmill.......................... vil. Otto, George D...............30, 29 Orr, William...................... vil. Prior, Joseph........................9 Palmer, A. T. B..........28, 32, 33 Pierce, Henry.................20, 30 Porter, James B..................vil. Richmond, Nelson................20 Russell, Lester...............28, 33 Rose, Almon.......................,34 Rose, Hiram B.....................34 Rose, Charles.......................34 Ross, Raphael....................29 Rex, George........................18 Richards, Peter...................17 Rouse, Amos......................vil. Rowe, Widow.....................vil. Stoughton, Henry C., grist- and saw-mills. Pine Creek.........21 Sherwood, Eber................... 22 Stockwell, Seth....................30 Stokes, Thomas.....................22 Sebring, William..................32 Skinner, Ezekiel...................19 Stratton, Thomas..................19 Sherarts, George..............20, 21 Scott, Justin........................21 South, John G......................34 Sherwood, Edmond...............21 Sherwood, S. W....................27 Sherwood, William................27 Stark, Henry.........................2 Smith, M. D.......................vil. Stephens, Solomon...............vil. Squires, Alonzo.....................22 Sherwood, Sophia..................21 Smith, Osmand, factory on millrace...................vil. Stoner, Charles..................Per. Town, Oka.............6, 24, 23, 31 Town, Samuel........................8 Tompkins, Daniel D..............21 Tyler, William....................vil. Tompkins, Samuel, tavern..21, 32 Whitcomb, Alfred.................24 Wing, Daniel.....................36 Wicks, L. S.....................28 Wakefield, Harvey..................2 Warn, George.......................21 Wasson, Robert.................. 26 Wasson, Johnson.............27, 34 White, Josiah W..............23, 24 White, Nathan.......................9 Wiley, Edward.................... 19 Witch, Francis.................... vil. White, Widow.....................vil. Warrant, Thomas M..............24 Wiggins, R. B....................vil. VILLAGE OF OTSEGO,* ON SECTION 23. Roswcll Crane. Samuel F. Drury. L. C. Anderson. - Bostwick. Samuel Foster, inn-keeper. L. B. Coats. Gilbert Higgins. Wait Franklin. James Franklin. VILLAGE OF NEW Philip Burlingham. Samuel Burlingham. R. S. Burlingham, mills. Sophia Sherwood. Stokes P. White. N. N. White. P. Ross. Samuel E. Town. Henry Green. L. Buckley. William Orr. Samuel D. Foster. C. C. Bronson. Samuel Beckwith. J. Wade. C. D. Parkhurst. H. H. Comstock. ROCHESTER, ON SECTION 21. J. Stratton. Orsamus Eaton. M. Hawks. Martin W. Rowe. E. Hawks. Giles Scott, tavern, etc. Royal Sherwood. Watson, which at the time of its organization included the present towns of Watson, Hopkins, and Dorr, was set off in 1842. This considerably diminished the numbers of the old township, but its agricultural and manufacturing interests were rapidly developed, and in 1850, with 158 dwellings and 818 inhabitants, it took the first place, in point of numbers, among Allegan County townships. Three years later its tax-paying inhabitants were as follows: * Those who owned property in the township and villages are mentioned in both. 38 298 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. The population had increased to 1429 in 1860. In 1874 there were 2118 inhabitants. With 700 voters, its present population will approximate 3500. INITIAL EVENTS. Among the first events of their kind to occur in the territory just described, and not already noticed, were the following: Lucius C. Scott, son of Giles, who was born in the winter of 1830-31, and died three years later, was the first child born in the township. The first female child was Amanda, a daughter of Eber Sherwood, born in November, 1832. The first marriage was that of John B. Yeomans to Miss Aldrich, a daughter of Turner Aldrich, in the spring of 1831. The first bridge across the Kalamazoo was built at Pine Creek in 1835; the first at Otsego in 1836. Oka Town assisted to build both, also the one at Plainwell, and all were constructed with money contributed by the people, no taxes being levied. Samuel Town built the first framed dwelling at Pine Creek; Dr. L. B. Coats the first at Otsego. Eber Sherwood sold the first goods in town at Pine Creek in 1832. Royal Sherwood and John L. Shearer were also early merchants there. Elisha Belcher, who settled soon after 1840, was the first resident attorney in the township. Samuel D. Foster carried the first mail in 1832, which was received once a week from Kalamazoo. After the Allegan office was established he bought a team of horses and wagon, and made semi-weekly trips between Allegan and Kalamazoo, carrying the mails and passengers. CIVIL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST TOWNSHIP ELECTION HELD IN ALLEGAN COUNTY. Pursuant to an act of the Legislative Council approved March 29, 1833, the inhabitants of the township of Allegan,* according to previous notice, met at the house of Samuel Foster on Saturday, April 6, 1833, and organized by choosing Hull Sherwood moderator and Cyrenius Thompson clerk. By virtue of his office as a justice of the peace of Michigan Territory, Samuel Foster became one of the board of inspectors, and administered the oath to other members of the board. This meeting resulted in the election of the following-named officers: Charles Miles, Supervisor; Cyrenius Thompson, Township Clerk; Martin W. Rowe, Collector; Eber Sherwood, Calvin C. White, D. A. Plummer, Assessors; Giles Scott, Calvin C. White, Overseers of thePoor; Turner Aldrich, Jr., Norman Davis, Royal Sherwood, Highway Commissioners; Charles Miles, Samuel Foster, Cyrenius Thompson, School Inspectors; Martin W. Rowe, Constable; Orlando Weed, Eber Sherwood, U. Baker, Abijah Chichester, Overseer of Roads. The meeting then adjourned "to be convened again at ten o'clock A.M. on the first Monday of April next." FIRST GENERAL ELECTION. "At a meeting of the electors of the town of Allegan, in the county of Allegan, Michigan Territory, held at the house of Samuel Foster, on the 8th day of July, 1833, it was found, after duly canvassing the votes, that Lucius Lyon had for delegate to Congress twenty-two i I I:votes; and for delegate to the Legislative Council, Calvin Britain received twenty votes, and H. S. Steward two votes. (Signed) " SAMUEL FOSTER, "JOHN L. SHEARER, "ALMERINE L. COTTON, "CYRENIUS THOMPSON, "Inspectors of Election. FIRST HIGHWAYS SURVEYED. The first highway was surveyed by S. Vickery, July 2, 3, and 4, 1833, and was described in his field-notes as follows: " Commencing at a point S. 12~ E. 5 chains from the mouth of Pine Creek, and running thence 1. S. 77~ 10' E. distance 8 chains 50 links 2. N. 720 11' E, " 82 " 64 " 3. N. 85~ 00' E. " 50 " 00 " 4. S. 75~ 00' E. " 30 " 00 " 5. S. 45~ 35' E. " 55 " 50 " 6. S. 52~ 53' E. " 166 " 00 " 7. S. 34~ 18' E. " 27 " 50 " 8. S. 2 30'W. " 7 " 50 " 9. S. 11~ 00' E. " 4 " 50 " 10. S. 100 24' W. " 41 " 93 " to a point on the Base-Line 8 chains 67 links east of the northwest corner of section six, township one south, of range eleven west. Variation of magnetic needle, 5~ E." Road No. 2, in township No. 1 north, of range No. 12 west, was also surveyed by Mr. Vickery, July 4,1833. It began 39 chains 50 links south of a quarter section post on the south side of section 21: " Thence south 39 chains 50 links to said quarter-post; same course, 15 chains 50 links to Cotton's Brook; south 46~ 00' W. 30 chains to a stake near Aldrich's; south 14~ 40' W. 45 chains to a point 5 chains 68 links east of the southwest corner of section 28 in said township." During the months of February and March, 1834, Col. Isaac Barnes, of Gull Prairie, surveyed six highways in township 1 north, of range 11 west,-roads designated in the old records as number 5 to 10 inclusive. TOWNSHIP ELECTION OF 1834. On the first Monday in April, 1834, the people again assembled at the house of Samuel Foster for the purpose of electing township officers and the transaction of such business as might be deemed necessary. Charles Miles was chosen moderator. The meeting was then adjourned to the school-house. The officers elected at this meeting were Hull Sherwood, Supervisor; John L. Shearer, Township Clerk; Almerin L. Cotton, Collector; Giles Scott, Eber Sherwood, Cyrenius Thompson, Assessors; Orlando Weed, Samuel Foster, Giles Scott, Highway Commissioners; Samuel Foster, Giles Scott, Cyrenius Thqmpson, School Commissioners; Ezekiel Metcalf, Norman Davis, Directors of the Poor; Orlando Weed, Calvin C. White, Giles Scott, Charles Miles, Fence-Viewers; John H. Adams, Almerin L. Cotton, Martin W. Rowe, Constables. Overseers of Highways.-iDistrict No. 1, Lebbeus Sherwood; No. 2, Giles Scott; No. 3, Almerin L. Cotton; No. 4, Jonathan Russell;- No. 5, Friend Ives; No. 6, Dan Arnold. After passing various resolutions regarding stock running at large, the proceedings of this meeting were closed by voting * This township included all the territory in the present county of Allegan. OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 299 "That $1.50 bounty shall be paid by the township for each wolf scalp of the large kind, and $0.75 for every wolf scalp of the species commonly called Prairie Wolf, and for every whelp of the large kind the same amount." At a special township-meeting held April 28, 1834, for the purpose of filling vacancies caused by the non-qualification of two or three elected to unimportant offices, it was"Voted, That the township shall raise no money for contingent purposes." TOWNSHIP ELECTION, 1835. Monday, April 6, 1835, the electors assembled for the purpose of holding their third and last township-meeting under territorial rule. They met " at the school-house near Eber Sherwood's." Charles Miles was chosen moderator, and the meeting resulted in the election of the following officers: Hull Sherwood, Jr., Supervisor; John L. Shearer, Township Clerk; Almerin L. Cotton, Collector; Friend Ives, Eber Sherwood, Oka Town, Assessors; Abijah Chichester, Almerin L. Cotton, Silas Dunham, Highway Commissioners; Alexander L. Ely, School Commissioner; Martin W. Rowe, Dan Arnold, Directors of the Poor; Almerin L. Cotton, John H. Adams, William G. Butler, Benjamin Plummrer, Constables. Overseers of Highways. — District No. 1, Charles Miles; District No. 2, Royal Sherwood; District No. 3, Randal Crosby; District No. 4, Calvin C. White; District No. 5, John H. Adams; District No. 6, William Still; District No. 7, Leander S. Prouty; District No. 8, Rensselaer S. Crosby. At this meeting the supervisor was authorized " to raise $80 for contingent purposes." With the exception of placing upon record the survey of roads laid in ranges 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 during the year 1835, no further action seems to have been taken by the authorities of Allegan township other than already noted. It was divided in March, 1836, and the townships of Plainfield, Otsego, Allegan, and Newark formed in its stead. ORGANIZATION OF OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. By an act of the State Legislature approved March 23, 1836, Otsego was erected from Allegan township and its boundaries, etc., defined as follows: "All that portion of the County of Allegan designated by the United States survey as townships number one, two, three, and four north, of range number twelve west, be and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Otsego, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the schoolhouse in said township on the first Monday in April next." FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING. In accordance with the provisions of the foregoing act, the electors convened at the school-house on Monday, April 4, 1836. On motion of Oka Town, Esq., the meeting was adjourned to the dwelling-house of Eber Sherwood, where the following officers were chosen: Hull Sherwood, Jr., Supervisor; L. B. Coats, Township Clerk; Gilbert Higgins, L. B. Coats, Samuel Foster, Assessors; Samuel E. Town, Collector; John Weare, Norman Davis, Samuel Foster, Highway Commissioners; Charles Miles, Isaac Fisher, L. B. Coats, School Commissioners; Abijah Chichester, Almerin L. Cotton, Directors of the Poor; Samuel E. Town, J. M. Smith, Constables; Oka Town, Charles Miles, Martin W. Rowe, Samuel Foster, Justices of the Peace. It was further voted that the overseers of highways be fence-viewers and pound-master. The meeting was then adjourned for one year to the house of Samuel E. Town. TOWNSHIP-MEETING EXTRAORDINARY. On the 11th of April, 1836, it was discovered that the proceedings of the recent township-meeting were illegal and void throughout. Thereupon twelve electors presented a petition to the custodian of the township records asking that a meeting be called. Accordingly, L. B. Coats advertised for a meeting to be held April 22, 1836. On the date last mentioned the electors met at the schoolhouse. Samuel E. Town was chosen chairman, and L. B. Coats clerk pro tern. The meeting then adjourned to the house of Eber Sherwood. After examining the proceedings of the first meeting aforesaid it was ascertained that the said township board throughout had neglected taking the usual oath prescribed by law before receiving votes, etc. "It was therefore unanimously agreed that the said meeting be rendered ', ulla bona.' It was also resolved unanimously that the first township-meeting in the township of Otsego be held at the school-house in said township, on Monday, the 2d day of May next, agreeably to an act*' of the Legislature of Michigan, making provisions for the organization of townships, etc., approved March 23, 1836. "It was also motioned and carried, that twelve of the electors present advertise in three of the most public places for a townshipmeeting to he held at the school-house, on the first Monday in May next, at ten of the clock A.M., for the purpose of electing all township officers." Agreeably to public notice, the electors of the township again met at the school-house on Monday, May 2, 1836, and then adjourned to the dwelling of Eber Sherwood. Charles Miles was chosen chairman, and John L. Shearer clerk pro ter. As a result of this meeting the officers elected were Hull Sherwood, Jr., Supervisor; L. B. Coats, Township Clerk; Oka Town, P. Higgins, Edric Atwater, Assessors; Oka Town, Jabin S. Higgins, Charles Miles, Almerin L. Cotton, Justices of the Peace; Richard Weare, Collector; John Weare, Samuel Foster, Thomas H. Thomas, Highway Commissioners; Abijah Chichester, John Weare, Charles Miles, School Commissioners; Hull Sherwood, Jr., Giles Scott, Directors of the Poor; Richard Weare, J. M. Smith, Constables. Charles Miles, of District No. 1, John L. Shearer, of District No. 2, and John Weare, of District No. 3, were appointed overseers of highways, fence-viewers pound-masters, and field-drivers. RESULTS OF EARLY ELECTIONS. On Sept. 12, 1836, a special meeting was held for the election of a delegate to the State convention. After canvassing the votes it was ascertained that Richard Weare had received 34 votes. The vote was unanimous, no other person having received a ballot. * Section 53 of an act to organize certain townships, approved March 23, 1836, reads as follows: " If in any of the townships organized at the present session of the Legislature there shall not be held a township-meeting on the first Monday of April next, then said township-meeting may be held on the first Monday of May next." 300 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. At a general election, held at the house of Eber Sherwood, Nov. 7, 1836, the total number of votes polled for candidates for State and county officers was 32. On the 21st and 22d of August, 1837, an election was held to choose a representative to Congress. As candidates, Hezekiah G. Wells received 35 votes, and Isaac E. Crary 18 votes. At the gubernatorial election held Nov. 6 and 7, 1837, Charles C. Trowbridge received 40 votes, and Stevens T. Mason 28. Candidates for State and county officers at an election held Nov. 5 and 6, 1838, received a total of 75 votes. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The following is a list of the principal township officers elected annually* for the years from 1837 to 1879, inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1837, Oka Town; 1838, Hull Sherwood; 1839-40, Oka Town; 1841, Hull Sherwood; 1842, L. B. Coats; 1843, Osmond Smith; 1844, Henry Sheldon;t 1845-46, Hull Sherwood; 1847, Leland Lane; 1848-49, Oka Town; 1850, Willard G. Eaton; 1851-52, Randall F. Kellogg; 1853-57, Abram IHoag; 1858-59, Ira Chichester; 1860, Philip Burlingham;4 1861-66, Ira Chichester; 1867, Marvin G. Higgins; 1868, Edwin M. Allen; 1869, James Franklin; 1870, Wilson C. Edsell; 1871-72, Alva D. Botsford; 1873, Abraham J. Van Wyck; 1874-76, Alva D. Botsford; 1877, Abram Hoag; 1878, John F. Hale; 1879, Alva D. Botsford. TOWN CLERKS. 1837, L. B. Coats; 1838, Orsamus Eaton; 1839, Charles D. Parkhurst; 1840, Lucius C. Anderson; 1841, Henry Sheldon; 1842 -43, James Fitch; 1844, Willard G. Eaton; 1845, Daniel M. Hall; 1846, Rollin C. Dennison; 1847, Abram Hoag; 1848, James Fitch; 1849, Orsamus Eaton; 1850, Abram Hoag; 1851, Willard Higgins; 1852-55, Clark D. Fox; 1856, James Monteith; 1857, Cyril N. White; 1858-60, Clark D. Fox; 1861, Irving T. Clapp;l| 1862-64, James Smith; 1865, Alva D. Botsford; 1866 -72, James Smith; 1873-74, Stacey K. Potter; 1875-78, James Smith; 1879, Abraham J. Van Wyck. TREASURERS. 1839-42, Eber Sherwood; 1843, Henry Sheldon; 1844-46, Leland Lane; 1847, Rollin C. Dennison; 1848, Abram Hloag; 1849-52, James B. Porter; 1853, Willard Higgins; 1854-58, Darwin A. Drew; 1859-60, Joel S. Pratt; 1861-62, Turner S. Day; 1863, Alfred Ried; 1864-69, Nahum Gilbert; 1870, Henry M. Pratt; 1871, Byron Ballou; 1872, Abram Hoag; 1873-75, James Franklin; 1876, Abram Hoag; 1877-78, Albert T. B. Palmer; 1879, Stephen B. Hoag. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Oka Town, Roswell Crane, 1837; Lucius C. Anderson, Almerin L. Cotton, 1838; Lucius C. Anderson, Eli Watson, Osmond Smith, Philip Burlingham, 1839; Osmond Smith, 1840; Daniel Leggett, 1841; Daniel Wing, James Hawks, 1842; James M. Packard, 1843; Osmond Smith, 1844; Aaron Chichester, Philip Burlingham, 1845; Abram Hoag, 1846; Charles P. West, Samuel F. Drury, 1847; Willard G. Eaton, James Fitch, 1848; Elisha Belcher, 1849; Orsamus Eaton, Henry Moulton, Jeremy Drew, 1850; Benjamin Chadbourn, 1851; Wilson C. Edsell, Franklin Chadsey, 1852; George C. Gates, Seth Stockwell, Samuel D. Foster, 1853; George C. Gates, Osmond Smith, 1854; Samuel D. Foster, Joel S. Bennett, 1855; Henry C. Stoughton, 1856; Wilson C. Edsell, K. W. Mansfield, 1857; K. W. Mansfield, 1858; Oka Town, 1859; Willard G. Eaton, 1860; Wilson C. Edsell, 1861; Samuel M. Hubbard, Johnson Wasson, Phineas A. Hager, 1862; Stephen M. Shurtleff, William Cross, 1863; Mathew Coffin, Asa W. Blackmond, 1864; Wilson C. Edsell, 1865; Samuel M. Hubbard, 1866; Frank Plogart, 1867; Orsamus Eaton, 1868; William Cross, Charles Ross, 1869; Henry Stark, 1870; M. Eldred, Moses K. Stickney, 1871; Oscar Hare, John F. Hale, Asa W. Blackmond, 1872; Julius M. Eaton, William Cross, 1873; Asa W. Blackmond, 1874; Gustavus A. Morgan, Oka Town, 1875; William Cross, 1876; Herman Johnson, 1877; Daniel M. Hall, Horace T. Monroe, 1878; Horace T. Monroe, 1879. IIIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. Jeremy Drew, Roswell Crane, Abijah Chichester, 1837; E. H. House, Aaron Chichester, Eli Watson, 1838: Daniel Wing, Hull Sherwood, Almerin L. Cotton, 1839; William S. Miner, Abijah Chichester, Clark Corey, 1840; Daniel Wing, Jesse D. Stone, Roswell Crane, 1841; Hull Sherwood, Daniel Wing, Roswell Crane, 1842; Eber Sherwood, Nathaniel Hart, H. B. Seymour, 1843; Joshua Hill, James Franklin, Philip Burlingham, 1844; Jabin S. Higgins, James M. Packard, Daniel Wing, 1845; William Carter, Oka Town, Almerin L. Cotton, 1846; Eber Sherwood, William Carter, Henry Moulton, 1847; Harvey N. Crawford, 1848; Samuel Beckwith, 1849; Eber Sherwood, 1850; Josiah W. Beard, 1851; Benjamin Eager, 1852; Charles T. Myers, Seth Stockwell, 1853; Philip Burlingham, Ethan Allen, 1854; William Carter, 1855; Benjamin Eager, 1856; Joel S. Bennett, 1857; Charles D. Hopkins, 1858; Henry Pierce, 1859; Levi B. Shaw, 1860; Hall Gilbert, Benjamin Eager, 1861; Chester D. Hopkins, Theodore D. Hart, 1862; Edward Wyley, 1863; Horace T. Monroe, 1864; Eber Sherwood, 1865; Wallace L. Stockwell, 1866; Jabin S. Higgins, 1867; Henry D. Stuck, 1868; Harvey H. French, 1869; Benjamin F. Benn, 1870; Chauncey Scott, 1871; Hlarvey H. French, 1872; Benoni Merryfield, 1873; Chauncey Scott, 1874; M. Eldred, 1875; Salmon C. Webster, 1876; John Chambers, 1877-78; George E. Patten, 1879. ASSESSORS. James Hawks, Charles Miles, Roswell Crane, 1837; N. E. Mathews, Eli Watson, Martin W. Rowe, Orsamus Eaton, 1838; Eber Sherwood, Charles D. Parkhurst, Almerin L. Cotton, 1839; Eber Sherwood, Daniel Wing, Moses Hawks, 1840; Eber Sherwood, William Allen, John Weaver, Jr., 1841; Charles D. Parkhurst, Philip Burlingham, 1842; Hull Sherwood, Henry Pierce, 1843; Hull Sherwood, Almerin L. Cotton, 1844; James Hawks, Henry Sheldon, 1845; James Hawks, Samuel F. Drury, 1846; Benjamin Chadbourn, Samuel Beckwith, 1847; Nathaniel Hart, Willard G. Eaton, 1848; Elisha Belcher, W. G. Eaton, 1849; Supervisor, 1850; Samuel Beckwith, Joel Batchelor, 1851; Supervisors, 1852-54; L. B. Coats, Jeremy Drew, 1855; Thomas M. Warrant, Eber Sherwood, 1856; Supervisor, 1857; James Hawks, Abram Hoag, 1858; Supervisors, 1859-70; Charles H. Prentiss, Benoni Merryfield, 1871; M. Eldred, Benoni Merryfield, 1872; M. Eldred, Horace Phelps, 1873; Supervisors, 1874-79. COLLECTORS. Frederick Coats, 1837;~ H. H. Upham, 1838; George Warner, 1839; Osmond Smith, appointed to fill vacancy Nov. 8, 1839; T. B. Pierce, 1840; Henry Weare, 1841. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. Lucius C. Anderson, L. B. Coats, Aaron Chichester, Moses Hawks, Orsamus Eaton, 1837; L. B. Coats, Samuel Foster, Moses Hawks, 1838; L. B. Coats, Daniel Ming, Philip Burlingham, 1839; Clark Corey, Moses Hawks, L. B. Coats, 1840; R. M. Bigelow, John B. Wheeler, Solomon Case, 1841; Charles D. Parkhurst, Jacob M. Cooper, Henry Sheldon, 1842; C. P. West, Henry Sheldon, 1843; C. P. West, 1844;. Willard G. Eaton, 1845; Lenora Foster, 1846; Henry Moulton, 1847; L. B. Coats, 1848; L. W. Lorell, 1849; Ira Chichester, Lenora Foster, 1850; Willard G. Eaton, 1851; Wilson C. Edsell, 1852; Henry C. Stoughton, 1853; Abel C. Roberts, 1854; Courtland B. Smith, 1855; Abel C. Roberts, Horace C. Clapp, 1856; Willard G. Eaton, 1857; William B. Thomas, 1858; Lenora Foster, Phineas A. Hager, 1859; Willard G. Eaton, 1860; Phineas Hager, 1861; Gustavus A. Morgan, 1862; James M. Ballou, 1863; Franklin *All vacancies, appointments, etc., are not shown. t Osmond Smith appointed to fill vacancy September, 1844. t Joseph H. Chapman appointed to fill vacancy September, 1860. j Osmond Smith appointed to fill vacancy October, 1841. 0 James Smith appointed to fill vacancy June, 1861. ~ Benjamin F. Baldwin elected to fill vacancy Nov. 29, 1837. OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 301 Chadsey, Wilson C. Edsell, 1864; Lenora Foster, Charles F. Whitney, 1865; James M. Ballou, Gustavus A. Morgan, 1866; Daniel M. Hall, 1867; Willard Higgins, 1868; Leander A. Leighton, 1869; James M. Ballou, 1870; Julius A. Anderson, 1871; William H. Coleman, 1872; Julius A. Anderson, 1873; Nelson L. Sprague, 1874; James M. Ballou, 1875; Harvey 11. French, 1876; James M. Ballou, 1877; Nelson L. Sprague, 1878; Oliver Wise, 1879. TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT OF SCIOOLS. Gustavus A. Morgan, 1875-77; Charles Temple, 1878; Alfred E. McNett, 1879. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. Willard Higgins, 1873; William H. Sherwood, 1874-76; Harmon L. Ishman. 1877-78; Henry D. Stuck, 1879. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. Almerin L. Cotton, Turner Aldrich, Jr., 1837; Almerin L. Cotton, Moses Hawks, 1838-39; Abijah Chichester, Daniel Wing, 1840; Eber Sherwood, Abijah Chichester, 1841; Leland Lane, Abijah Chichester, 1842-43; Charles Miles, Abijah Chichester, 1844; Eber Sherwood, Leland Lane, 1845; Eleazur H. House, Leland Lane, 1846; Daniel Wing, Hull Sherwood, 1847; L. Mansfield, Almerin L. Cotton, 1848; Eber Sherwood, Eleazur H. House, 1849; Chester D. Hopkins, Leland Lane, 1850; H. N. Crawford, Leland Lane, 1851; Almerin L. Cotton, Eleazur II. House, 1852; Michael Mead, Joseph W. Drew, 1853; Michael Mead, Israel Johnson, 1854; Benjamin Eager, Joshua Htill, 1855-56; Jonathan Hare, James C. Elliott, 1857; Benjamin Eager, Michael Mead, 1858. EDUCATIONAL. In the fall of 1833 a small log school-house was erected near Eber Sherwood's, and in this building Dr. L. B. Coats* taught the first school, in the winter of 18.33-34. He received $30 per month. From 25 to 30 pupils attended, among whom were several married men living in the neighborhood. It is claimed that Miss A. M. House, afterwards Mrs. S. F. Drury, taught the first school in the village of Otsego,-a private school, the sessions being held in the old store building which fornerly stood on Hall's corner. Be that as it may, the first recorded proceedings concerning public schools in this township show that on the 17th day of December, 1836, School Commissioners Charles Miles and Abijah Chichester met at the township clerk's office, and described the boundaries of three school districts as follows: "District No. I shall include sections 15, 16, 21, 22, east half of 20, north half of 29, 28, 27, and the southeast quarter of 17. "District No. 2 to include sections 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, and 26. "District No. 3 to include sections 7, 8, 9, 18, and the north half and the southwest quarter of 17, the west half of 20, and the whole of 19. It is probable that schools were taught in districts 1 and 2 the following winter. On the 10th of April, 1837, School Commissioners Lucius C. Anderson, Charles Miles, and Abijah Chichester changed the boundaries of the districts before-mentioned and established the fourth district. Oct. 10, 1837, Almerin L. Cotton, director of district No. 1, made the first school district report as follows: " Scholars between the ages of five and seventeen years residing in the district, 30; scholars under five and over seventeen years residing in the district, not known; scholars attending school, 35; time school * His portrait most appropriately graces the rooms of the Union High School building in Otsego at the present time. has been kept by a qualified teacher, 6 months. No money received from State or county." The following day Dr. L. B. Coats rendered his report as director of school district No. 2, as follows: "Scholars between the ages of five and seventeen years residing in the district, 28; scholars attending school of ages under five and over seventeen years, 18; whole number attending school, 33; time school has been kept by qualified teacher, 6 months. No money received from State, county, or township. The books used in said school are the Elemnentary Spelling-Book, English Reader, Woodbridge's Geography, Kirkham's Grammar, and Daboll's Arithmetic." Trumbull Wells was granted a certificate to teach in district No. 2, Dec. 5, 1837. Miss Angelina M. Hare received the next teacher's certificate, Feb. 17, 1839. The school inspectors made their second annual report, Oct. 15, 1839, as follows: "Whole number of districts in township, 4; number from which reports have been made, 2, viz, Nos. 1 and 2; number of scholars of school age in district No. 1, 27; in district No. 2, 25; number attending school under and over school age in district No. 1, 4;' in district No. 2, 5; whole number attending school in district No. 1, 31; in district No. 2, 30; time school has been taught in district No. 1, six months and three weeks; in district No. 2, three months; money received from school inspectors, district No. 1, $19.63; district No. 2, $15.50; money raised in district No. 1, $590; in district No. 2, $430; purposes for which raised in district No. 1, $500 for a school-house, and $90 for support of schools; in district No. 2, $430 for a schoolhouse; books used in district No. 1, Elementary Spelling-Book and English Reader; in district No. 2, National Reader, Elementary Spelling-Book, Olney's, Woodbridge's and Parley's Geographies, Daboll's Arithmetic, and Kirkham's Grammar. (Signed) " L. B. COATS, "PHILIP BURLINGHAM, " DANIEL WING, " School Inspectors." In the annual report of 1840, 129 scholars were reported as attending schools, and the apportionment of public funds in 1843 was as follows: District. Scholars. No. 1............................................. 38 " 2............................................. 62 " 3............................................. 17 Amt. $24.36 39.74 10.90 Other early teachers to whom were granted certificates were as follows: E. S. Dunham, for district No. 1, Dec. 27, 1839; Isaac N. Butterfield, for district No. 2, same date; Miss Lovanna Cronkite, for district No. 3, May 9, 1840; Jonas Chamberlin, district No. 2, and John Walker, district No. 1, Dec. 10, 1840; Miss Laura Parkhurst, district No. 3, June 4, 1842; A. C. Roberts, district No. 2, November, 1842. 1843.-Alva D. Botsford, Eunice House, Willard G. Eaton, William J. Bliss. 1844.-Elizabeth Hoffman, Willard G. Eaton, - Carpenter, Levi Culver. 1845.-Elizabeth Gray, Sally A. Eldred, Elizabeth Hoffman, - Ingersoll, L. Farrar. 1846.-Sophronia Beckwith, Julia Cole, Betsey McFarlin, A. D. Botsford, Ira Chichester. 1847.-Sally M. Woodard, Amanda Town, Almeda Baird, Constance A. Bingham. 1848.-John Chandler, Gould W. Eaton, Amelia S. Day, Mary Lapeer, Almeda Baird, Myra E. Thompson, Harriet Blackman, Marian Fyfe, Henry Moulton, Helen Fyfe, Henry M. Stimpson, Ezekiel Skinner. 1849.-Betsey A. Chichester, Miss C. Russell, Willard G. Eaton. 1850.-Ann Burnett, Ann M. Ives, Sarah Phetteplace, Mary Lapeer, Jane Smith. Since 1836 many changes in boundary-lines of districts 302 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. and their numbers have taken place, which it would be impossible to desqlibe. The following was the apportionment of the primary school fund in 1850: District. Scholars. Amt. District. Scholars. Amt. No............... 34 $11.56 No. 4............... 35 $11.90 " 2.............. 128 43.52 " 5............... 53 18.02:" 3.............. 23 7.82 " 6.............. 23 8.50 In 1860 the two-mill tax was distributed as follows: District. Scholars. No. 1............. 40 " 2............... 212 " 3............... 29 "' 4.............. 48 Amt. $2.36 12.50 1.70 2.83 District. Scholars. No. 6................. 53 " 7................. 32 " 9................. 53 Amt. $3.13 1.89 3.13 The apportionment of the resulted as follows: primary school fund in 1870 District. Scholars. No. 1.............. 55 " 2.............. 373 " 3.............. 28 " 4.............. 53 " 5.............. 67 Amt. $26.40 179.04 13.44 25.44 32.16 District. Scholars. No. 6............... 48 ( 7............... 33 " 8............... 47 9............... 58 Amt. $23.04 15.84 22.56 27.84 As showing the present status of schools and their resources, the following statistics, taken from the school inspectors' annual report for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879, are appended: Number of school districts........................... 9 " children of school age residing in the township.......................... 715 " children attending school during the year................................ 642 " children, non-residents, attending school................................... 56 " brick school-houses................... 1 " frame "t.. 9 " male teachers employed during year..................................... 7 " female teachers employed during year...................................... 19 Paid male teachers.................................... $1198.00 Paid female teachers................................. $1805.00 Total resources for the year.......................... $4559.91 VILLAGE OF OTSEGO. The village of Otsego, an incorporated municipality of some 1200 inhabitants, is an important station on the line of the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, and is pleasantly located on the Kalamazoo River, which here flows rapidly to the westward. The surface on the south side rises some fifteen feet above the river, and, stretching back to the southward, presents a beautiful level plain, —lands denominated by the pioneers " oak-openings." Here was established the original village plat. On the north side, after going back some forty rods from the stream, the land rises into a considerable hill elevation, furnishing unsurpassed sites for private residences and abundant opportunities for lawn and landscape gardening. This elevation, too, upon which is located the cemetery,* one of the most beautiful places of interment in the county, gives a wide panoramic view of the village and of the surrounding country for miles in either direction. Mineral springs famous for their medicinal properties are also located on the north side of the river. The streets are broad and well shaded. Allegan Street is seven rods wide, another is six rods wide, while nearly all the others are five rods in width. Several handsome brick blocks are to be seen, and the private residences evince taste and refinement. The manufacturing structures, large, commodious buildings, are situated on both sides of the river. These, together with the beautiful iron bridge spanning the waters of the swiftly-flowing Kalamazoo, present a fine appearance to travelers passing on the railway. Nine feet head of water is here obtained, with a plentiful supply throughout the year. The race on the south side, which was excavated in 1836, is eighty rods in length; that on the north side is of more recent origin, and is sixty rods long. With its great and unsurpassed water-power privileges, Otsego is rapidly moving to the front as a manufacturing centre. The flouring-mills manufacture flour from more than 200,000 bushels of wheat yearly. There are mills for planing and for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, and fanning-mills, and an extensive chair-factory, which employs 100 hands. Hoes, corn-knives, and rakes are made in large quantities,-also carriages, wood-turnings, etc.,and there is an ample supply of all the smaller mechanical shops usually found in country villages. Among the piofessional and business men of the present day are A. D. Botsford & Son, F. K. Cloud, W. C. Edsell & Co., Samuel D. Foster, Albert R. Foster, Nelson W. Mills, George B. Norton, Rouse Bros., Charles D. Gaylord, Charles Shepherd, E. W. Sherwood, and Abraham J. Van Wyck, merchants; James M. Ballou, Mills, Peck & Co., C. H. Prentiss & Co., Sprague & Yeckley, A. B. & C. D. Stuart, manufacturers; William L. Blair and A. & P. G. Hoag, flouring-mill owners;t M. D. Prindle, saw-mill owner; E. H. Botsford, postmaster; Charles H. Harris, proprietor of the Weekly Union; Julius M. Eaton, attorney; Milton Chase, John H. Fulton, S. W. Thompson, physicians; Edsell & Peck, bankers; A. M. Buck, D. W. Comstock, F. L. McCoy, clergymen. ITS EARLY HISTORY. As already mentioned, Samuel Foster and his family were the first settlers upon the village site, locating here in the fall of 1831. About one year later, by an understanding with Samuel Foster, who pre-empted it, Horace H. Comstock purchased the land from the general government, and through his influence a post-office named Otsego was soon after established, Dr. Foster becoming the postmaster. Mr. Comstock was a native of Otsego Co., N. Y. He came to the Territory of Michigan in 1831 or 1832, and during the early days of both this and Kalamazoo County he was a most prominent actor, and operated largely in purchasing lands, platting villages, erecting mills, store-houses, dwellings, etc. It seems that he early contemplated using the magnificent water-power privileges here afforded by the Kalamazoo, and the establishment of a village upon its banks, and in furtherance of this plan obtained.the enactment of the following law: "SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the Territory H. Haloeae luigmltomlsws ftevlae ----- H. Hall operates a flouring-mill two miles west of the village, * A little burial-place on the banks of Pine Creek contains the and Messrs. Higgins & Scott another, four miles southwest of the remains of many of the early settlers. same place. OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 303 of Michigan, That Horace H. Comstock and his heirs and assigns be and they are hereby authorized to build a dam across the Kalamazoo River at Otsego, in the county of Allegan. "SECTION 2. The said dam shall not exceed five feet in height above common low water, and shall contain a convenient lock for the passage of boats, barges, canoes, rafts, or other water craft, not less than seventy-five feet in length and fourteen feet in width, and shall be so constructed as to receive boats in slack water of sufficient depth below the ripple, and pass them to slack water above the ripple, for all the purposes of navigation on said river. "SECTION 3. It shall be the duty of the owners of said dam, at all times, after the building of the same shall have been so far prosecuted as to obstruct the navigation of said river, to keep said lock in repair, and to pass any water craft or raft which can be admitted therein through the same without any unnecessary delay, free of all toll; and the said owners of said dam shall be liable to the owner or master of any water craft or raft, in double the amount of such damages such owner or master may sustain from any unnecessary detention of said water craft or raft at said lock, to be recovered, with cost of suit, before any court having competent jurisdiction. "SECTION 4. Any person who shall destroy or in any wise injure said lock or dam shall be deemed to have committed a trespass upon the owners thereof, and liable accordingly; and any person who shall willfully and maliciously destroy or injure the said lock or dam shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction be punishable cess of Mr. Comstock's enterprise. But the crowning event of the year was the survey and platting of the village of Otsego.t This was completed on the 22d day of December, 1836, by O. J. Wilder, surveyor. The map of this plat shows the bridge, dam, and mill-race, and a " bed of first-rate iron ore" on the north bank of the river, some forty rods above the bridge. Also roads leading to Portsmouth, Kalamazoo, Paw Paw, to the mouth of the Kalamazoo, and to the rapids of Grand River. The surveyor says,"This town is laid on the south side of the river, on section 23, in township No. 1 north, of range No. 12 west. Allegan Street is seven rods wide, Wilmot is six rods wide, and all the others are five." Other streets were named Court, Orleans, Franklin, Morell, Hammond, Kalamazoo, Farmer, Fair, and Platt. In another " note" we learn that"This town is situated on the rapids of the Kalamazoo River, immediately below its junction with Gun River, and at the head of steamboat navigation. The water-power of Otsego is not surpassed by any in Michigan, having a fall of fifteen feet, the whole river for A. B. & C. D. STUART, CHAIR MANUFACTURERS, OTSEGO, ALLEGAN COUNTY, MICHIGAN. by fine or imprisonment, in the discretion of the court; Provided, The imprisonment shall not exceed the term of three months. " SECTION 5. Nothing herein contained shall authorize the individual named in the first se.tion of this act, or his heirs and assigns, to enter upon or flow the lands of any person without the consent of such person; and the Legislature may at any time so alter or amend this act as to provide for the further improvement of the navigation of the said Kalamazoo River. "Approved March 28, 1835." During the next year (1836) a dam, mill-race, and sawmill were constructed. A bridge was built across the river at this point. The Buckleys were selling goods.. Samuel Foster, in anticipation of future requirements,-the influx of " land-lookers," — already had in active operation his little hostelry, known as "Otsego Hall;"* and, to still further increase hotel accommodations, J. S. Higgins came in and built a tavern, the building since (remodeled) occupied by Dr. Chase. Dr. Coats was here to attend to the bodily ailments of the afflicted. A school-house was erected near the site of the present Congregational church edifice, and the start thus made promised well for the suc* Since enlarged and known as the Lutkins House. a race, and requiring no dam, thus affording sufficient power to drive any number of stone that can ever be wanted. Its peculiar location, in respect to other towns and the adjoining country, the concentration of roads leading to it, in connection with its immense water-power, render it one of the most desirable points in Michigan." Samuel D. Foster began selling goods in the latter part of 1836. Roswell Crane took charge of the saw-mill in 1837, and built the Exchange Hotel for Mr. Comstock the same year. The hotel was then managed by Mr. Comstock for a few months, after which Mr. Crane assumed control of it. The first flouring-mill was built by Mr. Comstock in 1839. The resident tax-payers of 1840 have been mentioned in preceding pages, also a large majority of all other early settlers who settled subsequently; to them the reader is referred. The original school-house was burned in 1863. The present Union school building, a brick structure 50 by 80 feet, was built in 1868. It is surrounded by spacious grounds, some three or four acres in extent, well shaded with t Philip Burlingham's addition, embracing lands on the east side of section 22, was made May 9, 1845. 304 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. native oaks. Franklin Chadsey opened a classical school in 1855, but after a few years of financial difficulty he sold the school-house to the district. The first newspaper established in the county, the Allegan County Democrat, was published at Otsego, by Moses Hawks, April 12, 1842. It was removed to Allegan soon after. Several other newspaper enterprises have originated here, which are mentioned in Chapter XX. of the general history. Dr. Foster continued as postmaster until about 1840. Dr. Coats succeeded him, and he in turn was succeeded by Willard G. Eaton.* Although the village suffered severely by fire in June, 1863, also in 1875, and again in December, 1877, it possesses no fire department or water supply that is at all efficient or worthy of notice. INCORPORATION. By an act of the State Legislature approved March 15, 1865, the territory described in the act was incorporated as the village of Otsego. The first charter election was held in the boot-and-shoe store of A. W. Blackmond, on the 15th of April, 1865, and the president, trustees, and marshal then elected were as follows: Willard Higgins, President; William H. Ingram, Franklin Chadsey, Ethan Allen, Lenora Foster, Henry C. Houghton, Wilson C. Edsell, Trustees; Byron Ballou, Marshal. The following officers have been subsequently elected: 1866.-William H. Ingram, President; Myron McCorn, Joseph H. Chapman, Edwin M. Allen, Trustees; Byron Ballou, Marshal. 1867.-Abram Hoag, President; Chester S. Cressy, Alva Sweetland, William R. Darling, Trustees; Alva D. Botsford, Marshal. 1868.-Willard Higgins, President; Norman L. Travis, James Clark, John M. Cloud, Trustees; M. G. Higgins, Marshal. 1869.-Willard Higgins, President; Chester M. Cressy, Andrew H. Chase, Nelson L. Sprague, Trustees; Leander A. Leighton, Marshal. 1870.-Willard Higgins, President; Stacy R. Potter, A. D. Botsford, J. M. Ballou, Trustees; A. W. Blackmond, Marshal. 1871.-T. B. Hinkson, President; E. D. Veckley, Alfred Whitcomb, R. R. Rich, N. W. Mills, Trustees; John M. Cloud, Marshal. 1872.-T. B. Hinkson, President; James Franklin, H. M. Pratt, H. Hall, Trustees; Z. A. Higgins, Marshal. 1873.-R. R. Rich, President; Abraham J. Van Wyck, Charles E. Franklin, C. N. Russell, Trustees; John B. Millard, Marshal. 1874.-Lenora Foster, President; A. J. Van Wyck, J. M. Ballou, J. F. Hale, H. M. Woodard, I. H. Lamereaux, William H. Ingram, Trustees; John B. Millard, Marshal. 1875.-H. Hall, President; I. O. Owen, A. T. B. Palmer, J. H. Fulton, Trustees; A. L. Reese, Marshal. 1876.-Hermon L. Isham, President; George B. Norton, George Hadden, James Smith, Trustees; William J. Monteith, Marshal. 1877. —Daniel M. Hall, President; Chauncey L. Cook, John F. Hale, Peter G. Hoag, Trustees; William Van Blarcom, Marshal. 1878.-Daniel M. Hall, President; A. T. B. Palmer, C. H. Prentiss, Lewis Haddon, Trustees; Milton Chase, Marshal. 1879.-Stephen B. Hloag, President; N. W. Mills, George B. Norton, S. W. Thompson, Trustees; D. Bowen, Marshal. 1880.-Abraham J. Van Wyck, President; P. W. Travis, C. A. Barnes, L. W. Sherwood, Trustees; Abram Staley, Marshal. RELIGIOUS. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN OTSEGO.t This body dates its history from the formation of the First Baptist Church in Plainfield, which was organized at the house of Silas Dunham in Plainfieldl (now Gun Plain) Dec. 26,1835. The names of the constituent members were Silas Dunham, Curtis Brigham, S. Calkins, Elisha B. Seely, James Calkins, Alfred S. Dunham, Edwin S. Dunham, Tirza Dunham, Lydia Brigham, Joanna Calkins, Sarah Seely, and Matilda Calkins. Their meetings during the first few years were held at different points over the wide field which this church then covered,-sometimes in the Gun Plain school-house, sometimes at the dwellings and school-houses in Cooper, in Otsego, and in Allegan,-Otsego being made the central point and permanent location in 1842. The first pastor was Elder Jeremiah HIall, who was the moderator of the council held Feb. 4, 1836, for the recognition of the church. After Elder Hall, Elder Harvey Munger was pastor for several years, preaching only a portion of the time. Deacon Curtis Brigham, though not an ordained minister, preached acceptably during the early years of the society's history. Elder William A. Bronson was called to the pastorate June 24, 1844, and served about one year. Elder Harvey Munger followed him. In 1851, Rev. A. M. Buck became the pastor, and resigned in 1857. Rev. H. Stanwood was called in 1858, and served one year. Rev. A. M. Buck was recalled in April, 1859, and resigned in December, 1863. Rev. 0. S. Wolfe was called in 1864, served until August, 1864, and was succeeded by Rev. H. B. Taft in November of the same year, who remained one year. Rev. A. M. Buck was again called in November, 1872, and is the present incumbent. This was the mother-church in Allegan County, and was probably the first church of any denomination formed within its limits. In December, 1840, a branch was set off to form a church in Cooper. In January, 1841, a branch was set off to form the Baptist Church in Allegan. In April, 1864, a branch was set off to form a church in Trowbridge, and in May of the same year another branch was set off to organize the present Baptist Church in Plainwell. The house of worship now in use was built in 1855, and dedicated October 28th of that year. It has 250 sittings, and is valued at $1000. The church now numbers 65 members. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF OTSEGO.~ This organization was formed in the Gun Plain schoolhouse, township of Plainfield, now Gun Plain, on the 8th day of January, 1837. At this meeting Rev. M. Knappen, of Gull Prairie, presided as moderator, while George N. Smith served as secretary. The first meeting held in Otsego was on the 26th of February, 1837. Among the original members of this church were Rev. A. S. Ware and wife, Mr. and Mrs. * Killed at battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865. (See Chapter XXV. of the general history.) t From information furnished by Rev. A. M. Buck.: Then Allegan township.. From data furnished by W. C. Edsell, Esq. I ^^.(SrM OTSEGO TOWNSHIP. 305 Chamberlin and son, John Forbes and wife, William Orr, Cyrenius Thompson and wife, George N. Smith and wife, Peter Head, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Adams, and others. The first house of worship, in the village of Otsego, was built in 1846. It was burned in March, 1865. The present church edifice was completed in 1867, and has sittings for 300 persons. Present membership of the church, 80. The following-named pastors have at various periods been settled here: Revs. A. S. Ware, F. L. Fuller, J. Bliss, -- McMath, S. Stevens, F. L. Fuller, David S. Morse, Charles Temple, A. B. Allen, Thomas Fowler, A. M. Buck, and D. W. Comstock, the present incumbent. TIHE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCI OF OTSEGO.: This church was organized in 1842, the original members being Lucius Anderson and wife, Miss M. Bailey, Sidney Ketchum, and Angeline Lane. The house of worship was commenced in 1843 and completed in 1847. It will seat 250 persons, and is valued at $2000. Present membership of the society, 110. Among the pastors who have administered to the spiritual wants of this church there have been Revs. Frank Sage, Charles Bush, Edward Kellogg, Parker, J. C. Abbott, King, Myron B. Camburn, Virgil S. Boynton, Charles Mosher, John Eichanback, Benjamin F. Doughty, Andrew J. Eldred, William C. H. Bliss, Ransom Goodell, Thomas Bignell, Amos Wakefield, William F. Jenkins, N. C. Ethridge, S. Hendrickson, L. M. Bennett, Eri H. Day, George A. Van Horn, L. H. Pearce, Abraham J. Van Wyck, N. M. Steele, George L. Haight, William Paddock, Wright Barrett, C. T. Van Antwerp, I. B. Tallman, and Frank L. McCoy, the present pastor, who kindly furnished the foregoing data. SEVENTHI-DAY ADVENTISTS. A society of this denomination was organized by Elder Joseph Bates, of Monterey, on the 28th of December, 1861, the original members being Aaron Hilliard, Lydia Hilliard, George Leighton, Rocksilda Leighton, Margaret Shepard, Lewis Hadden, Mary Hadden, Hettie Hadden, Martin Leach, Esther Leach, Amanda Felshaw, Malinda Felshaw, Francis Felshaw, George Felshaw, Mary Russell, Paulina Russell, William Russell, Leroy Russell, Olive Russell, Augusta Hadden, Elizabeth Welch, Nathan Anway, Harriet Auway, John D. Pearson, Sally F. Pearson, Sarah Travis, Sidney Hilliard, Cynthia Hilliard, Seymour Hilliard, Trecia Hilliard, and Sophronia Chappel. Their first meetings were held at the house of George Leighton. In June, 1863, Elder M. E. Cornell held a successful series of tent-meetings at a point not far away from their present house of worship. Their church edifice is of brick, and situated on Farmer Street, in the village of Otsego. It was erected in 1867. The members of this organization number 74 at the present time. I SECRET BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. OTSEGO LODGE, No. 78, F. AND A. M.t This lodge began work under a dispensation dated Oct. 15, 1855. The first meeting was held in the office of Dr. A. C. Roberts, Nov. 1, 1855, and among the officers first installed were A. C. Roberts, W. M.; D. A. Drew, S. W.; C. D. Fox, J. W.; L. B. Coats, Sec.; and Samuel Ellis, Treas. The lodge was chartered Jan. 10, 1856, and the W. M.'s since the first installation to the present time have been as follows: A. C. Roberts, 1856-58; H. C. Clapp, 1859; Willard G. Eaton, 1860; 0. Eaton, 1861-62; Henry C. Stoughton, 1863; A. M. Alexander, 1864; Willard Higgins, 1865-66; E. M. Allen, 1867-68; O. Eaton, 1869-70; S. N. Mahan, 1871-73; S. W. Thompson, 1874-76; William Sherwood, 1877-80. Other present officers are Hiram Hall, S. W.; C. M. Edmonds, J. VW.; C. H. Harris, Treas.; A. T. B. Palmer, Sec.; Calvin Burlingham, S. D.; William Fisher, J. D.; Sidney Rouse, Tyler. Present members number 63. OTSEGO LODGE,+ No. 164, 1. 0. 0. F.l This society was instituted as Henry Day Lodge, June 7, 1871, the officers then installed being Henry Day, N. G.; A. S. Tompkins, V. G.; A. B. Way, R. S.; Nahum Gilbert, Treas. Other charter members were John B. Millard, D. F. Sweet, and Charles E. McKay. The name was changed to Otsego Lodge in 1873. Its presiding officers since the first installation are named in the order of their succession, as follows: Henry Day, A. S. Tompkins, Nahum Gilbert, Silas Philley, Jr., C. I. Fuller, S. R. Potter, Silas Philley, Jr., C. N. Russell, Charles D. Drew, W. J. Rice, Nahum Gilbert, A. T. Yeckley, J. H. Fulton, Andrew Copp, A. W. Blackmond, C. I. Fuller, J. B. Lindsley, and W. R. Ingalls. The lodge occupies rooms over Potter & Norton's store, where its first meeting was held. Present membership, 40. v. <.t BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. HON. WILSON C. EDSELL. This gentleman, whose name is so prominently associated with the history of Otsego and Allegan Counties, was born in Bradford Co., Pa., July 8, 1814. The family are of German-American origin. His parents were natives of New York and Connecticut, and reared a family of nine children. The elder Edsell was a farmer, and his family were brought up to habits of industry and thrift. Our subject's advantages for education were confined to the common schools of that day, but his thoughtfulness and close observation made amends for other deficiencies. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to the vocation of a carpenter and joiner, and upon attaining his majority he * See history of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Plainwell for a more complete list of pastors, etc. 39 t From data furnished by Dr. S. W. Thompson. t Name changed to Ots go Lodge in 1873. # From data furnished by Silas Philley, Jr. 306 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. was in possession of a strong pair of hands, a good constitution, and was master of his trade. In 1835 he started West, stopping at Cleveland to recruit his finances; leaving Cleveland, he went to Sandusky, and entered the employ of George Lawton, a' successful mill-builder, with whom he remained four years. Ile gained the reputation of a faithful, competent workman, and spent his leisure time in studying Nicholson's " Operative Mechanics," chemistry, natural philosophy, drawing, and history. In 1839 he built a large flouring-mill at Monroeville, Ohio. Here also he met his destiny in Miss Julia A., daughter of David Cleck, Esq., whom he married the following year. Soon after their marriage they entered Oberlin College, and began a four years' course. In 1844 they joined a colony of thirty persons, who emigrated from Oberlin to Olivet, Mich., for the purpose of establishing a similar college at that place, where Mr. Edsell, in company with Rev. John J. Shipard, founder of Oberlin College, Carlos Reed, and William Hesford, purchased about twelve hundred acres of land for college, mill, and kindred purposes. Mr. Edsell was made treasurer, secretary, and trustee, and pushed forward the work amid many discouragements until it had gained a firm hold upon the confidence of the people. Its admirable discipline and superior educational advantages now render it a power for good, and much of its after-success is attributable to the self-sacrifice and untiring energy of its first secretary. In 1849, Mr. Edsell removed to Otsego, where his energy and ability were soon recognized. He was admitted to practice in all the State courts, was justice of the peace sixteen years, trustee of the State Asylum for the Insane, and twice elected member of the State Senate. As a jurist he manifested clearness of perception, sound common sense, and indefatigable perseverance. In 1870 he was admitted to practice in the United States courts, thus proving that though advanced in years he is both aggressive and progressive. He has not confined his efforts solely to the practice of his profession, but has been one of the largest real-estate owners. in the county, and in 1869 he, in company with H. N. Peck, established the first banking-house in Otsego. In 1866, Mrs. Edsell died. She was a lady of refinement and education, and esteemed highly. She was the mother of four children, two of whom are still living, -Chas. W., of the firm of W. C. Edsell & Son, and Sarah, wife of H. N. Peck. In 1867 he was again married, to Mrs. Clara Hughes, of Kalamazoo. By the last union one daughter, Esther, was born. The salient points in the character of Mr. Edsell are industry and economy, to which he attributes his success. Starting in at twentyone with only his natural resources and five dollars, he has attained success in all departments of life. He is one of whom the Latin phrase "Faber suse fortunee" is eminently true. In his political and religious convictions he is a Republican and a Congregationalist. Socially, he is genial and courteous, and his hospitality and good nature are proverbial. He possesses that quality of bearing and manner, united with a fine presence, which not only favorably impresses the stranger, but endears him to those who enjoy his society. Public spirited in tie fullest sense of the word, he is one of those whose identification with any community is always productive of good. Among the most prominent things of his life-work, as well as being the most satisfactory to himself, are, he says, the following: The pleasure and satisfaction of assisting and taking care of his aged mother, who lived to be ninetyfour years old; the part he took in the founding and establishing of the Olivet College; and his untiring efforts in the anti-slavery cause, and the organization and perpetuity of the Republican party. I -- - OV E R I S E L. THIS is one of the three townships of Allegan County populated chiefly by Hollanders, and may, perhaps, be regarded as the stronghold of the people of that nationality in the county. It is described in the United States survey as township 4 north, of range 14 west, being bounded on the north by Ottawa County, south by Heath, east by Salem, and west by Fillmore. The surface of Overisel is quite varied, the elevations in the southeastern portion often reaching the dignity of hills, while in the centre the slopes are more gentle. There are a few swamps, so small, however, as not materially to lessen the value of that district. The northern and southwestern portions are level and productive, and afford many advantages to the agriculturist. No lakes diversify the surface of Overisel, which is, in that regard, different from most of the townships of Allegan County. Rabbit River, which makes its way, with many windings, through the southeastern portion, enters the township from Salem on section 25, flows southwestward, and passes out into Heath on the southern line of section 34. This stream is fed by several small creeks, which rise in the northern portion of the township, while the tributaries of the Black River water the northwestern corner of the township. A considerable portion of the soil of Overisel is a sandy loam, while in many localities a strong clay loam abounds and in others the clay is mixed with gravel, a composition which produces as good crops as are to be found anywhere in Allegan County. Wheat finds a congenial soil in Overisel, the average crop being quite equal to that of neighboring townships. Corn is also grown to profit, and other grains are cultivated * By E. O. Wagner. * — *:: FI- SETtMN-~L~ Tf- 0rr':.-;R~wACN-~-i~.,b *RKON/NfG. *MSRKN N NV.':'4 a _, 8 l 3Or.~.., i r( ~~r::,~:~i, — "?~gl'~..,-. ~.~;:.: u ~:;~ -,'I r r ILI1 'r: c '" i;-:La. '';' si' RESIDENCE OF R.KONING, OVERISEL TP, ALLEGAN CO., MICH. I I OVERISEL TOWNSHIP. 307 with like success. In some localities the wheat-crop has yielded 35 bushels to the acre, though it is not claimed that the average production will reach that figure. The last available census-that of 1874-reported that 1305 acres of that grain had been harvested during the previous year, which had yielded 22,418 bushels. Seven hundred and forty-six acres of corn had produced 26,059 bushels of that cereal, while of other grains 19,224 bushels had been raised. Grass is grown with much success, and hay of a superior grade is produced, the yield in 1873 having been 1990 tons. On nearly all the farms there are fine orchards, which generally produce very fine apples, that fruit being the one principally in favor among the Hollanders. There are very few peach-trees, hardly any one raising more peaches than are desired for home consumption. The timber of Overisel embraces most varieties found elsewhere in the county. Beech and maple are the staple woods, while ash, elm, hemlock, and pine also abound. The last-named timber is principally found along the borders of Rabbit River, though most of what formerly grew there has been used for building or exported. The population of Overisel is chiefly composed of Hollanders, who emigrated from their native land direct to Michigan, though a small band of settlers of American descent are found in the southeastern portion. The industry, order, and neatness of this people are apparent even in a hasty survey of the township. The lands are mostly well improved and substantially fenced, while comfortable dwellings of brick or wood, together with capacious barns and out-buildings, are seen on nearly every farm. The population has increased materially since the census of 1874, and is now estimated to exceed 2000 persons. The hospitality and civility which are marked characteristics of the Dutch race are fully maintained by the people of Overisel, as the writer can most willingly testify. There was only a single exception to the courtesy and friendliness with which he was received. There is among the Hollanders of this township but little rotation in office. Those who have filled positions of trust with ability and integrity are secure in their tenure of office, and are but slightly affected by political changes, as may be seen by a glance at the list of officers which closes the township history. GOVERNMENT ENTRIES. The following list embraces the original purchasers of land in the township of Overisel: Section 1.-Bought from 1854 to 1856 by K. DeJunge, John Lubbers, P. Knighthof, Jan Van Dau, Jan Rodoss, Hendrik Hinman, Cornelius Vorhorst. Section 2.-Bought from 1836 to 1849 by E. IIawley, R. Mast, A. Vredevelt, N. II. Fredwelt, R. Weurding. Section 3. —Bought in 1836 and 1848 by L. J. Rosencrantz, Van Rhu and Van Dau. Section 4.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by R. S. Hawkins, J. Davis, William Larzalere, Jan Van Dau, W. Van Dercolk, A. Dosimer. Section 5. —Bought from 1836 to 1864 by Robert Iawkins, Niram Abbott, Klas Ialst, G. Broaderhouet, W. Vandercolk, Henry Kollen. Section 6. —Bought in 1836 and 1837 by E. Doubleday, R. M. Mentern, Niram Abbott. Section 7.-Bought from 1836 to 1862 by Niram Abbott, B. Zimmerman, C. J. Vorhorst, L. H. Hendrick, Simeon Barrow, B. Schaddeler. Section 8.-Bought from 1836 to 1849 by Niram Abbott, S. Bolks, H. Klemhekisle, G. J. Figuervever, C. J. Vo)rhorst. Section 9.-Bought in 1848 and 1854 by Gerrit Peters, Aaron Eames, G. Scholton, G. Pelaker, H. Browers. Section 10.-Bought in 1836 by E. Farnsworth, William Jackson, A. Leonard, S. S. Hopkins, John Mullen. Section. 11.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by E. Farnsworth, F. M. Bos, Klaus Boerman, Henry Boerman, Henry Misger, Simeon Gard. Section 12.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Henry Cole, Nelson Sage, B. Dredorel, John Lubbers, Simeon Gard. Section 13.-Brought from 1836 to 1867 by O. Sage and E. Pancoast, John Clark, Samuel Hunt, Koning and Kollen. Section 14.-Bought in 1836 and 1855 by John W. Curtis, L. J. Gard. Section 15.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by David Cole, J. U. Curtis, D. 0. Knowlton, William Vugteveen, Hendrick Kork. Section 16.-Bought in 1863 and 1864 by L. Hopman, F. Copeman, E. Kalen, M. Slotman, A. Fooustra, II. Lankherst, G. Nyhuir, John Kaves, J. Howner, J. 1. Berkel, Jan Korterink, J. Kickenfeld. Section 17.-Bought in 1836 and 1848 by S. V. R. Trowbridge, Moses Rowe, Samuel Barnes, G. J. Haller, S. Bolks. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1864 by Moses Rowe, S. Bolks, H. D. Post, C. J. Vorhorst, S. Barrone, R. De Kouney. Section 19.-Bought in 1837 and 1848 by Kneland Townsend, S. Bolks. Section 20.-Bought in 1836 by J. Miller, S. V. Miller, Charles Eastman, Jacob Cole, Marvin Allen. Section 21.-Bought in 1836 and 1854 by Elisha Moody, Charles Eastman, George Patterson, G. H. Slotman. Section 22.-Bought from 1836 to 1867 by John Dixon, James Dixon, William Ungterelu, H. Comson, T. B. Morse, C. J. Vorhorst, R. D. Koning. Section 23.-Bought in 1836 by Daniel S. Wilder, Orrin Moody. Section 24.-Bought in 1836 and 1855 by F. Booker, E. Farnsworth, Niratn Abott, C. H. Hibbard. Section 25.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Charles Butler, M. Schuyler, E. Farnsworth, Elisha Moody. Section 26.-Bought in 1836 by Elisha Moody. Section 27.-Bought from 1836 to 1865 by Joshua Clark, Charles Butler, Elisha Moody, Kinnig and Kollen, F. B. Stockbridge. Section 28.-Bought in 1836 by D. S. Wilder, S. V. R. Trowbridge, Charles Eastman. Section 29.-Bought in 1836 by S. V. R. Trowbridge, Moses Rowe, S. S. Hopkins, David Childs, Hugh Supple. Section 30.-Bought in 1836 by D. S. Wilder, H. Hastings. Section 31.-Bought in 1836 and 1856 by Winslow and Porter, Sumner Sherwood, Titus Merritt. Section 32.-Bought in 1836 by Winslow and Porter, Charles Butler. Section 33.-Bought in 1834 and 1836 by P. C. Mills, Winslow and Porter, Trowbridge and Parker, Ely and Moody. Section 34.-Bought in 1834, '35, and '36 by H. Y. Britain, William P. Patrick, Fetterman and Abbott, Trowbridge and Parks, Benjamin Eager, Norman Allen. Section 35.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Alanson Sumner, L. A. Mills, Fetterman and Abbott, Joel Bowker, Elisha Moody, Trowbridge and Parks, Silas Trowbridge, Charles Butler. Section 36.-Bought in 1835 by Charles Butler. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. During the year 1847 a colony of twenty families, under the leadership of Rev. S. Bolks, embarked from Holland for the hospitable shores of America. They remained a year in the State of New York, and during this interval Rev. Mr. Bolks came to Western Michigan, a larger colony of his countrymen having located in the southern part of Ottawa County a short time before.* He first determined upon Fillmore as a location for his colony, but finally decided on Overisel. His followers met a cordial welcome from the colony of Hollanders who had already established themselves in Hol * See Chapter XII. of the general history. 308 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. land, Ottawa Co., and received temporary shelter. Here they remained until log houses could be constructed on the ground they had selected for each family, when they immediately moved into them. The colonists brought with them Holland gold, with which they desired Dominie Bolks to enter 2000 acres of land at Ionia, Mich., where the landoffice for this district was then located. This land was then distributed by lot to the various heads of families, and all seem to have been entirely content with the tracts that this method of division assigned him. In this tract was embraced a farm of 63 acres, which was given to Dominie Bolks as a pledge of esteem by the colonists. The families who accompanied Rev. Mr. Bolks to Overisel and made the first settlement there in 1848 are here enumerated, with their location: Egbert Nykerk, with a wife and one child, who located upon the east half of the northwest fractional quarter of section 19. In his family also lived Aarand Teeslink, his wife's father, with a wife and four children. Gerret Veldhuis, with his wife and four children, located upon the southwest fractional quarter of section 19. Gerret H. Lankheit, with his wife and two little ones, became a resident of the south half of the southeast quarter of section 19. He lived upon this land until his death, in 1865. Henry Beldman, accompanied by a wife and one child, settled upon the east half of the northwest quarter of section 20. Berend Wieldrayer, with five children, found a home upon section 18, of which he had received half of the southeast quarter, embracing 80 acres. Mr. Wieldrayer died in 1879, having lived to the advanced age of eightyone years. Gerett J. Immink, accompanied by a wife and six children, settled upon the west half of the northwest quarter of section 20, and afterwards bought the east half of the northeast quarter of section 19. He is now deceased, as is also his wife, who lived to the age of eightyfour years. A son of the same name occupies the farm. William Hulsman, with his wife, removed to the west half of the southeast quarter of section 17, embracing 80 acres. Hendrick Klumper, with his wife and three children, located upon the east half of the southeast quarter of section 18, on which he lived until his death, in 1875. His son now occupies the homestead. Gerret J. Figuervever, accompanied by his wife and child, found a home on section 8, of which he received the west half of the southwest quarter. With him came his father and mother, who are since deceased. Evert J. Fokkert, wife, and child became residents of 40 acres on section 7. He died many years since, and left his son, Mannes Fokkert, in possession of the farm, upon which he now resides. John W. Agteres, with his wife and three children, removed to the west half of the east half of the southwest quarter of section 8. He died some years since, and left the farm to his widow, who now resides upon it. Henry Kleinheksel, accompanied by his wife and five children, settled upon the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 8. He enjoyed the distinction of having been the earliest pioneer in Overisel, and lived upon his land until 1875, when his death occurred. His son is now the owner of the farm. Gerret Peters, with a family consisting of a wife and two children, found a home upon section 9, where he owned 160 acres. His son now resides upon the same farm Henry Kroezre, with a wife and three children, owned the east half of the southeast quarter of section 8. He died very early, and the widow, with her son, has since cultivated the farm. Jan Schipper, accompanied by a wife and five children, settled on 40 acres on section 20. Hendricus Maatman, his wife and three children, located upon the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 17, and also purchased the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 20. His death occurred during an early period of the colony's history, and his son has since cultivated the land. L. Slatman, one of the early pioneers who left Holland in 1847, died in Syracuse, N. Y., soon after his arrival. His widow and five children removed to Michigan with the colony, and settled upon the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 19. William Oolbekkirck, who was unmarried on his arrival, located upon the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 19. Mannes Kleinheksel resided upon section 20, where he had the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter. Gerret J. Haller, also an unmarried man, had the east half of the southwest quarter of section 17. Gerret Maatman and his wife established themselves upon section 8, where 40 acres was allotted to them. He lived upon his farm until his death, in 1876, when his son became owner of the property. John Schwuurusau did not locate land with the colony, but soon after entered a tract in the township which he improved and made his residence. In the fall of 1848 the following families, who had remained in New York, joined the colony: Mannes Boers and two children settled upon the west fractional half of the southwest quarter of section 6, his wife having died in New York. Berend Timmerman, with his wife and four children, located upon the east half of the northwest fractional quarter of section 7. Gerret M. Brouwer, with his wife and two children, chose a farm on section 24, in the township of Fillnore. These last four settlers purchased their lands direct from the government, and not through the agency of Rev. S. Bolks. The same fall there arrived from Holland William Heckman, wife and four children, who settled upon the east half of the southwest quarter of section 6; Hendrick Eskes, his wife and three children, who chose a home in Fillmore; John Bolks, who was unmarried, and also located in Fillmore, on section 24; Gerret Schoten, his wife and five children, who purchased 160 acres on section 17; Gerret Vreelink, with a wife and five children, who entered 80 acres on section 8. In 1849 came Hans Kok, his wife and six children, who located upon section 7; Mannes Slotman, with a wife and four children, who became settlers on section 20; and Rev. Gerret J. Nykerk, who is still living, and officiates as pastor of the Reformed Church of Overisel. Hendrick Brouwers, who came from Hanover in 1848, remained in Allegan until the fall of 1850, having meanwhile purchased land on section 17 in Overisel, where he then settled. In 1854 he bought 115 acres upon section OVERISEL TOWNSHIP. 309 9, on which he at present resides. Henry Michmershuizen built a house upon his land, on section 18, as early as 1848, but did not remove to it until later, having remained two years in Allegan. Cornelius J. Voorhorst left the province of Overisel, in Holland, in the spring of 1847, and came direct to Holland, Mich., where he remained until his settlement upon his farm, in 1848. Fred Copeman came in 1851, and with his wife located upon 80 acres on section 7. Lucas Daugremond preceded him by a year, and with his family settled upon section 18, where he built a blacksmith-shop and conducted a thriving business. Mannes Kok settled upon the land formerly owned by Dominie Bolks. Doon Nienwenhuis located with his family upon section 7. Z. Vujteveen and family settled upon section 20, and John W. Neveuzel upon section 30. John Von Eerde and Gerret Kooiker were also among the later settlers. R. Koning came from Zeeland, Mich., in 1866, and embarked in mercantile pursuits. He soon after erected a substantial building, and conducted the business of a general store, adapted to the country trade, for a period of eight years. Later he purchased a large tract of land, and is now extensively engaged in real-estate operations. Jan Van Dau settled upon section 3, and resided upon his farm during his lifetime. Jan and Geraud Van Rhu also located on the same section. Roeluf A. Weurding, with his family, found a home on section 2, where he purchased the south half of the southeast quarter, and Albert Vredevelt secured the east half of the southwest quarter on the same section. OVERISEL. The hamlet of Overisel is located upon section 18. It was first begun in 1848, when a temporary structure was erected by the men of the colony, who located in the township, and desired a place of shelter while employed in erecting log houses for the reception of their families. This house was a structure of the rudest description. In lieu of beds the pioneers were content to repose upon hemlock boughs, while their food was of such a character as could be easily transported from Holland, Ottawa Co., at which place they rejoined their families at the expiration of each week's toil. As soon as the structure was rendered habitable, Henry Kleinheksel came with his wife and established themselves in the house, or "tavern," as it was called, and remained until their own log structure, on section 18, was completed, to which they then removed. They may therefore be regarded as having been the first permanent settlers in the township. Soon after occurred the birth of Mr. Kleinheksel's son William, who was the first child born in the township. There was at this time no saw-mill in Overisel, and the lumber used in constructing the earliest buildings was drawn from Dumont's mill, in Allegan, by ox-teams, there being then no fodder for horses. But two horse-teams were owned in the township during the first year of its settlement. In the fall of 1848 Cornelius J. Voorhorst removed to the hamlet. He had previously been a resident of Holland, Ottawa Co., and had been importuned by Dominie Bolks to embark with him in a mercantile enterprise. They I opened a small store containing a supply of groceries and other articles adapted to a country trade. This business was conducted for a period of three years. In 1853 Mr. Voorhorst purchased 40 acres on section 18. His residence until his marriage was with Dominie Bolks. After that event he removed to a log house he had erected on the site of his present comfortable brick residence, on section 18. To this land he added until he was the owner of 124 acres, which is all in an improved condition. Other buildings sprang up in the little hamlet as the demand for them was apparent, a church was erected, a school opened, and the general business of tte burg steadily increased. There are now two stores keeping a general stock,-one owned by Henry Schotten, the other by P. M. & E. Van Zee; one hardware store, owned by Daugremond & Nykerk; two shoe-shops, kept by John Ensing and Peter Dyck, respectively; one blacksmith-shop, owned by H. Brinkman; and a paint-shop belonging to Peter Ranken. OTHER ITEMS. On section 11 in the township is also a general store kept by John Dozeman. The first physician who practiced here and in the township was Dr. Boerth, who resided in Zeeland, Ottawa Co., and made occasional pilgrimages to Overisel as his services were in demand. Dr. R. B. Best became a resident practitioner in 1874, and after a brief absence has returned again to his former field of labor. The earliest marriage was that of John Schipper to Miss Jennie Nykerk. The exact date, however, is not recollected. REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH. The organization of this church dates back to the advent of the first emigrants from the province of Overisel, in the Netherlands, to Allegan County, in 1847. Rev. S. Bolks, the pastor of the church in the Fatherland, with a large part of his congregation and three members of his Consistory, had left their place of birth for the purpose of improving their secular and religious condition, and as has been previously stated selected the township of Overisel as their home. In the fall of 1848 a house of worship of logs was begun, but was not completed before the snows of winter had appeared, services being meanwhile held at the houses of the settlers. In 1849 the edifice was rendered habitable, and from that time used as a place of worship, some improvements being made in the course of time. Rev. Mr. Bolks vas the pastor, and also directed the educational interests of the township. In 1851 the congregation united with the denomination known as the Reformed Dutch Church. In the same year, Rev. Mr. Bolks having removed from the township, one of the elders of the church, Mr. G. J. Nykerk, was chosen as pastor, and to enable him the better to fulfill the duties of this sacred calling was sent by the colony to the then Holland Academy, now Hope College, to perfect himself in theology and the languages. The elders of the church, during the interval, officiated and guarded the religious interests of the colony. The Rev. Mr. Nykerk was ordained to the ministry and installed as pastor of the church at Overisel, in 1858, by 310 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I- -- the Classis of Holland. He is still filling that sacred office in Overisel, being assisted in his clerical labors by Rev. P. Lepeltak, who was educated by the congregation to the work of the ministry, and was called to the church at Overisel in 1877. Other young men who have been educated by this church have entered the ministry, or are engaged in teaching at Hope College, Holland. The membership of the church has steadily increased until its roll now embraces 489 names. A successful Sabbath-school is also maintained, with 375 scholars. Since 1859 the congregation has contributed to the support of its own church and parish, and to various benevolent enterprises, a sum exceeding $50,000. It has a spacious and well-appointed church edifice and a very desirable parsonage, which is about to be rebuilt. The following gentlemen have served as members of the Consistory since the organization of the church: Elders.-Derk Agteres, Gerret H. Lankheit, Gerret J. Wollerink, L. Daugremond, Gerret Nuviker, Jan Bolks, B. J. Lankheit, Mannes Kok, Egbert Nykerk, Jan H. Hoffman, Harm Klomparens, Hendrikus Kok, Gerret J. Immink. Deacons.-Gerret H. Weldhuis, Berend Timmerman, Gerret H. Kluinsteker, Mannes Veldhuis, Weigert Van Derkolk, Hendrik Klomparens, Arnoldus Lammers, Jan Vugteveen, Hendrik J. Kollen, Hendrik Scholten. ORGANIZATION. The territory embraced in the present township of Overisel was surveyed by Noah Brookfield for Calvin Britain, March 17, 1832. It was formerly connected with Monterey, and subsequently with Fillmore. The act of the State Legislature creating it an independent township was passed during the session of 1857. Many of the early settlers came from the province of Overisel, Holland (signifying " over the Yssel," a river of that name), and christened the new township in memory of the district in the fatherland from whence they emigrated. The following list embraces the earliest electors after the organization of Overisel as an independent township: Gerret Maatman. Harm Walters. Albert Woerding. Hendrik Klumper. Hendrik Boerman. John Boerman. Ruloff Van Dam. Lukas Daugermond. CIVIL LIST. The first meeting of the township of Overisel was held at the school-house in district No. 1, April 6, 1857. Cornelius J. Voorhorst was appointed moderator, and Hendrick Brouwers and Jan Boers were appointed inspectors of election. The officers elected for the year were C. J. Voorhorst, Supervisor; Jan Boers, Township Clerk; Hendrick Brouwers, Treasurer; Lucas Daugermond, Hendrik Brouwers, School Inspectors; Harm Walters, R. Van Dam, Hendrik Bellman, Highway Commissioners; Gerret J. Wolterink, Barteld Vredeveld, Justices of the Peace; Egbert Nykerk, Harm Schepers, Directors of the Poor; Mannes Hulsman, Albert Woerding, Constables. The remaining township officers to the present time are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1858-71, Cornelius J. Voorhorst; 1872-73, Hendrik Kok; 1874-77, C. J. Voorhorst; 1878-79, Hendrik Kok. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1858-62, Jan Boers; 1863-71, Hendrick Kok; 1872-76, Hendricus Kok; 1877-79, Hendrick Brouwers. TREASURERS. 1858-67, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1868-75, Hendrick Brouwers; 1876-78, Jan Scholten; 1879, Gerret H. Nykerk. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1858, Gerret J. Wolterink, Lucas Vredeveld; 1859, C. J. Voorhorst; 1860, Hendrik Kok; 1861, Lucas Vredeveld; 1862, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1863, C. J. Voorhorst; 1864, Hendrik Kok; 1865, Lucas Vredeveld; 1866, Gerret J. Woltorink; 1867, C. J. Voorhorst, Jan Boers; 1868, Hendrick Brouwers; 1869, Lucas Vredeveld; 1870, Jan Boers; 1871, C. J. Voorhorst; 1872, C. J. Voorhorst, Hendrick Brouwers, Jan Boers; 1873, Lucas Vredevelt; 1874, Jan Boers; 1875, C. J. Voorhorst; 1876, Egbert Van Dam; 1877, Francis Selby; 1878, Seymour Butler, Jan Boers; 1879, C. J. Voorhorst. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1858, Lucas Daugermond; 1859, Hendrik Brouwers; 1860, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1861, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1862, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1863, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1864,/Gerret J. Wolterink; 1865, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1866, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1867, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1868, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1869, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1870, Gerret J. Wolterink; 1871, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1872, H. G. Michmerhuizen; 1873, Gerret J. Nykerk; 1874, G. J. Wolterink; 1875 -76, Hendrik Kok; 1877, G. J. Wolterink; 1878-79, Hendrik Kok. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1858, Harm Wolters; 1859, Harm Schepers; 1860, Henry Beltman; 1861, Henry Scholten; 1862, Albert Wuerdink; 1863, Henry Beltman; 1864, J. H. Hulsman; 1865, Albert Wuerdink; 1866, Hendrick Beltman; 1867, William Vugteveen; 1868, Albert Wuerdink; 1869, Hendrick Beltman; 1870, William Vugteveen; 1871, Albert Wuerdink; 1872, Hendrik Beltman; 1873, John Scholten; 1874, Albert Wolkotte; 1875-76, John Scholten; 1877 -78, John H. Slotman; 1879, John Scholten. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1858-59, Harm Schepers, Egbert Nykerk. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, Hein Laukheet; 1876, Henry Boers; 1877, John H. Kleinheksel; 1878, Pieter Lepeltak; 1879, Klaus Scholten. Egbert Van Dam. Mannes Kleinheksel. Mannes Kok. Garret Peters. Gerret I. Polakkers. Hendrick J. Kallen. Arent J. Nyenhous. John Frielink. Cornelius J. Voorhorst. Albert Vredevelt. Henry Brouwers. John W. Acteres. Gerret J. Figuervever. John Boers. Ienry G. Michmershuizen. HIerdrik Beltman. Gerret H. Kluinsteker. Wieger Van Der Kolk. Gerret Van Rhee. Willein Oldebekking. Rulof De Koning. Hannes Kok. Gerret J. IIaller. Hendrick J. Hulsman. Gerret Scholten. Mannes Maatman. Henry Scholten. Barteld Vredeveld. Fred J. Koopman. Mannes Lankhut. Mannes Hulsman. William Hulsman. Egbert Nykerk. Albert Doseman. Hendrik Vredeveld. Andreas Toonstra. Gerret Nyenhuis. Mannes Slatman. Gerret J. Wolterink. Harm Schepers. Zwier Vugteveen. Iarm Kok. Lucas Vredeveld. Gerret J. Immink. Hendrik Kok. William Vugteveen. Evert J. Fokkert. Geert Vredeveld. Klaus J. Redder. John Shepers. OVERISEL TOWNSHIP. 311 CONSTABLES. 1858, Mannes Hulsman, Henry Vredeveld; 1859, Mannes Hulsman, Mannes Kok, Henry Vredeveld, John Meyaard; 1860, Mannes Kok, H. Vredeveld; 1861, Dirk Boerman, H. G. Michmershuizen; 1862, Albert Wuerdink, H. G. Michmershuizen; 1863-66, H. G. Michmershuizen, A. Wuerdink; 1867, Frederick Wolkotte, J. H. Slotman, H. G. Mickmershuizen; 1868, Hendrick Petter, John H. Slotman, Mannes Kok; 1869, H. G. Mickmershuizen, Hendrick Petter; 1870, John II. Slotman, Hendrick Petter, Gerret J. Klumper, John Scholten; 1871, H. G. Michmershuizen, John H. Slotman, Hendrick Petter; 1872, H. G. Michmershuizen, Remmelt Koning, Hendrick Petter; 1873, H. G. Michmershuizen, Albert Wolkotte, John Schippcr; 1874, II. G. Michmershuizen, Hendrick Dannenberg, Klaus J. Redder; 1875, Frederick Voorhorst, Frederick Wolkot'e, John H. Slotman, H. J. Michmershuizen; 1876, Frederick Voorhorst, J. II. Slotman, Frederick Wolkotte, H. J. Michmershuizen; 1877, John H. Slotman, Frederick Wolkotte, Florida Hinton, M. Velthuis: 1878, Hein Brinkman, J. II. Slotman, Frederick Wolkotte, J. K. Dangremond; 1879, John H. Slotman, Henry A. Wiltse, Hein Brinkman, Jan K. Daugremond. SCIOOLS. The earliest school was taught very soon after the establishment of the colony, in a log school-house, in district No. 1. It had as teacher Miss Bingham, now Mrs. George E. Jewett, of Allegan township. The building was located on section 17, on the section-line, and later gave place to a substantial frame structure, to which, in response to the demand for more extended quarters, a wing has been added. Two teachers are employed in this district, and find here an ample field for their energies. The second school opened in Overisel was for the instruction of the children living within the boundaries of district No. 2. The building was constructed of logs, and located on section 2. Soon after, in response to the demands of the residents of district No. 3, a school-house was built on section 9. The earliest teacher is not remembered. The township is divided into six whole school districts, which are under the supervision of a board of the following directors: H. G. Michmershuizen, H. Weurding, H. Brouwers, H. Beltman, W. C. Flanner, H. Rigterink. 406 children receive instruction, 11 of them being nonresidents, for which purpose 5 male and 4 female teachers are employed, who receive annually in salaries the amount of $2010.50. The value of school property is $3400, and the total resources of the township for school purposes $3037.74, of which $258.24 is derived from the primary school fund. BURIAL-PLACES. The earliest burial-place was begun in 1848, an exchange having been made with Cornelius J. Voorhorst, by which an acre of land on his farm, and adjoining his residence, was devoted to purposes of burial. This was neatly fenced, has since been adorned with many neat tablets, and is still in use. The first interment was made in 1848, a little child of Gerret H. Veldhuis having there found a last resting-place. It was speedily followed by the father and two other children, who were the chosen victims to a prevailing epidemic. A second burial-spot was set apart on section 11, a halfacre having been purchased for the purpose on the quarterline. It was subsequently controlled by the township, and a half-acre added, the whole being neatly fenced and made attractive by the watchful care of the neighboring residents. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. R. KONING. Mr. Geert Koning, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mary Jane Haskels Koning, and seven children, embarked at Rotterdam, Holland, for America, Feb. 27, 1847, and landed in Baltimore after a tedious voyage of thirty-six days. The oldest of their family was Remmett, whose birth occurred in the province of Trent, Netherlands, July 24, 1826. On their arrival they began the westward journey, Michigan having been their objective point. The father's health for a year previous had been poor, and seven days later he died on a canal-boat at Millington, Pa., where he was buried, leaving the little band under the protecting care of the oldest son. They continued their journey, and ultimately arrived at Kalamazoo with but ten guilders, or four dollars, of their small capital left. They removed to a small house and Remmett found employment in a brick-yard, where he earned twelve dollars a month, that having been the maximum sum paid at that time for labor. The following fall he removed to Saugatuck and was employed by John Roberts upon a scow running from Allegan around the lake to Holland, Mich. Having a desire to become the owner of land, he borrowed of a fiiend, Mr. Harm Smith, sufficient money with which to enter and pay for the southwest quarter of section 18, in Zeeland. This he intrusted to the care of a would-be friend, who appropriated it to his own use and left him minus the land. However, with the assistance of his brother Jacob, a fractional eighty was pre-empted, and finally paid for after much anxiety and effort on the part of the young emigrants. Previous to this time Mr. Koning had assumed the burden of the family support, depending entirely upon his good health and his strong arms for aid. A change, however, occurred in the family relations by the marriage of his mother to John Van Vleet in 1851. Mr. Koning's talent for speculation was first developed in the purchase of twenty-six hat hogs, which he sold soon after at a fine profit and enabled him to purchase thirty-seven more. He then repaired to Kalamazoo County and sought employment, chopping in a single winter three hundred and sixty-five cords of wood, and also engaging soon after at labor in a furnace. On the 23d of July, 1854, he was married to Miss Janette Immink, the third in a family of six children who came from the Netherlands to America in 1847 and settled in Overisel in 1848, where her brother still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Koning have had six children, two of whom are living. Gerrit was born July 9, 1855, and died the following month; a little one, whose advent and departure from the world both occurred in September, 1856; Gerrit, born Sept. 8, 1857, whose death occurred in November of the same year; Gerrit J., whose birth occurred Aug. 29, 1858; Diana J., born Feb. 4, 1861; and William, whose birthday was Sept. 9, 1864, and whose death took place in January of the following year. During the first ten years after Mr. Koning's marriage he lived upon his former home and engaged in stock-buying and other speculations. In 1862 he made a purchase em 312 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. bracing one hundred and twenty acres of land, and in 1864 secured an additional forty acres in Overisel, where his present residence is located. He then embarked both in farming and mercantile pursuits, having opened a small store with a general assortment of goods adapted to the country trade. The latter enterprise he conducted for a period of eight years, and then disposed of his interest to a partner. Mr. Koning had by industry and excellent judgment accumulated a competency, which was further increased by the sale of his land in Zeeland for the sum of six thousand dollars. Since that time he has added to his landed estates, until he is now the possessor of fourteen hundred and sixty-seven acres, a portion of which is highly cultivated. His tax-roll is among the largest paid in the county. In the Fatherland both Mr. Koning and his father have a military record, the former having been for seven years a soldier,.and participated in the battle of Waterloo. His son was drafted at eighteen and deserted, his desire to embark for America overcoming his patriotic instincts. The English language was to him an unknown tongue on his arrival, but by perseverance and application he has become proficient in its use. This was greatly aided by a substantial education in his early years. Mr. Koning's children have also received a liberal education,Gerrit, at Hope College; the latter has chosen farming as his vocation, and been presented with a four-hundred-acre farm. In politics Mr. Koning is an active Republican, and has been since the organization of the party. Both himself and wife are members of the Reformed (Dutch) Church in Overisel, and contribute liberally towards its support. PINE AMONG the most heavily timbered townships of the county is that of Pine Plains, known on the U. S. surve3 as township 2 north, in range 14 west. It is bounded nortl by Heath, south by Cheshire, east by Allegan, and west b3 Clyde. It was surveyed in July, 1831, by Calvin Britain and was organized as a separate civil township in 1850, ther embracing the territory of Clyde and Lee, but not includ ing that part of its present territory northeast of Kalamazo( River. In 1859 the two townships just mentioned were separated from Pine Plains, which then embraced only that portion of township 2, range 14, lying southwest ol the Kalamazoo River. In 1871 the portion lying northl west of the river was taken from Heath by an act of the Legislature and annexed to Pine Plains, making its present area six miles square. The township is well watered, the Kalamazoo River entering it from the east, flowing through it to the northwest and leaving it on the north line of section 5. Its course i, tortuous,-perhaps even more so in this township than elsewhere in the county, except in Allegan. The most important of the smaller streams is Swan Creek, which enters the township on the south line, of section 32, follows a northerly course, and empties into the Kalamazoo. It affords good water-power, and saw-mills have at various times been erected upon its banks. Other smaller creeks are found in the northern portion of the township, and there is a small sheet of water on the western boundary which is known to the residents of that locality as Round Lake. The quality of the soil in the timbered land is quite good, being a mixture of clay and sand, which by cultivation has been rendered very productive. Much of the land is a sandy loam, though at times there are found streaks of clay which are very productive. The river-lands are annu PLAINS. e ally overflowed and thus enriched, forming a soil the ferY tility of which rivals that of any other land of the county. h Wheat is grown with considerable success in various parts y of the township, the average crop being quite equal to that, obtained in neighboring territories. Corn, however, seems I to be cultivated to even better advantage, and it is even said that in some favored localities 160 bushels of ears have been ) produced to the acre. In less fertile districts the corne crop is still abundant. The surface of Pine Plains is undulating, hills and valf leys of varying height diversifying the scene. The elevations are frequently utilized for fiuit-growing, and many fine peach-orchards, some of them of considerable extent, t cover the sloping ground. The township was originally remarkable, as its name indicates, for its excellent pine-timber land. Oak, beech, maple, and basswood are also occa-, sionally found in the township. Much of the pine has been 3 already cut, but enough still remains to attract lumbermen from other regions to this locality. Not only are the trees themselves utilized, but the stumps have in many districts been used for making fences,-fences which are supposed to be quite as durable as stone walls and less liable to fall down. In 1874 Pine Plains had nearly 2000 acres of improved land and 62 farms. These numbers are now considerably larger, and will be still further increased as the lands in the central I and western portion are brought under cultivation. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The first settler, as nearly as can be determined, who undertook to make a home in the territory of Pine Plains was Mr. A. Nobles, who located upon a tract of land on section 13, just north of the Kalamazoo River, about 1837. It is probable that his purchase was made from an early speculator, as he does not appear to have made a government entry. Mr. Nobles built a log house on the bank of * By E. O. Wagner. ..i/ |/I RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM PEET, PINE PLAINS, ALLEGAN CO., MICH. PINE PLAINS TOWNSHIP. 313 the river, and remained about a year, when he abandoned his temporary abode and departed. The house was for a long time afterwards used as a temporary shelter by the river raftsmen and occasional itinerant fishermen. It was at length consumed by fire, through the carelessness of some of its temporary occupants., John Onderkirk was employed by Nobles to clear his land, and for several months made his headquarters at the house above mentioned. The next settlement was made by T. M. West, who purchased a tract of land on section 14, north of the river, now occupied by W. N. Ingham. As near as can be ascertained, Mr. West's advent occurred in 1838. He had previously resided in Allegan, to which place he returned after a brief experience in Pine Plains. Daniel Amerman came from Wayne Co., Pa., in 1836, and located in Allegan on the line of Pine Plains. In 1845 he removed to the latter township and purchased 80 acres on section 13. Upon this he built a house and remained two years, when he removed to Osceola County. His son then occupied the farm until 1878, when he became a resident of the village of Allegan. In 1844, Samuel Bigsby arrived from Allegany Co., N. Y., and located upon section 12, where he purchased of Oramel Griffin 160 acres. He found a temporary abode with Peter Dumont, in Allegan, while he cleared five acres of land, after which he returned to the East, and the following year brought his family. They also enjoyed the hospitality of their Allegan neighbors until a comfortable residence could be built, into which they at once moved. For nearly a year they had no neighbors except a band of Indians who had pitched their camps on the river-bank, and were constantly roaming the forest in pursuit of game. With game and fish procured of the Indians, Mrs. Bigsby was able to set forth a repast which would have delighted the heart of a modern epicure. The first framed house and barn in the township were built by Mr. Bigsby, the erection of which was then considered as an achievement of which he might reasonably be proud. It was all the more complimentary to his industry and energy that his ready cash after paying for his land was reduced to 25 cents in currency. During the time that Mr. Bigsby's family was living in Mr. Dumont's house in Allegan, his daughter Amelia was married to George P. Heath. This could hardly be called the first marriage in Pine Plains, but it would have been if the bride's father had moved into his new house a little quicker. There were as yet no religious services held in Pine Plains, but as settlers came in their ox-teams were frequently seen conveying them to Allegan for worship. Later, Elder Bingham, of the latter place, held services in the school-house, which had been built in the mean time. An early death occurred in the household of Mr. Bigsby, which was probably the second in the township. A sick stranger from Hillsdale presented himself at Mr. Bigsby's door and begged assistance. His suffering condition so moved the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Bigsby that he was made welcome and tenderly nursed by them and the neigh bors, who volunteered their services. Their ministrations, however, proved unavailing, as he survived but four weeks. Mr. Bigsby died during the year 1877. His wife, still 40 vigorous and active, survives him, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. George Peet. Maj. James M. Heath came West from Alleghany Co., N. Y., in 1845, and purchased 400 acres on section 12. Mr. West was at this time the only resident in the township, Mr. Bigsby having not yet returned from the East with his family. Mr. Heath occupied a log house on Mr. Dumont's farm until his own was completed, when he removed to it with his family. Even as late as 1845, within two or three miles of Allegan village, wild animals were not only abundant, but very obtrusive. Bears were especially destructive in the corn-fields, and would occasionally visit the dwellings of the settlers. The house of Maj. Heath in his absence was visited by one of these marauders, which came close up to the door, coolly made a survey of the premises, badly frightened the inmates, and then walked off at his leisure. The first death in the township was that of Maj. Heath's son, Frank, who died near the close of the Mexican war from sickness contracted while serving as a soldier in that conflict. His remains were the first which were interred in the new cemetery. Peter Rhodabaugh arrived very soon after, and settled on a farm adjoining Mr. Bigsby's. In his family occurred the earliest birth in the township. A saw-mill was built as early as 1837 in Pine Plains by David B. Stout. It was located on Swan Creek, on the site of the property known as the Bush Mills, on section 29 (now owned by Armitage & Co.), and was run for five years, during which time it supplied lumber for most of the settlers. A saw-mill was at a later date erected by H. Bower on section 17 upon the same creek, which was subsequently purchased by P. G. Paris & Co. John E. Babbitt removed from Mercer Co., Pa., to Pine Plains in 1849, and lived a while with Maj. Heath. In 1851 he entered 53 acres in the northeast corner of section 2, upon which he built a house and barn, and a considerable portion of which he cleared. Two years later his father became a resident of the township. Mr. Babbitt remained upon his farm until 1859, when he removed to Allegan and engaged in the practice of law. He served for a term in the Union army, and has ever since been an active member of the bar. Arad Hitchcock came from the State of New York and purchased from A. J. Kellogg 80 acres on section 13. He remained a few weeks, and during that time made a beginning in the work of clearing his land. This brief season of labor, however, proved fatal, as he contracted a malarial fever which ended his life one month later. Mrs. Hitchcock was not, however, dismayed. Under the care of her father she removed to her land in Pine Plains four years later, and has since resided upon it. The first settler who cleared a farm on the portion of Pine Plains south of the river was Giles H. Hills, who came from Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1853, and located 345 acres on section 24. He found no neighbors in that township, but in Allegan lived Loren Sage, who had located on section 30, very near Mr. Hill's own purchase. Mr. Hill began life in Pine Plains, almost as a matter of course, in a log house. Four years later he built a hotel. The year 314 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. following came George Muma and located on section 23, where he purchased 80 acres. He now resides with his son-in-law, G. H. Hill. Mr. Muma was soon followed by John Frank, who located upon 130 acres on section 14, but subsequently removed from the township. J. W. Palmer purchased and improved 160 acres on section 6, but did not become a permanent resident. Jabez Pettit made an early location upon 140 acres on section 30. George Peet was a former resident of Oneida Co., N. Y., which he left in 1844, and ten years later selected Pine Plains as a home, purchasing 120 acres on section 11, and finding a welcome at the house of George P. Heath while erecting a house for himself. His brother, William Peet, who came somewhat later, purchased an adjoining farm on the same section, which he improved, and upon which he still resides. Burroughs Ingham, a native of Allegany Co., N. Y., moved to Allegan County in 1853, and purchased 80 acres on section 14, in Pine Plains, where he took up his residence. Across the river from Mr. Ingham's place, Rev. William Page had tried to build a saw-mill and factory as early as 1849. A race had been dug, but, the water-power proving insufficient, the enterprise was abandoned and the property disposed of. It is now owned by Ira Wilcox. The latter gentleman served four years in the army, and with the proceeds of this service liquidated the indebtedness on his purchase. Salmon Thayer had been a pioneer in Saugatuck in 1855. In 1857 he purchased of Myron Hinckley 80 acres on section 13, in Pine Plains, on which he established his family, though at first he continued to work most of the time at his mill in Saugatuck. Afterwards he permanently occupied his place, where he resided until 1875. Alfred Sirrine purchased a farm south of Mr. Thayer, and was one of his nearest neighbors. Jabez Parish located 30 acres upon section 8, a portion of which he improved, but finally sold to a band of Indians who lived on and cultivated the land. Many of them were industrious and enterprising, and raised good crops. At the expiration of a few years they removed from the township. Asa Estabrook came from Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1856, and remained in Allegan until 1861. He then removed to Pine Plains and purchased of L. S. Weaver 66 acres on section 15, upon which he built a house. Soon afterwards he enlisted as a soldier in the war for the Union. During this time his parents removed from the East and made the farm their home, Mr. Estabrook, Sr., having assisted his son in the purchase of the land. Their son-in-law, Mr. Valentine Youngs, also came at the same time, and located upon an adjoining farm. His life was terminated by an accident while engaged at labor. Mr. Asa Estabrook, after his return from the war, purchased 80 acres on section 13, upon which he lives. Harvey Howe located on section 2 about the year 1852, and met a tragic death by the accidental falling of a tree upon him. C. C. Clark moved West from the State of New York in 1839, and settled at Mill Grove in 1855, when he purchased an interest in the saw-mill at that point. This he afterwards disposed of, but has continued his residence at the place. H. C. Beverley, previously of Elmira, N. Y., located at Mill Grove in 1856, where he still resides. W. J. Shirley removed from Massachusetts in 1859, and purchased 100 acres on section 2, residing upon it until 1878, when he removed to Mill Grove. The township was slowly settled, and on the occasion of the first election, held at the Pine Plains House, kept by T. S. Coates, but two offices were filled, from the fact that the population did not afford material for a full complement of officers. For some time after but eight electors presented themselves at the polls, and frequently a single individual would be burdened with official honors. SCHOOLS. Several years elapsed after the first settlement of Pine Plains before the first school was opened. In 1853, a school district having been established on the fraction northeast of the Kalamazoo (then a part of Heath), Samuel Bigsby was awarded a contract for the construction of a school-house on section 12. On its completion a school was opened in it, with Miss Mercy Bigsby as the earliest teacher. Miss Bigsby, however, did not long occupy the position of a teacher. A severe illness proved fatal a few weeks after she began teaching, and Miss Martha Platt became her successor, who soon established herself as a favorite with the little ones. It may be difficult to ascertain how much knowledge she imparted, but the devices she employed to amuse children, and the marvelous playhouses she erected, are still fresh in the recollection of her admirers. There are now three whole and two fractional districts in the township, the board of directors being William J. Shirley, A. P. Randall, E. B. Estabrook, A. Muma, and G. W. Place. One hundred and seventy scholars are in daily attendance at the various schools, who are instructed by 5 teachers receiving annually, in salaries, the sum of $608. The school property of the township is valued at $2790. BURIAL-PLACES. Two cemeteries have been laid out in the township, one on the west line of section 12, and another near the western township-line of section 6. The former was purchased by the township of Maj. Heath in 1848, and was inclosed and improved by that gentleman. As it is the oldest of the two, many of the early settlers have found there a last restingplace, and it is now well-nigh filled with graves. A neat fence incloses it, and many handsome memorial stones remind the spectator of the pioneers of the township. The latter cemetery is comparatively new, and as yet but few interments have taken place within its borders. EARLY ROADS. The early records give no survey of highways prior to 1850, though roads were undoubtedly laid out and used before that time. The first surveyed road was that from Allegan to Saugatuck, which entered the township on section 28; ran thence northwestwardly, and left it at the PINE PLAINS TOWNSHIP. 315 northeast corner, on section 6. It was probably surveyed as early as 1834 or 1835. MILL GROVE. The hamlet of Mill Grove is located on the townshipline between Allegan and Pine Plains, the business of the place being done principally in the former township, while the scanty population resides principally in the latter. It has had a store owned by Alonzo Vosburgh, which is closed, at least for the present. It possesses a blacksmith-shop connected with the mills, which occasionally does custom-work, a post-office (the present deputy being H. C. Beverly), a school building, and a few residences. The Grand Haven Railroad has a station at this point. The founder of the hamlet and first settler was Levi M. Comstock. He made a contract with Chester Wetmore, the date of which is not obtainable, by which he became the possessor of the land whereon the saw-mill now stands, and soon after erected a small mill with an upright saw. It was not very successful, and did but little business. The property was abandoned by Mr. Comstock, and reverted to Mr. Wetmore. It was soon after sold to Harris & Fuller, who erected a mill, placed in it a circular saw, and ran it for a year, depending upon the land adjacent to the mill for their timber. A party named Wheeler purchased the interest of Mr. Fuller, and soon after that of Mr. Harris. His ownership ceased at the close of the second year, as the result of financial disaster. John M. Heath, George P. Heath, and C. C. Clark next embarked in the enterprise, and added a shingle-mill, which proved a profitable investment. George P. Heath soon after retired, and the property finally came into the hands of Alonzo Vosburgh. Vosburgh, Harrington & Bowen became the owners in 1861, but soon afterwards Mr. Vosburgh purchased the entire property. John M. Heath went into partnership with Mr. Vosburgh in 1864, the firm becoming for one season Vosburgh & Heath, after which the property was transferred to Cole & Dean. It reverted to Vosburgh & Heath, the latter of whom disposed of his interest to Alby Rossman. Messrs. Vosburgh & Rossman leased the property for a brief time to Messrs. Davis & Hooker, but in 1865, Mr. Vosburgh became, and has continued, sole proprietor. He has since built two mills, the first of which was of very considerable dimensions, with a circular saw. Connected with it was a shingle-mill of large capacity, and also a lath-mill. These mills were burned in 1872, and rebuilt the same season. Another conflagration, in 1873, consumed a vast amount of material, including a stave-, heading-, and planing-mill, and involved a loss of $30,000. The destroyed works were again rebuilt. The property now embraces a saw-mill, a shingle-mill, a heading- and planingmill, and a stave-mill, which, with the exception of the last named, are run by water. When the supply of the latter is insufficient steam-power is applied. The average capacity of the mill is 20,000 feet per day. During the active season 40 men are employed in the various departments of labor. Connected with the business is a farm of 1500 acres, 400 of which is improved. There is a large home demand for the products of the mills, though a retail branch has been established at Three Rivers, where the principal market is found. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. This church had its beginning in 1872, and as the number of worshipers increased the little band was attached to the Monterey charge. Preaching was at first held in the school-house, but an effort was later made to erect an edifice, and with so much success that $700 was subscribed, while Mr. Alonzo Vosburgh donated the sawing of all the material. The funds subscribed not having proved available, Mr. Vosburgh himself bore the expense of completing the edifice, and was given a mortgage of $1100 by the trustees to secure his investment. The class was then transferred to the Allegan charge, with which it is still connected. An effort was subsequently made to pay the mortgage, and, Mr. Vosburgh having consented to receive $800 in payment, the amount was raised. An accession of 60 members strengthened the church under the preaching of Rev. Mr. Edwards, who were received on probation. The present pastor is Rev. W. A. Hunsberger, of Allegan, and the trustees are Alonzo Vosburgh, B. Calkins, T. W. Sites. The present membership is 54. LAND PURCHASES. The lands of the township were early purchased by the following parties: Section 1.-Bought in 1835 by Peter Dumont and John Robinson, Jr., Chester Wetmore, John Higgins, Oramel Griffin, Ephraim Griffin, Jr., John Brownell, Orsa Babbitt, L. P. Ross. Section 2.-Bought from 1836 to 1852 by Trowbridge & Foster, P. B. Littlejohn, O. Griffin, M. A. Babbitt, William Dana, W. B. Clark. Section 3.-Bought in 1836 by Trowbridge and Porter, Leonard Stow, J. R. Langdon. Section 4.-Bought in 1836 by Trowbridge and Porter. Section 5.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by William Sabin, James B. Murray, A. II. Edwards, E. Judson, E. D. Follett. Section 6.-Bought from 1839 to 1854 by John Law, Mary Wood, David Palmer (assignee), Edward Pratt, L. B. Coats (assignee), James Sperry, Ransom Sperry. Section 7 —Bought in 1854 by J. P. Woodbury, P. 0. Littlejohn, D. Duncan, Charles Middah. Section 8.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Trowbridge and Porter, John Mead, F. M. Wade, Henry Bower, S. L. Chase, Ira P. Parish. Section 9.-Bought in 1836, 1853, and 1854 by Trowbridge and Porter, William G. Butler. Section 10.-Bought in 1836 by S. T. Foster, Trowbridge and Porter, R. S. Parks, J. R. Langdon, Orin Southwell. Section 11.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by Trowbridge and Porter, Oramel Griffin. Section 12.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by same. Section 13.-Bought in 1834, 1835, and 1836 by Samuel Hubbard, Samuel Foster, A. L. Cotton, Elias Streeter, J. P. Austin, Benjamin Eager, L. A. Daniels, John R. Kellogg, A. F. Lewis. Section 14.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by William Page, Willard and Austin, Jonathan Peabody, Trowbridge and Porter, L. J. Daniels, E. J. Baker, John R. Kellogg. Section 15.-Bought in 1836 by George Y. Warner, R. C. Hubbard, Elias Streeter, James Hutchins, Samuel Foster, Warren Hill, Simeon Newman, Trowbridge and Porter. Section 16.-Bought from 1853 to 1868 by F. B. Stockbridge, Henry Bowen, Lewis Borton, Samuel Paris. Section 17.-Bought from 1834 to 1854 by Samuel Hubbard, Thomas Armitage, L. S. Barker, Henry Bower, J. P. Woodbury. Section 18.-Bought in 1837 and 1854 by Oramel Griffin, J. P. Woodbury. 316 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Section 19.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by D. W. Wetmore, George Dwight, William Orne, Joseph Withrow, James W. Sackett. Section 20. —Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Samuel Hubbard, N. S. Pettengill, J. P. Woodbury, Silas Hubbard, G. W. Cummings, Thomas Cummings, Edwin Grauburger. Section 21.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by George Y. Warner, Pettengill & Burdick, T. C. Sheldon, Ellery Hicks, Sr. Section 22.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by George Y. Warner, Shelden and Burdick, Chauncey Pratt, S. Van Houten, H. H. Ross. Section 23.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Harvey Blashfield, C. C. Trowbridge, J. M. Thomas, A. M. Muma, B. A. Sackett, Alfred Muma. Section 24.-Bought from 1834 to 1837 by Samuel Hubbard, Warren Hill, Bernard Case, James Armitage, Oramel Griffin. Section 25.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by Bernard Case, Wm. Larzelard, H. M. Burch, Oramel Griffin, Ralph Emerson. Section 26.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by C. C. Trowbridge, Alanson Billings, Pliny Billings, William Flagg, Wm. Healy, Jr., Loren Loughley, George Muma, Arvilla Ballou. Section 27.-Bought in 1854 and 1855 by Isaac Comstock, A. J. Gilson, Elisha Frisbie, M. A. Lyon, Joseph Averill, A. W. Dailey. Section 28.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by Sheldon and Burdick, John R. Kellogg, S. Edwards, D. M. Dunn, Phineas Hoskins, Smith Beardman, Andrew Robinson, Charles Makepeace. Section 29.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Francis Fitts, Moody Emerson, Thomas Armitage, Delamore Duncan. Section 30.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by Francis Fitts, Zeba Fisher, Peter Kunkel. Section 31.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by Chas. E. Stuart, John Jackson, Silas Hubbard, George Paine. Section 32.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Chas. E. Stuart, Francis Fitts, Robert Wall. Section 33.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Charles Butler, Isaac Parks, J. P. Chapman, Sylvester Edwards, Martin Phillips, Dudley M. Dunn. Section 34.-Bought in 1854 by Leander S. Prouty, Josiah L. Hawes, A. J. Gibson. Section 35.-Bought from 1835 to 1854 by Chas. E. Stuart, Bernard Case, Wm. Larzelard, Leander S. Prouty, Samuel Earl, A. S. Hays. Section 36.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by James B. Hunt, Chas. E. Stuart, Horace M. Burch, George Burch, Thomas Burch and H. M. Burch. The following names embrace the resident tax-payers of the township the first year after its organization: 1870, S. A. Paris; 1871, J. J. Young; 1872-74, J. W. Shirley; 1875-76, W. H. Ely; 1877-78, J. J. Littlejohn; 1879, George Thorp. TOWNSHIP TREASURERS. 1851-58, Charles T. Billings; 1859-61, P. G. Paris; 1862, John Boylan; 1863-71, P. G. Paris; 1872-78, George Peet; 1879, J. R. La Force. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1851, J. S.'Coates, Eli Hathaway, Sylvester Hill; 1852, Eli Hathaway, J. W. Palmer; 1853, J. S. Coates, Edward Pratt, - Hill; 1854, Jarvis Sperry, J. H. Hill; 1855, J. W. Sackett; 1856, Daniel Clark, James Thistle, Elihu Frisbee; 1857, J. A. Thistle, J. L. IHawes, Zeba Fisher; 1858, B. W. Phillips, J. W. Sackett, J. L. Hawes; 1859, Jarvis Sperry, John H. Defriest; 1860, Loren Lee, Samuel Paris; 1861, Alfred Muma, Silas Middaugh; 1862, John Boylan, Wilson Flagg; 1863, A. N. Van Patten; 1864, S. W. Bryan, Peter Kunkel; 1865, Samuel Paris, J. P. Parish; 1866, S. W. Bryan, Peter Hawks; 1867, N. O. Brown, R. M. Morse; 1868, John Gilchrist, E. McNutt: 1869, W. B. Davis, George Muma, Samuel Paris; 1870, Ira Wilcox, Charles Middaugh, Samuel Paris; 1871, Wm. Peet, R. M. Moore; 1872, Parker G. Paris; 1873, John J. Young; 1874, R. M. Moore, Alfred Muma, John J. Young; 1875, J. C. Stoddard; 1876, H. C. Beverly; 1877, William Peet; 1878, John Mann; 1879, John Foster. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1851, Charles T. Billings; 1852, Marmaduke Wood; 1853, G. H. HIill, C. T. Billings; 1854, Jarvis Sperry; 1855, Alfred Muma; 1856, John Jackson; 1857, Moses Patterson; 1858, Thomas Popple, Boyd W. Phillips; 1859, Peter Kunkel, Jarvis Sperry; 1860, James H1. Lee; 1861, Silas Middaugh, Alfred Muma; 1862, Samuel Paris; 1863, Silas Middaugh; 1864, Alfred Muma; 1865, Alfred Muma, Samuel Paris; 1866, Samuel Paris; 1867, Charles H. Lamper, Cecil A. Flower; 1868, Ira Wilcox, Jacob Shafer; 1869, Alfred Muma; 1870, Parker G. Paris; 1871, William Peet; 1872, Asa Estabrook; 1873, Jacob Shafer, Ira Wilcox; 1874, A. W. Judd; 1875, B. Calkins; 1876, G. II. Hill; 1877, B. Calkins; 1878, H. C. Beverly. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1851, T. S. Coates; 1852, David Palmer; 1853, T. S. Coates; 1854, David Palmer; 1855, no record; 1856, B. P. Chase, J. L. Hawes; 1858, Henry Bushnell, Thomas Raplee; 1859, Norman Darland, H. B. McAlister; 1860-61, Charles Middaugh, P. G. Paris; 1862, Samuel Paris; 1863, Charles Middaugh; 1864, H. B. McAlister, Peter Kunkel; 1865, Joln P. Parish; 1866, H. B. McAlester; 1867, Francis McNitt; 1868, Clark O. Bush; 1869, Charles Middaugh; 1870, Clark O. Bush; 1871, James Crill; 1872, Seneca Paris, George Newman; 1873, Asa Estabrook, Charles Middaugh; 1874, B. Calkins; 1875, Alfred Muma; 1876, John L. Gardiner; 1877, Theophilus Lythes; 1878, Frank M. Ikeler; 1879, Asa Estabrook. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, William J. Shirley; 1876, A. P. Randall; 1877-78, John J. Young; 1879, William Eely. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1876, William Peet; 1877, W. H. Eely; 1878, J. Henry Amerman; 1879, William Peet. ASSESSORS. 1851-52, Sylvester Hill, Edward Pratt. CONSTABLES. 1851, Marmaduke Wood, C. T. Billings, Edwin Pratt, Orry IIill; 1852, David Palmer, C. T. Billings, Edwin Pratt, Charles Davies; 1853, David Palmer, Edwin Pratt, C. T. Billings; 1854, Ransom Sperry, C. T. Billings, David Palmer, Peter Staring; 1855, C. T. Billings, Orry Hill, Smith Jennings, E. G. Muma; 1856, Joseph Witherow, Walter Allen, Morgan Thistle, Silas Van Houlen; 1857, Michel Hoy, Morgan Thistle, Ebenezer Muma, William Birch; 1858, Charles Middaugh, Charles T. Billings, E. II. Heath, Elisha Wells; 1859, James Hayes, Russell Dyer, Moses Sperry; 1860, James Lee, Johnston Miller, H. L. Trumball, Walter Billings. Chas. T. Billings. L. S. Barker. T. S. Coates. Eli Hathaway. Sylvester Hill. G. H. Hill. Elisha Ely. Osmand Smith. Edward Pratt. D. Palmer. Marmnaduke Wood. Jno. H. Billings. Ebenezer Scott. CIVIL LIST. The earliest township-meeting of the township of Pine Plains was held April 1, 1850, Eli Hathaway and M. Wood having been appointed inspectors of election and Edward Pratt clerk. Timothy Coates was elected supervisor and Eli Hathaway township clerk. No other officers were chosen. The remaining officers until the present time are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1851-53, Timothy S.Coates; 1854, David Palmer; 1855, Peter Kunkel; 1856, Zeba Fisher; 1857, Giles H. Hill; 1858, Josiah L. Hawes; 1859-63, Charles Middaugh; 1864-66, Peter Kunkel; 1867, B. F. Graves; 1868, John Gilchrist; 1869, W. B. Davis; 1870-74, G. H. Hill; 1875-78, Wm. J. Shirley; 1879, J. J. Littlejohn. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1851-55, G. H. Hill; 1856, Peter Kunkel; 1857-59, J. P. Paris; 1860-61, Peter Konkle; 1862, P. G. Paris; 1863-64, S. A. Paris; 1865, H, B. McAlister; 1866-68, S. A. Paris; 1869, G. H. Hill; PINE PLAINS TOWNSHIP. 317 I -1 Samuel Piper; 1861, John Frank, Sr., Silas Middaugh, Charles Pettit, William Flannee; 1862, Charles Pettit, A. N. Vanpatten, P. P. Paris, Charles Middaugh; 1863, Daniel Middaugh, Alfred Muma, P. P. Paris, J. M. Flower; 1864, Silas Middaugh, Alfred Muma, A. N. Vanpatten, J. W. Palmer; 1865, E. McNitt, Walter Allen, Parker G Paris, John Boylan; 1866, Parker G. Paris, Alfred Muma, S. A. Paris; 1867, Patrick Quigley, Dennis Hawley, George D. De Wolf, George S. King; 1868, Daniel Middaugh, Aaron Vanpatten, William F. Downing, Robert Waterman; 1869, Joseph Mead, Joseph Anson, William Wood, Stuart Davis; 1870-71, R. M. Moore, B. T. Lott, R. M. Moore, Silas Middaugh, S. C. Butler, Phoenix Pettit; 1872, William Bassett, James Clark, Isaac Stringer, Jesse Palmer; 1873, C. Iitchcock, Lyman MidBI OGRAPHITCA daugh, Alfred Muma, Alonzo Kidder; 1874, William Van Etta, Walter Ingham, Jacob Shafer, R. M. Moore; 1875, Lyman Middaugh, C. Hitchcock, R. M. Moore, George Muma; 1876, Shedrick Morris, John Mann, Wilford Cracker, C. C. Clark; 1877, William Kline, Wilford Cracker, C. Hitchcock, Lyman Middaugh; 1878, Frank Mann, Henry Youngs, Robert Whittemyre, C. Hitchcock; 1879, Edwin Estabrook, C. Hitchcock, E. M. Collins, J. H. Vanpatten. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1851, Marmaduke Wood; 1855, R. Sperry; 1857, Samuel Paris; 1858, Jarvis Sperry, Samuel Paris. L SKETCHES. DANIEL G. PLATT. MRS. M. S. PLATT. MR. AND MRS. DANIEL G. PLATT. In the quiet little town of Jackson, Susquehanna Co., Pa., devoting their time to instructing others in following the true path of life as laid down in the Good Book, lived the Rev. Daniel and his good wife Almira (Skinner) Platt, the parents of Daniel G. Platt, born March 11, 1827. In the early settlement of Michigan the Rev. D. Platt saw a wider field for labor in the good cause, and accordingly emigrated with his family to Allegan Co., Mich. Later, he removed to the north part of Allegan township, where he lived the remainder of his life, devoted to the service of his Master. Daniel G., becoming of age, located eighty acres in Heath township, since included within the township of Pine Plains, on section No. 1. Nov. 9, 1858, he married Mary Sophronia Tanner, whose parents, Joseph and Lydia (Kenyon) Tanner, came from Washington Co., N. Y., in 1845, and settled in the township of Monterey, both having since passed away. Daniel G. and Mary S. Platt had unitedly put forth every effort to build up a home in the wilderness until March, 1865, when he was called to serve his country in the capacity of a soldier. Renting their little home, Mary with her two children, Warren Alson, born Dec. 8, 1859, and Elmor J., born Jan. 7, 1862, returned to her parents, intending to remain until peace should restore them to each other again in their home. But fate decreed otherwise. Mr. Daniel G. Platt sickened and died at Newbern, N. C., May 10, 1865. To Mrs. Platt there seemed but one course to pursue, that of devoting her life to the rearing of her orphaned children. She returned to the home now so desolate, and began the struggle bravely, the results of which are before us,-a wellimproved farm conducted by her sons, now grown to manhood, for whom we bespeak honorable places among their townsmen, all due to the untiring devotion of a mother. WILLIAM PEET. The subject of this sketch was born April, 1827, and is a native of Oncida Co., N. Y. His parents, John and Mary (Davis) Peet, were of English and Welsh extraction. In 1838 the family removed from Oneida to Cattaraugus County, same State, where William engaged in lumbering upon the Alleghany River, but in 1849 he returned to farming, also doing carpenter and joiner work. Feb. 11, 1852, he married Fidelia L. Vahue, daughter of Philip and Arminta (Gillett) Vahue, residents of Cattaraugus Co., 318 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. N. Y. In October, 1854, he removed to Pine Plains township, and purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 11. This was then an unbroken wilderness, and after making a small payment on his purchase he erected a board shanty, 14 by 21, and entered upon the work of clearing and improving his farm. After remaining about one year, necessity compelled him to leave it and adopt some means which would enable him to make his payments. Accordingly, he rented a small place and chopped cord-wood for that purpose, and at the end of a year's time had made enough to get a deed of his place, and returned to it and the work of improving and clearing this land. Year after year the work went on, seemingly slow, but eventually re sulting in a home,-such an one as their fancy had pictured, -which at this time is one of the finest in this township. He has also added ninety-five acres to his first purchase. Mr. Peet has served as justice of the peace for twenty years, also in minor offices, and is to-day one of the most enterprising and trustworthy citizens of Pine Plains. Mr. and Mrs. Peet are the parents of six children, viz.: Judson A., born Nov. 22, 1852; Aminta M., March 19, 1855; Mary E., Jan. 21, 1859; Edward C., Sept. 20,1861; Flora M., March 30, 1868; John P., June 20, 1876. Upon another page of this work we give a view of the residence of Mr. Peet and his family, also portraits of himself and estimable wife. - Ciao opmb-~p i SA L E M.* GEOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY. Tis is one of the northern tier of townships of Allegan County, and is designated on the United States survey as township No. 4 north, in range 13 west. It is bounded on the east by Overisel, west by Dorr, north by Ottawa County, and south by Monterey. Salem presents a great variety of surface, some portions of it being level and easily tilled, while considerable undulating ground is to be seen elsewhere, and in still other sections numerous lofty bluffs and deep ravines strike the eye of the spectator. It does not boast a single lake, but many streams, a few of considerable magnitude, fertilize its territory. Black Creek flows through the northwest portion of the township, and passes thence into Overisel. The two branches of Rabbit River, called respectively the Big and Little Rabbit Rivers, flow, the first from the southeast and the latter from the northeast, and unite on section 29, the combined stream leaving the township on the west line of section 30. Both of these streams afford much good water-power. The soil of Salem is quite equal to the average land of the county, embracing sand loam and clay loam, with more or less of gravel. The districts formerly covered with a mixed growth of timber have a strong, rich soil, while a light sandy loam is the characteristic of those tracts where pine has principally flourished. The wheat-crop has generally been a satisfactory one, both as regards quantity and quality, and occasionally a small piece of land producing a yield which was almost phenomenal. Corn is also among the staples, and both oats and hay are profitably raised. The census of 1873 gives 1265 as the number of acres of wheat sown for that year, from which 18,353 bushels were harvested, while 801 acres of corn produced a yield of 29,977 bushels. Of other grains, 12,682 bushels were raised. The timber of the township embraces many varieties. In the north are found beech, maple, black-walnut, butternut, and basswood. Many of these trees grow to an unusual size, and are a source of large revenue to the owners. The section in which pine has flourished borders on the Rabbit River and its tributaries. But the woodman has been busy in this locality, and the larger proportion of these gigantic oaks and pines have yielded to his sturdy blows. PRESENT APPEARANCE, ETC. The township boasts some of the best and most productive farms in the county, many of which are adorned with tasteful, and even elegant, residences. Among the various industries the keeping of bees deserves prominent mention. Several of the residents have become extensively engaged in the business, and find that it well repays the time and labor expended upon it. The number of farms in the township in 1876 was 136, which has been largely increased during the succeeding four years. A large proportion of the population is composed of Germans, whose productive and well-maintained estates extend over most of the northern portion of Salem. LAND-ENTRIES. The lands embraced in the present township of Salem were entered by the following parties: Section 1.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by Z. L. Griswold, Benjamin Pratt, Albert Kruse, Joseph Allcock, Anthony Bender, David Schnable, John Staffes. Section 2.-Bought in 1836 by Benjamin B. Kercheval. Section 3.-Bought in 1836 by Francis Dwight, B. B. Kercheval. Section 4.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by Francis Dwight, Kercheval and Church, John Lendecker, A. M. Kirkland. Section 5.-Bought from 1835 to 1856 by D. S. Wilder, B. B. Kercheva], S. M. Kenney, S. J. Gard, Philip Young. Section 6.-Bought in 1836 and 1854 by D. S. Wilder, S. McKenney, Simeon Card, C. P., L. L., Lucy S., and I. P. Church. Section 7.-Bought in 1836 by Daniel S. Wilder, Nelson Sage, Charles Butler. * By E. 0. Wagner. SALEM TOWCNSHIP. 319 SAE TWSP. 31 Section 8.-Bought in 1836 by Daniel S. Wilder, B. B. Kereheval. Section 9.-Bought in 1836 by Francis Dwight, B. B. Kercheval. Section 10.-Bought in 1836 by Francis Dwight, A. A. Wells, B. B. Kercheval. Section 11.-Bought in 1836 by Charles Butler, B. B. Kercheval, John B. Porter. Section 12.-Bought from 1853 to 1855 by Albert Krone, S. Herwick, Jeane Brimaker, James Laraway. Section 13.-Bought in 1854 and 1855 by John Deardoff, Jacob Bredingam, Frank Goldbery, John Hendges and Jacob Bredigan, J. Shoemaker. Section 14.-Bought in 1836 and 1854 by Montgomery Schuyler, Charles Butler, John Hendges, C. G. Rase, M. H-ausen, William Kutsche. Section 15.-Bought in 1836 by Francis Dwight, B. B. Kercheval, John B. Porter. Section 16.-Bought from 1854 to 1860 by Isaac Bear, E. Hinton, J. C. Jones, Elias Smith, Timothy Bliss, Lawrence B. Green, William Bowman, R. Weiss, Jacob Mooney, Isaiah Mannes. Section 17.-Bought from 1852 to 1854 by Ira H. Smith, Thomas Gibson, William Goodman, A. A. Goodman, Amos Showelter, Christopher Strickfaden, Frederick Miller. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Nelson Sage, Charles Butler, Elisha Smith, William Goodman, Jacob Moyer, Adam Stickley. Section 19.-Bought from 1836 to 1855 by Samuel Hubbard, John Winslow, Winslow and Bronson, Joseph Schoyel, Adam Strickley, M. S. Brown, C. C. Pierce. Section 20.-Bought from 1836 to 1863 by Oliver Edwards, Milo Winslow & Co., Winslow and Bronson, William Arnold, H. G. Bliss, James Kennedy. Section 21.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by George Y. Warner, Samuel Brown, Milo Winslow. Section 22.-Bought from 1835 to 1855 by G. Y. Warner, Francis Fitts, J. R. Kellogg, John Kreiser. Section 23.-Bought from 1836 to 1867 by Cornelius Wendell, Eli Wait, S. Dusendung, II. D. Norris, Joseph Shoemaker, D. J. Bugel, Quiren Weber, G. T. Lay. Section 24.-Bought from 1836 to 1866 by George Brace, Peter Keefer, Peter Kasbers, Jacob Keitz, Peter Weber, Charles Russel, E. A. Perkins, William Gates, Stockbridge and Johnson. Section 25.-Bought from 1835 to 1863 by C. E. Stewart, C. C. Trowbridge, V. Bicker, M. Alften, J. J. and P. Alften, Peter Maas, James Kennedy. Section 26.-Bought in 1836 and 1856 by J. R. Kellogg, Samuel Pettibone, C. C. Trowbridge, R. E. Ward. Section 27.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by James Anderson, G. Y. Warner, J. R. Kellogg, C. C. Trowbridge, Daniel Prindle. Section 28.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by G. Y. Warner, Samuel Brown, Benjamin Eager. Section 29. —Bought in 1836 by James M. Nelson, Elisha Moody, James Anderson, Milo Winslow, Daniel Winslow. Section 30.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Charles Butler.. Section 31.-Bought from 1834 to 1864 by P. J. Desmyer, N. Silsbee, C. E. Ressequire, R. E. Wood, J. R. Kellogg. Section 32.-Bought from 1835 to 1856 by Fetterman and Abbott, N. Silsbee, C. E. Resequier, David Irwin, R. E. Wood. Section 33.-Bought from 1835 to 1856 by Fetterman and Abbott, Dyer Goodman, C. E. Resequier, John Proper, Ransom E. Wood. Section 34.-Bought from 1835 to 1856 by Fetterman and Abbott, N. Eggleston, George Sturges, Henry Wilson, N. McKenney, C. E. Resequier, D. 0. Burton, Abner Hunt, R. E. Wood. Section 35.-Bought from 1835 to 1856 by Fetterman and Abbott, Talcott Howard, Sweeter and Boltwood, A. A. Wells, R. E. Wood. Section 36.-Bought in 1835 by Charles E. Stewart, Samuel Iubbard. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The axe of the pioneer was first heard to re-echo through the forests of Salem in 1851. Michael Straher, after prospecting in various portions of the county, finally selected an eligible site on section 34, where he located upon 160 acres. He evidently bought of a previous purchaser, as his name does not appear among the official entries of land. Mr. Straher built a log house and a shanty and began to clear off his land, but soon became weary of the life of monotony and hardship which opened before him. He accordingly sold his land to Henry Wilson, who after a brief ownership in turn disposed of it to its present occupant, John Teed. Mr. Straher's advent was followed by that of William Goodman and Charles Strickfaden, who found him on his land when they were looking for a location in 1852, and again when they became permanent settlers in 1853. Charles Strickfaden, from Hancock Co., Ohio, located upon 80 acres on section 17, and occupied Michael Straher's shanty while erecting a log house of his own, to which his family removed on its completion. He still resides on the same farm. Two sons likewise have farms in the township. William Goodman, who left the cultivated fields of Ohio for a home in the forests of Michigan, chose 80 acres on section 17, and, like Mr. Strickfaden, accepted the hospitality of Mr. Straher, who assisted him in the raising of his log dwelling. Many neighbors from the adjoining township of Monterey also volunteered their services on this occasion. Not a tree had, at this date, been cut, on the north of the Rabbit River, and the obscure trail of the few remaining Indians who occasionally traversed their old hunting-ground was the only guide to the traveler. Deer were abundant, and afforded a constant supply of meat for the table. Wolves were regular nocturnal visitors, while occasionally a bear was discovered invading the cornfield; yet this, it will be remembered, was but little more than twentyfive years ago. Mr. Goodman has continued since his settlement a resident of the farm he first purchased. He is now in his eighty-fourth year, and has recently taken up his abode with his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Slagel. Two sons also reside in the township. Albert Kraus, a former resident of Dorr, was attracted to Salem in 1853 by the good prospects of that new district. He located in the fall of 1853 upon 240 acres on section 12, which was at that time wholly unimproved. He resided upon it until his death, in 1868. Matthias Castor had also been a resident of Dorr before coming to Salem, where he chose a home in 1854. He purchased 120 acres of unimproved land on sections 1 and 12, where he erected a temporary shelter of poles and similar material, his family remaining in Dorr until it was made ready for occupation. There was no window, and the door was composed of two or three basswood slabs; earth was the only floor of this primitive structure. IIere Mr. Castor and his three sons led an isolated life. On section 11 there was a village of Chippewa Indians, who still found opportunity to indulge their love of hunting and fishing. But from this time the savages rapidly diminished, and in 1858 the Chippewas departed forever. Mr. Castor and his son Jacob still occupy the old homestead. His son Peter has a farm of 160 acres on sections 12 and 14, while Theodore Castor, the present super visor, is actively engaged in business at Burnip's Corners. John Hendges and John Biermaker soon followed Mr. Castor, and located in the northeast portion of the township, t 320 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. where they purchased farms. The former succeeded Theodore Castor in his mercantile venture at New Salem. Jacob Hoffman and Fred Miller also arrived from Ohio, which furnished most of the pioneer stock in Salem, in the spring of 1854, the former purchasing land on section 8 and the latter on section 17. Mr. Hoffman did not long survive his advent, and left his farm to his widow, who now resides upon it. Mr. Miller is still actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. Henry Bear, another Ohio settler, arrived in 1854, and found a home on section 16, where he had 40 acres. He built a log house, and had made some progress in the improvement of his land, when he entered the army, and died soon after his discharge from the service. Jacob Raab came from Ohio to Salem in 1854, and purchased 60 acres on section 8, which he at once began to clear, but made little progress the first year. He found a home, while building a log house, with his father-in-law, John Oesterley, Sr., who had preceded him by a few months, and who had purchased 60 acres on section 8. Mr. Oesterley's death occurred in 1864. Mr. Raab had but $17 when he arrived in Salem, and owed for nearly all his land. He recalls with satisfaction the obstacles Fe has overcome, but is not desirous to repeat his experience ps a Michigan pioneer. It was not unusual for him to carry on his back for family use fifty pounds of corn-meal and a bag of potatoes a distance of nine miles. There were no cows, and butter was not easily procurable. Two pounds was all the family was able to obtain during a period-of two years. The proceeds from the sale of half a pig enabled Mr. Raab to purchase seed wherewith to sow his first field of wheat. He now has 240 acres of excellent land and a substantial house, built in 1867. The brother of Mrs. Raab, John Oesterley, Jr., died on his father's farm in 1856, and was buried at Burnip Centre. His death was the earliest in the township. Adam Raab, also an Ohioan, was a pioneer of 1855, and settled in the spring of that year upon 60 acres on section 8. He still occupies the same tract. In 1855 came L. P. Brown, who located upon section 3. His neighbor, Mr. Castor, did not know of his arrival until the sound of his axe was heard in the forest. Mr. Brown was active in the cultivation of his land, but also participated largely in affairs connected with the welfare of the township. Peter Rusch, who came in 1856, purchased 40 acres on section 23. He followed the vocation of a teacher, and ultimately removed from the township. /John Fix located upon a farm on section 12, containing 80 acres. After making some improvements he sold it to John Weust, who occupies it and an adjacent piece, and now has 120 acres, together with 40 acres in Dorr. Among the early settlers on section 1 were J. Metzen and M. Ulman, both of whom owned fractional quarters on it. Mr. Ulman died some years ago; his widow still occupies the farm. Quiren Weber came from Prussia in 1856, and purchased 40 acres on section 24, to which he removed two years later. After a residence of ten years upon it he removed to his present location, on section 13. Among other settlers we would also mention Christian Sutter, Casper Raab, R. Pettingall, J. and W. Slagel, J. N. York, Isaiah Mannes, Nicholas Kreiser, Amos True, H. G. Bliss, and Wm. Linden. Diligent inquiry has failed to discover the youth or damsel ambitious of the honor of having been the first to see the light of day in Salem. Undoubtedly there was an individual thus favored, but he or she was apparently " born to blush unseen." The earliest marriage festivities are enveloped in like obscurity. EARLY ROADS. The first road through the township of Salem was known as the State road, from Allegan to Grand Rapids, and was surveyed by F. J. Littlcjohn in 1837. It entered the township at the middle of its southern boundary, and ran due north on the section-line to the middle of the west line of section 10. There it diverged to the west, and passed out of the township near the northeast corner of section 3. The earliest road recorded in the town book was laid out by the highway commissioners April 26, 1856, and is described as a road running on the line between sections 11 and 12. A contract for cutting out this highway and piling the logs was made the same date, at the rate of $9.75 per acre. The next recorded road was surveyed, by direction of the highway commissioners, in September of the same year, and is described as " commencing at the quarter-stake on the west side of section 16, and running east one mile through the section." In October, 1856, a road was surveyed by Dorr Skeels, which is thus described: "Beginning at a stake where the Allegan road intersects the line between the counties of Allegan and Ottawa, and following an easterly course on the county-line to the corners of sections 2, 3, 34, and 35; thence running east again on the same line to the quarter-section corners between sections 2 and 35, and continuing on the same line to the corners of sections 1, 2, 35, and 36; thence on the same line to the corners of sections 1 and 36." Many private roads were cut for the convenience of individuals, running as convenience dictated; but no official survey of them was made, and as the farms were successively fenced up, these roads were necessarily abandoned. Highwaysl the larger number of which are in excellent condition, now traverse every portion of the township. SCHOOLS. The earliest school building in the township was located on section 3, which is now embraced in district No. 4. The residents of the vicinity, feeling the necessity of obtaining educational advantages for their children, erected in 1857 a shanty building and employed a Miss Brown as teacher. The families of L. P. Brown, James Burnham, Jacob Schwander, Sr., and Robert Pettingall were represented at this school. A log school-house was afterwards substituted in this district, the location of which was on section 10. A substantial framed building has since taken its place. Salem is now divided into six whole districts and one fractional one, with a board consisting of the following directors: William H. Goodman, Ira Stokes, Jacob Schwan SALEM TOWNSHIP. 321 der, Aaron Hearley, Allen Twining, John Hendges, and Luewin Weber. The number of children receiving instruction is 363. The teachers receive in salaries an aggregate sum of $1161. BURNIP'S CORNERS. This is the most important hamlet in Salem, being located on the line between sections 15 and 16, and extending south to the geographical centre of the township. The latter point was for a while known as Salem Centre, but has now no identity distinct from the Corners. The land on which the village was begun was first purchased by Timothy Bliss, who in 1858 entered the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter and southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 16. He sold it to F. P. Brown, who in turn disposed of it to Philip Ferguson. The latter disposed of the property to R. E. Beard, and shortly afterwards 20 acres came into the possession of James Burnip. That gentleman in a short time sold a lot for building purposes to George Broughton. Adjacent lands, owned by Thomas Hinton and other parties, were then purchased, and a demand for property in this immediate locality created, which resulted in the growth of the hamlet. Dr. See had already built a store and transacted a limited business, which he subsequently abandoned. In 1856, James Burnip opened a store, furnished with a suitable stock of goods, which he managed for three years, and then sold to J. S. Warner. The latter conducted it until 1879, and then sold it to Messrs. Wells & Dibble. As the business of the Corners increased another store was opened by Messrs. Briggs & Martiny, of which firm James Briggs became the successor. In 1866 a saw-mill was built, which was carried on until 1875, when it was destroyed by fire. This was not the earliest, however, one having been built on section 34, by John Doge, in 1859. In 1867 another was erected by George and William Heck and Charles Fisher, and the next year a grist-mill was built on the Little Rabbit River. The place at the present time has one drug-store, kept by Dr. C. C. Lindsley; three dry-goods and grocery-stores, kept respectively by Theodore Castor & Co., Messrs. Wells & Dibble, and Mr. James Briggs; one blacksmith- and wagon-shop, of which J. F. Gardner is the proprietor; one harness-shop, owned by W. H. Lear; a shoe-shop, belonging to Joshua Myers; a hardware-store, kept by W. H. Goodwin; the millinery establishment of bliss Van Zee; a cabinet-shop, in which Peter Martiny exercises his skill; and a printing-office, owned by Frank Sturges. The Corners also boasts two hotels, over which O. J. Hardy and O. Titsworth preside as landlords. A grist-mill, owned by William Heck, is located on the Little Rabbit River, and does an extensive custom business, to which it is exclusively devoted, and the saw-mill of George Heck has for many years been actively employed in the production of lumber. A steam saw- and grist-mill is about being erected by Ebmeyer & Castor, which will probably add largely to the business of the place. Two physicians also enjoy a lucrative practice in Salem, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Lindslcy, the latter of whom belongs to the eclectic school. A spacious town-hall is located in the south part of the village. NEW SALEM. This hamlet owed its beginning to the enterprise of Theodore Castor in 1865. His brother, Peter Castor, owned 120 acres of land at this point, 5 of which was purchased by Theodore Castor, who erected a store upon it. In this a stock of goods was placed, for which a ready sale was found. Mr. Castor carried on the business five years, and then disposed of his property to John Hendges, who still remains the proprietor, and is also the postmaster. Frank Heibel came in 1867, and built a house, in which he soon after opened a shoe-shop. He also owns a farm in the township. John Schweigert also provided the townspeople with a market in this locality. In 1870, William Hoffman established the first blacksmith-shop, which he is still carrying on. Adam Storm came in 1871, and went to work as the second shoemaker in the place. There are now two schools in the little village, one belonging to the district, the other a private enterprise where instruction in the German language is given. Adam Endries has also a store containing a general stock half a mile from New Salem. RELIGIOUS. ST. MARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. This society had its beginning as early as the year 1856, under the fostering care of Father Marco, of Grand Rapids, who removed to the township to minister to the little flock. A log building for worship was erected during the first year of his presence, each contributing towards the expenses of building and adorning it. The trustees at this date were Anton Weber, A. Kraus, and M. Castor. Father Marco was succeeded by Father Allgyer, who was in turn followed by Father Beeshorst. Father Herwick next became pastor, after whom Father Kluck ministered to the flock. Father Tohma succeeded, and after him came Father Sclosick, who was followed by Father Tillig, and he by Father Seybold. Next in succession came Father Rohr, and later Father Lietner. The present pastor is Father Buechman. The substantial framed church edifice on section 1 was erected in 1865, and improved and enlarged in 1876. The church at present contains 110 members. CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN. The Society of the United Brethren organized in Salem in 1856, and the earliest meetings were held in one of the school-houses built prior to that time. It was at first poorly sustained, but an increasing interest was manifested in the enterprise, and under the ministrations of Elder Stephen Ferguson a house of worship was erected in 1869, upon ground secured on section 9. The present pastor is Rev. S. B. Irving, who holds services each Sabbath. The society numbers 55 members and embraces a flourishing Sabbathschool with 77 scholars upon its roll, of which Allen Twining is superintendent. The present trustees are Isaac Bear, William Fleetwood, and Allen Twining. GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCI. The Lutheran Church in Salem became an organization under the early ministrations of Rev. Mr. Eberhart at a 41 322 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. date which may be fixed at 1860, and possibly prior to that time. The society were content to find the hospitable doors of a school-house open to them until their numbers warranted the erection of a building on section 9 in 1872. Rev. John Bowman was at that time pastor. The present officiating clergyman is Rev. August Schernberg. A Sunday-school, which is well attended, holds its sessions in the summer. The trustees of the society are John Schmidt, William Brainard, and T. Slagel. GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Early meetings held at the house of Casper Raab formed the nucleus for the later organization of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Salem. Afterwards the hospitable doors of Jacob and Adam Raab were opened to the small circle of worshipers. But four individuals comprised the early membership, those being embraced in the families of Jacob and Adam Raab. In 18t8 a very attractive church edifice of brick was erected on section 8, in which services are regularly held. The earliest pastor was Rev. Mr. Kreibel, and the present officiating clergyman is Rev. C. A. Militzer, of Allegan. The trustees are Adam Raab, Fred'k Low, Jacob Milheim. CHURCH OF GOD. This church was first organized by D. W. Lincoln and wife, with a membership of twelve persons, in 1868, the early meetings having been held in the school-house at Burnip's Corners. The first officers elected were Charles Fisher, Ruling Elder; William Heck and Wesley Moored, Deacons. The following preachers have since that time officiated as pastors: Elders J. H. Basore, R. H. Bolton, B. D. Bright, -Irons, S. D. C. Jackson, J. E. Moffit, William Reading, A. J. Hull (the present pastor), and C. C. Lindsley, associate pastor. Elders J. Omens, II. Oliver, and J. M. B. Gillespie have also officiated in the same capacity. A house of worship was erected at Burnip's Corners, and dedicated in October, 1873, by Elder A. X. Shoemaker. The trustees of the society are William Heck, Isaac Sturges, and Wesley Moored. SECRET SOCIETIES. ENCAMPMENT No. 84, I. 0. 0. F. This organization received its charter Feb. 11, 1876, its charter officers having been George Heck, Chief Patriarch; C. A. Ball, High Priest; J. F. Gardiner, Senior Warden; William Heck, Junior Warden; Theodore Castor, Scribe; C. Sutter, Treas. Its present officers are Charles C. Lindsley, Chief Patriarch; John W. Sprau, High Priest; Francis Goodman, Jr., Senior Warden; C. A. Ball, Junior Warden; J. Myres, Scribe; C. Sutter, Treas. Its meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Its present membership is 16. The organization is in a flourishing condition. SALEM LODGE, No. 169, I. O. O. F. This lodge received its charter Aug. 18, 1871, the first officers having been Joshua Myers, N. G.; Jesse Bond, V. G.; James Eavens, Sec.; Wm. HI. Gordon, Treas. A building committee was soon after appointed to superintend N the erection of a hall, for which subscriptions to the amount of $1500 had been secured. On the occasion of its completion it was dedicated on the 24th of August, 1874, with imposing ceremonies, conducted by G. W. Griggs, Grand Master of the State. The prayer was by the Rev. C. C. Lindsley, and addresses were delivered by Hon. E. P. D. Holden and Rev. A. M. Buck. The present officers are W. H. Goodman, N. G.; George Ball, V. G.; Elijah Gordon, Rec. Sec.; George Heck, Perm. Sec.; H. A. Ball, Treas.; C. C. Lindsley, M.D., Chaplain. The lodge now numbers 26 members, and its convocations are held on Saturday evenings of each week. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. A survey of the township was made in January, 1832, by Lucius Lyon, and the first lands were entered on section 31 in 1834. Township No. 4, in range 13, was at first embraced in Allegan and afterwards in Monterey; but by an act of the Legislature approved on the 10th day of October, 1855, it became a separate civil township by the name of Salem. The first township-meeting was held at the house of James Burnip on the 7th day of April, 1856. L. P. Brown was chosen moderator, Henry Wilson inspector of election, and Henry Bear clerk. The ballot resulted as follows: For Supervisor, L. P. Brown; Clerk 6f the Township, Henry Bear; Treasurer, James Burnip; Justices of the Peace, Henry Wilson, John Schwagert; Highway Commissioners, A. A. Goodman, Robert Pettingall, Aaron Bassett; School Inspectors, A. A. Goodman, Isaiah Mannes; Director of the Poor, Thomas Henton; Constables, Florida Henton, A. A. Goodman, Abner Hunt, Jacob Brandegam. The remaining township officers until the present time are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1857-58, L. P. Brown; 1859, John N. York; 1860, Isaiah Mannes; 1861, John N. York; 1862, Peter Castor; 1863-64, Francis Goodman; 1865-66, Peter Castor; 1867-68, John Hendges; 1869-70, Peter Castor; 1871, Adam A. Goodman; 1872, Peter Castor; 1873, Francis Goodman; 1874, no record; 1875-78, Francis Goodman; 1879, Theodore Castor. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1857, Isaiah Mannes; 1858, Henry Bear; 1859, Isaiah Mannes; 1860, Albert D. Rust; 1861-63, Michael Hinton; 1864, Henry Bear; 1865, Theodore Castor; 1866, John Hendges; 1867, Edward Lutts; 1868, Wesley Moored; 1869-70, C. H. Long; 1871, Jesse IH. Bond; 1872, C. H. Long; 1873, John P. Martiny; 1874, no record; 1875-76, John Sprau; 1877, no record; 1878-79, John P. Martiny. TREASURERS. 1857-59, James Burnip; 1860-61, Peter Castor; 1862-63, William Linden; 1864, Peter Castor; 1865, Joseph Slagel; 1866, William H. Gorden; 1867, Thomas Hinton; 1868, Peter Castor; 1869-70, John IHendges; 1871, Thomas Ilinton; 1872, Jesse I. Bond; 1874, no record; 1875, Theodore Castor; 1876, Elijah Gordon; 1877, no record; 1878-79, Elijah Gordon. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1857, Henry Bear, Amos True; 1858, John lIendges; 1859, Isaiah Mannes; 1860, Henry G. Bliss; 1861, Albert D. Rust, John N. York; 1862, Michael Hinton, John IHendges, John C. Barclay; 1863, Roger McVoy; 1864, Joseph Slagel, William Hills; 1865, John Hendges, Theodore Castor; 1866, Michael Hlinton, Hugh Mannes; 1867, Peter G. Rowe; 1868, John IIendges, Fenelon Bruce, A. P. Waterhouse; 1869, C. II. Long; 1870, Elias Stil I..xn —"l~~-iF, i" li i ---j- -i__;:... -;::?i-. ~.~g-r — -"ama~ II.I1 GEO. HECK. RESIDENCE AND MILLS OF GEO.AND WM. HECK, SALEM CENTER, ALLEGAN CO.,MICH. SALEM TOWNSHIP. 323 well; 1871, Ransom Herrington; 1872, Peter Castor; 1873, James Evans; 1874, no record; 1875, John HIendges; 1876, F. G. Bond; 1877, no record; 1878, C. H. Long; 1879, Joseph Felley. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1857, A. A. Goodman, Robert Pettengall, John Hendges; 1858, no record; 1859, William Lindon; 1860, Orrcn L. Foster; 1861, James C. Jones; 1862, Hugh Mannes, Joseph Slagel; 1863, Florida Hinton, Hugh Mannes, Aaron Bassett; 1864, Nicholas Kreiser; 1865, no record; 1866, Jacob Fleser, Joseph Slagel; 1867, Francis Goodman; 1868, Nicholas Kreiser; 1869, Gabriel Cole, Thomas G. Bond; 1870, L. P. Brown; 1871, N. W. Weaver; 1872, Nicholas Kreiser; 1873, F. Ilerrington; 1874, no record; 1875, F. Herrington; 1876, Christian Sutter; 1877, no record; 1878, George Heck; 1879, John Bacon. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1857, L. P. Brown, Francis Goodman; 1858, John N. York; 1859, Henry Bear, John N. York; 1860, John Hendges; 1861, John N. York; 1862, Julius Geadechen; 1863, Michael Hinton, Peter Castor, Roger McVoy; 1864, Peter Castor, Wm. Hills; 1865, James Hutton; 1866, Gabriel Cole, Peter Castor; 1867, Peter Castor, Theodore Castor; 1868, Fenelon Bruce, Peter Castor; 1869, Theodore Castor, Elijah Gordon; 1870, Elijah Gordon; 1871, Thomas G. Bond; 1872, Wesley Moored; 1873, Theodore Castor; 1874, no record; 1875, James Evans; 1876, Peter Castor; 1877, no record; 1878-79, Gabriel Cole. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1857, Wm. Goodman, Thomas Hinton; 1858, Amos Truce. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1872, Fenelon Bruce; 1873,S. Johnson; 1874, no record; 1875, Overton Fitsworth; 1876, F. W. Binley; 1877, no record; 1878, Thomas W. Binley. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, H. W. George; 1876, C. C. Lindsley; 1877, no record; 1878, Irvin W. Wells; 1879, F. M. Gray. CONSTABLES. 1857, Florida Hinton, Abner Hunt, Joseph Slagel, Jacob Schwander; 1858, H1. G. Bliss, L. B. Green, Florida Hinton, Nicholas Frasier; 1859, Jacob Bradigan, Emory Hinton, P. G. Bliss, James C. Jones; 1860, Jacob Bradigan, Hugh Mannes, R. L. M. Griver, Joseph Slagel; 1861, Joseph Shoemaker, Emory Hinton, Adam Endres; 1862, George M. Mittel, Emory Hinton, Adam Endres, Peter Rhodabaugh; 1863, Hugh Mannes, Florida Hinton, John Martiny; 1864, John Strickfaden, Quiren Weber, Wesley Hinton; 1865, John Strickfaden, Nicholas Kreiser; 1866, David Goodman, Philander Palmer, George W. Shmitt; 1867, Adam Endres, Florida Hinton, George Stockhill; 1868, John Strickfaden, Adam Endres; 1869, Quiren Weber, Emory Hinton, James Briggs, John Slagel; 1870, J. H. Bond, James Briggs, Quiren Weber, S. Stilwell; 1871, William Wise, Quiren Weber, J. H. Bond, J. N. Smith; 1872, Joseph Slagel, W. Eaton, Elias Stilwell, Quiren Weber; 1873, 0. Titsworth, F. G. Bond, James Burnip, Joseph Slagel; 1874, no record; 1875, James Briggs, Jacob Castor, John Evans, O. Titsworth; 1876, Joseph Slagel, James Briggs, Jacob Castor, G. W. Smith; 1877, no record; 1878, James Briggs, Jacob Castor, John Clauns, James Burnip; 1879, J. W. Binley, O. Titsworth, Jacob Castor, William Teed. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. GEORGE HECK. For enterprise and business capacity none of the residents of Salem take higher rank than do the brothers Heck, who were natives of Ohio, having both been born in Hancock County, in that State. The birth of George, the younger, occurred Feb. 22, 1850, the seventh in a family of ten children. He assisted his father upon the home-farm and in milling pursuits until seventeen years of age, when the land was sold for county purposes, the father having been appointed keeper of the property. At the age of eighteen George determined to migrate to Michigan, his brother William having previously purchased the mill-site at Salem, Allegan Co. The brothers became partners in the enterprise, and continued their business relations until 1872, when a dissolution of the partnership occurred. George then assumed control of the saw-, shingle-, and planing-mill, introducing a circular saw and making other substantial improvements. He also purchased an extensive tract of pine timber, located adjacent to the mills. Mr. Heck was married Sept. 20, 1869, to Miss Helen McDonald, formerly of Sturges, Mich., and later of Allegan County. Three children brighten their hearth, Ernest J., Lulu J., and a babe. Mr. Heck has occasionally filled township offices, but prefers the quiet of his own home circle to the cares and excitements of public life. WILLIAM HECK. The father of the enterprising citizen of Salem, Mr. William Heck, was a native of Cumberland Co., Pa., and removed to Hancock Co., Ohio, in 1844, where he conducted an extensive farming and milling enterprise. He has since retired from active commercial life, and is enjoying a competency as the result of his industry, having chosen Findley, Ohio, as his residence. William, the fifth in order of the children, was born in Hancock Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1845. He became at the age of eighteen a partner with his father in milling pursuits, and two years later purchased the entire interest, which he conducted for three years. A brother-in-law then became the owner, and Mr. Heck in 1868, with his brother George, removed to Salem, Allegan Co., having the fall previously purchased the millsite of Edward Lutts where now stand the Little Rabbit Mills. They began at once the arduous labor of clearing, erecting a dam, and constructing a saw-mill which was in successful operation the year following. The succeeding year the flouring-mills were built, a delay having been inevitable as the result of serious injury to the dam which occurred a short time previously. In March, 1872, the copartnership between the brothers was dissolved and a harmonious division of the property took place, William having retained the flouring-mill. He has since that erected a comfortable and commodious dwelling, which is illustrated in this work. Mr. Heck has during his leisure hours developed considerable power of invention, and succeeded in perfecting a self-feeding furnace which enables him to use corn-cobs as a substitute for other fuel. It is the first successful invention of this character, and letters patent have been granted to the projector. Mr. Heck was married Dec. 31, 1866, to Miss Elmira Twining, a former resident of Hancock Co., Ohio. Ida G., Hattie H., and Dellie D. are the only surviving children of their pleasant family circle, two daughters and an only son, Cartia, having died early. Mr. Heck is devoted to his business projects, and gives but little attention to public life. 4 SA U U C K. THIS township, which was the earliest one settled in Allegan County, was surveyed as township 3 north, range 16 west. It is bounded on the north by Laketown, south by Ganges, east by Manlius, and west by the waters of Lake Michigan. It contains two incorporated villages, Saugatuck and Douglas, situated on either side of Kalamazoo Lake, three miles by the course of the stream from the mouth of the river of that name, but less than a mile from the lake-shore. These villages are important shipping-points for lumber and fruit, and, although without immediate railway facilities, have easy water communication with all important lake points by steamers and sailing-vessels throughout the season of navigation. A regular line of steamers, owned and managed by Captain R. C. Brittain, plies between the two villages mentioned and Chicago. The lumber business, which has been very important, is now declining, but the loss on that account has been made good by the rapid development of fruit-culture. The peach-producing qualities of Western Allegan are remarkably conspicuous, even in so celebrated a fruit-bearing State as Michigan, and that section is likely to improve materially in value for an indefinite time to come. Although general farming is carried on to some extent, the cultivation of fruit-especially peaches-is the great feature in rural industry throughout the township of Saugatuck. The Kalamazoo River is navigable for large craft to the two villages named, where it expands into a lake, and is also navigable to Richmond for light-draught steamers, although latterly not much used for that purpose. The township sought, in 1869, by an offered donation of $40,000, to bring the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad within its borders, but other influences prevailed, and close railway communication is still a much-desired privilege. SAUGATUCK VILLAGE-ITS ORIGIN AND EARLY SETTLEMENT. William G. Butler, of Hartford, Conn., came to the site of Saugatuck village as the first white settler, in the spring of 1830.t Mr. Butler had pre-empted the tract now occupied by the village, and brought his wife and two children with him by way of the lakes, a vessel landing him with his family and household effects at the mouth of the river. He speedily erected a log cabin on a spot now in the middle of the street in front of the Saugatuck House, and began at once the business of trading with the Indians, who swarmed in great numbers in that region, and were always m By David Schwartz. t There was then no other permanent white resident of Allegan County; the township of Otsego not being settled until the ensuing autumn. 324 ready to barter game, furs, and sugar for the white man's goods. Butler had brought but few goods with him, but had some whisky, which latter suited the red man better than anything else, and the demand for it was unfailing. We may designate Mr. Butler as the first permanent resident of the county. There were already some French traders with the Indians within the county limits, but these did not locate with a view to permanent residence, and are therefore not counted as settlers. Mr. Butler, on the other hand, although for several years he did nothing but trade with the Indians, had purchased land with the intention of remaining after the Indians had gone-as he did. It was doubtless the presence of a natural harbor that led Mr. Butler to locate where he did, for it appears that he counted from the first upon founding a village there. It is also likely that the abundance of hemlock bark and ship timber near at hand strengthened his hopes touching the ultimate importance of the place. However that may have been, it is certain that the capitalists who came a few years later were attracted by the opportunities for lumbering and tanning which existed in the vicinity, and which were promptly improved, those occupations having for nearly fifty years been important factors in promoting the prosperity of the Saugatuck country. Mr. Butler's business with the Indians frequently took him away from home, and sometimes he was obliged to be absent several days, his wife meanwhile remaining alone with her children in their log cabin, a voluntary exile from her race, her only neighbors Indians, and her only surroundings the forest. For three years the Butlers lived by the side of the river, the only white inhabitants in the western part of the county, and during that time Mrs. Butler saw no woman's face save the dusky countenances of Indian squaws, who visited her frequently, and with whom, as well as with the braves, she was on the most kindly terms of friendship. Although Mr. Butler succeeded well enough in his trade with the Indians and experienced no extraordinary hardships, he was always greatly troubled when brought face to face with the stern necessity of going to mill. During the first part of his sojourn at Saugatuck he was obliged to go to Elkhart, Ind., seventy-five miles distant, for that purpose, and the long, tedious, and difficult journey was always looked forward to with great dislike. Until the year 1834 the Butler family continued to be the only white inhabitants of this section, but early in that year there came Edward Johonnett and R. R. Crosby, who built in company a tannery on the river, near where Williams & Griffin's saw-mill now stands. Daniel Plummer, a carpenter, also came about the same time, and put up a framed house on Hoffman Street, the same building being now oc MRiS. S.A.MOFRRISON,S.AMRISN S. A. MORRISON. RESIDENCE or STEPHEN A. MOfRFISON, SAurAT~cK, ALLEG.,AN Co.,MICH I,, 1 :11 "',, I -- - -4, I.;. I - . i11 I jl '. , - I ,. II SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP. 325 --- cupied as a residence by Henry Holt. Mr. Plummer remained in town until 1849, when he took the California fever and migrated to the far West. Mr. Johonnett lived in a framed house on the spot now occupied by the OddFellows' building, and Crosby (who was a bachelor) lived with him. In July, 1834, Stephen D. Nichols, who had for a year been living in St. Joseph, Mich., came down the lake-shore with H. F. Comstock, landed at the mouth of the Kalamazoo, and made a prospecting tour up the river. They found on the site of Saugatuck Johonnett & Crosby's tannery, and the houses of the Butlers, Plummers, and Johonnetts. Nichols concluded to take up 160 acres on section 17, and agreed with Comstock that the latter should put up a warehouse for the former at the mouth of the river; this course being suggested by the fact that settlers bound for the up-river country had begun to arrive, and there seemed a decided necessity for a warehouse and pier, since there were no conveniences for the landing of goods at the mouth of the river, and captains of vessels did not at that time like to venture into the stream. Having determined upon a plan of action, Nichols and Comstock engaged an Indian to take them up the lake in a canoe to St. Joseph, whence Nichols proceeded with all speed to the East. -Nichols returned in September of the same year with his family, and located permanently at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, on the north side. There he began straightway to erect a warehouse and dock. There was no saw-mill in the vicinity, and for Nichols' warehouse, as well as for the framed houses previously built by Plummer and Johonnett, the lumber was brought down the river from Pine Creek, one mile below Otsego. The warehouse was at first used principally for the storing of the household effects of settlers moving by way of the lakes to the up-river country, but ere long there sprang up a driving business in connection with the reshipment of flour coming down the river to be forwarded around the lakes. William G. Butler sought to share the business controlled by Nichols, and early in 1835 built a warehouse on the river-bank, two miles from the mouth, but the location was a poor one, and the enterprise was substantially a failure. Meanwhile, Nichols opened a store near his warehouse, and affairs in that vicinity took on such a lively aspect that there was strong talk of starting a town there, but the project never resulted in anything more definite in shape than a plat on paper. About 1842, Butler built a warehouse on the south side of the river, opposite that of Nichols, and until 1846 both concerns carried on a profitable business in shipping and receiving freight. In that year the completion of the Michigan Central Railroad to Kalamazoo greatly injured the river traffic, and in 1848, when that road was finished to Niles, the forwarding business at the mouth of the river came to an end, unless indeed we include the forwarding of rafts. One of Saugatuck's pioneers, Benjamin Plummer, now living in Ganges, relates how he came to the village with his wife in the fall of 1834, and found residing there and at the mouth of the river the families of William G. Butler, Stephen D. Nichols, Johonnett & Crosby, the tanners, Daniel Plummer, and Palmer and Mayo, the latter being two fishermen and Indian-traders living at the river's mouth. Benjamin Plummer, like his brother Daniel, was a carpenter, and after working at his trade two years started a saw-mill northeast of the village, where he remained until 1846. He then abandoned the mill and removed to his present home. