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-OF-
HILLSDALE COUNTY,
MICHIGAN,
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Ullttstrafions mA ||t0gra^ltka! ^Itelclie^
t-^^OF^:^_?
SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.
PHILADELPHIA:
B-VEE.a?S &c ABBOTT.
PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA,
COJSTTEISrTS.
mSTOK.IO^L.
HISTOKT OF HILLSDALE OOUNTT.
CHAPTER PAGE
I. — Introductory . . . . , . . . 9
II. — Early French Diecoreries 10
III. — The Pottawattamies 12
IV. — The Pottawattamies (continued) .... 16
V. — The Pottawattamies (continued) .... 36
VI.— The Era of Preparation 32
VII.— The Pioneer Era 35
VIII.— The Era of Development 45
IX.— The First and Second Infantry 47
X.— The Fourth Infantry 49
XL— The Seventh and Tenth Infantry .... 55
XII.— The Eleventh Infantry 58
XIII.— The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Infantry ... 60
XIV,— The Eighteenth Infantry 62
XV.— The Twenty-Fourth, Twenty-Seventh, and Thirtieth
Infantry ......... 65
XVI. — The First Sharpshooters and First Engineers and Me-
chanics 69
XVII. — Second, Fourth, and Seventh Cavalry ... 71
XVIII.— Eighth and Eleventh Cavalry and First Light Artil-
lery 75
XIX.— Other Soldiers 79
XX.— Since the War 80
XXL— Hillsdale County Civil List 81
XXIL— The Press of Hillsdale County 83
XXIII. — Hillsdale County Agricultural Society
XXIV. — The County Grange and the Pioneer Society
XXV.— Hillsdale College
City op Hillsdale
86
90
94
HISTORY OF THE TOWNS OF HIIil4SDAIi£
COUNTY.
Fayette 119
Scipio . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Litchfield 157
Pittsford rro"
Wheatland 188
Wright 200
Hillsdale 215
Adams 219
Somerset 230
Moscow 241
Allen 251
Cambria 266
Jefferson . . 272
Ransom ........... 283
Amboy 295
Camden 30I
Reading 311
Woodbridge 328
Bioa-i?.^i=H:io^Xj.
Hon. John P. Cook, Hillsdale
Lewis Emery, "
Harvey B. Rowlson, ^'
Hon. Henry Waldron, "
Williahi Waldron, "
Daniel L. Pratt, '*
Oscar A. Janes, "
Benjamin P. Shepard, *'
Asher B. La Fleur,
Robert A. Weir, '•
George W. Bullock,
Corvis M. Barre, '*
Gen. C. J. Dickerson, *'
John W. Falley, M.D., ''
Arvin F. Whelan, M.D., Hillsdale
Col. F. M. Holloway, Fayette
Hon. Levi Baxter, "
Seth D. McNeal,
Charles P. Osius, "
Charles Mosher, Scipio
Lyman Johnson, "
Isaac Smith, "
William J. and Otis Bettis, Litchfield
Horton Mann, "
Hon. Stephen Canniff, "
Samuel Riblet, "
James Valentine, '^
Gideon Stoddard, "
Hon. William Stoddard, '*
Miles Rorabacher, M.D.,
Warner Bunday, "
Laban A. Howard, M.D., **
S. Sabin Fairbank, "■
Milton P. Herring, ''
William J. Barnard, Litchfield
James B. Linsday, "
Reuben W. Freeman, •*
Samuel Day, Pittsford
Aaron Clement, *'
Hon. John M. Osborn, Pittsford
John H. K eagle, "
James H. Miner, "
John Perrin, '*
Zebulon Williams, Wheatland
Samuel Combs, "
Dr. John W. Steward, "
Seth Wood, ''
Almon Goff, *'
Nelson R. Rowley, "
Albert B. Slocum, ''
Harvey McGee, *'
Thomas Robins, **
James N. Wilcox, Wright .
Robert B. Sawyer, "
William Brewster, "
facing
PAGE
94
105
108
114
114
114
115
115
115
116
116
116
116
117
118
147
147
148
149
155
156
157
facing 161
between 162, 163
164
164
165
165
165
166
166
167
167
168
168
168
169
between 184, 185
facing 185
185
186
186
187
facing 191
197
197
198
198
199
199
199
200
212
213
213
PAGE
Wm. S. Van Fleet, Wright 214
W. H. and Henry M. Pratt, Wright . ..... 215
Asa G. Edwards, Hillsdale .... between 216, 217
Joseph J. Jones, " . 218
Garry Sarles, '^ . 218
The Gray Family, Adams 226
Horace P. Hitchcock, "........ 226
Nicholas Schmitt, " 227
AYiiliam Wright, " 227
Furman Huff, " 227
William Kirby, " 228
Lemuel Roberts, " 228
Samuel Stevens, " 229
Vining Barker, ''........ 229
Levi Vanaken, " 230
Andrew McDougal, Somerset .... between 234, 235
Seth Aldrich, " 238
Charles M. L. Andrus, Somerset 238
Oliver E. Mosher, " 239
Deacon James Brezee, " 239
William Mercer, *' 240
Robert McGregor, '* 241
Daniel McNabb, Moscow facing 249
Israel Buck, " 249
Azariah Mallory, '* 250
Horatio N. Rowley, " 250
Alexander Hewitt, Allen 262
Thomas O'Hanlon, " 262
The Glasgow Family, '' 263
John Herring, " 263
L. P. Roode, " 264
Roscius Southworth, ** 264
Jonathan W. Whitney, Allen 265
William McConnell, " . . . .. . . 265
Wm. S. Hosmer and Abner W. Pearce, Cambria . . ". 271
Hon. Charles D. Luce, Jefferson . ^ 282
Thomas Hutohings, Jefferson . . ' 283
Samuel B. Brown, Ransom 291
Nelson Doty, '^ 292
Orsamus Doty, " 292
Oliver T. Powers, " 293
TBomas Burt, Sr. and Jr., Ransom . . . . . . 293
Gilbert Howland, " 294
George Camp, " 294
Augustus G. McClellan, Amboy 299
Elihu Ferrall, " 300
Henry Loutsenhizer, " ...... 300
Andrew J. Wigent, Camden 310
John Cole, Reading 325
Hiram B. Chapman, Reading 325
Harrison Bailey, Reading 326
Charles Kane, " 326
A. D. Southworth, " 327
Henry K. Abbott, " .327
Hon. Frederick Fowler, Reading 328
7
CONTENTS.
I31JIJTJSTE.A.TI01TS.
facing title page
facing 9
between 88, 89
facing
View of Hillsdale College (frontispiece) .
Map of Hillsdale County ....
View of Hillsdale County Fair Grounds (double
HILLSDALE.
Portrait of Hon. John P. Cook .
Portraits of Lewis Emery and wife .
Portrait of Harvey B. Rowlson .
" Hon. Henry Waldron
" William Waldron
" Daniel L. Pratt
'* Oscar A. Janes .
" Benjamin P. Shepard
" George W. Bullock .
*' Robert A. Weir
" A. B. La Fleur . . .
<* Corvis M. Barre
" Gen. CKristopher J. Dickerson
" John W, Falley, M.B.
" Arvin F. Whelan, M.l). .
Residence of Garry Sarles (township)
Portraits of A. G. Edwards and wife (township)
Residence of J. J. Jones (township) .
FAYETTE.
The Gay Homestead . facing 119
Residence of Chas. P. Osius (with portraits) . . *| 128
First Presbyterian Church, Jonesville . . • , '' 142
Carriage Mnf y, J. J. Deal, Jonesville (with portrait) " 145
Residence of Col. F. M. HoUoway " between 146, 147
Portraits of Levi and Witter J. Baxter . . " 146, 147
Portrait of Seth D. McNeal 148
Residence of 0. Palmer, Jonesville .... facing 149
94
105
108
114
114
116
116
116
116
116
116
116
117
118
118
between 216, 217
216, 217
facing 218
SCIPIO.
Residence of Samuel E. Johnson . . . . facing 149
" Isaac Smith (with portraits) ... " 153
Portrait of Charles Mosher 1^^
" Lyman Johnson 1^^
LITCHFIELD.
Residence of Warner Bunday (with portraits)
« S. S. Fairbank
Portraits of William J. and Otis Bettis
Residence of W. J. Barnard
" late Horton Mann (with portraits)
Portrait of Hon. William Stoddard
" Hon. Stephen Cannifif
'' Samuel Riblet .
" James Valentine
" Gideon Stoddard
Residence of Dr. M. Rorabacher (with portrait)
Portrait of Laban A. Howard, M.D. .
Portraits of Milton P. Herring and wife .
Residence of Milton P. Herring
" R. W. Freeman (with portraits)
" J. B. Linsday
PITTSFORD.
Residence of J. H. Miner ....
" ' Hon. J. M. Osborn
" J. H. K eagle (with portraits),
page .
" John Perrin .
" Winslow H. Day .
Portraits of Samuel Day and wife
" Aaron Clement and wife
WHEATLAND.
Residence of Nelson R. Rowley (with portraits)
Portrait of Zebulon Williams ....
Residence of Hon. A. B. Slocum (with portraits)
facing 157
" 158
161
between 162, 163
" 162, 163
facing 164
164
** 164
164
. 165
facing 166
. 167
. 168
facing 168
169
" 170
facing 170
" 172
double
between 176, 177
facing 180
between 184, 185
" 184, 185
facing 185
Property of William Curtis and sons (double page) between 194, 195
Portrait of Harvey McGee
" Dr. John W. Steward
" Almon GoflF
*' Samuel Combs
Portraits of Seth Wood and wife
Residence of Thomas Robins
WRIGHT.
Residence of L. H. Root ....
Bird*s-eye View of Prattville
Residence of E. C. Brewster (with portraits)
facing
188
191
192
facing
facing
197
197
197
197
198
200
facing 200
205
208
Residence of S. H. Smith
" Mrs. Persis Wilcox . . .
<• Robert B. Sawyer (with portraits)
W.S. Van Fleet ....
" William T. Lyons and Son .
ADAMS.
Residence of William Wright .
" Lemuel Roberts .
" Levi Vanaken
" George and William Gray .
" George Stevens (with portraits)
Portrait of Horace P. Hitchcock
Residence of Furman Huff (with portraits)
Portraits of William Kirby and wife .
" Vining Barker and wives
SOMERSET.
Residence of Robert McGregor ....
" D. M. Lyons
** Andrew McDougal (with portraits)
Manufactory, etc., of H. C. Aldrich.
Portrait of Seth Aldrich
" Charles M. L. Andrus
Portraits of Oliver E. Mosher and wife
Portrait of Deacon James Brezee
" William Mercer ....
PAGE
facing 212
" 212
213
" 214
'' 215
between 220, 221
" 220, 221
facing 223
223
'' 224
. . 226
facing 227
. 228
facing 229
facing 230
" 232
between 234, 235
facing 237
. 238
. 238
. 239
. 240
. 240
MOSCOW.
Residence of Israel Buck ....
" H. N. Rowley (with portraits)
Portraits of Daniel McNabb and wife
" Israel Buck and wife
** Azariah Mallory and wife
ALLEN.
Residence of Hon. Alex. Hewitt (with portraits)
" R. Southworth
" Wm. McConnell .
" Jonathan Whitney
Property of John Herring, Herring & Avery, etc. (with
portraits) ......
Portrait of Thomas O'Hanlon .
Portraits of John Glasgow and wives
" William Glasgow and wife
'' S. W. Glasgow '•
" L. P. Roode "
facing
242
244
249
249
250
facing
251
254
257
257
260
. 262
between 262, 263
" 262, 263
" 262, 263
. 264
CAMBRIA.
Residence of Hosmer and Pearce
JEFFERSON.
Residence of Charles D. Luce (with portrait)
" Thomas Hutchings
RANSOM.
Residence of Orsamus Doty (with portraits)
" . Thomas Burt, Sr. "
u (( « Jr. "
♦* Gilbert Howland *'
Portrait of Samuel B. Brown .
" Oliver T. Powers . . .
Residence of George Camp (with portraits)
AMBOY.
Residence of Elihu Ferrall (with portraits)
" Henry Loutsenhizer (with portraits)
Portrait of Augustus G. McClellan .
CAMDEN.
Residence of A. J. Wigent (with portraits)
READING.
Residence of Harrison Bailey (with portraits)
Charles Kane *' "
Henry K. Abbott
John Cole
George G. Cone .
Samuel C. Dodge
H. B. Chapman .
A. D. Southworth
Wm. Terpening .
Col. F. Fowler
facing 271
facing 272
278
facing 284
between 286, 287
286, 287
facing 288
. 291
. .293
facing 294
facing 296
298
. 300
facing 304
facing 311
'' 314
" 318
** 320
" 322
" 322
" 325
326
" 326
'' 328
MjyP OF ■
HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICfflGAN.
Fjujraved. eaepressbf for this Worhy
Everts S^Co.Puhr^
FAMut^S<^.
■■^gk
HISTORY
OF
HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHI&AK
BY CRISFIELD JOHNSON.
CHAPTER I.
INTKODUOTOKY.
Makers and Writers of History — Interest Attached to all Beginnings
— Interest in Pioneer Life — History hitherto Written long after
Death of Actors— More Rapid Custom of the Present Age — Evidence
from Living Lips—Plan of the Work— Books Consulted— The
llesult Submitted.
The individuals more or less connected with history have
long been divided into two classes : " those who make his-
tory," and " those who write history." In one sense, the
former class comprises the whole human race, for every
human being contributes something to that great stream
of events, the course of which is mapped and the flow of
which is recorded by the pen of the historian ; but the ex-
pression is commonly applied to the actors in the more im-
portant or more interesting scenes in the drama of life.
Among these scenes a deep interest has always attached
to the conquest of the wilderness by civilization, to the
foundation of new nations, states, cities, and communities,
and to the first critical years of their development. The
trivial wall, over which according to tradition Remus
leaped, and which Romulus stained with hk brother's
blood, still interests the imagination of mankind — because
it was the first of Rome's defenses — almost as strongly as
do the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and all the other mighty
ruins of the seven-hilled city. Thus, too, the little band
of Puritans, who amid poverty, hardship, and danger,
planted the banners of civil and religious freedom on the
rock-bound coast of New England, still live on the page
of history, more conspicuous than any of the swarming
millions who have since occupied the land.
For the same reason, though in lesser degree, the pioneers
of every State and county, who with adventurous steps have
defied the wilderness and endured the toils of frontier life,
have been objects of especial interest to all who came after
them, and enjoyed the blessings which they secured:
Hitherto, however, it has generally been the case that
those who ** made history" had long been in their graves,
sometimes for centuries, ere those who " wrote history" >
began their work. The latter could only rely upon doubtful
traditions, or at best upon a few worn and scattered manu-
scripts, for the material from which they were to construct
their enduring records. Endless mistakes were naturally
2
the consequence, numerous conflicts were wagei over dis-
puted points, and many of them are unsettled even to the
present day.
But in our more rapid age the muse of history often
stands, pen in hand, beside the pioneer, the workman, and
the soldier, ready to record their deeds ere yet the hunter's
antler^i victim ceases to quiver beneath his fatal shot, ere
yet the echoes of the woodman's axe die away in the dis-
tance, ere yet the foeman's blood is wiped from the warrior's
steel.
In harmony with this spirit of the age, the publishers
of this and other similar works seek to obtain the greater
part of their history from living lips. In the county of
Hillsdale this can be done with great facility. Many of
the men and women who led the vanguard of the army of
civilization in its attack on the forest still live to testify of
the scenes through which they passed. From these we
have sought with all possible diligence to obtain the facts
regarding the development of every township in the county,
and of the county at large.
Besides the evidence thus procured from original sources,
we give a succinct account of the early discoveries which
gave the French what they considered a title to all this
region, and a more complete narrative of the actual early
possessors of the soil, — the Pottawattamie Indians.
Going into detail as much as we do, our plan is neces-
sarily somewhat diff*erent from that of ordinary histories.
It embraces : first, a general history of the county ; second,
a special history of the city of Hillsdale and of each of the
eighteen townships. The general history, in the first place,
comprises a consecutive record of everything of importance
that has occurred in the territory of the present county of
Hillsdale, or has been done by the inhabitants of that terri-
tory, whether red or white, from the earliest accounts down
to the present time, including the savage deeds of the
Indians of the St. Joseph Valley, the treaties by which the
land was acquired by the whites, the early development of
the county, and the gallant achievements of Hillsdale sol-
diers in the war for the Union. This record occupies
twenty chapters, and adheres closely to the chronological
order. The remaining five chapters of the general history are
occupied with statistical and miscellaneous matters, which
could not well be worked into the continuous record.
The histories of the city of Hillsdale and the various
9
10
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
townships each begin with the settlement of the territory
which now constitutes the city or the township, and traces
its development to the present time, giving the names of
early settlers, numerous incidents relating to each locality,
separate sketches of all the churches and societies, an ac-
count of the manufactures, etc. Interspersed with these
are portraits and biographies of various citizens, with views
of their residences, etc., giving variety to the printed page,
and satisfying the eye as well as the mind of the reader.
For the early history, which was necessarily obtained
from books, we have consulted the following works, to which
we beg leave to acknowledge our indebtedness : Parkman's
Discovery of the Great West, Parkman's Conspiracy of
Pont iac, Smith's Life and Times of Lewis Cass, Holloway's
Sketch of Hillsdale County in the proceedings of the State
Pioneer Association, Drake's Life of Tecumseh, Sargent's
History of Braddock's Expedition, Lossing's Field-Book of
the War of 1812, Lanman's Ked Book of Michigan, the
very valuable reports of Gen. John C. Robertson, Adjutant-
General of the State, for the years 1 861 to 1 866, Schoolcraft's
Report on the Indians, the published Indian treaties of the
United States, the territorial and session laws of Michigan,
Pierce's History of St. Joseph County, and some minor
works.
Among the many who have favored us with information
regarding the later history, we would especially mention
F. M. Holloway, Esq., who is one of the early pioneers of
the county, who has long given particular attention to the
subject of local history, and who has been indefatigable in
his efforts to aid us. Many others will be found mentioned
in the various township histories.
With this explanation of our plan of action we submit
our work to the candid judgment of the public of Hillsdale
County. That in so voluminous a work, entering into so
many details, we have entirely escaped error, no one can
reasonably expect, but we have taken great pains to avoid
mistakes, and we believe there are as few within the fol-
lowing pages as in any other volume of this kind. That
it contains a large amount of information regarding Hills-
dale County is very certain, and we trust it is so arranged
and presented as to meet the approbation of our patrons,
and be a subject of interest to them and their posterity for
many years to come.
CHAPTER IL
EABIiY FBBNCH DISOOVEBIES.
Arrival of the French on the Upper Lakes— Champlain in 1615— The
Franciscan Priests— The Jesuits— Hunters and Traders— Raymbault
and Jogues in 1641— The Wyandote and O«atoa«— Father Mar-
quette—The Lake Country formally taken Possession of for the
King of France— Marquette Discovers the Mississippi— Discovers
and Explores the St. Joseph— La Salle and the ** Griffin"— A Fort on
the St. Joseph— Loss of the " Griffin"— La Salle's Subsequent Career
and Murder— French Dominion— Influence of Fort St. Joseph-
Founding of Detroit — The Pottawattamies.
Though the French were unquestionably the first ex-
plorers of the shores of all the great lakes of North America,
yet it is somewhat doubtful at what precise time they first
M-eached the peninsula of Michigan. As early as 1615,
Samuel de Champlain, then governor of the inflmt province
of Canada, which he had founded, visited the Huron tribes
on the shores of Lake Manitouline. Almost or quite as
early, priests of the " Recollet" or Franciscan order estab-
lished Catholic missions in the same locality, and it is not
improbable that some of them visited the shores of the
great peninsula a little farther westward ; for all, whether
friends or foes, admit the extraordinary zeal and unflinching
courage of the Catholic missionaries in their efforts to make
proselytes among the savages of North America. In 1625,
however, there arrived on the banks of the St. Lawrence
the vanguard of a black-gowned host, to be sent to America
by a still more vigorous, zealous, and highly-disciplined
order,— the far-famed Jesuits. These fiery champions of
the cross were destined to crowd aside the more peaceful
or more inert Franciscans throughout the whole lake region,
and substantially appropriate that missionary ground to
themselves.
French hunters and fur-traders, too, made their way into
the West far in advance of their English rivals, and doubt-
less reached the confines of Michigan early in the seven-
teenth century. Their course, however, was not along the
great watery highway through Lakes Ontario and Erie and
the Niagara River, for there dwelt the fierce, untamable Iro-
quois, the bravest and most politic of all the Indians of
North America, whom Champlain, by an ill-advised attack,
had made the deadly enemies of the French. With the
Huroiis, or Wt/ankots, who though a branch of the same
race were the foes of the Iroquois, the French were fast
friends, and had no difficulty in penetrating westward as far
as their domain extended. Their seats were on the eastern
side of Lake Huron, while our peninsula was occupied by
Ottawas, Ojibwas (or Chippewas), and Pottawattamies, not
perhaps as friendly as the Harons, but standing in fear of
the conquering Iroquois, and therefore disposed to be on
good terms with the French foes of that confederacy.
The course of the intrepid missionaries and traders was
up the Ottawa River from Montreal ; thence across to the
western division of Lake Huron, otherwise known as Lake
Manitouline, and thence coasting along the northern shore
of that body of water to the Saut Sainte Marie and the
Straits of Michillimacinac.
In the year 1641, the Jesuits Raymbault and Jogues
reached the former point, preached to a crowd of savages,
and raised the flag of France, in token of sovereignty, beside
the rushing outlet of Lake Superior. Doubtless other mis-
sionaries and numerous voyageurs and fur-traders explored
the outskirts of Michigan, and possibly penetrated its in-
terior, but there are few records to show their adventurous
deeds.
In 1659, the Wyandots, or Hurons, fled from the valley
of the St. Lawrence before the attacks of the Iroquois,
seeking shelter in the islands of Lake Manitouline. The
Ottawawas, since called Ottawas, who had previously re-
sided there, retired to the northern part of the main penin-
sula of Michigan. The Wyandots, or a portion of them,
again assailed by the Iroquois, fled to the Straits of Mich-
illimacinac, and still again to the shores of Lake Superior.
Being again followed by their implacable enemies, however,
they were enabled to repulse them, and thenceforward, being
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
11
to some extent protected by the French, the Wj/andofs
dwelt on the borders of the great lakes which surround the
peninsula of Michigan.
In 1668, the celebrated Father Marquette, accompanied
by Father Claude Dablon, founded a mission at Saut Saint
Marie, at the northern extremity of Michigan ; and in
1671 established that of St. Ignace, on the Straits of Mich-
illimacinac (now spelled Mackinaw).
In 1670, a French officer, Daumont de St. Lusson, raised
the flag of France at the Saut Sainte Marie with pompous
ceremonies, and, so far as words could do so, took possession
of the whole region of the great lakes in the name of " the
Most High, Mighty, and Redoubtable Monarch, Louis,
Fourteenth of that name. Most Christian King of France
and of Navarre."
But the French were by no means disposed to rest con-
tent with sounding proclamations. Still eager to spread the
reign of the cross among the heathen, and doubtless not
unwilling to extend the domain of King Louis over new
empires, the intrepid Marquette pushed forward into the
wilderness, and discovered ' the mighty stream which has
since borne the name of Mississippi. Shortly afterwards,
in ^77^ while coasting along the eastern shore of Lake
Michigan, Marquette discovered a stream which he explored
for several miles, and to which he gave the name of St.
Joseph. This was, so far as known, the first acquaintance
of Europeans with the fertile valley, the eastern part of
which lies in the county of Hillsdale.
But a still greater explorer than Marquette was about to
traverse the lakes and lauds of the great West, though, un-
like 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 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, built the preceding winter and
spring on the shore of the Niagara, just 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 gal-
lant 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 blue-eyed, handsome 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 hardi-
hood of this remarkable man. He was accompanied by
Tonti, a gallant Italian exile, who was his second in com-
mand, 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 tempest-tossed waters of
Lake Huron, through the Strait of Michillimacinac, out
upon the unknown waste of Lake Michigan, and at length
came to anchor in Green Bay. Thence sl^e v(sts sent back
with a part of her crew and a cargo of furs, while the in-
trepid La Salle with a score of men remained to explore
the vast unconquered empire which lay spread before him.
He and his comrades in birch-bark canoes coasted along
the western shore of Lake Michigan, reaching its southern
extremity on the eighteenth day of October, 1679. Thence
the flotilla proceeded to the mouth of the St. Joseph River.*
At its mouth he built a fortified trading-post, to which he
gave the name of Fort of the Miamis, and which was in-
tended both to facilitate commerce and curb the hostility
of the surrounding tribes. Fottawattamies were found at
the southern end and on the western shore of Lake Michi-
gan.
This trading-post, or fort, was the first built for the pur-
pose of controlling the Indians of this part of the Northwest,
and its erection, coincident with the appearance of a French
vessel on the upper lakes, may be considered as marking the
establishment of French authority (though somewhat vague)
over the peninsula of Michigan, including the county which
is the subject of this history. La Salle and his comrades
remained several weary months at the St. Joseph awaiting
the return of the " Griffin," but that ill-fated bark was never
heard of after leaving the outlet of Green Bay. Whether,
as is probable, it went down with all its men before the
gales of one of the great inland seas, or was captured at
anchor by jealous savages, its crew butchered and the ves-
sel itself destroyed, is one of the unsolved problems of
American history.
Despairing at length of the "Griffin's" return. La Salle
with a portion of his men in December proceeded up the St.
Joseph River in canoes to South Bend, in the present State
of Indiana, whence they made their way overland to the
head-waters of the Illinois. The future career of this ad-
venturous explorer is not especially connected with the
history of this region, and must be dismissed in a few
words.
After numerous remarkable adventures (being compelled
once to return to Canada on foot) La Salle explored the
Mississippi to the sea, and took verbal possession of the
adjacent country for the benefit of King Louis the Four-
teenth, by the name of Louisiana. While attempting, how-
ever, to colonize the new domain he met with many mis-
fortunes, and was at length assassinated by two of his own
men in Texas, in the year 1687.
But, notwithstanding the unfortunate end of the great
discoverer, his achievements had extended the dominion of
France more widely than had any of his adventurous com-
patriots, and from that time forth the Bourbonkings main-
tained 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 tr^ck of the ill-fated " Griffin," French
forts and trading-posts were established in the wilderness,
and French missionaries bore the cross among th*e heathen
with redoubled zeal. French adroitness succeeded in estab-
lishing friendly relations with the Indians on the shores of
all the upper lakes, and menabers of all the, various bands
* From a few Miamis who were the|^ Iqcated there. La Salle called it
the river of the Miamii.
12
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
found their way to Fort Frontenac (now Kingston), and
even to Montreal, with packages of furs to sell to the chil-
dren of their great father across the sea.
The English, busily engaged in building up a powerful but
compact empire along the sea-coast, scarcely attempted to rival
their Gallic competitors in gaining control over the immense
interior. The various Indian tribes doubtless would have
rejected with scorn the idea of French ownership in the
lands which they and their fathers had so long occupied,
but as between the English and French it was substantially
understood that the dominion of the former extended from
the mouth of the St. Lawrence to that of the Mississippi.
The only question was where the boundary line should be
between the two domains.
The Indians around the upper lakes were the more ready
to court the friendship of the French, since it was only
from the latter that they could obtain arms and ammunition
to contest with the terrible Iroquois, After the time of
La Salle the French government supported a post, and the
Jesuit fathers maintained a mission, at the mouth of the
St. Joseph, and the two institutions became a centre of in-
fluence over all the southern part of the peninsula. In 1701 ,
however, another frontier post was established, destined soon
to overshadow that of St. Joseph. In that year Monsieur
La Motte de Cadillac, an officer in the service of the King
of France, with a small detachment of troops, landed at the
head of Detroit River, and established a post to which he
gave the name of " Fort Ponchartrain," but which soon
became known by the appellation of " Detroit." This post
and the whole of Michigan were nominally a part of the
province of- Canada, and so remained during both French
and English rule. During the French dominion, however,
the provincial government exercised very little authority,
except to appoint commanders of the various posts. Those
commanders ruled both the soldiers and the few civilians
about as they saw proper.
The establishment of this post increased still more the
influence of the French throughout the West, and especially
throughout the peninsula of Michigan. There seemed little
doubt that this whole region was to be subject to French
rule, and fancy might have pictured these gleaming lakes
and rippling rivers overlooked by the baronial castles of
French seigneurs, while around them clustered the humble
dwellings of their loyal retainers. French hunters and
trappers made their way into all parts of the peninsula,
establishing friendly relations with the natives, and not
unfrequently forming unions more or less permanent with
the copper-colored damsels of the various tribes.
Of these' tribes we are especially concerned with the
Foftawattamies^ who soon obtained entire control of the
valley of the St. Joseph, who are known to have been fully
established here in 1721, and who for over a century were
the undisputed lords of its noble forests, its pellucid lakes,
and its grassy glades. From the time of the early discov-
eries already mentioned down to the beginning of settle-
ment and cultivation by the whites, the history of the
territory now composing Hillsdale County, with the rest of
the St. Joseph Valley, is confined substantially to the doings
of the Pottawattamie Indians. To them and their deeds
the following three chapters are devoted.
CHAPTER IIL
THE POTTAA/l^ATTAMIES.
General Relations of the Indian Tribes — Iroquois and Algonquins—
Their Location — Numerous Tribes of Alyonqiijn Race — The Po^^a-
wattamies — TJbeir League with the Ottaivas and Ghippewas— Their
Establishment in the Saint Joseph Valley — Changes of Location —
Absence of Romance — Indian Warfare — Indian Weapons — Sur-
prising an Enemy — Insult and Torture — Adoption — The Mission
of Saint Joseph — Pottawattamie Friendship for the French — Rescue
of Detroit— Trading with French and English— The War of 1744
— Raids on the Frontiers — French Records of the Pottaivattamies —
Peace in 1748.
In order to give a correct idea of the position and history
of the Pottawattamie Indians, so long the lords of Hillsdale
County and all the adjacent country, it is necessary very
briefly to sketch the general relations of the Indians of this
part of North America. Of course the writer of a mere
county history does not pretend to have investigated this
abstruse subject by reference to original sources of informa- '
tion ; he is obliged to depend on those who have made
those matters the study of their lives, — especially on Fran-
cis Parkman, the accomplished author of the " Conspiracy
of Pontiac," the " Discovery of the Great West," and other
works on cognate subjects.
When the French and English hunters first penetrated
the dark forests whose gloomy masses rolled from the shores
of the North Atlantic far back beyond the Alleghanies, and
when the most adventurous among them first gladdened
their eyes with the gay prairies still further westward, they
found two great Indian races occupying the whole land from
the ocean to the Mississippi, and from the valleys of Ten-
nessee to the frozen regions of Northern . Canada. South-
ward of these limits were the Mobilian tribes, of whom the
CheroJcees, ChicJcasaws, and others have since adopted to
some extent the customs of the whites, while west of the
Father of Waters were the great JDakgta race, whose prin-
cipal representatives, the Siotix^ still roam in savage freedom
over the prairies, a terror to all who cross their path.
The two races, who, as stated a few lines above, occupied
the whole northeastern portion of the United States and a
large part of Canada, were the Iroquois and the Algonquins.
Though the former were the most celebrated and the most
powerful, the latter were by far the most numerous; in fact,
as has been truly said, the former were like an island amid
the vast hordes of Algonquins around. The five confederate
tribes of the Iroquois^ commonly known as the Five Nations
(afterwards the Six Nations), occupied a strong position,
extending from the banks of the Hudson nearly to those
of the Niagara, protected on the north by the waters of
Lake Ontario, on the south by the mountains of Pennsyl-
vania, and now comprising the heart of the great Empire
State. The Wyandots, or Hurons, before mentioned, were
an outlying branch of the same race, but hostile to the
great confederacy; while the Tuscaroras were a friendly
offshoot in the South, who afterwards became the sixth of
the Six Nations.
Aside from these, the woods and prairies far and near
swarmed with the diverse tribes of the Algonquin race ;
Abenaquis in Canada, Pequots and Narragansetts in New
England, Delawares in Pennsylvania, Sltawnees in Ohio,
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
13
Miamis in Ohio and Indiana, Illinois in the territory of the
State which still bears their name, Sauks, i^oxes, and Meno-
moiiees in the country west of Lake Michigan, while the
great peninsula of Michigan, and some neighboring sections,
were occupied by the Ojibwat/s, or Chippewas, the OttaivaSj
and the tribe which is the especial subject of this chapter,
the Pottawatt amies. All these, though sundered far apart,
and often warring desperately among themselves, have been
shown by students of their characteristics to have belonged
to one great stock, and to have spoken various dialects of one
language. They outnumbered the Five Nations of Iroquois
more than ten to one; yet such was the superior skill,
sagacity, and prowess of the confederates that they were
able to defeat their disunited foes one after the other, till
none could stand before them, and the terror of their name
spread over half the continent. Even the Wj/andots,
though of the same race, and almost equal in numbers,
lacked the ferocious energy of the Five Nations, and were
driven before them as deer are driven before the scream in sr
panther.
The three tribes of Algonquin stock just mentioned,
the Ojibwas^ the Ottawas, and the FoUawatf amies, were
in the forepart of the eighteenth century united in a rude
confederacy, somewhat similar to the celebrated league of
the Iroquois, but far less thorough and less potent. The
dialects of the three tribes differed less even than was
usual among the various branches of the Algonquin race,
and, notwithstanding some differences of inflection, the
members could understand each other without the aid of
an interpreter.
The OJihwas, outnumbering both the other two tribes
combined, dwelt in the frozen region of Lake Superior,
where their descendants still chase the elk and moose amid
the gloomy pines, and spear their finny prey over the
sides of frail canoes, rocked on the boiling waters of the
Saut Ste. Marie. The Ottawas, who had fled from Canada
before the hatred of the all-conquering Iroquois, had their
principal headquarters in the vicinity of Detroit and St.
Clair Eivers, where, after the erection of Fort Ponchartrain
by their French friends, they felt comparatively secure from
their terrible enemies. Finally, the domain of the Potta-
wattamies, the subject of these chapters, stretched from the
vicinity of Chicago around the head of Lake Michigan,
northward to the mouth of the Kalamazoo or beyond, while
to the eastward it extended so as to include the valleys of the
St. Joseph, the Kalamazoo, and other streams which flow
into Lake Michigan from the central portion of the penin-
sula.
The exact period at which the Pottawattamies established
themselves in the valley of the St. Joseph is unknown.
Unless La Salle was mistaken, the Miamis occupied the
banks of the St. Joseph in 1678, at which time the Potta-
wattamies are believed to have been mostly in the vicinity
of Green Bay. It is certain, however, that they were in
the St. Joseph Valley in 1721 (having probably established
themselves there about the beginning of the century), and
there they remained until within the memory of men still
living.
It will be understood, however, that the location of the
various tribes of the Iroquois and Algonquin races at that
distant period can only be given with approximate correct-
ness. Their boundaries were constantly changing. Tribes
were frequently driven by the fortunes of war from the
homes of their fathers, or even blotted from the list of
forest nationalities. Sometimes they changed their locali-
ties in search of more abundant game, and sometimes no
cause but caprice could be assigned for their migrations.
Not only did whole tribes occasionally change their loca-
tions, but in many cases outlying clans dwelt at a long
distance from the parent tribe, being sometimes surrounded
by the villages of other nations. Thus, though the main
body of the Pottawattamies were to be found as early as
1721 stretching from the head of Lake Michigan eastward
to the head of the St. Joseph River, there were for a con-
siderable time two or three detached villages in the vicinity
of Detroit, and others in the neighborhood of Green
Bay.
Besides these more permanent changes of location, the
several bands of which each nation was composed were,
even in time of peace, constantly migrating to and fro over
the domain which unquestionably belonged to their tribe.
In summer they raised corn (that is, the squaws did) in
one place, in winter they hunted in another, perhaps a
hundred miles distant, and in spring they visited still
another location for the purpose of fishing; usually but
not always returning to their former ground to raise and
harvest their crops. Yet, notwithstanding these various
changes by which the Pottawattamies were more or less
affected, they continued for over a century and a quarter
the masters of the territory composing this county, and
their bloody record is perhaps quite as deserving of being
embodied in history as are those of several other con-
querors.
While, however, the admirers of stirring adventure and
desperate conflict may find something of interest in the
story of an Indian tribe, it would be hopeless for the lover
of romance to seek there for aught to gratify his taste. No
truthful delineation can present the Indian as a romantic
character. Apathetic in an extraordinary degree in regard
to the softer passions, it is seldom, indeed, that love sways
his actions, although the slightest cause is liable to arouse
him to the direst fury of hate. He had rather capture one
scalp than a dozen hearts.
The Pottawattamie inherited the usual characteristics of
the Indian, and especially of the Algonquin race. Less ter-
rible in battle, less sagacious in council, than the men of the
Five Nations, he was, nevertheless, like the rest of his red
brethren, a brave, hardy, and skillful warrior, an astute man-
ager so far as his knowledge extended, generally a faithful
friend, and invariably a most implacable enemy. His own
time he devoted to war, the chase, or idleness, abandoning
to the women the labor of raising his scanty supplies of
Indian corn, pumpkins, and beans, of transporting his house-
hold goods from point to point, and every other burden
which he could possibly impose upon her weary shoulders.
He lived in the utmost freedom which it is possible to
imagine, consistent with any civil or military organization
whatever. His sachems exercised little authority except to
declare war and make peace, to determine on the migrations
of the tribe, and to give wise counsels allaying any ill feel-
14
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ings which might arise among the people. There was no
positive law compelling obedience.
Even when war was declared there was no way by which
the braves could be compelled to take the war-path. Any
war-chief could drive a stake in 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 were doubted, he obtained but few
followers. If he were of approved valor and skill, a larger
number would grasp their tomahawks in response to his ap-
peal ; while, if he were 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.
With followers few or many, the chief went forth against
the foe. But he could not compel their obedience a mo-
ment longer than they chose to give it, and no punishment
but disgrace awaited the recreant who deserted his leader
in the hour of his utmost need. The most extreme penalty
only consisted in giving the dishonor due the dastard a
visible form, by enveloping him in the garments of a woman
and compelling him to perform the menial labors usually
performed by the weaker sex. But to an Indian, accus-
tomed to look down on his squaw as infinitely below him,
this would be the most terrible of inflictions.
As is well known, the original weapons of the Indians
were bows and arrows (the latter tipped with flint), war-
clubs, stone tomahawks, and scalping-knives, also made of
sharpened flints. But, stubborn as they were in repelling
all the arts of civilization offered by the whites, they
grasped eagerly at the formidable implements of war
brought across the Atlantic. Iron tomahawks and scalp-
ing-knives could be cheaply manufactured, and soon an
ample supply of them was furnished by the Dutch and
English to the Iroquois^ and by the French to the numer-
ous tribes of the Algonquin race under the influence of
that subtle people.
Guns and ammunition were more costly, but the Indian
longed for them with a love second only to his passion for
whisky, and, despite occasional prohibitions by the colonial
authorities on either side, the best warriors and hunters in
the various tribes were soon provided with these deadly in-
struments of slaughter. In fact, whenever war was threat-
ened between the French and English, both parties were
eager to enlist all the Indian allies they could, and furnished
muskets and gunpowder with a free hand.
Armed and equipped, clad only in a breech-clout, but
covered from head to foot with paint disposed in the most
hideous figures, his head crested with feathers of the wild
birds he had slain, the Indian went forth on the war-path.
If the band was a small one, it lurked in the vicinity of the
hostile villages until a still smaller number of the enemy
could be caught at a distance from their friends. These
were, if possible, shot down from an ambush (for under no
circumstances will an Indian run any risk which it is possi-
ble to avoid), their scalps were stripped off with eager
haste, and the victors fled towards their homes at their
utmost speed.
If the whole nation turned out in arms, they might
attempt the total destruction of their enemy ; but even then
surprise was generally an essential element of success.
Hurrying forward by unfrequented paths, or plunging
through the trackless forest, guided only by the sun and
the well-known courses of the streams, the little army
reached the neighborhood of the foe. Carefully conceal-
ing their approach, they waited an opportunity for attack,
which was usually made at night. When their unsuspect-
in<' victims were wrapped in slumber, the whole crowd of
painted demons would burst in among them, using musket,
knife, and tomahawk with furious zeal, and striking terror
to every heart with the fiendish sound of war-whoops
shrieked from a thousand throats. The torch was applied
to the frail cabins of the unhappy people, and men, women,
and children were stricken down in indiscriminate slaughter
by the lurid light of their blazing homes.
When the first fury of savage hate had been satiated,
prisoners were taken, but these were frequently destined
to a fate far more terrible than the speedy death from which
they had escaped. Bound with thongs and loaded with
burdens, they were urged on with remorseless speed toward
the home of their captors, and if, enfeebled by wounds or
sickness, they lagged behind, the ready tomahawk put an
end to their miseries. But if the prisoner, withstanding
the hardships of the march, was brought alive to the wig-
wams of the victors, and especially if he were a well-known
warrior, human fancy never painted a more awful doom
than that which awaited him, save where it has described
the tortures of the damned in another world.
As a sportive preliminary the victim was required to run
the gauntlet, when a hundred malicious foes, both male
and female, ranged on either side, flung stones, clubs, toma-
hawks, and every other possible missile at his naked form,
as he dashed with the energy of despair between their
furious ranks. Then, unless he was saved by unexpected
lenity, came the fiercer agony of the stake, prolonged some-
times for hours and even for days, 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 even
amid the last convulsions of his tortured frame.
Yet women, children, and youths were frequently saved
from this horrible fate to be adopted into the tribe of their
captors, and even men sometimes shared the same lenity.
What is remarkable is that as soon as it was decided thus
to receive a captive into the tribe, all appearances of hate
seemed immediately to disappear ; the best of all the forest
luxuries was placed before the honored guest, the costliest
blankets were spread over his shoulders, and the softest
couches of fur were spread for his wearied limbs. Either
because the change was so great from the expected torture
to the kindly adoption, or because the captors knew so well
whom to choose as recipients of their indulgence, it was
very seldom that the latter attempted to escape from their
new alliances. Nay, even young white men and women,
thus adapted into the ranks of the savages, frequently
became so well satisfied with forest life as to resist every
inducement afterwards offered them to return to their coun-
trymen.
Such were some of the salient characteristics of the
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
15
North American Indians, shared by the Potto wattamies^
the subject of these chapters. Those characteristics were
common to the Algonquin and Iroquois races, the principal
difference being in the greater intensity with which they
were manifested by the latter. The Shawnee was subtle in
war ; the Iroquois was still more so. The Ottawa was cold
and haughty toward others, but he was met by still greater
coldness and haughtiness on the part of the Iroquois. The
Pottawattamie^ the confederate of the Ottawa^ was brave
and ferocious, but he was surpassed both in bravery and
ferocity by the terrible warriors of the Five Nations.
In speaking of Indians the term " nation" is generally
used as synonymous with tribe, and to the civilized ear the
word carries an idea of large numbers, confirmed by the
immense range of Indian operations, and the terror which
they inspired on the frontiers. Yet the celebrated Five
Nations, in the height of their power, numbered altogether
but two or three thousand warriors, the Wyandot branch
of the Iroquois had about the same number, and the various
tribes of Algonquin lineage were proportionally small. As
near as can be ascertained, the Pottawattamies at the begin-
ning of the eighteenth century numbered about eight hun-
dred warriors, including those of Illinois and Wisconsin.
As has been said, they were linked in a loose confederacy
with the more numerous Oftawas and Chij^pewas, but the
Pottawattamies were the only tribe sufficiently connected
with this county to make their acts a subject of interest in
this work. The others will not be mentioned except when
the story of their savage deeds is necessarily intermingled
with the record of the Pottawattamies. To that record we
now address ourselves.
It was near the beginning of the eighteenth century that
the Jesuits, who had obtained almost a monopoly of mission-
ary work in French America, established the mission of St.
Joseph at the mouth of the river of that name, and under
the shadow of the little post maintained on the site selected
by La Salle. In 1712, Father Marest describes the mission
as being in a very flourishing condition. Whatever might
have been the success of the holy fathers in the task of
Christianizing the Indians there is no doubt that they ob-
tained a great personal influence over them, which the
priests naturally used to cement their friendship for France.
Numerous other influences were also brought to bear by the
adroit managers who, in various capacities, represented the
Gallic people on the upper lakes, and the friendship of the
Pottawattamies was thoroughly demonstrated in the year
just named, 1712.
In May of that year, a large body of Sacs, Foxes, and
Mascoutins, tribes of Algonquin lineage but at enmity
with the other nations of that race (and supposed to be
acting under the influence of the Iroquois, the inveterate
foes of the French), suddenly appeared before Fort Pon-
chartrain, threw up some rude breastworks, and attempted
to destroy the post. On the thirteenth of the month a
fierce assault was made, and, though not at first successful,
it was maintained with such energy and by such. numbers
that the little garrison of twenty soldiers was placed in a
situation of great danger.
But while the wearied Frenchmen were husbanding their
scanty resources in expectation of a still more deadly on-
slaught, their ears were saluted by hundreds of savage war-
whoops, and a large body of friendly Wyandots, Ottawas,
and Pottawattamies burst from the forest, and flung them-
selves impetuously upon the startled besiegers of the fort.
The latter resisted to the best of their ability, and for a
short time the battle-field resounded with the shouts of the
contestants, the constant rattle of musketry, the groans of
the wounded, and now and then with the terrific scalp-
halloo of some successful brave as he tore the coveted
trophy from the head of his victim. But, aided by the
fire of the garrison, the rescuing party were soon completely
successful, and the Sacs, Foxes, and Mascoutins fled in
utter rout through the forest.
The vengeance of the victors, in accordance with Indian
custom, was visited alike upon men, women, and children,
from eight hundred to a thousand of whom were slain. So
great was the injury inflicted that the Fox nation was re-
ported to be completely destroyed. This was not the case,
but it was compelled to flee to the west side of Lake Michi-
gan, where it long remained, being distinguished by the
peculiar bitterness borne by its members toward the French.
On the other hand, the friendship thus cemented between
the French and the Pottawattamies, Ottawas, and Wyan-
dots 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 thirty years following the event just men-
tioned, there are but few and scanty records to show the
acts of the Pottawattamies. They continued to cultivate
their little patches of corn, and to hunt the deer through
the forests of southern Michigan and around the head of
the lake of that name, generally exchanging their surplus
furs with their friends, the French, for blankets, calicoes,
gilt ornaments, guns, powder, and brandy. To the honor
of the Jesuits, it should be said that they steadily opposed
the sale of this last commodity to the Indians, braving the
enmity of the most powerful officials in so doing. But
although the Canadian voyageur or Indian trader was a
good Catholic, who would regularly confess his sins and
practice the severest penances imposed by his priests, yet
even their potent influence was insufficient to keep him
from grasping the enormous profits made by selling ardent
spirits to the Indians. Civic functionaries, commandants
of posts, and every one else who had the means, were
alike eager to share these dubious gains, and all the tribes
connected with the French, like those in communication
with the English, became deeply infected with the fatal
thirst for spirituous liquors, which has been the greatest
bane of their race.
But although the Pottawattamies usually traded with
the French, yet when the English opened a trading-house
at Oswego, on Lake Ontario, in 1727, many of their num-
ber, with other denizens of the upper-lake region, found
their way thither with their furs, having discovered that
the English gave much better bargains in the Indians'
necessities of powder and whisky than did the French. It
will be understood that there were no commission mer-
chants in those days, by whom packages of beaver-skins
and otter-skins could be sent to Oswego or Montreal for
16
HISTOBY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
sale. The adventurous Pottawattamie hunter who wanted
to drive a better bargain than he could make at the fron-
tier posts must launch his frail canoe, with its load of furs,
on the waters of the St. Joseph or the Raisin, follow the
tortuous course of the river to Lake Michigan or Lake
Erie, coast cautiously down those inland seas to the Ni-
agara, carry his little vessel around the great cataract,
launch it again upon the bosom of Ontario, and at length
make his toilsome way to Oswego or Frontenac. Having
made the customary exchange for powder, blankets, cali-
coes, and brandy, he must return by the same route, not
only braving the hardships of the voyage but the danger
of ambush by the dreaded Iroquois; for though there were
intervals of peace between the '' fierce democracies" of the
East and the West, yet there was always danger that some
wandering band of warriors would seek vengeance for old
but unforgotten injuries upon any less powerful squad
whom fortune might throw in their path.
The greater part of the Indian trade, however, was car-
ried on by the French coureurs de bois^ a wild and hardy
race, who adopted, to a great extent, the Indian customs,
formed Indian alliances of more or less permanence, and
through whom the French influence was constantly ex-
tended over the nations of Algonquin race. In 1736 the
French local authorities reported to the home govern-
ment that they exercised authority over a hundred and
three tribes, numbering sixteen thousand warriors and
eighty-two thousand souls. This authority was very vague
and precarious, and might more properly have been de-
scribed as influence ; and yet it was a very real assistance
to the F^-ench in their constant rivalry with the English.
In 1744, after a thirty years' peace, war broke out be-
tween those two great nations, and each at once summoned
their Indian allies to the war-path. Far and wide, through
Canada and the Great West, the French ofl&cials labored to
stir up the passions of the Algonquin braves, while the
English sought the aid of the Iroquois^ much fewer in
number, but more daring in spirit and more compact in
organization.
Bands of all the Northwestern tribes made frequent and
most murderous assaults on the frontiers of Pennsylvania
and Virginia, inflicting the most terrible cruelties upon the
settlers, and sufi*ering scarcely less in return, when they fell
into the hands of the fierce borderers, who hated the red
men as the Jews hated the heathen whose lands they had
seized. Other bands made their way over the long course
to Montreal, received full equipments there, and then,
sometimes under their own chiefs, sometimes under French
partisan officers, went forth to harry the frontiers 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
memorandum, dated August 22, the same year, mentions
the arrival of thirty-eight Outawois (Ottawas) of Detroit,
seventeen Sauternes, twenty-four Hurons, and fourteen
" Poutewatamies.^^ The French records show the send-
ing out of not less than twenty marauding expeditions
against the colonists of New Hampshire, Massachusetts,
and New York in one year, and chronicle their dismal re-
turn with scalps and prisoners. The colonial governments
did their best to retaliate in kind, but the small number of
their only allies, the Iroquois, made it impracticable to
equal the atrocities of the French.
The war lasted four years, consisting principally of such
predatory excursions, during which the French accounts
make frequent mention of the "' Poutewatamies^^ as active
in gaining whatever glory could be reaped from those fero-
cious achievements. The contest was closed, however, in
1748, by the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, and again the Potta-
wattamie braves were forced to content themselves with
warfare with other tribes, save when occasionally a small
band could make a stealthy foray against the settlers of
Pennsylvania, which would be promptly disowned by the
wily old sachems of the tribe, as the act of some ''bad
young men."
CHAPTER IV.
THE POTTAWATTAMIES-(Continued).
The Crisis — Beginning of War — The Three Expeditions of 1755 —
Braddock's Advance — Indians at Fort Duquesne — Beaujeu In-
duces them to follow Him— Attack upon the British — Desperate
Battle — The British routed — Fiendish Orgies — The Indians attack
the Frontiers — Other Indian Operations — Defeat of Grant — Potta-
toattamies at Fort Niagara — Their Defeat — Fall of Quebec — Rogers
takes Possession of Detroit — Indian Dislike of the English — The
Conspiracy of Pontiac — Number of the Poftawattamies — Pontiac's
Schemes — His Treachery exposed — The Attack — The Siege — Cap-
ture of Fort St. Joseph — The PottaicatUimiea make Peace — Battle
of Bloody l^xxn— Pottawattamiea take Part — The British defeated
— Pottawattamies, etc., attack a Vessel — Indians oflf to Hunt —
Pontiac withdraws — End of the Siege — Gen. Bradstreet comes up
the Lakes with Army — General Submission of the Tribes — British
Posts re-established — Sir William Johnson's Tactics with the Pot-
tawattamies — An Indian Speech — Fate of Pontiac — The Revenge
of the Northern Indians.
The long and almost constant struggle between the
French and English for the mastery of North America
was rapidly approaching a crisis. The former, having se-
cured an influence over the Indians throughout the West,
and having established a line of forts and trading-posts by
way of Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and the Mississippi
River, were now anxious to crowd still more closely on the
English, and to establish an interior line from Lake Erie
to the forks of the Ohio (now Pittsburgh) and thence down
the river to the Mississippi. The slower English colonists,
absorbed with the work of chopping, and plowing, and build-
ing houses, were yet determined to prevent a proceeding
which would have brought a line of hostile posts almost to
their doors.
In 1754, Major George Washington, in command of a
body of rangers who were guarding the frontiers of Vir-
ginia, attacked and defeated a detachment of French and
Indians who were apparently acting as spies upon him, thus
beginning a war destined to convulse two continents, to
expel the flag of France from the greater part of North
America, and to pave the way for the American Revolution
and American independence. Little more was done that
year than to fight a few inconsequent skirmishes, and to
terrify the frontier with a few savage deeds of blood.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
17
But in 1755 desperate exertions were made on both
sides to accomplish great resuks. The English planned to
send three armies against three prominent French posts;
one, under Gen. Johnson (afterwards Sir William John-
son), against Crown Point, on Lake Champlain ; one,
under Gen. Shirley, against Fort Niagara, at the mouth
of the Niagara River ; and one, the most formidable of all,
was to be led against Fort Duquesne, at the forks of the
Ohio, by Maj.-Gen. Edward Braddock, who was sent over
to be commander-in-chief of all the British forces in
America. The French, on the other hand, though com-
paratively few in numbers, were more vigilant and active
than their adversaries, and depended much on the aid they
could obtain from the swarms of Indians in their interest,
whom they made strenuous and quite successful efforts to
attach to their standard.
The expedition against Fort Niagara broke down before
reaching that post. The one under Gen. Johnson, though
it did not capture or even attack Crown Point, yet resulted
in a decided victory over the combined French and Indian
force under Baron Dieskau, on the shores of Lake George,
in the northeastern part of New York. Considering the
custom among the Western Indians of making their way in
small bands to Montreal to take part in operations against
the English, it is quite probable that some of our ''Poufe-
watamies" were actors under Dieskau in the battle of Lake
George ; but as it is not certain, and as their mode of ope-
ration can be sufficiently understood by observing their acts
on a more celebrated field where they were unquestionably
present, we turn at once to the sadly-celebrated expedition
under Gen. Braddock.
It was early in June, 1755, that that brave, but conceited
and thick-headed, commander led forth an army of some two
thousand men from the frontiers of Pennsylvania, and took
the road toward Fort Duquesne. Small as that number
may seem to the reader of this generation, Braddock com-
manded one of the largest forces that had yet been assem-
bled in North America, and high hopes were entertained of
its achievements. It was mostly composed of British regu-
lars, with a few Virginia and Pennsylvania riflemen, and as
the scarlet columns strode proudly along the narrow forest
pathway, their commander did not doubt for a moment that
they would easily accomplish the task which had been al-
lotted them. After a considerable part of the distance had
been traveled, the general, by the advice of his aide-de-camp,
Col. Washington, moved forward with twelve hundred men
and some light artillery, leaving the rest of the army to fol-
low at a slower pace.
Meanwhile the alarmed French, unable to bring any con-
siderable number of troops to Fort Duquesne, had strained
every nerve to draw thither a sufficient force of Indians to
repel the assailants. But though it was easy to persuade
numerous savages to go forth in little bands against the hap-
less colonists, it was far more difficult to concentrate a con-
siderable force for the purpose of defending a fort against
a British army. An Indian, as a rule, has a great aversion
to facing a large, organized army, and an equally strong
dislike of being shut up in a fort. According to Sargent's
" History of Braddock's Expedition,"— the best authority to
be found on the subject, — there were six hundred and thirty-
3
seven Indian warriors gathered at Fort Duquesne. These
comprised Ahertakis and Cavglinawagas, from Canada;
ShawneeSj from Ohio; Chippewa.% Ottawas, and Potta-
wattamies, from Michigan; and some smaller bands, all
friendly to the French, but all alarmed at the superior force
of the English, as reported by their scouts. Besides these,
there were seventy-two regular French soldiers and a hun-
dred and forty-six Canadian militia, making a total, as near
as can be ascertained, of eight hundred and fifty-five com-
batants.
The post was under the command of Capt. Contrecceur,
of the French army. Knowing the superior force of
Braddock, and the indisposition of the Indians to engage
in a regular siege, Contrecceur was half disposed to abandon
the post and descend the Ohio. But among the French
officers w^as one who was thoroughly accustomed to forest
warfare, and who possessed extraordinary influence over the
Indians. This was Capt. Beaujeu, who, on learning of the
near approach of Braddock, boldly proposed to lead forth
the Indians and Canadians and endeavor to surprise or
ambush the too-confident English. The commander re-
luctantly gave his consent.
Beaujeu then hastened among his Indian friends. Call-
ing together the chiefs, he flung down a tomahawk before
them, harangued them in that Algonquin tongue with
which all their dialects were affiliated, and ofl'ered to lead
them at once against the red-coats, who were coming to rob
them of their lands. But all shrank back from this daring
proposal. Shawnees, Ottawas, and Pottawaftamies alike
declined the challenge, declaring that the English were too
strong for such an attempt. Again Beaujeu appealed to
their friendship for the French, their hatred against the
English, their pride in their own valor. But still in vain.
'' Does our father think we are fools," exclaimed the
chiefs, " that we should go forth against the red soldiers,
when they are more numerous than the leaves of the
forest?"
Yet once more Beaujeu essayed the powers of his elo-
quence. He painted more vividly than before the steady
encroachment of the English on the Indian lands, till every
face was black with hatred ; depicted, with all the pathos he
could command, the friendship which had always existed
between the French and the tribes of Algonquin race;
pointed out the ease with which from behind trees and
rocks they could shoot down the clumsy red-coats ; and
dilated on the rich harvest of booty and scalps they could
gather, till the bolder chiefs clutched their tomahawks with
a passion that could scarcely be restrained. Then Beaujeu
capped the climax of his eloquence by exclaiming, —
'' I am determined to go to-morrow though not a chief
dare follow me ! Will you allow your father to go alone
against your enemies while you remain in safety here?"
This bold declaration turned the wavering balance in the
minds of his savage hearers; the bravest among them
sprang forward, brandishing their tomahawks and asserting
their readiness to follow their father Beaujeu wherever he
might lead, and the contagion of generous rashness soon
spread through all the crowd. In a few moments all were
thronging around Beaujeu with shouts of defiance against
the red-coats, and in a few more they were away among
18
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
their followers, arousing their passions by the same arts
which Beaujeu had employed upon themselves. Late that
night the war-dance was danced in a score of Indian camps,
and Pottaioattamies, Ottawas, Shawiiees, Belawares, Ahen-
aki.% worked themselves into a frenzy of valor by their own
shrieks, contortions, and harangues.
The next morning, the fatal 9th of July, the scouts
brought in the news that Braddock's army was on the
move, and was crossing the Monongahela from the eastern
to the western side, some twelve or fourteen miles from the
fort. Shawnees, Pottawatt amies, Ahenakls, and all their
brethren were soon astir, the scenes of the previous night
were reenacted, and the warriors, while making their few
preparations, aroused each other's enthusiasm with shrieks,
and shouts, and brandishing of tomahawks, and impromptu
fragments of the war-dance, and brief rehearsals of their
valorous deeds on former occasions. ContreccBur ordered
kegs of bullets and gunpowder to be broken open and placed
at the gate of the fort, so that all the Indians might help
themselves. Thus amply furnished with ammunition, naked
save the breech-clout and a long line of braided deer-hide
wound around the waist, to which was suspended tomahawk,
scalping-knife, powder-horn, and bullet-pouch, the yelling
bands hurried off into the forest.
The hundred or more warriors of each tribe were under
their own chief, nor does there seem to have been any unity
of action among them, save through the partial obedience
which they voluntarily yielded to Contrecoeur and Beaujeu.
Tradition indeed asserts that the Ottawas were led by the
great chieftain whose name was in a few years to become a
terror along a thousand miles of English frontier, the re-
nowned Pontiac, and if so it is quite possible that the Chip-
pewas and Pott aivatt amies (who, as before stated, were
loosely leagued in a warlike confederacy with the Ottawas)
might have followed the same daring leader. There is,
however, little evidence to support the tradition, and, unless
influenced by the renown of some very distinguished chief,
the warriors of each tribe usually acted by themselves, and
sometimes divided into still smaller bands.
When Beaujeu had superintended the fitting out of his
Indians, he set forth himself with about two hundred white
men, three-fourths Canadian militia and hunters, and the
remainder French regulars, but regulars who had served
long in America, and were well versed in the wiles of forest
warfare. Contrecoeur was left almost alone in the fort.
Though the Indians had started first they were not disposed
to get ahead of their father, Beaujeu, and they speedily
arranged themselves in irregular order on either side of the
narrow road along which marched the little column of
French and Canadians. As they neared the foe the yells
with which they had excited each other's valor sank into
silence, for the Indian invariably seeks the advantage of
surprise. The second in command under Beaujeu was
Lieutenant Dumas, and another partisan officer was Charles
de Langlade, afterwards a resident of Green Bay, and by
some considered the principal pioneer of Wisconsin. He
was especially distinguished for his influence over the
Ottmcasj Pottawattamies, and other Indians of the upper
lakes.
JBeaujeu knew that about nine miles from Fort Duquesne
the road coming from the south, after again crossing the
Monongahela to the east side (on which the lort was situ-
ated), wound upward to the heights above the stream, be-
tween gloomy ravines with precipitous sides, such as are often
seen in America, where tall trees growing at the bottom rise
beside the almost perpendicular walls, their foliage mingling
with the undergrowth at the top, thus concealing the abyss
from the eyes of all but the most observant woodsmen. It
is supposed that he intended to place his men in ambush in
these ravines and fire on the unsuspecting battalions of Brad-
dock after they had partially marched through the defile.
He hurried forward at great speed, but the preparations had
taken up so much time that, if such was his intention, he
was a little too late to carry it fully into effect. As he and
his foremost men reached the isthmus between the two
ravines, a little after noon, the vanguard of the British
army came into view only a few rods distant. The biog-
rapher of De Langlade declares that, on discovering this
fact, Beaujeu was unwilling to make an attack, and that
the former was obliged to ply him with argument and en-
treaties for several minutes before he would consent to go
forward. Be that as it may, the order was soon given, and
French, Canadians, and Indians plunged forward at full
speed.
One of the English perceived Beaujeu, clad in border-
fashion in a fringed hunting-shirt, springing forward with
long bounds, closely followed by his Canadians, while the
dark forms of the Indians could barely be seen on either
side gliding at equal speed through the forest. Almost at
the same moment the French leader halted and waved his
hat. The Canadians formed an irregular line across the
road, and began firing briskly on those British who were in
sight, while the Indians, once more raising the war-whoop,
sprang into the ravines on either side, and plied their musk-
ets with equal vigor.
A detachment of grenadiers, under Lieut.-Col. Thomas
Gage (afterwards the celebrated Gen. Gage, commanding
the British troops at Boston at the beginning of the Revo-
lution), formed the principal part of the vanguard. They
returned the fire of the Canadians, and one of the first
shots killed Capt. Beaujeu, on whom the whole enterprise
seemed to depend. His men were in truth greatly dis-
couraged, and when some artillery, brought forward by
Braddock, made the hills and forests re-echo with its tre-
mendous volleys, the Indians (who are usually very timor-
ous about facing the big guns) were on the point of fleeing.
But Dumas, the second in command, quickly rallied his
men after the fall of Beaujeu, and the Indians soon dis-
covered that they were almost completely screened from
artillery fire by their position in the ravines.
They could establish themselves close to the top, clinging
to the bushes and small trees, and, barely lifting their fierce
faces above the level, could fire, in almost complete security,
at the red battalions which crowded the road a few rods
away, while the great cannon-balls crashed above them, cut-
ting the limbs from hundreds of trees, but hardly slaying a
sino-le warrior. The artillerists were shot down at their
guns, and the infantry fell by the score. They were ex-
tremely frightened by seeing that the fire, as was said,
" came out of the ground at their feet," and huddled to-
-i.M
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
19
gether in crowds, firing their muskets in the air, and offer-
ing the best possible mark for their unseen foes. The
Indians soon saw the dismay they were causing, and their
own courage became proportionately inflated. They spread
themselves down the ravines, enveloping the column in a
murderous line of fire on both sides, while themselves sel-
dom exposing more than a head or an arm.
In vain the British officers, with unquestioned bravery,
endeavored to encourage their terrified soldiers ; in vain
Braddock himself rushed into the thickest of the fire, where
five horses were successively shot under him as he tried to
form his men in the prim array suited to European warfare ;
in vain young Col. Washington rode to and fro, seconding
the efforts of his chief with far more wisdom, having like-
wise two horses killed under him and his clothes riddled
with bullets ; in vain the three companies of Virginia rifle-
men, preserving something like composure amid the terrific
scene, fought in Indian style from behind the trees; neither
valiant example, nor military authority, nor the hope of self-
preservation could inspire with courage that demoralized
throng.
When it has been impracticable to fight Indians in their
own fashion, good commanders have sometimes driven
them from their coverts with the bayonet, as the red men
generally have a wholesome horror of cold steel. Both
Wayne at the Miami and Harrison at Tippecanoe pursued
these tactics with great success. But either Braddock did
not think of this or his men would not go forward, and the
Indians continued to maintain their strong position in the
ravines.
At length, after three hours' fighting, after the general
had been mortally wounded and borne from the field, after
Gage and Gates (the future conqueror of Saratoga) had
also been severely wounded, after sixty-three officers out of
eighty-six, and over seven hundred men out of twelve
hundred, had been killed or wounded, the remainder fled
in a rabble rout across the Monongahela, hastened on for
several days till they met the rear-guard, and in company
with them pursued their course till they reached a safe
retreat in Philadelphia.
The French and Indians, who had suffered some loss
though it was trifling compared with that of their oppo-
nents, only pursued their defeated foes to the river, and
then spread themselves over the field to seek for booty and
scalps. The Indians fairly went crazy with their fiendish
joy. A colonial prisoner previously captured, and held at
Fort Duquesne, described them as rivaling Pandemonium
itself on their return to that fortress at night. Hardly a
warrior but had one or more scalps to adorn his girdle.
Most of them had secured articles of clothing or other
plunder from the dead or prisoners, illll were covered with
the blood of their unfortunate victims, and all were shriek-
ing, whooping, leaping up and down, and brandishing their
weapons in a perfect delirium of triumph.
Here might be seen a stalwart Ottawa^ naked as he went
forth in the morning, save that upon his head was placed
the plumed hat of a British officer ; there strode a haughty
FottaiDattamie, a red coat, dyed a deeper crimson by the
blood of its late owner, buttoned across his brawny breast,
a gold watch clutched in his hand to be gazed at with ad-
miring but half-suspicious eyes, while two or three fair-
haired scalps, suspended from the ramrod of his rifle, gave
fearful evidence of the sorrow which that day had caused
in far-off English homes. The glorious tragedy of battle
never had a more hideous afterpiece of mingled folly and
horror than was presented around Fort Duquesne at sunset
on the 9th of July, 1755. Few prisoners were taken, and
most of these suffered the awful, the almost indescribable,
death at the stake, which Indian vengeance prescribes for
their defeated foes.
The defeat of Braddock, and consequent retreat of the
whole army, unloosed the passions and dispelled the fears
of all the Western Indians, — even of those who had not
before taken up arms for the French, — and thousands of
tomahawks were grasped in the hope of burying them in
the brains of the hated English colonists, — a hope, alas,
too often fulfilled by the terrible reality. These predatory
excursions constituted the principal part of the warfare
waged by the Western Indians during the two succeeding
years. A few Pottawattamies probably found their way to
the armies of the 3Iarquis de Montcalm, taking part with
him in the capture of Oswego, in 1756, and in that of
Fort William Henry and subsequent massacre, in 1757;
but their numbers were so scant, and the part they played
so unimportant, that it is needless to refer to it further
here.
In 1758, the Pottawattamies^ with the other Western
Indians, were again summoned to the defense of Fort Du-
quesne, then threatened by the army of Gen. Forbes. Less
than a thousand warriors assembled there ; for while a single
Indian tribe could keep a thousand miles of frontier in ter-
ror, yet, owing to its small numbers and its extremely dem-
ocratic organization, it could not, or would not, furnish any
large number of men for protracted military operations.
They could hardly expect to repeat the surprise which de-
stroyed Braddock, and the French commander was fully
prepared to retreat if necessary ; yet, nevertheless, they
did succeed in inflicting destruction on a considerable por-
tion of the invading army.
Maj. Grant, with a battalion of regulars, was sent for-
ward by Gen. F^orbes to reconnoitre, and to hold a safe
position not far from Fort Duquesne. The major seems
to have imbibed the idea that he could capture the fort
without assistance, and carry off the honors alone. He
accordingly marched up to within a very short distance of
the French stronghold. Perhaps his desire was to tempt
the enemy from his fastness; if so, he was only too suc-
cessful.
Suddenly the whole crowd of OttawaSy Pottawattamies ^
Shawiiees, Delawares, etc., poured yelling from the fortress,
supported by the few French and Canadian soldiers present.
Hurrying forward, they flung themselves impetuously upon
the startled Britons, and succeeded in breaking their ranks.
Then swiftly succeeded the scenes of confusion and panic
so common when regular soldiers, under an incompetent
commander, heard the terrible war-whoop sounding in their
ears, and saw the forest flashing fire in every direction,
while scarcely a single enemy appeared. Maj. Grant's force
was cut off' almost to a man, and once paore the forest war-
riors indulged in a carnival of malignant joy.
20
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
But Gen. Forbes was too cautious to be surprised, and
his force was too strong to be withstood, and when he ap-
proached the fortress, previously so fiercely defended, the
French and their Indian allies reluctantly retreated to their
fastnesses still deeper in the forest.
The next year, 1759, came the great and practically the
final struggle between the French and English in North
America. Charles de Langlade, the partisan commander
before mentioned, was with Montcalm at Quebec, with a
body of Indians from the lake region, among whom were
doubtless a band of Pottawattamie warriors, as that tribe
was represented at almost every point where there was any
fighting going on. The red men took an active part in
some of the preliminary struggles around Quebec, but
when the audacity and good fortune of Wolfe had placed
the English on the open field of the Plains of Abraham
there was no chance for Indian tactics, and even the French
and Canadian levies were driven back in utter rout before
the lead and steel of the British grenadiers.
A few weeks before the fall of Quebec a well-appointed
Anglo-American force, accompanied by a large body of Iro-
quois warriors, appeared before Fort Niagara, one of the
strongest of the French fortresses, and considered the key
of the whole Western country. Its commander called on
his brethren for relief, and they responded promptly to his
appeal. D'Aubry, the senior ofiicer in the West, was at
Venango, now in the State of Pennsylvania. With des-
perate energy he called together every man he could mus-
ter from Le Boeuf, Presque Isle, Detroit, and other French
posts on and near Lake Erie. The Western Indians had
been in the habit of making these posts their headquarters,
but since the fall of F^ort Duquesne they had been less en-
thusiastic in their devotion to French interests.
Nevertheless, by using all his efibrts, D'Aubry succeeded
in gathering some six hundred of the Shawnees, lliamis,
Fottawattamies, etc., who had so often danced the war-
dance and brandished the tomahawk in behalf of France.
With these were joined near a thousand French and Cana-
dian soldiers, hastily gathered for a final struggle in defense
of F'rench supremacy in the West.
It was in the latter part of July that this motley band,
in Indian canoes and French bateaux, coasted along the
southern shore of Lake Erie, passed on down the Niagara,
landed above the great cataract, and marched down to
relieve the fort. But Sir William Johnson, who had be-
come the commander of the besieging force, was not at all
inclined to sufier the fate of Braddock. Well-apprised of
the approach of his foe, he left a sufficient number to guard
the trenches and marched forth to meet him. Soon the
two armies were engaged in deadly conflict.
Seldom has a battle been fought with more picturesque
surroundings, or under more romantic circumstances. Beside
the field of combat, but a hundred feet below, the mighty
Niagara rolled through its darksome gorge, while scarcely
out of hearing, to the southward, thundered the avalanche
of waters which has made Niagara renowned throughout
the world. There was everything to nerve the combatants
on both sides to the most desperate struggle. The fate of
Canada was still hanging in the balance, but few could doubt
that if this stronghold should fall into English hands they
would be able to control the upper lake country, whatever
might become of the valley of the St. Lawrence.
On either side were regular soldiers of the two greatest
nations of the world, colonial levies of rude appearance, but
skilled in all the mysteries of forest warfare, and naked
Indians ready to split open each other's heads for the benefit
of the European intruders. Here, while Englishmen were
crossing bayonets with Frenchmen, and Canadians and New
Yorkers were aiming their fatal weapons at each other's
breasts, Shaionees and Mohawks were also to be seen en-
gaged in deadly conflict, the Onondaga fought hand to hand
with the Ottawa^ and the tomahawk of the brawny Potta-
wattamie from the banks of the St. Joseph beat down the
knife of the scowling Cayaga from the shores of the pel-
lucid lake which still perpetuates his memory.
The contest was brief and decisive. The French and
their red allies were utterly defeated, and chased for several
miles through the woods ; their commander was wounded
and taken prisoner, and a large portion of the whole force
was either slain or captured. The fall of Fort Niagara
speedily followed. The Indians who escaped returned in
sorrow to their wigwams in the wilds of Ohio and Michigan,
and gloomily awaited the result.
The next year the final blows were struck. Three armies
were concentrated on Montreal, and the Marquis de Vau-
dreuil, the governor-general of Canada, surrendered that
province and all its dependencies to the English, including
all the posts on the upper lakes and in the surrounding
country. This was the formal act which made Michigan
British territory, though the cause of the transfer is to be
sought where Wolfe snatched victory from the grasp of
death, on the Plains of Abraham.
Maj. Robert Rogers, a celebrated New Hampshire parti-
san, was selected by the British general to lead a body of
his rangers to take possession of Detroit, the same au-
tumn. Arrived at that post, he found a band of Potta-
tvattamies just below the fort on the western side of the
river, while the villages of the Wyandots were to be seen
opposite, and those of the Ottawas farther up, on what is
now the American side. The fort was surrendered on
presentation of a letter from the governor-general announ-
cing the capitulation. All the warriors hailed the descent
of the French flag with yells which might have been in-
spired by anger, but were quite likely to have indicated
only excitement over the change.
The next year (1761), the posts at Michillimacinae, Saut
Sainte Marie, Green Bay, and St. Joseph (where the St.
Joseph River enters Lake Michigan) were also surrendered
to the English. This practically consummated the transfer
of Michigan to British rule.
But the Indians of that territory were from the first ex-
tremely restive at the presence of the red-coats, and even
the Iroquois began to think, when too late, that it would
have been better to aid the French, and thus balance the *
greater power of the English. In July, 1761, a council
was held near Detroit, at which the chiefs of the Ottawas^
Chi'ppewaSj WyandotSj and Pottawatt amies met with dele-
gates from the Six Nations, or at least a part of them, and
at which it was half agreed to endeavor to surprise Detroit,
Fort Pitt, and all the other posts. The plot was discovered,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
21
however, before any conclusion was reached. It was ex-
plained away as well as possible by the Indians, and the
English paid very little attention to it.
The ill-will among the Indians still continued. The
change was great from the subtle complaisance of the
French, who veiled even acts of aggression with plausible
pretexts and flattering words, to the bluff and contemptuous
bearing of the English, who oiFended even when granting a
favor. The French traders, voyageurs^ midi coureurs de hois,
who feared the rivalry of the English in their occupations,
fanned the rising hatred of the red men by a thousand wild
stories regarding the intention of the British to destroy
them, and the certainty that the French king would again
send an army to drive out the intruders.
It was at this time that the celebrated Ottawa chief,
Pontiac, conceived the idea of the great conspiracy with
which his name has been permanently associated by the
genius of Parkman, and in which the Pottawattamie tribe
bore a prominent part. Near the close of 17G2, he sent
ambassadors among all the tribes, from the great lakes to
the far south, to rouse them to united action against the
English. But again the British got an inkling of the de-
sign, and the plot was postponed.
In February, 1763, a treaty of peace was finally signed
between Great Britain and France, the latter confirming the
transfer to England of Canada, including Michigan and the
Northwest, which had already been brought about by the
force of arms. The news of this event, however, did not
reach Detroit until the following summer. By the opening
of spring, Pontiac had nearly perfected his arrangements.
The tribes of Indians living eastward, at a given time, were
to assail all the posts from the head of Lake Erie to Fort
Niagara ; the Chippewas were to carry Michillimacinac and
Saut Ste. Marie, while Pontiac reserved to himself, with his
Ottawas and Fottawattamies, the attack upon Detroit,
To the Fottawattamies was also assigned the capture of
Fort St. Joseph.
Sir William Johnson, who about this period made a
careful estimate of the numbers of all the tribes of the
north, fixed the number of Pottawattamie warriors in
Michigan at three hundred and fifty, one hundred and fifty
being temporarily located at Detroit and two hundred being
in the St. Joseph Valley. It is probable, however, that the
number of the latter portion was somewhat larger, as Sir
William had no chance to examine them, and the maps of
the period show the valley to have been the principal home
of the tribe. Doubtless it seems as if three hundred and
fifty warriors or even three times as many were a very
small number to write a long chapter about, yet a few hun-
dred Indians can make a terrible commotion. The 3Iohawksj
one of the most warlike of the Six Nations, of whom the
celebrated Brant was the chief, had no more, and that whole
remarkable confederacy, the renown of which filled two
continents, could muster but two thousand fighting men.
And at the very time of which we are writing, the deeds of
those few hundred Pottawattamits, and of three or four
other tribes scarcely stronger than themselves, were destined
to terrify half the people of North America, and to startle
the ministry of triumphant Britain with portents of incal-
culable disaster.
On the 27th of May, 1763, a council of Ottawas, Potta-
wattamies, and Wyandots^ the nucleus of the conspiring
league, was held at the River Ecorces, near Detroit, at which
Pontiac, with his wild eloquence, fired the hearts of his
hearers, and prepared them for the deadly work before them.
It was arranged that on the 2d of May he should gain ad-
mittance to the fort with a party of warriors, on pretense
of dancing the calumet dance, should carefully observe its
strength, and call another council to make final preparations.
This was accordingly done without exciting suspicion. A
few days later Pontiac called the chiefs to another meeting
in a large bark council-house, in the Pottawattamie village.
Here, after again exciting their passions by a fervid recital
of their wrongs, he proposed that on the seventh of that
month he and the principal chiefs would gain admittance
to the fort on pretense of holding a council with the com-
mandant, all apparently unarmed, but all with weapons con-
cealed under their blankets. At a given motion of the
great chief, the officers assembled at the council were to be
butchered, and the scalp-yells of the victors were to be the
signal for a united attack by a host of warriors outside on
the surprised and leaderless garrison. The plan was eagerly
adopted by the chiefs.
At this time Detroit was defended by a hundred and
twenty soldiers under Major Gladwyn, of the British army.
There were also some employees, both English and French,
within the fort. Outside, on both sides of the Detroit
River, were several hundred families of French Canadians,
who lived partly by agriculture, and partly by hunting,
trapping, and trading with the Indians. They were on ex-
cellent terms with Pontiac and his warriors, and probably
many of them were quite willing that the hated English
should be destroyed, no matter by what means. Yet they
were not foolish enough to suppose that two or three thou-
sand Indians could destroy the British power in North
America, and were not at all disposed to subject themselves
to a terrible retribution by aiding the conspirators.
Some of them, who were friendly to the English, saw
that something unusual was going on among the warriors,
and warned Maj. Gladwyn that there was danger in the
air, but he, with the usual British-officer mixture of cour-
age and dullness, paid no attention to their suggestions.
Yet somehow, on the eve of the attack, he did receive a
warning which he heeded. A score of different stories are
preserved by tradition regarding the source of -the informa-
tion ; stories which only agree in declaring that the plot
was betrayed by one of the Indians or squaws, probably
one of the latter. The common account, probably adopted
only because it has a spice of romance in it, is that in the
Pottawattamie village dwelt an Ojibwa damsel who had
become the mistress of Gladwyn. The day before the in-
tended massacre she sought an audience of her lover, and
informed him of the whole plot in language so simple and
earnest that he could not but believe it.
The next day, the 7th of May, sixty stalwart chieftains,
Ottawas, Pottaivatfamies, and Wyandots, with the grim
Pontiac at their head, marched in " Indian file" into the
fort, to hold a council with their white father. Besides
these, some two hundred and fifty other warriors had gained
admittance on various pretexts, for Gladwyn, with bravery
22
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
amounting to rashness, had allowed all to enter. But as
Pontiac passed through the gate he saw the whole garrison
as well as the employees of the fur-traders under arms, and
knew that so far as a surprise was concerned his plot had
failed. His warriors were all armed with knives and toma-
hawks, and many of them had guns which had been filed
off short, hidden under their blankets. Had they boldly
attacked the garrison and been assisted by their comrades
outside, they might very probably have succeeded in their
attempt. But the Indian, though brave enough in his own
way, will seldom engage in a square fight with the Cauca-
sian unless he has a great advantage in numbers.
Pontiac and his chiefs held the proposed council with
Gladwyn and his officers, but he made no signal and all
passed off quietly. A dramatic account has frequently been
published stating how, as Pontiac was raising his belt of
wampum to give the fatal signal, Maj. Gladwyn anticipated
him, when " the drums at the door of the council-house
rolled to the charge, the guards presented their pieces, and
the British officers drew their swords from the scabbards,"
and how the major immediately stepped forward, drew aside
the chieftain's blanket, and disclosed the shortened musket
beneath. But Gladwyn's letter, published by Parkman,
declares distinctly that he did not intimate his suspicions
of their intentions, and apparently negatives even the at-
tempted signal and the rolling of the drums ; it certainly
negatives the traditional uncovering of the shortened mus-
kets.
The Indians retired but did not yet throw off the mask.
The next day, after another attempt to lull the suspicions
of the British, Pontiac spent the afternoon in the Potta-
wattamie village consulting with the chiefs.
On the ninth Pontiac made still another request for ad-
mission with a large band, but Maj. Gladwyn refused
entrance to any but the chief himself. Then at last the
latter unloosed the rage of his followers, which he had held
so long in the leash. With fiendish yells they threw them-
selves upon a few wretched English who lived outside the
walls, and the waving of the scalps of these unfortunates
constituted their ghastly declaration of war. The Ottawa
village was quickly moved to the west side of the river, and
the same night a band of Ojibwas came down from Lake
Huron.
At dawn, the morning of the tenth of May, the attack
began. At the pealing of the war-whoop on every side the
soldiers rushed to their posts. "And truly," says Park-
man, " it was time ; for not the Ottawas alone but the
whole barbarian swarm — Wi/andots, Pottawattamies^ and
Ojibwas — were upon them, and bullets rapped hard and
fast against the palisades." Yet, though their numbers
were estimated at from one to two thousand, they did not
attempt to charge the walls, but with the usual Indian
strategy sheltered themselves behind barns, outhouses, and
bushes, keeping up an incessant fire at the loop-holes of the
fort. The conflict was maintained for half the day, when
the baffled savages gradually retired, neither side having
suffered heavy loss. The attack had failed, and those who
knew the Indian character might naturally expect that,
having been repulsed on their first spring, they would soon
slink away into the woods. It was a remarkable evidence
df the command obtained by Pontiac over these wild war-
riors, that he was able to retain them as long as he did
in the uncongenial duties of a siege.
But Pontiac, unused as he was to regular operations, had
conceived the idea of starving out the garrison, and indeed
there was considerable danger that he would do so. The
supply of provisions was small, the French inhabitants were
unwilling to brave the wrath of the savages, and, though
communication with the East was open by the river and
lake, the chances of receiving succor in time was very dis-
couraging. Pontiac made such arrangements as his crude
ideas of war suggested. He placed a band of Pottawatta-
mies along the river below the fort to cut off any who might
approach, while another baud of the same tribe was con-
cealed near the fort to shoot any one who might be seen.
After another long fusillade, Pontiac sent a Canadian to
demand a surrender of the post, which was promptly re-
fused.
For over a month the siege was closely continued, the
Indians preventing every one from going out, but seldom
coming within gun-shot of the walls. There were two
small English vessels in the river, and the garrison might
easily have escaped, as indeed some of the officers thought
was best, but Gladwyn peremptorily declined. Their scanty
supplies were eked out by those surreptitiously brought
across the river by the Canadians, and as long as this was
the case the soldiers could hope to hold out till Sir Jeffrey
Amherst could send relief, in response to the message which
Gladwyn had managed to dispatch as early as the 14th of
May.
In fact one detachment had left Fort Niagara on the 13th
with supplies for Detroit, but this was cut off' on the way,
and when the soldiers crowded to the river-side to welcome
a long line of boats, which they saw approaching under the
English flag, they were inexpressibly disappointed to find
them filled only with naked savages and their unfortunate
captives. News of disaster now came thick and fast.
One after another the garrison learned of the capture of
the various little posts transferred to the English by the
French, and the slaughter or captivity of their defenders.
Of the twelve posts attacked during the wide-spread " Con-
spiracy of Pontiac," all fell into the hands of the savages,
save Detroit, Fort Pitt, and Fort Niagara.
Only one of these was especially connected with the
history of the tribe of which we are writing. This was
Fort St. Joseph, near the mouth of St. Joseph River,
where La Salle had established a trading-post over eighty
years before. It had in time become a French military
post and the seat of a small but thriving colony of Cana-
dian fur-traders and voyageurs. After the surrender to
the English the latter also maintained a post there de-
signed to curb to some extent the neighboring Pottawatta-
miesj and to furnish a convenient nucleus for the fur-trade.
In the spring of 1763 it was garrisoned by Ensign Schlos-
ser, with fourteen men, who seem to have had no appre-
hension of danger.
On the 25th of May the ensign was told by some of the
Indians that a party of Pottawattamies had come from
Detroit on a visit. Soon after, a few braves, headed by a
chief named Washaste, came in, apparently for friendly
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
23
purposes. Then a Canadian informed Schlosser that the
savages, who were thronging around and into the post, were
manifesting every indication of hostility. The unwary offi-
cer left his apartment, and found both the parade and bar-
racks thronged with insolent savages and doubtful Cana-
dians. While he was endeavoring to get both English and
Canadians into some kind of order, a yell was raised, the
sentinel was tomahawked, the Pottawattamies on the out-
side rushed in, and in less than two minutes, as the officer
afterwards declared, all the soldiers were butchered and
scalped save himself and three others, who were seized
and bound hand and foot.
As in numerous other cases, the French were unharmed,
showing that the rage of the savage was not directed
indiscriminately against the whites, but was only aroused
against the haughty English. Two or three English traders
who were present were sheltered by French friends till the
first fury was over, but could not avoid being taken prison-
ers by the Indians. A band of Pottawattamies then went
to join their brethren at Detroit, taking with them the un-
lucky ensign and his three comrades. Fortunately for them,
several Pottawattamies had been imprisoned in the fort
before the outbreak for some offense, and were still held.
For these the Indians exchanged the prisoners they had
brought from St. Joseph, — one of the very few instances
with which we have met of the red men exchanging pris-
oners. Generally they are too anxious to burn them to
suffer any sympathy for their own friends to interfere.
To return to the siege of Detroit. About the 20th of
June one of the schooners before mentioned, which had
gone up Lake Erie to obtain aid, returned with about sixty
men and a supply of ammunition and provision. She also
brought the news of peace and the cession of Canada to
England. This, however, was discredited not only by Pon-
tiac, but by many of the Canadians, who could not bear the
idea of passing permanently under English rule, and who
told the Indians that even then two great French armies
were coming up the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi.
The siege progressed with a constant succession of excit-
ing incidents, though the Indians avoided an attack, and of
course knew nothing of making approaches by intrenchments
and parallels. They made many efforts to destroy the garri-
son by surprise or to fire the schooners on which Gladwyn
depended for communication with the outer world, but
without success.
About the middle of July the Wi/andots and Pottawatta-
mies sent deputations to Maj. Gladwyn begging for peace,
either from lack of zeal or, as is quite likely, from motives
of treachery. The major acceded to the proposal of the
Wyandots, but when the Pottawattamies came they insisted
that some of their people imprisoned in the fort should first
be given up. Gladwyn, on the other hand, demanded the
English captives in possession of that tribe.
The Pottawattamies brought three prisoners, but were
peremptorily sent back for more whom they were known to
have ; then they brought six. The treaty was about to be
concluded when one of the six told Gladwyn that there
were still others detained in the camp of the Pottawatta-
mies^ and the deputation was again turned away. They
were furious with rage, and hastily consulting together in
their own tongue, determined to kill the commander and
then make their escape if possible. But at that instant
Gladwyn discovered an Ottaioa among them, and called
some of the guard into the council- house to arrest him.
The Pottawattamies then sullenly withdrew. Yet in a day
or two they returned with the other captives, when their
own friends were freed and a treaty of peace was made.
It is evident that either Pontiac's power was waning, or
that the whole proceeding was a r?/se, which from subse-
quent events seems quite probable,
On the morning of the 29th of July, twenty-two barges
bearing two hundred and sixty regulars, twenty independ-
ent rangers, several small cannon, and fresh supplies of
provisions and ammunition, came up the river. These
were under Capt. Dalzell, an officer of the British army,
but one who had had considerable experience in Indian
fighting, having been present with Rogers and Putnam in
some of their most desperate conflicts. The rangers were
commanded by the redoubtable Major Rogers himself,
whose eagerness for battle and glory had sent him to the
front with his little squad of followers. As the convoy
came opposite to the villages of Wi/andots and Pottawatta-
mies^ lyi^r? respectively on the east and west banks of the
river, these treacherous enemies, in spite of their recent
treaty of peace, opened fire on the barges from both shores
at once. The soldiers replied with their swivels and mus-
kets, but ere they gained the shelter of the fort fifteen of
their number were killed and wounded.
We are afraid, in view of such facts as these, it will be
impossible to say anything in fiivor of the chivalry or honor
of our Pottawattamies, who, in fact, like nearly all the rest
of the " noble red men' of whom we have any account,
never hesitated at the blackest treachery when necessary to
accomplish their object. Not but what they could be true
to those they considered their friends, as they were to the
French during nearly a century of varied fortunes. But
when they had once made up their minds that any people
were their enemies, they hesitated at no deception and no
cruelty in order to accomplish their ruin. Treaties and
pledges were but as straw before the fire of their hatred.
Immediately after his arrival Dalzell requested permis-
sion to attack Pontiac in his camp, which Gladwyn reluc-
tantly granted. It was a presumptuous request, as Dalzell
knew nothing of the ground, and his commander was
greatly to blame for granting it, for that reason. Neverthe-
less, at two o'clock on the morning of the 1st of August,
Dalzell and two hundred and fifty men marched up the
river- road toward Pontiac's camp, then situated several
miles up the stream. But some of the Canadians had got
an inkling of the plan, and through them the chief was
fully apprised of the approach of the English column, and
had left his camp with all his Ojibwa and Ottawa warriors
to attack it.
At Parent's Creek (since called Bloody Run), a mile and
a half above the fort, the vanguard was assailed by a ter-
rific fire from hundreds of Indians ambushed behind piles
of firewood, fences, houses, apple-trees, etc., belonging to
the Canadians, and some rude intrenchments previously
thrown up by Pontiac when his camp was situated there.
From the facts in this case, in that of Braddock's defeat,
24
HISTOBY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
and in numerous others of the same class and period, it
would seem that the system of covering an advancing
column with a line of skirmishers several paces apart was
unknown to, or at least unpracticed by, the strategists of
that day. It is true a vanguard marched ahead of the main
body, but it formed a small column of itself, and was an easy
mark for the guns of ambushed foemen.
In the present instance half of the advance-guard were
killed or wounded by the first volley ; the rest ran back,
throwing the main body into confusion, Dalzell rallied his
men, who made charge after charge upon the fences and
other structures which sheltered the foe, only to find in
each case that the Indians had fled back a little farther into
the darkness, whence their bullets still flew with fearful
eff*ect into the crowded ranks of the soldiers. Dalzell was
compelled to order a retreat.
Up to this time the bloody work had been carried on by
Ojibwas and Ottawas^ either because the Wyandots and
Pottawattamies had shaken off the influence of Pontiac,
or because he had planned for them to fall on the English
rear. Whichever supposition is correct, no sooner was the
noise of battle wafted to their ears than the warriors has-
tened to take part in the fray. The Wyandots rowed
across the river in canoes, the Pottawatfamies hastened
through the woods west of the fort. Scarcely had the
column begun its retrograde movement when all the bunds
from below occupied the houses, fences, and orchards by
the roadside, pouring volley after volley into the ranks of
the wearied and discouraged soldiery.
At one point, half a mile below Bloody Run, the savages
occupied a cluster of out-houses and a newly-dug cellar close
to the road, and, strange as it ma}^ seem, they were again
able to ambush the column, allowing the vanguard to pass
unharmed, but firing with deadly effect upon the centre and
rear. The retreat came near degenerating into a perfect
rout, but Dalzell, though twice severely wounded, rallied
his men, and did all that valor could inspire to compensate
for his lack of skill. Maj. Rogers, with his American
rangers, broke into a house and drove out the savages.
Capt. Gray, while charging the enemy, was mortally wounded,
but the foe was temporarily repulsed.
Again the retreat was resumed, and instantly the Pot-
tawattamies and Wyandots gathered on the flank of the
column and riddled it with their deadly volleys. Dalzell
was killed and his body abandoned to the brutal rage of
the foe by the fleeing soldiers. Rogers again took pos-
session of a house to cover the retreat, and to some ex-
tent succeeded in doing so ; but when the column had
passed, two hundred yelling savages surrounded the place,
firing into every aperture they could see, and effectually
preventing the escape of its defenders. Half a mile farther
down, Capt. Grant, now in command of the demoralized
troops, was able to seize some inclosures, which pretty
effectually sheltered his men* Thence he sent squads to
occupy the houses below, ahead of the Indians, and thus
secured his retreat to the fort. He then sent the two
armed bateaux, which had accompanied the expedition, to a
point opposite the house of Campau, which was held by
Rogers. The vessels swept the ground on both sides of the
house with their swivels, the fire from which sent Potta-
wattamieSy Ottawas^ and all, yelling in dismay to the woods.
But no sooner had Rogers marched down the road to join
Grant than some of them rushed into the house and scalped
the slain remaining there, an old squaw cutting open one of
the dead bodies and drinking the blood with more than
fiendish joy. Yet amid all this ferocity no damage was
done to any of the family, nor to the frightened French
pioneers of the neighborhood, who had crowded into the
cellar for safety.
Grant and Rogers successfully consummated their retreat;
but fifty-nine men killed and wounded, out of two hundred
and fifty, in a two-hours' fight, attested the accuracy of aim
of the Ottawa^ Pottawattamie^ and Wyandot braves.
Pontiac at once sent messengers, announcing his victory,
to St. Joseph, Saginaw, and numerous other points, scat-
tered far and wide through the forest, and bands of warriors
soon came trooping in, anxious to join what seemed to them
the successful side. Yet even with these reinforcements the
chieftain dared make no attack on the fort, which was now
well supplied with arms, ammunition, and provisions, and
the garrison of which, notwithstanding the recent disaster,
numbered over three hundred men.
On the 4th of September some three hundred Wyandots
and Pottawattamies made an attack in birch canoes on the
schooner " Gladwyn,' as it lay detained by contrary winds on
its way up from Lake Erie. They clambered up the sides
in spite of cannon and small arms, with their knives between
their teeth, slew the master of the vessel, and disabled
several of the men who formed the crew ; yet the remainder
fought with such desperate valor that the assailants were
finally repulsed. Contemporary letters assert that the mate
ordered the vessel blown up, which some of the Indians
understood, and on their telling their comrades they all fled
to avoid the threatened explosion. This is very doubtful.
A few of the Western Indians knew a little French, but
not one in a thousand could have understood a word of
English. Doubtless the Pottawattamie braves were very
much " at sea" in attacking an armed ship, and were much
more easily repulsed than they would have been by the same
number of foes on land.
But by the end of September the patience of the Indians
was pretty well exhausted. Notwithstanding the victory
of Bloody Run, they saw no prospect of reducing the fort
as long as they had free communication with the East by
means of the river and lake, and they had already been en-
gaged in the siege far longer than they had been in the
habit of continuing in any enterprise. As the hunting
season approached, too, they were obliged to seek for game or
go without food the next year, and a large portion of them
scattered to their respective hunting-grounds for that pur-
pose.
Soon, all along the banks of the St. Joseph and far into
the forest on either side, the Pottawattamie warriors were
to be seen ambushing the deer as they visited their favorite
drinking-places, or tracking the bear to his lonely den, or
occasionally bringing down some stately moose which had
wandered down from its northern home, while the patient
squaws bore their lords' burdens from place to place and
prepared for future use the game the latter had slain.
Similar scenes were enacted on the hunting-grounds of the
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
25
other tribes, and the siege of Detroit necessarily languished
for lack of besiegers. But after the terrible experience of
Bloody Run, Major Gladwyn was naturally in no haste to
try to drive them away by a sally. Those who remained
were also anxious to begin hunting, and were willing to tell
any number of falsehoods which would tend to shield them
from annoyance through the winter.
On the 12th of October a chief of the Missisati^as^ a
branch of the Ojihwas, came to the fort with a pipe of
peace. He informed Maj. Gladwyn that he was author-
ized to represent the Ojihwas, Wi/andots, and Pottawatta-
mien, who were deeply repentant and desirous of peace.
The commandant valued their repentance at what it was
worth, but willingly offered a truce. While it lasted he
succeeded in obtaining a good supply of provisions among
the Canadians.
But the stern Pontiac and his Ottawa warriors sullenly
refused to ask for truce or peace, and continued the war to
the best of their ability, neglecting no opportunity to fire
upon a foraging-party or cut off a straggling soldier. But
on the last day of October a messenger came from the com-
mandant of Fort Chartres, the principal French post on the
upper Mississippi, informing Pontiac that the French and
English were now at peace, and that he could expect no
help from the former in his warfare with the latter. The
disgusted chieftain immediately sent word to Maj. Glad-
wyn that he should advise all the Indians to bury the
hatchet, and soon afterwards withdrew^, with some of his prin-
cipal henchmen, to the Maumee. The Poftawaftamies and
others who had taken part in the siege were already nearly
all busy in their respective hunting-grounds, and the re-
mainder soon departed after the guiding spiiit of the con-
spiracy abandoned his self-imposed task.
Thus ended the celebrated siege of Detroit, distinguished
not only for the commanding character of the sullen chief
of the assailants, and for the importance of the interests in-
volved, but for the constancy, unrivaled in Indian warfare,
with which the capricious warriors of the woods, under the
influence of that powerful mind, devoted themselves through
five weary months to the accomplishment of their object.
Although Pontiac probably intended to renew the siege
in the spring of 1764, and though some of the warriors he
had led returned to Detroit at that time for that purpose,
yet so many difficulties had arisen that the great chief him-
self did not appear on the scene of his exploits, and the at-
tempted renewal of the conflict amounted to little or nothing
except to annoy still longer the fluthful garrison.
In the summer of 1764, Gen. John Bradstreet came up
the lakes with an army of twelve or fifteen hundred men,
and several hundred Iroquois allies, to enforce the submis-
sion of the hostile tribes. He reached Detroit on the 26th
of August, and on the 7th of September held a grand coun-
cil with the Indians. A considerable delegation came from
the country about Sandusky, but the Pottawattamies and
other tribes of the Michigan peninsula were only repre-
sented by the Ojlbwa chief Wasson and six inferior chiefs.
Bradstreet was very desirous that the Indians should ac-
knowledge themselves subjects of the King of England.
But their democratic minds could hardly understand what
was meant by being '' subjects" of any man, and if they had
understood it they would certainly never have sincerely
assented to it. But they had been accustomed, as a matter
of courtesy, to call the King of France their father, and this
title they willingly agreed to transfer to the King of Eng-
land. Bradstreet boasted that he had reduced the Indians to
complete submission, but if there had been a good opening
for an outbreak, he would doubtless have discovered that
though he might have called the King of England his father,
a Pottaicatiamie brave would not thereby have been pre-
vented from tomahawking the King's subjects whenever he
could catch one alone.
A treaty was made, signed, according to the historian
Mante, with a deer and cross on behalf of the Hurons^ with
a turtle by the 3Iia7nis, and with an eagle by the Missi-
sangas^ while the corporate seal of the Pottawattamies mdi
Foxes was represented by the figures of a fox, an eel, and
a bear.
Bradstreet sent troops to reestablish the posts at Michilli-
m.acinac and Green Bay, and then returned East. Though
the expedition was not very well managed, yet the presence
of such a large English force—larger than any body the
French had ever sent up the lakes — could not but impress
the minds of the Indians with the idea that it would be
well to keep on good terms with their new '^ father."
A much more skillful manager of Indians than Brad-
street was the celebrated Sir William Johnson, who was
appointed superintendent of all the Indians of the North.
He personally visited Detroit and other posts, and kept
three well-trained deputies traveling among the various
tribes. By a shrewd mixture of dignity and flattery, by a
frequent distribution of cheap but highly-prized presents,
and by florid delineation of the immense powder of the
English king, Sir William and his deputies contrived to
keep these numerous forest-clansmen in comparative quiet
down nearly to the time of his death.
On the 17th of August, 1765, George Croghan, the most
expert of Sir William's deputies, held a grand council at
Detroit with the Ottawas^ Pottawattaiides^ and Ojibwas.
They had been thoroughly humbled by their ill success,
and moreover (having acquired numerous artificial wants
since the first advent of the whites among them) they had
suffered much from the long suspension of the fur-trade,
and were truly desirous for peace, professing their repent-
ance and submission in the most moving terms. A band
of Pottawattamies from St. Joseph is particularly men-
tioned as being present, whose orator, in the course of a
speech of submission, said (" Conspiracy of Pontiac," vol.
ii. p. 293):
" We are no more than wild creatures to you, fathers,
in understanding ; therefore, we request you to forgive the
past follies of our young people, and receive us for your
children. Since you have thrown down our former father
(the King of France) on his back, we have been wanderino*
in the dark like blind people. Now you have dispersed
all this darkness which hung over the heads of the several
tribes, and have accepted them for your children, we hope
you will let us partake with them the light, that our women
and children may enjoy peace. We beg you to forget all
that is past. By this belt we remove all evil thoughts
from your hearts. Fathers, when we formerly came to
26
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
visit our fathers, the French, they always sent us home
joyful ; and we hope you, fathers, will have pity on our
women and young men, who are in great want of neces-
saries, and not let us go to our towns ashamed."
Pontiac was present at another council on the 27th of
the same month, and also made his submission to the Eng-
lish. In the aatumn of that year, too. Fort Chartres, the
last French post east of the Mississippi (except in the
vicinity of New Orleans), was delivered up to a detachment
of British soldiers. The humiliation of France was com-
plete, and the West was at peace. Yet there was still a
very bitter feeling existing on the part of the Western
Indians toward the English, and traders of that nation
frequently dealt in the name of their French employees,
on account of the greater friendliness of the savages for
that people.
Before proceeding with the history of the tribe we have
taken under our especial charge, a few words may interest
the reader regarding the great chieftain whose skill and
eloquence, ferocity and valor had shaken the power of
Britain throughout an immense domain, and startled half
a continent from its propriety. In the spring of 1706,
Pontiac met Sir William Johnson at Oswego, and renewed
the compact of peace and friendship already made in the
West. He then returned and fixed his home on the
Maumee. When new disturbances arose between the set-
tlers and Indians, Pontiac was suspected of inflaming the
hostility of the latter. Early in 1769 he went to Illinois,
where there was already much uneasiness, and again the
suspicions of the English were aroused. According to the
account adopted by Parkman, and which is in all proba-
bility correct, Pontiac became intoxicated at an Indian
feast at Cahokia, near St. Louis. An English trader, see-
ing his condition, hired a Kashashia Indian to murder him,
and when the chieftain w^andered alone into the forest to
cool his heated brain, the assassin stealthily followed and
stabbed him to the heart.
His followers fled northward and told the tale among
the warriors of the lakes, all of whom were eager to avenge
the crime. They might endure the supremacy of the pow-
erful English, but their fierce blood boiled at the thought
that the scurvy Illinois Indians, whom they had always
looked on as their inferiors, should dare to slay their re-
nowned champion. By hundreds, perhaps by thousands,
the northern warriors sprang to arms, — OlfawaSj OJibwas,
and FottawattamieSj Delawares^ ShawneeSj and Miamis, —
and ere the conflict was concluded the Illinois were almost
entirely exterminated. Men, women, and children were
indiscriminately slaughtered, their villages were destroyed
by fire, and only a few puny and frightened bands remained
to tell the story of the great revenge.
Pontiac was essentially a representative Indian, with all
the mingled virtues and vices of his race in the most
marked degree. Brave, ferocious, patriotic, true to his
friends, treacherous toward his foes, enduring the severest
hardships of war with stoic fortitude, but succumbing at
length to the baleful fire-water of the pale-faces, his charac-
ter may well be studied on the pages of Parkman, as mani-
festing in a single individual all the most prominent attri-
butes of the Indians of North America.
CHAPTER V.
THE FOTTA^WATTAMIES— (Continued).
A Peaceful Era — The Quebec Act — Michigan called " Hesse" — The
Revolution — Pottawattamies with Burgoyne — Outrage and Deser-
tion—The Ordinance of 1787— The Treaty of 1789— Defeat of Har-
mar and St. Clair — " Mad Anthony" on the War-Path — The Battle
of the Maumee — Treaty of Greenville — Topenabee, the Head Chief
— A "Ring" Scheme — Organization of Indiana and Michigan —
Divers Treaties — Tecumseh and the Puttaivattamics — Battle of
Tippecanoe — The War of 1812 — Defeat of Major Van Horn — Brit-
ish and Indians Defeated by Colonel Miller — Hull's Surrender — Pot-
tawattanu'es turn out en masse — Battle and Massacre of the Raisin —
Proctor's Defeat at Lower Sandusky — Battle of Lake Erie — Indians
at the Topmast — Battle of the Thames — Submission of the Potta-
icattamics — Concluding Remarks.
Down to the opening of the Revolutionary war, the
Poftawattamies, like the other lake Indians, dwelt in com-
parative peace with the white men, though occasional mur-
ders on either side kept up the general feeling of uneasiness.
The Indians of Michigan occupied a much more independ-
ent position than their brethren to the southeast. The
Iroquois claimed sovereignty over the whole northwest
almost to the Mississippi, by virtue of previous conquests ;
but while the Delawaies and Shawnees of Ohio admitted
their supremacy, and never attempted to sell land without
their consent, the fiercer Ottawas, OJibwas, and Fottawat-
tamies defied their power, and were able to maintain their
own independence.
We may mention, too, in passing that, in 1774, the act
of Parliament known as the Quebec Act established the
boundaries of Canada, so far as to include Michigan, and ex-
tend west to the Mississippi, and south to the Ohio. The
district of Michigan was established then, or previously, as
a part of the province of Quebec, but it had no civil gov-
ernment. The commandant of the post of Detroit exercised
almost autocratic power over the white men of the district,
while the vast forests of the interior knew no government
save the vague authority exercised by Ottawa, Ojihwa, and
i^o^^ai(;tt^^amie chietains. In time, these and their followers
became pretty well reconciled to the English, and very
strongly impressed with the power of the English king.
Four years after the Quebec Act, the Captain-General of
Canada divided that province into districts, giving that of
Michigan the name of "Hesse," in honor of the Hessian
troops then serving King George in America. But the
fortunes of war determined that the people of Michigan
should not be " Hessians."
Meanwhile the oppressions of Britain had roused the
colonies to resistance, and in 1775 the bloody drama of
the Revolution opened on the field of Lexington. With
the first news of conflict, the warriors of the West snuffed
blood in the air, and were eager to take part in the strife.
The English authorities were very willing to employ them,
and, having ample means and free communication with the
savages, it was easy to enlist both their avarice and their
passions on the royal side. It was easy to throw the blame
of all the wrongs of which the Indians complained upon
the colonists (who were by no means guiltless), and to
represent that their great and good father across the ocean
was determined to see that justice was done to his red chil-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
dren. An ample array of presents enforced this reasoning,
and fully enlisted the sympathies of the red men.
Yet, although a few small bands were employed during
1775 and 1776, no considerable body of Indians took the
war-path in behalf of the British during either of those
years. Doubtless the invasion of Canada by the Amer-
icans, who for a while carried everything before them,
tended to repress the enthusiasm of the prudent aborigines.
But in 1776 the Americans were driven out of Canada, and
in the fall of that year an army began to be gathered in that
province, designed to attack them by way of Lake Cham-
plain. In the early spring of 1777 great efforts were made
to collect a large auxiliary force of savages.
No one who knew anything of Indian character could
have expected them to be of much benefit in open fighting,
such as is usually carried on between civilized armies. It
was supposed, however, that they would be useful in cutting
off small parties, pickets, outposts, etc., and performing sim-
ilar work. Moreover, it is plain from the proclamations of
British commanders that, although they may have hesitated
to actually hire the Indians to scalp American women and
children (as our fathers believed they did), yet they relied
largely on the terror with which the prospect of wide-spread
Indian ravages would naturally inspire the people. To the
chiefs and warriors they sometimes said, " You must only
slay men in arms against us, not prisoners, nor women, nor
children ;" but to the Americans on the frontier they al-
ways said, in language more or less plain, " If you do not
submit we shall be unable to restrain our Indians, and then
you know what will happen." As the war went on, the
passions of the English officers were inflamed by defeat ;
they became less and less particular as to restraining their
Indians, and at length coolly tolerated the most atrocious
crimes.
It was arranged that the Six Nations should accompany
Gen. St. Leger in his attack upon the Mohawk Valley,
while the Western Indians were to be assembled near Mon-
treal and join the main army of Lieut.-Gen. Burgoyne.
Large amounts were expended in gathering these warriors,
and ere long band after band made its way eastward.
There were our old acquaintances, the Pottawattamie^^
Ottawas^ and Chippewas^ of Michigan ; Winnehagoes^
Menomonees, Sacs and FoxeSy from the territory now called
Wisconsin ; and even a few Sioux from the western side of
the " Father of Waters, — all painted and plumed for war,
and thirsting for the blood of the '' Boston men," as they
called the Americans.
Notwithstanding the money employed and trouble taken,
only about five or six hundred were brought together by
the 1st of July, 1777. These joined Burgoyne's army at
the head of Lake Champlain, about the tenth of that
month. The warriors of each tribe had their own chiefs,
but they were all under the direction of St. Luc la Corne
de St. Luc, a Canadian partisan, who had frequently led
Indians to deeds of blood for the French in the old wars,
and had now offered his services to the English. Another
French Canadian leader of the Indians was Charles de
Langlade, before mentioned as having taken part in the
defeat of Braddock.
The Americans were terribly frightened at their approach,
and thousands fled to the interior of the country, solely
from fear of the Indians. These took part in some opera-
tions around Skenesboro', now Whitehall, but were pretty
closely watched by the British officers. When, in the latter
part of July, Burgoyne's army began its advance towards
the Hudson, the Indians thought their time had come.
They spread out on both flanks, plundering the people who
remained, burning houses, and occasionally, when there was
a good opportunity, slaughtering a whole family. They
were much more anxious about the number of scalps they
could obtain than about the politics of the heads which
wore them, and some Tory families who had remained,
relying on their loyalty, were butchered to the youngest
child by these devoted champions of King George.
On the 27th of July occurred the celebrated tragedy of
Jane McCrea, in which a young girl was shiin and scalped
by a band of Indians who were taking her to the British
camp. According to the common account, her lover, who
was a Tory officer, had sent these strange ambassadors to
bring Miss McCrea to camp, where he intended to marry
her ; they quarreled on the road about the reward, and to
settle the difficulty slew their unhappy charge and divided
the scalp. One account of the affair says the murderers
were Potfawattamies, and we must confess that the act was
entirely in accordance with their previous character.
The mingled romance and tragedy of this sad event at-
tracted universal attention and cast the deepest odium
on the British. Burgoyne arrested the murderer, but re-
leased him on a promise from the Indians that if he were
pardoned they would behave better in the future. He
reprimanded them with great severity, and really seems to
have set so a close watch on them that the more atrocious
kind of outrages were prevented during the remainder of
the campaign. But our Pottawattamie and Ottawa friends
took great umbrage at these restrictions. A cam*paign with
no scalps or plunder was not at all to their taste, and their
leader, La Corne de St. Luc, encouraged their complaints.
Many deserted and made their ways in small bands to the
wilds of Michigan.
About a hundred and fifty of those who remained were
sent with the Hessian troops to Bennington, and shared the
severe defeat inflicted by the Americans at that celebrated
battle, thirty or forty of them being killed or captured.
Their brethren were very indignant against Burgoyne for
not sending reinforcements in time. Band after band de-
serted, and finally, at a general council, nearly all of them
demanded permission to return. Burgoyne used every in-
ducement he could to persuade them to remain, and they
apparently yielded to his solicitations, but the very next day
a large number of them left, and they continued to desert
until scarcely one remained.
This, we believe, was the last time that any considerable
number of Pottawattamies or other Michigan Indians were
employed by the British during the Revolution, though per-
haps a few were afterwards kept in pay along the northern
border of New York. After 1777, too, the English author-
ities no longer tried to use Indians as auxiliaries to regular
troops. They fitted out bands of the Six Nations, and
allowed them to ravage the frontiers at will.
At the close of the Revolution the treaty of peace gave
28
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Michigan to the United States, but England still continued
to bold Detroit and the other posts of the Northwest, and all
the Indians of this section were still under their influence.
In 1787 the old Continental Congress passed an ordi-
nance, soon after confirmed by the Federal Congress, con-
stituting Michigan a part of the great Northwest Territory,
which extended from the Ohio River to the Canadian
boundary, and from Pennsylvania to the Mississippi. Yet
still the British held possession of the frontier forts ; still
the Ottawas, Poftawaftarnies, and Shatonees looked up to
the British officers as the representatives of their great
father beyond the sea, who was the embodiment of all ter-
restrial power and wisdom.
In 1789 the Fottawatf amies and other Michigan tribes
were represented by their principal chiefs in a great council
held by Gen. St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest 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, and, as the latter
believed, were encouraged in this feeling by the British
officials. And when, a little later, two American armies,
under Gens. Harmar and St. Clair, were successively de-
feated by the Shawnees, Delawares, and other tribes of
what is now Ohio and Indiana, the Pott awatt amies and
Ottawas lost what little respect they might previously have
had for the new Republic, and were quite ready to go upon
the war-path against it.
They soon had an opportunity. In 1794, Gen. Wayne,
familiarly known as " Mad Anthony," led a small but well-
appointed army into the wilderness of Western Ohio, to
chastise the red men in their native fastnesses. Lithe
messengers sped with flying feet to all the tribes of the
Northwest, and in a short time bands of painted Pottawat-
tamies and Ottawas, well equipped with guns and ammu-
nition obtained at the British posts, were on their way to
join their Shawnee and Miami brethren in destroying the
presumptuous Yankee. The clans gathered rapidly in the
northwestern part of the present State of Ohio, under the
leadership of the celebrated Miami chieftain. Little Turtle,
and for a while contented themselves with watching Wayne's
approach, in the hope of surprising him.
But Anthony Wayne was not the man to be surprised,
and at length Little Turtle and his chiefs determined to
attack him. When the army had moved about five miles
southward from the head of the rapids of the Maumee, the
whole great horde of 3Iiamis, Delawares, Shaiviiees, CJiip-
pevmsj Ottawas, and Pottawaftamies, two thousand strong
(including about seventy white men, mostly from Detroit),
advanced against the Americans. But Wayne was well
prepared, and after a brief but well-contested battle the
Indians gave way at every point, and fled in utter rout from
the field. Many were left dead on the ground, and beside
every one was found a musket, with bayonet and equipments
from a British armory, showing but too plainly one of the
chief sources of their hostility. A trader who not long
afterwards met a Miami who had fled before the terrible
onslaught of Wayne.'s soldiers, said to him, —
" What made you run away ?" With gestures corre-
sponding 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 !"
As had so often been the case before, as soon as defeated
the various bands hurried away to their respective villages.
In a short time the Pottawattamie warriors were pursuing
their customary avocations along the banks of the St.
Joseph. But they were deeply impressed both with
Wayne's vigor and the strength of the United States, and
began seriously to think that all the power in the world
was not embraced within the walls of the British forts.
When, soon afterwards, Wayne sent messengers sum-
moning the chiefs to council, they were very willing to
respond. The principal men of the Miamis, Delaioares,
Shawnees, Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawaftamies met
the general at Fort Greenville, and concluded a treaty of
peace and friendship with the United States, which was
quite faithfully observed for over fifteen years. The Shaw-
nees and others made a large cession of land in Ohio to
the government, but the Michigan Indians were still left
in undisturbed possession of their old hunting-grounds.
The treaty was signed on the part of the Miamis and
Shawnees by Little Turtle and Blue Jacket, who were
both leaders in the battle against Wayne. On the part of
the Pottawattamies there appeared the name and mark of
" Topinabi," their head chief, who was also probably, but
not certainly, in the same combat, and who was recognized
as head chief of that tribe until his death, forty years later.
It is evident from the treaty that the Pottawattamies were
ranked among the more important tribes, as they received
a thousand dollars as gratuities, which was the amount
awarded to the Miamis, the Delaivares, the Shawnees, the
Chippewas, and the Ottawas respectively, while the Kicka-
poos and other tribes received only five hundred dollars
each. When the time came for signing the treaty, it was
twice read and every section explained by Gen. Wayne,
through an interpreter, to the assembled chiefs and war-
riors. 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, treaty good," said or grunted all the dark war-
riors of Southern Michigan. After obtaining similar re-
sponses from the other tribes, the treaty was considered to
be approved and the work of signing concluded the nego-
tiations.
TTp to this time no attempt had been made either by the
government or by private individuals to obtain title to any
of the land of Michigan, except in the case of the few set-
tlers around Detroit. But in 1795 an effbrt was made by
what would now be called a '' ring" to obtain some twenty
million acres, situated between Lakes Erie, Huron, and
Michigan. One Robert Randall, of Pennsylvania, Charles
Whitney, of Vermont, and some Detroit merchants formed
a company, dividing the lands they expected to obtain, and
which included Hillsdale County, into forty-one shares, of
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
29
from half a million to a million acres each. Of these shares,
five were to go to the Detroiters, six to Eandall and his
associates, while the very liberal proportion of thirty shares
was to be assigned to members of Congress, in return for
their assistance in securing the passage of the necessary
laws. The part assigned to the Detroit men was to procure
the needful treaties granting the lands to them, which they
thought they could obtain by their influence over the Potta-
wattamie and Ottawa chiefs, with whom they were in the
habit of trading.
Thus it will be seen that some very illegitimate schemes
were concocted even in the "good old times" eighty years
ago. It must be admitted, however, that this one was not
as successful as some later ones have been, for it was thor-
oughly exposed, and some of the parties were brought before
Congress and fined.
In 1796 the British, after long negotiations, surrendered
Detroit and the other posts in the West, and then, and not
till then, did the Americans obtain any real power over
Michigan.
The same year Governor St. Clair formed by proclama-
tion the county of Wayne, which extended from the Cuya-
hoga River in Ohio to the Mississippi, and northward to
Lake Superior. This was the first county which included
the present territory of Hillsdale within its limits, but its
jurisdiction here was entirely nominal, and the Pottawatta-
nVk chiefs still continued the magnates of this region.
The Pott awatt amies were always a warlike tribe, and
although awed into peace with the United States were much
engaged in hostilities with other tribes, especially with the
Shawnees, who lived to the southward. Many interesting
legends regarding these tribes near the close of the last cen-
tury are related by Judge Littlejohn in his work entitled
" Legends of Michigan and the old Northwest." The ad-
mixture of the romantic, however, is so great that we could
hardly give them a place in our sober history.
This county in rapid succession passed through several
changes of jurisdiction at this period, all merely nominal,
and in nowise interfering with the supremacy of the abo-
riginal lords of the soil. In 1800 the Territory of Indiana
was formed from the Northwest Territory. The east line
of the new Territory was the same as that of the present
State of Indiana, but it was continued northward throuoh
the present State of Michigan to the Strait of Mackinaw.
The present county of Hillsdale was thus left in the North-
west Territory, except a s.trip a mile wide on the west side
of the townships of Camden, Reading, Allen, and Litchfield,
which was in Indiana. In 1802 the State of Ohio was
formed, at which time the eastern part of the present Michi-
gan was also annexed to Indiana.
In February, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was or-
ganized, with Gen. William Hull as the first Governor, and
thus the ancient lands of the Pottawattamies became a por-
tion of a Territory destined to become one of the great and
powerful States of the American Union.
In 1807 a treaty was made by Gen. Hull on the part of
the United States with the Ottawas, Pottawattamies^ Chip-
pewas^ and Wi/andofs, by which those tribes ceded to the
government their claim to all* the land east of a line drawn
north from the mouth of the Auglaise River (which empties
into the Maumee at Defiance, Ohio), to a point near the
present south line of Michigan. This north and south line
was afterwards extended and made the principal meridian
for the government surveys in Michigan, finally becoming
the line between Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.
Several other treaties were made with the Pottawattamies
and other tribes between 1800 and 1810. Most of them
were of little importance, though several provided for the
payment of annuities and goods of the United States to
the Indians. Nearly every treaty was headed by the name
of Topenabee (sometimes spelled " Tuthinepee" or " Topeni-
pee"), who was always recognized as the head chief of the
tribe.
Two or three years later the Pottawattamies again began
to grow restless and hostile towards the people of the United
States. The Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, a forest hero of as
great ability as Pontiac, though less ferocious in disposition,
had, like him, conceived the idea of stopping the advancing
war of emigration, which seemed likely ere long to over-
whelm the original inhabitants of the land, or drive them
into unknown deserts far beyond the Father of Waters.
Like Pontiac, he too hoped for foreign assistance ; but the
hatred felt for the English by the great Ottawa had been
changed to love and admiration in the heart of his modern
imitator.
The reason is plain. In Pontiac's time the English were
one nation with the Americans, and together they were the
great colonizing, emigrating people uf the world. Pontiac
hated them, largely because they wanted land, and preferred
the French, not only on account of their pleasant ways but
because they were poor colonizers, and did not want much
land. In Tecumseh's day the Americans were the ones
who threatened to overwhelm the Indians by emigration ;
while the English, confined to a narrow belt of habitable
land in Canada, appeared far less dangerous.
Tecumseh knew that there were difficulties between the
United States and Great Britain which portended war ; and
it is believed by many that he was directly encouraged by
the British officials to engage in hostilities against the
Americans. However that may be, about the year 1810
the brave and eloquent Shaivnee made desperate efforts to
form an alliance against the Americans of all the Indian
tribes from the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Superior, and from
the frontier settlements of the whites to or beyond the
Mississippi. From tribe to tribe he made his rapid way,
gathering the chiefs and warriors in council, kindling their
passions by fierce invectives against the Americans, ex-
citing their hopes by portraying the scalps and booty to be
obtained from the hated pale-faces, and quelling their fears
by promising them the protection of their father, the king
of Great Britain, who was ready to join hands with his
red children in punishing the insolence of the Yankees.
The Pottawattamies were quite ready to believe the flat-
tering story, and they, like all Indians who live in the
vicinity of the whites, had had more or less difficulty with
them, which they were glad to avenge in the bloodiest
manner.
But the Indian policy was not deep enough to keep the
warriors quiet until all was ready for a deadly blow. Their
restive spirits showed themselves by frequent outrages, the
30
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
whites retaliated, and the Americans could not help seeing
that they must prepare for an Indian war.
In the fall of 1811, Gen. William H. Harrison, Governor
of Indiana, took the field to chastise the unruly warriors.
Tecumseh had been greatly aided in his efibrts to form an
Indian confederacy by his brother Elkswatawa, a prominent
*' medicine-man," commonly known as the Prophet. At
the time when Harrison's army approached the Shawnee
villages on the Wabash, the chieftain himself was in the
far South, endeavoring to persuade the Cherokees, Choc-
taws, and other Southern Indians to take up arms, and
Elkswatawa was left to exercise supreme authority. Either
thinking there was no time to spare, or desiring to acquire
for himself the glory of defeating Harrison, Elkswatawa
prepared to make an attack on the Governor's army with all
the warriors he could collect together. Messengers were sent
to the nearest tribes, and several small bands came in to help
the Shawnees. The dread of the Americans, caused by
Wayne's victory, was, however, not yet entirely dissipated,
and many hung back.
But about the first of November he was cheered by the
arrival of band after band of the fierce Fottawait amies,
some from the head of Lake Michigan, and some from the
valley of the St. Joseph, numbering in all about three hun-
dred warriors. Having this powerful accession to his force,
he determined at once to attack.
Before daybreak on the morning of the 7th of November,
just as Harrison had given orders for the arousing of his
little army by the sound of the trumpet, a fierce outburst of
yells was heard, and hundreds upon hundreds of Shawnee
and Pottawattamie warriors, with some from other tribes,
came rushing to the attack, lighting up the darkness with
the fire of their guns, and stripping the scalps from what-
ever victims they could reach with all of their old-time
energy. But Harrison's men were sleeping upon their
arms, and scarcely had the first demoniac shrieks sounded
in their ears ere they were on their feet, ranged in order of
battle, and returning with steady aim the fire of the assail-
ants. For two or three hours the battle raged with great
violence ; both Shawnees and Pottawattamies fought with
furious energy, and many of the Americans were slain or
wounded. But at length the steady valor of the regulars
and the Indiana militia prevailed over the fierce desperation
of the Indians, and the latter gave way at all points. They
speedily fled the field, and Harrison marched unopposed to
the destruction of the Shawnee villages.
After the battle the Pottawattamie warriors returned to
their own homes, and these were so far distant that they
escaped all punishment for the part they had taken. If
there had been any intention on the part of the American
oflicials to follow them to their retreats and chastise them
the next spring, the former were eff*ectually precluded from
doing so by the approach of war with Great Britain.
In June, 1812, war was declared, and Tecumseh at once
made common cause with the English, with all the warriors
of his own and other tribes whom he could persuade to fol-
low him. The Pottawattamies had not been so severely
injured by the battle of Tippecanoe, but that some of
their braves were still willing to try the chances of war
against the hated Americans. When Gen. Hull crossed the
Detroit River into Canada in July of that year, Tecumseh,
with thirty Shawnees and Pottawattamies, was at Maiden.
Others were added to these, and when Hull, by his tardy
movements and feeble conduct, showed the weakness of his
heart, the number was largely increased. The Pottawatta-
mies, being nearly or quite the nearest tribe to the scene of
action, and being anxious for revenge for their humiliation
at Tippecanoe, formed a considerable part of Tecumseh's
force.
About the 5th of August, Hull sent Major Van Horn
with two hundred men to escort a convoy of provisions from
the river Raisin. As the detachment approached Browns-
town Creek it was saluted by volleys of musketry, and the
usual terrific accompaniment of savage yells which an-
nounced the presence of an Indian foe. Tecumseh with a
large number of warriors, principally Shawnees. Pottawatta-
mies, and Otfawas, had placed his people in ambush on Van
Horn's path, and had assailed him with the greatest fury.
After a brief conflict the Americans were utterly defeated,
and fled to Detroit, having lost half their number in killed,
wounded, and missing.
This victory of Tecumseh and his followers determined
Hull to evacuate Canada. After doing so the general sent
another force of six hundred men, under Lieut.-Col. Miller,
to open the road to the convoy at the river Raisin. Again
Tecumseh and his warriors flung themselves in the pathway
of the advancing Americans, this time being assisted by
a large body of British troops. A battle ensued at Mag-
uaga, twelve miles below Detroit, where Miller found the
enemy, both British and Indians, drawn up in line of battle
to meet him. He attacked them without hesitation. After
a brief conflict the English fled from the field, but Tecumseh,
with his Shaivnees and Pottawattamies, still kept up the
fight. These, too, were at length defeated, and both white
men and red men fled across the river to Canada, having
lost a hundred and thirty-four in killed and wounded. The
Americans had seventeen killed and sixty-four wounded.
Notwithstanding this check, Tecumseh still maintained
his control over his warriors, and when the British com-
mander. Gen. Brock, followed the imbecile Hull to Detroit,
he reported to his government, and no doubt correctly, that
he was accompanied by seven hundred Indians. At all
events, there were enough to terrify the feeble Hull to an
extraordinary degree, and his mind was filled with terrible
visions of all the " hordes of the Northwest'' — Shawnees,
Ottawas, Pottawattamies, and Chippewas — overwhelming
his fort, massacring himself and his garrison, and devasta-
ting the settlements of Michigan with tomahawk and
scalping-knife. Of the disgraceful surrender which fol-
lowed on the 16th of August it is needless to speak here,
save to say that all attempts to justify or extenuate it have
miserably failed, and the name of the cowardly Hull must
ever remain on the pages of American history only less
hateful than that of Arnold, and even more contemptible.
As Mackinaw had already yielded to a British force, the
surrender of Detroit and of Hull's army, with all the
troops in the vicinity, carried with it control over the whole
of Michigan, which, for the next year, became practically
British territory. All the " Indians were already favor-
able to the English, and the remarkable success of the
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
31
latter naturally increased the confidence of the red men in
their prowess. The warriors thronged by hundreds to the
camp of the victors, and hardly a Pottawattamie or Ottawa
capable of wielding a tomahawk was left behind.
Nine days after the surrender, and perhaps in conse-
quence of it, a band of Pot tawatt amies, who resided at
the head of Lake Michigan, fell upon, and massacred, the
little garrison of Fort Dearborn (on the site of Chicago),
as it was endeavoring to retreat eastward from that exposed
post.
The next conflict in which the Pottawattamies took
part was the celebrated battle of the river Raisin, near
the site of Monroe, on the 22d day of January, 1813.
Here a large force of British and Indians, under Gen-
Proctor and Tecumseh, attacked a body of Americans
under Gen. Winchester. Auchinleck, the Canadian histo-
rian of the war of 1812, says there were two hundred
Pottawattamies in the battle, and that these were about all
the Indians present. It is admitted that they fought with
great bravery, and their eiForts, with those of their British
comrades, were entirely successful. Whether from actual
necessity, or because of the pall of imbecility which seems
to have fallen upon the whole American army during the
first months of the war of 1812, Gen. Winchester and his
entire force surrendered to Gen. Proctor.
That officer soon after moved northward with the British
troops, and most of the able-bodied prisoners, leaving the
sick and wounded to the mercy of the Indians. He knew
well enough what the result would be — what it always has
been where the savages have had the opportunity of wreak-
ing vengeance on the head of a helpless foe. No sooner
had the British disappeared than the Pottawattamies, and
the other Indians with them, fell upon the wretched Ameri-
cans who were left behind. They began by plundering
them of everything they possessed. Then, as their rage
grew by its own indulgence, they thirsted for more exqui-
site pleasure than plunder afibrded. First one ferocious
warrior sank his tomahawk into the head of some helpless
victim, and, with a fearful yell, tore away the reeking
scalp. Another, and another, and another, quickly followed
his example, and soon the whole scene became one of
brutal butchery, the sick and wounded Americans being
slaughtered by the score without remorse by the savage Pot-
tawattamies. It was what was to be expected from them,
but something better might have been hoped from British
officers, and few more disgraceful events have ever hap-
pened than Proctor's abandonment of his helpless prisoners
to the fury of the savages. It should be added that Te-
cumseh was absent when the massacre began, and on his
arrival did all in his power to stop it.
There were no other events of importance in which the
Pottawattamies took part during that year, 1812, and as
usual they returned home to hunt as winter approached.
In the spring of 1813, they again rallied to the aid of
the British. After numerous desultory operations during
the forepart of the year, Proctor and Tecumseh led a large
force of British and Indians to attack the fort at Lower
Sandusky (now Fremont), Ohio. The number of Indians
was estimated at from one to two thousand, of whom from
three to four hundred were Pottawattamies.
On the 2d of August, an assault was made by about
five hundred British troops, while the Indians surrounded
the fort, and kept up a continuous firing on every Ameri-
can soldier they could discover. But the attacking column
was completely repulsed by the one hundred and sixty
Americans in the fort, commanded by the gallant Maj.
Croghan, and both the red and white assailants quickly
retired from the field.
The British and American fleets on Lake Erie were
now preparing for action, and both were greatly deficient
in seamen. The Americans supplied their place with raw
militiamen, boys, and negroes; the English endeavored to
strengthen themselves by placing a number of Indian war-
riors on each vessel, to act as sharpshooters and pick ofl* the
American gunners. On the memorable 10th of September
the battle was fought which decided the mastery of Lake
Erie. But alas for the noble red men ; no sooner did the
American cannon-balls come crashing among them, and
the ships shake from stem to stern with the thunder of
their own guns, than Shaivnees, Pottatva.ttamies, and Otta-
teas alike fled from their elevated positions, took refuge in
the holds of their respective vessels, and there remained in
ignominious security but quaking in every nerve until the
end of the conflict. They would have fought bravely,
perhaps desperately, in their native woods, but their unac-
customed position and the terrific thunder of the cannon
were too much even for their stoic natures.
The battle of Lake Erie was immediately followed by
the advance of the American army into Canada, under
Gen. Harrison. The British and Indians retreated to
the northeast. On the 29th of September, Gen. Har-
rison took possession of Detroit, and Michigan once more —
and let us trust forever — passed under American sway.
For, two or three days later, Harrison followed the British
army up the river Thames. On the 5th day of October
he overtook it near the Moravian towns on that stream, and
the celebrated battle of the Thames ensued. The British
were in line of battle next the river ; on their right were
the Indians, under Tecumseh, extending in irregular order
into a swamp which protected their position on the north.
Tecumseh doubtless saw that this battle was to determine
the event of the war so far as he and his were concerned.
If the Americans could not be defeated, then, whatever
might be the result elsewhere, there could be little hope
but that the United States would hold possession of Mich-
igan and the whole Northwest, and his people must go
down before their power. Many of the more intelligent
Shawnees and Pottaicattamies likewise understood the
situation, and the rest were devoted to Tecumseh ; all were
determined to fight to the utmost.
The battle was begun in a very peculiar manner, Col.
Richard M. Johnson's regiment of mounted riflemen being
ordered to charge the enemy's lines, in advance of the in-
fantry. Singularly enough, the British infantry at once gave
way before the charge of a single battalion of the regiment,
led by the lieutenant-colonel. Six hundred of them were
taken prisoners, but their general, the man responsible for
the massacre of the river Raisin, fled so early and so rap-
idly as to escape capture.
The other battalion was led by Col. Johnson himself,
32
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
his principal foes being the Indians. From them, even
after the British had all fled or surrendered, the riflemen
encountered a fierce resistance. Cheered on by Tecumseh
and the other chiefs, among whom Maipock, a fierce and
implacable Pottawattamie^ was one of the most conspic-
uous, and feeling that this was their last chance, Shaw-
nees, Ottawas, and Pottawattamies all fought with equal
valor and ferocity. The American infantry came up and
engaged in the conflict, yet still the warriors fought with
desperate and useless courage against overwhelming numbers.
But at length Tecumseh fell (no one has ever ascertained
exactly when or where), the remaining braves were outnum-
bered four to one, and all speedily fled or yielded to the
victors. The Pottawattamies stood by Tecumseh to the
last, and one of their number, a large, fine-looking chief,
who was slain while emulating his great leader, is said to
have been mistaken for him by many of the Americans.
The battle of the Thames completely extinguished the
hopes of victory and independence indulged by the Indians
of the Northwest. The confederacy which had been formed
among them by the genius of Tecumseh at once fell in
pieces after his death, and each tribe thought only of secur-
ing its own safety. The Pottawattamies^ Ottawas^ and
several other tribes immediately sent delegations offering
peace to the successful Americans, and on the 16th of
October Gen. Harrison granted them an armistice, having
first received a number of warriors from each tribe as host-
ages for the peaceable conduct of their comrades. The
latter returned to their villages, and, although the war did
not cease until the beginning of 1815, they were glad to
refrain from taking any part in it.
Henceforth we have to deal with the Pottawattamies^
not as a proud and powerful people, the unquestioned lords
of Southern Michigan, setting at defiance by turns the
governments of England and the United States, but as a
subjugated, disorganized tribe, composed of a few feeble,
scattered bands, roaming over the scenes of their former
greatness, bartering their birthright for whisky, and beg-
ging for occasional crusts from the hands of their conquerors.
For these it will not be necessary to continue a separate
record. Their story can be sufficiently told by occasional
mention in the chapters devoted to the progress of the
whites, and by description of the treaties by which the
demoralized nation disposed of its broad domain.
CHAPTER YL
THE EBA OF PBEPAKATION.
Recapitulation — Desolation after the War — Gen. Cass Governor —
Treaty of 1817— Treaty of 1818— The great Chicago Treaty— An
honest Murderer — " Give us Whisky" — Transfer of Southern Mich-
igan to the United States — Boundary of the deeded Tract — Reser-
vations and Gifts — List of Signers — Baw Beese and his Band — A
Tragedy at Jonesville — Migratory Habits — Settlement of Lenawee
County — Surveying the Chicago Road — Prospecting-Parties — Ap-
proach of Settlement.
Designing in this consecutive general history of the
county to adhere as closely as possible to the chronological
order, we have mentioned, in our chapters on the Pottawat-
tamies ^ the transfer of Michigan from the French to' the
English, in 1703 ; its conveyance by England to the United
States, at the end of the Revolution ; its becoming a part of
the Northwest Territory, in 1787 ; its transference to Indi-
ana, in 1802 ; and its separate organization, in 1805. At
the close of the war, in 1815, there was still only a narrow
fringe of settlement along the Detroit River and Lake
Erie, and this was in a most desolate condition. Many had
been driven away by fear of the Indians, the property of
others had been largely destroyed, and all were thoroughly
discouraged by the trouble, terror, and hardships through
which they had passed. As for the exterior of the Terri-
tory, it was still in a state of nature.
Gen. Lewis Cass had been appointed Governor immedi-
ately after the battle of the Thames, and as soon as the
close of the war gave him an opportunity he devoted him-
self with great zeal to the development of the resources of
the Territory and the promotion of emigration. Whatever
may be thought of his political course, all the early resi-
dents of Michigan agree that as the Governor of a new
Territory he could not have been excelled.
There was a considerable emigration immediately after
the war, but the Territory had obtained so bad a reputation
for dampness of soil and badness of health that the flow of
land-seekers w^as less than might have been expected, and
did not even approach the borders of Hillsdale County for
many years. In fiict, a law which had been passed by Con-
gress in 1812, giving a large tract of Michigan land to sur-
viving soldiers of the Revolution, was repealed after the
war on account of a report made by inspectors sent to ex-
amine the ground, that there was not enough good land in
the Territory to satisfy the just claims of the beneficiaries.
Together with the oflSce of Governor of Michigan, Gen.
Cass held that of Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the
Northwest, and immediately after the close of the war turned
his attention to the subject of the extinguishment of the In-
dian 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 sachems and chiefs of
the Wyandots^ Senecas, Delawares, Sliawnees^ Pottawatta-
mies^ Ottawas^ and Chippewas^ at the rapids of the Mau-
mee, when those nations ceded to the United States nearly
all their lands in Ohio, and a small area in the southeastern
part of Michigan.
For the cession of these lands, in which the Pottawatta-
mies had but a slight interest, they received thirteen hun-
dred dollars a year annually for fifteen years ; the Wi/andots
being granted four thousand dollars annually forever ; the
Ottawas and Chippewas a thousand dollars each annually
for fifteen years, while the other tribes received smaller
annuities. The treaty was signed by thirty-two Pottawat-
tamie chiefs and warriors, while all the other tribes together
were represented by about fifty. In fact, it was a charac-
teristic of this tribe to have a very large delegation at all
the councils where their interests were brought in question.
Judging from the number of their representatives, they
were the most democratic people in the whole Northwest.
In October, 1818, Gen. Cass and two other commis-
sioners held a council with the Pottawattamies alone, by
which the latter ceded to the United States a tract of land
on the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers for a perpetual an-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
33
nuity of two thousand five hundred dollars per year. This
treaty was signed by thirty-four chiefs and warriors, headed
by old " Topinabee." In 1820, Henry R. Schoolcraft, the
celebrated student of Indian customs and history, states
that the Pottawattamies of both Illinois and Michigan
"obeyed" Topinabee, an old man who had signed the
Greenville treaty with Gen. Wayne. But the '' obedience"
of the Indians to their chiefs was always very indefinite,
and after the close of the war of 1812, when the growing
power of the United States relieved them from the constant
fear of war with neighboring tribes, their tendency to
wander off in small bands, each under the leadership of
some petty chieftain, became more and more pronounced.
In 1820 the Pottawattamie^ were estimated by Mr. School-
craft at three thousand four hundred persons all told.
But by far the most important of the treaties negotiated
by Gen. Cass, so far as the destinies of Southern Michigan
were concerned, was the one concluded at Chicago on the
29th day of August, 1821. Hon. Solomon Sibley was as-
sociated with the general as a commissioner on behalf of
the United States, while the CJdppewas^ Ottawas, and
Pijttawatt amies ^ who were the contracting parties on the
other side, were represented, the first named tribe by two
chiefs, the second by eight, and the Pottawattamies by
fifty-five. That is to say, that was the number which
signed the treaty, but there was also a large number of less
prominent warriors present, with their squaws and pap-
pooses, and these warriors, and even the squaws, in the
democratic constitution of Indian polity, could exercise a
strong influence on the negotiations.
A curious incident in connection with this council is
narrated in Smith's " Life of Cass," as derived from the gen-
eral himself. While the latter was watching some peculiar
ceremonies of the Indians in the early part of the proceed-
ings, he observed a Chippewa looking very grave, and
keeping apart from his fellows. Gov. Cass inquired the
cause, and learned that the man, in a fit of passion, had
killed a Pottawattamie in the early part of the same sea-
son. The Pottawattamies had demanded the surrender of
the murderer, and as the Chippewas^ and in fact the homicide
himself, admitted the justice of the claim, it was expected
that the clansmen of the murdered man would inflict the
penalty of death.
But the latter was owing some traders for goods received
of them, and he was anxious to pay them before he died.
He solicited and obtained the postponement of his execution
until he could, by hunting, procure the means of satisfying
his creditors. He 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.
Probably an ample supply of whisky was the principal
consideration which induced them to forego their revenge ;
for this was ever the most potent agent to reach their hearts.
It is related, on the same authority above given, that even
Topinabee, the hereditary chief of the Pottawattamies and
the one who stood highest in their confidence, the veteran
5
of nearly a hundred years who had signed the Greenville
treaty with Anthony Wayne, was more anxious about ob-
taining 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."
Possibly, however, the old man spoke sarcastically, in
view of the manifest anxiety of many of the Indians for
that which was their deadliest bane.
After the usual time spent in bargaining and adjusting
details (for the Indians were by no means all of them so
drunk as to lose sight of their interests), the terms of the
treaty were agreed upon and reduced to writing. By it the
Pottawattamies as the actual occupants, and the Ottawas
and Chippewas as their allies, ceded to the United States a
tract of land stretching nearly across the Territory of Mich-
igan from west to east, and described as follows : Beginning
on the south bank of the St. Joseph River of Michigan
near " Pare aux Vaches" (a short distance above the
mouth) ; thence south to a line running due east from the
southern extremity of Lake Michigan ; thence along that
line to the tract ceded by the treaty of Fort Meigs in 1817
(which was far to the east of Hillsdale County), or, if that
tract should be found to lie entirely south of the line, then to
the tract ceded by the treaty of Detroit in 1807 (the west-
ern boundary of which was twenty miles west of Lake Erie
and the Detroit River) ; thence northward along that tract
to a point due east of the source of Grand River; thence
west to the source of that river ; thence down the river
on the north bank to its junction with Lake Michigan ;
thence southward along the east bank of the lake to the
mouth of the St. Joseph River ; and thence up that river to
the place of beginning.
From the tract thus ceded five reservations were ex-
cepted, none of which were in Hillsdale County, unless,
possibly, one of three miles square might have been partly
within it. It was described as situated at the village of
''Match-e-be-nash-e-wish," at the head of the *'Kekalama-
zoo" River.* Numerous grants of small tracts were also
made by the treaty to individuals who were favorites of
the Indians, usually either half-bloods or white men mar-
ried to squaws. These were in the counties west of Hills-
dale.
In consideration of this cession, the United States agreed
to pay the Ottawas a thousand dollars a year forever, be-
sides fifteen hundred dollars a year for fifteen years, to sup-
port a blacksmith, teacher, and farmer. To the Pottawat-
tamies the government agreed to pay five thousand dollars
annually for twenty years, besides a thousand dollars per
year to support a blacksmith and teacher. These were
some of the first provisions made by the government for
the purpose of civilizing the Indians.
Such was the treaty which gave the title of the land of
Hillsdale County to the United States, and, consequently,
constitutes the basis of all the land-titles in that county.
* This is rather an indefinite expression, as the " Kekalamazoo" River,
now called the Kalamazoo, has several head-water branches, and as
the Indians retained the reservation but a short time, the earliest set-
tlers have no recollection of it. It was probably in Jackson County.
34
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The southern line of the ceded tract was originally claimed
by Biichigan as being the southern line of the county, but
in the contention with Ohio, fourteen or fifteen years
after the making of the treaty of Chicago, — of which
mention will be made farther on,— the county and State
boundary was located two or three miles north of the
treaty line. As the Grand River heads in the northeast
corner of this county, a small fraction of Somerset town-
ship may have been left out of the cession, as the line
runs west to the source of Grand River, and thence down
that stream to the lake ; but as the land north of the line
was also ceded soon after, it made no practical difference.
Below we give the names of the Pottawattamie chiefs
and warriors who signed the treaty of Chicago, both to
show the original title of Hillsdale County land (for the
Ottawas and Chippewas were merely allies of the real
owners, — at least so far as the land in this vicinity was
concerned), and also to show what sort of names our pre-
decessors indulged in.
The list is headed by the veteran Topenibee, after whom
came the following : Meteay, Chebonsee, Loinson, Weesaw,
Keepotaw, Schayank, Keebee, Schomang, Wawwemick-
emack, Nayoncheemon, Kongee, Sheeshawgau, xVyshcam,
Meeksaymank, Moytenway, Shawwennemetay, Francois,
Mauksee, Waymego, Maudauming, Quayguee, Aapenhaw-
bee, Matchaweeyaas, Matchapoggish, Mongau, Puggagaus,
Sescobennish, Cheegwamackgwago, Wawsebbau, Peech-
eeco, Quonquoitaw, Reannish, Wynemaig, Onmuckemeck,
Kawaysin, Ameckkose, Osseemeet, Shawkoto, Noshaywee-
quat, Meegunn, Maesheketeumon, Keenotoge, Wabawne-
shen, Shawwawnayse, Atchweemuckquee, Pishsheebangay,
Wawbassay, Meggesseese, Saygawkoomick, Shawwayno,
Sheeshawgun, Totomee, Ashkuwee, Shayankkeebee, Awbe-
tonee.
If that array of names doesn't give a good title to land
it were difficult to find one that would. It will be observed
that " Baw Beese," who is supposed by many to have been
the head chief of the Pottawattamies^ or at least one of the
principal chiefs, does not appear as one of the signers of the
treaty, even in a minor capacity. He might, however, have
been absent for other good reasons — not from insignificance.
It was shortly after the signing of the Chicago treaty
that we first hear of Baw Beese's band in Hillsdale County,
though this had probably been their headquarters for some
time before. It was in connection with an event of a most
tragic nature that the band first comes into the light of local
history. The story was told to the early settlers by the
Indians, and the locality of the tragedy pointed out, but
the natives were not good at keeping count of years, and
the precise date is unknown. Some time, however, between
1820 and 1825, an Indian who belonged to the band dis-
covered that his squaw was unfaithful to him. He proved
his grievance to the satisfaction of the band, and they de-
cided that the offender must die. She was accordingly
taken to a point in the south part of the present village of
Jonesville, and there in presence of the assembled band was
shot to death by the executioners selected for the purpose.
Thenceforth the whites, who soon began traveling and
prospecting within the territory of Hillsdale County, were
constantly seeing some of Baw Beese's band, and not un-
frequently met the chieftain himself The band numbered
about a hundred and fifty all told, men, women, and children.
They could hardly be said to have any settled headquarters,
even for a part of the year. They seem to have stayed,
however, more in the eastern than in the western portion
of the county, ranging principally from the shores of Baw
Beese Lake, and the vicinity of the site of Hillsdale, into
Pittsford, Jefferson, Adams, and Wheatland. They also
made long excursions east into Lenawee County, and south
into Ohio and Indiana ; always, however, returning to their
range in this county.
They built temporary cabins of bark, but these were not
all in one village, nor did their occupants hold continuously
to the same location. There were a few small open fields
of a few acres each, where the squaws raised corn and beans,
but the greater part of the subsistence of the band was
obtained by hunting. There is believed to have been an
old trading-post kept by a Frenchman at what was after-
wards called Allen's Prairie, and there were certainly two
or three in the present county of Branch, where the furs se-
cured by the Indians were exchanged for guns, ammunition,
calico, cheap jewelry, and whisky. After the treaty of
Chicago, Baw Beese's band made no move toward establish-
ing themselves on the reservations, but continued their mi-
gratory occupation of the territory of this county. For a
few years there was no one to object to this, for emigration
had not yet reached our borders. But events were rapidly
shaping themselves toward a different state of affairs.
In 1823 a land-office was established at Monroe, the dis-
trict embracing the whole of the present county of Hills-
dale. ' In 1824 the first settlement was made in Lenawee
County. At this period, through the influence of Gen.
Cass, the general government ordered the construction of a
road a hundred feet wide from Detroit to Chicago (with a
branch from near Monroe, striking the main line near the
eastern line of Hillsdale County), and appropriated ten
thousand dollars to pay for a survey of it.
In the spring of 1825, the chief surveyor began his work,
planning to run on nearly straight lines. He soon found,
however, that if he followed this plan, cutting a vista for
his compass through the dense woods, and spending a large
part of his time in hunting up good routes and good places
for bridges, the money would all be expended before he
should have half completed his task. So he determined to
follow the " Chicago trail," the old pathway which the
Indians had followed from time immemorial in passing
between Detroit and the point at the mouth of Chicago
River where the great city of the West now stands.
This he did so faithfully that it is said there is not an
angle, bend, or turn of the Indian trail which is not pre-
served by the present road from Chicago to Detroit, except
for a single mile in Washtenaw County. This is somewhat
exaggerated, but a glance at the map will show that there are
angles enough in the present road to give good reason for the
statement. The flagmen were sent ahead as far as they could
be seen, the bearings taken, the distance chained, and the re-
sults noted in the field-book ; then the flagmen were again
sent ahead, the axemen meantime blazing the trees fifty feet
on each side of the central line.
It was not a very bad plan, though it caused considerable
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
35
crookedness. The Indians had avoided the worst marshes,
which were the principal obstructions to road-making, and
what was equally important, they had selected the best
fording-places of the creeks and rivers that could be found.
The trail, and consequently the road, entered the territory
of the county in the present township of Somerset, about
a mile and two-thirds from the northeast corner of the
county, ran nearly west to the present village of Moscow ;
thence southwesterly to the crossing of the St. Joseph,
where Jonesville now stands ; and thence southwesterly
through the present township of Allen, passing out of the
county half a mile north of the centre of that township.
It was not opened by the government for several years after
the survey, but the fact that it was surveyed and established
as a road caused emigration to follow that line, and the emi-
grants here and there did a little something towards making
it passable.
As early as 1826, a few prospecting-parties began to pass
westward along the Chicago road, looking for the best places
for settlement, some of them going through as far as Lake
Michigan. There was still, however, no white man, save
an occasional Indian trader, residing west of Lenawee
County, in the Territory of Michigan. But the time had
come for the subjugation of the wilderness to begin. Who
began it and how it was carried forward may be learned in
the succeeding chapter.
CHAPTER VI L
THE PIONEEK ERA.
The First Pioneer — Date and Locality of Settlement — Another Treaty
— Good-Natured Indians — Settlement at Jonesville — The Infant in
the Corn Barn — Increasing Population — First Sale of Land — First
Tavern in the County — The First Death — Making the Coffin — For-
mation of Hillsdale County — Its Boundaries — It is Attached to
Lenawee — The Township of Vance — Location of the County-Seat —
The Governor's Proclamation — The First Village — First Mill — The
Black Hawk War — List of Hillsdale County Soldiers — Another
Treaty — Sale of Land down to 1833 — The Sale of Nottawa-Seepe
Reservation — Opposition of the Indians — Baw Beese at Dinner
Time — First Store — First School-House — Organization of Hillsdale
County — The First Officers — Division into Four Townships — Move-
ment to be Admitted as a State — The Toledo War — Its Causes and
Conduct — Interposition of the President — The Offer of Congress —
Its Rejection and Acceptance — The "Flush Times" — "Wild Cat"
and " Red Dog" — Hillsdale Village — The Great Crash — Fluctuation
of Prices — A Turnpike Project — New Townships — Emigration —
Friendship with the Indians — Pioneer Hardships — Sickness — Wolves
— More Townships — Baw Beese's Idea of Friendship — Removal of
the Indians — The Last Procession — Their Subsequent Fate — At-
tempted Removal of County-Seat.
The very earliest pioneer of Hillsdale County was an
enterprising citizen hailing from near Wyandotte, in Wayne
County, an ex-soldier of the war of 1812, bearing the name
and title of Capt. Moses Allen. He is said to have been
one of the original party who surveyed the Chicago road
in 1825. It is certain that in the spring or early summer
of 1826, Capt. Allen, with John W. Fletcher and Greorge
Hubbard, made an extended prospecting tour over the valley
of the St. Joseph, exploring the lands of Southern Michi-
gan nearly to the mouth of that river.
Of all the territory thus examined, the fertile soil and
beautiful appearance of the tract since known as Allen's
Prairie most attracted his eye and satisfied his judgment,
and there he determined to locate. The surveys were not
yet made, or at least not completed so that he could obtain
a title, but he was anxious lest his choice location should
fall into other hands, and in April, 1827, he moved on, with
his family, and took possession of a claim. It was on the
east side of the prairie, on the southeast quarter of section
10, township 6 south, range 4 west, and comprised the
site of the present village of Allen. The locality was called
by the Indians, Mascootah-siac or Sand Creek Prairie.
This was the very first settlement made for the purpose
of permanent improvement in Hillsdale County, and so far
as known was the first in the whole State of Michigan west
of Tecumseh, Lenawee County. In the spring of 1827, how-
ever, several families settled in the present county of St.
Joseph.
Captain Allen was accompanied by his brother, John
Allen, who resided at the Prairie three or four years, but
did not become the owner of any land. He was afterwards
a prominent citizen of Branch County. They erected a
rude cabin with a puncheon floor, and there the family re-
sided over a year without a neighbor eastward nearer than
Tecumseh, fifty miles distant, or westward nearer than
White Pigeon Prairie, at about the same distance. South-
ward the forest, broken by occasional prairies, but unoccu-
pied by a single settler, extended far into Ohio and Indiana,
while in the opposite direction there was not a solitary per-
manent white resident between Allen's Prairie and the North
Pole.
The Allen family have all removed from Hillsdale County,
and little is known of their lives during that lonesome
period. It is pretty certain, however, that during the
summer of 1827 they raised a crop of corn, the evidence
being that in the spring of 1828 they had an empty corn
barn. They found a grist-mill ready made to their hands.
It consisted of a stump hollowed out on the top to receive
the corn, the grinding part consisting of a wooden pestle
fastened to a spring-pole, and worked up and down by hand,
this being the common style of pioneer mill in places remote
from the conveniences of civilized life. The one in question
is reputed to have been made by some one in the employ
of Campau, an Indian trader of Detroit, who had formerly
had a station on the prairie.
In the September succeeding the advent of the first
settlers in Hillsdale County a new treaty was made, by
which the Indians exchanged all their reservations reserved
by the treaty of Chicago, except that of Nottawa-Seepe,
for n tract of land- adjoining that one, the whole making
an area of ninety-nine square miles. But they still con-
tinued to wander at will through the forest. In fact, the
Pottaioattamies seem to have been a peculiarly uneasy clan,
for there are no less than thirty-seven treaties with them
transcribed in the published records of the United States
down to 1837. This is a larger number than were made
by any other tribe, the Ghippewas^ who were the next in
order, having made but twenty-six treaties down to 1842.
The pioneers of Hillsdale County found Baw Beese and
his band the sole occupants of its territory. Even these,
as before stated, were not permanent. They wandered to
36
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
and fro, hunting and fishing, occasionally straying into
Indiana, and again making a journey to visit their brethren
in Branch and St. Joseph Counties. The testimony is gen-
eral that the old chief was one of the best natured of men,
and there seems never to have been the slightest difficulty
between him and the new-comers.
The nature and example of the chief, too, appear to have
had their due influence on his band, or else all the good-
natured Indians followed him as a matter of choice, for,
from the time of Allen's arrival until the Pottaioatt amies
were transported to the shores of the Missouri, a period of
some thirteen years, the red men of this clan lived in almost
perfect harmony with the whites, and with each other.
This is the more remarkable as the bands in Branch and
St. Joseph Counties had numerous feuds among themselves,
sometimes resulting in murder, and occasionally came in
collision with the whites around them.
Baw Beese is described as being always ready to give
shelter and a meal of victuals, such as it was, to any white
man who came to his wigwam, and, on the other hand, he
was still more ready to receive the same hospitality from
the whites whom he visited at their cabins. And, if they
did not ofler, he was not averse to asking ; for, proud as the
Indian is in some respects, he seldom comprehends that any
degradation attaches to begging for whatever he needs.
During the fishing season the band was usually to be
found near Baw Beese Lake, which was one of the best fish-
ing-places in the country, the river being unimpeded by
dams, and the fish coming up from Lake Michigan in
great numbers. Of the little patches of corn-ground before
mentioned, the largest was in the north part of the present
township of Wright, embracing about fifteen acres. There
were a few other smaller tracts in various parts of the
county, and near the eastern line of Wheatland was a log
cabin, said to have belonged to Baw Beese ; but he and
his family spent so much of their time wandering in the
woods that it would be extremely difiicult to prove their
title to the domicile in question.
In June, 1828, Benaiah Jones, Jr., came, with his wife
and five children, along the Chicago trail, seeking a place
in the wilderness to make them a home. He fixed on the
point where that trail crossed the St. Joseph River, as the
most desirable one at which to locate. To save his family,
however, from camping out while he was building a house,
he proceeded to Allen's Prairie, and obtained permission
for them to live in Allen's corn barn during the summer.
From there Mr. Jones and his oldest son returned to the
point he had selected, built a log house, and made some
other slight improvements. These were on section 4,
township 6 south, range 3 west, being the site of the
present village of Jonesville.
It was during this time, in the month of August, 1828,
that the first child in Hillisdale County saw the light, its
place of birth being the corn barn just mentioned. The
youthful stranger received the name of Cordas M. Jones,
being the sixth of the sons of Benaiah Jones, Jr. In Oc-
tober, Mr. J removed his family to their new home, and
the winter of 1828-29 passed with two families instead of
OHO in the county.
The year 1829 saw a decided increase in the population
of the county. In the spring, Edmund Jones, a brother
of Benaiah, came and selected a piece of land adjoining
that occupied by the latter. About the same time, Thad-
deus Wight located himself two miles west of Jonesville,
and at least as early as this, Reuben Cornish, a brother-in-
law of Mrs. Allen, joined the little settlement at Allen's
Prairie. In the middle of the summer, Thomas Reed also
settled at the same point. Population was getting crowded.
Meanwhile the land had been declared ready for sale,
and on the 8th day of June, 1829, Moses Allen, Benaiah
Jones, Jr., and Edmund Jones all appeared at the land-
office at Monroe, and purchased the tracts on which they
had located themselves, Mr. Allen taking a quarter section,
and the two Joneses each acquiring eighty acres.
By this time emigrants and prospecting-parties began to
pass through the county with considerable frequency, and
Mr. Jones opened a tavern at his log house, the first in the
county. To keep a tavern was in fact the aristocratic as
well as the profitable thing to do in those days. If a man
kept tavern it might fairly be presumed that he had two
rooms in his house, while if he didn't the inference was
almost certain that he had only one.
Mr. Allen also wished to set up a tavern (hotels were not
known here then), and as his primitive cabin was hardly
fit for that purpose, he proceeded in the summer and fall of
1829 to erect a substantial log house. It was not quite
completed when Mr. Allen was taken sick, and in October
he died ; the first white victim of the grim destroyer in
Hillsdale County, so far as known. There was no lumber
anywhere within reach from which a coffin could be made,
yet his few neighbors were anxious to give him Christian
and civilized burial. They accordingly cut down a black-
cherry tree, placing one end of a log severed from it on a
high bank, and the other on a crotched tree. Then one
man standing upon the log, and another beneath it, pro-
ceeded with a cross-cut saw (in the manner known as
" whip-sawing") to cut out boards enough for the required
purpose.
Hitherto we have frequently spoken of " Hillsdale
County," to avoid inconvenient repetition, meaning the
territory of which the county was to be formed. But
henceforth the county of Hillsdale was to be an actual
entity, though for several years without any county
organization. On the 29th day of October, 1829, an act
was passed by the legislative council of the Territory and
approved by Governor Cass, creating the counties of Hills-
dale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Van Buren, Berrien, Jack-
son, Barry, Eaton, Kalamazoo, and Ingham. The section
devoted to this county reads as follows :
" So much of the county as lies west of the meridian and
east of the line between ranges 4 and 5 west of the meri-
dian, and south of the line between townships 4 and 5 south
of the base line, and north of the boundary line between
the State of Ohio and the Territory of Michigan, be and the
same is hereby set off into a separate county, and the name
thereof shall be Hillsdale."
The appellation thus selected is highly proper on account
of the diversified surface, consisting entirely of alternating
hills and dales. There is also a town of Hillsdale in Co-
lumbia Co., N. Y., another in Indiana Co., Pa., and another
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
37
in Bergen Co., N. J., and it is quite probable that some of
the early settlers or their ancestors came from one of those
regions, and that the name was thus suggested to them.*
The boundaries of the county, as above defined, were the
same which have ever since been retained, except that the
boundary between this county and Ohio was then supposed
to be a little farther south than it was located on the admis-
sion of the State of Michigan. The change will be noted
at the time it occurred.
It will be understood, however, that the mere creation of
a county amounted to nothing except to specify the name
and boundaries. No county ofiicers could be elected until
further action was taken by the Territorial authorities.
When the county of Hillsdale was formed there was not
even a township organization within its limits. Five days
afterwards, on the 4th of November, 1829, another law was
passed by the legislative council declaring that for all ju-
dicial and legislative purposes the county of Hillsdale should
be attached to and form a part of Lenawee County.
The next day still another act was passed, one section of
which enacted that the whole county of Hillsdale should
thenceforth constitute a township by the name of Vance.
A township embracing a whole county seems rather large,
but the township of Green, formed by the same act, em-
braced three counties, Branch, Calhoun, and Eaton, besides
a large tract lying north of Eaton, the whole being attached
to St. Joseph County for the time being.
The act in question also provided that the first town-
meeting in the new township of Vance should be held at
the house of Benaiah Jones, Jr. The meeting was accord-
ingly held on the first Monday of April, 1830. James M.
Burdick, now of Quincy, who settled at Allen's Prairie
early in the spring of 1830, says that every voter in the
county was present at that meeting, and that every one had
a township ofSce, some of them two or three. Vance town-
ship continued to exist a little over five years, its officers
performing the usual functions, and its successive supervi-
sors acting as members of the board of Lenawee County.
The records have, however, disappeared, and we are there-
fore unable to give the names of those who officiated during
what may be called the chrysalis period of Hillsdale County.
In 1830, settlement in the county began to increase con-
siderably ; all, however, in the northern portion. The
Chicago road was not yet opened by the government through
the county, but the old trail was there, the blazed trees
marked by the surveyors were there, and enough travel had
been attracted by these forerunners of a highway so that
wagons with considerable trouble could make their way
along the devious path. The slight improvements thus
made drew all the new emigrants, and the settlements were
all made in the immediate vicinity of the Chicago road.
Mr. Jones found business increasing at the location he
had chosen, and he and his neighbors naturally desired
•i* There are no less than twelve post-offices named Hillsdale in the
United States besides the one in this county, namely, in Columbia
Co., IST. Y. ; in Bergen Co., jN". J. ; in Indiana Co., Pa. j in Guilford
Co., N. C. ; in Macon Co., Tenn. j in Vermilion Co., Ind. ; in Rock
Island Co., 111. j in Mills Co., Iowa,* in Nemeha Co., Neb. ; in Moody
Co., Dakota ; and in Kane Co., Utah. There is, however, no county
bearing that name except the one which is the subject of this hirtory.
to have the county-seat fixed there. The proper application
was made, and in the winter of 1830 the legislative coun-
cil passed an act appointing Shubael Conant, of Monroe,
Jared Patchin, of Lenawee, and Judge Sibley, of Detroit, as
commissioners to establish the county-seat. After due ex-
amination they selected Jonesville, as people already began
to call the neighborhood where Mr. Jones had located,
though no village was yet laid out. Owing, however, to
some informality this selection was not considered final.
In July following the legislative council passed a gen-
eral law authorizing the Governor to appoint commissioners
to fix the location of county-seats, and also authorizing him
to confirm and proclaim their selections. To locate the
county-seat of Hillsdale County, the Governor appointed
De Garmo Jones, Joseph W. Brown, and Charles Noble,
and after they had performed their duty he issued the fol-
lowing proclamation :
Bf/ Lewis Cass, Governor in and over the Territory of Michigan.
A Proclamation.
Whereas by an act of the Legislative Council passed July thirty-
first, one thousand eight hundred and thirty, authority is given to the
Governor of the Territory to appoint commissioners to locate the seats
of justice of the several counties in which the seats of justice may
not have been located, and to receive their report and confirm the
same if he approve thereof, and then to issue a proclamation estab-
lishing the seats of justice so located; and whereas De Garmo Jones,
Joseph W. Brown, and Charles Noble, Esquires, were appointed com-
missioners to locate the seat of justice of the county of Hillsdale, a
majority of whom proceeded to execute the said duty, and have
located the seat of justice of the said county of Hillsdale at the vil-
lage of Jonesville, in said county :
Now, therefore, by virtue of the authority given in said act, and in
conformity with the said report, I do hereby issue this proclamation,
establishing the seat of justice of the said county of Hillsdale at the
village of Jonesville, in said county.
In test whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the great
seal of the Territorj'^ to be affixed. Done at the city of Detroit, this
sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-one, and of the Independence of the United
States the fifty-fifth.
Leavis Cass.
By the governor.
John G. Mason, Secretary of the Territory.
This was one of the last oflficial acts of Gov. Cass' long
administration, for in the following summer he was called
to the office of Secretary of War of the United States, by
President Jackson.
In June, 1831, Benaiah Jones, Jr., laid out the ground
at the point where the county-seat had been located in a
regular village plat, the first in the county. He recorded
the plat under the name of Jonesville, which had already
been given to the settlement there. Only twelve hundred
and eighty acres of land had then been sold in the county,
and this had been purchased by twelve persons: Moses
Allen, John S. Reid, Thomas S. Reid, S. N. W. Benson,
James Olds, Abram F. Bolton, Richard W. Corbus, E. J.
Sibley, Martin G. Shellhouse, and Benjamin F. Lamed.
All except perhaps the three last were actual settlers.
Allen and the two Reids were in the present town of Allen.
The two Joneses and Olds were in the present Fayette.
There were also a few settlers who had not made any pur-
chase, though these generally did so not long afterwards.
There was a constant stream of emigrants flowing west-
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ward through the county, and every little while one '' dropped
off" within its limits. This year a land-office was established
at White Pigeon, in St. Joseph County, for a district which
included this county.
It was also, as near as can be ascertained, in 1831 that
the first school-house in the county was built, a small, rude
log structure, situated at Allen's Prairie. Hiram Hunt was
the teacher.
In the spring of 1832 the population had increased so
that it was thought a saw-mill would be supported. E. J.
Sibley, of Detroit, accordingly began the erection of one on
the St. Joseph River, two miles up stream (nearly south)
from Jonesville, — the pioneer mill of the county. It was
completed the same year.
At this time the Chicago road had been opened by the
government so as to be fairly passable, though still very rude,
as far west as Jonesville. It was opened westward through
the county in 1832. The same year a Territorial road was
established from Port Lawrence (now Toledo) west through
to the ninth townships of the various ranges to the eastern
line of Indiana. This was opened soon after, and became
the principal thoroughfare by which emigration reached
that part of the county.
But in May of that year an event occurred which startled
from their propriety all the people of Hillsdale County, to-
gether with most of those throughout Southern Michigan,
and for a short time seemed likely to put a stop to all the
improvements so rapidly being planned and prosecuted.
This was the outbreak of the celebrated " Black Hawk
war." The scene of actual strife was far away in Illinois
and Wisconsin, but the white population was very sparse
from here there, and Indians bent on vengeance have long
arms. Besides, no one could tell whether the Pottawatta-
mies scattered through Southern Michigan might not make
common cause with the warriors of Black Hawk, and turn
their tomahawks upon their white neighbors. No hostile
disposition, however, was manifested by these ancient en-
emies, and the whites seem generally to have trusted to
their friendship.
Scarcely had the first news of the troubles arrived than
a dispatch went through from the government agent at
Chicago, asking for the aid of the Michigan militia to de-
fend that place, then an insignificant hamlet in a marsh at
the head of Lake Michigan. The brigade of militia in the
southern part of the Territory was commanded by Brig.-
Gen. Joseph W. Brown, a near relative of Maj. -Gen. Jacob
Brown, the hero of the war of 1812 and at one time com-
mander-in-chief of the United States Army. Gen. J. W.
Brown possessed much of the martial fire of the soldier of
Lundy's Lane, and promptly responded to the call. He
ordered his brigade to take the field, the rendezvous being
at Niles, in Berrien County. The militia regiments of Mon-
roe and Lenawee Counties readily obeyed his orders, and in
a few days company after company was to be seen marching
westward over the Chicago road, each man clad not in bright
blue clothes with brass buttons, but in the rude garb of a
backwoodsman, with rifle, or musket, or shot-gun on his
shoulder, as chance might determine, and with accoutre-
ments equally varied at his side.
Benaiah Jones, Jr., at this time was major, commanding
a battalion of militia, consisting of one company in Hills-
dale County and two in Branch. On the 22d day of May,
he received orders from Gen. Brown to call out his bat-
talion and march westward to repel the enemy. The order
must have been very promptly obeyed, for the men were
called out, got together in companies, and marched to Niles
by the 25th of that month. We are indebted to Harvey
Warner, Esq., of Coldwater, for a copy of the muster-roll
of the battalion, furnished him by Dr. Enoch Chase, form-
erly of Coldwater, who was both surgeon and adjutant of
Maj. Jones' command. The other staiF-officers were Abial
Potter, quartermaster (also of Branch County), Ambrose
Nicholson, and John Morse (another Branch County man),
who sustained the honorable position of fife-major.
We give below a copy of the roll of the Hillsdale County
company, both as an interesting relic of itself and as show-
ing the growth of the county up to that time :
"James Olds, captain of second company.
"Silas Benson, lieutenant.
" Hiram B. Hunt, ensign.
"Non-commissioned officers: Daniel Atkin, first sergeant; John G.
Reed, first cor[»oral ; Osborn Blackman, second corporal; Dexter Olds,
third corporal.
" Privates : Abol Olds, John Stewart, William Lancaster, Morris Earl,
Rufus Van Pool, William Bell, David M. Dunn, Jerome Jewell, Peter
Benson, Henry Chirk, Zachariah Crook, Washington Thurston.
"Absent: Joseph Hartsough, second sergeant; Stephen Hickox,
third sergeant; Ambrose S. Burdick, third sergeant; sick.
" Absent without leave : 0. G. B, Aiken, James Winter, John Wall,
John Hartsough, David Hartsough, Elisha Hartsough, Clark Baker."
Note on margin : "This company was mustered into service May
24, and dismissed June 4, 1832."
"The above is a true copy of the returns made by the captains of
the several companies to me.
"Enoch Chase, Adjutant.
"Coldwater, June 4, 1832."
It will be seen that, according to the above roll, there
were in May, 1832, thirty persons (including Maj. Jones)
capable of bearing arms and supposed to be between eighteen
and forty-five years of age. The women, children, and old
men left behind were for a few days in a state of great dis-
may lest their friends should be destroyed by the bloody
Indians, and terrifying rumors flew through the scattered
settlements by the score. Scarcely, however, had the militia
reached Niles, when messengers from the West brought the
welcome news that Black Hawk and his bands had been
utterly defeated and that all danger was over. As appears
by the roll, the troops returned and were mustered out at
Coldwater on the 4th of June.
Black Hawk, the cause of all this trouble, is said by
Drake, the Indian historian, to have been a Pottawattamie
by birth, but to have been brought up among the Sacs.
The Black Hawk war caused the people and the government
to be all the more anxious to have the Indians removed be-
yond the Mississippi. Another treaty was made in October,
1832, by which nearly all the lands to which the Pottawat-
tamies had any claim in Michigan were ceded to the United
States, except the Nottawa-Seepe reservation. This treaty
provided for an individual grant of a square mile to " To-
penibee, the principal chief," and another to '' Pokagon, the
second chief."
Emigrants continued to make their way into the county
witk increasing rapidity. At the close of 1833 there were
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
39
ten thousand two hundred and eighty acres sold within its
limits. This land was distributed among seventy-five
owners, and was located as follows : In the present town
of Somerset, a thousand and forty acres ; in Wheatland,
twelve hundred acres; in Moscow, three thousand three
hundred and twenty acres ; in Scipio, three hundred acres ;
in Fayette, nineteen hundred and eighty acres ; in Allen,
seventeen hundred and twenty acres.
In 1833 the first railroad charter was granted by the
Legislative Council of Michigan, and its prescribed course
led into the county of Hillsdale. It was to run from Port
Lawrence (now Toledo), then considered to be in Michigan,
to the " head-waters of the Kalamazoo River." This was
somewhat indefinite. If it ran to the head-waters of the
main or south branch of the Kalamazoo it would pass
through Somerset into the township of Moscow. If it ran
to the present village of Albion, where the two branches
unite, it would still pass through Somerset and Moscow.
But the road was never built farther than Adrian, and is
now a part of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern line.
In September of this year (1833), also, the last reserva-
tion kept by the Pottawattnmies in this vicinity, that of
Nottawa-Seepe, was ceded by the chiefs, or a part of them,
to the United States, the Indians being allowed to remain
two more years before removing to the far West. Many of
the Indians were bitterly opposed to the sale, and claimed
that the chiefs who signed the treaty had no authority to
do so. One of the malcontents, on the day of the first
payment on the reservation, tried to murder Sau-au-quett^ the
chief who had been most prominent in efiecting the sale, and
only failed because his pistol missed fire. Sau-au-quett was
several years afterwards murdered by one of his tribe, in a
feud arising, as was supposed, from the same cause.
Nevertheless the treaty was sustained by the govern-
ment, payments were made, and business proceeded upon
the assumption that the Indian title was extinguished in all
this part of the Territory. But Baw Beese and his band
still continued to roam over the hills and dales of Hillsdale
County, especially through the central and eastern portions,
and around the lake which still bears the chieftain's name.
The veteran pioneer, Frederick M. Hollo way, mentions
coming into the southern part of the county with a party
looking for land, in the summer of 1834. Soon after their
arrival, while they were eating dinner near the site of
Morganville, in the present township of Am boy, the chief,
Baw Beese, appeared. He was asked to partake of the
meal with them, and very promptly did so, and a very full
meal he made, too. The party remained exploring in that
part of the county some weeks. Baw Beese made them
many visits during the time, and almost invariably appeared
about noon.
In 1834 the first stock of goods in the county was opened
for sale at Jonesville by the firm of Cook & Ferris (John P.
Cook and Chauncey W. Ferris). During the same year
Levi Baxter and Cook Sisson began a grist-mill at Jones-
ville, the first in the county. It was not finished till the
next year. The second school-house in the county was
built at Jonesville this year. It was made of logs, and is
said to have been only twelve feet wide by fourteen long.
It stood where the Episcopal church of Jonesville now
stands. Besides its educational uses it was also employed
as a church by the Methodists and Presbyterians, the
two denominations who first held religious services in the
county.
It was in the spring of 1834, also, that the first settle-
ment was made in the present town of Litchfield ; the pio-
neers being Henry Stevens and Samuel Riblett, who located
themselves about three miles east of the village.
Hitherto, notwithstanding its broad dimensions on the
map, and the possession of a county-seat, Hillsdale County
had been for all municipal purposes only the township of
Vance, attached to Lenawee County. It was now thought
desirable to have an actual county organization. A town-
meeting for Vance was held on the 13th day of December,
1834, — apparently a special election to choose commis-
sioners of highways to fill vacancies. As the record of that
meeting, which is preserved in the town-book of Fayette, is
the only record of Vance township (aside from its creation
by the legislative council) which we have been able to dis-
cover, we transcribe it in full :
"At a legal and special meeting of the inhabitants of the township
of Vance, on the 13th day of December, 1834, at the house of James
D. Van Hoevenbergh. Henry Stevens, Moderator; Lewis T. Miller,
Supervisor; John Taylor, Justice of Peace, forming the township
board. James Olds chosen Township Clerk pro tern. Board duly
sworn.
"James Winter and Timothy Gay were chosen Commissioners of
Highways.
"Attest: Charles Gregory, Town Clerk."
After the regular business of the meeting was concluded,
the voters present proceeded to take meavsures to secure the
organization of the county and the subdivision of the town-
ship. The following is the record of their proceedings :
"At a meeting of the voters of the county of Hillsdale, convened
at the house of James D. Van Hoevenbergh, on the 13th day of De-
cember, 1834, Lyman Blackmar was chosen Chairman, and James
Olds Secretary. First : Resolved, unanimously. That the inhabi-
tants will petition the Legislative Council to organize said county.
Second : Resolved, unanimously, To divide the county into four town-
ships, each township to consist of one range through the county ;
range 1 to be called Wheatland, the first township-meeting to be held
at the house of Elias Banch ; range 2 to be called Moscow, the first
township-meeting to bo- held at the house of L. Blackmar; range 3 to
be called Fayette, the first township -meeting to be held at the house
of J. D. Van Hoevenbergh; range 4 to be called Allen, the first town-
ship-meeting to be held at the house of R. W. Corbus. Third : Re-
solved, That the following persons be recommended for the oflScers of
the county: Lewis T. Miller and Henry Stevens, Associate Judges;
Chauncey W. Ferris, County Clerk; James D. Van Hoevenbergh,
Sheriff; Newel Kane, Judge of Probate; James Olds, Register or Re-
corder; David Harrington, County Commissioner; Aaron B*. Goodwin
Surveyor; E. P. Champlin, County Treasurer.
"Adjourned to Wednesday, the 17th instant, at Lyman Blackmar's.
Chairman, Lyman Blackmar; Secretary, James Olds.
"Attest: Charles Gregory, Townsh'p Clerk."
Of the proceedings of the adjourned meeting we have
no record. It is certain, however, that the legislative
council looked favorably on the petition of the inhabitants,
though it did not entirely coincide with them in the selec-
tion of officers. On the 11th day of February an act was
passed detaching the county from Lenawee and organizing
it, with the following officers : Sheriff, James D. Van
Hoevenbergh; Clerk, Chauncey W. Ferris; Register, James
Olds ; Treasurer, John P. Cook ; Judge of Probate, Ly-
40
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
man Blackmar. The other officers are believed to have
been the same as those recommended by the meeting in
December, viz. : Lewis T. Miller and Henry Stevens, As-
sociate Judges ; David Harrington, Coroner ; Aaron B.
Goodwin, Surveyor.
On the 17th of March another act subdivided the town-
ship of Yance into four new townships , with the names
and boundaries recommended in the resolutions before
given, — the survey townships of range 1 throughout the
county forming the civil township of Wheatland ; those
of range 2, the civil township of Moscow ; those of
range 3, the civil township of Fayette ; those of range
4, the civil township of Allen. The first town-meetings
were all held on the 4th day of April, 1835, and all at the
places designated in the resolutions, except that the meet-
ing in Wheatland was directed to be held at the house of
Thomas Gamble.
The first supervisors of the organized county, elected at
the time just specified, were Heman Pratt, of Wheatland ;
Benjamin Fowle, of Moscow ; Brooks Bowman, of Fayette ;
and Richard W. Corbus, of Allen.
At the same time measures were in progress to form a
State government for Michigan, and secure its admission
into the Union. A convention was called by the legislative
council to form a State constitution. The Territory was
divided into districts, containing, as near as might be, a
thousand people each, and each district was entitled to one
member in the constitutional convention. Hillsdale and
Branch Counties constituted the ninth district. An elec-
tion for members of the convention was held at the time
of the annual town-meeting, in April, when Judge Lewis
T. Miller was chosen to represent the ninth district.
Not only was the county government started in the spring
of 1835, and the first movements made towards a State gov-
ernment, but this was the period when the people were
startled by the great " Toledo war." The result of this
celebrated tragi-comic contest had a direct though slight
effect upon Hillsdale County. If the claim of Michigan
had been recognized, this county would have extended from
two to three miles farther south, increasing its area between
fifty and sixty square miles. A brief account of the causes
of the controversy, therefore, will not be out of place here.
The ordinance of 1787, passed by the old Confederate
Congress to provide for the government of the Northwest
Territory, and confirmed by one of the first acts of the United
States Congress after the adoption of the Federal constitu-
tion, declared that the territory in question should at some
future time be divided into three States, the line between
the first and second (counting from the east) being the
present east line of Indiana, and that between the second
and third being the present west line of the same State, both
lines to be extended north to the British dominions. But it
was also provided in the same act that Congress might form
two other new States north of a line running east and west
through the southern extremity of Lake Michigan. It did
not say that the two northern States should go south to that
line, but inferentially, at least, that they should not go be-
yond it.
In 1802, Congress passed an act enabling the people of
Ohio to form a State constitution, and locating the northern
boundary of the new State on the line laid down by the
ordinance of 1787, viz., one running east from the southern
extremity of Lake Michigan to Lake Erie. But the Con-
stitutional Convention of Ohio, desiring to secure to that
State the trade of the Maumee River, inserted a provision
in the constitution that if the east and west line before
mentioned should strike south of the mouth of the Maumee,
then the northern boundary of the State should be a line
from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan, not due
east, but running straight to the northernmost cape of
Maumee Bay. The constitution was not submitted to the
people, but under it Ohio was admitted as a State by act
of Congress.
In 1805 the Territory of Michigan was detached from
Indiana by Congress, embracing all north of the east and
west line before mentioned. But as Indiana desired a little
shore-line on Lake Michigan, Congress granted it a strip
about nine or ten miles wide north of the line, thus causing
the notch made by that State into this county, — a tract a
mile wide east and west, and about six miles long north and
south, being carved out of the southwest corner of the
township of Camden by the Hoosier State.
From the last mentioned year until 1835 nothing was
done to settle the title. The disputed strip, about six
miles wide at the eastern end, and about three and a half
at the western boundary of Ohio, was included in the latter
State by its constitution, and in Michigan by the law of
Congress. It was, however, mostly a wilderness, and when
settlements were made in the eastern part of it, the settlers,
who were largely from Ohio, generally yielded voluntary
obedience to the laws of that State. But when Michigan
took steps to form a State constitution the disputed boun-
dary at once became a question of importance.
In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed an
act asserting its jurisdiction over the disputed territory,
organizing townships, and directing the people to elect offi-
cers in April following ; also directing Governor Lucas, of
that State, to appoint three commissioners to resurvey and
mark the old " Harris line," — that is, the line as claimed
by Ohio, — beginning on the 1st of April. Forthwith the
legislative council of Michigan passed an act making it
punishable with fine and imprisonment for any one on the
disputed territory to accept office from Ohio or exercise
official functions under that State. The acting Governor of
Michigan at this time was the Secretary, Stevens T. Ma-
son, a fiery young Virginian, about twenty-five years old.
He promptly ordered General Brown, of Tecumseh, who
has before been mentioned in connection with the Black
Hawk war, to call the militia of his brigade to arms.
Brown sent out the necessary orders, and soon there was
mustering in hot haste and hurrying to and fro and all the
due preparation for war in the counties of Southeastern
Michigan.
We regret that we are nob able to give, as in the case of
the Black Hawk war, a list of the heroes from Hillsdale
County (if any there were) who took part in the Toledo
war.
There was from the first a certain element of the farcical
in all this pomp and circumstance of war, and yet it was a
farce which might easily have been turned into a tragedy by
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
41
any reckless deiuagogue on either side. To all appearances
the contest was a very unequal one between the populous
and wealthy State of Ohio, having already nearly a million
inhabitants, and the forest-covered, ague-smitten Territory of
Michigan, with less than a hundred thousand ; yet the dis-
crepancy was to some extent balanced by the nearness of
the settled parts of Michigan to the scene of trouble, and
by the greater promptness, or rather recklessness, of its
Governor. Mason and Brown soon raised a force of a
thousand to twelve hundred men, with which they took pos-
session of Toledo, already a rising young port, and the chief
bone of contention. Meanwhile, Governor Lucas, of Ohio,
had only obtained five or six hundred men, with whom he
came to Perrysburg, but halted there when he found his
opponents in possession of Toledo, wisely hesitating to pre-
cipitate the shedding of blood.
Meanwhile the government at Washington had been ap-
prised of the impending war, and sent commissioners to
endeavor to avert it. These proposed to the belligerent
Governors that the Ohio commissioners should be allowed
to run out the " Harris line," but without gaining any new
rights thereby ; that the people of the disputed district
should obey whichever officers they pleased until the end
of the next session of Congress, which would endeavor to
settle the matter. Governor Lucas agreed to this, and dis-
banded his force. Mason partly disbanded his troops but,
as he claimed, did not agree to the proposition.
President Jackson, on hearing of the trouble, had re-
ferred the question to his attorney-general, who reported
favorably to Michigan.
Governor Lucas' commissioners proceeded to resurvey
the " Harris line," beginning at the northwest corner of the
State, being the southwest corner of Hillsdale County. In
the woods there was no trouble, but as the officials and sur-
veyors reached the more settled districts, several of their
party were arrested by the under-sheriff of Monroe County,
Michigan. The commissioners escaped. Governor Lucas
sought the interposition of the President. Governor Mason
continued to order arrests, employing a large part of the
people of Monroe County in doing so. One of the Michigan
officers was stabbed by a man bearing the curious name of
"Two Stickney." This we believe was the only blood
shed during the " war." Stickney fled to Governor Lucas,
and was protected by him.
Matters were really approaching a crisis. The President
recommended, as his commissioners had done before him,
that Ohio be allowed to run her line. But this had no
effect upon Mason, whose blood was up and who was deter-
mined to win at every cost. At length the President
removed him from the secretaryship, and appointed Charles
Shaler in his place. Shaler declined, and John W. Horner
was appointed ; being the last territorial secretary and
acting Governor of Michigan. After this the '' war" raged
less furiously, though there was still a frequent display of
troops on the part of the belligerents. F. M. Holloway,
Esq., of this county, was then a resident of the disputed
territory, and like almost all the rest of the inhabitants
was friendly to Ohio, in whose forces he held the rank of
captain.
Without following the '^ war" through all its vicissitudes,
6
in which letters and proclamations played a much more
influential part than bullets and bayonets, suffice it to say
that when Congress met they decided that Ohio should
have the land in dispute, and that Michigan should be con-
soled with what has since been known as the " Upper
Peninsula," and with the cession of the title to large tracts
throughout the State for educational and other purposes.
Although the value of the territory thus yielded by Con-
gress was far greater than that claimed, yet the passions of
the people had been so aroused that a convention chosen to
consider the proposed terms promptly rejected them. Zach-
ariah Van Duser, the member from this county, however,
voted in favor of accepting them, as did Harvey Warner,
of Branch County, a still-surviving re!^ident of Coldwater.
It will be observed that these two counties each had a rep-
resentative in the convention, instead of having one in
common as before. But as Congress persistently refused to
admit the new State on any other terms, and as the inhab-
it.ants at length reluctantly made up their minds that they
couldn't fight both the State of Ohio and the United States
of America, they elected a second convention, called some-
what informally, which accepted the terms, and Michigan
became a State, though not until the beginning of 1837,
more than two years after the first movement was made in
that direction.
Thus it was that Hillsdale County failed to be twenty-
eight miles long instead of twenty-five and a half; and
thus, too, it happened that the southern boundary of the
county is not an east and west line, but a line bearing north
of east, diverging from a true east line about half a mile
in the width of the county.
Notwithstanding the little unpleasantness just referred to,
emigration was flowing into Hillsdale County and the rest
of Southern Michigan, during 1835 and 1836, with greater
rapidity than ever before. Reading and Camden both re-
ceived their first settlers during the former year. These
were the celebrated "flush times" throughout the West, and
in fact throughout the United States. P]very State granted
almost unlimited indulgence to everybody that wanted to
issue bank-notes; but Michigan was the most liberal of
all. There the " Wild Cat" and the " Red Dog," as the
two principal species of currency were called, flourished
with a vigor and ferocity never known before nor since in
financial zoology.*
Strangely enough, none of these were established in Hills-
dale County, but there were plenty on every side, and money
was almost as free as water and hardly as valuable. The
fe^er for cheap money, land speculation, and all kinds of
money-making without work, was raging pretty strongly in
1835 ; it reached fever heat in 1836, and the bubble burst
in 1837.
In 1835 the first church edifice was built in the county,
the location being at Jonesville. It was erected by the
Presbyterian denomination, and was a small frame building,
* A " Wild-Cat" bill was one issued by a bank with no sufficient
foundation, but which had means enough to have bills engraved for
its own use with its own name on them. The *^ Red-Dog" bills were
engraved with the name of the bank in blank, and each impecunious
institution had its own name printed on them in red ink; hence the
name.
42
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
which is still standing there, being now used as a marble-
shop. It was also used as a court-house, as the people did
not consider themselves able to build one. A jail, however,
would be less expensive and even more necessary. A rude
but substantial structure was accordingly erected at Jones-
ville in 1835, which served for the detention of criminals
while the county-seat remained at that point.
Among other enterprises of this fertile period was one
which resulted more successfully than most of them did.
A single settler had located on the site of Hillsdale City, in
1834 ; another came in 1835, and built a tavern. During
the latter year several gentlemen of Jonesville and elsewhere
purchased land there, and in 1836 they built a mill and
made other improvements. The details are given in the
history of the city of Hillsdale. Suffice it to say here,
that this offspring of the flush times did not collapse when
the financial bubble broke, but continued to progress with
steady pace until it is now one of the most pleasant and
thriving cities of Southern Michigan.
In 1837, as before stated, came the great crash, the be-
ginning of the celebrated " hard times.'' There have been
several other periods known by that disconsolate name, but
that extending from 1837 to 1840, or a little later, was the
" hard times" par excellence^ in comparison with which all
other times have been years of luxurious ease.
In the spring of 1837 money was plenty, and all the pro-
ductions of this region were exhausted by the heavy emi-
gration of that year and the year before. Provisions and
other necessaries were brought in from Ohio, and brought
a very high price. Flour was worth nine dollars a Imrrel,
oats seventy-five cents a bushel, and other farm products in
proportion. The next fall, after harvest, and after the finan-
cial collapse, everything had fallen to half the previous price,
and ere long a still lower depth was reached. Wheat was
only thirty-five cents a bushel. Pork and beef brought two
dollars and a half a barrel, in " store pay." Farm products
could hardly be sold for money at any price. Salt was con-
sidered a cash article, and was not included in the general
designation of " store pay." A man could hardly exchange
a barrel of beef for enough salt to cure another with.
When the crash came the State suspended work on the
Southern Railroad before it reached Hillsdale County. An-
other road, which was projected from Adrian to Marshall,
and surveyed through Hillsdale, was also abandoned.
Among other enterprises of the day, we find an act
passed in March, 1837, incorporating the Adrian and Cold-
water Turnpike Company, ' to build a turnpike between
those two places, through Hillsdale County. Addison J.
Comstock, E. C. Winter, Henry Wood, George Crane,
Samuel Comstock, Rockwell Manning, and Hiram Cowles
were appointed commissioners to take stock. There were
to be nine directors, and the above gentlemen, with Hiram
Alden and L. B. Crippin, of Coldwater, were made the
first board of directors. Six toll-gates were provided for ;
but if the proposed road should intersect the Chicago road
before reaching Coldwater, there were to be no gates on
that road, which was under the control of the United States.
The toll was fixed at six cents for twenty hogs or sheep ;
twenty cents for the same number of cattle ; ten cents for
a two-horse wagon and team, and three cents for each ad-
ditional horse ; fifteen cents for each two-horse coach or
pleasure-wagon, and five cents for each additional horse;
five cents for a two-ox cart, and five cents for each addi-
tional yoke, etc., etc. Sleighs and sleds half-price. The
line was located through Jonesville, leaving Hillsdale at
one side. But the whole scheme fell through, as did nearly
all similar ones in this county. Before the turnpikes
could be built the railroads came, and then people thought
they could get along without the more humble kind of im-
provements.
It was in the forepart of 1837, just as the "hard
times" were about to come down upon the country with
crushing force, that the Legislature of the young State of
Michigan embarked in a grand scheme of internal im-
provements. A loan of five million dollars was authorized,
and a board of commissioners of internal improvement or-
ganized, who in March, 1837, were directed to survey and
build three railroads across the State. Of these, the
southern road was to run from near Monroe, through
the southern tier of counties to New Buffalo, on Lake
Michigan.
Almost as a matter of course there were various routes
proposed, and much heated discussion regarding their re-
spective advantages. The two routes which were surveyed
by the examining engineers, ran, — one of them through
Tecumseh, in Lenawee County, Jonesville, Coldwater, and
thence westward to New Buffalo ; the other through Adrian,
Hillsdale village, Branch (then the seat of justice of Branch
County), and thence westward to the same destination. The
latter route was adopted, though the line was afterwards
deflected so as to run from Hillsdale through Jonesville
and Coldwater, and thence through Branch.
New townships were rapidly being formed. In 1836
Adams was created from Moscow, leaving the latter town-
ship with its present boundaries, and itself embracing not
only the present town of Adams, but Jefferson, Ransom,
and the east half of Amboy. The same year Pittsford was
formed from Wheatland, embracing the present Pittsford
and Wright, and leaving to the former town the present
Wheatland and Somerset. Scipio was also formed from
Fayette in 1836, embracing the whole of township 5, south,
range 3, east.
In 1837 the new town of Adams was subdivided by the
creation of another called Florida, the name of which was
afterwards changed to Jefferson, and which, on its formation,
embraced Jefferson, Ransom, and the east half of Amboy.
Adams was thus left to its present boundaries. The same
year both Litchfield and Reading were formed from Allen.
The former, as now, embraced survey-township No. 5, in
range 4 ; Allen, after the two towns were taken off", con-
tained only survey-township No. 6, in the same range ; while
Reading embraced survey-townships 7, 8, and fractional 9,
in the same range, now comprising the townships of Read-
ing and Camden. In 1837, also, the township of Somerset
was formed from Wheatland, both, after the division, having
their present boundaries.
Thus at the end of 1837 there were no less than eleven
organized townships in Hillsdale County, — indicative of
at least some scattered settlements in all except the ex-
treme southern portion. The hard times did not stop
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
43
emigration, although they may have decreased it. People,
it is true, did not come West with the same enthusiastic
expectation of becoming rich in a year and a half which
animated them during the flush times, but there were a
great many who were glad to emigrate to escape the conse-
quences of the financial troubles in the East.
As will be remembered, the treaty of 1833, by which the
reservation of Nottawa-Seepe was sold to the United States,
provided that all the bands of Southern Michigan, in-
cluding the one led by Baw Beese, should be transported
beyond the Mississippi at the end of two years. But
when the time came none of the bands wanted to go.
They had numerous excuses : that they had been cheated
in the sale of the land ; that the bones of their fathers
were buried here, and they could not leave them ; that if
they went West the large and powerful tribe of the Sioux,
who inhabited these regions, would fall upon them and
destroy them.
Whenever any commissioners or other officials came
around to require them to leave, they scattered into the
forest, or made elusive promises which no one could induce
them to carry out. So far as Baw Beese and his band
were concerned, they seem to have always been on first-rate
terms with the settlers, and the latter did not generally ob-
ject to their remaining.
Often, in a cold winter night, a pioneer would hear a
knock at his door or window, and on opening the former
would be confronted by two or three brawny Indians, or
perhaps a single warrior with his squaw and pappooses.
" How, how !" was the invariable salutation with which
they- greeted their white friends. Then would follow the
demand for shelter :
'' Indian cold ; squaw cold ; pappoose cold ; want fire."
Then the settler would pile the logs up in the big old-
fashioned fireplace, and the Indians would lie down upon
the stone hearth or the puncheon floor, as close as they
could get to the blaze without burning their blankets, and
there rest contentedly until morning.
Sometimes they would ask not only for shelter but food,
and even this was generally given them. No one seems to
have feared them, or to have remembered that their ancestors
had engaged in indiscriminate destruction of the Americans
during the Revolutionary and other wars, or even that some
of these very men might liave followed Tecumseh to battle
in the war of 1812, and have taken part in the dreadful
scenes on the banks of the river Raisin.
As for the pioneers themselves, their hardships and trials
are depicted at more or less length in the sketches of indi-
viduals in the various township histories. Hard, indeed,
were their struggles, for not only were the most of them
obliged to clear away the dense forest with their own hands,
before they could raise a single bushel of grain ; not only
were they obliged to construct their own rude cabins, often
without boards for a floor or glass for a window ; but, worse
than all, sickness dogged their steps with pitiless tenacity
for many a weary year. The rich, fresh soil, un conquered
by cultivation, was saturated with malaria, and when up-
turned by the plow of the pioneer the air became loaded
with the fever-breeding exhalations. Large tracts, too, in
some localities, were of a swampy nature, and in many
places a man could stamp on the thin crust which covered
a miry basin, and shake it for a dozen rods around.
True, the prevailing disease was " only ague," and at-
tracted but little sympathy for the sufferers. But when the
unlucky pioneer, or his still more unfortunate wife, had been
in the grasp of this trembling yet powerful foe for several
months, shaking every alternate day, and perhaps every day,
even though able to get up and out between the attacks,
they were little inclined to jest regarding its powers. More-
over, fever and ague frequently ran into malarial fevers of
various kinds, which often resulted fatally. Sickness was
the great enemy of the pioneers of Michigan through all
the early days.
To add to the difficulties of the situation, quinine, which
was the sole specific relied on against ague, was, like salt, a
cash article, and it was frequently almost or quite impossible
for physicians or patients to obtain a sufficient quantity of
the desired article.
The very hardest of all hard times for the people of
Hillsdale County was between 1837 and 1840, and those
who went through the hardships of that period, whether
men or women, may as truly consider themselves veterans
as those who have dared and survived the dangers of a
dozen well-fought battles.
Yet, with steady cultivation, the malaria was to a great
extent eliminated from the soil, and even the soil itself
became more solid in those localities where, as before men-
tioned, the semi-fluid marsh below was covered with a thin
surface of earth. Year after year witnessed a steady im-
provement, and at the present time, although we cannot say
that ague is entirely unknown in the county (for it is not
in mortal fortune to be entirely free from some form of
disease), yet this is none the less one of the healthiest coun-
ties in the West ; the salubrity of its atmosphere rivaling the
sparkling beauty of its myriad lakes and verdure-clad hills.
Among other troubles which the settlers had to encounter
were wolves and bears, and an occasional panther. The
last-named animal was too uncommon to be much feared,
and the bears were too clumsy to do much damage, except
by carrying oft' an occasional pig ; but the wolves were a
real pest to every one who wanted to keep sheep. At night
their howling was heard far and wide through the forest,
and woe to the unfortunate wool-bearer caught outside of a
well-built fold.
As an evidence of injury apprehended from these savage
animals, we may note that in 1838 a law was passed giving
eight dollars for t"he scalp of every wolf, and four dollars for
that of every whelp.
Four new towns were organized between the end of 1837
and that of 1840 : Canaan in 1838, Camden in 1839, and
Rowland (now Ransom) and Woodbridge in 1840. The
first named, afterwards called Wright, was taken from
Pittsford, leaving to the latter only survey-township No. 7
in range 1 (of which it is still composed), and itself com-
prising, as now, township 8 and fractional township 9 in
the same range. Camden was formed from Reading, which
it left of its present size, and embraced survey-township 8
and fractional 9 in range 4. Rowland was erected from
Jefferson, and included the present township of that name,
and the east half of Amboy, the whole comprising survey-
44
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
township No. 8 and fractional No. 9 in the second range.*
Jefferson was thus restricted to the limits of township 7 in
that range, which are still its bounds. Down to 1840, the
township of Fayette extended from Scipio south to the
Indiana line, six miles wide and nearly twenty-one miles
long. The creation of Woodbridge in that year brought
Fayette down to the present dimensions of Fayette, Hills-
dale, and Hillsdale City, and gave the new township officials
authority over survey-townships 7, 8, and fractional 9 in
range 3, now known as Cambria, Woodbridge, and the west
half of Amboy.
Thus the number of civil townships was increased to
fifteen ; the total population, by the census of 1840, being
seven thousand two hundred and forty.
Down to the beginning of 1840, Baw Beese and his
band had continued to wander over the territory which
had so long been the hunting-ground of their ancestors,
evading, as did their brethren in Branch and St. Joseph
Counties, every attempt to enforce their removal in accord-
ance with the provisions of the treaty of 1833. They
seemed to have retained the good-will of the settlers of
Hillsdale County to the last.
An incident is recounted, however, where the chief be-
came rather too friendly to suit the taste of his white ac-
quaintances. Meeting one of the judges of the county
and a physician of Hillsdale in that village, he proposed
that they should drink with him. As the noble red man
usually expected some one else to " stand treat," the judicial
and medical functionaries promptly accepted the unwonted
invitation. Baw Beese called for liquor and a single tumb-
ler, filled the latter full, drank off half of it, and proffered
the remainder to one of his friends. The latter and his
comrade both declined it, but proposed to drink fronf their
own glasses.
"No, no; that no friendship," said the chief; "if you
my friend you drink with me, — same tumbler."
In vain the two gentlemen professed their undying love
for all the Pottawattamies in America, and especially for
their great chieftain, the noble Baw Beese ; the latter be-
came decidedly angry at their persistent refusal to accept
his generous offer. He had condescended to honor two of
the leading professions of the pale-faces by asking the gen-
tlemen to drink with him ; they had accepted, and now
they insulted him by asking for separate glasses. The
ghosts of his ancestors, the heroes of Braddock's field and
the siege of Detroit, were ready to leap from their long-
closed graves, brandishing their shadowy tomahawks and
scalping-knives at this degrading proposition. It was only
after many protestations and the interposition of the land-
lord, Adam Howder, that the chieftain consented that his
own tumbler might be refilled and that his two friends
might use their separate glasses.
Meanwhile, the people of St. Joseph and Branch Coun-
ties hardly felt secure in the possession of the reservation
lands as long as the Pottawattamies remained in the
vicinity, and were exceedingly anxious for their removal,
* This township has had a curious record in regard to names, hav-
ing been first Rowland, then Ransom, then Bird, and finally Ransom
again. See township history.
and in 1840 the government positively determined to com-
pel the whole tribe to move West. Various efforts to
compass the desired result were made during the summer,
but still the Indians evaded the oflicial demands. Baw
Beese was particularly averse to the step.
^^ Sioux kill me; Sioux kill us all," he said. ^^ Sioux
bad Indians, tomahawk squaw, scalp papoose ; ugh !"
At length, in November, when the government found the
year drawing to a close, and the Indians still in Michigan,
they sent not only civil commissioners, but a detachment of
soldiers to enforce their immediate removal. Even then
the task was a difiicult one. The commissioners formed a
camp and sent the soldiers to bring the Indians in. They
made no resistance, but the young men would break away
every chance they saw, and the squaws would hide so
adroitly that it required the utmost skill to find them.
At length nearly all of them were assembled under a
strict guard, and the officials declared themselves ready to
start. Poor, good-natured old Baw Beese wept bitterly
when he found that the dreaded removal was inevitable.
" Sioux kill me ; Sioux kill us all," was his reply to every
attempt at consolation.
Mr. Holloway has furnished us a description of the
mournful cortege as it passed through Jonesville, the next
day after leaving camp. At the head of the column rode
the aged chieftain in an open buggy, drawn by an Indian
pony, alone, with his gun standing between his knees. A
single infantry soldier, with musket on shoulder, preceded
the buggy, while another marched on each flank. The
chief had ceased to complain, but his countenance was de-
jected to the last degree as he drove in mournful silence
away from the land of his forefathers.
His wife, a woman of sixty, followed next, mounted on a
pony, a single soldier being considered sufficient for her
guard. After her came Baw Bee, a sub-chief, and half-
brother of Baw Beese, with about a dozen more middle-aged
and youngerly Indians and squaws, some on ponies and
some on foot, and some of the squaws with pappooses on
their backs. These were probably the children and grand-
children of Baw Beese, and a special escort of half a dozen
soldiers was assigned to them.
After these came the main body of the band, in groups
of five, ten, or twenty each, stretching along for half a mile
or more. A few were on ponies but most of them on foot ;
stalwart warriors, with rifles on their shoulders, but with
mournful faces ; women, still more dejected, with their
blankets drawn over their heads ; boys and girls, careless of
the future, and full of mischievous tricks ; and, slung on
their mothers' backs, the black-haired, bright-eyed, brown -
faced pappooses, the cutest-looking creatures in the world,
"jazins; with infant wonder on the curious scene. On each
side of the road marched the soldiers, scattered along, a con-
siderable distance apart, as if guarding a wagon-train.
The Indians were acquainted with almost every one, and
as they recognized one and another of those who had been
their friends, they called to them by name :
" Good-by, good-by."
" Good-by, good-by," responded the whites ; and thus with
friendly salutations the last of the Pottawattamies left for-
ever the home of their ancestors.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
45
After Baw Beese and his band joined the rest of the tribe
the women and children and some others were put in wagons.
All were then taken to Peoria, 111., and embarked upon
steamboats. Thence thej were carried down the Illinois
and Mississippi Rivers to the mouth of the Missouri,
and up the latter stream to Council Bluffs, la., nearly due
west of their former home, where the government had al-
lotted them a large reservation.
They disliked the location, however, partly on account
of the scarcity of timber, which made the country so differ-
ent from the densely-wooded hills and dales of their ancient
hunting-grounds, and partly on account of the nearness of
the dreaded Sioux, who ranged at will over the broad plains
less than a hundred miles to the northward and westward.
They continuously besought the government to remove
them to some other locality, and at last gained their point.
About 1850 they were transferred to a tract about thirty
miles square on the Kansas River, some seventy-five miles
west of its junction with the Missouri, in what was then a
part of the Indian Territory. On the formation of Kansas
Territory, embracing this tract, the Pottawattamtes were
left there on a reservation, and there they still reside. A
report has gained some credence in this county that, while
the tribe resided near Council Bluffs, Baw Beese was actu-
ally slain by the Sioux whom he so much dreaded. This,
however, is incorrect ; the chieftain died a natural death in
extreme old age.
Those who have been interested in the changeful history
of these children of the wilderness may, perhaps, be grati-
fied to learn that, according to official reports, the two
thousand Pottawattamtes in Kansas have much improved
in their new home, and that their moral and intellectual
standing is higher than that of almost any other tribe in
that State.
Their removal in 1840 terminated their connection with
Hillsdale County ; for, although a very few of those who
were sent West escaped from the guard and returned to
Michigan, we cannot learn that a single one of them took
up his residence in this county.
With the end of 1840 we close our chapter on what we
have designated as " The Pioneer Era," meaning to indicate
roughly the period of the hardest struggles in the settle-
ment of Hillsdale County. There was a good deal of
pioneering done after that, yet with the lightening of
the financial pressure of 1840, the rapid emigration soon
swept away many of the difficulties incident to a new
country, constant cultivation removed many of the causes
of sickness, and the county soon entered on a course of
rapid and prosperous development.
Before leaving the year 1840, however, we must mention
a curious result of the contest which had been going on for
several years between Hillsdale and Jonesville for the
county-seat. As is the case in many political contests, both
of the chief rivals came very near losing the prize for which
they were striving, in favor of a " dark horse." Finding
that they were in growing danger of losing the county-
seat, on account of Hillsdale's nearness to the centre of
the county, the Jonesville people joined with those in the
eastern part of the county and procured the passage of an
act on the 31st of March, 1840, by which a majority of
the county commissioners were directed to fix the site of the
county buildings in Osseo. The new city was so small that
the Legislature was obliged to describe it as being in sec-
tions 4 and 9, township 7, range 2, where a lot of not less
than three acres was to be deeded for the use of the county.
But the courts and offices were to be kept at Jonesville
until the county commissioners should certify that suitable
buildings had been erected at Osseo for their accommodation.
As no such buildings were ever erected, the county-seat was
never removed to Osseo, but remained at Jonesville until it
was finally located at Hillsdale.
CHAPTER VIIL
THE EKA OP DEVELOPMENT.
The Railroad — Laws to Facilitate its Construction — Its Completion to
Hillsdale — Marked Improvement — Orchards and Fields — Another
Township — The County-Seat moved to Hillsdale — A New County
Building — The Old Jail Burned — New Jail — County Offices and
Records burned — New Court-House built — The State sells its Rail-
road— It is extended to Jonesville — Rapid Construction to Chicago
— Formation of Amboy — The Frame-House Era — The Crisis of
1857— The Last Township— The Tocsin of War— Hillsdale's Re-
sponse.
By far the most important public object to which the
attention of the people of Hillsdale County was attracted
at the opening of the new decade was the attainment of a
railroad. This was to be the magic power which should
connect the lonesome settlements in the still uncongenial
forests of Michigan with the great world outside.
The country was beginning to recover from the stunning
blows of 1837, and the Legislature of Michigan still ad-
hered to the theory that the State could profitably build
and manage any kind of public works that might be deemed
necessary. Accordingly, in March, 1841, a law was passed
granting two hundred thousand dollars to build the Southern
Railroad as flir west as Hillsdale village. Work was begun
along the line between Adrian and Hillsdale, but not very
rapidly.
In February, 1842, another law was passed authorizing
the board of commissioners of internal improvement to
pledge the net proceeds of the Southern road for five years,
in order to iron the road and to build it from Adrian
to Hillsdale. Through 1842 the work was continued with
much energy, the people watching with intensest interest,
as if, instead of grimy engineers and brakemen, a host of
shining angels were expected to come over the slender rails.
At length, in the spring of 1843, the road was completed
as far as Hudson, close to the eastern border of Hillsdale
County. Renewed efforts were made, and iff the autumn
of the same year it was finished sixteen miles forther to
Hillsdale, and the first locomotive began its regular trips in
the county.
Nor were the people much mistaken in thinking that the
railroad would be the harbinger of an era of great prosperity.
The road, in connection with the great improvement in busi-
ness consequent on the reaction from the previous depression,
certainly worked marvelous changes in Hillsdale County.
The products of its farms, so long imprisoned by the un-
fathomable roads between here and Lake Erie, now found
46
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ready egress to the East, and brought back returns of
money which, in comparison with the supplies of previous
years, might be called abundant. New facilities were also
furnished for emigration, and for several springs and sum-
mers not a week, hardly a day, passed without some new-
comer from the East making his home amid the dense
forests or fertile openings of Hillsdale County.
Improvement began to be observed, too, in the condition
of the farms and character of the buildings. The massive
stumps, which looked as if they could defy the assaults of
an army of giants, began rapidly to disappear under the
destructive influences of time. Although log houses still
remained the rule, yet here and there a modest frame house
was to be seen even outside of the only two villages in the
county — Jonesville and Hillsdale. Orchards had been set
out by nearly all the early settlers very soon after their
arrival, and during the decade now under consideration
their fruits became comparatively common throughout the
county.
Meanwhile, another civil township was organized ; Cam-
bria being formed from Woodbridge, in 1841, embracing
same territory as at present, — survey-township No. 7, in
range 3.
As before stated, ever since Hillsdale village had been
founded its proprietors and inhabitants had been striving to
make it the county-seat. The law directing the removal of
the seat of justice to Osseo had been a failure, because very
few really wanted it there, and the commissioners had not
procured the erection of any buildings there. Hillsdale
still continued its efforts to remove the coveted " seat" to
its own " Court-House Square," while Jonesville struggled
desperately to retain its failing grasp. Vigorous efforts
were made on either side to elect representatives and sena-
tors favorable to Hillsdale or to Jonesville, as the case
might be, and ordinary politics were subservient for a time
to the all-important question of the county-seat.
At length, however, the central position of Hillsdale tri-
umphed, and the long- vexed question was finally settled. On
the 30th of January, 1843, a law was passed declaring that
the present seat of justice of Hillsdale County (without
specifying whether it was at Jonesville or Osseo) was thereby
" vacated," and establishing the same on the Court-House
Square, in the village of Hillsdale. The courts were di-
rected to be held at Hillsdale as soon as commissioners named
in the bill should procure the use of a suitable building to
be occupied until a permanent one could be erected.
Heman Pratt, John Mickle, and Wray T. Palmer were
appointed by the act commissioners to carry out the removal,
and in this case there was no hesitation about doing so. A
temporary building was at once procured, and the change
was speedily consummated.
The new law also provided that the supervisors should
sell all the county buildings and lands in Jonesville, and
build a jail at Hillsdale with the proceeds. There were no
" county buildings" at Jonesville except the old log jail.
This was used until 1844, when it caught fire, and was
speedily consumed. The jail still standing in Hillsdale City
was begun in 1845 and finished in 1846.
In 1843, soon after the passage of the law moving the
county-seat, a building was erected on the site of the present
court-house, for county purposes. It was merely a one-
story wooden structure, about twenty-five feet by forty, with
a hall through the middle, and rooms on each side for the
treasurer, clerk, register, and sheriff. The courts were held
in the Presbyterian church, now belonging to the Catholics.
In 1847, the county building just described was burned
to the ground. Nearly all the records were destroyed with
it ; in fact, scarcely anything was saved except the book
which recorded the various canvasses of votes and certifi-
cates of elections. This, however, is just what is necessary
for our purposes, and from it we have been able to obtain
a nearly full list of the county officers with their terms of
service.
For two or three years nothing was done to repair the
loss, but at the session of the Legislature in 1850 an act was
passed authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Hillsdale
County to borrow money for the purpose of building a
court-house. The board forthwith proceeded to exercise
the authority thus conferred, and the same year they made
the necessary loan and began the erection of the present
plain but substantial stone edifice.
The new structure was completed in the winter of 1850
-5L F. M. Holloway was the first official occupant;
taking possession of the room assigned to the register of
deeds about the middle of February, 185L
Meanwhile there had been some progress in railroad-
building. By 1846, the people had become thoroughly
disgusted with the experience of the State in that kind of
work, and in that year the Legislature sold the Southern
Railroad to a company, with Edwin C. Litchfield at its
head, for five hundred thousand dollars, in ten equal annual
instalments. Daring the next four years the new company
only built four miles, extending the track as far as Jones-
ville. In fact, it could hardly be said that the company
built even that. As before stated, the route, as adopted by
the State Commissioners, ran westward from Hillsdale,
leaving Jonesville out in the cold. But after the Litch-
field company bought the road, the people of Jonesville
offered, if the company would bring it there, to build the road
from Hillsdale to that place, ready for the iron, free of cost.
The offer was accepted and the road was built. Ransom
Gardner, a public-spirited citizen of Jonesville, obtained as
large a subscription as he could, and then proceeded to
grade the track and put down the ties. It was completed
to Jonesville in 1849.
In 1851, the company began building the road westward.
They pushed it forward with extraordinary rapidity, con-
structed it far beyond the western boundary of Hillsdale
County the same year, and in March, 1852, completed it
to Chicago.
xlnother township was also added to the previous num-
ber. Amboy was formed in 1850, from the southern por-
tions of Ransom and Woodbridge ; comprising the southern
tier of sections in township 8 and fractional township 9 in
range 2, the corresponding parts of the same numbered
townships in range 3. The new township was thus twelve
miles long east and west, by from two miles and a third to
two miles and two-thirds north and south, being the nar-
rowest at the east end. The extreme tenuity of Amboy
is one of the results of the " Toledo war." If it had not
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
47
been for the enforced yielding bj Michigan to Ohio of the
territory which the former had long claimed as her own,
the fractional townships would have been from three to
four miles wider. In that case, doubtless, three more civil
townships would have been organized in the south part of
Hillsdale County. So that, by the adverse termination of
that memorable conflict, the people have been deprived of
the services of three sets of town officers, which is a great
pity.
The population of the county by the census of 1850 was
sixteen thousand one hundred and fifty-nine, and the increase
both in population and improvements went steadily forward.
The remaining forests were rapidly going down before the
woodsman's axe, thousands of fertile acres were every year
uncovered to the sun, and smiling orchards took the places
lately occupied by gloomy elms and towering oaks.
The decade lasting from 1850 to 1860 also witnessed a
great part of the change which especially marks to the
outward eye the transition from the pioneer period to the
farming period ; viz., the change from log houses to frame
houses. Outside the two villages of Jonesville and Hills-
dale there were almost no frame houses erected before 1840.
From 1840 to 1850 a comparatively small number had taken
the places of their rude though serviceable predecessors, but
between 1850 and 1860 a decided majority of the farmers
found themselves able to enjoy the luxury of frame houses
of various styles and sizes.
Pumps, too, took the place of the picturesque " sweeps,"
which in every pioneer's door-yard had greeted the eye afar,
and from each of which depended the " old oaken bucket"
renowned in song, but somewhat difficult for a woman or
small boy to manage. Changes from inconvenience to con"
venience were to be seen in every part of the county, and
prosperity was unquestionably the order of the day.
The "crisis" of 1857 only slightly checked the tide.
It was so light in comparison with the terrible crash of
1837 that old settlers scarcely considered it as worthy of
the name of crisis.
In 1858 the eighteenth, and till the present time the last
township in the county was formed, — that of Hillsdale.
It comprised the south half of the former township of
Fayette (survey township 6 south, in range 3 west). At
the same time Fayette was extended so as to take in the
southern tier of sections of Scipio. These changes were
made by the Board of Supervisors, which had been invested
with authority to act in such cases.
After a year or two of depression, the business of the
county again began to manifest its old vitality. The census
of 1860 showed a population of twenty-five thousand six
hundred and seventy-five, an increase of fifty-nine per cent,
in ten years. Thus prosperous, and, perhaps, as happy as
could well be expected in this world of difficulty, the peo-
ple of Hillsdale County entered the fateful year 1861, hardly
able to believe that the treasonous threats wafted on every
Southern breeze would be carried out by American citizens,
however frenzied in their devotion to slavery and their hatred
of freedom.
But the electric tocsin which sounded through the land
on the 14th day of April, 1861, quickly dispelled this de-
lusive trust in the patriotism of the South, and from the
Atlantic to the Pacific the North sprang to arms in defense
of the country. Among all the millions who thus responded
to the call of patriotism, none made a better record than
did those who represented the county of Hillsdale. In the
following chapters we give that record so far as we have
been able to obtain it.
CHAPTER IX.
THE FIRST AND SECOND INFANTRY.
Preliminary Remarks— Basis of Military Records — The First Infan-
try— Number from Hillsdale County — On the Peninsula — Second
Bull Run— Antietam and Fredericksburg— Hard Fight at Gettys-
burg—The Campaign of 1864— The Siege of Petersburg— Capturing
Fortifications at Poplar Grove Church — The Final Conflict — List
of Members — The Second Infantry — Its Numbers from this County
— On the Peninsula — Severely engaged at Williamsburg — Also at
Fair Oaks — Other Conflicts — The Second joins Grant — Battle at
Jackson — Ordered to Knoxville — A Desperate Conflict — Back to
the Potomac— The Wilderness and Spottsylvania — Hard Fighting
before Petersburg — Storming a Breach — Other Battles — Storming
of Fort Steadman — Final Victory— Names of Members.
In order to show as full j. as possible the part taken by
the soldiers of Hillsdale County, we have determined that
in every case in which there were twenty or more men from
that county in a regiment, we would give a slight sketch of
the services of the regiment in question ; although, of course,
where the number was as small as that, the notice can only
be extremely brief When there was a larger number in
a regiment, and especially when there were two or three
hundred, the regimental record has been given at consider-
able length. Attached to each regimental history are the
names of the officers and soldiers from Hillsdale County
belonging to that regiment. All those belonging to regi-
ments in which there were less than twenty Hillsdale men
each, are grouped together in the closing chapter of the
military record.
That record is derived mostly from the admirable reports
of Gen. John C. Robertson, adjutant- general of the State
throughout the war, and still holding that position. His
reports are more full than those of almost any other State,
and being obtained from the commanders of regiments from
year to year during the war, are far more reliable than any
accounts which could *now be gathered elsewhere, unless the
latter were based on the diaries of officers or soldiers. We
have found none such, however, in this county, and have,
therefore, depended principally upon the adjutant-general's
reports, eking them out in some cases by incidents derived
from members of the regiments. We are under especial
obligations to Mr. Asher B. La Fleur, now county treas-
urer, for interesting items regarding the 4th Infantry. We
have, of course, used only such portions of the reports as
are applicable to Hillsdale County men, and in case of small
detachments have condensed the official statements into very
small compass.
The lists of officers and soldiers are also based on those
reports, though there are occasional corrections made by
those who have personal knowledge of the matter. The
list of officers from this county could only be obtained at
the adjutant-general's office, as their residence is not given
in the published reports. We beg leave to acknowledge the
48
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
courtesies extended us there, as well as the great aid afforded
us in our work by the reports. Without further preliminary,
we proceed at once to tell the story of the part taken by
the soldiers of Hillsdale County in the war for the Union.
FIRST MICHIGAN INFANTRY.
There were, during the war, fifteen Hillsdale County men
in Company C of this regiment, four in Company H, one
in Company I, and one in Company K ; in all twenty-one.
The regiment, organized for three years, after the discharge
of the first regiment of three-months' volunteers, left the
State in September, 186L During the succeeding winter
it was in Maryland, guarding the Baltimore and Washington
Railroad. In the spring of 1862, it went with the Army
of the Potomac to the Peninsula, where it took part in the
battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mills, and Malvern Hill.
Joining Pope's army immediately after, the 1st partici-
pated in the battles of Gainesville, Second Bull Run (in
which over half its members were killed or wounded),
Antietam, and Fredericksburg.
The next spring it took part in the campaign of Chancel-
lorsville, and after numerous severe marches reached Get-
tysburg on the 2d of July, 1863, in time to engage in that
memorable encounter. Nearly a third of the small number
which followed its banner were killed or wounded.
During the remainder of the year and the forepart of
1864, the 1st was engaged in the various movements made
in Virginia by the Army of the Potomac, and in the mean
time was reorganized as a veteran regiment. Going into
the great campaign of 1864 on the 1st of May, the regi-
ment took part in most of the battles and skirmishes of
that terrible time, including Alsop's Farm, Spottsylvania,
North Anna, Jericho Mine, and Cold Harbor. In June,
1864, when the 4th Infantry went home to be mustered
out and reorganized, its veterans and the later recruits were
assigned to the 1st, and remained with them until June,
1865. It took an active part in the siege of Petersburg,
was present at the battle of Weldon Railroad, and partici-
pated in the desperate conflict of Poplar Grove Church,
where alone it carried two strong fortifications, and a part
of an intrenched line.
The regiment remained engaged in the siege of Peters-
burg throughout the winter, taking ^art in the battle of
Hatcher's Run in February, and in another conflict at the
same place in March. It was also engaged in the closing
battles of the great struggle, including the affair at Appo-
mattox Court-House on the 9th of April, 1865. The regi-
ment was mustered out in July.
LIST OF MEMBERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Luther S. Millard, Co. C; killed at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1862.
Eliab F. Bogers, Co. C ; died Sept. 18, 1862, of wounds received at Bull Run.
John Ball, Jr., Co. 0 ; died.
John E. Crane, Co. C; died at Fortress Monroe, Va., Sept. 21, 1862.
George Garrett, Co. C ; died at Washington, D. C, Oct. 1, 1862.
John Smalts, Co. G; died at Washington, D. C, Oct. 10, 1862.
Truman A. Hodgkins, Co. H; missing in action, Jan. 15, 1864.
Ambrose Cole, Co. I ; died of wounds, July 2, 1864.
Isaac Smith, Co. C ; died near Alexandria, Va.
Michael Helmick, Co. C; disch. for disability, April 3, 1862.
John C. lies, Co. C; disch. at Point Lookout, Md., Feb. 1, 1863.
James McDougall, Co. C; disch, to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 17, 1864.
Wm. R. Newman, Co. C ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 25, 1863.
Cornelius Fuller, Co. H ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 17, 1864.
Allen O. Goodrich, Go. C ; trans, to Vet. Ees. Corps, July 1, 1863.
James McDougall, Co. C; must, out July 9, 1865.
Julius R. Newman, Co. C; must, out at expiration of service, Oct. 24, 1864.
Wm. H. Pettit, Co. C; must, out at expiration of service, Nov. 19, 1864.
Cornelius Fuller, Co. H; must, out July 9, 1865.
Charles D. Hodgkin, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Feb. 15, 1863.
Philo M. Palmer, Co. K ; must, out July 9, 1865.
SECOND INFANTRY.
This regiment numbered among its members no less than
seventy soldiers from Hillsdale County ; comprising eigh-
teen in Company A, forty in Company D, three in Com-
pany E, five in Company F, one in Company Gr, and one in
Company K.
It was the first three-years' regiment which left the State;
setting out in the forepart of June, 1861. Its only combat
that season was at Blackburn's Ford, Va., on the 18th of
July. Remaining near Alexandria during the winter, it
went to the Peninsula in March, 1862. After taking part
in the siege of York town, the regiment proceeded to Wil-
liamsburg, where it was actively engaged in the battle of
that name ; having seventeen killed, thirty-eight wounded,
and four missing. It also took an active and gallant part
in the battle of Fair Oaks, where ten of its members were
killed and forty -seven wounded. The regiment shared the
fortunes of the Army of the Potomac during the remainder
of the year, being present at the battles of Glendale, Mal-
vern Hill, second Bull Bun, Chantilly, and Fredericksburg,
but being so stationed as not to suffer very serious loss.
In March, 1863, the 2d was ordered West, and in June
of that year, as a part of the 9th Corps, it joined the army
of Gen. Grant, near Vicksburg. It arrived in front of
Jackson, Miss., on the 10th of June. The next day it ad-
vanced in skirmish-line and drove the rebel skirmishers from
their rifle-pits, but was in return driven back by the main
line of the enemy ; the total of killed, wounded, and cap-
tured during the battle being fifty-six. It remained in the
vicinity, aiding the operations which resulted in the fall of
Vicksburg, about a month after which it went up the river
to Kentucky.
In September, 1863, the 2d marched to Knoxville, Tenn.,
and remained in East Tennessee throughout the year. In
the latter part of November and forepart of December it was
actively engaged in the celebrated defense of that city, which
resulted in the complete defeat and withdrawal of the enemy.
In a charge made on the 24th, the regiment assailed the
rebel intrenchments with desperate valor, more than half
the number engaged having been killed or wounded.
Having re-enlisted as veterans in January, 1 864, the regi-
ment returned home on furlough. In April it again joined
its old comrades in the Army of the Potomac, and soon
plunged into the long and bloody campaign which was to
decide the fate of the nation. In the battle of the Wilder-
ness, on the 6th of May, the 2d had six men killed and
thirty-two wounded ; at Spottsylvania Court-House, on
the 12th, it had two killed and nine wounded ; and at
Bethesda Church, on the 2d of June, two were killed and
thirty-six wounded.
After crossing the Chickahominy and James Rivers to the
vicinity of Petersburg, the regiment took part in the severe
battles of the 17th and 18th of June, 1864; having eight
killed and seventy-four wounded on the former day, and
fourteen killed and sixty-nine wounded on the latter.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
49
Again, on the 30th of July, after the explosion of the cele-
brated Petersburg mine, the regiment took an active part in
the fruitless attempt to storm the breach, having six men
killed, fourteen wounded, and thirty-seven captured by the
enemy. It was also in the battles of Weldon Eailroad,
Poplar Spring Church, and Boydton Plank-Road.
During the winter of 1864-65 the 2d was actively en-
gaged in the siege of Petersburg, taking its full part in
trench and picket duty, and sharing all the hardships of that
gloomy period. On the 25th of March it took part in the
storming of Fort Steadman, suffering heavily in killed and
wounded. After the capture of Petersburg and surrender
of Lee the regiment was on duty in and near Washington
until the 1st of August, when it was sent home and dis-
charged.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Edwin J. March (previously capt. of the 27th Inf.), appointed lieut.-col. April
1, 1864; wounded before Petersburg, June — ,1864; commissioned col.
Sept. 30, 1864; resigned April 17, 1865.
Richard W. Ricaby, appointed capt. April 1, 1864; wounded June 24, 1864;
com. lieut.-col. Dec. 1864; disch. for disability Dec. 14, 1864.
Edward A. Sherman, com. 1st lieut. April 1,1864; wounded near Petersburg,
June, 1864; died Aug. 1864.
Hurlburt Regg, com. 2d lieut. April 1, 1864; wounded July 17, 1864; disch.
for disability Oct. 14, 1864.
Franklin Burns, Co, A; killed near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
Mathew M, Ormsby, Co. A; died of wounds June 19, 1864.
Sanford Rogers, Co. A ; died of wounds Aug. 16, 1864, at David's Island, N. Y.
Edwin C. Holmes, Co. D ; killed near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864.
George Hatch, Co. D; died of wounds at Washington, D. C, Aug. 2, 1864.
George Crisp, Co. G ; died of wounds at Washington, D. C, July 28, 1864.
Roselle S. Dickson, Co. D ; died at Washington, D. C, July 28, 1864.
Samuel B. Rogers, Co. A; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., July 30,
1864,
Richard Hogarth, Co. A; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., July 30,
1864.
Warren Copeland, Co, A; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., Sept. 30,
1864.
John Tracy, Co. A ; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., Sept. 30^ 1864; re-
tuined.
Charles W.Daniels, Co. D; missing in action near Petersburg, Va,, July 30,
1864; returned.
James Beard, Co. D ; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864 ;
returned,
Alvin E. Hank, Co. D; missing in action near Petersburg, Va., Oct. 27, 1864;
returned.
7 Luke Stage, Co. A ; died of wounds Oct. 27, 1864.
Thomas Weston, Co. D; killed near Petersburg, Va., Feb. 23, 1865.
William Priestly, Co. D; died of wounds May 18, 1865, at Philadelphia, Pa,
Emanuel Eddinger, Co, E; died of wounds June 26, 1864, at City Point, Va.
William Cartwright, Co. F; killed near Petersburg, Va., Feb. 22, 1865.
John Tracy, Co. A ; died at Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 18, 1865.
George Crisp, Co. D ; died at Washington, D. C, July 28, 1864.
Edward M. Brown, band ; must, out Aug. 1, 1862.
William L. Mapes, Co. B; disch. for wounds Aug. 25, 1862.
Warren Eddinger, Co. E; disch. for disability Sept. 26, 1864.
Alexander Campbell, Co. K ; disch. for disability, July 1, 1864.
Lavant Palmer, Co. B ; disch. Dec. 31, 1863, to re-enl, as veteran.
Edward Bohner, Co. A ; must, out June 2, 1865.
Thos. H. Curtis, Co, A; must, out Aug. 2, 1865.
Lucius E. Gridley, Go. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Warren MuUer, Co. A; must, out July 28, 1865,
Franklin Russell, Co. A ; must, out June 2, 1865.
B. Franklin Sweet, Co, A ; must, out May 25, 1865.
George Touse, Co. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Adna M. Woolsey, Co. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
William Young, Co, A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
John W. Stone, Co. D ; must, out Aug. 19, 1865,
James Beard, Co. D; must, out July 18, 1865.
Dewitt C. Cherington, Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Levi Dunn, Co. D; must, out July 28, 1865,
Michael Overly, Co. D ; must, out June 7, 1865.
Thos. C. Rudabaugh, Co. D ; must, out Aug. 3, 1865.
Alvin E. Hank, Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Charles W. Daniels, Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Andrew A. Ewing, Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
William Beard, Co. D ; must out July 28, 1865.
Freeman Havens, Co. D; must, out July 28, 1865.
Frederick Knecht, Co. D ; disch. for disability, May 22, 1865.
7
Wm, W. Marshall, Co, D ; must, out July 28, 1865,
Christian Knecht, Co. D J must, out July 28, 1865.
Ebenezer W. Warren, Co. D; disch, for disabilitj^ June 26, 1865.
George Hart, Co, D; must, out June 20, 1865.
Henry Fried, Co. D; must, out July 28, 1865,
Samuel H. Helsel, Co. D; must, out July 28, 1865.
Franklin D. Ford, Co. D; must, out June 20, 1865.
James N, Root, Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Myron H. Smith, Co. D; must, out July 28, 1865.
W-illiam Morley, Co. D; must, out May 24, 1865.
Andrew Hall, Co. D ; disch. for disability, July 30, 1865.
John Ackerman, Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Joseph H. Crisp, Co, D ; must, out May 12, 1865.
John Truax, Co. D; disch. for disability. May 26, 1865.
Henry M. Ewing, Co. D ; disch. for disability, June 23, 1865.
Marshall Crandall,Co. D ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Sidney Jackson, Co. D; must, out June 16, 1865.
Orrin C. Fry, Co. D; must, out June 24, 1865.
David L. Havens, Co. D; must, out June 20, 1865.
John T, Corwin, Co. F; disch. from V. R. C, May 30, 1865.
Alvarus Derthick, Co. F; must, out July 28, 1865.
Wm. H. Vandebogart, Co. F ; must, out May 11, 1865.
George Carpenter, Co. F; must, out July 28, 1865.
William Havens, Co. F ; disch. by order, June 17, 1865.
William B. May, Co. K; must, out July 28, 1865.
CHAPTER X.
THE FOURTH INFANTRY.
Number from Hillsdale County — The " Grosvenor Guard" and " Hills-
dale Volunteers" — The Fourth in Virginia — Its Conduct after Bull
Run — It goes to the Peninsula — Its Gallantry at New Bridge — Also
at Malvern Hill, Bull Run, and Antietam — A Night Attack — A
Brilliant Success — A Battery Captured — Fredericksburg and Chan-
cellorsville — Desperate Fight at Gettysburg — The Campaign of 1864
— In the Wilderness — Death of Col. Lombard — Victory at Laurel
Hill — Continuous Fighting — Time Expires — Veterans, etc., de-
tached— Various Items — The Reorganized Fourth — Eight new Com-
panies Raised — Off for Alabama — A Fight as soon as it Arrives —
The Enemy Defeated — Service in Tennessee — Ordered to Texas —
Hard Service — Mustered out in 1866 — List of Officers and Soldiers.
This regiment, including the recruits added on its reor-
ganization, embraced the largest contingent of Hillsdale
County soldiers of any in the service, and was likewise one
of the most distinguished of the Michigan regiments for
excellent discipline and unflinching valor. Previous to the
reorganization the number of soldiers from this county who
served in Company B was three ; in Company C, seven ;
in E, a hundred and seventeen; in H, ninety-five ; and in
T, nine ; total, two hundred and eighteen. In the new or-
ganization there were seventy-one Hillsdale County men in
Company A, twenty-three in Company B, twelve in C, one
in D, seven in E, and seventeen in F ; total, one hundred
and thirty-one; making a grand total of three hundred and
forty-nine; sixty-three more Hillsdale County men than
were contained in any other regiment.
When the war news first rang through the country two
companies were immediately raised in Hillsdale County ; the
headquarters of one being at Jonesville, and that of the
other at Hillsdale. The former was called the " Grosvenor
Union Guard," in honor of Hon. E. 0. Grosvenor, of
Jonesville, and was under the command of Capt. M. A.
Funk, while the latter was known as the " Hillsdale Volun-
teers," commanded by Capt. George W. Lombard, a promi-
nent lawyer of that place.
The young men of Fayette, Litchfield, Scipio, and other
50
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
northern towns hastened to fill the ranks of the Grosvenor
Guard, while those from the southern towns mostly enlisted
in the Hillsdale Volunteers. A few, as has been seen, went
into other companies. Being ordered to Adrian, where the
4th Infantry was in process of formation, Capt. Funk's com-
mand became Company H of that regiment, while Capt.
Lombard's became Company E.
The regiment was speedily filled up, and left Adrian on
the 25th of June, 1861, with over a thousand men. Ar-
riving in Virginia, the 4th took an active part in the move-
ments connected ^th the first battle of Bull Run, and after
that disastrous conflict it was one of the few regiments
which retired in good order, covering the rear of the de-
moralized army. The regiment also aided largely in the
construction of the works around Washington.
During the winter of 1861-62 it was encamped at
Miner's Hill, Va. In the spring of the latter year it went
with McClellan's army to Yorktown, and thence up the
Peninsula. On the 24th of May, it was on the north side of
the Chickahominy, at New Bridge. An order came to make
a reconnaissance in force. Five companies of the 4th were
directed to cross the river. They plunged in under a heavy
fire, and made their way steadily across. In many places
the water was up to the men's necks, and they could only
keep their cartridges dry by hanging the boxes on their
bayonets and holding their rifles above their heads. Once
on the other side, the battalion quickly formed and engaged
in a desperate conflict with the celebrated Louisiana Tigers,
driving them back with heavy loss. They were highly
complimented by Gen. McClellan for their gallantry, and
at once took rank among the best regiments in the service.
On the 26th of June the 4th took part in the battle of
Mechanicsville, and in that of Gaines' Mills on the follow-
ing day. Still retiring with the shattered Army of the
Potomac, on the 1st of July it reached the hills of Malvern,
where the Union forces stood at bay. The 4th Michigan
was on the extreme left of the Union lines. One of the
divisions of Stonewall Jackson's corps formed on its left,
with the evident intention of turning its flank. The
brigade to which the 4th belonged changed front, so as to
face the enemy, and poured a deadly fire upon them.
Meanwhile the gunboats in the James River, which lay so
as to cover the Union flank, also opened fire on the foe
with their big guns, throwing, as our informant expressed
it, *' shells as big as nail-kegs." As their terrible missiles,
which cut off' trees like pipe-stems, joined their destructive
powers to the thick-flying bullets of the 4th Michigan and
their comrade regiments, the rebels were very glad to retire
in all haste from the position, and did not again attempt to
occupy it.
During the fierce battle which followed, Col. Woodbury,
the commandant of the 4th, was killed. Capt. George W.
Lombard, of Hillsdale, was promoted to lieutenant-colonel
of the regiment for gallant conduct at Malvern Hill, his
commission dating from July 1, — the day of the battle.
The total of casualties in the 4th during the battles of
June and July was fifty-three killed, a hundred and forty-
four wounded, and fifty-two missing; in all two hundred
and thirty-one.
The regiment soon after went north with the Army of the
Potomac, being present in the battles of Gainesville, Second
Bull Run, and Antietam, but without suffering very serious
loss. Three days after the latter battle, on the 20th of
September, 1862, the 4th was stationed on the east side of
the Potomac, at Shepherdstown Ford. On the western
side of the river was a rebel battery of five guns, which
kept up a most annoying fire on the troops on the eastern
side. Gen. GriflBn, the commander of the brigade, rode
up to the commander of the 4th, saying, —
" Can't you take your regiment quietly into the river
after dark, march across, and capture that battery ?"
" I can try, sir," promptly replied the officer addressed.
" That's all that any one can do," said the general ; " go
ahead and try it."
Accordingly, about nine o'clock at night, the 4th, alone,
moved quietly down and took post in the bed of the
Baltimore and Ohio Canal, which ran close to the bank
of the river, and from which the water had been drained
by the breaking of the locks. All orders were passed in
a whisper, and the utmost care was taken to prevent any
untimely noise from disclosing the enterprise to the enemy.
The men looked with considerable distrust on the under-
taking; it seemed like a big job to ford a river a third
of a mile wide in face of a hostile battery and capture it.
However, the order was imperative, and few or none were
disposed to flinch. When all was ready, the requisite
orders, still in whispers, were passed along the line, and
the men silently arose and passed over the bank into the
river. The night was dark, and although the enemy's
pickets were close to the water on the other side, they
could see nothing of the movement which was in progress.
In some places the water was only ankle-deep, in others
knee-deep, and in others waist-deep. In complete silence
the line moved steadily forward until the middle of the
stream was nearly reached. Then some of the men stum-
bled on the slippery rocks, and, in saving themselves from
falling, made considerable splashing in the water. The
attention of the rebel pickets was aroused, and, on peering
eagerly into the darkness, they could discern the dim line
of the silent 4th making its way across the river. The
next instant a dozen rifles flashed their angry welcome.
Their leaden messengers whistled among the ranks of the
advancing " Yankees," and the sharp reports re-echoed
along the rocky banks of the Potomac.
No more need of silence now.
" Forward !" shouted the colonel ; " forward ! forward !"
repeated the line-officers, and forward went the gallant
regiment, all striving to see how quickl}^ they could reach
the shore.
On the other hand, the rebels, who seem to have been
without much infantry support, got their guns ready for
action as speedily as possible, and began a tremendous can-
nonade. But the battery was on high ground, and by the
time it opened fire the 4th was so close that the rebel balls
went harmlessly over their heads. With a thundering
cheer, the Union line charged up the steep, rushed with
fixed bayonets upon the artillerists, and captured about
twenty of them, while the rest fled at the top of their speed
into the darkness, leaving their five cannon the prize of the
conquerors. So well had the plan been arranged and carried
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
51
out that only two or three men were killed in what had at
first appeared to be an undertaking of extreme danger. Its
very audacity largely assisted its success.
Four of the guns thus taken had been captured by the
rebels at the first Bull Run battle from the battery then
commanded by Capt. Griffin, of the regular army, who in
1862 was the brigadier-general that ordered the assault just
described, and who was intensely gratified at the unexpected
recapture of his former pets.
After this exploit, the regiment engaged in the usual
marches through the mud and snow of Virginia, until the
battle of Fredericksburg, on the 13th and 14th of Decem-
ber, 1862, in which it took an active part, having nine
men killed and forty-one wounded. It remained in the
vicinity of Fredericksburg until the 1st of May, 1863,
when it became engaged in the battle of Chancellorsville,
though not in the hottest part of the field. The total of
casualties there — killed, wounded, and missing — was thirty.
Then followed the long march northward under a blazing
sun, till on the 1st of July they reached the field of Gettys-
burg. On the 2d they were in the thick of the fight,
being then in the 5th Corps. Here they met the Louisiana
Tigers, their old enemies of the Chickahominy, with other
regiments, in one of the few handHo-hand conflicts of the
war. For a time the conflict was of the most deadly de-
scription. Col. Jeffords, the commander of the regiment,
fell dead pierced by half a dozen bayonets. Several other
officers were killed and wounded. Lieut.-Col. Lombard
assumed command and gallantly continued the fight, but
the loss of the regiment was very serious. When, on the
4th of July, after the glorious victory of the Union arms
was assured, the rolls of the 4th Michigan were called, it
was found that twenty-eight men had been killed, eighty
were wounded, and seventy-nine were missing.
After Gettysburg the 4th participated in the pursuit of
the enemy and other movements of the Army of the Poto-
mac, and was encamped during the winter of 1863-64 at
Bealton, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Lieut.-
Col. Lombard, of Hillsdale, was promoted to colonel, dating
from the 3d of July, 1863.
On the 30th of April, 1864, the 4th broke camp, and set
out on the great campaign which was only to close with the
overthrow of the Rebellion. On the 5th, 6th, and 7th of
May the regiment was engaged in the battle of the Wilder-
ness. Though not in the thickest of the fight, it suffered a
severe loss on the first-mentioned day, the gallant and genial
Col. Lombard being mortally wounded by a rebel bullet.
On the morning of the 8th of May, the 4th, with the
rest of Griffin's Division, arrived at Laurel Hill, between
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court-House. They re-
mained here during the 8th and 9th, exchanging frequent
shots with the enemy, but without a heavy battle. On the
morning of the 1 0th of May, while the 4th was supporting
a battery, the enemy made a charge on the guns. The sup-
ports remained in the rear, and the first charge was repulsed
by the battery alone.
It was seen, however, that another and more determined
charge was about to be made, and pretty soon the gray lines
came rushing forward, sounding the well-known rebel yell.
The brigade to which the 4th belonged was ordered to keep
quiet till the enemy was within about ten rods. Then, at
the sound of the bugle, the Union line advanced rapidly to
the battery and delivered a well-directed volley among the
advancing Confederates. Scores of the latter fell, killed or
wounded, before the deadly blast, but, with redoubled yells,
the survivors rushed forward towards the coveted cannon.
The 4th and their comrades stood their ground, and for a
few moments a fierce hand-to-hand conflict raged among the
guns and caissons. In some instances, when bayonets were
knocked off the rifles were clubbed and shattered on the
heads of foemen.
A brief experience of this kind of fighting was sufficient
to satisfy the assailants, and very soon the gray-coats were
seen streaming back to the shelter of their rifle-pits. Then
a counter-charge was ordered, and with a cheer the Union
brigade rushed forward, capturing a large number of pris-
oners and taking and holding the first line of the rebel
works. This was the signal for a general advance along
the Union lines, by which several thousand prisoners were
captured. In the brief conflict of the morning the 4th
had twenty men killed and wounded, which was nearly ten
per cent, of the number engaged.
The 4th was in the advanced lines of the 5th Corps
throughout the llth, 12th, 13th, and 14th days of May,
a large part of the time being actively engaged as skirmishers.
It also participated in a brisk conflict near Jericho Mills, on
the North Anna River. In fact it was at this period engaged
in fighting nearly every day and almost all day. On the
29th, 30th, and 31st days of May, and the 1st day of June
it w;is skirmishing south of the Pamunkey River, and on
the 3d of the latter month it took part in the capture of
the enemy's works at Bethesda Church.
Crossing the James River, the regiment arrived in front
of Petersburg on the 16th of June, and the next day was
engaged in a skirmish. Its time expired on the 19th of
June, and on that very day it took part in a sharp engage-
ment, having eight men killed and wounded. That even-
ing it was relieved from duty and the next day embarked
for Washington. It arrived in Detroit on the 26th of June,
and on the 30th was mustered out of service.
A hundred and twenty-nine of the men, however, had
re-enlisted as veterans, which, with recruits who joined
after the organization, brought up the number of those whose
time had not expired to two hundred and eighty soldiers
and three officers. These were assigned to duty with the
1st Michigan Infantry when the 4th left the seat of war.
Of the ten hundred and eighty-five gallant officers and
men who left Adrian in the 4th Infantry for the front
in June, 1861, there were only two hundred and twenty-
three on the rolls at the time of muster out, in addition to
the one hundred and twenty- nine re-enlisted veterans. Of
those who had been dropped from the rolls nearly two hun-
dred had been killed in action or died of wounds. Only
about fifty had died of disease during the whole time, but
about two hundred and fifty were discharged for disability.
The report for 1862 is defective, so that we cannot give
the exact numbers. During the last eight months of ser-
vice only twelve had died of disease, while forty had been
killed in action, showing that the men had become pretty
well seasoned to the hardships of camp-life.
52
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
THE REORGANIZED FOURTH INFANTRY.
The one hundred and twenty-nine veterans of the old
4th formed but a small basis for a new regiment, but a de-
termined effort was made to organize one. The veterans
were consolidated into two companies, and an order was
issued for the enlistment of eight more. A camp was es-
tablished at Adrian on the 26th of July, and Lieut.-Col.
Hall of the old 4th was made colonel of the new organiza-
tion. The work was completed in about two months and a
half, and on the 14th of October, 1864, the new regiment
was mustered into service. As before stated, there served
in A company of the new 4th (commanded by Capt. Geo.
A. Knickerbocker) seventy-one men of Hillsdale County j
in B company, twenty-three ; in C, twelve ; in D, one ; in
E, seven ; and in F, seventeen, — total, one hundred and
thirty-one.
On the 22d of October the regiment left Adrian, pro-
ceeding to Decatur, Ala., which they reached on the 28th,
where their career was at once inaugurated by a battle with
the forces of the rebel general Hood, who had already
attacked that town. The assailants were repulsed, the 4th
having only one man killed and four wounded. It was
afterwards sent to Murfreesboro', where it was kept'on picket
and guard duty until the middle of January, 1865. It
then went to Huntsville, Ala., where it was assigned to the
3d Division, 3d Brigade, 4th Army Corps.
In the latter part of March it was ordered to East Ten-
nessee. It remained there, constantly on the march, about
a month, when it returned to Nashville. It stayed at that
point until the middle of June, when, with its corps, it was
sent to New Orleans. It was then joined by the detach-
ment of the old 4th Infantry which had previously been
on duty with the 1st. The regiment proceeded to Texas
in July.
The fighting was over but the service was severe ; owing
to the heat, and the scarcity and badness of the water,
many died. The regiment was on duty at various points
in Texas, mostly at San Antonio and vicinity, until May
26, 1866, when it was mustered out of service at Houston,
in that State. On the 10th of June it arrived at Detroit,
where it was paid off and disbanded.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE OLD AND NEW 4TH INFANTRY,
FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
George W. Lombard, commissioned capt. May 16, 1861 ; lieut.-col., July 1, 1862 ;
col,, July 3, 1863; mortally wounded in battle of the Wilderness, May 5,
1864; died May 6,1864.
C. C. Doolittle, com. Ist lieut. May 16, 1861 ; capt, Aug. 20, 1S61 ; wounded at
Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 ; col., 18th Infantry, July 27, 1862 ; brig-gen.
of vols., May 11, 1865; brev. maj.-gen. of vols., June 13, 1865; must, out
Nov. 30, 1865.
Simon B. Hadley, com. Ist lieut. May 16, 1861 ; resigned ; re-app. as cjxpt., Feb.
1, 1863 ; res. May 31, 1864, to accept app. as assist, adj.-gen. with rank of
capt. ; finally res. Jan. 1, 1865.
Moses A. Funk, com, capt. May 16, 1861 ; resigned.
Charles B. Pai-sons, com. 2d lieut. May 16, 1861 ; wounded at Gaines' Mills,
June 27, 1862 ; res. March 7, 1863.
William H. McConnell, com. 2d lieut. May 16, 1861 ; res. Jan. 2, 1862.
Charles Marvin, com. 2d lieut., 1861 ; Ist lieut., 1862; capt, 1862; res. Jan. 2, '63.
Robert Campbell, com. qr.-mr. Sept. 1, 1862 ; must, out June 30, 1864.
Josiah D. Emerson, com. 2d lieut. Sept, 3, 1862; Ist lieut. Dec. 13, 1862 ; must.
out June 30, 1864.
William H. Sherman, com. 1st lieut April 5, 1864 ; res. Sept 13, 1864.
Horatio G. Loaibard, com. Ist }ieut Nov. 14,1862; captured at Gettysburg,
July 2, 1863.
Jacob H. Stark, com. Ist lieut. Sept. 13, 1864; must, out May 26, 1866.
George A. Knickerbocker, com as capt, July 26, 1864; res. Jan. 31, 1865.
Samuel S. Walker, com. 2d lieut July, 1802 ; must, out on expiration of service.
Levi J. Courtright, Co. E; killed at Hall's Hill, Sept 4, 1861.
Truman K. Blatchley, Co. H; killed at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862.
Henry L. Morehouse, Co. H ; killed at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862.
Oliver C. Vanderpool, Co, H ; killed at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862.
W^illiam M, Worden, Co, E; died near Falmouth, Va., March 30, 1863.
David Cronk, Co. F ; died at Adrian, Mich,, June 10, 1861.
Isaac Coleman, Co. H ; died at Harrison's Landing, Va,, July 12, 1862,
Columbus L. Bradley, Co. H ; died on hospital boat, en route to New York, Aug.
7, 1862.
David G. Brock, Co. E ; killed at Malvern Hill, Va,, July 1, 1862.
Alfred H. Dolph, Co. E ; killed at Malvern Hill, Va,, July 1, 1862.
Frank B. Forncrook, Co, E ; killed at Malvern Hill, Va,, July 1, 1862,
Thos. Van Valkenlmrg, Co. E ; killed at Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862,
Thos. Prestol, Co. E ; died July 15, 1862, of wounds received in action,
John Millions, Co. H ; killed at Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862.
Avery Randall, Co. E ; died Dec. 18, 1861.
David Worden, Co. E; died April 20, 1862.
Oliver Gilbert, Co. H ; died Oct 27, 1861,
William H, Sloan, Co, H; died Dec. 3, 1801,
Madison Van Meter, Co, H; died Aug, 23, 1861,
Francis Yawger, Co, H ; died Nov. 16, 1861.
James T. Wood, Co. H ; died at Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 25, 1862.
Watson W, Fuller, Co, H ; missing at Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862.
Charles W. Gregory, Co, H ; kilh'd at Gettysburg, Pa,, July 2, 1863,
James H. Pendleton, Co. H ; killed at Gettysburg, Pa,, July 2, 1863.
Edwin G. Tripp, Co. H ; died at Gettysburg, Pa., of wounds, July 12, 1863.
Sewell A, Jennison, Co, E; died in camp, March 30, 1863.
Elam J. Todd, Co. H ; died at Philadelphia, Pa., Sept 18, 1862,
Cyrenus Cargill, Co. C; missing at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863,
Riley N. Ainsworth, Co, E; died in rebel prison, at Richmond, Va.
Wm. R. Fuller, Co, E ; missing at Gettysburg, Pa.
John Tarsney, Co, E ; missing at Gettysburg, Pa,
George A. Walker, Co. E; returned.
James R. Stillwell, Co. H ; returned.
Chester Yawger, Co. H ; returned.
Seth English, Co. C; died of wounds, June 22, 1864, near Petersburg, Va.
George W. Teachout, Co, C; killed at North Anna, Va., May 23, 1864.
Heman S. Thewing, Co. C ; died of wounds, June 19, 1864, at Washington, D. C.
James Tarsney, Co. E ; killed in the Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864,
James Terwilliger, Co, E ; killed in the Wilderness, Va,, May 5, 1864,
Araon C, Lake, Co. E ; died May 14, 1864, of wounds received in Wilderness.
Benjamin Best, Co. E; killed at Wilderness, May 15, 1864.
George A. Walker, Co. E ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va , May 9, 1864.
John P. Fuller, Co. F ; died at Fredericksburg, Va., of wounds, June 20, 1864.
John Goodenberger, Co. F ; died at Washington, I). C, of wounds, May 22, 1864.
Ira Worden, Co. H ; killed near Richmond, Va,, June 3, 1864
Emery B. Kelly, Co, I ; killed at Wilderness, Va,, May 5, 1864.
Stephen C. Bond, Co. C; died at Baltimore, Md.
Edward Rhodes, Co, C ; missing while on picket, Aug, 21, 1864,
John W, Vanness, Co. C; missing while on picket, Aug. 21, 1864.
Timothy B. Burch, Co. E ; missing at Wilderness, Va,, Nov, 23, 1863,
Wm. H. Smith, Co. E; missing at Wilderness, Va., Nov, 23, 1863,
Horatio B. Parker, Co, H ; died at Harrison's Landing, Va,, Aug. 4, 1862.
Charles VV. Page, Co. F ; died at Hatcher's Run, Feb. 6, 18^5.
John Hardy, Co. H ; died at White Oak Swamp, Va., June 14, 1864.
Wm. T, Fiester, Co. E ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865,
James H, Harrison, Co. E; trans, to new 4th Inf , June 28, 1865.
Charles T. Hartson, Co. E; trans, to new 4th Inf,, June 28, 1865,
Thomas Taroney, Co. E ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865.
Allen Freeman, Co. F ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865,
Harvey B, Braddock, Co. F; trans, to new 4th Inf,, June 28, 1865.
Warren M. Champlain, Co. F; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865.
Wm. B. Duryea, Co. F ; trans, to new 4th Inf,, June 28, 1865.
James H, Duryea, Co. F ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865,
John A. Alden, Co, H ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865,
John Dean, Co, H ; trans, to new 4th Inf,, June 28, 1865,
Origen H, Getter, Co. H; trans, to new 4th Inf, June 28, 1865,
Asher Lafleur, Co, H ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865,
Wm. Marks, Co. H ; trans, to new 4th Inf,. June 28, 1865,
Enos S. Nobles, Co. H ; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865.
Wm. Robinson, Co. H ; trans, to new 4th Inf, Jnne 28, 1865,
Joseph Sandbar, Co. H; trans, to new 4th Inf., June 28, 1865.
Andrew J. Cook, Co, I; trans, to hew 4th Inf,, June 28, 1865.
John Wallace, Co. I ; trans, to new 4th Inf,, June 28, 1865.
Jesse D. Critchfield, Co, E ; discb. for disability, April 20, 1862.
George Comfort, Co. E ; disch. for disability, March 5, 1862.
Isjiac Chase, Co. E ; disch, for disability, Jan, 20, 1862.
Charles M. Drake, Co. E; disch. f»)r disability, March 6, 1862.
Newton Green, Co. E ; disch. for disability. Sept 6, 1861.
Alvro F. Gleason, Co, E ; disch. July 15, 1861.
George E. Gates, Co. E; disch. July 15, 1861,
John D. Neal, Co. E; disch. April 24, 1862.
Justin Russell, Co. E ; disch. June 24, 1861.
Watson 0. Simmons, Co. E; disch. for disability, April 22, 1862.
John W. Brown, Co. E; disch. Dec. 18, 1861,
Eli Burk, Co. E ; disch, Aug. 13, 1861.
George E. Beebe, Co. E ; discb. for disability.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
53
William H. Ross, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Oct. 6, 1862.
Billings B. Merritt, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Oct. 27, 1862,
F. Brown, Co. E; disch. for disability, Aug. 4, 1862.
William B. Bird, Co. E; disch. for disability, Nov. 14, 1862.
Marc A. Merrifield, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Nov. 18, 1862.
Walter W. Wright, Co. E; disch. for disability, Nov. 18, 1862.
Chauncy A. Brown, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Oct. 18, 1862.
Wm. F. D. McCarty, Co. E ; disch. Nov. 3, 1862, to enl. in regular service.
Lawrence Wright, Co. E; disch. Nov. 3, 1862, to enl. in regular service.
Albert W. Wilson, Co. E; disch. for disability, Dec. 2, 1862.
Joseph Stevens, Co. E; dispell, for disability, Dec. 3, 1862.
Oliver P. Stone, Co. E; disch. Nov. 20, 1862, to enl. in regular service.
Charles T. JeJfers, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Dec. 12, 1861.
William Lindsley, Co. H ; dUch. for disability. May 5, 1862.
Charles S. Birdsall, Co. H ; disch. for disability, April 29, 1862.
Allen Anderson, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Jan. 13, 1862.
John Warren, Co. H ; disch. for disability, July 29, 1861.
Jesse L. Hadley, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Dec. 18,1861.
Marion F. Howe, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Dec. 9, 1861.
George W. Joffers, Co. H; disch. for disability, Sept. 6, 1861.
Michael Miller, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1861.
Ira Murdock, Co. H ; disch. for disability, July 29, 18«1.
Byron F. Nutton, Co. II; disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1861.
James H. Ostrander, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Sept. 16, 1861.
Samuel S. Parker, Co. H; disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1862.
Erastus W. Page, Co. II : disch. for disability, Jan. 15, 1862.
John Pittwood, Co. H ; disch. for disability, July 29, 1861.
Mosley S. Ten Eyck, Co. H; disch. for disability, Sept. 24, 1F,61.
Henry Upthegrove, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Jan. 2, 1862.
Charles P. White, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1861.
William Wilder, Co. H ; disch. for disability, July 29, 1861.
Jules L. Williams, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Jan, 2, 1862,
Linden H. Allen, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Sept. 27, 1862.
Martin McCounell, (?o. H ; disch. for disability, July 19, 1862.
Olney J. Smith, Co. II ; disch. for disability, Nov. 17, 1862.
Cornelius M. Hadley, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1862.
Orson L. Parks, Co. II ; disch. for disability, Nov. 12, 1862.
William Smith, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Oct. 25, 1862.
Lafayette Young, Co H ; disch. fur disability, Sept. 18, 1862,
Charles S. Duncan, Co. B; disch, by order, Jan. 2, 1863.
Jarvis D. liolfe, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Jan. 1, 1863,
Ira Williams, Co. E; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1862,
Orlando Gilchrist, Co. E; disch. for disability, Nov. 30, 1862.
Thomas Vanvalkenburgh, Co. E; disch. for disability, Feb. 4, 1863.
Charles H. Smith, Co. E; disch. for promotion, March 27, 1863.
Edward Gavitt, Co. E ; disch. by order, Sept. 15, 1863.
George B. Brown, Co. E; disch. for disability, April 14,1863.
William L, Worden, Co. E; disch. for disability, Feb. 16, 1863.
Debzon C. Allen, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Jan. 24, 1863.
Webster H. Abbott, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Aug. 1, 1863.
Gilbert D. Ward, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Oct. 14, 1863.
Orlando F. Weaver, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Oct. 13, 1863.
Orlando Nash, Co. H; disch. for disability, Jan. 2, 1863.
Alouzo B. Vanscoter, Co. II ; disch. for disabilitj'', Dec. 22, 1862.
William G. Gay, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Jan. 12, 1863.
William Morehouse, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Jan. 31, 1863.
William Dover, Go. H ; disch. for disability, April 6, 1863.
David W. Todd, Co. H; disch. for disability, Jan. 26, 1863.
Edward L. Walter, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Feb. 20, 1863.
James Henry, Co. H ; disch, for disability, Jan. 25, 1863.
Manley Rood, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Feb. 28, 1863.
Miles Jones, Co. II ; disch. for disability, March 13, 1863.
George Krimer, Co. II ; disch. for disability, Dec. 1862.
Darius Van Allen, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Dec. 1862.
John Coleman, Co. H ; disch. by order, July 1, 1863.
Sidney A. Willis, Co. H ; disch. by order, Sept. 15, 1863.
Lyman Osborne, Co. H; disch. by order, Oct. 1, 1863.
Charles S. Duncan, Co. B ; disch. at expiration of service, June 30, 1864.
Charles Coppins, Co. B; disch, at expiration of service, Nov. 7, 1864.
George W. Coffin, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, Nov. 11, 1863.
Oscar B. Abbott, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, Nov. 11, 1863.
Charles A. Fletcher, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Henry W. McGee, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1861.
Marion F. Hunt, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
William R. Fuller, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
William F. Bristol, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Augustus R. Barker, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Benjamin Best, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Timothy F. Burtch, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Chauncey V. Burnett e, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
William H. H. Birge, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Joseph Crisler, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864
John F. Dugan, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Wm. H. Dilldine, Co, E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
David Fox, Co. E; disch. at expimtion of service, June 28, 1864.
John Fleming, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
John Farley, Co, E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
James H, Hullinger, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Thaddeus Huff, Co. E , disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Hiram L. Hartson, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
John Hewitt, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
George W. Hughes, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Frank Miller, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Stephen H. Mallory, Co. E; disch, at expiration of service, June 28, 1864,
Charles H. Rupert, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Philip Stanback, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
George H. Stacy, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
William H. Smith, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
James K. Spence, Co. E; disch, at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Mark W, Taylor, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Archibald Wier, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Francis C. Waller, Co. E ; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Sylvanus Atherton, Co. H ; disch. for disability, June 24, 1863.
Martin V. B. Rhodes, Co, H ; disch. at expiration of service, Dec. 22, 1863.
William H. Sutherland, Co. II ; disch. at expiration of service, Nov. 11, 1863.
John Staley, Co. H ; disch. at expiration of service, June 30, 1864.
Herbert D. Smith, Co. H ; disch. at expiration of service, June 30, 1864.
Hiram Dodge, Co. H; disch. at expiration of service, June 30, 1864.
James Cooley, Co. H ; disch, by order, Nov. 16, 1863.
Alvin Dodge, Co. H ; disch. for disability, March 9, 1864.
Frank Shadbolt, Co. E ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 20, 1864.
James II. Harroun, Co. E; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 13, 1864.
James H, Quackenbush, Co. E; disch. to re-enl, as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Seth Bolles, Co. E ; disch, to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Charles W, Decker, Co. E ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Amos Strong, Co. E; dinch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec, 29, 1863.
William T. Feister, Co. E ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Thomas Tarsney, Co. E; disch, to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Asher B. Lafleur, Co. H; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Enos S. Nobles, Co. H ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
John A. Alden, Co. H; di.sch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Henry L. Case, Co. H ; disch. to re-enl. as vetei-an, Dec. 29, 1863.
John Dean, Co. II ; di.sch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
John D. Hardy, Co, H ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
William H. Marks, Co. H; disch. to re-enl, as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
William W.Robinson, Co. H; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Ira Worden, Co. H ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863.
Archibald Gilchrist, Co. E; disch. for disability, Jan. 29, 1863.
George Moon, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1862.
Amos Strong, Co, E; must, out Aug. 5, 1865.
Albert M, Wilbur, Co, E; disch. for disability, Dec. 2, 1862.
George Ward, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, June 28, 1864.
Clarence L. Northrup, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service, March 18, 1865,
Henry S. Seage, Co. E; disch. at expiration of service. Sept, 12, 1864.
Thomas Terwilliger, Co. E; disch, at expiration of service, Sept. 12, 1864.
Franklin Shadbolt, Co. E; must, out Sept. 11, 1865.
Herbert D. Bryan, Co. E ; must, out June 5, 1865.
Joseph II. Jagger, Co. E ; must, out June 5, 1865.
William Washburn, Co. E ; must, out June 5, 1865.
George L. Brewster, Co. E ; must, out June 5, 1865.
S, Spencer, Co. E ; nmst. out June 5, 1865.
Henry M. Brodock, Co. F; disch. for disability. May 1, 1865.
Henry L. Case, Co. H ; disch. for disability, June 9, 1865.
David T. Cobb, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Jan. 27, 1863.
George Kinney, Co. H ; disch. for disability, June 4, 1862.
William H. H. Marsh, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 26, 1865.
William Robinson, Co. H ; must, out July 31, 1865.
James Stillwell, Co. II ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 13, 1865.
Chester Yauger, Co. II ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 4, 1865.
Darius Briggs, Co. H ; disch, at expiration of service, Sept. 3, 1864.
David G. Cornell, Co. I : must, out May 12, 1865.
Charles E. Nichols, Co. I ; must, out June 15, 1865.
NEW FOURTH INFANTRY.
Arthur D. Pierce, non-commissioned staff; died at Murfreesboro', Tcnn., Jan.
7, 1865.
Thomas Weir, non-com. staff; died at Hillsdale, Mich., Jan. 30, 1865.
George Austine, Co. A ; died at San Antonio, Tex., Oct. 8, 1865.
William Greening, Co, A ; died at San Antonio, Tex., Nov. 8, 1865.
Lewis A. Hill, Co. A; died at Huntsville, Ala., March 6,1865.
Giles C. Hodgman, Co. A ; died at Knoxville, Tenn., March 30, 1865,
Horace J. Mosher, Co. A ; died at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 28, 1864,
Samuel McLane, Co, A ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 18, 1865.
George W. Norton, Co. A ; died at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 31, 1864.
Hamlin Treat, Co. A ; died at Jeffersonville, Ind., Jan. 17, 1865.
Cicero S. Taylor, Co. A ; died at Murfreesboro', Tenn., May 18, 1865.
Floyd Thomas, Co. A ; died at Larkinsville, Ala., Nov. 13, 1864.
Jehiel Wisner, Co. A; died at Nashville, Tenn,, May 14, 1865.
Alvin Wisner, Co. A; died at Murfreesboro', Tenn., March 23, I860.
William C. Norton, Co. A; died at San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22, 1865.
George Duryee, Co. A ; died at Nashville, Tenn., May 3, 1865.
William Darling, Co. A; died at Huntsville, Ala., Jan. 25, 1865.
Daniel S, Chapman, Co, A ; died at Huntsville, Ala., Jan. 25, I8C0.
54
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTy, MICHIGAN.
Alfred M. Davis, Co. A ; died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 9, 1865.
George S. Donaldson, C!o. A ; died at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 25, 1865.
Natban Smith, Co. B; died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 18, 1865.
William G. Straight, Co. B; died at Nashville, Tenn., June 7, 1865.
Asa W. Houghton, Co. E; died at Nashville, Tenn., May 23, 1865.
Samuel Bichardson, Co. E ; died at Adrian, Mich., Oct. 15, 1864.
John Holtslander, Co. E; died at Nashville, Tenn., May 30, 1865.
A. Wisner, Co. I ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 23, 1865.
Samuel A. Alden, Co. K ; died at Petersburg, Va., Aug. 10, 1864.
Harvey C. Beam, Co. K ; died at Green Lake, Texas, Aug. 3, 1865.
Stephen 0. Bond, Co. K ; died at Baltimore, Md., July 1, 1864.
Henry A. Chapman, Co. K; died at Philadelphia, Pa,, June 20, 1865.
Cyrus P. Cobb, Co. K; died at Washington, D. C, June, 1865.
Seth English, Co. K; died of wounds received June 22, 1865.
Tiiomas King, Jr., Co. K ; died at Hudson, Mich , Sept. 19, 1864.
Justus Macoy, Co. K ; died at Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 6, 1864.
Washington Pease, Co. K ; died at Washington, D. C, May 25, 1865.
Charles B. Baynor, Co. K ; died at Alexandria, Va., June 26, 1864.
George W. Teachout, Co. K; died at North Anna, Va., May 22, 1864.
Thomas S. Thevving, Co. K ; died at Washington, D. C, March 19, 1864.
Rynear Van Wagner, Co. K ; died at Alexandria, Va.
Laban A. Howard, N. C. S. ; must, out June 12, 1866.
James H. Thiell, Co. A ; must, out May 28, 1866.
Orrin E. Nichols, Co. A ; must, out June 14, 1865.
Thomas J. Lowery, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 30, 1865.
Dexter C. Avery, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Charles F. Clark, Co. A ; must, out June 20, 1865.
Jacob Pepper, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Warren Clements, Co. A; must, out May 23, 1865.
Cory don Barnes, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 8, 1865.
James E. Herbert, Co. A ; must, out March 3, 1865.
William H. Bailey, Co. A ; must, out Jan. 18, 1866.
Nelson F. Abbott, Co. A; must, out Aug. 3, 1865.
James Blanks, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Thos. E. Bisi op, Co. A; must, out Aug. 18, 1865.
Joseph Baker, Go. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
John W. Bagerly, Co. A ; must, out June 3, 1865.
Myres Brodock, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
John Beems, Co. A; must, out May 26, 1866.
Edmond Buck, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Leroy Brown, Co. A; must, out May 26, 1866.
William Burch, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 26, 1865.
De Forest J. Carroll, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 18, 1865.
Henry T. Clark, Co. A ; must, out May 30, 1865.
Charles Carlton, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
William Carlton, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1865.
Walter L. Fink, Co. A ; disch. by order, June 2, 1865.
George Q. Fitzsimons, Co. A ; must, out July 13, 1865.
Frank Greening, Co. A ; must, out May 8, 1866.
Orville W. Hodge, Co. A ; must, out June 22, 1865.
William P. Holden, Co. A ; must, out June 1, 1865.
Edward Haggar, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Joseph Howard, Co. A ; must, out May 8, 1866.
George Hungiton, Co. A ; must, out March 6, 1866.
Silas W. Haynes,Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
George Kimball, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
John Millson, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
William Moore, Co. A; must, out June 21, 1865.
Benjamin F. Ogden, Co. A ; must, out May 23, 1865.
Loreu Ostrand, Co. A ; must, out Jan. 18, 1866.
Leonard Parish, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
RoUin L. Bice, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Charles E. Eiker, Co. A ; must, out June 14, 1866.
Crawford Stourk, Co. A ; must, out July 31, 1865.
Frederick L. Storm, Co. A ; disch. by order, Juno 9, 1865.
Archibald Storm, Co. A ; disch. by order, June 9, 1865.
Byron G. Saxton, Co. A ; must, out May 26,1866.
Thomas Williams, Go. A; must, out June 12, 1866.
James Thompson, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Reeves E. Taylor, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 14, 1865,
Cornelius Vaneeter, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Alexander Vrooman, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Robert. Wilson, Co. A ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Thomas A. Wilcox, Co. A ; disch. by order, June 6, 1865.
John S, Pierson,Co. A ; disch. at expiration of service, April 13, 1866.
George A. Losey, Co. B ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Alanson S. Teed, Co. B; disch. by order, Aug. 17, 1865.
Orlando Miner, Co. B ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Jerome Wilcox, Go. B ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Jonathan Burton, C-o. B; must, out Jan. 17, 1866.
Lewis Britton, Co. B ; disch. by order, July 13, 1865.
Augustus Blurton, Co. B ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Henry Barnes, Go. B; must, out May 26, 1866.
David Carlisle, Co, B ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Martin Carpenter, Co. B ; must, out May 26, 1865.
William H. Carpenter, Co. B; must, out June 16, 1865.
George H. Dennis, Co. B; must, out Jan. 25, 1866.
Charles H. Fairbanks, Co. B ; must, out May 25, 1866.
Stephen G. Fuller, Co. B ; must, out May 25, 1866.
Thomas W. Lea, Co. B ; disch. by order, May 23, 1865.
Henry A, Piper, Co. B; must, out May 26, 1866.
Sylvanus Soles, Co. B ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Franklin Tayer, Co, B ; must, out May 23, 1865,
Elbridge Williams, Co, B; must, out Aug, 31, 1865.
Daniel Wean, Co. B; disch. by order, June 5, 1865.
Asher Lafleur, Co, B; must, out June 5, 1865,
Enos S, Nobles, Co, C ; must, out Feb, 26, 1866,
William T, Feister, Co. C ; must, out Feb. 26, 1866.
John Alden, Co. C ; disch by order, Sept. 11, 1865,
Seth Bowles, Co. C: must, out Feb. 1866.
David Cornell, Co, C; disch, by order, May 12,1865.
Warren H. Champlin, Co. 0 ; must, out Jan. 15, 1866.
John Dean, Co. C; must, out Feb. 26, 1866.
James H. Harman, Co. C ; must, out Feb. 26, 1866,
Charles E. Nichols, Co, C ; disch, by order, June 15, 1865.
William H. Robinson, Co. C; must, out Feb, 10, 1866,
Amos Strong, Co, C; must, out Sept. 11, 1865.
Frank Shadbolt, Co. C; must, out Aug. 5, 1865.
George 11. Southwick, Co. D; must, out May 26, 1866.
Edward Crisher, Co. E ; must out May 26, 1866,
Andrew J. Earles, Co. E; must, out May 23, 1865.
Charles H. Foote, Co. E; must, out May, 1866,
William Sawyer, Co. E; must, out Oct. 10, 1865.
Cassius M. Windsor, Co, F; must, out Sept. 21, 1865.
Robert Seeley, Co, F; must, out Aug. 7, 1865,
William Brooks, Co. F; must, out Aug. 5, 1865.
James H. Kelley, Co. F; must, out May 26, 1866.
Hugh Keeney, Co. F; must, out July 3, 1865.
Laurence Miner, Co, F; must, oul Nov. 12, 1865.
Atcheson Mellen, Co. F; must, out April 10, 1865.
George N. Mayson, Co. F : must, out July 13, 1865.
George M. D. South worth, Co. F; must, out May 26, 1866.
Myron Vancloke, Co. F; must, out May 26, 1866.
Charles Town, Co. F; must, out Sept, 29, 1865.
Henry Van Vleet, Co. F; disch, by order, Sept, 12, 1865.
Edwin D. Plumb, Co. F ; disch, at exp. of service, March 23, 1866,
Andrew Walters, Co. F; disch, at exp. of service, March 7, 1866,
Francis E. Hill, Co F; must, out Aug. 29, 1865,
Calvin Maloney, Co, F ; disch. at exp. of service, March 7, 1866,
Quincy Farmer, Co, F ; disch. at exp. of service, March 27, 1866.
J. S, Bush, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
William E. Newell, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Amos English, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Wm^ B. Duryee, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Alfred A. Irish, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Luman H. Dillon, Co. I ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Albert W. Vanness, Co. K; must, out May 26, 1866.
Charles Buchanan, Co. K; must, out May 26, 1866.
Almon S. Bassett, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Henry M. Brodock, Co, K ; must, out June 14, 1865.
William Bryant, Co. K ; must, out May 4, 1865.
George W. Booth, Co. K; must, out Feb. 28, 1865.
Marcus H. Cole, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Andrew J. Cook, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
James Duryea, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1866.
Adelbert Delameter, Co. K; disch. by order, Feb. 23, 1866.
Samuel A. Delameter, Co. K; must, out June 10, 1865,
C, W. Decker, Co. K ; disch. by order, Feb, 23, 1866.
John W. Fowler, Co. K ; must, out May 30, 1865.
Ezra M. Fish, Co. K ; must, out Sept, 9, 1865.
Francis E, Hill, Co, K ; must, out Aug. 29, 1865.
Oscar A. James, Co. K ; must, out Nov. 15, 1864.
J. B. Jones, Co. K ; must, out June 8, 1865,
Lawrence King, Co. K; must, out Sept. 25, 1865.
William Long, Co. K; must, out July 3, 1865.
Ira G. Miller, Co. K; must, out May 30, 1865,
Barzilla S, Miller, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 29, 1865.
Henry C, Petier, Co. K ; must, out Nov. 26, 1864.
Edward Rhodes, Co. K ; must, out June 8, 1865.
William H. Ross, Co, K ; must, out Feb. 23, 1866,
Jacob H. Stark, Co, K ; must, out March 16, 1865.
Alphonso Shafer, Co. K; must, out Feb. 23, 1866.
Henry S. Wells, Co. K; must, out June 8, 1865.
James A. Wright, Co. K ; must, out Feb. 23, 1866.
Peter Whitmore, Co. K; must, out June 14, 1865.
Andrew J. Franklin, Co. K; must, out April 18, 1866.
Milton E. Fisher; must, out Aug. 9,1865.
Enoch DowlJng; must, out Aug. 6, 1865.
Matthew Dowling ; must, out Aug. 6, 1865.
Norman B. Cole ; must, out May 4, 1865.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
55
CHAPTER XL
THE SEVENTH AND TENTH INFANTKY.
The Jonesville Light Guard — It joins the 7th Infantry — Other Mem-
bers from this County — Ball's Bluflf — West Point and Fair Oaks —
The Seven Days' Fight^ — The Battle of Antietam^ — Fredericksburg
— Crossing the Rappahannock under Fire— The Charge up the
Heights — The Great March to Gettysburg — Severe Conflict there —
Spottsylvania — Cold Harbor — Fighting before Petersburg — Storm-
ing the Enemy's Works — Final Victory ^-Muster out. — List of On-
cers and Soldiers — Tenth Infantry — Compapy K from Hillsdale
County — Light Service in Tennessee — Buzzard's Roost — The Geor-
gia Campaign — Battle of Jonesboro' — The March to the Sea —
Through the Carolinas — Battle of Bentopville — List of Members.
The 7th Michigan Infantry was formed at Monroe,
during the summer of 1861. One of the first companies
to reach the headquarters of the regiment was the " Jonesr
ville Light Guard," commanded by Capt. Henry Baxter.
It had been recruited at Jonesville, but its members hailed
from all the north part of Hillsdale County, including a few
from outside the county limits. On reaching Monroe the
" Light Guard" was mustered in as Company C of the 7th
Infantry, and its fanciful name was thenceforth laid aside.
The number of Hillsdale County men in ■ Company C
throughout the war was sixty-nine ; in Companies A, B, F,
and G, one each ; in Company K, two ; and in the non-
commissioned staff two ; total, seventy-seven.
The regiment left Monroe for Virginia on the 15th of
December, 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 the losses inflicted by the sudden and over-
whelming attack of the enemy on that disastrous day.
In the spring of 1862, the 7th went with the Army of
the Potomac to the Peninsula, where it was engaged in the
siege of Yorktown, and afterwards in the affair at West
Point on the 7th of May. It also took an active part in
the battle of Fair Oaks on the 31st of May and 1st of
June. When the Confederate force was massed to attack
the Union right, the 7th was with the columns which were
forced back through the disastrous ''Seven Days' Fight;"
taking part in the actions at Peach-Orchard Creek on the
29th of June, at Savage Station on the same day, at White
Oak Swamp on the 30th of June, at Glendale on the same
day, and finally on the 1st of July, at Malvern Hill, when
victory at length perched on the Union standard, and the
rebel hordes were repulsed with terrific loss.
The 7th went northward with the Army of the Poto-
mac, and was present at the second battle of Bull Run.
It then crossed the Potomac with McClellan, took part in
the battle of South Mountain, and on the 17th of Septem-
ber, 1862, stood face to face with the enemy on the field
of Antietam. Here it was engaged in one of the hottest
struggles of the war, and bravely maintained itself through-
out, though the victory which it achieved was purchased
at the cost of a list of killed and wounded embracing more
than half the men present in the action.
After Antietam, the 7th continued with the Army of
the Potomac in its matches 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 engineers had
laid a pontoon-bridge partly across the stream, but at day-
light the rebel sharpshooters soon drove them away. Vol-
unteers were called for to cross the river and seize a foot-
hold on the opposite shore. Lieut.-Col. Baxter, then in
command, called on the 7th for that duty, and as one man
they responded to the call. Foremost of all the army,
they sprang into the boats and set out for the opposite
shore. 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 the heights above, drove the enemy from
his intrenchments, and captured several hundred prisoners
at the point of the bayonet. The pontoons were then laid
across the river, and a portion of the army crossed in safety.
The subsequent disasters which befell the forces of Gen.
Burnside in that action cannot dim the glory of the briU
liant exploit of Col. Henry Baxter and the 7th Michigan
Infantry.
The regiment acted as provost-guard at Falmouth until
the 3d of May, 1863, when it again crossed the Rappa-
hannock to take part in the battle of Chancellorsville. It
was not closely engaged, but the enemy's artillery fire
wounded ten of the men.
During the Gettysburg campaign the 7th underwent even
more than the usual hardship of that torrid and dusty
period. On the 27th of June it marched thirty-seven miles,
on the 28th six miles, and on the 29th thirty-two miles,
making seventy-five miles in three days ; a remarkable ex-
ploit when it is considered that every soldier carried a rifle,
bayonet, cartridge-box, belts, blanket, haversack, and can-
teen, and that marching in column in a cloud of dust is
twice as fatiguing as walking by a single individual.
On the 2d of July the 7th arrived at Gettysburg, and
was immediately placed in the front of battle on Cemetery
Hill. In this exposed position it remained until the close
of the action on the 3d of July, meeting and repelling some
of the fiercest attacks of the enemy. So much had the regi-
ment been depleted by its previous conflicts that only four-
teen officers and a hundred and fifty-one men went into this
fight. Of this small number twenty-one were killed (in-
cluding the commander, Lieut.-Col. Steele) and forty -four
wounded ; the total of casualties being nearly half of the
whole number engaged.
After taking part in the pursuit of the enemy, the 7th
went to New York a short time during the enforcement of
the draft, and then returned to the Army of the Potomac.
On the 7th of December, after considerable marching and
skirmishing in Northern Virginia, it went into winter quar-
ters at Barry's Hill. Here, notwithstanding all its hardships
and losses, a hundred and fifty-three men re-enlisted as vet-
erans, and the regiment was sent home to Monroe on the
1st of January to recruit. After a thirty days' furlough
it returned to Barry's Hill, where it remained until the
grand advance of the army op the 3d of May.
It was lightly engaged in the Wilderness on the 5th of
56
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
May, but on the succeeding day it had a severe conflict with
the enemy, having eight men killed, thirty-eight wounded,
and eight missing. On the 10th it was at Spottsylvania
Court-House, where it was subjected to a severe fire from
the rebel sharpshooters, and also made an assault on the
enemy's works. The total of casualties during the day
was five killed and twelve wounded. The next day it was
again slightly engaged, and on the 12th it took part in
Hancock's charge on the left of the enemy's line, eleven of
the men being wounded. The next day there was another
fight, when the 7th had three men killed and ten wounded.
Continuing, with the Army of the Potomac, the flank
movements to the left which constantly brought it nearer to
Richmond, the 7th passed the North Anna and Pamunkey
Rivers, being frequently engaged as skirmishers, and on the
30th and 31st of May, and 1st of June, it lost six killed
and had nine wounded. At Cold Harbor it gallantly charged
the enemy's works, but the long lines of intrenchments,
behind which the rebel marksmen leveled their deadly rifles
in almost perfect security, proved impervious to the thinned
ranks of the 7th and their comrades, and the regiment fell
back with a loss of sixteen killed and wounded.
The 7th reached the lines in front of Petersburg on the
15th of June, and at once entered on the tedious picket
and trench duty, fighting nearly every day, and having
twenty-three killed and wounded during the first ten days.
In the battles of Strawberry Plains and Flussier's Mills
(August 14 and 17) it had three men killed and eleven
wounded. It was also engaged in the battle of Reams'
Station on the 25th of August.
On the 26th of October, the 7th was one of the regi-
ments which advanced on the enemy's right, and the next
day it took part in no less than three battles ; those of
Hatcher's Run, Burgess Tavern, and Boydton Plank-Road.
In this movement the 7th, alone, captured four hundred
and eighty men and twenty officers of the 26th North
Carolina rebel infantry.
From the beginning of the campaign to the 1st of
November, the feeble regiment, in these constant battles and
skirmishes, had had forty-one men killed and one hundred
and thirty-one wounded, besides thirty-six captured by the
enemy, and thirty reported as "missing in action," some of
whom were killed and some captured. And still the Her-
culean task of destroying the rebel army was uncompleted.
The regiment remained in front of Petersburg during
the winter, sharing all the dangers and hardships of the
army, but not sufiering as severely in killed and wounded
as during the previous six months. On the 2d of April,
the 7th, with detachments of the 1st Minnesota and 19th
Massachusetts, were ordered to attack the enemy's works at
Cat- Tail Creek. They advanced steadily to their task, and,
notwithstanding the fire from the rebels, safely ensconced
behind their intrenchments, the 7th dashed boldly forward,
reaching the enemy's lines the first of the Union forces,
and driving out the gray-back defenders at the point of the
bayonet. The assaulting brigade quickly captured two
forts and three cannon; then forming in flank, it swept
along the rebel works, capturing five other forts and about
five hundred prisoners.
The regiment was 1^ fortunate on the 7th of April,
when, after capturing many prisoners, it was cut ofi* from
the main army by a large force of rebel infantry and
cavalry, and, in attempting to fight its way through, had
three officers and thirty-four men taken prisoners. In the
afternoon it was relieved and rejoined its brigade. Two
days later, Lee's army surrendered, and the most serious
trials of the 7th Michigan were ended.
It was sent to Louisville, Ky., and Jefferson ville, Ind.,
in June, very much to the disgust of the men, but was
mustered out at Jeff'erson ville, on the 5th of July, 1865,
sent immediately to Jackson, Mich., and paid off" and dis-
banded on the 7th of that month.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Henry Baxter, commissioned capt. Aug. 19, 1861; lient.-coL May 22, 1862;
wounded at Antietam ; severely wounded at Fredericksburg; com. brig.-
gen. March 12,1863; wounded in the Wilderness; brevetted maj.-gen.
for gallant conduct ; must, out Aug. 24, 1865.
Sidney B. Vrooman, com. 1st lieut. June 19, 1861; capt. May 22, 1862;
wounded at Gettysburg ; must. out. Oct. 5, 1864.
William W. Wade, com. 2d lieut. June 19, 1861 ; res. Jan. 30, 1862.
Gilbert Chaddock, appointed surg. Jan, 15, 1862 ; must, out at end of service.
Charles A. Niniocks, com. 2d lieut, Jan. 1, 1863 ; wounded at Gettysburg; com.
1st lieut. Oct. 2, 1863; capt. April 7, 1864; must, out Oct. 5, 1864.
John C. Tracy, com. 1st lieut. Oct. 2, 1863; wounded May 3, 1864; discharged
on account of wounds, Sept. 6, 1864.
Charles Oakley, com. 1st lieut. April 3, 1864; wounded at North Anna River,
May 24, 1864; died of wounds May 25, 1864.
Lewis D. Locklin, com. Ist lieut. Sept. 6, 1864; capt. June 20, 1864; must, out
July 5, 1865.
James B. Coates, com. 2d lieut. May 22, 1862 ; died at Harper's Ferry, Va.,
Nov. 13, 1862.
Alonzo Smith, com. 1st lieut. June 12, 1864; must, out July 5, 1865.
John S, Edwards, Co. C; killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 30, 1862.
George T. Storer, Co. C ; killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862.
Elliott Todd, Co. C ; killed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862.
J. Henry Lewis, Co. — ; died at Harrison's Landing, Va., July 12, 1862.
Appleton M. Crary, Co. C; died at Ship Point, Va., May 14, 1862.
Nelson Worden, Co. C ; died at Camp Benton, Nov. 7, 1862.
James Williams, Co. C ; died at Camp Benton, Feb. 4, 1862.
William White, Co. C ; died at Camp Benton, Nov. 7, 1862.
Delos W. Harris, Co. C; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1862.
John M. Fitterling, Co. C; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1862.
Alex. McGregor, Co. C ; missing at Reams' Station, Va., Aug. 25, 1864.
Thomas E. Cooney, Co. C ; missing at Hatcher's Run, Va., Oct. 28, 1864 ; returned.
Henry L. Hartshorn, Co. C; killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862.
Robert B. Vanslyke, Co. C; died at Washington, D. C, Nov. 29, 1862.
Byron Cusick, Co. C; died at Andersonville, Ga., June 18, 1864.
Oliver Park, Co. C ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, March 8, 1864.
George Manning, Co. C; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1864.
Perry E. Babcock, Co. C ; trans, to 6th Midi. Cavalry.
William H. Sinclair, disch. for promotion, October, 1861.
Robert 0. Sinclair, Co. C ; discharged.
A. A. Foreman, Co. C; disch. for wounds, Nov. 12, 1862.
Samuel E. Gear, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Nov. 29, 1862.
Chris'opher Myers, Co. C; disch. for wounds, Oct. 24, 1862.
Wm. N. Vanderpool, Co. 0; disch. for disability, Nov. 15, 1862.
Henry 0. Tucker, Co. C ; disch. for wounds, Dec. 12, 1862.
Ezekiel C. Estus, Co. C; disch. by order, Aug. 8, 1863.
Sidney Barber, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Feb. 27, 1863.
Joel E. Gray, Co. C; disch. for disability, Feb. 14, 1863.
William T. Brain, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Feb. 6, 1863.
William I. Graves, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Jan. 10, 1863.
William T. Searles, Co. C ; disch. by order.
Charles Welkins, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Feb. 6, 1863.
Charles St. John, Co. C ; disch. for disability, March 30, 1863.
C. Berbeck, Co. C; disch. for disability, April 24, 1863.
T. H. McMillan, Co. C ; disch. by order, July 16, 1863.
Leverett N. Case, Co. 0; disch. at Detroit, Mich., July 1, 1862.
Arthur Cheney, Co. C ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 9, 186 .
Jacob M. Lair, Co. C ; disch. at expiration of service, Aug. 26, 1864.
Orril W. Avery, Co. C; disch. at expiration of service, Aug. 22, 1864.
Alex. Worden, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Aug. 24, 1804.
Seymour Underwood, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 16, 1863.
John Bowen, Co. C; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 18, 1863.
John L. Rice, Co. C; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec, 19, 1863.
James 0. Hall, Co. C; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 16, 1863.
Byron 0. Ellis, N. C. S. ; must, out July 5, 1865.
William A. Herring, band ; must, out July 5, 1865.
Jacob W. Snyder, Co. A, must, out July 5, 1865.
William N. Dunn, Co. B; must, out July 6, 1865.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
57
John R. Randall, Co. C; disch. for promotion in 18th Inf. July 27, 1862.
Clark R. Warren, Co. C; must, out July 5, 1865.
Clark W. Blair, Co. C; disch. for disability, July 18, 1862.
Philip Fox, Co. 0; disch. for disability, Sept. 28, 1862.
John B. Fullerton, Co. C; disch. for disability, Feb. 27, 1863.
Joseph W. Fullerton, Co. C; disch. for disability, Feb. 28, 1863.
Wm. F. Nelson, Co. C; must, out July 5, 1865.
James H. Warring, Co. C; wounded at B'air Oaks; disch. Nov. 20, 1802; re-enl.
in 46th N. Y. Inf. Aug. 14, 1864; in battles of Hatcher's Run, Peebles'
Farm, and Petersburg; must, out June 20, 1865.
James Gibson, Co. C ; disch.
Robert Gibson, Co. C; must, out July 5, 1865.
Robert D. Glasgow, Co. C; disch. Dec. 19, 1862.
George 0. Nimocks, Co. C; disch. by order May 6, 1865.
Thomas Caldwell, Co. F; must, out July 5, 1865,
Thomas A. Cooney, Co. G; must, out July 5, 1865.
Walter Nichols, Co. K ; disch. for disability March 1, 1865.
John Spillane, Co. K ; must, out July 5, 1865.
TENTH INFANTRY.
The 10th Michigan Infantry was raised in the fall of
1861 and winter of 1862, its headquarters being at Flint,
Genesee County. Company K was principally recruited in
Hillsdale County, sixty-eight of those who served in it
during the war being from that county. No other company
was represented by Hillsdale County men, but Christopher
J. Dickerson, of Hillsdale, was lieutenant-colonel of the
regiment.
The 10th left Flint on the 22d of April, 1862, and
joined the Southwestern Army. It took part in the siege
of Corinth and in several skirmishes, but escaped any gen-
eral engagement during that year. In the fall it was trans-
ferred to Middle Tennessee, and remained there over a
year, engaged in the necessary but not very exciting duty
of guarding trains, watching guerrillas, etc.
In November, 1863, the regiment started for Knoxville,
in East Tennessee, but was suddenly sent back to Colum-
bus, Ky., on the Mississippi River, and again as suddenly
ordered to Chattanooga, which it reached on the 19th of
December, On the 25th of February, 1864, the 10th took
an active part in the severe battle of Buzzard's Koost, near
Dalton, Ga., having thirteen men killed, thirty-six wounded,
and seventeen missing. Lieut.-Col. Dickerson, who was in
command of the regiment, was wounded and taken prisoner.
Soon afterwards, three hundred and ninety-five of the men
re-enlisted, as veterans, and, after a furlough at home, the
regiment returned, in May, 1864, to take part in Gen.
Sherman's Georgia campaign.
On the 17th of May it arrived in front of Rome, and
the next day participated in its capture. At the battle of
Kenesaw Mountain, on the 19th of June, the 10th was in
the reserve. Pursuing its course, and sharing the toils and
dangers of the army, it came into position in front of At-
lanta on the 22d of July, and remained there during the
rest of that month and the whole of August.
On the 1st of September the 10th bore a gallant part in
the battle of Jonesboro', having thirty men killed (includ-
ing Maj. Burnett, the commander) and forty-seven wounded.
On the 8th of September its trials were rewarded by its
entrance into captured Atlanta. On the 28th it returned
to Chattanooga, and operated in that vicinity and in North-
ern Georgia until the 1st of November. It then returned
to Atlanta, destroying bridges and railroads the whole dis-
tance, thus guarding Sherman's army from assault in the
rear while it should make its contemplated " March to the
Sea."
The 10th accompanied the army on this celebrated expe-
dition, setting out from Atlanta on the 26th of November,
1864. The movement was mostly a holiday trip, but on
the 31st of November three companies of the 10th, while
on picket at Louisville, Georgia, were attacked by a large
force of rebel cavalry. After a sharp fight the enemy was
completely repulsed, leaving his killed and wounded on the
field.
After reaching Savannah the regiment remained there
until the 20th of January, 1865, when it moved with
Sherman's army through the Carolinas. It was slightly
engaged with the enemy near Fayetteville and Averysboro',
N. C, from the 1 1th to the 16th of March. During
the night of the 18th, the 10th, which was intrusted
with the defense of the position at the junction of the
Smithfield and Goldsboro' roads, was vigorously attacked,
but succeeded in repulsing the enemy.
At the battle of Bentonville, on the 19th of March, the
1st Brigade, 2d Division, 14th Corps, was disposed in two
lines, the 10th Michigan being in the second. The first
line was charged by the enemy, but repulsed them, and in
a counter- charge captured a large number of prisoners. The
10th, with the rest of the brigade, then moved forward to
the first line, but in a few moments the rebels, having
broken through the 1st Division, were discovered in the left
flank and rear. The Union line was at once placed on the
other side of its works. The enemy advanced rapidly, but
the 10th and its comrade regiments poured a deadly volley
into his ranks, and then charged with the bayonet, driving
the foe in confusion from the field, and capturing a consid-
erable number of prisoners. The regiment skirmished some
the next day, which was its last service under fire.
It then proceeded to Richmond and Washington, partici-
pating in the grand review of Sherman's army in the latter
city, on the 27th of May. On the 13th of June it was
sent to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out of
service on the 19th of July. On the 1st of August it was
paid off and disbanded at Jackson, Michigan.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Christopher J. Dickerson, commissioned lieut.-col. Nov. 20, 1861; wounded and
captured at Buzzard's Roost, Ga., Feb. 25, 1864; com. col. 6th Inf., Nov.
12,1864; app. brevet brig.-geu. of vols., March 13, 1865.
Ethel Judd, com. capt. Oct. 1, 1861 ; res. July, 1862.
John T. Storer, com. 1st lieut. Oct. 1, 1861; res. June 21, 1862.
Avery A. Smith, coni. 2d lieut. June 23,1862; 1st lieut., March 31,1863; res.
Nov. 8, 1864.
George H. Sherman, com. 1st lieut. Feb. 24, 1865 ; must, out July 19, 1865.
John Crouk, Co. K ; died June 3, 1862.
Horace F. Crosby, Co. K; died at Camp Farmington, May 3, 1862.
Alexander Robb, Co. K; died at Camp Thompson, Mich.
Norman Doolittle, Co. K; died at Camp Dennison, Ohio, July 12, 1862.
Alonzo Wood, Co. K ; died at Camp Dennison, Ohio, July 12, 1862.
Homer Northrup, Co. K; died at Keokuk, Iowa, Aug. 18, 1862.
James Fuller, Co. K ; died at Keokuk, Iowa, Aug, 18, 1862.
Alexander Williams, Co. K ; died.
Emory C. Yost, Co. K; died.
Wm. Russell, Co. K; died at Evansville, Ind., Sept. 9, 1862.
John McGuiggan, Co. K ; died at Stevenson, Ala., Oct. 6, 1863.
Samuel Fuller, Co. K; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 18, 1863.
Nelson Judd, Go. K ; died at Keokuk, Iowa, Nov. 4, 1862.
John Van Deger, Co. K ; killed near Dalton, Ga., Feb. 25, 1864.
Adriel Gibson, Co. K ; killed at Jonesboro', Ga., Sept. 1, 1864.
Thos. Russell, Co. K; killed at Jonesboro', Ga., Sept. 1, 1864.
Joseph Wolfe, Co. K; killed at Buzzard's Roost, Ga., Feb. 25, 1864.
Warren Merritt, Co. K; disch. for disability, July 29, 1862.
Thomas Dean, Co. K; disch. for disability, July 29, 1862.
Paul Fifield, Co. K; disch. for disability, Oct. 8, 1862.
Lothario Chase, Co. K ; disch. for disability.
Eugene Cronk, Co. K ; disch. for disability.
58
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
James Fifield, Co. K ; disch. for disability.
Amptoii Otto, Co. K ; disch. for disability, July 25, 1862.
Charles H. Spencer, Co. K; disch. for disability, Sept. 30, 1862.
Peter West, Co. K ; disch. to enl. in marine service.
Jacob U. Squier, Co. K ; trans, to Vet. Kes. Corps, April 10, 1864.
John E. Cleveland, Co. K ; disch. for minority. May 15, 1863.
Frederick J. Baker, Co. K; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
Jasper Bryan, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864,
Christian Howold, Jr., Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
Giles P. Mesick, Co. K; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6* 1864.
John C. Ollin, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
George Rose, Co. K ; disch, to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
Gideon H. Sherman, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
Philip B. Spencer, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
John Vandusen, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864.
Willard F. Lamb, Co. K ; disch. July 8, 1862.
Frederick S. Baker, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
Samuel Sanform, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Feb. 6, 1865.
Marshall Bartlett, Co. K; disch. at expiration of service, Feb. 6, 1865.
Albert Bates, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Feb. 6, 1865.
Sheldon W. Curtis, Co. K ; disch. by order. May 16, 1865.
Thomas Faulkner, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
Charles Goodrich, Co, K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
Eben M. Lewis, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
William Otto, Co. K ; disch. for disability.
Valentine Kiggs, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
Benjamin F. Vreeland, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
Wayne Vosburg, Co. K; must, out July 19, 1865.
George Young, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
Emery Yost, Co. K ; must, out July 19, 1865.
George G. Spencer, Co. K; must, out July 19, 1865.
Peter Ackernian, Co, K ; disch. by order, June, 1865.
Abram Stall, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Feb. 6, 1865.
George Salmon, Co. JLf disch. at expiration of service, Feb. 6, 1865.
CHAPTER XIL
THE ELEVENTH INFANTRY.
Hillsdale County Represented in Five Companies — Its First Battle —
Gallant Conduct — Triumphant Charge through Stone River — In
Thomas' Command at Chickamauga — The Grand Assault at Mis-
sion Ridge — The Georgia Campaign — The Old Regiment Mustered
Out — Reorganization — Services of the New Regiment — List of Offi-
cers and Soldiers in both Organizations.
The 11th Michigan Infantry was raised in the summer
and autumn of 1861, in St. Joseph, Branch, Hillsdale,
and other counties of Southern Michigan ; its headquarters
being at White Pigeon, in St. Joseph County. Hillsdale
County was represented in no less than five companies,
but in all by comparatively small detachments. The
number serving during the war, in the respective compa-
nies in the first organization, was as follows : Twenty- four
in B company ; seven in C ; thirty-eight in D ; eleven in
G ; eleven in K ; total, ninety-one. In the new organiza-
tion the members were four in Company A ; one in B ;
four in C ; one in D ; eleven in E ; one in F ; six in H ;
thirty-one in I ; and three in K ; total, sixty-two. Total
in both organizations, one hundred and fifty-three.
The regiment moved from White Pigeon, on the 9th
of December, 1861, to Bardstown, Ky. It remained in that
State, and near Nashville, Tenn., until the advance of Gen.
Rosecrans' army in December, 1862. Though not engaged
in battle during this time it sufi^red very severely from
sickness ; no less than one hundred and eighteen men hav-
ing died previous to the 1st of November, and one hun-
dred and twenty-seven discharged on account of disability.
The first fighting of the 11th was at the battle of Stone
River, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the 1st and
2d of January, 1863, and a most severe " baptism of fire"
it was. On the morning of the 31st the enemy approached
the position of the regiment from the right front. Skir-
mishers were thrown out, and the llth steadily awaited
the assault of the foe. Just as the men were bracing
themselves for the expected attack a heavy fire of musketry
and artillery showed that the principal advance of the rebels
was on the left rear. The regiment immediately changed
front under a heavy fire, and advanced in line of battle to
the crest of a hill, from which a Union battery had re-
cently been driven.
Here the heavy columns of the enemy were seen ad-
vancing, while a large part of his artillery appeared to be aimed
at this point, and with terrible effect. Undismayed by the
bullets and cannon-balls which riddled its ranks, and before
which ofiicers and men fell on every side, the llth poured
in a steady fire with severe effect on the advancing grays.
This fire was kept up until the general in command, seeing
that the enemy's fire was concentrated on that locality, sent
orders to the llth to retire.
It fell back about fifteen rods, faced about, fired on the
rebels as they came over the hill, and then again retreated
to the cover of a wood a short distance in the rear. Many
other regiments were also there, and some confusion was
temporarily manifested. Order, however, was promptly
restored, and the llth, with other regiments, moved slowly
to the rear, keeping up a constant fire. At one point the
regiment halted, and held the enemy in check nearly half
an hour. A little later, in obedience to orders, they rallied
on the colors, and made a sudden charge back with the
bayonet, stopping the course of the startled foe, until, again
in obedience to orders, they once more fell back to the Mur-
freesboro' Pike, which was steadily held by the Union troops.
During the 1st of January the llth was not called on
for active service, but in the afternoon of the 2d it per-
formed one of the most brilliant feats of the war. It was
at that time lying down as a reserve in rear of the Union
batteries, on the right part of the left wing of Gen*
Rosecrans' army. Between three and four o'clock, the
rebels on the other side of Stone River made a heavy
attack on the Union front. At the end of half an hour
they succeeded in forcing back the Union troops, one regi-
ment being driven in great disorder across the river and
through the ranks of the llth.
As soon as the enemy came within range, the 1 1th, with
the rest of the brigade, rose up, fired one volley, and then
charged at full speed, under a storm of bullets, across the
river. It was the first regiment on the farther bank, — a
fact which caused it to be publicly complimented by Gen.
Negley after the battle. Its disordered ranks were speedily
reformed, and volley after volley was poured into the rebel
lines, until the graybacks were glad to flee to their in-
trenchments in the rear, leaving four pieces of artillery as
the prize of the victors. The llth and other regiments
then formed line of battle, threw out skirmishers, and held
the position until recalled by order across the river.
This brilliant charge had a most depressing effect upon
the enemy, and was one of the principal causes of his re-
tiring that night from the field, leaving the victory to the
Union forces.
Col. Stoughton, from whose ofl&cial report the above ac-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
59
count is taken, spoke in the highest terms of the conduct
of his troops. " They fought," said he, '' with the bravery
and coolness of veterans, and obeyed my commands under
the hottest fire with the precision of the parade-ground."
The total loss of the 11th in the three days' fight known
as the battle of Stone River was thirty-two killed, seventy-
nine wounded, and twenty-nine missing.
After the retreat of the Confederate army, the regiment
was detailed as provost-guard at Murfreesboro', remaining
there until the advance made in June, 1863. On the 1st
of July it was engaged in a skirmish at Elk River, and
soon after went into camp at Decherd, Tenn., where it
remained until the 1st of September. It then advanced
with Rosecrans' army to the vicinity of Chattanooga. At
the battle of Chickamauga, on the 19th and 2()th of Sep-
tember, the 11th was in the 2d Brigade, 2d Division of
the 14th Corps, in the command of the inflexible Thomas.
On the last day of the battle, when the hosts which had
routed the other two grand divisions came down upon the
devoted columns of Thomas, the 11th was in the thickest
of the light, and did its full share in the heroic task of re-
pelling this overwhelming force. It held one of the most
important points in Thomas' line, successfully meeting
numerous charges of the enemy, who came on flushed with
former triumphs, but was compelled to stay his course by
the hardy sons of Southern Michigan. The next day the
11th was one of the regiments which covered the retreat
of the army to Chattanooga. Its casualties in the battle
numbered eighty-three killed and wounded and twenty-
three missing.
Equal gallantry was manifested by the 1 1th at the battle
of Mission Ridge, one of the great decisive conflicts of the
war ; and that time the men had the pleasure of seeing that
their efi*orts were completely successful, resulting in one of
the most brilliant victories of the war. Far above the
Union army, then commanded by Gen. Grant, were the Con-
federate forces of Gen. Bragg on the towering heights of
Mission Ridge, their position, apparently almost impregna-
ble by nature, being strengthened by long lines of intrench-
ments, with numerous redoubts, which seemed able to defy
every attempt which could be made by the most desperate
enemy.
No military achievement equal to the conquest of those
lines had been accomplished in America since the army of
Wolfe surmounted the rock-ribbed heiglits of Abraham,
and vanquished the legions of Montcalm before the walls
of Quebec. But Wolfe made his way to the top of the
heights by means of a night-surprise, while at Mission Ridge
the two armies were too large for that, and the Union forces
were drawn out in broad day, with all the Confederate host
as interested spectators. Yet when the order was given,
the long blue lines advanced steadily up the embattled
steeps, sometimes climbing by means of bushes, and firing,
as they went, at the enemy (who from his vantage-ground
sent thousands of bullets through their devoted ranks),
pressing on without a thought of retreat, and finally
driving the foe in utter confusion from all his rifle-pits,
intrenchments, and redoubts, — capturing thousands of pris-
oners and scores of cannon, and seizing the key-position of
Georgia and the Southeast.
The 11th Michigan was one of the most active and
valiant regiments in the great charge, and was one of the
very first to reach the enemy's works. It had thirty-nine
men killed and wounded, including among the former its
gallant commander, Maj. Bennett.
The 11th hastened in pursuit of the flying foe, and at
Graysville it charged their rear, aiding in the capture of a
whole battery of artillery, with the equipments complete.
It was then stationed at Rossville, Graysville, and vicin-
ity until the 7th of May, when it entered on Gen. Sher-
man's Georgia campaign. It was frequently engaged in
skirmishing and under heavy artillery fire, and on the 4th
of July participated in a successful charge on the intrench-
ments near Marietta, having thirteen men killed and
wounded. At Peach-Tree Creek, on the 20th of July, it
lost eleven killed and wounded, and at the battle in front
of Atlanta, on the 7th of August, it had fifteen men killed
and fifteen wounded.
The regiment's term of service having now expired, it
returned to Michigan, leaving behind a hundred and fifty-
two veterans and recruits with unexpired terms. It was
mustered out at Sturgis on the 30th of September, 1864.
ELEVENTH INFANTRY REORGANIZED.
It was determined, however, not to lose the name and
prestige of a regiment which had won such renown, and,
even before its muster out, orders were issued by the Gov-
ernor for its reorganization. This was not accomplished
until the 18th of March, 1865, when the new 4th was
concentrated at Jackson. As before stated, it had sixty-
two members from Hillsdale County.
About the 1st of April it proceeded to Chattanooga
where it was joined by the veterans and others who had
been left behind on the return of the old regiment By
this time the fighting in the West was over, but the regi-
ment was retained in Tennessee until the middle of Sep-
tember, mostly engaged in guarding railroads, etc., in the
eastern part of that State. It was paid off" and disbanded
at Jackson, Mich., on the 23d of September, 1865.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FR03I HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Arvin T. Whelan, app. asst. surg. Nov. 12, 18G1; res. Oct. 13, 1862: app. surg.
1st Sharpshooters, Jan. 1, 1863; brevotted lieut.-col. March 13, 1865;
must, out .Ian. 28, 1865.
Chauncey E. Koon, com. 2d lieut. Nov. 26, 1862 ; Lst lieut. Jan. 7, 1863 ; capt.
June 17, 1864 ; must, out at end of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
William G, Whitney, com. 2d lieut. Jan, 7, 1863; wounded at Chickamauga;
1st lieut. June 17, 1864; capt. March 1, 1865; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
John Bosenbark, com. capt. March 1, 1865; res. May 31, 1865.
Justus Witherell, com. 1st lieut. March 1, 1865; capt. May 31, 1865; ihust. out
Sept. 16, 1865.
Charles D. Pierce, com. 1st lieut. May 31, 1865; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Silas M. Kelly, Co. G ; killed at Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862.
Bennett Smetts, Co. C; killed at Stone Biver, Dec. 31, 1862.
Stephen Bradshaw, Co. B; died at Bardstovvn, Ky., Jan. 28, 1862.
Richard E. Stone, Co. B; died at Bardstown, Ky., March 18, 1862.
Edward Sherman, Co. B ; died at Bardstown, Ky., March 17, 1862.
Andrew J. M. Wood, Co. C ; died Jan. 24, 1862.
Benjamin F. Cay, Co. F ; died Feb. 4, 1862.
Joseph W. Fearnley, Co. F ; died April 6, 1862.
John Masters, Co. F; died May 28, 1862.
Elias Sloan, Co. F; died Feb. 16, 1862.
John W. Wisner, Co. F ; died April 15, 1862.
Pelatiah Hyde, Co. G; died Jan. 8, 1862.
Daniel Hure, Co. G; died Jan. 8, 1862.
Cyrus Sherman, Co. C; missing at Stone River, Tenn., pec. 31, 1862 ; returned.
N. Myron Comstock, Co F ; missing at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862.
Wm. Spafford, Co. F; missing at Stone River, Tenn., Dec. 31, 1862.
60
HISTOllY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, xMICHIGAN.
Stillman Hedges, Co. H; cap. at Stone Biver; paroled; died before exchange.
A. J. Silverwood, Co. B; died Jan. 2, 1863, of wounds received at Stone River.
Joseph Miller, Co. K ; died Jan. 2, 1803, of wounds received at Stone River.
James W. Seelay, Co. K ; died of wounds, March 10, 1863, at Nashville, T»nn.
George G. Barnes, Co. F; died at Nashville, Tenn.
John Duffey, Co. G ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 9, 1863.
Horace Weaver, Co. F; missing at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1863.
Isaac C. Mosher, Co. B; died at Danville, Va., of w'ds rec'd at Chickamauga.
James Pierce, Co. B ; died in service.
Thomas Pixley, Co. F ; killed near Dallas, Ga., May 31, 1864.
David Sloan, Co. F ; died Dec. 22, 1863, of wounds, at Chattanooga, Tenn.
George Slayton, Co. B ; discb. toenl. in regulars, Nov. 25, 1862.
Cljarles Hull, Co. ¥ ; drowned in Sequeachio Creek, Nov. 23, 1863.
John Metcalf, Co. F ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864.
John Vance, Co.F ; dietl Jan. 18, 1863, at Murfreesboro', Tenn.
William Coplin, Co. B; trans, to 16th Mich. Inf., Sept. 20, 1861.
Charles B. Baynor, Co. B; disch. for disability, June 4, 1862.
John Russell, Co. B; disch. for disability, Oct. 10, 1862.
Charles Sylvester, Co. B; disch. for disability, Oct. 11, 1862.
Enoch H. Goodrich, Co. F; disch. for disability, June 7, 1862.
George Baker, Co. F; disch. for disability, Oct. 21, 1861.
Simon Kelly, Co. F ; disch. for disability, April 25, 1862.
Orville Palmer, Co. F ; diseh. for disability, Oct. 26, 1861.
David W. Stroud, Co. F ; disch. for disability, March 17, 1862.
Eugene Worden, Co. F; diseh. for disability, July 6, 18G2.
David Warren, Co. F; discli. for disability, March 17, 1862.
Clement Tubbs, Co. F; discb. for disability, Aug. 9, 1862.
Milo Scovill, Co. F ; disch. for dissibility, Aug. 27, 1862.
Phillii>s Abel, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1862.
Franklin Bobbitt, Co. G ; disch. for disaljility, Feb. 24, 1862.
Lewis Britton, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Feb. 13, 1862.
William K. Leonard, Co. G; disch. for disability.
William Rogers, Co. K; disch. for disability, June 3, 1862.
Lewis H. Storer, Co. K ; disch. for disability, July 11, 1862.
Henry Palmeter, Co, K ; disch. for disability, Dec. 3, 1862.
Warren Clemens, Co.B; disch. for disability, Feb. 1, 1863.
Juhn Caldwell, Co. B; disch. for disabihty. May 23,1863.
Charles Wilsoti, Co F ; disch. for disability, April 20, 1863.
Thomas E. A. Cooney, Co. K ; disch. for disfibility, F«b. 18, 1863.
Albert Palmeter, Co. K; discb. for disability, March 1, 1863.
James Fields, Co. B ; trans, to U. S. Engineers, July 20, 1864.
Orrin J. Ford, Co. B ; discb. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Randall C. West, Co. B ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Oscar F. Avery, Co. B; wounded in service; disch. at exp. of serv., Sept. 30, '64.
Dillison S. Avery, Co. B; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Halley M. Mills, Co. B; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Bradley Mosher, Co. B ; wounded at Stone River; disch. at expiration of service,
Sept. 30, 1864.
James S. Raynor, Co. B; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
William Spencer, Co. B ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
0. J. Ford, sergt.
Henry V. Whitehead, Co. B ; disch. at expimtion of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Clark Marsh, 1st sergt. ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Horace Weaver, Co. F; discb. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
George W. Whitney ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Myron M. Cbmstock, Co. F; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
John M. Rhodes, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
William C. Clark, Co. F; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
John Jubinville, Co. F; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
William B. Moon, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Samuel A. Oldfleld, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Marion Perry, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
John O. Taylor, Co. F; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Alexander Weaver, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Reuben Wilson, Co. F; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Samuel German, Co. G; disch. for disability, July 20, 1864.
James Crocker, Co. G; di.sch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
James Quilhot, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Wra'y T. Thorn, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
William C. Johnson, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Carlos B. Johnson, Co. K ; discb. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
William H. Marrell, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Walter Myers, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Peter Seeley, Co. K : disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
James Fields, Co. B; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 30, 1864.
Stephen Caner, Co. C; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, March 24, 1864.
Watts Sherman, Co. C ; disch to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 27, 1864.
Samuel German, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan, 30, 1864.
Samuel H. Fellows, Co. B; disch. for disability, April 20, 1863.
Cyrus Sherman, Co. C; disch. at expiration of service, Dec. 9, 1864,
SiE^p^«n A. Caner, Co. C ; disch. Sept. 26, 1865.
Urbane' Hart, Co. D ; disch. by order, May 29, 1865.
Thomas C. Filson, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
James Thorp, Co. F; disch, for disability.
James Long, Co. K ; disch. by order, June 16, 1865.
Morris Slayton, Co. B ; died at Bardstown, Ky., April 19, 1862.
Cornelius H. Van Schaik, Co. F ; died at Bardstown, Ky., Feb. 28, 1862.
ELEVENTH INFANTRY, Reorqanizep.
Byron D. Foster, Co. C ; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., May 31, 1865,
Leroy Geer,Co. E; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., May 6, 1865.
Charles Martin, Co. E ; died at Nashville, Tenn., April 2, 1865.
Frank Jennings, Co. I ; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., April 14, 1865.
Joseph Whaley, Co.I ; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., April 19, 1865.
Ed. A. Bassett, Co. A; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
James D. Beyer, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Melvin Mosher, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Edwin M. Wilson, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
W. Whitney, Co. B; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Alfred Bush, Co. C ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Winfield S. Mapes, Co. C; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
George Rush, Co. C; must, out Sept. 16, 1865,
Urbane Hart, Co. D ; disch. by order, June 16, 1865.
Allen Anderson, Co. E; must. out. Sept. 16, 1865.
Edward E, Clapp, Co. E; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
John Coleman, Co. E ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
John P. Johnson, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
William Maybee, Co. E ; must, out May 6, 1865.
Frank W May, Co. E; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Freeman Pettis, Co. E ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Edwin B. Sheldon, Co. E; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
James S. Whitney, Co. E ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Albert H. Mendel, Co. F ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Horatio M. Townsend, Co. H; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Joseph T. Bolger, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Adoniram J. Burroughs, Co. II ; must, out Sept, 16, 1865.
George M. Cooper, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
George Pratt, Co, H ; nuist. out Sept. 16,1865.
Levi Warrens, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 10, 1865.
Hiram S. Ames, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Lewis Baler, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865,
William Barnard, Co, I ; must, out Sept, 10, 1865.
Benjamin Candee, Co.I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
James E. Case, Co, I; must, out Sept. 16,1865.
George A. Converse, Co, I; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
William Cook, Co, I; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Warren II. Green, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
John Gordon, Co. I; must, out Sept, 16, 1865.
Charles II. Laper, Co. I ; must, out Aug, 15, 1865.
Freeman W. Lindsley, Co. I; must, out Sei)t. 16, 1805.
Charles H. Lindsley, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Sanford Miller, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865,
Sumner Manning, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Francis M. Rustine, Co. I ; must, out Sept, 30, 1805.
Byron Rustine, Co. I; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Peter Silvernail, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Jacob E. Smith, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Francis Squier, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Orlando Shark, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1805.
Emerson S. Trumbull, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Solomon B. Trumbull, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865,
William E. Williams, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Allen E. Worden, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 6, 1865.
John H. Wells, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Charles W. White, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Alanson Wales, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Christ Young, Co. I ; muf^t. out Aug. 30, 1865.
Cyrus J. Dewey, Co. I ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
John Roberts, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
James Wilkinson, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
Franklin Van Schaik, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 16, 1865.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
A Scattering Representation — From Parade-Ground to Ijattle-Field
— The 15th at Pittsburg Landing — Battle of Corinth — Siege and
Capture of Vicksburg — Victories in Georgia — The March to the
gea — Through the Carolinas — Ordered to Arkansas — Brought Home
and Disbanded — List of Officers and Soldiers — A Scant Delegation
in the 16th — That Regiment in the Seven Days' Fight — Heavy
Loss at Gaineis' Mill — Second Battle of Bull Run — Gettysburg —
Sharp Fight in the Wilderness — Subsequent Conflicts — Storming
the Works at Poplar Grove Church — Hatcher's Run — The Final
Struggles — The Muster-Out — List of Members.
The 15th Infantry, raised under Col. J. M. Oliver at
Monroe, was not able to leave that place for the front until
the 27th day of March, 1862. The Hillsdale County sol-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
61
diers who served in its ranks during the war numbered
four in Company A, six in B, three in C, one in D,
four in E, twelve in F, two in G, three in H, five in I,
and ten in K, making just fifty men in the ten companies of
the regiment. We believe this was the only regiment in the
service in which every company embraced Hillsdale men, yet,
as has been seen, the representation was exceedingly sparse.
The 15th was transferred almost instantaneously from
the peaceful parade-ground at Monroe to the storm of bat-
tle at Pittsburg Landing It arrived the evening of the
5th of April, 1862. The next day the battle opened, and
the 15th was hurried to the front, taking an active and
gallant part, and having thirty-three officers and men killed
and sixty-four wounded, while seven were reported missing.
The regiment served through the siege of Corinth, and
was on duty in the vicinity until that place was attacked
by the rebel generals, Price and Van Dorn, on the 1st and
2d of October, 1862. It was then on outpost duty, ten
miles northwest of Corinth, and was assailed by the whole
rebel force. It fell back, contesting the ground inch by
inch, and with some other regiments held the enemy in
check during the whole of that day, giving ample time for
Gen. Rosecrans to prepare for the next day's conflict, in
which he won a complete victory over the rebel army.
The casualties of the 15th were thirteen killed, thirty-two
wounded, and five missing.
The regiment served in Northern Mississippi until June,
1863, when it was ordered to Vicksburg. Having been
assigned to the 9th Corps, it took part in the siege of that
city, sharing the hardships and dangers, which were at
length rewarded by the surrender of the place, with the
grand army of Gen. Pemberton, on the ever-memorable
Fourth of July, 1863.- The 15th remained in Central
Mississippi during the summer, and in October was sent
with the 5th Corps to reinforce the Army of the Cum-
berland. It was stationed in Northern Alabama until Feb-
ruary, 1864, when a portion of the men re-enlisted, and
the regiment was sent home on veteran furlough, returning,
to take part in Gen. Sherman's Georgia campaign, in May.
After unnumbered wearisome marches and many skirm-
ishes, the 15th found itself in the 5th Corps, in front of
the enemy, near Decatur, Ga. The rebels drove back
the 17th Corps, which was on the left of the 5th. The
15th Michigan was ordered to take possession of an ex-
posed position some distance from the line of its corps.
On the regiment's arriving near the point indicated, it was
found to be in possession of the enemy. The men of
Michigan did not hesitate, but moved gallantly forward,
and after a brief but sharp conflict captured the position,
with seventeen rebel officers, a hundred and sixty-seven
men, and three stands of colors. The loss of the 15th was
only four killed and six wounded.
On the 28th of July the regiment won another victory
over an assailing force of the enemy, which was driven off
with heavy loss, leaving its dead and wounded on the field.
Still another triumph was gained near Jonesboro' on the
31st of August, when the enemy attacked the fortified
camp of the 15th, and was most decisively defeated.
After the surrender of Atlanta, the regiment went to
Northern Alabama to operate against the rebel general, Hood,
but returned in time to " march to the sea" with Sher-
man. It also marched through the Carolinas with that
general ; went from Washington to Little Rock, Ark., in
June and July, 1865 ; returned to Detroit in August, and
was discharged on the 1st of September.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Franklin B. Case, Jr., commissioned 2d lieut. Oct. 29, 1862 ; Ist lieut, Aug.
13, 1863; capt., March 30, 1865; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Daniel D. Case, com. 2d lieut. Feb. 1, 1863; Ist lieut., June 6, 1865; must, out
Aug. 13, 1865.
James C, Kellogg, com. Ist lieut. March 30, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Charles E. K. Baxter, com. 1st lieut. March 30, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
John W. Hughes, Co. F; died July 3, 1862.
Charles Hughe^^, Co. F ; died May 3, 1862.
Eugene Godfrey, Co. K ; killed at Jonesboro', Ga., Sept. 1, 1864.
George Hewitt, Co. K; killed at Rome, Ga., July 28, 1865.
Royal Willson, Co. F; disch. for disability, March 26, 1862.
Jeremiah Harris, Co. I ; disch. for disability, June 12, 1862.
James Hughes, Co. F; disch for disability, July 17, 1862.
Chauncey Tupper, Co. F ; disch. for disability, July 16, 1862.
Reuben Wilson, Co. F ; disch. for disability, Sept. 2, 1862.
Cyrus Lawrence, Co. A ; disch. by order. May 30, 1865.
Frederick Just, Co. A ; must, out Aug, 13, 1865.
Walter B. Harrison, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Edward G. Latham, Co. A ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Anthony Cooley, Co. B; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Calvin Weldin, Co. B; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
John Patten, Co. B; disch. by order, June 29, 1865.
Chauncey A. Perliam, Co. B; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
John V. Bobbins, Co. B; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Stephen Old, Co. C; disch. by order, May 30, 1865.
Volney White, Co. C ; disch. by order, July 19, 1865.
George Weaver, Co. C; disch. l.y order, May 30, 1865.
Henry Fash, Co. D ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Alonzo Noyts, Co. E: must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Charles La Carge, Co. E; disch. by order, July 17, 1865.
James McGreery, Co. E; must, out Aug. 13. 1865.
Richard Martin, Co. E; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Thomas R. Gallagher, Co. F ; disch. for disability, July 16, 1862.
James B. Hughes, Co. F; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 29, 1865.
Henry Upthegrove, Co. F ; disch. by order, Sept. 12, 1865.
Sibley P. Wilder, Co. F; disch. for disability, May 6, 1862.
Horace Cory, Co. F; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
.James Silver, Co. F : must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Chailes F. Butler, Co. G; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
John Spoor, Co. G; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Altnon Cary, Co. H ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Henry Coy, Co. H ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Joel B. Myers, Co. H; must, out July 19, 1865.
John Crelley, Jr., Co. I; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
William Lake, Co. I; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
Herman Terril, Co. I ; mnst. out Aug. 13, 1865.
George Mackay, Co. I; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
John C. Cooley, Co. K; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
George Sevick, Co. K ; disch. by order, Aug. 1865.
John W. Resdorph, Co. K ; disch. by order. May 22, 1865.
John Cruthers,Co. K ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
George H. Godfrey, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
George Nisle, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
John H. Bradshaw, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 13,1865.
Washington J. Engle, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 13, 1865.
SIXTEENTH INFANTRY.
The 16th barely comes within the limit we have pre-
scribed as entitling a regiment to mention in these pages.
It had, according to the adjutant-general's rolls, just twenty
members who were residents of Hillsdale County, viz., one
in Company B, seven in C, two in D, eight in E, and two
inF.
It went to Virginia in September, 1861. In the spring
of 1862 it moved with the Army of the Potomac to the
Peninsula, and was engaged in the battles of Hanover
Court- House, Gaines' Mills, and Malvern Hill. At Gaines'
Mills alone it had no less than forty-nine officers and sol-
diers killed, one hundred and sixteen wounded, and fifty-five
missing. At the second battle of Bull Run it had sixteen
killed, sixty-three wounded, and seventeen missing.
-■■^/
62
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
At Antietam it was in reserve. At Fredericksburg it
had twenty-three men killed and wounded, and at Chancel-
lorsville one killed and six wounded. At Middleburg, on
the 21st of June, 1*863, the regiment captured a piece of
artillery with nineteen officers and men, itself having nine
men wounded. It was hotly engaged at Gettysburg, having
twenty-four officers and soldiers killed, thirty-six wounded,
and two missing.
The next battle of the 16th (which, in the mean time,
had reorganized as a veteran regiment) was at the Wilder-
ness, where, on the 7th of May, 186 J:, it was sharply and
gallantly engaged, having thirty-five officers and men killed
and wounded. The evening of the 8th, the rebels attacked
the regiment while on the march, but were repulsed, and a
rebel colonel and a large number of men were captured.
On the 22d of May the 16th defeated the enemy's rear-
guard, and made another large capture of prisoners.
After numerous skirmishes and two or three serious con-
flicts it reached the lines in front of Petersburg on the 17th
of June. On the 30th of September it was part of the
force which stormed the works at Poplar Grove Church, its
commander, Col. Welch, being killed, and fifty-two others
being killed and wounded. The regiment remained on duty
before and near Petersburg until the 6th and 7th of Feb-
ruary, 1865, when it was engaged in the battle of Hatcher's
Run, and suffered heavy loss. It was also engaged to some
extent in the conflicts at Five Forks, Amelia Court-House,
High Bridge, and the crowning glory of Appomattox Court-
House. After being ordered to Louisville, Ky., and Jeff'er-
sonvillc, Ind., in June, it was finally sent to Jackson, Mich.,
in July, whereat was paid off" and disbanded on the 25th
of that month.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
James R. Hall, Co. D; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863.
William Simmons, Co. E ; died of wounds.
Joseph Cilliway, Co. C; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 8, 1864.
Curtis Blanchard, Co. C ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, July, 1863.
James N. Ish, Co. D ; di?ch. Feb. 26, 1863.
William Coplin, Co. F; disch. Oct. 24, 1862.
Samuel Holstead, Co. C ; disch. Sept. 7, 1864.
Abram Whitbeck, Co. C ; disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 24, 1863.
James Spatch, Co. E ; disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 21, 1863,
Reuben Weston, Co. F ; disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 21, 1863.
William Ryan, Co. C; must, out July 8, 1865.
Nathaniel D. Milliard, Co. E ; disch. for disability, April 16, 1863.
Patrick Meehan, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Jan. 21, 1863.
James Parker, Co. E ; disch, for disability, Jan. 15, 1863.
David Bellington, Co. C; killed at Malvern Hill, Va,, July 1, 1862.
Malcolm McClellan, Co. E ; killed at Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862.
Patrick Meehan, Co. E; killed at Gaines' Mills, Va., June 27, 1862.
Ephraim H. Hewlett, Co. B; died at Annapolis, Md., Oct. 11, 1862.
Henry Peck, Co. E ; died at Baltimore, Md , Nov. 25, 1862,
Thomas Cilliway, Co, G ; disch. for disability, Feb. 24, 1862.
Alphonzo Wakefield, Co. C; disch. for disability, Dec, 29, 1861.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE EIGHTEENTH INPANTBY.
A Special Hillsdale Regiment — Number from the County — How
Raised — Camp at Hillsdale — Service in Kentucky — Provost Duty
at Nashville — In Garrison at Nashville — Suprising the Rebels —
Disaster near Athens — A Successful Defense — A Brilliant Sally —
Subsequent Duties— Muster Out — The Officers and Soldiers.
This is generally considered as peculiarly a Hillsdale
County regiment, as its rendezvous during formation was at
Hillsdale village. It also contained more men frona that
county than did any other regiment under a single organi-
zation, though not as many as did the old and new 4th com-
bined. The whole number of Hillsdale men in the regi-
ment during the war was two hundred and eighty-six, dis-
tributed as follows : sixteen in Company A, ninety-two in
Company D, eighty-three in Company F, seventy -four in
Company G, nineteen in Company H, and two in Company I.
The 18th was one of the first organized results of Presi-
dent Lincoln's call for more troops after the disasters of the
Peninsular campaign. The 17th Infantry was raised under
that call by the State at large. Then it was arranged that
each of the six Congressional districts in the State should
raise one regiment to be numbered from eighteen to twenty-
three, inclusive. The county of Wayne, however, which
was then in the first district, undertook to raise an additional
regiment by itself, and consequently the remaining counties
of the first district, Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale, were
called on to supply a sufficient number of volunteers for the
18th Regiment.
The regimental camp was established at Hillsdale, and
placed under the charge of Hon. Henry Waldron. So
promptly did the young men of the three counties named
respond to their country's call that on the 4th of Septem-
ber, 1862, the regiment left Hillsdale for Cincinnati with a
thousand and two officers and men in its ranks. Of these,
as has been seen, Companies D, F, G, were substantially
from Hillsdale County, while small detachments represented
the county in other companies. Charles E. Doolittle, of
Hillsdale, then a captain of the 4th Infantry, was commis-
sioned as colonel of the new regiment. The other field-
officers were Lieut-Col. George Spaulding, of Monroe
County, and Maj. John W. Homer, of Lenawee.
From Cincinnati the regiment was moved to Lexington,
Ky., where it remained until February 21, when it
marched to Danville. It retreated from Danville with
Gen. Carter's force, skirmishing with the rebels under Gen.
Pegram on the way. On the 28th, the Union men turned
the tables on their late pursuers, chasing them over a rough
mountainous road as far as Buck Creek. On the 7th of
April the 18tli marched to Lebanon, and thence proceeded
to Nashville, Tennessee, where it arrived on the 14th of
that month.
It remained at Nashville, doing duty as provost-guard,
until the 11th of June, 1864, a period of fourteen months.
Its duties were well performed, and it is understood that it
was retained so long in that position at the request of An-
drew Johnson, then Military Governor of Tennessee, and
afterwards President of the United States. Of course,
however, this detention prevented the regiment from winning
glory in the field during the time of its stay.
On the date before named, the 11th of June, 1864, the
18th was released from duty as provost-guard, and promptly
set out to meet the enemy in the field. The next day it
reached Decatur, Ala., of which place it formed a part
of the garrison during the succeeding summer and fall,
though often engaged in scouting through the neighboring
country and having several conflicts with the enemy.
On the 28th of June, in connection with a force of cav-
alry, it surprised the camp of Patterson's brigade of rebel
cavalry, capturing all the equipage, wagons, stores, etc.,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
63
and some prisoners. On the 25th of July, again in con-
nection with a cavalry force, but marching in advance of it,
the 18th attacked the same brigade at Cortland, Ala., and
drove it in confusion from the field. On the 1st of Sep-
tember, it was sent to reinforce the garrison of Athens,
Ala., arriving just in time to prevent Gen. Roddy's brigade
of shot-gun cavalry from seizing the town.
On the 8th of September the regiment left Athens, with
Gen. Streight's brigade, in pursuit of Gen. Wheeler, with
whose troops it had a sharp skirmish near Florence, Ala.
The pursuit being abandoned, the 18th returned to Decatur.
On the 24th of September, two hundred and thirty-one
officers and men of the 18th marched with about as many
other troops to aid the garrison of Athens. About two
miles from that place they were attacked by Gen. N. B.
Forrest, the most vigorous and successful of all the rebel
cavalrymen in the West, with a force since ascertained to
have numbered four thousand. After expending all their
ammunition in five hours' hard fighting against this im-
mensely superior force, the detachment had fought its way
to a point in sight of Athens, but all their hopes were ex-
tinguished by seeing that the town was already in possession
of the enemy. The force intended to relieve it, including
the detachment of the 18th, then also surrendered. Ex-
cept a very few who escaped, the entire number above
mentioned (two hundred and thirty-one) was killed or
captured.
On the 2f)th of October Gen. Hood, then on his way,
with the army withdrawn from Atlanta, to attempt the de-
feat of Thomas and capture of Nashville, appeared before
Decatur. The siege continued until the 29th of October,
the immense force of rebels making every effort to over-
whelm the defenders of the town, but without success.
That portion of the 18th not captured by Forrest was
active in the defense, which at length resulted in the de-
feat of the enemy, and the withdrawal of his whole force.
At one time during the siege a detachment of the
enemy's riflemen gained possession of a line of rifle-pits
close to one of the Union forts. Fifty men of the 18th
were sent out against them. The Michigan men managed
to strike the rebels in flank, rout them from their rifle-pits,
and capture a hundred and fifteen of them, almost before
the bewildered Confederates knew what was going on.
On the 25th of November the 18th set out for Steven-
son, Ala., but after remaining at the latter place about two
weeks it returned to Decatur. From that point it pro-
ceeded to Huntsville, Ala., on the 11th of January, 1865,
where it remained in garrison until the 20th of June. It
was then ordered to Nashville, where it was mustered out
on the 26th of that month. It arrived at Jackson, Mich.,
on the 2d of July, 1865, and on the 4th was paid off and
disbanded.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Charlts E. Doolittle (formerly of 4th Inf.), commissioned coL July 27, 1862 ; brig.-
gen. of vols., May 11, 1865 ; brevet maj.-gen. of vols., May 11, 1865 ; must.
out Nov. 30, 1865.
Simeon P. Root, com. surg. Aug. 7, 1862; res. Feb. 25, 1863,
James H. Pratt, com. 1st lieut. and qr.-mr, Aug. 2, 1862 ; assist, qr.-mr. U. S. Vols.,
March 29, 1863 ; mnst. out Jan. 8, 1866.
John R. Randall, com. Ist lieut. July 27, 1862 ; capt., Feb. 18, 1863 ; res. April
16, 1864.
George W. Bullock, com. capt. July 27, 1862 ; res. March 27, 1865.
Jacob 0. Ames, com. Ist lieut. July 27, 1862 ; res. Jan. 16, 1863.
James G. Bunt, com. 2d lieut. July 27, 1862; 1st lieut., Dec. 13, 1862; capt.,
March 21, 1865 ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Stanley W. Turner, com. 2d lieut. July 27, 1862; res. Jan. 16, 1863.
Alonzo E. Clark, com. 2d lieut. July 27, 1862; Ist lieut., Feb. 18, 1863; must.
out June 26, 1865.
Stanley W. Davis, com. 2d lieut. Jan. 31, 1863 ; wounded and captured at Athens,
Ala., Sept. 24, 1864; paroled Nov. 14, 1864 ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Edward P. Champlin, com, 2d lieut. Jan. 16, 1863; Ist lieut. and qr.-mr., Sept.
28, 1863 ; assist, qr.-mr. U. S. Vols., June 30, 1864.
Seymour H. Adams, com. 2d lieut. Feb. 18, 1863 ; 1st lieut., Aug. 16, 1864; must.
out June 26, 1865.
Charles B. Iloyt, com. 2d lieut. May 30, 1863; res. Jan. 9, 1865.
George W.Brewster, com. 2d lieut. Aug. 1, 1863; Ist lieut., March 21,1865;
must, out June 26, 1865.
Albert C. Smith, com, 2d lieut. Jan. 9, 1865; must, out June 26, 1865.
Clinton F. Norris, com. 2d lieut. Aug, 16, 1864; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Massaker, Co. D; died at Lexington, Ky., Oct. 25, 1862.
William G. Granger, Co. G ; died at Camp Smith, Ky., Oct. 16, 1862.
Ashur T. Strong, Co. G; died at Covington, Ky., Oct. 2, 1862,
Daniel S. Foster, Co. D ; died at Nashville, Tenn., July 3, 1863.
William T. Hart, Co. D ; died at Nashville, Tenn., June 22, 1863.
Alonzo H. Orvis,Co. D; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 5, 1863.
William Folger, Co. D ; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 7, 1863.
John RIchey, Co. D; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 16, 1863.
Cbauncey Ashley, Co. F; died at Nashville, Tenn., May 28,1863.
Robert H. Cowgill, Co. F ; died at Lexington, Ky., March 7, 1863,
John Croup, Co. F; died at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 8, 1863.
Albert S. Thorn, Co. F; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 8, 1863,
Loren M. Hammond, Co. F; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 21, 1863,
Charles E. Merrick, Co. G; died at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 19, 1863.
Francis Hunt, Co. G; died at Danville, Ky., March 23, 1863.
Byron Barber, Co. G ; died at Danville, Ky., April 10, 1863.
John B. Webster, Co. G ; died at Lexington, Ky., April 8, 1863.
William McCarthy, Co. G ; died at Nasliville, Tenn., May 4, 1863.
Seth Petrie, Co. G ; died at Nashville, Tenn., May 23, 1863.
Ira E. Gay, Co. G ; died at Nashville, Tenn., July 24, 1863.
Helon Vanscoy, Co. H; died at Louisville, Ky., July 27, 1863,
Irving Bramen, Co, H ; died at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 10, 1863.
George W. Hughes, Co. H; died at Lexington, Ky., Feb. 13, 1863.
Eli Alvord, Co. H ; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 22, 186 '.
Ralph E. Stout, Co. F ; killed at Courtland, Ala , June 27, 1864.
SamtJel D. Douglass, Co. A ; died at Nashville, Tenn., .Tan :», 1864.
Charles W. Davis, Co. A; shot at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 27, 1863.
William McGaffee, Co. D; died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 18,1864.
Charles H. Baker, Co. D ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 14, 1864.
Henry D. Narcott, Co. D; died at Nashville, Tenn., April 20, 1864.
Pliny Pettis, Co. D ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 10, 1864.
James W. Camp, Co. D ; died at Decatur, Ala., Aug. 14, 1864.
William F. Cook, Co. D; accidentally shot, Nov. 27, 1863,
Milton Rice, Co. F; died at Reading, Mich., Dec, 29, 1863.
Philip J, Conklin, Co. F; died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 8, 1864.
Sheldon Carey, Co. F; died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan, 30, 1864.
John C. Hindes, Co. F ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 18, 1864.
Jacob Beiry, Co. F ; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 22, 1864.
Henry H. Davis, Co. F; died at Nashville, Tenn., April 17, 1864.
Albert Tillotson, Co. F: died at Nashville, Tenn., Blay 12, 1864.
James Lickley, Co. F ; died at Decatur, Ala., Sept. 11, 1864.
Willis M. Woods, Co. F ; died at Decatur, Ala., Sept. 11, 1864.
Nelson L. Lyon, Co. G; died at Nashville, Tenn., March 24, 1864.
William B. Burt, Co. G; died at Nashville, Tenn., April 6, 1864.
Norman G, Markham, Co. G ; died at Nashville, Tenn., April 4, 1864.
William D. Storer, Co. H; died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 22, 1864.
Nelson Slocum, Co. G; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864,
James L. Avery, Co. D ; killed at Athens, Ala., Sept. 24, 1864.
Levi Courtleff, Co. D ; killed at Athens, Ala., Sept, 24, 1864,
Wm. H. Finch, Co, D : killed by explosion of steamer " Sultana," April 28, 1865.
John F. Schermerhorn, Co. F; killed at Athens, Ala., Sept. 24, 1864.
Jonathan Robbins, Co. A; killed by explosion of " Sultana," April 28, 1865.
William Moore, Co. D ; died at Lexington, Ky., Dec. 27,1862.
Albert W. Lawrence, Co. D ; killed by explosion of " Sultana," April 28, 1865.
John E. Bird, Co. D; killed by explosion of steamer "Sultana," April 28, 1865.
Wm. Young, Co. D; killed by explosion of steamer "Sultana," April 28, 1866.
Silas C. Dodge, Co. D ; died at Huntsville, Ala., March 12, 1865.
Edwin Ford, Co. D; killed by explosion, April 28, 1865.
Lemon Nelson, Co. D; killed by explosion, April 28, 1865.
Benjamin Morton, Co. D ; died at Danville, Ky,, April 8, 1863.
F. M. Sawyer, Co. D ; died at Decatur, Ala., Dec. 17, 1864.
James Watkins, Co.D; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
Ward Wilson, Co. D ; died in rebel prison, Cahawba, Ala., Nov. 17, 1864.
Washington Mann, Co. D ; killed by '* Sultana" explosion.
Levi J. Hoyle, Co. D ; died at Decatur, Ala., Dec. 17, 1864.
Albert W. Barber, Co. F; died at Cahawba, Ala., in rebel prison, Sept. 24, 1864.
Alfred Dewell, Co. F ; died at Nashville, Tenn., April 17, 1864.
Alexander Fuller, Co. F ; killed by " Sultana" explosion.
Orris Gale, Co. F ; killed by " Sultana" explosion.
Morgan,L. Holmes, Co. F; killed by " Sultana" explosion.
Sherman Rupert, Co. F; died in Ckhawba prison, Ala., Feb. 25, 1885.
64
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
George W. Vangorden, Oo. F; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
George Lockler, Co. F; killed by " Sultana" explosion.
James Caldwell, Co. G; killed by " Sultana" explosion.
Foster Colby, Co. G ; died at Vicksburg, Miss., April 5, 1865.
William F. Fanrat, Co. G; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
Patrick Lackey, Co. G; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
George W. Palmer, Co. G; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
Frederick D. Zeeley, Co. G; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
Jason Vanata, Co. G; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
Charles A. West, Co. G ; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
Wm. Springer, Co. G; died at Huntsville, Ala., May 6, 1865.
Henry Thompson, Co. G ; killed by " Sultana" explosion.
Simon Mattison,Co. H; killed by "Sultana" explosion.
George W. Angel, Co. H ; died at Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 9, 1865.
Henry H. Loper, Co. D; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Sylvester Lyman, Co. D; trans, to 9th Mich Inf.
William Wilson, Co. D; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Eussell J. Ellis, Co. D ; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Milo M. Titus, Co. D; trans, to 9th Midi. Inf.
' David Cowan, Co. D ; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Charles Richardson, Co. D ; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Sidney J. Smithson, Co. F; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Andrew B. Crandall, Co. F; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Thomas T. Cox, Co. F; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
William H. Smith, Co. G; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Luther Benedict, Co. G; trans, to 9th Mich. Inf.
Edward Aiken, Co. G ; trans, to 9tlj Mich. Inf.
John R. Duesler, Co. D; disch. for disability, Oct. 4, 1862.
John Beaver, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Sept. 2, 1862.
Donald T. McCall, Co. A ; disch. for disability, Jan. 3, 1863.
William B. Evatt, Co. A ; disch. for disability, March 12, 1863.
Washington Pease, Co. D; disch. for disability, Jan. 26, 1863.
James H. Thill, Co. D ; disch. for disability, Feb. 4, 1863.
Henry Hermance, Co. D ; disch. for disability, Feb. 4, 1863.
James H. Wheeler, Co. D ; disch. for disability, Feb. 4, 1863.
Henry C. Cole, Co. D; di><ch. for disability, March 20, 1863.
George Warren, Co. D; disch. for disability, May 23, 1863.
William 0. Truman, Co. D; disch. for disability, June 1, 1863.
Charles H. Baker, Co. D ; disch. for disability, June 14, 1863.
Hugh Killen, Co. D ; disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1863.
Francis Furry, Co. F; disch. for disability, March 26, 1863.
William Siddal, Co. F: disch. for disability, June 22, 1863.
Charles H. Randolph, Co. G; disch. for disability, April 23, 1863.
Orrin E. Nichols, Co. G; disch. for disability, April 23, 1863.
A. V. Ammerman, Co. G; disch. fur disability, May 1, 1863.
Albert Bayer, Co. G ; disch, for disability, May 27, 1863.
Cornelius Anable, Co. G ; disch. for disability, June 8, 1863.
Charles E. K. Baxter, Co. G; disch. for disability, Sept. 15, 1863.
George Hancock, Co. H; disch. for disability, March 26, 1863.
Charles Button, Co. D; disch. for disability, June 15, 1864.
William W. Noe, Co. D; disch. by order, July 10, 1864.
James D. Smith, Co. F; disch. for disability, Jan. 15, 1864.
Lewis P. Swift, Co. G ; disch. for promotion, April 20, 1864.
Marion I. Dillon, Co. A ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Nathaniel W. Foglesang, Co. A ; must, out June 21, 1865.
Nelson Hinckley, Co. A; must, out June 10, 1865.
Benjamin B. Martin, Co. A; must, out June 26, 1865.
Harvey Pixley, Co. A ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Philo Stafford, Co. A ; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1862.
Peter Vanderowligan, Co. A ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Charles H. Levens, N. C. S , must, out June 26, 1865.
David H. Perry, Co. A ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Thomas S. Finch, Co. A ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Ephraim W. Benson, Co. A; must, out June 26, 1865.
Lyman Carr, Oo. A; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1862.
John H. Purdy, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Henry C. Wood, Co. D ; must, out June 22, 1865.
Joseph A. Mathews, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
E. G. Kellogg, Co. D ; disch. Dec. 27, 1862.
Charles N. Howland, Co. D ; disch. Dec. 27, 1862.
Luther B. Walcott, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Aaron F. Brown, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Acker, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Louis J. Barnes, Co. D; disch. for disability, Feb 18, 1865.
Hiram M. Clark, Co. D ; lost right arm at Decatur, Ala., Oct. 26, 1864 ; disch. on
account of wounds, March 23, 1865.
William Crisp, Co. D; must, out Juno 22, 1865.
Nelson Clark, Co. D ; must, out June 30, 1865.
George W. Drake, Co. D ; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1862.
James Ellis, Co. D; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1862.
George W. Duesler, Co. D; must, out June 22, 1865.
Ephraim Gillet, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Charles Hutchings, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
William Y. Henry, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
George N. Jones, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
A. Jennings, Co. D ; must, out July 10, 1865.
William N. Kinney, Co. D; must, out June 9, 1805.
Jacob Kausen, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
William Lee, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Michael Mosher, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Mile.*», Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
John McKee, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Harrison Mattison, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
Nicholas G. Massaker, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
Sampson Orenden, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
Samuel Prescott, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Robert Scott, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Franklin Shaw, Co. D; must, out June 10, 1865.
Amos Sawyer, Co. D; must, out June 21, 1865.
Alvah Sawyer, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Oscar Tindell, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
William Torry, Co. D; must, out Sept. 11, 1865.
Galusha Turner, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Ambrose C. Tyler, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Warner, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
George Williams, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
David J. Watkins, Co. D; must, out June 26, 1865.
Hiram J. Wilson, Co. D ; disch. Dec. 26, 1862.
William T. Whitney, Co. D ; disch. for disability. May 21, 1865.
Henry S. Woodruff, Co. D ; must, out June 26, 1865.
John W. Norcutt, Co. D, must, out Jnly 19, 1865.
Foshen Smith, Co. D; must, out June 10, 1865.
Aaron Wood, Co. D; must, out June 21, 1865.
Isaac Coffin, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Williams, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Commodore Smith, Oo. F; must, out July 25, 1865.
Judah P. Curnell, Co. F: must, out June 10, 1865.
Albert Hancock, Co, F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Orlando Cole, Co. F; must, out June 29, 1865.
Peter G. Clow, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
John T. Young, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Sidney Dodge, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Nelson Benedict, Co. F ; must, out Jnly 6, 1865.
Erastus Bates, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Ira Bryant, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Isaac Brown, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Miles O. Bailey, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Burns, Co. F; must. out. June 26, 1865.
George E. Carter, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
George II, Cornell, Co, F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Edward L. Cutter, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Loren W. Chapin, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Samuel Carlisle, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Daniel Clehane, Co, F; must, out June 10, 1865.
John Capon, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Henry R. Davis, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
James N. Davis, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Jacob M. Divine, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Lewis Dewell, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Franklin Fuller, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Franklin J. Farnham, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
D. Eddy Haskins, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Michael S. Howland, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Thomas Hodson, Co. F ; must, out May 29, 1865.
Sylvester B. Kimball, Co. F ; disch. in March, 1863.
Allen D. Lite, Co. F ; must, out June 10, 1865.
Daniel W. Litchfield, Oo. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Le Grand B. Lamb, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Gad McDowell, Co. F; nuist. out June 26, 1865.
Joel F. Nevins, Co. F ; must, out July 6, 1865.
Charles J. Owens, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
William H. Petrie, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Palmer, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
William Rose, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
William H. Shepherd, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Ransom Scovill, Co. F ; must, out June 10, 1865.
S. B. Stubberfield, Co. F; must, out July 5, 1865.
Richard Shepardson, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
James D. Smith, Co. F ; disch. Jan. 16, 1863.
Martin V. Stuck, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
George W. Sturdevant, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Charles W. Sackrider, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Alonzo Van Vlack, Co. F; must, out July 6, 1865.
William W. Wilson, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Luther W. Woods, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Wear, Co. F ; disch. for disability, April 12, 1865.
Nelson P. Woodruff, Co. F; must, out June 26, 1865.
Hiram A. Cole, Co. F ; must, out June 26, 1865.
John P. Freeland, Co. F ; disch. Dec. 26, 1862.
Thaddeus C. Ayers, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Horace C. Aldrich, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Marion F. Howe^ Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
John M. 0. Smith, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
James A. Tyler, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
65
Almon M. Pierce, Co. G ; disch. Dec. 25, 1862.
Alfred Hopkins, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
George W. Ankless, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Allen G. Brindage, Co. G ; must, out May 17, 1865.
George W. Baker, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Daniel A. Benedict, Co. G; disch. Jan. 18, 1865.
Wesley Brooks, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Henry C. Bennett, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Nilare Branch, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Samuel D. Brown, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Edward Bemis, Co. G; must, out June 12, 1865.
John P. Cooper, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Peter Card, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
George Curris, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
George W. Crawford, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Corridor Cassady, Co. G; must, out June 29, 1865.
Martin W. Decker, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
I>oor Darling, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Eli A. Fuller, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Lyman Havens, Co. G; must, out June 15, 1865.
Richard W. Hawkins, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Thomas J. Harris, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Allen C. Howe, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
George C. Howe, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Ensign Johnson, Co. G ; must, out May 22, 1865.
Benjamin Kaltenback, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Ira Kinney, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Julius Lewis, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Joseph W. Mullen, Co. G; must, out Juno 26, 1865.
John Mull, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Bradley 0. Moore, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Sylvester Miller, Co. G; disch. Dec. 25, 1862.
Oscar C. Nash, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Philemon Plumer, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Elisha Remele, Co. G; disch. Dec. 26, 1862.
John J. Riggs, Co. G : must, out June 26, 1865.
Levi Riker, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Cyrus W. Simons, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
David Stevens, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
David Turner, Co. G ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Cornelius Veli, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
Edward A. Wright, Co. G; must, out June 26, 1865.
George W. Walker, Co. G ; nuist. out June 26, 1865.
Willis W. Wright, Co. G ; must, out June 28, 1865.
W. C. Seymour, Co. G ; must, out June 9, 1865.
John C. Curtiss, Co. G ; must, out May 14, 1865.
James Bradley, Co. H ; disch. Dec. 25, 1862.
Jacob Barrett, Co. H ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Theodore S. Bloomer, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
James Barrett, Co. H ; must, out June 26, 1865.
Christian Gernum, Co. H ; must, out Juno 26, 1865.
David Hand, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Kurton, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
Benjamin Osborn, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
Henry Quanee, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
Henry R. Stivers, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
William D. Storer, Co. H; must, out June 26, 1865.
John Jibb, Co. I; disch. July 1, 1865.
John Kirkly, Co. I ; disch. May 22, 1865.
CHAPTER Xy.
THE TA^^ENTr-FOUKTH, TWENTY-SEVENTH,
AND THIKTIETH INFANTBY.
A Score of Gallant Men— Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville— Se-
vere Loss at Gettysburg— Capturing Rebel Colors in the Wilder-
ness—A Third Cut Down at Petersburg— Defeating the Foe on the
Weldon Railroad— Hatcher's Run — Mustered Out — List of Mem-
bers—Origin of the 27th— The Second Independent Company of
Sharpshooters— The Members from Hillsdale County— At Vicks-
burg — In Kentucky— Ordered to Knoxrille — Checking Longstreet
— Defense of Kno.xville — Ordered to Maryland in 1864 — The Wil-
derness and Spottsylvania— Bethesda Church — Assailing Peters-
burg—The Explosion of the Mine— Enormous Total of Losses-
Duties during the Winter— Storming and Capture of Fort Stead-
man— Entering Petersburg— Close of Services— Officers and Soldiers
—Thirtieth Infantry formed to stop Rebel Raids— The Hillsdale
County Recruits— Brief Services — Muster-Out— List of Members.
The 24tli Infantry had only twenty-one men from Hills-
dale County, two of whom were in Company B, four, in
9
Dj one io F, six in G, two in H, one in I, and five in
K. The regiment was raised mostly in Wayne County, its
rendezvous being at Detroit. It left for Washington the
last of August, 1862. Its first severe battle was at Fred-
ericksburg, on the 13th and 14th of December, 1862,
where it had twenty-three men killed and wounded. On
the 29th of April, 1863, preliminary to the battle of Chan-
cellorsville, the 24th and another regiment crossed the
Rappahannock and drove the rebels from their rifle-pits,
capturing one "hundred and three prisoners, with a loss of
only three killed and twenty-two wounded. The enemy
left seventeen dead on the field. The regiment was not
engaged in the main battle of Chancellorsville, but covered
the retreat of the Union army.
At Gettysburg the 24th was a part of the fii-st infantry
engaged, and its loss on the first day was extremely severe,
eight officers and sixty-five men being killed, thirteen offi-
cers and two hundred and fourteen men being wounded,
and three officers and ninety-one men being reported miss-
ing, a total of three hundred and ninety-four. The twenty-
one officers killed and wounded embraced nearly the whole
number present. The regiment was not engaged during
the second and third days of the battle.
The 24th was not again in any important conflict until
it met the foe in the Wilderness, on the 5th of May, 1864,
where it captured a number of prisoners and the colors of
the 48th Virginia rebel infantry. It was also sharply
engaged on the 6th and 7th of May, having sixty- four
men killed and wounded during the three days. At and
near Spottsylvania Court-House the 24th was under fire
nearly every day for two weeks, having fifty men killed
and wounded.
On the 23d of May the regiment defeated the enemy,
which attacked it immediately after crossing the North
Anna River. After some fighting near Cold Harbor, it
advanced to the front of Petersburg, and on the 18th of
June took part in the assault on that place, having one-
third killed and wounded out of the little band of a hun-
dred and twenty which gallantly advanced under its banner.
The regiment (scarcely more than a company in numbers)
was severely engaged on the Weldon Railroad on the 19th
of August, its casualties numbering twenty-five. Two days
later it aided in defeating a rebel attack with great loss, this
regiment alone capturing eleven rebel officers and sixty sol-
diers.
Its next serious conflict was at Hatcher's Run, on the
6th and 7th of February, 1865, where it had twenty-two
members killed and wounded. Being soon after sent to
Springfield, 111., on guard duty, it was not again under fire.
It was mustered out at Detroit, on the 30th of June, 1865.
SOLDIERS FBOM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Henry J. Phillips, Co. K ; died at Camp Butler, 111., April 7, 1865.
Jerome Pierce, Co. B; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles Dobson, Co. B ; must, out June 30, 1865.
William Millard, Co. D ; must, out June 30, 1865.
David J. Kendall, Co. D ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Edward Webster, Co. D ; must, out June 30, 1865.
John A. Devoe, Co. D; must, out June 30, 1865.
John S. Ensign, Co. F; must, out June 30, 1865.
Michael Cassidy, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Thomas Delano, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Hub. Lull, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
John Lyon, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
66
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
James Smith, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Mathus Shinners, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Angus Matherson, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Edward F. Staples, Co. H ; must out June 30, 1865.
Anselm Ball, Co. I; must, out June 30, 1865,
James K. P. Heath, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865.
James K. Thompson, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Stophen Underbill, Co. K; must, out June 30,1865.
William Wright, Co. K ; must, out June 28, 1865.
TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY.
The formation of the 27th Infantry was ordered by the
Governor, with the consent of the national administration,
in September, 1862, the rendezvous being at Port Huron.
Soon afterwards the formation of the 28th Infantry was
ordered at Ypsilanti. Such heavy drafts, however, had
already been made on the then sparse population of Michi-
gan that recruiting went on but slowly, and in January,
1863, it was determined to consolidate the two regiments
just named. On the 1st of February the 27th accordingly
removed to Ypsilanti, where the consolidation was eiFected,
the resultant regiment taking the name of the 27th.
Another 28th Regiment was afterwards raised, unconnected
with this.
Company K of the 27th was entirely recruited in Hills-
dale County, and during the war ninety -six citizens of that
county served in its ranks ; besides which, there were four-
teen Hillsdale County men in Company D, twenty-eight
in Company G, one in Company F, one in Company E, and
two in Company H, making a total of a hundred and forty-
one. In addition there was a company partly raised in
Hillsdale County in the forepart of 1864 (fifty of its men
being from that county), which was called the 2d Indepen-
dent Company of Sharpshooters, and which joined the 27th
in April, 1864, remaining with it during the war. Inclu-
ding these, there were a hundred and ninety-one officers
and soldiers of Hillsdale County in or connected with the
27th Infantry.
Only eight companies were filled when the regiment was
ordered from Ypsilanti to Cincinnati, in April, 1863. The
two other companies, however, soon joined it. After some
service in Kentucky it was attached to the 9th Corps, and
in June was sent to Mississippi. It took part in the operations
which resulted in the capture of Vicksburg, and after the
surrender had a sharp skirmish with the enemy near Jack-
son. In August the regiment returned with the 9th Corps
to Kentucky, and in September was ordered to Knoxville
by way of Cumberland Gap.
On the 16th of November it was at Hoyt's Station, south-
west from Knoxville, when Longstreet's army approached.
The 27th with other regiments fell back toward Knoxville,
closely followed by the rebels. In order to secure the trains
a temporary stand was made at Campbell's Station, where
this regiment had eleven men killed and wounded, besides
eight missing. On reaching Knoxville the 27th took an
active part in the celebrated defense of that place, where all
the skill and valor of Longstreet's veterans were foiled by
the steady courage of the Union volunteers, where every
assault was defeated with disastrous loss, and whence at
length the humbled Confederates retreated with shattered
columns along the valley of the Tennessee. The regiment
had eight killed and seventeen severely wounded during the
month of November.
The 27th joined in the pursuit of the enemy, and after
he had left the State remained in East Tennessee until
the middle of January, 1864. It then marched to Ken-
tucky, and was thence ordered to Maryland, where it was
joined by the two companies of sharpshooters before men-
tioned. In the latter part of April it joined the Army of
the Potomac, and almost immediately plunged into the
terrible series of conflicts so deeply marked with blood in
our country's history, but destined to result in the preserva-
tion of that country's existence.
Down to this time the regiment had not suffered very
severely from the enemy's bullets, though its trials from
hunger and cold around Knoxville had been very bitter,
but it was now to know all the horrors of war and win all
the glory that war confers. In the desperate conflict in
the Wilderness on the 6th of May it had eighty- nine men
killed and wounded, its commander, Maj. Moody, dying of
wounds received there. At Spottsylvania Court-House
it upheld its banner in the face of a still more destructive
shower of rebel bullets, no less than a hundred and seventy-
five officers and men being killed or wounded in those few
hours of deadly strife. It should be remembered that all the
regiments were greatly depleted by previous hardships and
battles, and probably not over six hundred men entered the
campaign under the banners of the 27th, including the two
companies of sharpshooters. The regiment also took an
active part in the battle of Bethesda Church, on the 3d of
June, having seventy-six of its members killed and wounded.
Again it set forth on its blood-tracked path, escaping
serious loss before the terrible lines of Cold Harbor, but
having nearly a hundred men killed and wounded in the
desperate charges on the enemy's works at Petersburg on
the 17th and 18th of June. From the 8th to the 30th of
July the regiment was in the advance immediately in front
of the rebel forts, against which the Union engineers were
directing their celebrated mine. When the mine was
sppung, on the 30th of July, the 27th sprang forward to
the assault, but shared the fate of so many other gallant
regiments which were unable to force their way over the
upheaved ground, the remaining intrenchments, and the
storm of well-aimed bullets which still guarded the city.
The casualties of the month of July, principally on the
30th, numbered one hundred and sixteen men killed and
wounded.
On the 19th and 20th of August, the regiment took part
in the battles near the Weldon Railroad, having seventeen
men killed and wounded, and thirty-seven missing. It was
also in the battle of Poplar Grove Church, on the 30th of
September.
From the beginning of the campaign to the 1st of No-
vember, the 27th lost one hundred and forty-eight men
killed in action or died of wounds, while the wounded
reached the enormous number of four hundred and ninety-
five. There were also about fifty who died of disease,
thirty taken prisoners, and eighty reported " missing in
action," mostly killed or captured. These items probably
equaled or surpassed the number of men in the regiment
when it entered the campaign ; but its continued existence
as an organization was due to the fact that a large part of
the wounds were not such as to disable the men from further
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
67
fighting. Many of them, too, were wounded two or more
times each. Some recruits were received, but not many.
During the winter of 1864-65 the regiment was engaged
in very arduous picket and trench duty, but did not suffer
from the enemy's bullets as during the preceding season.
Recruits were also sent forward to join it, some prisoners
were exchanged, some reported " missing" were found, and
in the spring of 1865 the regiment was in quite respectable
force.
On the 2d of April, at four o'clock in the morning, the 27th
charged the rebel Fort Mahon, capturing the eastern part of
it, with three cannon and a hundred and sixty-four priso-
ners, and holding the position throughout the day, in spite of
repeated assaults of the enemy. During the night the men
threw up breastworks, connecting the captured fort with the
Union picket-line, and at three o'clock on the morning of
the 3d of April advanced into the long-besieged and now
abandoned city of Petersburg.
After assisting in the capture of Lee's army and per-
forming some less important duties in Virginia and the
District of Columbia, the 27th was mustered out at Tenal-
lytown, in that district, on the 26th of July, 1865, and
paid off and disbanded at Detroit about the 30th of the
same month.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE TWENTY-SEVENTH INFANTRY,
AND OF THE SECOND COMPANY OF SHARPSHOOTERS ATTACHED
TO IT, FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Edwin J. March, commissioned capt. Dec. 30, 1863 ; trans, as lieut.-col. to the
2d Inf. April 1, 1864; afterwards wounded before Petersburg; com. coL,
and res. April 1, 1864.
James W. Niblack, app. asst. surg. Dec. 15, 1863 ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Oscar Hancock, com. 1st lieut. Dec. 15, 1863 ; res. Nov. 5, 1864.
Richard Vosper, com. 2d lieut. in the 2d Ind. Co., Feb. 27, 1864; wounded near
Petersburg, June 18, 1864; res. Sept. 27, 1864.
Tliomas S. Mead, com.lst lieut. 2d Ind. Co., Feb. 27, 1864; wounded near Peters-
burg, June 17, 1864 ; also at Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 30, 1864 ; died of
wounds Oct. 16, 1864.
Albert C. Dunn, Co. G; killed at Petersburg, Va., June 3, 1864.
Nelson Kellogg, Co. G; killed at Petersburg, Va., June 3, 1864.
Harlow Haines, Co. G; killed at Petersburg, Va., June 3, 1864.
James P. Todd, Co. G; died of M^ounds, July 19, 1864.
Jacob Rarick, Co. K ; killed at Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
Henry Rich, Co. K; killed at Petersburg, Va., August, 1864.
David Smith, Co. K ; died of wounds, June 29, 1864, at Washington, D. C.
Albert Blunt, Co. K ; died of wounds. May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, Va.
Paul Fifield, Co. K ; died of wounds, May 6, 1864, at Wilderness, Va.
Pulard Sappson, Co. K ; died of wounds, May 12, 1864, at Wilderness, Va.
Leander Squires, Co. K ; died of wounds, May 19, 1864, at Wilderness, Va.
John Ayres, Co. K ; died of wounds, May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va,
Frederick Ostrander, Co. K ; died of wounds, May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.
David 0. Smith, Co. K ; died of wounds, June 1, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.
Conrad Straub, Co. K ; died of wounds, May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.
Jason Worden, Co. K ; died of w^ounds, June 17, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.
Samuel Ostrahurt, Co. K; died of wounds, May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, Va.
Austin Paustle, Co. K; died of wounds, July 30, 1864, at Petersburg, Va.
Horace Drake, Co. K ; died of wounds, June 23, 1864, in Michigan.
William D. Belden, Co. K; died of wounds, June 25, 1864, at Washington, D. C.
A. B. Culver, Co. K; died at Washington, D. C, Aug. 1, 1864.
Stephen Patch, Co. K ; died at Annapolis, Md., Oct. 3, 1864.
John B. Burdick, Co. K ; died at home, January, 1864.
James P. Todd, Co. G ; missing in action. May 26, 1864.
Byron Brine, Co. G ; missing in action. May 25. 1864.
D. G. Van Allen, Co. K; missing in action at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864.
E. D. Van Allen, Co.K; missing in action at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864.
John Anderson, Co. K ; missing at Wilderness, Va., May 8, 1864.
E. W. Elliott, Co. K; missing at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
Stephen Patch, Co. K; missing at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
William H. Cole, Co. K; missing at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
Charles B. Duel, Co. D of regt.; died of wounds, May 12, 1864.
Nelson Winfield, killed before Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
William B. Thorn, Co. G; died Dec. 2, 1864.
William H. Cole, Co. K ; died at Danville, Va., Dec. 8, 1864.
Ira V. Strough, Co. K; died at Annapolis, Md., March 26, 1865.
Cicero D. Van Allen, Co. K; died at Andersonville, Ga., Nov. 26, 1864.
Henry M. Bird, missing in action May 12, 1864.
Franklin Smith, Co. D ; trans, to V. R. Corps, May 1, 1865.
John Noonin, Co. K; trans, to V. R. Corps, Oct. 17, 1864.
Joseph M. Dolph, trans, to V. R. Corps,
Franklin Hoover, Co. D; must, out July 26, 1865.
William Dillon, Co. D; must, out July 26, 186 >.
Charles Hannibal, Co. D ; must, out June 19, 1865.
James Hoover, Co. D ; must, out July 26, 1865.
James Lukes, Co. D; must, out June 12, 1865.
James McCluklin, Co. D; must, out July 26, 1865.
David Slaybaugh, Co. D; must, out June 15, 1865.
Levi N. Forrester, Co. D; must, out Aug, 11, 1865, from V. R. Corps.
Asahel Parks, Co. D ; must, out June 13, 1865.
Charles Parks, Co, D ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Charles Myers, Co, D ; must, out July 26, 1865,
Birdsey S. Remmley, Co. D ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Elmer Farry, Co. E ; must, out May 27, 1865.
Thomas Brayman, Co. F; must, out July 26, 1865.
Byron Brine, Co. G; must out Aug. 24, 1865.
Nathaniel Millard, Co. G ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Wm. N. Younglove, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 4, 1865, from V, R, Corps.
Leslie Hackett, Co, G; must, out July 26, 1865.
Elisha Wilcox, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
George Care, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
John Cleveland, Co. G; must, out July 26, 1865.
Samuel H. Dillon, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Thomas W. Dillon, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Mathew Fifield, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865,
Martin W. Holmes, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Rodney D. Johnson, Co. G; must, out July 26, 1865.
John Johnson, Co, G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Charles S. Marsh, Co. G ; tnust. out July 26, 1865.
Michael O'Hara, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Eugene D. Putney, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Christopher Purchase, Co. G; must, out July 26, 1865.
John W. Rose, Co, G ; must, out July 26, 1865,
Isaac Walter, Co. G; must, out July 26, 1865,
Christopher Wood, Co. G ; must, out July 26, 1865,
Nathaniel Winans, Co, G; must, out July 26, 1865.
William C, Cook, Co. H; disch, Jan, 27, 1865, for wounds received Aug, 16, 1864.
Michael Schmoulder, Co. H ; must, out May 27, 1865.
Charles T. Jeffers, Co. K; disch. in Sept. 1864, for promotion in U. S. C. T.
Lewis A. Briggs, Co. K; disch. for wounds, Dec. 24, 1864.
Marcus Hatch, Co. K ; mustered out July 26, 1865.
Christopher Myers, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Truman C. Baker, Co. K ; must, out May 31, 1865.
Cyrus W. Elliott, Co. K ; must, out May 27, 1866.
Peter Cook, Co, K ; must, out June 6, 1865,
Wm. H. H. Dunn, Co, K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Samuel G. Wright, Co. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
William C. Farnham, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865,
William Kent, Co, K ; must, out Aug, 7, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
Solomon Armstrong, Go. K ; must. out. July 26, 1865.
John Anderson, Co. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
Horace A. Brockway, Co. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
John D. Burgess, Co. K; must, out June 2, 1865.
John Beaver, Co, K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Albert W. Bates, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
John Corcoran, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Alexander Coleman, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Stephen P. Choate, Co. K ; must, out June 5, 1865.
Henry A. Clow, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865, ,
Martin Collar, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Samuel Cressey, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Isaac Chase, Co, K ; must, out June 7, 1865,
Wilbur D. Dolph, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Gilbert Ellis, Co. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
James Fifield, Co, K ; must, out July 25, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
John Greening, Co, K ; must, out June 9, 1865,
Charles Harri-s, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
John W. Huff, Co. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
Marks H. Hyliard, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Benjamin E. Hyliard, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Alpheus W. Hammond, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
John Herwath, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Marion Kink, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Nathan B. Lewis, Co, K ; must, out June 28, 1865.
Thomas Lozier, Co, K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Alfred J. Marks, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1865.
Henry McLean, Go. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
Wellington Mickle, Co. K ; must, out June 13, 1865.
James McDougall, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
John W. Osterhout, Co. K ; must, out July 31, 1865, from Vet, Res. Coriw.
Albert W. Potter, Co. K ; disch. for disability, Feb. 22, 1865.
Samuel L. Parsons, Co, K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
William Rutan, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
William L, Rurick, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 7, 1865.
Gilbert H. Rurick, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
68
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
Huron (or Aaron) Kc«e, Co. K ; discb. May 6, 1865.
Iffilo Eich, Co. K ; must, out June 6, 1865.
Oshea F. Reyner, Co. K ; disch. for wounds, Dec. 5, 1864.
Jacob Rhodes, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Francis Sanderson, Co. K ; must, out Juno 12, 1865.
John Snyder, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 3, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
Justus Stewart, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 7, 1865.
George Sparks, Co. K ; must, out June 10, 1865.
Christopher Shultz, Co. K; must, out July 26, 1865.
James H. Smith, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Charles St. John, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Thomas H. Twist, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
James Todd, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1865.
Doane Van Dreisen, Co. K; disch. for disability, June 28, 1865.
Jonathan Washburn, Jr., Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Solomon T. Worden, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Patrick W. Welch, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
Alexander Wilkins, Co. K ; must, out May 26, 1865.
Dennis Wright, Co. K ; must, out May 30, 1865.
Peter Winters, Co. K ; must, out June 10, 1865.
Charles Jorobman, Co. K ; must, out July 26, 1865.
SECOND INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF SHABPSHOOTERS, ATTACHED TO TWENTY-
SEVENTH INFANTRY.
William W. Wilkins, killed at Spottsylvania, Va., June 12, 1864.
James McHughes, killed at Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, 1864.
Leroy A. Button, killed at Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
William L. Riggs, killed at Pettfi-sburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
Andrew Hillard, killed at North Anna, Va., May 20, 1864.
George F. Anderson, killed at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
Martin Winfield, killed at Petersburg, Va., July 30, ft64.
William H. Allen, killed at Petersburg, Va., June 24, 1864.
Jacob S. Conklin, died of wounds, May 10, 1864, at Fredericksburg, Va.
Patrick Donnelly, died of wounds, June 29, 1864, at Washington, D. C.
Ira Norton, died of wounds, June 11, 1864, at White House, Va.
William Pierce, died of wounds, June 17, 1864.
Lewis Smith, died of wounds, Aug. 1, 1864.
William E. C. McCowan, died of wounds, Aug. 19, 1864.
Ed. H. Blackman, missing in action at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
Fred. Paskett, missing in action at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
George Wartzwig, missing in action at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864.
Geerge H. Adams, must, out Oct. 18, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
Sinwry Bohure, must, out May 20, 1865.
John S. Blackmer, must, out July 26, 1865.
Urial 0. Chase, must, out Aug. 8, 1865.
Daniel D. Dunks, must, out May 31, 1865.
E. K. Eastman, must, out Aug. 3, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
William R. Filkins, must, out July 26, 1865.
Abraham Frisbie, must, out July 26, 1865.
Albert Frantz, must, out July 26, 1865.
James Graham, must, out May 18, 1865.
William Hoolihan, must, out July 26, 1865.
Joseph Hoolihan, must, out July 26, 1865.
Ira J. Knickerbocker, must, out June 23, 1865.
John E. Lewis, must, out Aug. 18, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
Ismel Lozier, disch. for disability, March 13, 1865.
Scott Marshall, disch. May 4, 1865.
Timothy D. Porter, must, out June 17, 1865.
Joseph R. Phillips, disch. for disability, Jan. 20, 1865.
Franklin S. Peck, must, out June 24, 1865.
David L. Reynolds, must, out June 9, 1865.
George F. Smith, must, out May 29, 1865.
George Shrutt, must, out June 30, 1865.
James W. Stephens, disch. by order, June 7, 1865.
Frederick Wolf, must out July 26, 1865.
Charles Wilkins, must, out July 26, 1865.
George Wenetig, disch. for disability, June 13, 1865.
Joseph Warwick, Jr., disch. for disability, June 20, 1865.
William Wilson, must, out Aug. 16, 1865.
Martin Winfield, must, out July 26, 1865,
James P. Young ,mu8t. out July 26, 1865.
Joseph Marvin, must, out July 8, 1865.
THIRTIETH INFANTRY.
Oo account of the numerous attempts made by the rebels
to organize plundering raids in Canada against our northern
border, authority was given by the War Department to the
Governor of this State, in the autumn of 1864, to raise a
regiment of infantry for one year's service, especially de-
signed to guard the Michigan frontier. Its formation, under
the name of the 30th Michigan Infantry, was begun at
Jackson, on the 7th of November, 1864, and was completed
at Detroit, on the 9th of January, 1865. Company G was
principally recruited in this county, which furnished it with
sixty members; Company C had seven Hillsdale County
members ; Company E, one ; Company H, eleven ; Company
K, five ; making a total of eighty-nine.
When the organization was completed, the regiment was
stationed at various points along the frontier. Company G
being at Detroit, H at Fen ton, etc. But the speedy collapse
of the rebellion put an end to Canadian raids, and the regi-
ment, though its will was good, had no active service to
perform. It remained on duty until the 30th of June,
1865, when it was mustered out of service.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
George A. Douglass, commissioned capt. Nov. 28, 1864; must, out Juno 30, 1865.
William C. Campbell, com. 1st. lieut. Nov. 28, 1864; must, out June 30, 1865.
John A. Forbes, com. 2d lieut, Nov. 28, 1864 ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Orrin S. Davis, Co. G ; died at Jackson, Mich., May 23, 1865.
Irving S. Hill, Co. G ; died at Detroit, Mich., Jan. 5, 1865.
Byron Pierce, Co. C ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Eugene Reeves, Co. C; must, out June 30,1865.
John Benjamin, Jr., Co. C ; must, out June 30, 1865.
William Handyside, Co. C; must, out June 30,1865.
Israel King, Co. C; must, out June 30, 1865.
Francis Smith, Co. C ; must, out June 30, 1865.
John Scanow, Co. C ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Parker K. Allen, Co. E ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Wm. Ernest Lockwood, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
David Fox, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Joseph Totten, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Henry Humphrey, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Edwin N. Douglass, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Eugene J. Olney, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Willard Hattell, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Aaron B. Rauney, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
William J. Stone, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Andrew C. Petei-son, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Walter C. Browning, Co. H ; must, out June 30, 1865.
William Ramsey, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Alfred E. Archibald, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
William E. Aldrich, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
John Arch, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Mathew Burt, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
George Britton, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
John Boone, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Bernard A. Cook, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
James M. Cutler, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Homer A. Campbell, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Elijah W. Craig, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
George E. Conant, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Alvin Drake, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
John F. Delamater, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
George A. Davenport, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles H. Dean, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles B. Fowler, Co. G ; must, out Jime 30, 1865.
George D. Gray, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles W. Goodale, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Martin G. Hitchcock, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
John Rowland, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Alpheus F. Haas, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
George D. Irish, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Ferdinand Kelsey, Co.'G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Levi H. Kinney, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles Lockwood, Co. G ; must. out. June 30, 1865.
Franklin Lewis, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Wm. R. Montgomery, Jr., Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Alpheus D. Maloney, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
James H. Miller, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Chester Martin, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles Martin, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
John C. Moore, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Reuben Moses, Co. G ; must, out Juno 30, 1865.
James H. Newell, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Frank Nicholson, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Edgar J. Older, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Darwin Odell, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Samuel Odell, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
John Petyt, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Newton W. Piper, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
David W. Perry, Go. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
James R. Quigley, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
John B. Rohins, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Burtis Robins, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
HISTOBY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
69
Seth Eobins, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Frank W. Ralph, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Stephen N. Rowley, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
David S. Stone, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Daniel Snyder, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Seth J. Spitter, Co. G ; must, out May 22, 1865.
Martin V. B. Stranahan, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Theodore Silvernail, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Milton Shepardson, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Franklin Stuck, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Michael R. Spelman, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Arvid S. Thomas, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Stephen G. Updyke, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Stephen G. Vanduyer, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Charles E. Vanduyer, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Lewis T. Worden, Co. G; must, out June 30, 1865.
Arthur A. Walters, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Gilbert D. Walmsley, Co. G ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Wm. H. Kelley, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865.
William Levanway, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865.
Daniel Morehouse, Co. K ; must, out June 30, 1865.
John T. Porter, Co. K; must, out June 30, 1865.
Ezra W. Weaver, Co. K ; must. June 30, 1865.
CHAPTER XVL
THE FIKST SHAKPSHOOTERS AND FIRST ENGI-
NEERS AND MECHANICS.
Formation of the 1st Sharpshooters — After John Morgan — Hills-
dale Representation — In the Wilderness — Nature of the Service —
Heavy Loss at Spottsylvania — Cut off and Charging Back — Eighty-
four Missing — Capturing Works without Results — Casualties in the
Campaign — Defense of Fort Steadman — The 1st Regiment in
Petersburg — The End — List of Members — Design of First Engi-
neers and Mechanics — Hillsdale County Members — Services in
Tennessee and Mississippi — Repulsing two Cavalry Brigades —
Work in Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama — Ordered to
Atlanta — Hard Work on the March to the Sea — Closing Scenes —
Disbanded — The Officers and Soldiers.
FIRST SHARPSHOOTERS.
The formation of the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters (which
must be distinguished from the 1st United States Sharp-
shooters, though the latter was largely recruited in Michi-
gan) was begun in the autumn of 1862. Its headquarters
were at Kalamazoo, but were changed in the spring of 1863
to Dearborn. In the summer of that year six companies,
all that were then formed, were ordered to Southern In-
diana to check the progress of John Morgan and his rebel
raiders, but they soon returned to Michigan, and the regi-
ment had its ranks full by the 16th of August. One com-
pany (C) was mostly from Hillsdale County, seventy-six
of its members hailing from that territory. Besides this
there were, during the war, six Hillsdale County men in
A company, thirty-four in B, three in E, five in F,
three in H, and five in I, making one hundred and
twenty-nine in all.
After guarding prisoners at Chicago until March 17,
1864, the regiment was ordered to Annapolis, Md., where
it was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 9th Corps.
It soon joined the Army of the Potomac, and met the
enemy for the first time in the battle of the Wilderness,
on the 6th and 7th of May, where it had twenty-four
men killed and wounded. From their name the sharp-
shooters were evidently intended to act principally as skir-
mishers and advance guards, fighting in detail, picking off
rebel officers and artillerists, and other similar work. But
these careful arrangements regarding particular corps often
do not work well in the rough practice of the battle-field,
and the record of the body in question does not seem to
have been seriously different from that of any other in-
fantry regiment.
The sharpshooters behaved with great gallantry at the
battles near Spottsylvania Court-House on the 9th, 10th,
and 12th days of May, in which the regiment suffered
severely, having thirty-four killed and one hundred and
seventeen wounded. It also had a sharp skirmish at the
crossing of the North Anna River, on the 23d of May.
Although taking part in numerous skirmishes and other
hostile operations, it was not again very warmly engaged
until the charge made on the enemy's works before Peters-
burg on the 17th of June. The sharpshooters gallantly
pushed their way into the intrenchments, and twice, with
other regiments, met and repulsed the rebels who charged
to recapture the works. At length, however, the rebels
threw a large force in the rear of this regiment, it being
on the extreme left of its corps, compelling it either to
surrender or break through the enveloping lines. The men
promptly chose the latter course, and by a rapid charge
most of them made their way through and rejoined their
comrades. The regiment had thirty-one killed, forty-six
wounded, and eighty- four missing.
On the 30th of July the sharpshooters charged, in the
advance of their brigade, on the works next to the fort
which was blown up by the celebrated Petersburg mine,
capturing the intrenchments and about fifty prisoners. As,
however, the Union forces were unable to force their way
through the blown-up fort, the regiment was obliged to
retire. During the remainder of the summer and autumn
it was engaged in trench and picket work, alternating with
numerous conflicts, none of them very severe, yet sharp
enough so that the casualties between the opening of the
campaign and the 1st of November footed up one hundred
and six killed in action and two hundred and twenty-seven
wounded. Forty had also died of disease in the same time,
and one hundred and fifty-eight were reported " missing in
action," of whom some were killed, some were taken prisoners,
and some had probably deserted.
The sharpshooters continued engaged in the arduous
duties of the siege of Petersburg until the 25th of March,
1865. On that day Companies I and K were a part of
the garrison of Fort Steadman. The rebels attacked that
post, but were defeated with severe loss, the Union men
charging out and capturing a large number of prisoners.
The end was now rapidly approaching. Nearly every
regiment was kept constantly fighting, and the sharpshooters
had their full share of the deadly work. On the 3d of
April the regiment was ordered to move forward in the
advance at half-past three in the morning, when it was
found that the enemy had evacuated Petersburg. The
column pushed on, and the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters
were the foremost Union regiment to enter the city.
After doing service on the South Side Railroad until
the surrender of Lee, the regiment went with its division
to Washington. It remained in that vicinity until the last
of July, when it returned to Jackson, Mich., and on the
7th of August was paid off and disbanded.
70
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Lucien Meigs, commissioned capt, March 31, 1863; res. Aug. 9, 1864.
William Clark, com. 1st. lieut., March 31, 1863 ; res. May 3, 1864.
Thomas R. Fowler, com. Ist lieut, March 31, 1863; capt., Aug. 15, 1864; disch.
for disab., Oct. 16, 1864,
Asahel R. Strong, com. asst. siirg., Jan. 15, 1864; disch. for disability, July 9,
1864.
Leverett N. Case, com. 1st lieut., Oct. 14, 1864; capt., March 7,1865; brev. maj.,
April 2, 1865, for bravery before Petersburg.
Francis Whipple, com. 1st lieut., March 31, 1863 ; disch. for disab,, Sept. 13, 1864.
Albert P. Thomas, com. 2d lieut., March 31, 1863 ; disch. for disab., Sept. 13, 1864.
Matthew C. Sharp, Co. C ; died at Chicago, 111., Oct. 17, 1863.
James G. Stombaugh, Co. C; died at Dearborn, Mich., July 5, 1863.
Reuben Evy, Co. B ; died of wounds, June 6, 1864.
James Fullerton, Co. B; killed near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
Alexander Wallace, Co. B; died of w'ds, June 23, 1864, at Annapolis June, Md.
Sylvester M. Osborn, Ce. B ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864.
Elias Fullerton, Co. B ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864.
Charles Quance, Co. B; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864.
Clark Fox, Jr., Co. B ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864.
John Beck, Co. B; killed at North Anna River, Va., May 25, 1864.
John B. Gilbert, Co. C ; killed near Petersburg, Va., June 28, 1864.
Alonzo B. Walls, Co. C; killed near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
Warren Sharp, Co. C ; died of wounds, near Petersburg, Va., July 13, 1864.
Gilbert Morehouse, Co. C; died of wounds, near Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864.
Roland Mills, Co. C; died of wounds, near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
John S. Vader, Co. C ; killed in the Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864.
Randolph Betts, Co. C ; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864.
Charles Fox, Co. B; died at Annapolis, Md., March 28, 1864.
James Signs, Co. B; died at Camp Douglas, 111., March 29, 1864.
Charles A. Vliet, Co. C ; killed accidentally on railroad, Feb. 8, 1864.
Albert C. Baker, Co. C; died at Camp Douglas, 111., Feb. 21, 1864.
William M. Cummings, Co. C; died at Alexandria, Va., July 3, 1864.
Willard Barnes, Co. C ; died at City Point, Va., Aug. 19, 1864.
Nicholas Crilley, Co. C; died.
James Larronay, Co. C ; died at City Point, Va., Aug. 12, 1864.
Lucius P. Spencer, Co. C; died at David's Island, N. Y., July 24, 1864.
Hiram Pierce, Co. C ; died at Reading, Mich., Sept. 7, 1864.
Lafayette Weston, Co. C ; died at Annapolis, Md., Oct. 27, 1864.
Joseph Crawford, Co. C; died at Annapolis, Md., March 31, 1864.
Francis Urie, Co. C; missing near Peteraburg, Va., July 30, 1864; returned.
Stanley W. Turner, Co. C ; missing near Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864 ; returned.
Milo Osterhout, Co. H; missing near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864; returned.
Daniel Cross, Co. C ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps., Jan. 15, 1864.
George W. Wainer, N. C. S. ; disch. for disability, Sept. 10, 1864.
Charles H. Field, Co. C ; killed near Petersburg, Va., March 29, 1865.
Clark Fox, Sr., Co. B; died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 27, 1864.
Cyrus Face, Co. B ; died at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 9, 1864.
Augustus H. Ferris, Co. C; died at Salisbury, N. C, June 5, 1865.
Russell T. Lawrence, Co. C; died at Alexandria. Va., Dec. 2, 1864.
William 0. Clemens, Co. C ; died at Andersonville, Ga., July 25, 1864.
Alfred Davis, Co. C ; died on hospital boat, Oct. 15, 1864.
Nathan J. Cahon, Co. H ; died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 13, 1864.
Judson Eldred, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Sept. 16, 1863.
James Scoby, Co. C; disch. for disability, June 16, 1863.
Silas Beckworth, Co. C ; disch. for disability.
Theodore V. Purdy, N. C. S. ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Albert H. Keating, N. C. S.; must, out July 28, 1865.
George W. Crisler, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 6, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
Daniel Fisher, Co. A ; must, out May 12, 1865.
William R. Branyan, Co. A : must, out June 24, 1865.
Henry Doile, Co. A ; disch. by order.
John B. Eaton, Co. A ; disch. by order.
Osborn Sheeley, Co. A ; disch. by order.
Joseph Stevens, Co. B ; must, out June 2, 1865.
Ralph McClellan, Co. B ; must, out June 2, 1865.
George W. Barnes, Co. B; must, oitt July 28, 1865.
William Bryant, Co. B; must, out July 28, 1865.
Henry Burton, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Peter Demarest, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Andrew H. Face, Co. B ; must, out June 13, 1865.
Benjamin Hosmer, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Marvin Maloney, Co. B; must, out July 28, 1865.
Chester R. Phillips, Co. B; must, out July 28, 1865.
Albert Quance, Co. B ; disch. for disability, June 20, 1865.
Harrison Snyder, Co. B; must, out July 28, 1865.
Colland Stafford, Co. B; must, out July 1, 1865.
Charles Stafford, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865.
John H. Sweet, Co. B ; must, out Aug. 14, 1865.
Irwin Stocker, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865.
William W. Wells, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Orion Hopkins, Co. B; must, out Aug. 14, 1365.
Charies W. Lake, Co. 0 ; disch. for disability, Jan. 7, 1865.
William C. Hughes, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
James S. Adams, Co. C ; must. out.
Lewis 0. Adams, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Andrew Bailey, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Spencer Beard, Co. C ; must, out Aug. 7, 1865.
William Burroughs, Co. C; disch. for disability, Dec. 15, 1864.
Albert H. Cook, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865.
George Davis, Co. C ; must, out Aug. 5, 1865.
John D. Evans, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Jedediah Grey, Co. C; disch. May 8, 1865.
William H. Guy, Co. C ; must, out Aug. 14, 1865.
Amos Hoffman, Co. C; disch. for disability, March 3, 1865.
John D. Hunt, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Joel B. Haynes, Co. C; must, out May 31, 1865.
George D. Lenhart, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
James McConnell, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865.
John W. Potter, Co. C; disch. for disability. May 9, 1865.
Job Priest, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865.
Augustus Ransom, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Zina D. Ransom, Co. C; must, out May 29, 1865.
William C. Raymond, Co. C.
Nathaniel Rogers, Co. C; must, out Aug. 19, 1865.
Andrew J. Savage, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Alonzo B. Smith, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
John H. Spencer, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865.
Eugene A. Taylor, Co. C ; must, out Aug. 11, 1865, from Vet. Res. Corps.
Thomas Urie, Co. C ; must, out June 7, 1865.
William Wagner, Co. C; must, out Aug. 14, 1865.
Eliphalet Barber, Co. C ; disch. by writ of habeas corpus, May 2, 1863.
Charles E. Nichols, Co. C; must, out Aug. 14, 1865.
Alexander Cahon, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865.
John W. Lathrop, Co. C ; must, out June 8, 1865.
Almond C. Abbott, Co. C ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Leman C. Abbott, Co. C ; must, out June 6, 1865.
Franklin Palmer, C«». C ; must, out June 5, 1865.
Franklin Bell, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865.
Levi J. Faulk, Co. C ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Stanley W. Turner, Co. C ; must, out June 13, 1865.
Daniel Teachout, Co. E; must, out July 28, 1865.
James B. Haight, Co. E ; disch. for disability, Feb. 28, 1865.
Peter Hagerman, Co. E ; must, out July 28, 1865.
George C. Dean, Co. F ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Frank McClelland, Co. F ; must, out June 3, 1865.
Alfred D. Nobles, Co. F ; must, out June 3, 1865.
Edward P. Bobbins, Co. F ; must, out June 7, 1865.
Oliver Sharp, Co, F; must, out June 7, 1865.
Cornelius Youngs, Jr., Co. I; must, out Aug. 14, 1865.
Josiah Walker, Co. I; must, out June 26, 1865.
Riley Wilson, Co. I ; must, out June 2, 1865.
Joseph Wickham, Co. I ; must, out June 2, 1865.
Stephen W. Wickham, Co. I ; must, out June 2, 1865.
FIRST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS.
The regiment bearing this name was raised in the sum-
mer and autumn of 1861, its rendezvous being at Marshall,
Calhoun County. It was intended, as its name implies, to be
principally employed in the numerous kinds of mechani-
cal and engineering work incident to the operations of an
army, and, unlike many other special organizations, it was
largely used for the purpose originally designed. It was
also armed with infantry weapons, and, whenever called on,
its members showed themselves as prompt in battle as they
were skillful in labor. There were thirty-three members
from Hillsdale County, distributed among nine companies,
as follows : Company A, six ; Company B, three ; Company
D, one ; Company E, two ; Company F, one ; Company G,
five; Company H, eight; Company I, one; Company K,
four ; non-commissioned staff, one.
The regiment left Marshall on the 17th of December,
1861, for Louisville, Ky., and, after the capture of Fort
Donelson opened Tennessee to the Union army, the 1st
Engineers and Mechanics was speedily at work in that
State. Owing to the nature of the service required of
them they were employed in detachments, and it would
be impracticable to trace them through the half of their
numerous locations, marches, and labors. Immediately
after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, the regiment was
engaged eight weeks in constructing steamboat-landings.
In June, 1862, it built seven bridges on the Memphis
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
71
and Charleston Railroad, ranging from eighty to three
hundred and fifty feet in length. It was also engaged
throughout the season in opening and repairing railroads
in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Alabama and Mis-
sissippi.
While at Lavergne, Tenn., on the 1st of January, 1863,
a part of the regiment was attacked by two brigades of
rebel cavalry, under Generals Wheeler and Wharton, with
two pieces of artillery, but succeeded in defeating them,
with serious loss. During the year the regiment, divided
into detachments, was almost constantly engaged in build-
ing bridges, making pontoons, and other similar work, in
Tennessee and Northern Alabama. One of the bridges
(over Elk River, Tenn.) was four hundred and sixty feet
long.
The same work was continued through the greater part
of 1864 and in the same localities, — mostly in the vicinity
of Chattanooga, Bridgeport, Stevenson, and Decatur.
The men whose terms had expired were mustered out
in October, but there were enough re-enlisted men and
recruits, so that the force was kept up nearly to its original
strength.
About the 1st of November the regiment, except two
companies, was transferred to Atlanta, Ga., where it de-
stroyed an immense number of rebel foundries, rolling-
mills, etc., and then marched, with Sherman's army, through
to Savannah, being obliged to keep up with the army and
work hard destroying railroads, etc., at the same time.
After several weeks' labor, fortifying Savannah, the regi-
ment proceeded with Sherman through the Carolinas, and
thence to Washington. In June it was sent to Nashville,
where it was employed on the defenses until the latter part
of September. It was disbanded at Jackson, Mich., on
the 1st of October, 1865.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIEBS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Caleb A. Ensign, commissioned 1st lieut. Dec. 8,1863 ; Ist lieut., March 11,1864;
must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Jacob Shafer, Co. H ; died Dec. 20, 1862.
Anson R. Eddy, Co. H ; died of wounds, Oct. 10, 1862, at Perrysville, Ky.
Simeon Hicks, Co. B; died at Evansville, Ind., Jan. 3, 1864.
George Shafer, Co. I ; died at Cartersville, Ga., Sept. 7, 1864.
Christopher Kinney, Co. E ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
Hiram Carey, Co. A ; disch. for disability, Nov. 17, 1862.
John Price, Co. H ; disch. for disability, June 21, 1862.
Jeremiah Gardner, Co. A ; disch. for disability, March 9, 1863.
John D. Shoemaker, Co. G; disch. for disability, June 18, 1863.
Edwin Smith, Co. A ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
John Pittswood, Co. D ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
Albert Roberts, Co. H ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
Harmon S. Wood, Co. K ; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1863.
Albert M. Wells, Co. K ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
James B. Lyon, Co. H ; di^ch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 1, 1864.
William Hedden, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 14, 1864.
Benjamin F. Edwards, N. C. S. ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
Hiram Carey, Co. A ; disch. for disability, Nov. 17, 1862.
Edgar A. Shattuck, Co. A ; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
George A. Hicks, Co. B ; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
John W. Covert, Co. E ; disch. by order, June 6, 1865.
Freeman Fuller, Co. F; disch. by order, July 7, 1865.
Henry J. Devoe, Co. G; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
Alfred Phillips, Co. G; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
Samuel J. Hoot, Co. G; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
Euclid Hubbard, Co. G; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
George Carlow, Co. H ; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
Jonathan D. Butler, Co. H; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
Daniel Bolles, Co. I; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865.
Peleg G. Roberts, Co. K ; disch, by order, Se|5t. 9, 1862.
CHAPTER XVII.
SECOND, FOURTH, AND SEVENTH CAVALBY.
Nature of Cavalry Service — Hillsdale County Men in the 2d Michigan
— Services on the Mississippi — Granger and Sheridan — Around Co-
rinth— The 2d in Kentucky and Tennessee — Capturing Artillery —
In the Advance in the Georgia Campaign — Fighting Forrest again
— In the Battle of Franklin — A Long Eaid — The End — List of
Members— Hillsdale in the 4th Cavalry— That Regiment in Ken-
tucky and Tennessee — Breaking up a Rehel Camp— The Advance
to Chattanooga — Used-up Horses— Marching through Georgia —
Fight at Lattimore's Mill — Horses again Worn Out — Remounted
and on the Wing — Another Long Raid— Storming the Intrench-
ments at Selma — On to Georgia — Capture of Jefferson Davis — List
of Members— The 7th Cavalry and its Hillsdale Men — The Severe
Cavalry Fight at Gettysburg — Losses in the Campaign — Kilpat-
rick's Raid— The Battle of Yellow Church— The Battle of Crooked
Run — Sheridan's Raid to the James — Ordered to Colorado — Some
Transferred, the rest Mustered Out — The Transferred Men also
Disbanded — Officers and Soldiers.
SECOND CAVALRY.
Although the cavalry branch of the army was not
brought into as many close engagements as the infantry,
and consequently suffered less in killed and wounded, yet
its service was of an extremely arduous description, com-
pelling the men to be almost constantly in the saddle, to
ride day and night for hundreds of miles, and sometimes
to travel more than a thousand miles on a single excursion.
Of all the regiments in this branch of the service, the 2d
Michigan Cavalry was one of the bravest and most faithful,
and was also made especially conspicuous by the high rank
attained by two of its commanders.
The regiment was recruited at Grand Rapids, in the
summer and autumn of 1861, attaining a strength of twelve
companies, with eleven hundred and sixty-three men. Com-
pany G, commanded by Capt. Frederick Fowler, of Read-
ing, was entirely from this county, and during the war
numbered a hundred and twenty-seven Hillsdale County
men in its ranks. Besides this there were one from that
county in Company A, six in Company B, three in Com-
pany C, three in Company D, one in Company E, two in
Company K, and twenty-two in Company M ; making a
total of a hundred and sixty-five.
The regiment left Grand Rapids on the 14th of Novem-
ber, going to St. Louis, where it remained during the win-
ter. Its colonel was Gordon Granger, who at the time of
his appointment was a captain i» the regular army. In
March, 1862, it took part in the operations near New
Madrid and Island No. 10. In May it went to the vicin-
ity of Corinth. At this period Col. Granger was promoted
to brigadier- general of volunteers. He afterwards became
major-general of volunteers, colonel and brevet major-gen-
eral in the regular army, and one of the most distinguished
of the Union commanders, excepting only a very few of the
most renowned leaders. His place as colonel was supplied
by the appointment of Philip H. Sheridan, also a young
captain in the regular army, destined to still wider celebrity
than Gen. Granger, — so wide indeed that it would be super-
fluous to give even a line in description of his career.
Under Col. Sheridan, who commanded the brigade, the
2d was busily engaged through the summer scouting in all
n
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
directions around Corinth. In September it took part in
the feittle of luka, near Corinth. About this time Col.
Sheridan was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers,
and was assigned to an infantry command. Lieut.-Col.
Campbell was made colonel, and Capt. Fowler, before men-
tioned, was commissioned as lieutenant-colonel.
In October the regiment was sent to Kentucky, and had
its headquarters in that State until the forepart of Febru-
ary, 1863, though in December and January it made a raid
into East Tennessee, which occupied twenty-two days. In
February it removed to Nashville, and during the spring
was constantly engaged in scouting and skirmishing in that
part of Tennessee. On the 25th of March it was engaged
in a severe fight with a large rebel cavalry force, under the
celebrated Forrest, whom it defeated, capturing fifty-two
prisoners, with slight loss. In June it moved forward with
the army, and in September had made its way into the
mountains west and south of Chattanooga.
Then for about four months it was busy in Middle
Tennessee. In January, 1864, it went to East Tennessee,
where, as elsewhere, it was hardly ever at rest. On the
27th of January it took part in an attack on a brigade of
rebel cavalry, capturing three pieces of artillery and
seventy-five prisoners. In May the regiment moved with
Sherman's army in the Georgia campaign. It was gener-
ally in the advance, and day after day was engaged in the
skirmishing and scouting which, though it makes no great
show in the list of victories, is absolutely necessary to the
safety of an army.
The last of June the 2d returned to Middle Tennessee,
where it had a dozen or two more conflicts with Forrest,
Wheeler, and other rebel cavalry leaders, generally driving
them, but being sometimes obliged to fall back. On the
13th of November it was in the battle of Franklin, having:
eighteen men killed and wounded. During the winter the
same old work was eontinued in Middle Tennessee, the
regiment sometimes crossing the Tennessee Kiver on im-
provised means of transportation, and making matters lively
for the rebels on the other side.
A very extensive movement was begun on the llth
of March, 1865, when the 2d set out from Waterloo,
Tenn., crossed the Tennessee River, marched to Chicka-
saw, Ala., remained there till the 22d, marched on through
numerous towns of the northern and central parts of that
State, never before visited by hostile troops, swam the
Black Warrior River on the 29th of March, and again on
the 1st of April, and on the 3d arrived at Tuscaloosa, the
former capital of Alabama ; surprising the pickets and cap-
turing the city, three cannon, and a considerable number of
prisoners. Thence they marched on, swimming numerous
streams, driving off the enemy when he came too near, and
reaching Talladega on the 22d of April. This was the end
of the fighting, but the regiment marched on several
hundred miles to Macon, Ga., where it arrived on the 1st
of May, and where it obtained its first rest in nearly two
months.
It was afterwards employed in detachments to garrison
various points in Georgia, and in August was sent home,
being disbanded at Jackson, Mich., on the twenty-sixth of
that month.
OFFICEKS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Frederick Fowler, commissioned capt., Sept. 2, 1861 ; lieut.-col., Dec. 1862 ; res.
May 2, 1863.
Jasper A. Waterman, com. Ist lieut., Sept. 2, 1861 ; res. Sept. 8, 1862.
James Hawley, com. 2d Heut., Sept. 2^ 1861 ; 1st lieut., Sept. 8, 1862; capt., Jan.
30, 1863 ; killed at Chickaraauga, on stafif of Gen. Stanley, Sept. 20, 1863.
Robert Taylor, app. chap. Sept. 4,1862; re^. Feb. 10,1864.
Samuel V. Robertson, com. 2d lieut.. May 2, 1863 ; 1st lieut, March 1, 1864 ; capt.
Doc. 1, 1864 ; must out Aug. 17, 1865.
F. Byron Cutler, com. 2d lieut, June 9, 1862; res. May 2, 1863.
Edwin Eddy, com. 2d lieut, March 1,1864; res. Nov. 19, 1864.
Joseph Palmer, com. Ist lieut, Oct 22, 1864; must out Aug. 17, 1864.
Warren Bowen, com. 2d lieut., Dec. 31, 1864; 1st lieut, 1865; must, out with
regt.
Jerry Arnold, Co. G ; died at New Madrid, April 14, 1862.
.Tames E. Ainsworth, Co. G; died at Rienzi, Miss., July 15, 1862.
William Ashley, Co. G; died at Camp Benton, Mo., Feb. 14, 1862.
William Brock, Co. G; died at Reading, Mich., May 25, 1862.
Austin Cone, Co. G ; died at Farmington, Miss., June 16, 1862.
Alton S. Ford, Co. G ; died at Jefferson, Mich., May 22, 1862.
Ansel Fleetwood, Co. G ; died at New Madrid, Mo., April 11, 1882.
William Tuttle,Co. G; died at Camp Benton, Mo., Dec. 4, 1861.
Norman Benedict, Co. G ; died at Keokuk, Iowa.
Darwin E. Brown, Co. G ; died at Keokuk, Iowa.
Robert H. Cowan, Co. M; died at New Madrid, Mo., April 10, 1862.
Hiram J. Harris, Co. M ; died at St Louis, Mo., May 31, 1862.
Ezra W. Norcutt, Co. M; died April 3, 1862.
Clement C. Hutton, Co. M ; died at Rienzi, Miss., Aug. 11, 1862.
J. H. Norton, Co. G ; died at Nicholsville, Ky., Sept. 1, 1863.
Martin Williams, Co. G; killed at Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 8, 1863.
Owen W. McMauus, Co. M ; killed at Florence, Ala., Sept. 7, 1864.
William H. Graves, Co. G; died at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1863.
Warren B. Narcott, Co. M; died at Franklin, Tenn., Aug. 21, 1864.
Israel P. Bates, Co. G ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864.
Nathaniel Keith, Co. G ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864.
Joseph L. Long, Co. G; killed at Tuscaloosa, Ala., April 3, 1865.
William Price, Co, G; killed at Franklin, Tehu., Nov. 30, 1864.
John A. Carny, Co. G; died of wounds, April 4, 1861, at Nashville, Tenn.
William B. Martin, Co. G : died at Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 8, 1863.
Bradley I. Wilson, Co. G ; died at Richmond, Va., Nov. 3, 1863.
Comstock Maples, Co. M ; died at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 13, 1864.
Charles Mapes, Co. M; died at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 15, 1864.
Geor^ie W. Baker, Co. G ; trans, to 2d Mich. Bat.
Michael Mclntyre, Co. G ; trans, to 3d Mich. Cav., Nov. 1, 1861.
Warren D. Collatimus, Co. G: disch. for disability.
Liberty Straw, Co. G ; disch. for disability, June 6, 1862.
Grove S. Bartholomew, Co. G; disch. for disability, March 16, 1862.
Henry H. Ferris, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Feb. 14, 1862.
William Hughs, Co. G; disch. for disability, March 17, 1862.
Sylvester H. Kellogg, Co. G; disch. for disability, Feb. 17, 1862.
Aymour R. Shannon, Co. G ; disch. for disability.
William A. Brown, Co. G; disch. for disability, April 5, 1862.
Byron J. Day, Co. G; disch. for disability, Nov. 21, 1862.
Jonathan B. Somers, Go. G ; disch. for disability, Sept. 26, 1862.
Harvey Wilson, Co. G; disch. for disability, Dec. 18, 1862.
William A. Vanhorn, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Sept. 8, 1862.
James A. Taylor, Co. G; disch. for disability, Sept. 9, 1862.
Clarence H. Chapman, Co. G; disch. for disability, July 12, 1862.
Otis F. Packard, Co. G ; disch. for disability, July 3, 1862.
Samuel Wheaton, Co. G; disch. for disability, Sept 10, 1862.
George Perkins, Co. G; disch. ft)r disability.
Royal B. Ames, Co. G; disch. for disability. Sept 15, 1862,
John Forquer, Co. G ; disch. for disability.
Cornelius M. Gregory, Co. G ; discharged for disability.
Horace W. Titus, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Sept. 11, 1862.
James Appleton, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Sept 11, 1862.
John Pease, Go. G ; disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1862.
William H. Barrett, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Oct. 15, 1862.
Homer H. Kidder, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Oct. 3, 1862.
Thaddeus M. Southworth, Co. M ; disch. for disability. May 2, 1862. .
Robert Wilson, Go. M ; disch. for disability, Sept. 27, 1862.
Andrew Peterson, Co. B; disch. for disability, April 4, 1863.
A. J. Filkins, Co. D ; disch. for disability, March 21, 1863.
John H. Stage, Co. D; disch. for disability, July 14, 1863.
Ralph Bailey, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Nov. 13, 1863.
Jabez H. Moses, Co. G; disch. for disability, March 30, 1863.
John B. Harrington, Co. G ; disch. for disability. May 1, 1863.
Arthur Walter, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Aug. 5, 1863.
Nicholas Tibits, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Aug. 6, 1863.
Walter B. Straw, Co. G ; disch. for disability, Aug. 11, 1863.
Austin Winney, Co. K ; disch. for disability. May 20, 1863.
Stephen Turner, Co. G ; disch. by order, Oct. 27, 1863.
Wm. Davenport, Co. G ; disch. by order, Jan. 24, 1863.
James Thompson, Co. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
George A. Douglas, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
William 0. Campbell, Co. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct 1, 1864.
Hugh Longhey, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
73
Charles Vanderburg, Co. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Joshua Henry, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Judah Beed, Co. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Joseph Sturdevaiit, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Theron D. Walters, Co. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Ephraim B. Briggs, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Nelson E. Kidder, Co. G; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 1, 1864.
Thomas O'Brien, Co. M; disch. in Jan. 1863.
John Aulsbro, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as vet, Jan 5, 1864.
Charles S. Beckwith, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as vet., Jan. 5, 1864.
Washington J. Biilson, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as vet., Jan. 5, 1864.
James Burt, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as vet., Jan. 5, 1864.
Eben H. Diinton, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as vet., Jan. 5, 1864.
Eli E. Forquer, Co. G ; disch. to re-enl. as vet., Jan. 5, 1864.
Richard Morrison, Co. G ; disch. to re-enl. as vet., Jan 5, 1864.
Abram F. Pierce, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 5, 1864.
Gabriel See, Co. G; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 5, 1864.
Charles Wooster, Co. G; disch, to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 5, 1864.
•Frank L. Weston, Co. G ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 5, 1864.
Owen McMauus, Co. M ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 5, 1864.
Friend Alvord, Co. A; must, out July 17, 1865.
Henry Jones, Co. B ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Sylvester J. Olmstead, Co. B; must, out June 20, 1865.
Wilbur Showier, Co. B; must, out June 20, 1865.
Reuben D. Bowen, Co. B; must, out June 27, 1865.
William Carson, Co. C ; must, out June 6, 1865.
Patrick Doolin, Co. C; must, out Aug. 25, 1865.
David B. Finn, Co. C; Aug. 17, 1865.
Merrick G. Blood, Co. D; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Roderick C. Phillip, Co. E ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Peter Keefer, Co. F ; must, out June 13, 1865.
Henry Zupp, Co. F ; disch. for disability, July 28, 1864.
Wells W. Gates, Co. G; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Frank H. Proctor, Co. G ; disch. for disability, May 3, 1865.
Henry H. Brown, Co. G ; disch. for disability, June 10, 1865.
Warren Bowen, Co. G ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Leander Birdsall, Co. G ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Oscar H. Duncan, Co. G; must, out Aug. 30, 1865.
Joseph Fitzgerald, Co, G ; must, out Aug. 30, 1865.
George A. Munger, Co. G; must, out Aug. 30, 1865.
Chauncey L. How^ell, Co. G ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
John F. Howell, Co. G; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Isaac McCurdy, Co, G ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Robert McDougal, Co. G; disch. by order, June 13, 1865.
James Y. Mesick, Co. G ; must, out Aug. 31, 1865.
Alonzo S. MuUiken, Co. G ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Oscar D. Nulton, Co. G ; disch. June 2, 1863.
William II. Vandewalker, Co. G; disch, at exjHration of service, Oct. 22, 1864.
Burdett S. Waldo, Co. G ; must, out Aug. 17, 18G5.
Porter Yates, Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
William C. Howell, Co. G; must, out June 21, 1865.
Charles M. Hannah, Co. G; must, out June 21, 1865.
John B. Mulliken, Co. G; must, out June 8, 1865.
Alonzo Alsbo, Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
John A. Wliite, Co. G; must out June 21, 1865.
William Howe, Co. G; must, out June 21, 1865.
George W. Burt, Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
Andrew I. Armdon, Co. G; must, out June 8, 1865.
David McDuffle, Co. G ; must, out May, 1866.
Francis E. Bird, Co. G; must, out June 21, 1865.
Edward C. Smith, Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
Jefferson M, Campbell, Co. G; disch, for disability, July 17, 1865.
Reuben Vickers, Co. G; must, out June 21, 1865.
William W. Taylor, Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
Christopher Wansley, Co. G; must, out June 3, 1865.
Erasmus Wilbur, Co. G ; must, out Juno 3, 1865,
Philip R, Bowen, Co. G ; must, out June 21, 1865.
Zachariah Kemp, Co, G ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Seymour F. Smith, Co. G; must, out May 17, 1865.
Marion Harris, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 31, 1865.
William Birdsall, Co. M ; disch. at expiration of service, April 17, 1865.
James Beddon, Co. M ; must, out Aug. 30, 1865.
William A. Case, Co. M ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Samuel Williams, Co. M ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
Benjamin Ayers, Co. M ; disch. May 26, 1865.
Richard Phillips, Co. M; must, out Sept. 7, 1865.
Sidney R. Smith, Co. M ; must, out Aug. 17, 1865.
FOURTH CAVALRY.
This regiment was raised in July and August, 1862,
under the call for new troops, resulting from the disasters
of McClellan's Peninsular campaign. The rendezvous was
at Detroit, and the regiment was mustered in on the 29th of
August. The men of Hillsdale County who serye4 in i^
10
ranks during the war numbered twenty-six in Company F,
twelve in G, one in B, and one in H.
In September the regiment set out for Kentucky, where
it was soon chasing Morgan's guerrillas ; leading the attack
on Lebanon two miles before the infantry, driving out Mor-
gan with an equal or superior force, and capturing a large
amount of stores. On the 13th of December the regiment,
by a forced march, surprised and captured the pickets at
Franklin, Tenn., driving out a large force of the enemy
with heavy loss. It led the extreme advance to Murfrees-
horo\ and after the capture of that place was engaged in
numerous excursions, driving back the enemy's cavalry,
which infested the county, and capturing several hundred
prisoners.
In May, 1863, followed by detachments of other regi-
ments, the 4th led a gallant charge into the camp of three
Confederate regiments of cavalry, routed them, and took
fifty-five prisoners and the colors of the 1st Alabama.
When the Army of the Cumberland advanced from Mur-
freesboro', in June, the 4th was again on the lead and
engaged in innumerable conflicts. It was always successful
until it reached the vicinity of Chattanooga, when it was
several times driven back by the enemy. The season's ser-
vice was so severe that on the 1st of November only about
three hundred men were mounted.
After constant service through the winter, mounted and
dismounted, among the mountains of Southeastern Tennes-
see, the regiment returned to Nashville the last of March,
where it received fresh horses and new equipments. It
then returned to Sherman's army, which it accompanied in
the Georgia campaign, constantly engaged in the same kind
of arduous service before described. Its hardest conflict
was on the 20th of June, at Lattimore's Mill, when, with
the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, it engaged three brigades of
rebel cavalry. It twice charged the enemy with the sabre,
and repulsed several charges made by them. Having finally
fallen back to its supports, it aided in meeting an attack by
Gen. Wheeler's whole force, which was driven back with
heavy loss. In this afi'air the regiment, which had about
three hundred men present, had thirty-seven killed and
wounded.
After the capture of Atlanta the mounted men of the
regiment followed Hood's army northward nearly to the
Tennessee River, harassing his rear, capturing prisoners,
etc. By this time all the horses but about a hundred were
again worn out. These were transferred to another com-
mand, and the 4th was reunited on foot at Nashville in
October. It was remounted at Louisville, Ky., and by the
last of January, 1865, was at Gravelly Springs, Ala.
Leaving there the 12th of March, it set out with other
regiments on a long raid through Alabama, swimming rivers,
building corduroy roads, seizing towns, capturing Forrest's
artillery, and finally capturing the city of Selma, defended
by very elaborate fortifications and by at least seven thou-
sand men under Gen. Forrest. At one point fifteen hun-
dred dismounted cavalry, of which the 4th was a part,
charged the intrenchments and captured them in twenty
minutes, having had three hundred and twenty- four men
killed and wounded. This was on the 2d of April. On
the 20th, after numerous adventures, the command reached
74
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Macon, 6a., where the news of the surrender of the rebel
armies caused the cessation of fighting.
The 4th, however, gained still another title to renown
by capturing the rebel president, JeiFerson Davis, near
Abbeville, Ga., on the 10th of April, 1865. The regi-
ment soon after marched to Nashville, where it was mus-
tered out on the 1st of July ; being disbanded at Detroit
on the lOtb. The list of its battles and skirmishes num-
bered ninety-four. Few of them, it is true, were very
severe, but the number shows that the regiment didn't
" let the grass grow under its horses' feet."
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Wilford Bate«, appointed assistant surgeon, March 10, 1865 ; not must.
Isaac T. Birdsell, Co. G ; died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 8, 1863.
Levi R. Watkins, Co. B jftrans. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 30, 1864.
John F. Wagner, Co. F; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, April 10, 1864.
Nelson Higgins, Co. F; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 17, 1864.
Alfred Hall, Co. G ; died at Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 0, 1865.
William A. Lamb, Co. F; disch. fur disability, Feb. 3, 1863.
J. G. Robb, Co. F; disch. for disability, March 22, 1863.
Henry O'Neil, Co. G; disch. for disability, Feb. 4, 1863.
Jackson Pardee, Co. G; disch, for disability, May 8, 1863.
Henry Rynes, Co. 1; disch. for disability, March 18, 1863.
Albert S. Wilson, N. C. S. ; must, out July 1, 1865.
R. Blackmer, Co. F ; disch. by order, July 1», 1865.
Ira W. Harrington, Co. F,- must, out July 1, 1865.
Lyman P. Pitts, Co. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Orange C. Smith, Co. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
George W. Temple, Co. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
George W. Tagsgold, Co. F; must, out July 1,1865.
Horace Wilcox, Co. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Peter Wacker, Co. F ; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1864.
Oscar Wilder, Co. F; most, out July 1, 1865.
John 0. Williamsy Co. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
George F. Whitman, Co. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
George W. Williams, Co. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
William Wright, Co. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Thomas Gorman, Co. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
William Chase, Co. F; disch. for disability.
M. Winchester, Co. F ; disch. Feb. 11, 1863.
William F. True, Co. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Henry Braddock, Co. F ; must, out Aug. 15, 1865.
Howard Dickerson, Co. F ; must, out Aug. 15, 1865.
Delaski W. Fish, Co. F ; must, out Aug. 15, 1865.
Francis Gurmid, Co. P ; disch. by order, May 3, 1865.
Simon B. Hadley, Co. G; disch. for promotion, Feb. 9, 1865.
Charles E. Lock wood, Co. G ; disch. by order, July 13,1865.
Alonzo Fox, Co. G; must, out July 1, 1865.
George B. Allen, Co. G; must, out July 1, 1865.
Denison D. Burch, Co. G ; must, out July 1, 1865.
Lawrence C. Carr, Co. G; must, out July 1, 1865.
John Plunkett, Co. G; must, out July 1, 1865.
John Sullivan, Co. G; must, out July 1, 1865.
Hughes S. Hill, Co. H ; must, out July 1, 1865.
SEVENTH CAVALRY.
This regiment was organized at Grand Rapids, two bat-
talions leaving for Washington in February, 1863, and the
third one in May. The number from Hillsdale County
was as follows : twenty-two in Company F, three in E, one
in G, and eight in I; total, thirty-four. The regiment
was very actively engaged in the cavalry service of the
Army of the Potomac, and at the battle of Gettysburg,
on the 3d of July, fought one of the hardest conflicts
which ever fell to the share of that service, having sixteen
men killed, forty-one wounded, twelve missing, and twelve
taken prisoners. It was in numerous skirmishes during
the rest of the season, having thirty men killed in action
from the 1st of May to the 1st of November and sixty-two
wounded.
On the 28th of February, 1864, the 7th started with
Gen. Kilpatrick on his celebrated raid to Bichmond.
After its return, it was attached to the Cavalry Corps of
the Army of the Potomac, and soon started with that
army on the great campaign of 1864. At the battle of
Yellow Church, on the 11th of May, it aided in driving
the rebel cavalry from the field, having sixteen men killed
and wounded, including among the former its commander,
Maj. Granger. On the 27th of May it charged a rebel
brigade, driving it several miles and capturing forty-one
prisoners. At a cavalry fight at *' Haines' Shop," the next
day, the regiment had fourteen men killed and wounded.
After two months more of service with the Army of the
Potomac, the regiment was transferred to the Shenandoah
Valley. On the 16th of August it was in the battle of
Crooked Run, where it charged and routed a rebel brigade,
capturing nearly a hundred prisoners, and having twelve
men killed and wounded. At the battle of Opequan Creek,
on the 19th of August, it charged through the creek and
drove the foe from the farther shore, and, later in the day,
joined with other regiments in charging the enemy and
driving him through Winchester. The regiment had
twenty-three killed and wounded, among the former being
its commander, Lieut.-Col. Brewer, — the second commander
killed during 4,he season.
The 7th remained in active service in the Shenandoah
Valley until the last of February, 1865, when it joined in
Sheridan's celebrated raid to the James River. The latter
part of March it joined the Army of the Potomac, and
was active in the operations which resulted in the surren-
der of Lee's army.
The last of May, 1865, the 7th was sent with the Michi-
gan Cavalry Brigade to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and
thence across the Plains to Denver, Col. There was natu-
rally much dissatisfaction at being called on for this unex-
pected service after the war was over, but there was no
mutiny or other misconduct. After guarding the over-
land stage-route till the 1st of November, two hundred and
fifty of those having the longest time to serve were trans-
ferred to the 1st Michigan Cavalry. The remainder hired
their passage in mule-trains to Fort Leavenworth, where
they were mustered out. The regiment was disbanded at
Jackson, Mich., on the 25th of December, 1865.
The men transferred to the 1st Michigan Calvary were
mustered out in Utah, in March, 1866. They had to pay
their own passage home, but the amount was afterwards
refunded by Congress.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Hiram J. Ingersoll, commissioned 2d lieut., Oct. 15, 1862; 1st lieiit.,Feb. 28,
1863 ; must, out Dec. 16, 1865.
Henry Guir, Co. F ; killed at Falling Waters, Md., July 14, 1863.
George W. Lundy, Co. F; died at Gettysburg, Pa., July 15, 1863.
C, P. White, Co. F ; missing at Frenchtown, July 6, 1863; returned,
Wm. C. Armstrong, Co. F ; missing at Frenchtown, July 6, 1863.
Asa Sprague, Co. I ; missing at Gainesville, Va., Oct. 14, 1863.
Jacob Paule, Co. F ; killed at Yellow Tavern, Va., May 11, 1864.
Thomas C. Mercer, Co. F; killed at Smithfield, Va., Aug. 29, 1864.
Abram Hogland, Co. F; died at Washington, D. C, Feb. 18, 1864.
Clark A. Stewart, Co. F ; died at Andersonville, Ga., June 30, 1864.
Henry Chaplain, Co. F; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. 15, 1864.
Linus N. Dillon, Co. F; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 15, 1863.
J, H. Armstrong, Co. F ; died of wounds, about May 20, 1864, at Richmond, Va.
Stephen Mosher, Co. I ; died in Andersonville prison, Ga., Sept. 9, 1864.
John E. Covey, Co. F ; disch. for disability, May 25, 1863.
George Arnold, Co. I; disch. for disability, July 11, 1863.
H. J. Wright, Co. F ; disch. for disability, March 3, 1864.
Isaac Van Vleet, Co. F ; disch. for disability, Nov. 17, 1863.
Henry De Graff, N. C. S. ; must, out Dec. 11, 1865.
Norris W. McHurd, Co. E ; must, out Dec. 23, 1866.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
75
Benton H. Spear, Co. E; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
George Tc»yIor, Co. E; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Charles P. White, Co. F; must, out Nov. 21, 1865.
Wm. H. Armstrong, Co. F; must, out Nov. 21, 1865.
Jasper Braden, Co. F ; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Lucton Fairchild, Co. F; must, out Nov. 21, 1865.
William Phelps, Co. F ; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
William Trealy, Co. F ; must, out July 10, 1865.
Charles Dapp, Co. F; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Perry Wilson, Co. F; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Orlando Hammond, Co. G; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Andrew Wescott, Co. I; must, out June 24, 1865.
John W. Dunn, Co. I; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Hiram Laclear, Co. I; must, out Dec. 16, 1865.
Washington- M. Smith, Co. I; must, out Dec. 15, 1865.
Alonzo Wakefield, Co. I; must, out Dec, 15, 1865.
CHAPTER XYIIL
EIGHTH AND ELEVENTH GAVALKY AND FIRST
LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Hillsdale County in the Eighth Cavalry — Defeating Morgan — The
Eighth Defeated in East Tennessee — Dismounted and Mounted —
Covering Sherman's Flank — Surprised, with Heavy Loss — Subse-
quent Services — Mustered Out — List of Members — Formation of
the Eleventh Cavalry — Its Hillsdale Delegation — Conflicts with
Morgan — An Unsuccessful Raid into Virginia — A Successful Raid
into Virginia — Grand Sweep through North and South Carolina
and Georgia — Consolidation with the Eighth — Muster-Out — Officers
and Soldiers — How the First Light Artillery Originated — One
Organization, but Divided Service — The Hillsdale Representation —
Battery D in Kentucky and Tennessee — Hoover's Gap and Chicka-
mauga — Mission Ridge — Service at Murfreesboro' — Mustered Out
— Battery F's Misfortune at Richmond — Garrison Duty — Through
the Georgia Campaign — Defense of Nashville — Disbanded — Bat-
tery G in Kentucky and West Virginia — At Chickasaw Bayou —
Helping Capture Vicksburg — Ordered to Texas — Then to Mobile —
The Close — Battery I at Gettysburg — Ordered to Nashville — Lost
Mountain — Kenesaw and Atlanta — Other Services and Discharge
— Officers and Soldiers of the Regiment.
EIGHTH CAVALRY.
This regiment, the rendezvous of which was at Mount
Clemens, did not take the field until the month of May,
1863. It contained, during the war, eighty-four men from
Hillsdale County ; eight in A company, six in B, eighteen
in C, twenty-three in Gr, four in H, ten in K, one in L,
and fourteen in M.
It engaged at once in active service in Kentucky, and
was one of the foremost in the chase after John Morgan
through Indiana and Ohio. At length overtaking him at
Buffington Island, Ohio, it immediately attacked and routed
his command, capturing two hundred and seventeen pris-
oners, besides killing and wounding a 'considerable number.
The regiment then proceeded to East Tennessee. At Cal-
houn and Athens in that State, on the 20th and 27th of
September, the brigade to which it belonged was defeated
and driven back by a large rebel force under Gens. Forrest
and Wheeler, the 8th having forty-three killed and wounded,
and several missing.
The regiment was very actively engaged marching and
skirmishing up and down the valley of the Tennessee, until
the forepart of February, 1864, when it turned over its
horses to the quartermaster's department and marched on
foot to Mount Sterling, Ky. It was there remounted, and
in June joined Gen. Sherman's army at Big Shanty, Ga.
As a part of the cavalry force under Gen. Stoneman, the
8th advanced towards Atlanta, covering the right of Sher-
man's command, and frequently engaged with the enemy.
The latter were usually forced to retire, but on the 3d of
August, after the regiment had been cut off from the main
force and had cut its way through the enemy, and after
seven days and nights of continuous marching, with almost
no sleep, it was surprised and routed with the loss of two
hundred and fifteen officers and men, mostly taken priso-
ners. The remainder of the regiment was employed in
picket duty until the middle of September, when it was
ordered to Kentucky and then back to Nashville,
The 8th was engaged through the month of November
in skirmishing with the cavalry advance of Hood's army,
being several tim^s 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 suppressing the
guerrillas who still infested the country. In July the
11th Cavalry was consolidated with the 8th, the combined
regiment retaining the latter name. It was mustered out
at Nashville on the 22d of September, 1865, and disbanded
at Jackson about the 30th.
MEN FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Charles Billings, Co. B; missing on rail to Macon, Ga., Aug. 3, 18C4.
E. Papswortfi, Co. G; missing at Bean's Station, Tenn., Dec. 14, 1863; returned.
Leander King, Co. G; missing at Bean's Station, Tenn., Dec. 14, 1863; returned.
Milo Eich, Co. B ; died.
Sidney A. Acker, Co, C ; died at Lynchburg, Va., June 30, 1863.
Daniel H. Parker, Co. K ; died at Athens, Ga., May 16, 1864.
Caleb Hale, Co. A; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Freeman Kelly, Co. A; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Hiram Young, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
E. S. Cole, Co. A; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Edward Eossman, Co. A; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Henry Nottage, Co. A ; must, out June 16, 1865.
James E. O'Dell, Co. A ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Francis M. Townsend, Co. A ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Thomas M. Wright, Co. B ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Eli M. Cope, Co. B ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
George P. Tuttle, Co. B ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Monsieur Davison, Co. B; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
John H. Beckwith, Co. C ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Frank A. Bacon, Co. C; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
William J. McElihine, Co. C ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
George W. Asken, Co. C ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
James S. Albro, Co. C ; must, out Oct. 10, 1865.
William Rosewell, Co. 0 ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Theodore E. Begston, Co. C; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Henry B. Strickland, Co. C; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Edward G. Taylor, Co. C ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Oscar B. Abbott, Co. C; must, out June 16, 1865.
Adelbert Chapman, Co. C ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Paleman Castle, Co. C; must, out June 16, 1865.
Franklin Foulk, Co. C; must, out June 16, 1865.
William 0. Gibson, Go. C; must, out June 17, 1865.
Herbert H, Hickox, Co. C ; must, out July 15, 1865.
Samuel B. Nixon, Co. G; must, out June 16, 1865.
George W. Southworth, Co. C ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Delson Allen, Co. C; must, out Dec. 4, 1865.
John A. Anable, Co. G; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Levans Bachelor, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Byron Brainerd, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
James A. Drake, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
William H. Eldridge, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Albert E. French, Co. G ; must, out Oct. 10, 1865.
Edward R. Fitzsimmons, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
John M. Farquar, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Ezra Green, Co. G ; must. out. Sept. 22, 1865.
Edward M. Gilbert, Co. G; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
James L. Hickox, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
James A. Lards, Co. G ; must, out Oct. 10, 1865.
Thomas O'Brien, Co. G; must, out Oct. 10, 1865.
Franklin Saxton, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
George Silkworth, Co. G ; must out Sept. 22, 1865.
James S. Stabkus, Co. G; must, out Sept. 22, 1«65.
Abram Shafer, Go. 6; must, out Sept 22, 1865.
76
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Franklin Waist on, Co. G ; ranst. out Sept. 22, 1865.
John L. Williams, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Charles Marrin, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 22, 18G5.
James W. Carulhere, Co. G; must, out June 16, 1865.
Albert Maber, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
John Nolen, Co. H ; must, out July 7, 1865.
Alfred E. Papsworth, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Gottfried Aupperle, Co. H; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Wilson S. Blair, Co. K ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Daniel Fullerton, Co. K; must, out June 16, 1865.
Leroy Blair, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Joseph Cough, Co. K ; must, out June 16, 1865.
John B. Harrington, Co. K ; must, out Juno 16, 1865.
Charles L. Hews, Co. K ; must, out June 16, 18C5.
Franklin Horton, Co. K ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Joseph Hagerman, Co. K ; must, out June 16, 1865.
William A. Northnep, Co, K ; must, out June 16, 1865.
A. F. Terpenning, Co. K j must, out June 16, 1865.
John Carey, Co. L ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
F. Pitts, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Milo Brittain, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
William Hughes, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Edgar C. Kilbom, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Armour Lockman, Co. M ; disch. by order, Aug. 17, 1865.
George L. Mapes, Co. M; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Charles H. O'Neill, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Edgar Rodgers, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Wilson Tucker, Co. M; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Andrew I. Webster, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Ephraim B. Warner, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Jonathan F. Wines, Co. M ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
Lorenzo Cunimings, Co. M; must, out June 28, 1865.
Andrew Johnson, Co. M ; must, out Aug. 12, 1865.
ELEVENTH CAVALRY.
The 11th was organized at Kalamazoo, and left for Ken-
tucky in December, 1863. The number of its members
from Hillsdale County during the war was a hundred and
four ; of whom thirty-one were in Company A, seven in
Company B, one in C, twenty-five in D, two in E, nine in
F, seven in H, five in I, twelve in K, fourteen in L, and
eighteen in M.
After scouting in Kentucky about six months, the regi-
ment came in collision with the noted rebel cavalry leader
John H. Morgan, at Mount Sterling, and after a sharp ac-
tion utterly routed his command. On the 12th of June it
came up with the remainder of his force at Cynthiana, and
again the sons of chivalry were compelled to fly before the
men of Michigan. In the latter part of September, 1864,
the regiment moved with its division on a long and tedious
raid over the mountains to Saltville, Va. The place was
found to be fortified and well defended by a large force
under Gen. Brecken ridge. The attack failed and the com-
mand returned to Kentucky.
In the latter part of November, the 11th was ordered to
East Tennessee, where it was engaged in the usual fighting
with guerrillas and rebel cavalry until the middle of Janu-
ary, 1865, when it marched with Gren. Stoneman on an im-
portant raid into Virginia. On the 16th of January it
fought with Vaughn's Brigade all day, near Abingdon, Va.,
completely routing it and capturing all its artillery and two
hundred and fifty men. After defeating Breckenridge's
Infantry, destroying the salt-works at Saltville, burning an
arsenal, and capturing a large quantity of supplies and ar-
tillery, the command passed over the mountains into Ken-
tucky, three-fourths of the forces being worn out and the
men dismounted.
In the forepart of March the regiment, with new horses,
again went to East Tennessee, and joined another expedi-
tion of Gen. Stoneman's into North Carolina* At Salisbury,
in that State, on the 12th of April, the command defeated
a large force of the enemy, capturing eighteen hundred pris-
oners and twenty-two pieces of artillery. It then passed
on through South Carolina into Georgia, and on the 11th
of May captured the cavalry escort of Jefi'erson Davis, near
Washington, Ga. It then went back through South Caro-
lina to East Tennessee.
On the 20th of July the 11th was consolidated with the
8th Michigan Cavalry, taking the name of the latter regi-
ment. The consolidated regiment was mustered out in
September, as narrated a short distance back.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
John D. Frisbie, com. 1st lieut., Aug. 1, 1863 ; ci\pt., Jan. 15, 1864 ; res. April 7, '65.
Goorge W. Cutler, com. 2d lieut., Aug. 1, 1863; wounded and captured at Salt-
ville, Va., Oct. 2, 1864; exchanged Feb. 21, 1865; disch. May 15, 1865.
William S. Mapes, com. 2d lieut., Oct. 29, 1864; must, out Aug. 10, 1865.
Daniel R. llozelle, com. 2d lieut., Oct. 29, 1864; trans, to 8th Cav. on consolida-
tion ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865.
William C. Fitzsimmons, com. 2d lieut., Jan. 21, 1865.
Charles S. Linds, Co. A ; died at Lexington, Ky., March 9, 1864.
Peter McLouth, Co. D; died at Lexington, Ky., March 20, 1864.
John Swick, Co. L; died at Camp Nelson, Ky., May 18, 1864,
Joseph W. Gould, Co. B; missing at Saltville, Va., Oct. 2, 1864; returned.
Oscar L. Niles, Co. B ; died at Lexington, Ky., April, 1865.
Warner Perham, Co. D ; died at Lexington, Ky., Sept. 21, 1864.
Stephen Fitzsimmons, Co. I ; died at Lexington, Ky., Jan. 2, 1865.
Samuel 0. Everts, Co. K ; died at Saltville, Va., of wounds, Oct. 3, 18^.
Carlos Pomeroy, Co. L; died at Greenville, Va., April 25, 1865.
J. J. Purdy, Co. M ; missing at Andersonville, S. C, May 20, 1865.
L. J. Smith, Co. M ; missing at Andersonville, S. C, May 20, 1865.
Albert E. French, Co. A; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Edward R. Fitzsimmons, Co. A; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
John M. Farquar, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Abram Shapes, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
John A. Anable, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Levans Bachelor, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William C. Burns, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James A. Drake, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William H. Eldridge, Co. A; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Ezra Green, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Edward M. Gilbert, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James Hickox, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James A. Lards, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Thonjas O'Brien, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Franklin Saxton, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
George Silkworth, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James S. Stackas, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Philip Veille, Co. A; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Franklin Walston, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
John L. Williams, Co. A ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Jobn F. Craig, Co. B; trans, to 8th Mich Cav.
Joseph M. Gould, Co. B; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Charles Marvin, Co. B ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Tliomas Pitts, Co. C ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
A. C. Barnard, Co. D ; trans, to U. S. Colored Troops.
Milo Britton, Co. D; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Lorenzo Cunimings, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William Hughes, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Edgar C. Kilbur, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Armour Lockmer, Co. D; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
George L. Mapes, Co. D; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Charles II. Minor, Co. D; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
George L. NicoU, Co. D ; trans, to U. S. Colored Troops.
Charles O'Neill, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Thomas Rooney, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William Rooney, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Edgar Rogers, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Andrew J. Webster, Co. D; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Ephraim Warner, Co. I); trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Jonathan F. Wines, Co. D ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Daniel Fullerton, Co. E ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Daniel H. Parker, Co. E; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
A. F. Terpenning, Co. F; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Joseph Cough, Co. F; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
John B. Harrington, Co. F ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William A. Northrup, Co. F ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Charles S. Hawes, Co. F; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Wilson h. Blair, Co. F ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Leroy Blair, Co. F; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Franklin Hunter, Co. F ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Thoiaas Wright, Co. 6 ; trans, to 8th Hkh. C^¥.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
77
Ephraim B. Cooper, Co. H; trans, to 8tb Mich. Car.
Cyrus Robertson, Co. H ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Elia M. Cope, Co. H ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William A. Place, Co. H ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
George Tuttle, Co. H; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Mons. Davison, Co. I; trans to 8th Mich. Cav.
Hiram Young, Co. 1 ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
E. S. Cole, Co. K ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Edgar Davidson, Co. K ; trans, to 1st Mich. Sharpshooters.
Edward Rosaman, Co. K ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James Odell, Co. K; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Francis M. Townsend, Co. K; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Henry Nettage, Co. K; trans, to 8tli Mich. Cav.
John H. Beckwith, Co. L; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Frank A. Bacon, Co. L; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
W. J. McElishine, Co. L; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Adelbert R. Chapman, Co. L; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William C. Gibson, Co. L; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav,
Alanson M. Cliapman, Co. L; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Palerman Castle, Co. L ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Henry B. Strickland, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Edward G. Taylor, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James S. Albro, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Jackson Penoyer, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
George W. Asken, Co. M; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Oscar B. Abell, Co. M ; trans., to 8th Mich*. Cav.
Delyon C. Allen, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Sidney A. Acker, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Samuel B. Nixon, Co. M; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
James Odell, Co, M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
William Roswell, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Theodore E. Regston, Co. M ; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav,
George W. Southworth, Co. M; trans, to 8th Mich, Cav.
Daniel B. Shipmau, Co. M; trans, to 8th Mich. Cav.
Joseph Milton, Co. K; disch. for disability, Aug. 8, 1864.
Samuel Humphrey, Co. L; disch. for disability, July 22, 1864.
Charles M. Wade, Co. A ; disch. for promotion.
Edwin Smith, Co. A ; must, out May 18, 1865,
Eliphalet Barber, Co. A ; must, out Blay 29, 1865.
Robert M. Cox, Co. A ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Garrett W. Carr, Co. A ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Emery Forbes, Co. A ; must, out June 12, 1865.
Harvey Hilton, Co. A ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Josiah C. Jennjson, Co. A ; must, out May 15, 1865.
Walter Razell, Co. A ; must, out May 15, 1865.
Warren Sprague, Co. A ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
James E. Caruthers, Co. B ; must, out June 16, 1865.
Franklin B, Stevens, Co, B ; must, out May 5, 1865,
George A. Webster, Co. D; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Webster Cooley, Co.. D ; disch, by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
William A, Collins, Co, D; must, out May 18, 1865.
Horace M. Gay, Co. D; must, out May 18, 1865.
John H, Ireland, Co, D ; must, out Oct. 17, 1865.
Orrin C. Kelly, Co. D ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Marcus Young, Co. D ; must, out June 23, 1865,
Albert Trim, Co, F ; must, out May 17, 1865.
Bradley Teachout, Co. G ; must, out June 16, 1865.
R. E. Whipple, Co, H ; disch, for promotion,
Alfred Boylis, Co. H ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
Amos D. Olds, Co. I ; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
William A. Keys, Co. I ; disch. for promotion, July 12, 1864.
Joseph Fisher, Co. K ; disch. for disability, Dec. 22, 1864.
Dyer Freeman, Co. K; disch. for disability, June 16, 1865.
Joseph Milton, Co, K ; disch. Aug, 8, 1865.
Anthony M. Moore, Co. K; disch. by order, June 10, 1865.
Samuel D. Humphrey, Co. L; disch. for disability, July 22, 1865.
G. L. Bartholomew, Co. L ; must, out May 22, 1865,
Alfred H. Wayne, Co. L; must, out June 15, 1865.
B. F. Foulk, Co. L ; must, out June 15, 1865.
Benjamin D. Kingsley, Co. M ; disch. by order, July 12, 1865.
Herbert H. Hickox, Co. M ; must, out July 15, 1865.
Samuel C. Briggs, Co. M; must, out June 1, 1865.
Oscar G. Hart, Co. M; disch. by order, Aug. 10, 1865.
FIRST LIGHT ARTILLERY.
In the spring of 1861 a battery of artillery was organ-
ized at Cold water, and went to the seat of war as the 1st
Michigan Battery. Four more batteries, numbered accord-
ing to the date of organization, were formed during the
season, all of which went to the front in December of that
year. Three more were organized in 1862, and still six
others — making twelve in all — in the forepart of 1863. On
the 3d of August of the latter year the Wai' Bepartmeut,
by special orders, recognized these twelve batteries as a
regiment of artillery, and allowed the usual complement
of field-oflScers to be mustered in. Each battery was desig-
nated by a letter corresponding to its previous number, the
first battery becoming Battery A, the second Battery B,
etc. In fact, however, each battery operated by itself, the
field-officers being usually assigned to staff* duty. The
number from Hillsdale County in the whole regiment
during the war was a hundred and sixty-nine, distributed
as follows : ten in Battery A, six in B, ten in C, nineteen
in D, two in E, forty in F, forty-five in G, six in H, thirty-
four in I, and three in L. We can only mention, and
that very briefly, the services of Batteries D, F, Gr, and I.