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer, who have shared the vicissitudes of pioneer life forty-six years, have been man and wife no less than fifty-three years. In 1844, A. S. Wells and 0. R. Johnson built a tannery near Plummer's saw-mill and carried it on until 1854, when it passed into the possession of C. C. Wallin & Sons, the present proprietors. THE VILLAGE LAID OUT. Previous to the coming of Nichols and the creation of the warehouse traffic, Butler had, in 1833, platted a village upon his pre-empted property, and called it Kalamazoo. Soon afterwards Henry Ioffman, of Niles, Jasper Mason, of St. Joseph, and John Griffith, of New York, purchased an interest in the village property, of which, however, Butler still retained a share.* A post-office was established at the village in 1835, upon application of R. R. Crosby, who was commissioned postmaster Aug. 4, 1835, the original commission being now in possession of S. A. Morrison, Esq. At his suggestion the office was called Saugatuck, an Indian word meaning "mouth of river." The village retained the namei of Kalamazoo until the incorporation of the village now bearing that name. Being then deprived of it by the greater celebrity of the latter place, it was called Newark, after the township in which it was located. This appellation was retained until 1863, when the name of both township and village was changed to Saugatuck. William G. Butler, the founder of the town, continued to be one of its prominent citizens until his death, in 1857, when he was killed while engaged in log-rolling. In the month of May, 1837, Stephen A. Morrison came from Vermont to Saugatuck for the purpose of starting a tannery, having learned that the country thereabout was famous for hemlock-bark. Upon reaching that place he found Johonnett & Crosby already engaged in tanning, and so, instead of starting a fresh enterprise, he bought out that firm. He carried on the business on the old site about five years, when he removed the business to his present location, where he has ever since been employed in the same occupation. Saugatuck village improved slowly at first, and when Singapore reared its prosperous front the former place was completely overshadowed, and could scarcely be called more than a lumber-camp. In 1837 about the only business it boasted was that of getting out ship-timber, and, although Stephen D. Nichols had a small store at the mouth of the river and sold a few goods from his house on Hoffman Street in the village, the inhabitants usually traded at Singapore, for at the latter place only was there a mercantile establishment of even moderate pretensions. ~ The plat was recorded on the 17th of July, 1834, in the register's office of Kalamazoo County, to which Allegan County was then attached. The village is described on the record as laid out by J. Wit tenmeier, surveyor, for William G. Butler, but it is evident that Mason and Griffith had secured an interest, as two of the streets bore their names. 326 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. In 1836, Benjamin Plummer built a saw-mill on the site of Wallin's tannery, on section 3, and in 1837 he and Edward Johonnett operated it. During the next summer the business of rafting lumber and square timber down the river to the lake set in in earnest, and for some years continued to be an important industry. SHIP-BUILDING. Ship-timber being abundant near Saugatuck, ship-builders came hither early, led by James McLaughlin, who built at Saugatuck a lumber-vessel which he called the " Crook." Carter & Co., the successors of the Wilders at Singapore, built at that point a lake-vessel for carrying lumber, and named it the " Octavia." About that time other vessels were built at Saugatuck and Singapore, and in 1842 Porter & Co. built at Singapore a flat-bottom steamboat, named the "C. C. Trowbridge," and intended for the trade between Saugatuck and Allegan. That attempt at steam navigation on the river was, however, a failure, and after a few trips demonstrated it to be so the " Trowbridge" was transferred to other scenes. A second attempt in the same direction, made with the "Adelaide," built at Allegan, met with better results, and from that time forward until 1869 steamboats plied with more or less regularity between Saugatuck and Allegan each season. First and last, a large number of sailing-vessels and steamers have been built at Saugatuck. Generally the steamers have been tugs, although several lake-propellers and lumber-barges have been constructed there, and several grain-carrying vessels of the larger class have figured in the list. The year 1879 was an especially busy one in ship building at Saugatuck. LOSS OF THE " MILWAUKIE." On the 17th of November, 1842, while the three-master "Milwaukie" was taking on a cargo off Saugatuck Harbor, a sudden squall of wind drove it ashore, when the vessel was wrecked, and the captain and eight of his men lost their lives. The victims were buried in the old Indian burying-ground, then occupying the site now covered by the town-hall of Saugatuck. Other casualties have occurred off the mouth of the river from time to time, but none have reached the tragic importance that attended the loss of the " Milwaukie." SAUGATUCK HARBOR. As already noted, the natural harbor at Saugatuck early invited attention. The general government was called upon to assist in the improvement of the harbor and river, and down to January, 1880, had expended over $100,000 for that purpose. The people of the locality have also expended upwards of $30,000 upon the river and harbor, but all the necessary works are not yet erected. Although vessels of moderate draft may now enter the harbor, there is need of an extension of the south pier at least four hun dred feet to admit craft of a larger class, and to this end Congress is now being appealed to for further help. The volume of water discharged by the Kalamazoo River is claimed to be greater than that of any other stream emptying into Lake Michigan on the eastern coast, except, per haps, Grand River. Kalamazoo Lake, three miles from the river's mouth, is half a mile wide by three-fourths of a mile long, being large enough to contain at one time all the vessels sailing on the lake, and having an ample depth of water to accommodate the largest of them. THE PIONEER VILLAGERS. In 1837 Saugatuck contained, besides numerous Indians, the families of W. G. Butler, Daniel and Benjamin Plummer, Johonnett & Crosby, Stephen A. Morrison, a Mrs. Jones, and Jas. McLaughlin (a ship-carpenter), besides a floating population of lumbermen and other laborers, without families. In 1846 the village, showing but slight improvement, still boasted the presence of some Indian families, and of those of Morrison, M. B. Spencer, Butler, Nichols, McLaughlin, and Saml. Underwood (a shoemaker). The place made exceedingly slow progress, and at one period not long after 1837 was abandoned by almost all its inhabitants except Mr. Morrison's family. A RIVER CALAMITY. On the 25th of July, 1841, John Billings, with his wife and six children, the wife of McLaughlin the ship-builder, with her child, R. A. McDonald, and an Irishman (name unknown) were passing up the river in a small boat, when the craft accidentally capsized, and five of the twelve persons on board were drowned, viz.: Mrs. Billings, three of her children, and Mrs. McLaughlin. NEWARK TAX-PAYERS IN 1840 AND 1843. The Newark assessment-rolls previous to 1840 are either unobtainable or illegible, and as the best that can be done the names of the tax-payers living in the township in 1840 and 1843 are here given: 1840.-Levi Loomis, S. A. and S. Morrison, James McLaughlin, J. B. Bailey, agent for Green Mitchell & Co., J. C. Hale, Benjamin Plummer, L. Jones, James Haines, Mr. Wood, A. Webber, Josiah Martin, S. D. Nichols, Crosby & Co., J. V. RIam, agent for Wilder & Co., Moses Nichols, " tavern-keeper and vender of ardent spirits," A. Morrison, "tavern-keeper, and sells no ardent liquor." The assessed acres aggregated 73,616, and the total town valuation was $174,709. The assessors were J. C. Hale, E. B. Wilder, and Benjamin Plummer. 1843.-J.-C. Hale, H. Hutchins, J. W. Wadsworth, Jacob Barragar, L. Jones, William Cr. Butler, C. H. Bartlett, Benjamin Plummer, S. D. Nichols, James McLaughlin, S. and S. A. Morrison, Robert McDonald, Henry Pritchard, P. J. Cook, agent, J. W. Miles, William F. Hale. THE LIGHT-HOUSE. In 1838 the government erected at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River a stone light-house, the site of which is now covered by a portion of the south pier, the channel being now twenty rods north of where it was in 1838. Stephen D. Nichols was appointed the first keeper, and retained the place about six years. In 1859 the tower began to show signs of decay, and was replaced by a brick struc ture. The latter wore out in turn, and was succeeded in 1875 by the wooden tower now adorning the extremity of the south pier. SAUGATUCK TO`WNSHfIP. 327 A THE PROGRESS OF TRADE. Until 1851, when S. D. Nichols built and opened a store in the village, Saugatuck boasted no such establishment of any pretensions whatever, and until that year the villagers generally did their trading at the mouth of the river or at Singapore. In 1854, Wells & Johnson, the mill-proprietors at Saugatuck, opened a general store at that place, much to the gratification of the townspeople. After that the village began to grow and stores to multiply. When Wayne Coates came in 1849, and opened a drugstore in a house built by Daniel Plumrer, there was no store nearer than Nichols', at the mouth of the river, or Artemas Carter's, at Singapore. The town was a forest, and included only the families of William G. Butler, S. A. Morrison, Samuel Underwood, Elias M. Dibble, M. B. Spencer, and perhaps one or two others. In 1865 there were the stores of John Burns, S. A. Morrison, B. W. Phillips, R. F. Kleeman, and H. D. Moore; Dunning & Hopkins and H. D. Moore's saw-mills; Ebmeyer & Ruffin and Blanchard's shingle-mills; a pail-stave manufactory; and two hotels. Main Street from Nichols' to Morrison's had but two or three buildings, and beyond Dunning's sawmill the land was covered with growing timber. The village now contains a dozen mercantile establishments of all kinds, which carry on a business of no insignificant proportions. GRIST-MILL. The only grist-mill built at Saugatuck village was erected. in 1866 by George P. Heath, and destroyed by fire in November, 1879. SAUGATUCK POST-OFFICE. A post-office was established at Saugatuck, as already mentioned, in August, 1835, and R. R. Crosby appointed postmaster. The mail-bag was in those days seldom very well filled, and, in fact, for a considerable period came down the river from Allegan upon rafts at such uncertain and irregular times as were most convenient. In 1840, Samuel Morrison was appointed mail-carrier, and rode at regularly appointed dates on horseback between Saugatuck and Allegan. William G. Butler succeeded Crosby, and then followed S. A. Morrison, who gave place in 1860 to - Ward. Samuel Johnson was the next occupant of the office, being followed successively by B. W. Phillips, S. A. Morrison (second term), Hiram Ellis, Samuel Johnson (second term), William V. Johnson, and George T. Arnold, the present incumbent. PORT OF ENTRY. In 1870, Saugatuck was made a port of entry, and in that year H. R. Ellis was appointed collector of customs. The present collector is George T. Arnold. FIRST BIRTH, MARRIAGE, ETC. The first white child born in the township was a daughter of William G. Butler. Her birth occurred in the fall of 1834, and her death early in 1835, she being also the first white person to die in the township. The second birth was that of Andrew, son of Benjamin Plummer, on the 1st day of January, 1835. He is now a resident of the township of Ganges. The first adult person who died was the wife of William G. Butler. The first marriage was that of John C. Wooster, a lumberman, and Ruth Johonnett, in June, 1837. The second was that of S. A. Morrison and Elizabeth Peckham. They were married in the public hall at Singapore, by Rev. Mr. West, of Otsego. Mr. West was a Universalist preacher, and used to come over from Otsego now and then to hold services in the hall at Singapore, which was also occasionally occupied by the Methodists for the same purpose. The school-house near Singapore was the first one built in the town. Previous to its erection Jane Powers taught the children of some of the settlers, as did Elizabeth Peckham, who came from Allegan in response to a request from Benjamin Plumnier, and taught in the house of the latter, near his saw-mill. A Methodist Episcopal society, now extinct, was organized in Saugatuck village about 1865, and endured until 1875. Revs. Loomis, Benson, Hoyt, Cawthorne, Thurston, Cowen, and Pengally were among the earlier pastors. Rev. Mr. Cawthorne came hither, via the lake, from Muskegon, with his family and household effects, on board a tug. While entering the river the tug capsized, and Mr. Cawthorne's two children were drowned. VILLAGE PHYSICIANS. Dr. Chauncey B. Goodrich, who came to Saugatuck in 1843 and entered upon the practice of medicine, was the first physician of the village. He soon removed to Ganges, but remained for many years the only physician in the western part of the county. He died in Ganges in 1879. Iis successor in village practice was Dr. Flowers, who made his appearance at Saugatuck in 1857, and practiced there until his death, in 1859. Dr. S. L. Morris followed him, and remained until 1865. Dr. H. H. Stimson, who began to practice in the county in 1853, went to Saugatuck from the eastern part of Allegan in 1860, and since that time has been steadily in practice there. Dr. J. B. Cook, who is still a Saugatuck physician, entered upon his professional service in that village in 1862. After him came Dr. David McLean, who made but a brief stay, and then passed over to Douglas, where he tarried until 1879. Dr. Alex. McRca, who came to Saugatuck in 1865, remained until 1871. Dr. R. Pengally, and his son-in-law, Dr. Charles Chamberlain, began practice in 1871, and moved away in 1873. Dr. Charles F. Stinson practiced from 1872 to 1879, when he died. Dr. E. B. Wright, who died in Saugatuck in 1879, had practiced in the village eleven years. The village practice is at present confined chiefly to Drs. H. H. Stimson and J. B. Cook, the only resident physicians. VILLAGE LAWYERS. Saugatuck's first resident lawyer was a Mr. Pratt, who opened an office in 1868, went shortly afterwards to Holland village, and lives now in Grand Haven. His successor, J. S. Manry, came in 1871, and remained two years. He now lives in Nebraska. The third lawyer was R. L. Newn ham, who came in 1876, and is yet in practice. The only other resident lawyer is D. A. Winslow, who removed to the village from St. Joseph, Mich., in February, 1880. 328 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. VILLAGE TAVERNS. In 1840, Moses Nichols kept a tavern at the mouth of the river, and in the same year S. A. Morrison's residence at Saugatuck was commonly regarded as a house of entertainment where travelers could find lodging and refreshment, but no spirituous liquors. Mr. Morrison kept open house in that fashion until 1852, when by the donation of a village lot he induced R. S. Smith, of Battle Creek, to come over and build the Saugatuck House. Mr. Smith was accidentally drowned in the Kalamazoo River. VILLAGE ORGANIZATION. Saugatuck village was incorporated by the board of supervisors of Allegan County in 1868, and on the first Tuesday in March of that year the first election was held. H. B. Moore was chosen President; Hiram R. Ellis, Clerk; Diodet Rogers, Treasurer; R. B. Newnham, Marshal; and George E. Dunn, James Hibbodine, Solomon Stanton, Warren Cook, S. A. Morrison, and Samuel Johnson, Trustees. In 1869, H. B. Moore was President; Hiram R. Ellis, Clerk; and J. M. Pond, Marshal. In the winter of 1869-70 the village was reincorporated by an act of the Legislature. The records having been destroyed by fire, a complete list of the village officials cannot be obtained. The following gentlemen have served as presidents, clerks, and treasurers during the years mentioned: PRESIDENTS. 1870, John C. Bacon; 1871, S. A. Morrison; 1872, Randolph Densmore; 1873-74, Isaac Wilson; 1875-76, D. L. Barber; 1877, L. B. Coates; 1878, II. B. Moore; 1879, A. B. Taylor. CLERKS. 1870, Hiram R. Ellis; 1871-72, Henry Bird, Jr.; 1873-79, R. B. Newnham. TREASURERS. 1870, L. O. Tanner; 1871, J. B. Bacon; 1872, John Nies; 1873-76, A. B. Taylor; 1877-79, C. Whitney. The village trustees serving in 1879 were D. L. Barber, John Nies, David White, W. B. Griffin, George E. Dunn, and John Priest. THE FIRE RECORD. Saugatuck has been frequently visited with serious conflagrations, including (aside from those which have merely destroyed dwellings) the burning of H. D. Moore's store in 1866; that of O. R. Johnson & Co.'s large store and the Empire Billiard-Room, with a large public hall, in 1876; that of the Ebmeyer shingle-mill, Kleeman's store, and Miller's saloon in the same year; that of S. H. Morrison's store in 1879; and that of Heath's grist-mill, also in 1879. RELIGIOUS. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. In accordance with previous notice, a meeting was held at the Saugatuck school-house on the 11th of January, 1860, to consider the propriety of organizing a Congregational Church. Rev. Thomas Jones was appointed mod erator, and Rev. D. Werts scribe. The church council included Rev. N. Grover and Deacon D. McDonald, of South Haven; Rev. D. Wert and Deacon 0. D. Goodrich, of Allegan; Rev. L. H. Jones and Deacon A. Norton, of Cooper; Rev. D. S. Morse, of Otsego; Rev. Thomas Jones, of Galesburg; and Rev. E. Taylor, of Kalamazoo. The church was organized without delay, and included the following members: Rev. C. H. Eaton, F. B. Wallin, Moses Philbrook, Alanson Gardner, Mrs. M. F. Eaton, Mrs. Orcetia Wallin, Mrs. Mary Philbrook, Mrs. Marila Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Elnathan Judson, John Harris, Mrs. Hannah Cook, Andrew Alexander, Miss Sarah Jane Cowles. The first pastor was Rev. C. II. Eaton, and the first deacons Alanson Gardner and F. B. Wallin. Rev. J. C. Myers succeeded Mr. Eaton in May, 1862, and remained in charge until 1868. Rev. J. F. Taylor then entered upon the pastorate, and continued in it until 1878. Rev. W. C. Allen followed for a brief season, and then came Rev. W. B. Sutherland, the present pastor. During the summer after its organization the society built a church edifice, which was the first house of worship erected in the town. In it also was held Saugatuck's first "war-meeting" upon the outbreak of the Rebellion, in 1861. The deacons of the church are F. B. Wallin, H. L. House, and George E. Dunn. The trustees are George E. Dunn, F. B. Wallin, H. L. House, H. D. Moore, George H. Thomas, and M. B. Williams. The membership numbers about 80. THE FIRST DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH. This church was organized in Morrison Hall, June 21, 1868, with the following members: A. C. Zwemer and wife, H. Van Spyker and wife, G. Jonkhoff and wife, M. De Boe and wife, I. Zwemer and wife, I. G. Neimeizer and wife, J. J. Koke, J. Neis, M. Van Leuwen, Arent Zwaavink, Mrs. P. Kallewoord, Mrs. G. Sluiter. The first elders were J. J. Koke and A. C. Zwemer; the first deacons, G. Jonkhoff and M. De Boe. But two pastors have served the church,-Rev. D. Broeck, from May 1, 1870, to March 25, 1875, and H. E. Neis, from Nov. 5, 1876, to Dec. 30, 1879, the pastorate being now vacant. The present membership numbers 55, and the officers are as follows: Elders, J. Ensing, H. Van Spyker, and M. De Vries; deacons, A. C. Zwemer, M. Van Leuwen, and J. Raman. The Sundayschool superintendent is J. Ensing, and the school membership about 40. The house of worship now in use was erected in October, 1868, and enlarged in October, 1874. ALL SAINTS' (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH. This organization was formed in September, 1868, by J. R. Taylor, who was chosen as the first rector, and who continued in charge until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. W. Flower, the present rector. The members of the church at the organization were 0. R. Johnson and wife, F. B. Stockbridge and wife, R. B. Newnham and wife, H. H. Stimpson and wife, J. F. Geer, A. B. Taylor, William Dunning and wife, Mrs. Breuckman, Mrs. Merrill, Thomas Donald and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Moses Nash, Pierce Abbey, Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Moreland, David White and wife, Isaac Wilson and wife. The village school-house was used as a house of worship until January, 1873, when the edifice now in use was first occupied. Its cost was about $4000. The first wardens were Robert G. Annesley and Pierce Abbey. SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP. 329 The vestrymen were F. B. Stockbridge and H. H. Stimson. There are now 40 members of the church, and 50 of the Sunday-school. The school is in chargeof A. B. Taylor, superintendent, assisted by six teachers. The rector, residing at Holland, holds services in Saugatuck once every fortnight. THE SAUGATUCK FIRE DEPARTMENT. In January, 1871, the village purchased a hook-and-ladder apparatus and placed it in charge of the marshal, the villagers at large being the working force whenever the machine was called into service. Shortly afterwards 200 pails were bought at public expense, and distributed in convenient places for use in case of fire. In 1873 a Babcock extinguisher was purchased, and a fire department organized with 30 members, of which James M. Pond was chief engineer, and A. H. Gardner first assistant. The extinguisher, which cost $2000, proved a failure, and was replaced with a hand-engine and hose-cart, which now do efficient service. The engine company has 32 members, A. H. Gardner being the foreman. J. P. Hancock is the foreman of the hose company, which is also provided with a hook-and-ladder apparatus. It has 8 members. The chief engineer of the department is John Wilson. SOCIETIES. SAUGATUCK LODGE, No. 196, I. O. O. F. This association was instituted Oct. 17, 1872, with 5 members, viz.: Amos B. Titus, E. O. Cole, Henry Ebmeyer, David White, and Joseph Fischer. The first officers were Henry Ebmeyer, N. G.; David White, V. G.; E. O. Cole, Sec. The Noble Grands since Mr. Ebmeyer's term have been David White, Isaac Wilson, John Wilson, John Priest, James A. Houtcamp, Edmond Skinner, James M. Pond, P. H. Hancock, Samuel Clipson, J. G. Williams, William F. Metzger, C. M. Cook, R. G. Annesley. In 1878 the lodge erected a fine building, in the third story of which the lodge-room is located. The second story is used as a public hall. The active members in January, 1880, numbered 83. The officers at that time were R. G. Annesley, N. G.; A. B. Taylor, V. G.; J. M. Pond, Sec.; S. D. Nichols, P. Sec.; W. B. Smalley, Treas. SAUGATUCK ENCAMPMENT, No. 60, I. O. 0. F. Saugatuck Encampment was instituted Aug. 7, 1873, with William Corner, Samuel Clipson, Isaac Wilson, J. A. Houtcamp, John Wilson, H. Ebmeyer, John Priest, A. B. Titus, and Charles H. Chamberlain as the first members. The first officers were H. Ebmeyer, C. P.; Isaac Wilson, H. P.; John Wilson, S. W.; John Priest, J. W.; Samuel Clipson, Treas. The membership is now 24, and the officers as follows: Karl Ebmeyer, C. P.; J. B. Cook, H. P.; A. B. Titus, S. W.; J. G. Williams, J. W.; J. M. Pond, Scribe; John Priest, Treas. SAUGATUCK LODGE, No. 328, F. AND A. M. This lodge was demitted from Dutcher Lodge, of Douglas, and instituted Jan. 26, 1876, with James G. Williams, W. M.; Reuben I. Rogers, S. W.; and L. W. Grant, J. W.; the total membership being 16. The Masters since Mr. Williams have been William P. Hanson and W. B. 42 Griffin. The present membership is 34, and the officers are as follows: J. G. Williams, W. M.; Amos H. Gardner, S. W.; John Martelle, J. W.; E. J. Tedmon, Sec.; Henry Bird, Jr., Treas.; Jacob Metzger, L. D.; Joseph Elliott, J. D.; Lorenzo W. Grant, Tyler. Regular sessions are held in Masonic Hall, Griffin's Block. THE SAUGATUCK RED RIBBON CLUB. This organization was formed in April, 1879, by Dr. Reynolds, a noted temperance working advocate; Morrison's Hall, the scene of the first meeting, being crowded with an enthusiastic assembly. About 80 persons enrolled themselves as members of the club, and chose Capt. Reuben T. Rogers president and C. B. Scott secretary. The club has continued to flourish to the present time, and through the medium of weekly public assemblies, at which literary and musical entertainment is offered, promotes the cause of temperance in a very satisfactory manner. THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. This association of the ladies of Saugatuck was organized March 19, 1879, and the hearty encouragement it has received is shown by the fact that it now contains 90 working members. Weekly business sessions are held, and every Sunday a gospel-meeting invites the attendance of the general public. The officers are Mrs. H. D. Moore, President; Mrs. George E. Dunn, Mrs. C. E. Wells, and Mrs. Edmond Skinner, Vice-Presidents; Mrs. F. B. Wallin, Sec.; Mrs. Z. B. Wasson, Treas. The Juvenile Temperance Society, organized in June, 1879, has now a membership of 78. Van Wallin is President; Winnie Moore, Sec.; Ellsworth Houtcamp, Treas.; and Hattie Wallin, Organist. THE FRUIT-BELT-SHIPMENTS AND GENERAL STATISTICS. As long ago as 1835, or perhaps before, William G. Butler stoutly maintained that the country in the neighborhood of Saugatuck was well adapted to the growth of peaches, and he predicted, moreover, that the region round about would one day be famous and wealthy as a fruitproducing district. That Mr. Butler was right in his conclusions time has abundantly proven. Peaches were cultivated to a moderate degree for home consumption in 1840, and were thus grown in a small way every year thereafter, but it was not until about 1869 that the culture of the peach was made an important commercial industry, and thus it has expanded annually to the present time into an enterprise which engages the attention of thousands of people, lays under tribute a vast area of country, and yields yearly the return of thousands of dollars. The fruit-belt under consideration includes those portions of Allegan and Van Buren Counties bordering Lake Michigan, and, according to reports gathered at the close of the season of 1879, included 600,000 peach-trees, yielding an estimated product of 3,000,000 baskets of fruit yearly. Reports made to the Saugatuck and Ganges Pomological Society, November, 1879, set forth that in Saugatuck 1200 acres were set to peach-trees, and that over 400 acres were in full bearing. Estimating 100 trees per acre, and 330 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I 5 baskets per tree, the 1200 acres would give an annual yield of 600,000 baskets. From similar reports it is learned that in Western Allegan during 1879 there were shipments of peaches as follows: I Douglas..................................... Saugatuck.................................. Fennville................................... Mack's Landing.......................... East Saugatuck and Richmond...... Total................................... Baskets. 145,420 30,000 137,500 12,000 10,000 334,920 Crates. 2,173.21......................... 2,173 I I During 1879 the amount paid at Saugatuck and Douglas villages for peaches purchased at those points aggregated $49,200. Among the prominent peach-growers of Saugatuck township may be mentioned Williams & Son, R. M. Moore, P. Purdy, Sophia Schultz, Thomas Gray, J. Crouse, Robert Reid and F. C. Kile, William Corner, William Cummings, Joshua Weed, Dressier & Patcher. Williams & Son and R. M. Moore, having respectively about 10,000 trees, are ranked the largest producers. LUMBERING. As has been seen, this was, during the pioneer period, the most important business, not only of Saugatuck, but of all Western Allegan, and it continued so for many years. Saugatuck was, until a few years ago, a place of many sawmills, but the gradual exhaustion of the timber caused the decline of the business, until now there are in Saugatuck and Douglas but three mills, and for two of these the supply is becoming very scanty. The first steam saw-mill built in Saugatuck village or vicinity was erected in 1846, by M. B. Spencer, upon the site now occupied by the mill of Williams, Griffin & Co. Mr. Spencer had also a lumberyard at the mouth of the river. He carried on the mill until 1850, when he sold it to Wells & Johnson. Williams, Griffin & Johnson carry on at Saugatuck the saw-mill put up in 1852 by Dunning & Hopkins. Here 40 men are employed in turning out lumber, shingles, lath, and siding. The capacity of the mill is about 52,000 feet of lumber daily. This firm is likely to continue in the business at Saugatuck for some years, as it has an assured and ample stock of logs. Ebmeyer & Neis now control the Douglas mill-property, owned in 1879 by Gray & Crouse. From 30 to 40 men were employed during the busy periods of 1879, and about 50,000 feet of lumber were cut daily. In connection with the saw-mill, there are also large lath- and shingle-mills. H. B. Moore likewise has at Douglas a saw-mill and shinglemill, employing an average of 25 men. The basket-factory and planing-mill started at Douglas by Weed & King is now carried on by William Weed. He manufactured in 1879 about 30,000 fruit-baskets. OTHER MANUFACTURES. Hutchinson Bros. & Co. have at Douglas a fine gristmill containing five run of stone, and devoted to merchantas well as custom-work. The site was previously occupied by Crawford McDonald with a grist-mill, of which the present firm became the owners in 1877, and which they have materially enlarged. p. C, Wallin & Son are largely engaged in tanning at Saugatuck and Douglas. At the former place they have an extensive tannery, which employs about 20 men, its business reaching as high as 30,000 hides yearly. At Douglas they employ 10 men in a tannery confined to the production of sole leather, which uses about 15,000 hides annually. Among other manufacturing interests in Saugatuck, now extinct, two important ones were H. D. Moore's extensive saw-mill and the shingle-mill of Ebmeyer & Palzer, both early enterprises. SINGAPORE-A DESERTED VILLAGE. On the map of Saugatuck township there appears in the northwestern corner the village of Singapore, once a thriving, bustling place, now abandoned by everybody save a few fishermen, who abide there temporarily during the fishing seasons. In 1837, Oshea Wilder and sons, of New York, purchased of the Barnes family (the patentees) considerable tracts of land in Saugatuck township, and proceeded to lay out a village which they called Singapore. They arranged to build a large saw-mill at that point, succeeded in disposing of a good many village lots, and induced quite a number of settlers to locate there. The mill was built as promised, tenements were erected for the mill hands, a store was opened by the mill company, and Singapore started upon its career amid a great flourish of trumpets and a promise of much prosperity. The mill company, known as the New York and Michigan Lumber Company, flourished so well that in 1839 they started the Singapore Bank, of which Daniel Wilder was chosen president, and Robert Hill cashier. A good deal of money was issued by the bank in the shape of handsome-looking notes, which were paid out for mill labor and taken in again at the company's store, but which belonged, nevertheless, to the kind of currency known as " wildcat," although that particular species of wildcat is said to have been a trifle better than the average. Stephen D. Nichols, who invested in two 80 -acre lots of wild land in support of the bank, says that the money was good enough at home, but "bless you, you couldn't travel on it any farther than you could on a piece of sandstone." Of course the bank came to grief, as did Wilder & Co., together with all their enterprises, but James G. Carter & Co., who soon purchased the various interests, still kept Singapore alive. Its struggle for existence was, however, a hard one, and, although it was not utterly abandoned until 1875, it suffered a serious decline long before that period. The last mill-owners were Stockbridge & Johnson, who continued business at Singapore until the year last named. The stock of desirable timber being then pretty well exhausted, they removed their mill machinery to Mackinaw, and with their departure Singapore breathed its last. THE INDIANS. The vicinity of the mouth of Kalamazoo was, from a period long anterior to the first settlement of the whites down to 1840 or later, a great gathering-place for the Ottawa and some Pottawattamie Indians, who came thither from Mackinaw every autumn, scattered through the country to the eastward to hunt during the winter, and returned to the mouth of the river in the spring. A full account of SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP. 331 these migrations, of the habits of the Indians, and of the trading-posts which formerly existed along the Kalamazoo, will be found in Chapters VII. and IX. of the general history. As late as 1842 there existed near Saugatuck several Indian mounds, but the plowshares of the settlers soon obliterated these relics of primeval days. On the hills opposite Saugatuck there were visible until recently traces of Indian graves, and among them that of a chief called Wamnus, but there is now no sign to show where they were. THE MANIA FOR VILLAGES. In illustration of the Western fever for paper villages from 1835 to 1838, it may be noted that in addition to Singapore (which did really become a village) there were the paper town of Kalamazoo Harbor, laid out at the mouth of the river, the town of Naples, on the river near Singapore, laid out by parties now forgotten, and the city of Breese, also on the river, a mile or so above Saugatuck, the site being owned by a Mrs. Breese. These towns were handsomely depicted upon paper, and were represented to new-comers and people living at a distance as being very promising commercial localities, but, unfortunately for their projectors, they failed to delude anybody, and never rose above the condition of paper villages. SETTLEMENTS IN THE SOUTH. Settlements in the southern portion of the township did not begin until some years after the pioneers began to gather at Saugatuck and Singapore. On the town-line road, and near there, H. S. Braman, James C. Hale, William Corner, Horace Fuller, William White, Henry Oliver, and Josiah Martin (an early resident in Singapore) were among the first to locate themselves and become permanent residents. On the lake-shore the list of pioneers included Robert Reid, James McVey (now living in Ganges), John Strahan, J. W. Gill, the Kiles, and others. R. A. McDonald and Wm. Scovell have already been alluded to, while among other early comers may be mentioned John Kenter, 11. Weeks, the Kiles, Henry Smith, Philetas Purdy, R. M. Moore, William Plummer, William Cummings, J. S. Crouse, and F. Schultz. DOUGLAS VILLAGE. The first settlers upon the site of Douglas village, and indeed the first settlers in Saugatuck township on that side the lake, were R. A. McDonald and William Scovill, who, in 1847, settled upon land in section 16, located for them the year before by M. B. Spencer. That was, however, long before the village of Douglas was even thought of. Mr. Scovill is dead, but Mr. McDonald still lives on section 22. The first effort towards creating a village at that point was made by Jonathan Wade, in 1851. He bought lot 3 on section 16, built a house thereon, interested Wells and Johnson in the project, and set about building a saw-mill on the site now occupied by Ebmeyer & Neis' mill. He then laid out a village on the south half of his lot, and called it Dudleyville, in honor of his brother, Dudley Wade, of Canada. Presently, William F. Dutcher bought the north half of Wade's lot, including the mill, and on that tract laid out a village, which he named Douglas at the suggestion of F. H. May, who wished thus to commemo rate the town of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. Thus it appears there were two villages, known as Douglas and Dudleyville, separated only by the width of a single street. By these names they were known until the incorporation of the entire tract as Douglas, in which were included, besides the two village plats, Spencer's and other additions. William Bush, who was interested with Dutcher in the saw-mill, opened a store near the mill, the first one in the village. Shortly after 1861, Wade built the tavern called the Douglas House, the mill business began to expand, Daniel Gerber started the tannery now owned by Wallin & Sons, and the locality soon began to assume a villagelike appearance, although in 1861 the families were still but few in number. The building, by H. F. Marsh, of the saw-mill now owned by H. B. Moore, materially aided the advancement of the village, but it was not until the region round about began to develop as a rich fruit-country that Douglas attained decided prominence. Since that time the village has been an important shipping-point for fruit as well as lumber, and, although the latter interest is declining, the former is destined to remain permanently valuable. The village now has two stores, kept respectively by Thomas Gray and D. C. Putnam. Mr. Putnam was appointed the postmaster at Douglas when a post-office was established there, in 1868, and has held the position from that time until this. The town contains a fine Masonic hall, a union school, two churches, two large saw-mills, a tannery, a basket-factory, a grist-mill, and the ordinary minor village industries. The oldest settlers now living in the village are M. B. Spencer and John Ryan, who became residents in 1861. LAWYERS AND DOCTORS. David McLean, the first physician of Douglas, opened his office in 1864, and practiced until 1879, being the only doctor in the village. Upon Dr. McLean's retirement, Dr. A. H. Parks, the present resident physician, took possession of the field. W. A. Woodworth, the only lawyer who has ever resided in the village, located there in 1876, and is still in business there. VILLAGE INCORPORATION. During August and September, 1870, the citizens of Douglas met several times to consider the matter of incorporating the village, and appointed C. A. Ensign, D. W. Wiley, and David Porter, Sr., an executive committee on the subject. Upon the prayer of the citizens the village was incorporated by the supervisors, on the 14th of October, 1870, and C. A. Ensign, D. C. Putnam, and D. Gerber were appointed inspectors of election. At the first election, held Dec. 5, 1870, at D. Gerber's office, the total number of votes cast was 41. The names of those chosen annually to serve as president, trustees, clerk, and treasurer are as follows: 1870.-President, C. A. Ensign; Trustees, M. B. Spencer, Homer Manvil, D. W. Wiley, Thomas Gray, D. Gerber, and T. B. Dutcher; Clerk, D. C. Putnam; Treasurer, Crawford Mo Donald. 1871.-President, D. W. Wiley; Trustees, J. S. Crouse, Geo. N. Wade, J. S. Owen; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, L. A. Upson. 332 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1872.-President, D. W. Wiley; Trustees, J. S. Owen, Thomas Gray, Crawford McDonald; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, Jos. Gerber. 1873.-President, Reuben Smith; Trustees, Danl. Gerber, Robert Moore, J. S. Crouse; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, Thomas Gray. 1874.-President, Thos. Gray; Trustees, J. S. Owen, Danl. McLean, J. S. Payne; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, D. W. Wiley. 1875.-President, Thos. Gray; Trustees, M. B. Spencer, Wm. Plummer, Geo. Sams; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, Thos. Gray. 1876.-President, D. McLean; Trustees, Danl. Gerber, D. Porter, H. Walbreight; Clerk, D. C. Putnam; Treasurer, D. McLean. 1877.-President, D. McLean; Trustees, P. Foley, Wm. Plummer, M. B. Spencer; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, D. McLean. 1878.-President, W. S. Gill; Trustees, D. McLean, Saml. Reid, J. S. Crouse; Clerk, John Kirby; Treasurer, D. McLean. 1879.-President, J. S. Payne; Trustees, F. C. Kile, D. C. Putnam, W. S. Gill; Clerk, N. C. Firman; Treasurer, D. McLean. CHURCHES. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF DOUGLAS. This religious body had its origin in what was known as the Newark Class, formed in 1862, which had a membership of ten persons, and was attached to the Newark Circuit. Among the first members were Mr. and Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Carmon, Mrs. Dutcher, Marshal Dye, Mrs. Deitrich, Nelson Wade and wife, and Geo. Dunn. Geo. Dunn was the first class-leader, and the Rev. Mr. Bliss the first pastor. The village school-house, which was at first used for services, was replaced, in 1870, by the present church edifice,-the only one in Douglas. Latterly membership of the church has become quite small, although the numerous revival meetings held during the past winter have reinvigorated it to a considerable degree. Divine services and sessions of the Sabbathschool are held every Sunday. The present pastor is Rev. N. M. Steele, and the class-leader is Robert Elliott. THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. During the year 1874, Elder Kenyon, of Monterey, visited Douglas and organized an Advent Church of 16 members at the house of David McCullom. At that time William Burnet was appointed leader, and has served in that capacity to the present time. Robert Reid, who was chosen the first deacon, still occupies that office. Public worship has been observed regularly every Saturday since the organization. Until 1879 various temporary places were occupied for this purpose, but during that year a building in the village was purchased and transformed into a convenient church edifice. The membership is now about 40. The Sabbath-school, in charge of Robert Reid, as superintendent, was organized in 1878, and has an average attendance of 25. DUTCHER LODGE, No. 193, F. AND A. M. This body was organized under dispensation, April 9, 1866, and chartered Jan. 10, 1867. The first officers were Thos. B. Dutcher, W. M.; H. H. Stimpson, S. W.; and James G. Williams, J. W. The membership has been as high as 80, but stands now at 64, Saugatuck Lodge having been demitted in 1876. In 1875 the lodge built the Masonic hall in Douglas at a cost of $1400, in which it now has commodious and handsome quarters. The pres I I ent officers are W. S. Gill, W. M.; F. C. Kile, S. W.; S. C. Reid, J. W.; T. C. Gray, Sec.; M. B. Spencer, Treas.; Anthony Slack, S. D.; W. T. Hoy, J. D.; L. Ewald, Tyler. THE DOUGLAS RED RIBBON CLUB. The Red Ribbon Club was organized in 1876 with about 100 active members, who chose Dr. McLean president. Regular meetings are held weekly, when interesting exercises are offered as a public entertainment. The active membership is now reduced to 20, although the rolls carry the names of five times that number. The officers are A. W. Woodworth, President; Sarah Gill, Secretary; and Henry Bird, Treasurer. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Under an act of the Legislature in 1836, organizing townships, the township of Newark was created, and then included the territory now occupied by Laketown, Saugatuck, Ganges, Casco, Fillmore, Manlius, Clyde, and Lee, or the whole of ranges 15 and 16 west, and the fractional range 17 west.* The first supervisor of Newark appears to have been Daniel A. Plummer. The township records antedating 1847 were destroyed by fire, and what has been gleaned from them refers of course to events subsequent to that year. In 1847 the votes cast aggregated but 29; in 1853 they rose to 38; in 1854 to 97; in 1856 to 157; and in 1858 to 186. In 1863 there was a still further increase to 201, but in 1864 the number declined to 98. In 1865 it leaped up to 213; in 1867 it reached 266; and in 1870, 313. We give below the names of those who have served as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace from 1847 to 1879. SUPERVISORS. 1847-52, S. A. Morrison; 1853-54, E. M. Dibble; 1855-60, S. A. Morrison; 1861, F. B. Wallin; 1862-64,t T. S. Coates; 1865, B. F. Schanck; 1866, T. S. Coates; 1867, R. Dunning; 1868-69, S. A. Morrison; 1870, T. B. Dutcher; 1871-72, S. A. Morrison; 1873-79, Thomas Gray. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1847-48, H. R. Seymour; 1849-52, Lorenzo Weed; 1853-60, A. W. Coates; 1861-62, H. R. Ellis; 1863-64, T. B. Dutcher; 1865, S. Johnson; 1866, H. Manvel; 1867, J. H. Porter; 1868-69, S. D. Nichols; 1870, D. C. Putnam; 1871-72, S. D. Nichols; 1873-76 R. B. Newnham; 1877-78, D. C. Putnam; 1879, A. B. Taylor. TREASURERS. 1847, Lyman Fish; 1848-51, M. B. Spencer; 1852, S. D. Nichols; 1853-58, J. C. Haile; 1859-60, Warren Cook; 1861-64, S. A. Morrison; 1865, T. B. Dutcher; 1866, F. B. Wallin; 1867, Daniel Gerber; 1868-73, J. G. Williams; 1874, J. G. Williams; 1875 -76, W. S. Gill; 1877-78, A. B. Taylor; 1879, R. B. Ames. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1847, H. B. Seymour; 1848, William Carley; 1849, T. S. Coates; 1850, J. E. Rowe; 1851, J. C. Haile; 1852, J. G. Rutgers; 1853, A. S. Wells; 1854, E. M. Dibble; 1855, J. C. Haile; 1856, Warren Cook; 1857, John Nerkin; 1858, M. B. Spencer; 1859, J. C. Haile; 1860, George N. Dutcher; 1861, J. H. Billings; 1862, M. B. Spencer; 1863, J. Kenter; 1864, T. S. Coates; 1865, F. * For the date of the establishment of the various townships formed from Newark, now Saugatuck, see Chapter XII. in the general history. t Township name changed to Saugatuck in 1863. I i : r::: :I 21 :::;: ----------- Ib~RIIICI~CI*I-YI I: 2\:,\W,,\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\V \\ 1' ii;~ n 1 a I_ ~; I:.:.. - - -17-1, -,; T, -. -:`. I -,, - - . -,, w t I I I., —. I, I I.; RELSIDENCE OF* HORACE 0. MOOREC, SAUIGATUJCK, ALLE&AN CO., MICH. a SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP. 333 I B. Wallin; 1866, T. B. Dutcher; 1867, H. H. Stimson; 1868, Samuel Johnson; 1869, E. W. Hewitt; 1870, F. B. Wallin; 1871, R. B. Newnham; 1872, M. B. Spencer; 1873, S. D. Nichols; 1874, N. C. Firmin; 1875, R. B. Newnham; 1876, M. B. Spencer; 1877, F. B. Wallin; 1878, N. C. Firmin; 1879, R. B. Newnham. SCHOOLS. The first school of which there appears to be any present recollection was taught on section 4, upon the east bank of the river, and not far from Singapore; but who was the teacher cannot now be learned. There was, after that, a private school in Saugatuck, taught by Miss Jane Powers, but touching that as well as other early schools in the township but little can be said, since the early school records were burned many years ago. At present the township is generally well supplied with excellent schools, Douglas and Saugatuck each having a fine graded school with a combined accommodation for about 500 pupils. The following statistics in regard to the public schools are given in an official report for the year 1879: Number of districts.............................. 5 Enrollm ent................................................ 618 Average attendance............................. 536 Value of property...................................... $17,700 Teachers' wages....................................... $2,708 There are also four fractional school districts in the township, with an aggregate of 40 school children. The school directors for 1879 were H. B. Moore, W. A. Woodworth, James Perry, William Cumming, and L. Harrington. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HORACE D. MOORE. The life of Horace D. Moore is the record of a successful business man whose conquests were the result not so much of favorable circumstances as of sagacity combined with untiring energy. He is the grandson of Rev. Robert M. Moore, who was educated for the ministry in Edinburgh, Scotland, and whose diploma reveals the year 1610 as the date of his graduation. He came to the United States, and for many years filled the Presbyterian pulpit at Pembroke, N. H. Horace D. was born at Ryegate, Caledonia Co., Vt., June 14, 1821, his parents having been Nathaniel and Dorothy Moore, and his father's occupation that of a lumberman and farmer. His mother was descended from the family of Banfords, of English extraction, who were among the early settlers in Sanbornton, N. H., and closely identified with its primitive history and the Indian warfare of early days. The estate is still in the possession of the family. It is thus determined that the name of Moore is one which bears with it the record of a distinguished ancestry. Horace D., whose life, though in a measure uneventful, was still one of conspicuous success, began his career as a tanner, but soon relinquished the pursuit as not congenial to his tastes. At the age of eighteen, with his worldly effects wrapped in a small bundle, he crossed one of the Green Mountain ridges and engaged at labor in a saw- and shingle-mill. In 1841 he changed his location, though following the same pursuit. His duties became more arduous, and admitted of little leisure. Breakfast was eaten at half-past three o'clock, dinner at one, and supper at nine o'clock. Mr. Moore, with untiring perseverance and fortitude, endured this trying ordeal for four years, after which he removed to Monroe, N. H. In 1846 he managed a mining interest at Springfield, Mass., and in 1847, in connection with Gen. Roswell M. Richardson, embarked in an extensive lumbering business, the firm having been Richardson & Moore. In closing this successful enterprise in 1854, their ledger revealed a profit to the partners of fifty thousand dollars, and six thousand four hundred acres of pine-land paid for. Mr. Moore then engaged in speculations in produce, which were not successful. In 1855 he was an extensive purchaser of hemlock bark, which enabled him to restore the losses suffered from former transactions, and secure in addition a handsome profit. The year 1855 found him a traveler in the West, still actively engaged in business pursuits. The former lumbering enterprise having proved successful, Mr. Moore was in 1856 induced to invest capital in Allegan County, and the following year began in Saugatuck an extensive lumber and manufacturing interest. This he continued until the spring of 1875, having cut more than two hundred million feet of timber and employed many tugs and vessels as an accompaniment of the business. Upon abandoning the latter enterprise, Mr. Moore devoted his time to farming pursuits, having three improved farms to oversee, besides a large quantity of land in Wisconsin and Illinois, and property of various kinds elsewhere. Mr. Moore is not less remarkable for his business capacity than for his integrity. He has never been known to fail in the payment of all his indebtedness, believing that honest debts should be liquidated upon the basis of one hundred cents to the dollar. Neither at any time has a note of his been known to go to protest. He is not an enthusiastic politician, though a strong Republican, as he has been since the organization of the party. He is a man of temperate habits, and advocates temperance in all things, being in no sense an extremist. Mr. Moore was married June 16, 1864, to Miss Tamer W. Phillips, of Clyde, Allegan Co., Mich., who is a native of Cass County. Her parents were former residents of New York State, and pioneers to Allegan when their daughter was but eleven years of age, having first located in Cass County. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had four daughters, one of whom was a victim to scarlet fever at an early age. This concise sketch illustrates in a remarkable degree the success which is possible as the result of integrity coupled with energy. Having began his career with these as his only capital, Mr. Moore is now the most considerable taxpayer in Allegan County. STEPHEN A. MORRISON. Among the venerable pioneers of Saugatuck the name of Morrison is conspicuous. Stephen A., the subject of this biography, was a settler as early as 1837, and became im 334 - HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I I mediately after his advent closely identified with the interests of the township. He was the oldest son of Stephen Morrison, who still survives and is, in his ninety-third year, yet vigorous and active. Stephen A. was born in Danvers, Mass., May 18, 1815, and spent most of his early life in labor, though at disconnected intervals opportunities for study occurred. At the age of eighteen he acquired the trade of a tanner, having served a weary apprenticeship of four years, after which his steps were turned towards Michigan. On his arrival in Saugatuck but four families inhabited the township, which was destitute alike of highways and other marks of civilization. The following year, in company with Samuel Morrison, his brother, a tannery was started, which was ultimately controlled by Stephen A., and has, to the present day, been profitably and successfully conducted by him. In 1853 a disastrous fire entailed a heavy loss, though the energy of Mr. Morrison very speedily enabled him to recuperate. He was married in 1844 to Mary E., daughter of Samuel and Sophia Peckham, whose birthplace was Vermont, and the date of her birth Aug. 31, 1816. Of their five children, but two daughters are living,-Mrs. Leland, who resides with her parents, and Mrs. Francis, who is a resident of the village. The original home has long since been replaced by a more spacious and convenient one, a view of which is seen upon an adjoining page. Mr. Morrison has held successively the offices of county treasurer and supervisor, and has been for twenty years postmaster of his village. His constituents have also tendered him on more than one occasion the nomination for senator and representative in the State Legislature. WILLIAM CORNER. MRS. WILLIAM CORNER. WILLIAM CORNER. Mr. Corner was the only child of Hugh and Sarah Corner, subjects of the British Crown, and was born in the county of Devon, England, Dec. 14, 1819. William, until he reached the age of manhood, remained at home, after which he married Miss Mary Ann Goodeve, the date of their union having been Feb. 10, 1841. Two children were theirs,-Eliza J., born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1842; and Rhoda R., whose birth occurred Feb. 26, 1845, and her death in September 'of the following year. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Corner sailed for America, and on their arrival located at once in Genesee Co., N. Y., where he followed the trade of a cooper. After later changes in location he determined to become a pioneer, and chose Michigan as a residence, having removed to the State in 1852. He purchased one hundred acres in the township of Saugatuck, upon which he still resides. Having in 1862 been afflicted by the death of his wife, after a lingering illness, Mr. Corner married, in 1864, Miss Lorain Bathrick, who was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1834. He has devoted much labor to the cultivation of fruit, and made peaches a specialty. Six thousand bearing trees now adorn his farm, which is one of the most attractive in the township. Mr. Corner is not an active political partisan. He votes the Republican ticket, and has held minor offices, but is not ambitious for distinctions of an official character. He is a man of strong religious instincts, is active as a church member, superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and directs the church music, for which his musical abilities admirably fit him. ifr t ) K A 2~ II I JACOB GROVER was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 6,1808. His early life was spent on the farm assisting his father. In 1834 he came to Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., Mich. In the early settlement of the State much sickness prevailed. Mr. Grover did not escape this. After one year's stay here, finding his health in a precarious condition, he returned to his native State. In 1836 he had improved so much that he returned to Michigan, locating in Allegan, where he engaged in millwrighting. After putting up some buildings at Plainwell, he, in company with others, went to Black Lake, put up buildings of various kinds, intending to lay out a village; but before the end of the year the party found the project a failure, tore down the buildings, and shipped the lumber and machinery to Chicago. Mr. Grover then went to the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, and assisted in erecting the first light-house ever built there. He has spent the greater part of his time in mechanical work, such as constructing houses, mills, and ships, and has worked at this employment in Michigan, Illinois, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Minnesota. In Michigan he was engaged erecting saw-mills and farm buildings of various kinds, being employed by a New York and Michigan firm. In Mississippi he stopped at Grand Gulf, being first employed by Hugh M. Coffee; from there he went to what was known as the Concord plantation, owned by Judge Perkins; here he built negro cabins. His next work was on the plantation of Stephen A. Douglas, building a large gin-house. Going thence to Illinois he was detained by a severe spell of typhoid fever, but was enabled to go to work again in the fall. Returning tt Louisiana, he was employed on the plantation of J. A. Douglas (brother of Stephen A.). In 1842 left the South, going through Illinois, where he remained two years, and landed in Michigan in 1844, engaging for the two coming years in business with Mr. Porter. At the end of that time he sold out to Porter, and bought forty acres of land on section 8, Trowbridge township. The following spring he purchased forty acres more on the same section, buying this land of a Boston Company at four dollars per acre. Not willing yet to give up his trade he worked in Allegan, Breedsville, Plummerville, and in Kalamazoo County. In 1849 he purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land, improving it by clearing, and building a small house. In 1853 he sold this to John Clifford, and engaged again in mechanical pursuits during a part of the years of 1853 and 1864. He now decided to revisit his native State. After a stay of a few weeks he returned West, traveling through Iowa and several other Western States, looking the country over before making another purchase. He finally decided upon coming again to Michigan, where, in the latter part of 1854, he purchased three hundred and sixty-one acres in Trowbridge township. In 1855 he purchased one hundred and eighteen acres known as the Benn place, but sold this the same year to Benjamin T. Benn. Mr. Grover has made Trowbridge his home since 1856. Mr. Grover considers a large mill in Minnesota, erected in 1856, the best piece of work ever put up by him. Since 1858 his entire time has been spent in the improvement of his farm. No man, perhaps, has done more towards the improvement of the county than Mr. Grover. In politics he has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He has been honored by the people with offices of trust and responsibility, and proved himself a competent officer. In an early day he was elected sheriff of his county. Mr. Jacob Grover's father and mother, Andrew and Mary Grover, never came West. They were both born in Sussex Co., N. J., and both died in New York. Their family consisted of nine children,-six boys and three girls,-three brothers and one sister living in Michigan, the others in New York. Mr. Grover has never been married, and now at the age of seventy-one years he can quietly enjoy the fruits of his industrious, honest, faithful, and temperate life. What a pleasure it must be to he who, in the afternoon of life, can review one so well spent and feel that the world is better because he has lived in it I TRO WBRIDG E. NATURAL FEATURES AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS. TROWBRIDGE is known on the United States survey as township No. 1 north, of range 13 west, and is bounded on the north by Allegan, south by Van Buren County, east by Otsego, and west by Cheshire. It contains many picturesque lakes, and is well watered by numerous small streams, besides which the storied Kalamazoo makes its entrance on the east line of section 12 and flows westward, turns suddenly to the north, and then again to the west, finally leaving the township on the north line of section 5. This attractive stream, the beauties of which have been so graphically described by the facile pen of Fenimore Cooper, loses none of its charms as it flows to the northward. Its border-lands are fertile, and its banks attract the eye of the traveler by their weird and romantic beauty as they did in the days when the Indian plied his canoe, unconscious of the changes which civilization was to bring. The largest of the lakes of Trowbridge, which vary greatly in size and shape, is that lying farthest south, and known as Base Line Lake, a part of which is on sections 32 and 33 in this township, while the remainder is in Van Buren County. Northwest of it is Emerson Lake, a picturesque sheet of water, lying principally on sections 29 and 30. Besides these, the principal bodies of water are Minckler Lake, on section 28; Lake No. 16, called after the section on which it lies, and remarkable for the luxuriance of the foliage along its shore; Osgood Lake, on section 16, with a small point invading the section south of it; and Hodge Lake, in the southeast corner of the township. Fish of various size abound in these lakes, and many pleasure-boats float upon their smooth and transparent waters. The surface of Trowbridge is quite varied, many slopes and ridges being seen, although the inequalities are not generally so abrupt as to offer serious impediments to the labor of the husbandman. Some swampy land is found in its territory, though less than in many other parts of the county, while through the central, eastern, and western portions is a tract of level land, arable, highly cultivated, and extending nearly across the township. The soil is of almost every variety and quality, including clay-loam, sand, swamp-muck, and a mixture of clay and gravel. The average is quite equal to that of the best townships of the county, most of it rewarding with excellent crops the labors of the husbandman. A large portion of the land is well adapted to the raising of wheat, and has produced crops of that grain, which, both as to quantity and quality, place Trowbridge in a high rank among wheatgrowing townships. Corn also attains a luxuriant growth, and grass is a staple product. In 1873 there were 1397 acres sown with wheat and 1200 acres planted with corn, which produced 16,555 bushels of the former grain, and 30,150 of the latter. Of other grains there were 13,439 bushels. In the following year the area sown with wheat was increased to 1842 acres. The timber of Trowbridge includes all the varieties usually found in Michigan. Beech and maple prevail, while along the shores of the Kalamazoo and on the western border of the township are found considerable pine and a small quantity of hemlock, though in much less quantities than formerly. In the swamps flourish the tamarack and other similar species of trees. The citizens of the township have not engaged extensively in fruit-culture, though the soil, climate, and location would warrant a larger investment of capital in that direction. The residences of the farmers are comfortable and substantial, without any attempt at display or luxury. Trowbridge has no village within its limits, but the close proximity of its citizens to Allegan and Otsego and to the railroads which pass through these villages affords them ample facilities for marketing their products and obtaining what they may need from the outer world. PURCHASES FROM GOVERNMENT. The following are the names of the individuals who early purchased land in the township: Section 1.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Samuel Brown, L. H. Sandford, Saul Hubbard, Bradley Granger, Benjamin Eager, John W. Eager. Section 2.-Bought in 1834 and 1835 by Samuel Hubbard, Samuel Brown. Section 3.-Bought from 1832 to 1851 by A. L. Cotton, Irad Harris, Samuel Hubbard, Charles C. Baker, Beers and Sherwood, A. A. Williams, J. D. Batchelor, Daniel Prindle, John R. Kellogg. Section 4.-Bought in 1834 and 1835 by A. H. Edwards, Samuel Hubbard, Cyrus Lowell, Alexander L. Ely, Daniel Bracelin, James Bracelin, L. H. Moore. Section 5.-Bought from 1834 to 1836 by Seneca Peake, Sidney Smith, Edward Smith, L. L. Prouty, Churchill and Hackley, A. S. Weeks, L. H. Moore. Section 6.-Bought from 1835 to 1868 by L. H. Moore, Gil Bias Wilcox, M. Showler, Eli Showler, Samuel Harvey, Ely and Ely, George Blanchard, Henry Kingsbury, John Everitt, E. G. Hackley, J. S. Dunckle, Mrs. M. Pritchard. Section 7.-Bought from 1836 to 1859 by Hill and Cobb, L. W. Watkins, J. G. Colburn, George Blanchard, Pliny Billings, George Stone, E. and G. Hart, A. Jones. Section 8.-Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Corydon Weeks, Samuel Hubbard, L. S. Prouty, Richard Talcott and Milo Winslow, Nelson Sage, Hubbard and Parker. Section 9.-Bought from 1833 to 1836 by E. P. Hastings, Alexander Dale, A. L. Ely, Samuel Foster, Winslow, Austin, and Willard. Section 10.-Bought from 1832 to 1851 by E. P. Hastings, H. H. Cornstock, Eager and Moody, J. R. Kellogg. Section 11.-Bought from 1832 to 1834 by Nelson Sage, H. H. Comstock, E. P. Hastings. * By E. 0. Wagner. 335 336 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Section 12. —Bought from 1832 to 1835 by Isaac Barnes, I. and C. Barnes, Redfield and Short, Samuel Hubbard, Oka Town. Section 13.-Bought from 1832 to 1836 by Isaac Barnes, Redfield and Short, Samuel Hubbard, Orin Hill, D. Holden, H. Sherwood, Cyrus Smith. Section 14.-Bought in 1832 by H. H. Comstock, Samuel Hubbard, J. Crittenden, Isaac Barnes, E. P. Hastings. Section 15.-Bought in 1836 by William Teall, Fred Turner, George Turner, W. W. Carter. Section 16.-Bought from 1839 to 1865 by G. M. Southworth, William Porter, D. Foster, Jacob Grover, Allen Odell, H. A. Wiltrie, Peter Smith, William A. Upson. Section 17.-Bought from 1835 to 1861 by Samuel Hubbard, John Askins, Milo Winslow, D. E. Hawkins, John Cummins. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by J. H. Swezy, Ralph Emerson, John Spaulding, T. Wheeler. Section 19.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by Trowbridge and Parks, Ralph Emerson, T. M. Russell. Section 20.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by J. Crittenden, Nelson Sage, E. H. and E. Taylor, Gilbert Wilkinson, J. and H. Weaver, J. H. Cruse. Section 21.-Bought in 1836 by J. Crittenden, Silas Boardmlan, Hubbard and Parker. Section 22.-Bought in 1836 by Artemus Hunston, Silas Boardman, Hubbard and Parker. Section 23.-Bought in 1835 and 1837 by Hazadiah Ross, Cyrus Smith, Milo Winslow, E. E. Clark, Joseph Bush. Section 24.-Bought from 1835 to 1837 by John Orr, Hazadiah Ross, Nelson Sage, Gould Richardson, George Morton, Milo Winslow. Section 25.-Bought from 1835 to 1837 by Martin Hicks, Nelson Sage, James R. Cary, Enoch Ward, Hiram Dodge. Section 26.-Bought in 1836 by Sage and Rancust, Hubbard and Parker, S. C. Master, M. D. L. M. Moore. Section 27. —Bought in 1836 and 1837 by Hubbard and Parker, M. D., L. M. Moore, Richard Wear. Section 28.-Bought in 1837 by Alvin Niece, S. M. Parke, Aby Brown, Hiram Dodge, Daniel Prindle. Section 29.-Bought from 1836 to 1851 by Hubbard and Parker, J. and H. Weare, Henry Wear, James Wilson, Alvin Niece, L. K. Pratt, John Markle, A. M. Nichols. Section 30.-Bought in 1837 by Joshua Weeks, James Dawson, Lawrence Keeley, D. McHenry, Daniel Emerson, J. W. Grover. Section 31.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by Bildad Brooks, John Ferns, James L. Goshorn, G. W. Rockwell, E. S. Hicks. Section 32.-Bought from, 1836 to 1853 by George Turner, Nelson Sage, Benjamin Pratt, R. Rockwell, E. S. Kellogg (assignee), Jacob Grover. Section 33.-Bought from 1836 to 1839 by George Turner, Silas Boardman, James R. Cary, Hubbard and Parker, Deforest Maurice. Section 34.-Bought in 1836 by Hubbard and Parker, Gilbert Wilkinson. Section 35.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by Hoyt and Porter, Sarah Ann Castle, Hubbard and Parker, S. M. Parke, Enoch Ward. Section 36.-Bought from 1835 to 1853 by Martin Hicks, Spencer Clark, Hubbard and Parker, Gilbert Wilkinson, Rebecca Chapman. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The east and northwest portions of Trowbridge first afforded homes to the pioneers of the township. Sidney Smith entered 40 acres in January, 1835, and Leander S. Prouty 88 acres in April of the same year. Mr. Prouty, as has been stated in the history of the village of Allegan, came from the East in 1834, and was employed by Alexander L. Ely at that place. The following year he removed with his family to Trowbridge, and made the first clearing on his land, upon which he has resided from that time until the present. He is still actively employed in agricultural pursuits, and is the owner of portions of the finest land in the township. According to Mr. Prouty's recollection, he is the first settler in the township, and this is doubtless correct. Sidney Smith, it is true, also made the first improvements on his tract in 1835, and it is quite likefy that he made immediate settlement after his purchase in January, but, as he was then unmarried, it is probable that he did not become an actual resident of the township until the following summer. In July of that year he was married, in Otsego, to Miss Harriet Cannon, and at the close of the ceremony he set out with his bride in a canoe for their new home on section 5 in the present township of Trowbridge. The marriage was performed by Oka Town, Esq., one of the earliest justices of the peace in Otsego, in which township he still resides. Mr. Smith devoted himself with vigor to the clearing of his land, but subsequently removed to section 9, where he resided" until his death. One son still resides in the township. Alanson S. Weeks also entered land in 1835, his purchase embracing 66 acres on section 5, and the following year he made some progress in its improvement, but continued to reside in the village of Allegan. In 1838 he sold his tract of Niram Abbott, who, in turn, disposed of it to E. G. Hackley, of Allegan. John Orr entered 120 acres on section 24 in 1837. With him came Matthew Wiley, who purchased 80 acres on section 13. The latter gentleman was of Irish descent, and had just come fiom the province of Canada. Both these settlers were industrious men, and labored assiduously on their respective farms. Mr. Orr resided on his farm during his lifetime. Mr. Wiley afterwards moved to Otsego, where he now lives. Dr. Richard Wear, previously of Canada, made his way to Allegan Co., Mich., in 1834. For two years he devoted himself to prospecting for land, and found an active demand from speculators for his services. In 1835 he was the tax collector of Allegan township, which then embraced the whole county. The total amount of township, county, and State tax for that year, including the tax levied to prosecute the Toledo war, did not exceed $300. Dr. Wear was also the collector of Otsego in 1836, when it embraced the two eastern ranges of the county.* He was likewise a member of the convention which transformed the Territory of Michigan into a State. Dr. Wear entered, in 1836, 80 acres on section 27, for which he paid $100, his nearest neighbor being several miles distant, in Van Buren County. He was the first pioneer who cleared the forests of the southern portion of the township. The doctor's first effort was to secure a shelter for temporary occupancy. From the material afforded by a white-ash tree he built a wigwam, in which he led the life of a hermit, depending only on the labor of his own hands. He then chopped and burned a sufficient tract upon which to grow corn and potatoes for his own use. Later, he built a more comfortable log house, to which he brought his wife and family. He exchanged this farm for the one on which he now resides. The Indians, who were then numerous throughout the locality, * We append the following receipt, given by the treasurer to Dr. Wear, as a reminiscence of the pioneer period: "Recvd of Richard Wear six dollars and ninety-eight cents, to apply on the county tax for Otsego, for which he is collecter; Also his Tax-Bill, as returned not collected, to the amount of one hundred fifty-three dollars and forty cents, For the year eighteen hundred and thirty-six. "Allegan, Feb. 8, 1837. "M. WINSLOW, Treasurer." I / Photos. by C. G. Agrell, Allegan, Mich. MRS. ABIGAIL ROSE. HARVEY ROSE. MRS. ABIGAIL ROSE AND HARVEY ROSE. At the top of this page can be seen the portraits of Mrs. Abigail Rose and her son, Harvey Rose. Mrs. Rose was born Feb. 29, 1804, in Dutchess Co., N. Y. She was the daughter of Asa and Sarah Luddington. Was married, Dec. 31,1826, to David Rose, who was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 23, 1799. This marriage took place in the winter, and the young couple commenced housekeeping the following spring, in Tompkins Co., N. Y. They began life with no capital save that of good health, energy, and' perseverance; they well knew that the way to success was no royal road, but was open only to strong hands and willing hearts, and with a hearty good-will did they engage in this battle of life, looking forward to the time, later in life, when they could rest from their labors and enjoy the fruits thereof. But by the dispensation of an all-wise Providence they were not to enjoy each other's society long. May 28, 1831, Mr. Rose was called from his labors here to look into the mysteries of the great hereafter. Gloomy, indeed, must be the outlook of a widow deprived thus early in life of her companion and support, and hard, indeed, is it to say, " Thy will be done." But is there any system, theory, or creed that promises aught of the great beyond compared to the Christian's sublime hope that the loved one is safely folded by the great shepherd Jesus? Mrs. Rose had two children, viz., Sarah M. and Harvey. In 1862 she, in company with her son, moved to Michigan, making her home with him until six years ago, going at that time to her daughter, Mrs. Sarah M. Grover, where she has since made her home; and here we find her to-day, at the advanced age of seventy-six years, in good health, quietly and calmly passing down life's declivity, to blend "by and by" in the full glories of its latest autumnal sunset. Harvey Rose was born Nov. 18, 1829, married Oct. 15, 1873, and is now living on a farm of eighty acres, in Trowbridge township, near his mother and sister. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he promptly and patriotically stepped to the front, enlisting in the 13th Regiment Michigan Infantry, Sept. 2, 1864. This gallant regiment saw severe service, and Harvey was ever found sharing its fortunes, whether on long, tedious marches or in front of rebel bullets. But he was not to be in active service long, for on the 19th of March, 1865, at the battle of Bentonville, N. C., he was wounded just above the knee, and left in the hands of the rebels; the limb was amputated the following morning by a rebel surgeon. At the end of the third day he was recaptured by the Union boys and taken to Goldsborough, twenty-two miles from Benton; from there to Newbern, N. C. After a stay of four weeks here, was again moved to Moorehead City, put aboard a steamer bound for David's Island, New York harbor. Here he was forced to remain two months before his final dis charge, which he did not receive until June 28, 1865. Stopping in New York State to make a visit, he did not arrive at home until some time in August. He now receives twenty-four dollars pension per month. Can we pay too high a tribute to those faithful ones who went out in defense of our nation's honor? Many have laid their lives upon the altar of their country, and sleep peacefully and quietly beneath chaplet and wreaths that are heaped upon their graves yearly by a grateful people; others have returned to us only wrecks of their former selves. But each and every one fought that freedom might survive, and that the rights of labor and the claims of honest industry might be acknowledged forever. " Let us have but one sentiment for soldiers living or dead,-' Cheers for the living, tears for the dead.'" Mrs. Sarah M. Grover was born Jan. 7, 1828; was married, Feb. 15, 1858, to J. W. Grover, who was born Aug. 5, 1810, in Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y. Mr. Grover came to Michigan in 1836, bought eighty acres of land in Trowbridge township, and afterwards added to this purchase until he had two hundred and forty acres. He then bought another tract of forty-eight acres in the same township. Returning to New York, he remained until 1857, when he moved to Michigan with his wife. Here he made his home until his death, which occurred April 20, 1879, and here we to-day find his widow, who is nicely situated, having a pleasant home, all the result of their labor and economy in early life. When Mr. and Mrs. Grover came to Michigan the beautiful productive farm which we now see was an unbroken, uncleared wilderness. We well know that it requires a great amount of energy and nerve for persons to leave good comfortable homes and the society of dear friends to seek their fortunes in the wilds of a new country; but the early settlers were men and women who, when they once decided to take this step, were not to be numbered among those who are called failures. Industry and perseverance were qualities possessed by Mr. and Mrs. Grover, and by the practical application of these their success was secured. When Mr. Grover first came to Michigan he worked for some time on the race then being built in Allegan. Some time before his death Mr. Grover sold his farm of two hundred and forty acres. One child only came to bless this union, viz., David A., born March 8, 1860; died May 23, 1869. Mr. Grover was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his life. Being an active member of the Republican party, he was chosen to fill township offices from time to time; was elected supervisor about 1860, '62, and '64. Mr. Grover and wife were members of the Christian Church at Bloomingdale, but as the Methodist Episcopal church was much nearer their home they attended services there. The portraits of this worthy couple, also a view of their home, can be seen on another page of this work. 1$ R, l{....... '. I I M -RS.JOH N W.GROVER. t, AI/ RESIDkNCE OF- MRS.JOHN W. G~.JL, I RF8WBRIDGE IP, ALLEGAN CO., MICH, IN "N I M. S H EFFER - M RS. M. SH EFFER. RESIDENCE OF MRS.M S HEFFER, TfOWBRID GETP, ALLEGAN CO. IfCH. TROWBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 337. l made him frequent visits, and often begged his hospitality for the night. Always receiving a cordial welcome, they spread their blankets on the floor, and there slept soundly until the morning light warned them to depart. The floor was sometimes covered with these nomads of the wilderness. Dr. Wear was one of the earliest justices of the peace of Trowbridge, and held the office for a period of twenty-four years. He performed many marriage services, a fugitive couple occasionally appearing at midnight to obtain his aid. His regular fee was $1.50, nor could he be induced to act for less. He performed the earliest marriage service in the township, but is not able to recall the names of the contracting parties. One of the first births in the township occurred in the family of Dr. Wear, being that of his son William. Another early birth was that of a daughter of Sidney Smith, now Mrs. Albert Mosher. With Dr. Wear came his uncle, John Wear, who, after a residence of some years in Trowbridge, removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Hazadiah Ross entered land on sections 23 and 24 in 1836, and was one of the foremost pioneers, contributing much towards the growth of the township. He died many years since. William Porter, one of the venerable survivors of the early days of Trowbridge, had previously been a resident of Oswego, N. Y., whence he came West in the summer of 1836, and located 160 acres on sections 16 and 17, in Trowbridge, to which he soon added 80 more. In 1838 he cleared a space sufficiently large to erect a log house. Having secured a habitation he then married a wife, and the day of the marriage the happy pair were comfortably housed in their primitive abode. As near as can be determined, this was the first marriage in the township. The settlers living in the township on Mr. Porter's arrival were Leander S. Prouty, Dr. Richard Wear, Hazadiah Ross, Sidney Smith, John Wear, John Billings, and a man named Gough. For his land Mr. Porter paid $5 per acre to the "Boston Company," with the stipulation that at least five acres should be cleared the first year. The first winter of Mr. Porter's settlement in Trowbridge his time was profitably occupied in making shingles, for which there was a considerable demand. His attention was next directed to the improvement of his land, and in 1840 to the erection of a saw-mill, the work on which was done by Jacob Grover. In 1844 another mill was built by him, on section 17. These mills were for twenty years kept in constant activity, supplying the demands made upon them by the early settlers for lumber. Mr. Porter now has near his residence a steam saw-mill with a capacity of 20,000 feet per day. The earliest preaching occurred soon after Mr. Porter's advent in the Prouty school-house, Rev. T. Z. R. Jones officiating. Rev. W. C. H. Bliss frequently ministered to the wants of the townspeople on funeral occasions. Among the representatives of Monroe Co., N. Y., in Trowbridge is John G. Colburn, who, on his arrival in Allegan County, lingered but a few months in Allegan village, and then located himself upon 80 acres he had previously entered on section 7. During the interval he had cleared a small tract, on which he erected a log house. 43 To this abode he removed his family in March, 1837, performing a weary pilgrimage through snow fifteen inches in depth. There were no windows or doors to this primitive mansion, and the family's scanty store did not even include a stove with which to temper the freezing atmosphere. But the indomitable spirit which was almost invariably displayed by the Michigan pioneers enabled them to look with indifference upon these deprivations. A fire was soon built against the end of the house with a foundation of green logs, and a hole in the roof served as a chimney. An acre of land was speedily cleared and planted with potatoes and corn, which supplied them with food during the following year, both directly and indirectly, being occasionally exchanged with the Indians for game. Mr. Colburn is still a resident of the township, and one of its most useful citizens. From Brockport, N. Y., came John Billings, in 1836, and purchased 320 acres on section 4. This land had previously been owned by Alexander L. Ely, who had erected a log house for the accommodation of the men he had employed to chop the timber upon it. This house and the partial clearing made by the choppers gave Mr. Billings quite an advantage in the preliminary work of pioneering, an advantage which he improved by the most zealous industry. Benjamin W. Colburn came with his brother, John G. Colburn, and like him located upon section 7, where he purchased 70 acres, which have since been increased to 200. He remained a short time in Allegan, and removed to the land where he has ever since resided. Martin Sheffer, more familiarly known as Capt. Sheffer, who commanded the first vessel that sailed out of Saugatuck,-the "Napoleon,"-came first to Allegan in 1836, and at the expiration of a year removed to Trowbridge, where lie purchased 160 acres upon section 18. He had already erected a house upon the land, and, being then single, secured a family to occupy it until his own marriage. He cleared up the farm, and on his death left the property to Mrs. Sheffer, who has since managed it with much ability and success. Capt. Sheffer was quite as familiar with the Atlantic as with inland waters, having formerly been one of the officers of an English line-of-battle ship. The Granger brothers, William, Riley, and Bradley, were among the earliest settlers, and located in the extreme northeastern corner of the township, where they had 248 acres of land. Bradley Granger was one of the few pioneer preachers in the county. He and his brother William resided on the land they first purchased until their deaths. Riley subsequently removed to Plainwell, his present home. Oramel Fisk improved a farm on section 1 in 1838, and after a residence of several years in the township removed to Allegan, where he died. John H. Blackman came from Ohio in May, 1841, and entered 160 acres on section 1, traveling with horses and wagon laden with his household goods. Adjoining his land was a somewhat dilapidated log house, which had been built by Dr. Bigelow. In this Mr. Blackman and his family domiciled themselves until a house could be built on their own land. Fourteen acres were planted with corn and sown with oats the second year, supplies having mean 338 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. — I while been obtained from Gun Plain. With Mr. Blackman came his sons, James and Henry E. Blackman, the latter of whom came to the State in 1839 and remained in Gun Plain until his father's advent. He now occupies the homestead. James resides upon section 12. On 80 acres of the same section settled James Henderson in 1842. His three sons are still residents of the county, Alexander having remained on the farm, while Don C. is the senior editor and proprietor of the Allegan Journal. Henry M. Wilkinson became a settler on section 29 in 1842, his nearest neighbor being Dr. Wear. For a period of eighteen months after his arrival, Mrs. Wilkinson did not see the face of a white woman. Jacob Grover came from Tompkins Co., N. Y., to the State as early as 1834. He followed the trade of a millwright, and assisted in the erection of the earliest mills in Trowbridge. He bought lands in that township in 1844, but did not locate upon them. In 1855 he became the owner of 361 acres on section 10, and erected on it the house in which he resides. In 1858 his brothers, John W. and Andrew P. Grover, came from New York State and located upon section 11, where the former was the owner of 366 acres. He died in the township in 1879. A. P. Grover purchased 80 acres, on which he still resides. George Y. Warner, previously a lawyer of Allegan, removed in 1838 to section 5, where he had 203 acres of land. He remained many years, but finally sold to B. H. Taylor, and removed from the county. On Mr. Warner's arrival, William Porter entered into a contract to construct a log house for him at an expense of $50, Warner to cut the doors and windows. Henry Staring followed the footsteps of other emigrants to the county, and remained for a while in Allegan, but finally removed to Trowbridge, and in 1841 settled upon 203 acres belonging to George Y. Warner. On this farm there had been an Indian sugar-bush, which had caused the spot to become a rendezvous for many of the wandering bands of this region. Many implements in use among them were subsequently found while plowing the fields. Mr. Staring afterwards removed to Allegan, and died in Monterey in 1876. W. H. and Porter Rood were early pioneers from the State of New York to Allegan County, and in 1838 made Trowbridge their home, where they improved 80 acres of land on section 9, on which a beginning had already been made by a settler named Willard, which is still their home. Ira Davidson arrived at nearly the same time, and also located on section 9. His residence is now with the Messrs. Rood. John B. Allen was a former resident of Niagara Co., N. Y., whence he came to Michigan in 1836, and to Allegan in 1842, removing from the latter place to Trowbridge in 1843. He was engaged in the pineries on the south side of the river for five years, during which time he purchased 61 acres on section 12, and in 1848 bought of D. Doane Davis 80 acres on section 1, to which he re moved the following year. H. E. Blackman had already located half a mile west, and on the eastern side was Benjamin Martin, of Otsego. Mr. Allen has resided in Trow bridge since the date mentioned, and is now, in addition to his farming business, actively engaged in the sale of agricultural implements. Daniel Foster, a former resident of Rochester, N. Y., removed to Trowbridge in 1844, and purchased 320 acres on sections 21, 22, and 32, but chose section 16 as a place of residence. Mr. Foster at once planted some apple-seeds and peach-stones, the trees growing from which formed the nucleus of the extensive Genesee nurseries, which he conducted for twelve years, and which at one time contained no less than 65,000 thriving young apple-trees. He has been, since his residence in the township, an extensive land-owner and a successful farmer, but has more recently given the active management of his farm to his son. From Seneca Co., Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Rockwell, in 1847, made their weary way in a lumber-wagon, surrounded by their six children and all their worldly effects, to the still wide township of Trowbridge. Mr. Rockwell, with his brother William, had come the previous year, made a clearing and erected a log cabin on section 32, which the family occupied until a more comfortable structure could be built. Mr. Rockwell exchanged his horse-team for oxen with one of the Hollanders who had settled near the lake, obtaining the difference in gold,-a metal which was extremely rare, except among those thrifty emigrants. This was used to make a payment on his land. A little money was also received from the sale of coon and muskrat skins, which enabled the family to add somewhat to its scanty stores. Mr. Rockwell died many years since on the homestead he had improved, which is now occupied by his son Stephen. His brother George, who came in 1849, resides upon section 30. Loren Daggett was one of the pioneers of 1841, and established himself upon 80 acres on section 22. Morris Bullock located himself, in 1845, on 80 acres on section 25, now occupied by Gordon Hicks. In 1847 his mother, desiring to pay a visit to her neighbor, Mrs. Daggett, set out through the woods for that lady's residence, having no other guide than an Indian trail to lead her to her destination. As she did not return at the appointed time, her friends became anxious, and began searching for her. They being unsuccessful, volunteers came from far and wide to aid their efforts. After twelve days of anxiety and exertion her body was discovered in the woods by Ira Chichester. The event caused great excitement and profound sadness throughout the township, and was long the theme of mournful reminiscences among the pioneers of Trowbridge. Amos L. Rogers located in 1848 upon 80 acres on section 12, and Martin Hicks settled upon 120 acres on section 26 very soon afterwards. Both still reside on their original purchases. William Upson, another Ohio pioneer, settled upon 90 acres on sections 10 and 15 in 1852, which he purchased of Andrew Cone. The frame of a house had been erected, which was soon placed in a habitable condition. He is still a resident of the same farm. His nearest neighbor was John Clifford, from Ohio, who resided upon section 9, where lie purchased a farm of Jacob Grover. Two sons now live in Trowbridge, Zara Clifford being located upon I * *k. z 20 i - Com ti;iy " 'P 4`7 i ~ja~-i~i \ZZ A In:r:a ~ ~ Al, ~:~~: 1~? i~;:V -"~4: settle: 'i_4B~h RESoDENCE OF E G. MINCKLER, TIaSBRioCE TP., ALLE^AN Co., MICH. LI "I, TROWBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 339 I the homestead, and John upon section 10. Alexander Dale entered 160 acres on section 9 in 1836, and subsequently added 40, upon which he resided until his death. J. Killam removed from Monroe County to Allegan in 1844, and in 1849 became the owner of 80 acres on section 9, on which he now lives. His nearest neighbor, at the time of his advent, was Porter Rood; but the neighborhood very soon became more thickly settled. Among others whose names are entitled to a place on the roll of more recent settlers are R. M. Bigelow, T. Babbitt, W. Lovett, J. and H. Ashley, G. Perkins, S. Stockwell, J. St. German, W. Dimond, L. Ingles, R. Simmons, H. M. Wilkinson, T. Wilson, H. Price, H. Goshorn, L. Nichols, J. G. Austen, R. Ames, and later B. W. Odell, Ichabod Stratton, H. Scott, A. B. Mallery, S. Webster, R. Thompson, Wilton Belden, E. G. Minckler, J. Schoolcraft, W. Harper, S. Rockwell, J. Emmons, J. Harrigan, W. Hemitt, J. Schoolcraft, W. Brown, R. Martin, W. Ward, B. Lockhart, and R. Sperry. SCHOOLS. The earliest school was opened on land owned by Leander S. Prouty, the residents of this portion of the township having erected a log school-house in 1841 and secured the services of a teacher. Some difference of opinion exists as to who first filled that position, though it is probable that Miss Luvia Ann Bingham was the person in question. J. Glover Kellogg was also an early teacher in the same school, and Bradley Granger was his successor. As the northwest portion of the township became settled, the little building was well filled with the growing youth of Trowbridge, and eventually the primitive log house gave place to a more substantial structure. The next school was opened in the Blackman neighborhood, on section 1, in the log house of I. H. Blackman, in the year 1843, the first teacher having been his daughter, Miss Harriet A. Blackman. This district is now adorned with one of the most spacious and substantial school buildings in the township. Trowbridge is at this time divided into six whole and two fractional districts, which are controlled by the following directors: B. H. Taylor, P. C. Allen, Aaron C. Claire, S. C. Foster, Nelson Stratton, James S. Osgood, William Rupon, George W. Grigsby. -The number of children receiving instruction is 390; the total amount of the salaries paid to the teachers is $1108. EARLY ROADS. The earliest surveyed road in Trowbridge was the State road, intended to run from Allegan southward into Kalamazoo County. It was only opened, however, as far as Emerson Lake, on the line between sections 19 and 20. It was surveyed in 1836, probably by William Forbes, and was for a short period the only surveyed road in the township that had been opened and improved. In 1837 a road was surveyed by F. J. Littlejohn, running from Allegan into Van Buren County, on the line between sections 4 and 5 and 8 and 9, diverging on its approach to section 16 to avoid a small lake which obstructed its course. On section 20 the road bore off to the southwest, where it ran again directly south, and passed out of the township on section 32. Another road was surveyed by F. J. Littlejohn in 1838, and was known as the Prouty road, from the fact that it passed through that gentleman's land. Other roads were surveyed within the next few years by William Forbes, H. P. Barnum, and F. J. Littlejohn. The foregoing intelligence was furnished the historian by William Porter, Esq. BAPTIST CHURCH. The first meetings of this society were held in the Ross school-house, the Baptist Church of Otsego having established a branch of their organization in Trowbridge, with service conducted each alternate Sabbath by Elder O. S. Wolf, of Otsego. In 1868 a church was organized, including a membership of forty-six persons, with Elder Wolf still as their pastor. The school-house afforded a place of meeting until 1872, when it was determined to erect a church edifice. Ground was secured on section 24, and the building, having been completed, was dedicated May 21, 1873, the total cost of the church having been $3000. The clergymen in succession since that time have been Revs. T. Z. B. Jones, B. P. Hewett, A. R. Leslie, A. M. Buck, B. C. Mosher, Smith, and J. Donalson. The society is now without a pastor. The membership has not greatly increased since its organization. TROWBRIDGE GRANGE, No. 296. This organization was established March 3, 1874, under a charter granted by the National Grange, with 47 charter members. Its first officers were E. G. Minckler, Master; Jacob F. Brest, Overseer; Elisha Hammond, Lecturer; Edward Buck, Steward; Thomas Hemitt, Assistant Steward; Ichabod Stratton, Chaplain; George W. Grigsby, Sec.; J. W. Russell, Treas. Its present officers are L. S. Lee, Master; Martin Brest, Overseer; J. S. Osgood, Lecturer; E. T. Parker, Steward; Charles Merriam, Assistant Steward; E. Hammond, Chaplain; Macy W. Brender, Sec.; S. D. Rockwell, Treas. The present membership is 175. The organization is about erecting a hall for its semi-weekly meetings. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The few settlers who populated Trowbridge in 1849 resolved that an opportunity should be afforded them of attending divine service in their own immediate neighborhood, and after a few preliminary meetings a class was organized the same year, with Rev. Curtis Mosher as preacher. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Doughty, and services were held in the school-house until 1865, when the congregation had increased sufficiently to erect a house of worship on the northeast corner of section 26, which was dedicated in November of the same year, with Rev. L. H. Pierce as pastor. The trustees who superintended its construction and have officiated since that time are Thomas Stratton, Henry Pierce, John McKee, and William Sebring. The present pastor is Rev. F. L. McCoy. Those who have preceded him, so far as he is able to give their names, are Revs. A. J. Van Wyck, N. M. Steele, George L. Haight, William M. Paddock, J. Barrett, C. L. Van Antwerp, E. C. Chambers, and I. B. Tallman. The society is well sustained and prosperous. 3-40 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. ORGANIZATION. Trowbridge, together with many other townships of the county, was formerly a part of Allegan, and was organized as an independent township in 1842 in conjunction with Cheshire. It was surveyed by Lucius Lyon in April, 1841, and named in honor of C. C. Trowbridge, of Detroit, the popular treasurer of the Boston Company, afterwards the first Whig candidate for Governor of the State. In 1851 Cheshire was accorded a separate existence, and Trowbridge was left with its present dimensions. It was early settled, and at the date of its organization was able to offer a poll-list the size of which considerably exceeded that of many other townships. The following list of the earliest voters at the first election after the organization of Trowbridge as an independent township is appended: Porter Rood, Sr. John Billings, Sr. Simeon Pike. Samuel Goodell. Walter H. Rood. Riley Granger. Loren Daggett. David Palmer. J. T. H. Churchill. Albert West. John Billings, Jr. Leander P. Ross. Henry E. Blackman. William Porter. Sidney Smith. Samuel Lines. Hazadiah Ross. John Wear. William Granger. John Orr. George Y. Warner. James Kendall. John G. Colburn. Leander S. Prouty. Orvin Ross. John H. Blackman. Oramel Fisk. Richard Wear. H. B. Seymour. Franklin Babbitt. Asa Carpenter. W. A. Babbitt. Benjamin W. Colburn. B. Allen; 1857, William Bronson; 1859-64, A. B. Mallory; 1865, J. R. Clifford; 1866, Horace Peck; 1867-68, George W. Grigsby; 1869-70, A. B. Mallory; 1871-72, George W. Grigsby; 1873, A. B. Mallory; 1874, Bainey Payne; 1875-77, A. B. Mallory; 1878-79, S. C. Foster. TREASURERS. 1843, George Y. Warner; 1844, Walter H. Rood; 1845-46, L. S. Prouty; 1847, no record; 1848, H. E. Blackman; 1849-50, William Granger; 1851, Isaac G. Austin; 1852, Sidney Smith; 1853, James Blackman; 1854, Sidney Smith; 1855, William Granger; 1856, William Upson; 1857-58, John W. Russell; 1859, A. B. Mallory; 1860-62, William Upson; 1863, A. B. Mallory; 1864-65, William Upson; 1866, Stephen Odell; 1867-70, William Upson; 1871-75, John W. Russell; 1876, George W. Grigsby; 1877-78, Edward Buck; 1879, A. B. Mallory. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1843, Leander S. Prouty, George Y. Warner; 1844, J. 1I. Blackman, J. G. Colburn; 1845, Richard Wear; 1846, John B. Allen; 1847, Porter Rood; 1848, L. S. Prouty; 1849, Richard Wear; 1850, Henry E. Blackman; 1851, Norris Bullock; 1852, -; 1853, Moses Norris, Sidney Smith, W. L. Stockwell; 1854, Win. Granger; 1855, Seth Stockwell; 1856, B. W. Odell; 1857, Richard Wear, Martin Hicks; 1858, Amasa Odell, Ht. E. Blackman; 1859, John Johnson; 1860, Wm. Upson; 1861, R. T. Dibble, H. E. Blackman; 1862, E. G. Minckler; 1863, Sidney Smith, Seth Stockwell; 1864, John B. Allen; 1865, II. E. Blackman; 1866, John McKee; 1867, John Johnston; 1868, J. K. Lindsay, Saml. Knickerbocker; 1869, Orvin Ross; 1870, Seth Stockwell, H. E. Blackman; 1871, Baldwin Hyde; 1872, H. E. Blackman; 1873, John Johnston; 1874, Richard Wear; 1875, Win. Upson; 1876, Ilenry Scott, Baldwin Hyde; 1877, H. E. Blackman; 1878, J. 11. Colburn; 1879, J. F. Brist. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1843, John Billings, Samuel 11. Blackman; 1844, John Billings, Jr., Ira Ward; 1845, H. E. Blackman, Sidney Smith; 1846, John Billings, Jr.; 1847, George Y. Warner; 1848, H. E. Blackman; 1849, John B. Allen; 1850, Sidney Smith; 1851, Addison M. Buck; 1852, - ---; 1853, H. E. Blackman; 1854, A. L. Rogers; 1855, H. E. Blackman; 1856, A. L. Rogers; 1857, John W. Brakeman; 1858, A. L. Rogers, John B. Allen; 1859, John B. Allen; 1860, Myron E. Bush; 1861, Geo. Y. Warner; 1862, John B. Allen; 1863, A. -B. Mallory; 1864, H. E. Blackman; 1865, A. Knickerbocker; 1866, A. L. Rogers; 1867, J. S. Osgood; 1868, Darius Knickerbocker; 1869, Geo. A. Howe; 1870, James S. Upson, George W. Grigsby; 1871, Saml. Knickerbocker; 1872, Orvin Ross, A. B. Mallory; 1873, G. W. Grigsby; 1874, A. L. Rogers; 1875, H. E. Blackman; 1876, Joseph.G. Stuck; 1878, Alonzo Knickerbocker; 1879, Darius Knickerbocker. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1843, Richard Wear, Orin Bell, Win. Granger; 1844, Win. Porter, Wmn. Granger, Moses Norris; 1845, Moses Morris, J. B. Allen, Wm. Granger; 1846, John Starr; 1847, John B. Allen, Cyrus Ross, Riley Granger; 1848, Daniel Foster; 1849, Jacob Killam; 1850, Sidney Smith, John Wiley, Robt. B. Ames; 1851, Moses Norris; 1853, Thos. Wilson; 1854, Isaa% G. Austin, John Foster; 1855, Seth Stockwell; 1856, Wm. Granger; 1857, John G. (olburn; 1858, Amasa Odell; 1859, Clark Nichols; 1860, P. F. Aldrich, Samuel C. Webster; 1861, Melton Belden, Riley Granger; 1862, Wm. J. Pate; 1863, Philo Hoskin; 1864, Samuel Knickerbocker; 1865, A. B. Mallory; 1866, J. W. Russell; 1867, O. C. Cackler; 1868, Philo Hoskins; 1869, John Chambers; 1870, Silas Stockwell, 0. C. Cackler; 1871, Miles Foster; 1872, S. Knickerbocker, Henry Scott; 1873, W. L.Stockwell; 1874, Stephen Odell, Thomas Stratton; 1875-77, John B. Allen; 1878, 0. C. Cackler; 1879, Edward Buck. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1843, Oramel Fisk, Benj. W. Colburn; 1845, John N. Blackman; 1846, Porter Rood, John N. Blackman; 1847, Richard Wear, Sidney Smith; 1848, John II. Blackman, George Y. Warner; CIVIL LIST. At the first township-meeting held in Trowbridge, at the "Prouty school-huuse," in district No. 1, on section 5, the first Monday in April, 1842, H. B. Seymour was chosen moderator, and John Wear, George Y. Warner, Leander S. Prouty, and John A. Blackman, inspectors of election. The following officers were elected: Supervisor, John Weare; Township Clerk, Sidney Smith; Treasurer, John Billings, Sr.; Justices of the Peace, J. H. Blackman, John Weare, Walter H. Rood, Leander S. Prouty; Highway Commissioners, William Porter, William Granger, John Orr; School Inspectors, H. B. Seymour, John Billings, John G. Colburn; Constables, Richard Weare, Riley Granger, Leander P. Ross, Benjamin Colburn. The remaining officers of the township until the present time are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1843, Richard Weare; 1844, John Billings, Jr.; 1845-46, Sidney Smith; 1847, Jacob Grover; 1848, Richard Weare; 1849, John Billings; 1850, Leander Prouty; 1851-52, H. E. Blackman; 1853, Daniel Foster; 1854-56, Alex. Henderson; 1857, John Billings; 1858-59, Alex. Henderson; 1860-61, John W. Grover; 1862, H. E. Blackman; 1863-65, E. G. Minckler; 1866, John W. Grover; 1867-71, E. G. Winckler; 1872, A. B. Mallory; 1873, George W. Grigsby; 1874, Gilbert Phelps; 1875, E. (G. Minckler; 1876, H. }. 1lackman; 1877-78, E. (G. Minckler; 1879, John B. Allen. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1843-44, Sidney Smith; 1845, Daniel Foster; 1846, P. H. Simmons; 1847-48, Sidney Smith; 1849, Daniel Foster; 1850, John B. Allen; 1851, Giles Rockwell; 1852, Richard Wear; 1853, L. S. Prouty; 1854, John B. Allen; 1855, Moses Morris; 1856, John H. E. BLACKMAN. MRS. H. E. BLACKMAN. HON. H. E. BLACKMAN. The greater number of men who had enough of the spirit of adventure to seek a home in a new country were men of iron nerve, of energy and perseverance, men who, when they had once turned their faces thither, turned not back for trifles, but kept resolutely on until beautiful farms and homes show the work of their strong arms and willing hearts. Such a man is the Hon. H. E. Blackman, one among the first settlers in Michigan. He was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1820. In 1839, in company with two other men, he started for Michigan. They decided to come through with a team. Loading their household furniture and provisions for their journey, they started for the, to them, unknown country. Coming to the Maumee River, they found it frozen and were compelled to cross on the ice. During their passage across one wheel of the wagon breaking through the ice they were forced to unload their effects in order to pry out the wagon. They were fourteen days making the trip. Upon reaching Michigan they stopped at Gun Plain, and went to work getting out timber and lumbering. As Michigan was so heavily timbered, lumbering was the first employment many of the pioneers engaged in. After working for a time Mr. Blackman returned to his father's, in Ohio, where he remained two years. He then started again for Michigan, -alone and on foot. Passing through Medina, Ohio, he there met his brother-in-law, Jonathan Stevens, who accompanied him. Mr. Blackman had five dollars and his companion six shillings. They were on the way thirteen days. When they reached Gun Plain their capital consisted of thirtyone cents. Mr. Blackman's father bought a farm in Michigan in January, 1841. He came to Michigan in June of the same year. This farm consisted of two hundred acres, situated in Trowbridge township. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1854, he being in his seventy-first year. His wife died in 1879, in the eighty-eighth year of her age. Mr. H. E. Blackman managed his father's farm for two years, and in 1.843 bought it. Oct. 26, 1853, H. E. Blackman and Lucy Sherwood were married. She was the daughter of Libbeus and Sophia Sherwood, and was born in Otsego, Aug. 8, 1835. Her parents came from Rochester, N. Y., to Michigan in 1833. Their family consisted of eight children. Eight children have been born in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Blackman, named below in the order of their births: Henry S. (deceased), James A., Hattie A. (deceased), John H., Mary A. (deceased), Nellie A., Mary Bell, and Fred. L. Henry met with his death by shipwreck, May 12, 1875, starting from Saugatuck to Chicago on board a vessel which was wrecked and all on board lost. The family recovered Henry's body only to find a severe wound on the side of his head, caused, perhaps, by the falling of some of the timber of the vessel. Mr. Blackman's fellow-townsmen have shown their appreciation of his worth in public affairs by electing him to fill various offices in the township. He was for a long time superintendent of the poor. He is at present a member of the Legislature. I I~ iZ _ _ _,_ 7_:... 1..,.. n!. '. '. r: ~ I,, I X -. J I4 WKtl IJC I I~ /: nf Lib I Sil. AR Nt - DA.S~. MA:R TfrVN DA W. S. MARTIN OAL A RESIDENCE OF W, S. MARTINDALE TROWBRIDGE TP ALLEGAN CO.)MICH. TROWBRIDGE TOWNSHIP. 341 1849, R. B. Ames, L. S. Prouty; 1850, Sidney Smith, Robert B. Ames; 1851, L. S. Prouty, J. H. Blackman; 1852, Richard Wear; 1853, R. B. Ames, L. S. Prouty; 1854, L. S. Prouty, Norris Bullock; 1855, Moses Norris, John B. Allen; 1856, Wm. Granger, Moses Norris; 1857, Richard Wear, Benj. W. Odell; 1858, R. B. Ames, Seth Stockwell; 1859, R. B. Ames, John Clifford. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1874, John W. Grover; 1875-77, Baldwin Hyde; 1878, Myron J. McCann. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, George W. Grigsby; 1876, E. G. Minckler; 1877, Alonzo Knickerbocker; 1878-79, D. W. Colburn. CONSTABLES. 1843, B. W. Colburn, Riley Granger; 1844, R. B. Ames, Riley Granger, Porter Wood, Jr., Cyrus Ross; 1845, C. R. Pratt, Win. Granger, C. C. Perry, R. B. Ames; 1846, Win. Granger, Riley Granger, C. E. Perry, II. E. Blackman; 1847, Franklin Babbit, Jonathan Goodel, Wm. Lovctt, D. E. Alexander; 1848, Hiram Annis, R. B. Ames, L. Engle, Franklin Babbit; 1849, John Wiley, Jacob Killam, John Star, H. E. Blackman; 1850, E. P. Brown, Sidney Smith, Alex. Henderson, Wallace Stockwell; 1851, Robert Barnes, Hiram Annis, Wm. Lovett, John Belleu; 1852, Jacob Killam; 1853, L. Engle, John Starr, Theodore Carlo, Hiram Annis; 1854, John Ashley, Jacob Ludwick, Seth Stockwell, Hiram Annis; 1855, Ichabod Stratton, Hiram Annis, Seth Stockwell, John Ashley; 1856, Franklin Babbitt, John Starr, Nathan Larkin, L. M. Webster; 1857, E. Babbitt, Riley Granger, N. Larkins, L. M. Webster; 1858, George Ray,'Jos. Stockwell; 1859, Miles Foster, James Collins, E. Stockwell, Samuel Odell; 1860, S. E. Odell, George S. Barber, Seth Stockwell, John W. Ashley; 1861, E. Babbit, Henry Ashley, G. S. Barber, J. A. Baldy; 1862, A. J. Johnston, Joseph Stockwcll, Miles Foster; 1863, C. C. Mallory, J. R. Clifford, Miles Foster, Chas. Collins; 1864, Charles Collins, Alonzo Knickerbocker, C. W. Ames, C. E. Ferguson; 1865, Henry Ashley, B. Haskin, R. H. Johnston, Silas Stockwell; 1866, Wm. Sharpless, L. M. Webster, David Hamon, Hiram Annis; 1867, Hiram Annis, Milo Malloy, Wm. Ozman, W. J. Vote; 1868, C. 0. Granger, R. Wilkerson, S. B. Brundage; 1869, Milo Foster, Sheldon Wheeler, Charles Tompkins, D. M. Dean; 1870, Sheldon Wheeler, James Granger, Samuel Piper, R. D. Ames; 1871, Wm. Upson, Franklin Babbit, O. II. Blackman, Pulaski Foster; 1872, R. D. Ames, Wm. Weare, D. M. Dean, James Granger; 1873, S. B. Brundage, W. D. Upson, Owen Blackman, D. M. Dean; 1874, A. W. Mosher, Thomas Hemitt, D. C. Nichols, L. M. Webster; 1875, D. M. Dean, Francis Blackman, Arthur Weare, Ira J. Bradshaw; 1876, Joseph Brest, D. M. Dean, F. Blackman, Arthur Wear; 1877, Stover Hicks, Dorius Dimond, Isaac Philley, Arthur Wear; 1878, Alonzo Knickerbocker, A. B. Mallory, Benj. Sherwood, Darius Diamond; 1879, George H. Stone, D. M. Dean, R. H. Wilkinson, Perry HIoskins. -- BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. W. S. MARTINDALE. Aaron Martindale, the grandfather of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch, was born in England, in 1771. Emigrating to America, he was here during the war of the Revolution; but, being a Tory, and having no sympathy whatever with the Americans, he removed to Canada as soon as the war was over, never again leaving "i Her Majesty's Dominion.' His family consisted of five children,-four sons and one daughter. Asa, the father of W. S., and the youngest of the famlily, was born in Canada, June 6, 1811. He has spent his entire life there, except occasional visits to the States; is now with his son, W. S. His family consisted of six children,-three sons and three daughters; four only are living,-two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Asa Martindale was born in Canada, Aug. 7, 1815, and died July 15, 1873. W. S. Martindale first saw light Jan. 15, 1840, in Lower Canada. Oct. 27, 1864, he married Miss Clara J., daughter of Nathaniel and Almira Hart. Mrs. Martindale's grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. She was born in Michigan, June 25, 1844. Her parents and four brothers and one sister are living in Allegan County. One brother is practicing law in the town of Allegan. In 1865, one year after his marriage, Mr. Martindale, hearing of the great opportunities afforded in Michigan, and thinking he could better secure a home for his family in this new country, started for Michigan. Stopping in Otsego township, Allegan Co., he made a purchase of seventy acres of land; after a stay of nine years, he sold his first purchase and removed to Trowbridge township, where he bought one hundred and forty-eight acres. Broad and fertile fields can now be seen where not many years ago the pioneer was obliged to " blaze" his way from cabin to cabin. Mr. Martindale has made for himself a comfortable home, a view of which can be seen on another page of this work; also the portraits of himself and wife. Their family consists of three children,-Willard A. N., Herbert H., and Cora F. B. W. COLBURN. B. W. Colburn was among the earliest pioneers of Allegan County. He has been long and actively engaged in the improvement of the country from the time it was almost an unbroken wilderness, inhabited almost exclusively by Indians and wild animals, with here and there, at long distances apart, a settlement of a few hardy pioneers. His parents were natives of New Hampshire, where he was born Oct. 5, 1813, in Hillsborough County. His boyhood was spent in assisting his father in the labors of farm life and in obtaining a limited common-school education. He also learned the cooper's trade. In 1831 he moved to New York State to commence life for himself; his capital consisted of twenty-five cents in money and an abundance of energy and industry. Upon his arrival in New York he was unable to go to work for two months, on account of sickness; but, upon recovering, he worked at his trade three months; then hired to do farm-work with his uncle, where he stayed less than a year. Buying twelve acres in the woods, he cleared it, and built (in 1833) a small frame house upon it. Oct. 5, 1833, he married Almira, daughter of Ebenezer Sargent. Five children came to bless their union. One only is living, Sarah E., the wife of J. L. Austin, living near her father. Mrs. Colburn died Feb. 7, 1850. He married his second wife Oct. 15, 1850. This lady was Miss Elizabeth Wright, daughter of Jonathan S. Wright. They have ha} six children; two only are living, who are at home with their parents. Mr. Colburn, hearing so much of the new and unsettled lands lying west of Lake Erie, began to look with longing eyes in that direction. Accordingly, in 1836, he left home for the purpose of securing a location some 342 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. where in the Territory of Michigan. He stopped in AIlegan, where he remained only ten months. In November, 1836, he entered eighty acres of land in Trowbridge, and built a house, removing with his family to this farm in 1837. This piece of land was heavily timbered, Mr. Colburn cutting the first stick. When he left his home in Allegan he had finished his house on the farm with the exception of a roof; this he took from the house in town, and placed on the one last built, thus sleeping under the same roof in his new home that he had slept under in the old. Mr. Colburn has made additions to his farm, until he now owns one hundred and eighty-eight acres. Besides conducting and managing his own business, he has at various times served his town. He was the first constable in Trowbridge. His first duty, after being elected, was to serve a summons on a party living at some distance from him. Arriving at the house and not finding the party at home, he wished to leave a copy of the summons; now came the search for writing material; nothing of the kind to be found, he substituted pokeberry juice and a goosequill: this enabled him to accomplish his purpose. Truly, "necessity is the mother of invention." He relates that about 1838 provisions were very scarce; flour especially so, bringing sixteen dollars per barrel, himself paying as high as ten cents per pound for it in small quantities. Sometimes he has had nothing but bread and water to eat and drink, and has planted corn, shaking with the ague until he could not hold the handle of the hoe. He has lived three months at a time without a cent of money in his pocket, a letter from their friends costing twenty-five cents. Saleratus they made out of corn-cobs, burning them and saving the ashes, steeping them and using the liquor; making starch out of potatoes by grating them and putting a little water to the mash, straining the liquid through a thin cloth; then after evaporating it was ready for use. He has cleared two hundred acres of land; built three houses and four barns; has his farm now under a fine state of cultivation; has assisted in building four churches; led the singing in church for ten years; is temperate in all his habits, eschewing both tobacco and spirituous beverages. No better representative of pioneer days can be found than the subject of this sketch, B. W. Colburn. GEORGE W. GRIGSBY. In looking about among the circle of our acquaintances, we are surprised to see how few have made life a success. Perhaps in the start each had, to all appearances, the same opportunities, but at the close failures are thickly scattered, while here and there a successful one is found. We may call the attention of our readers to George W. Grigsby as one who has made life a success, and we find him now, although comparatively a young man, yet so situated in life that the remainder of it may be spent in enjoying the fruits of his earlier labors. He was born in the county of Kent, England, in 1836. In 1840 he was taken by his father and mother, James and Martha Grigsby, with their five other children, to the United States, and settled in Wayne Co., N. Y., for a number of years; thence to Allegany Co., N. Y.; from thence the family moved to the lumber-woods of McKean and Cameron Cos., in Pennsylvania, where the subject of this sketch, at an early age, graduated in the saw-mill, and became skilled in the art of rafting lumber down the Alleghany and some of the head-waters of the Susquehanna. But so limited was his education that he was unable, at the age of twenty years, to read intelligibly in a common newspaper. Although backward, and at such an age, he determined to go to school, and accordingly, in the fall of 1856, with the money earned by his own hands, he attended the academy at Coudersport, Potter Co., Pa., until he attained a proficiency sufficient to teach school, which he followed, at intervals, with going to school, until 1863, when he married Miss Thankful M. Freeman, daughter of Judge Freeman, of Emporium, Cameron Co., Pa. Miss Freeman was born in 1839, in Eulalia township, Potter Co., Pa. During the succeeding winter Mr. Grigsby and his wife taught the village school at Emporium, he teaching the higher department, and his wife the primary. In the spring of 1864 they emigrated to Michigan, and in the winter of the same year he felled the first tree towards clearing the land where is now located his home. Paid two hundred dollars down on the land (eighty acres) and gave a mortgage of six hundred dollars, but by industry, frugality, and living within their means were soon out of debt and prosperous. They have four living children, viz.: Octavia, born July 12, 1865; Orrell, born Sept. 22, 1867; Arthur, born Oct. 5, 1869; and Huldah, born Nov. 27, 1872. Mr. Grigsby has alwaysvoted with the Democratic party. Has taken an active part in the official business of the township, having been town clerk four terms, and served as supervisor, treasurer, and township superintendent of schools. We see by these offices of trust to which he has been elected by the people of his township that he has not only found time to make his own business affairs successful, but also to efficiently perform the duties of the public offices which he has held. EDGAR G. MINCKLER. In giving a short biographical sketch of Edgar G. Minckler we write of a man who, though not one of the earliest settlers or pioneers of Michigan, yet has shown his ability and made his mark here. Francis E. Minckler, father of Edgar, with his wife and only child, moved from Clinton Co., N. Y. (where Edgar was born June 11, 1821), in the spring of 1822, to Grand Isle Co., Vt. His occupation had always been that of farming. Edgar's educational advantages were somewhat limited, he having only the winter months to devote to his education, besides one term at St. Alban's academy, while his summers were wholly taken up by farm-work; but he succeeded in fitting himself for teaching. This he engaged in until 1848, when, on the 27th of March, of that year, he married Mary T., daughter of Reuben and Rebecca Hyde. Their family are the following-named children: Helen J., married to G. 0. Merriam; Charles E., married Abbie Pierce; Sarah E., married to Alonzo Pierce; Warren E., i I I RESIDENCE OF B, W. COLBURN, TROWBRIDEo TP., ALLEGAN Co., MICH. WILLIAM PORTER. MRS. WILLIAM PORTER. WILLIAM PORTER. William, son of Ashbel Porter, was born Jan. 14, 1810, in Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y. In those days a boy's life devoid of labor was a remarkable exception. William was not this exception, and, as his father was a farmer, his early days were passed in agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty, the time when most young men think of beginning life for themselves, William left home and hired out by the month. Por six years he engaged at this during the summer season, and was employed in a tavern during the winter. At the age of twenty-six he came West. After making a short stop at Allegan, Mich., he went to Gun Plain, entering six hundred and forty acres of land in Martin township, this purchase costing him ten shillings per acre. At the end of four years he had sold this. In 1837 he bought three hundred and eighty acres in Trowbridge township, and has since made additions until he is now the owner of eight hundred acres; this land was heavily timbered, with no improvements. He first lived in a log hut; in a short time built a larger one; this was followed by the more commodious house which he now occupies. In addition to his houses, he also built two saw-mills-one in 1840 and the other in 1844. The first grindstone brought into the township was introduced by him. In connection with farming, Mr. Porter has been engaged in manufacturing shingles, staves, and laths. The early settlers turned their hands to anything by which they could realize a few dollars. Hunting and trapping gave many of them amusement, and added to their small allowance of money. Mr. Porter caught thirtythree coons during one winter, selling the skins for one dollar each. In 1839, wishing to plant an orchard, he was obliged to walk four miles and carry the trees on his back, carrying twenty-five each trip, and making four trips. The result of this labor may be seen to-day in the fine-bearing orchard on his farm. Mr. Porter has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Huldah Billings. Five children were born of this union, viz.: Levi, born June 7, 1841; died in Andersonville prison Aug. 1, 1863. Frederic M., born Dec. 10, 1843; now living in Trowbridge township; served in the war of the Re bellion almost three years. William, born March 4, 1847; died Aug. 12, 1857. Two died in infancy. Mrs. Porter died March 4, 1847. The second marriage took place Nov. 14, 1857, when he married the widow of James B. Payne, and daughter of Royal and Phoebe Southworth. Five children have been born to them, viz.: Huldah G., Laura J., William D., Lumi E., and Addie M., all of whom are living, Huldah being married. Mrs. Porter and one daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Porter is politically identified with the Republican party. WATSON TOWNSHIP. 343 married Adella Armstrong; Reuben H. and Solon T. are still at the old home. In 1850, Mr. Edgar Minckler bought a farm in Grand Isle Co., Vt., and remained there, engaged in farming, until 1861, when he decided to try his fortune in Michigan, the State then so much talked of. Arriving in Allegan County, he settled in Trowbridge township, on section 21, buying one hundred and twenty acres of land at twenty dollars per acre. Has not only engaged in farming, but speculated in wild lands; also engaged in sheepraising. A part of the farm bought by Mr. Minckler was timbered; this he cleared. His first house was a small frame, but this has given place to a fine two-story house, a view of which can be seen on another page of this work. Mr. Minckler is a man of ability, and has been made good use of by his fellow-townsmen in Trowbridge, who have kept him in office most of the time. Has been elected superintendent of schools, and served twelve years as supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Minckler's parents were Americans. Neither of them ever came West, but lived and died in the State of Vermont. - -1300 4 WATS ON.* SURVEY-TOWNSHIP No. 2 north, in range 12 west, otherwise known as the civil township of Watson, is not only among the foremost portions of Allegan County in date of settlement, but also in the excellence of its lands and the advanced condition of its farming interests. Its location has some advantages on account of its accessibility to the county-seat, and also to the most important of the villages on the eastern side of the county. It lies south of Hopkins and north of Otsego, while Allegan bounds it on the west and Martin on the east. NATURAL FEATURES. The surface of Watson is greatly diversified. A considerable portion of the south and southwest is level, and possesses an easily-cultivated soil. Some swampy land is to be seen, but this is easily susceptible of drainage, and will probably ere long be converted into some of the most valuable land in the township. The northern portion of the township abounds in elevations and declivities, some of which are quite abrupt, and command from their summits extensive views of the surrounding region. On the eastern side, as well as in the centre, many inequalities are to be seen, but the changes of elevation are less abrupt and there are few impediments to the most thorough cultivation. The soil is abundantly watered by springs and brooks, while numberless lakes, both small and large, are sprinkled over the surface. Chief among these are Schnable Lake, on sections 26 and 35; Big Lake, principally lying on sections 14 and 23; Schiller Lake, which lies on section 12; Hudson Lake, on section 14; School Section Lake, covering portions of sections 15 and 16; Pulsifer Lake, principally on section 10; and others not of sufficient importance to mention. Many of these sheets of water offer strong attractions to the sportsman, as well as the admirer of picturesque scenery. Numerous streams and brooks emanate from these lakes, and afford abundant irrigation to the land. Schnable Brook, in the south, affords quite a good waterpower. A variety of soil is found in Watson, nearly all the kinds $ By E. O. Wagner. to be seen in other portions of the county existing here. Gravel and clay combined are found on the slopes, while on the level lands clay-loam is liberally interspersed with sand. On the lowest flats a rich vegetable mould and clay subsoil are present, and in the swamps the usual quantity of muck is to be found. The soil is generally well adapted to the growth of wheat, there being very little territory in the township where that grain does not thrive. Much of the land is devoted to this crop. The last census-that of 1874 -gives the number of acres of wheat harvested the previous year as 1685, which produced 24,311 bushels, while 991 acres planted with corn yielded 31,854 bushels. Of other grains the annual product was 18,758 bushels, oats having been sown with great success. Much good grass is cut in the township, and hay of a superior quality is produced. The number of tons cut in 1873 was 2243. The timber of Watson does not vary greatly in kind or quality from that usually found throughout the county. Beech, maple, whitewood, basswood, sycamore, and oak flourish, and a few oak-openings are still to be seen on the eastern side. Pine is not abundant, but tamarack attains a luxuriant growth on the marshy land. Elm and ash are also to be seen, and so is an occasional hemlock, though the latter does not find a congenial soil in this region. The climate and soil of Watson are both adapted to fruitculture, and no farm is found without its apple-orchard. Many of these produce grafted fruit of a superior quality, and the yield is generally very abundant. The number of apple-trees in the township is estimated at over 20,000, most of which are prolific bearers. The slopes and hills are admirably adapted to the culture of peaches, and more attention is being devoted to this fruit than heretofore. Those trees which are of sufficient age have yielded superior crops, while many orchards are but just started, and will require some time before becoming a source of profit. Two railroads afford the inhabitants of Watson ample opportunities for the shipment of produce. The Allegan and Southeastern road, which is operated by the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company, enters the township on the west line of section 30, and, passing nearly due east, leaves it 344 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. on the east line of section 25. It has two stations in Watson4 -Kellogg Station, on section 29, and Fisk's Station, on section 27. The Lake-Shore and Midfigan Southern Railroad passes through the southeast corner of the township, with a station just over the town-line, in Otsego. ORIGINAL PURCHASES OF LAND. The lands of Watson were purchased from the government by persons whose names are given below: Section 1.-Bought from 1836 to 1848 by J. S. Grenell, Hiram Thompson, H. Dekano, Jacob Gillett, Darius Sprague. Section 2.-Bought from 1852 to 1866 by Porter Williams, J. H. Gregory, C. T. Kennedy, Rhoda A. Williams, William Simmons, William Perkins, S. A. Band, S. W. Bostwick. Section 3.-Bought from 1852 to 1862 by William Perkins, Norton Andrews, Horace Bigelow, M. Richardson, A. H. Durkee, William Dunton, Isaac Revick, M. P. Williams, Alexander Buell, William Perkins, H. D. Gallen, George Kent. Section 4.-Bought from 1837 to 1852 by John White, W. C. Jenner, Lewis Huttleston, William Finn, James Bentley, M. Richardson. Section 5.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by James McCormick, Brooks Mason, L. Kerwin, Oscar McIntosh, George Graham. Section 6.-Bought from 1847 to 1859 by N. K. Lonsberry, Butler and Bush, W. S. Miner, Oscar Bissel, F. H. Morton, George Graham, Hugh Campbell, R. F. Rockett, James Martin, Edwin Grawberger. Section 7.-Bought from 1837 to 1866 by M. B. Savage, M. Hinsdell (assignee), Stephen Moore, J. L. Hughes, O. P. Priest, Charles Miner. Section 8.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by Asa Morse, Joseph Martin, John Martin, George Maybee (assignee), Isaac Hal!, E. Flanagan, Peter Cronan, C. Ward. Section 9.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by M. B. Savage, Jesse Holmes, G. Maybee (assignee), David Hurd, J. Pulsifer, E. A. Beard. Section 10.-Bought in 1852 and 1853 by W. D. Cook, William Pulsifer, T. D. Mason, J. F. Kennedy, John Armstrong. Section 11.-Bought from 1852 to 1854 by E. S. Hudson, Porter Williams, J. H. Gregory, S. 0. Gregory, D. F. Ayres, Susan Smith, D. I. Sprague, J. W. Briggs, E. H. Reynolds, George Mason, Milton Pratt. Section 12.-Bought from 1838 to 1858 by J. I. Lardner, Mary Reynolds, Thomas Kirkland, J. S. Gorton, J. E. Harding, Justus Leach, W. M. Dyson, W. A. Reynolds, Fred Woodhaus, A. A. Beckwith. Section 13.-Bought in 1836 by Thomas Gorton. Section 14.-Bought from 1837 to 1855 by W. D. Cook, C. Barrell, Thomas Gorton, Oramel Griffen, S. W. Dunning, Alfred Stone, L. Decker, 11. C. Round, T. T. Mason. Section 15.-Bought in 1837 and 1851 by 0. Griffin, G. R. Allen, Heirs of William Birch. Section 16.-Bought from 1851 to 1858 by T. Sullivan, G. W. Lonsbury, J. E. Lonsbury, W. W. Kent, S. Spaulein, Thomas Cronan, M.Maybee, Samuel Fish, I. Wheatly, G. B. Bassett, D. Bracelin, Jr., C. Latter. Section 17.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by Lucy Miner, W. S. Miner, Benjamin Richards, J. H. Lonsbury, N. K. Lonsbury, C. C.Collins, John Redmond. Section 18.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by C. A. Miner, W. B. Robinson, Benona Collins, J. S. Hesseton, A. S. Pratt, B. Pratt, William Bracelin, J. A. Frost. Section 19.-Bought from 1836 to 1858 by Daniel Leggett, James Bracelin, Ira Hamilton, Wells Field, Daniel Bracelin, W. M. Pullen, Charles M. Miner, J. M. Edgarton, D. C. Henderson. Section 21.-Bought in 1836 by Justin Ely, G. Y. Warner, L. H. Sanford, Eli Watson. Section 22.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by L. H. Sanford, R. Talcott, James Armitage, A. D. Dunning, J. L, and S. L. Davidson, Oramel Griffin, S. L. Davidson. Section 23.-Bought from 1836 to 1845 by Chauncey Burrell, W. S. Miner, Hiram Thompson, Lucy Dunning, J. M. Thomas. Section 24.-Bought from 1836 to 1850 by Ostrom Company, E. S. Chase, O. Griffin, N. Skinner, B. P. Chase, John Hicks, M. Shellman, James Redpath. Section 25.-Bought from 1836 to 1853 by Ostrom Company, E. S. ~Chase, C. D. Carman, J. S. Hogeboom, J. B. Nicholson, A. I. Dedrick, E. B. Billings, John Richie, H. Kidd, Jr., Mary J. McCorkell, Samuel Caruthers. Section 26.-Bought from 1837 to 1854 by Hiram Thompson, S. A. Atkins, James Fitch, N. Tullam, C. F. Dunning, E. B. Billings, A. J. Kent, R. W. Brooks. Section 27.-Bought in 1836 by Justin Ely. Section 28.-Bought in 1836 by Justin Ely, George Y. Warner. Section 29.-Bought in 1836 by A. and F. Bronson, Justin Ely, G. Y. Warner. Section 30.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by A. and F. Bronson, William H. DeWolf, George Patten. Section 31.-Bought in 1836 by A. and F. Bronson. Section 32.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by A. and F. Bronson, Oramel Griffin. Section 33.-Bought from 1836 to 1854 by James Chase, Jr., Francis Dwight, Cynthia Chaffee, James G. Coons. Section 34.-Bought in 1836 and 1837 by Francis Dwight, Richard Talcott, Hiram Thompson. Section 35.-Bought from 1836 to 1852 by E. B. Bentley, Lyman Lane, Robert Mason, L. D. Nicholas, A. Baustin. Section 36.-Bought from 1835 to 1853 by Philander Knappen, I. S. Roberts, D. Sprague, William Rose, James McDiarmind, Anna Atkins, Wm. McKenzie, H. G. Johnson, Samuel Caruthers. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. A number of the pioneers of Watson found a temporary home and employment in Allegan, meanwhile making occasional pilgrimages to the lands they had selected in this township and preparing the way for a residence there. The earliest to arrive were Daniel Leggett and William S. Miner, the latter of whom came from Rochester, N. Y., in 1836, and remained for a while in Allegan. He entered 160 acres on section 17, May 20, 1836, and the same year built a log house upon it, bringing help from Allegaan to assist in the raising. This was the first house in the township, and Mrs. Miner on her arrival was the sole female representative of the Caucasian race in Watson. Mr. Miner devoted himself at once to the improvement of his land, clearing and sowing wheat, and assisting, as far as he was able, the later settlers in the township. He was the earliest postmaster in Watson, the office, which was legally known as Proctor, having been located at his house. He died in 1876, on the farm he had cleared up, which is now occupied by his two sons, Charles M. and William Miner. His widow resides with her daughter in Allegan. Daniel Leggett also came from Rochester in 1836, and entered 120 acres on sections 18 and 20. He erected the second house in the township, remaining in Allegan until its completion, when he removed his family to their primitive habitation. Mr. Leggett has converted the forest he found on his arrival into a productive farm, upon which he still resides. Chester A. Miner followed his brother William to the township in 1837, and located 80 acres on section 18. He at first built and occupied a board shanty 12 feet square, but the next year erected a log house. Mr. Miner spent his subsequent life upon this farm, where he died in the fall of 1876. It is now occupied by his children. His brother, Joseph Miner, who arrived in the fall of the same year, located himself on section 17 and resided with his mother, who survived for several years her removal to the West. Mr. Miner still resides upon this place, and is now, as formerly, engaged in farming. Mo Or TENM NT ISAACPA~E ISAC PA I IN RESIDENCE OF ISAAC PAGE, WATSON Tv., ALLEGAN CO., MICHIGAN. A WATSON TOWNSHIP. 345 I] Daniel Bracelin came with his brother James from Washtenaw County in 1835, and remained for a while in Allegan, having been among the earliest arrivals in the village. They were employed by Alexander L. Ely in clearing lands in that township, and were induced to make a purchase there, but Daniel, not being satisfied with his location, exchanged his land for 80 acres in Watson, on section 20. This he cleared and improved, and became one of the most enterprising citizens of the township. He was largely instrumental in the erection of a Catholic church in Watson, and contributed liberally to its support. His brother James, who survives him, is still a resident of Allegan. Eli Watson, a previous resident of Jefferson Co., N. Y., entered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 20 in 1836. He did not remove to the township until August, 1837. He came with his family to what is now Trowbridge in July of that year, and accepted the hospitality of Mr. Granger, of that township, for about six weeks, until their own log house was ready for occupation. Their household goods were stored in an empty house owned by Dr. Bigelow, and there they slept at night, living during the day at Mr. Granger's. As soon as their cabin in Watson was completed, they moved into it. He was a successful farmer and public-spirited citizen, devoting a portion of his time to the interests of the township, but he at length removed, with the tide of emigration, to Nebraska, where his son now resides. Still later Mr. Watson returned to Allegan, the scene of his early efforts, and died there. Samuel A. Atkins, a former resident of Tompkins Co., N. Y., was among the foremost pioneers of 1838, and located upon the east half of the northeast quarter of section 26. On section 24 was a squatter named David Updyck, who, after a brief residence, disposed of his improvements to a permanent settler. With him Mr. Atkins remained until he had completed a house, to which he speedily brought his family. Mr. Atkins experienced all the hardships of pioneer life, and was on one occasion obliged to carry a bag of corn on his back seven or eight miles to Pine Creek to be ground, and to bring back the grist in the same manner. Perseverance and courage, however, ultimately brought him a competence, which he still lives to enjoy. His son, A. W. Atkins, who came with his father in 1848, now resides upon a tract of 200 acres on sections 23 and 26. Caleb D. Carmen, another pioneer from Tompkins County, N. Y., located in 1838 upon 40 acres on section 25. He was the father-in-law of Mr. Atkins, and found with him a temporary home until he could build a log house for himself. Mr. Carmen was by trade a shoemaker, and during the early years of his residence numerous demands were made upon his skill. He resided on the place he first occupied until his death, ten years later, at a very advanced age. Amos D. Dunning, another of the Monroe County pioneers, arrived in 1837, and found a home with William S. Miner, and later purchased 80 acres on section 22. He was selected by his fellow-townsmen as their choice for supervisor after the organization of the township, and filled other local offices acceptably. Mr. Dunning died upon the 44 i land on which he first located, and was succeeded in the ownership by his widow and his son, Gilbert A. Dunning. William Allen, a former resident of Vermont, came to Allegan in 1837, and for a while had charge of the boarding-house erected by Alexander L. Ely for the accommodation of the men employed by him on the various improvements that engaged his energies. Soon after, he purchased land on section 27, upon which he erected a log house. He was for some time employed upon the Justin Ely farm, in the township of Allegan, but in 1841 became a permanent resident of Watson, and occupied the house he had already built. He improved his land and rendered it among the most desirable farms in the township. He has since erected a substantial frame house, in which he now resides. John Hicks, an emigrant from the Dominion of Canada, arrived in 1837, and obtained a fractional 80 acres on section 24. A year later he returned for his family, and on his arrival at home hired a conveyance to bring him as far as Marshall. His limited means would permit of no'further expenditure for traveling purposes, and the family pursued the remainder of their journey on foot. A wheelbarrow was employed during their progress, which served to render the pilgrimage less wearisome to the little ones. Mr. Hicks and his family found the log house he had built very inviting after the fatigues of travel. He resided in the township during his lifetime, most of which was devoted to labor upon his land. His death occurred in 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. From New YQrk State came N. K. Lonsbury, first to Lenawee County, and in 1839 to Watson. He entered at Kalamazoo-that having at the time been the site of the land-office-80 acres on section 17. On this he erected a log house, to which he later brought his wife. His neighbors were the Miner brothers,-Joseph, William, and Chester Miner,-Daniel Leggett, and Eli Watson. There were at this time no roads, and Mr. Lonsbury was obliged to open a highway to his farm through the dense forest. He cleared five acres the first year and sowed a portion with wheat, which yielded an abundant harvest, meanwhile laboring in various portions of the county to obtain means wherewith to live. He had no horses, an ox-team having aided in his pioneer labors. In 1856 he erected a substantial house, in which he has since resided. Mr. Lonsbury was married, in 1841, to Miss Lucy A. Miner, the earliest marriage in the township. His brother, Henry Lonsbury, came some years later, and located 80 acres on the school section. This land was unimproved when he settled upon it, but industry and energy have rendered it a well-cultivated farm. At this time a pilgrimage of several miles was necessary to obtain lumber for building purposes. In 1859, William S. Miner erected a saw-mill on Schnable Brook, which after that date supplied much of the building material of the township. Peter Richart, another pioneer of 1838, came from Pennsylvania and located on section 21, where he purchased 80 acres, which as yet was unimproved. He cleared the principal portion, and resided for several years upon it. Later he removed to Otsego, where he engaged in milling, and ultimately chose Pine Creek as a residence. 346 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. The arrival of Job Moon occurred at the same date, anda farm on section 29 absorbed his attention for many years. The attractions of the West were, however, superior to the advantages Michigan offered, and he departed for Nebraska. Later he removed to Missouri, where he has since remained. Among the foremost citizens of Watson is Jesse D. Stone, who came from Rochester, N. Y., in 1836, and located 80 acres on section 23. Though an early purchaser of land, he did not become a permanent resident until 1840. Amos D. Dunning welcomed him to his humble quarters while procuring material for the erection of a house. The township presented a very primitive appearance at this early date. A dense forest covered most of the land, the Miner settlement alone affording an exception to this fact. Wolves and deer were abundant, and Indians roamed the wilderness in pursuit of game, or wandered along the streams which afforded them subsistence. Two acres had already been planted with corn on Mr. Stone's arrival, which yielded the family a supply of food until a greater variety could be obtained. The log house was later supplanted by a comfortable frame residence, in which Mr. Stone, as advancing years overtake him, spends peacefully the remainder of his life. Lloyd Austin, on his arrival from New York, located first in Allegan. The land on section 27 offered strong attractions, and induced him, in 1842, to purchase 160 acres, which he converted from a wilderness to fruitful fields. He died, in 1878, upon this farm, having left a record for excellence of character which made his death universally deplored. Edward Flannagan, the second arrival among the Irish population of Watson, was a pioneer of 1845. He cleared a portion of the 80 acres he purchased on section 8, and erected a log house. His death occurred in Allegan in 1877. William Kent emigrated from Canada to the wilds of Michigan in 1840, and found a home in Watson in 1848, having selected 15 acres on section 15. He was accompanied by five sons, of whom William, James, and George now reside in the township. This venerable gentleman is now in his eighty-fourth year, and in his advanced age enjoys the filial care of his son George, with whom he resides. Wells Field, a native of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., emigrated to the village of Allegan with his wife in July, 1836, and took charge of a store of Joseph Fisk, where he remained for -a year, when he assumed the position of " mine host" of the Allegan, and in the fall of 1840 he purchased the west half of the southwest quarter of section 19, in Watson township, near his brother-in-law, William Pullen, who settled in Allegan township a year or two previous. Mr. Field and his family remained at Mr. Pullen's for about a year, and returned to the village of Allegan, where they resided three years, and again removed to the farm and purchased the east half of the southwest quarter of 19. At this time he built a frame house and resided there for three years, when he moved to Allegan and spent three years, and in 1849 again went back to the farm. He now lives in Allegan, still owning the southwest quarter of section 19. Nelson Fisk came from New York State in 1850, and chose the township as his residence, purchasing 80 acres on section 22, upon which he built a log house. He soon after began the cultivation of the land, which he rendered productive, but ultimately removed from, and located upon the same section, adjoining the residence of his son Samuel, who has 60 acres on section 22. The farm, improved by Nelson Fisk, is now occupied by Samuel Martin. J. Pulsifer, a former resident of Ohio, found an attractive home on section 9, upon which he located in 1853, and on which he built a log house. A cooper-shop, which had done duty on previous occasions in affording shelter to pioneers, performed the same kind of office for his family during the interval. He was the earliest pioneer in the immediate neighborhood. A brother, William Pulsifer, followed a year later, and after a temporary residence with him removed to section 10. Still later another brother, Horace, located on the same section. Both are now dead. John Grant, formerly of Lyons, N. Y., erected on section 22 a frame house in 1856, having on his arrival received a welcome from S. V. Borne, who was then a neighbor, but has since removed to Monterey. Mr. Grant afterward changed his location to section 26, where he also erected a frame house, and now resides. He is by trade a carpenter, and numerous residences in the township bear evidence to his taste and skill. John McLaughlin, one of the band of Irish pioneers that helped to populate Allegan County, purchased 95 acres in 1856 on section 14, the former owner having been Alfred Stone. A tract of five acres had already been cleared, but no house was built upon it. William Kent's hospitality was extended to him for seven weeks while material was being prepared for the erection of a house, to which his family removed on completion. His improvements the first year embraced five acres, which were gradually increased until the whole farm reached a high degree of cultivation. A convenient frame residence has since taken the place of the log structure. Mr. McLaughlin suffered much from poor health on his arrival, but has since become thoroughly acclimated. Randall Brooks became a resident of Watson in 1846, having located on section 27, where he still resides. He found temporary shelter at the house of Charles Dunning, who had located 80 acres on section 26, but who subsequently removed to Iowa, where he died. William A. Reynolds, a former resident of New York State, removed to Gun Plain in 1845, and to the township of Watson one year later, having chosen a location upon section 12, where he now owns a farm that has been cultivated to a high state of productiveness. In 1852, George W. Gorton became a permanent resident of Watson, having arrived on a prospecting tour two years previously. He chose a home upon 80 acres on section 13, upon which he built a substantial residence. He enjoys the reputation of being a successful farmer. Three years later came James Anderson, from Monroe County, who chose a farm of 139 acres on section 15. A log house had already been built by one Stratton, the for mer owner, but no improvements were made. Later, Mr. Anderson removed to section 10, where he erected a comfortable habitation, which he now occupies. WATSON TOWVNSHIP. 347 W T 4 From Livingston County came William Wheatley in 1855, who located on section 8, where he found productive land and where he resided until his death, in 1873. Among other pioneers whose enterprise entitles them to especial mention are Nicholas Skinner, J. A. Caughey, L. Brewer, A. W. Beals, A. Durkee, J. Potter, H. Bartlett, E. C. Osborn, L. Howe, F. Goldspring, W. Wetherill, IH. D. Edgarton, Wells Field, Win. Oaks, Jedediah Morse, and Charles Benson. The earliest religious services in the township were held in the first log house erected in Watson, that of Wm. S. Miner. They were conducted by Rev. W. C. H. Bliss, of Allegan, whose zeal in the good cause had made him a pioneer in Christian work in other portions of the county. Later services were conducted in the Miner school-house, which, for a succession of years, was the resort on Sabbath of the church-going population of Watson. The following list embraces the names of the tax-payers in Watson for the year 1843: Eli Watson. Joseph Skinner. William S. Miner. N. K. Lonsbury. Chester A. Miner. James Bracelin. Wells Field. Daniel Bracelin. Daniel Leggett. James A. McLaughrey. Jeduthamn Morse. Charles Bensen. William Oaks. Peter Richart. A. D. Dunning. Jesse D. Stone. Nicholas Skinner. John Hicks. Caleb D. Carman. Samuel A. Atkins. William Allen. Luther Howe. Josiah Potter. Charles F. Dunning. Job Moon. Edward Flanagan. John Parsons. William H. Warner. Timothy Crampton. Erastus Congdon. Jonathan 0. Round. Esek Baker. Harvey N. Baker. John J. Sandun. ginning on section 6, in Otsego, and pursuing first a northerly, then an easterly course, and terminating at the quarter post between sections 5 and 6, in Watson. Other roads followed as the township became more thickly populated, Allegan or Otsego having been the objective point. SCHOOLS. The educational interests of the township first received attention in 1840. Until then no effort towards the establishment of a school within the boundaries of Watson had been made. In that year a log school-house was erected on section 20, upon land owned by Daniel Leggett, and Miss Mary Ann Stone was employed in the capacity of teacher. Nine scholars received early instruction and discipline at her hands. Later, district No. 2, having been organized, and embracing section 27 within its boundaries, a school building, known as the Stone school-house, from its close proximity to the residence of Jesse D. Stone, was erected. The earliest teacher is, however, not recalled. Nine whole and two fractional districts now include eleven substantial frame school buildings within the limits, the directors of whom are W. H. Miner, James C. Leggett, Harvey J. Chase, J. W. Haynes, Phineas Konkle, John Nevill, Jacob Rautz, J. B. Hall, Dennie De Lano, Alexander McBride, and Jabish B. Tefft. The number of children receiving instruction is 362, of whom 62 are non-residents. Six male and 17 female teachers preside over the various schools, some in summer and some in winter, who receive an aggregate yearly sum of $1406.67. The total resources of the township for school purposes is $2494.77. EARLY BURIAL-PLACES. The earliest death in Watson occurred in the family of S. A. Atkins. No ground having been set apart for purposes of interment, the remains of the little one were taken to Martin for burial. In 1843 an acre of ground was purchased of Eli Watson, on section 20, neatly fenced, and planted with attractive shade-trees, which has since that date been used by the townspeople as a cemetery. Some years later an acre was secured on section 24, which was inclosed and devoted to the same use. This consecrated spot is located on the borders of a picturesque lake and adorned with evergreens and maples, which combine to make it one of the most attractive localities within the limits of the township. WATSON CORNERS. The land on which the first building at the Corners was erected was originally entered by A. J. Kent, Dec. 8, 1849J, on a warrant obtained for services as a patriot in the war of 1812. It was purchased from him by Edward Billings, who, in 1854, sold to A. W. Atkins. The latter gentleman sold half an acre to George Harman, who speedily built a blacksmith-shop and partially completed a house upon it. Jerome Parks soon after purchased land on the opposite corner and erected a store, which he subsequently disposed of to G. V. Goucher, who still conducts a business adapted to the wants of a country trade. EARLY ROADS. The earliest road which traversed the township of Watson entered it on the western boundary-line, between sections 18 and 19. From that point its course continued until it reached the centre of the section-line between sections 17 and 20, where it diverged to the southeast, passing in an oblique line through sections 20, 21, 22, and terminating at the northwest quarter of section 23, near the. residence of Jesse D. Stone. This road, by intersecting with a road in the township of Allegan, made the village of Allegan accessible to the residents of Watson. It is probable that the survey was made by William R. Watson, in 1837. A road which was recorded April 21,1838, and was surveyed either by William R. Watson or Aaron Chichester, at a date prior to this, began "At a post on the section-line seventeen chains thirty links east of the northwest corner of section 23, in township one north, of range twelve west, and ran as follows: 1st. 4 degrees 15 minutes west 15 chains. 2d. 19 degrees west 28 chains 50 links. 3d. 9 degrees west 38 chains 50 links. 4th. Due north 280 chains. 5th. 45 degrees west 125 chains 25 links. Whole distance, six miles twenty-nine rods, terminating at a post twenty-five rods northwest of the quarter-post on the west line of section twenty-one, in Township two north, of range twelve west." The highway commissioners who directed this survey were Aaron Chichester, Eli Watson, and E. H. House. A road was surveyed by Aaron Chichester in 1839, be 348 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Dr. C. E. Clapp afterward purchased the half-acre originally owned by Harman, and erected a store which he filled with a stock of drugs and groceries. He is also the postmaster of the hamlet. Eugene Bartholomew arrived in 1879 and built a blacksmith-shop, which he still conducts. One of the school buildings of the township is also located here. CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The society of Christians in Watson had its beginning as early as 1854, under the fostering care of Elder Manchester, who first preached to the small flock in the Stone school-house, on section 18. The members increased, and the need of a larger and more permanent place of worship was felt. Under the spur of this need an effort was made to erect a house of worship, which resulted in the present frame edifice on section 23, built in 1856 by subscription. The clergymen in succession after Elder Manchester have been Elders Daily, Deyo, and Fowler. The pastor of the Baptist Church of Otsego, Elder Buck, now holds a service each Sabbath, but the society has no stated pastor. The present trustees are John Edgarton, Samuel Fisk, Nelson Fisk. ST. MARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. In 1857 the first movement was begun which later resulted in the establishment of a permanent and successful Roman Catholic society in Watson. In that year Father Labelle, of French descent, made a pilgrimage to the township from Kalamazoo once in three months, and ministered to the people, services having been held first at the house of Daniel Bracelin, and subsequently at the houses of other residents. In 1867 an effort was made to build a church, and so zealous were this people to further the interests of the cause that several members of the congregation secured a loan of $500 by mortgages on their farms, which three years later were canceled. This amount, together with small subscriptions and contributions in labor and material, enabled them to build the present edifice on section 8. The pastors in succession since Father Labelle's advent have been Father Quinn, Father Herwig, who remained three years, Father Seybold, and the present incumbent, Father Brogger. A Sabbath-school connected with the society is held during the summer months, with about 40 children in attendance. The present trustees are Patrick Gilligan, William Kavanaugh, John McLoughlin. WATSON GRANGE, No. 154. The first effort to establish a grange in Watson was made in 1874, which soon after resulted in the present prosperous organization, its first officers having been John F. Beebe, Master; B. C. Palmer, Overseer; William Kent, Steward; Joseph Miner, Chaplain; J. B. Alexander, Sec.; James W. Kent, Treas. A convenient hall for the use of the organization was soon after erected on section 15. The Watson grange is among the most flourishing in the county, having now a membership of 150, and enjoying a steady increase in members and influence. Its meetings are held twice a month. The present officers are S. P. Albertson, Master; Ransom Leach, Overseer; William A. Reynolds, Chaplain; Monroe Kent, Steward; A. F. Haynes, Sec.; J. W. Kent, Treas. WATSON LODGE, No. 226, I. O. O. F. The charter of Watson Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows bears date Feb. 19, 1876, the charter members having been Judson A. Frost, James E. Lonsbury, David R. Miller, Zachariah Foster, S. Van Duzen, William C. Rowe, Daniel K. Davis, David Bracelin, and Charles E. White. Its first officers were James B. Lonsbury, N. G.; David R. Miller, V. G.; J. A. Frost, Sec.; William R. Rowe, Treas. The convocations of the lodge are held on Saturday night of each week, in a spacious and well-appointed hall which was built for the purpose, and is the property of the lodge, the first floor being used as a public hall. The present officers are B. C. Palmer, N. G.; J. F. Austin, V. G.; G. V. Goucher, Sec.; J. C. Leggett, Permanent Sec.; J. W. Kent, Treas. THE WATSON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. This association was organized by a few citizens of literary taste in 1877, and holds its meetings semi-monthly at the residences of the various members. Its object is the accumulation of a class of wholesome and entertaining literature for the use of those interested in the association. The members have been successful in gathering a choice collection of reading matter, which is dispensed at the residence of Mr. A. W. Atkins, whose son is the efficient librarian. The present officers are Smith Albertson, President; Samuel Fisk, Secretary; Alfred Fassett, Treasurer; L. G. Atkins, Librarian. ORGANIZATION. The survey of township 2 in range 12 was made by Lucius Lyon, being completed April 30, 1831. It was first in Allegan township and then in Otsego, but by the following act, passed Feb. 16, 1842, it became independent: "All that part of the county of Allegan designated as townships Nos. 2, 3, and 4 north, in range No. 12 west, is set off into a separate township and organized by the name of Watson, and the first township-meeting shall be held at the house of Eli Watson." This included the townships of Hopkins and Dorr, which later became distinct organizations and left the township of Watson with its present geographical boundaries, Dorr having been set off in 1847, and Hopkins in 1852. CIVIL LIST. The first meeting of the township of Watson after its organization occurred on the 4th day of April, 1842, at the house of Eli Watson, on section 20, Daniel Leggett, Chester A. Miner, Peter Richart, and William S. Miner having been appointed inspectors of election. The following officers were chosen: Supervisor, Amos D. Dunning; Township Clerk, Eli P. Watson; Treasurer, Eli Watson; Assessors, Peter Richart, John J. Lardner; School Inspectors, William H. Warner, William S. Miner, Amos D. Dunning; Director of the Poor, Charles Benson; Highway Commissioners, Jesse D. Stone, Harvey N. Barker; Justices of the Peace, Erastus Congdon, William Allen; Constables, REOIDCNCE OF CHAS. MINER, WATSON T., ALLEQAN CO., MICHIGAN. I Ir I I WATSON TOWNSHIP. 349 Jesse D. Stone, J. Baker. The township officers from 1843 to 1879 are embraced in the following list: SUPERVISORS. 1843, William S. Miner; 1844, Amos D. Dunning; 1845, Benjamin P. Chase; 1846, Samuel Edgarton; 1847, J. B. Alexander; 1848, W. S. Miner; 1849, Lloyd Austin; 1850, Wells Field; 1851, Lloyd Austin; 1852-53, Wells Field; 1854, Lloyd Austin; 1855, Wells Field; 1856-58, William W. Kent; 1859, Sylvanus Van Duzen; 1860, William W. Kent; 1861, L. D. Nichols; 1862-63, C. L. Horning; 1864, Herman Johnson; 1865, Sylvanus Van Duzen; 1866, C. D. Clements; 1867, John H. Wicks; 1868-69, S. Van Duzen; 1870, C. D. Clements; 1871, Benjamin Pratt; 1872-78, C. D. Clements; 1879, Robert Konkle. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1843, A. D. Dunning; 1844, Daniel Leggett; 1845, Eli P. Watson; 1846, Daniel Leggett; 1847, Chester A. Miner; 1848, A. D. Dunning; 1849, Eli P. Watson; 1850, W. B. Andrus; 1851, Charles E. Watson; 1852-53, A. D. Dunning; 1854, Nelson Fisk; 1855, Samuel Fisk; 1856-60, C. L. Horning; 1861-62, Daniel Leggett; 1863-64, John L. Hughes; 1865, L. D. Nichols; 1866-67, H. D. Edgarton; 1868-70, James C. Leggett; 1871, Ienry J. Leggett; 1872-77, Wesley S. Tefft; 1878, G. A. Miner; 1879, Wesley S. Tefft. TREASURERS. 1843, C. A. Miner; 1844, Luther Howe; 1845, W. S. Miner; 1846, Jesse D. Stone; 1847, K. C.' Osborn; 1848, A. W. Beals; 1849, Randall Brooks; 1850, John S. Gorton; 1851, William C. Rowe; 1852, N. K. Lonsbury; 1853, J. D. Stone; 1854, no record; 1855, Alfred Stone; 1856, James W. Kent; 1857-60, L. D. Nichols; 1861, Melvin B. Nichols; 1862, George Kent; 1863; L. D. Nichols; 1864-65, C. A. Miner; 1866, John F. Beebe; 1867-69, John G. Kent; 1870-71, James W. Kent; 1872, George Kent; 1873-74, Samuel Fisk; 1875, John II. Jones; 1876-77, John G. Kent; 1878, J. E. Lonsbury; 1879, F. C. McClelland. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1843, W. S. Miner; 1844, Sidney W. Dunning; 1845, J. 0. Round; 1846, N. P. Stone; 1847, Benjamin P. Chase; 1848, W. W. Beebe; 1849, Luther Howe; 1850, Horace Bartlett; 1851, Nelson Fisk; 1852, Horace Bartlett; 1853, C. C. Horning; 1854, C. C. Chester; 1855, William Dunton; 1856, Daniel Leggett; 1857, D. A. Swan, M. A. Brewer; 1858, Samuel Fisk; 1859, A. B. Austin; 1860, John A. Bidwell; 1861, Samuel Fisk; 1862, J. S. Bidwell; 1863, Sylvanus Van Duzen; 1864, John H. Wicks; 1865, William Dunton; 1866, J. L. Goodrich; 1867, John H. Wicks; 1868, J. H. Goodrich; 1869, John H. Hicks; 1870, A. J. Bracelin; 1871, Samuel Fisk; 1872, J. F. Goodrich; 1873, John H. Wicks; 1874, Charles White; 1875-77, Samuel Fisk; 1878, John L. Hughes; 1879, John F. Goodrich. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1843, Harvey N. Baker, Jesse D. Stone; 1844, Lloyd Austin, Erastus Congdon; 1845, C. A. Miner, Samuel Edgarton; 1846, H. N. Baker, A. C. Jacobs; 1847, K. C. Osborn, A. C. Jacobs; 1848, J. W. Kent, W. C. Rowe; 1849, John Hicks, S. A. Atkins; 1850, Charles F. Dunning, K. C. Osborn; 1851, R. K. Andrus, G. W. Andrus; 1852, John Hicks, J. W. Kent; 1853, S. Edgerton, C. A. Miner; 1854, William C. Rowe; 1855, Q. H. Gorton; 1856, Herman Johnson; 1857, James E. Lonsbury; 1858, John W. Briggs; 1859, Herman Johnson; 1860, James E. Lonsbury; 1861-62, W. S. Howe; 1863, S. B. Hughes; 1864, Horace Bartlett; 1865, Charles A. Miner; 1866, J. C. Hurspoal; 1867, J. M. Edgarton; 1868-69, George S. Barber; 1870, Joseph Dayton; 1871, Isaac Page; 1872, Lyman Wright; 1873, William C. Rowe; 1874, Isaac Page, Latham Cross; 1875, Francis L. Hickok; 1876, G. A. Dunning; 1877, A. C. Burnham; 1878, A. F. Haynes; 1879, John Anderson. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1843, Wells Field; 1844, N. P. Stone; 1845, Erastus Congdon, E. C. Osborn; 1846, William Tyler; 1847, E. C. Osborn, Wells Field; 1848, W. W. Beebe, Samuel Edgarton, N. K. Lonsbury; 1849, Lyman Knapp; 1850, James W. Kent; 1851, W. W. Kent, E. C. Osborn; 1852, C. C. Collins, J. D. Stone, Samuel Edgarton; 1853, William Kent; 1854, Porter Williams; 1855, William Pulsifer, Lloyd Austin; 1856, Luther Howe, J. B. Tinker; 1857, Dashiel Leggett; 1858, John S. Gorton; 1859, Norton Andrus; 1860, Herman Johnson, Horace Pulsifer; 1861, John Beebe; 1862, John S. Gorton; 1863, C. A. Miner; 1864, William C. Rowe; 1865, Jesse D. Stone, Thomas Goodsell; 1866, William S. Kent; 1867, William Dunton; 1868, J. F. Beebe; 1869, Jesse D. Stone, W. Richards; 1870, G. W. Lawrence; 1871, Lloyd Austin; 1872, Isaac Page; 1873, Chester A. Miner; 1874, James E. Lonsbury; 1875, John Grand; 1876, John H. Wicks, Artemus W. Beals; 1877, Stephen Case, H. D. Edgarton, A. W. Beals; 1878, William Dunton; 1879, John L. Hughes. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1843, Erastus Congdon, Eli Watson; 1844, Daniel Leggett, Peter Richart; 1845, Eli Watson, A. D. Dunning; 1846, W. S. Miner, A. D. Dunning; 1847, A. D. Dunning, Eli Watson; 1848, William Allen, Samuel Edgarton; 1849, Samuel Edgarton, W. W. Beebe; 1850, W. C. Rowe, Josiah Potter; 1851, G. W. Andrus, Josiah Potter; 1852, C. C. Collins; 1853, S. A. Atkins, C. C. Collins; 1854, Daniel Leggett, N.K. Lonsbury; 1855, A. W. Atkins, C. C. Collins; 1856-57, Luther Howe, J. D. Stone; 1858, Thomas Goldspring, Luther Howe. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 1875-79, John H. Wicks. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1876, John L. Hughes; 1877, A. W. Atkins; 1878, George Hicks. CONSTABLES. 1843, Josiah Potter, Nichohls Shellman; 1844, Daniel Leggett, Josiah Potter; 1845, Josiah Potter, D. E. Alexander; 1846, N. K. Lonsbury, Jason Baker; 1847, Peter Richart; 1848, R. K. Andrus, Josiah Potter; 1849, Benona Collins, G. W. Andrus; 1850, Benona Collins, A. C. Jacobs; 1851, W. A. Reynolds, W. S. Howe; 1852, J. S. Gorton, A. W. Atkins, William A. Reynolds; 1853, A. C. Jacobs, J. M. Edgarton, O. Hesselton, W. S. Miner; 1854, A. W. Atkins, Martin Kent, J. S. Gorton, W. W. Howe; 1855, A. W. Atkins, David Hurd, C. M. Miner, II. Mason; 1856, A. W. Atkins, M. V. Kent, W. S. Kent, John Dean; 1857, A. W. Atkins, O. J. Hesselton, Lewis Barney, Alva Graves; 1858, A. W. Atkins, H. Johnson, Porter Williams; 1859, 0. J. Hesselton, James Miner, W. S. Howe, J. B. Alexander; 1860, J. M. Simkins, H. D. Edgarton; 1861, A. W. Atkins, 0. J. Hesselton; 1862, Josiah Potter, Alonzo Campbell, Alva Graves, H. D. Edgarton; 1863, James E. Lonsbury, William H. De Wolf, A. W. Atkins, Josiah Potter; 1864, A. W. Atkins, Enoch Howe, N. S. Pike, Charles Miner; 1865, S. A. Bentley, Duncan Livingston, A. W. Atkins, J. H. Beebe; 1866, James Leggett, Charles Miner, A. F. Haynes, Oliver Caruthers; 1867, E. L. Horning, Herman Johnson, H. Nichols, John Stone; 1868, Charles Miner, G. A. Dunning, Samuel Martin, A. W. Atkins; 1869, A. J. Fasset, Morgan Maybee, Philip Bellinger, Josiah Pulsifer; 1870, Enos Warren, W. Flannagen, B. C. Palmer, William Bracelin; 1871, A. W. Atkins, J. L. Hughes, O. B. Priest, A. Taylor; 1872, J. L. Hughes, Charles Dunton, A. W. Atkins, Enos Warren; 1873, Charles Dunton, A. W. Atkins, C. 0. Collins, George V. Goucher; 1874, Charles Miner, Charles White, Barrett Gibson, George Dayton; 1875, George V. Goucher, A. W. Atkins, W. S. Kent, Charles E. White; 1876, Chauncey Nichols, George F. Ayres, Seymour Stace, Alex. Rowe; 1877, James Miner, Samuel Atkins, Isaac Hoffmaster, John Miner; 1878, Robert Hicks, C. P. Nichols, James Miner, Samuel Atkins; 1879, E. L. Clements, George B. Myers, Thomas Conway, Edward Malony. NOTE.-The foregoing list is as nearly accurate as the records rendered it possible to make it. 350 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Photos. by C. G. Agrell, Allegan. STEPHEN CASE. MRS. STEPHEN CASE. STEPHEN CASE. The parents of Stephen Case were both natives of New York State, the father having died when the lad was but six years of age. This son, the tenth in a family of thirteen.children, whose birth occurred in Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y., May 20, 1824, found a home with an uncle until his twenty-second year, when he engaged in labor elsewhere in the same township. He purchased land in Michigan in 1848, and two years later married Miss Sarah Harris, daughter of Thomas and Mary Harris, who was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., March 19, 1828. In the spring of 1855, Mr. and Mrs. Case became pioneers in the township of Watson, Allegan Co., where he erected a log house, which is the inevitable accompaniment of the life of the early settler, and chopped thirty acres soon after his advent. This was not, however, a permanent abiding-place. In 1870 he sold, and the year following purchased his present attractive home. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Case includes four children,-Mary E., born Oct. 5, 1851; Ardell S., born Dec. 5, 1853; Ella A., born Jan. 27, 1856; and Julia P., whose birth occurred Sept. 28, 1858. Mary E. was married in April, 1876, to James R. Fenner; Ella A. became Mrs. William H. Hooper, Dec. 19, 1877; and Julia P. was united to Delavan R. Hooper in May, 1879. They all occupy homes in the vicinity of that of Mr. and Mrs. Case, forming a neighborhood linked by the ties of relationship and affection. WILLIAM A. REYNOLDS. The parents of William A. Reynolds were born in the State of New York, and he, the eleventh in a family of twelve children, was a native of Jefferson County, in that State. He was early placed in the family of William Hewitt, with whom he remained until his ninth year, when ill-treatment compelled him to seek other quarters, and the lad became a ward of the town. From the age of nine until his fourteenth year, his home was with a cousin. At the expiration of that time he became independent of friendly aid, having earned a comfortable support by hard labor. On the 5th of February, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Russell, both natives of the State of New York. In 1844, Mr. Reynolds followed the tide of emigration to the West and located at Gun Plain, where he remained one year. In 1845 he removed to the land he at present owns, having pre-empted it. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds was brightened by the happy faces of six children,three boys and three girls. Mrs. Mary Reynolds having died on March 30,1872, her husband, on the 22d of March, 1873, was united to Mrs. Mary Palmer, widow of David Palmer, formerly of Pine Plains. Mr. Reynolds is associated with the Baptist Church, of which he is an active member, as he is also of the lodge of Odd-Fellows of Watson. In politics he affiliates with the Greenback party. He is an enterprising and publicspirited citizen, and by his consistency of character has won the respect of acquaintances and neighbors. CHARLES MINER. Though not a pioneer in the sense of age, Mr. Miner was among the earliest arrivals in Allegan County, and has accomplished as much of the preliminary labor of clearing as others whose silver locks are evidence of the rapid flight of time. His birth occurred in the town of Brighton, Monroe Co., N. Y., Jan. 3, 1835, and with his father, Chester A. Miner, he made his advent in the State soon after. His residence was at the homestead until twentyone years of age, when he returned to the East, and during this period married Miss Lucy R. Edgarton. Together I~ _ ___ _ __ i RESI cN CE Of G, ATSONF I PC I Ar LLE GA N L, QI IV71 cH. rESSIDENCE OF U.t.A Y ntr.b, WATSON IF, ALLEGAN (O.,MICH. WATSON TOWNSHIP. 