Battery D (originally the 4th Michigan Battery) went
to Kentucky in December, 1861, and was in service in
that State and Tennessee in 1862 and 1863. It was in
the battle of Hoover s Gap, Tenn., on the 26th of June,
1863, and was warmly engaged at Chickamauga on the
19th and 20th of September, having nine men wounded in
the latter conflict. In November, 1863, it was furnished
with twenty-pound Parrott guns, with which it shelled the
enemy at Mission Ridge, covering the advance of Hooker
up Lookout Mountain, on the 24th of that month, and the
grand assault on Mission Ridge the following day. The
battery remained at Chattanooga until March, 1864, when
it was ordered to Murfreesboro'. It was on duty with its
heavy guns in forts near that place almost a year and a
half, having, meanwhile, been engaged more or less with
the right of Gen. Hood's army, when he was operating
against Nashville, from the 12th to the 16th of November,
1864. The battery was mustered out at Jackson, Mich.,
on the 3d of August, 1865.
Battery F (originally the 6th Battery) was organized at
Coldwater, and left for Kentucky in March, 1862. At the
battle of Richmond, in that State, its infantry supports
gave way, the artillerists were compelled to flee, and all
their guns were captured. The men were on garrison
duty in Kentucky throughout 1863. In January, 1864,
the battery marched over the mountains to Knoxvillo)
where it remained until April. In May it joined Gen.
Sherman for the Georgia campaign. In that campaign it
was in the battles of Resaca, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw
Mountain, Decatur, and the siege of Atlanta. Its firing
was at long range, and though it had several men killed
and wounded, it was not cut up as were some of the infan-
try regiments. The battery was then sent to Tennessee,
and took part in the defense of Nashville against Hood's
army, from the 12th to the 16th of November. In Jan-
uary, 1865, it went, with a force under Gen. Schofield, to
Washington, D. C, and thence to Newbern, N, C. It was
engaged in some minor operations in that State, and in
June was ordered home, being mustered out at Jackson,
Mich., on the 1st day of July, 1865.
Battery G (originally the 7th) was organized at Kala-
mazoo, and w^ent to Kentucky in February, 1862. It
served in that State and West Virginia until November,
1862, when it was ordered to the Yazoo River, Miss. It
was warmly engaged in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou,
December 28 and 29, having ten men killed and wounded.
In January, 1S63, it went with the army to Arkaii^as
78
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTF, MICHIGAN.
Post, and was present at the capture of that important
fort. Battery Q was likewise a part of the force which
ran the rehel blockade at Vicksburg in April, was en-
gaged in several of the succeeding conflicts, and was an
active participant in the siege and capture of that key of
the Mississippi. In August the battery went down to
Carroll ton, La., and in November was ordered to Texas.
It served at Brazos, Santiago, Matagorda Island, Indianola,
and other points in that State until June, having several
not very serious conflicts with the enemy. In June the
battery returned to Carrollton, La., remaining there until
October, and then proceeding to Mobile Bay. In April,
Battery G participated in the siege and capture of Mobile.
It remained on duty in the vicinity until July, when it was
ordered home, being mustered out at Jackson, Mich., on
the 6th day of August, 1865.
Battery I (originally the 9th) was organized in conjunc-
tion with the 5th Cavalry in the late summer and the au-
tumn of 1862, and went to Washington with that regi-
ment in November. It was not in any battle until that of
Gettysburg, on the 3d of July, 1863, where it had five
men killed and wounded. The battery remained with the
Army of the Potomac until November, when it was sent
to Nashville. It remained there till the 7th of March,
1864, and then moved southward, joining the 3d Division
of the 20th Army Corps the last of April. With that
division it went through the Georgia campaign, being
engaged with the enemy at Cassville, New Hope Church,
Lost Mountain, Kenesaw, Peach-Tree Creek, and the siege
of Atlanta. Fifteen men were killed and wounded during
the campaign, out of a little over a hundred. As usual
with artillery, only two or three fell in each engagement ;
but it was in a good many engagements. In November
the battery returned to Chattanooga, where it remained
until July, 1865, when it was ordered home. It was mus-
tered out at Jackson, Mich., on the 14th of that month.
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Ira G. Wisner, commissioned 2d lieut. Bat. G, 1st Light Art., April 18, 1864; 1st
lieut., April 6, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 6, 1865.
George W. Baker, Bat. B ; died at Cahawba, Ala., 1862.
Israel Rameler, Bat. G ; died at New Machias, Mo., April 14, 1862.
John C. Sinclair, Bat. C; disch. for disability, June 10, 1862.
Emanuel Ish, Bat. 0; disch. for disability, June 10, 1862.
Hamilton Lee, Bat. D ; died at Louisville, Ky., Jan. 14, 1862.
Chester 8. Randall, Bat. D ; died at White Pigeon, Mich.
John Van Meter, Bat. F ; disch. for disability, June 12, 1862.
Henry C. Williams, Bat. G ; disch. for disability, April 11, 1862.
John Truax, Bat. G; disch. for disability, June 20, 1862.
George Graham, Bat. G; killed at Thompson's Hill, May 1, 1863.
Ira L. Strong, Bat. I; died at Washington, D. C, Jan. 29, 1863.
Daniel Boyer, Bat. I; died at Harper's Ferry, Va., Aug. 16, 1863.
Gleason F. Reynolds, Bat. F; died at Mumfordsville, Ky., Feb. 19, 1863.
James H. Henndun, Bat. F ; died at Mumfordsville, Ky., Sept. 1, 1863.
Dorris H. HoM'e, Bat. G ; died at St. Louis, Mo., April 9, 1863.
Horace B. Doty, Bat. G ; died at Milliken's Bend, La., April, 1863.
Oscar Barnes, Bat. G; died at Memphis, Tenn., July 23, 1863.
Sylvanus B., Plumb, Bat. G; died at Vicksburg, Miss., Aug. 9, 1863.
Norman P. Austin, Bat. F; killed near Atlanta, Ga., July 21, 1864.
Edgar A. Sprague, Bat. A; died at L )uisville, Ky., June 13, 1864.
Henry B. Turner, Bat. B; died at Rome, Ga., Aug. 13, 1864.
William Vernon, Bat. B; died at Jeffersonville, Ind., Aug. 22, 1864.
Smith B. Champlin, Bat. E; died at Jeffersonville, Ind., July 12, 1864.
Lorenzo D. Barnes, Bat. E ; died at Marietta, Ga., Oct. 2, 1864,
Orville Palmer, Bat. I ; died at Chattanooga, Tenn,, Aug. 4, 1864.
Enos C. Plumb, Bat. G ; trans, to V. B. C. Sept. 30, 1863.
James C. Cooper, Bat. I; trans, to V. R. C, Jan. 15, 1864.
Wilson Little, Bat. I; trans, to V. R. C, Jan. 15, 1864.
Jeremiah Gardner. Bat. C ; killed at Edisto River, S. C, Feb. i>, 1865.
Robert T. Phillips, Bat. D ; died.
WilUam Day, Bat. F ; died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 9, 1865.
Andrew J. Cross, Bat. G; died at Portland, Ohio, Oct. 19, 1862.
Philemon Cook, Bat. G; died at New Orleans, La., Jan. 19, 1865.
Benjamin S. Gunn, Bat. G ; drowned in Mobile Bay, Ala., Nov. 20, 1864.
Philotus Wheeler, Bat. I; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps.
John H. Baker, Bat. B ; disch. for promotion, June 22, 1863.
Joseph Woolston, Bat. G ; disch, for disability, March 28, 1863.
Orsamus Doty, Bat. G; disch. for disability, March 26, 1863.
Martin Collar, Bat. G; disch. for disability, June 6, 1863.
Charles Baker, Bat. G; disch. for disability, Sept. 8, 1863.
Christopher H. Britton, Bat. G ; disch. for disability, Sept. 23, 1863.
Henry W. Loomis, Bat. L ; disch. for disability, June 20, 1863.
Sylvester Dwight, Bat. A; disch. at exp. of service, May 31, 1864.
Watson B. Conklin, Bat. A ; disch. at exp, of service, Sept. 30, 1864.
Caleb A. Ensign, Bat. C ; disch. by order, Dec. 3, 1863.
Wesley Davis, Bat. D; disch, for disability, Sept. 2, 1862.
James H. Thompson, Bat. D ; disch. for disability, July 13, 1862.
John Homer Smith, Bat. F; disch. for disability, Jan. 6, 1863.
James C. Cooper, Bat. I ; disch. for disability, Dec. 26, 1863.
Isaiah Liby, Bat. I; disch. for disability, Feb. 24, 1864.
Zachariah Lay ton, Bat. I; disch. for disability, March 7, 1864.
Thomas J. Harris, Bat. A ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 11, 1864.
Ira Smith, Bat. C ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 21, 1864.
Henry Carlisle, Bat. F; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, March 26, 1864.
James Van Valkenburg, Bat. F; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, March 26, 1864.
George W. Jeffers, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Ozial B. Taylor, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
John Vanmeter, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Abijah P. Lyke, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Lewis Martin, Bat, A ; disch. by order. May 26, 1865.
Daniel H. Mills, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1865.
Melvin Bailey, Bat. B; must, out June 14, 1865.
Henry Zupp, Bat. C; disch. for disability, March 25, 1865.
William Durby, Bat. C ; must, out June 22, 1865.
James H. Ostrander, Bat. C; must, out June 22, 1865.
William S. Piatt, Bat. C; must, out June 22, 1865.
Harper V. D. Baker, Bat. D; disch. at exp. of service, Sept. 17, 1864.
Almond K. Herrington, Bat. D; disch. for disability.
Luman Ward, Bat. D ; disch. for disability, April 28, 1862.
Ira Hodges, Bat. D ; disch. for disability, July 18, 1863,
Martin J. English, Bat. D ; disch, for disability, Dec. 9, 1862.
Newman Curtis, Bat. D; disch. at exp. of service, Sept. 17, 1864.
John D. Fuller, Bat. D ; disch. for disability, July 28, 1862,
Elijah Pond, Bat, D ; disch. at exp. of service, Sept, 17, 1864.
George Plumb, Bat. D ; disch. at exp. of service, Oct, 31, 1864.
Edmund R. Phillips, Bat. D; disch. for disability, May 22, 1862.
William H, Plumb, Bat, D ; disch. at exp. of service, Nov. 2, 1864.
George W. Sawyer, Bat. D ; disch, at Louisville, Ky.
John Warren, Bat. D ; disch. at exp. of service, Oct. 31, 1864.
Orel C. Warrener, Bat. D; must, out Aug. 3, 1865,
William Aldrich, Bat, F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
J. Wesley Austin, Bat. F; disch. at exp. of service, Jan. 14, 1866.
Orson Austin, Bat. F ; disch. for disability, Aug, 14, 1862.
Martin L. Burleson, Bat, F; must, o.ut July 1, 1865,
Martin Furlong, Bat, F; must, out July 1, 1865.
William W, Fillio, Bat, F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Amri Johnson, Bat. F; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 14, 1865.
John B. Kelley, Bat. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Daniel E. Maxon, Bat. F; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 12, 1865.
Myron Porter, Bat. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Levi C. Smith, Bat. F; disch. for disability, Nov. 18, 1862.
Michael Selles, Bat. F; disch. at expiration of service, April 19, 1865.
James C. Vanamel, Bat. F; disch. for disability, Dec. 10, 1862.
John Higley, Bat. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Stephen S. Johnson, Bat, F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Henry M. Johnson, Bat. F; disch. by order. May 18, 1865.
Lewis M. Hibbs, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865,
Henry M. Nichols, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
Henry H. Root, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
Jacob Swartout, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
David Miller, Bat. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Andrew Foster, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
Harvey Lucas, Bat. F; must, out July 1, 1865.
Edwin Porter, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
Richard E. Rich, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
John Vantuyl, Bat. F ; must, out July 1, 1865.
Spencer Welch, Bat, F; disch. by order, June 10, 1865.
Jacob D. Waldorf, Bat. F; disch. to accept com. in U. S. Col. H. Art., July 23, 1864.
Abraham Cooper, Bat. G; disch. to enl. in regular service, Nov. 25, 1862.
Oliver Franklin, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Richard Hart, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
M. Barron Solomon, Bat. G; disch at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1866.
William B. Britton, Bat. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Horace Bellinger, Bat. G; disch. to enl. in regular service, Nov. 26, 1862.
Ira K. Bailey, Bat. Q; disch. to enl. in regular service, Nov. 25, 1862.
Philemon Cook, Bat. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
John H. Gillett, Bat. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Wallace Glaxier, Bat. G; disch. to enl. in regular sonrice, Nov. 25, 1862.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
79
William H. Hall, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
David Litchfield, Bat. G ; disch. to enl. in regular service, Nov. 25, 1862.
Orrin Olds, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
William H. Palmer, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Sidney Palmer, Bat. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Edward D. Plumb, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
George A. Ryker, Bat. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Chauncey Smith, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
George W. Shultz, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
William Smeadmer, Bat. G ; disch. for disability, Oct. 25, 1862.
Joseph Thierman, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Isaac S. Yanakin, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Charles L. Wilcox, Bat. G; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
John G. Williams, Bat. G ; disch. at expiration of service, Jan. 28, 1865.
Warren W. Wilkinson, Bat. G; disch. to enl. in regular service, Nov. 25, 1862.
Welcome Merchant, Bat. G; must, out Aug, 6, 1865.
William Curtiss, Bat. G; disch. by order, June 12, 1865.
Henry N. Dugan, Bat. G; must, out Aug. 6, 1865.
Albert H. Gowdy, Bat. G; disch. by order, Aug. 17, 1865.
William J. Bunting, Bat. H ; must, out July 22, 1865.
Edwin J. Codner, Bat. H; must, out July 22, 1865.
David C. Davey, Bat. H ; must, out July 22, 1865.
George A. Linch, Bat. H; must, out July 22, 1865.
Baphael Thomas, Bat. H ; must, out July 22, 1865.
Thomas Wilkinson, Bat. H ; must, out July 22, 1865.
Hasey E. Barker, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
George W. Jennings, Bat. I ; disch. by order, May 26, 1864.
Dexter C. Bartlett, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
James H. Beard, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Elkanah S. Becker, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
James Deems, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Cheney Hall, Bat. 1 ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Levi C. Lee, Bat. I; must, out July 14, 1865.
Philander Millard, Bat. I; must, out July 14, 1865.
William Manning, Bat. I; disch. for disability, Dec. 22, 1864.
James E. Nickaloy, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Bobert O'Mealey, Bat. I; must, out July 14, 1865,
William O'Mealey, Bat. I ; disch. by order, Oct. 23, 1862.
William A. Potter, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
James W. Potter, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865,
Joseph B. Patterson, Bat. I; must, out July 14, 1865.
Levi Rickard, Bat, I; must, out July 14, 1865.
Ambrose Roate, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Alpheus B. St. John, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
John Tucker, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Ira C. Wyckoft-, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Andrew J. Weeks, Bat. I; must, out July 14, 1865.
David W, Stroud, Bat. I; must, out July 14, 1865.
Henry Cromer, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1865.
Charles H. Stroud, Bat. I ; disch. for disability, Dec. 16, 1864.
Charles Barnes, Bat. L ; must, out Aug. 22, 1865.
John S. Devoe, Bat, L ; must, out Aug. 22, 1865.
CHAPTER XIX.
OTHEB SOLDIEKS.
Remarks — Total Number of Officers and Soldiers of Hillsdale County
—Those in other States— Of 3d, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, I2th, 14th, 17th,
21st, 26th, and 29th Infantry— Of Provost-Guard— Of 148th New
York Infantry — Of 1st United States Sharpshooters — Of 1st, 3d,
6th, 9th, and 10th Cavalry— Of Merrill Horse— Of 14th Battery—
Of 1st Missouri Engineers — Of 102d United States Colored Troops.
Besides the members of the organizations mentioned in
the foregoing ten chapters, and which, as before stated, in-
cluded all those which had twenty men from Hillsdale
County, there were many other soldiers of that county
scattered in varying numbers among more than a dozen other
regiments. Their records, as obtained from the adjutant-
general's reports, are given in this chapter.
The grand total of enlisted men, according to those re-
ports, was two thousand t\vo hundred and sixty-eight. Add
to these ninety-four commissioned officers from the same
county, and we have an aggregate of two thousand three
hundred and sixty-two.
Besides all these there were a considerable number from
this county, but how many is not known, even approxi-
mately, who enlisted in regiments belonging to other States,
and of whom no record is to be found in Michigan. Acci-
dentally, we have learned the facts regarding a few of them,
and have inserted them here :
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
FROM HILLSDALE COUNTY.
THIRD INFANTRY.
John P. Palmer, died at Yorktown, Ya., April 27, 1862.
FIFTH INFANTRY.
Robert A. Everett, of Ann Arbor (now of Hillsdale), com. ass't. surg., July 3,
1861 ; siirg. 16th Inf , April 18, 1863 ; must, out at end of service.
John E. Porter, Co. D; must, out July 23, 1865.
Osmer C. Brown, Co. G ; must, out May 31, 1865.
SIXTH INFANTRY.
Oscar Chapel, Co. C ; killed at Baton Rouge, La,, Aug. 5, 1862.
Nelson Nethaway, Co. I ; died of wounds, July 22, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.
Dexter Pearsell, Co. K; died at Helena, Ark., Aug. 21, 1864.
Alexander Getty, Co B ; died at Fort Morgan, Ala., Nov. 5, 1861.
Richard Cheney, Co. C; died at New Orleans, La., Nov. 27, 1864.
Warren Tompkins, Co. C; disch. by order, Sept. 5, 1865.
Leander Fitzgerald, Co. D ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865.
Sylvester Kenyon, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865.
Robert Wheeler, Co. K ; must, out Aug. 20, 1865.
EIGHTH INFANTRY.
Reuben S. Cheney, com. 1st lieut., Sept. 24, 1861 ; res. April 13, 1862.
William P. Miner, com. 2d lieut., Sept. 24, 1861 ; res. Feb. 19, 1862.
Alonzo Cheney, com. 2d lieut., March 27, 1863 ; 1st. lieut,. May 6, 1864; must, out
Oct. 19, 1864.
Isaiah Crispell, Co. B; died at Cold Harbor, Va., June 8, 1864.
Abraham L. Harding, Co. A ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1864.
Andrew Petsa, Co. A ; disch. by order, May 29, 1865.
Ira Green, Co. A ; disch, for disability, Dec, 23, 1864.
George D. Drury, Co. A; must, out July 30, 1865.
Orsamns J. Hoppins, Co. B ; must, out July 30, 1865.
Martin Kavana, Co. D ; disch. June 30, 1865.
Charles H, Seavey, Co. K; disch. by order. May 20,1865.
Lorenzo W. Finch, Co. K; disch. by order. May 20, 1865.
NINTH INFANTRY,
Hawkins King, app, ass't surg,, March 28, 1865; res. Aug. 5, 1865.
Hugh Webster, Co. G; killed at Murfreesboro', Tenn., July 13, 1862.
Abraham W. Vanness, Co. A; died at Nashville, Tenn., Dec, 12, 1865,
John Harmon, Co. D ; must, out Sept. 15, 1865.
Ovid M. Thompson, Co. D ; must, out Sept, 15, 1865.
Russell Ellis, Co, E; must, out Sept, 15, 1865.
Sylvester Lyman, Co, E ; must. out. Sept, 15, 1865.
Milo M. Titus, Co. E ; must, out Sept. 15, 1865.
William Wilson, Co. E; must, out Sept. 15, 1865.
Thomas Cox, Co, H ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Andrew Crandall, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 15, 1865.
Elias Whitcome, Co, I; must, out. Sept. 15, 1865.
Joseph Laduke, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 15, 1865.
TWELFTH INFANTRY.
Timothy Giddings, Co. D ; died at Duval's Bluff, Ark., May 27, 1865.
Bennett Gregg, Co. D ; disch. by order, Aug. 22, 1865.
John Houghtaling, Co. D ; disch. by order, Oct. 7, 1865.
William Holcombe, Co. D ; disch. by order, Oct, 7, 1865.
Ilolden White, Co. E ; disch. by order, Oct. 13, 1865.
Clarence Morey, Co. G ; must, out. Feb. 15, 1866.
Elry P. Parsons, Co. H ; disch. for disability, Nov. 26, 1864.
FOURTEENTH INFANTRY.
Jonathan Snyder, Co. H ; died at Chattanooga, Tenn,, Feb. 13, 1865.
Warren Young, Co. H ; died at Savannah, Ga., April 10, 1865.
Charles H. Weed, Co. C ; must, out July 18, 1865.
William Barrett, Co. D ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Andrew Hoard, Co. D ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Garrett Tennell, Co. G ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Jonas Smith, Co. I; must, out July 18, 1865.
Henry Bogard, Co. I ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Michael Youngs, Co. I ; must, out July 24, 1865.
Cassius Bancroft, Go. K ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Edmund Crandall, Co. K ; must, out July 18, 1865.
William Smith, Co. K ; must, out July 18, 1865.
Elisha L. Davis, Co. K ; must, out July 18, 1866.
Charles Salmon, Co. K ; must, out July 18, 1865.
80
HISTOBY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
SBVENTEENTH INFANTBT.
Thome^ P. May, commissioned 2d lieut. May 26, 1865.
Newman Cmne, Co. H ; died of wounds at Frederick, Md., Oct. 9, 1862.
Francis Strunk, C5o. A ; died at Detroit, Mich.
James Bradshaw, CJo. 6; died of accidental wounds, June 17, 1863.
Lewis Wilson, Co. G ; died at Knoxville, Tenn., Sept. 26, 1863.
Edwin M. Scott, Co. H; died at City Point, Va., Aug. 26,1864.
Louis Searles, Co. H ; dind at Florence, S. C, Dec. 20, 1864.
Kansom P. Howe, Co. H ; trans, to 8th Michigan Inf., Oct. 15, 1862.
John G. Fullmer, Co. H ; must, out June 3, 1865.
Alva J. Hiccott, Co. H ; disch. by order, May 30, 1865.
Milton Herring, Co. H ; must, out June 3, 1865.
NINETEENTH INFANTRY.
Samuel Knapp, Co. H; died at Murfreesboro', Tenn., Aug. 23, 1863.
TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY.
George W. Woodward, commissioned 2d Kent., July 30, 1862; Ist lieut., Jan. 15,
1863; capt, Dec. 2, 1863; brevet maj., March 13, 1865; must, out June 8,
1865.
TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY.
Orman Barden, Co. H ; trans, to 29th Mich. Infantry.
TWENTY-SIXTH INFANTRY.
Wm, M. Rogers, Co. B ; must, out April 27, 1865.
Milton H. Saviers, Co. F; disch. for disability, Oct. 27, 1864.
TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY.
Henry Mersell, Co. B ; must, out Sept. 6, 1865.
Christian Jensen, Co. D; must, out Sept. 6, 1865.
PROVOST-GUARD.
Eli Banker, must, out May 9, 1865.
Joseph Cressey, must, out May 9, 1865,
John A. Merchant, must, out May 9, 1865.
Albert Merrill, must, out May 9, 1865.
James Riddin, must, out May 9, 1865.
Oscar E. Wells, must, out May 9, 1865.
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK INFANTRY.
D. D. Sanford, Co. G; in battles of Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg,
Hatcher's Run, Appomattox; wounded at Petersburg, June 18, 1864;
must, out June 22, 1865.
FIRST UNITED STATES SHARPSHOOTERS.
William Doyle, Co. C; died March 27, 1862.
George Zimmerman, Co. C; died Dec. 29, 1861.
Leander Ballard, Co. I; killed at Locust Grove, Va., Nov. 27, 1863.
Henry A. Gilchrist, Co. C; trans, to Vet Res. Corps, March 31, 1864.
Jay Libbee, Co. I; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 1, 1863.
Charles Button, Co. C; disch. for disability, Oct. 2, 1861.
Archibald Storms, Co. C ; disch. for disability, Dec. 9, 1862.
FIRST CAVALRY.
William A. Drake, Co. A ; died in hospital.
James H. Armstrong, Co. B ; must, out March 10, 1866,
Donald T. McCall, Co. D ; must, out March 10, 1866.
James P. Turner, Co. D; must, out March 10, 1866.
Peter H. Cole, Co. E ; must, out Dec. 5, 1865.
Charles W. Cole, Co. E ; must, out Dec. 5, 1865.
David Madder, Co. E ; must, out March 10, 1866.
Jacob Van Ettan, Co. E ; must, out July 24, 1865.
Asahel Richardson, Co. H ; must, out March 25, 1866.
THIRD CAVALRY.
Michael Mclntyre, commis. 2d lieut. June 11, 1862; Ist lieut. Nov. 1,1862;
honorably disch. Feb. 28, 1865.
Sanford B. Goodrich, leader band ; died on board hosp. boat. May, 1862.
Charles Hatton, disch. for disability, June 9, 1862.
Silas P. Gainard, Co. F ; disch. at expiration of service, Oct. 24, 1864.
Francis B. Henry, Co. F ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 19, 1864.
Chauncey H. Davis, Co. P ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 19, 1864.
Charles Hurley, Co. K ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Jan. 20, 1864.
Lock V. Mosher, Co. B ; disch. for disability, Jan. 22, 1862.
William Hurley, Co. G; must, out Feb. 12, 1866.
FIFTH CAVALRY.
Peter H. Cole, Co. E ; trans, to 1st Mich. Cavalry.
Charles W. Cole, Co. E ; trans, to 1st Mich. Cavalry.
Norris W. McHurd, Co. I; trans, to 7th Mich. Cavalry.
0. J. Hammond, Co. K ; trans, to 7th Mich. Cavalry.
Burton H. Spear, Co. L ; trans, to 7th Mich. Cavalry.
George Taylor, Co. L ; trans, to 7th Mich. Cavalry.
Morris McHerd, Co. L; trans, to 7th Mich. Cavalry.
Meredith C, Smith, Co. M; trans, to 7th Mich. Cavalry.
Edgar Harris, Co. M ; must, out June 19, 1865.
SIXTH CAVALRY.
Donald T. McCall, Co. B ; trans, to 1st Mich. Cavalry, Nov. 17, 1865.
James P. Turner, Co. B; tmns. to 1st Mich. Cavalry, Nov. 17, 1865.
Jacob Van Ettan, Co. B; trans, to 1st Mich. Cavalry, Nov. 17, 1865.
Abel Richardson, Co. D; trans, to 1st Mich. Cavalry, Nov. 17, 1865.
Robert C. Jackson, Co. K ; di8ch..June 19, 1865.
NINTH CAVALRY.
Francis M. Jones, commis. 2d lieut. Feb. 24, 1865 ; not mustered.
John Morehouse, Co. F; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 8, 1863.
Samuel Miller, Co. F; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 8, 1863.
Benjamin Norton, Co. F; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 8, 1863.
Leander Perry, Co. F ; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 8, 1863.
Henry A. Hunt, Co. I ; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 1, 1863.
Edwin A. Packer, Co. I ; trans, to lltli Mich. Battery, May 1, 1863.
Allen R. Walker, Co. I; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 1, 1863.
James H. Walker, Co. I ; trans, to 11th Mich. Battery, May 1, 1863.
Harvey Mott, Co. B; must, out Aug. 11, 1865.
Frederick Smith, Co. B ; must, out July 21, 1865.
Isaac R. Howe, Co. L ; must, out July 21, 1865.
Joseph Howe, Co. L ; must, out July 21, 1865.
TENTH CAVALRY.
William E. Smith, com. 2d lieut. April 8, 1865 ; must, out Nov. 11, 1865,
L. E. Bay less, Co. M ; died at Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 11, 1865.
Charles B. Norton, Co. B ; must, out May 13, 1865.
Edward W. Smith, Co. M ; disch. for promotion, Oct. 2, 1864.
MERRILL HORSE.
Chauncey W. Rickard, Co. I; must, out Sept. 18, 1805.
FOURTEENTH BATTERY.
Darwin E. Beebe, must, out July 1, 1865,
Ransom Ball, must, out July 1, 1865.
John J, Daniels, must, out July 1, 1865.
John II, Davis, must, out July 1, 1865.
Gabriel 0. Morehouse, must, out July 1, 1865.
Patrick Turner, must, out July 1, 1865.
FIRST MISSOURI ENGINEERS.
Cyrus H. Lewis, Co. E ; enl. as veteran, Jan. 4, 1864.
ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS.
Augustus Steward, Co. C ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
Hezekiah Madry, Co. I) ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
James M. Crummell, Co. F ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
Robert Lee, Co. F ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
William Wesley, Co. F ; must, out Sept, 30, 1865.
George G. White, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
Charles Gilbert, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
John F. Sinclair, Co. H ; must, out Sept. 30, 1865.
CHAPTER XX.
SINCE THE ^WAK.
The Soldier's Return — Axe and Plow — New Railroads — The Census
of 1870 — Increase of Population — A City in the County — Agricul-
ture— The Rivers of Hillsdale County — Altitude — Health — Close of
Consecutive History.
Since, ia the summer and autumn of 1865, tlie soldiers
of the Union came back in crowding thousands from the
scenes of their triumphs, few events of marked importance
have occurred within the bounds of Hillsdale County. The
men who had carried sabre and rifle at once laid down their
weapons to grasp the axe and the plow-handle, and soon
the only indication that a million men had lately stood in
arms in the Union ranks was the presence of numerous
maimed veterans and the sight of an occasional army-
overcoat.
All kinds of business went forward with increasing speed.
Especially great was the anxiety to build new railroads.
Before the end of 1870 the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Sag-
ioaw Railroad had been constructed through the county,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
81
nearly from the southwestern to the northeastern extremity,
crossing the Southern Michigan at Jonesville ; and also the
Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana road, running from Ypsilanti
southwest, through Hillsdale, to Banker's Station, four miles
from that city, where it intersected the Fort Wayne, Jack-
son and Saginaw road. A little later, — that is, in 1872
and 1873, — the Southern Michigan Company built the
'' Northern Central Michigan Railroad" — a branch of the
Southern Michigan — from Jonesville nearly north to Lan-
sing, a distance of sixty-one miles.
Other interests flourished with remarkable vigor. Not-
withstanding the great drain on the population during the
first half of the decade, the number of inhabitants in-
creased from twenty five thousand six hundred and seventy-
five in 1860 to thirty-one thousand six hundred and eighty-
eight in 1870, an addition of nearly twenty-four per cent,
to the former number. A similar increase from 1870 to
1880 would give a population in the latter year of between
thirty-nine and forty thousand.
We spoke, a few sentences back, of the city of Hillsdale,
instead of the village of that name, which is the expression
we have previously used. The transformation took place in
1868, of which a full account is given in the city history.
Notwithstanding, however, the existence of a city within
its boundaries, the county is pre-eminently an agricultural
one, and more than three-fourths of the people are engaged
in agricultural pursuits. The chapter devoted to the Agri-
cultural Society gives an idea of their progress in that de-
partment of labor, and especially of the great increase of
public interest in that class of subjects.
And still the prospects of the county in the same direction
indicate increased success. The soil is composed of an ex-
cellent loam, and is watered by numerous rivers, and by no *
less than a hundred and seven lakes of various sizes. And
though some of the land still displays the attributes of the
original marsh of which it was composed, yet there are ex-
cellent facilities for drainage, and when drained such soil is
of the best quality.
In fact, Hillsdale County is somewhat celebrated for slop-
ing in every possible direction. It is the nursing mother
of the rivers of Southern Michigan. Here are found the
sources of the St. Joseph River of Lake Michigan, starting
in the eastern part of the county and making its way north-
westward towards its destination, a hundred and fifty miles
distant; the St. Joseph of the Maumee, the numerous
branches of which drain the whole southern part of the
county ; the Kalamazoo (or, as it is called in the old treaties,
the Kekalamazoo), the south branch of which heads in the
northern central section ; the river Raisin, which has its
source in the northeastern part, flowing thence into Lake
Erie ; and even the Grand River, a very small portion of
which runs through the extreme northeastern corner of the
county, flowing northward past Jackson to Lansing, and
thence westward to Lake Michigan. Certainly Hillsdale
County ought not to lack for ample drainage.
The swell of land, or " water-shed," on which this county
is situated begins at Port Austin, on Lake Huron, and runs
southwestwardly to the southwest corner of Hillsdale County.
The highest portions in Tuscola and Sanilac Counties are
four hundred feet above the surface of Lake Huron ; those
11
in Lapeer and Oakland, about five hundred ; those in
Washtenaw and Jackson sink to four hundred again ; while
some of the highest points in Hillsdale reach the altitude
of six hundred feet. This altitude is naturally promotive
of health, and, now that the forests have been cleared away,
and the malaria has been largely worked out of the virgin
soil, there are few more salubrious counties to be found in
the West.
And now, having traced the history of the territory com-
prising Hillsdale County from the beginning of the seven-
teenth century to the present time ; having shown the suc-
cessive changes of control over it from the Indians to the
French, from the French to the English, from the English
to the Americans, from the Americans to the English again,
and from the English back once more to the Americans ;
having described the deeds of its savage Pottawattamie
braves, of its hardy pioneers, and of its gallant Union sol-
diers, we will close this consecutive record of the county;
supplementing it by a few chapters devoted to statistical
matter and separate organizations, and then referring our
readers to the city and township histories for a detailed ac-
count of events which have happened in the respective
localities since their settlement by the whites.
CHAPTER XXL
HIIiIiSDALE COUN-TY CIVIL LIST.
List of Principal Civil Officers Resident in Hillsdale County, with
Length of Term and Date of Entering on Office — Representative
in Congress — Lieutenant-Governors — State Treasurer — State Sena-
tors— Representatives in Legislature — Judges of Circuit Court —
Associate Judges — County and Second Judges — Circuit Court Com-
missioners— Probate Judges — Sheriffs — County Clerks — County
Registers — County Treasurers — County Surveyors — Coroners —
Members of Constitutional Conventions.
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS (tWO YEARS).
March 4, 1855. — Henry Waldron, Hillsdale; elected to second term,
beginning March 4, 1857 ; elected to third term, beginning March
4, 1859; again elected to fourth term, beginning March 4, 1871;
elected to fifth term, beginning March 4, 1873; elected to sixth
term, beginning March 4, 1875.
lieutenant-governor (two years).
Jan. 1, 1859.— Edmund B. Fairfield, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1865. — Ebenezer 0. Grosvenor, Fayette.
state treasurer (two years).
Jan. 1, 1866. — Ebenezer 0. Grosvenor, Fayette.
STATE senators^ — TWO YEARS {in two classes, one elected eabh year).
Jan. 1, 3840. — Elisha P. Charaplin, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1842.— E. P. Champlin, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1844.— William T. Howell, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1845.— William T. Howell, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1847.— John P. Cook, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1849. — Levi Baxter, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1852. — Alonzo Cressy, Hillsdale.
Elected for two years by single districts.
Jan. 1, 1853. — Ransom Gardner, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1855. — Alonzo Cressy, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1857.— Edmund B. Fairfield, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1859. — Ebenezer 0. Grosvenor, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1861. — John McDermid, Cambria.
Jan. 1, 1863. — Ebenezer 0. Grosvenor, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1865.— Frederick Fowler, Reading.
82
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Jan. 1, 1867.-
Jan. ], 1869.-
Jan. 1, 1871.-
Jan. ], 1873.-
Jan. 1, 1876.-
Jan. 1, 1877.r
Jan. 1, 1879.-
Jan. 1, 1835.-
Jan. 1, 1837.-
Jan. 1, 1838.-
Jan. 1, 1839.-
Jan. 1, 1840.-
Jan. 1, 1842.-
Jan. ], 1843.-
Jan. 1, 1844.-
Jan. 1, 1845.—;
Jan. 1, 1846.-
Jan. 1, 1847,
-George A. Smith, Somerset.
-Ezra L. Koon, Hillsdale.
-William Stoddard, Litchfield.
-William Stoddard, Litchfield.
-John M. Osborn, Pittsford.
-Witter J. Baxter, Fayette.
-Alexander Hewitt, Allen.
REPRESENTATIVES IN LEGISLATURE.
Elected for one year.
-Lewis T. Miller, Moscow.
-Stillman Ralph, Scipio.
-E. P. Champlin, Jonesville.
-E. B. Seelye, Pittsford.
-B. B. Willetts, Cambria.
-Wm. T. Howell, Hillsdale ; John Mickle, Reading.
-Henry Waldron, Hillsdale; John S. Brown, .
-W. W. Murphy, Fayette; E. T. Chester, Camden.
Henry Packer, Litchfield ; John Humphrey, Wheatland.
J. B. Graham, Fayette j John P. Cook, Hillsdale.
— Zaehariah Van Duzer, Moscow; Daniel Kinne,
Jan. 1, 1848.— Luke Hazen, Allen; Z. Williams, Wheatland.
Jan. 1, 1849. — Russell Coman, Wright; Jesse Stoddard, Litchfield.
Jan. 1, 1850. — James Fowle, Camden; H. S. Mead, Hillsdale.
Elected for two years.
Jan. 1, 1851. — W. R. Montgomery, Camden ; Charles Gregory, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1853. — Wm. R. Traver, Litchfield; Geo. Fitzsimmons, Read-
ing; Robert Worden, Jr., Pittsford.
Jan. 1, 1855. — Stillman Ralph, Moscow; Ethel Judd, Adams; Gideon
G. King, Amboy.
Jan. 1, 1857. — William Stoddard, Hillsdale; Ethel Judd, Adams;
Silas A. Wade, Jefierson.
Jan. 1,1859. — Frederick Fowler, Reading; Wm. P. Richards, ;
Wm. W. Brewster.
Jan. 1, 1861. — James Fowle, Moscow; Leonard Miller, Scipio; Robert
Cox, Wheatland.
Jan. 1, 1863. — Charles Mosher, ; James Fowle, Camden;
George A. Smith, .
Jan. 1, 1865.— Z. D. Thomas, Allen; B. B. Willitts, Cambria; A. B'
Slocum, Wheatland.
Jan. 1, 1867. — Linus S. Parmelee, Reading; Warren McCutcheon,
Ransom ; Stephen Canniff, Litchfield.
Jan. 1, 1869. — Henry McCowen, Moscow; Harvey B. Rowlson, Hills-
dale; John M. Osborn, Pittsford.
Jan. 1, 1871. — ^^Henry Hough, Fayette; Jason B. Norris, Cambria;
John M Osborn, Pittsford.
Jan. 1, 1873. — Alexander Hewitt, Allen; William Drake, Amboy;
Charles D. Luce, Jefferson.
Jan. 1, 1875. — Alexander Hewitt, Allen; L. S. Ranney, Hillsdale;
Leonidas Hubbard, Wright.
Jan. 1, 1877. — Charles Mosher, Scipio; Samuel B. Brown, Ransom.
Jan. 1, 1879. — Charles Mosher, Scipio; Samuel B. Brown, Ransom.
JUDGES OF CIRCUIT COURT.
Elected for six years.
Jan. 1, 1858.— E.H. C. Wilson, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1870.— Daniel L. Pratt, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1876.— Daniel L. Pratt.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES.
Jan. 1, 1836. — Henry Stephens, Litchfield ; Heman Pratt, Wheatland.
Jan. 1, 1841. — Hiram Pratt, Somerset; John Mickle, Reading.
Jan. 1, 1845. — William Mercer, Somerset ; Daniel Kinne, Reading.
COUNTY AND SECOND JUDGES.
Jan, 1, 1847. — William T. Howell, Hillsdale, County Judge; Robert
Alan, Hillsdale, Second Judge.
Jan. 1, 1848. — Henry Waldron, Hillsdale, County Judge; William
Mercer, Somerset, Second Judge.
Jan, 1, 1849. — E. T. Chester, Camden, County Judge; Benjamin
Fowle, Moscow, Second Judge.
Jan. 1, 1851. — William Mercer, Somerset, County Judge; John
Miokle, Reading, Seoo&d Judge.
CIRCUIT COURT COMMISSIONERS (tWO YEARS).
Jan. 1, 1853.-— Robert Alan, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1855. — Andrew P. Hogarth, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1857. — Andrew P. Hogarth, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1859.— T. E. Dibell, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1861.— Ezra L. Koon, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1863.— Edwin J. March, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1865.— John T. Blois, Fayette; T. E. Dibell, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1867.— Henry F. Kellogg, Hillsdale; John T. Blois, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1869.— Albert Dickerman, Hillsdale; John T. Blois, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1871. — Albert Dickerman, Hillsdale; John T. Blois, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1873. — Oscar A. Janes, Hillsdale; Alpheus St, John, Reading.
Jan. 1, 1875. — Oscar A. Janes, Hillsdale; Eugene A. Merrill, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1877. — Benjamin P. Shepard, Hillsdale; Spencer D. Bishop,
Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1879.— Otto Fowle, Hillsdale; Fred. H. Stone, Hillsdale.
probate JUDGES.
Elected for four years.
, — Lyman Blackmar, Moscow.
— Eutychas Champlin, Fayette.
— David Bagley, Adams.
— Henry Packer, Litchfield.
—Martin H. Webb, Pittsford.
-Martin H. Webb, Hillsdale.
— C. J. Dickerson, Hillsdale.
— C. J. Dickerson, Hillsdale.
—Albert Dickerman, Hillsdale.
—Oscar A. Janes, Hillsdale.
SHERIFFS.
Elected for two years.
~U. B. Couch, Fayette.
—Alfred Hopkins, Fayette.
—Alfred Hopkins, Fayette.
—Adam Howder, Hillsdale.
—Adam Howder, Hillsdale.
—Henry H. Sherman, Allen.
— Rufus Beal, Hillsdale.
— H. H. Sherman, Hillsdale.
-Samuel T. Sheriff, Allen.
-Samuel T. Sheriff, Hillsdale.
— S. N. Shattuck, Somerset.
-S. N. Shattuck, Hillsdale.
—Peter Strank, Hillsdale.
—Peter Strank, Hillsdale.
— Josiah D. Emeson, Hillsdale.
— Almon Day, Camden.
— Almon Day, Camden.
—Morris Lamb, Jefferson.
—Morris Lamb, Hillsdale.
—George W. Bullock, Fayette.
—George W. Bullock, Fayette.
Jan
1841.
Jan.
1845.-
Jan.
1849.
Jan.
1853.
Jan.
1857.-
Jan.
1861.-
Jan.
1865.-
Jan.
1869.-
Jan.
1873.-
Jan.
1877.-
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
Jan. 1,
1839.
1841.
1843.
1845.
1847.-
1849.-
1851.-
1853.
1855.-
1857.-
1859.-
1861.-
1863.-
1865.-
1867.-
1869.
1871.
1873.-
1875.
1877.-
1879.-
COUNTY CLERKS.
Elected for one year.
Jan. 1, 1836. — George C. Munro, Jonesville, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1837. — George C. Munro, Jonesville, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1838. — George C. Munro, Jonesville, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1839.— Chaunoey W. Ferris, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1840.— Chauncey W. Ferris, Hillsdale.
Elected for two years.
Jan. 1, 1841.— C. E. Atwater, Fayette; died in office, and W. W.
Wood, of Fayette, elected to fill vacancy.
Jan. 1, 1843.— W. W. Wood, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1845. — John Swegles, Jr., Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1847. — John Swegles, Jr., Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1849.— S. S. Corial, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1851.— W. W. Wood, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1853.— J. H. McCoUum, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1855. — J. B. Wheaton, Moscow.
Jan. 1, 1857.— J. B. Wheaton, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1869.— Orlando C. Gale, Moscow.
Jan. 1, 1861.— Joel B. Wheaton, HiUsdale.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
83
Jan. 1, 1863.— Joel B. Wheaton, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1865.— Wm. W. Brewster, Wright.
Jan. 1, 1867.- Wm. W. Brewster, Wright.
Jan. 1, 1869.— John L. Frisbie, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1871.- John L. Frisbie, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1873.— John L. Frisbie, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1875.— John L. Frisbie, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1877.— Benjamin F. Tabor; died during the year, and Charles
W. Pratt appointed to fill vacancy.
Jan. 1, 1879.— Corvis M. Barre, Reading.
COUNTY REGISTERS.
Elected for tioo years.
Jan. 1, 1835.— James Olds, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1837.— James Olds, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1839.— Salem T. King, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1841.— J. T. Blois, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1843.— T. W. Stockton, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1845.— Henry S. Mead, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1847.— H. S. Mead, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1849. — John Manross, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1851.— F. M. Holloway, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1853.— Wray T. Palmer, Pittsford.
Jan. 1, 1855.— W. R. Montgomery, Camden.
Jan. 1, 1857.— W. R. Montgomery, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1859.— Willard F. Day, Pittsford.
Jan. 1, 1861.— James S. Hastings, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1863.— James S. Hastings, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1865.— J. S. Hastings, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1867.— Henry Baxter, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1869.— William R. Montgomery, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1871.— W. R. Montgomery, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1873.— Samuel Gillet, Allen.
Jan. 1, 1875.— Samuel Gillet, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1877.— Robert A. Weir, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1879.— Robert A. Weir, Hillsdale.
COUNTY TREASURERS.
Elected for two years,
— James Olds, Fayette.
— Charles Powell, Reading.
— Charles Powell, Reading.
— W. G. Branch, Fayette.
— W. G. Branch, Hillsdale.
—Robert Worden, Jr., Pittsford.
— Robert Worden, Jr., Pittsford.
—J. W. French, Hillsdale.
— David C. Fuller, Adams.
— H. T. Farnam, Hillsdale.
— H. B. Rowlson, Hillsdale.
— H. B. Rowlson, Hillsdale.
— H. B. Rowlson, Hillsdale.
— H. B. Rowlson, Hillsdale.
-Arvin F. Whelan, Hillsdale.
-A. F. Whelan, Hillsdale.
—Miles H. Teachout, Ransom.
— M. G. Teachout, Ransom.
—Luke Hazen, Litchfield.
—Luke Hazen, Litchfield.
-Asher B. Le Fleur.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
Elected for two years,
-Otis Briggs, Fayette.
-T. W. Stockton, Hillsdale.
-Murray Knowles, Reading.
-John Manross, Fayette.
-John Manross, Fayette.
-M. Terry, Fayette.
-John Getman, .
-John Manross, Hillsdale.
-Ransom Bullard, Litchfield.
-Ransom Bullard, Litchfield.
-Stephen Fitzsimmbns, .
Jan
, 1839.
Jan
, 1841.
Jan
1843.
Jan
1845.
Jan
1847.
Jan.
1849.-
Jan.
1851.
Jan.
1853.
Jan.
1855.-
Jan.
1857.-
Jan.
1859.-
Jan.
1861.-
Jan.
1863.-
Jan.
1865.-
Jan.
1867.-
Jan.
1869.-
Jan.
1871.-
Jan.
1873.-
Jan.
1875.-
Jan.
1877.-
Jan.
1879.-
Jan. 1, 1839.-
Jan. 1, 1841.-
Jan. 1, 1843.-
Jan. 1, 1845.-
Jan. 1, 1847.-
Jan. 1, 1849.-
Jan. 1, 1851.-
Jan. 1, 1853.-
Jan. 1, 1855.-
Jan. 1, 1857.-
Jan. 1, 1859.-
Jan. 1, 1861.
Jan. 1, 1863.-
Jan. 1, 1865.-
Jan. 1, 1867.-
Jan. 1,, 1869.-
Jan. 1, 1871.-
Jan. 1, 1873.-
Jan. 1, 1875.-
Jan. 1, 1877.-
Jan. 1, 1879.-
-Ransom Bullard, Litchfield.
-Stephen Fitzsimmons,
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
-Ransom Bullard, Litchfield.
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
-George A. Mark, Hillsdale.
CORONERS.
Elected for one year.
Jan. 1, 1 839-— John Bailey.
Jan. 1, 1841,— D. A. Delevan, Fayette; Hawley King, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1842,— Jesse Stoddard, Litchfield; Charles Ames, Pittsford.
Elected for two years.
Jan. 1, 1843.— Jesse Bretton, Fayette; W. W. Murphy, Fayette (did
not qualify).
Nov., 1843.— W, T. Howell, Hillsdale (to fill vacancy).
Jan. 1, 1845.— G. C. Munro, Fayette; R. C. Manning, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1847.— Rockwell Manning, Hillsdale; Warren Thompson,
Florida (now Jefferson). .
Jan. 1, 1849.— William Bacon, Fayette; Wesley Burgoyne, Cambria.
Jan. 1, 1851,— M. H. Andrews, Fayette ; James B. MeCarty, Hills-
dale,
Jan. I, 1853.— R. W. Boynton, Fayette; Elias D. Cone, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1855,— L. R. Watkins, Allen; Daniel Timms, Wheatland.
Jan. 1, 1857.— Daniel Timms, Wheatland; L, R. Watkins, Allen.
Jan. 1, 1859.— Daniel Timms, Wheatland ; James Foreman, Jones-
ville,
Jan. 1, 1861.— L. A. Bostwiek, Hillsdale; William Potter, Fayette.
Jan. 1, 1863.— Daniel Beebe, Fayette; George C. Wyllis, Moscow.
Jan. 1, 1865.— Alexander Thompson, Moscow; Edward M Shaw
Allen.
Jan, 1, 1867.— Seneca W. Perry, Moscow; James W. Niblack, Cam-
bria.
Jan. 1, 1869,— Cornelius E. Minor, John W, Stewart.
Jan. 1, 187i.— Luther R. Wisner, Moscow; John W. Falley, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1873.— William Snook, Camden; Z. D. Thomas, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1875.— Firman Hough, Adams; Z. D. Thomas, Hillsdale.
Jan. 1, 1877.— Zimri D. Thomas, Hillsdale; Goodwin Howard, Allen.
Jan. 1, 1879.— Zimri D. Thomas, Hillsdale; Cyrenius M, Parker,
Moscow.
MEMBER OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1535.
Lewis T. Miller, of Moscow.
MEMBER or COxVSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF SEPTEMBER, 1836.
Zachariah Van Duzer, of Moscow.
MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL INVENTION OF 1850,
John p. Cook, of Hillsdale; Jonathan B. Graham, of Jonesville;
Daniel Kinne, of Reading; John Mosher, of Somerset.
MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1867.
Daniel L. Pratt, Lewis J. Thompson, and Simeon P. Root.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE PRESS OF HILLSDALE COUNTY.
Preliminary Remarks— Hillsdale County Gazette— Its Various Mi-
grations— Hillsdale Democrat— Jonesville Expositor— How Started
—What became of it— Hillsdale Whig Standard— Youthful Pub-
lishers—Its Course and Condition— Jonesville Telegraph— Hillsdale
Banner— Hillsdale Courier— Weekly Business— Reading News-
papers— Hillsdale Herald.
Among the first indications of growth and enterprise in
the county was the establishment of a weekly paper, as
early as the year 1839. Jonesville being at that time the
84
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
seat of justice of the county, and its representative town,
it naturally became the scene of the first newspaper enter-
prise. With the settlement of Hillsdale we find the same
encouragement given to the press, and the successful papers
of the county have not only received a steady support, but
have continued to increase in proportion and influence until,
at this date, they wield a decided power in the county.
Many of the journals set on foot, however, were of very
ephemeral existence, — a few months beginning and ending
their brief career, — while others passed through various
vicissitudes and frequently changed publishers. All of
them were more or less associated with the political issues
of the day, and at periods when partisan feelings ran
highest, the press of Hillsdale County often proved a pow-
erful lever in affecting the destinies of the campaign.
Aside from its political prestige, the press of the county
is noted for the ability displayed in its editorial columns,
and the excellence of its general reading matter.
The Ililhdale County Gazette. — The first newspaper
published in this county was the Hillsdale Comity Ga-
zette. Politically it was an adherent of the Jefiersonian
Democratic school, though it gave room to articles from the
various parties of the day.
Its first publisher was Charles G. McKay, and its first
editor and proprietor James K. Kinman. Hon. W. W.
Murphy was also interested in it, and among others who
contributed to its columns were John T. Blois, Esq., now
of Jonesville (who, in 1838, published a gazetteer of the
State of Michigan), Robert Allen, and several others. The
first number was issued at Jonesville, April 13, 1839, and
on the 26th of October of the same year S. D. Brewster
was substituted as publisher. In May of 1843 the paper
was removed to Hillsdale, and continued under the same
control until Oct. 7, 1844, when Messrs. McCollum &
Graves assumed its management; I. H. McCollum and
Clement E. Babb being its editors. Afikirs remained thus
until the 17th of August, 1846, when Mead & Swegles
became editors and proprietors, continuing in that relation
until the 1st of October following. Later publishers were
Ambler k Wooden, from Nov. 22, 1849, to Oct. 14, 1852.
Mr. Ambler succeeded in 1852, and in 1855 the office and
appointments were purchased by N. B. Welper, who re-
moved it to Three Rivers, and remained until 1859.
He then returned to Hillsdale, and established the paper
again, under the name of the Hillsdale Democrat., which
title it bears at the present time.
The Hillsdale Democrat. — H. B. Andrews and Wm.
H. Tallman purchased the sheet June 15, 1866, and
continued their partnership until Aug. 15, 1867. Mr.
Andrews then retired, and Mr. Tallman assumed full con-
trol as editor and publisher, and still continues its proprie-
tor. The Democrat is the acknowledged organ of the
party whose name it bears, and has from time to time done
good service in its cause. The press upon which it is
printed is the oldest in the county, and one of the oldest
in Southern Michigan. The paper has passed through
many vicissitudes and been subject to many changes ; Mr.
Tallman having controlled it longer than any previous pub-
lisher. In regard to size it may be designated as a 24 by
36, seven-column folio.
The Jonesville Expositor. — This journal has the distinc-
tion of being the first Whig newspaper published in Hills-
dale County. Its first issue bore date Oct. 15, 1840, and
its publishers were an association of twenty-six members,
who styled themselves the " Hillsdale County Whig Asso-
ciation." The officers of the association were Elisha P.
Champlin, President; John T. Blois, Secretary ; Henry L.
Hewitt, Sanford R. Smith, and Henry A. Delavan, Di-
rectors. They were to be governed by an elaborate series
of " Articles of Agreement," nineteen in number, which
were adopted in November, 1840.
In the first issue of the paper, its purpose is declared to
be the support of the Whig candidates for presidential and
vice-presidential honors, — at that time William Henry
Harrison and John Tyler, — and the most sturdy opposi-
tion to the administration of President Van Buren. Its
prospectus announces it to be the " fearless and unflinching
opponent of the administration, and the supporter of re-
form." " Already," it adds, " has a spirit of resistance to
despotism swept with mighty influence over this Union.
Already does the breeze wafted by the spirit of reform blow
a perfect hurricane, and sound the death-knell of Loco-
Focoism. The reformers contend for their dearest rights, —
the rights of civil* liberty. Their opponents struggle to
maintain a power they have shamefully abused, and keep
within their grasp the spoils of office."
It follows with a declaration of the fact that the Ex-
positor will support those principles that alone can render
our cherished and loved institutions safe from the blighting
influence of despotic power.
During the year 1841, the afi*airs of the office were man-
aged by John Jermain ; but on the 20th of January, 1842,
Charles Powell and H. L. Hewitt were authorized by the
association to settle with Mr. Jermain, receive from him
the material in the office, consisting of type, presses, etc.,
and dispose of it to the best advantage. Mr. Morton, of
Monroe, received permission, Jan. 22, 1842, to enter the
office and begin the publication of a Whig newspaper, at d
the Expositor was accordingly continued until Aug. 10,
1843, when its publishers removed it to Adrian, Lenawee
Co., and changed its title to that of the Adrian Expositor,
The Hillsdale Whig Standard.— During the early history
of the press of Hillsdale, among the employees in the office
of the old Gazette were Stephen D. Clark and Harvey B.
Rowlson, who learned and practiced the printer's art when
much work and little pay was the reward of the faithful
type-setter. Mr. Rowlson had then the distinction of being
the first " printer's devil" who catered to the wants of the
reading public of Hillsdale. Mr. Clark and Mr. Rowlson
both finally sought a broader field of labor, the latter gen-
tleman going to New Orleans. At this time the Dem-
ocratic element was strong in the county, the press gen-
erally advocating the cause of that party ; and the Whigs
being in a decided minority, partly from the fact that
there was no paper to advocate their claims and principles.
The gentlemen above referred to, comprehending the sit-
uation and recognizing a field of action which, though
at that time limited, could by labor and application be
broadened and made useful, gave all their energies to the
work of establishing a Whig newspaper at Hillsdale. They
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
85
purchased a press and other appointmeDts from their former
employer, James K. Kinman, for the sum of one thousand
dollars ; being assisted by a few prominent Whigs of the
place, and becoming indebted for the amount, payable when
they were able to meet the claim. Industry and economy
enabled them to overcome the debt in a reasonably short
time. They issued the first number of the Whig Standard
on the 30th day of June, 1846, with their names at its
head as editors and publishers ; Mr. Rowlson being not
yet twenty-one years of age, and Mr. Clark but little older.
The prospectus modestly states that if the publishers " are
so fortunate as to merit the approbation of those on whom
we depend for support, it shall only excite us to make
greater efforts for our mutual benefit." It also adds, "A
long and prosperous peace, by w^hich we have been elevated
to an high degree of national glory, has been rudely broken,
and the bloody banner of war is scattering upon the earth
its countless miseries, and leading us ' we know not where,''
The Whigs of our county, we do not doubt, justly appre-
ciate the importance of an organ devoted to principles which
nerve them to ^ fight on^ fi^ht ever f and from them we
expect support."
At the time the Standard was started, and for a con-
siderable period afterwards, it was not an easy task to
maintain a paper devoted entirely to Whig principles.
The popular vote was Democratic, and to advocate the
measures of an opposing faction was practically stemming
the current of public opinion. The little Whig sheet was,
however, destined to success. An unflinching fidelity to
the principles it advocated won for it many friends and
established its permanent existence, and a change in party
politics finally gave it the ascendency its opponents had so
long enjoyed. When first issued it was a six-column paper;
but during the first year its dimensions were increased to
seven, and later to eight columns. In the spring of 1850,
Mr. Clark sold his interest to Mr. Rowlson, who has since
that time been sole editor and proprietor. On the organi-
zation of the Republican party, in 1855, the Standard
became its supporter, dropping the appellation of Whig,
and it was then that it attained the ascendency before al-
luded to.
In the year 1872 another column was added to its size,
making its present proportions those of a nine-column paper.
Its editor has, at various times, held positions of trust, be-
ginning with the presidency of the village, and later having
been elected county treasurer, which office he held succes-
sively for eight years. In the winter of 1868 and 1869,
he represented the district in the State Legislature, and now
holds the office of United States internal revenue collector
for the Third District, which comprises fifteen counties in
the southern portion of the State.
The Jonesville Telegraph was established May 27, 1850,
by W. W. Murphy & Co. During a subsequent period of
five years it passed through various hands, — S. W. Russell,
R. M. Gridley & Co., E. M. Hale, and A. J. Vandenberg
being successively its publishers, the latter gentleman taking
charge April 18, 1855, and issuing it under the title of the
Jonesville Independent. H. N. F. Lewis, later of the
Western Rural, Chicago, 111., became editor and proprietor
Sept. 5, 1857, and continued its publication until Jan. 1,
1864, when he sold to James F. Burnett. During July of
the same year, Mr. Burnett associated with him James T.
Dennis, and the new firm, Burnett & Dennis, continued it
until December 17, 1867, when Mr. Dennis became sole
proprietor. On the 6th of May, 1875, the firm-name was
changed to Dennis & Eggleston, and Aug. 17, 1876, Dr.
0. Palmer superseded Mr. Dennis, the paper having since
that time been published by the present firm.
Hillsdale Banner. — Another publication, but with a very
brief existence, was the Hillsdale Banner, It was estab-
lished as a campaign paper, in the interest of the " Free-
Soil" party, on the 1st of August, 1848, and ended its
short career in October of the same year. Its proprietor
was D. M. Bagley.
The Hillsdale Courier. — This was a Democratic sheet,
established partially for campaign purposes, and published
by James K. Kinman, from Jan. 15 to Oct. 1, 1845. Its
brief existence covered a period of scarcely one year, and
it left no record which could mark its history as in any
sense eventful ; the principal object of its owner being to
secure the printing of the tax sales, which at that time
yielded a considerable revenue.
The WeeMy Business. — The Business is an outgrowth
of a small advertising sheet, printed by Mr. H. T. Farnam,
and devoted entirely to business purposes. In 1870 that
sheet was discontinued, and the Business filled its place ;
its object being not only to devote a reasonable space to
advertising, but to afford its readers a supply of general
reading matter of interest. The first number was issued
June 1, 1870, being a two-page six-column paper. In
July of the same year it was enlarged to a five-column
folio, and the following year its dimensions were again in-
creased to a six- column folio. In November, Mr. Farnam
associated with him Mr. Will. C. Carlton, the popular
author of " Farm Ballads," who is a resident of Hillsdale.
The following year the senior proprietor managed the
paper alone, and in October issued a daily during the
sessions of the Baptist Conference held in Hillsdale. In
1872 it was enlarged to an eight-column folio, and in
1874 the firm-name was changed to Farnam & Sands,
editors and proprietors. Later in the year, Mr. Frank
Sands assumed control, but his management was brief,
as Mr. Farnam resumed the publication, and has con-
trolled it since that time. In politics the Business claims
to be independent.
Reading Neicspapers, — In the year 1870, Rev. Mr.
Lockhart published and edited the Reading Review^ a six-
column paper, devoted to local news and general reading
matter. The paper seems to have been short-lived, for at
the end of six months it was discontinued under circum-
stances which did not indicate it to be a financial success.
Later, George Gray came from Minnesota and established
the Rough Notes, which was maintained for one year. Its
title was then changed to the Reading Press, which was
continued a year longer. B. J. Kingston purchased the
paper and published it for three years, establishing its repu-
tation as one of the most readable journals in the county.
The first year it was issued as a six-column quarto, and was
the largest paper in Hillsdale County. Mr. Kingston
finally discontinued the publication of the Press and re-
86
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
moved to Coldwater, where he printed a daily and weekly
entitled the Coldwater Press.
In 1878, Mr. A. J. French established the Reading
News; but an experience of five months convinced him that
he could not make it successful, and he accordingly gave
up the attempt.
The Hillsdale Herald. — Apart from the county papers
already noticed there is a weekly publication issued under
the auspices of Hillsdale College, and called the Hillsdale
Herald^ devoted to the interests of the college and contain-
ing much matter of local and general interest. It is pub-
lished at Hillsdale every Thursday, by Henry C. Ackerly,
the first number having been issued on the 10th of October,
1878.
Its editorial staiF comprise the following names : Alumni
Editor, Elon G. Reynolds, A.M., class of 1866; Society
Editors, H. M. Ford, Theological; C. C. Durgin, Alpha;
Hattie G. King, Germanae ; May E. Gardner, Union ;
D. E. Clark, Amphictyon ; Class Editors, Senior Class, J.
C. Turner; Junior Class, Esther E. Patton.
CHAPTER XXIIL
HIIiliSDALE COUJffTY AGBICUIj TUBAL SOCIJITY.
Organization in 1851 — Pirst Officers — First Fair — A Meagre Exhibi-
tion— The Second Fair — Successive Exhibitions — A Factory- Cloth
Fence — A Published Catalogue, etc. — On its Present Ground— Back
to Jonesville — Change in Elections — Permanent Location at Hills-
dale— Grounds Purchased — The Farmers', Mechanics', and Stock-
Breeders' Association — Side-Shows — The Society Incorporated —
The Pressure of War — A Forfeit Contract — Renewal — Life-Mem-
berships— Advance of Prosperity — Large Receipts — Further Im-
provements— The Society's Notes — Floral Hall — Receipts in 1866
— Building a Dining-Hall — Bounds given — First Pioneer Meeting
in 1871 — The Grand Stand, etc. — Continued Financial Advance —
The Climax— The Exhibition of 1878— Out of Debt— Number of
Entries, etc. — Description of Buildings— Tabular Statement for 1878
— Mixed Agriculture — Short-Horn Cattle — Fine-Wool Sheep — The
Farmers' Institutes — Source of Information — The Secretaries of the
Society — List of Presidents.
This association was organized on the tenth day of Jan-
uary, 1851, at a meeting of farmers held at Underwood's
Hall, in Hillsdale village, in response to a call made through
the public press. A constitution and by-laws were drawn
up and presented by Hon. Henry S. Mead, then a member
of the State Legislature, and throughout his life a warm
friend of the agricultural interests of the county.
The officers elected at this first meeting were as follows :
Hon. Henry Packer, of Litchfield (now of Jonesville),
President ; Frederick Fowler, of Reading, Levi Treadwell,
of Wheatland, and Dr. Stillman Ralph, of Moscow, Vice-
Presidents; Hon. John P. Cook, Treasurer; Isaiah H.
McCollum, Secretary ; and an executive committee of one
from each township in the county, viz. : Benj. F. Pierce,
of Moscow; Henry H. Ferris, of Reading; Chester Hunt,
of Somerset ; Sherburn Gaige, of Scipio ; Hervey Smith,
of Litchfield ; Daniel Nichols, of Allen ; Wm. N. Guy, of
Fayette ; Asa G. Edwards, of Adams ; Dudley Worden, of
Pittsford; 0. B. Coffin, of Jefferson; B. B. Willetts, of
Cambria ; William R. Montgomery, of Camden ; Cyrus
Patterson, of Woodbridge ; Thomas Burt, of Ransom ;
Timothy Johnson, of Wright; and Nathaniel S. Dewey,
of Amboy.
The first fair was held in October, 1851, on the Court-
House Square, in Hillsdale village, the square being used
as a show-ground, and the temple of justice itself being
taken for an exhibition-hall. The show was not very ex-
tensive, either out or in doors. In cattle, the principal
objects of interest were a thoroughbred short-horn bull, ex-
hibited by Gen. George C. Munro, of Fayette ; a bull and
one or two heifers, by Z. Williams, of Wheatland ; two or
three head of Devons, by Hon. Lewis T. Miller, of Moscow,
and a few others. J. D. Van Hovenbergh and some others
brought forward a few horses. There were no sheep, nor
swine, nor poultry.
Inside, the exhibition was equally meagre. A few do-
mestic goods, presented by Mr. Emery and the Misses Cleve-
land, a few articles of needlework by the ladies of Hills-
dale and Jonesville, and some bread, butter, and fruit by the
matrons of the agricultural districts, constituted the whole.
The number of entries in all departments was less than a
hundred, and the sum of the premiums was less than
eighty dollars. This amount and the expenses were raised
by subscriptions, no admittance-fees being charged. In one
respect, however (the address delivered by Hon. E. H. C.
Wilson), the exhibition might compare favorably with those
of later date.
In the fall of 1852 the second fair was held on the public
square in Jonesville, around which a high board fence was
constructed, and to which an admission-fee was charged of
half a dollar for annual family tickets, and ten cents for
single ones. The address was delivered by the Hon. Robert
McClelland, of Monroe. Both the number of entries and
the amount of receipts were nearly or quite double those
of the previous year.
In 1853, for the first time, the society had what might be
considered as its own grounds ; that is, it procured the use
of about an acre, on the corner of Vine and Union Streets,
north of the St. Joseph River, in Hillsdale village. This
was surrounded by a factory-cloth fence ; that is to say, by
a line of posts on which were stretched several bolts of
factory-cloth, two widths in height. There was a still
further increase, though not a large one, in the entries and
receipts.
The next year, land was leased of Jonathan B. Graham,
at Jonesville, and fitted up for the purposes of a fair. This
year (1854), for the first time, a catalogue of premiums was
published, a short track was prepared for exercising horses,
and posters were sent out through the county. The result
was a spirited competition in cattle and horses, and the ad-
dition of sheep, swine, poultry, and a few mechanical and
agricultural implements to the list of exhibits. There were
nearly five hundred entries, and four hundred dollars taken
for dues and admissions.
In 1855 the officers procured the use of a part of the
land now occupied by the association at Hillsdale. The
ground was in very bad shape, being described as a " dense
wilderness of grubs," and at one time it seemed doubtful
whether the fair could be held. However, the president
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
87
and secretary, Messrs. Lewis Emery and F. M. Holloway,
circulated a subscription, raised money, and by strenuous
exertions got the ground in good shape and advertised the
fair. It was quite as successful as that of the year before,
perhaps naore so. The address was by B. F. Johnston,
editor of the Michigan Farmer.
The exhibition for 1857 was held at Jonesville, on the
grounds previously used, and displayed a marked improve-
ment in work-oxen, in Devon cattle, and in horses. Not-
withstanding very unfavorable weather, the receipts and
entries were about the same as before.
Fair No. 7 (1857) reverted to the former grounds at
. Hillsdale. The address was delivered by Clinton B. Fisk,
of Coldwater, afterwards famous as a general in the Union
army. The entries reached the number *of nine hundred
and sixty-eight, and the receipts the sum of about seven
hundred dollars, both being decidedly in advance of those
of previous years.
In 1858, Jonesville took its turn, and the exhibition was
very creditable, though hardly equal to that of the year
before. The constitution was so altered as to require the
election of officers to be held by open vote on the last day
of the fair, instead of by ballot at the January meeting, as
before. The address was delivered by D. L. Pratt, Esq.,
of Hillsdale.
The next year, as a matter of course, the fair came back
to the Hillsdale grounds, the exhibition showing no remark-
able change from those of the previous two or three years.
The address was by Professor Fisk, of the Agricultural
College.
Down to this time the society had had no permanent
grounds, and the exhibitions had alternated with perfect
regularity between Hillsdale and Jonesville. The incon-
venience had become manifest to nearly all, and in 1859 a
committee was appointed to see what could be done in
regard to a permanent location. On their report the board
of managers decided to secure such location within a mile
of the court-house. Accordingly, a contract was made with
Messrs. Cook & Ferris to purchase seventeen acres, con-
stituting a part of the present grounds ; seven acres on the
south end for fifty dollars per acre; and ten acres next
north for a hundred dollars per acre. Extremely small
payments were made during the first two years. All sub-
sequent fairs have been held on these grounds.
There was some ill-feeling in the north part of the county
regarding the permanent location at Hillsdale, and the fair
for 1860 was hardly as successful as some of its predeces-
sors. On this account, too, the Farmers', Mechanics', and
Stock-Breeders' Association, of Jonesville, was organized,
which maintained its existence about ten years, doing a
good work, especially for breeders of horses. At the end
of that time the stockholders sold their lands for railroad
purposes, and since then the Hillsdale County Agricultural
Society has received the warm support of all who are inter-
ested in institutions of this nature.
The exhibition of 1861, notwithstanding that the war
had drawn away many of the younger agriculturists of the
county, was a fair success. It was especially so in regard
to what may be called side-shows on the inside, such as
Bohemian glass-blowers, fat women, etc., the rents paid by
whom amounted to a hundred and sixty dollars in gold, —
the first money derived from such sources during the ex-
istence of the association. This year, also, measures were
taken to reorganize the society under the law of 1855,
making it a body corporate, with the right to hold real
estate, sue and be sued, etc.
The pressure and excitement of the war were so great
in 1862 that the interest in agricultural matters flagged
somewhat, and the receipts were but five hundred and
thirty-nine dollars.
The next year the results were about the same. Up to
this time but trifling payments had been made to Messrs.
Cook & Ferris, and the contract with them had become
forfeit. Those gentlemen, however, renewed the contract,
at the same price and the back interest, and included in it
eight acres more, at a hundred dollars per acre, giving ample
time in which to make the payments. A number of life-
memberships were also sold, by means of which the treasury
was supplied, so that the board was enabled to make the
first payment under the terms of the new contract. These
were the first life-memberships sold, and the movement
marked the turning-point between a struggling and a thor-
oughly prosperous institution.
In 1864 the work of raising money by these means was
successfully carried forward, and, notwithstanding the war,
the fair was eminently successful, the receipts reaching the
sum of nine hundred and five dollars, though, unfortu-
nately, the expenses, including the premiums, etc., were
still larger.
In 1865 the soldiers were back from the war, generally
with plenty of money, and everybody was happy over the
return of peace. The fair was a great success, the receipts
reaching what then seemed the enormous sum of fifteen
hundred and fifty dollars, exceeding the expenses of all
kinds by three hundred and fifty dollars, and placing the
society out of debt except for its land. This year arrange-
ments were made with some of the citizens of Hillsdale,
who agreed to make a further improvement of the grounds
on condition of its being open as a driving-park, and for
other public purposes, when not in use by the association.
A committee, consisting of Messrs. C. T. Mitchell, G. W.
Underwood, and Horace Blackmar, raised and expended
some two thousand dollars in fencing, building track, and
making other permanent improvements. The ladies of the
county also raised over ^nq hundred dollars out of a dining-
hall and eating-stands, for the purpose of building a floral
hall.
The next year the board raised two thousand five hun-
dred dollars for the same purpose, by giving the society's
notes for various sums, from ten dollars upwards, which
were cashed by the friends of the association. With this
and the five hundred raised the year before they built
the present Floral Hall. The fair this year was a greater
success than ever before, the receipts being three thousand
three hundred dollars, — nine hundred dollars more than all
expenses, which went to pay a portion of the notes just
mentioned.
The improvements of 1867 were the building of stables
and a judges' stand, and the fair was another success, though
not quite so great a one as that of the year before, so far as
88
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
receipts were concerned. The surplus, however, was larger,
being fourteen hundred dollars, which was applied on the
land contract.
In 1868, notwithstanding a severe storm, the surplus
was thirteen hundred dollars, which cleared up the in-
debtedness for the land, which was then deeded to the society.
No sooner was one improvement paid for than another
was begun. In 1869 the board expended over three thou-
sand dollars in building a large dining-hall, an office, a
dwelling, and ample cattle-stalls, to pay for which they
issued six bonds, of five hundred dollars each, with ten per
cent, interest. The receipts this year were a little over
three thousand dollars, and the surplus over fourteen hun-
dred dollars, which was applied to paying the rest of the
notes issued to build Floral Hall.
The next year Mechanics' and Agricultural Hall was
built and some other improvements made, at a total cost of
two thousand five hundred and fifty dollars, for which bonds
were also issued. The receipts reached the highest sum
yet attained, three thousand five hundred and fifty-three
dollars, of which nearly seventeen hundred dollars was net
profit.
In 1871 there was another new feature. All the pioneers-
resident in the county on the 1st of January were the in-
vited guests of the society and the recipients of a public
dinner, this being the origin of the Hillsdale County Pioneer
Society. Both receipts and expenses were almost exactly
the same as those of the previous year.
The next year the grand stand was built and other im-
provements were made, at a cost of two thousand eight hun-
dred dollars, of which seventeen hundred was paid by the
society and the rest partly by the " Horse Association" and
partly by the city of Hillsdale. The receipts this year
made another step upward, reaching almost three thousand
seven hundred dollars, of which sixteen hundred dollars
was profit and applied to the payment of bonds.
In 1873, some twelve hundred dollars was expended in
works for supplying the grounds with water. Receipts and
surplus about the same as the year before.
The following year another large advance was made in
receipts, which then amounted to four thousand four hun-
ted and sixty-four dollars ; the total expenses, premiums
and improvements, being two thousand four hundred dol-
lars, leaving over two thousand dollars to pay on bonds or
construct buildings.
Again the financial results of the annual exhibition
showed an increase, fie receipts in 1875 being five thous-
and one hundred andt twenty dollars, while the current ex-
penses were three thousand two hundred and seventy dol-
lars, besides permanent improvements. Only about five
hundred dollars were expended on the latter this year, the
remainder of the surplus being applied to the payment of
debts.
In 1876, the climax (thus far) of financial prosperity
was reached, the receipts amounting to the enormous sum
(for a county of this size) of seven thousand one hundred
and eighty-six dollars. The current expenses were about
three thousand two hundred dollars, leaving a surplus of
almost exactly four thousand dollars. Of this about two
thousand three hundred dollars was expended on improve-
ments, such as cattle-sheds, etc., while the remainder was
applied on debts.
This great plethora of receipts could hardly be expected
to continue, and in 1877 the amount was five thousand two
hundred and seventy-four dollars, the expenses being three
thousand five hundred.
Last autumn (1878) the society reached a situation it
had never before attained since it had had a permanent loca-
tion ; for, after deducting the expenses, three thousand nine
hundred dollars, from the five thousand six hundred and
thirty dollars of receipts, the directors were able to pay, and
did pay, all the debts of every description, having three
hundred and two dollars left in the treasury. As the land
and improvements are worth at least thirty thousand dol-
lars, the members of the association might naturally con-
gratulate themselves on the very great progress made since
the time, fifteen years earlier, when their land contract had
become forfeit for lack of payment, and it seemed a subject
of doubt whether the association would live or die. Its
success has indeed been remarkable, and it is now unques-
tionably one of the most prosperous agricultural societies in
the whole State ; in fact, it is doubtful if it is surpassed in
any county of the same size in the Union.
The number of entries for exhibition have more than
kept pace with money receipts, and in 1878 numbered about
two thousand eight hundred. A payment of one dollar
constitutes a person a member of the society for a year.
The total amount paid in premiums in 1878 was a little over
eighteen hundred dollars, an amount which can easily be
increased now that the incubus of debt has been lifted from
the society.
The principal buildings within the grounds are the fol-
lowing : Floral Hall, a handsome framed structure in the
form of a cross, the extreme length of each section being
ninety feet : in other words, the hall consists of a central
portion thirty feet square, and four projections, each also
thirty feet square. One of the parts is used as a Pomo-
logical Hall. The Mechanical and Agricultural Hall is also
in the form of a cross, the main section being thirty feet by
ninety ; the other thirty by fifty. The Music Hall, built in
1878, a very tasteful edifice of octagonal form, and twenty-
eio-ht feet in diameter, is to be used for the exhibition of all
kinds of musical instruments. The dining-hall is seventy
feet by thirty-six. The "Grand Stand," fitted up with
seats for the accommodation of seven or eight hundred
people, is twenty-eight feet by a hundred. There is like-
wise stabling for two hundred head of cattle, also for horses,
sheep, swine, etc. 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 inclo-
sure.
Turnino- from these financial and material exhibitions of
prosperity to the subjects more closely connected with the
object of the society, viz., the stimulation and improvement
of the farming interests of the county, we find in the last
report of the secretary the following table, showing for the
autumn of 1878 the number in each class of competitors,
the number of things exhibited, the number of persons
receiving prizes, and the amount awarded ; also the total of
awards.
HtLLSDALE COUNTY FAIR GFfOUNDS.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
89
Short-horns \ 13
I 3
I ]
i 1
j 12
Jerseys
Ayrshires
ITolsteins
Grades
Oxen and steers
Milch cows
Horses — Chiss 1
'' —Class 2
'^ — Class3
" — Class4
Sheep— Class!
'' —Class 2
Swine
Poultry
Mechanics
Agricultural
Domestics and needlework..
Fine arts
Pomol ouical Hall
Floral Hall
Trotting
4
45
14
22
40
11
5
17
45
94
178
118
14
158
M
21
.S.6
21
30
03
tl02
14
t44
tl49
210
547
328
40
837
200
24
11
1
1
8
5
3
24
10
10
20
10
5
13
34
GO
102
90
13
52
32
21
Total..
809 2780 i 540
31
9
t
1
13
30
10
19
31
24
12
27
80
112
203
105
20
113
108
21
$140.00
32.00
3.00
0.00
33.00
22.00
12.00
97.00
55.00
00.00
104.00
00.00
30.00
83.00
70.00
194.00
100.00
70.00
81.00
92.50
114.00
282.00
1
1050 |$1824.50
It will be seen that all kinds of farm products of the
Northern United States are represented, the department
entitled '' agricultural" embracing the various kinds of
grain, roots, etc. The county is devoted to all the depart-
ments of farming common in the Northern States, and in
all there has been a very great development in quality as
well as quantity during the last twenty-five years. At that
time the average yield per acre of the ground devoted to
wheat was ten bushels, now it is eighteen. Then there
was hardly a single head of blooded stock (either pure or
graded) in the county, now there are a hundred and seventy-
five head of pure-blooded short-horn cattle, and nearly all
the cattle in the county are " grades" of various degrees of
purity. The sheep in use are principally what are called
" Michigan fine-wools" (about the same as " American fine-
wools"), being descended from the old " Vermont merinos,"
mixed with coarser-wooled native stock. The average in
this county is about five and a half pounds of wool per
sheep.
T\m Agricultural Society also defrays the expenses of a
Farmers' Institute, held every year, and occupying two
days ; designed for social intercourse, and for the discus-
sion of subjects pertaining to agriculture. The first was
lield in 1874. The second was under the direction of the
State Board of Agriculture ; but since then they have been
kept up by the farmers of the county, acting through the
Agricultural Socitey. Several essays are read each day, each
being followed by a general discussion on the subject pre-
sented. They have been very successful, and Underwood's
Hall, at Hillsdale, is usually filled during the meetings with
farmers eager to hear and willing to take part in the
proceedings.
We have given considerable space to the history of the
Agricultural Society, because Hillsdale is pre-eminently an
Yokes.
12
f Pens.
J Coops,
agricultural county, and a very public-spirited one, w^hich
takes great interest in that institution. The facts have
been derived entirely from the reports of Frederick M.
Holloway, the secretary, and from a historical sketch read
by that gentleman before the association in 1874. During
the first three years of the existence of the society (1851,
1852, and 1853) Isaiah H. McCollum was secretary, and
in 1862 and 1863, Albert Collins held that position; with
these exceptions Mr. Holloway has been the secretary from
the beginning to the present time, his years of service
numbering twenty-four. The fact speaks for itself. We
close our sketch with a list of the presidents of the asso-
ciation, with their years of service :
Henry Packer, 1851; Frederick Fowler, 1852; Ben-
jamin Fowle, 1853; Levi Treadwell, 1854; Lewis Emery,
1855; Phineas Howland, 1856; II. B. Chapman, 1857;
William H. Miller, 1858; Ira B. Card, 1859; Daniel'S.
Pratt, 1860; A. B. Slocum, 1861 and '62; D. L. Pratt,
1863 and '64; John Fitzsimmons, 1865 ; George W. Un-
derwood, 1866; Ilaynes B. Tucker, 1867; Goodwin
Howard, 1868; George C. Munro, 1869; Henry L. Hall,
1870; Frederick Fowler, 1871 ; Rorbert Worden, 1872;
William J. Barnard, 1873; Frederick E. Curtis, 1874
and '75 ; Daniel Timms, 1876 and '77 ; Alexander Hewitt,
1878 and '79.
CHAPTEIl XXIV.
THE COUNTY aRAHGE AND THE PIONEEK
SOCIETY.
The Patrons of Ilusbandrj — The County Council — First Officers —
The County Grange — Its Officers — Other Items — Inception of the
Pioneer Society — Its Organization — First Officers — Subsequent Otli-
cers — Its Success.
HILLSDALE COUNTY GRANGE.
In the various township histories, mention will be found
of the numerous " granges" of the order of " Patrons of
Husbandry," wdiich have sprung up in this county within
the past ten years. At first these were connected directly
with, and sent delegates to, the State grange.
As the local granges became numerous, however, this
was found extremely inconvenient, and county granges were
accordingly established to form a connecting link between
the State grange and the subordinate societies.
The Hillsdale County Council (since called County
Grange) was established in 1874. The principal officers
on its organization were F. M. Holloway, Master ; A. L.
Davis, Sec. ; Joel B. Norris, Treas. The same officers
were re-elected the succeeding year.
After two years' existence as a council, the form of the
organization was somewhat changed, and it became the
Hillsdale County Grange. Henry D. Pessell was chosen
Master ; E. J. Hodges, Sec. ; and Joel B. Norris, Treas. ;
all being re-elected for the two succeeding years. For the
present year R. W. Freeman has been elected Master;
George Gardner, Sec. ; and Joel B. Norris, Treas.
The grange meets on the first Wednesday of every
month except July. Its headquarters have been at Hills-
dale until the winter last past, when they were changed to
90
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Jonesville. There are now about eighty members of the
County Grange, representing seventeen subordinate granges
in active operation.
HILLSDALE COUNTY PIONEER SOCIETY.
The inception of this association, as stated in the chapter
devoted to the agricultural society, was the invitation ex-
tended by the oflficers of that society, in 1871, to all the
surviving pioneers of the county to become the guests of
the association during the fair, and to partake of a public
dinner. The idea was carried out, and was deemed such a
happy one, that in the forepart of the following year the
Hillsdale County Pioneer Society was organized for the
purpose of providing for yearly reunions of a similar char-
acter, and to aid in preserving from oblivion the pioneer
history of the county.
The first officers were as follows : President, John P.
Cook ; Vice-Presidents, Seaton Flint, Benjamin Fowle,
Charles Mosher, Samuel Riblet, Benjamin W. Brockway,
E. 0. Grosvenor, John Swift, Norman S. Sharp, Thomas
Bobbins, Elijah B. Seeley, William Hickox, Warren
Smith, John Fitzsimmons, E. T. Chester, William Bryan,
Thomas Burt, Russell Coleman, William Drake, Henry
Waldron, Franklin French ; Secretary, F. M. Holloway ;
Treasurer, Henry Waldron.
Mr. Holloway has continued to be the secretary until the
present time. The following gentlemen have successively
been chosen presidents of the association for the years
affixed to their respective names : Frederick Fowler, 1873 ;
C. T. Mitchell, 1874; George C. Munro, 1875; W. J.
Baxter, 1876, 1877, and 1878.
The objects before mentioned have been attained in an
eminent degree; the annual meetings having been numer-
ously attended and extremely enjoyable, while a voluminous
record has been compiled under the direction t)f the secre-
tary, containing brief mention of hundreds of individual
pioneers, and many incidents of early life.
CHAPTER XXV.
HILIiSDALE COLLEGE.*
Beginning of the Institution at Spring Arbor — Its Object and Success
— Necessity of Removal — Indignation at Spring Arbor — Building
the College at Hillsdale — The Contributions of Hillsdale Village and
County— The College Edifice— The First Faculty — Extracts from
Constitution, etc. — Organization of the Board of Trustees — Organi-
zation of the School — The x4.cademic and Preparatory Departments
— The Various Courses — The Successive Members of the Board of
Instruction — Financial Prosperity — Action of the Free-Will Bap-
tist Conference — The Chair of Theology, etc. — Instrumental and
Vocal Music — Art — The Commercial Department — College Socie-
ties at Spring Arbor — Those at Hillsdale — The Attendance at va-
rious Periods — Students who entered the Army — Occupation of
Graduates — The Alumni Association — Destruction of the College
by Fire— The Rebuilding— Description of present Buildings— The
Library, Museum, etc. — Expenses — Tendency of the Institution.
Amid the December snows of 1844, in an old deserted
store at Spring Arbor, Jackson County, Mich., with one
teacher, and with four boys and one girl as undergraduates,
* By a committee of the Faculty.
was opened the institution which has since become Hills-
dale College. This institution owes its origin to the efforts
of a few Christian men, who deeply felt the need of a school
where they could educate young men for the ministry.
With this end in view the work began, and it was not long
before the old store was too small to accommodate the
students who gathered there. This led to the erection of
two new buildings, costing about a thousand dollars each,
and to an increase in the teaching force.
As there were at this time but few union schools, and
only one college in the State,,it is not surprising that a
large number of young persons eagerly availed themselves
of the educational advantages thus furnished. It soon be-
came evident that more room would be needed. This
forced upon its directors the question. Where shall the
institution be permanently located ? After carefully weigh-
ing the subject, it was decided to remove from the site
then occupied to some town which was situated on a rail-
road. Propositions were received from several places, but
the one from Hillsdale was accepted by the trustees. The
people of Spring Arbor were greatly incensed, and did
all in their power to prevent the execution of this plan.
Some of them threatened the teachers with violence, con-
cealed books and apparatus, while others served an injunc-
tion to prevent the removal of the college charter. Hence
but little more of the college was removed than its prestige,
students, and faculty.
Twenty-six years ago the eminence north of the village
of Hillsdale, now known as '' College Hill," was alternately
crowned with waving grain and used as a pasture-ground
for the cattle of its owners. The view from its top over
the wooded, rolling country which surrounded it was beau-
tiful and far extended. Here rose, in 1853, the walls of
Hillsdale College, the corner stone being laid on the 4th of
July in that year. The twenty-five acres which constitute
the college grounds were the gift of Esbon Blackmar. The
proposition of the town, referred to above, included the
gift of fifteen thousand dollars for building purposes, pro-
vided that an equal sum be put into buildings by the trus-
tees. The proposition was accepted, on condition that this
amount should be raised in the county, which was done,
and the subscription of the citizens was even increased to
thirty-one thousand five hundred dollars.
The first college edifice consisted of five adjoining build-
ings, four of them forty feet by sixty, and one sixty by
sixty. They were so far completed that the school was
opened on the 7th day of November, 1855, with luur pro-
fessors, besides a principal of the ladies' department. These
were Kev. Edmund B. Fairfield, A.M., President; Rev.
Ransom Dunn, Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy
and Natural Theology; Rev. C. H. Churchill, A.M., Pro-
fessor of Latin and Greek Languages ; Rev. H. E. Whip-
ple, A.M., Professor of English Literature and History ;
aud Mrs. V. Gr. Ramsey, Preceptress.
The objects sought by the founders of the college will
be seen by the following extracts from the Constitution and
Articles of Association :
" The object of this institution is to furnish to all per-
sons who wish, irrespective of nation, color, or sex, a liter-
ary and scientific education as comprehensive and thorough
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNT?, MICHIGAN.
91
as is usually pursued in other colleges in this country, and
to combine with this such moral and social instruction as
will best develop the mind and improve the hearts of the
pupils. ... A majority of the board of trustees, not less
than two-thirds nor more than three-fourths, and the ma-
jority of the faculty, — in which majority the president shall
be included, — shall always be members in good standing in
the Free- Will Baptist denomination."
The idea of exerting upon the student a moral influence
has ever been a prominent feature in the history of the
institution ; nor have the efforts of the board of instruction
to carry out the wishes of the founders of the college been
entirely unsuccessful, as may be seen by the large number
of students who date the commencement of their religious
life back to their connection with this school. All the in-
terests of the college are committed to the care of a board
of thirty-five trustees, who are divided into five equal
classes, one of which passes out of office every year. The
board fills its own vacancies at each annual meeting, which
is held in June.
The school at the time of its opening at Hillsdale was
composed of two departments, the academic and the pre-
paratory. The first contained three courses of study, the
classical, the scientific, and the ladies', each of which in-
cluded the studies which are usually found in a four-years'
course in American colleges. The last two were united in
1872, and called the scientific and ladies' course. The
same year an academical course was arranged to meet the
wants of those students who wished to complete some reg-
ular course of study, but were unable to devote the full
time required of candidates for degrees. A philosophical
course was added in 1878, and the scientific course some-
what changed. Both of these omit the Greek and retain
but little of the Latin, in order to give more prominence
to the modern languages, mathematics, and elective studies.
The courses in the preparatory department correspond to
those in the academic. But since it was first organized,
numerous changes have been made in regard both to the
character of its studies and its length. Previous to 1860
one year of study was sufficient to enable a student to com-
plete any one of its three courses, but between that date
and 1871 two years were necessary, and since the last date
three years are required in the classical preparatory. But
one year was required in the scientific preparatory until
1875, at which time the course was lengthened to two
years. This department now contains three courses, — a
scientific, occupying one ; a philosophical, two ; and a
classical, three years. In 1876 a two-years' normal course
was formed, which aimed to be thoroughly practical, and
included all those branches of study which must be under-
stood by persons who would receive certificates for teaching.
Since the opening of the institution, a number of changes
have been made in the board of instruction. The college
has had four presidents, Rev. Edmund B. Fairfield, A.M.,
elected 1855 ; Rev. James Calder, D.D., of Harrisburg,
Pa., 1869 ; Rev. Daniel M. Graham, D.D., of Chicago,
III, 1871 ; Rev. De Witt C. Durgin, of New Market,
N. H., 1874. The chair of mathematics was occupied for
twenty years — beginning in 1857 — by Spencer J. Fowler,
A.M. He was extremely efficient in raising funds for the
benefit of the institution, and was no less diligent in the
class-room. He was succeeded after his decease by one of
his former pupils, Arthur E. Haynes, in 1877. The pro-
fessorship of chemistry and natural history was assumed in
1855, by Prof James Dascomb ; in 1865, by Hiram Col-
lier, A.M.; in 1872, by Daniel M. Fisk, B.P. Rev.
Henry E. Whipple, A.M., was elected to the chair of logic
and belles-lettres in 1855, and Way land Dunn, A.M., in
1870. The early death of the latter was a great loss to
the department, as he was unusually well qualified for the
position by sound piety, broad scholarship, extensive travel,
and previous literary work. He was succeeded by Rev. J.
S. Copp, A.M., in 1875. The chair of ancient languages
was transferred to George McMillan, A.M., in 1860 ; and
to George H. Ricker, A.M., of Rhode Island, in 1875. In
1876 this professorship was divided, so that the Latin lan-
guage has constituted a separate department since that
date, having been taught by John H. Butler, A.M. The
chair of Greek language and literature has been occupied
since 1877 by J. William Manck, AM. The position of
preceptress has been occupied by the following ladies : Mrs.
Y. G. Ramsey, beginning in 1855 ; Miss Delia Whipple,
in 1856; Miss E. A. Sanford, in 1859; Miss Jane Hoyt,
in 1861 ; Miss Julia A. Moore, in 1864; Miss Marie M.
Cooper, in 1865; Mrs. Julia M.Jordan, in 1867; Miss
Jane W. Hoyt, in 1869 ; Miss H. Laura Rowe, in 1870
(this lady died in the fall of 1874). Mrs. Marie C. Pierce
succeeded Miss Rowe in 1873, and occupied the position
until 1874, when Miss Mary B. Phillips was appointed.
The college at the time of its removal from Spring Ar-
bor was destitute of chemical and philosophical apparatus,
museum, library, and endowment. But by the time the
school opened at Hillsdale the agents, who had been solicit-
ing funds while the buildings were being erected, reported
that the notes and cash which had been collected amounted
to nearly fifty thousand dollars. Of this sum Professors
Dunn and Fowler raised twenty thousand dollars each, and
Revs. D. L. Rice and L. S. Parmelee the remainder. At
the same time President Fairfield, Professor Whipple, and
others were collecting the building fund. Since 1856 the
increase of the endowment has been as follows: In 1861
the pledges amounted to eighty-seven thousand dollars ; in
1866 to one hundred and eighteen thousand dollars; in
1871 to one hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars, of
which sixty-bine thousand dollars had been collected and
invested; in 1876 to one hundred and sixty-two thousand
dollars, of which eighty-two thousand dollars had been col-
lected and invested. The invested fund at this time (1879)
amounts to eighty-eight thousand dollars.
In the fall of 1862 the Free- Will Baptist General Con-
ference voted to appropriate three thousand dollars towards
the endowment of a chair of theology, to be known as the
Burr Professorship. Additions to this amount were made
from time to time, largely by friends in Iowa, and in the
fall of 1863 Professor Ransom Dunn was transferred from
the chair of mental and moral philosophy to this new de-
partment. No regular course of theological instruction was
attempted, but lectures on natural and systematic theology
and class recitations in church history and homiletics were
continued as far as practicable. In the spring of 1873
92
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Professor J. J. Butler, D.D., of Lewiston, Me., was elected
to the professorship of sacred literature, and Rev. J. S.
Copp, A.M., to the chair of ecclesiastical history and sacred
rhetoric. A course of theological study was now arranged
and classes organized. After the transfer of Professor Copp
to the alumni professorship, Dr. R. S. James, of Zanes-
ville, 0., occupied the chair of history and rhetoric one
year. In 1878, Rev. Gr. H. Ball, D.D., of Buffalo, N. Y.,
was elected to the vacant professorship, but has not yet
entered upon the duties of his position. This department
now has two courses of study, each occupying three years,
— the regular course which contains, and the English which
omits, the Greek and Hebrew languages.
Ever since 1855 instruction has been given in vocal and
instrumental music, but it had been very irregular, and of
varying degrees of excellence, previous to 1863, when Fene-
lon B. Rice took charge of the department and, with the
assistance of his wife, placed it on a more secure basis.
Sioce that time it has been well sustained. In the fall of
1869, Melville W. Chase succeeded Professor Rice. Classes
in vocal music, both elementary and advanced, have been
maintained, and a choral society has held weekly rehearsals
for the study of the best glee, chorus, and church music.
Public concerts have been given annually, in which works
of the best character have been performed. The depart-
ment gives instruction in two courses, the instrumental
occupying five years and the vocal one.
In many respects the early history of art in the college
is like that of music. It had a long struggle before it
could support a thoroughly competent teacher. This was
not done until the spring of 1867, when George B. Gard-
ner took charge of the art department. It has two courses
of study, one in drawing, which includes work in crayon,
pencil, and Indian ink, and one in painting, both in water
colors and in oil. Prominence is given also to designing
and perspective. Over four hundred young men and women
have received instruction in this department. Some of
these have become successful p'ofessional artists, while
others occupy responsible positions as teachers of art in
institutions of learning.
The commercial department began in the fall of 1866 as
an independent school, known as the " Hillsdale Commer-
cial College." Although meeting with several misfortunes
in the form of fires, yet it continued to enjoy a good degree
of prosperity. In the summer of 1870 it was removed
from the business part of the town into one of the college
buildings, since which time it has been a department of
Hillsdale College. It embraces three courses, — the com-
mercial, the telegraphic, and that of penmanship. Alex-
ander C. Bideout, LL.D., is Principal, Warren A. Drake,
A.M., Associate Principal, and Hon. Daniel L. Pratt, Lec-
turer on Real and Personal Property.
The students at Spring Arbor organized two societies, —
the Eunomian and the Philogrammatian, — each composed
of both ladies and gentlemen. When the school opened at
Hillsdale, on account of a regulation forbidding the asso-
ciation of the sexes in the same society, these organizations
were disbanded, and out of them grew, in 1857, the Am-
phictyon and the Alpha Kappa Phi societies. The Ladies'
Literary Union was formed at the close of the same year,
soon afterwards the Germanae Sodales. The Theological
Society was organized in the spring of 1866. During most
of their history each of these societies has held weekly
exercises in its hall, and two public exercises annually,
which, with their triennial and quinquennial reunions, have
formed a prominent part of the public exercises of the col-
lege. They have all manifested great spirit, and although
they were burned out of their beautiful rooms in 1874 they
have provided themselves with more commodious and more
richly-furnished halls than they had before the fire.
The average annual attendance upon the four college
classes, from 1855 to the present time, has been about a
hundred and fifty-seven. During the first five years it was
a hundred and thirty-three ; the second five, a hundred
and sixty-nine ; the third, a hundred and eighty-eight ; the
fourth, a hundred and sixty-four. The average annual at-
tendance in all the departments during the same time has
been nearly five hundred and sixty-five. The first five
years it was six hundred and nine ; the second five, or
during the war of the Rebellion, four hundred and sixty-
one ; the third, five hundred and eighty-two ; the fourth,
six hundred and fifty-two. The number of students who
enlisted in the army was one hundred and eighty-three, and
twenty-six of these either fell upon the battle-field or died
in the hospital.
About three thousand six hundred students have been
members of the regular college classes, and over thirteen
thousand have been connected with the various depart-
ments. Between four and five hundred have graduated,
and are now occupying, or working their way up into, po-
sitions of responsibility and usefulness. Seventy-nine of
these are teachers in graded schools or professors in col-
leges ; sixty-eight, attorneys at-law ; forty-three, clergymen ;
eleven, physicians ; four, editors ; four, authors ; and forty-
six, business men. Over twenty per cent, of the graduates
who have entered any of the six professions named above
are clergymen.
The graduates organized an alumni association in the
spring of 1865. Its principal gathering was called the
General Assembly, which at first met annually, but in 1870
it was decided that it should meet every five years. Soon
after its organization, the question of endowing a profcvssor-
ship was agitated. But little, however, was accomplished
until 1872, when the alumni began to push the enterprise
more vigorously. The work had so far succeeded in 1875
that the General Assembly selected the chair of Logic and
Belles-Lettres as their professorship, and nominated to the
position Rev. J. S. Copp, A.M. The nomination was
confirmed by the college board of trustees, and thus the
association assumed the support of the professor elect.
Early in the morning of March 6, 1874, three of the five
college buildings were burned, causing a loss of some fifty
thousand dollars, besides the destruction of the chemical
and philosophical apparatus, the museum of natural history,
and considerable damage to the library. As the college
was still struggling to do its work with an inadequate en-
dowment, this was a heavy misfortune ; but steps for re-
building were immediately taken. The plan which was
finally adopted by the trustees embraces five disconnected
buildings, which occupy the centre of a park of twenty-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
93
five acres, adorned with well-grown shade-trees and ever-
greens. The buildings are of brick, three stories high,
besides the basements, and are arranged on three sides of a
quadrangle, with the principal front to the south. The
building in the centre of the group, College Hall, is eighty
feet front, and (Contains the chapel, library, and reading-
rooms, president's room, treasurer's ofiice, and four classical
and two mathematical recitation-rooms. It is of the com-
posite style of architecture, and is surmounted by a tower
a hundred and forty feet in height, which contains the bell
and a four-dial tower clock. The west building, Knowlton
Hall, which is forty-eight feet by seventy-two, contains the
museum of natural history, the chemical lecture-room, two
fire-proof laboratories, the Alumni Hall, and three large and
elegantly furnished society halls. Between Knowlton and
College Halls is Grriffin Hall, fifty -two feet by seventy-two.
It contains the recitation-rooms and ofiice of the department
of commerce and telegraphy, and twenty-seven suites of
gentlemen's study and sleeping-rooms. The east building.
Fine Arts Hall, forty-eight by seventy-two, contains the
philosophical lecture-room, apparatus-room, preceptress'
recitation-room, one classical recitation-room, the art o^al-
lery, studio, music-room, Beethoven Hall, and two society
halls. Between Fine Arts Hall and College Hall is the
ladies' dormitory, eighty feet front. It contains the college
parlors, preceptress' ofiice and rooms, study and sleeping
rooms for fifty ladies, and the dining-hall, kitchen, etc.
All the buildings are lighted by gas, and warmed and venti-
lated in the most approved manner.
The college library contains nearly seven thousand vol-
umes, and the reading-room is well supplied with American
and foreign periodical literature. The museum of natural
history is rapidly rising from the ashes of 1874, and is
already a creditable collection, especially in geology and
paleontology.
During the entire history of the college such arrange-
ments have been made that students could attend at twenty-
five to fifty per cent, less expense than would be necessary
to support them at most similar institutions. During its
entire history, too, one of the leading features and objects
of the college has been the recognition and support of
sound morality and Christian principle, and there is strong
evidence to show that these efforts have been to a large
extent successful.
CITY OF HILLSDALE.
Among the most attractive cities of its dimensions in
the State is Hillsdale, situated just northwest of the geo-
graphical centre of the county, and easily accessible from
all its points. Having been early selected by its founders
as the county-seat, it has steadily grown in importance and
business enterprise until it fulfills all the promise indicated
when it was first projected. It is regularly laid out with
wide streets, many elegant and spacious residences, an un-
dulating surface, which adds variety and beauty to the city,
and the most luxuriant foliage, with a single exception, that
is to be found in the State. The original hamlet had its
first beginning in the year 1835. One Hiram Greenman,
of Utica, N. Y., a gentleman of means, came to the then
Territory of Michigan with a view to making investments
in land. Being well pleased with the ground now covered
by the city and immediate vicinity, he furnished money to
Salem T. King and Alonson Gr. Budlong with which to
make a purchase. Greenman was to hold the half-interest ;
the other parties a quarter each.
Previous to 1835 there was no county-seat, the business
having been transacted and the records kept at the seat of
Lenawee County. During the winter of that year Jones-
ville became the headquarters of the county, and remained
so until 1843. The ultimate object of the first settlers of
Hillsdale was to establish it as the county-seat, its central
position making it an eminently desirable point for the
purpose.
The country for miles around was at that time little
more than a wilderness, no marks of civilization being ap-
parent other than the turnpike-road leading to Chicago,
which was the only thoroughfare.
Adam Howder, whose name stands conspicuous as the
first permanent resident, and whom the survivors of that
period recall with satisfaction as their early host and the
embodiment of all the social virtues of the period, was
delegated by the owners of the land to look after their
interests. In 1835, he built a log house in the new settle-
ment, and occupied it. This does not appear, however, to
have been the first house erected, as one Jeremiah Arnold,
who was the first white settler, came as early as 1834, and
erected a wood shanty for occupation during the winter.
He located forty acres, and afterwards sold the tract to
Greenman, Budlong, and King.
This tract was located on the present fair-ground, which
was intended by the original projectors of the hamlet to be
its centre, but a slight circumstance diverted it from the
intended site, and ultimately placed it where it now stands.
Budlong, in his contract with Greenman, stipulated to im-
prove the property and lay it out in plats, which he failed
to do. In consequence, the parties became involved in a
94
chancery suit, which made it impossible to give a perfect
title to the land, and the present location was substituted.
In December, 1835, Greenman sold his interest to Rock-
well Manning and George C. Gibbs, the latter gentleman,
soon after, selling his portion to Chauncey W. Ferris and
John P. Cook, who came early in 1836 and made Hillsdale
their residence. Both of these gentlemen still survive, and
have been largely instrumental in bringing the city to its
present prosperous condition.
Charles Gregory and William E. Board man also pur-
chased interests at this time, and the owners of the prop-
- erty were generally known as the Hillsdale Company,
though no legal measures of incorporation were taken,
their principal object being to make the young and growing
town so inviting as to be able to contest the laurels with
Jonesville and make it the depository of the county records.
Messrs. Cook and Ferris soon after their arrival, and during
the same year, built a saw-mill and a frame house for the
man in charge of the mill. The water-power had its source
in Baw Beese Lake, which lies southeast of the city, and
which was named after the chief of the wandering band of
Pottawattamie Indians, who inhabited the surrounding
forest. Old Baw Beese repeatedly laid claim to the owner-
ship of the lake, and wished Mr. Cook to pay him one hun-
dred dollars for the privilege of using the water. In the
spring of 1837, Joel McCollom came from Lockport, N. Y.,
and in connection with Manning, Cook, and Ferris purchased
lands lying north of the original plat, the present Bacon
Street of the city being the south line of the purchase.
This purchase may be regarded as the initiatory step
towards the laying out of the city of Hillsdale, the unfortu-
nate chancery suit before mentioned having rendered the
previous location impracticable.
The first plats of the city were recorded as follows :
Alanson G. Budlong recorded a plat embracing the south-
west quarter of section 26, June 27, 1835 ; also the south-
east quarter of section 27, July 3, 1835. Henry S. Piatt
and John W. Miller recorded one covering the west half
of the southeast quarter of section 26, July 22, 1835.
Tunis B. Yan Brunt recorded a plat embracing the west
half of the northwest quarter of section 26, Oct. 14, 1835.
Samuel Mosher filed in the county clerk's office a plat
embracing the east half of the northwest quarter of sec-
tion 26, Oct. 26, 1835. Centre Lamb recorded another
comprising the west half of the northeast quarter of sec-
tion 26, June 1, 1836. Henry S. Piatt and John P. Miller
recorded a plat covering the east half of the northeast quar-
ter of section 27, July 3, 1835. Ambrose J. Nicholson
recorded one embracing the southwest quarter of the north-
east quarter of section 27, Aug. 18, 1835. Nathan B.
HOlSr. J-OHCIT F. OOOIC.
Hon. John P. Cook was born in Plymouth, Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan.
27, 1812, and is the youngest son of Joseph and Lydia (Benson) Cook.
His parents, both of English descent, removed from New England at an
early day, and settled in New York. When Mr. Cook was two years of age
his father died, and two years later his mother married again. During his
boyhood and youth he resided in Chenango, Oneida, and Cayuga Counties,
engaged in teaching, farming, and carpentry. Compelled by limited means
to labor during the greater part of the year, his education was such as he
could obtain during the winter in the common schools of that day. Without
the advantages of education and wealth, he early learned to rely on his
own resources. In the spring of 1832, at the age of twenty, with the
little capital accumulated, he started for the West, and July 1 arrived
at Detroit, Mich. There, with
others, he built a foundry, but
after a few months disposed of
his interest, and in the summer
of 1834 removed to Jones ville.
There, in connection with C.
W. Ferris, he erected a store,
and filled it with the first
stock of goods ever brought
into Hillsdale County.
In 1836, Mr. Cook, foreseeing
the ultimate removal of the
county-seat to the place where
the city of Hillsdale now stands,
purchased property in that lo-
cality, although it was then
covered with forest, and occu-
pied by only two families. In
the following year he changed
his residence to Hillsdale, and,
in company with Mr. Ferris,
built a flour-mill, carrying it
on in connection with a store
they had erected about the
same time. He continued this
business till 1862. Meanwhile,
the State had commenced the construction of the Michigan Southern Rail-
road, and Mr. Cook became a large contractor in the work. In 1855 he
engaged in banking with Messrs. Mitchell <k Waldron, and remained with
the firm until 1863. Since that time he has been interested in the hard-
ware business, and since 1866 has engaged extensively in the lumber trade.
He has also given considerable attention to farming, and at present owns
between four and five thousand acres of land, three thousand of which,
lying in Northern Michigan, is covered with valuable pines. In politics,
Mr. Cook has always been a steadfast adherent to the principles of the
Democratic party, and an unyielding advocate of honest and economical
government.
For twenty years following the organisation of the State government
he took an active part in the political affairs of his State, and daring this
period was personally acquainted with the leading public men, many of
whom were among his most esteemed friends. Mr. Cook was influential
in the organization of Hillsdale County, and was elected its first oonntj
treasurer. In 1838 he was appointed first postmaster of Hillsdale. In
the fall of 1845 he was elected representative to the State Legislature, and
was placed on the judiciary committee, being the only non-professional
man on the committee ; during this session of the Legislature the statutes
of the State were revised. In 1846, Mr. Cook was elected to the State
Senate. In the fall of 1848, as private business required his attention, he
declined a renomination.
In 1850 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention which framed
the present constitution of the State, and was chairman of one of the
most important committees, — ^that on incorporations. In the spring of
1874, overcoming a large Republican majority, he was elected to a special
session of the Senate, which convened to frame a new constitution for the
State. Mr. Cook earnestly op-
posed the change, and when in
the fall it was submitted to the
people it was defeated.
During his long residence in
Hillsdale, Mr. Cook has re-
ceived many minor honors as
tokens of his neighbors* esteem
and appreciation. At the time
of the civil war, Mr. Cook took
great interest in every measure
for sustaining the government,
and was called upon to preside
at every county meeting held
for that purpose. One of these,
which Zaohariah Chandler and
Lewis Cass addressed, was the
occasion of the last public
speech which General Cass
ever delivered.
Mr. Cook has been a member
of the board of education
of Hillsdale for about fifteen
years; a trustee of Hillsdale
College for twenty years, and
frequently chairman of its
board. Since the founding of this institution he has contributed much
money towards its support. He has also taken part in many other pubUo
enterprises, having been particularly active in securing the completion of
the Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad. He was married in 1837 to
Miss Betsey Wolford, of Cayuga Co., N. Y. She died in the summer of
1850, leaving three children. In the fall of 1852, Mr. Cook married Miss
Martha H. Wolford, a sister of his former wife. They have had ain©
children, seven of whom are still living. Although not a member of any
church, Mr, Cook believes in strict morality, and has given liberally
towards the establishment of the various religious denominations in the city.
Mr. Cook is eminently a self-made man. His success is the result of
honesty, industry, and economy. During his life he has engaged with
characteristic energy and uniform success in many pursuits. To-day he is
posseted of an ample competency, and surrounded by his family and a
large circle of friends. He is honored and respected by his political oppo-
nents, as well as by the members of his own party.
^^^^^^^^^-^Cc^ ^'^-.>-:^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
95
Kidder and William E. Sill recorded another embracing
the southeast quarter of section 22, June 3, 1835. Gil-
bert Reilay recorded a plat comprising the west half of the
southwest quarter of section 23, March 21, 1836. Salem
T.. King filed in the office a plat embracing one quarter of
the southeast quarter of section 26. Morgan Buchanan
recorded a plat embracing the west half of the northeast
quarter of section 22, June 22, 1835. Ransom Gardiner
recorded a plat covering the east half of the northeast
quarter of section 22, March 12, 1836.
Adam Howder, who occupied a log house, finding its
capacity insufficient to meet the demands upon his hospi-
tality, erected in 1838 a new structure, and opened it as a
public-house, entertaining all travelers who chanced to
come to the settlement, or, passing through it, needed
shelter. This building, which was of consequence in its
day, was regarded as spacious in its dimensions, being
twenty-eight by forty feet, and two stories high. Con-
nected with it was a ball-room of considerable proportions,
in which were assembled from time to time the youth and
beauty of the county. The music on these festive occa-
sions must have been of a primitive character, for we learn
that it was not until the^ occasion of a celebration and ball
on the 4th of July, 1840, that a violin made its appear-
ance, Horatio Bates being the performer.
Messrs. Cook and Ferris having determined to cast their
lot in Hillsdale, set about to develop the business of the
place, and erected, in 1838, a flouring-mill, which absorbed
most of the milling patronage of the country, and was re-
garded as an important element in the business develop-
ment of the locality.
During the previous spring a railroad was projected from
Adrian to Marshall, and the preliminary survey made with
the intention of running it through Hillsdale, but the project
failed. In the winter of 1837 the State projected its sys-
tem of internal improvements. The commission appointed
to carry out the various schemes made two surveys for a
railroad from the city of Monroe, on Lake Erie, to the city
of New BuflPalo, on Lake Michigan. One survey was made
from Monroe through Adrian, Hillsdale, and Branch, in
Branch County, west to New Buffiilo. The other was from
Monroe to Tecumseh, and from there to Jonesville and Cold-
water, and thence west to New Bufiklo. The former route
was adopted as far as Hillsdale, though Jonesville was after-
wards brought into the line. Thus the success of the future
city of Hillsdale, which for a brief season seemed trembling
in the balance, was finally decreed.
The following year contracts for the construction of the
new railroad were awarded, and the work began, but it was
not until five years later that it was completed to Hillsdale.
Henry Waldron came to the county at this time as a civil
engineer, and was employed in the construction of the new
road. Discerning the promise that was afterwards fulfilled
in the village of Hillsdale, he made it his residence in 1838,
and has since that time aided greatly in its prosperity and
growth.
The same year the first store was opened in the place by
Harvey & Co., contractors, and established for the purpose
of furnishing supplies to the help employed by them.
Messrs. Cook & Ferris also had a contract for building
six miles of the road, which was called the Southern Rail-
road, but when sold by the State its title was changed to
that of the Michigan Southern Railroad. The settlement
was now deemed of sufficient importance at the headquarters
of government to justify the establishment of a post-office
within its limits, and a commission duly signed and sealed
was forwarded to John P. Cook, as postmaster. The office
was at the residence of Mr. Ferris, who occupied the house
adjoining the saw-mill, the postmaster residing with him.
The fame of the young and growing village of Hillsdale had
extended far and wide, and the impressions that were formed
of its dimensions and importance were greatly exaggerated.
Very few buildings had yet been erected, and most of the
territory now embraCed in the city was covered with thick
brush, and was practically still a wilderness. Travelers
would frequently stop and inquire from the postmaster how
far it was to the village of Hillsdale.
In the year 1840 the growth of the place received a
fresh impulse by the erection of several buildings. Among
them John P. Cook built a residence, and Frederick and
Henry Fowler a store. Adam Howder, finding his present
location too far away from the centre of business, erected a
new and commodious hotel in 1841, and christened it the
Hillsdale House.
The first effort towards the establishment of the county-
seat at Hillsdale was made in the year 1839. It met with
much opposition from the north part of the county, the
seat then being at Jonesville. A counter-effort was made
through the efforts of some Jonesville parties, who suc-
ceeded in obtaining an act of the Legislature, by which the
county-seat was established at Osseo, March 31, 1840, with
the provision that county buildings be 'erected in that village.
No steps having been taken to comply with this require-
ment, the Legislature passed an act in January, 1843, per-
manently removing the county-seat to Hillsdale. Measures
were at once taken to fix a local habitation for the county
officials, and a small building was erected where the
present court-house now stands. Later in the same
year, there being no suitable building in which to hold
the sessions of the court, an edifice was erected by
certain individuals, with the purpose of making it a
house of worship, and also a place for holding the
courts. The village at this time presented a remarkable
example of prosperity, — new buildings springing up at
various points and business rapidly extending. In 1843,
Messrs. Wing, Mitchell & Co. erected a large warehouse
at the terminus of the railroad, and transacted a general
forwarding and storage business. The storage of merchan-
dise was not then, as now, done by the railroad, but alto-
gether by private parties, and besides the warehouse already
erected, there were others owned by Messrs. Cook & Wal-
dron, Cross & McCollom, and P. BIcAdam. These were
all burned in the year 1855, with the exception of the one
owned by Messrs. Cook & Waldron, which was somewhat
isolated, and greatly protected by the dense fog which filled
the air and prevented the flames from spreading. This now
forms a part of the present Hillsdale City Flour-Mills.
The fire department had not in those days arrived at the
degree of efficiency which it now boasts, and the flames
having obtained the mastery, made serious inroads upon
96
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
property. A curious incident is related of an earlier
ire, which occurred in the warehouse of Mr. Charles T.
Mitchell, and which was not discovered until the flames had
made some progress. The assistant employed in the build-
ing became greatly terrified, and for a moment was speech-
less, when, rushing into the office in a paroxysm of fright,
he vainly attempted to give the alarm. The word " fire"
had apparently been frightened from his memory. His
tongue refused to utter the sound, when, pointing to the
building from which the fire was escaping, he exclaimed,
with a terrified look, '' There s — a — screw — loose .'"
After the railroad was extended to Chicago the company
conducted its own storage, and the warehouses were not
rebuilt. The same year (1855) Messrs. Mitchell, Waldron
& Cook embarked in a private banking enterprise with a
capital of seventeen thousand dollars, opening an office in
Broad Street, and continuing business until 186-t, when
Messrs. Mitchell & Waldron purchased the whole interest.
It was afterwards merged into the Second National Bank.
At this time (1864) the village became involved in liti-
gation with Joel McCollom, of Lockport, N. Y., who laid
claim to that portion between Howell and Broad Streets,
now covered by the Waldron Block, and brought suit to
establish his claim, arguing that the ground was private
property, and not owned by the village. McCollom placed
a building upon it and the authorities tore it down. He
then began a suit in the United States Court, and the case
is a memorable one from the interest it excited and the
array of legal talent employed on both sides. By consent
of parties a judgment was obtained, and Henry Waldron
purchased the disputed ground, paying fifteen hundred dol-
lars, and offering it to the city at the same price. The
authorities having refused the offer, Mr. Waldron erected
the present Waldron Block upon it.
On the 27th day of Blarch, 1847, was posted the fol-
lowing :
NOTICE
Is hereby given to the qualified Electors of the village of Hillsdale,
that an Election will be held on the Second Monday of jipril next, at
the Western House, kept by Benjamin Fisher, in said village of Hills-
dale, for the purpose of Electing officers of said village : the polls will
be opened at nine o'clock, a.m., and closed at four o'clock, p.m. of that
day. The officers to be Elected are five Trustees, one Assessor, and a
President, being qualified Electors, and residing in any part of said
village. Dated Hillsdale, 27th March, 1847.
C. L. Travis, Justice of the Peace.
Three inspectors of election, Walter Welsh, John Swegles,
Jr., and Rockwell Manning, were appointed. In accordance
with the published notice, the election was held on the
twelfth day of April, two ballot-boxes being provided, one
for the officers, the other for the " license or no license"
ticket.
The following gentlemen were elected : President, Pat-
rick McAdam ; Assessor, Chauncey Stimson ; Trustees,
Harvey A. Anderson, Elijah Hatton, Henry L. Hewitt,
Thomas Bolles, and Isaac Yan Denbergh. The " License"
ticket having received one hundred and three votes was
declared elected. The first meeting of the newly-elected
board of officers was held at the office of the president, on
the 19th day of April, and in accordance with the act of
incorporation, a treasurer, clerk, and street commissioner
were appointed. James M. Raymond was made street com-
missioner, and also filled the office of marshal ; Henry S.
Mead was appointed clerk, and Andrew Weir treasurer.
We find by the records that the same year among licenses
granted were the following upon payment of eleven dollare:
To keep tavern, Charles W. Tuttle, Wm. M. Brace, S. & D.
Topliff", Wra. S. Noble, R. Manning, Mr. Lowther ; to keep
grocery, Morris Wilcox, Moses S. Call, Thomas McKinney,
Nathan M. Folsom ; retailer, Lantz Mclntire; common
victualer, Isaac Van Denbergh ; grocer and victualer, Seth
English.
In July of the same year a petition from many leading
citizens was received by the president and trustees, asking
to be organized into a fire-engine company. The petition
having been favorably received, the petitioners organized
themselves into a company known as the ''Neptune Fire-
Engine Company, No. 1, of the Village of Hillsdale," and
limited to fifty members. C. W. Ferris, Daniel L. Pratt,
C. Van Valer, C. T. Mitchell, and James W. King were
appointed fire-wardens.
In 1849 the building erected for the county offices was
burned and many of the records destroyed, the register's
office alone escaping. The questi4)n of a new court-house
was then agitated, and measures were adopted for its erec-
tion by the county, which were carried bto effect, and the
structure was finally completed, the first occupant being
F. M. Holloway, Register of Deeds, on the morning of
Feb. 1, 1851. The following March term of the court was
held in the new building, and presided over by Judge
Warner Wing, then Circuit Judge.
x\t this period, the erection of extensive warehouses hav-
ing given an additional impulse to the town, manufacturing
interests assumed more importance, churches were built, and
Hillsdale became a market for the produce of its own
county and St. Joseph. Among the early merchants, aside
from those already mentioned, were Messrs. Cook & Ferris,
Henry and Frederick Fowler, Piatt & Miller, James W.
King, Samuel Chandler, the Hammonds, Dr. Underwood,
Messrs. Hurd & Bostwick, and French & Falley. Dr. Joel
French was the first practicing physician, though Dr. Theo-
dore Manning, who resided in Jonesville, appears to have
practiced in the vicinity previous to this time. Among the
other practitioners were Dr. John W. Falley, Dr. McCarty,
Dr. Frank French, and Dr. Griswold. The country was at
this time very sickly, fever and ague prevailing to a great
extent, as a result of the upturning of the land and decay-
ing vegetation.
It was jocularly said of one of the early residents that
he used to employ the afternoon in hunting watchers for
the night. But the joke was too nearly true for comfort,
not only in one but a large number of cases. In the summer
of 1848 the smallpox made its appearance in the village
and caused much alarm among the inhabitants. The
authorities took every possible measure to prevent the
spread of the disease, instructing the marshal to place
upon every house infected with the disease a placard
labeled " Smallpox here," and directing Drs. Falley and
Cressy to proceed to each house and vaccinate every person
not already vaccinated. The disease was thus happily
checked in its progress.
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
97
This period of the history of Hillsdale is principally
memorable as an era of practical joking, and many a
traveler and unfledged countryman paid dear for the expe-
rience he gained by coming to town. Even the judge upon
the bench was not exempt, his judicial ermine being no
protection against the banter of his friends. A circuit
judge who officiated at that time was accustomed to ask, on
coming to open the court, " what new drive the boys had
got?" that he might be prepared to meet their jest. A
circuit preacher, who w^as rather a favorite with the young
people, rode into town one pleasant Sunday morning on his
lean, half-starved horse, minus saddle and shoes, and tying
him to a neighboring tree, proceeded to the grove to hold
service. The youngsters untied the horse, took him to the
nearest shop and had him well shod, and then placing a
saddle upon his back, returned him to his previous location.
The deed carried with it so much good-nature that the
preacher could only gaze with amazement and gratitude
upon the metamorphosis in the animal ; but the joke was
apparent afterward, when he was obliged to combat the
charge of having shod his horse on Sunday.
The temperance sentiment was equally as strong in the
early days as at the present time. We find that, in 1853,
Dr. Alonzo Cressy was appointed '^ Agent for the sale of
alcohol and spirituous liquors for medicinal and mechanical
purposes and no other," in accordance with an act prohibit-
ing the manufacture of spirituous liquors and the traffic
therein, approved Feb. 12, 1853.
The agent aforesaid was to purchase, upon the credit of
the village, a sufficient quantity of alcohol and spirituous
liquors, and was to receive a sufficient compensation to pay
the rent of an office in which to keep and sell the same,
and was required to sell it at a sufficient profit to pay the
expense of sale, not exceeding fifty per cent, on the cost.
During the latter part of the same year, the project of
building a college within the village limits, and designating
it as " Hillsdale College" was agitated, and with so much
success that, during the following year, the corner-stone was
laid with imposing ceremonies and the buildings ultimately
completed. A full account of the college is given in the
last chapter of the general history.
The authorities took much pride in maintaining the in-
tegrity of the village government, and numerous ordinances
were passed bearing upon the subject.
One in particular bore upon sundry unoffending ducks
and geese that occasionally strayed into the highways, and
stated that it should be lawful for any person finding them
running at large to drive them to the pound, and for this
laudable act the person aforesaid was to receive the sum of
ten cents for each duck or goose. Legislation did not stop
here, but further decrees that the worthy poundmaster shall
*' epitomize the aerial apparatus of such geese or ducks so
that they cannot escape from the pound,^^ and afterwards
offi3r them for sale to the highest bidder. An ordinance
was also passed against drunkenness, making fine or im-
prisoment, or both, the penalty to be paid for being drunk
on the streets, and all saloons, restaurants, and billiard-rooms
were to be closed from ten o'clock at night till six in the
morning. The law with regard to the observance of the
Sabbath was equally stringent. No store, or shop, or saloon,
13
was allowed to be kept open ; no premises used for public
diversion were to be occupied for the purpose on that day,
nor should any person be present or take part in such diver-
sion with impunity, the penalty to be a fine of one hundred
dollars, with imprisonment in the county jail for non-pay-
ment. This was not to afi*ect druggists who sold liquors
for medicinal purposes.
In September, 1868, a special meeting of the officers of
the village was called to manifest their " grief and mortifi-
cation at the unprovoked onslaught made the evening before
by a band of lawless rowdies upon unofi^ending citizens of
Coldwater and Jonesville, who were present to take part in
a public meeting, for the purpose of hearing an address
from the United States Senator, Hon. Zachariah Chandler."
Measures were at once taken to discover the guilty parties,
and visit upon them condign punishment. A committee
was also appointed to draft suitable resolutions of sympathy
and regret, and forward them to the authorities of the
respective towns. We are happy to record the fact that the
desperadoes were arrested, and punishment visited upon
them according to their deserts.
In April of 1869 the village of Hillsdale obtained a char-
ter and became a city, holding an election on the 5th of
the month, and choosing as their first city officers the fol-
lowing :
Geo. W. Underwood, Mayor ; Henry J. King, City
Treasurer ; Samuel J. Lewis, Edwin J. March, James G.
Brent, Benjamin Fisher, William Wilson, William Pettiis,
and Spencer 0. Fisher, Aldermen ; S. Chandler, City Clerk.
The newly-elected mayor, on assuming the duties of his
office, delivered an appropriate and excellent inaugural ad-
dress, only a portion of which we have space for :
" Perhaps some inhabitant of Hillsdale in the distant future, in-
spired by a spirit of antiquarian research, or perhaps with a view to
entertain his contemporaries with a history of the settlement and
growth of that little opening in the forests, — as I well remember it,
but which I trust shall be to him who shall then occupy that position
the prosperous and growing city, — as he shall turn his eye back
through the dim and misty past to that little village in the deep
woods of Southern Michigan, upon the head-waters of the St. Joseph
and its source, then to be, as now, the placid and beautiful Baw Beese.
I say that future historian may seek to know who and what manner
of persons they were that felled these forests, and drove back from
their lairs the wild beasts which here roamed at will, and, if possible,
the wilder human inhabitants of these hills and valleys; who they
were that early plowed and sowed these fields ; that built these nu-
merous habitations, — the abodes of industry, of plenty, of civilization
and refinement; that laid broad and deep the foundations of these
costly structures, devoted to the purposes of commerce, of education
and religion, and that at length laid the corner-stone of the nascent
city.
'* Fellow-citizens, I trust in God the time will never come when the
character of the pioneers of Hillsdale, as a whole, will not be known
and read in the works which they shall have left behind them, — in
the character of their children, and their children's children; and
that even ' in their ashes shall live their wonted fires,' to inspire with
holy purpose and sturdy resolution all that come after them. For as
sure as effect follows cause, and cause precedes effect, so surely may
we predict that the seed here planted in these churches, in these
eflScient graded schools, and in the flourishing college here established,
will at length spring up and ' bear fruit an hundred fold,' not only to
the glory and honor of those who planted them, but to the glory of
God and the blessing of mankind.
'^ The duties of the office of mayor will be faithfully discharged
when, to the extent of his ability, the incumbent shall see that every
right and interest of the citizen within the department of the muni-
98
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
cipal law is fully secured j when he shall make it his endeavor that
the city aggregate and the citizens each and singular shall suffer no
injury^ and, moreover, that he shall equally endeavor to secure to
each and all every possible advantage within his power to promote.
Of course there will be evils and calamities which, with all of his en-
deavors, and those of his associates, he will not be able to avert. The
devouring element, as we have often witnessed, in its resistless course,
may not, with the best endeavor, be stayed until it has laid in ruins
our fairest structures, and borne away, as on the wings of the wind,
the accumulations of patient industry through toilsome years.
" * The pestilence that walketh in darkness' may invade our dwel-
lings in spite of sanitary regulations and health officers. The thief
and incendiary may pursue their nefarious work and yet escape de-
tection and punishment, maugre police regulations and the best en-
deavors of magistrates. He will not have done his duty, however,
nor will any other officer, when any honestly-disposed citizen can
justly cast upon him the reproach and say, * When thou sawest a thief,
then thou consentedest with him,' whether that thief had his hands
upon his neighbor's goods or in the public purse — whether he sought
to abstract therefrom positively and directly or indirectly, without
having first rendered an equivalent therefor in labor or service per-
formed. I am led to these remarks because, as you are fully aware,
it is through this method of collusion between officials, or between
officials and contractors, that the money of corporations is frittered
away, or absolutely stolen. Indeed, it would seem that in certain lo-
calities, and with a certain class of persons, it had become the im-
pression that city governments and corporate privileges were created
for the express purpose of giving support to certain officials and their
friends. I am resolved that, to the best of ability, whoever ob-
tains the money of the city of Hillsdale shall first have established
his right to it by having earned it. While I would not withhold what
is due to the faithful laborer, I would not allow it to be offered as an
excuse for half-performed labor that the labor was as good as the pay.
I am convinced that it is the best economy to make the pay as good
as possible — promptly at the close of each week. Then will you be
able to bring the kind and amount of labor up the proper standard,
where the pay is first rate.
" If your mayor and aldermen be required to serve you during the
period of their respective terms of office without pecuniary reward,
they will themselves be in a position to demand and insist that those
who receive pay shall earn what they receive.
" The weight of these considerations is increased if you will allow
me to remind you that, in the establishment of a city government. in
place of that of the late village, we have not grown larger, more
populous, or more wealthy by the change; we have the same re-
sources from which to draw that we had while we were yet the village
of Hillsdale; and, what is more to be considered, the expiring village,
on its deathbed, bequeathed to us a legacy, — on the minus side of the
equation, however, — a debt of more than thirty-five hundred dollars.
" I beg leave, in this connection, to remind you of another fact
worthy of your consideration : that the machinery of the city govern-
ment cannot be run on the same expense with that of the late village,
and that while the charter of the city of Hillsdale empowers the
officials to assess and collect a larger tax than heretofore, that charter
suggests no possible method of increasing the income of the citizen,
and so help him to meet the increased burden of taxation. It will
therefore, fellow-citizens, always be a matter of deep concern to you
whom you intrust with power and the government of the city, or the
little finger of the city government may become heavier and more
grievous to be borne than the loins of the late village of Hillsdale.
" I am thus led to inquire, lastly, as proposed, how can the duties
of the situation best be discharged ; or, in other words, how can the
objects and ends of the city government best be secured ?
" I reply, that they can best be secured and discharged in the only
practicable method by which they can be secured at all, — by the prac-
tical co-operation of the citizens with the Common Council, and the
Common Council with the citizens, to secure the best good of the
city,
" I should be manifestly wanting in the discharge of my duty on
this occasion, did I not give distinct recognition to that numerous —
that most useful — but not always sufficiently appreciated class of our
fellow-citizens, the firemen of Hillsdale.
"Firemen of Hillsdale, I desire officially to salute you! Your
promptness, your valor, your endurance, has been put to the test on
more than one occasion.
"Your fellow-citizens have often had occasion to know that when-
ever you put forth your best endeavors in the discharge of your
perilous duties, that where you failed to go, none others need attempt,
and that what you failed to do, none others need try.
" Not only have these characteristics been exhibited at home, in
the presence of your fellow-citizens j but you have often returned
from the scenes of conflict with the firemen of other localities, bear-
ing the trophies of victory, {o the joy and pride of your fellow-
citizens.
" Firemen of Hillsdale, these laurels must never fade ! What you
have done on former occasions you are able to repeat, and even to sur-
pass, whenever you choose to put forth the effort.
" Suffer no dissensions among you to dim the lustre of your past
achievements.
" Let not any neglect, fancied or real, on the part of the late village
of Hillsdale, or of its executive officers, dampen your ardor or di-
minish aught of your endeavors to fill the useful and honorable posi-
tion which you have so long occupied. The work which you are
called upon to do is sturdy work, and yours are sttirdij natures ; with
occasional outbreaks of irregularity, it is true, or sallies of juvenes-
cence, the invariable concomitants of great natures ; you are equal to
the position you occupy. If you were less than what you are, you
would not have been what you have been to the late village of Hills-
dale and its inhabitants, their shield and defense in the hour of peril.
If your wants have not been heeded as you thought they ought to
have been, if your services have not always been appreciated, you
yourselves must know why it has been. Involved in litigation, the
late village of Hillsdale, from no fault of its own, but to vindicate jus-
tice and right, had not the means to attend fully and promptly to
your wants and other pressing necessities. If you have been ne-
glected, so have other paramount interests for the same reason.
" You cannot afford how to throw away your own bright record, but
you must illustrate it with another and a brighter page. So much of
your lives has been already passed in Hillsdale, and so much of wh'M
you have done for good has been done here, that you cannot noiv, if
you would, break it off and hope to graft it on to any other locality.
"You must here, tvith us, finish up your begun work. And you
cannot afford to do it in any other manner than that becoming your-
selves.
"You, in connection with your fellow-citizens, have called me to
this position. I have responded to your call to be your chosen leader.
Respond now to my call, rally round your old standards. Fill up
your ranks, and stand shoulder to shoulder, ready for your appropriate
work. Strive to surpass all that you have ever done before, by con-
quering your prejudices, your dissensions and grievances, and fill up
the yet unwritten page of your honor and your usefulness."
The city was divided into four wards, with the following
boundaries :
"The First Ward shall contain all that portion of said city bounded
as follows : Commencing at the intersection of the centre of North
Street with the centre of Hillsdale Street, as continued through
Central Plat; running thence easterly and southerly through the
centre of North Street and Railroad Street to the centre of Bacon
Street to the east line of the city ; thence north on east line of the
city to the east and west quarter line of section twenty-three (23),
in township six (6), range three (3), west; thence west on said
quarter line to the southeast corner of the west half of the north-
west quarter of section 23 aforesaid ; thence north on the east line
of the said west half of the northwest quarter of section 23 to the
north line of the city ; thence west along said north line of the city
to the centre of Hillsdale Street; thence south along centre of Hills-
dale Street to the point of beginning.
" The Second Ward shall contain all that portion of said city bounded
as follows : Commencing at the intersection of centre of Howell Street
with centre of North Street; running thence west through centre of
North Street to west line of West Street ; thence north along said west
line of West Street to the north line of south half of lot one hundred
and fifty-four (154) of old plat of the village of Hillsdale; thence
west on said line to lands of Robert B. Sutton and Oliver C. Sutton ;
thence north to the northeast corner of said Suttons' lands ; thence
west on north line of said Suttons' lands to the northwest corner of
said Suttons' lands; thence north to the centre of the Angling road,
running through section twenty-seven (27) ; thence southwesterly
along the centre of said Angling road to west line of said city ; thence
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
99
north on west line of city to the southwest corner of the north half of
the northwest quarter of section twenty-two (22), township six, south
of range three west; thence east on the north line of said city to the
north and south quarter line of said section 22 ; thence north on said
quarter line to the north line of the city ; thence east on said north
line to the centre of Hillsdale Street ; thence south along the centre
of Hillsdale Street to the place of beginning.
" The Third Ward shall contain all that portion of said city bounded
as follows : Commencing at intersection of centre of North Street with
centre of Howell Street; running thence west through the centre of
North Street to the west line of West Street ; thence north along said
line of West Street to the north line of the south half of lot one hun-
dred and fifty-four (154) of the Old Plat of the village of Hillsdale;
thence west on said line to lands of Robert B. Sutton and Oliver C.
Sutton; thence north to the northeast corner of said Suttons' lands;
thence west on the north line of said Suttons' lands to the northwest
corner of said Suttons' lands ; thence north to the centre of the Angling
road running through section twenty-seven (27) ; thence southwesterly
along the centre of said Angling road to the west line of said city ; thence
south along said west line of city to the south line of said city; thence
east on said south line of city to the centre of Howell Street; thence
north along the centre of Howell Street to the place of beginning.
'* The Fourth Ward shall contain all that portion of said city
bounded as follows : Commencing at the intersection of the centre of
North Street with the centre of Howell Street; running thence easterly
the centre of North Street through the centre of Railroad Street to
the centre of Bacon Street; thence easterly through the centre of
Bacon Street to the east line of the city ; thence south on the east line
of the city to the lands of the Michigan Southern and Northern In-
diana Railroad Company; thence northwesterly along lands of said
railroad company to the east line of the northwest quarter of the
northeast quarter of section thirty-five (35) ; thence on a right line to
the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of section thirty-five
(35) ; thence west on the south line of the city to the centre of Howell
Street; thence north along the centre of Howell Street to the point of
beginning; all of said wards being in township six (6), south of
range three (3), west, in the county of Hillsdale, State of Michigan."
Nothing of special interest transpired during the suc-
ceeding years until 1872, when a project was begun for
boring an artesian well within the city limits A commit-
tee of three was appointed in April of that year to solicit
subscriptions. An appropriation of fifteen hundred dollars
was made, and the location having been decided upon, work
was begun, but without immediate prospect of success.
Upon funds being required a further appropriation of five
thousand five hundred dollars was made ; but after boring
for a depth of nearly a quarter of a mile the undertaking
was abandoned.
As in mechanics so in finance, the people of Hillsdale
have not succeeded in finding the source of an artesian
fountain, the overflow of which would carry them on to
metropolitan greatness; yet they seem at length, despite the
difficulties of the last few years, to have reached the shore
of a calm stream of moderate prosperity. All around them
a fertile country, with a steadily-increasing population and
production, responds liberally to the labors of the husband-
man. Its products come to Hillsdale as the central location
of the county, and though that youthful city cannot hope
to equal the grandeur of Toledo, Detroit, or Chicago, yet its
people may confidently look forward to a steady and sturdy
growth, rivaling that of almost any inland town in Michigan.
With this brief sketch of the general course of events in
Hillsdale, since the inception of the woodland hamlet of
1835, we turn our attention to numerous details which
could not conveniently be embodied in that sketch, but the
record of which forms an important part of the village and
city history.
THE BAR.
The first lawyer in the village of Hillsdale was Henry
S. Mead, who came about 1840. He was an able and
popular man, was at one time a representative in the Legis-
lature, and was a successful practitioner in the village for
nearly twelve years, dying in 1851 or '52. He was speed-
ily followed by William T. Howell, who also became a rep-
resentative in the Legislature and State senator. After a
large practice, extending over twelve or fourteen years, he
removed to Jackson, in 1853.
These were followed by E. H. C. Wilson and Wolcott
Branch, who both settled in Hillsdale before 1845. Mr.
Branch was made treasurer of the county. Mr. Wilson
was a young gentleman from the Eastern Shore of Mary-
land, a man of liberal culture, brilliant intellect, and re-
markable delicacy of feeling, — "as finely moulded as a
woman," said one who knew him well. He, too, had a
good practice, and was for one term judge of the Circuit
Court.
Daniel L. Pratt came in 1845, and soon made a place
for himself at the Hillsdale bar, of which he is now the
oldest surviving member. He achieved his objects by
devoted industry, by the exercise of sound judgment, and by
the most unwavering adherence to whatever he attempted
to do. As is well known, he is now serving his second
term as judge of the Circuit Court.
Many others came, practiced, or tried to practice, a short
time, and then withdrew. After those before mentioned
the next prominent one who remained permanently was
Christopher J. Dickerson, who settled here about 1850,
and rapidly acquired a large practice. He was the soul of
honor, and was noted for his great affability, geniality, and
generosity, — possibly he was too generous for his own wel-
fare. As appears in the chapters devoted to the military
history of the county, he became a brevet brigadier-general
in the war for the Union, and was afterwards a judge, but
died in 1872 in the prime of life.
George W. Lombard and George A. Knickerbocker came
in 1855, and began practice in partnership. Mr. Knick-
erbocker has achieved decided success as a lawyer. Mr.
Lombard was a man of great natural ability, — perhaps not
extremely inclined to strenuous exertion, but, when roused?
able to enter the legal tournament as the peer of the strong-
est champions. He, too, was a man of very genial, and
even jolly, temperament, and was very much beloved by
. the people among whom he dwelt. Responding instantly
to the first call of his country, he went to the front as cap-
tain of the first company raised in Hillsdale for the sup-
pression of the Rebellion, fought in nearly a score of bat-
tles, was promoted to colonel for gallant conduct, and fell
at the head of his regiment, in the battle of the Wilder-
ness. There were few indeed in Hillsdale County who did
not mourn his loss.
Cephas B. Dresser was an early lawyer, and has been a
* justice of the peace in Hillsdale for a long period.
Clement E. Babb attained a good practice, and served a
term as prosecuting attorney, but lay down the legal robe
to assume the theological, preached for several years in the
pulpit previously occupied by Beecher, in Indianapolis, and
is now editing a religious newspaper in Cincinnati.
100
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
We have now reached a period when we begin to meet
the names of some who are still in practice here, but in
this series of very slight sketches we do not care to touch
on the characteristics of those who are yet active in the
professional arena.
Ezra L. Koon was admitted in 1858. His success is
too well known to need comment here.
William S. Edwards came about the same time, and re-
mained a few years. He is now practicing in Detroit.
Richard W. Ricaby also achieved good success as a Hills-
dale lawyer, was a lieutenant-colonel in the army, and is at
present practicing in Chicago.
Edwin J. March was admitted about 1861, served as
colonel in the army, has since been prosecuting attorney of
the county, and is now in active practice in Hillsdale.
Albert Dickerman, ex-colonel of an Ohio regiment, came
to Hillsdale after the war, and has become the head of one
of the leading firms.
The following is a list of the lawyers now resident in
Hillsdale, nearly all of them being in practice : Spencer
D. Bishopp, Albert Dickerman, Timothy E. Dibell, Cephas
B. Dresser, Otto Fowie, James S. Galloway, Oscar A.
Janes, George A. Knickerbocker, Ezra L. Koon, Edwin J.
March, Lincoln B. March, William R. Montgomery,
Michael Mclntyre, Daniel L. Pratt, Charles W. Pratt, C.
C. Parker, Benjamin P. Shepard, Alpheus St. John, Fred.
H. Stone.
PHYSICIANS.
We have given some of the earliest physicians in the gen-
eral sketch of the city. Among those who have practiced
here since then, but are now dead or have removed to other
localities, are Dr. L. A. Brewer, Dr. B. Curtis, Dr. J. L.
Mills, and Dr. Geo. C. Smith. The physicians -now resident
here comprise the following list : Franklin French, Alonzo
Cressy, A. F. Whelan, Robert A. Everett, M. Cham-
berlin, John Falley, Herbert Harris, C. C. Johnson, W. T.
Knapp, Rice, John Simpson, John Warriner.
THE SCHOOLS OF HILLSDALE.*
The first effort to organize a school within the present
boundaries of the city of Hillsdale was made in the year
1841. The nucleus of the present district was then formed,
and steps taken to build a house commensurate with its
wants. In 1842 a small, one-stoa*y house was erected, that
accommodated the wants of the community until the year
1847. At that time the population had so increased that
accommodations on a grander scale were demanded, and the
district, in the fall of 1847, voted to build a new house,
costing not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars,
and to be constructed either of wood, brick, or stone, as
might, in the judgment of the board, and those associated
with them as a building committee, seem most economical.
It was finally decided to build of stone, which was quarried
near the present, city limits. The house constructed was
two stories in height, and by " cramming," as was frequently
necessary in those days, would accommodate two hundred
* This sketch is principally taken from a pamphlet descriptive of
the Union School, by Mr. Charles G. Robertson, the principal.
and fifty pupils. It was completed in the year 1848, and in
September, 1849, the district organized in accordance with
the session laws of that year, and the following-named gen-
tlemen were elected as the school board : Samuel Chandler,
Moderator; Robert Allan, Director; Haynes Johnson, As-
sessor ; Trustees, Henry Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt, Andrew
Weir, Allen Hammond.
The Rev. Stephen C. Hick ok, A.M., was engaged as
principal for the succeeding year at a salary of five hundred
dollars, with Miss Lawrence, Miss Ford, and Miss E. Ham-
mond as assistants. Miss Lawrence was paid eighteen dol-
lars per month : Miss Ford and Miss Hammond, fifteen
dollars per month, of twenty-six days each.
Very little attention was paid at this time to grading, and
a regular course of study was hardly to be thought of As
a rule scholars brought to school such books as they hap-
pened to be in possession of, and pursued such studies as
their own fancy dictated.
Owing to the beautiful situation of the village, the ex-
cellent and fertile country adjoining it, and the railroad
facilities it enjoyed, it soon outgrew these accommodations,
and in 1860 the district was compelled to build two ward
houses in opposite parts of the village capable of accom-
modating one hundred and fifty pupils ; in 1862, two more
were built, capable of accommodating an equal number.
With these accommodations a thorough system of grading
was commenced. The school was divided into three de-
partments,— primary, intermediate, and high school, — a
course of stud^ was adopted, and a very marked improve-
ment made in every particular.
The school continued with the accommodations just men-
tioned until the year 1867, when the village was again com-
pelled to increase its school privileges. At this time steps
were taken to build a house commensurate with the present
and immediate prospective wants of the place.
The result was the building of the present beautiful cen-
tral building in the year 1868. This building is completed
in a very substantial and commodious manner, and will ac-
commodate, in the most perfect way, five hundred pupils.
The building is heated by furnaces, and is seated with single
seats and desks of the most approved pattern, which are
valued most highly by both teachers and pupils. At the
time of taking possession of the new building, the school
was divided into four departments, — primary, intermediate,
grammar, and high school. The course of study in both
primary and intermediate departments is limited to three
years ; in the grammar school to two years, and in the high
school to three years.
Each primary and intermediate school is divided into
three grades of about twenty pupils each, one division being
graduated each year, and another admitted. In a school
of this size such a division has many commendable features,
and works with as little friction, perhaps, as any that could
be adopted. No scholar is graduated from one department
to another without thoroughly understanding the studies
taught in his grade. This is decided by a close ex-
amination, conducted by the principal, taken in connec-
tion with the pupil's general standing during the year,
as indicated by the telcher's record. Promotions, as a rule,
are made at the end of the term ; but if a teacher finds a
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
101
scholar in one grade capable of doing the work in the next
one above, he may be promoted at any time during the year.
The board of trustees consists of six members ; two
elected each year, and two retiring from office. Each
member holds his office three years.
The officers of the board consist of director, moderator,
and assessor ; and they have uniformly made it a rule that
no member shall receive any compensation for transacting
the ordinary business pertaining to the school.
According to the regulations, it is made the duty of
the principal to spend such a portion of his time in gen-
eral supervision as the condition of the school may seem
to require.
His general duties may be stated as follows :
1st. To classify pupils according to their attainments.
2d. To enforce an observance of the course of study
and the use of the prescribed text-books.
3d. In cases of difficulty, to assist teachers in the discipline
of pupils, and to secure an observance of the rules and reg-
ulations of the board.
4th. To enforce rules prescribed for the conduct of pupils
in the school building and on the school grounds.
5th. To hold monthly teachers' meetings, in order to secure
greater harmony and give proper efficiency to the system of
instruction.
Teachers are elected to their positions by vote of the
board, and their examination is conducted by the board, or
at their request by the principal of the school. Teachers
are held responsible for the quality of their instruction and
discipline, and are allowed to follow their own methods as
far as is consistent with the general requirements.
Since 1847 the following-named persons have been em-
ployed as principal of the school for the time set opposite
their respective names: C. J. Dickerson, 1848-49; Rev.
S. C. Hickok, 1849-50, at $500 per year; S. S. Coryell,
1850-51; Mr. Congar, 1851-52, at $41.67 per month;
William P. Clark, 1852-53, at $700 per year; Lewis J.
Thompson, 1853-54, at $50 per month ; 0. L. Spalding,
two terms, 1854-55, at $50 per month; Prof C. H.
Churchill, one term, 1854-55, at $50 per month ; J. Pack-
ard, two terms, 1855-56, at $50 per month ; D. B. Taylor,
one term, 1855-56, at $50 per month; C. G. Reed, two
years, 1856-58, at $50 per month ; J. N. Dayton, two
terms, 1858-59, at $60 per month; C. G. Robertson, four
and one-half years, 1859-63, at $60 per month; R. H.
Tripp, two years, 1863-65, at $70 and $80 per month;
C. G. Robertson, fourteen years, 1865-79, at $80, $100,
$125 per month.
C. J. Dickerson, upon retiring from school, studied law ;
was admitted to the bar in 1851 ; was twice elected prose-
cuting attorney ; was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of
the 10th Michigan Inftintry in November, 1861 ; was
elected judge of probate of Hillsdale County in 1864,
and again in 1868. This office he held at the time of his
death, Sept. 21, 1872.
Rev. S. C. Hickok died in 1850.
Lewis J. Thompson is now engaged in farming.
O. L. Spalding, upon retiring from the school, studied
law, and entered upon its practice. Upon the breaking
out of the late war he enlisted, and was, on account of '
brave and meritorious conduct, promoted to a brigadier-
generalship. After the war he was elected Secretary of
State;
Prof C. H. Churchill is professor of mathematics in
Oberlin College, Ohio.
J. Packard is a member of Congress from the Laporte
District, Indiana.
D. B. Taylor is a practicing physician at Millburn, 111.
J. N. Dayton is a member of the Michigan Methodist
Conference, and is now preaching in the northern part of
the State.
R. H. Tripp is superintendent of schools at Racine, Wis.
The present corps of teachers are Charles G. Robertson,
Principal ; Mrs. Caroline Leland, F. H. Bailey, Miss Belle
Mclntire, Miss Nellie Wilson, Miss Minnie Blackman, Miss
Lou Mansfield, Miss Millie Troy, Miss Ella Corwin, Miss
Allie Bixler, Miss Lida Brown, Miss Maria Doyle, Mrs.
Bessie Rideout.
The following is the record of school officers since 1846:
1847-48.— Dr. Joel French, Director; John W. May,
Moderator ; James M. Raymond, Assessor.
1848-49.— Dr. Joel W. French, Director; John W.
May, Moderator; James M. Raymond, Assessor.
1849-50. — Robert Allen, Director; Samuel Chandler,
Moderator ; Haynes Johnson, Assessor ; Trustees, Henry
Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt, Andrew Weir, Allen Hammond.
1850-51. — Zachariah Van Duzer, Director; Franklin
French, Moderator ; Haynes Johnson, Assessor ; Trustees,
Samuel Glasgow, Robert Allan, Henry Waldron, Daniel L.
Pratt.
1851-52. — Alonzo S. Cressy, Director; Henry S. Mead,
Moderator; James M. Raymond, Assessor; Trustees,
Henry Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt, Samuel Glasgow, Walter
Welch.
1852-53.— Alonzo S. Cressy, Director; Henry S. Mead,
Moderator ; C. J. Dickerson, Assessor ; Trustees, Daniel
Beebe, Daniel L. Pratt, S. Glasgow, Walter Welch.
1853-54. — Alonzo Cressy, Director ; Dr. John W. Falley,
Moderator; Samuel Glasgow, Assessor; Trustees, F. French,
James B. McCarty, Daniel Beebe, Christopher J. Dickerson.
1854-55.— John P. Cook, Director ; Charles T. Mitchell,
Moderator; William Waldron, Assessor; Trustees, James
B. Baldy, James B. McCarty, Daniel Beebe, C. J. Dickerson.
1855-56. — James B. Baldy, Director; Benjamin Fisher,
Moderator ; John C. Miller, Assessor ; Trustees, J. M. Mott,
John P. Cook, C. B. Van Valor, C. J. Dickerson.
1856-57. — Frederick M. Hollo way, Director ;- Joel
McCollom, Moderator; Harvey B. Rowlson, Assessor;
Trustees, John Beadle, J. M. Mott, John P. Cook, C.
B. Van Valor.
1857-58. — Franklin French, Director; Henry T. Far-
nam. Moderator ; J. 0. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, John
Beadle, J. M. Mott, Benjamin Fisher, C. B. Van Valor.
1858-59.— Henry L. Hewitt, Director; Thomas Weir,
Moderator; J. 0. Ames, Assessor; Trustees, Timothy E.
Dibell, John Beadle, Benjamin Fisher, J. M. Mott.
1859-60. — Henry L. Hewitt, Director; Thomas Weir,
Moderator ; J. 0. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, Joel B. Whea-
ton, S. J. Fowler, Benjamin Fisher, T. 1. Dibell.
1860-61.— H. L. Hewitt, Director ; S. J. Fowler, Mod-
102
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN,
erator ; Jacob 0. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, Joel B. Whea-
ton, Benjamin Fisher, Harvey B. Rowlson.
1861-62.— Joel B. Wheaton, Director; Dr. J. W.
Fallej, Moderator; Harvey B. Rowlson, Assessor; Trus-
tees, Jacob 0. Ames, N. Turrell, S. J. Fowler.
1862-63.— Joel B. Wheaton, Director; Dr. J. W.
Falley, Moderator; H. B. Eowlson, Assessor; Trustees,
Nelson Turrell, S. J. Fowler, C. T. Mitchell.
1863-64.— Prof. S. J. Fowler, Director; J. W. Falley,
Moderator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, Alvah
Foster, J. B. Wheaton, H. B. Eowlson.
1864-65. — Joel B. Wheaton, Director ; John P. Cook,
Moderator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, Alvah
Foster, J. W. Falley, H. B. Rowlson.
1865-66.— Joel B. Wheaton, Director; John P. Cook,
Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Alvah
Foster, J. W. Falley, H. B. Rowlson.
1866-67— Joel B. Wheaton, Director ; John P. Cook,
Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Alvah
Foster, S. J. Fowler, J. W. Falley.
1867-68.— J. C. Wyllis, Director ; Alvah Foster, Mod-
erator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, H. J. King,
J. W. Falley, J. P. Cook.
1868-69.— J. C. Wyllis, Director; H. E. Whipple,
Moderator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, H. J.
King, J. W. Falley, J. P. Cook.
1869-70. — Albert Dickerman, Director; John W. Fal-
ley, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, John
P. Cook, H. E. Whipple, H. J. King.
1870-71— Albert Dickerman, Director; H. E. Whip-
ple, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, H. J.
King, J. P. Cook, J. W. Falley.
1871-72. — Albert Dickerman, Director ; H. J. King,
Moderator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, John P.
Cook, William Russell, J. W. Falley.
1872-73.— C. E. Mott, Director; J. W. Falley, Mod-
erator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, J. P. Cook,
L. R. Penfield, William Russell.
1873-74.— C. E. Mott, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod-
erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, J. P. Cook,
L. R. Penfield, H. T. Farnam.
1874-75.— C. E. Mott, Director; J. W. Falley, Mod-
erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, L. R. Penfield,
William Russell, H. T. Farnam.
1875-76.— J. P. Cook, Director; J. W. Falley, Mod-
erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, L. R. Penfield,
William Russell, E. L. Koon.
1876-77.— J. P. Cook, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod-
erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Wm. Russell,
E. L. Coon, L. R. Penfield.
1877-78 J. P. Cook, Director; L. R. Penfield, Mod-
erator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, E. L. Coon,
J. W. Falley, Rev. W. W. Raymond.
1878-79.— Rev. W. W. Raymond, Director ; John P.
Cook, J. W. Falley, Moderators; Charles T. Mitchell,
G. W. Knight, J. Kay Fisher, Assessors.
HILLSDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fire Department of this city had its first inception
so far back as the year 1847, when an application was made
to the village authorities from several citizens praying to be
organized into a fire company. The petition having been
granted, Neptune Fire Engine Company, No. 1, was or-
ganized, and a board of fire wardens appointed. Neptune
company seems principally to have expended its energies
upon the drafting of an elaborate constitution and by-laws,
comprising many articles and many more sections, in which
the duties of members were specified and various fines im-
posed, but the more important work of securing an engine
wherewith to turn their zeal to practical account was appar-
ently neglected.
We find in the records that a uniform was the next thing
legislated upon by the city fathers. It was to be of scarlet
flannel, a hunting shirt with broad collar, full bosom, reach-
ing to the knees, with a pocket in each side ; a black leather
belt attached to the back of the shirt with a large buckle in
front, on the back of the belt to be painted in white letters
" Neptune Fire Company, No. 1." There was also to be a
cap corresponding with the uniform.
Thus equipped, these valiant firemen only awaited the
presence of an engine to demonstrate the efficiency of their
force, but no money having been appropriated for the pur-
pose, they resolved themselves into a Bucket Company, and
did good service on many occasions. Indeed there are now
sundry good citizens who maintain the superiority of this
primitive method of combatting the fiery element over the
more modern steam appliances.
In the year 1857 the department was reorganized and
two companies formed. The Eagle Fire Company, No. 1,
with E. D. Coon, as Foreman ; E. A. Howard, Secretary ;
and Joseph J. Clark, Treasurer; and the Baw Beese En-
gine Company, No. 2, with James B. Baldy as Foreman ;
George E. Hollaway, Secretary ; and 0. G. Dayton, Treas-
urer. The same year, at a meeting presided over by C. T.
Mitchell, it was resolved to organize a Hook and Ladder
Company, which was accordingly done, with Wm. Wald-
ron as Foreman ; N. B. Bowen, First Assistant; C. B. Smith,
Second Assistant ; J. H. Pratt, Secretary ; and John Beadle,
Treasurer. It was known as the Hillsdale Hook and Ladder
Company. Here again the propensity of the early residents
to legislate is apparent, in the drafting of a complete set of
by-laws, while the more important work of procuring trucks
wherewith to transport their ladders and buckets was not ac-
complished. The fire companies had meanwhile procured
suitable engines, and were regarded as an efficient working
force. Connected with the department were also two Hose
Companies. Eagle Hose Company, No. 1, was organized
Aug. 1, 1857, with Wm. L. Stone as Foreman ; Henry Case,
Secretary ; and L. M. Keating, Treasurer. Baw Beese Hose
Company, No.2, organized the same date, had for its officers,
Wm. M. Taylor, Foreman; C. S. Grafi*, Secretary; and
0. N. Rice, Treasurer.
The Eagle Hose Company was, in 1871, reorganized,
and its name changed to that of Union Hose Company,
No. 1, with J. P. Hallett as Foreman ; R. E. Whipple,
Assistant ; F. M. Whipple, Secretary ; and C. S. French,
Treasurer. Its present officers are Clarence W. Terwilliger,
Foreman; L. Beck, Assistant Foreman; E. C. Fowler,
Secretary; and E. B. Van Valkenbergh, Treasurer.
The officers of Baw Beese Hose Company, No. 2, are
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
103
William Perry, Foreman ; Nicholas Smith, Secretary ;
Christopher E. Miller, Treasurer. During the year 1876,
the subject of purchasing a steam fire engine was agitated.
There were several meetings of the Council at which the
matter was discussed, and measures were taken to ascertain
the advantages of the various manufacturing establishments
whose steamers were in use. Through the active exertions
of Dr. A. F. Whelan, who manifested a laudable interest in
the Fire Department, an engine made by Clapp & Jones,
Toledo, Ohio, was finally purchased at very advantageous
figures, one of the old engines having been given in ex-
change for it together with two bonds of a thousand dollars
each, — one payable the 1st of March following, the other
one year from that date, at eight per cent, interest. The
fire companies were then disbanded, and the management
of the steamer intrusted to a salaried engineer, who is aided
by two assistants, delegated from the hose companies each
month. The present fire department consists of Ira B.
Card, Chief; Clarence W. Terwilliger, Assistant; W. 0.
Corwin, Engineer.
OAK GROVE CEMETERY.
Oak Grove Cemetery, which is the burial-place of the
city, is located north of the college, and one mile and a half
from the centre of the business portion of the city. It is
finely located, and remarkable for the undulating beauty of
the ground and the variety and luxuriance of its foliage.
Oak Grove Cemetery Association was organized in accord-
ance with the statutes of Michigan, and at its first meeting,
held Nov. 21, 1859, H. E. Whipple was chosen president;
and Joel B. Wheaton, Clerk ; Hiram Pierce, Treasurer ;
and J. J. Long, Sexton. The association after having been
organized proceeded to the selection of a site having suffi-
cient natural advantages and within reasonable distance of
the city. The present ground north of the college was
finally agreed upon and twenty acres purchased. It was im-
mediately laid out in lots, ranging in price from ten dollars
to twenty dollars, according to size, the larger being twenty-
four by twenty-four feet, and the smaller twelve by twenty-
four feet. The price was afterwards increased to fifteen
and thirty dollars, and still later to twenty and forty dollars.
It was afterwards found expedient to increase the size of
the ground, and five acres more were added, the first twenty
costing six hundred dollars, and the additional five, four
hundred and seventy dollars. A by-laws and constitution
were then drafted and adopted. May 29, 1860. In Decem-
ber, 1861, L. Olney was elected President, and Alonzo
Hopkins, Vice-President ; and the same month a " lot was set
apart for the purpose of a burial-ground for such persons as
may be killed or die while in service of the United States
army as soldiers or sailors." x\pril, 1868, G. W. Under-
wood was elected President ; L. P. Reynolds, Secretary ; and
H. Waldron, Treasurer. During Mr. Underwood's presi-
dency the large stone gate on the south side was erected, at
a cost of about one thousand dollars. It is a solid structure
and an ornament to the cemetery.
In 1871, Horace Blackmar was elected President, and
Daniel Beebe, Vice-President. During their official term
a contract was entered into to construct the gate and resi-
dence at the eastern entrance to the grounds, the cost of
which was nine hundred dollars. In 1873 a public vault
was found to be a necessity, and one was erected of brick on
the north side of the grounds.
During the summer of 1878, a windmill and tank
were constructed, from which pipes were laid to con-
vey the water to every part of the grounds, and by this
means trees and shrubs are constantly moistened and main-
tained in growing condition. The annual decoration-day
services are regularly observed, and on these interesting oc-
casions very meritorious orations have been delivered. The
residents of the city feel a just pride in their finely-located
cemetery, and are rapidly improving and beautifying their
lots.
Hon. Henry Waldron has built a private vault, and
there are several imposing Scotch granite monuments.
Mr. E. G. Reynolds is the efficient and obliging secretary
of the association.
ST. Peter's protestant episcopal church.
Mission IFor/r.— The Protestant Episcopal Church in
Hillsdale, in the early days, was under the fostering care of
the mother church at Jonesville. The Rev. Darius Bar-
ker, Rector of Grace Church, Jonesville, held the first ser-
vice in the village of Hillsdale. As related by himself, on
a Sunday of November, 1839, he groped his way through
the then forest, where now stands the thickest settled por-
tion of the city, inquiring the way to Hillsdale. The vil-
lage proper then stood chiefly on the field which is now the
county fair ground ; and this religious service was held in
the hotel of Adam Howder, within the inclosure of the
present trotting course. One disinterested party entered
grievous complaint on the following day, because Sunday
having been pleasant, the workmen were detained by the
service from digging potatoes, which were covered with
snow on Monday.
How often the reverend gentlemen visited the place is
not known. Further missionary work was done by succes-
sive rectors from Jonesville during the following twenty
years, being in order the Revs. Luman Foote, Robert S.
Elder, Chas. R. Huson, and Levi H. Corson. Services
were held in any place found most convenient, private
houses, the railroad depot, and the Methodist Church build-
ing. Removals of church families from Jonesville to Hills-
dale increased the number of interested workers, speedily
and successfully establishing the mission.
Organization. — On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1844, at a meet-
ing held in the county rooms. Rev. Luman Foote pre-
siding, the parish was organized according to law, under
the title of St. Peter's Church. At a subsequent meeting,
Ezekiel H. Humphrey was elected Senior Church Warden,
Eli C. Kellogg, Junior Church Warden, and Rockwell Man-
ning, Henry S. Piatt, John B. Dill, Charles Powell, Wil-
lard W. Wood, William T. Howell, Alexander S. Griswold,
and Robert Allan, Vestrymen.
On Thursday, March 18, 1858, at a meeting of the
parish. Rev. Levi H. Corson presiding, a re-organization
was effected under the revised statute of 1857, by Wm. R.
Montgomery, Freeman H. Mott, Franklin Gridley, Richard
Rowe, Edwin A. Howard, Henry T. Farnam, Lucius A.
Bostwick, Eli Van Valkenburgh, and Harvey B. Rowkon.
104
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The number of vestrymen was made six, to be elected
annually, on Wednesday of Easter week. On Wednesday,
April 3, 1858, the six vestrymen were elected, as follows :
Isaac Owen, Richard Rowe, Lucius A. Bostwick, Edwin A.
Howard, Wm. R. Montgomery, and Freeman H. Mott.
The annual election was shortly afterward ordered, with-
out legal warrant, to be held on Monday of Easter week,
and the number of vestrymen was changed annually, at the
pleasure of the meeting, from six to ten. In 1873, the
Legislature, by special act, legalized Monday, in Easter
week, as annual election day, and established the number
of vestrymen to be seven, including the wardens.
Isaac Owen appears to have been elected vestryman
every year but one, since 1858; Harvey B. Rowlson, with
little exception, since 1859 ; and John C. Miller, since
1860, with some few exceptions ; the same being true of
the present seven vestryman, John C. Miller being also
senior church warden. The four other associate-vestrymen
being Ezra L. Koon, Otis H. Gillam, Edward H. Mead,
and George F. Gardner, the last being also junior church
warden and treasurer ; E. H. Mead, secretary.
Church Building. — On Wednesday, April 28, 1858, at
a special meeting of the vestry, the following resolution
was adopted : " Resolved^ That it is expedient to build a
church on Village Lot, No. 42, Old Plat of the Village of
Hillsdale." On Tuesday, May 11, 1858, plans and specifi-
cations, with estimates, were presented and accepted, and
an order was immediately given to lay the foundation. On
Wednesday, June 23, the bishop laid the corner-stone.
On Thursday, March 3, 1859, the building was con-
secrated by the bishop, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Allen McCos-
kry, D.D., D.C.L., of Detroit. The other visiting clergy-
men being the Rev. Francis H. Gumming, D.D., of Grand
Rapids ; Rev. Gardner M. Skinner, Coldwater ; Rev. Gil-
bert B. Haydeu, New York ; and the Revs. Charles R.
Huson and Levi H. Corson, of Jonesville. The first parish
register was purchased, and opened in 1859, and a new one
required in 1878. A good silver-plated communion service
was procured, still in use ; and a bell was placed in the
tower, which continues to ring out the call to worship.
The church building is of brick, accommodating about
two hundred and fifty persons, and is valued at three
thousand dollars. A very good pipe-organ, purchased in
Buffalo at a cost of five hundred and fifty dollars, was
placed in the church in the spring of 1863. The church
building now needs reconstructing, and necessarily must
soon be replaced by a new one ; the lot having already been
enlarged for the purpose, by the addition of twenty-five feet
more front, making the grounds seventy-five feet front by
one hundred and thirty deep. The building fronts west,
towards the public square, and is conspicuous and inviting.
Rectorship. — Rectors of Grace Church, Jonesville, were
missionaries and rectors in charge of St. Peter's, Hillsdale,
until the spring of 1859, at which time the Rev. Gilbert B.
Hayden, of New York, was called to be first rector.
Mr. Hayden remained one year. The Rev. Gerret E.
Peteis was his successor, from 1860 to 1867; Rev. John
W. Buckmaster, from 1868 to 1869; Rev. Henry H.
De Garmo, from 1869 to 1870 ; Rev. Wm. Wirt Raymond,
from 1870 to the present time.
Communicants. — The holy communion was celebrated
for the first time in the new church building, by the Rev.
G. B. Hayden, on Sunday, March 6, 1859, six* persons
participating. The Lord's supper had been administered
once previously by the Rev. L. H. Corson, to three per-
sons, in the Methodist house of worship. The whole
number of communicants registered has been three hundred
and seventy-three, of whom a number have died, and very
many have removed from the parish.
In 1849 eight communicants were reported as belonging
to the parish; in 1863, forty-four ; in 1864, forty-eight ; and
thereafter annually a steady increase.
Official Acts. — The sacrament of holy baptism, according
to the register, has been administered to four hundred and
thirty-seven persons, — infant and adult, — the first ministra-
tion being unto four children of Robert and Mrs. Mary E.
Allan, and four children of John C. and Mrs. Catharine A.
Miller, May 27, 1855, in the Methodist house of worship.
Florence Amelia Silver, one year old, was the first child
baptized in the church building, April 24, 1859.
The sacred rite of confirmation, or the laying-on of
hands, has been ministered to two hundred and ninety-two
persons, in twenty visitations of the bishop of the diocese.
The office for the solemnization of holy matrimony has
been performed in the parish eighty one times.
The order for the burial of the dead has been used one
hundred and fifty-one times. The number of families as-
sociated with the parish is about eighty ; individuals, three
hundred and fifty ; Sunday-school teachers and officers, fif-
teen ; Sunday-school scholars, one hundred and twenty.
The annual oiferings for all church purposes are from two
thousand to two thousand five hundred dollars. The parish
in general holds first rank among those located in places
the size of Hillsdale.
General Observations. — The county of Hillsdale is a
parochial and missionary field, belonging to the Diocese
of Michigan. The Diocese was formed out of a half-
dozen parishes in the then Territory of Michigan, in
September, 1832, and shortly thereafter was admitted
into union with the General Convention of the Protest-
ant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.
The Rev. Samuel Allen McCoskry, A.M., rector of St.
Paul's Church, Philadelphia, was consecrated the first
bishop of the diocese, on Thursday, July 7, 1863, six
months before the Territory became the State of Michigan.
The Rt. Rev. bishop was also made rector of St. Paul's
Church, Detroit. On Saturday, May 25, 1878, Bishop Mc-
Coskry resigned his office and his jurisdiction. The elec-
tion of his successor will be in order at the next annual
convention, appointed to be held in St. Paul's Church, De-
troit, on the- Wednesday following the first Sunday in June,
1879.
The Diocese of Michigan, until 1874, embraced all
counties in the State of Michigan. In June, 1874, the
diocese was divided into two by a central line running
north and south, the eastern portion, with the bishop's
residence at Detroit, constituting the Diocese of Michigan,
with Hillsdale County in the extreme southwest corner ;
the western portion, with the bishop's residence at Grand
Rapids, constituting the Diocese of Western Michigan,
Manufacturer, Hillsdale, was born in Northern New Hamp- November 28, 1826, while living at Lyons, N. Y., Mr.
shire, July 4, 1806. His parents were of English Emery married Maria Gilson. The result of this marriage
descent, and were among the j^^^^^^^ was seven children ; three
earliest settlers of that State.
During the battle of Lundy's
Lane, war of 1812, Samuel
Emery, father of Lewis, was
taken prisoner, but escaped
soon after the engagement.
Immediately after the war
of 1812, Samuel Emery, his
wife, and seven children,
moved to Wayne County,
N. Y., settling in the town
of Sodus, — then Ontario
County. In 1816 Mr. Em-
ery and his father, in their
western progress, arrived at
Franklin, Ohio, remaining
there seven years. Here Mr. Emery learned the trade of
woolen manufacturer. Returning to Lyons, N. Y., he
followed his trade until his
removal to Michigan. With
his small accumulations of
many years, Feb. 28, 1843,
Mr. Emery landed at Jones-
ville, and immediately com-
menced the erection of a
carding-mill, which was the
first mill of that description
erected in this part of the
State. He conducted the
mills successfully for many
years, selling them in 1864,
when he removed to Hills-
dale, and, in the year 1847,
erected the mills widely
known as " Emery's Mills"
situated one mile east of Hillsdale, which he conducted
several years.
sons, now living in Penn-
sylvania, being all who now
survive. David Emery re-
sides at Titusville, Pa. He
is an extensive oil opera-
tor and real estate owner ;
has been mayor of Titus-
ville, and was elected in the
fall of 1878 to the Legis-
lature of the State of Penn-
sylvania. Oliver G. resides
at Bradford, Pa., where, in
connection with his brothers,
he is extensively engaged in
oil operations. Lewis, Jr.,
LEWIS EMERY. youngcst son, and the pio-
neer of the family in the oil regions, resides at Brad-
ford, Pa., extensively engaged in the hardware trade, and,
with his brothers, owns
leases for several thousand
acres of valuable oil lands.
He was also recently nomi-
nated and elected to the
lower house of the Penn-
sylvania Legislature from
his district.
Mr. Emery's whole life
has been one of continued
activity, always having been
foremost in enterprises for
the public good.
In politics he is a staunch
Kepublican. For many years
he has been a member ot
the Presbyterian Church,
and has endeavored to exemplify in everyday life the
morals taught in the Book of Books.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
105
Branch County being in the extreme southeast corner. St.
Peter's Church, Hillsdale, is now in number the eight-
eenth of organized parishes in union with the Convention
of the Diocese of Michigan. The rector and three appointed
laymen of the parish are entitled to seats and a voice and
a vote in the annual conventions of the diocese, held in
June.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The organization of the Methodist Church in Hillsdale
dates as far back as 1812. The first regular services began
in that year, and worship was held in a school-house for
want of more commodious quarters, with Rev. Thomas
Jackson as preacher in charge, and Rev. C. H. Shurtliff as
junior preacher. Rev. Mr. Jackson was returned by the
Conference in 1843, with Rev. Adam Minnis as junior
preacher, who, the following year, was appointed to the
charge of the church, with Rev. Mr. Du Bois as his junior.
In 1845, Rev. Wm. Pitt Judd was the pastor, and Thomas
Seeley junior preacher. During the ministrations of these
gentlemen a church was erected. The structure was a
plain one, but suitable to the wants of the congregation of
that time. Mr. Judd was returned in 1846, with Robert
Bird as junior.
In the year 1847 Hillsdale became a station, with Rev.
William Kelly as pastor, who remained one year, and was
followed by Rev. Henry Worthington, who remained two
years. In 1850, Rev. Mr. Buchanan was ordered to take
charge of the church ; he remained one year, and was
followed by Rev. Alex. Campbell. Rev. F. W. May came
in 1853 as a supply, and, after a pastorate of one year, was
followed by Rev. Ira B. Card. Rev. D. D. Gillett suc-
ceeded him for one year, and the following year Rev.
Joseph Jennings came. In 1857, Rev. Jeremiah Boynton
became pastor, and remained two years ; he was followed
by Rev. L. D. Earl, who filled a pastorate of two years.
Rev. Thomas Comfort came in 1861, and remained two
years. In the second year of his ministry the church was
destroyed by fire. Rev. Thomas Lyon came in 1863, and
immediately took the requisite steps towards the erection of
a new house of worship. The building was completed during
his pastorate, and is a commodious edifice. Rev. Mr.
Dunton filled the pulpit in 1865, and was succeeded the
following year by Rev. Noah Fassett, who remained two
years. Rev. Geo. D. Lee was the next pastor, who re-
mained one year, when Rev. H. H. Parker came. After
him Rev. Wm. Doust was the pastor for two years, and
was succeeded in turn by Revs. Geo. W. Hickey, Thomas
Jacobs, and Ira R. Wightman, the first two remaining one
year each, and the latter three years. In 1877, Augustus
F. Gillett came, and was followed, after a two years' pas-
torate, by the present pastor, Rev. Andrew M. Fitch.
The church is in a very flourishing condition, being
entirely free of debt, and growing steadily in its member-
ship. The number of names now upon its rolls is two
hundred. The Sabbath-school has an equally large mem-
bership, with an average attendance of one hundred and
sixty. It has also a library of four hundred volume. The
superintendent is 0. W. Lamport.
14
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The following extracts from the records of session will
best give the history of the organization of the First Pres-
byterian Church of Hillsdale.
'' Hillsdale, Saturday, July 22, 1843.
*• In accordance with previous notice, a meeting was held,
in the village school-house, to take into consideration the
expediency of organizing a Presbyterian Church in this
place. A sermon appropriate to the occasion was preached
by Rev. Wm. Page, of Jonesville, after which Rev. Elijah
Buck moved that Rev. Wm. Page be moderator of the
meeting, and the motion prevailed. On motion, I. H.
McCollum was chosen clerk.
" After mature deliberation, it was Resolved^ That we
now proceed to organize a church. Letters from various
other churches were then presented by the following per-
sons, viz. : Wm. H. Cross and Nancy Cross, Thomas Bolles
and Louisa Bolles, Calista Budlong, Amanda Stimpson,
Isabel Rogers, Homan Barber, Allen Hammond, Isaiah H.
McCollum, Byron Hammond.
'' On motion, Resolved^ That the church about to be
organized be called the First Presbyterian Church of Hills-
dale. (Here follow the 'Articles of Faith' and the 'Cov-
enant' adopted.)
"On motion, Resolved^ That two persons be elected to
the office of ruling elder, and one to the office of deacon ;
and on balloting for same, Wm. H. Cross and A. Hammond
were chosen elders, — the former for two years, the latter for
one year, — and Thomas Bolles was chosen deacon. Prayer
was then offered by Rev. E. Buck, and the previously-
named persons presenting letters were constituted a church.
On motion, it was Resolved^ That it be a standing rule of the
church to elect its elders for a term of two years ; also
Resolved^ That the elders and deacon elect be ordained on
the ensuing Sabbath.
" Adjourned."
On Sunday, July 23, Rev. E. Buck conducted public
worship at the same place, and at the close of morning
service the officers elected were ordained ; and during recess
the first meeting of session was held, Rev. E. Buck being
chosen moderator. Clement E. Babb, Charles T. Mitchell,
and Wm. L. Kunkle were regularly received into the church
by profession, thus making fourteen members altogether.
Rev. E. Buck was chosen stated supply by the church,
and, there being no other place in the village for holding
public meetings, the church and congregation continued to
worship in the school-house for several months, until a
larger house (more centrally located, which had been built
by a few citizens of the village for holding court and other
county purposes) was bought, subject to occupation by the
county until it should build a court-house of its own. The
congregation worshiped in this house about ten years, until
the completion of its present house of worship (the county
having built its present court-house a little previously),
and later sold the old house in part payment of the new
one.
The church was received into the Presbytery of Mar-
shall at a meeting held at Albion, Jan, 30, 1844. There
106
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
are no society records to be found showing when the so-
ciety was legally organized, the first trustees elected, etc.
There haTe been eleven ministers, in the following order :
Rev. Elijah Buck, who resigned in the early part of 1845,
and was succeeded by the Rev, Thomas P. Emerson, who
filled the pulpit a little less than one year; Rev. Philip
Titcomb and Rev. Wm. Page, each one year; Rev. Wm.
S. Taylor the first, and only regularly installed pastor, com-
menced his labors Jan. 1, 1850, and the pastoral relation
was dissolved May 4, 1853 ; by his request Rev. Calvin
Clark received a regular ''call" as pastor, and filled the
pulpit from Feb. 1, 1854, to July 1, 1858, when he re-
turned said " call" and resigned, being succeeded by Rev.
James Knox, Oct. 1, 1858, who resigned Oct. 1, 1861, on
account of failing health, after a vacation of several
months, during which time Rev. Frederick Gallaher was
temporary supply. After Mr. Knox's resignation, Mr.
Gallaher became stated supply, and filled the pulpit until
compelled, by failing health, to cease preaching. Early in
1869 a vacation was granted to him, in the hope that his
health might be restored, and his labors again enjoyed by
his anxious people ; but the Great Shepherd ordered other-
wise, and on the 16th of July, 1869, called his fliithful
under shepherd to a higher position, where " there shall be
no more death." His death brought a great sorrow upon
the stricken flock, and a general feeling of sadness and
loss to the whole community. Rev, Volney A. Lewis next
supplied the pulpit from Dec. 1, 1869, to Dec. 1, 1872,
when he resigned, and there was no regular stated supply
until Rev. Samuel B. Bell, D.D., became such, Jan. 22,
1873, remaining until the early part of 1875, when he
resigned, to accept a call to some church in California ;
Rev. Leroy V. Lockwood succeeded, Feb. 20, 1876, and
still occupies the pulpit.
As far as known, only two of these (Rev. Wm. Page
and Rev. James Knox) have died since leaving Hillsdale.
Charles T. Mitchell and Allen Hammond are the only
remaining members of its original number, the rest having
been regularly dismissed, and removed from this place,
though a majority of them are believed to be still living.
The number of elders has been increased from two to nine,
and of deacons, from one to four.
The present membership, pruned of those who have
strayed away without being regularly dismissed, is about
three hundred.
In the reconstruction of Presbyteries some years ago,
the church was transferred to the Presbytery of Monroe,
of which it is now a member.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptists organized a church in Hillsdale Nov. 11,
1848. The constituent members were E. P. Purdy, G. W.
Bolles, Calvin Bolles, Leonard Olney, Ira Foster, Solomon
Whelan, Thomas Hughes, Elsa Hardy, L. B. Brownson^
Matilda A. Olney, Mary Bolles, Hannah Bolles, Matilda
Coborn, Elizabeth Keating, Mary M. Whelan, Catharine
Hughes, Mary Parish, and Elizabeth L. Dove. They were
recognized as an independent church by a council which
met with them Dec. 13, 1848. The first pastor was Rev.
L. A. Alford, who remained till Oct. 28, 1849, when he
was succeeded by Rev. George Y. TenBrook, who began
his labors July 2, 1850, and remained till June, 1852.
Then followed a season of discouragement and decline
which culminated in the granting of letters of dismission
to the members in January, 1855.
For nearly fourteen years after this the Baptist Church
was practically dead. A few of the faithful had taken
their letters of dismission and become members of neigh-
boring churches. Subsequently a branch of the North
Adams Church was organized at Hillsdale, which became an
independent church the next year.
The present First Baptist Church of Hillsdale was organ-
ized Oct. 1, 1869, and consisted of the following constituent
members: A. G. Stewart, E. M. Conant, Mrs. A. Conant,
Calvin Bolles, Hannah Bolles, Daniel Mills, A. B. Pren-
tice, Mrs. A. B. Prentice, G. E. Ferris, Mrs. N. Ferris,
S. J. Henry, Mrs. A. B. Henry, Lucy J. Whipple, Mrs.
Elizabeth Dove, Mrs. H. L. Bolster, Mrs. A. Farnam, Miss
Louisa Dowe. The church was organized by an ecclesias-
tical council Feb. 2, 1870. The following order of recog-
nition services were observed :
Sermon, — Rev. E. J. Fish, of Adrian.
Charge, — Rev. J. N. Carmen.
Hand of fellowship, — Rev. S. J. Axdel.
Prayer of recognition, — Rev. T. Olney.
On the same evening A. B. Prentice and A. G. Stewart
were ordained deacons. From the time of organization.
Rev. H. Gallop, of Jonesville, acted as pastor till Septem-
ber, 1871, and his labors were greatly blessed, — twenty-
two were added to the church by baptism, twenty-one
by letter, and seven by experience, making in all fifty ac-
cessions during his pastorate. Rev. E. A. Stone became
pastor April 1, 1875, and remained until April 28, 1878.
During his ministry the additions to the church were, by
baptism, thirty, and by letter and experience, twenty-six ;
making in all fifty-six. The present pastor, Rev. A. Judson
Furman, began his labors Oct. 1, 1878. The present
membership is one hundred and twenty-five. Since its
organization the church has taken an active part in home
and foreign missions. The ladies of the church have an
active mission circle, auxiliary to the Women's Baptist
Missionary Society of the West, of which Mrs. E. C.
Keating is the efficient president. There is also a flourish-
ing Sunday-school, of which A. B. Prentice is the super-
intendent. The society propose at an early day to build a
church edifice on their lot on Howell Street. The present
officers are : Deacons, A. B. Prentice, J. M. Swain, and
George E. Ferris; Treasurer, T. E. Dibell ; Clerk, E.
Everts. The trustees are J. P. Cole, A. B. Prentice, and
T. E. Dibell.
THE GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.
In the year 1849, Rev. Mr. Hadsted was invited by
John Schmidt, G. Beck, and Mr. Deider to preach for
them at intervals of six weeks, which he did. In 1851,
Rev. Mr. Troutman, of Adrian, Mich., came, and during
his pastorate an organization* was effected, under the name
of the Trinity German Lutheran Church. The members
who signed the constitution of the society were seven,
namely : John Schmidt, J. Wessel, Mr. Miller, Mr. Meier,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
lot
Mr. Beck, Mr. Leonhard Schmidt, and Mr, Deider. These
gentlemen began the erection of a church in 1854. The
first Elder was Mr. Deider, and the Board of Trustees com-
prised the following names : John Schmidt, Mr. Beck, and
Mr. Meier. Bev. Mr. Speckhard was the first settled pas-
tor, remaining from 1859 to 1861. Bev. Mr. Hahn was
his successor, remaining from 1861 to 1872. Bev. Mr.
Schroppel followed, and remained till 1874, and was suc-
ceeded by Bev. Mr. Scheiferdecker from 1875 to 1877.
The present settled pastor is Bev. Martin Toewe, who began
his labors Aug. 1, 1878. The number of members at
present is one hundred and seventy-five. The Trustees
are W. Emmert, John Bernlocker, and J. Klein. The
Elder is J. Gutekunst.
ST. Anthony's roman catholic church.
This parish was established in the year 1853. Bev.
Father Kendricken, a native of Belgium, who was settled
at Monroe, came as frequently as his pastoral duties would
permit, which was seldom oftener than once in two or three
months, and said mass at private houses in the village.
The society, which, notwithstanding the want of a settled
pastor and regular worship, still maintained its organization,
finally purchased an edifice of the Presbyterian denomina-
tion, and converted it into a Catholic church. Soon after
Bev. Chas. Bychart took charge of the parish as the first
resident pastor, and remained fourteen years. He was suc-
ceeded by Bev. Father Dreesen, also a Belgian, whose pas-
torate extended over a period of two years.
After a short interval he was followed by Bev. Father
Duhig, who remained five years. His successor was the
present pastor, Bev. Father Slane, whose enerofy and per-
severance have done much to add to the prosperity of the
parish. Since his advent a lot has been purchased, and a
commodious parochial residence is in process of erection.
The number of families in the parish is one hundred and
twenty-five, many of whom are farmers in comfortable
circumstances. The condition of the church is one of pro-
gress, and the establishment of a parochial school is contem-
plated. It is also the intention of the pastor to build a new
and commodious church edifice, and ground will be broken
for the purpose in the spring.
FIRST FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized Nov. 24, 1855. There were
eight original members, viz., Bev. E. B. Fairfield, Bev. H.
E. Whipple, Bev. Alonzo Hopkins, S. B. Hawks, David
Bayles, A. W. Munger, W. J. Lindsley, and Bev. G. P.
Bamsey. The first five are still living, but only one — Bev.
A. Hopkins — still remains connected with this church.
Hillsdale College being under the control of the Free-Will
Baptist denomination, the membership of the church is,
and always has been, largely made up of the faculty, students
friends, and supporters of that institution. Since its organi-
zation nine hundred and forty persons have been received
to its membership, an average of forty-one per year, or
more than three for each monthly covenant-meeting. The
present membership is two hundred and sixty-five. Of these
one hundred and ninety are resident and seventy-five non-
resident. At first, Sabbath services were held in the col-
lege chapel, but in 1867 a large brick edifice was built on
the corner of Manning and Fayette Streets, at a cost of
nearly thirty thousand dollars. For the first sixteen years
the preaching was mostly done by members of the faculty,
Bevs. E. B. Fairfield, H. E. Whipple, B. Dunn, and J.
Calder having served as pastors.
Bev. B. Woodworth, of Greenville, B. I., was chosen
pastor Sept. 30, 1871, and remained two years. Bev. A.
A. Smith began his pastorate May 1, 1874, and served the
church in that capacity till Jan. 1, 1878. Bev. D. W. C.
Durgin, D.D., is now pastor of the church, and E. G.
Beynolds is church clerk. A prosperous Sunday school of
about one hundred and fifty members is connected with the
church, of which W. H. Beynolds is the present superin-
tendent.
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
The first Universalist parish of Hillsdale was organized
Sept. 4, 1876. Bev. Mrs. F. W. Gillette, State missionary,
had preached a few sermons previous to this date, and
through her efibrts the organization was perfected. The
membership numbered thirty. Hon. Alex. Hewitt was
chosen Moderator ; Mrs. S. W. Cook, Clerk ; M. G. Teach-
out, Treasurer ; F. K. Proctor, Collector ; P. Mend, Luther
King, Wm. Cook, and Mrs. E. Lamb, Trustees. Meetings
were held as the services of clergymen could be obtained,
until June of the following year, when Bev. Stephen Crane,
of Perry, N. Y., was settled as pastor. Under his pastorate
the parish has continued to improve until it now numbers
some forty families. The Sunday-school was organized
in June, 1877, and numbers fifty scholars and seven
teachers. The pastor has so fiir acted as superintendent, and
Mrs. S. W. Cook as assistant, being elected at the organiza-
tion, and re-elected at the regular annual meeting The
congregation worship in a hall at present, but hope soon
to build a house of worship. The church includes in its
membership some of the most prominent families of the
city and surrounding country.
FREEMASONRY IN HILLSDALE.
There is no record of a lodge having been formed in Hills-
dale prior to 1848. In that year a petition was forwarded to
the Grand Master of the State, signed by the following
Masons : David Bagley, Salmon Sharp, Bockwell Manning,
Haynes Johnson, James H. Lancaster, John Swegles, Jr.,
Elias Bennett, Delos Manning, A. S. Bockwell, and Geo. A.
Spaulding, praying to be formed into a lodge. The application
was endorsed by Lafayette Lodge, No. 16, of Jonesville. A
dispensation was granted by the Grand Master, and Hills-
dale Lodge, No. 32, was formed, with David Bagley as
Master, Salmon Sharp as Senior Warden, and Elias Ben-
nett as Junior Warden, the lodge having effected its orga-
nization May ^1, 1848. Haynes Johnson was, at its first
meeting, elected Treasurer, and John Swegles, Jr., Secretary.
The lodge having in due time received its charter, increased
in number and became prosperous, when the following
resolution was adopted, Jan. 6, 1852 :
Resolved, That we hereby surrender our present charter
to the Grand Lodge, and an application be made for a new
charter, provided the same can be done without any expense
for the same.
108
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The application was favorably received, the new charter
granted, Jan. 19, 1852, and the lodge organized under the
name of Fidelity Lodge, No. 32. The officers were E. D.
Cone, W. Master; J. Van Denburgh, S. Warden; J. C.
Peck, J. Warden; Wm. Potter, Treas. ; J. M. Mott, Sec.
Since that time it has made steady progress in numbers and
influence. Its present officers are M. M. Parsons, W. Master ;
J. T. Crum, S. Warden ; George Card, J. Warden ; J. H.
Armstrong, Treas.; L. S. Ranney, Sec.
Hillsdale Lodge ^ No. 176. — Hillsdale Lodge was organ-
ized Jan. 6, 1866, the members who originally applied for
the dispensation being H. T. Farnam, W. W. Donaghy,
F. B. Cutler, Dr. J. B. Curtis, and Benjamin F. Halliday.
These gentlemen were members of the Fidelity Lodge, but
desiring to form a new association, obtained from the Grand
Lodge the charter of the present Hillsdale Lodge. The
first officers were H. T. Farnam, W. Master ; R. A. Everett,
S. Warden ; W. W. Donaghy, J. Warden ; F. B. Cutler,
Sec. ; B. F. Halliday, Treas. The lodge is one of the most
flourishing in the county. Its present officers are D. A.
Childs, W. Master; Wm. A. Carsen, S. Warden; Geo. F.
Gardner, J. Warden ; C. S. Budd, Treas. ; Frank Evans, Sec.
Hillsdale Chapter^ No. 18. — Hillsdale Chapter, No. 18,
was organized Jan. 14, 1858. The members who originally
applied for a charter were Edward H. C. Wilson, J. H.
Pratt, E. D. Cone, H. J. Farnam, J. 0. Ames, John Mickle,
George H. Bottsford, J. B. Wheaton, C. B. Smith, Wil-
liam A. Lawrens, R. Rowe, and C. J. Dickenson. A dis-
pensation having been granted, the following officers were
chosen: E. H. C. Wilson, First High Priest; J. B.
Wheaton, First King ; J. 0. Ames, First Scribe.
The chapter has since that time become strong and in-
fluential, and now occupies a prominent place in the State
organization. Its present officers are James W. McKee,
H. P. ; William H. Tallman, K. ; Morris Lamb, S. ; C. J.
Molby, C. H. ; O. H. Gilum, Sec. ; F. French, Treas.
Mount Ararat Council^ No. 15, E. and S. M. — This
council was instituted June 21, 1875. At its last election,
held Dec. 9, 1878, the following officers were chosen : Z.
R. Ashbough, T. I. G. M. ; L. S. Ranney, D. T. I. G. M. ;
M. Kochenthal, P. C. W. ; J. B. Howe, C. of G. ; E. T.
Beckhardt, C. of C. ; J. H. Armstrong, Treas. ; A. C.
Allen, Rec. ; E. Walker, Sen.
Eureka Commandery^ No. 3, Knights Templar. — Sir
Knights E. D. Cone, D. Winchester, George C. Munro,
Eutychus Champlin, A. Mooney, James A. Dyer, Wales
Adam, R. S. Cheeney, and Sylvester Walker, being a con-
stitutional number, and also desirous of advancing the in-
terests of Templar Masonry, petitioned the General Grand
Master of the General Grand Encampment of the United
States for a dispensation to form and open an encampment
of Knights Templar and appendant orders in the village of
Hillsdale, Mich., to be known as Eureka Encampment.
In answer to the prayer of the petitioners, a dispensation
was granted by the General Grand Master, W. B. Hub-
bard, appointing as first officers of Eureka Encampment
Sir Knight Elias D. Cone, E. G. C. ; Sir Knight George
C. Munro, G. ; Sir Knight David Winchester, C. G. ;
authorizing them and others to form and open an encamp-
ment of Knights Templar and appendant orders in the
village of Hillsdale, dated at Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 13,
1854.
At the next conclave of the General Grand Encamp-
ment of the United States, which convened at Hartford,
Conn.,- Sept. 10, 1856, the dispensation was returned,
together with a report of the transactions of Eureka En-
campment under and by authority of the dispensation (at
this time there was a change in Templar nomenclature).
A charter was granted to Eureka Commandery, No. 3,
dated at Hartford, Conn., Sept. 10, 1856, by the authority
of which Eureka Commandery, No. 3, was regularly con-
stituted and authorized to work by Sir Knight John Gil-
bert, of Detroit Commandery, No. 1, as proxy for Most
Eminent Grand Master.
Upon the formation of the Grand Commandery of the
State of Michigan, April 7, 1857, Eureka Commandery,
No. 3, enrolled itself under the jurisdiction and authority
of the Grand Commandery by virtue of a dispensation
granted April 7, 1857, followed by a charter granted June
8, 1859.
Officers: Floyd J. Wilson, Em. Com. ; James W. McKee,
Generalissimo ; Edwin J. March, Capt.-Gen. ; Rev. Wil-
liam W. Raymond, Prelate; Ovid W. Lamport, S. Warden ;
Marshall M. Parsons, J. Warden ; Henry T. Farnam, Treas. ;
M. M. Mclntyre, Recorder.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS.
Hillsdale Lodge^ No. 17. — This lodge was organized
Oct. 14, 1842. The original members who applied for a
charter to organize a lodge of Odd-Fellows in Hillsdale
were William W. Owens, Joseph R. Thombs, Julius C.
Cross, A. W. Budlong, and Henry Waldron. The lodge
since that time has steadily grown and become prosperous.
The hall in which the meetings are held is commodious
and well appointed, and is occupied under a ninety-nine
years' lease. The financial condition of the organization is
excellent, there being no indebtedness against it. The
present officers are H. Castele, N. G. ; Alpheus St. John,
V. G. ; Wm. M. Taylor, Permanent Sec. ; Fred Stork, Re-
cording Sec. ; A. C. Allen, Treas. The Trustees are A. C.
Allen, Henry Brown, Job Reid.
THE PRESS.
The Hillsdale Standard. — The first number of the Hills-
dale Whig Standard was issued June 30, 1846, the pub-
lishers being S. D. Clark and H. B. Rowlson. About three
years later Mr. Rowlson purchased the interest of Mr. Clark,
and has since been its editor and proprietor. In politics it
has always been Whig and Republican.
Hillsdale Democrat. — The Hillsdale Democrat was first
published as the Hillsdale County Gazette., and after a brief
suspension was reprinted under its present -title. The pub-
lisher and editor is W. H. Tallman, who has controlled it
since June 15, 1866. It is, as its name would indicate.
Democratic in politics. The press upon which the paper is
printed is the first one brought into the county.
The Weekly Business. — The Weekly Business was first
projected June 11, 1870, its proprietor and publisher being
H. T. Farnam. It has been regarded as independent in
politics, buti during the last campaign advocated the cause
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale, Mich.
Harvey B. Rowlson was born at Duanesburg, Schen-
ectady Co., N. Y., July 15, 1825, and is the son of
Ambrose and Catharine (Briggs) Rowlson. He spent his
early boyhood, while acquiring an education, with an uncle
in Chenango Co., N. Y., and at Woodstock, Lenawee Co.,
Mich., working on farms during the summer months, and
attending school in the winter. In the spring of 1843 he
spent several months in the printing-office of the Adrian
News, at Adrian, Mich. During the following June the
office was removed to Hillsdale, and the Hillsdale Gazette
was published. This was the first paper ever published in
the village of Hillsdale, and Mr. Rowlson facetiously claims
to be the first printer's devil of the place.
In 1846, Mr. Rowlson, in company with S. D. Clark,
started the Hillsdale Whig Standard, which they published
in partnership until 1851, when Mr. Rowlson purchased
Mr. Clark's interest. Since that time he has been pro-
prietor of the paper. The name Whig having been dropped
from the heading after the dissolution of the Whig party,
the Hillsdale Standard was devoted to the interests of the
Republican party, always having had the largest circulation
in the county. Mr. Rowlson performed the duties of
county treasurer with great satisfaction to his constituents
for a period of eight years. In 1869 he represented his
county in the State Legislature, being a member of the
committee on ways and means, and chairman of the com-
mittee on printing; but in May, 1869, he resigned his
position to enter upon the duties of collector of internal
revenue for the First District of Michigan. The First
District was then composed of four counties, including
Wayne County, and his office was in Detroit for a period
of four years. In May, 1873, Wayne County was made a
district by itself, and the Third District was formed by the
addition of five counties to the remainder of the First
District. Mr. Rowlson was made collector for the Third
District, with his office at Hillsdale. In September, 1876,
the Second District, which consisted of seven counties, was
added to the Third, making fifteen counties under his
charge as collector. He is a prominent member of the
Masonic fraternity, having been a member of Fidelity
Lodge for sixteen years. He has passed all the chairs in
Odd-Fellowship, and has held each of the principal offices.
He is an attendant of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. Rowlson has been a radical Republican since the
organization of that political party. He was married,
July 31, 1848, to Amelia M. Yanderburg, daughter of one
of the pioneers of the county. They have two sons and
one daughter.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
109
of the Greenback party. A more extended notice of the
press of the county will be found in the general history.
HILLSDALE COLLEGE.
The Hillsdale College is located on College Hill, and
comprises a splendid suite of buildings overlooking the en-
tire business portion of the city, and occupying the centre
of a fine park of twenty-five acres, adorned with evergreens
and shade-trees in abundance. The corner-stone of the
college buildings was laid July 4, 1854, with appropriate
ceremonies, and the structure on its completion comprised
as complete an arrangement of buildings as is to be found
in the country. The range of study in the institution is
various, having in addition to the usual classical and scien-
tific courses a preparatory department, where the student
may lay the foundation for a course of study which ulti-
mately leads to his graduation. There is at the head of
the college a large and able faculty, presided over by Rev.
Dewitt Clinton Durgan, D.D., whose wise counsels have
greatly contributed to the prosperity of the institution. It
is not our intention to make the notice of Hillsdale College
as brief as this sketch would imply. A more extended
review of the institution, its aims and facilities for instruc-
tion, will be found in the general history of the county.
BANKS.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
The First National Bank of Hillsdale was organized
Dec. 16, 1863, with a capital of $50,000, being the fifth
national bank organized in the State of Michigan. The
first Board of Directors, elected Jan. 17, 1864, consisted of
the following-named gentlemen : William Waldron, James
B. Baldy, Chauncey W. Ferris, David H. Lord, and Henry
S. Hall, who, at a subsequent meeting, elected as the bank's
first ofiicers William Waldron, President, and James B.
Baldy, Cashier. The bank opened for business Monday
morning, Feb. 1, 1864, purchasing and occupying the
banking-office formerly occupied by Waldron & Baldy,
bankers. James B. Baldy resigned his position as cashier,
Nov. 1, 1865, and Henry J. King was elected to fill the
vacancy. Mr. King continued as cashier until May 1,
1869, when he resigned, and Mr. Frank Blackmar was
elected. Mr. Blackmar filled the office until April 1, 1870,
when he resigned, and Mr. H. J. King was again called to
the position, holding it until April 1, 1874, when, upon his
resignation, the present cashier, Frank M. Stewart, was
elected to the position.
Mr. William W^aldron continued as the trusted and suc-
cessful president of the bank from the date of its organi-
zation to the day of his death, which occurred Dec. 11,
1877, when Hon. Henry Waldron was elected to fill the
vacancy. The Board of Directors at present consists of
Henry Waldron, Charles W. Waldron, Edwin J. March,
Charles H. Winchester, and John Miller; and the offi-
cers are Henry Waldron, President; Edwin J. March,
Vice-President ; and Frank M. Stewart, Cashier. The
bank has a capital of $50,000, and a surplus of $30,000.
THE SECOND NATIONAL BANK.
The Second National Bank of Hillsdale was organized
September, 1865, and was a growth of the private banking
firm of Mitchell, Waldron & Co., which was organized in
1855 ; the respective partners being Charles T. Mitchell,
Henry Waldron, and John P. Cook. Mr. Cook withdrew
in 1864, and the business was carried on by the remaining
members of the firm until the organization of the present
national institution in 1864. Its first officers were Henry
Waldron, President; Charles T. Mitchell, Vice-President;
and I. K. Fisher, Cashier. The capital stock of the bank
was $100,000. Mr. Waldron remained president until
1870, when, his Congressional duties necessitating his ab-
sence from the city, Mr. Mitchell became President, and
Mr. Waldron, Vice-President. Mr. Fisher having resigned
his position of cashier, was succeeded, in 1866, by R. M.
Hubbard. In December of 1877, Mr. Mitchell purchased
the interest of Mr. Waldron.
The present officers are Charles T. Mitchell, President ;
E. L. Koon, Vice-President; R. M. Hubbard, Cashier.
Its board of directors comprise the following gentlemen :
Charles T. Mitchell, E. L. Koon, J. H. Galloway, H. B.
Rowlson, F. French, and John Armstrong.
THE EXCHANGE BANK OF J. K. FISHER.
The Exchange Bank was organized Feb. 1, 1878, and is
a private banking institution, owned entirely by J. K.
Fisher. The business of the bank is managed personally
by the proprietor, who acts as cashier, and M. D. Crane, who
fills the office of assistant cashier.
HILLSDALE GAS COMPANY.
The Hillsdale Gas Company was incorporated July, 1871,
the entire stock being owned by J. C. Hartshorn, of Provi-
dence, and H. A. Branch, of Hillsdale. The gas-works are
located on the north side of the Lake Shore and Michigan
Southern Railroad, in the western part of the city. They
were constructed in 1872, having been begun in July of that
year, and completed in December, the city being supplied
with gas for the first time on the 2d of that month. The
gas is manufactured after the ordinary method with coal,
and the consumers bear testimony to its superior quality.
When the company began furnishing gas to the city, they
had ninety consumers ; they now number one hundred and
ninety. The works of the Hillsdale Gas Company repre-
sent an investment of thirty-four thousand dollars, and
consist of a retort-house, a purifying-house, coal- and coke-
sheds. They also make a specialty of crushing coke for
use in self-feeding stoves, and have for this purpose an
engine, boiler, and crusher ; the latter being an invention of
Mr. Branch. The company also carry on the gas-pipe and
fixture business, in rooms adjoining their office in Under-
wood's Block, on Howell Street. Two men are employed
at the works, and two in the fixtures department, while
Mr. Branch gives his personal supervision to the business.
MANUFACTORIES.
HILLSDALE TABLE FACTORY.
This establishment was originally owned and managed
by Horace Blackmar, who built it in 1873. After con-
ducting it one year, he sold his interest in the manufactur-
ing department (the building having been the property of
110
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the Cold Spring Cheese Company) to the firm of Bright-
man Bros. They conducted the business from June, 1874,
to September, 1877, when the present owner, F. M.
Brightman, purchased the interest of his brother, and is
sole proprietor. The establishment makes a specialty of
extension tables, manufacturing them for the wholesale
trade. These tables range in price from one dollar to three
dollars and fifty cents per foot in the white, and are shipped
to all parts of the United States and the Canadas, their prin-
cipal market being San Francisco, where many car-loads
are shipped annually. The manufactory is doing a large
and prosperous business, Mr. Brightman having established
a store in connection with the business, in which he is
assisted by his son.
HILLSDALE CITY MILLS.
These mills are owned and personally managed by F. W.
Stock, who came from the Rhine Province of Prussia in
1855, on a visit to the country.
Mr. Stock, after traveling for some time, finally engaged
in milling enterprises in Iowa. On returning from a visit
to his native country, he came direct to Hillsdale, and pur-
chased the Hillsdale City Mills, After becoming the owner
he remodeled them several times, the improvements in
milling rendering this necessary. The old machinery was
removed and replaced by new, the water-power improved,
and four run of stone employed in the grinding process.
In 1873 a new patent process for making flour was
introduced, and two more run of stone added, making in all
six. A new engine and boiler was at the same time added.
The engine-house was enlarged, and a side-track connecting
with the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, one-
quarter of a mile long, was built, which makes it possible to
load and unload flour and grain at the door of the mills.
In 1877 three more run of stone were added, and another
large boiler; this gave the mills a capacity for grinding
fifteen hundred bushels a day. Mr. Stock purchases most
of the wheat that comes to the market, besides buying
largely in Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, and Indiana, and a
track-scale enables him to weigh accurately all the grain
that comes by railroad.
The daily capacity of the mills is from two hundred and
fifty to three hundred barrels of flour a day. Fifteen hands
are employed in the various departments, and twenty
coopers are constantly kept busy in making barrels for the
shipment of flour, which soon finds its way to the Eastern
market. This is the largest manufacturing enterprise in
the city, and one of the largest of its kind in the State.
HILLSDALE FOUNDRY.
The Hillsdale Foundry was established in 1843 by Wal-
ter Welsh, and after passing through several hands was
finally purchased by its present proprietors, Messrs. Phelps
& Pettis. It is a foundry established for the manufacture of
steam-engines, edge-tools, and agricultural implements, and
has a well-established trade. Connected with this estab-
lishment, and owned by the same firm, is a grist-mill, which
was built in 1875, and especially with a view to doing cus-
tom work. The mill has three run of stone, and its prod-
ucts are principally for the supply of home wants and the
demands of the adjoining towns.
M INTOSH, DUNTON & COMPANY S FOUNDRY.
This foundry, though not imposing in its exterior, has
established a reputation for the excellence of its work. Its
products are principally axes, knives, chisels, and all simi-
lar implements coming under the head of edge-tools. They
lease their steam-power of Phelps & Pettis, whose foundry
is adjacent to their own. They have been established since
1876, and have already increased their business to such an
extent that their orders are in excess of their capacity to
manufacture.
JAMES SMITH, COAL AND LIME DEALER.
Mr. Smith occupies, in a very desirable part of the city,
one of the best-appointed warehouses to be found. At the
front is a very neatly fitted up office, where orders are re-
ceived and business transacted. Coal, lime, and cement are
the principal commodities sold. Mr. Smith sells annually
about fourteen hundred barrels of Genoa lime, and about one
thousand tons of coal. He also deals largely in cement.
E. C. CAMPBELL & CO., BUILDERS.
About six years ago the old firm of Eeeves & Campbell,
manufacturers and builders, was terminated by the interest
of Mr. Henry Reeves being purchased by Hon. John P.
Cook, and the new firm took the name of E. C. Campbell
& Co. Mr. Cook was largely engaged in the lumber and
hardware trade, and the business of working up the lumber
and making a market for the hardware by the use of intel-
ligent skill and broad enterprise became the policy of the
new firm. The mill and yard, which was ample at that
time, as the business increased was found inadequate to the
greater demands upon its capacity, and during the past
winter the proprietors commenced and completed the erec-
tion of a new factory, one of the best and most commodious
in the West. It was built on the site and over the old mill,
which, when the new one was completed, was removed from
within it.
The building is three stories in height ; the machine-shop
is seventy-two by sixty-five feet in size ; the finishing-shop
is twenty-five by sixty-five feet; the fuel-room sixteen by
twenty-eight feet; and the engine-room sixteen by thirty
feet. All are inclosed in one building, with iron roof and
sides, the engine-room being fire-proof, with cement floor,
iron ceiling, and sides of brick wall.
The yard embraces five city lots, upon which are three
sheds and other covered space for lumber of five thousand
square feet. Improvements are going forward in the way
of grading, leveling, and building.
The ground-floor is devoted to the long lines of shafting,
nearly two hundred feet, and the heavy machinery, viz., one
twenty-four-inch double surfacer and matcher, which planes
the two sides and two edges of lumber at one motion, one
twenty-four-inch surfacer, one resawing machine, which
makes two boards of siding where was but one of inch
stuff; one fort}^ horse-power engine, and tubular boiler,
forty-eight-inch shell, twelve feet in length, made by Mc-
Gregors, of Detroit.
The second floor is reached by a stairway from the
entrance at the corner, and also by a central and rear stair-
way, all inside the building. This story is the scene
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Ill
of many and varied kinds of business. The machinery,
which we could hardly name, and could never tell for
what purpose constructed, comprises everything neces-
. sary for carrying on the business in the most com-
plete manner. Beyond and over the engine-room is the
dry-room, which can be filled with steam, and lumber and
work seasoned in a week.
The third story is fitted up with racks and frames for
containing and holding all kinds of work, such as mould-
ings, doors, sash, frames, and all articles which require
storage.
Under the building is an excellent well, furnished with a
Rowley pump, which forces a constant stream of pure water
by means of pipes to a tank over the boiler, with faucets on
each floor, which supply drinking water to the workmen.
Fifteen to twenty men find in this shop a demand for
their services, and help by their citizenship the general
good of the city.
PUBLIC HALLS.
Hillsdale boasts four public halls more or less commodi-
ous. The largest of these is Underwood's Opera-House,
located in the Underwood Block on Howell Street, which
ranks among the leading opera-houses of the State for con-
venience and excellence of design. It has spacious stage
appointments, large dressing-rooms, and very perfect arrange-
ments for seating one thousand people. Its chief claim to
favor lies in the fact that its means of egress are almost per-
fect, having two stairways leading to the street, and two
wide doors leading from the auditorium. It has also an
admirable apparatus for heating and lighting the building.
Besides this there is Sutton's Hall, the first public hall
in the city, Liberty Hall, now used as a place of worship,
and Waldron Hall, occupied by the Red Ribbon Club.
HILLSDALE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
This society is altogether of a benevolent character, as its
name indicates, and is composed of such charitable ladies
of the city as are moved by a desire to relieve the sufferings
which cold, hunger, and disease entail upon the poorer
classes. The funds of the society are obtained by an in-
itiation fee of one dollar, together with such aid as may be
afforded by those citizens who are in sympathy with the
work. This aid is by no means inconsiderable, as was
proved during the preceding winter, when the funds of the
treasury were increased by about one hundred dollars,
through the kindness of friends.
Measures are about being taken to make the present sea-
son also, through the efforts of the society, one of comfort
and aid to the poor. We have not space to detail all the
workings of this charity band, or the methods they pursue
in the distribution of their alms. It is sufficient to say
that the discretion and judgment employed in disbursing
their charities has met with general approval. The funds
are apportioned by a distributing actuary, as are also any
articles which may be donated. The officers of the society
are Mrs. Keating, President; Mrs. Rogers, Vice-Presi-
dent; Mrs. Jones, Secretary; Mrs. Wm. Childs, Treas-
urer.
RED RIBBON CLUB.
This organization had its beginning in April, 1877, and
since that time until the present has steadily grown in in-
fluence and numbers, until it ranks among the strongest
temperance bodies of the State. It does not advocate pro-
hibition, but regards moral suasion as the important lever
with which to work upon the feelings and better judgment
of the candidate for reform. The first president of the
club was Otis H. Gillam, who still continues to fill the
office. It has from time to time enrolled upon its list of
members about twelve hundred names. The club occupies
a spacious and well-fitted hall, and has connected with it a
smoking-room and reading-room, with all the leading maga-
zines and dailies, and a library comprising about four hun-
dred volumes The organization has met with the support
of most of the leading citizens, and has accomplished much
good.
BOATING CLUBS.
Baiv Beese Boat-Chh. — This club, which was formerly
the Hillsdale Boating Association, was organized Aug. 1,
1877. x^fter an existence of nearly a year it was reor-
ganized as the present Baw Beese Boat-Club, with the fol-
lowing officers: A. F. Bryan, President; W. P. Dickerson,
Secretary and Treasurer. They proceeded, June 2, to the
erection of a boat-house, and completed it a few weeks
later ; the total cost of which was, with docks, three hundred
and fifty dollars. The first boats were the property of pri-
vate individuals, but subsequently the club purchased the
old " Sho-wae-cae-mettc boat," manufactured of paper by
Waters & Son, of Troy, N. Y., and one of three made after
this peculiar model. They own also ^' Grypsy," a single
paper scull, the '' Henry Waldron," a lapstreak working
boat forty-two feet long, and two double sculls. The pres-
ent officers are : President, John G. Wolf; Vice-President,
John A. Kressbach ; Secretary, A. T. Bryan ; Treasurer,
H. B. Samm ; Captain, George 1). Conner; First Lieutenant,
W. H. Van Valor ; Second Lieutenant, Frank Hancock ;
Board of Managers, M. Mclntyre, George D. Conner, John
G. Wolf, W. H. Van Valor, A. T. Bryan.
The boat-club ivS now incorporated under the State law.
Ililhdale Roiving-Cluh. — The Hillsdale Rowing-Club
was organized on the 8th of July, 1878, the following per-
sons being charter members : R. M. Hubbard, Charles S.
French, C. W. Terwillager, J. R. Wyllie, L. F. Beckhardt,
E. T. Beckhardt, George F. Gardner, E. B. Van Valken-
bergh, H. A. Branch, and L. B. March. One month from
the time of the organization, a commodious boat-house was
erected on the western shore of Baw Beese Lake, and the
following boats purchased : one four-oared cedar shell, one
six-oared pleasure barge, one double scull shell, two single
scull shells, one double scull working boat.
The club participated in its first regatta (given by the
Baw Beese Boat -Club) early in September, and there
achieved their maiden victories, winning three out of the
four races for which they entered. The present membership
is about twenty, and is composed of some of the finest
material in the city. The present officers are R. M. Hub-
bard, President; E. T. Beckhardt, Vice-President; C. W.
Terwillager, Captain ; E. B. Van Valkenbergh, First Lieu-
112
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tenant ; L. F. Beckhardt, Second Lieutenant ; George F.
Gardner, Treasurer ; Charles S. French, Secretary.
In connection with the club is a perfectly-equipped
gymnasium, in which during the winter months the mem-
bers pay proper attention to physical culture. The club
was incorporated under the State law, Dec. 10, 1878.
REGATTA.
The first regatta was held during the summer of 1877,
on Baw Beese Lake, a beautiful sheet of water south of the
city, and comprised a race between sailing boats. In Sep-
tember of the following year a regatta was given by the
Baw Beese Club, invitations being extended to the following
clubs, who participated : The Sho-wae-cae-mette Boat-Club,
of Monroe ; the Floral City Boat-Club, also of Monroe ; and
the Hillsdale Rowing-Club, of Hillsdale. The Baw Beese
club also took part in the race. The score was :
First race, junior heavy weight, double sculls, Hillsdale
Rowing-Club, winner.
Second race, junior single scull, Hillsdale Rowing-Club,
winner.
Third race, junior light weight, double sculls, Hillsdale
Rowing-Club, winner.
Fourth race, six-oared boats, Baw Beese Boat-Club,
winner.
Fifth race, four-oared sculls, Sho-wae-cae-mette Boat-
Club, winner.
At the conclusion of the regatta a very elegant flag was
presented to the Baw Beese Club by the ladies of Hillsdale,
and in the evening a reception was tendered the guests by
the club. Altogether the occasion was a memorable one
in Hillsdale boating annals.
VILLAGE AND CITY OFFICERS.
Having now traced the growth and enterprise of the city
of Hillsdale, from the erection of the first permanent resi-
dence by Adam Howder, with its simple though generous
hospitality, to its present prosperous condition, with its ele-
gant streets, its college and public buildings, its opera-house,
its manufacturing interests, its excellent and commodious
hotels, second to none in the State, we close our brief
review with a record of its principal oflicers, which are as
follows :
1848. — Henry Waldron, President ; Alexander S. Gris-
wold, Assessor ; Samuel Chandler, Treasurer ; Daniel L.
Pratt, Clerk ; Chauncey W. Ferris, Walter Welsh, Haynes
Johnson, W. Wood, and E. H. C. Wilson, Trustees.
1849. — Chauncey Stimson, President; Samuel Chandler,
Treasurer j Alfred C. Holt, Assessor ; Daniel L. Pratt,
Clerk ; Haynes Johnson, Jr., Patrick McAdaqa, Cornelius
Van B. Valor, Harvey B. Rowlson, Harvey A. Anderson,
Trustees.
1850. — P. McAdam, President ; Samuel Chandler, Treas-
urer ; Joel W. French, Marshal ; Chauncey Stimson, As-
sessor ; D. L. Pratt, Clerk ; L. A. Bostwick, Jacob G.
Warwick, John S. Borden, Adam Howder, E. H. C. Wil-
son, Trustees.
1851. — Henry Waldron, President; Haynes Johnson,
Jr., Assessor; Samuel Chandler, Treasurer; Isaac Van
Denburg, Marshal ; D. L. Pratt, Clerk ; J. S. Barber, D.
Caswell, Z. Van Dusen, J. G. Warwick, M. S. Hurd,
Trustees.
1852. — Daniel Beebe, President; Samuel Chandler,
Treasurer ; Haynes Johnson, Jr., Assessor ; John C. Fargo,
Marshal; D. L. Pratt, Clerk; Z. Van Dusen, Elias D.
Cone, J. C. Peck, W. W. Wood, Wm. 0. Hoey, Trustees.
Mr. Johnson neglecting to qualify, C. W. Ferris was ap-
pointed to fill the vacancy. Zachariah Van Dusen having
died during the year, William Patten was appointed to fill
the position.
1853. — Daniel Beebe, President; Samuel Chandler,
Treasurer; Henry Waldron, Assessor; John C. Miller,
Henry S. Mead, Wm. 0. Hoey, John Barber, Walter
Welsh, Trustees; J. B. McCarty, Marshal; D. L. Pratt,
Clerk.
1854. — Joel W. French, President; Haynes Johnson,
Jr., Assessor ; C. W. Ferris, Treasurer ; Henry Waldron,
Marshal; E. H. C. Wilson, Clerk; Chas. W. Westfall,
E. H. C- Wilson, Jacob Ambler, Samuel Chandler, Wil-
liam 0. Hoey, Trustees. J. B. McCarty was appointed to
fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Jacob
Ambler.
1855. — John S. Barber, President; J. B. Baldy, Treas-
urer; F. M. Holloway, Assessor; E. D. Cone, Clerk; C.
B. Smith, Marshal ; J. W. Dickenson, D. Caswell, C. W.
Westfall, F. French, J. B. Baldy, Trustees.
1856. — John C. Robertson, President; I. H. McCol-
lom, Assessor; F. French, Treasurer; E. D. Cone, Clerk;
John Manross, Marshal ; H. T. Farnam, J. C. Vaughn, J.
S. Barber, J. M. Baldy, C. J. Dickerson, Trustees.
1857. — A. Cressy, President; F. M. Holloway, Assessor;
S. N. Shattuck, Marshal ; H. T. Farnam, Treasurer ; E. D.
Cone, Clerk ; L. A. Bostwick, J. B. Wheaton, E. Van
Valkenbergh, J. S. Barber, W. 0. Hoey, Trustees.
1858.— H. B. Rowlson, President; F. M. Holloway,
Assessor ; Thomas Weir, Marshal ; L. B. Baldy, Treas-
urer; Charles F. Cooper, Clerk; J. C. Miller, P. H. Arm-
strong, C. B. Van Valor, Wm. Carroll, Thomas Burt,
Trustees.
1859. — Franklin French, President ; Fred. M. Holloway,
Assessor ; Thomas Weir, Marshal ; L. B. Baldy, Treas-
urer ; G. W. Warren, Clerk ; John C. Miller, P. H. Arm-
strong, C. B. Van Valor, Samuel Chandler, J. S. Barber,
Trustees.
I860.— Joel McCollom, President; C. W. Ferris, Asses-
sor ; Thomas Weir, Marshal ; Robert A. Everett, Clerk ;
John P. Cook, J. W. Falley, Chas. T. Mitchell, Eli Van
Valkenbergh, Trustees.
1861. — John P. Cook, President; Peter Strunk, Asses-
sor ; John Keating, Marshal ; A. M. Hastings, Treasurer ;
R. A. Everett, Clerk ; John H. Armstrong, John W. Fal-
ley, A. F. Whelan, W. C. Campbell, Haynes Johnson,
Trustees. R. A. Everett having resigned his position as
Clerk, A. E. Hastings was appointed in his stead.
1862, — John H. Armstrong, President ; A. M. Hastings,
Treasurer ; Peter Strunk, Marshal ; H.J. King, Clerk ;
Joel B. Wheaton, Assessor ; Benjamin Fisher, J. W.
Falley, S. R. Hawks, A. Hammond, Henry F. Mott,
Trustees.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
113
1863. — John H. Armstrong, President; Timothy E.
Dibell, Assessor; A. M. Hastings, Treasurer; Haynes
Johnson, Marshal ; H. J. King, Clerk ; S. R. Hawks,
Freeman H. Mott, James A. Cohoon, E. B. Strickland,
J. W. Falley, Trustees.
1864.-— James B. Baldy, President; T. E. Dibell, As-
sessor; John Miller, Marshal; W. B. Wilson, Treasurer;
Eugene Rowlson, Clerk ; Ira B. Card, John W. Falley, H.
T. Farnam, Geo. McMillan, John S. Barber, Trustees.
1865. — James B. Baldy, President; Timothy E. Dibell,
Assessor; A. M. Hastings, Treasurer; J. H. Kipp, Mar-
shal ; H. J. King, Clerk ; J. S. Barber, J. B. Card, J. W.
Falley, H. T. Farnam, Geo. McMillan, Trustees.
1866.— A. F. Whelan, President ; W. R. Montgomery,
Assessor ; Haynes Johnson, Marshal ; Andrew Hastings,
Treasurer ; F. F. Hopkins, Clerk ; Ira B. Card, Alva Fos-
ter, David H. Lord, Harvey B. Rowlson, Henry J. King,
Trustees.
1867.— A. F. Whelan, President; William R. Mont-
gomery, Assessor ; Samuel Foote, Marshal ; Andrew M.
Hastings, Treasurer ; F. F. Hopkins, Clerk ; A. Foster,
H. T. Farnam, D. H. Lord, H. L. Hall, Ira B. Card,
Trustees.
1868. — John C. Robertson, President ; Wm. R. Mont-
gomery, Assessor ; W. H. Reynolds, Marshal ; A. M.
Hastings, Treasurer ; H. Montgomery, Clerk ; James G.
Bunt, Horace Blackmar, James Ludlaw, Wm. Russell,
Chester B. Smith, Trustees. Mr. Hastings having resigned
the office of Treasurer before the expiration of the year,
Jerome L. Reynolds was chosen to fill the unexpired term.
The following was the result of the election for city
officers :
1869. — George W. Underwood, Mayor; Robert A.
Weir, City Collector ; Henry J. King, City Treasurer ;
Horace Blackmar, Supervisor of First and Second Wards ;
William R. Montgomery, Supervisor of Third and Fourth
Wards ; Samuel J. Lewis, Alderman of First Ward for
two years ; Edwin J. March, Alderman of Second Ward
for one year ; James G. Bunt, Alderman of Second Ward
for two years ; Benjamin Fisher, Alderman of Third Ward
for one year; William Wilson, Alderman of Third Ward
for two years ; William Pettus, Alderman of Fourth Ward
for one year; Spencer 0. Fisher, Alderman of Fourth
Ward for two years ; S. Chandler, City Clerk.
1870. — The officers were Horace Blackmar, Mayor ;
Samuel Chandler, City Clerk ; Henry J. King, City Treas-
urer ; Robert A. Weir, Collector ; Oscar A. James, Justice
of the Peace ; W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor of First and
Second Wards ; Peter Strunk, Supervisor of Third and
Fourth Wards ; William W. Donaghy, Alderman of First
Ward ; Z. R. Sabin, Alderman of Second Ward ; Robert
A. Everett, Alderman of Third Ward ; Frederick W. Stock,
Alderman of Fourth Ward ; Edward F. Bradley and Floyd
J. Wilson, Constables.
1871. — Ira B. Card, Mayor; Henry J. King, Treas-
urer ; Timothy E. Dibell, Justice of the Peace ; A. F.
Whelan and George E. Smith, School Inspectors ; Wm. R.
Montgomery, Supervisor of First and Second Wards;
Joseph J. Clark, Supervisor of Third and Fourth Wards ;
Samuel J. Lewis, Alderman of First Ward for term ; Hiram
15
Pierce, Alderman of Second Ward for term ; David Thom-
son, for vacancy; Edward C. Campbell, Alderman of Third
Ward ; James H. C. White, Fourth Ward, for term ; J. F.
Marsh, for vacancy ; B. Dunsler, F. J. Wilson, Eugene
Rowlson, M. H. Saviers, Constables.
1872. — Ira B. Card, Mayor ; Henry J. King, Treasurer;
0. A. Jones, Clerk ; Chester Farmer, Justice of the Peace ;
W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor of First and Second
Wards ; J. J. Clark, Supervisor of Third and Fourth
Wards ; Hiram Pierce, Alderman for term, First Ward ;
for vacancy, W. H. Donaghy ; Chas. Hatton, Alderman of
Second Ward, for term ; for vacancy, Daniel Beebe; Peter
Strunk, Alderman, Third Ward ; John L. Frisbie, Alder-
man, Fourth Ward; Arvin F. Whelan, School Inspector;
B. Densler, F. J. Wilson, E. K. Pennell, M. H. Saviers,
Constables.
1873. — Chauncey W. Ferris, Mayor; Henry J. King,
Treasurer ; Z. D. Thomas, C. B. Dresser, Justices ; 0. A.
Janes, Clerk ; William R. Montgomery, Supervisor First
and Second Wards ; Joseph J. Clark, Supervisor Third and
Fourth W^ards; Elijah B. Dean, Alderman First Ward;
Jeremiah Baldwin, Second Ward ; E. C. Campbell, Third
Ward ; John McDonough, Fourth Ward ; Geo. E. Smith,
School Inspector ; John H. Purdy, M. H. Saviers, E. K.
Pennell, Joseph Stevens, Constables.
1874. — Chauncey W. Ferris, President ; Henry J. King,
Treasurer; Cephas B. Dresser, Justice; 0. A. Janes, Clerk;
William R. Montgomery, Supervisor, First and Second
Wards ; Joseph J. Clark, Supervisor Third and Fourth
Wards ; James W. Winsor, Alderman First Ward ; R. E.
Whipple, Second Ward ; Lewis R. Penfield, Third Ward ;
Henry T. Farnam, Fourth Ward; A. F. Whelan, School
Inspector ; Floyd J. Wilson, E. K. Pennell, M. H. Saviers,
John H. Purdee, Constables.
1875.— -Robert A. Everett, Mayor; William Russell,
Treasurer ; 0. A. Janes, Clerk ; James B. Norris, Justice ;
W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor First and Second Wards;
Miles C. Teachout, Supervisor Third and Fourth Wards;
E. B. Dean, Alderman First Ward ; A. F. Whelan, Second
Ward ; Edward C. Campbell, Third Ward ; John Mc-
Donough, Fourth Ward ; Warren A. Drake, School Inspec-
tor ; E. K. Pennell, William Beard, James W. McKee,
Constables.
1876.— William Wilson, Mayor; Frank M. Stewart,
Treasurer; 0. A. Janes, Clerk; T. E. Dibell, Justice; W.
R. Montgomery, Supervisor First and Second Wards ; J.
J. Clark, Supervisor Third and Fourth Wards ; James
W. Winsor, Alderman First Ward ; Roscius E. Whipple,
Second Ward ; L. R. Penfield, Third Ward ; Henry T.
Farnam, Fourth Ward ; Chas. E. Mott, School Inspector ;
John J. Walrath, E. K. Pennell, W. J. Stone, M. H. Sa-
viers, Constables.
1877. — William Wilson, Mayor; Frank M. Stewart,
Treasurer; Zimri D. Thomas, Justice full term; Samuel
Gillett, to fill vacancy ; E. G. Reynolds, Clerk ; Warren A.
Drake, School Inspector ; W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor
First and Second Wards; J. J. Clark, Supervisor Third
and Fourth Wards ; Miles G. Teachout, Alderman First
Ward ; Charles Hatton, Second Ward ; G. W. Knight, to
fill vacancy; E. C. Campbell, Third Ward; James Smith,
114
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Fourth Ward ; W. J. Stone, J. D. Aslibaugh, Evander K.
Pennell, M. H. Saviers, Constables.
1878.— Geo. W. Knight, Mayor; Henry T. Farnam,
Treasurer ; J. F. Fitzsimmons, Attorney ; Elon G. Reyn-
olds, Clerk ; Milton H. Saviers, Marshal ; Alonzo Cressy,
Health Physician; Miles G Teachout and E. B. Dean,
Aldermen, First Ward ; Chas. Hatton and D. W. Perry,
Second Ward ; E. B. Campbell and L. R. Penfield, Third
Ward ; James Smith and Horace Jerome, Fourth Ward.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. HENRY WALDRON,
banker and manufacturer, was born in Albany, N. Y., Oct.
11, 1819. His father was a merchant of that city, and
died when Mr. Waldron was thirteen years old. Mr.
Waldron attended the Albany Academy until 1834, when
he entered Rutgers College, at New Brunswick, N. J.,
graduating from that institution in 1836. In 1837 he
removed to Michigan, and was employed as civil engineer
in the preliminary survey of the Michigan Southern Rail-
road. He followed the same profession during the con-
struction of the road. In 1839, Mr. Waldron came to
Hillsdale, which was then a pioneer hamlet, inviting settle-
ment. In 1843 he built the first warehouse on the line of
the Southern Railroad, and from that date has been en-
gaged in manufacturing, banking, and other business pur-
suits in Hillsdale.
Mr. Waldron has been closely identified with the rail-
roads and other public enterprises which have affected
the interests of his section of the county. He was a di-
rector of the Michigan Southern Railroad Company from
1846 until 1848, and was subsequently president of the
Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad. He was president
of the Second National Bank of Hillsdale from its organi-
zation until 1870, and he is now president of the First Na-
tional Bank of that place.
In the year 1842, Mr. Waldron was elected to the
State Legislature of Michigan. In 1848 he was one of
the electors of the Taylor and Fillmore ticket. Upon the
organization of the Republican party he was nominated
for representative in Congress for the Second District of
Michigan, and was elected. He was re-elected in 1856
and 1858, serving for the six years which witnessed the
great struggle of the slavery power. In 1868, Mr. Waldron
was one of the vice-presidents of the National Republican
Convention, held in Chicago, which nominated Grant and
Colfax for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency. In 1870
he was elected to the Forty-Second Congress from the First
District of Michigan, and was re-elected in 1872 and 1874.
At the conclusion of his third term of service he declined
renomination on account of the pressure of private bus-
iness.
WM. WALDRON
was born in Albany, N. Y., November, 1824. He came
in 1843 to Hillsdale, and was for a time engaged as a clerk
for his brother in a commission warehouse. He subse-
quently formed a copartnership with Chauncey W. Ferris
in the business of dry goods and general merchandise.
In 1850 he purchased the interest of his partner, and
formed a new firm with James B. Baldy.
The business increased from year to year, — comprising
not only the sale of goods, but the purchase of wool and
wheat, — until the firm of Waldron & Baldy, by good man-
agement and personal popularity, had built up the largest
trade in the county. The mercantile business of the house
was closed out in 1860, and was succeeded by the banking
firm of Waldron & Baldy, which, in 1863, was succeeded
by the First National Bank of Hillsdale, Mr. Waldron being
president and Mr. Baldy cashier.
Mr. Waldron gave his attention to the interests of the
institution, he being its president from the date of its
organization until the day of his death. He was for thirty
years an active worker. In business, liberal, and kindly
prospering public interests and private charities, and ex-
hibiting in a marked degree the type of the prompt, posi-
tive, upright business man.
He was twice married, — in 1848 to Miss Mary Moon, of
Lima, Ind., and in 1874 to Mrs. Carrie Osband, at Cleve-
land, 0. He died at the Cleveland Water-Cure, Dec. 11,
1877, leaving a widow and three children.
His life-long acquaintance, the publisher of the Hills-
dale Standard^ in announcing his death added this state-
ment, which clearly indicates the character of the man and
of his business :
" The publisher of this paper was surprised to learn from
him a year ago, just before his afflictions disabled him from
actual business, that he had never in his life sued for a debt,
although he had as a merchant and banker transacted, dur-
ing a period of over thirty years, as large a business as any
other man in the county. Yet neither he nor his bank had
ever been a plaintiff or defendant in any court. His man-
ner of doing business as well as the character of his cus-
tomers are best indicated by such a remarkable fact. We
presume no other business man in our county can give a
similar experience."
DANIEL L. PRATT.
Daniel L. Pratt was born in Plainfield, Hampshire Co.,
Mass., on the 24th day of June, in the year 1820. His
father, William Pratt, was a farmer, and emigrated to Ches-
ter, Geauga Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1830. Here Daniel
worked upon and assisted his father in clearing up a new
farm, attending school winters, until the spring of 1838,
when he went to Granville, Ohio, where he attended school
two years at the Granville Academy. From 1840 to 1844
he taught school and studied law in Lancaster, Ohio, where
he was admitted to the bar on the 24th day of September,
1844.
.-^-^i^^^
Hon, Henry Waldron.
W!^ Walohoh.
PHOTOS. BY CAffSON aCRAHAM
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
115
On the 25th day of October, 1844, he was married to
Jane N. Newkirk, at Bloomfield, Fairfield Co., Ohio.
On the 25th day of October, 1845, he removed to Hills-
dale, Mich., and commenced the practice of law, where
he has ever since resided. He was elected prosecuting
attorney of Hillsdale County in the fall of 1856, and
again in the fall of 1860, and served four years. In the
spring of 1867 he was elected one of the delegates from
Hillsdale County to the constitutional convention, which
convened at Lansing, May 15, 1867, for a revision of the
constitution of the State. He was appointed one of the
trustees of the Michigan Asylum for the Insane, by Gov-
ernor Blair, on the 14th day of March, 1861. He was
reappointed by Governor Crapo, and served as a member of
the board of trustees twelve years.
In the spring of 1869 he was nominated by the Republi-
can party and elected circuit judge of the first judicial cir-
cuit of Michigan, comprising the counties of Hillsdale,
Lenawee, and Monroe. Having served six years, he was
re-elected in the spring of 1875, without any opposition ;
the Democratic party having made no nomination against
him. He is still upon the bench, having served three
years upon his second term.
He has been one of the trustees of Hillsdale College
since it was founded, and has contributed liberally in time,
counsel, and money for its success. He has been active in
promoting all enterprises for the improvement and pros-
perity of the city and county, having donated in money for
such purposes over three thousand dollars, and in time,
labor, and counsel, much more.
In politics he was a Whig until the formation of the
Republican party, since which time he has acted with that
party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He
lives upon a farm three-quarters of a mile west of the
court-house, on Bacon Street, in the city of Hillsdale,
which he has cleared up and improved.
OSCAR A. JANES.
The father of Mr. Janes was a native of New York State,
while his mother was a Vermont lady. They emigrated to
Rock Co., Wis., in 1838, and here their son Oscar was
born. They are able to trace their descent to William
Janes, who came from England in 1637, with the John
Davenport colony, and planted the New Haven, Connecti-
cut, colony, founding the city of New Haven. Oscar re-
mained with his parents in Wisconsin until the fall of 1863,
when, being twenty years of age, he came to Michigan, and
entered Hillsdale College.
In December of the same year he enlisted in Company K ,
4th Regiment Michigan Yolunteers, for three years' service
or during the war. He passed through a severe experience
during his period of service in the Army of the Potomac,
participating in several battles, including the siege of Peters-
burg, when he was wounded on the 22d of June, 1864, at
the taking of the Weldon Railroad, losing his left arm. He
was discharged in November of that year as a natural re-
sult of this severe wound.
On his return to Hillsdale he resumed his studies at the
college, graduating in June, 1868, and receiving the degree
of M.S. He then studied law with Judge C. J. Dickerson,
and was admitted to the bar of Hillsdale County, July 3,
1871. In 1870 he was elected justice of the peace of the
city of Hillsdale, and in 1872 city attorney, holding the
latter office four years. The same year he was elected
Circuit Court commissioner, and re-elected in 1874. In
1876 he was complimented by election to the office of judge
of probate for a term of four years. In politics he has been
a firm advocate of the principles of the Republican party.
He is also one of the trustees of Hillsdale College.
Judge Janes has been twice married, his first wife having
been Miss Vinnie Hill, of Hillsdale, and his second a daugh-
ter of P. Mead, Esq., of the same city.
BENJAMIN P. SHEPARD.
The father of Mr. Shepard was Israel Shepard, who
married Nancy P. Brown, June 14, 1833. The former
was born March 7, 1807, and Mrs. Shepard Dec. 30, 1812.
After their marriage they removed to Genesee County, and
later to Ohio. Benjamin, the second son, was born in
Bloomfield, Seneca Co., Ohio, Jan. 22, 1848, and moved
with his parents in the spring of 1859 to Michigan, loca-
ting in Lenawee County, and one year later changed their
residence to Hillsdale County, where he has since re-
sided.
Mr. Shepard spent some time in study and then pursued
teaching as a profession. Having a desire to engage in the
practice of law, he began his studies June 29, 1874, and
was admitted to the bar March 27, 1876. Since that
period Mr. Shepard's career, though brief, has been a very
successful one.
He was nominated soon after his admission and elected
to the office of Circuit Court commissioner, and filled the
office till the expiration of the term, ending Jan. 1,
1879.
In the fall of 1878, Mr. Shepard was nominated for the
office of prosecuting attorney, and after a very spirited
canvass, in which he took a leading part and made many
speeches, he was elected. He has a large and growing law
practice, and enjoys an enviable reputation among the
Hillsdale practitioners. In politics he is a staunch Repub-
lican.
ASHER B. LA FLEUR.
The present treasurer of Hillsdale County, Asher B. La
Fleur, is of French descent, his parents having been natives
of France. Their son, Asher, was the oldest of three chil-
dren, and was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., July 1,
1840.
When five years of age he was left an orphan and with-
out a protector, and as the result of this misfortune he and
116
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
his sister were sent to the Erie County almshouse. Asher
was soon after bound out to a farmer until his seventeenth
year, and followed farming as a pursuit. In 1860 he came
to Hillsdale and became a student at the college, and dur-
ing this period enlisted as a private in Company H, 4th
Michigan Volunteer Infantry, serving with great credit for
four years, and distinguishing himself during that time for
personal bravery. He was engaged in all the principal
battles under McClellan, Hooker, Burnside, Pope, Meade,
and Grant.
The following war record, published in a leading county
paper, gives a clear idea of Mr. La Fleur's career as a
soldier :
" Among those returned to you was Asher B. La Fleur,
one of the bravest of the brave. If he had been a general
his name would have been immortal ; as a common soldier
he deserves at your hands, at least, the recompense of a
living. Always faithful as a soldier, ready for duty, and
never failing to perform it. At Gettysburg he was left
among the slain on the field of battle, shot through the
body, and supposed by all to be mortally wounded. After
suffering for months, sometimes without any one to even
bathe his wounds, by almost a miracle he was restored to
health. And with that he again returned to duty, to again
fall in the midst of battle at Spottsylvania, with his leg
crushed by a grape-shot, and bleeding from ruptured arte-
ries. He was again saved, almost as miraculously as be-
fore, and after two amputations had been performed, but
saved with a body disfigured and scarred in behalf of his
country."
He was discharged while acting as orderly sergeant, in
June, 1865. Since that time he has served as township
treasurer of Litchfield for ten years, and was elected treas-
urer of Hillsdale County in the fall of 1878. He was
married to Laura Hadley, of Litchfield, Feb. 22, 1865, and
has three children. His political views are strongly Re-
publican.
ROBERT A. WEIR.
Robert A. Weir was the fourth in a family of four child-
ren. His father was a native of Scotland and his mother
was born in England. They came to Michigan and settled
in Monroe, in 1833, in which city their son Robert was
born, Sept. 3, 1838. They moved to Hillsdale County,
after a residence of ten years in Monroe, and located in the
city of Hillsdale.
Robert was nominated in 1877 for the position of county
recorder, and received a very flattering vote. In 1879 he
was re-elected, and fills the position at present.
He was married to Lucy M. Tracy, of Hillsdale, April
14, 1873, and has two children. He is a Republican in
politics.
GEORGE W. BULLOCK.
Mr. Bullock may with justice be termed a Green Moun-
tain Boy, since he claims Vermont as his native State,
having been born in Fair Haven, in that State, Nov. 23,
1837. He came to Concord, Mich., with his parents,
and remained with them until nineteen years of age, mean-
while learning the blacksmith trade and following it until
the spring of 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, 1st
Michigan Infantry, and was honorably discharged after his
term of service expired. In October of 1861 he came to
Jonesville, and pursued his trade till July of the following
year, when he organized Company G of the 18th Michigan
Volunteers, and was its captain, doing active service with
his company. He was provost-marshal at Decatur, Ala.,
during 1864, also acted in the same capacity on two later
occasions. Resigning on account of illness, he returned
to Jonesville, and carried on a blacksmith and carriage
manufacturing business till his election to the ofiice of
sheriff of his county in 1876. He was re-elected in 1878,
and still fills the office. His political views have always
been strongly Republican.
CORVIS M. BARRE.
Huron Co., Ohio, was the birthplace of Mr. Barre, and
the date of his birth Nov. 29, 1848. His father removed
from the Empire State ; Tompkins County being the scene
of his labors, where he cultivated a productive farm. His
son, Corvis, remained in Ohio under the parental roof until
twenty-two years of age, when he became ambitious to seek
a wider field of usefulness and came to Michigan, choosing
as his residence the township of Reading, in Hillsdale
County. Here he engaged in the manufacture of gloves
and mittens, and operated largely in grain and stock.
While Mr. Barre was still a resident of Ohio, and at
the age of sixteen years, he joined the 164th Ohio Regiment
during the war, and did good service as a soldier. After
his discharge, he engaged in teaching until his advent in
Reading. He has always taken much interest in politics,
and has aided materially in winning the battles of the
Republican party in his county, having been since his first
vote was cast a staunch adherent of the party. In the fall
of 1878 he was nominated for county clerk, and as an evi-
dence of the personal esteem in which he is held by his
constituents, it may be mentioned that he received a most
flattering vote, running one hundred and seventy-five
votes ahead of his ticket. Mr. Barre is a gentleman of
fine physical proportions, and of a genial temperament which
wins for him many friends.
GEN. CHRISTOPHER J. DICKERSON.
Among the citizens of Hillsdale who have filled positions
of honor and trust, and mhom the hand of death has cut
down in the midst of a career of distinguished usefulness,
was Gen. C. J. Dickerson.
Born in Lewiston, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1828, he early re-
/(^i,.-^^€^i%^t^k-u'i'^l^ ^''
/ht..<2^ X./\^:^jr
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.j^My'A^
Photos, by Carson k Graham Hillsdale.
C^i-r-v^ ^^yi ^a^y^^r<J^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
117
moved to Michigan, and settled with his parents in a portion
of the country which was then an almost unbroken wilder-
ness. His father soon after died, leaving to his tender care
his mother and her younger children. While laboring for
their support he devoted his leisure to study, and at the age
of seventeen engaged in teaching. He afterwards became
the principal of the Union School of Hillsdale, and at the
same time pursued the study of law in the office of Hon.
E. H. C. Wilson, being admitted in 1851, and at once en-
Photo. by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
GEN. CHRISTOPHER J. DICKERSON.
tering upon a lucrative practice. Soon after he was elected
prosecuting attorney of the county, which office he filled for
two successive terms.
Shortly after the outbreak of the rebellion, he was commis-
sioned as lieutenant-colonel of the 10th Michigan Infantry,
and in the spring of 1862 took the field with his regiment.
He was wounded in the service and finally taken prisoner,
and after much hardship and suffering exchanged, when he
returned home in enfeebled health, and was compelled from
that fact to retire from the service. He was then elected
judge of probate, and re-elected to the same office in 1868,
having by his fidelity to the important duties of his office
afforded general satisfaction to his constituents. This posi-
tion he filled with distinguished success to the day of his
death. No more correct estimate of the character of Gene-
ral Dickerson could be obtained than is afforded by the
warm expressions of members of the bar at his decease.
He is described by one as " a nobleman by nature, — gene-
rous in all his impulses, kind, confiding, obliging, and for-
giving. Conscious of no wrong in himself, he suspected none
in others." Another eminent professional brother pays this
tribute to his memory : ** Possessed of a warm heart and a
fervid and brilliant imagination, he displayed rare eloquence
when pleading for right and justice ; and while his kindness
and conciliatory spirit led him to settle and reconcile dis-
putes when he reasonably could, still when he pressed a trial
he displayed untiring energy, unflinching courage, and great
power as an advocate. His kindness of heart made him
the friend of the poor and oppressed, and they ever found
in him a ready advocate, without regard to fee or pecuniary
reward. His reward was the consciousness of having done
a noble act." Another says : " Never have I known a
member of the bar who entertained so little bitterness, so
little unkindness toward his opponents, engaged in earnest
contention for their clients, as he. He was always genial,
always ready to clasp hands after the scenes of debate were
over, and overlook any unpleasantness."
With such sincere and heartfelt expressions it is easy to
form a correct estimate of the character of the subject of
this sketch, and these warm expressions seem but a just
tribute to his memory. General Dickerson died after a
brief and unexpected illness. He married, in 1852, Miss
Louisa A. Welch, and enjoyed twenty years of uninterrupted
happiness during his married life. Shortly before his severe
illness, Mrs. Dickerson with her son and daughter sailed for
Europe, to spend two years in travel and study, where the
general was to join them at the expiration of a year. When
apprised of his illness they immediately retraced their steps,
but the swift messenger of death had completed his work
ere they reached their home. The only daughter, borne
down by the weight of her sorrow, soon followed her father
to the grave, and a year later Mrs. Dickerson died after a
brief illness. One son survives, and is now residing in
Hillsdale.
JOHN W. FALLEY,
the subject of this memoir, was born at the village (now
city) of Westfield, Nov. 25, 1814. His ancestral history
as far as known is very brief His great-grandfather was
French and great-grandmother English.
Richard Falley, his great-grandfather, when eight years
old, with a number of other children, was invited to dine
on board of a French man-of-war, anchored at the (then
French, now English) Isle of Wight. When they came
again on deck, the ship was far out at sea. They were
taken to the French province of Nova Scotia, to help settle
that new and far-off land.
His son, Richard, Jr., the grandfather of John W., was
born at Georgius River, Province of Maine, Jan. 31, old
style, or Feb. 17, new style, 1740. When sixteen years
old, Richard, Jr., was made a prisoner by the Indians at
the capture of Fort Edward by the French and Indians.
He was taken to Montreal and sold to a lady for sixteen
gallons of rum. Soon after he was sent back to Massachu-
setts (his home) by the same lady. The next we learn of
Richard, Jr., he commanded a company of volunteers at
the battle of Bunker Hill, with his eldest son, then a boy
of fourteen years, as his fifer. The only armory in the
colonies was then at Springfield, Mass. We soon find Cap-
tain Falley commissioned as superintendent of that institu-
tion, which position he continued to hold until the close of
the war, assisted by his son, Richard, Jr., then a boy, who
118
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
was the father of John W., who says, " When we were
boys in the wilds of New York State, often have we seen
and hunted with those old Springfield muskets, with the
name of R. Falley on the locks, and though not having the
finish of our present arms, they were very correct, and pow-
erful shooters with either shot or ball, as many a bear or
deer in the wilds of New York could testify fifty or sixty
years ago. We well remember that the boys who stood
with their shoulders at the breech of the musket felt it a
power when fired with a full charge."
JOHN W. FALLEY.
In 1819, Richard Falley, Jr., with his family, moved to
Ohio, and settled near the " Ogontz Place," now Sandusky
City. As there were no school privileges, John was, in
June, 1821, sent back to Oswego Falls, now Fulton, N. Y.
In 1832 he returned to his father's, in Ohio, and after
spending three years at the Huron Institute, studied medi-
cine, graduating at the first session of the Cleveland Medi-
cal College.
He first located at Greenfield, 0., where he practiced
medicine three years. In October, 1841^, he removed to the
new and busy village (now city) of Hillsdale, Mich. In
this place he labored in his profession most assiduously for
the first twenty-five years, enduring in himself, and seeing
in others, all the hardships and privations as well as pleas-
ures (which are not a few) of a new country.
For several years he acted as trustee of the village, and
for twenty years has been a member of the Board of Edu-
cation. For nineteen years he has been elected county super-
intendent of the poor, for sixteen years has held a commis-
sion as United States examining surgeon, and for nine
years has been secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire In-
surance Company, yet he still lives, eats heartily, sleeps
soundly, and tips the beam at two hundred and twenty-six
pounds.
ARVIN F. WHELAN, M.D.
Dr. Whelan is of English and Irish descent, his an-
cestors having early emigrated to New England. He was
born, however, in Oneida Co., N. Y., and received in his
early years such an education as the common schools af-
forded, supplemented by instruction from his father, who
was a man of intelligence, and an engineer by profession.
He was not satisfied, however, with these limited opportuni-
ties, and devoted all of his leisure time to study and im-
provement, and in 1851 came to Michigan, with a view to
Photo, by Carson k Graham, Hillsdale.
ARVIN P. WHELAN, M.D.
establishing himself in the medical profession, having already
made some progress in his professional studies. After a
thorough medical course he associated himself with Dr. E.
D. Cone, of Hillsdale, and two years later by his death suc-
ceeded to his practice. In August, 1861, he entered the
army as assistant surgeon of the 11th Michigan Infantry,
and was later made surgeon of the 1st Michigan Sharp-
shooters. From that time, during his service in the army
he continued to fill successive positions of trust until finally
promoted to the position of surgeon-in-chief of division, and
attached to Gen. Hartranft's staff, with the brevet rank of
colonel. At the close of the war he returned to his home
in Hillsdale, and engaged in the pursuit of his profession,
where he enjoys a large practice. He has also devoted
himself with much energy to public enterprises, and has
filled the oflSces of alderman, president of the village, and
county treasurer, throwing his accustomed earnestness into
each department of labor. Dr. Whelan is a prominent
member of the State Medical Society, and was the first
president of the Southern Michigan Medical Society. He
is a ready speaker on professional topics, and his medical
lectures before the students of Hillsdale College are listened
to with much interest. He married, in 1857, Miss Delle
H. Anderson, of Genesee County, and has two children, —
a son and daughter.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES
OF
HILLSDALE COUNTY.
FAYETTE.
The present township of Fayette is 4 by 6 miles in di-
mensions, and includes the southern tier of sections of town
5 south, and the north half of township 6 south, range 3
west, according to the government survey. The original
township of Fayette, erected by act of the Legislative Coun-
cil, passed March 17, 1835, included the whole of range 3,
from the northern boundary of the county to the State line
on the south. From this town have been subsequently
formed the townships of Scipio, Hillsdale, Cambria, Wood-
bridge, and the west half of Amboy.
The surface of the township is rolling, and the soil is of
the quality found throughout Southern Michigan, and has
all the peculiarities pertaining to the drift formation of this
region. Abundant water is furnished by the St. Joseph
River and several smaller streams. The old Detroit and
Chicago turnpike, built between 1832 and 1836, and 254
miles in length, crosses this township, passing through the
village of Jonesville ; and the main line of the Lake Shore
and Michigan Southern Railway forms a junction at Jones-
ville with the Lansing division of the same road (formerly
the Northern Central Michigan Railway), and the Fort
Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railway, thus furnishing ex-
cellent and ample railroad facilities.
The population of Fayette in 1838 was 685 ; there were
at that time in operation a grist-mill and four saw-mills,
and six merchants had established themselves in business
within the limits of the township ; there were also 373 head
of neat stock, 69 horses, 29 sheep, and 517 hogs.* By the
State census of 1874, the township had a population of
2353. The following statistics are from the same census :
Acres of taxable land 13,841
Land owned by individuals and companies 14,186
Improved land 10,766
Land exempt from taxation... 345
Value of same, including improvements $134,000
Number of acres in burying-grounds 20
Railroad right of way and depot grounds 300
Number of farms 139
Number of acres in farms 12,307
Acres of wheat grown in 1874 2,450
" " " 1873 2,273
Bushels of wheat raised in 1873 23,704
'* corn " " 64,640
All other grain " " 9,329
Bushels of potatoes raised in 1873 5,952
Tons of hay cut in 1873.. 11,501
* Gazetteer of Miohigan, 1838.
Pounds of wool sheared in 1873 13,350
" pork marketed in 1873 111,701
" cheese made in 1873 460
" butter made in 1873 42,880
" fruit dried for market in 1873 14,650
Barrels of cider made in 1873 585
Acres of orchards in 1872-73 402
Bushels of apples raised in 1873 26,016
'' peachesf " 1872 524
" pears " 1873 368
" cherries '* " 326
Cwts. of grapes " " 104
Bushels of strawberries " " 10
" currants and gooseberries raised in 1873 225
" melons and garden vegetables " " 7,045
Total value of these products $17,964
Number of head of horses in township in 1874 387
" " mules " " 8
'' " work oxen " " 18
" " milch cows '' " 434
* ' " neat cattle other than oxen and
cows 387
" of swine over six months old 672
'' sheep " " '' 2,766
" " sheared in 1873 2,818
The township of Fayette contained, in 1 874, 2 flouring-
mills, 1 saw-mill, 1 planing-mill, 1 foundry and machine-
shop, 1 agricultural implement works, 2 carriage-factories,
1 barrel-factory, 1 woolen-factory, 1 cotton-factory.
ENTRIES OF LAND.
The following is a list of entries of government land in
what is now the township of Fayette, with the name of
each proprietor and the amount entered previous to April
27, 1838, as recorded in the land-office at Monroe, Mich.,
and at Hillsdale :
Town 5 Southj Range 3 West, Section 31.
Acres.
Benjamin J. McVay, N. E. i of S. W. i 40
Samuel Klee, W. i of S. W. i 80.28
Abram Sisson, S. E. i, and S. E. i of S. 'W. i 200
George W. Tilton, N. E. i 160
Christopher Derbyshire, N. W. frl. J 159.52
- Section 32.
Peter Martin, E. i of N. W. J 80
Benaiah Jones, Sr., W. i, S. B. i 80
Peter P. Galatian, E. i, N. B. i 80
Brooks Bowman, E. i, S. E. i .: 80
Fitzalan Gardner, S. W. J, N. E. i 40
Charles Gregory, E. i, S. W. J 80
Christopher Derbyshire, N. W. i, N. W. i 40
Dan B. Miller, N. W. i, N. E. i 40
John L. Eastman, W. i, S. W. i 80
Christopher Derbyshire, S. W. J, N. W. i 40
f Failure in peach crop in 1873 j only nine bushels raised.
119
120
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Section 33.
Acres.
Benjamin F. Lamed, E. i, S. W. i 80
Peter Martin, W. i, S. B. i 80
A. Fuller, S. E. i, S. E. I, and N. W. J, S. W. J 80
J. D. Vanhovenbergh, S. W. J, S. W. i 40
Levi Baxter, S. i, N. W. i 80
Jesse Ballard, E. i, N. E. i 80
E. P. Champlin, N. E. i, S. E. | 40
Lorenzo Buell, W. i, N. E. | 80
Cyrus Champlin, N. E. i, N. W. J 40
John Goodwin, N. W. i, N. W. i 40
Section 34.
Nelson Nethaway, W. 1, S. W. | 80
Lyman Nethaway, W. i, S. E. | 80
AlvinNiece, E. i, S. W. i 80
Nathaniel Bacon, E. i, N. E. i 80
Lemuel White, E. i, N. W. 1 80
H. W. Sisson, W. i, N. E. i 80
Jesse Ballard, W. i, N. W. i 80
William Dillon, N. E. J, S. E. 1 40
Charles Scott, S. E. i, S. E. i 40
Section 35.
Nathaniel Bacon, N. W. J, N. W. i 40
John Pope, E. i, N. E. i 80
Lyman Wilson, W. i, N. E. i 80
William Dillon, N. E. i, N. W. i 40
Eliphalet Tower, S. E. i, N. W. i 40
Ransom Gardner, S. W. h and E. h S. E. i 240
Charles Scott, S. W.h N. W. i 40
J. R. Willis, W. i, S. E. i 80
Section 36.
Samuel Benson, N. E. i, N. W. i 40
Furman Huff, S. E. J, S. E. | 40
J. D. Vanhovenbergh, W. i, S. E. i, and N. E. i,
S. E. i 120
Jacob Hesselring, S. W. i, N. E, i 40
Stephen Warren, W. i, S. W. i 80
Alonzo Jermain, E. i, S. W. i, and S. E. i, N. W. h 120
Rufus Cowles, S. E. J, N. E. J 40
James Armstrong, S. W. J, N. E. i 40
Robert McClelland, N. W. i, N. W. i 40
R. Cowles, N. W. J, N. E. J 40
Town 6 South, Range 3 West, Section 1.
John Moffet, N. W. i, S. E. J, and N. E. J, S. W. i.. 80
Furman Huff, N. part N. E. i, and S. E. i, N. E. i.. 121.01
Oren Blackmar, N. E. i, S. E. 1 40
John O'Connor, W. i, S. W. i, and S. B. i, S. W. i,
and S. W. i, N. W. i 160
William Durant, S. W. i, N. E. i 40
Ransom Gardner, N. part N. W. frl. J 83.04
John Lynch, S. i, S. E. 1 80
George Lazell, E. i, N. W. frl. i 40
Section 2.
Fitzalan Gardner, N. W. frl. J, and N. W. J, S. W h 205.39
Edmund Jones, S. E. |, N. E. i 40
Stephen Warren, E. i, S. E. i 80
David Cole, N. W.J, S. E. J 40
Thomas French, S. W. J, N. E. frl. J, and N. E. J,
S. W. i 80
Ransom Gardner, N. part N. E. frl. i 84.59
W. Wedge, Jr., S. E. i, S. W. i 40
James Delavan, S. W. i, S. W. J 40
Henry Packer and J. F. Stark, S. W..i, S. E. i 40
Section 3.
A. Fuller, N. i, N. W. i 85.09
Thomas French, S. 1, N. W. i 80
Charles W. Sammis, S. W. J, N. E. J, and N. W. J,
N. E.i 83.07
Philip Gilman, S. W. J 160
Hezekiah Griswold, W. i, S. E. J 80
Ransom Gardner, E. i, N. B. J, and N. E. i, S. E. i 123.07
James Delavan, S. E. J, S. E. J 40
Section 4.
Edmund Jones, S. i, N. W. i 80
R. Clark, Jr., and B. Jones, Jr., N. i, N. W. | 79.93
James Olds, W. i, S. W. i 80
Martin G. Shellhouse, N. i, N. E. i 81.99
D. G. Jones and E. S. Sibley, E. i, S. W. i, and W. i,
S. E. i 160
W. H. Patchen and S. Hale, S. part N. E. J 80
H. C. Fuller, N. E. i, S. E. i 40
Cornelius Masten, S. E.i, S. E. i 40
Section 5.
Acres.
Abel Olds, E. i, S. E. J 80
James L. Benson, S. E. i, N. E. i 40
Alexander Sprague, W. i, S. W. i 80
Don C. Hewitt, N. part N. E. i, and S. W. i, N. E. J,
and N. W. i, S. E. 1 100.86
Charles Hewitt, E. i, S. W. i 80
P. H. Howell, S. E. J, N. W. i 40
Rufus Beall, S. W. J, S. E. i 40
Tunis B. Van Brunt, N. part N. W. frl. J, and S. W.
J, and N. W. J 123.10
Section 6.
Thaddeus Wight, W. i S. W. i 81.60
James Bloss, S. i, S. B. i 80
Alex. D. Sprague, N. B. |, S. E. J 40
Alice Valentine, N. W. J, and N. part N. E. i 249.57
John Milliken, S. E. i, S. W frl. i 80
Jonathan Fellows, S. part N. E. frl. i 80
Benjamin S. Jones, N. W. J, S. E. J, and N. E. i,
S. W. i 80
Section 7.
Thaddeus Wight, E. i, N. W. i 80
Stephen Hickox, N. W. i, N. E. i 40
Timothy Eddy, W. Pt., N. W. i 81.24
Luther Nesbitt, E. i, N. E. i 80
Solomon Wells, S. W. J, N. E. J 40
T. Ross, W. i, S. E. J, and N. E. |, S. W. J 120
W. B. Coryell, W. frl. i, S. W. i 81.20
W. C. Chipman, S. E. i, S. W. i 40
David Foot, E. i, S. E. i 80
Section 8.
Rufus Beall, E. h, N. E. i 80
Luther Nesbitt, W. i, N. W. i 80
Nathan Mount, W. i, N. E. i 80
William Brown, S. E. i 160
Charles M. Giddings, E. i, N. W. i 80
John Bunting, S. W. i 160
Section 9.
James Olds, W. i, N. W. i 80
D. G. Jones and E. S. Sibley, W. i, N. E. i, and W. i,
S. E. i 160
Abel Olds, N. W. i, N. W. J 40
Henry Smith, E. i, N. E. i 80
William Fowler, E. i, S. E. i 80
John P. Cook, S. W. i, N. W. | 40
Abraham De Mott, S. W, J 160
Section 10.
William Fowler, Jr., W. h N. W. i 80
William Fowler, W. i, S. W. i 80
Cornelius Mastin, N. E. J, N. W. J, and N. W. i, N.
Tjl 1 CQ
AveryM. KimQl's'.i*, S.e!1V.1 80
James A. Forrell, E. i, N. E. i 80
James B. Murray, E. i, S. W. k, and N. i, S. E. J,
and S. E. J, N. W. i, and S. W. |, N. E. J 240
Section 11.
Enos Goodman, N. E. J, and E. i, N. W. J 240
James A. Forrell, W. h, N. W. i 80
Purvis Ganoung, E. i, S. W. i, and N. W. i, S. E. J. 120
Simon Jacobus, E. h S. E. i, and S. W. i, S. E. i.... 120
Silas C. French, W. i, S. W. i 80
Section 12.
Hugh Wedge, S. W. i, S. W. J 40
Sirrell C. Le Baron, W. h S. E. J, and S. W. i, N. E.
i, and S. E. h N. W. i 160
Peter Zirkham, E. i, S. E. J, and E. i, N. E. J, and
E. i, S. W. i, and W. i, N. W. i, and N. E. i, N.
W. i, and N. W. 1, N. W. J, and N. W. J, S. W. i 440
Section 13.
William E. Peters, N. W. i, N. W. J 40
Erastus Gay, N. E. 1 160
Uriah B. Couch, E. i, S. E. J. 80
Stephen Warren, S. W. J, N. W. i 40
David Cole, S. W. |, and W. i, S. E. J 240
Center Lamb, E. i, N. W. J 80
Section 14.
Nicholas Schmitt, E h N. E. i 80
Benjamin Tindall, S. i, N. W. i 80
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
121
Acr^.
Nathan Monroe, S. E. i and W. i, N. B. i, and N. i,
N. W. i 320
John Goforth, S. W. i 160
Section 15.
James Olds, N. W. i, N. E. i and N. E. i, N. W. i... 80
H. J. Olds, N. E. h N. E. f 40
E. A. Wright, S. W. i and S. i, N. E. i and S. h N.
W. i 320
John Hall, S. E, | 160
James Olds and Elias D. Dilla, N. W. i, N. W. i 40
Section 17.
John Hepburn, S. E. i 160
Jacob Benedict, K. W. i, N. W. i 40
David H. Sayles, N. E. i, N. W. i 40
Sybrant Vannest, W. i, S. W. i 80
E. Patch, N. W. i, N. E. i 40
Jacob Clark, E. i, N. E. i 80
John Morgan, S. W. |, N. E. i 40
Peter M. (lanyard, S. W. i and S. i, N. W. i 160
Section 18.
John M. Warren, N. W. i, S. W. J 40
Christian M.Weils, N. W. frl. i 161.04
David Foot, N. E. i 160
Sanford L. Collins, E. part S. W. frl. i and W. part
S. E. i 160
Sybrant Vannest, E. i, S. E. i 80
Many of the persons named in this list were non-resi-
dents, and much of the land thus entered was not occupied
by actual settlers for several years. Very many of the set-
tlers of this township and the county, as well as of the
whole Western region, were virtually squatters, acquiring
titles to their lands some time after locating upon them.
But woe to any luckless speculator who should attempt to
take their homes from them, especially after they had begun
to improve. The eye of the pioneer was true and his nerve
steady, and a rifle-ball awaited but the summons to speed
on a swift mission of death should the hand that held the
gun belong to a wronged settler. They were not a murder-
ous race, and have made prominent and respectable citizens,
but their rights they were bound to maintain at whatever
cost, and not be cheated of the homes they had come so far
and braved so many perils to secure.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The neighbors of the avant couriers of civilization in
this region were the dusky savages who roamed over its
prairies and " openings," and among its forests, or fished
and sported in the waters of its many streams and beautiful
lakes and ponds. Many times grave fears were entertained
of trouble with the Indians, but they were always unfounded,
except during the days of the famous " Black Hawk war."
Strong friendships sprang up, however, between the two
races ere long, and when in 1840 the chief Baw Beese and
his band were removed, more than one regretful tear was
let fall by the new occupants of the soil. The Indian
names of many localities have been carefully preserved, and
instead of the vulgar and expressionless appellations given
so often by the whites, the musical language of the red race
has furnished those more beautiful and appropriate. Traces
of Indian occupation are still seen in the remains of various
burial-mounds, although most of them have been leveled
by the ruthless hand of the invader. Relics of the dusky
race are found in the shape of arrow-heads, beads, hatchets,
etc., some probably far antedating the people which resided
here at the advent of the whites.
16
The person who made himself famous by becoming the
first settler of the township of Fayette was Benaiah Jones,
Jr., who came in 1828. The following extract is from a
paper read a few years since by F. A. Dewey, descriptive
of the township of Cambridge, Lenawee Co. :
*^ In the month of June, 1828, about the third wagon
that ever passed over the line of the Chicago Military Road
was the team and family of Mr. Jones. In looking for a
Western home, they had come as far as Wolf Lake,* where
they encamped overnight. They were delighted with the
beautiful waters of the lake and the rich, alluvial soil, also
the scenery. They unloaded the wagon, erected their tent^
and left the horses to roam around and rest. Here, as is
said by some, they intended to make a farm,-j- with a pleas-
ant home, twelve miles from the nearest house. During
the second day a large company of Indians encamped on
the opposite side of the lake, and two of them rode around
on ponies to where Mr. Jones was. They did not like, as
they seemed to act, these white intruders, and showed some
warlike demonstrations. Mrs. Jones was somewhat fright-
ened ; their wagon was again loaded, their tent was done
up, and they left the admired lakes, also the Indian war-
path. He afterwards erected his home on the banks of
the St. Joseph River. Thus this township (Cambridge)
lost the first white inhabitant, and the western river gained
the first white citizen, or improvement, between Allen's
Prairie and Tecumseh, viz., the now flourishing village of
Jonesville."
Arriving in Hillsdale County, Mr. Jones and his family
continued as far as Allen's Prairie, in what is now Allen
township. There they stayed from June till October, living
in a part of Mr. Allen's corn barn, — the latter gentleman
being the first settler in the county. Mr. Jones arrived in
Hillsdale County June 1, 1828, for the first time. While
his family lived on Allen's Prairie, he and his oldest son
built a log house on the place he had selected on the St.
Joseph, the building standing on the west side of the river.
This site was a portion of section 4, town 6 south, range
3 west, and includes the original plat of Jonesville, as laid
out and conveyed by Mr. Jones in August, 1830.
While the family remained on Allen's Prairie, their sixth
son, Cordas M. Jones, was born, in the corn barn of Mr.
Allen, in August, 1828. He was the first white child
born in the county of Hillsdale. A seventh son, James
D. Jones, born in June, 1830, at Jonesville, was the first
white native of that village, and was also the first who
died and was buried there, his death occurring in Septem-
ber, 1831.
One of the first white female children born in the town-
ship was Mr. Jones' daughter Lois, whose birth occurred
Nov. 10, 1832. She is still residing in Jonesville, the wife
of H. 0. Clark.J
Mr. Jones left his home in Ohio, in April, 1828. His
brother, Edmund Jones, came to the township in the spring
* Cambridge Township, Lenawee County.
f Mr. Jones' daughter, Mrs. H. 0. Clark, of Jonesville, thinks this
is a mistake.
% Thaddeus Wight's daughter Rosamond, now Mrs. Jesse Pomeroy,
of Allen, whose birth occurred here, Nov. 6, 1830, was, undoubtedly,
the first white female child born in the county. — Histobian.
122
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of 1 829, and located 80 acres, also on section 4. The land
was not in market until that spring, and the two brothers
purchased what they had previously selected as soon as it
was offered for sale. Benaiah Jones finally removed to
Texas, and during the war of the Rebellion was killed by a
gang of Confederate bushwhackers, on account of his pro-
fessed Union sentiments. Edmund Jones died in Illinois,
to which State he had removed.
James Olds, whose wife was Mr. Jones' sister, came from
the vicinity of Cleveland, 0., and reached Jonesville, with
his family, on the 13th day of October, 1830, and at first
located on a farm which included the southwestern portion
of the present village. He was afterwards elected the first
register of deeds for Hillsdale County. His son, Harley J.
Olds, now of Jonesville, was but a boy when his father re-
moved here, and was afterwards for some years a resident of
Scipio township.
John Whitten, Sr., a native of Lanark, Scotland, and
later a resident of Canada, then of Oneida Co., N. Y.,
came from Whitestown, in the latter county, in 1838, and
located on a farm in Fayette, a mile east of the village of
Jonesville. He died Dec. 29, 1876.
The first settler on the Chicago road between Jonesville
and Allen was Thaddeus Wight, who located two miles
west of Jonesville soon after Benaiah Jones had taken up
bis abode at the latter place. His daughter, now Mrs.
Southworth, is at present a resident of Allen township.*
Among the early settlers of Fayette and the village of
Jonesville were the following persons, viz. : Albert Burgess,
John M. Warren, Elias G. Dilla, Furman Hough (or
Huff), Ransom Gardner, Nathaniel Lockwood, John Go-
forth, Adam Howder, Moses Willett, C. E. Attwater, Wil-
liam Bacon, Jesse Bacon, Daniel Aikens, Ambrose I.
Nicholson, Gaylon Dowd, Z. M. P. Spaulding, Samuel Gil-
more, Henry Clark, John Lytic, Jacob Benedict, Gustavus
Stevens, Hezekiah Griswold, Simon Jacobus, Dan B. Put-
nam, Garry Searles, Orson Bacon, Charles Scott, Horatio
N. Bates, Pardon Aldrich, Jacob Clark, John McDermid.
Others, belonging more properly to Jonesville, will be men-
tioned in the history of that village.
The entire territory constituting what is now Hillsdale
County was for near six years known as the township of
Vance. In 1835 it was divided by ranges into four sepa-
rate townships, range 3 receiving the name of Fayette^ as
already mentioned. Previous to the division, on the 13th
of December, 1834, an election was held for Vance, the
minutes of which are as follows, transcribed from the first
book of records for this township :
" At a legal and special meeting of the inhabitants of the
township of Vance, on the 13th day of December, a.d.
1834, at the house of James D. Vanhoevenbergh, Henry
Stevens, Moderator ; Lewis T. Miller, Supervisor ; John
Taylor, Justice of Peace, forming the township board, James
Olds chosen Township Clerk, pro tern.
" Board duly sworn.
" James Winter and Timothy Gay were chosen Commis-
sioners of Highways.
" Att. : Charles Geegory, Town Clerk''
* See article by Mrs. Southworth, in this chapter; also, see history
of Allen township.
At a subsequent meeting the
FIRST TOWN-MEETING
in the township of Fayette is recorded in the following man-
ner, to wit :
*' At a township-meeting held by the electors of the town
of Fayette, Hillsdale County, Michigan Territory, at the
house of James D. Vanhoevenbergh, on the 6th day of
April, in the year of our Lord 1835, James Olds was
elected Moderator, and John P. Cook, Clerk, pro fern. The
Board being organized according to law, the following offi-
cers were chosen or elected : Brooks Bowman, Supervisor ;
Charles Gregory, Township Clerk ; Hezekiah Morris, Daniel
Nichols, Assessors ; James Olds, James Winter, Collec-
tor ; Jam^s D. Vanhoevenbergh, Thaddeus Wight, Truman
Cowles, Commissioners of Highways ; James Olds, Joshua
Champlin, Directors of the Poor ; Edmund Jones, James
Winter, Constables ; Silas Benson, Charles Gregory, Chaun-
cey W. Ferris, Commissioners of Schools ; Brooks Bow-
man, John P. Cook, Charles Gregory, Chauncey W. Ferris,
Elisha P. Champlin, School Inspectors ; Elisha P. Champ-
lin, Road Master District No. 1 ; Silas Benson, District No.
2 ; James Winter, District No. 3 ; James D. Vanhoeven-
bergh, James Olds, Fence-Viewers ; Edmund Jones, Pound-
Master.
^' Meeting adjourned to the next annual meeting, to be
held at the house of James D. Vanhoevenbergh, in Jones-
ville.
" John P. Cook, Clerk pro tern.
" Att. : Charles Gregory, Town Clerk,''''
At an election held at the same place two days previously
(April 4, 1835), to choose a delegate to the convention for
forming a State constitution, the following vote was cast :
Lewis T. Miller, 33 ; Silas A. Holbrook, 18.
The first general election in this township was held at the
house of Henry Packer, Oct. 5 and 6, 1835, and the fol-
lowing vote was cast :
Stevens T. Mason, for Governor 47
Edward Mundj, for Lieutenant-Governor. 47
Isaac E. Crary, for member of Congress 47
John S. Barry, for Senator 46
Horace H. Comstoek, for Senator 46
Calvin Brittain, for Senator 46
Lewis T. Miller, for Representative 36
Henry Stevens, for Representative 9
In favor of accepting Constitution 47
Against 0
At a meeting held at the house of James Olds, in the
then township of Vance, licenses to keep taverns were
granted to Lyman Blackmar, Pearsons Anson, H. J. Olds,
James D. Vanhoevenbergh, Thomas G. Reed, Thomas
Gambol, and Elias Branch ; also a permit to Chauncey W.
Ferris and John P. Cook, to retail ardent spirits at their
store. Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1836, licenses were granted to
Rockwell Manning, William Porter, and Daniel Fish to
keep taverns.
The following " estray notice" appears in the records,
dated Dec. 3, 1835 : " I have now in my possession a stray
colt ; said colt is of a roan color, and as near as can be as-
certained of the age of three years. Said colt is now at
the stable of the subscriber, at the hotel in the village of
Jonesville, where the subscriber resides.
" R. Manning."
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
123
Certain " marks" were adopted by owners of all kinds
of stock, by which to distinguish their animals, which were
allowed to run at large. Among them were the following :
April 16, 1835. — William Wedge's mark for all kinds
of cattle and swine — " a square crop oiF the right ear, and
a half moon under the left, close to the head."
Nov. 12, 1835. — Benaiah Jones' mark — "a square crop
off the right ear ; left ear, swallow's fork or tail."
July 21, 1836. — Rockwell Manning's mark — ''a square
crop off left ear ; slit in the right ear."
Aug. 16, 1836. — James Bloss' mark — ^'square crop off
right ear ; half crop off left ear on under side."
Aug. 23, 1836. — Samuel Bon's mark — " square crop off
left ear ; half crop off under side right ear."
Aug. 25, 1836. — Henry Packer's mark — " slit in right
ear and hole in left."
Aug. 25, 1836. — Charles Gregory's mark — "slit in both
right and left ears."
The records of this township are missing from 1841 to
1861, inclusive, and have probably been destroyed by fire
or otherwise ; consequently it is impossible to give a list of
township officers for the space included between those dates.
With that exception, the following is a list of the principal
officers from 1836 to 1878 :
1836. Elias G. Dilla.
1837. Chauncey W. Ferris.
1838. Daniel C. Stillwell.
1839-40. Elias G. Dilla.
1862-64. Stephen Levens.
SUPERVISORS.
1865-1873. Henry HufF.
1874. W. J. Baxter.
1875. George C. Munro.
1876. W. J. Baxter.
1877. James H. Gay.
TOWN CLERKS.
1836.
Charles Gregory.
1862-
-63. Steve Gregory.
1837.
Sanford R. Smith.
1864-
-65. Joseph Clark.
1838.
Clinton E. Attwater.
1866-
-1873. A. E. Babcock.
1839.
Isaac B. Taylor.
1874.
William M. Ransom.
1840.
Richard Nimocks.
1875-
-77. Ira R. Bentz.
JUSTICES OF
THE PEACE.
1836.
George C. Gibbs.
1864.
H. M. Thorp.
Alexander D. Sprague.
1865.
John T. Blois.
Henry Packer.
1866.
Thomas R. Fowler.
William Bacon.
1867.
L. L. Tucker.
1837.
James Olds.
1868.
H. M. Thorp.
William N. Guy.
1869.
John T. Blois.
1838.
William T. Howell.
Hiram W. Tuller.
James Clark.
1870.
Hiram W. Tuller.
1839.
Henry Packer.
George C. Munro.
1840.
John T. Blois.
1871.
L. L. Tucker.
William T. Howell.
1872.
Andrew J. Tiffany.
1862.
Chauncey J. Chaddock.
1873.
John T. Blois.
Jesse Button.
A. J. Tiffany.
1863.
Daniel Beebe.
1874.
George C. Munro.
George C. Munro (elected
1875.
L. L. Tucker.
at special meeting to fill
1876.
A. J. Tiffany.
vacancy).
1877.
John T. Blois.
ASSES
SORS.
1836.
James Olds.
1838.
John Gilmore.
Thaddeus Wight.
Hiram V. Weaver.
Sebastian Adams.
1839.
William N. Guy.
1837.
Henry Packer.
William Fowler.
William N. Guy.
Henry Packer.
John P. Cook.
1840.
E. G. Dilla.
1838.
W. N. Guy.
Hawley King.
Henry Packer.
John B. Tabor (supervisor
James Olds.
is now assessor).
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS.
1836.
Benjamin S. Jones.
1864.
John T. Blois.
Artemedorus Tuller.
1865.
George Middleton.
Hiram V. Weaver.
1866.
D. S. Waldo.
1837.
Samuel Gilmore.
Elias P. Janes.
Hiram V. Weav^er.
1867.
Ephraim Barkman.
Lewis W. Wright.
1868.
Barton Tiffany.
James Olds.*
E. P. Janes.
1838.
H. V. Weaver.
1869.
Daniel S. Waldo.
Jacob Benedict.
1870.
B. Tiffany.
Henry Packer.
Henry Packer.
1839.
Henry Huff.
1871.
Erastus T. Dunham.
James B. Hampton.
1872.
Lewis B. Allen.
Cornelius Traverse.
1873.
Barton Tiffany.
1840.
Cornelius L. Travis.
1874.
E. T. Dunham.
Henry Packer.
1875.
James Wheeler.
William Bacon.
1876.
B. Tiffany.
1862.
John Whitton.
1877.
Horace M. Ward.
1863.
Abram Cozens.
COLLECTORS.
1836.
Edmund Jones.
183Q.
Luther L. Tucker.
1837-
-38. Jesse Carr.
1840.
Alfred Hopkins.
TREASURERS.
1839. Henry A. Delavan.f
1840. Sanford R. Smith.
1862. Alpheus W. Smith.
1863-64. Lewis Wales.
1865. Alpheus W. Smith.
1866-67. James F. Burnett.
1868-69. James I. Dennis.
1870-71. William M. Ransom.
1872-73. Roswell G. Spaulding
1874. Levi H. Corson.
1875-76. James H. Gay.
1877. Fred. W. Howard.
The officers for 1878 are the following persons, viz. :
Supervisor, Jesse C. Smith ; Township Clerk, James I.
Dennis ; Treasurer, Thomas Freeman ; Justice of the Peace,
S. Gregory ; Highway Commissioner, C. V. Burnett ; Su-
perintendent of Schools, William H. Herrick ; Inspector
of Schools, Albert A. Packer; Drain Commissioner, Abel
Chilson ; Constables, W. M. Robison, E. S. Whedon, D.
McKinney, L. F. Webster.
In 1836 it was "Voted, That the bounty for catching
and killing wolves in this town shall not exceed $2 per
scalp, and that if more than 12 scalps should be taken as
aforesaid the sum of $24, voted to be raised in this town,
shall be divided by the number of scalps thus taken, and
the amount of the quotient be given out for each scalp
taken." In 1837 a bounty of |3 was given for every
wolf killed in the township.
On the 1st of January, 1839, tavern licenses were
granted to Nicholas Yan Alstine and James B. Hampton.
The first recorded highway in the township of Fayette
was laid out May 11, 1835, surveyed by C. W. Ferris,
" Commencing on the section line twenty chains east of the
northwest corner of section No. 8, Town No. 5, south, of
Range No. 3, west, and running south 13°, east one |^|^f
miles ; thence south 4°, east one |f|^ miles, intersecting the
road leading from Calhoun County to Jonesville."J
The township was divided in 1 835 into five school dis-
tricts, each including territory as follows :
District No. 1.— In T. 5 S., R. 3 W., sections 19, 20,
21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34; and in T. 6 S., R.
3 W., sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
* Elected at special meeting,
f Wm. Bacon subsequently chosen in his place.
J This road was in what is now Seipio township, then a part of
Fayette.
124
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
DistHct No. 2.— T^ 5 S., R. 3 W., sections 23, 24, 25,
26, 35, 36 ; and in £ 6 S., K 3 W., sections 1, 2, 11, 12,
13, and 14. Districts 1 and 2 were formed April 27,
1835.
District No, 3.— T. 6 S., R. 3 W., sections 6 and 7, and
7, and west half sections 5 and 8 ; formed October 31, 1835.
District No, 4.— T. 5 S., R. 3 W., sections 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and 30 ; formed December
10, 1835.
District No, 5.— T. 5 S., R. 3 W., sections 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 16, 17, and 18; date of formation not given. The
earl^ schools of the township were taught in the village of
Jonesville, and a history of them, with a list of teachers,
will be found by referring to the article relating to that
place.
THE FAYETTE CHEESE-FACTORY,
located two miles south of Jonesville, was established by a
stock company in 1870. Cheese-making was begun on the
28th of June following, under the management of Miss
Ella Day, a lady of experience in that line, from Medina
Co., Ohio. The first board of directors consisted of John
Corey, F. M. Holloway, W. A. Barber, L. L. Tucker, and
G. W. Woodruff, of Fayette, and Ransom Gardner, of
Kalamazoo, with Mr. Corey as President, Mr. Holloway,
Secretary and Business Manager, and Mr. Barber, Treas-
urer.
FAYETTE CEMETERY.*
When Benaiah Jones, Jr., laid out the village of Jones-
ville, he selected a site for a burying-ground on the north
half of the northeast quarter of section 4, and on the north
side of the Chicago road, where John T. Blois in later years
owned a nursery. The site was afterwards changed to the
hill in the southern part of the village, west of the centre
of the section, on land owned by Jedediah H. Dorwin.f
In this a few persons were buried, but the ground proved
too stony for cemetery purposes, and it became necessary
to look up still another site. A subscription was started,
and two acres purchased in the northeast corner of section
4, being 16 rods east and west by 20 north and south. A
deed for the same was executed by John Lytle and wife to
the township of Fayette, Feb. 8, 1839, the ground to be
used for burial purposes only. It had been in use a short
time before the deed was given. The first person buried
at the place was a son of Benaiah Jones, who died in the
fall of 1831, as mentioned. The remains of those buried
in the two places were removed to the new cemetery, which
was bought and paid for by subscription in different sums
by the settlers residing in and near the village. It was used
as a free burial-ground by the citizens, and the consequence
was some trouble in future years. An addition of 2 acres
on the south and west was purchased of Jonathan B. Gra-
ham and wife, March 11, 1853. A second addition of 5
acres, irregular in shape, and extending to the Chicago road,
was purchased in 1867, making the entire amount now in
use 9 acres. The cemetery in its present condition is tastily
laid out with walks and drives, finely shaded, and is an ap-
* Items principally derived front an article published by John T.
Blois, Esq., in Jonesville Indtpendent, Aug. 24, 1867.
fit is possible that the latter-mention^ ground was the first one
used.
propriate and beautiful resting-place for the remains of the
pioneers and their descendants whose spirits have flown
"To that far belter land of glory and light.'*
It is at present in charge of the township board of health,
which is composed of the supervisor, town clerk, and the
two senior justices of the peace.
VILLAGE OF JONESVILLE.
The village of Jonesville is the home of many of the
prominent men of Hillsdale County. It is the oldest vil-
lage in the county; was from Feb. 18, 1831, to Jan. 30,
1843, its seat of justice, and long the most important place,
ranking high among the early settlements of the State.
Hillsdale, being nearer the centre of the county, finally
became the county-seat, and has since reached the position
of greatest importance. However, around Jonesville and
vicinity still clings the memory of olden times, and its citi-
zens take a just pride in its varied beauties and its associ-
ations of the past.
A list of the early settlers of this village includes many
men of excellent character and great capabilities, and among
the public officers of the State and country will be found
names of those who took up their abode here in the pio-
neer days, and have since won honor and fame and a na-
tional reputation.
The first white woman who located at Jonesville was
Benaiah Jones' wife, Mrs. Lois Jones, who was only pre-
ceded in the county by one other, — the wife of Moses Allen,
of Allen Prairie. Mrs. Jones was a native of Peru, Berk-
shire Co., Mass., where she was born in 1790. In 1812
she came with her ftither's family to Painesville, Ohio, and
was there soon afterwards married to Mr. Jones, with whom,
in the summer of 1 828, she came to a new home beside the
waters of the St. Joseph, where she died March 18, 1875,
in her eighty-fifth year.
When Mr. Jones settled here he built a log house on
the west side of the river, in which he kept the first tavern
in the village. When James Olds came in 1830, Mr.
Jones sold this building to him, and the following year
(1831) built the " block " portion of the '' Fayette House,"
adding the frame part to it in 1832. This structure stood
on the northwest corner of Chicago and Water (or West)
Streets, where now is the meat-market and agricultural
implement store. Mr. Jones was also proprietor of a stage-
line running over the Detroit and Chicago route, probably
between Tecumseh and Coldwater.
Hon. Jonathan B. Graham, now of Jonesville, and orig-
inally from Hartford, Conn., visited this county in 1836,
and in October, 1837, arrived here with his wife, having
come from Connecticut in a carriage the entire distance,
except from Cleveland to Toledo ; arriving at the former
place, they shipped their horse and buggy, and engaged
passage for themselves on a steamer, and came as far as
Toledo, in order to avoid the "black swamp," which they
had heard was then in a terrible condition. The remaining
distance, from Toledo to Jonesville, was traversed in the
buggy. Mr. Graham located in the township of Scipio,
and lived there until 1849, when he removed to Jonesville,
where he has since resided. The first Connecticut clocks
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
125
ever brouglit into Hillsdale County came with Mr. Graham's
household goods. In 1849 he bought two large farms in
the vicinity of Jonesville, and in 1851 built his present resi-
dence on the smaller one. During the great panic of
1837-38 Mr. Graham lost most of his funds through the
worthlessness of the famous "wild-cat" money, but finally
recovered his balance and became again prosperous. In
1845 he was elected to the Legislature, and in 1850 was
chosen a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He
has been prominently connected with the manufacturing
interests of the place, the Jonesville Woolen-Mills having
been built under his direction, and is at present enjoying
the benefits of a life well spent.
Hon. Ebenezer 0. Grosvenor, now of Jonesville, came to
Michigan in 1837, when but seventeen years of age, and
located at Albion, Calhoun Co., where he was employed in
the store of an older brother. In 1839 he removed to
Monroe, and in 1840 to Jonesville, in which latter place he
was employed for four years as clerk in the dry-goods store of
H. A. Delavan. In April, 1844, he became a partner with
R. S. Varnum ; having in February of the same year married
a daughter of Hon. Elisha P. Champlin, one of the first
settlers of Lenawee County, In 1847, Mr. Champlin pur-
chased Mr. Yarnum's interest, and entered into partner-
ship with his son-in-law. From 1857 to 1864 Mr. Gros-
venor conducted the business alone. In 1875 the firm-
name was changed to Sibbald, Spaulding & Co., Mr. Gros-
venor remaining a partner. In April, 1854, he established
the banking firm of Grosvenor & Co., which has been con-
tinued to the present time, with Mr. Grosvenor as manager
and principal owner. Early during his residence here he
was chosen to all the principal ofiices in the township, and
in 1858 was elected State Senator. In April, 1861, he
was commissioned colonel on the staff of Governor Blair, and
became president of the Military Contract Board, to which
he was appointed. Was elected to the State Senate again in
1862, and Lieutenant-Governor in 1864, on the same ticket
with Governor Crapo. By virtue of this office he was
president of the State Board of Equalization in 1866,
during which year he was elected State Treasurer, holding
that office until 1871. Numerous other prominent positions
have fallen to his lot ; he was the first treasurer of the
Jonesville Cotton Manufacturing Company, and was in-
strumental in directing the route of the Fort Wayne,
Jackson and Saginaw Railway, with which company he is
prominently connected.*
Elisha P. Champlin came to Michigan in 1824, and lo-
cated at Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., where he stayed two years,
returning thence to New York. About 1830 he again
came to Tecumseh, and in 1834 sold his property at that
place and removed to Jonesville, where he engaged in the
mercantile business with George C. Munro, building a block
of stores on the northeast corner of West and Chicago
Streets. He remained in business until 1851, when ill
health obliged him to retire. He owned a farm adjoining
the village on the east. Between the date of his settlement
here and 1840 he was twice elected to the House of Rep-
resentatives, and in the latter year to the Senate of the
^ Principally from Representative Men of Michigan.
State. From 1840 until 1844 he was the postmaster at
Jonesville. When he came here he Vas interested in the
mill property, probably disposing of his right in it to Hon.
Levi Baxter, who, in company with Cook Sisson, erected
the mill the same year (1834). Mr. Champlin died in
1855 ; his widow, now seventy-eight years of age, resides
in Jonesville with her son-in-law, Hon. E. 0. Grosvenor,
whose wife is her oldest daughter.
The following article, from the pen of Mrs. Roscius
Southworth, daughter of Thaddeus Wight, is copied from
the records of the Hillsdale County Pioneer Society .f Her
husband was from Windham Co., Conn., and was an early
settler in Litchfield township, in January, 1837, where
Mrs. S. now resides.
^^ I was born in November, 1819, in Hope, Montgomery
Co., N. Y. When about two years old my father, Thaddeus
Wight, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Euclid, Geauga
Co. Here passed eight years, the happiest of my child-
hood ; with a kind father and the best of mothers, home was
bright and cheerful for the little ones composing our group.
Then a dark cloud of adversity settled over home. Father
had signed with other men, and to pay the notes, as he had
to do, took his farm, after which he packed up his household
goods and shipped them to the mouth of the St. Joseph ;
put a bed, cooking utensils, his wife, and seven children in
wagon, which was drawn by two yoke of oxen, and started
by land for Michigan, my oldest brother, Washburn, then
thirteen years old, driving four cows and some young cattle.
Thus we started for St. Jo , — the land that flowed with milk
and honey. In going down a steep hill my little brother,
William, six years old, fell from the wagon, and both wheels
ran over him. We took him up for dead ; upon examina-
tion we found his shoulder badly broken. Laid by a week
at the first house, where, fortunately, lived a physician, who
set the broken limb and kindly cared for him. He helped
fix a swing bed in the wagon, and we started again. On
arriving at the * cottonwood swamp,' a settler persuaded
father to go through, as it would save many miles of travel.
So two men volunteered to go with oxen, axes, and guns to
pilot and help us through, as no wagon had as yet ventured.
Well do I remember the water and mud into which the
wagon plunged every few steps. The dark, gloomy woods
were to us children a constant source of terror, and when
sister Alvira got lost we were all dismayed ; but stopping
the team the men and dogs returned the lost child in about
two hours. At night our tent was spread, four large fires
built to keep the wolves at bay ; father with his gun, on
one side, and the men with theirs on the other, quieted our
fears. It was the first howling of wolves we had heard.
" In the morning my brother, myself, and two older sisters
started ahead with the cattle, the marked trees being our
guide, wading through water all day. Just at night we
reached a tavern on this side the swamp, which we hailed
with great joy. Here, too, we found friends among stran-
gers. After washing, they furnished us with dry clothes,
and prepared supper for twelve. The wagon with mother
soon came up. Rested one day ; started again on our slow,
toilsome journey. When we left Tecumseh we left the road
f See ante.
126
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
too ; took the marked trees for a guide, and reached Jones-
Tille on the fourth week. Here father was obliged to stop,
having only 12 shillings left, with eight children depend-
ent on him for every comfort of life, and nothing but
his hands to do with. He finally squatted upon the place
now owned by Isaac Graige. On this was a cabin 12 feet
square, built by trappers the fall before.* Into this he put
his family and went to plowing for crops, it being the last
of April, 1830. Mother soon saw it was impossible to live
in this '• pen,' as she called it, and knowing father had no
time to build one, commenced herself: with the help of my-
self and an older sister she had the logs all cut and ready
by the time his crops were in. As we had never used an
axe, you can judge how they must have looked ; but they
were long enough, so father and uncle Stephen Hickox,
who had come to ^ look' land, with the help of us children
raised it. Father sawed off the ends of the logs, save one,
which he preserved as a memento and curiosity ; the top of
this he flattened, and it served as a wash-stand. Previous
to raising the house, father went for the goods which had
been sent by water. There was no road — only an Indian
trail — and no bridges over streams. His feet became sore
with walking, and for the last three days he had to be
helped on and off his wagon. Mother had waited long and
patiently for these goods, to make her children comfortable
for the coming winter. The boxes were opened — when,
alas ! everything was mildewed and spoiled. Nothing of
all these precious things she so much needed was left except
a large box of dishes. The boat had been wrecked, the
goods wet, and laid in that condition three months. Now
dishes were plenty, but food often scarce, especially when
father would be detained at Tecumseh in getting grinding
done. At such times mother would send me and my
brother five miles to the prairie with a small bag of corn,
to pound in a stump dug out and fitted for the purpose.
The pestle was like a well-sweep. We would mount the
stump, and with our combined strength pound out the little
grist and hasten home before sundown, for then the wolves
began to howl. We would often meet or see them on our
way, and always carried a club to defend ourselves with.
Many times the first season we should have suffered for
food had it not been for the Indians coming in with venison
or turkey. Once mother bought, as she supposed, a turkey,
and cheered us up with the promise of a pot-pie for supper.
As it was placed on the table father came in, and pro-
nounced it a crane 1 Mother's appetite vanished, and we
lost our pie.
" We learned to appreciate the Indians, especially Baw
Beese, — that noble old chief Shall ever remember his
kindness to us. He knew mother was afraid of them, and
he tried to make her understand that he was a friend and
would keep the rest back from the door until she gave her
consent for them to come in. We soon learned to trust
him, and always found him truthful and honest.
" In September or October,f Mr. James Olds came in,
giving us two neighbors. About this time the Stoux\ came
here, 600 strong, on their way to Canada for presents, old
Black Hawk with his six sons sleeping in the house, much
* Fall of 1829. f October 13, 1830. % Should be Sacs anci Foxes,
against our wishes. On their return they had many pres-
ents, and were highly painted with black stripes, — a token
of war. In the month of November following my youngest
sister was born. While mother was yet sick our cattle broke
out and strayed. On Tuesday morning father started with
his dog to find them. Noon, night, and next morning came,
but no father. News spread that he was lost. Even as far
. as White Pigeon men came, searched three days, and
gave up in despair. The morning he started he struck
their trail near Allen, going southwest ; followed all day,
crossing streams ; slept at night by side of a log, with wolves
howling and rain falling in torrents ; followed trail as best
he could next day, and found them just at night. From
one he milked his hat-crown full and drank it, and half full
again for his dog, — a very good relish after fasting two
days. Started to return with his cattle next morning;
drove all day and the next, coming each night to the place
of starting in the morning ; finally, about noon on Satur-
day, he heard the report of a gun. Soon it was followed
by another still nearer, and in a few moments ' Wagh, wagh !'
said an Indian just behind him. By signs he made him
understand that he was ' lost, — must go to Jones' wigwam.'
The Indian would take him there for his dog ; would not
do it for money, being ignorant of its value. The bargain
concluded, the Indian turned the cattle in a different direc-
tion, and after going about five miles came to Jones'.
Mother had given up all hope of seeing him again alive,
for it had been a cold, rainy week, and if he had escaped
the wolves must have perished with cold and hunger.
Pa-ma-saw took the dog on his pony and left us. This
same night my uncle, Stephen Hickox, came, being the
fourth family in Jonesville.
" Father sold his cattle to a man in Saline ; took his
money to pay for land, and found it all counterfeit. A
struggle ensued to get his cattle again. As he got money
the second time to start for the land-office, a certain man in-
formed him that the home he had started was his and he
should take possession in two weeks. In March, 1831, my
father and uncle bought their land two miles west of Jones-
ville, built houses and moved in, using blankets for doors
and windows until crops were put in. Wolves were very
troublesome here, attacking the swine in their pens. Our
house was completed as soon as possible, — 'shake' roof,
mudded sides, puncheon floor, and stone chimney. Despite
all drawbacks we were a happy family.
" News came that the Indians were coming east and kill-
ing the whites as they came. Mother became very timid.
Father said if the danger became great he would bury the
goods and go back to Detroit ; but the war ended and we
did not leave.
" In 1833 father built a barn, made many improvements,
and in August refused $3000 for his farm, when lo! Death
enters and takes from him his loving wife and our mother.
Our family circle was broken, one going here and another
there. I was about thirteen then. I clothed and educated
myself from that time. I taught the first school in Bass-
wood, the second in what was then called the Mickle neigh-
borhood. In 1840 was married, which event closed my
separate record.
" L. L. SOUTHWORTH."
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
127
John Sinclair, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, settled in
Jonesville in September, 1836. Until 1843 he followed
the business of cabinet-making, then for twenty yeara con-
ducted a farm ; was subsequently a merchant. The fol-
lowing article from his pen is recorded in the archives of
the Pioneer Society :
"Becoming a resident of Jonesville in 1836, I had an
opportunity of witnessing emigration as it poured into and
through our county, the Chicago turnpike being the only
thoroughfare at that time. Along this road came the emi-
gration that settled some of the counties of Northern In-
diana, turning southward at Allen's Prairie and other
points ; a line of wagons almost continuous passing through
the village daily. This was then the county-seat, — county
jail occupying the public square north side of Chicago
road. A grist-mill had been erected the year before
(1835'''). An Indian trail up the valley of the St.
Joseph, branching towards Baw Beese and Sand Lakes, was
the only road south to Jonesville. The first saw-mills were
built — one a mile and a half up-stream from Jonesville,
and run by the late Jaduthan Lockwood ; the other, still a
mile above, by James Olds and others.
" In the spring of 1837 flour sold at $9 per 100 pounds ;
oats as high as $2.50 ; corn was scarce, a frost the previous
summer, on August 27, killing most of it. Flour, pork,
butter, cheese, dried apples, in fact, most of the necessaries
of life, were imported from Ohio.
" In a few years improvements were so rapid, and no
outlet for surplus produce, wheat sold for 35 cents per
bushel ; pork and beef, $2 and $2.50 per hundred, in
goods or store pay — could not get salt for it ; oats, 10 cents,
and corn, 20 cents per bushel ; butter, if very good, brought
5 cents in 1843.
"The embryo city of Hillsdale was located near where
the county fair-grounds now are. A saw-mill had been
erected by Messrs. Cook & Ferris, and I remember of at-
tending a celebration of the glorious 4th of July up there
amongst the oak-grubs. The matter of the removal of the
county-seat from Jonesville to Hillsdale was before the
Legislature at Detroit. A committee from Jonesville
urged the unfitness of the location, it being, as they said,
in a swamp ; but they were met by our representative, B.
B. Willett, who arose in his place and said that Hillsdale
was not in a swamp at all, but situated in a beautiful oak-
grove, with a sand and gravel soil. At the next town-meet-
ing William T. Howell was elected Justice of the Peace to
mete justice to them.
" In 1840 the old Indian chief, Baw Beese, with the
remnant of his tribe, was called upon to depart and leave
their hunting-grounds and the graves of their fathers, and
take up their abode in a distant country. As they passed
through Jonesville, escorted by a few United States soldiers,
they looked sad and dejected. This was on a beautiful
Sabbath morning, and it was sad to reflect upon the neces-
sity of such a measure in the interests of civilization."
Hon. Henry Packer, now a resident of Jonesville, emi-
grated here from the State of Connecticut, arriving in May,
1835, and purchasing a farm on the Adrian road, a mile
* 1834, by Baxter & Sisson. — Historian.
east of the village. He returned to Connecticut, and the
following September brought his family back with him.
One Thomas French had built a log house on the place the
previous year. In the spring of 1840 Mr. Packer moved
into Litchfield, where he resided until the spring of 1864,
when he returned to Jonesville, and has since made it his
home. When he first came to this village the only frame
buildings in it were the stores of Charles Gregory and Cook
& Ferris, and the frame part of the " Fayette House."
Mr. Packer has held the principal oflfices in the gift of his
townsmen, — highway commissioner, justice of the peace,
and supervisor, — and in 1844 represented his district in
the State Legislature. He was afterward judge of the
Probate Court of Hillsdale County. While justice of the
peace, soon after his arrival here, he was called upon to
issue a warrant for a fugitive slave from Kentucky. When
the negro was brought into court and the case was about
to proceed, W. W. Murphy, then practicing law here, spoke
to Mr. Packer, and the latter decided that in order to re-
cover the negro his alleged owners must bring satisfactory
proof that Kentucky was a slave State. It was necessary
for the prosecution to go to Detroit to decide the matter,
and failing in finding sufficient evidence the man was dis-
charged ! A similar case was not long afterwards brought
up in Philadelphia, Pa., and the decision of Mr. Packer,
" of Jonesville, Mich.," was there cited, and the same de-
cision rendered in that instance also. It was a mere matter
of form, but it was enough to secure the negro's freedom,
to the undoubted chagrin of his owners.
In 1850, Mr. Packer and a few friends organized the
first agricultural society in the county, naming it the
" Hillsdale Agricultural Society." Mr. Packer was elected
President, and Isaiah McCollum, Secretary. This was the
starting-point of the present flourishing society, and the
organization had an existence of several years.
Judge Packer's father-in-law, Amaziah Wright, from
Colchester, Conn., settled in Jonesville in 1837. His
old log house was standing until within recent years, occu-
pying a position a short distance north of the present resi-
dence of the judge.
The first permanent merchants in Jonesville were Messrs.
Cook & FerriSjf who established themselves in business
here in 1834. Chauncey W. Ferris, of this firm, a native
of Cato, Cayuga Co., N. Y., settled in Jonesville in May,
1834. His partner, John P. Cook, removed to Hillsdale
in 1836, and, in company with Mr. Ferris, built a flouring-
mill in 1837. He became quite prominent in that place,
and was a large contractor during the construction of the
Michigan Southern Railway. He has also been largely
interested in banking, mercantile, and lumber business;
was the first treasurer of Hillsdale County ; postmaster of
Hillsdale in 1838, and has represented his district in the
Senate and House.
Following these gentlemen in the trade at Jonesville
were Messrs. Delavan & Attwater, and Charles Gregory, as
early as 1835-36.
Gen. George C. Munro came to Jonesville Aug. 20,
f See account of first mercantile establishment^ in this chapter, as
given by George C. Munro.
128
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
1834, from Elbridge, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and engaged
in trade with the Indians, which he continued until their
removal in 1840. Until 1862 he remained in the mercan-
tile business, and was also manager of a farm and a grist-
mill. Soon after his arrival here he was commissioned
colonel of militia, and afterwards brigadier-general, the title
still clinging to him. He had begun as fourth corporal
while living in the State of New York, and worked his
way upward through the various military grades. The
first and only military muster ever held at Jonesville was
about 1837-38, when the companies belonging to the
county assembled here, numbering some five or six hundred
men. Gen. Brown was here, and Mr. Munro had the
honor of forming the motley crowd in order to receive the
general and his staff, although he was then not connected
with the militia. Maj. Aiken and the other officers of the
" barefoot companies" were ignorant of all tactics, and but
for the aid of our well-trained New Yorker, the body would
have made a sorry show. Mr. Munro soon after this re-
ceived from Gen. Brown a colonel's commission, which was
in a short time followed by that of a brigadier-general.
Previous to the Rebellion, an independent company was
organized here, and in his honor named the " Munro
Guards." Many of them volunteered during the war.
Gen. Munro has always been prominent and active in
business, and has held numerous civil offices. Aided in
organizing the County and State Agricultural Societies;
also in forming the first union school in the State, the
building for the use of which he erected in 1847. This
was a brick structure, which occupied the site of the pres-
ent elegant building. He was eighteen years a member of
the School Board, and was the first president of the village
after its incorporation, in 1855.
D. A. Wisner, now of Jonesville, came with his brother,
Calvin Wisner, to Moscow township from Livingston Co.,
N. Y., and settled in 1836 about two miles south of the
present village of Moscow. In 1839, another brother,
Horace, settled in the same town. Calvin Wisner is since
deceased. D. A. Wisner moved out of Moscow and re-
sided one year at North Adams, coming from there to
Jonesville, at which latter place he has been engaged in
mercantile pursuits for 14 years. A fourth brother, A. R.
Wisner, is also in business in Jonesville, having located
here while the others were living on their farm in Moscow.
The father of these gentlemen, Daniel Wisner, removed
about 1821-22 from Cayuga Co., N. Y., to Livingston,
with probably four children. Some years after his sons
came to Moscow he followed them, and died in that town.
A man named Taylor, who came to this region in 1829,
lived a short distance southwest of the village of Jonesville,
near a large spring. William N. Guy and Maj. Daniel
Aiken occupied the place at different periods afterwards.
Aiken was previously a resident of Moscow.
When Benaiah Jones settled here he brought with him
a small iron mill, about two feet across, in which he ground
his grain until the Sibley grist-mill was built in 1831.
Aside from the " stump-mortar" in Allen, it was the first
mill for grinding in the county.
Allen Purdy, from Allegany Co., N. Y., came to Michi-
gan in April, 1835, and located in the township of Butler,
Branch Co. That winter the Indian chief, Baw Beese, with
a portion of his tribe, encamped within a quarter of a mile
of Mr. Purdy's cabin. The latter gentleman moved into
Litchfield about 1848, and to Jonesville in 1853, spending
the remainder of his days in this village. He was a very
strong man, physically, and his wonderful feats in lifting
and handling heavy articles were surprising. Some of the
family yet reside in Butler, and a daughter, now Mrs. A.
E. Babcock, has her home in Jonesville.
Hon. Levi Baxter, father of Hon. Witter J. Baxter and
Gen. Henry Baxter, was a native of East Windsor, Conn.,
and a sou of a captain in the Revolutionary army, also
named Levi Baxter. When he was a boy his father re-
moved to Delhi, Delaware Co., N. Y., and in 1803 to Sid-
ney Plains, in the same county, on the Susquehanna River.
Hon. Levi Baxter removed to Tecumseh, Lenawee Co.,
Mich., where he built the " Red Mills," famous in the early
history of this region, and to which customers came from
distances of 20, 40, and even 50 miles. While a resident
of Tecumseh, he was appointed by Gen. Cass, then Terri-
torial Governor, as chief-justice of the court for the county
of Lenawee. The mill erected at Jonesville, in 1834, by
Mr. Baxter and Cook Sisson, was the first one in this por-
tion of the State west of Tecumseh. In 1836, Mr. Baxter
removed to White Pigeon, and built extensive mills at that
place. In 1840, while building a large addition to his mill
at Jonesville, he had one of his limbs severely crushed and
broken by the fall of a heavy timber, and from that injury
he never fully recovered. In 1848 he removed again to
Jonesville, and was the same year nominated and elected
State Senator from his district, then including the counties
of Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, and Branch. Through Mr.
Baxter's efforts, the village of Jonesville was made a point
on the extended route of the Lake Shore and Michigan
Railway, that road having long terminated at Hillsdale.
He died in 1862.*
Gen. Henry Baxter, who died Dec. 30, 1873, was one
of the citizens of Jonesville who became prominent in the
history of the country, and was the third son of Judge
Levi Baxter. In 1849 he commanded a company of
emigrants from this vicinity, who crossed the plains to Cal-
ifornia. He returned after a few years, and in 1861 en-
listed, and was chosen captain of Company C, 7th Michigan
Infantry. For his bravery he was rapidly promoted until
he reached the rank of brevet major-general. He was several
times wounded while in the service, twice supposed fatally.
After the war he returned to Jonesville, and in 1866 was
elected register of deeds of Hillsdale County. In 1869 he
was appointed, by President Grant, United States Minister
resident at Honduras, holding that position until the Central
American republics were consolidated, when the office was
no longer necessary. He returned again to Jonesville, and
engaged in the lumber business, but died before he had
become fairly established, at the age of fifty-two years. He
was a general favorite with the citizens, and had the faculty
of making himself dear to all his acquaintances, either in
civil, military, or private life.f
* Notes from Representative Men of Michigan,
f Obituary in Jonesville Independent. For notice of Hon. W. J.
Baxter, see list of lawyers.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
129
Miles St. John, from Onondaga Co., N. Y. (a native of
Chenango County), came to Jonesville, in August, 1836,
then a young man of seventeen, and this place has been his
home ever since, although for twelve years he was most of
the time in Dubuque, Iowa. On his first arrival in Jones-
ville, he entered as clerk in the store of Monro & Gardner,
afterwards E, P. Champlin & Co., and others. Learned the
bookbinder's trade in Lansing, and at present owns an es-
tablishment for carrying on that business in the village.*
Gen. George C. Munro, previously mentioned, built the
first hrick house erected in the county of Hillsdale. The
bricks used in its construction were burned in the fall of
1840, by Hon. Lyman Blackmar, of Moscow, the clay
having been dug from his cellar. Mr. Munro purchased
the kiln and built his house, and in 1842 Mr. Blackmar
put up the second brick residence in the county, on his place
in Moscow. Mr. Munro's house was, at the time it was
built, the finest in the village.
Lewis Wales, from the town of Waddington, St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., settled in Jonesville in 1839, and was
prominently connected with the early history of the place.
Reuben M. Gridley came to Jonesville in 1838. He
was a printer by trade, having learned the business in Syra-
cuse, N. Y. He was, for a time, compositor on the Hillsdale
Gazette^ and afterwards, for three or four years, manager and
publisher of the Jonesville Telegraph. He died at the latter
village. May 7, 1876.
I. B. Taylor spent his first night in Jonesville, Dec. 31,
1835, and was roused from his bed by the '' boys" to aid in
the festivities attendant upon the occasion of welcoming the
new year into existence. Gen. George C. Munro was the
spokesman of the occasion and general '' master of ceremo-
nies." Mr. Taylor, upon his arrival here, took charge of
the old " Sibley Mills," and another at this place. The
former has since decayed and fallen.
Rockwell Manning, who was postmaster here in 1838-39,
was also for some time landlord of the old " Fayette House,"
and afterwards of the " Hillsdale House," at Hillsdale. He
was one of the original proprietors of the latter village, and
the first station agent at that place upon the completion of
what is now the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Rail-
way. One of the streets in Hillsdale is named after him.
In 1851 he removed to California, and died at Stockton,
in that State, Jan. 1, 1871, at the age of eighty years.
John J. Gardner, who died May 30, 1872, came to
Jonesville, May 9, 1837, and continued to reside here until
his death, a period of thirty-five years. He built the well-
known " Genesee Mills," on the St. Joseph River, on the
edge of Scipio township, north of Jonesville, aiid owned
them about twenty years. At the time of his death he was
sixty-nine years of age.
Jesse Button, a native of Connecticut, and afterwards a
resident of Livingston Co., N. Y., settled in Tecuraseh,
Mich., in 1830, and in 1835 removed to Jonesville, where
he resided until his death, which occurred Aug. 17, 1868,
when he had reached the age of seventy-seven years.
About 1843 he began keeping hotel, and continued in that
business for many years. The building he had occupied
* Information by Mr. St. John.
17
was burned in the fire of Jan. 3, 1869, and was then owned
and occupied by B. C. Benson, who afterwards built the
" Benson House," now known as the " Mosher House."
Mr. Button's son, James W. Button, is engaged in the
mercantile business in Jonesville, and is the only one of the
family at present residing here,
Aruna Ransford, from Erie Co., N. Y., settled in 1844.
Abram Couzens settled in 1835.
Seeley Blatchley settled here in 1836, and continued a
resident until his death in March, 1870.
Luther L. Tucker, Esq., a native of Windsor, Berkshire
Co., Mass., settled in Jonesville, Oct. 25, 1836. Until
1858 his occupation was that of a carpenter and joiner, but
he has since followed farming, and attending to his duties
as justice of the peace.
Horace R. Gardner, a native of Auburn, Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., settled in the township of Fayette, May 9, 1837 ;
worked in woolen-factory and flouring-mills ; at present re-
sides in Jonesville.
Cornelius L. Travis, a native of Carmel, Dutchess Co.,
N. Y., located in this township in October, 1836. He
followed farming, carpentering, teaching school, etc., and
has held the offices of justice of the peace and collector.
Charles H. and Oscar F. Guy, natives of Nunda, Alle-
gany Co., N. Y., settled in Fayette in June, 1836. The
former is a blacksmith by trade, and was only fourteen years
of age when he came to the county.
Henry and Furman Huff", from Hunterdon Co., N. J.,
located here June 1, 1835. The latter removed to Adams
township in 1836.
Horatio W. Bates, a native of Perry, Lake Co., 0., set-
tled in Fayette, Feb. 18, 1835. Christmas, 1839, he
played a violin at the first dance held in Reading, and on
the 4th of July, 1840, played for the first dance at Hills-
dale, the hotel of A. Ilowder being the place where the
festivities were held. He says that during the years 1835
and 1836 he caught 27 wolves.
Albert J. Baker, of Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., settled
in Fayette in June, 1843. Has been a blacksmith, farmer,
and dealer in agricultural implements.
Isaac C. Gaige, a native of Solon, N. Y., settled in 1835.
John W. Sampson, from Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., set-
tled in September, 1845.
Samuel Lovejoy, from the State of I^^q'n York, settled in
Oakland Co., Mich., in 1835, and in 1848 removed to
Fayette. Is at present a merchant in Litchfield.
Abner W. Pearce, from Litchfield Co., Conn., settled in
1844.
William S. Hosmer, from Orleans Co., Yt., settled in
June, 1844.
Chauncy Stimson, a native of Madison Co., N. Y., and
by trade a carpenter, — also a farmer, — settled October, 1837.
He was present at the first death in Hillsdale, and built the
first house east of the St. Joseph River in that village.
Samuel Morgan, from Albany, N. Y., settled in May,
1844.*
Frederick M. Holloway, a native of Bristol, Ontario Co.,
* These names, beginning with Esq. L. L. Tucker, are taken from
the records of the Hillsdale County Pioneer Society.
130
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
N. Y., and afterwards residing with his parents in Genesee
County, preceded the family to the West in 1833, when
eighteen years of age, and located land for them in Sylvania
township, Lucas Co., Ohio, ten miles northwest of Toledo,
in the disputed territory claimed both by Ohio and Michi-
gan. During the memorable " State Line War," he took
an active part, and was very near being captured by General
Brown, now of Toledo. Mr. Holloway was married in
February, 1837, and in the spring of 1838 removed to
Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich. He had previously learned
the carpenter's trade, and built numerous dwellings for par-
ties living in and about Sylvania, and near Toledo. In
1840, Hon. Levi Baxter built a large addition to his mill at
Jonesville, it being the main part of the present structure,
and Mr. Holloway removed here and aided in its construc-
tion. The old mill had for some time been managed by
Henry L. Hewitt (recently deceased at Hillsdale), and he
had begun the new building, Mr. Baxter finishing it.
Mr. Holloway continued to reside in Jonesville until
January, 1851, when he removed to Hillsdale, having been
elected the previous fall to the office of register of deeds.
In 1853 he was chosen supervisor of the then township of
Fayette, which included the present township and city of
Hillsdale, and was the same year appointed postmaster at
the latter place, holding the office until October, 1861.
During that time he established the first important insur-
. ance agency at Hillsdale, representing all the reliable com-
panies, and was afterwards State agent of the "^tna," of
Hartford, Conn. He has twice (in 1875 and 1877) been
a candidate on the Democratic ticket for auditor-general of
the State, and although, through the hopeless minority of
his party was defeated, yet in the second canvass he reduced
his personal majority about 13,000 below that over the
regular ticket, and needed about the same number to entitle
him to the office. In his own county, Mr. Holloway is a
man of great popularity. Agricultural matters have long
received his earnest attention, and he has for twenty-five
successive years been chosen secretary of the County Agri-
cultural Society, which has been built up and sustained
mainly through his efiPorts. He is at present quite exten-
sively engaged in raising improved stock. He is chairman
of the executive committee of the State Grange, an office
only second to that of Master, and has also been active in
the proceedings of local organizations of this order. He
has been mainly instrumental in organizing and maintain-
ing the " Hillsdale County Pioneer Society," of which he is
the historian. Keligious institutions have always received
from him a generous support, and very few have con-
tributed more towards building up and sustaining the
churches than he. He was among the original members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Jonesville, and also of
the one at Hillsdale, with which latter he continues his
membership. He has resided on his present farm — sec-
tions 9 and 10, Fayette Township— since April, 1861.
FIRST MERCHANT IN JONESVILLE.*
George C. Munro arrived in Jonesville, in August, 1834,
only about an hour ahead of Charles Gregory. On the
* Information by George C. Munro.
southeast corner of Chicago and West Streets was an un-
finished frame building, erected that season by Arteme-
dorus Tuller. Mr. Gregory obtained the right to use a
large room in the northeast corner, on the lower floor, and
immediately started to New York City for a stock of goods.
Messrs. Cook & Ferris soon began framing a small build-
ing on the north side of Chicago Street, on the same
ground now occupied by the east end of the brick block
extending from West Street, built in 1849. This building
was about 16 by 30 feet. As Cook & Ferris obtained
part of their goods in Detroit, it is possible they were
ready for business a few days before Mr. Gregory, but Mr.
Munro thinks not. When he arrived in August, he says,
Mr. Cook was not here, and Mr. Ferris was then working
at the "Fayette House."
Immediately west of the Cook & Ferris store Mr. Munro
erected another building for like purposes in 1836-. Gregory
had during the previous winter (1835-36) moved into his
new building, still standing, on the corner west from his
first location. Mr. Munro sold his old store to Sebastian
Adams, and in 1837 or '38 put up a two and a half story
building on the northeast corner of the same streets ; this
had two storerooms on the ground floor, the second story
being occupied by a milliner's shop, a tailor-shop, a phy-
sician's office (Dr. Stillwellj, and Mr. Munro's own room.
The lodge of Odd-Fellows, when organized, occupied the
third floor ; as did also the Masons, changes having been
made to accommodate them. In January, 1849, fire caught
in the Masonic lodge, which was in the west end of the
building, and despite all eflbrts to save it, the greedy flames
licked it out of existence in a short space of time, and the
old corner knew it no more. Mr. Munro had previously,
about 1838-39, sold half of the building to Eockwell Man-
ning, and it was known as the "Munro and Manning"
block. In it was published the Hillsdale County Gazette^
the first newspaper printed in the county.
Mr. Munro disposed of his interest in the property, and
scarcely had the ashes been given time to cool before
material was on hand, and a new and, for those days,
elegant brick block begun. This was built by B. P. Cham-
plin as superintendent, with F. M. Holloway as chief car-
penter, and Israel Stites chief mason, for a company of five
persons, consisting of E. 0. Grosvenor, B. S. Varnum,
Sanford R. Smith, Lewis Smith, and William H. Tuller,
who paid at a certain rate per front foot for the property. This
building is yet in use, occupying 100 feet front on Chicago
Street, and until recent years was the finest and most im-
portant business block in the place. It is two stories in
height, and by arrangements when built the halls on the
second floor are free for the use of all members of the com-
pany, although no one has the right to block them up.
Upon this floor are principally office-rooms, among which
are those of Hon. W. J. Baxter, S. D. McNeal, and
George C. Munro.
This is one of the historic corners of the village. On
the site of this building was erected the first storehouse ;
here was published the first newspaper ; here was located
one of the first physicians; here the Odd-Fellows and
Masonic lodges sprang into existence ; here was the first
disastrous fire in the village ; and the memories of by-gone
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
131
days cling lovingly around the spot, while one of the rooms
is yet occupied by the man who built the first substantial
edifice on the site, — Greorge C. Munro.
THE JONESVILLE POST-OFFICE
was established early in 1829, with Benaiah Jones, Jr., as
first postmaster. Mail was brought from Detroit via Ypsi-
lanti and Clinton, the route extending westward to Chicago,
over the well-traveled " Chicago turnpike." Mr. Jones
held the ofiice about four years, and was succeeded by
James Olds. Rockwell Manning was the third incumbent,
and among his successors have been Elisha P. Champlin,
Charles Gregory, Sherburn Gage, R. S. Yarnum, J. M.
Gardner, C. L. Spaulding, and the present occupant, R. A.
Sinclair. When James Olds held the office his son Harley
was employed as clerk, and handled daily nearly the entire
mail for the whole route, which was little more than the
mail for a single day at the one office at present. Aside
from the route over the Chicago road, Jonesville had three
mail-routes in 1838, viz. :
Maumee and Jonesville, via Whiteford, Baker's. Union-
ville, Canandaigua, and Lanesville post-offices ; distance,
75 miles ; mail forwarded and returned once a week.
Jonesville and Marshall, via Homer and Eckford ; dis-
tance, 29 miles; mail forwarded and returned once a week.
Adrian and Jonesville, via Rollin and Adams ; distance,
35 miles ; mail forwarded and returned once a week.
The following list of letters remaining in the post-office
at Jonesville on the 1st of April, 1839, is copied from the
first number of the IliUsdale County Gazette, issued
April 13, 1839 :
A.
Atwater, Joshua, 2 ; Abbott, Sopbronia.
B.
Blatchley, Lorenzo ; Bailey, Abel ,• Booth, Lewis R. ,• Bates, H. W. ;
Bond, Lewis; Berry, William,- Bailey, J. \V. ; Barber, Hezekiah;
Barker, R. W.; Barber, Abijah ; Baldwin, David; Blackwood, Eliza-
beth; Berry, Thomas; Booth, Elder John.
C.
Clark, Jacob, 2; Clark, R. W. ; Critten, Abraham; Coffin, 0. B. ;
Cameron, Paul ; Chapman, Moses ; Clark, Jonathan ; Cadugan, Peter.
D.
Dibble, Milo ; Duryee, William ; Dimick, Perez ; Dibble, Miio M. ;
Dunn, Archibald.
E.
Eddy, Timothy; Eddy, Aaron; Ewart, William.
F.
Fitzlmmons, George; Failing, Peter; Fannell, Seth.
G.
Guy, William N. ; Guage, Schuyler ; Gibbs, Mr. ; Gleason, Eleazar ;
Gary, Rufus ; Grippin, Elisha.
H.
Harrison, Mary Ann; Hulett, A. W. ; Hastings, John; Hapgood,
Henry ; Hubble, Esq. ; Hodges, Israel ; Hewett, W. T. ; Howell, 0. D. ;
Hitchcock, Horace; Heveland, Stephen; Hecox, William; Holmes,
Zebulon.
K.
Kunkle, William, 2 ; King, S. T. ; Kies, John ; Kildreth, Hollis.
L.
Leonard, W. S. ; Lauthlin, William; Larkins, N. & H.; Lara©,
John ; Leonard, B. ; Lelion, Smile ; Lpomis, Russell.
M.
Mott, Richard; More, Benjamin; McDermid, John; Maxson, El-
vased; McGenness, Aaron ; Milliken, John ; Mickel, Robert; McCount,
Peter; Miller, Lewis V.
P.
Parker, Roswell; Perrin, John; Palmer, Baryaleal; Palmer,
Wray T.
Quillhart, Barney.
R.
Riblet, Samuel, 3 ; Royce, James F. ; Reed, Miss Ruth A. ; Rising,
John ; Royce, Norton ; Roberts, Peter.
S.
Stroud, John ; Sears, James ; Spencer, Erasmus ; Sherwood, Mrs.
Mary; Stout, James; Sutton, Phares; Shavard, Eliza; St. John,
Miles; Smith, Harrison; Stevens, D. 0.; Smith, Elijah; Sennas,
Samuel; Strange, Henry; Shipman, Mary; Sprague, Loyal.
T.
Tuller, Artemedorus ; TiflFany, 0. J. ; Taylor, Moses A. ; Thompson,
Orin D.; Thayer, William D. or Miles W.
V.
Valentine, James; Van Alstine, Mr.; Van Camp, Jonathan; Van
Vaultenburgh, Charles; Vinecore, W. H.
W.
Waldron, Henry; Wade, Jonathan; Wisener, Dan A.; Wood,
Benjamin K. ; Woolston, Joseph; Webster, Stephen ; White, William ;
Williams, Reuben.
Y.
Young, George.
Rockwell Manning, P. M.
LAWYERS OF JONESVILLE.
The bar of Jonesville has from first to last contained
many men of marked ability, a number of whom have been
honored with the gifts of the people, in the shape of seats
in the legislative halls of the State and positions in the
service of the nation ; and have also won distinction in the
various courts.
The first lawyer who located in Jonesville is said to have
George C. Gibbs, who never practiced much, and finally
went to California. Following him came Salem Town King,
from the State of New York, who first settled in Adrian,
and about 1836-37 removed to Jonesville. He was elected
the second register of deeds for Hillsdale County, succeed-
ing James Olds. In 1839 he entered into partnership with
John T. Blois. He was considerably interested in land
speculations in the vicinity of Hillsdale, and died in 1842!
William T. Howell came in at nearly the same time with
King, — possibly earlier.
Hon. W. W. Murphy, who came to Monroe, Mich., in
1835, was from the town of Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., and
upon locating at Monroe entered the United States land-
ofiice at that place as clerk. While residing there he began
the study of law, and in the fall of 1837 removed to Jones-
ville. Here he formed a partnership with William T.
Howell, and opened the first law-office in Hillsdale County,
in 1838. He practiced here until 1861, — from 1848 being
associated with Hon. W. J. Baxter, and continuing the
land-agency. In 1861 he was appointed by President
Lincoln to the position of consul-general at Frankfort-on.
the-Main, and held it nine years. In 1844 he held a seat
in the Michigan Legislature, and had previously been prose-
cuting attorney.
132
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The second law-office in the village was opened by the
firm of King & Blois in the year 1839. Mr. King has been
mentioned. John T. Blois came here from Detroit in
April, 1839. He had previously taught school in that
city, and in 1838 published a Gazetteer of the State, just
previous to the publication of Lanman's history. Mr.
Blois was originally from Connecticut, and was afterwards
a resident of Putnam, Ohio, from which place he came to
Michigan in 1835. He left Connecticut in 1833, and
moved to South Carolina, in the hope of benefiting his
health. Thence he went to Tennessee, and from there to
Ohio, and finally the '^Peninsular State" claimed him, and
here has been his home from that time. In the fall of
1840 he was elected to the office of register of deeds for
Hillsdale County, — the third in that capacity. He entered
upon the duties of his office Jan. 1, 1841, and remained
two years. Was circuit court commissioner for eight years,
beginning in 1865. Has for seventeen years been a justice
of the peace ; elected first in 1840 and serving till 1844, and
again in 1865, still continuing in office. During his resi-
dence in Jonesville he has for some time been engaged in
the nursery business, but finally relinquished it on account
of ill health.
Z. M. P. Spaulding, an early lawyer of the place, settled
here about 1838, and is now in Missouri. Other early ones
were Wolcott G. Branch, James K. Kinman (the latter
also prominently identified with the press), I. A. Holbrook,
now of Hastings, and others. Subsequently the following
have practiced here to greater or less extent : Nathaniel T.
Howe, a partner with W. W. Murphy, whose interest was
purchased by W. J. Baxter, Feb. 1, 1848, and who is now
probably living in Southern Texas, as Land Commissioner
of the Southern Pacific Railway ; John Manross, since de-
ceased ; Charles M. Wisner, J. C. Wyllis, Townsend,
B. W. Boynton, Luther Hanchett, since a member of Con-
gress from Wisconsin } N. J. Richards, L. N. Hartwick,
William N. Hazen, A. H. Nelson, now of Hart Mills ; and
Sidney B. Vrooman. Of these Messrs. Wisner, Wyllis,
Boynton, Hanchett, Richards, Hazen, and Vrooman studied
in the office of Murphy & Baxter.
The attorneys of Jonesville at present are John T. Blois,
W. J. Baxter, S. D. McNeal, and De Witt C. Merriam.
Andrew P. Hogarth settled, about 1835-36, in Adrian,
Lenawee Co., where he worked at his trade, — that of a
tailor. About 1838-39 he removed to Jonesville, where
he continued in the same business. He was finally made
a justice of the peace, and, after some study, admitted to
the bar. As a lawyer, he did not rank among the fore-
most, and gave his attention principally to other matters.
During the war he was actively engaged in securing boun-
ties and pensions for soldiers, and was eminently successful.
Personally, he was much respected. He died in 1872.
This list of the lawyers of Jonesville is believed to be
nearly complete, although, as it has been necessary to rely
principally on the memory of the older citizens, it is possi-
ble that one or two may be omitted. Those who are here
mentioned number over twenty, and, so far as recollected,
are all who have practiced here.
Hon. Witter J. Baxter, M.A., is a native of Sidney,
Delaware Co., N. Y., where he was born, in 1816. In
1831 he came, with his father, Hon. Levi Baxter, to Te-
cumseh, Mich. In 1836 he began teaching school, being
afterwards engaged in the difi'erent branches of the Michi-
gan University, and for one year at Ontario, La Grange
Co., Ind. He began reading law in Detroit, in 1841, in
the office of Barstow & Lockwood, and continued with
Zaphaniah Piatt, then attorney -general of the State. He
was admitted to the bar in 1844, and formed a partnership
with Andrew Harvie, of Detroit, with whom he remained
until 1848, when he removed to Jonesville, and entered
into partnership with Hon. W. W. Murphy. This part-
nership was continued until 1874, when it was dissolved,
and Mr. Baxter has since practiced alone. He has been
for twenty-six years a member of the Bchool board, and for
a long period has held a position in the State Board of Edu-
cation. He has also been prominently connected with the
State Agricultural Society, and a member of the banking firm
of K. 0. Grosvenor & Co., at Jonesville, since its organization.
In 1876 he was elected a member of the State Senate, to
serve two years from Jan. 1, 1877. He has been promi-
nently identified with school and church matters, the Odd-
Fellows and Masonic Orders, and the State and County
Pioneer Societies, being president of each of the latter at
the present time. He has, probably, the best private li-
brary in Western Michigan, containing about 4000 volumes,
and one of the finest law libraries in the State.
S. D. McNeal, now practicing law in Jonesville, is a
son of William McNeal, who came from Orleans Co.,
N. Y., in 1835, and settled in the township of Jefferson,
where the son was born, Feb. 11, 1838. He has " grown
up with the country," and occupies a leading position
among the lawyers of the county. He is also engaged in
the real estate and insurance business.
PHYSICIANS.
Two young men named Mottram and Chase arrived early
in Jonesville, both physicians. The former located first.
Both taught school, but neither practiced medicine to any
extent.
The first to settle here permanently was Dr. Brooks Bow-
man, who came in 1834, and worked up a very large prac-
tice. Dr. Chase removed from here to Cold water. Branch
Co.
Those who settled later were Drs. Brockway, Daniel
Stillwell, Stillman Ralph, and Manning. The senior
Dr. Delavan was also here early, and his son practiced in
later years.
Dr. L. A. Brewer studied medicine with Dr. Ralph, and
began his practice here. He afterwards removed to Grand
Rapids, thence to Toledo. Upon the breaking out of the
famous California " gold fever," he was one of the first
emigrants to take his departure for the new El Dorado.
During the Rebellion he served as surgeon in the Union
army, and after the war located at Hillsdale, Mich., where
he died, June 29, 1876. He had also been physician at
the Spotted Tail Indian agency, while E. A. Howard was
Indian agent. He had originally settled at Grass Lake,
Jackson Co., in 1835, and came to Jonesville in 1844.
He was a native of Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.
The following are the present physicians of the village :
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
133
The oldest in practice is Dr. WillTam B. Hawkins, and is
followed by Dr. L. R. Wisner. Dr. Gilbert Chaddock and
Dr. H. M. Warren (the latter a homoeopathist) have been
here about the same length of time. The youngest in prac-
tice, but like the others a credit to his profession, is Dr. G.
G. Williams. Dr. Brown, deceased, was an eclectic physician,
and his place is filled by his widow, who studied with him.
HOTELS.
Benaiah Jones, Jr., has been mentioned as having built
and kept the first hotel in Jonesville. His old log house
first served the purpose, and the " Fayette House," built
afterwards (1831-32^, was the first hotel proper in the place.
This latter was destroyed by fire in the summer of 1842.
Subsequently the house diagonally opposite, built by Arte-
medorus Tuller and afterwards occupied by Dr. Tompkins
C. Delavan, was purchased by Henry A. Delavan, then a
merchant here, an addition built to it by him, and a hotel
opened in it under the old name, *' Fayette House." It
passed afterwards into the hands of Marvin Strong, who
changed the name to the '' Waverley House." This hotel
was burned in December, 1875 (?).
St. Charles Hotel, known also as the Jonesville House.
The first building on the lot occupied by this hotel, in the
block east of the Episcopal church and south of Chicago
Street, was 16 by 24 feet in dimensions, and was built in
1836 by Monroe and Gardner. They had purchased
another man's right to the lot, and in order to hold it were
to put up a building within thirty days. The day before
the time was out the house was completed. In the spring
of 1837 this was purchased by Nicholas Yan Alstine, who
moved it farther back and built a large addition to it in front,
reaching to the street. This he opened as a hotel. Samuel
Smith, familiarly known as " Fatty Smith," kept it after-
wards, and previously Simon Gay had been its landlord,
entering probably about 1839. Numerous others were sub-
sequently its proprietors. A dance was held in it in 1840,
at which John Hull, afterward sheriff of St. Joseph County,
furnished the music.
The present Mosher House was built in 1870 by B. C.
Benson, and opened December 26 of that year, under the
name of the Benson House, by which it was known for
several years. It is a large, three-story brick building, and
is the popular resort of the traveling public. Its first (and
present) proprietor was Dr. G. W. Mosher.
The other hotels of the place are the Cottage Hotel, on
West Street, opposite the woolen-factory, and the Lake
Shore House, near the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern
depot.
JONESVILLE IN 1839.
From the first issue of the Hillsdale County Gazette^
liated April 13, 1839, we make the following notes and ex-
tracts. The paper was issued in the form of a five-column
folio, with an apology on the third page for its diminutive
proportions, and an explanation made accounting for the
small size in the fact that the proprietors were disappointed
in procuring necessary paper, and promised to improve the
next week in both size and appearance. The subscription
prices were : " To village subscribers, who have their papers
left at their doors, $2.50 per annum, in advance ; $3 if paid
within six months, or $3.50 at the end of the year. To
mail subscribers and those who call at the office for their
papers, 50 cents will be deducted."
Among the advertisers were the following attorneys :
Salem T. King, district attorney ; Howell & Murphy, office
in Manning & Munro's new building ; John Manross, office
on Maumee Street.
Other advertisers were Stillwell & Brockway, physicians
and surgeons, opposite Public Square ; T. C. Delavan, physi-
cian and surgeon, Chicago Street; John Jermain, land-
agent, Chicago Street ; W. W. Murphy, land-agent ; Theo-
dore Manning, agent " Kalamazoo Mutual Fire Insurance
Company," office No. 2 Manning & Munro's block ; Fayette
House, Rockwell Manning proprietor, Chicago Street;
Jonesville House, N. Van Alstine proprietor, Chicago
Street. Seasoned lumber for sale by S. R. Smith. King
& Rose advertised to sell dry-goods, groceries, hardware,
crockery, boots, shoes, etc., at " extremely low prices, for the
readyT James Delavan off'ered a farm of 240 acres for
sale, one and a half miles southeast of Jonesville, having
" 170 acres well fenced, with several cross-fences ; ivio log
houses, thirty six acres ploughed, ten acres now sowed with
wheat, twenty-five acres more cleared, ready for the plough ;
and an excellent mowing marsh of about ten acres."
Messrs. Saltmarsh, Gillis & Co., proprietors of the Mar-
shall and Jonesville Stage, advertised, through their agent,
Samuel Curtis, to make three trips weekly from Marshall
to Jonesville, — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, —
arriving at the latter place in time to connect with the
stage east of Ypsilanti, from whence cars could be taken
to Detroit, or at Adrian with cars for Toledo, arriving at
either Detroit or Toledo the next day after leaving Mar-
shall. Returning from Jonesville, the stage departed for
Marshall on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, upon the
arrival of the stages from Ypsilanti, Adrian, and Te-
cumseh.
Julius R. Howell advertised himself as a mill-builder,
being " prepared to build grist- and merchant-mills on the
most improved plans, having with him a select set of hands.
Mill-sites levelled, and drafts and bills furnished. All
kinds of iron boring, turning, gear- and screw-cutting done.
Patterns made to order."
S. R. Smith advertised his remaining stock of broad-
cloths, cassimeres, satinets, moleskins, superior cotton,
worsted, and silk vestings, calicoes, shawls, fancy handker-
chiefs, bonnet-trimmings, laces, gloves, hosiery, boots and
shoes, hardware and groceries, for sale cheap for cash. Also
had on hand and for sale pork, lard, and hams.
John Sinclair was proprietor of a chair- and cabinet-
manufactory. Taylor & Smith dealt in agricultural im-
plements. And James K. Kinman was a justice of the
peace, with his office at the corner of Chicago and West
Streets.
W. W. Murphy advertised 12,000 acres of land for sale
in Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties.
This first number of the Gazette also contained the act
providing for the removal of the county-seat from Jones-
ville to Hillsdale, passed March 30, 1839, and to take effect
Jan. 1, 1841.
134
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
NEWSPAPERS IN JONESVILLE.
To Jonesville is ascribed the honor of having been the
holne of the pioneer newspaper of the county, the sheet
from which the foregoing advertisements, etc., have been
taken, and which was called the Hillsdale County Gazette.
C. G. McKay was the publisher, and James K. Kinman
editor and proprietor. It was started as an independent
paper, politically, although its publishers were Democrats.
When it was definitely settled that Jonesville should
have a paper, it was found necessary to procure a printing-
press. Therefore, about the month of March, 1839, W.
W. Murphy went to the village of Branch, then the seat of
justice for Branch County, and purchased of the executors
of the estate of Levi Collier, deceased, a press which had
been in use in that place. The people of Branch County
were exceedingly loath to have it taken away, and forthwith
obtained an attachment against the said Levi Collier, de-
ceased, swearing that he had " absconded from the county
to the injury of his credit or s.^^ The press was taken from
Mr. Murphy, although Collier had been dead several
months ; but the gentleman from Jonesville did not propose
to be used in any such manner, and journeyed eighteen
miles after a coroner to serve a writ of replevin on the
sheriff, — the attachment being of course null and void, —
and thereupon a settlement was proposed, which ended by
Mr. Murphy triumphantly bearing away the press, while
the citizens of Branch *' sat down and wept." This was
the first printing-press brought into Hillsdale County, and
upon it the first issue of the Gazette was printed, April
13, 1839. The oflice, at first in the Munro & Manning
block, was afterwards moved to the Gregory store building,
on the southwest corner of the same streets. It was finally
taken to Hillsdale, where its publication was continued.
The Jonesville Expositor. — On the 15th day of October,
1840, the " Hillsdale County Whig Association" was
formed for the purpose of establishing and publishing a
Whig newspaper, — the first in the county, — bearing the
above title. The shares of stock were ten dollars each.
Of this association Elisha P. Champlin was President;
John T. Blois, Secretary ; and Henry L. Hewitt, Sanford
B. Smith, and Henry A. Delavan, Directors.
" At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Hills-
dale County Whig Association, held at the office of the
Jonesville Expositor, at Jonesville, Nov. 30, 1840, in pur-
suance of previous notice given : Present — Elisha P. Cham-
plin, President; John T. Blois, Secretary; Henry L. Hew-
itt, Sanford R. Smith, Henry A. Delavan, Directors.
" On motion, John J. B. Spooner was appointed agent of
the association to procure subscriptions to the Jonesville
Expositor, and also fiscal agent of the paper. It was voted
that this association rent a building in the rear of Jason
Cowles' store, belonging to H. L. Hewitt, at $50 a year,
for a printing-office, when the same is properly finished and
prepared for the purpose by said Hewitt.
" The president and secretary executed and delivered
certificates of stock to the following persons : .
*'To H. L. Hewitt, 10 shares; John T. Blois, 4 shares;
E. P. Champlin, 5 shares ; Smith & Champlin, 5 shares ;
David Smith, 5 shares; Henry A. Delavan, 5 shares;
Alfred Hopkins, 5 shares."
The following are the remaining stockholders, with shares
given :
A. D. Wells, 2 ; Jed. Wood, 2 ; John Mickle, 2 ; John
Jermain, 5 ; R. & T. Boss, 2 ; L. G. Rogers, 2 ; H. W.
Luce, 2 ; Romeo Dorwin, 2 ; George W. Abbott, 2 ; John
G. Gardner, 2 ; Henry Waldron, 2 ; Thomas W. Stockton,
2 ; Henry Fowler, 1 ; Harvey Eggleston, 2 ; Ransom Gard-
ner, 2 ; Jason Cowles, 1 ; J. L. Smith, 5 ; Hezekiah Mor-
ris, 2 ; Charles Powell, 5.
On the 2d of December, 1840, the material formerly
belonging to the Harrisonian printing-office, at Tecumseh,
was purchased by Henry L. Hewitt, for the sum of $800.
The records of the association are still in the possession of
its old-time secretary, John T. Blois, Esq., who has kindly
allowed us the use of them. The following documents, or
forms of agreement with the publisher, were drawn up in
December, 1840, the second one being probably adopted:
"Jonesville, Dec. 15, 1840.
" T'o the Stockholders of the Hillsdale County Whig Association:
The undersigned proposes to assume the entire direction and manage-
ment of the printing establishment now owned by your company,
until the 1st day of January, 1842, from the date upon which this
agreement is to take effect, upon the following conditions : the under-
signed agrees to conduct the Jonesville Expositor for the period above
specified, as a Whig newspaper, and carry on the printing and pub-
lishing business at Jonesville at his own expense for the same time,
^^ Provided, that the entire management of the establishment shall
be placed in his hands for the same period, and that he shall become
entitled to all the blanks, and all the materials that may be on hand
upon the date when this agreement is to take effect.
" The undersigned agrees to pay and discharge all the debts that
may be due from the office at the date last mentioned, for the services
of the editor and printers, i^rovided that all amounts then due or that
may become due to the establishment, from said date until the 1st day
of January, 1842, are to accrue to his benefit.
"' The undersigned agrees to perfect all the contracts or agreements
that may have been entered into by the association, for printing or
advertising, previous to the date upon which this agreement is to take
effect, provided that all those who have agreed with the association or
its agent to receive therefrom a certain amount of advertising or
printing are to continue the agreement upon the same conditions as
were entered into with the association ; and also provided that those
who were to receive such amount of advertising and printing, and
have already paid the whole or any part that would be eventually due
for the same, are to continue the same arrangement till the labor is
performed.
" In consideration of the responsibility and labor assumed in the
foregoing articles by the undersigned, the association are to pay (or
the members or stockholders thereof) the sum of two dollars upon each
of the shares held by its members respectively, in which case and in
consideration of such payment to the undersigned, he is to take the
control of the establishment for the period first mentioned, and con-
duct it during that period without recourse in any manner to the as-
sociation for its support during that time, and free from any expense
for the use of said establishment.
" Proposal accepted, to take effect on the day of
and from and after that time till the 1st day of January, 1842.
" For the Hillsdale County Whig Association,
^ President.
. ^ Secretary.
' I Directors."
The second document reads as follows :
^* Article of Agreement made and entered into this — day of
December, a.d. 1840, between John Jermain, of Hillsdale County,
and State of Michigan, of the one part, and Elisha P. Champlin,
John T. Blois, Henry L. Hewitt, Henry A. Delavan, and Sanford R.
HISTOBY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
135
Smith, the board of directors of the Hillsdale County Whig Associa-
tion (in behalf of said association), of the other part, witnesseth:
That the said John Jermain, in consideration of the covenants and
agreements hereinafter mentioned, and in consideration of one dollar
to him in hand paid by the said board of directors, does hereby agree
to and with the said board of directors to assume the direction and
management of the printing-press and appurtenances composing the
printing establishment of the Jonesville Expoeitor newspaper, owned
by said association, on the date hereof, and continue the same for one
year from the first day of January, 1841, next following, till Jan. 1,
1842, to print and publish the newspaper called the Jonesville Exjjos-
itor, weekly, during all the said time, and also to carry on the print-
ing and publishing business generally during said time, and all other
business as was contemplated by the articles of agreement made be-
tween the members of the said association. The said Jermain agrees
to do the same at his own expense, and to discharge all debts hereto-
fore or now due fromj or incurred by, the said association and not
cancelled, of whatever kind ; to perfect all the contracts or agreements
that may have been entered into by said association for printing or
advertising, and any and all other contracts and agreements whatever,
previous to the date hereof, and which are not finished, and at the ex-
piration of the aforesaid time, viz., the first day of January, 1842,
the said Jermain is to restore the printing-press and deliver the same
up to the said board of directors of said association, together with the
appurtenances composing the printing establishment oi i\\Q Jonesville
Expositor, in as good condition (except the natural wear and tear in-
cident to their use) as when received by him ; which press and ap-
purtenances composing said printing establishment are more particu-
larly mentioned as follows, viz. :
" One printing-press, one stone, one roller, five stands, four tables,
twenty-nine cases, four chairs, four iron chases, two moulds for cast-
ing rollers, one brass galley, two slide-galleys, two galleys, one trough,
one paper-case, two pails, one kettle, one wooden chase, four candle-
sticks, one stove and furniture, wooden cuts, one case brevier type, ten
cases long primer type, with italics, one case pica, with italics, one
case great primer, with do., one case canon type, with do,, one case
meridian type, with do., one font of pica full face, one font long primer
full face, one font brevier do., do., one font of pica black, one font of
long primer do., one font of German text, one font of secretary, one
font of brevier open, one font of pica open, German text words Tecum-
seh Democrat, six-lines pica open black, five columns minion, with
italics, one font of pica Gothic, one do. six-lines Gothic, one font great
primer Gothic, one font meridian Gothic, one font five-lines pica, one
font twelve-lines pica, one font ten-lines antique, six lines number
seven border, two lines great primer border, one font minion border,
one font nonpareil do., one font brevier do., one font minion number
seven, two fonts minion border, eleven column-rules, four feet of
double rule, advertising rules, parallel rules, cuts, etc.
" The said Jermain agrees with the said Board of Directors to per-
form the several things before mentioned in this agreement, without
recourse in any manner to said Board of Directors or to any member
or members of the said Association, except as hereinafter mentioned.
The said Board of Directors, in consideration of the covenants and
agreements of the said Jermain aforesaid, promise and agree with him
that he shall have the conduct and management of the said printing-
press and appurtenances composing the printing establishment of the
Jonesville Expositor, from the date hereof until the first day of Janu-
ary, 1842, for the purpose of carrying on the printing business and
printing and publishing the Jonesville Expositor as a Whig news-
paper,- that he shall have all the paper, ink, now belonging to said
ofiice, and the other materials on hand not* belonging to the printing
establishment as the stock of the said Association ; that he shall have
all debts due the said Association at this date, and they are hereby
assigned to him, and likewise all such debts as may become due the
same, already contracted ; that he is to have all dues that have arisen
or may arise from individuals for advertising by the year (and all
and every contract heretofore made by individuals with the Associa-
tion for printing and publishing, is hereby assigned to him for the
consideration aforesaid) ; that the said Board of Directors agree, in
consideration aforesaid, that each member of the Association shall
pay as a bonus to the said Jermain the sum of two dollars on each
share he may own of the stock of the Association, which said Jermain
is to collect of the said stockholders individually, without recourse to
*Now?
said Board of Directors farther than for their individual shares ; that
said Jermain is to have all the blanks now in the Expositor office,
amounting to thirty-one quires, and to return to the said Board of
Directors of the Association an equal amount, of equal value, at the
end of the year 1841, or to account to the Board of Directors afore-
said at the rate of seventy-five cents per quire ; that said Jermain
shall have all the subscription-list of the Jonesville Expositor, and all
moneys due for the subscriptions to the same, or that may become
due in the aforesaid time; and at the end of the year 1841 he is to
give to said Board of Directors all the subscription-list of subscribers
to said Expositor that he may have in his hands, for the benefit of
the Association in the then ensuing publication of said newspaper.
^' And in case the said Jermain shall fail to perform his aforesaid
agreement and agreements with the said Board of Directors, he
hereby promises and agrees to refund and pay back to each and every
stockholder such amount of money as he, the said Jermain, may have
received of him as a bonus, aforesaid.
" This is declared to be one of two original agreements, of even
date and equal terms, and that the fulfillment of the one shall be the
fulfillment of the other.
'' In witness whereof, the said John Jermain and the said Board of
Directors have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals,
on the day and year first above written."
The articles of agreement governing the association were
nineteen in number, and were entered into Nov. 7, 1840.
At a meeting of the directors held Jan. 20, 1842, it was
" Voted, That H. L. Hewitt and Charles Powell be and
are hereby authorized to settle with John Jermain and re-
ceive from him the printing-press and materials, and take
charge of the same, and make such disposition of said es-
tablishment as in their judgment they may deem expedient
for the benefit of the association. "f
Jan. 22, 1842, it was '''Resolved, That Mr. Morton, of
Monroe, have the use of the Whig Association printing
establishment during the ensuing year to print and publish
a Whig newspaper in Jonesville, in said county, by a vote
of six to three."
The Expositor, after a few years' publication in Jonesville,
during which its history was that of early newspapers in
general, was removed to Adrian, Lenawee Co., where it is
still published as the Adrian Expositor.
The present Jonesville Independent was originally started
by W. W. Murphy & Co., under the name o^ ihQ Jonesville
I'elegraph. After numerous changes of proprietorship, it
is at this time conducted by Messrs. Palmer & Eggleston,
and is a live, attractive sheet, well edited, and having a large
circulation.^;
The new Hillsdale County Gazette was established at
Jonesville, March 13, 1878, by James I. Dennis, formerly
of the Independent, and is published in the interests of the
Greenback political party. It is a seven-column, folio sheet,
with fair circulation. A small job-ofl&ce is managed by the
proprietor.
INCORPORATION — VILLAGE OFFICERS, ETC.
The original town of Jonesville is the oldest plat in the
county, and was laid out by Benaiah Jones, Jr., the survey
being made in August, 1830, and the acknowledgment Jan.
31, 1831. It consisted of 58 lots, and extended from Bast
Street west to the St. Joseph River, while north and south
it included from one tier of lots north of North Street to a
f Records of Association.
X For further particulars, see general chapter on the Press.
136
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tier south of South Street. The plat is laid on a part of
the northwest quarter of section 4, town 6 south, range 3
west.
Additions have been made to the village as follows :
TuUer's Addition, bj William H. Tuller, September, 1836;
Ljtle's Addition, by John Ljtle, June, 1836 ; Olds' Addi-
tion, bj James Olds, Dec. 5, 1835; Northwestern Addition,
by William W. Murphy, Witter J. Baxter, and A. J. Baker,
Aug. 8, 1855 ; Noe's Addition, by Jacob Noe, June, 1856 ;
Gallup's Addition, by L. H. Gallup, Oct. 28, 1871 ; Pack-
er's Addition, by Henry Packer, April, 1870.
The village of Jonesville was incorporated by act of the
Legislature, passed Feb. 10, 1855. The charter has been
twice amended, Jan. 29, 1857, and April 2, 1869. The
limits of the corporation at present are thus described in
the charter of 1869 :
" Section 1. So much of the township of Fayette in the county of
Hillsdale and State of Michigan as is included in the following terri-
tory, to wit: The south half of section thirty-three, in township num-
ber five south, of range number three west, and the north three-
fourths of section four, and the east half of the northeast quarter and
the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section five, in town-
ship number six south, of range number three west, be and the same
is hereby constituted a village corporate by the name of the village
of Jonesville.
"Section 2. The freemen of said village, froui time to time, being
inhabitants thereof, shall be and continue a body corporate and poli-
tic, to be known and distinguished by the name and title of the vil-
lage of Jonesville, and shall be and are hereby made capable of suing
and being sued, of pleading and being impleaded, of answering and
being answered unto, and of defending and being defended in all
courts of law and equity, and in all other places whatever j and may
have a common seal, which they may alter and change at pleasure,
and by the same name shall be and are hereby made capable of pur-
chasing, holding, conveying, and disposing of any real estate and
personal estate of said village.''
The first election for village officers was held April 10,
1855, and resulted in the choice of the following persons,
viz. : President, George C. Munro ; Trustees, Ebenezer 0.
Grosvenor, John G. Gardner, Luther L. Tucker, William
M. Hammond, Roswell G. Spaulding ; Recorder, Hichard
Nimocks.
Officers appointed : Marshal, Moses A. Funk ; Street
Commissioner, Henry Baxter ; Treasurer, Richard S. Var-
num. Mr. Baxter declined to act as street commissioner,
and Thomas Luce was appointed in his place. A code of
by-laws was adopted by the council April 28, 1855. The
following is a list of the principal officers of the village,
beginning with 1856 and including those up to 1878 :
1856. — President, Jesse Button ; Recorder, Richard
Nimocks; Trustees, Levi Baxter, Henry H. Sherman,
Calvin W. Hampton, James S. Hastings, Willis Tuller.
1857. — President, Witter J. Baxter; Recorder, Richard
Nimocks ; Trustees, John S. Lewis. Orlando C. Gale,
Stephen Levens, Edwin M. Hale, Haynes B. Tucker.
1858. — President, E. O. Grosvenor; Recorder, Richard
Nimocks ; Trustees, Daniel A. Wisner, John G. Gardner,
George Krapp, Lewis Wales, Seeley Humphrey.
1859. — President, Lewis Wales: Recorder, Richard
Nimocks ; Trustees, George Krapp, Joseph Clark, Richard
S. Varnum, Henry Baxter, Haynes B. Tucker.
1860. — President, William W. Murphy ; Recorder, Rich-
ard Nimocks ; Trustees, Lewis H. Turner, Orlando C. Gale,
Henry Clark, James H. Wade, Archibald Sinclair.
1861. — President, Sanford R. Smith ; Recorder, Richard
Nimocks ; Trustees, John A. Selfridge, Anson R. Wisner,
Horace R. Gardner, Harmon F. Gay lord, John A. Sibbald.
Henry Clark was chosen Trustee at a special meeting held
March 25, 1861.
1862. — President. Henry Clark; Recorder, Steven Gre-
gory ; Trustees, Harvey Ransom, Augustus Gale, Isaac B.
Adams, John S. Lewis, John V. Coplin.
1863. — President, George C. Munro; Recorder, S. Gre-
gory ; Trustees, Alexander Beach, John A. Sibbald, Hora-
tio Gale, H. F. Gaylord, H. R. Gardner.
1861. — President, Alexander Beach; Recorder, S. Gre-
gory ; Trustees, John W. Ten Eyck, Lewis H. Turner,
Eugene C. Bartholomew, Isaac B. Adams, Lorenzo D.
Green.
1865. — President, Lewis H. Turner; Recorder, S. Gre-
gory; Trustees, Henry Clark, James H. Wade, Daniel A.
Wisner, Samuel J. Lewis, J. Russell Darling.
1866. — President, George M. Gardner; Recorder, S.
Gregory ; Trustees, John S. Lewis, Jacob J. Deal, Thomas
R. Fowler, Henry Baxter, Anson R. Wisner.
1867. — President, John S. Lewis; Recorder, William
W. Upham ; Trustees, A. Martin, H. A. Delavan, J. A.
Sibbald, A. Beach, G. Chaddock.
1868. — President, George Krapp; Recorder, William M.
Ransom ; Trustees, Frank B. McCiellan, Calvin L. Spauld-
ing, «Iacob J. Deal, George W. Bullock, Willis Tuller.
1869. — President, John S. Lewis; Recorder, Calvin L.
Spaulding ; Trustees, Witter J. Baxter, George C. Munro,
Simeon B. White, Alfred S. Swift, Robert T. Miller.
1870. — President, John S. Lewis; Recorder, C. L.
Spaulding ; Trustees, Witter J. Baxter, George C. Munro,
S. B. White, L. L. Spaulding, Henry Packer.
1871. — President, Lorenzo D. Green; Recorder, Robert
A. Sinclair; Trustees, William W. Wade, Leonard L.
Spaulding, Calvin L. Spaulding, W. J. Baxter, G. C.
Munro.
1872. — President, L. D. Green ; Recorder, George M.
Gardner; Trustees, Camp Kelsey, Jacob J. Deal, George
W. Bullock, William W. Wade, L. L. Spaulding.
1873. — President, Lucius C. Buell ; Recorder, Wm. W.
Upham ; Trustees, Jacob J. Deal, Henry S. Nye, Isaac B.
Taylor, Camp Kelsey, G. W. Bullock.
1874.~President, Harley J. Olds; Recorder, W. W.
Upham ; Trustees, L. S. Wales, H. W. Tuller, B. Martin,
H. S. Nye, J. J. Deal.
1875.— President, Harley J. Olds; Recorder, W. W.
Upham ; Trustees, B. Martin, L. H. Turner, F. W. How-
ard, L. S. Wales, H. W. Tuller.
1876. — President, Oscar Palmer; Recorder, James I.
Dennis ; Trustees, Ephraim Bark man, L. D. Lyman, W.
W. Wade, F. W. Howard, B. Martin.
1877. — President, William W. Wade ; Recorder, Henry
C. Akerly ; Trustees, Oscar F. Richmond, James W. But-
ton, Edward W. Risdorph, L. D. Lyman, E. Barkman. Mr.
Lyman resigned, and at a special meeting in September,
Frank M. Hopkins was elected to fill the vacancy.
1878.-— President, Robert T. Miller; Recorder, Albert
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
137
A. Packer ; Trustees, Delos W. Stone, Daniel Fisher, Jr.,
Warford M. Robinson, 0. F. Richmond, E. W. Risdorph;
Assessors, Andrew J. Somers, William M. Wolcott ;* Mar-
shal, Burt S. Roberts ; Treasurer, Ephraim Barkman ;
Poundmaster, George Drake ; Street Commissioner, Wil-
iam L. Osgood; Special Policeman, George A. Fuller, at
Lake Shore and Michigan Southern depot; Bethuel Mar-
tin, at Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw depot.
VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
On the 24th of October, 1856, a petition was received by
the Common Council from the citizens of Jonesville, asking
that the village be divided into five wards, and a fire com-
pany be formed. At a special meeting, on the 28th of the
same month, it was
" Resolved^ That we are in favor of petitioning the Legis-
lature to so alter the charter of said village as to allow the
voters, at their election in March, to vote to raise a special
tax of not to exceed $3000, for the purpose of purchasing
a fire-engine and other apparatus for the extinguishing of
fire, in accordance with the petition presented for the sig-
natures of the Common Council.
'' Resolved^ That the recorder be and is hereby instructed
to draw an ordinance dividing the village into four fire
districts, and for the appointing of five wardens, and for
other purposes." *
At a meeting held March 4, 1857, the recorder was in-
structed to draw an ordinance in relation to organizing a
fire company, and it was resolved to appropriate from the
general fund of the assessment of 1857 the sum of $500
for purchasing a fire-engine. E. O. Grosvenor, George C.
Munro, and R. S. Yarnum were authorized to purchase an
engine, with necessary apparatus belonging thereto, to cost,
delivered in the village, not over $1500. The following
persons were the same day appointed members of a fire
company, viz. : Luther L. Tucker, Thomas B. Tunaclifi*,
A. J. Vanderburgh, Haynes B. Tucker, Henry Baxter,
0. A. Bartholomew, John P. Freeland, R. S. Waterman,
Christopher Pearce, Jesse C. Smith, Isaac B. Adams, E.
J. Olds, Robert Watson, A. R. Wisner, Cary Diller, Au-
gustus Dale, M. Edgar, W. W. Murphy, John Kennedy,
H. F. Gaylord, 0. C. Gale, C. Gregory, R. S. Varnum,
George Drake, S. Humphrey, W. H. McConnell, A. B.
Coleman, J. Y. Coplin, E. O. Grosvenor, C. L. Monsell,
Daniel Sylvester, D. H. Tucker, E. L. Calkins, George E.
Dudley, James Burnett, Solomon Lumbard, and S. Gaige,
—37.
The company, as duly organized, was called *' Protection
Company, No. 1." The engine was first kept in George
C. Munro's barn, an annual rental of $10 being charged.
A committee was appointed, July 1, 1857, to choose a
location for an engine-house and firemen's hall.
" Protection Hose Company, No. 1," was organized Aug.
5, 1857, with 20 members, and attached to the engine com-
pany. The committee on engine-house was on the same
date ordered to receive proposals for the construction of a
brick engine-house, 24 by 36 feet, and one story high. The
engine and hose-cart, which were purchased this year (1857),
18
* Corporation records.
cost, including freight, $1339.82 ; and the old Presbyterian
session-house and lot were finally purchased by the council,
and the building repaired for use as an engine-house. It
is at present in use as a marble-shop, and the old lettering,
" Protection, No. 1," may still be seen upon it. Numerous
wells were dug for the use of the public and the fire de-
partment, and a cupola was built on the engine-house, and
a large triangle hung in it in lieu of a bell. The old hose
company was disbanded Feb. 1, 1860, and a new one organ-
ized the same month with 24 members, but as the organiza-
tions were not kept up in due form, both the engine and
hose companies were declared disbanded on the 3d of
March, 1862. The old engine-house and lot were sold to
S. Gregory, and bonds to the amount of $3000 were issued,
bearing interest at seven per cent., for the purpose of build-
ing a town hall and engine-house combined, and the struc-
ture was erected the same jear. On the morning of Dec.
23, 1864, the fire-fiend, hungry for spoil, with his greedy
tongue lapped the building out of existence, ere yet the
citizens had become used to the '^ new order of things."
Immediate steps were taken for rebuilding, however, bonds
were issued and the work was begun, and the result of the
mechanics' labors was the present substantial and commo-
dious edifice on the old site, at the northwest corner of
Chicago and Maumee Streets, built at a cost of $13,475.
The Masonic lodge-rooms are in the third story, that order
having furnished a portion of the funds necessary to the
erection of both the old and new buildings.
At various other times the village has suffered seriously
from fires, many of its landmarks having been swept away
by the relentless flames ; among them the old " Fayette
House," built by Benaiah Jones, Jr.; the ''Munro & Man-
ning" block, on the northeast corner of Chicago and West
Streets ; the " Waverley House," formerly the new " Fay-
ette ;" and others of lesser importance. On one or two
occasions the Hillsdale Fire Department has been present
at Jonesville in time of need.
A new fire company was organized in April, 1869, with
50 members, and a new engine-house built in the fall of the
same year, at a cost of $240. A new hose-cart and the
necessary hose had been purchased in 1868, costing $300.
In 1 874 the sum of $270 was expended for new hose and
couplings. The old hand-engine is still in use, although
the idea of purchasing a steamer has been canvassed to
some extent, and should the needs of the village demand it
would undoubtedly be forthcoming. The present depart-
ment is very efficient, and its officers are Thomas Hewlett,
Chief Engineer; and O. F. Richmond, Assistant. The
original name, " Protection," has been adhered to. The
engine company is officered as follows: Foreman, E. W.
Risdorph ; Assistant Foreman, Charles H. Levens ; Secre-
tary, Frank M. Hopkins ; Treasurer, George Harding.
Hose Company. — Foreman, Fred. C. Barkman ; Assis-
tant Foreman, Fred. Dingfelder; Secretary, Cassius L.
Glasgow ; Treasurer, A. Eugene Wisner.
MILITARY.
The stormy times of the American Revolution made
many heroes, who immortalized themselves by their deeds
of valor on many sanguinary fields. The seoond great strug-
138
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
gle with Britain aroused once more the patriotic fires, and
the hardj sons of the East stood up to do battle in all their
bravery and strength. From both generations have de-
scended men who did their part in building up the Western
wilderness into a thriving and populous region, and made
the State of Michigan a noble integer in the array which
stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the
great inland seas on the North to the Gulf of Mexico on the
South. The township of Fayette and the village of Jones-
ville have within their limits those who are able to trace
their genealogy back to the veterans of Chippewa and
Sacket's Harbor, of Brandy wine, Trenton, Bennington, and
Ticonderoga, and some even to the stormy season which
witnessed the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers from beyond
the ocean ; and the love of country and of liberty has ever
been kept green in the hearts of the descending genera-
tions.
The famous, but fortunately bloodless, " Toledo War,"
found aspirants for fame on every hand ; the struggle with
Mexico was ended after the shedding of much precious
blood; and when, in April, 1861, the dastard hands of an
ungrateful children fired upon the flag of the country which
had nourished them, the feeling of intense excitement which
pervaded the hearts of the people of the northland was not
allowed to cool in this pioneer town. Earnestly and with
fixedness of purpose the work of recruiting for the national
volunteer army was carried forward, and the brave sons of
Fayette, with thousands upon thousands from other por-
tions of the State,
" Went pouring forward with impetuous speed
And swiftly forming in the ranks of war."
And their record is a glorious one. The maimed and dis-
figured forms of many who returned, and the graves beneath
the swaying cypress, the live-oak and the magnolia, by the
" rippling Tennessee," the Chattahoochie, and the swampy
Savannah, by the mountains of Tennessee, Alabama, Geor-
gia, the CaroHnas, and the Virginias, and upon the plains
of Texas and Arkansas, tell but too truly of the severity
of the conflict and of the firesides which mourn for the de-
parted brave. Long will their memory be cherished,
"And the silvery stars on our banner so bright
Shine true to the heroes who died for the right.*'
On the 5th of June, 1861, it was by the Common Coun-
cil of the village of Jonesville ^^Resolved^ That we appro-
priate one hundred dollars for fitting and equipping soldiers
for the defense of this State and the national flag. Re-
solved^ That we appropriate the sum of $30 for the purchase
of a sword and belt for Capt. Moses A. Funk, of the ' Gros-
venor Guards,' and that we appoint Col. B. 0. Grosvenor
and Hon. W. W. Murphy a committee to purchase said
sword and belt and to present the same to Capt. Funk in
behalf of the citizens of the village of Jonesville."
ORDERS AND SOCIETIES.
Fayette Lodge^ No. 16, /. O. 0. F., was organized Oct.
3, 1846, and had its lodge-room in the block owned by
Munro & Manning, on Chicago Street. The charter mem-
bers were George C. Munro, Henry Baxter, Peter P. Acker,
Joseph Green, Joe Sill, and Charles Gregory. When the
building was burned, in 1849, the records of the lodge were
destroyed, and for several years thereafter it was not main-
tained.- It was finally reorganized, however, under the same
name, and has continued to exist until the present. Its
principal ofiicers for 1878 are : Noble Grand, Thomas Hew-
lett; Vice Grand, H. A. Baker ; Treas., Daniel A. Wisner ;
Sec, W. J. Baxter ; Permanent Sec, Ephraim Barkman.
Jonesville Encampment^ No. 8, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized
about 1847-48, and its charter members numbered nine;
among them were George C. Munro, Henry Baxter, E. 0.
Grosvenor, Schenck Baker, Horace Button, and Charles
Gregory. After the fire above mentioned the encampment
never was revived, its records having been destroyed and
its prosperity checked.
La Fayette Lodge, No. 16, F. and A. M. — This is the
oldest Masonic lodge in Hillsdale County, and was char-
tered in the spring of 1846, having been conducted under
dispensation since some time in 1844. Among its charter
members were Jesse Button, Jesse Stoddard, David Bagley,
Baldwin, Whitney, Swick, and others. Its
oldest living member is George C. Munro, who has been
connected with it about thirty-one years. Its first lodge-
room was over a blacksmith-shop, and it at present occupies
the upper floor of the Town Hall block. Its organization
has been continued since its beginning with general pros-
perity, and, with a present membership of about 120, it is
in a flourishing condition. The principal officers for 1878
are : Worshipful Master, C, L. Spaulding ; Senior Warden^
S. D. McNeal ; Junior Warden, Oscar A. Tracy ; Senior
Deacon, George Fuller ; Junior Deacon, J. H. Stone ; Tyler,
John Jordan.
Jonesville Chapter^ No. 8, R. A. if., was organized in
1851, with Jesse Button, James W. Button, George C.
Munro, and others as members. The present membership
(November, 1878) is about 100, and the principal officers
are 0. F. Richmond, High Priest ; B. G. Spaulding, King ;
Lewis Wales, Scribe.
Council No. 5 is also sustained, with B. G. Spaulding
as Thrice Illustrious Grand Master.
Fayette Grange^ No. 251, P. of IL^ was organized Jan.
12, 1876, with the following officers, viz. : Master, C. R.
Coryell ; Overseer, Y. F. Shepard ; Lecturer, H. E. Reed ;
Steward, H. P. Wheeler ; Assistant Steward, E. B. Gregory ;
Chaplain, Mrs. W. Richards; Treas., W. Richards; Sec,
H. M. Ward ; Gatekeeper, J. C. Ward ; Ceres, Mrs. L.
Miller ; Pomona, Mrs. H. M. Ward ; Flora, Miss Carrie
Miller ; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. J. C. Smith. The
organization has been maintained with good success, and the
grange is now in flourishing condition, occupying rooms in
the same building with the Odd-Fellows, on Chicago Street,
Jonesville.
The Ladies Jjibrary Association of Jonesville was or-
ganized in November, 1874, and the first drawing of books
held Jan. 9, 1875. A club consisting of 26 ladies had
been formed two years previously, each furnishing a single
volume, which collection formed the nucleus of the present
library. Subsequently a donation of 75 volumes was re-
ceived from A. F. Barnes, of the village, in aid of their
enterprise, and through other small donations and the funds
received from various social and literary entertainments,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
139
the number of volumes had been increased to 1030 at the
end of October, 1878. The membership of the association
is about 70, each paying an annual fee of $2. The library-
rooms, which are located in the Gardner Block, are open
on Saturday afternoon of each week. The directors of the
association are 15 in number, and the officers as follows, viz. :
President, Mrs. G. W. Warren ; Vice-President, Miss Anna
Curtis ; Treasurer, Miss J. S. Sinclair ; Recording Secretary,
Miss Carrie Champlin ; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. H.
M. Stites. The librarian is appointed quarterly from among
the board of directors.
THE SCHOOLS OF JONESVILLE.
An interesting article was prepared by Hon. Witter J.
Baxter, treating upon the history of the union school of
the village, and read as a centennial document in 1876.
It has been recently substantially bound, and is now before
us. We give it, nearly as written, for the benefit of the
seekers after the secrets of history :
" This school was established as a district school in the
fall of 1832,* though the district was not fully organized
until 1833 or 1834, at which time it included the entire
township of Vance (as it was then called), and said town-
ship comprised the entire county of Hillsdale, which was
then attached to and formed a part of Lenawee County. The
loss of early records, and the loose manner in which those
which have been preserved were kept, renders it impossible
to give with accuracy the names of officers of the district
or teachers of the school for a number of years after it was
organized. It would seem that Benaiah Jones, one of the
first settlers in the county, who laid out and gave name to
the village, and his brother-in-law, James Olds, were the
first officers, hired the first teachers, furnished the school-
room, and boarded the teachers. The school was opened in
the fall of 1832 by Dr. William Mottram, in a bedroom in
a block tavern kept by Benaiah Jones, and which stood on
the northwest corner of what are now known as Chicago
and Waterf Streets, on lot 24, Jones' Plat of Jonesville.
Dr. Mottram kept the school but a few weeks, and was
succeeded by Dr. Chase, who taught during the remainder
of the winter and the next spring. The entire village at
that time consisted of one log tavern, J four log dwellings,
one small frame dwelling, and two log barns.
"In the fall of 1833 a log house, known as the 'Bell
House,' which stood on what is now Maumee Street, and
a little north of the present Methodist church, was fitted
up for a school-house, by boring holes into logs and laying
boards upon wooden pins driven into them for desks, and
school was taught for five months by Benjamin L. Baxter,
then a lad of eighteen. Among those who attended his
school were some who have since become leading men in
Hillsdale County. A band of FottawaftamI.e Indians then
had their headquarters near this village, and among his
scholars was a son of Baw Beese, their chief, from whom a
lake near Hillsdale takes its name.
*In the summer of 1830, before the district was organized, Miss
Harriet Wight taught a school in a room in Benaiah Jones' house,
this being the first school in the township and probably in the county.
She was followed by Mr. Jones' niece, Orra Nicholson.
f West. X The old " Fayette House," part log and part frame.
" During the summer of 1834 a small log school-house,
12 by 14 feet, with shed roof, was erected, on what is now
Chicago Street, near the present Presbyterian church, and
from that time school was kept for five months by a male
teacher each year, and by a female teacher during the sum-
mer months. This building was used about one year,
when a small frame school-house was built a little south
and east of the log school-house, and in 1842 was removed
to the lot now used and occupied by Benjamin R. Credit,
just north of the present school lot, and used as a school-
house until 1844, when steps were taken for the erection of
a more commodious house. This school-house still forms
part of the dwelling of B. B. Credit.
" The new school-house was not completed until the
summer of 1847, and in the mean time the Presbyterian
session-house, now Steve Gregory's marble-shop, — and
standing where it now does, — the Baptist church, and the
Methodist church were alternately rented and used as
school-rooms.
''The district appears to have been first organized as a
union school district in 1843, when the township of Scipio,
comprising a part of the territory of the district, appears to
have been organized. § Among the earliest preserved records
of the district we find a vote, April 19, 1838, to raise by
tax on the property of the district $62, to be used, so far
as necessary, for the instruction of indigent pupils ; and
from that time forward, so long as the school was in part
supported by rate bills, we find each year liberal amounts
voted to be raised by tax for instruction of indigent pupils ;
and we find abundant evidence from the records, aside from
the traditions of the school, that no child has ever been
debarred from any of its benefits by reason of poverty.
From the directors' report, made Oct. 7, 1840, we find
there were then in the district, of school age : between 5
and 17, 86 ; attending school under 5 or over 17, 9 ; total
in district, 95 ; attending district school, 84. There was at
the same time a private school kept in the village, where
the rest were no doubt taught.
" In the fall of 1847 the first two-story union brick
school-house, erected under the general school laws of the
State, was completed on the west half of the present school-
house lot, at a cost of about -$3000, being 30 by 60 feet,
two stories high, with cupola and bell; and the school was
opened in the new building by A. S Welch, a graduate of
Michigan University, and under his able management
became, and has since continued, one of the best union or
graded schools in the State. At the annual meeting, Sept.
24, 1849, the district was reorganized under the law passed
the previous winter, authorizing districts containing more
than 100 scholars to enlarge the board by the election, in
addition to the three officers previously allowed, of four
trustees, making the school board consist of seven members.
The two-story school-house was found insufficient for the
wants of the district, and in 1859 additional ground was
purchased 'east of the school-house, making grounds 16
rods on Chicago Street by 12 rods on East Street, and steps
were taken for the erection of a new school buildins:. At
^ Scipio township was formed by act of the Legislature, March
23, 1836.
140
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tbe same time the district reorganized under the law passed
the previous winter, by the election of a school-board of six
trustees, who, from their own number, elected a moderator,
director, and assessor, which form of organization is still
maintained. At the same meeting, under authority of tbe
law last mentioned, all rate bills were abolished, and the
school made free to all residents of the district, and all
moneys necessary for the support of the school were, and
have since continued to be, raised by tax on the property
in the district. The school-house was repaired from time to
time, and enlarged by making outside stairways and using
the halls as school-rooms, and the churches in the place, by
lease, were used for the school until the fall of 1869, when
the present elegant, commodious, and substantial school-
house was completed, at a cost for building, heating, and
seating of about $40,000, exclusive of the land. This
building is of brick, three stories high, with stone basement,
and entrance-towers on the east and west. It is divided
into nine school-rooms, and will accommodate, comfortably,
from 500 to 550 pupils, is heated with three Lawson fur*
naces, and furnished with the best and most approved seats,
desks, and school-furniture.
" The school is divided into four departments, — primary,
secondary, grammar, and high school, which are subdivided
into grades, and promotions are made from grade to grade
and from department to department, on carefuf examination
and certificate of teachers. Instruction is given in all
departments, so that a graduate of our union school may at
once enter our State University or any college in the land.
The board of trustees, of six members, elected for three
years (two being elected each year to supply the places of
two whose terms expire), have general control and manage-
ment of the school, prescribe the course of study, make
rules for the general government of teachers and of pupils,
elect teachers by vote of the board, and have the supervi-
sion and charge of all matters pertaining to the school.
Among their duties is that of submitting to the electors of
the district, at each annual meeting, estimates of expenses
of the school for the ensuing year, and amounts necessary
to be raised by tax, and an instance has hardly been known
in the history of the district where the estimated amounts
have not been cheerfully voted.
" The school year is divided into three terms, one of 16 and
two of 12 weeks each, making a total of 40 weeks. . . ."
The annual expense of running the school is usually
between $9000 and $10,000. The following is a list of
teachers who have been employed since the opening of the
school in 1832, with personal remarks concerning each so
far as their history is known. This list includes principals
only:
1832. — Dr. William Mottram, taught four weeks ; re-
moved from Jonesville to Nottawa Prairie, St. Joseph
Co., Mich., thence to Kalamazoo, where he still resides.
1832-33. — Dr. Chase, taught four months; died at
Cold water, Branch Co., Mich.
1833. — Miss Orra Nicholson, a niece of Benaiah Jones,
taught four months ; died at Jonesville in 1834.
1833-34. — Benjamin L. Baxter, taught five months;
went to Dartmouth College, and after his return to this
State taught at Tecum seh ; read law at that place, and has
there since practiced his profession ; has been a member of
the Legislature, and held the office of regent of the uni-
versity for some years.
1834. — Miss Delilah Blackmar, taught four months ;
is now Mrs. Kempton.
1834-35. — Wolcott G. Branch, taught five months ; was
a lawyer by profession, and died at Somerset, in this county.
1835. — Miss Lucinda Kies, taught four months ; is now
Mrs. Ayers.
1835-36. — Mr. Morse, taught five months; history un-
known.
1836. — Miss Nancy Belknap, taught four months; de-
ceased.
1836-37. — Salem T. King, taught five months ; see list
of lawyers ; now deceased.
1837. — Miss Rachel Stilwell, taught four months ; is
now Mrs. H. L. Hewitt, of Hillsdale.
1837-38. — Mr. Johnston, taught five months; history
unknown.
1838. — Miss Belinda Sears, taught four months; history
unknown.
1838-39. — John Ross, taught five months; history un-
known.
1839. — Miss Cordelia Van Ness, taught four months;
now Mrs. J. M. Munroe, of Branch Co., Mich.
1839-40. — Chester S. Kendall, taught nine months ;
history unknown.
1840-41. — Same person taught nine months.
1841-42. — John Sweegles, Jr., taught nine months ; pub-
lished the Hillsdale Gazette^ and was afterwards State audi-
tor-general ; died at St. John's, Mich., in 1855.
1842-43. — Jesse H. Owen, taught nine months ; history
unknown.
1843-44. — Thaddeus Hampton, nine months ; deceased.
1844-45. — John C. Dunham, nine months ; deceased.
1845-46. — S. S. Coryell, nine months, taught afterwards
at Hillsdale and at Lansing, at which latter place he now
resides.
1846-47. — George Fox, nine months ; history unknown.
1847-48. — Alpheus S. Welch, forty-two weeks; salary
$700 ; went from Jonesville to Ypsilanti as principal of
State normal school, which position he retained until 1866,
when he resigned and went to Florida ; while residing there
he was United States senator ; left Florida on account of
health of his family, and became first president of the Iowa
State Agricultural College at Ames, la., which position he
still holds.* He was one of the early graduates of the
Michigan University Taught at Jonesville also in 1848-
49, forty-two weeks, at salary of $800.
1849-50. — Calvin S. Kingsley, forty-two weeks ; salary
$700 ; a graduate of Michigan University ; entered the
ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; removed to
California, and thence to Nevada ; studied law, and divided
his time between the pulpit and the bar.
1850-51.— A. S. Darrow, thirty weeks; salary $400;
present businesss and residence unknown.
1851.— A. S. Welch, twelve weeks, $230.
1851-52.— Same, forty-two weeks, $800.
* 1876.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
141
1852-53.— George E. Dudley, forty-two weeks, $700.
1853-54.— Same, forty-two weeks, $800. Mr. Dudley
entered the hardware business with R. Gardner, and after
a year or two of business life was appointed professor of
mathematics at Ypsilanti, which position he held until his
death, some years since, in Detroit.
1854-55. — Rev. A. B. Dunlap and wife, forty-two weeks,
$1100. Mr. Dunlap was a Presbyterian clergyman ; after-
wards removed to Grand Traverse Co., Mich. ; left the
pulpit on account of ill health ; has been a member of the
State Legislature, and is now an extensive pomologist and
horticulturist in Grand Traverse County.
1855-56.— Moses M. Ham, forty-two weeks, $750.
1856-57. — Same, forty-two weeks, $750; went from
Jonesville to Detroit, as assistant editor of the Detroit Free
Press ^ and from there removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where
he became editor and proprietor of one of the leading news-
papers of the State.
1857-58. — Rev. G. W. Bancroft, forty-two weeks,
$750 ; went from Jonesville to Hastings, Mich., where he
taught for some years, and was afterwards ordained as a
clergyman of the Episcopal Church, becoming rector of
that church at Hastings.
1858-59. — Same; same time and salary; also 1859-60.
1860-61.— J. C. Curtis, forty-two weeks, $750.
1861-62. — Same, sixteen weeks, $200; history un-
known.
1862. — Henry C. Noe, twenty-nine weeks, $400; en-
tered hardware business at Burr Oak, Mich. ; afterwards
became telegraph operator on line of Lake Shore and
Michigan Southern Railway.
1862-63.— Ephraim M. Murch, forty-two weeks, $600 ;
history unknown.
1863-64. — E. A. Frazer, forty-two weeks, $650; a
graduate of Michigan University ; taught a number of
years at Kalamazoo, where he now resides ; is a member of
the bar at that place.
1864. — Rev. E. W. Childs, fourteen weeks, at rate of
$700.
1864-65. — Same, for languages alone, twenty-eight
weeks, $200 ; present pastor of Presbyterian Church,
Jonesville.*
1864-65. — Francis Smith, twenty-eight weeks, at rate
of $700 ; a graduate of Michigan University and Law
School ; now in the practice of his profession at Muskegon,
Mich.
1865. — Benjamin F. Wells, fourteen weeks, at rate of
$700 ; history unknown.
1865-66. — Newman Dryer, twenty-eight weeks, at rate
of $700 ; farmer.
1866-1872.— F. B. McClellan, forty-two weeks each
year, at salary from $1000 to $1200 ; removed from here
to Albion, Calhoun Co., Mich., where he took charge of
the public schools.
1872-73.— A. F. Cate, forty weeks, $1400; now in
business at Manchester, N. H.
1873-74.— G. A. Slayton, forty weeks, $1100; yet
teaching in this State.
* See history of said cburch.
1874-76. — J. D. H. Cornelius, forty weeks each year,
$1200 ; a graduate of Michigan University.
" The history of teachers would be incomplete without
some mention of assistants, both male and female, but the
records are so imperfect that only a portion can be given,
and even these with no certainty as to date when they
taught ; nor have we the time nor facilities to ascertain
their subsequent history. Some taught but a single term,
and some for several terms, and even years. We give, so
far as we can, the dates when they commenced teaching in
this school. ''f
Mrs. John Sweegles, 1841 ; deceased.
Miss Mary Hopkins, 1844; now Mrs. Isaac Al den, of
Coldwater, Branch Co., Mich.
Miss Emeline Bacon, 1845 ; now Mrs. J. Eastman
Johnston, of Centreville, St. Joseph Co., Mich.
Miss Mary Hale, 1846 j now Mrs. Wyman, of Sidney,
Ohio.
Miss Coburn, 1848 ; returned to New Hampshire.
Miss Clarissa Nimocks, 1841 ; now Mrs. H. W. Tuller,
Jonesville.
Miss Delia Barnes, 1849 ; now Mrs. J. H. Hastings, of
Hillsdale.
Mrs. C.^ S. Kingsley, 1849 ; now in Colorado.
C. H. Buck, 1849 ; history unknown.
Miss E. M. Orton, 1850 ; now Mrs. Hudson, Sandusky,
Ohio.
John Starks, 1851 ; Presbyterian clergyman in Illinois.
J. M. B. Sill, 1852; superintendent of Detroit public
schools.
Miss Sallie Beaumont, 1852; now Mrs. Prof Sill, De-
troit.
Miss Sarah Kinman, 1852 ; now Mrs. Goadby, of Cold-
water.
Miss Gertrude Mulholland ; history unknown.
Miss Louisa George, 1853 ; now Mrs. George Button, of
Minneapolis, Minn.
Miss Mary Wells, 1853 ; teaching in the South in 1876.
C. B. Crane, 1853 ; now Baptist minister.
D. W. C. Wisner, 1854 ; now merchant in Jonesville.
Miss Caroline Walter, 1854 ; now Mrs. William Wal-
dron, of Hillsdale.
Mrs. A. B. Dunlap, 1854; now of Grand Traverse
County.
Miss Sophia Wright, 1855 ; now of Grand Traverse
County.
Miss Sarah Van Ness, 1856 ; now Mrs. J. F. Munroe,
Detroit.
Miss M. E. Osband, 1856 ; history unknown.
Miss Harriet Taylor, 1856 ; history unknown.
Miss Martha Sinclair, 1856 ; now of Adrian College.
Miss E. Hampton, 1857 ; history unknown.
Miss J. H. Wheeler, 1857 ; history unknown.
Miss Jennie Sinclair, 1857 ; now of Jonesville.
Miss Harriet Wells, 1857 ; now of Boston.
Miss Sarah Wells, 1858; now Mi-s. J. V. Copeland, Hud-
son.
Miss Elizabeth Eugh, 1858 ; now of Jackson Co., Mich.
f History of school.
142
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Miss Helen Kimble, 1858 ; history unknown.
Miss Barker, 1858; history unknown.
Miss Frances Calkins, 1858 ; history unknown.
Miss Ida Taylor, 1859 ; history unknown.
Miss Stoddard, 1861 ; history unknown.
Miss Antoinette Baxter, 1861 ; now Mrs. W. H. Brock-
way, of Albion, Mich.
Miss Amanda M. Rowley, 1861 ; history unknown.
Miss Rachel Murch, 1862 ; now Mrs. Buell, Jonesville.
Miss Nora Sinclair, 1862 ; now Mrs. Perry, Lowell,
Mich.
Miss Caroline Delavan, 1864 ; now of Alma, Mich.
Miss Ellen Olds, 1864; now Mrs. Charles Stowell, Hud-
son.
Mrs. Sutton, 1864 ; history unknown.
Miss E. S. Race, 1864 ; history unknown.
Miss L. C. Grraham, 1864 ; now of Jonesville.
C. W. Glasgow, 1865 ; now lawyer at La Grange, Ind.
Miss Mary Ann Prowdly, 1865 : Jonesville.
Miss S. R. Taylor, 1866 ; now Mrs. Wm. H. Niles,
Ottawa Co., Mich.
Miss Anna J. Cliff, 1867 ; history unknown.
Miss Emma Mitchell, 1867 ; now Mrs. Silas W. Glas-
gow, Jonesville.
Miss Lillie Beaumont, 1868; now Mrs. F. B. Graham.
Miss Ella Wade, 1868.
Miss Mary C. Delavan, 1869 ; now of Alma, Mich.
Miss F. J. Holt, 1869 ; teaching here in 1876.
Miss lone St. John, 1869.
Miss Minerva Krapp, 1869 ; now Mrs. Tubbs, Jones-
ville.
Miss Lizzie Sinclair, 1870 ; Jonesville.
Miss Sturgis, 1871 ; now of Scipio township.
Miss Nancy C. Tuller, 1871; history unknown.
Miss Celeste Barrett, 1871.
Miss Emma Meddick, 1871 ; teaching in 1876.
Miss Clara Munroe, 1871 ; since at Syracuse, N. Y.
Miss L. 0. Woodruff, 1872 ; history unknown.
Miss Mary Reinohl, 1872; teaching in 1876.
Miss Ella Teed, 1872 ; Jonesville.
^ Miss Belle Kempton, 1872.
Miss Frances Dickinson, 1872; died in 1873.
Miss Elizabeth Gaige, 1872; died in 1874.
Miss Agnes La Kore, 1872 ; Jonesville.
Miss Ella A. Farnsworth, 1873 ; afterwards of Holly,
Oakland Co.
Miss Hattie Hopkins, 1873 ; now Mrs. Ida Bentz, Jones-
ville.
Miss Olive H. Bentley, 1873 ; history unknown.
Miss Jennie Alvord, 1873 ; Jonesville.
Miss Mary M. Purdy, 1873 ; Jonesville.
The present corps of teachers (1878) is as follows : Prin-
cipal, Professor Gass ; First Assistant, Miss Kittie Smith ;
Grammar Department, W. F. Hoag; First Intermediate,
Miss Jennie Tuller ; First Primary, Miss Dunham ; Second
Primary, Miss North.
The School Board consists of the following, persons, viz. :
E. 0. Grosvenor, Moderator; W. J. Baxter, Director;
James H. Wade, Assessor; D. A. Wisner, G. W. Chad-
dock, J. S. Lewis.
The present union school building is one of the finest in
the State, for a village of the size of Jonesville, and the
school itself continues to reflect credit upon its founders and
teachers, and is a worthy monument to the educators of the
early days, whose liberal ideas laid the foundation of the
present admirable system, and whose memory is justly
cherished in its connection.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.*
" The first sermon preached in the place by a Methodist
minister was in 1834, by the Rev. Mr. Colclazer, presiding
elder, in a log and slab school-house located on a spot of
ground between the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches.
" The first class was organized in the year 1838 by the
Bev. Mr. Manier, the first preacher located in the place.
There were then some 13 members of the class. The fol-
lowing ministers were over the church in order: 1839,
Elijah Sabin and John Statford ; 1840, John Statford and
Peter Sabin; 1841, Peter Sabin and John Jones; 1842,
J. H. Pitzell and Peter Sabin ; 1843, J. H. Pitzell and Ira
Lapham ; 1841, Isaac Bennett and Levi Warnier ; 1845,
Isaac Bennett and ■ ; 1846, S. Steele and John
C. Noble; 1847, S. Steele and J. Abbott; 1848, H. Pen-
field and John Arnold ; 1849, H. Penfield and T. C. Jacokes ;
1850, J. Boynton ; 1851, Buchanan and Marsh ;
1852, Elijah Crane; 1853, Isaac Taylor; 1854, Holl-
stock; 1855, Finch; 1856, Tombs; 1858-59,
Noah Fassett; 1860, Elijah Crane; 1861, Isaac Taylor;
1862-63, N. M. Steele; 1864, F. G. Owen; 1865-66,
Thomas; 1867, M. J. Smith ; 1868-69, John Hoyt;
1870-71, B. C. Welch ; 1872-73, H. P. Henderson ; 1874
-75, J. M. Robinson ; 1876, George L. Cole;" 1877, J. H.
Potts; 1878 (until September), W. M. Ball ; present pastor,
in charge since September, 1878, Bev. C. G. Thomas.
The present membership of this society is about 120, and
that of the Sabbath-school 100. The latter is superintended
by E. Lawrence; has 12 classes and teachers, and a library
of 208 volumes. The frame church now in use, standing
on Maumee Street next north of the town hall, was built
in 1844, during Bev. Isaac Bennett's pastorate, at a cost of
$1200, exclusive of seats, which were placed in it several
years later. The building was largely repaired in 1872-73
at an expense of $2000. The first board of trustees con-
sisted of F. M. Holloway, H. J. Olds, James Sturgis,
Philip Harding, and Bobert Gregory. The society is the
oldest in the town.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHf OP JONESVILLE
was organized by Bev. Calvin Clark in the summer of 1835.
The first members were Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Champlin, Mr.
and Mrs. Sebastian Adams, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Stevens,
and Mr. Carpenter. They had no settled clergyman until
September, 1837, when the wood building known as " The
Session-House," on the lot south of the present church, was
completed, and Bev. Elijah Buck was employed at a salary
* Items recorded in church book by Rev. George L. Cole, pastor in
1876.
f Sketch by Hon. W. J. Baxter, of Jonesville.
ORST PRESBYTERMN CffURCH of JONESVRLE, Mich
BUILT l853,ffEBUII.T 1878.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
143
of $500 per year. He preached for the church two years.
The society first effected a legal organization under the name
of " The Presbyterian Society of Jonesville," on Sept. 15,
1837. The first trustees were Joseph Sill, Azariah Wright,
E. P. Champlin, Simon Jacobus, Ransom Gardner, and
Lewis Smith. Owing to some neglect or oversight in filing
proper certificates under the statute, it was deemed advisable
to reorganize in February, 1840, but with the same name
and several of the same trustees. Among the most active
members and supporters of the church and society was E.
P. Champlin, who gave the ground upon which the session-
house was erected, and also that upon which the present
church now stands ; and his mantle has fallen upon his chil-
dren and those who now represent his family, who have
given largely and liberally towards the present church, and
who have placed a very beautiful memorial window in the
north front of the new church as a token of affectionate
remembrance, respect, and love. Rev. Mr. Buck was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Wm. Page in 1838, who was in turn suc-
ceeded by Rev. W. S. Taylor in 1843, and he by Rev. S.
E. Lane in 1845.
Rev. S. C. Hickok was called in October, 1847, and was
the first installed pastor of the church. He died in the
summer of 1850. Rev. H. L. Stanley was called Oct. 15,
1850, and was duly installed as pastor, and remained until
April, 1861, — more than ten years. For about a year the
pulpit was supplied by several different clergymen until in
June, 1862, when Rev. E. W. Childs was employed, who
was installed as pastor. He remained until early in 1873,
when he resigned, and Rev. George R. Milton was employed
for one year. At the expiration of the year the Rev. E.
W. Childs was again called and installed as pastor, and is
still serving, having officiated continuously, with the excep-
tion of one year, for more than sixteen years ; and for long
years to come may he continue to be the pastor, spiritual
adviser, and friend of this church and people.
The church and society worshiped in the '^ Session-
House'' until 1854, when the brick church on the site now
occupied was dedicated. This brick church was used by
the society, after various repairs and remodelings, until the
spring of 1878, when it was mostly torn down to give place
to the elegant and commodious church which was dedicated
Nov. 26, 1878. Though a small portion of the walls of
the old church remain, it has been so remodeled and added
to, so enlarged, improved, and beautified, that it is to all in-
tents and purposes a new church ; very commodious, com-
plete, and beautiful in all its appointments, a credit to the
church and society, and an ornament to the village.
The entire cost has been |9000, all of which has been
paid, and the church was dedicated free of debt. The
architect was L. D. Grosvenor, of Jackson. The contract-
ors and builders were Selfridge & Somers, of this village.
The building committee, who have given daily and constant
attention and supervision to the work, are Messrs. S. C.
Baker, Lewis H. Turner, E. 0. Grosvenor, and John A.
Sibbald, and the completed edifice is a standing testimonial
to the skill, fidelity, and faithfulness of all who have thus
been connected with the enterprise.
The membei-ship, now about 160, has more than doubled
during Mr. Childs' pastorate. A flourishing Sabbath-school
is maintained, with an attendance of about 100, and is
managed by Silas Glasgow as Superintendent. It possesses
a library of some 300 volumes, and has 16 classes and
teachers. Meetings have been held since March, 1878, in
the town hall during repairs on the church.*
A society of Universalists formerly existed here, which
used the church now occupied by the Baptists. It is at
present not sustained. This church was originally built by
the Baptists.
THE SECOND ADVENTISTS
organized a society about 1861, which finally reached a
membership of some 50 or more. The pastor during its
existence was Abel E. Babcock, of Jonesville. The work
done here by this denomination was by Rev. D. R. Mans-
field and his wife. Rev. Mrs. M. S. Mansfield, well known
among members of the society throughout the United
States. The Universalist church was rented, and regular
Sunday services held for five years. A subscription of
$800 had been originally raised to build a church, but the
breaking out of the war and other circumstances conspired
against the consummation of their plans, and in time the
society became practically disbanded, the Baptists having
purchased the Universalist church property, and no meet-
ings are now held, although there are numerous adherents
to the belief in and around Jonesville.
GRACE CHURCH, JONESVILLE. f
Mission Work. — The history of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in Hillsdale County begins with missionary work in
the village of Jonesville. The records of the earliest mis-
sion services are quite fragmentary, the most correct reports
being obtainable from the recollections of the oldest resi-
dents. The first service of the church appears to have
been held on Sunday evening, Feb. 7, 1836, in the village
school-house, by the Rev. Wm.. N. Lyster, rector of St.
Peter's Church, Tecumseh, from which place Mr. Lyster
had, doubtless, ridden on horseback to Jonesville for this
purpose. The next service was held by the Rev. Darius
Barker, late from the diocese of Yerniont, on Sunday, Oct.
21, 1838. Mr. Barker came, by formal appointment, as
the first missionary of the church to this county.
Organization. — On Monday, Dec. 17, 1838, at the call
of 26 declared Episcopalians, convened at the school-house,
the parish was duly organized, under the title of '' Grace
Church," Jonesville. At the same time and place the first
vestrymen were elected, as follows : Jedediah H. Dorwin,
Nicholas Worthington, James K. Kinman, Henry A. Del-
evan, Clinton E. Atwater, Robert Allan, and James F.
Stark, and three associates, viz., Wm. Walton Murphy,
James Rowland, and D. C. Stillwell.
On Thursday, Jan. 28, 1841, the parish was reorganized
under the revised statute of 1839, retaining the same title,
at which time an election of officers took place as follows :
Charles Gregory, Senior Warden ; William Bettis, Junior
Warden 5 George C. Munro, Robert Allan, Sanford R.
Smith, Charles Powell, Rockwell Manning, Henry A.
Delevan, Willard W. Wood, Elias G. Dilla, and Wm. W.
-j^ The new edifice was formally dedicated on Tuesday, Nov. 26,
1878.
f By the rector, Rev. W. W. Raymond.
144
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Murphy, Vestrymen. Thereafter, Greorge C. Munro has
been elected annually to the present time (1878) ; Wm. W.
Murphy also, with few exceptions ; and Henry A. Delevan,
until his removal from the parish in 1872.
Rectorship. — On Monday, Dec. 17, 1838, the Rev.
Darius Barker was elected the first rector of the parish,
and continued until 1843. His successors have been as
follows: Rev. Luman Foote, 1844-46; Rev. Robert S.
Elder, 1846-50 ; Rev. Charles R. Huson, 1852-54 ; Rev.
Levi H. Corson, 1854-67 ; Rev. George A. Whitney,
1869-73; Rev. Wm. Wirt Raymond (rector of St. Peter's
Church, Hillsdale), in charge of Grace Church, Jonesville,
1873-78; et loq. The reverend and venerable Wm. N.
Lyster, who held first service, was born at Sion, Wexford
Co., Ireland, March 5, 1805; and died at Breedsville,
Allegan Co., Mich., Sept. 9, 1877.
The reverend and venerable Darius Barker, first mission-
ary and first rector, is still living in Paw Paw, Van Buren
Co., Mich , in white-haired age. He was present in Christ
church, Detroit, Sept. 11, 1877, at the funeral of the
Rev. Mr. Lyster, as first mourner among the clergy. The
Rev. R. S. Elder died while he was yet rector of the
parish, in August, 1850.
Church Building. — In August, 1844, the foundation and
corner-stone of a church building were laid on a beautiful
plat of ground nine rods by twelve, being the east end of
an oblong square opposite the village park, the Presbyterian
house of worship occupying the west end, a plat of equal
beauty and dimensions. The east plat came into possession
of the church through the purchase of Geo. C. Munro.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1848, the building was conse-
crated by the bishop of the diocese, in the presence of a
joyful assembly. The edifice is a comfortable frame struct-
ure, of a seating capacity of about 250, — a famous and con-
spicuous mark of devotion in the early days, from the
tower of which, since 1850, the full-toned bell has sum-
moned all the surrounding inhabitants to worship.
Commu7iicants. — The rector. Rev. Darius Barker, cele-
brated the holy communion for the first time in the parish
on Christmas-day, 1838, six persons participating. The
whole number of communicants registered in the parish
has been about 100. The number of communicants re-
ported to the convention of the diocese from Grace Church,
1847, was 9 ; 1848, 15 ; 1849, 22 ; 1863, 52 ; and there-
after annually as follows: 50, 53, 44, 42, 44, 30, 31, 30,
35, 25, 25, 33, 33, 37, 41. The fluctuation in numbers
has been caused by deaths and removals,— more by the
latter cause than by the former.
Official Acts. — The first administration of the sacrament
of holy baptism was in April, 1839, to three children of
James K. Kinman. The whole number of baptisms regis-
tered is 227, infants and adults. The first ministration of
the sacred rite of confirmation, or the laying on of hands,
was by the Rt. Rev. Samuel A. McCoskry, D.D., Bishop
of the Diocese, on Sunday, April 7, 1839, to two candidates.
The confirmations have numbered 97, in twenty-one visi-
tations of the bishop. The registered murriages have num-
bered 135. The registered burials have numbered 175.
The annual offerings for all purposes, exclusive of the
church building fund, have varied from #300 to $1000.
The present officers of the parish (1878) are Wm. W.
Upham, Senior Warden ; James W. Button, Junior War-
den ; Wm. W. Murphy, Charles Prowdley, Fred. C. Bark-
man, Jonathan B. Graham, James R. Burnett, Lyman S.
Wilson, and George C. Munn, Vestrymen.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
A Baptist Society was organized here as early as about
1842, by Rev. William G. Wisner, who became its pastor.
During his term of service the church now used by the
society was built, Mr. Wisner hewing some of the timbers
himself The records of the old society cannot be found,
and, perhaps, much of interest is therefore unattainable.
It finally became practically disbanded, and was formally
recorded as having ceased to exist in 1860. A new society
was, however, organized upon the 19th of December of the
same year, with twenty-five members. The church, which
had been sold to the Universalists, was repurchased from
them, and since then the society has flourished. Its pastors
since the reorganization have been Revs. L. J. Huntley,
H. M. Gallup, William Remington, A. A. Hopkins, and
the present incumbent, Rev. E. R. Bennett. The mem-
bership in November, 1878, was 70, with a Sabbath-school
numbering 100 members, having seven classes and teachers,
and a library of 200 volumes. The church is located on
the north side of the public square, and though the out-
side is not prepossessing in appearance, the interior is very
pleasant and neatly and comfortably furnished. Mr. Ben-
nett has been in charge since July, 1877.
MxVNUPACTURES.
Jonesville Woolen-Mills. — These mills were started in
1853, with Hon. Jonathan B. Graham as a stockholder and
the first president of the company. He was the agent also
for building, fitting, and managing the mill. The company
became insolvent and he purchased the bulk of the stock at
sherifi^'s sale, to secure himself for what he had invested.
In 1860 he succeeded in effecting a sale to Ransom Gard-
ner, and the firm of Gardner & Co. assumed the manage-
ment of the factory. The first mill was destroyed by fire
on the 3d of January, 1866, and the present structure
erected the same year by Messrs. Gardner & Co. It is 103
by 51 feet, and five stories high, and contained when in
operation 30 looms, 1500 spindles, and 5 sets of cards;
800 pounds of wool were used daily, from which were
manufactured 50.0 yards of woolen cloth, the force em-
ployed numbering 65 hands. The machinery was driven
by a 60 horse-power steam-engine. This was the largest
and first important woolen-mill in the State, and was long
prosperous. The proprietors finally failed, however, and
the business was wound up in 1875, the property going
into the hands of the bondholders.
Jonesville Cotton- Mi II. — A company was formed here in
1871, for the purpose of entering into the manufacture of
cotton cloth. Work was soon begun on a building, and the
present brick factory was completed and dedicated Feb. 20,
1873. Operations were begun on a small scale in May
following, but it was not extensively worked until the
spring of 1875, when its management was assumed by
H. R. Gardner and J. M. Mumford, men of large experi-
J.J. DEAL.
J.J. DEAL,/VlANUrACTURER OFC/\F?RIAGES,WAGONS,Ct;TrERS, SLOGHS &? JONESVILLE, MICH
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
145
ence in the business, who at once put on a force of about
50 employees, and with 80 looms and a proportionate num-
ber of spindles, nearly 85,000 yards per month were manu-
factured, from cotton procured at St. Louis, Cincinnati,
Nashville, Memphis, and Rome, Ga. The venture not
proving remunerative business was finally suspended, and
this, like the woolen -factory, is now lying idle, a monument
of unrequited enterprise.
Foundry and Machine- Shop. — The first foundry in the
village of Jonesville was established by Isaac B. Taylor and
George C. Munro, about 1836-37, and at its outset was
decidedly a primitive afiair. It occupied a frame building,
which is possibly yet standing in the rear of the present
foundry. The fan was operated by horse-power, a huge
equine which belonged to the firm being placed inside a
ponderous "tread- wheel," where he worked, ate, and slept.
A small engine was afterwards substituted, and this foundry
soon became an institution of great importance to the place.
The old " Michigan Plow" was principally manufactured,
other articles being made on a smaller scale. One ton per
day was the average product of the furnace. Pig-iron was
hauled by teams from Mishawaka, Ind. So large an
amount of scrap-iron was used, — coming in from various
parts of the country, — that a small quantity of pig-iron
sufiiced for a long time. Mr. Munro was connected with
the establishment a number of years. It has changed
hands many times, the present proprietors being Leonard
and R. T. Miller, the latter having immediate charge.
The manufactures are plows and agricultural implements,
— a specialty being " Miller's Chilled Plow." Since during
the summer of 1878 the foundry has not been in opera-
tion, but the intention is to start again soon. Fourteen
hands were employed previous to this suspension.
Planing- Mill. — This institution, owned by Messrs. Sel-
fridge, Baxter & Co., at present employing three hands,
manufactures sash, doors, and blinds, and does general
planing. The date of its establishment is not satisfactorily
known.
Carriage- and Wagon- Shop of J. J. Deal. — Mr. Deal
came to this village from the State of New York, m 1858,
and purchased from Seeley Blatchley the shop on the west
side of West Street, now owned by Tiffany & Brother.
Here he conducted a custom business until 1865 or 1866,
when he bought the lot opposite, upon which his present
buildings stand, erected his shops, and established himself
in the business in which he still continues. His manufac-
tures are wagons, carriages, sleighs, etc., of excellent quality.
From eight to twelve experienced hands are employed, and
work turned out annually of an average value of $10,000.
During the season just passed, he has been unusually busy,
and has had a very large custom. He has two local agents
in Nebraska. By strict attention to business and a rigid
adherence to the duty of supplying, in the best manner, the
needs of the people, Mr. Deal has built a prosperous trade,
and his success may well be a source of self-gratulation.
An extensive carriage-shop is managed on Mr. Deal's old
site by Messrs. Tiffany & Brother, who also own one of the
hardware establishments of the village. This shop was built
bj George W. Bullock, the present sheriff of the county,
the Messrs. Tiffany having owned it since 1872. The man-
19
ufactures are carriages, wagons, sleighs, etc., reaching an
annual value of some $10,000. The average number of
hands employed is seven. Mr. Bullock carried on the busi-
ness for several years, and sold to the present proprietors.
Other manufacturing establishments of greater or less
importance have existed here, but those described are the
principal ones at this time. Aside from them there are
numerous mechanic shops, giving employment to a consid-
erable number of persons. The mercantile houses of the
village number about twenty-five, of all descriptions, some
of them being among the heaviest in the county, and occu-
pying commodious and finely-finished rooms. The business
blocks of the place are not surpassed by those of any village
of the same size in the State.
THE FOURTH OF JULY IN JONESVILLE IN 1833.
The anniversary of our national independence was not
forgotten by the early dwellers here, and although at the
above date no very extensive '' celebration" could be held,
yet the scattering population met for a royal good time at
the then infant village, and Enjoyed themselves to the utmost.
A dance was held at Jones' tavern — the old '' Fayette
House," — and from far and near came the patriotic settlers
to indulge in the pleasures of the occasion. A certain man,
who lived eleven miles away, was there with " his girl," an-
ticipating a rare treat in measuring time with their feet to
the tones of dulcet music which was to be furnished by
parties who had been especially engaged to play here on that
night. To the disappointment of everybody, the expected
musicians failed to put in an appearance, and " gloom was
depicted on every countenance." By some mysterious leger-
demain, however, a violin was unearthed, and it was known
that our eleven -mile man could play it. Then the faces in
the assemblage brightened ; the hero of the bow and rosin
mounted a chair-back in order to have plenty of elbow
room, and the fun began. The well-known notes of '' Money
Musk," *' Scotch reel," " French four," and other lively airs,
swelled forth upon the summer air as with magic touch the
musician plied his bow, and "joy was unconfined." The
feet of the dancers were light, their hearts ditto, and with
the passing hours the assemblage continued their evolutions
till the gray dawn bade them desist and seek their homes.
INCIDENTS.
A disposition to perpetrate practical jokes seems to have
been possessed by the pioneers of the village, and no one
was exempt from being the object of their fun. The side-
splitting "yarns" which the survivors "of those days" re-
late are scarcely to be numbered, and they apparently enjoy
telling them nearly as well as they must have enjoyed par-
ticipating in the sport. Ah, ye graybeards ! Well that
memory exists, else in your age but little pleasure would ye
know 1 With the scenes of your earlier years still fresh in
your minds, your declining days pass so lightly that your
race is run ere yet your youth seems to have worn off.
Blessed be memory, if for nothing else than its advantages
to the aged !
During the days of stage-coach travel the boys of the
village were wont to climb upon the lumbering vehicles and
146
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ride to the barn as they came in. The driver of one stage
resolved to break them of this propensity, and the first time
occasion offered he made free use of his "blacksnake"
among them. Now the aforesaid boys deemed themselves
possessed of certain "inalienable rights," of which the
privilege of riding a few rods on the incoming stage was
one. Vengeance dire was threatened, and knowing the
time when the same driver would arrive again, they repaired
to a spot nearly opposite the present site of the school-
house, where the road was a little siding, threw up an em-
bankment on the opposite side, and concealed themselves in
the bushes to await the denouement. Darkness fell upon
the scene, and ere long the expected stage was heard rum-
bling along in the distance. The calculations of the boys
were made to a nicety, and the result attested to their en-
gineering skill, for the stage was overturned with a crash,
baggage was spilled, and the noses of some of the passengers
were severely bumped ! History saith not whether the
boys were further molested in their practice. The names
of the conspirators in this affair were unknown, and it was
not until forty years later that one of them divulged the
secret. The mystery is how they could have curbed their
feelings to such a degree as to keep the people in ignorance
as to the names of the perpetrators, and the one who finally
made the facts known could undoubtedly restrain himself
no longer.
During the palmy days when the county-seat was located
at Jonesville, the Presbyterian session-house was used for a
court-house, while the jail was a log building which stood
near the centre of the north park. Winslow Ralph was
long the jailer. A frame addition to the jail was afterwards
erected, and is still standing some distance north of Chicago
Street, near the Fort Wayne^ Railway, and is at present
occupied as a residence by Samuel Baker. The old session-
house occupied very nearly the present site of the Presby-
terian church. Near by was the log school-house which
has been mentioned, and to which the juries retired for
deliberation.
While the Lake Shore Railway was being constructed a
crowd of Irish laborers indulged in a general jollification
over the success of their ticket at an election, and became
involved in a serious fracas at Osseo, in Jefferson township.
The turmoil finally culminated in the general ransacking of
the tavern at that place, kept by W. W. Green, bottles and
furniture being broken and Mr. Green himself severely
handled. The parties to the affair were indicted and
brought before the grand jury at Jonesville, Judge Lewis
T. Miller presiding. Mr. Green, in giving evidence, as-
serted under oath that in the row the Irishmen gave him
three mortal wounds! The judge thought he must be
mistaken, but he adhered to his statement, to the no small
amusement of the jury and spectators. His ideas upon the
nature of wounds and the meaning of certain adjectives
were sadly mixed. James K. Kinman, who at that time
owned the most of Osseo, promised to remunerate Green for
his losses by giving him a quit-claim deed for the property,
and that document was subsequently executed by Jonathan
B. Graham, who had been one of the members of the
aforesaid grand jury.
On another occasion, about 1842, a great strife came up
between the proprietors of the various stage-lines. As fast
as the vehicles arrived in Jonesville, from any direction,
they were attached and run to the rear (north) of the busi-
ncvss blocks on Chicago Street, while the disgusted and im-
patient passengers were forced to wait three days, or until
the ensuing trial was over, before they could go on. Judge
Fletcher, of Ann Arbor, was the presiding genius of the
courts at that time. He lived so far away, however, that
it was impossible to secure his services in time, and Heman
Pratt, of Somerset, one of the side judges, was called upon
instead. Nearly every lawyer in the county was employed
upon one side or the other, and the array of legal talent was
of no mean quantity nor quality. Judge Pratt, however,
was not well versed in the mazes of the law, and the attor-
neys had it pretty much their own way. The judge was
a very temperate man. Occasionally when a knotty point
was to be decided he would be taken with a sudden griping
in the abdominal portion of his anatomy, and for relief
would repair to the St. Charles Hotel, kept by Simon Gay,
and swallow a dose of peppermint, mixed with a little brandy
to make it more palatable. These visits became more fre-
quent ; finally James K. Kinman wanted him to decide a
certain point and he replied, '' The counsel don't expect me
to travel outside of the statute to do it, does he ?" Swiftly
then the answer came, "By G ! if the court would
go down and take about another tumblerful of Gay's pep-
permiJif, he couldn't travel in a ten-acre lot !" The court
threatened to commit Kinman for contempt, but was told
that " he didn't know how to go to work to do it, and there
wasn't a lawyer who would help him !" The matter finally
ended, the trial proceeded and reached a close, and the
weary-of-waiting passengers once more took their seats in
the stages, which bowled away in the distance as if no
trouble had occurred.
During the "wild-cat" days of 1837 an attempt was
made to start a bank in Jonesville. Among those inter-
ested were George C. Munro, Cook & Ferris, Jonathan B.
Graham, and others. Mr. Graham was fresh from the land
of wooden nutmegs, and was to take $20,000 of stock in
the " bank," and had 10 per cent, of the amount in Spanish
doubloons, ready to deposit. Some one had been to Homer,
Calhoun Co., and borrowed several hundred dollars in doub-
loons, and on the day the stockholders met to deposit passed
them out on the counter, and they were swept into a can-
vas bag and slyly passed along so that each man could take
a handful out of the bag and make his deposit. Mr. Gra-
ham saw that something was wrong, and resolved to wait
until the morrow before passing over his supply of doub-
loons. The next morning he came down, and found that
the "stockholders" had held a general jollification the
night before with the money borrowed at Homer. A
respectable and temperate farmer had been elected president
of the prospective bank, and as a matter of course was wil- ^
ling to partake of a little cider in appreciation of his good
luck. The cider was champagne ^ and the worthy tiller of
the soil became somewhat befogged from frequent libations,
still asserting that it was very good cider. He was made
quite sick from too frequent drams, and together with the
others made considerable of a " muss" in the effort to dis-
gorge. After the spree nothing further was done towards
Col. EM.Hqlloy/ay
/VfRS.F.M.(^OLLOWAY.
W/TTER J. Baxter.
PHoros.sv Carson a Cramam
Levi Baxter.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
147
establishing a bank, however, and Mr. Graham was saved
the temporary loss of his money.
After the election of 1840 the male portion of the com-
munity indulged in a grand frolic, and liquor flowed freely.
E. 0. Grosvenor had his sleeping apartment over the store
in which he was clerking, and ere yet the fun had become
very exciting was roused from his slumbers, and told to
come down and join the " crowd." He answered the sum-
mons, but did not go down as requested, retiring instead.
Before many minutes (he had barred the door) a window
over his head was crashed in, and the noisy throng soon
captured him and carried him along. He barely had time
to draw on his pantaloons when he was seized. They took
him down to a bar, held his arms, opened his mouth, and
poured liquor down him until, as he expresses it, he " didn't
care whether he was there or somewhere else." The uproar
was tremendous, and none were allowed to escape partici-
pation.
Certain mischief-loving citizens formed themselves, at
one time, into an organization for the purpose of giving
inebriates lessons which should teach them the error of
their ways and frighten them into good conduct for the
future, if possible. Each case was taken before Dr. Still-
man Ralph, and a "post-mortem" examination held, or
something that answered all necessary purposes. One in-
corrigible drunkard, known as '^ Tommy," was, on one oc-
casion, taken before the doctor, and the examination was
about to proceed, when Wolcott G. Branch, then practicing
law here, entered. Tommy saw and recognized him, and
appealed to him for help, saying, they were '' going to hold
a (hie) post-mort- (hie) ise examination" on him, and he
didiit want them to ! A pound which had been con-
structed in the south part of the village served as a jail,
to which these fun-loving tormentors carried their victims.
The gate was off the hinges, but the pound answered every
purpose. A poor inebriated individual was taken to it at
one time and pushed in, and he fell flat on his back after
staggering a minute. Finally, after gazing upward for some
time, he exclaimed, " Boys, for (hie) God's sake, don't
leave me in this old jail without any roof on !"
Many more laughable incidents than these could be re-
lated, but a few will serve to show the spirit of the pioneers,
and the ways they invented for general enjoyment in the
primitive days of the settlement. With no greater privi-
leges than they possessed, it was necessary that some way
of venting their emotions should be devised.
Of the many to whom we are under obligations for in-
formation furnished while compiling the foregoing history,
we mention Harley J. Olds, George C. Munro, E. 0. Gros-
venor, Witter J. Baxter, Jonathan B. Graham, William W.
Murphy, John T. Blois, James W. Button, Henry Packer,
Miles St. John, Frederick M. Holloway, Mrs. H. 0. Clark
(daughter of Benaiah Jones, Jr.), Mrs. L. L. Southworth,
of Allen (daughter of Thaddeus Wight), and others of the
same family, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Babcock, the proprietors
of newspapers and manufactories, the pastors and various
members of the churches, beside others whose names are
not now recalled. A hearty thanh you is returned to each
one who has aided us.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
COL. FREDERICK M. HOLLOWAY.
Among the representative men in the county in all that
pertains to a high and progressive standard of agriculture,
is Col. F. M. Holloway, whose likeness we present, and who
was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 18, 1815.
He came to Hillsdale County and located in Jonesville in
1840, remaining there till 1851, when he removed to Hills-
dale, having been elected county registrar. He made this
place his residence for a period of ten years, after which he
removed to his farm, located midway between Hillsdale and
Jonesville.
Col. Holloway is a man of very marked character in the
county. A staunch advocate of religion, a firm and fast friend
to the educational interests of the young, a ready writer,
and enthusiastic in his devotion to agricultural pursuits as
the best means of conveying the greatest good to the greatest
number, he finds an ample field for the development of the
various philanthropic schemes in which he is interested.
Frank and generous, he lives more for others than him-
self. The part he has taken in erecting churches, in the
rebuilding of Hillsdale College, in the common-school sys-
tem, and the Hillsdale County Agricultural Society, with
many other enterprises in which he has been engaged in
the past, speak well for his versatile and active mind, and
will be recalled in the future as mementoes to his worth.
Mrs. Sybil B. Holloway, whose likeness we also present,
was born Sept. 10, 1815, in Gorham, N. Y., her parents
being Fortunatus and Sybil Barrett. She was left an orphan
in her first year, and adopted by Mrs. Lovina Goodrich, of
Naples, N. Y., and by her reared to womanhood. She was
married Feb. 5, 1837, to F. M. Holloway, at Nottowa,
St. Joseph's Co., Mich. They have three sons and one
daughter, and fifteen grandchildren. All are living away
from the paternal home, as follows :
George A., who resides in Chicago, 111. ; Leroy F., living
at Janesville, Wis. ; Cyrus C, who is at Hillsdale ; and
Ella, who is the wife of H. E. Reed, and resides in Green-
wich, Ohio.
A fine view of Col. Holloway's pleasant home and its
surroundings may be seen on the opposite page.
HON. LEVI BAXTER.
Hon. Levi Baxter was a native of Connecticut, being
born at East Windsor, in that State, on the 5th of October,
1788. His father, whose name was also Levi, was one of
the heroes of the Revolution, and retired from his military
service with the well-earned rank of captain. While he
was still a child the family removed to Delhi, Delaware Co.,
N. Y., and remained there until the year 1803, when they
removed to Sidney Plains, a village in the western part of
the same county, situated on the eastern bank of the Sus-
quehanna River. Here Mr. Baxter first entered upon the
active business of life, engaging in farming, lumbering, and
mercantile pursuits, and here he was married, in 1814, to
Miss Lois Johnson, daughter of Col. Witter Johnson, of
the Revolutionary army. In 1831 he decided to try bis
148
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
fortunes in the new country then being opened to settle-
ment in the West, and renaoved with his family to the Ter-
ritory of Michigan, locating at Tecumseh, where he soon
after built the first mills of any size west of Monroe, which
were then called and, for a long time after, widely known
as the " Red Mills." These mills furnished the onlj facili-
ties for grinding to a large extent of sparsely-settled
country, and people came to mill from points thirty, forty,
and even fifty miles distant. During his residence in
Tecumseh he was appointed chief-justice of the court for
the county of Lenawee, and thus obtained his familiar title
of "judge." In 1834, in connection with Cook Sisson, of
Lenawee County, he built a mill at Jonesville, and two
years later removed to White Pigeon and there erected
other and more extensive mills.
While living at this place, in 1840, in conjunction with
Mr. H. L. Hewitt, he made large additions to his mills at
Jonesville, and during the progress of the work received
an injury, by a stick of timber falling upon and crushing
one of his limbs, from the efi'ects of which he never fully
recovered. Previous to this, in 1834, his wife died, and a
year later he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Orton, of
Albany, N. Y. He removed from White Pigeon to Jones-
ville in 1848, and made that place his permanent home.
Mr. Baxter was prominently connected with the Whig
party until the organization of the Free-Soil party, in 1848,
when he enlisted in that movement, and was made their
party candidate for the ofl&ce of State senator. Receiving
the endorsement of the Whigs, he was triumphantly elected
over his Democratic competitor, Salmon Sharp, and earned
in the Legislature the name of being one of its most ready
and able debaters and most thorough parliamentarians. He
was in reality one of the leaders of the Senate, and by his
weight of influence and untiring zeal succeeded, in the face
of strong opposition, in securing the passage of the Michi-
gan Southern Railroad through Jonesville, and in this way
secured to the village benefits that told largely on its sub-
sequent growth, prosperity, and business importance.
By his first wife he had ten children, five of whom are
still living, and by his second wife seven, six of whom still
survive. Two of his sons, Hon. Witter J. and Hon. Ben-
jamin L. Baxter, are well known as men of prominence in
State affairs ; and another, Henry, served with distinction
in the Union army during the rebellion, rose to the rank
of brigadier-general, was made a brevet major-general for
meritorious services, and died in Jonesville, Dec. 30, 1873,
of pneumonia.
Mr. Baxter continued to live at Jonesville up to the time
of his death, in 1862, and was widely known as a man of
large discernment, great energy and resolution, and excel-
lent judgment. In his opinions he was always decided, in
carrying out his projects bold and unyielding. By these
qualities he attained the social, political, and industrial in-
fluence which he possessed to so great a degree.
SETH D. McNEAL.
The subject of this sketch was born on the 11th day of
February, 1838, on the south bank of the Little St. Joseph
River, in the then township of Florida, now Jefibrson, Hills-
dale Co., Mich. He was the first child of a family of six
children, and the son of William McNeal and Jane Decker,
his girl-wife, who was but sixteen years old when he, her
first son, was born, they having been married nearly two
years previous by Rev. Jacob Ambler, one of the early
preachers in the county. The country being then very new
and there being no schools, much of the early training and
education of the new-comer devolved upon his girl-mother,
from books furnished by his boy-father ; and as stoves were
then unknown in this part of the country and every house
was supplied with a broad, open fireplace, many lessons were
earned after the day's work was done, — helping his father
clear up the farm, — by no other light than that of the fire
on the hearth. This young backwoodsman early evinced a
desire for education, and was much benefited by having
access to the township library, which in the years of his
boyhood was by him well patronized ; and at the early age of
seventeen he graduated at Log College, not far from Osseo,
under Lewis Hagadorn, who comprised the entire faculty,
and began teaching district school the winter he was eigh-
teen years old, in district No. 9, Jefferson. He continued to
teach in winter and work on his father's farm in summer
until he became of age, when he commenced as a book-
agent ; traveled in Michigan, selling school-books ; then
went to Western Missouri in 1859, selling religious histories
and Bibles by subscription. In 1862, April 1, he married
R. Elizabeth Van, with whom he had been acquainted from
boyhood, she being the third daughter of Marcus Van, also
an old settler of Jeflerson. When a boy young McNeal
read the speeches of Wm. H. Seward during the Kansas
troubles, and became an ardent Republican, and when the
18th Michigan Regiment was raised he enlisted in Company
F, under Capt. Hill, and went into camp at Camp Wood-
bury, on the Emery farm, east of Hillsdale City ; volunteered
f?ESIDENCE or O.PALMER,JONESVILL£,MlCH.
RESIDENCE or SAMUEL E.JOHHSOH,Scim,HiLLSDALE Co.,MiCH.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
149
to stand guard first night; took cold, causing an expectora-
tion of blood from the lungs, a complaint which had troubled
him from childhood, which caused the surgeon, S. P.. Root,
to refuse to muster him. After this, in 1863, he bought
a farm in section 16, Jefferson, and hired help to clear it in
summer time and taught school in winter until nearly the
entire eighty acres were cleared. Was elected justice of -the
peace in Jefferson ; moved to Osseo, and commenced to study
law; bought a building for an office, and finding the business
of a justice rather light, it presented a good opportunity
for study without interruption ; after two years' quiet study
in this way he applied to E. L. & M. B. Koon for permis-
sion to read in their office in Hillsdale, where he read some
time together with Eugene A. Merrill, a thorough scholar,
now a member of the law firm of Koon & Merrill, of Min-
neapolis, Minn., and with him was admitted to the practice
of law, a member of Hillsdale County bar, on the 22d day
of May, 1874, Hon. Daniel L. Pratt, judge presiding.
After his admission to the bar he removed with his family
to Jonesville, and opened an office in Commercial Block,
where he enjoys an increasing practice. During the fall of
1878 he built a nice residence on Maumee Street, near the
Presbyterian church, and has acquired a very good law
library. His family now consists of his wife, his youngest
sister, Emma, and an only daughter, Juna, who was born
Feb. 17, 1864.
CIIxVRLES P. OSIUS
was born in Erie City, Pa., Jan. 20, 1832. Son of Wm.
F. Osius, who emigrated to America from Frankfort on
the Main, Germany, about 1827, having a stormy passage
which occupied ninety-nine days; he was a volunteer in
the German army, and participated in the battle of
Waterloo. Not fancying the life of a soldier, he came to
this country, married, and settled in Washtenaw Co., Mich.,
where he has followed the occupation of a farmer ; raised
a family of five children, all living except the oldest
daughter. Charles P. was the oldest son ; lived with his
father until he was twenty-one years of age, when he rented
the farm for six years, during which time, and on the 15th
day of January, 1859, he was married to Miss Elizabeth
C. Kesselring, daughter of Jacob Kesselring, who came
from Henrietta, Monroe Co , N. Y., and settled in Moscow,
this county, in 1836, taking eighty acres of land from the
government in an unbroken forest, there being no settler
for several miles. Here he commenced a battle with the
forest, with the wild beasts, and the battle of life anew,
unaided pecuniarily ; raised a family of nine children ;
made himself a good farm, where he now resides at the
mature old age of eighty-four years. Mr. Osius came to Fay-
ette, this county, in 1860 ; purchased two hundred acres of
land, with small improvements. Since then he has extended
its borders until he now has three hundred and twenty acres,
with broad fields, a large and fine house, several barns and
out-buildings, all of which he has erected ; he has a timber
lot of pine and cedar in Montcalm County, convenient to
the railroad, from which he furnishes the farm with choice
building material, as well as some for market ; he has a large
and well-cultivated farm, the St. Joseph River running
through it, which furnishes convenient water for stock.
Mr. Osius is one of the enterprising men of the county.
S 0 I P I O.
The original township of Fayette included the whole of
range 3 west of the principal meridian, within the county of
Hillsdale, extending south to the State line. By an Act
passed by the Legislature March 23, 1836, the new town-
ship of Scipio was created, including township No. 5 south,
of range 3 west. The village of Jonesville and the northern
tier of sections of the present township of Fayette then
formed a part of Scipio, and so remained for a number of
years, when the change was made, leaving Scipio but five
miles in extent north and south.
The surface of this township is considerably diversified.
In places the land rises to the dignity of hills, and in others
is marshy, while several fertile plains are found, which were
originally in the region of the famous "oak openings."
The most notable plain in the township is the one at and
east of the village of Mosherville.
The principal stream is the south branch of the Kala-
mazoo River, which furnishes very good power. Other
smaller streams and spring-brooks abound, and several
lakelets of limited area add to the beauties of the land-
scape. Scipio is emphatically a Michigan township, with
all the peculiarities of this region of "hills and dales,"
drift soil, and pleasing lakes and streams.
From the State census for 1874 are gleaned the following
items for the township of Scipio :
Total population (539 males and 470 females) 1,009
Acres of taxable land 16,000
Land owned by individuals and companies (acres) 16,087
Improved land (number of acres) 10,000
Land exempt from taxation (acres) 87
Value of same, including improvements $13,800
Number of acres in school-house sites 3
" " church sites 1
" " burying-grounds. 3
" " railroad right of way and
depot grounds 50
Number of farms , 147
" acres in same 11,793
150
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Average number of acres in farms 80.22
Acres of wheat raised in 1874 3,063
" " harvested in 1873 2,437
« corn " " 1,110
Bushels of wheat raised in 1873 27,848
« corn " " 54,965
" all other grain raised in 1873 13,530
" potatoes raised in 1873 4,244
Tons of hay cut in 1873 752
Pounds of wool sheared in 1873 17,195
" pork marketed in 1873 38,995
" butter made in 1873 34,055
" fruit dried for market in 1873 5,262
Barrels of cider made in 1873 235
Acres of land in orchards 311
Bushels of apples raised in 1872 4,525
" 1873 6,715
Value of all fruits and garden vegetables, 1872.... $1,792
« 'i " " 1873.... $3,368
Number of horses owned in township in 1874.. .. 356
" mules " " " 8
" work oxen '' " 18
" milch cows " '' 373
" neat cattle one year old and over,
other than oxen and cows, in 1 874 327
Number of swine over six months old 538
" sheep " " 3,056
« " sheared in 1873 3,438
" flouring-mills in township in 1874.... 2
" persons employed in same 4
Amount of capital invested in same $20,000
Barrels of flour made 2,600
Value of products of flouring-mills $19,000
Number of saw-mills in township in 1874 1
" persons employed in same 2
Amount of capital invested $2,000
Feet of lumber sawed 25,529
Value of products $383
The returns from this town were not as complete as some,
and there are numerous items which cannot be given. By
reference to the figures giving the amount and value of
agricultural products it will be seen that Scipio ranks well
among her sister townships, and proves the fertility of her
soil by her productions.
LAND ENTRIES.
At the close of the year 1833 there had been but 300
acres of land entered in what is now Scipio, and this was
divided between William H. Nelson, Dexter Olds, S. N. W.
Benson, and Nathaniel Bacon. The following is a list of
those who had made entries in the township previous to the
27th of April, 1838, as recorded at the land-offices in Mon-
roe and at Hillsdale :
Section 1. — Lyman Nethaway, James R. Carey, Conklin
Nethaway, W. R. Spencer, John R. Willis.
Section 2. — Stillman Ralph, Nathan Palmer, James R.
Garey, John B. Brown, George B. Harleston, John R.
Willis.
Section 3. — Ira Hinkley, Samuel Mosher, James R.
Carey, Darragh, Keighly, and McClelland.
Section 4. — Hezekiah Morris, Samuel Mosher, I. H.
Hatch.
Section 5. — Philo Taylor, Daniel Oakley, H. Morris,
John Redfield, Samuel E. Smith, Centre Lamb.
Section 6. — Barton Tiffany, John Hart, Cornwell Mc-
Louth, Marcus N. Mulliner.
Section 7. — Peleg Corey, Olney Tiffany, Caleb Wilcox,
Chester Nimocks, Eliphalet Tower, Amos Carpenter.
Section 8. — Hezekiah Morris, James Sturgess, Nathaniel
Swarthout, Joseph Hall, Sullivan Holman, John McLouth,
Charles Butler.
Section 9. — James Sturgess, Nathaniel Swarthout, Rich-
ard Hinkley, Samuel Mosher, John Sanford, Jasper Burk.
Section 10. — Richard Hinkley, Amos Carpenter, Lyman
Johnson, Clinton Strong, Philo Doolittle.
Section 11. — Entered entire by Stillman Ralph.
Section 12. — Jacob K. Camburn, John M. Chapin, Peter
J. and Oscar Whitney, Tompkins C. Delavan.
Section 13. — Samuel Knowles, Matthew Buchanan, Philo
Mills, Horace Burnett, Lyman Willson.
Section 14. — Levi Haskell, Richard Dobson, John Dray,
John W. Collins, McClelland and Harleston, Philo Smith,
A. A. Rabineau, John R. Willis.
Section 15. — Lyman Johnson, Robert Cook, Jacob Am-
bler, John Lusk, Clinton Strong, James Olds.
Section 17. — J. Olmstead, Cyrus Smith, Horace Case,
J. C. Dennis, Daniel Oakley, George Lovett, Charles But-
ler.
Section 18. — J. Olmstead, Henry Stevens, J. C. Dennis,
Samuel Shaw.
Section 19. — Clark Sutton, Uriah B. Couch.
Section20.—Jsiy Olmstead, Cyrus Smith, T. H. Wil-
kinson, Uriah B. Couch.
Section 21. — Hiram McKinstry, John Woods, Uriah B.
Couch, Horace Case, A. Ten Eyck.
Section 22. — William F. Nelson, Dexter Olds, Isaac Van
Riper, John Miller, Charles Osgood, Charles Gregory, M.
Olds, Harley J. Olds, James Olds.
Section 23. — James Winter, Simon Drake, John Pope,
Stephen Warren, Daniel Couch, Conrad Kimble.
Section 24.— Silas N. W. Benson, S. N. Edmunds, T.
Cowles, Eli R. Sayles, Simon Drake, Oliver Bates, Philo
Mills, Hosea Wheeler, Job S. Comstock.
Section 25.— S. N. W. Benson, John Briggs, Truman
Cowles, Alvah Gregory, Charles T. Delavan, Tompkins C.
Delavan, John Jermain.
Section 26.— N. Bacon, Jane L. Benson, Peter S. Sayles,
Daniel Nichols, William Benson, Jr., Daniel S. Wilkinson,
Lyman Willson, J. D. Yan Hoevenbergh.
Section 27. — Nathaniel Bacon, Henry W. Sisson, Daniel
Nichols, Stephen Haviland, Jesse Button, Philip E. Man-
chester, Margarette Brown, J. C. Dennis, Charles Gregory.
Section 28. — Uriah B. Couch, James Olds, Amnion
Sperry, Eliza Ann Wheeler, S. C. Le Barron, Phineas
Swarthout.
Section 29. — Cyrus Smith, Marcus N. MuUiner, Uriah
B. Couch, Joseph Burk, William W. Dodge.
Section 30. — David Schott, Nelson Chittenden, Peter
Schott, Uriah B. Couch, Elijah King, Jesse Swarthout,
John Hepburn.
A reference to the records shows that the greater part of
the land in the township had been entered at the date given
(1838). Among those who had made claims were many
afterward residents of Jonesville, and who became prominent
in their various callings, — as physicians, lawyers, merchants,
literati^ etc.
Railway facilities are afforded the inhabitants of Scipio
by the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railway, which
has a station at East Mosherville. The famous " Chicago
road" crosses the southeast corner of the township, entering
from Moscow at the stone school-house. Over this turn-
pike, in days gone by, the tide of emigration flowed west-
ward, and within the memory of the oldest inhabitants
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
151
the lumbering ox-carts and rude pioneer wagons, with
their white covers and precious freights, moved slowly
along the broad highway, while the easy stage-coaches,
with their strap-springs, burly drivers, and crowds of pas-
sengers, raised clouds of dust in their swift passage, and
the sound of the coachman's horn rang merrily through
the land. Those were days long to be remembered by
those who were actors in the stirring scenes, and a charm
will always attach to tales of the time when the wilderness
was being developed into a habitation for the race of people
from towards the rising sun ; when everything was enjoyed
with a hearty zest unknown to the present inhabitants, and
when a helping hand was always extended to the needy, and
neighbors, though often miles apart, lived as members of
one family.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The territory adjacent to the Chicago Turnpike was,
naturally, settled before that more distant had been im-
proved. Jonesville, which was for a long time within the
bounds of Scipio, received the first settler in the person of
Benaiah Jones, Jr., and, following him, came many who
located in the vicinity, — the village becoming well known
as a business centre in a very few years. Soon, however,
the neighboring region began to receive its quota of set-
tlers, and the openings northward from Jonesville were
soon producing crops in return for the labors of the hus-
bandman.
Among those residing in the township in 1836 were
William Porter, Dr. Stillman Ralph, Silas Benson, Oliver
Bates, Oliver C. Pope, Uriah B. Couch, Samuel E. Smith,
Cyrus Smith, Lyman Nethaway, Nelson Bates, Hezekiah
Morris, Eli R. Sales, Marvin Kimble, James Winters,
Rufus Cole, Allen Briggs, Sanford Curtis, Seeley Blatch-
ley, William Whitehead, the widow Bucklin, Wilson Gage,
and others.
Samuel E. Smith came to this State from Colerain,
Mass., and settled, with his family, in Scipio, in 1835, on
the farm east of Mosherville, at present belonging to his
estate. This farm is a portion of the plain previously men-
tioned.
The vicinity of the picturesque Hoosac Falls furnished
several settlers to Scipio among the earlier arrivals. In
1836, Jerab Culver located, with his family, in the centre
of the township, and in 1838 he was followed by his son-
in-law, William Baker, and family, from the same neighbor-
hood. Mr. Baker lived on Mr. Culver's farm until the
spring of 1839, and died about the fall of 1841. His sons,.
Philip S. and William P. Baker, are both residents of the
village of Mosherville, the latter being the township clerk.
Hosea Wheeler was one of the earliest settlers in the
township, and at the first town-meeting, in 1836, was ap-
pointed assistant clerk of election.
In the early part of 1835 but very few were living in
what is now Scipio. Among the residents at that time
were Judge Stevens, the Bucklin family, Hezekiah Morris,
John Howard, and some others. Mr. Bucklin, who lived
in the southeast part of the town, died not long after his
settlement, and in 1837 the second annual township-meet-
ing for Scipio was convened " at the house of the widow
Bucklin."
Thomas French and Joseph Riggs also came early, and
the latter is now living in Mosherville. The great majority
of the pioneers of this town became worthy citizens, and
a glance at the accompanying list of township officers re-
veals the fact that most of them were honored by various
offices and trusted as administrators of the law.
Sanford Curtis and family arrived in the town of Scipio
on the 11th of June, 1835, in company with Samuel and
Cyrus Smith,- — the latter gentleman not related to the
Samuel E. Smith before mentioned. They had stayed a
week at Jonesville on arriving in the county, living in a
new barn which had been erected in the rear of the corner
upon which afterwards stood the '* Waverley House." On
reaching their farms in Scipio, they at first built board
shanties, in which they sheltered themselves until more
comfortable and substantial buildings could be raised.
Mr. Curtis located three miles west of what is now
Mosherville, on the farm at present owned partly by his
son, William Curtis. Another son, Ezra S. Curtis, is a
resident of Jonesville.
Samuel Smith (who with his brother accompanied Mr.
Curtis to the township) afterwards kept the old "St.
Charles Hotel," at Jonesville, and was well known as a
genial landlord. The name of '• Sam Smith" is yet often
spoken by those who were then acquainted with him and
his house, and tales of dances held in his rooms, and various
merry-makings, are often told.
Horace Case settled in Scipio in the summer of 1835.
He is since deceased, but his family yet reside here.
James Sturgis located in the fall of 1835, on the place
now belonging to his estate and occupied by his family.
The fashion of the day was faithfully observed by him, and
a substantial log house was his first habitation.
George Satterlee, yet living in the southwest part of the
township, is also numbered among the '^ old settlers."
Jonah B. Tyler, a native of Broadalbin, Montgomery
Co., N. Y., settled in Scipio in August, 1836 ; his occupa-
tion was that of a farmer. ,
Jonathan B. Graham, now of Jonesville, was for some
years a resident of this town, and held numerous offices.
Capt. Oliver C. Pope, a native of Middlesex Co., Mass.,
settled in Scipio in July, 1835. During the war of 1812-
15 he had served in the United States navy; was taken
prisoner in the South Atlantic Ocean, carried to the Cape
of Good Hope, and thence to Dartmoor prison, in England,
where he was confined at the time of the brutal massacre of
American prisoners, on the 6th of April, 1815. On the
6th of July following he was released. He followed the
sea for some time, and subsequently sailed a vessel on the
Hudson River between New York and Troy. Capt. Pope
died in 1878, aged over eighty years.