351 they embarked for Michigan with little else than courage and ambition as their capital. Mr. Miner purchased a farm in'Watson, and their energies were directed to liquidating the indebtedness upon this land. To acquire means for this purpose was a much less arduous task at the East than in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Miner's family circle has been made happy by the presence of four sons. Frank M. was born June 7, 1858, and died Oct. 1, 1862; James was born in Hartland, N. Y., May 26, 1860; the birth of Martin C. occurred June 8, 1868; and that of Fred C., June 20, 1871. Mr. Miner is a Republican in his political convictions, but is rarely interested in party differences or local contests. The cares of the fine property he has accumulated occupy at present his time and energies. ISAAC PAGE. Mr. Page was formerly a British subject, having been born (the fifth in a family of nine children) in Sussex, England, Feb. 15, 1829. In 1855 he sailed for the hospitable shores of America, and in the same year arrived in Watson, Allegan Co., where he engaged in clearing land and other labors of a similar character until a favorable opportunity occurred for the cultivation of a farm on shares. He meanwhile purchased eighty acres of land, which was sold again in 1867, he having bought a more desirable tract elsewhere. To this he has from time to time added, until two hundred and fifteen acres are embraced in his present estate. Having been possessed of little or no property on his arrival, Mr. Page may, in an eminent sense, be regarded as entitled to a prominent place among the selfmade men of this county. Mrs. Page was formerly Miss Susan A. Clay, a native of Virginia, to whom he was married March 24, 1872. In 1869 Mr. Page visited the home of his childhood, which he had left many years before almost penniless, but now as a successful and independent farmer. In politics Mr. Page is a Democrat, and has held the offices of justice of the peace and highway commissioner, both of which positions he has dignified by administrations characterized by ability and integrity. In religion he is a liberal, but his opinions are marked by a profound respect and regard for the convictions of others. GORUM W. GORTON. The father of G. W. Gorton, the latter of whom is the subject of this biographical sketch, was William H. Gorton, a native of the State of New York, who was born Nov. 15, -1 1801. His mother, whose birthplace was in the same State, was Miss Electa Hitchcock, who was born Feb. 14, 1799. The birth of their son Gorum W., a native of Monroe Co., N. Y., and the fourth in a family of six children, occurred Aug. 29, 1829. In 1849 the latter embarked for Michigan, having previous to his twentieth year assisted his father in his farming pursuits. His grandfather had entered land in Watson, which had by inheritance fallen to him. On his arrival he remained one year, and then returned to his native State, where he was married to Miss Mary A. Mellows, who was the daughter of Thomas and Jane Davis Mellows, and was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., June 30, 1830. She was the third in a family of eight children, her parents having formerly resided in England. In 1852, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Gorton became permanent residents of the State. He had previously hired twenty acres chopped, and upon this he built a log house, to which they removed, and experienced all the privations of the Western pioneer. Three children have graced their family circle,-Electa J., born Dec. 15, 1851; Russell J., whose birth occurred May 12, 1857; and J. W., born Oct. 5, 1863. These children still enjoy the protection of the parental roof. In religion Mr. Gorton is liberal; in politics a Republican, though not an active partisan. D. F. AYRES. In a family embracing eight sons and ten daughters, Mr. D. F. Ayres was the eleventh child, having been born in Pennsylvania, March 3, 1822. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, when employment was sought in an iron-foundry in Ohio, his family having meanwhile removed to that State. On the 9th of January, 1845, he married Miss Sarah, daughter of George Mason, who was a native of Essex Co., N. Y., and born Feb. 6, 1828. Mr. Ayres came to the State in 1852, and secured the land he at present owns. It was entirely unimproved, and indicates much labor and enterprise in its present cultivated condition. A log house was early erected, which has been the comfortable home of the family to the present day. Mr. and Mrs. Ayres have had four children,-George F. and G. F. (2d), Cora A. and Tull B., the last of whom is still a member of the home circle. In politics Mr. Ayres was formerly a Republican, but his political affiliations have more recently been with the Greenback party. He is one of the most conspicuous examples of the reward which follows industry and ambition, having borrowed the means with which to reach Michigan. WAY LAN D. THIS township, situated on the eastern border of Allegan County, north of the centre, embraces territory designated in the field-notes of the original survey as township number 3 north, of range number 11 west. It was formed from Martin in 1843, and began a separate existence, April 1, 1844. The adjoining townships are Leighton on the north, Hopkins on the west, Martin on the south, and Yankee Springs, inBarry County, on the east. Its surface, generally rolling, was cumbered originally with a heavy growth of timber, the deciduous varieties common to this region predominating. In the vicinity of the present village of Wayland, also in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the township, extensive pine-groves once existed. These beautiful and valuable monarchs of the.forest, however, with the exception of Balch's tract, fell early victims to the rapacity of the all-pervading " shingleweavers" of the pioneer period; many of them, indeed, before the land came into market, or while assessed as nonresident. Wayland soil affords no exception to that which characterizes Michigan lands generally,-i, alternating belts or strips of clay and sandy loam, with here and there, in the lover portions, alluvial deposits. Intelligently cultivated, it is productive, and yields generously of fruit, grain, etc. The people are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, wheat, live-stock, and lumber, being the principal articles of shipment. The water-courses are unimportant, the principal one being Rabbit River, or the outlet of Mud Lake, which flows to the northwest. Several lakes dot the surface, and together embrace an area of about 900 acres, the largest among them being known as Selkrig's, Boot, Geneva, and Mud Lakes. Gun Lake, the largest body of water in this vicinity, includes within its limits the extreme southeast corner of the township. The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, which was completed in 1870, running in a north-and-south course through the western part, traverses sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 30, and 32, Wayland and Bradley being the stations in this township. EVENTS PRECEDING SETTLEMENT. The history of Wayland properly begins with the year 1826, when Deputy Lucius Lyon ran its boundaries. A period of over four years then elapsed, when the denizens of its forests were again disturbed by a second surveyingparty. This party was headed by Sylvester Sibley, also a deputy United States surveyor, who had contracted to run By J. S. Schenck. 352 out the sectional lines of this and many other townships in this part of the State. His work in this township was completed during the month of March, 1831. Although this small portion of the public domain was soon after placed in market, it was not until Jan. 9, 1835, that the first individual purchase of land was made in the present township of Wayland. On the date last mentioned Col. Isaac Barnes, who had become the first settler of Richland, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., in 1830, purchased a portion of section 9. Three other tracts only were purchased during the remainder of the year 1835, to wit: part of section 29, Azor Forsyth and Alanson Beals, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Sept. 10, 1835; part of section 6, Isaac and George W. Barnes, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 25, 1835; part of section 10, Isaac and George W. Barnes, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 25, 1835. Prior to or soon after the first settlement many other early entries were made, as shown by the following list: Section 1.-Daniel C. and Ambrose C. Kingsland, New York City, Dec. 16, 1836. Section 2.-Isaac Barnes, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 9, 1836. Section 3.-Philo Bronson, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 25,1836; Chauncey Pratt, Seneca Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836; Solomon Filkins, St. Joseph Co., Mich., January, 1837; Isaac and George W. Barnes, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., February, 1837. Section 4.-Charles C. Trowbridge, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1836; Abraham Voorhies, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March, 1836. Section 5.-Charles C. Trowbridge, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1836; Norman Eldred, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Feb. 19, 1836; Philo Bronson, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836; Chauncey Pratt, Seneca Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836; James B. Adams, Wayne Co., Mich., December, 1836. Section 6.-Philo Bronson, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836; Chauncey Pratt, Seneca Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836; William M. Glendy, Baltimore, Md., January, 1837. Section 7.-Samuel Pettibone, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., April, 1836; Philo Vredenburgh, Cass Co., Mich., December, 1836; William M. Glendy, Baltimore, Md., January, 1837; Philo Vredenburgh, Cass Co., Mich., January, 1837.,Section 8.-Edward H. Macy, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., April, 1836; Chauncey Pratt, Seneca Co., N. Y., April 25, 1836; Samuel Pettibone and John H. Adams, Allegan Co., Mich., December, 1836; Peter Chisholm, Allegan Co., Mich., December, 1836. Section 9.-Erastus Ingersoll, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 9,1836; Abraham Voorhies, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March, 1836; John Winslow and Amos Brownson, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836. Section 10.-Isaac and George W. Barnes, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., March 20,1837; Charles M. Coffin, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July, 1837. Section 11.-Samuel Center, Monroe Co., N. Y., March, 1837; John H. Adams, Allegan Co., Mich., May, 1837; Asahel Boughton, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1837; Charles M. Coffin, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July, 1837. Section 12.-Samuel B. Knapp, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December, 1836; D. C. and A. C. Kingsland, New York City, Dec. 16, 1836; Samuel Center, Monroe Co., N. Y., March, 1837. Section 13.-Samuel B. Knapp, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 17,1836; D. C. and A. C. Kingsland, New York City, Feb. 24, 1837. Section 14.-William Jackson, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1836; Edward McVicker, Lewis Co., N. Y., March, 1837; Archibald RESIDENCE OF DR. H.J. TU R N ER, WA YLAND. ALLEGAN CO., M ICH. R 4 Ma -Achipeago., RESD ENCE OF GEO.H. JA CK SON, WAYLA NO MICHIGAN. WAYLAND TOWNSHIP. 353 McVicker, Monroe Co., N. Y., March, 1837; Charles M. Coffin, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July, 1837. Section 15.-Erastus Ingersoll, Oakland Co., Mich., Jan. 19, 1836; Justus Norris, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Feb. 13, 1836; William Jackson, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1836. Section 16.-School lands. Section 17.-David S. Dille, and L. A. Crane, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., April, 1836; Luther H. Trask, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December, 1836. Section 18.-Cyrenus Thompson, Allegan Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1836; Luther H. Trask, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., January, 1837; Oranger S. Miles, Allegan Co., Mich., January, 1837; Chester Cummings, Worcester Co., Mass., March, 1837. Section 19.-Lucien Miner, Charlotteville, Va., Dec. 15, 1836; Asa Johnson, Washtenaw Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 20.-Amos Brown and John Winslow, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836; John H. Adams and Peter Chisholm, Allegan Co., Mich., February, 1836; Chester Cummings, Worcester, Mass., February, 1837. Section 21.-Epaphroditus Ransom, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836; Elias C. White, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 16, 1836; Henry Leach, Albany Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1837. Section 22.-Henry Leach, Albany Co.; N. Y., Jan. 14, 1837. Section 23.-First entry made by Nelson M. Pollard, in June, 1840. Section 24.-William Ames, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May, 1837; Charles Morgan, Lenawee Co., Mich., May, 1837. Section 25.-Luther H. Trask, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1836; John H. Adams, Allegan Co., Mich., May 14, 1837; David Green, Lenawee Co., Mich., May 14, 1837; Orrin Orton, Allegan Co., Mich., May 14, 1837. Section 26.-Levi S. White, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Feb. 22, 1836; Luther H. Trask, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Dec. 14, 1836; Stephen S. Germond, Bennington, Vt., July 10, 1837; Henry Shepson, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 8, 1837. Section 27.-William C. White, Essex Co., N. J., Feb. 20, 1836; Timothy Gregg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1836; Walter Gage, Lenawee Co., Mich., January, 1837. Section 28.-Timothy Gregg, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec. 16, 1836; David Bradley, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec. 16, 1836; John L. Walker, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 10, 1837; Sarah M. Weaver, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 14, 1837; Walter Gage, Lenawee Co., Mich., Jan. 14, 1837; L. Platt, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 14, 1837. Section 29.-Alexander H. Edwards, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 23, 1837. Section 30.-Lucien Miner, Charlotteville, Va., Dec. 15, 1836; John Ladd, Oneida Co., N. Y., April 5, 1837. Section 31.-Robert Murdock, Lenawee Co., Mich., Jan. 23, 1837; William Holloway, Lenawee Co., Mich., Jan. 23, 1837; Eli Arnold, Allegan Co., Mich., Feb. 17, 1837; Dan Arnold, Allegan Co., Mich., April 27, 1837. Section 32.-Cynthia W. Atcherson, Franklin Co., Ohio, Jan. 13, 1837; George Williams, Lenawee Co., Mich., January, 1837; William Holloway, Lenawee Co., Mich., January, 1837; Shubal Ladd, Oneida Co., N. Y., January, 1837. Section 33.-David Bradley, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1836; Lovell H. Moore, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 13, 1837; Cynthia W. Atcherson, Franklin Co., Ohio, January, 1837; Thomas Sackrider, Lenawee Co., Mich., January, 1837; John H. Adams, Allegan Co., Mich., March, 1837. Section 34.-Cornelius Northrop, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1836; Lovell H. Moore, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., December, 1836. Section 35.-Charles Parker, Barry Co., Mich., Jan. 23, 1836; Dauphin Brown, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., February, 1836; Marsh Giddings, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., February, 1836; Thomas Hubbard, Jr., Hampden Co., Mass., March, 1837; Cyrus P. Demming, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., May, 1837. Section 36.-Solomon B. Lathrop, Genesee Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1836; Orrin Orton, Allegan Co., Mich., April, 1837; Cyrus P. Demming, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., May, 1837; Hiram Holabird, St. Joseph Co., Mich., May, 1837. Very few of those mentioned in the foregoing list, however, became actual settlers. 45 FIRST AND OTHER EARLY SETTLEMENTS. During the years 1835, 1836, and 1837, Col. Isaac Barnes, of Gull Prairie, and his son, George W. Barnes, purchased large tracts of government land in the counties of Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren. In this township they owned lands on sections 2, 3, 6, 9, and 10. On Rabbit River, in the southwest part of section 2, was a mill-site. Surrounding it, and on other lands owned by them in the immediate vicinity, were extensive forests of pine. The mill-site was purchased in January, 1836, and during the winter of 1836-37 the Messrs. Barnes built a log house on the site of F. F. Wait's present residence. Upon its completion this house was occupied by Daniel Jackson and wife, from Gull Prairie, Jackson having been hired to come here, keep the house, and board the men then engaged in lumbering and the construction of a saw-mill. The Jacksons remained but about four months, Mrs. Jackson becoming so lonely and homesick in the wild woods that life here was no longer endurable. It was necessary, however, that some one should attend to household duties in caring for the wants of the workmen, and, as the owners intended to make this place their permanent residence, Lucius A. Barnes-son of Isaac-was induced to remove from Gull Prairie and occupy the house just vacated by Mr. Jackson. With his young wife he first began housekeeping here in the month of September, 1837. Thus began the first settlement in the present township of Wayland, or Lumbertoin, as it was then called,-a name adopted by Col. Barnes and family, and by which it was known until its separate organization, in 1844. The saw-mill was completed during the winter of 1837 -38, and for several years lumbering was carried on quite extensively. The early products of this mill were hauledby L. A. Barnes, principally-to Marshall, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo. For five or six years the water-supply was abundant, the flow in Rabbit River being about four times its present volume. In 1850 the mill became the property of William B. Hill, and thereafter power was derived from steam. George W. Barnes never married. He represented this district in the State Legislature in 1839, and upon the organization of Martin, the same year, he suggested its name, in honor of President Van Buren. He served as the second supervisor of Martin in 1840, and was prominent in other official capacities. About 1838 or 1839 he became the first postmaster of the " Wayland" office,* and continued as such for a number of years. In 1844 he was elected the first supervisor of Wayland, and until his death, which occurred in 1853, he was one of the most prominent men in the eastern part of Allegan County. Col. Isaac Barnes, who was an early government surveyor and the first settler on Gull Prairie in 1830, and who pro * Joel Batchelor, of Plainfield, had the contract for carrying the mails, and Wat Wait, mounted on horseback, was the carrier. The route through this township led over the old diagonal road, which extended from the southwest corner of the township, vid David Bradley's residence, to Barnes' Mill. In later years Rathbun & Pratt ran stages over the same route, and they were succeeded by Lucius A. Barnes. The " Bradley" post-office was established subsequent to that of Wayland. 354 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I jected the first improvements in Wayland, died here Feb. 22, 1848. His wife followed him but three days later. Lucius A. Barnes, still a resident of this township, is entitled to prominence as one of the earliest pioneers of Southern Michigan. In 1830 he carried the first mail west from Jackson,* the route extending from the latter place to Gull Prairie. The dwelling of Rev. Mr. Fassett, who lived some six miles west from Sandstone, was then the only one between the two points mentioned. Trips were made on horseback. The following year, with horseteam and wagon, he carried the mail from Marshall, via Battle Creek and Gull Prairie, to Schoolcraft. He also claims to have driven the first horse-team from Gull Prairie to White Pigeon and Niles, to have entered at the White Pigeon land-office, for Louis Campau, the lands now occupied by the city of Grand Rapids, and to have driven the first sleigh into Grand Rapids when its only white inhabitants were Louis Campau, the French trader, and Rev. Leonard Slater, the Indian missionary. Since his first settlement in this town, in 1837, Mr. L. A. Barnes has resided in Ohio and at Green Lake, in Leighton, where he kept hotel for some years in the old building erected by Louis Campau in 1833 or 1834. He again became a citizen of Wayland in 1854. Orrin Orton, who settled in the present township of Gun Plain in 1835, purchased portions of sections 25 and 36, in this township, in the spring of 1837, and became one of the earliest settlers in Wayland by locating upon the northeast quarter of section 36 during the fall of the latter year. Timothy Gregg, of Hector, Tompkins Co. (now Schuyler Co.), N. Y., bought lands on sections 27 and 28 in December, 1836. Joseph M., his eldest son, was then a resident of Kalamazoo, Mich. During the spring of 1837, Timothy Gregg, accompanied by his son William H. H., came to Michigan and occupied a rented place on Grand Prairie, Kalamazoo Co. One year later the father and sons removed to this township and began the improvement of land purchased in 1836. The family first occupied a shanty which stood near Shelby Station. During the summer a road was cut to Barnes' saw-mill, where plank was obtained, when a dwelling, composed of that material, was built upon the premises now owned by William H. H. Gregg. This family were assisted in their labor by George Haywood, who ultimately married Mr. Gregg's daughter and became one of the well-known pioneers of the township. The Greggs raised a crop of corn on John H. Adams' land the first year, and excellent potatoes upon their own, four or five hills of which would fill a bushel-measure. They also cleared and sowed to wheat some nine acres. Members of this family affirm that their settlement was made prior to that of Orrin Orton, while there are others who assert that Orton was the second settler in the township. Nelson Chambers, the first settler in the northwest quarter of the township, came in with a sleigh during the winter of 1838-39. In June, 1839, he was assessed as owning 80 acres on section 5, valued at $240, and one yoke of oxen, valued at $70. He was very needy at the time of making his beginning here, but by dint of great industry, persever ane,.and shrewd management he ultimately amassed -a handsome competency. Among others who settled during the year 1839 were Oziel H. Rounds on section 27; Joel Brownson on section 20; his son Apollos P., who early settled upon section 5; Rev. James Selkrig at the mission; and Nelson M. Pollard, who first worked for Mr. Selkrig, but afterwards purchased land on sections 23 and 29. SELKRIG AND THE INDIAN MISSION. Rev. James Selkrig was born in the town of Claverack, Columbia Co., N. Y. His father, Jeremiah Selkrig, gained distinction during the war of the Revolution as one of Washington's aids. Quite early James sought the dangers and excitement of a seafaring life, and served under both the French and American flags. He finally became a resident of Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., a convert and preacher of the Methodist Episcopal faith, and for some years preached at various places in that region. He then adopted the tenets of the Episcopal Church, and was ordained by Bishop Onderdonk, of New York. In 1836 he moved from Onondaga Co., N. Y., to the village of Niles, Mich., where he soon after built the first Episcopal church edifice in that portion of the State. Desirous of having music to aid him in the services, with his own hands he constructed an organ, and presented it to the church. He remained at Niles two years. At about this time the scattered bands of Indians still remaining among the settled districts of Michigan attracted the attention of the general government, and a plan was devised of bringing them together under various religious denominations by appropriating certain sums of money to the churches then in existence here, for mission purposes, in lieu of granting yearly annuities to the Indians themselves. Desiring to improve this opportunity, Bishop McCoskry, then the Episcopal head of this diocese, began looking about him for subjects upon which to bestow the blessings of civilization and the protection afforded by his church. His search was rewarded by the discovery of Chief Sagamaw's band of Ottawas and a few Pottawattamies,-about 150 in number,-who were dwelling on a peninsula jutting into Gun Lake. These destitute savages, once, with their fellows, the proud and undisputed owners of a large portion of the State, had been gradually forced back from their ancient hunting-grounds, until they knew not where to lay their heads. In 1838, Rev. James Selkrig was deputed by the bishop to visit this Indian encampment and to offer those assembled there the benefits of a mission home. Securing the personal aid of Rev. Leonard Slater, an Indian missionary of the Baptist denomination, an audience was had with Sagamaw at his encampment. The chief requested more time for thought upon the matter, and a second meeting was appointed to be held on the north bank of the beautiful sheet of water now known as Selkrig Lake. The bishop was present at this meeting, and at its close the Indians con sented to settle on lands to be located near the lake last mentioned. Thereupon there was purchased for mission purposes, from the government, 160 acres situated on section * Then a hamlet, called Jacksonburg. PHOTO's. Vy PAOMAND MARY J. SEA VER. YWM. SEAVER. WAYLAND HOUSE, WM.SEAVER, PROP.1 WAYLAND, MICH. 4 WAYLAND TOWNSHIP. 20,* and from Lawrence Vandewalker, of Kalamazoo, 200 acres, situated upon section 28. During the summer of 1839, Mr. Selkrig and family removed from Niles to the mission. His family consisted of himself, his wife, and three children, named James E., Jeremiah, and Charles F. He settled upon the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 28. His first house was of peculiar construction. The walls consisted of hewn timbers tenoned at both ends, which were set upright, and secured to both sills and plates by entering a continuous mortise. The Indians were established upon the same 40 acres during the summer of 1839, and their first work under the supervision of Mr. Selkrig was the building of their wigwams and a large arbor or bower-house, where religious services were held. Mr. Selkrig's sermons were delivered in English and interpreted by Adoniram Judson,t or " Mawbese," an educated Ottawa, who, during his time, was considered one of the best interpreters in the State. These meetings were also regularly attended by many of the early pioneers of the township. A few years after his settlement Mr. Selkrig built the dwelling now occupied by his widow and family, and the old building was then used as the chapel. Until his death, which occurred Oct. 5, 1878, he continued active in the discharge of his labors; and if he did not succeed in educating his proteges up to a higher degree of excellence than they have attained elsewhere, most certainly he was afforded the gratification of seeing them become self-supporting as agriculturists, and as a class generally law-abiding. Their first chief on these grounds, Sagamaw, was killed by his son-in-law, in 1845, during a drunken quarrel. Pen-ah-see, or " Bird," then became their chieftain, and upon his death was succeeded by Moses Foster or She-pe-quonk, meaning " Big Thunder," who is their present chief. There still remain upon the mission-lands 14 families of those people, or about 75 persons all told. They are Indians still, however, and after more than forty years of daily contact and intercourse with their white neighbors, they retain all the prominent characteristics of their race in features and habits, and as a result their cabins are squalid in appearance, while their style of farming cannot be commended. Samuel E. Lincoln, a native of the State of New York, with his parents, moved to Ohio at an early day. In 1837 he came to Kalamazoo and worked at his trade as a house carpenter. During the spring of 1840, accompanied by his brother Horatio, he came to the present town of Wayland, and built for Timothy Gregg the first framed barn in the township. This was a large structure, 32 by 44 feet ground plan, with posts 16 feet in length, and required to raise it the presence of all the able-bodied menD of the territory comprised in the present towns of Wayland, Martin, Hopkins, and Leighton, and several from Gun Plains and Yankee Springs. This barn is still standing. In his recollections of events of that time, and of the pioneers who preceded him here, Mr. Lincoln'recalls the names of all those already mentioned. He believes that the principals in the first marriage were Richard S. Sage, of Kalamazoo County, and Eveline, daughter of Joel Brownson, and that the ceremony was performed during the winter of 1841 and 1842. The second marriage was that of himself to Miss Brown, Oct. 12, 1843, and the third, Hiram Loomis to Miss Julia Heydenberk, about 1844. The first birth occurred in January, 1840, being that of Eliza A. Rounds, daughter of Oziel H. Rounds. Marion Filkins, son of Solomon Filkins, was born the same year. An early death was that of Mary Hamblin, a granddaughter of Abijah Brown. Orrin Orton erected the second framed barn, and George W. Barnes the first framed dwelling,the building now occupied by F. F. Wait. Mr. Lincoln was also a pioneer in the township of Leighton. He now resides in the village of Wayland. In years prior to 1842 among the additional settlers of Wayland were Joseph Heydenberk, on section 7; Solomon Filkins, on section 3; Abijah Brown, sections 27 and 28; John Frantz, section 24; John A. Brown, Hiram Loomis, Thomas Loomis, Calvin Lewis, Joseph and Abel Angel; and before the organization of the township we find here Stephen S. Germond, Luther Martin, John Haywood, and Dr. David Bradley. Dr. Bradley came from Tompkins Co., N. Y., and was an early postmaster; also the first physician, merchant, and tavern-keeper in the township. His place was on the old stage-route, section 28. He removed to Martin Corners in 1854. Twenty-four voters were present at the first township-meeting in 1844, and 28 persons were assessed as resident tax-payers the same year. Their names, location, and acres owned by each will be shown on another page. Other well-known pioneers~ who settled in Wayland before the year 1850 were Humphrey Gardner, who came in 1846; John Woodward, Justus Taylor, Myron Briggs, Levi Mosher, Amasa Eldred, Cooper Eldred, Levi D. Taylor, Ralph Pratt, William Buchanan, Ambrose Mosher, Alfred Mann, Rev. Samuel Newberry, David Brown, E. F. Waldo, Harlow J. Dean, Tyler Johnson, and George W. Lewis. The United States census of 1850 reported as follows regarding Wayland: Number of dwelling-houses........................... 92 " families..................................... 96 " inhabitants................................. 406 Value of real estate..................................... $40,195 Number of occupied farms............................ 13 " acres improved........................... 555 "( " unimproved....................... 1315 Value of farm-lands.................................... $13,700 " farming implements....................... $1,025 Number of horses...................................... 9 " Um ilch-cows................................. 36 " working oxen............................ 26 " other cattle................................ 70 " sheep......................................... 82 " sw ine......................................... 55 Value of live-stock...................................... $2,969 *' The southeast quarter, which was entered by Samuel A. McCoskry, of Wayne Co., Mich., June 23, 1839. The mission-lands lying on section 28 were entered in the name of Sarah M. Weaver, of Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Jan. 14, 1837. t Several years later found frozen to death on the Sager farm. W Wm. H. H. Gregg rode two days to invite these men to the " raising.' This list includes some Leighton people, the latter township having been attached to Wayland until 1848. 356 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Number of bushels wheat produced during 1849 1,213 " " rye " (" " 40 " " Indian corn produced during 1849................... 1,850 " " oats produced during 1849 1,165 ' " barley " " "l 80 i' " buckwheat produced during 1849........................... 117 t" " potatoes produced during 1849....................... 1,435 " pounds wool produced during 1849 250 " " butter " " " 2,980 " " cheese " " " 250 " tons hay " " " 104 pounds maple-sugar produced during 1849...................... 1,850 " steam saw-mills........................... 1 Capital invested in saw-mill........................ $2,000 Annual product of saw-mill (feet).................. 400,000 Value of sawed product per year................... $2,800 The census of 1860 reported 194 dwelling-houses, 185 families, and a total population of 917. That of 1874 (the latest) returned a total population of 1761 inhabitants. An approximate estimate of the present population places it at about 2400. CIVIL HISTORY. This township, originally forming part of Plainfield, was set off as part of Martin in 1839. By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 9,1843, with Leighton, it was organized as Wayland. Section 1 of an act to organize certain townships in the State of Michigan reads as follows: " Be it enacted by the Senate and Hoiuse of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That all that part of the county of Allegan designated by the United States Survey as townships number three and four north, of range number eleven west, now a part of the township of Martin, be and the same is, hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Wayland, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Col. Barnes, in said township." FIRST TOWNSHIP ELECTION, ETC. It seems that the first township-meeting was not held, however, until the spring of 1844, for we find, by referring to the township records, that the legal voters assembled at the house of Isaac Barnes, April 1, 1844, for the purpose of holding their " first township-meeting," and organized by choosing Isaac Barnes moderator, Joel Bronson, George W. Barnes, and Joseph Heydenberk inspectors, and Luther Martin clerk pro tem. Twenty-four voters were present, and the election resulted in the choice of the following township officers: George W. Barnes, Supervisor; Luther Martin, Township Clerk; Oziel H. Rounds, Treasurer; Stephen S. Germond, Solomon Filkins, Assessors; Isaac Barnes, George W. Barnes, School Inspectors; Nelson Chambers, Joseph Heydenberk, Directors of the Poor; Isaac Barnes, Oziel H. Rounds, Nelson Chambers, Highway Commissioners; George W. Barnes, Stephen S. Germond, Oziel H. Rounds, Nelson Chambers, Justices of the Peace; Calvin Lewis, Nelson M. Pollard, Constables. Joel Bronson was elected overseer of highways in the west district; Samuel E. Lincoln, overseer in the southeast district; Solomon Filkins, overseer in the northeast district; and William S. Hooker, overseer for the district comprising township 4. At the same meeting it was voted "That the bounty on wolves should be $6.00. "To raise $150 for township purposes. " That the township clerk be authorized to purchase books for record, and ballot-boxes. " That the next township-meeting be held at the house of Luther Martin.' On the 19th of June, 1844, the authorities of Martin and Wayland met for the purpose of making an equitable division of township moneys, Wayland receiving $162.85, represented by the following securities: In county orders......................................... $19.00 Two notes against George W. Barnes............ 17.43 State bonds................................................ 70.00 Library money............................................ 14.66 Highway money...................................... 41.76 $162.85 RESIDENTS OF 1844. During the same month and year (June, 1844) the first assessment-roll of Wayland was completed. The names of resident tax-payers, the number of acres owned, and the sections upon which their lands were situated are shown by the following table: Acres. John Haywood, section 11..................................................... 40 Orrin Orton, sections 25, 36.................................................. 240 Stephen S. Germond, section 26.................................... 144 John Frantz, section 24..............................,..... 160 Oziel H. Rounds, section 27.................................................. 141 Timothy Gregg, sections 27, 28............................................. 160 Joseph M. Gregg, section 34.0................................. 80 David Bradley, section 28................................................... 80 George Haywood, section 14................................................ 120 James Selkrig, sections 28, 29............................................... 206 Joel Brownson, section 20......................... 160 Joseph Ieydenberk, section 7............................................... 160 Apollos P. Brownson, section 5........................................ 40 Samuel E. Lincoln.............................................................. Per. Nelson Chambers, section 5................................................... 80 Abijah Brown, sections 27, 28............................................... 160 Nelson M. Pollard, sections 23, 29......................................... 200 Luther M artin, section 23.................................................... 40 Solomon Filkins, section 3................................................... 08 George W. Barnes, sections 2, 3, 6, 10, 31, 35......................... 298 Joseph Angel.................................................................... Per. C alvin Lew is..................................................................... Hiram Loomis.......................................................... A bel A ngel................................................................ John A. B row n.................................................................. " Boughton Wilson, section 24, township 4 north, range 11 west. 160 Samuel B. and Wm. S. Hooker, section 34, township 4 north, range 11 west.............................................................. 160 The real and personal estate of townships 3 and 4 north, of range 11 west, was valued at $29,858, and the tax levied was $623.65. Of this there was collected $183.93. RESULTS OF ELECTIONS, ETC. Thirty-seven votes were polled in 1845. In 1849, after the erection of Leighton, which was set off in 1848, 45 votes were given at the spring election. At the Presidential election of 1868 the Republican electors received 257 votes; Democratic, 187. In 1872 the Republican electors received 197 votes; Liberal Democratic, 52; Democratic, 8. In 1876 the Republican electors received 244 votes; Democratic, 142; Greenback, 46. Total votes polled in the spring of 1879, 454. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The fbllowing comprises a list of the principal officers of the township elected annually for the years from 1845 to 1880 inclusive: SUPERVISORS. 1845, Joel Brownson; 1846, Stephen S. Germond; 1847, Nelson Chambers; 1848, Joel Brownson; 1849-60, Abel Angel;* 1861, Ralph Pratt; 1862-72, Abel Angel; 1873, Orrin W. Nash; 1874-75, Abel Angel; 1876-80, David Stockdale. * Ambrose Mosher appointed to fill vacancy April 17, 1855. Ralph Pratt appointed to fill vacancy April 10, 1860. AS,i t o t 8/ l-A o M 'tas 8. d ' -— X ~ RESIDENCE OF JOSIAH E. HARDING, BRADLEY, MICH..,. i WC~AYLAND ZTOWVNSHIP. 357 WAWSAN TOWSH TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1845-46, Samuel B. Hooker; 1847, Luther Martin; 1848, Nelson Chambers; 1849-51, Stephen S. Germond; 1852-54, Ambrose Mosher; 1855, George Haywood; 1856, George B. Manchester; 1857, George Haywood; 1858-59, Ralph Pratt; 1860, T. J. Linton; 1861, David M. Swett; 1862, William R. Harrison; 1863, Edwin E. Hoyt; 1864, Wm. H. White; 1865-66, E. G. Seaver; 1867, G. Chase Goodwin; 1868, Henry C. Garrett; 1869, Hiram S. Warren; 1870, Wm. R. Harrison; 1871, Lee Deuel; 1872, C. H. Adams; 1873-76, William V. Hoyt; 1877-80, Leander D. Chappel. TREASURERS. 1845, Wm. H. H. Gregg; 1846-47, Abel Angel; 1848, Wm. tI. H. Gregg; 1849-69, Humphrey Gardner; 1870, Nelson Chambers; 1871-72, Frank HIeniker; 1873-75, Winm. L. Heazlit; 1876-77, Lee Deuel; 1878, Wm. Stockdale; 1879-80, Charles H. Adams. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Joel Brownson, 1845; David Bradley, 1846; John Woodward, 1847; Nelson Chambers, Justus Taylor, 1848; Luther Martin, Ozicl H. Rounds, 1849; Myron Briggs, Nelson M. Pollard, 1850; Oziel H. Rounds, Levi Mosher, David Bradley, Amasa Eldred, 1851; George Haywood, 1852; Ralph Pratt, Joel Brownson, Apollos P. Brownson, 1853; William Hardy, 1854; Norton Briggs, 1855; George Haywood, 1856; Stephen S. Germond, 1857; Oscar Noble, 1858; Norton Briggs, 1859; George Haywood, Josiah E. Harding, 1860; Ralph Pratt, 1861; Josiah E. Harding, 1862; James Van Valkenburgh, Levi D. Taylor, 1863; George Haywood, 1864; Levi D. Taylor, 1865; Robert B. Deuel, Robert Downing, David Laraway, 1866; David Stockdale, Aretus N. Worden, 1867; George Haywood, 1868; William V. Hoyt, 1869; James B. Smith, E. M. Fitch, 1870; David Stockdale, Sylvanus Snell, 1871; Josiah E. Harding, John A. Kinner, 1872; Daniel T. Hersey, John A. Kinner, 1873; Kinsey Martin, 1874; David Stockdale, 1875; Jabez H. Trude, 1876; Edward M. Fitch, 1877; Kinsey Martin, 1878; David Stockdale, 1879; Jabez 1I. Trude, 1880. HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. Abel Angel, David Bradley, William S. Hooker, 1845; Joseph Heydenberk, Boughton Willson, 1846; Joseph Heydenberk, William Buchanan, John Frantz, 1847; Cooper Eldred, David Bradley, 1848-49; Levi Mosher, 1850; Apollos P. Brownson, Ralph Pratt, 1851; Ambrose Mosher, 1852; William Buchanan, 1853; David Bradley, Tyler Johnson, 1854; William 11. H. Gregg, Solomon Filkins, 1855; Ambrose Mosher, 1856; Tyler Johnson, 1857; William H. H. Gregg, Ezra Whitney, 1858; John Kitchen, 1859; Ralph Pratt, 1860; Morgan B. Chrisman, 1861; Talleyrand Martin, 1862; John J. Kinner, Alva S. Pratt, 1863; Leonard M. Doxey, 1864; Franklin M. Miles, John A. Kinner, 1865; George Jackson, 1866; Leonard M. Doxey, 1867; Minot Hoyt, 1868; Adolphus D. Towsley, Franklin M. Miles, 1869; Leonard M. Doxey, 1870; Franklin M. Miles, 1871; Alpheus Towsley, 1872; Leonard M. Doxey, 1873; M. C. Hayward, 1874; Leonard M. Doxey, 1875; Milo Carpenter, 1876-77; Joseph Jackson, 1878 -80. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. Alfred Mann, 1845; Samuel Newbury, 1846; George W. Barnes, 1847; James Selkrig, 1848; Myron Briggs, 1849; George W. Barnes, 1850; James Selkri,, E. F. Waldo, 1851; James Selkrig, 1852; Ralph Pratt, 1853; James Selkrig, 1854; Myron Briggs, 1855; James Selkrig, 1856; Ralph Pratt, Myron Briggs, 1857; A. R. Balch, 1858; Myron Briggs, 1859; Jacob V. Rogers, 1860; Morgan B. Chrisman, 1861; A. R. Balch, 1862; Otis D. Parsons, 1863; John G. Colgrove, Alva S. Pratt, 1864; John S. Kidder, 1865; A. R. Balch, Robert B. Deuel, 1866; George W. Pease, 1867; John W. Brakeman, A. R. Balch, 1868; George W. Pease, 1869; Henry C. Garrett, 1870; William H. H. Palmer, 1871; George W. Pease, Lyman D. Sweetland, 1872; Harrison H. Kelly, B. P. Wheeler, 1873: John W. Moore, 1874; Solomon S. Fox, 1875; Oziel H. Rounds, Jr., 1876; Horace J. Turner, 1877; Edgar S. Linsley, 1878; Nelson E. Leighton, 1879; Horace J. Turner, 1880. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. Nelson Chambers, Samuel B. Hooker, 1845; Joel Brownson, Joseph Heydenberk, 1846; Harlow J. Dean, Nelson M. Pollard, 1847; Justus Taylor, Oziel H. Rounds, 1848; David Bradley, Nelson M. Pollard, 1849; Tyler Johnson, William H. H. Gregg, 1850; Joel Brownson, Tyler Johnson, 1851; Tyler Johnson, William H. H. Gregg, 1852; Solomon Filkins, Joel Brownson, 1853; Joseph Hteydenberk, John Kitchen, 1855; William Hard, Solomon Filkins, 1856; Abram Alger, 1857; Joel Brownson, Abram Alger, 1858; William H. H. Gregg, Abram Alger, 1859. ASSESSORS. Solomon Filkins, George W. Lewis, 1845; George W. Lewis, Luther Martin, 1846; Oziel H. Rounds, Solomon Filkins, 1847; Supervisors, 1848; Luther Martin, William H. H. Gregg, 1849; Supervisors, 1850 to 1879, inclusive. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. William F. Olds, 1871; David Stockdale, 1872; A. D. Towsley, 1873 -74; Leonard M. Doxey, 1875; Joseph Dayton, 1876; A. D. Towsley, 1878; Milo Carpenter, 1880. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. Harrison 11. Kelley, 1875; S. S. Fox, 1876-80. EDUCATIONAL. We have not learned that any school or schools were taught in the township prior to its separation from Martin, and it is very probable that there were none. At the first township election in Wayland, held April 1, 1844, Isaac and G. W. Barnes were elected school inspectors. On the 4th of May, 1844, the Messrs. Barnes, acting in an official capacity, organized three school districts, describing their boundaries as follows: "District No. 1 will contain sections 34, 35, 36, in township four north, of range eleven west, and sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12 in township three north, of the same range. "District No. 2 will comprise sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, and 20, in township three north, of range eleven west. "District No. 3 will comprise sections 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, and 35, in township three north, of range eleven west." On the same day, Apollos P. Brownson, as moderator of district No. 2, took his oath of office, and on the 15th day of May the inspectors were notified that all the districts were duly organized. Miss Belinda Eldred, daughter of the first settler of Martin, received a certificate to teach in district No. 2 (the Chambers neighborhood) June 25, 1844, and upon assuming control of the twelve little barefoots intrusted to her supervision, became the first teacher in the township. The house, a small log structure which had formerly done duty as Chambers' shingle shanty, was situated in the village of Wayland, and among the principal patrons were Nelson Chambers, Joseph Heydenberk, and John Parsons. The following winter Miss Eldred taught in the Gregg neighborhood. In later years she became the wife of Ebenezer Wilder, of Martin, where both reside at present writing. In the spring of 1845 the electors of Wayland voted that the sum of $25 be appropriated for township library. Twenty-five volumes for library purposes were purchased soon after, and the township clerk appointed librarian. Among the rules established by the inspectors for his guidance were the following: "For tearing out a leaf, or obliterating so as to destroy the sense, the fine shall be the price of the book. For breaking a cover, half the price of the book; for turning down a leaf, five cents; for every grease spot, five cents. And all other damages not herein specified shall be at the discretion of the Librarian." 358 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Miss Alsina Rose received a certificate to teach in district No. 3, Nov. 15, 1845, and Miss Julia Brownson succeeded her in the same district on the 15th of May, 1846. James Davis, the first male teacher, was the only one receiving a certificate'during the year 1847 (November 6th). During the summer of 1848 Euretta Dexter and Mary Jane Forbes received certificates. October 1, 1848, district No. 2 reported 16 scholars; district No. 3, 46 scholars. No report received from district No. 1. Other early teachers are mentioned by years, as follows: 1849.-John Parsons, Myron Briggs, Sarah M. Standish. 1850.-Huldah C. Kimball, Lodaska Earl, Ann Hillyard. 1851.-Mary Jane Forbes, Eliza A. Hoskinson, Eliza L. Sprague. 1852.-Nancy Brownson, Lucy J. Eldred, Ellen M. Lane, Alfred Brownson, Anna E. Holton, Horace Hana. 1853.-Amanda J. Chambers, Douglass J. Williams, Sylvah Brown, Adam Carpenter, D. C. Ingerson. 1854.-Mary Jane Sedgwick, Eliza A. Hoskinson, Fanny E. Miles, Myra Bloom, Lucy J. Eldred, Albert Sayre. 1855.-Minerva Brown, Sophronia Gamwold, Margaret Mosher. Prior to 1862, Charles Parsons, Henry Selkrig, Jane Nickerson, Sarah Nickerson, Matilda Rogers, Augusta K. Harrison, Eliza A. Rounds, Vina Stephens, Ellen Utley, Sarah Fisk, Mr. Cobb, Sylvia Brown, Julia Eager, Amanda Colby, Henrietta Burdick, Helen M. Magown, John I. Cutler, Dr. Stone, Eliza Sterns, Eliza M. Ives, Florence Gardner, Henrietta Page, Ellen A. Houston, Emma Pinney, Charlotte Bassett, Addis McMartin, Matilda Stanley, Mary E. Seaver, and Sarah A. Clark taught in the various districts. As showing the gradual development of school interests in the township, the following statistics, arranged by decades, are appended: 1850. APPORTIONMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL FUND. District No. 2, 20 scholars.............................. $17.30 " " 3, 21 ".............................. 18.16 1860. PRIMARY SCHOOL FUND APPORTIONMENT. District No................ $18.40 District No. 6............... $17.94 " " 2............... 15.18 ( " 7.............. 11.50 " " 3.............. 19.32 - (" " 4............... 30.36 $121.90 " ( 5............... 9.20 1870. Paid male teachers.................................. $965.50 Paid female teachers................................. $905.50 Resources and expenditures from moneys on hand Sept. 2, 1878, two-mill tax, primary school fund, tuition of non-residents, district taxes for all purposes, and raised from all other sources......................................... $6806.25 This was expended for teachers' wages, building and repairs, bonded indebtedness, and other purposes, except $2199.79 cash remaining on hand Sept. 1, 1879. The bonded indebtedness of school district No. 2, in the village of Wayland, at the close of the school year, was $3000. VILLAGE OF WAYLAND. This is an incorporated village of some 700 inhabitants, situated in the northwest corner of the township of Wayland. It is a station on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, distant twenty-seven miles north of Kalamazoo, twenty-one miles south from Grand Rapids, twenty miles northeast of Allegan, the county-seat, one hundred and seventy-two miles from Detroit, and one hundred and sixtyeight from Chicago. The first settler on its site was Nelson Chambers, who came here in the winter of 1838-39, and began an improvement on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 5. His earliest work seems to have been that of a shingle-maker, and the products of his labors were hauled with ox-team to the distant markets of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. About the year 1840, Apollos P. Brownson settled north of him, on section 5, Joseph Heydenberk to the southwest, on section 7, and John Parsons on the west, in the extreme northeast corner of the present township of Hopkins. These were the first families to settle in the neighborhood for many years known as " Chambers' Corners." In 1844 a school was established here, but nothing indicated this point as the site of a village until the projection of the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids Plank-Road in 1852. This road was completed in 1854. Nelson Chambers then opened the Wayland House. The Wayland post-office was removed from Barnes' Mill to the Corners, and Norton Briggs became postmaster, and tollgate-keeper. In 1857 and '58, Eli F. Clark, Isaac N. Hoyt, William V. Hoyt, and Edwin E. Hoyt settled here. Oliver Edwards sold the first goods in 1860, and was followed in the mercantile business by Theo. D. Van Valkenburg, William E. White, J. M. Berry, and Clark & Henika. In 1861, Israel Kellogg, who owned an extensive tract of pine in this immediate vicinity, also saw-mills and a tannery one-half mile north of the Corners, placed on record a village plat* known as " Lomax City." In 1865 the business of the village was conducted chiefly by William Seaver, hotel-keeper; Nelson Chambers, William E. White & Sons, and J. M. Berry, general merchants; T. D. Van Valkenburg, drugs and groceries; George Henika, furniture-store; William E. White & Co., pailfactory and planing-mill; Jonathan Sessions, shoemaker; H. T. Stringham and David Stockdale, blacksmiths; Dan. GENERAL APPORTIONMENT. District. Primary School Fund. Library Money. No. 1......... $31.89 $5.18 2......... 99.00 16.08 " 3......... 25.22 4.10 4......... 41.41 6.72 5......... 12.85 2.09 " 6 17.61 2.86 7......... 19.04 3.09 " 8 31.70 5.80 1879. No. of districts (whole, 9; fractional, 1)....... " children of school age residing in the township.................................. " children attending schools during the year.......................................... " children non-residents attending schools....................................... " school-houses (brick, 1; frame, 9)...... " sittings in school-houses.................. Value of school property............................ Teachers employed (male, 7; female, 18)....... Months taught by males............................. Months taught by females....................... Dog Tax. $11.28 35.02 8.92 14.65 4.54 6.23 6.73 12.63 10 607 505 18 10 900 $8710 25 32 66i * The original plat was dated Aug. 10,1861. Additions have since been made by Norton Briggs, Aug. 15, 1862; by Albert E. Sawyer, May 2, 1866; by Franklin M. Miles, Dec. 31, 1866; and by Israel Kellogg, Oct. 8, 1870. RESIOENCE OF S,g. GUNN,WAYLAND, MICH. t;C WAYLAND TOWNSHIP. 359 Slade, restaurant and grocer. The physicians were Drs. Graves, Palmer, Clark, and Ball; C. E. Davison, surgeondentist; and the total population numbered about 175 inhabitants. After the close of the war, and during the excitement produced by the building of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, many families settled, and in 1869, at the time the village was incorporated, there were quite as many here as the village can boast to-day. The Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad was first completed, and, as its road-bed at Hilliard's Station was but four miles distant west from Wayland, there were many here who did not believe the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company would run their line through that village. Consequently, an exodus (though a small one) took place. The latter road, however, was completed in the summer of 1870, since which time not many important changes have occurred, except at the station where are situated William E. White's grist-mill, a saw-mill, and a large unoccupied building erected for the purpose of manufacturing chairs. In the village proper the most recent acquisition is a commodious brick school building, which was completed in 1879 at a cost of $4500, including site, etc. WAYLAND POST-OFFICE. Theo. D. Van Valkenburg succeeded Norton Briggs as postmaster, under Lincoln's administration, and was in turn succeeded by John Chapple, the present incumbent, who was appointed by President Johnson. VILLAGE CORPORATE HISTORY. At the fall meeting of the Allegan County board of supervisors, held in the year 1868, the village of Wayland was duly incorporated, and section 6 and the west half of section 5 designated as its limits. By this act inspectors of election were appointed, and the electors directed to assemble on the first Monday in December, 1868, for holding their first charter election. In accordance with the power vested in them, the electors of the territory so incorporated assembled at White's Hall, on Monday, Dec. 7, 1868, for the purpose of choosing their first board of village officers. As directed in the act, William E. White, Edward M. Fitch, and Henry C. Garrett performed the duties of election inspectors. One hundred and twenty-one votes were polled for candidates for the office of president, of which number Edward M. Fitch received one hundred and four. Other officers elected were William E. White, Alfied H. Bostwick, George W. Pease, Isaac Buskirk, James F. Halbert, Robert B. Deuel, Trustees; Norton Briggs, Treasurer; Henry C. Garrett, Clerk; Edwin E. Hoyt, Marshal; Dan. G. Slade, Poundmaster. The first meeting of the village council was held Dec. 8, 1868, there being present the president and full board of trustees. This meeting and other early ones were held in William E. White's office, for which he received fifty cents per night. On the 26th of December, 1868, a petition signed by twenty-six citizens was presented to the common council, praying that gaming-tables " may not be suppressed." This enlightened sentiment did not prevail, however. By an act of the State Legislature, approved March 30, 1869, the village charter was revised, and the boundaries enlarged so as to include the following-described territory: The west one-half of section 5, the whole of section 6, the north one-half of north one-half of section 7, the north one-half of northwest quarter-section 8, in Wayland, and the south one-half of section 31, and the southwest quarter of section 32, in Leighton. May 13, 1869, Joseph W. Hicks, county surveyor, established a point between sections 5 and 6, 160 rods north of the south line of said sections, as the place from which to predicate and describe the commencement of village streets. In February, 1873, Nelson Chambers and others petitioned the State Legislature, praying that the village incorporation be vacated. They did not succeed, as counterremonstrants claimed that taxation was not more burdensome here than to people outside of the village, and that corporation property to the amount of $2500 would revert to the county of Allegan in case of vacation. During the same year, however, that portion of the village territory belonging to Leighton was excluded from the corporate limits. Another ineffectual effort was made in May, 1874, to annul and vacate incorporation. This petition was signed by Nelson Chambers and forty-six others. The elective officers of the village are a president, six trustees, a recorder, a treasurer, an assessor, and a marshal, all of whom are elected annually, except trustees, who serve two years, three of their number only being elected annually. Street commissioners, fire-wardens, and poundmasters are appointed. VILLAGE OFFICERS. The following is a list of the village officers elected annually for the years from 1869 to 1880, inclusive: 1869.-Edward M. Fitch, President; William E. White, James F. Halbert, Alfred H. Bostwick, George W. Pease, Robert B. Deuel, Isaac Buskirk, Trustees; Henry C. Garrett, Recorder; Norton Briggs, Treasurer; Edwin E. Hoyt, Marshal; Hubbard N. Sherwood, Assessor; John Chapple, Street Commissioner; Isaac N. Hoyt, Fire-Warden; Watson W. Briggs, Poundmaster. Total number of votes polled, 100. 1870.-James F. IHalbert, President; William Seaver, Paul II. Schuh, Henry C. Garrett, George W. Pease, Eli F. Clark, William V. Hoyt, Trustees; James B. Smith, Recorder;* Norton Briggs, Treasurer; Daniel T. Hersey, Assessor; Alonzo B. Blanot, Marshal. 1871.-William Seaver, President; David Stockdale, Recorder; Norton Briggs, Treasurer; Paul H. Schuh, William F. Olds, Isaac N. Hoyt, Trustees for one year; George W. Pease, Henry C. Garrett, Alonzo Dunham, Trustees for two years; Daniel T. Hersey, Assessor; Alonzo B. Blanot, Marshal. Total number of votes polled, 124. 1872.-William Seaver, President; Edward M. Fitch, Recorder; Norton Briggs, Treasurer; John Parsons, Assessor; Alonzo B. Bl;not, Marshal; John Graham, Charles W. Watkins, Edmond C. Saunders, Trustees. Total number of votes polled, 112. 1873.-Minot Hoyt, President; William V. Hoyt, Recorder; Paul H. Schuh, Harrison H. Kelley, Nathan H. Sherwood, Trustees; William W. Paul, Assessor; Alonzo B. Blanot, Marshal; Norton Briggs, Treasurer. Total number of votes polled, 105. 1874.-John Graham, President; Horace J. Turner, Truman B. Gar rett, Horatio N. Tubbs, Trustees; William V. Hoyt, Re s Edward M. Fitch elected to fill vacancy, Dec. 19, 1870. 360 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. corder; Norton Briggs, Treasurer; Daniel T. Hersey, Assessor; Harrison H. Kelley, Marshal. Total number of votes polled, 141. 1875.-William E. White, President; Edwin E. Hoyt, William H. White, John H. D. Snell, Trustees; William V. Hoyt, Recorder; Eli F. Clark, Treasurer; Alonzo B. Blanot, Marshal; Hiram S. Warren, Assessor. Total number of votes polled, 122. 1876.-William Seaver, President; William V. Hoyt, Recorder; Edward M. Fitch, Assessor; Frank Henika, Treasurer; Joseph Dayton, William L. Heazlit, John Chapple, Trustees; Alonzo B. Blanott, Marshal. Total number of votes polled, 112. 1877.-William Seaver, President; John Chapple, Recorder; James J. Wagner, William Stockdale, William W. Briggs, Trustees; Hiram S. Warren, Assessor; Frank Henika, Treasurer; Orrin A. Ide, Marshal. Total number of votes polled, 116. 1878.-William Seaver, President; John Chapple, Recorder; Richard H. Olive, George Hicks, Edmond C. Saunders, Trustees; Truman B. Garrett, Treasurer; A. I. Sprague, Assessor; Cyrus R. Hollister, Marshal. Total number of votes polled, 114. 1879.-David Stockdale, President; John Chapple, Recorder; W. W. Briggs, M. C. Hayward, W. E. White, Trustees; B. D. Smith, Treasurer; E. M. Fitch, Assessor; Alonzo Gleason, Marshal. Total number of votes polled, 139. FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WATER-SUPPLY. At a regular meeting of the village common council, held Jan. 30, 1869, the first action was taken for the protection of property against fire, and by a majority vote hooks, ladders, fire-buckets, etc., were ordered to be procured and placed under the orders of Fire-Warden William H. White. Ladders and pike-poles were supplied in April, 1869, and 100 buckets in November of the same year. It was voted at the charter election in March, 1873, by a vote of 52 to 39, to obtain a supply of water by hydraulic power. But this scheme went no farther than making a preliminary survey, submitting reports, etc. During the year 1875 the hooks and ladders were mounted on a truck. A cistern, costing $130, was completed, and Fire Engine No. 119, of the city of Grand Rapids, together with 200 feet of hose, couplings, etc., was purchased at a cost of $400. On the 23d of March, 1876, the following persons were accepted by the council as firemen of the village: E. E. Hoyt, T. B. Garrett, Frank Henika, J. H. D. Snell, N. II. Sherwood, W. H. White, H. C. Garrett, A. H. Garrett, William L. Heazlit, Frank Carr, M. Kellogg, and A. B. Blanott for the engine company, and Frank Hoyt, Fred. Quinlan, W. H. Schuh, Frank Sooy, L. D. Chapple, Carl Snell, Gus Sooy, Jonathan Sessions, Otto Gleason, W. Olds, Chauncey Halbert, and Myron Carpenter for the hose company. Two hundred feet of additional hose was purchased in 1877. The fire apparatus of the present consists of the engine, hose-cart, hook-and-ladder truck, etc., already mentioned. PROFESSIONAL MEN. Physicians.-The first physician to practice in the village was Dr. Remington. The country was sparsely settled, his patients few in number, and when not profession ally employed he worked in Hoyt's shingle-mill. Dr. Mack, an eclectic, succeeded him. Neither of these remained here long. Dr, John Graves, a graduate of the Cleveland (Ohio) Homoeopathic College, came to Wayland from Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in April, 1862, and is still here. Dr. James Ball was born in Cortland Co., N. Y., and graduated at the Fairfield Medical College, Herkimer Co., N. Y. He practiced his profession in Cortland Co., N. Y., until 1842, when he removed to Homer, Calhoun Co., Mich. Ten years later he became a resident of the State of Iowa, and remained there eleven years, all this time continuing the practice of medicine. During the years 1864-65, as surgeon, he served with Gen. Sully's command against the Indians in the Northwest. He was mustered out of the United States service at Sioux City, Iowa, and arrived in Wayland in December, 1865, where he still continues his practice. The physicians here at the time of his arrival were Drs. Graves, Palmer, and Clark. Among other physicians who have practiced at various periods since, but are not here now, have been Drs. Pease, Porter, Way, and Stone. The village physicians of the present are Drs. John Graves, Horace J. Turner, Andrews, and Ryno. Dr. C. E. Davison, surgeon-dentist, formerly of Northampton, Mass., removed to the village of Wayland in May, 1865, and opened an office for the practice of his profession. He has been very successful. Drs. Piper, of Allegan, and Coats, of Otsego, were then the only practicing dentists in the county. Both have since died, leaving Dr. Davison the pioneer dentist of Allegan County. He has also always taken an active part in the advancement of the religious and educational interests of the village of Wayland. Attorneys.-Hiram Averill, who settled here in 1866, was the first resident expounder of Blackstone in the village. He is now a citizen of Dorr township. L. Chase Goodwin, now of Grand Rapids, came a year or so later. Col. Edward M. Fitch, who served during the Mexican war as lieutenant-colonel of the Third Ohio Cavalry, also settled in the village at about this time. He became the first president of the village in 1869, and has since filled most worthily many other positions. Albert H. Fenn, now of Allegan, became a resident about 1870. The present attorneys of the village are Edward M. Fitch and David Stockdale, the latter the supervisor of the township since the spring of 1876. SECRET BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. WAYLAND LODGE, No. 129, I. 0.. F.t This lodge was instituted Feb. 24, 1869, by Grand Master J. S. Curtis, of East Saginaw. The officers first installed were Edward M. Fitch, N. G.; Titus Doan, V. G.; John Graham, Sec.; Norton Briggs, Treas. The remaining charter members were J. Simkins, B. L. Lee, E. W. Powers, P. H. Schuh, William Seaver, and James Armstrong. Five new members were initiated the same evening, viz., W. W. Briggs, William V. Hoyt, C. H. Daugherty, O. D. Rowe, and G. L. Doan. The first meetings were t From data furnished by Col. E. M. Fitch. - John Chapple appointed to fill vacancy, Dec. 15, 1876. 4 U WAYLAND TOWNSHIP. 36,1 held in White's Hall, and continued there until November, 1873, when the lodge occupied its present rooms over John Chapple's store. About $300 have been expended for furnishing the hall, etc. The presiding officers of the lodge since the first installation have been as follows: For the last half of 1869, Titus Doan; 1870, James Armstrong, John Graham; 1871, Charles H. Daugherty, Paul H. Schuh; 1872, William V. Hoyt, William Seaver; 1873, Josiah Simkins, William W. Briggs; 1874, Norton Briggs, Josiah Simkins; 1875, John Chapple, Edward M. Fitch; 1876, Ephraim S. Allen, William V. Hoyt; 1877, Horace J. Turner, Edwin C. Saunders; 1878, Charles H. Smith, Charles H. Daugherty; 1879, Henry Carner, Miner C. Hayward; 1880 (first half) William W. Briggs. Other officers of the present are Frank S. Sigler, V. G.; Edward M. Fitch, Sec.; Paul H. Schuh, Per. Sec.; John Chapple, Treas. Including charter members, initiations, and admissions on card, the lodge has had a total membership of 180. There are now 82 dormant, and 53 active members. Regular meetings are held Tuesday evening of each week. JAMES FENTON LODGE, No. 224, F. AND A. M.This lodge began work under a dispensation dated Feb. 1, 1867, and the first meeting was held in the village of Wayland, February 4th of the same nonth. There were 8 original members, and the first officers installed were George W. Pease, W. M.; Robert Deuel, S. W.; Ansel G. Smith, J. W.; J. H. D. Snell, Sec.; Seth Shattuck, Treas.; D. R. Latham, S. D.; William Brown, J. D.; and A. N. Worden, Tyler. Their charter bears date Jan. 9, 1868. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, and numbers 64 members. The present board of officers are I. N. Hoyt, W. M.; V. P. Fales, S. W.; F. G. Chamberlain, J. W.; Eli F. Clark, Sec.; Geo. B. Chambers, Treas.; E. Sigler, S. D.; A. Wallbricht, J. D.; Milo Carpenter, Tyler. RELIGIOUS. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF WAYLAND.t This church is by several years the oldest religious organization in the township. For about ten years previous to 1856 a class had been formed, and religious services held in the "old red school-house" by preachers from the Gun Plain and Otsego Circuits. Joseph Heydenberk,: Elizabeth Heydenberk,j H. Lester and wife,t Abram Buskirk and wife,t William Buskirk, David M. Griswold,t Mrs. Eldred,t Mathew Van Duzen, Lydia Van Duzen, Stephen S. Germond,j Mary Germond, Darius Starr, Mary Starr,T Abijahj and Elizabethb Brown were among the first members of this class. The pastoral labors of Rev. Amos Wakefield, in the fall of 1856, resulted in a large addition of members, and in response to a petition from this class the session of the Michigan Annual Conference held at Coldwater, Mich., in October, 1856, established the Wayland Circuit, also appointing Rev. Porter Williams to its pastorate. At the first Quarterly Conference, held in Wayland, Dec. 6, 1856, the following was ordered placed on record: "Be it remembered that the Wayland Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Bishop S. A. Morris at the annual session of the Michigan Conference, held at Coldwater Oct. 1, 1856." From the minutes of this Quarterly Conference it also appears that the estimating committee recommended the paying to Brother Williams a salary of $100 per year. The people, however, were more liberal than the committee, and paid him $180.86, for which increase Brother Williams was undoubtedly grateful. The pastors who have followed Mr. Williams on this circuit have been Revs. Amos C. Beach, in 1857; L. M. Bennett, 1858; N. Cleveland, 1859; James Billings, 1860 -61; W. B. Blowers, 1862-63; Charles H. Fisher, 1864 -65; J. R. Latham, 1866; Ira R. A. Wightman, 1867; James E. White, 1868-70; Gilbert A. Phillips, 1871-73; George E. Hollister, 1874; Linus Bothwick, 1875-76; J. P. Force, 1877; T. J. Spencer, 1878; W. J. Hathaway, 1879. During the pastorate of Mr. Blowers, in 1862, measures were entered into for the erection of a church edifice. Before completing the work, however, he entered the army as chaplain, where he died. In 1864, during the pastorate of Rev. Charles EI. Fisher, a neat and commodious building, with a seating capacity for 200 persons, was erected at a cost of $2750, on the corner of Church and Maple Streets; but it was not completed and dedicated until the following year,-August 10th, —when Rev. George B. Joslyn, late president of Albion College, conducted the dedicatory services. The Wayland " Boys in Blue" ornamented the pulpit with a magnificent Bible, while the trustees adorned the building with a $600 mortgage. The latter was finally removed in 1870, through the exertions of Rev. James E. White. Previous to October, 1866, a union Sabbath-school had been conducted jointly by the Congregational and Methodist Episcopal Churches; but, this union school having outgrown the seating capacity of either church edifice, the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath-school was organized with H. S. Warren as its first superintendent, and $100 was raised for a new Sunday-school library. In 1869, Rev. James E. White (by subscriptions from the citizens generally) procured and caused to be placed in the church tower one of the finest-toned bells in Western Michigan. During 1873 there was purchased for parsonage purposes a house on Maple Street, fionting the public square. The present members of this church are 60 in number. A flourishing Sabbath-school, of which C. E. Davison is superintendent, numbers 80. CHURCH OF CHRIST. This society was organized April 2, 1877, the original members being H. T. Stringham, I. B. Smith, P. Smith, M. Blowers, E. Blowers, H. D. Spaulding, E. Spaulding, E. S. Linsley, T. Ide, J. Gleason, R E. Woodard, L. McKean, L. Judson, S. Nelson, and D. Allen. Their first pastor was Rev. D. N. Severance. He has been succeeded by Revs. M. B. Rawson and E. C. Faunce. A handsome church edifice, costing $2000, was dedicated * Information furnished by Eli F. Clark, Esq. t From data furnished through the courtesy of C. E. Davison, Esq. t Since deceased. 46 3 6.2y HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. March 7,,1879. It has sittings for 325 persons. This church is in a prosperous condition, and at the present time numbers 181 members. OTHER WAYLAND CHURCHES. A Congregational society was organized in January, 1860, and a church edifice erected the same year. The original members were 17 in number,-Rev. A. McKay their first pastor. Official members of this church were requested to furnish data concerning the history of their organization, but failed to do so, owing doubtless to the animosity shown his enterprise by their present preacher. At the village of Bradley is a Methodist Episcopal society of some 75 members. Their meetings are held in a hall. They propose, however, to erect a commodious church edifice at a time not far distant. VILLAGE OF BRADLEY. Bradley is a station on the line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, three miles directly south of Wayland. It contains a store of general merchandise, drug-store, hotel, several small mechanical shops, and about 100 inhabitants. Its name is derived from David Bradley, who was the first postmaster of an office of the same name, situated on section 28, on the old mail-route in use prior to the building of the plank-road. Joel Brownson, Esq., was the first settler in the vicinity of the present village of Bradley. On the completion of the plank-road, in 1854, several other families settled here, and proposed the establishment of a village. The postoffice was removed from its original location to this point, a hotel built, and other interests projected. Shortly after, Uriah Gregory, who had a steam saw-mill, store, etc., on section 10, through political influence got the post-office transferred to his place of business, and himself appointed postmaster. Another turn of the political wheel, however, established a new office at Bradley, and Joel Brownson became postmaster. Among the earliest merchants were Jarvis J. Joy and Josiah E. Harding. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. HUMPHREY GARDNER. This gentleman was born in Attica, Genesee (now Wyoming) Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1818. His ancestors came from England and settled at Brimfield, Mass., very early in colonial days. His father, Daniel Gardner, removed from Brimfield to Attica soon after the close of the war of 1812, and became one of the pioneers of the latter region. Here he married Miss Lorena Ensign for his second wife, and Humphrey was the second child born of this marriage. The early days of young Gardner's life, passed upon his father's farm, were uneventful, and marked by no epoch varying them from those of his associates in old Genesee. His educational advantages were limited to such as could be.obtained by attending the district schools in his neighborhood in winter. In 1837, at the age of nineteen years, in pursuance of a cherished desire to become a citizen of the great West, he proceeded by the usual routes and conveyances then in vogue to Kane Co., Ill., Blackberry township, where he pre-empted an eighty-acre lot. There were very few people then in a county which is now one of the most prosperous and populous in the State of Illinois. Its inhabitants were all known by him. He remained in Kane County, following various occupations, until 1846, when he came to Wayland and purchased of the general government forty acres, situated on section 22, and from the latter date he has been prominently identified with the history of this township. To his original purchase additions have been made until he now owns four hundred and ninety acres in one body. In 1844 he married Miss Mary Brown. Two children were born to them, viz.: Florence, Aug. 16, 1845, and Loren, Sept. 9, 1847, died March 30, 1871. His wife died Feb. 3, 1865. He subsequently married Sylvia, the sister of his first wife. This marriage has resulted in the birth of three children, viz.: Olive, Oct. 27, 1867; Humphrey, Feb. 8, 1872; and Clay, Aug. 27, 1876. Mr. Gardner's first vote was cast for Gen. Harrison in 1840, and he continued a member of the Whig party until its disbandment. Upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its fortunes, and remains a steadfast member of the same to the present time. Socially he is held in high and deserved esteem. A quiet, unostentatious demeanor, coupled with great integrity, has gradually but surely placed him in the proud position he now occupies in the hearts of his friends. As showing the estimation in which he is held by his townsmen at large, we need but add that he has held the office of township treasurer twenty-one consecutive years. AMAZIAH R. BALCH. The Balch family are of Welsh origin, and were early settlers in New England. Vermont finally became the home of one branch, and there, in the town of Athens, Windham Co., was born Amaziah R. Balch, Dec. 18, 1821. His father was a farmer, and the early years of young Balch's life were passed in the Green Mountain State, assisting his father in farm duties through the summer, obtaining the rudiments of a common-school education during the winter. As years passed, and he arrived at manhood's estate, he varied his occupation during the winter months by teaching. In 1851 he came to Kalamazoo, Mich., and soon became known as one of the successful teachers of that county. He was also employed by Mr. Arnold, of Kalamazoo, and proved an invaluable aid by the successful manner in which he managed all business details intrusted to his care. About the year 1857, with Guild as a partner, he became identified with the history of Wayland by the purchase of a large tract of pine-lands situated near the southeast corner r YAYLRAN U IVII.H.. Is I biI '.~i:i~-;'i:~~~:~;4i:4. -4 RESiENCE OF ^ABL ANGEL, RES0DENCE OF ABEL A NGEL, WAYLAND TOWNSHIP. 363 of the township. A steam saw-mill was built, and for a few years the firm of Balch & Guild lumbered quite extensively. In 1861 he bought Guild's interest, and thereafter conducted the business independently, adding many acres to his landed estate, owning at one time more than fifteen hundred acres. Mr. Balch was first married at Athens, Vt., May 3,1846, to Miss Abby Davis. She died June 1, 1851. His only child by this marriage was Dorr M., who was born Jan. 11, 1848, and now resides in this township. On the 24th of November, 1861, he was again married, at Kalamazoo, Mich., to Miss Mary Williams, whose people came from Lower Canada, and settled in Kalamazoo township, Mich., in 1855. Five children were born to them, viz.: Edgar D., Feb. 9, 1863, died June 4, 1863; Cora Bell, April 15, 1864; Nathaniel A., Feb. 18, 1866; James B., Sept. 10, 1868; Mary E., Jan. 9, 1872. The four last naned all reside with their mother on the home-farm. Mr. Balch died May 29, 1879. He was a prominent and respected citizen of Wayland, a staunch Democrat, and an ardent admirer of Stephen A. Douglas and the principles enunciated by him. Although not a member of any religious denomination, he freely contributed to their support. In educational matters he was especially earnest and active, and served as township school inspector several times. He was the candidate of the Democratic party of this district for the State Senate in 1868, and ran largely ahead of his ticket, but very naturally failed of an election in a Republican stronghold. HORACE J. TURNER. Dr. Horace J. Turner, a view of whose beautiful residence in the village of Wayland adorns one of these pages, is the son of a physician, Dr. Horace C. Turner, and was born in the township of Greenwood, McHenry Co., Ill., Jan. 11, 1849. A few years subsequent to his birth his father removed to Barry Co., Mich., where, during early boyhood, young Turner pursued the usual course of studies prevailing in the public schools. At the age of seventeen years he was admitted as a student to the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and after successfully passing through the various phases of college life and its studies, especially that of medicine and surgery, he graduated with honor during the session of 1868-69. He then practiced medicine with his father for a period of six months. After a short experience in the city of St. Louis, Mo., he again returned to Michigan and began the practice of his profession in the village of Bradley. A year later he removed to the village of Wayland, where well-merited pecuniary success has attended his professional labors. On the 2d of October, 1874, he was married to Miss Eva Crittenden, the accomplished daughter of one of Martin's pioneers, T. G. Crittenden, Esq. In his political con victions Dr. Turner is a Republican of the stalwart type. Socially and professionally, he is held in high esteem by all who know him. GEORGE H. JACKSON. George H. Jackson was born in Thimbleby, Lincolnshire, England, Nov. 26, 1839. His father, Charles Jackson, was born in Anwick, of the same shire, April 22, 1800. In 1835 he (Charles) married Miss Ann Maltby, of Sansthorpe, and settled upon his farm in Thimbleby, where he remained until June, 1845, when he emigrated to America. After a five years' residence in the State of New York, he removed with his family in October, 1850, to the farm in Wayland now occupied by him. Of his family of ten children, viz., six sons and four daughters, five were born in Thimbleby, England, three in Monroe Co., N. Y., and two in Wayland, Mich. Since their settlement in Wayland, the Jacksons have done more than the average of pioneer-work. Dense forests have disappeared beneath their sturdy strokes, well-cultivated fields and beautiful farm-buildings have taken their place, and to-day, by dint of their own individual exertions, the father and sons are the possessors of fourteen hundred acres of land, distributed among them as follows: Charles, the father, forty acres; George H., four hundred and eighty acres; Robeit C., one hundred and sixty acres; Joseph, one hundred and sixty acres; Andrew, three hundred and twenty acres; John E., one hundred and sixty acres; and James, eighty acres. George H. Jackson, to assist his father, began working for others at the early age of eleven years, and continued as a farm-laborer until reaching his majority. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in 1860, soon clearing and paying for the same.- As years have passed he has added to his original tract, and is now the proud owner of four hundred and eighty acres. On the 7th of September, 1875, he married Miss Mary Davis, of Thornapple, whose father, Samuel Davis, settled in the latter township in 1845. In his political convictions Mr. Jackson is a staunch Republican, and proposes to continue as such to the end. Socially and as a public-spirited citizen, he is highly respected by all who know him. ABEL ANGEL. Prominent of all men living in the township of Wayland to-day is the subject of this brief sketch, Abel Angel. His ancestors were English people, and early settlers in the State of Rhode Island, where his grandfather, Abiatha Angel, was born. Abel's father, Joseph Angel, was a native of the State of Vermont. Abel Angel, the ninth child in a family of eleven children, was born in the town of Pownal, Bennington Co., Vt., Sept. 12, 1821. When fourteen years of age he removed with his father's family to Erie Co., N. Y., where he remained three years, following the pursuits of farming. Meanwhile, he had obtained such educational advantages as the public schools of Vermont and New York afforded. In 1838 he with other members of his family settled in Livingston Co., Mich. He remained in the latter county until 1842, when he came to the township of Wayland, and has since been prominently identified with its every public interest. His first purchase of land was made in the year 1845,-forty acres. By subsequent purchases his landed 364 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. estate now aggregates nearly three hundred acres, the major portion overlooking that beautiful sheet of water known as Gun Lake. Mr. Angel held his first official position in 1845, when he was elected highway commissioner over territory which then included the present township of Leighton. But in 1849 began a series of office-holdings which have scarcely a parallel in the annals of any township in our common country, and the position he held was such as to render him more familiar with the history and people of Wayland than any other citizen in it. In the year last mentioned he was elected supervisor, and was re-elected again and again for a period of twenty-five years, almost consecutively; this, too, very frequently when by a strict party vote his opponents were in a large majority. He was married July 22, 1852, to Mrs. Mary Gardner. Five children have been born to them, viz.: Eleanor, June 29, 1853; William, April 26, 1855, died Dec. 9, 1876; Mary, Jan. 9, 1857; Clara, May 11, 1860; Lucy, June 28, 1862. Mrs. Angel, formerly Miss Mary Pease, was born in Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., in the year 1820, and was first married to Nelson Gardner, in 1840. Of her children by her first marriage, viz., Lewis, Sarah, Edwin, and Nelson, Sarah, now Mrs. Henry Buxton, of Plainwell, Mich., is the only survivor. Mr. Angel has been a life-long Democrat and an agriculturist. As evidence that he has succeeded beyond the expectations of most men, it is only necessary to refer to the beautiful farm-view which embellishes one of these pages, and to what has already been said. JOSIAH E. HARDING. Josiah E. Harding was born in the town of Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1825, being the fifth child of Solomon S. and Phila Harding. The Hardings are of English origin, three brothers having come to America at an early period in our colonial history, of whom, finally, one settled in Connecticut, another in Kentucky, and the third became a sea captain. This sketch pertains more particularly to the Connecticut branch, of whom Benjamin-the great-grandfather of Josiah E.-is the most distant landmark. He lived and died in Connecticut. His son, George, espoused the cause of the colonists during the war of the Revolution, and in 1794 became one of the first settlers of Oswego Co., N. Y. Solomon S., the son of George, was, during the war of 1812, with the United States forces at Sacket's Harbor. He became a successful farmer, and at the time of his death was the owner of more than six hundred acres. The school advantages enjoyed by Josiah E. Harding were limited, such only as could be obtained by attending the winter sessions of district schools to his sixteenth year. Arriving at years of manhood, he received as his share of the paternal estate an eighty-acre lot, upon which he devoted all his energies until removing to the State of Michigan. In September, 1847, he married Miss Helen M. Wood. The three children born of this marriage were Cora E., Jan. 7, 1849, who died May 6,1856; Ernest B., born Sept. 22, 1851, died Sept. 25, 1852; and Florence I., now the wife of Noble Gardner, Oswego Co., N. Y., who was born April 12, 1852. His wife, Helen, died Sept. 22, 1853. In September, 1851, Mr. Harding became the first settler on section 6 in the township of Martin, this county. His purchase embraced the southeast quarter, all unimproved. After clearing some sixty acres of this tract, he sold the same, and in 1856 purchased forty acres on section 19 in the township of Wayland, his present residence. He has since added by purchase, until one hundred and sixty beautiful acres in the home-farm greets the view of travelers on the line of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, which here intersects the farm from north to south through the centre. On the 17th of December, 1854, Mr. Harding was again married, to Miss Hannah M. Gardner, his present wife. Seven children have been born of this marriage, viz.: Irwin, Dec. 31, 1855; Emma J., May 6, 1857, died Sept. 25, 1863; Ida Dell, Dec. 18, 1859; Mina May, Sept. 16, 1861, died Oct. 22,1863; Trudie Bell, Jan. 2, 1864; Vine, May 17, 1866; and Myrtle G., Nov. 3,1875. In his political convictions Mr. Harding is known as a Democrat. Not an office-seeker, yet he has served his townsmen as justice of the peace for several terms, and in various other capacities, and in 1878 was the candidate of the Democratic party of this district for the State Senate. Of large stature, genial and urbane in his manners, a successful farmer and merchant,* a good citizen, a kind, indulgent husband and father, Mr. Harding may well be considered a true representative of his class,-i.e., a genuine, unaffected American gentleman. SAMUEL S. GUNN. The ancestors of this gentleman came from England prior to the war of the Revolution, and settled at or in the near vicinity of Waterbury, Conn. Jobalmah Gunn, the grandfather of Samuel S., was in sympathy with the mother-country during the long struggle for American independence. His sons were Isaiah, John, Jobalmah, Jr., and Isaac. Jobalmah, Jr., who died April 13, 1815, was the father of four children, viz.: Hannah, Jane, Samuel S., and Jobalmah. Samuel Shelton Gunn was born in Waterbury, Conn., July 21, 1810. His father was a farmer, and here young Samuel passed his early boyhood days. At the age of sixteen years, however, he was bound as a carpenter's apprentice to one William Hurlburt, of Woodbury, Conn. He remained with Hurlburt four years, when, having bought his time, he began work under instructions. at low wages, with Jason Bassett, of Humphreysville, Conn. He was with Bassett one year, and shortly after began a re * Mr. Harding bought out J. J. Joy's stock of goods at Bradley in 1854, and thereafter, besides farming, conducted the business of merchandising for a period of fifteen years. He was the first merchant in Wayland township who brought goods direct from New York City. lka cc) z 0 a (2 a 13:1 0 0 0 C) I~ WAYLAND TOWNSHIP. 365 markable series of travels, changes of residence and occupations, which are briefly sketched as follows. In 1832 he proceeded to the city of Syracuse, N. Y., where he worked at his trade for two years. Early in 1834 he returned to Connecticut, and for some time was engaged assisting his mother in some matters of business. In the fall of the same year he journeyed to Mobile, Ala., and, working at his trade, remained there until the spring of 1836. From thence by boat to New Orleans, La., Louisville, Ky., and up the Wabash to Logansport, Ind. Thence to Michigan City, Ind., and Niles, Mich., on foot, arriving at the latter place in May, 1836, where he invested his all —some four hundred dollars -in village lots. In July, 1836, he went to St. Joseph, Mich., and with William Doane worked at his trade until the fall of 1837. He also entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in that vicinity. He then visited Connecticut, and returned from thence to Niles, Mich., in March, 1838, where he erected a small house on one of his village lots. Wildcat banking and an era of wild speculation had completely prostrated business in Michigan, and, utterly discouraged, in July, 1838, he fled her confines, bringing up in the city of St. Louis, Mo. From thence he proceeded, in November, 1838, to Little Rock, Ark. He remained in the latter city, working at his trade in company with William Lankford, until July, 1839. A violent illness then ensued. He was enabled to travel to St. Louis in October following, and from that time to April, 1840, he was confined to his room by sickness. He then pursued his occupation in St. Louis until 1844, when he abandoned carpentry forever. He then engaged in buying and selling produce at points on the Mississippi River; his principal places of transfer, however, were at St. Louis and New Orleans. In 1850 he proceeded to New York and took passage for San Francisco, Cal., on board the sailing-vessel "Hoqua," bound, via Cape Horn, to Canton, China. He paid three hundred dollars in gold for his passage, and arrived in San Francisco July 20, 1850. For one and one-half years he worked at placer-mining. He then changed his business to that of buying and slaughtering beeves for the mining trade. It proved to be very lucrative. He sold whole quarters for thirty-five cents per pound, and frequently realized one hundred dollars profit per head. At a time when business was most prosperous, the Rough and Ready Quartz-Mining Company became indebted to him in a large amount, and in the endeavor to save himself he became first part owner and finally sole owner and manager of this interest, then one of the largest in California. He ultimately sold out and paid all creditors, but with a loss to himself of several thousand dollars. In March, 1856, he returned to the States via the Isthmus, and, after visiting his old Connecticut home, he again came to Michigan. His present place of residence-the Nelson M. Pollard placewas purchased the same year. Then for several years he was in Berrien County, and in charge of the mission lands in that township. On the 1st of September, 1861, he married Mrs. Eliza Chambers. She was killed, July 26, 1862, by horses running away. He was married to his present wife, Mrs. Cordelia E. Swett, nee Truax, Feb. 3, 1865. By this marriage there have been born to them three children, viz.: Shelton J., Oct. 21, 1867; Milton S., Feb. 19, 1868; Clinton P., Sept. 27, 1873. In political matters Mr. Gunn is a Democrat of the old school, conservative, and a staunch supporter of good principles, no matter by which party advocated. Socially, both Mr. and Mrs. Gunn are highly respected by all who have the honor of their acquaintance. ROLLIN M. CONGDON. This gentleman, the eldest member of a family of ten children, was born in the town of Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1831. The family is of English origin, and was largely represented among the earliest settlers of the Green Mountain State. Here was born George Congdon, the grandfather of Rollin. Erastus Congdon, son of George, was born in Clarendon, Rutland Co., Vt., Feb. 20, 1799. In 1821 or 1822 he removed to Yates Co., N. Y., and there married, in 1830. In the spring of 1834, accompanied by his wife and infant son (Rollin M.), he journeyed to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where he remained until 1839. He then settled in that part of the township of Otsego now known as Hopkins, becoming the fourth settler in the latter township, and where he remained until his death, which occurred May 3, 1871. The early years of Rollin M. Congdon's life were passed in assisting his father in farm duties. Schools were distant, and none were established in the vicinity of his father's residence until he was thirteen years of age. At the age of eighteen years he began work for himself, and for a period of ten years was employed by many farmers, for whom he worked by the month and by the day. On the 15th of November, 1859, he married Miss Lucy I. Eldred,* of Wayland, whose father, Cooper Eldred, was born in Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1796, and removed from Steuben County, of the same State, to Wayland, Mich., in 1846. After his marriage Mr. Congdon became a resident of Wayland. His only child, Almon B., was born Aug. 21, 1860. In August, 1864, Mr. Congdon enlisted in the First Regiment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and, joining his regiment in Georgia the following month, participated in all its subsequent campaigns through Georgia and the Carolinas. Returning to his home in Wayland, June 19, 1865, he has since made this township his place of residence and devoted his energies to the pursuits of agriculture. Mr. Congdon now owns the northwest quarter of section 19,-the premises formerly owned by Cooper Eldred, -which is a beautiful and fertile tract of one hundred and sixty acres, lying near the village of Bradley. * Born in the present town of Avoca, Steuben Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1834. 366 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN..... _ __ _ _ _. __ _.__ ____._ _.. _ _ ___ _ _. __ A _ _ _ WILLIAM SEAVER. William Seaver was born in Westbrook, now Saccarappa, Maine, May 4, 1809. His progenitors were Scotch people, and first settled at Cambridge, Mass., early in the eighteenth century. At the age of eight years he went to live with his maternal grandfather, George Crockett, and when fourteen years of age began to take care of himself by proceeding to Bangor and engaging in lumbering on the Penobscot River. On the 6th of September, 1835, he married Miss Mary J. Clark, of Bangor. About 1839 he, with other robust men of Maine, was engaged to go to Havre de Grace, Md., to assist in the construction of wharves, canals, block-houses, etc. Remaining in Maryland five years, he returned to Bangor, and resumed lumbering operations on the Penobscot, where he remained for several years. From thence he repaired to Lowell, Mass., and engaged in lumbering at that point for a period of fourteen years. Subsequently he was employed in the same business on the St. Croix River, Maine, again at Lowell, Mass., and on the Merrimac River, in New Hampshire. In the spring of 1858, with his family, he removed to Wayland township, Mich., and for a few months was engaged in lumbering with A. R. Balch. He then settled at Whitney's Corners, now Bradley, where he was extensively engaged in lumbering, merchandising, etc. Subsequently, in 1860, he became proprietor of the " Half-way House," in Bradley. Selling the same, he again engaged in mercantile pursuits at the latter place, became the village postmaster, and remained there until the spring of 1864, when he bought and removed to his present hotel property in the village of Wayland. Mr. Seaver's educational advantages were limited. Up to fourteen years of age he attended school three months in each year, and finished his studies by subsequently attending two winter terms of four months each. Yet, endowed with much natural ability, great physical strength, and unusual powers of endurance, all aided by good judgment, tact, and conservatism, he has been enabled, although suffering heavy financial reverses at Oldtown, Me., and at Bradley, Mich., to accumulate a handsome competency. In early years he was a Whig. Since the disruption of that party he has voted for those whom he deemed the best men. He has been an Odd-Fellow since 1840, joining that society in Havre de Grace, Md. He has served as president of the village of Wayland several years (see history village of Wayland), and to-day is one of its most prominent citizens. Mrs. Seaver was born in Bangor, Me., Aug. 5, 1815. Through several generations her family has been remarkable for the longevity of its members. John T. Clark, her father, was born in the town of Jay, on the Kennebec River, Maine. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, the father of twelve children (ten of whom are still living, the youngest being fifty years of age), and died at the age of ninety years. Her mother, the daughter of Dr. Tourtelott, a Revolutionary hero, lived to be ninety-four years of age, and died within a few rods of the place where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. William Seaver have had born to them eight children, as follows: Elbridge G., July 12, 1836, died Nov. 21, 1866; Jennie H., Jan. 10, 1839; Annie S., May 13, 1841; Isabella S., Nov. 21, 1843; George A., Oct. 21, 1845, died when two and one-half years old; Mary E., Dec. 3, 1846; Georgiana, Jan. 24, 1849; and Abbie, Feb. 18, 1857. II II It -F" PART THIRD. THIE CITY OF HASTINGS AND THE VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS OF BARRY COUNTY. CITY OF H ASTINGS.; THE'city of Hastings, the seat of justice of Barry County, is situated in the western part of survey township No. 3 north, in range No. 8 west. It is a thriving, bustling place of about 2500 inhabitants, and the centre of trade for a wide region of country. The Thornapple River runs through the city from east to west, bearing a little to the north.t The government of Hastings is vested in a mayor and board of councilmen, eight in number, two being chosen from each ward. The business quarter contains several fine brick blocks, and upon the various thoroughfares one may see many commodious and handsome residences. The Union school building is the architectural feature of the city, and is justly an object of local pride. The prosperity of Hastings is based upon the substantial foundations of agriculture and manufactures; and although it has for a time been nearly stationary, yet it is likely, with the renewed prosperity of the country, to go steadily forward in accordance with the progress of the farming region around. EARLY HISTORY. On the 26th day of July, 1836, Eurotas P. Hastings, president of the Bank of Michigan, and auditor-general of the State, sold to Philo Dibble, Lansing Kingsbury, and Cornelius Kendall, for $3000, a tract of land in town 3 north, range 8 west, known as the " Barry County-seat purchase," and covering the northeast quarter and east half of the southeast quarter of section 18, and the northwest quarter and west half of the southwest quarter of section * By David Schwartz. t Although from the identity of name the city and the township of Hastings are frequently classed together, yet in fact, from the time of the organization of the city, it became legally distinct from the township, and their organizations are entirely separate. A sketch of the township of Hastings will be found in its alphabetical position among the other townships of the county. 17. The county-seat had already been located at that point by commissioners, but there were no settlers anywhere in that part of the county. Dibble, Kingsbury, and Kendall were residents of Marshall, and on the 25th of August following the purchase they, together with Andrew L. Hays and Samuel Camp, organized the Hastings Company for the purpose of laying out upon the land bought of Hastings a village which was to be called in his honor. To that end they sent out men and material for the erection of a saw-mill, which was put up on the creek just south of the present Hastings flourmill. Slocum H. Bunker was engaged to come with his family for the purpose of boarding the men during the construction of the mill. In quick time Mr. Bunker rolled up a log cabin on the lot now occupied by the Newton House, and besides a boarding-house for the mill-hands he kept also a house of entertainment for anybody chancing to pass that way. Although he did not then expect to remain at Hastings after the mill should be completed, yet he did in fact stay there several years, and may, therefore, be rightly considered the first settler in the city of Hastings. Simultaneously with the movement to erect a saw-mill, the Hastings Company determined also to lay out a village, and they accordingly platted the tract now including the business portion of the city and called it Hastings. Additions to the original plat of Hastings were subsequently laid out by Messrs. Striker, Kenfield, Chamberlain, Grant, Dunning, and Bennett. With Slocum H. Bunker came also his brother, Thomas, who gave valuable assistance in carrying on the primitive hotel, and who was chosen in 1839 the first clerk of Barry County. In June, 1837, Willard Hays, who had come fiom Massachusetts to Detroit the previous year, made his way to Hastings on a tour of observation, and was per367 I , 368 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I suaded by his brother, Dr. Hays, of Marshall (one of the Hastings Company), to remain in Hastings and look after the doctor's interests thereabout, and soon concluded to make a permanent settlement at that point. About then Abner C. Parmelee came to the new settlement from Marshall, when he and Hays put up a log cabin near Bunker's boarding-house, in which for a while they kept bachelor's hall together. The village then included Parmelee, Hays, Bunker's family, and a few men engaged on the mill. Mrs. Bunker was the only woman in the place, and for eight months after her coming she saw no representative of -her sex save Indian squaws. A decided advance in the progress of the new village was made in 1839, when Hays and Dibble built a gristmill. Slocum H. Bunker was engaged as the miller and managed the business a few years, when he returned to Battle Creek, where he subsequently resided until his death. In August, 1840, Henry A. Goodyear came hither from Detroit on a prospecting-tour, finding the following inhabitants in the village: Slocum H. Bunker, with his family and brother Thomas, as living in a log cabin near the grist-mill; Abner C. Parmelee, register of deeds and acting county treasurer, was in a log house northwest of where the Newton House stands; Levi Chase was keeping tavern on the bank of the river, near the bridge and north of Parrnelee's; Alexander McArthur was carrying on the saw-mill, and keeping a place of entertainment in the log house previously kept by Bunker; Willard Hays, the sheriff, was in a framed house (the first one in Hastings), erected by Dr. David M. Dake, on the corner now occupied by the Union Block, where he also kept the post-office; Philander Turner, a carpenter, was living in a shanty near the grist-mill; and Hiram J. Kenfield, carpenter and Indian trader, lived in a board shanty on a lot about opposite the site of Mr. Goodyear's hardware-store. Mr. Kenfield was an active man, who was then building the first bridge over the river at Hastings. He traded with the Indians, and kept his stock of goods in a trunk. He was one of the early sheriffs of the county,* and throughout his life was a man of much local prominence. Mr. Kenfield came to Michigan in 1837, and to Hastings in November, 1839. It was directly upon his coming that he took the contract for building the bridge over the river north of the present Newton House. He afterwards took the contract for building the court-house,t and was active in various ventures, but more especially in buying and selling land. He died in Hastings, June 29,1877. His father, W. L. Kenfield, settled in Irving township in 1844. One of his sisters, who married I. A. Holbrook, one of Hastings' earliest lawyers, yet resides in the city. PIONEER MERCHANTS. When H. A. Goodyear came to Hastings, in August, 1840, a store-building was then being erected by Hiram J. I Kenfield. on a lot south of McArthur's, which Goodyear purchased, and at once hastened eastward for a stock of goods. He returned in November following, and opened the first store in the village. He moved his place of business shortly afterwards to a building on what is now known as the bank-corner, and since November, 1840, has been steadily engaged in trade in Hastings: In the spring of 1841, Alvin W. Bailey came from Marshall and opened a store on the corner east of Goodyear's. He was, accordingly, Hastings' second trader, although he did not at that period remain in trade very long. He is now, however, and has been for many years, one of the merchants of the city. The trade carried on by Messrs. Goodyear and Bailey was naturally not very extensive, for at that time there were but few white settlers from whom to draw patronage. They had, however, a good many Indian customers; indeed, the greater part of their trade was with these sons of the forest. The third merchant was Dr. William Upjohn, who in the spring of 1842 started a store near Levi Chase's tavern, and engaged Marsh Giddings, a young lawyer from Gull Prairie, in Kalamazoo County, to look after the business. The enterprise was discontinued in the fall. It was afterwards successively continued by a Mr. Teed and a Maj. Tombs, neither of whom, however, stopped in the place more than a few months. Among the next traders were Vespasian Young, who had a store about 1844, near where the bank building stands; W. S. Goodyear, who joined his brother Henry in 1843; Ezra Convers, who came in 1844, and a Mr. Hatch the same year; W. C. Hoyt & Brother, in 1847, in a building adjoining Barlow's hotel, now known as the Hastings House; R. J. Grant, Ferris & Edgcomb, Barlow & Robinson, A. W. & Norman Bailey, etc., etc. R. J. Grant, the present mayor of Hastings, came West with his father in 1836, and located in Eaton County. In 1849 he settled in Hastings as a merchant, and since that time has uninterruptedly pursued a mercantile career in the town. At the time of his coming he found in trade here William C. and H. T. Hoyt and II. A. & W. S. Goodyear. In 1851 the Hoyts sold out to Nathan Barlow. Norman Bailey, who entered trade in Hastings with his brother in 1853, is now living in the city in retirement. Among the early comers in Hastings, not elsewhere mentioned, may be noted O. N. Boltwood, the miller, who came in 1850, J. P. Roberts, who, in 1851, opened the first drug-store in Hastings, L. W. Hitchcock in 1846, D. G. Robinson in 1851 (when he embarked in trade with Nathan Barlow), George Preston in 1851, William T. McNair in 1852, W. A. Sartwell in 1853, D. R. Cook in 1854, Thos. Altoft and Samuel Powers in 1855, and G. G. and 0. D. Spalding, who have been in trade in Hastings about twenty years. W. S. Goodyear, now one of Hastings' leading merchants, came to the village in 1843, when the only store in the place was kept by his brother, H. A. Goodyear. That place of trade, now the building west of the bank, stood then where the bank building now stands. W. S. Goodyear engaged in trade with his' brother in 1843, directly upon his coming, and since that time las been conspicuously I * Mr. Kenfield used to tell how, when he was sheriff, he had in charge a prisoner whom he so far commiserated that, instead of leaving him in jail, where he would be lonesome (being the only prisoner), he used to take him out in the morning and let him roam almost at will until night, when, the prisoner reporting, he would be locked up again. t See Chapter XVI. of the general history. CITY OF HASTINGS. 369 connected with the progress of Hastings. Although'there was but one store in the village in 1843, Hastings was then beginning to thrive, and gave promise of developing into a prosperous town,-a promise which was fulfilled within a brief space of time. It was in the spring of 1843 that Nathan Barlow, Jr., also came to Hastings to occupy the office of county clerk, to which he had been chosen. His father, Nathan Barlow, Sr., had located in 1837 upon section 7, in Yankee Springs, and resided there until his death, in 1855. Nathan Barlow, Jr., who had been in St. Louis, joined his father in Yankee Springs in the fall of 1840, and in 1843 moved to Hastings. Upon the expiration of his service as county clerk he was chosen county treasurer, and in 1851, after serving one term in the Legislature, he engaged in mercantile business in Hastings, and continued to be a merchant until 1879, when he retired from active business. Vespasian Young, whose widow resides in the village, came with his wife to the village in October, 1841, erected a store-building west of where the bank now is, became a merchant, and remained one until his death, in 1848. During Mr. Young's time, W. W. Ralph and one Rowley kept a stock of goods next door to his place, but did not remain a very long while. SURVIVING PIONEERS. Among the early settlers of Hastings now living there, those who have been there longest are Mrs. Willard Hays, Mrs. Philander Turner, Henry A. Goodyear, A. W. Bailey, Dr. William Upjohn, Mrs. Vespasian Young,-all having become residents before the close of the year 1841. There was no school in the village previous to 1840, for the reason that the only children there of a school-going age were two belonging to Slocum H. Bunker. In the winter of 1840-41 the population was reinforced by the families of Tillotson Munger and George Beardsley, and that same winter Ellen McArthur taught the first school in the village in a room in her father's tavern, her scholars being four in number. In the spring of 1841 a public school-house was completed, the first teacher in which was Luthera S. Spaulding, of Prairieville. She still lives in that township, being now known as Mrs. Henry Knappen. That school-house was also used for holding court until the court-house was finished. Mr. Munger, already mentioned, was Hastings' pioneer blacksmith, and set up his shop on the river-bank, near Chase's tavern. Mr. Beardsley, who came the same year, was a carpenter. With them, in the winter of 1840-41, came also Elisha Alden, a shoemaker, and his two sons, Perry and Elijall, both carpenters. One J. Carlton, a shoemaker, took up his residence in Hastings in 1842, and opened a shop on State Street, near H. A. Goodyear's store. Dr. David Dake9 Hastings' first physician, had come and gone, and in 1841 was succeeded by Dr. William Upjohn, who is still in practice. The first birth in Hastings is believed to have been that of a child of Slocum H. Bunker. Its death occurred soon afterwards, in Marshall. The second white child born in the village was Angela, a daughter of Willard Hays. Her birth occurred Aug. 28, 1840, and she still resides in 47 Hastings, as Mrs. William H. Hitchcock. The first couple married in Hastings came from Yankee Springs for the purpose, and were united by A. C. Parmelee. The first resident of the place to be married was Willard Hays, who wedded Ann, daughter of Daniel McClellan, who, with his brother James, had located in the southern part of the present township of Hastings in 1837. The ceremony was performed at the house of the bride's father, on section 34, Nov. 24, 1839, by " Squire" A. C. Parmelee. South of the present Union school the village proprietors laid out a cemetery, in which, in the summer of 1840, there were the graves of a Mr. De Groat, Lorenzo Cooley, and. Mrs. Maria Rush, wife of Harmon Rush, a mill-hand in the village. De Groat, who was the first person buried there, had been living in Rutland, as had also Mr. Cooley, the second one buried in the place. Mrs. Rush's death was the first in the village. This cemetery, now a cemetery no more, was the village burying-ground for many years. The bodies interred there were transferred to the present cemetery upon the laying out of the latter, and since then the old ground has remained undisturbed. Harmon Rush, above alluded to, was a mill-hand, blacksmith, and gunsmith, and came to the place in 1838. There were, from time to time, numerous persons engaged upon the building of the grist-mill and saw-mill, but they tarried only long enough to complete their specific labors, and could scarcely be considered as residents. Mention should have been made of J. W. Buckle, the pioneer tailor of Hastings. Mr. Buckle came to the place in the spring of 1842, opened a tailor-shop shortly after, and pursued his trade until his death, which occurred in March, 1880. THE SPOTTED FEVER. The spotted fever, which raged in Detroit in 1847 and carried off many of the men enlisted for service in the Mexican war (among them being Levi Chase, Charles Chase, George Tabor, and others of Hastings), appeared in Hastings in 1848, and inflicted serious ravages in the little village. Of this fever there died, between January and April, Mrs. John Gaines, George Fuller, Mrs. Tinkler, George Marshall, and Vespasian Young, the latter being the last to fall a victim. In the earliest years of its existence Hastings was a village in the woods, and was divided, at about the point now occupied by H. A. Goodyear's hardware-store, by a deep ravine running from south to north. As the population multiplied the topographical features of the town improved, and this village ditch was filled up, but there was a time when merchant Goodyear, standing at his store door, couldn't see Sheriff Hays' house, only a few hundred feet away, on account of the trees. At that time the street, now the busiest thoroughfare in the city of Hastings, was doubtless the play-ground of squirrels, while its leafy recesses resounded with the music of the birds of the forest. VILLAGE TAVERNS. Although Slocum H. Bunker built the first house devoted to " entertainment," it was properly a boarding-house for mill-hands,-yet he accommodated travelers who could 370 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. find no other lodging-place. Levi Chase was the proprietor of the first Hastings tavern, a rude log building, which stood near the river's bank, north of the present Newton House. Chase gave up the tavern, in 1842, to Heman I. Knappen, who was its last landlord. The latter retired about 1847, and died in Hastings in 1854. Chase enlisted for service in the Mexican war, but died in Detroit, of spotted fever. Mr. McArthur, who took Bunker's house and made a tavern of it, kept it about a year. Hiram J. Kenfield, the next landlord, added a framed front to the log structure, and after Kenfield, George Fuller, the third landlord, built the present Newton House,-considerably improved since his time,-and moved Kenfield's addition to the rear, where it still does duty as a portion of the hotel. In 1845, Nathan Barlow built a framed house on the lot now occupied by the Hastings House, and kept it from 1846 as a stagenouse on the route between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, which he was instrumental in establishing. In 1849, Mr. Barlow transferred the tavern to Henry Edgcomb, and after him J. B. Foote was the landlord, beginning about 1850. The hotel now known as the Newton House was taken in 1848 by Waterman Parker, previously a hotel-keeper in Jackson, Mich. He was a landlord in Hastings two years, and died in 1873. The stage-route through Hastings from Battle Creek to Grand Rapids was opened July 1, 1846, and proved a line of busy travel. H. A. Goodyear, H. I. Knappen, and other residents of Hastings were conspicuous in urging its establishment, Knappen being one of the earliest stageowners and drivers on the route. THE PHYSICIANS OF HASTINGS. Dr. David M. Dake made a location in Hastings in 1838, and built the first framed house the town boasted. It occupied the corner upon which the Union Block now stands, and subsequently served as the residence of Willard Hays. Dr. Dake came for the purpose of practicing medicine, but for some reason he moved away after remaining about six months. Hastings was after that without a physician until July, 1841, when Dr. William Upjohn came hither from Kalamazoo County. He had removed from Monroe Co., N. Y., to Kalamazoo County in 1835, intending to give his energies to farming for a time, although, having studied medicine, he designed to become eventually a physician. Upon his arrival in Kalamazoo County he found much sickness prevalent, and was induced by the circumstances to begin his medical practice forthwith. When he fixed upon Hastings as his new home, he opened an office in Levi Chase's tavern, on the river's bank, where business flowed in upon him in ample volume. He was then the only physician in the county, and his numerous calls from far and near kept him riding through the country night and day. Since his advent, in 1841, Dr. Upjohn has been in continuous active practice in Hastings, except from early in 1862 until Dec. 11, 1865, when he was in the military service, first as surgeon of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, and later as brigade surgeon. Dr. John Roberts, now living in Hastings, began practice in 1840. He came to the village in 1845, and from then until 1877, when he retired, he was one of the leading physicians of the town. Dr. A. P. Drake, now in practice in Hastings, has been a physician in the village since 1851 without interruption, except from 1855 to 1858, when he was in Nebraska, and in 1864 when he served as assistant surgeon of the " new" Third Michigan Infantry. Dr. F. C. Cornell came in 1850, and in 1855 removed to Idaho. The first homoeopathic physician to locate in Hastings was Dr. C. S. Burton, who came to Michigan in 1848, but, finding no supporters of homoeopathy in the State, returned to the East. In 1850 he came West the second time and located at Battle Creek, whence he removed in 1851 to Hastings. Homoeopathic physicians were not very plentiful at that time in these parts, and Dr. Burton rode at first over a wide stretch of country, reaching to Grand Rapids on the northwest, and Bellevue, Eaton Co., on the east. Dr. J. M. Russell, who retired from active practice in 1873, came in 1855, about which time came also Dr. Bonestell, who remained only about two years. About 1862 the new-comers were Drs. Frost, Johnson, and Burt. Dr. Burt remained until his death, in 1866. Drs. Frost and Johnson departed after a brief stay. Dr. Charles Russell, who entered upon practice in Hastings in 1866, remained until 1879, when he removed to Allegan, his present home. In 1862, Dr. H. J. Haney entered the field, but left it in 1875. The second homoeopathic physician to locate in Hastings was Dr. J. B. Brown, who came in 1869 and remained until his death, in 1871. His father, B. F. Brown, came in 1870 and left in 1879. I. W. Brown opened an office in 1875 and closed his practice in 1878. Dr. E. H. Lathrop joined Dr. C. S. Burton in practice in 1872, moved to Grand Rapids in 1874, returned in 1875, and is now here. Dr. William E. Upjohn, now in practice, began his medicalcareer in Hastings in 1875. In 1876, I. De Vere became a partner with B. F. Brown, after whose departure, in 1879, Dr. De Vere continued the practice, and still retains it, in connection with Dr. Grant. Dr. Amasa Blaso, who came in 1875, Dr. Woodmansee, whose residence dates from 1872, Miss Dr. Delight Wolfe, who began her practice here in 1878, Dr. J. C. Lampman, who came in April, 1879, and Dr. W. H. Snyder, who located in February, 1880, are still among the city practitioners. Dr. Joseph Adolphus, who should have had earlier mention, was one of the pioneer physicians of the county, and practiced in Hastings more or less from 1862 until 1875, when he moved to St. Louis. Dr. J. H. Cox, of whom mention has not been made, practiced for a time previous to 1875, when he went West. THE LAWYERS OF HASTINGS. In the spring of 1842, Dr. William Upjohn, then practicing medicine in Hastings, opened a store just north of where the Newton House stands, and engaged a young man named Marsh Giddings, from Gull Prairie, to look after the business, the latter also following his profession as a lawyer when occasion offered, in connection with the storekeeping. In the fall of 1842 the store was discontinued. Mr. Giddings continued his law practice but a short time longer, when he returned to Gull Prairie. Late DR. A. P. DRAKE, A. PHILO DRAKE, M.D. In the history of the medical profession of Barry County no one occupies a more deservedly popular position than the subject of this biography. A residence of over a quarter of a century, during which time he has been in the active practice of his profession, has fully demonstrated his general worth and assigned him a conspicuous place in the history of the city of Hastings. He was born in Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., July 31, 1828. At the age of ten the family emigrated to Michigan and settled near Saline, Washtenaw Co., where the elder Drake purchased a farm. The doctor obtained a common-school education, and in 1846 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. A. G. Crittenden, of Saline. In 1848 he entered the Cleveland Medical College, where he was graduated in 1850. Soon after his graduation he went to Wisconsin for the purpose of establishing himself in the practice of his profession, but failing to find a desirable location he returned to Michigan, and in July, 1851, came to Hastings, where he has since resided, with the exception of a few years spent in Nebraska. In 1864 he received the appointment of assistant surgeon of the 3d Michigan Infantry; he accompanied the regiment to the field, but by reason of ill health was compelled to resign his position. He returned to Hastings, and upon the recovery of his health resumed the practice of his profession. In 1860 he married Marion C. Palmer, of Hastings, a lady of culture and refinement. She died in 1878. Among his medical brethren Dr. Drake is known as a suc cessful practitioner and a gentleman. He is president of the County Medical Society, and a member of the State Medical Society and the Western Michigan District Medical Society. The doctor has taken an active interest in the development of Hastings, and has identified himself with all measures tending to the advancement of the interests of education or society. He has been a prominent member of the board of education, and has been president of the village. He is a believer in the precepts and teachings of Freemasonry, and has held prominent positions in that order, notably among the number that of Master and High Priest. Dr. Drake is well and favorably known, and one who is highly respected and esteemed. He possesses the necessary qualifications of the successful physician other than knowledge,-geniality of disposition and firmness, coupled with kindness and compassion,-and his valuable services as a physician, and the public spirit he has evinced as a citizen, entitle him to a foremost position among the representative men of Barry County. The doctor is a radical Republican, having been bred a Whig, and the New York Tribune having been his political Testament. His residence in Kansas and Nebraska from 1855 to 1858 gave him an insight into the means resorted to by the pro-slavery party to fasten the peculiar institution upon Kansas. He claims to have been the only Whig in the territory of Kansas in the employ of the government during the period of the forming of its State Constitution. i CITY OF HASTINGS. 371 in life he was appointed Governor of New Mexico, and died in that office in 1875. After Mr. Giddings' departure, although lawyers came from other places from time to time to attend court, there was no resident attorney until the fall of 1843, when I. A. Holbrook came from Hillsdale and entered at once upon a legal practice in which he continued until his death, in 1875. Mr. Holbrook was a man of mark in the community, and held among his numerous public trusts the offices of county clerk and prosecuting attorney. About the same time H. S. Jennings appeared upon the legal field, but tarried only a few years, when he pushed on westward. In the spring of 1844 a Mr. Rowley came hither from Battle Creek, but retired after a two years' practice. Until 1850 there was no fresh accession to the force of resident lawyers, and Mr. Holbrook had the local business to himself. In that year Norton S. Palmer came fresh from his studies in the office of Johnson & Higbec, at Jackson, and began practice in Hastings, where he remained until his death, in 1855. James H. Sweezy, now in practice in Hastings and the oldest resident lawyer there, came to that village in June, 1851, fiom Manchester, Mich., where he had studied law in the office of Bradley Granger. Mr. Sweezy has served, during his residence in Hastings, as regent of the university eight years, as member of the Legislature two terms, and as prosecuting attorney four terms. Charles White practiced in IIastings from 1858 to his death, in 1860, and in 1857, Charles G. Holbrook (brother of I. A. Holbrook), now in practice in the city, entered the lists. Mr. Holbrook was the prosecuting attorney from 1865 to 1869, and again from 1871 to 1873. Frank Allen, who came in 1861, died in 1868, and in the latter year Harvey Wright removed his office from Middleville to Hastings. He died upon the eve of his removal to Grand Rapids, in 1876. J. R. Van Velsor began his legal career in Hastings in 1869, and terminated it with his death, in 1874. Thomas Taylor, a school-teacher, studied with Mr. Van Velsor, practiced here a year, and then removed to Tuscola County, where he now lives. H. W. Rolf, who also studied in Van Velsor's office, still lives in Hastings. E. A. Holbrook, who came in 1874, practiced with Harvey Wright from 1874 to the death of the latter, in 1876, and then removed to Rochester, N. Y. The oldest resident lawyer, next to Mr. Sweezy, is William Burgher, who opened his office in the village in 1852. He has been in practice here from that time to the present, and for eighteen years has been a justice of the peace. George W. Mills, who made his appearance in Hastings in 1860, remained until 1870, and then removed to Missouri, where he now resides. Charles H. Bauer has been practicing here since 1869, and from 1875 to 1879, served at prosecuting attorney. Lucius Russell came in 1871, and A. D. Cadwallader in 1876, both being still in practice here. William H. Hayford, who has been a justice of the peace in Hastings nineteen years, made the village his home in 1850, but did not engage in legal practice until 1864, his time previous to that having been occupied in trading and milling. Daniel Striker, at one time Secretary of State of Michigan, was admitted to the bar in 1874. P. W. Niskern, for six years a newspaper publisher at Middleville, came to Hastings in July, 1877, bought an interest in The Repjublican Banner, and since the fall of 1877 has been practicing law in the city. Loyal E. Knappen, now prosecuting attorney, studied law with James A. Sweezy, and was admitted in 1876. Charles M. Knappen and William H. Powers were admitted in 1877, and J. R. Eastman has been in practice in Hastings since 1876. J. L. Fish, who was admitted in 1876, disappeared quite suddenly in 1879, and his name was subsequently stricken fiom the roll. Hiram Greenfield lived in Hastings from 1850-58, and during that period practiced law to some extent. Frederick Young, a son of Vespasian Young, one of the Hastings pioneers, was admitted to the bar in 1873, and practiced in the city from that time until his death, in 1875. HASTINGS VILLAGE INCORPORATION. Hastings was incorporated as a village by legislative act approved Feb. 13, 1855, and included the west half of section 17, the east half of section 18, the south half of the southwest quarter of section 8, and the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 7. May 7, 1855, the first election was held at the court-house, A. H. Ellis and Albert Kingsbury being chosen judges, and Norman Bailey clerk of the election. The whole number of votes cast for president was 134, of which Alvin W. Bailey received 88, Henry A. Goodyear, 45, and Luther Sage, 1. A full list of the village officials chosen on that occasion is as follows: President, Alvin W. Bailey; Recorder, John M. Nevins; Treasurer, O. N. Boltwood; Trustees, John Roberts, Wm. H. Hayford, Solomon Burch, Ashmun A. Knappen, John W. Buckle; Assessors, Ira S. Allen, Samuel T. McNair. At a special meeting of the Common Council, held May 22,1855, Albert H. Ellis was appointed marshal, and Seth B. Ferster and Nathan Barlow street commissioners. Appended will be found the names of those chosen annually from 1856 to 1871 to serve as presidents, recorders, treasurers, and trustees: 1856.-President, John W. Stebbins; Recorder, James P. Roberts; Treasurer, Augustus W. Atkins; Trustees, John M. Nevins, Robert J. Grant, Thomas F. Harvey, John W. Buckle, William Upjohn. 1857.-President, David G. Robinson; Recorder, Norman W. Falk; Treasurer, A. W. Atkins; Trustees, James Dunning, A. H. Ellis, A. B. Wightman, Marcus Durham, Wim. Sheldon, John B. Foot. 1858.-President, Wm. S. Goodyear; Recorder, C. G. Holbrook; Treasurer, -; Trustees, A. B. Wightman, Wm. Sheldon, Wm. Barlow, H. J. Kenfield, Wm. Upjohn, Zophias Sidmore. 1859.-President, I. A. Holbrook; Recorder, A. W. Atkins; Treasurer, E. B. Throop; Trustees, Zophias Sidmore, A. A. Knappen, Wm. Jones, H. J. Kenfield, Wm. Upjohn, John Roberts. 1860.-President, W. S. Goodyear; Recorder, J. W. Bentley; Treasurer, Wm. Jones; Trustees, C. Mead, R. J. Grant, J. M. Russell. 1861.-President, J. W. Stebbins; Recorder, Julius Russell; Treasurer, 11. N. Sheldon; Trustees, W. S. Goodyear, A. W. Bailey, John Roberts. 1862.-President, Willard Iays; Recorder, Wm. Jones; Treasurer, J. W. Buckle; Trustees, Wm. Sheldon, Nathan Barlow Mason Allen..0* 372 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1863.-President, Daniel Cook; Recorder, Willard Hays; Treasurer, John W. Buckle; Trustees, Ephraim Parsons, F. D. Ackley, and A. H. Ellis. 1864.-President, J. W. Stebbins; Recorder, Willard Hays; Treasurer, John W. Buckle; Trustees, A. B. Wightman, Wm. S. Goodyear, Joel I. Nobles. 1865.-President, H. A. Goodyear; Recorder, Frederick D. Ackley; Treasurer, John W. Buckle; Trustees, Mason Allen, E. T. Brown, H. J. Kenfield. 1866.-President, A. P. Drake; Recorder, J. W. Bentley; Treasurer, Burton Main; Trustees, John Roberts, John A. Fuller, A. Richardson. 1867.-President, J. M. Russell; Recorder, Geo. Rice; Treasurer, Burton Main; Trustees, E. T. Brown, H. A. Goodyear, S. C. Prindle. 1868.-President, A. P. Drake; Recorder, F. Main; Trustees, Robert J. Grant, Thomas Altoft, David R. Cook; Treasurer, I. A. Dibble. 1869.-President, F. N. Galloway; Recorder, Stephen E. Crandall; Treasurer, Frederick Main; Trustees, D. E. Striker, D. E. Birdsell, W. W. Kelley. 1870.-President, A. J. Bowne; Recorder, S. E. Crandall; Treasurer, Wm. H. Powers; Trustees, D. R. Cook, I. W. Vrooman, H. J. Kenfield. INCORPORATION OF THE CITY. Under an act of the Legislature approved March 11. 1871, Hastings was incorporated as a city. It was apportioned into four wards, and the first election held April 3, 1871. The full list of the officials then elected is as follows: Mayor, H. A. Goodyear; Recorder, Charles B. Wood; Treasurer, John Bessmer; Supervisor, David G. Robinson; Justice of the Peace (full term), James Clarke; School Inspector, John R. Van Velsor; School Inspector (one year), William H. Jewell; Aldermen, William I. F. Hams, Daniel Birdsell, George W. Williams, William Barlow, H. J. Kenfield, W. T. Eastman, D. C. Wooley, Willard Hays. Messrs. Hams, Williams, Kenfield, and Eastman were chosen for two years, and the others for one year. At subsequent elections four aldermen have been chosen for two years, so that the board of aldermen has always included eight members. At the annual elections since 1871 there have been chosen mayors, recorders, treasurers, and aldermen, as follows: 1872.-Mayor, D. R. Cook; Recorder, W. D. Hays; Treasurer, H. C. Lewis; Aldermen, J. R. Van Velsor, George W. Williams, C. B. Wood, William I. F. Hams. 1873.-Mayor, Nathan Barlow; Recorder, W. D. Hays; Treasurer, William H. Stebbins; Aldermen, Robert Dawson, R. Mudge, J. M. Bessmer, J. W. Bentley. 1874.-Mayor, W. S. Goodyear; Recorder, George E. Goodyear; Treasurer, H. C. Lewis; Aldermen, C. E. Barlow, Charles Dolph, J. A. Fuller, W. F. Hicks. 1875.-Mayor, W. S. Goodyear; Recorder, John Bessmer; Treasurer, C. E. Barlow; Aldermen, Ralph Gordon, E. J. Evans, J. L. Reed, P. A. Sheldon. 1876.-Mayor, J. W. Bentley; Recorder, L. D. Quackenbush; Treasurer, C. E. Barlow; Aldermen, H. C. Lewis, D. McNaughton, Marcus Russell, George Tomlinson. 1877.-Mayor, J. W. Bentley; Recorder, William H. Stebbins; Treasurer, Charles Weisert; Aldermen, A. A. Young, G. G. Spaulding, George Abbey, George M. Dewey. 1878.-Mayor, R. J. Grant; Recorder, W. H. Stebbins; Treasurer, George S. Tomlinson; Aldermen, Ira Hatch, Daniel McNaughton, W. W. Kelley, J. Lee Reed (vacancy), George Preston. 1879.-Mayor, R. J. Grant; Recorder, J. M. Bessmer; Treasurer, George S. Tomlinson; Aldermen, A. A. Young, William S. Shriner, William H. Stebbins, Charles E. Barlow. With the exception of Alderman Young (Republican), the city officials for 1879, as above named, are all representatives of the Greenback party. HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Hastings City is liberally supplied with schools, and contains one of the finest school buildings in the State. It is a massive brick structure surmounted by a handsome belltower, and, occupying a commanding eminence, is an attractive object as well as the most conspicuous architectural feature of the city. The building was finished in 1872, and cost, with grounds and furniture, $45,000. It contains seven school-rooms, and has three departments,-high school, grammar, and primary,-in which and the two ward schools the aggregate average attendance for the school year of 1878-79 was 369, out of an actual enrollment of' 661. Two ward-schools, situated respectively in the First and Second Wards, are also parts of the Hastings school-system. From the superintendent's report for the school year of 1878-79, it is learned that the estimated population of the district was 2612; the cash value of school property, $45,000; cost of superintendence and instruction, $3062.50; number of children between five and twenty years, 686. The Hastings board of education was incorporated under a legislative act approved April 2, 1873. At the first meeting, July 7, 1873, Nathan Barlow was chosen president, John R. Van Velsor secretary, and John M. Nevins treasurer. Mr. Barlow, who has held the office continuously since 1873, is still the president of the board. James Clarke is secretary, and R. J. Grant treasurer. The other members of the board in March, 1880, were E. H. Lathrop, William S. Goodyear, John Weissert, Robert Dawson, Earl Brown, E. J. Evans, O. S. Hadley, D. R. McElwain, Clement Smith. The teachers in the public schools in 1880 were J. N. Mitchell, Superintendent and Principal of High School; Ada Andrus, Assistant in High School; Miss Mary B. Campbell, Grammar Room; Sarah L. Barlow, Intermediate; Estella Wheeler, Fourth Primary; Belle Throop, Third Primary; Lida Beadle, Second Primary; Marian Butler, First Primary; Edith Valleau, First Ward; Lilian Estes, Second Ward. HASTINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT. In the year 1873 the citizens called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a fire company. As a result, a handengine and hose-carriage were bought, and two companies formed at once. Pioneer Engine Company, No. 1, enrolled 50 volunteer members, who chose W. I. F. Hams foreman, while Frank Decker was elected foreman of the hose company. In 1875 a department was organized by the election of David R. Cook as chief engineer, who was succeeded in 1876 by W. F. Hicks. Not long after that the department was disorganized, but within a month or so, in the spring of 1877, it was revived as a pay department. W. F. Hicks was elected chief, James L. Wilkins first as sistant, and W. S. Kelley second assistant. William L. Wilkins was foreman of the engine company, and John Russ of the hose company. Photo, by Heath & Chidester, Hastings. HARVEY N. SHELDON. Harvey N. Sheldon was born in the town of Brutus, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1819. His parents, Ira and Mary Sheldon, were distantly related, and were natives of Connecticut. They reared a family of six sons. In 1827 the elder Sheldon died, leaving the care of the family and the management of the farm to Mrs. Sheldon. Harvey remained at home until he was sixteen years of age, availing himself of such means of education as were afforded by the ordinary district school of that day. In the spring of 1835 he came to Michigan in company with his eldest brother, Newton Sheldon, who settled in the town of Lodi, Washtenaw Co., where he became one of its prominent citizens. Harvey remained with his brother three years, when he returned to the State of New York, where he resided until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came back to Michigan. In 1841 he came to Castleton, and purchased from the government the north half of the northwest quarter of section 1; he immediately commenced work upon it, making his home with A. B. Cooper, Esq., then a resident of the town of Woodland. In the spring following he erected a dwelling, and during the summer returned to the State of New York, where, on the 14th of September, 1842, he was married to Miss Lydia Miller, of Steuben Co., N. Y. She was born Nov. 22, 1826. In October, 1842, in company with his wife and two brothers, D. C. and 0. B. Sheldon, and their families, he returned to Castleton. His brothers purchased land, and settled in the immediate vicinity of his home, the former on section 36, in Woodland, where he still resides, the latter on an adjoining farm on section 1, in Castleton. The following winter was one of unusual severity; snow fell to a great depth, and Mr. Sheldon and his wife experienced many hardships and privations, among which was the loss of their only cow. In the spring Mr. Sheldon was attacked with that disease so dreaded by the early settlers, the ague, which, in connection with a lame arm, so impaired his health that he was obliged to return East. After a residence there of one year he so far recovered his health that he came back to his farm, on which he resided until 1854, at which time he was elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people for twelve successive years. Previous to his election to this position he had served his fellow-townsmen as clerk and treasurer, and for three terms had represented Castleton on the board of supervisors, where lie was appreciated not only for his sound judgment upon all matters of public interest, but for his sterling integrity. Upon the expiration of his term of office as county treasurer he removed to the township of Hagar, Berrien Co., to engage in fruit-growing, an industry to which he gave all his energies and to which he was very much attached. His reputation as a citizen and an official had preceded him, and soon after his settlement in Hagar he was called upon to take an active part in public matters. He was elected to the office of treasurer, and for three terms has been a member of the board of supervisors. In September of 1846 his wife died, leaving three children. In July, 1847, he was married to Miss Almira Wheeler, of Woodland. The better part of the life of Mr. Sheldon has been spent in Barry County. He saw it developed from a semi-wilderness into one of the productive and important counties of the State. He identified himself prominently with its growth and prosperity. He perfected an enviable record as a citizen, and will always be remembered for his ability as an official, his sterling integrity, and his marked social qualities. i CITY OF HBASTINGS. 373 C The department consists now of Pioneer Hand-Engine, No. 1, with 31 men, J. H. Anderson foreman, and Pioneer Hose Company, No. 1, with 18 men, H. F. Ford foreman. James L. Wilkins is chief engineer of the department. THE FIRE OF 1867. Hastings was sorely scorched in the winter of 1867 by a disastrous fire, which originated from a defective flue in the old Pioneer office and made short work of the frame buildings on that block. Although the loss seemed a serious one, it proved a benefit in the end, since the burnt district was almost directly occupied by brick structures, which materially improved and adorned that portion of the village. NEW BUILDINGS. The fine brick structure known as the Union Block was built by Barlow, Goodyear & Grant in 1867, and was the pioneer of its kind in the town. The Empire Block was erected in 1869, and about then, too, the brick stores occupying the district burned in 1867 were added to the list of valuable improvements. MANUFACTORIES AND MILLS. THE SPALDING AND WILKINS MANUFACTURING COMPANY. The chief manufacturing industry of Hastings is the one conducted by the above company, devoted mainly to the production of croquet implements, and also to the manufacture of base-ball bats, Indian clubs, archery and lawntennis goods, fishing-rods, etc. The company was incorporated in November, 1879, on a capital of $20,000, with A. G. Spalding, as President; J. W. Spalding, Vice-President; J. W. Wilkins, Superintendent; and W. T. Brown, Secretary and Treasurer; these four gentlemen comprising also the list of stockholders. The business of making croquet implements and baseball bats was begun at Hastings by James L. and Walter L. Wilkins, in 1876, when they bought the buildings and property originally occupied in 1874 by Dwight & Burral for the manufacture of cultivators. In the summer of 1878, James L. Wilkins purchased the entire interest, and in November, 1879, assisted in organizing the present corporation. The business is the most extensive of its kind in America, and gives regular employment to about 100 persons. In 1879 upwards of 1000 cords of wood were used in making base-ball bats, while, during the same period, 33,000 sets of croquet were sold. The factories and grounds cover three acres, and are owned by the company. MANUFACTURE OF SASH, DOORS, ETC. About 1865, Dickey & Prentice began the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds, hard-wood lumber, agricultural tools, etc., but in a short time sold out to Dickey & Bentley, who were succeeded in 1869 by J. W. & C. G. Bentley. In 1878 they gave way to Bentley Brothers & Wilkins, the firm now carrying on the business, which has so expanded that from 30 to 40 men are now employed in it. Connected with the factory is a saw-mill, which, in 1879, cut 2,000,000 feet of hard-wood lumber. THE BARRY STEAM FLOURING-MILL. This mill, now carried on by Hale & Bartley, occupies the structure built by Barlow & Goodyear in 1868, to replace that built by Boltwood & Keeler in 1856, upon the site of the one begun by Hayes & Dibble, of Marshall, in 1839, finished in the winter of 1840, and destroyed by fire in 1856. It was the pioneer grist-mill of Barry County, and was the scene on July 4, 1840, of the first Fourth of July celebration in Hastings. The mill building was finished, but the machinery was not in, and within its spacious mill-room the patriotic citizens from miles around gathered for a jolly Fourth of July dance. Those now living who remember it observe that the dance was a merry one, and they remember, too, that the supper that followed at Levi Chase's tavern was a feast at which the edibles were toothsome and the general happiness contagious. Hayes & Dibble's miller was Slocum H. Bunker, who lived in a log cabin near the mill, and who was further distinguished as the first permanent white settler in Hastings. The present mill has 5 run of stone, with a capacity of about 150 barrels of flour daily. From 12,000 to 15,000 barrels of flour are annually shipped. In 1879 it manufactured considerable flour for export in sacks to Glasgow, Scotland, and New Castle, England. THE HASTINGS MILL. The Hastings Mill was built by A. W. Bailey about 1863, and now belongs to W. S. Goodyear & Parsons, who rent the property to Hitchcock & Eaton. This mill was remodeled in 1866 by Goodyear, Barlow & Hadley, they having succeeded A. W. Bailey in possession. BANKING IN HASTINGS. In the spring of 1857 William H. Skinner, of Battle Creek, opened a private bank in Hastings, and in the fall of that year I1. A. Goodyear purchased the business, and carried it on until 1868, when he sold to Bowne & Galloway, a firm then just started in the banking interest as the continuation of a bank opened in 1867 by F. N. Galloway. Bowne & Galloway continued their private banking business until Jan. 1, 1871, when it became absorbed by the organization of the Hastings National Bank, with a capital of $50,000. The directors first chosen were A. J. Bowne, President; F. N. Galloway, Cashier; R. B. Wightman, D. R. Cook, D. B. Pratt, J. A. Sweezy, and L. D. Gardner. A statement issued by the bank, Feb. 21, 1880, included the following exhibit: Circulation. $45,000; deposits, $110,000; loans, $186,000; surplus, $50,000. The fine building now occupied and owned by the institution was erected by Bowne & Galloway in 1869. The present directors are A. J. Bowne, President; Daniel Striker, VicePresident; George E. Goodyear, Cashier; D. B. Pratt and L. D. Gardner. HASTINGS POST-OFFICE. Previous to the spring of 1839 the few people living in Hastings and near there depended upon getting their mail at Gull Prairie, forty miles distant, but the dependence was of that uncertain character which followed upon the infrequency and irregularity of communication. In March, 1839, application was made for the creation of a post-office 374 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. _ _ I at Hastings, and April 29, 1839, the application was answered favorably by the issuance to Willard Hays of a postmaster's commission. Although letter-postage in those days was 25 cents, the business at the Hastings office was so limited that during the first three months of his term Postmaster Hays' receipts were less than $1. The first mail-route that touched Hastings passed by way of Coldwater, and over that route the mail was at first carried by Daniel McClelland on horseback once a week. Later, when the stage-route was opened between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids in 1846, Hastings, being a station on the route, received a daily mail. Mr. Hays continued to be the postmaster from 1839 until 1847, when he resigned, and succeeding him W. S. Jennings took possession. In 1849, H. A. Goodyear became the incumbent, and following him H. I. Knappen. Mr. Knappen's successors were Nathan Barlow, R. J. Grant, J. W. Stebbins, Dr. John Roberts (in 1867), and John M. Nevins, the present postmaster, who was appointed in 1875, and reappointed March 3, 1879. For the three months ending Dec. 31, 1879, the businese of the Hastings post-office was,Stam ps sold.............................................. $742.11 Postal-cards sold....................................... 83.00 Stamped envelopes sold.............................. 149.39 Box-rents............................................... 104.50 Total................................................. $1079.00 Number of money-orders issued................... 594 Value of same.......................................... $6051.86 M oney-orders paid.................................... $2844.56 The office sends and receives two daily mails, two triweekly mails, and one semi-weekly mail. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. PIONEER WORK. Rev. Daniel Bush, a Methodist missionary preacher, was the first minister to locate at Hastings, or do any stated work at that point, and, as he has happily preserved, in a recently written letter, many interesting details touching his experience as a preacher in Barry County, liberal extracts from that letter are given to our readers, in the belief that they will be found interesting and worthy of' preservation. Mr. Bush says: " Early in the fall of 1841, I rode into Hastings on horseback, and announced myself as a minister of the gospel, sent by the Methodist Conference to labor among them as a missionary. The people received me as a messenger of God, and with a cordiality and warm-heartedness that at once inspired me with confidence and hope. I never met with a warmer reception than I did at Hastings, although there was not a professor of religion in the place. There were at this time, if my memory serves me, some ten or twelve buildings in Hastings, the most of them being built of logs, while the people were all very poor. Forty dollars in missionary money had been appropriated for the support of my family, but the people were quite liberal, and we passed through the year very comfortably. "As the people would not consent to my living outside the village, the first thing in order was to procure a residence for my family. Failing to find a house, we were offered a temporary home in Alexander McArthur's house, where we were given an upper chamber, which was reached by a ladder, and there was established the first Methodist parsonage in Hastings. A movement, headed by A. W. Bailey and Thomas Bunker, for the erection of more comfortable quarters for my family, resulted in the completion of a house on the 1st day of January, 1842. The firewood needed for the household I obtained by felling trees that grew in profusion about the house. * * X * * X * @ I I "I commenced my missionary labors as soon as I reached Hastings. A new school-house had been built the same year I came, and in that house we assembled for worship. From this point I went into all the settlements of Barry County, the western part of Eaton County, and the northern part of Kalamazoo County, preaching wherever I could assemble a congregation. Previous to my coing to this work Brother Daubney, a loc:l preacher from Gull Prairie, had visited Hastings a few times and preached to the people. " I heard of a Methodist man who lived several miles northeast of Hastings by the name of Alonzo Barnum. I made him a visit, and found him chopping down a tree. I introduced myself, and when I told him that a new mission had been formed and that I was the preacher in charge, he raised his hands and eyes to heaven, great tears rolled down his face, and he exclaimed, ' Praise God, my prayers have been heard at last!' We both knelt at the roots of the tree and held a prayer-meeting. A class was formed there, and we made it a regular preaching-place. "I preached in Eaton County in the Hagar settlement. I preached in Zebulon Burnam's school-house, northeast of Hastings, and in the Carpenter settlement, north of Hastings. West of Hastings I had an appointment at Mr. Ingraham's, and also at John W. Bradley's. I preached at Mr. Hill's, where the,village of Middleville now stands, and farther south, at Judge Barlow's. I had also an appointment at Yankee Springs, and preached during the year at 'Yankee' Lewis' tavern. I preached also during the year at Pine Lake, where we had a class, and the.re we held a quarterly meeting. East of Hastings there was a considerable settlement near the county-line, and there I preached to a class at the house of Lorenzo Mudge. During the summer of 1842 I held, with Rev. Franklin Page, in charge of Allegan Circuit, a camp-meeting near Gun Marsh, on a line between our respective charges. This was the first camp-meeting ever held in this part of the State, and it was attended with gratifying results. "The free use of intoxicating drinks in Barry County suggested work in the temperance cause. There was a lawyer in Hastings by the name of Marsh Giddings, a very good talker, who was always ready for a temperance speech. John Van Arnam, a lawyer from Battle Creek, who came to Hastings to attend court, assisted us in the good work. We soon organized a temperance society, and nearly all the people took the pledge. At every place where I preached I delivered temperance discourses and offered the pledge. A great majority of the people joined the temperance ranks. We had a Fourth of July celebration and passed through the usual formalities of such an occasion. I had the honor of being the first chaplain in Hastings. Our band consisted of a fife and drum, and did excellently well." FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first quarterly meeting Conference for Hastings mission was held at Hastings, Nov. 6,1841, on which occasion there were present James F. Davidson, Presiding Elder; Daniel Bush, Missionary; and Alonzo Barnum, Lorenzo Mudge, Elisha Carpenter, and Aaron L. Ellis, Leaders. Alonzo Barnum was appointed recording steward, and Lorenzo Mudge, Aaron L. Ellis, Richard Witherel, and Joseph Merriman stewards. At a meeting held July 13, 1843, Henry Worthington being the preacher in charge, it was resolved to build a parsonage at Hastings. The building committee was composed of A. C. Ketchum, Isaac Messer, and John W. Bradley. At a stewards' meeting of Hastings Circuit held Sept. 30, 1843, Rev. Edward L. Kellogg being the preacher in charge, he appointed Asahel Tillotson, Alonzo Barnum, Lorenzo Mudge, Isaac Messer, and Aaron L. Ellis to be trustees for the Methodist Episcopal Church for Hastings Circuit. Mr. Kellogg's successor on the circuit was Rev. A. C. Shaw, who, at a meeting in June, 1846, reported that he had raised $50 for the purchase of a circuit Sabbath-school library, and that eleven schools had been organized. Rev. CITY OF HASTINGS. 375 George King was the preacher in 1847, and in 1849 he was succeeded by Rev. Ransom Goodell. Following him came Revs. T. Clark, M. Cory, George Bignell, A. R. Bartlett, T. H. Bignell, William H. Perrine, N. L. Brockway, N. L. Otis, and others. A church edifice was erected in Hastings in the summer of 1852, the village school-house and court-house having, previous to that, been used as a place of worship. The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Hastings, founded, as has been seen, by Rev. Mr. Bush, enjoys now an abundant prosperity, and embraced in March, 1880, a membership of 198. The church stewards are R. J. Grant, O. D. Spaulding, Daniel Striker, S. C. Prindle, Eben Pennock, J. C. Lampman, J. F. Hale, and W. H. Schantz. The trustees are R. J. Grant, O. D. Spaulding, Eben Pennock, Daniel Striker, S. C. Prindle, Manning Doud, and S. C. Whitcomb. The class-leaders are R. J. Grant and 0. D. Spaulding. Mrs. Clement Smith is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has 13 teachers and an average attendance of 130 scholars. The pastor, Rev. Levi Master, entered upon the charge in the fall of 1877. His predecessors, dating from 1866, were Revs. A. P. Moors, J. H. Ross, J. I. Buell, T. H. Jacokes, and G. W. Sherman. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CUIRCH OF HASTINGS. At a meeting of the First Congregational Church of Hastings, held in the village school-house, Jan. 7, 1849, the following members were present: Mrs. Lucina Hanne, Mrs. Hannah Kellogg, Mrs. Susan Pierson, Mrs. Sarah M. Hoyt, Mrs. Arvilla B. Ralph, Mrs. Elizabeth Horton, Mrs. Nancy Young, and Mr. Abel Rice. Two members were absent, Mrs. Clarissa Bailey and Mrs. Louisa Tabor. The meeting was called to order by the pastor, Rev. Z. T. Hoyt, who stated that the object of the meeting was to urge the necessity of reorganizing the church and adopting the Presbyterian form of government in consequence of difficulties that existed in the Congregational Church, and which appeared then beyond their power to settle, the pastor stating further that a Presbyterian Church had already been organized. The members present then voted to donate the communion-service and all other property belonging to the First Congregational Church to the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, and, letters of dismission being granted to the members named above, it was resolved " that the First Congregational Church of Hastings be hereby dissolved." The Congregational Church just mentioned had been organized in 1842, in the Hastings school-house, by Rev. Mr. Cochran, of Vermontville. The first members were A. C. Parmelee and wife, Marsh Giddings and wife, Mrs. Clarissa Bailey, Mrs. Vespasian Young, Mrs. Horton, and Nathan Barlow and wife. Mr. Cochrane came to preach only occasionally, but when Rev. Z. T. Hoyt settled in Hastings there was regular preaching from that time on. After a while dissensions arose in the congregation, and as the only way out of the trouble it was decided to dissolve the church as above stated, which action, however, was only preliminary to a change of form, since the First Presbyterian Church straightway succeeded to the place of the First Con gregational Church, leaving out the minority with whom difficulties had arisen. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Upon the day of the dissolution of the Congregational Church, the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings was organized in the village school-house. Rev. Zerah T. Hoyt was moderator of the meeting, and Lewis H. Ensign secretary. Those who were received into the church at the organization, besides those mentioned in the sketch of the First Congregational Church, were Henry Standish and Abbey, his wife, Mrs. Sophia E. Kenfield, Lewis H. Ensign and Abby, his wife, Sarah M. Saandish, Gorgietta E. Standish, and Mrs. Esther Dowd. Lewis H. Ensign was chosen ruling elder. In March, 1849, the ordinance of baptism was conferred upon George II. Ensign, Georgiana A. Ensign, and Henry A. Ensign, and at the same meeting Abel Rice was elected elder. At a meeting held Feb. 8, 1853, the church adopted new articles as to the form of church government, and changed the name of the organization to The First Presbyterian and Congregational Church of Hastings. On the 10th of February 24 members were added upon a profession of faith. From this time forward the church rapidly received accessions and gained in strength. The court-house was long used as a place of worship, but on the 13th of December, 1854, the newly erected Presbyterian and Congregational house of worship was dedicated. Rev. Zerah T'. Hoyt, who lad thus far been the pastor of the church, retired fiom the charge late in 1855, and on April 27, 1856, Rev. A. H. Gaston entered the pastorate. Mr. Gaston served until the spring of 1863, when he was dismissed. Shortly after that several members of the congregation withdrew to the Protestant Episcopal Church, and for a year the congregation was so weak that regular services were not maintained. Early in 1864, however, an earnest effort led to a revival of interest, and in April of that year Rev. E. G. Bryant was secured as pastor. The church moved forward again upon a prosperous career, and in September, 1865, material improvements were begun upon the church edifice. This work required five months to complete, and during that time no meetings of any kind were held. Mr. Bryant retired fiom the pastorate in the autumn of 1866, and in January, 1867, Rev. William S. Messmer was obtained as stated supply, and remained until January, 1868. From that time until August the church was vacant. Rev. Theodore D. Marsh was then engaged as pastor, and remained until Feb. 7, 1875. Rev. R. W. Fletcher, the next pastor, commenced his term of service April 1, 1876, and closed it Jan. 20, 1878, and in December of that year Rev. D. R. Shoop was called to the charge, which he still occupies. The elders of the church at present are J. P. Roberts, John M. Nevins, George Putnam, and W. H. Holmes. The trustees of the society are John Greble, George Putnam, W. H. Holmes, C. G. Bentley, Geo. M. Dewey, J. P. Roberts. The church membership is now 56. The Sunday-school superintendent is W. H. Holmes, who is assisted by 12 teachers. The average attendance at the school is 65. 376 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I Although it is generally supposed that the church is the First Presbyterian Church, it is really the First Presbyterian and Congregational Church, since the latter name, adopted in 1853, has never been formally changed. The name of the society has, however, been changed, and is legally the First Presbyterian Society of Hastings. EMMANUEL (PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL) CHURCH. Doubtless the first Episcopal sermon preached in Hastings was delivered by Rev. Dr. Cummings, of Grand Rapids, on the occasion of his tarrying briefly at the village in 1847, while en route to his home. In the early part of July, 1851, Rev. V. Spalding, of Three Rivers, having been sent by Bishop McCoskry on a missionary tour through Michigan, stopped at Hastings and preached an Episcopal sermon in the court-house. During 1856 and 1857 Rev. Robert Wood preached occasionally in the village, but until 1863 there was no movement looking to the holding of regular religious services according to the Episcopal faith. In June of that year, J. W. Bancroft, principal of the Union school, was consulted by Dr. H. J. Haney and F. D. Ackley touching the feasibility of having Episcopalian church service every Sunday. Mr. Bancroft agreed to read service, and upon a return from a vacation held the first meeting at his house, Aug. 30, 1863, on which occasion there were present, besides his own family of four, Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Ackley and their daughter. On the next Sunday Dr. Haney was present, with those heretofore named, and on the third Sunday the congregation numbered about 20. Interest in the church continuing to increase Rev. L. H. Corson, of Jonesville, was invited to preach, and on the 4th and 11th of October he held forth in the Presbyterian church. The result of his visit was the organization of a parish, and on the 17th of October, 1873, articles of association were signed by H. A. Goodyear, D. G. Robinson, Nathan Barlow, H. J. Haney, F. D. Ackley, and J. W. Bancroft. The first subsequent services were held in Masonic Hall, Oct. 25, 1863, Mr. Bancroft conducting lay services. On the following Sabbath a Sunday-school was organized, with 25 scholars and 8 teachers. Jan. 17, 1864, Bishop McCoskry made his first visitation, when services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church. Dec. 18, 1864, Emmanuel Hall, in the Brower building, was occupied as a place of worship. Mr. Bancroft conducted lay services until Sept. 19, 1865, when, having been admitted to deacon's orders, he was called to the rectorship of Emmanuel Church, and entered upon the charge Oct. 1, 1865. The following year the chapel now in use was completed, and occupied Oct. 14, 1866. May 22,1867, Mr. Bancroft was advanced to the priesthood, and still remains in charge of the parish, his continuance therein having been without interruption since 1863. The vestry appointed in 1863 was composed of H. A. Goodyear and D. G. Robinson (wardens), H. J. Haney, Nathan Barlow, and F. D. Ackley. Messrs. Goodyear and Robinson have served as wardens continuously from the beginning. The other members of the vestry are M. W. Riker, E. B. Throop, and Charles L. Young. Since 1863 I the church has confirmed 132 persons and received 155 communicants. The communicants number now 80. The Sunday-school, which is in charge of the rector, has 12 teachers and an average attendance of 60. CATIOLIC CHURCH. Previous to 1869 priests used to come from various points to hold occasional worship in Hastings at private houses for such of the Catholic faith as lived here. In 1869, John Stanley agitated the organization of a Catholic Church, and with Patrick Ryan and Thomas Haney effected the purchase of a building formerly used as a cooper-shop, and converted it into a house of worship, which has since been in use for that purpose, although a handsomer and roomier edifice is soon to be erected on Jefferson Street, where the congregation owns three lots. Among the early priests were Fathers Ernstrasser, Pulcher, and McManus. Father Algier, the first stationed priest, remained two years, and was followed by Father Wicart, whose term of service was likewise two years. Father McManus comes now from Grand Rapids once in two weeks and holds services, which are numerously attended. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. A meeting was held in the court-house Dec. 11, 1868, to organize a Baptist Church, Rev. E. Curtis being moderator and J. G. Runyan secretary, but, the number in attendance being few, an adjournment was ordered to the 22d instant. Previous to this, Oct. 18, 1868, the First Baptist Society of Hastings was incorporated, with T. L. Pillsbury, J. G. Runyan, A. H. Tyler, Mr. Otis, John Michael, and Wm. Morgan as the charter members. On the 22d of December the church was organized with 21 members, of whom Rev. T. Pillsbury, Mrs. M. M. Pillsbury, J. G. Runyan and wife, Saral Kelley, Hannah Salisbury, Wm. Morgan and wife, C. W. Cassaday and wife, John Michael and wife, Mrs. A. M. Dean, Sarah Morgan, and Deborah Hall are still members. On that occasion trustees were elected as follows: For three years, J. G. Runyan and T. W. Hewit; for two years, E. Curtis and J. Michael; for one year, J. M. Rogers and T. L. Pillsbury. The court-house was used as a house of worship, and meetings were continued with more or less regularity until the summer of 1871, when they ceased, by reason of a decline of the church membership to but a handful. No effort to revive the church was made until June 20, 1877, when in response to the efforts of Rev. C. W. Palmer, the evangelist, a meeting was held for the purpose of reorganizing it, and to such good purpose that 18 members were gained at the outset. Affairs prospered, and in 1878, upon the death of Mrs. E. M. Hand, a member of the church, the society came into possession under her will of her late residence, and that building, at once remodeled, has served as a house of worship since. Mr. Palmer labored with the church until September, 1877, and in the following October came Rev. W. S. Wilkinson, who is still the pastor. The church has now a membership of 77. The Sabbath-school, in charge of I. N. Mitchell and eight teachers, has an average attendance of from 75 to 100. The church trustees are T. L. Pillsbury, J. M. Rogers, and C. W. Cassaday. The deacon is B. W. Morgan. CITY OF HASTINGS. 377 SECRET ORDERS. HASTINGS LODGE, No. 58, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted Sept. 14, 1852, with 11 members, viz.: 0. B. Sheldon, R. B. Wightman, I. S. Geer, Hiram Bennett, William S. Goodyear, Augustus Richardson, J. A. Sweezy, A. A. Knappen, H. I. Knappen, C. P. Dow, and A. H. Ellis. At the first election, 0. B. Sheldon was chosen N. G.; R. B. Wightman, V. G.; I. S. Geer, Sec.; Hiram Bennett, Treas. The lodge continued in active existence until May 20, 1857, when it ceased to perform its functions and lay dormant until May 4, 1866, when a petition applying for reinstatement was issued by W. S. Goodyear, Augustus Richardson, Jacob Maus, I. S. Geer, F. D. Ackley, W. H. Hayford, and Norman Bailey. The charter was granted June 20. 1867, to O. B. Sheldon, R. B. Wightman, I. S. Geer, Hiram Bennett, W. S. Goodyear, Augustus Richardson, C. P. Dow, A. H. Ellis, and J. A. Sweezy. At the first election, held June 25. 1867, F. D. Ackley was chosen N. G.; A. M. Rock, V. G.; G. M. Dewy, Sec.; Augustus Richardson, Treas. The fine lodge-room now occupied in the Empire Block has been in possession of the lodge since 1870. Although members have been demitted to lodges at Prairieville, Woodland, and Middleville, the lodge has now a membership of 62, and is in a highly prosperous condition. March 1, 1880, the officers were A. H. Runyan, N. G.; James Murphy, V. G.; N. J. Bronson, Sec.; A. A. Young, P. Sec. PALMER ENCAMPMENT, No. 49, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted April 14, 1871. The charter members were Jacob Maus, D. R. Cook, W. H. Hayford, M. L. Williams, William T. Eastman, Frederick Naclhtrieb, W. A. Sartwell, Mason Allen, G. H. McLellan, Norman Bailey, George M. Dewey, and L. S. Cobb. The first officers were Norman Bailey, C. P.; W. H. Hayford, H. P.; Jacob Maus, S.W.; M. S. Williams, Scribe; D. R. Cook, Treas.; W. T. Eastman, J. W. The present membership is 28. The officers are James Murphy, C. P.; George M. Dewey, H. P.; I. S. Geer, S. W.; J. M. Bessmer, Scribe; G. H. Brooks, Treas. HASTINGS LQDGE, No. 52, F. AND A. M. Dec. 1, 1851, at a meeting preliminary to the organization of a Masonic lodge, there were present, in the office of I. &. Holbrook, Messrs. F. C. Cornell, Howard Keith, D. G. Robinson, Roswell Wilcox, and H. A. Goodyear. Howard Keith was chosen S. D.; Roswell Wilcox, J. D.; Edward Ackley, Sec.; Gilbert Striker, Tyler. The second meeting was held Jan. 24, 1852, in the assembly-room of Thornton's Hotel, and Jan. 16, 1853, the charter issued, F. C. Cornell being named M.; H. A. Goodyear, S. W.; and D. G. Robinson, J. W. The first election under the charter was held Jan. 19, 1853, when officers were chosen as follows: H. A. Goodyear, W. M.; D. G. Robinson, S. W.; N. S. Palmer, J. W.; I. A. Holbrook, Treas.; W. J. Bottom, Sec.; A. P. Drake, S. D.; Albert Jordan, J. D.; Alex. Merritt, Tyler. The lodge has occupied hand some and commodious quarters in Union Block since 1868, and has now a membership of 145. The present officers 48 are M. W. Riker, W. M.; C. H. Bauer, S. W.; W. H. Powers, J. W.; Daniel Striker, Treas.; C. H. Van Orman, Sec.; James L. Crawley, S. D.; John Mate, J. D.; E. B. Throop, Tyler. HASTINGS CIAPTER, No. 68, R. A. M., was chartered Jan. 11, 1870, with the following members: Daniel Striker, H. P.; D. G. Robinson, K.; Travers Phillips, Scribe; B. W. Jackson, John Carlow, Eugene Hamilton, Lewis Westfall, Charles Beckwith, and A. P. Drake. The officers March 1, 1880, were Travers Phillips, H. P.; William H. Powers, K.; B. R. Rose, Scribe; M. W. Riker, C. of H.; William S. Goodyear, P. S.; J. Q. Cressy, R. A. C.; W. M. Scudder, M. 3 V.; Lewis Stern, M. 2 V.; D. G. Brosseau, M. 1 V.; Charles H. Bauer, Sec.; Daniel Striker, Treas.; E. B. Throop, Sentinel. GIRLUM COUNCIL, No. 49, R. AND S. M., was chartered Jan. 16, 1877, with members as follows: Travers Phillips, T. I. M.; A. P. Drake, D. M.; M. W. Riker, P. C. W.; William H. Powers, J. Q. Cressy, Ira Hatch, F. S. Bowen, Charles Pritchard, G. E. Altoft. The membership is now 28, and the officers as follows: Travers Phillips, T. I. M.; A. P. Drake, D. M.; N. W. Riker, P. C. W.; George Altoft, Sec.; Daniel Striker, Treas.; B. R. Rose, C. of G.; William M. Scudder, C. of C.; T. J. Brosseau, Steward. HASTINGS CHAPTER, No. 7, ADOPTIVE MASONS (ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR), was chartered Oct. 6, 1870. The first officers were Mrs. W. K. Barber, W. M.; A. P. Drake, W. P.; Ella Galloway, A. M.; Mrs. E. B. Throop, Sec. The membership is now 30, and the officers: Mrs. B. F. Rose, W. M.; Travers Phillips, W. P.; Mrs. William Hitchcock, A. M.; Mrs. Henry Bailey, Conductress; Mrs. W. S. Goodyear, Treas.; Mrs. E. H. Lathrop, Sec.; Henry Bailey, Chaplain. HASTINGS LODGE, No. 3, IMPERIAL KNIGHTS. June 3, 1878, Hastings Lodge, No. 158, I. O. M. A. (Independent Order of Mutual Aid), was organized with the following members: George S. Tomlinson, V. P.; J. H. Dennis, Sec.; Irving Van Vleck, F. S.; W. F. Hicks, P.; H. H. Bailey, Phineas Smith, and Theodore Brosseau, Trustees; and John Berry, J. B. Fuller, Edward Brown, M. H. Wing, I. De Vere, and L. E. Stauffer. March 10, 1879, the lodge was reorganized as Hastings Lodge, No. 3, Imperial Knights. The membership is now 39. Regular meetings are held once in two weeks, in the I. O. O. F. hall. March 1, 1880, the officers were S. J. Bronson, S. D.; John Berry, D. C.; Charles Reed, J. D.; L. E. Stauffer, Recorder; Edward Brown, Financier; J. Lichty, Treas.; Moses Rich, Marshal; Charles F. Edson S. S.; Charles Mellon, J. S.; S. J. Bronson, W. S. Chidester, and F. T. Campbell, Trustees. BARRY LODGE, No. 321, F. AND A. M. Jan. 9, 1874, dispensation was granted to Thomas J. Wilder, B. R. Rose, Thomas Altoft, George L. Salsbury, William Jones, J. L. Reed, Rollin Herrick, Ferris Rose, Milton Prickett, W. F. Hicks, J. A. eWeedy, and Harvey 378 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Wright The first meeting was held in room of Hastings Lodge, No. 42, and February, 1875, a charter was issued. At the first election under the charter, February 18th, officers were elected as follows: T. J. Wilder, W. M.; Harvey Wright, S. W.; Thomas Altoft, J. W.; W. F. Hicks, Treas.; J. L. Reed, Sec.; Milton Prickett, S. D.; G. N. Salsbury, J. D.; C. Beamer, Tyler. From 1875 to 1880 the Worshipful Masters have been T. J. Wilder, Harvey Wright, B. N. Rose, J. L. Reed. Since 1875 the lodge has occupied roomy and well-appointed quarters in the Empire Block. The membership was 65, March 1, 1880, when the officers were J. L. Reed, W. M.; Wallace Kelley, S. W.; Burns Messer, J. W.; M. W. Vrooman, Sec.; W. F. Hicks, Treas.; Milton Prickett, S. D.; J. H. Anderson, J. D.; T. J. Brosseau, Tyler. BARRY LODGE, No. 13, K. OF P., was organized July 18, 1873, with 10 members, viz.: J. A. Sweezy, Harvey Wright, E. A. Holbrook, W. T. Eastman, W. F. Hicks, T. J. Wilder, John Hotchkiss, George W. Slade, Rollin Herrick, and William D. Hayes. The officers were Harvey Wright, P. C.; J. A. Sweezy, C. C.; W. T. Eastman, V. C.; T. J. Wilder, P.; Rollin Herrick, K. of R. and S.; W. F. Hicks, M. of F.; John Hotchkiss, M. of E. The membership, March 1, 1880, was 58, and the officers J. W. Bentley, P. C.; E. Y. Hogle, C. M.; John Lichty, P.; William B. Sweezy, V. C.; N. T. Parker, M. of E.; L. B. Stanley, K. of R. and S. Regular assemblies are held in their "castle hall" in the Empire Block. HASTINGS GRANGE, No. 52, was organized in Empire Block, Aug. 15, 1873, with a membership of 29. The first officers were A. Ryerson, M.; J. H. Dennis, Sec.; Thomas Altoft, O.; James Sweezy, L.; Porter Burton, Chap. The membership is now 19, and the officers: Porter Burton, M.; W. H. Merrick, Sec.; John Dawson, O.; C. H. Stone, L.; David Hose, Treas.; John Dennis, Steward; C. W. Briggs, Assistant Steward; Mrs. Porter Burton, Chaplain. Regular sessions are held in the grange hall at Hastings. HASTINGS REFORM CLUB. In the winter of 1876-77, Henry Reynolds, the noted temperance agitator, visited Hastings, and labored to such good purpose that Jan. 17, 1877, the Hastings Reform Club was formed, with a membership of 40. The first officers chosen were James Clarke, Pres.; H. H. Bailey, Sec.; C. G. Bentley, Treas. Since the organization the club has had a prosperous and fruitful history. Public entertainments of an inviting character have been given each Tuesday night, and a gospel temperance meeting on each Sunday afternoon. The cause of temperance has been materially encouraged, and in March, 1880, the club membership was upwards of 200. Then the officers were John F. Hale, Pres.; George M. Dewey, Sec.; O. D. Spalding, Treas. BARRY REFORM CLUB, No. 2, was organized Feb. 6, 1880, with 10 members. The membership March 1, 1880, was 59, and the look ahead was I t. I. cheering. The officers are Joseph Slattery, Pres.; I. S. Geer, First Vice-Pres.; L. Patten, Second Vice-Pres.; J. L. Reed, Sec.; J. C. Woodruff, Fin. Sec.; William Wood, Treas. TIIE HASTINGS ARBEITER UNTERSTUETZUNGS VEREIN (WORKINGMEN'S BENEVOLENT UNION) is composed of Germans, and was organized Jan. 1, 1880, with 15 members. Meetings are held twice each month. The officers are John Bessmer, P.; John Weissert, V. P.; John M. Bessmer, Sec.; Valentine Leins, Treas.; Charles Hardke, A. Rower, C. Bachman, F. Brodesser, and Gottleib Bessmer, Trustees. WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. In 1873 the temperance women of Hastings, to the number of 20, formed a union, elected Mrs. Norman Bailey president, and inaugurated so effective a crusade against rum-drinking in Hastings that there was at one time no place in the city open for the sale of intoxicating liquors. In January, 1877, Dr. Reynolds, the temperance worker, assisted in the organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which continues to perform effective service in behalf of temperance. Mrs. C. S. Burton, who is now the President, has filled that office since 1877; Mrs. George Robinson, Mrs. Clement Smith, and Mrs. C. Knappen are Vice-Presidents; Mrs. I. N. Mitchell, Rec. Sec.; Mrs. E. H. Lathrop, Treas.; Mrs. Norman Bailey, Cor. Sec. The society numbers now 180 paying members. HASTINGS LODGE, No. 11, ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE, was organized Jan. 28, 1880, with 26 members. The officers are Clement Smith, Select Councilor; Irving N. Mitchell, Vice-Councilor; George M. Dewey, Past Councilor; E. H. Lathrop, Chaplain; Irving L. Cressy, Recording Sec.; Philo R. Duning, Financial Sec.; James H. Bartley, Treas.; M. C. Woodmansee, Herald; Estes Rork, Deputy Herald; L. W. Fansey, Guard; Oliver W. Grace, Sentinel. The present membership is 35. The council meets on the second and fourth Friday in each month. UNITED SONS OF INDUSTRY. Two lodges of this order, known*as Barry and Pioneer, were at one time in flourishing existence, but they have for some months been inactive, although there is present talk of their speedy revival. HASTINGS LODGE, No. 944, INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, was organized Feb. 3, 1876, with 40 members. The first officers were W. C. T., Samuel Dickie; W. V. T., Mrs. Mary Dickie; Chaplain, George W. Sherman; Sec., James M. Bauer; W. F. S., Sherman C. Prindle; W. T., Mrs. Clara Lathrop; W. M., Charles Jones; W. I. G., Mrs. Kate Black; W. O. G., J. L. Mans. The present membership is 85, and the officers as follows: W. C. T., George M. Dewey; W. V. T., Mrs. Emily J. McElwain; W. Sec., Irving L. Cressy; W. F. S., Mrs. Clara H. Allen; W. T., Travers Phillips; W. M., John Woodruff; W. I. G., Mrs. Elsie Burke; W. 0. G., Wm. I. Butler. The lodge meets CITY OF HASTINGS. 37 at Temperance Hall, corner of Court and Jefferson Streets, each Monday evening. RIVERSIDE CEMETERY COMPANY. Fifty acres of land within the limits of the city, occupied by what is known as the Riverside Cemetery, belonged originally to the township, but were transferred in 1870 to the control of the Riverside Cemetery Company, incorporated September 30th of that year for the purpose of laying out a burial-ground upon the tract and maintaining it for that use forever. The incorporators of the company were H. A. Goodyear, President; J. P. Roberts, Treasurer; BIOGRAPHICA: Nathan Barlow, J. B. Sweezey, H. J. Kenfield, R. J. Grant, and D. G. Robinson. In making the donation the township reserved 10 acres for a free burying-ground. Lot-owners become stockholders in the company, and as lots are sold improvements are made, the intention being to make the enterprise simply self-sustaining. The grounds are now attractively embellished, and will necessarily improve in adornment from time to time. The present officers of the company are W. S. Goodyear, President; John Bessmer, Clerk; J. P. Roberts, Treasurer; J. A. Sweezey, H. A. Goodyear, R. J. Grant, John Hotchkiss, and Miles Main, Directors. L SKETCHES. DANIEL G. ROBINSON. Daniel G. Robinson, one of the early settlers of Hastings, and for many years one of its prominent merchants, was born in China, Kennebec Co., Me., Jan. 11, 1811. His father, Benjamin Robinson, was a thrifty, industrious farmer, and a man of some local prominence. In 1816 he removed from China to Vassalborough, where he died. He was a man of undoubted integrity and irreproachable character. He reared a family of four children, Daniel being the eldest. The early life of our subject was like that of farmers' boys generally; the summer's campaign upon the farm was alternated by a few months at the district school in winter. He obtained a good common-school education, and at the age of sixteen commenced life as clerk in a store. Five years' labor in this capacity demonstrated his ability as a tradesman, and upon attaining his majority he established himself in trade at St. Alban's, Me., where he remained two years, when he returned to Vassalborough and engaged in merchandising. He was one of the successful merchants and prominent citizens of the place, and was closely identified with its interests, and held many municipal positions. At the age of twenty-two he was elected magistrate, and for six years was one of the selectmen of the town. In 1848 he came to Michigan and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of new land in the town of Hastings, upon which he remained one and a half years, during which time he built a log house, planted an orchard, and partially cleared thirty acres. This experience demonstrated to his satisfaction the fact that he was not likely to prove a success as a farmer; he therefore sold his farm and removed to Hastings village, then a little settlement of a few families, and associated himself with Nathan Barlow in trade. The copartnership existed three years; then Mr. Barlow purchased Mr. Robinson's interest. From this time until 1869 he was actively engaged in busines, and - - 4 v 380 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - i- - - - -- identified himself largely with the growth and development of the place. He has witnessed its transition from a hamlet to a busy and thriving city, and in his own person typifies many of the agencies that have wrought these changes. In 1833 Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Sarah B. Keith, of Vassalborough, a lady of culture and refinement. One child was born to them,-Anna M., now Mrs. J. P. Roberts, of Hastings. In 1870, Mrs. Robinson died, and in 1871 he was again married, to Mrs. Ellen E. Belchen, of Somerville, Mass. Politically, Mr. Robinson is a Democrat. He has occupied several positions of trust and responsibility, notably among the number that of supervisor, which office he filled to the entire satisfaction of his fellowtownsmen for fourteen years. In his religious belief he is an Episcopalian, and has held the office of vestryman since the organization of the church in Hastings, of which he is one of the original members. All in all, he is one of those kind Christian gentlemen whose identification with any community is always productive of good. HON. HENRY A. GOODYEAR. Hon. Henry A. Goodyear, the pioneer banker and merchant of Hastings, and whose name is so prominently identified with all the initial events in its history, was born in York, York Co., Pa., June 30, 1818. His grandfather, George Goodyear, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. After its close he settled in York, Pa., where George Goodyear, father of Henry A., was born. He acquired the trade of a cabinet-maker, and for many years dealt extensively in lumber. He was a successful business man, and prominently identified with York County. He held several municipal offices, and was highly esteemed for his integrity and ability. Henry A. acquired an academical education, and remained at home until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Philadelphia and entered the employ of a druggist by the name of William Youngs. At the expiration of two years he left the employ of Mr. Youngs, intending to go to the West Indies, but an insurrection breaking out, and seeing an advertisement in a Detroit paper for a drug-clerk, he changed his plans and started for Detroit, where he arrived in October of 1838. Here he remained until March, 1840, when he removed to Battle Creek. The following November he came to Hastings, bringing a stock of general merchandise, and established the first store in Barry County, on the corner of what is now Creek and Main Streets. At this time he might perhaps have been more properly called an Indian trader than amerchant, as his customers were mostly Indians. He drew his goods from Detroit, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, for many years. In 1843, Mr. Goodyear was married to Miss Mary, daughter of Nathan Barlow, one of the pioneers of the county. After five years of uninterrupted happiness, Mrs. Goodyear died, leaving three children,William H., George E., and Nathan B. In 1850, Mr. Goodyear was again married, to Miss Ermina, sister of his first wife. By this union there have been four children,Mary R., Anna M., David S., and John F. Mr. Goodyear has identified himself prominently with all the varied interests of the county, and has occupied many positions of trust and responsibility, the duties of which he has discharged with fidelity and with credit to himself. CITY OF HASTINGS. 381 In 1845 he was elected to the representative branch of the Legislature. In 1854 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1874 he was again elected to the House, serving on the committee of " Ways and Means." In 1852 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Baltimore, which nominated Franklin Pierce for President. He has held various municipal offices,-was the first president of the village, and was elected the first mayor after its organization as a city. Mr. Goodyear has been a firm and fast friend of educational interests, and has for years been a member of the board of education. He took a prominent part in the erection of the high-school building. In his religious affiliations he is an Episcopalian, of which denomination he has long been a member, and is senior warden. HIRAM J. KENFIELD. Among the early settlers and prominent citizens of Hastings, none are more worthy of conspicuous mention in its history than Hiram J. Kenfield. He was a man of much more than ordinary ability and energy, and his name is stamped upon all the initial events in its history. He was born in the town of Virgil, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1812, and was descended from Revolutionary stock. His maternal grandfather was a member of that historic " Tea Party" who took the initiative in opposition to British oppression and tyranny. His parents were William Lee Kenfield and Mary Popple; the former was a native of Old Hadley, Mass., while the latter was born in Vermont. They reared a family of nine children, Hiram J. being the eldest. The elder Kenfield was a farmer, and came to Michigan in 1844 and settled in what is now the town of Rutland; he was a valuable citizen, an exemplary man in all respects, and a worthy and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in Hastings in 1858. The emigration of Mr. Kenfield to Michigan was in 1837, stopping first near Duck Lake, in Calhoun County. Here he resided two years, at the expiration of which time he came to Hastings, then almost an unbroken wilderness, and in November of 1839 built the first bridge across the Thornapple River, on the site of the present bridge on Creek Street. The vim and energy which he evinced in the development of the little hamlet, in connection with his ability and foresight, soon gave him a leading position among the settlers. He built the first court-house, the first store, and the first hotel, and in 1842 he was elected sheriff of the county and empaneled the first jury. He discharged the duties of that office creditably for two years, and at various times he held important municipal offices, notably that of alderman and member of the board of education. He was a man of sterling integrity, unfaltering energy, and left on record his mark in all that pertained to the county from its earliest settlement. He was publicspirited in the fullest sense of the word, and to his energy and persistent efforts, in a great measure, was due the early completion of the Grand River Railroad, which was so essential to the growth of the town and county. All parts of the city show his interest in the growth and prosperity of the place, and he will ever be remembered as one of Hastings' most valuable citizens. In business matters he was methodical, prompt, and energetic; his word was as good as his bond, and it is said that in his extended and varied experience as a business man he never sued a man and was never sued but once. Socially he was affable and courteous, winning and retaining the esteem of all with whom he came in contact. In his political belief he was a Democrat, liberal to his opponents, and during the dark 382 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. days of the Rebellion a true patriot. He was a valuable member of the Presbyterian Church, with which he united in 1853, and at the time of his death was one of the elders. Mr. Kenfield was twice married,-in 1840 to Polly, daughter of Frederic Ingrahar, one of the first settlers of Rutland; she died in 1846; the second time in 1848, to Sophia E., daughter of Henry Standish, of Hastings; she is still living. Mr. Kenfield died June 28, 1877. He left five children,-one son by his first marriage, two sons and two daughters by his second marriage. WILLlAM UPJOHN, M.D. This gentleman, the first resident physician of Barry County, and whose name and history are so prominently associated with the city of Hastings, was born in Shaftesbury, Dorsetshire, England, in March, 1807. His father, also named William, was a civil engineer by profession, and extensively known throughout the West of England for his integrity of character and ability in his profession. He married Mary Standard, of Fisbury, in 1795, and reared a family of twelve children,-three boys and nine girls. The boys received academical educations, chose the profession of medicine, and have made their mark not only as successful practitioners, but useful and honorable citizens; they have been engaged in the practice of medicine in the aggregate for over one hundred and thirty-five years. At the age of twenty-one William decided to emigrate to America, and in company with his brother Uriah, left the old home at Shaftesbury and sailed for the United States, where they arrived in the year 1828. The succeeding two years was spent in travel through different States for the purpose of finding a suitable location for permanent settlement. Two years subsequent to their emigration the elder Upjohn, accompanied by his family, followed his two sons, and, after a residence of one year at Hyde Park, N. Y., purchased a farm in the town of Pittsford, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he resided until his decease, which occurred in 1848. He was an exemplary man in all respects, of a deeply religious nature, and of more than ordinary culture and refinement. He was the author of several religious works, and a regular contributor to several religious newspapers. For over forty years he preached. In 1835 the younger Upjohns came to Michigan and settled in the town of Richland, Kalamazoo Co., where William bought a new farm, to which he devoted his time and energies for the succeeding two years, but clearing land and tilling the soil was not congenial to his tastes, and, in 1837, he joined his brother in the practice of medicine, with whom he remained about four years..At the expiration of this time he came to Hastings, then a little hamlet of perhaps a dozen or fifteen families, and established himself in the practice of his profession, in which he has been eminently successful. In 1842 the doctor met his destiny in the person of Miss Affa Connet, whom he married in December of that year. After one year of uninterrupted happiness, Mrs. Upjohn was " called home," and, in 1847, he was again married, to Lydia Amelia, sister of his first wife. They have been blessed with three children, two of whom are living,-Marie, now Mrs. John Beamer, and Affa, wife of Geo. Davis. The doctor has devoted himself strictly to the practice of his profession, but has identified himself largely with educational and political matters. In 1852 4 ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP. 383 he was elected register of deeds, and in the same year was elected a member of the first board of regents of the State University; the duties of both positions he discharged with fidelity to the trust reposed in him and with credit to himself. In 1862, Governor Blair, knowing his ability as a surgeon and physician, tendered him the position of surgeon in the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, which he accepted, and soon after went with the regiment to the front. In the field as at home his dignified bearing, kindness of heart, and ability won for him an enviable reputation among his superior officers, and the respect and esteem of those soldiers who were so unfortunate as to require his professional services. From the position of regimental surgeon he was promoted to that of surgeon-in chief of the First Brigade of the First Division Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac. The doctor was with Kilpatrick in his raid on Richmond, and accompanied Gen. Sherman in his raid up the James River. He served with distinction throughout the war, when he returned to his home and resumed the practice of his profession. As a physician he possesses the necessary qualifications other than knowledge,-geniality of disposition and firmness blended with kindness and compassion. In the early days he was ever ready to answer the call of the sick and needy, and, whether in storm or sunshine, night or day, he would find his way, ofttimes guided by only an Indian trail, to the rude home of the pioneer. Possessed of most of the virtues and having but few of the faults of humankind, he has endeared himself to the people in such a way that his name has become a household word, and no history of Barry County would be complete without some sketch of his life, labors, and character. ASSYRIA.; ToWNsHIP 1 north, in range 7 west, was named Assyria on its organization, in 1844, and lies in the southeastern corner of Barry County, having Maple Grove township on the north, Calhoun County on the south, Eaton County on the east, and Johnstown township on the west. When first settled the township consisted mainly of oak-openings, with tracts of hard-wood timber in the eastern part. Old settlers say it was a most attractive-looking country, particularly in early summer, when wild-flowers covered the earth in profusion, and the numerous glades offered a charming perspective in every direction. Assyria is reckoned an excellent agricultural township, particularly in the production of wheat, of which the yield is said to average 20 bushels per acre. In the west and southwest the surface is rough, and there is some waste land, but generally the surface is level and the soil rich. Assyria is a strictly rural township, but in the matter of wealth and prosperity will compare favorably with any in the county. Township 1, range 7, remained in undisturbed possession of the red man, the wolf, and the deer until the autumn of 1836, when Joseph S. Blaisdell, a Vermonter, came with his family to section 36, and established himself as a pioneer. Blaisdell was the only settler in that part of the township for some time, but was not without neighbors. At the time of his coming there were in the town two Indian villages,-the larger one, containing about 30 lodges, being on section 24, and a smaller one, of 20 huts, near by, on section 25. In the larger village stood the councilhouse, and in both of them there were evidences that the inhabitants had abided there some time. Rude fences inclosed cornfields here and there, and a burying-ground dotted with graves gave token that these savages had been for many years located in this locality. With these neighbors Mr. Blaisdell soon became a character of importance. He traded with them, and generally gained their warm friendship. Nevertheless, some of them gave him on one occasion a serious fright. He was awakened one night about twelve o'clock by a furious uproar in his cabin, and, springing from his bed, was confronted by a party of eight redskins, evidently as drunk as white man's whisky could make them. They brandished their knives in a threatening manner, and uttered the most diabolical of howls. Mr. Blaisdell, making sure that the savages meant to scalp him, attempted to escape from the cabin, but they headed him off, and compelled him, as a measure of safety, to dodge behind the cabin stove. They chased him, however, not only away from there, but all over the house, yelling like mad, and at every jump poor Blaisdell expected to feel his hair parting company with his head. They were evidently, however, only desirous to frighten him, and ere long left the cabin, allowing the terrified pioneer to recover his senses and to thank Heaven that he still lived. Mr. Blaisdell was a man of strong religious feelings, and when he came to township 1 brought with him from Vermont a Free-Will Baptist minister, to whom he presented an 80-acre lot, the terms of the donation being that he should settle upon the land and should hold occasional religious services. The minister received a deed of the land, lived with Blaisdell, preached in Blaisdell's house and in the neighborhood, but did not settle upon the 80 acres. At the end of a twelvemonth he concluded that he had had quite enough of Western life, and distressed Blaisdell exceedingly by informing him that he would turn his face towards the East and return no more to Michigan. And go he did, selling to Blaisdell the land which the latter had * By David Schwartz. 384 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. donated to him with the expectation that he would become a permanent minister of the gospel in the vicinity. When Mr. Blaisdell settled in Assyria, and for some time afterwards, there was a great hunting-ground for deer in the vicinity of the deer-licks on section 26. There Indians put up stagings in the trees, from which they would slay the deer as fast as the latter could come to the licks.* About 1840 the Indians living in the township moved to other localities. and their council-house, lodges, and villages fell into decay. Indian relics may, however, be found in the neighborhood to this day, and one hears occasionally of arrow-heads, hatchets, and such articles, being turned up by the plowshare of the husbandman. Capt. C. D. Morris, a retired naval officer on half-pay, owned the land on section 24, having in 1836 purchased upwards of 400 acres on sections 23 and 24. When he settled on the place (in 1850 or soon after), he built a house upon the very spot previously occupied by the Indian council-house, of which portions were standing at that time. Mr. Blaisdell remained the only settler in Assyria until March, 1837, when Cleaveland Ellis, a New Yorker, who had located 680 acres on sections 3 and 4, came to his land accompanied by Calvin P. White, L. P. Hayes, Philo Norton, and the family of the latter, all of whom Mr. Ellis had brought with him to assist him in making a start on his land. Upon their arrival they all moved into an Indian hut found standing on section 4. As soon as possible they built a comfortable log cabin on the same section, upon a spot now in Mr. Hinchman's orchard. After remaining with his hired help until August, Mr. Ellis proceeded eastward, and brought. out his father, mother, wife, and three-year-old daughter. Of these five two are living, the widow of Mr. Ellis, who resides in Assyria, and the daughter-now Mrs. Wallace Dingmanwho lives in Battle Creek. Mr. Ellis brought his family into the township with a pair of horses, but, having nothing to feed them, he took them to Bellevue, in Eaton County. When the marshgrass began to come up he brought his horses back to Assyria, and turned them out upon the marsh. One of them speedily died, and the other, getting mired in the marsh, fell a victim to the wolves. Mr. Ellis' brief experience with horses in that region cured him of all desire to possess any more until he could make hay to feed them and have roads in which to drive them. When Mr. Ellis came into the township he followed the Indian trail from Bellevue towards Basquon Creek, in the northwestern corner of the township. At that place the Indians were accustomed to camp in the winter season, and from there to Bellevue they had marked the trail mentioned. The first death in Assyria was that of Mrs. Philo Norton, who, as already mentioned, had come with her husband in the service of Cleaveland Ellis. She died some time during 1839, and was buried upon Mr. Ellis' farm, on section 3. In 1839 also occurred the first birth in the township. It was that of Naomi, daughter of Cleaveland Ellis, who was * There are still at these places strong indications that there is salt in paying quantities there, although there has been no sufficient test to either prove or disprove the theory. born on the 19th day of May. She lived less than two years, and died Feb. 17, 1841. The first marriage in the township was also in the Ellis family; Calvin P. White and Pamelia Chapin (a sister of Mrs. Ellis) being the happy pair. They were married Sept. 30, 1843, in Mr. Ellis' new framed house, by a minister fiom Bellevue. The wedding-guests included, besides the Ellis family, Charles G. Baker and wife, Flagler, the carpenter at work on the house, his assistant, and some people from Bellevue. Mr. White bought some land of Ellis, on section 4, and was for many years a resident there. When Mr. Ellis concluded to change his log cabin for a better habitation, he went over to the Quaker saw-mill, in Maple Grove, to buy the lumber, but was appalled at the price asked for it. Old Mr. Mott, the Quaker, the owner of the property, happening to be there at the time, told Mr. Ellis he must pay the price asked, for there was no other mill in the vicinity, and no water-power on which to build one. " Well," replied Ellis, " I'll not pay your price for all that, and what's more I'll find water-power and build a mill." As good as his word, he found a mill-site on section 12, in Assyria, interested Daniel and Abel Baldwin (then living on section 3) in the enterprise, and set about the building of a saw-mill in 1841. The Baldwins were millwrights and sawyers, and after the mill was put up carried it on. The irons used in its construction were hauled from Detroit, from which fact some idea may be formed of the difficulty of getting the mill in operation. This mill was sold, in 1843, to Belcher Athern and John T. Ellis, who in that year built a store just east of it, and put up an ashery at the same place, where they made " black salts." Athern & Ellis carried on business at that point about two years, but the amount of trade was not sufficient to make the investment a paying one, and it was then given up. Wolves played such havoc with sheep that Mr. Ellis was ten years in doubling his flock, and to save lambs was almost an impossibility. He had to go at times as far as Marshall to mill, but soon found that convenience at Battle Creek, and a little later at Bellevue, so that getting to mill was not a very serious matter. When he first came out he had to go as far as Marengo to purchase supplies, but when he did go he laid in a liberal stock, and saved himself the trouble of making frequent trips. Mr. Ellis was an enterprising farmer, and pushed his business with a will that greatly benefited and encouraged his fellow-settlers, while it brought him, in the course of time, a handsome fortune. To start with he had 680 acres of land, and with a large force of men he soon got a great portion of it under cultivation, so that when settlers began to come into the township he was a heavy producer, and able and willing to help them to the necessaries of life until their first crops were harvested. " I don't know what we would have done if it hadn't been for Mr. Ellis," said one of the early settlers of 1841 to the writer, and that remark is corroborated by others of the old pio neers. When he died, in August, 1867, Cleaveland Ellis owned 880 acres of land in Assyria, and had considerable other valuable property. \i. i ' II I, I t I i /.Il!,01# J.:M.K N A PP. I RESIDEN CE OF ASSYRIA Tp., BARRY CO.,MICH. :;:f~I ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP. 385 When Artemas W. Chapin, a young man, came to the township, in the spring of 1840, the population of Assyria had increased to five families, besides which Stephen Raymond, a shoemaker, had made a settlement there, but had temporarily retired. The families in question were those of Henry Smith, on section 3; Patrick Heffron, on the same section; Joseph S. Blaisdell, on section 36; John S. Van Brunt, on section 2; and Cleaveland Ellis, on section 4; numbering, all told, 24 persons. Within a few years, however, additions to the infant settlement were made in the Ellis neighborhood by the arrival of David L. Talbot, on section 2; Abel and Daniel Baldwin, on section 3; Charles G. Baker, on section 2; and James Heffron, on the same section. Mr. Baker, who came out from New York in 1842 and bought his land, worked a while for Cleaveland Ellis, and chopped in the mean time seven acres upon his own place. In 1843 he went back to New York, married, and returned with his bride to Michigan. He had put up a cabin on his clearing, but when he brought his bride to her future home it presented itself in a far from inviting condition. The cabin had neither window nor door. It did have a stick chimney, a mud hearth, and a floor of rough ash boards. The rain, however, had flowed in a stream into the cabin, disarranged the flooring, and covered it with mud, besides giving a generally dismal appearance to the rude interior. As the young wife stood on the threshold, she was appalled at the cheerless prospect, and cried aloud, " For pity's sake, is this to be my home?" Speaking now of her early experience as the wife of a pioneer, Mrs. Baker says: "As forbidding as my home looked, I recollect it as a place where I took much comfort after all, and, although many a meal was simply dry bread and salt, we were philosophers in those days and thanked God matters were no worse." Provisions were scarce at times because they were not to be had short of a two or three days' journey. Generally, however, Cleaveland Ellis had supplies, which he dealt out to all comers. Nearly every settler, too, could find work with cash pay at Mr. Ellis' when a little money was needed; and needed it was sorely by many a pioneer while waiting to get his crops to market. Joseph Blaisdell's first near neighbor was Stephen Raymond, before mentioned, who, in 1837, made a settlement upon the south line of the township, on section 34, where, besides clearing his land, he plied the trade of a shoemaker whenever occasion required his services. Another early mechanic in that neighborhood was one Wample, a blacksmith, who set up a shop on section 26, on the line of the Bellevue and Hastings road, about 1840. His stay was, however, not a long one, and when he disappeared no one knew whither. About 1840 two settlers named Eaton and Dutton made commencements upon section 14, but did not tarry a great while, Eaton selling out to Mathew Mulvaney and his son James. Then came Abel Giles to section 26, Russell Hartom to section 25, Oliver Martin, Daniel Miller, Henry Wilbur, and Richard Wilbur. The persons just named were in the neighborhood when George W. Knapp made a settlement in April, 1843, upon 120 acres on section 26, which he had purchased in 1836. 49 In the latter year Oliver Halsted had bought 320 acres on section 23, and John Rogers a small tract on section 25. Rogers sent three of his sons to the place in the spring of 1837 to make a clearing, but they had only put up their cabin and made a start as pioneers, when their father sent for them to assist him in carrying on a tavern he had taken hold of in Battle Creek, and Assyria knew the Rogers family no more, at least as pioneers. Mr. Knapp had been living in Battle Creek since 1840, and had there been engaged in the business of sign-painting and glazing. He relates that he hung the first piece of wall-paper ever hung in Battle Creek, and cut the first pane of glass, and painted the first post-office sign in that village. He also painted for H. A. Goodyear, of Hastings, the first store-sign ever painted in Barry County. He cut all the glass put into the present Barry County court-house, and as a glazier was regarded as one of the most expeditious workmen in Western Michigan. After he settled in Assyria he walked many a day to Battle Creek and back to earn $1.50 for a day's labor at his trade, and esteemed himself lucky in being able to do so. His skill as a glazier was such that he was called from his clearing to Battle Creek to win a wager made to the effect that he could set 1020 lights of glass in ten hours, the field of operations to be Ward's factory, then being erected in that village. He walked to the village before breakfast, began his task at seven o'clock, and by eleven had set 540 lights. The party of the opposition, seeing that he was certain to lose the bet, refused to furnish any more glass, and the performance therefore came abruptly to an end. Mr. Knapp's house was in dense timber, and to it, from the Bellevue and Hastings road, there was not even a path through the forest. Nearing his home by the shortest route, he would invariably call out to his wife, so that on hearing her response he would know that he was close to his house. Without taking this precaution he was as liable to pass on and lose himself in the woods as he was to find his cabin door; indeed, he did more than once pass his house, and found considerable difficulty in making his way back to it. Before he was quite ready to move to his shanty from Battle Creek he went over to the marsh on section 26, and cut hay enough to winter his cow, but when he went to haul it home some one had been before him and carried it off. As there was no more hay to cut, he had to sacrifice the straw in his bedtick to save the cow from starving until he could earn money to buy better feed for her. The marsh spoken of was a popular resort for early settlers when seeking food for their cattle. Among the settlers who came in shortly after Mr. Knapp were Samuel P. Tuttle (who sold his place to M. W. Thompson), Lebbeus Hodgman, John Cronk, Hiram Tripp (called Big Tripp, with whom came T. H. Bartram, nowi living on section 34), Edwin Wilbur, John Wilbur, John H. Keith, G. P. Stevens, A. W. Wilcox, S. H. Young, and, later, Henry Hare. Mr. Wample, the blacksmith, has already been mentioned. He bought 20 acres of land of Abel Giles on section 26, and after he had built his house and shop and put down a well he found that they were all within the bounds of a north-and-south road which had been 386 HISTORY OF AILLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I surveyed, but not opened. When it was opened the commissioners accommodatingly allowed the shop, house, and well to stay where they were, and carried the highway around them. Another pioneer blacksmith of the township was D. W. Ellis, who came to Assyria in July, 1844, to work for his brother Cleaveland, on whose place he soon set up a blacksmith-shop. The next comer to the Ellis neighborhood was Benjamin Jones, who occupied land upon section 9 in 1847, being followed in 1848 by his brother, Richard, previously (from 1838) a resident of Hillsdale County, who still lives on section 9 in Assyria. During Mr. Jones' first year in Assyria he cleared, with the help of his seventeen-year-old son, 60 acres of land, and put in 50 acres of wheat. Charles Davy also came to section 9 in 1849, and soon afterwards A. G. Kent and J. B. Tuckerman settled in the same neighborhood. In 1847, James Tompkins made a settlement upon section 21 with his sons, John, James, and George. His nearest neighbors were Jacob Hartom, a half-mile east, and Mathew Harvey eighty rods south. In 1849 another of his sons, Cornelius W., located himself on the same section. In 1844, G. P. Stevens came to the township on a prospecting-tour, and bought 80 acres of land on section 23. He came to occupy the place permanently in 1846, having meanwhile caused a tract of 20 acres to be cleared on his lot. Part of the work was done by Elisha Andrus, who lived on the clearing until Stevens came, in 1846, and then bought Abel Giles' farm, on section 26. Stevens' neighbors were Knapp, Amos L. Parkhurst, J. H. Keith (a carpenter), Calvin Austin (two miles north, and the nearest neighbor in that direction), Abel Giles, Elijah Mills, John Cronk, Lebbeus Hodgman, and Phineas Walker. When Stevens began his pioneering he had to go four miles to a blacksmith's shop in Bellevue whenever he wanted any tinkering done, and more than once he carried his plowshare and tools on his back through the woods to that shop. He started one stormy night for Bellevue to fetch a doctor for his sick child. He reached the doctor's residence all right, but in coming home he lost his way, got into a swamp, and wandered about until morning, unable to extricate himself. In the western portion of the township settlements did not begin at a very early day, nor did they advance rapidly after they did begin, for the reason doubtless that that section was rough, and in some places marshy. Rev. Mr. Rogers, the Methodist preacher, was one of the earliest settlers there, as was also Volney Hyde, who lived on section 18 as early as 1844, and farmed 160 acres. He sold his place to Z. Hyde, whose widow married James B. Norris, an early coiner to Assyria, and still a resident upon the old Hyde place. When George L. Briggs located upon section 6, in April, 1850, there was no settlement in his neighborhood, and none south of him nearer than the Hyde farm. After Briggs came David Miller, J. H. Miller, the Woods, George Bennett, E. T. Telling, to the Wood place; Austin Stanton, Jonathan Mead, and, farther south, W. H. Jewell, at one time county register. TOWNSHIP TRAGEDIES. A tragic love-story marks the early history of Assyria, and indicates that the rough experience of pioneering did not entirely eradicate the more delicate feelings of le grande passion. James Evans, of the adjoining town of Pennfield, fell madly in love with Betsey Blaisdell, of Assyria, and courted her with a persistency deserving abundant success. She looked, however, with much disfavor upon his suit, and upon his visit to her father's house some time in 1842 refused point-blank to marry him, although he implored and prayed her to have him. He lodged that night in Mr. Blaisdell's house, and, under the crushing influence of a hopeless love, cut his throat with Mr. Blaisdell's razor. Although he was then snatched by a surgeon from the jaws of death, he never recovered from the hurt, and, after lingering a few months, died. In 1845, Russell Hartom was accidentally killed at a " raising," and later Mathew Mulvaney was the victim of a fatal runaway accident while driving home from Battle Creek. In 1858 a man by the name of Fox was killed by a falling tree, Augustus Ford was thrown from a wagonload of wood in 1865 and killed, a tree killed a Mr. Coats in 1877, and in 1878 Henry Sackett was gored to death by a bull, and Mary Tasker, a demented person, hung herself. A CELEBRATED CASE. Assyria had its celebrated case in 1848, when not only the township, but the county, was much agitated over the stealing of the body of Joseph S. Blaisdell from the South Assyria Cemetery, and the subsequent sensational trial of persons charged with the robbery. Mr. Blaisdell died March 10, 1848, and two days after his burial his grave was found to have been opened and his body stolen. A prompt investigation led to the conclusion that certain medical men of Battle Creek and neighboring places were concerned in the affair, and Mr. Blaisdell's friends accordingly caused the arrest of three persons charged with having participated in the theft. The case came on for a preliminary examination before G. W. Knapp, a justice of the peace of Assyria, and so large was the attendance that he adjourned the case to the school-house, and even that building failed to accommodate half the people who came to the trial. Judge Abner Pratt, of Marshall, appeared as attorney for the prosecution, and John Van Arnam for the defense. A host of witnesses was examined, and a remarkably sharp display of legal learning was vouchsafed to the spectators. After two days' proceedings the prosecution, having failed to make a case, retired from the field defeated. The prisoners were set free, and, although continued efforts were put forth in search of the true offenders and of the dead man's remains, nothing further was ever discovered. SCHOOLS. The residence now occupied by the widow of Cleaveland Ellis was the first framed house built in the township, the year of its erection being 1842, and in that house, in 1843, Lydia Warren, of Verona, taught the pioneer school of Assyria, her scholars being six in number. The first district school, opened for the benefit of the ASSYRIA TOWI;NSHIP. 387 AW residents of the northwestern portion of the township, was just over the line, in Calhoun County, and in that schoolhouse Betsey Blaisdell was one of the earliest teachers. The first school-house built in the township stood in school district No. 1, upon section 26. It was a framed structure, and was built in 1844. The early school records, not only of district No. 1, but of the township, have been lost, and it is therefore difficult to give reliable data concerning school matters. Touching district No. 1, however, it may be observed that it has long ranked high in more respects than one. In its schools eight persons have taught, who obtained or began their education in the district, while many of its pupils have taught in other localities. Its lyceum or debating society is an intellectual organization, and through energetic encouragement has grown to be an important factor in the improvement of the district. In the fall of 1844, Charles G. Baker and Daniel L. Talbot built the first school-house in district No. 2, upon section 2. In that school-house 0. B. Sheldon, of Castleton, taught the first school, and Jane Farnsworth the second. The official school report for 1879 presents the following statistics: Number of districts (whole, 6; fractional, 3)...... 9 " children of school age..................... 443 Average attendance (except from the First District, from which there is no report)............... 349 Value of school property (except the First and Sixth Districts, from which there is no report).. $1700 Year's expenses........................................ $1874 The school directors for 1879 were S. H. Young, John Wilkinson, D. H. Chase, Amos Ashley, Asa Wilcox, L. E. Hinchman, Thomas Ford, L. T. Metcalf, and Samuel Ball. HIGHWAYS. The highway records of Johnstown township indicate that the first road laid in township 1, range 7, was the one afterwards known as a portion of the Bellevue and Hastings road. It was surveyed June 21, 1838, by F. Burgess, the highway commissioners being Cleaveland Ellis and W. P. Bristol. It began at the quarter-post, between sections 9 and 10, passed southeasterly over a part of the Indian trail between Bellevue and Basquon Creek, and terminated on the eastern line of the county, seventy-three links north of the southeast corner of section 25. This road became a much-traveled route, upon which farmers from the north drove to market at Battle Creek. A line of four-horse coaches kept up daily communication over it for a time between Battle Creek and Hastings, and two inns were opened on this road, in Assyria. Shortly after 1850 one Osborn, a Baptist preacher, built a tavern of tamarack logs at the centre of the township, and leased it to John Loomis, who carried it on for a while, and then gave way to Seth Davis. The present hotel at the Centre occupies the site of the "Tamarack Tavern," and was built by Edward Cox, who was for a time its landlord. Jonathan Park likewise built a tavern of maple logs on the same road, half a mile north of the Centre, in 1857, and called it the Maple House. Its career ended under the proprietorship of George W. Foster, a few years afterwards. On the 21st of June, 1838, a road was surveyed from the base-line, seven chains west of the quarter-stake on the south side of section 31, northeasterly to the northeast corner of section 4. The same day a survey was made of a road fiom the southeast corner of section 36 to the quarter-post on the south side of section 34. M. S. Brackett surveyed a road beginning at the quarter-post between section 3, in township 1, and section 34, in township 2, and extending eastward to the west line of Eaton County; also a road commencing at a quarter-post between sections 25 and 26, in township 2, running south to the southeast corner of section 26, thence northwesterly to the northwest corner of section 23; also a road commencing sixty links south of the quarter-stake between sections 34 and 35, in township 2, running thence south on said line to the southwest corner of section 35; and still another, beginning at a point nine chains and sixty-one links north of the quarter-stake between sections 9 and 10, running thence south to a point twenty-two chains and thirty-seven links south of the northeast corner of section 16. The same day another road was run from the northeast corner of section 36 to a point thirty-seven chains west of the southeast corner of the same section. On the 24th day of January, 1839, a road was laid between township 1, range 7, and the town of Pennfield, beginning at the northwest corner of section 3 in Pennfield, and running thence along the lines of sections 3 and 2. On the 15th day of January, 1841, C. Robinson and Cleaveland Ellis, commissioners, laid out a road beginning at the quarter-stake on the east side of section 12, in township 1, and running thence west and north to the northwest corner of section 10; and on the same day another road, beginning at the southwest corner of section 23, in township 2, and running east to the quarter-post on the south side of the section; thence south 39' degrees east four chains, thence south 4941 degrees east ten chains and fifty-five links. On the 21st of April, 1841, Commissioners Ellis and Collier laid out a road beginning on the baseline, twenty chains west of the southeast corner of section 35, township 1, running north to a road on the line of the southeast quarter of section 26. After 1842 road surveys were made rapidly, and from that time on to 1850 the highway commissioners were actively engaged in providing for the pressing needs of settlers, and especially of the new-comers, who lived in the woods without decent highways by which to reach or leave home. As labor on the highways was about the only work by which settlers could earn money, which came fiom the tax upon non-resident land owners, they were eager to see roads opened, and to work for even the small pittance they received. THE MAIL IN ASSYRIA. While township 1 was yet a part of Johnstown a post-office was ordered to be established in it, in accordance with the efforts of Cleaveland Ellis. Mr. Ellis was to be the postmaster, and on being requested to choose for the office a name not possessed by any office in the State, hit upon Assyria. The mail-route between Bellevue and Hastings passed vid Ellis Prairie, where Mr. Ellis lived, before 1840, and by furnishing a dinner and horse-feed to the mail-carrier Mr. Ellis had his mail brought to him friom Bellevue. Presently it occurred to him that his neighbors ought also to have mail conveniences, and so it was that in 1841 or 1842 he obtained the establishment of the office called Assyria. 388 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Mr. Ellis retained the office until 1847, when he turned it over to Calvin P. White, who kept it until 1855. His successor was Richard Jones, and from Mr. Jones it passed successively to A. G. Kent, James Potter, Henry Sackett, Cornelius W. Tompkins, and others until March 11, 1874, when the present incumbent, Mrs. Philena Abbey, received her commission as the successor of Amos W. Bowen. A second post-office in Assyria was established on the Bellevue and Hastings mail-route in 1850, and called South Assyria. Samuel H. Young, who was instrumental in the creation of the office, was appointed postmaster, and retained the place until 1858, when it was transferred to George W. Knapp. Mr. Knapp was the postmaster until the office was abolished, in 1860. The first mail-carrier through Assyria was Calvin Salter, who rode on horseback and carried the mail once a week. Later a line of daily stages was put on the road between Bellevue and Hastings, and then there was a daily mail. Travel over the route was considerable by both stages and freight-teams, but the period of such busy traffic was not of extended duration. PHYSICIANS. In 1844 Assyria received a settler named Rogers, who straightway upon his arrival introduced himself as a Methodist Episcopal preacher, and in the Baker school-house, in district No. 2, conducted public worship every Sunday for some time. Subsequently he forsook Methodism, embraced Spiritualism, preached that doctrine, and in a short time announced himself as a clairvoyant doctor. He depended also upon herbs to effect his cures, and was quite a popular physician. He established a considerable practice, and carried it on profitably in Assyria until his death. Dr. Archelaus Harwood, of Maple Grove, was, however, the favorite physician for miles around in the pioneer days, and in the southern portion of the county was known and esteemed of all men. After " Dr." Rogers' demise there was no resident physician in Assyria until Dr. Youngs came, in 1858. Dr. Youngs retired after a practice of two years, and then there was a hiatus in Assyria's medical history until about 1876, when Dr. Chase located at the Centre. He remained about a year, and was followed in rapid succession by Drs. Delano, Sessions, and Armour, neither of whom stayed much more than a year. Dr. J. I. Baker, the only physician now in the township, located at the Centre in the spring of 1880. BURIAL-PLACES. The first public grave-yard laid out in the township was located upon section 26, and in that ground the first burial was that of Joseph S. Blaisdell, March 12, 1848. In the Ellis neighborhood burials were made upon Mr. Ellis' farm until 1849, when a public cemetery was laid out on section 9. The first person buried there was Mrs. Cyril Johnson, in 1849. ASSYRIA'S TRADERS. Assyria's first store was built in 1843 upon section 12, by John T. Ellis and Belcher Athern, and carried on by them two years, when the enterprise was abandoned. The next store was opened at the Centre by Jonathan Park, who had for some time the only store in town. That store, now kept by Mrs. Abbey, and B. T. Kent's store, also at the Centre, are the only temples of trade of which the township can boast. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. A legislative act approved Feb. 29,1844, divided the township of Johnstown and gave a separate organization to towns 1 and 2, in range 7 west, under the name of Assyria, which was chosen because the post-office in township 1 was thus called. The first town-meeting was held at the house of Cleaveland Ellis, April 1, 1844, and at that meeting fortythree votes were polled. Cleaveland Ellis was chosen moderator, David Baldwin, John F. Fuller, Henry Mallory, and Orin Ball inspectors of election, and John S. Van Brunt clerk. The following is a full list of the persons chosen as officers at the first township-meeting: Supervisor, Cleaveland Ellis; Clerk, John S. Van Brunt; Treasurer, C. P. White; Assessors, Peter Downs and Joseph S. Blaisdell; Justices of the Peace, Joseph S. Blaisdell, Samuel Andrus, Peter Downs, and Peter Dillin; Highway Commissioners, Henry Wilbur, Charles G. Baker, and Eldredge Austin; Inspectors of Schools, Joseph S. Blaisdell and Archelaus Harwood; Directors of the Poor, Henry Mallory and C. P. White; Constables, Charles Dodge, Henry Dean, Edward Cox, Harlow Lapham; Overseers of Highways, Calvin Austin in District No. 1, David Talbot in No. 2, Cleaveland Ellis in No. 3, Volney Hyde in No. 4, Henry Wilbur in No. 5, Rufus Brooks in No. 6, A. S. Quick in No. 7, and Joseph Badcock in No. 8; Poundmaster, C. P. White. At the same meeting $200 were appropriated for contingent expenses, and $50 for the support of the poor. The names of those chosen annually from 1845 to 1880 to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace are herewith given: SUPERVISORS. 1845, C. Ellis; 1846-47, D. L. Talbot; 1848-49, C. G. Baker; 1850, P. Mulvaney; 1851, C. Ellis; 1852, P. Mulvaney; 1853, C. Ellis; 1854, P. Mulvaney; 1855, T. B. Cranson; 1856, C. Ellis; 1857 -58, T. B. Cranson; 1859, C. Ellis; 1860, A. W. Rogers; 1861, R. Jones; 1862-63, G. P. Stevens; 1864, R. Jones; 1865, W. W. Cole; 1866-68, W. H. Jewell; 1869-70, W. W. Cole; 1871-72, T. H. Bartram; 1873, A. W. Chapin; 1874, T. II. Bartram; 1875, W. W. Cole; 1876-77, T. H1. Bartram; 1878, W. W. Cole; 1879 -80, T. H. Bartram. CLERKS. 1845-46, J. S. Van Brunt; 1847, C. P. White; 1848-49, J. S. Van Brunt; 1850, J. S. Lowe; 1851-52, P. D. Cole; 1853, C. W. Tompkins; 1854-55, P. D. Cole; 1856-58, G. B. Tuckerman; 1859, P. D. Cole; 1860-63, C. L. Briggs; 1864, P. D. Cole; 1865, A. W. Wilcox; 1866, J. H. Tuckerman; 1867-68, R. N. Atmore; 1869, C. W. Tompkins; 1870-71, A. C. Wilson; 1872, J. A. Serren; 1873-74, George B. Tuckerman; 1875-79, B. T. Kent; 1880, William Pratt. TREASURERS. 1845, C. P. White; 1846, R. Slade, Jr.; 1847, B. Athearn; 1848-49,. C. P. White; 1850, T. B. Cranson; 1851-52, W. P. Cole; 1853, C. Dunning; 1854-55, C. G. Baker; 1856, G. P. Stevens; 1857 -58, A. C. Webster; 1859-61, G. P. Stevens; 1862-63, A. W. ASSYRIA TOWPNSHIP. 389 ASSYRA TONSHI. 38 Chapin; 1864, A. W. Wilcox; 1865, C. O. Baker; 1866, A. W. Chapin; 1867, T. H. Bartram; 1868, George T. Jones; 1869, R. N. Atmore; 1870-71, G. W. Tompkins; 1872, S. H. Young; 1873-75, J. R. Powers; 1876-77, D. Huggett; 1878, A. G. Kent; 1879, D. Huggett; 1880, C. L. Briggs. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1845, J. S. Blaisdell; 1846, B. Athern; 1847, C. Ellis; 1848, S. P. Tuttle; 1849, Jones Tompkins; 1850, G. W. Knapp; 1851, Warren Jay; 1852, A. W. Rogers; 1853, Jones Tompkins; 1854, S. Raymond; 1855, A. C. Webster; 1856, S. P. Pool; 1857, D. W. Ellis; 1858, A. Shepard; 1859, W. H. Jewell; 1860, J. Hartom; 1861, G. B. Tuckerman; 1862, T. B. Cranson; 1863, E. Follett, Jr.; 1864, J. M. Joslin; 1865, D. Sackett; 1866, E. Follett; 1867, C. H. Palmer; 1868, T. J. Decker; 1869, S. L. Hyde; 1870, E. Follett: 1871, C. S. Clark; 1872, W. W. Cole; 1873, G. E. Bacon; 1874, C. S. Clark; 1875, J. B. Mills; 1876, G. B. Tuckerman; 1877, S. G. Hayes; 1878, C. H. Russell; 1879, J. B. Mills; 1880, D. Davis. Assyria's first assessment-roll (1844) gives the following list of resident land-owners in townships 1 and 2: RESIDENT LAND-OWNERS IN 1844. TOWN 1. Owner. Acres. Daniel M iller, section 25.............................. 80 John F. Miller........................... Poll tax C. G. Baker, sections 2 and 3........................... 80 Robert Hartom, sections 34 and 35...................... 160 Abel Giles, section 26...................................... 76 Phineas Walker, section 26............................... 44 Elijah M ills, section 28...................................... 80 Henry Wilbur, section 35........................... 80 Oliver Martin, sections 35 and 36....................... 160 J. S. Blaisdell, section 36................................. 200 G. W. Knapp, section 26............................... 120 Calvin Austin, section 13................................... 80 Henry Dutton, section 14................................. 80 James Mulvaney, section 14............................... 80 Philip Baldwin, section 3..8.............................. 84 Samuel Baldwin............................... Poll tax Daniel Baldwin, section 3................................. 84 J. S. Van Brunt, section 2............................ 90 Edward Cox, section 11.................................... 120 Samuel Andrus, section 12................................. 80 Charles L. Andrus, section 12........................... 80 Elisha Andrus, section 12.................................. 73 Belcher Athern, section 12............................ 127 Volney Hyde, section 18................................ 160 Cleaveland Ellis, sections 3 and 4........................ 720 C. P. W hite, section 4................................... 89 II. R. Smith, section 3................................... 80 Patrick Heffron, section 3................................. 40 James Heffron, section 2................................. 40 D. L. Talbot, section 2....................................... 80 Charlotte W ilbur, section 27............................... 80 Orrin Ball, section 12............................... 40 TOWN 2. Joseph Badcock, section 5................................ 92 Abel Hlallock, section 26.................................... 120 Peter Downs, section 36.................................... 160 Elisha G. Mapes, section 36............................... 160 James Orie, section 25................................ 80 J. F. Fuller, section 25...................................... 100 Henry Dean, section 25................................ 40 James Buck, section 24..................................... 20 Peter Dillin, section 24...................................... 140 Rufus Brooks, section 25................................ 80 Daniel Baldwin, section 26................................ 80 Darwin McOmber, section 26............................. 160 Eldredge Austin, sections 14, 22, and 23............... 240 Richard McOmber, section 22.............................. 160 Eli Lapham, section 35.................................. 160 A. S. Quick, section 34...................................... 160 Aaron Senter....................................Poll tax Archelaus Harwood, section 35........................... 160 John Dean, section 26.........4...................... 40 Giles Dean.......................................Poll tax EARLY JURORS. The grand jurors chosen in 1844 were Eldridge Austin, Rufus Brooks, Henry Wilbur, Calvin Austin, J. S. Van Brunt, Calvin P. White, A. S. Quick, and Jos. S. Blais dell. The petit jurors were Charles L. Andrus, Joseph Badcock, Henry Mallory, David L. Talbot, James Mulvaney, John F. Fuller, Orin Ball, and Volney Hyde. In 1845 the grand jurors were Peter Downs, S. P. Tuttle, Cleaveland Ellis, C. G. Baker, Abel Giles, Lebbeus Hodgman, Elisha G. Mapes, and Samuel Andrus. The petit jurors were Belcher Athern, William Sutton, Daniel Baldwin, Archelaus Harwood, Peter Dillin, George E. Bacon, Leander Lapham, George W. Knapp. In 1846 the grand jurors were D. L. Talbot, C. P. White, Volney Hyde, and J. S. Blaisdell. The petit jurors were Calvin Austin, Lyman Curtis, James Mulvaney, and E. F. Cox. In 1848 the grand jurors were C. G. Baker, C. P. White, Elisha Andrus, Lebbeus Hodgman, S. P. Tuttle, D. L. Talbot, and A. L. Parkhurst. The petit jurors were D. W. Ellis, Cyril Johnson, A. W. Chapin, J. H. Keith; Mathew Harvey, Calvin Austin, and Belcher Athern. Towns No. 1 and No. 2, in range 7, were divided by legislative act approved March 25, 1846, No. 1 remaining Assyria and No. 2 becoming Maple Grove. RELIGIOUS. THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. The Free-Will Baptist minister who accompanied Joseph S. Blaisdell to Assyria in 1836, as before mentioned, and who for a year conducted occasional public worship at Blaisdell's house and in other houses across the county-line, was undoubtedly the first preacher to hold religious services in the township. Rev. Zerah Hoyt, a Presbyterian missionary stationed at Hastings, preached in Assyria at an early day, and in 1844 the Rev. Mr. Rogers, a resident in the western part of the town, preached a few Methodist sermons in the school-house of district No. 2. The first religious body in the township was a Free-Will Baptist Church, which was formed through the efforts of Joseph S. Blaisdell, and which, during his life, held regular services in the school-house of district No. 1. Upon his death, in 1848, the organization also lost its life, and was no more heard of. Just previous to Mr. Blaisdell's death, Rev. Elijah Cook, a Free-Will Baptist, preached at the school-house, and held a series of revival-meetings, the success of which promised much for the future of the church. SOUTI ASSYRIA METHODIST CLASS. About 1847 or 1848 the South Assyria Methodist Episcopal Class was organized in the school-house of district No. 1, and since that time services have been regularly maintained. The class is now on the Pennfield Circuit, in charge of Rev. Mr. Daniels. Daniel Sackett is the classleader and Josepl Grinnell superintendent of the Sundayschool. A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at the Centre about 1854, and after a few years was joined to the South Assyria Class. This class was formed about 1855, and until 1866 worshiped in the school-house on section 6. In the year named a church edifice was erected close by, and is still in use. The class membership is about 20, the leader is Charles Clark, and the trustees G. W. Briggs, Jonathan Stevens, Wesley Clark, and J. B. Norris. Connected with the 390 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. church is a flourishing Sunday-school, of which Mrs. Nickerson is the superintendent. Preaching is supplied once in two weeks by Rev. Mr. Daniels, the preacher in charge of the Pennfield Circuit. THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The Advent Christian Church at Assyria Centre was organized in the summer of 1871, in Tompkins' Grove, by Elder Philip Holler, and had at the outset a membership of 17. A. Quimby was chosen elder, and A. W. Bowen deacon. Elder Holler, of Nashville, preached once in two weeks for about a year, and for five years after that he and Elder Berry managed between them to supply the church with preaching every Sunday. For about two years, to August, 1879, dependence was placed upon occasional supplies, and at the time noted Elder A. M. Smith, of Prairieville, now preaching at the Centre once a fortnight, began his term of service. The Centre school-house served as a house of worship until the summer of 1874, when a church was built just east of the Centre. The membership is now about 20, the deacon is A. W. Bowen, and the trustees are E. H. Fox, P. Holler, Chester Berry, Augustus Sackett, N. P. Hall, and A. W. Wilcox. TIE PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH. This church, which is also located at Assyria Centre, was organized Sept. 26, 1873, by Rev. William Kelly, in the Centre school-house. A revision of the class-book in 1876, when a church edifice was built at the Centre, certifies that Jacob Hartom was then the class-leader, and Rev. J. H. Webb the preacher in charge. Mr. Hartom is still the class-leader; the preacher in charge is Rev. John McPhail, and the Sunday-school superintendent W. IH-. Prescott. Preaching is supplied once in two weeks. The trustees are George W. Tompkins, Thomas Tasker, Charles C. Gage, Coleman Russell, and Jacob Hartom. ASSYRIA GRANGE, No. 128, was organized during the winter of 1873, in A. W. Chapin's log house, with about 30 members. William W. Cole was chosen Master; A. G. Kent, Sec.; D. W. Ellis, O.; J. R. Powers, L.; Leroy Cummings, Treas. The Masters of the grange have been William W. Cole, C. W. Taylor, A. W. Chapin. The active membership is now about 20. The officers are A. W. Chapin, M.; D. W. Ellis, 0.; William W. Cole, L.; Augustus Dow, S.; Richard Jones, Treas.; O. B. Spalding, Chaplain; Mrs. A. W. Chapin, Ceres; Mrs. W. W. Cole, Pomona; and Mrs. Leroy Cummings, Flora. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. RICHARD JONES. About the year 1790, Jonathan Jones and Polly, his wife, -both natives of Massachusetts,-passed from New Eng land to Otsego Co., N. Y., and in the town of Richfield entered upon the work of Western pioneering. There they spent the remainder of their lives, Jonathan dying in 1816, and his wife in 1847. Eleven children blessed their union, of whom the fifth is Richard, who first saw the light in Richfield, March 15, 1807. His earlier boyhood days were employed in schooling and farming, and at the age of twelve he journeyed afoot to Franklin Co., Mass., loaded with a ten-pound pack, and in Leverett, his father's native town, tarried six years. At the age of eighteen' he returned to New York to live with his stepfather, who agreed to give him six weeks' schooling each year for three years, but the schooling had amounted at the end of the three years to but twenty days all told. Sept. 26, 1830, Richard married Amelia, daugher of Benjamin Tuckerman, of Richfield, and directly after that the young couple moved to a farm in Oswego County, where they stopped four years, and after a further four years' sojourn in Otsego County, setting their faces towards the West, entered Hillsdale Co., Mich., in September, 1838, as members of the grand army of Michigan pioneers. They battled bravely for existence, and, although sorely beset by hardships and privations, they heroically overcame every obstacle, and wrought a happy home out of the waste of wilderness. Illustrative of the scarcity of money in those days and the long journeys necessary to reach a market, Mr. Jones relates how he made a trip to Toledo with forty bushels of wheat, which he sold at fifty cents per bushel, half trade and half cash. He was gone nine days, traveled seventy-five miles, and when he got home had, in place of the wheat he took away, one barrel of salt, one pair of geese, fifty pounds of nails, and twenty-five cents in money. Even twenty-five cents in money was almost impossible to get for farm truck at home. Mr. Jones says he more than once begged a Jonesville merchant to give him just two shillings in money on a trade in butter and eggs, so that he could pay the postage on a letter which had lain in the post-office perhaps a week, but the merchant's heart was adamant, and the two shillings were not forthcoming. Mr. Jones remained with his family in Hillsdale County until 1848, when in September they removed to section 9, Assyria township, Barry Co., and there, renewing their pioneer experiences, have resided to this day. The first year of his settlement in Assyria, Mr. Jones cleared, with the assistance of his eighteen-year-old son, sixty acres, and put in fifty acres of wheat. He bought at first two hundred and twenty acres, and these he increased within three years to upwards of five hundred. So energetically did he devote himself to the business of agriculture that out of the products of his lands during the first three years he paid the purchase money for the entire five hundred acres. Mr. Jones has served as supervisor of Assyria township, as postmaster from 1855 to 1863, was chosen to the lower house of the Legislature by the Republicans of his district in 1867, and has at various times filled offices of local trust. A life-long Republican until lately, he affiliates now with the National Greenback party. In religion he is independent and liberal, and holds fast to the creed that " if we do right here, it will be all right there." Amelia Tuckerman Jones, his wife, was born in Rich field, Otsego Co., N. Y., April 1, 1806. Her parents, Benjamin and Tryphosa Tuckerman, were natives of Massachusetts, and migrated to Otsego Co., N. Y., shortly before :1 I, 5 M RS. RICHARD JONES. O N:~:::~-'::-":i'I~: RESIDENCE OF RICHARD JONES, BARRY Co., (ASSYRA.Th,) MICH. I ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP. 391 1800. Of their nine children, Amelia was the seventh. Her father took an active part in the incidents attendant upon the Shay's Rebellion in New England, and later served as captain and major in the war of 1812. He died in New York in 1854, his wife having preceded him by thirty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Jones' children have been five in number, of whom three are living: George T., who was born July 16, 1831, lives in Colorado; Flora T., born March 9, 1833, died Feb. 4, 1879; Mary A., born June 14, 1838, is now Mrs. Henry Talmage, of Bellevue; Fannie E., born June 9, 1841, is Mrs. George McCollum, of Van Buren County; Henry B., born March 28, 1847, died in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Jones will on the 26th of September, 1880, celebrate their golden wedding,-tle fiftieth anniversary of their marriage-day,-and towards that event they as well as a host of friends are now looking with pleasurable anticipations, for the incident will be a joyous one, marked by a large gathering of guests from far and near, and signalized as a memorable occasion in the history of human life. GEORGE W. KNAPP. In the year 1836, George W. Knapp located a tract of land in Assyria township, and since 1843 he has resided upon the place which he wrested from the wilderness thirtyseven years ago, and now, in the stead of that wilderness, rests his gaze upon a beautiful home and the broad acres of one of the finest farms in Barry County. He was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., July 21, 1807. His father, Jared, was born in Stamford, Conn., July 27, 1749, and died in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1848, aged ninety-nine years. Jared Knapp entered the service of his country upon the outbreak of the Revolution, in 1776; served first as private, then as orderly sergeant, and eventually as captain; was with Gen. Washington in all his campaigns, and after a military career of seven years and seven months returned to the walks of peace. At the age of ninety-three he had a third set of teeth; at the age of sixty obtained his second sight, and so retained it that up the age of ninety he used no glasses, and to the day of his death was hearty and active. He was much in demand in the late years of his life as a public orator, and attracted crowds from far and near to hear his public -recitals of the stirring times of the Revolution, through which he passed. His wife, Catherine Baldwin, was born in Derby, Conn., in 1769, and died in Hinsdale, N. Y., in 1853, aged eightyfour. Three of Mr. Jared Knapp's sisters lived to the respective ages of ninety-seven, ninety-nine, and one hundred, and illustrated, as did their brother, the truth of the assertion that they came of a long-lived race. George W. Knapp spent his earlier years at home in Wyoming County, and March 1, 1832, married Lucy, daughter of Jonathan and Anna Tripp. He had been in boyhood apprenticed to a painter and glazier, and after farming in Wyoming County until 1836 removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he pushed forward in business as a house, ship, and ornamental painter. There he remained until 1840, when he moved westward to Battle Creek, and re — sumed his trade. While in that village he painted for H. A. Goodyear, of Hastings, the first store-sign painted in Barry County, hung the first piece of wall-paper hung in Battle Creek, painted the first post-office sign and cut the first pane of glass in Battle Creek, and afterwards set the window-lights in the second court-house built in Barry County. In February, 1843, he became a pioneer in Assyria township, upon land in section 26, which he had located May 19, 1836, and wrestled energetically with the hardships and privations of a pioneer life and grinding poverty. To earn money for the necessaries of life, he walked eleven miles to Battle Creek many a morning and back again at night with twelve shillings obtained by labor at his trade as glazier. Mr. Knapp's history is a portion of the history of Assyria township. He has for thirty-seven years been closely identified with town affairs, and ranks as one of the town's leading citizens. He has served as supervisor one term, justice of the peace three terms, notary public eight years, postmaster at South Assyria, and in the business of laying out roads at an early day performed valuable and important services. He was the third of four sons, each of whom is living at an advanced age, viz., William, aged seventy-nine; Charles H., seventy-seven; George W., seventy-three; and Julius, sixty-three. Mrs. Lucy Knapp was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., March 29, 1810, her father, Jonathan Tripp, having been born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1769, and her mother (Anna Suscomb) in Otsego County, 1781. Jonathan Tripp was a farmer throughout his life, and died in Assyria, Dec. 25, 1867, aged ninety-eight years and six months. The last ten years of his life were passed at his daughter's home, and to the hour of his death he was bright, active, and cheerful. His wife died in Wisconsin in 1856, aged seventy-five. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have been married nearly fifty years, and March 1, 1882, will celebrate their golden wedding. Their children have been Sophia, born Nov. 4, 1835, and died in infancy; Jared M., born Nov. 16, 1837, and now living at home on the old farm; Priscilla H., born Feb. 9, 1840, and now Mrs. B. F. Bullis, of Johnstown; Harriet F., born July 21, 1842, and now Mrs. Alonzo Lanikin, of Mason Co., Mich.; Mary E., born March 12, 1845, and died June, 1848; Emma O., born June 8, 1849, and now Mrs. Joseph H. Parmelee, of Spencerport, N. Y. Jared M., the second child of this worthy couple, electing to remain with his parents rather than marry, has never left the parental roof (save for a brief season), and still remains to comfort and cheer with his presence and labors the declining years of his father and mother. He was a pioneer student in the State Agricultural College at Lansing in 1837, and passed there a period of two years and a half, from which experience he emerged with much credit. Early in life he evinced a strong sympathy for the life of a student, and, although he has always been engaged and is still engaged in active farm labor, he has devoted much time to profitable study and mental improvement. He taught school three terms in Barry and Calhoun Counties, takes an earnest interest in literary matters, owns a fine library of valuable books, is well known as a strong and intelligent debater in the lyceums of his township, and occupies, in short, a place in social existence of which he may justifiably feel proud. BALTIMO RE.* THE township of Baltimore was informally christened as early as 1842 by the foremost settlers within its boundaries, who thus perpetuated the memory of their former home. On the north lies the township of Hastings; on the south is that of Johnstown; on the western side is Hope; while the eastern boundary is the western line of Maple Grove. It is designated in the United States survey as township No. 2 north, in range 8 west, and was erected as an independent civil township in 1849. Even at the late date just named a very large part of its territory was still covered by the primeval forest, and comparatively few clearings suggested the presence of settlers. The lands of Baltimore are watered by numerous lakes and streams. The most important body of water is Clear Lake, a part of which occupies portions of sections 32 and 33. Mud Lake lies on section 21, and a portion of Long Lake on section 1, while the area of sections 2 and 18 is partially covered by smaller sheets of water. High Bank Creek enters the township on the south line of section 35, and, flowing northeasterly, leaves it on the east line of section 12. Cedar Creek enters on the west line of section 30, runs northeasterly, and passes out on the north line of section 4. Both these streams furnish excellent water-power. The surface of Baltimore is varied. The southeast portion is level, while in the south there are also many tracts of level land. Numerous hills and abrupt elevations are to be seen in the northern and northeastern portions, while the centre presents a gently rolling aspect. Elm, ash, maple, oak, and hickory are the prevailing forest trees. Very little pine or hemlock is found, but the tamarack flourishes in the swamps and marshes. The list of soils includes clay, sand, and gravel, the north being sandy, while in the south clay and loam prevail. In the west is found a preponderance of clay. The swampy land is confined chiefly to sections 9, 10, and 30. The lands of Baltimore are well adapted to the growth of both corn and wheat. The various fruits peculiar to the climate also abound, though peach-trees do not produce very large crops. Apples of superior quality are raised in large quantities, and a well-kept orchard is to be found on every farm. The farmers of the township are within convenient reach of both the city of Hastings and the village.of Nashville, at which places and at intervening points on the Grand River Valley Railroad their products can easily be shipped to the Eastern markets. EARLY ENTRIES OF GOVERNMENT LAND. The respective sections of township No. 2 north, in range No. 8 west (now Baltimore), were purchased directly from the government by the following persons: --— ~- ~ --- —--- ~J --- ---- ~"' r'"'Z3 SECTION 1. Acres. Joseph R. Williams, 1836 160 E. D. Eaton, 1849.......... 40 John Wolf, 1852............ 80 John Barbour, 1854........ 40 Dayton Hall, 1854........ 167 William Crosby, 1855...... 78.36 John Seeman, 1855......... 82.82 SECTION 2. I. F. Hodges, 1850......... 160 B. C. Cramer, 1850......... 187.68 John Houghtaling, 1852.. 40 Margaret J. Britton, 1853 51 N. Houghtaling, 1853. William Eaton, 1853..... 61.50 W. H. Douglass, 1854...... 40 William Eaton, 1855..... 40 SECTION 3. Striker family, 1850........ 316.70 D. Hungerford, 1851...... 46.36 Mary Whitmore, 1851..... 49.50 Isaac Bacon, 1851.......... 46.53 G. W. Valentine, 1853..... 46.16 Elizabeth Hole, 1853....... 40 Orville Phelps, 1854........ 45.93 Gilbert Striker, 1857...... 40 SECTION 4. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 331.82 Albert Slausen, 1837....... 171.52 M. L. Williams, 1847...... 160 SECTION 5. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 660.09 SECTION 6. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 602.76 SECTION 7. Oramel Griffin, 1837....... 56.34 Harry Angevine, 1839..... 120 Elkanah Wood, 1852...... 80 Thomas Barber, 1853...... 338.70 SECTION 8. Wm. F. Goodwin, 1839... 280 V. Spaulding, 1849......... 160 James Norton, 1849........ 160 Thomas Barber, 1853...... 40 SECTION 9. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 480 H. M. Hodges, 1849........ 160 SECTION 10. Moses Hillard, 1836....... 320 E. A. Crofts, 1850........... 160 G. M. Valentine, 1853...... 40 J. W. Houghtalin, 1854... 40 George Baalch, 1856....... 40 B. W. Tomlinson, 1857.... 38.86 SECTION 11. Acres. Daniel Baker, 1849......... 160 Isaac Vannett, 1849........ 80 Henry Shiveley, 1850...... 40 Barbara Shiveley, 1850... 40 John Houghtalin, 1851... 40 J.W. Houghtalin, 1851.... 40 Howell Sanford, 1852...... 40 Jared Whitmore, 1852...... 80 J.W. Houghtalin, 1854.... 31.31 George Roush, 1854....... 40 SECTION 12. R. McIntosh, 1835.......... 40 Iays & Dibble, 1836...... 240 J. R. Williams, 1836...... 80 E. D. Eaton, 1849.......... 160 Isaac Vannett, 1849........ 80 John 1. Hall, 1853......... 40 SECTION 13. R. M. McIntosh, 1835...... 40 J. R. Williams, 1836...... 160 J. S. Duel, 1837............ 320 J. Paddleford, 1837........ 120 SECTION 14. H. L. Johnson, 1837....... 160 Isaac Stevens, 1837......... 160 Daniel Baker, 1849......... 160 Jacob Baker, 1849.......... 160 SECTION 15. George Pestman, 1837..... 320 Samuel B. Rowe, 1837.... 160 Oramel Griffin, 1837....... 160 SECTION 16. School land. SECTION 17. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 320 Albert Slawson, 1837...... 160 Robert Glascow, 1855...... 160 SECTION 18. Beers and De Forrest, 1845......................... 160 L. H. Nichols, 1850........ 142.54 Thomas Barber, 1853...... 60.90 Martha Sheffield, 1853..... 40 State swamp-land, 1854... 40 Isaac Van Orman, 1857... 80 W illiam Bister............... 80 SECTION 19. Solomon Stanton and Benj. Stanton, 1849..... G. W. Campbell, 1850..... A. N. Brewster, 1850...... W. I. Bottom, 1851......... John Mershon, 1852....... Jesse Russell, 1852......... 40 64.63 40 66.76 80 40 y By E. 0. Wagner. 392 fC', Co Z) z -Co cx2 0 -ri 0 0 CO rrrl rrl "IZ CO rC). r: ii: 41 BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP. 393 I Polaski, 1852................ W. B. Moore, 1853......... Samuel Weeks, 1854....... P. L. Cain, 1854............ Acres. 160 40 40 40 SECTION 20. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 320 L. II. Sanford, 1837........ 80 David Vance, 1853......... 40 Samuel Weeks, 1853....... 40 Lucy Y. Chase, 1853........ 80 L. C. Kellogg, 1853......... 80 SECTION 21. C. W. and J. A. Rockwell, 1837...................... 640 SECTION 22. Isaac Johnson, 1837...... 160 J. T. Ellis, 1837............ 160 P. L. Edmonds, 1853...... 160 W. M. Warner, 1853...... 160 SECTION 23. J. T. Ellis, 1837............ 80 Jonas Davis, 1837.......... 80 Henry D. Hall, 1837...... 80 Isaac Stevens, 1837........ 80 Henry Knickerbocker, 1852........................ 160 Benjamin Taylor, 1852... 80 Eli A. Hale, 1853.......... 40 State swamp-land........... 40 SECTION 29. Acres. Thomas W. Ligon, 1837... 160 William Tucker, 1837...... 160 Samuel Weeks, 1838....... 200 Isaac Weeks, 1838.......... 40 Samuel Weeks, 1839....... 80 SECTION 30. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 227.36 Backus and Norton, 1836 400 SECTION 31. Simon Bailey................ 227.36 J. R. Williams, 1836........ 400 SECTION 32. A. 1I. Ward, 1836........... 123.44 J. R. Williams, 1836....... 320 Rufus Condis, 1839......... 40 John Harris. 1851.......... 40 Henry Condis, 1852........ 40 Samuel Weeks, 1854...... 40 SECTION 33. A. H. Ward, 1836........... 49.51 Thomas White, 1836....... 181.40 Isaac Stevens, 1837........ 224 A. Babcock, 1853............ 63.69 SECTION 34. Thomas White, 1836...... 160 J. R. Williams, 1836....... 320 Samuel Lane, 1837......... 80 Isaac Stevens, 1837......... 80 SECTION 24. J. R. Williams, 1836..... 640 SECTION 25. J. R. Williams, 1836...... 640 SECTION 26. Section 26, 1836.............. 640 SECTION 27. William M. Glendy, 1837 640 SECTION 28. Lewis W. Miner, 1837..... 320 Backus and Norton, 1837 160 William M. Glendy, 1837 160 SECTION 35. J. R. Williams, 1836....... SECTION 36. Seymour Case, 1849........ T. S. Baker, 1852........... W. C. Hardenbergh, 1852 E. B. Warner, 1853......... State swamp-lands........ A. N. Warren, 1854........ Charles Fisk, 1856......... 640 160 80 80 40 120 80 80 Very graphic descriptions are given of the raising of Messrs. Kelley and Dowling's log house. Several ladies accompanied their husbands to the raising, and as the distance rendered a return home the same day inconvenient, most of them remained over-night. An ample repast of game, potatoes, and other substantial food was spread before the laborers, who used jack-knives for table-knives and splinters for forks, while pieces of clean bark from a neighboring tree did service as plates. The bestowal of the assembled guests at night was a matter of some difficulty. However, as the new house had an upper story, or half-story, the men of the company occupied that apartment, while the ladies were cheerfully accorded the right to the more convenient room below. The bedding of the two families was fairly apportioned among the numerous guests, and after some incidents at once amusing and annoying, all slumbered peacefully and departed the following morning for their distant homes. Bardsley R. Blanchard, the next pioneer in order of settlement, came from Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1845, and purchased 80 acres on section 28. It had not been improved, and Mr. Blanchard found it necessary at once to erect a log house for the comfort of his family, which consisted of his wife and six children. Meanwhile, Mr. Kelley tendered them the hospitality of his primitive abode, on section 15, and a pilgrimage of three miles was made by Mr. Blanchard every day while constructing his own simple habitation. Mr. Blanchard at once began the work of clearing his land, but made slow progress, and ultimately removed to Berrien County, having sold his farm to William Manning. His present residence is Rutland, whence, though now eighty-five years old, he makes occasional pilgrimages to the homes of his old neighbors in Baltimore. The earliest wedding in the township was celebrated at the house of Mr. Blanchard, his daughter, Miss Caroline, being united to Mr. Elkanah Morford. The ceremony was performed by Henry P. Cheney, then clothed with authority as a justice of the peace. Very near the home of Mr. Blanchard occurred the first death in Baltimore, that of a Mrs. Farr, the date of which is not remembered. Joseph Judd, formerly of Niagara Co., N. Y., located in 1846 upon 40 acres on section 28. He built the traditional log house, but made little progress in clearing his land, and ere long removed from the township. His present residence is Battle Creek. He was chosen as inspector of election at the first township-meeting, and was one of the few voters present on that occasion. Eli D. Eaton, a former resident of Huron Co., Ohio, became a settler in 1849, on the northwest quarter of section 12. This he obtained on a land-warrant given him for services in the Mexican war. He remained with Joseph Judd while building a shanty, after which he devoted his energies to clearing and improving his land. His progress was slow at first, but ultimately a large and productive farm was the result of his industry. J. Denton Hodges was at this date his nearest neighbor. Mr. Eaton still resides on his farm, which has been increased, however, to 185 acres. The year 1849 brought also J. Denton Hodges, who entered 160 acres on section 9, and James Norton, who acquired 160 acres on the same section by means of a PIONEER SETTLEMENTS. That portion of Baltimore which first yielded before the advance of the pioneer was section 15. Its lands had been purchased from the government as early as 1837, but for five years afterwards remained in their primitive condition. In 1842, Andrew Kelley and Thomas Dowling, brothersin-law, came from Baltimore, Md., and chose a farm on the above section, which they at once began to clear. Mr. Dowling is described as an eccentric character, whose previous life had ill fitted him to endure the privations of a pioneer. He was a man of intelligence and education, who affected the free-and-easy ways of the settlers, but exaggerated them so as often to appear ridiculous. He spent much money in improvements, which were never of practical value, and at one period of his pioneer career evinced some political aspirations, which were very promptly checked by his townsmen. He speedily tired of his laborious and monotonous life and sought diversion in California, where he died a few years later. Mr. Kelley and his family remained some years after, but ultimately followed their relative to the Golden State. A child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelley soon after their settlement, whose birth was the earliest in Baltimore. 50 394 IIISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. land-warrant issued to him for his Mexican war services. Mr. Hodges did not until a year later effect any improvement upon his land, and he subsequently sold out and removed from the township. Mr. Norton remained until the outbreak of the civil war, when he entered the military service of the United States, in which he lost his life. Another pioneer of 1849 was John Houghtalin, who was originally from Livingston Co., N. Y., and later from Battle Creek, Mich. He located himself upon 80 acres on the southeast corner of section 2, to which he secured a title two or three years later. Eli D. Eaton was at that time his nearest neighbor. Mr. Houghtalin was made welcome by Mr. Kelley, and at once began the erection of a framed house, after which his time was devoted to clearing and improving his land. His death occurred in August, 1867, his widow surviving until 1871. Two sons, George and Charles W., are residents of the township, and Henry is the present popular sheriff of the county. I. F. Hodges entered, in 1850, 160 acres on section 2, upon which he settled a year later. This he subsequently sold, when he removed to 80 acres upon section 9. This he improved, but eventually departed from Baltimore and made Hastings his residence. Two of the representative pioneers of 1850 were J. L. Fox and B. C. Cramer, the former of whon came from Kent County and purchased 100 acres on section 21. His residence in Baltimore was brief. After making a small improvement he sold to Jas. S. Tuxbury, and removed to Grand Rapids. Mr. Cramer purchased 187 acres on section 2, to which he removed the following fall. He converted this wilderness into an attractive and valuable estate, upon which he still resides. Gilbert Striker, a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y., removed in 1818 to Wayne Co., N. Y., and in 1835 to Michigan, where he found a home in Jackson County. In 1850 seven brothers entered 316 acres of land on section 3, in Baltimore, which was subsequently purchased by Gilbert of the remaining owners, upon which he located in 1851. It was entirely unimproved. I. F. Hodges had already made a beginning on his land, and his house sheltered Mr. Striker's family until material was prepared for the erection of a cabin. They removed to this latter structure during the spring, and the mild and balmy air of that season made them unconscious of the want of doors or windows to their home. Forty acres of the standing timber on the land was girdled and cleared of undergrowth the first year, and with the help of three yoke of oxen 30 acres were prepared for and sown with wheat. Mr. Striker cut a portion of the State road from Battle Creek to Hastings, which was afterwards the chief highway of the township. The latter village was the nearest point from which supplies were obtained. On Mr. Striker's farm was set apart, in 1851, the first burial-place in the township. Mr. John Houghtalin having lost a son in April of that year, Messrs. Striker, Houghtalin, and Day selected the ground in question, and the child was buried there. It was afterwards neatly inclosed, and was legally selected by the township as a cemetery. Mr. Striker died on the homestead Nov. 20, 1874. His I I widow survives, and resides with her son Gilbert, whose birthplace was Baltimore. He is the present occupant of the farm. John H. Day, a native of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., came, in 1850, from the Buckeye State to Baltimore, and purchased of Solomon M. Allen 80 acres on section 12. It was a wilderness on his arrival, with no settlers immediately near. Mr. Day became a member of the household of Eli D. Eaton, and remained so until his marriage, in 1854, when he removed to his own place, having during the interval erected a log house. He ran in debt for his land, but worked hard at anything he could find to do until he liquidated his debt. He meanwhile hired the clearing of 14 acres, which was completed in 1852. Mr. Day has been largely identified with the development of the township, and held many official positions in it. He still resides on his original purchase. Pliny McOmber and William and Porter Harwood had arrived a year before the advent of Mr. Day, and had erected a saw-mill on section 9. The year following, Darwin McOmber came, and purchased Mr. Harwood's interest. Pliny McOmber subsequently returned to Maple Grove, his former residence, and Darwin assumed entire control of the mill business, which he conducted until 1875. This was the earliest saw-mill in Baltimore, and sawed much of the timber used in the construction of the first homes of that township. In connection with the mill Darwin McOmber owned 80 acres of land, which he cleared, and on which his present residence stands. In the beginning his nearest neighbor, James Judd, was two and a half miles away, both Kelley and Dowling having left the township. At this time, and for several years after, there was no school nearer than three miles. Mr. McOmber now has an estate of 640 acres, lying on sections 8, 9, 10, and 16, a large portion of which is cultivated. John Baker, another pioneer from Ohio, made his advent in 1850, and located land on section 11, but never resided upon it. He erected a plank house on section 9, and occupied his time in hunting, varied by occasional labor among the settlers. His home was afterwards consumed by fire, and it is related that Mr. Baker, for the purpose of securing a can of powder as well as averting an explosion, rushed through the flames and obtained the dangerous package. Samuel Weeks, though not the first settler, made the first clearing in Baltimore. He entered at the land-office in Kalamazoo, as early as 1838, 200 acres on section 29, being at this time a resident of Calhoun County. The same year he chopped an acre on his land, after which it remained undisturbed until 1851. He then hired a few acres cleared and a log house erected, to which he removed in 1852, and began in earnest the labor of improving his land. Guy R. Durfee was at this period the nearest settler, and the most convenient school-house was on section 28, to which Mr. Weeks' son made a daily pilgrimage. Early preaching was held in this school building, where ministers from the more thickly settled townships officiated. James S. Tuxbury, E. B. Warner, and Dayton Hlall were all pioneers of 1852. Mr. Tuxbury located first upon BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP. 395 section 28, and later upon section 21, on which he had 100 acres. He was prominently identified with the interests of the township until his removal to Van Buren County. Mr. Warren is still a resident of Baltimore, and a successful farmer. Mr. Hall became a settler on section 1, but afterwards moved to the home of Eli D. Eaton, where he died in 1873. Guy R. Durfee, an emigrant from St. Joseph County in 1852, settled upon 80 acres on section 28, which was purchased of P. Y. Baldwin, who had previously built a log house upon it. James L. Fox was already located upon 100 acres on section 21, and was the nearest settler. Mr. Durfee, finding a more eligible site upon section 28, changed his location, and in 1855 removed to his present home, on section 14, which embraces 100 acres, less 1, given to the Methodist Episcopal Church as a parsonage. John Mershon, a former resident of Ross, Kalamazoo Co., located, in 1852, upon 80 acres on section 19, which he cleared and made productive. He died in the township in 1866, and his son became the owner of the property. Thomas Barber, of Ontario Co., N. Y., purchased, in 1852, 320 acres on section 7. He dwelt in a camp on his arrival, but soon completed a framed house, to which he removed. A portion of this purchase was early improved, and additions were made as time and opportunity offered. Mr. Barber was an excellent farmer, and a man of much energy. He died in the township in 1863, and his farm is now owned by William H. Hendershot. Lucius Nichols purchased 260 acres on section 18, upon which he settled in 1852. He built a house and made a good-sized clearing, but did not long survive to enjoy his purchase. George Sheffield made his advent in the township in 1853, and found an eligible location upon section 21, where he remained for several years, finally removing, however, to Johnstown, his present residence. He was interested in the earliest Sabbath-school in the township. William M. Warner, who came from Ohio in 1853, entered 160 acres on section 22, upon which he still resides. The family repaired to the house of Hubbard Baldwin, on section 27, while a shelter was being prepared for them. He now owns a well-improved and productive farm, embracing 220 acres. Isaiah Hendershot left the State of Pennsylvania in the fall of 1853 for the forests of Michigan, and on his arrival purchased 80 acres on section 8 in Baltimore. After a life of industry, he died in January, 1874. His widow survives and resides upon the homestead, which is managed by her sons, William and Charles M. Hendershot. William Eaton, another Ohio pioneer of 1853, owned 80 acres on section 11. He traveled via Branch County with two yoke of oxen and a pair of horses, the latter of which he soon traded for 80 acres of land. He and his family occupied a shanty, with a puncheon floor, on the land of Eli D. Eaton, while erecting a framed house. The family was prostrated with ague, and very little work was accomplished the first year. The next season 17 acres was cleared, and much of it covered with a luxuriant crop of wheat. Even at this late period Indians were occasional visitors when passing on their hunting excursions, but their conduct was not obtrusive, and their bearing was always friendly. Mr. Eaton died in 1862. His widow still resides on the homestead with her son. George Roush, a former resident of Huron Co., Ohio, located during the year 1853 upon 120 acres on section 11. He engaged at once in the preliminary labor of house-building, meanwhile occupying a framed cabin near by, which had been vacated by Michael Holes. He sowed his first clearing of 14 acres with wheat, and reaped a bountiful harvest. Mr. Roush, in 1879, changed his location for land upon section 11, his present residence. Another emigrant from the State of Pennsylvania was Robert Bliven, who came from Bradford County to the township in the summer of 1853. He chose 89 acres of uncleared land upon section 6, and enjoyed the hospitality of Richard Stilson, of HEastings, while preparing for the establishment of his family on his own purchase. On that purchase he still resides. We have now noticed the principal pioneers of the first twelve years of Baltimore's history, and must greatly curtail our remarks regarding later comers. Among the prominent settlers of Baltimore from the close of 1853 until the outbreak of the Rebellion were Joseph Gaskill, of Monroe Co., N. Y., who located on section 7, in 1854, and died there in 1876; A. N. Warner, of Cayuga Co., N. Y., who settled on section 36, the same year, worked as a cooper, opened the first grocery in Baltimore, and finally gave his life for his country in the war for the Union; Robert Haynes, of Summit Co., Ohio, who chose a home on section 8 in 1854, but moved to section 18 in 1857, where he still resides; John Harrington, of Onondaga Co., N. Y., who occupied, in 1855, a fiactional quarter previously purchased by his brother, on which he still lives; Peter Jendreau, of Canada, who located on section 28, in 1855; William Henry, of Hillsdale Co., Mich., who was killed by accident while chopping, in 1870; Aaron Durfee, who came from Oakland County in 1856, and four years later located on section 16, where he still lives; Robert T. Garrison, of Tompkins Co., N. Y., who settled on section 5 in 1856, where he died in 1867; D. C. Sanborn, who came from New Hampshire in 1859, located on section 21, and has gained much fame as a breeder of blooded hunting dogs, some of which have won numerous prizes at canine exhibitions; John T. Hinchman, who moved from Johnstown into Baltimore in 1860, located on section 32, and still resides there; Samuel F. Hinchman, who came at the same time, and subsequently purchased a farm near his brother, where he now lives; and David Ickes, of Ohio, who settled on section 11 in 1860, which is still his home. EARLY HIGHWAYS. The earliest recorded highway through the present township of Baltimore was surveyed by John Mitchell in 1838, and was known as the " State road," its terminal points having been Battle Creek and Hastings. It entered the township between sections 31 and 32, and pursued a northeasterly course to the centre of section 29, ran thence north to the centre of section 20, then bore somewhat to the wst, and again to the east, and left the township on the north line of section 5. But a small portion of this road is now in use. 396 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN...... I. The highway just described was superseded by another road, connecting Battle Creek with Hastings, also known as the "State road," which was surveyed by Albert E. Bull in July, 1844, and which is still one of the most frequently traveled roads running through Baltimore. SCHOOLS. The earliest school building in Baltimore was erected on section 28, the lumber having been sawed by John H. Day, and the structure built by Maj. Thomas. Miss Sarah Blanchard, daughter of Bardsley I. Blanchard, and now Mrs. George Sheffield, first instructed the growing youth of the township. The second school-building was located on section 2, then embraced in district No. 2, and was erected in 1851. The pioneer instructor in this district was Daniel Striker, then a resident of Baltimore and now of Hastings. The territory of the township is at present divided into seven districts, unde the supervision of the following board of directors: A. L. Van Horn, Orson Johnson, David Jakes, H. C. Fisher, John Crawley, D. C. Warner, A. N. Warren. Seven male and eight female teachers are employed in the various districts in the course of a year, and have in their clarge 376 pupils, 3 of whom are non-residents. The value of the school property in the township is $4125, which embraces seven capacious school-houses. The total resources of Baltimore for educational purposes are $2333.44. EARLY TAX-PAYERS. The following list shows the tax-payers in Baltimore for the year 1849: B. R. Blanchard. IH. Paul. Joseph Judd. C. W. Rockwell. Andrew Kelley. J. A. Rockwell. II. D. Hodges. J. T. Ellis. Porter Harwood. J. Johnson. G. W. Campbell. J. Davis. S. Baldwin. H. D. hall. J. R. Williams. W. M. Glendy. 0. Griffin. C. Passage. H. Angevine. Bacchus and Norton. W. T. Goodwin. L. W. Willmer. M. Hilliard. W. Tucker. A. Hays. T. W. Ligan. R McIntosh. Samuel Weeks. J. Paddleford. S. Bailey. J. L. Duel. A. Ward. J. Stevens. S. Robinson. H. L. Johnson. T. White. S. B. Rowe. S. Lane. A. Slausen. BALTIMORE POST-OFFICE. The ground on which the hamlet known as Baltimore Post-Office is located was originally owned by John Stall, who later conveyed it to Peter Gendro. Sixty acres of this land were afterwards purchased by John Harrington. This was subsequently divided between William Match and A. C. Crandall, each having secured 30 acres. Cyrus Altman obtained 20 acres of the portion originally secured by Match, one acre of which was purchased by David Ed wards, who, in 1864, erected a store thereon, in which he placed a general stock of goods adapted to the wants of a country trade. This store was afterwards bought by J. C. Lamnpman, who, two years later, sold to Horace Hall, who in turn sold to John Riley, from whom it passed into the hands of Royal G. Rice, the present owner, in 1872, who is also the postmaster. There are a blacksmith- and wagonshop, kept by Ormsbee & Bro., and a few dwellings embraced in the hamlet, and a resident physician, Dr. A. L. Van Horn, also enjoys an extensive suburban practice. Its principal importance is derived from the fact that it is the point at which the township mail is received. PRITCIIARDVILLE. Mr. Daniel S. Chase in 1853 purchased 120 acres on section 20, upon which he erected a saw-mill soon after his advent, and in 1855 a grist-mill. Having at first no bolts with which to produce a superior quality of flour, he excited the mirthful proclivities of customers by his advocacy of Graham flour as being more conducive to health than a finer grade of flour, which his mill was unable to grind. He soon after found in George Swanson a purchaser for the property, who subsequently conveyed it to John Britton, and he to a buyer named Crandall. It was bought of the latter gentleman by Messrs. Pritchard & Dixon, and later the firm became Pritchard Bros., the present proprietors. The mills are run by water-power furnished by the Cedar Creek, and do custom-work exclusively. A foundry is also owned and managed by the proprietors. A store was formerly kept at this point, which is at present closed. A post-office has been recently established at Pritchardville, of which George Pritchard is the postmaster. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Notwithstanding the fact that a class under the auspices of this church has existed since 1855, repeated interviews with its older members have failed to discover any early records or secure information relative to its history. Preaching was for many years held in one of the schoolhouses of the township, and in 1873 measures were taken for the erection of a church edifice, which were successful. In 1874 the building was completed and dedicated. It is a spacious and substantial frame structure, standing on section 21. Services are at present held semi-monthly, and conducted by Elder Janes, of Johnstown. A flourishing Sabbath-school is connected with the church, under the superintendence of A. Heath. The board of trustees are Dr. A. L. Van Horn, Moses Aldrich, Julius Crosby, J. C. Arnold, Joseph L. French, Harrison Mershon. BALTIMORE GRANGE, No. 472. This organization was first established in 1873, its earliest officers having been John Lichty, Master; A. E. Durfee, Overseer; G. R. Durfee, Lecturer; E. B. Warner,,Sec.; R. K. Stanton, Treas. The meetings are at present held at the house of John Harrington, though the members are now obtaining subscriptions for the erection of a spacious hall on section 33, to be devoted to the interests of the grange. Its present officers are E. B. Warner, Master; Samuel Jones, Overseer; G. R. Durfee, Lecturer; Mrs. S. Granger, Sec.; Albert Granger, Treas. The Baltimore Grange embraces 84 members, and is in a flourishing condition. rrri rTx Co ) CO ov -IZ W., Anglicp 4.4 I BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP. 397 _ ORGANIZATION. The township of Baltimore was, by the following act, made an independent organization: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That town number two north, of range number eight west, in the county of Barry, be and the same is hereby set off from the township of Johnstown, and organized into a separate township by the name of Baltimore, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Bardsley R. Blanchard, in said township. Approved March 15, 1849." CIVIL LIST. In accordance with the act of the State Legislature, the first township-meeting of Baltimore was held at the house of Bardsley R. Blanchard, the date of said meeting having been April 2, 1849. The following officers were chosen to preside at this meeting: Bardsley R. Blanchard, Moderator; Pliny McOmber, Clerk; Andrew Kelley and Joseph Judd, Inspectors of Election. The following is the list of officials chosen: Supervisor, Bardsley R. Blanchard; Township Clerk, Pliny McOmber; Treasurer, Andrew Kelley; Justices of the Peace, William Harwood, Joseph Judd, G. W. Campbell, B. R. Blanchard; Directors of the Poor, Andrew Kelley, Jacob D. Hodges; Highway Commissioners, G. W. Campbell, Samuel Baldwin, J. D. Hodges; School Inspectors, Porter Harwood, Joseph Judd; Assessors, Porter Harwood, George W. Campbell; Constables, Samuel Baldwin, Porter Harwood. The annexed list embraces the officials chosen to the present date: 1850.-Supervisor, B. R. Blanchard; Township Clerk, J. W. Houghtallin; Treasurer, Henry Wood; Justices of the Peace, G. S. Fisher, Joseph Judd; Highway Commissioners, G. S. Fisher, John HIoughtalin; Assessors, J. L. Fox, Darwin McOmber; School Inspector, Pliny McOmber. B. R. Blanchard having resigned, Eli D. Eaton was appointed to fill the unexpired term as supervisor. 1851.-Supervisor, J. L. Fox; Township Clerk, Jared Whitmore; Treasurer, Pliny McOmnber; Highway Commissioner, P. Y. Baldwin; Justice of the Peace, Gilbert Striker; School Inspector, Eli D. Eaton; Constables, R. B. Hunter, G. S. Fisher, J. 11. Day, Lewis Smith. 1852.-Supervisor, J. W. Houghtalin; Township Clerk, Gilbert Striker; Treasurer, Jared Whitmore; Justice of the Peace, Eli D. Eaton; Highway Commissioners, B. C. Cramer, Dayton Hall; School Inspectors, J. W. HIoughtalin, Eli D. Eaton; Constables, Michael Holes, J. S. Britton, John Houghtalin, Horatio W. Hall. 1853.-Supervisor, James S. Tuxbury; Township Clerk, Gilbert Striker; Treasurer, Jared Whitmore; Justice of the Peace, B. R. Blanchard; School Inspector, Eli D. Eaton; Highway Commissioner, Jesse Russell; Directors of the Poor, Lyman Mixer, Amos Barney; Constables, S. E. Warner, J. M. Holes, J. W. Houghtalin, L. 11. Nichols. 1854.-Supervisor, Jas. S. Tuxbury; Township Clerk, Gilbert Striker; Treasurer, Jared Whitmore; Justices of the Peace, M. L. Williams, E. B. Warner; Highway Commissioner, Guy R. Durfee; Constables, N. IHoughtalin, G. R. Durfee. 1855.-Supervisor, James S. Tuxbury; Township Clerk, D. S. Chase; Treasurer, D. McOmber; Justices of the Peace, Caren Gregory, D. S. Chase; Highway Commissioners, Thomas Baker, D. S. Chase; School Inspectors, Edgar Jeaner, Eli D. Eaton; Constables, J. S. Tuxbury, Saml. Weeks, Wm. Rhodes. 1856.-Supervisor, Gilbert Striker; Township Clerk, Wm. O. King; Treasurer, M. L. Williams; Justices of the Peace, Samuel Weeks, David Loucks; School Inspector, Alanson Warner, Jr.; Highway Commissioners, G. B. Phifer, B. C. Cramer, E. A. Turner, G. S. Fisher, W. D. Rhodes; Assessor, Samuel Weeks. 1857.-Supervisor, J. S. Tuxbury; Township Clerk, G. B. Phifer; A. E. Durfee, Treasurer; Justices of the Peace, Alanson Warner, H. W. Warner; School Inspectors, J. S. Tuxbury, II. W. Warner; Directors of the Poor, W. D. Rhoads, J. R. Decker; Constables, E. A. Turner, C. S. Powell, J. S. Tuxbury, John HIoughtalin. 1858.-Supervisor, T. B. Fuller; Township Clerk, G. B. Phifer; Treasurer, A. E. Durfee; Justice of the Peace, Gilbert Striker; Highway Commissioner, G. R. Durfee; School Inspectors, J. S. Tuxbury, H. W. Warner; Constables, Job Babcock, John Iloughtalin. 1859.-Supervisor, J. S. Tuxbury; Township Clerk, H. G. Orwig; Treasurer, M. L. Williams; Highway Commissioners, R. R. Haynes, Joseph Gaskill; School Inspector, Charles Gaskill; Constables, T. S. Baker, John Houghtalin, Nelson Rodger, George Sheffield. 1860.-Supervisor, M. L. Williams; Township Clerk, H. G. Onig; Treasurer, A. E. Durfee; Highway Commissioner, John Harrington; School Inspector, E. D. Eaton; Constables, Solomon Burtch, A. T. Wilkins, B. F. Gaskill, O. Babcock. 1861.-Supervisor, A. E. Durfee; Township Clerk, H. G. Orwig; Treasurer, W. D. Rhodes; School Inspector, Charles H. Gaskill; Constables, Solomon Burtch, Benjamin Gaskill, 0. Babcock, John Houghtalin. 1862.-Supervisor, E. D. Eaton; Township Clerk, M. L. Williams; Treasurer, M. Holmes; Highway Commissioner, A. J. Woodmancy; School Inspectors, E. D. Eaton, W. C. Squires; Justice of the Peace, Gilbert Striker; Constables, O. Babcock, Judge Stiltson, W. K. Ferris, John Hloughtalin. 1863.-Supervisor, Matthew Holmes; Township Clerk, W. II. Van Vleek; Treasurer, M. L. Williams; Justices of the Peace, Darwin McOmber, H. W. Warner; School Inspector. Samuel Weeks; liighway Commissioner, W. M. Warner; Constables, S. Hardenburg, B. F. Gaskill, J. S. Tuxbury, Henry Houghtalin. 1864.-Supervisor, Matthew Holmes; Township Clerk, D. C. Sanborn; Treasurer, A. E. Durfee; Justices of the Peace, Jacob Rhodes, A. J. Woodmancy; Highway Commissioner, John Houghtalin; School Inspector, William Match; Constables, W. K. Ferris, F. G. Brokefield, A. Granger, H. Houghtalin. 1865.-Supervisor, J. W. Houghtalin; Township Clerk, D. C. Sanborn; Treasurer, A. E. Durfee; School Inspectors, C. H. Gaskill, J. W. Iloughtalin; Justice of the Peace, II. W. Warner; Highway Commissioner, H. W. Warner; Constable, J. S. Tuxbury. 1866.-Supervisor, M. L. Williams; Township Clerk, R. T. Stocking; Treasurer, C. H1. Gaskill; Justice of the Peace, Gilbert Striker; Highway Commissioners, W. M. Warner, Henry Houghtalin, A. S. Van Vleck; School Inspector, Samuel Weeks; Constable, Henry Houghtalin. 1867.-Supervisor, A. E. Durfee; Township Clerk, D. C. Sanborn; Treasurer, C. H1. Gaskill; School Inspector, C. H. Gaskill; Highway Commissioners, G. R. Durfee, II. W. Sentz; Constables, William Hyde, W. H. Landon. 1868.-Supervisor, J. IH. Day; Township Clerk, D. C. Sanborn; Treasurer, Henry Houghtalin; Highway Commissioner, H. W. Sentz; School Inspector, Samuel Weeks; Constables, A. E. Durfee, W. H. Eaton, Michael Hendershot, H. Houghtalin. 1869.-Supervisor, M. L. Williams; Township Clerk, D. C. Sanborn; Treasurer, Henry Houghtalin; Justice of the Peace, Wm. Freeman; Highway Commissioner, William M. Warner; School Inspectors, C. H. Gaskill, D. B. Freeman; Constables, John Fancher, George Bryant, 0. Babcock, W. 0. Green. 1870.-Supervisor, R. K. Stanton; Township Clerk, D. Warner; Treasurer, John Lichty; Justice of the Peace, Gilbert Striker; Highway Commissioner, J. T. Hinchman; School Inspector, D. B. Freeman; Constables, Gilbert Buck, W. O. Green, A. H. Eaton, G. D. Babcock. 1871.-Supervisor, R. K. Stanton; Township Clerk, C. M. Mack; Treasurer, John Lichty; Justice of the Peace, Darwin Mc Omber; School Inspector, G. E. Bryant; Highway Commissioner, R. H. Dixon; Constables, Horace Hull, C. W. Houghtalin, Charles Pritchard, J. H. Day. 398 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1872.-Supervisor, R. K. Stanton; Township Clerk, Charles M. Mack; Treasurer, John Lichty; Justice of the Peace, D. C. Warner; Highway Commissioners, W. M. Warner, John Bartlett; School Inspector, D. B. Freeman; Constables, James Endsley, Franklin Roush, H. H. Hull, Turner Gardner. 1873.-Supervisor, John Lichty; Township Clerk, George E. Bryant; Treasurer, A. E. Durfee; Justice of the Peace, C. M. Hendershot; Highway Commissioners, D. B. Freeman, R. G. Rice; School Inspector, Charles H. Gaskill; Constables, Turner Gardner, II. IH. Houghtalin, Allen Roush, G. W. Cassady. 1874.-Supervisor, J. H. Day; Township Clerk, G. E. Bryant; Treasurer, D. C. Warner; Justice of the Peace, Gilbert Striker; Highway Commissioner, Royal G. Rice; School Inspector, C. M. Mack; Constables, William H. Hendershot, Turner Gardner, Charles Pritchard, Samuel Weeks. 1875.-Supervisor, Henry Houghtalin; Township Clerk, Charles M. Mack; Treasurer, John Lichty; Highway Commissioner, Guy R. Durfee; Justices of the Peace, R. K. Stanton, Darwin McOnmber; Superintendent of Schools, C. H. Gaskill; School Inspector, D. C. Warner; Constables, Guy Latham, G. W. Garrison, John Phelps, M. M. Slocum. 1876.-Supervisor, Henry Houghtalin; Township Clerk, C. M. Mack; Treasurer, John Lichty; Justice of the Peace, D. C. Warner; Highway Commissioner, R. R. Haynes; Superintendent of Schools, George E. Bryant; School Inspector, D. C. Warner; Drain Commissioner, A. E. Durfee; Constables, Warren Warner, George Greenfield, Morris Pilgrim, William Hendershot. 1877.-Supervisor, Henry Houghtalin; Township Clerk, C. M. Mack; Treasurer, C. M. Hendershot; Justices of the Peace, D. C. Sanborn, Jesse Erb; Highway Commissioner, John It. Day; Superintendent of Schools, G. E. Bryant; School Inspector, D. C. Sanborn; Constables, C. M. Mack, Gilbert Striker, Perry G. Henry, Charles Pritchard. 1878.-Supervisor, Henry Houghtalin; Township Clerk, C. D. Pierce; Treasurer, John Lichty; Justice of the Peace, W. H. Hendershot; Highway Commissioner, R. K. Stanton; Superintendent of Schools, Eli D. Eaton; Drain Commissioner, Jacob Erb; School Inspector, Frank Smith; Constables, Thomas Spruce, Luman Phelps, Augustus Reid, John Crawley. 1879.-Supervisor, C. M. Mack; Township Clerk, Perry G. Henry; Treasurer, Royal G. Rice; Justice of the Peace, R. K. Stanton; Highway Commissioner, Charles Pritchard; Superintendent of Schools, D. C. Warner; School Inspector, C. II. Gaskill; Constables, George D. Babcock, J. C. Arnold, D. C. Sanborn, Frederick Graff. 1880.-Supervisor, Charles M. Mack; Township Clerk, Perry G. Henry; Treasurer, Royal G. Rice; Justice of the Peace, Jesse Erb; Highway Commissioner, Colburn Osgood; Superintendent of Schools, D. C. Warner; School Inspector, Charles H. Gaskill; Drain Commissioner, Darwin McOmber; Constables, George D. Babcock, Alonzo Kidder, Richard Murray, William Houghtalin. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM M. WARNER. William M. Warner was born near Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 25, 1822. His father, Daniel Warner, was a native of New York, his mother's birthplace being Philadelphia, Pa. The father of the subject of this sketch moved to Crawford Co., Ohio, when William was a mere lad of seven. He resided in this county for more than five years, when I he removed to Hancock County, making it his home for the period of four years. He was, at this time, induced to go to Wood Co., Ohio, but remained only for a short time, as he was very desirous of realizing his day-dreams of a life in the West. He soon journeyed to Missouri, and located in that State in 1838. This being the year of the Mormon war in Missouri, he found life to be almost unbearable; so very unpleasant was his sojourn there, so different from what he had hoped, that it was very easy to accept the lures thrown out to tempt him back to Hancock County, where he eventually went, tarrying, however, in Illinois for eight months. William M. accompanied his father in all these pilgrimages. Upon his arrival at the age of manhood he married, Nov. 12, 1844, Margaret M. Bechtel, of Wayne Co., Ohio, who has proven to be a very faithful wife, a tender, careful, and admirable mother. She was born Feb. 10, 1827. The first two years of their married life were passed in Hancock County, and in the spring of 1847 they took up their abode in Henry Co., Ohio. In the fall of 1852 he became a resident of Iowa. The following year he located in Michigan, and on the 23d of May, of that year, he settled in Baltimore township, on the farm where he now resides. Politically, he is an earnest Republican. He has never been an office-seeker, but has proved his ability to improve the ways of the people, viz., as road commissioner. His life has been a very correct one, and among his many excellent qualities, one of the most prominent is his firm adherence to the temperance cause. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. William Warner has given them six children. The eldest, Daniel C. Warner, was born in Hancock Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1846. He married Angeline M. Morgan, March 10, 1875. He is a man of agreeable presence, and his scholarly attainments, linked with his executive ability, have enabled him to serve the public in a variety of ways,-at one time as township clerk, treasurer, and justice of the peace. When he was eighteen years of age he commenced teaching, instructing the youth through the winter months, and engaging in agriculture during the summer. At the present time he is superintendent of the schools of Baltimore township, where he is proving a very useful official. Their second child, Mary E.. was born Sept. 14, 1848, in Henry Co., Ohio, and died April 16,1854. In the same county, Jan. 18, 1851, Melissa A. was born, and is now the wife of R. W. Jones, of Assyria, Barry Co., Mich. Frederick H. was born in Baltimore, Oct. 1, 1853, and married Mary A. Breakfield, of the same place, Aug. 25, 1878. They are the parents of one child. Adella A. was born Nov. 1, 1859, and married Frederick Jones, of Barry County. Their youngest child, William M., was born August 18, 1866, and is now living with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are yet early in life's afternoon, and not only by their children, to whom they have ever been devoted and faithful parents, but by the community at large, are. they greatly esteemed; and it is the universal * wish that they may be long spared among the pioneers of Baltimore. BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP. 399 Photo. by Heath & Chidester, Hastings, Mich. SAMUEL WEEKS. Isaac Weeks, the father of Samuel Weeks, was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., and for several years was the proprietor of a store on Pearl Street, in the city of New York. On his mother's side, Mr. Weeks' genealogy is traced back to the Carpenter family, his grandfather being Silas Carpenter, of Kings Street, Westchester County. Samuel Weeks was born in North Castle, in the same county, Oct. 3, 1817, and lived in New York City until he was eight years old, when his father moved to Cayuga County, where they lived on a farm for some time; but his father, being of an enterprising nature, pushed farther west into the Genesee country, and settled on a farm in Monroe County. HIere Mr. Samuel Weeks remained until he reached the age of nineteen, when he started West, coming to Battle Creek, Mich. After a short stay he returned to New York, and in 1839 came to Michigan again, locating in Baltimore township, where he purchased two hundred acres of land from the government, paying for it in United States treasury notes, they being the first ones received at the land-office in Kalamazoo. His deed is from the government, and bears date of May 1, 1839. On this farm, in the same year, Mr. Weeks cut the first tree felled in the then forests of Baltimore. He still owns the same farm, and by good management has added to it until his acres now number over five hundred. In speaking to the writer he said in his mirthful way that he had prospered well considering that he had been taken from the almshouse, but he explains this circumstance in his life by telling how he got lost in the city when quite young, when being much frightened he was unable to tell his father's name, and was taken to the almshouse, where he was soon found, and taken home to make the sad heart of his mother glad. Mr. Weeks has been twice married. His first wife was Mary C. Miller, a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., and the mother of two children,-Isaac, born Jan. 20, 1844, now a farmer in Baltimore township, and Sarah Jane, born April 27, 1851. His present wife, Abbie C. Terry, a lady of more than ordinary ability, is also a native of the Empire State and Monroe County, born July 31, 1828; her only child is Mary A., born Dec. 20, 1863. His first and present wife are descendants of Jonathan Horton, who came from England in the early settlement of Long Island, and settled at Southhold, where his tombstone is still seen. In politics Mr. Weeks is a Republican, although not a politician, devoting his time to his farm instead of politics. He has, however, served as justice of the peace and assessor. In the early days of Michigan he surveyed a great deal of land, and was in many ways a valuable acquisition in the settlement of the country. He is not a member of any church, but descends from the Quakers, inheriting many of the sterling qualities of that sect. BARR Y.* THE township of Barry was organized in March, 1836,t and then comprised the whole territory of the county. In 1838 this territory was divided into four civil townships, thus reducing the subject of this sketch to survey-townships 1 and 2 north, in ranges 9 and 10 west. In 1841 the western half (survey-townships 1 and 2, in range 10) was set off as Spaulding, reducing Barry to survey-townships 1 and 2, in range 9. On the 25th of March, 1850, surveytownship 2, range 9, was set off from Barry as Hope, bringing the former to its present limits. Unless otherwise specified, the term " Barry township" will be applied in this sketch to its present territory only. NATURAL FEATURES. The western part of the township, like the eastern part of Prairieville, originally consisted of belts of prairie and oak-openings. The soil in that region is very productive. The eastern part of Barry is more hilly and stony, and in some localities the soil is not so good. But the township as a whole is justly considered one of the most productive in Barry County. Wheat is the staple product, but all the grains and fruits are produced in abundance. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settler in Barry township was the Rev. Moses Lawrence. In the summer of 1834 he entered 120 acres of land in the government land-office,-80 acres of section 28, and 40 of section 27. After locating his land he returned to Madison Co., N. Y., and in the fall of the same year brought thence his family, consisting of a wife, four sons, and three daughters. He was accompanied by his brother-in-law, Aaron Fargo, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Edith Fargo, who died the following spring. Mr. and Mrs. Amasa S. Parker, who lived on section 35, in Prairieville township, were the nearest neighbors, and came nearly seven miles to assist at the funeral. Mr. Lawrence built a log cabin, which was 14 feet wide, 16 feet long, and one story high, with a roof sloping but one way. The ceiling was about 6 feet high at the lower side. To economize room an ingenious plan was resorted to. Two of the bed-frames were attached to the wall by a pair of home-made hinges, and so arranged that they could be folded up against the wall and fastened to a hook on the rafter. Mr. Fargo located just north of Mr. Lawrence. The next settler to reach Barry was Benjamin Hoff, accompanied by his family, consisting of a wife, two sons, and one daughter. He purchased a considerable tract on * By G. A. McAlpine. t See Chapter XIII. of the general history. 400 section 34. The same year Ephraim B. Cook located the south half of section 32. He was killed in 1837, by the falling of a heavy limb from a tree which he was felling. He left a large family, one of whom, his son Edwin, now lives on part of the original purchase. David Nye, of Cortland Co., N. Y., emigrated to Michigan in 1836, reaching Gull Prairie in October of that year. He lived there a short time, and then purchased 114 acres on the northeast quarter of section 19, in township 1, range 10. After living there one year he removed to New York on account of ill health. He sold the farm to his brother, George W. Nye, who had come to Gull Prairie with him in 1836. George W. Nye married Esther M., a daughter of Ephraim B. Cook, who had located on section 32 in 1834. Mr. Nye lived on this farm about three years, when he removed to Prairieville, where he now resides. Samuel Case, also from the State of New York, came to this region in 1836, and purchased 240 acres on the west half of section 9, in this township, and lived there till his death, nearly thirty years later. Ambrose Mills, the second clerk of Barry township, reached that township probably in the early part of 1836. He entered a part of section 7. George Jones, a native of England, settled on section 28, in 1836. IHe is one of the two survivors of the second town-meeting held in Barry County. Zaphna Barnes, with his family, a wife and two children, settled in Barry in the early spring of 1837, where he bought a part of section 21. His daughter, Miss Emily Barnes, was married to H. I. Knappen soon after. This is regarded as the first marriage in Barry township. The widow of Mr. Barnes is still living on the place, at the age of eighty-three. In 1837 two families of Willisons arrived. Samuel Willison, from Cayuga Co., N. Y., located tracts on sections 23 and 24, while lis brother, James, entered the southwest quarter of section 24. Daniel Cross and family, from Lockport, N. Y., also arrived in 1837. He purchased a part of section 30 from a Mr. Pomeroy, who had entered it some years before. John Bowne, who had reached Prairieville the spring previous, and lived during the summer on the farm owned by Asahel Tillotson, moved to Barry in the fall of 1837 and located a part of section 7, but subsequently returned to Prairieville. Linus Ellison settled first in Prairieville township, on section 24. He sold his property there to Isaac Otis and came to Barry, where he entered 115 acres of section 20. Wells Byington, the other survivor of those who attended the second town-meeting of Barry township, was born in Connecticut in 1808. He came to Michigan first in 1831, and helped to build the Yorkville Mills, in Ross, Kalamazoo Co. In 1834 he traveled through Prairieville and Barry townships. He returned to New York, and after a i IP 1i.1 MRS. SOLOMON LAWRENCE. RESIDENCE OF SOLOMON LAWRENCE, BARRY Te, BARRYCO., MICH. I I BARRY TOWNSHIP. 401 -I stay of two years, again came West. He entered a part of section 28 in the fall of 1837. About the same time Thomson T. Lake settled on the western part of the same section. He soon sold out and went to Yorkville, where he still lives. Garretson Rogers was the first settler on the school section. He reached the township first in 1837. In the spring of 1838 Hiram Tillotson came from what is now Prairieville, where he had lived since 1835, and entered a part of section 7. The summer of 1838 was long known and is still referred to by old settlers as the sickly season. In the month of August a terrible epidemic broke out, which continued its ravages until the last of September. Whole families were prostrated at the same time. Those who partially escaped were exhausted by the care of the sick. Ambrose Mills, the first in a list of twenty, died soon after being taken sick, and was buried on section 27. Benjamin Hoff and his elder son died the same day. The younger son died soon after. His daughter was removed to Gull Prairie that she might receive better care, but lived only a short time after her removal. After burying her husband and three children Mrs. Hoff returned to New Jersey. A Mr. Skillman, who, with his family, had reached the township the spring previous, died, as did also his two children. Mrs. Skillman also returned to New Jersey. As cold weather set in the epidemic abated, but not until there had been twenty deaths in the little settlement. During that summer there were but few new settlers in the township. Salmon C. Hall and family arrived in the fall. Mr. Hall taught the first winter school, in the winter of 1838-39. Among the early settlers who should be mentioned in a work of this kind are Robert Marshal, David and Warren Bowker, and William Woodard. EARLY ROADS. The first road in the present township of Barry was established in 1837. It extended from a black-oak tree, at the north end of the " Beaver Dam," southwest to section 12, in Prairieville, from which place it ran south on the line between the two townships. The " Cook road" was the next established. It was named from Ephraim B. Cook, who lived on section 32, and before whose house it passed. This road has never been much changed; it extended from the base-line, in the neighborhood of Jones' mill, north between Gull and Long Lakes, and thence east from Thomas' mills, through sections 31 and 32, to the centre of section 33, where it met the highway commonly known as the Mill road, leading to the Yorkville mills. This latter road ran from the base-line north through section 33 to the centre of 28. It was subsequently extended north " to a post on the fenced field of Zaphna Barnes," on section 21. These were the early roads of the township, and formed the usual routes of travel. With them nearly all the roads located in Barry for a number of years were made to connect. The road east and west through Hickory Corners was established June 20, 1837. SCHOOLS. As near as can be ascertained, no public schools were taught in what is now Barry township previous to the 61 summer of 1838. At the first meeting of the school commissioners of the old township, which embraced the whole county, in April, 1837, township 1, in range 9, was set off as school district No. 14. On the 9th day of May, 1837, the board directed a letter to Ephraim B. Cook, instructing him to call a school meeting at his house for the purpose of organizing a school district and electing the necessary officers. There are no minutes of this meeting, but the district was undoubtedly organized. In the fall of that year the structure known as the " white school-house" was built. It was the first in the township, and, with the exception of the house of Moses Lawrence, was the first building at Hickory Corners. It was a neat framed structure, capable of accommodating from 40 to 60 scholars. The first term was taught by Miss Theoda Spauldingf, a daughter of C. W. Spaulding, of Prairieville. In the mean time the township had been divided into four, and the board of the one which kept the name of Barry met and renumbered the districts. This occurred on the 12th of April, 1838. At this time the present township of Barry was designated district No. 1; the present Prairieville, as No. 2; Orangeville, as No. 3. The tract which is now Hope, which was also in the Barry township of that day, seems to have received no attention, as it is not mentioned in the minutes. In February, 1838, sections 18, 19, and 30, in township 1, range 10, together with the adjoining sections in Prairieville, were formed into a new school district. The log school-house in this district was one of the first in the township, but it is believed that the one in the Willison district preceded it. Salmon C. Hall taught the first winter school, in the winter of 1838-39. It was the only one in the present township, and several of the scholars walked three or four miles and back, daily, throughout the winter. On the 28th day of December, 1844, a new school district was set off. It contained the south half of sections 11 and 12, and all of sections 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, and 26. On the 6th of December, 1815, sections 5, 6, 7, 8 were set off, and together with the territory of Hope were formed into still another district. On the 1st of January, 1846, sections 31, 32, 33, and the south part of sections 29 and 30 were annexed to the northern school district of Ross, in Kalamazoo County. The districts have been rearranged from time to time since then, but it is not necessary to specify all these changes. The first statement of money apportioned by the board was in 1849. At that time there were six districts, and the primary school fund amounted to $40.62. The following year the six districts received $57 from the same fund. The first complete report entered on the records is that made in 1854. There were then seven districts, whole and fractional, with 132 names enrolled, the primary fund amounting to $63. In 1860 the number of districts had increased to nine, and the number of scholars to 200. In 1879 the number was 300, and the number of districts ten. The total amount of school money expended was $1653.52. Several of the early teachers in Barry were residents of Prairieville, and their names are given in the history of that township. 402 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -— I HICKORY CORNERS. The village of Hickory Corners is located at the centre of section 28. It has a population of 150. There are three general stores, a drug-store, and several wagon- and blacksmith-shops, two harness-shops, a millinery-shop, and a hotel, built in 1868 by Bradley Thompson. The first house built in the village was the school-house, built in 1837. Solomon C. Hall built the first dwelling-house, about the year 1839. The next house built was the rear part of the large store on the northwest corner, at present occupied by a drug-store. CHURCHES. On the 12th day of March, 1842, two Methodist ministers, named respectively E. B. Wooster and Orrin Gregory, came from Jackson County to the house of Moses Lawrence. After holding a series of meetings in the schoolhouse at Hickory Corners, lasting four days, in which time 16 persons expressed a desire to unite with the church, a class was formed. The members met in the school-house until 1858, when their church, just east of the village, was built. The Baptist Church of Barry was organized in 1858. Several members had belonged to a similar society in Hope, but when that was discontinued the one in Barry was formed. Their present place of worship was erected in 1870. Previous to this time they met in the Willison school-house. The first Sabbath-school was started by the Rev. Moses Lawrence and Benjamin Hoff in 1837. Mr. Hoff was chosen superintendent. CEMETERIES. The land for the first public cemetery was donated to the township by Zaphna Barnes in 1847. It is on section 21, and is usually known as the North Cemetery. The one near the village of Hickory Corners was purchased in 1854. MASONIC. HICKORY LODGE, No. 345. This lodge was organized Nov. 2, 1875, and held its first meeting on the 12th of the same month. The charter members were George H. Bisbridger, John C. Coleman, George Marr, A. G. Cortright, J. L. Meade, Charles H. Ferman, John L. Snuggs, Orlo Kennedy, A. L. Jones, Samuel R. Willison, George H. McElwain, John Lawrence, William Killgore, H. L. Nobles, Charles Snyder, Spencer Bickle, T. P. Kelley, F. A. Blackman, Lyman E. Andrus, Robert McElwain. The lodge at present has a membership of 42 in good standing. It has a good hall well furnished, and is free from debt. There has been no death in the society since its organization. POLITICAL HISTORY. By an act of the Legislature of the State of Michigan passed in March, 1836, the township of Barry was formed, comprising the whole territory of Barry County. The first town-meeting was held in what is now Prairieville, at the house of C. W. Spalding, on the 4th of April, 1836. Mr. Spalding was chosen moderator, and Orville Barnes clerk. The names of the officers are given a little farther on. The records do not give the names or number of the electors at this meeting, but the number did not probably exceed thirteen. It might be considered one of the most pleasant and satisfactory elections ever held in Barry County, since it seems there were no disappointed candidates, each man going home at night bearing the honor and responsibility of from one to three offices. The following are the names of the electors, as near as can be ascertained: Linus Ellison, C. W. Spalding, Moses Lawrence, C. G. Hill, Orville Barnes, Isaac Otis, Benjamin Hoff, Amasa S. Parker, Nicholas Campbell, William Campbell, Henry Leonard, Luther Hill, Lewis Moran. After voting to hold the next annual meeting at the house of C. W. Spalding, the meeting adjourned. At the next-meeting, in 1837, the number of voters had increased to 36. The most important action taken was the appointing of a committee to assist the commissioners in locating a road from Gull Prairie to the Thornapple River. It was also voted to pay a bounty of $5 for every wolf killed in the township. During the year Mr. Tillotson's bounty amounted to $20. The following is a list of the officers elected April 4, 1836: Calvin G. Hill, Supervisor; Orville Barnes, Town Clerk; Benjamin Hoff, Henry Leonard, C. W. Spaulding, Assessors; Amasa S. Parker, Nicholas Campbell, Calvin G. Hill, Commissioners of Highways; Orville Barnes, C. W. Spaulding, Benjamin Hoff, Calvin G. Hill, Justices of the Peace; William Campbell, Collector; C. W. Spaulding, Benjamin Hoff, Luther Hill, School Commissioners; Linus Ellison, Moses Lawrence, Directors of the Poor; Lewis Moran, William Campbell, Constables. At a special election held on the 10th of May of the same year, choice was made of Isaac Otis for supervisor in place of Calvin G. Hill, and Moses Lawrence commissioner of highways in place of the same person. Mr. Hill probably resigned. At the town-meeting in the year 1837 36 voters were present, whose names are given below: Huston Lister, William Lewis, Samuel Wickham, Hiram Lewis, John King, George Buck, John Hanyen, Henry Leonard, Isaac Otis, Zaphna Barnes, Aaron Fargo, Ephraim B. Cook, Thomas Campbell, Calvin Brown, Amasa S. Parker, William T. Gilkey, George Jones, Eli White, Nicholas Campbell, Linus Ellison, Moses Lawrence, Wells Byington, Orville Barnes, John Patton, Ambrose Mills, Duty Benson, Asahel Tillotson, George Brown, John Mills, Charles W. Spaulding, Madison Adams, Thomas S. Bunker, Slocum H. Bunker, Benjamin Hoff, Joseph Brown, and Isaac Messer. At this election Isaac Otis received 33 votes for supervisor, and was declared elected. Ambrose Mills was elected township clerk. On the 6th day of March, 1838, an act was approved by which the township of Barry, then comprising the whole county, was divided into the four townships of Hastings, Thornapple, Johnstown, and Barry; the latter by the act comprised townships Nos. 1 and 2, in ranges 9 and 10 west. The first election was held at the house of John Mills on the 2d of April in that year, when 41 votes were cast. The records for 1838 and 1839 are very meagre, but in 1838 Ambrose Mills was supervisor and BARRY TOWNSHIP. 403 - Peter Folk town clerk, and in 1839 Salmon C. Hall was supervisor. At the annual meeting held April 6, 1840, John Bowne was chosen supervisor, Eli R. Miller township clerk, and Moses Lawrence treasurer. It was voted at this meeting to raise $350 for township expenses, and $100 for the use of primary schools. In this year, 1840, 48 persons are recorded as jurors in the township. On the 20th of March, 1841, an act of the Legislature set off survey-townships 1 and 2, in range 10, as Spaulding, leaving survey-townships 1 and 2, in range 9, as the civil township of Barry. The first town-meeting in Barry after the second division was held in the white school-house, at Hickory Corners, April 12, 1842. Aside from the election of officers no notable event occurred at the successive town-meetings until 1848, when it was voted that the town board should furnish weights and measures as a standard in the township of Barry. In 1853 the town voted $50 for improving the old cemetery, and $1.50 for the purchase of a new lot; $25 was also voted to buy liquor, in compliance with the Maine liquor law. The town voted $100 in 1861 to assist in establishing a stage-line from Augusta to Hastings by way of Hickory Corners. At a special town-meeting called on the 28th day of December, 1863, a proposition to raise $3000, to pay $200 to each volunteer who should enlist and be credited to the township of Barry, was carried by 180 votes in favor of it to 22 against it. Soon afterwards the town voted $100 additional to be paid to each volunteer. On the 4th of April, 1864, the town bounty was increased another $100. At a special meeting held July 28, 1864, bonds were voted for the purpose of paying an additional $100 as bounty to each soldier. Still another addition of $100 was voted on the 21st of January, 1865, making the whole amount of town-bounty $600. The money was usually raised by direct tax or by township bonds, although private parties contributed considerable sums from time to time, which still more increased the bounty. The bonds were negotiated by Adam Elliott at par, and drew 10 per cent. interest. Barry township furnished 46 men during the war for the Union. It paid the families of those who were in the field $1300, while the sums paid as bounty to volunteers amounted in the aggregate to $15,000. Previous to the organization of the Republican party the Democratic and Whig parties were so nearly balanced in the township of Barry that slight causes sometimes gave one or the other the lead. But on the formation of the first-named party the Democrats took the lead and held it until 1859, when the first Republican victory was gained in the township. From that time until the formation of the National Greenback party, in the winter of 1878, the Republican party remained in power. In the spring of that year there were three tickets in the field, and the new party elected all its candidates. The same thing occurred in 1879, but in 1880 the vote'for supervisor was a tie between the National and Republican parties, and the candidate of the latter party was declared elected by casting lots. There is no record of the number of votes cast previous to 1850. In that year the number cast for supervisor was 86; in 1860 the number reached 226; in 1870, 275; and in 1880, 324. The following is a list of the officers of Barry township from 1840 to 1880: SUPERVISORS. 1840, John Bowne; 1841, Hiram Lewis: 1842-43, Zaphna Barnes; 1844, James Willison; 1845, Robert Marshall; 1846, Samuel McIlwain; 1847, Samuel Lawrence; 1848-50, Robert Marshal; 1851-53, E. W. Hewitt; 1854, Lucien Polly; 1855-58, E. W. Hewitt; 1859-62, Lucien Polly; 1863-64, Adam Elliott; 1865, Lucien Polly; 1866-68, Adam Elliott; 1869, Asa B. Pennock; 1870, Adam Elliott; 1871, Elias Willison; 1872, Robison Brush; 1873, E. T. Manly; 1874, Adam Elliott; 1875-77, W. P. Sidnam; 1878-79, Charles A. Polly; 1880, 11. F. Bellenger. TOWN CLERKS. 1840, E. R. Miller; 1841, Royal Ellis; 1842-44, Salmon C. Hall; 1845, Charles Smith; 1846-47, William Borthwick; 1848, Lemuel C. Campbell; 1849-50, Charles Smith; 1851, L. C. Campbell; 1852-53, Henry Bixby; 1854, C. C. Bush; 1855, John B. Brown; 1856-57, James Ralston; 1858, C. C. Bush; 1859-63, Walden T. Barber; 1864, James M. Cadwallader; 1865-66, Lewis Durkee; 1867, H. A. Johnson; 1868, James Cadwallader; 1869, C. C. Bush; 1870, George M. Smith; 1871-74, C. C. Bush; 1875-77, J. M. Cadwallader; 1878, J. M. Elliott; 1879-80, W. A. Lasher. TREASURERS. 1840, Moses Lawrence; 1841, Ebenezer King; 1842, no record; 1843, David Bowker; 1844-45, Linus Ellison; 1846, Isaac Tolles; 1847-49, Allen Morey; 1850, A. I. Bush; 1851, Allen Morey; 1852-53, Hiram Sheldon; 1854-55, W. T. Barber; 1856, B. F. Taggert; 1857, Warner Barnes; 1858-59, E. F. Manly; 1860 -62, Charles Smith; 1863, Alanson Webster; 1864, Robison Bush; 1865-66, Samuel Willison; 1867, Isaac Tolles; 1868, Charles Smith; 1869, C. A. Polly; 1870, Ira McAllister; 1871, C. A. Polly; 1872, A. A. Aldrich; 1873, Otis P. Tolles; 1874-75, A. A. Aldrich; 1876-77, O0. Kennedy; 1878-79, A. G. Cartwright; 1880, William Elliott. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1840, Samuel Chase, Joseph Coffin; 1841, John Bowne, Hiram Lewis, John J. Nichols, Eli R. Miller; 1842, William Woodard; 1843, no record; 1844, Hiram Tillotson; 1845, Joseph Kinsley, Isaac Tolles, Samuel Case; 1846, Wells Byington; 1847, Lemuel Campbell; 1848, Win. Woodard; 1849, Harry Miller, John J. Bunnel, Allen Morey; 1850, Adam Elliott, Robison Bush; 1851, Samuel Case, Robert Marshall; 1852, A. Smith, Isaac Tolles; 1853, Isaac Tolles; 1854, Wm. H. Brown; 1855, Horace Ralston; 1856, W. W. Brainard, E. W. Hewitt; 1857, D. M. Loveland, L. C. Campbell; 1858, Isaac Tolles; 1859, Adam Elliott; 1860, William H. Brown, Ahaz Moon; 1861, Willis C. Aikins; 1862, Elias Easton; 1863, Ahaz Moon; 1864, Walden T. Barber, Asa B. Bennock; 1865, C. Boylan, Luther Brown; 1866, Luther Brown; 1867, James Cadwallader, Albert Adams; 1868, Walden T. Barber, Uriah Burt; 1869, J. Edgar Powers, Daniel Burdick; 1870, Samuel R.Willison, Luther Brown, John A. Spooner; 1871, D. R. Burdick, J. H. Sharpstean; 1872, Edgar Flansburg, Adam Elliott, George Bissell; 1873, Walden T. Barber, John Sharpstean, Albert Adams; 1874, George Marr; 1875, Nathan Slawson, Albert Adams, Isaac Tolles; 1876, Luther Brown, Lucien Polly; 1877, W. T. Barber, S. R. Willison; 1878, Albert Adams, G. W. Monroe; 1879, S. R. Willison; 1880, Luther Brown. COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS. 1840, John J. Nichols, James Willison, John Bowne; 1841, Henry Stormes, Asahel Tillotson, Aaron L. Ellis; 1842, James Willison, Daniel Cross, Garitson Rogers; 1843, James Willison,'Wells Bying ton, Hiram Tillotson; 1844,William R. Patten, Thomas Blackman, Wells Byington; 1845, Moses Lawrence, Daniel Mahon, George Jones; 1846, David Bowker, Daniel Cross, O. B. Pennock; 1847, 404 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Hiram Tillotson, Alvin Mott, James Willison, Jr.; 1848, Burton Barnes; 1849, Isaac Tolles; 1850, Linus Ellison; 1851, Elias B. Willison; 1852, A. Smith, Garretson Rogers; 1853, Samuel Willison; 1854, James Burst; 1855, William Gibson, J. B. Willison; 1856, W. H. Moore; 1857, A. J. Bush; 1858, Isaac Tolles; 1859, Robert Marshall; 1860, James Pendill; 1861, Isaac Tolles; 1862, Robert Marshall; 1863, omitted; 1864, Elias B. Willison; 1865, Frederick McAllister; 1866, Leonard Hoyt; 1867, Philo Amsley, John C. Sharpstean; 1868, Peter A. Young; 1869, W. Skillman, W. Snyder; 1870, Levi Palmater; 1871, E. F. Manly; 1872, Freeman Ford; 1873, F. A. Blackman, George Snyder; 1874, Moses Lawrence, George Bissell; 1875, Adam Elliott; 1876, E. F. Manly; 1877, Albert Bradley; 1878, John Snuggs; 1879, D. A. Morthland; 1880, Nelson Wing. ASSESSORS. 1840, Samuel Willison, Nicholas Campbell, David Townson; 1841, William Campbell, John J. Nichols, Robert King; 1842, William Woodard, Moses Lawrence; 1843, Hiram Tillotson, Robert Marshall; 1844, Moses Lawrence, William Woodard; 1845, omitted; 1846, Samuel McIlwain, Walden T. Barber, Thomas Southward; 1847, Moses Lawrence, William Woodard; 1848, James Willison, A. J. Bush; 1849, William Woodard, Moses Lawrence; 1850, omitted in record; 1851, Prentice Child, S. Willison; 1852, J. B. Willison, Moses Lawrence; 1853, George Williams, James Burst. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1840, John Bowne, Richard Campbell; 1841, Frederick Davis, Duty Benson; 1844, Frederick Bellenger, Griffith Place; 1845, Griffith Place, Daniel Cross; 1846, Joseph Kinsley, Benjamin Dake; 1847, Wells Byington, James Willison; 1848, Garitson Rogers, Daniel Cross; 1849, Noah Bowker, 0. B. Pennock; 1850, Noah Bowker, A. J. Stanley; 1852, Daniel Cross, Garitson Rogers; 1853, Moses Lawrence, Daniel Cross; 1854, Daniel Cross, Jonathan Nichols; 1855, Daniel Cross, J. J. Bunnell; 1856, E. W. Hewitt, J. B. Bowne; 1857, Wells Byington; 1858, W. M. Rice, Asaph Stanley. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1840, Harry Miller, Wm. Taylor, Isaac Otis; 1841, George Brown, John Bowne, Isaac Otis; 1842, Frederick Bellenger, William Cook, Solomon C. Hall; 1843, Wm. M. Cook, W. Bowker; 1844, Samuel Case, Warner Barnes; 1845, Jonas Richards, Warner Barnes; 1846, Amasa C. Southward; 1847, Silas Bowker, Lucien Polly; 1848, Jonas Richards; 1849, Harry Miller; 1850, E. W. Hewitt; 1851, Hiram Sheldon; 1852, Charles Smith; 1853, Hiram Stanley, E. W. Hewitt; 1854, Lucien Pollly, W. H. Brown; 1855, Isaac Bunnel; 1856, J. B. Bowne, D. M. Loveland; 1857, E. B. Willison; 1858, S. Willison; 1859, Ahaz Moon; 1860, J. M. Cadwallader; 1861, S. R. Willison, E. F. Manly; 1862, James W. Burson; 1863, Ephraim Manly, Elias Easton; 1864, Jasper Woodworth; 1865, Chas. A. Polly; 1866, Joseph Burson, Ephraim Manly; 1867, Jas. Cadwallader, David C. Morthland; 1868, David C. Morthland, S. R. Willison; 1869, Jas. M. Elliott; 1870, E. F. Manly; 1871, S. R. Willison; 1872, E. F. Manly; 1873, C. A. Polly; 1874-75, S. H. Pratt; 1876, Chas. A. Polly; 1877, Ahaz Moon; 1878, E. B. Dickenson; 1879, Alfred Bradley; 1880, C. C. Messenger. CONSTABLES. 1840, Heman I. Knappen, David C. Benson, John O'Connor, Nicholas Campbell; 1841, William H. Whitney, David C. Benson, Nicholas Campbell, Henry Stormes; 1842, Frederick Bellenger, Salmon C. Hall; 1843, William M. Cook, William Willison; 1844, Garitson Rogers, Solomon Lawrence, William Willison; 1845, Chester Palmer, Jonas Richards, P. Cross, Amasa Southward; 1846, Amasa Southward, Nathan Larkin, D. R. Burdick, William Willison; 1847, William Willison, Nathan Larkin, Harry Miller, Josiah Birge; 1848, Nathan Larkin, A. Mott, Isaac Van Orman, William Gibson; 1849, E. Bowker, John A. Johnson, E. Pennock, Isaac Van Orman; 1850, Philander Corwin, Hiram Gibson, Valentine Sawdey, George A. Wallace; 1851, Isaac Van Orman, I. Bunnell, James Willison, Jr., E. Pennock; 1852, Isaac Van Orman, J. B. Willison, George Pitts, Martin Burge; 1853, Theodore Hunt, Andrew Peters, John B. Willison; 1854, George Pitts, A. Pennock, M. B. Chamberlain, Edgar Cook, William H. Stanley; 1855, M. C. Burge, M. Sage, Almond Ralston, William Taggert; 1856, Thomas McIlwain, Arnold Markham, W. W. Brainard, Joseph Kingsley; 1857, N. G. Searles, David Pipher, Martin Burge, Philander Cross; 1858, John Lawrence, F. S. Tolles, Joseph Kinsley, M. B. Willison; 1859, Abner Moon, James Osborn, James Pendill, W. B. Willison; 1860, W. B. Willison, John Hodges, William Durkee, Gideon McAlister; 1861, Robert A. Kelly, John Starks, Dexter Williams; 1862, John B. Nichols, Warren Easton, Alexander McNeil, Henry Smith; 1863, Isaac Tolles, Warren Easton, S. S. Gaskill, Joseph Kinsley; 1864, Warren Easton, Thomas Bogitt, William Durkee, Henry Kent; 1865, James E. Pendill, Joseph Kinsley, James Sprague, Abner B. Moon; 1866, Joseph Kinsley, Thomas Morthland, William Durkee, John B. Nichols; 1867, Joseph Kinsley, C. W. Cadwallader, David C. Morthland, Judson Starks; 1868, Joseph Kinsley, Charles Le Isle, Abner B. Moon, James Sprague; 1869, James Guthrie, Milo Barnes, Charles Farwell, Nelson Bennett; 1870, W. H. Snyder, George A. Blackman, David IH. Mosher, Andrew Keys; 1871, Albert Roach, Augustus Armour, Elihu Robinson, Andrew Keys; 1872, Elihu Robinson, Milo Barnes, William Fox, John B. Nichols; 1873, A. B. Moon, C. A. Polly, W. Skillman, F. Hoyt; 1874, Albert Bradly, Asa Aldrich, A. B./Moon, R. Polly; 1875, Asa Aldrich, James Starks, Charles Snyder, Randolph Polly; 1876, A. Aldrich, Elihu Robinson, Uriah Burst, Frank Norwood; 1877, Asa Aldrich, Elihu Robinson, George Marr, A. B. Pennock; 1878, Andrew Keys, D. C. Ranney, M. B. Willison, A. B. Moon; 1879, D. C. Ranney, M. B. Willison, A. L. Jones, J. Kelly; 1880, J. H. Brown, Alfred Kelly, Frank Norwood, Volney Snyder. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875-76, S. R. Willison; 1877, John A. Cairns; 1878, A. E. Monroe; 1879-80, J. M. Willison. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. SAMUEL WILLISON. Of the many whose portraits and biographies grace the pages of this work, none are more worthy of mention than the subject of this brief history. He was born Oct. 15, 1777, in Cayuga Co., N. Y. His father, William Willison, was born in Ireland, but came to America in 1774, and married Miss Hannah Bowker, raising a family of four boys and four girls. He served in the American army through the Revolutionary war, and was taken prisoner by the Hessians. Samuel's early days were spent at home as a farm-laborer up to 1824, when he married Miss Elizabeth Banks, who was born in Connecticut, June 15, 1800. Her parents were of English descent. After marriage they moved to the western part of New York, Allegany County, and bought a wild lot and improved the same, remaining there thirteen years, or until 1837, when with his wife and two boys, Elias and Samuel R., they started for Michigan, driving through with an ox-team, camping out nights,-Elias being twelve years of age, Samuel, two,arriving in Michigan safe after a long and tiresome journey. They settled on the farm of one hundred and sixty acres now occupied by Samuel, which his father had purchased pre. vious to his departure from New York, and which was then a dense wilderness of heavy oak-timber, their nearest neigh bor being some three miles away; leaving his family with Mr. Mills until he could erect a rude shelter to protect his family from the chilling blast; this took but a few days, as BARRY TO'WNSHIP. 405 BAR TWSI. 405..w not much ornamental work was seen in those times, neither inside nor outside. They commenced life once more in their own home, and with the assistance of his elder son began the hardy task of cutting for i themselves a home from the unbroken forest, where but a short time before the wild. / beasts were undisputed masters. When he first settled there, he::l backed many of his provisions from Kalamazoo, a distance of twenty-two miles, going there and back in one day. This is but one of many instances, and did our space permit we could pen many thrilling incidents that to the. present generation would seem more like fiction than fact. - His first purchase consisted of SAMUEL one hundred and sixty acres SAMUEL R. WILLISON. SAMUEL ] Among the earliest settlers of Barry township the Willisons stand prominent. Samuel R. was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., July 12, 1835, and was the youngest in a family of two children. When but two years of age his father came to Michigan, settling on the farm where Samuel now lives. His mother was a native of Connecticut; his father, of New York. Samuel, like most boys of his day, when he arrived at a capable age, had plenty of hard work and but little time for pleasure, yet by improving the advantages within his reach he acquired a practical knowl on section 24, Barry township, to which he afterwards added, so that at one time he owned three hundred and twenty acres. In September, 1850, he was bereft of his companion. In 1852 he was again married, his second wife being a Mrs. Barnes. She is still living with her son in Barry township. Mr. Willison died at his old home, Oct. 2, 1865. He was a Democrat up to the formation of the Republican party; since then always could be found in the front ranks of that party, which place he kept until his death; was elected supervisor, in an early day justice of the peace, and other minor offices. Mrs. Willison was a member of the Baptist Church when she died, his views on religion being liberal. WILLISON. MRS. SAMUEL R. WILLISON. R. WILLISON. edge of men and books which enabled him to do any ordinary business. He helped to clear up their once forest home, where he has always lived. When fifteen years of age he was bereft of the dearest of friends,-a mother. After reaching his majority he started for himself, buying eighty acres adjoining his father's, receiving help from him in the purchase. Up to 1862 his time was spent clearing land summers, teaching school winters. In August, 1862, he enlisted as private in Co. C, Second Michigan Infantry, where he served until March 4, 1865, never missing but 406 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. one battle in which his company engaged. June 4, 1864, in the battle of Cold Harbor, his right foot was cut off by a cannon-shot. The most important battles in which he was engaged were Fredericksburg, in 1862; siege of Vicksburg and Knoxville, in 1863; battle of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor, where he was wounded. After being discharged he came home, and, March 28,1866, married Miss Celinda Jewett, of Richland, Kalamazoo Co. She was born in Illinois, March 28, 1846. Her father was a native of Vermont; her mother, of Connecticut; they both died in Richland. She is one of a family of four boys and four girls. After marriage they settled on the old homestead, where they have since lived, and where his parents both died. His home farm consists of two hundred acres. one hundred and seventy improved, besides owning land in other parts of the town. To this marriage were born five children: Frances E., born May 12, 1868; Clayton, born June 14, 1870; Lena, born Aug. 31, 1873; Samuel N., born May 7, 1876; Edith L., born Oct. 7, 1878. He is found among the Republican voters; represented his party as township treasurer two terms, as school inspector nine years, always taking great interest in schools, doing cheerfully anything pertaining to their advancement, serving as superintendent two years. He is at present serving his second term as justice of the peace. He is a member of no church, but always willing to help support the cause, believing that our society is preferable to what it would be were the churches excluded from our midst. He chose farming as his avocation on his return from the war, which he has since diligently pursued. ADAM ELLIOTT. MRS. ADAM ELLIOTT. ADAM ELLIOTT. This gentleman traces his origin with commendable pride to an English ancestry. He was born in Norfolk Co., England, Oct. 31, 1815. He was one of a family of five children. His parents were both natives of England, where they both died in 1861. His father was a farmer, and Adam remained at home until the spring of 1836; having then arrived at the acknowledged age of manhood, he came to America, landing in Monroe Co., N. Y., with seven dollars. Here he remained working by the month some seven years. Sept. 30, 1843, he-married Miss Catherine Mallock, who was then living in the same county, but was born in Perthshire, Scotland, April 3, 1815. Her parents were natives of Scotland, but emigrated to America, settling in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1817, where the father died in 1852, the mother in 1859. After marriage they came to Michigan, settling in Orangeville upon section 3, buying a farm of eighty acres of dense forest. Here they remained five years, when they sold, and bought their present home of one hundred and sixty acres at Hickory Corners, Barry township, which then had small improvements, but is now one of the best in that section of country. Of their once unbroken family of seven children five are living,-Dr. James M., married, and lives at Hickory Corners; Edwin C., married, is a merchant at Hickory Corners; Maria S., now Mrs. Rorabeck, lives in Augusta, Kalamazoo Co.; Isabel, now Mrs. P. S. Moxom, lives in Cleveland, Ohio; William, who is still single and living at home. In politics, Mr. Elliott cast his first vote as a Democrat; he was afterwards a Free-Soiler, until the formation of the Republican party, since when he has voted with that organization, representing it in the Constitutional Convention at Lansing in 1867, as a member of the House of Representatives in 1869-70, as supervisor of Barry township nine years, as justice of the peace twelve years. Has always proven himself worthy of the trust and confidence reposed in him. Himself and wife and all their children are worthy and consistent members of the Baptist Church. BARRY TOWWNSHIP. 407 B T O.H IP 407 MRS. WALDEN T. BARBER. WALDEN T. BARBER. WALDEN T. BARBER. Among the honored names of Barry County that of Walden T. Barber stands prominently as one who has done his share to give the old county its position in the Peninsular State. He was born July 28, 1823, in Auburn, Cayuga Co., N. Y. His twin brother, William C., is now in California. These and one sister are all that are left of a family of ten children. Their parents were Ira and Esther (Bennett) Barber; they were both natives of Vermont, where they were married in 1813, though Walden's father traces his origin to Ireland. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at it most of his life, though he owned a small farm, which was carried on by his boys. When Walden was nineteen years of age, failing to obtain employment there, he conceived the idea of coming West. His father, having previously traded for the land which he now occupies, made an offer to him of a deed of one-half of the farm, considering it worthless; he accepted it, and in May, 1842, found himself here, where, instead of a lake or marsh, as he expected, he found twelve hundred acres of good oakopenings, which he began to improve. If the eye of man ever looked upon nature in a more beautiful mood or aspect than she exhibited to our subject, it has not been revealed to the writer to what portion of the earth he must go to find the record of such vision. The original oak-openings which comprised the greater portion of the township were in the summer indescribably lovely. One year from the next fall after his arrival his father and mother came also; his mother only lived to endure pioneer life a brief time, and died June 27,1855. His father married again,-Mrs. Wood, of Middleville. His father died Dec. 20, 1867, at the ripe old age of eighty-four. Walden T. was married June 11, 1856, to Miss Clara Keys, who was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Jan. 16, 1836; she was one of a family of four girls, and is a daughter of Andrew and Betsey (Walrath) Keys, who were both natives of New York. He was a farmer, and came to Michigan in 1855, locating in Barry township, where the mother died in 1869, the father living until Jan. 3, 1880, after the death of his wife making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Barber. To Mr. and Mrs. Barber was given but one child, Viola E., born April 19, 1857, now Mrs. Cartright, and living at Hickory Corners, though they have an adopted son, Bertie J., a promising boy of eight summers, whom they took when but two years of age. Mr. Barber was a Whig up to the formation of the Republican party. Since then he has always been found among the most prominent men of his party, representing it in all the minor offices of his town, such as township clerk; treasurer, two terms; justice of the peace, sixteen years, which office he now holds. He is a member of no church, though liberal with time and means towards anything pertaining to the advancement of Christianity. His advantages for education were better than most boys had in those days, he having at the age of nineteen acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to do any ordinary business. He is what might be termed a mixed farmer, making a specialty of no one thing. He has a nice farm of one hundred and twenty acres, well improved, within one-half mile of the village of Hickory Corners. 408 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. WELLS BYINGTON. MRS. WELLS BYINGTON. WELLS BYINGTON. Among the venerable pioneers who by their own industry laid the foundation for the present wealth they now enjoy, we offer the gentleman whose name heads this brief history as an example, feeling that what is said of him is but a fitting tribute to his sterling worth. He was born Nov. 8, 1808, in Connecticut, was the third in a family of six children of Daniel and Hannah (Alcox) Byington, who were both natives of Connecticut. When Wells was but seven years of age his parents moved to Chenango Co., N. Y., where they both died, the mother in 1835, the father struggling against the vicissitudes of life until 1843, when he too was called to the unknown. His father was a farmer, consequently his boyhood days were similar to those of the majority of farmers' sons,-plenty of hard work, and but little time for education or recreation. When he reached his majority, he started in life for himself, hiring out by the month, which he pursued for three years, or until 1832, when he turned his face towards the far West, leaving home and friends behind, having one hundred dollars laid by of the wages earned by the sweat of his brow. The first two years he worked for Mr. Barnes, with whom he came to Michigan. In 1834 he located the farm where his son now lives, section 28, Barry township, it being the second farm located in that town. In the fall of 1834 he returned to New York. Oct. 6, 1836, he secured a helpmeet by marrying Miss Betsey Gordon, of Madison Co., N. Y., where she was born March 7, 1809, she being the oldest in a good old-fashioned family of eleven children. Her father was a native of New Hampshire, her mother of Connecticut, but both died in New York, the father in 1827, the mother in 1850, and now lie quietly resting, side by side, with naught but a marble slab to mark the sacred spot. After marriage, he, with his young bride, started for the West, arriving in Kalamazoo County, Nov. 8, 1836, working by the month some two years on Gull Prairie; then moved on their farm, located in 1834, and commenced in earnest to improve their new home. Here they remained some thirty-five years, when he sold it to his only surviving child, Henry M., who is now on the farm. They never had but two children. Their oldest, George N., born Dec. 30, 1837, died Oct. 18, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Byington have a fine home at Hickory Corners, Barry township, where they expect to pass the remainder of their days in ease and comfort. Mr. Byington is in the truest sense of the word a self-made man; starting in life his only capital a strong arm and willing heart, by industry and economy he has amassed a comfortable competency. In politics he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Jackson, and has represented his party at different times in minor offices. Mrs. Byington is a worthy member of the Baptist Church,his views on religion being liberal. Mr. Byington's grandfather was a native of Connecticut, and held a commission as lieutenant from George III. in the French war, but when the Revolutionary war broke out he took up arms with the colonies, serving through the struggle. Died in May, 1824, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. SOLOMON LAWRENCE. None are so well qualified to speak of pioneer life as those who have experienced it. This gentleman comes under that heading. He was born in Lenox, Madison Co., N. Y., Jan. 17, 1820, and was one of a family of eight children. His father, Moses Lawrence, was born in England, but came to America when eighteen years of age. He was a minister of the gospel. The mother, Jerusha Fargo, was a native of New York, where she married Mr. Lawrence. They owned a small farm and followed grinding plaster. When Solomon was fifteen (in 1834) his father moved to Michigan, he having located land the previous spring on sections 27 and 28, Barry township, being the first white man to settle in the town, where they both died, the mother, in 1838, only surviving pioneer life a few brief years; the father in 1864. Solomon remained at home until he was CARLTON TOWNSHIP. 409 of age, when he started for himself, going back to New York, where he worked some thirteen months; then returned to Michigan, working by the month for a short time. He then worked his father's farm one year. In 1844 he made his first purchase of land of one hundred and twenty acres, on section 28, where he still lives. A sketch of his residence can be seen in this work. He has since added to his original purchase, so that his farm now contains five hundred and ninety-five acres, besides other lands farther north. In 1849, being then twenty-nine, he married;in Kalamazoo County, Miss Mary Piper, who was born in England, Sept. 7, 1829, and one of a family of thirteen children. Her parents came to America when she was quite young, locating first in New York, where they remained two years, when they moved to Michigan, locating in Kalamazoo County. The father died in Calhoun County in 1840, the mother in Barry County in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence were born six children, as follows: Philetus H., born March 9, 1852; George W., Sept. 28, 1851; Alfred P., Dec. 24, 1859; Frank E., June 2, 1863; Sarah A., Feb. 16, 1866; Otis S., March 21, 1868, -all living, the two oldest married and settled on farms near the homestead; the rest still remain at home. In politics Solomon is the same in principle as his father, -Democratic up to the formation of the Republican party, since that time voting with it. His school advantages were similar to those commonly enjoyed by boys of that titme,-plenty of hard work with but little opportunity for education or recreation. Himself and wife have been members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church for the past twenty years. Mr. Lawrence, in his early days, took great interest in hunting deer, killing as many as four in one day. Did our space permit we could pen many stories from his lips both ludicrous and pathetic. C A RLTO N.