Richard Fogg, from Yorkshire, England, settled in this
township in 1841. In his early days he was a millwright,
but after 1842 attended only to his farm.
Jeduthan Lockwood, a native of Springfield, Windsor
Co., Vt., and later a resident of Ontario Co., N. Y., removed
to Scipio in 1837. By profession he was a Universalist
preacher. The following, from his pen, is copied from the
records of the Hillsdale County Pioneer Society :
" In the year 1838 we passed through the * narrows* in
152
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the narrowest place. Once we ate the last morsel of pro-
visions we had for breakfast. We had four children. I
Started for Jonesville, and all I could get there was the
upper part of a hog's head and a few pounds of middlings.
With these supplies I went home rejoicing. Before leaving
. Jonesville I learned there were two teams coming from Fort
Wayne with pork, and one from Three Rivers with flour."
Mr. Lockwood is since deceased. His brother, Alanson
Lockwood, came to Michigan in 1833, arriving at Detroit
the last of April. About May 1 he moved to TScumseh,
Lenawee Co., and in 1839 to what was then Scipio, now
Fayette. He is at present residing at Jonesville with his
son-in-law, James W. Button. David Lockwood, the father
of Jeduthan and Alanson Lockwood, emigrated from Spring-
field, Yt., to the State of New York, about 1803.
Jeremiah 0. Dennis, from Seneca Co., N. Y., settled in
Scipio in November, 1844.
Washington S. Sawyer, a carpenter and joiner by trade,
and a native of the town of Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
located in this township in August, 1842.
THE FIRST PHYSICIAN
who settled in the township of Scipio was very probably
Dr. Stillraan Ralph, who came as early as 1834-35, and
located near the site of the station at East Mosherville.
He subsequently removed to Jonesville, where he had an
office as early as the spring of 1839, and possibly earlier,
and finally went to Moscow.
The first physician to locate permanently at the village
of Mosherville was Dr. Abner Dayton, although a young
physician named Cornell had been in the place about six
months previously, but did not stay. One Dr. Jenkins
succeeded Dr. Dayton, and others have practiced for a short
time each. Dr. Edgar Bagley at present resides in the
village.
ITEMS FROM TOWNSHIP RECORDS.
" At a meeting held for the town of Scipio on Monday,
the 4th day of April, at the house of William Porter, ac-
cording to appointment of law, on motion, Stillman Ralph
was appointed moderator, and Silas Benson was elected
clerk, pro tem., and Hosea Wheeler was appointed assistant
clerk. After being duly sworn proceeded to business.
The following men were elected to office: Supervisor,
Stillman Ralph; Town Clerk, Silas Benson; Justices of
the Peace, Oliver Bates, Oliver C. Pope, Uriah B. Couch,
and Samuel E. Smith ; Assessors, Cyrus Smith, Oliver
Bates, Lyman Nethaway ; Collector, Nelson Bates ; Direc-
tors of the Poor, Hezekiah Morris, Eli R. Sales ; Commis-
sioners of Highways, Cyrus Smith, Marvin Kimble, Wil-
liam Porter ; Constables, James Winters, Rufus Cole, Allen
Briggs ; Commissioners of Common Schools, Sanford Cur-
tis, Lyman Nethaway, Silas Benson ; Inspectors of Common
Schools, Oliver C. Pope, Lyman Nethaway, Stillman Ralph,
Uriah B. Couch, Nelson Bates ; Fence- Yiewers, Silas Ben-
son, Stillman Ralph, Seeley Blatchley; Poundmasters,
William Porter, William Whitehead.
" Meeting adjourned to Widow Buckland's* house."
At an election held in Scipio on the 12th of September,
1836, for the purpose of choosing a delegate to the State
* Usually spelled Bucklin.
convention to be held at Ann Arbor on the fourth Monday
of the same month, eleven (11) votes were given for Zach-
ariah Van Duzar, and nine (9) for Heman Pratt.
The town-meeting for 1837 convened as per adjournment
at the house of the Widow Bucklin, but adjourned to the
house of Jerab Culver. The following officers were elected,
viz. : Supervisor, Jesse Button ; Town Clerk, Silas Benson ;
Justices of the Peace, Lyman Nethaway, Jonah G. Tyler ;
Commissioners of Highways, Jonah G. Tyler, Eli B. Sayles,
Joseph Sill; Assessors, Lyman Nethaway, Oliver Bates,
Joseph Sill ; Collector, Rufus Cowles.
The following is a list of the principal officers of the
township, from 1838 to 1877, inclusive :
1838-39. Jesse Button.
1840. Jonah G. Tyler.
1841-42. Jonathan B. Graham
1843-44. Jonah G. Tyler.
1845. Elisha P. Champlin.
1846. Lyman Nethaway.
1847. Jonathan B. Graham.
1848. Lyman Nethaway.
1849. Sherburn Gage.
1850-51. Alanson Lockwood.
1852. Elisha P. Champlin.
SUPERVISORS.
1853-56. Alanson Lockwood.
1857-59. Leonard Miller.
1860-65. Charles B. Cleveland.f
1866-67. Sidney B. Vrooman.
1868-70. Ezra J. Hodges.
187L Lee Conklin.
1872. Ezra J. Hodges.
1873. Lee Conklin.
1874-76. William E. Gregory.
1877. Samuel E. Johnson.
1838-40. Rufus Potter.
1841-42. Lyman S. Wilson.
1843-44. Lyman Nethaway.
1845. Lyman A. Brewer.
1846. Giles E. Sill.
1847. William H. Ames.
1848. Giles E. Sill.
1849. Samuel M. Stillwell.
1850-56. Harley J. Olds.
1857-58. Willard Richards.
JUSTICES
1838. Elisha P. Champlin.
Rufus Potter.
1839. Jonathan B. Graham.
Uriah B. Couch.
Marcus N. Mulliner.
1840. Jonah G. Tyler.
1841. Barton Tiffany.
1842. Uriah B. Couch.
1843. Joseph Sill.
1844. Jonah G. Tyler.
Joseph Riggs.
Austin T. Miner.
Moses Neal.
1845. Moses Neal.
1846. Joseph Riggs.
1847. Gera Hastings.
1848. Charles Mosher.
Jonah G. Tyler.
1849. Thomas Knott.
Jeduthan Lockwood.
1850. Samuel E. Smith.
George C. Taylor.
1851. John W. Dryer.
1852. Samuel Brown.
Jonah G. Tyler.
1853. William L. Woloott.
1854. Leonard Proper.
Benjamin French.
1855. Leonard Proper.
1856. Harley J. Olds.
TOWN CLERKS.
1859-60. David G. Mosher.
1861-62. Ezra J. Hodges.
1863-64. Haynes B. Tucker.
1865-67. Ezra J. Hodges.
1868. Willard Richards.
1869. John J. Riggs.
1870. Rollin T. Starr.
1871-72. Smith G. Palmer.
1873-77. John J. Riggs.
OF THE PEACE.
1857. William L. Wolcott.
1858. Daniel W. French.
1859. William Richards.
Ezra J. Hodges.
1860. Ezra J. Hodges.
1861. Erastus T. Dunham.
1862. D. W. Finch.
1863. William Richards.
Grove Walter.
1864. Leonard Miller.
Joseph Riggs.
1865. Ephraim Barkman.
1866. Erastus T. Dunham.
Joseph Riggs.
1867. Willard Richards.
1868. Joseph Riggs.
Leonard Proper.
Rialto Philleo.
1869. John S. Kirkwood.
1870. Leonard Proper.
Russell D. Miller.
1871. Willard Richards.
1872. Russell D. Miller.
1873. George E. Green.
Joseph Riggs.
1874. L. Proper.
1875. Willard Richards.
1876. Joseph Riggs.
1877. George W. Proper.
Nelson Brown.
f In 1865 Mr. Cleveland was unable to attend to the duties of the
office, and Charles Mosher was appointed at a special meeting to serve
in his place.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
153
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
Lyman Nethaway.
Oliver Bates.
Jonah G. Tyler.
Jonah Gr. Tyler.
Horace Case.
Lyman Nethaway.
John a. Hall.
Lyman Nethaway.
Jeduthan Lockwood.
Uriah B. Couch.
E. R. Sayles.
Oliver C. Pope.
Marcus N. Mulliner.
Oliver Bates.
Lyman Nethaway.
Isaac Ambler.
Isaac Ambler.
1844. Alanson Lockwood.
1845. Charles Mosher.
Alanson Lockwood.
1846. Isaac Ambler.
Richard Starr.
1847. 0. J. Tiffany.
Morris Leonard.
1848. Horace Case.
Leonard Miller.
1849. Almond M. Whipple.
Alexander Pope.
1850. Horace Case.
Silas Benson.
1851. No record.
1852. Isaac Ambler.
William Dryer.
1853. Same as previous year.
COMMISSIONERS OP HIGHWAYS.
1839
1840
1841
1842
1838. Gera Hastings.
Simon Drake.
Jonah G. Tyler.
. Gera Hastings.
Jonah G. Tyler.
Barton Tiffany.
Barton Tiffany.
Uriah B. Couch.
Jonathan B. Graham.
Silas Benson.
Henry C. Tuller.
Samuel Smith.
S. M. Stillwell.
Samuel Smith.
William H. Tuller.
(Latter failed to qualify,
and Oliver C. Pope was
chosen instead.)
Samuel E. Smith.
Simon Drake.
Benjamin K. Wood.
Benjamin K. Wood.
Hamlin Tyler.
Horace Case.
Horace Case.
Henry E. Drake.
Richard Starr.
Silas E. Ganyard.
Samuel E. Smith.
Daniel Birdsall.
Londras Goodwin.
Asa Mosher.
Samuel M. Stillwell.
Edward J. Olds.
John N. Hastings.
1843
1844.
1845
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1849. William H. Ames.
1850. Thomas Luce.
Edmund J. Olds.
Lewis H. Weir.
Benjamin F. Stookey.
Henry W. Sisson.
Thomas Luce.
. Benjamin ;F. Stookey.
. William Dryer.
. Thomas Luce.
. Benjamin French.
. William Dryer.
Thomas Luce.
Ephraim Barkman.
T. Andrews.
Jerome G. Cleveland.
Benjamin French.
H. M. Dresser.
William Case.
Joseph J. Cleveland.
George W. Proper.
Joseph Winfield.
William Dryer.
S. E. Johnson.
Washington S. Sawyer.
James Mosher.
H. Jones Culver.
H. J. Culver.
Thomas Spencer.
Isaac Smith.
Samuel E. Johnson.
Hugh Gilbert.
E. M. Culver.
Francis M. Culver.
-77. Ezra J. Hodges.
1851
1852
1853
1854.
1855,
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876
1838. Isaac Ambler.
1839. Ezra Smith.
COLLECTORS.
I 1840. Ezra Smith.
I 1841. Samuel M. Stillwell.
TREASURERS.
1839. Jesse Button.
1840. Jonah G. Tyler.
1841. Jonathan B. Graham.
1842. Hamlin Tyler.
1843-44. Stillman Ralph.
1845. Lyman Nethaway.
1846. Harley J. Olds.
1847. William H, Tuller.
1848. Harley J. Olds.
1849-1859. Ezra Smith.
1860-61. Alex. T. Kirkwood.
1862-63. William Dryer.
1864. Wesley Flinn.
1865-66. Hurlbert Riggs.
1867. Lewis Burlingham.
1868-1870. William Case.
1871-72. William Fogg.
1873-74. Day Conklin.
1875-77. James P. Owens.
The officers of Scipio for 1878 are the following, viz. :
Supervisor, John S. Kirkwood; Town Clerk, William P
20
Baker ; Justices of the Peace, David Culbert, Harmon P.
Wheeler ; Commissioner of Highways, Archibald Stormes ;
Township Superintendent of Schools, Lee Conklin ; School
Inspector, Joel Walker; Constables, John Williams, James
Nichols, James Gregan, Daniel Burr.
The first general election in Scipio was held Nov. 5 and
6, 1838, the following vote being cast :
Isaac E. Crary, for Member of Congress 51
Hezekiah G. Wells, for Member of Congress 29
Elisha P. Champlin, for State Senator 61
William L. Greenly, for State Senator ].'.'.'*.' 21
Daniel C. Stillwell, for Representative in Legislature...... 64
Elijah B. Seeley, for Representative in Legislature 17
Abram Vandebogart, for Sheriff. 52
Ambrose L Nicholson, for Sheriff. "....'.'.'........[ 19
Jonathan B. Graham, for Sheriff .'.*!.'.*.*.'.!!!!!"!! 1
Ambrose Nicholson, for Sheriff. .*.'.*.*.***.*.'..*.'.'.*.'.*.*.*.' 2
Clinton E. Attwater, for County Clerk..*.*..'..7.'.*.'.'..'.*.'.*.*.!'.!!!.' 65
Wolcott G. Branch, for County Clerk 15
Salem T. King, for County Register .................\ 66
James K. Kinman, for County Register ,.......'. 15
James Olds, for County Treasurer '.'...' 66
Rockwell Manning, for County Treasurer 13
Gustavus Stephens, for County Surveyor '.'.*.'.. 65
Otis Briggs, for County Surveyor .'*.".'.*
Harvey Eggleston, for County Commissioner.*.....*.**.*.'.]!!!.'.* 6*4
James Fowler, for County Commissioner 76
John McKnight, for County Commissioner .'.'..!!!!!!! 64
Jesse Stoddard, for County Commissioner 14
Isaac A. Calvin, for County Commissioner !!!!. 13
Joshua M. Lindsley, for Coroner !!!!!!!!!!!! 79
John Bailey, for Coroner !.!!!.!! 79
In 1836 the township of Scipio was divided into seven
road districts, of which the following were the respective
overseers: Silas Benson, Wilson Gage, Oliver Bates, Eli
B. Sales, Uriah B. Couch, Stillman Kalph, and Cyrus
Smith.
The first road laid out by the commissioners of the town-
ship is recorded as follows :
''Scipio, May 12, A.D. 1836.— Commenced running
road at corner of sections 19 and 30 on west town line;
thence east between sections 19 and 30, 20 and 29, 21 and
28, 22 and 27, 23 and 26, and 60 chains between sections
24 and 25 ; thence south between E. J of N. E. } and W,
J N. E. J of section 25, to intersect with Chicago road."
Among some of the marks by which owners could recog-
nize their stock when running at large, the following were
recorded May 25, 1838 : " J. G. Tyler's cattle-mark—the
left ear cropped and split; Simon Drake's cattle-mark—the
write ear cut off; Gera Hastings' cattle-mark— round hole
through both ears." The devices for marking stock were
many and ingenious, yet the ears of the poor animals were
badly mutilated, and the " society for the prevention of
cruelty to animals" would, in the new settlements, have
found an ample field for work. Fortunately the custom of
''cropping" and "splitting" and " punching" the ears of
sheep and cattle has nearly gone out of date, and that relic
of barbarity is now only known to the pages of the records,
where the skill of the embryo artist is found exerted in
delineating the heads of sheep, with various lines and circles
and " swallow forks" illustrating the accompanying descrip-
tions. The paint-brush and branding-iron have taken the
place of the knife, where it is necessary to mark stock,
which necessity seldom occurs.
Nov. 6, 1838, a license was granted by the town board
to Elijah Clark, " to keep a common victualing-house, with
the privilege of retailing fermented liquors, on the Chicago
road, two miles west of the Scipio House, being the house
154
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTF, MICHIGAN.
he now occupies, being in the said town of Scipio ;* said
license to commence the first day of January, 1839, and
continue one year."
May 18, 1839, a license was granted to A. and R. Gaige,
to keep tavern in the house on the Chicago road formerly
occupied by Artemedorus Tuller. This was probably the
building on the southeast corner of Chicago and West
Streets, Jonesville, afterwards known as the " Waverley
House," and in a recent year destroyed by fire.
In 1839, at the annual town-meeting, it was " Voted, That
any Boar Pigg running at large, two month old, shall pay
A fine of five Dollars !" The " Piggs" undoubtedly took
warning.
VILLAGE OF MOSHERVILLE.
A Quaker named Samuel Mosher, born in Dutchess Co.,
N. Y., and afterwards a resident of Rensselaer County, made
a trip to Michigan in 1835, and entered about 1000 acres
of government land in Hillsdale County. A portion of this
was where the city of Hillsdale now stands, but the greater
part — over 800 acres — was in what is now Scipio township,
including the present site of Mosherville. Part of this land
was purchased from second hands. Mr. Mosher's object
was to secure the valuable water-power afforded by the
south branch of the Kalamazoo and by the St. Joseph. An
Indian chief named *' Leather Nose" — from the fact that
he had lost his nose and wore a leather patch in its place,
and whose headquarters were at the site of Hillsdale —
aided Mr. Mosher materially in taking a level of the power
at that place. Mr. M. never settled in this State, and died
in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1840.
David G. Mosher, a son of the above, came West in the
fall of 1838, and built a shanty of planks set endwise and
roofed it in, returning subsequently to New York. A
younger son — Charles Mosher — came in June, 1842, and
repaired the shanty, to make it habitable. He had been
married in 1841, when but nineteen years of age, to a young
lady of fifteen, and after remaining here four weeks went to
his home in New York and returned with his family. They
had two children — a son and a daughter. Mrs. Mosher
lived but a few years after their removal here, and her little
boy followed his mother to the grave in four weeks, his
death being caused by the bite of a " massasauga." The
daughter is now Mrs. Herbert Riggs, of Scipio township.
In 1843 another son, James Mosher, arrived, and these
were followed by their brother, Giles C. Mosher, in 1848.
A copartnership was entered into by the three, under the
name of G. C. & J. Mosher, for the purpose of building
mills. A saw-mill was erected in 1849, and a grist-mill in
1850. This was at the present village of Mosherville
which was laid out by the same parties April 14, 1852, on
the southeast quarter of section 4. An addition to the
village was platted by Giles Mosher, April 17, 1856.
The grist-mill at Mosherville was the second one built in
the township, the first having been the " Genesee Mills,"
on the St. Joseph River, erected by John Gardner,f and
standing near the line of Fayette township. The Messrs.
Mosher had at the time they built their mills but a small
* Now Fayette.
f See history of Fayette township ,
capital to work with, and performed a large share of the
labor themselves, digging their own raceway, etc. The
power here is one of the finest in Southern Michigan. The
Kalamazoo River has been turned from its natural channel
in such a manner as to receive the drainage of three small
lakes in the vicinity, — or rather to flow through them, —
and an unfailing supply of water is the result. These lakes
are fed by springs, and contain large numbers of excellent
fish. They are known as the " Mosherville Lakes," and
their name in the Indian tongue signifies " The Twin
Sisters." The one at the outlet of which the dam is built
lies immediately south of the village, and is a perfect gem
of beauty. Its banks are bold and its shores free from
marsh, and picnic parties find here a most pleasurable resort.
The machinery placed by the Moshers in their saw-mill
was purchased of George C. Munro, of Jonesville, who
had used it in a saw-mill he had built at Litchfield in
1842. The grist-mill originally contained two runs of
stone, the same as at present: its interior has been ex-
tensively repaired and remodeled, and improved machinery
inserted, while the frame remains the same. Charles
Mosher built a new saw-mill in 1867, and this, together
with the grist-mill, was purchased by Luther N. Tyler, the
present proprietor, in 1867 or 1868. A very good business
is done at these mills.
After Mosherville was surveyed and platted, and the
proprietors had erected their own buildings, a man named
D wight Gilmore, who was employed in the saw-mill, — and
in that way secured his lumber, — erected a small shanty in
which he kept public-house, — the first institution of the
kind in the place. The next building was a dwelling
erected by D. W. Finch, and is still standing north of
Charles Mosher's house, the latter being the oldest one now
in existence in the village, which was built for a residence.
The old tavern was recently destroyed by fire, and at present
the place lacks the necessary accommodations for travelers
to be found in a hotel.
Of Samuel Mosher's family, four sons are now residents
of the township, all at Mosherville. These are David,
Charles, Edward, and George Mosher.
When the firm of G. C. & J. Mosher commenced their
mills at the village, they also erected a separate building,
placed therein a stock of goods, and opened the first store
in the place. This was burned about 1860-70.
Passing across Scipio township, and through the village
of Mosherville, in a northeasterly and southwesterly direc-
tion, was an old Indian trail when the country was first
settled. It was known as the " Spring Arbor'' trail, and
united with another one in the bend of the river, west of
Mosherville. In digging the '^tail-race" for the mill, a
causeway was found by the Messrs. Mosher, two or three
feet beneath the then surface of the ground, and a piece of
plank, four or five feet in length, and with a hole bored in
each end, was also exhumed.
Upon the site of Mosherville the Indians had numerous
'^ tanning-sinks," consisting of holes scooped in the ground
about the size of a potash kettle. These holes were lined
with stones, like pavement, and the marks of the fires
which had been built in them were yet to be seen. Charles
Mosher, in plowing his garden, found several of them.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
155
When Charles Mosher came to Scipio (1842) he was
accompanied by Clark Weldon, who is now residing east of
Mosherville. Mr. Weldon was from Rensselaer Co., N. Y.,
—later a resident of Cayuga County, — and had lived until
he became of age with Charles Mosher's father. The two
came on foot from Lyman Blackmar's hotel in Moscow,
crossing the Kalamazoo River about four miles east of
Mosherville, having been guided thus far by blazed trees.
At the river they took the Indian trail which joined the
" Spring Arbor" trail west of what is now Mosherville.
A. P. Mosher, a cousin to the proprietors of the village,
settled in 1845, and is still living a short distance west.
When he first came, he set a wheel at the " beaver-dam"
at the outlet of the lake, near where the mill now stands,
built a shop, put in a lathe, and manufactured chairs.
The building is now used as a dwelling by Thomas Camp-
bell, and is the oldest structure in the village. The boards
for its construction were split from logs by its proprietor
and Charles Mosher, they being unable to procure the
necessary lumber for it in any other manner.
The first school in this vicinity was taught in 1847, in
a log school which stood half a mile west of the village,
and the logs for which were chopped by Charles Mosher.
The name of the first teacher is not now recollected. This
building was also long used as a place in which to hold
religious meetings.
The first school-house in the village was a frame struc-
ture, erected about 1857-58. It is now used as a paint-
shop, a very tasty frame school building having been put
up in 1872, at a cost of $2800. The school has two de-
partments, and an attendance of about 100. The teachers
for the winter of 1878-79 are George W. Howe, Principal ;
Miss Cora McDougall, Assistant. The school is located in
the northeast part of the village, east of the Methodist
church.
The population of the township in 1838 was 469, and it
contained also a saw-mill, a merchant, 294 head of neat
stock, 70 horses, 20 sheep, 356 hogs, and a post-office called
Scipio. This post-office was on the Chicago road, in the
southeast corner of the present township. About 1846
another office, called ''Scipio Centre," was established on
the " Concord road" (leading from Jonesvilie to Jackson),
and Samuel E. Smith was the first postmaster. About
1853-54 it was moved to Mosherville, and the name changed
to correspond, and John Long appointed to take charge.
It was afterwards called " Tylerville," but was finally changed
back to Mosherville, which name it has since retained. The
present postmaster is David G. Mosher.
The Mosherville Cornet Band was organized in the spring
of 1878, and has about 15 members. A teacher has for
some time been employed, and under his tutelage the band
has made rapid advancement. Its leader is Frank Case.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MOSHERVILLE.
The first Methodists in this neighborhood were probably
James Sturgis and family, who settled very early in the
township. A class existed for a number of years, but a
society was not regularly organized until 1860. A frame
church was built in 1861, and during the present season
(1878) has been repaired at an expense of about $1200.
At its organization this society was on the Litchfield circuit,
and was made a station on the Mosherville circuit about
1869. The remaining appointments are at East and West
Pulaski, Jackson Co., and in Homer township, Calhoun Co.
The old class had but few members. The society was
organized with about 70 members, by Kev. Henry Penfield,
who became its first pastor. Those since in charge have
been Revs. H. Long (who fell dead in the pulpit), John
Clubine, H. H. Parker, George W. Hoag, Mark Browning
(first pastor of Mosherville circuit), J. F. Wallace, C. H.
Ellis, A. L. Crittenden, and the present incumbent. Rev.
E. D. Bacon, now serving his third year. Others had con-
ducted services previously while the small class was in ex-
istence. The present membership at Mosherville is about
75. A flourishing Sabbath-school is sustained, with a mem-
bership of probably 100. Charles Mosher has been its
superintendent for thirteen years. The school has a small
library and eight classes and teachers.
Mosherville contained in September, 1878, two stores, a
church, a school-house, a post-office, a shoe-shop, two black-
smith-shops, one wagon-shop, a carpenter-shop, and an estab-
lishment owned by D. G. Mosher, who manufactures a patent
" potato bugger," one cabinet-shop, a grist-mill, a saw-mill,
and a population of between 100 and 200.
EAST MOSHERVILLE
was laid out by Charles Mosher, Dec. 5, 1870, on the south-
east quarter of the southwest quarter of section 2. It con-
tains a few dwellings, a small grocery, and a station on the
Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railway, with Mr.
Mosher as agent for the company.
To Charles Mosher and numerous others who have fur-
nished us with valuable information in this town we return
sincere thanks.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
CHAKLES MOSHER.
The progenitors of this family were Quakers, and came
from England about the year 1600, and settled in Connec-
ticut. Samuel Mosher, the father of our subject, was a
native of Columbia Co., N. Y., where he resided until the
year 1825, when he married and moved to the town of
Nassau, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., where he purchased a farm.
He remained upon this farm about ten years. In 1835 he
came to Michigan, and being favorably impressed with the
soil and the natural advantages, he located eight hundred
acres in the northern part of the town of Scipio, on which
there was a fine water-power ; he also located one hundred
and sixty acres in what is now the village of Hillsdale.
Completing his business, he returned to Wayne Co., N. Y.,
where he then resided, and where he died in the year 1840.
He was an estimable man, with a firm, unswerving devotion
to the right. In his religious convictions he was a Quaker;
politically, he identified himself with the Abolition party, and
for the ten years previous to his decease he did not purchase
or use anything that was the product of slave labor. He
156
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
left a family of ten children , our subject being the third son.
He was born near Chatham village, Columbia Co., N. Y.,
Jan. 2, 1822, and came to Scipio in the spring of 1842,
with his family, which consisted of his wife and one child.
The northern part of the town was at this time a wilderness,
and the construction of a home was a work of no small
magnitude, but by dint of energy and perseverance the
usual improvements were made, and matters were progres-
sing favorably when he lost all by fire ; this occurred in
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
CHARLES MOSHER.
1845. In 1849 and 1850 he, in company with his brothers
James and Giles, laid out the village of Mosherville, naming
it in honor of their father. They built a saw- and grist-
mill. Mr. Mosher was a practical miller, and for twenty
years followed this avocation. He has been twice married,
first to Polly Seaver, who died in 1848, and next to Miss
Elvira M. Stoddard, of Richmond, Ontario Co., N. Y. By
his first wife he was the father of two children, — Samuel
and Sarah Jane. The son met his death from the poisonous
fangs of a " massasauga," and the daughter is now the wife
of H. Riggs, Esq., of Scipio. By his present wife Mr.
Mosher has one child, a son, Charles T. Mosher. Politi-
cally, Mr. Mosher was originally a Whig, and upon the
organization of the Republican party identified himself
with it, and has continued an ardent supporter of its prin-
ciples to the present. His qualities have not been over-
looked by an appreciative people, and he has been honored
with numerous positions of trust in their gift. In 1863-64,
he occupied a seat in the representative branch of the Leg-
islature, and was again elected in 1876, being chairman of
the State committee on public schools, and also a member
of the committee on supplies and expenditures. In 1878
h^ was again nominated and re-elected. He is a member
of the Methodist Church, in the affairs of which he takes
much interest.
LYMAN JOHNSON.
This gentleman, for many years one of the valuable
citizens and prominent farmers of Scipio, was born in St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1812. His father, Roswell
Johnson, was a ship-carpenter by occupation, and when
Lyman was a mere lad moved to Rochester, N. Y., with
his family, where he lived many years. Upon the death
of his wife he became discontented, and removed to Wis-
consin, where he died. Lyman resided in Rochester until
1837, when he came to Scipio, and '' took up" one hundred
and sixty acres of land on section 10. He erected the
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
LYMAN JOHNSON.
body of a log house, put in two acres of wheat, and returned
to Rochester. The following March he returned with his
family. Here he resided until his death, which occurred
Feb. 27, 1869.
Mr. Johnson was emphatically a self-made man. Pos-
sessed of more than an ordinary amount of energy and
determination, he overcame all obstacles. His early life
was replete with hardship and privation, and although he
started in life with only his natural resources for his capital,
he acquired a competency which was the result of a long
life of industry, frugality, and honorable dealing. He was
a devout and consistent Christian, a member of and one
of the founders of the Baptist Church in Jonesville, and a
liberal supporter of church interests. Mr. Johnson was
married June 22, 1832, to Miss Fanny, daughter of Samuel
Benedict, of Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y., where she was
born, Sept. 10, 1813. When five years of age, her parents
removed to Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y., where they re-
sided until they died.
Samuel Johnson, the present supervisor of Scipio, is the
only child. He was born in Scipio, on the farm where he
now resides, Feb. If, 1842. He is prominently identified
with the town, has filled all the offices in the gift of his
fellow-townsmen to. their entire satisfaction, and is one of
the progressive and successful farmers of the county. He
is the owner of the old farm, which now consists of two
hundred and twenty acres. The improvements are of a
Warner Bundy.
Mrs. Warner Bundy .
RESIDENCE OF WARNER BUNDY, LITCHFIELD , M'CHIGAN
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
157
high order, and it is justly regarded as one of the best and
most valuable farms in this part of the county. A view of
it can be seen elsewhere in this work.
ISAAC SMITH.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of
Durham, Greene Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1813, and was the
youngest child in the family of Isaac and Hulda (Atwood)
Smith, which consisted of six, — three boys and three girls.
The elder Smith was a native of Connecticut, and was born
in the town of Southington, Hartford ' Co. In 1772 he
was a farmer in limited circumstances. Isaac, when a lad
of ten years, was thrown upon his own resources. Up to the
age of sixteen he worked upon a farm, attending the dis-
trict school during the winter. By the aid of a retentive
memory, and by close application, he acquired a good com-
mon-school education. At this time he went to learn the
trade of a copper- and tinsmith, but the avocation not beino*
congenial to his taste, he returned to his former occupation ;
he, however, learned the trade of a cooper, at which he
worked about ten years. In 1839 he resolved to seek "a
fortune and a home" in the West. He came to Hillsdale
County and purchased lands in the town of Allen, which he
subsequently exchanged for a farm on section 13 in the
town of Scipio ; he moved on to it in the spring of 1843.
Here he remained until 1848, when he sold it, and purchased
the farm upon which he now resides. Mr. Smith can
justly be considered a self-made man. Starting in life with
only his natural resources for his capital, he has conquered
success in every department of life, and is classed among
the thrifty, energetic, and successful fiirmers of Hillsdale
County. By a long life of industry, economy, and honor-
able dealing, he has acquired a competency. His beautiful
farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, well fenced and
under a high state of cultivation, attests his skill and thrift,
a view of which, in connection with portraits of himself
and wife, we present on another page. Mr. Smith has
been twice married : first to Miss Artemisia McClelland. She
died in 1853, and in 1856 he was again married, to Miss
Margaret Kiefer, of Homer. She was born in Germany,
July 4, 1828. In 1831 her parents emigrated to the State
of New York. One child has been born to them, Willis
J. ; he first saw the light in the town of Scipio, Oct. 26,
1868. Mr. Smith in his political and religious sentiments
is a Methodist and a Republican ; his wife belongs to the
same church, and is in every sense a worthy helpmeet.
LITCHFIELD.
EARLY HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD.
Until the spring of 1834 Litchfield, as well as most of
Michigan west of Detroit and Monroe, was an uncultivated
wilderness. Before that time birds warbled in the trees,
flowers bloomed, and the sun sent his enlivening rays upon
the surface, and the limpid waters flowed in the channel of
the St. Joseph without any mill-dams to obstruct it in its
passage. But there were no eyes nor ears to enjoy the
beauties of the scene except those of savage beasts and a
few scattering Indians as savage as they.
In the spring of 1834, Henry Stevens and Samuel Rib-
let made the first settlement in the township, — Henry
Stevens on section 13 and Samuel Riblet on section 15, his
present place of residence. They were soon followed by
several others, among whom were John Crandall, Sr., who
settled on section 24 ; Otis Bettis, on section 25 ; Andrew
K. Bushnell, on section 9 ; David Hiller, on section 5 ; John
Woods, on section 15; Lambert Allen, on section 22 ;
Mr. Murray, on section 5 ; Nathan Herendeen, on section
1 ; Jesse Stoddard, on section 3 ; James and Harvey Eg-
gleston, on section 9 ; Freeman Blair, on section 14 ; M. P.
Herring, on section 22. James Jones, Wm. Smith, Samuel
Frisbee, and the three Todd brothers made the first settle-
ment in the timbered land west of Sand Creek in 1836, and
Horton Mann, James Valentine, and William Miller settled
on what is called Saratoga Street the same year.
In May, 1836, a mail-route was established between
Jonesville and Marshall, and in the fall of that year a post-
office was established in this place and Hervey Smith ap-
pointed postmaster. The mail was carried on an Indian
pony, by Henry Dorsey, of Homer, a boy about thirteen
years old. The mail-route followed an Indian trail a large
portion of the way. In those days it took the price of a
bushel of wheat, viz., 25 cents, to pay the postage of a letter
if carried 150 miles or over ; if less than that distance the
price was 18f cents.
In the summer of 1836, Hervey Smith bought 65 acres
of land of Samuel Riblet, John Woods, Solomon Riblet,
and Mary Woods, now Mary Barber, on sections 10 and 15,
on which he built a saw-mill and platted the village of
Litchfield. He then sold the saw-mill and water-power to
George C. Munro, of Jonesville, who built the flouring-mill,
now owned by A. Gr. Conger, in the year 1841. The set-
tlement of the town was rather slow, however, until the year
1837, when emigration began to flow in in a more constant
stream, and the town was soon pretty well filled up. Henry
Stevens put up his log house with the help of his hired
man; A. K. Bushnell got men to come from the town of
Homer, some of them over ten miles, to raise his house;
158
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
while Samuel Riblet built his of small logs, such as he and
his wife could handle alone, raising without help.
In those times there was not a school-house, a church, or
any other privileges of civilization nearer than Marshall,
and it was to that place the people had to go to mill.
The first sermon ever preached in Litchfield was de-
livered by Stephen Wilcox (a missionary), in June, 1835,
in Samuel Riblet's log house, to a congregation of seven
hearers.
The first frame house in the township was built by S.
Geer in 1837. The first frame school-house in 1839. The
first church (the old Methodist) in 1841. The first school
ever taught in Litchfield was taught by Isaac Agard, Sr., in
the winter of 1837-38, in the old log school-house, and he
was succeeded the next summer by Miss Ada Bushnell.
The first furrow turned in town was on the farm of Henry
Stevens, on the 20th day of May, 1834, at which time all
the inhabitants of the town were present, viz., Henry
Stevens and his two hired men, and Samuel Riblet and
Solomon Riblet, of Pennsylvania, who all took turns at
holding the plow.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWN.
Previous to the year 1837 this township was attached to
the town of Allen, but in the winter of 1836-37 the Leg-
islature passed an act authorizing the organization of the
town, and appointed Samuel Riblet, who was then a justice
of the peace in the town of Allen, to select and qualify an
election board and preside over the first election, and thus
the town was organized on the first Monday of April, 1837.
There were about 20 votes cast at the first election, and
nearly every man got an office.
NAME.
A meeting was notified and held in the winter of 1836,
to petition the Legislature for an act of organization and to
select a name. Several names were proposed, among which
were Pulaski, Smithfield, Lewis, and Columbus, all of which
were successively voted down but Columbus, which name
was sent to the Legislature in the petition. But a small
portion of the minority, headed by Henry Stevens, who was
a turbulent man, and always wanted to have his own way
in everything, got up another petition, with the name of
Litchfield, a name that had not been proposed at the meet-
ing, and Mr. Stevens went to Detroit, where the Legislature
was in session, and by the free use of liquid and other ar-
guments prevailed on the Legislature to adopt that name.
There was great dissatisfaction, not at the name so much
as at the means by which it was obtained.
ASPECT OF THE COUNTRY BEFORE SETTLEMENT.
Nothing can exceed the beauty of the plains and open-
ings on the north side of the river when in its natural state.
The fires that had annually swept over the surface had kept
down all the underbrush and trimmed the trees to the height
of about fifteen feet, above which were large, spreading tops.
On the surface was a rich carpet of grass, ornamented and
intermixed with a vast profusion of flowers of various colors
and fragrance, and strawberries were so thick in many places
that the cows often came home with their fe-et stained with
the juice of that delicious fruit. On the south side of the
river, where the fires had not run so much, there was an al-
most impenetrable thicket of hazel, thorn, and plum-bushes,
interwoven with grape-vines and woodbines. West of Sand
Creek the land was mostly heavily timbered with beech,
maple, white wood, black- walnut, etc. On sections 17 and
20 was an old windfall, grown up between the old logs, with
blackberry-bushes, from which the early settlers gathered
immense quantities of blackberries.
Thus the town of Litchfield has had a steady and solid
growth in wealth and agricultural improvements, but the
growth of the village was comparatively slow until the com-
pletion of the Lansing branch of the Lake Shore and Mich-
igan Southern Railroad, in the spring of 1872, since which
time it has more than doubled in business, and has had a
corresponding increase in population. It was incorporated
in the spring of 1877.
LITERARY.
The first newt^paper published in Litchfield was the Litch-
field Pioneer, about the year 18-18, edited and published by
Dr. Zenas Brown, devoted to general news and the advocacy
of the eclectic system of medical practice ; it was a short-
lived thing, and died for want of patronage.
From that time until 1872 Litchfield was left in the
dark, excepting what light it received from other sources
than a local paper. * In June, 1872, Silas H. Egabroad started
the Litchfield Investigator, but discontinued it in October
of the same year, and Litchfield was again left in the dark
until October, 1874, when Edward H. Graves commenced
the publication of the Litchfield Gazette. He soon sold out,
however, to G. L. Woodward & Co., its present proprietors,
who have published it uninterruptedly to the present time.
It is a well-conducted paper, its typography is good, has a
pretty good patronage, and bids fair to become a permanent
institution. During the last three or four years another spicy
little sheet has put in an occasional appearance, called the
Ready-Pay Reporter. It is devoted principally to the advo-
cacy of the ready-pay system of doing business, is published
by H. N. Turrell, and it has nearly revolutionized the man-
ner of doing business in the place ; for before its appearance
most of the business was done on credit, but now, notwith-
standing the hard times, it is mostly done on ready pay.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school-house was built of round logs, in the
summer of 1837, on the section line, about 60 rods east of
the centre of the village. In 1839 the district bought the
site where the union school now is, and erected a frame
school-house, 22 by 26 feet in size ; but as the population
increased the school became crowded, and then an addition
was put to it of 16 by 22 feet, and the school was divided
into two departments, the smaller fry being put into the
new part, under the tuition of another teacher. This last
arrangement worked well, and was continued until 1853,
when the school again became crowded, when the present
commodious building was erected, and the school organized
as a union school. The building is calculated for four
departments, but generally only three are occupied. The
classics have i*tyer received much attention in this school,
■^^^%-^
^i^^M^m^m
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
159
but it is distinguished as affording excellent opportunities
for acquiring a good practical business education, and many
of the farmers in the surrounding country send their grown-
up sons and daughters there to finish their education. It
also enjoys the reputation of being an excellent institution
for young people to qualify themselves for the business of
teaching school, and it has turned out a very large number
of very successful teachers.
The whole number of persons in the district between the
ages of five and twenty is at present 235. Whole number
attending school, 245. There are 9 districts in the town-
ship, with an aggregate population of 621 between the ages
of five and twenty, and an attendance of 587.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL PRACTICE.
Until the spring of 1839 there were no doctors in town;
but, fortunately, they were not much needed, as until that
time there was not much sickness. But in the summer of
1839 there was a terrible rage of malarial fevers, which con-
tinued with more or less severity for about ten years. In
September, 1810, there were over 60 persons down with
bilious remittent fever at one time in a population of less
than 400. Business was almost entirely suspended, as it
took all the well ones to take care of the sick. Some
people laid it to the breaking-up of so much new land, —
that the decomposition of so much organic matter in the
sod produced the malaria; others thought it was caused
by obstructing the water of the river by mill-dams ; while
others, still, were ungenerous enough to lay it to the doc-
tors. Probably it was owing to the three causes combined,
for certain it is that the physicians having come from the
East, where malarial diseases are not very prevalent, were
not as successful in the treatment of that class of diseases
as the doctors of the present time. Drs. Chester E. Clapp
and James Skinner, both allopathic physicians, came here
in 1839, and in a few years after Dr. Melvin, who followed
the botanic practice, moved in. Dr. Zenas Brown moved
into town in the year 1848, and introduced the eclectic
system of practice; he published a paper (^The Litch-
field Pioneer) in which he advocated the principles of
that system. In the year 1853, Dr. A. E. Brown, an
eclectic practitioner, set up business here. A few years
after that Dr. Melvin died, and Dr. Clapp quit the practice
of medicine, and Dr. Skinner moved away. Dr. Brown
lived here over fifteen years, had a very extensive and suc-
cessful practice, and when he left. Dr. L. B. Howard took
his place as the eclectic physician of the place, and has
been fully as successful as his predecessor. Dr. Rora-
bacher moved here in 1865, and introduced the homoeo-
pathic system of practice ; he has succeeded in building up
a very extensive and successful practice. Besides these,
there are several others, who have practiced a short time
each at different times, among whom are Drs. Leonard,
Coston, Austin, and Atkinson, and recently Drs. Spining
and Walters have set up business here.
RELIGIOUS.
There are four religious societies in Litchfield, each of
which has a commodious and comfortable church.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Methodist Episcopal Church society of Litch-
field, Mich., was missionary, and was established in the year
1835, by Stephen Wilcox. It consisted of 7 members,
viz., Samuel Biblet, Deborah Riblet, Mrs. Henry Stevens,
Daniel Kuhnley, Mrs. Kuhnley, Clarissa Allen, and Mary
Woods, now Mary Barber ; and Samuel Biblet was chosen
leader. Litchfield circuit was formed in 1836, and the first
preacher, after it became a circuit, was Rev. Mr. Lawrence,
and Chester Stoddard was appointed leader by request of
brother Riblet, the former leader. In the year 1840 the
first Methodist Episcopal church was built, under the ad-
ministration of Revs. John Scotford and Reader Smith as
pastors, on the grounds where the present church stands.
The present church was built in 1865, during the adminis-
tration of Rev. John Clubine. During the year 1876 a
new parsonage was built under the administration of A.
Hunsberger.
The society is divided into two classes, with an aggregate
membership of 113 in full connection. A. M. Kellogg and
Orin Mason are the leaders. There is also a very respect-
able church at Sand Creek, built in the year 1861, with a
society of about 50 members. Ephraim Page is leader.
The ministers have been as follows: Revs. Stephen Wil-
cox, mission, came in the year 1835 ; Mr. Lawrence in
1836, remained two years ; Mr. Perkiser in 1838, two
years; John Scotford (Reader Smith assistant) in 1840,
one year; John Pitezell in 1841, two years; Samuel Lap-
ham in 1843, two years ; Solomon Steele (Norman Ablott
assistant) in 1846, one year; Henry Penfield (T. H. Jacokes
assistant), two years ; Isaac Bennet (J. M. Arnold assistant),
two years ; Y. P. Boynton (W. Parsons assistant) in 1850,
two years ; Nahan Mount (J. E. McAlister assistant), one
year ; J. S. Finch (John Nobles assistant), one year ; Wm.
Mothersill (B. N. Sheldon assistant), one year; S. C.
Woodward in 1856, two years ; N. Thoms, one year; M. B.
Camburn, two years; Henry Penfield in 1861, two years;
Hiram Law, two years; John Clubine in 1864, three years;
H. H. Parker, one year; Gr. W. Hoag in 1869, one year;
G. W. Tuthill, two years ; W. H. Ware, one year ; E. D.
Young in 1872, two years; E. Marble, one year ; A. Hons-
berger in 1875, two years; Noah Fasset in 1877, yet
oflSciating.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.*
The First Baptist Church of Litchfield, Mich., was organ-
ized March 16, 1839, with 7 members, as follows; Rev.
John S. Twiss, pastor, Hervey Smith, Morris Todd, Archi-
bald Scott, Noah Chapman, and sisters Desire Twiss and
Clarissa Smith. The church was built in 1845, and dedi-
cated Jan. 1, 1846.
June 6, 1867, the membership was 57. June, 1878, the
membership was 143, as represented at the annual associa-
tion. In the year 1874 the church was thoroughly repaired,
and rededicated Dec. 10, 1874.
The succession of pastors is as follows : John S. Twiss,
G. Wisner, J. M. Coe, G. W. Warren, L. A. Alford, G.
C. Tripp, L. A. Davis, Elder Burroughs, J. R. Monroe, L.
C. Pettingill, M. H. De Witt, N. N. Smith, P. Van Winkle.
^ Furnished by L. N. Fowler, clerk of the church.
160
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The first Presbyterian Church of Litchfield was organ-
ized by Rev. Elijah Buck, July 14, 1839, and was reor-
ganized with a Congregational form of government by Rev.
Rufus B. Bement, March 20, 1841.
The present elegant and costly church was built in the
year 1870 ; previous to that time the society had a very
comfortable frame church building, built about the year
1846, but there is nothing in the church records to show
when it was built.
The ministers have been Revs. Elijah Buck, 1839 ;
Rufus B. Bement, 1841; J. J. Bliss, 1845; James Van
Wagner, 1849; J. L. Seymour, 1856; Mr. Wells, 1857;
G-. W. Newcomb, 1859; Mr. Frost, 1865; Mr. Updyke,
1873 ; George Williams, 1875 ; J. D. Wells, 1878. Besides
these there was a Rev. Mr. Kidder and a Rev. Mr. Wil-
liams preached for the society many years ago, but their
names are not found in the church records. The present
membership of the society is supposed to be about 150.
EVANGELICAL CHURCH.*
In the year 1868, Rev. M. J. Miller, presiding elder of
St. Joseph district, Michigan Conference, visited a few of
our people who had emigrated from the East to this place
and preached for them a few times, and being encouraged
he brought the matter before the Conference, which ap-
pointed D. C. Rholand as missionary in the year 1870^ who
organized the first society of 15 members in the house of
Rev. G. Craft, in April, 1870.
In the year 1871, Rev. J. M. Hany was appointed here,
who labored with much success.
In 1872, Rev. J. Paulin was appointed here. In 1873,
Rev. T. Davis, who died during his term of appointment.
In 1874, Rev. T. W. Loose came, who organized the
Litchfield society. In 1875, Rev. L. Kemerling was ap-
pointed to the work. In 1876, Rev. G. Hetler, who served
two years on the work.
In 1878, Rev. L. Kemerling was appointed the second
time to this work, — the building of the church.
In the year 1875, January 15, Rev. L. Kemerling pro-
posed to the quarterly conference the building of a church
in Litchfield, which received a favorable consideration, and
was adopted by the official board. Subscriptions were circu-
lated, and about $1200 secured. The proper steps were
taken. Trustees were elected as follows : A. Wagner, N.
Bibler, N. Yinger, J. P. Sheder, and Rev. G. Craft.
The church was commenced in the spring of 1876, under
the labors of Rev. G. Craft, and completed in the month
of November of said year, and was dedicated on the twelfth
day of November, 1876, by Rev. Wm. Yost, of Cleveland,
Ohio. The following brethren assisted: Rev. L. Kemer-
ling, of Marshall Circuit ; Rev. B. F. Wade, of Lima Circuit ;
Rev. S. Coply, presiding elder.
The church is 50 feet by 33, 16 feet high, with spire
and bell. Number of members at present, 97 ; Rev. L. Kem-
erling, pastor.
* Reported by Adam Wagner.
INDIANS.
Litchfield township was embraced in the hunting-grounds
of what was called the Leathernose family, a branch of Baw
Beese's tribe of the Pottawattamie Indians. They num-
bered about 40 or 50 individuals. They usually wintered in
the dense forests of Butler and Girard, in Branch County,
but in the summer time encamped on the- openings and
plains, where there was less annoyance from mosquitoes,
moving from place to place, according to the scarcity or
plentifulness of game.
Their principal camping-ground was on the farm of A.
K. Bushnell, on section 9, where they had their corn-field
and garden. The first work Mr. Bushnell did on his farm
was to plow up the Indian planting-ground and sow it into
wheat. After that they quit planting entirely, and bought
such agricultural products as they needed of the whites,
paying for them with berries, peltry, and baskets, until the
United States Government removed them to the place al-
lotted to them west of the Mississippi River.
Among them was a remarkably old squaw, altogether the
oldest-appearing person the writer of this ever saw. Indian
Bill said she had lived through '' much more as a hundred
winters."
The old woman would sit still on her bear-skins in the
tent for days, very seldom saying a word to any one, or ap-
parently noticing anything, until they were ready to move
to another place ; then, when everything was ready, she
would give a whoop and jump up like a young squaw, climb
up on to the log to which her pony was led, mount the pony,
then wait till the other squaws were mounted, then give
another whoop, then start, the other squaws following. The
Indians always went in advance afoot, carrying their rifles.
There were a number of very old people of both sexes among
them, which seems to prove that neither the climate of
Michigan nor habits of nomadic life are unfavorable to
longevity.
CHARACTER OF THE FIRST SETTLERS.
The world has in all ages and in all countries had its
heroes. Many a hero dies unknown for want of oppor-
tunities to manifest his heroism in actions, and heroes are
oftentimes as necessary in times of peace as in war ; —
the men that shoulder their axes to conquer the wilder-
ness and plant the standard of civilization therein require
more energy and perseverance, if not as much physical
courage, as those who shoulder their arms to meet a hostile
army. And as when an army is raised of volunteers, it is
not the cowardly and efieminate that enlist, but the brave
and patriotic, so when a distant wilderness is to be de-
nuded of its primeval forests and converted into a fruitful
field, it is the men of energy, perseverance, and courage
that volunteer to go. And the young woman, too (for
most of the first settlers were young married people), who
will leave the comforts and luxuries of a good home under
the parental roof, and emigrate with her young husband to
a distant wilderness, must not only have courage and energy,
but also an implicit trust and confidence in him whom she
has chosen for her partner and protector.
Such was the general character of the first settlers here.
And that their descendants are not degenerate sons of
WM. J. BETTIS.
OTIS BETTIS.
WILLIAM J. AND OTIS BETTIS.
There is on earth no spectacle more beautiful than
that of two old men who have passed with honor
through storm and contest, and retain to the last
the freshness of feeling which adorned their youth.
Such is a true, green old age, and such are a pleas-
ure to know. There is a southern winter in
declining years where the sunlight warms, although
the heat is gone.
There are still living in Litchfield two of the
town's first settlers, Otis and William J. Bettis, the
former having settled in 1834 and the latter in the
spring of 1835. For forty-four years they have ob-
served the momentous changes which have culminated
in the present stage of advancement. When they
left their homes in the State of New York and came
to Hillsdale County, they found a wilderness, with
here and there a clearing, and neither Hillsdale rior
Jonesville had reached the distinction of a village.
Beneath their observation, in a grand life panorama,
Hillsdale County has been organized and developed
into one of the foremost agricultural regions in
Southern Michigan.
It is in keeping with the self-abnegation of such
men that they have retired to the background, and
quietly look on as the great and varied interests, of
which they laid the foundation, are seen to rise and
extend in prominence and utility.
Their father was William Bettis, a soldier in the
Revolutionary war. He was at the battle of Bunker
Hill, and particijmted in nearly all of the decisive
battles of the war. At its close he again returned
to the farm, and ended his days in Westmoreland,
Oneida Co., N. Y., in the year 1824.
William J. was born in Wilton, N. H., Sept.
16, 1786, and at an early age was apprenticed to the
printer's trade, at which he worked many years.
Otis was born in East Eutland, Vt., May 1, 1798.
His early days were passed in poverty ; his father,
who was wealthy at the close of the Revolution, be-
came bankrupt by the depreciation of the Continental
money. Otis was apprenticed to a manufacturer of
woolen goods, which occupation he followed until he
came to Michigan.
Both William and Otis are well qualified from ex-
perience to speak of the trials, privations, and hard-
ships of pioneer life ; and, did our space permit, we could
pen from their lips many a story which, to the present
generation, would sound more like fiction than fact.
Otis purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
land where he now resides, and through a period of
forty-five years their interests have been in common.
It is questioned what resource is left to the aged
when no longer able to pursue an accustomed round
of labor. Otis and William Bettis are qualified to
reply. They have not mingled in party strife, nor
have they been known in official circles. They have
marked out and pursued a line of action whose goal
has proved a satisfaction. They have enjoyed the
quiet of home and the retirement of the farm, and
their long life affords a marked contrast to the brief
existence of the votaries of pleasure and prematurely
exhausted members of the stock exchange.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
161
noble sires, but have inherited the noble qualities of their
parents, is abundantly proved by the bravery of the Mich-
igan troops in the late war of the slaveholders' Rebellion.
It is true, indeed, that a few effeminate individuals drifted
in with the current of emigration, who had not the neces-
sary qualities for settling a new country, but such soon got
discouraged and went back.
There were others again who had raised their expectations
too high, and when they failed to find roasted pigs and tur-
keys running about in the woods ready for the carving-
knife, they pulled up stakes and drifted on to the great
prairies of the West, hoping there to reap the rewards of
patient industry without its necessary toils.
INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE.
In the winter of 1835, Mr. Otis Bettis (a bachelor of
about 45) lived alone in a log shanty, just high enough
for him to stand up in, and covered with bark. One even-
ing he brought home a quarter of fresh venison and laid it
on a shelf. The following night he heard the tramp of
some heavy-treading animal approach his shanty, and after
walking several times around his domicile, attracted no doubt
by the smell of the fresh meat, and finding no place of
ingress, finally climbed up on one corner, and began to"
tramp around over the bark roof Mr. Bettis, at this
juncture of afi'airs, began to feel uneasy for fear the beast
might break through ; and in that case, being unarmed, he
might, perhaps, in the event of an encounter with the brute,
come out second best. And, as he did not liketheideaof him-
self serving as a supper for the hungry animal, he concluded
that discretion might be the better part of valor; so he
raised himself up in his bed, and spoke with all the sang
froid at his command : " You would better step careful up
there, old fellow, for there is nothing but bark between
us." The beast then walked to the lowest side of the
shanty and jumped ofl*. Next morning Mr. Bettis found
the huge tracks of a bear around and on his premises.
About 80 rods from Mr. Riblet's log cabin (just across
the river) was a run- way for deer. When a deer is pur-
sued by a pack of wolves he generally takes himself to a
run-way. In the pursuit, one wolf takes the track, and
sets up a howl entirely difierent from the rest of the wolves,
which pay no attention to the track, but cut across the
bends of the run-way to gain distance, and the one that
strikes the track first ahead of the leader sets up the howl
of the leader, and the former leader leaves the track and falls
in in the rear of the pack. Hence there is quite a variety
of sounds or keys in the music of a pack of wolves ; there
IS that of the leader, that of the old wolves, and that of the
whelps, and besides there is another howl occasionally given,
which the wolves no doubt understand, but the writer of
this never did comprehend. It sounds very much like
boys hollowing *' hoy ! ' when driving cows.
One evening, soon after Mr. Riblet moved into his log
cabin, as he was driving his cattle home from the marsh,
his wife met him about 40 rods from his house, with her
face beaming with delight.
" Samuel," said she, " I have news to tell you."
" Well," said he, "I should judge it was good news, too,
judging from your looks."
21
" Yes, it's good news. We have got neighbors just across
the river, and they have children, too, and will help to sup-
port a school, — or at least they have boys, for I heard them
driving cattle, hollowing '■ hoy !' and the dogs barking. They
have one big dog and several little ones."
Mr. Riblet said he thought there must be some mistake
about it, for no person could get across the river without
help or directions ; and he had seen Mr. Stevens but a few
moments before, and he certainly would have mentioned it
if he had helped them across
" Well," said she, " perhaps they came down from the
turnpike on the other side."
" That," said Mr. Riblet, '' is equally improbable, for no
one could make their way through that tangled mat of
bushes and grape-vines in a week."
" Well, they are there anyway, for I heard the boys
driving their cattle." Then she stopped short (another
pack was coming). '' There, listen ; don't you hear them? "
Mr. Riblet laughed ; he had heard wolves howl before.
Reader, if you had been there, then you would have seen a
disappointed and crestfallen woman. Mrs. Riblet became
very familiar with wolf-music before spring, for during the
winter she slept by it almost every night. But she now
congratulates herself that she has lived to hear the whistle
of the locomotive-engine very nearly on the same route of
the old run-way of deer and wolves.
THE FIRST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.
In the summer of 1839, some of the settlers, feeling
somewhat patriotic, and thinking it proper to do up busi-
ness as they did at the East, proposed to have a Fourth of
July celebration ; they posted up notices calling a meeting of
the citizens to make arrangements, but very few persons
attended the meeting. So the meeting was adjourned to a
subsequent time. In the mean time quite an effort was
made to get the people out, and when the time came there
was quite a turn-out. And, although Dr. Clapp and Mr.
Long made each quite a patriotic speech, and did their best
to get up some enthusiasm, the people would not enthuse
worth a cent. Finally, Deacon Hervey Smith arose and
made a speech. " My friends," said he, " I know just what
is the matter. You all feel, just as I do, that we are too
poor to have a celebration. The fact is, it took all we could
raise in the world to get us here, to pay for our land, and to
live till we could raise something to live on. But, my
friends, we will not always be thus poor. We have a beau-
tiful country, and it will soon be a rich country. Your
fields are now waving in the wind with a heavy burden of
wheat almost ready to harvest. We shall be better off after
harvest, and will feel more like celebrating. I move that
the Fourth of July be put off till after harvest." The mo-
tion was supported and put to vote, and carried almost unan-
imously. But when harvest was over the people had their
ground to prepare for another crop, and the matter was not
called up again. But the next Fourth of July witnessed
a very respectable celebration, which was the first one ever
held in Litchfield.
CIVIL LIST.
According to an act of the Legislature of the State of
Michigan, numbered 31, and approved March 11, 1837,
162
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
for the organization of the township of Litchfield, the first
township-meeting was held in the house of Hervey Smith,
in said township, on Monday, the 3d day of April, 1837,
and the following officers elected: Supervisor, Harvey
Eggleston ; Township Clerk, James F. Nims ; Justices of
the Peace, Harvey Eggleston, Jesse Stoddard, Philip S.
Gage, William Smith, Jr.; Assessors, Nathan Stevens,
Horton Mann, Philip B. Tabor ; Collector, John Woods ;
Directors of the Poor, Constant Bushnell, Nathan Stevens,
Selah Murray; Commissioners of Highways, Hervey Smith,
Samuel Riblet, Otis Bettis; School Inspectors, Harvey
Eggleston, Samuel Riblet, William J. Bettis; Constables,
John Woods, Chester Stoddard ; Overseers of Highways —
District No. 1, Thomas Herendeen ; District No. 2, Jacob
W^hitney; District No. 3, David Hiller; District No. 4,
James Eggleston; District No. 5, John Woods; District
No. 6, Lambert Allen ; District No. 7, George G. Young ;
District No. 8, John Shipman.
The officers for succeeding years have been as follows :
1838. — Supervisor, Harvey Eggleston; Town Clerk,
Lewis Smith; Assessors, Henry Vrooman, Nelson Chit-
tenden, Stephen' M. Frisbie; Commissioners of Highways,
Henry Stevens, Stephen M. Frisbie, Tristram Norcott;
Justice of the Peace, William Smith ; School Inspectors,
Isaac Agard, James Eggleston, Stephen M. Frisbie ; Col-
lector, Chester Stoddard ; Directors of the Poor, Constant
Bushnell, Nathan Stevens.
1839. — Supervisor, Jesse Stoddard; Justice of the Peace,
Jesse Stoddard; Town Clerk, Lewis Smith; Assessors,
Nelson Chittenden, Stephen M. Frisbie, Freeman Blair;
School Inspectors, Freeman Blair, Isaac Agard, Ezra B.
Godard; Collector, Andrew K. Bushnell; Commissioners
of Highways, Hezekiah Sabin, Stephen M. Frisbie, Milton
P. Herring; Directors of the Poor, Constant Bushnell,
Nathan Stevens.
1840. — Supervisor, Jesse Stoddard; Justice of the
Peace, Harvey Eggleston ; Town Clerk, Chester E. Clapp;
Assessors, Nelson Chittenden, William Miller, Milton P.
Herring ; Commissioners of Highways, Joseph M. Smith,
Stephen M. Frisbie, Allen Parker; School Inspectors,
Isaac Agard, Thomas W. Benedict, George W. Burch-
ard; Treasurer, Shailor Geer; Collector, Alex. Rora-
bacher ; Overseers of the Poor, Constant Bushnell, Jacob
Whitney.
1841. — Supervisor, William Savage; Town Clerk, Ches-
ter E. Clapp ; Justice of the Peace, Lewis Smith ; Assessors,
Nelson Chittenden, Warren Aylesworth, James Eggleston ;
Commissioners of Highways, Edwin Walter, Noel M.
Waite, Stephen M. Frisbie; School Inspectors, Isaac
Agard, Thomas W. Benedict, Chester E. Clapp ; Collector,
David Woodam; Treasurer, Lemuel Long; Overseers of
the Poor, Constant Bushnell, Nathan Stevens.
1842. — Supervisor, Henry Packer ; Town Clerk, Lemuel
Long; Justice of the Peace, Austin George; Assessors,
W^illiam H. Miller, Stephen M. Frisbie, Warner Ayles-
worth; Commissioners of Highways, Joseph M. Smith,
James Jones, Ulri Murdoc ; School Inspectors, Charles J.
Vanness, Austin George, George W. Burchard ; Treasurer,
Shailor Geer ; Directors of the Poor, James Parker, How-
ard Weaver.
1843. — Supervisor, Henry Packer; Town Clerk, Ches-
ter E. Clapp ; Treasurer, Shailor Geer ; Assessors, Wm.
H. Miller, Milton P. Herring, Isaac Agard; School In-
spectors, Freeman Blair, George W. Burchard, Samuel
Riblet ; Commissioners of Highways, James Jones, Henry
W. Cronkhite, John S. Morris; Justice of the Peace,
Hezekiah Sabin ; Overseers of the Poor, Constant Bush-
nell, James Mabee.
1844. — Supervisor, Henry Packer; Town Clerk, Ches-
ter E. Clapp ; Justice of the Peace, Harvey Eggleston ;
Treasurer, Shailor Geer; Assessors, Milton P. Herring,
Jonathan Robinson, Isaac Agard ; Commissioners of High-
ways, David Hiller, James Jones, Parker Dresser ; School
Inspector, Freeman Blair ; Directors of the Poor, Constant
Bushnell, James Mabee.
1845. — Supervisor, Jesse Stoddard ; Town Clerk, Chester
E. Clapp ; Justice of the Peace, E. Barnum Foot ; for
vacancy, Daniel Harris ; Treasurer, Edwin Walter. It was
voted that two assessors be elected, to be associated with the
supervisor to make out the assessment. Assessors, Jeremiah
Townsend, Jonathan Robinson ; Commissioners of High-
ways, Jared Todd, Joseph M. Smith, Henry Packer ; School
Inspector, Isaac Agard ; Overseers of the Poor, Hezekiah
Sabin, Henry Packer.
1846. — Supervisor, Henry Packer ; Town Clerk, Lemuel
Long ; Treasurer, Edwin Walter ; Justice of the Peace,
Austin George ; Assessors, Wm. H. Miller, Stephen M.
Frisbie ; School Inspector, Freeman Blair ; Commissioners
of Highways, Joseph M. Smith, Jonathan Robinson, Jared
Todd ; Overseers of the Poor, Samuel Fellows, Chester E.
Clapp.
1847. — Supervisor, Sam'l Fellows; Town Clerk, Stephen
Canniff; Justice of the Peace, Edwin Walter; Treasurer,
Ezekiel White ; Assessors, Jeremiah Townsend, Lewis
Riggs ; Commissioners of Highways, Joseph M. Smith,
Jared Todd, Joel Mann ; School Inspectors, James Mott,
Isaac Agard ; Overseers of the Poor, Hezekiah Sabin,
Ebenezer Eggleston.
1848.— Supervisor, William H. Miller; Town Clerk,
Lemuel Long ; Justice of the Peace, Henry Packer ; Treas-
urer, Ezekiel White; Assessors, Joseph M. Smith, Hervey
Smith ; Commissioner of Highways, Joel Mann ; School
Inspector, Charles J. Yanness; Overseers of the Poor,
Hezekiah Sabin, Harvey Eggleston.
1849.— Supervisor, William H. Miller; Town Clerk,
Samuel P. Gregg ; Justices of the Peace, Joseph R. Rey-
nolds, Uri Murdoc (vacancy) ; Treasurer, Ezekiel White ;
Assessors, Otis Bettis, Hezekiah Sabin ; Commissioner of
Highways, Shailor Geer ; School Inspector, Chester Tl].
Clapp ; Overseers of the Poor, William H. Miller, Horton
Mann.
1850.— Supervisor, William H. Miller; Town Clerk,
Lemuel Long ; Treasurer, Solomon Stoddard ; Justice of
the Peace, Uri Murdoc ; Commissioner of Highways, Jared
Todd ; Assessors, Hezekiah Sabin, Joseph Riggs ; School
Inspector, Freeman Blair ; Overseer of the Poor, Constant
Bushnell.
1851.— Supervisor, William H. Miller; Town Clerk,
Lemuel Long; Justice of the Peace, Edwin Walter;
Treasurer, Solomon Stoddard ; Commissioner of Highways,
RESI PENCE OF W.J. BARNARD. LITCHFIELD, MICH
Residence of MRS. E.MANN , l/tchf/eld, MfCHf&AN.
HORTON MANN.
MRS. HORTON MANN.
HORTON MANN.
Horton Mann was born in Ballston, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y., March 29, 1812. His father, Rodolphus
Mann, was one of tlie influential and prominent
farmers of Saratoga County. Horton resided at the
old home, acquiring a good common-school education.
Upon his father's decease, which occurred Oct. 25,
1827, he moved to the town of Charlton, where he
learned the trade of a tinsmith. The occupation not
being congenial to his taste, he returned to his former
avocation. At this time the tide of emigration was
turned strongly towards Michigan, which was then
considered to be in the far West, and Mr. Mann,
young, ambitious, and energetic, resolved to make it
his home. Accordingly, in the month of July,
1836, he came to Hillsdale County, and settled in
the town of Litchfield, where he purchased two
hundred acres of wild land.
Previous to his removal he had married Miss
Elizabeth, daughter of Sherman and Mary (Crane)
Curtis, of his native town, where she was born
March 12, 1814.
Mr. and Mrs. Mann entered upon the arduous
task of the improvement of their farm and the con-
struction of a home with that ardor and energy which
was characteristic of the people of the early days.
Although the locality was a favored one, it not being
heavily timbered, the construction of a farm was
a work of no small magnitude ; but, by degrees, field
after field was added, and industry and energy were
rewarded.
As a farmer, Mr. Mann was progressive ; in all
business matters, methodical; and was justly con-
sidered to be among the most successful agriculturists
in the county. Mr. Mann was emphatically a bus-
iness man, and in his chosen calling was eminently
successful. He acquired a competency, which is the
inevitable result of a long life of industry, frugality,
and honorable dealing.
He never sought political preferment, preferring
the retirement of home and the interests of his bus-
iness to political distinction. The personification of
honor, his word was always as good as his bond.
Possessing many virtues and having few faults, he
won and retained the regard and esteem of all who
knew him. Mr. Mann had the faculty of gathering
round him many firm friends, to whom he was sin-
cerely attached. In his decease, Litchfield lost a
valuable citizen.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
163
Joel Mann ; School Inspector, A. M. Kellogg. There are
no poormasters on the records of 1851.
1852. — Supervisor, Henry Packer ; Town Clerk, Lemuel
Long ; Justice of the Peace, Harvey Eggleston ; Treasurer,
William R. Traver; Assessors, William Stoddard, Otis
Bettis ; Commissioner of Highways, Richard B. Coleman ;
Overseers of the Poor, Jesse Stoddard and Lemuel Crocker.
1853. — Supervisor, William Stoddard ; Town Clerk,
Chester E. Clapp ; Treasurer, Solomon Stoddard ; Justice
of the Peace, George W. Burchard ; Commissioner of
Highways, Jared Todd ; School Inspector, Stephen CannifF;
Overseers of the Poor, Jesse Stoddard, L. Crocker.
1854. — Supervisor, William Stoddard; Town Clerk,
Chester E. Clapp ; Treasurer, Jared Todd ; Justice of the
Peace, Benjamin Duesler ; School Inspector, Joel Wheaton;
Commissioner of Highways, Abraham Knapp ; Overseers
of the Poor, William H. Miller and Parker Dresser.
1855. — Supervisor, Jeremiah Townsend ; Town Clerk,
Alfred F. Wariner ; Treasurer, Mark G. Whitney ; Justices
of the Peace, Edwin Walter, Jacob Hagarman (vacancy) ;
School Inspector, Stephen CannifF; Commissioner of High-
ways, Jonathan Robinson ; Overseers of the Poor, William
H. Miller and H. M. Dresser.
1856. — Supervisor, William Stoddard ; Town Clerk,
Chester E. Clapp ; Treasurer, Mark G. Whitney ; School
Inspector, A. M. Kellogg ; Justice of the Peace, Harvey
Eggleston ; Commissioner of Highways, J. W. Teneyck,
John C. Drury (vacancy) ; Overseers of the Poor, Samuel
Lovejoy and Samuel Fellows.
1857. — Supervisor, Hervey Smith ; Town Clerk, Chester
E. Clapp ; Treasurer, Leonard A. Fowler ; Justices of the
Peace, Luther B. Woodwa*-d, Joseph Riggs (vacancy) ; Com-
missioner of Highways, John C. Drury; School Inspector,
Joseph Riggs.
1858. — Supervisor, Hervey Smith ; Town Clerk, Ben-
jamin H. Carter ; Treasurer, Leonard A. Fowler ; Com-
missioner of Highways, William R. Traver; School In-
spector, James Gould ; Justice of the Peace, Elisha
Thornton.
1859. — Supervisor, Stephen CannifF; Town Clerk, Luke
Hazen ; Justice of the Peace, Simon B. Hadley ; Treasurer,
James H. Wood ; School Inspector, Joseph Riggs ; Com-
missioner of Highways, William H. Shipman ; Overseers of
the Poor, Hervey Smith and William R. Traver.
1860. — Supervisor, Stephen CannifF; Town Clerk, Luke
Hazen ; Justice of the Peace, Joseph Riggs ; Treasurer,
James H.Wood; School Inspector, James Gould; Com-
missioner of Highways, Josiah Murdoc.
1861. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff ; Town Clerk, Luke
Hazen; Justice of the Peace, Charles A. Pardee; Treasurer,
James H. Wood ; School Inspector, Joseph Riggs ; Com-
missioner of Highways, William R. Traver.
1862. — Supervisor, Stephen CannifF; Town Clerk, Luther
B. Woodward; Treasurer, Luke Hazen; Justice of the
Peace, Elisha Thornton ; School Inspector, William Savage ;
Commissioner of Highways, Enos A. Pomroy.
1863. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, Luth-
er B. Woodward; Treasurer, Luke Hazen; Justice of the
Peace, Josiah Murdoc ; School Inspector, Charles A. Par-
dee ; Commissioner of Highways, Stephen A. Watson.
1864. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, John
E. White ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justice of the Peace,
William Pittwood; Commissioner of Highways, William
Stoddard ; School Inspector, Horace N. Turrell.
1865. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, John
E. White ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justices of the Peace,
Charles A. Pardee, William L. Graham (vacancy) ; Com-
missioner of Highways, Enos A. Pomroy ; School Inspector,
Charles A. Pardee.
1866. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, John
E. White ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justice of the Peace,
Elisha Thornton ; Commissioner of Highways, William R.
Derby ; School Inspector, Horace N. Turrell.
1867. — Supervisor, William Stoddard; Town Clerk, John
E. White ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justice of the Peace,
Mark G. Whitney ; Commissioner of Highways, Stephen
Canniff; School Inspector, Charles A. Pardee.
1868. — Supervisor, William Stoddard; Town Clerk, John
E. White; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Commissioner of High-
ways, Enos A. Pomroy ; School Inspector, Horace N. Tur-
rell ; Justice of the Peace, Mark G. Whitney.
1869.— Supervisor, William Stoddard; Town Clerk, H.
N. Turrell ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justices of the Peace,
Charles A. Pardee, S. B. Hadley (vacancy) ; School Inspec-
tor, Warren Jackson ; Commissioner of Highways, William
B. Larabee.
1870. — Supervisor, Wm. Stoddard; Town Clerk, Daniel
H. Mills ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justices of the Peace,
Lemuel Gibbs, A. M. Kellogg (vacancy) ; School Inspector,
Samuel Riblet ; Commissioner of Highways, James Flint.
1871. — Supervisor, Wm. Stoddard; Town Clerk, Daniel
H. Mills ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justice of the Peace,
Wm. R. Derby ; School Inspector, Warren Jackson ; Com-
missioner of Highways, Enos A. Pomroy ; Drain Commis-
sioner, Wm. B. Larabee.
1872. — Supervisor, Enos A. Pomroy; Town Clerk,
Daniel H. Mills ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justices of the
Peace, Edward Bailey, Warren Jackson (vacancy) ; School
Inspector, H. N. Turrell ; Commissioner of Highways, Wm.
B. Larabee ; Drain Commissioner, Wm. R. Derby.
1873. — Supervisor, Enos A. Pomroy; Town Clerk,
Daniel H. Mills ; Treasurer, Luke Hazen ; Justices of the
Peace, Charles A. Pardee, George N. Howe (vacancy) ;
Commissioner of Highways, James Flint ; School Inspector,
Warren Jackson ; Drain Commissioner, W. B. Larabee.
1874. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, Daniel
H. Mills; Treasurer, Asher B. La Fleur; Justice of the
Peace, Warren Jackson ; Commissioner of Highways, Lewis
B. Agard (vacancy), F. C. Mead (full term) ; Drain Com-
missioner, Enos A. Pomroy.
1875. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, Daniel
H. Mills; Treasurer, A. B. La Fleur; Justice of the
Peace, S. B. Hadley ; Commissioner of Highways, J. B.
Linsday ; School Superintendent, Warren Jackson ; School
Inspector, Horace N. Turrell; Drain Commissioner, Enos
A. Pomroy.
1876. — Supervisor, Stephen Canniff; Town Clerk, Daniel
H. Mills ; Treasurer, A. B. La Fleur ; Justices of the Peace,
Edward Bailey, Isaiah Honsberger (vacancy) ; Commis-
sioner of Highways, Frank W. Barber ; Superintendent of
164
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Schools, Warren Jackson ; School Inspector, Horace N.
Turrell ; Drain Commissioner, Enos A. Pomroy.
1877. — Supervisor, Enos A. Pomroy; Town Clerk,
Daniel H. Mills ; Treasurer, A. B. La Fleur ; Justice of
the Peace, L. B. Woodward ; Commissioner of Highways,
James B. Linsday; Superintendent of Schools, Warren
Jackson ; School Inspector, H. N. Turrell ; Drain Com-
missioner, Wm. B. Traver.
1878. — Supervisor, Enos A. Pomroy; Town Clerk,
Daniel H. Mills ; Treasurer, A. B. La Fleur ; Justice of
the Peace, Warren Jackson ; Commissioner of Highways,
David Cobb ; Superintendent of Schools, Warren Jackson ;
School Inspector, H. N. Turrell; Drain Commissioner,
Joel Benedict.
The village of Litchfield was organized as an incorporated
village — in accordance with the general statute law for the
incorporation of villages — in the spring of 1877, and the
first election was held in Millsom's Hall, March 12, 1877,
when the following officers were elected : L. A. Howard,
President, one year; D. H. Mills, Secretary, one year;
Samuel Biblet, Trustee, two years ; Samuel Riblet, Presi-
dent pro tern., one year ; Nelson Turrell, Trustee, two
years ; D. F. Shepherd, Trustee, two years ; Michael Mary,
Trustee, one year; Edward Barker, Trustee, one year;
I. J. Morehouse, Trustee, one year ; C. G. Conklin, Treas-
urer, one year ; T. F. Fowler, Assessor, one year ; Wm. R.
Traver, Street Commissioner, one year.
The second annual election was held March 11, 1878,
in Millsom's Hall, and the following officers were elected :
Horace N. Turrell, President, one year; George Kraft,
Trustee, two years ; A. G. Conger, Trustee, two years ;
Theron F. Fowler, Trustee, two years ; Henry C. Dresser,
Secretary, one year ; Enos Moore, Treasurer, one year ; E.
D. Gibbs, Assessor, one year ; A. M. Kellogg, Street Com-
missioner, one year. H. N. Turrell declined serving as
president, and Samuel Riblet, the president joro tem,^ acted
as president until the 1 5th of April, when a special elec-
tion was held, and John E. White elected president. Geo.
Kraft resigned his office of trustee, Sept. 16, 1878, and
James Howland was appointed in his place by the Council.
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, ETC.
The principal business establishments of Litchfield village
consist of 3 dry-goods stores, 2 hardware-stores, 3 restau-
rant, grocery, provision, and confectionery-stores, 3 boot- and
shoe-shops and stores, 2 drug-stores, 1 bank, 1 agricultural-
implement store, 1 furniture-store and cabinet-shop, 2 milli-
nery-shops, 2 meat-markets, 1 foundry, 2 flouring-mills, 1
saw -mill, 2 planing-mills and machine-shops, 2 lumber-yards,
1 hotel, 2 carriage- and wagon-shops, 1 clothing-store, 1
jewelry-shop, 3 blacksmith-shops, 2 cooper-shops, 2 tin-
shops, 1 marble-shop, and 2 harness-shops, besides several
small establishments of difierent kinds. The village con-
tains about 1000 inhabitants, has 4 physicians, 4 ministers,
and 1 lawyer.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. STEPHEN CANNIFF
was born in Knollsville, N. Y., May 30, 1816. At an
early age he was thrown upon his own resources. He
obtained a good common-school education, and for several
years worked as a farm hand in summer and taught school
in winter. In 1839 he was married to Miss Maria Boven,
of the town of Riga, Monroe Co., N. Y. She was born
in Schoharie, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1820. When a child her
parents removed to Monroe County, where they died. In
1836, Mr. Canniff came to Michigan, and purchased a farm
in the town of Pittsford, Hillsdale Co. He returned East,
and in 1839 came on with his family. In 1843 he dis-
posed of his farm in Pittsford and came to Litchfield,
where he resided until his death, which occurred Nov. 23,
1876. Mr. Canniff was prominently identified with Litch-
field, and for many years represented the town in the Board
of Supervisors. In 1867 he was elected to the Legislature.
In his religious affiliations he was a Congregationalist, and
was a liberal supporter of church enterprises. He was an
ardent friend of education, and did much to advance edu-
cational interests.
Mr. Cannifi" was emphatically a self-made man. Starting
in life with only his natural resources for his capital, he
achieved success, and was esteemed for his fidelity and
ability in public as well as private life.
SAMUEL RIBLET,
the subject of this narrative, is the lineal descendant of a
French nobleman, who, in consequence of his embracing
the Protestant faith, had his property confiscated and was
exiled, under the penalty of being burned as a heretic.
He suffered many indignities, and, in company with others,
went to Germany, where he married and reared a large
family. Two of his sons, Christian and Bartholomew,
emigrated to America and settled in Northampton Co.,
Pa., where John Riblet, son of Christian and grandfather
of our subject, was born, in the year 1758.
In the beginning of the war of the Revolution, he en-
tered the service as first lieutenant in a regiment of rifle-
men, but was soon after taken prisoner and confined for
three years on board the British man-of-war " Roebuck."
After his release, he married and settled near Hagerstown,
Pa., where Solomon Riblet, father of Samuel, was born, in
August, 1782.
In the year 1800 John Riblet moved, with his family,
to Erie, Pa., where he commanded the body-guard of Com-
modore Perry during the building of his fleet. Solomon
Riblet was captain in a regiment of minute-men, and served
with distinction.
Samuel Riblet was born in the town of Harbor Creek,
Erie Co., Pa., Feb. 22, 1811. He was taught the rudi-
ments of a German education by his grandfather, and at-
tended the district school during the winter months. At
the age of seventeen he went to Erie to complete his edu-
cation at the academy at that place. He was obliged to
teach winters in order to obtain funds to defray his expenses
j-foN. William Stoddard.
/^ON. Stephen Canniff
.f^^..
Samueil Riblet.
James Valentine.
CpHOrOS BV CAPtSOH aCHAHAM .)
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
165
at school during the summer. At the age of twenty, at
the solicitation of his parents, he commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. A. Beebe, of Erie. The profession not
proving congenial to his tastes, he obtained a situation as
teacher near Pittsburgh. He filled this position acceptably
for three years, during which time he formed the acquaint-
ance of Miss Deborah Woods, to whom he was married,
Nov. 17, 1833.
Soon after their marriage, they decided to emigrate to
Michigan, and, in accordance with this resolution, Mr.
Riblet purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land,
where he now resides. Here his family of five children
were reared. All grew to maturity, and all are married ;
and the venerable pair, in the forty-sixth year of their
married life, can boast of twenty-two grandchildren. Mr.
Riblet has been prominently identified with all enterprises
and improvements in which his town was to be benefited.
He was elected a director of the Northern Central (Michi-
gan) Railroad at the first organization of the company, and
served in that capacity until the road was sold to the Lake
Shore and Michigan Southern Company ; and to his un-
tiring exertions the people of Litchfield are largely indebted
for the location and construction of the road.
The early days were replete with privations and hard-
ships, and a full measure was meted out to Mr. and Mrs.
Riblet, and, did our space permit, we could pen from their
lips many a statement that to the present generation would
sound more like fiction than fact. The autumn of 1835
was one of peculiar embarrassment to them, and had it not
been for the wise counsel and resolute courage of his worthy
helpmeet, Litchfield might have lost a valuable citizen, —
as, in consequence of his misfortunes, he proposed to sell
the farm and return East.
Mr. Riblet is now in his sixty-eighth year. He has
witnessed the transition of a wilderness into a fertile and
highly-productive region, and in his own person has typi-
fied so admirably the agencies which have wrought many
of these changes that no history of Litchfield would be
complete without some sketch of his life.
JAMES VALENTINE,
one of the pioneers of the town of Litchfield, was born in
Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., May 12, 1803. His early
life was uneventful, and did not difi^r materially from that
of other farmer boys. He obtained a good common-school
education, and at the age. of twenty-five was married to
Miss Annice M. Sprague, of Ballston, Saratoga Co. In
1833 his father emigrated to Michigan with his family,
which consisted of his wife and two children, Thomas and
Frederick, the latter being a babe. They first settled in
Washtenaw County, in the town of Bridgewater, where he
purchased a farm. Some ten years after their arrival the
elder Valentine died, and the family moved to the town of
Litchfield. The town at this time was a semi- wilderness,
and they were the first settlers in that portion of the town.
It was here that our subject lived until his death, which
occurred Dec. 8, 1867. Mr. Valentine was prominently
identified with the early history of Litchfield, and a man
universally beloved and esteemed. He was possessed of
more than an ordinary amount of energy and endurance.
He acquired a competency, and was considered to be one of
the representative farmers of the town. Mrs. Valentine
was a native of the town of Providence, Saratoga Co., where
she was born July 19, 1804. She has lived to see the
town develop from a wilderness into one of the finest agri-
cultural sections in the county. She has been the mother
of seven children, only two of whom are now living, — Joel
M. and Frederick S. Both reside in Litchfield.
GIDEON STODDARD,
the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of
Sheldon, Wyoming Co., N. Y., July 4, 1818. He is the
son of Jesse Stoddard, one of the prominent pioneers of
Litchfield. When eighteen years of age he came to Michi-
gan, where he has since resided. Gideon utilized the limited
GIDEON STODDARD.
advantages given him for an education, and shortly after he
attained his majority he purchased a farm of fifty-five acres,
which was a portion of the land taken up by his father.
In 1841, Mr. Stoddard was married to Mary Ann Bush-
nell, of Litchfield. Some five years after their marriage
Mrs. Stoddard died, and in 1865 he was again married to
Mary Swage, of Litchfield. She was born in Mexico,
Oswego Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1829. The fruits of this
last union were two children. Mr. Stoddard is a prominent
member of the Congregational Church of Litchfield, and
is an ardent worker in the temperance cause. Mr. Stod-
dard has never sought political preferment, but for many
years has been deputy sheriflF.
HON. WILLIAM STODDARD
was born in the town of Sheldon, Wyoming Co., N. Y.,
Aug. 17, 1821. His father, Jesse Stoddard, was a native of
Litchfield, Litchfield Co. , Conn. He was a farmer by occupa-
166
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tion, and for twenty years a resident of Genesee Co., N. Y.
In 1836 he emigrated to Hillsdale County with his family,
and purchased from government two hundred and forty acres
of land, where he resided until his death. Like many of
the prominent and successful men of to-day, William re-
ceived the rudiments of his education at the district school,
and although the advantages obtained were meagre, still he
succeeded well, and acquired an education that fitted him
for his subsequent successful career. He adopted the call-
ing of his father, and became one of the prominent farmers
and stock-growers of Hillsdale County. Mr. Stoddard was
called to many positions of trust and responsibility, the duties
of which he discharged with fidelity to the trust reposed in
him, and with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of
the public. In 1867 he was elected to the representative
branch of the Legislature, and served on important com-
mittees. In 1870 he was elected to the Senate, and re-
elected in 1873. For many years he was a member of the
Board of Supervisors, and his opinion upon all important
matters was sought for and fully appreciated. He was an
ardent friend of improvement, and every worthy enterprise
found in him a liberal supporter. He was prominently
identified with the construction of the Lansing Division of
L. S. & M. S. R. R. In his political and religious affilia-
tions, he was a Republican and a Methodist.
In November, 1843, Mr. Stoddard was married to Miss
Julia E. Eggleston, daughter of Harvey Eggleston, one of
the town's first settlers. The result of this union was eleven
children, seven of whom grew to maturity. It is not ne-
cessary to enlarge upon the character of Mr. Stoddard. He
was a man of decided abilities, of great courage, perseverance,
and industry, and of marked integrity. A valuable citizen,
a benevolent man, a kind friend, and a devoted husband
and father.
MILES RORABACHER, M.D.
Hillsdale County is noted for the proficiency and high
standard of its medical men, and none occupy a more de-
servedly popular position in the profession than Dr. Miles
Rorabacher, of Litchfield. A residence of about fifteen
years there, 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 medical profession of Hillsdale County. He was
born in the town of Salem, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Jan.
28, 1835. His parents, John and Sarah A. (Coone) Rora-
bacher, were among the pioneers of his native town. He
received an academical education, graduating at the State
normal school at Ypsilanti. His education he made practically
useful to himself and others by teaching, which occupation
he followed several years. In his boyhood he had made a
choice of the medical profession as his life's occupation,
and at the age of twenty-two he entered the office of Dr.
Woodrufi", of Ann Arbor, as a student of medicine. He
took two courses of lectures at the State Medical College,
at Ann Arbor, and completed his medical education at the
Homoeopathic Medical College, of New York City, where
he graduated with honor. Shortly after his graduation he
came to Litchfield and established himself in the practice
of his profession, and since devoted his entire attention to
it. He has been eminently successful. The doctor has
been prominently identified with all matters pertaining to
his profession. He assisted in the organization of the Homoe-
opathic Medical Society of Michigan, and was one of its
charter members. He is also a member of the American
Institute of Homoeopathy. In March, 1858, Dr. Rora-
bacher was married to Miss Julia A., daughter of Philemon
Murray, Esq., of Salem. They have been blessed with
three children, — Genevieve E., born Nov. 7, 1861 ; Fred.
M., born Feb. 6, 1871 ; Mary Mabel, born Feb. 23, 1873.
Dr. Rorabacher is a gentleman well and favorably known,
and one who is very highly respected and esteemed. He
possesses the necessary qualifications of the successful phy-
sician, other than knowledge, — geniality of disposition, and
firmness, blended with kindness and compassion. In his
domestic relations he is kind and affectionate, a good hus-
band, father, and friend, and in every sense a worthy
citizen.
WARNER BUNDAY,
son of George and Filena (Fowler) Bunday, was born in
Chenango Co., N. Y., April 26, 1800. Warner was the
eldest in a family of nine ; when in his twelfth year his
father died, and he was apprenticed to a blacksmith in
Canandaigua, by the name of Sprague. He followed the
calling until he was twenty years of age, when, having a
keen appreciation of the value of an education, and realizing
its necessity, he quit work and spent the greater part of the
succeeding four years at the Canandaigua Academy, obtain-
ing a liberal education, which he made practically useful to
himself and others by teaching, which occupation he fol-
lowed many years. In 1824 he was married to Miss Betsey
Gardiner, of Canandaigua, and during the same year he
started West on a tour of observation. At Buffalo he took
passage for Detroit on the " Superior," the third steamboat
that ever plowed Lake Erie ; he prospected through Mich-
igan, and went as far West as La Porte, Ind., and from
thence returned to New York. Thoroughly impressed with
the beauty and natural advantages of Southern Michigan,
he resolved to make it his home, and accordingly, in the
year 1835, he emigrated with his family to Hillsdale
County, and purchased one thousand acres of land in the
town of Somerset, then a part of the town of Wheatland.
Here he remained twenty-nine years, and during that time
he was prominently identified with the growth and develop-
ment of that portion of the county. He constructed a
commodious log house, and for many years he kept " tavern,"
and acquired an extended reputation as a successful landlord,
and " Bunday's tavern" was known far and wide.
In 1864 he disposed of his property in Somerset, and
came to Litchfield with the idea of retiring from active
business. Mr. Bunday has always been a warm friend of
education, and has done much to advance educational
interests. At one time, while a resident of Somerset, there
was a lack of school-books ; Mr. Bunday went to Detroit
and purchased a bill of one hundred and fifty dollars, and
saw that the supply was kept up. A friend of improvement,
no enterprise having for its object the advancement of the
)Vf.RORABACHEf?.M.D.
^.^IS'&iil^t^
Residence or Dr. M. RORABACHEf?,LiTCHFjELD,MicH.
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
167
material interests of either his town or county, but what
has found in him a liberal supporter. Mrs. and Mrs.
Bunday are consistent and worthy members of the Congre-
gational Church, and both are exemplars of long lives well
spent. Mr. Bunday is now in his seventy-eighth year, and
still possesses much of his former energy and vigor. He
has not only witnessed the transition of a semi wilderness
into one of the most prosperous and fertile counties in the
State, but in his own person has typified so admirably the
agencies that have wrought many of these changes that no
history of Hillsdale County would be complete without some
sketch of his life, labors, and character.
LABAN A. HOWARD, M.D.
Dr. L. A. Howard was born in Livonia, Livingston Co.,
N. Y., Sept. 22, 1841. His father, who was a farmer,
moved to Michigan, and settled on a farm at Allen's Prai-
rie, in 1853, when the subject of our sketch was twelve
years of age. From that time until he was eighteen
years old he worked on his father's farm summers, and
attended school winters. At eighteen, feeling competent
to teach, he commenced teaching, and taught some six
terms in different parts of the county. He afterwards
entered as a clerk and book-keeper in the hardware-store of
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
LABAN A. HOWARD, M.D.
John S. Lewis, of Jonesville, Mich. ; but this business
not being congenial he left after three months, and entered
the office of Dr. E. M. Shaw, of Allen, and commenced
the study of medicine. Here he applied himself dili-
gently until the fall of 1864, when he enlisted as private
in the 4th Michigan Infantry Volunteers, receiving the
appointment of hospital steward when the regiment was
organized. Having recruited some twenty-five men, a com-
mission was offered him, which he refused, preferring the
position of steward. He went to the field with his regi-
ment, where, by faithful attention to his duties in the care
and attention of his sick comrades, he was (after about a
year's service) promoted to be first assistant surgeon of the
3d Michigan Infantry Regiment, which position he ably
filled until the war closed and his regiment was mustered
out. He was at the battle of Nashville, when General
Hood met his defeat, and where he did good service in the
care of the sick and wounded. After this battle he was
stricken down with typhoid fever, which came near ending
his days. Upon returning from the army, he attended the
Eclectic Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, receiving two
courses of lectures, and graduating with high honors. He
then returned home and settled in Litchfield, where he has
remained up to the present time. Soon after his return he
became acquainted with and married Miss Carrie E. Stil-
well, a resident of Litchfield.
By his own unaided exertions Dr. Howard has built up
a reputable practice, and ranks among the first physicians
in the county. In 1875 he built a fine store, and stocked
it with drugs and medicines ; he conducted it with his
practice until quite recently, when he sold the store, but
continues with his practice. In 1877 he built himself a
fine residence, where he at present resides. He was quite
active in the matter of getting his village incorporated, and
was elected its first president, receiving the support of both
parties ; this position he filled acceptably to the people. He
is at present vice-president of the State Eclectic Medical
and Surgical Society. He is also a prominent member of
the First Baptist Church, filling the office of one of the
deacons. He is not alone an enterprising, successful phy-
sician, but is a man ever ready to give to the needy and
afflicted, and who has the respect and esteem of his fellow-
citizens.
S. SABIN FAIRBANK.
This gentleman, one of the prominent citizens of Litch-
field, was born in the town of Union, Tolland Co., Conn.,
Oct. 15, 1822. His father, the Rev. Stephen Fairbank,
was a native of the same place, where he preached until his
removal to Hillsdale County in 1839, Sabin being then a
young man of nineteen. The elder Fairbank purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in section 17 ; here he resided
until his death. Sabin, as was the custom in those days,
acknowledged obligation to his father in his labor until he
had attained his majority, when he started in life for him-
self as a farm-hand. He soon purchased forty acres of land,
and to this small beginning he has made 'repeated additions,
until he has now a beautiful farm of one hundred and fifty
acres near the village of Litchfield, a view of which we
present elsewhere. April 21, 1853, Mr. Fairbank was
united in marriage to Miss Lucretia, daughter of Ira and
Rebecca (Calkins) Allen, of Munson, Ohio. They have been
blessed with five children, — M. Augusta, born Aug. 4, 1854 ;
Ida R., born Aug. 2, 1856; Ira A., born July 4, 1860;
Belle S., born April 3, 1863; Roy Wilford, born March
23, 1877. Mr. Fairbank, in his religious and political
belief, is a Methodist and a Republican, and is justly con-
sidered to be among the prominent farmers and valuable
citizens of the town of Litchfield.
168
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
MILTON P. HERRING.
MILTON P. HERRING
was born in the town of Yirgil, Cortland Co., N. Y., June
21, 1808. He was the son of John and Temperance (Pom-
eroy) Herring. They had a family of nine children, Milton
being the youngest. The elder Herring being in limited
circumstances, our subject's advantages in early life were
extremely limited, and he acknowledged obligation to his
parents in his labor until he attained his twentieth year,
when he started in life for himself as a farm laborer. He
worked only one month, however, and took his wages (ten
dollars) and applied it as part payment in the purchase of
fifty acres of land in his native town. By dint of energy
and perseverance he succeeded in paying for it, and added
twenty-five acres to the original purchase. March 5, 1834,
he was married to Miss Lucy J. Parker, of his native town,
where she was born Sept. 23, 1815. In 1836 he visited
Michigan, and being favorably impressed with the soil and
the natural advantages, he resolved to make it his home,
and in pursuance of his resolution he emigrated to Litch-
field in the month of October, 1837, with his family, which
consisted of his wife and one child. He purchased two
hundred acres of land, which is now a portion of the farm
of R. W. Freeman, Esq., to which he afterwards added
eighty acres. About 1865 he sold his farm to its present
owner and occupant, and moved on to the farm where he
now resides. The farm consists of a quarter-section, under
a high state of cultivation, and is justly regarded as being
the best farm in the town of Litchfield, and his finely-cul-
tivated fields and commodious buildings attest his thrift and
success. Mr. and Mrs. Herring have been blessed with nine
children, five of whom are now living. Two of his sons,
Allen P. and Milton, did their country service in the war
of the Rebellion. The former entered the regular army in
1861, as a member of Company C, 4th Regular Cavalry,
the latter as member of the 17th Michigan Infantry, Com-
|mny H. Both served with credit, and their names will be
MRS. MILTON P. HERRING.
found among the honored list who went to do battle in their
country's defense in its hour of peril. Mr. Herring is em-
phatically a self-made man. Commencing life with only
his natural resources for his capital, he has achieved suc-
cess in every department of life, and he is justly entitled to
the position accorded him by his fellow-townsmen, as being
one of the representative farmers and valuable citizens of
Litchfield.
WILLIAM J. BARNARD
was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1821, where he
resided until he came to Michigan, in 1864. He purchased
the property known as the Judge Packer farm, which is
justly regarded as one of the best in the county. It is finely
located on the road running from Jonesville to Litchfield,
and consists of two hundred and forty acres. It is well
adapted to either stock or grain raising, and is under a high
state of cultivation. Mr. Barnard is prominently identified
with the agricultural interests of the county, and since com-
ing to Hillsdale has been prominent in the agricultural so-
ciety either as an exhibitor or an officer. He was elected
president of the society in 1873, and his administration of
its afiairs was highly commended. Among the thrifty, en-
ergetic farmers of the county, Mr. Barnard occupies a con-
spicuous position, and his fine farm, a view of which is pre-
sented on another page, attests his thrift and success.
JAMES B. LINSDAY
was born in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga Co., N. Y.,
March 11,1 825. At the age of twelve his father emigrated
with his family to Branch County ; he lived with his father
until his majority. The succeeding three years he spent as a
farm hand, when he came to Litchfield and purchased fifty
acres of partially-improved land. To this small beginning
he has added from time to time, until he now owns two
m
K
<
.»J«^-iip»ii»4l<rf*?>*''-*tfe»**»*>^^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
169
hundred and thirty acres, under a high state of cultivation,
and which is justly considered to be one of the most valu-
able and productive farms in the county, a view of which
we present on another page. Mr. Linsday is one of the
successful, progressive farmers of the county, and his finely-
cultivated fields and commodious buildings attest his thrift
and enterprise. In 1852, Mr. Linsday was married to Miss
Emeline Mead, of Wayne Co., N. Y., where she was born
Dec. 5, 1827. Three children have been born to them, —
two boys and one girl, — who are Hving with their parents.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
REUBEN W. FREEMAN.
REUBEN W. FREEMAN.
MRS. REUBEN W. FREEMAN.
This gentleman, one of the prominent farmers of the
town of Litchfield, was born in Canton, Wayne Co., Mich.,
Jan. 26, 1885. He was the son of Gideon and Hannah
(Huston) Freeman, who were among the pioneers of Wayne
County. The elder Freeman was one of the most promi-
nent farmers and valuable citizens of his county, and was
identified with the construction of the Michigan Central
Hailroad. He is now living at an advanced age. Reuben
was the eldest in a family of eight children, and at the age
of thirteen was thrown on his own resources ; and in the
bitter school of experience learned many lessons that proved
serviceable in after- years. He acquired a good common-
school education ; and in his twenty-first year went to
California, where he was engaged in mining operations for
two years, when he returned East. He came to Litchfield
and purchased of Milton P. Herring the farm where he
now resides, and which is justly regarded as one of the
best in the county. Since his settlement in the town, Mr.
Freeman has been prominently identified with it. In his
political affiliations he was formerly a Republican, but iden-
tified himself with the Greenback party, and received the
nomination for representative to the Legislature. The one
grand object of his life, however, has been to be a good
farmer ; it has been the motive of every effort, and in his
chosen calling he has been eminently successful. He is the
owner of a beautiful and productive farm of three hundred
and sixty acres, — a view of which we present on the oppo-
site page.
In June, 1858, Mr. Freeman was united in marriage
with Miss Mary L. Mead, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
She was born in Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., and came to
Michigan when four years of age. Mr. Freeman is pre-
eminently a self-made man ; starting in life with only his
natural resources for his capital, he has achieved success
in every department of life, and is an example to young
men of the capabilities of character and manhood.
22
PITTSFORD.
The territory within the limits of this township forms
a portion of what is generally known as the Bean Creek
Valley. While it does not lie wholly within the imme-
diate vicinity of Bean Creek (otherwise and formerly called
Tiffin's River) still most of its waters are tributary to that
stream. The creek enters this town and makes a wide
detour in section 25, re-entering Lenawee County near the
north line of section 36. From its location, and from the
fact that the rapidly-growing village of Hudson lies just
across its eastern border, the history of this town has been
intimately connected with the history of the valley, and
has received a careful and thorough treatment from the pen
of James J. Hogeboom, of Hudson, in his meritorious
work on the history of the Bean Creek Valley ; a work
from which we have largely drawn in the preparation of
this brief sketch. To its author we acknowledge our
obligation for the assistance the book has afforded us.
In the year 1833 the whole of Hillsdale County was an
interminable wilderness. There were a few scattering set-
tlers along the line of the Chicago road in the north part,
but this town was still clothed with the dense growth of
virgin forest, and not a single monarch of the woods had
been laid low by the axe of the settler. Wolves and bears
alone disputed with the aborigines for the possession of the
forest, and the red deer, alarmed by some unusual sound,
bounded fleetly through the thick growth of underbrush
until lost amid the forest solitudes, or, overcome by fatal
curiosity, approached the gleaming torch of the Indian
hunter and fell a victim to his deadly rifle.
It was about this time that Charles Ames and his brothers
and brothers-in-law were contemplating emigrating to Michi-
gan. Charles, William B., and Ezra Ames were from Geneva,
Ontario Co., N. Y., Henry Ames and Alpheus Pratt from
Rochester, N. Y. They had arranged to come to the house
of a friend in the vicinity of Detroit, and to explore the
country from there until they found a location and land
that suited them. Previous to this, in 1831, Hiram Kid-
der had settled in the valley of the river Raisin, and had
visited the Bean Creek Valley in the spring of 1833, en-
tering land on sections 6 and 7 of the present town of
Hudson. This land he entered in the names of Daniel
Hudson, Nathan B. Kidder, and William Young, all of
whom were residents of Ontario Co., N. Y. They were
induced to make this purchase, for purposes of speculation,
by the fact that, in April, 1833, the Legislative Council of
the Territory had, by a special act, authorized the building
of a railroad from Port Lawrence (Toledo) to some point
on the Kalamazoo River, passing through or near Adrian,
and that they expected this road to follow the section line
170
* Prepared by C. W. Brown.
west from Adrian, which would bring it to pass through
the lands they had taken up. Nathan B. Kidder, upon
learning the intention of the Ames brothers to settle in
Michigan, went to them and described in glowing terms
the wealth and beauty of the lands in the Bean Creek Val-
ley, as he had learned them from his brother Hiram, and
advised Mr. Charles Ames and Thomas Pen nock, who had
been selected to look up the lands for the party, to proceed
to the house of his brother Hiram, who would, he said,
show them the loveliest country the sun ever shone upon.
Acting upon his advice, they came to Lenawee County in
May, 1833, and under the leadership of Hiram Kidder
explored the Bean Creek country. Mr. Kidder was a prac-
tical surveyor, and thoroughly well acquainted with the
country. He had selected his land deliberately, after care-
ful examination, and secured what he deemed the most
eligible part of the country. Intending to locate there, he
was naturally desirous of having neighbors, and did his
best to convince these land-lookers that their best interests
would be subserved by settling in his vicinity. So success-
ful was he in convincing them of the desirability and proba-
ble future rapid rise in value of these lands that, on the
20th of May, 1833, they together entered the southwest
quarter of section 7, in the present town of Hudson. This
land was entered, not because it was their first choice, but
because the lands of Hillsdale County had not yet been
opened for settlement. As soon as they were placed in
the market, Ames and Pennock, on the 7th day of June,
entered lands within the present town of Pittsford ; Ames
entering the southeast quarter of section 1 and the north-
east quarter of section 12, and Pennock entering the south-
east quarter of the southeast quarter of section 12. Hav-
ing made these purchases, they returned to the East to
prepare their families for removal.
Some time in the month of October following they had
all concluded their arrangements, and were met together at
Rochester, ready to begin the pilgrimage to their new home
in the Western wilderness.
Embarking on a canal-boat, the party reached Buffalo in
due time, and took passage for Detroit, on a sailing vessel
about to start up the lake. Two days were consumed at
Buffalo in vexatious delays before the vessel started on its
voyage, and while on its passage was met by a fierce storm
which forced the vessel to lie at anchor for two days more,
so that the journey to Detroit was not only long but tedious.
However, our party of emigrants survived it all, and upon
their arrival at Detroit immediately, with undiminished
courage, pressed forward into the wilderness. At about
sunset on the 1st day of November, they arrived at the
still unfinished log house of Hiram Kidder, which he had
erected in the latter part of August.
&^^-<^.'i.r
^^^^^^^^^^^
Residence of J. H. MINER, PirrsFOffD, Michigan
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
171
The party then consisted of Charles Ames and his wife,
Mrs. Ames' sister, Louisa Ball, Elizabeth Ames, since Mrs.
James Sprague, Henry, William B., and Ezra Ames, and
Alpheus Pratt. Mr. Pratt's wife and child had been over-
come by the hardships and fatigue of the long journey, and
had been left at the house of Mr. Lyman Pease, about one
mile west of Adrian, where they remained about a week
resting and regaining strength before they came on and re-
joined their friends. The night before most of the party
had lodged at the house of Stephen Perkins, about four
miles west of Adrian, and had spent the entire day from
early morning till the hour of sunset in the wilderness,
traversing the 12 miles of distance that had separated
them from their destination in the Bean Creek Valley.
There was a light covering of damp snow lying upon the
ground, which served to conceal the wagon-road that had
previously been underbrushed, and the party was obliged to
be guided on its way by the '' blazed" trees that marked
its course. Mrs. Charles Ames had a babe but seven weeks
old, and being in rather poor health was compelled to ride,
but the rest of the party, including Miss Elizabeth Ames
and Miss Ball, walked nearly the entire distance. They
were frequently compelled to sit down upon some con-
venient log by the roadside, remove their stockings and
wring the water from them, and then, after replacing them,
proceed upon their journey until a repetition of the opera-
tion became necessary. Thus they proceeded until the
shades of night found them at Mr. Kidder's house, where
they were heartily welcomed and treated to the best fare
the house afforded, — a supper, and a bed upon the floor.
Mr. Kidder had arrived with his family only three days
before, and here our pioneers of Pittsford spent their first
night in the vicinity of their future homes in a log house
having neither floor, windows, or doors, and with 17 per-
sons in the only room, which was but 25 feet square.
The long hours of the night slowly wore away, and at
last morning dawned upon the infant settlement. Before
breakfast could be prepared it was found to be necessary to
unload a barrel of pork from the wagon, and in the process
it slipped from their hands and went rolling away down the
hill for a distance of several rods. Charles Ames, worn out
by the toils and hardships of the journey, worried because
of the illness of his wife and child, and discouraged by the
evident hardships involved in subduing the frowning forest
that shut them so closely in from all the world, sat down
upon the refractory pork-barrel at the foot of the hill and
gave way to his despondent feelings by wishing himself and
family back in their Eastern home. The wish was vain and
futile. Separated from him by more than four hundred
miles of distance, and still more completely isolated by the
miles upon miles of practically impassable forest-roads and
the frozen surface of Lake Erie, and with none of the more
modern facilities of travel that practically annihilate the
distance, how could he change the circumstances of the sit-
uation ? Sitting on and standing around that pork-barrel,
a council was held, and though its deliberations might not
weigh heavily in the fates and affairs of nations, they were
of supreme importance as regarded the future prospects and
progress of the little colony. At last an agreement was
reached by which they pledged themselves to remain to-
gether five years, and then, if their prospects were no better,
they should be at liberty to separate and try their fortunes
elsewhere. It is not a matter of wonder that they all felt
discouraged and disheartened. They were in the midst of
a wilderness, twelve miles from the nearest habitation ; win-
ter was setting in, and already had made his presence mani-
fest by the presence of snow and ice and raw, cold winds ;
they were dependent for their subsistence upon the store of
provisions they had brought with them, eked out with what
food their rifles might furnish from the animals that roamed
the forest, and were also without any means of securing
help from their friends. It certainly was a trying situation,
and well calculated to draw out the fortitude and courage
of the members of the colony, and to their praise be it said,
their firmness of purpose and resolution of spirit made them
masters of the situation. The first step was to finish the Kid-
der house, which was to furnish them all with a temporary
home until they could get houses of their own completed.
As Henry was a carpenter and joiner, to him was intrusted
the work of making the doors and windows, while the rest
of the party, under the supervision of Mr. Kidder, prepared
the chinks and sticks for the chimney. In a few days the
house was made quite comfortable ; but, as the party was a
large one, it was necessary to do a considerable share of the
cooking out-of-doors, a fact which, on account of the cold
weather, caused the ladies of the party many cold fingers,
and proved to be a disagreeable business.
As soon as the Kidder house was completed the Ames
family began to look about them for a site for their own
dwelling, and finally selected a spot on the bank of Hills-
dale Creek, when the clearing of the ground and cutting of
logs was immediately commenced.
Before the work had made much progress the stock of
provisions began to run low, and it became necessary to
send to Adrian for a fresh supply. For the performance
of this duty Alpheus Pratt and Ezra Ames were selected,
and made the round trip of thirty-six miles in five days,
having spent one night in the " twelve-mile woods," sleeping
under their wagon, while the wolves enlivened the watches
of the night with a howling chorus that, as one of the
party said, made their hair stand on end. However, they
escaped all the perils of the forest, and finally reached
home in safety with their load, which consisted of about
eight hundred pounds of provisions. By the time of their
return the logs for the house were prepared, and the work
of drawing in and laying them up commenced immediately,
but, as it was a new kind of work, progressed but slowly.
In about five weeks, however, the house was so far com-
pleted as to allow of its being occupied, and the Ames
family and their friends moved in. This was the first
dwelling-house erected in the town of Pittsford, and stood
on the south line of the east half of the southeast quarter
of section 1, the site now being occupied by a small frame
house owned by B. and L. Childs. Upon the completion
of this house Alpheus Pratt and Henry Ames looked about
to find suitable locations for houses of their own. Pratt
selected land on the northeast quarter of section 13, since
known as the Bush farm, and Henry Ames selected land
in the town of Hudson, which has since been the home of
the venerable Clark Ames. They entered their lands at
!l|iliWiil*W'i^-€''S!";i5^."ii?i':^
172
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the Monroe land-office, Dec. 5, 1833, and before the 1st of
January, Pratt's house, the second one erected in the town,
was ready for occupancy. This house has since been re-
placed by a frame dwelling, and is now owned and occupied
by Mr. E. D. Pierson. While the Ames party were on
their way in, they were accosted, near Clinton, by a hunter
and trapper, who inquired where they were going. They
replied "to the Bean Creek country," and gave him a
glowing description of the country and the abundance of
all kinds of game. Struck by their description, Jesse
Smith, for that was the hunter's name, said he was looking
for land, and that if there was any good country out there
he was going to see it, tossed his traps into one of the
wagons, shouldered his rifle, and marched on with them.
He skirmished around the party, frequently making them
calls, until they reached the house of Stephen Perkins, on
the last day of October. From there he went on a hunt-
ing excursion, and a few days after the arrival of the party
at Kidder's rejoined them there. Believing that he had
found the land for which he was looking, he at once started
for Monroe, taking, as was usiial with him, a free course
through the woods, and the first night encamped alone in
the woods near Devil's Lake. The next morning, after
visiting an Indian camp near by, he called at the house of
a Mr. Thompson, who had settled near the lake, and
breakfasted with him. That night he lodged at the house
of a Mr. Taylor, on the east side of Round Lake. In the
morning he sent his baggage on to Adrian by a teamster,
who was traveling thither, and proceeded on foot towards the
same place. In the vicinity of the Raisin he met a party
of land-lookers, who were on their way to the lakes. He
described to them the many advantages of the Bean Creek
country, and induced them to visit it, they engaging him
to act as their guide. As soon as this party had been
guided to their destination. Smith, in company with Oliver
Purchase, who had selected land in the town of Hudson,
started for Monroe, and arrived at the laud-office on the
6th of November. Both made their entries of land on
that day, but Smith's, for some unexplained reason, was
not placed on the records until the 15th of the month, —
about the time that he reached his home in Albion, N. Y.,
whither he had gone to prepare his family for removal in
the spring, and to settle up his business matters there.
Thus the winter of 1833-34 found the little colony.
Several othei* persons had entered land during the months
of September, October, November, and December, but none
had made any settlement in this town except the Ameses
and Alpheus Pratt. The names of these purchasers, and
the date of their purchases, were as follows : Curren White,
September 24 ; William Flowers and Thomas Hurdsman,
October 30 ; Stephen Wilcox, November 20 ; William B.
and Elizabeth Ames, December 5 ; John Gustin, December
5 and 6 ; and Isaac French, December 10.
During the winter Charles and William Ames, who were
shoemakers, were absent from the settlement working at
their trade in Detroit. Ezra remained at Charles'.
Though winter had now fairly settled down upon the
valley, practically isolating the settlers from the busy world,
they were not idle. Plenty of work was ready to their
hands, and they varied the regular business of chopping
with occasional deer-hunts, or with trips into the adjacent
country with land-lookers. These latter were present in
profusion, and the settlers had plenty of company and gen-
erally a new lot for each succeeding night. They were wel-
comed warmly, sheltered and fed, and given lodgings on
what was a very common thing in those days, a '' shake-
down," or bed on the floor. Then, too, they received fre-
quent visits from the Indians, who had two villages near
by, one in the southern part of the present town of Som-
erset, and the other in the southern part of this town.
The latter was called Squawfield, and Baw Beese was the
chief. An Indian trail left the principal trail (leading from
Detroit to Chicago) near Silver Lake, and skirting Devil's
Lake on the northwest, passed near the Kidder Settlement,
and terminated at Squawfield. These Indians were of the
Pottawattamie nation, and very friendly and inoffensive un-
less the white men, through lax principles or greed of gain,
supplied them with that fruitful cause of discord in many
other than savage breasts, — whisky, — when they sometimes
became ugly and quarrelsome. They would willingly trade
with the whites, but recognized nothing but silver as a me-
dium of exchange or a measure of values. This they des-
ignated as " shuniahy
On the 23d of January, Alpheus Pratt was chopping in
the woods but a short distance from his house, and Mrs.
Pratt sent her little six-year-old son, Charley, to call him
to his supper. Soon after Mr. Pratt came to the house
alone, and being asked where Charley was, said he had not
seen him. Fears that the boy was lost were entertained,
and Mr. Pratt returned to the woods and searched till dark
for him, but without success. Beturning to the house for
his lantern, he told of his failure to find the boy, and Mrs.
Pratt at once started alone and on foot through the woods
to the house of Charles Ames, and informed them of the
affair. Henry and Ezra Ames, Hiram Kidder, and a man
named Tabor at once repaired to Pratt's house and joined
in the search. The father had already discovered the boy's
track, which they followed as rapidly as possible, but, as
there was quite a crust on the snow, with considerable
difficulty. After several hours' search they all became cold,
tired, and discouraged, and concluding that the boy could
not be found, the assistants gave up the search, and built a
rousing fire to warm their benumbed limbs and to scare
away wolves, if any were prowling about. But the father's
heart recognized neither chill nor fatigue, and the father's
love kept him at the search, regardless of the doings of his
companions. His loud and frequent calls of '' Charley !
Charley !" were soon answered by the lad's weak voice, and
clasped in his father's arms, the boy, with body benumbed
and both feet frozen, was carried to the fire. He told of
having seen dogs in the woods, and undoubtedly had seen
wolves in his wanderings, and had heen protected from them
by what, if not by the merciful hand of a divine Provi-
dence? Taking a northeasterly course, being guided by
the stars, they finally struck the Indian trail about three
miles west of Charles Ames' house, and following it, reached,
home about sunrise, and restored the boy to the arms of his
distracted and almost despairing mother. They were never
able to tell just where the boy was found, but supposed it
to have been a little south of the village of Pittsford.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
173
In the month of February, Thomas Pen nock came the
second time to the Kidder settlement. He was at Jackson,
and reaching a settlement on the Chicago road, since called
Gambleville, hired a man to pilot him through the woods
to his destination. They were caught in a snow-storm,
and the guide becoming confused, they wandered about all
day, and were obliged to spend the night in the woods, and
that, too, without a fire, as they were without any means
of kindling one. Their situation was both unpleasant and
perilous, and the guide gave up, and would have lain down
and frozen to death, had not Pen nock cut a switch, and by
its frequent and vigorous use kept him upon his feet, and
by so doing saved his life. The next morning dawned
clear and pleasant, and they soon discovered the trail, and
returned to Gambleville, where they arrived about three
o'clock in the afternoon, tired, faint, and hungry. The
next morning, having procured an Indian guide, who said
he knew where the white chemkeman^ or white black-haired
man (Kidder), lived, Pennock recommenced his journey,
and following the Indian trail from Devil's Lake towards
Squawfield, soon came to the road leading to Kidder's.
Giving his guide a silver dollar, he pursued his way alone,
and reached the settlement about the middle of the after-
noon, sick and weary from the effects of travel and exposure.
He afterwards became satisfied that the night he was lost
in the woods was spent somewhere in the vicinity of the
present village of Ilollin.
In the month of March, 1834, Sylvanus Estes came to
this town, and on the 15th day of the month entered land
on section 10 in the name of his wife, Ruth Estes. During
the same month his brother Rufus came, and assisted him
in the work of clearing a piece of ground for spring crops.
Rufus Estes was a mighty hunter, and receives the honor
of having been considered the crack shot of the Bean Creek
Valley.
In the latter part of April, Jesse Smith, accompanied by
his wife and five children, started from their home in Albion
for their possessions in this town. At Buffalo they shipped
on board the steamboat " William Penn," one of the clumsy
affairs of that period, and as it was also early in the season,
after a somewhat prolonged voyage were landed in due time
at Monroe, where two teams were hired to transport them
and their goods to Adrian. Arrived there, it was found
necessary to dispose of a new wagon and some boots and
shoes that he was bringing into the country, and from their
sale he realized 27 bushels of wheat and $10 in money.
With the money Mr. Smith hired two other teams to take
his family and goods to Kidder's, and, with his wife and
three children, resumed their journey. The two older boys
had gone on in advance, in company with William Pur-
chase. The first day they traveled four miles. The next
day, about noon, one of the teams gave out, and the goods
were unloaded, piled beside the road, and the team sent
back. With the remaining team they toiled on through
the afternoon, and at dark were compelled to camp near
Posey Lake. Two of the children were put to bed in the
wagon, and the youngest Mrs. Smith held in her arms all
night. In the morning they resumed their journey, and
soon met their sons, Lorenzo and William, who had been to
the settlement and were returning to meet them with Mr.
Van Gauder and a yoke of oxen. Doubling teams, they
were able to progress more rapidly, and reached Kidder's
about noon, where they found dinner and a hearty welcome
awaiting them.
The house built by Messrs. Purchase and Yan Gauder,
who were both bachelors, was by them tendered to the
Smiths as a temporary residence, and was occupied by them
until the 20th of August, when they moved into a house
of their own. Mr. Purchase had chopped quite a piece of
ground around his house, and this he offered to Smith for
a corn-field. It was accepted, and Smith, assisted by his
sons, logged and burned it, and planted it to corn and
potatoes. The crops realized — 50 bushels of corn and 40
bushels of potatoes, — were important factors in their next
winter's subsistence. Supplemented by fish from the
streams and lakes, game from the forest, and honey from
the convenient receptacles where it had been placed by the
" busy bees," they sufficed for the sustenance of the family
and the entertainment of travelers and adventurers, who
were both quite numerous, and none of whom were ever
turned hungry from his door. Mr. Smith was accounted a
great hunter, and one of the best shots in the valley. He
was very successful in the pursuit of game, and spent con-
siderable of his time roaming the woods with his faithful
rifle. He is still living, a resident of this town, but has
been blind for several years.
In the latter part of May, Robert and Dudley Worden
and Samuel Day, with their respective families, arrived at
the creek, Robert Worden and Day settling in Pittsford,
and Dudley Worden in Hudson. The two Wordens left
their homes in Fairport, Monroe Co , N. Y., in a covered
wagon about the 1st of April, 1834. They each had a
wife and one child with them, making a party of six. On
the way they fell in with the family of Samuel Day, travel-
ing in the same way, and intending to settle in Ohio. They
traveled along in company, and after a little Day decided
to abandon his original plan and come on to Michigan with
the others. Their last day's journey was from Adrian to
the creek, a distance of eighteen miles, twelve of which,
from Bart. White's west, were in a dense wilderness. Night
overtook the party while still five miles from their place of
destination, — Kidder's, — and it was soon found to be im-
possible to proceed farther with the wagons, and to camp
in the woods was not practicable, as they had no means of
starting a fire. The horses were unhitched, and the party
started forward on foot, Mrs. W^orden, who wore a white
skirt, walking in the rear of the rest to guide the driver of
the horses. Marching in this way they finally reached
Kidder's late in the evening. The next day they found
their land, and commenced their log houses. Mr. Robert
Worden thus describes the house he built : " I built me a
house without a single board, except what was made with
an axe. I split logs for a floor. The chamber floor was
bark peeled from elm-logs. Our roof was bark, as were also
the gables or ends. Our door was plank, made with an
axe, two inches thick, pinned to wooden hinges, and fas-
tened to the logs so it would swing inside. With an auger
a hole was made in the logs, so it could be pinned on the
inside to protect us from the bears and wolves, of which
there were a plenty. We had a window-hole cut out for a
174
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
six-lighted window, but had no window to put in it. The
principal light came down the chimney-hole. One night
the wolves commenced to howl. There was so many of
them and so near I became frightened. We were sleeping
on the floor, not having even a Michigan bedstead. We
got up, went up the ladder with our bed, pulled the ladder
after us, made our bed on the bark, and should have con-
sidered ourselves secure from the wolves, only that we were
feai-ful that the bark would give way and let us fall. And
all this fear within two miles of two villages. One village
had double the number of houses the other had, and that
had two."
Writing of this first year's experience in a new country,
Mr. Worden again writes, " We were a community of many
wants from the outside world. The article of currant-roots
or sprouts was in great demand. The undersigned went
out to the settlement to obtain some sprouts, and all I could
get were ten pieces of sprouts about eight inches long
each, and felt myself fortunate and thankful. I got them
of Richard Kent, a little north of the city of Adrian, and
from the sprouts I obtained at that time I have bushes on
my farm now, and have supplied very many new beginners
from them with roots.
*' The first settlers had an enemy in what is called the
deer-mouse. They were numerous, would crawl through
an incredibly small hole, and were very destructive. Before
we were aware of it they had got into our trunks, and
seriously injured our clothing. W^e had no place of security
for anything they wanted. My wife had brought with her
some starch done up in a paper. One day, wanting to use
some, she found the paper that had contained the starch,
but no starch. It had been carried off by the mice, and
it could not be replenished short of a trip of twenty miles ;
but some time after we had occasion to use an empty bottle
stowed away, and in the bottle we found our starch, put
there by the mice ; it was not possible for them to get into
the bottle. We were in great want of a house-cat to destroy
the mice, and they were very scarce in this section of the
territory. I took a bag and started for Adrian, on foot, to
procure a cat if possible. I could find none in Adrian,
but heard of some kittens three miles south of Adrian, at
Colonel Bradish's. I went to Colonel Bradish's, but was a
little too late ; they had let the last one go the day before.
I then started for home, came about two miles this side of
Adrian, and stopped overnight with a family of English
people. I told the lady of the house of my unsuccessful
efforts to find a cat. She sympathized with me, and said
they had been similarly situated. When morning came,
and I was about to start for home, the lady said, ' I have
been thinking of your troubles through the night ; I have
but one cat, a great nice one, and I have concluded to lend
it to you until I shall want it.' I took the cat in the bag
and started for home, — on foot, of course, — and before I
got home with it I thought it a very heavy cat. We kept
the cat but a few weeks ; it was killed by the wild-cats,
which were quite plenty at the time."
Of Mr. and Mrs. Day, a Writer in the Hudson Post of
March 26, 1874, wrote : " Mr. Samuel Day died in 1856.
He was a man who made his mark in this new country ;
will be remembered as a stock-man, and who could show
the finest stock in the valley of the Bean. Coming here
when Hudson was a vast forest, with five boys at his com-
mand, much of the improvement in this vicinity was made
through his influence. But he has laid by his armor, and
passed over the river with others who were his associates
here, to be employed in higher and nobler spheres than earth
can offer. Mrs. Day is one of those noble women who first
settled this Bean Creek Valley, when in its native state.
May, 1834, found her coming down Bean Creek hill at ten
o'clock at night, she having walked from Adrian the same
day. She crossed the Bean upon a log, and came up to
Mr. Kidder's log house, where the family stopped for the
night, and until they could find some house to stop at or
until they could build for themselves. This they did in
the month of May, having to cut a wagon-road from Bush's
Corners up to where their house now stands. The house
wag built without a single board ; the roof was covered with
bark, and the floor made of split logs. There was not a tree
cut west of Bush's Corners; the wolf and deer were all that
inhabited that region. Mrs. Day was a woman of strong
constitution, always working with a will, having a large
family of her own to provide for, in a new country, with
all the settlers in like circumstances. But she worked on
with her neighbors, every one feeling dependent upon each
other for things to keep body and soul together. Mr. and
Mrs. Day having lived in a dairy country East, and having
been brought up in that branch of farming, as soon as the
country would warrant, commenced making butter and
cheese in the valley of the Bean." They brought apple-
seeds with them from the East, and when they planted them
Mrs. Day said, " I shall never live to eat fruit of this or-
chard." She did, however, and enjoyed its fruit for many
years.
In the month of October, Silas Eaton, with his wife and
four children, came from the State of New York, and set-
tled on the land he had entered in June, which was the
west half of the northwest quarter of section 8. He was
a native of Duanesburg, Montgomery Co., N. Y., where he
was born on the 22d of February, 1798. At the age of
twelve years he removed to the Genesee country with his
father's family, and they settled in the town of Perrington,
in Monroe Co. He married Miss Eliza Simmons, of the
neighboring town of Victor, Ontario Co., on the 18th of
November, 1819, and lived at various places in the State of
New York until his emigration to this town.
During the year 1834, in addition to those already named,
William Champlin, Lewis Gillet, Ozen Keith, Jesse Maxson,
Robinson H. Whitehorn, Urias Tread well, and Lawrence
Rheubotton settled in this town.
Henry Ames, early in the spring, returned East after his
wife, who had been left behind on account of feeble health,
and they reached this town on their return on the 30 th
day of September.
On Christmas-day of this year (1834) occurred the first
wedding in the town, and it was also the first in this part
of the valley. The high contracting parties were Mr.
James Sprague and Miss Elizabeth Ames. The ceremony
was performed by Rev. Mr. Willey, a Methodist clergyman
of Adrian, at the house of Alpheus Pratt. The wedding-
party was composed of fourteen persons beside the bride
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
175
and bridegroom. Their names were Alpheus Pratt, wife
and son ; Charles Ames, wife and two sons ; Henry Ames,
wife and son ; Jesse Kimball, wife and daughter ; and Miss
Martha Redfield.
There were numerous purchases of land made in this town
during the year 1834, and some of the purchasers settled
on their lands that season, others at a later day, and some
never settled here at all, having entered the land for specu-
lative purposes. The names of these purchasers were Lewis
Gilbert, Curran White, James and Hannah De Graph,
Lorenzo Church, David Fish, Peter Potter, William Pur-
chase, Benjamin and Dolly Bassett, William Cular, Lewis
and Matthew Dillon, Walter Culver, Giles Sage, Aaron
Aldrich, Asahel Dolbear, Marcus Hawley, Jesse Tread well,
Ira L. Mills, Joseph Barnhart, John Davenport, Dudley
Worden, Merritt Sherman, James McLain, Levi Thompson,
Buckley Newton, Nathan Birdsall, Nathaniel J. Redfield,
Israel and Daniel Loomis, Richard Britton, Eldad B. Trum-
bull, Jesse Kimball, William Burnham, Richard Butler,
Nicholas Fratts, Samuel Cole, Horace P. Hitchcock, War-
ren Burnham, Ezra A. Washburn, James B. Marry, Cyrus
Robinson, N. Wood, John Munger, and Truman Bishop.
In the spring of 1835, Theodore, son of Charles Ames,
died. He had obtained access to the medicine-chest and
drank from a bottle of wintergreen oil. Rufus Estes was
immediately dispatched to Adrian for a doctor, but before
the doctor arrived the boy was dead, having died within
twenty-six hours after drinking the oil.
About this time Alpheus Pratt set out an orchard of 32
trees. These he purchased from Jesse Maxson, who had
brought them with him from the State of New York, and
shouldering the entire lot carried them from Mr. Maxson's
to his own home, a distance of 2 J miles.
In the spring of 1835, Samuel T. Cooley settled in the
western part of the town and built a log house, 14 by 18
feet, where he was often called upon during that and the
following season to entertain the families who were passing
through this town on their way to the towns lying to the
westward. He was accompanied by his wife and one son.
Eldad B. Trumbull had purchased 80 acres of land, the
east half of the southeast quarter of section 22, in 1834,
and had then gone to work for the Lanes at Lanesville. In
the following spring he felled about two acres of timber in
windrows, and planted potatoes wherever he could reach
the soil. The seed potatoes he had to carry from Hudson
on his back. He planted three bushels of them, and real-
ized quite a crop, which furnished him with a supply of
food for the winter. In the fall he returned to Ellicott,
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., after his wife. They arrived here
in October, and stopped a short time with Ozen Keith,
while Mr. Trumbull was building a log shanty to shelter
them through the winter.
Elijah B. Seeley settled on section 22 in the fall of this
year. He came with his wife from the town of Warren, in
Herkimer Co., N. Y. In selecting his land he found a strip
of low ground ran across it, along the course of which stood
some very heavy timber. Liking the looks of the rest of
the piece, he concluded to take it, notwithstanding this
drawback, for, said he, " it will not make any difference, as
I shall never clear the land as far back as that.''
In the fall of this year Isaac A. Colvin opened the first
store in the town in a small building that stood nearly oppo-
site the site of the present cheese-factory, on the Charles
Ames farm. As was usual in those days, the stock of mer-
chandise consisted largely of whisky and tobacco, and busi-
ness transactions were generally conducted by the method
of '' barter." Indians and settlers all congregated at " Col-
vin's grocery" as a place of general resort, and there ex-
changed their stocks of furs, game, and produce for the
luxuries of tea, coffee, whisky, and tobacco. William B.
Ames and Thomas Pennock had, in 1834, engaged in the
shoe business in Adrian, but now William, having closed
his connection with the business there, returned to Pitts-
ford, and was installed as chief salesman at Colvin's. While
in this position he had a narrow escape from death at the
hands of the Indian chief Meteau. This Indian and his
son John (called Indian John by the settlers) did the pur-
chasing for the tribe, the last named acting as an interpre-
ter. Meteau carried the purse of the tribe, and they, com-
ing to the grocery, would dispose of their articles of mer-
chandise and lay in a stock of corn, potatoes, turnips, or
such other articles as they needed, never forgetting the in-
dispensable " fire-water," and then return to their camp.
At the grocery a bottle was kept standing on the shelf, from
which drinks were supplied to those who called for them.
Meteau learned the ways of the white man very readily,
and coming alone one day to make the purchases, took two
drinks in the orthodox fashion, and soon after desired a
third. William tried to make him understand that so much
liquor would make him drunk, but Meteau, anxious to get
it, promised to leave, saying, " Give whisky, marchee quick."
Getting the drink, he still refused to go, and William stepped
up to him and told him to depart. Meteau at once drew a
pistol, and saying " I shoot you," presented it and pulled
the trigger. William saw the movement and struck the
weapon upwards with his hand, so that the bullet passed
harmlessly over his head and buried itself in the ceiling ;
then, fearing that he would draw his knife, he closed with
him and, after a severe struggle, succeeded in throwing him
to the floor, where he held him until the liquor he had drank
made him helplessly drunk. Then he disarmed him and
dragged him out of doors. When Meteau had become suf-
ficiently sober, his bag was filled and he was started for
home ; but he went only a little ways before he halted and
built a fire, on Pen nocks' place, and stayed there all night.
In the morning he returned and asked for his pistol, but
was told he could not have it because he had tried to shoot
Ames with it. About a week after he returned with a
plump, nicely-dressed wild turkey, weighing about twenty-
four pounds, which he laid upon the counter. William
stepped up and, laying a quarter of a dollar beside it, said,
" Swap?" Meteau smiled and said, " Very good," and the
feud was thus amicably settled. William was duly installed
as Indian trader for Squawfield, which arrangement con-
tinued until the Indians were removed West.
The price of whisky at Colvin's grocery was thirty-eight
cents a gallon, and, as a proof that in quality it was " of the
first water," a story is told, for the truth of which we do
not feel called upon to vouch : Two of the settlers, who
were preparing to go to mill in midwinter, thought it ad-
176
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
visable to provide themselves with a pint of the stimulating
fluid to use in case of emergency, should the frost prove
too severe to be resisted, unaided, by their natural powers.
This supply was hid in one of the bags. When about two-
thirds of the journey had been accomplished, and they were
wearied by their continual exertions to keep warm, they
decided to stimulate their vital forces by a horn of '• Col-
vin's best," and drawing the bottle from its hiding-place —
found it frozen solid.
In the fall of 1835, the citizens of this township met at
the house of Alpheus Pratt to consider the propriety of
petitioning the Legislature at its next session, soon to be
held, to organize the territory south of town 6 south into
a separate town. It was determined to draw up and pre-
sent such a petition, and to ask that the name of the new
town should be Dover. The petition was signed by Charles
Ames, Jonathan French, John L. Taylor, Wm. B. Ames,
Ozen Keith, Daniel Loomis, Elijah B. Seeley, Jesse Kim-
ball, James Sprague, Samuel Day, Robert Worden, Robin-
son H. Whitehorn, Lewis Gillett, and Jesse Smith.
In the fall of this year, Austin Nye settled on the south-
west quarter of section 14, which he had purchased of
Ozen Keith. The first came here in the fall of 1834, and
hired out to Mr. Keith for a year. At the expiration of
his time he returned to his former home in the town of
Winfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and after settling up his
affairs there returned here and built a log house on his
land. He was soon after married to Sarah Acker, and they
commenced housekeeping in that house.
During this year Ezra and William B. Ames took a trip
eastward, attracted thitherward by the haunting memories
of the charms and graces of two Eastern maidens who had
won the citadels of their hearts while they were yet resi-
dents of the East. Ezra went to Frenchtown, N. H., and
was married, and, returning here immediately, settled on
the northwest quarter of section 22. William's inamorata
resided at Swansea, N. H., and he went to that place and
was married. On his return he settled on the east half of
the northwest quarter of section 12.
On the 4th day of September, Mrs. Henry Ames died
at the house of Charles Ames, where she had been removed
during her illness for convenience of nursing.
During the year 1835 the following persons bought land
in this town, viz. : Samuel Van Fleet, Joseph Webster, John
L. Edmonds, George W. Merrick, George Williams, Henry
Rose, Stephen Clapp, Peter W. Dean, Joel Alexander,
Bowen Whitney, William Edmonds, William Donaldson,
Olive Howard, Asa Worden, Warren Day, Charles Howard,
Lewis Nickerson, David Strunk, John Williams, Samuel
Starkweather, Harvey A. Anderson, Henry Lindenbower,
John Osborn, Lewis Woodruff, James Grant, John Perrin,
John Berger, Reuben Davis, Samuel Lawrence, Stephen B.
Johnson, Elijah K. Blythe, Ira Rose, John B. Brockle-
bank, Elijah B. Seeley, James W. Marry, Joseph Maxson,
Reuben Mallory, William H. Davis, Sidney S. Ford, Charles
Boyle, Julia Seeley, Michael Stuck, Jr., Theron B. Seeley,
Archibald Dunn, Stephen W. Perrin, Israel Smith, Theron
Skeel, James Wheeler, Charles Helm, Nathan G. Elliott,
Charles Converse, Henry W. Seymour, Charles Spear, Henry
Barton, and Archibald Mercer.
Thus the third winter came upon the pioneers and found
the lands of this town pretty well disposed of, and settle-
ments started in nearly every part of it.
Jan. 2, 1836, Mr. John Griswold and family arrived
in the valley, and stopped at the house of William Frazee, on
the southeast corner of section 19, in the town of Hudson.
They had come direct from their former home in Ontario
Co., N. Y., traveling by team and wagon, coming first to
Adrian, thence to Canandaigua, thence west along the town
line (as near as the roads then ran on lines) to the county
line, and thence northerly to Mr. Frazee's residence. They
found but three houses on their route after leaving Canan-
daigua: these were Mr. J. R. Foster's, near Tiffin's Mills ;
Elder Warner's, near the northwest corner of section 4, in
Medina ; and Mr. Whitbeck's, on the town line, half a mile
east of the county line. They arrived at Frazee's 6n Satur-
day, and stayed there over the Sabbath, and on Monday re-
moved to the house of Ira Rose, where they remained until
a log house could be built. Mr. Griswold had purchased
of John B. Brocklebank the northeast quarter of the south-
east quarter of section 24, and having built his log house
moved on to the place with his family a few weeks later.
On this place he lived more than thirty-five years. His wife
died April 8, 1872, and he survived her but a little more
than two years, and died April 17, 1874, at the ripe age
of eighty-seven years.
January 8, 1836, the village of Keene was platted by
Charles Ames on his land, adjoining the village of Lena-
wee, which had been platted on the land of Kidder & Co.,
in the early part of June, 1834.
In the month of July, Linus Monroe, with his wife and
two children, came from Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y., and
settled on 80 acres of land, lying in section 28, which he
had purchased of Elijah B. Seeley.
Stephen B. Johnson, about the same time, settled on 240
acres he had entered in 1835, it being portions of sections
21 and 28 ; and here he built his log house, and, with his
wife and brother, Squire, commenced his pioneer life.
And now, having briefly sketched the pioneer history of
the town from the time of its first settlement to the year in
which it assumed a separate organization, it remains for us
briefly to note the subsequent history of these pioneers, and
of the enterprises they introduced, and to mention some
few among the later settlers of the town.
Of the Ames family, Henry, about a year after the death
of his first wife, married his brother Charles' wife's sister.
Miss Louisa Ball, and lived happily with her for about
eight years, when death again entered his household, and
took from him the loved companion who had so cheerfully
shared his joys and sorrows. He subsequently married
Ruby Tabor, of Adrian, and is still living on his farm on
section 1, an honored citizen and enterprising farmer.
Charles cleared his farm of about 200 acres, and, by his
thrift and careful industry, made it one of the model farms
of the town. He built a fine brick residence a few years
before his death, and also, in 1868, erected a large building
for a cheese-factory, which was operated but a year or two,
and has since that time been partially used as a dwelling.
His wife died Dec. 24, 1869, and he followed her across
the dark river Sept. 4, 1873. Ezra lost his wife a few
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F?ESIDENCE 6r JOHN H. KFAGtE. PiTTSrORD. MICHIGAN
HISTORY OF HILLSDAI.E COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
177
years after he brought her here, and afterwards married
Lucy Moon. He is still living on his farm on section 22.
William B. is now, and for some twenty-four years has
been, engaged in business in, and a resident of, Hudson.
Alpheus Pratt and his wife are still living in Hudson.
They have attained a ripe old age, and are enjoying the
peace and quiet that always mark the closing years of a
well-spent life.
Thomas Pennock stayed in this town but a year or two,
and then removed to Adrian.
Robert Worden is still living, and is one of the promi-
nent citizens and substantial farmers of the town. He has
once held the office of treasurer of Hillsdale County, in
addition to serving acceptably in many of the town offices.
Silas Eaton removed to the village of Keene in 1837,
and built himself a house there. There he lived until the
spring of 181:0, working at his trade, — that of a carpenter
and joiner. The Michigan Southern Railroad having then
been laid out through Lanesville, Mr. Eaton removed not
only his family and personal effects, but also his house, to
that place, and resided there till his death, which occurred
on the 21st of August, 1876. He was a man who enjoyed
the most perfect confidence and respect of the community
in which he lived, and his death was regarded in the light
of a public calamity. He was buried with Masonic rites
on the 22d of August. Places of business were very gen-
erally closed as a mark of respect, and the services were
participated in by the clergymen and choirs of several of
the churches of Hudson.
Urias Treadwell was the first clerk of the town, and
removed to Hudson some years later. He died there in
1877.
Eldad B. Trumbull is still a resident of the town, and
lives on a part of his original homestead with the companion
who left her Eastern home to share with him the hardships
of pioneer life. They have reared a family of three sons
and two daughters. The three sons were all soldiers in the
Union army during the Rebellion, and the second, Charles
W., was killed at Grettysburg. The other two returned
safely, and, having beaten their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks, are peacefully pursuing
the business of agriculture in this town. Mr. Trumbull
has always been one of the staunch and reliable citizens of
the town. Among the first of the members of the Metho-
dist denomination here, he has always been an earnest,
zealous, and liberal supporter of that branch of the church
of Christ, and has contributed very greatly to its successful
existence here. Since his settlement he has kept a brief
record of the events of each day, that related more particu-
larly to himself or family, which enables him to fix many
dates of events that have transpired in the history of this
town. It is almost astonishing, in looking over this record,
to see how many deer, wild turkeys, and other kinds of
game he killed, without interfering with his usual employ-
ments. He was a famous hunter in those early times, and
seldom missed a shot. Once, during the first years of their
residence here, a deer came into his clearing, a few rods from
the shanty, and offered an easy shot. They were entirely
out of meat, and Mrs. Trumbull wanted him to shoot it ;
but, as it was on the Sabbath, he refused to do so, and the
23
animal escaped. Mrs. Trumbull still contends that, under
the circumstances, the shooting would have been a justifiable
act, and in this belief she would, no doubt, be sustained by
a great majority of the people.
Elijah B. Seeley was, during his life, a prominent and
honored citizen of this town, and was frequently and re-
peatedly called upon to serve in its principal offices. In
1839 he was elected a representative in the Legislature,
and served in the session of 1839-40. He was one of
the founders of the " First Presbyterian Church of Bean
Creek" (afterwards changed to the " Congregational Church
of Hudson"), and was one of its first elders. He continued
to act as an elder or deacon of the church for upwards of
forty years, and was one of its chief pillars. By his indus-
try and thrift he succeeded in redeeming from the forest
one of the best farms of the township, and built up a pleas-
ant home for himself and family. His first wife died in
1842, and his second wife. Miss Mary M. Hall, of Roch-
ester, N. Y., lived but a year. Some years later he was
married to Lydia Kelsey, of Herkimer Co., N. Y., who
still survives, and is living on the homestead. He was
known as an honest counselor and true friend, and by his
upright and consistent walk in life had won the confidence
and esteem of all who knew him. He died April 10, 1876,
at the age of eighty-one years, lamented by acquaintances
and friends, but dying, as he had ever lived, like a true and
devout follower of the lowly Nazarene.
Austin Nye cleared the farm he had taken, and resided
on it till about 1854, when he removed to Jackson County.
His first wife died a little while after settling here, and he
married a second time. His second wife was a sister of E.
B. Trumbull. He is now, and for some fifteen years has
been, a citizen of the State of Minnesota.
Stephen B. Johnson remained here until October, 1838,
and then returned to his old home in East Palmyra, Wayne
Co., N. Y. After living there nearly three years, he again
came West, and was a resident of this town till his death,
which occurred April 5, 1866. His first wife died Sept.
17; 1852. His second wife survives him, and lives on the
homestead.
Ozen Keith, Robinson H. Whitehorn, Samuel T. Cooley,
and Linus Monroe are still residents of the town they have
been so largely instrumental in reclaiming from the wilder-
ness, and causing to " blossom as the rose." Of the rest
of the pioneers we are unable to speak, further than to state
that the great majority of them have passed from the town,
either by removal or death, leaving but a mere handful of
their number to represent them in the present generation.
Among the settlers of the next few years were Lester
Monroe, Nelson P. Nye, Dr. Laban J. Aylesworth, Squire
Johnson, James Phillips, and John Hale. Lester Monroe,
who is now living in Ottawa County, in this State, came
from Carlton, Orleans Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1837,
and settled on the north half of the northwest quarter of
section 32. Some years later he removed to Ovid, Branch
Co. Nelson P. Nye came first, in the fall of 1838, and
worked for his brother Austin for a year. He bought
of him a tract of 60 acres, and having been married to
Mary A. Hale, commenced living on his land about 1841.
He is still a resident of the town, and has increased the
178
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
size of his farm to about 200 acres. He has several times
been elected to diiFerent town offices, and has served twelve
years as clerk of the town.
Dr. Laban J. Ajlesworth was a physician who opened
an office at the village of Keene, but remained there only a
short time, when he removed to Marshall.
Squire Johnson came here with his brother, Stephen B.,
in 1836, and went East with him when he returned there
in 1838. He came here again in 1844, with his wife,
formerly Rachel Beal, and has since resided on the farm he
now occupies, and which he has cleared of its original
growth of timber.
James Phillips settled in this town in 1839, on the east
half of the northwest quarter of section 28, and cleared and
improved that farm. He removed from it to the Lester
Monroe farm, which he now occupies, in 1869. He was
from Ellery, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., came to Michigan in
1830 with his wife and one child, and located about one
and one-half miles west of Adrian. From there he went to
Ingham County, in 1836. He has contributed a great
deal to the success of Methodism in this town, and has
always been one of the main-stays of that society here.
John Hale, who has also been prominently connected
with the Methodist Church from his first coming here, in
1840, is still a citizen of the town. He came from Pal-
myra, Wayne Co., N. Y.
There are a great many anecdotes and incidents told in
connection with the history of the pioneers that, if gathered
together, would form an almost inexhaustible fund from
which to draw supplies for the pen of the novelist or biog-
rapher, but which the limited space allotted to this sketch
prohibits us from using to any great extent. We will,
however, find space for a very few.
As is well known to every one at all conversant with the
history of the settlement of a new country, especially when
that country is, as was the case here, heavily timbered, the
enemy most annoying to and most dreaded by the settlers is
the " ague." The settlers here were by no means exempt
from it, and though their cabins were generally roofed with
"shakes," it is doubtful if there were not more shahes
within than without their habitations. One of the worst
sufierers from this disease was a Dutchman, named Johnson,
who occupied a house on William B. Ames' farm. He
had been suffi^ring with it for a long time, and was nearly
shaken to death. All the remedies known to the settlers
had been tried without avail, and he was in dire extremity.
While lying in this melancholy situation one night, he was
disturbed by a noise at the window, and was not a whit less
frightened than astonished when a 300-pound bear thrust
his paw through the glass of the window, and gave a
sepulchral growl, that, to use his own language, " scared
the ague out of him," and worked a speedy and efioctual
cure.
During the'fall or winter of 1835-36, Jesse Smith and
his son William went out in company to hunt wild turkeys.
A young man, named Thomas Lewin, was also out hunting
alone. He was peering through the brush, and seeing
beside a log something which he supposed to be a turkey,
he took aim and fired, putting a ball through the arm of
Mr. Smith, just below the shoulder. The cries of his victim
made him aware of his mistake, and he at once went to the
rescue, and assisted Mr. Smith to his home. He then went
after Dr. Hall, who lived near Devil's Lake, to dress the
wound. After the best that could be done to make the
patient comfortable had been attended to he returned home,
and his father, who had become cognizant of the affair,
demanded a surrender of the gun. To this young Lewin
objected, and a struggle for the possession of the rifle began,
during which it was discharged, inflicting a flesh wound in
the old man's arm. Thomas succeeded in keeping posses-
sion of the weapon, and made good his escape.
One day Mrs. Linus Monroe saw that a hen with a brood
of young chickens was making a great fluttering in the tall
grass near the cabin, and going to see what was the matter
saw the head and neck of a large snake swaying about in
the grass,-apparently trying to catch the chickens. Arming
herself with a stick, she went to the rescue, and after a
prolonged battle succeeded in putting a quietus to his snake-
ship. Upon hauling his body from the grass which had
concealed it, she was astonished, and a little bit frightened,
to find that the snake was over six feet long. When Baw
Beese came to the house and saw it, he said, " Him bite, no
cure." It was of a very poisonous species.
Mr. E. B. Trumbull once shot a deer as it was leaving
the shelter of the bushes, in what is termed a " cat hole,"
and followed it for a short distance to the spot where it fell.
After dressing it he bent down a " straddle," — a small sap-
ling,—and fastening the carcass to it, allowed it to spring
upwards, and thus elevate the venison above the reach of
wolves until he could come and take it home. Three years
later he followed a deer to the same hole, and shot it in a
similar manner. After dressing it he looked about for a
" straddle," and found that the one he had three years before
used for the same purpose was almost within reach of his
hand. It had never recovered its upright growth, and he
was thus enabled to spring it down and use it a second time
for the same service.
At another time he was hunting in company with his
brother-in-law, Austin Nye, and having shot a small deer,
they dressed it, slung it upon a pole, and carrying it be-
tween them started for home. As they were going along
through the woods, they both saw a wild turkey, and,
dropping their burden, raised their rifles and fired simul-
taneously. The turkey fell, and picking it up they found
but one bullet-hole in its side. Of course, each claimed to
have fired that ball ; but Nye claimed the bird, because his
rifle carried a larger ball than Trumbull's did, and the hole
was larger than the ball of either. Having established his
claim, they proceeded homeward with their game. But
when they had plucked the feathers from the bird, they
found that though there was but one hole on the side where
the bullet entered, there were two holes on the other side,
separated by about one-sixteenth of an inch, proving con-
clusively that both balls had hit the turkey and in the
same spot.
One evening, as Elijah B. Seeley and his family were
picking over a lot of huckleberries that had been gathered
during the day, they heard a terrible commotion in the
direction of the pig-pen, accompanied by the frantic squeal-
ing of its porcine inhabitants. Seizing a lighted faggot to
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
179
serve as a torch, Mr. Seeley at once started for the field of
conflict, and found a large bear trying to carry off one of
the pigs. Seeing him coming with the light, Bruin sus-
pended operations and started for the woods, followed to
the edge of the clearing by Mr. Seeley. A party of men
were in the woods hunting coons. They had with them a
small dog, and hearing the shouts of Mr. Seeley they has-
tened to him, and learning the cause of the trouble followed
after the bear, led by the dog. The bear was soon found
up a small tree, and being fired at by one of the party at
once began to descend the tree. As soon as he came within
reach, he was attacked in the rear by the dog, and to escape
his teeth again climbed up the tree. He was again fired
at, and the same performance repeated several times, until
at last he fell dead. Upon examination it was found that
every one of the nine bullets fired at him had taken eflect,
but so great was his tenacity of life that he did not give
up until death loosened his clasp tipon the tree.
The village of Keene, which was so called after the town
of that name in New Hampshire, where one of the Ames
brothers had once lived for a time, was platted upon the
supposition that the Michigan Southern Ilailroad, which
was then completed to Adrian, would follow the section
line one mile south of the northern boundaries of towns
seven south, and thus pass through it. So firmly was this
conviction fixed in the minds of the early settlers that the
village grew rapidly, and soon boasted a second store, kept
by Parks & Co., a tavern, and a dozen or fifteen dwellings.
The post-office, which had previously been established at
Lenawee, with Dudley Worden as postmaster, was trans-
ferred to this side of the county line, rechristened as Keene,
and Silas Eaton was appointed as Mr. Worden's successor.
This change was made about 1837-38. When the route
of the railroad had been definitely fixed upon, and it was
decided that it was to pass two miles farther south and
through the village of Lanesville (now Hudson), the pros-
perity of the little village began to wane, and the tavern
and several of the dwellings were taken down and removed
to Lanesville within a short time. Before 1843 the village
of Keene was known only by tradition ; it had vanished
like the mist of morning before the rays of the rising sun.
In 1840 the post-office was transferred to the care of Henry
Ames, and four years later it was removed to the locality
know^n as " Locust Corners," and the name was changed to
Pittsford.
About the year 1840 a post-office was established, in the
central part of the town, at the house of the postmaster,
Elijah B. Seeley. It was called "Pittsford." In the
winter of 1843-44 it was discontinued, and another was
established in the west part of the town, with James H.
Thorn as postmaster. This office was called " Sparta," and
retained that name several years, until the office in the
north part of the town was abandoned, when it was changed
to Pittsford. Mr. Thorn retained his position for a period
of more than seventeen years. His successors have been
Elam Dewey, Wm, Jones, L. G. Stedman, H. H. Turner,
L. G. Stedman, C. H. Sayles, and M. F. Cutler, the present
incumbent. The first mail-route was from Hudson to
Sparta via Pittsford, and mails were delivered once a week.
A daily mail service was established January 8, 1855.
The first school in this town was kept in what is known
as the Loomis district. A frame school-house had been
built there on the site of the present school-house, and in
1839 the first school was opened there by Miss Harriet
Bigelow, who resided with Mr. Ira Rose, a little southwest
of Hudson. The second teacher was one of John Perrin's
daughters.
In the summer of 1839 the Indians were removed from
Squawfield to their new homes west of the Mississippi.
They had encamped at this point on the Little St. Joseph's
River for years, and the village was the home of the chief,
Baw Beese. Mr. E. E. Maxson had become the owner of
the land, and naturally wanted to get possession. The gov-
ernment was slow to act in the matter, as the Indians were
peaceable and injured no one. About this time Warren
Champlin, a youth, probably in his teens, who was a great
favorite with the Indians, went down to Mallory's Lake to
bathe, taking with him his younger brother, then but a
child. Leaving him on the shore with a white companion
and two young Indians, he entered a canoe and pushed out
into deeper water. While bathing he was startled by a
loud scream, and, looking towards the shore, saw a young
Indian brandishing a knife and, in mimicry, passing it
around the scalp-lock of the little boy. Hastening to the
shore, Warren found the little fellow nearly dead with fright ;
but Baw Beese, who had come out on hearing the cry, ex-
plained that it was all done in sport, to show how an Indian
goes at work to scalp an enemy. It is said, however, that
Maxson took advantage of this circumstance to represent to
the government that the Indians were troublesome, and it
resulted in an order being issued for their removal. The
detachment of troops arrived in the neighborhood in the
evening, and, securing guides, stealthily surrounded the
camp at a late hour of the night, when it was supposed all
the stragglers would be in. When the Indians were awak-
ened by the officers they were much alarmed, and the squaws
and pappooses endeavored to gain the shelter of the woods,
but were turned back by the line of glittering bayonets that
opposed them. The night air resounded with their cries of
grief and terror, and, indeed, their feelings must have been
both sad and fearful. They knew they were to be torn from
the familiar haunts where they had so pleasantly passed their
lives ; they were to be removed to some place they knew
not of, to meet a fate they knew not what. To their igno-
rant, untutored minds, what fate could have seemed more
dreadful ? Many hearts among the witnesses of this har-
rowing scene felt pangs of sympathetic pain, and many eyes
yielded a brief tribute of sorrowing tears. But the soldiers
were there to perform an inexorable duty, and were com-
pelled to act. The squaws and pappooses were loaded into
wagons, and the Indians marching with the soldiers, the
sad cavalcade moved on into the fastnesses of the forest,
bearing the aboriginal proprietors of the soil away on
that course to the westward that has formed their only
hope of safety from the encroaching feet and destructive
hands of the whites. All were taken except Baw Beese and
his squaw, who had been recently confined and was not yet
able to endure the journey. After her recovery of strength
they bade adieu to their friends among the whites, ahd turned
their faces towards the setting sun, and thus departed from
180
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the land of their birth the last representatives of a once
numerous and powerful tribe.
Even at this time, after six years had passed since the
first settler set foot within its boundaries, the town was
still a wild country, its largest part still remaining a gigan-
tic forest, and wild game was still abundant. From that
time on its development has been uniform and steady. The
forests have gradually melted away before the axe of the
wobdman, and well-tilled and fruitful fields have taken their
places. Many of those whose brawn and muscle were em-
ployed in this beneficent labor now moulder in the dust,
and others, having performed their portion of life's labor,
have ceased from active participation in the business of life
and are awaiting the summons to depart from earth. By
their labors they have succeeded in making the town of
Pittsford one of the finest agricultural townships of South-
ern Michigan, and its rich fields and fine buildings are
enduring monuments to keep their virtues fresh in the
memories of the present generation.
The village of Pittsford is of a more recent origin, not
yet having completed the first quarter-century of its exist-
ence.
Upon the completion of the railroad in 1843, Mr. Wray
T. Palmer succeeded in securing the establishing of a station
on his land, about one half-mile east of the present station.
In the year 1853 the first buildings in the village were
erected. Hiram Pratt, a carpenter and joiner, built him-
self a house, and Elihu Hubbard, a blacksmith, built a
house, and also put up a small shop on the present hotel
site.
In 1855, Philip Sickman, of Medina Co., Ohio, who had
purchased a tract of 200 acres of land on section 18, laid
out a village plat of some 9 acres on the western part of his
land. Lewis Hunker, a son-in-law of Sickman, assisted by
Elihu Hubbard, first laid out the plat with a tape line, and
on the 11th of June, 1855, it was recorded in the register's
ofiice. The streets were 4 rods'^vide, and the lots 4 by 8
rods in size. Main Street was laid out on the town line
between Jefferson and Pittsford, that line being the centre
of it.
Previous to this, however, in the summer of 1854, Sick-
man had built a store on the east side of Main Street, near
the railroad, and rented it to Joseph Bell, who opened it
with a large stock of dry-goods and groceries in the fall of
that year.
In the month of August, 1856, James M. Tiffany made
an addition to the village. This additional plat contained
about 10 acres, and was situated north of the railroad and
west of Main Street, in the town of Jefferson. It was re-
corded August 9, 1856.
In 1857 the hotel was built, on the site of Hubbard's
blacksmith-shop, by William Sloan. It is still used as a
hotel, and is the only one in the village.
Soon after a second store was built by L. C. Kilburn, and
was opened as a grocery by Horace H. Turner. The build-
ing was on the southwest corner north of the hotel.
Dwellings and mechanics' shops were erected from time
to time, and the village grew, though but moderately.
In 1865 both stores were burned. On the site of the
Sickman store another was erected about a year later by
Martin & Turner, and is still in use, being nciw occupied
by Cutter & Spear, general merchants and produce dealers.
Wm. Jones was the occupant of the store when it burned,
and he immediately put up a building on the northeast cor-
ner of the four corners, and occupied it. It is now used
by J. B. Wilson, dealer in boots, shoes, leather goods, and
groceries.
On the 21st of October another addition was made to
the village by George H. Taylor. This plat was east of
Main Street and south of the railroad, and contained some
five acres.
July 4, 1865, was celebrated by the dedication of the
new railroad depot. The citizens of the village, who found
it very inconvenient to have their depot half a mile distant
from the business centre, had made an effort to have the
station removed to a more convenient location. By con-
tributing the sum of $1000 towards the cost of removal and
the erection of new buildings they finally succeeded in their
endeavor. The total cost of the new buildings was about
$4000, and the depot is the finest one on the line of the
road in Hillsdale County.
The Wesleyan Methodists built a small frame church in
1860.
In 1870 the Christian Church society erected a brick
house of worship, and George Taylor built and commenced
operating a steam saw-mill.
In 1871 the brick school-house was built at a cost of
about $2300.
In 1874 the Wesleyans sold their frame church to the
Patrons of Husbandry, and erected their present brick
edifice.
The village has become well known as a good shipping-
point, and the farmers of the adjoining country generally
find it a better place to sell their surplus produce than
any other market in the vicinity. It at present consists of
4 stores, 3 blacksmith-shops, 2 wagon-shops, 2 shoe-shops,
1 harness-shop, 1 meat-market, 1 steam saw-mill, 1 hotel, 2
churches, a school-house, 1 millinery and dress-making
establishment, the railroad buildings, and about 40 dwell-
ings. Its population is not far from 175.
The town of Pittsford is known as township 7 south,
range 1 west, comprises a territory six miles square, and is
bounded north by Wheatland, east by Hudson, Lenawee
Co., south by Wright, and west by Jefferson. Its surface
is generally lightly rolling, though in the western part,
south of Pittsford, the elevations rise to the dignity of
hills. The northern part is also more rolling than the
lands to the south and east. Originally these lands were
covered with a heavy growth of the various kinds of native
timber, and contained but little swampy land. The soil is
of quite uniform quality, and is composed of a varied mix-
ture of gravel, sand, clay, and loam; the rolling lands of
the north and west containing more of the two first kinds,
and the leveler lands of the south and east more of the
two last named. It is all rich and well adapted to general
farming, producing large crops of all the staple products.
The principal stream is the Little St. Joseph's River,
which enters it from Jefferson, in the north part of section
30, and pursuing a crooked course in a southwesterly direc-
tion, crosses the line into Wright, near the west line of sec-
^ ■ '■'''■mm
HISTORY t)F HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
181
tion 34. Hillsdale Creek is a stream that flows across the
town in the north part, and is a tributary of Bean Creek.
This last-named stream has a brief course in this town, in
section 25. There are four natural ponds or lakes lying in
sections 26, 27, and 28. They are named Mallory's, Moon's,
Britton's, and Seeley's Lakes, and were so called after Reu-
ben Mallory, Benoni Moon, Abraham Britton, and Theron
Seeley, who were early settlers upon their shores. The
largest of these is Mallory's Lake, which covers an area of
75 acres, and empties its waters into Bean Creek. The
others are small, and empty their waters into Bean Creek,
their outlet first running south into Wright, and forming
the inlet of Lime Lake.
Pittsford was formed from Wheatland by an act of the
Legislature passed March 23, 1836, in accordance with the
petition of the t^itizens before referred to. Before that
petition was presented for the consideration of that body,
the name Dover had already been conferred on a township
in Lenawee County, and, upon the suggestion of a man
who had known Mr. Alpheus Pratt while he was a resident
of Pittsford, Monroe Co., N. Y., it was named Pittsford.
It then comprised all the territory in range 1 west, south
to the Ohio line.
March 6, 1838, the town of Wright was set off, leaving '
Pittsford as it now is.
TOWN ORGANIZATION.
In accordance Avith the provisions of the act erecting the
town, the first town-meeting was held at the house of Al-
pheus Pratt, on the second day of May, 1836. The reason
for its not being held in April does not appear. The fol-
lowing is a transcript of the record of this first town-
meeting :
" State of Michigan, county of Hillsdale, town of Pitts-
ford, May the second, 1836.
"At a meeting convened at Alpheus Pratt's house, for
the purpose of electing officers for the town, Robinson H.
Whitehorn was called to the chair, and Urias Treadwell was
chosen Clerk, and John L. Taylor Justice of the Peace.
" Legally-authorized officers being absent, the meeting
organized according to law. Resolved, That the committee
be composed of five in number. David Strunk, Cyrus
King, John Williams, Charles Ames, Alpheus Pratt, Com-
mitteemen ; Elijah B. Seeley was chosen Supervisor; Urias
Treadwell, Township Clerk ; John L. Taylor, Robinson H.
Whitehorn, Elijah B. Seeley, Sidney S. Ford, Justices;
Cyrus King, Austin Nye, Jesse Smith, Assessors ; Ozen
Keath, John Williams, Ira Rose, Highway Commissioners ;
David Strunk, Jesse Kimball, Reuben Maleroy, Constables ;
Alpheus Pratt, Daniel Loomis, Poormasters ; Cyrus King,
Daniel Loomis, Gaylord Tabour, School Commissioners;
Urias Treadwell, Sidney S. Ford, Robert Worden, School
Inspectors; Charles Ames, Robert Worden, Ozen Keath,
Abraham Britan, Pathmasters."
It was " Voted that there should be $3 town bounty of
Wolves in the year 1836."
May 2 it was '' Voted, that Hogs and Cattle should be
free cominers."
" The meeting for the year 1837 is now adjourned to Aus-
tin Nye's house, to be held on the first Monday in April."
A special meeting was held on the 12th of September to
fill some vacancies that had occurred, and the following
officers were then chosen : Daniel Loomis and Samuel Day,
School Commissioners ; and Robert Worden and E. B. See-
ley, Justices of the Peace.
At the close of the meeting of 1837, the following was
adopted : " The meeting for the year 1838 is now adjourned
to the quarter stake on the section line between sections 14
and 23, or at the school-house to be built thereat ; to be
held on the first Monday in April next."
As a memento of the past, and to show what hindrances
were then thrown in the way of those who were desirous
of entering the matrimonial state, we give the following
marriage license, which was properly recorded in the town
books :
" Whereas, Robert O'Mealy applying for a license, according to law,
to be united to Sarah Peters in the bonds of matrimony, this is to cer-
tify that I see no reasons why the said Robert O'Mealy and Sarah
Peters should not be united in the holy bonds of matrimony, and
accordingly grant the same.
'' E. B. Trumbull, Town Clerk.
'' Pittsford, Sept. the 18th, 1837."
In like manner, marriage licenses were issued to Chris-
topher Clement and Alice Fish, Sept. 21, 1837 ; to Edward
Edgerly and Lucinda Britton, December 8 ; and to James
Fuller and Esther Stuck, December 30.
In 1838 the bounty on bears and wolves was increased
to $5 per head, " for the destruction of the same."
In 1839 a pound was built at the centre of the town, and
David Strunk was elected poundmaster.
Of the citizens of this town who have been honored with
oSicial positions outside of the township offices, we find
that Elijah B. Seeley, Robert Worden, and John M. Osborn
have served as representatives, and John M. Osborn as
senator, in the State Legislature ; that Robert Worden has
been treasurer of the county ; and that Wray T. Palmer
and Wiilard F. Day have been chosen to the office of
register of deeds.
In politics the town was strongly Whig from 1836 to
1842, and was then more evenly divided between the Whigs
and Democrats, until the organization of the Republican
party in 1854, when it became, and has since remained,
strongly Republican.
The following list contains the names of the officers of
the town from its organization to the present time.
CIVIL LIST OF THE TOWN OF PITTSFORD.
SUPERVISORS.
1836-
-38. Elijah B. Seeley.
1853-54. Ozen Keith.
1839.
Isaac A, Colvin.
1855. Martin H. Webb.
1840.
Elijah B. Seeley.
1856-58. Wiilard F. Day.
1841.
Ozen Keith.
1859-61. Eli Bush.
1842-
-43. Jesse Kimball.
1862-65. Sidney Green.
1844.
Henry Ames.
1866-69. Truman N. Wadsworth
1845-
-46. Ozen Keith.
1870-72. Henry Lane.
1847.
Jesse Kimball.
1873. Truman-N. Wadsworth. ^
1848.
Ozen Keith.
1874-75. Henry Lane.
1849.
Elijah B. Seeley.
1876-77. Truman N. Wadsworth.
1850-
51. Ebenezer Stuart.
1878. Rufus F. Seeley.
1852.
Nelson P. Nye.
182
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
TOWN CLERKS.
1836. Urias Treadwell.
1837-38. Bldad B. Trumbull.
1839-41. Willard F. Day.
1842. Elijah B. Seeley.
1843-45. Cyrus Lee.
1846-48. Daniel Whitmore.
1849. Orange Porter.
1850. Nelson P. Nye.
1851-52. Elijah B. Seeley.
1853-56. E. B. Trumbull.
1857-58. John G. Brown, Jr.
1859-61. Nelson P. Nye.
1862-63. Lysander G. Stedman.
1864-69. Nelson P. Nye.
1870-71. George Brown.
1872. Nelson P. Nye.
1873-74. George Brown.
1875-77. Rufus F. Seeley.
1878. Nelson P. Nye.
TOWN TREASURERS.
1839-
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845-
1847.
1848-
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855-
1857.
1858.
1859.
40. Ozen Keith.
Austin Nye.
Ozen Keith.
Lysander G. Stedman.
J. F. Marsh.
46. Jesse Kimball.
Horace Fenton.
49. Nelson P. Nye.
Sullivan A. Nickerson.
Stephen B. Johnson.
Samuel Cole.
James H. Miner.
James Adams.
56. Lewis Dillon.
Thomas W. Lee.
John M. Miner.
James P. Rush.
1860. Francis Champlin.
1861. Loren W. Flewellin.
1862. John B. Silvernail.
1863. Lorenzo C. Smith.
1864. E. B. Trumbull.
1865. William W. Purchase.
1866. N. B. Britton.
1867. Robert Longhead.
1868. Irving S. Miner.
1869. Ephraim W. Benson.
1870. Emerson Trumbull.
1871-72. Oliver L. Willard.
1873. Stephen Turner.
1874. Homer Keith.
1875. Ephraim W. Benson.
1876. Junius J, Bobbins.
1877-78. Charles W. Cook.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1836.
John L. Taylor.
1856.
Robinson H. Whitehorn.
Elijah B. Seeley.
1857.
Sidney S. Ford.
1837.
Russell Coman.
1858.
1838.
Cyrus P. Lee.
1859.
1839.
Abiathar Power (f. t.).
George Goodrich (v.).
1860.
1840.
Elijah B. Seeley (f. t.).
1861.
Henry Ames (v.).
1841.
Willard F. Day (f. t.).
Stephen B. Johnson (v.).
1862.
1842.
John C. Hogeboom (f. t.).
1863.
George Williams (v.).
1864.
1843.
Daniel Kemp.
1865.
1844.
William Edmonds (f. t.).
David Wormley (v.).
1866.
1845.
Peter Clement.
1867.
1846.
Willard F. Day.
1868.
1847.
Ansel H. Larrabee (f. t.).
1869.
Robert Worden, Jr. (v.).
1870.
1848.
Ezekiel Lowe.
1871.
1849.
W. H.H.VanAikin(f. t.).
Henry Reeves (v.).
1872.
1850.
Peter Clement.
1873.
1851.
William R. Wilson (f. t.).
Augustus Finney (v.).
1852.
Augustus Finney (f. t.).
1874.
John Perrin (v.).
1875
1853.
Jacob T. Servis.
1876
1854.
W.H. H.VanAikin(f. t.).
1877
Abiathar Power (v.).
1878
1855.
Peter McLouth.
Robert Laird (f. t.).
William Keith (v.).
William Keith (f. t.).
Elihu Hubbard (v.).
George H. Brewster.
Henry Ames (f. t.).
Thomas W. Lee (v.).
Azel Backus.
William Keith (f. t.).
Elam Dewey (1. v.).
James H. Miner (s. v.).
Thomas W. Lee.
James H. Miner.
Elam Dewey.
Albert E. Price (f. t.).
Anson Backus (v.).
Thomas W. Lee.
James H. Miner.
Anson Backus.
, Albert E. Price.
Caleb H. Wirts.
James H. Miner.
, Sanford Haynes (f. t.).
P. A. Silvernail (v.).
Nelson P. Nye (f. t.).
Elihu Hubbard (1. v.).
John A. Carncross (s. v.).
, John A. Carncross.
, James H. Miner.
. Marcus C. Palmer.
, Nelson P. Nye.
. John A. Carncross.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS.
1836. Ozen Keith.
John Williams.
Ira Rose.
1837. John Williams.
Gaylord G. Tabor.
Daniel Loomis.
1838. Ozen Keith.
George Goodrich.
Lester Monroe.
1839. James Earl.
Gaylord G. Tabor.
Linus Monroe.
Jesse Kimball.
1855
Epenetus Howell.
1856
John L. Fountain.
1857
David Strunk.
Jesse Kimball.
Stephen Whitehorn.
1858
Daniel Loomis.
Stephen B. Johnson.
1859
David Wormley.
1860
Gaylord G. Tabor.
1861.
Daniel Loomis.
1862.
Daniel Kemp.
1863
Ozen Keith.
1864
George Goodrich.
1865
Stephen B. Johnson.
1866
Robert D. Winegar.
Austin Nye.
1867
James H. Miner.
1868
David Strunk.
James H. Miner.
1869.
Archibald Dunn.
James H. Miner (3 years).
1870.
Levi Arnold (2 years).
1871.
Jesse Kimball (1 year).
1872.
Henry Ames.
1873.
Peter Whitbeck (f. t).
Frederick Clark (v.).
1874.
Jehiel Rush (f. t.).
Heman Treadwell (v.).
Leland W. Green.
Ozen Keith (f. t.).
Owen McManus (v.).
1875-
James Phillips.
1877.
Henry Ames.
1878.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1836. Cyrus King.
Austin Nye.
Jesse Smith.
1837. R. H. Whitehorn.
Henry Ames.
Ira Rose.
Benjamin Estes.
Royal Raymond.
1838. Isaac A. Colvin.
Timothy Johnson.
Calvin Pixley.
Ira Rose.
1839. David Strunk.
Peter Clement.
Lester Monroe.
1837. Jesse Kimball.
Calvin Pixley.
1836. Urias Treadwell.
Sidney S. Ford.
Robert Worden.
1837. Urias Treadwell.
R. H. Whitehorn.
Dr. L. J. Aylesworth.
1838. Dr. L. J. Aylesworth.
Cyrus P. Lee.
Urias Treadwell.
1839. R. H. Whitehorn.
Joseph Getman.
Peter Clement.
1840. Sylvester S. Miner.
Cyrus P. Lee.
Urias Treadwell.
. Lewis Dillon.
. Ozen Keith.
. Elam Dewey (3 years).
N. B. Britton (2 years).
David Wilson (1 year).
. David Wilson (f. t.).
Elam Dewey (v.).
. N. B. Britton.
. R. H. Whitehorn.
. Welcome Reed.
. William F. Youngs.
. Morey Aldrich.
. Welcome Reed.
. William F. Youngs.
. Morey Aldrich (f. t.).
James Phillips (v.).
. Hosea Fish.
. John S. Foster (f. t.).
Joseph B. Patterson (v.).
. James H. Miner (f. t.).
William W. Purchase (v.).
. Joseph B. Patterson.
. William W. Purchase.
. E. W. Benson.
. David C. Wilson (f. t.).
Francis A. Champlin.
. Henry Carmichael.*
W. H. H. Van Aiken.
Van Ness Schermerhorn.^'^
Nelson P. Nye.f
Clark W. Taylor.f
-76. W. H. H. Van Aiken.
. Montgomery Mackey.
. William H. Tabor.
ASSESSORS.
1840
E. B. Trumbull.
David Strunk.
R. H. Whitehorn.
1841. Austin Nye.
Urias Treadwell.
James Fuller.
1842. Ira Rose.
William Edmonds.
1843. Daniel Kemp.
Ira Rose.
1844. Ira Rose.
Urias Treadwell.
1845. Henry Ames.
Horace Fenton.
1849. Samuel Cole.
Urias Treadwell.
COLLECTORS.
I 1838-40. Willard F. Day.
I 1841. W. F. Dillon.
lOOL INSPECTORS.
1841. Urias Treadwell.
Daniel Kemp.
S. S. Miner.
1842. William Edmonds.
Lemuel Squiers.
James P. Howell.
1843. Robert Woodward.
James P. Howell.
1844. R. H. Whitehorn.
1845. Robert Woodward.
1846. William F. Dillon.
1847. R. H. Whitehorn.
1848. Peter Clement.
1849. Dwight Perrin (f. t.).
Urias Treadwell (v.).
* Failed to qualify.
f Appointed.
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
183
1850.
Kussell M. Gillett.
1863.
Philo A. Silvernail (v.).
1851.
Orange Porter.
1864.
Philo A. Silvernail (f. t.)
1852.
Napoleon Clark.
Abram Loyster (v.).
1853.
R. H. Whitehorn.
1865.
Martin Blowers.
1854.
James J. Hogeboora.
1866.
J. V. B. Goodrich.
1855.
George A. King.
1867.
Sidney Green (f. t.).
1856.
Napoleon Clark.
John M. Osborn (v.).
1857.
Napoleon Clark (f. t.).
1868.
John M. Osborn.
Martin H. Webb (v.).
1869.
Sidney Green (f. t.).
1858.
Martin H. Webb (f. t.).
Cyrus Lee (v.).
Henrj B. Lansing (v.).
1870.
P. A. Silvernail.
1859.
Jonathan A. Stafford (f. t.).
1871.
Sidney Green.
Martin A. Blowers (v.).
1872.
P. A. Silvernail.
1860.
Junius A. Millard.
1873.
Nelson P. Nye.
1861.
John V. B. Goodrich.
1874.
J. M. Osborn.
1862.
Daniel Hall (f. t.).
1875.
Stephen Turner.
L. W. Green (v.).
1876-
-77. Millard F. Cutter.
1863.
Daniel W. Leavitt (f. t.).
1878.
Carlton G. Rumsey.
OVERSEERS C
F THE
POOR.
1836.
Daniel Loomis.
1846.
Gaylord G. Tabor.
Alpheus Pratt.
Robert D. Winegar.
1837.
Alpheus Pratt.
1847.
Gaylord G. Tabor.
Charles Ames.
Lysander G. Stedman.
1838.
Charles Ames.
1848.
Lysander G. Stedman.
Samuel Day.
Thomas W. Lee.
1839.
Samuel Day.
1849.
William D. Earl.
Alpheus Pratt.
Alpheus Pratt.
1840.
Charles Ames.
1850.
Alexander Patterson.
Aaron Clement.
Owen McManus.
1841.
Daniel Loomis.
1853.
Butler Rich.
Alpheus Pratt.
1854.
Augustus Kent.
1842.
Alpheus Pratt.
Nelson P. Nye.
Aaron Clement.
1855.
N. B. Britton.
1843.
George Goodrich.
William A. Coman.
Samuel Day.
1856.
William J. Whitbeck.
1844.
David Strunk.
Philo D. Converse.
James Phillips.
1857.
Philo D. Converse.
1845.
Daniel Loomis.
Thomas W. Lee.
Gaylord G. Tabor.
1858.
Guy B. Hathaway.
James Phillips.
SCHOOL SUPE]
RINTENDENTS.
1875-
-76. Philo A. Silvernail.
1878.
Albert H. Barkway.
1877.
John B. Covenhoven.
DRAIN COMMISSIONERS.
1872. Sidney Green.
1873-74. Elihu Hubbard.
1875. Edwin M. Carroll.
1876-^77. George W. Burnap.
1878. Henry Lane,
The first religious meeting of which we have any record
was held at the house of Alpheus Pratt, on the 24th of
February, 1836, for the purpose of organizing a Presbyte-
rian church. Twenty-four persons presented letters, and the
" First Presbyterian Church of Bean Creek" was organized
by Eev. William Wolcott, who was present and acted as
moderator of the meeting. This church afterwards became
the Congregational Church of Hudson, but its membership
was largely drawn from this town. Among the first mem-
bers were John L. and Clarinda Taylor, Elijah B. and
Orinda Seeley, Daniel and Caroline Loomis, Ozen, Cecilia,
and Martha Keith, John, Stephen W., Emily, and Be-
thesda Perrin, Jesse Smith, and Sarah Nye, who were resi-
dents of Pittsford or Jefierson.
On the 14th and 15th of August of this year, Rev. Wil-
liam Jackson, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who was
the junior preacher on the Tecumseh circuit, assisted by
Rev. Allen Staples, a local preacher of the Adrian appoint-
ment, held a two-days' quarterly meeting at the barn of
Charles Ames, in Keene. Again, on the 15th and 16th of
July, 1837, another quarterly meeting was held in the
Keene neighborhood, the Sunday service being held in Mr.
Ames' barn.
In 1840 a class was formed in this town, and received
the name of
THE EAST PITTSFORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
There were but nine members of this first class, and their
names, as far as we can learn them, were E. B. and Marilla
Trumbull, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Silvernail, Mrs. Burger,
James Phillips, Mrs. Champlin and her daughter, Susan.
James Phillips was chosen leader of the class.
At first the meetings were held at the house of Cyrus P.
Lee, near the site of the present church, and afterwards at
the log school-house that was built on section 29. The first
church was built in 1847-48. It was a small afi'air, about
25 by 35 feet, and cost $300 or $400. Contributions were
made towards its erection by members of other denomina-
tions, and it w^as called the Union Church, though never
used by any other denomination than the Methodists. This
was used until the present church w^as built, in 1858-59.
This building cost about $800, and was repaired in 1874,
at a cost of $100, exclusive of a large amount of work that
was donated. The lot on which the church stands (on the
northeast corner of section 28) was a gift to the society by
Stephen B. Johnson.
The society was incorporated about the time that the first
church was built, John Hale, E. B. Trumbull, Squire B.
Johnson, and James Phillips comprising the first board of
trustees. The present board is composed of the same mem-
bers, with the addition of Francis H. Champlin.
The present class-leader is James Phillips, and the pres-
ent steward is Squire B. Johnson. The membership is
about 25. At one time the church had nearly 60 mem-
bers.
The pastors of the church have been as follows, viz. : John
Scotford and Peter Sabin, 1840; C. Babcock and G. C.
ShurtlifF, 1841 ; G. C. Shurtliff, 1842 ; W. Jackson and
A. Minnis, 1843-44; W. P. Judd and Thomas Seeley,
1845 ; Henry Worthington and Robert Bird, 1846 ; Joseph
Jennings and Hiram Roberts, 1847 ; Henry Worthington,
1848 ; Ebenezer Steele and Isaac Taylor, 1849 ; Ebenezer
Steele, 1850; William Mothersill, 1851-52; Henry Pen-
field, 1853; Harrison Morgan, 1854; Fred. W. Warren,
1855-56; I. Finch and William Doust, 1857; E. E.
Chambers, 1858-59; A. W. Torrey, 1860-61; A. L.
Crittenden, 1862; C. T. Yan Antwerp, 1863; G. D.
Palmer, 1864-65; A. J. Russell, 1866; B. W. Smith,
1867-68 ; W. J. Swift, 1869-70 ; A. M. Hunt, 1871 ;
J. Clubine, 1872-74; S. George, 1875; M. Browning,
1876; A. M. Fitch, 1877 ; M. I. Smith, 1878.
The Sabbath-school connected with the church was es-
tablished about 30 years ago with James Phillips as super-
intendent. It was very prosperous for a number of years,
and maintained a membership of from 60 to 70 scholars.
At the present time the school is at a rather low ebb and
quite reduced in numbers. Mrs. Jackson N. Wood is the
present superintendent.
184
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTr, MICHIGAN.
THE FIRST FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF PITTSFORD,
located at Locust Corners, was the next churcli formed in
this town. It was organized at a meeting held on the 6th
of September, 1857, with the following members: Elder
Arnold Knight, Delos and Phoebe A. Edmonds, U. F. and
Sarah M. Gary, M. A. Willitts, M. S. Tiffany, William
Cooper, Sarah Reed, and Huldah Purchase. These members
joined hands and were addressed by Rev. F. P. Augir, who
gave the charge, and by Rev. Benjamin McCoon, who
gave them the right hand of fellowship, thus constituting
them a church of the denomination. Revs. F. P. Audr,
Benjamin McCoon, and Duryea were the members
of the council sent to organize the church.
September 19, a meeting was held, at which Mr. and
Mrs. John A. Dutton were admitted to the church. Delos
Edmonds was elected Deacon ; John A. Dutton, Clerk ; and
Rev. Aaron Knight, Pastor for one year. At subsequent
meetings Harriet Knight, B. Porter, and Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Purchase joined the church. July 2, 1859, this
church united with the church in East Jefferson to form
the " East Jefferson and Pittsford Church," and agreed to
hold the regular meetings alternately at the school-houses
in their respective localities. At a subsequent period this
arrangement was broken up, but we have no record to show
when it was done.
The church has been connected with the Hillsdale Quar-
terly Meeting throughout its existence. Its history is
unmarked by any special periods of depression or of re-
vival.
At present the membership is 41, and the roll shows
that the names of 86 different persons have been inscribed
thereon.
The society was incorporated about 1862-63, and the
church, which is a neat brick structure, 32 by 60 feet in
size, was soon after built at a cost of some $2000. On
the church lot is a row of 15 fine sheds.
In 1877, a small lot was purchased of P. D. Converse,
and a two-story wooden dwelling was erected on it, at a cost
of $880, to be used for a parsonage.
The pastors of this church have been Revs. Arnold
Knight, Straight, Thomas, D. L. Rice, F. P.
ilugir, George R. Holt, J. B. Smith, L.A. Crandall, D.
W. C. Durgin, Daniel M. Fisk, R. Cooley, and D. J. H.
Ward.
The present officers of the church are Sidney Green,
Church Clerk ; W. H. H. Van Aiken, Society Clerk and
Treasurer ; John Dillon, Lyman Fish, Christopher Clement,
P. D. Converse, D. J. Lang, Sidney Green, Trustees ;. John
Dillon, J. E. L. Wooster, Deacons.
Since the 24th of November, 1878, a revival has been
in progress under the lead of Rev. Mary Garard, a student
at Hillsdale College.
The Sabbath-school has been in existence some twenty
years. Its membership has varied widely at different times,
and is how about 50. Rev. D. J. H. Ward is the present
Superintendent, Sidney Green is the Assistant Superintend-
ent, Mrs. P. D. Converse is the Secretary, and Christopher
Clement is the Treasurer. The library contains about 250
volumes.
THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH OF PITTSFORD.
This church grew out of the union of two " classes" that
had been formed in different parts of the town, and was or-
ganized at the first quarterly meeting of the Jefferson Cir-
cuit, held at the school-house near Mr. Anson Backus', on
the sixth day of March, 1858.
There were present at this meeting the following persons,
who formed the official board of the circuit, viz. : A. W.
Curtis, Chairman ; Anson Backus, Secretary ; J. Jones,
Pastor ; William Kelly, Amasa Blunt, W. Munee, Thomas
Warren, J. M. Merrihue, and R. Cole.
The first church building was bought or built about 4 860,
and was used until 1874, when the present edifice was
erected at a cost of $3600. It is 32 by 53 feet in size, and
substantially built of brick. The old church was sold to
the Patrons of Husbandry upon the completion of the pres-
ent one.
The society was incorporated under the general statute
at a meeting held in the chapel March 29, 1865. Rev. B.
H. Brundage, Chairman, Anson Backus, Secretary, and
R. J. King and Azel Backus, Inspectors of Election, were
the officers of the meeting. R. J. King, Azel Backus, S.
A. Wade, R. Stone, and L. Western were elected Trustees.
The present membership is about 100, and the following
are the present officers : Trustees, Charles Spear, Joseph
Turner, and Anson Backus ; Stewards, Elisha Remmelee,
Charles Spear, and Edgar Fairbanks ; Class-leader and
Clerk, Anson Backus.
The pastors of the church in the order of their service
have been Revs. J. Jones, G. A. Olmstead, George W.
Townsend, 0. B. Tapley, B. H. Brundage, Johnson,
Francisco, H. C. Hurlburt, W. P. Martin, Joel Mar-
tin, and John L. Bush, the present pastor.
There has been a Sabbath-school connected with the
church from the first. Its present membership is about
120. The present officers are M. F. Cutler, Superintend-
ent ; Henry Perrin, Secretary. The church has owned
three parsonages, the present one being purchased of Mar-
tin Hunker in 1878, at a cost of $1000.
There is one other society in the town for which we have
obtained material for a brief sketch. It is
PITTSFORD GRANGE, NO. 133, P. OF H.
It was organized by C. L. Whitney, General Deputy for
Eastern Michigan, on the 27th of November, 1873, with
about 30 members. The grange bought the old Wesleyan
church of that society, and removed it to a lot they had
purchased in the village of Pittsford. They fitted it up for
a hall, and have used it as a place of meeting, and for hold-
ing festivals. The total cost of the hall was about $300.
Elihu Hubbard was the most active promoter of the or-
ganization, and did much to make it successful. He has
removed from the town, and is now living at Mendon, Neb.
The following list shows the first and also the present
officers. The- secretary and treasurer have served contin-
uously :
First Officers. — Master, Elihu Hubbard; Overseer, James
H. Filkins ; Lecturer, Robert Laird ; Steward, John Wal-
lace ; Assistant Steward, George Snyder ; Chaplain, C. B.
SAMUEL DAY.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
SAMUEL DAY.
MRS. SAMUEL DAY.
In brief sketches, anecdotes, and reminiscences of their courage,
privations, and sacrifices, the present generation may obtain a faint
outline ot the lives of those noble old first settlers now so fast dis-
appearing from public gaze. But in perusing these imperfectly writ-
ten histories, sitting in the easy chairs of the luxurious homes of to-
day, so widely scattered all over the beautiful region of Southern
Michigan, a mere conception only can be formed of the stern realities
of the tedious journey into the unbroken wilderness; the fears of wild
beasts and Indians ; chopping, logging, and burning ofif the timber ;
the anxiety and care of providing for a family; ofttimes hunger and
sickness; the heroic fortitude and patient endurance of those old
pioneer fathers and mothers may be reverenced, but can never be fully
appreciated.
Among the earliest settlers of the Bean Creek Valley was Samuel
Day, who was born at Chesterfield, N. H., on the 23d of June, 1784.
He was the son of Comfort Day, and one of a family of seven
children. The family were of English extraction, and were originally
settled in Massachusetts, near Boston. Samuel obtained a common-
school education, and after reaching his majority worked out until
twenty-five years of age, when he was united in marriage to Miss
Lucy Cutler, of the same place. After his marriage he was engaged
In farming in various places in his native town and vicinity until
1834, when he became impressed with the desire of emigrating to the
West, where, with his limited means, he could better provide homes
for himself and children. These hopes were fully realized in a few
years by the settlement of his children in comfortable homes around
him in what was known as the Day neighborhood.
His intention was to settle in Ohio, but after starting on their
journey changed their destination to the Territory of Michigan.
The journey was by teams to Schenectady ; thence by canal to Buffalo,
and Lake Erie to Fairport, Ohio ; thence again by teams to Cleveland,
Sandusky, Maumee, and by the Black Swamp to Adrian, Mich.
Here, after stopping a few days, a selection was made for the future
home, which was located in the present township of Pittsford, about
one and a half miles northwest of the village of Hudson.
They at first entered eighty acres of land, but soon after secured
one hundred and sixty acres more at government price. They next
cut a road from Pratt's Corners west to their location, and then pro-
ceeded to cut the trees and erect a log house, which was built without
a single board, the roof covered with bark, and the floor made of split
logs. Until that time not a single tree was cut west of Pratt's Corners,
and the Indians and wild animals were the only inhabitants.
Mr. Day, assisted by his noble and energetic wife and their five sons,
after a few years of hard labor and severe privation, became known
as a well-to-do farmer^ and in after-years became one of the leading
stockmen in his locality. He was all his life known as an active,
hard-working man, of sound judgment and superior intelligence. He
never engaged in uncertain projects of speculation, or the turmoils of
political strife, but attended strictly to his own business. He lived to
the age of seventy-two years, dying in 1856, leaving a handsome
property, and a far richer legacy to his descendants, — a life-long
honorable character and unblemished reputation. Of his venerable
widow, who is still living at the extreme age of ninety -six years, it
may be said that she is a very remarkable woman. Having been
blessed nearly all her life with a strong and robust constitution,
united to an indomitable energy and activity, she has always been
an incessant worker. Many anecdotes and stories are related of her
early labors and privations when the country was new, and she
had the care of a large family. On their first entry into the wilder-
ness, it is said she walked all the way from Adrian, crossing Bean
Creek on a log, by crawling over on her hands and knees, at ten
o'clock at night.
She is at this time able to walk with a cane, and can see to read her
Bible without glasses ; she spends much of her time in knitting, and
is pleased to receive old friends and talk over old times, of the hard-
ships of their early settlement in Michigan. She has been for many
years an honored member of the Congregational Church of Hudson,
of which her deceased husband was also a member. She resides in
the family of her son Win slow, on the old home farm, patiently
waiting her appointed time, in the peace and tranquillity of almost a
century of useful and well-spent years.
To the many old friends and acquaintances, as well as to all the
patrons of this work, are contributed the portraits and this brief and
imperfect sketch of old Father and Mother Day as a memento of their
worth and excellence. They were the parents of seven children, as
follows : Warren, who at present resides in the village of Hudson.
William H., who in early life was a soldier in the Florida war, and
again in the great Rebellion ; died at Nashville. Willard F. was born
in 1817, and since his majority has almost continuously held an
official position in his town or county, either as clerk, magistrate,
supervisor, or registrar ; since his marriage, in 1860, with Miss Eliza
Holcomb he has resided in the village of Hudson. Mary A. died at
twenty-one years of age, of consumption. Wilson G. resides on his
farm in Pittsford, near the old home. Winslow H. was born in 1824,
and has always remained on the old home farm, and since his father's
decease, until a few years since, has jointly with his brother Willard
had the control and charge of the old home property ; his wife was
Miss Jane Wood, of Wheatland, and they reside at the old homestead,
of which they are now the owners. Fanny A. is the widow of
Augustus Kent, and also resides in Hudson.
r^s^Jm
MR. AARON CLEMENT.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale. ^^^ AARON CLEMENT.
AARON CLEMENT.
The Clement family are of Frencli origin. John, the
great-grandfather of Aaron, fled from France to escape the
religious persecution against the Huguenots. He sought
an asylum in the English colonies of America, and settled
on Staten Island. He reared a family of four children.
Peter, one of his sons, settled near Schenectady, and
reared a family of five children. His son John grew up to
manhood, married, and reared five children, of whom Aaron
was the youngest. He was born at Westina, on the 10th
day of April, 1774. He obtained a good education in the
common English branches, and remained in the family with
his father until the old gentleman's death in 1822, at eighty-
nine years of age. At twenty-three years of age Aaron was
married to Elizabeth Ottman. The family at that time
lived at Root (then known as Canajoharie). He was en-
gaged in farming until 1837, when he sold out his farm and
joined the tide of emigration for the West. He came to
Michigan and made a purchase of three government lots in
the township of Pittsford, about four miles northwest of
the village of Hudson, on which he settled, and this became
the permanent home of the old people. They were the
parents of twelve children, all born at the old home in
Montgomery Co., N. Y. Their names are Jane, Henry,
Mary, Catalina, John, Christopher, Samuel, Lycker, Peter,
Gertrude, Margaret, and Cornelius. Of this large family
all are living except Jane, -Mary, John, and Samuel ; and
all are married except Peter and Catalina, who occupy the
old homestead in Pittsford. Mr. Clement assisted all his
sons to obtain farms and comfortable homes, and they are
all in good circumstances.
Mr. Aaron Clement lived to the extreme old age of
ninety-four years, dying in 1868, a very patriarch in his
own family and in the Reformed Church, of which he had
been an honored member for sixty years. A kind and
faithful husband and father, a sincere patriot, a devoted and
child-like Christian, he lived respected and beloved by all
who knew him. Born before the Republic, he remembered
our Revolutionary struggle, served as captain in the war
of 1812, and watched with intense solicitude our country's
fearful contest with the great Rebellion. A constant reader
of the Scriptures, he communed with God as his dearest
friend. He was for many years an elder in the Reformed
Church, organized in his western home. In 1856 he was
bereaved in the death of the wife and companion of his
youth, and he also became afflicted with partial paralysis ;
but he bore all with Christian cheerfulness, patiently
waiting all the days of his appointed time, until his change
came.
With long life did God satisfy him, and show him his
salvation. As a memorial to the worth and excellence of
this old father and mother in Israel, and pioneers in the
early settlement of Hillsdale County, the above portraits, and
this brief and imperfect sketch of their pilgrimage on earth,
are affectionately contributed by their children.
HISTORY OF* HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
185
Case; Treas., Peter Snjder; Sec, E. M. Carroll; Gate-
keeper, Warren Johnson ; Ceres, Mrs. Mary Wallace ;
Pomona, Mrs. Jane Filkins ; Flora, Miss Sarah Wallace ;
Stewardess, Mrs. George Snyder.
Present Officers. — Master, G. A. Clark ; Overseer, James
P. Howell ; Lecturer, John Perrin ; Steward, James
Cousins; Assistant Steward, Miss Winnie Abbott; Chaplain,
M. W. Tuck ; Treas., Peter Snyder; Sec, E. M. Carroll ;
Gatekeeper, Ernest Perrin ; Ceres, Mrs. John Perrin ; Po-
mona, Mrs. M. W. Tuck ; Flora, Mrs. Peter Snyder ; Stew-
ardess, Miss Winnie Abbott.
The present membership is about sixty, and the meetings
are held semi-monthly.
The town of Pittsford may be said to be wholly agricul-
tural. Indeed, what little mechanical work is done is al-
most wholly in the line of preparing the fruits of her fields
and forests for home consumption. Saw-mills were built at
an early day, — one of the first being that built by John
Perrin, south of the village, — and multiplied for a time
until the timber was so far cleared away as to lessen the
necessity for them, when they were nearly all removed or
abandoned. Of grist-mills there are two in the town. The
first of these was built by John Perrin, on the site formerly
occupied by his saw-mill, and the second is Lowe's mill, on
Bean Creek, in the southeastern part.
With this we bring to a close our imperfect sketch of
the interesting history of this town. May the sun of pros-
perity that has so long shone upon it still shed its beneficent
rays over its fair fields and pleasant homes, bringing peace
and plenty to the hearts and households of its worthy
people !
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. JOHN M. OSBORN.
John Osborn, the father of our subject, was a native of
Connecticut, who in early life was married to Mercy A.
Swift, of Eastern New York. In 1840 he emigrated to
Michigan, and settled in the village of Hudson, where for
the next eight years he worked at his trade, that of carpen-
ter and joiner, and also as contractor in laying the superstruc-
ture of the Michigan Southern Bailroad. In 1847 he and
his son purchased a farm of eighty acres, on the east line
of the township of Pittsford, in Hillsdale Co., adjoining the
village of Hudson, to which John M. added sixty acres
more ; this became the permanent home of the family.
Mrs. Mercy Osborn died in 1865, at the age of seventy-
two years, and Mr. John Osborn two years afterwards, at
the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of
two children, — John M. and Delora.
John M. was born in the town of Perrinton, near Fair-
port, Monroe Co., N. Y., on the 9th day of March, 1819.
Until sixteen years of age he was kept at school, and he
became proficient in the English branches, especially the
mathematics. After nineteen years of age he was alter-
nately engaged winters in teaching, and summers in farm
labor and other employments, for the next eight years.
About the time he reached his majority he came with his
father to Michigan, and was soon after employed in the
24
engineer corps of the Michigan Southern Bailroad, in estab-
lishing the grade for superstructure of that great thorough-
fare. Having accumulated some capital, he, in 1846, in
company with his brother-in-law, Wm. Baker, went into
the mercantile trade, which in those days comprehended
and included dry-goods and groceries, buying and selling all
kinds of farm produce, in short, general traffic in every-
thing there was to buy or sell. This business was carried
on with some changes in the company, such as at first the
firm-name of J. M. Osborn & Co., Osborn, Eaton & Co.,
and then again J. M. Osborn & Co., until 1858, when he
retired from the business. From this time until 1851 he
was extensively engaged in the purchase and shipment of
black- walnut lumber, at all available points in Michigan and
Indiana. He then again became engaged in the mercantile
business in Hudson, under the name of Osborn & Eaton ;
at the expiration of five years they closed up their business.
Soon after this, in order to protect his own financial inter-
ests, Mr. Osborn was compelled, to purchase the stock of an
insolvent firm, for whom he had been a heavy indorser.
He again carried on the mercantile business for two years,
when he closed up and retired from trade. In 1867 he
organized and opened the banking house of Osborn, Per-
kins & Co., of Hudson, in which he continued until 1876,
when he retired from the firm, since which he has not been
actively engaged in business, except in overseeing his farm
and various other property interests in Hudson and else-
where. Mr. Osborn has been married twice. His first wife
was Miss Elizabeth E. Daniels, of Hudson. They were
married in 1851, and her death occurred in 1866, at the
age of thirty-nine years. After four years of dreary lone-
liness he filled the vacancy in his home by choosing another
companion, — Mrs. Harriet A. White Bobinson, daughter of
the Bev. Wm. White, of Linden, Mich.
His union with this intelligent and companionable lady
has been productive of much happiness to both, and they
are known and appreciated in society by a large circle of
warm and admiring friends.
Mr. Osborn's business life has been one of success; his
sound, practical judgment, shrewdness, and sagacity, with
his large experience in so many different branches of busi-
ness, his keen, intuitive perception and knowledge of human
nature, together with an open-handed, generous disposition
and an honesty of purpose in all his dealing that no love of
gain could swerve, have gained for him the unlimited con-
fidence and esteem of all. He has served, with honor to
himself and profit to his constituents, two consecutive terms
in the Legislature of the State, as representative, and after-
wards one term as senator, besides numerous other less im-
portant positions of trust and responsibility in his locality.
Politically, he was originally a Democrat, but on the un-
holy affiliation of that party with the cause of Southern
slavery he repudiated it, and with his characteristic zeal
and influence has been known ever since as an active ad-
herent of the Bepublican party.
His sister, Delora, was born, at the old home in New
York, on the 9th day of March, 1821. The birthdays of
the brother and sister both occurring on the same day of
the same month, their custom is (and one they never miss)
to dine together on that anniversary.
186
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
She was in early life married to William Baker, a well-
known business man of Hudson, who died in 1870, leaving
his widow and two sons — named John M. and Gamaliel 0.
— in good circumstances. She resides in a beautiful home
in the suburbs of Hudson, near the residence of her brother.
Mr. Osborn is at this time erecting a substantial brick
residence on his farm, a fine view of which may be seen
on another page of this work.
JOHN H. KEAGLE
is a native of Devonshire, Eng. He was born in the parish
of Bickleigh, Sept. 2, 1802. He was one of a family of ten
children. John received a limited education up to four-
teen years of age, after which he was alternately employed
in farm labor and assisting his father in his cooper-shop.
He worked for one farmer three years, at fifteen cents a
day the first, twenty-two the next, and twenty-six the last.
At twenty-two years of age, with two sovereigns in his pos-
session, he started out for himself, and for the next ten
years he was employed in the granite- and slate-quarries as
a stone-cutter. In 1834 he and his brother James took
passage from Plymouth to New York. They were fifty-
three days in making the trip to America. They came
West to Toledo, and stopped with their sister and brother-
in-law, who resided at that place. After a few months the
young man started out to look up a location for himself. He
came West as far as Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., Mich., and in
a few days after found a place to suit him in the township
of Allen. He entered, at the laud-office at Monroe, three
hundred acres of wild land, at one dollar and twenty-five
cents per acre. He next worked out through the fall
months, and sold off his" best clothing to get provisions with
which to commence housekeeping. He then, with the
assistance of another settler, cut the timber, and the two
carried the logs and erected a shanty ten by fourteen feet
in size.
At that time the wilderness was swarming with wild
animals and Indians, and only one neighbor in three miles.
The first night he stayed in his shanty he was annoyed by
the wolves, who were attracted by the offals of a deer he
had killed, and it was with difficulty he kept them out of
his cabin, as he as yet had no door to the entrance, at which
he stood guard nearly all night with axe in hand to defend
himself and provisions ; but in a day or two he had a door
and a roof on his castle, and could bid defiance to wolves
and bears. But then he still had some difficulty, for one
night he was obliged to run out with nothing on but his
shirt to drive the wolves away from the sheep. With the
Indians he was on friendly terms, but the wild animals
were very annoying for some time, eating up his sheep,
ete, ] but about this time the settlers began to pour into the
country, and soon after the wild animals began to disappear.
He kept bachelor's hall until 1836, when his father and
sister arrived from England, and they lived in one family.
The same season they built a more commodious log house
and moved into it.
From that time until 1845 he was busily engaged in
clearing off and improving his farm ; he then returned to
England, and was married to Miss Betsey Pearse, of
Walkhampton. He shortly after returned with his wife to
Michigan, and settled down to the routine of farming, and
as the years rolled on the industry and good management
of Mr. Keagle, assisted by his devoted wife and helpmate,
made him widely known as one of the solid and reliable
farmers of Hillsdale County. In 1865, in consequence of
his wife's failing health, he sold out his farm and stock for
twenty-five thousand dollars, with the intention of return-
ing to England and remaining there. His father had died
in 1850, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Soon after selling out in Allen, he purchased a farm of
eighty acres in the township of Pittsford, near Hudson,
which he placed in charge of a tenant, and then with his
wife returned to England. His wife's health continued to
fail until January, 1870, when she was released from her
sufferings by death. In July following Mr. Keagle returned
to the United States, bringing with him Grace Pearse, a
sister of his deceased wife, to whom he was married in
October, 1870. They settled on his farm in Pittsford, and
he has since erected a new house and several substantial
out-buildings, besides planting evergreen hedges and trees,
so that he has one of the finest farm-homes in that part
of the county. He has also recently purchased another
farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which is one of
the finest orchards in the vicinity.
His family consists of himself and wife, his nephew,
Kichard Pearse, and Miss Betsey P. Oxenham, a niece,
who has long been a cherished member of his family. To
his many friends and relatives, and the patrons of this work,
are presented on other pages of this volume a view of his
beautiful farm-home, and the portraits of himself and his
first and second wife.
JAMES H. MINER.
Sylvester S. Miner, the father of our subject, was a
native of Connecticut. He was engaged the most of his
life in teaching, both in the common branches and singing.
In early life was united in marriage to Miss Ruby Bennett,
and soon after removed to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he
remained until 1819, and then removed to Ontario County,
in the same State In 1839 he emigrated to Michigan,
and settled in the township of Pittsford, Hillsdale Co.,
where he remained until his death, which occurred at
eighty-three years of age, having survived his wife's death
ten years. They were the parents of eight children, named
Herkimer B., Homer L., Mary A., James H., Lorinda L.,
John N., Cornelia Y., and George W., who are all living
and married.
James H. Miner was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., on the
11th day of April, 1811, and his boyhood was spent in
attending the common schools, and later he worked out
by the month and job, remaining under the control and
supervision of his parents until he reached his majority ;
from this time on until he was twenty-five years old he
labored for himself, working out and jobbing. At this
time he was united in marriage to Miss Maria C. Spencer,
daughter of George Spencer, an old settler of Farmington,
Ontario Go. From that time until 1841 he worked farms
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
187
on shares. In 1838 he was bereaved in the death of his
wife, leaving him alone in the care of two small children.
On Feb. 19, 1840, he filled the vacancy in his household
by uniting in marriage with Miss Phebe Dillon, daughter
of Benjamin Dillon, an old resident of Farmington.
In 1841, Mr. Miner decided to move out West and secure
a farm and home of his own. He came to Michigan and
purchased a wild lot in the township of Pittsford, Hillsdale
Co., which has been his home ever since. His farm now
consists of one hundred acres. Here he has lived and
labored, cleared up his farm, reared his family, and is to-
day in the quiet enjoyment of a comfortable independence,
good health, and the respect and esteem of a large circle
of friends and acquaintances; a man of generous impulses,
unflinching integrity, and sound judgment; an influential
citizen, possessing the entire confidence of his fellow-towns-
men, as may be seen in the fact that he is now serving the
fifth consecutive term as magistrate. He is the father of
seven children, — Jane A. (who died in infancy) and Irvin
S. were children by his first marriage, and by his second
are Austin D., Orlando L., Maria J., Herkimer L., and
Lorinda L. Austin was a soldier for the Union, and was
killed in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 4, 1863. All
the others are living and married except Herkimer, who is
in business at St. Louis, Mo. The reader will find a
fine view on another page of this work of the residence of
Esquire Miner, and with it we present this brief sketch of
his family.
JOHN PERRIN.
The ancestors of John Perrin, during the religious per-
secutions of the Huguenots, found a refuge in England ;
from whence they emigrated to America, and were among
the first settlers in Massachusetts. They first settled near
Boston, but afterwards removed to Woodstock, Conn.
John Perrin, the great-grandfather of our subject, reared
a large family of children, and died at an advanced age.
Elijah, one of his sons, was the father of one son and four
daughters. The son, whose name was John, on reaching
manhood, was married to Bethesda Skinner, of Woodstock.
They were the parents of nine children, and in 1835 the
whole family emigrated to Michigan. The family remained
in Detroit, while the father and the two eldest sons went
in quest of a location for the future home. They made a
selection of seven government lots, all in one tract, — four
in Jefferson and three in Pittsford townships. They next
built a log house, with the usual bark roof, hewed-log
floor, and stick chimney. They encountered hard times at
first from sickness and the inevitable privations of the early
settlers in Michigan. The old gentleman and his "wife were
both sick all the first summer, and he never fully regained
his health. He died in 1839, at fifty-four years of age, and
his widow only survived him two years, dying in 1841, at
fifty-six years of age.
The names of the children are as follows : Alma, Wil-
liam, Emily, John, Elijah, Mary, Dwight, Bethesda, and
Mason, who are all living except William, Dwight, and
Mason ; and are married and have families.
John was born at the old Woodstock home, on the
tenth day of July, 1816. He was eighteen years of age
when the family emigrated to Michigan ; and from that
time on, for a number of years, he was engaged, in com-
pany with his brother William, in clearing and improving
the farm. They cleared off over three hundred acres, and
erected three saw-mills and one grist-mill at different points.
John and his brother were partners in business the most of
the time up to 1850, when they made a division of their
interests, and John exchanged his interest in the mills for
a farm about one mile south of Pittsford village, where he
has since resided. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Caro-
line A. Goodrich, of Pittsford. She was the mother of
four children, of whom two died in infimcy, and the others
(Charles and John) own farms, and reside in Montcalm
County.- Mrs. Caroline Perrin died in 1849, at thirty-one
years of age. In 1852, Mr. Perrin was married to Mary
A. Nichols, of Jefferson. The fruits of this union were
four children, — Ada, Caroline, William, and Ernest.
Ada and Caroline are both married, and reside in Mont-
calm County. William and Ernest are both single, and live
at home with their father, and have the charge and man-
agement of the farm. In 1869, Mr. Perrin was called
to mourn the loss of his second companion, who died at
the age of forty years. In 1871 he was married to Miss
Sarah A. McNeal, of Jefferson.
Mr. Perrin is held in high esteem by his fellow-towns-
men for his integrity and sound judgment; and he has at
various times discharged the duties of clerk, assessor, com-
missioner, and magistrate of his town in a satisfactory
manner. He has been for many years a member of the
Reformed Church. He has lived to see what was an almost
unbroken wilderness, with here and there a log house or
shanty, developed into one of the most beautiful farming
countries, with thriving towns and villages, where, in the
brief space of forty-five years, stood the wigwam of the
Indian. On another page may. be found a view of the
farm-home of Mr. Perrin.
WHEATLA:tTD.
When, on the 17th of March, 1835, the township of
Yance (Hillsdale County) was divided from north to south
(by ranges) into four separate townships, range 1, or the
eastern quarter of the county, was given the name of
Wheatland. From the same territory have been formed
three additional townships, leaving Wheatland embracing
only township 6 south, of range 1 west, of the principal
meridian. Somerset, formed from township 5 south, was
created March 20, 1837 ; Pittsford, originally including all
south of what is now Wheatland, March 23, 1836; and
Wright, originally Canaan, from the south part of Pitts-
ford (townships 8 and frl. 9 south), March 6, 1838.
This town is remarkable from being the source of four
of the great rivers of Michigan, and one of lesser note that
flows into Ohio ; these are the St. Joseph, of Lake Michi-
gan, Kalamazoo, Grand, and Raisin, and the St. Joseph, of
the Maumee; the latter— also called " Bean Creek," from the
abundance of wild beans which in early times grew upon
its banks — flowing in a southwesterly direction to Fort
Wayne, Ind., where it unites with the St. Mary's and
forms the Maumee, thence flowing in a northeasterly course
to Maumee Bay and Lake Erie.
The surface of the township is much diversified. In
places it is comparatively level, and in others undulating or
hilly. The soil is in general excellent, and the improvements
throughout the town are good. In fact, as a farming town-
ship, Wheatland has been called the best in Hillsdale
County. It is exclusively an agricultural township, as its
water-power is not sufficient to enable the inhabitants to
turn their attention to manufacturing. Neither has it the
advantages of railway connections with the outside world,
yet the natural advantages it does possess, coupled with the
energy and enterprise of its citizens, have rendered it one
of the most prosperous and wealthy in the State.
In 1838, according to a "Gazetteer of Michigan" pub-
lished that year by John T. Blois, Esq., now of Jonesville,
the township of Wheatland contained a post-office, a popu-
lation of 729, a saw-mill, 309 head of neat stock, 10 horses,
18 sheep, and 387 hogs.' The State census of 1874 con-
tains the following summary, which will prove interesting
in comparison with the above figures :
Population (692 males, 706 females) 1,398
Number of acres of taxable land 22,662
« land owned by individuals and
companies 22,680
(( improved land 14,798.50
" land exempt from taxation.... 18
Value of ?nme, including improvements $22,250
Number of acres in school-house sites 9.50
« church and parsonage sites.... 4
« burving-grounds 4.50
" farms in township 208
Number of acres in farms ^'^'^'^J >rQ
Average number of acres in farms 83.78
Number of acres of wheat sowed in 1874 2,499
188
Number of acres of wheat harvested in 1873 2,448
" " of corn " " 2,104
♦* bushels of wheat " " 35,415
" of corn " " ....... 126,600
" • *' of all other grains harvested in
1873 26,807
'* " of potatoes raised in 1873 8,496
" tons of hay cut '' 2,682
" pounds of wool sheared " 28,243
" " pork marketed *' 389,593
" *' cheese made " 1,320
« •' butter " " ...... 88,037
" " fruit dried for market in
1873 37,069
'* barrels of cider made in 1873 849
" pounds of maple-sugar made in 1874.. 6,695
*' acres in orchards " .. 591
" bushels of apples raised in 1872 26,142
" " '' ^' 1873 22,858
" cwt. of grapes " 1872 9
'' " " 1873 9
Value of all such productions (fruit and vegetables),
1872 $13,821
Value of all such productions (fruit and vegetables),
1873 $13,574
Number of horses, one year old and over, owned
in 1874 ;. 676
Number of mules, one year old and over, owned in
1874 10
Number of work oxen, one year old and over,
owned in 1874 42
Number of milch cows, one year old and over,
owned in 1874 813
Number of neat cattle, one year old and over, other
than oxen and cows, owned in 1874 734
Number of swine over six months old owned in
1874 ;• 1.367
Number of sheep over six months old owned in
1874 : 5,500
Number of sheep sheared in 1873 5,380
Number of saw-mills in township in 1874 (one
making staves). 3
Number of persons employed in same 9
Amount of capital invested in same $4,500
Amount of lumber sawed (feet) 650,000
Value of products $9,750
Shingle-mills (with cider-pre^s attached) 1
Persons employed in same 2
Capital invented $1,000
Value of products $500
Woolen-factory 1
Persons employed in same 1
Capital invested $1,000
Value of products , $500
Vinegar and cider establishments 2
Persons employed in same 4
Capital invested $700
A^alue of products $230
Peppermint oil factories 1
Persons employed in same 2
Pounds of oil manufactured 40
Value of same f ^^^^
Capital invested ^'100
LAND ENTRIES.
At the close of the year 1833, but 1200 acres of land
had been entered in what is now Wheatland, and this was
divided among the following persons, viz.: Silas Moore,
Richard M. Lewis, Mahlon Brown, Edwin Brown, Lydia
Kaniff, Thomas Sewin, Stephen Russell. Up to the 27th
of April, 1838, the following entries had been made :
Section 1. — Silas Moore, Anson Jackson, Hiram Het-
field, Jesse Ellsworth, David Steer, 0. C. McLouth.
Section 2.— E. Gay, Jesse Ellsworth, J. H. Converse,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
189
Laton Hoxsie, Mary Holmes, W. Holmes, Aoson Jack-
son.
Section 3. — R. M. Lewis, Thomas Farmer, Stephen Yail,
J. A. Moore, H. Graham, S. R. Giddings, L. Bilby.
Section 4. — John Jackson, J. H. Jackson, B. Gregory,
A. Yan Alstine, Willis Kelley, L. Pease, D. Strong, M.
Holmes, C. Yan Alstine, S. Thompson.
Section 5. — Burton Lamphere, J. Talmadge, James West-
cott, Lyman Pease, Charles Osgood, F. H. Richardson.
Section 6. — Edward B. Brown, Abraham Yeile, F. Yan
Patten, Charles Osgood, George D. Bradford.
Section 7. — Myron McGee, Simon Jacobus, Anthony
Beekman, H. Walker, A. Ten Eyck, A. West, Isaac P.
Christiancy.
Section 8. — Z. Williams, John Cronkhite, Levi W. Har-
rington, L. Pease, Griffin Sweet, J. R. Brisco, A. Allen, L.
W. Battelle.
Section 9. — Jesse Hill, Eli Eastman, E. Trumbull, Jr.,
Z. Williams, J. Ferguson, W. Kelley, H. Ferguson, L.
Pease, A. Allen, D. Alverson.
Section 10. — A. Eastman, Francis Hill, H. Frost, E.
Noyes, C. Carmichael, Jesse Patterson, L. Strong.
Section 11.— R. M. Lewis, M. Holmes, G. W. Brearly,
J. Pcrrington, 0. Latourette, John Bryant, Clarinda Cook,
Charles Mitchell.
Section 12. — M. Brown, Jacob Brown, John Howell, H.
H. G. Lossing, Jesse Jackson, E. Wood, E. Cole, R. Colony.
Section 13. — Ama Brown, J. Perrington, 0. Latourette,
W. Bigalow, Mary Ann Brown, D. Baker, E. M. Worth-
ington, J. R. Willis.
Section 14. — E. W. Brown, M. Brown, J. Brown, Cla-
rinda Cook, Samuel Brown, D. Steer, Calvin Carr, J. R.
Grosvenor.
Section 15. — M. Alvord, J. Alvord, John O'Brien, R.
August, Jr., Z. Williams, Samuel Brown, G. Nokes, H.
Ferguson.
Section 17. — Amos Hare, Robert Cox, George Nokes,
John Penoyer, L. P. Gillott, Edward Lumley, J. A. Bissell.
Section 18.— James McGee, L. P. Gillett, D. Currier, C.
H. Tucker, N. Fratts, I. P. Christiancy.
Section 19. — A. N. Martin, John Humphrey, Martin
Crator, N. Fratts, Harriet Fisk, Philo C. Fuller.
Section 20. — John Perrington, H. McGee, Isaac Lamb,
E. Witherill, Isaiah Straw, H. Carmichael, A. D. Smith,
Jared Comstock, Aaron Clement, Isaac French.
Section 21. — John Perrington, James Halleck, H. Mc-
Gee, Zebulon Williams, John Bailey.
Section 22.— L. Church, Z. Williams, D. Douglass,
John Bailey, Joseph Paddelford, B. Carmichael, S. Car-
michael, S. S. Douglass, W. H. Boyd, S. Staunton, Seba
Murphy.
Section 23.— J. McKnight, Calvin Carr, J. W. and A.
Haynes, Stiles Staunton, J. R. Willis.
Section 24.— N. P. Colwell, Nathan Whitney, A. Lull,
G. T. Burbank, G. Shew, D. Baker, J. R, Willis.
Section 25. — J. W. x\shley, Lydia Jennif, Thomas Ser-
vin, Stephen Russell, N. B. Kidder, Nelson R. Rowley.
Section 26. — Lyman Pease, A. Gustin, G. Dailey, T. N.
Bailey, Almon GoiF, J. W. Ashley, A. S. Bailey, George
Miller, George Whitney.
Section 27. — Lorenzo Church, G. Dailey, I. Barr, S.
Culver, D. Douglass, Z. Paddelford, E. Gillett, Jr., S. S.
Douglass.
Section 28. — James Halleck, W. A. Codding, J. Arnold,
J. Bradish, S. Yan Fleet, G. T. Burbank.
Section 29. — Stephen Hoag, John Bradish, J. Robins,
E. Witherill, Isaiah Starr, S. Clement, G. T. Burbank,
Aaron Clement.
Section 30. — J. Robins, Y. Conover, E. W. J. and
Seth Hastings, P. Kinney, E. L. Way, R. McClelland, J.
Humphrey.
Section 31. — J. L. Edmonds, Jr., J. Robbins, Lucy
Durfee, E. W. J. and Seth Hastings, E. L. Way, Calvin
Carr.
Section 32. — W. Culver, J. L. Edmonds, Jr., Stephen
S. Gage, J. Robins, L. Crothers, S. Clement, J. L. Ed-
monds, Seba Murphy.
Section 33.— W. Culver, J. C. Burdick, S. L. Gage,
H. S. McQuig, E. Gillett, Jr., A. Yreedenburgh, S. Com-
stock.
Section 34. — George Crane, Anson Fowler, John Barr,
Jesse Yose, Aaron Clement.
Section 35. — B. S. Northrop, John Gustin, Stephen
Wilcox, G. G. Tabor, Samuel Yan Gorden, T. N. Bailey,
B. Bump, B. Johnson.
Section 36. — B. S. Northrop, Thomas Dood, D. Rogers,
J. L. Taylor, 0. Crittenden, J. L. Johnson, J. W. Ashley,
A. S. White, T. Teare.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The first white settler in what is now the township of
Wheatland is supposed to have been Burris Brown, who
located early in 1834 on land now owned by Auretas
Beecher, on the southeast quarter of section 11. He only
lived in the township a year He and Richard M. Lewis
entered considerable land in town, the latter owning, beside
other tracts, the farm on the southeast quarter of section 3,
now the property of George McGee and George Trumble.
Eli Eastman, formerly from Yermont, and afterwards a
resident of Wayne and Chautauqua Cos., N. Y., came from
the latter to Michigan late in the year 1834, and on the
8th day of January, 1835, settled in Wheatland, on the
farm now occupied by his family. Here he died in Novem-
ber, 1878, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. Mr. East-
man was a prominent citizen of the township from the time
of his arrival in it. W^hile yet the forest was comparatively
unbroken, and before the families of settlers were numer-
ous in the township, Mr. Eastman's house was the resort of
those looking for land, and many stayed with him several
days or, even weeks while preparing buildings for them-
selves, and he may, therefore, be said to have kept the
first public-house in town, — although for accommodation
only, and not for the financial benefit he might have de-
rived from it. The only regular tavern in this township
was kept at one time on the north road, by Bartlett Far-
mer. It has long been out of existence, and the town
cannot boast of such an institution at present. A very re-
markable fact is that a license for the sale of liquor has
never been granted in Wheatland. One of Eli Eastman's
daughters is now th^ wife Qf William Timms, residing a
190
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN,
short distance west of Church's Corners, in the south part
of the township.