* CARLTON, lying south of the Ionia county-line, north of Hastings, east of Irving, and west of Woodland, consists of township 4 north, range 8 west, and dates its municipal existence from 1842, when it was formed from Hastings. The township is well watered by a branch of the Thornapple River, which flows from the southeast towards the northwest. Although this stream affords considerable good water-power, it has never been utilized except for sawmills. Carlton Centre-boasting a store, post-office, the townhall, and a collection of a dozen houses-is the only semblance of a village the town contains. Although there are several religious organizations in Carlton, there is but one church edifice, and that has existed only since 1874. Generally the surface of the country is level or gently undulating, although there are a few hills of tiresome magnitude. Carlton is esteemed a good wheat-town, and is generally a locality much in favor with farmers. THE MARCH OF THE PIONEERS. Near the centre of the town, on the banks of the Thornapple, Carlton received its first settlers, in September, 1836. They were Samuel Wickham and wife, Harrison Wickham (his son) and wife, and George Fuller (Samuel Wickham's son-in-law). George Fuller had come out from Jackson Co., Mich., in 1835, on a land-looking excursion, and, drifting into the wilderness now known as the town of Carlton, took a fancy to the land near the centre, and there located five 80-acre lots for himself and 40 acres for his father-inlaw, Samuel Wickham. Fuller went back to New York, where Samuel Wickham was living, and with the latter and his family moved westward as far as Jackson County, where Fuller and his wife, Harrison Wickham and wife, and Elizabeth Wickham (Harrison's sister) had been living since 1834. In September, 1836, Samuel Wickham and wife, Harrison Wickham and wife, and George Fuller set out for Carlton by wagon. They passed by Hastings, which was then making a first effort in the way of a saw-mill, and, reaching in due season the bank of the Thornapple, close to the road now passing east and west through the centre, there pitched their tents,-that is to say, they kept house in a tent by day, and at night the women-folks lodged in the wagon, while the men slept on the ground. As speedily as could be all hands rolled up a log house for Fuller, and in January, 1837, along came George Fuller's wife and Elizabeth Wickham, in company with Nelson Sprague, who had engaged to move them, coming by way of Gun Lake and Yankee Lewis' Tavern in Yankee Springs. As soon as Fuller's house was up, Harrison Wickham was similarly provided for, and in the fall of 1837 the elder Wickham had a comfortable home. Mrs. Samuel Wickham was a woman eminently fitted to be a pioneer's wife, and, although her husband, her son, and Mr. Fuller rather objected to taking their women when they made their first trip to Carlton, Mrs. Wickham and Harrison Wickham's wife insisted upon participating in whatever hardships there might be in store for their husbands, and, as may be well understood, gave valuable aid in the work of pioneering. One day, while the men were away, Mrs. Wickham's cow broke through the ice into the river, and was in imminent danger of being drowned, whereupon that lady, breaking the ice before her, waded into the river and brought the bovine by the horns safely to shore, although she herself came near losing her own life as a result of * By David Schwartz. 52 410 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICIIGAN... I the adventure. Elizabeth Wickham (now the widow of E. R. Carpenter) tells, among other incidents of pioneer life, that more than once, while walking towards home, was she so closely followed by deer that she had to drive them away from her, and that on one occasion she saw seven wolves in her father's yard at one time. -Samuel Wickham was a soldier of the war of 1812, at the outbreak of which he was living in Canada. Refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the British crown, he was imprisoned, but, escaping over the border, at once entered the United States military service. He lived in Carlton long enough to see the wilderness changed to a prosperous town, and about 1852 removed to Grand Haven, where he died. Harrison Wickham moved to Lowell about 1850. George Fuller made an early change of location to EIastings, where he kept tavern until he died. THE ROGERS SETTLEMENT. Late in the year 1836 Carlton received quite a little accession to its infant settlement in the families of J. S. Rogers and J. S. Henyon, and a young man named E. R. Carpenter, all of whom came in company from New York State. Rogers, Carpenter, and Henyon cut a road from Hastings to section 20, in Carlton, and when they had got a log house rolled up took out the Rogers and Henyon families, who had meanwhile been stopping at Bunker's, in Hastings. Rogers, who became a man of much local prominence, died in 1854. His widow and sons, Jeremiah M., Hiram, W. S., H. C., and D. W., are residents of Carlton. Henyon lived on section 18 a year and a half, and then, with his wife, went over to Bull's Prairie to work for A. E. Bull. Henyon chopped and his wife kept house for Bull, who had upwards of twenty men at work on his land. For these men Mrs. Henyon did the cooking, chopped trees herself when she wanted firewood, boiled sugar, and performed, indeed, quite enough labor to keep her busy sixteen hours out of each twenty-four. Henyon died in Irving in 1863. Mr. Carpenter bought 80 acres on section 20, and in January, 1838, married Samuel Wickham's daughter Elizabeth. He was conspicuous, during his residence in Carlton, as the occupant of local offices, and for twenty-five years served as justice of the peace. He was one of the justices of Hastings before Carlton was set off, and after that event continued to act as a justice in Carlton, although not newly elected. When Judge Ransom's attention was called to the matter, he promptly decided that Carpenter was no justice, and had not been since the division of the towns. At this announcement there was considerable trembling of hearts among those whom Carpenter had married, and much anxious inquiry was made as to the status of the married ones. Judge Ransom decided, however, that, as the marriages had been performed by Mr. Carpenter in good faith, they must therefore be considered valid, and peace reigned accordingly in many a bosom erstwhile lacerated with distressing doubts and fears. Mr. Carpenter became quite intimate with the Indi ans, and many a time joined them in hunting excursions. One of their favorite camping-grounds was about a half mile up the river from Carpenter's, and to his house they would frequently repair to indulge in their weekly dance. They were industrious savages in the business of gathering sugar, and on the banks of the river held occasional " powwows" of an uproarious character, although entertaining to those who visited them. THE BARNUM SETTLEMENT. Zebulon Barnum was living in Jackson Co., Mich., in 1836, and in that year, determining to seek a home farther West, started with his son, I. H. Barnum, Nelson Sprague, Myers Lovell, and Harrison Leslie on a land-looking tour. They had not been out long before swollen streams and the loss of a horse discouraged them, and all hands retraced their steps. Sprague and Barnum got a Mr. McOmber to locate some land for them in Carlton, and he secured for Barnum the northeast quarter of section 25, while for Sprague he located tracts on sections 24 and 36. In the fall of 1837, Zebulon Barnum, his son A. H. Barnum, and Nelson Sprague came to Carlton, finding Myers Lovell on section 25 and Senter Blood on 26. Sprague had hired Senter Blood, Stephen Barnum, and I. H. Barnum to come out early in 1837 to do some chopping for him, and had supplied them with sufficient provisions to last a week, at the end of which time he was to send more. They chopped away like heroes, and like heroes ate, until at the close of the week they had eaten all their provisions save a few potatoes, never doubting, of course, that Sprague would be at hand, as promised, to revictual them. Sprague was, however, detained beyond his expectations, and while they waited for him fully a week, they lived meanwhile on roasted potatoes, and of those they had so few that they were compelled to ration them. Deer, the only game to be thought of, they couldn't get, because the snow-crust on the ground gave the hunter no chance to surprise his game. Harrison Barnum got tired of the roasted-potato diet before the last week was ended, and made a start for Yankee Springs, but before he reached that place he had to fast twenty-four hours, and was altogether in an unhappy condition. After Zebulon Barnum and Nelson Sprague had put up a house on Barnum's place they went back to Jackson for their families. On the way Barnum met Moses Durkee and Thomas Senter moving westward on a prospecting-tour, and, engaging them to go out to Carlton to chop for him, they turned their steps thither without delay. On the road to Carlton they overtook Timothy Loughead, bound for the same place, and so they journeyed on in company. When Barnum and Sprague returned in the fall of 1838 they found in the neighborhood Jesse Townsend and Richard and John McAuley. Timothy Loughead had made a settlement on section 11, and was the first settler in that part of the township. Durkee chopped a few months for Barnum, and then, bargaining with him for 40 acres of land, became himself a settler on section 25. Melvin Barnum and Mr. Durkee chopped through the summer at such a rate that directly after commencing in the morning their shirts would be soaked through and through with perspiration. Then they'd take them off, wring them out, hang them up to dry, work until noon naked to the waist, when, their shirts CARLTON TOWNSHIP. 411 being decently dry, they would don them and march to dinner. "That's the way," says Mr. Durkee, " the pioneers had to work, and I tell you I don't think you'll find such workers nowadavs." Among the early settlers in the Barnum neighborhood may also be reckoned James Lancaster, Samuel Durkee, Elihu Covey, Israel Hale, Abel, Philander, and Stephen Barnum, Anson Wood (who in 1844 occupied a portion of the land settled by Jesse Townsend in 1838), J. J. Fuller, M. P. Fuller, Richard Young, and James Townsend. THE CHENEY NEIGHBORHOOD. As already related, Timothy Loughead was the first to make a location in the northeast, and near him, at about the same time, Jedotham Freeman made the second clearing. Joseph Whitney, who came to Michigan in 1835, moved to Carlton, upon section 15, in 1842, and in 1844 moved over near Loughead's. That portion of the township did not appear to invite much attention until about 1856. when David Myers and the Cheneys reinforced the population, and from that time forward arrivals were rapid and numerous. OLD TIM'S OX. In this place it may be appropriate to repeat the story about Timothy Loughead's ox. The animal, it appears, strayed away, and, being attacked by a bear or bears, was slain and partly devoured. When " Old Tim" looked for his ox, and found but a half-eaten carcass, he swore most savagely, and straightway organized a small party of friends to hunt the ursine assassins down. The hunters lay in wait for the bears about twenty-four hours, abundantly prepared to work dreadful slaughter, but, the bears not appearing within that time, the party retired for a brief season of refreshment. At the close thereof they came again on guard, but alack! during their absence the nimble bears had appeared, consumed the balance of the carcass, and disappeared. Old Tim swore worse than ever, but swearing did no good, and he never got a chance to revenge himself upon the destroyers of his ox. OTHER PIONEER RECOLLECTIONS. Isaac Messer, an emigrant to Michigan in 1835, and to Orangeville in 1836, and a settler in February, 1839, upon section 20, in Carlton, still lives in the latter township, and retains some very keen recollections of the incidents attendant upon his experience as a Michigan pioneer. Upon his arrival in Carlton he moved into a log shanty, put up by E. R. Carpenter, on the place now occupied by William Jones, in section 20. The residents of Carlton at that time, as he now remembers them, were Jared S. Rogers, John S. Henyon, James Gilson, and Alpheus Moore on the west, E. R. Carpenter, Harrison Wickham, George Fuller, Samuel Wickham, John McAulcy, Myers Lovell, Zebulon Barnum, his sons, Jesse Townsend, Moses Durkee, Samuel Durkee, Nelson Sprague, and Abel Barnum on the east, and Timothy Loughead away off in the northeast. Although the near neighbors were' few, there were plenty of people within reach, for when Messer was ready to raise his barn he issued invitations to the people of the neighboring townships, and as a result he had a company of thirty or more persons to give him a friendly lift, and a right merry time they had too, if current report is to be relied on. Going to mill meant a trip to either Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, or some equally distant point, and an absence of from three to eight days, most frequently the latter. When a settler announced it as his intention to go to mill, his neighbors came from far and near with grists for transportation, and there was always a full load, for the opportunity of sending to mill was far too unfrequent to pass unheeded. Sometimes it happened that even after a tiresome journey to mill there would be no chance to get anything ground for a day or two, and so while waiting his "turn" the pioneer would use his team in hauling wood or doing anything else at hand, so that he might earn at least enough to pay his board. As an illustration of the difficulties to be encountered in making a journey, whether long or short, it is recalled that in 1838 Alpheus Moore started for mill with an ox-team, and such was the roundabout course he had to pursue that after traveling all day he found himself at night not more than two or three miles, in an air-line, from home. His next day's journey carried him only to Bull's Prairie. To that point the journey was always slow and painful, for it was over a zig-zag road through a heavily-timbered country. From Bull's Prairie, however, to Comstock's, there was a decent trail over which traveling was comparatively easy. Mr. Messer says he bought a barrel of salt of Yankee Bill Lewis for $13.371, and paid for it by splitting rails. While he was at work on the job he walked seven miles every morning through the snow to his work, and back again at night to do his chores. Iec was at one time seventeen days and at another fifteen days without flour or meat, and with his family had to subsist on potatoes and salt. Reference to meat suggests a story about one-hog pork, in which Samuel Wickham figured. That young man had been to Battle Creek, or some point near there, for a supply of provisions, and among the lot had, of course, a barrel of "one-hog pork,"-that is, the pork of a hog large enough 'to fill the barrel. In fording a stream he got into deep water, was swamped, and lost his load, but by great exertions saved himself and cattle. It must have been a very powerful Christian resignation that aided him, if he really submitted to the unhappy accident without a murmur. It was bad enough to work for a week on abominable roads to reach a market and to get back again, but to lose the result of his toil, and to feel doubtful about his immediate ability to raise funds for another purchase, was indeed a sore trial. In this particular case Wickham did eventually recover his barrel of one-hog pork, but as if to aggravate him still further with a sense of misfortune it was found to contain thirteen pigs' feet, a number quite out of keeping, as any one must confess, with the generally conceived idea as to the number of pedal extremities usually attached to one porker. When Mr. Messer came to Carlton he sought to ford the Thornapple at Bull's Prairie, but the stream was thick with anchor ice, and when about half-way across his cattle parted from the wagon, and he, in subsequent efforts to recover them and to convey his gopds to shore, crossed the 412 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. river naked thirteen times. When he got through with his task he found himself so bruised and bleeding that he gave the strongest kind of indications that he had been in a slaughter-pen, while he was so deplorably chilled and exhausted as to be scarcely capable of motion. On another occasion he was engaged nearly a half-day in a similar adventure. At that time he had his family with him, and so enfeebled had his cattle become by their travel that they gave out when within a mile of home. The snow was deep, the track was, of course, unbeaten, and over the mile that intervened between them and home they would only move as Messer tramped and packed the snow before them for the entire length and breadth of the road. Nor was that all. When the family reached home and were thankfully eating their supper Messer suddenly bethought himself to look after the oxen, which lie had left at the door. Alas! they had wandered off, and away he went through the darkness and deep snow to hunt them. Tired as he was it was a painful task, and what made it worse was the fact that he had to wander through the woods at random and wade through three feet of snow. Finding his team at last, and housing them at a settler's, he set out for home. Within a mile of his cabin he lost his way, and then, utterly worn out and discouraged, he lay down to die. " I couldn't die," says he; " and so making another effort I found my way at last and got home about daylight, and found my family, as you may imagine, in a state of distressing anxiety." Money was a much-desired boon, and hard to get. About the only way the settlers could get hold of cash was through their labor on the roads, kept up by the payment of taxes by non-residents. So eager were some to get a little money that they hauled wheat for A. E. Bull from Bull's Prairie to Grand Rapids for a shilling a bushel. Dry bread sufficed to sustain them on the journey, and in the woods they would find their nightly lodging place, sometimes sleeping there while the snows descended upon them. An old settler tells how he went to Detroit for a cow and two bar-' rels of salt, and that on the trip home he slept in the woods and lived on simply the milk he got from the cow. Ira Leach, who located in Jackson County in 1835, settled in Carlton in 1839, upon sections 31 and 32, and in December of that year, with his son Henry and one Cyrus Griffin, put up a shanty. Griffin became a settler in the Rogers neighborhood, but removed soon to Hastings, where he followed the trade of carpentering until his death. With Leach also came two brothers named Strong, who owned land on section 32, and put up the body of a log house on it, but, becoming dissatisfied with their brief,experience as pioneers in that region, returned to Jackson County, and there remained. Mr. Leach died on his farm in 1841, and was buried there. In the year 1839 the pioneer settlements in the northwestern portion of the town where made by Enos Dryer and Charles Mitchell, who in that year came from Calhoun County. Both were on section 5, close neighbors,-Dryer on the place now occupied by J. H. Freeland, and Mitchell on the Franklin Peck place. Following them came Stephen Doty and John Fish in February, 1840. Doty bought 40 acres on section 5 for $100, and worked at five shillings a day to pay for the land. Fish settled just south of Dryer. These two were noted hunters and trappers, and played sad havoc among the bears and wolves. On one occasion when Dryer had shot a bear, he thought Bruin was so far gone that he could be handled with impunity. When Dryer caught the brute by the tail to drag him away, the animal turned upon him with a show of considerable life, and for a time there was a sharp contest, but Dryer proved the more successful, and not only whipped but killed the bear beyond any possibility of a resurrection. John Fish's brothers, Nehemiah, D. F., and Milo W., were early comers in that neighborhood, and were also famous as hunters. Mr. Doty remarks that although the settlers could find a mill at Hastings it took them a good two days to go there and get back, and he recollects that he was gone two days on a short trip to Woodland for a few potatoes, although he made all the haste he could. Franklin Peck, now living on section 5, came to town fron Calhoun County in 1844. Milo and Reuben Bunn came to section 5 in 1853, James Freeland, with his sons, Jacob and John II., to the same section in 1855, and Daniel Yarger to section 10 in 1857. Mr. Yarger has acquired considerable distinction in Carlton as a land-owner, stock-raiser, and sugar-maker. Maxfield Ludlow was a settler on section 5 in 1845, and in 1856 T. L. Pillsbury built a cabin upon section 7, which until then had received no settler, and upon which for about ten years Mr. Pillsbury was the only resident. When he moved in he had to cut his road from the Rogers settlement to his place. From Rogers' Corners to the northern town-line, he found the settlers then to be A. E. Fowler, Sanford Sisson, John Strausbaugh, Jonathan Rumsey, Osro Van Wormer, the Fish families, Franklin Peck, the Freeland families, Ira Hoyt, Stephen Doty, and the Bunns. In 1843, Truman P. Barnum came to Carlton, taught school a while, went back to New York, and in 1844 came again to Carlton. He, with his half-brother, 0. F. Munion, worked upon Nelson Sprague's farm three years. He subsequently occupied land in Woodland, then exchanged it for the saw-mill property of Levi Herron, on section 16, and ultimately settled on the same section, where he now lives, upon land first improved by Oscar Smith. Jacob Odell located on section 21 in 1841, and in 1844 his son-in-law, J. O. Foster, came to the town. Both died upon the same day, in 1846. William Morgan, who settled in Carlton in 1852, married Foster's widow. L. B. Barber came to section 23 in 1858, and in 1850 Austin Durfee (a settler in Michigan in 1822) located on section 29. LOST CHILDREN. Many people still living recollect very clearly the incident of the loss of Jedotham Freeman's two children, and the subsequent protracted but fruitless search for them, and there are also many residents of the county who took part in that search,-a search that engaged the energies of people fiom as far even as Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. It was during the year 1846 that Freeman, who lived in the northeastern corner of the township, gave out that his two sons, Alonzo and Newton, aged respectively eight and ten, had gone into the woods and had not returned, his T. L. PILLSBURY. MRS. T.L. PILLSBURY. - - I r r - --- -- I - -r, —r - -,, ---.-: ----~-~ — ---—.:~ -;-:-~::. t -- ~:~: ~-: ~~~~~~: ~~-~-:: - i`-;1-~ ~i'::-:~:::-.::-:::: _::::::::-~::;::::.::"-; -::: ~~;-:::.::~ ~: --:-:-:: - i: --::-::::'-;-i:-::';:-:::I:-i::::-:';:-~:~:':~ —~:~ 1:~.;-:::: —::r —.l.'::::::-~':~:;-:.: 1:i::: —.-: X -.::.4.....:.. *, i " *ii ii ^ * i' " '.'':: **:; ''f:',.1r 4' RESIOENCEOFREV. THEODORE L. PILLSBURYY, CARLT.ON,MICH. j_ CARLTON TOWNSHIP. 413 CT I expressed opinion being that the boys had been carried off by Indians. The story circulated rapidly, and enlisted popular attention and sympathy to such a degree that there was an immediate and organized search for the lost ones, and people came not only from Hastings and neighboring towns, but from Kalamazoo and other counties. The searching-party, composed at times of upwards of 300 people, was thoroughly organized, and was conducted in part by Dr. Upjohn and H. A. Goodyear, of Hastings. The country was scoured for miles around, the sharpest lookout was kept, and while a ray of hope remained the interest in the affair widened and deepened, but, after a week's unavailing work disclosing neither the presence of the children nor a clue to their whereabouts, they were abandoned to their fate. The mystery attendant upon their disappearance has to this day remained a mystery, although there were not wanting those at the time of the search to hint that Freeman had murdered and made away with the children. Indeed, it was afterwards remembered that he had on more than one occasion threatened to kill them, and his nature was of such a rough and violent character that in fits of rage he was a furious demon. It was believed that he struck one of them in a passion, unwittingly inflicting a fatal blow, and had then slain the other and destroyed the bodies of both in order to hide the previous crime. No person seemed, however, inclined to press the matter by means of legal investigation, and Freeman was therefore undisturbed except by public suspicion. Soon after the loss of his children he moved away from the township, and within a short time fell suddenly dead while standing one day within the doorway of his home. THE PIONEER SAW-MILL. Carlton is not, nor has it ever been, much of a town for mills. There is a good water-power on the Thornapple, but it has not been employed except for a few saw-mills. Grist-mill there has never been. Nelson Sprague built the first saw-mill, in 1843, on section 23, and after sawing a few logs saw it undermined and overturned by a sudden freshet. Sprague did not restore it, but disposed of the machinery to Moses Durkee and several of the Barnum boys, who transferred the concern to section 26, and there carried it on some time. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. Reuben Fuller, son of George Fuller and Lovica Wickham Fuller, was the first white child born in Carlton. His birth occurred some time during 1837, and his death in 1838, so that he was likewise the first white person to die in the town. He was buried on the Fuller farm, upon the river-bank, and there his bones still repose. Harrison Wickham's son Giles, born also in 1837, was the second native, and Harrison Wickham's wife, who died Feb. 25, 1843, was the first person buried in the cemetery near Carlton Centre. Elisha R. Carpenter and Elizabeth Wickham were the first couple married in the town. The wedding took place at the residence of the bride's father, Jan. 28,1838, and to perform the ceremony Squire Henry Leonard, of Middleville, walked over to Carlton through a deep snow. Be sides the father and mother of the bride, there were present George Fuller and wife, George Fowler, Harrison Wickham and wife, and Jared S. Rogers and wife. There was a wedding-feast, an abundance of good cheer, and a good time generally. Town cemeteries were laid out in 1843 near the Centre and in the Barnum neighborhood; Hart Covey, son of Elihu Covey, being the first buried in the latter place, in 1843. In 1853 a burial-ground was staked at the Centre, but before any bodies were laid there the project was abandoned and an addition was made to the ground on the Carpenter place. At the same time a burial-ground was laid out in the Cheney neighborhood. THE MAIL. Carlton post-office was established in 1844, and Jared S. Rogers appointed postmaster. Jeremiah M. Rogers, his son, then but thirteen years of age, carried the mail in 1845, on the route fiom HEastings to Ionia via Carlton, on horseback, once a week, and through a country then so wild that over a nine-mile stretch of the road there was not a house to be seen. In 1853, Enos Dryer was appointed to the office, but Rogers did the work at his house as usual, as deputy, the cause of the transfer being the change of administration from Whig to Democratic. After the death of Mr. Rogers, in 1854, Rowley Gifford became postmaster, and after him Truman P. Barnum. When Barnum retired and Peter Covert was appointed, the office was transferred to Carlton Centre, but slortly thereafter the mail-route that way was abolished, as was of course the office. In 1874 a mail-route was established from Hastings to Woodland, and the office in Carlton was revived, but renamed Carlton Centre. James M. Covert was appointed, but resigned in 1878, and was succeeded by Thomas Blinston, the present incumbent. PHYSICIAN. Dr. Joseph Adolphus was an early settler in Carlton, the first physician in the township, and the only one therein for many years. He had an extensive practice, was well and popularly known throughout the county, and was moreover a man much given to eccentricities of expression and action. When he courted the lady who afterwards became his wife, he used invariably, in his journeys to the house of her father, T. C. Smith, to ride into a hole that graced the side of the highway, led thereto doubtless by absent-mindedness and a disposition to let his horse have its own way. As often as he fell into the opening and off his horse he would exclaim with considerable emphasis, " If I live until morning I'll have that hole filled up." Although he tumbled into the excavation regularly every night he made the trip to Mr. Smith's, and although he always vowed the hole should be filled up if he lived until morning, it is moderately certain that the hole continued to yawn for him during his residence in Carlton. He was somewhat distinguished too for an extraordinary capacity for driving suddenly from bridges into the streams they crossed, but, des pite his mishaps in that direction, he never came to greater hurt therefrom than an occasional ducking. Dr. Adolphus was esteemed a skillful physician, and previous to his 414 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I- - making Carlton his home, in 1846, had spent five years in the naval service on board a man-of-war. When he removed from Carlton he became a resident of Hastings, and lives now in the far West. The year that Dr. Adolphus left Carlton-1862-Dr. A. J. Wright located in the township as his successor, and since then has been in continuous practice there.' Dr. O. P. Abbot came to Carlton in 1873, and Dr. Johnson lived and practiced there from 1873 to 1875. ROADS. On the 22d of March, 1839, a road was surveyed, beginning at the corners of sections 7, 8, 17, and 18, and running thence north two miles, to the north line of the township. On the 11th of June, 1840, a survey of a road was made, " beginning at what is supposed to be the north quarter-post of section 21, running thence south to the south quarter-post of section 21, thence south and west to the west line of section 29." On the same day a roadsurvey was made, " commencing at a stake twenty chains south of the south quarter-stake of section 21, running thence east forty-five degrees north to a stake on the south line of section 21, twenty chains east to the south quarter-stake of said section 21." In 1846, Isaac Messer and John Henyon were the highway commissioners, and on the 16th May they laid out a road, commencing on the northwest corner of section 5, running thence east on the north lines of sections 4 and 5 to the northeast corner of section 4. The State road, " from Hastings to the Tyler settlement and Ada in Kent County," passed through Carlton, and was laid as to that portion by H. A. Goodyear and John Henyon, the commissioners, Dec. 9, 1846. In the year 1846 the labor performed on the highways in Carlton, under the assessment, aggregated 129 days. In 1850 the apportionment of highway money was as follows: District No. 1......... $8.50 District No. 6......... $3.75 t dI 9 91 ofn,;.i 7 1 A t R., Carpenter; 1856, N. G. Barnum; 1857, E. R. Carpenter; 1858, Isaac Messer; 1859, T. P. Barnum; 1860-61, John Barnum; 1862, no record; 1863-64, E. R. Carpenter; 1865, no record; 1866, T. P. Barnum; 1867, S. Sisson; 1868, T. P. Barnum; 1869, E. R. Carpenter; 1870-73, G. C. Nichols; 1874, M. P. Fuller; 1875, A. Carpenter; 1876, J. Odell; 1877, F. Hecht, Jr.; 1878-79, J. Fleming. CLERKS. 1846, John Barnum; 1847, P. K. Barnum; 1848, T. P. Barnum; 1849, John Fuller; 1850, M. Ludlow; 1851, W. Odell; 1852, H. Greenfield; 1853-55, I. B. Carpenter; 1856-57, T. P. Barnum; 1858, A. Carpenter; 1859-61, Oscar Smith; 1862, no record; 1863-64, Oscar Smith; 1865, no record; 1866, H. W. Hewes; 1867, C. L. Parsons; 1868-69, D. D. Smith; 1870, C. B. Parsons; 1871-74, A. Carpenter; 1875, E. F. Sisson; 1876, T. Blinston; 1877, J. N. Covert; 1878-79, Charles Goodell. TREASURERS. 1846, J. S. Rogers; 1847, E. R. Carpenter; 1848, Paul Dennis; 1849 -50, J. S. Rogers; 1851, J. Barnum; 1852, W. Wickham; 1853, J. Barnum; 1854, Anson Wood; 1855-56, I. It. Barnum; 1857 -58, Oscar Smith; 1859, E. R. Carpenter; 1860, EllisWood; 1861, J. B. Carpenter; 1862-63, no record; 1864, J. B. Carpenter; 1865, no record; 1866-68, A. J. Wright; 1869-71, J. B. Carpenter; 1872-73, A. J. Wright; 1874, C. B. Parsons; 1875-77, W. S. Rogers; 1878, J. L. Cole; 1879, W. B. Raymond. JUSTICES. 1846, Leonard Hale; 1847, Paul Dennis; 1848, P. K. Barnum; 1849, John Fuller; 1850, Timothy Titus; 1851, Austin Durfee; 1852, P. K. Barnum; 1853, J. S. Rogers; 1854, E. R. Carpenter; 1855, M. W. Fish; 1856, P. K. Barnum; 1857, David Myers; 1858, W. Odell; 1859, S. Sisson; 1860, P. K. Barnum; 1861, W. Odell; 1862-63, no record; 1864, J. Rickert; 1865-67, no record; 1868, I. B. Raymond; 1869, E. R. Carpenter; 1870, no record; 1871, S. B. Edwards; 1872, I. B. Raymond; 1873, E. R. Carpenter; 1874, George Murdock; 1875, J. N. Covert; 1876, S. B. Edwards; 1877, I. B. Raymond; 1878, Milo Fish; 1879, J. N. Covert. JURORS IN 1816-47. The jurors in 1846, chosen from Carlton, were John Barnum, Isaac Messer, P. K. Barnum, Paul Dennis, Jas. O. Foster, and Leonard Hale as grand jurors, and M. C. Barnum, Jacob Hale, John Henyon, E. R. Carpenter, Enos Dryer, and John Fuller as petit jurors. In 1847, Moses Durkee, I. H. Barnum, Stephen Riggs, Paul Dennis, W. G. Wooley, and Joseph Whitney were the grand jurors, and Elihu Covey, Wilson Odell, Alpheus Moore, Timothy Titus, George Fowler, and Wm. Vester were petit jurors. CARLTON'S SCHOOLS. Carlton's first school was taught in 1839 by Elizabeth, wife of E. R. Carpenter, in George Fuller's double log house, and contained 12 scholars, of whom the majority were of the Fuller and Wickham families. After an experience of a few months Mrs. Carpenter gave up the task disheartened, declaring that she couldn't control the children, and vowing that she wouldn't teach school another term for 40 acres of land. In 1840 it was decided to build a district school-house on section 20, but there was some public dissatisfaction at that choice of location, and a compromise was accordingly effected by the construction of two school-houses,-one at the Rogers " Corners," and one at the centre of the town. Among the earliest school-teachers in Carlton were Caroline Wickham, Chloe, Ruth, and Lydia Benson, Eliza Dryer, Mary Kenfield, and Amy Benson. Truman P. Barnum, it - it it " 3......... 18.17 4.........13.55 " 5........ 12.40 I......... 1o.i) 8......... 8.48 " 9........, 1.44 " 10......... 4.60 ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Township 4 north, range 8 west, was included in Hastings until Feb. 16, 1842, when, under an act of the Legislature, it was separately organized and called Carlton, in accordance with the suggestion of Zebulon Barnum, who came hither from Carlton in New York State. The first town-meeting was held at " the school-house, near John McAuley's," and on that occasion E. R. Carpenter was chosen supervisor. The early town records-from 1842 to 1846-were loosely kept on scraps of paper, and, these having long since been lost, no details touching the election of town officials can be given antedating the year last named. From 1846, even, the list is not complete, but, such as it is, it is herewith given, including those who have been chosen annually to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices from 1846 to 1880: SUPERVISORS. 1846, E. R. Carpenter; 1847, John Barnum; 1848, E. R. Carpenter; 1849, P. K. Barnum; 1850-51, E. R. Carpenter; 1852, John Barnum; 1853, E. R. Carpenter; 1854, Wilson Odell; 1855, E. CARLTON TOWNSHIP. 415 who taught in the Barnum neighborhood in the winter of 1843-44, was the first male teacher. Previous to that school had been taught in that district by Sarah Ann Crippen, who afterwards married H. B. Barnum. For three months' teaching Truman P. Barnum received $10 in money, and was also to have 50 days in " work." Owning no land, he took a chopping job, and on that job received from the town the 50 days in work. For his "job" he took a note against a man in New York State, and in payment thereof was compelled to take boots or nothing. When he returned to Carlton, in 1844, he brought the boots with him and readily sold them to the settlers. In 1846 school moneys were apportioned as follows: District No. 1....................................... $9.03 ( 2.............................................. " "( 3............................ 7.31 Fractional District No. 2................................ 4.73 Total (except No. 2)................................ $21.07 APPOINTMENTS OF TEACHERS. The following is a list of teachers appointed from 1846 to 1860: Elvira Barnum and Eliza Kenfield, April 11, 1846. Sally Maria Barnum, June 15, 1846. Amy Fuller and Lorina Rogers, May 15, 1847. H. M. Bidwell, June 5, 1847. Eunice Hale, July 5, 1847. Elvira Barnum, July 13, 1847. N. P. Bunnell, April 8, 1848. Julia Bidwell, May 30, 1848. J. M. Darling, Dec. 13, 1849. Martha S. Fish and Lorina Rogers, April 22, 1850. A. N. Brewster, Dec. 17, 1850. Sarah Smith, Oct. 2, 1851. M. K. Nash, Nov. 22, 1851. Lowell Barnum, Nov. 6, 1852. Asa D. Rork, Nov. 18, 1852. Ellen Morgan, Nov. 19, 1852. E. C. Morgan, March 26, 1853. Franklin Chadsey, Nov. 14, 1853. C. G. Barnum, Nov. 21, 1853. Susan Senter, April 8, 1854. Cynthia Weller, April 8, 1854. Cordelia Sprague, April 24, 1854. N. L. Otis, Nov. 11, 1854. L. J. Wheeler, Nov. 21, 1854. Elizabeth Hubbell, Nov. 28, 1854. Smith Robinson and Laura Newton, Jan. 13, 1855. Martha Messer and Sarah A. Messer, April 14, 1855. Sarah A. Cramer, April 28, 1855. Mary J. Holmes and Julietta Swan, May 5, 1855. L. M. Rogers, May 19, 1855. Eliza Endley, May 23, 1855. F. Minor, Nov. 10, 1855. Florence McArthur, Dec. 4, 1855. M. W. Riker, Dec. 12,1855. Iretta H. Shaw and Lucy I. Cross, May 7, 1856. Susan Hewes, Sept. 12, 1856. Laura Newton, Oct. 25, 1856. E. F. Barnum, Nov. 28, 1856. Mary M. Wood, Nov. 29, 1856. Charles Gaskill, Dec. 13, 1856. Minerva Sherman and Sarah Van Schoten, March 21, 1857. Mary M. Wing and Sarah M. Moon, April 18, 1857. Lorina M. Rogers, April 25, 1857. Phoebe H. Yule, May 4, 1857. Esther A. Lemon, May 16, 1857. Laura C. Ellis, May 23, 1857. G. M. Bates, A. M. Hedges, and Miss M. I. Tomkins, Nov. 7, 1857. A. D. Bates, Nov. 14, 1857. H. F. Minor, Nov. 25, 1857. Oscar Cooper, April 2, 1858. Sarah E. Fancher, April 24, 1858. A. J. Campbell and Miss 0. V. Cooley, April 26, 1858. Mary J. Holmes, May 15, 1858. Cady Staly and T. P. Barnum, Nov. 6, 1858. Mary E. Richards and Mary McCormick, Nov. 20, 1858. R. J. Durfee, Dec. 18, 1858. Laura Newton, Mary E. Strausbaugh, Amelia Smith, and Lucy Senter, April 9, 1859. Lucy Ann Hamilton, April 13, 1859. Miss E. J. Smoke, April 23, 1859. Nancy E. Myers, May 2, 1859. Norman Hotchkiss, Nov. 12, 1859. Phoebe A. Yule, Nov. 21, 1859. SCHOOL REPORTS FOR 1851, 1853, AND 1859. 1851. 1859. District. Scholars. District. Scholars. N o. 1................................. 35 N o. 1................................. 41 N o. 2.............t.................. 31 N o. 2................................. 58 Fractional No. 2................28 No. 3.................. 15 Fractional No. 3.................. 27 No. 4................................ 35 N o. 5................................. 38 1853. No 634 N o. 6................................. 34 No. 1.............................. 29 Fractional No. 6.................. 19 No. 2.......................... 50 Fractional No. 7................. 24 N o. 4................................. 17 N o. 7................................. 35 Fractional No. 2................ 36 Fractional No. 3.................. 43 The school report for 1879 presented the following statistics touching the public schools of Carlton: Number of districts (whole, 8; fractional, 3)...... 11 (" scholars of school age.................... 515 Average attendance..................................... 452 Value of property...................................... $4250 Teachers' wages............................................ $1100 The school directors for 1879 were Foster Sisson, E. J. Kershner, P. K. Durkee, J. W. BroWn, J. Bronson, G. C. Gerkey, J. D. Birmon, Cyrus Brown, and G. W. Coats. CHURCHES IN CARLTON. CARLTON CENTRE METIIODIST CLASS. Rev. Mr. Daubney, of Gull Prairie, who preached the pioneer sermon in Hastings, and performed in Barry County excellent service as a Methodist Episcopal circuit-preacher in the days of its early history, visited Carlton early in 1840, and after preaching at the houses of John Henyon and Isaac Messer organized a Methodist Episcopal class in the Rogers school-house during the year mentioned. The organizing members of the class were E. R. Carpenter and wife, Mrs. Loisa Rogers, Mrs. John Henyon, Isaac Messer and wife, and George Fowler. Carpenter was appointed leader and Messer steward. Among those who joined the class directly after organization were Alpheus Moore, Lovica Fuller, and Caroline Wickham. The class was in the Hastings Circuit, and, after Daubney, was in charge of Rev. Messrs. Bush, Worthington, and others. Since 1840 the class has maintained its organization continuously and enjoyed preaching quite regularly. Known now as the Carlton Centre class, it is in the Woodland Circuit, has a membership of 20, and meets for worship once in two weeks at the Carlton Centre school house. Rev. Mr. Orwick is the pastor, James N. Covert the class-leader, A. G. Senter the class-steward, and James N. Covert the superintendent of the Sabbath-school. 416 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- -I - - HOLMES METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Holmes Methodist Episcopal class of Carlton was organized in 1843, by Rev. E. L. Kellogg, of the Hastings Circuit, in the school-house on section 25. The organizing members were Levi Holmes and wife, Elizabeth Barnum, Henry Covey, and Esther Durkee, of whom Mr. and Mrs. Holmes and Esther Durkee are still members. The class was attached to the Hastings Circuit until 1863, when it was transferred to the Woodland Circuit. For a few years the class maintained only its original strength, but a revival then set in by which the membership was materially increased. Preaching was at first supplied but once in four weeks. Since the transfer to the Woodland Circuit the services have been fortnightly. Levi Holmes has been leader of the class ever since its formation, and was also steward until within a few years. He is likewise the local preacher, having been appointed in 1873. The present class-steward is Henry Hewes. The school-house served as a place of worship until 1874, when a handsome church edifice was erected on section 24. The class has 30 members, and the Sunday school an average attendance of 25, John P. Phillips being the superintendent. The church trustees are Levi Holmes, P. R. Holmes, John P. Phillips, Henry B. Barnum, and Walter Sackett. CARLTON CENTRE FREE METHODIST CLASS. This society was organized in 1876 by Rev. B. R. Jones, with a membership of 8, and attached to the Sanfield Circuit. The class is now on the Saranac Circuit in charge of Rev. Mr. Johnson, who preaches once in two weeks. Augustus Carpenter is the class-leader, and Wm. Jones the class-steward. SOUTH CARLTON UNITED BRETHREN CLASS. This class was formed in January, 1879, by Rev. B. F. Hungcrford, in the Leach school-house, with 16 members. It is in the Thornapple mission, in which there are five points. A. H. Ickes is class-leader, and Z. T. Halstead, of Middleville, preacher in charge. R. J. Hinckley is classsteward, and A. H. Ickes superintendent of the Sundayschool, which has 4 teachers and about 30 scholars. CARLTON GRANGE, No. 264. This body was formed Feb. 14, 1874, with 65 members and the following officers: A. J. Wright, M.; T. B. Barnum, O.; D. M. Wood, L.; Thomas Blinston, Steward; R. B. Messer, Asst. Steward; Peter Covert, Chaplain; Frederick Hecht, Treas.; J. N. Covert, Sec.; Darius Foster, G. K.; Mrs. P. Covert, Ceres; Mrs. A. C. Carpenter, Pomona; Mrs. John Fleming, Flora; Mrs. A. J. Cain, Stewardess. A. J. Wright was Master in 1874 and 1875, J. L. Cole in 1876, A. J. Wright until Sept. 14,1877, when he resigned, and was succeeded by D. D. Smith. J. L. Cole was chosen Master in 1878, and has filled the office since then. The membership is now 28. The officers are J. L. Cole, M.; John Burd, O.; D. D. Smith, L.; T. P. Barnum, Sec.; William Williams, Steward; Jasper War ner, Asst. Steward; Julia Barnum, Chaplain; John Carpenter, Treas.; A. Half, G. K.; Amelia Odell, Ceres; Elmira Warner, Pomona; Mary Carpenter, Flora. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JEREMIAH M. ROGERS. Jeremiah M. Rogers, son of Jered S. Rogers, one of the first settlers of the town of Carlton, and up to the time of his death its most prominent citizen, was born in the town of Hector, Tompkins Co, N. Y., March 17,1832, and was the eldest son in a family of five boys and three girls. In 1836 there was a heavy emigration to the then Territory of Michigan, induced by the low price and fertility of its lands, and the elder Rogers, foreseeing the ultimate advantages to be derived by his sons from an early settlement, decided to emigrate. Accordingly, in the early part of 1836, he came to Carlton, and purchased a farm in the vicinity of what is now known as " Rogers' Corners." Barry County at this time was one dense wilderness; here and there a few adventurous pioneers had erected rude log cabins. Hastings had not reached the distinction of a hamlet, and the first few years of Mr. Rogers' life in Carlton were marked by many an incident of privation and hardship. Jeremiah, or Jerry, as he is familiarly known, was at this time five years of age; he recollects distinctly, however, the old' "Bunker Tavern," at Hastings, the first habitation built in the town. The elder Rogers was a thrifty, industrious farmer, and a man of remarkable energy, and he soon became comparatively forehanded, and took a leading position among the early settlers in all matters. Jeremiah obtained his education at the log school-house, but what he failed to get there he has since obtined by reading and observation. He lived with his father up to the time of the latter's decease, when he purchased a part of the old fitrm, to which he has made repeated additions. He now owns about three hundred acres of valuable land, and is one of the important farmers and stock-growers of the county. In 1855, Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Betsey J. Furster, of Eaton Rapids. They have been blessed with four children, —Miles J., Nellie May, Clarence H., and Claude. In his political and religious affiliations he is a Republican and a Baptist. There are but few men in Carlton, if any, who have been more prominent in its history than he, no enterprise having for its object the advancement of the interests of the town but has found in him an enthusiastic patron. He has taken an active part in all religious and social matters, and his name is so stamped upon the history of the town that it cannot be effaced. REV. THEODORE L. PILLSBURY. Theodore L. Pillsbury was born in the town of Camden, Lincoln Co., Me., Nov. 27, 1811. His grandfather, Joseph Pillsbury, was a soldier in the Revolution. He was a member of Washington's Life Guard, from which he was transferred to that of Gen. Lafayette. He served with distinction throughout the war, and at its close settled in Maine, where he died at an advanced age. Patriotism has always been a salient point in the character of the Pillsburys. Johnson Pillsbury, son of Joseph, and father of Theodore RESIDENCE OFJEREMIAH M. ROGERS, CARLTON T.,BARRYCO.,MICH. I It CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 417 L., was in the war of 1812. IIe was a man of positive character and inflexible integrity. He was married in 1781 to Miss Priscilla Cooper, a descendant of Governor Bartlett and a cousin of Peter Cooper, and reared a family of thirteen children,-nine girls and four boys. Theodore received an academical education, and upon the completion of his course entered a theological school, where he spent several years as a teacher and pupil. At the age of twenty-seven he was ordained, and commenced his ecclesiastical labors. He preached in Maine until 1844, when he was sent by the Baptist Home Missionary Society to Wisconsin. He located in Milwaukee, where he remained several years. As a minister he was zealous and energetic, and his labors were successful. From Milwaukee he went ten miles above Oshkosh, and founded the town of Omro; from thence to Racine, where he preached several years. About this time his health failed, and he resigned his pastorate and engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons. In this enterprise he remained two years. He then sold his business and came to Barry County, and purchased the farm on which he now resides. He continued to preach, however, and for two years was the pastor of the Baptist Church in Woodland. He then established a church in Carlton, over which he presided until 1862, when he was elected chaplain of the Twenty-First Michigan Infantry. He accompanied the regiment to the front, and evinced the same energy and enthusiasm in the field that he did in the pulpit, and the temporal and spiritual welfare of the soldiers in his charge were never neglected. He was compelled, however, to resign his position before the close of the war on account of ill health. IHe returned to his home and assisted in raising a company for the Eleventh Michigan Cavalry. In 1835 the elder was married to Miss Mary N. Keene, of Waldoboro', Franklin Co., Me., where she was born, in 1814. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and highly esteemed by all who know her. Elder Pillsbury is a man of pronounced temperance principles, and has been an earnest worker in temperance reform. IIe delivered the first lecture upon temperance in Hastings, and perhaps no man in Barry County has done more in the advancement of the cause than he. In his political belief Mr. Pillsbury was originally an Abolitionist, and many a fugitive slave he aided in obtaining freedom. On the organization of the Republican party he became an able exponent of its principles, and has since labored in its interests. Socially he is genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of all with whom he comes in contact. He has taken a conspicuous position in all enterprises devoted to the interests of Carlton, and is in every way worthy of the position he holds among the representative men of the county. C A ST L E TO N.* CASTLETON ranks with the leading townships of the county in enterprise, in the excellence and improved condition of its land, and in the number and influence of its representative farmers. It is also distinguished for containing one of the most flourishing and rapidly growing villages in the State. Castleton is designated on the United States survey as township No. 3 north, in range 7 west, and is bounded on the north by Woodland, south by Maple Grove, east by Vermontville (Eaton Co.), and west by Hastings. The Grand River Valley Railroad enters Castleton on the west line of section 30, runs thence east, making a bend to the south, and leaving the township at section 36. Besides a depot of considerable consequence at Nashville, it has a station formerly known as Sheridan, and now as Morgan, on section 30. Thornapple Lake lies on the western boundary, covering portions of sections 19 and 30, while a small body of water known as Mud Lake is found on section 16. Thornapple River flows from the southeast corner of the township northwest into Thornapple Lake, and Mud Creek enters on the north line of section 2, meanders to the southwest, and pours its waters into the same reservoir. High Bank Creek, which enters the township near the southwest corner and runs north into Thornapple Lake, affords an excellent waterpower for mill-purposes. Elm, oak, maple, and ash are the woods that most abound, though tamarack is found on the swampy land. Pine does not flourish, and the presence of even a single tree is a matter of remark. The surface of Castleton varies greatly. There are many declivities, some quite abrupt, but the larger proportion of the surface is moderately rolling. Level stretches of land are to be seen on some of the sections, which are very easily tilled and especially productive. The soil of these tracts is a gravelly loam with clay subsoil. In some localities a large proportion of sand is mixed with clay, while the usual quality of muck prevails in the low land which was formerly too wet for use, but which has mostly been reclaimed by an excellent drainage system. Wheat and other grains find here a congenial soil. The last census gives 1638 acres as the surface covered by wheat in 1873, which produced 25,689 bushels, while 1032 acres of corn gave a return of 28,479 bushels. Of other grains 21,277 bushels were harvested, while 1145 tons of hay were also cut. The amounts of these crops raised last year are greatly in excess of the foregoing figures, but cannot be exactly stated at the time this work goes to press. * By E. 0. Wagner. 53 418 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I — LAND-ENTRIES. The lands of Castleton were purchased from the government by the following individuals: SECTION 1. James C. Lord, 1836....... F. B. Wright, 1837......... 0. B. Sheldon, 1843........ H. N. Sheldon, 1843....... SECTION 2. L. Hinman, 1837............ A. L. Loomis, 1837......... A. S. Spratt, 1837.......... Horace Whipple, 1837..... A. B. Cooper, 1843......... State swamp-land. SECTION 3. C. Webster, 1837............ Alanson Goodrich, 1837... P. P. and H. Palmer, 1837 A. Barnum, 1844............ J. F. Alley, 1855............ Acres. 400 80 91.41 89.43 SECTION 13. E. Steele, 1837............... A. L. Loomis, 1837......... A.P. Rawson, 1837........ T. W. Hall, 1837............ SECTION 14. Charles T. Moffatt, 1837.. A. C. Loomis, 1837......... D. C. and A. C. Kingsland, 1837...................... J. D. Remmey, 1837....... Acres. 320 160 80 80 160 160 80 80 87.23 160 160 164.46 83.71 40 204 80 160 160 Acres. J.M. Clapp, 1837.......... 160 Noah Kelsey, 1837......... 80 SECTION 26. Horace Butler, 1836........ 160 William F. Clark, 1836... 160 J. M. Clapp, 1837........... 80 W. G. Sprague, 1837...... 80 C. T. Moffatt, 1837......... 80 D. Bennett, 1837............ 80 SECTION 27. William F. Clark, 1836... 80 C. T. Moffatt, 1837......... 160 S. R. Griffin, 1837........... 160 Orrin Graves, 1837......... 80 William A. Brown, 1848... 160 SECTION 28. N. C. Divine, 1836......... 80 W. A. Divine, 1836......... 80 Porter Phelps, 1836........ 160 C. H. Palmer, 1849......... 160 Hiram Bassett, 1849....... 40 C. II. Palmer, 1851......... 40 W. G. Sanders, 1854....... 80 SECTION 15. M. Lockhead, 1837......... 160 Jason Gillet, 1837........... 160 John Falconer, 1837....... 320 SECTION 16. School land. Acres. Lindley Bowne, 1837...... 80 Peter Chisholm, 1837...... 184.61 SECTION 31. A. L. Hays, 1836............ 240 Joseph Allen, 1836......... 80 Lindley Bowne, 1837...... 80 Volney Briggs, 1851....... 57.52 M. A. Nead, 1853........... 96.40 R. D. Benedict, 1857...... 40 SECTION 32. E. Seeley, 1836............. 320 Thomas White, 1836....... 80 S. M. Allen, 1836........... 160 W. W. White, 1836......... 80 SECTION 33. John Meacham, 1836...... 160 S. M. Allen, 1836............ 160 Charles Devine, 1836..... 160 Lindley Bowne, 1837...... 80 Wm. A. Ware, 1840........ 80 SECTION 34. William W. Coit,14836.... 640 SECTION 35. J. R. Pettibone, 1836...... 80 Abram Voorhes, 1836...... 80 Alfred Warren, 1836....... 160 Charles T. Moffatt, 1837.. 240 Francis Moor, 1854......... 80 SECTION 36. Lucius Barnes, 1835........ 80 J. R. Pettibone, 1836...... 80 Abram Voorhes, 1836...... 80 Horace Butler, 1836........ 320 M. C. L. Penniman, 1836 80 SECTION 4. T. H. Montgomery, 1837.. 80 J. C. Knight, 1837......... 80 H. Van Dusen, 1837........ 80 E. Halaway, 1837........... 164.44 A. B. Arnold, 1837......... 80 John Hart, 1837............ 80 Nelson Mitchell, 1837..... 85.20 SECTION 5. C. W. Ingersoll, 1837...... 160 M. G. Almy, 1837........... 80 S. Watson, 1837............ 80 E. Halaway, 1837........... 82.12 A. B. Arnold, 1837......... 80 Henry Brown, 1837........ 163.46 SECTION 6. J. W. Ingersoll, 1837...... 80 Rich'd Cadmus (2d), 1837 80 William B. Clymer, 1837.. 161.80 Robert Brown, 1837........ 293.72 SECTION 7. Abraham De Mott, 1837.. 320 William B. Clymer, 1837.. 144.41 Robert Brown, 1837........ 144.43 SECTION 8. D. J. Fowler, 1837......... 160 H. Sandford, 1837......... 160. Fletcher Ransom, 1837... 160 Joseph Durfee, Jr., 1837.. 160 SECTION 9. Josiah Dost, 1837........... 240 A. De Mott, 1837........... 240 H. H. Loomis, 1837........ 80 George Farmer, 1837...... 80 SECTION 10. Charles T. Moffatt, 1837.. 160 Anson C. Loomis, 1837..... 480 SECTION 11. Charles T. Moffatt, 1837... 80 Joel Clemens, 1837........ 160 A. De Mott, 1837............ 160 A. C. Loomis, 1837......... 80 George Turner, 1837....... 80 Daniel Cobb, 1837.......... 40 State swamp-land.......... 40 SECTION 12. SECTION 17. C. J. Lawrence, 1836...... I. D. Fowler, 1837.......... J. D. Shelby, 1837.......... A. B. Arnold, 1837......... SECTION 18. George S. Wright, 1837... G. W. De Mott, 1837...... W. W. McDowell, 1837... William B. Clymer, 1837. G. W. Bowen, 1857......... 320 160 80 80 143.77 160 200 64.19 40 SECTION 29. J. H. Hatch, 1835.......... S. S. Alcott, 1837............ J. S. Hewitt, 1837.......... Asa Ware, 1841.............. J. Parker, Jr., 1849........ D. C. Smith, 1849......... James Smith, 1851......... S. George, 1852............. I. D. Knappen, 1854....... Daniel Bolinger, 1854...... 80 160 80 80 40 40 40 40 40 40 SECTION 30. Junius Hopkins, 1835..... 160 E. Seeley, 1836............... 80 SECTION 19. Peter Chisholm, 1837...... 175.87 Parsons Rhoads, 1837..... 62.84 A. A. Anderson, 1837...... 80 State swamp-land........... 55.56 SECTION 20. Peter Chisholm, 1837...... 443.10 S. S. Alcott, 1837............ 160 RESIDENT ASSESSMENT-ROLL OF 1848, CASTLETON. SECTION 21. C. T. Moffatt, 1837......... Chester Comings, 1837..... Edward Packer, 1837...... Joseph Wilson, 1851....... Roswell Randall, 1852..... Isaac George, 1854......... A. G. Fuller, 1854.......... Isaac George, 1854......... SECTION 22. C. T. Moffatt, 1837......... Jason Gillett, 1837......... John McConely, 1837...... S. E. Ingersoll, 1837....... John Ingersoll, 1837...... Oliver Jennings, 1837...... Henry Witte, 1854......... 80 160 160 40 40 40 80 40 240 40 40 80 80 80 80 Acres Alonzo Barnum, section 3................................... 83.' Thomas Blaisdell, section 15....................... 160 Hiram Bassett, section 20.................................. 40 Cyrus Buxton, section 32.................................... 80 Edward Bump, section 5......................... 40 Dimrnich Bennett, section 32.............................. 80 John Cox, section 22.............................. 40 Nathan Clifford, section 2.................................. 46 William Clifford. William Crabb, section 9.................................. 100 William Cross, section 15.............................. 80 Seth Davis, section 33....................................... 80 Heman Dodge, section 30................................. 80 Horace Downs, section 9................................... 140 John Everts, section 24..................................... 140 John R. Everts, section 24................................ 20 George Feighuer, section 22............................... 60 Selim George. Edward Hindmarch, section 8....................... 160 H. Hale. Thomas Hardy, section 22................................. 40 (" " section 15................................. 80 William Hoxsie, section 29................................. 0 Ira R. Hoyt, section 36.................................... 40 Martin Hast, section 24..................................... 40 Abram Lindsie, section 23................................ 60 Josiah Loomis, section 33................................... 80 Samuel Lamb, section 24.................................... 14 Samuel Masters. Kenyon Mead, section 32.................................. 120 Lorenzo Mudge, section 32................................. 160 Alexander Merritt, sections 19 and 30.................. 91.' Alexander Price, section 23................................ 80 C. II. Palmer, sections 26 and 31.......................... 85 I. B. Riggs, section 5......................................... 82.( Oliver Rasey, section 24..................................... 65 Joseph II. Rasey, section 13............................. 40 J. B. Rasey, section 13..................................... 40 Thomas E. Ranger, section 29............................. 160 C. H. Palmer & Co., section 31........................... 20 Richard Smith, section 20...............8................ 81 Ansel Seeley, section 32.................................... 80 George D. Serville, section 26.............................. 80 D. W. Smith, section 13.................................... 40 Daniel Smith, section 13.................................... 40 71 SECTION 23. Charles T. Moffatt, 1837... 160 A. De Mott, 1837........... 320 J. E. Keen, 1837............ 80 Hannah Linsea, 1851...... 40 Thomas Blaisdell, 1854... 40 SECTION 24. Darwin Andrews, 1836.... 160 A. P. Rawson, 1837........ 320 Montgomery and Ingersoll, 1837................... 160 SECTION 25. Ichabod Clark, 1836........ 160 R. 1Iungerford, 1836....... 80 M. Ch. Penneman, 1836... 160 70 02 Elisha Steele, 1837......... William H. Coleman, 1837 Joel W. Severns, 1837..... A. C. Loomis, 1837......... State swamp-land........... Daniel Brackett, 1854.... W. L. Boughman, 1859... 80 80 240 80 80 40 40 CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 419 Acres. Harvey N. Sheldon, section 1........................... 89 0. B. Sheldon, section 1............................... 71.41 W. P. W ilkinson, section 24............................. 40 William Wellman. Mrs. Hannah Wellman, section 5......................... 40 Ebenezer W arren, section 8................................. 80 Benjamin W inans, section 15............................. 160 James W alker, section 22................................... 40 Roswell W ilcox, section 30................................. 107 Albert W hitcomb, section 31............................... 155 Sheldon Whitcomb, section 31............................ 140 Asa Ware, sections 29 and 32............................. 160 W illiam A. W are, section 33.............................. 80. A. M. W ilcox, section 20................................... 80 Prosper More. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. Until the fore-part of the year 1837, Castleton was entirely uninhabited by white men. Indians there were in abundance, who came every year to occupy their wigwams in the sugar-groves or dwelt along the streams, the banks of which were frequented by deer, and the waters of which were well supplied with fish. The neighboring townships were dotted here and there with settlers' cabins, but none were to be seen in Castleton. Ebenezer Seeley had in 1836 entered 640 acres, one-half of which was on section 32, which was divided between Lorenzo Mudge, Kenyon Mead, and Anson Seeley. Lorenzo Mudge, a native of Vermont, removed to Michigan from Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., and was the first settler in what is now the township of Castleton. He purchased the southeast quarter of section 32. He and his family, consisting of his wife and two children, besides a hired man, arrived at Eli Lapham's house (now in Maple Grove) on Monday night, Sept. 18, 1837, and took up their abode in a shanty which Mr. Lapham had just vacated. The next day after their arrival Mr. Mudge and the hired man commenced to chop a road through to the the land of the former, on section 32, which occupied them four days. On Saturday, the 23d of September, the family and household goods were moved over to the place that was to be their new home. Upon the land were three wigwams in which the Indians dwelt during the sugar season. From one of these Mr. Mudge removed the sap-troughs and other accompaniments of the sugar-bush, and occupied it as a temporary residence. When the original owners, on their return from a hunting expedition, discovered the intruder, they showed much indignation, but became friendly when assured of considerate and fair treatment at his hands. They often appeared at his house for purposes of traffic, and occasionally made him social visits. Mr. Mudge erected a one-story log structure, to which he added another story when settlers arrived who were able to assist in raising. Mrs. Mudge for eight months did not behold the face of a white woman, though she was visited by plenty of squaws. Mr. Mudge pays a high compliment to the integrity of the Indian race, declaring that dishonesty was the rare exception in their transactions with the whites. Their besetting vice was a fondness for whisky. Even when intoxicated they never annoyed him, for, although their approach to his place was heralded by frantic shouts and yells, these immediately ceased on their entering his clearing. One sober man usually accompanied the party and maintained order. The earliest birth in the township was that of Mr. Mudge's daughter Cordelia, who was born May 5, 1838. At his house was also held the first religious service in Castleton, Elder Bush having officiated. Mr. Mudge still resides on his old farm, and, though at an advanced age, actively superintends the work upon it. In the summer of 1837, James W. Clapp, of Syracuse, N. Y., bought 240 acres on section 25 and 80 acres on section 26, but did not locate upon his purchase. William P. Wilkinson, of Vermontville, Eaton Co., purchased of him a portion of the land on section 25, and in the winter of 1837 became the second resident in the township. These two early pioneers saw but little of each other, the want of roads and difficulty of travel making social intercourse almost impossible. The third man in order of settlement was Dimmick Bennett, a native of Brockport, in the Empire State, who had made a brief sojourn in Calhoun County before his removal to this township, in the winter of 1838. Mr. Wilkinson welcomed him to his humble abode, where he and his family remained during the winter, repairing the following spring to a log house which he had erected on an 80-acre tract on section 26. He afterwards moved to section 32, where he resided until his death, in 1848. In the spring of 1838 came also William Cross, who remained with Wilkinson during the summer while preparing a home for his household. Ansel Seeley was also a pioneer of 1838, having removed from Niagara Co., N. Y., and located upon a portion of the land before mentioned as having been entered by his brother, Ebenezer Seeley, in 1836. Mr. Seeley entered the township via Battle Creek, following an Indian trail, then the only species of highway to be found in the eastern part of Barry County. He repaired at once to the house of his brother-in-law, Lorenzo Mudge, where his family remained while a shanty was being built on section 32, Mr. Mudge assisting in its erection. Stout ropes made of elm-bark were found to be very useful in handling the logs. Mr. Seeley brought with him a pair of small sashes, which served the purpose of a window, while a door was extemporized from a blanket. The Indians were of much service in providing supplies for the table. They were also skillful in dressing the skin of the deer, which made serviceable garments for use during the rough labor incident to clearing; Mr. Seeley had a suit of this material which did excellent service. In 1877 Mr. Seeley removed from his original farm to one of 130 acres on section 34, where he now resides. Joseph Rasey and four sons, Oliver, Otis, Joseph H., and Jonah B., residents of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., removed thence to Ohio in 1836, and to Castleton in 1838. There they located upon 80 acres on section 13, purchased of Tolman C. Hall, of Battle Creek. Mr. Clapp's house was opened to them until a log shanty could be erected, to which they then repaired. In Mr. Racey's family was celebrated the first marriage, the parties being Mr. William P. Wilkinson and Miss Eleanor Racey. Mr. Racey died in the township in 1869. His son, Jonah B., is now a resident of Nashville; Joseph H. resides in Charlotte, Mich., while Oliver and Otis are both deceased. 420 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I A. B. Cooper left Covert, Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1838, for Michigan, and on his arrival settled in what is now Woodland, across the road from his present residence. In 1843 he purchased and moved upon the farm he still occupies, in Castleton. When the Indians of this vicinity were ordered to move West, they visited Mr. Cooper and asked his counsel. He advised them to purchase small tracts of land and become citizens. Many of them adopted this suggestion, and remained for years unmolested by the government. A few of the original band and their descendants still remain. Early religious services were conducted by Elder Shaw at the house of Mr. Cooper, though the meagre population afforded but few worshipers. Kenyon Mead, of Niagara Co., N. Y., located in the fall of 1834 upon 80 acres on section 32, originally entered by Ebenezer Seeley. A shanty erected for the manufacture of maple-sugar afforded his family a habitation until a house could be built during the following winter. His near neighbors at this early date were Lorenzo Mudge, Eli Lapham, of Maple Grove, Ansel Seeley, and Seth Davis, who located on section 33 in 1840, and was appointed postmaster in 1842. He removed from the township afterwards. Mr. Mead at once cleared seven acres, which he sowed with wheat the following fall. To have the wheat ground when the harvest was reaped involved a journey of eighteen miles to Bellevue. Mr. Mead has since removed to section 35, within the limits of Nashville. Cyrus Buxton, a former resident of Vermont, became a settler on 160 acres on section 33 in 1840, which he found wholly uninproved. He erected a shanty and afterwards a framed house, the first in the township. Ten acres of cleared land bore evidence of his industry the first year of his settlement, and bountiful crops were soon after harvested. Mr. Buxton later purchased the whole of section 34, and in 1873 removed to 80 acres, where he now resides. Asa Ware came to Calhoun County in 1836 and to Castleton in 1842, where he located himself upon 80 acres of section 29, purchased the year before. His son, William A. Ware, had purchased, in 1840, 80 acres on section 33, and had already made a clearing and erected a house, where Asa Ware lived while making his own farm habitable. Mr. Ware cleared 10 acres the first year, and continued to improve his place until his decease, in 1868. His son Anson is now a resident of section 32. William A. Ware, at whose house the early electors convened for the first townshipmeeting, was an active resident of the township, holding many public positions until his death, in 1869. Harvey N. and Orson B. Sheldon each entered land on section 1 in 1843, upon which they located and made improvements, although they did not remain permanent residents of the township. Harvey N. removed to St. Joseph County, and Orson B. made Hastings his residence, where his death occurred. Isaac E. Everts was a pioneer of this date, and an active citizen of the township. I. B. Riggs, formerly of Niagara Co., N. Y., purchased 82 acres on section 5 in 1843, upon which he made his home. He passed through the usual vicissitudes of pioneer life, and died upon the farm first mentioned, which is now occupied by his son-in-law, D. H. Hager. From Saratoga Co., N. Y., William Cross came to Michigan in 1834, though Castleton did not claim him as a resident until eight years later. He purchased 160 acres on section 15, upon the half of which he settled and built a log house. Mr. Cross early planted an orchard, which grew among the stumps and logs, but ultimately yielded excellent fruit. He died in 1860. His son James now resides on the estate. D. W. Smith, a native of New York, removed from Indiana to this township in 1844. He purchased, on section 13, 40 acres, which he has since increased to 200. Mr. and Mrs. Smith remained in Battle Creek while a shelter was being erected, to which they repaired before the structure was completed or even the floor laid. They were not, however, dismayed by these inconveniences, and began their pioneer labors with brave hearts. Hastings was then the most convenient place to go to mill, and Battle Creek the emporium of trade, to which a pilgrimage was made with ox-teams whenever crops were to be sold or supplies purchased. Early religious services were held at the houses of the settlers, and at the various school-houses as they were, from time to time, erected. Mr. Smith is still a resident on his original purchase and actively engaged in the supervision of his farm. William Clifford, formerly of Wayne Co., N. Y., was a pioneer of 1845, hlaving purchased 80 acres on section 2, upon which section he chopped the first tree. A brother had previously located in Woodland, with whom Mr. Clifford's family remained while a log house was in process of erection. James Walker, a pioneer from the Buckeye State, purchased, in 1845, 40 acres on section 22. A rude cabin had been erected, but no clearing had been made, except that the timber on a small area had been chopped down. Mr. Walker performed almost the entire labor of clearing this land without the aid even of a yoke of oxen, which he did not acquire until several years afterwards. Maple-sugar was a sort of circulating medium at that date, and many household supplies were purchased with it. A band of Indians were encamped near by at the time of Mr. Walker's arrival, who had been on very intimate terms with David Sparks, the former owner of the land and the occupant of the cabin before mentioned. He would sometimes indulge in a boisterous revel with them. On one occasion he induced them to share their whisky with him by promising that when it was exhausted he would reciprocate the favor from an ample supply which he claimed to have. But when the time came for him to redeem his promise it was found that there were no assets in the bank, or, in other words, no whisky in his cabin. They were greatly enraged at this, and threatened to fire his building and to slaughter him and his family. The counsels of their chief and of some of the older men induced them to forego their revenge, but they never forgave the deceit practiced upon them, and were frequently heard by Mr. Walker and his family threatening vengeance against their enemy. The wife of Mr. Walker, now Mrs. Erikson, still resides upon the farm. Thomas Blasdell, a pioneer from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1846, located upon his present farm, embracing 160 acres LORENZO MUDGE. MRSLORENZO MUD GE. LORENZO MUDGE. This venerable pioneer, the first settler in the town of Castleton, was born in Plymouth, Windsor Co., Vt., Dec. 26, 1809. His father, John Mudge, was a farmer, and a native of Massachusetts. He married a Miss Emma White, of New Hampshire, and reared a family of eight children. In 1821 the family removed to Niagara Co., N. Y., where the elder Mudge purchased a new farm in the town of Hartland, where he resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1834. Upon this farm the boyhood days of our subject were passed, sharing the privations of a pioneer family and receiving a limited common-school education. He acknowledged obligation to his father in his labor until he was twenty-one, when he engaged in farming, in company with his brothers. In March, 1834, he was married to Miss Emeline Seeley, of Niagara County, a young lady of many personal attractions. In February, 1837, Mr. Mudge started for Michigan with his family, which consisted of his wife and two sons, Royal and Justice. After a journey devoid of incident worthy of mention, he arrived in Battle Creek, where he spent the summer. In September he came on to the farm where he now resides, which had been purchased, in 1836, by his brother-in-law, Ebenezer Seeley. The journey from Battle Creek to Casdeton was attended with great labor and difficulties. Six miles north of Battle Creek, Mr. Mudge came to the end of the road, and from that point to where he now lives was a trackless wilderness, and he was obliged to cut his road the entire. distance. He came by the way of Eli Lapham's, in Maple Grove; five days of hard labor were consumed in getting from that point. On arriving at his land he found three Indian wigwams; he moved into one of them while he constructed a log house, an exceedingly primitive affair, with its roof of shakes, floor of hewed logs, a chimney of sticks, while one window, which he had brought from the East, admitted all the light. This was the first house in Castleton; the nearest settlement was at Hastings, while north was an unbroken wilderness. One day, during midwinter, an Indian brought the welcome intelligence that a white man had settled north of the Thornapple. Mr. Mudge got the Indian to conduct him to the place, where he found Dimmick Bennet and family, who had just arrived; it was eight months, however, before Mrs. Mudge had the pleasure of seeing a white woman. The pioneer life of the' family was fraught with many trials and privations; his only resources were an ox-team, a cow, and a small store of provisions. As showing his impecunious condition and the rigid economy they were obliged to practice, he refers to the fact that for some time he was obliged to clothe his boys in buckskin, bought from the Indians, cloth being a luxury that his limited means would not allow. But Mr. Mudge has lived to see the wilderness transformed into one of the most fertile and productive regions in the county, and the town' of which he is virtually the founder take a foremost position. In 1843, Mrs. Mudge died, and June 17, 1844, he was again married, to Miss Ruth K. Hyde, daughter of Eliphalet Hyde, one of the early settlers of Hastings. Upon the organization of the town Mr. Mudge was elected its first treasurer, and he has since filled many positions of trust. He was a member of the first grand jury, and his name is affixed to all the initial events in the history of Castleton. In his religious belief he is a Methodist. Politically, he was originally a Whig, but identified himself with the Republican party upon its formation. He has always been a pronounced temperance man and an anti.Mason. In his domestic relations he is a devoted husband and a kind father, and in every way an exemplary man and a valuable citizen. I CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 421 on section 15, which he had purchased from Matthew Lockhead as early as 1838. It was secured by him as early as 1838, and remained unimproved during the interval. On his arrival Mr. Blasdell remained three weeks at the home of Benjamin Winans, on the same section, who, together with Mr. Cross, were near neighbors. With the aid of a carpenter from the East he erected a house and barn, and, having hired ten acres cleared, he sowed it with wheat, which afforded him a much-needed crop. He also brought a pair of horses fiom New York, but, soon learning the superiority of oxen in pioneer labor, exchanged his horses for those useful animals. Mr. Blasdell still resides on his place. The family of Feighuers have, since an early day, been prominent in Castleton. George Feighucr, a former resident of Ohio, purchased 40 acres on section 22 in 1847. He found a welcome among his neighbors until a house was erected. Immediately afterwards he devoted himself to the work of improving his land, and cleared 10 acres the first year, besides doing a great deal of work for others. Mr. Feighuer subsequently removed to Hastings, but in 1869 resumed his residence in Castleton, on section 22. Alexander Price, who purchased 80 acres on section 23, previously owned by John Jeffries, found it inclosed on his arrival, in 1847, and tenanted only by Indians, who had erected shanties and were disinclined to vacate. Mr. Price at once built a log house, enjoying the hospitality of William P. Wilkinson during its construction. He is still a successful farmer on the same land. Among later settlers in Castleton may be mentioned George Batcheller, who located on section 25 in 1850, and remained there until his death, in 1874; Henry Wittie, a native of Lockport, N. Y., who made his home in 1853 on section 22, where he still resides; C. G. Downing, from Calhoun County, who located on section 20 the same year, which is still his home; George Gregg, an emigrant fiom Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1854, to section 23, where he died in 1880; John Feighuer, a settler of 1855, who resides on his original purchase; and George Morgan, who came the same year to section 2, which is still his home. Still others, who, as early as 1843 or 1844, settled on the sections named below, were Alonzo Barnum, on section 2; Heman Dodge, on section 30; Horace Downs, on section 9; William Hoxie, on section 29; Edward Hindmarch, on section 8; C. H. Palmer, on section 26; George D. Scovill, also on section 26; and Roswell Wilcox, on section 30. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Survey-township No. 3, in range 7, which was first a part of the civil township of Barry and then of Hastings, was accorded a separate organization by the following act of the State Legislature, approved Feb. 16, 1842:* "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan: " That all that part of the county of Barry designated by the United States survey as surveyed township No. 3 north, of range 7 west, be, and the same is hereby, set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Castleton, and the first township-meeting shall be held at the house of William A. Ware, in/said township." I See Chapter XIII. of the general history for previous municipal changes. The honor of christening the new township fell to William P. Wilkinson, who, desiring to perpetuate the memory of his native village in the Green Mountain State, named it Castleton. At the first township-meeting the moderator neglected to appoint a clerk. This necessitated a second meeting, which was held at the house of William A. Ware, on the 19th day of April, 1842, when 18 offices were filled by 20 electors. The following were the officers chosen: Ansell Seeley, Supervisor; Cyrus Buxton, Township Clerk; Lorenzo Mudge, Treasurer; Cyrus Buxton, Isaac E. Everts, and John W. Stedge, School Inspectors; W. P. Wilkinson, Asa Ware, Directors of the Poor; J. W. Stedge, I. E. Everts, Dimmick Bennet, Highway Commissioners; Seth Davis, I. E. Everts, Cyrus Buxton, Justices of the Peace; W. P. Wilkinson, Henry Smith, Constables. During the same year the United States government established a post-office within the township, when Seth Davis received a commission as the earliest postmaster. The second one was Sheldon Whitcomb, and his successor was Lorenzo Mudge. The officers elected since that time have been as follows: 1843.-Orson Sheldon, Supervisor; John W. Stedge, Township Clerk; Isaac E. Everts, Treasurer; II. U. Sheldon, Lorenzo Mudge, Oliver Barry, School Inspectors; Oliver Rasey, Ansel Seeley, W. P. Wilkinson, Highway Commissioners; Ansel Seeley, Oliver Rasey, J. W. Stedge, Justices of the Peace; Lorenzo Mudge, Assistant Assessor; Cyrus Buxton, Constable. 1844.-0. B. Sheldon, Supervisor; Daniel Smith, Township Clerk; Ansel Seeley, Treasurer; Roswell Wilcox, Benjamin Winans, Assessors; Heman Dodge, W. P. Wilkinson, Alonzo Barnumi, Highway Commissioners; 0. B. Sheldon, Richard Mead, School Inspectors; Joseph Rasey, Seth Davis, Directors of the Poor; Joseph Rasey, Richard Mead, Constables. 1815.-Orson B. Sheldon, Supervisor; H. N. Sheldon, Township Clerk; Albert Whitcomb, Treasurer; C. Ii. Palmer, Roswell Wilcox, Highway Commissioners; D. W. Smith, Justice of the Peace; D. W. Smith, School Inspector; Seth Davis, Joseph Rasey, Overseers of the Poor; H. N. Sheldon, Hiram Bassett, Oliver Rasey, Constables. 1846.-0. B. Sheldon, Supervisor; H. N. Sheldon, Township Clerk; A. Whitcomb, Treasurer; Albert Whitcomb, Oliver Racey, Justices of the Peace; L. Mudge, Benjamin Winans, I. B. Riggs, Highway Commissioners; L. Mudge, O. B. Sheldon, Directors of the Poor; George D. Scovill, I. B. Riggs, Kenyon Mead, Constables. 1847.-Alonzo Barnum, Supervisor; H. N. Sheldon, Township Clerk; Roswell Wilcox, Treasurer; C. H. Palmer, Seth Phillips, Justices of the Peace; W. P. Wilkinson, W. A. Ware, J. B. Riggs, Highway Commissioners; Seth Davis, Joseph Racey, Directors of the Poor; Albert Whitcomb, School Inspector; Hiram Bassett, I. B. Riggs, George D. Scovill, Constables. 1848.-D. W. Smith, Supervisor; HI. N. Sheldon, Township Clerk; C. H. Palmer, Treasurer; I. B. Riggs, Lorenzo Mudge, Justices of the Peace; S. Lamb, Kenyon Mead, Highway Commissioners; Joseph Racey, Martin Hart, Directors of the Poor; I. C. Riggs, Henry Racey, Hiram Bassett, Constables. 1849.-No record. 1850.-David W. Smith, Supervisor; C. H. Palmer, Township Clerk; H. N. Sheldon, Treasurer; J. B. Mason, School Inspector; S. Lamb, Roswell Wilcox, Directors of the Poor; J. B. Mason, Justice of the Peace; Alonzo Barnum, Highway Commissioner; Alexander Price, G. D. Scovill, D. C. Smith, H. L. Wheeler, Constables. 1851.-H. N. Sheldon, Supervisor; C. H. Palmer, Township Clerk; Daniel Smith, Treasurer; D. W. Smith, School Inspector; Alonzo Barnum, Highway Commissioner; Lorenzo Mudge, Justice of the Peace; Lorenzo Mudge, A. Linsea, Directors 422 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. of the Poor; B. Winans, H. L. Wheeler, D. C. Smith, Constables. 1852.-David W. Smith, Supervisor: C. H. Palmer, Township Clerk; Daniel Smith, Treasurer; J. B. Mason, I. B. Riggs, Assessors; I. B. Riggs, Huron Robinson, Justices of the Peace; Selum George, Samuel Lamb, Highway Commissioners; Charles Phillips, School Inspector; J. B. Racey, Roswell Wilcox, Directors of the Poor; Nathan Brown, James Smith, H. L. Wheeler, L. S. Hart, Constables. 1853.-H. N. Sheldon, Supervisor; 0. E. Everts, Township Clerk; Thomas Blasdell, I. B. Riggs, Highway Commissioners; Daniel Smith, Treasurer; D. W. Smith, School Inspector; H. L. Wheeler, Constable. 1854.-H. N. Sheldon, Supervisor; H. L. Wheeler, Township Clerk; Daniel Smith, Treasurer; C. H. Phillips, School Inspector; J. B. Mason, E. L. Warner, Justices of the Peace; D. W. Smith, Highway Commissioner; R. Wilcox, D. W. Smith, Directors of the Poor; Francis Moore, Hiram Bassett, G. D. Scovill, D. C. Warner, Constables. 1855.-0. E. Everts, Supervisor; H. L. Wheeler, Township Clerk; Daniel Smith, Treasurer; C. IH. Palmer, C. 0. Scott, Justices of the Peace; C. 0. Scott, School Inspector; A. Whitcomb, Levi Everett, Highway Commissioners; F. Scott, D. C. Warner, A. Price, Constables. 1856.-D. W. Smith, Supervisor; Joshua Martin, Township Clerk; A. Whitcomb, Treasurer; E. J. Ryrmon, School Inspector; C. J. P. Hosmer, Highway Commissioner; I. B. Riggs, D. C. Warner, Justices of the Peace; William Brown, G. D. Scovill, S. E. Norton, II. P. Ralston, Constables. 1857.-0. E. Everts, Supervisor; Daniel Smith, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Treasurer; C. Il. Palmer, Justice of the Peace; C. Phillips, E. L. Warner, School Inspectors; I. B. Riggs, Highway Commissioner; A. Price, J. E. Hager, J. H. Brown, F. A. Scott, Constables. 1858.-0. E. Everts, Supervisor; H. L. Wheeler, Township Clerk; William Mullen, E. L. Warner, School Inspectors; Daniel Smith, Highway Commissioner; C. 0. Scott, Justice of the Peace; C. S. Whitcomb, Lewis Bolton, F. A. Scott, R. Johnson, Constables. 1859.-I. B. Riggs, Supervisor; 11. L. Wheeler, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Daniel Staley, Lorenzo Mudge, Justices of the Peace; E. L. Warner, Highway Commissioner; C. H. Phillips, School Inspector; Thomas Smith, F. A. Scott, James Cross, James Mullen, Constables. 1860.-C. 0. Scott, Supervisor; C. II. Palmer, Township Clerk; Wil. liam Mullen, Treasurer; I. B. Riggs, C. 0. Scott, Justices of the Peace; Perry Chance, School Inspector; I. B. Riggs, Highway Commissioner; N. Wellman, II. L. Wheeler, James Parker, Jr, James Cross, Constables. 1861.-C. H. Palmer, Supervisor; H. L. Wheeler, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Treasurer; C. II. Palmer, Justice of the Peace; Daniel Smith, Thomas Jones, Highway Commissioners; C. IH. Phillips, School Inspector; Philander Ganson, James Parker, Jr., James Cross, Cornelius Whitcomb, Constables. 1862.-D. W. Smith, Supervisor; H. L. Wheeler, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Treasurer; Perry Chance, Justice of the Peace; W. P. Wilkinson, Highway Commissioner; Perry Chance, School Inspector; Lewis Bolton, Minor Mead, Nelson Gates, D. J. Hagen, Constables. 1863.-D. W. White, Supervisor; A. J. Hardy, Township Clerk; Albert Whitcomb, Treasurer; Joshua Martin, S. R. Clendennin, Cyrus A. Downing, Justices of the Peace; D. C. Warner, W. C. Wilcox, School Inspectors; Joshua Martin, John Feighuer, Highway Commissioners; 0. P. Wellman, Ira B. Bacheller, Lewis Bolton, David Bollinger, Constables. 1864.-John Keagle, Supervisor; A. J. Hardy, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Treasurer; Kenyon Mead, I. B. Riggs, Justices of the Peace; C. HL. Phillips, A. H. Brooks, School Inspectors; Lewis Bolton, Nelson Gates, James Parker, Jr., Minor Mead, Constables. 1865.-John Keagle, Supervisor; H. A. Brooks, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Treasurer; S. R. Harris, School Inspector; I. B. Riggs, Kenyon Mead, Highway Commissioners; I. B. - Riggs, Justice of the Peace; A. Price, James Parker, George Cross, Thomas McDonald. Constables. 1866.-John Keagle, Supervisor; H. F. Brooks, Township Clerk; William Mullen, Treasurer; Eli Mallett, Justice of the Peace; Martin Mallett, School Inspector; Seldon Norton, Highway Commissioner; F. H. Scott, Charles Tyson, George Cross, L. C. Beadle, Constables. 1867.-John Keagle, Supervisor; H. A. Brooks, Township Clerk; Lewis Durkee, Justice of the Peace; A. Pifer, L. J. Wheeler, School Inspectors; E. S. Turner, Highway Commissioner; Alexander Price, Charles Tyson, Phineas Winans, Walter Barnhart, Constables. 1868.-John Keagle, Supervisor; H. A. Brooks, Township Clerk; N. F. Sheldon, Treasurer; H. H. Wood, Kenyon Mead, Justices of the Peace; 11. B. Davidson, 11. T. Davidson, Highway Commissioners; 0. Ware, School Inspector; Albert Johnson, Alexander Price, W. P. Little, Constables. 1869.-John Keagle, Supervisor; 11. H. Brooks, Township Clerk; N. F. Sheldon, Treasurer; W. H. Beadle, Kenyon Mead, Justices of the Peace; C. S. Tyson, Highway Commissioner; George Keagle, School Inspector; T. C. Welden, George H. Crabb, Minor Mead, Horace Larkins, Constables. 1870.-Hiram Coe, Supervisor; E. J. Feighuer, Township Clerk; N. F. Sheldon, Treasurer: A. C. Nichols, Justice of the Peace; L. J. Wheeler, School Inspector; E. S. Turner, Highway Commissioner; E. S. Turner, Charles Tyson, George Wellman, Constables. 1871.-No record. 1872.-David W. Smith, Supervisor; E. J. Feighuer, Township Clerk; John Keagle, Treasurer; Lucius Russell, Justice of the Peace; George Bair, E. M. Gates, School Inspectors; Simeon Overholt, J. F. Fuller, Highway Commissioners; James Fleming, Barber Mead, George Wellman, John Webster, Constables. 1873.-John Keagle, Supervisor; Clement Smith, Township Clerk; James Fleming, Treasurer; H. H. Wood, Richard B. Mead, Justices of the Peace; E. M. Gates, School Inspector; E. C. Slocumb, Kenyon Mead, Highway Commissioners; Fred. Appleman, W. E. Griggs, George Wellman, Lester Mead, Constables. 1874.-John Keagle, Supervisor; E. J. Feighuer, Township Clerk; Calvin Ainsworth, Treasurer; Elihu Chipman, Justice of the Peace; William Devine, School Inspector; Fred. D. Soules, Highway Commissioner; Charles Bowers, George W. McCormick, George Wellman, Samuel Lawton, Constables. 1875.-Calvin Ainsworth, Supervisor; E. J. Feighuer, Township Clerk; T. C. Dowling, Treasurer; John Martin, Kenyon Mead, Justices of the Peace; William N. Devine, School Inspector; William E. Martin, Superintendent of Schools; F. D. Soules, Highway Commissioner; Samuel Fowler, H. C. Wolcott, H. H1. Hull, Samuel Lawton, Constables. 1876.-D. W. Smith, Supervisor; E. J. Feighuer, Township Clerk; John Keagle, Treasurer; John Morgan, Justice of the Peace; E. C. Slocum, Highway and Drain Commissioner; Alvin Cole, Samuel Lawton, Samuel Fowler, Horace Larkins, Constables. 1877.-No record. 1878.-Lewis Durkee, Supervisor; Charles H. Brady, Township Clerk; William N. Devine, Treasurer; Walter S. Powers, Justice of the Peace; C. A. Scott, Superintendent of Schools; William N. Devine, School Inspector; George Keagle, Highway and Drain Commissioner; C. IH. Northrop, W. D. Parker, H. S. Larkin, H. H. Sparks, Constables. 1879.-Lewis Durkee, Supervisor; C. H. Brady, Township Clerk; E. A. Bush, Treasurer; William Killen, Justice of the Peace; C. N. Young, School Inspector; Frank C. Boise, Superintendent of Schools; George Keagle, Highway Commissioner; Jacob Osman, William Parker, H. H. Sparks, Lester Mead, Constables. 1880.-Lewis Durkee, Supervisor; C. H. Brady, Township Clerk; Minor Mead, Treasurer; C. 0. Scott, Justice of the Peace; John J. Potter, School Inspector; C. N. Young, Superin tendent of Schools; George Keagle, Highway and Drain Commissioner; W. L. Parker, Jacob Osman, H. I1. Parks, James L. Gregory, Constables. CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 423 I EARLY ROADS. The earliest road in the township was probably surveyed by Cephas Smith, in 1841 or 1842 (as nearly as recollected by the first settler), and beginning at the base-line between sections 32 and 33, ran north one and a half miles, then west on the quarter-section line two miles, passing the farms of Lorenzo Mudge and Kenyon Mead. In August, 1842, a highway was surveyed by Cephas Smith four rods in width, commencing at the southwest corner of section 26, thence due north two miles to the southeast corner of section 15. The highway commissioners at this time were Isaac E. Everts and John W. Stedge. Another road, the survey of which was made by Cephas Smith, dated Aug. 31, 1842, "Began at the southwest corner of section 24 and followed a course due north, one mile, to the northwest corner of section 24." As settlers moved into the north and east portions of the township, roads were surveyed in accordance with their needs. SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL STATISTICS. The year 1842 witnessed the earliest effort towards the establishment of a public school in Castleton. A schoolhouse of logs was built during that year on the northwest quarter of section 32, then embraced in district No. 1, by Messrs. Mudge, Ware, Davis, Mead, and Buxton. The young lady who guided the youthful minds of that early period was Miss Ellen Gilbert. Kenyon Mead was represented by one scholar, Lorenzo Mudge by two, Ansel Seeley by two, and Seth Davis by four. A small school had previously been taught by Mrs. Olive Racey, at her house, with a few scholars from her own immediate family and the homes of a neighbor or two, but this was strictly speaking a private enterprise. The second school building in Castleton was soon after erected on the farm of Mr. Racey, on section 24. The township now embraces seven whole and three fractional districts, who have as a board of directors the following gentlemen: C. Ainsworth, D. W. Smith, Albert C. Gallatin, George Wellrnan, Ira Bachellor, Edward Cook, Walter Barnhart, H. P. Feagles, H. E. Downing, Elmer Cole. Six hundred and eight scholars receive instruction, of whom 17 are non-residents. They are under the supervision of 8 male and 15 female teachers, who receive an aggregate yearly sum of $2363.25. The total value of school property in Castleton is $4615, which embraces one brick and ten frame structures. The total resources of the township for educational purposes are $3475.25. BARRYVILLE. This place can hardly be called even a hamlet. It is simply the point where a custom grist-mill is situated. The first to utilize the water-power was Solomon M. Allen, who built a saw-mill on the bank of Highbank Creek. It passed successively to Elijah Alden, Oliver C. Comstock, and Lathrop & Corsett. M. J. Lathrop removed from Marshall in 1860, and purchased 80 acres of land, embracing the water-power on Highbank Creek. In connection with his partner, Mr. Corsett, a grist-mill was built (the latter having been a millwright), containing two run of stone, which was conducted by them until 1877 successfully. Mr. Lathrop, in 1880, removed to Ripon, Wis., and Mr. Corsett made Middleville, Barry Co., his residence, where his death occurred. Their successors were Norton & Higdon, the latter's interest having, later, been sold. The present proprietors are Messrs. Norton & Walker. It is exclusively confined to customwork, both flour and feed being ground. E. E. Cook opened a blacksmith-shop in 1865, but the year following removed to Morgan. MORGAN. Mr. E. E. Cook may be said to have been the leading spirit in founding this little burg, which was formerly known as Sheriden. He purchased, in 1866, 80 acres of land of James Sweezey, of Hastings, and erected a saw-mill, which was later sold to its present owner, David Ruckle. Mr. Cook then returned to his former occupation as presiding genius of the anvil and forge. Z. B. Wilson made his advent as a merchant in 1869, and erected a store which contained a general stock adapted to the wants of his neighboring patrons. Four years later he sold to Horace Hall, who erected a building and now conducts the enterprise, while he holds also the commission of postmaster. David Ruckle came in 1871 and opened a store, in which he keeps a general stock of goods. He has also bought the saw-mill property. Dr. C. 0. Scott is the practicing physician of the hamlet. THE VILLAGE OF NASHVILLE. The importance of this young and aspiring village should not be gauged by the duration of its history, which as yet barely numbers a dozen years of activity and growth. The major portion of the land on which it is built was purchased from the government during the years 1836-37 for purposes of speculation. From that date until 1855 no improvements whatever were made. A little later a mill was erected, as well as a few rude structures necessary to accommodate the men employed in its operation, and these remained until about 1864 the only forerunners of the future flourishing village. In 1865 the village was first platted by Robert B. Gregg. In 1866 the Grand River Valley Railroad was projected, and the preliminary survey made. In January, 1869, the first train passed over the recently-completed railroad, and then began an almost unprecedented era of progress. The land embraced within the corporate limits of Nashville was originally purchased from the government, as follows: IN CASTLETON. On Section 25.-The southwest quarter by Ichabod Clark, of Genesee Co., N. Y., on April 29, 1836; the southeast quarter by Marion C. L. Penniman, of New London Co., Conn., Nov. 24, 1836. On Section 26.-The southeast quarter by Horace Butler, of Oneida Co., N. Y., May 9, 1836; the east half of the southwest quarter by Dimmick Bennett, of Calhoun Co., Mich., Sept. 19, 1837; the west half of the southwest quarter by William G. Sprague, of Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept 4,1837. On Section 35.-The east half of the northeast quarter by John R. Pettibone, of Wasbtenaw Co., Mich., Feb. 13, 1836; the east half of the. southeast quarter by Abram Voorhes, of Wayne Co., A 424 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Mich., March 1, 1836; the southwest quarter by Alfred Warren, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., Nov. 24, 1836; the northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter by Charles T. Moffatt, of Eaton Co., Mich., April 4, 1837; the west half of the southeast quarter by Francis Moor, of Castleton, Barry Co., June 9, 1854. On Section 36.-The southwest quarter of the northeast quarter and the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter by Lucius Barnes, of Kalamazoo Co., Mich., Nov. 7, 1835; the west half of the northwest quarter by John R. Pettibone, of Washtenaw County aforesaid, Feb. 15, 1836; the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter by Abram Voorhes, of Wayne Co., Mich., March 1, 1836; the south half by Horace Butler, of Oneida Co., N. Y., May 9, 1836; the east half of the northeast quarter by Marion C. L. Penniman, of New London Co., Conn., aforesaid, Nov. 24, 1836. IN MAPLE GROVE. On Section 1.-The north half by Simeon Griffin, of Tioga Co., N. Y., April 6, 1837. On Section 2.-The northwest quarter by Benjamin Tate, of Hillsdale Co., Mich., April 17, 1837; the northeast quarter by Charles S. Briggs, of Windham Co., Conn., July 11, 1837. It will thus be seen that Nashville embraces portions of the townships of Castleton and Maple Grove, two of the most attractive townships of the county.* Pursuing its devious way through the central portion of the village limits is the Thornapple River, a stream which, aside from the picturesque beauty it imparts to the landscape, serves a more useful purpose in affording an excellent water-power, which has been for a quarter of a century utilized for commercial purposes. PLATS AND ADDITIONS. The earliest plat of the village was made, as has been stated, by Robert B. Gregg, the survey having been completed on the 2d day of October, 1865, by Joshua Martin. The official record thus describes the territory of the intended village: "Located on the west half of the northwest quarter of section thirty-six, in township three north, of range seven west, in the county of Barry and State of Michigan, the survey commencing at the northeast quarter of lot number one; bearing taken, stone eighteen inches long, sixteen inches wide, and twelve inches thick, north ten degrees and thirty minutes east three chains and five links. Said stone is north forty-three degrees and fifteen minutes west ninety-five links from the northwest corner of Stauffer and Kuhlman's storehouse, and is the northwest corner of Leonard Stauffer's land. The lots are fiftyfive feet north and south by one hundred and thirty-two feet east and west, excepting lots number 24, 25, 42, 43, 60, 61, 66, 67, 84, 85, which are sixty-six feet north and south by one hundred and thirty-two feet east and west, and the fractional lots, the dimensions of which are represented in feet by the figures on the margin of the lots in the plat. Main Street and Queen Street are sixty-six feet wide, and run north one degree west from the magnetic meridian. All other streets are sixty feet wide, and run at right angles with Main Street, excepting Sherman Street, which runs north eighty seven degrees and fortyfive minutes east, and is sixty-six feet wide. The alleys are twelve feet wide, about thirty feet and four inches being given for Middle Street, on the east, which runs north two degrees and thirty-five minutes west from the magnetic meridian." To the original plat the following additions have been made: A. W. Phillips' addition, surveyed by Joshua Martin, and dated Sept. 26, 1866. *. Only a small portion, however, is in Maple Grove, and that is outside of the thickly built part of the place. It may therefore be considered as practically a village of the township of Castleton. Orsemas.Phillips' addition, surveyed by Joshua Martin, and dated Sept. 2, 1867. Philip Hollers' addition, surveyed by Joshua Martin, and recorded Oct. 12, 1870. Daniel Staley's addition, the survey having been made by Joshua Martin, and recorded Jan. 30, 1871. Alanson W Phillips' addition, recorded Aug. 5, 1871. R. B. Gregg's addition, surveyed by Joshua Martin, and dated July 12, 1872. Orsemas Phillips' addition, surveyed by Joshua Martin, and recorded Oct. 7, 1875. EARLY SETTLERS. Henry Feighuer, a previous resident of Ohio, came in 1852, accompanied by his brother Solomon, to the township of Castleton. He had been intrusted by his father with the purchase of land in the vicinity, and accordingly located 880 acres in that township, including the land upon which stood the saw-mill before mentioned, then owned by Hiram Hanchett. Solomon Feighuer became the successor of Mr. Hanchett in the management of the mill, but carried it on only a short time, when it became the property of his brother Henry. Mr. Feighuer, after the sale of the property, repaired to the farm he now occupies, which is within the corporate limits of the village, though not platted. His father and three brothers, John, William, and Solomon, also became residents of the village and township. Jacob Purkey, who had moved from Eaton County in 1856 to the northwest portion of Castleton, subsequently exchanged his land there for property within the present village limits, to which he removed in 1860, and upon which he still resides. The only improvement on his land at that time was a log house erected by the former owner, Archibald A. Graham, only a short time previous. Henry P. Ralston, also a former resident of the Buckeye State, after residing from 1852 to about 1857 in another part of the township, purchased 70 acres now embraced within the limits of Nashville. No indication of the future enterprising village was apparent when he became a settler. Alanson W. Phillips, who came from Cortland Co., N. Y., to another portion of Castleton in 1857, subsequently acquired 320 acres on the south side of the Thornapple River, a part of which he platted as a portion of the village of Nashville. Samuel R. Clendenin came from the Golden State, and in 1856 secured 33 acres near Hanchett's saw-mill. He was a blacksmith by trade, and found, active employment in the exercise of his craft. Mr. Clendenin presided over the anvil and forge for many years, and remained upon the land he purchased until his death in 1872. The house he built is now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Ralston. 0. A. Phillips, a former resident of Broome Co., N. Y., purchased, in 1863, 80 acres on section 36 in Castleton, a small portion of which is now platted, but the greater part of which is still cultivated as a farm. John Webster arrived in 1864, and erected a blacksmith-shop on the north side of the river, which, as business increased, was removed to the more populous south side. COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES. The years 1864 and 1865, especially the latter, were fraught with significance in the history of the hamlet. THOS. BLASDELL..7; -.,t: ' -.,. I:- I 1..I, 7, I.....: I-. I I I I I,.- r i RESIDENCE OF THOMAS BLASDELL, CASTLETON, MICH. I\ CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 425 During the former year Leonard Stauffer became the pioneer in mercantile enterprise. He erected a building on the site of the residence of Philip Holler, and, in connection with William Feighuer, placed in it a small stock of goods adapted to the very meagre patronage they were likely to attract, the rude structure doing duty both as store and dwelling. The following year Mr. Robert B. Gregg, with a premonition of the advancement that awaited the little village, determined on surveying and platting the ground he owned. Mr. Gregg having carried out this plan, the lots were offered for sale, the first one being purchased by Enos Kuhlman, a brother-in-law of Mr. Stauffer, who had become associated with him in his mercantile venture. After this the forest was rapidly felled to make way for the log structures which followed the arrival of each new settler. Among those who early became owners of lots were George Boyer, Israel Wright, Ephraim Church, and William Killen. William Feighuer afterwards erected a building and opened a grocery-store, while John Markler and William Parker were among the mechanics of the place. Dr. J. H. Palmer guarded the health of the hamlet, and was for at least two years without a rival. A decided impulse was given to business enterprise by the erection of a grist-mill on the Thornapple River by Eli M. and M. V. B. Mallett, and G. W. Johnson. The project of a railroad had also assumed such proportions as to warrant the most sanguine predictions of success. The year 1866 witnessed the arrival of two of Nashville's early merchants, D. C. Griffith and L. J. Wheeler, the latter of whom had previously been a resident of Woodland. After an active career of three years in the army he repaired to Nashville and erected a building sixty by twenty feet in dimensions on the site now occupied by the shoe-shop of E. A. Bush. In this, in connection with his partners,the firm having been Wheeler, Downing & Co.,-he opened a store with a general assortment of goods. In 1873 he built the brick store at present occupied by him, and two years later his attractive brick residence. Mr. Griffith moved from Ingham County to Nashville early in 1866, and built a store on the site now occupied by Messrs. Francis & Boise, on Main Street. Mr. Griffith subsequently embarked in the grain trade, and in 1875 erected the brick building in which he now carries on business. About 1867 a gentleman named Reed opened a store in Nashville, but his mercantile career extended over a period of only two years. Lewis Durkee was attracted to the village in 1866, and, in connection with Hiram Coe, embarked in the sale of groceries on Main Street. The railroad having been completed in January, 1869, he engaged in its service, in which he remained six years. He is still a citizen of the village and engaged in active business pursuits. Clement Smith began the practice of law in 1868, but has since removed to Hastings, and is now judge of probate. From this time various professional and mechanical pursuits were represented as the hamlet advanced, and in 1869 the Legislature bestowed a village charter upon it. This act occasioned much apparent surprise to the leading citizens, and no resident has yet assumed the responsibility of 54 having advocated the measure. The name it bears was given in honor of Mr. Nash, the chief engineer of the Grand River Valley Railroad, although he was in nowise identified with the place. The young lady who has the honor of being the first child born within the present corporation limits is Miss Hattie, daughter of Robert B. Gregg, whose advent occurred in 1865. A clergyman was early summoned from Vermontville to unite in matrimonial bonds Mr. M. V. B. Mallett and Miss Alcesta Price, this happy event having been the earliest marriage in the village. On the 4th of July, 1867, occurred the first national celebration in Nashville, when three thousand people assembled on the river-bank, east of Main Street, and listened to the patriotic strains of a barrister from Calhoun County. In 1874 the prosperity of the village suffered a check by reason of a serious conflagration which swept away property upon Main Street valued at nearly $20,000. The result of this calamity was for a while a general feeling of depression, but a reaction eventually followed in its wake, and new and more imposing edifices arose in place of the old ones. So great has been the growth and success of this village, numbering little more than ten years of development, that it now ranks as the second commercial and manufacturing centre in Barry County, and its course is still steadily onward and upward. SCHOOLS. During the year 1866 it became apparent that there were a number of children in Nashville for whom educational advantages should be provided. A notice was circulated that at a time specified a "' bee" would be held for the purpose of erecting a school-house. The call met a prompt response, and on the day appointed, before darkness approached, the school-house was in actual existence. It could hardly be commended for beauty of design, but served well the purpose for which it was erected. After a more spacious structure had superseded it, the former building did service as a barn on one of the neighboring streets. The first school numbered thirteen children, who were under the care of Miss Aggie Smith (now Mrs. C. M. Putnam). The school-house, which was said not to have been discernible from a short distance, so thick was the forest, also did duty as a church and Sunday-school room. The present school building was erected in 1868, and, although at that time apparently large and comfortable, the growing demands of the place have made more extensive quarters a necessity. The teachers who have filled positions in connection with the Nashville school since its first organization are, in order of service by terms, as follows: Miss Aggie Smith. Mrs. Anna Lamb. Miss Marion Warren. Mr. Clement Smith. Miss Mary Ely. Miss Frank M. Wheeler. Miss Mary Ely. Mrs. Fanny Mott. Miss Alice Slade. Mrs. L. O. Crocker. Miss Hattie Burlingham. Mrs. Irish. Mrs. L. O. Crocker. Mr. Frank Lathrop. Miss Mary Barney. Mr. Enoch Andrus. Miss Alice McNair. 426 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Mrs. C. Van Arnam. Mr. R. W. Huntington. Miss Alice McNair. Mrs. A. J. Beebe. Miss Emmna Russell. Miss Mina McCartney. Mr. C. Van Norman. Mr. Barney Brooks. Miss Alice McNair. Mrs. A. J. Beebe. Miss Mary E. Cory. Miss M. McCartney. Mrs. A. M. Flint. Mr. T. T. Crandle. Mr. R. M. Payne. Miss L. Warren. Miss L. A. Davis. Miss Eva White. Miss Mary Gear. Mrs. A. J. Beebe. Mrs. A. M. Flint. Miss Mina McCartney. Mr.. M. Payne. Mr. R. M. Payne. Mr. Jay Boise. Mrs. A. M. Flint. Mrs. A. J. Beebe. Mrs. A. J. Beebe. Mrs. A. M. Flint. Miss Mary Hindmarch. The present school, under the superintendence of R. M. Payne and an able corps of assistants, is organizad on the graded" plan, and has gained an enviable reputation for thoroughness and excellence in all its departments. THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY OF NASHVILLE. The first physician to establish himself in Nashville was Dr. J. H. Palmer, who followed his profession there from 1865 until 1867 without a rival or a colleague. During the latter year Dr. C. W. Wickham came from Eaton County, his former home. He is still in active practice at Nashville. Dr. Wickham was followed in the spring of 1870 by Dr. H. A. Barber, of Lansing, Mich., who had been a practitioner in Minnesota before returning to his native State. He was the first representative of the homoeopathic school in Nashville, where he has since remained. He is an active member of the State Homoeopathic Medical Society, as well as the vice-president of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Barry and Eaton Counties. Dr. W. H. Young, formerly of Toronto, Canada, became a resident of Nashville in 1870, where he has ever since practiced. He is a graduate of the medical department of Toronto University and of the Detroit Medical College, and is also a member of the State Medical Society. Dr. W. H. Griswold, a native of Olivet, Eaton Co., Mich., engaged in the practice of medicine in Nashville in October, 1878, having formerly resided in Maple Grove. He is a graduate of the Detroit Homceopathic Medical College, from which he received his diploma in 1875. Dr. F. A. Jones has just begun the practice of his profession in Nashville, having arrived in the spring of 1880. THE LEGAL PROFESSION. Lewis Durkee became a resident of Nashville in 1866, and for several years was engaged in business pursuits. Having during this time devoted much attention to the study of law, he obtained admission to the bar and entered on the practice of his profession, in which he is still actively engaged. Abijah M. Flint, a native of Eaton Co, Mich., came to this village in 1868. He made but a brief stay at that time, removing to Kansas, where he remained six years. In 1875 he returned to Nashville, and is now following his profession at that place. C. H. Brady, formerly of Calhoun County, graduated from the law school of Ann Arbor University in 1874, and removed to Nashville the following year. He was until 1877 employed in the office of Clement Smith, the present probate judge of Barry County, after which he opened an office of his own, and is still in practice. W. S. Powers began his professional studies in Ohio, and subsequently graduated from the law school of Ann Arbor University. He came to Nashville from Eaton County in 1877, having for a brief period been a practitioner in Bellevue. CHURCHES. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The church at Nashville was embraced in the Woodland Circuit until the year 1868, when it was set apart as an independent charge, with the following appointments: County Farm, Mudge's, Castleton Centre, and Martin's School-house. The earliest society in connection with this church was formed in 1866, under the supervision of Rev. T. J. Spencer, then connected with the Woodland Circuit. The members embraced in the first class were George Gregg, E. M. Mallett and wife, Minor Mallett and wife, L. J. Wheeler, and Mrs. Clendennin. The grist-mill erected by Mallett & Johnson then afforded a place of meeting, the first service having been conducted by Rev. H. J. Richards. Soon after a log building was erected as a temporary schoolhouse, which was located in the rear of the present Yates Block. This structure was placed at the disposal of the band of worshipers until a small framed building owned by Mr. Appleman afforded more ample accommodations. On the erection of the present school-house a still more convenient place of meeting was offered. The earliest Sunday-school was organized in 1866, with E M. Mallett as superintendent. In 1869, with a view to the erection of a church edifice, lots were purchased of Robert Gregg, and the following year a building was erected under the ministrations of Rev. R. Pengally. The pastors in succession have been Rev. T. J. Spencer, Rev. J. S. Harder, Rev. R. Pengally, Rev. L. M. Edmonds, Rev. C. H. Ellis, Rev. J. M. Akin, Rev. E. L. Kellogg, Rev. C. G. Thomas, Rev. N. L. Brockway, and the present pastor in charge, Rev. A. D. Newton. A flourishing Sunday-school is connected with the church, of which L. J. Wheeler is superintendent. It numbers 150 scholars, with a constantly increasing attendance. Arthur Ainsworth is librarian, and J. C. F. Dillon secretary. The present board of trustees of the church are Lorenzo Mudge, Jacob Purkey, D. Staley, H. Coe, Dr. H. A. Barber. The capacity of the building is unequal to the wants of the large concourse of worshipers, and as a result a more commodious edifice will doubtless supersede it. BAPTIST CHURCH. The earliest meetings of the Baptist Society were held at the school-house, and the subject of organization was discussed at a gathering of those interested, which took place Dec. 1, 1868, Rev. P. C. Bassett acting as moderator and L. E. Stauffer secretary pro tern. The following persons on this occasion presented themselves for membership by letter: Rev. P. C. Bassett, Jonah Racey, Rosetta Racey, Mariah Barnes, Lucinda Raymond, P. L. E. Stauffer, Jane CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 427 -I E. Bassett, Rev. J. H. Straight, M. C. Straight, M. Cross, J. Steadman, and S. T. Stauffer. The following were received on profession of faith: Mrs. H. C. Appleman and W. H. Barnes. Services were at this time conducted in the school-house, and later in a hall secured for the purpose. In 1876, Fred Appleman, W. A. Whittaker, and Mark Detrick were chosen trustees. l)uring the same year measures were taken for the erection of a church edifice, which was later completed, the structure being built of brick, and costing, together with the ground upon which it stands, $3300. The pastors in succession since the year of organization have been Rev. P. C. Bassett, Rev. John Dunham, Rev. Lester Monroe, Rev. W. R. Northrop, Rev. C. B. Shear, Rev. L. H. Monroe, and various other clergymen who have filled the pulpit as supplies. The present trustees are Theodore Barnes, Newall Barnes, and J. B. Racey. The Baptist Society of Nashville is at present without a pastor and somewhat embarrassed by a church indebtedness, but it is confidently hoped that this claim will be released under the ministry of an energetic pastor. TIIE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The church at Nashville, under the ministering care of Rev. S. Dailey, first became a distinct organization in February, 1868. Its early membership embraced the following names: A. Seeley, M. M. Seeley, H. P. Ralston, C. Ralston, S. R. Clendennin, Harriet Bassett, Betsey Hunt, S. S. Ralston, H. Shopbell, M. Shopbell, N. Bassett. A. Seeley was chosen deacon, and S. R. Ralston clerk. The first board of trustees embraced J. Purkey, F. Patterson, R. McCartney, L. Durkee, and C. Hill, R. McCartney having been chosen treasurer. Under the pastorate of Rev. C. J. Deyo the accessions to the church necessitated more spacious quarters than were then available, and an effort was made to erect a church edifice, which was so far successful that in 1870 a substantial building was completed and dedicated, the total cost having been $2100. The church during its most flourishing period enrolled upon its membership list 162 names, though 80 is its present number. The pastors in succession since its organization have been Revs. S. Dailey, who remained one year; C. I. Deyo, two and a half years; M. W. Tuck, one year; W. W. De Geer, two years; and C. I. Deyo, three years, having filled a second pastorate. The society is now without a pastor. The present officers are F. D. Soles, Orno Strong, Charles Fowler, Nathan Weeks, G. A. Truman, Trustees; G. A. Truman, Treasurer; T. B. Van Wagner, Clerk. FIRST-DAY ADVENTISTS. This society was organized by Elder Philip Holler, Oct. 9, 1878, and has a membership of 13. Its services are held in the school-house of the village. SOCIETIES. RED RIBBON CLUB. In February, 1877, Samuel Dickey, then principal of the public schools of Hastings, and now professor at Albion College, came to Nashville in the interest of the temper ance cause. Many citizens not especially attracted to this peculiar feature of philanthropic work were induced from curiosity to hear the speaker. The logical arguments he advanced and the simple stories of reform which he and his associates related won their attention and sympathy. As a result 100 signed the pledge, and on the 16th of the same month a Red Ribbon Club was organized, with the following as its first officers: William Teaster, President; James McLain, First Vice-President; J. D. Dickenson, Second Vice-President; Charles Halbert, Third Vice-President; Milton Flaherty, Sec.; Charles Brady, Financial Sec.; William Jones, Treas.; Henry Wolcott, First Marshal; Frederick Appleman, Second Marshal. The whole number of the persons who have signed the pledge since the organization of the club is 730, and the present membership is 100. There have been 176 club meetings, with an average attendance of 40 at each meeting. There have also been 55 mass meetings, with an average attendance of 250, making a total attendance of 20,790. The club since its first inception has had its periods of growth and decay, but has been during its existence a powerful lever for good in the community. Its mission work has been the organization of the Vermontville, Kalamo, Morgan, West Kalamo, and East Castleton clubs, all of which are flourishing, and are accomplishing much in their respective localities. Many of the most eminent speakers in the temperance field have at various times addressed the club, and the citizens have been entertained and instructed as well as benefited thereby. The Nashville Red Ribbon Club is at present in an exceedingly prosperous condition, and numbers among its members many of the most prominent business men of the place. Its officers are Dr. H. A. Barber, President; Charles H. Brady, 1st Vice-President; Henry Wolcott, 2d Vice-President; H. W. Flint, 3d Vice-President; Frank McDerby, Secretary; Rev. J. S. Harder, Financial Secretary; Mrs. H. A. Barber, Treasurer; H. P. Hoyt, Steward; Francis Baker, 1st Marshal; F. Gokey, 2d Marshal. WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. With a view to encouraging those who had embarked in the red ribbon cause, and also for the purpose of co-operation in other good work, the union was organized March 27, 1877, with a membership of 20. Its first officers were Mrs. W. H. Young, President; Mrs. M. J. Zimmerman, Vice-President; Miss L. A. Nichols, Recording Secretary; Mrs. L. J. Wheeler, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. B. F. Reynolds, Treasurer. With a desire to establish the organization on a sound financial basis, a series of entertainments were arranged, the first having been a temperance lunch on election-day, which netted $17.95. This was succeeded by socials, festivals, and other legitimate means for raising funds, which were used for defraying necessary expenses and furnishing a club-room for the gentlemen. The Red Ribbon Club having finally become self-sustaining, and requiring no further aid, the ladies determined to choose some definite object as an inspiration to future effort, apd resolved upon the establishment of a library, to be under the supervision of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. A series of entertainments was given for 428 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. this purpose, which added considerably to the funds in the treasury. The nucleus of a library was formed, which has already reached $100 in value, and the number of volumes is being constantly augmented by purchases or gifts. The society, since it was founded, has increased in membership and influence, 40 working members now being enrolled upon its lists. Its officers have been efficient workers and of much administrative ability. The present presiding officers are Mrs. G. A. Truman, President; Mrs. L. J. Wheeler, Vice-President; Mrs. L. J. Wilson, Recording Secretary; Mrs. C. Smith, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. F. McDerby, Financial Secretary; Mrs. C. L. Collier, Treasurer. NASHVILLE LODGE, No. 255, F. AND A. M. The charter of this lodge bears date Jan. 15, 1869, its charter members having been Lewis Durkee, Charles W. Wickham, Orin E. Nichols, D. C. Griffith, Daniel Halbert, Abel Sheperd, Robert B. Gregg, Henry P. Ralston, Myron Hester, William P. Little, and F. N. Francis. The lodge had previously worked under a dispensation, which was granted Nov. 25, 1868. Its first officers were Lewis Durkee, W. M.; Charles W. Wickham, S. W.; Orin E. Nichols, J. W.; Daniel Halbert, Sec.; D. C. Griffith, Treas. The present officers are Robert McCartney, W. M.; Harvey J. Bennett, S. W.; Ira B. Bacheller, J. W.; John H. Smith, Sec.; Robert B. Gregg, Treas. The lodge is prosperous, and embraces 70 names upon its roll. MANUFACTORIES AND MILLS. GRAND RAPIDS CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY. In March of the present year a proposition was made to the citizens of Nashville by W. G. Sears, representing the above company, with a view to locating at the village of Nashville the works they were about erecting. A bonus of $800 was required, which, under the efficient direction of a committee to solicit subscriptions, was speedily raised. On the 12th of the same month ground was broken for the erection of the buildings, having a retort capacity of eight cords of wood each twenty-four hours, the product being 400 bushels of charcoal, 1200 pounds acetate of lime, and 30 gallons of wood-alcohol each day. The works are under the efficient management of William G. Sears, the officers being Adolph Leitelt, President; T. M. Peck, Vice-President; John L. Shaw, Secretary and Treasurer. NASHVILLE ELEVATOR AND FEED-MILL. This establishment, which is located on West Main Street, upon the Grand River Valley Railroad, is owned by Messrs. Ainsworth & Brooks. It was originally constructed by Messrs. Griffith & Grant, but has been controlled by the present firm since 1874. The building is 40 feet square, and 60 feet high from cellar to cupola, having been made of seasoned timber and unusual care devoted to its construction. The cellar has two divisions 22 by 44 feet and 10 by 20 feet, with a depth of 10 feet. In this cellar are four receiving-bins with a capacity of 1500 bushels. To receive wheat from farmers' wagons this building, is provided with a double set of elevator legs, capable of raising 1000 bushels per hour. The grain is carried by these ele vatots to a height of 55 feet, after which it is passed through two large suction-fans. The light grain and straw are drawn into these fans, and blown into spouts projecting over the roof. After being thus cleaned it is dropped into a sheet-iron hopper of limited dimensions, connected with which is a small spout. This hopper is placed upon a pipe which runs to the first floor, and a person on this floor is thus able to move the pipe and distribute the grain into whichever bin he prefers, by means of an index corresponding with the rod which encircles the pipe. There are twenty-four storage-bins in the second story, with a capacity of 30,000 bushels. Afterwards spouts are attached to the bottom of the storage-bins, the grain being drawn into the cellar and again into two grading-bins, where it is mixed to suit the market. From these bins it is carried by 16-inch cups that are capable of elevating 1000 bushels per hour into a hopper holding 500 bushels, which is placed at the top of the elevator, upon a set of Buffalo scales capable of weighing 30,000 pounds, or 500 bushels of wheat. The pillars and beams of the scales rest upon the first floor, the first being bronzed and the latter nickel-plated. In loading a car the weight is taken upon the first floor, and, by pulling a suspended rod, the wheat drops into a bin holding 500 bushels, which is designated as the " shippingbin," and from this bin it is spouted into the car. In 1877 a feed-mill, with steam-power attached, was added to the former business of the firm. It has a single run of stone, and grinds all varieties of feed for home consumption. NASHVILLE MILLS. The flouring- and feed-mills generally known as the Nashville Mills were built by Messrs. Mallett & Johnson in 1867, and were located upon the Thornapple River, which furnished an ample power for the two run of stone with which they were first built. Flour and feed were ground, and the immediate neighborhood consumed the product of the mills. They were purchased in 1868 by the present owner, Philip Holler, who removed to the village from Berrien County. He at once made many improvements, introducing two turbine-wheels of the Dayton patent, and adding another run of stone. He has also recently employed the new patent process for the manufacture of flour. The capacity of the mills is 300 bushels for twelve hours. They are principally employed in custom-work and in furnishing supplies to the home trade. The sawmill originally built by Hiram Hanchett is used by Mr. Holler as a feed-mill. TUCKERMAN'S STEAM SAW-MILL. The mill and fixtures of this establishment are owned by Philip Holler and leased by Mr. Tuckerman. It is exclusively devoted to the handling of hard wood, a market for which is found in the East, much of it reaching Boston and other large Eastern cities. Two cylinder-saws are used, and seven men are employed about the works in various capacities. The timber is found in adjacent parts of the county, and has heretofore supplied all the demands of the mill. The capacity of this saw-mill is from 8000 to 12,000 feet per day, but when run ALLEN B. COOPER. MRS. ALLEN B. COOPER. ALLEN B. COOPER. This venerable pioneer was born in the town of Covert, Seneca Co., N. Y., March 24, 1813. His father, Samuel Cooper, was a pioneer of the town of Covert; he reared a family of seven children to habits of industry and thrift, and gave them such advantages for education as his limited means would allow. Allen lived with his father until he was twenty-three years of age, at which time he was married to Miss Emeline Napier. She was a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and was born Nov. 28, 1811. Two years after their marriage Mr. Cooper started for Michigan in company with his brothers. They arrived in Detroit in May, and from thence went to Oakland County, where a cousin of Mr. Cooper's, one James Cole, had settled some time previous. Here they rested a few days, when they again took up the line of march for the town of Woodland, where he had purchased eighty acres of land on section 35. The journey from Oakland was made with an ox-team, and after leaving Vermontville he was obliged to cut his road through a dense wilderness. He arrived safely, however, in the month of June; three families had preceded him in Castleton, and one or two adventurous pioneers had located in Woodland. The pioneer life of Mr. and Mrs. Cooper was one of many privations and hardships; their scanty stock of provisions was soon exhausted; there was no money in the country, and starvation stared them in the face. As illustrative of the desperate condition in which they were placed, Mr. Cooper relates that some months after they came their stock of flour was exhausted, and the only article of traffic he had was a small quantity of leather he had brought from Seneca County. This he carried to Marshall, thinking it possible to exchange it for flour. The storekeeper, a man by the name of Comstock, told him that flour was fourteen dollars per barrel, and was a cash article, and that he could not purchase his leather. "Where was that leather tanned?" asked the merchant. "In Seneca Co., N. Y.," answered Mr. Cooper. What is your father's name?" Upon receiving the reply he gave him an order for two barrels of flour, and stocked him up with a goodly store of provisions. Mr. Cooper was overcome by the generosity of the merchant, and asked an explanation. He replied, " Your father once befriended me, and I am glad of this opportunity of paying the debt." Many other incidents in their early history might be written showing the privations and hardships they were obliged to undergo, but the one just mentioned will suffice. Mr. Cooper assisted in the organization of the town, and was elected its first road commissioner. Mrs. Cooper taught the first school, and their names are stamped on nearly every initial event in the early history of the town. In his political belief Mr. Cooper was originally a Whig, and identified himself with the anti-slavery movement upon its inception. Upon the organization of the Republican party he became an ardent Republican. He has never desired political honors, preferring the quiet of home and the cares of his farm to the turmoil of political life. He did his part in the development of Barry County, and is in every way worthy of a prominent place among the pioneers of the county. If I. 11" k I CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 429 to its extreme limit it can be made to produce an amount greatly in excess of these figures. OLDS' SAW. AND PLANING-MILL. During the year 1876, Mr. A. W. Olds erected the large saw- and planing-mill at present managed by him. It is run by a steam-engine, with a capacity of 45 horse-power. There are five saws of different styles and dimensions, and a complete line of machinery of most approved design for purposes of planing. It is possible to saw and dress 20,000 feet per day, and even to exceed that amount if necessary. The material, in the shape of logs of hard wood, is obtained from the country surrounding Nashville and converted into dressed lumber, which is shipped to Boston, the principal market. Mr. Olds also purchases the product of other mills to supply the demand of his Eastern patrons. DICKENSON'S SAW-MILL. This mill was originally built by A. W. Olds, in 1870, and by him disposed of to H. Lee, from whom it came into the possession of the present owner, Mr. H. R. Dickenson. It is propelled by an engine of 40 horse-power, and is devoted principally to the handling of hard wood. It has a capacity, when run to its extreme limit, of 12,000 feet per day. The market is found chiefly at home, though much of the lumber sawed recently has been purchased by Mr. Olds, and shipped to supply an Eastern demand. COOK'S WAGON- AND CARRIAGE-MANUFACTORY. The business at present controlled by Mr. Cook was origially established by him in 1874, on Main Street. It was then almost exclusively devoted to the manufacture of lumber-wagons, for which there was a considerable home demand. The firm at that time was Reynolds & Cook, while Messrs. Hobbs & Webster managed the blacksmith-shop connected with the establishment Later Mr. Cook became sole proprietor, and confined his attention principally to the construction of carriages and buggies. The works complete, ready for the market, about 100 wagons and carriages annually, the demand being principally local. Twelve men are employed in the various departments. The present convenient buildings were erected in 1878. BUXTON'S GUN-MANUFACTORY. Mr. Buxton first came to Nashville in 1866, and was employed in the saw-mill erected by Hiram Hanchett, where he remained five years. He was later in the workshop of the Remington Armory, at Ilion, N. Y., and in 1870 returned to Nashville and erected the present shop, which is well stocked with lathes and other machinery of his own construction. He has since that time been engaged in the manufacture of guns, saws, and various mechanical instruments. He is now engaged in the construction of a spacious warehouse and workshop on Main Street, which will be provided with steam-power, in which he will devote his time to the construction of light machinery and the manufacture of firearms. LENTZ & SONS' FURNITURE-MANUFACTORY. The business of this firm was established in 1867, and has since grown steadily in importance, until successive ad ditions to the various departments have become necessary to meet the growing demands of their trade. Their manufacturing is done in an extensive brick building erected for the purpose, while a spacious warehouse is being constructed on Main Street for their use. All the varieties of furniture adapted to a general country trade are made by them, for which a market is found in the vicinity. Their wares were formerly shipped, but a later home demand has rendered this unnecessary. From 500 to 800 beds are made by them annually, while 200 bureaus, 100 extension-tables, and a large supply of chairs and lounges are readily sold. OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS. Messrs. Kellogg & Demaray have also a furniture-manufactory in which steam power is employed. They produce tables, bed-room sets, chairs, and other articles peculiar to the trade, and find a home demand for their wares. Their warehouse is located on Main Street. I. W. Powles has a carding-mill in which steam-power is employed, and contemplates the erection, during the present season, of a more spacious building for his use. INCORPORATION AND OFFICERS. The act of incorporation which constituted the hamlet of Nashville a village, and bestowed upon it a chartered organization, was approved by the Governor, March 26,1869, and reads as follows: "The people of the State of Michigan enact: That all that tract of country situate in the town of Castleton and Maple Grove, in the county of Barry, and distinguished and designated on the plat in the land-office of the district as sections thirty-five and thirty-six, and the south half of sections twenty-four and twenty-five, in town three north, of range seven west, and the north half of sections one and two in town two north, of range seven west, be, and the same is hereby constituted a village corporate, to be known by the name of the village of Nashville." The first meeting for the election of village officers was held at the office of Lewis Durkee, on Wednesday, the 7th of April, 1869, at twelve o'clock, and, the ballots having been cast, the following officers were declared by the inspectors of election duly elected: President of Council, Lemuel Smith; Recorder, Leonard E. Stauffer; Assessor, Hiram Coe; Treasurer, Robert B. Gregg; Councilmen (for two years), Henry P. Ralston, Horace T. Davidson, Philip Holler; (for one year), Henry P. Ralston, Myron Pennock, Jacob Purkey. The following gentlemen from that time to the present have served the corporation in an official capacity: 1870.-President, Lemuel Smith; Recorder, Leonard E. Stauffer; Treasurer, John M. Roe; Assessor, Elihu Chipman; Trustees, George A. Truman, Jacob Purkey, Albert W. Olds. 1871.-President, Dewitt C. Griffith; Recorder, Charles Lentz; Treasurer, John M. Roe; Assessor, Lewis A. Durkee; Councilmen, Philip Holler, Charles I. Deyo, Hiram Partello; School Inspectors, Iiram Barber, L. Frazier McCormick. 1872.-President, Lemuel Smith; Recorder, E. J. Feighuer; Treasurer, Christian N. Holler; Assessor, Lewis A. Durkee; Councilmen, Conrad Clever, Albert W. Olds, T. C. Downing. 1873.-President, George A. Truman; Recorder, E. J. Feighuer; Treasurer, Elihu Chipman; Assessor, Clement Smith; Councilmen, Horace F. Davidson, Andrew J. Hardy, Hiram Coe; School Inspector, L. Frazier McCormick. 430 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1874.-President, George A. Truman;Recorder, Emanuel J. Feighuer; Treasurer, Eliha Chipman; Assessor, Clement Smith; Councilmen, Theodore C. Downing, Albert W. Olds, Charles C. Wolcott; School Inspector, L. Frazier McCormick. 1875.-President, Lemuel Smith; Recorder, Emanuel J. Feighuer; Treasurer, Conrad Clever; Assessor, Lewis Durkee; Councilmen, Dan Halbert, Dewitt C. Griffith, Andrew J. Hardy; School Inspector, Elihu Chipman. 1876.-President, Dewitt C. Griffith; Recorder, Emanuel J. Feighuer; Treasurer, Conrad Clever; Assessor, Lewis Durkee; Councilmen, Emory Parady, Benjamin F. Reynolds, Henry Roe. 1877.-President, Calvin Ainsworth; Recorder, George W. Francis; Treasurer, A. R. Wolcott; Assessor, Lewis Durkee; Councilmen, Herbert M. Lee, George A. Truman, Eugene Cook. 1878.-President, Elihu Chipman; Recorder, Charles H. Brady; Treasurer, James Fleming; Assessor, Lewis Durkee; Councilmen, W. H. Young, L. J. Wheeler, 11. A. Barber. 1879.-President, William Killen; Recorder, Emanuel J. Feighuer; Treasurer, Herbert M. Lee; Assessor, John Barry; Councilmen, T. C. Downing, Albert W. Olds, Henry Roe. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM CRABB. William Crabb was born in Plymouth, England, Feb. 6, 1805. His father, Edward Crabb, was a stone-mason, and reared a family of nine children, William being the eldest. of. nineteen. Their original intention was to settle in Baltimnore, but they were induced to change their destination, and came to Newport, R. I., where Mr. Crabb obtained employment upon the fortifications of Fort Adams. Here he remained two years. In 1837 he went to Boston with his family, and was there engaged in the construction of Forts Warren and Independence. He remained in Boston ten years, when he became so broken down by hard labor that he decided to try his fortune in Michigan as a farmer. In 1847 he started for the West, and arrived in Castleton September 20th. He then purchased the farm on which he now resides. He suffered many privations, and four years had the fever and ague. But his pluck and perseverance overcame all obstacles, and he has secured a fine home and a competency. Mr. Crabb has been twice married: first, in 1834, to Miss Maria Lawrence; she was born in Carlisle, England, in 1805, and died in 1861. In 1862 he was again married, to Mrs. Frances Burdick, of Rutland; she died in 1875. Three children have graced their hone circle, viz.: the first-born, a daughter, died at the age of five years; William J., at the age of twenty-one went into the army as a member of Company C, Twenty-First Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, was shot four times at the battle of Stone River, Tenn., and died at the hospital in Nashville, Feb. 9, 1863; and George, now living on the old homestead. THOMAS BLASDEL, one of the pioneers of the town of Castleton, was born in Genoa, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 12, 1815. His father, Medad Blasdel, was a farmer of limited means, and unable to give his children but slight educational advantages. Thomas, however, acquired such an education as the district school of that day afforded, and remained with his father upon the farm until he attained his majority, when he acquired the trade of a miller, which calling he followed for several years. In 1837 he decided to try his fortunes in Michigan, and in the spring of that year came to Plymouth, Wayne Co., where he entered the employ of a miller by the name of Holbrook, with whom he remained three years. He then returned East, and the following year was married to Miss Alice Hall. In 1846 he returned to Michigan and settled upon the farm where he now resides. The farm was entirely new, and during the fall he erected a comfortable log house, and the following spring he built a barn. The land was heavily timbered, and the improvement of a farm was a work of no small magnitude; but by degrees field after field was added, and Mr. Blasdel is now rewarded for the years of toil and privation in the possession of a fine home and one of the most productive and valuable farms in the county. In 1861 his first wife died, and in 1865 he was again married, to Miss Charlotte Burdick. In 1867 he was again left a widower, and he married Mrs. Phemie Gillis. She died in 1878, and he was married to Miss Bertha D. Bock. Mr. Blasdel has made a reputation for integrity and honorable dealing, and is everywhere known as a successful farmer and a valuable citizen. WILLIAM CRABB. At the age of nine he was apprenticed to a farmer, who was more of.a brute than a man. He was obliged to toil from morning until night, and was treated with such brutality that he ran away and bound himself to a stonecutter; he acquired the trade, which he followed until his emigration to America, in 1831. With him came his mother, brothers and sisters, and relatives, to the number CASTLETON TOWNSHIP. 431 LYCURGUS J. Lycurgus J. Wheeler, the pioneer merchant of Nashville, was born in the town of Wheeler, Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 9, 1830. The Wheeler family are of Scotch-Irish extraction, a combination of national characteristics, energy, and intellectual ability that has done much for the advancement of civilization and the best interests of society. But little is known of the family history previous to their emigration to Steuben from Saratoga County, where they were a prominent family. Jonas Wheeler, grandfather of the subject of this biography, came from Saratoga and settled in the town which was afterwards named in honor of his brother Silas, who settled in the township a few years earlier. He was a man of wealth, and for many years one of Steuben's most prominent citizens. He reared a family of twentytwo children. Asa Wheeler, his son and father of Lycurgus J., was born in the town of Galaway, Saratoga Co., Oct. 8, 1797. He married Miss Henrietta, daughter of Isaiah Betts, who was an officer in the Revolution. He came to Steuben with his father, and was also one of its leading citizens. In 1834 he came to Michigan on a tour of observation, and, being favorably impressed with the country, returned East and the following year (1835) came back and settled in the township of Saline, Washtenaw Co., where he followed his trade, that of a shoemaker, until his removal to Woodland, in 1842. Here he resided until 1866. During this time he identified himself largely with the growth and development of the town. He was its first magistrate, a position he filled creditably for twenty years. He took an active part in political matters, and was an exemplary member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. WHEELER. Lycurgus J. obtained an academical education, which he made practically useful to himself and others by teaching. This avocation he followed, in connection with farming, until 1861, when he entered the army as a member of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry. After a period of active service he was detailed for clerical duty at Gen. Copeland's headquarters, where he remained until 1863, when he returned home on recruiting service. At the close of the war Mr. Wheeler returned to Woodland; the following year he disposed of his property and came to Nashville, where he established one of the first stores in the place. He has since prosecuted a successful business in merchandising, and has identified himself largely with the growth and development of the village. He has taken the initiative in all religious and educational enterprises, and has done much in building up and advancing the best interests of society. In May, 1860, Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Reuben Haight, one of the pioneers of Woodland. She died in 1863, and he was again married, Dec. 26, 1865, to Mary J. Ellis, of Hastings. She died Dec. 20, 1874, and Sept. 10, 1876, he married Mrs. Maria I. McNab, of Big Rapids. Nashville is largely indebted to Mr. Wheeler for the public spirit and enterprise he has evinced in its behalf, and among its leading citizens he occupies a prominent position. He takes decided grounds on the subject of political prohibition, and was the nominee of the Prohibition party for the Legislature for the eastern district of Barry County in 1878. H ASTING S. THE civil township of Hastings, from the subdivision of the old township of that name, on the 16th day of February, 1842,t until the formation of the city of Hastings, on the 11th day of March, 1871, was identical with surveytownship No. 3 north, in range 8 west. It now comprises the whole of that territory except what is included in the city just mentioned. It is bounded north by Carlton, east by Castleton, south by Baltimore, and west by Rutland and the city of Hastings, which cuts out sections 7, 8,13, and 14, and parts of sections 16, 19, 20, and 21. The Thornapple River flows through the township from southeast to west in a sinuous course, and close beside it runs the Grand River Valley Railroad, commonly known as the Grand Rapids division of the Michigan Central road. On this thoroughfare there is one station within the township, which bears the name of Quimby. The township is a productive agricultural district, containing many excellent farms and wealthy farmers. THE PIONEER SETTLERS. The first settlers in Hastings, outside the village, were James and Daniel McLellan, two brothers, who, in the years 1837 and 1838, penetrated the wilderness south of the Thornapple, and made their homes on section 27. James had come from New York in 1836, entered the land for himself and brother, and returned to the East. Late in 1837, Daniel moved to his place with the family, followed the next spring by James. For some time they were the only settlers in that portion of the township, being shut in by dense woods, through which their only roads were such paths as they themselves could make. Still they were but about three miles from the little village of Hastings, and were not compelled to make such long journeys to " mill and to meeting" as some of the pioneers. Daniel McLellan was for several years a mail-carrier, and after an active pioneer experience died in Hastings village in 1865. His brother James died on his farm two years after settling there. James and John L., sons of Daniel, also became early settlers in the south part of the township. One of Daniel McLellan's daughters married Willard Hays, a prominent pioneer in Hastings village, and is still a resident of that city. Among those to settle at an early day in the neighborhood of the McLellans were Ambrose Hubbell, Kirk Munger, Mr. Morley, and Mr. Germon. Ambrose Hubbell, who located on section 21, in 1842, still lives there. In 1846, Adam Tinkler, who had become a resident of Ohio in 1836, came into the township on a land-looking tour, and concluded to locate in it. He accordingly traded his outfit of horses, wagon, and harness for 120 acres of land on section 28, which was then a wilderness. The only house between his location and Battle Creek was that of Mr. Bristol, in Johnstown, while on the northwest his nearest neighbor was Ambrose Hubbell. Directly after Mr. Tinkler made his settlement, his father, John Tinkler, and his brothers William, Thomas, John 0., Martin, and Joseph, came from Ohio, and made their homes in the neighborhood. Mr. John Tinkler died in 1860, on the place where he first settled, on section 21. Thomas and John 0., who located on section 21, now live in Hastings city; Martin bought a place on the same section, and still resides there; William took up his residence in Hastings village, and has since made his home there; Adam lives on section 21; and Joseph, who resided with his father until the death of the latter, has a farm on section 21. It is a circumstance worthy of remark that of the six brothers who began their pioneer experiences together thirty-five years ago, all are still living and are near neighbors, as they were at the outset. Ephraim Shattuck, now resident on section 23, came to Hastings from Orleans Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1844, in response to the persuasions of Seymour Andrus, who had been his neighbor in New York, and who had located in Hastings the same autumn. Mr. Shattuck leased Lewis McLellan's place (now the poor-farm) directly after coming, having for neighbors Daniel McLellan on the south and a Mr. Hutchinson on the west, while about two miles east were the families of Stephen Robinson and Eliphalet Hyde, who had come in together from New York in 1842. North of Mr. Shattuck's place the country was a wilderness, into which there soon after came the Pierson family, Almon Covey, John Fisher, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Cook. C. B. Benham, a pioneer from Ohio, now occupies the place settled by Stephen Robinson in 1842 on section 25. In that neighborhood Adam Sponable and his son Isaac (early settlers in Ohio) made a location, in 1857, on section 27. Washington Sponable, another son, came out in 1859, and in 1861 the two brothers made separate settlements of their own in the neighborhood where James Lewis, John Althouse, H. Hardy, and Elam Crook had already located. S. J. Bidleman, a Branch County pioneer, came to Hastings about the time the Sponables did, and made his home on section 34. E. D. Reid located in Baltimore township in 1855, and in 1857 moved to his present home, on the same section. North of him was John Francisco, e By David Schwartz. As before stated, Hastings township has, since the incorporation of the city of that name, been legally entirely separate from it. It is therefore given a separate place in this work. Of course, however, the township officers before the separation were largely from the village out of which the city was formed. t See Chapter XIII. of the general history. 432 f I I Ill I \ A,mg GEORG-E WHITNEY. &~~~~MS EO F? G-E WHINY FS.EF H I TN EY, I.0 7/ I i 1- l - 1 - -, I. %, ---, k ,, 1,14, 1.. I.. ":.- I'll " 't,-.- . I".. —, " -, e,, -, -k,-, ", I RESIDENCE OF -E~ORG7E WHITNEY, HASTIN&.sTR., BARRY CO., MICH, 10 HASTINGS TOWNSHIP. 433 while on the west his nearest neighbors were John and Gottleib Oberle. David N. Lake came from Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1863, and bought a place on section 33, being induced thereto by his son-in-law, Daniel Reed, who a few years before had migrated to Hastings village to follow his trade as a carpenter, and who in 1864 settled upon a farm on section 33 where he now lives. Porter Burton, a member of the Legislature during the session of 1879, located in Jackson County in 1842, and in 1856 moved to his present home, on section 33, which was even then in the midst of a very wild country. West of Mr. Burton lives G. W. Gregory, a pioneer in Baltimore township, and later a new-comer in Hastings. Adjoining Gregory's on the west is the Bush farm, earlier known as the Toms place, once owned by Maj. Toms, and occupied in 1851 by Richard Stillson, a pioneer in Lenawee County in 1844. His son, J. W. Stillson, settled in 1867 upon a farm on section 28, previously occupied by Walter W. Kelley. Ebenezer Pennock, a settler in Kalamazoo County in 1844, moved to the town of Barry in 1845, and to Hastings in 1872. Seymour Andrus, already spoken of, came to Hastings in 1843, bought 160 acres of Dr. Hays on section 9, and the following year moved his family out from New York. On the way he overtook, at Detroit, Hiram Greenfield, whom he persuaded to come on and settle in Hastings. At the time of Mr. Andrus' settlement he had no neighbors in the township either north or northeast of him. The first to locate near him were John Lewis and Philander Turner, who had been working for a few years as carpenters in Hastings village, and who, in the spring of 1845, moved out upon farms close to Andrus' place. Subsequently the earliest comers into the neighborhood were Edward Bump, Anmi Palmer, Hawley Stillson, William S. Meloy, and a Mr. Russ. Upon section 16 Boyd Craig settled in 1850, and even at that recent date found his home in a wild district where now the eye roams over a broad expanse of cultivated fields. SCHOOLS. The annual report of the school inspectors-S. H. Bunker and Marsh Giddings-for 1842 set forth that there was one district in the township, with an enrollment of 35 school children, and that school had been kept seven months. A report from Vespasian Young, director in school district No. 1, dated Oct. 6, 1845, gave 47 as the number of school children enrolled, and Henry S. Jennings, Phoebe Hays, and Mary J. West as the teachers, to whom, for six months and a half teaching, an aggregate of $18 in wages had been paid. The first meeting of the school inspectors was held Oct. 31, 1838, when A. C. Parmelee was chosen chairman. Nov. 3, 1838, the inspectors formed 2 school districts, each composed of 9 sections, and each three miles square. No. 1 included sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, and 18, in township 3. No. 2 comprised sections 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, and 35, in township 3. District No. 3 was formed in 1839. Oct. 17, 1839, district No. 1 appropriated $15 for a library-case and $10 for library-books. A. C. Parmelee was librarian, and the library was ordered kept at his house. Districts No, 4 and 5 were organized Jan. 8, 55 1840; " No. 9," Feb. 6, 1841. A new No. 2 was organized March 10, 1843; a new No. 3, March 20, 1844; a new No. 4, Nov. 12, 1846; and Jan. 28, 1853, No. 5 was organized, in the north half of section 25, on the petition of seven Indians possessing land on section 25. The school inspectors' records show that from Feb. 6, 1841, to May 27, 1854, the following persons received teachers' certificates: John Fowler, in 1841; Dameras Ellis, in 1843; Mary Jane West and W. T. Orr, in 1845; Sophia E. Standish and Henrietta P. Cooley, in 1847; S. C. Sprague, in 1848; Harriet Pease, Cordelia Warner, and I. S. Geer, in 1849; -- Rich, and Margaret Young, in 1850; Miss Johnson, in 1851; Miss Morley, Miss Newton, Miss A. Hawley, John Evans, and H. H. Bement, in 1853; Mary E. Johnson, Emeline Robinson, and Miss Philancie Hollister, in 1854. The official report for 1879 gives the following statistics touching the township schools: Number of districts (whole, 5; fractional, 2)... 7 " children of school age.................. 387 Average attendance.................................... 340 Value of property..................................... $4350.00 Teachers' wages..........................................$1004.75 The school directors for 1879 were S. Bidleman, James Murray, Robert Newton, Oscar Matthews, Morris Burton, Boyd Craig, and James Cutler. QUIMBY STATION. Southeast of Hastings city, on the railway, is Quimby Station, once a bustling hamlet, but now of much less importance. H. L. Quimby moved thither from Grand Rapids in 1872, erected a mammoth saw-mill, engaged a force of 30 or 40 men, built a score or more of dwellinghouses for them, opened a store, caused a post-office to be established at that point, and, in short, set out to make Quimby a full-blown village. For two years it thrived greatly, but at the end of that time the mill was destroyed by fire, the prosperity of the place came to a sudden halt, and, although the post-office was continued there until 1878, when it was removed to Sheridan, the village has never recovered its former position. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Under a legislative act approved March 6, 1837, townships 3 and 4, in ranges 7 and 8, were organized as the township of Hastings, the name being bestowed in honor of Eurotas P. Hastings, a large land-owner in Barry County. An act approved Feb. 16, 1842, separated from Hastings three townships, and called them respectively Woodland, Carlton, and Castleton, leaving to Hastings the territory of township 3, in range 8. The first town-meeting in Hastings was held at the house of Slocum H. Bunker, April 6, 1838. "A township board was chosen by electing Parsons Rhoads moderator or judge of the election. The meeting also elected Willard Hays clerk of the election." A full list of the officials chosen on that occasion is herewith given: Supervisor, Thomas H. Bunker'; Town Clerk, Willard Hays; Assessors, E. R. Carpenter, Thomas S. Bunker, and Willard Hays; Commissioners of Highways, Slocum H. Bunker, 434 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. --— --- —- -- - - - Jared S. Rogers, Nelson N. Sprague; Collector, Levi Chase, Jr.; School Inspectors, John Kenyon, Frederick Burgess, and Thomas S. Bunker; Constables, Levi Chase, Jr., Harrison Barnum, George W. Fowler; Directors of the Poor, Levi Chase, Jr., Nehemiah Lovewell; Justices of the Peace, George Fuller, Nelson N. Sprague, A. C. Parmalee, Slocum H. Bunker; Pathmasters, John Kenyon, Slocum H. Bunker; Fence-Viewers, Levi Chase, Jr., Harrison Wickham, Zebulon Barnum. The poll-list for 1838 has been lost, but the list for 1839 has been preserved, and from that we have taken the names of the voters in the town that year, as follows, the number being sixty-one: Timothy Loughead. Stephen Barnum. Gamaliel Ingham. John L. McLellan. Jonathan IHaight. Nelson N. Sprague. James McLellan. Stephen Riggs. A. C. Parmclee. Almon Covey. William Hager. David Townsend. Israel Cooper. Ansel Seeley. Elisha R. Carpenter. Levi Chase. Thomas S. Bunker. Lorenzo Mudge. Alexander McArthur. Henry Smith. Iiram J. Kenfield. James Gilson. E. C. Johnson. Isaac Messer. Allen B. Cooper. Otis Racey. Jesse Townsend. Dimmock Bennet. Willard Hays. Jared Rodgers. Elihu Covey. Henry Dake. John Potts. Neheiniah Lovewell. Moses Durkee. Richard Macauley. John Jordan. Harrison Wickham. Charles Galloway. 1Hiram Wood. Norman Doolittle. William P. Wilkinson. Zebulon Barnum. George W. Fowler. Phineas Coe. S. Ilaight. Seth Hull. M. C. Barnum. Joseph Babcock. George Fuller. Slocum H. Bunker. James Gilson, Jr. Daniel McLellan. J. W. Stewart. Samuel Wickham. Center Blood. William A. Moore. Levi Chase, Jr. Lyman R. Covey. Henry 11. Rush. Appended will be found the names of those chosen annually from 1839 to 1880 to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: -75, E. 1I. Lake; 1876, E. Pierce; 1877,,S. E. Phillips; 1878 -79, W. HI. Merrick. TREASURERS. 1839, James McLellan; 1840, no record; 1841, H. A. Goodyear; 1842, A. W. Bailey; 1843-44, Willard Hays; 1845-46, George Fuller; 1847, H. J. Kenfield; 1848, A. W. Bailey; 1849-50, W. IH. Kenfield; 1851-52, W. K. Ferris; 1853, J. Y. McLellan; 1854, W. K. Ferris; 1855, Z. Sidmore; 1856, R. Boss; 1857, I. S. Geer; 1858 -59, G. P. Baker; 1860, William Barlow; 1861, J. W. Stebbins; 1862, II. J. Kenfield; 1863-64, D. R. McElvain; 1865, A. R. Hall; 1866, D. E. Birdsell; 1867-68, H. M. Merrit; 1869-70, J. Bessmer; 1871, H1. M. Merrit; 1872, Eber Lake; 1873, H1. M. Merrit; 1874-76, R. P. Brown; 1877, D. E. Birdsell; 1878, J. Townsend. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1839, P. Coe; 1840, no record; 1841, E. R. Carpenter; 1842, H. J. KIenfield; 1843, D. IH. Daniels; 1844, W. W.Ralph; 1845, H. S. Jennings; 1846, liram Greenfield; 1847, Daniel Cook; 1848, H. Bidwell; 1849, L. W. IIitchcock; 1850, E. D. Alden; 1851, 0. N. Boltwood; 1852, Daniel Cook; 1853, William Burgher; 1854, L. Maltby; 1855, G. A. Smith; 1856, C. G. lolbrook; 1857, Daniel Cook; 1858, William Barlow; 1859, William HI. Burgher; 1860, George A. Smith; 1861, Daniel Cook; 1862, P. Brown; 1863, William Burgher; 1864, J. W. Buckle; 1865, I. S. Geer; 1866, J. W. T. Orr; 1867, D. Cook. CHURCH OF CHRIST IN HASTINGS. This organization, having a church edifice in the northeast corner of the township, was formed in 1875, with 20 members. The church building was dedicated January, 1877. Rev. 0. S. Barnes, the first pastor, remained four years, and was followed by Rev. John Grice, now in charge, who preaches once in four weeks. The membership is now about 35. William Smith, B. F. Wolf, James Farrell, A. I. Barnum, and Dexter Sprague are the trustees; William Smith, Levi Cotton, and Leonidas Farrell the deacons; and B. F. Wolf and James Farrell the elders. B. F. Wolf is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of 50, and employs the services of six teachers. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. GEORGE WHITNEY. George Whitney was born in the town of Parma, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, April 12,1828. He was the son of Joseph Whitney, and was reared on a farm, obtaining a commonschool education. Upon attaining his majority he commenced life for himself. In 1837 the family came to Michigan and settled in Jackson County, where the elder Whitney purchased a farm. Here he resided six years; then came to Carlton, where he resided until his death, vwhich occurred in 1875. Mr. Whitney's first venture in business was in manufacturing shingles; he then went into a saw-mill, in which vocation he became an expert; for eleven years he was in the employ of Ryerson & Hills, proprietors of the Bay Mill, at Muskegon; he worked for this firm eleven years without the loss of a day. In 1876 he came to Hastings, and purchased the farm on which he now resides, a view of which we present on another page. In 1854 he was married to Miss Margaret McMannes, of Grand Rapids; they have an interesting family of eight children. SUPERVISORS. 1839, Thos. T. Bunker; 1840, no record; 1841, Willard Hayes; 1842 -43, A. C. Parmelee; 1844, H. A. Goodyear; 1845, Wm. Upjohn 1846, Willard Hays; 1847, Vespasian Young; 1848-49, Daniel Cook; 1850, II. I. Knappen; 1851, W. S. Goodyear; 1852, A. W. Bailey; 1853, N. Barlow, Jr.; 1854, D. G. Robinson; 1855, G. W. Mills; 1856-57, 0. B. Sheldon; 1858, R. B. Wightman; 1859, J. P. Roberts; 1860-62, D. G. Robinson; 1863, W. Hays; 1864, J. W. Stebbins; 1865, George H. Keith; 1866, D. Striker; 1867, II. A. Goodyear; 1868, S. J. Bidleman; 1869, D. G. Robinson; 1870, D. R. Cook; 1871-77, P. Brown; 1878, 11. G. Carter; 1879, 0. Matthews. CLERKS. 1839, Willard Hays; 1840, no record; 1841, II. A. Goodyear; 1842, II. I. Knappen; 1843, H. S. Jennings; 1844, I. A. Holbrook; 1845, D. H. Daniels; 1846, W. S. Goodyear; 1847, A. W. Bailey; 1848, Willard Hays; 1849, W. S. Goodyear; 1850, G. W. Mills; 1851, I. S. Geer; 1852, G. W. Mills; 1853, N. S. Palmer; 1854, G. A. Smith; 1855, H. Edgcomb; 1856, Willard Iays; 1857-58, A. W. Atkins; 1859-60, J. W. Bentley; 1861, Julius Russell; 1862-63, J. S. Goodyear; 1864, F. D. Ackley; 1865, R. Mudge; 1866-67, George Rice; 1868, J. W. Bentley; 1869, B. Main; 1870, C. E. Barlow; 1871, 0. M. Moon; 1872-73, W. H1. Merrick; 1874 H OP E.* HOPE is a township of lakes and hills. Of the former there are thirty-six, and of the latter a legion. Although a majority of the so-called lakes are no more than goodsized ponds, at least four of them are handsome sheets of water, covering considerable territory. Wall Lake in the southwest is a picturesque object, and rests in the midst of an attractive bit of country. Its waters, extending over fully 700 acres, are deep and clear and well stocked with bass, pickerel, etc. Long Lake, Mud Lake, Gurnsey (or Granger) Lake, and Big Cedar Lake are worthy of notice, both in respect to size and the possession of great numbers of fish. Anglers from afar off favor these localities, and, while the fisherman finds in Hope much sport to entertain him, the people of the township enjoy a plentiful supply of finny specimens, to be had almost for the asking, at their very doors. These lakes were boons to the early settlers in Hope, since fish were exceedingly plentiful and the larder was therefore easily and cheaply filled. In such a region fish stories are of course too numerous to mention, and the tales one hears of wonderful fish having been caught in some of the lakes would fill a good-sized volume. It is, however, true that pickerel and bass of thirty and even forty pounds in weight have been caught in Big Cedar Lake. Although such ponderous specimens have not latterly been taken, there are those who will testify that a pickerel of twenty or twenty-five pounds is not an uncommon catch. It is argued, and with some show of reason, that the presence of so much water in the town materially moderates the temperature of the locality, and that for that reason peaches may be as successfully and extensively cultivated as on the shores of Lake Michigan. Indeed, in some portions of the town there has been something of an awakening on the subject of peach-culture, but the general verdict appears to be that, although the town is well adapted for growing peaches, the business is not likely to be pushed to any great extent until rapid transit by railway becomes a reality. Such a convenience was at one time promised, and came very near to realization in the proposed narrow-gauge road of the Kalamazoo, Lowell and Northern Michigan Railroad Company. The company obtained in Hope, from private subscriptions, several thousands of dollars, and indeed graded the road through Hope, from southwest and northeast, but just then the project stopped for lack of further support, and in that somewhat chaotic condition remains to-day; likely, however, at no distant time to be revived and carried forward to successful completion. Hope sadly needs railway-transportation facilities, for the country is so exceedingly hilly, and part of it so far from the nearest market-town, that the task of conveying his pro* By David Schwartz. ducts to market is to the farmer a very tedious and tiresome one. It is, however, esteemed a good wheat-town, and produces not only a fine average yield to the acre, but so excellent a quality of winter wheat that at some purchasing points it is preferred to wheat from many other localities in Barry County. The early settlers found the town generally covered with heavy timber, with here and there oak-openings. There is considerable timber and swamp-land in the town to-day, but within the past five years a great deal of clearing has been effected, and that work is now going rapidly and briskly forward. Hope consists of townships 2 north, range 9 west, and is bounded on the north by Rutland, south by Barry, east by Baltimore, and west by Orangeville. It has one village, called Cedar Creek, where there is a post-office and the only church-building in the township. THE PIONEERS OF HOPE. Hope was not particularly calculated to attract the Western pioneer while other more desirable towns lay open to the hand of the horny-palmed sons of toil, for it was a rough and miry land in many places. It remained, therefore, utterly untenanted, save by the red man, until the year 1840, when David Bowker led the way to its unbroken wilds and effected a settlement upon section 36. Although the only settler in Hope for about two years, he was, nevertheless, near to other settlers south of him, and in the matter of neighbors was not badly off. He and his family were the only occupants of Hope until the year 1842, when there came accessions in the families of John Southard and his son Amasa, the former making a beginning on section 31, along the town-line, and the latter just north of that point. The Southards remained until 18-6, when John sold to Hiram Tillotson and Amasa to Alvin Graves, both removing to Van Buren County. The John Southard place was occupied in 1868 by Joseph Burge, an emigrant to Barry in 1846, and now a resident of Orangeville. Shortly after the appearance in Hope of the Southards came Jeckanias Mott to section 35. Similarly, all of Hope's early settlers, hesitating to venture into the interior, pitched their tents close to or upon the southern town-line, where they could be within convenient distance of each other. After 1844 people began to move in more freely,-slowly at first, but presently in considerable numbers,-although settlement was exceedingly backward in every part of the township. In 1847 the settlement in Hope was increased by the arrival of the Campbells, a New York family, consisting of the father (James), mother, and twelve children. Campbell had bought 120 acres on section 25, and on that place he lived until his death, in 1857. There were already in the 435 436 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. town, when Campbell came, the families of David Bowker on section 36, Jeckanias Mott on section 35, Alvin Graves on section 26, Harry B. Day on 25, and Hiram Tillotson on 31. Directly after the Campbells came J. Q. A. Johnson, Isaac Le Grange, Thomas V. Robinson, John Larrabee, George W. Baird, Simeon Kingsbury, Leman Chamberlain, John Russell, Tunis Russell, Alson Russell, Silas Bowker, Peter Russell, J. H. Parks, and Solon Dowd. Jeckanias Mott, above mentioned, died in 1847, and was buried in the Barry cemetery. His death is believed to have been the first in Hope. Isaac Graves, who died in 1848, was the first one buried in the cemetery on section 36, where David Bowker had donated an acre for a burialground. Thomas Baird, a son of George W. Baird, was the first white child born in town, and Charlotte, a daughter of Alvin Graves, the first female child, but the date of the birth of neither one can now be given. PRAYING INDIANS. About the time William Campbell came to the township a good many Indians in that portion of the country were taken with a religious fever, and were carefully converted by Bradley and Slater, Indian missionaries, who were located on Gull Prairie, but who moved here and there as occasion pointed the way, to save the souls of the savages. Certain of the Indians who had sat under the persuasive teachings of Bradley and Slater until they had become thoroughly good and pious set out to carry on the good work among themselves unaided. In furtherance of that plan they inaugurated prayer-meeting exercises whenever in camp, and especially upon their camping-ground, near Cedar Creek, their devotional enthusiasm was quite extraordinary. To these prayer-meetings they frequently invited the whites, and always counted upon seeing William Campbell and wife, near whose house their camps were laid, and with whom they maintained pleasant friendly relations. HARD TIMES. Hard times came upon the pioneers of Hlope frequently enough, and particularly hard were the times encountered during the winter. It was often said, in jest, that was, that if a man wintered so that he could in the spring pull a leek out of the ground without falling over backwards, he had wintered exceedingly well. It was also a common understanding that for a certain period in early spring, just after the breaking up of winter, the entire population of the township had no time to do anything except to pull cattle out of the mire and swamps. Money was scarce, and, as there wasn't much in the way of opportunity to earn it at home, many settlers would go miles to work for somebody that had cash, or they would be glad to work even for some one who could pay them in pork, which was gladly carried home over an eight or ten mile pedestrian journey. C. P. Larrabee, the pioneer storekeeper of the township, says he has many a time walked to Battle Creek for a supply of groceries for his store, and walked home again with his stock upon his back. Lem Thomas, a maker of corn-baskets, used to foot it to Yorkville, fourteen miles, with a load of corn-baskets clinging to him, and foot it back again with a 60-pound bag of flour as his re turn-load. The mail-carriers between Cedar Creek and Yorkville not only carried the mail afoot, but were daily charged with commissions from Hope people to bring up packages and all sorts of things; and veracious men even tell the incredible story that on one occasion a mail-carrier went so far as to lug over a keg of nails for a modest member of the settlement. LATER SETTLERS. William Peake and John Brainard, his father-in-law, came to Hope in February, 1854, and girdled a few trees on 160 acres in sections 14 and 15, which Brainard had taken up on a soldier's land-warrant, issued to him by virtue of his services in the war of 1812, in which he was engaged for a space of eighteen months. They came back again in June and made a clearing, and in November of the same year brought their families to the place. The only settler they found in their neighborhood upon their coming, in 1854, was Emory Wilkins, who had pre-empted a piece of land just east of them. Their nearest neighbor on the northeast was Thomas Barber, in Baltimore. South, the nearest was J. N. Chandler, two miles away. The nearest road on the south was the one at Chandler's, and on the east the one to Hastings, which they couldn't reach under a mile's journey. The nearer roads were only Indian trails. The redskins roamed in considerable numbers through those parts, and near the corners of sections 1 and 2 they had their camp in the winter season. Among those who came into the neighborhood soon after Peake and Brainard located were Lyman and Hiram Hickox, Thomas Mosher, and Thomas Lindeman, the latter of whom built a saw-mill on section 10. Hastings was near, but it was very small, and Kalamazoo was the market-town most sought, although it was about thirty miles distant. Money was in demand before returns could be had from the first crop, and to get a little cash for the supply of life's necessaries Peake went as far as Gull Prairie to work through harvest. J. N. Chandler, already mentioned, was from Ohio, and settled in Hope, on section 23, in 1852. At his coming he found on section 25 his brother, Enos P. Chandler, and Hawley Stillson on the place earlier occupied by H. B. Day and John Hults. Solon Dowd, Thomas W. Newton, and Harvey S. Johnson were on section 23, west of him Leman Chamberlain and Silas Bowker, and on section 27, J. Q. A. Johnson (who sold out to L. C. Gesler in 1855) and Lemuel Thomas. Myron Simpson settled about that time on section 27, and in 1854 Harvey Bruce located on section 23. In 1852 " Uncle" Thomas V. Robinson's house, about a mile north of Chandler, that of Harvey S. Johnson, opposite Robinson's, and the Stillson house, on the Bush place, in Hastings town, were the only dwellings on the road fiom Chandler's to IIastings village. The road to Hastings was at best a wild thoroughfare, and those who traveled over it merely kept about the same course, but picked out their route as it best suited them. Do the best he could, Mr. Chandler could not go to mill at Hastings and return in less than about eighteen hours. Usually the start was made about one o'clock in the morning, and the return was not accomplished until after nightfall. HOPE TOWNSHIP. 437 Settlements in the northern portion of Hope were delayed until some years after the southern and other sections began to receive residents. Probably the first to locate in the territory mentioned was Donald McCallum, who ventured as a settler into Orangeville as early as 1838, and who in 1851 moved into Hope, upon section 7. In 1854, Seymour Tillotson made a start on section 3, but in 1855 sold his place to Moses Schults, who, in that year, came in with his brother Joseph. Tillotson's brother-in-law, J. E. Hall, accompanied him to Hope and bought a place on section 3, now occupied by his brother, J. A. Hall, whose advent in the town occurred in 1855, after an eight years' residence in Prairieville. The northern portion of the town was sparsely populated even until a short time ago, and for years after 1850 much of it was a wilderness. Now, however, it is a locality much esteemed by farmers, although there is yet considerable work to be done there in the way of clearing off the timber. Turning next to the southern portion of the township, reference may be made to one George Peak, a colored man, and a survivor of the war of 1812, who, in 1848, settled upon section 28, as did his sons James, Nathaniel, and Thomas, each of whom had a place of his own. When William H. Carpenter, now living on section 29, came to his present home, in 1855, he found the residents thereabout to be Jeruel Phillips and the Peaks, on section 28; Simeon Kingsbury, on section 20; John Townsend, and Lewis and Miner Barnes, on section 29; Gideon Walter, his son-in-law, Horace Eldredge, and Alvin Graves, on section 32; James Stewart and Robert Wood, on section 30; and Rooney Dake, Daniel Axtell, George Tuttle, O. M. Titus (who had come about 1848), Seth Lewis, and Benedict, on section 31. Simeon Kingsbury settled on section 24 in 1851, and in 1853 moved to section 20, where the same year he built a saw-mill. In 1859, John Replogle made his home on section 18, and occupied land on which one Harper had made a small clearing in 1854. In that year Timothy Collins made a location on section 18, and the following year there came new accessions in George Curtis to section 18, and Abram Hayward to section 17. One of the earliest settlers in that neighborhood was a man named Granger, who lived on the banks of what is called on the county atlas Gurnsey Lake, but which was really named Granger Lake, and is so designated on the map in this work. THE RESIDENT LAND-OWNERS IN 1850. From the first assessment-roll made for IIope township in 1850 is taken the subjoined list of resident tax-payers, together with amount and location of each one's land: Acres. Silas Bowker, section 22............................... 160 Geo. W. Baird, " 36..................................... 40 David Bowker, " 36............................... 39 Alva M ott, " 35............................... 160 Isaac La Grange, Jr., section 36......................... 80 W in. Campbell, " 25.......................... 120 Isaac La Grange, sections 26, 35, 22, 36............... 240 John Q. A. Johnson, section 27.......................... 120 Harry B. Day, " 25........................... 120 John C. Russell, " 25........................... 40 Tunis R. Russell, " 24........................... 40 Simeon Kingsbury, " 24.................... 80 Freeman F. Kingsbury, " 24...........................80 Joseph Kingsbury, " 25........................ 80 Acres. Ansel H. Kingsbury, section 25..................... 80 Lemon Chamberlain, " 25.......................... 80 Solon Dowd, " 23......................... 40 Chas. A. Graves, " 14........................... 135 Thos. Robinson, " 14........................... 135 Thos. Peak, " 14........................... 135 Geo. Peak, 28........................... 160 The aggregate value of the taxable real and personal property in Hope for 1850, as equalized by the board of supervisors, was $12,280. TRAGIC EVENTS. The history of Hope is marked by an unusually long list of tragic episodes, in which there appears a list of one murder, two suicides, and six fatal accidents. First in prominence may be noted the killing of Dean S. Tyler, in June, 1878, by John R. Pitts. The testimony taken upon Pitts' trial showed that trouble originated between the two men by reason of Mrs. Pitts leaving her husband and living openly with Tyler. Such conduct scandalized the community, and the members thereof promptly resented it by appearing before Tyler's house one night and decorating Tyler and the woman with coats of tar and feathers. Despite this exhibition of popular disapproval, they continued to live together in the town as usual until one Sunday morning shortly after the demonstration. On that day Tyler, Mrs. Pitts, and Mrs. Pitts' sister set out for a ride to Nashville, and proceeded peacefully upon their journey as far as a place known as the Dead Sea (just north of Cedar Creek), where Pitts, the injured husband, appeared suddenly in the roadway, gun in hand, and without warning shot Tyler instantly dead. Pitts was tried and convicted of murder in the second degree, under which he was sent to the penitentiary for fifteen years, and there he still remains. In the spring of 1877, Henry Jenkins hung himself in a fit of despondency, and John Townsend sought a way out of the world by like means. In March, 1877, Abisha Crossman was riding from Middleville to his home in Hope when, by an awkward mischance, a gun which he was carrying accidentally exploded, and killed him on the spot. While at work in the woods in 1872, George Hazel was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun, and in the same year George Collester was drowned while bathing in Long Lake. In 1873, Wellington Bowker was drowned in a lake in the northern part of the town, and in 1868, George Jenkins, son of Henry Jenkins who hung himself in 1877, was kicked to death by a horse. About 1852 a family named Bird lived on section 13, and one day the parents, going out after marsh-hay, left behind them an infant son, whom for security they locked in the house. During their absence the house took fire, and, burning to the ground, roasted the child alive. His remains, subsequently found near where the front doorway had been, told the pitiful story of his feeble but futile efforts to escape from the devouring flames. EARLY ROADS. The road funds returned from Hope between 1842 and 1849, inclusive, were in 1842, $48.62; 1843, $50.57; 1844, $52.42; 1845, $66.11; 1846, $65.74; 1847, $48.36; 1848, $57.96; 1849, $62.41. 438 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. = = = w... - - =. I,. _ A road to Hastings was of course one of the earliest considerations, and that road, constructed about 1852, was the first important highway acquired. Over that route settlers had previously traveled by way of an Indian trail. It is said that the first team over the route from Cedar Creek to Hastings was an ox-team which was driven over with a number of grists from the neighborhood for the Hastings mill. There was no regular road, but there was a trail to show the course, and Silas Bowker, David Bowker, H. B. Day, Columbus Campbell, Lovinus Campbell, Alvin Graves, and William Campbell accompanied the team for the purpose of cutting out a road. SCHOOLS. The first school-house built in Hope was the Mott schoolhouse, on section 36, included originally in " district No. 3, of the towns of Hope'and Barry." The building occupied a corner in the town-cemetery, and in 1848 the first school was taught in it by Julia Woodward. Her pupils numbered about 20, and included seven of William Campbell's children, four of Silas Bowker's, six of Bunnell's, and two of McNulty's. Among the immediate successors of Julia Woodward as teachers were Julia and Jane Graves, Charles Nichols, and Catharine Campbell. At the first town-meeting in Hope it was resolved " That school district No. 3, in the towns of Hope and Barry, make their annual report to Hope, and draw of Hope the present year, and of Barry the next, and district No. 6 make report to Barry, and draw their books from that town the present year." The report from S. C. Russell, director in school district No. 1, in 1853, set forth that in that year the teacher was Philancy Houster, that she had received $16.25 for thirteen weeks' teaching, that 30 scholars attended the school during the year, and that a school-house was built in the spring of 1853, at a cost of $75. The report for 1858 was as follows: I ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Township 2 north, range 9 west, was a portion of Barry township until 1850, when, by an act of the Legislature, it was given a separate organization and named Hope. The story goes that Salmon C. Hall, then a representative in the Legislature, named the town in remembrance of a peculiar capacity of William M. Campbell for " hoping that things would improve by and by," and the frequency with which he expressed his sentiments in that direction. At the first town-meeting there was evidently some dissatisfaction with the name of Hope, for there appears in the record the entry, " A vote of the township was taken to alter the township name to Cedar Creek." Although the record does not assert such to have been the case, yet it is evident that the Legislature declined to sanction this, since the name of the town has never been anything but Hope. The first town-meeting was held April 1, 1850, and on that occasion the votes cast aggregated 14. The officers then elected were as follows: Supervisor, Silas Bowker; Clerk, H. B. Day; Treasurer, Geo. W. Baird; School Inspectors, Silas Bowker and Tunis Russell; Overseers of the Poor, Geo. W. Baird and H. B. Day; Highway Commissioners, J. E. Russell, Chas. A. Graves, and J. Q. A. Johnson; Justices of the Peace, J. C. Russell, C. A. Graves, J. Q. A. Johnson, and Joseph Kingsbury; Constables, J. Q. A. Johnson and T. R. Russell. David Bowker was chairman of the meeting, H. B. Day clerk, and Thomas V. Robinson and J. Q. A. Johnson inspectors. At the same meeting $80 were voted for township expenses and " past indebtedness." From 1851 to 1880 the elections annually to the offices of supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and justice of the peace have been as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1851-52,-S. Bowker; 1853, J. Stewart; 1854, S. Bowker; 1855, P. Howard; 1856, S. Tillotson; 1857-58, J. E. Hall; 1859-60, S. Bowker; 1861, J. E. Hall; 1862, P. Howard; 1863, J. E. Iall; 1864-66, J. McCallum; 1867, I. A. Osgood; 1868-69, C. B. Dickinson; 1870, J. McCallutn; 1871, C. N. Youngs; 1872, J. McCallum; 1873, C. N. Youngs; 1874-76, A. M. Armour; 1877, M. Walldorff; 1878, C. N. Youngs; 1879-80, C. F. Cock. CLERKS. 1851, N. P. Bunnell; 1852, D. 1. Leonard; 1853, S. Bowker; 1854-55, C. V. Robinson; 1856, E. P. Chandler; 1857, II. Hlickox; 1858, Samuel Tyler; 1859, 11. Hickox; 1860, J. E. Hall; 1861-62, C. B. Dickinson; 1863, S. Dickinson; 1864, G. 11. Abrams; 1865-71, D. S. Tyler; 1872-73, A. M. Armour; 1874-76, D. S. Tyler; 1877, J. C. Coleman; 1878, If. Mosher; 1879-80, J. N. Collester. TREASURERS. 1851-52, Solon Dowd; 1853, G. W. Baird; 1854, D. McCallum; 1855, C. Campbell; 1856, J. E. Hall; 1857, 11. Jenkins; 1858, P. Howard; 1859-61, William Crosby; 1862-63, C. V. Robinson; 1864, C. B. Dickinson; 1865-66, C. V. Robinson; 1867-68, M. Secber; 1869-71, D. A. Bowker; 1872-73, A. Replogle; 1874-75, D. A. Bowker; 1876, M. Walldorff; 1877, I. A. Osgood; 187~-79, J. Kahler; 1880, I. A. Osgood. JUSTICES OF THIE PEACE. 1851, W. Carpenter; 1852, J. Larrabee; 1853, J. Stewart; 1854, J. Q. A. Johnson; 1855, Solon Dowd; 1856, D. Axtell; 1857, no record; 1858, E. P. Chandler; 1859, Solon Dowd; 1860, J. B. Cooper; 1861, J. J. Jackson; 1862, William Gibson; 1863, J. L. Chapin; 1864, J. B. Cooper; 1865, I. S. Bigelow; 1866, W. Gib District. Enum No. 1. " 2. 3. No report. " 4. " 5. " 6. ". 7 " 8. ] loration. Attendance. Teachers' Wages. 48 44 $89.70 23 24 42 14 15 7 32 13 45.38 48.50 35.75 54.30 District No. 3 was organized May 5, 1853. District No. 6 was formed in 1856, and there Rachael Mosher taught the first school, and for two successive terms afterwards. The early school records are not available for elaborate information, and what has been given in the foregoing is about all of possible interest that can be gathered. The annual school report for 1879 shows the following statistics: Number of districts (whole 10; fractional 1)... 11 " scholars of school age................. 415 Average attendance.................................... 361 Value of property................................... $2925.00 Teachers' wages........................................ $1114.50 The school directors for 1879 were Charles Bailey, M. McCollum, H. L. Armour, P. Miller, D. A. Bowker, J. N. Collester, George Haven, S. Sprague, I. N. Consen, and William L. Hall. HOPE TOWTNSHIP. 439 HOETWSHPI3 son; 1867, J. L. Chapin; 1868, K. Martin; 1869, J. N. Callester; 1870, G. I. Vandiburg; 1871, W. Doonan; 1872, William Gibson; 1873, G. M. Hudson; 1874, C. B. Dickinson; 1875, Charles Cock; 1876, W. Gibson; 1877, E. B. Campbell; 1878, I. Replogle; 1879, J. A. Hall; 1880, L. Campbell. THE VOTERS OF 1853 AND 1859. The poll-list for 1853 shows the following voters: Simeon Kingsbury, Solon Dowd, James Stewart, Peter M. Russell, John C. Russell, Joshua Leonard, Peter Shronts, F. F. Kingsbury, William Campbell, John Q. A. Johnson, George W. Baird, Isaac La Grange, Ira Virgil, Lovinus Campbell, Samuel Tyler, Thomas H. Lindeman, Tunis R. Russell, Judd Stilson, Lemuel S. Thomas, Thomas V. Robinson, Lemon Chamberlain, Alva Mott, Ansel Kingsbury, Emerson Sampson, Enos P. Chandler, Charles V. Robinson, Thomas Newton, Abel Draper, Charles A. Graves, Martin Babcock, and Franklin Harper. Under the first registration of voters (1859) the following comprised the poll list: Nathan Adams, Daniel Axtell, Eli Bugbee, Silas Bowker, Lewis H. Barnes, Miner Barnes, Aaron Bunnell, Noah Bowker, David A. Bowker, Harvey Bruce, J. E. Bolyen, George W. Baird, John Brainard, Ira S. Bigelow, Tunis Bennett, John Bennett, E. P. Chandler, W. H. Carpenter, Hiram Card, Jonas B. Cooper, William Crosby, George Curtis, Lovinus Campbell, Jos. N. Chandler, John L. Chapin, Robert T. Campbell, Charles Carpenter, Robert Dinwiddie, Solon Dowd, C. B. Dickinson, Franklin L. Dodge, A. T. Foote, Abram Gordinier, J. E. Hall, J. A. Hall, Peter Howard, David Hinds, Spencer Hurd, Isaac Hurd, John Hinds, Hiram Hickox, William H. Havens, Henry Hinckley, James Hurlburt, John Hine, Gideon Johnson, Hervey S. Johnson, Henry Jenkins, E. P. Kingsbury, Freeman F. Kingsbury, Levi P. Kingsbury, Wellington Kidder, Reuben Keach, Ansel Kingsbury, Simeon Kingsbury, Pardy Ladd, S. H. Larrabee, Merrit Larrabee, John Larrabee, Cyrus P. Larrabee, Aaron Leonard, Seth Lewis, T. W. Lindeman, Joshua Leonard, Alva Mott, John N. Munson, Philip Mellen, Charles Mellen, John McCallum, Donald McCallum, Thomas Mosher, Michael D. Mosher, William J. Martin, T. W. Newton, John Osborn, Jeruel Phillips, Milo J. Phillips, William Peake, Joseph Peters, O. L. Ray, Jas. Ryan, E. K. Robinson, J. R. Robinson, Thomas V. Robinson, Charles N. Robinson, Myron Simpson, Peter Shronts, Jacob Smith, Moses Shults, William Smith, Joseph Shults, J. W. Smith, A. C. Skillman, S. S. Tobey, 0. M. Titus, Seymour H. Tillottson, Orrin Tracy, Samuel Tobey, Seneca Tobey, W. G. W. Tobey, John Townsend, P. H. Turner, L. S. Thomas, D. S. Tyler, S. S. Van Loon, Ira Virgil, George W. Valentine, J. A. West, Milon Walldorff, Marlin Walldorff, Edwin Willison, Aaron Walldorff, W. A. Woodworth. THE OLD BAPTIST CHURCH. Hope's first temple of worship was the Mott school-house, on section 36, where in 1852 Rev. Mr. Johnson organized a Baptist Church, of which the earliest members were David A. Polley and wife, Jesse Hampton and wife, Noah Bowker and wife, Amos Brewster, William Campbell and wife, Richard Stillson and wife, Silas Bowker and wife, Michael Chatterton and wife, Mr. and Mrs. John Bunnell, Mr. and Mrs. Solon Dowd, and Mr. and Mrs. William Moore. Previous to the formation of this society the settlers in that portion of Hope had gone over into Barry to church, but when they had a religious organization at home they endeavored with much spirit to encourage the enterprise. Rev. Mr. Johnson, of Yorkville, who effected the organization, and who frequently preached for the people afterwards, used to say to his Yorkville congregation that they might well learn lessons of Christian energy from the Baptists in Hope, who were so earnest in their attendance upon divine worship that in many instances they would come from a distance of six miles, with ox-teams, to attend Sunday-evening services. Elder Silas Bowker preached a good deal for the church, and with Mr. Johnson performed all the ministerial service during the existence of the church in Hope. Worship was held in the Mott school-house until the structure grew too dilapidated for use, when the place of meetings was transferred to Barry township. About the time of the organization of the Baptist Church a Methodist Episcopal class was formed at the Dowd school-house, but its existence was brief. THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. There are in Hope three United Brethren classes, known respectively as the Cedar Creek, Hope Centre, and North Hope classes. They are on the Cedar Creek Circuit, which is in the charge of Rev. G. H. Shelley. A United Brethren class organized at the Dow school-house in 1859 flourished so well that about 1869 it was decided to make three classes of it. Some of the members accordingly organized a class at Hope Centre, others a class at Cedar Creek, and others still remained as a class at Dowd's Corners. Among the first members of the class at Dowd's were Peter Schronts and wife, L. C. Gesler and wife, A. T. Foot, and Maria Gesler, Peter Schronts being chosen class-leader. Rev. Mr. Jacobs, who organized the class, preached after that once in two weeks for quite a space of time. This class after a brief time was consolidated with that at Cedar Creek. The Hope Centre class, worshiping in the Schronts schoolhouse, has a.membership of 15. The class-leader is Jacob Kahler, and the class-steward Moses Seeber. The Cedar Creek class worshiped in a school-house until 1876, when the present house of worship was built. Luther Brown is the class-leader, H. L. Armour the classsteward, and H. L. Armour, Eugene Campbell, L. C. Gesler, G. H. Shelley, and Henry Newman, the trustees. The church membership is 75, and that of the Sunday-school 40. Luther Brown is the Sunday-school superintendent, George H. Abrams the secretary, and James McDonald, treasurer. The North Hope United Brethren class was organized in 1876, by Rev. Mr. Kilpatrick, with Cyrus Brouse and wife, Lloyd Patterson and wife, and Barbara Tuttle as members. The membership is now 9. William Tuttle is class-leader, and George M. Hudson class-steward. C. H. Stone is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of from 30 to 40 scholars. The class meets in the school-house on section 10, where also a few Second Adventists have meetings once a week. 440 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. OTHER RELIGIOUS BODIES. Besides the religious organizations herein named, the town contains a society known as the Church of God, worshiping at the school-house on section 34, a German society at the Schronts school-house, a Wesleyan Methodist class at the Morey school-house, and a Methodist Episcopal class at the school-house on section 12. The Hope and Rutland Union Sunday-School Institute was organized in August, 1879, for the purpose of advancing the Sunday-school interests of both towns. The five schools attached to the institute at the outset have now increased to seven. The promoter of the enterprise, and president of the institute, is S. T. Wright, the secretary L. T. Patterson, and the treasurer William Cline. HOPE GRANGE, No. 144. This grange, now owning a hall on section 22 and having a membership of 17, was organized with 25 members, and officers as follows: C. N. Youngs, M.; Seneca Larrabee, O.; Daniel Newton, L.; David A. Bowker, Chaplain; D. S. Tyler, Sec.; W. Blackman, Treas. The Masters since the organization, in the order of service, have been C. N. Youngs (three years), John Coleman, George M. Hudson, and C. N. Youngs. The present officers are C. N. Youngs, M.; D. A. Bowker, O.; Mrs. J. A. Hall, L.; George M. Hudson, Chaplain; Conrad Kahler, Sec.; Nicholas Kahler, Treas.; S. T. Wright, Steward; Asa Knowles, G. K.; Mrs. C. N. Youngs, Ceres; Mrs. D. A. Bowker, Pomona. GLASS CREEK GRANGE, No. 425, was organized in May, 1874, in the northwest corner of the town, with 30 members. Paul Blake was M.; William Ellsworth, 0.; V. Reploge, Sec.; Philander Otis, Treas.; and Ira A. Osgood, Steward. The present master is William H. Otis, and the Overseer, George Reploge. CEDAR CREEK VILLAGE. The place known as Cedar Creek, although a village of no extraordinary pretensions, commands considerable trade, and is, moreover, the only milling-point for miles around. The place boasts three stores, a blacksmith- and wagonshop, a turning-lathe, a church, and a grist-mill, with the promise of an additional grist-mill before the close of 1880. The first store in that vicinity, and the pioneer store in the township, was opened in 1855 by C. P. Larrabee, in a house put up by a Mr. Abbott for a dwelling. Larrabee sold out to Wing Willison, but resumed business afterwards, and is still in the trade at Cedar Creek. He came to Hope in 1853 and opened the pioneer blacksmith-shop in the town. The early merchants had to buy their supplies of goods at Battle Creek and haul them home at a heavy expense, for it was very difficult work to get a load even from Battle Creek to Cedar Creek over the rough country that intervened, and it is likely enough that storekeepers' prices at Cedar Creek were expressed in good round figures in those days. The first saw-mill in the township was built by Isaac La Grange in 1849 on Cedar Creek, and in 1863 Simeon McCaffrey and Philander Clark built at Cedar Creek the grist-mill now carried on there. Dr. H. F. Peckham has now in process of construction at the village a steam grist-mill, which will much improve the business condition of the village, since the water-power at that point is failing, and in the summer season is apt to fail completely. Although one Dr. J. W. Barnes came to Hope in 1853, and for two years continued a fairly successful medical practice in the township, he is hardly considered as having belonged to the medical profession, since he was a graduate of no college. Be that as it may, he was called Dr. Barnes, and had a good many patients during his stay. He was a preacher, too, but he was strongly inclined to a loose belief in moral responsibility, and left behind something of an unsavory reputation. Dr. H. F. Peckham was a comer in 1868, and from that time to the present has been in continuous practice in Hope and neighboring towns. Previous to his time one Dr. Crandall was at Cedar Creek a few months, and in 1877 Dr. Henry Webster located, but remained less than a year. Dr. William Smith, now a practitioner at Cedar Creek, studied with Dr. Peckham from 1877 to 1879, when he entered upon practice on his own account. CEDAR CREEK POST-OFFICE. In the year 1850 Cedar Creek post-office was established in Hope, and Isaac La Grange appointed postmaster. Cedar Creek was chosen as a name because Cedar Creek flowed through the neighborhood, and this creek received its name from the presence, at its source, of a cedar swamp. Solon Dowd succeeded La Grange in 1854, and he in turn gave place, in 1856, to C. P. Larrabee. Following thereafter in the order named were Abram Gordonier, John Robinson, I)avid Bailey, Benjamin Stanton, D. S. Murphy, C. P. Larrabee, A. I. Armour, and Charles Wilson, the latter being now the incumbent. The first mail-carrier in the township was William Campbell, who carried the bag afoot, once a week, from Yorkville to Cedar Creek. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. WILLIAM H. CARPENTER. William H. Carpenter was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Feb. 9, 1824. His parents soon after moved to Orleans Co., N. Y., where, in May, 1849, he married Caroline Thompson, also a native of the " Old Empire State," born Nov. 29, 1829. In 1855, Mr. Carpenter came to Michigan, and settled on the banks of Wall Lake, in Hope township, where he still resides, having made for himself and family a pleasant home. His business has been that of a farmer, and all his time has been engaged in improving his farm, except nine months spent in the service of his country. He was drafted Nov. 29, 1864, and served in the Eighth Michigan Infantry, and participated in the battle of Petersburg, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are the parents of five children, all born in Hope, except Agnes, born in Yates, Orleans Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1853; Euphemia, July 29, 1856; William, Oct. 23, 1858; Robert A., May 19, 1861; Josie, April 12, 1869. d4 i~ -1.C K H A I, PROP I,, oll I RESIDENCE OF H. K HA M, M. UD, C.EDA R UREEK HOPEII P VIICH. HOPE TOWNSHIP. 441 I{. F. PECKHAM. MRS. H. F. PECKHAM. H. F. PECKHAM. On this page we will introduce H. F. Peckham, M.D., who was born in 1844 in Madison, Madison Co., N. Y. His father was David R. Peckham, a native of Rhode Island. He removed to Madison Co., N. Y., when he was twenty-six years of age. His occupation was solely to shoe the soleless maidens, and the boys to boot were not forgotten. He was the parent of three children; one of them is a daughter, Mrs. Eda Gardner, of Chenango Co., N. Y. The second daughter is a Mrs. Bouck, of Kent Co., Mich. He also has.a son, Dr. H. C. Peckham, residing in Otsego Co., Mich., who read medicine with his brother, Dr. H. F. Peckham, the gentleman whose portrait heads this sketch. Dr. H. F. Peckham received his early instruction in the district school of his native town. At the age of sixteen he entered the Madison University, of Hamilton, where he remained for three years in the literary department. After having studied with great credit he withdrew from school, and, after an absence of one year, commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Hiram Scran56 ton, of Cortland, N. Y. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa., and entered upon his career as a physician at Chenango Co., N. Y. He lived in this county for two years, and then removed to Cedar Creek, Mich., where he has ever since sedulously attended to his profession. His marriage fortune was made on Oct. 24, 1870. He wooed and won the daughter of T. H. Allen, of Barry County, whose first name is Sarah. She was born in Battle Creek, Mich. The doctor is not a member of any church, but his views are inclined towards the Universalist denomination. He is a Democrat politically, and is a strong partisan. He is a very active leader in his own party. During many campaigns he has spoken in nearly every school-house in Barry County, and his speeches were received with great acclamation. At the present time he is building a mill at Cedar Creek, which will be completed during the coming summer, 1880. I R V I N G.* THIS township, known on the government survey as township 4 north, range 9 west, lies upon the northern boundary of the county, and has upon the north the Kent county-line, upon the south Rutland township, upon the east Carlton, and upon the west Thornapple. Within the limits of the township are 2 villages, 4 post-offices, 6 church buildings, and 12 district schools, so that, as concerns mail, religious, and educational facilities, the provision is abundantly ample. There are some manufactures at Irving and Freeport villages, but agriculture is of course the dependence, and, it may be added, a profitable one. The Thornapple River describes an eccentric crescent in the southwest corner of the township, across which also passes the Grand Rapids division of the Michigan Central Railroad, upon which Irving village is a station. The surface of the country is hilly, and offers many widereaching and pleasing natural prospects. IRVING'S PIONEERS. Upon a 40-acre lot in the southwest corner of section 33, A. E. Bull, a New Englander, made the pioneer settlement in Irving, and the first settlement likewise in Rutland, in which latter town, indeed, he had considerable land on section 5. It was mostly prairie-land, and is to-day known as Bull's Prairie. This trot Mr. Bull purchased as early as 1836, but he did not make any pronounced move towards settling upon it until some time in 1837, when he put up a cabin on the 40 acres in Irving, and entered vigorously upon the work of clearing, fencing, and cultivating his land. Mr. Bull was unmarried, and about the time he began work upon his place he engaged John Henyon to chop for him, and Henyon's wife to keep house and provide the subsistence for his choppers, of whom he had at one time more than twenty. Though Mr. Bull remained a bachelor some years after his settlement in Irving, and though he was away from the township frequently, he continued to preserve his identity as a settler, and that he was in the strict acceptation of the term an active, hardy pioneer cannot be denied. He was, moreover, an industrious surveyor, and laid out many of the early roads in both Rutland and Irving. While still a resident of Rutland, whither he removed his house many years after his settlement in Irving, he died in 1865, during a visit to Massachusetts. Until the spring of 1838, Mr. Bull was the solitary settler in Irving. At that time there came to the township William W. and Velorous Ingraham, two brothers, from New York, and upon section 34, where the Ingraham tavern afterwards stood, and yet stands, they built a log cabin, made a clearing, and by summer had matters in readiness for the * By David Schwartz. 442 reception of their grandfather, father, and brother,-Amos, Frederick, and Orrin L. Ingraham,-all of whom then made their appearance as members of the white settlement in Irving. Frederick Ingraham had bought a place on the hill just east of his son William's farm, but all lived at first with William and his family, he being the only one of the sons married. While living there, Amos Ingraham died, Aug. 11, 1838, and was buried on the farm. He was a good man, and had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Shortly after the State road through Irving was surveyed in 1844, William Ingraham determined to convert his house into a tavern, and by material additions made it a roomy framed structure, as it stands to-day, at the intersection of the two roads, near the town-line, on section 34. He put up a sign, whereon was emblazoned the legend " Ingraham House," and, although business was at first not remarkably brisk, by reason of delay in constructing the State road, the opening of the stage-route between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, vid Hastings, in July, 1846, gave affairs an impetus, and, as the Ingraham House was at one time a point where the stage changed horses, it was then a bustling place of business. Ingrah am relinquished the business of landlord to Silas Smith after the lapse of a few years. Smith was the last landlord the tavern knew, for after his departure the sign was taken down, and, although H. J. Kenfield and Orrin L. Ingraham, who occupied the house successively afterwards, occasionally entertained travelers, the tavern-stand ceased to be such when Smith left it. William W. Ingraham moved from Irving in 1865, and lives now near Battle Creek. Velorous, his brother, died in Irving, and Orrin L. lives in Virginia. Frederick Ingraham lived on his place, east of William's, until his death, in December, 1848. He was by trade a blacksmith, and kept a shop near the Ingraham House, down to the time of his decease. The only representative of the family now in Irving is George W., a son of William, who lives on section 27. During the year 1838 there also came to Irving Daniel Williams and his family, who made their home on section 19. Mr. Williams died in 1874, having a few years previous removed from the town. His son Charles lives near Irving village, on section 31. Until June, 1842, there were no further accessions to the settlements in Irving. A. E. Bull, Daniel Williams, and the Ingrahams were the only settlers, and they were by no means near enough to each other to be more than distant neighbors. At the first town-meeting, in 1840, there were but 7 voters for the two townships, then called Irving. There were but 6 men to occupy the offices, and, as the official positions were to be 21 rn number, the 6 were compelled to "double up" very briskly, as witness: :' ~:u- ;:":R ,;, *% p:I :;:::::;b:- ~~ i:4"~1:-; -~;r(C I, ib tlA 4;;: ~lg '..~I ii.; " ;c;~ r~l:~::;I~:i.c~~i;' '~":::-:11-~1~ ~~~~:~:~:::::::, "-~..-; L i. u:. ~~-~;0~~:: ~..;i..: i" " I::-':';:.:;~~ ~li-:,:::,._;,::::: i-&:~ ~;?~i:.- ____.;~ -1..! ~_!.~: r I:..I-~~i-r::...::::~-::::::~:;i.' ~.~ i'"'f:$l 1 ~-: 54; -— ;....r,~:''::': 'ir;;;:i;''''';;=:,::_;:i. ~~;i:`;: r;:I I: I'~l -I * ~ ~~ i::.i: ~.~ r I O ESI DEN CE OFIJAMES UG. HA N NA, l RVI N., T, MIcH. I IRVING TOWNSHIP. 443 Maj. Mott was chosen assessor, school inspector, justice of the peace, constable, and overseer of highways; Estes Rich was treasurer, assessor, school inspector, highway commissioner, and justice of the peace; A. E. Bull was clerk, school inspector, director of the poor, highway commissioner, and justice of the peace; and Frederick Ingraham was supervisor, director of the poor, highway commissioner, and overseer of highways. Fortunately for the holders, the offices were almost sinecures, since, in the nature of things, there could be but little to do in any of them, save, perhaps, such as were concerned with the highways, else their official tasks would have left them little leisure for labor on their own behalf. Even as to highways, there was at first not much labor or trouble. The character of the country was such that travel was easy through the oakopenings, and roads to almost any point were to be had without difficulty. In the winter of 1841-42, Peter Cobb came from Wayne Co., Mich., where he had been living since 1836, and, as a result of his land-looking expedition, purchased a tract in section 27, and in June, 1842, moved upon it with his family and brother Adna. Upon that place Mr. Cobb has resided uninterruptedly ever since, and is therefore the oldest resident settler in Irving. Following Mr. Cobb, in 1842, came Richard Newell Hanna, who had bought of one Green, a New Yorker, 520 acres on section 33, and 160 on section 28, upon which latter he made his own home, and soon afterwards parceled out his land on section 33 to incoming settlers. He died in 1855. His brother, J. C. Cobb, afterward married his widow, and still occupies the old Hanna farm. The first settler on section 33 was Joseph C. Freeman, who, in 1843, located upon a 40-acre lot, and while building his cabin lodged his family with William Ingraham. Section 33 was then an unbroken wilderness, and received no settler after Freeman until 1845, when Robert McClintock made a settlement. Freeman now lives in Middleville, and the widow of McClintock, aged eighty-four, resides in the same township. William Cole located himself on section 27 in 1843, and in the year 1844 there was a considerable addition to the settlement. Isaac Hendershott, with his son J. J., was among the first, coming in the spring from New York, and making a land-purchase on the southeast corner of section 29. Early in the fall they returned to New York, and brought the rest of the family to the new home in Michigan. Isaac Hendershott's widow, eighty-four years old, lives on the old homestead. J. J., her son, has a home on section 29. He married a daughter of Coben Balch, who, in October, 1844, came from Vermont to Michigan and settled south of the river, on section 32, where he lived until his tragic death, in 1863. The circumstances of the tragedy may be thus told. Mr. Balch visited Grand Rapids, and made his temporary home at the Eagle Hotel, whereof one John Evans was landlord. Balch made some sport of the beefsteak set before him at supper, and remarked upon its extraordinary toughness, giving it as his laughing opinion that the animal from which the steak had been cut must have been a " breaker"-referring, of course, to the hardened physical system of cattle used in breaking I land. This and other similar jocose references a waiter promptly repeated to landlord Evans, and landlord Evans, swelling with rage at the thought that the delicacy of his beefsteak should be questioned, advanced quickly and wildly upon Mr. Balch while the latter still sat at the table, and, falling upon him, so beat, bruised, and maltreated him that from the injuries thus received Mr. Balch died within the ensuing forty-eight hours. Evans was tried, convicted, and sentenced to the State prison for three years, but before the expiration of his term he died. In 1844, too, came William Barton, accompanied by his sons, Willard and Reuben, and his son-in-law, Massena Hopkins. In 1845, L. K. Powers, a settler in Johnstown township in 1840, located upon section 32 in Irving. In the same year D. B. Pratt became a settler in the same section, south of the river, and then also John Texter and his fatherin-law, John Wagnrer, from Ohio, bought 160 acres on section 35, but made no permanent settlement until 1847, when they returned to the township after a brief absence in Ohio. Michael Strasbaugh accompanied them in 1847, but after a residence of two years in Irving retsoved to Carlton, whither he was followed three years later by Wagner. In 1846, Geo. K. Beamer, of Western New York, bought of R. N. Hanna a farm on section 33, and that year Harmon Wilcox settled upon section 32. Elizur Lusk located land upon section 30 in 1844, but did not occupy it until a few years afterwards. Until 1848 settlements in Irving were confined almost entirely to the vicinity of the southern town-line, while north of Peter Cobb's the township had not been penetrated by the pioneer in any direction. About the year named there was a small colony of Indian farmers on section 6, where they had purchased government land and set about improving and cultivating it. Their attempts, like similar attempts by other redskins in other townships, resulted in the overwhelming conviction that whatever the noble red man might be fitted for he was assuredly not fitted to be a farmer, so after brief and disastrous experiments they gave up the task and returned to a nomadic and more congenial state of existence. In 1848, Sylvanus Travis moved to section 29, and in 1849, Wm. Moulton made a stand still farther north, upon section 23, where he bought a place of William Cole, the patentee. In 1849, Benjamin J. Trego, with a family of seven children, settled upon 160 acres on section 34, previously occupied by Q. H. Gorton, who had cleared about 20 acres. Of Mr. Trego's children John and Benjamin J. are living on the old place, Wm. C. on the same section, and D. R. in Rutland. In 1849, J. M. Walker settled on section 27, and in 1851 settlements in the northern part of the township began in earnest. In that year John E. Archer, who had married in Ohio the daughter of Isaac H. Huyck, killed in the Mexican war, moved upon 160 acres, in section 13 of Irving, belonging to Huyck's widow under a soldier's land-warrant. The widow herself came out in 1852, and still lives in the town. When Archer settled upon section 13, in 1851, there was nobody north of him. West were S. W. Chase, Thomas McConnell, and John Taney. With Archer came also H. G. Jones, who settled upon section 12, and Foster Sisson on section 14. Sisson's widow married Una Bare, and 444 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Peter Wibert, who came from Ohio in 1860, married Archer's widow, and lives now on the old Huyck place. It was in 1851 that the considerable German settlement now in the northeastern portion of Irving was founded. Conrad Beeler and Charles, his brother, who had been living in Ohio since 1833, came to Irving, and located land not only for themselves, but for Jacob Schmelicher as well, who made a settlement in 1854. After that John Reuter, Gottlieb Nagler, and other Germans followed into the neighborhood. The members of this German community are thrifty farmers, and support a church now endowed with a flourishing membership of 40. A. H. Bates, H. G. Wood, and Silas Wood were among the settlers in Irving in 1851; Patrick Ryan in 1853, upon a place formerly occupied by James McNutt; James Brew in 1854; W. C. and E. L. Gott and Thomas Lucas in 1855; A. J. Gott and John Hammond in 1856; Henry Kohler in 1857, upon a place earlier improved by Samuel Gibbs; Miles Engle (who moved with his father to Michigan in 1835) in 1858, on a place first settled by his stepfather, Wm Boden, whose wife is still living in the town at the age of eighty-five; and J. R. Johnson il 1859, on a farm earlier owned by David Hall. FIRST BIRTH AND DEATH. The first born in Irving, among the white settlers, was George W., son of William W. Ingraham, the date of whose birth was Dec. 5, 1839, and the place the old Ingraham house. George Ingraham still lives in Irving, on section 27. The first death in the white settlement was that of Amos, father of Frederick and grandfather of William W. Ingraham. He died Aug. 11, 1838, and was buried on William Ingraham's place, whence his body was removed some years later to the cemetery laid out in that neighborhood in 1846. The first burial in that cemetery occurred Jan. 1, 1847, when the wife of William Cole was laid to rest. In that cemetery lie now the remains of one Revolutionary soldier, Amos Ingraham; of two soldiers of the war of 1812, Robert McClintock and Isaac Hendershott; of one soldier of the Mexican war, James Darling; and three soldiers of the war of 1861-65, James Travis, Henry Wing, and Jasper Lusk. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Under a legislative act approved April 17, 1839, township 3 north, range 9 west, previously a part of Yankee Springs, and township 4, range 9, then belonging to Thornapple, were set apart as one township, and called Irving in accordance with the request of A. E. Bull, who, being an ardent admirer of Washington Irving's works, wished thus to honor that author.* By an act approved March 16, 1847, township 3 was set off and named Rutland, leaving to Irving the territory it now occupies. The first township-meeting was held at the house of A. E. Bull, April 6, 1840, when Frederick Ingraham was chosen moderator, A. E. Bull poll-clerk, and Estes Rich, A. E. Bull, Major Mott, and William W. Ingraham in* This act was repealed and then restored. See page 50 of the general history. spectors of election. A full list of the town officials elected at the first meeting, the total number of votes being but seven, is as follows: Supervisor, Frederick Ingraham; Clerk, A. E. Bull; Treasurer, Estes Rich; Assessors, Estes Rich, Maj. Mott, William W. Ingraham; Collector, Maj. Mott; School Inspectors, A. E. Bull, Estes Rich, Maj. Mott; Directors of the Poor, Frederick Ingraham, A. E. Bull; Highway Commissioners, Frederick Ingraham, Estes Rich, A. E. Bull; Justices of the Peace, Estes Rich, Maj. Mott, A. E. Bull; Constables, D. P. Ingraham, Maj.Mott; Overseers of Highways, Maj. Mott in road district No. 1, composed of town 3, and Frederick Ingraham in road district No. 2, composed of town 4. The supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace elected annually from 1841 to 188) are herewith named: SUPERVISORS. 1841, F. Ingraham; 1842-13, Estes Rich; 1841, F. Ingraham; 1845, Peter Cobb; 1846, J. W. Stebbins; 1847-18, G. K. Beamer; 1849, Coben Balch, Jr.; 1850, no record; 1851, Coben Balch; 1852, no record; 1853, G. K. Beamer; 1854, R. N. Hanna; 1855, Coben Balch; 1856, Peter Cobb; 1857, L. K. Powers; 1858, P. Cobb; 1859, J. W. Torr; 1860, O. L. Ingraham; 1861-62, J. M. Walker; 1863-64, J. C. Hanna; 1865-66, P. Cobb; 1867-68, J. J. Hendershott; 1869, N. M. Hinckley; 1870, J. J. Hendershott; 1871-72, P. Cobb; 1873-76, A. J. Walker; 1877-78, A. Matthews; 1879, A. J. Gott. CLERKS. 1841-42, Maj. Mott; 1843, F. Ingraham; 1844, Charles Kellogg; 18453 Adna Cobb; 1846, A. E. Bull; 1847, I. Hendershott; 1848, A. E. Bull; 1849, J. M. Darling; 1850, no record; 1851, T. S. Hills; 1852, no record; 1853, I. Hendershott; 1854, J. L. Hendershott; 1855, J. M. Walker; 1856, B. J. Hendershott; 1857, S. M. Smith; 1858, A. J. Walker; 1859, A. G. Eggleston; 1860, J. M. Walker; 1861, A. G. Eggleston; 1862, A. J. Walker; 1863 -65, D. D. Darling; 1866, S. M. Smith; 1867-68, H. W. Reid; 1869, G. W. Ingraham; 1870-72, A. J. Walker; 1873, R. A. Fuller; 1874, M. F. Jordan; 1875, Charles Judd; 1876, R. Woolcott; 1877-79, R. H. Billingsley. TREASURERS. 1841, Estes Rich; 1842, F. Ingraham; 1843-44, Daniel Williams; 1845-46, I. Hendershott; 1847, W. W. Ingraham; 1848, I. Hendershott; 1849, Peter Cobb; 1850, no record; 1851, John Norton; 1852, no record; 1853, Jacob Jordan; 1854-58, John Norton; 1859, J. L. Sisson; 1860, Z. D. Hinkley; 1861, B. J. Itendershott; 1862, H. Sisson; 1863, S. Travis; 1864-65, A. J. Gott; 1866, W. M. Wood; 1867, W. H. Johnson; 1868, P. H. Segar; 1869, W. IH. Johnson; 1870-71, J. L. Sisson; 1872, 0. Matthews; 1873, J. Trego; 1874, J. J. Trego; 1875, A. J. Gott; 1876-77, J. C. Hanna; 1878, P. Cobb; 1879, J. Trego. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1841, W. W. Ingraham; 1842, Maj. Mott; 1843, F. Ingraham; 1844, Estes Rich; 1845, Peter Cobb; 1846, D. B. Pratt; 1847, I. Hendershott; 1848, R. N. Hanna; 1849, Peter Cobb; 1850, no record; 1851, D. B. Pratt; 1852, no record; 1853, John Norton; 1854, G. K. Beamer; 1855, Peter Cobb; 1856, J. W. T. Orr; 1857, J. S. Magoon; 1858, 0. Yerenton; 1859, P. Cobb; 1860, S. W. Chase; 1861, A. Hubbard; 1862, E. II. Mosier; 1863, M. C. Cranston; 1864, Z. D. Hinckley; 1865, J. C. HIanna; 1866, M. D. Burr; 1867, L. B. Hills; 1868, Stephen Travis; 1869, J. M. Wood; 1870, P. H. Segar; 1871, L. B. Hills; 1872, A. J. Gott; 1873, Asahel Hubbard; 1874, Allen Matthews; 1875, John Reuter; 1876, J. Hendershott; 1877, Wiliiam Gibbs; 1878, H. C. Peckham; 1879, I. Cunningham. THE POLL-LIST OF 1844. At the annual election in 1844 votes were cast by W. B. Seymour, Samuel Hopkins, S. B. Hopkins, William W. IRVING TOWNSHIP. 445 Ingraham, Charles Kellogg, V. D. Ingraham, Henry King, J. C. Freeman, Ira Shipman, M. W. Henyon, R. N. Hanna, Estes Rich, Peter Cobb, C. H. Brewer, George B. Manchester, David Rork, Daniel Williams, Frederick Ingraham. THE POLL-LIST OF 1848. This list included the names of A. E. Bull, James McNutt, Daniel Williams, Morris Germond, Frederick Ingraham, Massena Hopkins, Velorous Ingraham, Joseph C. Freeman, L. K. Powers, D. B. Pratt, Joseph McClintock, Willard Barton, L. C. Balch, George N. Cooley, Owen Henry, J. S. McClintock, William Barton, John Texter, Michael Strausbaugh, Q. H. Gorton, John Norton, R. N. Hanna, William W. Ingraham, Harmon Wilcox, Peter Cobb, Coben Balch, Geo. K. Beamer, William Cole, John J. Hendershott, and Isaac Hendershott. JURORS IN 1841. In May, 1841, the grand jurors drawn were Frederick Ingraham, Maj. Mott, and the petit jurors Estes Rich and William W. Ingraham. EARLY ROADS. In 1840 the road-tax aggregated an assessment of four hundred and sixty-nine and a quarter days, of which sixtyseven and a half days were worked out on the highways. The same record sets forth that " $97.75 were received from the county treasurer, and let the same out in jobs." In 1840, A. E. Bull (who surveyed many of Irving's early roads) surveyed a road commencing "at the corners of sections 12 and 13, in town 3 north, range 10 west, and sections 7 and 18, in town 3 north, range 9 west, near Maj. Mott's house; thence due east on the section-line 75 rods to a stake; thence north 45~ east 34 rods; thence north 55~ east 218 rods; thence north 47~ east 41 rods to the southeast corner of A. E. Bull's land; thence north 47~ east 56 rods to the north-and-south State road." This was the first survey recorded in the township. Oct. 12, 1840, there was a survey of a road commencing at a point in the section-line 136 rods east of the corners of sections 4, 5, 8, and 9, in town 3 north, range 9 west, running thence on the aforesaid section line 136 rods to the aforesaid corners; thence north 45~ west 78 rods; thence north 66~ west 27 rods; thence north 77~ west 34 rods, there to intersect a road leading from A. E. Bull's to Maj. Mott's. That portion of the State road (" passing from Battle Creek by way of Hastings, to where the Kalamazoo and Grand River road crosses the county-line between the counties of Kent and Barry") lying in Irving was surveyed March 8, 1844. This road was, however, not opened as a stage-route until July 1, 1846, when Heman I. Knappen, of Hastings, put on a line of stages between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, and carried the mail. Knappen was a brisk, stirring sort of man, and urged the completion of the road upon the citizens of Hastings with a good deal of energy. When questioned as to the kind of a road he expected to make, he caused a little astonishment and some ridicule by averring that it would be a road over which he would " trot clear through," for roads on which a pair of horses could trot were exceedingly rare in that country and in those days. That part of the road passing through Irving was well-nigh a natural highway, since the oak-openings were open enough to afford vehicles ready access in almost any direction. In 1841 the road assessment in district No. 1 was two hundred and eighteen and a half days, of which but twenty. five and a half days were worked, and in district No. 2, where the assessment was one hundred and twenty and a half days, the work done amounted to but nine and a half days. The township treasurer's report, rendered March 22, 1842, recited his assets as follows: Notes for road purposes................................ $29 Received of the county treasurer..................... 7.50 Amount of taxes received in township orders (not any money received)......................... 44.51 Total............................................. $81.01 SCHOOLS. On the 10th of June, 1844, G. B. Manchester and Chas. Kellogg, school inspectors of Irving township, issued a notice to Estes Rich that school district No. 1 had been formed of the southeast, southwest, and northwest quarters of section 3, the northeast, northwest, and southwest quarters of section 10, the whole of sections 9, 4, and 5, the northeast and northwest quarters of section 8, and the east half of section 6, in town 3 north, range 9 west, and sections 33 and 32, the east half of' section 31, the south half of section 29, and the south half of section 28, in town 4 north, range 9 west. The first meeting in said district was directed to be held June 22d, at the house of M. W. Henyon. District No. 2, organized August 31, 1844, included portions of Irving and Thornapple, and was called a fractional district in Irving. May 17, 1844, "district No. 1, of Irving and Yankee Springs," was formed, and Oct. 8, 1845, district No. 2 was reorganized as a whole district in Irving. The order of organizing other districts is thus given: No. 3, Dec. 14, 1850; No. 4, in 1852; No. 5, April 29, 1854; No. 6, April 29, 1854; No. 7, Dec. 17, 1859; No. 8, May 31, 1860; No. 9, ip July, 1862; No. 10, April 21, 1866; No. 11, Feb. 5, 1870; No. 12, Nov. 12, 1870. Although district No. 1 was organized, as has been seen, more than a year before district No. 2 was formed, the latter was the first to have a school-house, which was built, in 1846, on section 33. The school inspectors' records make no reference to appointments of teachers previous to April 18, 1853. when it appears Martha P. Balch and Eliza J. Dennis were employed May 4, 1853. Martha Messer was given a certificate, and November 5th, the same year, A. D. Rork, Sarah Wooley, and Lucy Archer were appointed. Among later teachers (to November, 1857) appear the names of Mary E. Strasbaugh, Thomas Coyle, Amelia Smith, and Emeline Henyon. The official school report for 1879 presents the following statistics: Number of districts....................................... 12 " scholars of school age.............. 527 Average attendance................................. 438 Value of property..................................... $5900 Teachers' vagles..............::.:.....$..... $392...... i 392 446 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I The school directors for 1879 were C. T. Barton, I. M. Cunningham, R. Billingsley, John Fighter, T. C. Alverson, M. Yearington, J. Teeple, Farrel Burns, Emanuel Bcrgy, William Mugridge, H. Wilcox, and W. Calkins. IRVING POST-OFFICE. The first post-office established in Irving was one of the results of the opening of the stage-route between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids via Hastings, July 1, 1846. It was located at the house of A. E. Bull (who was appointed postmaster), and called Irving. In 1847 the office was transferred to R. N. Hanna, and in the same year G. K. Beamer, being appointed deputy, kept the mail at his house, and in 1848 was himself appointed postmaster. He was succeeded in 1855 by L. K. Powers, who retained the office at his house until 1865, when it was removed to Irving village, and Asahel Hubbard was appointed his successor. In 1869 the office passed into the possession of F. L. Blake, the present incumbent. NORTH IRVING POST-OFFICE was established in 1858, when Peter Cobb was appointed postmaster, and as such he has remained continuously to the present. FILLMORE POST-OFFICE was established in 1867, and named as a compliment to Millard Fillmore. D. D. Darling, the present postmaster, has been in charge of the office from the first. FREEPORT POST-OFFICE has existed since 1878, when the present postmaster, Samuel Roush, was appointed. North Irving, Fillmore, and Freeport receive each a daily mail over the route from Hastings to Lowell, in Kent County. IRVING'S DOCTORS. The history of the medical profession in Irving may be recited briefly in the statement that the first physician to locate in Irving village was E. M. Rosencrans, who remained but a year. He was followed by Dr. S. Robinson; then came Dr. L. E. Haskins for a short stay, and in 1878 arrived Dr. J. Lamoreux, the only physician now practicing in the village. In Freeport, Dr. H. C. Peckham opened an office in 1878, and closed it in 1879, when Dr. L. E. Haskins, now the only physician there, occupied the field. RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. THE IRVING METHODIST CLASS. The pioneer religious organization of Irving was the Irving Methodist Episcopal class, organized in 1847, at the school-house on section 33, by William Sprague, presiding elder. The class was in Hastings Circuit, on which Rev. T. B. Sprague was the preacher. The members of the class were Peter Cobb (leader), Hannah Cobb, J. W. Bradley, Sarah Bradley, Polly Bradley, Julia Ingraham, Sylvenus Travis, Zilpha Travis, Lydia Ingraham, Eleanor Rich, and Rosamond Ingraham. At first there was preaching once in four weeks, and for about fifteen years, while the class remained on the Hasting Circuit, opportunities for public I worship were not more frequent. Upon the transfer, however, of the class to the Irving Circuit, services were held fortnightly, and such has been the measure to the present time. The Irving Circuit includes now two points in Irving, one in Yankee Springs, and two in Rutland, and is in charge of Rev. John McAllister. The Irving class, with a present membership of 30, has enjoyed regular services uninterruptedly since 1847, and since that time Peter Cobb has been continuously the class-leader. ZION METHODIST EPISCOPAL (GERMAN) CHURCIH. A German Methodist Episcopal class was organized about 1858 at the school-house on section 14, and included the fanilies of Jacob Schmelicher, Conrad Beeler, and John Reuter, Conrad Beeler being the class-leader. There was preaching once in three weeks by supplies from Grand Rapids. In 1860 a church was built on section 2, and, although it was not fully completed until 1869, it was occupied from 1860 forward. Rev. Mr. Bertrand, of Grand Rapids, was the first pastor after the occupation of the new church, and since him the pastors have been Rev. Messrs. Yahrhaus, Behrens, Grille, Buttenbaum, Mains, Herzog, Weber, Mattae, Schunp, Kern, and Heidemyer, the latter being now the pastor, and preaching once a week. After Conrad Beeler, the class-leader was John Reuter, and in 1869, Gottleib Nagler, the present leader, was appointed. The membership is now 42; the trustees are Conrad Beeler, August Gush, Jacob Schmelicher, Sr., Jacob Schmelicher, Jr., Gottleib Nagler, John Timm, and Ernst Gush. EAST IRVING CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Jan. 12, 1868, Rev. S. H. Smith organized a Wesleyan Methodist class in the school-house on section 14. The members were Philip Segar, Steward; William Moulton, Leader; Mary Moulton, Eliza Fowler, Daniel Sparks, Francis Ruckle, Anna Jones, Mary Slocum, and B. Eckert. Revs. Richards, Bliss, Selleck, Ross, and Jones were the ministers who succeeded Mr. Smith until the summer of 1877. At that time, the project of building a church being agitated, William Moulton essayed to push the matter forward, and upon his individual responsibility undertook the task of putting up the edifice, trusting to the support of the members of the class as the work went on. He was, however, disappointed in this expectation, and, receiving no aid from that quarter, found himself with an unfinished house of worship on his hands. In this emergency he determined to organize a Congregational Church, provided the Congregational Union would supply the funds necessary for the completion of the building, and, this being pledged, the East Irving Congregational Church was straightway organized by Rev. J. B. Jones (previously pastor of the Wesleyan class) with 18 members. Jacob Wolf and George Coulter, now deacons, were chosen in 1877. Rev. Mr. Jones is still the pastor, and the pastor likewise of the Congregational Church at Freeport. The membership is now about 20. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF IRVING. A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at Irving village in 1868 by Rev. S. P. Hewitt, the then preacher on the Irving Circuit. George Brown, chosen first class-leader, IRVING TOWNSHIP. 447 continued to serve as such until 1879, when he was succeeded by Frank Campbell, the present leader. Following Hewitt, the pastors were Revs. Marsh, Parker, Hayes, Browning, Whitmore, and John J. McAllister, who is now on the circuit. Worship was held in the village school-house until 1877, when the present handsome brick church edifice was erected, at a cost of $3000. The trustees are Enoch Sylvester, John Texter, Frank Campbell, Harmon Wilcox, William Cridler. William Cridler is superintendent of the Sunday-school. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF IRVING. The first public religious services in Irving village were held about 1854, by Rev. Mr. Waldo, a Congregationalist, in a building put up by L. B. Hill, for a chair-factory, and subsequently used for a grist-mill. About that time and subsequently, Rev. Mr. Tapley, a Wesleyan Methodist, Rev. Mr. Osborne, a Baptist, and Rev. Mr. Kidder, a Congregationalist, held occasional services in the village. Previous to 1870 the pastors of the Presbyterian Church at Hastings used to preach in Irving once in two weeks, but in the year mentioned the minister of that church concluded to confine his labors to Iastings, whereupon the Presbyterians at and near Irving requested Rev. D. B. Campbell to organize a church there, and to become the pastor. He was commissioned a home missionary Oct. 1, 1870, and Jan. 1, 1871, with Rev. T. D. Marsh and Ruling Elders J. P. Roberts and Richard Young, effected the desired organization at Irving. The members numbered 16, and until April 20, 1877, the church prospered more or less, but at that time it was resolved to dissolve the organization with a view to the formation of a Congregational Church. On the 13th of the ensuing May, accordingly, Rev. Levi Warren, of Grand Rapids, superintendent of Home Missions for the American Missionary Society, preached in the Irving school-house preparatory to the organization of a Congregational Church, and on that occasion F. L. Blake, G. K. Beamer, and A. E. Bull, were appointed a committee to call for an ecclesiastical council. May 20th a confession of faith was adopted, and May 25th the organization was completed by the admission of members, as follows: F. L. Blake, Mary E. Blake, Patience Teeple, Lucy C. Teeple, Mrs. Saloma Bierce, and Mary E. Hendershott, from the Wesleyan Methodist Church; J. J. Hendershott, Martha Hendershott, Nancy J. Dudley, Eliza J. Lee, James C. Hanna, Lucena Hanna, George K. Beamer, A. E. Bull, Anna J. Beamer, Lydia Ann Bull, D. B. Pratt, Violetta L. Gardner, Isabella Campbell, Marietta Campbell, and Euphemia M. Hoyt, from the Presbyterian Church; Emma M. Campbell, from the Protestant Episcopal Church; and Mary T. Gibbs, Catharine T. Hendershott, W. S. Gibbs, H J. Dudley, Mrs. Clara Dow, Miss Lizzie J. Nash, Mrs. Alice M. Dudley, and Miss Minnie Lee on profession. A. E. Bull, F. L. Blake, and G. K. Beamer were chosen deacons, and April 9, 1878, the church joined the Grand River Conference. The church building now in use was built at the cost of $4000, and finished in September, 1878. The first services therein were at a meeting of the Sundayschool, September 8th, on which occasion the first prayer was offered by G. K. Beamer, and on September 22d, Rev. W. S. Bugbey preached the first sermon, the edifice being dedicated on the 19th of the following November. Rev. Mr. Moore preached as supply until the engagement of Rev. W. S. Bugbey, the present pastor, who preached also at Middleville. The Irving Church has now a membership of 30. The deacons are G. K. Beamer, F. L. Blake, and J. C. Hanna. The Sunday-school is in charge of G. K. Beamer, assisted by five teachers, and has an average attendance of 40. THE FREEPORT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was organized May 27, 1877, by Rev. I. B. Jones, with 21 members. P. H. Segar and J. H. Adams were chosen deacons, and are still in office. The church now occupied was begun in 1877, dedicated July 27, 1879, and cost $2500. The trustees are P. H. Segar, J. H. Adams, and Marcus B. Childs. The church membership is 28. TIHE FREEPORT UNITED BRETHREN CLASS, now worshiping in the Methodist Episcopal church, was organized by Rev. Mr. Lane, in 1877, as a revival of a United Brethren class, which had been worshiping in the neighborhood. There were 8 members, of whom Freeman Fish, the present class-leader, was then chosen leader. There are now 24 members. Rev. Mr. Stimpson, on the Bowne Circuit, preaches once a fortnight. TIHE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF FREEPORT was organized in the summer of 1878 with but 6 members, and since then has not grown very materially in strength. There is preaching every Sunday by Rev. F. I. Bell, of Bowne Centre. Elisha Jennings is the classleader. The trustees are Elisha Jennings, Mrs. Susan Jennings, John Freeland, Geo. Salsbury, J. A. D. Vore, and Mrs. J. A. D. Vore. IRVING GRANGE, No. 52, was organized Aug. 13, 1873, with 18 members. J. J. Hendershott was chosen first Master, and served through '73, '74, and '75, followed in order by John Campbell, J. C. Hanna, and Isaac Cunningham to 1879, when he was again elected. The chief officers at present are J. J. Hendershott, M.; J. C. Hanna, Sec.; B. B. Travis, O.; Allen Matthews, L.; Wm. A. Moore, Chaplain; James Brew, Treas. The membership is now 23. Regular sessions are held in Grange Hall, at Irving. IRVING VILLAGE. In 1832, L. B. Hills, of New York, settled in Wayne Co., Mich., and in 1849 bought six 80-acre lots on the Thornapple River, in Irving township, where Irving village now stands. The fine water-power at that point induced him to make the purchase, and in July, 1849, he let the contract for building a dam. In 1851 he put up a sawmill and himself carried it on. Then too came William Gibbs, a blacksmith, and presently Mr. Hills made a bold push forward by the erection upon the river in 1853 of two buildings, intended respectively for a chair-factory and a foundry. These latter projects, however, were not carried out, and in October, 1854, Asahel Hubbard, coming to the 418 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. place, purchased a half-interest in the water-power, and, in conjunction with Hills, converted the proposed chair-factory into a grist-mill, with two run of stone. Hills & Hubbard were the mill proprietors for a few years after that, when Hills disposed of his interest to Jeremiah Hendershott. In 1871, Hubbard & Hendershott erected the mill now carried on at Irving by Gardner, Campbell & Co. It contains five run of stone, represents an investment of upwards of $30,000, and is accounted one of the finest mills in Michigan. Its capacity is about 150 barrels of flour daily, and, besides doing a large business in custom-work, it ships a great deal of flour to Europe as well as to the New England markets. Irving village was surveyed by L. B. Hills in 1859, but when the water-power and milling interests passed to the control of Mr. Hubbard the place came to be known as Hubbardville, and as such is popularly known even now, although the post-office and railway-station have always been known as Irving. Mr. Hubbard opened the first village store in a portion of his residence in 1859, but the first full-stocked general store was the one opened in 1861 by F. L. Blake, and still kept by him. In 1865 the post-office at Power's, east of the village, was transferred to Irving; in 1868 the railway now passing through the place was completed. FREEPORT VILLAGE. In 1874 there was a promising prospect that the Kalamazoo, Lowell and North Michigan Railroad would be completed, and, indeed, the grading of a major portion of the route was assured. The line crossed the northeastern corner of Irving township, on section 1, where M. S. and Samuel Roush owned land upon which they conceived the project of laying out a town, and so, in November, 1874, they platted the present village of Freeport. The only business enterprise there at that time was M. S. Roush's saw-mill, which was at once reinforced by a store building erected by Reigler & Roush, who built also a second one, and leased it to J. H. Herrington. Although the railway enterprise failed to culminate, Freeport pushed forward, and, still hoping for a railway at no distant day, is a smart vil lage, containing three stores, two churches, the handle and rake-factory of Job Cheesbrough, where sixteen people find employment, a wagon-shop, hotel, etc. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. JAMES C. HANNA. James C. Hanna was born in the town of Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1815. He was the son of James and Elizabeth (Barton) Hanna, who reared a family of twelve children. James resided at home until he attained his majority, when he entered the employ of David R. Barton, of Rochester, in the manufacture of edge-tools. With Barton he remained three years, when he engaged in the manufacture of scythes and axes at Avon, N. Y. This venture proved unremunerative, and he was next engaged in farming near Geneseo, N. Y. But farming, owing to his limited means, was not a satisfactory pursuit in a pecuniary way, and after two years of unproductive labor he became a boatman on the Erie Canal. In the spring of 1856 he came to Michigan, and settled in the township of Irving, where his elder brother, Richard N., had settled in 1842; here he has since resided, and in many ways has identified himself with the development of the town. In his political affiliations he is a Greenbacker, and in religion a Congregationalist. Although not seeking political preferment, he has filled many positions of trust and responsibility, notably that of supervisor, town treasurer, and justice of the peace. Mr. Hanna has been thrice married,-first to Miss Margaret Kimbark, of Livingston Co., N. Y. She died in 1854, and in 1859 he married his brother's widow, whose decease took place in 1877; and in 1879 he was again married, to Miss Anna Powers. Mr. Hanna is truly a representative man, and stands high in the respect and esteem of all who know him. He is the architect of his own fortune, and has secured a well-earned competency. I A. (. U EWEY, EUS q. JOHNSTOWN TP., BARRY CO.,MICH. JO H NSTOW N.* JOHNSTOWN was named in honor of John Mott, a Quaker preacher, who lived in Jackson Co., Mich., and who, at an early day, purchased a large tract of land in the southeastern part of Barry County, intending to send a colony of " Friends" thither. The project, however, was abandoned, and the land was subsequently sold. As Mr. Mott, in accordance with Quaker customs, was generally called "John" by his brethren in the faith, early settlers and land-seekers referred to this locality as John's Town. Consequently, when the county was divided into four townships, in 1838, the southeastern one received the name of Johnstown. In 1844 this township was divided, the western half retaining the old name. In 1849 the northern half was set off under the name of Baltimore. Unless when it is otherwise stated, the name of "Johnstown" will be applied in these pages to the district of which that township now consists, viz., survey-township No. 1 north, in range 8 west. NATURAL FEATURES. Johnstown is divided into two almost equal parts by a series of lakes which, with their outlets, extend from near the western line of section 30 diagonally northeast across the township. Fine Lake, the largest in the township, is the first in the chain. Saw-mill Lake and Bristol Lake are also of considerable size. Their waters flow through Highbank Creek into the Thornapple River. The southeastern part of the township is drained by a small stream that flows into the Kalamazoo River through Calhoun County. Along the west side of the chain of lakes is a range of steep and in some places precipitous hills, which terminates in an elevated fertile tract that originally consisted of prairie and scantily timbered belts. There are a number of low tracts and tamarack swamps in the township, most of which can be drained. The tillable land is generally very productive. EARLY SETTLEMENT. In the year 1835, Harlow Merrill, a resident of Oswego Co., N. Y., reached Battle Creek, Mich., and employed a man to assist him in locating a piece of government land. Mr. Merrill was conducted along an Indian trail to the southern part of Johnstown. Here his guide pointed out a very fine piece, of about 80 acres, and told him how it was designated on the survey. This, without much delay, Mr. Merrill concluded to buy. For that purpose he immediately returned to Battle Creek, and*proceeded thence to the government land-office. There the money was paid, and Mr. Merrill received a certificate showing his right to the land, to be afterwards supplemented by a patent. - By G. A. McAlpine. 57 In the latter part of the summer of 1836, having made what preparation his very limited means would allow, and accompanied by his wife, three sons, and two daughters, he started for the remote and almost unknown Territory of Michigan. He drove a yoke of cattle attached to a covered wagon from Oswego to Buffalo, where the entire outfit was placed on board a steamer bound for Detroit. The wheels were taken from the wagon and the covered box placed on the deck, where it served as a sleeping-room. At Detroit the younger members of the family, with their mother, resumed their places in the wagon. After a toilsome journey of a week the little party reached!attle Creek. There Mr. Merrill left his family and proceeded to his land in Johnstown. Wishing to be more certain of the location of his property before building, he made an investigation, which showed that the land he had seen was not that which he had bought. Contrary to what might have been expected, however, the land his certificate described, which was the east half of the northeast quarter of section 35, was nearly as good as that which the guide had shown him. Not being much disappointed, and being inclined to consider all things for the best, Mr. Merrill proceeded at once to build a cabin of poplar logs, with a roof made of slabs split from a tree, and a floor of the same material. There was a place for a door and one for a window, but for the time those places were left unoccupied. After bringing his family to their new home, Mr. Merrill split rails for Albert Shepherd, near Battle Creek, and with the money received from him went to Toledo, Ohio, to purchase some necessary articles. With his faithful cattle, he made the journey in about two weeks' time. At intervals during several years Mr. Merrill was in the habit of working in Battle Creek, for which he was sometimes paid money, but for which he generally received provisions, which he carried home on Saturday night on his back, the distance being ten miles. At one time a party of Indians, who had been at Battle Creek and become intoxicated, came to the house of Mr. Merrill, and, finding him and his elder sons absent, began to appropriate everything to their own use. They were very ill tempered and boisterous, whooping and yelling continually. Watching his opportunity when they were all outside, the youngest son, a lad of twelve years, who was at home with his mother and younger sisters, bolted the door, and with a long iron-handled shovel took his place beside the window, declaring he would kill the first that attempted to enter. The Indians swore all the English oaths they knew, but the little fellow remained at his post. They even fired their guns into the window, but without effect. What might have happened had this not been interrupted it is, of course, impossible to 449 450 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. say, but at this point the elder sons, who had been out hunting, returned home, when the Indians withdrew. The same year that Mr. Merrill settled in Johnstown, William P. Bristol, with five other land-seekers, came to the township. Mr. Bristol finally resolved to buy 400 acres on section 4. Another of the party, Rufus Cole, decided on the southwest quarter of section 17 for himself, and the northwest quarter of section 8 and the southwest quarter of section 5 for his brother, Jason Cole. After traveling all day the party, headed by William Bristol, went to the Indian village on the bank of the body of water now known as Bristol Lake, and desired shelter for the night. The village consisted of from 20 to 30 wigwams. The Indians received the travelers kindly through one of their number, named Joseph, who could speak English. He informed them that the only lodge empty was that of the chief, who was absent, and the door of whose lodge was locked. But after considerable deliberation among themselves, they finally concluded to risk the anger of their chief rather than be inhospitable to strangers. The party was conducted to the door referred to. It consisted of pieces of bark placed upright, and the lock was a slender pole leaned against them, not to fasten them in their places, but to signify that the owner was absent. The " lock" was removed and the party entered, passing the night in perfecct quiet. Early in the year 1837, Stephen Collier reached the township and settled on section 34, just south of Mr. Merrill. His family consisted of a wife and three children,two sons and a daughter. One of the sons, Victory P. Collier, afterwards for two terms treasurer of the State of Michigan, was then a youth of twenty years. The next settler was John Culver. He was employed by W. P. Bristol to come to Michigan and make some improvements on the land in the northern part of the township which Mr. Bristol had bought the year previous. Mr. Culver was to "build a log house, put in a field of corn, a patch of potatoes," and make some minor improvements, for which he was to receive a quarter-section of land. After many discouragements, which he was ill prepared to meet (the most serious of which was the destruction by fire of his hay, which he had hauled from Gull Prairie, and the serious injury of his wagon at the same tinre), he gave up, and, it is said, started to return to New York. Meeting a land-speculator, however, he purchased 120 acres on section 22, where he built a house much after the plan of Mr. Merrill's, into which he moved before it was completed. Before it was completed, too, Thomas Iden, with his wife, four sons, and one daughter, arrived, and they were all given shelter with the family of Mr. Culver until their goods should come from Detroit. Soon after, William P. Bristol came with his wife, two sons, and three daughters. He found none of the improvements which he expected, and no place for his family to live. There was still room in the little cabin of Mr. Culver for a few more, and here Mr. Bristol decided to leave his family until he could build a house for them. On the evening of the first day that Mr. Bristol reached the house of Mr. Culver, a party of surveyors also happened along. These, with the members of the families referred to, made a total of 22 persons to.pass the night beneath Mr. Culver's toof. The example of the pioneers might well teach the present generation hospitality. The next morning Mr. Bristol, with what aid he could obtain, started for his land and began to erect a house. But, as this was to be some time in building, he took a very fine rag carpet which his wife had made in New York for the floor of their new house, stretched it over a pole, and had quite a respectable tent. But it soon began to bleach out, and when they moved into their new house some weeks after, the bright colors had all vanished. In the fall and winter of 1837-38 several other families came to the township, that of S. V. R. York, who had purchased a large tract on sections 28 and 29 the year previous, being among the number. Mr. York's family consisted of a wife and three daughters. Mr. York was first judge of probate in the county. While living in Battle Creek, Mr. York, with Rustin Angel and John Meechim, a surveyor, had been appointed to establish a road from Battle Creek through Johnstown to Hastings. This road entered Johnstown near the southeast corner of section 33, ran northwest to a point near the northwest corner of section 20, and thence extended due north on the line between sections 17, 8, and 5 on the east, and sections 18, 7, and 6 on the west. It has never been materially changed, and is now known as the old State road. It was the first road located in the township, although a road previously had been surveyed through the eastern part. Mr. Henry Paul, who now resides on a farm near Fine Lake, was then a young man in the employ of Mr. York. He helped locate this road, and drove the first team over it to the Thornapple River. He was married some years later to a daughter of Elder Emery Cherry, the first preacher in Johnstown. Elder Cherry came to this township in June, 183S, bringing his family, consisting of-a wife, two boys, and two girls, and settled on section 33. Solomon Getman settled on section 35 probably about the same time. Nelson Barnum, with his wife and one son, and Jason Cole, with his wife, one son, and three daughters, reached the township probably in the early summer of 1838. Mr. Barnum bought the southwest quarter of section 8. Mr. Cole, as we have seen, owned 320 acres, purchased for him by his brother two years previous. Oris Barnum, a brother of Nelson, came soon afterwards with a family of three children. Seth Hull, with his wife and an adopted daughter, reached the township some time previous to this, and located 100 acres in the York neighborhood. Alonzo Brundage arrived in the township in the winter of 1837-38. He bought part of section 31. In the spring of 1838, Mr. Bristol started a blacksmithshop, and employed a young man named Erastus Johnson as blacksmith. It was the first shop of the kind in this part of the county, and settlers frequently came as far as from Hickory Corners to have work done. It was in the spring of 1838 that Johnstown was formed. It contained at that time what are now the four townships of Assyria, Maple Grove, Baltimore, and Johnstown. The first town-meeting was held at the house of William RE~SDENCE & STOCK FARM OF A. P. & B. W. KING, JOHNSTOWN, MICHIGAN. I JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP. 451 P. Bristol on the 2d day of April, 1838. The number of voters present at this meeting is not certainly known, but it is thought that it did not exceed the twelve whose names are given below; all of whom received at least one office each, while several of them obtained two or three offices apiece. The following is the list: Supervisor, S.V. R. York; Clerk, Harlow Merrill; Commissioners of Highways, Cleaveland Ellis, William P. Bristol, Solomon Getman; Assessors, William Sutton, Stephen Collier, John Culver; Justices, S. V. R. York, William P. Bristol, Cleaveland Ellis, Harlow Merrill; School Inspectors, S. V. R. York, William Sutton, Harlow Merrill; Collector, John Culver; Constables, Solomon Getman, Philo Morton; Overseers of the Poor, William Henry Smith, S. V. R. York; Fence-Viewers, Eli Lapham, John Culver, S. V. R. York; Pathmasters, William P. Bristol, Thomas Iden. Mr. Thomas Iden, already mentioned, died in the fall of 1838. There was then no cemetery in the township, and he was taken to Battle Creek for burial. This was the first death in Johnstown. In the spring of 1839, Henry P. Bowman located in the township. He was married in the fall of the same year to Miss Mary Culver by Squire S. V. R. York. This, the first wedding in Johnstown, took place at the residence of the bride's father, and the happy couple settled on a farm on section 29. The same year a young man named Joseph Babcock came from New York and hired to work for Mr. Bristol " for a bushel of wheat a day." He received for his services, at the expiration of six months, 150 bushels of wheat, which he afterwards sold for 3 shillings per bushel in Battle Creek. It is related of Mr. Babcock that, while mowing in the marsh just ahead of Mr. Bristol, he suddenly dropped his scythe and sprang back, with both hands clutching the top of one of his boots. He whirled two or three times around, exclaiming, "Oh, I'm ruined, I'm ruined; I'll be dead in an hour!" After many questions, Mr. Bristol finally understood that a rattlesnake was in Babcock's boot. Every instant the terror of the latter increased. He was as white as a sheet and as weak as a child. He would have his boot neither cut down nor pulled off, but sat on the ground lamenting his cruel fate. When he became a little more quiet, Mr. Bristol pulled the boot off, and with it came the hind-legs of a frog. It not unfrequently happened that little incidents came up to mar the friendly terms that usually existed between the whites and the Indians, of which latter there were a great many in Johnstown in the early days. The following is an instance: When the township offered a bounty of $2 for every wolf killed, several plans were resorted to in order to catch the wily animals. John Culver made a "wolf-fall," which consisted of a hole dug to a considerable depth, and so arranged that should anything fall into it, it could not get out. Upon going to his trap one morning, Mr. Culver found a wolf (as he supposed) fairly caught in it. The animal was forthwith killed and decapitated. But some of Mr. Culver's neighbors were not satisfied that it was a wolf, and an Indian, who was passing, was called on to give his opinion. When he was shown the head, he looked uncertain, and asked for the body. When the body was brought, the Indian shook his head, grunted "Chief's dog," and departed. The chief was quite indignant, and demanded $10 for the slain animal, but finally compromised on $2. At another time, when Mr. Bristol's hogs, which had destroyed a small patch of potatoes belonging to the Indians, had been terribly torn by their dogs, Mr. Bristol went alone to their camp and told them he would kill all their dogs if his hogs were again so abused. The chief listened quietly, and then replied that they could settle better if they should wait and see whether the hogs lived or died. The hogs all recovered, and Mr. Bristol had nearly forgotten the occurrence, when the chief one day called and demanded pay for the potatoes. This Mr. Bristol refused. The chief looked grieved, and said, " Hogs all get well,-potatoes all destroyed." His philosophy was too much for Mr. Bristol, who gave him twice as many potatoes as he demanded and a large plug of tobacco. The chief said, " Big good," and went his way. Mr. Bristol, who had become quite expert at the anvil, made a rude knife one day for an Indian at his request. While at work he asked the Indian if he had any money, and the latter replied that he had not. The knife was completed and handed over to the red man without further remark. A long time passed, when one day the same Indian, with a hind-quarter of a large deer on his back, came to the door of Mr. Bristol's house and laid down his burden, with the exclamation, " Indian honest,-Indian pay." The red men of Johnstown displayed many good traits. Their universal good-will and kindness to the early settlers is still the occasion of gratitude on the part of those who shared their hospitality. Further information regarding the Indians of this region may be found in the general history. From the year 1839 until all the tillable land was occupied the settlement of Johnstown was very rapid. ROADS. The first road in Johnstown, as has been stated, was the Old or West State road, which was established in 1837. The next road was established June 12, 1838. It lay on the base-line, commencing just east of the southeast corner of section 35; thence west to the southeast corner of section 34. It was established by William P. Bristol and Solomon Getman, commissioners. The next day the road north from the western terminus of this one was established. It ran north between sections 34 and 35, 26 and 27; thence northwest to a quarter-post on the south line of section 22, from which place it extended northwest to the section-line between sections 21 and 22. It was about two and one-half miles long. On the 14th of the same month a road was located, running north between the West State road and the one just described. This highway commenced on the base-line on section 33, and terminated at the quarter-post on the north line of section 9. The road between the townships of Johnstown and Barry was established June 24, 1839. These roads were the lines of travel for emigrants into the townships and to the country on the north of Johnstown. The east-and-west roads have been established as the settlements in the various localities required. 452 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. SCHOOLS. At a meeting of the board of school inspectors, held on the 9th day of April, 1838, the northern half of the present territory of Johnstown and all of Baltimore were formed into one school district, called district No. 1. District No. 2 comprised what is now Maple Grove and Assyria, while district No. 3 comprised the southern half of the present territory of Johnstown. On the 9th of September, 1838, districts 1 and 3 were rearranged. Survey-township No. 1, range 8 (now Johnstown), was then divided into three school districts, as follows: The southwestern quarter of the township was district No. 1; the southeastern quarter was district No. 2; while the northwestern quarter was No. 3. The northeastern quarter was left unorganized. It is probable that until this time there had been no public schools in the township, although there had been two terms of a private school taught by Miss Sarah Curtis. One term was taught by her in the house of W. P. Bristol, in the northern part of the township, for which she received $1.50 per week. Her other term was taught in the house of Seth Hull, who with his wife had gone to Hastings to board the men who were building a mill at that place. It is not definitely known which of these terms was the first. The first school building completed in Johnstown stood on the southwest quarter of section 28, and was built in 1840. A school building in the north part of the township had been commenced, but had not been completed. Walter Woodard taught the first school in the new building. The school board next divided the district in the northern part of the township. The new one consisted of sections 3, 4, 5, 8, 9,10, and was designated as district No. 4. It was in the Bristol neighborhood, and the school-house which had been commenced was then completed. It served until the present fine building was erected, a few years since. In 1843 the number of districts in the four townships which then composed Johnstown was eight, but schools were kept in only six of them. The number of scholars is not given. The money apportioned among the districts amounted to $33. The first applicants for certificates to teach are recorded May 6, 1843, their names being Cordelia Robinson and Caroline Robinson. Both were successful. On the 9th of December, of the same year, Sally Maria Woodward received a certificate. After Baltimore was set off from Johnstown there were five school districts and 118 scholars enrolled in the latter township. The amount of interest on the school fund was $46.24. In 1860 the number of scholars was 300; the number of districts nine; the amount of money apportioned among them $152.72. In 1870 the amount distributed was $373.92. In 1879 there were eleven districts (whole and fractional), with an attendance of 400 scholars. CHURCH HISTORY. Soon after his arrival, in 1838, Elder Emery Cherry began to hold religious meetings in various parts of the township. When Elder York arrived the two denominations to which they respectively belonged (Baptist and Free-Will Baptist) held services together. They usually met at the school-house in the York neighborhood. It is believed, however, that a church organization was not effected, and after a few years the meetings were discontinued. THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. In the mean time two ministers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church began a series of meetings, and, although they did not organize a class, these meetings were really the beginning of the Methodist Church of Johnstown. This society was organized soon after, and has continued to meet to the present time. There is a diversity of opinion as to who the minister was who first organized the class. In the fall of 1864 Rev. William Rice was assigned to this charge. He soon commenced a series of meetings, which were very successful. The church was completed during his ministry. It was dedicated on the 18th of June, 1867, the pastor being assisted by Dr. Hatfield. It cost $4000. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. In 1865 Rev. H. H. Van Auken commenced to hold meetings in the school-house of district No. 4. The organizing of the society of the First Congregational Church of Johnstown was the result of his labors. Rev. Jones had held meetings in the same place, but without definite result. On March 6,1865, the first annual meeting of the society was held. The church building on section 12 was built in 1866. MILLS. The first and only saw-mill in Johnstown run by water was commenced where the road crosses the outlet of Culver or Saw-mill Lake, by Andrew Corey. Mr. Corey soon sold a half-share to Simeon Diedrich, but Mr. Diedrich could not stand the ague, so he sold to Mr. Bristol, by whom the mill was completed. A steam saw-mill was afterwards built on section 34. Frederick Ackley also built one on section 4 in 1850. STORES. The building used as a store in the west part of the town was built in 1876 by H. F. Bellenger. The post-office at this place was established in 1880. The store in the east part of the town was started by L. N. Mosier in 1879. CIVIL LIST. SUPERVISORS. 1838, S. V. R. York; 1839-40, Nelson Barnum; 1841, Oris Barnum; 1842, Cleveland Ellis; 1843-44, T. J. Humphrey; 1845, Henry P. Bowman; 1846, Jason Cowles; 1847-48, John Culver; 1849 -50, Jonathan Johnson; 1851, John Culver; 1852, H. P. Bowman; 1853, W. Nye; 1854, J. H. Monroe; 1855, W. P. Bristol; 1856, Jason Cowles; 1857, James Telford; 1858, C. P. Iden; 1859 -61, James Telford; 1862-64, Levi M. Dewey; 1865-67, Hiram Coleman; 1868-70, L. M. Dewey; 1871-73, J. EI. Monroe; 1874 -77, L. M. Dewey; 1878, J. M. Kipp; 1879-80, E. F. Nye. TOWN CLERKS. 1838-42, Harlow Merrill; 1843, V. P. Collier; 1844, T. P. Dowling; 1845-46, V. P. Collier; 1847-50, H. P. Bowman; 1851, H. M. Marvin; 1852, C. P. Iden; 1853, 11. P. Bowman; 1854, 0. Nichols; 1855, C. P. Iden; 1856-62, H. P. Cherry; 1863, II. J. Brown; 1864-70, H. P. Cherry; 1871-72, E. F. Nye; 1873, J. Johnson; 1874-78, E. F. Nye; 1879, R. M. Bellenger; 1880, E.P. Young. TREASURERS. 1839-41, Cleaveland Ellis; 1842, T. J. Humphrey; 1843-45, John Culver; 1846, C. P. Iden; 1847, Henry York; 1848, B. R. ii st 7 ~3 3 F RESODENCEOF J. E. FISK, JOHNSTOWN, MICH. ~I JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP. 453 Blanchard; 1849, C. P. Iden; 1850, E. Gregory; 1851, C. P. Iden; 1852, W. Nye; 1853, John Culver; 1854, W. B. Woodward; 1855-61, Henry Paul; 1862-64, Freeman G. Cowles; 1865 -66, J. M. Kipp; 1867-68, William Burroughs; 1869-70, D. H. Chase; 1871, Henry Bera; 1872, J. Johnson; 1873, E. F. Nye; 1874, J. Johnson; 1875-78, George Miller; 1879-80, Hiram Merrill. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1838, S.. V. R. York, William P. Bristol, Cleaveland Ellis, Harlow Merrill; 1839, Joseph Blasdell; 1840, William Sutton; 1841, Nelson Barnum; 1842, H. P. Bowman, James Cotton; 1843, Jason Cowles, Joseph Blasdell; 1844, Henry York, William Bristol; 1845, Jason Cowles; 1846, H. P. Cherry; 1847, 0. L. Ross; 1848, W. P. Bristol; 1849, Jason Cowles; 1850, T. B. Hinchman; 1851, 0. L. Ross, J. Melvin; 1852, W. P. Bristol, J. Hovey; 1853, Jason Cowles, R. Farr; 1854, Julian Fish; 1855, H. P. Cherry; 1856, W. P. Bristol; 1857, A. Patchen, Hiram Coleman, W. B. Woodward; 1858, Julian Fish, J. H. Monroe, W. H. Jewell; 1859, L. Lee Clark; 1860, Hiram Coleman; 1861, John Monroe; 1862, H. P. Bowman; 1863, J. K. Lothridge, John Maile; 1864, Hiram Coleman, W. P. Bristol; 1865, C. G. Jordan; 1866, John Maile, J. H. Monroe; 1867, D. Fisher; 1868, D. H. Chase, W. P. Bristol; 1869, J. H. Monroe, H. Coleman, G. W. Sheffield, J. S. Stevens; 1870, W. M. Burroughs, J. Johnson; 1871, W. P. Bristol, L. D. Tarbell, C. B. Iden; 1872, Hiram Coleman, J. H. Monroe, Joseph Johnson, Henry Paul; 1873, John Zimmerman; 1874, Willis Humphrey, F. E. Doty; 1875, Wesley Clark, Asahel Beach, A. E. Dewey; 1876, W. A. Clark, J. A. Zimmerman, IL. Coleman; 1877, L. N. Mosier; 1878, J. T. Van Syckle; 1879, W. A. Clark; 1880, Hiram Coleman. COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS. 1838, Cleaveland Ellis, William P. Bristol, Solomon Getman; 1839, William P. Bristol, Rufus Cowles, Cleaveland Ellis; 1840, Cleaveland Ellis, Rufus Cowles, Carver Robinson; 1841, Cleaveland Ellis, V. P. Collier, Rufus Cowles; 1842, C. P. White, D. Baldwin, Oris Barnum; 1843, Carver Robinson, Daniel Baldwin, Alonzo Brundage; 1844, Alonzo Brundage, C. Robinson, J. D. Hasley; 1845, J. D. HIasley, E. R. Gregory, Henry Pane; 1846, J. D. Hasley, E. R. Gregory, W. Campbell; 1847, R. Farr, W. Nye, Lucas Wilks; 1848, G. W. Campbell; 1849, E. Gregory, T. Cowles; 1850, Henry Morehouse; 1851-52, William P. Bristol; 1853, Orin Ross, T. J. Humphrey; 1854, E. Gregory, N. P. Powers; 1855, C. G. Jordan, Robert Knowels; 1856, Tremont Cowles; 1857, Cyrus Ingram, John II. Monroe; 1858, Whitney Abbott, Jerry Powers; 1859, J. S. Stevens; 1860, M. H. Coleman; 1861, Julien Fish; 1862, A. Dewey; 1863, M. H. Coleman; 1864, William P. Bristol; 1865, J. A. Zimmerman; 1866, M. H. Coleman; 1867, W. P. Bristol; 1868, H. T. Merrill; 1869, M. Coleman; 1870, C. G. Jordan; 1871, Asahel Beach, 11. T. Merrill; 1872, H. T. Merrill; 1873, A. G. Dewey; 1874, Asahel Beach, J. M. Kipp; 1875, H. T. Merrill; 1876-77, A. Beach, Jr.; 1878, J. Stevens, Elias Bristol; 1879-80, W. A. Clark. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1838, S. V. R. York, William Sutton, Harlow Merrill; 1839, S. V. R. York, Nelson Barnum, Stephen Raymond; 1840, Henry P. Bowman, S. V. R. York, Harlow Merrill; 1841, Harlow Merrill, V. P. Collier, Nelson Barnum; 1842, E. Giles, A. Harwood, V. P. Collier; 1843, Henry P. Bowman, Harlow Merrill; 1844, William H. Hull; 1845, H. Merrill, Jason Cowles; 1846, D. W. Shotwell; 1847, 0. L. Ross; 1848, H. M. Marvin; 1849, Jason Cowles; 1850, 1I. M. Marvin; 1851-52, 11. P. Bowman; 1853, E. B. Willison; 1854, Theodore Cressey; 1855, James Telford, Jason Cowles; 1856, Jason Cowles; 1857, J. S. Rouse; 1858, N. B. Abbott; 1859, J. S. Rouse, John Maile; 1860, James Telford, Theodore Cressey; 1861, J. D. Buck; 1862, J. H. Holmes, John Maile; 1863, John Maile; 1864, J. H. Holmes; 1865, Theodore Cressey; 1866, J. H. Holmes, John Maile; 1867, 11. 11. Van Auken, John Maile; 1868, D. 11. Chase, George Sheffield; 1869, George Shef field; 1870, D. H1. Chase; 1871, G. T. Cowles; 1872, A. C. Stiles, C. P. Iden; 1873, Hiram Coleman; 1874, F. E. Dooty, H. M. Bristol; 1875, Melvin Willison; 1876, record deficient; 1877, J. H. Norris; 1878, Ralph Webster; 1879, Edward Young; 1880, Willard Sylvester Nye. COLLECTORS. 1838, John Culver; 1839, Rufus Cowles; 1840, Harvey Paul; 1841, C. P. White. ASSESSORS. 1839, Nelson Barnum, Joseph S. Blasdell, Harlow Merrill; 1840, J. S. Blasdell, Stephen Collier, Alonzo Brundage; 1841, no record; 1842, J. S. Blasdell, W. P. Bristol; 1843, Henry York, J. F. Ellis; 1844, W. P. Bristol, T. B. Humphrey; 1845, Stephen Collier, William Nye; 1846, Stephen Collier, Oris Barnum; 1847, B. R. Blanchard, W. Nye; 1848, A. Patchen, D. Shotwell; 1849, John Culver, W. B. Woodward; 1850, Elias Willison, H. M. Marvin. OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 1838, William Ienry Smith, S. V. R. York; 1839, S. V. R. York, Cleaveland Ellis; 1840, W. P. Bristol, John Culver; 1841, Daniel Baldwin, Austin Wright; 1842, John Culver, Richard McOmber; 1843, E. Mills, Abel Halleck; 1844, Reuben Farr, Solomon Getman; 1846, Jason Cowles, Moses Farr; 1847, H. D. York; 1848, F. Coles, S. Collier; 1849, John Culver, Thomas Hinchman; 1850, C. Robinson, W. L. Morford; 1854, William Quinn, Lucus Wilks; 1858, Henry York, John Culver. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, T. E. Doty; 1876, F. E. Dodge; 1877, M. V. Barker; 1878, J. 11. Wickwire; 1879, M. V. Barker; 1880, Thomas Daniels. CONSTABLES. 1838, John Culver, Solomon Getman, Philo Norton; 1839, Rufus Cowles, Philo Norton, Solomon Getman; 1840, James Bailey, Henry Paul; 1841, C. P. White, G. W. Campbell, Rufus 1I. Knappen, Leander Lapham; 1842, G. W. Campbell, Henry Paul, Peter Downs, L. Laphani; 1843, James L. Fox, Henry Paul, William H. Hull, C. P. White; 1844, R. H. Knappen, M. D. Perkins, Henry York, Henry Paul; 1845, Rufus H. Knappen, John B. Cherry; 1846, Henry Paul, R. H. Knappen, J. B. Cherry, T. G. Cole; 1847, S. Robinson, H. York, Jr., M. Merrill, Aaron Smith; 1848, George Fisk, M. D. Perkins, Henry Paul, 11. T. Merrill; 1849, Henry Paul, A. Morford, Jason Rouse; 1850, Henry Paul, Jason Merrill, Jason Russell, William Shutt; 1851, Henry Paul, John Irwin, Webster Powers, N. F. Powers; 1852, W. M. Bristol, B. W. King, S. HIovey, H. Paul; 1853, W. Bristol, Jesse Butler, John Lake; 1854, Henry Paul, Ambrose Cole, Philo Shaffer, Orville Crandall; 1855, Lyman Moon, Charles Bristol, HIenry Paul, Norman Clark; 1856, Charles Cherry, S. V. R. York, Hiram Gould, B. W. King; 1857, Henry Paul, S. V. R. York, Hiram Gould, Daniel Clark; 1858, S. V. R. York, Hiram Gould, Henry Paul, Walter Robins; 1859, T. J. Humphrey, S. V. R. York, Henry Paul, S. Bullis; 1860, Henry Paul, Webster Powers, Richard Perkins, S. V. R. York; 1861, Jacob hoffman, John IH. Teller, Henry Paul, Walter Powers; 1862, Henry Paul, J. A. Teller, T. J. Cowles, Jerry Powers; 1863, Henry Paul, T. G. Cowles, Henry Knowels, David Boyes; 1864, Henry Paul, B. Babcock, T. G. Cowles, H. Bristol; 1865, J. Zimmerman, W. M. Burroughs, S. V. R. York, Henry Paul; 1866, William Coleman, William Quinn, William Burroughs, Myron Stevens; 1867, B. Sponhower, John Teller, C. Tichnor, C. Shoemaker; 1868, omitted; 1869, D. H. Chase, S. V. R. York, S. E. Gaskill; 1870, J. Zimmerman, C. J. Shoemaker, W. M. Coleman, Willard Nye; 1871, Henry Bera, W. Burroughs, M. V. Bird, J. M. Knapp; 1872, William Burroughs, S. V. R. York, Isaac Cox, James Van Sickle; 1873, James Van Sickle, Lewis Drew, Josiah Hough, A. C. Style; 1874, S. V. R. York, James Johnson, G. T. Cowles, Lewis Drew; 1875, Charles Shoemaker, W. S. Nye, George Browse, George Bird; 1876, record omitted; 1877, W. S. Nye, C. S. Shoemaker, A. E. Dewey, J. H. Powers; 1878, J. H. Hough, C. Shoemaker, H. C. Van Sickle, J. E. Howarth; 1879. Frank Cherry, Henry Miller, W. J. Shutt, C. H. Stevens; 1880, W. S. Nye, W. J. Shutt, Henry Stevens, William Clark. 454 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - "CI --- - -- - -- - -- - -- ----— T BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ALBERT G. DEWEY. As an example of what a life of industry and perseverance will accomplish in forming and shaping the character, we present this subject. He was born Nov. 25, 1816, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., is the oldest child of Eliphalet and Fannie (Morton) Dewey, who were natives of New York, and married in 1815, Mr. Dewey, being quite a prominent man, holding the office of sheriff of Chautauqua County ten years, besides other offices of trust. When Albeit was six years of age his father died, leaving a widow and the two sons. After the death of her husband, the mother with her boys returned to her old home, in Madison County, where Albert remained until he was twelve, when he went to what was then Allegany County, now Livingston County, and lived with his uncle, Mr. S. Morton, remaining there until 1838. Having arrived at the acknowledged age of manhood, he came to Michigan with his uncle and family, landing in Emmet, Calhoun Co., where he made his first purchase of land, containing sixty acres, which he improved and kept four years, and then sold, and devoted his time to milling, having interested himself in that before, owning a half-interest in a grist-mill at Lowell, which was burned in January, 1849. His insurance having expired the first of the month, it was a total loss, leaving him incumbered with a debt of three thousand dollars. To recover this he conceived the idea of going to the farfamed gold-mines of California, and the same spring, receiving help from his uncle, he started, taking the overland route in March, arriving there in September, agreeing to give his uncle one-half of what he made in two years to repay him for his kindness in starting him. In October he was taken sick, and in December, fearing he would be no better, he sailed for the Sandwich Islands, where he remained until February, when he returned to San Francisco dead broke, but with earth's richest blessing, health. He then went to mining, which he followed diligently three years. At the expiration of his second year, having never forgotten his promise to his uncle, he sent him one thousand dollars, being one-half of what he had earned by the sweat of his brow. He then returned to Michigan, and in 1854 was married to Mrs. Mandana Wallace, of Gull Prairie, Kalamazoo Co. Her parents were natives of New York, where she was born, but came to Michigan when she was but twelve years old. After marriage they moved to Kent County, where he owned land near his brother, remaining only a short time, when they both sold out, moving on the farm where he now lives, which consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, twenty improved. To Mr. and Mrs. Dewey was born one son, who died in infancy, but Mr. Dewey passed through his severest trial in September, 1855, being bereft of his wife, thus leaving a vacancy in his home and a void in his heart which time alone can heal. In March, 1858, in Battle Creek, he married Emeline Cookson, who was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 19, 1820. Her father was a native of Maine, her mother of New York, she being one of a family of five \ \ children. The mother died in New York in 1832; the father in 1842. In politics Mr. Dewey is an ardent Republican. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Harrison. Himself and wife have been members of the Congregational Church since 1866. His advantages for education were limited, attending only the common schools, such as the country afforded in his youthful days. He has a very fine farm, under a good state of cultivation, yet this does not represent his entire property, he having quite an amount invested in the far West. He is what might be termed a mixed farmer, making a specialty of no one thing. Though they have never been blessed with children of their own, still they have been allowed to enjoy the society of them, having adopted four orphans,-raising two girls and one boy until they started in life for themselves, adopting from the orphans' home in Chicago a bright, promising youth of little less than three summers, who only lived two short years. Mr. Dewey's mother, who passed her later years with him, died at his home in 1875, and when her lamp of life went out they laid her in a sunny nook, where she is quietly sleeping the sleep of the blest. A. P. AND B. W. KING. A. P. and B. W. King are brothers who trace their origin with commendable pride to a New England ancestry. They were born in Brighton, Motiroe Co., N. Y. A. P. was born May 21, 1825, and B. W., Aug. 25, 1827. Of a family of seven children only two were girls, and all are living but one brother. Their father, David King, was a native of the Bay State, where he was born Oct. 3, 1786. Their mother, Catharine Booth, was born in Stafford, Conn., June 16, 1794, but married Mr. King in 1812 in Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y. He was a carpenter and joiner; worked at his trade in New York until the spring of 1841, when he with his family moved to Michigan, landing in Lyons, Ionia Co., still following his chosen avocation until 1845, when he was killed by a falling limb. Mrs. King remained on the home until her death, teaching her children by her example habits of industry, economy, sociability, and honesty. Her precepts were well observed, she never having cause to complain, as they all filled the qualifications taught and became prosperous and respected. The subjects of this sketch remained at home, assisting their older brothers to clear up their new home, until they were of age, and in consideration for said work received a deed of eighty acres of wild land in Ionia County. In the spring of 1846 A. P. hired out to Mr. Jason Cowles, in Johnstown, Barry Co., for one year, and with this bought 80 acres more in Ionia County, his brother, B. W., still remaining at home improving their first purchase. After A. P.'s time was out in Barry County, he returned to Ionia County, and built a house on his farm, remaining about one year, making other improvements. June 1, 1848, lie married Miss Mary York daughter of Henry and Polly York, who were both natives of Saratoga, N. Y., where she was born July 7, 1826. Her father was a farmer, and came to Michigan when she was RESIDENCEOF T.. HINCHMAN, J OHNSTOWNTP, BARRY CO.,MICH. W JOH~NSTOWN TOWBNSHIP. 455 JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP. 455I sixteen years of age, where the mother died in 1846, the father pursuing life's rugged path unaided and alone until 1878, when he, too, was called to try the divine reality of that which is beyond. After marriage, instead of returning to their home in Ionia, Mr. King bought the farm where he now lives of his wife's father, consisting of one hundred and twenty-eight acres on sections 28 and 29, Johnstown township, running in debt for it. In about one year the younger brother sold out his interest in Ionia and joined his brother, he marrying Miss Sallie York, a sister of his brother's wife. They have always lived as one family, thus proving an exception to the old adage, " No house is large enough for two families." In 1850 they disposed of their land in Ionia. To their home-farm they have added at different times, until it now contains four hundred and fifteen acres,-three hundred and sixty-five improved. Though they have met with severe losses, losing at one time by fire three thousand dollars, they rank to-day among the leading farmers of the county. They might be termed mixed farmers, making a specialty of blooded cattle and horses. They have at present forty head of short-horns as fine as can be found, and sixteen head of fine blooded horses. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. A. P. King were given two children,-Frances H., born May 16, 1851, now Mrs. Doty, and living in same town, and Henry N., born Nov. 23, 1853, still remaining at home. In politics both are Democrats, but not office-seekers, though often solicited. B. W. has been president of the Agricultural Society, and was nominated for the office of sheriff, but, his party being in the minority, he was defeated. Mr. A. P. King and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twelve years. J. E. FISK. This man, among many others, is in the truest sense of the word a self-made man, one who, with industry and perseverance, has made life a success. He was born in Litchfield, N. Y., March 24, 1815; is the oldest of a family of seven. His father was a native of Vermont. His mother, of Pennsylvania, was of Dutch descent. Mr. Fisk, Sr., was a blacksmith; worked at his trade in New York until 1847, when he moved to Michigan, where he died, March 10, 1876, at the advanced age of ninety-seven, having buried his wife in 1864. J. E. Fisk learned his trade of his father, and remained at home until he was twenty, when he started for himself, working in his father's old shop. On reaching his majority he married, in Steuben County, Miss Samantha Gregory, who was born in the same county, Oct. 12, 1815. Her father was a native of New York, her mother of Connecticut. After marriage they remained in New York, he still working at his trade, until 1839, when they came to Michigan, staying one year on Goquack Prairie, Calhoun Co., when they went to Emmet, same county, where they remained some three years, he still working at his chosen avocation. In 1843 he moved on the farm where he now lives, then containing forty acres, on section 31, with a rude log house and three acres partly improved. Mr. Fisk built a shop, and, diligently pounding at his anvil, exchanged his work with his neighbors, thus keeping the improvement in progress on his new farm. In about two years he purchased eighty acres joining his farm. The farm now contains one hundred and forty-nine acres, one hundred and twenty in a fine state of cultivation. Mr. Fisk, though a blacksmith by trade, is also a practical farmer, takes great interest in the improvement of stock, and, in company with his youngest son, W. H. Fisk, is the owner of a fine flock of thoroughbred registered American Merino sheep, having lately made a purchase of sixteen head from L. I. Stickner, F. and L. E. Moore's flock in Vermont. He is also interested in the culture of bees. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk are the parents of five children, of whom two boys and one girl are living. S. S. Fisk, the oldest, is married, and owns a farm joining his father's, on the bank of Fine Lake. The next son, W. H. Fisk, remains at home and carries on the farm under the supervision of his father. The daughter, Mira, now Mrs. Brinnistool, also lives at home. J. E. Fisk is in politics a Republican, though never an office-seeker. His advantages for school were very limited; in fact, commencing to learn his trade when he was so small he had to stand on a stool to blow the bellows. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk have both been members of the Baptist Church for the past twenty years. T. B. HINCHMAN. Among the earliest settlers the name of Hinchman stands prominent as that of an honest, upright man, whose ancestry trace themselves back to New Jersey, where this subject was born in Vernon township, Suffolk Co., March 4, 1803. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Blane) Hinchman, who were represented by a family of seven children. They were farmers, and lived and died there,-the father when our subject was about ten years of age, his mother in 1828. T. B. left home when quite young to make his mark. The reader can judge for himself of his success. Worked by the month until he was thirty years of age, when he secured a partner to assist him in traveling the rugged path of toil by marrying Miss Phebe McCain, daughter of Thomas and Amelia McCain, who were both natives of New York, where Phebe was born April 1, 1810, being the only daughter in a family of seven children. They, too, tilled the soil, and both died in New York, the father in 1828, the mother struggling against the vicissitudes of life as only a mother can until 1863, when she, too, departed to that land from which no traveler returns. After marriage they remained in New York, working her mother's farm until 1836, when they came to Michigan, landing in Battle Creek, buying a house and lot; they remained there some five years, earning their support mostly by days' work. In 1842 they bought and moved on to the farm where the widow now lives. His first purchase consisted of one hundred and sixty acres in the state of nature, to which he afterwards added, until, at his death, in January, 1879, his farm contained three hundred and five acres, besides owning other land in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. HinchmaFh were given eight children,-John T., born May 4, 1835; 456 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Harrison, born Nov. 14, 1837, died March 27, 1866; Samuel T., born July 21, 1840; Millie P., born April 1, 1843; Louis E., born Jan. 4,1846; Mary E., born March 11, 1848; Seward, born March 4, 1850; Edna V., born Oct. 27, 1853. Mr. Hinchman was a Democrat in politics, and a member of no church, though he always attended with his wife, who has been a member of the Congregational Church since she was twenty; in fact, was one of the first members of that society in Battle Creek. Since the death of her husband she has remained on the farm with her youngest son, Seward, who carries on the farm, and her youngest daughter, Edna V. Payne, who, since the death of her husband, some five years ago, has resided with her mother. The rest of the children are married, and settled near by on good farms. MAPLE G ROVE.* TIHE township of Maple Grove lies on the eastern line of Barry County, being bounded north by Castleton, south by Assyria, west by Baltimore, east by the township of Kalamo, in the county of Eaton. The village of Nashville embraces about 600 acres of Maple Grove within its corporate limits, and affords to the people of the township a very convenient point for the shipment of their produce. Maple Grove, which is designated on the United States survey as township 2 north, of range 7 west, was, as early as 1835, the resort of Eastern land-lookers and speculators, and two years later was chosen as the home of an actual settler. Its progress was not rapid, and for many years the voters numbered but half a score. It was at this time under the jurisdiction of Johnstown (which then embraced the four townships of Johnstown, Assyria, Maple Grove, and Baltimore), and did not enjoy an independent organization until 1846. It was christened by the wife of one of the early pioneers. Several names were suggested before its present significant cognomen was adopted. The soil of Maple Grove varies greatly, its ingredients being chiefly sand, gravel, clay, and muck, the two former of which predominate. A strong clay soil prevails in much of the western portion, though a considerable area of swampy land is also to be seen in this locality. Wet land is also observable elsewhere in the township, but a good drainagesystem has rendered the most of it productive. In the centre and on the eastern border much good land is found, which is admirably adapted to the growth of grain. The last census, that of 1873, gives the area of wheat harvested as 1573 acres, and that of corn as 1112 acres, which produced 27,339 bushels of the former and 40,442 bushels of the latter grain. Of other grains 26,803 bushels were gleaned, while 1254 tons of hay were cut. This yield has been greatly augmented by the improved condition of the township since that date. Eighty-two thousand three hundred and thirty-four pounds of maple-sugar were also made, which figures attest the richness of its maple-groves. The surface of the township varies greatly. Many abrupt declivities are apparent in the centre and west, while level stretches of land are found in the south and also in the west. From the elevated points commanding views are frequently enjoyed. Beech, maple, ash, oak, and blackwalnut are the prevailing woods, while tamarack is the usual product of the swamps. No pine is found in Maple Grove. Fruit is grown in abundance, the apple-trees being especially prolific. Very few farms are without an orchard of choice grafted fruit. Peaches are also extensively grown, the soil being very congenial to them. Cherry-trees likewise yield an ample harvest, and have proved a source of considerable revenue to the grower. EARLY PURCHASES OF LAND. The lands embraced in the township of Maple Grove were early purchased by the following parties: SECTION 1. Acres. Simeon R. Griffin, 1837... 633.37 SECTION 2. Benjamin Tate, 1837..... 162.28 A. R. Kinney, 1837........ 163.27 Charles S. Briggs, 1837... 160.84 W. 1I. Reury, 1851.......... 160 SECTION 3. Nelson Spinks, 1837........ Benjamin Tate, 1837...... L. C. Kinney, 1837......... J. G. Seaman, 1849......... 160 163.27 160 164.23 SECTION 4. J. Meacham, 1836.......... 87.56 John Cox, 1836............. 245.72 Gideon Hewitt, 1836....... 160 A. Cowles, 1836............ 160 SECTION 5. W. W. White................. 160 E. Seeley..................... 329.19 Charles Butler, 1836........ 80 David Riley, 1836.......... 91.99 SECTION 6. Hays and Dibble, 1836.... 80 Charles Butler, 1836....... 240 Joseph Badcock, 1847..... 45.76 ' "t 1853..... 46.12 Richard B. Mead, 1854... 207.01 SECTION 7. Hayes and Dibble, 1836.. 57.99 Charles Butler, 1836........ 480 T. B. Skinner, 1853......... 58.37 SECTION 8. Acres. Charles Butler, 1836....... 320 Nelson Spinks, 1837........ 160 Joseph Badcock, 1853..... 120 " 1854..... 40 SECTION 9. Andrew Hyde, 1836........ 320 Luther Nichols, 1836...... 80 William Thayer, 1836..... 80 Mary A. Morrison, 1836.. 80 Granville Town, 1836...... 80 SECTION 10. William M. Glendy, 1836. 480 Elias Carpenter, 1836...... 160 SECTION 11. William Marshall Glendy, 1836.................... 640 SECTION 12. William Marshall Glendy, 1836........................ 640 SECTION 13. H. L. Lawson, 1837........ 160 Archibald Douglas, 1837.. 320 Joseph Merritt, 1837...... 160 SECTION 14. William Sutton, 1836...... 80 Townsend Sutton, 1836... 80 William M. Glendy, 1836. 240 George W. Moore, 1836... 240 SECTION 15. Susan Labar, 1836......... 240 Persilla Labar, 1836........ 80 * By E. O. Wagner. Nx-'' ~i;:~:r;-i;_-:::":':r::~jrl::~ii~,~~:::P:~r ~1-F H I F'i ~~:: ~ ~ ~,6iAN.-4,,.r-*kno w I:~:~:WS A L::I: II RESIDENCE ANDSTORE OF LEANDER LAPHAM, MAPLE GROVE CENTER, BARRY Co., MIC.. II MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP. 457 Acres. Julius Labar, 1836......... 160 William Sutton, 1836...... 80 T. Sutton, 1836.............. 80 SECTION 16. School land. SECTION 17. L. W. Miner, 1836.......... 320 E. Jones, 1837............... 160 George D. Moore, 1851... 40 Joseph Badcock, 1853..... 40 State swamp-land........... 80 SECTION 18. Charles Butler, 1836....... 160 William Tucker, 1836...... 160 J. De Keimer, 1837......... 80 George D. Moore, 1850.... 80 E. H. Gates, 1853............ 58.38 T. B. Skinner, 1853........ 58.60 SECTION 19. Samuel B. Rowe, 1837..... 160 William Briggs, 1837..... 276.96 Ira Kilburn, 1852........... 160 SECTION 20. Samuel Hicks, 1837....... 640 SECTION 21. Jacob Merritt, 1837........ 160 H. G. Lawson, 1837........ 160 George Townsend, 1837... 80 S. Patterson, Jr., 1837..... 80 James A. Hyde, 1852...... 40 State swamp-lands......... 80 James A. Hyde, 1854...... 40 SECTION 22. Samuel L. Wright, 1836.. 80 John Mott, 1836............ 80 William Sutton, 1836...... 80 Asa Hoag, 1837.............. 320 Jacob Merritt, 1837........ 80 SECTION 23. Reuben Fitzgerald, 1836.. 160 Wm. Sutton, 1836.......... 80 Isaac Sutton, 1837.......... 80 John Mott, 1837............ 240 Merritt and Hart, 1837... 80 SECTION 24. Permelia Hunsicker, 1836 320 Asa Hoag, 1836.............. 160 Philander Green, 1837..... 160 SECTION 25. John Mott, 1837............ 160 Richard P. Hart, 1837.... 160 Gilbert Higgins, 1837...... 160 Joseph Streeter, 1837...... 160 SECTION 26. John Mott, 1836............ 160 Eliazer Jones, 1836......... 80 Acres. John Mott, 1837........... 80 Asa HIoag, 1837............. 240 Eliazer Jones, 1837......... 80 SECTION 27. Asa Hoag, 1836............. 160 E. Jones, 1836............... 240 Jacob Merritt, 1837........ 80 Richard P. Hart, 1837.... 160 SECTION 28. Edward Parsons, 1836.... 160 Asa Iioag, 1836.............. 80 E. Jones, 1836............... 80 Joseph Merritt, 1837...... 80 Asa Hoag, 1837............. 80 Merritt and Hart, 1837... 160 SECTION 29. Edward Parsons, 1836..... 160 Horace Wheeler, 1850..... 40 J. M. Wheeler, 1852...... 160 Anthony Pierce, 1852...... 80 Benj. Pierce, 1.852.......... 80 Thomas Hill, 1854.......... 120 SECTION 30. N. D. Levar, 1852.......... 40 State swamp-land........... Geo. Cheeseman, 1854..... 40 James Iill, 1854............. 248.05 Israel Cheeseman, 1855... 40 John Cheeseman, 1855.... 40 SECTION 31. D. R. Dutton, 1848........ 160 Wm. Nickerson, 1848...... 137.54 G. S. Merrick, 1848........ 160 R. D. Hyde, 1852........... 40 J. L. Graham, 1853........ 58.14 J. F. Alley, 1854............ 40 SECTION 32. Alanson Town, 1836....... 160 Arch'd Douglas, 1836...... 160 O. N. Munger, 1836........ 160 Elias J. Doty, 1836......... 160 SECTION 33. A. Douglas, 1836............ 160 Nath'l Starbuck, 1837..... 320 State swamp-land........... 160 of Cleaveland Ellis, while Mr. Lapham proceeded to cut his way to the quarter of section 35 which he had previously purchased from John Mott, of Jackson County. Mr. Lapham immediately constructed a rude shanty of logs, into which, although it was still uncompleted, the family moved the following day. The work of clearing was at once begun, and 5 acres of wheat was sowed the same year. In the July following, Mr. Lapham returned to Wayne County and brought back his wife and five children, with another load of household goods, also drawn by oxen.* Wolves were numerous, and the night was made hideous with their howls. Mrs. Lapham found it difficult to overcome her terror of these animals, and at night protected the entrance to the cabin with a salt-barrel placed in front of the blanket which served as a door. " Massasaugas" were also abundant, and added much to the anxiety of the mother. The children were always warned to carry sticks when out of doors, with which to keep off these venomous serpents. The little log cabin erected in May, when the bark would peel, was roofed and floored with bark. The bark on the floor showed a constant tendency to curl up, and it was therefore turned over daily to keep it flat. With the household goods brought in July were some pieces of oilcloth. In dry weather these did duty as a carpet, but on rainy days they were taken up and spread over the beds to protect them from the water, which poured through the leaky roof. Mr. Lapham's death occurred in Calhoun County, in 1865. He was during his lifetime an exemplary believer in the Quaker faith, and much of his time was devoted to expositions of its peaceful teachings. His venerable companion died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Abram S. Quick. His son, Leander Lapham, resides on section 21, in Maple Grove, where he has been engaged in both commercial and agricultural pursuits. Abel Hallock came from Wayne County with Mr. Lapham, and remained in township 1 (now Assyria) until a shanty was erected on the farm on section 26 now occupied by J. C. Dillon. The old home in Wayne County, however, had superior attractions for Mr. Hallock, and he returned thither in 1850 after selling his land to John Baldwin. Still later he removed to Ypsilanti, Mich., and subsequently to Howard, Montcalm Co., where his death occurred. William Sutton, a former resident of Battle Creek, entered 160 acres in 1836 on sections 22 and 23, to which he removed in 1838, erected a shanty, and did some clearing. He was then a bachelor, but during the year of his arrival he wedded Miss Sophronia Lapham, the daughter of his old Wayne County neighbor. This marriage, which occurred at the house of the bride's father, was the earliest SECTION 34. John Mott, 1837............ 640 SECTION 35. John Foster, 1836........... 80 Wm. Moore, 1836........... 80 John Mott, 1837............ 160 Asa ltoag, 1837............. 240 I. N. James, 1837........... 80 SECTION 36. Peter Downs, 1836......... 160 John T. Ellis, 1837......... 160 Joseph Merritt, 1837....... 320 EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The settlement of the territory of Maple Grove began in May, 1837, when Eli Lapham, accompanied by his son Leander, and his daughter Sophronia, made a weary pilgrimage with an ox-team, from Wayne Co., Mich., a distance of one hundred and twenty-five miles, to the woods of township No. 2, Mrs. Lapham and five younger children being left behind. There was at this early day not a road in the township in question. On arriving in what is now Assyria, the travelers halted and accepted the cheer offered by the family 58 * He likewise brought a mare, which was subsequently the occasion of much trouble. About two years after reaching Barry County she was stolen by Indians, but two years later was recovered by Mr. Lapham. Several Indians then presented themselves, fully armed, at Mr. Lapham's house, and, with many threatening gestures, demanded the animal back. Not being successful, however, they resorted to their former expedient, and stole her again. 458 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. in the township, and Mrs. Sutton (while Miss Lapham) was the first white woman who passed a night in the territory of Maple Grove. A daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, born in 1839, was the first child born in the township. In 1852, Mr. Sutton sold his farm to Adam Wolf, and afterwards moved with his family to Calhoun County, where they now reside. Richard McOmber, the fourth pioneer in order of arrival, migrated from Wayne County, N. Y., in 1838, and located upon 160 acres on section 22. He had come with wagon and team to Buffalo, whence he had crossed the lake to Toledo, and from there had again traveled by wagon to the locality just mentioned. With Mr. McOmber came four sons,-Philo, Darwin, Pliny, and Otis,-and one daughter,-Amanda (now Mrs. Aaron Durfee, of Baltimore),-all of whom during the first year remained under the parental roof. Darwin McOmber subsequently removed to Baltimore township, while Otis has become a resident of Louisiana, and Pliny carries on the home-farm. On Mr. McOmber's arrival he occupied the shanty erected by Wm. Sutton during the temporary absence of that gentleman. During the winter a house was erected, and the following spring 4 acres were sowed with grain and cultivated with hoes, no plows nor horses being available among the stumps and trees. Indians were numerous, and often slept on the floors of the cabin when belated on their hunting expeditions. They invariably dragged the game they had shot into the house to protect it from wolves, and always offered a slice of venison or bear-meat to their hostess for supper. Richard McOmber died in 1858, at the house of his son, in Baltimore. John Dean followed soon after, and located himself upon 80 acres on section 26. Mr. Dean did much to advance the interests of the township, and the earliest religious services were mostly held at his house, when Eli Lapham usually presided; also officiating at his own house in the same capacity. Mr. Dean subsequently moved away from Maple Grove, his farm being now occupied by D. Jackson. Abram S. Quick left the attractive scenes of Niagara Co., N. Y., for the hardships of a settler's life in Michigan in 1839. On his arrival he bought 160 acres on section 34, in the township under consideration. Mr. Quick, like his neighbor, Mr. Sutton, came to the township a single man, but soon improved his opportunity and became the husband of Rachel R. Lapham, another daughter of the first settler. They were married according to the Quaker form, and the wedding-tour was limited to a walk to the house of John Dean for the purpose of attending a Quaker service. This was the second wedding in the township, both the first and second having occurred at the house of the Quaker preacher, Eli Lapham. Mr. Quick, in connection with Daniel Baldwin, erected for John Mott the earliest saw-mill in the township, on section 26, in which they had a half-interest. Later it was wholly owned by Mr. Mott, and managed for him by Mr. Quick. The latter erected upon his land the first framed house in the township, which was several years afterwards consumed by fire. Ten acres were cleared by him soon after his arrival, and 40 acres were made ready for cultivation before be had a yoke of oxen to assist in his labors. Among other experiences Mr. Quick relates an encounter with a bear, which very seriously alarmed his excellent wife, and enabled him for a brief time to cultivate a very close intimacy with the animal. A well-directed shot had dislocated the jaws of the beast, and allowed his victim to escape with only an enthusiastic hugging. A detailed biography of' Mr. Quick is given at the close of the township history. E. G. Mapes removed from Salem, Mich., to the township in 1839 (as near as can be ascertained), and located upon 160 acres on section 36. Mr. Mapes served as the first clerk of Maple Grove township, and was frequently elected to other local offices. He at length died on the farm he had cleared up. A pioneer from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., arrived in 1841 in the person of Peter Downs, who purchased 160 acres, in 1836, upon section 36, but did not remove on to it until five years later. He subsequently sold it, and purchased on section 15. Mr. Downs' death occurred in the township, at the residence of his son-in-law, in 1871. The earliest disciple of the healing art in Maple Grove was Dr. Archelaus Harwood, who located himself on 160 acres of attractive land on section 35 in 1840. The doctor belonged to the Thomsonian school, and exercised his professional skill over an extended territory. He inspired very great confidence in the minds of his patients, among whom he dwelt until his removal to Battle Creek, many years later. Joseph Badcock came to the township in 1841, and located upon 92 acres on section 5. He was an energetic farmer and public-spirited citizen, holding several responsible public positions. He subsequently removed to Inghamn County. Adjoining the farm of Mr. Badcock was that of Aaron Burgess, who located upon it the same year. He still survives at a venerable old age, being yet a resident of the same tract. J. F. Fuller was an early resident of Orleans Co., N. Y., whence 'he removed to Jackson Co., Mich., and in 1842 purchased 160 acres of unimproved land in the township. Upon this he erected a shanty, and then removed his family to their new place of residence. Abel Hallock and James Owry were his nearest neighbors. He cleared 10 acres the first year, but soon after leased his farm and removed to section 26 to superintend the running of the saw-mill early built on that section. Subsequently he resumed his residence on his farm, but in 1871 he removed to Nashville; his present home. His son now occupies the old farm on section 25. Henry Mallory, a former resident of Calhoun County, settled in the township in 1843, taking up his residence on section 26 for the purpose of conducting the saw-mill already mentioned. He subsequently made his home on section 21, but finally removed to Nashville, where he now resides. Rufus Brooks made his advent in the township: in February, 1843, and, though not among the earliest arrivals, he found the country still extremely wild. Mr. Brooks was among the earliest township officers, and served repeatedly in various public capacities. He is still an enterprising citizen of the township. RESIDENCE OF CHAS. S. DUN HAM, MAPLE GROVE T., BARRY CO.,MICH. L4 MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP. 459 Among other names that appear conspicuously among the early settlers was that of James Buck, originally from Seneca Co., N. Y., and later from Calhoun Co., Mich. He purchased 20 acres on his arrival, to which he added 40 soon after. His advent occurred in March, 1843, and the house of J. F. Fuller was opened to him until his own log shanty was completed. Mr. Buck was a soldier of the war of 1812, and drew a pension for his services. His death occurred in 1877. Valentine 0. Buck came from the State of New York two years later, and was for a while employed by Cleaveland Ellis, of Assyria. He found an eligible location upon 160 acres on section 19, which he cultivated and made productive. Mr. Buck was elected justice of the peace during the first year of the township's existence. He subsequently disposed of his property and returned to the Empire State. D. G. Hamilton came fiom Ohio in 1846. He chose a location on section 24, where he had purchased 80 acres of Amos Dillon. He found Peter Dillon already located on the same section, where he had secured 140 acres, one-half mile east. There his family found a welcome until a house was constructed. For seven years the portion of Maple Grove immediately north of Mr. Hamilton remained uninhabited. After this date a new impulse was given to the development of the township by the arrival of settlers from Ohio and the East, which promoted its rapid improvement. But ten voters exercised the franchise when Mr. Hamilton came. The nearest and earliest school-house, generally known as the " Quail-trap," was half a mile south of him. Mr. Hamilton, in 1871, removed to a tract of 80 acres on section 13, which is his present home. Orson Dunham was one of the arrivals of 1847. He purchased 40 acres on section 26, which was totally unimproved. He removed, however, several years later to a more eligible locality, on section 31, where he still resides. His brother, Charles S., came the same year, having formerly been a resident of Eaton County, where he had located in 1841. He at first superintended the running of the saw-mill erected by John Mott, on section 26, and afterwards purchased 80 acres on section 14, where he built a log house and remained many years. In 1872 he moved to section 15, where he secured 80 acres, on which he still lives. In 1848 came William Jarrard, a former resident of Ohio. Eighty acres on section 15, which was quite uncleared, afforded him an opportunity to exercise his industry, and it is still his home. Valentine Ostroth arrived from Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1849, and occupied a tract of 137 acres on section 4, which he found entirely uncleared. Earlier in the same year came George Delbahucr, whose house afforded a home to the settlers that immediately followed him. He was accompanied by his son, George Delbahuer, Jr., who has now 145 acres there. P. M. Hyde, also from Ohio, located, in 1850, on section 21, his land embracing the tract now occupied by the hamlet of Maple Grove. Of the settlers after 1850 we can make but a cursory men tion. Among those of the next few years were Reuben Norton, who came from Maine in 1851, and located on section 22; George Marshall, previously of Seneca Co., Ohio, who made his home on section 4; Adam Wolf, an Ohio pioneer of 1852, who purchased William Sutton's farm, on sections 22 and 23; John Wilkinson, another emigrant from Maine, who bought a quarter of section 34 in 1852; J. C. Dillon, who came from Knox Co., Ohio, in 1853, and located on section 26; James McKelvey, of Akron, Ohio, who became a resident of section 4 in 1852; John Stewart, another emigrant from the Buckeye State, who located on section 10 in 1855; A. J. Culp, from Akron, Ohio, who located on section 16 the same year; and Levi Elliott, who made his home on section 22 in 1854. Among still later settlers may be mentioned H. O. Bowen, who resides on section 25; H. Dewey, on section 16; George D. Moore, on section 17; William O. Freeman, on section 7; Edward Moody, on section 21; D. Jackson, on section 26; Gilbert Buck, on section 19; Benjamin Miller, on section 35; William Kilburn, on section 19; C. W. Taylor, on section 23; and George Dean and George Mason, on section 16. TAX-PAYERS OF 1846. The following is the resident assessment-roll of Maple Grove for the year 1846: Acres. Seth Phillips, section 4..................................... 80 E. (G. Mapes, section 36.................................... 160 Rufus Brooks, section 25................................... 80 John F. Fuller, section 25................................. 160 James Buck, section 24.................................... 20 A. S. Quick, section 34.................................... 160 Eli Laphamt, section 35.................................... 160 Peter Dillon, section 24.................................... 140 Henry Mallory, section 23................................. 80 A. Harwood, section 35..................................... 160 R. McOmber, section 22.................................... 160 V. 0. Buck, section 19...................................... 160 Henry Deane, section 25.................................... 40 Henry Mott, sections 23 and 26........................... 240 E. Austin, sections 14 and 26.............................. 360 Leander Lapham, section 21.............................. 80 William Sutton, sections 15, 22, and 23................. 320 Benjamin Tate, sections 2 and 25........................ 120 John Dean, section 26....................................... 40 Aaron Burgess, section 5.................................... 100 Joseph Badcock, section 5................................. 92 Peter Downs, sections 2 and 36........................... 240 EARLY HIGHWAYS. The earliest recorded highway in the township was surveyed by Edward Sutton in March, 1840, and is described as follows: "Commencing at the southwest corner of section 34, township 2 north, of range 7 west, running north on the section-line between sections 33 and 34, 10 chains and 40 links: thence north 24. degrees, east 11 chains and 8 links; thence north 15i degrees, west 6 chains and 16 links; thence north 144 degrees, east 10 chains and 16 links; thence north 5 degrees, west 10 chains and 48 links; thence north 26. degrees, west 6 chains and 68 links; thence north 6i degrees, west 15 chains and 78 links; thence north 191 degrees, west 1 chain and 45 links to said section-line; thence north on the line 10 chains to the section corners of sections 27, 28, 33, and 34; thence north on the line to the corners of sections 27 and 28, 21 and 22; thence north on the line between sections 21 and 22, 22 chains; thence north 47 degrees, west 2 chains and 20 links; thence north 6 chains and 50 links; thence north 264 degrees, east 4 chains; thence north on said line 6 chains and 37 links to the quarter-post between sections 21 and 22; thence north on said line 40 chains to section corners of sections 21 and 22 and 15 and 16; thence north on said line to the quarter-post between sections 15 and 16; thence north on said line 4 chains and 84 links; thence north 31 degrees, west 25 chains and 40 links; thence north 144 degrees, west 138 chains; thence north 444 degrees, west 59 chains and 70 links to the northwest corner of section 4, township 2 north, of range 7 west." 460 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - Another road, surveyed the same month and year, began at the northwest corner of section 27 and ran to the northeast corner of the same section. The above roads were surveyed under the direction of William P. Bristol and Cleaveland Ellis, highway commissioners for the township of Johnstown, which then included the township of Maple Grove within its limits. SCHOOLS. Educational facilities were first enjoyed by the few residents of the township in 1840. Misses Emma and Maria Mott, daughters of the prominent land-owner, John Mott, had made Maple Grove their residence, where a house had been erected for their convenience by Mr. Mott, on section 26, the spot being now occupied by a Mr. Eastman. Miss Emma determined soon after to open a school, and was promised the patronage of the few settlers who lived near and had small children. The school opened with six scholars, and did not greatly increase in numbers during its brief existence. The first school-house was built on section 25, and was known as the " Quail-trap," from the fact that some enterprising lads found it a convenient rendezvous in their expeditions in search of these birds. This building, which was in district No. 1, was removed, and a new and more spacious edifice, on section 24, substituted. The township is now divided into six whole and three fractional districts, with the following board of directors: William G. Brooks, A. P. Jarrard, Frank Fuller, C. R. Palmer, John Hinkley, M. H. Palmer, John Day, Y. J. Cassell, Henry Troyer. Three hundred and eighty-four children receive instruction, of whom 21 are non-residents. In the course of a year 4 male and 14 female teachers are employed, who receive in salaries the sum of $1253.70. Nine framed school buildings have been erected, most of them being of comfortable but unpretentious proportions. The total resources of the township for educational purposes have reached the sum of $2080.86. MAPLE GROVE POST-OFFICE. The principal consequence of this little hamlet is derived from the fact that the mail is distributed here. A store was built here by John Clark in 1868, for the purpose of conducting a business adapted to the demands of the neighboring country. It was sold at the expiration of two years to Gilbert Lapham. He disposed of the business to his father, Leander Lapham, who erected a convenient building in 1875, to which he removed the stock. He is, however, at the present time closing out the enterprise with a view to retiring, though doubtless some enterprising merchant will succeed him. There are also a blacksmith-shop owned by Stephen Savage, and a wagon-shop, the proprietor of which is T. T. Dewey. The postmaster is Johnson McKelvey. CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN. For marny years after the settlement of the township re ligious services were occasionally held at the houses of the settlers. In 1872, under the ministrations of Rev. L. G. Gester, a church under the auspices of the above denomi I I nation was organized, meetings having been previously held in school-houses. The earliest pastor remained but a year, and was followed by Rev. T. Brigham; who was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. H. H. Maynard, and he in 1876 by Rev. B. F. Hungerford. Rev. George Kilpatrick came in 1878 as pastor in charge, and the present one, Rev. D. H. Shelly, was called in 1879. He conducts services at this church on alternate Sabbaths. A spacious brick edifice is now being erected on section 16 for the use of the society. The present trustees are Horace Dean, George Dean, and W. H. Whitney. THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH. This body is now erecting a church edifice of brick on section 4, in which services are to be conducted in both the English and German languages. Rev. Mr. Miller, of Ionia, is the present pastor, who expounds the faith on each alternate Sabbath. THE METHODISTS. A society of Methodists once existed in the township and had a considerable degree of success. A building on section 15, formerly a school-house, was remodeled and used as a house of worship. The organization was, however, dissolved, and the building has recently been demolished. The Methodists of the township generally worship at Nashville. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. The act of the State Legislature erecting the township of Maple Grove was approved March 25, 1846, and reads as follows: " Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That township number two north, of range seven west, in the county of Barry, be and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Maple Grove, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Henry Deans, in said township." The first township-meeting was held, in accordance with the above act, on the 25th of March, 1846, Peter Downs being chosen moderator and Archelaus Harwood, Rufus Brooks, V. O. Buck, and Elisha G. Mapes inspectors of election. Archelaus Harwood acted as clerk. The following officers were declared elected for the year 1846: Supervisor, Peter Downs; Township Clerk, Elisha G. Mapes; Treasurer, Abraham S. Quick; Assessors, Peter Downs, E. G. Mapes, Joseph Badcock; Highway Commissioners, Eldridge Austin, Eli Lapham, V. 0. Buck; Justices of the Peace, Joseph Badcock, Eldridge Austin, V. O. Buck, Peter Downs; School Inspectors, Archelaus Ilarwood, William Sutton; Constables, Charles Downs, William Sutton, Ienry Smith, Henry Mott. The remaining township officers to the present year are as follows: SUPERVISORS. 1847, Henry Mallory; 1848, Archelaus Harwood; 1849-50, Ienry Mallory; 1851, Archelaus Harwood; 1852, Ienry Mallory; 1854, Leander Lapham; 1854, Adam Wolf; 1855, Leander Lapham; 1856, Townsend Coats; 1857-59, Leander Lapham; 1860, A. C. Willson; 1861, Adam Wolf; 1862-64, Leander Lapham; 1865, Henry Mallory; 1866-68, Porter M. Harwood; 1869, Orrin Cole; 1870, Leander Lapham; 1871-72, John C. Clark; 1873-74, Le I Lai k- ~-cc ZEE MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP. 461 ander Lapham; 1875-77, Adam Wolf; 1878, Orson Swift; 1879, Leander Lapham; 1880, Orson Swift. TOWNSHIP CLERKS. 1847-48, William Sutton; 1849-50, J. F. Fuller; 1851, P. M. Harwood; 1852-54, M. N. Dunham; 1855, Pliny McOmber; 1856, R. C. Palmer; 1857-59, Abel Simonds; 1860-61, R. C. Palmer; 1862, M. H. Palmer; 1863, William C. Lapham; 1864, Abel Simonds; 1865-67, Benjamin Pierce; 1868, John C. Clark; 1869-73, T. T. Dewey; 1874, Charles S. Dunham; 1875, Orrin II. Cole; 1876-77, William H. Griswold; 1878, C. M. Gould; 1879, George Spencer; 1880, Adam D. Wolf. TREASURERS. 1847-49, Abram S. Quick; 1850, Daniel Baldwin; 1851-52, Leander Lapham; 1853, Peter Downs; 1854, Thomas B. Fuller; 1855-59, Joseph B. Spencer; 1860-64, P. M. IIarwood; 1865, Charles S. Dunham; 1866, E. H. Mallory; 1867-68, Joel Brown; 1869, John Gibson; 1870, Alonzo Streeter; 1871-74, E. G. Potter; 1875-77, John McIntire; 1878, Anthony Ostroth; 1879-80, John Hinckley. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1847, Joseph Paddock, A. S. Quick, Richard McOmber; 1848, liarlow Lapham, Daniel Baldwin; 1849, A. S. Quick, Hiram Coles; 1850, Rufus Brooks, Orson Dunham; 1851, Joseph Badcock, William Sutton, P. M. Hyde; 1852, HI. 0. Bowen, Sylvester Dean; 1853, Peter Downs, Henry Mallory; 1854, Joseph L. Graham; 1855, Henry Mallory, Townsend Coats; 1856, Almeron Holcomb; 1857, Theodore Branch, P. D. Wight; 1858, no record; 1859, Theodore Branch; 1860, C. W. Taylor; 1861, S. W. Mapes; 1862, John W. Willson; 1863, George D. More, Theodore Branch; 1864, M. H. Palmer, Henry Mallory; 1865, S. J. Badcock, M. Gifford; 1866, no record; 1867, Adam Wolf; 1868, William Brice; 1869, Charles Fowler; 1870, J. W. Stokoe; 1871, Leander Lapham; 1872, Abel Simonds, N. S. Barnes; 1873, Valentine Ostroth; 1874, Adam Wolf; 1875, Orrin H. Cole, H. 0. Bowen; 1876, Orson Dunham, Robert McCartney; 1877, Valentine Ostroth; 1878, C. W. Tailor; 1879, R. McCartney; 1880, 0. F. Long, William Feighuer. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1847, Archelaus IIarwood; 1848, A. Harwood, Henry Mallory; 1849, Henry Mallory; 1850-51, A. Harwood; 1852, Henry Mallory, A. Harwood; 1853, William Downs; 1854, Orson Dunham; 1855, no record; 1856, R. J. Durfee, Joel II. Holmes; 1857, William Lapham; 1858, G.I. W Willson, J. 11. Holmes; 1859, Selah Mapes, J. HI. Holmes; 1860, E. 1. Mallory; 1861, A. C. Willson; 1862, Charles Webster; 1863, A. D. Badcock, S. W. Mapes; 1864, S. W. Mapes, S. J. Badcock; 1865, E. II. Mallory; 1866, A. E. Lapham; 1867, George C. Baer, Warren Hecox; 1868, no record; 1869, Benjamin Pearce; 1870, George Jay; 1871, Benjamin Pearce; 1872, William Brice; 1873, Jacob Shoup; 1874, William Brice; 1875, Levi Beigh; 1876-77, Anthony Ostroth; 1878, J. B. Marshall; 1879, no record; 1880, W. S. Hecox. HIGIWAY COMMISSIONERS. 1847, James Buck, Eli Lapham; 1848, Daniel Baldwin, Harlow Laphain; 1849, D. G. Hamilton; 1850, John Baldwin; 1851, Joseph Badcock; 1852, P. M. Hyde, Joseph Badcock; 1853, Charles Downs; 1854, Joseph M. Wheeler; 1855, V. O. Buck; 1856, Rufus Brooks; 1857, James Ransom; 1858, Martin H. Palmer; 1859, H. J. Hanchet; 1860, Henry Mallory; 1861, Benjamin Pearce; 1862, Silas J. Badcock; 1863, Pliny McOmber; 1864, Rufus Brooks; 1865, David Demary; 1866, S. J. Badcock; 1867, J. II. Wilcox; 1868, L. B. Potter; 1869, Joel G. Brown; 1870, B. Pearce; 1871, Warren Seeley; 1872, John McEntire; 1873, Benjamin Pearce; 1874-77, George McCartney; 1878, L. A. Emory; 1879, William G. Brooks; 1880, C. L. Bowen. ASSESSORS. 1847, Peter Downs, Archelaus Harwood; 1848, Peter Downs, Orson Dunham; 1849, Iiram Coles, Henry Bowen; 1850, E. E. Peck, John V. Adams; 1851-52, E. Austin, J. D. Joy; 1853, J. F. Fuller, W. 0. Buck. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1847, James Buck, Eli Lapham; 1848, Peter Downs, Abel Hallock; 1849, John Baldwin, Orson Dunham; 1850, Thomas 0. Bowen, Daniel Baldwin; 1851-52, Eli Lapham, Joel Hyde; 1853, Rufus Brooks; 1854, Eldridge Austin; 1855, Abel Simonds. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, Robert McCartney; 1876, A. R. Seaman; 1877, J. J. Baker; 1878, W. S. Hecox; 1879, J. J. Baker; 1880, Harriet E. Mosey. DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 1875, Jacob Hoffman; 1876, Orson Dunham; 1877-78, John C. Dillon; 1879, John Gibson; 1880, Benjamin Pearce. CONSTABLES. 1847, William Sutton, Victory T. Sutton; 1848, H. 0. Bowen, E. E. Peck; 1849, D. C. Lapham, V. O. Buck; 1850, P. M. Hyde, A. O. Lewis, Orson Dunham; 1851, A. E. Durfee, II. O. Bowen, James Hyde, Selah Hyde; 1852, Darius Lapham, Thomas Quick, Sylvester Dean, Isaac Brooks; 1853, M. W. Buck, George D. More, Rufus Brooks, David Dixon; 1854, George McCartney, Isaac Brooks, Charles Lester, James Hyde; 1855, G. D. More, Rufus Brooks, Erwin Harmon, E. Harrington; 1856, Rufus Brooks, Erwin II. Harmon, Ira Kibburn, William Downs; 1857, Rufus Brooks, D. S. Willson, Uriah Buck, Albert S. Eno; 1858, William Downs, Almeron Holcomb, William 0. Truman, Albert S. Eno; 1859, W. 0. Freeman, Rufus Brooks, C. R. Palmer, Stephen Adams; 1860, Rufus Brooks, G. D. More, H. C. Mead, A. D. Borland; 1861, M. W. Buck, L. Lapham, W. O. Freeman, P. Cheesman; 1862, V. O. Buck, Rufus Brooks, W. C. Lapham, B. Miller; 1863, Rufus Brooks, P. Cheesman, A. L. Eno, J. J. Brooks; 1864, P. Cheesman, L. H1. B. Newcomb, Benjamin Pearce; 1865, H. A. Harris, A. D. Jarrard, Rufus Brooks, Thomas Gould; 1866, Daniel P. Wolf, E. F. Moody, William Stewart; 1867, D. P. Wolf, George Snyder, Henry Cady, Rufus Brooks; 1868, Daniel Darrow, H. C. Cady, Fred Shoup, Gilbert Lapham; 1869, Ansel Fowl, Gilbert Lapham, Warren Seeley, D. P. Wolf; 1870, D. P. Wolf, John Potter, Frederick Mead; 1871, John Gibson, D. P. Wolf, Warren Seeley, J. Shoup; 1872, D. P. Wolf; 1873, Samuel P. Shafer, D. P. Wolf, Stephen Savage; 1874, E. Church, P. Anderson; 1875, Adam D. Wolf, R. M. Graham, Timothy Brooks, Fred J. Tuck; 1876, C. S. Dunham, Lewis Emory, William C. Dunham, Cordon Wallace; 1877, W. C. Dunham, Ira Cummings, A. D. Wolf, William Feighuer; 1878, Samuel Shoup, Ira Cummings, I. Shoup, Robert Shoup; 1879, Samuel B. Norton, Samuel Shoup; 1880, Enos Wolf, Ira Cummings, Samuel Shoup, R. A. Brooks. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. PLINY McOMBER. The parents of Pliny McOmber were residents of Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., at the time of his birth, which occurred in that place on the 15th of March, 1825. When Pliny was about eight years of age the family removed to Marion, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he attended the district school during the winter terms. In 1836 the advantages offered by the new State of Michigan began to attract great attention among the farmers of the Eastern States, and a very large and constantly increasing emigration was the result. Among those who became infected with this almost universal desire to remove West for the purpose of bettering their fortunes on the virgin lands of the Peninsular State was Mr. Richard McOmber, who came to Michigan in the summer of 1837, and purchased the northeast quarter of section 22, in Johnstown (now Maple Grove), and 462 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - removed to it with his family in the fall of 1838. This purchase had been made from John Mott, whose daughters were living in the neighborhood, one of these-Miss Emma Mott-being teacher of the school which Pliny first attended in Michigan. He remained at home with his father, assisting in the labors of the farm, until 1848, when, in company with two sons of Dr. Harwood, he engaged in the erection of a sawmill on Cedar Creek, in section 9, of the township of Baltiiore (then Johnstown). He continued to operate this mill for about three years, when he returned to his father's farm, but soon after went to Palmyra, Wayne Co., N. Y., for the purpose of attending school at that place. After a year of study at Palmyra he returned home, but in the year 1852 he again went to New York State, where he attended school at Palmyra, Wayne Co., for about one year. While there he made the acquaintance of Miss Emily Sanford, who became his wife on the 2d of March, 1854. The newly-married couple came to Michigan and lived in the family of his father. On the death of the latter, Pliny McOmber came into the possession of the homestead, where he still resides. Mr. McOmber, who was originally an old-line Whig, became an ardent Republican, and continued a firm adherent to the principles of that party from its birth, in 1856, until the organization of the Greenback party, when he transferred his support to the latter. LEANDER LAPHAM. Among the honorable names associated with the early history of Baltimore, that of Eli Lapham stands conspicuous, not less from the purity of his character than from the fact of his having been the earliest settler within its boundaries. His birth occurred in the year 1791, and his marriage at the age of twenty-one. Having, at the expiration of the third year after, been left a widower, he later married Miss Rachel Crandall, mother of Leander Lapham. Their residence, for a period of years after this event, was in Erie Co., N. Y. During the year 1831, Mr. and Mrs. Lapham and six children removed to Livonia, Mich., and six years later to Maple Grove, Barry Co., Mich. Eli Lapham survived until May, 1864, when his death occurred at Augusta, Mich. His memory is still tenderly cherished by all who were familiar with his kindly nature and his unselfish life. Leander Lapham was born in Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., in the year 1819, and was eighteen years of age on his arrival in Maple Grove. Four years after he was married to Miss Irena Smith, born in Connecticut in 1815, who came with her parents to Michigan in 1837. Three children graced their cheerful home,Gilbert, born Aug. 12, 1846; Alice M., whose birth occurred Nov. 26, 1851; and Melville, born April 28, 1853. Alice, the daughter, died Feb. 24, 1852. Mr. Lapham early became interested in public affairs, voted first the Whig ticket, was later an advocate of the Free Soil platform, and is now an ardent Republican. He has represented his township on fifteen occasions as supervisor, and was in 1864 a representative in the State Legislature. I Since that time he has been engaged in the cares of his estate and' the superintendence of his mercantile interests. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lapham passed through all the privations and hardships incident to the settlement of a new country and were successful,-not so much from aid and encouragement tendered them as from a firm reliance upon their own energy and capacity. While carving out a career of success for themselves, they were not unmindful of the kindly word and helping hand which was frequently a powerful lever to the success of others. Mrs. Lapham died in October, 1877, and in January, 1878, Mr. Lapham married Miss Hannah M., daughter of Lonson Dewey, born in Almont, Lapeer Co., Oct. 5, 1840. They still reside in Maple Grove, surrounded by a pleasant circle of old friends and relatives, whose esteem and regard they possess to an eminent degree. ABRAM S. QUICK. Among the earliest and most active pioneers in Maple Grove township, Abram S. Quick was especially prominent, and now, after a residence of upwards of forty years upon the place of his first settlement in Barry County, enjoys wellearned comfort and ease. His father, John Quick, was born in New Jersey and lived thereafter in Pennsylvania, Canada, and New York, and in 1842 took up his residence with his son Abram in Maple Grove, where he died, in 1851. He served through an active campaign in the war of the Revolution, and had, at his death, reached the advanced age of ninety-one. Abram S. Quick was born in Pennsylvania, March 9, 1808, the sixth child in a family of eight, and, until he reached his majority, lived at home with his parents, working chiefly as a farm-hand. This occupation he continued here and there until 1838, when he set out for the far West, and at Adrian, Mich., obtained employment with the Michigan Southern Railroad Company as " boss" of a party of laborers at work on the line. In the fall of 1838, with Abel and Daniel Baldwin, he penetrated into Maple Grove township, Barry Co., and erected a saw-mill in section 26, upon land owned by John Mott, a Quaker, living then in Jackson County, with whom the mill was to be worked on shares. From Mott the property was known as the Quaker Mill, and that name it retains to this day. This, the pioneer saw-mill of Maple Grove, was carried on by Quick and the Baldwins in company until the spring of 1840, when Mr. Quick (having, in 1839, bought a place on section 34) turned his attention to clearing and cultivating his land, and upon that place he has ever since resided. When he settled in Maple Grove there were but five other settlers in the town. He built upon his present place, in 1840, the first framed residence in Maple Grove, the building being destroyed by fire in 1868, and put out one of the first two orchards in the town. By exchanging labor with his neighbors and attending logging-bees, he managed to clear and fence forty acres of his land before he owned a yoke of oxen, and has, during his life in Michigan, chopped and logged upwards of two hundred and fifty acres. During the hard winter of 1842-43 he cut out three miles of the road to Hastings, S.:A *-V1' I I - HESIDENCE OF A B RAM S. QU ICK, MAPLE GROVE TP.,BARRY CO,MICH. MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP. 463 and worked otherwise early and late to save his home, which was mortgaged to Quaker Mott, and by him threatened with foreclosure. In 1842 his wife made a halfbarrel of sugar, carrying the sap, and boiling it in small vessels, while he chopped the wood. The home was, however, by the most heroic exertions, saved from foreclosure, and when Quick finally got it clear and set out to build a house, he used to tramp eleven miles to Bellevue with forty pounds of sugar on his back, and with the proceeds, two dollars and forty cents, buy nails to use in the construction of his dwelling. Mr. Quick has, during his life in Maple Grove, been prominently identified with the interests of the township, and has often been called upon to render services in local offices of public trust. He has been county superintendent of the poor two terms, treasurer seven terms, justice of the peace two years, and for a number of years conspicuously concerned with grange affairs. Rachel R., his wife, was born in the town of Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., July 20, 1823, being fourth in a family of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eli Lapham. Her parents were natives of Vermont, her father having been born in 1788, and her mother in 1800. Eli Lapham moved, with his family, from Erie Co., N. Y., to Wayne Co., Mich., in 1830, and in 1837 pushed on to Maple Grove township, in Barry County, where, upon section 35, with a son and daughter and his son-in-law, Abel Hallock, he made the pioneer settlement in the township. He was a Quaker minister, preached the first sermon in the town, and every Sabbath during his pioneer experience held public religious services, and preached to his family, to neighbors, and Indians, as they gathered at his house or the houses of others in response to his invitation. After an extended stay in Maple Grove he removed to Battle Creek, and died in Calhoun County in 1864, having up to the time of his death continued with more or less regularity his work as a minister in Maple Grove and other localities. His widow died in Maple Grove in 1877, at the residence of Mr. Quick, after having been an invalid eight years. Mrs. Quick has herself participated in hardy pioneer work in Michigan. She was married to Mr. Quick, in Maple Grove; and, from the time she became a pioneer's wife, took her full share of a pioneer's burdens. As an instance it may be noted that, during the hard winter of 1842-43, while her husband was at work cutting out roads, she cut her own firewood and drew it from the woods, and that spring boiled a considerable quantity of sugar. She has all her life been a member of the Quaker Church, and, during her father's time, enjoyed the privilege of frequent worship according to that faith. Mr. and Mrs. Quick have four living children, viz.: George, born in 1842, and now living in Battle Creek; Irena Sophronia, born in 1845, and now Mrs. Elbridge Potter, of Maple Grove; Frank M., born in 1850, and now a farmer in Calhoun County; Frederick J., born in 1853, likewise a farmer, and in Maple Grove. CHARLES S. DUNHAM. Charles S. Dunham, one of Maple Grove's best known citizens, has lived in the town upwards of twenty-seven years, and in the State since 1837. He was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 1820, of good old New England stock, his father having been a native of Massachusetts, although his mother was born in New York State. At the age of ten the lad Charles was called upon to mourn his father's death, and with his mother, brothers, and sisters faced the stern necessity of battling for an existence. In 1837 the family moved to Michigan, and, still pursuing the path of dependence upon his labors, Charles engaged in whatsoever industry his hands could find to do, his chief fields of toil being in Jackson and Kalamazoo Counties, and his pursuits those of farming and painting, as occasion served. In 1841, he and his brother Casper purchased some land upon section 30, in Eaton County,-and to that place the family moved that year, Dec. 25, 1844. Mr. Dunham married Catharine, daughter to Peter and Pamelia Downs, of Maple Grove township, Barry Co., and upon the Dunham farm, in Eaton County, the worthy couple lived until April 25, 1853, when they moved to Barry County, where Mr. Dunham had bought new land, and in Maple Grove they have ever since resided. Mr. Dunham has always concerned himself in a spirited way with the advancement of the interest of his adopted town, has frequently been called upon to fill various offices of local trust, and has in short been a man of mark and influence in the community. He has long been a member of the orders of Odd-Fellowship and Freemasonry, and is now connected with Nashville Lodge, No. 255, F. and A. M., and Hastings Chapter, No. 68, R. A. M. Mr. Dunham takes a good deal of pride in the recollection that for thirty-nine years he has not missed a season of sugaring. IIe proposes to make the record an even forty years and rest content. Mrs. Charles S. Dunham, as already recorded, was the daughter of Peter and Pamelia (Styles) Downs. Her father was born in Vermont, Dec. 11, 1795, and her mother in Massachusetts, Aug. 2, 1791. They were married in New York, July 21, 1817, and shortly afterwards settled in St. Lawrence County, where Catharine (now Mrs. Dunham), their fourth child, was born Dec. 20, 1824. In 1837, Mr. and Mrs. Downs settled in Calhoun Co., Mich., and in January, 1841, became settlers upon section 36, in Maple Grove township, in Barry County. Later they removed to section 15, and upon the place now owned and occupied by Charles S. Dunham died,-Mr. Downs, Oct. 4, 1871, and Mrs. Downs, June 5, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham's children, three in number, are all living, and are named Peter 0., born Aug. 3, 1846; Esther, born June 29, 1848; and Matthew H., born Aug. 3, 1861. Living with them are their two adopted children, Evey L., adopted February, 1863, and Charles E., adopted February, 1880. Of Mrs. Dunham's family two brothers are now living, and of Mr: Dunham's one brother and two sisters. OR A NGE ILL E.* SURVEY-TOWNSHIP 2 north in range 10 west, known as Orangeville, lies on the western border of Barry County; having Yankee Springs on the north, Prairieville on the south, Hope on the east, and the Allegan county-line on the west. The township contains a number of small ponds or lakes, among which Fish Lake, near the centre, is conspicuously attractive. Gun Lake touches the northwest corner, and there covers about 1000 acres. That locality is much resorted to by large parties of pleasure-seekers in the summer seasons, and from Kalamazoo especially the visitors gather in great force. The surface of the country is undulating and hilly, and the soil is sandy, yet agriculturally the region ranks well. There is but one village, called Orangeville, where there is a post-office. Although three separate railway projects through the town have been agitated, no locomotive has yet presented itself for welcome. Such an event is, however, not at all improbable. THE PIONEERS' ADVANCE. The first route through from Gull Prairie to the present township of Orangeville was "blazed" with a hatchet by George Brown, who in the fall of 1835 marched afoot over the ground, looking for a good location, while his son, William, followed him on horseback. Having reached what is now called the Brown neighborhood, he concluded to make a settlement there, and, retracing his steps eastward, took up some land on section 32. With his wife and his father, Calvin Brown, he came on the next summer from Connecticut to begin active preparations in the work of making a home in the Michigan wilderness. Leaving Mrs. Brown at Blashfield's, in Prairieville,-five miles south of their destination,-the two Browns pushed on, and in July, 1836, began upon section 32 their pioneer work in the present township of Orangeville. George Brown had engaged John Patton and Joshua J. Pease to clear some of his land, and found them on the ground, they having come to the township in April, 1836. They were the first actual residents of the township. After remaining at Blashfield's during three weary weeks Mrs. Brown grew restless from inactivity, and, eager to join her husband as a pioneer, sent word to him to that effect, and very soon afterward appeared before him. She found upon her arrival that a shanty had been put up on the Brown place, and that in it, besides her husband and father, were living John Patton and Joshua J. Pease with their families. Patton and Pease were brothers-in-law, and had come in together partly to clear land for Brown and partly to improve some land of their own on section 28, ~ By David Schwartz. 