When Eli Eastman came with his family to this town-
ship, in January, 1835, they stayed a short time with Mar-
shall Farmer, who lived half a mile north of Wheatland
Centre. He and Burris Brown and a Mr. Jackson (the
latter in northeast part) were the only settlers then residing
in the township.
Henry Cook, whose wife was Mr. Eastman's sister, came
with him to this town, and settled a mile east of him.
Mrs. Cook died in April, 1836, and left an infant son a
few months old, who was the first white child born in the
township. It survived but a short time after its mother's
death. Mrs. Cook was the first white person who died in
the township, and the second was Elihu Gillet,* who was
buried on his place, two miles west of Mr. Eastman's.
Mrs. Cook was originally buried on the Cook farm, and
afterwards removed to the cemetery, a mile east of Wheat-
land Centre.
In the month of May, 1835, Charles Carmichael, a na-
tive of New Jersey, and, at the time of his removal, a resi-
dent of Wayne County,. N. Y.. came, with his wife and three
children, from the latter county to Michigan, and located
first five miles from Adrian, Lenawee Co., where he pur-
chased a farm and nearly completed a house. An attempt
to reach water for a well was found futile after digging 40
feet, and he concluded to seek a home elsewhere. In com-
pany with his brother, Bradford Carmichael, he came to
Wheatland prospecting, and located the 80-acre tract on
which he now lives (east half of northwest quarter, section
10), also a lot each for his brother and their father, Silas
Carmichael, the latter then living in Lenawee County.
The last lot was near what is now called Church's
Corners, and is at present owned by Samuel Oakes. The
elder Carmichael moved upon his place in the latter part
of November, 1835, coming as far as he could via the
turnpike, and thence transporting his goods through the
forest to his future home.
Charles and Bradford Carmichael, when they came to
begin their improvements (October, 1835), built a pole
shanty on their father's lot, and covered it with dirt and
leaves. In this they made their home until they had
erected the log house into which their father moved after-
wards. Charles Carmichael, after his father had been
cotofortably settled, proceeded to build a house for himself.
He boarded with Eli Eastman while he prepared the logs
and put the body of a first-class log house, — the best then
in the township. In order to secure help sufficient to raise
it, Mr. Carmichael. says he walked over two townships in
search of the necessary persons. After his house was in
order, he went back to Lenawee County for his family,
which had remained there, and returned and moved into
it early in January, 1836. Upon starting from his former
residence in Lenawee County, he procured provisions suffi-
cient to last until the following March, placed his family
in a sleigh, and started, with his oxen sharp shod. For
the first few miles sleighing was poor, and only ten miles
were traversed the first day. That night he stayed over-
* It is possible Mr. 0illet died first.
night with a family who kindly allowed him to furnish his
own provisions and horse feed, cut wood and bring water
for the use of both families, and sleep on the floor, and for
this he was charged fifty cents the next morning ! Mr.
Carmichael was somewhat anxious thereafter as to the suc-
cess he should have during the remainder of his journey,
if he should be charged in proportion every night as he
had been thus far. The second night he was most hospi-
tably entertained by a man named Green (still living), and
expected to pay a round price, but was most agreeably sur-
prised when the host told him he was welcome to all he
had received. Near a log school-house on the route, in
Lenawee County, one of his oxen stepped on a board at
the brow of the hill, and slid gracefully to the bottom with-
out accident! After other adventures, they finally arrived
at their destination. For a short time they stopped with
Eli Eastman before moving into their own house. The food
oiFered by Mr. Eastman when Carmichael boarded with him
was of the kind easiest procured and prepared, and consisted
principally of "johnny-cake ' (baked in an old-fashioned
bake-kettle) and "jerked venison," which was cut up in
small pieces, laid in brine a few days, and then hung up on
pegs in the house ready for use.
Mr. Carmichael cleared nine acres on his place the first
winter he occupied it, and the land subsequently produced
40 bushels of wheat per acre, which sold for 40 to 50 cents
a bushel at Adrian. Mr. Carmichael was the second set-
tler on the " North Road" in this township, Ebenezer
Trumble, the first one, having located three-fourths of a
mile west of him, in March previous. He is since deceased.
The old farm now belongs to the estate of Ichabod Town.
Late in 1836, Silas Carmichael gave his consent to the
marriage of his daughter Nancy to Henry B. Smith, of
Logan, Lenawee Co., and a license was duly issued by the
town clerk of Wheatland.
In Hogaboam's history of the Bean Creek Valley, it is
stated that the first frame barn in the township was raised
by Stephen Knapp, and that it stood several years without
doors. He also sowed wheat in 1835, buying the seed of
Charles Ames. This history also states that the Nokes
school-house was built in 1836, but our information is to
the contrary. See " Schools."
Harvey McGee settled in the township of Wheatland
late in 1835, and Lyman Pease in February, 1836 ; the
latter had lived a few years previously west of Adrian, in
Lenawee Co. Edson Witherell, who had located his land
in 1835, moved upon it in July, 1836, with his family,
coming from Adrian via Rollin, and being three days on
the journey. Their place was at the end of the road.
The first settler in Wheatland, Edmund B. Brown, or
Burrows Brown, as he was familiarly called, sold his prop-
erty in this township, and moved to St. Joseph County,
where he located on the shore of Sand Lake. While
grinding apples for cider in the fall of 1852, he was
severely bitten in the arm by a horse. He refused to have
the injured member amputated, and died from the effects of
the wound.
In 1836, Lyman Pease, Willis Kelly, Hiram Hatfield,
and a man named Jackson settled on the same road, the
first two west, and the others east of Mr. Carmichael.
ZEBULON WILLIAMS.
Among the early settlers of Wheatland there was no one
whose influence was more widely felt, or whose energy,
perseverance, and industry did more to advance the best in-
terests of the township, than Zebulon Williams, Sr., the sub-
iect of this sketch. He was born in Haverstraw, Rockland
Co., N. Y., Jan. 24, 1795. At an early age he located in the
town of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he was married to
Miss Eliza Lewis, in 1820, who was born in Maryland, Dec.
25, 1799.
He worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, until about the
year 1825, when he purchased a small farm in Clarkson, Monroe
Co., K. Y., on which he resided until 1884, when he sold, and
with his wife and six children came to Michigan, stopping near
Adrian, where they resided about four years. During this time
he had been looking for a suitable place to locate. Attracted
by the rich soil and general appearance of the township of
Wheatland, he determined to make it his home, and in 1836
bought of the government about a section of land, on which
he moved in 1838. It was all new, not a stick had been cut,
and there was no road to it ; but, with his accustomed energy,
he at once commenced to clear and improve, and with the aid
of his three sons, who inherited their father's energy and in-
dustry, the forest disappeared as if by magic, and soon a well-
improved and well-appointed farm appeared where but so short
a time before the wolves, deer, and other animals had roamed
at their own sweet will. On this farm Mr. Williams passed
the remainder of his days, living to the ripe age of seventy-
seven years.
Mr. Williams was an ardent Republican, and always took
an active part in political matters. It is said of him, ''that
he would work all day on his farm, and then walk about the
town half the night urging the voters of his party to come
out and vote.'' At different times he held most of the offices
in the township, having been clerk, treasurer, and supervisor.
In the fall of 1847 he was elected to represent his district in
the State Legislature, which position he filled to the entire
satisfaction of his constituents. In many respects, Mr. Wil-
liams was a remarkable man. As a politician he was of the
most ultra kind; it never being a question as to how he stood
or to which party he belonged. He was strong in his likes
and dislikes, a warm, true friend, and a bitter enemy. The
following incident is related of him by an old neighbor, as
indicative of his endurance, energy, and friendship. " One
of his neighbors wanted to buy a piece of land which joined
his farm, and which was to be sold at auction. Said Mr.
Williams, ' Why don't you buy it ?' 'I have not money enough,
and the cash must be paid down,' was the reply. No more
was said ; but Mr. Williams went home, and late in the after-
noon set out on foot for Adrian, a distance of twenty-five
miles, and before daylight next morning was at his friend's
house with the money needed to buy the land, and before noon
of that day the land belonged to his friend." Many like in-
stances are related of him, which want of space excludes
from this brief sketch. He was never known to miss voting,
and only five days before his death was carried to the polls to
cast his last vote. He departed this life Nov. 10, 1872, mourned
by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born the following children
Louisa M., born May 12, 1820; Julius, born April 19, 1822
Zebulon, born June 13, 1824; John L., born Aug. 22, 1825
Richard W., born Jan. 28, 1830; and Sally M., born Dec. 22,
1831.
John L. Williams was born in Clarkson, Monroe Co., N. Y.,
and came to Michigan with his father, as above stated, and did
his share to clear up and improve the land purchased by his
father, about two hundred acres of which he now owns, and on
which he has built a beautiful home. Like his father, he is a
strong Republican, and takes an active interest in political
matters. He was elected town clerk in 1860, which office he
held ten years. He is not a member of any church, but takes
an active part in advancing church interests, and is now one
of the trustees of the Congregational Church of Wheatland.
On the 20th day of May, 1855, he was married to Miss Jane
E. Powell, daughter of Jonathan L. and Sophronia (Glover)
Powell, who was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 31, 1832.
Their union has been blessed with two children, — Lewis P.,
born March 6, 1856, and Maria E., born July 13, 1861 ; died
May 12, 1863.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
191
Jackson stayed in this town but a short time, finally re-
moving to Indiana. *
Silas Carmichael, the father of Charles, died in 1840, at
the age of sixty-six, and his widow lived with the son until
her death. The other sons, Bradford and Henry, were
neither of age when the family came to the township, but
each owned a farm here afterwards. Henry is now residing
south of Hudson, Lenawee Co., and has accumulated a
handsome property. His possessions when he came to this
region were an Indian pony, a saddle, and a bridle.
When Charles and Bradford Carmichael built their pole
shanty — October, 1835 — they were somewhat fearful of
sleeping in it, as the wolves howled around them in such
chorus that Charles Carmichael says " it seemed as if there
were a thousand of them." His brother was much frioht-
o
ened, but the elder told him to take the rifle and shoot among
them and disperse them, while he lay snugly in his place,
pretending not to be alarmed. These animals were of
the large, gray variety, known as " timber wolves," and
abounded in great numbers throughout the then Western
wilds. Bears were also plenty enough, and were extremely
unscrupulous about making off with stray pigs, sheep, or
calves. An old sow belonging to Charles Carmichael un-
fortunately came in the way of a huge black bear one
morning, soon after sunrise, and Bruin coolly captured her
and carried her off. Mr. Carmichael was milking at the
time, and when the porcine victim squealed forth her signal
of distress he told his little son to go and see what was the
matter, for he was afraid a bear had got after her. This
frightened the boy so he dared not go, and the bear was
therefore allowed to feast sumptuously on pork which could
illy be spared.
Anson Jackson, one of the first settlers in the township,
lived on section 1, and Silas Moore, who preceded him a
short time, lived a little farther south. Mr. Jackson, whose
death has but recently occurred, has a son — Andrew Jack-
son— living in Hillsdale.
Abram A. Van Alstine settled in Wheatland, probably
in the spring of 1835, near what is now the line between
Wheatland and Somerset townships, and the following year
(1836) removed to section 21, in the latter.
James Westcott, from Hartland, Niagara Co., N. Y., set-
tled on section 5, in Wheatland, with his family, as early as
1835-36. He died in August, 1878. Three of his sons
are now living in the county, — Andrew, in Somerset ; Wil-
liam, owning the old farm in Wheatland ; and James, also
residing in Wheatland.
G. S. Wells, originally from Caledonia Co., Yt., emigrated
to Michigan from Orleans Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1837,
and located temporarily in the town of Home, Lenawee
Co. He purchased his present place in Wheatland —
west half of northwest quarter of section 15 — Jan. 1, 1838.
In April of the same year he came to the place, did some
clearing and put in crops, moving his family in the follow-
ing August. While he lived in Rome he worked at his
trade (that of a carpenter and joiner), and purchased his
farm of Marshall Alvord, who had cleared a couple of acres
and built a log house. The latter was burned down before
Mr. Wells occupied the place, and he was obliged to begin
anew. This has been his home since he first moved here.
Zebulon Williams, from Monroe Co., N. Y. (a native of
Rockland County, on the Hudson), moved with his wife and
six children to Adrian, Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1834, reach-
ing that place July 3. He subsequently purchased 600
acres of land in Wheatland from the government, and 80
acres of school land from Messrs. William Timms and Ira
Barnes. The latter had improved 35 acres and the former
about 20 ; Mr. Barnes had a log house upon his place.
Mr. Williams built a log house in April, 1836, and when
in April, 1838, he moved his family to this town he had
some 40 acres improved. The elder Williams died in No-
vember, 1872, after a residence of thirty -four and a half
years in the township. Five of his children are living, —
all in Wheatland. Richard W. occupies the old homestead,
and John and Zebulon are near by. The daughters are
now Mrs. Charles Fowler and Mrs. C. A. Pease.
Ephraim Nokes was among the early settlers in this town,
and was living in Mr. Williams' log house when the latter
moved in with his family. Nokes " squatted" in several
localities — always on government land — and never owned
any himself The Williams' began building him a shanty
on section 16. opposite their log house, the day after they
came.
William Patrick, who settled in the fall of 1838, took
up 40 acres opposite the present residence of John L.
Williams, and built the log house now standing. He finally
sold his place to Chailes C. Fowler, and is now living in
Montcalm Co., Mich.
Ira and Lorenzo Barnes and George and Munson Bar-
ron (the former the one from whom Zebulon Williams had
previously purchased land) settled about 1841-42. None
of them are at this time residents of the county.
Daniel Livermore, from Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.,
settled in this township in the fall of 1840, on the south-
west quarter of section 16, where he still resides. He
brought a family of three children with him. A daughter,
born on the old place in April, 1841, is now the wife of
Richard W. Williams.
Isaac Lamb was one of the pioneers of the township,
coming in 1835, or early in 1836.
Stephen Knapp, of Monroe Co., N. Y., married a sister
of Zebulon Williams, and emigrated to Michigan in 1835.
He left his family with that of Mr. Williams, south of
Adrian, while he came to his place in Wheatland and built
a log house thereupon, into which he moved the family
the same season. His sons, James and Perry Knapp,
are yet living in the township, the latter on the old home-
stead. The remaining children were small when their
parents located.*
The first wheat in the township was raised by Anson
Jackson, whose residence on section 1 has been mentioned.
The first frame barns were built, in the summer of 1838,
by Stephen Knapp and Harvey McGee, that owned by the
latter having been erected probably a short time before Mr.
Knapp's. In 1839 one was built by Zebulon Williams.
Among the early frame houses in the township were
those of Lyman Pease and Zebulon Williams ; the latter
•*• Information by R. W. Williams. In Pioneer Society Records,
Perry Knapp states that he settled in November, 1834. He was for
eighteen years a mechanic, and has since followed farming.
192
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
was built in 1844, and the former probably the same year.
It is not now known that any others had been previously
erected in the township.
George Pennoyer, who settled half a mile east of the
present location of the Wheatland town-house, was here as
early as 1836 or 1837. He was a carpenter by trade, and
was the one employed to build Harvey McGee's frame
barn. He received for his work 40 acres of land, valued
at 150.
The first orchards in the township of Wheatland were
set out by Robert Cox, Harvey McGee, and Lyman Pease.
Mr. McGee possibly brought some of his trees from New
York with him. Zebulon Williams, Sr., also set an orchard
early, and from apples raised in it was manufactured the
first cider made from fruit produced in this town. The
apples were taken to a press three miles south of Adrian.
The next year a press was put in operation in the town of
Pittsford, by Hunter Smith, and Mr. Williams and Robert
Cox both took apples to it and had cider made.
John Timms, originally from ICngland, and later a resi-
dent of Wayne Co., N. Y., came to Wheatland in October,
1836, and settled with his wife and six children a half-mile
north of Church's Corners, on land now owned by his son,
William Timms. Mr. Timms died in August, 1838 ; his
widow, who is living in town with her son, William, has
reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, yet is in full
possession of her faculties, and to her we are indebted for
much information. She is the only one now in the neigh-
borhood who was a member of the original Baptist society
at the Corners.
John Timms' son, Daniel, became a prominent physician
in the township. He aided in raising the first frame barn
therein. The Timms family arrived in New York, from
Oxford, England, July 1, 1832, and in Wheatland, Oct.
20, 1836.
Mrs. Timms states that when they came to this town the
only settlers living in the neighborhood in which they lo-
cated were S. S. Douglas, Almon Goff, and Harvey McGee.
The first physician who settled in Wheatland was Dr.
Zachariah Derbyshire, who was living at Wheatland Centre
in 1836, on the corner now occupied by Dr. John Stewart.
These two were in partnership for some time, and the latter
has practiced in the township in the neighborhood of thirty
years.
Jacob Robins and wife, and his brother, William Robins,
came to the town of Wheatland in October, 1835. They
were originally from the State of New Jersey, but previous
to their removal to Michigan had lived ten years in Pal-
myra, Wayne Co., N. Y. Their father, Jonathan Robins,
had located the place now owned by his son, Thomas Rob-
ins, in June, 1835, and William and Jacob came to it for
the purpose of making improvements. The latter had been
married but a month when they came. These two brothers
stopped at first three and a half miles east of this place,
with Jyra Wilcox, who is still living on his old farm, in the
southeast part of town. From Mr. Wilcox's they cut their
•way to their own land, built a log house, and moved into it
some time in November. For ten weeks thereafter they
saw not a solitai;y human being except each other. The
elder Robins came on with the rest of his family — ^four
sons and one daughter — in the spring of 1837. He sur-
vived but a short time, his death occurring in June, 1838.
His son, Thomas Robins, is the present supervisor of the
township.
The brothers, William and Jacob Robins, were the first
settlers in the southwest quarter of what is now Wheatland
township.
John Bailey came in the fall of the same year, or early
in 1836.
Edward L. Way settled in 1836 on the farm next west
of the Robins place, and was from near Batavia, Genesee
Co., N. Y. His old home is at present owned by James
White.
The second white male child born in Wheatland, and the
first who lived,*' was William C. Robins, a son of Jacob
Robins, whose birth occurred October 2, 1836. He is still
a resident of the township.
The first white female child born in town is thought to
have been a daughter of Thomas N. Bailey, born in May,
1835, and now living in the State of New York. Mr. and
Mrs. Bailey afterwards died within a few weeks of each
other, and left an infant daughter, who is now the wife of
Maxwell Davis.
Nathan P. Colwell and Nelson R. Rowley, from the town
of Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., came together to this town
in the fall of 1835 ; Mr. Colwell was married, and Mr.
Rowley single at the time. Mr. Colwell and wife are both
dead. Mr. Rowley still owns his farm in Wheatland, but
stays upon it but a portion of the time, his wife being de-
ceased, and he having broken up housekeeping. A son is
living in Adrian, with whom he makes his home.
The brothers Harry C. and William Tucker were early
arrivals in the township. The latter is deceased, and the
former yet occupies his old place near the west line of town.
Col. Levi Treadwell, from the State of New York, lo-
cated on section 33, in Wheatland, in 1841 ; the old home-
stead is occupied by his son, Chauncey Treadwell. Col.
Treadwell received his title from having held the position
of colonel in the New York State militia.
Albert B. Slocum, from Wayne Co., N. Y., settled in
Wheatland in October, 1843.
John McLouth, Esq., living east of Wheatland Centre,
is an old resident of the township, and a reference to the
list of township oflScers will show his popularity.
The following, from the pen of Charles C. Fowler, now
deceased, is copied from the records of the Hillsdale County
Pioneer Society :
" I came to the Territory in the fall of 1836, in company
with my uncle, Ransel Wood, with but $10 in my pocket.
When we arrived at Monroe, we had to pay a sixpence
apiece for the privilege of lying on the floor of a deserted
grocery-store. We remained there three days, waiting
for a team to take us to Adrian. I did not stay long,
but started for Tecumseh, and there took the Chicago
turnpike, and came as far as Gambleville, in the township
now Somerset. I then left the turnpike, determined to go
to the southern part of the town, now Wheatland. I came
as far as Francis Hill's, who then lived on the farm now
* Mrs. Cook's child has been mentioned as Hving but a few months.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
193
owned by Charles Doolittle. There was no road, and our
only guide was blazed trees. I was now at the end of my
journey ; had spent my $10 and owed $1 more. I immedi-
ately set to work chopping and logging for Deacon John
Bailey. I followed this business for several years, conse-
quently I have helped to clear nearly every farm in this
vicinity. I also helped to clear the track for the Michigan
Southern Railroad. I helped to build the first saw-mill in
this vicinity, and many of the first dwellings. My first
farm was opposite Charles Doolittle's, now owned by John
Wilson. In 1813, I built a log house, and cleared four
acres. I did most of my chopping evenings, and days I
helped some one else. Kept this farm three years, then
sold to a Mr. Dunmore. I then bought the farm on which
the Wheatland town-house is now built ; kept this six or
seven years and sold to John L. Williams ; then bought
the farm I now own, 1 mile north and 80 rods east of the
present town-house."
Mr. Fowler died in May, 1874.
Jesse Hill, from Wayne Co., N. Y., settled in Wheatland,
June 2, 1834. He possessed $200, which he invested in
his present farm.* He was unmarried at that time ; built
a lo^- house 12 by 14 feet in dimensions, and covered it with
bark. The novelty of bachelor life in the woods soon wore
off, and, like all who seek a remedy for such a state of affairs,
he proceeded to get married. He and his bride began house-
keeping with an outfit consisting of a tea-kettle, a skillet,
and a teapot, for cooking utensils; and for furniture, a pole
bedstead, a set of three-legged stools, and a table which he
had manufactured out of a log with the aid of his axe.
For stock, he owned a cow and a yoke of oxen.
Robert Cox, from the State of New Jersey, settled on a
farm in this township in 1835, and is still an honored
resident of the town in which he has lived nearly forty-four
years.
Isaiah Straw, a native of Seneca Co., N. Y., settled in
Wheatland, in November, 183G.
FIRST TOWN-MEETING, CIVIL LIST OF TOWNSHIP, ETC.
Although the township of Wheatland was erected on the
17th of March, 1835, the earliest record of a town-meeting
which we find is for the one held at the house of David
Barnard, on the first Monday in April, 1836, at which the
following persons were elected to the various township
ofiices : Supervisor, Heman Pratt ; Township Clerk, John
McKnight ; Justices of the Peace, Heman Pratt, Nelson
R. Rowley, Elias Branch, and Aaron Van Vleet ; Assessors,
Edmund B. Brown, Alvah Foster, and Job A. Moore ;
Collector, Wm. Hart ; Commissioners of Highways, Lyman
Pease, Orson Herrington, and Jyra Wilcox ; Directors of
the Poor, Eli Eastman and Cornelius Millspaw ; Constables,
Wm. Hart, Lyman Wilcox, and Thomas Jolls ; Overseers
of Road Districts, Elias Branch, Thomas Gamble, Heman
Pratt, John McKnight, Thomas Farmer, Jacob Brown,
Jesse Jackson, Harvey McGee, Lyman Pease, Edward S.
Bascom, Thomas Hill, Emery Ferguson, Thomas N. Bailey,
and Louden Coleman. At a special meeting Elias Alley
was chosen highway commissioner in place of Lyman Pease,
who refused to serve; and Timothy Gay, Francis Hill,
Edmund B. Brown, William Weaver, and Daniel Strong
were appointed overseers of road districts in place of those
who refused to serve in that capacity.
At the election in 1836 it was " Voted, That there be
raised by the town a bounty of five dollars on woolves of
the age of six months or over ; those under that age half
that sum." In 1837 the wolf-bounty was raised to ten
dollars, and in 1838 it was voted to have no bounty upon
them whatever.
At an election held in this town on the second Monday
in September, 1836, to choose a delegate to the State con-
vention at Ann Arbor, Heman Pratt received 33 votes, and
Zachariah Van Duzar, 9.
In the record of the town-meeting, as given above, it will
be seen that many were elected from what is now Somerset.
The latter was not created a separate township until the
spring of 1837, and while it was yet a part of Wheatland
its citizens received a goodly share of the offices of the
township.
The principal officers of Wheatland township, from 1837
to 1877, inclusive, have been the following persons, viz. :
SUPERVISORS.
* Records Pioneer Society.
1837-39. John Bailey.
1840-41. Lyman Pease.
1842-44. John Humphrey.
1845-47. Zebulon Williams.
1848. John Humphrey.
1849-50. Zebulon Williams.
1851. John L. Taylor.
1852. John Livermore.
1853-54. John Humphrey.
1855. Ebenezer Trumbull.
1856. John F. Taylor.
1857-58. John McLouth.
1859. A. B. Slocum.
1860-61. John McLouth.
1862. Thomas Robins.
1863-65. John McLouth.
1866. Benjamin F. Tabor.
1867. John McLouth.
1868-70. B. F. Tabor.
1871, John McLouth.
1872-73. Myron McGce.
1874-76. Benjamin F. Tabor.
1877. Myron McGee.
TOWN CLERKS.
1837-
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843-
1846-
1849-
1851.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
im.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
38. Ebenezer Trumbull.
Zebulon Williams.
Lorenzo Church.
Zachariah Derbyshire.
Zebulon Williams.
45. John Bailey.
•48. Heman Doolittle.
■50. John J. Comstock.
Heman Doolittle.
1852. Daniel Tlmms.
1853. William W. Jennings.
1854. Judson A. Church.
1855-56. William W. Jennings.
1857-59. John Thomas.
1860-70. John L. Williams.
1871-72. Albert H. Moore.
1873-77. Francis G. Church.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Elias Branch.
No record.
Lorenzo Church.
Abram Viele.
Nelson R. Rowley.
John Barnes.
Edward Lumley.
Thomas Fitzsimmons.
Edson Witherell.
Bartlett Bump.
Robert Cox.
Seth Wood.
Horace N. Barnes.
.Joshua Eaton.
Levi Treadwell.
Justus Barber.
Horace N. Barnes.
William Patrick.
Homer C. Davis.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
Homer C. Davis.
L. M. Wood.
Clinton A. Pease.
Edmund Childs.
John S. Adams.
Thomas Robins.
William Barnes.
Bartlett Bump.
B. Bump.
John McLouth.
William Timms.
C. A. Pease.
Henry Clement.
John McLouth.
Henry Clement.
Bartlett Bump.
Clinton A. Pease.
John McLouth.
Henry Clement.
25
194
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
1864. Bartlett Bump.
1873. C. A. Pease.
1862. Horace N. Barnes.
1868. Robert Cox.
1865. Clinton A. Pease.
Rev. E. M. Lewis.
1863. B. F. Tabor.
Perry Knapp.
1866. John McLouth.
1874. John McLouth.
John W. Stewart.
1869. Abram Stafford.
C. A. Pease.
Charles I. Wirts.
C. N. Pease.
1870. Robert Cox.
1867. Henry Clement.
1875. William Yaxley, Sr.
1864. Perry Knapp.
1871. John Peck.
1868. Bartlett Bump.
1876. J. G. Lyon.
Isaac Gates.
1872. A. Stafford.
1869. Clinton A. Pease.
E. S. Brown.
Robert Cox.
1873. Robert Cox.
1870. John McLouth.
1877. C. A. Pease.
1865. Robert Cox.
1874. A. H. Moore.
1871. Lovell Hutchins.
Horace N. Barnes.
1866. Thomas Robins.
1875. Abram Stafford.
1872. James R. Dillon.
1867. John H. Havens.
1876. Robert Cox.
Abram Stafford. 1877. James Humphrey.
ASSES
5S0RS.
1837. Alvah Foster.
1843. Ebenezer Trumbull.
The officers for Wheatland for 1878 are : Supervisor,
Lyman Pease.
Thomas N. Bailey.
1838. Francis Hill.
Lyman Pease.
John Bailey.
1844. Ebenezer Trumbull.
Levi Treadwell.
1845. Horace N. Barnes.
Thomas Robins ; Town Clerk, Francis G. Church ; Treas-
urer, Benjamin F. Brisbin ; Justices of the Peace, M. M.
Comstock, 0. W. Haynes; Commissioner of Highways,
Thomas N. Bailey.
Homer C. Davis.
Nelson W. Giddings ; Township Superintendent of Schools,
1839. Thomas N. Bailey.
Lyman Pease.
George W. Brearley.
1846. H. N. Barnes.
Benjamin A. Farnsworth.
1847. No record.
Daniel W. Barber; School Inspector, John M. Timms;
Drain Commissioner, Samuel H. Oaks ; Constables, Matthew
1840. Thomas Fitasimmons.
1848. D. W. Barber.
Lewis, Myron G. Wood, Herbert H. Barron.
Thomas N. Bailey.
Henry Clement.
Gideon S. Wells.
1849. Ebenezer Trumbull.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
1841. Thomas Farmer.
Thomas N. Bailey.
Albert B. Slocum.
1850-51. No record.
School districts Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were formed at
John Humphrey.
1852. Henry Clement.
a meeting of the township school inspectors, held May 27,
1842. Lyman Pease.
Henry Clement.
H. N. Barnes.
1837 ; district No. 7 was formed on the 6th of November
following; and No. 8 in the fall of 1838. The township
COLLECTORS.
1837. Emery Ferguson.
1838. Robert E. Ferguson.
1839. John Robins.
1840. Hiram Hatfield.
1841. Gershom Willmarth.
TREASURERS.
1839-40. Eli Eastman.
1858. Edmund Childs.
1841. John Bailey.
1859. R. Maynard.
1842. No record.
1860-63. John Livermore.
1843-44. Zebulon Williams.
1864-65. Leman Sweezy.
1845-46. Joshua Eaton.
1866. Melvin M. Bailey.
1847-50. Eli Eastman.
1867. John Livermore.
1851. James O'Neil.
1868. Judson A. Church.
1852-53. Lafayette Church.
1869-71. Leman Sweezy.
1854. Abram Stafford.
1872-73. Seth H. Haynes.
1855. Philo Hallock.
1874. J. M. Livermore.
1856. Lorenzo Saunders.
1875-77. L. A. Sweezy.
1857. George H. Pease.
COMMISSIONERS
OP HIGHWAYS.
1837. Jyra Wilcox.
1846. Walter Culver.
Eli Eastman.
Daniel Van Etten.
Elias Alley.
Phineas P. Randolph.
1838. Eli Eastman.
1847. Daniel W. Barber.
Jyra Wilcox.
Walter Culver.
John Brearley.
John Robins.
1839. Jyra Wilcox.
1848. Thomas Fitzsimmons.
Eli Eastman.
1849. Jacob Robins.
Lyman Pease.
1850. Minor Swick.
1840. Same as previous year.
C. A. Pease.
1841. Eli Eastman.
1851. Henry Carmichael.
Lyman Pease.
1852. Edmund Childs.
Homer C. Davis.
1853. Jacob Robins.
1842. H. C. Davis.
Henry Carmichael.
Lyman Pease.
1854. Gideon S. Wells.
Edson Witherell.
1855. Lorenzo Saunders.
1843. John Brown.
Lyman Pease.
David P. Herrington.
1856. Lyman Pease.
Jacob Robins.
1857. Thomas Robins.
1844. Same.
1858. Harding Hallock.
1846. Phineas P. Randolph.
1859. William S. Humphrey.
Jacob Robins.
1860. Robert E. Ferguson.
Daniel Van Etten.
1861. Harding Hallock.
has been re-districted and changed several times since.
The apportionment of school-money for the districts in this
town for the year 1844 was $102.49.
During the year 1837 three log school-houses — the first
in the township — were built, one in what is now district
No. 5, near the residence of G. S. Wells, another on the
land now owned by Ira Carmichael, and the third near
Thomas N. Bailey's, in the southeast part of town. The
north building was erected in thirteen days, by Charles
Carmichael. He cut out the logs, split and prepared the
flooring, and completed his task, all for the sum of $70.
The first teacher in the Carmichael district was Mrs.
Nancy Herrington, wife of David Herrington, to whom she
had been married the previous winter. She taught a sum-
mer school, and in the following winter the services of
Daniel Bush were secured. He was paid $13 per month,
which was considered an extra price in those days. Mr.
Bush was afterwards ordained as a Methodist minister, and
began preaching on the Jonesville circuit. He is now
located in Grand Rapids.
The first school in what is now district No. 5 was taught
in the winter of 1837-38, by a man named Boodry. The
old log school-house in this district gave place to a frame
building, since moved away, and now used as a dwelling.
The third school-house on the site is the present fine brick
structure, which was built in 1870, by Richard W. Williams,
and cost about $1450. It stands 80 rods west of the spot
occupied by the original log edifice, and is one of four biick
school-houses which have been built in the township. It
is probably the best of them all.
The log school-house in the Bailey neighborhood was
built late in 1837, and was used also as a place in which to
hold religious and other meetings. It was finally removed,
and a frame building erected in its place.
In the Robins neighborhood, the first school was taught
about 1843, by Miss Mary Wells, a sister of Abel Wells,
'^r^^^^^^f^:^^^^^ :!:f;^^^?:" >' •■ s- - ^ •
VIEW FROM THE NORTH EAST.
TENANT (^OUSE:.
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM CURTIS >^1 SONS . WHEATLAND, MICH.
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
195
now of Adams township. Since the war she has been
teaching in Georgia. The building in which this school
was kept was a log house, which stood on the site of the
present residence of Thomas Eobins. It was built for a
dwelling by Joseph Aumock, a half-brother of Jonathan
Kobins, and occupied by him a few years. A log school-
house was built in this district about 1845.
The days of log school-houses are numbered in this
region, and soon those who in their youth were well ac-
quainted with the rude benches and desks, huge fireplaces,
and primitive chimneys, will have passed away, and their
history, with that of the early schools and teachers, will
have been laid away in the storehouse of the past, while at
best but a feeble record of them can be preserved to delight
the future generations who shall peruse it.
STOCK-RAISING.
The farmers in this township are generally the owners of
excellent stock, as the need has been demonstrated for them
in the experience of years. William Curtis and sons have
for some time been engaged in raising and dealing in the
improved short-horn cattle, with such success, financially,
as may be inferred by a visit to their elegant farm-residence
and its surroundings, — the finest in the county. The
Messrs. Curtis are probably the owners of the best herd
of short-horns in the State, and their reputation as breeders
and dealers in this variety is congratulatory in the extreme.
WHEATLAND GRANGE,
of Patrons of Husbandry, was organized early in 1874.
Its first Master was William Timms. Its meeting are held
in the hall at Church's Corners, which was built in the
summer of 1878, by a stock company, for general purposes,
at a cost of $500. The Sons of Temperance also hold
their meetings in it. The principal officers of the grange
in December, 1878, were the following, viz. : Master, L. A.
Eaton ; Overseer, Francis G. Church ; Treas., J. F. Taylor ;
Sec, James Humphrey ; Lecturer, A. B. Slocum.
The present membership is something over 50.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
BAPTIST CHURCH, CHURCH's CORNERS.
The following account of this society, known as the
" First Baptist Church of Wheatland," is taken from its
records. Some time in the latter part of 1837, or early in
1838, " There met at the house of John Bailey, in the town
of Wheatland, Hillsdale Co., Mich., John Bailey, Lewis
Gillet, Moses Densmore, John Timmins, Adna Lull, Mary
E. Lull, Polly Bailey, Ann Timms, Matilda Gillet, Eoxana
Densmore, Harriet Bailey, Joseph H. Padelford, holding
letters from Baptist Churches, and, on consultation, mutually
agreed to organize themselves into a conference for the sup-
port of the worship of God and the order of his kingdom."
" Wheatland^ Feb. 3, 1838. — Met according to appoint-
ment.
" 1st, Voted, That Joseph H. Padelford serve as clerk.
" 2d, Voted, To constitute or form ourselves into a
church.
"3d, Voted, To send to three different churches for
council, — 1st, the church in Somerset ; 2d, to the church
in Bollin ; 3d, to the church in Rome.
*' 4th, Voted, That brethren John Baily, Lewis Gillet,
and Joseph Padelford be a committee to represent the
church.
*' 5th, Voted, That the 23d instant be the day appointed
for the day to meet at the school-house in District No. 6,
at 10 o'clock, A.M.
" Done by order and in behalf of the conference.
"Joseph H. Padelford, Chrhr
The meeting was held Feb. 23, 1838, as appointed, and
the delegates from the other churches, after examining their
records, received them as a sister church. Elders Ezra Rum-
meray (of Somerset), Moses Bennett (of Rollin), and Rus-
sell Hervey (of Rome) were present. Among the other
early members of the church were Lorenzo Church, Mary
Bump, Asenath Gustin, and Minerva Lull. The first dea-
cons were Hugh Ludlam and John Bailey.
Rev. Moses Bennett, who was present at the organiza-
tion, became the first pastor, in connection with the church
at Rollin, Lenawee Co. Elder A. S. Ames preached here
once in two weeks in 1841, and was paid at the rate of $75
a year, — half in produce. He stayed several years ; in 1843
his salary was raised to $200, — half in money. Erastus C.
Gere was licensed by this church to preach in 1843, and
took charge of the Baptist Church at Osseo, in Jeff'erson
township.
Mr. Ames resigned from his charge Oct. 1, 1843, and
was followed by Rev. J. M. Coe, who resigned in March,
1846. Elder Z. A. Alford was next installed, and dis-
missed in November, 1847. Elder Levi Fuller preached
here in 1848, and Elder William Smedmer in 1849.
Among those since have been Revs. P. Forbes, 1854 ; V.
Church, 1856, preaching half the time; William Bassett,
1862; J. B. Kemp, same year; B. T. Bailey, ordained a
minister April 14, 1870; took charge of this society same
summer; M A. Blowers, 1871; E. R. Bennett, 1874;
present pastor. Rev. H. P. Eldridge, who began preaching
here June 16, 1878, and has charge also of the church at
North Adams. The membership of the Wheatland Church
in December, 1878, was 38. A good Sabbath-school is
sustained.
The first meetings of this society were held in a school-
house in the southeast part of town.* A log church was
built in 1841, on land belonging to Thomas N. Bailey, and
occupied for several years. The present frame church at
the Corners was begun in 1850, and completed in 1853, and
in January of the latter year it was dedicated. The society
was legally organized in 1842.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CHURCH's CORNERS.
This society was organized March 4, 1843. Among its
early members were Nelson R. Rowley, Henry Clement, G.
S. Wells, John Robins, William Robins, Mrs. Jane Hum-
phrey, Mrs. Eliza Wells, Mrs. Barbara Robins, Miss Mary
Robins (now Mrs. Crater), Miss Joanna C. Vandervolgen
(now Mrs. James Robins), Mrs. Nancy Hetfield, B. A.
Earns worth, Aaron Clement, Jacob Robins, Jedediah
* The log school-house in the Bailey neighborhood.
106
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Tucker, Mrs. Elizabeth Clement, Miss Catalina Clement,
Miss Jane Clement, Mrs. Mary Robins (mother of Mrs.
Crater), Mrs. T. F. Douglass, Mrs. Lovina Colwell, Mrs.
Margaret Wilcox, Mrs. Mary Yandervolgen, Mrs. Harriet
Clement, Miss Margaret Clement.
The society was organized in a frame school-house in the
southeast part of the town. The first pastor was Rev. Mr.
Pierce, who preached also at Hudson, and stayed about one
year. Among those who have since had charge of the con-
gregation are Revs. Root, of Dover, Lenawee Co.,
Robert Laird, William Wolcott, Josephus Morton, Prof
Churchill, Porter, Edwin Shaw, Elisha M. Lewis, and
the present pastor. Rev. R. Woodworth. Others have
preached here as supplies for a few months at a time.
The first house of worship was a frame building, erected
probably during the pastorate of Mr. Laird. The present
substantial and elegant brick church was built in 1874, and
cost, including furniture, etc., about $9000. It is said to
be the best church in the county outside of the villages.
The old church is now occupied as a grocery and private
school building, the store and school being conducted by
the wife of the present pastor and her brother, Mr. Hopkins.
The membership of the society is at present between 80
and 90. A flourishing Sabbath-school is maintained, with
an average attendance of 100 ; its superintendent is A. W.
Douglas. It possesses a library of about 200 volumes.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
This society has its church in the north part of the town,
and is known as the " First Free-Will Baptist Church of
Wheatland." It was organized at the house of Eli Eastman,
Feb. 19, 1838. The original members were the following
persons, viz.: Francis Hill and wife, George Nokes and wife,
David Alverson and wife, Eli Eastman and wife, Isaac Lamb,
Sr., and wife, and possibly their daughter, and John Thomas.
The organization was effected by Elder Whitcomb.
George Nokes was chosen deacon and Francis Hill clerk.
Elder Whitcomb lived at Cook's Prairie, in Calhoun County.
After the organization an extended revival was held, and a
considerable number of the residents of the township be-
came members. Before this, Charles Carmichael says, " there
was more rifle-shooting done on Sunday than any other day."
Among those who early became identified with this church
were Joseph Wood, Charles Fowler, Bradford Carmichael,
Henry Carmichael, Leonard Billsby, Lyman Noyes, Elijah
Noyes, Jane Trumbull, Mariah Cook, Mary Noyes, Ransel
Wood, George W. Brearly, Robert Woodward, Rebecca
Nokes, Ebenezer Trumbull, Bethiah Barnes, Harriet Fowler,
Charlotte Wood, Cynthia Cook, Phoebe Wood, Mary Hoxsie,
Isaac Lamb, and Charles Carmichael.
The list of pastors since Mr. Whitcomb includes Elders
John Thomas, William Ellwood, James Madison, H. S.
Limbacker, L. B. Potter, S. H. Davis, John Thomas a
second time (here nine years), D. L. Rice, A. A. Myers,
B. L. Prescott For some time it was supplied by college
students, previous to the installation of the present pastor,
Rev. John Harrington.
The membership of the society in December, 1878, was
about 60, and the church affairs were then in a flourishing
^ndition.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, WHEATLAND CENTRE.
Among the early settlers of the township were a few
members of the Methodist denomination, who formed them-
selves into a class about the same time the Free-Will Bap-
tist Church was organized (1838). Some of the first mem-
bers of this class were Elkanah Wood and wife, William
Adams and wife, John Brearley (or Brealey) and wife,
Thomas Fitzsimmons and wife. One Davis organized the
class, and the same person afterwards became presiding
elder of the district. The first meetings were merely mis-
sionary services, held at different places. The present frame
church was built about 1848. The first pastor in charge
here was Rev. John Scottford. The membership in De-
cember, 1878, was in the neighborhood of 40, and the
pastor Rev. Mr. Paddock.
A second Methodist P]piscopal society has a frame church
on the northwest quarter of section 18, in the west part of
town. This society was organized at a comparatively re-
cent period, and its membership is not large.
A society of Wesleyan Methodists, with a limited mem-
bership, has a frame church at Wheatland Centre.
WHEATLAND CENTRE POST-OFFICE.
The township of Somerset was formed from the north
part of Wheatland by an act passed March 20, 1837.
Previous to that time (about 1834) an office, called
Wheatland, had been established at Gambleville, in what
is now Somerset, and Thomas Gamble was appointed first
postmaster. Upon the division of the township the name
of the office was changed to Gambleville, and a new office
established, called Wheatland Centre, on the north line of
the present town of Wheatland. Allen Yan Vleet was the
first postmaster appointed here, and is remembered as a
man considerably addicted to habits of intemperance, yet
always able to attend to the duties of his office. Mail was
carried once a week by Charles Carmichael over the route
between Adrian and Jonesville, and mail passed between
Adrian and Hudson, via Canandaigua, once a week, four
days being the necessary time in which to make the trip.
Previous to the establishment of the old Wheatland
post-office mail was received at Adrian. The present post-
master at the Centre is Leman Sweazy.
Quite a settlement has been built up at the Centre, in-
cluding a store, which is of great convenience to the citi-
zens of the neighborhood, the nearest one at any other
point being several miles away.
church's corners POST-OFFICE.
This locality was named for Lorenzo Church, from the
town of Ontario, Wayne Co., N. Y. He had purchased
land in Wheatland in 1834, and in January, 1838, came
alone to it, built a log house and made a small clearing, and
in June following his wife and eight children also came.
The old homestead is now owned by his sons, Francis G.
and Judson A. Church, on northwest quarter of section 27
and southwest of 22. The old log house stood on the north
side of the road, on section 22. The frame dwelling in
which the Messrs. Church at present reside was built by
Dr. Daniel Timms, on a small lot purchased of Lorenzo
'55*S*(^^
Harvey M^Gee.
John W. Steward.
/\lmon Gorr,
SamuelCombs.
PHOrOSBT CARSUN fkCRAHAM.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
197
Church for the purpose, the latter afterwards buying the
property back.
About 1844-45 a store was established at the Corners
by Asaph Wood, who conducted business here for two or
three years, or until his death. He was from the town of
Walworth, Ontario Co., N. Y. This was the only store in
the locality previous to the one now owned by the Congre-
gational minister.
Church's Corners post-office was established in July,
1870, previous to which time the citizens of this part of
the township received their mail at Hudson, Lenawee Co.
Francis G. Church was appointed first postmaster, and has
been continued in office to the present.
Among those who have furnished information in this
town are Charles Carmichael, G. S. Wells, Richard W.
Williams, F. G. Church and brother, Mrs. Timms, Sr.,
Mrs. Timms, Jr., Thomas Robins, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL COMBS,
the subject of this sketch, was born in Orleans Co., N. Y.,
April 8, 1818 ; he was of English descent. His father,
Richard Combs, was born in England, and served in the
English army, which he left to come to America. He
landed in New York City, and from there went to Orleans
Co., N. Y., where he married a Miss Hannah Elkhorn, and
settled, — choosing the occupation of farming. He after-
wards moved to Washtenaw Co., Mich., where he died.
Samuel came with his father to Michigan, in 1839, but
soon went back to New York. Again, in 1840, he found
himself working on the farm with his father, which he con-
tinued to do, except when living with Darius Comstock,
up to the time of his marriage, which took place Sept. 3,
1843 ; the bride being Miss Cynthia Bachelder, daughter
of Samuel and Sally (Kithridge) Bachelder. Soon after
his marriage he bought of Darius Comstock the east one-
half of the southeast one-quarter of section 33, in Wheat-
land township, Hillsdale Co. ; the land being new, with
hardly a stick cut. On this land he built a small log house,
which occupied the site of the present brick structure,
which was built by him. It was winter when* the log house
was built, but Mr. Combs and his young wife moved in,
though it was only roofed. Mr. Combs improved this farm,
or the south part of it. The north half he sold, and then
bought the southwest one-quarter of the southwest one-
quarter, section 34, which he cleared up and improved.
He was a man of sterling worth, and one whom to know
was to esteem and respect. His neighbors say of him
" that he was an honest, industrious man, a good manager,
a worthy citizen, and a generous and true friend." In
politics he was a Republican. He died Feb. 22, 1859.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Combs six children, as
follows: Hannah, born June 7, 1846; Seymour, born Feb.
19, 1850; Lyman S., born Feb. 14, 1853; Loring E.,
born June 4, 1854 ; Thomas F., born Oct. 18, 1857 ; and
Alvin B., born July 10, 1860. Of these, Hannah and
Seymour died in 1853.
DK. JOHN W. STEWARD.
Among the self-made men of Hillsdale County none can
better lay claim to that title than Dr. John W. Steward,
the subject of this sketch, who was born in Wolcott,
Wayne Co., N. Y., July 24, 1817. His father, Jabez
Steward, was born in Paxton, Worcester Co., Mass., in the
year 1770. In the year 1796 Jabez Steward was married
in Deerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., to Miss Rachel Warren,
who was born in Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Mass., in the
year 1777. After his marriage (in 1810) he moved to
Wayne Co., N. Y., where he followed the occupation of a
miller, and where he died, leaving a family of ten chil-
dren.
After the death of his father Dr. Steward, who was the
youngest of the family, went to live with his brother
Daniel, with whom he made his home until he was fifteen
years old. Up to this time his opportunity for acquiring
an education had been limited to a district school. With
this he was not satisfied, and he attended several terms the
academies at Geneva and Oaks Corners, N. Y., earning
the means to pay his way by working at the carpenter's
trade. On the 3d day of September, 1843, he was mar-
ried to Miss Caroline L. Powell, daughter of Jonathan L.
and Saphronia S. (Glover) Powell. She was born in
Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 22, 1823. There have
been born to them five children, as follows: Sarah S., born
June 7, 1844; William P., born Sept. 3, 1846; Lillian
E., born May 25, 1849; John F., born July 5, 1858;
and Geo. W., born Aug. 17, 1860.
In September, 1843, Mr. Steward with his young wife
moved to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and he at once commenced
the study of medicine with Dr. Franklin French, who was
located in Hillsdale village. He afterwards attended the
medical schools of Geneva and Buff"alo, graduating at the
latter in 1848. Up to this time life with the young medi-
cal student and his family had been anything but a holiday.
But with him there was no turning back, and although
their means were limited, they managed to keep the wolf
from the door until the doctor graduated, when he at once
located in Wheatland, taking the place of Dr. Derbyshire,
who was the first physician in that township, and by whom
he was cordially welcomed.
He made a tour to California of a year and a half, from
January, 1853, to May, 1854. He commenced practice
near Reading village (then Basswood Corners) in 1846,
but the following year removed to Wheatland, where he
has for more than thirty years practiced medicine, meeting
with marked success, and now has an extensive and lucra-
tive practice.
Dr. Steward 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 made
no effort to become rich, but has spent his surplus means
in educating his family. He has always been active in
school matters, and has been one of the school inspectors
of his township for many years. In politics the doctor
has always been an ardent Republican, in his religious
views is liberal, and is an earnest worker in the temperance
cause.
198
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
SETH WOOD.
MRS. SETH WOOD.
SETH WOOD,
the subject of this sketch, was born Aug. 17, 1803, in
Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood,
adopting the occupation of a farmer.
Nov. 4, 1829, he was married to Lydia Gates, who was
born in Hartford, Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1811.
After his marriage he resided on the homestead of his father
four years, when he determined to seek his fortune in a new
country, and at once turned his face westward. He bought
a farm in Lorain Co., 0., not an acre of which was cleared.
On this wild land Mr. Wood erected a log house, into which
they moved before there was a door or window, and when
neighbors were few and far between. On this farm he
lived until 1841, clearing and improving the same. He
then sold out and again wended his way westward, bringing
up in Wheatland, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he again
bought a new farm, being part of sections nineteen and
thirty. In this home, which he cleared up and improved,
he resided till his death, which occurred Jan. 8, 1855.
Mr. Wood was a man of industrious and frugal habits, a
man esteemed and loved by his neighbors and friends. He
was for many years a member of the Baptist Church and
one of its deacons. In early life he was a member of the
Macedon Rifle Company, of which he was lieutenant, and
finally for several years its captain. In politics, he was
in early days a Whig, latterly a Republican, and by the
latter party he was elected a justice for Wheatland. To
Mr. and Mrs. Wood were born seven children, as follows:
Esther, born April 17, 1831 ; Levi W., born April 29,
1833 ; Huldah J., born June 6, 1835 ; May, born May 6,
1838 ; Martha, born Sept. 3, 1840 ; Myron G., born April
23, 1843; George B., born Sept. 7, 1845 ; Sarah B., born
June 30, 1848; and Permilla E., born May 4, 1852.
Myron G. Wood was married May 24, 1866, to Miss
Susan Crater, daughter of Mathias and May Crater. Four
children have been born to them, — May, born Nov. 23, 1868 ;
Hattie, born Jan. 5, 1873 ; Elsie, born April 20, 1876 ;
and Bessie, born July 27, 1878.
The old homestead is now owned by Myron Wood, who
is looked upon as one of the most energetic, thorough young
farmers in his township.
ALMON GOFF.
Among the earliest settlers of Wheatland township was
Almon Goff, the subject of this sketch. Born among the
green hills of Vermont, he imbibed in his childhood a
love for adventure and travel. He was born Aug. 1, 1808,
and resided with his father (who moved from Vermont to
Ontario Co., N. Y., when he was quite young) until 1832,
when he was married to Freelove Craft, when he commenced
life for himself with nothing but an indomitable will, and
health and strength. In 1834 he emigrated with his young
wife to what was then the wilds of Southern Michigan, and
bought from the government, part of the northeast quarter
of section 27 in Wheatland. This land he owned a couple
of years, when he sold out and bought the southeast quarter
section 28, which he improved, and built thereon fine build-
ings. April 4, 1859, he again started for a new country,
going with a party over the plains to California, where, for
a few years, he engaged In mining. From California he
went to Nevada, where he died Oct. 25, 1865. His wife
died June 19, 1856. Mr. Gofi" was a man of great energy,
and possessed of good business talents. His benevolence
was unbounded, and many a poor person remembers with
gratitude Mr. Almon Goff. In his will, made before he
went to California, he bequeathed his fine property to his
adopted daughter, now Mrs. J. I. Davis, who has caused
his portrait to be inserted in the history of Hillsdale County
as a slight token of the love and gratitude she feels for him,
her more than father.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
199
HARVEY McGEE,
the subject of this sketch, was born Sept. 12, 1809, in On-
tario Co., N. Y., where he grew to manhood. His chances
for an education were very limited, being such as was to be
obtained at the district schools of the time, working on the
farm summers with his father, and attending school a few
months in the winter. He also chose farming as an occu-
pation, and in it became very successful. On the 29th
day of October, 1833, he was married to Martha Martin,
who proved to be a pioneer wife and mother of the right
metal, bearing the hardships of Western life without a
murmur, and raising a large family of children. In 1834,
Mr. McGee came to Michigan, part of the way in a wagon,
and bought of the government the northwest quarter section
21, and the northeast quarter of northeast quarter section 20 ;
to this he added until he owned at his death five hundred and
forty acres of fine land, mostly improved, all of which was in
a wild state when bought. Mr. McGee was a man of sterling
worth, a man who gained the respect and friendship of all.
It is said of him " that he was an energetic, industrious
man, and one of the best managers and business men in the
town, that his hospitality was unbounded," — a trait inherited
by all his sons. In 1849 he went to California, going over-
land with an ox-team, a year being consumed in going.
He worked in the mines one year, and was very successful.
Again, in 1856, he returned to the land of gold, this time
for his health, which had become seriously impaired by over-
work and application to business ; was gone two years. The
climate seemed to be of no benefit, and he returned home
and again carried on his farm, which he continued to do up
to the time of his death, which occurred Aug. 25, 1862.
In politics he was a Republican, though never a politician.
He was for many years a member of the Methodist Church.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. McGee seven children, as
follows : George, born Aug. 29, 1834 ; Jane, born Aug. 25,
1837; Joel, born March 8, 1839; Maria, born Aug. 24,
1840; Myron, born Dec. 8, 1842; Laura, born June 8,
1846 ; and Harvey, born July 3, 1848.
At the time they settled here it was three miles to their
nearest neighbor. It was three months from that time be-
fore Mrs. McGee saw another woman.
NELSON R. ROWLEY.
Among the earliest settlers in the southeast part of Wheat-
land was Nelson R. Rowley, the subject of this sketch.
He was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., March 20, 1810. By
the death of his parents, he was thrown upon the world at
the age of eight years. He lived with an uncle three years,
when he went to Seneca Co., N. Y., and hired out by the
year to work on a farm. During the winter months he
attended a district school, making such good use of his
time that he acquired a good common-school education.
Arriving at the age of twenty-five years, he resolved to
seek for himself a home in what was then the wilderness of
Southern Michigan, and in 1835 he came to Wheatland,
where he bought from the government the northwest
quarter of section 25, which he still owns. After purchas-
ing his farm, he returned to New York, where he worked
one year, and then returned to his farm in Michigan. He
at once built a log house, and commenced clearing up and
improving his land. Also, at this time, he became ac-
quainted with Miss Phebe Hall, who was, and had been
for six years, a teacher in the high school at Williamsport,
Pa. The acquaintance soon ripened into an attachment,
and Oct. 17, 1843, they were joined in marriage. She was
born in Geneva, N. Y., Nov. 5, 1810. This estimable lady,
though born and reared in a large town, cheerfully and
willingly commenced her married life in the log house her
husband had built, and where she presided, a model pioneer
wife and mother, until the old home was deserted for a new
and luxurious one on the same farm. Their union was
blessed by four children, as follows : Stephen N., born Sept.
6, 1844 ; Ella Jane, born May 1, 1849 ; Anna Russ, born
June 17, 1851 ; and Harriet H., born Sept. 28, 1852. In
1876 Mrs. Rowley was attacked with a lingering disease,
from the effects of which she died July 24, 1877, her
death regretted by a large circle of friends. Mr. Rowley
has been for many years a member of the church, and has
done much to advance the cause of religion in his town-
ship. He was present at the organization of the first
church society organized in the Bean Creek Valley, and
became a member of that church. Upon the organization
of the Congregational Church in Wheatland, he became a
member of the society, and has ever since been one of its
deacons and trustees. In politics Mr. Rowley has always
been a Republican, but never an office-seeker, though in an
early day he was for several years a justice of the peace.
ALBERT B. SLOCUM.
Smith Slocum was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1787,
where he grew to manhood. In early life he was married
to Miss Elizabeth Bliss, who was born in the same county,
in 1795. In 1816 he emigrated to Macedon, Wayne Co.,
N. Y., where he engaged in farming. He resided here
until 1834, when he sold and moved into the town of Per-
rinton, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he died in October, 1835,
leaving a wife and seven children, as follows: Albert B.,
Benjamin, Amy, Ann Mercy, Almeda, Nathan, and Sarah.
The eldest of these, Albert B. Slocum, the subject of this
sketch, who was then but seventeen years old, thus early
found himself the head of a family.
He was born March 19, 1818, in Wayne Co., N. Y.
After his father's death he remained on the farm working
for the general good of all till he was twenty-five years old.
He was married Aug. 30, 1843, to Miss Cordelia E. Tread-
well, daughter of Col. Levi Tread well and Olive (Eaton)
Treadwell. She was born Feb. 9, 182L To them were
born three children, Lewellyn, Helen, and Charles. Mr.
Slocum having lost his wife was again married Oct. 22,
1867, to Mrs. Sophia Knight, daughter of Joseph and Anna
(Cottrell) Morrison. She was born April 12, 1836. This
union has been blest with one child, Anna E., born May
14, 1877. In 1843, Mr. Slocum emigrated to Michigan,
and bought the west half of the southwest quarter of sec-
tion 28, in Wheatland, which was then new, not a stick
having been cut. The first winter he was in Michigan he
taught a district school, by which means he paid for cutting
200
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
off the first ten acres cleared on his farm. He has since
added to it, until now he owns two hundred acres of fine
land, mostly under cultivation, with large and commodious
buildings, a view of which appears on another page of this
work. He has never sought office, but has many times
been elected to fill the different offices in the gift of the
people of his town and district. Soon after he came to
Michigan he was elected school inspector, which office he
held several years. In early life he was a Free-Soil Demo-
crat, but on the organization of the Republican party he
was among the first to join its ranks, and was a delegate to
the County Convention which sent delegates to Jackson,
when that party was finally organized. In 1859 he was
elected superintendent of his township. In the fall of
1864 he was chosen by his party to represent the Third
District of Hillsdale County in the State Legislature,
which position he held to the credit of himself and his
constituents. During the war he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Blair and Provost-Marshal-General Fry a recruiting-
officer, and rendered valuable aid in clearing his town from
the draft. He took an active part in organizing the Hills-
dale County Agricultural Society, and at the first meeting
held to elect officers was chosen one of its directors, hold-
ing that position at the time the present Fair Grounds
were bought. He was afterwards elected president of the
society, holding the position two years, and is still an officer
of the same. Mr. Slocum has always led an active busi-
ness life, and one that he can recall with much satisfaction.
THOMAS ROBINS.
x\mong the earliest settlers in the southwest part of
Wheatland township was Jonathan Robins, who was born
Nov. 8, 1785, in Hunterdon Co., N. J., where he was mar-
ried, Jan. 17, 1807, to Miss Mary Vossler. He resided in
his native county, following the occupation of a farmer,
until December, 1826, when he moved to Wayne Co., N. Y.,
where he worked on a rented farm until 1837, when
he moved with his family to Wheatland, and bought from
the government the southwest quarter of section 29, the
east half of the southeast quarter of section 30, the east
half of the northeast quarter section 31, and the west half
of the northwest quarter section 32. This land he owned
at his death, which occurred June 25, 1838. After his
death the land was divided among his eight children, and
is still owned by the family. Thomas Robins, the subject
of this sketch, was the sixth child, and was born in Hunter-
don Co., N. J., Sept. 21, 1821. He resided with his mother
and brothers up to the time of his marriage with Miss
Laura Wood, which took place Dec. 10, 1850. She was
the daughter of Freeman and Morilla (Gates) Wood, and
was born in Massachusetts. After his marriage he built
a house on the land given him by his father, into which
he took his bride, although it was only partly finished.
Mr. Robins now owns ninety acres of land in a fine state
of improvement, which has been the work of his own hands.
In politics he was a Whig till the formation of the Repub-
lican party, since which time he has been one of its most
ardent supporters. By it he was elected supervisor in the
spring of 1862, holding the office one term, and then de-
clining a renomination. Again, in 1878, he was elected
supervisor, which office he now holds. Has also been com-
missioner of highways. He has been a member of the
Congregational Church of Wheatland since its organization,
and most of the time one of its officers. Mr. and Mrs.
Robins have had born to them three children, as follows :
Luther A., born Sept. 16, 1851 ; Carrie, born Aug. 29, 1856,
and George F., born Nov. 13, 1863.
WRIGHT.^
The opening of the year 1835 looked upon the territory
comprised within the limits of the present town of Wright
as a vast, dense, and almost impenetrable forest. The tow-
ering sycamores along the water-courses, the dome-topped
elms of the bottoms, the sturdy oaks and the graceful
maples of the uplands, all lifted their arms towards heaven,
vying in strength and beauty one with another, and joined
with one voice, in full accord and perfect harmony, in adora-
tion and praise of their Creator. Swept gently by the
breeze, or more rudely by the blasts of the tempest, their
branches waved or tossed about, and their thousand voices
united like the swelling chords of some immense organ in
a grand and majestic hymn of praise :
*' This is the forest primeval.'*
It was then a part of the town of Wheatland, and was
* Prepared by C. W. Brown.
known in the United States survey as township 8 south, of
range 1 west. A fractional part of town 9, south of the
same range, also belongs to the present town.
At this time there was great activity among people living
at the East who desired to secure homes in the Western
country, and also among the capitalists, who looked upon
these lands as profitable investments for purposes of specu-
lation. Both classes were eager and busy in looking up
the most favorable locations to suit their tastes and purposes.
As a natural result of this feeling the lands of this town
were rapidly taken up and entered, nearly the whole town-
ship passing from the possession of the government into the
hands of private owners. The following is a list of pur-
chasers of lands in town 8 south in the year 1835 :
Section 4. — Gates, Lothrop & Olney, Lewis M. Gates
and Charles Converse, February 15 ; N. Bryant, Novem-
ber 4 ; David Short, November 16.
Section 5.— Lewis Gates, July 15 ; Mary Marahall and
ffEsi PENCE Of /HOMAcb ROa I Ni:i. Wheat LAN D.Mich.
Residence or UBEUS H.ROOT, WRIGHT, Mjchican.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
201
Royal Raymond, November 3 ; John M. Lickley, Novem-
ber 7 ; David, Short, November 16.
Section 6. — Christopher Clement, October 17; Royal
Raymond, November 3 ; Wilber Ames, November 7.
Section 7. — Jonathan Howland, October 24; Samuel
Miller, November 2 ; Stephen Thorn and S. D. Daken,
November 9.
Section 8. — Michael Lickley, November 7 ; Moses Moore,
November 9; Stephen Thorn, James Sager, and James
Thorn, November 10.
Section 9. — Lewis M. Gates, July 15 ; John B. Skin-
ner, July 31; David Short, November 16.
Section 10. — Lewis M. Gates, July 15 ; John B. Skin-
ner, July 23 ; A. S. Berry, November 12.
Section 11. — Alexander Duncan, July 6.
Section 12. — Job S. Littlefield, June 26; Alexander
Duncan, July 6 ; Asa D. Reed, July 18 ; Thomas C. Saw-
yer, September 30 ; William Cavender and Arthur Lucas,
October 7.
Section 13. — Alexander Duncan, July 6 ; Thomas C.
Sawyer, September 29.
Section 14. — Alexander Duncan, July 4 ; Hiram Lucas,
October 7 ; A. J. Comstock, December 26.
Section 15. — Nathaniel Silsbee, July 30 ; Samuel Coman,
October 7.
Section 17. — Isaac M. Sturgis, November 9 ; Stephen
Thorn and J. Sawyer, November 10 ; Nathan Birdsall,
December 12.
Section 18. — David Short, November 16.
Section 20. — Joseph R. Williams, November 10 ; Jane
Shute, November 26.
Section 21. — Joseph R. Williams, November 10.
Section 22. — Alexander Duncan, July 6 ; Joshua Tomp-
kins, July 18; Samuel Coman, October 7.
Section 23. — Alexander Duncan, July 6 ; William Tap-
penden, July 9 ; William Raleigh, October 27.
Section 24. — William Tappenden, July 7 ; Alexander
Duncan, July 21.
Section 25. — Thomas Smith, July 9 ; Benjamin F.
Brown, December 10.
Section 26. — Thomas Smith, July 9 ; Henry P. Gard-
ner, October 27.
Section 27. — Langford G. Berry, November 12.
Section 29. — Charles H. Covall, October 20 ; Jane Shute,
November 26.
Section 31. — The whole section was entered by Charles
H. Covall on the 20th of October.
During the spring and summer of this year Mrs. Hiram
Lucas, who resided at the village of Adrian, in writing to
her father, Samuel Coman, then living at or near the city
of Rome, in the State of New York, gave him such glow-
ing descriptions of the beauties of this country, which she
looked upon as the emigrant's Eldorado, that he became
enamored of it, and resolved at least to see it, and if he
found that it sustained its reputation for worth and beauty
to make it his future home. Having this in view, he wrote
to his son Russell, who had been a resident of the West since
1825, and who was then living in Dearborn Co., Ind., to
meet him at Adrian on a designated day in September, to
aid him in prospecting for and locating land should he find
26
himself suited with the country. They met in Adrian accord-
ing to the appointment, and, accompanied by Hiram Lucas,
proceeded to Canandaigua. At that place they hired Arthur
Lucas and Calvin Pixley to guide them in their wanderings
through the unbroken wilderness. The forest was at that
season decked with its most gorgeous and attractive dress.
The pencil and brush of nature's most gifted artist had
touched, tinted, and colored the foliage till it glowed with
its wealth of red and purple, russet, crimson, and gold.
From the festoons of the clinging vines hung pendent
large bunches of fox grapes, their deep, rich color con-
trasting vividly with the parti-colored foliage. The early-
falling leaves had formed a soft, rustling carpet beneath
their feet, and the fruits of the nut-bearing-trees — the
beech, oak, hickory, and walnut — kept up a continual pat-
tering as they, loosened by the touch of the early frost,
fell from their elevated positions among the branches.
Squirrels chattered noisily among the branches ; wild tur-
keys crossed their path, and stole away at their approach ;
rabbits sat and stared at them for a moment, and then leaped
away to their coverts in the underbrush ; and wide-eyed
deer, after giving a momentary gaze of astonishment at the
unwonted apparitions, bounded away with flying leaps
through the aisles of the echoing forests. The forest
primeval was in its gala dress, and no wonder that it cap-
tivated the hearts of the entire party. And such it seems
was the result, for every member of the party, guides and
all, made selection of land, and subsequently entered it at
the Monroe land-office. The land selected by the Comans
was on sections 15 and 22, and was entered by Samuel
Coman on the 7th of October, he stopping at Monroe for
that purpose when returning to his home in New York.
The two Comans, father and son, returned to their re-
spective homes to make preparations for the removal of
their families to the new homes they had selected. Russell
Coman had left the parental home, in the State of New
York, in 1825. With a small boat so affixed to the run-
ning-gear of a wagon as to supply the place of a wagon-box,
and accompanied by a young man, he started West to seek
his fortune. Arriving at the head-waters of the Ohio
River, he dismounted his boat, and, launching it upon that
stream, dropped down with the current till he reached the
mouth of the Miami River, where he disembarked, and
found a home in Dearborn Co., Ind. March 12, 1829, he
married Miss Ann McMath, and the union was blessed with
three Indiana-born children, one of them being an infant at
the breast when the journey to Michigan began. Immedi-
ately upon his arrival at his Indiana home, Russell Coman
packed his goods, loaded them in a Hoosier wagon, with his
wife and three children, and with two yokes of oxen drawing
the loaded wagon, began his journey to Michigan, — to the
land where he was to find so pleasant a home for himself and
for his family. In due time they arrived at Adrian, and
stopped at the house of Hiram Lucas, Mr. Coman's brother-
in-law. While there the youngest child died. Mr. Coman em-
ployed Hiram and Arthur Lucas to assist him, and, leaving
his family at Adrian, went to his land and built his first house,
which was also the first one erected within the limits of the
town. It was soon so far completed as to allow of its being
occupied by the family, and they moved into it some time
202
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
between Christmas, 1835," and New Year's Day, 1836. His
house stood on the east line of section 15, near the middle
of the section, from north to south, and was afterwards, for
many years, the residence of Samuel Coman, and on the
farm now owned by Jacob Shaneour. Here Russell Co-
man's family began their pioneer life, — the first, and until the
following February the only, family in the town.
During the winter of 1835-36, Royal Raymond, Joseph
Pixley, and Truman Bown are believed to have settled in
town, — Raymond on the farm now owned by William
Bradley, Joseph Pixley where the widow Root lives, and
Bown where the late Timothy Johnson so long lived.
In the spring of 1836, in the month of May, Mr. Michael
Lickley and his family settled in the northwest part of the
town, on parts of sections 5 and 8. At a subsequent date
his brother, John M. Lickley, settled on lands in section 6.
The locality soon assumed, by common usage and consent,
the name of " Lickley's Corners," and retains the same to
the present time. The children of these two brothers grew
to maturity and settled in the vicinity, so that there are now
many families of the name of Lickley living near by, which
makes the name of the locality very appropriate.
With the opening of spring (1836) Mr. Samuel Coman
started with his family for the wilds of Michigan. The
party consisted of himself and wife, his son Curtis and his
wife, his daughters Lydia and Orpha, and his sons Samuel
P., Stephen W., Francis H., and William E. After reach-
ing Toledo, the goods were loaded in wagons and drawn by
teams, the party following on foot ; thus the journey was con-
tinued. From Toledo to their destination the party, includ-
ing the women, walked nearly the whole distance. At
Canandaigua they were directed to Hudson, and from that
point they took the road south, and encamped at its end on
the top of the hill south of Lowe's Mill, in Pittsford. A
family had lately arrived there and built a shanty. Leav-
ing most of the party in camp, the boys started out to find
their brother, Russell Coman, which they accomplished in
due time, and the rest of the party was then piloted to their
forest home. They arrived on the 23d day of June, and
the little cabin for a time fairly buzzed with busy life, having
as its inmates 15 persons. The large covered wagon was
backed up close by the cabin, and afibrded a lodging-place
for the boys. It was not long, however, before a second
cabin was ready for occupancy, the many hands and willing
hearts making the task a light one, and into this cabin
Curtis Coman and wife moved and divided the large family.
Russell Coman established his home on the northwest
. quarter of section 22.
About that time James Wilson commenced a settlement
on section 27, in the south part of the town, and his
brother, Myron Wilson, also settled in that locality, on
section 34.
Edward Davis, who has the honor of being known as the
fii-st settler in town 9 south, also commenced a clearing and
built himself a log house, on the northwest corner of the
northwest quarter of section 3, at about this time.
Joseph L. Farnham also settled on section 22 at about
the same time. His family then consisted of himself and
wife, two daughters, and his mother. They brought with
them two cows, and these were depended on to iurnish the
principal part of the sustenance of the family. As their
range was wide they very often strayed far from home, and
sometimes "laid out" overnight, and on sucli occasions
caused much hardship to those who were thereby cut short
of their usual rations.
During the year 1836 the country filled up quite rapidly.
A great many of the purchasers of land in 1835 came on
and built cabins on their places. Of course these cabins
were isolated, many acres of heavy timber having to be
cut before they could be brought within view of one
another. But with stout hearts and strong arras the set-
tlers went to work with a will. The ringing blows of the
axe echoed and re-echoed in every direction, startling the
dumb inhabitants of the forest from their wonted serenity,
and the thunderous crash with which the mighty forest
giants fell prone to the earth was multiplied in every direc-
tion, forming an almost continuous crash. Before the
winter of 1836-37 set in, most of them had their door-
yards clear of logs and a little wheat was sown. The
Comans sowed one acre of wheat that fall, and from it, in
the summer of 1837, harvested 14 bushels of grain. Curtis
Coman had, before leaving his Eastern home, purchased a
small patent mill, for which he paid $25. He now built
a frame, mounted it, and fitted it for use. In this mill he
ground the wheat they had raised, and in after-years the
old gentleman assured his friends that he never felt so in-
dependent in his life as at that time. The frame of the
mill is still kept as a souvenir of the days of '36.
The settlers had to endure great hardships during the
years 1836, '37, and '38. They had to clear the land of
its heavy timber before crops could be raised, and were for
a time dependent on the outside world for the greater part
of their provisions. During the summer of 1836 the
Coman family succeeded in raising a little corn among the
logs, and it is presumed that other settlers did the same,
but this alone did not furnish even the most frugal subsist-
ence for the pioneer families. The settlements to the
northward had not raised sufficient for their own needs, and
had none to spare, and it became necessary to import pro-
visions from points at the East, — a work that involved much
expenditure of time and money and the enduring of much
hardship, and often resulted very unsatisfactorily, as the
provisions thus secured, though dear in price, were often
found to be poor in quality. It took about all the means
the farmers possessed to carry them through the first winter
of their life here, and it was two or three years before they
had got things into such a shape as to assure a comfortable
living. Most of them had cows, and as pasturage was both
abundant and free, they proved a great help in the way of
furnishing a healthy and nutritious article of food for the
maintenance of their families. One. drawback, however,
detracted from their usefulness : there were no line-fences to
keep them within bounds, and they frequently would stray
away and be gone for several days at a time. One su-ch
incident is related of an experience in the case of Joseph L.
Farnham's family. The time of its occurrence is not defi-
nitely known, but it is reasonable to suppose that it was
during the first summer's life in the woods. It is vouched
for by a prominent member of the fii*st family, and also by
a member of Mr. Farnham's family.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
203
The cows had strayed off, and had been gone for several
days. Mr. Farnham had tramped many weary miles through
the woods Searchmg for them, but had not met with any
success whatever. The family, thus deprived of their prin-
cipal article of food, were reduced to the verge of starvation.
At last Farnham and his wife started out for another look,
and after several hours of weary search found that instead
of finding the cows they had lost themselves, and knew not
in which direction to turn to reach their home. Sitting
down, they talked the matter over, and as the helplessness
of their situation became more and more apparent, as they
saw more and more clearly that either in the woods or at
home they were seemingly doomed to die of starvation, — for
not a mouthful of food did they possess, — is it any wonder
that the horror of their situation overcame them, and that,
clasped in one another's arms, they wept many bitter, de-
spairing tears ? But the thought of the old mother and
those loved daughters spurred them to renewed action, and
they made another effort to find, not the cows, but them-
selves. In this they were successful, and at last, tired and
hungry, arrived at their cabin. During the time they were
in the woods the grandmother, impelled by the gnawings
of hunger, looked about to find some scrap or crust that
might have been previously overlooked, and which might
for a time satisfy her craving for food. Rummaging among
the contents of an old trunk, she found the string ends of
several pieces of dried beef, which had been left after the
more edible portion had been shaved off and used. These
had been forgotten until now, and the old lady gathered
them together, chopped them very fine, soaked them soft,
and by adding a little salt and a few savojy wild herbs, suc-
ceeded in making a very palatable mess of pottage, and had
it just ready for the table when the lost cow-hunters appeared
at the door. Thus was the grim spectre driven from the
fireside at that time. Many such incidents transpired in
the history of nearly every family, and only as the country
w^as developed, and the dense woodland gave place to fertile
fields, did the settlers escape from the occasional pinching
pains of hunger and from other privations as well.
Of these early settlers in the town of Wright many have
passed beyond the bounds of earth, while others, having
reached the time of " the sere and yellow leaf," have laid
aside the implements of their active warfare, and amid
friends and kindred are in calm retirement, awaiting the
call to pass on into the unknown future. Samuel, Russell,
Samuel P., and Francis H. Coman have all been gathered
to their fathers. Curtis and Stephen W. are still residents
of this town, and William E. is living at Chicago. Michael
Lickley has recently removed to, and now lives at, Hudson,
and John M. is living with a son on the homestead he took
up more than twoscore years ago. Edward Davis died some
seventeen years since, and his widow survived him until
the present winter (1878-79), when she, too, passed over
the river. James Wilson died a year or two since, and
Myron H. is still living near. South Wright. Joseph L.
Farnham died in January, 1876. His wife died in 1844,
and he was subsequently married to Miss Laura Maples.
She is still living on the homestead.
April 12, 1837, the first white child born in the town-
shop was born at the cabin of Russell and Ann Coman.
It was a daughter, and received the name of Marion. She
grew to womanhood in the town, was educated in its public
schools, and after teaching several years went to California,
whither an elder sister had preceded her, married Mr. Har-
rison Dayton, and died February 28, 1870, leaving a family
of three children. The second white child, and the first
white male child born within the limits of the town, was
Porter Raymond, a son of Royal Raymond.
Among the earliest weddings, the exact date of which is
not known, was that of Benjamin F. Brown, of this town,
and Beulah Willits, of Medina. The ceremony was per-
formed by Amos W. Clark, Esq., then recently elected to
a magisterial office. It occurred on a Sabbath morning.
The '^ parlor" used on the occasion was a part of a field of
wheat, and the " seat of honor" was formed by a rail laid
across a corner of the fence. Notwithstanding these primi-
tive surroundings, the worthy squire succeeded in tying a
durable knot that firmly united the " two hearts that beat as
one," and no doubt as much joy and happiness resulted from
the union as is usually the case even in this advanced and
progressive age.
Rev. William E. Warner, of Medina, preached the first
sermon in this town, on the occasion of a funeral in the
family of Mr. Pixley. It is presumable that this death was
also the first one in the town.
The first framed house in the town was erected by Wil-
liam Brewster in the spring of 1841. It was built on the
west half of the southeast quarter of section 14, and is
still standing, though now unoccupied.
The first school-house in the town was a log one, quite
small, and stood on Calvin Pixley 's farm, on the northeast
corner of the northwest quarter of section 14. It was
burned down some time afterwards, and then the second
one was built on the southwest corner of the four corners
at Prattsville. This building was built about 1839-40.
It was about sixteen by twenty feet, built of logs, with a
puncheon floor and a wide fireplace on one side. The seats
were split logs hewed smooth, and round sticks driven into
holes bored in the round side for legs. The desks were
made by laying boards on long wooden pegs driven into
holes in the logs that formed the sides of the building. In
1843 this building was found to be too small for the school,
and it was torn down and replaced by a frame building,
which was put up by William Brewster. Again, a few
years later, it was found necessary to replace the school-
house with a larger one. The work was done by Franklin
and Timothy Johnson, and the building was j^atiited black.
From this it soon became a local landmark, and the '' Black
School-house" came to be extensively known throughout
the region.
Owing to the fact that a considerable part of the lands
of this town were purchased by speculators, who held them
for many years before they disposed of them to settlers, the
town of Wright may be considered as really the newest
town in Hillsdale County. Even as late as the close of the
war of the Rebellion a large tract of land in the southwest
part was unimproved and clothed with its original growth
of timber. Since that time many changes have taken
place, and at present not more than one-third of the area
of the town is in woodland, and this is generally in scat-
204
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tered pieces on the many fine and productive farms, though
a few large pieces are yet held by non-resident owners.
The oldest village of the town is situated in the south
part, near the corner where sections 33 and 34 of town 8
and sections 3 and 4 of town 9 come together. Edward
Davis and Joseph Wilson were the first settlers in this
neighborhood. Occasionally some one came into the neigh-
borhood and settled, but the population was wholly agricul-
tural, and no sign of a village was seen until about 1853.
In the spring of that year Harry Swift built a blacksmith-
shop there, and began working at his trade. Joseph Wilson
at that time was running an " ashery" on his place, and had
also opened a small store in a little log shanty, which was,
at a later period, used by Jacob Shaneour as a cooper-shop.
In the summer of 1855 the citizens began to think that
they needed a post-office in this part of the town, and
Horace Daniels wrote to Hon. Lewis Cass, who was then
in Washington, asking him to use his influence to secure
an office at this point. Cass replied, and told him to get
the citizens together, and let them select a postmaster, cir-
culate a petition for his appointment, and forward the peti-
tion to the department, promising to do what he could to
insure for it a favorable consideration. In accordance with
these instructions, a meeting was called at the brick school-
house, and there the citizens met at the appointed time.
There were two parties at this meeting ; the first, led by
Ira C. Smith, James Wilson, and Sether Dean, favored the
appointment of Dean, and the locating of the office at his
store, in the eastern part of the town, near the Medina
line, while the second, headed by Edwin Day, Daniel
Cooper, Gideon L. Emerson, and Nelson Case, wanted to
establish the office at South Wright, with Joel S. Hub-
bard as postmaster. The leaders of the Dean faction were
all Democrats of the most pronounced type and the most
unflinching character, and Hubbard, too, belonged to that
party, but many of his supporters (among the number
being Day and Emerson) were members of a "Know-
Nothing" club which had been formed for the purpose of
presenting an organized opposition to the then dominant
Democratic party of the town.
Of course the party spirit thus engendered crept into
even this meeting, and added strength and ardor to the
zealous efforts which each faction put forth to secure the
accomplishment of their designs. Voters were brought
from far and near to participate in the meeting, and the
strife became quite exciting. When the votes were counted
it was found that Dean had a majority, and his friends were
jubilant. But Hubbard's friends were not disposed to sub-
mit quietly to this result. Day, who had but recently come
from Monroe County, where he was widely known as a
prominent and staunch Democrat, proposed to go to Mon-
roe and see what could be done there to bring about Hub-
bard's appointment through the influence of Hon. David
A. Noble, who was at that time the representative in Con-
gress from this district. The rest of Hubbard's friends
contributed to pay the expenses of the trip, and within a
brief period after the close of the meeting Day was on his
way to Hudson, there to take the cars for Monroe. Now,
Hubbard, who was also a former resident of Monroe County,
had for several years kept the leading hotel at Vienna, and
had often been called upon to entertain political speakers,
who came there to address the people. Among others he
had frequently met and thus formed the acquaintance of
Jeff'erson G. Thurber and Hon. David A. Noble. He had
also been able to assist them politically, and they were ready
and even anxious to return his favors should opportunity
offer. Knowing these facts. Day confidently expected to
be able to bring to grief the plans and calculations of his
now jubilant opponents. It was, however, necessary for
the success of his scheme that his change of political belief
should not creep out. To have it known that he had for-
saken the fold of the Democracy and cast his fortunes with .
those of the detested " Americans" would have annihilated
his influence and ruined his plans. In due time he reached
Monroe. Noble was in Washington attending the session
of Congress, but Thurber, who was considered as a sort of
"power behind the throne," was at home. On him Day
called and presented his request, giving due force and
weight to his own and Hubbard's claims, and pleading
his case with all the zeal of a feed attorney. After giving
a brief history of the case from his point of view, and
detailing the circumstances leading to the meeting, he
closed with the assertion, " but the d d Know-Noth-
ings came into the meeting and outvoted us, and are trying
to get Dean appointed." This produced the desired effect.
Thurber's party pride and prejudice were excited, and he
said, " Hubbard shall have the office. I will write to Noble
and tell him to attend to the matter, and what I tell him
to do will be done." The letter was written and posted,
and Day returned home. In a few days Hubbard received
his commission, much to the surprise of Dean's supporters,
who had not yet completed and forwarded their petition.
Hubbard retained the office until about 1863, when he was
succeeded by James M. Sexton. Since the latter, Thomas
C. Thompson and Gideon L. Emerson have held the office,
the latter being the present incumbent. The office was
called South Wright until about three years ago, when its
name was changed to Waldron.
About two years after the post-office was established
George Hawkins, of Medina, bought the Joseph Wilson
property, built a new ashery, and also a store nearly oppo-
site the old one. His brother-in-law, Ambrose M. Bur-
roughs, was placed in charge of the business, and managed
both institutions for several years until he finally came into
possession of them. The store was afterwards occupied by
several different parties, and was at last destroyed by fire in
the fall of 1865.
Boies & Clark opened a store on the northwest corner of
the three corners about 1867-68, and Gilbert Ketchum
occupied the opposite corner for the same purpose about
four years later. The last-named building was in 1875
moved back from the street to make room for the present
store of George A. Hicks.
About ten years ago, Colby, McDonald & Co. built the
saw- and grist-mill. The grist-mill has two runs of stone.
The lower saw-mill was built by Augustus Sellick in 1877.
These mills are all run by steam-power, and are doing a
good business.
The village, though small, is dual in its nature. Its
growth for many years was on sections 33 and 34 of town
I;
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
205
8, and all the business establishments, without exception,
were located on them. But the owners of lands adjoining
this on the south conceived the idea of platting a village
on sections 8 and 4 of town 9, which was done in April,
1876, the survey being made by George A. Mark, county
surveyor, and the plat was recorded May 27 of that year,
under the name of South Wright. Fearing that the re-
moval of the post-office would follow this action, the citizens
of the north part of the village had the name of the post-
office changed to Waldron (in honor of Hon. Henry Wald-
ron, M.C.), and in the spring of 1877 platted a village
north from the section and town line, and named it Waldron,
also. At present the villages contain 1 steam saw-mill, 1
steam saw- and grist-mill, 2 general stores, 1 drug-store, 1
grocery, 2 shoe-shops, 1 harness-shop, 3 blacksmith-shops,
1 wagon-shop, 1 post-office, 2 churches (United Brethren
and Wesleyan Methodist), 1 school-house, and about 30
dwellings. The population is nearly 200.
Prattville is a village of modern growth. In the year
1865, William Bennett to the east, Amos W. Clark and
Nicholas R. Kipp to the south, and Urian Mackey to the
north, were the only residents within half a mile of the
corners where stood the " Black school-house." In the
month of February, 1866, Wellington H. and Henry M.
Pratt came from the town of Framingham, Mass., and
settled in this vicinity. They purchased a small frame
building of Charles S. Reed, and moved it to the corner
opposite the school-house, where they fitted it up for a store
and opened a stock of goods there. In the fall of 1868,
J. T. Perry, from the same place in Massachusetts, came
here and built the steam saw-mill. Connected with it was
the frame of a grist-mill, which, however, was not finished
off till the summer of 1870, at which time Pratt Brothers
put in the necessary machinery and commenced operating
it. A year later the machinery was sold to a firm in Ran-
som Centre, and removed to that place. Previous to this
Pratt Brothers had found their store building too small for
their growing business, and in 1869 they erected their
present store. In the spring of 1872 they purchased the
mill property of Mr. Perry, and in 1877 removed the grist-
mill to its present location, refurnished it with new and
improved machinery, and set it in operation.
In 1872 the brick school-house was erected as a cost of
$1400, and in 1874 the church was removed from Medina
Centre and re-erected here. From time to time dwellings
and mechanics' shops have sprung up in the vicinity, until
at present the village contains one general store, one drug-
store, one hotel, two blacksmith-shops, one wagon-shop, one
steam saw-mill, one steam grist-mill, one church, one school-
house, and about 20 dwellings. It has a population of about
100. The post-office now located here was established in
1848, at the house of Timothy Johnson, who was the first
postmaster. It was then called '' Cass." Timothy John-
son held the office till his death, and his son, Edwin, suc-
ceeded him. About 1855 it was removed to William
Brewster's place, he being appointed as postmaster. In
December, 1 864, Edward C. Brewster was appointed. Some
three years later it was removed to the village, and Henry
M. Pratt became postmaster, and has since held the office.
The name was changed to Prattville about 1872.
The growth and prosperity of the village is almost en-
tirely owing to the energy and enterprising public spirit of
the Messrs. Pratt, who have engaged largely in the lumber
trade and in the buying and shipping of grain, poultry, and
produce, in addition to their mercantile business, thus fur-
nishing a market where the farmers can dispose of their
surplus produce and exchange them for goods.
Some twenty-two or three years ago another post-office
was established in the northwest part of the town, at Lick-
ley's Corners. It was known as the " Woods' Corners Post-
Office," and David Woods was the postmaster. It was after-
wards removed to Thomas J. Anderson's and kept by him
till it was discontinued. About five years ago it was re-
established under the title of " Lickley's Corners," with A.
H. Camp as postmaster, and so remains at the present
writing.
In the winter of 1837-38 the citizens of towns 8 and 9
south thought they were getting sufficiently strong in point
of numbers to think of having themselves organized into a
separate town, and a meeting was held to talk the matter
over and decide upon a course of action. All were found
to agree that it was desirable to have a separate organiza-
tion, and, in the natural order of things, next took up the
question of deciding upon a name. It was generally cus-
tomary for the first settler in the town to have the privilege
of christening it, or, in other cases, to name it after him.
The Comans, in this case, were not only the first settlers,
but were also a large proportion of the voters present, and
it was conceded that the new town should be named after
them. Some, however, favored calling it Comansfield, while
the others thought the simple name Coman was preferable.
It was found necessary to take a vote to decide the question,
and Coman was decided upon. A petition was thereupon
drawn up and signed, ready for transmittal to the Legisla-
ture, which was then in session at Detroit. It was intrusted
to William K. Johnson, who lived near Lime Lake (more
familiarly known as " Bill Johnson"), to take to Ypsilanti and
there mail it. In due course the notification came to the
citizens that their petition had been favorably considered,
and that on the sixth day of March the Legislature had
passed an act erecting the town under the name of Canaan,
The Comans were greatly surprised and much chagrined,
some others were much put out, while a few laughed to
themselves at the discomfiture of the expectant ones. The
bearer of the packet to Ypsilanti, poor Bill Johnson, was
charged with having tampered with the petition while it
was in his possession, but this charge he stoutly denied. It
afterwards crept out that his denial was only technically
true; a niece of his did the mischief, either by his direction
or with his guilty knowledge, by making an a of the o in
Coman, and forming another a on the last stroke of the m.
But there was nothing now to be done save to accept the
situation with as good a grace as possible, and to proceed to
business under the name of Canaan. The inhabitants were
duly notified of the passage of the act, and that the first town-
meeting would be held at the house of Samuel Coman on
the 24th of April, 1838.
By act of the Legislature approved March 23, 1836, this
town had been taken from Wheatland as a part of the
newly-erected town of Pittsford. In December a conven-
206
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tion was held in this State to act upon the question of ac-
cepting or rejecting the conditions imposed by Congress as
requisite to the admission of Michigan as a State, and by
its action the boundary line was fixed so that nearly all of
town 9 south became a part of the State of Ohio. And
the act of March 6, 1838, constituted the thirty-six sec-
tions of town 8 south, range 1 west, sections 1 to 6, inclu-
sive, and fractional sections 7 to 12, inclusive, of town 9
south, range west, in all containing an area of about 28,000
acres, as the town of Canaan.
Pursuant to notice, the town-meeting was held at Samuel
Coman's, on the 24th of April, 1838. Joseph Pixley was
chosen moderator, and Samuel Coman clerk, pro tern. By
reference to the civil list it will be seen what ofiicers were
elected at this meeting. But three justices were chosen,
because Russell Coman had been elected to that office at the
election in Pittsford the year previous, and it was conceded
that he would hold over. He was therefore allotted the
three-year term, and the terms of the other justices were
assigned by lot by the supervisor and town clerk.
In 1840 the town was divided into nine road districts
and the following pathmasters were appointed, viz. : Eben-
ezer Pixley, John M. Lickley, Everett Barber, Michael
Lickley, Albert Yredenburgh, Samuel Coman, Hiram N.
Barstow, William Osborn, Benjamin A. Myers.
At first a bounty of $3 was oflfered for each full-grown
wolf killed in the town, and for every whelp a bounty of
$1.50. In 1845 this bounty was increased to $5 for wolves
and $2.50 for whelps, and the bounty on bears was fixed at
$2.50 for full-grown ones and $1.25 for cubs. Again, in
1851, the wolf-bounty was increased, and was fixed at $8
for wolves and $4 for whelps. From these changes we
are led to infer that they became more troublesome and de-
structive as the country began to be cleared, and the settlers
began to keep more stock.
A site for a town-house was procured of Russell Coman
in April, 1854, and consisted of 81 square rods of ground
located at the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of
the northwest quarter of section 22. April 22 the job of
building the house was let to Gr. H. Brewster, for $275.
It was completed by the 1st day of November, and the
total cost was $281. It was used for several years, and was
sold at auction for $40 about five years ago.
The elections and town-meetings were at first held at the
house of Samuel Coman. The meeting of 1840 closed its
business by adjourning to the *' school-house in District
No. 1," — the Pratt ville District. They were afterwards
held at the town-house, and since that was abandoned are
held alternately at Prattville and South Wright or Waldron.
In the winter of 1849-50 quite an excitement was created
among the people by the appearance of the smallpox in
the town. A meeting of the board of health was held at
the office of the clerk, on the 15th of January, and several
resolutions relating to action in the matter were passed.
Among them was this : ^^ Resolved, That we endeavor to stop
all communication with the infected districts, and that Mr.
Belknap, F. Johnson, James Knapp, and Thomas C. Sawyer
be hereby authorized to fence across all roads leading to
said districts ; to stop all persons opening said roads, and
give notice to all persons that the smallpox is in the neigh-
borhoods." It was also decided to have all residents of the
town, who had not been vaccinated, *' inoculated by some
physician," if it could he done for ten cents each. Whether
this seductive bait tempted any physician to perform the
required work is not stated by the record.
During the first years of the town's existence the political
strife was not very spirited, but soon party spirit began to
run a little higher, and the struggles between the Whigs
and the Democrats became more fiercely contested, with -the
odds in favor of the latter. One of the leaders of the
Democracy is credited with having said, about 1854-55,
that no Whig had ever held office in the town, and so long
as he lived in it none ever should. But the uncertainty
of all human calculations, which manifests itself in political
as well as in all the other affairs of life, was shown by the
events of the future. A Know-Nothing club was formed,
and by its force of concentrated and combined effort dealt
the Democracy a staggering blow, and the Republican party
coming into existence at once became the dominant party
of the town, and retained its supremacy until the frantic
craze of " greenbackism," as exemplified by the theory of
" fiat" money, began to rage. Then the supremacy was
contested by the Nationals, with still unsettled results.
Although this town is still new, and in a measure remote
from the seats of business and public life, its name is not
unknown in the records of the legislative and executive
departments of the State and county governments. In the
halls of legislation three of its sons have sat with credit
to themselves and honor to their constituency. Their
names are Hon. Russell Coman, Hon. William W. Brewster,
and Hon. Leonidas Hubbard. As an executive officer of
the county, William W. Brewster has served two terms in
the office of county clerk.
The following civil list of the town has been prepared
after a careful examination of the records, and may be relied
upon as being correct in all its details. It begins with 1838,
and ends with 1878:
CIVIL LIST OF THE TOWN OP WRIGHT.
SUPERVISORS.
1838.
Timothy Johnson.
1859.
Lawrence Rheubottom.
1839.
Russell Coman.
1860-
-61. Edward C. Brewster.
1840-
-41. John M. Lickley.
1862-
-63. Leonidas Hubbard.
1842.
Thomas C. Sawyer.
1864.
Amos W. Clark.
1843.
Russell Coman.
1865-
-66. Edwin Johnson.
1844.
Timothy Johnson.
1867-
-68. Leonidas Hubbard.
1845-
-47. Russell Coman.
1869.
E. C. Brewster.
1848.
Thomas C. Sawyer.
1870.
Leonidas Hubbard.
1849.
Timothy Johnson, j
1871.
Ambrose M. Burroughs.
1850.
Sawyer B. Downer.
1872.
Jacob Shaneour.
1851.
Russell Coman.
1873.
A. M. Burroughs.
1852.
S. B. Downer.
1874.
Jacob Shaneour.
1853.
Russell Coman.
1875.
Hiel Johnson.
1854.
Wm. W. Brewster.
1876.
E. C. Brewster.
1855.
Ira C. Smith.
1877.
John P. Emmons.
1856.
Lawrence Rheubottom.
1878.
Hiel Johnson.
1857-
58. Wm. W. Brewster.
TOWN C
LERKS.
1838-
39. Arthur Lucas.*
1844-45. Amos W. Clark.
1839-
40. Timothy Johnson.f
1846-
48. Sawyer B. Downer.
1841.
Thomas C. Sawyer.
1849.
Amos W. Clark.
1842.
Amos W. Clark.
1850.
Ira C. Smith.
1843.
Wm. W. Brewster.
1851.
Edwin Johnson.
^^ Died.
f Appointed Jan. 10, 1840.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
207
1852. Amos W. Clark.
1868.
D. E. Haskins.
1846. David Belknap.
1861. James Lickley.
1853. Ira C. Smith.
1869.
Ira W. Bell.
Joseph Wilson.
1862. Joshua Batten (f. t.).
1854. Amos W. Clark.
1870.
E. C. Brewster.
Nathaniel Bryant.
Daniel Wean (v.).
1855-56. Edwin Johnson.
1871.
Alvin S. Wilson.
1847. Curtis Coman (3 years).
1863. Ambrose M. Burroughs.
1857. Amos W. Clark.
1872.
John C. BirdsalUJJ
Joseph Wilson (2 years).
1864. Jasper B. Corser.
1858. John B. Kemp.
R. D. Morrison. f
Michael Lickley (1 year).
1865. Joshua Patten.
1859. Edward C. Brewster.
1873-
74. S. W. Vandevort.
1848. Alexander Finley.
1866. Philo H. Stroud.
1860. Charles Voglesong.
1875.
Volney Reynolds.
1849. Joseph L. Cady.
1867. Irving Wheeler.
1861-63. Amos W. Clark.
1876.
George A. Hicks.
1850-51. Jesse Raymond (f. t.).
1868. Joshua Batten.
1864. Edward C. Brewster.
1877.
Lester Perry.
William Bennett (v.).
1869. Nicholas R. Kipp.
1865. Levill. Brown.
1878.
Wm. G. Boyd.
1852. James Wilson.
1870. William Harris.
1866-67. Thomas C. Thompson.
1853. Thomas J. Anderson.
1854. Alonzo Baker (f. t.).
1871. Stephen Deville.
1872. James Baker.
TOWN TREASURERS.
Daniel Snyder (v.).
1873. Philo H. Stroud.
1839-40. Samuel Coman.
1860.
Leroy D. Woods.
1855. Daniel S. Tinsley.
1874. Euclid Hubbard.
1841-42. Timothy Johnson.
1861.
Sawyer B. Downer.
1856. Arnold Richards.
1875. Stephen Deville.
1843. William Brewster.
1862.
James Lickley.
1857. James J. Lauder.
1876. James Baker.
1844-45. Royal Raymond. J
1863.
David Woods.
1858. Rufus F. Perry.
1877. Irving Wheeler.
1845-47. Thomas C. Sawyer.^
1864-
65. Leonidas Hubbard.
1859. James N.Wilcox.
1878. Thomas Meredith.
1848. John M. Lickley.
1866.
James J. Lauder.
1860. William Harris.
1849. David Belknap.
1867-
68. E. C. Brewster.
1850-53. Joseph Wilson.
1869-
71. Jacob Shaneour.
ASSESSORS.
1854-55. John M. Lickley.
1872.
E. C. Brewster.
1838. Royal Raymond.
1842. Hiram N. Barstow.
1856. Jesse Raymond.
1873.
Joshua Batten.
William W. Johnson.
Benjamin D. Osborn.
1857. John B. Kemp.
1874.
E. C. Brewster.
1839. Russell Coman.
1843. Benjamin A. Myers.
1858. James Lickley.
1875.
Leonidas Hubbard.
Calvin Pixley.
James Knapp.
1859. William Bennett.
1876-
-78. Wellington H. Pratt.
Timothy Johnson.
1840. Joseph L. Farnham.
1844. George A. King.
James Knapp.
JUSTICES OF
THB PEACE.
Royal Raymond.
1845. Nathaniel Bryant.
1838. John M. Lickley (4 years).
1855.
L. Rheubottom (f. t.).
Hiram N. Barstow.
James Knapp.
Russell Coman (3 years). ||
Joseph Wilson (v.).
1841. Joseph L. Farnham.
1846. Michael Lickley.
R. T. Crawford (2 years).
1856.
Alonzo Baker.
Royal Raymond.
Stephen W. Coman.
Calvin Pixley (1 year).
1857.
Gideon L. Emerson.
Benjamin D. Osborn.
1839. Calvin Pixley (f. t.).
1858.
Jasper B. Corser.
Russell Coman (1. v.).
1859.
David Harris.
COLLECTORS.
Edward Davis (s. v.).
1860.
Edwin Johnson.
1838. Ebenezer Pixley.
1840. William Bennett.
1840. Joseph L. Farnham.
1861.
Gideon L. Emerson.
1839. Aaron Pixley.
1841. Royal Raymond.
1841. Timothy Johnson (f. t.).
1862.
Leroy D. Woods.
Amos W. Clark (v.).
1863.
Stephen W. Coman.
SCHOOL INSPECTORS.
1842. Royal Raymond.
1864.
David. Harris.
1838. W. W. Johnson.
1854. Hiel Johnson (v.).
1843. Amos W. Clark.
1865.
Gideon L. Emerson.
Curtis Coman.
1855. Leonidas Hubbard (f. t.).
1844. James Wilson.
1866.
David T. Newton.
Russell Coman.
Jacob Lickley (v., 2 years).
1845. Calvin Pixley.
1867.
Amos W. Clark.
1839-40. Timothy Johnson.
Sawyer B. Downer (3 years).
1846. John M. Lickley (f. t.).
1868.
Russell Coman.
Joseph L. Farnham.
1856. Hiel Johnson.
James Wilson (v.).
1869.
Joshua Batten.
Russell Coman.
1857. Bradley J. Woods.
1847. Amos W. Clark (f. t.).
1870.
De Courcey R. Evans (f. t.).
1841. Joseph L. Farnham.
1858. Charles Voglesong (f. t.).
John M. Lickley (v.).
Gideon L. Emerson (v.).
Thomas C. Sawyer.
Bradley J. Woods (v.).
1848. James Wilson.
1871.
Robert B. Sawyer.
Amos W. Clark.
1859. Amos W. Clark.
1849. Thomas C. Sawyer (f. t.).
1872.
Henry Humes.
1842. Thomas C. Sawyer.
1860. Leonidas Hubbard.
Sether Dean (v.).
1873.
Gideon L. Emerson (f. t.).
William Brewster.
1861. Levi H. Brown.
1850. Homan Barber.
J. F. Farnham (v.).
Amos W. Clark.
1862. Henry J. Devoe.
1851. Amos W. Clark (f. t.).
1874.
Charles H. Gorsuch.
1843. Russell Coman (1 year).
1863. Levi H. Brown (f. t.).
Jesse Raymond (1. v.).
1875.
Russell Coman.
Edward Davis (2 years).
Bradley J. Woods (v.).
Philo H. Stroud (s. v.).
1876.
J. F. Farnham.
Jos. L. Farnham (3 years).
1864. Albert Star.
1852. Ira C. Smith.
1877.
Volney Reynolds.
1844. Sether Dean.
1865. Ira W. Bell.
1853. H. T. Barnaby.
1878.
B. B. Jones.
1845. J. L. Farnham.
1866. E. C. Brewster.
1854. Thomas J. Anderson.
1846. Sether Dean.
1847. Edwin Johnson.
1867. Ira W. BelL
1868. Thomas C. Thompson.
COMMISSIONERS
OF HIGHWAYS.
1848. H. T. Barnaby.
1869. R. D. Morrison.
1838. Calvin Pixley.
1842.
Ebenezer Pixley.
1849. Thomas C. Sawyer.
1870. J. F. Farnham.
William Bennett.
Nathaniel Bryant.
1850. Amos W. Clark.
1871. R. D. Morrison.
Michael Lickley.
Alvin Allard.
1851. Hiel Johnson.
1872. R. D. Woods.
1839. Calvin Pixley.
1843.
Ebenezer Pixley.
1852. Jacob Lickley (1 year).
1873. E. C. Brewster (f. t.).
William Bennett.
Nathaniel Bryant.
H. T. Barnaby.
William A. Baler (v.).
Everett Barber.
James N. Wilcox.
1853. Leroy D. Woods (f. t.).
1874. A. M. Burroughs.
1840. Royal Raymond.
1844.
Ebenezer Pixley.
Amos W. Clark (v., 2 years).
1875. T. J. Anderson.
George Holly.
James N. Wilcox.
Leonidas Hubbard (3 years).
1876. A. M. Burroughs.
Edward Davis.
Albert Vredenburg.
1854. C. D. Hampton (f. t.).
1877-78. Alonzo Drake.
1841. Albert Vredenburg.
1845.
David Belknap.
Thomas C. Sawyer.
John M. Lickley.
OVERSEERS
OP THE POOR.
William Bennett.
Alexander Finley.
1838-39. Joseph Pixley.
Samuel Coman.
1841. Michael Lickley.
John M. Lickley.
* Removed. f Ap]
)ointed
J Resigned.
1840. Michael Lickley.
1842. James Knapp.
§ Appointed Feb. 21, 1846.
II Elected in Pittsford, 1837.
Samuel Coman.
George Holly.
208
HISTORY OF HILI^DALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
1843.
James Wilson.
1851.
Curtis Coman.
John M. Lickley.
Sether Dean.
1844.
William Brewster.
1852.
Michael Lickley.
Michael Lickley.
Russell Coman.
1845.
Calvin Pixley.
1853.
Timothy Johnson
Hiram N. Barstow.
Curtis Coman.
1846.
William Brewster.
1854.
Russell Coman.
Amos W. Clark.
Jesse Raymond.
1847.
Sether Dean.
1855.
Jesse Raymond.
Nathaniel Bryant.
1856.
Russell Coman.
1848.
William Brewster.
Michael Lickley.
Samuel Coman.
1857.
David Woods.
1849.
William Brewster.
David Harris.
John M. Lickley.
1858.
Philo H. Stroud.
1850.
William Brewster.
Sether Dean.
David Harris.
SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS.
1875. Sawyer B. Downer. I 1877. Jonah Vandervort.
1876. Leonidas Hubbard. I 1878. Alvin C. Bates.
DRAIN COMMISSIONERS.
1871-72. Joshua Batten.
1873. Alexander Taggart.
1874. Volney Reynolds.
1875. Homan Barber.
1876. Jacob Shaneour.
1877. No record.
1878. Solomon W. Yagley.
CONSTABLES.
Everett Barber, 1838; Ebenezer Pixley, 1838, '41-42; John Swim,
1839, '41, '53; Aaron Pixley, 1839, 42 to '45-51 ; James Fuller,
1840; William Bennett, 1840-41; Royal Raymond, 1841; Hiram
N. Barstow, 1842; David K.Chase, 1842; Samuel P. Coman,
1843-50; Samuel Stuck, 1843-47-48-49-51-53-54; Horatio Hay-
wood, 1843; Franklin Johnson, 1844; Alexander Finley, 1844;
Chauncey Warn, 1844; Daniel H. Barber, 1845; Horace T. Bar-
naby, 1845-47-52; John Root, 1845-62; BeDJamin A. Myers,
1846-48 to '51; Myron H. Wilson, 1846-49-58; John H. John-
son, 1846-53; Orrin E. Halstead, 1846-47; Walter Pixley, 1847;
Hiram Havens, 1848; Daniel Snyder, 1848; James H. Smith,
1850-62; Hiram M: Hadley, 1850-52-55-56; Norman Weaver,
1851-63-55-57 to '59; Daniel Tinsley, 1852; James Lickley,
1852; E. H. Philbrick, 1854-61-62; Franklin Rogers, 1854; Dr.
A. Baker, 1854; Caleb Smith, 1855; Hiram Fellows, 1855-57;
John Bonesteel, 1856 ; Romeo E. Day, 1856-57-59 ; Isaac How-
land, 1857; Hiram Sprague, 1858; Albert S. Thorn, 1858-60; Job
W. Harris, 1859 to '61-64 to '72-76; John Silvernail, 1859;
William M. Peters, 1860-62-63; Albert Carver, 1860; John
Crilly, Jr., 1861; Daniel Wean, 1861; George Booth, 1863; Nor-
man P.Smith, 1863; William Weaver, 1863; Alonzo Colgrove,
1864; Alexander Taggart, 1864--68-69; Jarvis Silvernail, ;
George Carlisle, 1865; Horace Weaver, 1865-67; William Sha-
neour, 1865; Philo H. Stroud, 1866; Jonah Vanakin, 1866;
Wellington H. Pratt, 1867; Josiah C. Vankirk, 1867-68-71-74-
76; Gilbert Seeley, 1868; J. F. Farnham, 1869; Orange Rowe,
1869; Irving Wheeler, 1870-73; John Wendell, 1870; F. B.
Smith, 1870-72-73-77; Reuben Wilson, 1871; Ambrose Hinkle,
1871; G. W. Hicks, 1872; Ira Wheeler, 1872; Gustavus A. Pix-
ley, 1873-74; David Goodenberger, 1873; Fred. R. Boyd, 1874;
Corydon Bennett, 1874; David Williams, 1875; W. W. Coman,
1875; Sidney Dodge, 1875; Sampson Pixley, 1875; Hessel P.
Kipp, 1876-78; William Baker, 1876; Jerome Barber, 1877;
Josiah Smith, 1877; John Kiflf, 1878; Benton Carlisle, 1878;
Abraham Demoy, 1878.
The town made for itself an enviable record during the
war of the Rebellion. Its quota, under the several calls
of the President for troops, was always promptly filled, and
money was freely raised and given for the purpose of secur-
ing volunteers. War-meetings were held at various times
and places, and conducted with a spirit and zeal that testi-
fied to the indwelling patriotism of the people. Many of
her brave and patriotic sons enlisted in the several compa-
nies and regiments raised in this section of the State, and
went forth, with their lives in their hands, to battle for their
country's honor and integrity. Of this noble band how
many came not back 1 On bloody fields of battle, amid the
frowning Southern forests, along the banks of the Southern
rivers, in the dark and dismal swamps, or amid the horrors
of the prison-pens of " Libby," "Salisbury," and "Ander-
sonville," how many a bright young life went out, quenched
in blood, destroyed by the ravages of disease, or, worse '
than all, slowly crushed out by the relentless grasp of gaunt
and grim starvation ! Oh, what noble sacrifices upon our
country's altar! And oh, what monuments to the cruel
ravages of war and to "man's inhumanity to his fellow-
man !" Among the noble army of martyrs, whose names
should ever be inscribed on the hearts and memories of our
people, as with a pen of fire, this town is represented by
the names of James Lickley, Albert S. Thorn, Joseph
Wilson, Nelson Voglesong, Frank Kinne, Francis H.
Coman, Robert McNair, Thomas Pixley, Heman Terrill,
Cornelius Yan Schaick, and, no doubt, others whose names
have not been furnished us.
In its physical features, the town may be said to have a
gently-undulating surface, in some parts very nearly level.
The soil is uniformly rich, and quite varied in its composi-
tion, the predominating quality being a rich black loam.
West of the river some black sand is found, and in the
east part, adjoining Lenawee County, some pretty stiff clay
appears. The original forest was composed of oak, maple,
ash, beech, elm, a little sycamore along the streams, and
considerable black walnut, that sure indicator of a warm,
deep, rich soil.
The streams are rather sluggish. The largest of these
is Little St. Joseph River, or, as it is sometimes called, St.
Joseph's of tbe Maumee. This stream enters the town
from Pittsford, near the corner of sections 3 and 4, runs
about a mile in a southeasterly course, then turns to the
southwest and passes across the town, and enters Amboy at
the southwest corner of section 31. Lime Creek has two
branches, and receives its name from the fact that the north
branch is the outlet of Lime Lake. The south branch rises
in section 21, and runs a little south of east into Medina,
where it unites with the other branch, and flows into Bean
Creek. The head-waters of Mill Creek — which flows into
Ohio, and gives its name to the town south of Wright — lie
in the south part, in sections 3, 4, and 10 of town 9. Burt
Creek, a tributary of the St. Joseph, enters the town from
Ransom, and crosses sections 30 and 31 till it reaches the
river. None of these streams furnish any good water-
power.
Lime Lake is the only body of water in the town. It
lies in the south part of sections 11 and 12, in the north
part of the town. It is about one mile long from east to
west, and has an average width of from 40 to 80 rods. The
bottom is inclined to be muddy about the shores, but when
a few r5ds out slopes rapidly downward to a great depth.
Near the centre, soundings have been made to a depth of
150 feet without reaching the bottom. It derived its name
from the fact that its northern shore is composed of a bed
of marl. In the early days stone linie was difficult to ob-
tain, and the settlers burned this marl to furnish lime for
their use. The lake was formerly well stocked with fish of
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
209
all kinds common to Michigan waters, but their numbers
have been greatly depleted by long-continued and unsea-
sonable fishing.
The town is bounded north by Pittsford, east by Medina,
Lenawee Co., south by Milton Creek, Fulton Co., Ohio,
and west by Amboy and Ransom. Its population in 1874
was 1980. Its schools are well sustained, and its school
buildings are comfortable and substantially built. Its popu-
lation is almost wholly engaged in agricultural pursuits,
though considerable lumbering is done every winter, the
logs and wood being sawed in the town or sold at Hudson.
The name of the town was changed by act of the Legis-
lature, approved Feb. 24, 1844, from Canaan to Wright.
The three names, Camden, Cambria, and Canaan, presented
so great an obstacle to a correct and speedy delivery of the
mails that it was thought necessary to change the name of
this town, and as the representative from this district at
that time, Hon. Eason T. Chester, of Camden, was an
ardent admirer of that great Democratic leader of the State
of New York, Hon. Silas Wright, he had the town named
in his honor.
The early pioneers were largely indebted for ministerial
services to the Rev. Peter Foote, a preacher of the Protes-
tant Methodist Church, who preached here frequently, and
by his representation of the needs of this people to the
Protestant Methodist Conference, induced that body to send
Father Milligan, in 1843, to organize a permanent work.
He was followed by Rev. D. C. Oaks, and he by other
ministers until, for some reason, this field was abandoned
by that denomination.
The next efibrt at church organization was made by the
Baptists. Several members of that denomination had settled
in the northwestern part of this town, and in the adjoining
town of Ransom, and they were anxious to organize a
church. To accomplish this a meeting was held at the
school-house in district No. 2, at Lickley's Corners, on the
29tli of October, 1847, at which an organization was
effected under the name of
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WRIGHT.
A number of visiting brethren from other churches were
present. Their names were Peter B. Houghmont, J. M.
Young, Lester Monroe, David Monroe, and Zebina Wood.
P. B. Houghmont was called to preside, and J. M. Young
acted as secretary.
The Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant were
read and adopted, and letters were presented by David,
Lucetta, Martha L., and J. B. Woods, James and Lovina
Lickley, and Mrs. Mary Raymond. The letters were ac-
cepted, after which Samuel Stuck, Morris, William, and
Charlotte Lickley, Sarah A. Howell, and Miss Mary Ray-
mond were received as candidates for baptism. These
thirteen persons constituted the first membership of the
church. But five of them are now living in this vicinity.
At this first meeting James Lickley was elected clerk for
one year.
December 9, 1848, the first regular election of deacons
occurred, and David Woods and Homan Barber were
elected to that office.
May 18, 1851, a circular was received from the Hills-
27
dale Church regarding the admission of members of secret
societies as members of the denominational churches. In
reply, the following was adopted : ^' Resolo^d^ That we will
not receive any person into this church who is a member of
any oath-bound secret society, and continues to hold mem-
bership with such society."
During the pastorate of Rev. B. G. Lewis a protracted
meeting of unusual interest was held by him at the Tar-
seney school-house, in Ransom, by means of which twenty-
three persons were on one occasion admitted to the church.
The ceremony of baptism was at this time performed in
Burt Creek, near the residence of Mr. Higley.
The society was incorporated on Saturday, July 23, 1853.
The meeting was held at the Lickley's Corners school-house.
Deacons Woods and Barber presided, and Z. D. Hammond
acted as secretary. Seven trustees were elected, whose
names were David Woods, President ; Z. D. Hammond,
Secretary ; Perrin Shepardson, Treasurer ; Jonas Goodell,
Homan Barber, James Lickley, and Philip Crandall.
David Woods and Philip Crandall were the committee
appointed to superintend the building of a meeting-house.
A church site was bought of David Woods for the sum
of $25. It contained 100 square rods of ground, and was
15 rods south of Lickley's Corners, on the west side of the
road. The building was commenced in the spring of 1854,
but was not completed until the summer of 1856. It cost
about $2000. The money was at first attempted to be
raised by subscription, but finally was raised by an equalized
tax on all the members. It never has received any other
than ordinary repairs, and is still in a serviceable condition.
The pastors of this church have been Revs. Wm. Smed-
mer, B. G. Lewis, L. L. Wisner, William White, Wm. D.
Stout, John Kelley, J. B. Kemp, Wm. D. Stout, Wm. M.
Bassett, D. D. Walden, Wm. Frary, Isaac Noyes, Lyman
H. Monroe.
Since December, 1877, the church has held no meetings.
The membership, which at one time reached as high a number
as 112, is now widely scattered and reduced to about 40.
The Sabbath-school was formally organized May 15,
1853, at the school-house, and maintained an existence
with varying fortunes, until about seven or eight years ago,
when it was given up.
The present officers of the church and society are as fol-
lows : Deacons, George Carlisle, Luther Hammond ; Clerk,
Luther Hammond. Trustees, George Carlisle, President;
Z. D. Hammond, Clerk ; Luther Hammond, Treasurer ;
A. F. Parmelee, J. B. Wheeler, Martin V. Stuck, Samuel
Stuck.
The next denomination to enter upon this field of re-
ligious labor was the Methodist Episcopal. They formed
a class at Lickley's Corners, some time previous to 1854.
Sawyer B. Downer and Samuel Hinkle were the only male
members of this class, of which Hinkle was the leader.
It was a small class, probably not exceeding 10 in number.
It was at that time a station on the Osseo circuit, and was
connected with it until Ransom circuit was organized, about
1858-59, when it was attached to that. The class flourished
fbr a few years, and then began to run down until it was
practically defunct, though still not formally disbanded.
Some five years ago, probably in the fall of 1873, it was
210
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
reorganized under its present form and title. It is now
known as
THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP WRIGHT.
Since that time the church has been served by the same
ministers that have been stationed at Ransom, Revs.
Jones, Ide, C. H. Ellis, James Barry, and George
Donaldson.
Benjamin B. Jones was the class-leader at the time of
the reorganization, and is also the present one. The class
at present numbers about 30.
An incorporation of the society was effected at the
quarterly meeting of Ransom circuit, held in the brick
school-house, in the southwest part of the town of Jeffer-
son, in July, 1878. The trustees then elected, and who
still hold their office, were H. W. Gier, Edwin Leonard,
Charles Case, Charles H. Goi-such, and George Lickley.
There is a thriving Sabbath-school connected with this
church, which was organized as at present existing in 1874.
Benjamin B. Jones was the first superintendent, and H.
W. Gier at present holds that position. The school has
an average attendance of about 50 scholars. The meetings
of both church and school have always been held in the
school-house at Lickley's Corners, the society having not as
yet owned any meeting-house, though steps are now being
taken to procure one.
On the 11th day of March, 1855, a Wesleyan Methodist
Church was organized in the school-house, in district No.
4. The persons participating in the organization were
Hiram N. and Matilda Barstow, Philo H. Stroud, J. N.
Wilcox, Joseph L. Farnham, Rev. J. B. and Rebecca
Hart, Rev. C. M. and Ann Eliza Preston, Stephen W. and
Amelia Coman. Of these eleven original members Mr.
Stroud, Mr. and Mrs. Preston, and Mr. and Mrs. Coman
are still living in this town.
At the time this society was formed, the portion of the
town in which it was located was almost a wilderness.
There was but nine acres cleared within sight of the school-
house where the meeting was held. This school-house
stood on the northwest corner of section 26. It was built
in 1850, at the time the district was organized. In it the
meetings were held until the Pink school-house (so called
because it was painted that color) was built in 1856. Then
the meetings were held in that building until the church
was built in the summer and fall of 1878. This is a frame
building, 30 by 44 feet in size, with a spire, and cost $1200.
It stands near the southeast corner of section 23, on a lot
of one half-acre donated by 0. W. Gleason. It was dedi-
cated on Sunday, Dec. 8, 1878, by Rev. M. Wardner,
Connectional Evangelist.
At the first meeting Hiram N. Barstow was chosen class-
leader and J. N. Wilcox and S. W. Coman stewards.
The first pastor was Rev. J. B. Hart. He was Succeeded
by Rev. C. M. Preston, who had charge of the church for
several years, having occasional assistance from neighboring
ministers, until the South Wright class was formed in
1867. Soon after Mr. Preston retired from the charge,
and his successors have been Revs. R. H. Ross, Daniel T.
Beckwith, Joel Martin, William Wing, H. C. Hurlburt,
Isaiah Martin.
The society was incorporated March 18, 1878. The
meeting was held at the Pink school-house. P. H. Stroud
presided, Rev. Isaiah Martin was secretary, and James H.
Cyphers and 0. W. Gleason were inspectors of election.
0. W. Gleason, P. H. Stroud, and Ralph Perry were elected
trustees. Although this was the oldest society of the de-
nomination in the town, it became necessary to give it the
name of "The Second Wesleyan Methodist Church of
Wright," because the South Wright class had previously
become incorporated, built a church, and adopted the title
of the First Church.
At present the class numbers about 20. Ralph Perry is
the leader and Philo H. Stroud and Stephen W. Coman the
stewards.
A Sabbath-school has been connected with the church
most of the time since its organization. William W.
Brewster and Philo H. Stroud were the two first superin-
tendents, but which of them was the first is uncertain.
The present officers are John C. Stroud, Superintendent ;
Louie Coman, Secretary ; Orrin Gleason, Treasurer. The
present membership is about 70.
The second Wesleyan Methodist class formed in this
town was located at South Wright, and bears the name of
THE FIRST WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH OF WRIGHT.
It was organized by Rev. C. M. Preston, in the fall of
1867, with 12 or 15 members. Among them were Rev.
C. M. and Ann Eliza Preston, Mr. and Mrs. Gideon L.
Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Wilcox, Mr. and Mrs. James
Forrester, Mrs. Volney Reynolds, Mrs. F. B. Smith, Mrs.
J. L. Cady, and Mrs. A. S. Wilson. This number was
increased to about 20 by a revival the succeeding winter.
Frequent revivals have followed the preaching of the Word,
and the membership has grown quite steadily, until at pres-
ent it is about 130.
During the first four years of its existence the church
held its meetings in the brick school-house. Rev. C. M.
Preston was the first pastor, and he was followed by the
ministers named in the preceding sketch of the first class
organized. They were the preachers stationed on Wright
circuit, which was organized when this church was formed.
The first class-leader was J. N. Wilcox, and he continued
to act in that capacity until about 1875, when James H.
Cyphers was appointed, and now holds the position.
The society was incorporated Dec. 5, 1870, at a meeting
held at the house of A. S. Wilson. James Forrester, G.
L. Emerson, and A. S. Wilson were the trustees then
chosen.
In the spring of 1871, Rev. C. M. Preston gave the
society one acre of ground on the southeast corner of the
northeast quarter of section 33 for a church site, and work
was immediately begun on the church, which was completed
during the summer, and dedicated in the early fall by Rev.
Adam Crooks, A.M., editor of the American Wesleyan^ Syra-
cuse, N. Y. It is a frame church, furnished with a bell,
will comfortably seat 250 persons, and cost a total of $3000.
During the same season a house, with a lot of six acres,
was purchased of William Boyd, for $1000, for a ministerial
residence.
The present officers of the church are, — Stewards, J. L.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
211
Cadj, P. J. Musser ; Conference Steward, F. B. Smith ;
Trustees, James Forrester, Volney Reynolds, Treasurer ;
A. F. McFarland, Secretary.
The Sabbath-school was organized about twelve years ago
(1866) at the brick school-house. F. B. Smith was the first
superintendent. It then numbered about 40 scholars. It
is now in a prosperous condition, with a membership of 100.
Its ofiicers are A. S. Wilson, Superintendent ; Mrs. Isaiah
Martin, Assistant Superintendent; William G. Boyd,
Secretary ; Miss Hattie Reynolds, Treasurer.
There is also a class of this denomination at Prattville.
It was organized some five years ago under the leadership
of John Emmons, and had about 10 members. It now num-
bers about 20. The first steward was Edward Cramer.
The meetings are held once in two weeks at the school-
house. The present class-leader and steward are the same
as the first ones.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WRIGHT.
In June, 1860, Rev. William Jewell, of Spring Hill,
Ohio, assisted by Rev. Zephaniah Shepherd, of the same
place, organized this church at the school -house in district
No. 4. It is of the denomination more commonly known
as Disciples or Campbellites. Members of this sect had
from time to time settled here, and now they felt suffi-
ciently strong to warrant them in organizing a church.
There were about 15 members. Leonidas Hubbard and
Henry Root were elected elders, and Peter Kidd and Arnold
Richards deacons.
Rev. Z. Shepherd had preached here occasionally before
the organization, and other ministers from abroad have
preached here occasionally since, but the church has never
had a regular pastor, depending upon the development of its
local talent for its pulpit supplies. The elders have had to
perform the ministerial work, with the occasional help men-
tioned. James Vandervort, who came here from New
Antioch, Ohio, in October, 1863, was elected to the elder-
ship, and had charge of the church until his death, in 1874,
when he was succeeded by his son, Samuel, who died while
in that office, about a year after. Leonidas Hubbard then
assumed the charge for two years, when, at his own request,
he was relieved, and Isaiah McNitt and Horace Weaver
(the present elders) were chosen. Euclid Hubbard and
William W. Coman are the present deacons.
The meetings were held at the school-houses in districts
Nos. 3, 4, and 8, for a period of 14 years, and until the
church was built.
In the spring of 1874, Mrs. Eliza Doughty gave to the
society one acre of ground, at the southeast corner of the
southeast quarter of section 29, to be used for a church site.
During that summer the church was erected, and in October
was dedicated by Rev. F. M. Green, of Kent, Ohio. Its
size is 30 by 46 feet, and it will seat about 300 persons.
The total cost was as follows: building, $1360 ; furniture,
$150 ; and bell, $200. The money was raised by subscrip-
tion, mostly among the members of the society, and the
whole was paid in before the dedication occurred.
The society was incorporated in the spring of 1874, at a
meeting held at the house of James Yandervort, who pre-
sided over its deliberations. Samuel Compton was the sec-
retary. Leonidas Hubbard, Euclid Hubbard, and James
Rogers were elected trustees. They are still in office.
The church has been prospered and has steadily increased
its membership. In 1874 the society was divided, those
living in the east part of the town joining with others living
in Medina, and organizing another church. At the present
time the number of members is about 75.
The Sabbath -school was organized about 1863, under the
superintendence of Charles Voglesong. It now numbers
about 100 members, and is prosperous. Its officers are
Caspar W. Abbaduska, Superintendent ; Mrs. Jane Winans,
Assistant Superintendent.
The denomination of Christians known as the United
Brethren first occupied this field in 1867. In the fall of
that year. Rev. J. Lower, of Bryan, Ohio, held a series of
meetin<2;s and orsranized
THE
UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH OP
WRIGHT.
The first members were 11 in number: Jacob and Eliza-
beth Martin, Matthew and Sarah Martin, David and Cath-
arine Rifner, Thomas C. and Mary Thompson, Thomas and
Elizabeth Hull, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hoffman. The organ-
ization was effected in the brick school-house at South
Wright, where the meetings continued to be held until
1871, when they were held in the Wesleyan church until
the church of this society was built in 1872.
The society was incorporated in December, 1871, at a
meeting held at the house of Mrs. Eleanor Davis. The first
trustees were H. B. Smith, Jacob Hersch, and Delos Wood.
In the spring of 1872 work was commenced on the
church, which was completed late in the fall, and was dedi-
cated in December. Rev. Milton Wright, now Bishop
Wright, of Dayton, Ohio, editor of the Religious Telescope^
a denominational publication, preached the sermon on that
occasion. A debt of about $300 that was unprovided for
was liquidated by subscriptions taken at the time of dedica-
tion. The church, which stands on the northwest corner
of section 3, in town 9 south, is a frame building, having a
seating capacity of about 200, and cost $2700.
This church belongs to the Morenei circuit. The pas-
tors have been as follows: Revs. Jonas Lower, Samuel
P. Klotz, Greorge W. Dinius, C. M. Crossland, Joseph Por-
ter, J. W. Martin, and J. W. Lilley. The latter is the
present pastor.
There were quite extensive revivals under the preaching
of Klotz, Crossland, and Martin. The membership reached
its highest figure under Crossland, when it was 60. By
removals and deaths it has been reduced until it is now
about 30.
The present oflScers are, — Trustees, Jacob Hersch, H. B.
Smith, J. S. Smith ; Class-leader, J. S. Smith ; Steward,
May ; Local Preachers, J. S. Smith and A. M. Smith.
This church organized a Sabbath-school in connection
with its earliest work, and called J. S. Smith to superintend
it. The present officers are Paul Berleen, Superintendent ;
John Hersch, Secretary ; Edwin Worthington, Treasurer.
The last of the eight churches of Wright, and the one
most recently organized, is
212
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
THE FIRST INDEPENDENT CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY OP
PRATTVILLE.
Its denominational relation and its location are suffi-
ciently explained by its title. It came to be organized in the
following manner : There was a Congregational Church at
Medina Centre, which had reached so low a point as to be
almost at the brink of dissolution, and they announced that
they would make a gift of their church edifice to any
society who would take it and use it for purposes of religious
worship. The people of Prattville and vicinity hearing of
this offer, and feeling the need of a church in their village,
called a meeting to organize a society and secure the church
thus offered. This meeting was held at the Prattville
school-house on the 12th of March, 1874, and a society
was formed and incorporated. Six trustees were elected,
viz., Wellington H. Pratt, Ambrose M. Burroughs, Henry
Humes, C. B. Smith, Urion Mackey, and Lester Perry.
A church site was bought of Mrs. Clarissa Clark, widow
of the late Amos W. Clark, for $75. It contained about
one-half an acre of ground, and lay south of the school-house,
on section 14. In April the work of taking down, re-
moving, and rebuilding the church was begun, and was fin-
ished in the summer. In October the church was dedicated
by Rev. Mr. Conkling, of Hudson. The church will seat
from 200 to 250 persons, stands on a beautiful and com-
manding site, and is a credit to the village. The total cost
of removing and rebuilding it was about $2800.
Up to this point the church had no existence as a religious
body. It was simply an association or society organized to
provide a place of worship for the people of the vicinity.
But this was not to continue long, for on the 26th of Feb-
ruary, 1875, Rev. J. Yan Antwerp, of Morenci, came and
organized a church with 29 members. Among the most
prominent were E. C. Brewster, A. M. Burroughs, Coe D.
Smith, Urion Mackey, A. W. Venness, Nicholas R. Kipp,
Curtis Coman, and J. F. Farnham.
The first officers elected at this time were E. C. Brewster
and A. M. Burroughs, deacons; J. F. Farnham, clerk.
Rev. Sawyer B. Downer has been the pastor until the fall of
1878, when he resigned, and since that time the pulpit has
been supplied by Rev. Wm. J). Stout. The present mem-
bership is about 50.
The following are the present officers : Trustees, Urion
Mackey, W. H. Pratt, E. C. Brewster, Benjamin Tuttle,
Andrew Tuttle, D. W. Clark ; Secretary, E. C. Brewster ;
Treasurer, A. M. Burroughs ; Deacons, E. C. Brewster and
Benjamin Tuttle ; Clerk, J. F. Farnham.
The Sunday-school was organized about the time the
church was built. Its average attendance during the past
summer was about 80. E. C. Brewster is the superintendent
and H. M. Pratt is the secretary and treasurer.
PATRONS OP HUSBANDRY.
This order is represented in Wright by two of their so-
cieties. The first of these is located at Lickley's Corners.
It is called Liclcley's Corners Grange^ No. 2/14:. It was
instituted by B. J. Hodges, on the 17th of February, 1874,
with 33 members. In the spring, in company with Michael
Lickley,,they put up the buildings at the Corners, the upper
story of which is used as the grange hall. The grange
paid about $375 towards its cost. It was ready for occu-
pancy in the following October.
They have had a purchasing agency connected with their
society, of which C. H. Gorsuch was the agent.
The present membership is about 55. The meetings are
held on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
The following list shows the names of the first and of
the present officers :
First Oncers.— Master, Charles H. Gorsuch ; Overseer,
Theodore Dopp ; Lecturer, J. B. Lickley ; Steward, E. M.
Bird; Asst. Steward, David Williams; Chaplain, A. H.
Camp; Treas., G. W. Lickley; Sec, H. T. Treat; Gate-
keeper, J. J. Goodell; Ceres, Mrs. Nancy L. Bird;
Pomona, Mrs. Margaret Dopp ; Flora, Mrs. Mary Camp ;
Stewardess, Mrs. x\lida Lickley.
Present Officers. — Master, Charles H. Gorsuch ; Overseer,
J. B. Phillips ; Lecturer, Charles Armstrong ; Steward, L.
Dillon ; Asst. Steward, Alonzo Drake ; Chaplain, H. W.
Gier; Treas., J. W. Lickley; Sec, J. B. Lickley; Gate-
keeper, Wm. Eggleston ; Ceres, Mrs. Lydia Gier ; Pomona,
Mrs. Mary Lickley ; Flora, Mrs. E. J. Clark ; Stewardess,
Mrs. Lora Drake.
The other of these societies is located in the south part
of the town.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES N. WILCOX,
son of Stephen and Phebe Wilcox, was the fifth of nine
children. He was born in Central New York, Dec 20,
1814. His mother dying when he was nine years of age,
he went to live with his eldest sister, who was married.
He resided with her several years, working out a portion of
the time, until about 1836, when he came to Oakland Co.,
Mich., with a family named Sanborn, with whom he lived
a few months. He was a soldier in the great Toledo war.
Some time in 1837 he came to Hillsdale County, and took
up eighty acres of land from government, located in the
town of Canaan, now Wright. He afterwards returned to
New York, but did not remain there long, returning soon
to Morenci, Mich., where he worked for a Mr. Wakefield,
and afterwards for a Mr. Wilder. There he made the ac-
quaintance of Miss P]lizabeth Osborn, to whom he was
married Feb. 14, 1841, and soon after erected a log house
on his land, into which they moved before its completion,
it having neither door, windows, nor fireplace. They en-
countered many hardships incident to the early settlement.
They had six children, one of whom, a son, died in infancy;
the remaining five are married and settled. His wife died
Sept. 2, 1866, which was a severe bereavement. He kept
house for three years, his youngest daughter and two sons
living at home with him. In 1868 he became acquainted
with Mrs. Perns Curtis, of Petersburg, Monroe Co., Mich.,
to whom he was married Dec. 16, 1869, with whom he
lived until his death, which occurred Nov. 26, 1877. Mr.
Wilcox was a worthy man, a consistent Christian, and one
of the first settlers of this section.
RESIDENCE Of MRS. PERSIS,WfLCOX. WRIGHT. MICH.
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
213
ROBERT B. SAWYER
was a native of the town of Hopewell, Ontario Co., N. Y.,
where he was born on the 29th day of April, 1813. He
was a son of Luke and Rhoda Sawyer. Luke was a son
of Thomas Sawyer, and was born in Salisbury, Addison
Co., Vt., July 8, 1785. At an early age he came to Ca-
nandaigua, N. Y., which was then in the midst of a wilder-
ness, with his father and his family, and resided with them
until, soon after attaining his majority, he met Miss Rhoda
Cook, who had formerly resided in Connecticut; and in
1809 was united with her in marriage. He then bought a
farm in the adjoining town of Hopewell, — then a part of
Gorham, — and lived there until 1817, except a year or two
spent in the woolen manufacturing business at " Short's
Mills," now known as Shortsville. In the year above men-
tioned he bought a new, unimproved farm in the northeast
part of the town of Manchester, near the village of Port
Gibson, and made a permanent home for himself and family.
Luke died on this place, Aug. 13, 1831. His wife survived
him thirty years and one day. She lived in Ohio for a
short time, and then settled in Medina, Lenawee Co., Mich.,
and died there, April 14, 1861.
Robert remained on the homestead, working on the farm
and attending school, until he reached the age of twenty-
five years. His health was poor, and unfitted him for the
performance of any kind of hard labor ; but he had made
good use of his opportunities, and had acquired a good
common-school education. Armed with this he left the
homestead and went to Wayne Co., N. Y., to teach school,
making his home in the town of Ontario. He remained
in that county engaged in this business, and varying his
labors with an occasional term of study at the Marion and
Palmyra Academies, until the summer of 1845. On the
8th day of July of that year he was married to Miss Caro-
line W. Webb, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. He had
previously purchased a farm of one hundred acres in the
north part of the town of Arcadia. In the spring of 1846
he disposed of this property and came West, purchasing a
farm of one hundred acres on Mongoquinon prairie, near
Lima, Ind. Here they remained about two years, and had
two children born to them: Newton J., on the 4th of
August, 1846, and Byron H., on the 27th of November,
1847. Having disposed of his Indiana property, Robert
next purchased a one-hundred-acre farm in the town of
Gilead, in Branch County. In April, 1851, his brother,
Thomas C, who lived in this town near Lime Lake, died,
and he was called upon to come and settle the estate. He
removed here with his family, then increased by the birth
of another son, Orville W. (born April 15, 1850), and
lived two years on his brother's farm. Having suff"ered a
great deal from sickness in Gilead, Mr. Sawyer determined
not to return there, and purchased three hundred and eighty
acres on section 16, on which he moved in the spring of
1853. At that time there was but six acres cleared on
the farm, which now has about three hundred and twenty
acres cleared, and increased by the purchase of the south-
west quarter of section 15, is in a good state of cultivation.
Mr. Sawyer's fourth and youngest child, Luke B., was born
on this place, Sept. 27, 1855.
By a life of industry and economy, combined with good
management of his affairs, Mr. Sawyer has succeeded in
accumulating considerable property, and in carving out of
the wilderness one of the finest and most productive farms
of the township in which he resides. Having a distaste
for the cares and duties of public life, he has shunned the
cares of oflfice, with one exception. In 1871 he was
elected justice of the peace, and retained that position
four years.
A few years since he divided a part of his real estate
among his sons, retaining two hundred and twenty-five
acres for a homestead, and in that pleasant home he and
his wife, with their son, Orville W., are living in pleasant
retirement.
Of his other children, Newton J. and Luke B. are en-
gaged in the mercantile business at Leslie, Ingham Co. ;
and Byron H., who graduated at the law school at the
State University at Ann Arbor, is practicing his profession
in Hudson, Lenawee Co.
WILLIAM BREWSTER,
an early settler in the township of Wright, born in Mid-
dletown. Conn., where he passed the days of his youth,
was a descendant of Elder Wm. Brewster, who came with
the band of Pilgrims in the " Mayflower" and settled in
Plymouth, Mass., in 1620.
The line of descent is : first, Elder William Brewster ;
second, Love Brewster; third, William Brewster; fourth,
William Brewster; fifth, Elisha Brewster; sixth, Elisha
Brewster ; seventh, William Brewster, the subject of our
sketch.
His father, captain and owner of the vessel, was lost at
sea, the vessel sailing from port, and never after heard of.
Thus, at an early age, he was left to depend on his own
labor for support. Bound out, at the age of nine years, to
learn the carpenter and joiner trade, he served his appren-
ticeship and became a skilled workman. Soon after he
became of age he went to Charleston, S. C, and spent a
year working at his trade. After returning from there, he
made his way to Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., where he
found and married his wife, Miss Anna Palmer, on the 8th
day of November, 1812. The artillery company to which he
belonged having tendered their services to the Government
in the war with England soon after, and their offer being
accepted, he went with them to Sacket's Harbor, and re-
mained until honorably discharged, a few months after.
He remained in Madison County a few years, working at
his trade ; was burned out during the time, losing about all
he had ; recovered, with his neighbors' help, some of his
loss, and afterwards removed, with his family, to Waterloo,
Seneca Co., N. Y.
They were commencing a village there. The country
was new, and for three years it was very sickly. They
suffered with the rest, as is common in most new countries.
Remaining there a few years, pursuing his trade, in 1824
he removed to Geneva, N. Y., where he remained about
eight years, leaving many evidences of his skill in public
and private buildings. Then he removed to Hammonds-
214
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
port, at the head of Crooked Lake, N. Y. Was there
about four years ; then went to Buffalo, in the fall of 1832.
Was foreman of one of the shops of Benjamin Rathbun.
Rathbun failed, and made an assignment, in 1836.
Business in Buffalo was very much affected ; all build-
ing ceased. The financial crisis of 1837 coming on, no
work was to be obtained, and not willing or able to remain
idle, in August of that year removed to Medina, Mich.,
where he remained three and a half years.
He had before this purchased eighty acres of wild land
in Wright, nine miles from Medina, the place now owned
and occupied by his youngest son, B. C. Brewster. Having
had a few acres chopped and part cleared, and sown to
wheat, in February, 1841, he moved to Wright, and put
up the first frame house erected in that township, where he
lived, improving the farm, working some for others at his
trade the first eight or ten years, until he was in a comfort-
able condition.
His children were well brought up, given a good common-
school education, and trained in habits of industry and
economy. Ever industrious himself, he could not endure
a shiftless, do-nothing person or shirk around him. Gen-
erally respected for his honesty, integrity, and worth, he
died at Wright, March 31, 1868, aged nearly eighty-five
years.
His wife was a worthy companion. Skilled in house-
keeping, dairy business, spinning, weaving, and sewing of
all kinds, she fully did her part in bringing up and training
the family.
During the first years of their residence in Wright, the
family were indebted to her labor and skill, with the assist-
ance of her daughters, for a large share of the clothing
they wore. Though not elegantly, they were comfortably
clothed. She lived, respected and loved by her children
and neighbors, to a good old age, being nearly eighty-five
when she died. May 22, 1875. Both were members of
the Presbyterian Church, and ever maintained family prayer.
They had eleven children, — Mary A., Oliver C, Harriet,
Margaret, Wm. W., Frederick H., Eliza J., Frances H.,
Geo. H., Laura, and Edward C.
Three died in infancy. Frederick H. died of smallpox,
in Canton, China, soon after reaching his station, having
been sent as a missionary by the American Board of Com-
missioners for Foreign Missions. But four of the children
survived the parents, — Mary A., married to Thomas Judd,
a widow, now lives near South Hadley, Mass. ; Wm. W.
and George H. live in Hudson, Mich.; Edward C. owns
and occupies the old homestead in Wright.
WILLIAM S. VAN FLEET.
This gentleman is descended from a family that emi-
grated from Holland to America at an early period of this
country's existence, and settled in New Jersey. At a later
period his grandfather, Cornelius Van Fleet, removed to
Pennsylvania and settled at Muncy, in Lycoming County.
His father, Matthias S., born* either shortly before or soon
* In the year 1794.
after the family's removal to Muncy, lived there, and upon
attaining his majority was married to Miss Mary Rickard,
of that place.
About the year 1820, they removed to Green County,
Ohio, near Dayton, and lived there till 1830, when
they removed to Wood County, — now Lucas County, —
settling in Waterville township, sixteen miles above Toledo,
on the Maumee Biver. At a later date they removed to
Maumee City, where Mr. Van Fleet is now living, at the
age of eighty-five years. Mrs. Van Fleet died while on a
visit at Napoleon, 0., Feb. 7, 1870. Their family con-
sisted of nine children : Cornelius and John R. were born
in Muncy ; William S., Charles, Mary A., Sarah J., and
Matthias R. were born near Dayton, 0. ; and Margaret E.
and Harriet R. were born at Waterville.
William S. Van Fleet was born near Dayton, Green Co.,
0., Feb. 5, 1820, and remained at home, working on the
farm and attending school, until he reached the age of
twenty-two years. At that time, the spring of 1842, he
went to Iowa, and in the summer or fall of that year pre-
empted a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of govern-
ment land. He worked out at anything that oflered until
he had accumulated enough to enable him to do so, and
then, in the fall of 1843, paid up and took a deed of it
from the government. He remained on the place three
years, and then, leaving it in charge of his brother, John
R., returned to Ohio, and engaged in farming one year,
after which he clerked three years in a grocery. Then he
entered into a partnership with his brother Cornelius, and
they took two contracts for carrying the mails from Mau-
mee to Fort Defiance and from Maumee to Bryan. After
these contracts were abrogate, he worked his mother's farm,
near Waterville, a couple of years until his removal to
Michigan, which occurred in April, 1854. On the 13th
of April he married his cousin, Mrs. Sarah A. Root, widow
of Amasa L. Root, and a daughter of Jared and Mary 0.
Van Fleet, at Medina, Lenawee Co. She was a native
of Washington, Lycoming Co., Pa., born in 1824, and
came to Michigan with her father's family in 1834.
Mr. Van Fleet had purchased of the heirs of Amasa L.
Root fifty-one acres, in the northwest corner of section 19,
in the town of Medina, and here they commenced house-
keeping on the 1st of May, 1834. In 1859, Mr. Van
Fleet purchased eighty acres in section 24 of the town of
Wright, adjoining his other land. In 1869 he erected
thereon a fine brick dwelling, and changed his residence
from Medina, Lenawee Co., to Wright, Hillsdale Co., by
simply moving across the road. He now owns ninety-one
acres in Medina and eighty acres in Wright. He has
always lived a farmer's life, not mingling to any extent in
public or political matters, and by thrifty industry has built
up one of the pleasantest homes of the vicinity.f He is an
earnest and consistent member of the Wright Christian
Church, and in every way a reliable and exemplary citizen.
With his wife and one daughter, an only child (who was
married December, 1878, to Winthrop W. Bennett), he
lives in comfort and peace on his farm, enjoying the con-
fidence, respect, and esteem of his neighbors and friends.
f See yiew on. another page.
i^-!"/^
i ^' ^^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
215
WELLINGTON H. AND HENRY M. PRATT.
These brothers were children of Aaron and Abigail
(Eames) Pratt, farmers, of South Framingham, Mass.
Both were born at that place, the former May 22, 18J:3,
and the latter Feb. 19, 1842, and lived there until the fall
of 1864, attending school at the district school and the
academy at Framingham Centre. Henry also attended
for a time Frost's Select School at the same place.
In 1852 their father died and their maternal grand-
father, Alexander Eames, came to live with them and man-
aged the farm.
In 1862, Wellington enlisted in Company H, 44th
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, for a term of nine
months, and served that length of time under the command
of Major-General L. S. Foster, in the Newbern, N. C,
campaign.
In the fall of 1864, the two brothers came to Michigan
— Henry in October and Wellington in December — and
hired out to work for Charles Ames on his farm, in Pitts-
ford. They remained with him a little over a year, having
leased his farm for one year in the spring of 1865, and
then they sold their interest in the lease to Ames, and Wel-
lington entered upon the business of buying poultry and
produce for the Eastern markets, while Henry bought a
flock of eight hundred sheep and took them to Iowa, where
he disposed of them, returning to Pittsford in February,
1866. The brothers then formed a copartnership under
the name of Pratt Brothers, and came to this town, pur-
chasing ten acres of ground on the southwest corner of
section 11, where they opened a small store in a building
they had purchased of Charles S. Reed, and moved to the
Corners. Since that time they have been engaged in the
mercantile business and have also bought and sold large
quantities of poultry and produce, besides their lumbering
business, which has been quite extensive. They have
bought and cleared two hundred and eighty acres of tim-
ber-lands, and have bought large quantities of oak logs,
which were sawed into chair stuff at their mill and shipped
to Boston. They became the owners of the saw- and grist-
mills in 1872. Their business annually amounts to from
$40,000 to $50,000. To their energy, enterprise, and
public spirit, the little village which bears their name owes
its existence and growth. They have erected seven of its
buildings, including the store and hotel.
Wellington H. was married at Battle Creek, on the 4th
of March, 1869, to Miss Julia A. Smith, a native of
Romulus, Seneca Co., N. Y., who had resided in Michigan
since 1866. They have six children: Agnes M., Ina C,
Lena, Eva, Helen, and Clifford H.
Henry M. was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta
M. Reed, at Hudson, Mich., on the 21st day of October,
1868. She was a native of Sharon, Medina Co., Ohio.
Their children are two in number, Clara L. and William J.
Their second child, George A., died Jan. 12, 1874.
Wellington H. has for three years past served the town
in the capacity of treasurer, and is one of the trustees of
the Congregational Church, which office he has held since
its organization. Henry M. is now and for several years
has been postmaster at this place.
HILLSDALE.
The original township of Fayette comprised not only the
ground it at present covers, but that now embraced in the
township of Hillsdale. In the year 1855 it was divided,
the southern half being organized as a separate township
and called Hillsdale, which in dimensions may be described
as three miles north and south and six miles east and west,
comprising the south half of township 6 of range 3, west.
The original tract embraced the village of Hillsdale also ;
but the growth of this place was so steady and rapid as to
inspire a desire on the part of its residents to obtain a city
charter. That having been secured, the city became quite
independent of the township, with a separate civil organiza-
tion. At the time of the early settlement of the township
the country was almost uninhabited, and presented the ap-
pearance of a vast tract of marsh and wilderness, with an
occasional log shanty, and this at long intervals. White
inhabitants were few in numbers, the Indians constituting
the chief portion of the population, and pursuing their
peaceful avocations, depending upon the streams and forests
for their daily subsistence. The early years of the town-
ship history are inseparably connected with the Indian
bands who, up to the year 1840, remained in the county,
and were in constant intercourse with its inhabitants.
The first settlers were Caleb Bates and Jeremiah Arnold,
who came early in 1835 and located on the east line of the
township. Later in the year came James K. Kinman, with
his family and another settler, and located on section 3L
Kinman seems to have been the victim of a succession
of misfortunes from the time of his arrival. He chose a
spot far back into the forest and erected a shanty. With the
cold winter came privation and suffering. Finally the family
were all prostrated with ague and beyond the reach of help.
With no friendly hand to offer aid, and no skill to minister
to their ills, death seemed inevitable, when Baw Beese with
his roving band discovered them. With a kindly instinct,
which was a part of his nature, and for which his memory
is still held in pleasant remembrance by many old pioneers,
he and his followers devoted themselv^ to the care of the
216
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
sick ones. They brought water to quench the thirst of
fever, and sent to their own wigwams, which dotted the
forest for miles around, for corn and meal, with which to
make bread. The Indians were dispatched in various direc-
tions for game, and returned laden with venison, wild turkey,
and birds for the nourishment of their white sufferers. For
six weeks these faithful friends watched over and kept from
death the family of James K. Kinman, and did not leave
them until they were suflBciently recovered to care for them-
selves. It was ever afterwards the delight of this family to
recall the goodness of Baw Beese, and they were never
weary of sounding the praises of his tribe.
Later in the year 1835 came William Bacon, who located
on section 28, on a point known as the Lightning- Rod,
from the fact that on his place was one of these preventives
against lightning, which in the early days was a novelty.
Next came John and Samuel Gilmore, who located on the
east side of the town, and afterwards one Cleveland and
Rev. Jeduthan Lockwood, a Universalist preacher, who
preached the first sermon in the township. George and
David Stone arrived in the year 1836, and located a tract
in the northeast corner of the township. George Stone,
who is still living, remembers passing the shanty of Daniel
Putnam on his way to settle upon his purchase, and describes
the country as very desolate, with occasionally a log house
to indicate the presence of a white inhabitant. At this
time there was also a log school-house erected on land of
Richard Fowler, half a mile east of Stone's location, and
near the line that separates the township from that of
Adams. There was also a log school-house one mile north,
built by James Mergiu, Daniel Putnam, Isaac Martin, John
Goforth, and M. Ashworth, with a young lady from the
vicinity as teacher. Divine service was held in these school-
houses each alternate week, and occasionally in private resi-
dences, as might best suit the convenience of the worshipers.
These services were conducted from 1836 to 1840 by Elder
Parker, who was a most worthy parson and universally
beloved by the inhabitants. He officiated on all funeral
occasions, and no wedding feast was complete that was not
graced with his presence to make secure the nuptial tie.
He afterwards removed to Kansas. An early inhabitant
named Andrich also preached occasionally, and is described
as " a godly man and full of the Holy Spirit." Among the
earliest residents on the west side was Garret Searles, who
came in 1835 and located a tract on the west bank of Sand
Lake. In the north part of the township a location was
made by a settler named Crane very nearly as early.
In the spring of 1844, William S. Hosmer and A. W.
Pierce came from New York State, having previously
purchased a tract embracing 120 acres, lying in the south-
west corner of the township, bordering on the township
of Cambria. These gentlemen have continued to live here,
together with their families, increasing their landed posses-
sions, and are now among the representative citizens of the
county.
At this time Indians were occasionally to be seen, but
the majority of them had departed. Many of the early
settlers now living remember distinctly the majestic pres-
ence of old Baw Beese, and the imperious dictation he
exercised over his followers. This relic of the tribe, how-
ever, left, in many respects, very pleasing impressions behind
them. They were scrupulous in the performance of their
word, and strictly honest in their dealings. In making
their trades with the settlers they were unable to speak the
English language, but would extend their fingers to indicate
the number of days before their return with the wares they
had pledged. No instance is remembered where they failed
to keep the appointment. Frequently Baw Beese and his
friends would appear at night at the shanty of a settler and
request supper. After partaking of a hearty meal, the chief
would take from his pouch a silver quarter of a dollar, and
lay it beside his plate ; then, nodding to his followers, each
would in turn follow his example, until the housewife was
repaid for her hospitality. They would then wrap them-
selves in their blankets, and lie down before the blazing log
fire for a night's sleep. A fondness for whisky early de-
veloped itself among them, and none yielded more readily
to the temptation than Baw Beese himself On one occa-
sion he attempted to cross the St. Joseph River, which runs
through the township, on a log which was stretched across
the stream. Being under the influence of frequent pota-
tions of bad whisky, his head became confused, and he
tumbled into the water. He repaired to the house of a
near settler, and, pulling out his bottle and taking a good
draught, exclaimed : " Baw Beese fall in blsli (water) ; take
something to keep warm."
The population being so meagre at this time, a funeral
was not only a rare but a very impressive occurrence, and
the good elder never failed to improve the occasion with a
moral lesson on the uncertainty of life and the necessity
for preparation to meet the final summons. A family
named Bird, living in an adjacent township, lost one of its
number about the year 1836, and this is the first death
recollected in the vicinity.
During the early settlement of the township very little
land had yet been turned over, and, consequently, no rich
grass and sweet-scented clover, such as the herds of the
present day are fed upon, was to be found. The grass of
the marshes was cut and cured, and this afforded the prin-
cipal stock of winter fodder.
Jonesville was the principal market for the produce of
the country, though Adam Howder's hotel, at Hillsdale,
which at the time was the headquarters of travelers and
parties who came to the county to locate lands, made
large demands upon the settlers for grain and provisions.
The county poor-house was originally located in the
township of Hillsdale, on section 28, the site being
changed, in 1853, to one on section 26, the east side of
which is now a portion of the city. Later it was removed
to the township of Cambria.
The surface of the township of Hillsdale is undulating,
the western portion being entirely cut by a chain of small
lakes, which, together, form what is known as Sand Lake.
There is also in the southern part a small sheet of water,
known as King Lake, and the northern half of Baw Beese
Lake extends into the southeast corner of the township.
This lake is memorable not only from the name it bears,
but from its being the scene of the regattas of the Hills-
dale boat-clubs.
The soil is medium in quality, there being no extended
;■ '5 ', -'C" V
Photos, by Carson & Graliani, Hillsdale.
ASA G. EDWARDS.
MRS. ASA G. EDWARDS.
ASA G. EDWARDS.
The great-grandfather of this gentleman was a native of
the land where poets were developed "from time im-
memorial,"— the rugged home of the Druids, — having
been born among the towering mountains of Wales. Upon
his father's side his great-grandfather was of French
descent. His grandfather was a hardy veteran of the
Revolution, having borne arms in the memorable struggle
for freedom, which resulted in the birth of a republic
destined to become one of the greatest of the nations of
the earth ; and his father was of that " sturdy race and
strong" which became the pioneers of the " far west," and
wrought perseveringly until the forest had disappeared and
gardens smiled amain. The latter gentleman was born upon
the eastern end of Long Island, N. Y. ; afterwards, with his
father, removing to Morris County, N. J., and thence to
Seneca County, N. Y. ; and in the fall of 1831 emigrating
with his family, consisting of his wife and four sons, — Asa G.,
Richard, Andrew, and Jephthah W., — to Tecumseh, Lena-
wee Co., Mich. The son, Asa G., was then twenty years of
age, his birth having occurred at Romulus, Seneca Co., N. Y.,
Sept. 1, 1 811. His mother, Mrs. Electa Edwards, was born
at Morristown, N. J., at which place her marriage was
consummated with Mr. Edwards (father of Asa).
In the spring of 1832, Asa G. Edwards enlisted as a
private in a regiment raised at Tecumseh for service in the
Black Hawk war, and experienced soldier life for four
weeks. He was also a lieutenant in the famous " Toledo
War" of 1835, wherein the State of Ohio and the Territory
of Michigan exhibited great valor over a small matter, and
which war resulted harmlessly, except that the temper of
the people was aroused to a great degree. Those were the
days, however, in which the venturesome settlers would
brook but illy any hostile demonstrations, from whatever
quarter, and all were ready for the fray.
Mr. Edwards was married in the township of Adrian, on
the 30th of January, 1834, to Margaret Peters, daughter
of Joseph and Anna Peters, who emigrated from New
Jersey. After his marriage, Mr. Edwards began prospect-
ing for a home for himself and his bride, and j&nally found
it in the township of Adams, Hillsdale Co., where he located
one hundred and twenty acres in March, 1837, and settled
upon it. There he lived and was prosperous for many
years. In March, 1868, he purchased his present home,
situated a short distance east of the city of Hillsdale.
When he first located in Adams there were no neighbors
within one mile of him.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have been blessed with six
children, as follows : Martha Matilda, who died in infancy;
Rachel, also died in infancy ; Susan Angeline, who became
the wife of David Emery, and is now residing in Titusville,
Pa. ; Andrew C, who lives on the old homestead ; Welcome
C, died in infancy; and Asa A., at present residing on a
farm in Jeflferson.
Mr. Edwards is a staunch Democrat, and cast his first
vote for Andrew Jackson. In religion he upholds the
Congregational creed. He has been prominent among his
townsmen from his earliest settlement, and has filled all the
important ofl&ces in his community ; is at present the super-
visor of Hillsdale township. He was several times super-
visor of Adams, and for some time a justice of the peace,
both in that and Hillsdale townships ; also a director of the
Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. In him is seen an
example of the fruits of a life well spent, and his forty-
seven years' residence in the "Peninsular State" have
been replete with all the varied experiences of the anxious
pioneer and the well-to-do citizen, and the happiness of
age has settled upon him as a rich bounty for the deeds
of the past.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
217
surfaces of rich land, gravelly clay ridges predominating,
and forming the principal ground which has been broken
by the plow.
Three railways traverse the surface of the township, —
the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, which
runs through its southeast corner ; the Detroit, Hillsdale
and Indiana Railroad, which passes through the easterly and
southwesterly portion ; and the Fort Wayne, Jackson and
Saginaw Railroad, which cuts through the western portion.
The list of officers from the organization of the township
to the present time is as follows :
For 1858.— C. W. Ferris, Supervisor ; Chas. F. Cooper,
Township Clerk; James N. Mott and C. H. Churchill,
School Inspectors; Morgan Lancaster, Constable; W. S.
Hosmer, S. Gilmore, Highway Commissioners; A. F.
Whelan, Deputy Clerk.
For 1859. — John Gilmore, Supervisor; Joseph J. Clark,
Township Clerk ; I. J. Fowler, School Inspector ; John
Rorhig, H. J. Ranny, Geo. Banker, Wm. L. Ribley, Con-
stables; John Peck, Highway Commissioner; G. W. Lum-
bard. Justice; S. J. Coon, C. B. Dresser, Deputy Clerks.
For 1860. — Benjamin Fisher, Supervisor; A. F. Whelan,
Township Clerk ; Joseph J. Clark, Treasurer ; E. H. White,
Justice ; E. L. Coon, School Inspector ; Hugh Cook, High-
way Commissioner; W. L. Ripley, Geo. Banker, Benjamin
Dreesler, and B. E. Brown, Constables.
For 1861. — Wm. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; A. F.
Whelan, Township Clerk ; Samuel Gilmore, Highway Com-
missioner ; G. W. Warren, Deputy Town Clerk ; C. B.
Dresser, School Inspector; W. L. Ripley, Geo. Banker, J.
Odell, Peter Strunk, Constables.
For 1862. — Wm. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; Edward
R. Potter, Township Clerk ; John S. Barber, Treasurer ;
Timothy E. Dibell, Justice ; C. B. Dresser, Justice, to fill
vacancy ; John Peck, Highway Commissioner ; Geo. Mc-
Millan, School Inspector ; Peter Strunk, W. L. Ripley, G.
Z. Hood, M. H. Saviors, Constables.
For 1863. — W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; E. R. Pot-
ter, Township Clerk ; J. S. Barber, Treasurer ; C. B. Dresser,
Justice ; Henry S. Farnam, School Inspector ; John C.
Swift, Highway Commissioner ; Wm. L. Ripley, James D.
Winchel, Geo. Banker, Joseph J. Jones, Constables.
For 1864. — Wm. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; Jacob 0.
Ames, Township Clerk ; E. C. Campbell, Treasurer ; Eu-
gene White, Justice ; Geo. McMillan, School Inspector ;
Elihu Davis, Highway Commissioner ; David Forbes, High-
way Commissioner, to fill vacancy ; Geo. Banker, John Mil-
ler, E. H. Pennel, J. J. Jones, Constables.
For 1865. — W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; J. 0. Ames,
Township Clerk ; E. C. Campbell, Treasurer ; Elisha Davis,
Justice ; Isaac P. Christiancy, Associate Justice ; H. T.
Farnam, School Inspector; Hugh Cook, Highway Com-
missioner; J. D. Winchel, E. H. Pennel, J. J. Jones, Geo.
Banker, Constables.
For 1866. — W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; Eugene
Rowlson, Township Clerk; M. H. Saviors, Treasurer;
Henry T. Kellogg, Justice ; Z. D. Thomas and Geo. W.
Burchard, Justices, to fill vacancies ; Geo. McMillan, School
Inspector ; W. L. Ripley, James D. Winchel, E. K. Pen-
nel, M. H. Saviers, Constables.
28
For 1867.— W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; Eugene
Rowlson, Township Clerk; E. C. Campbell, Treasurer;
Edwin J. March, Justice ; Geo. E. Smith, School Inspec-
tor; W. L. Ripley, E. Rowlson, E. K. Pennel, M. H.
Saviers, Constables.
For 1868.— W. R. Montgomery, Supervisor; Harvey
Montgomery, Township Clerk; M. H. Saviers, Township
Treasurer ; C. B. Dresser, Justice ; Geo. McMillan, School
Inspector ; Hugh Cook, Isaac Cole, Highway Commissioners ;
Eugene Rowlson, F. J. Wilson, M. H. Saviers, E. K. Pen-
nel, Constables.
For 1869.— John Gilmore, Supervisor; Charles H. Mor-
gan, Township Clerk; Edward W. Brigham, Treasurer;
Eugene H. White, Rufus Filleo, Joel South, Asa G. Ed-
wards, Justices ; Horace H. Johnson, Anson B. Ranney,
School Inspectors; John Stone, Highway Commissioner;
Geo. Banker, Franklin Stone, J. Byron Still, Hiram Filleo,
Constables.
For 1870.— John Gilmore, Supervisor; Charles H. Mor-
gan, Township Clerk; Edward W. Brigham, Treasurer;
John C. Swift, Eugene II. White, H. S. Parmelee, Justices;
J. P. Cole, Highway Commissioner; L. S. Ranney, School
Inspector, to fijl vacancy; Horace H. Johnson, School In-
spector; F. A. Stone, William Wilson, Samuel 0. Morgan,
Edwin Camp, Constables.
For 1871.— Eugene H.White, Supervisor; Chas. H. Mor-
gan, Township Clerk ; John M. Warren, Treasurer; Joseph
J. Jones, Justice ; Hugh Cook, Highway Commissioner ;
Darius P. Crane, School Inspector ; Edwin Camp, Franklin
Stone, Vinton W. Warren, Constables.
For 1872.— Eugene H.White, Supervisor; A. B. Ranney,
Township Clerk ; J. M. Warren, Treasurer ; John G. Reilay,
Justice; John C. Swift, Drain Commissioner; John F.
King, Highway Commissioner; William Bishop, School
Inspector; Lemuel S. Ranney, School Inspector, to fill
vacancy ; Henry L. Pierce, William J. Alles, Franklin A.
Stone, John Pickering, Constables.
For 1873. — L. S. Ranney, Supervisor; Anson B. Ranney,
Township Clerk ; Wm. F. Young, Treasurer ; Darius P.
Crane, Eugene H. White, Joel Smith, Justices; George
Banker, Highway Commissioner ; Chas. H. Morgan, School
Inspector; Willard H. Gaines, Grain Commissioner; Wil-
liam P. Alles, Fred. W. Gould, Franklin A. Stone, Orrin
Gray, Constables.
For 1874. — Lemuel S. Ranney, Supervisor ; A. B. Ran-
ney, Township Clerk ; William Bishop, Treasurer ; John M.
Warren, Justice; Hugh Cook, Highway Commissioner;
Samuel G. Wright, School Inspector; John M. Warren,
to fill vacancy; Chas. H. Morgan, Drain Commissioner;
Gilbert B. Hart, Isaac P. Cole, L. A. Alles, Samuel Mor-
gan, Constables.
For 1875.— Lemuel S. Ranney, Supervisor ; Eugene H.
White, Township Clerk; William Bishop, Treasurer;
Joseph J. Jones, Justice ; Elihu Davis, Highway Commis-
sioner; Chas. H. Morgan, Superintendent of Schools;
Frederic W. Gould, School Inspector ; Hugh Cook, Drain
Commissioner; Henry Bellany, L. A. Alles, John M. War-
ren, James Gould, Constables.
For 1876. — Lemuel S. Ranney, Supervisor; Eugene H.
White, Township Clerk; Wm. Bishop, Treasurer; Hosea
218
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
W. Folger, Justice ; Isaac P. Cole, to fill vacancy ; Wil-
liam C. Barns, Superintendent of Schools; Elihu Davis,
Commissioner of Highways ; Fred. W. Gould, School In-
spector ; John M. Warren, Drain Commissioner ; Isaac N.
Baker, Charles Carter, Samuel 0. Morgan, Charles L. Ter-
williger, Constables.
For 1877. — Lemuel S. Ranney, Supervisor; Eugene H.
White, Township Clerk; Isaac P. Cole, Treasurer; John
F. King, Justice; ITosea W. Folger, Justice- for three
years; Darius P. Cratie, Justice for two years; Hugh
Cook, Highway Commissioner ; Zeria R. Ashbaugh, Super-
intendent of Schools ; Frederic W. Gould, School Inspec-
tor ; Elihu Davis, Drain Commissioner ; Willard Hallett,
Constable.
For 1878. — G.Edwards, Supervisor; William Bishop,
Township Clerk ; Isaac P. Cole, Treasurer ; John M. War-
ren, Justice; James A. Burns, Justice, to fill vacancy;
Shepherd Bellamy, Highway Commissioner ; Joel R. Stone,
Superintendent of Schools ; Cyrus King, Drain Commis-
sioner; Wm. T. Lyons, School Inspector; Isaac Baker,
William Hallett, Ambrose C. Fyle, William Piatt, Con-
stables.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOSEPH J. JONES.
New England was the birthplace of Mr. Jones, and
Massachusetts his native State ; the date of his birth April
27, 1834. When three years of age he removed with his
parents to Huron Co., Ohio, and at the age of eleven
years was left fatherless, and dependent upon his own labor
for a livelihood. He worked by the month, and by fru-
gality and strict truthfulness he established a reputation
and credit among his neighbors. In November, 1854, he
married Luana Gleason, at Ripley, Huron Co., Ohio ; but
Mrs. Gleason's married life was of short duration, she hav-
ing died in February of the following year.
In August of 1856 he was married again, to Charlotte
Gleason, and Mrs. Jones died June 22, 1863, leaving two
boys. Mr. Jones was married the third time, to Betsey
M. Bradley, of Hillsdale, Aug. 11, 1864, and four more
children were born. He moved with his second wife
to Michigan, in March, 1857, and settled at Woodbridge.
After a two years' residence in that township, disposed of
his property, and located at his present home, in Hillsdale
township, before it was improved.
He has one hundred and seventy acres of highly-im-
proved land, a view of which is given in this work. Mr.
Jones has made a specialty of raising a fine grade of Spanish
Merino sheep. In this department of farming he has
established a reputation, and stands at its head in the
county. During the last fall he shipped twenty-six rams,
many of them going out of the State. Mr. Jones is noted
for fair dealing, moderate prices, and close application to
business.
At the county fair, held in 1877, he was awarded every
premium for fine sheep. He is a Republican in politics,
and has held many ofiices of trust in the township.
GARRY SEARLS.
Mr. Searls was born in Seneca County, in the central
part of New York State, Oct. 24, 1824, his ancestors hav-
ing been descended from old Dutch stock, and residing
along the banks of the Hudson. He remained for six
years on the home-farm, and then removed to Bradford
Co., Pa., and remained there four years. His parents,
then, following the course of emigration, came to Michigan,
and located in Hillsdale County, on the then Chicago turn-
pike, three miles west of Jonesville. Mr. Searls married
May 16, 1858, the family of Mrs. Searls having moved
from Dutchess Co., N. Y., to Michigan, in 1855. Their
children are six in number, — Frederick, Jr., Edward Y.,
George W., Charles H., Anna M., and Albert E.,— -all liv-
ing, and members of the home circle. Mr. Searls resides
upon a finely-cultivated farm of one hundred and ninety-
five acres, lying in Hillsdale and Cambria townships.
ADAMS.
The original township of Adams included all of range
2 wfist in Hillsdale County, south of the present township
of Moscow, from which it was formed by act of the Legis-
lature, March 23, 1836.
This town diiFers from those to the north in the fact that
it was originally heavily timbered ; much of it is still cov-
ered with a sturdy forest, and the supply of wood is not
liable to be exhausted for many years. The surface is
similar to that of the neighboring townships and the soil
good. Numerous small streams and lakes furnish abundant
water, the largest of the lakes being Lake Adams, on sections
21 and 28.
The only village in the township is North Adams, in the
northeast part. It is a station on the Detroit, Hillsdale
and Southwestern Railway (formerly Detroit, Hillsdale and
Indiana), which connects the Fort Wayne, Jackson and
Saginaw Road at Banker's with the Michigan Central at
Ypsilanti. This road has not proved a paying investment,
and it is rumqred that trains are to cease running upon it
during the season of 1879.
The following list shows the persons who had entered
land in this township previous to April 27, 1838. This
includes only the present township ; Jefferson, Ransom, and
the east half of Amboy having been formed from what was
originally Adams :
Section 1. — William Warren, Almon Green, Ralph and
Polly Douglass, James Foot, — 654.08 acres.
Section 2. — Salmon Sharp, Stephen Birdsall, Gershom
Noyes, W. W. Jackson, Milton Foot, John M. Foot,
Gabriel H. Todd,— -649.21 acres.
Section 3. — Henry Wilcox, Stephen Birdsall, Asa Eddy,
J. S. Northrop, Ralph Pratt,— 647.07 acres.
Section 4. — John and Mary Eddy, William Gage, Foster
St. John, Sarah Eddy, William Durant,— -641.56 acres.
Section 5. — Daniel D. Sinclair, George C. Van Horn,
James Anderson, Solomon Jordan, — 642.79 acres.
Section 6. — Daniel Parks, S. P. Jermain, Samuel Covey,
Abraham Converse, William Durant, Alfred Brown, Richard
Dobson, — 587.26 acres.
Section 7.— Erastus Gay, Simeon Carr, Seba Murphy,
—621.88 acres.
Section 8. — Y. Barker, Francis A. Fisk, William Du-
rant, Alanson Jermain, — 640 acres.
Section 9. — Francis A. Fisk, Thomas Rowarth, William
Durant, Alanson Jermain, Lemuel Cobb, — 640 acres.
Section 10. — William Cutler, Seth Kempton, Wesley
Batcheller, Roswell Barker, William S. Fuller, Reuben J.
Fuller, — 640 acres.
Section 11. — Mahlon Brown, Robert T. Brown, Marcus
Terwilliger, John M. Foot, S. P. Jermain, Joseph B.
Dawley, Ralph Pratt, Peter Meach, — 640 acres.
Section 12. — Simon Jacobus, G. W. Brown, S. P. Jer-
main, John De Mott, Benjamin Sutton, Pharis Sutton, —
640 acres.
Section 13. — S. P. Jermain, Nathaniel Dawley, Alfred
Brown, Caleb N. Cransby, Ralph Pratt,— 640 acres.
Section 14. — Joseph B. Dawley, Alfred Brown, Darius
A. Ogden, Pharis Sutton, William W. Avery, Ralph Pratt,
John McYickar.
Section 15. — Roswell Parker, John Benedict, David
Bagley, Wesley Batcheller, — 640 acres.
Section 17. — A. Wright, H. Packer, James F. Stark,
N. Worthington, Tompkins C. Delavan, Israel Daniels,
Ralph Pratt, — 640 acres.
Section 18. — Myron McGee, Erastus Gay, Enoch Ward,
Wright, Packer, Stark, and Worthington, Thomas Denny,
Joseph Randall, Zadock Randolph, — 627.40 acres.
Section 19. — Julius 0. Swift, John Gregg, Ransom
Gardner, Uriah B. Couch, H. S. Piatt, John W. Miller,—
632.44 acres.
Section 20.— Lydia Swift, William C. Swift, Thomas
Denny, Jeremiah Arnold, Nathaniel Hewitt, Simon Jaco-
bus,— 640 acres.
Section 21.— Thomas Denny, Sizer L. Stoddard, David
Bagley, Roswell Cheney, E. W., Jr., and Seth Hastings,
Elijah Daniels, — 640 acres.
Section 22.— David Bagley, E. W., Jr., and Seth Has- '
tings, George W. Jermain, John McYickar, William Hea-
cox, — 640 acres.
Section 23.— William Heacox, B. W., Jr., and Seth
Hastins, Ralph Pratt, Josiah Southerland, — 640 acres.
Section 24. — Admiral L. Martin, William Burton, Amy
Hawkshurst, Calvin Carr, — 640 acres.
Section 25. — E. W., Jr., and Seth Hastings,— 640 acres.
Section 26. — Joseph Purdy, Robert Hill, Ephraim P.
Purdy, E. W., Jr., and Seth Hastings, Job L. Albro, —
640 acres.
Section 27. — Joseph Purdy, John Moore, Harry Wood,
Stephen Perkins, Ralph Pratt, Ephraim P. Purdy, Samuel
Yan Gorden, S. P. Jermain, — 560 acres.
Section 28. — William Plimpton, L. M. Janes, Betsy
Young, Asa G. Edwards, Thomas Denny, Abagail Hall,
Ralph Pratt, — 600 acres.
Section 29.— Daniel Peck, Luther Bradish, Norman B.
Carter, Easton Wilber, Nathaniel Hewitt, Seba Murphy, —
640 acres.
Section 30.— Richard , William Kirby, John B.
Brockelbank, Daniel Peck, Salem T. King, James B.
Murray, — 636 acres.
Section 31. — Daniel Peck, Austin Westover, H. S. Piatt,
J. H. Miller, Lonzo G. Budlong, Norman B. Carter, —
640.64 acres.
219
220
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Section 32. — Daniel Peck, James B. Murray, G. L. Crane,
John Bradish, Thomas Denny, — 640 acres.
Section 33. — B. B. Moore, James B. Murray, John
Moore, Lewis M. Jones, William Plimpton, Peter Gates, —
640 acres.
Section 34. — David Capont, Joseph W. Atard, B. B.
Moore, Marshall Huntington, Howard Weaver, Elihu L.
Clark, — 640 acres.
Section 35. — David Capont, entire section, — 640 acres.
Section 36. — E. Wilder, Jr., and Seth Hastings, Henry
Howe, H. B. Scovell,— 640 acres.
From this list it is seen that only 120 acres of land re^
mained in the hands of the government in this township at
the date given. The same year (1838) it contained a
population of 279. There were also owned 217 head of
neat stock, 12 horses, 40 sheep, and 276 hogs. For pur-
poses of comparison, we give the following figures from the
State census of 1874, to show to what proportions the town-
ship has developed :
Population (830 males, 844 females) 1674
Total acres of taxable land 22,816
Lands owned by inhabitants and companies 22,916
Number of acres of improved land 14,790
" '* land exempt from taxation 100
Value of same, including improvements $20,250
Number of acres in school-house sites 7
" " church and parsonage sites 5
** " burying-grounds 6
<* " railroad right of way and depot
grounds 38
** farms in township 303
" acres in same 21,528
Average number of acres in farms 71.04
Number of acres of wheat sown in 1874 3,413
*< " " harvested in 1873 3,090
*' " corn " " 1,962
Bushels of wheat raised in 1873 42,430
" corn '* '' 81,628
" all other grain raised in 1873 22,770
** potatoes raised in 1873 8,642
Tons of hay cut in 1873 2,325
Pounds of wool sheared in 1873 20,464
" of pork marketed in 1873 311,630
" cheese made in 1873 6,490
*' butter made in 1873 89,639
« fruit dried for market in 1873. 32,257
Barrels of cider made in 1873 603
Pounds of maple-sugar made in 1874 5,445
Number of acres in orchards in 1874 642
Bushels of apples raised in 1872. .... 26,357
« *' '^ in 1873 24,449
" peaches raised in 1872 60
" pears raised in 1872 .67
« " " 1873. 71
" plums raised in 1 872 8
" cherries raised in 1872 1,099
« « " 1873 919
** grapes raised in 1872 42
" 'V " 1873 43
" strawberries raised in 1872 41
" " " 1873 37
" currants and gooseberries raised in 1872 208
a • a »« « 1873 167
" melons and garden vegetables raised in
1872 342
" melons and garden vegetables raised in
1873.. 3,179
Value of all such fruit and garden vegetables for
1873 $11,281
Value of all such fruit and garden vegetables for
1874 $10,772
Number of horses owned in township in 1874 676
" mules '' " " 7
" work-oxen " " " 14:
" milch-cpws ** " '' 824
" neat cattle, one year old and over, other
than oxen and cows 689
" swine, over six months old 1,376
« sheep " " 4,431
« sheep sheared in 1873 3,T04
*' saw-mills in township in 1874 . 3
" persons employed in san^e 9
Amount of capital invested in same $4,700
Feet of lumber sawed 275,000
Value of lumber sawed $3,200
Egg-carrier factories 1
Persons employed in same ^
Capital invested in same $2,000
Value of products $3,000
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The township of Adams was not settled as early as those
along the Chicago turnpike, yet it was but a few years
after they had begun to fill with a white population before
the woods of Adams rang to the blows of the pioneer's axe,
and the typical log cabins were reared where now are the
tasty dwellings and excellent improvements of her citizens.
When once the work of developing her resources had
begun it was rapidly pushed along, and the foregoing
figures show that in the lapse of years the township has
become one of the foremost in the county in the amount
of many of its productions.
A period of forty-four years has rolled over the country
since the stillness of the forest was broken by the sound of
the pioneer's voice, — forty-four years fraught at first with
great toil and many privations, and since with mingled joy
and anxiety, until at present the outlook is cheerful and the
times are prosperous.
The first settler in what is now the township of Adams
was Salmon Sharp, who came with his son, Norman S.
Sharp, from Auburn, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in the spring of
1835. He selected his land in the month of April of that
year, and while his son stayed upon it he went on foot to
Monroe, recorded his entry at the land-ofiice, and returned
in the same way. While Mr. Sharp, Sr., returned to New
York for his family, the son and Samuel Healey, who had
also come, kept " bachelors' hall" in a log house which was
erected by Salmon Sharp and son, and his brother, Sheldon
W. Sharp, with the aid of George Omens, who was at that
time stopping at the " Scipio House" in Moscow, on the
Chicago road, at the* west line of the township, where Lo-
renzo Benson now lives. Mr. Omens made the shingles for
Mr. Sharp's house, and afterwards for others in the vicinity.
This rude dwelling was 10 logs high, and 18 by 24 feet in
dimensions, and was the first one erected in the township
for the use of a white family.
Salmon Sharp is now residing in Wayne Co., la., aged
eighty-six years, and his brother, Sheldon W. Sharp, in Cal-
ifornia. Norman S. Sharp, who is still living in Adams,
is consequently its oldest resident settler, and occupies land
entered by his father, on section 2, west of the old farm.
His wife is a daughter of Sylvester Twogood, who settled a
mile farther north, in Moscow, in June, 1836. He was
from Dryden, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and has been dead over
thirty years. His widow is still living.
At the same time Salmon Sharp selected his land in
Adams, his brother, Sheldon W. Sharp, S. A. Whittaker,
and Samuel Healey located close by in Moscow. They
were conducted to it by Zachariah Van Duzar, of Moscow.
Lot Fulkerson also settled in Moscow, in the same neighbor-
hood (section 35), at about the same time. In the fall of
the same year (1835) the families of S. A. Whittaker,
James Fitten, and Anthony Ingham came to their new
homes in the forest, from near Lawrence, Mass. They
all located oo the tract taken up by BIr. Whittaker.
iSW
V \ : ^'►. >'-.'X
>'^ "^^ '0'"^""-"'' '
'//'K.//'
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
221
Salmon Sharp's original location was on the northeast
quarter of section 2, in Adams, and that of his brother on
the southwest quarter of section 36, in Moscow. Whit-
taker's tract was the farthest west.
William Warren, who lived in the northeast part of town,
on land at present occupied by George Combs, located also
in the year 1835, very soon after Mr. Sharp had made his
entry.
Albert Kenyon, now of North Adams, came to Hillsdale
County, from Sempronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 1841 ;
he was at that time but eighteen years old. He afterwards
purchased the Sheldon W. Sharp place, in Moscow. After
arriving in the county he taught school for ten successive
winters. On one occasion he went to Cambria township, in
company with Esq. Salmon Sharp, to look at a piece of
land he (Kenyon) had purchased. This was in April,
1842. They came in the course of their journey to the
border of a large swamp, and missed the section line. So
much time was spent in endeavoring to find the blazed
trees which marked it, that darkness came upon them and
they found themselves alone in the forest. The night was
quite cold, and they concluded to build a fire and remain by
it until daybreak. Their disappointment was sore enough,
when on searching they found they had not a single match
between them. They had heard that if a person lost in
the night will take a stick and swing it up and down
before him, and follow in the direction he thinks is right,
he will arrive safely at his destination. This they tried, and
wandered on and on in the darkness, scratching their hands
and Aices with briers, stumbling over fallen logs, and tear-
ing their clothing in the brush, imagining all the time that
they were pointing towards Adam Howder's tavern, at
Hillsdale. What was their surprise, after several hours'
tramp and anxiety, at finding themselves at the house of
the widow Bird, in Jefferson ! They had done what lost
people invariably do, circled to the right, and brought up
several miles from their intended resting-place.
Henry N. and E. K. Wilcox, from the northwestern part
of Vermont, settled in Adams in the spring of 1836, and
both are yet residing in the township.
Abijah Smith came to Adams from Saratoga Co., N. Y.,
in the spring of 1836, and settled on the east half of the
northeast quarter of section 3, where William Morehouse
now lives. He moved his family to the township in the
fall of the same year. He is at present residing a short
distance west of the village of North Adams.
Joseph Woolston, from Monroe Co., N. Y., came with
his wife to Michigan, in September, 1838, and settled in
the township of Wheatland, on the farm of which Emery
Ferguson now owns a part. There he cleared eighty acres,
and about fourteen years after his settlement sold his prop-
erty and removed to his present location, on the northeast
quarter of section 1, in Adams, upon which he has since
resided. Mr. and Mrs. Woolston are the parents of nine
children.
Salmon Sharp, the first settler, was the owner of a large
rope, and with that and his team rendered efiicient service
at the raising of the various log houses and barns built in
the neighborhood ; in fact, his aid was deemed almost in-
dispensable, for the walls of a dwelling or other building
could be rolled up with the help of the team and rope in a
very short space of time.
Rev. Milton Foote and family came from Villa Nova,
Chautauqua Co., N. Y., to Adrian, Mich., in the fall of
1830, and located at the latter place. In September, 1835,
his sons, John and James M. Foote, came to Adams town-
ship (then Moscow), located land, built a shanty upon it,
and lived in it that winter. Their father removed to the
place in the spring of 1836. The portion of the farm
which was taken by the latter is now owned by John Cutler
and Eli Collins (lying east of North Adams village), and
the part owned by John M. Foote— eighty acres— is now
the property of Joseph Wright. John M. Foote was mar-
ried and his brother single when they came to the town-
ship. Their cousin, Frederick E. Fairchild, who came
with them, yet owns land in Adams, but his present resi-
dence is in Rollin, Lenawee Co.
When the Footes moved in they came as far as Moscow,
on the Chicago road, and thence via the Sharp place to
their own land. Sharp had his cabin built at the time, and
William Cutler had settled at what is now North Adams,
about June of the same year. The Footes cut their own
road through from the openings on the north. While on
their trip through from New York to Michigan, in 1830,
the families were transported in a wagon drawn by a team
of horses, their household goods having been sent by water.
They brought three cows with them, which the sons drove
in turn, having to walk when thus engaged. iMilton Foote
was a Methodist Episcopal minister, and at his house in
Adams preached the first sermon in the township, — and it
is said in the county also.*
Mr. Foote's son, James Foote, now living a mile south
of North Adams, for some years occupied land which he
" took up" on the Adrian road. His wife was a daughter
of David Bagley, and died in 1873. Their son, James
Foote, whose birth occurred in October, 1838, was one of
the first white male children born in the township. George
Dibble, living on the west line of Adams, is, perhaps, a little
older than Mr. Foote's son.
The first marriage in the township was probably that of
Wallace Jackson and Lucy Wilcox, which occurred some
time in 1837. James Foote and Harriet M. Bagley were
married on the 16th day of November of the same year,
and theirs was the second marriage in town. Griffin
Fuller and Lois Fairchild were married soon after, and
Norman S. Sharp and Juliet Twogood were married in
November, 1839.
Probably the first death in town was that of a child of
Nelson Dawley, who, in the fall of 1836, fell into a barrel
of water (the barrel was set in the ground to serve as a
cistern) and was drowned. The child was the first person
buried in the cemetery in the eastern part of the township.
The first adult person who died was possibly Mrs. Griffin
Fuller, who died in childbirth within a year after her mar-
riage.
The first white child born in the township was Hannah,
a daughter of Stephen Burchell, who lived just west of the
* This cannot be, as there was preaching at Jonesville befoye that
time.
222
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
present village site. She is now Mrs. Charles E. Fullerton,
residing half a mile west of the village.
John Cutler, son of William Cutler, was among the first
white male children born in the township, his birth occurring
in 1840.
David Bagley, from the town of Mentz, Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., removed with his wife and eight children (the oldest
son remaining in New York) to Michigan in June, 1836,
and settled in Adams, on the farm now partly owned by
Saxton S. Bagley. The latter has removed the old log
dwelling of his father from its former location to his share
of the farm, and still occupies it. This building was raised
in June and July, 1836, and stands south of its original
site. Another son, Joseph L. Bagley, lives near the centre
of the township.
When the Bagleys moved into town, Rev. Milton Foote
was living a short distance east of Cutler's Corners, where
he had settled as described. Rev. Roswell Parker, also a
Methodist minister, had purchased land in the township
but had not yet moved upon it, and settled in the summer
of the same year (1836).
Joseph B. Dawley lived a mile south and one and a
quarter miles east from North Adams in 1836, and probably
had settled in 1835. William Fowler occupied a place at
the west line of the township, on what is now the Hillsdale
road.
Seth Kempton, who was the first township clerk of
Adams, was by profession a Thompsonian physician, and
married a daughter of Judge Lyman Blackmar, of Moscow.
He was the first physician who settled in Adams township,
and was a very capable man.
Norman S. Sharp relates the following incident as illus-
trative of the straits to which the good housewives of early
days were sometimes reduced : He had gone to Tecumseh
on one occasion to procure grists for four families. He was
gone so much longer than usual that the families used up
what little flour they had left, and then took some bran,
sifted the " middlings" out of it and used that, and still
the flour came not. Towards evening of one day three
preachers came to Mrs. Sharp's, — Elders Parker, Bene-
dict, and Batchelor, — and were given supper and lodging.
Mrs. Sharp (N. S. Sharp's mother) told them she had given
them the last food she had in the house, and unless her son
came that night they would have to go without breakfast
in the morning. The son arrived with his grist within two
miles of home that evening, unhitched the oxen and turned
them out, walked home and went to bed, and early in the
morninj^ walked back, hitched up again, and drew the load
home in time to hrjve some of it to prepare for breakfast.
The dispensers of the Word consequently did not suffer
from hunger.
LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, ETC.
According to direction of act creating the township of
Adams the first town-meeting was held April 4, 1836, at
the southeast corner of section 16, centre of the township.
A large log answered the purposes of table, desks, and
seats. Salmon Sharp was moderator of the meeting and
Nicholas Worth ington clerk. The following were the oflS-
cers chosen, viz. : Supervisor, Salmon Sharp ; Town Clerk,
Seth Kempton, Jr. ; Assessors, Benjamin Moore, William
Cutler, William W. Jackson ; Commissioners of Schools,
William W. Jackson, Nicholas Worthington, Easton Wil-
ber ;* Commissioners of Highways, John M. Foote, Joseph
W. Atard, Stephen Birdsall ; Directors of the Poor, Joseph
B. Dawley, Julius 0. Swift; Collector, Easton Wilber;
Constables, Easton Wilber, William Jackson ; Magistrates,
William Cutler, Nicholas Worthington, Horatio Hadley,
Salmon Sharp ; School Inspectors, Easton Wilber, William
Jackson, Nicholas Worthington, Seth Kempton, Jr., A. Z.
Hay ward.
At this election it was *' Voted, That the town of Adams
be divided into five' road districts, the first containing the
northeast quarter of township 6 south, of range 3 west,
including the south dividing line to section 16 ; the second
the northwest quarter, including the south dividing line to
the east corner of 16 ; the third the southwest quarter;
the fourth the southeast quarter; and the fifth all that
part of Adams south of township 6."
Pathmasters chosen. — John M. Foote, E. M. Curtis,
Julius 0. Swift, Joseph W. Atard, A. Z. Hayward, these
for districts one to five respectively. The last-named per-
son refused to serve, and Horatio Hadley was appointed
in his place. It was voted that the pathmasters serve as
fence- viewers, and the meeting adjourned to the first Mon-
day in April, 1837, at the house of Arnold.
At a special election, Sept. 12, 1836, to choose a delegate
to State convention, which was to assemble at Ann Arbor
the same month, Zachariah Yan Duzar received fourteen
votes and Heman Pratt two.
In 1837 it was " Yoted, That the town pay a bounty of
$5 on every wool/ over six months of age, and $2.50 on
all under that age, caught and killed in the town by any
inhabitant of the same (and none other), and presented to
the town board with satisfactory proof that they were taken
within the limits of the same.
'^ Voted, The supervisor be authorized to raise $50 for
the purpose of paying a bounty on woolvesy
In 1839 it was "■ Voted, That the town take a deed of
Jabez S. Northrop of a piece of ground as a burying-ground
selected by D. Bagley, S. Kempton, and Milton Foote."
This burying-ground was a part of the present one north of
the village of North Adams.
The following is a list of the principal ofiicers of the
township from 1837 to 1877, inclusive:
SUPERVISORS.
1837-40. Salmon Sharp.
1841. David Bagley.
1842. EthelJudd.
1843-44. Peter Gates.
1845. David Bagley.
1846. Nelson Nethaway.
1847. Norman S. Sharp.
1848. Easton Wilbur.
1849. Andrew Wade.
1850. Asa G. Edwards.
1851. Nelson Nethaway.
1852. John M. Foote.
1853. Asa G. Edwards.
1854. Peter Gates.
1855. Nelson Nethaway.
1856. William Cutler.
1857. Nelson Nethaway.
1858. Andrew Wade.
1859. Nicholas G. Vreeland.
1860-61. James H. Fowler.
1862-63. Nelson Nethaway.
1864-68. Ethel Judd.
1869. John Phillips.
1870-74. James Foote.
1875. Albert Kenyon.
1876. Saxton S. Bagley.
1877. George Kinney.
* Spelled also Wilbur.
f?ESIDENCE OF LEVI VANAKEN ,ADAMS,f1tLLSDALt CO..MICH .
BtSiOENCE .Of GEO»& WILLIAM GRAY, ADAMS, filUSDALE C0„ Ml CH.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
223
TOWN CLERKS.
1837-
39. Seth Kempton, Jr.
1854.
Gilbert Travis.
1840.
Nicholas Worthington.
1855-
56. Allen Kenney.
1841-
43. William D. Moore.
1857-
61. Saxton S. Bagley.
1844-
45. Nelson Nethaway.
1862-
64. Henry H. Wade.
1846.
Norman S. Sharp.
1865.
Lewis J. Thompson.
1847.
Nelson Nethaway.
1866.
Saxton S. Bagley.
1848.
Nicholas Worthington.
1867-
68. John B. Kemp.
1849.
David M. Bagley.
1869.
David M. Foote.
1850.
Warner Spooner.
1870-
72. Thomas J. Nethaway.
1851.
David C. Fuller.
1873-
76. George Kinney.
1852.
James H. Fowler.
1877.
Saxton S. Bagley.
1853.
Nicholas G. Vreeland.
JUSTICES OF
THE PEACE. 1
1837.
Easton Wilbur.
1859.
Lucius M. French.
1838.
William W. Jackson.
1860.
David B. Kempton.
1839.
Nicholas Worthington.
1861.
David C. Fuller.
1840.
William Cutler.
1862.
Furnian Huff.
1841.
Easton Wilbur.
1863.
Azariah F. De Pue.
1842-
William W. Jackson.
1864.
Orson Herrington.
Peter Gates.
Wilson W. Curtice.
1843.
Robert Hill.
1865.
W. W. Curtice.
1844.
William Cutler.
1866.
Furman Huff.
1845.
Easton Wilbur.
C. H. Jackson.
1846.
William B. Foote.
1867.
A. F. De Pue.
1847.
Asa G. Edwards.
D. B. Kempton.
Robert Hill.
1868.
James Barker.
1848.
Silas Sears.
A. F. De Pue.
1849.
Ira Hill.
1869.
Lucius E. Russ.
Samuel Stephens.
1870.
Furman Huff.
1850.
Nicholas G. Vreeland.
1871.
Nelson Nethaway.
1851.
Robert Hill.
1872.
James Barker.
1852.
David B. Kempton.
Stephen N. Betts.
1853.
Israel Post.
1873.
L. E. Russ.
1854.
Nicholas G. Vreeland.
1874.
Furman Huff.
1855.
Robert Hill.
1875.
Robert Hill.
1856.
D. B. Kempton.
1876.
S. N. Betts.
Robert Hill.
James Barker.
1857.
Allen Kenney.
1877.
Benjamin D. Ackmoody.
1858.
Martin H. Langdon.
ASSE5
5S0RS.
1837.
William W. Jackson.
1842
H. P. Hitchcock.
David Bagley.
1843
Abijah Smith.
Henry Fowler.
Horace P. Hitchcock.
1838.
W. W. Jackson.
1844
Asa G. Edwards.
William Cutler.
Abijah Smith.
Peter Gates.
1845
Horace P. Hitchcock.
1839.
Milton Foote.
Gershom Noyes.
Easton Wilbur.
1846.
A. G. Edwards.
David B. Kempton.
Abijah Smith.
1840.
Easton Wilbur.
1847.
Abijah Smith.
William W. Jackson.
Peter Gates.
Vining Barker.
1848
Same as previous year.
1841
Salmon Sharp.
1849
William Kirby.
Easton Wilbur.
David C. Myers.
Solomon A. Clark.
1850
William Tater.
1842.
Milton Foote.
Henry Lyons,
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
1837. James Foote.
1838. Reuben J. Fuller.
1839. James Foote.
1839-41. David Bagley.
1842. Easton Wilbur.
1843. Wm. C^ Swift.
1844. James Foote.
1845. Asa G. Edwards.
1846-47. Wm. C. Swift.
1848. Ira Hill.
1849. Stillman C. Post.
1850. Jared H. Huyck.
1851. Amos B. Noyes.
1852. Wm. C. Swift.
COLLECTORS.
I 1840. Reuben J. Fuller.
1841. Reuben J. Fuller.
TREASURERS.
1853. A. B. Noyes.
1854. Wm. C. Walmsley.
1855. Saxton S. Bagley.
1856. Horace P. Hitchcock.
1857-58. Heman Swift.
James Foote.
Saxton S. Bagley.
Charles D. Wyman.
Charles J. Hickox.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
John M. Foote.
J. 0. Swift.
Joseph B. Dawley.
John M. Foote.
Henry Burgess.
Julius 0. Swift.
Henry Burgess.
Ethel Judd.
Delonzo Turner.
Julius 0. Swift.
Delonzo Turner.
Samuel Stevens.
David B. Kempton.
Robert Hill.
Peter Gates.
Peter Gates.
Samuel Niblack.
Samuel Stephens.
Stephen Birdsall.
Samuel Niblack.
Jehiel Rush.
S. Birdsall.
Norman S. Sharp.
Wm. C. Swift.
N. S. Sharp.
Wm. C. Swift.
Andrew Wade.
Peter Gates.
Philip Clark.
Amos B. Noyes.
Erastus Wilcox.
Amos B. Noyes.
John S. Older.
John M. Foote.
1849. John H. Smith.
1850. Alonzo S. Carter.
1851. John M. Foote.
1852. Cyrus H. Jackson.
1853. Gilbert Travis.
1854. Henry Huff.
George Gregory.
1855. Cyrus H. Jackson.
1856. Charles D. Wyman.
1857. Daniel McKercher.
1858. Alonzo S. Carter.
1859. Charles D. Wyman.
1860. Daniel McKercher.
1861. Alonzo S. Carter.
1862. Charles D. Wyman.
1863. Davis Barker.
1864. Eli B. Rogers.
1865. Allen Keney.
1866. Nelson J. Webb.
Alonzo Cole.
1867. Lemuel Roberts.
D. H. Jackson.
1868. Alonzo Cole.
1869. John H. Bearss.
1870. Charles W. Bross.
1871. James F. Burnett.
1872. Elisha Swift.
Elliott W. Church.
1873. Charles W. Bross.
1874. Thomas J. Nethaway.
1875. C. W. Bross.
1876. David M. Foote.
1877. Charles W. Bross.
1859-66.
1867-69.
1870-72.
1873-75.
1876-77. Willard J. Wyman.
The officers for 1878 are as follows: Supervisorj George
Kinney ; Town Clerk, Saxton S. Bagley ; Treasurer, W. J.
Wyman; Justice of the Peace, Furman Huff; Commis-
sioner of Highways, Abram Williams ; Township Superin-
tendent of Schools, George E. Wilson ; School Inspector,
Thomas J. Nethaway ; Drain Commissioner, Richard S.
Hicks ; Constables, Ezra L. Tiffany, James Crisp, C. Leslie
Benson, Adelbert C. Gregory.
Reuben J. Fuller, whose name appears frequently in the
foregoing list, came from Sullivan, Madison Co., N. Y., with
his family, and settled on section 10 in Adams on the 2d
of February, 1837. His location is immediately east of
the village of North Adams. He purchased the south 40
of his 80 in 1835, and has resided upon his place since his
settlement in 1837.
Ethel Judd, whose name also appears conspicuously, is a
native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., and was later a resident of
Chautauqua County, from which he came to Adams with his
family in 1837, arriving July 7, and settled on the west
half of the northeast quarter of section 14, — the old farm
now owned by his son-in-law, Charles H. Smith. Mr. Judd
is at present resident of North Adams. He is by trade a
carpenter and joiner, and, besides attending to his farm
duties, he has built many of the houses and barns in this
township, — among theift seven dwellings in North Adams.
Before leaving the State of New York he was employed
upon the Erie Canal.
SCHOOLS.
The first school-house in the present township of Adams
was a log building, which was erected a short distance south
224
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of Nortli Adams. Oliver Streeter was an early teacher.
The first school was taught in this building in the summer
of 1839, by Miss Juliet Twogood,* now the wife of Nor-
man S. Sharp. She was then but seventeen years of age, and
had previously attended at a school which was kept in a log
school-house across the line in Moscow, and about a quarter
of a mile west of Mr. Sharp's present residence. Mr.
Sharp's sister, Melissa, now the wife of Jonathan Benson,
of Moscow, taught the first school in the latter building as
early as 1837.
Among the children who attended the first school at
North Adams were those from the families of the Fullers,
Bagleys, Parkers, and others.
The present substantial and elegant two-story brick union
school building at North Adams was erected in 1877, at a
cost of about $7000. The union district was organized in
the fall of 1874r, and its present Trustees are Ethel Judd,
Moderator ; George Cutler, Director ; Henry Gray, Assessor;
William Wilbur, Joseph A. Wright, Leslie Benson. The
school has three departments, and an attendance averaging
about 150. The teachers for the school year of 1878-79
are F. B. McClellan, Principal ; Miss Ella A. Teed, Inter-
mediate ; Miss Mary E. Hosmer, Primary.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORTH ADAMS.
Revs. Milton Foote and Roswell Parker were the first
ministers who settled in what is now Adams township.
The latter has been given the credit of preaching the first
sermon in the township ; but this is an error, as Mr. Foote
arrived first, and held meetings at his house before Mr.
Parker came. The latter probably preached the first /wnemZ
sermon, and also discoursed at Mr. Foote's house, and at
meetings held in his barn. The Methodist Church was
organized in that barn in 1836 or 1837. One of the first
members was Miss Melissa Sharp, now Mrs. Jonathan Ben-
son, of Moscow. Messrs. Foote and Parker were efficient
in organizing the church. The first circuit preacher was
Rev. Mr. Sabin, who lived in Allen ; this was as early as
1837. Meetings were for a long time held in the school-
house, and afterwards in each of the churches at the vil-
lage. The present brick church is the first house of wor-
ship owned by the society, and was built in 1870, during
the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Brockway. Its cost, including
furniture, etc., was about $6000.
The leader of the first Methodist class was Wallace Jack-
son. The present pastor is Rev. W. M. Paddock, and the
membership in the neighborhood of 200.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, NORTH ADAMS.
Rev. Roswell Parker, originally a Methodist, afterwards
became a Congregationalist, and organized and became the
first pastor of the church of that .denomination at North
Adams, about 1848. It is known as the First Congrega-
tional Church of Adams. Mr. Parker remained in charge
six or eight years, and the pastors since have been Revs.
Nichols, Shaw, M. E. Lewis (now in Kansas), J. L. Crane,
* Other authority says Emily Fergttson taught the first school in
the township in 1837.
Stevenson, J. S. Noyes, and the present incumbent.
Rev. George E. Wilson. Others preached for short periods.
The present membership is about 60. A Sunday-school is
sustained, with Levi Reckord as superintendent.
The society built a frame church not long after organ-
izing:, and afterwards sold it to the school district, the
trustees of which fitted it up for a school-house.
The Weslei/an Methodists had organized and built a
church about 1840-42, but they finally disbanded, and
donated their church to the Congregationalists, which so-
ciety most of them united with, the balance going to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The building is a frame
structure, standing in the eastern part of the village.
BAPTIST CHURCEI, NORTH ADAMS.
This is also quite an old organization, and occupies a
frame church which stands near that owned by the Con-
gregational Society. The membership Dec. 17, 1878, was
62. The present pastor is Rev. H. P. Eldridge, who also
has a charge at Church's Corners, in Wheatland. A
flourishing Sabbath-school is kept up, with Daniel Barber
as superintendent.
Rev. Roswell Parker was from Plainfield, Windham Co.,
Conn., and settled in Adams, July 5, 1836. His daughter
was the second white child born in the township. Two of
his sons are now ministers in Kansas, where their father
died at a recent date.
James Holcomb, from England, settled in this town in
1841. His wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Holcomb, settled with her
parents quite early in Lenawee County, and in 1837 re-
moved with them to this county. On one occasion, when
she had been gathering black walnuts, she was followed
home by two wolves, and thoroughly frightened by her ad-
venture. Baw Beese, the noted chief, often came to her
father's house, with his wife and children, for food, and
always conducted himself with great dignity and decorum.
William B. Eldred, from Otsego Co., N. Y., emigrated to
Michigan in 1836, and located at Adrian, Lenawee Co. In
February, 1844, he removed to a farm in Adams.
Easton Wilbur, whose name appears conspicuously in
the early records of the township, came also from Otsego
Co., N. Y., and settled here in January, 1836.
Lemuel Roberts, of Seneca Co., N. Y., removed to this
township in 1841, settling upon a farm therein, a half-mile
west of North Adams, on the 1st of November of that
year. His son Lemuel, who came with him, and was at the
time only twenty years old, now lives on section 7.
Nelson Nethaway came in November, 1842, from the State
of New York, and located in Adams in January, 1843.
James Whittaker, also a farmer, came from Lancashire,
England, and settled in Adams, Oct. 8, 1840.
Simeon Lyon came from Dedham, Mass., and located in
this town in 1843.
Julius O. Swift, from Junius, Seneca Co., N. Y., settled
in this township in November, 1835. John C. Swift, who
came at the same time, is still a resident of the town.
Robert Hill, from the Lake Champlain region, came to
Adams and settled March 2, 1839 ; and Albert G. Wells,
from Chautauqua Co., N. Y., removed here and took up
his abode in the wilderness in February, 1838.
GEORGE STEVENS.
MRS. GEORGE STEVENS.
PHOTOS, ay Cawson & c«ah,
Residence of CEOnoE STEVENS, Adams, Mich/gan.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
225
Yining Barker, from Herkimer Co., N. Y., emigrated to
Michigan in 1839, and on the 24th of February, 1839,
settled in what is now the township of Adams.
Horace P. Hitchcock left his home in Lowville, Lewis
Co., N. Y., in October, 1833, with his wife and one child,
and moved to Mayville, Chautauqua Co. From there, in
the month of January, 1834, Mr. Hitchcock started on foot
for Michigan, leaving his family, and walked through
Pennsylvania and Ohio to the land of lakes, hills, and dales,
and entered 80 acres of government land on section 25,
Pittsford township, Hillsdale Co. He then set out on his
return, — afoot as before, — and in due time reached May-
ville. He purchased an ox-team, and with his family drove
through to their new home in the forest wilds of Michigan,
the trip occupying twenty-two days. Upon arriving in
Pittsford he had but $22 left, and no house wherein to
find shelter. The latter difficulty was finally overcome, and
a rude log dwelling appeared in the midst of a small clear-
ing. The cooking utensils of the family consisted of a
skillet, or " spider," a dish, kettle, and an iron tea-kettle.
Some time in the summer of 1835, Mr. H. sold his place in
Pittsford for $1000, and moved to his present home, on
section 26 in Adams, in February, 1836. Here he pur-
chased from second hands ; he owns at present 160 acres.
When coming from his place in Pittsford to the one in
Adams, he trimmed out the underbrush for a mile and a
half, in order to clear a passage-way. In 1837 or 1838 a
road was constructed six miles long, east and west, to
enable the settlers to reach Hillsdale conveniently. This
was through the instrumentality of Mr. Hitchcock also.
Israel Post, residing on the southwest quarter of section
22, settled in 1846; and Samuel Stevens, now deceased, was
also one of the pioneers of the township.
Michael Donovan, who had served in the rank of lieu-
tenant during the war of 1812, removed from Jordan vil-
lage, in the State of New York, to Toledo, Ohio, in 1839,
and two years later (1841) settled near North Adams. His
death occurred March 29, 1873.
VILLAGE OF NORTH ADAMS.
The first settlers on the site of this village were William
Cutler and Stephen Birdsall, who came from Niagara Co.,
N. Y., about the month of June, 1835. Mr. Cutler located
120 acres of land where North Adams now stands, and
Birdsall settled immediately east of him, afterwards moving
west of the village. Mr. Cutler was accompanied by his
wife and one child, and a second son, John, now living east
of North Adams, was born in 1^0. Mrs. Cutler died
about the winter of 1840-41, and her husband married
again in August, 1841. His oldest child, Byron, who
came with him to the State, is a resident of Clinton
County at this time. Five children were born to Mr.
Cutler by his second wife, — two sons and three daughters,
— and of these the only one now living in the township is
George Cutler, of North Adams.
Mr. Cutler's first dwelling at his new location was a log
house, which stood a little in the rear of the present post-
office, and in it he kept tavern, — the first in the township.
A frame was subsequently built over it, and the log part
torn out. In 1851 he built the hotel now owned and oc-
29
' Comfort
cupied by H. W. Comfort, and known as the
House."
In honor of Mr. Cutler the settlement which grew up
around him was called " Cutler's Corners," and long bore
that name. About 1846 he erected a small frame building,
and in it established the first store in the village, afterwards
associating with him William Foote. Mr. Cutler died in
July, 1869. The store he built is yet standing on its old
site, on the north side of the street, nearly opposite the
'' Comfort House," and is at present filled with a stock of
millinery and fancy goods.
H. W. Comfort, proprietor of the hotel previously men-
tioned, is a native of Elmira, Chemung Co., N. Y., and in
his early manhood was engaged in the lumber business at
Troy, Pa., from which place he emigrated to Michigan in
1843. He stopped for a short time on the old Warner
Sunday farm in Somerset, and aided in reclaiming a nursery
which had belonged to the latter, and which had been
allowed to run down. From there he removed to Moscow
village. He has since lived in Ohio, and has occupied the
hotel at North Adams since Dec. 1, 1873.
North Adams Post- Office. -^The oldest post-office in this
locality was called Adams, and was first kept by Salmon
Sharp, at his residence on the north line of the township.
It was established as early as 1836-38. Mail was carried
by Mr. Sharp's brother, Sheldon W. Sharp, over the route
which extended from Adrian to Jonesville, via Addison.
Norman S. Sharp succeeded his father as postmaster, and
the office was subsequently moved across the line into Mos-
cow, and kept by Benjamin I. Kenyon (father of Albert
Kenyon), still retaining its original name. Meanwhile a
post-office was established at Cutler's Corners and called
North Adams, with William Cutler as first postmaster. The
Adams post-office was continued for some time under charge
of Mr. Kenyon, and finally withdrawn from the list, all
mail going thereafter to the North Adams office. The
village itself from that time began to be known by the same
name as the post-office. The present incumbent of the latter
office is M. F. Lamb.
Although numerous lots had been sold " by metes and
bounds" to parties locating here, the village was not regularly
surveyed, platted, and recorded until 1871. The proprietors
as it was laid out were Franklin Noyes, G. C. Morehouse,
L. E. Buss, William McConnell, Ethel Judd, B. F. Vree-
land, G. W. Belyea, Solomon Armstrong, Charles H. Wil-
bur, William H. Wilbur, John W^ilbur, N. Lamb, M. F.
Lamb, H. Bowman, Albert Kenyon, J. M. George, W.
Mallery, C. W. Knapp, James Fitton, S. S. Wiley, Esther
Cutler, George W. Cutler, A. J. Spear, F. Corey, E. F.
Smith, and 0. C. Smith. The village, unlike the beautiful
town of the same name in Berkshire Co., Mass., is not sur-
rounded by " the everlasting hills," but is located on very
level ground.
The North Adams Cornet Band was reorganized in 1877,
and at present has 15 members, with Charles Sabins as
leader. It has a very neat uniform, and, for the time it
has been in practice, discourses excellent music.
Adams Lodge, No. 189, F. & A, M., was organized in
1863, with Albert Kenyon as first Master. It has a pres-
ent membership of between 30 and 40, and occupies a
226
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
room in the fine brick block on the northwest corner of the
streets, built by a stock company, in 1868. The present
officers of the lodge are : Worshipful Master, Norman S.
Sharp; Senior Warden, George Stevens; Junior Warden,
George Kalder ; Treas., D. B. Kempton ; Sec, B. D. Ack-
moody ; Tyler, Seth Wiley.
Fidelity Lodge ^ I. 0. 0, F.^ has been an organized body
about twenty-five years. Its membership at present is not
large. It occupies a room in the same building with the
Masons.
Summary of North Adams. — The village contained in
December, 1878, 10 stores of various kinds, 4 millinery
establishments, 1 tailor, 1 agricultural implement store, 4
blacksmith-shops, 1 cooper-shop, a steam saw-mill, 2 har-
ness-shops, 1 shoe-shop, a post-office, a union school build-
ing, 3 churches, lodges of Masons and Odd-Fellows, 3
physicians (Drs. Wood, W. R. Ditmars, and Frank
Noyes, the latter a homoeopathist), an extensive wagon- and
carriage-factory, owned by Z. Schaad & Co., and a popula-
tion of nearly or quite 400. The place has been built up
principally since the completion of the Detroit, Hillsdale
and Southwestern Railway.
The Crater Brothers are contemplating the erection,
during 1879, of a three-story brick building, 45 by 100,
on the vacant corner north of the "Comfort House," to
be used for stores, offices, and public hall. The brick block
on the south side of the street, west of the corners, was
built by G. W. Rockwood and William Brooks, the former
erecting the western part and the latter the eastern.
We are indebted to the following persons in this town-
ship for information furnished while compiling the fore-
going article : Norman S. Sharp and wife, James Foote,
Saxton S. Bagley, George W. Cutler, Albert Kenyon,
Capt. Ethel Judd, Russell J. Fuller, H. W. Comfort, Mrs.
Joseph Woolston, and many others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THE GRAY FAMILY
are entitled to special mention in this work for the progress
they have made in developing the resources of the country,
the progress they have made, the hardships they have en-
dured, and the obstacles they have overcome. They were
from Ohio ; being of limited means, compelled to seek cheap
land. George Gray, the pioneer, left his native State, with
his wife and three children, in 1846, and came to Hillsdale
County by wagon. Stopped in Wheatland for two years,
where they suiFered many privations ; the family were nearly
all sick, and the youngest child died. They then came to
Adams and purchased eighty acres of unimproved land,
where they now reside, and by diligence and perseverance
have improved that, and added other lands, erected fine
buildings, and secured a comfortable home. Joseph H.,
the oldest son, is a large farmer in the same town. Wil-
liam Harrison remained with his father, and his strong arm
has been instrumental in pushing back the forest and estab-
lishing the comfortable home for himself and parents. He
was born June 13, 1841. Married Dec. 13, 1866, to Mary
Way man, of Lockport, N. Y. To them have been born
five children, — two sons and three daughters ; one daughter
died in her sixth year. These children are the fourth gen-
eration now living. Their great-grandfather, David Gray,
is now living in Lake Co., 0., in his ninety-ninth year.
HORACE P. HITCHCOCK
was born at Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y., Oct. 17, 1809.
Son of Amasa Hitchcock, one of the early settlers of that
county, who raised a family of five children, of whom Hor-
ace P. was the youngest son. He lived at home until he was
twenty-one years of age, worked in the neighborhood at such
jobs as he could get for three years. During this time he
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale
HORACE P. HITCHCOCK.
was married to Miss Elmira Day, sixteenth child of Lewis
Day, a soldier of the Revolution. In 1833, Mr. Hitchcock
took his wife and a child, four weeks old, and went to Chau-
tauqua Co., N. Y., where he left them, and came to Michi-
gan ; entered eighty acres of land one mile south of Hudson,
but in this county, January, 1834, for which he received pat-
ent, signed by Andrew Jackson. After securing his land Mr.
Hitchcock returned to Chautauqua, making the journey out
and back on foot. The next fall he purchased an ox-team,
took his family with their little household effects, and after
a journey of twenty-two days arrived on the land he had
previously purchased, and commenced the task of making a
home in the wilderness, his only capital being a pair of strong
arms and twenty-two dollars in money ; the latter was at once
paid out for provisions. At that early day life in the wilder-
ness was not without its sweets, for the first day he was
there he found a bee- tree that yielded eighty pounds of honey.
He remained on this place two years, when he sold it for
one thousand dollars, and purchased the land where he now
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
227
resides. Here he not only cut the first tree, but cut a road
a mile and a half to get to it.
Sept. 16, 1859, Mrs. Hitchcock departed this life, leaving
nine children, — four sons and five daughters. Mr. Hitch-
cock was again married, Oct. 16, 1860, to Miss Esther
Cook, daughter of Samuel Cook, who settled in Lenawee
County in 1827. He came to Allen (this county) in 1844.
By this union Mr. Hitchcock has been the father of five
children, three of whom are now living.
NICHOLAS SCHMITT
was born in Beber, Kur-Hesse, Prussia, Jan. 22, 1811.
He lived with his father, who was a farmer and miller.
June 12, 1831, he married Miss Gertrude Grat, who was
born Aug. 13, 1809. In 1834 they came to America
with their two small children ; the first winter in this
country was spent at Ann Arbor. In the spring Mr.
Schmitt came to Fayette, Hillsdale Co., and selected eighty
acres of land, which he took from government, and moved
on to it July, 1835, and commenced to make him a home.
Here they remained until 1851, when he sold out, and in
1852 went to California, where he remained four years.
When he returned he purchased of L. R. Gay one hundred
and twenty acres from the Gay farm, where he died Jan.
14, 1870, leaving a wife and five children. The oldest,
Elizabeth M., married L. R. Gay; he died in 1860, leaving
one son. She was again married to Wilham B. Clark ;
they have one daughter. John C. lives in California ; is
superintendent of the Lady Bryan Mine at Virginia City.
Henry W. died in California. Franklin is a farmer, living
in Reading. Daniel died at ten years of age. Wilhel-
mina C. died at five years of age. George, the youngest,
lives at home with his mother and works the farm. He
married Miss Anna Warner ; they have one son, George, Jr.
WILLIAM WRIGHT
was descended from a Scotch-Irish family, his father, Robert
Wright, having been born in Tyrone County, in the north
of Ireland. He was a man of sterling worth, and estab-
lished an enviable reputation as a business man, having been
largely engaged in the manufacture and sale of linen, which
was at that time an important element in the productions
of his native country.
Mr. Wright, Sr., was at one time in possession of con-
siderable wealth, but having been induced to become surety
for parties who subsequently proved irresponsible, and thus
brought on business reverses, he lost the greater portion of
his means. He finally emigrated to the State of New York,
and located in Cayuga County, following agricultural pur-
suits until his death, in 1846.
William, after the death of his father and until his seven-
teenth year, spent his time upon the farm or attending the
neighboring district school, and in the year 1849 was em-
ployed as clerk in a store at Montezuma, that being the year
the enlargement of the Erie Canal was begun.
The following year he received an appointment from the
superintendent of his county to the State Normal School
at Albany, and remained at that institution until failing
health compelled him to relinquish his studies, although
within a few months of graduation.
He spent the summer of 1852 on the farm for the pur-
pose of regaining his health, and taught the neighboring
district school the winter following. In the spring he went
to Wheehng, Va., and remained there engaged in teaching
until the fall, when he departed for Missouri, and followed
the same profession in that State until 1854. During that
year, the Golden State presenting superior attractions for
him, he joined a company who took the overland route to
California, reaching Sacramento Sept. 10 of the same year,
making the trip in four months and ten days. He remained
there but a short time and departed for Oregon Territory,
arriving there early in 1855, and pursuing teaching for two
years as a profession. He then embarked in the mercantile
business until 1859, when he returned to his old home,
crossing the Isthmus of Panama on the way and reaching
New York City early in February.
After a summer spent on the farm in Cayuga County, he
determined to come to Michigan, and chose the township of
Adams as his residence, purchasing there one hundred and
sixty acres of wild land. He has since resided there, divid-
ing his time in clearing up, improving his farm, and shipping
stock to the Eastern market ; has made a specialty of
keeeping and feeding a superior quality of beef-cattle, in
which branch of business he has been unusually successful ;
is prominent in all enterprises calculated to raise the agri-
cultural status of his county. He is, and has been for
several years, a member of the board of directors of the
Hillsdale County Agricultural Society.
Was married in 1868 to Miss Martha M. Hosmer,
daughter of the Rev. William Hosmer, of Auburn, N. Y.
Has two children, both boys, — Winthrop H. and William
R. Wright, — aged respectively nine and six years.
FURMAN HUFF
was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Sept. 23, 1810. Son
of John Hufi", who moved to Ontario Co.. N. Y., the spring
of 1835, and died in the fall of that year, leaving a widow
and eight children.
Furman lived at home until he was twenty years of age,
when he bought a piece of land and commenced for himself.
Was married Sept. 15, 1831, to Miss Ann Eliza Sargeant.
In the spring of 1835 he left Ontario with a wagon which
contained his wife and two children (having buried one
child in Ontario) ; they came through Canada to Saline,
Washtenaw Co., where he left the family, and came on foot
to Hillsdale County to look for land ; decided upon section
1, Fayette township. Went to Monroe, entered a quarter
of that section, returned to Saline for his family, and arrived
on the land in June. They lived in the wagon until a
cabin could be erected, their only neighbors for miles
being the wild beasts, of which the wolf and bear played
a conspicuous part. Mr. Huff* remained on this land until
the spring of 1837, when he exchanged for the land where
228
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
he now resides, which was better adapted to a man of his
limited means. Upon this land there was a small log house
and a few acres of the timber girdled. In August of
that year Mrs. Huff died, leaving two small children. The
future as well as the forest must have looked dark, but the
sturdy pioneer, determined to have a home for his children,
moved steadily on. Dec. 25, 1838, was again married, to
Miss Mary Driscal, formerly of Onondaga, N. Y. By this
union Mr. H. has been the father of two children, — William
H., who is a farmer in the town of Adams ; Mary Eliza,
married Emery Kasey, and lives near the old home. John
U. and Lyman P. were children by the first wife. The former
is a farmer in Kansas. Lyman P. was a soldier in the war
of the Rebellion, enlisted in a battery, was taken prisoner
at Pittsburg Landing, and died at Macon, Ga., May 16,
1862. Politically, Mr. Huff is a Republican ; is now serving
his fifth term as justice of the peace, which term will make
twenty consecutive years ; was sergeant of a company at
the time of the Toledo war ; warned out his company, and
had them at Jonesville. Mr. Huff is a member of the
Congregational Church. Has been identified with all the
improvements of his day. There has been no sudden ac-
cession of property, but slowly the work has been carried
forward year by year, amid the severest hardships and pri-
vations, until in the lapse of time ease and comfort have
been reached.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
WILLIAM KIRBY.