464 and abided with the Browns while making ready their own habitations. Patton and one Joseph Brown, of Gull Prairie, raised a saw-mill on section 28 in 1837, but did not set it in motion until 1838. This pioneer mill was carried on for some time by Patton and Brown, and was naturally a valuable convenience to the incoming settlers. The water-power has not been suffered to waste itself in much idleness since that time, and still turns a saw-mill wheel, the business being now in the hands of Jefferson Bagley. In 1837, when Henry Brown came from Connecticut to make a settlement in Orangeville, in response to the persuasions of his brother George, he found in the Brown neighborhood a smart little community of pioneers. There were George Brown and Calvin his father, Duty Benson, Isaac Messer, a family named Adams (who soon sold out to William Dwellie, of Prairieville), John Patton, and Joshua Pease. Of the settlers above mentioned as among the pioneer vanguard of Orangeville, George Brown, Calvin Brown, Duty Benson, and John Patton are dead. Henry Brown still lives on section 32, in Orangeville, where he located in 1837. George Brown's widow lives on the same section, Joshua Pease lives in Hope township, and Isaac Messer in Carlton. Following close upon the earliest comers named came Elam Nichols and Silas Nichols, to section 32; Aaron Ellis, to section 29; J. D. Kelly, to section 31; William Sykes, to section 20; and Hiram Chase, to section 29. Dr. Fordyce Rhodes, Orangeville's pioneer physician, came to the town in 1840, and occupied the Messer place, on section 32. Elam Nichols, who settled on section 32 in 1838, was a carpenter and joiner, and built not only the first school-house the town had, but also the first framed barn. He lived in the town but a year or so, and then moved to Gun Plain. Silas Nichols had a family of twelve children, but did not not seem to consider that complement a very big one, for, being upon one occasion asked by preacher Shaw whether he had much of a family, replied, "Oh, not much of a one; thirteen or fourteen children, I believe," as if one child more or less made but little difference, or perhaps as if the children were multiplying so rapidly he couldn't keep track of them. THE BROWN NEIGHBORHOOD, as the place of Orangeville's first settlement was called, and is called to this day, gathered residents quickly after George Brown and his father delivered the first axe-strokes upon Orangeville's forest giants. The settlers were all moderately near neighbors, and were necessarily fraternal and sociable. Hospitality was a marked feature in the community, and amid the toils and privations of pioneer life friendly visits and a happy interchange of social sentiments cheered and refreshed existence. A participant in the events of that ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 465 time refers with glowing animation to the miany delightful social occasions incidental to his pioneer experience, and honestly believes that for good old-fashioned enjoyment and hearty hospitality that period was far in advance of the present day, and that, all things taken into consideration, there was more solid comfort than can be found now in any community. Fever and ague was, however, a great terror, and caused at first much distress. By many the presence of the disease was chargeable to the fact that, the settlers' stock of meat being usually exhausted by May, they lived largely on cucumbers and milk, and fever and ague rapidly followed this diet. The universal ague remedy was Dr. Osgood's cholagogue, and in every household it was as common as were the most urgent of life's necessaries. Dr. Osgood lived in Norwich, Conn., and made a vast fortune from his cholagogue, towards which Michigan contributed no small share. Osgood visited Michigan but once, and then stopped at Yankee Lewis' for dinner, and in dwelling upon the excellence of that dinner as being the best meal he ever ate he never grew weary. The first birth in the settlement was that of Albertus, son to George and Mary Ann Brown, who was born July 16, 1837. The first girl child was a daughter to Isaac Messer, born also in 1837, and now Mrs. Martha Morrill, of Hastings. The first death was that of Mrs. Henry Brown, who died in July, 1837, and was buried on Mr. Brown's farm. The cemetery in the Brown settlement was not laid out until some time afterward, the one in Prairieville being used in common by both towns. PIONEERS IN THE NORTH. As early as 1837, or perhaps 1836, one McKnight made a small clearing on section 9, put up a log cabin, and, between trading with Indians and keeping a house of entertainment for such land-lookers as happened to pass that way, managed to eke out a precarious subsistence. Among the land-seekers who were entertained at McKnight's house in 1838 was David Townsend, who bargained with McKnight for the 40 acres the latter occupied, and also left with him $100, with which McKnight was to buy more land for him. Townsend went back to New York, and, in 1839, came out with his family. When he reached the McKnight place, expecting to find that worthy at hand with an account of his stewardship in the $100 affair, he found an empty cabin, and directly learned that McKnight, seeing before him a more inviting financial scheme than either keeping tavern or trading with Indians, had slipped away with the $100. Neither he nor the money was ever heard of more. Joseph Coffin, an Indian trader, was living on the townline, in section 3, when Townsend moved in, and carried on a brisk traffic with the Indians, especially in the sale of whisky to them. Upon that whisky the redskins used to get most villainously drunk, and then their howls carried great dismay and terror to the souls of such women as resided in the neighborhood, but, farther than that, it is not recorded that they inflicted any damage. Coffin's wife died in 1840, and shortly after that he moved to the far 59 South. John and James O'Connor, two brothers, were the next to make a settlement after Townsend. They came to section 3 in September, 1838, and moved from the town after a residence therein of six years. E. O'Connor, a third brother, came to section 3 in 1839 and still lives there. In December, 1838, James Stewart came from Canada to section 11, and occupied land located by his father-inlaw in 1836. At the same time Donald McCallum also came from Canada and settled upon the same section. McCallum moved to Hope in 1851, and there died. Stewart still lives upon his old farm. In the northern portion of Orangeville the owners of lands held back their property in most cases for an advance in price, and for that reason that quarter was at first slow in being populated. Among the earliest in following Stewart and McCallum were John Gillespie and Adam Elliott, to section 3; James McDermott, to section 12; and Isaac Young, to sections 10 and 11, which he bought of Donald McCallum. Settlers thereabout could get to no grist-mill short of Otsego or Gull Prairie, and to make the journey to either place two days, and often more, were fully occupied. Fighting against fever and ague was a common matter, but, fight as they would, the people suffered sorely, and, indeed, there was more unhappiness from that cause than from all others combined. Dr. Upjohn, of Gull Prairie, was the only available physician, and his welcome presence even could not always be counted on in times of sickness, for his circuit was a large one, and, tax his energies as he might, he could not always meet his engagements. South of Stewart the early settlers were John and George Bugbee, Otis Bugbee, Peter Castle, Elder C. Blake, a preacher, and Calvin Preston. Farther south, on the Grand River road, S. C. Woodman, still living on section 23, came to that place in January, 1846, where John Rogers had lived a while and cleared about an acre. Among the settlers in his neighborhood soon after he came in were the Bugbees, the Castles, Samuel Youngs, William Jollncock, Joshua Hart, Ansel Haven, the Osborns, etc. Fishing was fine sport in that vicinity, and yielded welcome returns too, for food of any kind was not over-plentiful among the pioneers. Mr. Woodman recalls a fishing excursion in which he and seven others participated, and relates that, after an all-night campaign, they got home with 400 pounds of pickerel and bass, many of which weighed 25 pounds each. He and hisson were great deerhunters, and counted it as no uncommon occurrence when they brought down four deer a day. Hunting and trapping were followed by the settlers not only as a sport, but as a necessity. Money was exceedingly hard to get, and, as furs and deer-hides always commanded cash, they were eagerly sought whenever opportunity offered. South of Woodman, on the Grand River road, Peter Falk and his son William settled on section 26 in 1844, their coming to Michigan dating from 1837, when they located in Barry township. William Falk was a cabinetmaker, and his services in that capacity were in almost constant demand in the neighborhood. He still lives on section 26. His wife is a daughter of Richard Collier, who settled on the Grand River road in 1842. Thereabout, 466 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. among the early comers, were also Seth Lewis, Seymour Adams, Augustus Williams, J. H. Earl, A. D. Storms (who located upon section 35 in 1841), Elbridge Smith, Aaron Orr, Charles Matthews, and a Mr. Cass, a pensioner of the war of 1812. The earliest settler in the neighborhood of the present village of Orangeville was Isaac Fish, who located in 1837 in Oakland County, and in 1844 in Orangeville, upon section 17. The father of his wife was Abner Livermore, who settled in Oakland County in 1833. The region in which Mr. Fish made his Orangeville home was in 1844 a wilderness. On the south his nearest neighbor was William Sykes, on section 20, and on the north David Townsend, two and a half miles distant. In Mr. Fish's vicinity and west of the village, the settlers came in rapidly about 1848. Among the earliest were Josephus Snook, to section 20; Parmenio Wolcott, to section 17; John Valentine, to section 17 (a place occupied in 1864 by Hiram Harper, a settler in Calhoun County in 1832); Sylvanus Clark, Leonard Johnson, Liscomb Brigham, Joel Johnson, William England, W. W. Wait, Ezra Barker, and S. M. Nichols. Watson Wait, one of those named, was given at times to uttering original expressions, and among others is remembered to have remarked, upon returning from church where Elder Owen, an exhorter, had presided, " Oh, nobody preached. Elder Owen, he just read a short chapter from the Bible and then exiagyerated." Stillwell, another character, is remembered for his anti-abolition speech, in which he charged the Black Republicans with running 150,000,000 of slaves from the South into Canada; Pettingill for his famous reply, in which he declared that such a number of people couldn't stand up in Canada; and Valentine for his rejoinder to the effect that "' the Upper Providence and Lower Providence of Canada were bitgger than the whole State of Michigan." THE GRAND RAPIDS ROAD. The old stage-road extending from Battle Creek to Grand Rapids, via Yankee Springs, passed through the eastern portion of Orangeville and much enlivened that section, for the volume of travel was something quite remarkable. On that thoroughfare in Orangeville there was, however, but one tavern, and that not a very important one. Charles Peck was the landlord of the inn, which was a log structure, and stood on section 35, upon the place now occupied by J. H. Earl. Peck opened his house about 1838, and it was then the only house in the township on that road. Of course this highway was a great convenience to the pioneers, for it gave them ready means of communication with the outer world, and, as stages and other vehicles passed over it frequently each day, there was always a chance to send to market or secure the performance of any similar commission. This business of " sending to town" by the stages for such articles as might be needed was carried forward liberally, and at various points along the line the driver would take up orders from people who had in some cases come miles to intercept the stage. Merchants at Battle Creek used to drive a flourishing trade in the execution of these orders by stage, and the experience of one clerk is recalled to the effect that it was no, ancamman thing for him to work all night in the preparation of goods to be transported by the stages the next morning. OTHER ROADS. On the 15th of July, 1843, a road was laid out, commencing in the centre of the highway north of the Rogers House, running thence north and east to the northwest corner of section 2. Before that date the Yankee Springs and Pine Lake road had been laid out, and March 29, 1844, a road was laid out beginning at a stake in the Grand River road, running thence south to the east line of section 10, thence to a stake in the highway north of the Rogers House. March 25, 1845, the survey of a road was made from the quarterpost on the east side of section 25, thence north and west to " McCallum's road." May 10, 1848, it was agreed that of the road between the two towns Orangeville should take the part from the Grand River road west to the centre of section 33, and Prairieville from the centre of section 33 to the southwest corner of section 32. A road from John Patton's to Prairieville was laid June 12, 1843, and May 10, 1847, one running from the Grand River road at the south line of section 23, northwest and north to the Grand River road near the line between sections 14 and 15. May 10, 1847, the town-line road from the quarter-post on the south side of section 35 east to the town-line was laid, and Dec. 9, 1847, a road was laid between the towns of Yankee Springs and Orangeville, running two and a half miles due east from the quarter-post on the south line of section 34,-Yankee Springs to work one and a half miles, and Orangeville the remainder. SCHOOLS. The first school known to the history of Orangeville was taught by Mrs. Isaac Messer, in 1837, in her home on section 32. She had 8 or 10 scholars and taught about two months. After that, in the spring of 1838, a framed district school-house was built by Elam Nichols, a carpenter and joiner living in the township. The contract for building the house was taken by Henry Brown, who hauled the lumber for it from Gun Plain and Silver Creek. The building, which stood on George Brown's farm, cost $400 completed, and now does duty as one of the out-houses on Henry Brown's place. Although the school-house was not built until 1838, the district, including all of township 2, was organized as district No. 12 in Prairieville, July 4, 1837. The first school-teacher in that house was Harriet Ioyt, and after her the early teachers were Calvin White, Jr., Miss S. M. Woodard, Miss Mansfield, and Hannah Benson. On the 4th of April, 1838, district No. 12 was changed to No. 3, and there were then attached to it sections 4, 5, and 6, in township 1. Oct. 18, 1843, the district was changed to No. 1. March 10, 1845, district No. 7, in Prairieville, was organized to include the north half of the northwest quarter of section 1, the whole of section 2, the south half and the northeast quarter of section 3, the east half of the southeast quarter of section 4, the east half of section 9, the whole of sections 10 and 11, the west half of the north west quarter of section 12, the whole of section 14, and the east half of the northwest quarter of section 15, in town 2. The first meeting of the district was held at the ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 467......,.... - I house of Adam Elliott, March 21, 1845. Nov. 21, 1845, the northwest quarter of section 2 and the north half of section 3 were set off to district 3, of Yankee Springs. In answer to the petition of Peter Falk and others, district No. 8 was organized, Nov. 7, 1846, and included sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, 36, and the east halves of sections 22, 27, and 34. A log school-house was built on section 26 by Peter Falk and J. C. Woodman. Mary Warner, of Prairieville, taught the first term in that school-house. Oct. 4, 1849, upon the petition of Isaac Fish and others, No. 4 was formed, and embraced sections 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, and the north half of section 29. Oct. 14, 1849, district No. 7 was changed to No. 2, and June 7, 1851, No. 5 was organized out of sections 1, 2, 3, and 4. Fractional district No. 7 was formed June 30, 1851, and included portions of Martin and Gun Plain and the southwest quarter of section 30, the west half of section 31, the west half of the northeast quarter and west half of the southeast quarter of section 31 in Orangeville. Nov. 5, 1853, district No. 5 was dissolved and attached to No. 2. At the same meeting No. 2 was changed to No. 1, No. 3 to No. 2, and No. 4 to No. 3. May 8,1854, the districts in the township were numbered and divided as follows: No. 1 included sections 1, 2, 3, 4, the east halves of the northeast and southeast quarters of section 9, and the whole of sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. No. 2 included sections 23, 24, 25, 26, the east half of section 27, the east half of section 22, the northeast quarter of section 34, and the north half of section 36. In No. 3 were sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and the northeast quarter, the east half, and the northwest half of section 29. In fractional district No. 3 were sections 35, the south half of 36, and the southeast quarter of section 34. In fractional district No. 7 were the west half and the west half of the east half of section 31, and the southeast quarter of section 30. Fractional district No. 1 included the west halves of sections 22, 27, and 34, the whole of sections 28, 32, and 33, the south half of section 29, the west half of the northwest quarter of section 29, the north half and the southeast quarter of section 30, the east half of the northeast quarter and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 31. The school reports for the years 1847, 1848, 1849,1850, 1851, 1852, 1854, and 1858 show the following numbers: Dist. Scholars. Dist. Scholars. No. 3................... 36 No. 4.................. 31 Fractional No. 3.... 14 Fractional No. 7.... 7 Total......... 165 Fractional No. 1..... 54 Fractional No. 3..... 19 Total......... 208 1858. No. 1................... 56 No. 2................... 45 No. 3................... 95 Fractional No. 3.... 29 Fractional No. 1.... 33 Fractional No. 7.... 9 Total......... 267 1854. No. 1................... No. 2................... No. 3................... 50 38 47 Appended is a list of the teachers appointed in the town between 1847 and 1860: Sally M. Daly, Aug. 10, 1847. E. B. Van Vleet, Dec. 2, 1847. Mary A. Warner, May 3, 1848. Miss S. Allen, June 12, 1848. Emeline Spalding, Oct. 8, 1848. Jacob Nevins, Dec. 4, 1848. Chester HI. Williams, Dec. 3, 1848. Mary Bush, Jan. 7, 1850. Milo Chamberlain, Jan. 24, 1850. Martha A. Warner, Martha L. Farr, Sarah Betts, May 4, 1850. Augusta Brown, June 15, 1850. James Blake, June 25, 1851. Diantha Farr, May 5, 1851. Alvina Chamberlain, June 7, 1851. Mary Nash, June 28, 1851. Mary Warner, Dec. 3, 1851. Miss Marion II. Bown, Delia Htill, April 27, 1852. Eli Hathaway, Nov. 27, 1852. C. H. Brewster, Dec. 5, 1852. William L. Brown, Dee. 22, 1852. Rozetta Walker, Feb. 23, 1853. Amanda M. Brownson, April 16, 1853. Keturah Watson, Cynthia Farr, Sarah A. Dawson, April 8, 1854. George W. Tuthill, Nov. 8, 1854. Milton A. Brown, Dec. 2, 1854. Mary Helen Williams, Jan. 24, 1855. Welles A. Johnson, Jan. 20, 1855. Mary S. Wing, April 14, 1855. Juliete IIaydon, May 14, 1855. Helen Brown, July 20, 1855. A, L. Ewell, Nov. 3, 1855. George Brainard, Nov. 24, 1855. Jerome E. Rockwood, Dec. 15, 1855. William F. Stanley, Dec. 2, 1855. Lemuel W. Wing, May 5, 1856. Ruth A. Tefft, May 5, 1856. Adelaide McKay, May 19, 1856. Homer Paddock, Thomas M. Brady, Nov. 14, 1856. Corydon A. Tefft, Dec. 2, 1856. W. Pilber, Feb. 7, 1857. Ada I. Salisbury, Sarah C. Fish, Helen McGown, Margaret A. McGown, Ruth Lilly, April 18, 1857. Harriet Tuttle, May 5, 1857. Mr. Gilson, Nov. 7, 1857. Mr. Dobin, Nov. 26, 1857. Charles G. Matthews, Nov. 30, 1857. L. W. Wing, April 10, 1858. A. B. Austin, Nov. 6, 1858. Harriet Falk, April 10, 1859. Marion Lewis, April 10, 1859. Ira Osgood, Dec. 20, 1859. Lemuel Wing, Dec. 20, 1859. Ruth Lilly, Dec. 15, 1859. John McCallum, Dec. 15, 1859. The annual school report for 1879 presented the following statistics: 1847. Dist. Scholars. No.................... 36 No. 3................... 21 No. 7................... 25 Total......... 82 1848. Fractional No. 1..... 48 Fractional No. 3..... 9 No. 3................... 27 No. 7................... 32 Total......... 116 1849. No. 1................... 68 No. 2................... 30 No. 3................... 28 Total......... 126 1850. Dist. Scholars. No. 1................... 43 No. 2........... 60 No. 3................... 28 No. 4................... 25 Total......... 156 1851. No.................... 38 No. 2................... 47 No.................... 33 No. 4.................. 19 No. 5................... 17 Total........ 154 1852. No. 1................... 33 No. 2............. 44 468 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Number of districts (whole, 5; fractional, 2)...... 7 " children of school age..................... 323 Average attendance...................................... 296 Value of property........................................ $3650 Teachers' wages............................................ $812 The school directors for 1879 were J. S. Young, Franklin Patton, Severn Thompson, John Van Luke, Oliver Chalker, F. Chamberlain, and C. M. Smith. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Township 2 north, range 10 west, was a portion of Prairieville until April 1, 1847, when, under an act approved May 4, 1846, it was organized as Orangeville. The name was bestowed in pursuance of a suggestion by Peter Falk, who wished to have it named Orange, in recollection of a township of that name in Ohio, whence he came to Michigan, but, there being already an Orange in Michigan, a compromise was effected on Orangeville. The first town-meeting was held at the house of Isaac Fish, April 5, 1847. Samuel C. Woodman was chosen moderator, Seth Lewis clerk, and George Brown and Aaron L. Ellis inspectors of election. The votes east for supervisor were 43, of which George Brown received 22 and Adam Elliott 21. For clerk, Henry Brown had 23, William Falk 18, and George Brown 1. For treasurer, Donald McCallum received 23, and David Townsend 20. For justice of the peace, Isaac Fish and Aaron Ellis received each 22, Adam Elliott 28, and Donald McCallum 20. Ellis and Fish drew lots, and the latter was declared elected. The several candidates for highway commissioners were John C. Bugbee, Robert Emory, Royal Ellis, William E. Sykes, and David Townsend, of whom Sykes, Bugbee, and Emory were elected. For school inspectors the candidates were Curtis Brigham, Jr., Robert Emory, George Brown, and Donald McCallum, of whom Brigham and Brown were chosen. The assessors elected were Isaac Fish and Joshua J. Pease. Poormasters, Seymour Adams, Stephen Nichols, George W. Bugbee, and Joseph Cole. Overseers of highways, Samuel C. Woodman, in district No. 1; John Gillespie, in No. 2; Michael Powers, in No. 3; Isaac Fish, in No. 4; Stephen Nichols, in No. 5; Duty Benson, in No. 6; Joseph Cole, in No. 7. At the same meeting 12 votes were given for license, and 21 votes for no license. Ten dollars were voted to be raised for the children of poor parents, and $60 for the " contingent expenses" of the town. From 1848 to 1880 the persons chosen annually to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace, were the following: SUPERVISORS. 1848-49, George Brown; 1850, IH. Brown; 1851, E. G. Salisbury; 1852, George Brown; 1853, E. G. Salisbury; 1854, E. Smith; 1855, P. Falk; 1856, E. Smith; 1857, 11. Brown; 1858, E. Smith; 1859-60, H. Brown; 1861, E. Smith; 1862-63, Aaron Blake; 1864-66, J. II. Earl; 1867, W. T. Dodge; 1868-69, H. Brown; 1870, W. T. Dodge; 1871, E. C. Pheteplace; 1872-74, Henry Brown; 1875, Eli Nichols; 1876, J. W. Hloughtalin; 1877, L. A. Nichols; 1878-79, Eli Nichols; 1880, L. A. Nichols. CLERKS. 1848, H. Brown; 1849, J. N. Hathorn; 1850, M. Chamberlain; 1851 -52, H. Brown; 1853, E. Smith; 1854, Peter Falk; 1855-56, Eli Nichols; 1857-59, H. C. Turner; 1860, A. Reid; 1861, W. W. Hopkins; 1862, G. H. Brooks; 1863, L. W. Wing; 1864, W. II. Cressy; 1865, H. C. Turner; 1866, G. II. Brooks; 1867, II. E. Storms; 1868, Eli Nichols; 1869-70, W. 11. Cressy; 1871-74, L. W. Wing; 1875, J. A. Turner; 1876-77, II. C. Turner; 1878, S. W. Goucher; 1879-80, A. Murdock. TREASURERS. 1848-49, D. McCallum; 1850-51, 0. C. Bugbee; 1852, William Falk; 1853, A. D. Storms; 1854-55, J. 11. Earl; 1856-57, S. Nichols; 1858-60, Aaron Blake; 1861, S. C. Woodman; 1862-63, J. II. Earl; 1864-68, James Blake; 1869, F. M. Searles; 1870-76, II. Hlewit; 1877, S. M. Nichols; 1878, William Townsend; 1879-80, E. N. Brown. JUSTICES OF TIIE PEACE. 1848, George Brown; 1849, J. C. Bugbee; 1850, Isaac Fish; 1851, S. C. Woodman; 1852, George Brown; 1853, J. N. Hathorn; 1854, HL. Brown; 1855, Eli Hathaway; 1856, W. T. Dodge; 1857, E. McGown; 1858, C. L. Stratton; 1859, William Falk; 1860, P. Wolcott; 1861, J. R. Benson; 1862, L. W. Wing; 1863, J. R. Benson; 1864, N. J. Nevins; 1865, W. IL. Cressy; 1866, T. B. Diamond; 1867, J. S. Terry; 1868, H. Hewitt; 1869, T. B. Diamond; 1870, A. A. Russell; 1871, W. H. Stanley; 1872, Ansel Haven; 1873, A. Murdock; 1874, F. T. Johnson; 1875, John Stewart; 1876, S. E. Bowen; 1877, A. Murdock; 1878, S. Nichols; 1879, T. B. Diamond; 1880, William Iall. EARLY JURORS. In 1847, Aaron L. Ellis, Ienry Brown, David Townsend, Adam Elliott, Samuel C. Woodman, James A. Hathorn, and Duty Benson were grand jurors, and Isaac Fish, William E. Sykes, George Brown, Stephen Nichols, John C. Bugbee, Samuel Youngs, and Peter Falk were petit jurors. For 1848, Curtis Brigham, Jr., R. H. Bristol, Isaac Diamond, Joshua Hart, Thomas W. Lindeman, Donald McCallum, Isaac Osborn, and Elbridge Smith were grand jurors, and John H. Williams, Josephus Snook, Royal Ellis, John Patton, Parmenio Wolcott, James Stewart, Adam D. Storms, and Joshua J. Pease were petit jurors. The grand jurors for 1849 were Aaron L. Ellis, William Sykes, David Townsend, Henry Brown, Henry Lyon, Peter A. Keeler, James N. Hathorn, and Otis C. Bugbee; the petit jurors were Thomas Osborn, Aaron Blake, Peter Falk, Samuel Hart, Isaac Fish, George Brown, John C. Bugbee, and Aaron Orr. In 1850 the grand jurors were Donald McCallum, Calvin Preston, Isaac Osborn, Henry Lyon, William Betts, and John S. Stone; the petit jurors, John Patton, Aaron Blake, Isaac Diamond, Curtis Brigham, Elbridge Smith, and John P. Kelly. ORANGEVILLE MILLS POST-OFFICE. The post-office at the village, which was called from the outset Orangeville Mills, because there was already an Orangeville post-office in the State, was established about 1853. Hiram Tillotson was the first postmaster, followed by Eli Nichols in 1855; H. C. Turner in 1861; Eli Nichols (second term) in 1868; W. H. Cressy in 1868; and after Cressy, Mrs. S. H. Thiers, the present incumbent. At first the mail-route that supplied the office extended from Kalamazoo to Yankee Springs, and mail was received once a week from each point. The office is now on the route between Plainwell and Middleville, and has a mail twice a week. Until 1853 the residents in the township had to go to either Prairieville or Yankee Springs for their mail. ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 469 PHYSICIANS. Dr. H. C. Turner has been practicing in the village without interruption since 1855. He then came from Illinois to visit his sister, Mrs. J. C. Snook, in Orangeville, and, being pleased with the place, determined to become a resident. A Dr. Johnson practiced in the town from 1854 to 1855, Dr. Horace B. Herrick from 1858 to 1863, and in 1870, Dr. Turner's son Jerome was associated with his father in practice. The foregoing brief resume includes the complete history of the medical profession in the village of Orangeville. Earlier than any of the foregoing, however, was Dr. Fordyce Rhodes, who settled in the Brown neighborhood, on section 32, in 1840, and practiced his profession until his departure, in 1842. FATALITIES. The first interments at the village cemetery were those of two young men named Truman Clark and George Sweet, who lost their lives in 1858 while crossing Gun Lake on the ice, which, proving weaker than they expected, let them down to death. About 1860 one Merrill hung himself in his barn while laboring under an attack of mental despondency; Henry Castle was killed by a runaway team in 1875, and in 1878 Stephen Wicks, living on section 29, hung himself to a tree. In 1868, David Witherell, a school-teacher living in Prairieville, went into Blue Lake for a bath, and, getting beyond his depth, was drowned. EARLY RELIGIOUS EFFORTS. "Father" Daubney, a local Methodist Episcopal preacher of Gull Prairie, was one of the most energetic of pioneer ministers, and from one end of Barry County to the other he was vigilant in the work of seeking new settlements, and introducing therein the public worship of God. As he was in many other towns, so was he also in Orangeville, the first to offer the settlers the privilege of " a sermon in the sanctuary." His visit resulted immediately from the efforts of Aaron Ellis, a settler on section 29, who had in the East long been leader of a Methodist Episcopal class. Father Daubney preached at the school-house in the Brown neighborhood in 1840, and, in 1841, when Rev. Mr. Bush came upon the Hastings Circuit, he organized a class in Orangeville. It was under the leadership of Aaron Ellis, and included the families of the Peases, Bensons, Pattons, etc. Rev. Mr. Worthington, who succeeded Mr. Bush on the circuit, lived in Orangeville, and kept the membership of the class up to a good number during his ministrations. After a while, however, there arose a period of religious inactivity, and, although the class met with more or less regularity till 1870, its existence was not a flourishing one. Since 1870 it has had no meetings. About 1843 a Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. Mr. Blaine, in the house of Donald McCallum, with eight members,-John Stewart and wife, Alexander Stewart and wife, Donald McCallum and wife, James Stewart and wife. The church was called the Yankee Springs Presbyterian Church, although located in Orangeville, the reason therefor being that the people in the northern portion of Orangeville, being socially and otherwise allied with Yankee Springs, adopted the name of Yankee Springs for that locality, quite as much perhaps to give vent to their sympathetic friendship as anything else. Church services were held nearly all the time from 1843 to 1875, once in two weeks, by ministers from Grand Rapids, but in the latter year they were permanently discontinued, the church membership having been seriously weakened by deaths and removals. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ORANGEVILLE. Dec. 4, 1852, a meeting was held at the school-house near Henry Brown's " to consider the prospects of the Baptist denomination in this vicinity." Elder Samuel Lamb presided, and it was resolved to invite a council to meet December 29th. On that day representatives from the churches of Yorkville, Otsego, Castleton, and Hope met in council and elected G. W. Johnson moderator, and C. V. Calkins clerk. The names of those presented for church fellowship were Archibald S. Allen and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvenus Clark, J. H. Calkins and wife, J. N. Hathorn and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Osborn, James and Mary Campbell, Nancy Betts, Lucy Rude, Martha Williams, Mrs. Lent, and Mrs. Isaac Fish. The church was named the Pine Lake Baptist Church; Elder Samuel Lamb was chosen pastor, and Sylvenus Clark and James H. Calkins deacons. Of the members above mentioned Mrs. Fish was the first one baptized into the church. After Elder Lamb ended his service James Campbell, a licentiate, preached a while, and then came Revs. F. Donaldson, J. Harris, T. Z. R. Jones, Elder Spooner, and (after a vacancy in the pulpit of a few years) Elders Tripp, Carroll, and Fay. In 1860 the place of worship was changed to the village of Orangeville, and the name of the organization to the Orangeville Baptist Church. In the year named the erection of a church edifice was begun, but progressed slowly in the face of financial difficulties. During its construction Elder Jones was the pastor, and when he received $70 as the result of a donation party he gave the entire sum to aid in the building of the church. Although begun in 1860, the edifice was not fully completed until five years later. With the close of Elder Fay's labors in 1875 the church ceased its active functions as an organization, by reason of the decline in membership, and since that time only occasional and irregular services have been held in the church building. A flourishing Sunday-school of forty or more scholars, in charge of Mrs. Sarah Wing, holds regular Sabbath sessions in it, and is generously supported. THE ORANGEVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CLASS was organized June 2, 1858, as a point in the Prairieville Circuit, then in charge of Rev. S. A. Osborn. The class remained in that circuit until 1876, when it was transferred to the Martin Circuit. The organizing members of the class were Aaron L. Ellis, Leader; Phoebe Ellis, Cecelia Ellis, Edward Pratt and wife, Emeline Sweet. Up to the year 1879 preaching was enjoyed pretty regularly, but after that the numbers of the class were so diminished that meetings were discontinued, and thus far have not bee resumed. 470 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I ORANGEVILLE LODGE, No. 181, F. AND A. M., was organized Nov. 4, 1865, in the hall of the village tavern, and Jan. 11, 1866, a charter was issued. The first officers chosen were Eli Nichols, W. M.; W. T. Dodge, S. W.; A. S. Pierson, J. W.; I. Willison, Treas.; M. H. Wing, Sec.; W. E. Bramble, S. D.;J. S. Terry, J. D.; B. D. Wing, Tyler. From 1865 to 1879 Eli Nichols served as W. M. each year, except in 1869, when W. T. Dodge occupied the office. The officers in 1880 were Eugene D. Youngs, W. M.; J. W. Briggs, S. W.; Archibald Murdock, J. W.; George H. Ford, Treas.; J. A. Turner, Sec.; Eli Nichols, S. D.; Thomas B. Ellsworth, J. D.; C. H. Thurston, Tyler. The lodge has now a membership of 45, and has continned to enjoy since its institution a healthful prosperity. The fine hall now occupied and owned by the lodge was built in 1870. There is, moreover, upwards of $150 in the treasury, the organization is clear of debt, and this, too, after having freely and frequently contributed towards the support of needy members of the order, and especially towards the relief of yellow-fever sufferers in the South. Such a record is an exceptional one for a country lodge, and it is naturally a subject of local pride. ORANGEVILLE GRANGE, No. 424, was organized May 4, 1874, with 40 members. Henry Hewitt was chosen Master, and John Cameron, Overseer. Following Mr. Hewitt the succession of Masters has been.E. C. Phetteplace, L. A. Nichols, and C. F. Woodman. Although the membership is now but 35, the grange is a prosperous organization. Meetings are held once each fortnight in the grange hall at tIle village, built in 1878. The present official list is C. F. Woodman, M.; R. C. Norton, Sec.; Henry Hewitt, O.; L. A. Nichols, L.; Lavern Thompson, Treas.; George Clark, Steward; Edwin Bright, Assistant Steward; C. A. Snook, Chaplain; John Valentine, G. K.; Mary Clark, Stewardess. ORANGEVILLE VILLAGE. In the fall of 1850, E. G. Salisbury and his brother-inlaw, one Barney, bought of Parmenio Wolcott a mill-site and water-power on section 17, and began the erection of a saw-mill, which they completed in the summer of 1851. They carried on the saw-mill in company until 1853, when Barney sold his interest to E. G. McGown, after which the firm, until 1856, was Salisbury & McGown. Meanwhile the erection of a grist-mill was begun late in 1855, and completed late in the ensuing year. At that time the entire business passed under the control of McGown, who retained it until his death, in 1861. The mill-race which now conveys the motive-power to the mills was dug by Salisbury & McGown, and may be mentioned as an expensive undertaking. It is about one hundred rods in length, and is supplied by Fish Lake, a very handsome sheet of water. Salisbury & McGown made a plat on their land purchase, near the mill, in 1854, of a village, and called it I Orangeville, which then included, however, only that portion of the village now east of the business quarter. In 1856, John G. Nichols platted an addition, in which the western half of the village lies. The first trader at the village of Orangeville was James Campbell, who came hither about 1853 and opened a small store in one of the rooms of his residence. He closed his business in 1855, upon the arrival of George Clark, who carried on trade until 1857. In the fall of 1854, Eli Nichols entered the arena as an Orangeville merchant, and after an experience of seven years sold out to C. C. Brown, whose place was taken in 1863 by George Sherwood and B. D. Wing. Eli Nichols resumed business in 1865, and since then has been the leading merchant in the village. Besides his store, there is also the establishment of M. P. Arbour. The first carpenter to come to the village was Edward Terry, and closely following him, in 1853, came Stephen Nichols, also a carpenter, who is still a resident in the village. George Beattie, the village blacksmith, came hither in 1854, and upon the spot he then set up his forge he has labored steadily to this day. A village tavern was built and opened in 1855 by Winchester T. Dodge, who was the landlord thereof for some years thereafter. It was the 4th of July, 1855, that was fixed upon as an appropriate day for celebrating in a formal way the opening of Dodge's tavern, and, several of the most spirited citizens of the town taking hold of the matter, it was determined to have a "bang-up blow-out." To that end they went over to Hastings on the 3d of July to borrow a cannon known to belong to certain citizens of that town. The cannon was at that time, however, found to be in the possession of landlord Emory at Middleville. Armed with an order for its delivery, the Orangeville people went over there, but, the cannon being intended by Emory to take part in Middleville's own Independence Day demonstration, he declined most emphatically to give it up. Repulsed, but not beaten, the Orangeville party drew off, and sent post-haste for reinforcements to their township. These arriving some time after midnight, a hurried and mysterious move was made upon Emory's, but Emory, on the alert, met them with a bold front. They heeded not his warnings or threats even of sharp violence, and proceeded to push him briskly aside, while they laid hold of the cannon. Despite, too, the appearance upon the scene of Mrs. Emory, and her skillful flank movement, backed by a broomstick attack that was meant to work destructive damage, the attacking forces got safely away with their prize, and by daylight landed it in Orangeville in ample time for a glorious hurrah, made perhaps additionally glorious by the remarkable triumph at Middleville. Emory subsequently sought to avenge himself by causing the arrest of the invaders, but they turned the tables by prosecuting him for selling liquor in opposition to law, and in the end he was glad to compromise the matter by withdrawing his complaint. Ig I~ 0 r 1 V RS.WM.YOUNG GILKEY. RE. o' MRS. L.W. WOODHAMS, PA I NWELL. WM.YOUNG CILKEY. t r H t U rLKttT HUV 'A D. FARM PROPERTY OF MRS. L. W. WOOOD HAMS, PRAIRI EvILLE, PRAIRIEVILLETP, BARRY CO., MICH. PRAIRIEVILLE. PRAIRIEVILLE is described on the United States survey as township 1 north, range 10 west. Until the year 1841 it was a part of Barry township. In that year Barry was divided, and the western half, comprising townships 1 and 2, range 10, received the name of Spaulding. That name was changed in 1843 to Prairieville. In 1847 Prairieville township was divided, the northern half receiving the name of Orangeville. To prevent confusion, the name Prairieville will be applied in this sketch only to the territory of township 1 north, in range 10 west. NATURAL FEATURES. The surface is diversified. A range of hills extending from the southwest to the east and north renders the central and western portions broken and hilly. A continuation of Gull or Garden Prairie occupied a part of the southern region at the time of settlement, terminating in the hills around Crooked Lake, and the more abrupt ridges bordering on Gull and Long Lakes. The level tracts in the east consisted mainly of small circular belts of prairie and oakopenings. The only peculiar formation in the township is a bed of siliceous rock in the north part of Long Lake. Under the microscope it appears to be composed of the shells of minute living animals,-probably diatoms. The township forms part of the divide between the Kalamazoo and Thornapple Rivers. The streams, therefore, are small and unimportant. There are many beautiful lakes, Pine, Gull, and Crooked being the largest. Gull Lake indents the southeastern border. The water-level of many of them is gradually changing, the water becoming more shallow from year to year. The most remarkable example is that of Crooked Lake. It is estimated that its depth has decreased at least seven feet since the first settlement of the township. Thus several of the more shallow arms of the lake, covering some hundreds of acres, have been converted into marshy tracts of land. They cannot long continue in this state. Every year the plow cuts off a few furrows more, and the next generation, at least, will be able to sow and reap where their ancestors passed the time with boat and fishing-tackle. Although the hills are in many places stony, they are, with few exceptions, very productive, being especially adapted to wheat. The fertility of the openings and prairie-belts is unsurpassed. CURIOUS REMAINS. In many of these localities the first settlers found mounds and garden-beds, supposed by some to have been cultivated by some very ancient race. The mounds were evidently burial-places. The cultivated tracts were laid out in beds; By G. A. McAlpine. I from twelve to fifteen feet wide and from fifty to sixty feet long. The paths were from ten to fifteen inches deep. They differed very much in various localities, except that they were all laid out due north and south. In some places, especially north of Pine Lake, on the farm settled by Eli Waite, they were covered with a growth of heavy timber.t EARLY SETTLEMENT. Upon one of these belts of prairie Amasa S. Parker, a native of Connecticut, settled in the spring of 1831, having reached Richland, Kalamazoo Co., the year previous. He built him a log house, it is said, without any assistance whatever. In June, 1831, he entered his land, which was the west half of the southwest quarter of section 35, and soon after began to build a barn, which he completed during the summer. He was the first settler in Prairieville township, and also the first in Barry County. In the fall of 1833, Orville Barnes sold his farm in Richland and settled on section 35, just east of Mr. Parker. The next year, 1834, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Celestia C. Barnes, whose father built the Yorkville Mills. Late in the fall of 1834 a party of surveyors came to the house of Mr. Parker and desired to have some provisions taken to the Thornapple River. Mr. Parker accordingly fastened boards to an axle, and with a load, consisting of corn-meal and salt pork, drawn by a yoke of oxen, proceeded to follow an Indian trail through the wilderness. It was probably the first team driven to the Thornapple through Prairieville and the adjoining townships. The party reached the place of destination without accident, having camped one night on the way in the locality afterwards named Yankee Springs. The next day Mr. Parker set out alone to return. The snow had fallen to a considerable depth, rendering it almost impossible to follow the trail. The snow continued to fall at intervals during the day. Towards evening he lost his way, but fortunately struck the trail near the place where they had camped the night previous. There were still a few live coals, and with them he finally succeeded in lighting a fire. The wolves gathered, and through the whole night filled the woods with their dismal howlings. Mr. Parker was compelled to remain on guard and exercise the closest attention to prevent their attacking his cattle, which were chained to a tree. He reached home the next day nearly exhausted. In the fall of 1834, C. W. Spaulding, a native of Vermont, who had reached Climax Prairie several years previous, came to Prairieville and located on section 23. He built a house, and in the spring of 1835 brought his family. t See Chapter II. of the general history. 471 472 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I About the same time Linus Ellison settled on section 24. He, however, sold soon after and went to what is now Barry township. In 1835, Asahel C. and Hiram Tillotson located on section 23, between Mr. Otis and Mr. Spaulding, both being then unmarried. Ambrose Mills selected a home on the east line of section 24. Nicholas and William Campbell with their families and an unmarried brother located on section 25, south of Mr. Otis. Norman Deming, a bachelor, settled on section 10; he was subsequently married to Catherine Doolittle. Isaac Otis, from Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., emigrated with his wife and four children to this township in 1835, and purchased the farm of Linus Ellison, on the southeast quarter of section 24, where he resided until his death. Mr. Otis was the first supervisor of Barry township when it included the whole county, and held other responsible local offices. The settlement of Prairieville had thus far been confined chiefly to the prairie and the more thinly wooded districts. The succeeding year (1836) several entries were made in the western and northern parts. Youngs Gilkey, then unmarried, purchased a part of section 28, and built a house. Eli Waite was the first settler in the northwestern part of the township. He reached section 6 in the early spring of 1836, having previously traveled over the township on horseback. About six weeks after her arrival Mrs. Waite died, this being the first death in the township. She was buried on the east end of the farm, and Mr. Waite was laid beside her many years later. The next settler was William Shelp. Wells Byington and wife, a newly-married couple from New York, reached Prairieville in the spring of 1837. They occupied the house built by Youngs Gilkey. As an illustration of the small troubles which, as well as the great ones, so frequently annoyed the pioneer, we may mention that one morning, finding he had no fire and having no means of lighting one, Mr. Byington was obliged to take a shovel and go two miles and a half to the house of C. W. Spaulding for a few coals of fire. Mr. Byington subsequently moved to Barry township, where he still lives. Hiram Lewis came from New York to Yankee Springs in 1837, where his brother William was keeping a hotel. He purchased a farm in that township and remained there a year or two. He sold his farm in 1840, however, and purchased, in the spring of 1841, 80 acres on the southeast quarter of section 2, where the village of Prairieville now stands, and subsequently purchased the north half of that section. The same year he was elected the first supervisor of the township of Spaulding. During that season he built a hotel on the spot where the present one stands. It was burned a few years later, and rebuilt. He filled many offices in the township during his residence there, but about 1867 he removed to Kalamazoo County, where he died. John Bowne emigrated from Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1836, to Prairieville, and lived during the summer on the farm of Asahel Tillotson. In the fall of 1837 he purchased land in the present township of Barry, but subsequently traded farms with Hiram Tillotson, in Prairieville. In 1850 he was a member of the State Senate. His son, Andrew Bowne, is a well-known banker in the city of Hastings. David Hamburg: a bachelor, came to the township before 1840, and purchased the farm now owned by Jacob Bronstetter. He boarded at Thomas Storms', on the west side of Crooked Lake, and used to cross that lake to work his farm. One evening in winter, while crossing on the ice to Mr. Storms' he broke through and was drowned. As he did not return, his friends went to seek him, and saw his hat upon the ice, where he doubtless had thrown it. He had struggled earnestly against his fate, for the ice was broken a considerable distance around the place where he fell through. His body was recovered the next day. Erastus Cressy, a native of Roe, Franklin Co., Mass., emigrated to Michigan, with his wife, three sons, and three daughters, in 1842. He arrived at Gull Prairie on the 17th of October of that year, and the next day moved into what is now Prairieville, halting on section 28, where he lived about a year. He purchased the east half of section 29, and during the summer of 1843 built a plank house upon it, and also plowed 12 acres of land. The prairie was about three miles south from him, and the land where he located was known as oak-openings. In the winter of 1842 and 1843, Mr. Cressy sold the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 29 to Lorin Bingham for a horse, saddle, and bridle. William Marshall came from Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1839, and settled where he now lives. He rowed a boat across Crooked Lake, and helped break the first land on the farm now owned by Jacob Bronstetter. This place was then owned by David Hamburg, who was afterwards drowned in Crooked Lake. Mr. Bronstetter came to the township in 1854. Albert Warner, with his mother, brother, and sisters, came to Prairieville from Sandy Creek, N. Y., and located where he now lives, in 1845. The farm was first settled by Elisha Weed. INDIANS. In the winter of 1836-37 the Rev. Leonard Slater brought a band of Indians, numbering 300, from Grand Rapids to Prairieville. They were located on the northern part of section 35 and the adjoining parts of sections 26 and 27. Mr. Slater erected a church for them in 1840, which was also used as a school-room. It was on the north part of section 35. Mr. Slater taught there a while, and later his daughter Emily. Previous to this time a log house was used. It stood on the knoll opposite the site of William Shean's house. The Indians remained in Prairieville until 1852, when they were removed. During their stay many died. They were buried in the field, now an orchard, at the termination of the road running east from Cressy's Corners, and in the fields on either side of that road, near the end. They were also buried near Indian Lake. Their chief, Noonday, who is said to have led the Indians who accompanied the British at the attack on Buffalo, N. Y., in December, 1813, and to have set fire to that village, died in Prairieville. A stone was raised to mark his grave, but relic-seekers have long since carried away the last fragment. After the removal of the Indians the church was moved to Kalamazoo. The bell was transferred to the school-house at the village of Prairieville. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 473 ROADS. Down to 1837 no roads were located. There were several Indian trails crossing the township in different directions. One running east and west struck the Kalamazoo River in the vicinity of Otsego; two others crossed the township north and south; one of these passed along the west side of Crooked Lake, leading to the Thornapple River; the other ran north from Cressy's Corners, passing between Pine and Shelp Lakes. These trails were serviceable in the summer, but in the winter, when the ground was covered with snow, it was difficult (for white men at least) to follow them. This was remedied by " blazing" the trees at intervals on either side. The trees along the trail last described were blazed by George Brown about the year 1835. The year 1837 was an eventful one for Prairieville township. Everywhere improvements were pushed forward. The first school-house in the township was built. Roads were located in every direction. The axe, the precursor of civilization, was constantly at work, log cabins were arising here and there through the forest, and around them the clearings were rapidly extending their area. The settlement of the townships to the north had already commenced, and the trails leading northward had become the usual lines of travel. The road from Gull Prairie to the Thornapple River was the first in Barry County. At the second town-meeting held in the county a committee of five was appointed to assist the commissioners in locating this road, and if they should locate it across Crooked Lake, $500 was voted for bridging the same. This road was established across Crooked Lake on the 18th of April, 1837, but was subsequently vacated, and the road from the base-line through section 35, along the west side of Crooked Lake, was established the next winter. The next road is described as beginning at a "black-oak tree at the head of the Beaver Dam, so called" (which was situated on section 7, in the present township of Barry), leading southwest, as at present, until it reached the southwest corner of section 12, in Prairieville, and running thence south between Barry and Prairieville until it met the Cook road, which was established the same day. The Cook road extended from the base-line, in the vicinity of Jones' Mill, situated on the outlet of Long Lake, northeast around Gull Lake, and thence east through sections 31 and 32, in Barry township. This road has never been much changed. The Pine Lake road began on the western line of section 6. It extended north and east into Orangeville, and was intended, no doubt, to give the settlers in that township communication with Otsego. The next road began at the corner on the west line of sections 18 and 19, running east, with many crooks and angles, until it finally reached the Town-Line road, between Barry and Prairieville. The Brown road, running northward from Cressy's Corners, between Pine and Shelp Lakes, and the Town-Line road, between Orangeville and Prairieville, were established about the same time. They were all located in 1837 or the early part of 1838. CHURCHES. The Methodist Church at the village of Prairieville was organized by Rev. R. Daubney, a local preacher, in 1842 or 60 1843. The records do not show who were the original members of the class. The meeting-house was built in 1871, while the Rev. J. White was pastor. The society at present is under the care of Rev. S. W. Calkins. The Methodist society at South Pine Lake was first organized in 1858, under Elder Gage. Until 1869 the society met in the district school-house. At that time a church edifice was built, at an expense of about $3000. It was dedicated by Dr. George B. Josslyn, of Albion College. The Sabbath-schools of the whole township are combined in a union association. It is a regular and permanent society, having been organized in 1861, and having continued in active operation ever since. LODGE No. 297, I. 0. O. F. This society was organized May 6,1876, with the following-named persons as charter members: P. G., J. Boynton, M. J. Goss, S. E. Bowen, W. W. Bugbee, T. B. Diamond, W. E. Bowen, Frank S. Bowen. MILLS. The first saw-mill in the township was built by George H. Thomas, at the head of Gull Lake, in 1850. It was destroyed by fire in 1856. In 1867, Mr. Thomas built the first and only grist-mill ever erected in the township. THE VILLAGE OF PRAIRIEVILLE. The village of Prairieville, situated in the northern part of the township, has a population of about 200. The first store was built by a Mr. Keeler. He was followed by Benjamin & Searles. There are at present two general stores, owned respectively by Brown & Goss and George M. Evers. The hotel originally built by Hiram Lewis occupied the same site as the one now standing. Mr. L. H. Shedd, the present proprietor, came to Prairieville from New York in 1868. There are several smaller business places, a post-office, two blacksmith- and wagonshops, two harness-shops, a planing-niill now building, etc. PHYSICIANS. The physicians who first located in the township were Drs. Alverson and Sheldon. The former built the house now owned by Dr. J. W. Sackett, and carried on a store. They both departed about 1850. Dr. Parkhurst succeeded them, and remained till 1853. Dr. J. W. Sackett studied medicine in Massachusetts and practiced in Pembroke, Genesee Co., N. Y. In October, 1853, he came West, and, after looking over the country, decided to settle at Prairieville. Accordingly, on the 4th of June, 1854, he located with his wife at that village, where he has been in constant practice from that time. The nearest physician upon his arrival and for several years after was at Gull Prairie, ten miles distant. Dr. Sackett is the only permanent physician in the township. SCHOOLS. The first division of the old township of Barry (then comprising the whole county) into school districts will be found in the history of that township. In this division Prairieville, or rather township 1, range 10, was set off as 474 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I district 13, and in this district the first school-house was built, on section 24. Miss Theoda Spaulding, afterwards Mrs. Knappen, taught the first school in the county, in an unfurnished room in her father's house. She is still living, in Richland, Kalamazoo Co. The missionary school was started in 1838 or 1839, being taught by Rev. Leonard Slater, and subsequently by his daughter Emily. On the 7th of November, 1843, sections 1, 2, and 3 of Prairieville were united with 34, 35, and 36 of Orangeville, and formed district No. 3. In 1845, upon the petition of Robert King, school district No. 4 was formed from sections 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, and 20. The school-house was built in 1846. Miss Martha Warner was the first teacher in that district. At the same meeting, in compliance with the petition of Erastus Cressy, the immediate neighborhood of Cressy's Corners was set off as a school district. The house was built in 1846. Miss Lydia Benson had previously taught a private school in the house of Erastus Cressy. The next term was taught by her sister, Miss Chloe E. Benson, afterwards Mrs. Albert Warner. The school-house in the village of Prairieville was built in 1845. It was subsequently destroyed by fire, when the one now standing was erected. The bell is the one used by Leonard Slater on the Indian reservation. The amount of money paid by the township for teachers during the first years varied from $1 to $1.50 per month. They received, however, $4 to $6 per month, the difference being made up by fees from scholars. Accordingly, in 1842, the township voted $15, and in 1845 $20, for the benefit of those children whose parents were unable to pay for their tuition. In 1842 reports were made from but two schools. The number of scholars was 58. The report of 1847, at the time Orangeville was set off from Prairieville, shows 7 schools to have been taught during the year, with an attendance of 155 scholars. The districts have been subdivided and rearranged from time to time. In 1879 there were 10 school districts, whole and fractional, while the number of scholars is not far from 300. The total amount of money raised for school purposes was about $1900. We append the names of early teachers in Prairieville and vicinity: Miss Theoda Spaulding, Miss Sallie M. Woodard, Miss Sarah Elizabeth Peck, Miss Rachel Brown, Miss Caroline Tillotson, Miss Sarah Calkins, Miss Martha Warner, Miss P. Warner, Miss Eunice M. Nevins, L. Polly, Miss Allen, Mrs. Abigail Hill, Dr. White, O. Chamberlin, Miss Samantha Woodard, Miss Julia Woodard. POLITICAL HISTORY. In the spring of 1838 Barry County was divided into four townships. Prairieville was set off as a part of Barry township. Party-lines had not yet been strongly drawn. In local matters the best men, without much regard to politics, were usually elected. In regard to national politics the Democratic party was generally in the ascendency until 1854. Local offices were gradually drawn into the political vortex, and in 1853 the I Democracy was in possession of every office in the township. In '1854 the result was a division of the offices. In 1855 the Republican party was organized, and in the spring of that year the entire Republican ticket, with C. W. Spaulding at the head, was elected. In the Presidential election of 1856, John C. Fremont, the Republican candidate, received a plurality in Prairieville over Buchanan, Democratic, and Fillmore, American. The predominance of the Republican party in that township continued uninterrupted until 1877. Then the Greenback party, led locally by George H. Thomas, entered the field. Mr. Thomas had been a popular leader in the Republican ranks since 1857, having twice been elected to the Senate and once to the Legislature of the State. The Greenback ticket was elected in 1877 and 1878, but in 1879 the Republican party succeeded by from one to three majority. In 1880 the Republican majority varied from twelve to twenty. The following is the list of officers of the township fiom its organization, in 1841, to 1880: SUPERVISORS. 1842-44, C. W. Spaulding; 1845, John J. Nichols; 1846, Amasa S. Parker; 1847, Hiram Lewis; 1848, Amasa S. Parker; 1849, L. Brigham; 1850, Henry Edgecomb; 1851, Hiram Lewis; 1852, John Brown; 1853, E. B. Van Vleet; 1854, J. W. Knight; 1855, C. W. Spaulding; 1856, E. B. Van Vleet; 1857-59, George Thomas; 1860, David R. Cook; 1861, George Thomas; 1862, David R. Cook; 1863, George Thomas; 1864-68, Amos C. Towne; 1869, George Thomas; 1870-71, Amos C. Towne; 1872-73, John Q. Cressy; 1874-76, John J. Perkins; 1877-78, George Thomas; 1879, Washington Cooper; 1880, Amos C. Towne. TOWN CLERKS. 1842-44, Henry Brown; 1845, Royal Ellis; 1846, Henry Brown; 1847, Robert Allen; 1848, Samuel Peters; 1849, E. B. Van Vleet; 1850, M. Mills; 1851, James H. Calkins; 1852, Harvey Parkhurst; 1853, J. W. Knight; 1854, George C. Lewis; 1855, Alexander Stanley; 1856, J. W. Sackett; 1857-58, William Palmer; 1859, William L. Brown; 1860, Adolphus Morse; 1861, A. T. Morse; 1862, Emery G. Alverson; 18Q3-64, William Palmer; 1865, E. S. Brown; 1866, Frank B. Austin; 1867, Russell E. Combs; 1868-70, W. M. Scudder; 1871, Ira M. Slawson; 1872 -75, W. M. Scudder; 1876-77, E. S. Brown; 1878, James 11. Evers; 1879, E. S. Brown; 1880, John Cairns. TREASURERS. 1842-44, Amasa S. Parker; 1845, Isaac Fish; 1846, C. W. Spaulding; 1847, John Browne; 1848-49, Henry Edgecomb; 1850, Tunis Collier; 1851, Seymour H. Tillotson; 1852, Albert Warner; 1853, Seymour Adams; 1854, George L. Stewart; 1855, John Van De Walter; 1856, Tunis Collier; 1857, G. L. Stewart; 1858, David R. Cook; 1859, J. W. Sackett; 1850, William Brown; 1861-62, Chester Atwood; 1863, N. Cook; 1864-65, J. J. Perkins; 1866 -67, C. P. Pendill; 1868-69, F. B. Austin; 1870-71, J. Q. Cressy; 1872-73, Rawson Crandall; 1874-75, William Lindsey; 1876-78, Washington Cooper; 1879-80, J. W. Briggs. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1842, Norman Deming, Hiram Tillotson; 1843, E. R. Miller, Aaron S. Ellis; 1844, George Brown; 1845, Amasa S. Parker, John O'Conor; 1846, Archibald S. Allen; 1847, Archibald S. Allen, Alonzo Richmond; 1848, Albert Warner, Orville Barnes; 1849, James Stewart, John J. Nichols, James H. Carpius; 1850, John J. Nichols; 1851, R. Brainard; 1852, Hiram Lewis; 1853, Norman Stanley, John G. Freeman; 1855, Sylvanus Cook, Oscar F. Bronson; 1856, John G. Freeman, Sylvanus Cook; 1857, Amos C. Towne; 1858, Thaddeus Pendill, H. B. Brownell; 1859 S. II. Cook; 1860, Myron Swift; 1861, George Brainard, J. Barber; 1862, Thaddeus Pendill; 1863, Horace Flowers, A. C. Towne; 1864, Myron C. Swift, A. J. Brown, Robert S. King;. 1865, David PRAiRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 475 I Reynolds; 1866, C. H. Swartout; 1867, John Q. Cressy; 1868, W. D. Brown; 1869, David Reynolds; 1870, C. II. Swartout; 1871, George Brainard; 1872, W. L. Brown; 1873, David Reynolds; 1874, C. H. Swartout; 1875, George Brainard; 1876, William Bramble; 1877, M. C. Crandall, William A. Thomas; 1878, C. P. Pendill; 1879, Robert Marshal; 1880, W. C. Brown. COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS. 1842, Aaron L. Ellis, Orville Barnes, Wm. IH. Dwelle; 1843, Orville Barnes, Henry Edgecomrb, John Patton; 1844, Norman Deming, Orville Barnes, Isaac Diamond; 1845, David Hamburg, Abner Tillotson, David Townsend; 1846, Eli Waite. Joshua J. Pease, Seymour Adams, David Hamburg, A. S. Allen, Albert Warner, M. Nichols, Franklin Spaulding, David Townsend, Erastus Cressy; 1847, David Hamburg, Norman Deming, and D. C. Benson; 1848, D. C. Benson, Nicholas Campbell; 1849, Ira Clark; 1850, Richard Collier; 1851, Congdon Brown; 1852, Asher Stanley; 1853, George C. Lewis; 1854, Congdon Brown; 1855, R. Brainard; 1856, David Honeywell; 1857, C. W. Spaulding; 1858, T. C. Pendill, George K. Williams, James W. Sackett; 1859-60, Chester Atwood; 1861, E. Robinson; 1862, Congdon Brown; 1863, J. J. Perkins; 1864, Alexander McBain; 1865, David Reynolds; 1866, Wim. Lindsey; 1867, John Q. Cressy; 1868, Bushrod W. Johnson; 1869, J. J. Perkins; 1870, George Brainard; 1871, Peter De Wolf; 1872, J. J. Perkins, Martin Daniels; 1873, George Brainard; 1874, Martin Daniels; 1875-76, J. J. Perkins; 1877, Joseph II. Cook; 1878, George Brainard; 1879, James Burchard; 1880, William 11. Burchett. CONSTABLES. 1842, Calvin Lewis, Henry Edgecomb, Freeman Willett, John Storr; 1843, Henry Edgecomb, David C. Benson, Freeman Willett, Seymour Adams; 1844, Henry Edgecomb, George W. Nye, David C. Benson, Seymour Adams; 1845, Orin Clark, James Stewart, Wm. H. Whitney, Seymour Adams; 1846, John Allen, B. W. Spaulding, Seymour Adams, Henry Edgecomb; 1847, Henry Edgecomb, Wm. Benson, B. W. Spaulding; 1848, Tunis Collier, D. O. Carr, B. W. Spalding, Thomas Storr; 1849, Tunis Collier, Nicholas Campbell, William Benson, Stephen Nichols; 1850, Peter Youngs, V. Jones, Thomas Storr, Stephen Nichols; 1851, George Stewart, Thomas Storr, Stephen Nichols, Congdon Brown; 1852, Stephen Nichols, Thomas Storr, John Bowne, Hiram Chase; 1853, Jonas Hall, Stephen Nichols, John Bowne, Henry Amerman; 1854, Thomas Storr, William Benson, Stephen Nichols, Alonzo Campbell; 1855, Charles Lamb, Jabez Sackett, David Cook, William G. Brown; 1856, William Stanley, J. B. Sackett, Hiram Shelp, Hiram Chase; 1857, George Brooks, Jabez B. Sackett, George W. Nye, E. Chase; 1858, Jossua Cramer, Charles Swartout, A. King, C. G. Mathews; 1859, Charles Swartout, J. B. Sackett, J. B. Cramer, John Q. Cressy; 1860, J. B. Sackett, Elihu Robinson, John B. Cramer, Daniel M. Clark; 1861, J. B. Sackett, J. B. Cramer, Preston Flowers, J. Cooper; 1862, J. Van Deusen, Peter Geiger, Abram Smith, William King; 1863, Daniel M. Clark, Amos C. Hall, Daniel Fellows, Daniel Randall; 1864, John Perkins, Daniel Fellows, M. G. Brown, John Williams; 1865, A. D. Cook, Joel Scudder, C. P. Pendill, J. Q. Cressy; 1866, James Cooper, E. D. Pease, John Q. Cressy; 1867, Edwin M. Bast, E. Robinson, Daniel M. Fry, Edwin J. King; 1868, Joel Miller, Caleb Lamb, Elihu Robinson, Daniel M. Fry; 1869, Elihu Robinson, Daniel M. Fry, Joel F. Miller, W. II. King; 1870, Elihu Robinson, Wm. Scudder, William Carpenter, Wm. H. King; 1871, W. H. Willis, James A. Cooper, W. H. King; 1872, Wm. M. Scudder, James Brown, Caleb France, James A. Cooper; 1873, Myron H. Wells, Caleb France, Wm. M. Scudder, Milo Freeman; 1874, Albert McAllister, W. M. Scudder, William King, David P. Flowers; 1875, W. M. Scudder, C. P. Pendill, O. W. Pierson, W. H. King; 1876, W. M. Scudder, Henry E. Wood, Isaac Van Orman, Albert Storr; 1877, Herman C. Wood, Isaac Van Orman, C. H. Mosher, Lyman Cross; 1878, Caleb France, C. H. Mosher, Milo Hammond, Ralph Van Orman; 1879, Wm. Holden, Arthur Van DeWalker, John H. Freeman, C. H. Ruggles; 1880, C. H. Ruggles, J. F. Koster, Edwin McKay, Ezra Busker. DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 1842, Eli R. Miller, John Patton; 1843, Duty Benson, Asahel Tillotson; 1844, Joseph Merriman, Duty Benson; 1845, Richard Col lier, Duty Benson; 1846, Duty Benson, Erastus Cressy; 1817, Norman Deeming, Asahel Tillotson; 1848, Richard Collier, Eli Waite; 1849, Richard Collier, William Marshal; 1850, Eli Waite, Laban Alverson; 1851, Newell Barber, David Steele; 1852, William L. Granger, Eli Waite; 1853, David Steele, Eli Waite; 1854, John Wales, Titus Stanley; 1855, James C. Benjamin, Eli Waite; 1856, William Marshal, Hiram Lewis; 1857, Jonas Kershaw, Samuel Lamb; 1858, Eli Waite, C. W. Spaulding. SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 1842, Leonard Slater, Robert S. King, George Brown; 1843, Leonard Slater, Robert S. King; 1844, Leonard Slater; 1845, Orville Barnes; 1846, Peter A. Keeler; 1847, Ira Clark; 1848, M. Mills; 1849, Leonard Slater; 1850, Isaac Otis, John Bowne; 1851, M. Mills, George Brainard; 1852, Oscar F. Bronson; 1853, J. C. Benjamin; 1854, 0. F. Bronson, John F. Freeman; 1855, Henry Stewart; 1856, 0. F. Bronson; 1857, Chester Stewart; 1858, James W Sackett; 1859, William Palmer; 1860, Charles Stewart; 1861, J. H. Cook; 1862, James W. Sackett; 1863, Chester Atwood; 1864, James W. Sackett; 1865, A. 11. Gaston; 1866, James W. Sackett; 1867, Frank B. Austin; 1868, C. P. Pendill; 1869, George Brainard; 1870, Brainard Slater, J. W. Sackett; 1871, Charles Swartout; 1872, Brainard Slater; 1873, C. P. Pendill; 1874, Brainard Slater; 1875, Joel Barber; 1876, Theodore Keys; 1877-78, Frank P. Sheen; 1879-80, Robert Doolittle. SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 1875, Cortez P. Pendill; 1876-78, Merrill C. Crandall; 1879-80, R. B. Richards. ASSESSORS. 1842, Asahel Tillotson, William Shelp; 1843, F. Holden, Joshua J. Pease; 1844, Erastus Cressy, William Shelp; 1845, no record; 1846, Franklin Spalding, Robert King; 1847, A. S. Fenton, William Shelp; 1848, John Barber, Franklin Spaulding; 1849, no record; 1850, R. Brainard, John Van DeWalker. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. FRANCIS HOLDEN. Among the successful farmers and early settlers of Barry County the name of Francis Holden will long be remembered. He was a man of more than ordinary sagacity and perception and of remarkable energy and determination, and had he received a liberal education would have made an enviable reputation in any calling. He was born in Vermont, June 9, 1812; his father was a farmer and emigrated to Cortland County, N. Y., in an early day, but little is known of his history further than that he was an industrious, hard-working man, but lacked that faculty of accumulating property which was a marked feature in the character of his son. Francis was thrown upon his own resources at an early age, and for several years was employed in some capacity on the Erie Canal. In the autumn of 1836 he came to Michigan. A brother-in-law had preceded him, and had settled near Albion, Calhoun Co., with whom Mr. Holden spent the winter. The following spring he went to Richland, Kalamazoo Co., and hired to Foster Gilkey, one of the pioneers of that town; with him he remained several years; his wages were carefully husbanded, and his first investment was in eighty acres of government land in the town of Prairieville, Barry Co. This was in 1837, and from that time until his death, in 1877, a period of forty years, his career was remarkable from the fact that upon his arrival in Calhoun County he had but three dol 476 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. ---- lars and died the wealthiest man in the county. He dealt in farm property extensively, and at one time was one of the largest real-estate owners in the county. He seemed to have an intuitive knowledge of values, and his judgment in business matters was almost infallible. In 1841 he married Miss Kairaiaziek, daughter of Frederick Davis, one of the early settlers of Kalamazoo Co. Mrs. Holden possesses many of the distinguishing characteristics of her husband, and his success is, perhaps, attributable in a large measure to her thrift and industry. She was born in Livonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1822. She is the mother of five children, three of whom are living: John, the only son, resides upon the old farm; Ann, now Mrs. Doty, lives in Nebraska; Mary is the wife of Mr. Nor-::i MRS. ALBERT WARNER. ALBERT Among the early settlers of Prairieville township we find the name of Albert Warner, who, with his mother, brother, and three sisters, came from Oswego Co., N. Y., in the month of October, 1845, and located on sections 7 and 18. Albert was born in Sandy Creek township, Oswego Co., Sept. 26, 1820. His father was an early settler in that town, where he had bought forty acres of land and had cleared and improved it, and the writer of this believes there never was worse land to clear. On the home-farm the boyhood days of Albert were passed, going two miles to school through the winter months, with the snow at times four feet deep. When he was fifteen years old his father and brother went away from home to work at the carpenter's trade, leaving him in charge of the farm. Two years later the death of the father left the brothers to care for the family. This was faithfully done, Burton working out by the month, while Albert managed the farm. In the spring of 1845 the farm was sold, and Albert soon after took a trip throqgh the States of Michigan, Illinois, and Wiseoasin, lookiqg-fpr a home. After hearing his report the ton, of Hastings. The life of Mr. Holden is one worthy of emulation in many respects, and his history shows the result of a life of economy and industry. In political matters Mr. Holden manifested a lively interest. He was a staunch Republican, and did much to advance the interests of that party. He was a man of marked social qualities; he loved a good joke, and enjoyed the society of his family and friends. His early life was one of toil and privation, and his early associations were such as invariably depress, although they probably developed many strong points in his character that might otherwise have remained dormant; but starting in life as he did, with only a good constitution and a strong pair of hands as his capital, he is worthy of a conspicuous position among the self-made men of the county. ALBERT WARNER. WARNER. family decided to settle in Barry County. Burton came with his family by public conveyance; the rest of the family by team. The new farm consisted of one hundred and two acres, nearly all new, with only a log house, and that of the most primitive style. The roof was covered with slabs, boards, and shakes, with one door and no windows, the only light they had coming down the oldfashioned stick chimney, which served the double purpose of chimney and skylight. In this house both families, consisting of seven persons, lived a year. It was finally improved, and served as a comfortable home for many years, until in 1859 it was replaced with the large and commodious house now occupied by Albert and his family, and which was then the finest in the town. In the spring of 1847 the brothers divided their land, Albert taking the fifty-six acres on section 18 as his share, and which was all the land he owned for several years. Mr. Warner has never speculated, but has given his entire attention to farming, and has prospered beyond his expectation. The farm of fifty-six acres has been enlarged PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP. 477 to one of three hundred acres, with other tracts making two hundred and twenty acres more, also a farm in Kansas of three hundred and twenty acres, all the result of industry, economy, and good management. In politics Mr. Warner was in early life a Democrat, but joined the Republican party at its organization, and has since been an ardent supporter of its principles, though he has never desired or sought political advancement. In church matters he has for years been very active, and has done much to advance the cause of religion in his county, having helped build several churches,-the South Pine Lake Methodist Episcopal church especially, towards which he and his family subscribed nearly one-third of its original cos!. Ele has been one of its trustees from the time it was organized until the present time, and a class-leader since he was admitted to full membership, save a year when absent. He has also been connected for many years with the Sabbathschools of his town, serving most of the time as superintendent, and being one of the original organizers of the Prairieville Sabbath-school Association. In October, 1879, Mr. Warner and his wife asked for letters and withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in March fol lowing joined the Wesleyans in organizing a church in Gun Plain township, Allegan Co., of which society he is a steward and class-leader. He is strongly opposed to all secret societies, and is a strong anti-Mason. On the 2d day of May, 1848, Mr. Warner was married to Miss Chloe Benson, who was born June 30, 1825, in Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., from whence her father and mother, "Duty" and Phebe Benson, emigrated to Michigan in 1835, settling in Jackson County, and moving to what is now Orangeville in 1836, where they were among the first settlers. Mrs. Warner taught some of the first schools in Barry County, which occupation she pursued eight years, some of the time receiving one dollar per week for her services, and perfectly satisfied with that sum. As pioneers in many good works Mr. and Mrs. Warner stand second to none, and now in the even-time of life they can look back upon many deeds well done, and a record without a stain or blemish. There have been born to them five children, viz.: J. L., born Nov. 1, 1849; Leroy B., Aug. 14, 1852; Lura, Nov. 14, 1854 (died March 29, 1855); Lester, Feb. 22, 1858; and Frankie, May 23, 1863 (died Aug. 8, 1864). JOHN J. PERKINS. In the month of March, 1818, John Perkins, then a lad nineteen years old, bought fifty acres of land in the then almost unbroken wilderness of Franklin township, Portage Co., Ohio. This was but one year after the celebrated leap of Brady, the Indian-fighter, who, in escaping from the Indians, jumped across the Cuyahoga River, a distance of twenty-seven feet. Mr. Perkins was poor in purse, but rich in strength of purpose, industry, and energy. IIe was born in Woodstock, Windsor Co., Vt., Aug. 17, 1799, and left his home at the age of sixteen years to seek his fortune. After buying his land he drove a team between Franklin and Pittsburg, Pa., hauling flour to Pittsburg, a distance of one hundred and fifteen miles, and returning loaded with dry goods. This occupation he pursued five years, then went on to his farm and commenced to clear and improve it. To his farm he added from time to time, until he owned two hundred and forty acres of wellimproved land, part of which he still owns. He married 478 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Polly Ruggles, who died Oct. 16, 1863. There were born to them eight children, of whom John J. Perkins was the fourth. He was born in Franklin township Dec. 14, 1827, and grew to manhood on the farm of his father. Like the farmers' boys of that day he was early taught to work, receiving only such education as could be obtained by a few months' attendance at the district school during the winter months and a three months' term at the Kent Academy. Nov. 13, 1840, Mr. Perkins was joined in marriage to Miss Maria L. Mars, daughter of Rev. Adolphus Mars and Harriet (Keyes) Mars. She was born July 10, 1825, and died April 11, 1878. After his marriage his father gave him an acre of land, on which he built a house and barn, and where he resided until 1857, working his father's farm, and by that means getting a start in life. He then traded his place for eighty acres of land on section 3, in Prairieville, paying a difference of two hundred dollars. The land was entirely new, but has been cleared and improved by Mr. Perkins. The farm now comprises one hundred and six acres of land, well improved, with good buildings, fences, etc., the result of hard work and rigid economy. In politics Mr. Perkins has always been a radical Republican, as has his father. Since his residence in the township he has most of the time held some one of the town offices. For seventeen years he has been highway commissioner, three terms supervisor, three years township treasurer, and many times a delegate to the county conventions, filling the offices with credit to himself and those who elected him. For many years he has been a member of the order of Odd-Fellows, and has held every office in the lodge of which he is a member. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Perkins three children, viz.: Ellen, Jan. 24, 1848, died March 19, 1864; Alice, March 17, 1849 (married to Wm. H. Scudder, who is now register of deeds of Barry County, and resides at Hastings); and Zylpha O., Dec. 5, 1850, married to Chas. H. Ruggles, who served in the Union army nearly five years; came home quartermaster of the 13th Michigan Infantry; now residing near Prairieville. WILLIAM YOUNG GILKEY. Of the early settlers of Prairieville there were none who did more towards clearing up, improving, and advancing its agricultural interests than the pioneer named above. He was born in Chester township, Windsor Co., Vt., June 10, 1805. When nineteen years old, his health having failed, he went to Boston, hoping that the sea air might be beneficial. He remained in Boston eight years, and entirely recovered his health. During that time he worked at whatever he could get to do, part of the time being a night-watchman. In 1832, Mr. Gilkey started for Michigan with a horse and cutter, making the trip with that conveyance. Prior to his arrival his brother Foster had settled on Gull Prairie, Kalamazoo Co., where Young joined him, and they at once entered into partnership, remaining so until the death of Young, which occurred Jan. 13, 1868. The brothers became owners of large tracts of land in Kalamazoo, Allegan, and Barry Counties, and became widely known as enterprising, successful business men. In 1845, Mr. Gilkey went on to a farm in Gun Plain township, where he remained three years, then went into Prairieville, Barry Co., where the brothers owned thirteen hundred acres of wild land. This became, under his management and industry, a large and well-improved farm, with large and commodious buildings, a sketch of which appears on another page. As a farmer Mr. Gilkey was progressive; in all business matters honorable and just; and was considered to be among the most successful agriculturists of the county. He acquired a large fortune, the inevitable result of a long life of industry, frugality, and honorable dealing. In politics Mr. Gilkey was a Republican, in religion a Baptist, of which church he was for many years a member, and for the support of which he was a liberal subscriber. Mrs. Lydia W. Gilkey (now Woodhams) was born in Boston, Mass., Jan. 11, 1820, and was married to Mr. Gilkey, Dec. 17, 1845. Her parents, Deacon Curtis Brigham and wife, emigrated to Richland, Kalamazoo Co., in December, 1833, from whence he moved into Gun Plain township, where he was among the first settlers. He was a licensed preacher in the Baptist Church before leaving Massachusetts, and soon opened meetings in his new home. In May, 1835, he organized the first Sabbath-school in Allegan County, having in March previous organized a meeting in the log school-house, where he delivered the first sermon preached in Gun Plain township. Mr. Brigham and Father Daubney for many years took charge of the funerals far and near. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilkey the following children: Curtis 0., Sept. 3, 1847; William E., June 5, 1850; Martha J., Feb. 28, 1852; Willard E., March 24, 1854; Mary 0., April 5, 1856; and John W., Feb. 1, 1859. RUTLAND. RUTLAND comprises survey-township 3 north, range 9 west, and is bounded on the north by Irving, on the south by Hope, on the east by Hastings, and on the west by Yankee Springs. It is traversed on the northeast by the Thornapple River and the Grand Rapids division of the Michigan Central Railroad, and, as an example of the tortuous course pursued by the river in the township, it may be observed that within a distance of a trifle more than a mile the railway crosses the stream five times. Rutland voted Dec. 16, 1865, to raise $5000 in aid of the proposed Chicago and Michigan Grand Trunk Railroad, to run from Ridgway, on the Grand Trunk Railroad, by way of Lansing, to the village of St. Joseph, and so on to the Indiana State line, but the project failed. Rutland has neither village, post-office, church-building, nor business enterprise of any kind (save agriculture) within its limits. Potter & Newton carried on a cheesefactory in the township in 1879, but in the fall of that year it was consumed by fire. The loss was the removal of a widely appreciated benefit, but there is at present a strong probability that the factory will be re-established. Incidental to agriculture, there is considerable business among the farmers in the way of bee-keeping. The largest number of swarms is in the collection of Huron Healy, who has thirty, and who has kept bees in Rutland since his arrival in the town, in 1857. There are several farmers who average twenty swarms, and many who have a smaller number, so that, altogether, bee-keeping in Rutland is something of an industrial feature. THE PIONEER ARMY. Rutland's advance-guard of pioneers was led by Lorenzo Cooley and one De Groat, who, happening to meet in Hastings in the summer of 1836, while looking for a land location in Michigan, agreed to settle in the township now called Rutland, provided they could secure places to suit them. De Groat went out into the township to pick out a couple of farms, and soon returned, reporting that he had selected for himself 160 acres on section 14, and for Cooley 80 acres on section 1, northeast of the river, bordering the eastern shore of Long Lake. When Cooley came to look at his purchase he was not suited, and induced De Groat to let him have in exchange one of the 80-acre lots on section 14. Thereupon Cooley and De Groat rolled up a shanty on the former's land, and De Groat, lodging with Cooley's family temporarily, began the task of girdling a few acres of his own land preparatory to putting in a crop. While engaged in the work he fell sick, and died within a few weeks after beginning his pioneer life. His death took place in Cooley's house, and in the newly laid out grave-yard at Hastings he was the first person to be buried. Shortly after that occurrence Cooley so seriously injured himself in lifting heavy timber that, before the Hastings cemetery had received another occupant, he was laid therein beside De Groat, with whom he had bravely penetrated the Western wilds, and with whom he put aside the burdens of a pioneer existence before that existence had fairly begun. Meanwhile, Estes Rich, who had entered land on section 9 as early as March, 1836, came into the township and made a commencement. After Cooley's death his widow continued to reside on the place, and in 1838 married Mr. Rich. Their first child-Loren, now living in Wisconsinwas born in 1839, and was, beyond a doubt, the first white child born in the town. Mrs. Rich died in 1845, and was buried on the Rich farm upon the land subsequently platted for a cemetery, and still in use. When the burialground was laid out, it was found that Mrs. Rich's grave would necessarily occupy a place in one of the walks, and there it was allowed to remain. He who wishes, therefore, to find the earliest grave in the cemetery need only to look in the southeast corner for one that lies in the footpath. Rich sold his place, some time after the death of his wife, to one Toppen, and went northward on a prospectingtour. Toppen was, however, unable to meet his pledged payments, and the land therefore reverted to Rich, who returned to Rutland, took possession, and remained until 1871, when he moved to Kansas, his present home. The first house built in Rutland was Cooley's, the second was Rich's, and the third Maj. Mott's. The latter settled in 1838 upon land lying in both Rutland and Yankee Springs, his dwelling being, however, in the former township upon section 18, close to the line. M ott was conspicuous as a singing-master, but as a pioneer did not make an enduring mark, since he stopped only two years, and then returned to Battle Creek, whence he had come. The oldest settler now resident in Rutland came into the township for a permanent location next after Maj. Mott. His name is Ira Shipman, and the land he now occupies, on section 20, he entered in 1836 and settled in 1838. Migrating from New York State in 1836, he located, at the land-office in Kalamazoo, 160 acres of land in township No. 3, on section 20. He walked from Kalamazoo to his purchase, looked the place over, and concluded that as there was nobody in the township he would defer his settlement. He accordingly returned to Marshall, where he remained until the next spring. Setting out again for his land to learn whether the country had begun to settle, he found Lorenzo Cooley on section 14, in Rutland, and a Mr. Henyon, on Bull's place, in Irving, near the Rut479 * By David Schwartz. 480 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. land line. He was not ambitious enough to begin the pioneer business with only one settler in the township, and that one not even a neighbor, so he once more retraced his steps to Marshall, determined to wait there another twelvemonth before making the third venture. Back again in 1838 he came, and then, finding Estes Rich on section 9 and Maj. Mott on the west town-line, he concluded to stay and bear them company. For the next six weeks his habitation was a shelter of elm-bark just commodious enough to let him crawl under it when night came on. At the close of each Saturday lie used to go over to Calvin G. Hill's house, in Yankee Springs, and remain until Monday morning, when, paoking up provisions sufficient to last during the week, he would set out for his farm, and there until the ensuing Saturday night would chop away alone, for he had at that time no family, and, as to hard pioneer work, he became noted as a very extraordinary character, preferring to labor unaided, although sorely taxed in his energies at times. After living six weeks under the insufficient shelter of elm-bark Shipman put up a rough shanty, and for two years, or thereabout, continued his accustomed mode of existence, during which lie accomplished wonders in the business of land-clearing. MARSAC AND THE POTATOES. One Monday morning Shipman, coming as usual from Hill's to begin his week's work, was somewhat surprised to observe upon approaching his shanty that through the chimney hole in the roof there came a volley of flying potatoes, and, divining at once that there must be a thieving Indian at the bottom of the business, he hid behind a tree and awaited developments. Presently the discharge of potatoes ceased, and following them through the aperture appeared the form of one Marsac, an Indian, who, springing to the ground and peering anxiously about as if to be assured the owner of the shanty was not about, made ready to gather his plunder preparatory to bearing it away. At this juncture Shipman from his concealed position discharged his rifle, for the purpose, however, of simply frightening the red-skin, and that the project was eminently successful may be unhesitatingly accepted as the truth. While Marsac still trembled and grew pale with the sudden terror that had come upon him, Shipman came to view and with angry threats demanded to know how he dared come there on a thieving expedition. Marsac begged piteously for mercy, saying that his squaw and pappoose were buckatah (hungry), and, not having anything for them to eat, he grew desperate and resolved to steal from Shipman's shanty. He found, he said, the door fastened, and so crawled down the chimney-hole. "That excuse makes no difference," replied Shipman; "you mustn't come here to steal, and I ought really to shoot you, but I'll let you off this time, promising that if I ever catch you at it again, I'll make an end of you." Compelling the Indian to pick up the potatoes and carry them into the shanty, he renewed his admonishment and warned him to clear out, whereupon Marsac, glad to get off so easily, took to his heels. It was rare, indeed, that Indians were thieves in that vicinity, and in this case it is fair to suppose that the squaw and pappoose must have been so very buckatah that Marsac concluded he had rather steal than see them starve. WOLF-MUSIC. About Shipman's ears as he lay beneath his bark shelter the wolves used to make night hideous with their howls. To drive the creatures off he aimed to keep a blazing fire all night long, but sometimes the fire went out, and then the wolves, emboldened, would gather in as if to make a raid upon the sleeping pioneer. At such times the woodman would awake with a sudden start, and, blazing away with his rifle, would put the cowardly pack to flight. Often he has stood, he says, at the door of his shanty and shot down deer, which were not only plentiful, but so tame that they scarcely appeared to mind the presence of human beings. In 1840, Mr. Shipman went back to New York on a visit, leaving his place in charge of Peter Cale, a Canadian. He stayed in New York until 1842, and, having married, brought his wife to Michigan. Reaching his place in Rutland, he found that Cale had sold off all the movables and sloped for Canada. Shipman made a fresh start, went to housekeeping, and on that spot has continued to live to this day. Two days before Shipman came to Rutland with his wife, in 1842, his brother-in-law, Chauncey H. Brewer, moved in and took possession of the place previously settled by Maj. Mott, and sold by him to George B. Manchester, then a farm-hand in the township, and now a resident of Thornapple. Brewer moved to Indiana, after a somewhat extended stay in Rutland, and now lives in Nebraska. BULL'S PRAIRIE. A. E. Bull located land in Irving and Rutland as early as 1836, and began work upon it in 1837; but as he lived, or put up a cabin, on the Irving portion of the land, he seems to have been considered a pioneer in that township rather than Rutland. All of his land (and he had several hundred acres) except 40 acres was, however, in Rutland, and it is reasonably clear that he was a Rutland pioneer, although he himself did not do much pioneer work in person. He engaged people to work on his place,-Mr. John Henyon among the first,-and, having mercantile ventures at Schoolcraft, Diamond Lake, and White Pigeon, moved here and there as occasion demanded. He gave, however, close personal attention to the progress of his affairs in Rutland and Irving, and, being moreover busily engaged as a surveyor in laying out roads in each town, he was at his Irving house a good deal of the time. It was not, however, until his marriage, in 1846, that he settled permanently upon his farm. He lived on the 40 acres in Irving until 1858, when he erected a commodious mansion on the Rutland portion of his estate, where his widow still resides. In 1865 he paid a visit to his early Eastern home in Massachusetts, and while there sickened and died. On the bank of the river near Bull's place in Rutland, Indians used to gather in considerable force and remain some time,-long enough at least to give their encampments Zi "' MRS. LYDIA A. BULL. Photos. by C. L. Heath, Hastings. ALBERT E. BULL. ALBERT E. BULL. The subject of this biography, by all that can be learned from his associates in life, was a man of more than ordinary ability; he was emphatically a man of affairs, industrious, sagacious, enterprising, and public-spirited. He was born in Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., March 4,1808. His father, William Bull, was of English descent, a Quaker in his religious views, and a man of wealth and prominence. He was educated for a physician, but the profession was not a congenial one, and he became a farmer. Albert E. received a collegiate education and studied law, but chose the profession of a civil engineer, and shortly after he attained his majority he went to Florida, where he was employed by the government in the survey of government lands. In 1832 he came to Michigan and located at " Insley's Corners," on Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo Co. Here he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in company with a Mr. Kellogg. In the latter part of that year he dissolved partnership with Mr. Kellogg and removed his stock of goods to what is now Schoolcraft, then known as the " Island," and prosecuted a successful business in merchandising for many years. Sept. 7, 1832, he purchased and received a deed of conveyance from Col. Lyman D. Daniels for forty acres of land, being the south half of the west half of the southeast quarter of section 18, in township 4 south, of range 11 west, in Kalamazoo County. This land he surveyed and platted as " Bull's addition" to the village of Schooleraft. A large portion of this tract of land has substantial buildings erected upon it, and constitutes the larger and better portion of the village. Up to the time of his removal to Barry County, Mr. Bull was closely identified with the development of Schoolcraft and vicinity; his education in civil engineering and surveying made his services of great value to the people. His reading had been extensive, and his library, consisting of more books than those in the possession of any of his neighbors, was a source of disseminating much knowledge among the early settlers. Mr. Bull was one of the pioneers of the town of Rutland, where he purchased a large tract of land, and where he was extensively engaged in agricultural operations up to the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1865, at Great Barrington, Mass. He is spoken of by those who knew him best as a man of superior business capacity, public-spirited in the extreme, and one whose sympathy in behalf of the unfortunate and destitute was always readily enlisted. Hon. H. G. Wells, of Kalamazoo, who knew him intimately, says, " He was a valuable citizen and a most useful pioneer." In 1846 he was married to Miss Lydia A. Shaw, of Volina, Cass Co., Mich. Mrs. Bull was born in Fairfield Co., Conn., Oct. 24, 1826, and came to Michigan with her father's family in 1830. In 1866 Mrs. Bull was again married, to Albert E. Bull, a nephew of her first husband. He was a man of great benevolence and a prominent member of the Congregational Church. He died October, 1878. wM i 4:: -:: -- -- r:~-i::::._ REIECOTH ELATE A L E3 ET E. BULL, iU TLA N D M iCH IGAN. ol I I I I I RUTLAND TOWNSHIP. 481 the air of Indian villages. There was an Indian buryingground there in which the graves were numerous. They are now no more to be seen, even by faint indication. The plow has leveled the mounds and turned up many a bone once a member of a savage frame. Indian relics, such as stone arrow-heads, tomahawks, and various implements, have been unearthed from time to time and carried away by relic-hunters. Among the foremost pioneers in. Rutland was David Rork, a New Yorker, who made his appearance in 1843. He moved from New York to Wisconsin in 1841, and after an unsatisfactory two-years' experience in that country concluded to turn his face eastward, and, as he had a sister in Michigan,-Mrs. Estes Rich, of Rutland,-called there en route to pay her a visit. While in Rutland he was persuaded by Rich to locate there, and, being rather pleased with the country, he did locate there, buying 80 acres of Rich on section 10. He put up a log cabin, and, with his family, moved into it March 29, 1844. That house was the fifth one built in the township, and stood about opposite the present residence of A. D. Rork. David Rork died of typhoid fever in 1854,-a year in which that disease carried off quite a number of people in the neighborhood. In June, 1843, Finch Mead, of Dutchess Co., N. Y., came to Rutland alone to look at 160 acres of land on section 15 that he had bought of one Bennctt Chambers, a Dutchess County school-teacher and Western land speculator. Mead had paid $500 for the land upon Chambers' representations, and finding, upon inspection, that the investment was a good one, made all haste back to New York, and in June, 1844, returned with his family, in which were 11 children. While resting during his journey at Hastings, Mead was lucky enough to encounter a man from Yankee Springs with a load of pine lumber. He bought it on the spot, took it with him to Rutland, and put up a shanty without delay. Clearing land was an unfamiliar occupation to Mr. Mead. He and his married son Charles, who came West with him, had been wagon-makers in New York, and when they began to pioneer in Rutland they found themselves somewhat at loss to know how to get on according to the most approved frontier methods. For example, instead of disposing of their timber as fast as they felled it, they deferred the work of cutting up until they had leveled a score or so of trees. David Rork, happening over one day while Mead and his sons were chopping, laughed at them as he explained how they created a good deal of unnecessary labor for themselves by a failure to understand how to do the work properly. He offered a few wise suggestions, and they found, by adopting them, that they had learned something which helped them on very much. Charles Mead didn't fancy a pioneer's life, and after giving it a fair trial went to Hastings, where he opened a wagon-shop, and followed that business until his death, in 1866. In the spring of 1845, Finch Mead made a move to section 10, where he now lives, and put up a log house. For the shingles he used on it he went into Allegan County, and made a two days' journey of it. For the windowsash he had to go to Grand Rapids, and altogether he experienced no little trouble in the cppstruction of a home, 61 I --- — In that house he still lives, and a substantial home it is to this day. When he first came to Rutland, Mr. Mead set off a corner of his house as a workshop, and as he was the only mechanic in the township he was soon in liberal demand among the settlers. Since his location in the township, in 1844, he has done a good deal work at his old trade, and in that time has made upwards of 30 complete farm-wagons for his neighbors. NORTH OF THE RIVER. When Mead came into the town, there were on the north side of the river Edwin and Asa Rice, two brothers, who on that side of the stream were the pioneer settlers in Rutland. Edwin Rice lived on section 2, but in 1851 he sold his place to Marble Bates, then just come in, and moved to Illinois, in which State both he and his brother Asa now live. Edwin M. and A. H. Bates, sons of Marble, came West also in 1851, but did not settle there until somewhat later. The pioneers in that portion of the township then included Benajah Dowd, Isaac Crowell, Lyman Newton (living now on section 22), Samuel McMurray, J. W. Stebbins, John K. Lothridge, James Lothridge, Manning Dowd, and R. Smith. the latter's farm being now occupied by B. Kurtz. Settlements in that vicinity were caused quite early by the completion of the stage-road between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, which passed through the northeastern corner of Rutland, and over which there was considerable lively traffic. W. W. Ralph lived, in 1844, on section 13, and Lewis Ensign on section 11, both, however, south of the river. On section 11 also lived Henry Standish, who moved afterwards to Hastings. Lewis Ensign lives now in Detroit, where he follows the trade of a printer. Mr. Mead remembers that in 1844 it was no uncommon thing to see deer in his door-yard, and to see them frequently, too, feeding among the cattle, quite as unconcerned as the cattle themselves. Indians roaming in squads of a score or more often diversified the landscape, and on the river their canoes were familiar sights. By river they chose most frequently to travel on their trading-journeys to Hastings, and many is the time that the stream bore them and their craft in throngs as they pushed ori to market. Benajah Dowd, a New Yorker, who settled on section 12, in 1850, after a year's residence in Hastings, died there in 1851. His son Solon made a settlement in Hope township in 1850, and from there moved to Rutland, where he now lives, on section 26. J. R. Robinson, a settler likewise in Hope in 1851 with his father, became a resident of Rutland in 1866, upon the place he now occupies, first improved by Henry Pickle. One Dow was a moderately early settler on the Hastings road, and put up a log house upon David Rork's place, in which he made shoes. He remained, however, but a short time, and after his departure his house came into renewed service, as a school-house. S. C. Prindie, who located on section 4 in 1848, had come with his father to Michigan in 1836. In 1864 he removed to Hastings, and for sixteen consecutive years filled the office of probate judge. George Williams was a settler in 1854 upon section 11, 489 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I where he now lives. Then it was wild land, and upon it Mr. Williams cut the first stick. Among his neighbors were Isaac Cowell, Marble Bates, Elva Cross, Manning Dowd, Lyman Newton, James Olner, Martin Smith, Isaac Hendershott, and others. In June, 1854, James McNutt came from Irving, where he had been living since 1845, and made a location on section 9, whence he removed in 1872 to his present home, on section 17. In the neighborhood of section 17, and in the northwestern corner of the township, there was scarcely any attempt at settlement before 1854 or 1855. Maj. Mott, and after him Chauncey H. Brewer, were the earliest in that quarter. About 1854 there came, as the next reinforcements, Alexander Corning and his two sons, Alexander and Benjamin, and his son-inlaw, one Leavenworth. They occupied six 80-acre lots on section 8, which the elder Corning had entered; but their stay was brief. Before leaving they leased the land to Simon Wilcox and Jabez Campbell, who occupied it until Huron Healy came into possession, in 1857, and at once made a settlement. Huron Healy moved with his father, Samuel, from New York in 1836 to Washtcnaw County, where he lived until his settlement in Rutland. Straight south the nearest neighbor he had was Ira Shipman. West there were Chauncey H. Brewer, Thomas Slater, and Moses Campbell, while on the north was R. H. Wilcox on section 5 (where he had been since 1855), Lafayette Douglas, Roswell Holden, and Ijah Marshall. Other later settlers in North Rutland were George Brown in the northwest, and on the Hastings road William Perry and William S., his father, William S. Chidester, whose father, Gardner Chidester, settled in Ionia County in 1839, David Eycleshimer, F. Campbell, and Peter Howard. SOUTH HALF OF TIE TOWNSI IP. In the southern half of the township, the only settlement made previous to 1850 was that by Ira Shipman, on section 20. Somehow the desire for lands in the south was not very ardent, and in that district, even after the northern portion was fairly populated, there was still unbroken wilderness. The earliest to penetrate into the eastern portion of the south half of Rutland were Joshua Peck and Reuben Dunham, who, in 1850, made settlements upon adjoining places in section 23. Peck lived there until 1873, when, in a fit of mental aberration, he committed suicide. He was found lying dead in his house, the upper portion of his head blown off and a discharged shotgun close by, showing that, after lying down, 'he had placed the muzzle against his head, discharged the weapon with his foot, and straightway passed into eternity. Reuben Durham lived with his wife and child in a framed shanty 14 by 20, upon 80 acres of land acquired under a soldier's warrant by right of his services in the war of 1812. In 1852, Durham's cabin received within its hospitable walls the family of George W. Crosby, consisting of six persons. Crosby, who had married a sister of Mrs. Durham, had moved from New York to Illinois, intending to settle there, but, not liking the country, concluded to settle in Michigan, and, stopping at Kalamazoo, took up on a soldier's warrant 160 acres in Rutland township, upon section 26. From Kalamazoo he came out to Rutland in December, 1852, and, as related, lodged at Durham's. In the Durham shanty, containing but one room, the two families, comprising nine persons, lived after a fashion for the space of the six weeks which it took Crosby and his sons to build their own shanty. When Crosby got fairly located he found himself a mile or so from his nearest neighbors, Peck and Durham, while south, east, and west of him to the town-lines there was not a solitary settler. Upon his place Mr. Crosby lived until May, 1879, when he was buried upon a spot on his farm which, directly after his arrival, twenty-seven years before, he had chosen as the ground in which he desired to be laid away to rest. Upon the old farm still lives C. R. Crosby, who came with his father in 1852, and who has there had his home ever since. Previous to Crosby's location a hay-road had been cut out by David Rork, from his place to a marsh south of Crosby's, for the purpose of obtaining the hay, which grew luxuriantly upon the marsh, and which was, moreover, of excellent quality. This hay-road was a decided convenience to the new settlers, and, as such, was duly appreciated. The next to settle in the neighborhood was Henry Pickle, an ex-soldier of the war of 1812, who took up, on a soldier's warrant, the land now occupied by J. R. Robinson, in section 26. Mr. Pickle now lives in the township of Yankee Springs, and, although upwards of ninety years of age, is quite hearty and active. Of the settlers herein named, Durham, Peck, and Pickle were ex-soldiers, Peck of the Mexican war and the other two of the war of 1812. Durham died in Rutland in 1860. A RUSH FOR LAND. The years 1854 and 1855 witnessed an important accession to the settlements in the Crosby district, and for a time the new recruits were quite a multitude. Indeed, the new-comers were so many, and so besieged the ones already on the ground for flour, potatoes, and other necessary commodities, that the prices of those articles rose, under the spirited demand, to a high figure, while it was with difficulty that lumber'could be obtained fast enough to meet the needs of those desirous of building framed houses. A reason for this animated condition of affairs may be easily found in the fact that there was considerable government land in that neighborhood, and that it was to be had at $1.25 the acre. For some reason, land speculators who had greedily absorbed the northern portion of the township had not cared to invest in the south, and so for some time the lands lay uncalled for until emigrants carried the facts, when, as has been told, there came a rapid demand for places. Farms then bought at government price are to-day easily worth more than twenty times that price,-that is to say, 160 acres bought then for $200 would sell to-day for $5000. West of Crosby, near Cooley Lake, A. D. Rork, William Munger, M. S. Cooley, John R. Cooley, Harmon Munger, and James Van Wagnen were among the first comers in 1854 and 1855. Of these the only one still living there is James Van Wagnen, on section 26, where he settled in 1855. In 1856, C. H. Stone, of Ohio, made a settlement RUTLAND TOWNSHIP. 4S3 on section 27, in the heart of a wilderness of heavy timber, and reared the home which has sheltered him from that day to this. On the north was C. H. Bowen; west of him, Isaac Powell and Horace Hull, who had been there a year; and still farther west, at Pine Lake, were John 0. Riley, Philander and Ferrell Otis, and Walter and Joseph Barrett, all of whom had just moved in. Walter Barrett's place is now occupied by C. A. Newland, whose father was an early settler in Kalamazoo County, and lives now in Eaton County. At Mr. Newland's house lives his wife's mother, the widow of J. K. Bingham, who came to Michigan as a pioneer in 1827, since which time Mrs. Bingham has lived in the State, herself a Michigan pioneer of fifty-three years' standing. Upon section 21, Isaac Diamond, a settler in Lenawee County in 1840, made a location in 1854. In 1870 he died at the house of his son, Isaac L., on section 16. Isaac L. joined his father in Rutland in 1855, and divided his time between his father's house and that of his brother-inlaw, E. T. Hun, near by, until 1862, when he moved to his present home, on section 16. Until 1854 section 16 was a forest without a human inhabitant. The first settler to locate upon it was Elijah Rogers, who in thQ year mentioned made a clearing there, and directly after that Daniel Oakes settled near him, followed in turn by his brother Christopher Oakes. Rogers died in 1866, Daniel Oakes in 1857, and Christopher Oakes in 1856. Among other settlers in the southern half of Rutland may be mentioned B. R. Blanchard (who claims to be the first person who made a permanent white settlement in the township of Baltimore), Henry II. Wood, and H. N. Monroe, who moved with his father, H. G. Monroe, to Paw Paw, in Van Buren County, in 1838, where they lived until 1846. The elder Monroe moved then to Calhoun County, where he now lives. H. N. Monroe came to Rutland in 1865, and occupied a place first settled by Elmer Johnson, and afterwards by Charles Tillotson. There were also A. B. Smith (an early settler in Orangeville), Philip W. Burgess, Edward Gorham, C. W. Biggs, J. W. Tanner (a settler in Washtenaw County in 1844), Thomas Kelley, John Dawson, G. W. Loehr, Norman Johnson, Daniel Dean, and George Williams (whose father settled in Irving upon the Ingraham place in 1848). PODUNK. There is a place on the Rutland map called Podunk, although the visitor to that locality expecting to find a village there would probably pass through the place quite unconscious of the fact that Podunk was before and round about him. The locality was named, it appears, by J. S. Van Wagnen, twenty or more years ago, when, at a casual meeting of some of the residents of the vicinity, the suggestion was started that the settlement ought to be called Cooleyville, since the Cooleys were among the first to come in there. Other names were suggested, when Van Wagnen abruptly exclaimed, " Pshaw! call it Podunk, and be done with it," Podunk being the name of a cross-roads village in Ohio, where Van Wagnen had lived, to whom it seemed that the name would fit excellently well on the present occasion. Upon a sudden impulse the name was adopted by those present but when an attempt was made to introduce I it generally there was a strong protest against the measure, and many declared that so ugly a name should not be applied to so fine a neighborhood. This spirit of opposition aroused within the promoters of the project a strong determination to make the name stick in spite of everything. They took especial pains to sound the fame of Podunk far and wide, called the attention of casual visitors to the fact that they were in Podunk, erected signboards in various portions of the township certifying that it was so many miles to Podunk (as the case might be), and eventually caused the name to be inscribed on the townmap; so stamping and hammering, as it were, the name of Podunk upon the face of passing events that Podunk the neighborhood remains, and will, doubtless, remain for all time, to all of which the neighborhood has long since become resigned as to the inevitable. PIONEER HIGHWAYS. One of the first roads laid out in the township was one from Hastings along the south bank of the river to beyond Estes Rich's place, and so on across Glass Creek by Maj. Mott's to the Grand Rapids and Battle Creek road through Yankee Springs. The present Yankee Springs road from Hastings through Rutland was at first a mere path, and, although it was a much more direct route to Yankee Springs than the one used, it was considered too rough a road to be easily utilized, and was but little followed save now and then by some venturesome being who preferred a short cut to a longer and smoother thoroughfare. The highway now known as the Yankee Springs road was surveyed by George B. Manchester, September 20, 21, and 22, 1847, and commenced sixty rods west of the quarter-post on the south line of section 11, whence it was run west and south four miles and two hundred and one rods to intersect a road formerly run from Yankee Springs to Ira Shipman's. Sept. 22, 1847, Manchester surveyed a road commencing forty-five rods east of the quarter-post on the south line of section 10, and thence running east and north to the road running from Rich's to Hastings. Dec. 25, 1847, a road was laid from the corners of sections 4, 5, 8, and 9 westward, to intersect "the old road." Jan. 11, 1848, a road was laid from the west town-line, at the corners of sections 7 and 18 east and south, to intersect the road running from Hastings to Yankee Springs via Shipman's. No less than eleven highways were constructed in Rutland in 1848. On the 10th of May, 1847, Commissioners Ira Shipman, Edwin Rice, and David Rork divided the township into three road districts, as follows: District No. 1 to contain sections 1,2, 3, and 12, all that part of the east half of section 10 north of the river, and all those portions of sections 11 and 13 north of the river. District No. 2 to contain section 4, the east half of section 5, the east half of section 8, all of section 9, the west half of section 10, that part of the east half of section 10 south of the river, the part of section 11 south of the river, all of section 13 south of the river, and all of sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36. District No. 3 to contain the west half of section 5, all of sections 6 and 7, the west half of section 8, and all of sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33. 484 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. The time of the formation of subsequent road districts, as the town grew apace, is given as follows: No. 4 in March, 1848; Nos. 5, 6, and 7 in 1853; Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11, and12 in 1854; and Nos. 13 and 14 in 1862. In the spring of 1880 the number of road districts in the town had risen to 30. The report of the highway commissioners for the year 1847 recited the labor assessment to be forty-two and a quarter days in district No. 1, of which twenty-eight and a half days were paid; one hundred and a quarter days in No. 2, of which thirty-three and a half days were paid; and eighty-seven days in No. 3, of which fifteen and a half days were paid. The report further specified that "jobs were let to the amount specified before, to wit: No. 1 for $104.25, No. 2 for $135.75, No. 3 for $162.50. Included in the above is $40 for old jobs in district No. 3, also $24 to procure a new scraper for each district, leaving $62 as the amount of unfinished jobs. The above gives a summary of the improvements made on roads for the past year." The report for the year 1848 shows the following assessment of labor: Sixty-six and a half days in No. 1, of which forty-eight and three-quarters were paid; fifty-four days in No. 2, of which ten and a quarter days were paid; eightyeight and tlree-quarters days in No. 3, of which twentyone and a half days were paid; and seventy and a half days in No. 4, of which forty-one and three-quarters days were paid. Jobs were let as follows: In No. 1 for $68, in No. 2 for $47.44, in No. 3 for $66, and in No. 4 for $15.94. SCHOOLS. In the winter of 1844 there was a school on Bull's Prairie, in Irving, where Chloe Benson taught, and to that school the children of Rutland's settlers were sent. In the summer of 1845, Maria Lacey taught school in a log shanty built on section 9 by James Lothridge, who had bought a piece of land of Estes Rich and put up a cabin, but, finding himself unable to pay the purchase-money, had moved away. Upon the separation of Rutland from Irving, the former township was allowed the sum of $7.04 in school money and $33.90 in library money. Sept. 11, 18.47, School Inspectors John W. Stebbins and W. W. Ralph met at the house of W. W. Ralph, and organized school district No. 2, to which was apportioned the entire northwestern quarter of the town, consisting of sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, and 18. July 15, 1848, school district No. 1 was organized, and included the northeastern quarter of the town, or sections 1, 2, 3,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The apparent organization of No. 2 before No. 1 was established seems somewhat strange, but such are the facts as gleaned from the school inspectors' records. On the 18th of February, 1850, No. 1 was divided, and all south of the river was set off as district No. 3. Oct. 4, 1854, districts 4 and 5 were organized. No. 4 was composed of sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, and 36. No. 5 included 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, and 32. No. 6, organized Sept. 19, 1855, contained sections 16 and 17, the south half of section 18, the north half of 19, and the whole of sections 20 and 21. No. 7 was organized May 24, 1860, and contained sections 22, 27, 28, 33, and 34. No. 8 was organized Feb. 4, 1867, and included section 18, the west three-fourths of section 17, and the northwestern quarter of section 20. No. 9 was organized Feb. 27, 1869. The first annual report recorded appears under date of 1854, and sets forth that during that year the number of scholars in attendance upon the town-schools was 84 in three districts, having, respectively, 33, 29, and 22. The amount of public money received that year was $36.45. The school inspectors' records show that school-teachers' certificates were granted, from June 7, 1848, to April 14, 1860, inclusive, to the following persons: June 7, 1848, Clarissa A. Dwight. Dec. 2, 1848, Solon Dowd. Nov. 10, 1849, Solon Dowd. Dec. 16, 1850, J. M. Darling, Clarissa Dwight. June 20, 1853, Sarah J. Freeman, Miss Bement. Nov. 17, 1853, Daniel Striker. April 24, 1854, Eliza Endley. May 8, 1854, Lorinda M. Cowell. Nov. 4, 1854, 11. II. Bement, A. D. Rork. Dec. 8, 1855, Betsey A. CroweIl. April 26, 1856, Alice Striker. May 24, 1856, Julia Williams. June 16, 1856, Grace Sterns. April 24, 1858, Elvira C. Brewer. April 28, 1858, Sarah A. Messer. May 3, 1858, Emily M. Johnson. May 12,1858, Julia Mapes. April 9, 1859, Julia Freeman, Nellie Iawley, Harriet Sartwell, Mary J. Ellis, Laura C. Ellis, Mary E. Sanders, Emily J. P. Sanders, Ellen Campbell. April 12, 1859, Mary Mead, Lovisa Cross. Nov. 5, 1859, Miss S. E. Fancher, Elvira Brewer, Jennie Brewer, Elizabeth Fancher, Frances Brewer. April 14, 1860, Elizabeth Fancher, Mary Annas, Laura Newton, Sarah Bradley, Laura Jane Brewer. The official report for 1879 provides the subjoined school statistics: Number of districts (whole, 8; fractional, 1)...... 9 " children of school age..................... 386 Average attendance...................................... 317 Value of property......................................... $6520 Teachers' wages............................................. $1013 The school directors f(r 1879 were B. Kurtz, C. II. Rogers, P. W. Burgess, C. R. Crosby, W. II. Otis, G. L. Bronson, J. W. McCrary, George W. Wing, and E. E. Gorham. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Township 3, range 9, was, on the 22d of March, 1839, made a portion of Yankee Springs township. On the 16th of March, 1847, it was given an independent organization as Rutland; the name being bestowed at the suggestion of Winslow V. Ralph, who came- from Rutland, Vt., to Michigan, and became an early settler in the township mentioned. The first meeting was held at the house of David Rork, April 5, 1847. J. W. Stebbins was chosen chairman, W. W. Ralph clerk, and John K. Lothridge and Estes Rich inspectors of election. The voters on that occasion numbered 17, as follows: David Rork, John W. Stebbins, Samuel McMurray, Winslow W. Ralph, Abel Rice, George B. Manchester, Chauncey H. Brewer, Ira Shipman, Edwin Rice, John K. Lothridge, Asa Rice, RUTLAND TOWNSHIP. 485 Estes Rich, Israel Brewer, O. L. Ingraham, John Lothridge, Frederick Gun, William Gun. The full list of township officials is here given: John K. Lothridge, Supervisor; George B. Manchester, Clerk; Chauncey H. Brewer, Treasurer; Winslow W. Ralph, John W. Stebbins, and Samuel McMurray, Justices of the Peace; W. W. Ralph and John W. Stebbins, School Inspectors; Edwin Rice, David Rork, and Ira Shipman, Highway Commissioners; Frederick Gun, Abel Rice, Directors of the Poor; O. L. Ingraham and William Gun, Constables. The pathmasters were George B. Manchester, in district No. 1; David Rork, in No. 2; John K. Lothrige, in No. 3; Orrin L. Ingraham, in No. 4. It was resolved to dispense with assessors, to forego also a tax on dogs, and to raise but $100 for current expenses that year. Appended will be found the names of those annually chosen from 1848 to 1880 to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: SUPERVISORS. 1848, George B. Manchester; 1849, Harvey Tower; 1850, David Rork; 1851, 11. J. Kenfield; 1852, L. C. Balch; 1853, S. C. Prindle; 1854, George II. Keith; 1855, L. C. Balch; 1856, Edwin Rice; 1857-59, A. D. Rork; 1860, George Williams; 1861, W. J. Barrett; 1862, A. D. Rork; 1863, T. Phillips; 1864, A. D. Rork; 1865, T. Phillips; 1866, Ira L. Nye; 1867, James Campbell; 1868-69, Huron Healy; 1870-73, Lewis Wilcox; 1874, John Dawson; 1875-77, J. D. Benham; 1878-79, C. A. Newland. CLERKS. 1848, J. K. Lothridge; 1849, A. F. Corning; 1850, S. C. Prindle; 1851, L. II. Ensign; 1852, H. J. Kenfield; 1853, L. It. Ensign; 1854-55, A. D. Rork; 1856, S. C. Prindle; 1857, Charles Tillotson; 1858, I. L. Dimond; 1859, 0. C. Bates; 1860, S. C. Prindle; 1861, S. A. Bentley; 1862, Peter Rork; 1863, C. G. Crane; 1864, P. L. Rork; 1865, J. F. Mead; 1866, H. N. Monroe; 1867, I. L. Diamond; 1868, W. S. Chidester; 1869-70, S. W. Lane; 1871, Henry Martin; 1872-73, S. W. Lane; 1874, N. Johnson; 1875, W. D. Barlow; 1876, P. Burgess; 1877, P. W. Burgess; 1878-79, Willard Perry. TREASURERS. 1848, James Lothridge; 1849, L. 1. Ensign; 1850, R. B. Shaw; 1851, Estes Rich; 1852, William S. H. Mapes; 1853-58, E. O. Johnson; 1859-62, J. 0. Reily; 1863, A. D. Rork; 1864, J. 0. Reily; 1865, William Perry; 1866, A. D. Rork; 1867, William Perry; 1868, George Brown; 1869, M. Dowd; 1870, James Nims; 1871, N. I. Cross; 1872, J. A. Nims; 1873-74, A. D. Rork; 1875-77, William Perry; 1878-79, J. Edger. JUSTICES OF TIHE PEACE. 1848, C. II. Brewer; 1849, S. C. Prindle; 1850, J. W. Stebbins; 1851, Isaac Cowell; 1852, C. It. Brewer; 1853, C. Livingston; 1854, W. S. II. Mapes; 1855, J. P. Cook; 1856, I. L. IlHndershott; 1857, A. J. Benham; 1858, W.. 11. Mapes; 1859, S. McMurray; 1860, C. II. Stone; 1861, Huron Iealy; 1862, II. Wilcox; 1863, L. Newton; 1864, M. Bates; 1865, C. G. Crane; 1866, J. R. Cooley; 1867, G. W. Crosby; 1868, S. P. Cady; 1869, B. R. Blanchard; 1870, John Cooley; 1871, David Iloy; 1872, A. D. Rork; 1873, D. M. Weaver; 1874, J. F. Mead; 1875, E. M. Bates; 1876, I. Erway; 1877, Eli Erway; 1878, Solon Doud; 1879, J. Blanchard. At the general election in November, 1847, the poll-list was as follows: John W. Stebbins, Frederick Gun, William Gun, Ira Hunter, Edwin Rice, Asa Rice, Abel Rice, Samuel McMurray, Jr., Chauncey H. Brewer, Cornelius Liming ton, 0. L. Ingraham, Samuel McMurray, Estes Rich, J. K. Lothridge, G. B. Manchester, David Rork, Win. Kenfield, Winslow W. Ralph, Ira Shipman,-nineteen in all..... _ In April, 1848, the voters numbered twenty-one, as follows: J. K. Lothridge, Winslow W. Ralph, Samuel McMurray, Stephen Riggs, Ira Shipman, Frederick Gun, James Lothridge, Wm. Kenfield, C. H. Brewer. O. L. Ingraham, Samuel McMurray, Jr., Harvey Tower, Abel Rice, Asa Rice, David Rork, A. F. Corning, L. H. Ensign, John Burdick, Henry Standish, John W. Stebbins, Ira Hunter. The poll-list in April, 1850, contained the following names: S. A. Rowley, S. C. Prindle, Abel Rice, Coben Balch, Finch Mead, Edwin Rice, John Burdick, David Rork, Isaac Cowell, Solon Dowd, R. B. Shaw, Luther C. Balch, Ira Shipman, Henry Standish, Alonzo Bierce, W. W. Ralph, Cornelius Limington, L. H. Ensign, Samuel McMurray, C. H. Brewer, J. W. Stebbins, J. C. Dota, Stephen Riggs, I. Limington, Frederick Gun, A. F. Corning, Asa Rice, 0. L. Ingraham, G. B. Manchester, Samuel Hopkins, Harvey Tower, E. Prindle, WVm. I. Parish,-33. At the spring election, in 1879, the votes numbered 279. POST-OFFICES. The first post-office in Rutland was established at C. H. Brewer's, on Glass Creek, in 1858, and called Glass Creek Post-Office. Mr. Brewer was the first postmaster, and upon his removal from town the office was transferred to Moses Campbell. After enduring a year longer it was discontinued. The stage-route from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids passed Ira Shipman's, and in 1862 a post-office was established at his house, and called Rutland Centre. Within less than a week afterwards the stage-route was changed and the postoffice abolished. Mr. Shipman enjoyed the distinction of being postmaster long enough to handle about a half-dozen letters. Since the days of Glass Creek and Rutland Centre, Rutland has had no post-office within its limits. RELIGION IN RUTLAND. The early settlers in Rutland found conveniences for religious worship close at hand in Hastings, and for that reason there was no attempt to provide services nearer home previous to 1850, and then the experiment prqved a failure, since the general opinion appeared to be that there was no especial occasion for forming a religious organization while the village churches were so easily reached. From that day to this, mainly for the same reason, church organizations in Rutland have been few and far between, while as to church buildings the township has never had one, and has now but two religious societies, both Methodist. The pioneer religious organization was a Methodist Episcopal class formed in the school-house, on section 11, in 1852, with 12 members, and attached to the Irving Circuit as the North Rutland class. The members were Wm. Rork, S. C. Prindle and wife, Lorin Rich, Finch Mead and wife, Daniel Wilcox and wffe, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Crosby and their two sons. Finch Mead was chosen class-leader, and for the space of five years the class continued to have services with more or less regularity. In 1857 meetings were discontinued; and, although periodical efforts looking to a revival have been made since, the results have been only transitory in their character. The last attempt at a restoration of interest occurred in 1879, and since that time preaching has been 486 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I enjoyed once a fortnight, Rev. J. J. McAllister, of Irving, being the pastor. There are at present 13 members, of whom Finch Mead is leader; and there is also a Sundayschool, of which D. Sceels is the superintendent. The Rutland Methodist Episcopal class was organized in 1864 in the school-house on section 16. with Mr. and Mrs. Ira Nye, Mrs. Freyer, and Mrs. I. t. Diamond as members, Ira Nye being class-leader. In 1866 the class was transferred to the log school-house on section 17, and was reorganized, with 25 members, as follows: Hiram Nichols, class-leader; Susan Nichols, R. B. Blanchard and wife, Sarah Diamond, Lorin Rich, Sherman and Ellen Rich, Horace and Harriet Cowell, Isaac L. and Lydia Diamond, Ira and Emma Shipman, Sylvester and Ravila Dean, Daniel and Mary Wilcox, Marilla Munger, Daniel E. and Maria Nichols, Emma Martin, E. R. French, Anna M. French, Finch Mead. The class was at first attached to the Hastings Circuit, but in November, 1869, was transferred to the Irving Circuit, where it still remains. Succeeding Mr. Nichols, J. M. Whittemore was chosen class-leader Oct. 2, 1870, and yet fills the office. Rev. A. P. Moors, the preacher in charge, was followed in 1869 by N. D. Marsh, and after him Revs. H. H. Parker, E. Hayes, M. Browning, 0. B. Whitmore, and J. J. McAllister have been the preachers. The membership is now 33, and that of the Union Sundayschool, held at the same place, from 50 to 60. Mrs. J. M. Whittemore is the superintendent, and has as assistants four teachers. There have been in times past various religious organizations in the township, especially a Methodist Episcopal class and Free-Will Baptist Church at Podunk, and a close-communion Baptist Church north of there, but they have all passed out of existence. There is, however, still at Podunk a flourishing Union Sunday-school, whereof C. H. Stone is the superintendent, and at which the average attendance is from 50 to 60. THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. This was formed in the Chidester school-house, Feb. 20, 1880. The officers chosen on that occasion were Mrs. A. H. Bates, President; Mrs. H. N. Monroe, Vice-President; Mrs. David Eycleshimer, Secretary; and Mrs. Wm. Perry, Treasurer. Rutland encourages also, through the efforts of Red Ribbon clubs, the good work of temperance, and with results to this time of an especially gratifying character. RUTLAND GRANGE, No. 145. This body was formed in December, 1873, in the log school-house on section 17, with 30 charter members. The officers then chosen were William Dudley, M.; Asahel Luther, 0.; Martin Blanchard, L.; William R. Blanchard, Steward; A. S. Dean, Chaplain; Thomas Kelly, Sec.; U. I. Baldwin, Treas. After Mr. Dudley, Asahel Luther served as IMaster in 1875, 1876, 1877, and 1878. Harry Healy, who was chosen Master in December, 1878, was re-elected in December, 1879. Meetings were held in members' houses until the summer of 1875, when a hall was built near the schoolhouse, on section 17. In 1878 it was moved due west, just over the line, into Yankee Springs township. The membership is now about 50. The officers are Harry Healy, M.; A. G. Culver, O.; Chauncey Noyes, L.; John Whittemore, Chaplain; Asahel Luther, Sec.; Huron Healy, Treas.; Elkanah Morford, Steward; E. P. Whitmore, Assistant Steward; James Matthews, G.; Mrs. Huron Healy, Ceres; Mrs. Harry Healy, Pomona; Mrs. James Matthews, Flora; Mrs. E. P. Whitmore, Stewardess. Regular sessions are held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. ---------- I coo -0 THO R INT APPLE. THORNAPPLE township, so named from Thornapple River, which received its designation front the bountiful growth of thornapple-trces upon its banks, is designated on the United States survey as township 4 north, in range 10 west. It occupies the northwestern corner of Barry County. Kent County lies on the north, Allegan County on the west, the township of Yankee Springs on the south, and that of Irving on the east. The surface of the country is undulating^ and in many places hilly. The township was originally covered by oakopenings, except in the northwest, where heavy timber prevailed. It is agriculturally rich, and contains not only numerous fine farms, but many elegant rural homes. The Thornapple River flows from south to north, and along its course passes the Grand Rapids branch of the Michigan ^ By David Schwartz. Central Railroad. Middleville, the only village in Thornapple, is a thriving place, and one of the two railwaystations in the township. THORNAPPLE'S PIONEERS. The earliest white settler in Thornapple, and the founder of the village of Middleville, was Calvin G. Hill, widely known-in his lifetime as "'Squire" Hill. He was a native of New York, and in the fall of 1834 purchased from the government 400 acres lying on both sides of Thornapple River, within the present limits of the village of Middleville. He began at once to make improvements on section 27, where he put up a log cabin on the hill, directly opposite the place now occupied by Leonard's hotel. Mr. Hill found an attractive country of oak-openings and a good strong water-power on the river, which doubtless helped to 9 JOHN CARVETH. -il AMOS HANLON. R. B. MESSER. S. B1. SMITH. 0 THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 487 -- - induce him to make that selection of land. In 1835, Mr. Hill, having made a clearing and prepared a comfortable habitation, brought out his family and became a permanent resident. Elias Hill, his brother, also came at this time with his family, and located upon section 28, now esteemed one of the most fruitful in the county. Elias Hill had two grown sons, of whom Hugh M. settled near by, while Collins lived with his father several years. Calvin G. Hill's two grown sons were Alpheus M. and Albert C. The latter made a settlement on section 27, but sold the place to Ashbel Beach, who came in 1836. Albert then turned his attention to the business of breaking land for others, and achieved much local fame as a land-breaker. He constructed an enormous plow, before which he drove six or more pairs of cattle, and went about the country doing excellent service. Alpheus M., the second son of Calvin G. Hill, became identified with the milling business at Middleville, and was a prominent man until his death in the military service during the war for the Union. Ashbel Beach, to whom Albert C. Hill sold his place in 1836, was a hardy pioneer, and was locally celebrated as the man who plastered his house with potato plaster because he happened to take an eccentric notion that he would have no other kind. It turned out, however, that the material was excellent and still serves its original purpose faithfully. In the fall of 1835 Henry Leonard entered the new settlement with his family and located upon a farm on section 22, which he had bought of Calvin G. Hill, and upon which his son Orrin Leonard now lives. With Henry Leonard came his stepson, Charles Paull, a carpenter, who was then a young bachelor. Mr. Paull was the pioneer carpenter in the settlement, and from the date of his first appearance there until the present time he has followed the same trade in the same neighborhood with but little interruption. Although there was excellent water-power near at hand, on Thornapple River, Mr. Hill concluded, doubtless, that the construction of a dam at that point would be too great an undertaking, and so, when he determined to build a sawmill, he went over to Duncan Lake, in the northwest, and erected a mill upon a creek in that locality. The timbers of the structure were hewn logs. One Ebenezer Duncan, who had made a settlement hard by, was the first white resident of that locality, and he took part in the building of the mill, as did also Henry Leonard. Both these gentlemen were subsequently concerned with the management of the enterprise. This mill was erected in the fall of 1836, and was, of course, the pioneer mill of Thornapple. It was used, however, but a few years, when it became dilapidated and worthless. The\first emigrants into Duncan's neighborhood directly after his settlement were Newton and Bainbridge Gage, and there was also one Freeman, who was interested with Calvin G. Hill in the mill, at the outset. Mr. Duncan afterwards settled upon section 28, but eventually removed to Oregon, his present home. Henry Leonard was a man of mark in the community; was one of the first coroners of the county; and until his death, in 1863, was prominently concerned in township affairs. Philip Leonard, now living in Middleville, was a brother of Henry, and at the solicitation of the latter came out to Thornapple in the fall of 1836. He worked in Mr. Hill's saw-mill a year or so, then went north, and, after a few months' absence, settled in Yankee Springs township, whence he removed to Middleville in 1865. Mr. Leonard tells the story of his going to mill for his brother in the early days, and how he drove thirty-six miles to Kalamazoo, only to be told, when he got there, that he couldn't have his grist ground under two days, at least, by reason of the numerous applications ahead of him. Determined not to wait so long, young Philip went on to Comstock's, four miles east, found the miller abed, aroused him, persuaded him to grind the grist that night, and by daybreak turned his team towards home. Mr. Leonard recalls, likewise, how he used to go to Kent (now Grand Rapids) after provisions, and how he was once obliged to pay $40 in gold for a barrel of pork. 'Squire Hill was well known, not only by the settlers in his own neighborhood, but to the county at large. He was the first county surveyor, and his services were in demand all over the county. As a surveyor he was doubtless energetic, but he used to return some very curious and vague bills of survey; as, for example, he would describe the boundaries of a certain tract of land as " running north to a certain plowage, east to a certain wood-pile," forgetting apparently that both plowage and wood-pile were landmarks of an exceedingly uncertain character. Mr. Hill was widely respected, and lived upon the spot of his early settlement until his death, in 1867. James Moreau, a Frenchman, established a trading-post on Scales' Prairie as early as 1835 or before, and traded with the Indians to some extent. He tried also to accommodate travelers, but his house could hardly be termed a tavern. Henry Leonard, farther north, was likewise frequently called upon to lodge wayfarers, and at one time his house was regarded as a place of popular resort for travelers. Moreau left his place on the prairie early in 1837, and moved to Grand Rapids, where he kept a hotel for some years. Robert Scales, a young man who had been at work for Moreau on the prairie, and from whom the locality took its name, remained on Moreau's place, and was counted among the settlers until he removed to Kalamazoo, where he died. One James Anderson, at one time a clerk in a government land-office, located some land on section 15 in a bend of the river, and in company with a Capt. Edward Macy laid out there in 1837 a village, which they called Thornapple. They published a large number of highly-colored maps, and evidently expected Thornapple to be a remarkable town. Such it might have become, perhaps, had not Anderson been compelled to fly to New Orleans on account of some unfortunate business entanglements which threatened him with criminal prosecution. As it was, the proposed village of Thornapple never had any existence except on the aforesaid maps. In the year 1839, Huston Cisler moved into the township from Irving, where he had worked two years for A. E. Bull. Mr. Cisier made a settlement on section 33, in 488 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. -- Thornapple, and remained a resident of the township until his death, in 1867. He found on section 21 William H. Brown, who afterwards went to Kent County and founded Brownville, and on section 28 Robert Scales, of whom mention has already been made. In 1840 came George and Joseph, two sons of Huston Cisler, who were then young men, and who, after working for some time as farmhands, became farmers themselves, and have ever since resided in the township, George being now on section 27, and Joseph on sc3tion 33. In that neighborhood, also, David Mattison, John Cook, George Stokoe, and Thomas Cranson were among the early settlers, and there they still reside. Shortly after 1840, J. B. Freeman, living now on section 12, came from Flint and made his home at Middleville, and there also, at an early period, George W. Cline took up his residence. In 1844, Robert Harper penetrated the forest and located upon section 20, where he now lives. The road passing north and south through his farm was then chopped out, but not a highway of much travel. East, his nearest neighbor was C. V. Patrick; south, Elias Hill; but neither west nor north had he a neighbor in the township, except Ebenezer Duncan, Newton Gage, and Bainbridge Gage, over at Duncan Lake. Samuel Davis came with Harper, and still lives on section 20, where he then located. Soon after that Rawson White made a settlement upon section 15, and found on section 14 Asa G. and Leonard Stimson, who had been there some little time. The Colbys and John Brink were early settlers near there. East of the village Charles McQueen and John A. Robertson made settlements in 1846. They had worked together as farm-hands in New York State, and together came to Michigan in search of new homes. McQueen located on section 24, and Robertson on section 25, where they still live. While they were preparing their own places for habitation, they boarded with Ebenezer Rathbun, who had been living on section 25 since 1843, and who subsequently lost his life in the military service. West of McQueen a settlement was made by Thomas Riggs, now living on section 26, and in that neighborhood early settlements were also made by Jefferson Lee, Archibald McQueen, and Duncan Campbell, the latter of whom came from Prairieville, where his father was a pioneer. In 1851, when Franklin Bliss settled on section 24, where Leonard Wilcox, now of Irving, had made a clearing of 2 acres, he had no neighbor on the north except an Indian called" Chippewa," who owned 40 acres on section 1 and lived in a log cabin. At that time a well-traveled stage-road crossed Bliss' farm,-the one which ran between Grand Rapids and Hastings. Farther north Solomon Clark settled on section 12 in 1854, and beyond that C. I. Klock located in 1858, on section 2. Mr. Klock now lives on section 2, with John Moxon, who came with him into the township. Klock's neighbors on the south were Cornelius Walrath and his sons; on the north, John Klock and Henry Smith; on the west, the Forbes family; and on the east, John Moe and a Mr. Badgrow. That same spring, Simeon Lawrence settled on section 11. At that day the northeastern portion of the township was a new country, for until then the land-owners had chosen to dis-, I --- courage settlements by holding the property out of the market. After 1858, however, the population began to multiply rapidly, and that locality is now well peopled, containing, moreover, many valuable farms. Upon section 3, B. F. Hungerford made a location in 1848, when there were in that vicinity only Michael Wood and E. H. Searles (whose son, G. W., now lives in Middleville). Soon afterwards came H. W. Burch, still resident of section 3. Proceeding westward, near Duncan Lake the chronicler finds that the Kilmers were the early settlers after Ebenezer Duncan and the Gages. John Kilmer was on section 7, and near there was his brother William. That neighborhood was by common consent known for some time as Kilmertown. Dilman Bechtel bought John Kilmer's place in 1859. William Kilmer's son George resides now on section 7. Richard Benjamin, an early settler, married one of William Kilmer's daughters. Bainbridge Gage's place is now occupied by Valentine Adam, who came soon after Bechtel, and upon the place of first settlement in that vicinity, made by Ebenezer Duncan, Mrs. William Woolgar now resides. John Latimer, a pioneer in Allegan County, lives on section 18, and there, too, lives the widow of Henry Colvin, one of Michigan's early settlers, who died in 1879. O. T. Whitcomb, on section 8, located in Eaton County in 1838. G. M. Mitchell, on section 21, made his home in Middleville in 1853, having then been in the State ten years. George Cook, who came to Michigan in 1847, made a permanent settlement in Thornapple in 1857. F. W. Collins, on section 28, has resided in Michigan since 1835, when he became a resident of Washtenaw County. E. D. Sprague, now living in Middleville, came to the township in 1850, and lived a while on section 35 with his father, John, who had come in 1848, and who died in 1858. His son settled, in 1850, in Yankee Springs, and in 1856 removed to his present home. J. R. Russell came to Middleville in 1853, when the village was yet hardly perceptible, and located on the west side of the river, where he now lives. Among the early settlers may be named also the De Golias, the Prindles, George C. Lewis, and William Coman, and among the later ones Joseph T. Crumback, J. C. Bray, Charles Spreen, J. B. Pumfrey, Samuel Carlisle, and J. C. Smith. THE GRAND RAPIDS ROAD. The stage-route from Battle Creek through Yankee Springs, and so on to Grand Rapids, passed through Middleville; and on the road near there James Moreau kept a house of entertainment on Scales' Prairie, as did Henry Leonard on section 22. A great deal of travel, exclusive of the stages, passed over that road, and Moreau's, as well as Leonard's, was often so full of travelers that a bed on the floor was esteemed a luxury by late comers. Roadside inns in those days were popular affairs, and, however humble, were so liberally patronized that their landlords were among the favored ones of the land. INDIAN VILLAGES. There was an Indian village on Scales' Prairie and one on section 35, where, even after 1840, members of the U / 8 55. I. I I '7,Y T -l 1.,.~ 1. C. J. C. BRAY. 1I I N , Vv RESIDENCE 0 F J. C B RAYI RESI ENC OF J.. B AY, THORNAPPLCTR., BARRY G;O., M ICH. THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 489 Chlppewa, Ottawas, and Pottawattamie tribes used to gather yearly to the number of from fifty to a hundred families, and make their tented homes for months at a time. Indian dances or pow-pows were common, and were sure to attract the curious and interested attention of the white settlers, between whom and the savages the relations were pleasant and harmonious. Dr. Parkhurst relates that the redskins used to have periodical jollifications upon the ground now occupied by the Johnson House, and that the exhibitions were exceedingly entertaining to civilized observers. Once he was called to the spot to prescribe for a sick squaw who had been given over to die, and, as he happened to cure her, he was afterwards held in such esteem by the members of her tribe that, even after their removal to the far north, they sent to him for advice and medicine when any of their number fell sick. Indian encampments were frequent along the river, and at the location of the two villages above alluded to there were burial-grounds, the graves in which-once numerous -have been long since leveled by the plowshare, although to this day the farmers in those localities often turn up the red man's bones in plowing the soil. The first cemetery laid out for the white settlers was located on section 27, upon land donated by Calvin G. Hill. The village cemetery is now upon the east side of the river, and occupies a picturesque elevation, whence one may gain a fine view of the neighboring village and the surrounding country. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. Thornapple township was organized under a legislative act approved March 6, 1838, and then included the northwest quarter of the county, now occupied by the townships of Thornapple, Yankee Springs, Rutland, and Irving. Yankee Springs was set off in March, 1839, and Irving in April, 1839 (the latter then including Rutland). The first annual meeting in Thornapple was held at the house of B. S. Dibble, April 2, 1838; Calvin G. Hill and Henry Leonard were inspectors of election, and Aarad Freeman and Cyrus E. Turner clerks. The officials elected on that occasion were: Supervisor, Calvin G. Hill; Clerk, Henry Leonard; Assessors, Benjamin Cummings, Estes Rich, and John Miles; Commissioners of Highways, Calvin G. Hill, William Lewis, and Chester Field; Justices of the Peace, Hiram Lewis, Aaron Freeman, and Lorenzo Cooley; Overseers of the Poor, Henry Leonard and Benjamin Cummings; Inspector of Primary Schools, C. G. Hill, John Miles, and Estes Rich; Collector, William H. Whitney; Constables, Ashbel Beach, Robert Scales, B. S. Dibble, and William H. Whitney; Highway Overseers, Calvin Lewis, in district No. 1; Robert Scales, in district No. 2; Lorenzo Cooley, in district No. 3. There is no record showing the number of votes cast at the first election, but at the second one, in April, 1839, the voters were 16. The names of these even cannot now be told, since the early poll-lists, together with other town records, were destroyed by fire. The supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace from 1839 to 1879 were: SUPERVISORS. 1839, C. G. Hill; 1840, C. V. Patrick; 1841, G. B. Freeman; 1842, C. G. Hill; 1843-44, J. W. Barton; 1845, Elias Hill; 1846, W. 62 H. Brown; 1847-48, C. V. Patrick; 1849, R. C. Trobridge; 1850, C. V. Patrick; 1851, E. H. Searles; 1852, D. S. Bugbee; 1853, W. W. Ralph; 1854, D. C. Holden; 1855, D. S. Bugbee; 1856, J. B. Freeman; 1857, S. C. Sprague; 1858-59, J. F. Emory; 1860, A. M. Hill; 1861, C. V. Patrick; 1862, J. F. Emory; 1863, D. S. Bugbee; 1864, E. H. Searles; 1865-66, D. S. Bugbee; 1867, J. F. Emory; 1868, Joseph Bray; 1869, J. F. Emory; 1870-72, F. W. Collins; 1873, D. S. Bugbee; 1874-75, J. F. Emory; 1876, F. W. Collins; 1877, J. F. Emory; 1878-79, G. B. Manchester. CLERKS. 1839, 11. Leonard; 1840-41, W. W. Paull; 1842, Henry White; 1843 -44, A. C. Hill; 1845-46, A. M. Hill; 1847, H. Dennison; 1848, J. Slocum; 1849, R. J. Bugbee; 1850, A. C. Bruen; 1851-52, J. B. Freeman; 1853, I. N. Keeler; 1854, W. W. Ralph; 1855-56, S. S. Parkhurst; 1857-59, T. A. De Riemer; 1860, A. A. Mead; 1861, C.W. Lewis; 1862, C. A. Bailey; 1863, A. A. Mead; 1864, F. L. Blake; 1865, M. C. Swift; 1866, T. A. De Riemer; 1867, F. Alexander; 1868-69, M. F. Dowling; 1870, S. G. Webster; 1871, Aaron Clark; 1872, T. A. De Riemer; 1873, P. W. Niskern; 1874-76, W. L. Cobb; 1877-79, B. A. Almy. TREASURERS. 1839-43, Chester Field; 1844-45, C. V. Patrick; 1846, A. C. Hill; 1847-49, D. S. Bugbee; 1850, C. C. Paull; 1851, D. C. IIolden; 1852, C. C. Paull; 1853-54, J. B. Freeman; 1855, A. A. Mead; 1856, C. M. Queen; 1857-62, C. C. Bliss; 1863, W. B. Remington; 1864-65, Aaron Lynd; 1866, I. N. Keeler; 1867, Heman Parish; 1868-70, Smith Sandford; 1871, S. G. Webster; 1872 -74, S. C. Rich; 1875, W. II. Johnson; 1876, T. C. Wilkins; 1877 -78, P. C. Freeman; 1879, Oscar White. JUSTICES. 1839, F. Ingraham; 1840, C. V. Patrick; 1841, II. Leonard; 1842, W. B. Gage; 1843, W. IH. Brown; 1844, Elias Hill; 1845, J. W. Barton; 1846, E. B. Barrington; 1847, A. C. Hill; 1848, Michael Wood; 1849, C. J. Hill; 1850, J. Kilmer; 1851, C. M. Page; 1852, W. W. Paull; 1853, J. R. Russell; 1854-55, W. B. Gage; 1856, S. C. Hlenyon; 1857, Luther Parish; 1858, D. N. Gage; 1859, John Slocum; 1860, W. W. Ralph; 1861, C. A. Bailey; 1862, D. N. Gage; 1863, W. W. Paull; 1864, J. R. Russell; 1865, J. F. Emory; 1866, D. N. Gage; 1867, N. P. Matthews; 1868, W. L. Cobb; 1869, J. F. Emory; 1870, D. Bechtel; 1871, J. C. Smith; 1872, W. L. Cobb; 1873, M. M. Prindle; 1874, D. Bechtel; 1875, J. C. Smith; 1876, W. L. Cobb; 1877, P. 11. Evans; 1878, D. Bechtel; 1879, S. Clark. At the election held in 1840 there were cast but 13 votes; in 1845 the number had increased to 31; in 1847 to 60; and in 1853 to 98. In 1858 there was a material advance to 196, and in 1868 to 341. In 1843 the jurors drawn were as follows: Grand jurors, A. C. Hill, William B. Gage, William H. Brown, Chester Field, Elias Hill, Charles Paull; petit jurors, William P. Scofield, John Page, C. V. Patrick, Robert Scales, Adolphus Harwood, George C. Freeman. May 3, 1845, the jurors drawn were Adolphus Harwood, C. V. Patrick, J. D. Wilcox, Ashbel Beach, S. H. Beach, A. M. Hill, William H. Brown, Charles Williams. SCHOOLS. The first meeting of the school inspectors was held April 12, 1838. Calvin G. Hill was chosen chairman, and the township divided into five school districts, the present township of Thornapple constituting district No. 1. This was subdivided the next year into four districts, but these were soon after again united as one. In a report made by the inspectors of this district in 1843 the number of children in the district between the ages of four and eighteen was set down as 19; the number 490 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I attending over eighteen and under four years of age, at 10. The report also states that school was kept seven months, that J. H. Hare and Jane Hill were the teachers, that Hare received $43 for three months' service, and that for four months Jane Hill received but $16. In May, 1843, Jane Hill and Amanda Harwood were appointed teachers. In November, 1843, George B. Manchester and A. C. Hill received appointments, and in that year $40 were raised for a township library. May 4, 1844, Jane Hill was appointed to teach in district No. 2, and Nov. 2, 1844, Samuel C. Sprague became a teacher in the same district. Mary A. Bugbee was appointed to teach in June, 1845, and Joshua C. Goodrich in October, 1845. District No. 3 was organized Nov. 29, 1845, and the first meeting in the district was held Jan. 17, 1846, at the house of Robert Scales. In 1846, Caroline Leonard and W. B. Goodrich were appointed teachers. District No. 4 was organized in September, 1849; No. 5, in 1853; No. 6, in 1857; and No. 7, in 1868. The condition of the seven township schools, as set forth in the official report for 1879, appears in the following abstract: Number of districts..................................... 7 " children of school age.................. 573 Average attendance................................... 458 Value of property....................................... $21100 Teacher's wages.......................................... $2,058 The school directors for 1879 were John Moe, P. C. Freeman, J. S. Johnson, J. C. Slyter, James Carlisle, C. liosenberger, and A. A. Thompson. VILLAGE OF MIDDLEVILLE. EARLY EVENTS. Calvin G. Hill was the early proprietor of the site upon which Middleville village was first laid out, and probably surveyed it a few years previous to 1850, although the village was not formally recorded until April 12, 1859, when, the record says, Calvin G. Hill, A. C. Bruen, and W. W. Paull were the village proprietors. Since then additions have been made as follows: Keeler's addition, April 27, 1869; Johnson's addition, June 14, 1869; Braddock's addition, Jan. 21, 1870; Shupe's addition, April 23,1870. Previous to 1843 the place-what there was of it-was commonly known as Thornapple, but when the Middleville post-office was removed thither in the year mentioned, the village assumed the name it now bears. The first bridge over the river at that point was built in 1843, the contractor being W. W. Paull, who came to the town in 1841. Up to 1850 the growth of the village was painfully slow, and for even some years after that gave no very brilliant promise. In 1846, Denison Bugbee built a saw-mill on the east side of the river, and in 1850 disposed of it to Alpheus M. Hill, who materially enlarged it. In 1849 there was a strongly expressed desire for a grist-mill, and, A. C. Bruen offering to build one if he were given some assistance, the residents thereabout turned out and gave such aid that Mr. Bruen finished the structure at a comparatively small expense. The building of two mills on the east side of the river led the way to the location of other business enterprises on that side the stream, a store being opened in 1850 by I. N. Kceler, and a hotel in 1852 by Ralph Bugbee. In 1843, Hiram Dennison set up a blacksmith's shop on the west side of the river, but although he was the first blacksmith to locate for any length of time, there was one before him,-name now unknown,-who had a shop on the hill for a very limited period. Dr. Parkhurst opened the pioneer drug-store in the village,-the location being where Parkhurst & Freeman's drug-store now stands. A. A. Mead enjoyed the distinction of being the pioneer tailor, while John Slocum was the pioneer shoemaker and a pettifogger in the bargain. MIDDLEVILLE MERCHANTS. I. N. Keeler, still a resident of Middleville, but retired from active trade since 1860, was the pioneer merchant of the village. He came hither from Prairieville in 1850, bringing a stock of goods which he put into a room of A. C. Brucn's house, which stood where Parkhurst & Freeman's drug-store now is. John Slocum, the village shoemaker, did, previous to Keeler's advent, pretend to do a little trading with the Indians, but his business was of an exceedingly limited capacity, and scarcely gave him the right to call himself a trader. Indians were also liberal customers with Keeler; supplying that pioneer merchant with the major portion of his business for some time. When Mr. Keeler became a member of the village community he found there a grist-mill, carried on by A. C. Bruen, who had built it in 1849. It occupied the site upon which French's mill now stands. Alpheus Hill was carrying on the saw-mill (across the way from the gristmill) which had been built by Denison Bugbee in 1846. B. F. Hungerford was the proprietor of the blacksmith's shop (and had been since 1848) which was opened in 1843 by Hiram Dennison, the pioneer smith of the village. Newton Gage, a shingle-maker, was there, as were William W. Paull and his brother Charles, carpenters. Calvin G. hIill was living on the west side of the river, as were his two sons, Albert and Alpheus. Mr. Keeler sold goods from Brueh's house a few months, when, having completed a store building across the way, he moved into his new quarters. Until 1860 he was actively engaged in business in Middleville as a merchant, but since that time has lived the easier life of a capitalist. Mr. Keeler monopolized the trade of the town until 1851, when Theodore D. Nelson entered the field. That gentleman, however, retired at the close of the year. Among the merchants who came in after that were a Mr. Eaton, John Bruen, Parkhurst & Sprague, M. & H. Wright, De Riemer & Jordan, and many others, whose order of coming cannot be recalled. M. & H1. Wright erected the first brick store or block, now called the Wright Block. De Riemer & Jordan began business in 1854 in the old store of T. D. Nelson, who had been bought out by Ralph & Jordan, this latter firm being succeeded by De Riemer & Jordan. T. A. De Riemer, a member of the latter firm, still does business in Middleville. His residence in Michigan dates from 1835, when, with his father, he came to Eaton County. Middleville to-day enjoys a fine country trade and boasts upwards of a dozen excellent stores. I. N. Keeler & Son and Geo. Luther & Son are leading dry-goods merchants; J. -4. Kessler, E. M. Shufelt, R. W. Young, and / 1/ il~10 f 1' I I W d ( FE-L R. MRS. 1. N. RtELEP..:^ I _ m (h RESIDENCE or I, N. KEELER, MIDDLEVILLE, BARRY CO., MICH. * THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 491 I C. D. Barrell leading grocers; Charles Pitman, B. A. Almy, and S. B. Smith hardware merchants; R. B. Messer, dealer in agricultural machinery; Parkhurst & Freeman, J. B. Kessler, and T. Mears, druggists; Kcssler & Moore, clothiers. Aside from the mills, the only manufactory is the foundry of Chas. A. French, who makes plows, cultivators, etc. The village contains an estimated population of 1000, and boasts as much trade as any place of its size in Western Michigan. HOTELS. The first village tavern was a framed house, built in 1852 by Chas. V. Patrick, a farmer, upon the site of the Johnson house. Ralph Bugbee rented the house and was the first landlord; but he remained the Boniface only a short time, when Patrick himself took possession. After him W. W. Ralph and John F. Emory were the landlords. The house on the west side of the river, known as Leonard's hotel, was built by Calvin G. Hill, about 1840, for a store, but was never devoted to that purpose. It held a school at first, was then used as a residence, and finally being purchased by C. V. Patrick, was by him converted into a hotel. He kept it a while, and sold it to C. P. Dow, from whom it passed into the possession of Philip Leonard. MIDDLEVILLE POST-OFFICE. In the spring of 1839, B. S. Dibble, then living on section 2, in Yankee Springs township, was called upon by Lucius Lyon, Congressman, of Kent County, then on his way to Washington, who incidentally remarked that Mr. Dibble ought to have a post-office at his house by reason of his distinction as a pioneer. Upon Dibble's agreeing to take the postmastership,-although there was an office at Yankee Springs, five miles distant,-Lyon wanted to call the office Dibbleville, but Dibble wouldn't have it, as he didn't like the name, although it was his family-name. Somebody suggested that an Indian village near there on the river was called " Middle Village," by reason of being midway between Kalamazoo and Kent, and so the name of Middleville was adopted for the proposed post-office. Dibble received his appointment as postmaster July 3, 1839, and kept the office at his house until 1842, when he resigned to take a contract for carrying the mail between Kalamazoo and Kent. Middleville post-office was on that route, and received a mail twice a week each way, Orson Withey being mail-carrier when it was established. After Mr. Dibble resigned the office, it passed to John W. Bradley, who continued, however, to keep it at Dibble's house until 1843, when a change of location was effected to the site of the village of Middleville, where Calvin G. Hill was living. The place thereabout was commonly known as Thornapple, but upon the transfer of the postoffice to that locality it became known as Middleville, and that name it has ever since retained. Upon the transfer, Calvin G. Hill was appointed postmaster. Following him the incumbents of the office have been A. C. Bruen, W. W. Ralph, John F. Emory, Abraham A. Mead, Milton Mead, and M. F. Dowling. During the three months ending Dec. 31, 1879, the Middleville office made sales of stamps, envelopes, etc., to the amount of $415.95, and for the same period issued money-orders to the amount of $2820.69, and paid $1684.29 on orders issued against the office. MIDDLEVILLE UNION SCHOOL. The first school-house built in the township stood in what is now Middleville, upon the west side of the river, and just north of where Leonard's hotel stands. The structure was of logs, and Charles Paull, the carpenter, " finished it off" in as high a style of art as circumstances permitted. Sarah Paull was the first teacher, and Mr. Coman the second. Rev. Mr. Wilcox, a Disciple minister, taught the school, and preached also to a church organization which met in the school-house, and which was the pioneer religious society of the township. About 1840 a frame school-house replaced the log building. Near the same time one of C. G. Hill's daughters opened a select school in a framed building which her father had erected, but carried it on only a short time. The village school was kept on the west side of the river until 1854, when a brick house was put up on the lot now occupied by the Union school, the lot being donated by Calvin G. Hill, and thereupon the school on the west side was abandoned. In 1871 the present fine Union school building was erected at a cost of $15,000. It contains four departments,-primary, intermediate, grammar, and high school,-in which the attendance of pupils in March, 1880, was 288. The principal is Charles W. Pickell. TIlE BAR OF MIDDLEVILLE. Middleville's first lawyer, B. H. Fuller, came to the village in 1856, and practiced from that time to 1860, when he left town for an absence of four years. He returned in 1864, and resumed practice, but died in 1865. Meanwhile, Harvey Wright opened a law-office in 1861, and remained until 1868, when he changed his habitation to Hastings. Asa Leonard began to practice in the village in 1861, but not long afterwards entered the army, and was killed in action. W. L. Cobb, who became a Middleville lawyer in 1865, is still one, having in the interim been a justice of the peace twelve years, and Circuit Court commissioner six years. George C. Worth practiced from 1867 to 1869; John Carveth from 1869 to the present time; A. H. Ellis from 1871 to 1878; and Aaron Clark (now in Grand Rapids) from 1874 to 1879. P. W. Niskern, now practicing in Hastings, was a lawyer in Middleville from 1871 to 1877, as well as a newspaper publisher. M. F. Jordan and A. P. Cady, still in village practice, began in 1879. MIDDLEVILLE PHYSICIANS. Previous to 1848 the country around Middleville depended for medical attendance upon Hastings, and chiefly upon Dr. Upjohn. There was in the northern portion of Thornapple township one James Bell, who called himself an herb-doctor, and who used indeed to be called frequently to prescribe for the sick, but until Dr. S. S. Parkhurst came to the village, in 1848, the neighborhood boasted no resident regular medical practitioner. Dr. Parkhurst was, however, but a student when he became a resident in Mid dleville and simultaneously undertook to teach the village school, with the understanding, however, that if his medical practice required it he would give up the school. Al 492 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. though he was frequently called to see patients, and sometimes had even to dismiss his scholars so that he might respond to a call, he taught through the term. He returned thereupon to college, graduated in 1850, and then resuming his practice in Middleville, has been one of the village physicians ever since. Following Dr. Parkhurst came Dr. Johnson, who remained but two years. Dr. John Sweezey, who began to practice in 1858, removed to Indiana in 1860, and is yet there. Dr. Henderson came in 1861, stopped a year, and then sailed for England, his early home. Dr. Carroll remained from 1863 to 1864; Dr. Negley, from 1864 to 1867; Dr. Scott, from 1866 to 1867; Dr. Ellis, from 1868 to 1869; and Dr. Barnard, from 1871 to 1872. Besides Dr. Parkhurst, the practicing physicians in Middleville are G. W. Mattison, who came in 1867; Amos Hanlon, in 1869; S. C. Rich, in 1870; A. Billington, in 1871; J. B. Ferguson, in 1876; and P. J. Fullerton, in 1879. MIDDLEVILLE'S BANK. The private bank of Bowne & Combs, now doing business in the village under the State banking laws, is the only banking institution Middleville has ever had. The firm was formed in March, 1873, has an available capital of $150,000, an average deposit account of $15,000, and an average loan account of $45,000. The managing partner is R. E. Combs. TIE GIBBS TRAGEDY. In August, 1879, James Gibbs, marshal of the village of Middleville, while conveying one James Jansen (or Johnson) and his brother to the lock-up on some trifling charge, was fatally stabbed by James Jansen, who at once fled. Gibbs died within twelve hours, and a search for Jansen discovered him in Chicago (whence he had written a letter to Middleville and thus disclosed his whereabouts). He was captured within a week after the murder, and, being tried in February, 1880, was promptly convicted of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to the State prison for fifteen years. INCORPORATION AND OFFICERS. The village of Middleville was incorporated under an act of the Legislature approved March 27, 1867; and embraced "all that tract of Thornapple township lying in the southeast quarter, the east half of the southwest quarter, the south half of the northeast quarter, and the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 22; the southwest quarter, the south half of the northwest quarter of section 23; the northwest quarter of section 26; the northeast quarter and the east half of the northwest quarter of section 27." The first election was held May 6, 1867; J. F. Emory, J. R. Russell, Frederick Alexander, and L. W. Payne were chosen inspectors. A full list of the officials elected on that occasion is given as follows: President, I. N. Keeler (who received 48 votes, the entire number cast); Recorder, WVm. L. Cobb; Treasurer, M. F. Dowling; Assessor, J. F. Emory; Trustees (two years), S. W. Walrath, Philip Leonard, L. WV. Payne; (one year) Aaron Lynd, A. H. Slocum, M. C. Swift. At the first meeting of the Common Council, held May 25, 1867, H. Wright was appointed village attorney, W. XW. Paull village marshal, J. F. Emory and P. Leonard overseers of highways. The names of those chosen annually from 1868 to 1880 to be presidents, clerks, treasurers, and trustees are as follows: 1868.-President, Harvey Wright; Clerk, William L. Cobb; Treasurer, M. F. Dowling; Trustees, Robert Wilson, Orrin Leonard, Charles Dietrich. 1869.-President, William L. Cobb; Recorder, Herbert Olmstead; Treasurer, M. F. Dowling; Trustees, Eli Shupe, William M. Boltwood, Philip Leonard. 1870.-President, William L. Cobb; Recorder, Simon G. Webster; Treasurer, Marion F. Dowling; Trustees, John Y. Bevier, Samuel Paull, Robert Wilson. 1871.-President, William L. Cobb; Recorder, P. W. Niskern; Treasurer, M. F. Dowling; Trustees, Philip Leonard, William Boltwood, Eli Shupe. 1872.-President, Frank H. De Golia; Recorder, A. H1. Ellis; Treasurer, Heman Parish; Trustees, M. F. Dowling, B. S. Dibble, Benjamin A. Almy. 1873.-President, I. N. Keeler; Recorder, A. H. Ellis; Treasurer, ---; Trustees, D. S. Bugbee, T. A. De Riemer, G. R. Russell. 1874.-President, A. H. Ellis; Recorder, M. M. Prindle; Treasurer, Samuel C. Rich; Trustees, E. D. Sprague, M. F. Dowling, Ira Morgan. 1875.-President, A. II. Ellis; Recorder, HI. D. Purdy; Treasurer, Williamn I. Johnson; Trustees, T. A. De Riemer, R. E. Combs, G. W. Searles. 1876.-President, - -; Recorder, A. E. Southwick; Treasurer, - -; Trustees, Ira A. Morgan, George W. Mattison, Marcenas Wright. 1877.-President, A. E. Combs; Recorder, H. D. Purdy; Treasurer, F. II. De Golia; Trustees, J. H. McKevitt, D. W. Johnson, S. B. Smith. 1878.-President, E. G. Sprague; Recorder, E. M. Slayton; Treasurer, T. B. French; Trustees, Charles Annison, H. De Golia, A. E. Southwick. 1879.-President, E. G. Sprague; Recorder, II. D. Purdy; Treasurer, Thomas D. French; Trustees, Frederick Spangemacher, Charles Pitman, Curtis Runnels. 1880.-President, Marcenas Wright; Recorder, G. W. Mattison; Treasurer, Thomas D. French; Trustees, Isaac Trone, I. N. Keeler, Charles Annison. (Hyland De Golia was elected to fill the vacancy caused by resignation of I. N. Keeler.) CHURCHES. THE OLD DISCIPLE CHURCH. The first public religious services in Thornapple township were held according to the faith of those known as Disciples or Campbellites. Calvin G. Hill and Henry Leonard were members of that denomination, and soon after their settlement in.Thornapple took measures to afford the infant community the privilege of public worship. An old church-record relates that "The congregation of Disciples as associated at Thornapple first had its existence in the families of Calvin G. Hill and Henry Leonard, who, in the fall of the year 1835, emigrated to this place from the county of Monroe, N. Y., and who were the first families settled in the surveyed township for agricultural purposes, who agreed immediately after their settlement to meet together on Lord's day at each other's houses to keep the ordinances, and for social worship and edification. Appointed Calvin G. Hill as moderator and to officiate in the administration of the ordinances, which practice has continued. The Disciples, having multiplied, deem it necessary in the order of events now to perfect a more complete organization. Do this 12th day of February, 1843, appoint C. G. Hill and Henry Leonard to pre HIOB~1MA RP ER.. MARY HARPER.,, CHAS', E, 14A RPER. RESIDENCE OF ROUBLRT H ARPER, THORNAPPLE P., BARRr GO., MICH. I THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 493 I pare a book of record with the names of the several individuals attached to the congregation." On the same day (Feb. 12, 1843) Luther Goodrich was elected to the office of bishop, or overseer, of the congregation, and A. C. Hill to the office of clerk. A list of the persons who became members of the church during 1843 is here given as follows: Betsey Beach, Lucy Paull, Ruth L. Freeman, Laura Ann Goodrich, Ellen E. Hill,- Martha J. Hill, Francis Hill, Delia Hill, Harriet Hill, Caroline Leonard, Sabina Patrick, William H. Brown, Lemuel Paull, George C. Freeman, Susanna Freeman, Ann Naylor, Sr., Ann Naylor, Jr., Sallie Hill, Luther Goodrich, Calvin G. Hill, Henry Leonard, Charles Paull, William W. Paull, Jeremiah Freeman, Ashbel Beach, Albert C. Hill, Emeline Irons, Rhoda Goodrich, Charlotte Hill, Betsey Leonard, Eliza Paull, Sarah Naylor, Clarissa Brown, Elmira Hill, Calvin Hill. On the 18th of June, 1843, Luther Goodrich and C. G. Hill were made overseers of the congregation, and Charles Paull deacon, and from the record it would appear that on that day the church organization was completed. In January, 1845, W. W. Paull was appointed clerk in the place of A. C. Hill, who had removed from the township, and in September, 1845, J. C. Goodrich was chosen bishop of the congregation. Meetings were held in a log school-house near Squire Hill's house, and under its overseers the church flourished four or five years. Afterwards there came one Wilcox, who combined with the business of preaching that of teaching school. He was a person of a convivial turn of mind, and strongly inclined to freedom in religious belief. He was doubtless a man of honest convictions and possessed many excellent traits of character, but somehow he caused dissensions in the church, and himself fell into disfavor. The upshot of it was that the church was dissolved in 1847 and has never been re-established. TIHE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCt. On the 5th of April, 1846, a meeting was held at the house of A. A. Mead, in Yankee Springs, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church. Rev. Z. T. Hoyt was chosen moderator, T. W. Webber and G. B. Manchester deacons, and A. A. Mead stated clerk; whereupon it was resolved " that the persons present organize themselves into the First Congregational Church of Yellow Springs." The organizing members were eleven in number, and included T. W. Webber and Maria, his wife, C. H. Brewer and Amelia, his wife, G. B. Manchester, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Mead, Nathan Barlow and Sarah, his wife, and Mrs. Mary C. Lewis. December 6th the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time, Rev. Z. T. Hoyt officiating, on which occasion Jane Stokoe and Mrs. Indiana F. Corning were united by letter. In December, 1853, the church joined the Grand River Congregational Association. In December, 1854, the place of worship was removed from Yankee Springs to the village of Middleville, and the church name changed to that of the First Congregational Church of Middleville, worship being held in the village school-house. Sept. 21, 1856, it was voted to leave the Grand River Association and join the Kalamazoo Presbytery, and April 5, 1863, it was re solved to join the Grand Rapids Association, of which the church is still a member. The village school-house was used for worship until 1863, when Charles Paull's hall was occupied. In 1866 this was vacated for Swift's hall, which served until the completion of the present church edifice, in the spring of 1871. There was at first some litigation over the church property, which was productive of discouragement and loss of membership for two or three years. These difficulties were at length happily settled, and the period of prosperity which then began has continued to the present time. From 1846 to 1880 the accessions to the church have aggregated 170. The membership now numbers 64. The first pastor, Rev. Mr. Hoyt, preached from 1846 to 1852; Rev. O. F. Waldo from 1852 to 1854; Rev. D. B. Campbell from 1854 to 1856; and Rev. Mr. Wheelock in 1857. During Mr. Wheelock's pastorate, Rev. T. Jones assisted in a protracted meeting at which 19 persons were added to the membership. Feb. 1, 1858, Rev. J. W. Kidder began his labors, and continued them until Nov.,22, 1868. Early in 1869 Rev. Mr. Raymond became the pastor, and was succeeded in March, 1872, by Rev. D. B. Campbell. Rev. J. J. Bunnell preached from July, 1874, to November, 1875, and Rev. Benjamin Moore from that time until June, 1878. In October, of the latter year, Rev. W. S. Bugbee, the present pastor, began his term of service. The church trustees are George Luther, Charles Pitman, and Richard Watkins; the deacons, William C. Pratt, A. F. Gillett, and Richard Watkins, Mr. Pratt having been one of the deacons since 1854. Charles Pitman is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which has an average attendance of 75. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCI. On the 23d of April, 1853, a few Baptists met in the old " Prairie" school-house on Scales' Prairie, and organized the First Baptist Church of Thornapple. The members numbered nine, as follows: A. Harwood, J. J. Mattison, J. Sprague, Rev. F. Donaldson, Mary Harper, Emily Mattison, Marian Harwood, Theresa Pratt, and Lufannie Donaldson. An attempt had previously been made to organize a church in that vicinity, but the enterprise was short-lived. Upon the day of the organization Rev. Mr. Donaldson was called to be the pastor, and J. J. Mattison was elected deacon. Of the nine organizing members above named, those now living are Mrs. William H. Brown, of Alaska (formerly Mrs. Donaldson), Mary Harper (yet a member of the church), and Theresa Pratt. July 3d the Lord's Supper was commemorated for the first time, and August 14th the ordinance of baptism was administered to John Griffith. ' June 21, 1854, the church united with the Kalamazoo Association, and, in April, 1855, the organization indicated its adhesion to the cause of total abstinence by expelling a member for violating the temperance pledge. On the 12th of April, 1856, a church society was organized, Nelson Coman, Robert Harper, and William Paull being chosen trustees. Rev. Mr. Donaldson was the pastor till his death, in May, 1857, and was followed by Rev. B. H. Sheppard, who terminated his labors in September, 494 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. 1859. In August, 1860, Rev. D. Osborn became the pastor, and in August of that year the Prairie school-house was exchanged as a place of worship for the Methodist Episcopal church at Middleville, the agreement being to pay $30 per month for its use at such times as the Meth. odists could spare it. Rev. Mr. Osborn retired in February, 1863, and was followed by Rev. O. W. Wade. In September, 1863, the church withdrew from the Kalamazoo Association to join the Grand River Associatidn. In September, 1865, Mr. Wade closed his labors, and Rev. Mr. Osborn was resettled in April, 1866. In August of that year the name of the church was changed to that of the First Baptist Church of Middleville. In 1867 the fine church edifice now in use was completed, being dedicated in January, 1868. The building cost about $4000, which was promptly subscribed before work was begun. Previous to April 12, 1868, the church was represented as to its Sunday-school interest in a Union school, but on the date named a Baptist Sabbath-school was organized. In the fall of that year the church joined the Thornapple River Association, which disbanded, however, almost immediately, whereupon this society united with the Grand Rapids Association, in which it still remains. Rev. G. N. Annis followed Mr. Osborn in December, 1868, and was succeeded in November, 1871, by Rev. William Rees,.who remained but a year. There was no settled pastor until July, 1874, when Rev. C. E. Conley began his pastorate, and continued therein until early in 1878. His successors have been Revs. 0. F. A. Spinning and S. L. Trumbull, the latter being now in charge. Since 1853 the members received into the church have numbered 250. The present membership is 111. The society owns, besides the church building, a parsonage, which was erected in 1876. The trustees are Clark Kenyon, E. D. Sprague, T. C. Wilkins, Robert McArthur, and Wm. H. Severance; the deacons, Robert Harper, T. C. Wilkins, Robert McArthur, and James V. Whitney. Charles W. Pickell is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has twelve officers and teachers, and an average attendance of 85. FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Late in 1854, or early in 1855, Rev. Aaron Bradley organized a Methodist Episcopal class in the village schoolhouse, and of that class memory now recalls C. W. Bassett and wife, J. R. Russell, William Fenton and wife, and Stephen Walrath and wife as members. J. R. Russell was the first class-leader, and Mr. Bradley, who organized the class, supplied the preaching two years, preaching also at Caledonia. The list of the church's ministers since Mr. Bradley's time includes Rev. Messrs. Stafford, Gee, Jenkins, Wakefield, Van Wyck, Marble, Master, Hulen, Wigle, and I. B. Tallman, the latter being the present pastor. The earliest record now obtainable reports the "first Quarterly Conference for Middleville Circuit, Kalamazoo district," as being held at Middleville, Nov. 19,1865, when those present were Rev. E. Marble, preacher in charge, A. Wakefield, C. W. Bassett, J. Sweet, M. Vincent, D. Olmstead, R. G. Culver, J. R. Russell, J. W. Bradley, and H. W. Burch. The circuit then embraced the classes of Caledonia, Middleville, Thornapple, West Thornapple, Leighton, and Yankee Springs. In 1859 a church edifice was erected, the school-house having been used till that time. The church now owns a parsonage also, and has a flourishing membership of about 70. The trustees are T. D. Buck, Amos Hanlon, P. W. Niskern, G. H. Johnson, J. R. Russell, Joseph Barrell, and A. H. Stanford. The class-leader is A. H. Stanford. George Ickes is the superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has eight teachers and an average attendance of 50. SOCIETIES. MIDDLEVILLE LODGE, No. 231, F. AND A. M. This lodge was chartered Jan. 10, 1868, when Henry Cogshall was appointed M.; H. I. Whitney, S. W.; and M. F. Dowling, J. W. The organizing members of the lodge were Henry Cogshall, H. I. Whitney, Harvey Wright, Henry Colvin, George Brink, L. W. Payne, Samuel Littlefield, and William Wolgar. From 1868 to 1880 the Masters have been Henry Cogshall, Horace I. Whitney, Harvey Wright, S. C. Rich, A. H. Ellis, G. W. Mattison, and William H. Severance. The lodge has now a membership of 80, and has occupied finely-appointed apartments in the Wright Block since 1873. The officers are now William H. Severance, W. M.; George W. Searles, S. W.; J. J. McAllister, J. W.; G. W. Mattison, Sec.; J. C. Smith, Treas.; L. W. Payne, S. D.; T. C. Wilkin, J. D.; J. R. Russell, Tyler. MIDDLEVILLE CHAPTER, No. 44 (ORDER OF TIIE EASTERN STAR), A. M. This chapter was chartered Oct. 4, 1876, with 12 members. George W. Mattison was V. P.; Mrs. I. A. Morgan, Sec.; Mrs. Frank De Golia, Treas. The officers at present are Mrs. George W. Mattison, W. M.; G. W. Searles, W. P.; Mrs. William H. Severance, A. M.; Mrs. G. W. Searles, Conductress; Miss Jennie Combs, A. C.; G. W. Mattison, Sec.; Mrs. Jefferson Lee, Treas. TIHORNAPPLE LODGE, No. 265, I. 0. 0. F. On the 7th of September, 1875, this lodge was chartered with the following members: Amos Hanlon, P. H. Horner, Herbert Olmstead, Edwin Fallas, Dwight Johnson, and T. A. De Riemer. Since July, 1878, the lodge has occupied commodious quarters in Grange Hall. The membership is now 55, and the officers as follows: Charles Anderson, N. G.; Amos Hanlon, V. G.; L. E. Moore, Rec. Sec.; T. A. De Riemer, P. Sec.; W. Moe, Treas. MIDDLEVILLE LODGE, No. 34, DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH. This lodge was organized April 19, 1879, with 12 members. Present officers are Mrs. Charles Deitrich, N. G.; Mrs. M. M. Hodge, V. G.; Mrs. G. W. Ickes, Rec. Sec.; T. A. De Riemer, Fin. Sec. THORNAPPLE GRANGE, No. 38. This grange was organized July 22, 1873, in Middleville, with 28 members. J. H. Lane was the first Master; J. Damoth, O.; Aaron Clark, L.; William C. Pratt, Chap k - 1 ex I ~ i I ~ MR~- W. COLY. C -a- "tairc af v VI, RESIOENCE OF WILLIAM COLBY, MIDDLEVILLE, THORN APPLE T P.,BARRYCO.,MICH. I THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 495.. lain; J. C. Crumback, Treas.; T. A. De Riemer, Sec. Regular sessions are held in Grange Hall, at Middleville. The chief officers are now J. C. Bray, M.; H. Searles, O.; E. H. Lent, L.; Mrs. J. C. Bray, Chaplain; J. A. Robertson, Sec.; J. C. Russell, Treas. MIDDLEVILLE REFORM CLUB. This temperance organization was called into existence in January, 1877, and commenced its career amid much popular enthusiasm. Fully one hundred and fifty people signed the pledge at the first meeting of the club, and the good work thus auspiciously begun has continued since then to thrive under the same ministrations. The club las now an active membership of 40, and has regular Wednesday evening assemblies at Red Ribbon Hall. WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION. The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized in January, 1877, and received at once a large number of members, who have labored energetically for the cause of temperance and accomplished much good. Mrs. Mary Pinney is the President, Mrs. Charles Pitman, Sec., and Mrs. James Fenton, Treas. PARMELEE STATION. North of Middleville is Parmelee Station, on the Michigan Central Railroad, so named in honor of E. K. Parmelee, who, after pioneering in Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties from 1836 to 1860, came in the latter year to Thornapple, and located on section 10. In August, 1874, the railway company established Parmelee Station, Mr. Parmelee donating land for that and other railway purposes, and the neighborhood residents paying for tine erection of a depot building. Mr. Parmelee was appointed station agent, and in 1878 was made postmaster, upon the creation of Parmelee post-office. He still holds both those offices. Sherk & Cline's elevator at the station gives farmers a convenient grain-market, and there is moreover a brisk shipment at Parmelee of railway-ties. Seven thousand ties were received during February, 1880, and the estimate then was that the receipts of ties between January and September would aggregate fully 50,000. Frederick Alexander carries on a store, B. F. Hungerford has a blacksmith-shop; there is also a saw-mill and turning-lathe, while a "bending"factory is about to be established, so that Parmelee is positively looking up. Two religious organizations-a Methodist Episcopal class, of which H. W. Burch is leader, and a United Brethren class, of which Mrs. George Cline is leader-worship at a neighboring school-house on alternate Sundays, and enjoy encouraging support. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. R. HARPER. Among the resident farmers of Thornapple township none occupy a higher place than R. Harper. Suffolkshire, in England, gave him birth in the year 1813, and, although his parents were of the poorer class, they were accounted among the most industrious and esteemed members of the community in which they lived. At the age of about fifty the father, Charles Harper, determined to make an effort towards bettering his prospects, and with his family set sail, in 1829, for Canada. His family consisted of himself, wife, and ten children, and of these latter was R. Harper, who, from the age of eleven, had managed to eke out his own livelihood. His first year's labor on his own behalf yielded him but one pound, and upon his arrival in Canada-Quebec being the place chosen by the elder Harper as a location-the lad obtained employment with a farmer at seven dollars a month. Thus he labored a year or more, and then, learning that the " States" offered better inducements, proceeded thither with an elder brother and resumed his farming experience upon a place near Ogdensburg, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. There he tarried two years, and in 1834 took service as a laborer with Silas Ball, of Rochester, N. Y., for whom he worked at first for eight dollars a month, and so faithfully did he attend to his duties and increase his value that he remained with Mr. Ball nine years, and was receiving at the close of his term the then excellent pay of one dollar a day. Having saved a snug sum, he bought forty acres near Rochester, and after materially improving the property exchanged it for one hundred and sixty acres in Thornapple township, Barry Co., upon which he has ever since made his home. In 1837 he married Mary Colby (born in Heniker, Cheshire Co., N. H., in 1809, and successively a resident, with her parents, of Schoharie County and Rochester, N. Y.), and in the spring of 1844 they moved westward to take possession of their Michigan wilderness, upon which not a single axe-stroke had been delivered. In the midst of the dense forest they set up their rude log cabin, labored heroically and energetically in the work of winning a comfortable home, slowly but surely progressing in the task as the years moved on, and in their declining years enjoy the well-earned satisfaction of knowing that for the toils of early life they are now reaping the reward of happy ease. The Ilarper farm is one of the best in the county, and the Harper residence-of which a view may be seen in this work-an ornament to the town. Mr. and Mrs. Harper have been active members of the Baptist Church of Middleville since that church was organized, and during that extended period they have ever been regarded as exemplary exponents of that faith, contributing, moreover, with generous liberality to the support of the organization, and especially towards the erection of a house of worship. Four children have been born to them, but of these four only one has been spared. Eliza A., who was born Feb. 11, 1838, died Jan. 17, 1860; Laura J., born June 25, 1843, died Oct. 1, 1846; George A., born Feb. 22, 1849, died March 27, 1877; Charles E., born Sept. 16, 1853, still lives to cheer the evening of his parents' lives, and even as he prizes and appreciates the privilege of staying and comforting them, so they, rejoicing in the possession of a son's devotion, are calmly grateful to Heaven and content to descend the hill of life by easy and pleasant paths. 496 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - WILLIAM COLBY. William Colby was born in Roxbury, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1822, and was one of twelve children vouchsafed as blessings to the union of his parents. When William was a lad of but seven his father removed to Western New York, in Monroe County, and in the town of Grace, William remained until reaching his sixteenth year, when for fifty dollars he purchased his," time" of his father, and agreed to pay the purchase-money out of the first funds he should earn. Ambitious to grow up with a new country, he set out for Michigan, and in Washtenaw County entered upon a life of earnest action, working upon a farm in the summer at ten dollars and a half a month, and in a cooper's shop in Salem in the winter season. In that locality he remained thus employed until the summer of 1841, having meanwhile canceled his father's claim of fifty dollars out of his first year's earnings, when he passed on to Mason, in Cass County, Mich., and there, taking service with a cooper, continued with him until his marriage, March 4, 1843, to Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Williams. The young couple settled in Mason, and for the next year Mr. Colby divided his time between coopering, farming, and trafficking in real estate. In the autumn of 1844 they moved to Northfield, in Washtenaw County, where Mr. Colby pursued his accustomed avocations until June, 1847, when he changed his residence to Marshall, and, purchasing an eighty-acre farm of John Weller, lived upon it until the following November, when, again moving, they made their home in Bristol, Ind., until the fall of 1852, Mr. Colby having continued to that time to labor at his trade. Then they took possession of a purchase in Thornapple township of eighty acres of wild land, and engaged in earnest in the work of pioneering. Their pioneers' log cabin, a sketch of which is embodied in this work, was a primitive and homely affair, but a source of much comfort after all. They cleared their land with rapid strokes and energetic will, and, living upon it until the spring of 1861, sold it for two thousand dollars, and with the proceeds purchased a fine farm containing sixty-five acres of improved land two miles eastward. To that purchase they made additions until 1865, when the farm comprised no less than three hundred and forty acres. In 1865, Mr. Colby began his preparations for the erection of a new brick residence, and in 1870 completed the beautiful home he now occupies, illustrated, as will be seen, in an accompanying sketch. Elizabeth (Williams) Colby is the daughter of Peter Williams, a Virginian, a veteran of the war of 1812, and an early resident in Shenandoah County, where he followed the business of gunmaking, dealt also in cattle and horses, and owned moreover a farm of six hundred acres. Strongly anti-slavery in his principles, he declined to remain in Virginia beyond 1837, when, with his family of eleven children, he migrated to Yorktown, Elkhart Co., Ind., where William Colby met and married Mr. Williams' daughter Elizabeth. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Colby number four, as follows: Amanda Jane, born Dec. 6, 1843; Rebecca Ann, born Sept. 15, 1846; D. W., born Aug. 11, 1850; I R.. B MESSER. R. B. Messer, now a leading merchant in Middleville, was born in Carlton, Barry Co., Aug. 28, 1844. His parents, Isaac and Hannah (Benson), were natives respectively of New Hampshire and New York, and were married in Jackson Co., Mich., in 1836. They settled directly afterwards in Orangeville, Barry Co., and in 1839 became residents of Carlton, where they made their home upon eighty acres on section 20, and experienced in common with all early comers the vicissitudes, hardships, and trials of pioneers. R. B. Messer remained upon his father's farm until he reached the age of eighteen, when, desirous of viewing more of the world in which he lived, he set out upon a tour to California, and journeyed via the Isthmus of Panama. He tarried upon the Pacific Slope four years, passing his time chiefly in farming in Marine and Sonoma Counties, Cal., and when he returned eastward passed again via Central America. Domiciled once more in Michigan, he attended Parsons' College, at Sturgis, and in the winter of 1868, purchasing five hundred acres of land in Mason County, moved upon the place in 1869. A year spent thereon was quite sufficient to satisfy him, and at the end thereof he returned to Carlton and bought one hundred and eighty acres of the old Messer homestead. There he resumed the life of an agriculturist, and in May, 1871, married Mary A., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Sisson, who at the age of nine removed with her parents from Huron Co., Ohio, to Irving, Barry Co. Her father is now a resident of Hastings. In 1876, by reason of his wife's failing health, Mr. Messer concluded to give up the arduous duties of the husbandman, and, removing to Middleville with his family, engaged in the business of selling agricultural implements. This trade he has steadily pursued since 1876, and with constantly expanding success. Mr. and Mrs. Messer have but one child, Gracie E., born March 21, 1873. I. N. KEELER. To I. N. Keeler belongs the distinction of having been the pioneer merchant in Middleville, and the further distinction of having been closely and vigorously associated with the general progress of that village since its foundation. He was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Sept. 17, 1822, his father, Isaac, being of American birth, and his mother, Clarissa (Althouse), of German nativity, and was fourth in a family of six children. Young Isaac lost his father at the age of nine, and soon thereafter he went to live with Nathaniel Mead, of Saratoga County, and with him removed to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he gained a livelihood until sixteen years of age as a farm-hand. After that, for five years, he lived in Saratoga County, and by laboring during the summers and attending school in the winters he laid the foundation of a substantial practical education that served him to excellent purpose in after-years. After at taining his majority he continued to reside in Saratoga County until the fall of 1849, industriously pursuing the Albert Franklin, born Aug. 11, 1861. I F. W, COLLINS. F. W. COLLINS. F. W. Collins comes of Revolutionary stock, and was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Feb. 16, 1826. His father, Moores F. Collins, was a native of Windsor, Vt., and in early childhood removed with his parents to Wayne Co., N. Y. Life upon his father's farm was the familiar feature of his early manhood, but, more fortunate than many of his fellows, he received the benefits of an excellent education, and among his classmates was one who became afterwards Governor De Witt Clinton. In after-years Collins received from Governor Clinton a commission as colonel in the State militia, and was with Gen. Winfield Scott at the battle of Lundy's Lane. At the time of his death in Ann Arbor, in 1878, at the age of eighty-four, he was supposed to be the last of the valiant band that fought under Scott in that memorable engagement. Incidental to his experience as colonel of the militia, it is related that at a general muster he had a controversy with his adjutant, and, as an outcome, it was arranged to settle the difference by a duel. One of Collins' seconds was his uncle, who, seeking to avert bloodshed and give a harmonious ending to the proposed tragedy, contrived to have the dueling ground fixed upon a hill-top. The principals were placed back to back, with pistols in hands, and instructions to march ten paces forward, wheel and fire. Marching forward the required distance, they wheeled, and lo! the hill-top intervened between them, and to each the circumstance presented itself in such a ridiculous light that they forswore their enmity upon the spot, made up their quarrel, and were firm friends ever after. Col. Collins migrated in 1835 from New York to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and there F. W. Collins passed the years until he reached his majority, dividing his time meanwhile between attending school, working upon his father's farm, and teaching the village school. At the age of twenty-one he located a piece of school land in Pulaski township, Jackson Co., and two years later married Mary McDowell, of Washtenaw County, to which place her parents had come in 1824, among the first of the pioneers in that county. In 1854 Mr. Collins changed his residence to Allegan County, where, in the town of Leighton, he occupied a farm until 1868, when he settled upon a one hundred and twenty acre tract in Thornapple township, and to that has since added two hundred and twenty acres, so that he has now an extensive and handsomely appointed farm. Republicanism is his political faith, and on numerous occasions he has been called upon to serve his fellow-citizens in an official capacity. He sat in the State Legislature during the session of 1873, and again in 1874, during the extra session called for a revision of the State Constitution. As supervisor he has served an aggregate of seventeen years in the counties in which he has resided. He has reared a family of four children,-two boys and two girls,-and, surrounded by the comforts of an elegant home, pursues the even tenor of his life-long industrious experience. A THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 497 occupations of farmer and carpenter. Then he determined to venture into broader fields, and, casting about for a promising location, fixed upon the State of Michigan. He tarried for a while in Prairieville, where his brother was in trade as a merchant, and in the spring of 1850 pushed over to the then infant village of Middleville, in Barry County, and there opened the first store known in Middleville history. His first stock of goods, purchased on a capital of three hundred dollars, was brought from New York to Galesburg, vid lake and railroad, and thence transported by wagons to Middleville, a distance of thirty-three miles, through a new country and over bad roads or at times no roads at all. Mr. Keeler, keeping pace in his enterprise with the growth of the village, continued to be its leading merchant until 1858, when he retired from active trade participation to an eighty-acre farm, just north of the village, which he enlarged to three hundred and eighty ""d? " -- -~ ---- M -- ------— "-~ acres, of which he sold one hundred and five acres, including his buildings, and rebuilt at his present location, at the head of Grand Rapids Street. He continued after his retirement, and continues to this day, to retain business interests in the village. tHe purchased a part proprietorship in Wright's block, upon the erection thereof, and later he bought the entire property. Since 1858 he has trafficked extensively in real estate, and pursued, in short, business enterprises of various kinds with such success that he occupies at this time a prominent place among the wealthy capitalists of the county. From the position of an humble trader, in 1850, with barely capital enough to give him a start in the forest hamlet, he has risen by the sheer force of energy and persevering industry to independent wealth, and to each of his sons, as he has come of age, he has been easily enabled to give abundant worldly goods to insure a prosperous business career. In June, 1851, Mr. Keeler married Harriet E. Ellsworth, born in Windsor, Vt., Jan. 19, 1832, orphaned at the age of six months, adopted by Augustus Pease, and residing successively in Ohio and Michigan. She began when quite young to teach school, and as a teacher in Michigan filled that useful field until her marriage. Of their six children four still live. Isaac H., born June 22, 1856, is now in company with his father doing, to all appearances, a successful retail dry goods and general merchandise business, which is entirely in his charge; William E., Aug. 28, 1859; Miner S., Oct. 18, 1862; and George L., April 8, 1865. Edwin A., born Sept. 26, 1853, died March 24, 1877; a daughter, born April 10, 1858, died in infancy. Mr. Keeler has won a worthy name as an honorable merchant and upright citizen, not only in his adopted home, but throughout Barry County. Integrity and honesty have been the watchwords of his business career and the steppingstones to his success. He has labored faithfully to gather the fruits of earnest toil and manly action, and in the evening of life enjoys to the full a well-won reward. DR. AMOS HANLON. Among the well-known and skillful physicians of Barry County, Dr. Amos Hanlon, of Middleville, occupies a deservedly prominent place. He was born at Niagara Falls, 63 Canada, July 1, 1842, of Irish and American parentage, his father, Dennis B., having emigrated from Ireland to Quebec, Canada, in 1825. His mother, a native of Vermont, went to Canada in 1800, and is now eighty-three years old. The elder Hanlon came of an aristocratic Irish family, and, being a young man of excellent education, became, upon his arrival in Canada, a school-teacher,-a pursuit that he followed several years. He was intended by his parents for the Catholic ministry, but he preferred Protestantism, and during his life in Canada occupied several places of important public trust under the government up to his death, in 1865. Upon the cessation of his common-school studies young Amos took up the study of medicine and pursued it in Canada until prepared to graduate. He determined, however, to become ultimately a practicing physician in the "States," and to that end entered the Ann Arbor University as a member of the class of 1867-68. Graduating, he returned to Canada, and for a year studied, while he also practiced. In 1869 he located as a physician in Bay Co., Mich., and in October of that year, discovering a more inviting field, passed over to Middleville, where he has been a practitioner continuously since 1869. Dr. Hanlon conceives it to be important for a physician to continue in diligent study even while in practice, and that principle he has practically maintained and still maintains. During the winter of 1875-76 he attended a course of study at the Hahnemann Medical College and Cook County Hospital of Illinois, and received a doctor's degree. He received also an honorary degree from the Chicago Homceopathic College, and these valuable college and hospital experiences he proposes to follow, after a two years' interval, with a winter at Bellevue Hospital, in New York. In recognition of his skillful proficiency he has been tendered a chair in one of the medical colleges of Canada, but this honor he was forced to decline, because he preferred to remain where he had made his professional reputation, and where his large practice made it his duty to remain. Mrs. Mary A. Hanlon was born in Michigan in 1850, and married Dr. Hanlon in July, 1878. Her father, Oliver A. Lewis, a native of Massachusetts, and her mother, Eliza, born in Connecticut, became Michigan pioneers in 1835, in the town of Dryden, Lapeer Co., where Mr. Lewis still lives. J. C. BRAY. The parents of J. C. Bray were John and Joanna (Sweazy) Bray, natives of Sussex Co., N. J., and about the year 1820 settlers in Dumfries, Brant Co., Canada. In that place J. C. Bray was born, May 26, 1832, and there made his home until he reached his twenty-second year, when, receiving from his father one thousand dollars as his portion, he decided to become a Michigan pioneer, and, purchasing in the spring of 1855 a partially improved eighty-acre lot on section 28, in Thornapple township, Barry Co., made a permanent settlement thereon. His first habitation was a 12 by 16 board shanty, with but one window and one door, and in this primitive structure he 498 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. ----- - - I opened " bachelor's hall." During the first twelve months of his occupancy he cleared and broke considerable land, when, receiving a good offer for the property, he sold it, remaining, however, long enough to take off the crops which had been reserved. Subsequently he visited Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Missouri in search of a new location, but returned eventually to Michigan and settled in Johnstown township, Barry Co., upon one hundred and sixty acres in section 17. At the close of a two years' residence in Johnstown he disposed of his place and bought an eighty-acre farm in section 28, Thornapple township, about fifty acres being partially improved. He set at once about the work of improving the place. He replaced the dwelling with a substantial and imposing edifice, put out additional orchards, added by and by one hundred and twenty acres more to his first purchase, and continued to steadily improve the appointments of his possession, until he owns to-day one of the best farms in Thornapple, a sketch of which, as well as his residence, will be found in this book. April 27, 1867, Mr. Bray married Mrs. Harriet E. Johnson, widow of Amos HI. Johnson, M.D. Mrs. Bray (whose maiden name was Harriet E. Leek) was born in Catlin township, Schuyler Co., N. Y., July 19, 1834. Mr. Bray has long been actively connected with the Barry County Agricultural Society, and, as its president and superintendent during several terms, contributed largely towards the society's present flourishing condition. Mr. Bray is in politics a Republican, but he is in no sense a politician. The cares of his business demand his whole attention, and he prefers to the empty honors of a political life the consciousness that he is respected by his fellow-citizens as one who joins with them in prosperously maintaining the substantial interests of the community in which he lives. He is, moreover, a staunch advocate of temperance principles, and in their behalf he is always foremost in lending the influence of his voice and example. GEORGE CISLER. About the year 1780, George Cisler, a native and resident of Germany, conceived a desire to emigrate to America, but so poor was he that to furnish sufficient money to pay his passage was for him an impossible task. In this emergency he offered to mortgage himself to a ship captain for the price of his pabsage, and upon such terms was carried over sea to the New World. In the State of Pennsylvania he made his first habitation, and there, by laboring for the owners of the vessel that had brought him over, soon discharged their claim upon him. His after-life he spent in Pennsylvania, and at his death left a family of six children, of whom the youngest (Huston) married, upon reaching manhood, Miss Rachel Scott, of English parentage, and reared in his turn a family of six children, including, like his father's, four boys and two girls. Huston Cisler, with a portion of his family, removed in 1830 to Washtenaw Co., Mich., and after spending six years there as a pioneer migrated to Irving township, in Barry County, where he took charge of the farm of Albert E. Bull. George Cisler, one of his sons (born in Lycoming Co., Pa., Oct. 28, 1821), who had not moved westward with the family, joined his father at Mr. Bull's place in 1837. In Irving he stopped until 1844, and labored here and there as a farmhand. In 1844 he purchased with his savings a forty acre tract of wild land upon section 28, in Thornapple township, and in 1845 took up a permanent residence upon it. In common with all pioneers, he encountered all the hardships and privations incident to life in the West at that GEORGE CISLER. day; but a strong constitution and ardent ambition gave him strength to sustain his labors and to acquire eventually a handsomely-improved farm of two hundred and eighty acres. Recently he has disposed of some of his land, and has now one hundred and twenty acres, containing substantial and commodious farm-buildings, fine orchards, etc. In 1852 Mr. Cisler married Helen M. Stephens, by whom he had four children, of whom but one (Frank A.) is living. Mrs. Cisler died in 1861, and in 1865 Mr. Cisler married for his second wife Elizabeth A. Warfield, widow of William Warfield, who lost his life in the military service of the United States. Of the last union have been born two children, Martha G., Sept. 5, 1868, and George T., Jan. 25, 1877. Mrs. Elizabeth Cisler died May 6, 1880. Mr. Cisler has ever stood in the foremost rank among the industrious and prosperous farmers of Thornapple township, and amid the busy cares of existence he has found neither time nor inclination to seek political distinction. He is content to fill with credit the place in the social sphere to which events have assigned him, and wisely believes that in such a field, well cultivated, one may win more honors and greater esteem than in the broadest area ever embraced in a political career. JOHN CARVETH. The parents of John Carveth, of whom this article will treat, were Edward and Emeline (Brant) Carveth. John, the second in a family of four children, was born in Saranac, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP. 499 Ionia Co., Mich., March 12, 1841, and resided in Ionia County until he reached his twelfth year. He obtained his education upon his father's farm and at school. At the age of twelve he removed with his father to Monroe Co., Mich., and four years after that his father died, aged fiftynine. Between the ages of sixteen and twenty John passed his time in educational pursuits, as school-pupil, and later as school-teacher. In 1866 he entered the mercantile business in Lowell, Mich., and, abandoning it at the end of a year, commenced the study of the law at Middleville. In 1868 he was admitted to the bar, and since then he has been steadily engaged in a successful law practice. Mr. Carveth is esteemed one of the most prominent and capable attorneys in Barry County, and during his comparatively brief legal career has accumulated through his professional labors a handsome competence. His profession is his pride, and, although he has enjoyed political distinction, he prefers to abide within the sphere of his professional callings and win all his honors there. Of his father's children there are three living. William, the eldest, died at the age of thirty-eight, leaving a widow and two children, who have been provided for since William's death by his brother John. The latter was the second of his father's children. Hamilton, the third, resides upon his brother John's farm, one and a half miles from Middleville. Margaret, the fourth, is the wife of George Hart, of Keene, Ionia Co. Mr. John Carveth's family consists of his wife and thrceyear-old daughter. Mrs. Carveth is the daughter of Aaron and Mercy Clark, the latter now a resident of Grand Rapids. Mr. Carveth's mother, aged seventy-four, is living at Mr. Carveth's home, in Middleville. S. B. SMITH. Torrey Smith was born in Crittenden Co., Vt., in the year 1800, and in the Green Mountain State and Western New York passed thirty-six years of his life amid the disturbing and trying events which beset the pioneers of those localities in the earlier days. Marrying Jane Redden, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, he determined to become. a Michigan pioneer, and in 1836 settled in Ada, Kent Co., where he purchased ninety acres of wild land, and where he continued to live until his death, in 1871, aged seventyone, his wife having died there about two years before. At the first election held after the organization of the Whig party he cast the only vote polled in his township by that party, but lived'long enough to see them win conspicuous triumphs after all. Of his nine children six are now living, viz., Charles (present residence unknown); Alvira, widow of the late Judge Tracy, of Grand Rapids; Henry, hotel proprietor at Ada, Mich., and owner of the Smith homestead; George, a farmer of Ravenna, Muskegon Co., Mich.; Eliza, now Mrs. Charles Skellenger, of Ada, Kent Co.; and S. B. Smith, the subject of this sketch, a prominent merchant in Middleville, Barry Co., Mich. The latter was born in Genesee township (now the suburbs of the city of Rochester, N. Y.), Aug. 31, 1826, and at the age of twenty-one began to build his fortunes by hiring himself by the month for farm labor. He was still pursuing the even tenor of a farmer-hand when, in 1861, the first gun in the Southern Rebellion sounded from Fort Sumter. Prompt to the call for three months' men he enlisted, April 23d of that year, in Company A, Third Michigan Infantry. Before the regiment was ready to leave for the seat of war, notification was received from the Governor that men were desired for three years, and upon that announcement nearly every man in the Third re-enlisted for that term of service. The regiment proceeded to Washington, reaching there June 16th, Smith being then a corporal of the color-guard of the command. The first engagement participated in by the Third took place at Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 1861, and on the 21st there was the second conflict at the same place. Then followed the affairs of Mason's Cross-Roads, Munson's Hill, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Chickahominy. At the latter engagement, which was fought May 31, 1862, Smith received a musket-ball through the neck and right shoulder, a second in the right lung, where it still reposes, and a third through the left hip, while no less than thirteen balls passed through his coat. Into that memorable action the Third Michigan was led by Gen. Phil. Kearney, and bore itself in a gallant and glorious manner. Among the wounded conveyed from the field was Smith, who, along with other similar victims of the conflict, was at White House Landing put aboard a vessel and shipped to Fortress Monroe. Just before the fortress was reached, Smith learned that those of the wounded considered able to stand the journey were to be taken to hospital at New York City, while the residue were to be left at Fortress Monroe. He, being considered badly hurt, was set aside for the latter place, but he was more anxious to go to New York, and by the judicious expenditure of five dollars induced some soldiers to transfer his cot to the party intended for that point. So he reached the metropolis, and after a brief stay in the hospital at that point was conveyed by his friends to Michigan, where he remained until the following August. On the 19th of that month he reported again for duty, and found his regiment with the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Pope. Directly thereafter the command was concerned in the advance from Warrenton Junction, and was in a continuous skirmish with the enemy until the advance reached Groveton, or field of the second Bull Run fight, where a two days' engagement ensued, and this on the third day was followed by the fight at Chantilly, where Gen. Kearney met his death. Later the regiment fought under Burnside at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, and for gallant services on that field Smith was commissioned second lieutenant, and assigned to the command of Company D. The Third Michigan encamped at Falmouth during the winter of 1862-63 with Burnside's command, and'took part in several skirmishes, but none of these were fruitful save in loss of men. Lieut. Smith was with his regiment under Hooker at Chancellorsville, took part in the action of the previous night, in which Stonewall Jackson was killed, and at Chancellorsville, on the 30th of May, 1863, had his left leg carried away by a twelve-pound shot. His 500 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. leg was amputated upon the field of battle, and in due time he was transferred to hospital at Alexandria. When recovered sufficiently to undertake the journey he obtained a sixty days' leave, and visited his Michigan home for a season of recuperation. While at home he received notification of his transfer to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was assigned to duty at the Judiciary Square Hospital, Washington, D. C., and commissioned captain by President Lincoln (the commission being now in his possession). He remained on duty in Washington until August, 1865, and was then transferred to Fairfax Co., Va., where he took charge of the interests of the freedmen over a district covering that portion of Virginia lying between the Rappahannock and Potomac east of the Blue Ridge, Alexandria excepted, with headquarters at Leesburg, Loudon Co. Capt. Smith was, moreover, in charge of affairs incident to the reconstruction of Virginia, and under his direction the reconstructed State held its first election. In that field of duty he remained until Nov. 16, 1868, when he retired permanently from public service to the old homestead at Ada, having meanwhile married, Sept. 3, 1866, Miss Mariana Sutton, of Flint Hill farm, Fairfax Court-House, Va. Upon his return to Michigan he became the editor of the Lowell Journal, and after an editorial life of a year entered upon the business of lumber dealing and milling at Lowell, which he discontinued in August, 1872, to engage in the September following in the hardware trade at Middleville. In 1877 he added to that business that of dealing in agricultural implements, in which he carries on now one of the most flourishing and extended of all similar branches of trade in Barry County. Of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith seven are living, viz.: Florence and Frank, born in Virginia; Gracie and Sidney, born in Lowell; Frederick, Blanche, and Jessie in Middleville. Willie, who was born in Middleville, died February, 1875. WOODLAND.* TOWNSHIP 4 north, in range 7 west, known since Feb. 16, 1842, as Woodland, occupies the northeastern corner of Barry County, and has the Ionia county-line on the north, Castleton township on the south, the Eaton county-line on the east, and Carlton township on the west. The township occupies high ground, and of its 23,040 acres but 646 are occupied by " waste-lands," most of these being covered by a portion of Jordan Lake, which penetrates the township on section 4. The surface of the country is generally level, and from almost any point one may obtain for miles around a charming view of one of the handsomest agricultural districts in the State. Agriculturally, Woodland stands at the head of all the townships in Barry. The soil is remarkably productive and varied in character. For fruit, wheat, and vegetables it is especially noted, and that the pursuit of farming is a profitable occupation goes without saying. Indeed, handsome and substantial farm-houses and wide-reaching farms are in Woodland the rule rather than the exception. Its people are prosperous, and need but a railway through the township to make them doubly so. Woodland is also famous for containing within its borders more church buildings by far than can be boasted by any other township in the county. Nine temples of worship are inclosed by its lines, while upon its south and west, in Hastings, Castleton, and Carlton, are three more, liberally supported by Woodland people, and the erection of still another edifice is in contemplation in the " Canada" settlement. Many of Woodland's best and most prosperous farmers are Germans, who for thrift and industry are famous far and near. They came to the town as early as 1846, and now form a community not only strong in numbers, but important in wealth. PIONEER HISTORY. THE THREE BACHELORS. The township of Woodland was opened to the advance of the army of civilization in the autumn of 1837, by Charles Galloway, Jonathan Haight, and Samuel S. Haight. The latter has passed from the stage of life, but the first two still live in the township, of which they have been honored citizens since they first struck their axes into the trunks of Woodland's forest monarchs, forty-three years ago. These three were young bachelors when in 1836 they met in Livingston Co., Mich., each eager to participate in the great work of pioneering in the West. Pending the arrangement of some plan to further this interest, Samuel Haight and Galloway pushed on to Ionia County, where they secured employment with a carpenter, and in April, 1837, being joined there by Jonathan Haight, they agreed to start with the latter on a land-looking tour. Isaac Knapp, who had been through Barry County, suggested to them that township 4 north, in range 7 west, then an unbroken forest, offered fine inducements to the pioneer, and into that town the three bachelors penetrated in company. Timbered land was what they sought, and timbered land forsooth they found in township 4 so much to their taste that they promptly made locations therein,-Jonathan Haight on the southwest quarter, Samuel Haight on the west half of the northeast quarter, and Galloway on the west half of the southeast quarter, all on section 15. It was in May, 1837, that they made this visit, and all hands returned at once to Portland, Ionia Co. There Samuel Haight and Gallo I I * By David Schwartz. C,~ -44 oo oZ A CO, 0!oiia 01 i; r i.j) r WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 501 I way resumed their carpentering, while Jonathan Haiglt, meeting Isaac Knapp there, agreed to return to town 4 with the latter, who was going over to look at some land he owned on section 17. To stay them on their journey they carried a bag of provisions and a bushel of potatoes. Knapp and Haight camped on section 17 long enough to chop an acre or so, throwing the parings of the potatoes, upon which they subsisted during their stay, upon the ground and covering them with leaves. Knapp and HIaight then returned to the haunts of civilization, but in pursuance of previous agreement the two Haights and Galloway met at Scott's, in Clinton County, in October of that year, equipped with a supply of provisions, and otherwise prepared to venture into township 4 for a permanent settlement. They journeyed via the river in a canoe to Portland, capsized their craft, and lost some of their supplies, but reached Portland alive. At Portland they hired a Mr. Kilburn to carry their goods across the country with an ox-team, and for the entire journey of twenty-two miles through the woods Samuel Haight marched ahead with compass and tomahawk " blazing" a route, while Jonathan Haight and Galloway followed with axes cutting out a road for Kilburn's conveyance. After a two days' trip they reached their destination, Oct. 14, 1837, and that night slept under a bark shanty, which Samuel Haight had put up on his piece of land during the summer, in anticipation of the move in the fall. The shanty had, for the sake of room and convenience, been built over a depression in the ground, and into this inviting place the four tired travelers crept to sleep the sweet sleep of the just, only, however, to be rudely awakened during the night to the conviction that a heavy rainstorm had deluged their bed-chamber and converted their bed into a lake. The rest of the night they spent in a vain search for dry spots in their habitation. Early the next morning they began the construction of a better domicile, and by nightfall they had a decently comfortable log house. In that log cabin the three bachelors lived in delightful harmony three years, and then, one of their number, Samuel tIaight, marrying, "bachelors' hall" became a thing of the past. After the bachelors got their cabin up in good shape, it occurred to Jonathan Haight to go over to Knapp's chopping and see what the potato parings had yielded. That the parings had done exceedingly well was manifest in the sight of a fine-looking potato-patch, and "from this patch," says Jonathan Haight, " we dug and carried to our cabin eighty bushels of excellent potatoes." After housing their potatoes and killing a few deer the bachelors set about the work of clearing land, and for three months worked so steadily and bravely that at the close of that time they had chopped 30 acres. In January, 1838, they returned together to Livingston County for a fresh supply of provisions, and, coming again to their bachelors' hall, in March, brought with them a pair of oxen and two cows. Apropos of these two cows, the bachelors found them a source of much vexation as well as comfort. The creatures wandered about, of course, at will, and at first had a bad habit of wandering back towards the country whence they had been brought. When upon retiring at night the bachelors would hear the jingling of the cow-bells off in the northeast, they knew that one of the three would have to set out at daylight the next morning to bring the bovines back from the Grand River, whither they were sure to stray. The one selected to make the chase would be off at break of day on a twenty-two-mile jaunt to the river at Portland, and there overhauling the cows would drive them home at a lively pace. Such an incident was a common occurrence, and upon one occasion, when Samuel Haight made the trip, he was gone twentyfour hours; living during that time on milk which he got firom the cows, and using his hat for both milking-pail and drinking-cup. Mush and milk was a favorite diet, and in the preparation of this, as well as of most of the dishes they consumed, Galloway was the naster-mind, or cook, and a skillful cook he was, too, so report saith. One hot July day, as usual, he was boiling a pot of mush in the roomy fireplace, when, his attention being drawn to "something white" that appeared to be falling from the chimney into the nush, lie called out to Jonathan Haight: " Jonathan, what's that dropping into the mush? Looks like ashes, don't it?" Jonathan took a hasty glance and said: "Yes, of course, that's ashes;" and then, appalled by a sudden thought, went out upon the roof and inspected a saddle of venison he had a few days before hung in the chimney to be smoked. Just as he had expected, the venison had succumbed to the heat by breeding skippers, and under the influence of the ascending fire the skippers had loosed their hold upon the venison to drop into the pot of mush below. The "something white" which Galloway thought was ashes was something else of not quite so inviting a character. Jonathan concluded that to reveal the truth would be to condemn the mush to destruction, and, as mush was mush those days, obtained after much tribulation and prized accordingly, lie held his peace, and with his two friends dined heartily upon the mush, milk, and skippers. He told them the story, however, after dinner, and, although they took it sorely to heart that they had been so put upon, philosophy gave them resignation to the belief that it would have been a sin to waste the mush anyway. Galloway's pioneer bread, made of salt, flour, and water, had a most extraordinary faculty for growing as hard as a stone after being baked a little while, and when, one day, an Indian stole a half-loaf from the cabin during the absence of the bachelors, it was voted that no pursuit would be made of hin, since any attempt on his part to eat the bread would recoil upon him with disastrous effect, and thus, poetically, his sin would be also his punishment. Jonathan Haight was laid up for a time with an axewound, but, getting impatient at confinement, ventured out one day, although quite lame, to get a deer. He encountered a fine buck and shot him, but when he sought to lay hold of him his buckship proved to be full of life, and ran away until he fell apparently exhausted in a "cat-hole." Jonathan sought once more to drag him by the heels, when the animal showed fight. The hunter fled, and the deer gave such hot chase that the crippled young man had hard work to escape from him. The buck, however, soon weakened from loss of blood, and ere long fell and gave up the ghost. 502 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICIIIGAN. Among the many recollections recalled by Mr. Galloway of life at bachelors' hall, is one that the bachelors used, on the warm summer days, to split rails stripped to the skin, for the work was so hard and the weather so hot that the knowledge of the fact that there was no one within miles of the locality readily suggested the comforting idea of getting along without such annoyances as clothes. Mr. Galloway recalls further that the first furrow made in Woodland was made by him on Samuel Haight's place, and, still further, the fact that when the bachelors went to Ionia to mill they cut out a road every step of the way, and, still further, that when one of a pair of steers broke his neck, the owners sent word to the settlers that beef was to be given away, and that the settlers came from far and near for the promised luxury, and carried it away with rejoicing and thankful hearts. As before mentioned, the bachelors lived together until Samuel Haight married. The date of that incident was April 12, 1841, and Charlotte Brown, of Danby, Eaton Co., was the bride. She made her bridal-tour from Danby to her Woodland home upon an Indian pony, with no trappings upon him except a folded blanket in place of a saddle and a bark halter. Bachelors' hall received the newly-married pair, and there they made their home. Galloway married, in 1843, one of Daniel Hager's daughters, and they, for their wedding-tour, walked through the woods from the home of the bride's father to the bridegroom's cabin, where their first meal was eaten from a table made of a barrel and a board. THE /HAGERS. The next settlers in Woodland were the Hagers, who located upon section 36, in the spring of 1838. Daniel Hager came from Pennsylvania in the fall of 1837, to Eaton County, with a family of ten children, of whom seven were boys. Of the latter, William, Joseph, and Daniel, Jr., made settlements of their own upon section 36, in Woodland, in March, 1838. In their neighborhood fever and ague caused much tribulation and trouble. For three months the Hagers and everybody about them were so generally afflicted with the sickness that there were not enough well people to look after the sick ones, and when little Huldah Hager died, in October, 1838, there were but four people among all the Hager families well enough to assist at her burial. Into the southeast corner of the town directly after the Hagers came the Cooper brothers,-Allyn B. and J. H.,-who located upon section 35, and at a little later date came also J. M. Cole, D. C. Sheldon, and J. Corsett. THE JORDAN NEIGHBORHOOD. In the fall of 1838 the neighborhood south of Jordan Lake received its first settlers in Phineas Coe and family, who after tarrying two weeks with the three bachelors went over to their land, upon section 9. The Coes were, however, ill suited to Michigan pioneer life, and after struggling two years or more gave up their arduous task. He eventually moved to California, and died there; while she, a well-educated woman, went to New York City, and in after-years became an attorney-at-law. In December, 1838, John A. Jordan, with his wife and infant child and John Potts, journeyed together from Livingston County to Woodland, where the former had land on section 4, and the latter some on section 3. Their trip, at best a weary one through trackless woods, became on Christmas day too dreary for expression when in a blinding snowstorm they came to a halt several miles from the cabin of the Haights and Galloway, whither they were bound. They had cut their road from Portland, and for the most of the time had subsisted upon the milk of their cow, but on Christmas day they found themselves in a wooded maze out of which they could not well hew a thoroughfare. So they slept in the snow that night, or tried to sleep (for hunger and cold fought against comforting rest), and in the morning, leaving their oxen chained to a tree, set out afoot to find bachelor's hall, which they reached after a miserable tramp, and were heartily welcomed. Jordan Lake, near which Mr. Jordan lived, was a favorite resort for Indians, who gathered thereabout in great numbers to hunt and fish. During the spring and summer of 1842 they slew a great many deer, and left the carcasses to fester in the sun, from which troublesome odors arose in the land and much loud complaint went up upon all sides from white settlers. A WAR-CLOUD. At this time a party of settlers, including John Potts, Isaac Hoyt, Orlien Jordan, J. A. Jordan, Jonathan EHaight, Joseph Hager, William Hager, and H. H. Smoke, gathered upon the bank of Jordan Lake, where there was a party of Indians, one of whom was engaged in repairing a canoe. Potts had a hatchet in his hand, and when J. A. Jordan dared him to throw it at the Indian canoe-mender, to see how much he could scare him, Potts threw it at once,glad to show his dislike for the savages,-and although he didn't hit the Indian he did hit the canoe, and badly damaged it. At this the Indians rose up to a man, and with angrily-flashing eyes grasped their weapons as if to take speedy vengeance for the offense. Potts and his brother pioneers became considerably alarmed, and prudently but slowly retired, fearing all the while that the savages would attack them, but bravely determined nevertheless to make a good fight should the issue come in that shape. The Indians did not, however, press the matter to a conflict, but they made many demonstrations of anger, in which it must be admitted they were fully justified. The incident served, nevertheless, to fan the fires of opposition to the red man already lighted by the public feeling about the deer carcasses, and as a result a council of citizens from Carlton, Woodland, Odessa, and Sunfield decided that the Indians must go. A company of twenty-five armed men being formed, with Moses Durkee in command, a march was made for the lake, where the Indians were met, and warned that their presence in the vicinity could no longer be tolerated. To this order they ventured to object,-at first mildly and then emphatically,-but Durkee and his men were resolved to make them go or fight, and when the savages were con vinced of this they went away, although very reluctantly. They came back after that, but as they were not disturbed again it is presumed they took better care of their slain deer. A:. -. —i~:;. i;.::::,?; '~i;~~i~i & ~ZIZi C.,, -UI:~:: _:I~1A IcA 0 r ii rb~-.2\ At' 81 I WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 503 Orlien Jordan, a New Yorker, was in Macomb Co., Mich., in 1836, and in that year entered 80 acres of land on section 3, in what is now Woodland. In April, 1837, he, Henry Lee, and Daniel Moors walked from Utica, in Macomb County, to Woodland to see the land, traveling one hundred and forty-four miles, mostly over the Indian trail between Pontiac and Grand Rapids, and going sometimes thirty-five miles " between houses." Their first night on Jordan's place was spent in camp under a tree which held three bear-cubs. They kept a watch-fire all night to keep off the old bear, and slew the cubs in the morning. Mr. Jordan returned at once with his companions to Utica, and did not come to Woodland for a permanent settlement until 1841, when he found already on the ground John A. Jordan on section 4, H. H. Smoke, David Hyatt, and John Potts on section 3, and Phineas Coe on section 9. Settlements in that portion of the town were at first slowly made, but in moderately rapid succession came Reuben Haight in 1842, George N. Meyers, Z. B. Meyers, Samuel Meyers, John Meyers, John Otto, L. W. Otto, David liough, and Parsons Hall. THE HOLMES NEIGHBORHOOD. Levi Holmes walked from Detroit, in 1842, to Woodland to look at some land he had bought on section 29, and walked east again as far as Jackson. In 1843 he brought his family to his Michigan wilderness and settled them temporarily in a shanty on Jesse Townsend's farm, in section 30, where Mr. Townsend had begun to pioneer in July, 1838. In that shanty, Mr. Holmes humorously remarks, it didn't rain very much more than it did out of doors, " except in places." Richard Youngs and his son Samuel were on section 30. Section 29 was an unbroken wilderness, and on section 20 was Chas. Palmerton, whose brother Jerome was on section 17. Upon section 17, too, Lawrence Shriner had been living since 1839. John McArthur, a settler in Ann Arbor in 1834, had made a start on section 20 in January, 1843, and near him on the same section was Sylvester McDerby. Lawrence Shriner, mentioned above, was an eccentric old fellow. He had been a canal-boatman and was rough and tough, but good-natured. He used to say that he knew sap was got fiom trees by squeezing them with log-chains, but he couldn't make sugar, because he didn't know how to stop the sap when it got started. He would loan his ox-team when called upon, but never unless the borrower would solemnly pledge himself to whip the off-ox mercilessly. He would often start for mill through the woods at sundown, and was in short always doing something odd, and constantly surprising his neighbors with some queer freak. Holmes was sorely discouraged soon after he settled. The rain poured into his shanty and made life therein a misery, work was hard, provisions were scarce, and, to cap the climax, he wounded himself so severely while putting up his log house that he was forced to take to his bed. " Had I had money enough to go," says he, " I would have gone back to New York and stayed there, but money wasn't to be had, and I could do nothing but stay and make the best of it." He moved his family into his log house before it had either door or window, and the fear of Mrs. Holmes that wolves would be sure to get at them through the blanketed openings he remembers with a laugh. When he went to mill he carried an axe just as sure as he carried a grist, for everybody on a journey in those days had to cut his own road. Two of Mr. Holmes' children went out one afternoon to look up the family cows, and, not returning by nightfall, there was an alarm, and the neighbors speedily gathered with horns and lanterns to hunt for the lost ones. An eager but protracted search discovered the little ones asleep upon a bed of leaves. They said they went " around and round," and when they found they were lost resolved to say their prayers, go to sleep, and in the morning try to find their way home. An Indian chief called Sobba called on Mr. Holmes and said he wanted to trade a pony for a yoke of steers. Upon being asked where his pony was, he replied, " Oh, off in the woods somewhere." ' But I can't trade that way," said Mr. Holmes. "I must see your pony." " Well," replied Sobba, " the pony is in the woods: you give me the steers and hunt the pony; you'll find him." Sobba thought it hard that he couldn't make a bargain as lie proposed. Upon another occasion Sobba called at Holmes' house, and, there happening to be a female visitor, he said, " Mr. Holmes, these your two squaws?" "Oh, no," said Holmes; "one is all I can take care of." " Um!" grunted the chief. " I thought you had two, and I wanted to trade my squaw for one of them." Into the Holmes neighborhood, soon after 1843, came, among other settlers, George Demond, Samuel Durkee, J. N. Curtiss, and James Swin; and north of there, at a later date, S. V. Anway, Ira Stowell, G. W. Rising, and J. G. Flowers. Four years before Mr. Holmes, or in 1839, Alonzo Barnum and Orrin Wellman settled on section 34 and Edward Bump on section 27. Asa Wheeler was a settler, in 1840, upon section 27, and in the same year, on section 26, Miner Mallett became his neighbor. Isaac Barnum came to section 27 in 1842, and in that year Ebenezer Sawdy located on section 15, his nearest neighbor then being Nehemiah Lovewell, on section 22. When Ira Ingersen settled upon section 22, in 1845, he found there, besides Lovewell, also Melvin Barnum. Some years after, George Cramer settled in section 27, upon land occupied by George Davenport in 1855. THE GERMAN COMMUNITY. What is known as the " German community" in Woodland was founded, in 1846, by Michael Rowlader, who came to the towaship in September of that year, and made, with his family, a settlement upon section 14, where at the same time John H. Dillenbeck and Thaddeus Houghton also located. Mr. Rowlader and the married sons who came with him brought families whose numbers aggregated 17. Their first night in Woodland was spent at the house of Alonzo Barnum, who himself had a family of seven, and in Barnum's log cabin, boasting but one apartment, the 24 people slept that night, and closer quarters no pioneers were perhaps ever called upon to occupy. There was no other settlement by Germans until 1852, when Jacob Felta made his home upon section 23, Chris 504 HISTORY OF AILEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I tian Berkley upon section 14, and Conrad Hanes upon section 15, the three families having come to the township in company. Shortly after that the Germans came in rapidly. Among those coming earliest were the families of Michael Reiser and his son Jacob, J. F. Smith, Mr. Neidhammer, Jacob Funk, A. Baetinger, John Cramer, Gottfried Risler, J. G. Swartz, George Hitt, M. Schwitzer, J. Buling, the Schaibleys, Bayhas, Schulers, Wagners, Bitzas, Eckhardts, Rhineharts, Broadbecks, Fenders, Entzes, and Metzgers. THE "CANADA" SETTLEMENT. The northwest corner of Woodland, known as Canada, by reason of many of the settlers being Canadians, was first occupied in 1844 by James Matthews and his sons, who came hither from Kalamazoo County, chopped 40 acres on section 6, and lived there in a log cabin about a year, when all returned to Kalamazoo. There the elder Matthews died, and the sons, not caring to continue in the pioneer business, sold the land to George Myers, who came out in 1849, and made the first permanent settlement in " Canada." Following him the settlers in the neighborhood were Wellington Curtis, Albert Main, John M. Curtis, P. Cunningham, David Smith, Allen Lipscomb, and Henry Bower. THE KILPATRICKS. The Kilpatrick neighborhood, on section 24, was first settled in 1847, when John Kilpatrick, his wife, and nine children came to the township to occupy land bought by John Kilpatrick, Jr., in 1844. When John, Jr., first went to the place he found himself two days making the trip from Joseph Shore's place, on section 35, to the Kilpatrick place, on section 24, with an ox-team, his roads having to be cut and his bridges having to be built as he went along. John, Jr., built upon section 24, in 1854, a hewn log sawmill, the pioneer one in Woodland. It seemed a late day for a pioneer saw-mill, but water-power was not plentiful there, and, as saw-mills were near at hand in neighboring townships, the Woodland settlers were not so anxious for one as were early settlers in other townships. Joel St. John now carries on a mill on the site of the one built by Kilpatrick. THE GLORIOUS FOURTH. The first Fourth of July celebration in Woodland was held at Asa Wheeler's house in 1844, on which occasion about 200 people, from five towns, enjoyed themselves with a picnic, listened to an oration delivered by I. A. Holbrook, of Hastings, fired occasional patriotic salutes with a mounted musket-barrel, and had a glorious time generally. The second celebration was held in 1845, at Jordan Lake, on section 4, when lawyer Jennings, of Hasting, was the orator, he and his wife having ridden out on horseback to the merrymaking. TIE FIRST BIRTH, MARRIAGE, ETC. As to the first birth in town there appear to be conflicting opinions. Generally, it is understood that the distinc tion of " first-born in Woodland" belongs to Jesse Jordan, now living on section 28. The date of his birth was Sept. 29, 1839, and the place his father's farm, on section 4. On the other hand, it is stoutly maintained by many, and with good reason, that the first child born in the town was Huldah, daughter of Joseph Hager, then living on section 36.: The date of her birth is given as May 14, 1838; the date of her death, October, 1838; and the place of her burial, William Hager's farm, on section 36. Admitting the truth of the statements as to the Hager child, she was not only the first-born of white children in Woodland, but was also the first to die therein, and the first to be buried in the township. There are extant no public records of the births and deaths of that time, and, as the parents of both of the children have passed away, the surest evidence upon the disputed points is not available. The best living witness is Mrs. Charles Galloway, who declares that Huldah Hager was the first. As she was a sister of Joseph Hager, and was a young lady at the time, she would naturally recollect the facts, and there is every reason for considering her statement correct. The first funeral sermon heard in Woodland was preached in 1841, by Rev. Mr. Worthington, preacher in charge on the Hastings Methodist Episcopal Circuit, at the house of Miner Mallett, on the occasion of the death of the wife of J. W. Buckle, of Hastings. The text of that sermon is remembered to have been taken from Job xvi. 22. Mrs. Buckle was visiting her sister, Mrs. Mallett, at the time of her death, and was buried on Mr. Mallett's farm. She was doubtless the first adult person to die in the town. The first marriage was that of Rhoda Wellman, of Woodland, to Oliver Racey, of Castleton. The happy event took place in the house of the bride's father, in the year 1841. The second marriage was that of Joanna Wellman to Edward Bump. The first public burying-ground laid but in the township was given a place upon J. A. Jordan's farm, in section 4, where it still serves its original purpose. The first burial therein was that of Martha Ann, daughter of John Potts, Sept. 19, 1846. The first grown person buried there is believed to have been Moses Wadleigh, who, in 1848, was killed by the fall of a tree. Similarly, the first person (Ira Ingersen) buried in the second cemetery laid out in the township, on section 27, was killed while riding to mill upon a load of saw-logs, which were overturned and crushed him. The date of the casualty was Jan. 27, 1853. In 1865, Samuel Perkins was killed by a falling tree, and in 1876, Edwin Maples, while logging, met with an accidental death. In 1869 a party of pleasure-seekers, including Alonzo and Estella Otto, Miss Melissa Simmons, and a Miss Spalding,-the latter of Kalamazoo,-were boating on Jordan Lake. While their merriment was at its height Miss Spalding fell from her place into the water, and, although she was promptly rescued, the confusion incident upon the restoration was so great that no sooner had she been landed safely in the boat than the little craft capsized, and of the six persons therein, the four already named were drowned. In June, 1852, Edward Lovewell went out upon Jordan Lake to fish, and in an unlucky moment fell from his canoe, and was drowned. EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. The pioneer school of Woodland was a subscription school, taught in 1841 by Hattie Bidwell, of Battle Creek, at Mr. Wellman's house, in the Wheeler district. The first - gMv-E 17 W. 'IV ZP IS.SIDENCEOF S.S.iNGERSON WOODLArio TF., BARRY CO., MICH. 0 Q WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 50o5 - -— ' school taught by a teacher holding a certificate from the school inspectors was one kept by Mrs. Alonzo Barnum, in the winter of 1841-42, at her home, on section 34. She taught the school three months, and had among her pupils, besides her own children, those of the Malletts, Wheelers, and Wellmans. School district No. 1 was formed May 9, 1842, and included sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, and the west half of section 35. No. 2 was organized June 8, 1842, and contained sections 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11. Fractional district No. 2 was organized Sept. 2, 1845, and included portions of Carlton, Castleton, and Hastings, with section 31 and the west half of section 32 in Woodland. May 28, 1842, fractional district No. 1 was formed, to embrace portions of Sunfield, Vermontville, and Woodland. Fractional district No. 3, formed Oct. 26, 1844, included portions of Castleton and Woodland. District No. 3 was organized in 1845, and that winter Matilda Ingersen taught the first school there, receiving for her services the sum of seventy-five cents a week. In the Wheeler district, the teacher next following Hattie Bidwell was Electa Lee, of Ionia County. The annual school reports for 1844, 1845, and 1848 give the following as the teachers in those years: 1844.-Mary E. Wheeler, Eunice Lacey, Sarah Crippen, T. B. Barnum, Alida Youngs. 1845.-Electa Lee, Mary Wheeler, Laura Mallett, Lorana Downs, Alida Youngs. 1848.-Franklin Barber, Louisa Barnum, Laura Keyser, Thirza Smoke, William Kibby, Cordelia Russell, Moses Dillenbeck, Eunice Hale, Mary E. Wheeler. In 1844 the books used in the schools were Cobb's and Elementary Spelling-Books, Cobb's Juvenile Reader, Parley's Geography, English Reader, Grammar, and " Testaments." SCHOOL MONEYS. Reports for 1845 and 1847 give the following as appropriations of money: much all over the county. The third Woodland doctor was John W. Gaucher, whose period of service was from 1859 to 1865. The first physician to locate at the village was Dr. A. S. Brandt, who came hither in 1862 and left in 1864. R. B. Rawson came in 1864 and remained until 1874. In 1865 Dr. Henry Smith became one of the village physicians, and continued to be one until 1873. Dr. David Kilpatrick now practices in the village, where he has been a physician since 1866, and there, too, Dr. H. C. Carpenter has been in practice since 1871. As to other physicians, apart from the foregoing, Dr. Driscoll was in the village from 1868 to 1871; Charles Russell, from 1876 to 1879; Henry Tremain, from 1874 to 1877; Dr. Turner, about six months in 1876; and Dr. Johnson six months in 1879. ORGANIZATION AN D OFFICERS. Under an act of the Legislature approved Feb. 16, 1842, town 4 north, in range 7 west, was set off from Hastings township and called Woodland, the name being bestowed as appropriate to a town densely covered with heavy timber. The first town-meeting was held the first Monday in April, 1842, at the house of Alonzo Barnum, and at the election then held 21 votes were cast. The full list of the officials chosen on that occasion is as follows: Supervisor, H. H. Smoke; Clerk, Samuel S. Haight; Treasurer, John A. Jordan; Justices of the Peace, Charles Palmerton, Asa Wheeler, Jonathan Haight, H. H. Smoke; Highway Commissioners, Samuel Youngs, A. B. Cooper, John Potts; School Inspectors, Alonzo Barnum, A. B. Cooper, S. S. Haight; Overseers of the Poor, Nehemiah Lovewell, Orlien Jordan; Constables, Jerome Palmerton, A. B. Cooper, and Orlien Jordan; Assessors, Asa Wheeler and Nehemiah Lovewell. At the same meeting $150 were raised for " incidental expenses." In 1843 the money raised by the township included $86.31 for general expenses, $21.96 for schools, $25 for library, and $200 for highways. Below are given the names of those chosen each year, from 1843 to 1880, to serve as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace: SUPERVISORS. 1843, H. H. Smoke; 1844, J. M. Cole; 1845, Levi Holmes; 1846-48, J. W. T. Orr; 1849-50, M. T. Wheeler; 1851, J. W. T. Orr; 1852 -53, M. T. Wheeler; 1854, no record; 1855, M. T. Wheeler; 1856, P. Cramer; 1857-58, M. T. Wheeler; 1859-60, E. C. Nash; 1861, P. Cramer; 1862-66, no record; 1867, M. T.Wheeler; 1868, A. P. Holly; 1869, M. T. Wheeler; 1870, E. C. Nash; 1871-73, E. P. Barnum; 1874, J. Jordan; 1875-77, I. Stowell; 1878-80, A. J. Kilpatrick. CLERKS. 1843, S. S. Haight; 1844, E. Sawdy; 1845-46, S. C. Skinner; 1847, I. S. Ingersen; 1848, J. Haight; 1849, Levi Holmes; 1850, J. W. T. Orr; 1851, S. S. Haight; 1852, W. I. Dillenbeck; 1853, J. Haight; 1854, no record; 1855, I. H. Hooper; 1856, L. J. Wheeler; 1857-60, S. S. Ingersen; 1861, William Emory; 1862 -66, no record; 1867, S. Stowell; 1868, W. R. Stinchcomb; 1869, S. S. Ingersen; 1870, E. Cole; 1871, A. W. Shriner; 1872-73, C. A. Hough; 1874, W. P. Holly; 1875-76, H. C. Carpenter; 1877, W. P. Holly; 1878-79, F. F. Hilbert; 1880, E. G. Holbrook. TREASURERS. 1843, S. S. Haight; 1844, J. A. Jordan; 1845-49, N. Lovewell; 1850, J. A. Jordan; 1851, G. Cramer; 1852, J. A. Jordan; 1853, J. 1845. ApproDistrict. Children. priation. No. 1.... 28 $10.77 Fractional No. 1.... 10 3.45 " ' 2.... 7 2.69 " 3.... 7 2.69 1847. ApproDistrict. Children. priation. No..... 23 $8.31 " 2.... 16 5.78 " 3.... 21 7.59 Fractional No. 2.... 7 2.53 " 3.... 11 3.98 From the official report for 1879 has been taken the following: Number of districts (whole, 7; fractional, 1)...... 8 " children of school age..................... 537 Average attendance....................................... 490 Value of property....................................... $4375 Teachers' wages....................................... $1131 The school directors for 1879 were John Hynes, A. B. Barnum, J. Dillenbeck, H. C. Carpenter, N. C. Ransford, J. Simmons, A. J. Palmerton, and A. G. Kilpatrick. THE DOCTORS OF WOODLAND. The pioneer resident physician of Woodland was Dr. Jackson Wicks, who lived on section 15 and practiced medicine in the township from 1850 to his death, in 1861. Dr. Joseph Adolphus lived for a while north of the present village, and practiced from 1852 to 1855. Previous to Dr. Wicks' time Dr. Upjohn, of Hastings, was the medical reliance of Woodland, as he was in the early days pretty 64 506 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Kilpatrick; 1854, no record; 1855, George Cramer; 1856-59, E. M. Mallett; 1860-61, O. Jordan; 1862-66, no record; 1867, L. Hilbert; 1868, J. F. Hofer; 1869, S. Haight; 1870, R. W. Shriner; 1871, A. B. Barnum; 1872, S. S. Ingersen; 1873, 0. Jordan; 1874, S. S. Ingersen; 1875-76, J. W. Holmes; 1877-78, D. B. Cooper; 1879-80, J. W. Holmes. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 1843, H. H. Smoke; 1844, N. Lovewell; 1845, J. M. Cole; 1846, L. Holmes; 1847, Hiram Wood; 1848, E. Sawdy; 1849, Asa Wheeler; 1850, J.W. T. Orr; 1851, L. Holmes; 1852, G. W. Meyers; 1853, A. Wheeler; 1854, no record; 1855, E. Sawdy; 1856, G. W. Meyers; 1857, P. Cramer; 1858, Joseph Klise; 1859, W. Wood; 1860, E. Sawdy; 1861, J. Haight; 1862-66, no record; 1867, J. Kilpatrick, Jr.; 1868, S. Haight; 1869, D. Dreskell; 1870, 0. F. Munion; 1871, E. Sawdy; 1872, G. D. Barden; 1873, J. Jordan; 1874, J. Kilpatrick; 1875, J. Stinchcomb; 1876, G. D. Barden; 1877, J. Jordan; 1878, J. Kilpatrick; 1879, C. A. Hough; 1880, J. R. Barnum. THE VOTERS OF 1843. At a special election in April, 1843, for associate judge of the Circuit Court, the votes cast in Woodland numbered fifteen, as follows: S. Haight, Jonatlan Haight, C. Palmerton, D. Hyatt, S. S. Haight, R. Youngs, H. H. Smoke, A. Wheeler, P. Hall, Nehemiah Lovewell, J. A. Jordan, 0. Wellman, J. Potts, E. Bump, E. Bennett. THE VOTERS OF 1844. At the annual election in 1844 the voters were 40 in number, as follows: Isaac Barnum, Melvin C. Barnum, D. Hyatt, P. Hall, J. Hyatt, 0. Jordan, J. Haight, J. McArthur, J. Palmerton, E. Sawdy, C. Palmerton, I. Hoyt, T. Galloway, M. L. Wheeler, E. Bump, R. Youngs, S. S. Durkee, Levi Holmes, H. H. Smoke, A. B. Cooper, A. Wellman, J. A. Jordan, S. McDerby, 0. S. Wheeler, C. Sheldon, S. C. Skinner, M. T. Wheeler, J. Potts, A. Wheeler, H. L. Wheeler, C. Galloway, E. Bennett, L. Shriner, N. Lovewell, J. Hager, William Hager, S. S. Haight, J. M. Cole, D. Hager, M. Mallett. THE VOTERS OF 1845. The voters at the annual election in 1845 were 44, all told. They were James A. Galloway, Richard Hyatt, H. H. Smoke, David Hyatt, George Dennen, Samuel S. 'Durkee, Miner Mallett, Orvill Wheeler, John McArthur, Richard Youngs, John A. Jordan, Isaac Hoyt, H. L. Wheeler, A. B. Cooper, Asa Wheeler, Warren Wickham, S. McMurray, E. Hynes, Edwin Bennett, Samuel McMurray, Jr., Isaac Barnum, Hiram Bronson, Michael Hynes, M. L. Wheeler, Clinton Sheldon, Charles Galloway, Orlien Jordan, William Hager, Levi Holmes, Joseph Hager, John Potts, Milo T. Wheeler, A. Wellman, Nehemiah Lovewell, Samuel S. Haight, Jonathan Haight, D. Hager, J. Palmerton, S. C. Skinner, E. Sawdy, C. Palmerton, James M. Cole, Melvin C. Barnum, Lawrence Shriner. THE JURORS IN 1845, '46, AND '47. In 1845 the grand jurors chosen were Charles Galloway, S. S. Haight, A. B. Cooper, M. T. Wheeler, Charles Palmerton, and H. H. Smoke. The petit jurors were Clinton Sheldon, M. C. Barnum, John McArthur, O. Jordan, J. M. Cole, and Daniel Hager. In 1846 the grand jurors were J. A. Jordan, Jonathan Haight, S. C. Skinner, Levi Holmes, John Potts, Joseph Otto. The petit jurors were Hiram Bronson, Asa Wheeler, J. W. T. Orr, John Durkee, Jesse Townsend, and Miner Mallett. In 1847 Nathan Clifford, J. M. Cole, Jerome Palmerton, Orlien Jordan, Jonathan Haight, and Hiram Wood were the grand jurors, and H. H. Smoke, Ira Ingersen, Hiram Bronson, Daniel Hager, Levi Holmes, and Nehemiah Lovewell the petit jurors. POST-OFFICES. Early in the history of Woodland the settlers obtained their letters from Hastings. In 1849 the Woodland postoffice was established, and the appointment of postmaster given to Nehemiah Lovewell. Ebenezer Sawdy was the earliest mail-carrier, and at first brought the mail from Odessa afoot once a week in his vest-pocket or a handkerchief, as happened to be most convenient. There was, however, some protest against that method of transporting the United States mail, and at the end of six months a mailpouch was provided. The succession of postmasters after Mr. Lovewell was A. B. Cooper, 1854; Lawrence Hilbert, 1861; Asa Pike, 1863; Milo T. Wheeler, 1865; Milo Barnum, 1868; Lawrence Hilbert, 1870; Ward Shriner, 1870; J.G. Meyers, 1873; S. S. Haight, 1874; David Kilpatrick, 1875. Mail is received from Hastings three times a week. Coates Grove Post-office, on the south town-line, at which George Coates is postmaster, was established in 1879. Blair Post-office, in the southeast, was established about 1858. J. M. Cole served as postmaster several years, when the office was moved into Castleton. Returning to Woodland, it was given in charge of Mahlon Cooper, and in 1878 was discontinued. RELIGIOUS HISTORY. Probably the first public religious worship in Woodland was held at the house of Alonzo Barnum, in 1839 or 1840, when, in the presence of a few neighbors, Mr. Barnum conducted the services, which included a prayer and a brief sermon. Elder Hess, of Portland, visited Woodland about then, and held meetings at settlers' houses occasionally. Alonzo Barnum was an exceedingly diligent and zealous man in religious affairs, and labored earnestly from the period of his arrival in the settlement for the advancement of the cause of public piety. In the winter of 1839 he heard of the presence, in Mrs. John Potts, on section 4, of a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and went over to see her, promptly organizing a prayer-meeting in her house, the first ever held in the township. "Father" Daubney, the pioneer Methodist Episcopal circuit-rider, assisted by a missionary named Bennett, organized Woodland's first Methodist Episcopal class in 1840. The members were five in number, and the house of worship was Alonzo Barnum's residence. Since then religion has flourished apace in Woodland, and boasts to-day in the township twice as many temples as it can find in any other town in the county. As before remarked, Alonzo Barnum was a man of remarkable religious zeal. He was at one time an ordained t I I I1 T A 1-, /ESIDENCEOF GEO. M. DAVENPORT, WOODLAND, BARRY CO., MICH. Ic WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 507 I minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, although later he joined the United Brethren Church. During his early residence in Woodland he kept a journal of events, devoted more especially to the progress of religion in the new settlement. From that diary is taken the subjoined extract: "Sunday, June 14, 1841, town of Iastings, Barry Co., Michigan State.-Glory to God for his goodness and mercy to me and my little family! Though my pen has long been silent through a multitude of cares and perplexities, yet my Lord has been with me. In the year 1839, in the month of November, I moved to Michigan, Barry Co., township of Hastings. But few inhabitants and all woods, no society, and no meetings of any kind held in the township twelve miles square. In consequence of this I lost much ground. I left the bosom of a good society in which I lived ten years. I now felt the loss of brethren. In the summer of 1840 I proposed to my neighbors to come together, and I would read a sermon of Wesley's to them, and we would spend an hour in worshiping the Lord who made us. The people seemed very willing, and on the Sabbath we met for the first time. "I prayed to my heavenly Father that he would open some way that the gospel might be preached to us likewise. The good Lord heard my prayer, and sent Brother Daubney to preach to us for the first time. He caine forty miles. On May 26, Brother Bennett, the missionary from Eaton County, preached to us, and formed a class of 12 members, of which I was chosen leader, and oh, may the gracious Lord bless them! I here insert their names: Alonzo Barnum, Jane Potts, Sophia Barnum, Daniel Hager, Abet Barnum, Etneline Cooper, Anna Barnum, Reuben Ilaight, Betsey Barnum, Sally Ann IIaight, Esther Durkee, Charlotte Haight." WOODLAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL ENGLISH CHURCH. The Woodland Methodist Episcopal class now worshiping at Woodland Centre was organized in the Galloway school-house in 1847 by the preacher in charge of the Hastings Circuit. The organizing members were John H. Dillenbeck and wife, Charles Galloway and wife, Pattie Rogers, and Mrs. J. W. T. Orr, Charles Galloway being chosen class-leader. In 1860 the class removed its place of worship to the school-house at the centre, and there a house of worship was erected in 1871, and dedicated in August of that year. The class is attached to Woodland Circuit, in charge of Rev. J. F. Orwick, who preaches at the centre once in two weeks. The membership is 42. The class-leader is William P. Hawley; the assistant classleader, John H. Dillenbeck. The trustees are J. W. Stinchcomb, C. A. Hough, George W. Smith, and William P. Hawley. The Sunday-school, in charge of Burt. S. Hawley and eight teachers, has an average attendance of 90 scholars. FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. On the 12th of March, 1867, a meeting was held at the house of David Eastman, for the purpose of organizing the Free-Will Baptist Society of Woodland, when James Tyler, Jeremiah Filley, and William Root were elected trustees. Previous to that date, on Feb. 9, 1867, in the Gordon school-house, Elders Santee and Tupper had organized the church, under authorization from the Grand River Quarterly Meeting, assisted by Elder G. W. Moffit, who had for a week or more been holding a series of meetings. On that occasion those received into church fellowship were James Tyler, William Root, Ann Root, Lucien Nichols, Caroline Eastman, Deborah Roosa, and Delia Roosa. William Root was chosen clerk. Elder Myron Tupper, who was called to the pastorate, preached about three years, during which time he declined to receive any pay for his services. April 2, 1870, John R. Barnum was chosen clerk, and since that time has filled the office uninterruptedly. Directly upon the organization of the society the erection of a meetinghouse was begun, but the work, which was mainly contributed by members of the church, progressed so slowly that it was not completed until 1871. The succession of pastors after Elder Tupper included Elders Bascomb, Weaver, and Bates. Elder Bates preached about three years to April 1, 1879, since which time the church has been without a pastor. The church is attached to the Lansing Quarterly Meeting, and has a membership of 13. The trustees are J. R. Barnum, George Tyler, and Joseph Nichols. No deacon has ever been chosen. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. At the request of Rev. H. T. Fero there was a meeting at the house of Ira Ingersen, May 13, 1846, to discuss the project of organizing a Baptist Church in Woodland. At a subsequent meeting, July 11, 1846, Elders H. T. Fero and Samuel Lamb being present, the organization was effected with the following members: H. Ii. Smoke, Thirza Jane Smoke, Isaac Barnun, Roxey Barnum, Amos Wheeler, Wealthy Wheeler, Heman Dodge, Sarah Ingersen, Henry Barnum, Nancy Palmerton, E. P. Barnum, Almira Wheeler, John Barnum. In the church council were representatives from the churches of Ionia, Lyons, Kalamazoo, and Rocksand. Heman Dodge was chosen clerk, and Isaac Barnum deacon. Among the early pastors were Elders Lamb, Tompkins, Pillsbury, Munger, and Gould, among the later ones Elders Bassett, Wheelock, Monroe, and Burgess, the latter being now the pastor in charge. J. P. Holbrook is now the deacon, and B. F. Densmore the clerk. The church membership is 34. Services are held in the Free-Will Baptist church once a fortnight. The two Baptist Churches have a Union Sunday-school, which has regular Sunday sessions, winter and summer. S. S. Ingersen is the superintendent. The average attendance is 53, and the number of teachers employed eight. WOODLAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL (GERMAN) CHURCH. A German Methodist Episcopal class was formed about 1855, in the Galloway school-house, and included the families of Jacob Felta, George Hitt, Conrad Hanes, and Gottfried Risler, Risler being chosen class-leader. Rev. Jacob Krebil, the first pastor, preached two years, and, following him, supplies were furnished from Grand Rapids once in two weeks for some years. The church struggled feebly for a long period and gathered strength slowly. Meetings were held in the Galloway school-house until 1871, when the Methodist Episcopal (English) church at the centre was occupied. In 1876 the German Society built a handsome church edifice at the centre, and enjoys now a season of considerable prosperity. To 1874 the class-having then a membership of 17 -was attached to the Grand Rapids Circuit. Since then it has belonged to the Irving Circuit, and has preaching once in two weeks, the prechp in Charge being Clemepts Heid 'to 0 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. myer, and the class-leader John Schaibley. The trustees are John Schaibley, C. A. Hough, Jacob Felta, John Buling, Lawrence Hilbert. John Geiger is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of 24 scholars, and a corps of six teachers. WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. A Wesleyan Methodist class was organized in the Cheney school-house, Carlton, in 1858, by Elder Tapley, with 15 or 20 members, and after a time a portion of the class was transferred to the Canada school-house. In 1874, Elder Clark held a revival meeting at that point, and since then services have been held regularly once in two weeks. The class is on the Woodland Circuit, in charge of Elder Tapley, has a membership of 10, and is under the leadership of Samuel Campbell. Worship is now held in the schoolhouse, but measures are afoot for the speedy erection near there of a church building. GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH. The German Baptists, now worshiping in a church on the south town-line and in the Galloway school-house, were organized into a church at Enos Crowell's house by elders Isaac Miller and George Long, and at organization numbered about 30 members. Enos Crowell, I. N. Miller, and Saml. Smith were chosen deacons, and Elder Isaac Miller the pastor. Elder Miller has continued in the pastorate from the first, and preaches now once a month in each place,-the school-house and the church. Enos Crowell and Henry Smith are now the deacons, and Alexander Price and David Flora "speakers in the first degree." The church membership is 45. UNITED BRETHREN CHURCHES. The first church edifice erected in Woodland was built by the members of the Meyers United Brethren class, on section 3, about 1852. The class was organized June 30, 1850, with 6 members, as follows: George N. Meyers, classleader; Ziba B. Meyers, class-steward; Mary Meyers, Elizabeth Meyers, John Meyers, and Catherine Meyers. July 31, 1852, the class had a membership of 22, and was a point in the Barry mission, in charge of William Kennard, missionary. The class has now a membership of 40, and is attached to Barry Circuit, on which the preacher in charge is Rev. William N. Briedenstein, who preaches at the Meyers church once in two weeks. Jacob King is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has 48 scholars and five teachers. The class-leader is Silas Meyers, and the trustees are Emanuel Cramer, Silas Meyers, and Philip Davis. The Kilpatrick United Brethren class was organized in the Kilpatrick neighborhood about 1856, and was at first chiefly composed of members of the Kilpatrick families, George Kilpatrick being the class-leader. The class was on a circuit that reached from Charlotte, in Eaton County, to Cascade, in Kent County, and was able to have preaching only once a month. Meetings were held in the Jilpqtripk school-house until 1871, when the present house pf worship wan built. The class is now on the Castleton -ircit, in charge of 1ev. Isaac Maurer, and meets for rForhip onp a fortnight. The clss-leader is A. G. KiI patrick an.d the trustees Charles Galloway, John Kilpatrick, and A. G. Kilpatrick. In the Sunday-school, of which W. D. Berry is superintendent, the average attendance of scholars is 60, and the teachers six in number. In 1871 this class was joined by a class organized some years previous in Michael Rowlader's house by Rev. Mr. Kennard. In the " Canada" settlement is the Third United Brethren or "Tamarack" church, which was built in 1878, and in which now worships the United Brethren class formed by Elder A. Miller in 1860, in the " Canada" school-house. The organizing members were H. B. Lipscomb, leader; David Smith, steward; Annie Lipscomb, Balsar King, Jacob G. King, exhorter; Hugh Dodd, Miles Lipscomb, Angeline Lipscomb, Margaret Dodd, Polly A. Haskins, Anna Curtiss, Ferington Todd, Mary J. Mclnarie, Nancy McInarie, William Sears, and Fanny Sears. Since 1860 there has been preaching once in two weeks. Rev. William N. Briedenstein is the preacher in charge, Randy Lipscomb is the class-leader, Jacob Bear, Calvin Demary, and Ezra Pierce the trustees, Norton Rainsford the classsteward, and Dennis Haskill the Sunday-school superintendent. The church is exceedingly prosperous, and has a membership of 80. GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. About the year 1856 the German Lutherans in Woodland began to hold religious meetings in the Galloway school-house, and after that at the houses of Michael Reiser and others. The worshipers included the Reiser, Baetinger, Berkley, Mauch, Metzger, Richart, Schmidt, Swartz, Smith, and Neidhammer families. Rev. Mr. Folz, of Lansing, the first minister, preached once in six weeks for a year, and then Rev. Adam Berkly, of Lansing, entered upon a pastorate which lasted upwards of ten years, during which he preached once a month. Upon Mr. Berkly's departure the members of the church built a parsonage and engaged Rev. Mr. Duhring as their first stationed pastor, who preached for them each Sunday. His successors have been Revs. - Klein and Charles Adams, the latter of whom has been in charge since 1872. A church was built on section 10 in 1862. The Sunday-school in charge of Jacob Reiser has an average attendance of 40 scholars. The first trustees of the church were M. Baetinger, C. Bayha, and J. G. Swartz. The present trustees are Adam Baetinger, Jacob Funk, and George Mauch. The elders are Jacob Reiser and Jacob Mall. EVANGELICAL (GERMAN) CHURCH. About 1860, Rev. Mr. Geiger was delegated by the Indiana Conference to organize an evangelical church in Woodland, and he formed accordingly two classes,-one at the Meyers church, and one at the red school-house. Among the families represented by the organizing members were those of the Millers, Wagners, Schulers, Bayhas, Rowladers, Eckardts, Entz, Smiths, Schaibleys, and Feltas. In 1861 the erection of a church edifice upon section 12 was begun, but the work was not finished until 1866, about which time both classes were consolidated. The membership is now about 40. Rev. Frederick 4 " S En, ~- ~ 'it so7- obes 'l. i ". hi1 ~~'ii~'ri_:ll~"::;~:' ~~: ~::.~_(~~~-~;:; — ~;~:~ ~~;-?;il~": ~:-.' ~A-:I.-:;"3: I I_~.-.: —;~:-i:s9 ~~:1:;".-~~:.i~I.~:':::: :): -;::: ~~:::i i-:-.:. *~;-~b'~:~I ii-I~;?~ u ;;:I ~ —i:i WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 509 Miller is the pastor, George Smith the class-leader, W. Rowlader assistant class-leader, Frederick Eckardt Sunday-school superintendent, and W. Rowlader, Frederick Eckardt, and Jacob Smith trustees. SECRET SOCIETIES. WOODLAND LODGE, No. 304, F. AND A. M., was organized Aug. 29,1871, and chartered Jan. 11, 1872. The first officers chosen were John P. Phillips, W. M.; Wm. H. Lee, S. W.; S. S. Ingersen, J. W.; Lawrence Hilbert, Treas.; D. B. Coville, Sec.; Samuel Stowell, S. D.; C(. A. Hough, J. D. John P. Phillips was Worshipful Master continuously until June, 1875, when Wm. P. Hawley was chosen, and he was in turn followed by John P. Phillips, the present Master. The lodge has now a membership of 62, and is a flourishing organization. The present officers are J. P. Phillips, W. M.; W. EI. Lee, S. W.; S. S. Ingersen, J. W.; Lawrence Hilbert, Treas.; C. A. Hough, Sec.; J. Schaibley, S. D.; George W. Smith, J. D.; C. H. Snyder, Tyler. WOODLAND CHAPTER, ORDER OF TIHE EASTERN STAR, was organized Feb. 19, 1880. Mrs. Ellen Carpenter is the Matron; W. H. Lee, Patron; and Mrs. Frank Stowell, Assistant Matron. The membership is 23. WOODLAND LODGE, No. 289, I. O. O. F., was instituted Feb. 5, 1877, with the following members: O. P. Abbott, N. G.; George Barden, V. G.; Henry Stinchcomb, P. S.; John Stevens, Treas.; Michael Rupe, Warden; John Valentine, I. G. Since the organization of the lodge the office of Noble Grand has been filled by O. P. Abbott, G. D. Barden, Wesley Meyers, D. B. Cooper, Joshua Glenn, Andrew Carpenter, and C. S. Palmerton. The present membership is 43. The officers are C. S. Palmerton, N. G.; James Black, V. G.; Eugene Davenport, Sec.; F. P. Palmerton, P. Sec.; Douglas B. Cooper, Treas. WOODLAND LODGE, No. 817, I. O. G. T., was chartered Jan. 6, 1875. The charter was issued to H. C. Carpenter, W. C. T.; Mrs. H. C. Carpenter, W. V. T.; J. W. Stinchcomb, W. C.; C. A. Hough, W. S.; J. F. Holbrook, W. A. S.; Burt Hawley, W. F. S.; Mrs. J. F. Holbrook, I. G.; Mattie E. Hough, D. M.; Mrs. L. J. Downing, Mrs. Mary E. Stinchcomb, L. H. S.; Perry Stowell, Marshal; Ira Stowell, P. W. C. T.; Mrs. E. D. Stowell, Mrs. C. A. Hough, R. H. S.; W. T. Downing, O. G.; George W. Smith, W. Treas.; A. J. Carpenter, Mrs. A. J. Carpenter, Fidus E. Fish, E. G. Holbrook. The members now number 60. The officers are B. S. Hawley, W. C. T.; Dora Haight, W. V. T.; H. J. Stowell, W. C.; E. G. Holbrook, W. S.; J. F. Orwick, W. A. S.; Hattie Carpenter, F. S.; Mrs. Ellen Carpenter, Treas.; Hiram Waltz, Marshal; Claudie Haight, I. G.; Austin Stowell, O. G.; W. P. Hawley, P. W. C. T.; C. A. Holt, Lodge Deputy. I I I WOODLAND CENTRE. There is at the centre of the township a smart little village, which has been growing of late as if its vigor were just beginning to make itself felt, and which, with a railway through, would rapidly become a business point of no trifling importance. The citizens have recognized this fact, and more than one effort has been made to have a railwayline through the township, but, beyond the surveys of two or three proposed routes, nothing has yet been accomplished. Just now there is some talk of a railway between Grand Rapids and Lansing, via Woodland, but how it will eventuate remains to be seen. The first location near the present village site was made in 1847 by John McArthur, who then moved to the place on section 21 he now occupies. The centre of the township was then a wilderness, which was first intruded upon by Nicholas Snyder, who, about 1849, set up a blacksmithshop, which he carried on until 1854, and then sold to Melchior Baetinger, who still occupies the site and still devotes it to its original use. In 1853, Stephen Haight, a carpenter and joiner, located upon the present site of the village, and there has since continued to live. Presently along came one Jacob Strauss, a Hebrew peddler, with a pack on his back, who, concluding that the centre invited the attention of a resident trader, rented a log house previously occupied by Snyder, the blacksmith, as a residence, -diagonally opposite the shop,-stocked it with a handful of goods, and launched out as the pioneer merchant of Woodland Centre. Strauss' advent occurred in 1853, and shortly after his coming he engaged Steplien Haight to build for him a framed residence,-the first framed house erected in that locality. Strauss did not find the volume of trade to his liking, and at the end of a year or so departed with his goods. Booth & Chapin, of Lowell, followed him as traders, and to them succeeded Lederer & Cookingham, but neither firm discovered inducements sufficiently strong to call for a long stay, and thus the early commercial history of Woodland Centre partook of a changeable character. In 1859, when the field of trade lay unoccupied, a Mr. Richardson, of Hastings, engaged Ira Stowell and Stephen Haight to build him a fiamed store in Woodland Centre, on the present " post-office corner." This store Richardson filled with a decent stock of goods, but he failed to make a success of his venture, and gave it up at the end of a year. Solomon Goodyear, of Hastings, rented the building of Richardson, and brought out two loads of goods, but was discouraged at the prospect of gain in so thin a neighborhood, and without unloading his wagons ordered them back to Hastings. " He straightway sold his lease to Lawrence Hilbert, who, in 1860, reopened the place, and, unlike his predecessors, stuck to the business, and made a success of it; having continued in trade at the centre to this day, and having ever since his advent been the leading merchant of the town. After 1860 the village began to exhibit some improvement. henry Bauer followed Hilbert with a second store, which he kept in a 10 by 15 shanty, and carried on about three months. Barnum & Eastman came in and made a bid for trade, but at the end of a year their establishment was consumed by fire, and they closed their experience at 510 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. the centre. In 1866 the hamlet had got along so far that Jonathan Haight, Lawrence Hilbert, and John McArthur, owners of property thereabout, platted a village there. In 1874 they made an addition. As remarked at an earlier stage, Woodland Centre is now a place of some pretensions. Its business interests are represented by two general stores, a hardware-store, drug-store, shoe-store, two millinery-stores, grocery-store, etc. In manufactures it has a grist-mill, saw-mill, oar-factory, cheese-factory, and wagon-shops. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JOHN KILPATRICK. John Kilpatrick, a view of whose home appears upon another page of this work, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, May 12,1820, and the eldest in a family of eleven children. He lived at home until June 8, 1842, when he set sail for that land of promise of which so many longing hearts in the Old World dream, —America. After a month's tossing on the broad Atlantic, he found himself in New York City, literally a stranger in a strange land. Leaving the city behind him, he found himself in Monroe County, where he went to work on a farm by the year, afterwards buying a quarter-section of wild land in Michigan from the man he worked for, and in the summer of 1847 sent for his father, who sold what little property he possessed in Scotland and brought his family to Rochester, N. Y., where John met them, and together they came to Michigan. They built a house on his land and lived together about one year, when his father, John (Senior) built a house on land he had bought, and where he resided until his death, which occurred March 14, 1869, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife, Janet, survived him until Oct. 22, 1878, aged eighty-one. John, the subject of our sketch, was married Feb. 29, 1852, to Eunice Wilson, a native of New York. To this marriage were born John Bruce, Sept. 1, 1853, died May 18, 1856, and Mary E., born Sept. 9, 1857, who died Feb. 7, 1858. The wife and mother soon followed, departing this life Dec. 7, 1858. Nov. 2, 1859, Mr. Kilpatrick married Miss Margaret Hagar, whose people were very early settlers in this State. Two children were born to them,-Mary A., born Aug. 6, 1860, died Sept. 10, 1861; and Andrew C., born Nov. 21, 1862. Again Mr. Kilpatrick was afflicted by the loss of his wife which occurred Nov. 30, 1863. July 16, 1865, he was for the third time married, this wife, Mrs. Mary Shaffer, having lost her husband in the army. They are the parents of the following children,Samuel, born May 17, 1868, died Aug. 8, 1870; David A., born Aug. 14, 1870, died Sept. 8, 1871; Jesse, born Jan. 2, 1873; Viola, born May 26, 1875; and John Hays, born Jan. 17, 1877. In politics Mr. Kilpatrick is a Republican; started as a Free-Soiler; has held several town offices. Is a member of the United Brethren Church, of which he has been one of the trustees since its organization in his neighborhood. LEVI HOLMES. Isaac, the father of Levi Holmes, was a native of New York, and by trade a harness-maker; married a Miss Losee, had by her eight children, Levi, the subject of our sketch, being the seventh, and born in 1811. At an early age Levi was hired out by his father as a common farm-laborer, and remained in that condition until he was about twenty-one years old. Then he began life for himself, continuing in the same employment, working for Mr. Philo Reed, a farmer in Dutchess Co., N. Y. By economy and industry he was, in 1843, enabled to buy of his employer one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Michigan, where he now resides. He came during the same year to improve his purchase, first building a log hut. In 1858 he built the residence he now occupies, which is one of the best in the township. In 1844 he was elected supe rvisor, serving one year, then one year as town clerk, and as justice of the peace for sixteen years. Has also been highway commissioner, and for several years school director. In 1835, at Amenia, Dutchess Co., he married Miss Lois Toug, of New Milford, Conn. They have reared eight children, all living to-day. Mr. Holmes is known as a zealous churchman; has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church all his life in Woodland, and during that time has acted as local preacher some five years. Has been class-leader during his entire church experience. In 1874 the church known as the Holmes church was erected. This church has been freely endowed by Mr. Holmes; in fact, he is its chief supporter, and to his efforts and money the church is chiefly indebted tor its existence. Mr. Holmes' life has been eminently upright and pure, temperate in all things, using neither liquors nor tobacco, and devoting his spare time, energies, abilities, and means towards the advancement and betterment of many of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. GEORGE M. DAVENPORT. Solomon Courtright, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of English origin and a resident of New Jersey all his life, and a soldier in the Revolutionary army. Martin Davenport was his grandfather on his father's side, of German descent, and also a resident of New Jersey. His grandmother was Catharine Courtright. His father, Alanson Davenport, born in New Jersey in 1807, was by occupation a farmer. His mother was Eliza (Meddaugh) Davenport, and born in 1806. We have thus briefly sketched the genealogy of Mr. Davenport as giving evidence in itself of the sterling qualities which our subject in nature possesses. George M. was the eldest in his father's family of eight children, and born in Caroline, Tompkins Co., N. Y., March 3, 1828. He, to use a common expression, worked out a good part of his time until twenty-one years of age, giving his wages to his father. Then he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade; came to Michigan, June 10, 1855, locating -::::';-::' —l-,:r.~"-::;.-~ l;i_:::-:.~:.:::::: ~;::: ~~~~:~.:~:~ I:' ~~ ~-~:~-I:lxr--, ~:;z ~'i'"' '-;~; i:ii-i::;4~~L ~t;:4. -::""4~6K.i.I; ~-~r~~~ r~;-l —:srt~;:, - -~C:: -;. _::-':_. -~ -.:::_-::::i:i,~:;-:.'::] ;-:~-:-:'i-:::Ir"-)-:::l::: —(::':' ~:-r:::::::~-:'-'' -'-] :-; ' t k, RESIDENCE.OFJ OHN KI LPATRICK,WOODLANoDTP, BARRYCO..MICH. I It WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 511 on the land where he now resides. He had previously married in Ohio, where she then resided, Miss Hester Sutton. They have had one child, Eugene Davenport, born to them. A view of the old log hut where he was born may be seen in the sketch of Mr. Davenport's residence, which appears upon another page. Eugene now resides at home; was educated at the agricultural college at Lansing, where he pursued his studies for four years and graduated. He has purchased a half-interest in his father's property, and together they propose to put into practice the principles of business and scientific knowledge he has acquired. Their farm is under a high state of cultivation, while the house is said to be one of the best, if not the best, in the township, and was built by Mr. G. M. Davenport himself. The family is an unusually harmonious one, working together in all things. None of them arc members of any church, but have a wide reputation for liberality, and as citizens and neighbors are kind and obliging. Mr. Davenport is one of those men who will overcome any and all obstacles to meet his obligations; and by this and his business qualifications has established a reputation of undoubted credit, which has assisted greatly in his material prosperity. JOSEPH W. STINCHCOMB. Joseph W. Stinchcomb is a son of James and Priscilla Stinchcomb, and a native of Perry Co., Ohio, where he was born July 2, 1828. When he was two years of age his father removed to Bloom township, Seneca Co., same State. Here his boyhood and youth were passed, receiving not only a liberal academic education, but also a practical education in the labor of the farm and at the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which latter business he followed winters, working at farming summers, with the exception of ten terms of schoolteaching, until the fall of 1860, when he removed to Michigan, and settled in the township of Sunfield, Eaton Co., on a new piece of land, upon which he cleared some seventy acres, then removed to Woodland township, where he has since resided. In the fall of 1858 he married Mary Ellen Winters, of Crawford Co., Ohio, a daughter of Eli Winters of the same place. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are still living. Mr. Stinchcomb says when he first came to his present home it was a wilderness, but he has made it blossom like the rose, his farm being in a high state of cultivation, with excellent improvements and a residence universally admired by all beholders. Mr. Stinchcomb has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over thirty years, and during that time has held many of the various church offices. He has also held many political offices; was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, with which he has since been identified; has held the office of school inspector, of highway commissioner, justice of the peace, and was elected as the Republican candidate, by a popular majority over all opposition, representative of the first district of Barry County in 1876. In all positions of public trust as well as in his private life and business Mr. Stinchcomb has won an enviable reputation for integrity, ability, industry, and ex I emplary conduct, being of good habits, honorable in his dealings with his fellow-man, and conscientious in all things. STEPHEN S. INGERSON. Stephen S. Ingerson can trace his lineage from the Bidwells, of England, his grandfather, George Bidwell, being a native of Connecticut, and a Revolutionary soldier. In 1784 moved his family and household goods to Starksboro', Vt., being the first settler in that township. Here Sarah Bidwell was born, Jan. 4, 1795, and on the 10th of October, 1813, married Ira Ingerson, also a native of Vermont. This union was productive of nine children, of whom our subject was the youngest, and born in Huntington, Vt., July 3, 1835. Here he lived until five years of age, when they removed to Monkton, Vt. Then, in 1845, came with his parents to his present home, where his father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land and began the clearing necessary to the planting of crops, etc. From the age of six to sixteen, Stephen spent about onehalf of his time in the district school; his father, being determined to educate his children, used to work at shoemaking until after midnight in order to keep them in school and pay their bills. In consequence, all his children received a liberal education, although he three times lost his property through the dishonesty of others. He was accidentally killed while on his way to a saw-mill, some three miles distant, with a load of logs, the ox-team which he was driving turning out of the road for water to drink, overturning the sleigh with him. After this sad event, which happened when Stephen was seventeen years old, he remained with and supported his mother until Dec. 7, 1856, when he married Miss Frances E. Lee, of Woodland, although a native of Ulysses, Tompkins Co., N. Y. They have had four children, three of whom are living. Mr. Ingerson is not an actual member of any church, although contributing liberally towards their support, and being superintendent of the Union Sabbath-school of the Free-Will Baptist Church for the last three years, and for ten years has been an active attendant and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican; was elected township clerk when twenty-one years old; held that office four years; then for several terms was township treasurer, afterwards town clerk, again was deputy postmaster two years, and commissioner of highways two years, which office he still holds. Has been administrator of several estates, and held the position of guardian of minors since he was twenty-three years old; for three years has been president of the Township Insurance Company. He began the battle of life at the age of seventeen, with his interest in the farm, then said to be worth one hundred dollars, and fourteen dollars in personal property, and by industry, thrift, and good habits, alone and unaided, except by his good wife, secured a fine property and home; says he has never turned a person from his doors who applied in the name of charity for bread or hospitality, and has supplied their needs without asking a question, simply because he felt it his imperative duty. 512 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. DAVID B. KILPATRICK. DR. DAVID B. KILPATRICK. The ancestors of this gentleman are well known in Scotland as an ancient and warlike family, and the lineage is traceable back to the struggles of the Covenanters. The doctor himself is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was born April 7, 1837, and was the ninth in a family of eleven children. In 1847, when ten years of age, he, in company with his father, came to America; settled first in Hastings, Mich. After a stay of one winter, came to Woodland, and located on the farm known as the Kilpatrick farm, which he assisted in clearing. From 1856 to 1858 David attended school in Vermontville, the latter year removing to Kalamazoo, where he attended the Kalamazoo College classical course until the spring of 1864, with the exception of six months' service in the Second Michigan Infantry, Company K, during the year 1861, being one of four brothers in the war against the Rebellion. He then entered the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor; remained six months, when his health failed. Then he went to Rochester University, and was graduated July 12, 1865, as A.B. in the classical course, continuing his studies in the medical department of the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, until the spring of 1866, and began the practice of medicine in Woodland in summer of the same year. In 1874 took another course of lecture-drill in hospital clinics, and was graduated at the Detroit Medical College on the 3d of March, 1875. Dr. Kilpatrick married, March 7, 1872, Miss Minnie McArthur, a native of Woodland township, born in 1850, and a daughter of John McArthur, one of the early settlers, who came as early as 1842. They are the parents of two children, both daughters. In religious convictions the doctor is a Baptist, and in politics a radical Republican, an advocate of temperance, and has never used either spirituous liquors or tobacco. Has educated himself, or by manual labor (working in haying and harvest during the summer vacation and teaching school two winters) acquired the means to prosecute his { f MRS. DAVID B. KILPATRICK. studies and carry him through college, —starting a poor boy and without friends able to assist him in those times. His character and standing in the community are best evinced by the respect and esteem in which he is held, not only as a citizen, but as a professional man. WASHINGTON ROWLADER. Washington Rowlader was the youngest son and seventh child in the family of Michael R. and Margaret (Velta) Rowlader, his birth occurring in Herkimer Co., N. Y., Dec. 8, 1830. He remained at home, attending school some eight or ten terms, until after his father had moved to Woodland township, which occurred in 1848. Upon reaching the age of twenty he commenced to support himself, as he was not needed at home. With nothing but his clothes, which he says were not worth six dollars, he resolutely began the struggle of life, and with determination to not only obtain the living which the world is supposed to owe every one, but something more and better. Returning to Steuben Co., N. Y., he labored six months for seventy-two dollars, then, in company with his brother, came again to Woodland, and, buying a Mexican land-warrant, secured the tract of land upon which he now resides, and which by perseverance and industry he has made into one of the finest farms and homes in Woodland township. Mr. Rowlader relates that upon first taking up his land he tried to borrow money enough of his uncle, who had plenty, to purchase an axe, but he refused, saying he was fearful he would never be repaid. In 1855 he married Miss Parmelia Myers, of Odessa, Ionia Co., Mich. They were the parents of three children, of whom two are living. Mr. Rowlader was afflicted by the loss of his wife, who died July 23, 1865. He was again married March 14, 1866, this time to Miss Kate Miller, also of Ionia County, daughter of Gotleib and Christina B. Miller, who emigrated to this country from Germany in 1836..To this last union five children have FI#?ST HO0M E a _ A, UILLI RES8IDENCE OF WASHINGTON ROULAUDER, WOODLA ND, MICH. I, r i c WOODLAND TOWNSHIP. 513 I been born, of whom four are living. Among the other drawbacks Mr. Rowlader has experienced was the paying out during the first twelve years of his married life eleven hundred dollars for medical attendance. Mr. Rowlader belongs to the Evangelical Church, of which he has been a member for fourteen years, although his Christian experience extends over a period of twentyfive years; Mrs. Rowlader has also been a member of the same church for twenty-one years. He is Republican in politics, eschews tobacco, whisky, tea, and coffee, and in his life and labor gives abundant testimony of the virtues and preserving power of temperance. He seldom walks, nearly always runs, and, although following this practice and laboring early and late for years, is in good health and well preserved, and says no day's work has ever done him harm yet. Is a splendid type of German thrift and industry. His farm consists of two hundred and thirty acres, one hundred and sixty being under high cultivation. HENRY C. CARPENTER. MRS. HENRY C. CARPENTER. DR. HENRY C. CARPENTER was a son of Cyril Carpenter, born in Brunswick, Medina Co., Ohio, March 28, 1836, and the only son in a family of four children. At the age of one year moved with his parents to Geneva, N. Y. At the age of three he returned to Brunswick, Ohio, where they resided until Henry was fifteen years old, and then removed to Ionia Co., Mich. Henry, having had the advantages of a good district-school education, taught school winters, working on the farm summers. This continued until 1864, when he commenced the study of medicine, graduating in Cleveland in 1868. After his return from college he did not, as most young professionals do, go West, but settled down at home, building up a good practice in the town of Sebewa, Ionia Co. In the spring of 1872 he moved to Woodland, where he now lives, doing a large and increasing business. In practice, a homoeopathist. Sept. 15,1864, he married Miss Ellen S. Cooper, a native of New York, born Aug. 30, 1843. Her father, Israel Cooper, was one of the first settlers in Woodland, coming to this township about 1835, afterwards returning to New York, and subsequently to Michigan; this was in 1852; they there remained until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are the parents of four children, -viz.: Claude B., born Aug. 10, 1865; George H., born May 9, 1867; Lottie E., born Nov. 12, 1871; Mary A., born Dec. 11, 1873,-all of whom are living. 65 Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have both been members of the Baptist Church since their marriage. Dr. Carpenter is in politics a Republican, although not seeking political preferment. They are surrounded by a large circle of friends, who esteem the doctor not only as a professional man, but himself and estimable wife for those social qualities and sterling virtues, which are the foundation and superstructure of our society and social system, and through these the woof and warp of our free government. ALANSON P. HOLLY, although not a pioneer in the township of Woodland, was one of its most enterprising men and citizens, being truly what is called a self-made man. He was born in the township of Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., June 7, 1817. His father, Birdsill Holly, was a carpenter by trade, and Alanson, early giving evidence of a natural taste for mechanics, was apprenticed at the machinist trade and soon became one of the best, and worked as foreman in the shop of Abel Downs for twenty years. He then went to Lockport, N. Y., and worked for his brother-who was the inventor of the Holly water-works-in the Holly Manufacturing Company's shops. In August, 1866, Alanson, together with his family, moved to Woodland, where he bought a tract of land, but for eight years traveled for the Holly Manufacturing Com 514 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. - pany; at the expiration of that time he returned to his farm in Woodland, and continued farming operations until his death, which occurred May 15, 1879. Mr. Holly's wife, whom he married Oct. 13, 1840, was a Miss Harriet Stowell, a native of Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., and the second in a family of ten children. To this union were born five children,-Ira A., born March 27, 1843; Susan J., born Feb. 22, 1845; William Perry, Jan. 8, 1847; Fred Henry, born June 28, 1850; and Burt S., born Nov. 10, 1857. Ira A. Holly is settled in Burlington, Iowa, the others in different parts of Michigan, the mother and one son living on the second farm purchased by Mr. Holly, the one he first purchased when he came to Michigan being one-half mile east of the centre, where he resided two years. A view of their present home we give upon another page of this work. _ 0 cap YANKEE THIS township, lying on the western border of the county, is composed of survey-township 3, in range 10, and is bounded on the north by Thornapple township, south by Orangeville, east by Rutland, and west by the Allegan county-line. The surface of the town on the west is occupied by numerous small lakes or ponds, while in the southwest corner Gun Lake, lying in four townships, covers upwards of 2000 acres. This lake is a somewhat noted resort for anglers, picnic-parties, and other pleasure-seekers, and on its western shore, in Smith's grove, the Spiritualists of Barry and adjoining counties gather each summer in considerable numbers for camp-meeting exercises, which last generally about a week, and attract crowds of curious people. The waters of the lake are clear, and in many places deep. Whitefish and other choice specimens of the finny tribe abound, and, as the waters are free to all who care to cast the seductive fly, the fishing season always brings troops of anglers. The Wayland Fishing Club and the Hastings Fishing Club have boat-houses on the lake in Yankee Springs, and partake there each year of much refreshing sport. There has latterly been talk regarding a project looking to the drainage of Gun Lake and adjacent ponds into the Thornapple River, but whether the enterprise is likely to culminate in success very soon is somewhat uncertain. Certain it is that the reclamation of the country covered by these lakes will provide a vast acreage of valuable pasture or meadow-lands. A singular feature in the topography of the township is the fact that on the west the streams flow southward, while on the east they run towards the north. On the west the township was originally pretty well occupied by swampy pine-lands, which are, however, now well cleared and drained. The rest of the township was an oak forest, and in many places a very attractive region. At this time Yankee Springs is a township of fairly good agricultural resources, and it is, moreover, replete with scenic beauty. Looking towards the west, one may discern from the eastern elevations a wide and varied natural expanse, dotted with forest, lake, and plain, and presenting a most pleasing and picturesque prospect. By David Schwartz. S P R I N G S.* The township contains two post-offices, but neither village nor church edifice. Schools are abundant, farming is a profitable pursuit, and the people form an industrious and well-to-do community. "YANKEE BILL," THE PIONEER. The spot in Yankee Springs township now pointed out as the place where once stood the famous roadside inn of " Yankee Bill Lewis" was the location of the first white settlement in Yankee Springs. The settlement was made early in the year 1836, by Calvin Lewis, a New Yorker, who had bought land on section 35. The great Indian trail between Kalamazoo and Kent passed that way, and, as considerable travel moved over the route, it occurred to Lewis that a tavern at that point would supply a serious need and bring him in some money. So, with the assistance of his brother-in-law, one Tryon, he put up, near some cool springs, a house oftamarack and oak logs. This was in the spring of 1836, and before he got his log tavern finished along came William Lewis, his brother, who on his way to Indiana had turned aside to visit Calvin. So pleased was William with the country, and especially with the opening, at that particular point, for an energetic pioneer and tavernkeeper, that he bargained successfully with Calvin for the purchase of the property, promptly relinquished his Indiana project, and set himself at once to the completion of the business that Calvin had begun. William Lewis called his log tavern the " Mansion House," and hung a sign bearing that name on a tree near his door. Some travelers, however, had in 1835 cut the name of "Yankee Springs" on a tree standing there,t and the locality soon became generally known by that name. The hotel also was called the " Yankee Springs House" instead of the " Mansion House," becoming celebrated throughout the State by the former name. In 1837 a stage-route was established between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, or Kent, and, as it followed the old Indian trail, Lewis' tavern was of course a point on the route, and a famous one, too, as shall presently appear. In its course through Yankee Springs township, the road passed over a country of light oak-openings, which gave a t See page 33 of the general history. YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP. 515 natural and easy highway. The course was essentially that now pursued by the route between Yankee Springs and Middleville, and varied only as the increasing travel cut up the path and caused new parallel roads to be made by the stages, for it must be borne in mind that these vehicles could pass through the open woods almost anywhere, and pick out such road as best suited. By and by travel over this road grew extremely active, and in the same degree Lewis' tavern gained importance, and by degrees, to accommodate increasing business, he expanded its proportions by adding new structures, until there were of the tavern-stand, six buildings, each a story in height, and all, save one, constructed of logs. Jumbled together in a confused mass, these six edifices presented neither an imposing nor a graceful appearance, but they were the hurried creations of backwoods life, and were built when there was no time to waste over architectural symmetry or beauty. Travelers that way, struck by the odd collection of log cabins, and struck more by the delightful entertainment found there, used to mention, in their letters to Eastern newspapers, their pleasant experiences at the " little huts at Yankee Springs." It was a standing joke of the time that Lewis' tavern was a six-story building, but that the six stories were all on the ground. When Lewis became a popular landlord, and his tavern grew in fame, he came also to be known far and wide as Yankee Bill or Yankee Lewis, and by one or the other of these names he was spoken of until the day of his death. He was known all along the road, and the hospitable and entertaining character of his tavern was such that travelers would make urgent efforts to reach Yankee Bill's so they could pass the night there, while stage-coach passengers, bowling along towards the old tavern, felt renewed cheerfulness and satisfaction at the thought of the good things sure to be awaiting them there. So brisk was business at the Yankee Springs House that it was a common thing for 100 people to tarry there of a night, while on one occasion no less than 60 teams were stabled there between sunset and sunrise. Landlord Lewis was a skillful caterer, noted for the inviting and wholesome fare of his table, and was, moreover, so attentive to business that he rarely failed to receive in person every traveler who tarried with him. He cultivated a vegetable garden hard by his tavern, and, having a gardener expert at his trade, took an inordinate pride in making that department a great success, since upon it he depended greatly in providing his guests with toothsome delicacies and palatable luxuries. This garden he delighted in, and never tired of displaying its attractive features to passing wayfarers. Lewis was a jovial, good-natured landlord, given to conviviality, and sociable to an extraordinary degree. He had a coterie of chums, who paid him frequent visits, and with them he often engaged nin such entertaining sport as foot-racing and similar pastimes. One Saturday evening, a half-dozen or more of his cronies being at the tavern for a Sunday visit, Lewis arranged a foot-race, and down the hill the entire party ran in great spirits. Who won, who lost, what the stakes were, or what time the racers made, tradition fails to disclose, but it does tell how one of the contestants so exercised himself that he shook three false teeth out of his head into the sand, and, although all hands joined subsequently in a determined search for the missing molars, they were never found, and, according to popular belief, they are to this day in the sand where they fell. Lewis was at his best, however, when the stage-horn announced from the top of the neighboring hill the near approach of the welcome stage, Four stage-coaches loaded down and drawn by four horses passed daily for a time over the road each way, and it may be believed that Lewis' tavern, the only stage-house upon a stretch of nearly twenty miles of road either way, was like an oasis in the desert. Landlord Lewis was in his most gracious and graceful mood when the stage rolled up to his door, and he did the honors in approved style. He made a good deal of money at the tavern-stand and owned considerable land, but always frankly confessed that he couldn't save money as his brothers did. He was, however, a man of some influence, and went for one term to the State Legislature. About 1850 there was an attempt towards the construction of a plank-road from Augusta to Grand Rapids, vid Yankee Springs, and in anticipation of the renewal of traffic Lewis not only made preparations to replace his log huts with a fine tavern-building, but at his own expense built two miles of the proposed road. The whole project failed, however, and the new tavern never came into existence. Travel over the old road continued, however, to be considerable until the completion, in 1855, of a plank-road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids through Allegan County caused a diversion of traffic to that route, and then the glory as well as the usefulness of the Yankee Springs House departed. Lewis leased the stand to Solomon Burch and retired to a farm, where he died in 1860. His widow still survives, and resides in Kent County. After Burch's time Winchester Dodge kept the place, and after that young Calvin Lewis, but the tavern was not of much consequence after the stage-route was changed, and all traces of it have long since disappeared. Mr. Tryon, already spoken of as having assisted Calvin Lewis in making a settlement, returned eastward soon after William Lewis came West. Calvin Lewis, after selling out to William, bought a farm hard by and became a pioneer in earnest. During the latter portion of his life he kept a tavern on his place, on section 27. Hiram Lewis, also a brother of William, settled in Yankee Springs in 1837, but afterwards moved to Prairieville, and died in 1879 in Kalamazoo. OTHER PIONEER TAVERNS. On the same Battle Creek and Grand Rapids stage-road were two other taverns in Yankee Springs, locally famous as roadside inns, and kept respectively by Benjamin S. Dibble and Philip Leonard. Mr. Dibble was the third settler in the township, Calvin and William Lewis having (as has been seen) been the first two. His first visit was in May, 1836, on a land-looking tour. He immediately purchased 320 acres on section 2, and returned to New York for his family, and in October, 1836, he became a settler in Yankee Springs. Until the following February the home in which he and his family set up their domestic altar was a rude 516 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. Y shanty, with neither floor, door, window, nor chimney. For the latter a hole in the roof answered, although, when the rains of heaven made their way through it to the family beneath, it must have answered but poorly. A blanket served as a door, and thus comfortless, but sustained by the hope of something better, the family endured existence until February, when they moved into a newly-erected log house. Mr. Dibble was appointed postmaster at the newly-established office of Middleville in 1839. In 1842 he took a contract for carrying the mail between Kalamazoo and Kent, and after that was mail-contractor and tavern-keeper for twenty years. The tavern he opened shortly after he settled, and called it the Silver Creek House. It was about five miles north of Yankee Bill's tavern, and was freely patronized. In 1840 Dibble sold the stand to Philip Lconard, who removed the old sign and announced to the traveling public by a new one that the house was the " Middleville Cottage, by P. Leonard." It was known, too, as the HalfWay House, for it was at first thought to stand just mid-way between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, whereas subsequent surveys disclosed the "'half-way" point to be about two miles south of the tavern. Shortly after selling out to Leonard, Mr. Dibble moved about a mile southward, on the same road, and became the landlord of a second tavern, which he named " The Washington" and dedicated to the cause of temperance. When he raised his sign he had quite a company at hand to celebrate the event. Of the speeches made on that occasion the one best remembered was made by Mr. George B. Manchester, who said, " We raise here to-day this cold-water sign: may it hang triumphantly in the heavens until it brings down all the hotwater signs in the land." In parting with the history of the stage-road and the roadside inns, passing reference may be made to Bill Van De Walker and John Crampton, two famous stage-drivers on the line. Van De Walker was considered a great "' whip," and was popular all along the route as a jovial character, and one withal who would put his passengers through on time, or-to use his expression —" bust a trace." Among other things, Crampton was more especially distinguished as the possessor of a very much extended horn, which some reckless chronicler has described as " nine feet long,' but which was in reality a very important instrument, with which he delighted to awaken the musical echoes and to flourish in all the pride of professional dignity. SETTLERS AND ANECDOTES. The settlement of the township was carried forward in the autumn of 1836 by Luther Hill, who then located on section 12, and, following him, by his son, Calvin Hill, who, in the same fall, made a settlement on section 11, he having lived for a year previous in Prairieville. Calvin Hill (still living on section 11) remembers that when he came to the town first the country struck him as one of the prettiest he had ever seen. The oak-timber was light and open, while the ground was profusely decked with wild-flowers, and, although there was a prospect of tough pioneer work and perhaps of privations, nature seemed to offer a beautiful consolation for anticipated hardships. Those hardships, however, did not realize in every respect the settler's apprehensions. Ready communication with the outside world by the stage-road gave to the pioneers in Yankee Springs advantages which those in other quarters sorely missed, and placed them within reach of the comforts of life, provided they were possessed of the financial means to obtain them,-means which, be it observed, were not always at hand in the daily routine of frontier existence. As in many other localities, there were frequent troublesome incursions by wolves and bears upon the small stock of the settlers, while animated experiences with wolves on the part of the settlers themselves broke, if they did not embellish, the somewhat prosaic monotony of pioneer pursuits. Calvin Hill recalls how, in the year 1840, he went one night, across lots through the snow, to visit his father, and how, upon returning, he was chased by a pack of wolves. Grievous was his dismay and great was his haste as he fled towards home before his ferocious pursuers, but fortune favored him in giving him but a short distance to cover before reaching his house, else he might not have been spared to tell the story. As it was, he reached his dooi-yard just as the leader of the hungry horde was close upon him. With a loud cry Hill leaped the fence; at that instant his wife appeared at the doorway with a light, and the wolves, suddenly appalled by the cry and the light, stopped short, when in a trice their intended victim was safe within the walls of his cabin. On the west the early settlements were near Barlow Lake, and were made by Nathan Barlow, John Miles, Nelson Coman, and C. W. Bassett, in 1837. Mr. Barlow, who located on section 7, built the first saw-mill in the township. He was a man of mark, was one of the associate judges chosen upon the organization of the county, and was a resident of Yankee Springs until his death, in 1855. C. W. Bassett, now living on section 4, bought his present farm in 1836, and, in the fall of 1837, brought his family to the place. His cabin had an opening, but no door, and a blanket was the best available substitute to be found for that article. He went to mill to Battle Creek (where all the early settlers had to go for a similar purpose) shortly after coming in, and was, of course, compelled to leave his wife and child behind to endure as best they could the distress of their lonely situation. Mr. Bassett was gone nearly a week, and when he returned he found the family without provisions and long anxiously awaiting relief, but more especially glad at his coming back because of the terrible frights they had endured through the howling of the wolves. These, Mrs. Bassett declared, had kept her company early and late, and had made the week's existence a continued terror, as she was in constant fear lest they should dash upon her through the unprotected doorway of the cabin and fall murderously upon herself and little one. Mr. Bassett tells a story which shows the misfortunes that attended the poor pioneer in need of a doctor. Urged on by a rebellious tooth, he started afoot for Prairieville to get relief from a German physician living there. When he arrived there, however, it was to learn that the doctor had been engaged in the business of passing counterfeit YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP. 517 I money, and had fled the country to avoid arrest. Pushing on to Gun Marsh to find another physician, he reached there only to be told that the doctor had gone to Pine Creek to mill. Desperate and determined, Bassett continued on to Gun Plain, but, alas! the practitioner there had gone to Kalamazoo. Nerving himself for a final effort, he set out for Otsego to find Dr. Coats, but en route thither he met the Gun Marsh doctor coming back fiom mill. He rode home with him, and then, as if in mockery of the victim's suffering experience, the man of medicine broke the tooth upon his first attempt to extract it. Bassett would have no more of such butchering, and he waded home through the snow, having been gone two days, traveled forty-five miles, and come back with a worse tooth than he had when he started. " I went to Middleville," he says, " had the tooth cut out with a jack-knife and dug out with a shoemaker's awl, and so got rid of it at last." Nelson Coman, now living on section 4, tarried with Bassett a while, and in 1838 married and settled upon the farm he now occupies. He was one of the early schoolteachers in the county, and, having a school at Middleville one winter, used to make the trip over there, a distance of eight miles, in the morning and back again in the evening to do his " chores," the snow being sometimes four feet deep. In 1839 he threshed out some wheat upon the frozen ground, took it over to Judge Barlow's, cleaned it in the judge's fanning-mill, and carried it to Battle Creek to mill. When he got the flour home he had been just a week at the job. For letters he and others resident in the neighborhood had to go to " Yankee Lewis'," a round trip of ten miles, and also enjoyed the privilege of paying a postage of twenty-five cents per letter. Mr. Coman was out quite late one night in search of his cows, and, in the darkness losing his way, he concluded to camp out for the night, but, not fancying a bed on the ground while the wolves were howling about him, he took lodgment in a tree, and in this lofty perch passed what must have been a wearisome time until daylight. John Miles and James Hoskinson had just preceded Bassett into the settlement, but the latter was not aware of their presence, or the presence indeed of any neighbors in that direction, until one day when he and his wife went over to Coman marsh after hay. While there Mrs. Bassett suddenly cried, "Oh, I hear a cow-bell, and I know we've got neighbors." Similarly, Miles didn't know that Bassett or anybody else was in the vicinity until, seeing wagontracks in the marsh, he knew he had new neighbors. In that vicinity also Shaftoe and William Lowry, two brothers, settled in 1838, but their stay was limited to a few years. T. P. Johnson, one of the hardiest and heartiest of pioneers, bought land on section 12, in March, 1836, but did not occupy it as a settler until 1841. Meanwhile he worked at Squire Calvin Hill's, in Thornapple, and took an active part in the pioneer work of that region. Although still a land-owner in Yankee Springs, his home is in Middleville. A. Stokoe, on section 5, was a settler in 1840, William and James Thorne made locations on section 10 in 1839, and in the northeast Charles Kellogg, John W. Bradley, and A. H. Bradley, his brother, were among the Yankee Springs pioneers of 1840. Among the later comers, J. J. Mattison settled in 1847, James Youngs in 1848, and William Pratt in 1851. In the year 1839 there came fiom New York John Stewart, who made a settlement on section 34, and lived there until about 1864, when he removed from the town, and died in 1873, in Mississippi. Edwin Naylor, with his family, had come in shortly before Stewart, and made a home on section 34. The Naylor farm was occupied in 1851 by James Campbell, who kept store near Lewis' tavern. Edwin Naylor, after being joined by his father, William Naylor, remained in town a few years, and then moved to Port Huron. James Norris was a settler in the winter of 1838 upon section 26. He came from Washtenaw County, where he had been living four years, and had with him, besides his own family, a hired man named Watts, who himself became subsequently a resident on section 25. Darby Doyle settled on section 35, in the spring of 1839, and soon thereafter came James Watson to the same neighborhood, where he bought some land of Hiram Lewis. Following close upon Watson the new-comers included Moses Doyle, Alexander Stewart, John Duffee, and a Mr. Hardee, and later still George H. Ford, Daniel Brown, Samuel Potter, and William Ellsworth. The first birth in Yankee Springs was that of James T., a son of Benjamin S. Dibble. He was born March 27, 1837, and now lives in Thornapple township. The first marriage was that of William Whitney, a shoemaker, living near the Lewis tavern, to a Miss Rogers, in 1840, Hiram Lewis performing the marriage ceremony. The first death was that of a man named Thomas, who worked for land. lord Lewis. Thomas was out on Deep Lake on a fishing excursion, and by some mischance fell into the water and was drowned. His body was recovered, and buried in the graveyard south of the tavern, where William Lewis had given the town a piece of land for burial purposes. Thomas was the first person to be buried therein, and Mrs. William Coffin, of Orangeville, the second. Nathan Barlow, who settled near Barlow Lake, in 1837, built there, with his son Nathan, in 1840, the first sawmill. He disposed of it to Timothy Miles, who transferred it to 0. C. Bates, and he to E. H. Bowen. The latter took possession of the property in 1864, and in 1871 built also a grist-mill, whence the locality has been known from that day as Bowen's Mills. William Lewis owned a saw-mill, on section 9, about 1850, having bought it when he purposed building a new tavern. Later, Silas Headley built a small grist-mill there. William Lewis put up about 1840, near his tavern-stand, a store building, which was, however, first used for a school. A store was opened in it a few years later by Seth Lewis, and after him it was kept by James Campbell, who was its last proprietor. MAILS AND POST-OFFICES. About 1837 a post-office was established in Yankee Springs, and, as Yankee Bill Lewis was appointed postmaster, of course the post-office was at the tavern. In those early days it was the rule for mail-carriers to allow each postmaster seven minutes and a half to pick from the mail-bag 518 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. the letters intended for his office, and, as that business was done by going over the entire contents of the mail-bag, the time limit forced postmasters to use the utmost diligence. Yankee Bill, with an eye to dispatch, would dump the contents of the mail-bag upon the bar-room floor, and then he and the members of his household would fall to and pick out the Yankee Springs letters. Sorting the mail in that fashion was doubtless an interesting performance, but a post-office agent happening along that way one day, and observing it, ordered a stop put to that method of procedure, -that is, he did so as soon as he had recovered from his amazement. During Mr. Lewis' term the name of the post-office was changed to Gates, just as the township name was, but restored almost immediately to the old one. Lewis was the postmaster until his death, and was succeeded in order by John Crump, Stephen Potter, and Albert Springer, the latter, who is now the incumbent, having been appointed in the autumn of 1878. In 1839 an office called Middleville was established in the northern part of the town, and B. S. Dibble appointed postmaster. J. W. Bradley was appointed in 1842, and in 1843 the office was removed to the village of Middleville. Gun Lake post-office, in the western part of the township, was established about 1850. The first postmaster was Nathan Barlow, and the second John Miles, who was likewise the mail-carrier, bringing the mail from Wayland to Gun Lake on horseback. At times his daughter Fanny (now Mrs. Chappell) relieved her father as mail-carrier, and report says that Miss Fanny, being fond of reading, would so devote herself to the contemplation of her book while riding along on old Dobbin that the mail-bag would, unknown to her, slip from the horse on the way; the fair rider being so interested in her story that not until her arrival at her destination would she discover the loss of the mail. This is said to have happened more than once, but, as luck would have it, the mail-bag was always recovered. John A. Miles succeeded John Miles as postmaster, and in 1865 E. H. Bowen was appointed. In 1871 he caused the name of the office to be changed to Bowen's Mills. Mr. Bowen retired in 1877, and was followed by C. H. Armstrong, the present incumbent. ROAD DISTRICTS. In 1843 there were five road districts in the town, and in these respectively the residents were as follows: No. 1. Acres. John W. Bradley, section 1................................ 320 A. H. Bradley, section 1................................... 120 J. W. Miles, section 11................................. 120 Calvin Hill, sections 11 and 12........................... 87 Luther Hill, section 12............................... 253 B. S. Dibble, section 2................................ 240 Philip Leonard, section 2....................... 80 T. P. Johnson, section 12........................... 240 Lyman Hill............................................... Poll tax W illiam Watts.................................... " No. 2. Seth Bowerman, section 10........................ 80 W. B. Thorn, section 10.................................... 120 J. L. Thorn, section 10...................................... 80 Elisha W eeks, section 10.................................... 40 No. 3, C. W. Bassett, section 4.............................. 240 Nelson Coman, section 4................................. 160 Acres. L. L. M iles, section 4....................................... 160 Nathan Barlow, sections 8 and 16....................... 316 N. Barlow, Jr.......................... Poll tax No. 4. James Hoskinson, section 19.............................. 124 John Miles, sections 19, 20, 30.......................... 343 Zachariah W ard, section 9................................ 75 J. A. Miles, section 21............................ 98 Lorenzo M iles.................................. Poll tax W ard M iles.............................................. " No. 5. William Lewis, sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35.............. 596 Nelson Gardner, section 26............................ 80 William Naylor, section 34................................. 160 D arby Doyle, lot.............................................. James Norris, sections 26 and 27...................... 183 James Watson, section 34................................... 75 John Stewart, section 34................................... 80 W. 11. Whitney.................................. Poll tax Nelson Watson.......................... " W illiam Van Derwaker............................... M r. Gilbert............................................... RELIGIOUS. Yankee Springs has never had a church edifice within its limits, nor yet many religious organizations. Of the latter there are to-day perhaps two or three. There was preaching as early as 1837 at Lewis' tavern-stand, and afterward in the building used as a school-house, where Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist preachers held forth, as they happened to travel that way. A Methodist class was formed at that point quite early, but its subsequent progress was far from vigorous. It is now somewhat disorganized, and, although efforts have been made to resume worship, there have been but few meetings during the past year. Rev. Daniel E. Stocking, now living near there, took charge of the circuit in 1867, and at that time preached at no less than nine different points. About 1850 there was in the southwest portion of Yankee Springs, and in the northern part of Orangeville, a community of Catholics, who bought Lewis McCloud's residence and converted it into a house of worship. They obtained the occasional services of priests from Grand Rapids, and for several years had regular services. They laid out a cemetery near by, and prospered as a church until the removal from the neighborhood of a major portion of its members caused its dissolution. The church edifice and cemetery, both in Yankee Springs township, are yet observed as landmarks, although long since out of service. The first preaching in the western portion of the town was by Rev. Mr. Daubney, at the residence of C. W. Bassett, in 1839. A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at J. W. Bradley's house by Rev. Mr. Worthington in 1842, but its life was not extended. The Gun Lake Methodist Episcopal class was organized at the Robbins school-house in 1860, and enjoyed considerable prosperity. SCHOOLS. The first meeting of the school inspectors was held April 29, 1839, at the Yankee Springs tavern, the officials being John Miles, Seth Lewis, and Nelson Coman. At a meeting held May 8th following, nine school districts were organized, as follows: District No. 1, commencing at the northeast corner of section 1, running thence west on the section-line to the northwest corner of section 3; thence L YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP. 519. - south on the section-line to the southwest corner of section 10; thence east on the section-line to the southeast corner of section 12; thence north on the section-line to the place of beginning. District No. 2, to include sections 13, 14, 15, 22, 23, and 24. District No. 3, to include sections 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36. District No. 4, to commence at the northeast corner of section 16, and run west on the section-line to the quarter-post on the north line of section 17; thence south to the middle of section 17; thence west to the quarter-post on the west line of section 17;-thence north to the northwest corner of section 17; thence west to the northwest corner of section 18; thence south on the section-line to the corner of town 3 north, range 10 west; thence east on the town-line to the southeast corner of section 33, in said town; thence north on the section-line to the northeast corner of section 16. District No. 5, to commence on the northeast corner of section 4, to run thence west on the town-line to the northwest corner of section 6; thence south to the southwest corner of section 7; thence east to the northeast corner of section 18; thence south on the section-line to the quarter-post on the west line on section 17; thence east to the middle of section 17; thence north to the quarter-post on the north line of section 7; thence east to the southeast corner of section 9; thence north to the place of beginning. District No. 6, to include sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, in town 3 north, range 9 west. District No. 7, to include sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 36, in town 3. District No. 8, to include sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33, in town 3. District No. 9, to include sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, and 18, in town 3. The first school in the township was taught, in 1840, by Mary, daughter of Nathan Barlow, in a framed building put up by Yankee Lewis near the tavern for a residence, but used first as a school-house, and subsequently as a store: being later remodeled as a barn, and still used as such. A log school-house was built in that district the next summer, in which the early teachers were Eliza Hoskinson, a Mr. Dixon, and Rachel Bowne. From 1843 to 1860 the following persons received certificates to teach school in the township: Amanda Harwood, May 15, 1843. Zerba Brewer, July 15, 1843. Laura Angel, July 10, 1843. Mary Ann Bowerman, May 11, 1844. Huldah Ann Brewer, May 3, 1845. Mary Jane Stokoe, May 19, 1845. George B. Manchester, Dec. 1, 1845. Abigail Warner, May 2, 1846. Delia Hill, July 23, 1846. Frances C. Hill, May 1, 1847. Eliza Hoskinson, May 11, 1847. Delia Hill, May 11, 1847. Clarissa M. Payne, June 5,1847. Miss Rouse, Dec. 4, 1847. Willard B. Goodrich, Dec. 9, 1847. Eliza A. Kenfield, May 15, 1848. Eliza A. Hoskinson, Fanny E. Miles, Nov. 30, 1848. Charles H. Miles, Dec. 27, 1848. Charles Goodell, Dec. 10, 1849. Maletta Hills, Jan. 5, 1850. Harriet M. Hill, Emily E. Sprague, April 13, 1850. Francina Monteith, May 25, 1850. Harriet M. Brewer, May 6, 1850. Martha Balch, July 7, 1851. Eliza E. Hardy, May 12, 1852. - Sedgwick, Dec. 25, 1852. Maletta Hills, Jan. 3, 1853. Mary L. Patrick, Eliza Hoskinson, Fanny E. Miles, April 9, 1853. Laura Ann Williams, May 23, 1853. Lucinda Cowell, Nov. 5,1853. Jane Brewer, May 22, 1854. Lewis Jordan, Nov. 27, 1854. Miss A. G. Hill, Dec. 1, 1854. Mary E. Hubbard, May 18, 1855. Mary Williams, Laura Williams, April 17, 1855. Marietta Balch, April 10, 1856. Lucy A. Houstatter, May 20, 1856. Laura E. Naylor, May 15, 1856. Samuel W. Wing, E. S. Burnett, Nov. 1, 1856. Pamelia Cranson, April 11, 1857. Lucy McDonald, April 27, 1857. Margaret McGown, Sarah C. Fish, May 23, 1857. Fanny Miles, June 20, 1857. James Mead, Nov. 14, 1857. Isaac Dimond, Nov. 21, 1857. Miss A. M. Bugbee, Miss M. A. Hill, April 10, 1858. Adeline J. Peake, May 24, 1858. Sarah J. Power, May 3, 1858. George D. Lewis, Nov. 22, 1858. Henry White, Francis Kinnon, Nov. 29, 1858. Nellie Purdy, Lucinda Coman, Adelia Cranson, April 9, 1859. Angela Hays, May 2, 1859. Harriet Smith, May 7, 1859. Mary L. Young, May 17, 1859. Fidelia Parker, July 12, 1859. John Miles, E. R. Chandler, S. A. Mattison, Nov. 5,1859. S. 0. Bryant, Nov. 26, 1859. W. Kidder, Dec. 3, 1859. The official school report for 1879 presented the following statistics: Number of districts (whole, 6; fractional, 4)...... " children of school age.................... Average attendance...................................... Value of property......................................... Teachers' wages........................................... 10 378 329 $3340 $1255 The school directors for 1879 were A. T. Sylvester, G. W. Spaulding, A. Springer, J. A. Beebe, B. P. Burpee, J. W. Briggs, F. L. Noyes, Daniel Duffy, William Gordon, and Edwin Brink. THE BEACH HOMICIDE. Some time in 1868 Milton Beach and Leonard Stockdale, two farmers of Yankee Springs, had some trouble concerning the breaking of a piece of land, which Beach had agreed to look after, but neglected. Arraigned by Stockdale for his default, Beach, a very violent man, grew furiously angry, and assaulted Stockdale with an oxwhip. The latter, happening to have an open penknife in his hand at that juncture, closed with his assailant, and in the ensuing struggle Beach was stabbed. He was carried home, and, despite skillful surgical attention, died within a week. Stockdale was tried on the charge of murder, but acquitted on the plea of self-defense. The year 1877 furnished another local tragedy in the suicide of Mrs. Charles Turner, who lived on section 23. The cause of her desperate taking off was not clearly defined, but was generally charged to mental depression. 520 HISTORY OF ALLEGAN AND BARRY COUNTIES, MICHIGAN. I YANKEE SPRINGS GRANGE, No. 243, was organized Feb. 5, 1874, with 30 members and officers, as follows: J. W. Briggs, M.; Buel Bradley, O.; James Robbins, L.; H. E. Buxton, Sec.; E. H. Bowen, Treas.; Robert Misner, Steward. Except during the year 1878, when Bradlev Leek held the office, J. W. Briggs has been the Master since the organization of the grange. The present membership is 40. The officers are J. W. Briggs, M.; Robert Misner, 0.; Bradley Leek, L.; S O. Smith, Chaplain; J. A. Martin, Sec.; James Partridge, Treas.; Benjamin B. Burpee, Steward; - Culver, Gate-Keeper. Meetings are held at the residence, but by the close of the year the grange will probably have a hall. BARLOW LAKE LODGE, No. 981, I. O. G. T., organized June, 1879, has now a membership of about 70, and is officered as follows: J. W. Briggs, W. C. T.; Minerva Goodspeed, W. V. T.; Nora Hugget, Treas.; George Knickerbocker, Sec.; Burdett Briggs, Marshal; E. D. Pease, P. W. C. T. ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS. A legislative act approved March 22, 1839, detached townships 3 north, in ranges 9 and 10 west, from Thornapple, and called them Yankee Springs. An act approved March 16, 1847, set off township 3, in range 9, and called it Rutland. The name of Yankee Springs was not palatable to all the residents therein, and as the result of the efforts of Calvin Hill and others, in 1848, the Legislature substituted Gates for Yankee Springs, Gates being the town in New York State whence the Hills came. William Lewis, who had given the township its first name, refused to see it crowded out by Gates. and by determined exertions succeeded, during the session of 1848-49, in having the old appellation restored, since when it has been undisturbed. The township was of course named fiom the springs, and the origin of the name of the latter will be found on page 33 of the general history. The first town-meeting was held at the Yankee Springs Mansion House. April 1, 1839. Hiram Lewis was chosen chairman, T. L. Thorn secretary, and Shaftoe Lowry, Estes Rich, Nathan Barlow, and James L. Thorn inspectors. The voters at that meeting numbered 30, as follows: Gustin Watson, William Lewis, James L. Thorn, Nathan Barlow, Calvin Lewis, Hiram Lewis, John Stewart, William Olmstead, William Watts, Francis Mitavier, B. S. Dibble, Alexander St. John, H. D. Tisdale, W. B. Thorn, J. W. Bradley, Nelson Coman, Abraham Bradley, Calvin Hill, James Norris, Ira Shipman, Orlando Pierce, Shaftoe Lowry, John Miles, John A. Miles, James Hoskinson, Estes Rich, John Farr, C. W. Bassett, Zechariah Ward, Harrison Bradley. A full list of the persons chosen as officers is as follows: Supervisor, Nathan Barlow; Clerk, Seth Lewis; Treasurer, Hiram Lewis; Justices of the Peace, J. W. Bradley, Nelson Coman, Shaftoe Lowry; Highway Commissioners, William Lewis, Nathan Barlow, J. W. Bradley; Assessors, John Miles, Charles W. Bassett, J. L. Thorn; School Commissioners, John Miles, Nelson Coman, Seth Lewis; Overseers of the Poor, James Norris, James Hoskinson, Estes Rich; Collector, B. S. Dibble; Constables, B. S. Dibble, W. B. Thorn, George Fowler; Sealer of Weights, William Lewis; Road Supervisors: in district No. 1, Harrison Bradley; in No. 2, Nathan Barlow; in No. 3, James Hoskinson; in No. 4, Hiram Lewis; in No. 5, Estes Rich. At the same meeting it was voted to raise $200 for town expenses the ensuing year, to allow town officers $1.50 per day for transacting town business, and to pay a bounty of $5 on all wolves taken in the town. Appended is a list of the persons who have been elected annually as supervisors, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace from 1840 to 1879: SUPERVISORS. 1840, N. Barlow; 1841, William Lewis; 1842-43, John Miles; 1844, J. W. Bradley; 1845, John Miles; 1846, N. Coman; 1847, W. Lewis; 1848, E. Weeks; 184g-51, J. Miles; 1852, J. Campbell; 1853-55, J. Miles; 1856, P. Leonard; 1857-60, J. Miles; 1861, C. W. Bassett; 1862, T. Miles; 1863, C. Hill; 1864, T. Miles; 1865, J. Parrish; 1866, J. Miles; 1867, J. Parrish; 1868-72, J. W. Briggs; 1873, James Youngs; 1874-77, Z. B. Hoyt; 1878, James Youngs; 1879, G. H. Ford. CLERKS. 1840, J. W. Bradley; 1841, Seth Lewis; 1842-43, N. Barlow, Jr.; 1844, N. Coman; 1845, C. W. Bassett; 1846, William Naylor; 1847, T. W. Webber; 1848, P. Leonard; 1849-55, N. Coman; 1856, J. Miles; 1857, N. Coman; 1858, P. W. Hoskinson; 1859 -61, E. R. Chandler; 1862, J. W. Miles; 1863-64, Nelson Coman; 1865, G. W. Slade; 1866-72, T. A. Hubbard; 1873-75, C. 1I. Coman; 1876, G. H. Spaulding; 1877-79, C. W. Armstrong. TREASURERS. 1840, W. B. Thorn; 1841, James Norris; 1842, C. W. Bassett; 1843 -44, William Lewis; 1845-46, A. A. Mead; 1847-48, B. S. Dibble; 1849, C. W. Bassett; 1850, A. A. Mead; 1851-52, C. W. Bassett; 1853-60, J. W. Miles; 1861, N. Coman; 1862-76, William Watson; ]877-78, A. Turner; 1879, I. N. Hubbard. JUSTICES OF TIE PEACE. 1840, Nelson Coman; 1841, William Lewis; 1842, W. B. Thorn; 1843, John W. Bradley; 1844, N. Gardner; 1845, N. Barlow; 1846, J. Hoskinson; 1847, Levi Hardy; 1848, J. W. Bradley; 1849, N. Barlow; 1850, Calvin Hill; 1851, J. O. Riley; 1852, W. C. Pratt; 1853, N. Barlow; 1854, Daniel Brown; 1855, Calvin Hill; 1856, J. W. Bradley; 1857, S. Potter; 1858, S. Shattuck; 1859, C. Trask; 1860, William C. Pratt; 1861, S. Potter; 1862, P. W. Hoskinson; 1863, J. J. Bowerman; 1864, W. C. Pratt; 1865, S. Potter; 1866, E. H. Bowen; 1867, C. Hill; 1868, G. W. Wilcox; 1869, D. N. Stocking; 1870, E. Phetteplace; 1871, George Robbins; 1872, G. W. Wilcox; 1873, D. N. Stocking; 1874, C. Hill; 1875, L. Baldwin; 1876, A. F. Sylvester; 1877, S. Potter; 1878, C. Hill; 1879, L. Baldwin. The jury-list for 1840 was composed of John Miles, Nelson Coman, W. B. Thorn, J. L. Thorn, J. W. Bradley, Calvin Hill, and James Hoskinson, as grand jurors, and John W. Barton, John Stewart, Hiram Lewis, James Norris, A. H. Bradley, Philip Leonard, and Seth Lewis, as petit jurors. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. HENRY D. NORRIS. James Norris was born in 1799, near Montpelier, Vt., and until he was nineteen years of age passed his life upon a farm, save for a period during the war of 1812, when he or YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP. 521 I. was employed as a mail-carrier in the military service. Reaching his twentieth year, he determined to become the architect of his own fortune, and so he penetrated into the then wilderness of Genesee Co., N. Y., where he lived until the spring of 1834, and where he married Miss Cla he set about the erection of a log cabin upon his place, and the following spring moved into it. He died in Yankee Springs, Nov. 19, 1875, and at the time of his death owned, in addition to his original purchase, eighty acres on section 27. He was during his residence in Yankee Springs a respected and- honored citizen, and at his death was generally lamented. Henry D. Norris, his son, was born in New York, Aug. 30, 1832, and was but six years of age when his father came to Yankee Springs. Reared from his youth to be a farmer, he chose to follow in his father's footsteps, and, marrying Sarah J., daughter of Edward and Angelina Ford (who removed to Michigan from Saratoga County in 1850), he settled himself in life as an agriculturist. Inheriting the old homestead of one hundred and three acres on section 26, he has developed and expanded his enterprise as a farmer to such good purpose that to that one hundred and three acres he has added upwards of three hundred. He has, furthermore, put into execution liberal and progressive theories in the management of his farm, as for example the introduction of windpower and machinery for the cutting of feed, grinding grain, etc., upon his place. Still following new and untried fields, he has undertaken an experiment in peach-culture, and, believing that peaches can be profitably grown in Yankee Springs, has set out an orchard of two hundred and fifty trees. Should the venture prove a success, he will turn his attention and devote his land wholly to that branch of agriculture. Mr. Norris is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, endowed, however, with much energy of character and a shrewd foresight in matters of business. In politics his faith lies with the Republican party, but in the pool of politics he does not care to dabble, since the more engrossing affairs of business are exclusively the study of his life. His family consists of his wife and two children, -Minnie, aged five, and John, aged one. HENRY D. NORRIS. rinda Kinner. In 1834 he moved to Ypsilanti, Mich., and rented a farm of his brother. There he lived until December, 1838, when he moved with his family to Yankee Springs township, in Barry County, where, on section 26, he had located in 1835, through Mr. Augell, of Marshall, one hundred and three acres. Mr. Norris reached Yankee Springs on Christmas Eve, in 1838, and occupied a portion of the house of Hiram Lewis. Without loss of time 66 II II I MOMMEmilumalm i 0 i gm i MiEFIV. MEN