WILLIAM KIRBY
MRS. WILLIAM KIRBY.
was born near Leeds, Yorkshire, England, in 1805. He
married Miss Hannah Sykes. They emigrated to this
country about 1825. Landed at Quebec, and crossed over
to Ogdensburg, where they remained for a time ; then went
to Ohio, near Painesville, where they became acquainted with
the Fowler family. In the spring of 1834, in company
with Richard Fowler and Caleb Bates, Mr. Kirby came to
Adams, and took land from the government. Mr. Fowler
moved on to his land the following fall, and was the first
settler in the town of Adams. Mr. Kirby came the next
spring (1835), with his large family of small children, all
the money he possessed being seventy-five cents. He went
out to work by the day for Mr. Fowler, and at Jonesville ; and
slowly, amid the severest hardships and privations, they
struggled on. Frequently did the mother divide the last
morsel of food among her children ; heroically did she stand
to her post until the original forty acres of land had ex-
panded to a well-cultivated farm of two hundred and forty
acres, and ease and comfort had been secured. She died
May 12, 1876, aged seventy-five years. Mr. Kirby, al-
though in feeble health, lives to relate many a thrilling in-
cident of the times that run back to the cutting of the first
tree in the town of Adams. The children are Emma, who
married Chas. White. Mary is the wife of the Rev. Isaac
Taylor. James is a farmer, and has a portion of, the old
farm. Reuben lives in Jefi'erson. William lives on the
old home. Francis N. is a farmer in Adams. Ann Louisa
married James Braynard. Cordelia died when a child, and
Edwin died in infancy.
LEMUEL ROBERTS
was born in Junius, Seneca Co., N. Y., March 18, 1822.
The next year his father, with his family, moved to Niagara
County, where he remained some ten years, then went to
Erie County, where his wife died in 1840. In 1841 he
came to Adams, Hillsdale Co., and died in 1845, leaving
five children, — ^four sons and one daughter, — of whom the
subject of this sketch was the third son. He lived at home
until he was eighteen years of age. He worked out for
two years for small wages. When he came to Michigan he
had no money ; worked at chopping, clearing land, etc. The
second year he cleared a piece of land and put in wheat on
shares ; sold his part of the wheat at Hillsdale for forty-four
cents per bushel. In 1846 he was married to Miss Alice
VINING BARKER.
MRS. VINING BARKER.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
MRS. VINING BARKER.
[Deceased.]
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
229
Fitton, daughter of James Fitton, who emigrated from
England, about 1828, to Lowell, Mass , where he had a
woolen-mill. He settled in Moscow, this county, in 1835.
Soon after Mr. Roberts was married, he, in company with
his father-in-law, bought a saw-mill, which they operated
one year; and in 1848 he bought eighty acres of land,
where he now resides, which had a small improvement, and
commenced in earnest to make himself a home. In 1852
he went to California, where he remained two years, during
which time he bought eighty acres adjoining his home, and
since has added other lands, erected fine buildings, until he
now has one of the finest farms of Hillsdale County.
Although this pioneer and his wife have not yet reached
their threescore years, through the severest privations
and hardships they have secured an ample competency.
They have two sons, — Walter L., who lives at Big Rapids,
Mich., and Albert K., who is a farmer and resides near
the old home.
SAMUEL STEVENS
was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Sept. 19, 1793. He
married, for his first wife, Lucy Johnson, who was born the
11th of July, 1797. On the 5th day of November, 1829,
was married to Mary Johnson, who was born in the same
county, April 5, 1803. To them were born eleven children,
— Adaliile, born Nov. 11, 1818; Lucy A., born Dec. 29,
1819; William S., born March 31, 1822; Louisa, born
Dec. 5, 1823 ; Permelia, born May 17, 1825; Lyman, born
June — , 1827 ; George, born Jan. 21, 1831 ; Roxana, born
March 27, 1833 ; Samuel E., born March 10, 1835 ; Henry,
born March 5, 1837; Freelove, born Nov. 25, 1843; and
William I., born Feb. — , 1846.* Mr. Stevens moved to
Adams township, Hillsdale Co., Mich., in November, 1838,
and bought eighty acres of wild land, built a small log
house, and at once commenced to improve his farm. To
this he added, so that he owned at the time of his death
one hundred and fifty acres of fine land, with good build-
ings and well improved. In politics he was in an early
day a Free-Soiler and an Abolitionist. On the formation
of the Republican party he became a member of it, but
never was an ofiice-seeker, though he was several years a
justice of the peace. Mr. Stevens was a consistent Chris-
tian, and for many years a member of the Methodist Church.
He always took great interest in schools, and was a strong
advocate of free education. He died June 22, 1870, re-
spected and esteemed by all.
George Stevens was born in Worcester, Mass., where he
resided until 1839, when he came to Michigan and joined
his father (Samuel Stevens), with whom he resided until
his marriage to Miss Roxana M. Betts, daughter of James
and Catherine (Case) Betts, who was born in Orleans Co.,
N. Y., Jan. 19, 1835. They were married the 21st day
of January, 1855, and in the following May he bought
eighty acres of new land, which he has cleared and im-
proved. An elegant brick house has taken the place of the
plank one built in an early day, and Mr. Stevens is now
one of Adams' most successful farmers. He, like his father,
was an Abolitionist, and has many times driven all night
helping escaped slaves on their way to freedom. He is
now a strong Republican and votes with that party, believ-
ing the principles set forth by it to be right and just. To
Mr. and Mr. Stevens there have been born four children, —
Archie E., born May 3, 1856 ; died April 27, 1859 ; Laban
P., born April 24, 1860; died July 7, 1870; Myrta L.,
born Sept. 21, 1865 ; and Arthur L., born Nov. 27, 1870.
* The six last named were children by his second wife.
VINING BARKER.
Among the men who have aided in transforming the
primeval forest to a civilized community is Vining Barker.
He was born at Schuyler, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Jan. 11,
1806. Son of Paul Barker. Yining lived at home and
worked the farm. Jan. 5, 1823, he was married to Miss
Sally Davis. Upon the death of his father, which occurred
Sept. 27, 1833, the property was distributed among the
children. In 1837 he came to Adams, Hillsdale Co.,
Mich., and located eighty acres of land, taking the title
from the government, then returned to Schuyler, and in
January, 1839, he left the home of his childhood with a
wagon which contained his wife and seven children, in
company with his brother Amos, to make the long journey
to this county. The second day they encountered a heavy
snow-storm. After several changes from wagons to sleighs
and sleighs to wagons they arrived on the land they had
previously purchased, Feb. 27, 1839, after a journey of
thirty-six days, and proceeded to build a log house, which
was finished in a few days. The spring was early, and
everything favored the improvement of the forest home,
which was destined to be one of the important neighbor-
hoods in the county.
Mr. Barker has been the father of eight children, five of
whom are now living, — four sons and one daughter ; the lat-
ter, Hannah B., married Iram Shadwick, a farmer in Kan-
sas. The four sons, Isaac, James, Luther, and Anson, are
all well settled near the old home. The second daughter
died when a child ; Jane married Daniel Sears, and died
Nov. 14, 1866, leaving four children ; Davis J. was killed
by the explosion of a steam-boiler, Jan. 8, 1873 ; and
soon after followed the death of the mother, Jan. 22, 1873 ;
and thus the worthy couple were separated after a married
life of more than a half-century, they having celebrated
their golden wedding just previous to her death. Mr.
Barker was again married, Sept. 2, 1874, to Mrs. Paulina
Webbe, formerly Miss Carter, daughter of Oney Carter, of
Wayne Co., N. Y. Mr. Barker and his first wife united
with the Baptist Church at Schuyler, N. Y. Upon com-
ing to Michigan they joined the church at Jonesville, and
transferred their membership to the Baptist Church at
North Adams, where Mr. Barker has been a deacon since
its organization. After an industrious and exemplary life
this veteran pioneer finds himself in the enjoyment of an
ample competency, surrounded by his sons in like good
circumstances, in good health, and with the same cheerful
spirit which has cast a ray of sunshine along his pathway.
Future generations will regard him as a kind father, an
upright man, and a consistent Christian.
230
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
LEVI VANAKEN
was born at Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y., March 25, 1827 :
son of Benjamin H. Vanaken, who emigrated from that
county and settled on the land now the home of Levi. He
purchased the land in 1846 and moved in 1848. The
family suflfered not only the privations of pioneer life, but
severe sickness, and in March, 1852, the father and mother
both died. Within a week before his father's death Levi
Yanaken had purchased of him eighty acres of unimproved
land. Was married Nov. 24, 1851, to Miss Sarah L.
Stoddard, daughter of Henry Stoddard, one of the pioneers
of Litchfield. Having no children of their own, they
adopted Marion G. Moshier, whose mother was a sister of
Mr. Vanaken, and who died when Marion was one week
old. Is now in the twenty-first year of his age. Has had
good advantages. Graduated at the High School at New
Haven, Conn.
«n > ja&"C"*>i
SOMERSET.
The township of Somerset occupies a position in the
northeast corner of Hillsdale County, and is designated
upon the government surveys as township 5 south, of range
3 west of the principal meridian. It was originally a part
of Wheatland, from which it was set oiF, and erected into
a separate township for civil purposes, by an act of the
Legislature passed March 20, 1837.
The surface of this town is greatly diversified. There
are no extensive areas of level land, while " hills and dales"
abound in nearly every part. A large portion of the town-
ship is watered by Goose Creek, one of the main tributaries
of the river Raisin. It flows through in a general easterly
direction, and along its valley passes the Detroit, Hillsdale
and Southwestern Railway. It drains Goose Lake, northeast
of Jerome village. Moon Lake, south of Somerset Centre,
and several small ponds. At the Centre its power has been
utilized to drive the machinery of a grist- and saw-mill,
and the supply of water never entirely fails, owing to the
aid of the lakes which feed it. A branch of Grand River
heads in the northern part of the town, where a never-
failing reservoir exists in the shape of several small lakes,
among them Crystal (named from the clearness and purity of
its waters). Grand River, Mud, and Perch. Goose Lake
was so named from the fact that in the early days of the
settlement it was a resort for countless numbers of wild-
geese. Crystal Lake has a small island which enhances its
beauty greatly.
The famous " Chicago road" passes through this town-
ship from east to west, north of the central portion, and is
the highway over which, forty years since, rolled such a
tide of human life as only finds an equal in the history of
this country in the historic region of Central New York, —
" In the vale where the Mohawk gently glides
On its clear winding way to the sea."
The villages of the township are Jerome, Somerset
Centre, and Somerset Post-Office, or Gambleville, as it was
long ago known. The soil is generally of an excellent
quality, and possessed of the peculiarities which character-
ize that of Southern Michigan generally, being a mixture
of sand, clay, and rich loam, well adapted to the growth of
grain and fruit. The township is one of the best in the
county in respect to the supply of water it contains.
In 1838, according to a gazetteer of the State, published
that year by John T. Blois, P]sq., now of Jonesville, this
township contained 2 saw-mills, a merchant. 326 head of
neat cattle, 40 horses, 93 sheep, 603 hogs, and a population
of 441. By the census of 1874, we find its showing so
different and its condition improved to such an extent that
the following figures will prove interesting :
Population (539 males, 470 females) 1,009
Number of acres of taxable land 22,496
" " land owned by individuals
and companies , 22,579
'^ " improved land 12,769
" " land exempt from taxation.. 83
Value of same, including improvements $9,690
Number of acres in school-house sites 5
" " church and parsonage sites... 2
" " burying-grounds 4
" " railroad right of way and
depot grounds 72
" farms in township 196
" acres in farms 21,312
Average number of acres in farms 108.73
Number of acres of wheat sowed in 1874 3,053
" " " harvested in 1873 2,700
" " corn " " 1,394
" bushels of wheat raised in 1873 39,470*
'' " corn " " 42,867
" " all other grain raised in
1873 14,284
" " potatoes raised in 1873 5,886
" tons of hay cut in 1873 2,278
** pounds of wool sheared in 1873 25,942
" '' pork marketed in 1873 124,659
" '' butter made in 1873 68,508
" . " fruit dried for market in
1873 25,880
" barrels of cider made in 1873 647
" acres in orchards in 1874 527
" bushels of apples raised in 1872....... 26,443
" " " '' 1873 21,780
" " cherries " 1872 20
" " " '' 1873 23
" " strawberries raised in 1872. 3
a u u u jg73^ 3
'' " currants and gooseberries
raised in 1872 2
** " currants and gooseberries
raised in 1873 2
Value of all such productions for 1872 $6,221
1873 $6,215
Number of horses in township, one year old and
over, in 1874 473
Number of mules 12
" work oxen 31
'^ milch cows 523
* Second in county.
'V 'f - 'ft ^i ^
- 2-- Sif :■->';'
\ ' < i - "" ,%"• 'i--' ■^- ?-*' '.-f ' ,v
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
231
Number of neat cattle, one year old and over,
other than oxen and cows 619
" swine over six months old 776
" sheep " " 4,263
" " sheared in 1873 5,343
" flouring-mills 1
" persons employed in same 2
Amount of capital invested $5,500
Number of runs of stone 2
" barrels of flour made 500
Value of products $3,500
Number of saw-mills.. 1
" persons employed in same 2
Amount of capital invested $2,500
Number of feet of lumber sawed 100,000
Value of products $1,200
LAND ENTRIES.
The total amount of land entered in this township at the
close of the year 1833 was but 1,040 acres, which was
divided among the following persons, viz. : James D. Van
Hoevenbergh, Horace White, Heman Pratt, Elias Branch,
Elias Alley, David Herrington, Ebenezer Gay, and Charles
Blackmar. Up to the 27th of April, 1838, the following
persons had entered land in this township :
Section 1. — Heman Pratt, Amos Hixson, Jonathan
Haynes, William Hoard, Samuel 0. Clark, P. Chamber-
lain, Samuel Clark.
Section 2. — Horace White, Landon Col man, Jeremiah
Belden, Alvah Foster, A. S. Ames, T. M. Torrance.
Section 3. — R. Allen, A. S. Ames, E. McClelland, Uriah
Every, Thomas Turner, Edward Turner, John Diamond.
Section 4. — 'P. U. Jones, H. Cheat, J. Patch, Ira Nick-
erson, S. Birchard, D. Hinkley, S. Goodrich.
Section 5. — Abram Young, Samuel Gardner, Seth Far-
well, D. Hinkley, Lorin Wood, Abram Young.
Section 6. — C. C. Barton, J. W. Fisk, James Brezee,
P. Anson, P. Shaver, J. G. S. and Mary Putnam, Francis
Far well.
Section 7. — Warner Bunday, J. S. Hubbert, T. B. Van
Brunt, James Carpenter, S. Gilmore.
Section 8. — C. C. Benton, James Go wans, Samuel Gard-
ner, Moses Chapman, Elias Branch, Elizabeth Huff, Samuel
Gilmore.
Section 9. — Elias Branch, Wolcott G. Branch, John
Youngs, Paul Raymond, Ranson Hulin, Ira Goodrich,
Chester Stuart.
Section 10. — John Gilbert, Elias Alley, Lewis Carris,
John Young, Luther Ricker, 0. Herrington, Thomas Jolls,
S. Starkweather, Ira Goodrich, James Stanton.
Section 11. — David Herrington, Samuel Mills, F. C.
Pratt, 0. White, 0. Herrington, H. White, H. Isaacs.
Section 12. — J. D. Van Hoevenbergh, C. Blackmar, J.
Haynes, M. Leach, W. Gamble, D. Turrell, Stephen Tur-
rell, Nancy G. Gay.
Section 13. — Ebenezer Gay, D. Herrington, E. H.
Kelley, H. Griswold, J. Loucks, D. Strong, S. C. Clark,
Eli Bugbee, George Omans.
Section 14. — Ebenezer Gay, A. Finney, T. Finney, W^il-
liam Boulton, 0. Herrington, S. Gay, H. Isaacs.
Section 15.— William C. Turrell, Eli McGee, J. R. Wil-
liams, Thomas Goodrich, J. D. Farr, Moon.
Section 17. — Elias Alley, Jesse Russell, W. Johnson, J.
Butcher, I. Dickson, D. A. Ogden, Samuel Young, J.
Gowans.
Section 18.— W. Bunday, D. A. Ogden, C. C. Knapp.
Section 19.— N. C. Wolcott, E. Randolph, William Tal-
bott, W. Moore.
Section 20. — N. C. Wolcott, James McCleary, Thomas
Gamble, W^illiam Talbott, Rob McGregor, A. McPherson,
J. D. Payne, A. Parmele.
Section 21. — A. McPherson, E. Gool, W. G. Throop, B.
Chapin, B. R. Hickox, R. Bilbey, S. Bilbey, Abram Van-
alstine, Samuel Young.
Section 22. — John McDougal, Samuel Mercer, Myron
McGee, J. R. W^illis, D. Vanalstine.
Section 23. — Thomas Gamble, Samuel Mercer, J. H.
King, Ebenezer Gay, Ira Goodrich, R. Fisher, David
Burns.
Section 24. — Ebenezer Gay, W. Welch, Rufus Gilford,
Daniel Strong, A. Chamberlain, Oliver Benton.
Section 25.— A. S. Dunn, J. Darlington, D. Cattell, J.
Minor, 0. C. McLouth.
Section 26.— S. Vail, B. D. Brand, D. Cattell, S. Mur-
phy, R. Bilbey, John Brown.
Section 27. — D. Gamble, Samuel Mercer, S. Darlington.
Section 28.— R. D. Hudson, D. C. Yaw, A. Coats, R.
McClelland, Chester Stuart, J. Lamb.
Section 29.— W. McBride, James Palmer, V. W. Paine,
^Y. Tolford, J. Bamer, W. H. Boyd, W'illiam W. Murphy,
Charles Osgood.
Section 30. — G. Harkness, D. Harkness, Z. Van Duzar,
A. Parmele, B. Dow, W. Weaver, William Talbott.
Section 31. — Gideon Harkness, Zachariah Van Duzar,
E. B. Brown, A. Hill, Sally Hill, S. H. Baker.
Section 32. — J. H. Jackson, S. H. Baker, Isaac Derby,
E. Smith, E. Boardman, Seba Murphy.
Section 33. — John Jackson, I. H. Jackson, E. Slayton,
A. Woods, L. Bilbey, E. Smith, Aaron Van Vleet, John
Mershon, Jr.
Section 34. — D. Herrington, W. Gallass, Stephen Vail,
Welcome Graham, Robert Bilbey, Abraham West, A. Olds.
Section 35. — David Herrington, N. Aldrich, Mahlon
Brown, W. T. Webster, Stephen Vail, C. McLouth.
Section 36. — David Steer, R. T. Brown, Cromwell
McLouth.
Considerable land remained unsold in the township at
the date before mentioned (April, 1838), but was all en-
tered in a comparatively short time thereafter. There was
a considerable area of marsh land, which doubtless deterred
many from settling, but this has in the lapse of years been
largely drained, and furnishes not only excellent pasture,
but in places good ground for raising various kinds of vege-
tables. There was originally, and is still, a large area of
timber, the value of which is acknowledged to be very great.
The varieties are principally the different kinds of oak,
natural to this region.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In the dim long ago, o'er these beauteous vales and hills—
Whose contemplated fairness the mind with rapture thrills —
The dusky Indian warrior strode lightly in his pride
And deemed of all things earthly none could compare beside.
The lakelets, kissed by sunbeams and fanned by breezes light.
Tossed up their tiny billows and told of pure delight.
The rivers and the streamlets, in threads of silv'ry sheen.
Flowed on, with rippling music, 'twixt banks of shining green.
232
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The forests, in their grandeur, all proud and nobly stood.
Ere the woodman's blows rang echoing in the deep and darksome wood.
The sunny, smiling prairies — oases bright and fair —
Were spread with fragrant flowers, whose perfume filled the air,
And whose entrancing beauties,— whose every radiant hue,—
Formed here a glorious picture — a paradise to view.
Time sped on ceaseless wing, and with the flight of years
Came to this flowery region a band of pioneers.
Their simple homes were builded; their sinewy hands and strong
Wrought on with patient courage, while hearts were cheered with song.
The lovely, blooming carpet that decked the grassy plain
Was soon o'erturned by plowshare, and gardens smiled amain.
The beech, and elm, and maple, and e'en the sturdy oak
All bowed beneath the power of the axe's cleaving stroke.
The red man moved afar, the forests disappeared,
And the prosp'ring pale-faced people their pleasant homesteads reared.
The settlement of this township was begun under the
same difficulties which were encountered in all other local-
ities, yet the same spirit of perseverance was possessed by
the pioneers of Somerset which characterized the avant
couriers of civilization in this and all other lauds. A deter-
mination to win in the battle with the many hardships and
privations, and to safely enter at least the haven of pros-
perity and plenty. The soldier, fighting in the service
of his country, is one example of a patriot ; and the pio-
neer, contending with difficulties nowhere else experienced,
in the endeavor to further improve and develop the country
and erect homes for future generations, is another. The
one is the architect who builds the structure of national im-
portance, and the other is its preserver,— the laurel wreath
which graces the brow of the soldier as a tribute of grati-
tude from a rescued nation is not too great a token to crown
the toil-worn pioneer. All honor to the brave men who
faced a frowning wilderness, and struck the blows which
are reverberating in the grateful memory of a State and a
prosperous Republic. " The work goes bravely on," and
away on the billowy prairies, beyond the father of waters,
are being enacted the same scenes which in years agone
rendered Southern Michigan famous.
Somerset was named for the township of the same name
in Niagara Co., N. Y., from which many of the early settlers
in this town had emigrated, among them being David Her-
rington and Heman Pratt, the latter one of the early " side
judges" for Hillsdale County.
The first white man to make his home in the then wil-
derness of Somerset was James D. Van Hoevenbergh, who
afterward resided a few years at Jonesville. About 1832-
33, he came to the township and entered two eighty-acre
lots from Government, and purchased a third, which had
been entered by Charlas Blackmar, who lived in Cambridge,
Lenawee Co. On the west half of the southwest quarter
of section 12 he built a log house, the first habitation for a
white family erected in the township. He afterward sold
out to Thomas Gamble and removed to Jonesville. From
the latter gentleman, who located in the spring of 1834,
the place took the name of
GAMBLEVILLE,
and as such is still familiarly known, although the name of
the post-office is Somerset.
David Herrington and his son, Orson Herrington, had
settled on the next farm west, previous to the arrival of
Mr. Gamble, and, as previously mentioned, were from
Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y.
The first tavern in the township was kept by Mr. Van
Hoevenbergh, in his log house. Thomas Gamble succeeded
him in the same business and followed it for many years.
He died at the village, in 1870. The present hotel was
built about 1850, by WiUiam R. Gates.
In the winter of 1835-36, a man from Clinton, Lena-
wee Co , established a store at Gambleville, and employed
Vincent Rohrbach (or Roarbeck) to conduct it for him.
The first post-office in the township was established here
previous to 1835, when Somerset was yet a part of Wheat-
land. The office was named Wheatland, and Thomas Gam-
ble was appointed the first postmaster. After the township
was divided (1837), a new post-office was established in
what is now Wheatland, and named Wheatland Centre, and
the name of the old Wheatland office was changed to Gam-
bleville. About 1840 it was removed to Somerset Centre,
and the name again changed, — this time to Somerset. It
has since been moved back to Gambleville, retaining the
same name (Somerset), and a separate office established at
the Centre. The present postmaster at Somerset (Gamble-
ville) is George A. Smith, who has lived here since about
1854-55. His father, Azariel Smith, now deceased, settled
south of the village, on section 25, in 1839 or 1840. His
son, Le Grand Smith, occupies the old place.
The village at present contains two stores, a Congrega-
tional Church, a post-office, and a small population. It is
on the east line of the township, on section 12, and located
upon the Chicago road, over which the stages rattled in the
days when railroads were among the novelties, and the ox-
teams of the settlers were much more numerous than spans
of " fiery steeds,"— the latter being among the " luxuries"
which were introduced at later days.
The second settlement started in the township of Somer-
set was that at
SOMERSET CENTRE.
Elias Alley, Esq., from Cayuga County, N. Y., came to
Michigan in the fall of 1833, arriving at Detroit on the
20th of September. The trip from there to the Centre
occupied two days of time, and in this locality he was the
first actual settler. Cornelius Millspaw had previously
been on the ground and put up the body of a log house,
but did not finish it, and had not yet located. He came
here from Woodstock, Lenawee Co.
The first dwelling-house finished on the site of the village
was the one erected by 'Squire Alley, in 1833. Like all the
buildings of the pioneers, it was constructed of logs. Mr.
Alley lived in it two years, and then removed to his present
location, on section 17, upon which he also made the first
improvements. While living at the Centre, he cut two
acres of wheat, in 1834, the first ever harvested in the
township. Ebenezer Gay, who lived a mile south of
Gambleville (father of Timothy Gay, now of Hudson),
raised four acres of wheat the same season, and after Mr.
Alley had cut his own, he went to Gay's and assisted in
harvesting the latter's field.
Mr. Alley moved into his house at the Centre on the
last day of December, 1833. He is by trade a tanner,
currier, and shoemaker, and followed the business for forty
n
■^Si
'sm.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
233
years. For a considerable period he was the only shoe-
maker in the township, and is now its oldest settler.
James D. Van Hoevenbergh raised the first potatoes in
Somerset, on his place, where Gambleville now stands.
Most of the first settlers raised small '^ patches" of corn as
soon as the land could be prepared.
Elias Branch, who arrived in the township a few days
after Mr. Alley, built and occupied a log tavern west of
Somerset Centre, moving into it a short time before Mr.
Alley had finished his own house. Branch kept tavern
and stage-house for many years. Its locality has many
interesting memories clustering around it, for it was long
the most important public-house in town.
The Indians at that time inhabiting the region became
well acquainted with it and the store of stimulants it con-
tained, insomuch as they acquired the industrious habit of
picking cranberries, wliich they brought here and traded
for " fire-water." Nothing but the hope of indulging
their appetite ever incited them to work. No serious
trouble was ever experienced with them, even though the
amount of fiery liquor they swallowed was enormous. The
savage appetite is one which must be indulged to extremes
ere its possessor becomes satisfied, and a " noble red man"
could, undoubtedly, hold a much greater quantity of dis-
tilled poison than his pale-faced brother, with a weaker
stomach and stronger brain. The thirst of the Indians
was remarkable and their laziness proverbial, yet they would
work when liquor was the prospective reward. Beside
cranberries, they would also occasionally bring honey from
some " bee-tree" in the forest to exchange for the desired
liquor.
Cornelius Millspaw, who had partially completed a log
tavern at the Centre when Elias Alley came, subsequently
finished it and opened it to travejers. In 1839 it was not
used as a tavern, although still owned by Millspaw, who also
owned a saw-mill at the place. There were at the time a
few dwellings aside from the hotel.
In the month of November, 1839, Lewis Fuller, from
Monroe Co., N. Y., removed to Somerset with his wife
and four children, and occupied the Millspaw tavern, which
was one and a half stories high. Mr. Fuller kept it for
about ten months, in 1840, and also operated the saw-mill.
The property was sold in that year to William Knicker-
bocker.
Lemuel D. Brown, a native of Hadley, Mass., and after-
wards a resident of Somerset, Niagara Co., N. Y., emigrated
from the latter place to Michigan, arriving early in May,
1839. He had previously purchased a farm half a mile
east of Somerset Centre, upon which he is yet residing.
His son, Oscar D. Brown, has held the office of township
clerk since 1870 ; he is also postmaster and proprietor of a
store at the Centre, and has charge of the railway and ex-
press agencies at the place. Mr. Brown, Sr., purchased his
farm of a brother of Heman Pratt, Esq., but made the
first improvements upon it himself
The first post-office in the township has been mentioned,
with its various shiftings. The present office at Somerset
Centre was established in 1872, at which time Oscar D.
Brown was appointed postmaster; he has continued to hold
the office to the present time.
30
The first store at Somerset Centre was established about
1842-43, by Josiah Knauer, who had a small stand near
the present site of the depot. This was in existence but a
short time, and no other was established until about 1860,
when John S. B. Weatherwax started a small store in the
room now occupied by the post-office and the store of Oscar
D. Brown. Aside from the latter there are now in the
place 2 dry-goods stores, 1 hardware store, 2 blacksmith-
shops, 2 wagon- and repair-shops, 1 shoe-shop, 1 milliner-
shop, a saw- and grist-mill combined, built by Harrison
Fitz, and now owned by J. C. Tucker. The same man
erected a small building (now used as a barn) near the old
saw-mill, and took the water to run it from the same flume
which was used to drive the machinery of the saw-mill. In
this building he placed one run of stones for grinding, while
on the upper floor was placed machinery for manufacturing
sash, doors, and blinds. The village also contains 1 small
machine-shop, located near the railway depot ; 1 hotel — the
" Valley City House"— built by Lewis Fuller, Jr., in 1870,
and at present the property of Charles Sutfin, and 1 phy-
sician,— Dr. B. C. Traver, a graduate of the State Univer-
sity.
Probably the first resident physician in this township was
Dr. Charles Farnsworth, who was long a prominent citizen.
He came about 1837-38, and died in 1851, while holding
the office of township clerk.
Charles Sutfin, proprietor of the '' Valley City House,"
at Somerset Centre, came with his father, John Sutfin,
from Milo, Yates Co., N. Y,, in May, 1833. The family
first settled in Lenawee Co., Mich., between the villages of
Clinton and Tecuraseh, and were among the first settlers
in that locality. Another son, Peter Sutfin, who came in
1831, is yet living in Liberty, Jackson Co. In company
with Thomas Gamble, the elder Sutfin made a trip several
years previously, as far west as White Pigeon, St. Joseph
Co. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and died about 1852.
His father, James Sutfin, was among the early settlers of
Yates Co., N. Y., and his (John Sutfin's) wife was a native
of New Jersey, having emigrated with her parents to the
State of New York when about fourteen years of age. She
died in 1877, at the advanced age of ninety-three years
and five months.
The members of the Sutfin family have always been
noted for their physical strength. In the early days their
services were always welcomed at " raisings" of the log cabins
of the times. Charles Sutfin moved into Liberty township,
Jackson Co., about 1844-45. He has been proprietor of
the hotel he now occupies since 1876.
The village plat of Somerset Centre was laid out Feb.
17, 1872, on the south half of the southeast quarter of
the northwest quarter, and the east half of the southwest
quarter of section 10, by Jesse Tucker, Joseph C. Tucker,
and Lewis Fuller, Jr.
VILLAGE OF JEROME.
During the excitement consequent upon the surveying
and building of the Detroit, Hillsdale and Southwestern
Railway, the idea of having a new village upon its route
made itself manifest, and accordingly, upon the northeast
quarter of section 19, near the west line of the township,
234
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the village of Jerome was platted, April 18, 1871, by
Jerome Smith (from whom it derived its name) and Mary
E. Begel. The site of the village was in the woods when
the railroad was built, and the place has grown to its pres-
ent dimensions entirely since that time.
Jerome post-office was established at about the same time
the village was laid out, with the proprietor, Jerome Smith,
as first postmaster. He was succeeded by Charles Alley,
and he by the present incumbent, William P. Miner, in
whose store the office is located. Its business has increased
in a respectable ratio since the first mail was handled, until
it is now well patronized.
When a station was located here, Daniel W. Thompson
began dealing quite extensively in grain, and the firm of
Smith & Alley opened a small grocery. The first general
stock of merchandise, however, was brought here by Wil-
liam P. Miner, in the fall of 1871. He built the store he
now occupies, and subsequently erected the row of build-
ings on the east side of the street, including the boarding-
house.
The remaining lots in the village of Jerome are now the
property of A. P. Cook, who bought out the original pro-
prietors. There are at present in the place 4 general
stores, 1 grocery, a meat market, 2 millinery establish-
ments, a harness-shop, a shoe-shop, a post-office, a Congre-
gational church, a school-house, a hotel, a blacksmith-shop,
a cooper-shop, the railway station, and 1 physician, — Dr.
George E. Brown;
Kilwinning Lodge, No. 299, /. 0. 0. jP., was organized
July 25, 1877, with 5 members. It occupies a room
over the post-office and has a present membership of about
25. The Noble Grand is S. N. Ostrom, and the Vice-
Grand, F. M. Wolcott.
Samuel Mercer, originally from County Donegal, Ireland,
and later a resident of Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y.,
moved to Michigan with his family, in the fall of 1835,
leaving the old home about the middle of October, and
settled on the farm in Somerset, now the property of John
Calhoun, northeast from the present residence of Hon.
William Mercer. The elder Mercer was accompanied by
his wife and seven children, — two sons and five daughters,
of whom one son and one daughter have since died. Mr.
Mercer's death occurred in the month of January, 1852,
and his wife is also deceased.
Hon. William Mercer has lived on his present farm, sec-
tion 27, more than thirty years, making the first improve-
ments upon it and moving to it after his marriage. He
has been a man of great prominence in both the township
and county.
When the Mercer family came to the township four tav-
erns were in a flourishing state of existence. These were
the ones at Gambleville and Somerset Centre, and those of
Elias Branch and Warner Bunday, west of the Centre, all
on the Chicago turnpike. Their patronage was very ex-
tensive in those days, and nightfall always found them full
of weary travelers, who, when the beds had all been occu-
pied, made temporary couches on the floor or in other con-
venient places.
The first settlers in the southeast part of the township
were Jacob Brown and Bela Norton, who located on section
35 in 1834-35. These were the only ones south of the
Mercer place and east of the centre of the township when
the latter family came, in October, 1835.
William Throop, living south of Somerset Centre, is
one of the pioneers of the township, having emigrated
hither from the State of New York, some time previous
to 1840.
The year 1835 also witnessed the arrival of three families
from Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.,— -those of Deacon
James Brezee, Warner Bunday, and Peter Shafer, who
started from their old homes for Michigan together. Ar-
riving at Buffalo, Mr. Brezee took passage on a boat, with
the household goods, while the three families proceeded
onward through Canada by team. Arriving safely in De-
troit, they came on to Somerset. Mr. Brezee, who was
accompanied by his wife and five children, settled on the
farm in the northwest part of the township, now owned
by McKee Lyons, who purchased it of him, he (Brezee)
moving to another farm adjoining on the north, where he
resided until his death. When the Brezee family first
came they stayed a few days with Elias Alley, at Somerset
Centre, until they could finish a house for themselves, —
into the latter they moved in December, 1835. Of Mr.
Brezee's children the youngest son, Loren, yet lives in the
township, and another son, Wm. H. Brezee, is a resident
of Morenci, Lenawee Co. The latter was elected inspector
of schools in Somerset when but twenty-one years of age,
and he and his father were both prominent in the political
history of the township, as will be seen by reference to the
list of town officers.
The following " items were contributed by Warner Bun-
day, now of Litchfield, to the Pioneer Society, from the
records of which they are taken :
Mr. Bunday first came. to Michigan in 1824; returned
soon to Canandaigua, N. Y., and in 1835 came back and
purchased nearly a thousand acres of land in Somerset;
cleared 450 acres, and inclosed it with 6 J miles of rail-
fence. He built a log house in December, 1835, 22 by 32
feet, and in 1836 began keeping hotel on the Chicago turn-
pike. At that time, in the distance between Jonesville and
Monroe Junction — 25 miles — there were, according to Mr.
Bunday's assertion, 25 hotels, or one for each mile ! Re-
ligious meetings were held in this neighborhood in the latter
part of 1835.
Alvah Foster, who came from Roxbury, Cheshire Co.,
N. H., settled in Somerset, May 26, 1835, and is living yet.
Jeremiah Belding located near Mr. Foster in the same
year. He died in the fall of 1878, and was over ninety
years of age.
Jonathan Haynes, who lived a mile north of Gamble-
ville, at what was called '* Haynes' Corners," was among
the earlier settlers in the township. He afterwards became
a local preacher in the Methodist Church.
Oliver C. McLouth purchased land from the government
on section 36, and settled upon it in 1835. He came here
from Wayne County. His son, John McLouth, has held
numerous prominent positions — supervisor, justice of the
peace, etc. — in the township of Wheatland, where he now
resides.
It is related that when the township of Wheatland was
WWWM^^
m^rc:<
'>''
/
MR. ANDREW McDOUGAL.
MRS. ANDREW McDOUGAL.
ANDREW McDOUGAL.
The parents of Mr. McDougal were natives of the
county of Donegal, Ireland. His father came to
this country when nineteen years of age, and settled
in the town of Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y.
Here he resided until his death, which occurred in
1854, and it was here that Andrew was born, Sept.
18, 1817.
He lived with his father until he attained his
majority, when he resolved to make for himself a
home in Michigan. He accordingly came to Hills-
dale County, in October of 1838, and purchased the
northwest quarter of section 27, in the town of
Somerset, upon which he has since resided. The
land was entirely unimproved, and the fine farm of
to-day is the result of his own industry and energy,
and a monument to his thrift and frugality.
Mr. McDougal was married to Miss Mary Gam-
bol, of Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y., where
she was born Oct. 22, 1815.
They have been blessed with three children, —
Lucretia, born October, 1837; Margaret E., born
June, 1841; John, born November, 1842.
Although he has taken an active part in all
matters devoted to the interests of his town, county,
or State, he has never sought political advancement.
In his political affiliations he is a Democrat of the
Jefferson ian type. He has occupied many positions
in the affairs of his town, and has always discharged
his duties with fidelity to the trust reposed in him,
and with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of
his fellow-townsmen.
Mr. McDougal is a prominent member of the
Methodist Church, and has done much to advance the
cause of religion. An ardent friend of education, he
has done his part in the advancement of educational
interests. Socially he is genial and courteous, earning
and retaining the regard and esteem of all with
whom he comes in contact. He can look back upon
his past life with the assurance that he has improved
his opportunities, and that he has done his part in
developing the resources of his town, in building
up and advancing the best interests of the church and
society, thus earning the position he occupies among
the representative men of Hillsdale County.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
235
divided and Somerset formed, Thomas Gamble, from Wheat-
land, Monroe Co., N. Y., wished the original name to be
retained by the latter town (Somerset) ; but as a majority
of the prominent settlers at that time had come from Som-
erset, Niagara Co., and wished the name of their township
to be given, it was decided in their favor, and Somerset be-
came one of the sisterhood of towns, with a name remind-
ing its inhabitants of the homes they had left in an eastern
land.
Andrew McDougal settled in 1838, on section 27, north
of the present school-house site, where he still resides.
He came from the same locality in New York (Groveland,
Livingston Co.) from whence the Mercer family had emi-
grated three years previously, and is related to them.
Richard E. Weaver, of Hartland, Niagara Co., N. Y.,
settled in Somerset in October, 1835. He left the above
county with his father, in company with four other families,
May 1, 1835, and came through to Adrian, Mich. His
father, William Weaver, located land in the township that
summer, and they settled upon it in October, as stated.
Mr. Weaver, Sr., was originally from the Green Mountain
region, having moved to Niagara Co., N. Y., from Rutland
Co., Vt.
Among those who entered land in Somerset township in
1834 were the following persons : Amos Hixson, Lewis
Carrier, Samuel Mills, Elias H. Kelley, Hezekiah Griswold,
Jeremiah Loucks, Daniel Strong, Samuel 0. Clark, Eli
Bugbee, George Oncans (or Omans), Arza Finney, David
Binns, William Welch, Ruf us Gilford, David Catelle, Ben-
jamin D. Bond, Stephen Darlington, Gideon and David
Harkness, Zachariah Van Duzar, Jabez H. Jackson, Wil-
liam Gallup, Stephen Vail, Welcome Graham, and William
T. Webster.* Probably many of these never located in the
township, but it is known that part of them did.
From the records of Somerset are copied the following
interesting agreements of parents to the marriage of their
daughters :
" This may certify that I, Betsey Chichester, of the township of
Tecumseh, State of Michigan, do hereby consent to the marriage of
my daughter, Clarissa Chichester, to Nathan McLouth, now of the
township of Somerset, in the County of Hillsdale, Michigan. In wit-
ness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of January,
1838.
"Bestey Chichester.
" In presence of Eliza Ives."
" This may certify that I, Edward Gould, of the township of Som-
erset, County of Hillsdale, and State of Michigan, do hereby consent
to the marriage of my daughter, Lavinia, to John Young, of the same
place. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 29th
day orMarch, 1839.
his
" Edward X Gould.
mark.
" Lewis Carris."
The first white child born in this township was Frances
Griswold, whose mother was a sister to Orson Herrington
(who settled in September, 1833). Mrs. Griswold lived
but a short time after the birth of her daughter, and her
death was the first one among the settlers in the township,
occurring in the fall of 1833. Her father, David Her-
rington, died the same winter, from a sickness contracted
by overwork in drawing logs near Crystal Lake. Mrs.
* Hogaboam's History of the Bean Creek Valley.
Griswold's husband drove stage on the Chicago road, and
after the death of his wife removed to Galena, Illinois.
OFFICIAL RECORD.
The act creating the township of Somerset specified that
the first town-meeting should be held at the house of
Thomas Gamble, but it appears from the records that it was
held instead at the house of Cornelius Millspaw, on the
third day of April, 1837, at which time the following
officers were elected, viz. : Supervisor, Heman Pratt ; Town
Clerk, John McKnight; Justices of the Peace, Warner
Bunday, Heman Pratt, Amos Fairchild, William Weaver ;
Assessors, William Mercer, Alvah Foster, Orson Herring-
ton ; Commissioners of Highways, Daniel Strong, Chauncey
Kennedy, Jonathan Haynes ; Collector, Samuel 0. Clark ;
Directors of the Poor, Cornelius Millspaw, David Weather-
wax ; Inspectors of Common Schools, Warner Bunday, Al-
vah Foster, Arza Finney ; Constables, Samuel 0. Clark,
Daniel Millspaw, William Hoard ; Overseers of Road Dis-
tricts, James Gowin, Cornelius Millspaw, Orson Herring-
ton, Samuel 0. Clark, David Weatherwax, William Web-
ster, Chauncey Kennedy, Daniel Strong.
At this meeting it was " Voted, to raise as much money
for the support of common schools as shall be apportioned
to our town from the general school fund."
In 1840 it was "Voted, to pay a bounty of $10 for
killing full-grown wolves in this town, and $5 for killing
any wolf under six months old, said wolves to be caught
in said town."
" Voted, that any person who shall suffer his ram to run
at large out of his own inclosure, between the first day of
September and the first day of November, shall pay a fine
of $5."
In 1841 wolf bounties were reduced to five and two and
a half dollars, and fifty cents bounty was paid for each fox
scalp. Cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs, " except rams, boars,
and stud horses," were free commoners in 1841.
The following is the jury list for Somerset in the year
1841:
Grand Jurors. — Jeremiah Belding, Samuel Dunn, Arza
Finney, Alvah Foster, William P. Gibbs, Chester Hunt,
Jonathan Haynes, Samuel B. Randolph, Azariel Smith,
Newton C. Wolcott, William Weaver, Warner Bunday, Eli-
jah Slayton, Mitchell Gue.
Petit Jurors. — James Brezee, Mahlon Brown, Samuel 0.
Clark, Timothy Gay, Edward Gould, Andrew McDougal,
Ransom S. Olds, James Palmer, Peter Shafer, Ashur Strong,
William T. Webster, Johnson Davidson, Sanford D. Hop-
kins, Isaac Derby.
A list of the principal officers of the township from 1838
to 1877, inclusive, embraces the following names:
1838. William Wearer.
1839. Elias Branch.
1841. William Weaver.
Azariel Smith.
1842-44. William Mercer.
1845. Jabez S. Mosher.
1846-47. Chester Hunt.
1848-49. William Mercer.
1850-51. Chester Hunt.
1852. Daniel C. Crane.
1853-55. William Mercer.
SUPERVISORS.
1856-57,
William P. Richards.
1858. William Mercer.
1859. William P. Richards.
1860. George A. Smith.
1861-62. Sanford D. Hopkins.
1863-64. Newton C. Wolcott.
1865-68. Sanford D. Hopkins.
1869. William Mercer.
1870-73. Sanford D. Hopkins.
1874-77. Andrew N, Westeott.
236
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
TOWN CLERKS.
1838-39. Wolcott G. Branch.
1840. James Gowans.
1841-42. Charles Farnsworth.
1843. George L. Moore.
1844. Jabez L. Mosher.
1845. George L. Moore.
1846. John M. Munson.
1847. George L. Moore.
1848-50. Oliver Lathrop.
1851. Charles Farnsworth; died
in ofl5ce, and vacancy filled
by the appointment of John
McKnight.
1852. Orson Herrington.
1853-54. Roosevelt H. Davis.
1855. Charles B. Moon.
1856-57. Roswell R. Farnsworth.
1858-62. Aaron Bickford.
1863. Dennis Clancy.
1864. Aaron Bickford.
1865. Dennis Clancy.
1866-68. Warner Bunday.
1869. David A. Turrell.
1870-77. Oscar D. Brown.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1838.
Elias Branch.
1859.
D. C. Crane.
1839.
Timothy Gay.
1860.
Samuel 0. Clark.
1840.
William Mercer.
Seth Aldrich.
Anson Root. •
Charles L. M. Andrus.
1841.
Newton C. Wolcott.
1861.
George Brown.
1842.
Elias Alley.
1862.
Charles L. M. Andrus.
Heman Pratt.
1863.
Seth Aldrich.
1843.
William Mercer.
Orson Herrington.
1844.
Jabez S. Mosher.
1864.
David A. Turrell.
1845.
Adam S. Dunn.
1865.
Townsend Coats.
1846.
Elias S. Alley.
George Brown.
1847.
William Mercer.
1866.
Dennis Clancy.
Walter S. Moore.
1867.
Seth Aldrich.
1848.
Walter S. Moore.
1868.
Joshua Davison.
1849.
Jesse D. Payne.
1869.
Isaac Kinney.
1850.
Henry B. Fuller.
1870.
*Dennis Clancy.
William Weaver.
George Brown.
1851.
Ransom S. Olds.
1871.
Seaton Flint.
Augustus G. Fisk.
1872.
Joshua Davison.
1852.
Walter S. Moore.
1873.
George Brown.
William Mercer.
Robert Harper.
1853.
William Weaver.
1874.
William P. McKnight.
Abel Scott.
Dennis Clancy.
William P. Richards.
1875.
Seaton Flint.
1854.
William H. Brezee.
Lucius Powers.
1856.
Augustus G. Fisk.
1876.
Lucien B. North.
1866.
William 0. Smith.
1877.
George Brown.
1857.
William Weaver.
Jonathan Haynes.
1858.
William H. Brezee.
ASSE
SSORS.
1838.
Alvah Foster.
1843.
Chester Hunt.
Elias Alley.
1844.
William Weaver.
William Mercer.
Thomas Jolls.
1839.
James Gowans.
1845.
Newton C. Wolcott.
Alvah Foster.
Thomas Jolls.
Orson Herrington.
1846.
Thomas Jolls.
1840.
Freeman T. Kellogg.
Horace H. Smith.
Alvah Foster.
1847.
Horace H. Smith.
George Abbott.
William Weaver.
1841.
Freeman T. Kellogg.
1848.
Horace H. Smith.
John McKnight.
William Weaver.
Lemuel D. Brown.
1849.
Horace H. Smith.
1842.
John McKnight.
William Weaver.
F. T. Kellogg.
1850.
Jonathan Haynes.
1843.
John McKnight.
COLLI
]CTOR.
Benjamin Houghtalin.
1838-40. Jes
se D. Payne.
TREAS
URERS.
1839-40. Charles Farnsworth.
1841. Lemuel D. Brown.
1842-43. Jabez S. Mosher.
1844. Timothy Gay.
1845. John McKnight.
1846. Jabez S. Mosher.
1847. Thomas Jolls.
1848. Daniel H. Shepherd.
1849-50. Thomas Jolls.
1851-52. Matthias Slagbt.
1863-54. Jason Tayre.
1865. Chester Hunt.
1856-58. Daniel Ostrom.
1859-60. Martin C. Rogers.
1861. Asher T. Strong.
1862. M. C. Rogers.
1863-64. James A. Strong.
1866. Jabin Strong.
1866-68. Nathaniel K. Haynes.
1869-70. Willis Baker.
1871-72. Allen W. Dunn.
1873-74. Lucien B. North.
1875. Benjamin Dunn.
1876-77. Henry S. Walworth.
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
James Brezee.
1848.
Elias Alley.
William Knapp.
1849.
John McKnight.
Robert Bilby.
1850.
Samuel Dunn.
Jonathan Haynes.
1851.
Sanford D. Hopkins.
William Mercer.
1852.
Jason Tayre.
Elias Alley.
Alvah Foster.
William Knapp.
1853.
Charles N. Lewis.
Elias Alley.
1854.
Jesse D. Payne.
Chester Hunt.
1855.
Jason Tayre.
Jeremiah Belding.
1856.
Alvah Foster.
Jonathan Haynes.
Sanford D. Hopkins.
Orson Herrington.
1857.
Jesse D. Payne.
Jonathan Haynes.
1858.
S. D. Hopkins.
Adam S. Dunn.
1859.
Elias Alley.
William Knapp.
1860.
Lemuel D. Brown.
Jonathan Haynes.
1861.
Martin C. Rogers.
Andrew McDougal.
1862.
Rufus Smith.
Samuel W. Parsons.
1863.
John S. B. Weatherwax
William G. Throop.
1864.
Benjamin F. Carney.
John Munson.
1865.
Jesse D. Payne.
Lewis Fuller.
1866.
Jabin Strong.
William Hoard.
1867.
Benjamin F. Carney.
D. F. Hurd.
1868.
Gardner Foster.
Samuel M. Hagerman.
1869.
Jabin Strong.
Cicero J. Van Allen.
1870.
Benjamin F. Carney.
Samuel M. Hagerman.
1871.
Henry Harper.
Phipps W. Hewitt.
1872.
Jabin Strong.
Jason Tayre.
1873.
Andrew N. Westcott.
William Knapp.
1874-
-75. Henry Harper.
Elias Alley.
1876-77. Willis Baker.
The officers of the township for 1878 are: Supervisor,
Henry S. Walworth ; Town Clerk, Oscar D. Brown ;
Treasurer, Lucien B. North ; Justice of the Peace, Dennis
Clancy ; Commissioner of Highways, Willis Baker ; Town-
ship Superintendent of Schools, R. A. Randolph; Mr.
Randolph resigned and John S. Flint was appointed in his
place, but failed to qualify, and the position was l&nally
filled by the appointment of William T. Morous ; Inspector
of Schools, Hosea C. Aldrich ; Constables, Charles Cam-
burn, Stowell Jones, Ira Smith, Andrew J. Geer.
The ingenuity of the early settlers was considerably
taxed by their endeavors to select marks by which to dis-
tinguish their cattle, sheep, and hogs, which were permitted
to run at large. Among those adopted were the following :
Sept. 30, 1835. — Thomas Gamble's mark — a crop from
the right ear, and a half crop from the upper side of the
left.
April 16, 1836. — John McKnight's mark — a crop from
the right ear, and a slit in the same.
April 29, 1836. — Elias Alley's mark — a crop from the
right ear and a slit in the same, and a slit in the left.
May 18, 1836. — Timothy Gay's mark — a swallow fork
from the right ear, and a crop from the left.
June 1, 1836. — Elias H. Kelly's mark — a hole in the
right ear.
Nov. 7, 1836. — Jacob Brown's mark — a crop from the
left ear, and a slit in the same.
Same date.— Thomas Joll's mark — two slits in the left
ear.
Dec. 5, 1836. — Cornelius Millspaw's mark— a crop from
the left ear, and a slit in the right.
Dec. 25, 1837. — Mitchell Gue's mark — a crop from the
left ear, and a half-penny from the upper and lower sides
of the same.
rX",o:^-;
ii'':^:A;v-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
237
May 24, 1847. — J. S. B. Weatherwax's mark— a hole
in the left ear hy a punch and a " happany^'' done hy the
same punchy under the right ear.
These marks were all recorded in the township book of
records, and each was illustrated in an artistic manner by
drawing the outline of a sheep's head and showing the
marks on the ears.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
The first school in Somerset was taught at Gambleville,
in 1834, by Mrs. Clark, a daughter of Judge Heman
Pratt. This was a summer school, and the term lasted
three months, the number of scholars being but 5 or 6.
Judge Pratt taught in the same building, — a rude log
school-house, the succeeding winter and at later periods.
His father was a school-teacher forty-six years. The judge
had charge of the school in 1835, and among the scholars
were several of Samuel Mercer's children.
The school district in which Hon. William Mercer now
resides was organized in 1845, and a log school-house built
half a mile north of the present frame school building at
the corners, the latter having been erected in the neighbor-
hood of the year 1850.
A log school-house was built in 1836 a mile south of the
present residence of Elias Alley. It was difficult to main-
tain a school here, as the number of pupils for several years
was quite small, — the attendance sometimes being no more
than three, — but by persistent effort it was kept up until
it became one of the important schools of the township.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
In the spring of 1836, Rev. Mr. Wolcott organized a
Presbyterian society at Somerset Centre, and remained as
their minister for a short time. Rev. Mr. Morton was one
of the early pastors also. The present frame church at the
Centre was built about 1840-42. This society has no ex-
istence at this date (January, 1879), and the old church is
now the property of a Methodist Episcopal organization,
whose pastor is Rev. Mr. Berry, of Fuller's Mills, Jackson
Co.
Subsequent to the year 1850, numerous membership of
the Presbyterian Church at the Centre seceded and formed
the present Congregational Church at Gambleville, where
they built a frame church. This society is at present in
very good condition, and has for its pastor Rev. Mr. Branch,
of Grand Ledge.
THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SOMERSET
wis organized at Jerome in the fall of 1873, and the pres-
ent frame church dedicated in the fall of 1875. This
society had also been previously connected with the original
church at the Centre, and when the division occurred and
a new church was built at Gambleville, this part moved
to the southwest part of town, and held meetings in the
Payne school-house, moving to Jerome, and reorganizing,
after that village was laid out. The membership in De-
cember, 1878, was about 35, and the pastor is the same
who has charge of the congregation at Gambleville, — Rev.
E. T. Branch. A Sabbath -school is sustained during the
iummer months.
BRICK-YARD AND TILE WORKS.
It is the experience of farmers in this vicinity that
underdraining pays at least twenty-five per cent., and the
cheapest and most durable material to use in forming drains
is the uniform drain-tile.
Seth Aldrich, one of the early settlers in Somerset, began
the manufacture of tile and earthenware in this town in
1842, turning the first tile on a wheel. The demand for
the article increased, and to keep up the supply he pur-
chased a hand-tile machine, and in the spring of 1858 made
his first '•' horseshoe" tile (it was so named from the shape
of the orifice), which gave entire satisfaction. His son,
Hosea C. Aldrich, the present proprietor of the works,
assisted his father in his labors until 1862, when he enlisted
in the 18th Michigan Infantry, and served three years,
during six months of which time he was immured in one
of those terrible places, — a rebel prison. He was finally
released, and started for home on the ill-fated steamer
" Sultana," which exploded her boiler on the passage up
the Mississippi River, and hurried into eternity so many of
the brave sons of Michigan. Mr. Aldrich was picked up
for dead, but finally returned to consciousness, and ulti-
mately to his home, where he engaged in the old work
once more.
In 1866 he purchased the works from his father, and
admitted his brother, B. F. Aldrich, as partner in the
business. Each hired a helper, and the sales averaged
$1020 annually. The demand, however, increased to such
an extent that a larger machine — operated by horse-power
— was purchased in 1870, and a factory built, which is 30
by 137 feet in dimensions, standing near the clay bed. In
1873, Hosea C. Aldrich purchased his brother's interest,
built a larger kiln, and employed from four to six hands.
In 1876 he purchased a brick-machine, and added a brick-
yard to his establishment, which necessitated the employ-
ment of more help. In 1877 he built a pottery, in which
he placed two wheels and two turners, and erected another
kiln in which to burn ware.
Mr. Aldrich has probably the best clay in the State for
making drain-tile, and the truth of this assertion is demon-
strated by the fact that some of the tile manufactured here
have been in the ground thirty-five years, and are as sound
to-day as when first laid. Mr. Aldrich now burns five
kilns of tile, two of flower-pots (of which he makes a speci-
alty), and one of brick annually. Increased facilities will
be added as the demand warrants. Two kinds of clay exist
here, and white and red brick are both manufactured and
kept on hand, as well as flower-pots, pipe-tile from two to
six inch, " D" tile from two to seven inch, and horse-shoe
tile from two to eight inch. Mr. Aldrich is to be congratu-
lated on the extent of his work and the favor with which
his manufactures are everywhere received.
Among those who have furnished information in this
town are Hon. William Mercer, Elias Alley, Esq., William
H. Brezee (of Morenci), Oscar D. Brown, Lewis Fuller,
Charles Sutfin, Hosea C. Aldrich, and numerous others
whose names are not now recollected. Our obligations to
all are hereby acknowledged.
238
HISTORY OF HILMDALl COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SETH ALDRIOH.
The ancestors of the Aldrich family were from Wales,
Great Britain. Seth Aldrich, the grandfather of the sub-
ject of this narrative, and the progenitor of the Aldrich
family in this country, came from Wales previous to the
Revolutionary war, and settled in Uxbridge, Mass. He had
five sons, — Enoch, Abraham, Nathan, Abel, and Hosea.
The latter was the father of our subject, and moved into On-
tario Co., N. Y., in an early day, where he resided until his
death. He was an active, energetic business man, and was
extensively engaged in the manufacture of pottery. He
married Miss Rachel Corrary. They had five children,
who grew to maturity, — Sarah, Seth, Emiline, Hall, and
Stephen. Seth was born in the town of West Bloomfield,
Ontario Co., N. Y., March 3, 1801. He lived with his
father until he attained his majority, when he went to
Canandaigua, where he was engaged in the business of a
butcher, which he followed until his removal to Michigan,
in 1841. He purchased four hundred and eighty acres of
land in the town of Somerset. About 1847 he commenced
the manufacture of earthenware. He was the first manu-
Photo. by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
SETH ALDRICH.
faoturer of drain-tile in Southern Michigan, in which
business he continued until 1863, when he sold to his
sons, H. C. and B. F. Aldrich. H. C. subsequently pur-
chased his brother's interest, made extensive improvements
in machinery, etc., and is at present one of the most ex-
tensive manufacturers of drain-tile, fire-, wall-, and building
brick, and flower-vases, etc., in the State. A view of his
residence and works is presented on another page.
In 1828, Mr. Aldrich was married to Miss Jane Kemp-
shall; by whom he had two children, — Elsey and Jane.
Mrs. Aldrich died in 1830, and he was again married, in
1832, to Miss Minerva Doolittle, by whom he had four
children, — Willis K., Benjamin F., Hosea C, and Mary C.
Mr. Aldrich has been prominently identified with the
development of Somerset, and perhaps there is no one
whose influence in society and the church has been more
productive of good. A prominent member of the Con-
gregational Church of Somerset, few have done more to
promote its religious welfare. A man of marked liberality,
a generous supporter, so far as means would admit, of all
worthy enterprises, and emphatically a peacemaker, he has
always used his best endeavors to quiet or dispel all dis-
sensions and differences arising in his immediate neighbor-
hood. Possessed of many of the virtues, and but few of
the faults, of human kind, he has endeared himself to his
friends and fellow-townsmen in such a way that he will
always be remembered as a kind father, a valuable neighbor,
an(l a worthy citizen.
CHARLES M. L. ANDRUS
was born in the town of Milton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug.
16, 1808. His father, Jason Andrus, was a soldier in
the Revolutionary war, and served as aide-de-camp to
General Sullivan. After the war closed he settled in Mil-
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
CHARLES M. L. ANDRUS.
ton, where he resided until his death, which occurred in
February, 1859. He was a surveyor by occupation, and
with the assistance of a friendly Indian, surveyed the county
of Coos, New Hampshire.
Charles stayed at home until he was eighteen years of
age, when he left home to acquire the trade of a tanner
and currier. He followed this avocation several years, and
in 1833 he established himself in the shoe business in
Macedon, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he remained thirteen
years. In 1846 he came to Hillsdale County, and settled
in the town of Somerset, where he purchased one hundred
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
239
and forty acres of land, to which he has added two hundred
acres.
In 1836 he married Miss Leah Mallory, of Macedon,
N. Y., by whom he had five children, two of whom are now
living, — Cassius M. C, born Dec. 25, 1844, and Josephine
H., now Mrs. Benjamin A. Fowle, of Moscow.
Although Mr. Andrus is not a pioneer, still he has
prominently identified himself with the history of the
town. He has led a busy, successful life, and by industry
and honorable dealing has acquired a competency. In his
political affiliations Mr. Andrus is a prominent Republican,
and for many years was justice of the peace.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
OLIVER E. MOSHER.
MRS. OLIVER E. MOSHER.
OLIVER E. MOSHER.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of
Greenfield, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Feb. 5, 1818. He was
the son of Jabez Mosher and Lucinda Dake, who were
natives of Saratoga County. When six years of age his
parents removed to Mount Morris, Livingston Co. ; here
the family remained four years, when they moved to Leroy,
Grenesee Co. Here the elder Mosher resided until his
death, which occurred in 1837. Upon the death of his
father he was thrown upon his own resources, and he
sought employment as a farm laborer. In 1839 he came
to Michigan and settled in the town of Somerset. He first
purchased forty acres of wild land, which is a part of his
present fine farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres, for
which he agreed to work one year and four months. In
July, 1842, he married Miss Louisa Bigelow, of Manchester,
Washtenaw Co. She died in 1849, and he was again
married to Miss Mary Baker, of Kose, Wayne Co., N. Y.,
where she was born, Oct. 22, 1828. When nine years of
age her father came to Somerset, where he now resides.
Mr. and Mrs. Mosher have been blessed with five chil-
dren, three died in infancy ; two sons, Alva and Orrin B.,
are left to cheer their parents in their declining years.
Alva lively near the old place and Orrin resides with his
father.
DEACON JAMES BREZEE.
The traveler through Southern Michigan, sitting in the
luxurious palace-cars of to-day, looks out on either side upon
a wide expanse of finely-cultivated farms and beautiful
homes, and as the variegated scenery of forests, hills, lakes,
streams, orchards, farms, school-houses, churches, and vil-
lages flit by, in an ever-changing panorama of beauty, may
be impressed with the thrift and enterprise of its citizens ;
but of the trials, hardships, and privations — the courage
and endurance necessary to change the unbroken wilder-
ness, peopled with ferocious wild beasts and savage Indians,
into this magnificent picture of civilization — he can only
get a mere glimpse, by reading the brief and imperfect
sketches of some of those hardy old pioneer settlers, to
whom the present generation is indebted for the wealth and
prosperity so widely scattered over this highly-favored
region. As one among the early settlers of Hillsdale
County, may be mentioned James Brezee, who was born in
Claverac, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1802. His ancestors
were of French and German origin, with an admixture of
the " Knickerbocker Dutch" of the Hudson. He was one
of a family of nine children, and as they were in limited
circumstances, he from early boyhood earned his own living
by working out by the month. In 1827 he was married
to Mi^ Frances M. Copeland, of the same town. In 1832
they removed to Wayne Co., N. Y., and the next year to
Canandaigua, Ontario Co., where he had the charge of one of
240
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the farms of Judge Atwater. In 1835 he emigrated to Michi-
gan, and settled in the present township of Somerset, Hills-
dale Co. He bought eighty acres of government land, and
after paying for his land he had just money enough left to
pay for a cow and a barrel of flour. In the intervals of
working out by the job, to supply his family, he managed
to erect a log house, into which they moved in December
the same year, before there was a door, window, or chim-
ney in it.
By almost incessant toil at the rudest kinds of labor, he
not only supported his family, but in a few years had cleared
off and improved his farm and bought one hundred and
twenty acres in addition. In all his early toils and struggles
and the example of a sincere, practical Christian. To the
many old friends and patrons of this work this page is con-
tributed, as a memorial to the life and character of another
of the old pioneers of Hillsdale County.
W0
DEACON JAMES BREZEE.
he had an able and active assistant in his noble and intelli-
gent wife, whose wise counsels and co-operation contributed
much to their prosperity ; but just as their circumstances
were getting into a prosperous condition, they were called
upon to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, —
she died on the 16th day of March, 1851, at the age of
forty-three years. She was the mother of seven children, —
William H., Fidelia, Catharine, Phebe J., James, Peter,
and Loren ; of these the only ones living are Wni. H. and
Loren.
In 1858 he was married to Miss Julia Spencer, of
Moscow. The fruit of this marriage was one son, Charles.
James Brezee, or " the Deacon," as he was generally known,
was all his life known as a hard-working honest man, and
his sincere and genuine piety commanded the respect and
esteem of all who knew him, however much they might
differ in opinion.
He was during his latter years a constant reader of the
Bible, which was his text-book, and its precepts were the
rule and guide of his conduct in all his transactions. For
several years before his death he was afflicted with hernia,
which, together with an accident, ultimately caused his
death. He died in 1875, at seventy-three years of age,
leaving behind him the record of an unblemished character,
WILLIAM MERCER.
This gentleman, one of the early settlers of Somerset,
and identified with its pioneer history far more than in
name, was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, Oct. 6,
1811. His parents, Samuel and Hannah (Culbert) Mer-
cer, emigrated to this country in 1819, and settled in Liv-
ingston County, N. Y.
WILLIAM MERCER.
The elder Mercer was a farmer, and William's early life
was spent upon the farm, receiving the advantages afforded
by the common schools of that day. In the fall of 1835
the family emigrated to Hillsdale County, and Mr. Mercer
purchased from Government four hundred acres of land
in the town of Somerset. Here the elder Mercer resided
until his death, which occurred in 1852. He was a man
of great energy and a valuable citizen.
William remained with his father until 1843, when he
purchased one hundred and thirty acres of his father's
estate, and which is a portion of his present farm, which
consists of two hundred and forty acres. Mr. Mercer has
been prominently identified with the political and judicial
history of his town an^ county. In 1844 he was elected
associate judge of the Circuit Court, which position he held
four years. In 1850 he was elected county judge. This
position he filled acceptably until the office was abolished
by the provisions of the State constitution. For ten years
he has represented his town upon the board of supervisors,
and was one of its first officers, and his opinion upon all
important matters is fully appreciated. For nmny years
he was justice of the peace, and has filled many other posi-
tions of trust with credit to himself and to the satisfaction
of the public.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MECHIGAN.
241
In 1845, Mr. Mercer was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah, daughter of David Gambol, Esq., of Groveland,
Livingston Co., N. Y. Six children were born to them,
all of whom are now living. David G., the eldest, was
born February, 1846 ; Samuel A., November, 1847 ; Eliz-
abeth, March, 1849; William W., March, 1853; John
G., December, 1854 ; Sarah, December, 1858.
In his political belief he is a Democrat of the old-school
stamp, and a man of more than an ordinary amount of
energy and business ability. By a long life of industry
and honorable dealing he has acquired a competency, which
he is enjoying in his old age.
Few men have been more prominently identified with
the material development of the northern part of the
county than Mr. Mercer. He has not only witnessed the
gradual transition of a small and isolated settlement into a
busy and prosperous community, of a semi-wilderness into
a fertile and highly-productive region, but in his own person
has typified so admirably the agencies which have wrought
many of these changes that no history of Somerset township
would be complete which did not include some sketch of
his life.
ROBERT McGregor.
Robert McGregor was born in the town of Kildrane,
County of Donegal, Ireland, March, 1812. His father
was a farmer, and had a family of eight boys and one girl,
Robert being the eldest. When twenty years of age he
emigrated to Nova Scotia ; after a short residence in Halifax
he went to New York city, where he remained a short time ;
from New Yotk he went to Canandaigua, where for five
years he was engaged as a farm laborer ; from Canandaigua
he removed to Ohio ; here he resided three years, when he
again returned to New York. In 1835 he came to Hills-
dale County and purchased the farm where he now resides,
which consists of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1842
he returned with his family, and has since been a resident
of the town of Somerset. In 1838 he was married to Miss
Sarah Easlen, of Canandaigua, where she was born in 1810.
They have had five children, two of whom are living, —
William J. and Eliza Jane, now Mrs. T. J. Lowrey. Mr.
and Mrs. McGregor are both prominent members of the
Congregational Church, and are exemplars of long lives
well spent, and will leave to their children that priceless
legacy, — -an unstained reputation.
MOSCOW^
When, on the 17th of March, 1835, the township of
Vance — which included the entire county of Hillsdale — was
divided, that portion embraced in range 2 west of the prin-
cipal meridian was given the name of Moscow. This name
has been retained only by township 5 south, being the
northernmost one of the range in the county. From the
original township have been formed the following separate
townships, viz. : Adams, March 23, 1836, first including
the territory in range 2 from the present township of Mos-
cow to the State line on the south ; Florida, including
townships 7, 8, and fractional 9 south, March 11, 1837;
township 7 changed to Jefferson, March 17, 1849 ; Row-
land, including townships 8 and fractional 9 south, Jan.
28, 1840, changed to Ransom, March 9, 1848 ; Bird, from
Ransom, April 2, 1849, changed back to Ransom, March
28, 1850 ; part of Amboy, March 28, 1850. The present
township of Moscow, being the earliest settled of the above,
very appropriately retained the name.
This is an excellent township for agricultural purposes,
and is generally well improved. It is well watered by the
Kalamazoo River and numerous smaller streams, and a few
miniature lakes are also found, the principal ones being
Buck and Wyllis Lakes, named from families living near
them. The surface is undulating, and the soil such as is
common among the " oak openings" of Southern Michigan.
West of Moscow village is quite an extensive plain, known
throughout this region from the earliest settlement as the
31
" Moscow Plains." It was originally covered with a profuse
growth of burr-oak and hazel, and included some of the
best land in the township.
The population of the township of Moscow in 1838 was
496 ; there were then within its limits a saw-mill, two mer-
chants, 460 head of neat stock, 70 horses, 18 sheep, and
554 hogs."^ For the purpose of comparison with the fore-
going figures we insert the following items from the State
census of 1874:
Total population (627 males, .556 females) in 1874 1,183
Acres of taxable land 21,142.75
Land owned by individuals and companies 21,198
Acres of improved land 14,255
Land exempt from taxation 55.25
Value of same, including improvements $2,564
Acres in school-house sites 5.75
" church and parsonage sites 1.50
" burying-grounds 7
Railroad right of way and depot grounds .36
Number of farms 222
" acres in same 21,198
Average number of acres in farms 95.48
Number of acres of wheat sowed in 1874 4,536
" " " harvested in 1873 3,972
" " corn " " 1,864
Bushels of wheat raised in 1873... 44,105
" corn " " 59,870
" all other grain raised in 1873 12,335
" potatoes raised in 1873 6,968
Tons of hay cut in 1873 1,292
Pounds of wool sheared in 1873 26,799
" pork marketed in 1873 153,659
" butter made " 57,505
" fruit dried for market in 1873 18,550
^ Gazetteer of Michigan, 1838.
242
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Barrels of cider made in 1873 514
Number of acres in orchards, 1874 456
Bushels of apples raised in 1872 22,209
" " " 1873 22,647
" cherries " 1872 299
" " " 1873 314
Value of fruit and garden productions, 1872 $9,057
" « " " 1873 9,209
Number of horses in township one year old and
over, 1874 602
Number of mules 12
" work oxen 12
" milch cows 513
" neat cattle one year old and over,
other than oxen and cows 499
" swine over six months old 827
" sheep '' " " 3,765
" sheep sheared in 1873 5,139
" flouring-mills in township ^
" persons employed in same 8
Capital invested in same $17,500
Number of runs of stone in same 5
" barrels of flour made 3,200
Value of products $27,600
Number of saw-mills 1
" hands employed in same 2
Amount of capital invested $2,000
Feet of lumber sawed..... $50,000
Value of products $800
Agricultural implement works 1
Persons employed in same 4
Capital invested $10,000
Value of products 5,000
Steam carriage factories 1
Persons employed in same * 9
Capital invested $6,000
Value of products 7,614
LAND ENTRIES.
At the close of the year 1833, but 3320 acres of land
had been entered in what is now Moscow, and this was
much more than was taken in any other township. It was
divided among the following persons, viz. : Benjamin Fowle,
S. N. W. Benson, Samuel Aiken, 0. B. Blackmar, Pontius
Hooper, Stephen Scott, David Hiller, Thomas Watts, John
Simmons, James Winters, T. C. Delavan, Lewis T. Miller,
Simon Jacobus, Charles T. Delavan, Lucius Lyon, Alonzo
Kies, Mary Miller, aud Charles Stuck. Mr. Benson also
had land in what is now Scipio.
In the present township of Moscow (township 5 south,
range 2 west), the following persons had entered land pre-
vious to the 27th of April, 1838 :
Section 1. — Benjamin Fowle, Milo Tracy, Seth Fare-
well, Clarissa Monroe.
Section 2. — Samuel Aiken, David Hiller, Thomas Watts,
Aaron Spencer, Moses Beam an.
Section 3. — Thomas Watts, Amos Spencer, Esek Finch,
William H. Hoag, Leander Kimball, Sarah Moore, John
P. Cook.
Section 4. — Lyman Smith, Esek Finch, Leander Kim-
ball, Tompkins C. Delavan, Daniel McNabb, C. J. Delavan,
0. B. Blackmar.
Section 5.-— Simon Jacobus, John D. Sinclair, William
R Schuyler, James H. Miller, C. Pratt, C. L. & W. G.
Grant.
Section 6. — M. Camburn, John Espie, Isaac Amerman,
Ealph Pratt, Phebe Booth, I. P. Christiancy, and H. For-
ester.
Section 7. — W. Potter, Luke Taylor, E. G. Delie, Levi
Camburn, Jr., T. C. Delavan.
Section 8. — John Simmons, James Winters, 0. L.
Church, Duncan Sinclair, Hugh Sinclair.
Section 9. — O. B. Blackmar, Peter Benson, James Arm-
strong, J. R. Frink, Anson Mapes, Simon Jacobus.
Section 10. — 0. B. Blackmar, H. Crittenden, P. Rorend,
T. C. Delavan, W. Porter, W. Durant.
Section 11. — Silas N. W. Benson, Benjamin Fowle, J.
L. Guion, Aaron Spencer.
Section 12. — Benjamin Fowle, S. Scott, Charles Fowle,
A. Little, A. White, J. Scott, W. W. Gale, S. W. Sharp.
Section 13. — James Gregory, John Keyes, W. Yeow,
W. Chaffee, J. Boulton, Benjamin Fowle, Morris Barton.
Section 14. — Benjamin Fowle, Caroline Fowle, Edward
Griscom, James L. Guion, Samantha Tracy, John Boulton,
J. C. B.
Section 15. — Lyman Smith, G. Morford, Abram Cutler,
Benjamin Fowle, Caroline Smith, Jonas Bond, Simon
Jacobus.
Section 17. — Pontius Hooper, Tompkins C. Delavan,
L. B. Miller, Simon Jacobus, 0. L. Church.
Section 18.— C. T. Delavan, B. W. Engle, A. M. Eagles,
John Blain, A. T. Dyers, Simon Jacobus.
Section 19. — Lucius Lyons, S. N. W. Benson, A. Kies,
T. Cowles, 0. Rankin, S. P. & A. Jermain.
Section 20. — Tompkins C. Delavan, Alonzo Kies, Mary
Miller, Ira Mumford.
Section 21.— A. Kies, S. Ray, S. P. & A. Jermain, E.
R. Howe, A. Mercer, J. Morford.
Section 22.— E. R. Howe, A. Mercer, J. Williams, B.
K. Wood, Simon Jacobus.
Section 23. — Seth Farewell, D. A. Wisner, C. Wisner,
Alfred Brown, Charles Fowle, Benjamin Fowle.
Section 24. — Joseph Burges, Benjamin Fowle, Levi
Woodward, Edmund Randolph, Isaac Lamb, Myron Rus-
sell, Robert McClelland.
Section 25. — Charles Stuck, Zachariah Yan Duzar, Lot
Fulkerson, James Tilton, Sheldon W. Sharp, Wilham Tal-
bot, E. Burgess, Zera Ballard, W. P. Yan Yechten, Wil-
liam W. Murphy, W. S. Landon.
Section 26. — John B. Putnam, Thomas Gilmore, x^lfred
Brown, S. A. Whittaker, James Tilton, Salmon Sharp,
James H. Miller, Charles Butler.
Section 27. — George Bansill, George W. Jackson, Ira
B. Putnam, Alanson Jermain, Amos Strong, Seth Strong,
Charles Noble.
Section 28. — William Munroe, Levi Burditt, Ebenezer
G. Mills, Philo Mills.
Section 29. — Tompkins C. Delavan, Israel Buck, Ira
Mumford, John Jermain, Fernando Kies,i Pratt & Grant.
Section 30. — Stephen N. Edmonds, S. P. & A. Jermain,
George Omans, Hewitt Dakin, John Jermain, Alanson
Jermain, C. Pratt, and C. L. & W. G. Grant.
Section 31. — G. C. Yanhorn, S. P. Jermain, Alanson
Jermain, S. B. Blackmar, Sarah Jermain.
Section 32. — Justis Yaughn, John Jermain, J. W.
Miller, Alfred Brown, Simon Jacobus.
Section 33. — Philo Mills, Foster St. John, Salmon Sharp,
Isaac Center, Henry Wilcox.
Section 34.— S. A. Whittaker, J. A. Center, H. N. Wil-
cox, Seth Strong, T. C. Bargarrow, William J. Delavan.
Section 35. — Samuel Sharp, Samuel A. Whittaker, Asa
Eddy, B. C. Pierce, George W. Nicholas, Samuel Healey,
W. Stone.
Section 36. — Charles Stuck, Wm. G. Sprague, Zachariah
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
243
Van Duzar, William Warren, Sheldon W. Sharp, Charles
Fowle.
SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT.
" Westward the course of empire takes its way." From
the band of '- Pilgrim Fathers," who braved the dangers of
the sea in order to rear for themselves homes in the American
wilderness, has descended a hardy race. Their children's
children moved westward into the hilly and timbered region
of Eastern New York, and strove for supremacy with the
" Knickerbockers." As the population increased, it spread
farther west, and anon the beautiful region surrounding
the lakes of Central New York, — the famous "Black
River Country" and " Genesee Country," — was filled up and
improved, and the savage race was forced to recede. Ohio's
" Western Reserve" offered many inducements to settlers,
and still the tide was not checked. The " Black Swamp,"
with all its terrors, was not of sufficient account to prevent
the adventurous from making their passage through it, and
the flowery plains of Michigan received attention from the
sons of the East. From nearly every county in New York,
from parts of Pennsylvania, from the Jersey gardens, from
the land of wooden nutmegs, from beneath the shadow of
Greylock, Wachusett, Monadnock, and Ascutney, from the
banks of the sweeping Connecticut, the busy Merrimac, and
the forests of Maine, poured forth an almost endless tide of
emigration, and the change in the " Peninsular State" was
wonderful.
Hillsdale County lay on the main highway over which
was the greatest amount of travel, and her many advan-
tages were quickly recognized. Between Tecumseh and
White Pigeon the first settlement was made within her
borders. Moscow was third in the county to .become the
home of a white man, and the record of entries shows that
her development and growth were exceedingly rapid.
The first settler in Moscow was Silas N. W. Benson, who
entered a large amount of land in the township, and located
upon the portion of it where Moscow village now stands,
in 1830. The orchard, which is yet in existence on the
premises of O. C. Gale, was set out by Mr. Benson, in
1835, and was the first in the township. A log tavern
was built by Mr. Benson, in 1830, on the corner where
now stands the hotel kept by Henry Rynex. In 1832,
during the Black Hawk war, he built the present frame
structure, and the log part stood but a few years there-
after.
Lyman Blackmar was the second white man to locate
within the limits of the present township of Moscow,
making his home two miles west of the village. He built
a log house, and for a long time kept a tavern. It was
customary to convene the town-meetings at his house.
George C. Munro, of Jonesville, who built the first brick
house in Hillsdale County, states that Mr. Blackmar built
the second one, upon his place in Moscow, in 1 842. Charles
Fowle, who built a "cobble-stone" house in 1840, says
that Mr. Blackmar was then living in his brick residence.
Both these statements are made from memory, and we are
unable to determine which is correct.
Mr. Blackmar was chosen the first Judge of Probate for
Hillsdale County, and held that office twelve years. He
also kept the first post-office in Moscow township, previous
to 1838, at his place west of the village. It has always
borne the same name as at present, no better one having
been fixed upon.
A man by the name of Stewart, who also lived west of the
village, was postmaster after Judge Blackmar. After the
office was removed to the village. Brooks Gale was appointed
to take charge of it, and continued in the capacity of post-
master for a long term of years. Politically, he was a Demo-
crat. When Gen. Harrison was elected President, in 1840,
Mr. Gale sent in his resignation, giving as a reason for such
a step, that he was "opposed to the administration elect!"
The department informed him that his excuse was not suf-
ficient, and retained him in the office. He was succeeded
by his brother, George Gale, and since then it has been
held by numerous persons, among them being Dr. S. C.
Merwin, John Arnold, A. Thompson, and others. Mr.
Thompson is the present incumbent, the office being located
in his store, at Moscow village. He has held numerous
township offices also, and has resided here since 1818.
By far the greater proportion of the early inhabitants of
this town, as is the case with all others in Southern Michi-
gan, emigrated from the " Empire State," and except for
the purpose of ascertaining the counties in which they for-
merly resided, it is scarcely necessary to ask from whence
they came. A person acquainted with the customs is
nearly certain to distinguish a New Yorker, without asking
questions. A chief peculiarity among them is the preva-
• lence of good cooks. The matrons of New York and New
England are among the best cooks in the world, and to one
accustomed to their fare a return to it is most gratifying
after long experience among people from other portions of
the East or South. The manners and customs of the
pioneers have been transmitted to their children, and the
savory dishes placed upon the groaning tables of Michigan,
Illinois, or Wisconsin, are nearly identical with those to be
found still in the East— in the land of the forefathers.
Livingston Co., N. Y., furnished a large number of the
earlier inhabitants of Hillsdale County. Among those
who ventured to locate in Moscow were Charles and Ben-
jamin Fowle, who emigrated in 1833, — the latter with a
wife and one child. Their brother James had settled at
Blissfield, Lenawee Co., in the spring of 1830.
Charles Fowle was the next to leave the old home, com-
ing to Michigan in the fall of 1830, and helping his brother
James on, the river Raisin until the spring of 1831, when
he returned to New York, and stayed there until his removal
to Michigan in 1833. This trip was made on foot the
greater part of the distance through Ohio. Benjamin came
by water. Charles stopped with his brother at Blissfield
and helped him plant his corn, and then pushed on to Mos-
cow, where he boarded at the log hotel of Silas N. W. Ben-
son. He purchased land early in June, 1833, on sections
1, 11, 12, and 14, and is still residing upon a portion of it
(section 12). In the winter of 1833-34 he built a log
house on his place, having been to New York and married
in October, 1833.
In June, 1833, Benjamin Fowle bought of Silas Benson,
for $1400, the 80 acres upon which he afterwards laid out
the village of Moscow. He moved upon it in August fol-
lowing, and during his residence on the village site occupied
244
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the log tavern which Mr. Benson had built in 1830. In
1834 he purchased government land just above the village
(where his son, Harmon Fowle, now lives), built a log house,
and lived in it until 1839, when he erected the frame house
now occupied by his widow and his son. Dr. Orrin Fowle.
The wife of Benjamin Fowle aided in making the fence
which inclosed the first fair-ground of the first agricultural
society in the county. This was done by sewing strips of
factory cloth together and placing them around the grounds
like the walls of a tent.
The first death of an adult in this township was that of
an aged lady, — rMra. Brown, — the mother of Maj. Daniel
Aiken, an early settler here and afterwards a resident of
Jonesville. Mrs. Brown's death occurred in 1834, and she
was the first person buried in the Blackmar Cemetery. The
box which held her remains was made by Charles Fowle.
In the latter part of June, 1833, an infant child of Samuel
Benson died and was buried on his place. This was prob-
ably the first death of a white person in the township. Mr.
Benson was a brother to S. N. W. Benson.
William Benson was ako an early arrival, and of one of
the men of that name a good story is told. It was in the
year 1843, his daughter had just been married, and in the
evening a crowd gathered to serenade the bridal couple after
the fashion of the day. The noise of horns and various
other instruments grew louder and louder, and became al-
most unbearable. An appeal was made to some one to
"repel invaders." Finally Mr. Benson, who was a strong,
stalwart man, sallied forth with his equally stalwart sons,
and in a few minutes the uproar was ended and the premises
cleared of the mischievous crowd. The " horning" was
stopped, and the father and sons returned to the house with
the flush of victory on their brows.
Possibly the first marriage in the township was that of
Wolcott G. Branch, of Somerset, and Miss Alvira Rounds,
daughter of Parvis Rounds, an early settler. The lady is
now Mrs. Weatherwax, of Somerset Centre.
The first white child born in Moscow was probably Lucy
Fowle, a daughter of Benjamin Fowle, whose birth occurred
about the latter part of 1833. She is now Mrs. Charles
Hollingsworth.
Among the first settlers in the western part of the town-
ship was Jacob Kesselring, from the town of Henrietta,
Monroe Co., N. Y. (originally from Germany), who came
to Michigan in September, 1835, and located in what is
now Scipio, two miles westward from his present residence
in Moscow. There he purchased forty acres of government
land, having but five dollars left after paying for it. He
had earned his money working by the day in the State of
New York. He was accompanied to Michigan by his wife,
four sons, and a daughter. Two of the sons went afterwards
to California, where one died. One resides at Three Rivers,
St. Joseph County, and five of the children are living in
Moscow.
When Mr. Kesselring came he endeavored to get work
at Marshall at his trade of baker and brewer, but failed, and
in lieu of other work, chopped wood at Jonesville at the
rate of two shillings per cord. In the fall of the same
year he was paid. five shillings and sixpence per cord; yet
with provisions scarce and pork two shillings a pound, it
required much ingenuity to secure sufficient for the use of
his family, and the same was the case with many others.
The supply was many times unequal to the demand, and
more than once did the settlers have to practice the strictest
self-denial in their consumption of food in order to subsist
equally for a given time. The most of the merchandise
was brought in by way of Tecumseh. This portion of the
township was not settled rapidly, and for a supply of meat
it was only necessary to kill a deer or a bear, both of which
abounded in considerable numbers.
After living two years in Scipio, Mr. Kesselring moved
into Moscow in the fall of 1837, locating on the farm now
owned by his son, Daniel B. Kesselring, afterwards on the
place he now occupies, on the south side of the road from
his son's place. His land in Moscow he purchased from
John Jermain, but made the first improvements upon it
himself Mr. Kesselring is now in his eighty-second year,
and, like many others who have passed more than twoscore
years in this region, has witnessed its steady development
from an almost trackless wilderness to a mighty " power in
the land."
Israel Buck, living east of Mr. Kesselring's, has been a
resident of the State and township also more than forty
years. Upon his farm is a small lake which has been given
his name.
Wallace H. Godfrey settled in the township, with his
wife and daughter, in 1838, and became quite prominent
therein. He was from Livingston Co., N. Y. For sixteen
years he was a justice of the peace in the town, and served
as supervisor three years. He died Aug. 20, 1868, aged
sixty. The old farm is now owned by his widow and his
son, Wilbert, J. Godfrey.*
Peter Atwell, now living in the north part of the town-
ship, was a very early settler, and was present at the first
township-meeting, in 1835.
S. A. Whittaker, who settled about 1835-36, was a son-
in-law of James Fitten, who settled at the same time.
It is said that the Fowles, Littles, and others who resided
early in the northeast part of town, were accustomed to going
one and a half miles north for water, to a large spriqg a short
distance over the line in Jackson County. There were no
wells yet dug in their own neighborhood, neither did any
springs exist. Charles Fowle rigged a forked piece of tim-
ber in such manner that a barrel of water could be drawn
upon it, and with that hauled water for his use.
* Wilbert J. Godfrey furnishes the following items: "Wallace 11.
Godfrey was born to Seth and Mary P. Godfrey, in Saratoga Co.,
N. Y., Aug. 12, 1808. At the age of three years he, with his father's
family, removed to Cayuga County, and at the age of six years to Liv-
ingston Co., N. Y., and there remained until the year 1838. Having,
in 1834, married Clarissa P. Elmore, he, with his wife and one daugh-
ter, Juliette, aged two years, again removed to the township of Mos-
cow, county of Hillsdale, Mich., where he bought of William Y. Baker
acres of land with no improvements, paying $6 per acre. This is the
west half of the northeast quarter of section 30. In 1850 he bought
of William Benson 40 acres, — the southwest quarter of southeast
quarter of section 19, — and afterwards 20 acres of Daniel Kessel-
ring,— north half of northwest quarter of southeast quarter, — all of
which is at present in the possession of the wife and youngest son,
Wilbert J. Godfrey. He held the office of supervisor for three terms,
justice of the peace sixteen years, and many other responsible posi-
tions. He died at his home in Moscow, Aug. 20, 1868."
MRS.f^ORATIO N. ROWLEY
HORATIO N.ROWLEY.
?WIp5P^^^^S
ffEsiOENct or H.N. ROWLEY, MOSCOW, Michigan.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
245
Leonard Miller, now of Jonesville, came to Moscow, in
18B9, from Seneca Co., N. Y., and was at that time a young
man of nineteen. His uncle, Lewis T. Miller, who was
also an uncle of Hon. William H. Seward, so well known
as one of the country's greatest statesmen, settled in the
township in 1834, and was a delegate to the first Constitu-
tional Convention, in 1836. Leonard Miller was a member
of the State Legislature in 1861.
Cornelius L. Traverse was one of the pioneers of the
township, and died within quite recent years, aged over
ninety years.
The first practicing physician in the township, and one
of the first in the county, was Dr. William J. Delavan, who
settled in 1834. He owned a large farm on Moscow Plains,
and enjoyed a very large practice in Hillsdale and Jackson
Counties. He died at Jonesville, Jan. 23, 1875, at the age
of seventy-two.
Dr. Stillman Ralph was probably the next to locate in
town, but soon left it and settled in Scipio, afterwards
changing his residence to Jonesville, where he had an office
at least as early as April, 1839, for in the first issue of the
Hillsdale County Gazette^ bearing date April 13, 1839, his
card appears, announcing that he has an office in the Man-
ning and Munro block, on the corner of Chicago and West
Streets.
Dr. S. C. Merwin, from Genesee Co., N. Y., settled in
Moscow village, July 22, 1838, where he has since resided
and enjoyed an extensive practice.
Thompson Wallace, from Ireland, a school-teacher by
profession, settled on a farm in Moscow, June 20, 1842.
Daniel Rowley, »Ir., was a soldier of the war of 1812,
and for his services received a land warrant for 160 acres
of land. He was a native of Washington Co., N. Y., his
father, Daniel Rowley, Sr,, having been a native of the State
of Connecticut. The latter served in the patriot army du-
ring the Revolutionary war. Daniel Rowley, Jr., came
from the town of Wales, Erie Co., N. Y., with his family
of three sons and three daughters, and settled in Moscow
on the 16th of September, 1836. He died, of apoplexy,
April 2, 1865, at the age of eighty-six. His son, Horatio
N. Rowley, is now a resident of Moscow township, and a
prominent and respectable citizen thereof. He is a native of
Erie Co., N. Y.
Asa Little, at present living in the township of Somerset,
settled in the northeast part of Moscow in November, 1835,
and was from Cayuga Co., N. Y.
Warren M. Baker, from Ontario Co., N. Y., settled
Nov. 1, 1840, and followed the business of farming.
A. G. Mosher, from the town of Greenfield, Saratoga
Co., N. Y., came to Moscow, June 26, 1846, and removed
to Adams township Nov. 3, 1843.
Norman D. Howe and his brother EIrastus, from the
town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y., located on a farm in
Moscow on the 10th of June, 1835. The former is now
deceased and the latter has removed from the county.
James 0. Blackmar, the second son of Hon. Lyman
Blackmar,-who has been mentioned, is now living in Jeffer-
son township. He eame with his father from Wales, Erie
Co., N. Y., and settled in Moscow in September, 1831.
Jonathan and Lorenzo Benson, now living in Moscow
township, are sons of William Benson, who came here with
his family from Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1835.
William Benson was a cousin to Silas N. W. Benson, the
first settler in the township.
Stephen and John Kies, brothers, from Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., settled in the township very early, the former in
1832. The son of one of them, Francis Kies, is still one of
its citizens. ■
Robert Engle, from Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.,
came to Moscow in 1834, and is now residing in Pulaski,
Jackson Co.
Benjamin F. Pierce, whose widow is living in the town-
ship, came here from New York in June, 1846.
Daniel McNabb emigrated to Michigan in May, 1835,
from Johnstown, N. Y., and was at the time in his twenty-
first year. He earned money enough to buy eighty acres
of land, upon which he has ever since resided.
D. A. and Calvin Wisner, brothers from Livingston Co.,
N. Y., located two miles south of the present village of Mos-
cow, in 1836. Their only neighbors in that part of town at
the time were Norman D. and Erastus Howe and George
Bansel, the latter having probably settled in 1835. Calvin
Wisner is not now living, and his brother is engaged in the
mercantile business in Jonesville.
Amos Gould brought his family into the township in
1838, and still resides southwest of the village.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
The early schools in Moscow were similar in character to
those of every pioneer town in the land, although a some-
what remarkable fact is that her first school-house, which
stood near the site of the present Methodist Episcopal
church in the eastern part of the village of Moscow, —
unlike its neighbors in other townships, — was a frame
huilding. This was erected by Benjamin Fowle in 1837,
and stood a few feet southwest of the spot now occupied by
the church. The nam6 of the person who taught the first
school beneath its roof is forgotten.
The first school-house in which the young idea residing
in the western portion of the town were taught the rudi-
ments of an education, stood a few steps over the line, in
what is now Scipio. It was a log building, originally in-
tended for a stable, but was finally transformed into a school-
house. It stood near the site of the present " stone school-
house," on the Chicago road, and the first school in it was
taught about 1840, by an old gentleman named Bates, who
subsequently became a justice of the peace.
The second school-house in the same neighborhood, and
the first in that part of Moscow township, stood on the
place now owned by Israel Buck.
Probably the second school-house in the township was a
log building which was erected as early as 1837 on section
35, on the town line between Moscow and Adams. The
first teacher was Miss Melissa Sharp, daughter of Salmon
Sharp, the first settler in Adams. She is now the wife of
Jonathan Benson, of Moscow.
Northward from this, and midway between here and
Moscow village, a school was taught about 1840, also in a
log building erected for tlie purpose.
246
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MOSCOW VILLAGE.
The Methodists of this neighborhood held meetings as
early as 1838-40. They used the school-house at the
village for a place of public worship, as did also the Pres-
byterians and Universalists. A small Methodist class was
formed, and in 1852-53 the present frame church was built
by H. N. Rowley, Isaac S. Wright, and H. N. McCowen.
The latter gentleman came to the State in 1843, and to
Moscow in 1851. The building was finished in 1853,
during the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Taylor, present pre-
siding elder of this district. The slips were sold in the
spring of 1854 for a little more than enough to pay the
debt owing to the builders, and the society started free of
incumbrance. Rev. Mr. Taylor preached in the school-
house before the church was built, and had been preceded
by Rev. Mr. Crane. Among those who have been in
charge since the church was built are Revs. Wells, Mount,
William Copeland, Bignall, Ware, Franklin Gage, Henry
Worthington, Russell, Wilkerson, McAllister, Woodward,
Merri tt. Marble, Crittenden, and others. The present
pastor is Rev. Mr. Tanner. The membership is not large.
A good Sunday-school is sustained
The Methodist Episcopal Church in the west part of the
town, on the " Moscow Plains," was organized at about the
same time with the one at the village, and dedicated its
house of worship a little sooner than the latter. The
building is a frame structure. The society is at present
under the same charge as the one at the village.
LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
The township records for the first three years after its
organization are missing, and it is impossible to give all the
oflScers for that time. Zachariah Van Duzar, who settled
in the township in 1834, was its first supervisor, elected in
1835. Lyman Blackmar was a justice of the peace the
same year, and Parvis Round was one of the highway com-
missioners. Major Daniel Aiken was also living in the
township at that time.
The following were elected in 1838, viz. : Supervisor,
Zachariah Van Duzar ; Town Clerk, George Gale ; Asses-
sors, Benjamin Powle, Osman B. Blackmar, and Alva Blod-
get ; Commissioners of Highways, Abraham Vandebogart,
Aaron Spencer, and John S. Weaver; Justice of the
Peace, Zachariah Van Duzar ; Collector, Parvis Round.
The following persons were also living in the township
at that time, and held various offices : Benjamin C. Pierce,
James A. Stewart, Lot Falkerson, Lyman Smith, James
H. King, Charles Fowle, William Benson, Garrett Mor-
foH, Daniel A. Wisner, Sheldon W. Sharp, Geo. W. Jack-
^n, and Israel Buck.
1839. Othniel Allen.
1840. Daniel A. Wisner.
1841. Zachariah Van Duzar.
1842-44. Brooks Gale.
1845. Zachariah Van Duzar.
1846. Osman D. Blackmar.
1847-48. Joel Moore.
1849. Zachariah Van Duzar.
SUPERVISORS.
1850-
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
51. Wallace H. Godfrey.
Benjamin Fowle.
Orlando C. Gale.
Benjamin I. Kenyon.
Horatio N. Rowley.
Ahram Eamsdell.
Horatio N. Rowley.
Henry C. Mallory.
1859. H. N. Rowley.
1860. Wallace H. Godfrey.
1861-62. Joel Moore.
1863-65. Horatio N. Rowley.
1866-67. Albert Kenyon.
1839-
1843.
1844-
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849-
1853-
1855-
1857-
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844,
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
•42. George Gale.
Moses A. Taylor.
-45. George Gale.
Benjamin Fowle.
John M. Ford.*
Smith C. Merwin.
52. Orlando C. Gale.
54. Amandur Thompson.
56. Volney V. B. Mervin.
59. John D. Van Duyn.
JUSTICES
Azariah Mallory.
George Gale.
Lyman Blackmar.
Samuel A. Whit.taker.
Wallace II. Godfrey.
George Gale.
Alexander Proudfit.
Samuel A. Whittaker.
Wallace H. Godfrey.
Benjamin Fowle.
George Gale.
Samuel A. Whittaker.
Dr. Stillman Ralph.
Wallace H. Godfrey.
Henry McCowen.
Samuel A. AVhittaker.
Schuyler P. Simons.
Wallace II. Godfre}?-.
Horatio N. Rowley.
Henry McCowen.
Calvin Wisner.
John Donovan.
1868-72. E. C. L. Mumford.
1873-75. Parker B. Shepard.
1876. William Armstrong.
1877. E. C. L. Mumford.
CLERKS.
1860. V. V. B. Merwin.
1861-65. Amandur Thompson.
1866. Amaziah Bibbins.
1867-71. Seneca W. Perry.
1872. Adam Marks,
1873. Oliver Hitt.t
1874. Addison J. Rowley.
1875. Seneca W. Parker.
1876-77. Cyrenus M. Parker.
OF THE PEACE.
1860. Robert T. Lewis.
1861. George C. AVyllis.
Horatio N. Rowley.
1862. George Nutten.
1863. No record.
1864. Benjamin I. Kenyon.
1865. George C. Wyllis.
1866. John W. Donovan.
1867. Daniel Timms.
1868. Benjamin I. Kenyon.
John Pettit.
1869. George C. Wyllis.
Ira M. Waring.
1870. Frederick S. Godfrey.
1871. Daniel McNabb.
1872. Amos Gould.
1873. George C. Wyllis.
Augustus Borden.
1874. Isaac Travis.
1875. Daniel McNabb.
1876. Orlando C. Gale.
1877. Seneca W. Perry.
1839-
1843-
1845-
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851-
1853.
1854.
1855-
1859-
1861.
1839.
1840.
1841.
-42. Lyman Blackmar.
-14. Benjamin Fowle.
-46. Calvin Griswold.
Nathaniel R. Hammond.
Peter Atwell.
Horatio N. A. Holmes.
Joel Moore.
-52. John C. McKercher,
Walter Huntington.
William R. Perry.
-58. David Cheeny.
-60. Daniel McNabb,
Seneca W. Perry,
TREASURERS.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868-
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875-
James A. Lynch.
Seneca W. Perry.
Joseph McKercher.
Dolphin A. Knight.
James Wheeler.
Cyrenus M. Parker.
70. Amos Gould.
Amaziah Bibbins.
Alonzo F. Eddy.
Edgar A. Blackmar.
Edward Creech.
•77. Oliver Hitt.
Daniel A. Wisner,
Osman B. Blackmar.
Charles Fowle.
Orgon B. Blackmar.
Charles Fowle.|
Uriah Mallory.
John McKercher.
Isaac A. Center.
John S. Weaver.
ASSESSORS.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
Alvah Blodgett.
Otis Briggs.
John McKercher.
D. P. George.
Same as 1843.
Daniel A. Wisner.
John Bissell.
Alonzo Kies.
Horatio N. A. Holmes.
COljliK
1839. Parvis Round.
1841. Daniel H. Sinclair.
1840. Calvin Wisner.
* Removed from township, and Smith C. Merwin appointed instead,
t Amandur Thompson appointed subsequently in same year to fill
vacancy.
{ Reuben R. Tingley appointed in Fowle's place.
HISTORY OF HTLLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
247
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
1839.
Daniel Rowley.
1852
Lorenzo Benson.
Israel Buck.
Horace Wisner.
Calvin Wisner.
1854.
Schuyler P. Simons.
1840
Same as 1839.
1855.
Charles Griswold.
1841
Moses A. Taylor.
Amos Gould.
Calvin Wisner.
1856.
Henry C, Mallory.
Joel Moore.
1857.
Schuyler P. Simons.
1842.
Joel Moore.
1858.
Warren Nutten.
Sheldon W. Sharp.
1859.
James G. Blackmar.
Ira Mum ford.
1860.
Joel Moore.
1843.
Sheldon W. Sharp.
1861.
Iris Hammond.
Amos Gould.
1862.
Joseph Borden.
Ira Mum ford.
1863.
Amos Gould.
1844.
Joel Moore.
1864.
James R. Fletcher.
Sheldon W. Sharp.
1865.
Elisha C. L. Mumfurd
Amos Gould.
Benjamin P. Huff.
1845.
Joel Moore.
David Cheney.
Horace Wit^ner.
1866.
David Cheney.
Stephen Potter.
Benjamin P. Huff.
1846.
Tompkins D. Miller.
1867.
Joseph Borden.
Calvin Griswold.
1868.
E. C. L. Mumford.
John C. McKercher.
1869.
David Cheney.
1847.
Alonzo Kies.
1870.
Albert Crane.
Alonzo W. Sharp.
1871.
De Witt C. Mallory.
Benjamin Fowle.
1872.
Joseph Borden.
1848.
Amos Gould.
1873.
Jonathan Nutten.
1849.
Lorenzo Benson.
Reuben Strait.
1850.
Schuyler P. Simons.
1874-
75. Reuben Strait.
1851.
Amos Gould.
1876.
E. C. L. Mumford.
1877.
D. W. Arnold.
The officers for 1878 are as follows : Supervisor, Wm. A.
Armstrong; Town Clerk, George A. Harris; Treasurer,
Jonathan J. liamsdell ; Justice of the Peace, Foster N.
Wilcox ; Commissioner of Highways, Moses Marvin ;
Township Superintendent of Schools, Oscar E. Nutten ;
Inspector of Schools, Edward L. Bansell ; Drain Commis-
sioner, John B. Bissell ; Constables, Charles Stevens, James
McClay, John Entz, William Caldwell.
At the annual meeting for 1838, it was '• Voted, That
the bounty of five dollars on wolves, as voted at the last
annual meeting, be rescinded." In 1839, it was ^^ Voted,
That the town pay a bounty of five dollars on each and
every full-grown wolf, and twenty shillings for each and
every young wolf under six months old, that is taken and
killed within the limits of this town ; residents of this town
are entitled to the above bounty, and no other persons."
The following is a list of jurors selected from this town-
ship in 1840 : Daniel Rowley, Malcolm McKercher, Peter
Atwell, Wallace H. Godfrey, Daniel McNabb, James War-
ing, John McKercher, Benjamin C. Pierce, 0. B. Black-
mar, John S. Weaver, William Benson, Seth Strong, Azariah
Mallory, Samuel A, Whittaker, William Morford, Isaac A.
Center, Moses A. Taylor, William Munroe, Robert Engle,
Uriah Mallory.
On the 6th of May, 1841, the following persons, who had
been in the business for some time previously, were licensed
by the town board to keep taverns, viz. : James G. Gridley,
0. B. Blackmar, and Asa Little ; and subsequently Reuben
Rice. John Murray was refused a license.
The business of tavern-keeping was, perhaps, more than
any other' entered into by the early settlers. Those who
first located erected log cabins, and never refused shelter
to those who came afterward, looking for homes in the wil-
derness. The roof of the pioneer sheltered all alike, and in
very few instances did its host receive pay for hospitalities
from his guests. They were free to avail themselves of all
advantages he could offer them, and like a band of brothers
did they stand shoulder to shoulder along the frontier, and
move steadily onward to the goal of prosperity and plenty.
It may be said that every man who reared for himself and
family a log dwelling, kept public-house therein.
VILLAGE OF MOSCOW.
Silas N. W. Benson has been mentioned as the first
settler at the village or in the township. The log tavern
which he built and occupied sheltered many persons who
were looking up land and sites for future homes, and families
on their way to farms already located. It was one of the
first necessities of the time, and served its purpose faith-
fully. The frame hotel, built two years after,— or in 1832,
— has clinging around it the memories of nearly half a cen-
tury, and its bar-room has echoed with the voices of many
who have passed away, and whose history is unknown or
forgotten. In the days when travel by stage-coach was the
only mode of public conveyance overland, the Benson stand
was one of the most popular ones on the route. Benjamin
Fowle was its second proprietor, keeping it a year or more.
George Gale, from the town of Barre, Washington Co.,
Yt., settled with his family at Moscow village in 1836,
moving at first into a log house which stood opposite the
present tavern. In that he stayed but a short time, soon
occupying the tavern itself, and continuing its proprietor
for many years. The log house he first lived in had been
built by Nicholas Vanalstine, who afterwards removed to
Jonesville, where he became proprietor of the old '' St.
Charles Hotel," now out of existence.
Mr. Gale's brother. Brooks Gale, came to the village
in 1838, and died here; and a third, Orlando C. Gale, who
came in 1840, is now living on a portion of the old Benson
purchase, in the village.
About the year 1843 George Gale established a foundry
at this place. The iron with which the first cupola was
built was melted in a three-pail kettle, a hand-bellows being
used with which to fan the fire. After he had finished
the cupola he began the manufacture of plows, and con-
ducted the business a number of years. The foundry was
in time purchased by Mr. Gale's sons, who in turn sold to
J. H. Kies & Co. S. W. Perry & Co. afterwards owned it,
and it is at present operated by Jerome W. Murray. The
Messrs. Gale removed to Albion, Calhoun Co., where they
established a manufactory on a large scale, and where they
still continue to make as good plows as are to be found in
the West. Their father died at Albion.
The first mercantile establishment in the village was
owned by Matthew D.. Willard, who started in business
here probably in 1837, his brother, J. Willard, being asso-
ciated with him afterwards. Their store was in the red
building now standing near the residence of Mr. Tryon.
When Brooks Gale came, in 1838, he brought a small
stock of merchandise, and established the second store at
the place. He enlarged his stock in 1839. Upon start-
ing here he built a small frame store on the ground now
occupied by the shop of G. E. Carter. All the citizens
collected and aided in cutting and framing the timbers.
248
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
His brother, O. C. Gale, entered into partnership with
him upon his arrival in 1840. The store now occupied by
Amandur Thompson was begun by Osman Blackmar, and
purchased by the Gale Brothers before it was finished, they
moving their stock into it. The building now occupied by
the drug-store was built much later than those mentioned,
probably by Benjamin Fowle.
The house which is at present used by Isaac Harper for
a dwelling was erected for a tavern by Charles Ladd, some
time between 1840 and 1850.
About the year 1835, James Murray came to the village
from Erie County, N. Y., his family following in May,
1838. He, with his son William, and four of his daugh-
ters, are yet living in the village. When Mr. Murray
came, his father, John Murray, had been here a couple of
years, and was keeping a tavern on the west side of the
creek, near where James Murray at present resides.
In the month of July, 1833, Isaac S. Knight came with
his wife and three children, and his parents, from Crown
Point, Essex Co., N. Y., to Columbia, Jackson Co., Mich.
His parents died in the town of Summit, in the same
county. Mr. Knight continued to reside in Jackson
County until August, 1850, when he removed to Moscow
village, where he is now living, engaged in the manufacture
and sale of boots and shoes.
Thomas White, familiarly called major, from the fact that
he served in the Black Hawk war, is now living in the
town of Wheatland. He owned the first blacksmith-shop
at the village of Moscow, or for a long distance in either
direction on the Chicago road. The shop was in a small
shanty on the east side of the Kalamazoo Iliver. For an
anvil a large granite bowlder was pressed into service, and
although it would not ring as merrily beneath the blows of
the hammer, yet it answered every purpose by the exercise
of a little patience. Such a rude " contrivance" in these days
of anvils with shape fitted to all requirements would appear
curious enough ; and yet the time is not far past since it was
in actual use, and the work done upon it was perhaps as
satisfactory as that of the most skilled mechanic to-day.
The bowlder anvil was not the only article used at that
period which would look very inferior beside those for the
same purposes to-day. Agricultural implements have, per-
haps, undergone the greatest improvements, while progres-
sion has been marked in everything. The early settlers
were neither slow to perceive nor unwilling to perform, and
any improvement was adopted by them with an instantaneous
appreciation of its advantages. As the years rolled away
more rapid strides were made toward perfection ; and the
various implements and tools now in use are in nearly every
case wonders of mechanism, yet so simple that it looks
curious why they never were discovered before. The
reaper of thirty years ago was an unwieldy afikir in com-
parison with the light-running yet strong machine now in
use. The same may be said of all.
The settlement at the village was long known as " Little
Kalamazoo," from its location on the stream of that name.
On the 21st of April, 1842, the original village of Moscow
was laid out by Benjamin Fowle, on the north part of the
east half of the southwest quarter of section 11. The same
person platted an addition April 21, 1848, and a second
one Oct. 10, 1856. A third addition was laid out by
Henry McCowen, March 20, 1857.
The first saw-mill in the township was built near the
village in 1836-37, by Benjamin Fowle. Grain was ground
early in an iron mill owned by Charles Fowle, worked with
a sweep by ox-power. This was the first step toward a
grist-mill in the township. In 1849-50, a run of stones
was placed by George Gale in his foundry, and feed was
ground. About 1852 these were removed to Benjamin
Fowle's saw-mill, south of the village. A grist-mill was
built at the same place during the war of the llebellion, and
is now owned by Mr. Fowle's son, Dr. O. Fowle, being very
popular with those in its neighborhood. The large grist-
mill at the village was erected in 1873, by C. N. Lewis.
Hamilton Lodge^ No. 113, i^. and A. i/., located at Mos-
cow village, was organized in August, 1858, with 8 mem-
bers. Its first Master was Henry Griswold. The present
membership (winter of 1878-79) is about 85, and its offi-
cers as follows, viz. : Worshipful Master, George C. Wyllis ;
Senior Warden, Cyrenus M. Parker; Junior Warden, Oliver
Hitt; Sec, Seneca W. Perry; Treas., David M. Lyons;
Tyler, Addison Rowley.
Moscow Grange of Patrons of Husbandry is one of the
first organizations of the kind in the county, dating to Oc-
tober, 1874. Its first Master was H. N. McCowen. It
has a present membership of about 80, and contemplating
the erection of a hall during the season of 1879. Its pres-
ent officers are: Master, Seneca W. Perry; Overseer, Geo.
C. Wyllis ; Sec, Cyrenus M. Parker ; Treas., Dr. Daniel
Timms ; Lecturer, H. N. McCowen.
Moscow village, although very pleasant, and having nu-
merous local advantages, does not enjoy the prosperity it
had during early days, when its hotels were full and popular,
its merchants doing an excellent business, and its manufac-
turing institutions working on full time. The decline of
travel over the famous "Chicago road," and the building
of railways to other points, gave it a hard blow, such as
many other villages of equal importance were forced to sus-
tain. The inhabitant of the present listens in vain for the
sound of the coachman's horn, or the angry snap of the
lash ; the foaming horses which once panted at their stop-
ping-places have given room to the steady-going team of the
farmer ; the old hotel has comparatively little custom ; all
the peculiarities of the early days have disappeared, and
instead of the great activity and bustle then common " all
along the line," the traveler beholds a scene of quiet, every-
day life, such as is found in most of the rural villages through-
out the land. Now that the tide of immigration has ceased
to roll in, and the people have settled to earnest work, the
rush once known is no longer necessary. The vicinity of
Moscow is one of the bright spots which are so common
in this " beautiful peninsula.'*
Dec. 16, 1878, the village contained 2 hotels, 1 dry-goods
store, 1 drug-store, a post-office, a Methodist church, a shoe-
shop, a blacksmith-shop, a millinery-shop, a paint-shop, a
wagon-shop, a foundry (where wagons and sleighs are also
made and repaired), a grist-mill, etc.
For items furnished we are under obligations to 0. C.
Gale, Charles Fowle, Jacob Kesselring, and many others.
DANIEL MCNABB.
MRS. DANIEL MCNABB.
DANIEL McNABB.
The McNabb family are of Scotch extraction.
Peter McNabb, the father of the subject of this
narrative, was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, and
came to this country about 1803, and settled in
Johnstown, Fulton Co., N. Y., where Daniel was
born Aug. 18, 1814. The elder McNabb was
married to Margaret Campbell. She was a Scotch-
woman, and was a passenger on the same vessel
which brought over her husband.
They were blessed with three children, who grew
to maturity, our subject being the youngest. When
Daniel was a child his father removed to Livingston
Co., N. Y., where he ended his days, and where
Daniel resided until his emigration to Hillsdale, in
the spring of 1835.
His means being limited, he worked by the month
until December of that year, when he purchased
from government eighty acres of land, and returned
to New York. The following spring he returned
with his mother and widowed sister, and commenced
the improvement of his farm.
Two years suteequently he was married to Miss
Joanna, daughter of Daniel Eowley, Ikj., of Mos-
cow, one of the town's first settlers. Mrs. McNabb
was born in the town of Wales, Erie Co., N. Y.,
Nov. 29, 1815, and came to Moscow with her father's
family in the spring of 1836.
Mr. McNabb has been a constant and unceasing
worker; and now, after an active business life of
over forty years, is enjoying a well-earned compe-
tency. Industry, economy, and integrity were the
first and last lessons of his boyhood. They have
been the guide of his life, which is attested by his
success in business, and in the high respect and love
of his neighbors. Although Mr. McNabb has
taken a proper interest in political matters, the
whole ambition of his life has been to be a good
farmer; and his fine farm of two hundred and
eighty acres, and the position he holds among the
substantial farmers of Hillsdale County, is evidence
of his success. He has been a powerful aid in
developing the resources of his town, in build-
ing up and advancing the best interests of society,
and is in every way w^orthy of the position he
holds among the representative men of Hillsdale
County,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
249
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ISRAEL BUCK.
L!\r^l^^.^->-
MRS. ISRAEL BUCK.
ISRAEL BUCK.
Among the venerable pioneers who by their own industry,
perseverance, and energy laid the foundation for the pres-
ent wealth and enterprise of the town of Moscow, none are
more worthy of a prominent place in the history of Hills-
dale County than the gentleman whose name heads this
sketch. The progenitors of the Buck family were English
Quakers, and settled somewhere in New England ; but little
is known of their history further than that they were a
sturdy race of people, and were true to the tenets of their
religious faith. Levi Buck, father of our subject, was born
April 21, 1786, in either Massachusetts or Connecticut, and
when a mere lad moved to Clinton Co., N. Y., where he
resided until his death, which occurred June 18, 1816.
But little is known of his early life ; he followed the trade
of a carpenter and joiner, and was a man of great industry,
and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He married
Ruth Hoag, Oct. 80, 1805. She was born on Grand Isle,
Lake Champlain, June 28, 1789. She died in the year
1816.
Israel Buck, their only child, was born in the town of
Peru, Clinton County, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1807 ; when, in his
ninth year, his father died, and he was thrown upon the
world to fight unaided the battle of life, and being com-
pelled to rely wholly upon his own resources he developed
in boyhood many strong points of character that otherwise
might have remained latent. He early resolved to follow farm-
ing as a business for life, believing it to be most conducive
to health and happiness, and until he attained his majority
he worked on a farm by the month. Educational advan-
tages were extremely limited in those days, but by dint of
energy and application he obtained what was considered to
be at the time a good common-school education. At the
age of seventeen he removed to Dutchess Co., N. Y., where
32
he formed the acquaintance of Miss Jane E. Green, whom
he married in the year 1828. She was born in the town of
Stanford, Dutchess Co., Aug. 3, 1808. Shortly after
his marriage Mr. Buck purchased a small farm in the town
of Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y. Here they remained
about five years, when, owing to the poverty of the soil and
his ambition to become a large farmer, he resolved to emi-
grate to what was then considered to be the far West. Ac-
cordingly, in the spring of 1835, he came to Hillsdale
County, and purchased two hundred acres of land, where
he now resides. Completing his business, he returned to
New York, and in the spring of 1836 he came on with
his family, which consisted of his wife and three children.
The town at this time was almost a trackless wilderness, and
Mr. Buck is well qualified to speak of hardships and priva-
tions of pioneer times, and did our space permit we could
pen from his own lips many a statement that, to the rising
generation, would sound more like fiction than fact. Al-
though his location was a fortunate one, still the construc-
tion of a farm was a work of no small magnitude, but by
degrees field after field was added and industry and frugality
were rewarded, and his farm is now considered to be one of
the most productive and valuable ones in the county ; and
as a farmer he holds a deservedly high reputation. Mr. Buck
is now in his seventy-second year, and still possesses much
of his former vigor and energy. He can look back upon
his past life knowing that he has achieved success, and
that the toil and privation of early days have been rewarded.
But we should be recreant to our duty did we not speak of
the many virtues and the valuable assistance rendered him
by his worthy helpmeet, who has shared his joys and sor-
rows and has been his partner in all his trials and hardships.
Mr. and Mrs. Buck have been blessed with six children, —
four boys and two girls. John L., was born in the town of
250
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Chatham, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1829; Emily, now Mrs. G. C.
Wyli^, of Moscow, was born in Chatham, July 22, 1832 ;
James J., a prominent attorney of Emporia, Kan., was born
in Chatham, Aug. 14, 1835 ; Helen, wife of Geo. B. Hall,
of Shelbina, Mo., was born in Moscow, Jan. 22, 1839 ;
Edmund and Albert B. were born on the old homestead,
the former June 30, 1844, and the latter May 10, 1847.
John L. married Miss Emeline Sprowls ; James J. married
Miss Mary H. Tichenor ; Edward married Miss Elizabeth
Collins : Albert B. married Miss Sarah E. Smith.
Photos, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
AZARIAH MALLORY.
AZARIAH MALLORY
was born in the town of New Ashford, Mass., on Nov. 27,
1804. His parents were Quakers, sober, staid, and relig-
ious ; and he early in life imbibed the principles that in
afler-years became prominent points in his character.
When a child, his parents removed to Wayne Co., N. Y.,
where his boyhood days were passed, and where he resided
until he came to Michigan, in June, 1837 ; he settled in
the town of Moscow, where he resided until his death.
Here he purchased two hundred acres of land on section
17. Mr. Mallory was a man of great energy and remark-
able industry, — in fact, they were his prominent charac-
teristics,— and he became a large land-holder, owning at one
time over nine hundred acres of the most valuable land in
the town.
In the year 1826, Mr. Mallory was married to Miss
Azuba, daughter of Abisha White, of Macedon, W^ayne
Co., N. Y. She was born in the town of Douglas, Worces-
ter Co., Mass., March 12, 1807: her father was a soldier
in the war of 1812, and died soon after its close. Mr.
and Mrs. Mallory were blessed with nine children, all of
whom are now living but one.
Mr. Mallory was a man of pronounced temperance prin-
ciples, and a liberal supporter of all religious enterprises;
he did much to build up and advance the best interests
of society, and was a powerful aid in developing the re-
sources of his town, — a man of broad charity, generous
liberality, and manly honor.
MRS. AZARIAH MALLORY.
HORATIO N. ROWLEY.
The Rowley family were originally from Wales, Great
Britain, emigrated to this country previous to the Revolu-
tion, and settled in Connecticut. The immediate subjects of
this sketch are from Revolutionary stock. Daniel Rowley,
our subject's grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolution ;
he had a family of seven children, Daniel Rowley, Jr., our
subject's father, being the second son. He was born in
Washington Co., N. Y., whither his father had removed
shortly after the close of the Revolutionary war. The
elder Rowley subsequently removed to Wyoming County,
where he died at the advanced age of eighty years.
Daniel, Jr., lived with his father until he was twenty-
three years of age, at which time he was married to Miss
Lois Holmes. Shortly after his marriage war was declared
between the United States and Great Britain, and he en-
listed as a soldier and participated in many battles. At the
close of the war he settled in Erie Co., N. Y., where he
remained until his emigration to Hillsdale County in 1836,
and where he resided until his death, which occurred April
2, 1867. His wife died some six years previous. He was
blessed with nine children, — Lydia, John M., Joanna, Nel-
son, Horatio N., Phebe, Sydney H., Oscar P., and Lois M. ;
of the above, five are now living. Mrs. Daniel Rowley, our
subject*s mother, was born in the town and county of Sara-
toga, N. Y., July 22, 1791. She was the eldest in a family
of sixteen children. She emigrated to Erie Co., N. Y.,
with her parents, abou^ 1807. Horatio N. Rowley was
^yrU^a^cl^.)J //e-^i^-dt Cyf(pi.^ ^ ^^ouT/6t
Pworos.BY C/AwsoN a Graham.
RESfDENCE or HON. ALEXANDER HEWITT, ALLEN , /ffLLSOALE Co..MjCH.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
251
born in Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 15, 1819. When seventeen
years of age he came to Hillsdale County with his father,
where he has since resided. The elder Rowley purchased
one hundred and eighty-five acres of land on sections 3 and
4, in the town of Moscow. He resided with his parents
until February, 1843, when he was married to Miss Betsey
A. McKercher. She was born in the town of Broad Albin,
Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 1824. She was the
youngest in a family of eleven children. After his mar-
riage Mr. Rowley moved on to the farm where he now
resides ; it was entirely unimproved, and originally consisted
of eighty acres, to which he has added three hundred and
twenty. Mr. Rowley is justly considered to be one of the
successful and prominent farmers of the county. He has
been largely identified with Moscow ; he has held all the
ofi&ces in the gift of his fellow-townsmen ; for eight years
he represented them upon the Board of Supervisors. In
his religious affiliations he is a Methodist, and is a promi-
nent member and a liberal supporter of church interests.
He is radical in all measures of reform, and is a pronounced
temperance man; he raised the first barn ever erected in
Moscow without the aid of whisky.
Mr. and Mrs. Rowley have been blessed with eleven
children,— Marion D., John M., Daniel D., Ransom A.,
Horatio N., Diantha V., Osman B., Elizabeth A., William
C, Josephine L., and James W., four of whom are now
living. Mr. Rowley is emphatically a self-made man.
Coming into a new country with only his natural resources
for his capital, he has achieved success in every depart-
ment of life, and is justly entitled to the reputation he
holds, that of a kind father, a valuable neighbor and friend,
and a worthy citizen.
ALLEN.
The original township of Allen, as formed by act of the
Legislature, March 17, 1835, included the west one-fourth
of the county of Hillsdale, as embraced in range 4 west of
the principal meridian. From it have since been formed
the following townships, viz. : Litchfield, from township 5
south, range 4 west, March 11, 1837 ; Reading, from town-
ships 7, 8, and 9 south, same range, at same date ; Camden,
from townships 8 and 9 south, same range, March 21, 1839,
leaving Allen as at present, including township 6 south, of
range 4 west.
The surface of this township is hilly to some extent in
places, while marshes and lowlands are found in others, and
at Allen village is an elevated plain, which has received the
name of " Allen Prairie." The principal stream is Sand
Creek, which flows through the township east of the centre,
and has a rapid current. Numerous smaller streams abound,
among them being Hog Creek and others, of which the
former furnishes considerable power. It is the outlet of
Hog Lake, in the southeast part of town, and flows in a
northwest direction. Aside from Hog Lake are several
others, all small. Duck Lake is in the same neighborhood,
and Hamlin Lake lies for the most part in the township of
Reading.
The soil is in general good, and the various grains, vege-
tables, and fruits common to this region are successfully
raised here. The main line of the Lake Shore and Michi-
gan Southern Railway crosses the township from east to
west, with a station one mile north of Allen village.
According to the " Grazetteer of Michigan," published in
1838 by John T. Blois, Esq., now of Jonesville, the town-
ship of Allen contained at that time 2 saw-mills, a merchant,
242 head of neat stock, 51 horses, 42 sheep, 310 hogs, and
a population of 353. The State census of 1874 gives the
following figures, which will compare somewhat favorably
with the above :
Population (825 males, 779 females) 1,604
Acres of taxable land 22,616
Land owned by individuals and companies. 22,715
Improved land. 13,238
Land exempt from taxation 99
Value of same, including improvements $35,750
Number of acres in school-house sites 5
'^ " in church and parsonage sites... 1
" " in burying-grounds 3
" " in railroad right of way and
depot grounds 90
Number of farms in township 209
" acres in same 19,775
Average number of acres in farms 94.61
Number of acres of wheat sown in 1874 2,977
" " '' raised in 1873 2,795
" " corn raised in 1873 1,715
" bushels of wheat raised in 1873 35,041
" " corn raised in 1873 68,745
" acres of all other grain raised in 1873 12.788
" bushels of potatoes raised in 1873 7,345
" tons of hay cut in 1873 1,391
" pounds of wool sheared in 1873 23,118
« " pork marketed in 1873.... 83,495
« " butter made in 1873........ 81,010
" " fruit dried for market in
1873 16,795
" barrels of cider made in 1873 826
" pounds of maple-sugar made in 1873 8,030
" acres in orchards in 1874 673
" bushels of apples raised in 1872 30,650
« " " " 1873 32,355
Value of fruits and garden vegetables, 1872 $15,225
« " « *' 1873 $16,177
Number of horses, one year old and over, owned
in 1874 601
Number of mules. 9
" work oxen. 6
" milch cows 696
*' neat cattle, one year old and over,
other than oxen and cows 266
** swine over six months old 938
" sheep over six months old 5,006
« " sheared in 1873 4,932
" flouring-mills in township 1
" persons employed in same 2
Amount of capital invested in same $2,600
Number of runs of stone in mill 2
" barrels of flour made 200
252
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Value of same $1,400
Number of saw-mills in township in 1874 3
** persons employed in same 5
Amount of capital invested in same $5,000
Number of feet of lumber sawed 570,000
Value of same $6,000
The total amount of land entered in the township of
Allen (or what is now said township), at the close of the
year 1833, was but 1720 acres, which was divided among
Moses Allen, John S. and Thomas S. Reed, Richard W.
Corbus, Abram F. Boulton, R. E. and N. Stiles, John
Ewell, Newell Kane, David Stiles, Ichabod Burdick, Henry
Clark, and Hiram B. Hunt. By the records of the land-
ofl&ce it appears that the following persons had made
ENTRIES OF LAND
in the township previous to April 27, 1838, viz. :
Section 1. — Timothy Eddy, Lewis 0. Miller, John L.
Egerton, William C. Kelly, William J. Bettis, Wheeler M.
Dewey, — 653.82 acres.
Section 2. — B. Allen, Elias Harrison, Zebulon Doty,
Marcus N. MuUiner, James Rainey, — 660.76 acres.
Section 3. — Nathan Munroe, Levi Warren, Eliza Stiles,
Ruda Stiles, — 664.92 acres.
Section 4. — Oliver Johnson, Luke Hazen, D. Goddard,
John R. Willis,— 674.19 acres.
Section 5. — Ammi Whitney, F. Barnhart, David C.
Stuart, William Pierce, Center Lamb, Stephen E. Ed-
monds,— 666.36 acres.
Section 6. — John Keagle, William Wilkinson, John
Jones, Philip L. Harding, 0. El. M. & A. W. Langdon,—
647.70 acres.
Section 7, — John Keagle, Michael Walsh, William
Wilkinson, John Jones, Lewis Darrah, John R. Willis, —
618.69 acres.
Section 8. — Stephen N. Edmunds, Thomas G. Reed,
Isaac Eslow, Robert Bett, John S. Reed, William Lindley,
John Graham, Alonzo Standard, Tunis Cronkite, Samuel
Sawyer, Horace Eddy, — 640 acres.
Section 9. — Ichabod H. Benedict, Hiram B. Hunt,
George Mosher, Solomon Wells, Maxwell Brady, Rufus
Osborn, Solomon Williams, Ammi Whitney, Abigail H.
Lindsley, — 640 acres.
Section 10. — Moses Allen, Ichabod H. Burdick, Benja-
min Allen, Daniel Rice, Ambrose Burdick, Ammi Whitney,
— 640 acres.
Section 11. — Richard W. Corbus, Abram F. Boulton,
Reuben, Edwin, and Nathan Stiles, Newell Kane, David
Stiles, Everett Schermerhorn, Marcus N. Mulliner, — 640
acres.
Section 12. — Newell Kane, John Ewell, Everett Scher-
merhorn, William B. Coryell, — 640 acres.
Section 13. — Isaac Burge, Charles M. Giddings, H.
Collins, 0. W. C. Brown, Horace Thatcher, — 640 acres.
Section 14. — Stillman Hedge, B. S. Clark, Emanuel
Bentz, Edward A. Wright, Jerusha Whipple, John De
Mott, — 640 acres.
Section 15. — Ichabod H. Burdick, Henry Clark, William
Liodley, Watson Prentiss, Daniel Oakley, — 640 acres.
Section 17. — John S. Reed, Thomas S. Reed, Aaron
B. Goodwin, Ammi Layton, Robert Bell, John Jones,
Samuel T. Sheriff, Robert McClelland, Charles Butler,— 640
acres.
Section 18. — Warner Wing, Thomas H. Vinton, Elijah
H. John, Moseley Dunham, Michael Walsh, John Jones,
Joseph Wells, John R. Willis, Robert McClelland,— 634.58
acres.
Section 19. — Oliver Johnson, Franklin Johnson, Charles
H. Abbott, William , Dan B. Miller, John R.
Willis,— 610.19 acres.
Section 20.— P. and Z. Kirkham, Michael Walsh, Archi-
bald Garfield, William Burt, Silas Kendall, Watson Prentiss,
— 640 acres.
Section 21. — P. and Z. Kirkham, John McConnell,
Daniel Oakley, Samuel H. Gale, Franklin Strong, — 640
acres.
Section 22. — Arzen Purdy, Watson Prentiss, Emanuel
Barts, — 640 acres.
Section 23. — Lewis Baxter, Charles M. Giddings, Stephen
Warren, William Prentiss, — 640 acres.
Section 24. — Lewis Baxter, Charles M. Giddings, John
L. Eastman, William Sprague, Patrick Donahoo, Stephen
Warren, — 640 acres.
Section 25. — Abram Keefer, Norman L. Osborn, Stephen
Warren, William Wilkinson, Thomas G. McCulloch, Frank-
lin Mulliner, — 640 acres.
Section 26. — Isaac Burge, Abram Keefer, John De
Mott, Stillman Elman, Stephen Warren, Ira Ingalls, —
604.80 acres.
Section 27. — Horace Purdy, Ira Purdy, Joseph Fellows,
— 640 acres.
Section 28. — Ammi Whitney, Samuel W. Gale, Jerome
& Fenton, 0. H. Blandin, John W. Sheriff, Samuel T.
Sheriff, — 640 acres.
Section 29. — John Cook, Abigail H. Trask, Charles
Butler, — 579.66 acres.
Section 30. — A. Mosher, William Larzelere, John C.
Waleman, J. Nottingham, Charles Butler, — 612.33 acres.
Section 31. — Seba Murphy, Solon Pierce, William Lar-
zelere, Caleb Moore, — 600.49 acres.
Section 32. — John Cook, Jerome & Fenton, Charles
Butler, — 590.82 acres.
Section 33. — Joshua M. Lindsley, Ammi Whitney,
Jerome & Fenton, — 535.68 acres.
Section 34. — Ammi Whitney, Joel Newton, John W.
Sheriff, Edward Hollam, Isaac Thompson, — 638.46 acres.
Section 35. — James Leonard, Isaac Thompson, Nathan
Monroe, — 640 acres
Section 36. — Edward Hollam, Isaac Thompson, Isaac
Trask, Horace Thacher, Dilla & Elwell,— 640 acres.
All the taxable land, amounting in the aggregate to
22,153.45 acres, had been taken at the date given, so rapidly
had the sales been effected and the country filled up with
settlers. Much land has since been reclaimed, thereby
increasing the amount several hundred acres. Hog Lake
received its name probably from the mire surrounding it
being so suggestive of " hog wallows." Most of the
marshes in this region — when not open — were covered with
a dense growth of tamarack, which wood has been found
excellent for fence-posts, telegraph-poles, and railroad cross-
ties.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
253
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
" We cross the prairie as of old
The Pilgrims crossed the sea,
To make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free.
" We're flowing from our native hills
As our free rivers flow ;
The blessing of our motherland
Is on us as we go.
" We go to plant her common-schools
On distant prairie swells,
And give the Sabbaths of her wilds
The music of her bells.
" We'll sweep the prairies, as of old
Our fathers swept the sea,
And make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free."
Thus sings the poet Whittier over the flood of emigra-
tion rolling towards Kansas, and the words are equally ap-
plicable to the days when Michigan was the goal which the
thousands from Eastern lands were striving to reach, — the
" promised land" where homes for all comers could be had
for almost nothing.
The township of Allen is entitled to the honor of having
been the home of the first white man who located within
the limits of Hillsdale County. This person was Moses
Allen. It is said that he was living at Flat Kock, near
Wyandotte, on the Detroit Eiver, below the city of Detroit,
when the government agent was appointed to survey a road
across the then Territory of Michigan, to connect Detroit
and Chicago. Mr. Allen joined the surveying-party in
1825, and went through to Chicago with them. On the
route he noticed the prairie which now bears his name, and
was much pleased with it. He selected a piece of land,
and, after reaching home, returned with his family and
settled upon it, entering it at the land-office as soon as it
came into market (1829). His widow — afterwards Mrs.
Hunt — is now living on the old farm at Flat Rock, in the
neighborhood of ninety years of age.
From James M. Burdick, Esq., of Quincy, Branch Co.,
Mich., we have received the following items, kindly fur-
nished by him. They will prove interesting from the fact
that few, if any, now in Hillsdale County are conversant
with the history of Mr. Allen, and his settlement at Allen
Prairie :
" Quincy, Dec. 25, 1878.
" Mr. p. a. Durant, St. Charles, 111.
" Dear Sir : — Yours of the 20th inst. is at hand, and for your
benefit hasten to reply. In the first place, I will answer the questions
you ask in your letter.
'^ Moses Allen settled in the township that now bears his name, in
the month of April, 1827 ; he was formerly from the State of New
York. Before the war of 1812 — he then being a young man — he went
to Canada, where he was pressed into the British service. As soon as
opportunity favored him he left them and enlisted under Gen. Hull;
and when that traitor sold his army at Detroit, Mich., he (Moses Al-
len) with the rest was sold for British gold, and would have been hung
had it not been for the aid and sympathy of the captain of the boat
(prompted by their both being Masons) that carried off the Ohio
Volunteers.
"After the war of 1812 he settled in Brownstown, in the then Ter-
ritory of Michigan. He there married Polly Barnes (my aunt). He
lived there until the spring of 1827, when he removed to the place
that now bears his name, or the Indian name of ^ Macootah Siac,'
meaning ' Sand Creek Prairie.' He died in Allen, in the month of
October, 1829, that being the cause of my leaving my Eastern home
and coming to this wild, unsettled Territory on the 18th of April,
1830, to assist my widowed aunt.
" I found four families in the township of Allen -, three of them had
but a few months preceded me. Moses Allen's widow, Joseph Corbus,
Samuel Craig, and Thomas Reed comprised the white inhabitants of
the township.
" At Jonesville, one family, — Benaiah Jones ; at Moscow, one family,
— Silas Benson, composed the white population of the county. In
1830 other families came and settled in the county, among whom were
Thaddeus Wight, Stephen Hecock,* and Ambrose S. Burdick,— who
settled in Jonesville, — and a few others.
" I spent my first two years in the counties of Hillsdale and Branch.
Four months of the time I spent a solitary life in the woods, two
miles north of what is now the city of Coldwater, my only neighbors
being the red men of the forest.
" In the year 1830 I followed the Sauk trail from Detroit to Mott-
ville, St. Joseph Co., with an ox-team, camping out forty-two nights,
sleeping mostly under my wagon, or up a tree to keep away from
the ravenous wolves.
" In the fall of 1831 my father came to the township of Allen, and
entered his land. My father,f self, and brother put up a rude log
house, and on the 4th of February, 1832, my father and myself started
for the State of New York, with a horse and cutter, leaving brother
in possession of the new house. After a two-weeks' hard drive, and
many narrow escapes from death, — the consequence of crossing Lake
St. Clair on the ice, — we arrived at the home of my boyhood. On the
28th day of March, 1832, I was married to Miss Eunice Laughlin,
my present wife, and on the 10th of May we started to return to our
Western home, accompanied by my father and family, my brother-in-
law — Abijah Mosher — and family, and Daniel Stanton and family.
We arrived on the 22d of the same month, and all moved into the
log house (16 by 20), 28 of us in number, and there lived until other
houses could be erected.
** On the day preceding our arrival at our new home in Allen, I
was met by an officer who warned me into the Indian war against
Black Hawk, and I left my young wife the next morning to meet that
warrior, with whom I had become personally acquainted, and drive
him back across the Mississippi River, which our army succeeded in
doing. ...
"When we first settled in Hillsdale County, it was attached to
Lenawee County for judicial purposes. The first town-meeting was
held at Jonesville, where every voter of the county met to put in their
officers; and every voter held an office, and some of them three, in
order to fill every office.
"Now I can tell what no other man now living can tell. I helped
to bury the second white man that was buried in Hillsdale County, —
he being Mrs. Craig's father, an Irishman, by the n^me of Dowd, —
and helped to raise the first frame bent, it being a saw-mill, built up
the river from where Jonesville now stands, by Lieut. Sibley, of the
regular army. I also helped to bury the second white man and
raise the first frame bent in Branch County; so, you see, I have seen
the entire up-building of the country.
"I have been asked several times who the first postmaster was in
Allen. It was Hiram B. Hunt, who married the widow Allen. He
was the first justice of the peace, and four years after his appoint-
ment died with hydrophobia, having been bitten by a mad dog seven
years previous.
"I could think of many more incidents that would never disgrace
the pages of history, — such as first mill, which was a hole burned in
the top of a stump, with a spring-pole over it, which served as the
first mill of Allen for the whites and Indians to pound corn in,
etc. . . .
" Very respectfully,
"James M. Burmck."
Mr. Burdick was from the town of Parma, Monroe Co.,
N. Y., and when he started on his first trip to Michigan
(1830) he walked to Buffalo, leaving home April 2. At
Buffalo he engaged passage on a steamer, which was all day
* Hickox.
t Ichabod H. Burdick.
254
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
pushing its way through the ice to open water. The boat
in due time arrived at Detroit, and Mr. Burdick reached
Allen Prairie on the 18th of October, as he has stated.
He was one of a family of twelve children.
The " stump mortar " mentioned by Mr. Burdick is said
to have been originally fitted up by an Indian trader named
Campau, before there were any white settlers in the neigh-
borhood. It was a large white-oak stump, and was some
years ago removed by Mr. Howard, the present owner of
the place, to the roadside, and afterwards, while improving
the road, it was moved away and burned up, being to the
last in a very good state of preservation.
After the death of Moses Allen, which occurred in Octo-
ber, 1829, his widow built a " block" tavern on the Chicago
road, east of the present village of Allen. The work upon
the building was performed by her brother-in-law, Reuben
Cornish, who lived in a small shanty next west. This was
late in 1829. The tavern was constructed of whitewood
logs, hewed on two sides, and the rough sides placed to-
gether, in order to have a smooth wall both on the inside
and outside of the house. Mrs. Allen was afterwards mar-
ried to Hiram Hunt, who kept the tavern for some time.
In 1835 it was occupied by Alvah N. Jones.
Hiram Hunt was a blacksmith by trade, also a gunsmith,
and an excellent workman. He owned the first blacksmith-
shop in the township, which was located half a mile east of
the corners. The first coal used in town was burned at his
forge. Mr. Hunt was a man of fine education and pleas-
ant manners, and was much esteemed by all who knew him.
As has been mentioned, his death was caused by the bite of
a mad dog.
The stump mentioned as having been the first mill of any
kind in the township, was extensively used by the settlers,
and it has been known that such a crowd was present to
pound small quantities of corn each, that some were obliged
to await their turn until midnight.
The farm taken up by Moses Allen is now owned by
Goodwin Howard, who came with his father, Phineas How-
ard, from Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1835, arriving in Allen
on the 12th of May. The elder Howard had been a farmer
and ** shingle-weaver " while living in New York. Good-
win Howard has been engaged ,for over twenty years in
stock dealing and raising, and with good success financially.
His present residence stands some distance south of the
site of the old Allen house and '' Hunt's tavern," which
have passed away and left no trace of former existence.
Moses Allen, the date of whose death has been men-
tioned, was the first white man who died in the county,
and no boards could be procured wherewith to make a
coffin. A black-cherry tree was therefore felled, and the
log hewed flat. Lines were marked at equal distances on
both sides, four " crotches" set up and poles laid on for
cross-pieces, the log rolled upon them, and sawed by two
men, one standing above and the other below it. The
boards manufactured in this primitive saw-mill were made
into a coffin, and Mr. Allen was buried in it. It is not
now recollected who fashioned the coffin.
Henry Clark, a native of England, came to America
when a young man, and located at Washington, D. C. He
was married during his residence there, and subsequently
removed to Richland Co., Pa., where he resided for three
years ; his wife's father, Thomas Reed, being a resident of
the same county. From there the Reeds moved to Rich-
land Co., Ohio; thence to Dearborn, Mich., near Detroit;
the Clark family following first to Ohio, thence to Michi-
gan, at the solicitation of Mr. Reed (arriving in Dearborn
in 1827).
In 1829, Thomas Reed removed to Allen township with
his family, and located at the " White Marble Springs," one
and a half miles west of Allen village, on the Chicago road.
These springs, 10 or 12 in number, are very clear, pure,
and beautiful, and a great advantage to the locality. Mr.
Clark followed with his family in 1830, reaching Allen on
the 18th of September, and locating on the farm which
Moses Allen had originally taken. After the death of the
latter the farm was rented to Samuel Craig, who was oc-
cupying it when Mr. Clark came. A son of the latter
(Robert Clark) is now living at Allen village, as is also
Thomas Reed's son, John S. Reed.
Mr. Reed states that his father moved into this township
with his family, about harvest-time, in the year 1829. He
purchased 160 acres of land from the government, and
afterwards gave 80 acres of it to his son (John S. Reed),
who purchased 40 additional acres of government land.
The old homestead is now owned by John S. Reed's son,
John T. Reed. John S. Reed has been a resident of Allen
village since 1873, and of the township almost half a cen-
tury. He says that although he was but a boy when his
father came here, he was obliged to perform a man's work.
He is at present in the sixty-third year of his age, and has
undoubtedly been a resident of Hillsdale County longer
than any other person now within its limits.
When the Reeds came to this township, they brought
their household goods in a lumber-wagon, drawn by two
yokes of oxen, and had also two cows. They followed the
old trail, now the Chicago road. This trail was remarkable
(as are Indian trails in general) from the fact that, although
it had a uniform general direction, the dusky warriors who
trod over it had carefully avoided every log or stump,
turning to one side for them and coming back to the direct
course as soon as they were passed. The pathway was nar-
row, and, from being so extensively traveled, was well worn
and beaten. As it was a highway only for footmen, the
task of following it with a team and heavy wagon, through
woods and swamps, and over hills and around fallen trees,
can better be imagined than described.
Wolves were exceedingly plenty, and although no instance
is given of the loss of human life through their agency, yet
many were the frights received by various settlers when on
their way through the dark forest, and without adequate
means of defense. On one occasion John S. Reed was
walking home at night from Jonesville, and the hungry
brutes followed him to within 40 rods of his house, being
finally driven away by the dog. Mr. Reed admits that he
was a trifle alarmed, and very likely did not wish for a
repetition of such an experience.
Many tales are related by the survivors of the pioneer
days of adventure and escape, of sports in woodland and
" o'er prairie green and fair," of anxious occasions when they
became lost in the forest within a short distance of home.
.4 J.-, r l^e^y^.-4-'f0^y;^^.%
'^'' . "'^W'K^
^ • yr.-v"- '•[''!, ^'i^b^^-.
W^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
255
of dealings with the dusky inhabitants who had so long
occupied the land before they came, and of many things
interesting to both themselves and those of the present
generation ; and these tales, if preserved, would make vol-
umes of printed matter. To the settler in his age, sur-
rounded by plenty, and with everything to make him com-
fortable and happy, the recollections of the days when he
was young and hardy aid him to pass pleasantly the hours
of his declining years, and he takes pleasure also in relating
his experiences to attentive and appreciative listeners.
On the farm now owned by Edwin Howard — originally
taken up by Moses Allen's brother-in-law, Ichabod H. Bur-
dick — was a locality known as the " popple thicket," con-
taining about two acres, and covered in the early days of
the settlement by a thicket of plum and poplar trees. This
and the adjoining prairie were famous resorts for the Indians
until long after the advent of the whites, and it is thought
that possibly an Indian village was at one time located here.
Near the thicket was a small pond. The trees were all
cleared away years ago by Daniel Nichols and Goodwin
Howard, and the land has been long under cultivation.
Upon the Allen place, when occupied by Mr. Clark, was
a small pond, immediately west of the buildings and near
the road. The water usually froze in it early in the winter,
and the grain when cut was stacked around it, and threshed
out on the ice by Mr. Clark and his sons during the winter.
The solid ice made an excellent threshing-floor. People
passing often stopped and purchased grain for their teams
from the men when at work.
The first sheep owned in this part of the country were
brought in by Moses Allen, and were only a few in num-
ber. They were quite often noticed as belonging to emi-
grant passing through, and from one of these Henry
Clark afterwards purchased some. For a number of years,
however, it was not deemed expedient to attempt to raise
sheep, as the bloodthirsty wolves did not disappear until
about the same time the last of the Indians left. Southern
Michigan has since become a great wool-growing region,
and, from the census returns, it will be seen that Allen
township ranks among the foremost in the number of sheep
raised and amount of wool sheared.
It is not easy to determine who owned the first swine
in the township, as hogs ran wild in the woods, and in
order to secure a supply of pork it was only necessary to
shoot one of them. During the hot weather some of the
settlers used smart-weed and gunpowder with which to pre-
serve their pork, and fried it in mutton-tallow, — the wild
meat being insufficiently fat to fry itself Pork, even of
that quality, however, was deemed a luxury, and many in
other portions of the county, who were not fortunate enough
to get their meat in the same manner, often suffered for the
want of it. Pork has long been a staple article of food
among the farmers of the State of New York, and those
from that State who settled in Michigan and elsewhere
early knew not how to manage without it.
Richard and Joseph Corbus settled on the bank of Sand
Creek, probably in the fall of 1829. Joseph was a mar-
ried man, and brought his family with him. Richard was
unmarried ; he returned to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and taught
school that winter. While there he was married , at Euclid,
and returned to Michigan with his wife, on horseback, in the
spring of 1830. He was an esteemed citizen of the town-
ship, and held numerous offices therein. He was the first
person buried in the cemetery at Allen, his death occur-
ring from dropsy, some time in 1835.
Moses Allen and the wife of John Allen — the first per-
sons who died in the township — were buried on their own
places, but some years ^afterwards taken up and removed to
the cemetery. John Allen was a brother of Moses Allen,
and probably came with him to the prairie in 1827. He
owned no land in this neighborhood ; the first saw-mill at
Cold water, Branch Co., was built by him in 1833.
The first frame house in the township was built on Sand
Creek, in 1835, by Richard Corbus, the carpenter work
being done by Daniel Bostwick. It was on the place now
owned by Thomas Nash, near the residence of John T.
Warn, east of Allen village.
The first orchards in this township were set out by
Richard Corbus and Thomas Reed, and the first one in the
adjoining town of Fayette probably about the same time,
by Thaddeus Wight, who had settled in 1830.
Thaddeus Wight,* who settled in what is now the town-
ship of Fayette, in April, 1830, was the father of Wash-
burn and Ira Wight, Mrs. L. L. Southworth, and Mrs.
Jesse Pomeroy, now residing in Allen, and Mrs. Daniel
Bostwick, of Argentine, Genesee Co. When they reached
the St. Joseph River the latter, — whose name is Har-
riet,— then fifteen years of age, was the first one of the
family to cross it, the day being the 16th of April. There
were but very few young people in the township or county
at that time. Miss Wight was married to Daniel Bost-
wick on the 3d of November, 1832.
Mr. Wight's son, Washburn Wight, now of Allen, was
one of the first settlers of Quincy, Branch Co., and is one
of the earliest arrivals in Hillsdale County now residing
within its borders.
Miss Rosamond Wight, now Mrs. Jesse Pomeroy, of
Allen, was born in Fayette, Nov. 6, 1830, and was un-
doubtedly the first white female child born in the town-
ship or county. Two daughters of Moses Allen — Aurelia
and Cordelia — were born previously, but not in Hillsdale
County, their mother having gone at the time of their
birth to the old Allen home, near Dearborn, on the river
Rouge, in order to secure necessary aid and care. She re-
turned each time to Allen after the birth of her child.
The sugar used by the early inhabitants was largely made
from the sap of the maple-tree by the Indians. Mr. Wight
procured his sugar of them, always receiving the best from
the chief, Baw Beese. The other '^ natives" made very dirty
sugar, and in some unaccountable manner it always appeared
full of feathers, sticks, dirt, or leaves, and was scarcely fit
for use. That made by Baw Beese was very good. This
chieftain acquired a great liking for Harriet Wight, and for
a number of months strenuously endeavored to persuade her
to become his " squaw." Her tastes, however, were not of
the character which sought happiness in such a union, and,
to the great sorrow of the Indian, she declined. His " un-
tutored mind" doubtless could find no reason why she
*■ See Fayette township history.
256
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
should refuse so mighty a man as he, when acquainted so
well with all his noble qualities. Mrs. Bostwick, the
heroine, delights in relating this experience of her pioneer
days.
In the month of August, 1832 or '33, Benaiah Jones,
Thaddeus Wight, and others from Jonesville, started for a
ride toward Coldwater Prairie in the stage. William Stew-
art, one of the drivers, but not driving at the time, spoke
to Luke Spafford, who was, when they reached the prairie,
and told him to " drive on to the river." The party was
in high spirits. Jones, who did not wish to go so far, at-
tempted to jump out, but was stopped by Stewart ; the con-
sequence was that Mr. Jones caught his left foot in the
wheel and broke his leg. They immediately turned round
and drove back to Wight's house. Stewart, who had some
knowledge of surgery, called to the women to " bring him
their corset-boards," and by using them for splints he set
the broken limb, and the next day Mr. Jones was removed
to his home. In some way the splints must have become
loosened, for the leg was never straight after it healed, and
Mr. Jones was slightly lame in consequence.
That part of the Chicago road westward from Jonesville
was let to contractors to clear and grade in 1832, the por-
tion east having been contracted the previous year. In the
spring of 1832, Ira and William Wight, the former eight
and the latter six years of age, " grubbed" a quarter of a
mile of the road, their father having taken the contract for
the sum of $85. While the turnpike was being constructed
in the fall of the same year, Ira Wight drove a team to
assist in the work. Boys in those days were accustomed to
performing a great amount of work for their years. Each
was required to do his portion in the task of improving the
country destined to be their future home, and all worked
energetically and without complaint. The fare was coarse
and progress slow, but this did not deter them from their
purpose, and the result of their labors is seen in the smiling
fields and happy homes of the present.
Hanson Cook, from Livingston Co., N. Y. (a native of
Madison County), settled in Litchfield in 1844, in Fayette
in 1847, and in Allen in 1851, in which latter township he
has since resided.
H. J. Koon, now of the township, came here with his
father and family in 1844, from what was then Steuben, now
Schuyler Co., N. Y., and was one of eight children who ac-
companied their parents to Michigan. They located on the
farm, one and a half miles southeast of Allen village, now
occupied by H. J. Koon. No improvements whatever had
been made upon the place. The elder Koon was a black-
smith by trade, and in connection with his farm worked a
shop. H. J. Koon is the present clerk of the Baptist
society at Allen.
Benjamin W. Brockway, a native of Ontario Co., N. Y.,
came to Michigan in 1836, and stayed until 1838 in Wash-
tenaw County, from whence he came to Allen in the year
last named, and located in the south part of the township,
upon the farm now owned by Lucius Ranney. There he
made the first improvements, clearing 30 acres, and subse-
quently traded that place to Mr. Ranney for the one he
now occupies (section 27), upon which Ranney had cleared
about three acres. Mr. Bockway also made the first im-
provements on the farm now owned by Charles Homan, on
section 24, and has lived on his present place since 1845.
When Mr. Brockway first came to the township the only
persons living in the southern part in what is known as
"South Allen," were Isaac Holbrook, William Nichols,
James Hamlin (near Hamlin Lake), Zedekiah and Peter
Kirkham. Mr. Holbrook, wlio lived on section 28, west of
the present site of the school-house at the corners (District
No. 4), and whose widow still occupies the old homestead,
had cut a track through to his farm from the old " Indian
road ;" this track Mr. Brockway followed when he came,
and continued it from Mr. Holbrook's place to his own,
that which Mr. Ranney now occupies.
Mr. Brockway's brother, Daniel P. Brockway, came to
the township in the spring of 1837, in company with Sam-
uel T. SheriiF, and the two together made improvements
upon a 40-acre lot belonging to Mr. Sheriff a mile south-
west of Allen village. The latter gentleman is yet living
west of the village, on the Chicago road, and his brother,
Isaac W. Sheriff, who came in 1838, resides in the southern
part of town. The Sheriffs were from Phelps, Ontario Co.,
N. Y.
The two who came together stayed but a short time on the
place mentioned, and it was afterwards sold to Daniel Dens-
ler, who, in company with David Nellis, erected a distillery
upon it in 1839. This was the first and only institution of
the kind ever built in the township, and was operated three
or four years. The business never proved remunerative,
even though the use of liquor among the early settlers was
more general than is now the custom, and considered less
harmful.
B. W. Brockway, during the first years of his residence
here, occasionally hauled wheat to Toledo, where it brought
the wonderful price of six shillings per bushel. The round
trip occupied six days' time, and very little could be made
at wheat-raising at that period. At Adrian it sold as low
as fifty cents and three shillings per bushel. In one way
did the settlers gain on their trips to market with grain.
It was generally the case that a load of goods could be se-
cured for the return journey, and the money paid for trans-
porting them about covered expenses, leaving the amount
received for the wheat as so much cash in hand.
In the house now owned by Mr. Brockway four genera-
tions of the same family have lived for a number of years.
These, originally, were Mr. Brockway's mother and Mrs.
Brockway's father, Mr. Brockway and wife, and their chil-
dren and grandchildren. Mrs. Brockway, Sr., is yet living,
while Mr. Pettibone is dead.
Roswell Pettibone, the father of Mrs. Benjamin W.
Brockway, was from the town of Pembroke, Genesee Co.,
N. Y. (originally from Massachusetts, and later a resident
of Manchester, Vt.). He came to Michigan in 1827, and
settled in the township of Farmington, Oakland Co. In
1839 he removed to Hillsdale County and located in Allen
township, upon the place now owned by Mrs. Hill, between
Allen village and the station. He was among the pioneers
of both New York and Michigan, although quite young
when he removed to the former State from Massachusetts.
Jonathan Whitney, from Ontario Co., N. Y., removed
to Allen, and settled northwest of the village, on the farm
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM fAP. CO NH ELL, A UEN,I1 1 USDALIC?, Ml CH.
ffESIDENCE: orJOHATHAH WHITNEY, ALLEN, HILLSDALE CO., M/CH.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
257
he now occupies, in 1839. He had been a week in the
county in 1837, and was at an election in Reading that
year, when there were only six voters, of whom four were
upon the town board. His father, Ammi Whitney, had
come here from New York about 1835, and entered a large
amount of government land, intending it for his children.
Jonathan Whitney was the only one of them who came,
however. He was accompanied by his wife. They had
come from Buffiilo to Toledo, with their limited stock of
household goods, by boat, being two days and two nights
out on Lake Erie. From Toledo the goods were trans-
ported by rail to Tecumseh, and thence to Allen in a wagon.
Their first night in the township was spent at the house
built by Isaac Holbrook, in the south part of town, and
occupied at the time by Isaac W. and Samuel T. Sheriff.
Mr. Whitney immediately began improving his place, his
only resources being what little he had saved from his two
years' wages at work by the month. He at first lived in
the house already mentioned as having been built by J). P.
Brock way and S. T. Sheriff, afterwards converted into a
distillery. He erected a log house upon his own place,
manufactured the shingles which covered it, and moved
into it as soon as it was habitable. He had brought win-
dows with him, but as no lumber could be procured with
which to make doors, blankets were hung up in their place.
A puncheon floor was laid, the house well banked up, and
in that way made quite comfortable. There was then no
road to his place, and the present highway leading north
and south past his residence was not opened until about
eight years later.
Henry M. Keefer, by trade a tailor, was born in Wheat-
land, Monroe Co., N. Y., and in 1836 came to Michigan,
locating first at Colon, St. Joseph Co. On the 2d of April,
1841, he removed to Allen.
David Thomas, from Rowe, Franklin Co., Mass., settled
in Allen township in May, 1841, and Lucius Ranney, from
Ashfield, Mass., in October of the same year.
Edwin Ford, a native of Cornwall, Addison Co., Yt.,
emigrated to Michigan in the spring of 1835, and located
at Rome, Lenawee Co., removing to Allen, Hillsdale Co.,
March 27, 1845. His wife came with her father to the
site of Adrian in 1827.
Barney Reynolds, of Albany Co., N. Y., settled in 1847,
and Hugh Cook, from Schuylkill Co., Pa., in 1840. The
latter is now a resident of Hillsdale.
Samuel Watkins, a farmer and brickmaker, came to the
United States from Staplehurst, Kent, England, and settled
in Allen on the 27th of May, 1837. He is still residing
in the southwest part of town, where he has a large brick-
yard. His brother, Thomas Watkins, settled previously.
John McConnell settled in the township in 1830.
MINUTES FROM TOWNSHIP RECORDS.
The records of the township of Allen previous to 1845
were destroyed by fire, and it is impossible to give names
of officers up to that time. Those since have been as
follows, viz. :
SUPERVISORS.
1850-51. Brastus Lake.
1852. Samuel T. Sheriff.
1845-47. Luke Hazen.
1848. Samuel T. Sheriff.
1849. Darid Cutter.
33
1854
Samuel T. Sheriff.
1866.
Abram Martin.
1855-
-56. David Cutter.
1867.
Samuel Gillet.
1857-
-58. Zimri I). Thomas.
1868.
Jonathan Whitney.
1859-
-60. Alexander Hewitt.
1869.
Isaac W. Sheriff.
1861-
-62. Erastus P. Norton.
1870-
-72. Samuel Gillet.
1863.
Samuel Gillet.
1873.
Erastus P. Norton.
1864.
Erastus P. Norton.
1874-
-77. Albert Prentiss.
1865.
Samuel l-Jillet.
TOWN CLERKS
1845.
L. A. Webster.*
1860.
Andrew Winchester.
1846.
Joshua M. Lindslej.
1861.
Charles Winchester.
1847.
Henry S. Sherman.
1862.
Asa Clemens.
1848.
Lester R. Watkins/ M.D.
1863.
Bishop A. Johnson.
1849.
Luke Hazen.
1864
Laban A. Howard.
1850-
-51. Dudley Chancy.
1865-
-66. Bishop A. Johnson.
1852.
Bishop A. Johnson.
1867.
1 ester R. Watkins.
1853.
Samuel T. Sheriff.
1868-
-69. George N. Howe.
1854-
-56. Lester K. Watkins.
1870-
-72. Robert Mnnn.
1857.
Levi Clark.
1873.
Charles L. Hasbrouck.
1858.
John F. Ellis.
1 874-
-77. Bishop A. Johnson.
1859.
L. R. Watkins.
TREASURERS.
1845-
-46. Don C. Hewitt.
1862-
-63. Andrew Winchester.
1847-
-48. Hiram J. Hanchett.
1864-
-65. Charies H. Winchester
1849.
Robert Clark.
1866.
Benj. W. Brockway.
1850-
-51. Benj. W. Brockway.
1867-
-68. Bradley Mosher.
1852-
-53. Wm. H. Layton.
1869-
-70. Allen C. Howe.
1854.
Robert Clark.
1871.
James N. Conklin.
1855-
56. Lucius Ranney.
1872-
-73. Allen C. Howe.
1857-
-58. Samuel Gillet.
1874.
John F. Ellis.
1859-
-60. Joseph A. Mathews.
1875-
-77. Allen C. Howe.
1861.
Lucius Ranney.
JUSTICES OF
THE PEACE.
1845.
Uriah B. Couch.
1862.
Alexander Hewitt.
1846.
Volney Edgerton.
G. W. Elmore.
1847.
Abijah Mosher.
1863.
Stephen W. Ellis.
Alexander D. Hewitt.
1864.
Edwin Ford.
1848.
Luke Hazen.
1865.
Jonathan Whitney.
1849.
Alexander Hewitt.
1866.
Alexander Hewitt.
Samuel T. Sheriff.
George W. Elmore.
1850.
Edwin Ford.
1867.
S. W. Ellis.
1851.
Isaac W. Sheriff.
Charies R. Coryell.
Bishop A. Johnson.
1868.
Edwin Ford.
1852.
Jonathan Whitney.
1869.
George W. Elmore.
1853.
Alexander Hewitt.
1870.
Bishop A. Johnson.
Dudley Chancy.
1871.
S. W. Ellis.
1854.
Horace B. Avery.
Charles R. Coryell.
1855.
Erastus Lake.
1872.
Edwin Ford.
1856.
Jonathan Whitney.
1873.
Albert Prentiss.
Benjamin W. Brockway.
1874.
Alexander Hewitt.
1857.
Hiram A. St. John.
Edwin J. Ford.
1858.
Horace B. Avery.
1875.
Jonathan Whitney.
1859.
William H. Layton.
Franklin Ross.
1860.
Jonathan Whitney.
1876.
Isaac W. Sheriff.
Robert Clark.
1877.
Jonathan Whitney.
1861.
Robert Clark.
Silas N. Glasgow.
Alexander Hewitt.
COMMISSIONERS
1845. Lucius Ranney.
Benjamin W. Brockway.
John W. Pierce.
1846. Thomas A. Vinson.
Alanson Koon.
Morris W. Balcom.
1847. Thomas O'Hanlon.
David Cutter.
Horatio Elmore.
1848. Isaac W. Sheriff.
OF HIGHWAYS.
1849. George W. Elmore.
1850. Daniel Nichols.
Wm. Welsh.
1851. Stephen Hickox.
1852. Jonathan Whitney.
1853. Philander D. Harris.
1854. James II. Hunt.
1855. Nicholas Torburn.
Robert Clark.
1856. James M. Hanchett.
1853. Er&stus Lake,
* Died in February, 1846, and Don C. Hewitt was appointed to fill
vaoanoy.
258
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
1857.
Benjamin B. Wells.
1869.
Albert Prentiss.
1858.
Erastus Lake.
1870.
John F. Bond.
1859.
Ira Wight.
Charles Watkins.
I860-
Laban Howard.
1871.
Charles Watkins.
1861.
Harrison Beers.
Walter C. Browning.
1862.
Ira T. Wight.
1872.
Erastus P. Norton.
1863.
Albert Prentiss.
Albert Prentiss.
1864.
Abram Martin.
1873.
Hiram Osgood.
1865.
Lester R. Watkins.
1874.
Horace L. Bishop.
1866.
David Thomas.
Myron Perry.
1867.
Samuel J. Watkins.
1875.
Charles Watkins.
1868.
Elnathan Turner.
1876.
Robert Clark.
1869.
E. P. Norton.
1877.
Arvid S. Thomas.
The oflBcers for 1878 are: Supervisor, Albert Prentiss;
Town Clerk, Bishop A. Johnson ; Treasurer, Allen C. Howe ;
Justices of the Peace, John H. Parish, Jonathan Whitney;
Commissioner of Highways, Chester E. Hill ; Drain Com-
missioner, John M. Watkins ; Township Superintendent of
Schools, Erastus P. Norton ; School Inspector, Angus Beers ;
Constables, Darius Johnson, Amari Winchester, Nelson E.
Cook, George Martin.
In the year 1845, licenses to keep taverns were granted
by the town board to David Winchester, James Peterson,
Almond Ames, William Wedge, and Nicholas Van Alstine.
Most of these had been in the business for some time.
Van Alstine seems to have been a man who could not stay
long in a place, for we hear of him first at Moscow village,
then at Jonesville, where he kept the old "St. Charles
Hotel" for some time, and finally in Allen. Other early
tavern-keepers were Henry Whitehead, David Cutter, An-
drew Hall, Isaac Eslow, and Orrin Gray.
In the fall of 1845 a couple of mill-ponds, one owned by
William N. Nichols and Don C. Hewitt, and the other by
William Stone and Ira Latham, were declared public
nuisances, and ordered to be cleared of everything which
should obstruct the free course of the streams, as in their
then condition they were " productive of disease." These
mill-ponds were for some time the subject of discussion by
the town board, but it does not appear on the records what
disposition was finally made of the matter.
It seems that certain individuals living in the township
in 1845 had the fault of imbibing too freely of intoxicat-
ing liquors, and occasionally getting themselves in trouble.
They were complained of in the fall of that year, and the
board published them as habitual drunkards and notified
proprietors of " licensed taverns or groceries" not to furnish
them with liquor.
PHYSICIANS.
lifter R. Watkins, M.D., came from Ontario Co., N. Y.,
in the spring of 1846, and located at Allen village, where
he has since resided. He had graduated in the winter of
1845-46 from the Geneva Medical College, and removed
to Michigan to begin practice. Dr. Asa Clemens, from
Litchfield Co., Conn., was then practicing in the township.
He had attended lectures at Castleton, Vt.
Dr. Peter 0. Eastman was also an early physician in
this township, and others have been Drs. Alvin Gould, C.
Remington, R. Grimes, and E. M. Shaw, the latter now a
resident of the village.
One Dr. Perrin practiced here to some extent, and also
preached occasionally. Others who were not regularly edu-
cated to the profession also practiced at different times.
In the month of April, 1848, the smallpox broke out in
the family of Robert Bell, and Dr. Watkins was appointed
physician of the town board, to take measures to prevent
the spread of the disease. The highway near Mr. Bell's
house was temporarily changed to the fields on the south,
and travel was not resumed over the old route until after
the disease had abated, and it was determined not dangerous
to pass so close to the house.
During the early years of the settlement, this town, as
well as all others in the region, was subject to malarial dis-
ease, and the " fever and ague" scorched the skin and shook
the bones of the people until they were nearly ready to
believe they were in the most unhealthy locality in the
world. They bore the ordeal bravely, however, and since
the country has been brought under continued cultivation,
and the marshes have become mostly drained, the ague,
although occasionally prevalent, is not universally so as in
the " days when we were pioneers."
SCHOOLS — EARLY AND LATE.
About 1831 a small log school-house was built at the
prairie, very nearly upon the site of the present brick
Baptist church. This was the first one in the township,
and was covered with " shakes," which were held on by
poles. But few children were then living in the neighbor-
hood. Among those attending were four from the family
of Thomas Reed, together with their hired man, and those
in the family of Ichabod H. Burdick. Hiram Hunt, who
married the widow of Moses Allen, was the first teacher,
and was very popular. One New Year's Day the boys
barred him out of the school-house, and determined not to
allow him to enter until he promised to " treat" them. Mr.
Hunt was a man of great determination, and concluded
that he would prove himself master of the situation. After
vainly trying to force open the door, a new idea entered his
mind, — the roo/ should be his next point of attack ! With
action following quick upon thought, he set to work, and
in a very short space of time had one side of the roof
nearly torn off. Every time he sprang up to climb over
the wall, however, the boys smartly rapped his knuckles,
and he was finally forced to yield to their wishes. This
school-house was not long used.
In what is now district No. 4 the first school was taught
in the summer of 1843, by a Miss Lewis, who was an
adopted daughter of Benjamin Lewis, and afterwards be-
came the wife of Edward Carpenter, who lived in the north
part of the township of Reading, where his father was an
early settler. This school was taught in a log dwelling
built by Daniel P. Brockway. A frame school-house was
erected a year or two afterwards, and a second one on the
same site is yet standing, though not used for school pur-
The present brick school-house was built in 1877.
In the locality known as " Arkansaw," near the residence
of John Herring, a school was taught as early as 1838-39,
Among the first teachers were Miss Ransom and Philena
Galloway. The first school in that neighborhood was
taught in a small log shanty, built either by William Mar-
tin, Esq., or a man named Purdy. Miss Ransom taught in
1839, and Miss Galloway in 1840.
In what was originally known as the "Pratt District,'*
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
259
— now the Cutter district, in the southeast part of town —
the first school was taught in the winter of 1838-39, by
Miss Catharine Galligan, or Gallagher, a young lady from
Canada, and the second in the summer of 1839, by Miss
Sarah A. Pettibone, now Mrs. Benjamin W. Brockway.
A board shanty served as a school-house, and three of its
corner-posts were three oak-trees which stood in convenient
position. A new building was erected in 1840, and Miss
Pettibone also taught in that.
The school moneys apportioned to the districts in the
township of Allen in 1846 amounted to $58.57, of which
$54.87 was from the State fund, and the balance from the
township. Of this sum district No. 2, with 67 scholars,
received $39.20 ; joint district No. 3, of Allen and Reading,
59 cents; district No. 4, with 20 scholars, $11.71; joint
district No. 8, Allen and Quincy, with 7 scholars, $4.10;
joint district No. 6, Allen and Litchfield, five scholars,
$2.93. The directors of these districts, in the above order,
were at that time I. W. Estus, A. K. Carpenter, Isaac
Sheriff, Erastus Lake, F. Norcutt.
The present large and tasty union school building at
Allen village is a two-story brick structure, erected in 1869,
at a cost of $11,000. A small one-story frame building
had previously been in use. The district was organized as
a union school district in 1870. The present board consists
of the following persons, viz. : Daniel Hall, Moderator ;
Albert Prentiss, Director; John Parish, Assessor; C. H.
Winchester, A. Winchester, A. C. Howe. The school has
three departments, and the teachers for the winter of
1878-79 are Dennis Dunn, Principal ; Belle Allen, In-
termediate ; Lizzie Yost, Primary. The attendance aver-
ages over 100, and the school well sustains the reputation of
the educational institutions of Michigan. It is seldom that
a village no larger than Allen is so liberal as to erect so
costly an edifice for school purposes.
ALLEN GRANGE, NO. 78, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY,
is one of the oldest in the county, having been organized
in October, 1873. It occupies the old frame school-house
in district No. 4, and has a present membership of about
75. The officers are : Master, H. D. Pessell ; Sec, H. 0.
Watkins ; Overseer, Lucius Ranney ; Lecturer, Isaac W.
Sheriff; Chaplain, E. 0. Goodrich; Steward, S. Watkins;
Assistant Steward, George Goodrich : Gatekeeper, Charles
Shafer ; Ceres, Mrs. Nettie Osgood ; Pomona, Miss E.
Shepherd ; Flora, Miss N. Wells ; Lady Assistant Steward,
Miss F. Thomas.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ALLEN VILLAGE.
From the historical record in the church book the fol-
lowing is copied :
" Allen Circuit was organized in 1856. Rev. E. Hunt
(afterwards a merchant at Osseo. Mich.) supplied it as first
pastor. It originally formed a part of the Jonesville and
Litchfield circuits. At the time of its organization it com-
prised five appointments, organized as follows, viz. : Allen's
Prairie class and Shock's Prairie, in 1840, by Rev. J. H.
Pitezell ; Brother Burdick was appointed class- leader
of Allen Prairie, and Brother John Steel of the Shook 's
Prairie class ; North Butler class in 1842, by Rev. I. Ben-
nett, Brother h^ Decker, first leader ; Northeast Quincy
class, organized in 1850, by Rev. N. Mount, Brother H.
S. Reed, first leader ; South Allen class, organized in 1856,
by Rev. William Doust, Brother R. Bird, first leader;
North Allen class, organized by Rev. I. Taylor, Brother
J. H. Hunt, first leader, — this class disorganized in 1866,
by Rev. M. I. Smith, and the remaining members trans-
ferred to Allen Prairie and Northeast Quincy classes ;
Quaker Mills class, organized in 1866, by Rev. M. I.
Smith, Brother Charles Williams appointed leader. It
was attached to the Litchfield circuit at the close of the
conference year of 1866."
From information furnished by different members of this
church, it is evident that not all of the foregoing extract
is correct. The class at Allen Prairie was undoubtedly in
existence in 1839, and was organized as early as 1833, with
Tunis Cronk as leader in the former year. James M. Bur-
dick, of Quincy, one of the original members, writes as
follows regarding it :
"The names of the first ten members are: my father
and mother, Ichabod H. Burdick and Clarinda Burdick,
his wife ; Ambrose L. Burdick and Margaret Burdick, his
wife ; Abijah Mosher and Sarah Ann Mosher, his wife ;
Richard Corbus ; Nancy Clark, wife of Henry Clark;
James M. Burdick and Eunice Burdick, his wife.
" Revs. Davison and Pilcher were the missionaries sent
from the Ohio conference to form our class and to preach
for the mission. Rev. Grilruth was presiding elder."
James M. Burdick and his wife are the only ones of the
original members who still retain their connection with the
church, and six of the ten have passed to their long rest.
Thomas H. Vinson was also an early member, and is yet
residing in the township south of Allen village.
Allen circuit originally included the townships of Allen
and a portion of Litchfield in Hillsdale County, and Butler
and a portion of Quincy in Branch County. The circuit
at present has three appointments — at Allen village, South
Allen, and Northeast Quincy. The pastors since the organ-
ization of the circuit have been the following persons : Revs.
E. Hunt (supply), J. Hoyt (supply), R. Kirby, J. Taylor
(supply), C. T. Van Antwerp, A. Coplin, Joseph Jones
(supply), Wilson Gray, L. Rossman (local preacher and
supply), I. Bennett, M. I. Smith, J. Clubine, W. M. Ball,
J. H. Potts, M. D. Carrell, T. H. Jacokes, J. T. Iddings,
E. Marble, and the present pastor, Rev. S. M. Merritt. Rev.
Peter Sabin lived and preached here in 1839, having come
in 1838. Rev. S. Steele preached here about 1845-46,
and is now living at Bean Lake, Manistee Co.
One of the early members of the Allen Prairie class, and
an old settler here, was Dr. Asa Clemens, a native of Con-
necticut, who died Nov. 5, 1865. " He was much esteemed
as a physician, and beloved as a neighbor and friend."
The original church occupied by this society was a frame
building, which is yet standing in the rear of the post-office.
The present elegant brick church was begun in 1872, a sub-
scription of S4500 having been raised. It was finished at
a total cost of $10,000, and dedicated Feb. 19, 1873, by
Rev. B. I. Ives, D.D., of Auburn, N. Y., and at the time
of dedication the deficiency was all made up. A fiirther
260
HISTOEY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
sum of $500 was raised the same evening, and with it a
bell was purchased of Jones & Co., of Troy, N. Y. The
building was furnished by the ladies at an expense of nearly
$1000. The parsonage was built in 1868, and stands a
short distance west of the church, in the western part of
the village.
The number of members in full connection, Sept. 4, 1878,
in the whole circuit, was 151 ; probationers, 24; value of
church property on circuit, $11,000 ; the only edifice for
worship being at the village, where is also the largest society.
Two Sunday-schools are sustained, one at Allen village and
one at Nor-theast Quincy, having together 28 ofl&cers and
teachers, and 120 members, with libraries containing 100
volumes ; 70 papers and periodicals are also taken.
BAPTIST CHURCH,* ALLEN VILLAGE.
This church was organized in 1841. Its first pastor was
Rev. W. G. Wisner, and its first clerk Daniel Nichols.
lis first house of worship was built in 1844-45 as a union
church, by the Baptists and Wesleyan Methodists, and the
present fine brick church was erected in 1871-72, at a cost
of $10,000. The old church is yet standing in the north-
east part of the village.
Among the original members of the Baptist society in
Allen were Ansel Nichols, Susan Nichols, Daniel Nichols,
Alvarado Brown and wife, George Boon, Truman Coles
and wife, Orson Randall, Alfred Willmoth, Francis Ran-
som, and Stephen Edmonds.
The pastors of this church from its organization to the
present have been as follows : Revs. W. G. Wisner, G. W.
Warren, A. Town, L. M. Mack, L. A. Alford, I. D. Hos-
ford, J. Lyon, J. Kelly, J. R. Abbott, A. D. Abbott, L. C.
Pettengill, William Prentiss, H. C. Reals, H. M. Gallup,
William Remington, S. E. Faxon, and the present pastor,
Rev. R. D. Clark.
The membership in December, 1878, was 60, and that
of the Sunday-school, 40. The number of teachers and
classes in the school is 7, and a library is owned containing
150 volumes.
Grist' and Cider-Mill (South of Allen Village).— The
grist-mill now standing was built by John Herring, about
1871. It contains two runs of stone and does both mer-
chant and custom business. Power is furnished by Little
Hog Creek, the outlet of Hog Lake. The cider-mill was
built by Messrs. Herring and Warner, in 1873. An excel-
lent article of jelly is manufactured by boiling down the
cider. Six persons are employed in the mills, and steam is
used to run them when the water is low. The property
is at present owned by John and William Herring, father
and son.
Cradle-Factori/. — About 1862, John Herring and
Daniel Deusler began the manufacture, on a small scale, of
grain-cradles, and Mr. Avery, now Mr. Herring's partner in
the business, was employed by them. After that the firm
was composed of Messrs. Herring & Warner for three
years. The old shop, which was used about twelve years,
occupied the site of the present mill, which was built in
1874, — the original one having been torn away to make
* By H. J. Koon, church clerk.
room for it. The present firm, Messrs. Herring & Avery,
employ from three to seven hands, and manufacture annu-
ally, including cradles and lumber, from $5000 to $6000
worth of material. The goods are principally disposed of
in Michigan, although many are sent into Indiana and
Ohio. Three agents are employed, selling to dealers and
others.
MILITARY.
Several of the early residents of Allen were veterans of
the war of 1812, and the " Black Hawk" and " Toledo"
wars called forth a few from the township. During the
war with Mexico one or two enlisted from this town, — one
of whom was a Mr. Root. Lee Clark, who afterwards
settled in the township, had been a soldier in the regular
army, but volunteered and went to Mexico after his time
was out» During his service he contracted disease, which
resulted in his death after coming to Allen. The war of
the Rebellion deprived the township of many of her brave
sons, and their bones lie bleaching on memorable Southern
fields, awaiting the final summons which shall awake them
from their slumber, when they shall stand foremost in the
ranks of martyrs, and noblest among them all.
VILLAGE OF ALLEN.
The earliest settlers in the township who are now living
in the village have been mentioned. Others who arrived
later, but have become prominent citizens, also deserve
notice.
Bishop A. Johnson, the present township clerk, came to
Allen village in 1846, from Genesee Co., N. Y., and with
the exception of two years spent in Hillsdale, has resided
here since that time.
Albert Prentiss, the present supervisor, was also formerly
a resident of New York, and came to Michigan from Steu-
ben County, in that State, in the fall of 1845. The village
of Allen has been his place of residence since, and he has
been prominent as a citizen of the township.
David Winchester, the father of Andrew and Charles
Winchester, of the village, removed here from Dutchess
Co., N. Y., in February, 1845, and soon began keeping
tavern in the building now known as the " Allen House,"
W. H. Shelp, present proprietor. It has since been largely
remodeled and repaired. It was originally built of tama-
rack poles by a man named Abijah Mosher, probably about
1838-39. Mr. Winchester died in the village at the age
of eighty-three. Six children came with him to Allen ;
also his sister, older than he, who died at the age of eighty-
seven.
A man named Randall built a small hotel in 1837, now
known as the " old Pink tavern," from being painted that
color afterwards.
When the Winchesters came to the village, a hotel was
kept by Isaac N. Russell, on the ground where Robert
Clark now lives. James M. Burdick informs us that he
kept the first hotel at the village himself. The sign-post in
front of the *' Allen House" has been in use 43 years, hav-
ing been first set up by Isaac N. Russell in 1835, at which
time he was keeping a hotel on the opposite (south) side of
the street from the present one.f
t Information by W. H. Shelp.
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
261
W. H. Shelp, present proprietor of the " Allen House,"
came with his father, Henry Shelp, to Branch County,
from Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., in the spring of 184L
The elder Shelp was born on the northern border of the
State of Maine, and is now residing in the township of
Butler, Branch Co., Mich., aged seventy-eight years. W.
H. Shelp was born above his father's birthplace, in the
lower part of Upper Canada, and when eleven years old
removed with his father to the State of New York. He
has occupied the " Allen House" since March 25, 1864.
Mrs. W. H. Shelp is a daughter of Robert Bell, who
settled in Allen, on section 8, April 15, 1836. He pur-
chased of Alonzo Standard on that day the northwest
quarter of the southeast quarter of the above section. Mr.
Standard had built a small house and planted a garden, and
was quite comfortably situated when he sold to Mr. Bell.
The latter came from the State of Maryland, where he had
lived near the shore of Delaware Bay. He died in Janu-
ary, 1878 ; his widow yet resides in town.
John M. Ford, from SpafFord, Onondaga Co., N. Y., emi-
grated with his family to Michigan in 1837, and located
at Adrian, Lenawee Co. From there he came the next
year to Moscow, Hillsdale Co. About 1850-51 he re-
moved to Allen, and from thence to Jackson County. He
is now living at Allen village with his son, Edwin J. Ford,
who came here and established a blacksmith-shop about
1860-62. Another son, Stillman W. Ford, has been in
the wagon- and carriage-manufacturing business at this
place since October, 1866.
Allen Post- Office. — Hiram B. Hunt was the first regu-
larly-appointed postmaster in Allen township. Previous to
that time Richard Corbus, who lived on Sand Creek, had
mail left at his house for distribution, this being before a
post-office was established. Mail was carried over the route
on horseback. The post-office afterwards established at
Allen Prairie was in existence as early as 1836-38, and
was called Sylvan us, which name it bore until about 1849,
when it was changed to Allen, to correspond with the name
of the township and avoid conflicting with the office called
Sylvania, in Lucas Co., Ohio, north of Toledo. In 1839
it was kept by a man named Randall, a blacksmith by trade,
and was then located on the site of the present residence
of Andrew Winchester. Mr. Goodwin, an uncle to Good-
win Howard, was postmaster in 1837, the office being located
at that time at the corner north of Mr. Howard's present
residence, where the Hillsdale road diverges from the Chi-
cago road, east of Allen village. The present incumbent
of the office is Andrew Winchester.
One of the first merchants at the village was Don C.
Hewitt, who occupied a store on the ground where Allen
C. Howe's residence now stands. Lucius A. Webster was
also in business here early, on a small scale. The first im-
portant mercantile house was established by Messrs. Latimer
& Fries, of Tecumseh, who sent Dudley Chaney on with a
large stock of goods. Mr. Chaney succeeded his employers
in the business, and Andrew Winchester worked in his store
as clerk when but thirteen years old. The Latimer & Fries
store stood on the site now occupied by Andrew Winchester's
house, and Mr. Chaney was in business at the same place.
David Winchester subsequently built the frame store now
occupied by James N. Conklin, druggist, and rented the
same to Chaney. This building yet belongs to Mr. Win-
chester's estate.
Numerous building lots were sold to individuals before
the village was regularly laid out and surveyed, and it was
not until 1868 that their owners and the proprietors of the
adjacent land made a plat of it and had it recorded. The
village lies on sections 9, 10, 15, and 16 of township 6 south,
range 4 west, and its proprietors, at the time the survey was
made, were the following persons, viz. : J. C. Remington,
C. H. Winchester, Hattie Winchester, D. S. Olmsted, M. L.
Olmsted, E. J. Ford, S. L. Ford, B. S. Brooks, P. A. L.
Brooks, Laura H. Lyon, Hiram A. Davis, Roxenia Davis,
George W. Elmore, Emily F. Elmore, E. Johnson, Urbane
Shepard, Susan Shepard, David Winchester, Jane Hedge,
Andrew Winchester, Bishop A. Johnson, Wm. H. Shelp,
J. E. Shelp, Albert Prentiss, May E. Prentiss, F. Sherman,
S. B. Sherman, Lester R. Watkins, J. W. Watkins, F. Ham-
burgh, Jane Hamburgh, E. Coon, C. Coon, J. M. Reming-
ton, R. A. Remington, William Stone, J. J. Whitney, R.
Clark, Mrs. A. Clark.
On the 4th of January, 1869, an addition was laid out
by Albert Prentiss, and May 22, 1871, an addition was
platted by Goodwin Howard and Erastus P. Norton.
The village contains at present (winter of 1878-79) one
hotel in operation and a second not now kept as such, 5
stores, 2 churches, a fine union school building, 2 millinery-
stores, a post-office, 2 wagon-shops, and several blacksmith-
and other mechanic-shops, and a stave-factory, owned by
John H. Parish. The brick stores belonging to Andrew
and Charles Winchester are a credit to the village, and tes-
tify to the taste and enterprise of her citizens. Aside from
Hillsdale and Jonesville, Allen ranks among the most im-
portant villages of the county in the variety and value of
her improvements.
Allen Lodge^ No. 253, F. and A, M., was organized
July 12, 1868, with 29 members. Its first Master was
Benjamin W. Brockway. The membership on the 4th of
December, 1878, was about 65, and the following were the
officers at the same time, viz. : Worshipful Master, C. H.
Guy ; Senior Warden, A. F. Brown ; Junior Warden, C. E.
Hill ; Senior Deacon, W. F. Shepard ; Junior Deacon, E. 0.
Goodrich; Sec, W. H. Aller; Treas., D. Hall.
The lodge-room is located over the store of Andrew Win-
chester, and is very neatly fitted up. At
ALLEN STATION,
a mile north of the village, two small hotels and a saloon
have been built, and one or two dwellings. Quite an exten-
sive business is done here in the line of buying and ship-
ping stock and grain.
Among early settlers of the township, who have not al-
ready been mentioned, are John T. Warn, now living on
the Chicago road, east of Allen ; William Glasgow, on
the east line of the township ; A. Hewitt, residing in the
southeast part of the township, chosen State Senator at the
November election, 1878 ; and M. W. Balcom, in the same
neighborhood. S. George, who lives northwest of the sta-
tion, is a veteran of the war of 1812, but not among the
pioneers of the township.
262
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The general improvements in the township of Allen are
of a high order, and there is manifest evidence on every
hand that the first comers to its broad fields were not mis-
taken in their estimate of its character and advantages. The
spirit of emigration was innate in the breasts of many of the
early settlers, however, and they moved onward to develop
other lands and make room for the incoming tide which
took possession immediately after their departure. To-day
Allen wears as staid an aspect as many older settlements,
yet there is withal an appearance of freshness about it, such
as characterizes most of the towns in Southern Michigan.
Well may the inhabitants of Allen be proud of their home.
Among the many who have furnished information from
which the foregoing history has been written are James M.
Burdick, of Quincy ; John S. Reed, Robert Clark, Andrew
Winchester, Dr. L. R. Watkins, A. Prentiss, B. A. John-
son, W. H. Shelp, and numerous others in the village ; and
Ira and Washburn Wight, Mrs. Roscius South worth, Mrs.
Jesse Pomeroy, Jonathan Whitney and wife, Goodwin
Howard, Benjamin W. Brockway and wife, Isaac W.
Sheriff, and others in the township ; and Mrs. Daniel Bost-
wick, of Argentine, Genesee Co. To all we ret rn sincere
thanks.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ALEXANDER HEWITT
was born on the 25th day of March, 1818, in Saratoga
Co., N. Y. His parents were poor but industrious. His
father devoted his time to clearing and fencing new land.
His mother was a spinner and weaver, using the wheel and
hand-loom, and by unremitting toil converted a good deal
of flax and wool into substantial cloth. When quite young
he removed with his parents into the new regions of Western
New York, and was at an early age inured to the hardships
of pioneer life. His advantages for an education were very
limited. Books were scarce, but those at hand were read
with care.
When fourteen years of age, he chopped cord-wood at
twenty-five cents per cord, and used the money to purchase
a copy of Webster's spelling-book and Ostrander's arithmetic,
which he studied, sometimes in school and sometimes by
firelight in the chimney-corner. When grown to manhood
he possessed what he had inherited and his surroundings
had given iiim, namely, a robust and healthy constitution,
coupled with a determination to do something in the world.
He labored several years at farming and school-teaching.
At the age of twenty-six Mr. Hewitt was married to
Miss Mary E. Noble, of Honeoye, Ontario Co., N. Y., and
in a few months, accompanied by his wife, started westward
in search of a new home. He arrived in the township of
Allen, Hillsdale Co., in the fall of 1844, and bought the
land on which he now resides, which was at that time en-
tirely uncultivated. His wife, who has always given her
personal attention to the duties of the household, and her
counsel in business transactions, is entitled to a large share
of the merit of converting the wilderness into the pleasant
home they now enjoy. Mr. H. also attributes a large part
of his financial success to a strict adherence to the pay-as-
you-go policy.
Mr. Hewitt has enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-
citizens in a very marked degree. He has filled the most
important ofiices in his township, was elected to the lower
house of the State Legislature in 1872, was re-elected in
1874, and was chosen to the State Senate in 1878. In
politics he is a decided Bepublican, and in religion a Uni-
versalist.
Mr. H. has a family of four children, — one son, William
Eugene, living at home ; Rilla, wife of Frank K. Proctor ;
Mary, wife of Prof A. E. Haynes, of Hillsdale ; and Hattie,
who resides at home. A fine view of his farm of one hun-
dred and eighty acres is given in this work.
THOMAS O'HANLON
was born at Elmira, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1820. He was a son
of Owen O'Hanlon, who emigrated from the county of
Lowe, Ireland, in the year 1818, and settled at Elmira,
N. Y., where he carried on the coopering business until
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
THOMAS o'HANLON.
1837, when he purchased a farm on the Horseheads road,
about half-way between that village and Elmira. Here he
died about 1860, leaving five sons, of whom the subject of
this sketch was the oldest. He lived at home and assisted
on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he
came to Michigan, purchased eighty acres of timber-land
in the town of Allen, and commenced the hardy task of
cutting for himself a home from the unbroken forest.
This enterprise he pursued diligently, unaided and alone,
for six years, when he secured a copartner and helpmeet
by marrying Miss Jane Shannon, Feb. 4, 1847. By their
united efforts the forest receded, and in its stead have
appeared broad fields, a fine residence, and such surround-
ings as indicate a thrifty farmer and a pleasant home.
John Glasgow.
f^RS.JOHH Glasgow.
fAiRS. John Glasgow J Deceased)
Mrs. VVm. Glasgow.
WM. GLASGOW.
jVlRS.S.W. Glasg-ow.
S.W.Glasgow.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
263
Mrs. O'Hanlon departed this life Jan. 27, 1863, leaving
one son, Owen, and one daughter, Mary E. Mr. O'Hanlon
was again married, April 4, 1867, to Miss Eliza Ann
Crocker, daughter of William H. H. Crocker, one of the
early settlers of this county, and now one of the prominent
farmers of Reading township. By the second marriage,
Mr. O'Hanlon has been the father of two daughters. Belle
and Jennie. The latter died when five years of age. As
a representative farmer and a pioneer of Hillsdale County,
Mr. O'Hanlon has justly earned that distinction.
THE GLASGOW FAMILY
trace their genealogy back to James Glasgow. His wife
was a Mitchell. They emigrated from Scotland to the
north of Ireland about 1750, and settled in the county of
Tyrone, near Cookstown, where, in after-years, the family
became numerous and influential.
John Glasgow was the son of James ; he was a farmer
near Cookstown, raised a family of seven children, — four
sons and three daughters. When the second son, William,
was twenty-one years of age, the family conceived the idea
of coming to America, and William was sent over in 1833
to prospect for a future home. He reported favorably, and
in 1837 purchased some land in the town of Fayette, this
county, making Auburn, N. Y., his stopping-place. Here
he married Miss Eliza Glasgow, Aug. 4, 1836, and in
1842, with his wife and John, his brother, came to this
county, built a cabin on the land he had previously pur-
chased, which was some two miles south of Jonesville.
Here the two brothers, by their united efforts, commenced
laying the foundation for one of the most successful families
of Hillsdale County. Here the brothers worked diligently
for several years, the young wife sharing the hardships and
privations of cabin life in the wilderness, when they saw
a better location, and changed to the place where they now
reside, each taking adjoining pieces of land, from which
they have made two of the finest farms in the county.
Their father, John Glasgow, came with the remainder of
the family to Fayette, where the old people died at an
advanced old age.
John Glasgow, Jr., was born April 15, 1814. Married
Miss Elizabeth Eddy, August, 1845. She died November,
1854. He was again married, Jan. 24, 1856, to Miss
Mary Sinclair. She died Nov. 19, 1872, leaving two chil-
dren,— a son and daughter. By the first wife he had three
children, — two sons ; both died when young ; one daughter,
who married James Gould, a farmer in Missouri. Mr. Glas-
gow was married a third time, to Mrs. Mary Ann Howard,
formerly Mary Ann Babbitt.
William Glasgow has three sons and one daughter, Mrs.
William Howlett, living in Colorado. W. C, the oldest
son, is a lawyer in Indiana ; Silas W. married Miss Emma
L. Mitchell, of Jonesville ; they live at home and work the
farm with the father.
Silas W. was born Oct. 2, 1843. Is one of the enterpris-
ing men of the day, taking a deep interest in educational
matters; has been town superintendent of schools for six
years. Politically is a Republican, and a zealous worker in
the party ; has held various offices of trust and honor under
its administration.
The youngest of the family is C. L. Glasgow; he was
born Feb. 16, 1858. The Glasgow family have been iden-
tified with the Presbyterian Church as far back as their
history can be traced. In the family have been several
celebrated divines. The present Glasgows continue in that
faith, and are active members of the church at Jonesville.
JOHN HERRING
has been closely identified with the material interests of the
town of Allen and the county of Hillsdale for more than
thirty years. He was born at Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y.,
Nov. 8, 1819. He is the son of Samuel Herring, who em-
igrated to Michigan in 1838, with a family of eight children,
of whom John was the oldest. They located in Eaton
County, some twenty miles north of Marshall, in an un-
broken forest. Here they cut the first tree, where now
stands the village of Kalamo, and for twenty years the old
gentleman kept a hotel there. The subject of this sketch
remained with his father for one year ; then, being ambitious
to do something for himself, went to Grand Haven, where
he worked in a mill one year. Subsequently he came to
Homer, where he became acquainted with Miss Nancy J.
Brown, to whom he was married March 13, 1841. The
next fall he went to Litchfield, in the employ of Monroe &
Gardner, milling, where he remained some four years ; then
leased a saw-mill and contracted for 160 acres of land where
he now resides, and began in earnest to make himself a
home. Here he has diligently worked, and by his sagacity
and perseverance has added other lands, erected other mills,
until he is now the most important manufacturer in the
township. Oscar N. Avery has been associated with Mr.
Herring for more than twenty years.
They built a mill in the Pinery, and in 1875 erected a
large mill for the manufacture of lumber and grain-cradles
near the residence of Mr. Herring. He and his son own
the flouring-mill at South Allen, which has the most im-
proved machinery and is one of the important interests in
the town, there being no other mill for several miles. In
1858 he built a steam flouring-mill at Allen's Prairie, ran
it for two years, when he sold it. It was carried on for
five or six years, when, for lack of business or sagacity in
managing, it was dismantled. Mr. Herring has been the
father of two children, William and Samuel A. ; the latter
died Nov. 6, 1861, in his fourteenth year. William is a
partner with his father in the mill at South Allen. He
served four years in the war of the Rebellion ; was a member
of 7th Michigan Infantry. He married Miss Anna Hicks ;
they have five children, — three sons and two daughters.
Coming into the county in its early settlement, Mr. Her-
ring has watched the progress of improvement in the various
branches of industry of the county. A man of strong per-
sonal character, ambitious in all business operations with
which he has been connected, and possessed of good, sound
judgment common to all self-made men, by the wise coun-
sels, economy, and frugality of an estimable wife, he has
secured a competency as well as the esteem of the commu-
nity.
264
HIStORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
L. P. ROODE.
MRS. L. P. ROODE.
L. P. ROODE.
Among the many worthy pioneers and representative
people of Hillsdale County, and especially Allen township,
none are more deserving of special mention than Mr. and
Mrs. L. P. Roode in the history of their county. Having
had advantages of early education, they were especially cal-
culated to assist in developing a new country and shaping
its future. Mrs. Roode was the daughter of J. C. Fink,
of Onondaga Co., N. Y., where she was born Sept. 20,
1813. She formed the acquaintance of Mr. Roode at
Weedsport, N. Y., where she was attending school. They
were married at that place Oct. 18, 1832. The next seven
years was spent in that locality, Mr. Roode cultivating his
farm summers and teaching school the winter months, until
1839, when they came to Allen, this county, and purchased
land near where he now lives ; and as he had done in the
State of New York he continued here, working at farming
summers and teaching school winters. Mrs. Roode taught
the first school in district No. 3 ; it was a private school,
and in her own house. Mr. Roode taught at Allen Prairie
the same winter. He taught in district No. 3 in 1854,
when his own children were scholars in that school. Upon
their arrival in Allen they took a prominent position in
society, then forming. While living at Weedsport they
both experienced religion, and united with the Presbyterian
Church. There being no church of that denomination at
Allen, they united with the Methodist Episcopal, and re-
mained in that connection until the slavery question divided
its members. The dissenters organized as Wesleyans, under
the Rev. Mr. Hovey ; Mr. F. L. Roode, the son of L. P.
Roode, being the first child baptized in that organization.
He married Miss Cora Parker, daughter of Hiram Parker,
of Burr Oak, St. Joseph Co., Mich. They live at the
homestead with the father, as one family, to cheer and com-
fort him in his loneliness, Mrs. Roode having departed this
life March 8, 1877. Addie, the daughter, married Jsmm
G. Archer, of Branch County ; is in the mercantile busi-
ness at Quincy, that county. He is the son of Gardner
Archer, a pioneer of this county.
ROSCIUS SOUTHWORTH.
The Southworth family dates its settlement in the United
States to the arrival of the '' Mayflower" at Plymouth, Mass.,
in December, 1620, a female member being a passenger on
that vessel, and afterwards becoming the wife of Governor
Bradford, of the colony then formed. Roscius Southworth
was born in Windham Co., Conn, (town of Thompson),
Aug. 27, 1815, his parents, Royal and Phebe Southworth,
having resided there many years. The elder Southworth
was a machinist by trade, and is said to have aided in con-
structing the first spinning-machine made in the United
States. In 1820 he removed with his family to Mendon,
Worcester Co., Mass., and in 1828 to Oswego Co., N. Y.
When nineteen years of age, Roscius Southworth emigrated
to Michigan and settled in the town of Litchfield. He pur-
chased of Deacon Harvey Smith forty acres of land, and made
shingles to pay for it. In 1838 he was married to Miss
Lucinda Murdock, who died in 1839, leaving one child,
John Southworth, now a prominent lawyer of Henrietta,
Texas. In 1841 he was married to Miss Lucinda L. Wight,
daughter of Thaddeus Wight, who settled in Jonesville in
April, 1830. By this union Mr. Southworth is the father
of four children, three sons and one daughter, — the latter
now Mrs. John H. Parish, of Allen. The elder son, Thad-
deus M., is managing the old farm, and takes especial pride
in his fancy stock, — short-horned cattle and fine-wooled sheep.
During the Rebellion he served with distinction in Company
M, 2d Michigan Cavalry. Royal A. is an extensive stock-
raiser in Colorado, and at present occupies a seat in the
Legislature of that State. William R. Southworth is a
farmer, residing near Kalamazoo, Mich.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
2G5
Mr. South worth is emphatically a self-made man. He
arrived in Michigan without a dollar in his pocket, and by
industry and shrewdness has worked his way onward and
upward, until he occupies a position as one of the most
prominent farmers in the township of Alien. Has a large
and finely-improved farm. For many years he was a rail-
road contractor, building portions on the Detroit and Toledo,
Michigan Southern, Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, and
Jackson branch of the Michigan Southern Railways. The
second horse he purchased in Michigan cost him ninety-five
dollars, and he drew flour from Litchfield to Hillsdale at a
shilling per barrel to pay for it.
The father of Mrs. Southworth, Thaddeus Wight, was
one of the earliest pioneers of the county, and when he
arrived with his wife and eight children, had but twelve
shillings in money left, with no shelter and no means of
supporting them. But the ingenuity and perseverance of
the " dweller in the wilderness" triumphed, and in a short
time he was one of the wealthiest farmers in the county, and
was surrounded with every comfort attainable in that day.
Mr. and Mrs. Southworth have witnessed the growth of
their adopted land, and its development into one of the most
powerful members of the sisterhood of States. Forty-four
years' residence on the part of the husband, and forty-eight
on that of the wife, have had their varied experiences, — their
trials, hardships, privations, reverses, and successes, — and in
their age they may rest content amid the blessings their
hands have provided, while their children enjoy the noble
inheritance built up for them since the pioneer days of long
JONATHAN W. WHITNEY.
Among the early pioneers to Hillsdale County was Jona-
than Whitney, a descendant of John Whitney, who was
born in Whitney Street, Liverpool, England, in the year
1599. Having determined to emigrate to the colonies,
with his wife and family he embarked on the vessel
*' Elizabeth and Ann," April, 1634, and arrived in Water-
town, Mass., in June of the same year. Jonathan, whose
name stands at the head of this sketch, was born in Ontario
Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1816. His grandfather, Jonathan
Whitney, was a volunteer in the French and Indian war,
and was captain in the war for independence. His father
bore the commission of lieutenant in the war of 1812.
Mr. Whitney came in the year 1837 to Michigan on a
prospecting tour, and returning in the fall of the same year
to his native State, engaged in farming occupations until
the year 1839, when he married Ann Jane Grarrett, of
Niagara, N. Y., who was born on the Isle of Man. They
came to Allen, Hillsdale Co., after their marriage, and on
the 21st of June of the same year moved into the house
known in after-years as the Still house.
In February of 1840 they removed to a house of their
own. This dwelling was destitute of many comforts, hav-
ing: no doors or floor, for the reason that no lumber was to
be had for the purpose. Mr. Whitney made good use of
his axe, and in a short time had cut a puncheon floor, and
having hauled a saw-log to the nearest mill, ten miles away,
he hoped soon to complete his house, and make it attractive.
On going for the lumber, a week later, he was dismayed to
find neither lumber nor log. It had disappeared in a man-
ner not unfamiliar to pioneer lumbermen. Mr. and Mrs.
Whitney have had four children. The first, William G.
Whitney, was born Dec. 13, 1840, and enlisted as a private
soldier in the 11th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry
Aug. 24, 1861, and was with one exception in every engage-
ment in which his regiment participated. He was slightly
wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and afterwards pro-
moted to a captaincy. He was provost-marshal, military
conductor, and railroad inspector, and was mustered out of
the service Sept. 30, 1865. In 1874 he married Bessie
Kay, and now resides on his farm in Allen. Anna E. was
born Dec. 26, 1842, and was married to John M. Watkins
in 1868, and died Jan. 2, 1878.
Jonathan C. was born Aug. 19, 1852, and Jennie S.
Oct. 10, 1859. They are both living at home with their
parents. Mr. Whitney and his family are regular attend-
ants of the Methodist Church, and their house has often
been the home of the itinerant minister. Hospitality and
good cheer have always been extended to the deserving, and
the poor and sick alike find a welcome at their door. Many
places of honor and trust have been filled by Mr. Whitney,
among them the oflSices of supervisor, town treasurer, justice
of the peace, etc. In politics he is a Republican, and was
in early years a Whig.
WILLIAM McCONNELL
was born on the Isle of Barbadoes, Nov. 19, 1818. His
father was a soldier in the British army. William came
to America when he was fifteen years of age ; learned the
cooper's trade. Carried on that and the mercantile busi-
ness in Ceresco, Calhoun Co., Mich., until 1864, when he
purchased the farm where he now lives. Aug. 17, 1848,
he married Miss Elvira Cunningham. By this union five
children have been born, four of whom are now living, —
two sons and two daughters. Mrs. McConnell was the
daughter of James Cunningham, who came from Cortland,
N. Y. Settled in Marshall, 1837.
34
CAMBRIA.
The township of Cambria, which lies south and west of
the centre of the county of Hillsdale, was originally a part
of the township of Fayette. In the year 1840, the terri-
tory now covered by the present townships of Woodbridge
and Cambria was set apart, and called Woodbridge. This
apportionment of the territory extended, however, over a
period of but one year, for the year following the present
township of Cambria was formed, comprising an area of
surface six miles square, and may be described as township
No. 7, south of range No. 3 west.
The surface of the land is undulating, being diversified
with hills and several small lakes, named successively Bear
Lake, Hog Lake, Cub Lake, and a portion of Baw Beese
Lake, and having no continuous stretches of level land. The
soil comprises a mixture of sand, clay, and gravel, with oc-
casionally some pieces of clay and tracts of sandy loam. Ifc
is regarded as one of the most productive towns in the
county, and the average yield of its broad acres of cultivated
land compares favorably with that of any other township of
the same area.
The following list of entries of land will indicate the
early settlers in the township previous to 1838, and the
section on which they located :
Section 1. — Theron Taylor, Samuel Ford, Center Lamb,
J. Ford, Ingham Roberts.
Section 2. — William C. Swift, Louson G. Budlong,
Theron Taylor, H. S. Piatt, and G. W. Miller.
Section 3. — Julius 0. Swift, Beverly Robinson, Caleb
N. Ormsbee, A. Wilcox, H. Philips, B. Fowler, and H. J.
Olds.
Section 4. — Otho Beall, Caleb N. Ormsbee, Cyrus
Whitney.
Section 5. — Otho Beall, E. Banker, Reuben Hoar, John
Morgan, John Logan.
Section 6. — ^^H. G. Hubbard, Ira Ingalls, Jesse F. Bangs,
Daniel Bangs, Gilbert Bloomer, John W. Talbott.
Section 7. — Ebenezer Raymond, Bowen Whiting, Hiram
V. Weaver, Lorenzo D. Weaver, Abel Bailey, John P.
Freeman.
Section 8. — Peter Gates, A. Owen, Alfred Brown, Eli-
phalet Gilbert, John W. Talbott, David Thompson.
Section 9. — Lyman Allyn, Noys and Wm. W, Billings,
John Flint, Charles H. Carroll, Epenetus A. Reed, Henry
Swisher, Ely and Harvey Hanford.
Section 11, — WilHam Plympton, Daniel Putnam, Sam-
uel F. Hoper, Nicholas Van Alstine, Ralph Pratt, Samuel
Chandler, Charles Laumon, Warren Chaffee.
Section 13. — Silas Doty, Wilder D. Hastings, Samuel
Chandler, Benjamin J. Kinyon, Charles J. Manning, Sam-
uel Baldwin, William Dixon.
Section 14. — Benjamin Johnson, Charles H. Carroll,
266
Epenetus A. Reed, Edwin Comstock, William Kirbey,
William Taylor.
Section 15. — Ebenezer Parker, Charles H. Carroll, Epe-
netus A. Reed, Samuel Baldwin.
Section 16.— School lands.
Section 17.— Samuel M. Bartlett, Z. M. P. Spalding,
Hiram A. Weaver, Hiram Owen, Abel Bailey.
Section 18. — Philip Day, H. H. and George C. Seelye,
Pasqua P. Weaver, Charles D. Wilcox, Ira Grosvenor.
Section 19. — Susannah Comstock, Moses Willetts, H. H.
and George C. Seelye, Alfred Brown, Jacob Clark.
Section 20. — Susannah Comstock, Barron B. Willits,
James Ingersoll, Samuel M. Bartlett, Joseph R. Williams.
Section 21. — James Ingersoll, Samuel M. Bartlett, Jo-
seph R. Williams, Wait Chapin, Isaac Merritt, Epenetus A.
Jleed.
Section 22. — Samuel M. Bartlett, Moses Brigham, Epen-
etus A. Reed, Ralph Pratt.
Section 23. — David Hudson, I. Berry, William C.
Kelly, Tolbert Sparks.
Section 24. — Lewis M. Gates, Chester Stuart, Charles I.
Manning, Warren Chaffee, E. G. and H. Hanford.
Section 25. — William A. Codding, George W. Jermain,
B. J. Kinyon, Sally Ann Falkner.
Section 26. — Silas Doty, Dwight Woodbury, W. P.
Green, Irvin Camp, E. G. and H. Hanford.
Section 27. — Samuel M. Bartlett, John De Mott, Andrew
Palmer, Samuel Baldwin, C. G. and H. Hanford.
Section 28. — John McDermid, Samuel M. Bartlett,
Joseph R. Williams, Rollin Brigham, C. C. Jackson.
Section 29. — David Seeley, Melvin Barrett, S. M.
Bartlett, Andrew F. Oliver, Gilbert Bloomer, Joseph R.
Williams, Chester Stuart.
Section 30. — Lester C. Bennett, Henry P. Sartwell,
Samuel Orr, Gilbert Bloomer, Jacob Clark.
Section 31.— William Duffield and W. R. Smith, Wilder
D. Hastings, John W. Johnson, Ralph Pratt, H. S. Piatt,
John W. Miller.
Section 32. — Lester C. Bennett, William Duffield and
W. R. Smith, Charles H. Carroll.
Section 33. — John McDermid, Samuel M. Bartlett,
Norman C. Baldwin, Center Lamb.
Section 34.— T. B. Yan Brunt, Dwight Woodbury, A. S.
and Stephen Clark, Center Lamb, John R. Willis.
Section 35. — Anthony Silsbee, Dwight Woodbury, H. S.
Piatt, Sarah Douglas, Joseph True.
Section 36. — Lewis M. Gates, George W. Jermain, Sally
Ann Falkner, Leander Candee, Samuel Lathrop.
The first settlers on the west side were Hiram Weaver
and Abel Bailey, who came in 1835. The former located
100 acres on section 7 and the same number of acres on
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
2G7
section 17. The latter located 80 acres on section 7 and
80 acres on section 17. Moses Willets also located 100
acres on section 19 in 1837. With him also came his
brothers, Barron B. Willets and Jonathan Willets. The
former located 160 acres on section 20. These brothers
came from Cambria, in New York State, and named their
adopted home Cambria township, in memory of their early
associations at the East.
Gaylor Dowd came to this township in the year 1836. The
same year Warren Smith emigrated to Tecumseh, from
Franklin Co., N. Y., and after remaining three years, pur-
chased 160 acres on section 30, where he now resides. Mr.
Smith retains a very vivid recollection of his pioneer ex-
periences. Bears and wolves were abundant at that time,
and it was not unusual to see the latter playing in the fields
and even approaching the houses of the settlers. Later a
bounty of $3 was offered for every wolf's skin, which was
afterwards increased to five dollars. Deer were also plenti-
ful, and would frequently eat with the cattle, showing no
signs of timidity. They soon became pets with the family,
and very seldom were any of them harmed. Wild turkeys
were also occasionally seen feeding with the domestic fowls,
and they also enjoyed the same immunity from the bullets
of the hunter. Mr. Smith remembers traveling three days
to reach and return from the nearest point where the grists
were ground, and as an evidence of the " hard times" of
early days, which were less a fiction than at present, he
remarked that he worked three days for a bushel of pota-
toes, and occasionally indulged in the luxury of a dish of
oysters when in Detroit, for which he paid one dollar and
a half He also paid the same price for a bushel of very
poor apples.
The first frame house built in the south portion of the
township was erected by Lorenzo Rice, of Cambria Mills,
and the second by Warren Smith, in 1842. As late as
1839 no roads had been cut, the country being one vast
wilderness, and not more than 100 acres having been cleared
in the whole township. The settlers lived far apart, and
frequently no white inhabitant was to be seen from one
week's end to another.
In 1841 the neighborhood was visited with a calamity
that caused profound sorrow, in the sudden death by accident
of Hiram Weaver, whose name heads this record as the
earliest settler. While digging a well upon the land which
he had located, the earth caved in and buried him several
feet under the surface. Some hours elapsed before the
debris could be removed, and long ere this life had become
extinct.
The first log house south of the Willets' location was
built by Samuel Orr, who came in 1837, and was the hospi-
table abode of many early settlers until their own simple
houses were constructed. The log houses of that period
were small and inconvenient, and frequently two and three
families occupied them at the same time. The first barn
was built by Lyman Rhodes in 1838, on land at present
occupied by Bani Bishop.
Jacob Hancock, who reviews with much satisfaction his
pioneer reminiscences and whose memory of early scenes
in which, he participated is still very acute, came from
Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1839, and located in the south-
west quarter of the township. He remembers the first town-
ship election, held April 5, 1841, at which the electors were
very few in number, and was about casting the first vote
on this occasion, when Potter G. Card, one of the early
settlers who came in the spring of 1839, from Gates Co.,
N. Y., and purchased 160 acres on section 8, stepped for-
ward and claimed the privilege on account of his superior
years, which was very gracefully conceded him by Mr.
Hancock.
The following are the names of voters at that time:
Barton Aldrich, John Fogerson, John Ferdig, Ebenezer
Banker, Isaac S. Climer, Potter G. Card, Linus A. Carner,
Hiram V. Weaver, Job A. Smith, Abel Bailey, Gaylor
Dowd, Charles Dowd, Silas Doty, Barron B. Willets, Jona-
than Willets, Andrew Westcott, Ira Mead, Jacob S. Han-
cock, James Wilson, Ira Brown, Alanson Van Ylack, Dan-
iel Weaver, Samuel Orr, Warren Smith, Isaac Wheeler,
Albert Dresser, Moses Willets, John I. Van Vlack, Nathan
Frink, Lorenzo Rice, John Smith, B. Willard, O. Oliver,
Henry Sanford, Rowland Lewis, Alex. Vinicore, William
Metcalf
The following was the valuation of property in 1841 :
valuation of personal property, $1635 ; real estate owned
by residents, $10,002.80 ; real estate owned by non-resi-
dents, $58,103.11 ; total valuation of real estate and per-
sonal property in the township, $78,640.97 ; total valua-
tion of the same in 1875, $400,290.
Jacob Clark came early and located on the east side of
the township. He made much progress in clearing the
wild land and making a comfortable habitation for his
family, as, previous to 1836, he had thirty acres cleared
and had erected a comfortable frame residence. Among
the early settlers on the east side were Samuel Pay lor,
William French, William Plympton, who located forty acres
on section 12 ; Samuel Chandler, who located 160 acres on
the same section, but did not reside upon it ; Warren
Chaffee, who located eighty acres on section 24 ; Wesley
Burgoyne, Levi Lane, E. G. Salisbury, John Swift, Har-
vey Southworth, and Peter Beam.
The first sermon was preached at the house of Ira Mead,
in 1839, by Rev. Mr. Burroughs. The first school-house
was built in 1840, and first taught by Miss D. A. Gload,
in District No. 4, on section 19. This lady died in the
township in 1878, at Banker's Station. The first marriage
was that of Ira Brown to Sarah Wilson, which occurred at
the house of James Wilson, Jan. 11, 1842. The cere-
mony was performed by Ira Mead, Esq., then justice of
the peace. The first male child born was Noalee Bailey,
Aug. 28, 1839. The first female child born was Rabie 0.
Weaver, Sept. 2, 1836, who lost her life in the great
Chicago fire, in 1871.
The first death in the township was that of Luceene
Bailey, wife of Abel Bailey, who died February 22, 1837.
This was a very sad and impressive event in the neighbor-
hood.
In February, 1841, the government established a post-
office, and appointed Jacob Hancock postmaster. The fol-
lowing is a summary of the amounts paid the mail-carrier
for the first four years, when the rates were 6 i cents, 12}
cents, 181 cents, and 25 cents for each piece of paper :
268
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
March 31, 1841 $2.84
June HO, 1841 1.29
Sept. 30,1841 2.62i
Bee. 31, 1841 2.32i
March 31, 1842 3.98
June 30, 1842 2.48
Sept. 30, 1842 2.53
Dec. 31, 1842 2.06
March 31, 1843 $2.66
June 30, 1843 2.52
Sept. 30,1843 1.95
Dec. 31, 1843 2.01i
March 31, 1844 1.62
June 30, 1844 1.79
Sept. 30, 1844 1.45
Dec. 31, 1844.. 2.05
The mail matter was at this early date so limited that the
postmaster frequently carried it in his pocket.
The most considerable village of the township of Cam-
bria is
CAMBRIA MILLS,
which was founded by John McDermid, and takes its name
from the mills which were built by him. He located 120
acres on section 28 and 40 acres on section 33, June 16,
1835, and immediately began the construction of a saw-
mill. He was followed soon after by his brother, Andrew
Jackson McDermid, who built a grist-mill. These mills
have, during a series of years, undergone many improve-
ments, but the original structures still exist as landmarks
of the period when Cambria Mills was little more than a
vast forest. When John McDermid first settled here there
were no traces of civilization to be found, wood and thick
underbrush covering the territory now embraced in the little
village. The mills since their erection have had successive
proprietors. The McDermids sold them to Lorenzo Rice,
who again sold them to Wilbur & Wheeler. They passed
again into the hands of the McDermids, and were afterwards
controlled by one Russell and John Mangold, who sold them
to James Hollingshead. Jacob Bush then purchased a
half-interest, and Hollingshead sold his interest to Henry
Gilbert, who purchased Bush's interest and became sole
owner. After conducting them for some length of time he
disposed of the property to Western Ramiley, who re-sold
them again to Gilbert, who is the present owner.
Cambria Mills was platted in 1878, but has never been
incorporated. Among the most imposing structures is the
school building, built of brick, and admirably adapted, by
its arrangements for ventilation and comfort as well as its
spacious apartments, for the purpose to which it is devoted.
It is the intention of the trustees during the present year
to introduce the graded-school system and give instruction
in the higher branches, when the corps of teachers will also
be increased in numbers. It is at present conducted by
Mr. Samuel Morris and Miss Huldah Chapel.
The village also boasts 1 hardware-store, 2 drug-stores,
2 dry-goods-stores, 1 boot- and shoe-store, 2 harness-shops,
2 blacksmith-shops, 1 cabinet-shop, 1 milliner-shop, 1 mar-
ket, and a planing-mill, owned by Geo. F. Drake. There
are 3 physicians in the place, — James W. Niblack, Charles
E. Payne, and Mrs. E. S. Aber.
Among the representative men of the village is George
F. Hough tby, who has for the past twenty-two years held
the appointment of postmaster. He is also proprietor of
the Houghtby House, which was built in the summer of
1875, and is strictly a temperance house. In fact, the
temperance sentiment meets a warm indorsement from the
residents of Cambria Mills, the only license in the place
having been granted to one of the druggists to sell liquors
for medicinal purposes. The citizens confess with chagrin
that for a brief period a whiskj-shop fl^^urished in the vil-
lage, " but one pleasant day the institution collapsed."
While the proprietor thereof-— a gentleman standing, we
judge, near seven feet in his stockings — had gone to sup-
per, or somewhere else, the outside of this establishment,
or at least a part of it, " went in," and the inside — bottles,
benches, and casks — " went out," and, strange to say, in
such ceremonious haste that not a bottle or cask but was
so buried and broken as to lose its precious contents on the
ground. Cambria now breathes pure air, thank God ! and,
with her enterprising, moral, and intelligent citizenship,
may look forward to certain prosperity and wealth.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in the village has been
in existence since 1866. In that year the classes of the
township desiring to have a stated place of worship within
their own limits, united their forces with those of Cambria
Centre and formed an organization. Soon after recognizing
the necessity for a suitable house of worship, they began
the erection of the present edifice, under the pastorate of
Rev. Mr. Fanner. The building is of brick, convenient
and comfortable, with ample room for a congregation of
300. Cambria Circuit includes the society at Cambria
Mills, and a society four miles south, at Woodbridge. In
the class at the former place are 57 members, the latter
numbering 35 in its present membership. Its present
pastor is Rev. Marcellus Darling.
CAMBRIA LODGE, NO. 259, OF FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASO.NS,
was organized Dec. 4, 1868. The members who first ap-
plied for a charter were S. L. Dart, B. W. Dodge, Christian
Fink, James Hollingshead, James Fink, C. T. Gilbert, Jacob
Bust, Perry Oderkirk, Lauson Fink, Elkana Brower, Jesse
Hilliard, Warren Merritt, and George Farmer. The pres-
ent membership of the lodge, which is in a flourishing con-
dition, is 56. Its first ofl&cers were S. L. Dart, Worthy
Master ; B. W. Dodge, Senior Warden ; C. Fink, Junior
Warden ; James Hollingshead, Treas. ; James Fink, Sec. ;
C. T. Gilbert, S. D. ; Jacob Bush, J. D. ; Perry Oderkirk,
Tyler. Its present officers are P. H. Oderkirk, Worthy
Master ; E. Brower, Senior Warden ; Charles Marsh, Ju-
nior Warden ; Judson Chapel, Sec. ; Christian Fink, Treas.
This township is the site of the county-house, which is
located on section 4, the farm covering portions of sections
3 and 4. Three railroads traverse the soil of Cambria, —
the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad passing
through the extreme northeastern point of the township ;
the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Railroad running
through the northwestern portion and forming a junction
with the Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad at
bankers' station.
This little hamlet, located in the northwestern corner of
Cambria, was founded by Horace and George Banker, who
located there in 1838, and has derived some importance
since 1873 from its railroad connections. It has a hotel,
kept by John Burgess, blacksmith -shop, store, post-oAce,— -
W. A. Carpenter being postmaster, — saw-mill, and a restau-
rant connected with the depot. There is also a repair-shop
for the use of the railways. The church, which is con-
nected with the Free- Will Baptist denomination, and is also
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
269
used as a school-building, is an unpretentious wooden struc-
ture, with nearly 200 sittings, which has been erected about
four years. Its present pastor is Miss Mary Garard, who
resides in Hillsdale while pursuing her studies and preaches
at Bankers' on Sabbath.
STEAMBURG
is a small settlement on the east side of the township, and
takes its name from a steam saw- and planing-mill located
there, owned by Chauncey W. Ferris. It has also a black-
smith-shop, Mr. Lamb being proprietor, and school-house,
and a few private houses, but no post-office.
Thus we have given a brief history of one of the fairest
townships that Hillsdale County boasts. With a soil
remarkable for fertility, a geographical location affording it
every advantage, and a population whose intelligence and
moral character are universally conceded, it may with reason
look forward to a continued growth and prosperity as the
reward of its enterprise.
The following are the officers elected since the organiza-
tion of the township :
18-11. — Jacob Hancock, Supervisor ; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk; Ira Mead, Treasurer; Warren Smith,
Collector ; Job A Smith, Samuel Orr, Barron B. Willets,
School Inspectors ; Potter G. Card, James Wilson, Direc-
tors of the Poor ; Lorenzo Kiel, Pardon Aldrich, Silas
Doty, Highway Commissioners ; Pardon Aldrich, Ira Mead,
Samuel Orr, Lorenzo Rice, Justices of the Peace ; Alanson
W. Van Vlack, Job A, Smith, Abel Bailey, Assessors ;
Alanson Van Vlack, John Ferguson, Albert Dresser, War-
ren Smith, Constables.
1812. — Lorenzo Rice, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk; Pardon Aldrich, Treasurer; Pardon
Aldrich, Justice of the Peace ; Daniel Weaver, Jacob
Clark, Job A. Smith, Assessors; Alanson Van Vlack, I.
P. Wheeler, Job A. Smith, Highway Commissioners ; Job
A. Smith, Ira Mead, Jacob Clark, School Inspectors ; Potter
Card, Gaylor Dowd, Directors of the Poor ; Warren Smith,
Albert Dresser, Henry Sanford, Constables.
1843. — Lorenzo Rice, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk ; Lorenzo Rice, Justice of the Peace ;
Pardon Aldrich, Treasurer ; Jacob Clark, Barron B. Willets,
Assessors; Joseph A. Smith, Isaac P. Wheeler, Moses
Willets, Highway Commissioners; Samuel Orr, Job A.
Smith, School Inspectors ; Jacob Clark, Ira Mead, Direc-
tors of the Poor ; Luther Finney, Constable.
1844. — Lorenzo Rice, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk; Pardon Aldrich, Treasurer; Barron
B. Willets, Jacob Clark, Assessors ; Thomas H. Stewart,
Alanson Van Vlack, Elijah G. Salsbury, Highway Com-
missioners; Barron B. Willets, School Inspector; Ira
Mead, Jacob Clark, Directors of the Poor; Mesbach Terry,
Alexander Vinicore, Jonathan Willets, Constables.
1845. — Lorenzo Rice, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk ; Jacob Clark, Justice of the Peace ; Sam-
uel Orr, Treasurer; Pardon Aldrich, Barron B. Willets,
Assessors ; Levi L. Lane, Thomas S. Thompson, Jonathan
Willets, Highway Commissioners; Pardon Aldrich, Ira
Mead, Directors of the Poor; Nelson Chittenden, William
D. Stout, School Inspectors ; Thomas Shall, Constable.
1846.-~Pardon Aldrich, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk ; Pardon Aldrich, Justice of the Peace ;
Ira Mead, Treasurer; Barron B. Willets, School Inspector ;
Charles Burr, Frederic Van Tyle, Highway Commissioners;
Oliver Walkley, Nelson Chittenden, Assessors ; Ira Mead,
Austin T. Stone, Directors of the Poor ; Jonathan Wil-
letts, Alexander Vinicore, Leander L. Lane, Constables.
Ig47.__lra Foster, Supervisor; Elijah J. Salisbury,
Township Clerk ; Peter Beam, Treasurer ; Jacob S. Han-
cock, Addison H. Mack, Assessors; Alanson Van Vlack,
Keith Aldrich, John Swegles, Highway Commissioners;
Ira Mead, Pardon Aldrich, Directors of the Poor ; William
G. Foreman, School Inspector; Leander L. Lane, Daniel
Chapman, Edmund Van Vlack, Horace Starkweather, Con-
stables.
1848. — Ira Mead, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink, Town-
ship Clerk; Peter Beam, Treasurer; Lucius H. Gridley,
Justice of the Peace; Alanson Van Vlack, George T.
Baron, Assessors; Frederic Van Tyle, Horatio Bates,
Highway Commissioners; Lucius H. Gridley, John Mc-
Dermid, School Inspectors ; Henry Wilcox, Almond Bird,
Directors of the Poor; Lemuel Howe, Amos Marston,
John Stuart, Wesley Burgoyne, Constables.
1849.— Daniel Weaver, Supervisor; Ira B. Card, Town-
ship Clerk ; Peter Beam, Treasurer ; Calvin Smith, Wilks
L. Stewart, Justices of the Peace ; Jacob S. Hancock, An-
drew J. McDermid, School Inspectors; E. C. Barnes, Henry
Wilcox, Highway Commissioners ; Christopher Brock, Di-
rector of the Poor ; Jonathan Willets, Thomas S. Hall,
Wesley Burgoyne, Constables.
1850. — Daniel Weaver, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk; Jonathan Willets, Treasurer; Nelson
Chittenden, Peter Strunk, Justices of the Peace ; Henry
Wilcox, Austin T, Stone, Commissioners of Highways ;
Barron B. Willets, John Swegles, Jr., School Inspectors;
Nathan Rich, Levius A. Carner, Directors of the Poor ; S.
B. Paylor, Alexander Vinicore, Jonathan Willets, Richard
Rice, Constables.
1851. — Ira Mead, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink, Town-
ship Clerk ; Jonathan Willets, Treasurer ; Richard Willets,
William French, Highway Commissioners; John Lamb,
.Nathan Rich, Justices of the Peace ; Andrew J. McDermid,
William French, School Inspectors ; S. B. Paylor, Lorenzo
L. Lane, Thomas Hall, Russell Seaman, Constables.
1852. — Daniel Weaver, Supervisor; Nathan Frink, Town-
ship Clerk ; Kent Aldrich, Treasurer ; Horatio W. Bates,
Justice of the Peace ; Jacob S. Hancock, Warren Smith,
Highway Commissioners; Barron B. Willets, Ira B. Card,
School Inspectors; Joseph Orr, William French, Assessors;
John H. Stephens, Wesley Burgoyne, Directors of the
Poor ; Jeremiah Sabins, Thomas Stuart, Josiah Levitt, John
H. Dunkel, Constables.
1853. — Daniel Weaver, Supervisor ; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk; Keith Aldrich, Treasurer; Wilks Stuart,
Justice of the Peace; William French, Nathan Rich,
Highway Commissioners; Barron B. Willets, Bani Bishop,
School Inspectors ; Jacob Clark, Christopher Brock, Direc-
tors of the Poor; Solomon M. Barron, Josiah Levitt, Thomas
H. Stuart, Carlisle Smith, Constables.
1854.— Barron B. Willets, Supervisor; Nathan H.
270
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Frink, Township Clerk ; Samuel Foust, Justice of the
Peace; Hubbard German, Treasurer; Barron B. Willets,
Decatur Barnum, School Inspectors ; John J. Cheney,
Henry Wilcox, Highway Commissioners; John McDermid,
Christopher Brock, Directors of the Poor ; Carlisle Smith,
John H. Stage, James E. Wilson, Orlando White, Con-
stables.
1855. — Andrew J. McDermid, Supervisor ; Nathan H.
Frink, Township Clerk; Hubbard German, Treasurer;
Ira Mead, Justice of the Peace ; Warren Smith, Calvin
Smith, Highway Commissioners ; Magor Barritt, Bani
Bishop, School Inspectors; Nathan Rich, Keith Aldrich,
Directors of the Poor; Samuel B. Payl or, William Hanson,
Jonathan Willets, William T. Fleming, Constables.
1856. — William French, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk ; Josiah Leavitt, Treasurer ; Barron B.
Willets, William G. Barnum, School Inspectors; Strick-
land Adams, Charles Shattuck, Highway Commissioners;
Ira Mead, Justice of the Peace ; Job Cole, Amos Green,
Robert W. Paylor, Andrew J. Fuller, Constables.
1857. — William French, Supervisor; Nathan H. Frink,
Township Clerk; Wells Whitney, Treasurer; Ira Hill,
Justice of the Peace ; Bani Bishop, J. B. Morris, School
Inspectors; Abel Wolcott, Henry South worth. Highway
Commissioners ; Ira Mead, John W. Johnson, Directors of
the Poor ; George W. Lane, Walter R. Frink, Job Cole,
David Leighman, Constables.
1858. — Ira Mead, Supervisor ; William S. Barclay,
Township Clerk; Jonathan Willets, Treasurer; Lorenzo
Russell, Justice of the Peace ; Orlando White, Justice to
fill vacancy; Francis Andrews, Highway Commissioner;
Charles G. Robertson, School Inspector; John H. Johnson,
Franklin Cook, Directors of the Poor ; Job Cole, John
Houghtby, George W. Lane, Constables.
1859. — William French, Supervisor; William S. Bar-
clay, Township Clerk ; Levi Lane, Treasurer ; Charles Shat-
tuck, Justice of the Peace ; Ira B. Card, School Inspector ;
Joel B. Norris, John Mead, Highway Commissioners ;
Peter Beam, Harvey Southworth, Directors of the Poor ;
George Lane, Russell Randall, Job Cole, Charles Hanna,
Constables.
I860.— Barron B. Willets, Supervisor ; Ira Hill, Town- ,
ship Clerk ; Perry Sebring, Treasurer ; Wells Whitney,
Justice of the Peace; Charles G. Robertson, School In-
spector; Amos Green, Highway Commissioner; Sylvester
Clark, Asa B. Hanna, Bennet Gregg, Job Cole, Con-
stables.
1861. — Barron B. W^illets, Supervisor; Ira Hill, Town-
ship Clerk; Perry Sebring, Treasurer; Tibbets Nichols,
Justice of the Peace ; Bani Bishop, School Inspector ;
Ira Mead, Highway Commissioner; George W. Lane,
John Houghtby, Job Cole, Asa B. Hanna, Constables.
1862.— Barron B. Willets, Supervisor ; Ira Hill, Town-
ship Clerk ; Perry Sebring, Treasurer ; Richard Willets,
Justice of the Peace ; Orlando Parker, Justice, to fill va-
cancy ; David B. Taylor, School Inspector ; Nicholas S.
Adams, Commissioner of Highways ; Orlando White, An-
drew B. Fleming, Palmer Rowley, Geo. W. Lane, Con-
stables.
1863. — Barron B. Willets, Supervisor ; Ira Hill, Town-
ship Clerk ; Perry Sebring, Treasurer ; Philip De Pay,
Justice of the Peace ; Orange Porter, Justice, to fill va-
cancy ; Bani Bishop, Joseph Arnold, School Inspectors ;
Amos Green, Highway Commissioner; Acander Sanders,
Andrew B. Fleming, Orlando White, Geo. W. Lane, Con-
stables.
1864. — Barron B. Willets, Supervisor ; Joseph Snyder,
Township Clerk ; Worlin C. Barritt, Treasurer ; Orlando
White, Justice of the Peace ; Joseph Arnold, School In-
spector ; Ira Mead, Highway Commissioner ; Andrew B.
Fleming, Stephen Osborn, Geo. W. Lane, Constables.
1865. — Charles G. Robertson, Supervisor; Worlin Bar-
ritt, Township Clerk ; Wells Whitney, Treasurer ; Tibbets
Nichols, Justice of the Peace ; Bani Bishop, School In-
spector ; John Chappell, Highway Commissioner ; David
Simmons, Andrew B. Fleming, William Wilson, Warren
Smith, Constables.
1866. — Charles G. Robertson, Supervisor; Worlin C. Bar-
ritt, Township Clerk ; Wells Whitney, Treasurer ; Chester
Farmer, Justice of the Peace ; Orange Porter, Highway
Commissioner; William Wilson, Perry Sebring, Ira A.
McBain, Alphonzo Sanders, Constables.
1867. — Charles G. Robertson, Supervisor; Worlin C.
Barritt, Township Clerk ; Dennis Mead, Treasurer ; Philip
De Pay, Justice of the Peace ; Bani Bishop, School In-
spector ; Ira Mead, Highway Commissioner ; Charles Marsh,
Ira A. McBain, Job Cole, Lewis Piersen, Constables.
1868. — Bani Bishop, Supervisor; Worlin C. Barritt,
Township Clerk ; Dennis W. Mead, Treasurer ; Charles
McDermid, School Inspector; John Chappell, Highway
Commissioner for term, A. B. Prentice to fill vacancy ;
John McNorten, Justice of the Peace; Charles S. Marsh,
Hiram M. Clark, John H. Stage, John F. Peterson, Con-
stables.
1869. — Bani Bishop, Supervisor; Charles C. McDermid,
Township Clerk ; Dennis W. Mead, Treasurer ; George E.
Ferris, Justice of the Peace ; Bani Bishop, School Inspector ;
Orange Porter, Highway Commissioner; William A. Case,
Hiram A. Clark, John H. Stage, George W. Lane, Con-
stables.
1870. — Bani Bishop, Supervisor; Worlin C. Barritt,
Township Clerk; Dennis W. Mead, Treasurer; Leander
Brown, Justice of the Peace ; A. B. Prentice, Justice to
fill vacancy ; Amos Green, Highway Commissioner ; Frank-
lin Cook, School Inspector; Loren Benson, Charles S.
Marsh, John H. Stage, H. M. Clark, Constables.
1871. — Perry Sebring, Supervisor; Samuel Foot, Town-
ship Clerk ; Avery Smith, Treasurer ; John Cole, Justice
of the Peace ; Henry D. Baldwin, School Inspector ; Job
Card, Highway Commissioner; Hiram Clark, Simeon Bliss,
Andrew Hall, S. C. Stage, Constables.
1872. — Perry Sebring, Supervisor; James A. Chandler.
Township Clerk ; Avery A. Smith, Treasurer ; John M.
Norton, Justice of the Peace ; John J. Chappell, Highway
Commissioner; Charles L. North rup. Drain Commissioner;
Samuel Foot, School Inspector; Lester Baldwin, Charles
March, James Fink, Nelson Benedict, Constables.
1873. — Perry Sebring, Supervisor; James A. Chandler,
Township Clerk; Charles Marsh, Treasurer; A. B. Pren-
tice, Justice of the Peace; Amos Green, Highway Com-
^%.'i>i;^l-J.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
271
missioner; Henry Baldwin, School Inspector; Charles L.
Northrop, Drain Commissioner ; Hiram Clark, Lester Bald-
win, Nelson Benedict, John W. Cronk, Constables.
1874. — Orange Porter, Supervisor ; Christian Fink,
Township Clerk; Charles Marsh, Treasurer; Luther B.
Wolcott, Justice of the Peace ; John Dryer, Highway Com-
missioner; James Fink, Highway Commissioner to fill
vacancy; Worlin C. Barritt, School Inspector; Wells
Whitney, Drain Commissioner ; George Barbe, Oliver
Bement, William Lathrop, Constables.
1875. — Perry Sebring, Supervisor ; George F. Houghtby,
Township Clerk ; Charles S. Marsh, Treasurer ; William A.
Carpenter, Justice of the Peace ; Orlando White, Justice,
to fill vacancy; Judson D. Chappell, Superintendent of
Schools; Henry D. Baldwin, Inspector of Schools; A. B.
Bennett, Highway Commissioner; Amos Green, Drain
Commissioner; Henry Sanders, Loren Benson, Charles
Marsh, Israel N. Gregg, Constables.
1876. — Perry Sebring, Supervisor ; George F. Houghtby,
Township Clerk ; David Simmons, Treasurer ; John M.
Norton, Justice of the Peace; Henry Cheney, School
Superintendent; Henry D. Baldwin, School Inspector;
Christian Fink, Highway Commissioner; Horace Titus,
Drain Commissioner; Charles S. Marsh, Orlando White,
John D. Burgess, Edwin Foust, Constables.
1877. — Perry Sebring, Supervisor ; George F. Houghtby,
Township Clerk; Charles S. Marsh, Treasurer; A. B.
Prentice, Justice of the Peace; Ira Green, Highway Com-
missioner ; Henry D. Cheney, Superintendent of Schools ;
D. W. Mead, School Inspector ; Charles Marsh, John Bur-
gess, John French, Edd Gregg, Constables.
1878. — Edwin A. Jones, Supervisor ; James W. Niblack,
Township Clerk; David F. Watkins, Treasurer; Marvin
Jones, Highway Commissioner ; Luther B. Wolcott, Justice
of the Peace ; David E. Chesnut, School Superintendent ;
Charles D. Boa, School Inspector ; Horace W. Titus, Drain
Commissioner ; Lewis Eddy, James Dow, John G. Chesnut,
Zachariah Kamp, Constables.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
WILLIAM S. IIOSMER AND ABNER W. PEARCE.
The lives of Mr. Hosmer and Mr. Pearce have been so
inseparably connected, and afford such a beautiful example
of fidelity and constancy, that it is almost impossible to tell
the story of one without weaving in all the essential points
in the history of the other. Both are descended from
sturdy New England stock, Abner W. Pearce having been
born in Torrington, Conn., Aug. 23, 1813, his parents hav-
ing emigrated to that State from Rhode Island. He re-
mained at home until his seventeenth year, and followed
the occupation of a blacksmith until the removal of the
family to Oneida Co., N. Y., when he became a farmer and
lumberman, only occasionally pursuing his original trade.
On the 11th of November, 1838, Mr. Pearce married
Thankful Tuttle, who resided at Vienna, N. Y., and
together followed farming pursuits. In the spring of 1844
Mr. and Mrs. Pearce moved to Hillsdale township, being
accompanied by their faithful colaborers, Mr. and Mrs. W.
S. Hosmer. They settled upon a tract of land which had
been acquired by an advantageous trade before leaving New
York State.
They live in their attractive home, surrounded by every
comfort that industry and perseverance has brought to
them, and cheered by the presence of friends and relatives
who are a part of their home circles.
Under the same hospitable roof live Wm. S. Hosmer
and wife. Mr. Hosmer was born in Craftsbury, Vt., May
20, 1809. At the age of five years he moved to Oneida
Co., N. Y., with his parents, and aided them in farming
occupations until his sixteenth year, when he learned the
trade of a carpenter, which he followed until his removal to
Michigan.
He married, Dec. 13, 1836, Alma Tuttle, of Yienna,
N. Y. She and Mrs. Pearce were the daughters of Deacon
Tuttle, of that place, a man of much influence in the com-
munity in which he resided. They have had six children.
Emily A. is the wife of Edwin Phelps, and resides at
Hillsdale. Hiram died Nov. 9, 1868. Mary resides with
her parents. Sophia died May 26, 1866. Abner P. also
lives with his parents, and manages the farm. Etta is the
youngest, and resides at home.
These gentlemen, with their families, have never been
separated since their advent in the State of Michigan. The
same roof has sheltered them, and the same lands have
supplied them an abundant subsistence. A view of their
fine farm-building is given in this volume. Both Mr.
Hosmer and Mr. Pearce have held several positions of trust
in their township, and are known as consistent Democrats
of the Jackson type.
JEFFERSOISr.^
On the 20th day of April, 1835, a citizen of the famous
town of Woodstock, in Windham County, in the State of
Connecticut, bade adieu to the scenes of his early life, and,
gathering his family about him, shook the dust of the land
of "wooden nutmegs" from his feet, and started forth on
a Western pilgrimage to the rich and heavily- timbered
lands of Southern Michigan, which were then being opened
to settlement, and whose fame had reached even to " Yankee
land." They first went to Norwich, where they embarked
on a vessel that was about to sail for Albany, and, without
any unusual experiences on the voyage, arrived there in
due time. That great wonder of the age, the Erie Canal,
was then in its glory, and its supremacy as a means of
transportation and travel was not disputed by the great
tramways of internal commerce that now thread the forests,
cross the plains, leap the rivers, climb the mountains, and
form an intricate maze of steel and iron lines upon the
breast of the continent. The traveler in those days stood
trembling upon the packet's deck with his hands nervously
clasping some convenient means of support, and, with eyes
dilating with nervous uneasiness, was whisked through the
country by three span of horses at the terrific speed of from
six to eight miles an hour. On one of these boats the
travelers rode from Albany to Buffalo, where they embarked
on a steamer, and, running the length of Lake Erie, reached
Detroit on the 12th day of May, having consumed a little
more than three weeks on the way. The father and his
two eldest sons then started out to locate a farm, leaving
the rest of the family behind them at Detroit. They
finally reached the Bean Creek Valley, and passed through
it till they got into the hilly lands in the east part of this
town, near the Pittsford line, and about a mile south of the
present village. There they found a spring gushing from
the hillside, and the man threw himself on the ground
beside it and drank deeply of the cool and sparkling water.
It seemed like the old hills of Connecticut, and, rising to
his feet, he exclaimed, " This is my land !" and set about
the work of ascertaining its location and having it entered
at the land-office at Monroe. On the 1st day of June a
clearing was commenced, and on the 8th the family all
arrived and were installed in their new home. This family
was that of John Perrin, and consisted of himself and
wife, five sons and four daughters. To him and to them
belongs the honor of being the first resident settlers of the
town. Others, of whom we shall speak, had before this
entered lands, but none had occupied them or moved their
families here. Mr. Perrin built the first house, and for
some weeks, if not for months, was the only white settler
in the town. He also built a saw-mill at an early date,
* By C. W. Brown.
272
which was used up and replaced by another, and, when the
need of it was lessened by the erection of other mills in
the vicinity, the water-power was used to run a grist-mill,
which has been in operation down to the present time. At
the time of Mr. Perrin 's settlement the nearest neighbor
was Samuel Cooley, three-quarters of a mile north, in Pitts-
ford. There were two other log houses in that town, four
and a half miles east, and Richard Fowler lived in Adams,
eight miles northwest. The city of Hudson then boasted
three log houses and a saw-mill. The hardships that always
have to be met and endured by settlers in a new country
soon began to tell upon this family. The father died
within four years of the date of their settlement, and the
mother survived him but a little more than two years.
There are now but six of the children living, five in this
county and one in Kansas.
During the summer of 1835 two young men named
Quaid (one of them being Christopher Quaid, Jr.) came
on to work the land taken up by their father in May pre-
vious. They came to Bichard Fowler's, in Adams, and
stopped with him while they broke up some land and built
a shanty. Their farm was on the '' burnt openings," and
required but little work with the axe before the plow could
be started. They finished the shanty, and had plowed a
few times around the field, when one night's solitary rest in
their new home, where nothing broke the silence save the
howls of wolves and the hooting of the owls, so disgusted
them with pioneer life that they returned to their home in
Niagara Co., N. Y., having, however, previously sold their
team and implements to Mr. Fowler, and contracted with
him to put in 10 acres of wheat on their land. They did
not return again, as the land was soon after bought by
Warren Thompson.
In the early autumn of this year two men, living at
places widely separated in the State of New York, broke
up their homes there and started for this new country, to
settle where they could get larger farms than their means
would enable them to purchase at the East. Starting with
their respective families, without any knowledge of one
another or of one another's movements, they pursued their
westward courses, and finally landed here at about the same
time and but two miles apart. The first of these was
William Duryea, who was of Dutch descent and formerly
resided in Montgomery Co., N. Y. He was accompanied
by his wife and six sons, some of them nearly grown to
manhood. He had entered his land, the northwest quarter
of section 3, in the month of May previous, and immedi-
ately upon his arrival put up a log house near the south-
west corner of his farm, and on the south side of the
Territorial road, which crossed it. He was an industrious,
economical, hard-working man, and, in addition to his farm-
CHARLES D.LUCE.
RESIDENCE^F CHARLES D. LUCE, JEFFERSON. fflLLSDALEC?. M/CH.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
273
ing operations, did considerable teaming in the line of draw-
ing flour from Jonesville and other places. He was also an
ardent as well as consistent member of the Methodist
Church, and contributed to its support. Some of the
earliest meetings were held at his house, and the preaching
was done by Rev. R. Parker, of Cutter's Corners, who
always brought his gun along as a protection against the
wolves. He was quite prominent in town affairs, and held
the offices of supervisor, treasurer, justice of the peace, and
commissioner of highways. It is related of him that being
elected one of the first justices of the peace, and the code
at that time being made up more of tradition than of statu-
tory enactments, he had a somewhat exaggerated idea of the
responsibilities and powers vested in him. A poor wretch
was brought before him charged with stealing an axe. The
plaintiff proved that the accused had taken the axe and that
it was found in his possession. The prisoner offered no
defense, and the court passed sentence in a very impressive
and solemn manner, condemning the prisoner to confine-
ment at hard labor in the prison at Jackson for a term of
two years. The commitment was made out, and a constable
took possession of the prisoner and started for Jackson with
him. Arriving at Jonesville, the officer called on the sheriff
for accommodations for the night for his charge, and pre-
sented the commitment as his authority. The sheriff very
coolly tore the document to shreds, and asked the astonished
officer where the prisoner was. He was told; and, desiring
the officer to remain where he was, he went out to interview
the culprit. After looking at him a moment, he said, —
" What offense was you convicted of?"
'' Stealing an axe, sir," was the reply.
" How did you happen to do that ?"
" I borrowed the axe and intended to return it but didn't
do so, and when I was arrested with it in my possession,
why, I was, of course, found guilty."
^' But you did not intend to steal it?"
" No, sir !"
"Well, my man, you do not look like a bad or vicious
fellow and I believe what you say, and, if you will promise
me to leave the county and never return, I am going to
give you a chance to get away. Will you do it? '
" You'd better believe I will," said the overjoyed pris-
oner; and, as soon as the sheriff's back was turned, he
disappeared through a convenient door, and never returned
to plague those who had, however inadvertently, exceeded
their authority, and thereby rendered themselves liable to
a suit for damages.
Mr. Duryea remained an honest and respected citizen
of this town for upwards of thirty-five years, and died here
surrounded by friends. One son, W. H. Duryea, is now
living in the southwest part of the town.
The other settler referred to was Horatio Hadley, who
was a native of Vermont, but had spent the years of his
boyhood and youth in the town of Sandy Creek, in Oswego
Co., N. Y. He was married there, and with his wife and
one child, a daughter less than a year old, started for Michi-
gan about the middle of the month of September, 1835.
His route was over the Territorial road leading from Mau-
mee to Jonesville, and his wagon, drawn by an ox-team,
very often sank to the hubs in the muddy road, which the
35
thick forest prevented the sun from drying up. He left
his wife and child at Samuel Cooley's, in the town of Pitts-
ford, while he located his land, which he selected on sections
10 and 11, taking up 160 acres. As soon as possible he
put up a " 10 by 12" log hut on the north side of the
road, a few rods from the present site of his farm buildings,
and brought his family from Mr. Cooley's to their new
home about the middle of October. Soon after he was for-
tunate enough to discover a " bee-tree," and from it took
about 50 pounds of very nice honey. His wife, who re-
membered with regret the comforts of her Eastern home,
said that this was probably intended to make her contented
with her home in the woods. At any rate it was a wel-
come addition to their larder, and served to sweeten their
food if it did not their lot in life. During the first winter
of his residence here, Mr. Hadley captured a large wolf by
means of a trap, and stuffed the hide with hay, after which
he set it up beside his house to show the passing traveler
what kind of foes the settlers had to contend with. One
day two Indians who were passing stopped, and pointing
to the wolf said, in guttural tones, "kill much plenty wolf,
make Great Spirit mad." They killed the wolves only in
self-defense or when pressed by hunger, and thought the
Great Spirit would be angry at what they deemed the wan-
ton destruction of his creatures. They also deprecated the
killing of rattlesnakes, especially if they gave the warning
rattle, which they interpreted as the serpent's mode of beg-
ging for mercy. Mrs. Hadley succumbed to the hardships
of her pioneer life and the unhealthiness of the climate, and
died about four years after her arrival here. Mr. Hadley
then married Sarah Bullard, and both are still living on
the farm which shows such evidence of his toil and careful
thrift, surrounded by friends, and blest with the comforts
of competency. He was one of the earliest magistrates of
this section, and only through his reluctance to accept offi-
cial positions has he escaped the cares of office. He has,
ever since its formation, been an influential member and a
liberal supporter of the Osseo Methodist Church.
In the following winter, 1835-36, Robert McNeal, with
his wife, one daughter, and four sons, — Robert, Jr., Wil-
liam, Alonzo, and Samuel, — settled in the town. It being
winter, and the ground covered with snow, they selected a
farm between Lake Pleasant and Baw Beese Lake, think-
ing it was a level prairie ; but when the spring came, and
the snow and frost disappeared, they discovered that they
were on a marsh, or filled lake, and had to remove.
Robert lived only about two years before he succumbed
to the hardships of pioneer life and passed away. His son,
Robert, Jr., remained a resident of this town until he died,
about 1850, and was a prominent citizen. His neighbors'
respect for and confidence in his probity of character is
attested by their act in retaining him for nine consecutive
years in the responsible office of treasurer of the town.
William was at that time a young man of twenty-one,
and in the spring of 1837 was married to Jane Decker, a
girl of fifteen. He was a carpenter by trade, and, together
with his father, worked at that businesss. The money he
thus earned he invested in small tracts of land, on which
he erected houses, and then sold them to new-comers as
opportunity offered. He continued to live in this way,
274
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
moving several times before he settled down permanently,
about 1845. He died two or three years ago. One of his
sons, Seth D. McNeal, is now engaged in the practice of the
law in Jonesville. Of the other sons of Robert McNeal,
we (^n only say that Alonzo died here some thirty years
ago, and Samuel removed from the town in a few years after
his arrival.
James H. Thorn was the first person to enter any of the
land in this town. He was a young man living in Otsego
Co., N. Y., and came West to make his fortune. After
his arrival in this State he worked for a while at Detroit
and Ypsilanti, and in the fall went to Farmington, Oakland
Co., where he taught school during the winter of 1834-35.
In the spring he had money enough due him to purchase
80 acres of land; but was able to collect only half, and
consequently had to content himself with a forty-acre farm.
Coming to the Bean Creek Valley, he made his selection,
and traveling on foot to Monroe, entered it on the 22d day
of May, 1835, the receiver at the land-office remarking,
*• You have the entire township to select from." The land
he took up was the northeast quarter of the southeast quar-
ter of section 13, near the present village of Pittsford. After
paying for his land and the fee for administering the oath
he had but ten cents left, and this he invested in crackers
and cheese, and started on foot for Tecumseh, where he
had a friend living, of whom he hoped to be able to borrow
a little money till he had the opportunity to earn some.
Upon his return to this town he hired out to Ozen Keith,
who lived a mile and a half west of Hudson, and while in
his employ, and engaged in logging, received an injury
that incapacitated him for labor. He then went to Grand
River, where he remained until the spring of 1836, at
which time he returned here and went to work on his
place. His first plowing was done with three yokes of
oxen, and he had to go to Medina, in Lenawee County, to
get teams to help. A son of Elder Warner came back
with him, and assisted in the breaking up of a five acre lot,
which was sowed to wlieat in the fall. In October, 1836,
he was married to Mary Monroe, who died in 1852. He
was married a second time in April, 1853, and, with his
second wife, is still living on the homestead, now increased
to 160 acres. During his residence here Mr. Thorn has
been one of the leading citizens of the town, a successful
farmer and merchant, and has repeatedly been called to
official positions, filling, among others, the office of super-
visor for five years, and justice of the peace for thirteen
years.
Another settler in the spring of 1836 was William
Hecox, who arrived from Maumee, Ohio, in the month of
March, and located on a farm of 80 acres, it being the west
half of the southwest quarter of section 2. He was a
farmer, and made for himself and family a comfortable
living by that pursuit. The Methodist Church in this
town owed its organization, existence, and prosperity more
to his efibrts and generosity than to those of any other
person. For many years he was a zealous and consistent
member, and a liberal contributor to its support. His death
occurred in this town in 1876. His widow and a married
daughter survived him, and are living on the homestead.
Peter Failing, in the fall of 1836, settled on the south-
east quarter of section 4, and built a log house near the
northeast corner of his land. In the fall he brought his
family from their former home in Orleans Co., N. Y. He
did not after the first few years devote his time to farming,
but worked for the State upon the railroad, and upon
its completion became a "section boss." After about
thirteen years of life in this town, he received a cut in his
knee by a blow from an adze, from the effects of which he
died soon after. II is widow is still living on a portion of
the farm, and a daughter, Mrs. Warren Thompson, is also
living in town. He was the first tax collector, and in
1841 was elected town treasurer.
Amba Orcutt was a son-in-law of William Duryea, and
followed him to this town, in the spring of 1836. His
daughter, Phebe Orcutt, now Mrs. Robert Jones, of Piqua,
Ohio, was born on the 26th of October, 1836, and was the
first white child born in the town.
Four brothers, named Chauncey, William S., Matthias
A., and Henry B. Leonard, came to this town in the spring
of the same year. The first of these settled on the south-
east quarter of section 9, and at once rose to prominence
among his fellow-townsmen. In addition to his farming
business, he was active in political matters, and was re-
peatedly called to take official trusts. He was supervisor
two years, town cleik four years, town treasurer three
years, justice of the peace ten years, and held other town
offices at diflerent times. On account of some unfortunate
financial embarrassments, he removed from the town a
couple of years since, and is now living in Sand Lake,
Kent Co., Mich. William S. and Matthias A. are still
living on their farms a short distance southwest from Osseo.
The other brother, Henry B., died about five or six years
after settling here.
James and Henry Bullard, with their mother, younger
brother Charles, and sister Sarah, also settled here in the
year 1836, the first in the spring and the others in the fall.
Their location was about a mile west of Osseo. Sarah
Bullard (now Mrs. Horatio Hadley) taught the first school
kept in the town, in the summer of 1839, in a log school-
house that stood about a half-mile east of the present school
building. James Bullard remained here but a few years.
Another of the emigrants of the year 1836 was Owen
B. Coffin, who took up a farm of 80 acres on the northwest
quarter of section 2, He was an excellent citizen and a
prominent Methodist, and his neighbors deeply felt his loss
when he died, about 1850.
James P. Howell settled here Aug. 29, 1836. He came
from Minnesink, Orange Co., N. Y., and was married to
Emily Perrin on the 9th of November following. This
was the first wedding celebrated in the town of Jefferson.
He was a Baptist, and a candidate for the ministry, and
was called upon to officiate at the first funeral in the town,
that of a child of William Green, who died in September,
1836. He was ordained to the ministry in Wheatland, on
the 8th of January, 1838. He is now a resident of the
adjoining town of Pittsford. Four of his brothers also
settled here about the same time. Their names were
Michael B., William, Alser, and Walter. The first re-
mained here until after the late war, but the others removed
from the town within a few years after coming here.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
275
In September of this year Harvey Black, with his family
of a wife and nine children, came from Ridgefield, Huron
Co., Ohio, and settled on a tract of 320 acres lying in sec-
tions 23, 26, and 27. He was a resident of the town at
the time of his death, in 1853, and three sons, Harvey P.,
Philancourt, and Marquis D., are still living on parts of the
original homestead.
Orrin Anderson located on the east half of the northeast
quarter of section 22, in 1836. He was one of the first
highway commissioners, and the second tax collector of the
town. His widow and son are now living on the home-
stead.
Wait Chapin was another settler in that year, on section
10. About 1841-42 he built a saw-mill on the stream near
his house, and this mill sawed a good share of the lumber
used in the new settlement for several years. He was an
industrious, hard-working man, a good citizen, and possessed
the respect and good-will of all who knew him. He died
some eight or ten years ago, leaving his farm to his two
sons, Loren and Lucius, who still occupy it.
William Grreen, the Nimrod of this town, was one of the
emigration of 1836, and came in the spring of the year,
locating on the west half of the southwest quarter of sec-
tion 3, where he lived till his death, in 1862, and where
his widow and one son still reside. His clearing and farm
work was done mornings and evenings, and the days were
devoted to hunting. The crack of his rifle rang the death-
knell of the unlucky deer which chanced within its range,
and the number of them that fell victims to his prowess as a
hunter, while he resided in this town, is variously stated at
from 1000 to 1500. His son, William W. Green, studied
law, and became quite prominent in town affairs. He is
now practicing law at Fairwell, in this State.
James Wallace settled in town in 1838, and is now liv-
ing on the farm he has cleared and improved on Bird Lake.
Some time in the winter of 1836-37 Jacob and Eras-
mus D. Ambler, two brothers, came into the town. Jacob
went into partnership with Henry P. Adams, and built a
saw-mill that spring where Lamb's grist-mill now stands.
He was a Baptist minister, but while he remained here was
engaged in the lumber trade. He was the first supervisor,
and held the ofiice three years, until he removed to Hills-
dale. Erasmus D. settled on section 3, and died there some
twenty-five or thirty years ago.
Isaiah Green, with his wife and two children, came from
the town of Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y., and arrived here
May 10, 1837. He purchased lands in Genesee Co., Mich.,
as early as 1835. His settlement was with the Bullards,
who were his wife's relatives. Soon after his arrival here
he hired out to work a farm in Jackson County, and lived
there for a year and a half, when he returned here. The
Osseo Village Company gave him a lot if he would put up
a hotel, which he did in the spring of 1840. He has been
a hotel-keeper from that time till the present, and by nearly
twoscore years' experience is well qualified to cater to the
wants of the traveling public. He has been active in
building up the village, and has several times been called to
official positions in the town.
Warren Thompson purchased of Christopher Quaid the
240 acres he had taken up in sections 3 and 10, in the
winter of 1836-37, and sent George Jenkins, to whom he
had sold 40 acres, to look after it. Dec. 25, 1838, he
brought his wife, three sons, and two daughters, and became
a permanent resident. He hired a vacant log house near
William Duryea's, and lived there until spring, when they
moved into a new house he had built on the east half of
the southwest quarter of section 3. Mr. Thompson was a
native of Warrensburg, Warren Co., N. Y., and was named
after that county. After living several years in Vermont
he removed to Niagara Co., N. Y., and from there came to
Adrian, Mich., in 1837. Since his settling here he has
been one of the leading men of the town, and has held
office many years. He has been engaged in agriculture
principally, though he was for several years engaged in the
grocery trade at Osseo, and is now retired from business,
enjoying that rest and repose of mind and body that a busy
life so well merits. One son, Francis W. Thompson, resides
in Osseo, and another, the youngest, George W. Thompson,
is a rising and successful practitioner at the bar of Kent
County, having his residence at Grand Rapids.
Besides those we have mentioned, we find that George
Jenkins (now living at North Adams, at the age of eighty-
four years), Henry P. Adams, William Scoon, and Perez
Dimmick resided here previous to the spring of 1837 ;
Albert Vredenburgh (the first shoemaker in town), Gus-
tavus Stevens, and Israel S. Hodges, before the spring of
1838 ; Matthew Armstrong, Marlin Parsons, William D.
Stout, Hezekiah Marvin, Miles and Harvey Lyon, Joseph
Bailey (now living at Pittsford), Abel Bailey, Charles Led-
yard, Isaac Ambler, and Orrin Cobb, before the spring of
1839; Ralph and Alvin Hamilton, Hiram and Erastus C.
Decker, Alanson Driscoll (an early blacksmith), Finley
Mc Arthur, Rufus Davis (a carpenter and joiner, who
worked for the railroad company for several years), Willet
Green, Julius Richards, Henry Sherman, David K. Chase,
Levi H. Durgee, and William P. Darrow, before the spring
of 1840 ; Silas S. Lindsley, Albert Blount, Henry Trumans
(still living on section 31), Aaron W. Nichols, William
Way (still living on section 1), John Bullard (who enlisted
as a soldier in the Mexican war and died there), and Pela-
tiah Hyde (who died in the army during the late war),
before the spring of 1841 ; and Hiram Howe, Solomon
Fenton, Peter Conrad, Isaac Doty, Joseph W. Ashley,
Philo A. Wells, and Joseph G. Howe, before the spring of
1842.
Of these settlers nearly all are dead or have removed
from the town.
Among the later settlers was Charles D. Luce, who
settled in 1846, on section 20, and has been one of the
most prominent and substantial citizens of the town. A
more detailed sketch of his life will be found in another
part of this work.
E. D. Ford was an early settler in the State. He was
from Wayne Co., N. Y., removed to Medina Co., Ohio, in
the spring of 1833, and in the fall of 1836 settled in the
south part of the town of Adams. He lived in Indiana
several years, returned to Michigan in 1849, locating at
Hillsdale, and removed to this town in 1854, where he has
continued to reside till the present. His farm, showing
marks of careful culture, is a part of section 18.
276
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Amasa and Averj Blunt, who have long been ranked as
substantial citizens of the town, are sons of Lemuel Blunt,
an early settler in the town of Woodbridge. Amasa came
to this town in 1841, and his brother, Avery, some years
later. They were originally from Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y.
James Leonardson, who settled here in the fall of 1843
(having been a resident of the State from 1836), came
from Montgomery Co., N. Y. He has been a leading and
influential citizen, has served in the most important town
offices, was Deputy United States Provost- Marshal for
Hillsdale County during the war, and is now living at
Pittsford village, near which place he owns a fine farm of
170 acres.
This town is designated in the United States survey as
township 7 south, of range 2 west. It is six miles square,
lies south of the town of Adams, of which it formerly was
a part, is bounded east by Pittsford, south by Ransom, and
west by Cambria, and is the most hilly of all the towns in
the county. The surface may be described as generally
rolling, rising into hills in the southeast and subsiding to
level lands in the southwest. A strip some two miles wide,
crossing the town diagonally from northwest to southeast,
lying a little north of the centre, and following the general
direction of the principal water-course, is of the kind of
land known as " oak-openings," and has a sandy or gravelly
soil, which is poorer in quality than the timbered lands
which border it, and occupy the northeast and southwest
parts. In the eastern part, south of the centre, there was
originally a considerable area of tamarack swamps, some of
which have not yet been reclaimed, and in the northwest
there was considerable marshy land, much of which by
improved drainage has become tillable land. The soil is
varied in its character, being mainly sandy or gravelly, with
some clay in the south and west parts, and occasionally loam
or alluvial deposits in the bottom-lands. It is well adapted
to all kinds of crops, and on many farms the best grade of
wheat is successfully grown.
The largest body of water in the town is Bird Lake, in
the central southern part, on sections 27 and 28. It was
named after Rowland Bird, of Ransom, who was, at the
time, the nearest settler to it. It is longest from east to
west, is divided into two parts by a peninsula jutting out
from its southern shore, and the outlet, called Burt Creek, is
situated at the southeastern extremity. Its waters cover an
area of some 125 acres, and are very deep. Lake Pleasant,
covering an area of about 70 acres, lies chiefly in the north-
west quarter of section 8, with its outlet at the western
end, connecting it with Baw Beese Lake, in Cambria. The
shores of this lake are surrounded by wide marshes, and the
bottom, which is of a muddy character, shelves rapidly a
few feet from the shore and sinks to the depth of over 70
feet in some places. Deer Lake is the largest of a chain of
eight small lakes and ponds that envelopes the western part
of Osseo village in a semicircle, and stretches away to the
southeast two or three miles. It lies just south of the vil-
lage, and in form resembles an axe. It is very deep in some
parts, having been sounded to a depth of 120 feet without
finding the bottom. The name was, in all probability, de-
rived from its being a favorite place for the deer to come
lor water and to feed on the marshes. Mud Lake is a small
body of water near the town line, in sections 34 and 35, and
is so called because of the muddy character of its banks
and bottom, and the muddy tinge of its waters. It covers
about 3 acres, and its outlet flows into Burt Creek. Near
the northwest corner of section 28 is a pond of about 1 acre,
called Mabb's Lake. Its peculiarity is that it is surrounded
to a considerable distance by a bog, which seems to lie upon the
water, showing that the land is encroaching on and gradually
filling up the lake. The outlet of this lake is called Acorn
Creek, a name given it by the Indians, and flows south into
Ransom, where it is called Ransom Creek. In all there are
17 lakes and ponds within the limits of the town, the rest
of which do not appear to have been christened. A small
part of Bass Lake and Baw Beese Lake lie across the west-
ern boundary in section 6. The waters of Lake Pleasant
and its tributaries find their way to Lake Michigan through
the St. Joseph's River, while the rest of the lakes empty their
waters through the Little St. Joseph's and Maumee Rivers
into Lake Erie. The principal stream is the outlet of Deer
Lake, which flows through the town in a southeasterly
course, entering Pittsford near the north line of section 25.
Previous to its settlement by the whites, and for a few
years after, there were a good many Indians living here, who
belonged to Baw Beese's tribe, and subsisted by hunting
and fishing and cultivating a little corn on the openings
along the shores of the lakes. They were always peaceable
and friendly towards the whites until about the time of their
removal to the Indian Territory, in 1839, when the killing
of an Indian's dog by one of the white settlers made bad
blood between them, and this was used as an argument to
hasten their removal from this locality. Every winter the
Indians were in the habit of setting fire to and burning the
grass and bushes that covered the marshes along the north
shore of the lakes, and each year the fire extended a little
farther into the timber, and formed the " burnt openings"
that occupied a considerable portion of the land north and
east of Osseo village.
Along the north shore of the chain of lakes, and also
on the shore of Bird Lake, are found a considerable num-
ber of mounds, which tend to show that this country was
once inhabited by a race now unknown to man save by the
relics they have left behind them. That these have not
been explored and examined by scientific men is a wonder,
for they are rich magazines of proofs of the residence of
the mound-builders in this region. They are of various
sizes, from 4 to 10 feet in diameter, and 2 or 3 feet high,
and all contain the skeletons of a number of people, some
more, some less. Those that have been opened by curious
people hereabouts have furnished many specimens of pot-
tery, such as pipes, bowls, etc., that are treasured as relics
by those finding them. Mr. Andrew Vanarsdale, who lives
in the south part of the town, opened one a few years since,
from which he took the skeleton of a man, who must have
been about 5 feet 3 inches high. He was buried in a
sitting posture in a small mound a short distance from a
larger one ; from which we are led to infer that he was a
person of distinction, and that he was a warrior is shown
by a hole in the skull above the right eye, evidently the
efiect of a wound, which is about three-eighths of an inch
in diameter and half an inch deep. The skull does not
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
277
possess the high cheek-bones of the Indian, and differs from
tlieirs in other respects. In the tomb was a claj vessel,
evidently moulded in a sort of wicker-frame, smoothed on
the inside with the fingers, and then hardened by exposure
to great heat. It is about 5 inches high, and nearly the
same in diameter. These mounds and their contents were
not of Indian origin, for the tribes of this region knew
nothing of them, and the implements and utensils were
totally dissimilar from any ever used by them.
In section 18, and extending quite a distance to the
northeast, evidences are found of the track of the mighty
tornado that many years ago swept through the forest with
resistless force, and in a few seconds of time felled to the
earth as many of the forest monarchs as it would have
taken one man a lifetime to demolish. The path it took
was at the time of settlement plainly indicated by the strip
of second-growth timber it bore. Only a surmise can be
made as to the time when it occurred ; but in one instance
a basswood-tree having between sixty and seventy concentric
rings, each supposed to indicate the growth during one
year, was cut down, which stood on the same ground for-
merly occupied by an ash-tree which was blown down by
the wind. This would indicate that the storm which did
such harm to the forest must have occurred nearly or quite
a century ago.
In the settlement of the town the north part was first
settled, because it was nearer the old Chicago road, and
the Territorial road ran through it. It was also good
timber land, and attractive to settlers for that reason. The
settlement rapidly extended south and west, however, and
clearings were begun in almost every section within five
years of the arrival of the first settler. The land entered
for speculative purposes by non-resident capitalists was
mostly situated in the southwest part, and was not generally
transferred into the hands of actual settlers until from ten
to fifteen years afterwards.
The early pioneers had many hardships and dangers to
encounter, wolves and bears being quite numerous and
troublesome, and for a few years provisions and clothing
were both scarce and costly. Flour and meal had often to
be brought from a distance, and other supplies too, while
meat had to be furnished by hunting or trade with the In-
dians. But this state of affairs did not long exist, for as
fast as the land was cleared crops were planted^ and the
area of tillable lands constantly increasing furnished an
abundance of the fruits of the earth. Orchards were
started, often from seeds brought with them by the emi-
grants, but it was necessarily several years before they came
into bearing, and meantime fruit, especially apples, was
scarce. Now all is changed, and fruitful fields and orchards
occupy the site of the ancient forest, testifying to the bene-
ficence of the Creator and the sturdy toil and ceaseless care
of the tillers of the soil. What a grand testimonial to the
physical and mental domination of the human race over all
other animate or inanimate nature !
The project of building a railroad by aid from the State
was being urged at the time of the settlement, and the
work was undertaken in the fall of 1838 and continued
until it was completed to Hillsdale in 1813. This enter-
prise furnished considerable employment to the settlers
along the line, who engaged in cutting and hauling lumber
and ties, building trestles and bridges, and took contracts
for grading portions of the road-bed. A station was estab-
lished at Osseo, which village had been laid out in 1840.
and trains began running through the town in October,
1843. The highest point reached by the Michigan Southern
Railroad is in this town.
This town was set off from Adams by a special act of
the Legislature of 1837. It was the practice among the
early settlers to allow the first settler to give the town in
which he lived a name. In this town that honor was, how-
ever, conferred upon William Duryea, and he chose to name
it Florida, after the town of Florida, in Montgomery Co.,
N. Y., where his former home was. It continued to bear
that name until the year 1850, when, at the instigation of
Warren Thompson, it was changed to Jefferson, in honor of
the illustrious framer of the immortal Declaration of Inde-
pendence. The desire to change the name is said to have
grown out of the use of a teasing expression by the citizens
of Hillsdale and Jonesville, who called the citizens of this
town " Florida Indians," much to their dissatisfaction.
The first town-meeting was held at the log house of Wil-
liam Duryea, on the 3d day of April, 1837. The following
is a copy of the record of that meeting :
''Florida, April 3, 1837. — Kt the first township-meeting
of the electors of the town of Florida, Hillsdale County,
State of Michigan, held at the house of William Duryea,
in said town, the house was called to order by H. Hadley,
Esq., Chauncey Leonard chosen Moderator, and Henry P.
Adams, Clerk for the day. William Duryea, Perez Dim-
mick, and Rowland Bird constitute the Board of inspectors
of Election, and chose by Ballot the following Persons to
fill the Several town ofiices as follows : Supervisor, Henry
P. Adams; Town Clerk, Chauncey Leonard; Assessors,
James Bullard, William Hecox, Alonzo McNeal ; Collector,
John M. Duryea; Directors of Poor, Horatio Hadley,
Michael B. Howell ; Commissioners of Highways, Orrin
Anderson, Frederick Duryea, Robert McNeal, Jr. ; Con-
stables, John M. Duryea, Orrin Anderson ; School Inspec-
tors, Wate Chapin, William Scoon, John Perrin, Jr. ; Jus-
tices of the Peace, Horatio Hadley, Henry P. xidams,
William Scoon, William Duryea.
" William Duryea,
" Perez Dimmick,
"Rowland Bird,
''Inspectors of Election^
After the election, Henry P. Adams refused to serve
either as supervisor or justice of the peace, and a special
election was held at " the house of Adams and Ambler,"
on the 4th of May following, at which Jacob Ambler was
chosen to both positions. The following list shows all the
principal officers of the town from its organization to the
present time :
civil list of the town op JEFFERSON.
1837-39. Jacob Ambler.
1840. William Hecox.
1841. William Duryea.
1842. Chauncey Leonard.
SUPERVISORS.
1843. William Hecox.
1844. Chauncey Leonard.
1845-46. James H. Thorn.
1847-48. Warren Thompson.
278
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
1849-50. James H. Thorn.
1851-62. Charles B. Luce.
1853. William Hecox.
1854. James H. Thorn.
1855-56. Henry F. Sutton.
1857. Moses Rumsej.
1858-59. Henry F. Sutton.
1860. Charles D. Luce.
1861. Joseph Slaght.
TOWN
1837-39. Chauncey Leonard.
1840. Warren Thompson.
1841-42. Erasmus D. Ambler.
1843. Chauncey Leonard.
1844-45. Isaiah Green.
1846. Stephen L. Gilbert.
1847-50. Isaiah Green.
1851. William Messenger.
1852. James D. Salisbury.
1853. William D. Jones.
1854. Ebenezer Hunt.
1855. William D. Jones.
1856. Charles Bullard.
1857. S. P. Van Akin.
1862. Silas A. Wade.
1863-64. James Leonardson.
1865. Moses Rumsey.
1866-68. James Leonardson.
1869-71. Charles D. Luce.
1872. Moses Rumsey.
18^73. James Leonardson.
1874-77. Charles D. Luce.
1878. Andrew L. Davis.
CLERKS.
1857. William D. Jones (ap-
pointed to fill vacancy).
1858-59. Nelson W. Thompson.
1860. Isaiah Green.
1861. Nelson W. Thompson.
1862-64. William W. Green.
1865. Jonathan Green.
1866. Isaac N. Green.
1867. C. B. Wiley.
1868-70. George W. Cooper.
1871. Zelora Phillips.
1872. William W. Green, Jr.
1873-78. J. H. Mann.
TOWN TREASURERS.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842-
1851.
1852-
1855.
1856.
1*857.
1858-
1860.
186L
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1837.
William Hecox.
William Buryea.
Peter Failing.
-50. Robert McNeal.
George Jenkins.
■54. Chauncey Leonard.
Moses Rumsey.
Jeremiah Odell.
Alanson Driscoll.
59. Charles D. Luce.
Harrison Van Akin.
Hiram Decker.
1862.
1863-
1865-
1867.
1868-
1870.
1871-
1873.
1874-
1876-
1878.
James H. Davis.
64. David Wines.
66. Charles D. Luce.
Ebenezer Hunt.
69. Morris Lamb.
Francis M. Hunt.
72. Isaac N. Green.
Robert J. Nichols.
75. Zela Hadley.
77. Dexter Hadley.
Aaron Bush.
JUSTICES OP THE PEACE.
William Duryea, 4 years.
William Scoon, 3 years.
Jacob Ambler, 2 years.
Horatio Hadley, 1 year.
Rowland Bird, f. t.
James H. Thorn, v.
James H. Thorn.
Perez Dimmick, f. t.
Chauncey Leonard, v.
Warren Thompson.
Chauncey Leonard, f. t.
Aaron W. Nichols, v.
James H. Thorn.
Aaron W. Nichols.
Warren Thompson.
1. K. Parmelee.
Stephen W. Perrin.
Aaron W. Nichols.
Warren Thompson.
E. K. Parmelee.
Stephen W. Perrin.
Aaron W. Nichols.
E. C. Adams.
Charles D. Luce.
Ja-mes H. Thorn, f. t.
1855. Adin T. Ayres, 3 years.
Warren Thompson, 2 years.
1856. Robert J. Nichols.
1857. Warren Thompson.
1858. Daniel B. Woodward.
1859.. Silas A. Wade.
1860. Robert J. Nichols.
1861. Chauncey L'eonard.
1862. Daniel B. Woodward.
1863. Serring N. Wade.
1864. Charles H. Smith.
1865. William W. Green.
1866. Hiram Decker.
1867. Daniel B. Woodward.
1868. Moses Rumsey.
1869. Jonas B. Cooper.
1870. Hiram Decker.
1871. Daniel B. Woodward.
1872. Serring N. Wade.
1873. Seth D. McNeal.
1874. Henry Decker.
1875. Daniel B. Woodward.
1876. Moses Rumsey.
1877. William H. Kimball.
1878. William D. Jones.
COMMISSIONERS OF HiaHWAYS.
Orrin Anderson.
Frederick Duryea.
Robert McNeal, Jr.
1838. Owen B. Coffin.
Erasmus D. Ambler.
Rowland Bird.
1839. William D. Stout.
Michael B. HowelL
Israel S. Hodges.
1840. Alanson Driscoll.
Finley Mc Arthur.
James H. Thorn.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
John Bullard.
George Jenkins.
Henry Trumans.
George Jenkins.
John Perrin.
Erasmus D. Ambler.
Julius Richards.
William Green.
Hiram Hov?e.
Stephen W. Perrin.
William Duryea.
John Paterson.
Joseph Bailey.
Almon Bird.
Alanson Driscoll.
Robert J. Nichols.
Stephen W. Perrin.
Hiram Howe.
Hiram Howe.
Robert J. Nichols.
James H. Thorn.
Joseph Slaght.
Israel S. Hodges.
M. D. Black.
George Duryea, f. t.
Hiram Howe, v.
1837. James Bullard.
William Hecox.
Alonzo McNeal.
1838. William Hecox.
Peter Failing.
Perez Dimmick.
1839. William Hecox.
Perez Dimmick.
Matthew Armstrong.
1840. Erastus C. Decker.
James H. Thorn.
William Duryea.
1841. Chauncey Leonard.
Aaron W. Nichols.
William Hecox.
1842. Stephen W. Perrin.
Hiram Howe.
1852. Adin T. Ayres, f. t.
Warren Thompson, v.
1853. Clarkson Soper.
1854. Elijah Perrin, f. t.
George W. Densmore, 2 yrs.
Isaiah Green, 1 year.
1855. Chauncey Leonard.
1856. James Leonardson.
1857. Daniel B. Woodward.
1858. Michael B. Howell.
1859. James Leonardson.
1860. Daniel B. Woodward.
1861. Albert B. Loomis.
1862. Elihu Hubbard.
1863. Anthony Van Arsdale.
1864. William Trivett.
1865. David Green.
1866. James A. Cole.
1867. Charles D. Luce.
1868. Robert J. Nichols.
1869. James A. Cole.
1870. Charles Mulikin.
1871. William C. Howell.
1872-77. James A. Cole.
1878. Peter Schneider.
ASSESSORS.
1843. Isaac Doty.
Almon Bird.
1844. John Perrin.
Almon Bird.
1845. Erastus K. Parmelee.
George L. Monroe.
1846. Marquis E. French.
George L. Monroe.
1849. Owen B. Coffin.
Robert J. Nichols.
1850. James H. Lewis.
Owen B. Coffin.
1852. Alanson DriscoU.
William P. Darrow.
1853. Moses Rumsey.
Robert J. Nichols."
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.
1837. Horatio Hadley.
Michael B. Howell.
1838. Horatio Hadley.
Michael B. Howell.
1839. Horatio Hadley.
Wait Chapin.
1840. Perez Dimmick.
Wait Chapin.
1841. William Green.
Wait Chapin.
1842. William Hecox.
Wait Chapin.
1843. Chauncey Leonard.
Warren Thompson.
1844. Chauncey Leonard.
Warren Thompson.
1845. Isaac Doty.
Ely Farnsworth.
John W. Merriott.
1846. Owen B. Coffin.
Chauncey Leonard.
1847. Ely Farnsworth.
1837. Peter Failing.
1838. Orrin Anderson.
1839. Erasmus D. Ambler.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
Joseph Bailey.
Chauncey Leonard.
Wait Chapin.
George Jenkins.
Owen B. Coffin.
Wait Chapin.
James H. Thorn.
William P. Darrow.
Ely Pettis.
Warren Thompson.
Chauncey Leonard.
Warren Thompson.
Chauncey Leonard.
William Hecox.
Aaron W. Nichols.
Alanson Driscoll.
Stephen W. Perrin.
Alanson Driscoll.
Ransom Cole.
Silas A. Wade.
Jehiel H. Lockwood.
George L. Monroe.
COLLECTORS.
1840.
1841.
Alanson Driscoll.
Robert McNeal, Jr.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
279
The town is now and has for many years been Repub-
lican in politics. The elections are held at Osseo.
The first post-office was established Aug. 20, 1839,
through the efforts of Warren Thompson, who circulated a
petition, obtained a number of signatures, forwarded it to
the Department, and was commissioned as postmaster on
the date above mentioned. He retained this position nearly
twenty-two years, although the office was kept several years
by deputies appointed by him. Upon the election of Abra-
ham Lincoln to the presidency, Mr. Thompson was removed
and Ebenezer Hunt appointed in his stead. During the
administration of Andrew Johnson the office was transferred
into the hands of Isaac N. Green, who held it until the
winter of 1873-74, when William H. Kimball superseded
him. In 1875, William R. Davis was appointed, and held
it for eight months, and was succeeded by the present in-
cumbent, L. H. Elliott, who was appointed in the summer
of 1876. At first the office was a station on the Hillsdale
and Maumee post- route, and was kept at Mr. Thompson's
log house. Soon after the completion of the railroad it was
changed to Osseo village, and was first kept in the tavern
of Isaiah Green. It was first known as Florida post-office
until the name of the town was changed, and then it was
called Osseo. Another post-office was established in the
south part of the town, six or seven years ago. It is called
South Jefferson post-office, and is kept at the house of the
postmaster, Mr. A. Van Arsdale.
The village of Osseo lies in the north centre of the town,
or portions of sections 4 and 9. At the time of the build-
ing of the railroad Jonesville was the county-seat, and the
citizens of Hillsdale were making an effort to have the
county-seat removed to their village, claiming that it was
nearer the centre of the county and more convenient to the
whole population. This movement was seen to be gaining
strength, and a few of the citizens of Jonesville conceived
the idea of starting a village nearer the centre of the
county, to contest with Hillsdale the possession of the
county seat, and thus, by dividing the forces of the oppo-
sition, to keep things as they were.
In pursuance of this scheme, " The Osseo Village Com-
pany" was formed, and purchased a tract of land of 130
acres, on which they surveyed a village plat of about 6
acres, which was recorded in the register's office March 11,
1840. So sanguine were the people of this vicinity that
the county-seat would be removed to this village that the
sites of the county buildings were selected, and prepara-
tions made to build. But when they found out the ruse of
the Jonesville people, they sided with the citizens of Hills-
dale, and assisted in changing the county-seat to that place.
The original proprietors of the plat were Hervey Smith,
James K. Kinman, William W. Murphy, Benjamin F.
Smith, and George C. Munro. An addition was made to
the village August 2, 1866, by Warren Thompson, Jona-
than Silcox, Francis Ogden, and three others who owned
lots at the northeast of the village.
The name " Osseo" is of Indian origin, said to mean
" fiery plumes," and was derived from the appearance of
the marshes and woods when the annual burning of them
ook place.
The first buildinor erected in Osseo was the tavern of
Isaiah Green, which still stands on the northwest corner of
Monroe Avenue and McClelland Street. It was also the
first frame building in the township. Wm. Hecox had
previously erected a frame addition to his log house, but
this was the first built entirely of framed timbers. It is
now used as a store. The succeeding summer Mr. Green
erected a small building on the opposite corner, which he
rented for store purposes to Philo A. Wells, who kept a
small grocery there. A short time after, this building was
sold to Thomas Silver, who moved it to the south side of
the railroad, where Hunt's store now stands. In 1857,
Silver sold the building to Ebenezer Hunt, from whose
hands it passed into the possession of Fred Silver, and
lastly into the hands of Thomas Porter, the present owner.
Mr. Green, in a short time after the removal of this build-
ing, put up another small store on the same site, which he
occupied as a dry-goods and grocery-store. This is now
owned by William D. Jones and used for a dwelling.
About a year later, in 1843, a warehouse was built at the
east side of the railroad crossing, which was afterwards
fitted up for a store and occupied by Isaiah Green. Two
or three years later it was removed to its present site, just
east of the hotel. The first dwelling-house in the village
was in the west part, and was built by Peter Conrad.
From this small commencement Osseo has grown to its
present size. The growth has been slow and steady up to
the panic of 1873, since which time it has, as in nearly all
other villages, practically ceased. At present, indications
of renewed activity in building are making their appear-
ance. Of the business places opened at a later day than
those already mentioned, we name a few. Ebenezer Hunt
opened a store here in 1854, and in 1859-60 he put up the
building he now occupies. He has been connected in busi-
ness partnerships with other persons a part of the time, and
John N. Miner is now a partner in the business. The first
blacksmith-shop was that of William S. Leonard, standing
north of the old tavern. In 1853, Isaiah Green erected a
new hotel opposite the old one, which was converted into
a store, and is still keeping a public-house there. He has
been the only innkeeper in the town from the time of set-
tlement, a period of 43 years, and is now completing his
25th year in the present house. The first hardware-store
and tin-shop was opened in 1868, by George W. Cooper.
J. H. Mann is the present merchant in that line of trade.
The first, and at present the only brick business block, was
erected in 1863, by Zelora and Dorr Phillips, and is used
as a drug-store. The second story is occupied by the Masons
as their lodge-room. A brick-yard was started by Phillips
Brothers about 1863. The first church in the village was
the Methodist church, built in 1860. The second, a brick
structure, was built by the Free Baptists in 1873.
At present the village contains about 60 dwellings, one
dry-goods and grocery-store, two drug- and grocery-stores,
one hardware-store and tin-shop, one boot- and shoe-shop,
two carriage- and blacksmith-shops, one blacksmith-shop,
one brick and tile-factory, one hotel, a fine brick school-
house, two churches, and the depot and warehouse of the
L. S. & M. S. Railroad Co. Its population is about 350.
A small portion of the village of Pittsford, containing
the Christian Church, lies in this town. The history of
^80
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
that village will be found in connection with that of the
town of Pittsford.
We have heretofore made mention of the first school in
the town, kept by Sarah Bullard in 1839. As the town
became settled more thickly, new districts were organized,
until at present there are 10 whole and 2 joint districts in
the town. These schools are all maintained on a liberal
footing, and are furnishing educational facilities of no mean
character to the children of the town. In District No. 2
is a school and building of which the citizens of Osseo may
well be proud. It was changed from a common to a graded
school in December, 1867, upon the completion of the new
house, and commenced at that time under the charge of
George W. Thompson and Adaline G. Darrow. The present
teachers are C. B. Derthick and Alice Darrow. The build-
ing was erected in 1867, at a cost of about $4000. It is
30 by 50 feet, and built of brick, and, standing as it does
on an eminence in the east part of the Village, presents a
pleasant and attractive appearance, adding very much to
the looks of the village. There are about 90 pupils in
attendance, and the school census of 1878 shows that there
are but 103 persons of school age (between five and twenty
years) residing in the district, demonstrating the fact that
nearly 90 per cent, of the children are in school.
The following is a list of the first and also of the present
oflScers of the district, viz. :
First Officers. — Moderator, H. H. Harring; Director,
F. W. Thompson ; Assessor, G. W. Cooper ; Trustees,
Ebenezer Hunt, F. W. Thompson, Morris Lamb, James
King, H. H. Harring, Joseph Slaght.
Present Officers. — Moderator, A. R. Whitney : Director,
Dorr Phillips ; Assessor, James King ; Trustees, L. H.
Elliott, William E. Burnett, James Rose.
Aside from agriculture and the usual mechanical pur-
suits, the business of the town is limited. There are two
saw-mills and two grist-mills now in operation, and these,
with those already mentioned, complete the list of mills
and factories. One enterprise we wish, however, to make a
more special mention of, and that is the
OSSEO BRICK AND DRAIN-TILE WORKS.
About fourteen years ago, while the citizens were im-
proving the grade of the road leading south from the vil-
lage, they cut through the surface soil of sand and gravel,
and struck a vein of clay that looked as if it might be ex-
cellent for the purpose of manufacturing brick. Subse-
quently, by the digging of wells at different places along
the hill, it was discovered that the clay formed an extensive
bed, underlying the whole hill on which the village stands.
Phillips Brothers established a brick -yard soon after this,
and about 1869 added the manufacture of drain-tile on a
small scale.
The business constantly increased, as the tough and
durable nature of the tile became recognized, and in 1873
the premises and business was purchased by William H.
Kimball, who, in the spring of 1878, sold a half-interest to
Dexter Hadley. The bed of clay is seemingly almost in-
exhaustible and of a very superior quality, being plastic
and easily worked and remarkably free from impurities. It
is well adapted to the manufacture of coarse pottery if not
for the finer grades, and that branch is soon to be added to
the manufactures of the company. It is the largest and
best tile-factory in the county, and ranks well with any in
the State. During the past year the works have turned off
225,000 tile and have employed on an average eight men.
The Tiffany Tile-Machine is used, and the capacity is about
300,000 a year. A 25 horse-power steam-engine is used
to run the works.
A serious railroad accident occurred at Osseo, about the
20th of December, 1861, by which three persons lost their
lives and many others were more or less injured. It was in
the early morning. A freight-train had passed through in
the night and the switch-tender had depended on the con-
ductor of that train to close ihQ switch after he had passed,
but this was not done, and when the express-train came
dashing along at a high rate of speed it was thrown from
the track and badly wrecked, and the unsuspecting passen-
gers were hurled into a promiscuous heap, from which they
were rescued as speedily as possible and received the care
and attention of the villagers. The three who were killed
were buried here, until their friends came and removed
them. The switchman and the conductor of the freight-
train immediately fled, and were never called to account for
their criminal negligence.
The Masonic fraternity has an organization in this town.
It is known as
STAR LODGE, NO. 93, F. AND A. M.
It was instituted on the 16th day of January, 1857,
under the auspices of Fidelity Lodge, No. 32, F. and A. M.,
of Hillsdale, with ten members. Their names were Lewis
Hagadorn, Chauncey Leonard, Samuel P. Yanakin, Wil-
liam M. Clark, Samuel B. Pay lor, Abel Wolcott, Horatio
W. Bates, Marvin W. Thatcher, Milo Bell, and Ichabod
Steadman.
The first officers were installed Jan. 29, 1857, as fol-
lows, viz. : Lewis Hagadorn, W. M. ; Chauncey Leonard,
S. W.; Samuel P. Vanakin, J. W.; M. W. Thatcher, S.
D ; H. W. Gere, J. D. ; Alanson Driscoll, Treas. ; William
M. Clark, Sec; Samuel B. Paylor, Tyler. The installa-
tion ceremonies were conducted by Franklin French, W.
M. of Fidelity Lodge, of Hillsdale.
The Masters of the lodge in the order of their service have
been Lewis Hagadorn, David H. Lord, Chauncey Leonard,
Francis W. Thompson, Samuel S. Hinkle, Zelora Phillips,
Caleb Green, N. W. Thompson, S. M. Huntington, Samuel
S. Hinkle, and William E. Burnett. The membership at
present is about 60.
The lodge owns the hall, in the second story of the
Phillips block, and have fitted it up in handsome style.
The entire expense of hall and furniture has been about
$1500. The present officers are William E. Burnett, W.
M. ; Guy Kingsley, S. W. ; Sanford Leonardson, J. W. ;
Thomas Porter, S. D. ; A. G. Mosher, J. D. ; George W.
Rumsey, Treas. ; Sanford F. Greene, Sec. ; H. H. Harring,
Tyler.
Living in the north part of the town is an aged couple
seventy-eight years of age, both born on the same day, and
who have been living in the relation of husband and wife
upwards of fifty years. It is remarkable as a coincidence
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
281
of ages, as an instance of longevity, and as a more than usu-
ally prolonged term of wedded life. This worthy couple,
who are held in high esteem by all who know them, are
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Knight.
The churches of this town are four in number: two of
them, the Methodist Episcopal and Free Baptist churches,
at Osseo; another, the Adventist church, in the south
part ; and the last, the Christian church, at Pittsford. We
have obtained as full histories of each of them as we were
able to, which we here present.
OSSEO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first service held in connection with the organization
of this society was a sermon preached at the house of
Horatio Hadley in 1836. The congregation consisted of
five persons, and the minister. Rev. Mr. Wilcox, received
for his services a " five-dollar gold-piece." In 1837 a class
was formed, consisting of thirteen persons, and the society
was attached to Bean Creek Mission. It was afterwards
changed to the Hillsdale Circuit, and some years later was
established as a separate charge.
Four of the original members are still living in the town.
They are Mr. and Mrs. Horatio Hadley, Mrs. Sarah Hecox,
and Mrs. Rebecca Failing.
The pastors have been as follows, viz. : 1837, J. Scotford
and A. Staples ; 1838, P. Sabin and Z. C. Brown ; 1839-
40, J. Scotford and P. Sabin; 1841, C. Babcock and G.
C. ShurtlifF; 1842, G. C. Shurtliff; 1843-44, W. Jackson
and A. Minnis ; 1845, W. P. Judd and Thomas Seely ;
1846, J. Jennings; 1847, H. Worthington ; 1848, W.
Kelly; 1849, R. McConnell ; 1850, L Taylor; 1851-52,
James Maguire; 1853, I. Card; 1854, J. Dobbins; 1855,
B. N. Sheldon and J. Clerbine ; 1856, N. Mount and J.
Hoyt; 1857, I. Finch and William Doust; 1858-59,
E. C. Chambers; 1860-61, A. W. Torrey ; 1862, A. L.
Crittenden; 1863, C. T. Van Antwerp; 1864-65, G. D.
Palmer; 1866, A. J. Russel ; 1867-68, B. W. Smith;
1869-70, W. J. Swift; 1871, A. M. Hunt; 1872-74, J.
Clerbine; 1875, S. George; 1876, M. Browning; 1877,
A. M. Fitch ; 1878, M. I. Smith.
The first church edifice was erected, in the year 1860, at
a cost of about $2000. It was repaired and enlarged, in
1873, at a further cost of $2000, and will now comfortably
seat about 300 people. The membership is now 84. The
officers of the church and Sabbath-school are L. W. Chapin,
Class-Leader ; Robert Hill, Levi Vanakin, Loren W.
Chapin, William E. Burnett, and William H. Kimball,
Trustees ; W. H. Kimball, Superintendent.
FREE BAPTIST CHURCH OF OSSEO.
The records of this church begin with a meeting held
August 13, 1873, though it is possible there was an organ-
ization prior to that time. It was organized through the
efforts of Rev. A. A. Myers, of Hillsdale, who was also
the first pastor, and continued in that relation, being as-
sisted by Rev. John Mitchell, a student at Hillsdale Col-
lege, until January, 1878, when Rev. C. B; Mills was
settled as pastor, and remained six months. Since that
time the pulpit has been supplied, Elder Myers preaching
most of the time.
36
The number of members at the time of organization was
about 30. Among them we mention John S. Alder, Marcus
Van, Robert Purchase, Lawton Taylor, A. J. Goodell, S.
D. McNeal, Elliott W. Church, James Fowler, Minor
Knight, John D. Burghdurf, J. H. Mann, Guy Kingsley,
and William W. Green. The present membership is
about 75.
The society is connected with the Hillsdale Quarterly
Meeting and the Michigan Yearly Meeting.
The society purchased a lot of J. S. Alder for $200, and
at once set at work to build a church, which was erected in
1873, at a cost of $5000. It is built of brick, and is a
fine-looking edifice. It was dedicated Oct. 28, 1877, by
Prof Dunn, of Hillsdale College.
The first officers were Moses Rumsey, E. G. Parker,
William Van Wert, Warren Thompson, Lawton Taylor,
Seth D. McNeal, Trustees; Marcus Van, Miner Knight,
Deacons ; Robert Purchase, Caleb Green, Lawton Taylor,
Building Committee.
The present officers are Miner Knight, Lawton Taylor,
George Rumsey, Nathan J. Randall, Marcus Van, J. H.
Mann, Trustees; A. J. Goodell, Clerk; John Decker,
Treasurer; E. W. Church, J. D. Burghdurf, Deacons.
There is a large and flourishing Sabbath-school connected
with the church.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
In the early spring of the year 1875, an Adventist min-
ister named Rev. Hiram St. John, who resided at Clyde,
Ohio, came to this town for the purpose of holding a series
of meetings to propagate the doctrines of that sect. The
place selected at which to hold the meetings was the Black
school-house, in the south part of the town, and they were
kept up for a period of about six weeks, with good success,
and resulted in numerous conversions. From among these
converts the church was formed in June following, and had
a membership of 43. Among these members were Amasa
Blunt, F. D. Snyder, Philancourt Black, George B. Taylor,
Andrew Cook, Mary J. Snyder, Jonathan Iden, and George
Hodgson. The church has had many additions to its roll
of members, and has lost by removal and other causes suffi-
cient to offset them, so that the membership is about the
same now that it was in the beginning.
For a year after the formation of the church regular
weekly meetings were held at the school-house ; but in the
summer of 1876 a church was built, under the charge of
G. Hodgson, F. D. Snyder, and E. Forte, building com-
mittee, on a lot donated by Mr. Snyder. It is a plain, neat,
wooden structure, capable of seating 200 people, and cost
about $700.
The ministers who officiate at these Adventist churches
are not settled as pastors, but are sent, as occasion demands,
to hold meetings at different points. Those who have
preached at this church are Revs. Hiram' St. John, H. M.
Kenyon, W. H. Littlejohn, M. S. Burnham, and M. B.
Miller.
The first officers were F. D. Snyder, Amasa Blunt, An-
drew Cook, Trustees; Philancourt Black, Clerk; Amasa
Blunt, Elder ; George N. Monroe, Deacon.
The present officers are F. D. Snyder, Amasa Blunt,
282
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Jonathan Iden, Trustees ; Esther Cook, Clerk ; F. D. Sny-
der, Elder; George Hodgson, Deacon.
There has been a Sabbath-school from the commencement,
with an average attendance of about 30 scholars. Amasa
Blunt was the first Superintendent. F. D. Snyder is the
present Superintendent, and Alice Kingsbury is the Sec-
retary.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF PITTSFORD.
During the year 1867, Rev. W. W. De Geer, a minister
of the Christian denomination, was induced to come to this
place to preach by Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Haynes, who were
acquaintances of his. The meetings thus instituted con-
tinued for about a year, and then it was thought desirable
to form a church society, there then being about a dozen
members of the sect who were anxious to unite their efforts
for the furtherance of the interests of the cause of Christ.
As a consequence of this desire on their part, a meeting
was held at the Wesleyan church, in Pittsford village, on
Saturday, the 28th day of April, 1868, for the purpose of
organizing the church. The meeting was attended by about
twenty persons, and proved an interesting and profitable
occasion. After a sermon preached by Rev. W. W. De
Geer, he instituted the church, receiving into its fellowship
the following persons, viz. : Sanford Haynes, Sarah A.
Haynes, James H. Filkins, Jane Filkins, from the Adams
Church ; Matthew A. Willitts, from the Free-Will Baptist
Church of Pittsford ; John C. S. Burger, Fanny Burger,
Amos D. Olds, Ann 0. Olds, James H. Salmond, Tryphena
Salmond, Sarah A. Debingham, and Jane A. Converse.
Sanford Haynes was elected deacon, and James H. Fil-
kins clerk.
The meetings were first held at the Wesleyan Methodist
church, and subsequently at the school-house, and for a
while in the store now occupied by J. B. Wilson. In the
winter of 1869-70 it was decided to build a church, and a
meeting was held for the purpose of incorporating the so-
ciety, on the 1st of January, 1870. This meeting adopted
the following as the legal name of the body, viz. : " The
First Christian Church in the village of Pittsford, in the
towns of Pittsford and Jefferson, Hillsdale Co., State of
Michigan." ' Sanford Haynes, M. A. Willitts, J. C. S.
Burger were elected as trustees, and they together with
Charles Boley and H. B. Mead constituted the building
committee to superintend the erection of the church. A
subscription paper was started, and a sufiicient sum being
pledged, work on the church was begun in the spring or
summer following. The church was so far completed as to
allow of its being occupied as a place of worship in the
winter following. It was then furnished with temporary
seats, and the meetings, which had for a short time been
held at the house of J. H. Filkins, were changed to the
church, the first one being held there on the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1871.
In the spring of 1874, Rev. G. T. Sullivan, an Evan-
gelist, from Iowa, was engaged to conduct a series of revi-
val meetings, which commenced on the 13th of March, and
continued for several weeks, resulting in a widely extended
and powerful revival of God's work, by means of which
one hundred and thirty-four persons were converted and
joined the church. Strengthened by this large addition to
their numbers, steps were at once taken to finish the church
by putting in permanent seats and pulpit. This was accom-
plished at a cost of $400, and the dedicatory services were
held at two o'clock P.M., Sept. 18, 1874, the sermon being
preached by Mr. Sullivan. The sum of $336 was raised
to pay off the indebtedness of the church. In the evening
a meeting was held, which was addressed by Rev. H. K.
Stamp.
The church is a brick building capable of seating about
250 persons, stands on the west side of Main Street, in the
north part of the village of Pittsford, and was erected at a
total cost of $3200.
The pastors of this church, in the order of their service,
have been Revs. W. W. De Geer, M. W. Tuck, John Wil-
cox, P. W. Sinks, and N. L. Swank. Since the 1st of
December, 1878, the church has been without a pastor.
At present the membership of the church is 71.
The present officers are James H. Filkins, G. S. Patterson,
Alonzo F. Webster, Trustees ; James H. Filkins, Clerk ;
G. C. Maxson, Treasurer.
The Sabbath-school connected with this church was or-
ganized as a union school some time before the formation
of the church. It has been well maintained throughout,
and has at present an average attendance of about 40
scholars. William Perrin was the first superintendent, and
Rev. N. L. Swank is the present one, though since his pas-
torate terminated, the duties of the position have devolved
mostly upon the assistant superintendent, Jas. H. Filkins.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. CHARLES D. LUCE.
Among the early settlers at Martha's Yineyard were the
Luces. Portions of the family emigrated to other States.
Joseph Luce, the father of the subject of this narrative,
was a native of New Jersey, where he was born in the year
1786. He followed the calling of a miller in the earlier
part of his life, but in his later years he turned his attention
to farming. He was an officer in the war of 1812, and
served on the frontier. He was a sober, industrious man,
of excellent principles, and led a comparatively uneventful
life. He died in the year 1842, in Fjrie Co , Pa., whither
he had removed from Arcadia, Wayne Co., N. Y. In 1811
he was married to Miss Betsey Soverhill, by whom he had
a family of twelve children, Charles D. being the fifth.
He was born in Arcadia, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 6, 1820.
His early life did not difier materially from that of farmer
boys generally. Work upon the farm during the summer
was succeeded by the usual terra at the district school in
winter. By dint of energy and application, he obtained a
thorough knowledge of the English branches, and his edu-
cation he made practically useful to himself and others by
teaching. In 1846 he came to Hillsdale County, and pur-
chased, on credit, the farm where he now resides. The land
was entirely unimproved, and the construction of a farm
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
283
and the liquidation of the debt incurred was a work of no
small magnitude. In February, 1850, Mr. Luce was mar-
ried to Miss Sylva R., daughter of Daniel S. and Rhoda
Brown, of Erie Co., Pa. The paternal grandfather of Mrs.
Luce was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, while her
father served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Luce have
been blessed with one child, a son, Ernest M., who was
born December, 1850, in the town of Harbor Creek, Erie
Co., Pa.
In his political belief Mr. Luce is a Republican, and has
been prominently identified with the politics of his district
and county, although not a politician in the common accep-
tation of the term, never having sought political advance-
ment. He has filled many positions of trust and responsi-
bility, the duties of which he has discharged with fidelity
to the trust reposed in him, and with honor to himself and
to the satisfaction of the public. In 1850 he was elected
supervisor of Jefferson, re-elected in 1851, and since that
time has served seven terms. On the Board he was regarded
as an efiicient member, and served on important committees.
For four years he served his fellow-townsmen as treasurer,
and for seven years was on the Board of County Superin-
tendents. In 1872 was elected to the representative branch
of the Legislature, serving on the committees of Education
and Engrossment and Enrollment. Having acquired an
enviable reputation for integrity and business ability, he
was urged to accept the position of president of the Far-
mers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Hillsdale County,
which position he now holds.
Mr. Luce is emphatically a self-made man. Commencing
life with only his natural resources for his capital, he has
attained success in every department of life, and his career
is an example to young men of the capabilities of character
and manhood.
THOMAS IIUTCHINGS.
This gentleman, one of the substantial farmers of Jeffer-
son, was born in Somersetshire, England, Sept. 16, 1820.
He learned the trade of a shoemaker, which occupation he
followed until his emigration to this country, in 1850. For
several years preceding his settlement in Hillsdale County
he was engaged in farming in the State of New York ; but,
his means being limited, he came to Michigan in order to
attain the acme of his ambition, the possession of a home
of his own. He first purchased, in company with his
brother-in-law, Mr. Trivett, the farm now owned by the
latter gentleman. The copartnership existed about ten
years, when Mr. Hutchings sold his interest, and purchased
and cleared the farm now owned by Henry Duryea. Mr.
Hutchings has been a sober, industrious man, and in his
chosen calling has been very successful, and is considered to
be one of the thorough, energetic farmers of Jefferson. He
attributes much of his success to the substantial aid rendered
him by his worthy wife, whom he married Sept. 5, 1855.
Her maiden name was Elida A. Betts. She was born in
Barry, Orleans Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 1829. Her parents
were farmers, and came to Michigan in 1849, and settled
in Jackson County. On another page will be seen a view
of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hutchings, and of the birth-
place of Mr. Hutchings, which is situated in a little hamlet
in Somersetshire, about five miles from the city of Chard.
The house is built of stone. The central part was built by
the elder Hutchings, the subsequent additions being made
by the members of the family. The left-hand portion of
the building is Uvsed for the manufacture of shoes, and is
thatched with straw. The building in the background is
one of the ordinary English tenant-houses, immediately in
front of which is the holly hedge. Altogether it afi*ords
a very pretty view of English scenery.
RANSOM.
The township of Ransom includes sections 1 to 30 of
congressional township 8 south, range 2 west, and its mu-
nicipal genealogy may be traced as follows: When, on the
17th of March, 1835, the county of Hillsdale was divided
by ranges into four separate townships, range 2 west was
given the name of Moscow. March 23, 1836, the town of
Adams was formed, including all of the range from what is
now Moscow south to the Ohio line. March 11, 1837, that
portion south of what is now Adams was given the name
Florida, from part of which — townships 8 and fractional 9
south— was formed Rowland, Jan. 28, 1840. The remain-
ing portion of Florida was changed to Jefferson, March 17,
1849, which name it still retains, including township 7
south, range 2 west. The name of Rowland was given in
honor of the first settler of the township, Rowland Bird.
Several years after the death of Mr. Bird a second act was
passed, through the influence of certain parties living in
what is now Amboy, and by this the name of the township
was changed to Ransom ; this was on the 9th of March,
1848. The inhabitants were not satisfied with this, and
desiring that the name of the pioneer of the township
should be duly honored, they secured the passage of an act
the next year (April 2, 1849) changing the name to Bird.
The strife was not yet at an end, for in the succeeding
year (March 28, 1850) the act was passed which changed
the name finally to Ransom, which has since been retained.
By the same act the east half of Amboy was formed from
fractional township 9 south (range 2) and the south tier of
sections of township 8, the west half being taken from the
south part of Woodbridge in the same manner.
Three considerable streams, with their lesser tributaries,
furnish abundant water for this township. These are Silver
284
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Creek, entering from Woodbridge on section 7, and flowing
in a general southerly course, furnishing very good power,
and discharging into Amboy at the south side of section 29 ;
Ransom Creek, flowing southerly through the centre of the
township, entering Amboy from section 26 ; and Burt Creek,
the outlet of Bird Lake, in Jefferson, which flows south
through the eastern part of the town. The latter stream is
named from the family which early located near it, — that pf
Thomas Burt. All three of these creeks finally mingle
their waters with those in the St. Joseph's fork of the
Maumee, flowing through Williams Co., Ohio, and into
Indiana, uniting with the St. Mary's at Fort Wayne, in the
latter State, and forming the Maumee, which takes a north-
easterly course and enters Maumee Bay ten miles below
Toledo. Silver Creek is also known as the west branch of
the St. Joseph, the two branches uniting in Williams Co.,
Ohio.
The surface of this town is greatly varied. In the southern
and eastern portions it is comparatively level, while the bal-
ance is considerably broken by hills and ravines. The
channels of the streams are deeply cut, and their currents
usually quite rapid. But a small proportion of the town-
ship contains marsh, the most extensive having been origi-
nally a mile and a half north of Ransom Centre, at what
is called " Tamarack Corners." Here was a considerable
swamp, filled with tamarack timber, but it has been mostly
drained and rendered productive. The system of under-
draining has been introduced by the farmers of the town-
ship, and with marked success ; different varieties of drain
tile are used.
W^hen Ransom was first settled, nearly its entire area was
covered with a dense and heavy growth of timber, the only
exception being a small portion in the north, which was
"timbered openings." Much of the original timber yet
remains, and the want of wood for fuel is not likely to be
felt for many years. In this town are to be found, in the
dwellings of its inhabitants, many of the wide fireplaces,
such as cheered the hearts and warmed the log cabins of
her first settlers, and the same charm attaches to them
which they possessed in years agone, when the forest
reached to the doorway, aud the huge back-log was brought
in from only a few steps away and deposited in its place to
act as a support to the pile of smaller sticks placed in its
front, while the jolly sparks raced with each other up the
capacious chimney.
The soil of Ransom is generally of a clayey nature, but
little sand abounding, and is well adapted to the growth of
wheat and the various grains raised in this region. An
idea of the resources of the township will be gained by
perusing the following items, taken from the State census
for 1874 :
Population (763 males, 776 females) 1,539
Number of acres of taxable land 19,042
" " land owned by Individuals
and companies 19,075.50
" " improved land 12,074
" " land exempt from taxation... 33.50
Value of same, including improvements..... $10,900
Number of acres in school-house sites 3
" church and parsonage sites 4
" burying-grounds 6
Property used or intended for other public pur-
poses .50
Number of farms in township 306
** acres in same 18,604
Average number of acres in same 60.79
Number of acres of wheat sown in 1874 2,359
" " " harvested in 1873 1,962
*' '* corn *' " ..... 1,852
♦* bushels of wheat " " 24,871
« " corn " " 99,660
" " all other grain " " 16,787
" " potatoes raised " 7,856
" tons of hay cut " 2,080
" pounds of wool sheared " 16,079
" " pork marketed " 183,505
" " cheese made " 49,882
" " butter made " 89,580
" " fruit dried for market " 11,562
" barrels of cider made '' 423
" pounds of maple-sugar made in 1874 1,610
" acres in orchards in " 522
" bushels of apples raised in 1872 21,750
" ' " " " 1873 16,420
" " pears " 1872 10
" " " '' 1873 10
" " cherries " 1872 63
" '' " " 1873 76
" cwt. of grapes " ** 5
Value of these productions for 1872 $5,691
" " " 1873 $4,215
Number of horses, one year old and over, 1874... 577
" mules, 1874 5
" work-oxen, 1874 46
" milch cows, " 886
" neat cattle, one year old and over,
other than oxen and cows 448
" swine over six months old 1,138
'' sheep " " 1,848
'' *' sheared in 1873 3,385
" lumber, lath, and shingle-mills in
1874 2
'* persons employed in same 8
Amount of capital invested in same $7,000
Feet of lumber sawed 600,000
Value of products of these mills $9,700
Number of cheese- and butter-factories in 1874... 1
*' persons employed in same 2
Amount of capital invested $1,100
Value of products $4,653
As a dairying township Ransom ranks second in the
county, according to the census, Reading only being ahead.
Three cheese-factories have at different times been built in
town, the first by Jacob Lozier, on section 22 ; the next by
Silas P. Boothe, on section 1 ; and the third by Thomas
Burt, on section 24. The only one now in operation is that
of Mr. Lozier. The Boothe factory was only conducted
part of one season, and is now used as a barn. That of Mr,
Burt was the most extensive of the three, and is yet stand-
ing. Mr. Lozier manufactures from the milk of his own
cows only.
The inhabitants of Ransom take just pride in their choice
stock. Thomas Burt, who owns one of the best farms in
the township, has as good — perhaps the best — conveniences
for wintering stock as any farmer in the vicinity, and his
herd of choice cows and fat young steers is certainly the
best in the township.
LAND ENTRIES.
Much of the land included in what is now Ransom was
entered by speculators before a solitary person had settled
within its limits, and the greater number of the early ar-
rivals purchased from second hands. The following is a
record of the entries previous to the 27th of April, 1838,
as transcribed to the county books from the records of the
land-office at Monroe :
Section 1. — David Margas, William Wolcott, William B.
Bristol, Gardner Cooper, John F. Taylor, John M. Lickley.
Section 2. — Gilbert Howland, Joseph R. Williams, Lo-
renzo Bailey, Lothrop & Buck, Bronson Hopkins.
Section 3. — Lorenzo Bailey, Lothrop & Buck, Bronson
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
285
Hopkins, Alonzo Bailey, Edward S. Baker, R. T. Davis,
James Bellows.
Section 4.— John Allen, Gershom Willmarth, Lothrop
& Buck, Wilder & Hastings.
Section 5.— John Palmer, Rowland Bird, Lothrop &
Buck, James Guion.
Section 6.— Samuel Young, Wilder & Hastings, William
P. Green, James Guion.
Section 7.— Lothrop & Buck, Wilder & Hastings, A. S.
& Stephen Clark, Orrin Cobb, Charles J. Manning, Watson
Childs, Hiram Darrow.
Section 8.— Asahel Kimball, Lothrop & Buck, William
Burnham, Henry Fowler, Erastus Gaylord.
Section 9.— Stephen F. Warner, Asahel Kimball, A. &
E. Willis.
Section 10.— Franklin Lakey, Joseph R. Williams.
Section 11.— William H. Chilson, Christopher Perkins,
William B. Bristol.
Section 12.— Henry Cornell, David Short, Parley J.
Spalding, Aaron D. Carroll, William H. Chilson, A. W.
Nichols.
Section 13.— Gabriel H. Todd, A. McCow, David Short,
Ransom Ferris, Otis Johnson, Elizabeth Sprague.
Section 14. — Lyman Doolittle, Ransom Ferris, Joseph
R. Williams, Wilder & Hastings.
Section 15.— Gabriel H. Todd, Franklin Lakey, Joseph
R. Williams.
Section 17.— Benajah Barker, Lothrop & Buck, W. P.
Green, George L. Perkins, Erastus Gaylord.
Section 18.— Theron Skeel, Lothrop & Buck, Green,
Hubbard & Lester, Charles Darrow, Charles H. and Wil-
liam Harroll.
Section 19.— Joseph R. Williams, T. B. Van Brant,
Isaac Knapp, Jr., B. F. Van Dake, Charles Helm, Leonard
Carlton.
Section 20. — Seth Brewster, Lothrop & Buck, M. L.
and Aaron Lincoln, Ira R. Grosvenor.
Section 21.— Henry Jessup, Jr., Lothrop & Buck, M.
L. and A. Lincoln, C. Howell, Deborah D. Field, George
Crane.
Section 22.— J. E. Fletcher, Isaac French, Russell
Whitney, Joseph R. Williams, Center Lamb, John R.
Willis.
Section 23.— Gilbert Sherman, Sylvanus Rowles, Thomas
Burt, Wilder & Hastings, John R. Willis.
Section 24. — Hiram Doolittle, Salmon Laird, Joseph R.
Williams, Benjamin Harrington, Archibald McVickar.
Section 25.— Charles H. Carroll, Epenetus Howell, A.
S. Clapp.
Section 26.— Salmon Laird, Green, Hubbard & Lester,
William P. Green, Harvey Cobb, Isaac A. Calvin.
Section 27.— Isaac French, Russell Whitney, Noram C.
Baldwin, J. D. Huntington, N. Bassett, Jr., Ama B. Cobb,
Harvey Cobb.
Section 28.— J. J. Snidecor, Irwin Camp, William P.
Green, Robert Parker, James Bellows.
Section 29.— Asa D. Reed, John Babcock, Samuel S.
Brown, Ira R. Grosvenor.
Section 30.— James H. Babcock, Green, Hubbard &
Lester, Edward L. Baker, William P. Green.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
From a historical sketch of this town by Samuel B.
Brown (at present occupying a seat in the State Legisla-
ture), read July 4, 1876, the following extract is made re-
garding the first white settler of what is now Ransom :
"Rowland Bird, a native of Massachusetts, who had
previously lived in Wayne Co., N. Y., in the year 1832, in
October, moved into Michigan and located in the town of
Sylvania, now in the State of Ohio. From Sylvania he
came to Ransom, where he arrived March 8, 1836. With
him came his wife and seven children, four daughters and
three sons; also a young man by the name of Leander
Candee, as a man-of-all-work. What his wages were, or
for what he served, the only record we have is that, four
years after, to wit, March, 1840, he took to wife Lorinda
Bird, and no doubt considered himself amply repaid for all
the privations and hardships he had endured."
The marriage of Mr. Candee and Miss Bird was the first
which took place within the present limits of Ransom. The
first death was that of Allen Bird, a sixteen-year-old son
of Rowland Bird, who died March 8, 1839, just three
years after the family settled in the township, and a year
before his sister was married to Mr. Candee. The funeral
sermon was preached by Rev. Jacob Ambler, of Osseo,
and was the first sermon delivered in town. The first
birth was that of a child of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Bab-
cock, and occurred also in 1839.
For one or two years after his settlement Mr. Bird's
family had no neighbors save the prowling beasts of the
wilderness, and the only occasions when they were permitted
to gaze on one of their own color were the visits of parties
looking for land upon which to locate at some future time.
The second family which settled in Ransom was that of
Orrin Cobb, who made a home on the western border.
Mr. Cobb became prominent in town, and held numerous
offices, among them that of assessor, to which position he
was elected at the first town-meeting.
The first frame barn in the township was built by Row-
land Bird, in 1838, and among those who were present to
assist in raising it were a few Indians, and several persons
from Jonesville, who had come purposely to aid in the
work. This was but one of many instances of the same
character, and it was often found necessary to go even
farther for help. '' Indeed, the settlers of the town know
what hardships and privations mean. One of them, de-
siring sash for the windows of his new log house, walked
to Jonesville, bought five sash, paid all his money, lashed
the sash to his back, and returned without having a mouth-
ful to eat. Another man, desiring some seed-oats, started
out, accompanied by his thirteen-year-old boy, in search of
some. He bought three bushels three miles west of Hud-
son. Two bushels were put in one bag, and one bushel in
the other. The bags were shouldered respectively by
father and son, and carried the whole distance home."^
A wonderful mortality developed itself in the Bird
family in the year 1840. Mrs. Candee, the bride of only
a month, sickened and died on the 9th day of April, and
the grave which was dug to receive her remains was the
» Hogaboam's History of the Beau Creek Valley.
286
HISTORr OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
second for a white person in the township. Mrs. Candee's
youngest sister, Eunice Bird, died the same day, and on
the 18th of September following, the youngest son of Mr.
Bird died, aged six years. Four days later, September 22,
Mr. Bird himself succumbed to the great destroyer of all
things earthly, and at the age of forty-seven was laid to his
long rest in the forest where he had made his home for four
short years. A daughter of Mr. Bird became the wife of
Nelson Doty, and is yet residing on the old farm taken up
by the latter. Another daughter resides in Sylvania, Ohio.
The year 1839 witnessed the arrival of the three brothers,
Orsamus, Nelson, and Aaron Doty, who came from the
town of Wallingford, Rutland Co., Yt. They reached the
house of Rowland Bird in the month of November. Orsa-
mus and Nelson located land on the southeast quarter of
section 8, west of the present residence of the former.
Aaron did not at that time purchase, and after about a year
in Michigan returned to Vermont, where he remained until
after the death of his parents, when he removed to Ransom
and bought the farm on section 16, now owned by A. J.
Emmons and Truman Ramsey.
After Orsamus and Nelson Doty had located their land
they went as far east as Tecumseh, where the latter remained
one year and the former two, both returning to Ransom at
the expiration of those periods. Nelson Doty's farm is
widely noted for its excellence as a wheat-growing tract,
having produced in a single year 8500 bushels.
Nelson Doty died in January, 1859, and his widow yet
occupies the place. Aaron removed to Edgewood, Effing-
ham Co., 111., where his death occurred.
When the Dotys arrived in town the residents in its
northern portion were Rowland Bird, William and Joseph
Phillips (father and son), Israel Hodges, Matthaw Arm-
strong,— now all deceased, — and Alexander Palmer, who
still resides north of Tamarack Corners. Leander Candee
lived with Mr. Bird, as stated, and Cornelius Deuel, Henry
Cornell, and the Burts were living in the eastern part of
town. Joseph Webster and Danforth Bugbee came a few
years later. The latter at present resides a short distance
south of Ransom village.
, John J. Andridge, a Methodist preacher, was also a later
arrival ; he purchased the place in the northwest part of
town, which had been entered by Israel S. Hodges, now of
Ogden, Lenawee Co.
The brothers Thomas and Charles Burt are natives of
" Merrie England," from whose wave-washed shores the
former emigrated to the United States in February, 1833,
and the latter at a subsequent date. They came together to
Michigan in 1838, arriving in Ransom in the month of
December. Charles Burt was unmarried and not yet of
age. His brother was accompanied by his wife and four
children, — one of them having been born on a place near
Toledo, Ohio, upon which Mr. Burt lived during the five
years of his residence in the country previous to removing
to Ransom. Arriving on his place in the latter town (he
had left his family at a place near the northwest corner of
Pittsford until he could prepare shelter for them), he built
a small shanty on the site of his present cheese-factory, and
moving into it on Christmas-day, occupied it two years,
when a second log house was built on groiyid where the
east part of his present residence stands. Mr. Burt's first
purchase in Ransom included the northeast quarter of sec-
tion 23, upon which he still resides.
When the Burts settled the only family living in their
neighborhood was that of Cornelius Deuel, a mile north.
Among the first who came later were Henry Cornell and
Harvey Higley. William Allen located still later; Giles
Taylor lived a short time in the vicinity, but owned no
land ; Richard Kelley and Thaddeus Bailey were among
the early settlers of this portion of the town, — the former
is now a resident of Pittsford.
Morris M. Laird came in about 1841-42, and for a few
weeks stayed with Thomas Burt, locating soon on his own
place. Mr. Laird in a few years was seized with a desire
to try his fortune in the newly-developed land of Ophir,
and removed with his chattels to California, where he
amassed a respectable fortune. The charms of a life in
Michigan proved too tempting for him, and he was ere long
back to his home, in Ransom. His speculative and roving
disposition, however, refused to content itself here, and nu-
merous other ventures made and lost fortunes for him. He
is at present residing probably in the city of Utica, N. Y.
The settlement of the eastern part of town was quite
slow, and when Mr. Burt came he was surrounded entirely
by non-resident land. For about fifteen years he was
obliged to keep in good condition a half-mile of road alone.
John Crommer settled quite early north of the Burt
place, and Gilbert Howland located still farther north about
1842. One of the most prominent residents of the township
of Ransom, although not an early settler, was Oliver T.
Powers, who removed here from Buflalo, N. Y., in 1851.
His widow is yet occupying the farm, her husband's death
having taken place in March, 1875.
A remarkable and somewhat amusing incident is related
by Thomas Burt. His wife gave birth to twin daughters
in September, 1839. The only person in the neighborhood
who could render aid was Mrs. Deuel, and she was promptly
on hand. In some manner, during the excitement, the
babes were changed around so that the matter of their age
has ever since been a problem with no solution, — their
parents being utterly unable to say which is the elder of the
two. They are both living, — having families of their own,
— one in this township and the other in Hillsdale. The
veteran hunter and woodsman, Jesse Smith, who called at
Mr. Burt's a few days after the twins were born, is said to
have stated that '' the prettiest sight he ever saw" was Mrs.
Burt and her babies, one on each arm, dressed neat and clean
in observance of the Sabbath; and it is further known that
Mrs. Burt was a remarkably handsome woman in those
days, while many traces of her beauty are still retained.
E. H. Goodrich, a native of Morris township, Washing-
ton Co., Pa., removed to Marion Co., Ohio, in 1833,
and to Michigan, in February, 1848. He settled on sec-
tion 20, in Ransom, where he still resides. Even at as
late a period as 1848 the township was sparsely settled,
especially in the southern portion, and Mr. Goodrich
encountered many of the difficulties of a pioneer life.
George Coppins, originally from England and for some
time a resident of Vernon, Oneida Co., N. Y., came from
the latter place to Ransom in 1842, and located on his pres-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
287
ent farm, having purchased it at the earnest solicitation of
Thomas Burt. He was fearful that he never could pay for
the place, but through Mr. Burt's efforts he was induced to
take the risk, and his present improvements and the order
in which his farm is kept tell of his success.
For thirteen years Mr. Coppins has been sexton of the
township cemetery on section 23, opposite his residence, and
has spared no pains to make it the most beautiful of the
three cemeteries the town contains. Evergreens have been
set out and walks and drives arranged to the best advantage,
and Mr. Coppins takes just pride in the appearance of the
grounds. The first person buried here was Betsey Giar,
wife of Henry Giar, whose interment dates Oct. 11, 1864.
The other two cemeteries are known respectively as the
Doty and Andridge burying-grounds, the former on section
5, and the latter on section 7. The Doty ground is the
oldest in the township, the first person buried in it having
been Rowland Bird's son, Allen, who died, as mentioned,
March 8, 1839.
The first fire in the township occurred in the fall of the
year 1841. Caleb B. Shepard, then living in Adams, was
preparing to move to Ransom. He had built and covered
a house, and the lumber was on the ground for the floors
and doors thereto. He occupied a small, temporary shanty
near by while at work. One Saturday afternoon he went
to Adams to stay over Sunday, intending to bring a load of
household goods back with him. Monday, upon returning,
his surprise was great at finding his house and lumber pile
in ashes. A clue was obtained to the cause of the fire
when Mr. Shepard remembered leaving some gunpowder in
the bottom of a boiler which was filled with tin pans and
cooking utensils. Scraps of torn and twisted and blackened
tin confirmed his suspicions, and people living five or six
miles away claimed to have heard an explosion in that di-
rection about sundown Saturday. Mr. Shepard set about
rebuilding at once, and on the 14th of December, 1841,
moved his family into his new house. For want of lower
floor, doors, and windows they were obliged to live up-stairs
through that winter.
Several fatal accidents have occurred in Ransom. A
Mr. Featherly was killed, in 1851, by a falling limb, while
in the woods east of Bugbee's Corners. In 1860, Mr.
Joles was killed by lightning, and about the same time old
Mr. Siddall (or Siddle) met his death while felling a tree,
in the southwest part of the town. A young man named
Ward fell upon the tines of a pitchfork, causing his death ;
and in 1872 the boiler of a steam saw-mill, on the farm of
Charles Burt, exploded, killing four persons and wounding
several others. Once only has the crime of murder been
perpetrated in the town ; this was on the 6th of February,
1876, when Jacob Stevick assaulted and killed Horace A.
Burnett.
The first physician who settled in what is now Ransom
was Dr. Baldwin, who came here about 1841-42. He
had previously practiced in Hudson, Lenawee Co., and
was an excellent physician for that time. The next
medical professor who located was Dr. Lee, who, in
1851, established the first store in the township. Dr.
Wilford Bates, now a resident of Ransom village, has prac-
ticed here with great success for over twenty years, and
beside accumulating considerable property, has won an en-
viable place in the esteem of his neighbors, and a reputation
for thoroughness and reliability not possessed in all cases by
physicians. He is spoken of as an earnest, hard worker.
RECORD OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, ETC.
" At the first meeting of the electors of the township of
Rowland, holden at the house of A. Palmer, on the 6th
day of April, 1840, James H. Babcock was chosen Moder-
ator, and Israel S. Hodges, Secretary ; Roland Bird, Orrin
Cobb, Rufus H. Rathbun, and Joseph Howe, Inspectors of
Election ; and Thomas Burt, Poll Clerk.* The number of
officers to be elected was twenty-three, f and the number of
electors was but eighteen, yet the difficulty was obviated by
giving several offices to one man. Those elected were the
following: Supervisor, Leander Candee ; Town Clerk, Is-
rael S. Hodges ; Treasurer, Rowland Bird ; Assessors,
Matthew Armstrong, Rowland Bird, Orrin Cobb; Col-
lector, Alexander Palmer; School Inspectors, Matthew
Armstrong, Israel S. Hodges, James H. Babcock; Direc-
tors of the Poor, Joseph Howe, William Phillips ; Com-
missioners of Highways, James H. Babcock, Alexander
Palmer, Henry Cornell ; Justices of the Peace, Rowland
Bird, James H. Babcock, Matthew Armstrong, Henry
Cornell; Constables, Alexander Palmer, Joseph Phillips,
Amos S. Dnike, Alexander Findley
" At this meeting it was " Voted, That there be paid five
dollars for each and every full-grown wolf that is killed by
the residents of the township, and two dollars and fifty
cents for each and every wolf's whelp.
'• Voted, That there be twenty-five dollars raised for the
purpose of destroying bear.
'' Voted, That there be paid five dollars for every full-
grown bear that is killed within the township by actual res-
idents, and two dollars and fifty cents for each and every
cub that is killed by the residents of this township."
The township was divided into five road districts, and
the following persons appointed their respective overseers :
William Phillips, Leander Candee, James H. Babcock,
Amos S. Drake, Alexander Findley.
After the death of Rowland Bird, in the fall of 1840,
Leander Candee was chosen at a special meeting to fill his
place as treasurer, and Israel S. Hodges was selected to the
position of justice of the peace to take his place. This
meeting was held Nov. 4, 1840 ; at the same time it was
'' Voted, that there be a set of measures and weights pro-
vided for the township ; that there be a set of measures of
wood for dry measure ; and that there be a set of measures
of tin to measure liquids ; and that there be a set of scales
of iron and tin." Matthew Armstrong was appointed town
sealer.
The list of jurors appointed from Ransom in 1840 in-
cluded James H. Babcock, Rowland Bird, Matthew Arm-
strong, Henry Cornell, Orrin Cobb, Israel .S. Hodges,
Leander Candee, and Nelson Doty.
On the 29th of January, 1841, Nathaniel S. Dewey was
licensed to keep a tavern in the dwelling-house where he
was then living, on the east half of the southwest quarter
* Township records. f Twenty-eight, including pathmasters.
288
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of section 5, township 9 south, range 2 west. This was
in what is now Amboy, and he was not allowed under the
license to sell *^ ardent spirits, beer, ale, cider, or wine."
The principal officers of the township from 1841 to 1877,
inclusive, will be found in the following list :
SUPERVISORS.
1841. Nelson Doty.
1842. Thomas Burt.
1843-44. Nelson Doty.
1845. Israel S. Hodges.
1846-47. Thomas Burt.
1848. Leander Candee.
1849. William Burnham, Jr.
1850. Thomas Burt.
1851. John J. Andridge.
1852. William E. Warner.
1853. Thomas Burt.
1854-55. Jared B. Norris.
1856-57. Nelson Doty.
1858. Lemuel J. Squier.
1859. Ephraim C. Turner.
1860. Warren McCutcheon.
1861. Henry W. Russell.
1862-68. Warren McCutcheon.
1869-70. Miles G. Teachout.
1871-72. Warren McCutcheon.
1873-74. Samuel B. Brown.
1875-77. William H. H. Pettit.
TOWN CLERKS.
1841-45. Henry Cornell.
1846. William Burnham, Jr.
1847. William D. Stout.
1848-49. Albert T. Kimball.
1850. George A. King.
1851-54. Lemuel J. Squier.
1855. Cyrus Lee.
1856-57. George A. Brown.
1858. Henry Cornell.
1859. Lemuel J. Squier.
1860. Cyrus Lee.
1861-63. Ira W.Bell.
1864-67. Lemuel J. Squier.
1868. Samuel D. Proctor.
1869-70. Charles Fitzgerald.
1871-72. Chas. D. Schermerhorn.
1873. M. A. Thompson.
1874-77. Lewis Thompson.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1841.
Joseph G. Howe.
1860.
E. C. Turper.
1842.
Joseph Phillips.
William E. Warner.
John Sloan.
1861.
William Siddall.
1843.
Thomas Stetson.
1862.
George A. Brown.
Orsamus Doty.
1863.
Jonathan B. Bailey.
1844.
William Gay.
Isaac B. Mapes.
1845.
1864.
E. C. Turner.
1846.
James H. Babcock.
John W. Warner.
1847.
Caleb B. Shepard.
Peter Croup.
1848.
Amos S. Drake.
William Siddall.
1849.
William Palmer.
1865.
Z. D. Hammond.
1850.
Z. D. Hammond.
Henry L. Russell.
1851.
Andrew Hermance.
1866.
Enoch H. Goodrich.
Orsamus Doty.
Samuel B. Brown.
William E. Warner.
J867.
Samuel B. Brown.
1852.
Cyrenus Powers.
1868.
Ephraim C. Turner.
1853.
Joseph Miller.
1869.
William R. Peck.
Phineas Perham.
1870.
Reuben B. Mason.
1854.
Orsamus Doty.
187L
Samuel B. Brown.
James D. Salisbury.
1872.
Ephraim C. Turner.
1855.
Alden Siddall.
1873.
David T. Carpenter.
1856.
E. C. Turner.
1874.
Newton Russell.
C. B. Shepard.
1875.
Harvey Higley.
1857.
Ferris Hill.
Charles G. Palmer.
1858.
Jared B. Norris.
1876.
Ephraim C. Turner. *^
1859.
Jonathan E. Ingersoll.
George A. Brown.
TREAS
1877.
URERS.
D. M. Worden.
1841.
Alexander Palmer.
1856.
Harvey Higley.
1842.
1857.
Caleb B. Shepard.
184.3-
-45. Caleb B. Shepard.
1858.
Moses E. Bailey.
1846-47. Leailder Candee.
1859.
Ferris Hill.
1848.
Zopher D. Hammond.
1860.
Gordon H. Wilcox.
1849.
C. B. Shepard.
1861-
-62. William W. Haviland.
1850-
-51. Henry Cornell.
1863-
-64. Wilford Bates.
1852.
James Denney.
1865-
-68. Jonathan W. Harrison
1853.
Oliver T. Powers.
1869.
James D. Cornell.
1854.
James Denney.
1870-71. Jehu W. Pennock.
1865.
John h* Andridge.
1872-77. Jacob Pettit.
1841. Amos S. Drake.
Orsamus Doty.
Joseph Phillips.
1842. Caleb B. Shepard.
G. Cramton.
1843. G. Cramton.
Sidney S. Drake.
ASSESSORS.
1844
A. Palmer.
S. S. Drake.
1845. Alexander Palmer.
William Sloan.
1846. G. Cramton.
Solomon Fenton."^'
COLLECTORS.
1841. Daniel Saxton.*
COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
Hiram Howe.
Nelson Doty.
Joseph Phillips.
Caleb B. Shepard.
George W. Densmore.
Gurdon Cramton.
Gurdon Cramton.
Amos S. Drake.
Leander Candee.
Amos S. Drake.
John Perkins.
Daniel Saxton.
S. S. Drake.
John Hammond.
John Carter.
Christopher Perkins.
Uri Cramton.
Daniel Saxton.
S. S. Drake.
W. D. Stout.
James Denney.
Gilbert Howland.
Joseph Webster.
Daniel Saxton.
Nelson Doty.
Lemuel Howe.
Thomas Burt.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875-
William Palmer.
Nelson Doty.
Danforth Bugbee.
Isaac Doty.
William R. Peck.
E. H. Goodrich.
Orsamus Doty.
Jacob Pettit.
Moses E. Bailey.
James Cooper.
Chauncey Casterline.
George Camp.
Elijah S. Field.
Jacob Pettit.
George Coppins.
Oliver T. Powers.
William Hile.
George Coppins.
Oliver T. Powers.
Orsamus Doty.
Richard Hart.
Harvey Higley.
David Crommer.
Richard Hart.
Gardner Vincent.
77. Moses E. Bailey.
The following are the ofl&cers of Ransom chosen at the
annual town-meeting for 1878, viz. : Supervisor, William
H. H. Pettit; Town Clerk, John Squier; Treasurer, Jacob
Pettit ; Justice of the Peace, J. B. Phillips ; School In-
spector, Andrew J. Cornell ; Township Superintendent of
Schools, Alfred F. Hart; Commissioner of Highways,
Hiram Miller; Drain Commissioner, Thomas Dennis;
Constables, David Stoner, Ambrose H. Baldwin, James
C. Bailey, Charles H. Moore.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
The first school in the township of Ransom was taught
in the summer of 1838 by Lucinda Bird, in a shanty on
the northwest quarter of section 8, on land now owned by
George W. Boothe. The three families who sent children
to Miss Bird for instruction were those of Rowland Bird,
Orrin Cobb, and Israel S. Hodges. The first school-house
was a log building erected in 1839 or 1840, in district
,No. 2, near the present structure, in the same district. A
frame school-house, the first in town, was built in 1844 in
district No. 7, where now stands the brick building. In
what is now district No. 9 the first school-house was a log
building erected about 1851-52, and the teacher was Han-
nah McCarty. A frame building afterwards put up was
destroyed by fire, and the present one, also frame, has taken
* None since chosen.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
289
its place. The township has very good schools and school
buildings, three of the latter being constructed of brick.
About 1844 a log school-bouse was built on land owned
by Thomas Burt. Probably the first teacher was the wife
of Thomas Lee (brother of Dr. Lee), and another who
taught here early was Amanda Birch. A frame school-
house is now standing in the district, on section 24.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, RANSOM.*
This church was organized May 19, 1848, by a council
called for that purpose, at the house of C. B. Shepard, two
and a half miles northeast of the Centre. The council
consisted of Eev. S. R. Laird, preaching at Hudson and
Wheatland ; Rev. Roswell Parker, of Adams ; and laymen
Jacob Robins, of Wheatland; A. Wade and David Bagley,
of Adams ; and B. H. Lane, of Hudson. The church was
organized with seven members, — three males and four
females, — six of whom came with letters from other
churches. ^These persons were Stephen IngersoU and Joan,
his wife; C. B. Shepard and Mary E., his wife ; Jacob T.
Service and Ann, his wife ; and Sally Perkins. The church
assumed the name of the '' First Congregational Church of
Ransom" on the day of its organization, and voted to invite
Rev. R. Parker, of Adams, to preach for them one-half of
the time. A committee was also appointed to solicit aid
from the American Home Missionary Society, and it was
granted. The church was first represented in the Southern
Michigan Association, by C. B. Mott, at a meeting held at
Clinton, on the fourth Tuesday in June, 1848.
Rev. Roswell Parker closed his labors with this church
in November, 1850, having remained two and one-half
years. Soon after this Rev. William E. Warner (Wes-
leyan), a resident of the town, was employed for half of
the time, and remained about two years. For eight or ten
months subsequently the church was not supplied except
occasionally, when Rev. W. Wolcott, of Adrian, came and
preached one-third of the time for some two years. Mr.
Wolcott labored as a minister at large for the Massachusetts
Home Missionary Society. His successor was Rev. T. W.
Davis (Wesleyan), of Ransom ; he began in the spring of
1856, and continued one year. The church was again un-
supplied for some six months, and then secured the services
of Rev. M. Tingly, a recent graduate of Oberlin. He came
in November, 1858, and remained three years. After a
vacancy of a few months the church was supplied for three
years by Rev, George Barnum. In August, 1864, Mr.
Barnum was obliged to cease preaching in consequence of
the failure of his voice. He was succeeded, in September,
by Rev. J. F. Boughton, of Geneva, Ashtabula Co., Ohio.
The records show that delegates have very generally been
appointed to represent the ghurch at meetings of associa-
tions. During the first of the eighteen years of the history
of the church there were additions of members nearly every
year, chiefly by letter. Four of the members of the chujch
served during the war of the Rebellion, and of these but
one returned. They were John Schermerhorn, killed Sept.
24, 1864, at Athens, Ala.; Henry Mabbs, died also in
* By Lewis Thompson, clerk ; prepared in 1878.
37
1864 ; Collins J. Wilcox, died July 29, 1864, of wounds
received in the battle of the Wilderness, Virginia; and
Ovid M. Thompson, the only one who returned.
For the first seven years the congregation held its meet-
ings in what was known as the " red school-house," two
miles northeast of Ransom village. At a njeeting held at
that place April 12, 1853, a society was organized called
the "First Congregational Society of Ransom." Five
trustees were chosen, and instructed to take measures pre-
paratory to building a meeting-house. During the next
year and a half several meetings were held, but no decisive
action relative to building took place. Those interested had
but limited means, and all were not agreed as to the best site
for a house. On the 2d of November, 1854, the society
convened at the house of A. Thompson, when the latter
was appointed a building committee, and it was decided to
build at the Centre. Application was made for aid from
the church erection fund, and $250 procured. The balance,
$950, was raised by subscription, and all paid within three
years. About the middle of the following summer the
building was so far completed as to be occupied for worship.
In the spring of 1865 the house was repaired and improved
on the interior, at an expense of $100.
June 18, 1848, Caleb B. Shepard was elected church
clerk, and held the office twenty-four years. Lemuel J.
Squire was elected a deacon in this church April 6, 1850,
and has continued to hold that office to the present. The
only ones of the original members of this church who are
still connected with it are Caleb B. Shepard and wife. L.
J. Squier and wife became members in 1849, and Mrs.
Nancy Thompson in 1854, and are yet connected with it.
Rev. Mr. Boughton preached here nearly five years, and
for about sixteen months after he left the church was with-
out a pastor. Rev. J. F. Husted assumed charge Jan. 1,
1871, and preached about eighteen months. Oct. 1, 1872,
Rev. Charles Warburton became pastor, also remaining
about eighteen months. Rev. Reuben Everts began his
labors here Oct. 25, 1874, and stayed one year. April 1,
1876, Rev. K. H. Crane took charge. At present there is
no regular pastor.
The membership of the church in January, 1879, was
58. A good Sabbath-school is sustained, with a large at-
tendance ; its superintendent is J. W. Hile.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, RANSOM.
The present society at the Centre was organized in 1857,
during which year John F. Schermerhorn built the dwel-
ling which he afterwards sold to the society for use as a
parsonage. The present frame church was built in 1868-
69, and dedicated July 4 of the latter year, by Rev. Mr.
Doust, of Hillsdale. Previous to that time meetings had
been held in the school-house. The present membership
is about 50, and the pastor, Rev. George Donaldson.
Before the church was built here meetings were also held
in the Hall school-house, in the northwest part of the town.
The oldest class in the township was organized in the Doty
neighborhood, and had a considerable membership in 1848.
One of the early ministers was Rev. John J. Andridge,
still a resident of the township. It is related of him that
after a hard week's work upon his farm, he would start
290
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Sunday morning and walk to Jonesville, where his first
appointment was, and hold services at 10.30 o'clock in the
forenoon ; thence walk to Litchfield and preach before an
afternoon audience ; travel from there to Allen Prairie and
hold evening services ; and finally walk back to his home in
Ransom and be ready early Monday morning to take his
axe into the woods and swing it uninterruptedly till night-
fall ; and in the language of an old settler, " it took a good
man to keep up with him." His second year was attended
with a trifle less travel, his appointments being at Hudson,
Pittsford, and Osseo. Rev. William E. Warner was also
an early preacher of this denomination, and a very eloquent
and much-esteemed man. Mr. Andridge preached at the
time the class was organized at the Centre.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCHES.
Of these there are three in the township. The oldest is
located in the southern part of the township, where a society
was organized about 1863-64, by Rev. Joseph Gear, and
has a present membership (January, 1879) of 47. The
frame church in which its meetings are held was built about
1868-70. A second church, to which has been given the
name " Otterbein," stands on the east town-line, adjoining
Wright, where a society was organized at a somewhat later
date than the one first mentioned. It has a membership
of 79. The third and latest society was organized at the
village of Ransom about 1875, by Rev. Wesley Lilly, and
a brick church built in 1876. The membership of this
latter society is 19. Rev. G. W. Crawford is pastor of all
three churches, and also of two others on his circuit, — one
at Pioneer, Williams Co., Ohio, and one called '^ Olive
Branch," east of Pioneer.
THE FREE METHODISTS
have a class near *' Tamarack Corners," organized in 1878,
and another south of the Centre, which has been in exist-
ence ten or eleven years. The membership is small, and
meetings are held in school-houses. Rev. Mr. Lynn is the
present pastor.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.*
One of the two churches of this denomination in Hills-
dale County is located at Ransom village, the other being
at Hillsdale. The society in Ransom was organized in
1866, with about 20 members, and a frame church built
in 1869. This church was organized by Elder John By-
ington, from Newton, Calhoun Co. Among its early mem-
bers were Andrew J. Emmons and Samuel S. Jones, with
their families. Truman Ramsey came to the township in
1868, and has been a member since that time. This soci-
ety employs no settled pastor, but is supplied by missionary
ministers of the denomination. The present membership
is 52. It is in good condition, and its members appear
fully in earnest in their belief and work.
MILITARY RECORD.
The assertion that the inhabitants of Ransom are imbued
with a spirit of valor and a genuine love for their country,
is proven by the fact that the township furnished 143 men
* From information by Truman Ramsey.
for the Union army during the war of the rebellion. Out
of the number, 40 laid down their greatest offering — their
lives — in defense of the Union their fathers had cemented,
and the wailing cypress and spreading live-oak shower dewy
tears upon the graves of the fallen martyrs. Five men en-
listed for three months in the 4th Michigan Infantry, the
first that received recruits from this township. On the 15th
of April, 1861, the day the first call was made for volun-
teers, James Tarsney, of Ransom, was in Hillsdale and there
enlisted, being the first person from this town to enroll
himself in the list of national defenders. On the next
day Riley Ainsworth, Hiram L. Hartson, Ira Williams,
and Avery Randall enlisted from Ransom. Of these five,
Hiram L. Hartson was the only one who returned, the others
having found eternal rest from the fatigues of march and
engagement, and the anxieties of the soldier for the success
of his loved standard. Those who volunteered from this
town were the following persons, viz. : James Tarsney ,f
Riley Ainsworth, Hiram L. Hartson, Ira Williams, Emery
Yost, Yost, John Williams, Horace Doty, Darius
Howe, Marshall Tooth, Ephfaim Baker, Charles Baker, C.
Sutton, Samuel Wheaton, William Kelley, John Durgan,
William Palmer, William Britton, Sidney Palmer,
Hall, Andrew Booth, Hollis Hammond, Higley,
Charles Coppins, Samuel Halstead, George Dewey, Orrin
Olds, E. H. Goodrich, J. M. Bailey, William Doyle, Oscar
Barnes, William Clark, Amos Smith, Charles Hartson, Ed-
gar Ainsworth, Richard Hart, James Burt, William Pettit,
S. Bliler, John Smatts, Hiram Hurd, H. Perkins, Charles
Olds, Captain Hill, William Rose, George W. Van Gauder,
Loren Hammond, George H. Cornell, John Palmer, Isaac
Brown, James H. Thiel, Kincaid Shepardson, D. W. Litch-
field, J. Schermerhorn, William H. Shepard, Michael How-
land, Lewis Deuel, John Croop, Alfred Deuel, William Sid-
dall, Willis Woods, Loren Whitney, John Williams, Sidney
Dodge, Daniel Clemens, Sheldon Carey, Daniel Brogan,
Henry Common, John C. Cooper, William Manning, John
Tarsney, Thomas Plumley, George Brewster, Thomas Tar-
sney, Andrew Tarsney, Quincy Britton, Aaron Boyer,
Michael Helmick, James D. Cornell, Horace Gay, Warren
Perham, William Mapes, George Mapes, Aaron Smith,
Cornelius Boyington, James Hoover, Samuel Kingsley,
George R. Palmer, Benjamin S. Ward, Collins Wilcox,
William Youngs, T. C. Baker, Charles Hannibal, Isaac
Smith, H. Bailey, Orsamus Doty, Harry Mott, David Litch-
field, John Ainsworth, William H. Allen, Samuel Cressey,
Edwin Camp, George Casterline, Jeptha Casterline, Henry
Tary, John Hosman, George Hart, Frank Hoover, Elias
Hoover, Thomas Lozier, Israel Lozier, Benjamin Olds,
Asahel Parks, Charles Parks, Frank Runell, Lewis Smith,
Orville Thompson, E. W. Warner, Fred Olds, Jacob Ror-
rick, William Agnew, George W. Booth, William Lile,
Andrew Crandall, Aaron Stocker, Jonas Smith, William
Young, A. Howell, W. Young, E. P. Barson, George N.
Sacrider, I. C. Hinds, Frank Smith.
VILLAGE OP RANSOM.
The first post-office in the township of Ransom was estab-
lished in 1847, and Albert T. Kimball appointed post-
f Also spelled Tarseney.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
291
master. Mail was delivered weekly, and the route extended
from Hillsdale to Likelj's Corners, or '* Wood's Corners
Post-Office," in Wright township, the latter office being
named from the postmaster. Lemuel J. Squier was ap-
pointed to the office in Ransom about 1851, and some two
years later it was removed to the village and kept by one
Dr. Lord. About 1855, Ichabod Stedman opened the first
store in Ransom village, and the next year Mr. Squier
moved from his farm— having been severely injured by a
horse — and entered Stedman's store as clerk. He was soon
after a second time appointed postmaster. The present in-
cumbent of the office is David Carpenter.
Lemuel J. Squier, now of Ransom village, came with his
father, Noble Squier, from Wayne Co., N. Y., to Michigan,
in 1839, and settled at Locust Corners, in Pittsford. The
elder Squier lived there a few years and removed to Hud-
son, and about 1846 to Ransom. His son followed with
his own family in November, 1848. Both families lived
on section 9. Noble Squier is now also a resident of the
village, and has reached the age of ninety years.
The store built by Ichabod Stedman is yet standing in
the south part of the village. Lemuel J. Squier has been
engaged in the mercantile business here for twenty years,
and only recently sold out to his son-in-law, George A.
Hicks, who also has a store at South Wright. The estab-
lishment at Ransom is managed for Mr. Hicks by Mr.
Squier's sons.
The village now contains 5 stores of various kinds, 2
blacksmith-shops, 3 millinery-shops, 1 harness-shop, 2 boot-
and shoe-shops, 2 wagon-shops, a hotel, 4 churches (Con-
gregational, Methodist Episcopal, United Brethren, and
Seventh-Day Adventist), a good brick school-house, and a
population of about 200.
The Ransom Cornet-Band was organized in the fall of
1876, and has thirteen members, — twelve instruments
belonging to the band. Its leader is C. H. Moore.
Leonard Lodge, No. 266, F, and A. M., was organized
in January or February, 1869, with eight members. It
was named for its first Master, Chauncey Leonard, then
living at Osseo, in Jefferson township. Hiram Hartson
was the first Senior Warden. The lodge was organized at
the Centre, and occupies the same room as at first, that in
the building where the drug-store is located. The present
membership is in the neighborhood of thirty. The oldest
Mason now connected with the lodge is Newton Russell,
who was first initiated in Franklin Lodge, at Litchfield, in
1854. The next oldest is Orsamus Doty. The officers of
Leonard Lodge are,— W. M., A. R. Knowles ; S. W., Ferris
Hill ; J. W., Lawder ; S. D., Hiram Hartson ; J. D.,
Wm. Palmer; Treas., Bradley Phillips; Sec, Joseph Ed-
inger ; Tyler, Mr. Dillen.
Ransom Centre Grange, No, 181, Patrons of Husbandry,
was organized about 1874, with some thirty members.
The first Master was Oliver T. Powers, now deceased. The
grange occupies the old frame school-house at the village.
Ransom village is more commonly known as " Ransom
Centre," from its position in the township. The place was
started on the south side of Ransom Creek, and has gradu-
ally spread to the northward, until as much lies on the
north side as the south.
Among those to whom we are greatly indebted for favors
extended while gathering the foregoing items are Lemuel J.
Squier, Orsamus Doty, Lewis Thompson, Thomas Burt,
Newton Russell, Rev. G. W. Davis, E. H. Goodrich,
George Coppins, and numerous others.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL B. BROWN.
Joseph Brown, born April 11, 1785, in Heath, Franklin
Co., Mass., was married in 1810 to Miss Polly Dix. The
same year he settled in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., and in 1833
he removed to Niagara County, same State. His son,
Samuel B. Brown, the subject of this sketch, was born in
Photo, by C. H. Mead, Lansing.
SAMUEL B. BROWN.
Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1820, and was the fifth of
a family of ten children. He lived with his father until he
was of age, having, before his majority, learned the wagon-
maker's trade. His educational advantages were limited to
the district schools of his time. At the age of twenty-one
he started out in life for himself, working at his trade. Oct.
1, 1846, he was married to Miss Sally Sophronia Lathrop,
who was born Feb. 14, 1819. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown
were born five children, Curtis Lathrop, born Nov. 11, 1847 ;
Joseph Dix, born Feb. 25, 1849 ; Myron Eudelmer, born
Dec. 7, 1850 ; Charles H., born July 21, 1852 ] and Henry
Truman, born Jan. 24, 1854, died Jan. 2, 1861. April 20,
1862, he came to Lenawee Co., Mich., and in the spring of
1864 he moved to the town of Ransom, in Hillsdale Co.,
Mich., and engaged in farming, where he still resides. In
politics he is a Republican, having formerly belonged to the
Whig party. In 1865 he was elected justice of the peace
which office he held ten years. In 1873 and 1874 he was
292
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
chosen supervisor of his township, giving such satisfaction
that, in 1876, he was elected to represent the Second Rep-
resentative District of Hillsdale County in the State Legis-
lature, filling the office with credit both to himself and his
constituents, and in 1878 was re-nominated and re-elected
to the same office. In religion Mr. Brown is a Congrega-
tionalist, and has been for many years a member of that
church.
NELSON DOTY.
Among the first settlers of Ransom township there was
none who took a more active part in all that pertained to
the advancement and improvement of the town than Nelson
Doty, the subject of this sketch. Born in Wallingford
township, Rutland Co., Yt, June 7, 1816, he grew to
manhood among the sturdy yeomanry of the Green Moun-
tain State. His early life, training, and education were such
as would naturally fit him to bear the hardships and priva-
tions of a pioneer life. His education was such as could be
obtained at the district schools of his native town during
the winter months, yet he acquired enough to fit him for
the active business life he afterwards led. One of the
leading traits of Mr. Doty's character in early life was
perseverance, and this trait, combined with an indomitable
will, made him one not easily discouraged by adversity or
hardships. He lived with his father, who was a farmer,
until he was sixteen years old, when he left home to com-
mence life for himself, with no other assistance than a strong
constitution and the traits of character above referred to.
He worked at jobbing around the factory towns of Massa-
chusetts until the fall of 1838, when he, in company with
his brother, Orsamus Doty, emigrated to what was then
called the township of Rowland (now Ransom), Hillsdale
Co., Mich. Here the brothers, who were almost inseparable
companions, determined to settle, and in the midst of a
forest which extended almost unbroken for miles, they
bought the southeast quarter of section 8, which they at
once commenced improving. They soon after bought the
southwest quarter of section 9. In 1843 the brothers
divided their land. Nelson taking as his share the southeast
quarter of section 8. It is said of the two brothers that
up to the time of division they had always worked together,
owning everything in common, and that when one made a
dollar the other had half of it. To the land thus obtained
Mr. Doty added from time to time, until at the time of his
death he owned three hundred and twenty acres of land,
the greater part of it under cultivation.
April 4, 1841, he was married to Miss Priscilla Bird,
daughter of Rowland and Lydia (Ford) Bird, who was
born June 6, 1823. There were born to them three chil-
dren, as follows: Horace B., born Dec. 8, 1842 ; Eveline
P., born Aug. 30, 1845 ; and Mahala, born Dec. 10, 1854.
Horace B. Doty enlisted Aug. 16, 1861, in the 7th Michi-
gan Battery, and died in hospital April 24, 1863.
In politics Mr. Doty was formerly a Whig, but at the
formation of the Republican party he joined its ranks, and
was, to the day of his death, an ardent Republican. He
always took an active part in political matters, and at the
second town-meeting held in the town he was elected super-
visor, holding the office five terms, and to the entire satis-
faction of his fellow-townsmen. At diiFerent times he held
Other minor township offices. He was also active in school
matters, and did much to advance the educational interests
of his town. Died Jan. 10, 1859.
ORSAMUS DOTY.
Orsamus Doty, the subject of this sketch, was the tenth
of thirteen children, and was born Sept. 20, 1815, in Wal-
lingford township, Rutland Co., Yt., where he lived with
his father until he was nineteen years old, working at shoe-
making and as a miller. He then left home, and in Wor-
cester Co., Mass., worked on a farm two years, earning the
money which was his start in life. While living in Wor-
cester he rode on the first train which ran from Boston to
Worcester. Sept. 20, 1838, Mr. Doty, with his two
brothers, came into Ransom township, Hillsdale Co., Mich.,
then an almost unbroken wilderness, and with his brother.
Nelson, located the southeast quarter of section 8, after-
wards buying the southwest quarter of section 9. They
worked on these two lots together till 1843, when they
divided, — Orsamus taking the southwest quarter, section
9, which he still owns. On this farm he built a log house,
carrying the window-sash for the same twenty miles on his
back, paying for them his last cent, and going home with-
out any dinner. At that time his neighbors, aside from
his brother's family, were Indians, with whom he lived on
the most amicable terms. At the second town-meeting held
in the town Mr. Doty was elected justice of the peace,
which office he held for ten years. Few if any of the early
settlers deserve more credit than Mr. Doty, coming into
the town as he did with limited means and clearing up a
large farm, carrying his supplies forty miles on his back,
enduring the hardships of a frontier life, and raising a
family and acquiring more than a fair competency, although
he has had many misfortunes, among them the loss of three
wives, and being now in his sixty-fourth year, a strong and
well-preserved man. Oct. 31, 1844, he was married to
Miss Lydia Ingersoll. To them was born one child, Albert
W., born Aug. 4, 1845. Nov. 5, 1846, he was again
married, to Miss Sarah B. Squier ; the result of this mar-
riage was three children, Theressa Maria, born Dec. 1,
1851 ; Adelaide B., born March 9, 1854; and Susan E.,
born June 13, 1858. For his third wife he married Mrs.
Annie E. Fenton, and May 11, 1878, he was married to
Miss Maggie Palmer. Although Mr. Doty was not liable
to a draft, he enlisted, Aug. 16, 1861, in the 7th Mich.
Battery, Capt. Chas. Lamphier, as sergeant-major. At Rich-
mond, Ky., Aug. 30, 1862, his company was engaged with
the enemy and nearly all were captured ; Sergt. Doty and
a few others escaped. Discharged on account of disability,
March 9, 1863. In politics he has always been a Whig and
Republican, in religion a Universalist.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
293
OLIVER T. POWERS.
Oliver Powers was born x\ug. 5, 1792, in the State of
Connecticut, and was a farmer. March 9, 1813, he was
married to Miss Elizabeth Sprague, who was born May 4,
1793. From Connecticut he moved to Erie Co., N. Y.,
where he died. They had nine children, the fourth of
whom, Oliver T. Powers, the subject of this sketch, was
born Sept. 7, 1821, in Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., where he
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
OLIVER T. POWERS.
grew to manhood, receiving such educational advantages as
were to be had in the common schools of that day, with one
year in a Pennsylvania academy. At the age of twenty-one
he commenced life for himself on a farm, which business,
and that of grafting, he followed through life. Feb. 21,
1850, he was married to Miss Elvira Cunningham, daughter
of Lyman and Julia (Parmalee) Cunningham. Mr. Powers
was father to nine children, Philander, born Dec. 9, 1847,
by his first wife ; Mary C, born April 12, 1851 ; Julia E.,
born May 25, 1853 ; Almon C, born Jan. 19, 1856 ; Henry
C, born Aug. 17, 1858; Calvin E. and Melvin E., born
Sept. 2, 1861 ; Clara E., born May 28, 1864 ; Eva H., born
April 16, 1867 ; Oliver G., born Dec. 16, 1870 ; Lucy Y.,
born Nov. 16, 1873. In 1852, Mr. Powers, with his
family, moved to the town of Ransom, Hillsdale Co., Mich.,
and bought eighty acres of land, on which he settled. He
since added to it until it now consists of one hundred and
eighty acres of fine soil, the most of which he cleared and
improved.
Mr. Powers was an enterprising, energetic man, respected
and esteemed by all. He took great interest in educational
matters connected with his township, and filled several local
offices with credit, among them that of township treasurer.
In politics he was always a Republican, and in religion
liberal. His death occurred March 4, 1875.
THOMAS BURT, Sr. and Jr.
James Burt was born in the parish of Marnhull, Eng-
land, July 28, 1780. He followed agriculture, and occu-
pied a farm which had been in possession of his family for
more than a century. He was married to Elizabeth Burge,
who was born Oct. 4, 1780, in the market-town of Stal-
bridge, England. There were born to them eleven chil-
dren, Thomas Burt, the subject of this sketch, being the
second, and born Nov. 28, 1805. His education was lim-
ited, being obtained mostly at a day school prior to his
twelfth year. At the age of nineteen he went to London
to seek his fortune, where he learned the baker's trade.
After learning the trade he was in business for himself
four years. He was married, Oct. 29, 1829, to Miss Sarah
Bartlett, daughter of John and Sarah (Martin) Bartlett ;
she was born at Weymouth, Dorset Co., England, April
10, 1803. Miss Bartlett's parents were wealthy, and up
to the time she left home and friends to come to America,
she had never done any menial labor. Eight children have
blessed their union,— Sarah, born Dec. 4, 1830 ; Edward,
born June 30, 1832 ; Thomas, born Oct. 12, 1833 ; .James,
born March 25, 1837; Betsey and Nancy, born Sept. 1,
1839 ; George, born Aug. 12, 1833 ; and Mathew, born
April 9, 1846,— all of whom are still living. Of these
James, Edward, and Mathew all served in the Union army
during the war of the Rebellion, — James in the 2d Mich-
igan Cavalry over three years, Edward in an Ohio regiment,
and Mathew in the 30th Michigan Infantry, running away
from home to enlist.
In 1833, Mr. Burt embarked in a merchant-ship for New
York, where he arrived March 25 of the same year, and
the next May he purchased a farm of wild land two miles
from Toledo, Ohio. On this farm he lived for three years,
in a shanty, improving his farm and getting along as best
he could. The first year he cleared off three acres of land
and sowed it to wheat ; he cut, harvested, and thrashed
the same, and in a small boat took it to mill, had it ground
into flour, which he baked into bread and sold, a feat per-
formed by but few. In May, 1836, he returned to Eng-
land, and in the following October, with his family, he
again landed in Toledo, with but seven dollars in his pocket.
He sold his farm and lived on a rented one until the fall
of 1838, when he started with his family for the then
wilderness of what is now Ransom. In a cold night in
midwinter he arrived at a hotel kept by a Mr. Finney, at
what is now Hudson. His money was exhausted, but he
was kept by Mr. Finney, to whom he gave his note the
next morning for three dollars and fifty cents. On Christ-
mas-day of that year he took his wife and four small
children into a shanty he had erected on his new farm.
The farm (now consisting of three hundred and sixty acres)
was a wet, swampy one, but has been made into one of the
finest in Ransom.
Mr. Burt has always been an energetic, industrious man,
earning by his labor and good management more than a
competency. He has been identified with the best interests
of his town and county, holding at different times the
various offices in the gift of his fellow-townsmen; he
took an active part in organizing the county agricultural
294
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
society, and was an earnest supporter of the schools of his
township. In politics he was a Democrat till the Kansas
troubles, when he joined the Republican party, to which
he has since belonged.
His son, Thomas Burt, Jr., was married, Aug. 22, 1859,
to Miss Lydia E. Bugbee, daughter of Danforth and Mar-
garet (Saunders) Bugbee, who was born in Jefferson town-
ship, Hillsdale Co., Dec. 27, 1841 ; they have had four
children, — Cary D., born April 20, 1861 ; James E., born
Sept. 4, 1869 ; Burton T., born June 7, 1871 ; and Verna
M., born July 27, 1878. In April, 1860, Mr. Burt, then
just married, moved into a new farm, being part of the
southeast quarter of section twenty-two, and for which
they ran partly in debt. By their industry and good judg-
ment, they have paid for their farm, which now consists
of one hundred and twenty acres of land, mostly improved,
and with fine buildings, fences, etc. In politics Mr. Burt
is and has always been a Republican ; in religion, United
Brethren.
GILBERT HOWLAND.
Jonathan Howland was born in Massachusetts in 1789.
Was married in 1810 to Miss Mary Sprague. The result
of this union was eight children. Mr. Howland was the
owner of a fine farm in Ontario Co., N. Y., which he traded
for one hundred and sixty acres of land near Adrian, where
he died, April 11, 1871. Mrs. Howland died Sept. 28,
1849. Gilbert Howland, the subject of this sketch, was
born Oct. 24, 1814, in Manchester township, Ontario Co.,
N. Y. He lived with his father until he was twenty-three,
working on the farm. Nov. 22, 1837, was married to Miss
Zipporah P. Johnson, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Pratt) Johnson. Joseph Johnson was born in New Jer-
sey, Sept. 11, 1782, and died June 2, 1848 ; was married,
Feb. 1, 1806, to Miss Elizabeth Pratt, who was born in
Massachusetts, Jan. 5, 1783, and died Jan. 16, 1866.
Mrs. Gilbert Howland was born Sept. 6, 1812, in Man-
chester, Ontario Co., N. Y. Shortly after his marriage
Mr. Howland rented a farm, by which means he got a start
in life. Oct. 20, 1835, he bought of the United States
Government the southeast quarter of section 2, in Ransom
township, Hillsdale Co., Mich., which was one of the first
entries made in the town. In October, 1843, he, with his
family, came to Adrian, Mich., by railroad, from there to
their new home in the wilderness with a team. He built
a log house, into which they moved before there was a
window or door and with only half of the house roofed.
The floor was made of logs, on which they made their
beds, keeping a fire all night to keep from freezing. This
was the hard winter so long to be remembered by the early
settlers of Michigan, and Mr. Howland's family endured
many privations and hardships, sufiering mostly from cold,
Mrs. Howland actually chilling her feet while in bed, from
the effects of which she suffers to this day. The wolves
howled around their home by night, while by day the deer
browsed in the timber felled by Mr. Howland. The gro-
ceries and family supplies were carried home by Mr. How-
land from Jones ville and Hudson, he going and coming on
foot. From the wild home thus settled he has made a '
beautiful farm, with fine buildings and improvements, a
sketch of which appears on another page, and where he
intends to pass the remainder of his days. Mr. Howland
has always taken great interest in schools, being for many
years one of the school-board. In politics he was in early
days a Whig, and at the formation of the Republican party
he early joined it, and has since been an ardent Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Howland have had born to them four chil-
dren, as follows : Jonathan H., born Dec. 21, 1838 ; Mary
E., born Sept. 21, 1840 ; Sarah C, born April 10, 1845 ;
and Cynthia L., born March 3, 1849. Of these Mary E.
died June 27, 1842, and Sarah C, April 20, 1871.
GEORGE CAMP.
From the landing of the Pilgrim fathers at Plymouth
Rock down to the present time the pioneers of America
have been men of energy, endurance, and iron nerve, —
men who never stopped for trifles or turned back when
they had once put their hands to the plow, — and such were
the men who, in many cases, left luxurious homes in the
Eastern States to carve out for themselves homes and for-
tunes in the wilderness of Michigan ; and but few of these
have been more successful or better deserve the name of
pioneer than George Camp, the subject of this sketch.
His father, Joseph Camp, was born in Masonville, N. Y.,
May 31, 1786, and was married to Miss Rachel Rogers,
who was born Dec. 20, 1795. George Camp was born in
Masonville, Dec. 25, 1814, and lived with his father until
he was twenty-one years of age, when he commenced life
for himself, following the same occupation as his father.
Oct. 11, 1837, he was married to Miss Catharine M.
Quackenbushj daughter of Barny and Maria (Rosa) Quack-
enbush. She was born Dec. 17, 1817, in Pennsylvania.
Two years prior to his marriage Mr. Camp had located in
Dover, Lenawee Co., Mich., buying ten acres of land. In
1837 he, with his young wife, came to Dover, Mich., but
sold out and returned to New York. Again, in 1840,
they returned to Dover, and on their arrival Mr. Camp
had just eighteen pence. In 1842 he bought forty acres
of wild land, in Ransom, which he paid for by clearing
land for others. In 1844 he moved on to the farm he
now owns, in Ransom, Hillsdale Co., which was then all
new, and not a stick cut. On this farm he built a house,
and commenced improving. Though it was new, and
neighbors were few, with the wolves making night hideous
with their howling, still, Mrs. Camp says, they were happy
in their new homes, and did not mind the hardships and
privations incident to the life of a pioneer. To this farm
of forty acres Mr. Camp added, from time to time, until
he owned two hundred and sixty acres of splendid land,
which is now under cultivation, and one of the best farms,
and has the finest buildings, in Ransom. Mr. Camp took
a contract of David Woods, then postmaster at Wright's
Corners, to carry the mail from Likely's Corners to Hills-
dale via Ransom Centre, Palmer P. 0. (in Jefferson), and
Cambria Mills. This trip of forty-one miles he made
every Saturday, receiving therefor one dollar a week, and
continued it for two and a half years.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
295
Mr. Camp has always been a Whig and Republican, and
has taken an active interest in politics, though he has never
wanted or held office.
To Mr. and Mrs. Camp there have been born four chil-
dren,—Henry A., born July 17, 1838, married to Mary
Likely; George E., born Oct. 3, 1844, married to Miss
Jane Kay; Albert B., born June 17, 1849, married Miss
Eva Clark ; Milan F., born May 4, 1856, married Carrie
Keith. Of these, Albert B. lives in California, the rest
within a mile of the old home,— Milan F. and George E.
on the old place, and Henry A. in Wright township, where
he is in the mercantile business and is postmaster. Mr.
Camp was always active in school matters, and was for
many years one of the school board. He has now retired
from business, and lives in Hudson, where he has a fine
home.
A M B O Y.
The township of Amboy, which is situated in the centre,
on the south border of the county, embraces a territory 12
miles in length from east to west, with an average width of
about 2i miles.
It is bounded on the north by Woodbridge and Ransom
townships, east by the township of Wright, west by Cam-
den township, and south by the State of Ohio.
Its surface is a rolling upland of the character so com-
monly found in this portion of Southern Michigan, and
was covered, originally, with dense forests of the finest
quality of beech, maple, oak, walnut, linn, ash, and white-
wood. The principal water-courses are St. Joseph's River
in the west part, Silver Creek in the centre. Ransom Creek
and St. Joseph's fork of the Maumee in the east. These
streams all enter Amboy from the north, and flow to the
southward, afi"ording in their passage through the township
many fine water-power privileges. Goforth and Hagaman's
Lakes, small bodies of water, are found in the west part.
The soil is of that changeable quality usually found in
all drift formations, and consists of a sandy, gravelly loam
alternating with clay loam. It is very productive, however,
and well adapted to grazing and the cultivation of the
cereals.
The people are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits.
The farms are under a good state of cultivation. Neat
farm-houses and substantial outbuildings abound, and the
citizens are in a seemingly prosperous condition.
The township contains a total area of 19,221 acres, of
which about one-third are improved, and in 1874 had a
population of 1232 inhabitants.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
When, in February, 1838, James H. FuUerton, who was
originally from Washington Co., N. Y., came from the vi-
cinity of Adrian, Lenawee Co., Mich., and settled upon
section 33, township 8 south, range 3 west, — then Fayette
township, — he became the first 'settler in the territory now
known as Amboy township. He had bought 80 acres of
government land and erected a log cabin upon his lot in
the fall of 1837. The journey from Adrian to his new
home was accomplished in two days. His family — which
consisted of himself, wife, and an infant son, Daniel — and
a few household goods were transported by means of an
ox-team and sled.
Mrs. Fullerton relates that at the time of their settle-
ment here, their nearest neighbor on the west was 'Squire
Fowle, nine miles distant. To Canandaigua, on Bean
Creek, where resided their nearest neighbors on the east,
it was about twenty miles. William Saxton and Jacob
Clark, who lived some eight or nine miles northeast of
them, were the only residents in that part of Fayette now
known as Woodbridge township, while to the south of them
was an unbroken wilderness for many miles.
• The next settler in Amboy was Amos S. Drake, who
came from Wayne Co., N. Y., and settled upon section 6,
township 9 south, range 2 west, — then Florida township, —
in December, 1838. He was accompanied by his wife,
sons, Sidney, John, and William, and three daughters.
The journey from Buff"alo to Toledo was accomplished by
steamboat, and from the latter city to Amboy by horse-
team, his being the first span of horses owned in the town-
ship. During his lifetime Mr. Drake was one of the lead-
ing citizens of the township. Although he kept no tavern,
his door was always open to the many travelers passing
upon the " Territorial Road." He was the first postmas-
ter, receiving his appointment about 1841. The office was
then known as Bird. He erected the first framed barn, in
1845, and owned the first " Cayuga Chief," — a combined
mower and reaper, — which he purchased in 1853. His
son, Sidney Drake, built the first framed house in the
township, in 1845. Another son, Hon. William Drake,
besides serving his town in many responsible positions for
a long period of years, has represented Hillsdale County in
the State Legislature.
William D. Stout, the first practicing physician, came
from New York State, and settled near Mr. Drake, in 1839.
He afterwards became a Baptist preacher.
Nathaniel S. Dewey, from Williams Co., Ohio, became
a resident in 1841. He built an ashery, and opened the
first store in 1846. He also served as the first supervisor
of the town of Amboy in 1850.
John King came from Lima, Ontario Co., N. Y., and
296
HISTOKY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
settled in Ypsilanti in the winter of 1837-38, where he re-
mained until January, 1841, when he removed to Amboy,
locating in the central part. His sons, Gideon G. and
Walter, came with him. Mr. King was one of the first
justices of the peace, and a prominent citizen. His son,
Gideon G. King, was also a gentleman of prominence and
ability. He represented Hillsdale County in the State
Legislature, and served his townsmen in various capacities
as a township officer. He died at the early age of thirty-
nine years.
Joseph Webb, from New York, settled in the west part
in 1841.
In 1842, William Gay came in from Genesee Co., N. Y.,
and settled on section 5, township 9 south, range 2 west.
He built the first saw-mill, soon after, and erected the first
grist-mill, prior to 1847.
Among others who came the same year (1842), some of
whom settled upon land owned by Mr. Gay, were Willard
Gay, a brother, Stetson, Barney Whetstone, Jeremiah
Sperry, Charles Baker, John Goforth, Dewitt C. Lewis,
and Thomas W. Ashworth. Charles Clark, from St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., became a resident in 1845. Also George
W. Alfred, from Wayne Co., of the same State.
Other settlers here prior to 1850 were Asa Brown, John
B. Covey, Joel Cowgill, Joseph Cowgill, Ideomer Church,
Joel L. Chatfield, Nathan Edinger, Samuel Fowler, Charles
Farlee, Cyrus Gordon, Hosea Gillett, William Gillett, De-
balt Heckel, George Heckel, John Kuhns, Kodney King,
Israel Loomis, Robert L. McCollum, Paden Marshall, Scott
Marshall, William Marshall, Harris W. Odell, Niles J.
Parrish, Joseph Philbrick, Jr., Henry Prestage, John W.
Bobbins, Joseph B. Bowland, David C. Rowland, James
Smith, Allen [Stanley, Lemuel Stanley, Joseph Stanley,
Littleberry Stanley, John Shupp, Francis A. Squires,
James Snow, Milo Scovill, James Sloan, Levi B. SpafFord,
and Henry Zuver.
In 1851-52 a large number of families emigrated from
Stark Co., Ohio, and its vicinity, and settled in Amboy.
Among them were William Elliott, Mayhew Elliott, Ben-
jamin Elliott, Timothy Elliott, Cyrus Elliott, Isaac Haga-
man, Ellis W. Cope, and John Reader. Henry Loutsen-
hizer, a prominent citizen at the present time, erected the
first brick dwelling, about 1872. The first death was that
of Sarah, a daughter of Amos S. Drake, who died in
March, 1839. Samuel Carll and Miss Jane Drake were
married by Squire Fowle in 1840, and theirs is believed to
have been the first marriage, celebrated in the township.
Names of those who bought land of the United States
Government prior to April 27, 1838, and whose lands were
situated within the present boundaries of Amboy :
Tovmship 8 South^ Range 2 West. — Section 31, Nor-
man C. Baldwin, Wm. P. Green & Co., Wm. P. Green,
G. L. Perkins. Section 32, Theron Skeels, Colby Chew,
David Short, William P. Green.
Township 9 South, Range 2 West. — Section 7, Joseph
R. Williams, Robert McClelland, Stiles Staunton, Calvin
Camp. Section 8, Jonathan E. Fletcher, Silas Phinney,
Andrew F. Oliver, Peter Decker. Section 9, Andrew F.
Oliver, Joseph R. Williams. Section 10, Joseph R. Wil-
liams. Section 11, Austin E. Wing, David R. Carrier, Jo-
seph R. Williams. Section 12, Austin E. Wing, Charles
H. Carroll.
Township 8 South, Range 3 West. — Section 31, Joseph
R. Williams, John M. Pease, Charles Butler, S. A. Faulk-
ner. Section 32, E. S. Jones, Parker Handy, Joseph R.
Williams, John P. Brayton, B. Mallite, Isaac H. Gibbs.
Section 33, James H. Fullerton, Joseph Webb, W. 0.
Wood, C. P. and C. S. G. and P. B. and Wm. G. Grant,
Philip C. Bucket. Section 34, W. 0. Wood, Jacob Yan-
derheyden, C. P. and C. S. G. and P. B. and Wm. G.
Grant, Philip C. Bucket, Charles Noble. Section 35,
Green, Hubbard & Lester, Irwin Camp, Green & Co. Sec-
tion 36, Green, Hubbard & Lester, Stiles Stanton, John
Joseph Charround.
Township 9 South, Range 3 West. — Section 1, John
Merchant, Jr., Joseph R. Williams, Norman C. Baldwin,
W. B. & C. H. Harvey, Stiles Stanton, John Makison.
Section 2, Peter Martin, Harvey P. Sartwell, Joseph R.
Williams, E. A. Reed, Irwin Camp, John Joseph Char-
round. Section 3, Peter Martin, N. Silsbee, Joseph R.
Williams, John I. Wright, E. A. Reed, W. B. & C. H.
Harvey. Section 4, Joseph R. Williams, E. L. Baker,
W. P. Green, W. B. & H. Harvey. Section 5, Porter,
Tolford & White, I. H. Collard and S. Stiles, Joseph R.
Williams. Section 6, Porter, Tolford & White, Theron
Morgan, David S. Sanford, I. S. Stoddard. Section 7,
Porter, Tolford & White, Russell Forsyth, David White,
Abram Jessup, Joseph R. Williams. Section 8, Porter,
Tolford & White, Russell Forsyth, David White, Abram
Jessup, Theron Morgan, J. R. Williams. Section 9, Jared
Green, Theron Morgan, David C. Stuart, Joseph R. Wil-
liams, Gustavus Grinald. Section 10, George Landon,
James C. Brayton, Robert McClelland, Green, Hubbard &
Lester, William P. Green, I. Ward. Section 11, A. F.
Oliver, Ira R. Grosvenor, Joseph R. Williams, James C.
Brayton, Orlando Brown, John R. Dean, Green, Hubbard
& Lester. Section 12, Joseph R. Williams, Alfred Willis,
Edward Willis, Orlando Brown, Curtis ogswel , and
James W. Pease.
Of all those named in the foregoing, James H. Fullerton
and Joseph Webb seem to have been the only ones who
became actual settlers and permanent residents. The re-
mainder were speculators. These lands were purchased of
the government for $1.25 per acre, and the list embraces
the names of the men in whom was vested the ownership
of the major portion of the present town of Amboy in
April, 1838.
CIVIL HISTORY.
By an act of the Senate and House of Representatives
of the State of Michigan, approved March 28, 1850, Am-
boy was formed from Bird and Woodbridge townships.
The act reads as follows : " Sec. 7. That so much of the
townships of Woodbridge and Bird, in the county of Hills-
dale, lying in townships 9 south, of range 2 and 3 west,
and the south tier of sections of townships 8 south, of range
2 and 3 west, be and the same are hereby set off from the
said townships of Woodbridge and Bird, and organized into
a separate township by the name of Amboy ; and the first
township-meeting therein shall be held at the house now
occupied by Amos S. Drake, in said township."
^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
297
At the first township election, held at the house of Amos
S. Drake, in the town of Amboy, on Monday, April 22,
1850, the meeting was organized by the election of John
King, Moderator; Gideon G. King, Clerk; and Amos S.
Drake and John P. Covey, Inspectors of said election.
Forty-five electors were present, and at the close of the
meeting the following-named persons were declared elected
to the offices set opposite their respective names, to wit :
Nathaniel S. Dewey, Supervisor ; Gideon G. King, Town-
ship Clerk; Charles Clark, Treasurer; Nathan Edinger,
John King, Justices of the Peace ; Henry Prestage, John
Goforth, Gideon G. King, Commissioners of Highways ;
Charles Farlee, William Drake, Inspectors of Common
Schools ; Amos S. Drake, John King, Overseers of the
Poor; Joseph Philbrick, Jr., Charles H. Barton, Paden
Marshall, Constables.
Overseers of Highways.— QeovgQ Converse, district No.
15 ; Samuel Fowler, district No. 7 ; John P. Covey, dis-
trict No. 8; John Goforth, district No. 11 ; Paden Mar-
shall, district No. 19.
It was also voted " That the supervisor do the assessing
in said township, and that there be no assessor elected the
ensuing year. That there be but three constables elected.
That all other business be done before counting the votes.
That the electors of each road district elect their own over-
seers. That $150 be raised for contingent expenses. That
the same amount be raised for highway purposes. That
there be a fine of $5 levied on the owners of all boar hogs
over three months old that run at large in the highways in
said township."
Jurors for 1850.— Charles Farlee, Milo Scovill, John
Shupp, Grand Jurors; Dewitt C. Lewis, George W. Alford,
Samuel Fowler, Petit Jurors.
The total amount of money assessed and collected for the
year 1851 was $1021.73, and applied as follows :
For State purposes $101.14
« county " 276.25
« town " 300.00
** highway *' ••••• 133.37
" special " 36.93
« school " 174.04
$1021.73
Total amount of tax levied for the year 1878, $3069.84.
At the spring election for 1863 the total number of votes
cast was 92, and all the officers elected received a unanimous
vote.
A town hall, costing $1000, was erected in 1876.
A list of the principal township officers from 1850 to
1878, inclusive, —
SUPERVISORS.
1850. Nathaniel S. Dewey.
1851-52. Gideon G-. King.
1853. Wm. Gay.
1854. Charles S. Barker.
1855. Wm. Gay.
1856-57. Gideon G. King.
1858-59. Charles Farlee.
1860. Gideon G. King.
1861-62. Wm. Drake.
38
1863-67. Augustus G. McClellan.
1868-69. Wm. Drake.
1870. Augustus G. McClellan.
1871-72. Wm. Drake.
1873-74. Augustus G. McClellan.
1875. James M. Baker.
1876. James Beattie.
1877. Wm. Drake.
1878. James Beattie.
TOWNSHIP
CLERKS.
1850.
Gideon G. King.
1867. 0. J. Britton.
1851.
Charles Farlee.
1868. Homer C. Davis.
1852.
William Drake.
1869. Luther W. Woods.
1853.
William D. Stout.
1870-72. Homer C. Davis.
1854.
William J. Gay.
1873-74. James M. Baker.
1855.
James M. Baker.
1875-76. Timothy Elliott.
1856.
John F. Hendricks.
1877. James Beattie.
1857.
William Drake.
1878. Edward Darlington.
1858-
-66. Homer C. Davis.
1850. Charles Clark.
1851. William Drake.
1852-55. George W. Alfred.
1856-62. Allen Stanley.
1863-68. David Snyder.
TREASURERS.
1869. Osborn J. Britton.
1870-75. Charles Clark. •
1876. William Drake.
1877-78. Cyrus W. Elliott.
JUSTICES OF
THE PEACE.
1850. Nathan Edinger. ,
1862. William Gordon.
John King.
1863. Benson E. Doolittle.
1851. Nathan Edinger.
1864. Benson E. Doolittle.
1852. Amos S. Drake.
Horatio G. Moore.
Joel Cowgill.
1865. Horatio G. Moore.
Niles J. Parrish.
1866. Jacob B. Delamater.
1853. John Bates.
Thomas A. Sawyer.
1854. Cyrus Gordon.
1867. William Gordon.
Cyrus 0. Blanchard.
John E. Benton.
1855. Joel Cowgill.
1868. John C. Hagaman.
Nathan Edinger.
Milo Scovill.
William Elliott.
1869. Horatio G. Moore.
1856. Jacob B. Delamater.
1870. Alvin B. Hank.
Hiram* M. Corse.
James A. Drake.
1857. Isaac Hagaman.
1871. Milo Scovill.
1858. Nathan Edinger.
Augustus G. McClellan.
James D. Salisbury.
1872. John S. Drake.
1859. John King.
1873. Cyrus Elliott.
Joseph M. Snyder.
1874. Augustus G. McClellan
1860. Hiram M. Corse.
1875. Eddy Towers.
1861. Kichard Osborn.
Samuel Jacobus.
William Leisenring.
1876. John S. Drake.
1862. Jacob B. Delamater.
1877. John M. White.
Samuel Bowman.
1878. Samuel Jacobus.
COMMISSIONERS
OP HIGHWAYS.
1850. Henry Prestage.
1862. Samuel Fowler.
John Goforth.
Joseph Stanley.
Gideon G. King.
1863. Joseph Stanley.
1851. Cyrus Gordon.
1864. George A. Metzgar.
1852. John P. Covey.
1865. Allen Stanley.
1853. Milo Scovill.
1866. John S. Drake.
Charles Clark, Jr.
1867. Milo Scovill.
1854. Milo Scovill.
1868s Ellis W. Cope.
1855. Dewitt C. Lewis.
1869. John S. Drake.
1856. Jesse Crow.-
1870. Milo Scovill.
1857. Cyrus Gordon.
1871. Ellis W. Cope.
John S. Drake.
1872. John S. Drake.
Henry Zuver.
1873. Andrew Bushong.
1858. Henry Zuver.
1874. David Charier.
1859. Samuel Fowler.
1875. Henry Loutsenhlzer.
1860. Milo Scovill.
1876-78. William Eagle.
1861. William H. Osborn.
The following is an alphabetical list of the resident land-
owners in the township of Amboy for the year 1851 ;
showing also their location and the number of acres owned
by each :
Names. Section.
Ashworth, Thomas W 4
Alfred, Mrs. Mary 36
Alfred, George W..... 31 and 36
Brown, Asa ^
Baker, Charles,. 1
Covey, John P.... ^
Cowgill, Joel. 4:
«rn.
Eange.
Acreii.
9
3
94
8
3
40
8
2and3
120
9
3
40
9
3
120
9
3
40
9
2
80
X
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Names. Section.
Cowgill, Joseph 4
Church, Idomer 12
Clark, Charles 1
Chatfield, Joel L 31
Convers, Mrs. Susan 5 and 31
Drake, Amos S 6 and 8
Brake, John S.,
Drake, William
Dewey, Nathaniel S ..
Edinger, Nathan
Fullerton, James H..,
Fowler, Samuel
Faxlee, Charles
Gordon, Cyrus.
7
6
6
34
33
12
Town.
9
9
9
8
8 and 9
9
9
9
9
Goforth, John 33and34
Gay, William, & Sons 5
Gillett, Hosea 6
Gillett, William 6
Heckel, Debalt 9
Heckel, George 9
Kuhns, John 31
King, Rodney 8
King, Gideon G 12
Loomis, Israel
Lewis, Dewitt C 34
McCoUum, Robert L 8
Marshall, Paden 34
Marshall, Scott 34
Marshall, William.... 34
Odell, Harris W 31
Parrish, Niles J 5
Philbrick, Joseph, Jr 12
Prestage, Henry 9andl0
Robbins, John W 6
Rowland, Joseph B 5
Rowland, David C 4
Smith, James 34
Stanley, Allen 5
Stanley, Lemuel 5
Stanley, Joseph 5
Stanley, Littlebury 4
Shupp, John 5
Squires, Francis A 4
Snow, James 31
Sperry, Jeremiah... 6
Scovill, Milo 10
Sloan, James 7 and 31
Spafiford, Levi B 31
Stout, William D 7
Webb, Joseph 33
Zuver, Henry 31
8 and 9
Eange.
2
3
3
2
2
2
Acres.
43
80
80
80
160
160
83
80
40
70
80
80
78
40
200
240
80
40
40
40
Personal.
80
80
Personal.
40
160
10
70
10
' 80
80
40
160
120
2
80
80
40
30
Personal.
43
80
40
44
80
40
120
80
40
40
173
Grideon G. King, who was then supervisor and assessor,
estimated that the township contained a total area of
19,429^ acres.
The personal estate was valued at $2070 ;' the real estate
was valued at $50,099.63. Total, $52,169.63.
The Board of Supervisors equalized the above amount,
and by deduction determined that the aggregate value of
the taxable real and personal property in the township of
Amboy for the year 1851 be $22,000.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
The Territorial road which intersects the township from
east to west, passing along the south boundaries of the
northern tier of sections of the original townships 9 south,
ranges 2 and 3 west, was the earliest established.
Other highways were laid out in the west part by the
township of Woodbridge, in 1840, and in the east part by
the township of Ransom, 1841. The highways are in good
condition, and have ever received a large share of attention.
One thousand dollars was appropriated for highway pur-
poses in 1852, and the same amount for the following year.
The road-bed of the Mansfield, Coldwater and Lake
Michigan Railroad Company enters the township near the
centre, on the south, and running in a northwesterly course,
intersecting sections 12, 2, 3, and 4, of township 9 south,
mige 3 west, and sections 33, 32, and 31, of township 8
south, range 3*west, leaves the township near the northwest
corner. The work was performed in the years 1870-71,
and was paid for mainly with money received from citizens
living along the line.
The following agricultural statistics are compiled from
the census report of 1874 :
Nnmber of acres of taxable land 19,177
" " improved 7,438
" farms in the township.. 227
" acres in farms 15,988
Average number of acres in farms 70-^%
Number of acres of wheat growing June, 1874 1,967
" " " harvested, 1873 1,658
" " corn harvested, 1873 1,331
" bushels of wheat harvested, 1873 24,674
" " corn harvested, 1873 69,658
" " other grain harvested, 1873.. 12,633
" " potatoes harvested, 1873 5,407
" tons of hay harvested, 1873 1,485
" pounds of wool sheared, 1873 6.958
" " pork marketed, 1873 136,056
<' " butter made, 1873 71,895
« " fruit dried for market, 1873.. 1,025
" " maple-sugar produced, 1873. 855
*' barrels of cider made, 1873 127
" acres in fruits, 1873 386
Value of fruits and garden vegetables, 1873 $1,641
Number of horses, 1874 414
" mules, 1874 6
" working oxen, 1874 32
" milch-cows, 1874 626
" other cattle, 1874 659
" swine, 1874 957
" sheep, 1874 1,752
" sheared, 1873 1,066
VILLAGES.
There are no villages of any importance in this township,
the inhabitants doing the most of their trading across the
line, at Pioneer, Ohio.
Amboy Post-office^ 16 miles south of Hillsdale City, is
situated a little south of the central part of the township,
and receives mail semi-weekly from the latter city.
Austin^ a hamlet in the northwest corner, and on the
line of the contemplated M. C. & L. M. R. R., contains a
saw-mill, store, post-office, and 8 or 10 dwelling-houses.
Its post-office name is White. It is on the route from
Camden Centre to Reading, and receives the mail semi-
weekly.
R. W. Drinker's saw- and grist-mills are situated on St.
Joseph's River, in the southwest part.
SCHOOLS.
The first school-house erected in the township was built
about 1847. It was a small frame structure, and was situa-
ted one mile east of the Baptist church. Miss Lucia
Cohoon was the first teacher in the new school-house, and
hers was the first school taught in the town.
Tlie first teacher licensed, after the organization of the
township, was Miss Elizabeth Doolittle, who was examined,
and found qualified. May 8, 1850.
The first board of school inspectors, viz., Charles Farlee,
William Drake, and Gideon 0. King, met at the house of
John King, Saturday, June^ 1, 1850, and organized five
school districts. Charles Farlee was examined, and found
qualified to teach, Nov. 2, 1850.
The following is the first report regarding school moneys,
its apportionment, and explains itself:
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
299
.)
"Stat^: of Michigan,
County op Hillsdale
'' To the Treasurer of Amhoy township :
" Sir, — The amount of school money to be apportioned
in the several districts entitled thereto, being the interest
of the Primary School Fund, is $20.00 for the year end-
ing Sept. 1, 1851. The districts entitled to draw money
are districts Nos. 3 and 4.
" Number of scholars in district No. 3, 45 ; amount of
money apportioned to the same, $15.25. Number of
scholars in district No. 4, 14 ; amount of money appor-
tioned, $4.75.
" Dated at Amboy, this 2 2d day of September, 1851.
" Charles Farlee, Township Clerk.''
The school-house in district No. 7 was the first brick
building erected in the township. Number of school dis-
tricts in the township, 1878, 10 ; children of school age,
505 ; amount of interest. Primary School Fund, $281.88.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMBOY
was organized by Rev. L. A. Alford, Feb, 23, 1850, with
the following-named members : Amos S. Drake, William D.
Stout, Horace Gillett, Harris W. Odell, Catherine Drake,
Emily Farlee, Catherine Heckel, and Mrs. Philbrick. Pre-
vious to the formation of this society, the people had listened
to the preachings of Elders Smith, Lewis, and other mission-
aries, sent out by the Baptist Home Mission Society. Meet-
ings were held in the school-house of district No. 5. Elder
Perrin also preached here one year previous to the regular
organization. In 1870, William Drake, Homer C. Davis,
Warren McCutcheon, John S. Drake, and Walter E. King
were elected trustees, and empowered to go forward and
build a house of worship. An edifice was commenced in
the spring of 1871. This, when in a forward state, was
blown down in the fall of the same year. Although some-
what discouraged, another structure (the present one) was
commenced in the spring of 1872, completed during the
year, and dedicated Jan. 1, 1873. It has sittings for 300
people, and cost $3600, which is all paid up. The pastors
since Mr. Alford have been William D. Stout, — a licentiate
of the society, — who continued one year. He was followed
by Rev. Orlando Mack, who came in 1854, and remained
two years. Mr. Stout returned early in 1856. Rev. L.
M. Rose became the pastor in 1859, and remained until
the time of his death, May 11, 1872. Rev. William Pren-
tice supplied for a few months after the death of Mr. Rose,
also Elder William Bassett. Rev. Robert Clark came next,
and remained two years. Rev. William Read was their
last pastor. The society has no pastor at the present time.
Present membership, 88 ; number of pupils in Sabbath-
schools, 70 ; superintendent of Sabbath-schools, William
Drake, who has served in that capacity for a period of 21
years.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In February, 1851, Rev. Newland Sampson organized a
Protestant Methodist Society of about 15 members. Among
them were George W. Alfred, Catherine Alfred, Milo Sco-
vill, Cynthia Scovill, David C. Rowland, Eva Rowland,
Mary Shupp, Betsey Alfred, Lucy Alfred, Debalt Heckel,
Mrs. D. Heckel, and Salander Johnson. Their meetings
were held in the school-house of district No. 4, and they
were visited by Elders Sampson and Hurlbut semi-monthly
for about five years, when the society disbanded.
At this time (1856) a Methodist Episcopal class was
formed by Rev. John J. Andridge, comprised of the fol-
lowing members, viz. : George W. Alfred, Catharine Alfred,
Milo Scovill, Cynthia Scovill, Cyrus Gordon and wife, and
Mary Shupp. The meetings were held in the school-house
until April 13, 1871, when their present house of worship
was dedicated as the First Methodist Episcopal Church in
Amboy. It has sittings for 300 persons, and cost $2500.
Among the pastors of this church who have followed Mr.
Andridge are Revs. Nathan Mount, I. Finch, E. C. Cham-
bers, John Hoyt, Franklin Cook, Myron Wheeler, Charles
Warburton, William Ball, John Johns, M. D. Carroll,
Jones, D. A. Ide, C. H. Ellis, J. Berry, and George
Donaldson, the present pastor.
This church now forms part of the Ransom Circuit,
Coldwater District. Number of present members, 60;
number of pupils in Sabbath-schools, 50. Henry L. Rus-
sell, Sabbath-school superintendent.
CEMETERIES.
It was voted at the annual township-meeting, held April
7, 1851, " That the town board be instructed to procure or
purchase a good and sufficient burying-ground in this
township."
Acting upon these instructions, a ground for burial pur-
poses was soon after located upon the northwest corner of
section 5, township 9 south, range 2 west. Other burying-
grounds are found upon sections 3 and 10, township 9
south, range 3 west.
MILITARY.
During the war of the Rebellion, the township issued
bonds, for the payment of soldiers' bounties, to the amount
of $2400. Her quotas were always filled, and by her sons
was represented upon a majority of the hard-fought fields
which from 1861 to 1865 deluged our common country
with woe and bloodshed. Their names, and the history of
the organizations to which they belonged, are more fully
treated, under the head of military, in the general history,
to which the reader is respectfully referred.
In compiling the history of the township of Amboy, we
have been assisted very materially by information derived
from Hon. William Drake, Messrs. George W. Alfred,
WilHam Elliott, Edward Darlington, township clerk, Mrs.
James H. FuUerton, Mrs. John King, and many others, to
all of whom we desire to return our sincere thanks for their
uniform courtesy and kindness.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
AUGUSTUS' G. McCLELLAN,
the subject of this sketch, was born in the State of Ver-
mont, Sept. 16, 1811. Until he was eighteen years old he
lived on the farm with his father. His education was such
300
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
as could be obtained at the district schools of that day,
going three miles to school during the winter months. At
the age of eighteen he went to Portage Co., Ohio, where
he learned the carpenter and joiner trade, which he followed
several years. April 18, 1833, he was married to Mrs.
Mary Sears. The result of this union was four children,
viz. : Ralph, born March 21, 1837 ; Orrison, born May 21,
1839; Melissa Ann, born May 16, 1843 ; and Alice S.,
Photo, by Carson & Graham, Hillsdale.
AUGUSTUS Q. m'cLELLAN.
born Aug. 23, 1 848. After the death of his first wife, Mr.
McClellan was again married, to Miss Mary Taylor, and
there were born to them four children : Clarence A., born
Jan. 13, 1860 (he was killed June 23, 1864) ; Arthur W.,
born March 16, 1862 ; Ida and Ada, born Dec. 20, 1867.
From Portage Co., Ohio, Mr. McClellan moved to Wood
Co., Ohio, where he bought a new farm of eighty acres,
which he cleared and improved, working at his trade part of
the time. While residing in Wood County he was for many
years justice of the peace and postmaster, always taking an
active part in school matters, and generally a member of the
board. In the fall of 1860 he sold his farm and moved into
Amboy, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land, which was mostly new. This farm he
improved and built upon, living thereon till his death, which
occurred May 15, 1874. He had lived in Amboy but two
years when he was elected supervisor, which office he held
several terms to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
He was also for several years a justice of the peace, and it
is said by his old neighbors that his advice in legal matters
was better than that given by many lawyers. His son,
Orrison, enlisted in Company B, 57 th Ohio Infantry, and
served one and one-half years. Ralph enlisted Feb. 3, 1863,
in Company B, 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, and was dis-
charged June 5, 1865. Was in the battle of the Wilder-
ness and part of the siege of Petersburg.
ELIHU FERRALL.
William Ferrall was born in Holly Spring, Va., and was
married at the age of twenty- three to Rachel Beck. His
son, Elihu Ferrall, the subject of this sketch, was born
Jan. 5, 1817, in Salem township, Columbiana Co., Ohio,
from whence his father moved to Centre township, in the
same county, where he resided until he was nineteen years
old, when he left home, and, without a cent, commenced in
life for himself He was naturally of a roving disposition,
and, bound to gratify this desire, he started out, earning the
means to pay his way by working at whatever he could get
to do. In this way he traveled through the States of Ohio,
Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and thence home to
Ohio, where he remained but a short time, when he again
started on his rambles, going down the Ohio River and up
the Mississippi; then through the States of Iowa and
Illinois to Chicago ; from there across the lake to Michigan ;
thence on foot to Toledo, Ohio ; from there to Cleveland by
schooner ; then on foot again to his old home. March 25,
1840, he was married to Mary Ann Hart, daughter of
Garrett Hart and Elizabeth Hart, who was born July 16,
1817. After their marriage they worked a rented farm for
a couple of years and then bought. In 1855 he sold out
and moved to Fulton Co., Ohio. In 1858 again sold out
and moved with his family on a wild farm in Amboy town-
ship, Hillsdale Co., Mich., running in debt for the same.
At this time they had a family of eight children and
nothing^to live upon but potatoes, and not always enough
of them, but an indomitable will conquered, and they soon
had food in abundance. They have had ten children : Sarah
Catharine, born March 26, 1841 ; Barzillai F., born May 7,
1842; Garrett H., born Nov. 11, 1843; Rachel B., born
April 21, 1845 ; Oliver P., born July 26, 1846 ; Jane E.,
born March 5, 1848 ; John W., born Nov. 15, 1850 ;
James E., born Oct. 17, 1852 ; Taylor S., born May 29,
1854 ; and Isabell Lucy, born May 21, 1856. Rachel B.
died May 15, 1846. Mr. Ferrall owns one hundred and sixty
acres of fine land, one hundred acres improved, with one of the
best houses in town. In politics he was a Whig in early days,
since then a Republican. In religion liberal, while Mrs. Fer-
rall has been for many years a Methodist, but is at present a
member of the society of United Brethren.
HENRY LOUTSENHIZER.
David Loutsenhizer was born June 15, 1802, in West-
moreland Co., Pa. In 1824 he was married to Miss Mar-
garet Cavett, and soon after emigrated to Ohio, living a
short time in Licking County, from whence he moved to
Williams County, where he resided till his death. They
had born to them thirteen children, James, Mary, Louisa,
Henry, Hester, William, Joseph, Lydia Ann, Oliver D.,
and John C. (the two last were twins), Margaret, Sarah,
and David. Henry Loutsenhizer, the fourth child, and the
subject of this sketch, was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Nov.
20, 1828. Arriving at maturity he commenced life for
himself, with nothing but his energy and perseverance for
a dowry. During the first winter he worked in an ashery,
and the wages thus earned, added to the amount received
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
301
for a colt which had been given him, made the sum of
ninety-nine dollars and fifty cents. At this time he was
troubled with the California fever, but his capital was too
small, and he applied to Judge Ayres, then of West Unity,
for assistance, and the judge, with no security but Mr.
Loutsenhizer's word of honor, loaned him one hundred
dollars, Mr. Loutsenhizer agreeing to give the judge one-
third of first year's earnings. April 5, in company with
others, he started for the land of gold, going overland with
a team, and making the trip in five months, and seeing the
hard times and excitement attending an overland trip to Cali-
fornia at that time. His first year's earnings amounted to
twelve hundred and eight dollars, one-third of which he
gave the judge. In April, 1852, he returned to Ohio, and,
with the money thus earned, he made a start with which he
has made himself a competency, at this date owning a farm
of two hundred acres, one of the best in his town. Dec.
5, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Bachman,
daughter of George and Sarah Bachman, of Williams Co.,
Ohio, where they had moved from Seneca Co., N. Y., in
which county Miss Bachman was born.
' In 1839, Mr. Loutsenhizer bought a farm in Williams
Co., Ohio, which he cleared and improved, selling the same
in .1861 and taking up his residence on another new farm
in Amboy, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he has since resided.
In politics he is and has always been a Democrat, and has
several times been nominated by his party for supervisor,
always getting more than his party vote.
i4-<^
0 A M D E JST.
The township of Camden was, in 1839, a part of the
town of Reading, and had before the organization of that
town formed a part of the town of Allen. A bill was
presented to the Legislature, in the session of 1839, to set
ofi" the south part of Reading into a separate town. A
meeting was held, during the pendency of this bill, at the
house of Eason T. Chester, to select a name for the new
town. Among the names proposed were '' Clarence,"
" Echo," and " Camden." After considerable discussion
the name of Camden, proposed by Mr. Chester, was settled
upon, and the representative was notified of the choice and
incorporated the name in the bill. This town was there-
fore named Camden, after the town of that name in Oneida
Co., N. Y. It is the southwest town of the county, and
contains an area of 26,927 acres, being sections 1 to 36
(except sections 30 and 31 and the south half of section
19) of town 8 south, of range 4 west, and sections 1 to 12
(except sections 6 and 7) of town 9 south, of range 4
west. The sections excepted lie in the town of Clear
Lake, Ind.
Camden is bounded north by Reading, east by Wood-
bridge and Amboy, south by Northwest, Williams Co., 0.,
and west by Clear Lake, Steuben Co., Ind., and by Cali-
fornia, Branch Co., Mich.
The surface of the town is generally level or slightly
rolling, rising into low hills in the central part along the
course of the streams, and being most level in the south
and east parts. In the northwest part of the town there
is considerable marshy land, the surface there being low as
compared to the water-courses. The hills rising highest
above the general surface are just north of Camden village,
and are of the kind known as clay knobs, and furnish a
good quality of clay for use in brick-making.
The soil is varied in its character, and consists of clayey,
gravelly, and sandy loam and muck. It Is very irregular
in its distribution, all kinds of soil often appearing in a
piece of land but a few rods square, and is of a very fertile
nature. Originally the land was covered with dense forest,
except in the western part, where there were oak openings.
These openings were at first considered of but little value,
and were neglected for many years, but latterly they have
risen in the estimation of the people until they are now
looked upon as good lands for agricultural purposes.
The principal stream of this town is known as Little St.
Joseph River. It takes its rise in Clear Lake, Ind., of
which it is the outlet, and enters the town at its northwest
corner. It is soon joined by a branch which flows from
Turner's Lake, in the town of Reading, and passing through
two other small lakes enters Camden at the east line of sec-
tion 6. It then pursues a southeast course, and passes into
Amboy near the north boundary of that town. It eventu-
ally flows into the Maumee River, and through that stream
enters Lake Erie at Toledo. In its course through this
town it is augmented by several tributary streams rising in
this and adjoining towns.
Another stream of considerable size, and which is also a
branch of the Little St. Joseph, is the outlet of Long Lake.
This lake, which is very irregular in form, very much re-
sembling a large letter Z, lies across the State line, about
one-third of it being in Indiana. It covers an area of about
120 acres, has a gravelly bottom, and but little marsh about
its shores. The outlet is at its western extremity, and
curves eastward till it enters Camden in section 32 and
flows eastward three miles, when it takes a sudden turn
and runs south till it crosses the line into Ohio. These
streams are not rapid in their flow, but rather inclined to
be sluggish. Marsh Lake, covering an area of some 30
acres, lies in the north part of sections 4 and 5, South
Camden.
Ther0 are a few very small ponds in the town, most of
302
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
them lying near the western border, and none of sufficient
size to merit separate mention.
Previous to 1835 this country was a wilderness covered
with a dense growth of trees, mostly beech, maple, oak, ash,
whitewood, basswood, elm, hickory, and black walnut, with
a little tamarack along the streams and in the swamps, and
a sprinkling of white birch in some localities. The Indians
roamed through the forest in search of game, and wolves
and bears alone disputed their supremacy. But the restive,
progressive American spirit was strong in the breasts of the
Eastern people, impelling them on to seek new locations, to
subdue the wild lands of the West, and to find on these new
and cheap lands homes for themselves and prospective
wealth for their children. The lands began to be taken up
about 1832 or 1833, though the actual settlement was made
a little later. A large part of the land in this town was
taken up by speculators, and after being held by them for
several years, was then sold at advanced prices to actual
settlers, who immediately began to improve them, and to
change the country from a frowning forest to a smiling and
fruitful Arcadia. For a few years the settlements grew slowly,
and not until about 1850 did settlers come in very fast.
From that time the growth was rapid, and very soon there
were no vacant farms remaining.
The first settlement within the limits of this town was
made by James Fowle, on 480 acres of land in sections 28,
29, 32, and 33, in the west central part, near Long Lake.
He was a native of Monroe County, in the State of New
York, and at the age of twenty-four years married Mary
Ann McKnight, a fair daughter of the adjoining county of
Livingston, and with her came to Michigan to make a home.
They first settled on the river Raisin, in Blissfield, Monroe
Co., near the Kidd's Grrove post-office. Not being fully
satisfied with that location, in the fall of 1835 he left his
family at Kidd's Grove, and taking an ox-team and a wagon,
started out to look up a farm in the new country to the
west. He had to cut his own road through the woods the
latter part of his journey, and finding a location that pleased
him, he at once entered it, the record being made Dec. 31,
1835. Through the winter months he remained on his land,
living in a shanty he had erected, and clearing his land as
fast as possible, in order to have some ready to plant in the
spring. In the spring he returned to Kidd's Grove, and
with the help of his brother, Charles Fowle, now living in
Moscow, moved his family to his new location, going by
way of Jonesville to Clear Lake, then skirting the shores
of that and Long Lake, until he finally reached his desti-
nation. That spring he planted potatoes, corn, and beans,
and raised quite a crop of each, having, besides what he
needed for his own use, some to sell to new-comers who were
unsupplied. During the first year's residence in Camden —
then a part of Reading — Mrs. Fowle said she did not see
a white woman's face. Land-lookers, as men in search of
farms were called, were plentiful, and nearly every night
one or more would be domiciled with them. Indians, too,
were often seen in the forest, or called at the cabin, and the
squaws frequently came to their doors ; but white women
were scarce, and not until the arrival of new settlers in the
spring of 1837 did she have the pleasure and satisfaction
of meeting and conversing with one of her own race and sex.
In 1837 a post-route was established from Toledo, 0., to
Lima, Ind., and a post-road was cut through the woods, pass-
ing through the south part of Camden. Application was
made to the Post-Office Department, and a post-office was
established, with James Fowle as postmaster. This office
was called " Crawbrooke," after the place in England from
which the Fowle family emigrated to America. Mr. Fowle
continued to hold the office until the election of Polk to
the Presidency, when he was removed. He was the first
supervisor of Camden, and was also elected justice of the
peace for the full term at the first town-meeting, and was
re-elected at the expiration of his first term. He also
served as representative in the Michigan Legislature three
terms. He was a volunteer in the Black Hawk and Toledo
wars, and in his later years drew a pension on account of
his services at those times.
His family consisted of eight children, — Cordelia, who
married Melvin Tillotson, and died at Fremont, Ind. ; Mar-
tha L., who married Frederick Chester, and is living at
Camden ; Elizabeth, who married George Clark, and now
resides at Reading ; Louisa, who was the first white child
born in Camden, in October, 1837, married Erastus Farn-
ham, and is now living at Fremont, Ind. ; and Western,
Foster, Mary Ann, and Luella, all of whom died in Camden
in their childhood. His wife died Sept. 17, 1856, and he
subsequently married Mary Youngs, by whom he had one
son, named Elco, who is now living with an aunt in Cali-
fornia, his mother having died about 1868. James Fowle
died May 18, 1865, at the age of fifty-eight years.
The second settler was a man named Timothy H. Wil-
kinson, from Seneca Co., N. Y., who was a son-in-law of
Frederick Perring. Frederick Perring, of Huron Co.,
0., entered 280 acres of land in section 4, in October,
1835, and his son, Stephen C. Perring, at the same time
entered 120 acres in the southeast part of section 5. Wil-
kinson settled on the south part of his brother-in-law's land
in the winter or spring of 1836. Between this time and
the summer of 1837 the two Perrings ; Hiram, Oren C, and
Philander Wilkinson, brothers of Timothy H. Wilkinson ;
Nehemiah Wilkinson, their father ; and Murray Knowles,
another son-in-law of Perring, all came and settled on the
lands taken up by the Perrings. The little settlement thus
commenced received by common consent the name of '^ Per-
ringburgh," by which it was known until the post-office was
established there, some thirty years ago, with Murray Knowles
as the first postmaster, when it was changed to Edinburgh.
Though now no more thickly settled than any other part of
the town, the locality is still known as " the Burgh." The
Wilkinsons were, during the early years of the settlement,
quite prominent in town aff'airs ; but about 1850 they be-
came involved in some questionable transactions, and ac-
quired a somewhat unsavory reputation in consequence.
The Perrings were not, however, involved in this afi*air, and
always retained the confidence and respect of the commu-
nity. Frederick Perring built the first saw-mill in town, in
the year 1838.
In the fall of 1836, James Holcomb purchased of Abra-
ham Wortman the southwest fractional quarter of section
6, giving him the price he had paid the government ($1.25
per acre), and, in addition, a bonus of $50. This was two
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
303
miles west of Perringburgh, on the line of Branch County.
James Holcomb was a native of the State of Connecticut,
in which he lived until reaching manhood. He married
Hannah Bentley, of Rhode Island, a daughter of Col.
Bentley, who served his country as a soldier during the
Revolution, and they emigrated to the then wilderness of
Western New York, and settled in the town of Sweden, in
the western part of Monroe County. There they lived
until the fall of 1836, when, on the tenth day of October,
with their family of eight children they started for the West.
They took passage at Buffalo on the steamer " De Witt
Clinton," then starting on its second trip, and reached De-
troit five days afterwards, having experienced very severe
storms, and been beaten back by a fierce westerly gale.
Reaching Brooklyn, in the south part of Jackson County,
he left his family at the house of a relative while he came
on to look up his land and prepare a place to live in. On
his return they again started, and got as far as Sand Creek,
some four miles southwest of Jonesville, and there they were
obliged to make another stop while he and his oldest son
took their axes and cleared a road to his place. The season
had thus worn away until winter had come, and not until
Christmas-day, Dec. 25, 1836, did they finally reach their
home and move into their new house. Mrs. Holcomb was
taken sick on the road, and from Perringburgh was carried
to her home on a bed. During the winter quite a piece of
land was cleared, and in the spring he sowed a field of
wheat, paying for his seed |3 a bushel. The yield was
good, but, when he came to sell his surplus crop, it was
worth but 50 cents a bushel. He built a barn in the sum-
mer of 1839 which is still standing and in use. It was the
second frame barn erected in the town. It is said that this
frame was raised in one hour, and that considerable merri-
ment was had at the expense of some people who came
from a distance to participate in the '' raising," and did not
arrive until it was all up. Mr. Holcomb's family met with
the usual hardships incidental to all pioneer life, were fre-
quently visited by wandering Indians, and sometimes by
predatory animals. On one occasion a large wolf came into
the clearing after daylight in the morning, jumped into the
pig-pen, and carried off" a pig in spite of aH their efibrts to
prevent it. Black-snakes were very numerous, and often
in the morning one or more of them would be found coiled
up in the fireplace, enjoying the heat of the warm ashes or
the smouldering fire. The first death in this family was
that of Mr. Holcomb, which occurred April 9, 1864, and
the next was that of his wife, who survived him a few years,
and died Aug. 7, 1871. The family of eight children are
all living. Harriet married Azem Purdy, and resides in
Kinderhook, Branch Co. ; Mary A. married Jesse Doyle,
and lives at Independence, Iowa ; Benjamin married Sarah
L. Beach, and is living at Fremont, Ind. ; Charlotte mar-
ried Dr. L. M. Jones, and has her home at Brooklyn, Jack-
son Co. ; Susan married William Worden, and lives at Cold-
water, Mich. ; Myron married Susan Phinecy, and removed
to Olathe, Kan., where he now resides; George W. mar-
ried Amelia A. Hughes, and remains on the homestead ;
and Roxy married Charles Travis, and is now living at
Laramie City, W. T.
George C. Lewis, some time previous to the spring of
1837, settled on land lying in sections 4 and 5, in the north
part of the town.
Soon after Holcomb came Samuel Seamans, some time
in the winter of 1836-37, and settled on land in sections
14 and 15, about one mile and a half north of Camden.
He was an ardent Baptist, and when '' Millerism" began to
be preached immediately embraced the new doctrine. He
was also a noted bee-hunter, and very successfully '^ lined"
the bees to their hidden stores of sweets, and appropriated
the delicious fruits of their labor to his own use. He was
one of the first highway commissioners of the town, also
one of the first overseers of the poor, and was repeatedly
re-elected to these positions. He was accompanied here by
his sons, Olney and Samuel, Jr., and his son-in-law, George
Cummins.
James Hall, from Lenawee County, settled in this town
in the spring of 1837, on 40 acres in the northeast corner
of section 9. His son, Cheney W. Hall, was the first white
male child born in Camden.
The spring of this year (1837) brought quite a number
of new settlers into town. A company composed of Gur-
don Chester and wife, and family of seven children ; his
son, Eason T. Chester, and his wife ; his son-in-law, Oliver
R. Cole, and his wife ; Samuel S. Curtiss and family, and
Timothy Larrabee and family, came together at that time,
and took up lands near the centre of the town.
Gurdon Chester was a native of Windham Co., Conn.
While he was but a child his parents removed with him to
Whitestown, Oneida Co., N. Y. Upon reaching maturity
he was married to Catharine Darling, by whom he had
three children, — Eason T., Lucy A., and Freelove; and
they lived in Mexico, Oswego Co., N. Y., till they came to
Camden. His first wife having died, he married a second
time, his second wife being Anna Rathburn, of Connecticut,
and by her he had four sons and three daughters. Of his
children, Lucy A. married James Hamlin, Esq., and died
in Allen, Mich. Freelove died in childhood. Jonathan
was killed on the 27th of February, 1838, while chopping
on his brother Eason's land. His is believed to have been
the first death of a white resident in this town. He went
out one morning to chop on a job he had taken, and felled
a large basswood, which, in falling, lodged in a blue-ash
tree. He was engaged in cutting this, to let both fall, when
the weight of the larger tree broke and split the ash, and
the end of the broken piece struck him with great force in
the side. He cried out, and thus brought help, but it was
of no avail, and with a few convulsive gasps life fled away.
Charles went to California during the excitement caused by
the discovery of gold in that State, and is supposed to be
still living there. Frederick married Martha L. Fowle, a
daughter of James Fowle, Esq., and is living in Camden.
He 'has served two years as town treasurer, and sixteen
years as justice of the peace. Eliza married Stephen Lev-
ings, and died in Jonesville, in September, 1854. Abby
married Oliver R. Cole, came with him to Camden, and
died here in 1845. William married Susan Marquitt, and
lives in Camden. He has served as town clerk and town
treasurer, and is at present a justice of the peace. Catharine
married Peter Anderson, and both she and her husband
died in Camden. Of the oldest son we shall speak farther
304
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
on. Gurdon Chester died in Camden, Aug. 30, 1854,
having survived his second wife nearly ten years.
Eason T. Chester was born at Mexico, Oswego Co., N. Y.,
on the 3d day of March, 1807. When eighteen years
old he went to live with Jonathan Wales, at Whitestown,
Oneida Co., N. Y. There he worked on a farm for three
or four years, and then accepted the agency for a paper-
mill run by Messrs. Olmstead & Isbell, a position which
he retained until the winter of 1837. In February, 1835,
he Was married to Emeline, a daughter of Walter Olmstead,
one of the proprietors of the mill. On the 16th of Febru-
ary, 1837, he, in company with his father and brother-in-
law, and their families, left the State of New York, bound
for this place, where he had previously purchased 400
acres of land. They traveled in two wagons, each drawn
by one span of horses, and came through the State of Ohio.
Reaching Huron Co., Ohio, they found the roads so deep
with mud as to be almost impassable, and renting a log
house in the town of Florence for a month, they unloaded
their goods, and leaving their families there with ample
store of provisions for themselves and the horses, the men
started out on foot, with their axes on their shoulders, for
their new homes. They passed through the Maumee and
Cottonwood swamps, and when nearly at their destination,
found James Fowle living in his shanty, and stopped with
him a couple of days while they marked the lines of their
farms, when they built a small log shanty, covering it with
split logs, and occupied that in company, while they cut
logs and built their houses, four in number. The flooring
for these buildings was all split out of logs, and the roofs
were made of the same material, covered with "shakes."
The houses were built as near together as practicable for
the comfort, convenience, and safety of their future occu-
pants. Then they returned to Florence, and came on with
their families, arriving here on the 24th of April. Eason
T. Chester the next day took his team and started west in
search of potatoes and flour, which he found at White
Pigeon. While there he traded his team and harness for a
yoke of oxen and $65. Oats at that time were worth
twenty shillings per bushel, and were not to be found in
this vicinity even at that price. Of his pioneer life, with
its privations and hardships, it is not necessary to speak,
for to all early settlers these experiences are familiar. Suf-
fice it to say that his experience was like that of others.
The journeys to mill, often extending to White Pigeon, or
to English Prairie, near Lima, Ind., were generally made
with ox-teams, and occupied from four to eight days' time.
Mr. Chester built the first frame barn of any size that was
erected in this town. It was built in 1839, and having
been repaired and enlarged, is still standing. His first
child was born in Camden, April 26, 1838, and was the
second white male child born in this town. He was named
Orson D., and is still living in Camden, being engaged in
business with his father. The other children were Juliette,
who married Samuel Huggett, and resides in this town ;
Ellen L., who married George Worden, and lives at Read-
ing ; Clement L., who died in infancy ; and Delphine C,
who married Jirah I. Young. Her husband died in 1873,
and she, with her two children, M. Ophelia and J. Idell
Young, resides with her father on the old homestead. Mr.
Chester's wife died May 20, 1877, and is buried in the
cemetery at Camden.
The second saw-mill in this town was built by Mr. Chester
in 1849, and, after having been rebuilt once in the mean
time, is still standing. It was run by water-power, fur-
nished by the Little St. Joseph River, and has sawed a
large amount of lumber, a good share of which has been
black-walnut lumber, in which article Mr. Chester has been
an extensive dealer, having shipped some $200,000 worth of
it from this town. He also built a carding-mill, and in
1850 leased it, together with the water-power, to a man by
the name of Ballard, who ran it a couple of years, and
being unsuccessful, abandoned it, and it again passed into
Mr. Chester's hands. It was then converted into a grist-
mill, and was used till Jan. 4, 1864, when it was burned,
and a large quantity of wheat and flour it contained was
also consumed. It was then rebuilt upon an improved plan,
and commenced running in the spring of 1865. It is
fitted up with four runs of stone, and with all the im-
proved machinery to enable it to do first-class work, and is
one of the best mills in Southern Michigan. The stream
furnishes a head and fall of 12 feet, and the power is applied
by means of 4 turbine- wheels, of an aggregate capacity of
60 horse-power.
From the time of his first settlement here Mr. Chester
has been a land-agent, and has negotiated the sale of many
thousands of acres in this and adjoining States. He is
the largest land-holder in town, owning over 1400 acres
within its limits, besides considerable in other sections.
He is the oldest surviving first settler in the town, and has
been a prominent man throughout its history. He has
served in the most prominent town offices, having been
supervisor ten years, and justice of the peace nine years,
and was a member of the State Legislature in 1844.
Of the others who accompanied Mr. Chester on his
journey here, Oliver R. Cole remained here several years,
and then removed to Jackson, where he now resides ; Tim-
othy Larrabee lived here several years, his father Lebbeus
Larrabee residing with him, and then he removed to Union
City, Branch Co., where, he died some years after ; Samuel
S. Curtiss came from some place^on " the Ridge" road, a
little east of Rochester, N. Y. He was a teacher by pro-
fession, and a thoroughly well-educated man. While living
here he practiced surveying, and laid out a great many
farms and roads in this and adjoining towns. After re-
siding here a few years he returned to his former home in
New York, from thence went to Virginia, locating in the
vicinity of Washington, D. C, where he died. He was
the first treasurer of this town, and also one of the first
justices of the peace.
Zachariah Jackson settled on the northwest quarter of
section 35 in June, 1837, and in the fall of the same year
a family of hunters, consisting of George Swiger, his son
• Leonard, his sons-in-law John Flake and Enoch Thompson,
together with their respective families, came from the State
of Ohio, where game was beginning to get too scarce to ren-
der hunting a profitable business, and settled here. Their
rifles and snares furnished meat for many families in this vi-
cinity during the early life of the settlement. They have
all passed away with the advance of that tide of civili^tion
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
305
which so relentlessly pushes the picturesquely-dressed hunter
and his romantic existence from the scenes of progress into
the shadow and solitude of the yet unsubdued forests. But
their names and the memory of their achievements still
remain a pleasant tradition in the minds of the present
generation.
The year 1838 brought in another lot of settlers. In
November, 1835, a company of four men, consisting of Ben-
jamin C. Bradley, Robert B. Sutton, Charles W. Westfall,
and Benjamin Fisher, the two latter sons-in-law of Sutton,
started out on the post-road leading from Toledo to Lima,
via Adrian and Jonesville, looking for a good place to locate
some land. They intended to go farther West, but had
noticed from the maps of the government surveys that this
section around Hillsdale seemed to be a fountain-head for
streams running in all directions, and they judged from
that that it would be a very healthy locality. So when
they arrived in this vicinity they took a careful look about
them, noting the character of the soil, the course of the
streams, and the general lay of the land, and were so well
satisfied with what they saw that they at once abandoned
the idea of going any farther West, and selected farms and
entered them as soon as possible, each taking up 160 acres,
in sections 33 and 31, the farms all adjoining one another.
Two of these men moved their families here in the spring
of 1838, and a third in the fall of 1839, but the other
one (Sutton) never became a resident here.
Benjamin Fisher, some eight years later, removed to a
farm a little south of Hillsdale, where he is still living.
He was from Wayne Co., N. Y.
The first one of the four mentioned, Benjamin C. Brad-
ley, remained in this town, and is now the second oldest
surviving settler. He was born in Litchfield, Conn., July
5, 1806, and when he was nine years old his father moved
his family to Western New York, locating at Lyons, Wayne
Co., where they arrived on the 9th day of January, 1815,
having traveled with teams and been eight days on the
road. Here he lived until the time when he came here,
in March, 1838. At the age of twenty-three he was mar-
ried to Catharine W. Cole, of Auburn, N. Y. Their oldest
child and only son and oldest daughter were born in Lyons.
Upon his arrival here, he immediately set to work to clear
a piece of ground and to build a log house. The house was
18 by 26 feet, and stood just west of the present residence.
It was not finished till the following fall. He cleared
about three-quarters of an acre, planted it to corn, potatoes,
and garden-sauce, hired a man to attend to it during his
absence, and then returned to bring his family. They
arrived in July, and found their garden doing well. He
continued his clearing through the summer, and in the fall
sowed four or five acres to wheat. This piece of wheat, har-
vested by the somewhat primitive methods then in use,
yielded about 40 bushels per acre. The old log house
furnished a home for the family until the present house
was erected, in 1850. Mrs. Bradley died Dec. 27, 1860.
Mr. Bradley has served three times as supervisor (once
by appointment), twice as justice of the peace, three times
as treasurer, and several years in other capacities in the
town, and has lived to see the rapid — almost marvelous —
development of this country, to which he came, forty years
39
ago, as into a wilderness. Amid all the hardships of the
pioneer's life he has preserved a cheerful, uncomplaining
spirit, and now is reaping the comfort and enjoyment in his
old age to which the labors of his well-spent life entitle
him.
His children were five in number, — James C. came with
his parents from Lyons, at the age of six years ; married
Ellen Thompson, and is engaged in mercantile business at
Camden. Margaret W. was two years old when she came
to this State. She married George S. Crane, and resides
on a farm near her father's. Jane married Charles B.
Johnson, and lives on the farm adjoining her father's on
the east. Her husband died in 1875. Julia married
Ormal Crane, and is a resident of Parker's City, Pa.
Esther married Henry Crane, who died in 1872, and she
is living with her father on the homestead. The three
last mentioned were born in this town.
In the fall of 1837 a settlement was made in the south
part of the town by Chester Hills and his three sons, —
Chester, Jr., Joseph M., and Levi. They purchased 320
acres in sections 4, 9, and 10, of township 9 south, range
4 west, of Alfred Brown, of Wayne Co., N. Y., who had
entered it Oct. 24, 1835.
Two years later, in the autumn of 1839, Charles W.
Westfall and Richard Huggett, both from the town of
Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., moved into town. Westfall
had taken up his land at the same time that Bradley did
his, and also came here in 1838. But, after contracting
with Mr. Bradley to build him a log house and to clear five
acres of ground ready for sowing in the fall of 1839, he
returned East and remained a year. Upon his arrival here
he found things in quite comfortable shape, but he did not
remain many years before he sold out and went to live in
the South.
Richard Huggett was a native of Brenzett, Kent, Eng-
land, and with his wife (Eleanor Piall) and three children
emigrated to this country in the spring of 1828^ locating
first at Phelps, N. Y., where he worked land on shares for
eleven years, and then came to this State and settled on 80
acres he had purchased of Robert Sutton, on section 33.
He was a man of the strictest integrity, and merited, as he
received, the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and
fellow-townsmen. He died Dec. 8, 1860. His wife sur-
vived him about thirteen years. His children were ten in
number. Four of them died in childhood. Charles and
Richard live in the town of Reading, and Samuel, William,
Celia (Mrs. G. H. Derr), and Silas W. still live in Camden,
the latter on the homestead.
Eli Westfall moved into Camden in 1841, and lived
here until about 1865, when he removed to Hillsdale,
where he now lives. He was from Ontario Co., N. Y.
John G. McWilliams was the next settler. He was born
in Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 9, 1822, and came
to Blissfield, Lenawee Co., Mich., with his father's family
in the fall of 1832. In March, 1842, he started out in
life by taking up 107 acres in the southwest quarter of
section 29. He commenced his work of clearing the land,
and worked at it one year, boarding with James Fowle and
Eli Westfall. During the following year he worked in
Lenawee County, and in 1844 again returned to his farm
306
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY/MICHIGAN.
and continued liis clearing, boarding with Eli Westfall.
In the spring of 1845 he built a log cabin, and on the 27th
of April was married to Westfall 's sister, Sally. At that
time he had 15 acres cleared, of which about 10 acres were
under cultivation. The log house was replaced in 1867
and 1868 by a fine frame building, which stands on the
same site. Mr. Mc Williams has served the town in the
capacity of treasurer, highway commissioner, and is now
serving his second term as justice of the peace. His family
consisted of three children,— A bner, who lives with his
parents ; Estelle, who married Silas W. Huggett, and lives
in this town ; and Albert W., who died in Camden while
in his second year. Mr. McWilliams is the third oldest
surviving settler, now a resident of this town.
In the same year with McWilliams came Harvey Osborn,
who settled on section 1, of township 9. He was an early
settler in Lenawee County, having located there in 1832.
Among the later settlers we mention, as nearly as possi-
ble in the order of their arrival. Ivory Woodman, 1839 ;
Levi Barber, Joshua Myers, 1841 ; Morgan McCarty,
Thomas McKnight, Samuel Wilds, Dewey Barber, James
E.. Mason, Salmon Wheeling, 1842 ; Francis D. Youngs,
John W. Stewart, Nahum Shaw, A. B. Goodwin, William
Parlamene, 1843 ; Robert Seeley (from Steuben Co., N. Y.,
on section 4, south part of the town), Addison T. Pound
(from Wayne Co., N. Y., on the same section), Erastus
Keyes, John W. Bobbins, John Trim, Jeremiah Peck, G.
Campbell, D. L. Thompson, Ebenezer Youngs, 1844; Nel-
son Palmer (from Herkimer Co., N. Y., on section 2, south
part of town), Hezekiah Barber, John Lords, Jacob I.
Marquitt, William B. Montgomery, Elijah Campbell, Jo-
seph Seeley, 1845 ; William P. Kingman, Daniel Graves,
Samuel Whaley, Potter C. Sullivan, William R. Worden,
1846; Elisha Y. Palmer, from Herkimer Co., N. Y., settled
in Brooklyn, Jackson Co., in 1838, and on section 2, of
township 9, in the spring of 1847 ; Isaac Baldwin, Simeon
O. Whaley, Elihu Braman, David Steel, Grant Lester,
Thomas Pierce, 1848; Parley Brown, Thomas Fitzsim-
mons. Linden Cummings, 1850 ; Andrew Blair, Adam
Beaver, 1853.
The first town-meeting was held at the house of Samuel
S. Curtiss, on the 1st day of April, 1839. The circum-
stances attending this meeting were as follows : the town was
then Reading, and the annual town-meeting was called to
meet at Perringburgh, near the present boundary between
the two towns. The citizens gathered together, but did not
open the meeting because James Fowle, who was one of the
Town Board, had not arrived. Mr. Fowle was also post-
master, and he, knowing that the bill to divide the town
was before the Legislature, determined to wait till after the
mail arrived, to see what action, if any, had been taken on
the bill. When the mail arrived, it brought the official
notification of the erection of the town. Mr. Fowle at
once repaired to the place of meeting and reported, and the
citizens separated according to their locations, the residents
of Reading going north, and the residents of Camden
coming south, to the respective places at which ^he bill de-
signated their first meetings were to be held. Arrived at
Mr. Curtiss' house, the meeting was organized by electing
James Fowle, Moderator; Bason T. Chester, Clerk; and
Samuel S. Curtiss, Inspector of Election. Resolutions
were passed, I. To raise a fund of $50 to be used to pur-
chase necessary books for recording the town business, to
pay wolf-bounties, and to build a pound; II. To pay a
bounty of $2 for every wolfs head, with the ears and skin
entire thereon, that should be killed in the town before the
next town-meeting ; III. To build a pound 25 feet square
and 6 feet high, of rough logs, to be furnished with a good
door and padlock for the same, Eason T. Chester, Benja-
min C. Bradley, and Samuel S. Curtiss were the committee
appointed to see to the building of the pound.
The following officers were then elected for the ensuing
year: Supervisor, James Fowle; Town Clerk, Benjamin
Fisher; Town Treasurer, Samuel S. Curtiss; Justices of
the Peace, James Fowle, four years; George C. Lewis,
three years ; Samuel S. Curtiss, two years ; and Eason T.
Chester, one year; Assessors, Eason T. Chester, James
Holcomb, Benjamin C. Bradley ; Commissioners of High-
ways, James Holcomb, Samuel Seamans, Benjamin C.
Bradley ; Collector, Oliver R. Cole ; Constable, Oliver R.
Cole; School Inspectors, Samuel S. Curtiss, Murray
Knowles, Benjamin C. Bradley; Directors of the Poor,
Samuel Seamans, Joseph M. Hills; Pound-keeper, Gurdon
Chester. At the conclusion of the canvass of votes the
meeting adjourned till the first Monday in April, 1840, to
meet at the house of Eason T. Chester.
The following summer, among the accounts audited was
a bill of $11.50 for building the pound, of $3.50 for books,
and of $10 paid for the killing of five wolves.
At the first general election, held in the fall of 1839, the
poll-list comprised 25 names. This number was increased
to 30 the following spring, and in 1842 had risen to 42.
At the last election, Nov. 5, 1878, the poll-list exceeded
460. During the early years of the town's existence the
political struggles were between the Democratic and Whig
parties, and the elections were attended with varying results,
but generally favorable to the Democrats. Upon the organ-
ization of the Republican party, however, after a short
struggle, the Democrats became hopelessly in the minority.
In the bringing about of this change the " United Ameri-
cans," or "Know-Nothing" societies, took a somewhat promi-
nent part, although their existence was but brief The man
to whom the honor belongs for first moving for the organi-
zation of the Republican party in Camden is Thomas Fitz-
simmons, who has lived to see that party perform a service
to the country that will immortalize its name in the pages
of the world's history. The Republicans of Camden con-
tinued to be in the majority until the National Greenback
party was organized. In the election of last spring, that
party swept the town by a majority of 162 votes. This
fall its majority has fallen to 80.
On the question of licensing the sale of intoxicating
drinks this town has uniformly expressed itself as favoring
the traffic ; but the sentiment of the town has undergone a
change, and it is now believed to be strongly in favor of
restrictive legislation.
Daring the war for the suppression of the Rebellion Cam-
den did its full share, by furnishing men and money, to
carry it forward to a glorious and successful issue. We
publish elsewhere a list of those who donned the blue and
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
307
served their country in its time of need. It is a glorious
record, and one to which every true patriot will point with
pride and satisfaction. The town voted, at several special
meetings held for that purpose, to pay every recruit credited
to this town the sum of $100, as a town bounty.
Part of the sum thus voted was raised by tax, and bonds
to the amount of $2700 were issued for the remainder.
The first attempt to found a village was made at South
Camden. About the year 1848 one James Corslet came
there and put up a log house on the northwest corner of
the three roads centering there, and opened a tavern for
the accommodation of travelers and the convenience of the
public. Through a somewhat inordmate fondness for, and
a more or less immoderate use of, the fluids there kept, he
became unfitted for the management of the business ; the
care of which consequently devolved upon his wife. She
proved herself fully competent, and carried on the business
with such success that eventually poor James was almost
utterly ignored by the public, and the place was known far
and near as " Granny Corslet's tavern." And so well were
people pleased with her manner and the accommodations
furnished that it has often been remarked that " Granny
Corslet was the best man that ever, kept the house." A
small stock of goods was placed in a room at the rear of
the tavern by a man named D. B. Hawley, and oflFered for
sale. With the exception of the store built and kept by
Nelson Palmer, in 1846, near his residence, this was the
first store opened in Camden. About four years later the
hotel was torn down and replaced* by a frame building,
which was built by Almon M. Mallison. It is still stand-
ing, is used as a tavern, and bears on its sign the name of
the " Travelers' Home." The store was moved to a new
building on the opposite corner, and was kept there some
time. Subsequently another building was erected for a
store, which stands on the south side of the street, facing
the road to the north. A furnace was built at a date sub-
sequent to the building of the first hotel. It was owned
by a Mr. Phelps. It has passed through several hands,
and is now owned by C. W. Brown, and is doing a small
business in the line of plow- and custom-work. The village
did not attain any size, and consists of the hotel, furnace,
store, and about a dozen dwellings. The south part of
Camden was formerly known as " Euchre Street," probably
because of the fondness for that fascinating game mani-
fested by the people there, and was subsequently, on account
of some circumstance not known to the writer, invested
with the name of " Crampton." By this name it is quite
generally known at present. Sometimes letters destined to
this locality bear that direction. The post-office, which
was established a few years since, is called South Camden,
and is at present located a mile and three-quarters west of
the corners.
A mile north of South Camden is the first and only
tannery in the town. It was built by A. J. St. John in
1866; uses oak-bark in the tanning process, and has a
capacity for turning out from 1000 tol500 hides per year.
A curry ing-shop is attached, and all the leather tanned is
finished up into harness and upper leathers. It is now
being run by Charles & Walter St. John, sons of the
former proprietor. A quarter of a mile east of the tannery
is the first steam saw-mill that was started in this town.
It was built by a Mr. Parrish, and is now owned by Hazen
& Chester, and does considerable business in custom-sawing
and in the manufacture of shingles and lath. There are
three other steam saw-mills in Camden. The Briggs mill,
in the east part of the town, was built by Ford & Rice
about thirteen years ago, and is now owned by R. M.
Briggs. The Cooney mill is in the southwest part of the
town, and is of more recent origin. The third is at
Montgomery.
The village of Camden was first started on the flat along the
river. The mill, school-house, and a few dwellings com-
prised all there was of it previous to 1850. Then Olney
Seamans built a tavern on the lot next south of the resi-
dence of Dr. Guy, and a few years later a store was started
by Joseph Tucker. The tavern burned down some five or
six years after it was built, and about 1860 the store was
sold to Nathan Alvord, who enlarged it and kept a fine stock
of goods, continuing in the business several years. In 1867
the first plat of the village was made, and a tract of some
30 acres in extent, owned by Eason T. Chester, Orson D.
Chester, and Nathan Alvord, was laid out into streets and
village lots. In 1871 there was talk of the building of a
railroad from Mansfield, 0., to Allegan, Mich., which was
to pass through this place, and, the project receiving active
support from the citizens of this and other towns along its
proposed route, in 1872, the road-bed was purchased and
graded through this town. The route selected led a little
south of the village, on the higher ground, and it was de-
cided to change the site of the business part of the village
to the still higher ground south of the railroad. In pursu-
ance of this determination, Mr. Hiram Bell and Mr. Eason
T. Chester decided to plat a tract of about 25 acres lying
south of the railroad and west of the main road. This was
done in the fall of 1872, and the plat was called " Bell and
Chester's addition to the village of Camden." Subsequently,
William Miller recorded a plat of about 45 acres lying on
the east side of Main street, and extending along that street
till it reached the first plat. Building was immediately
begun, and several stores and dwellings were put up.
Since the panic of 1873 the growth has been slow, — a fact
which may also be partially explained by the failure of the
railroad, which is still a vision of the future. The village
now contains a hotel, built in 1873, by C. R. and W. Lackey,
a Methodist Episcopal church, a fine brick school-house,
erected in 1873, at a cost of nearly $3500, six stores, two
wagon- and blacksmith-shops, one saw- and planing-mill,
one saw-mill, one fine grist-mill, and about 30 dwelling-
houses. Its present population is about 200. In days
gone by some facetious individual fastened upon this lo-
cality the title of " Henpeck," and though it has long since
outgrown any fitness of the name it still clings to it.
Previous to 1869 the site of the present village of Mont-
gomery was as wild and uncultivated a piece of land as the
town contained. It was then an " oak opening," and was
rather looked upon as almost worthless land compared to
the rest of the town. But the Fort Wayne, Jackson and
Saginaw Railroad came stretching its iron sinews through
the town, and people began to look about them to select a
point for a station that would best accommodate the farmers
308
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
of the section. At last the place was selected, and immedi-
ately the spirit of enterprise that has so quickly developed
the Western States made itself manifest here. Tracts of
land owned by Israel Shepard, Gr. B. Hewitt, R. B, Teach-
out, and Joshua Dobbs, aggregating more than 80 acres,
were surveyed into village plats and thrown into the market.
These lots were quickly sold to a large number of mechanics,
laborers, and business men, and they erected houses and
shops and stores upon them, and a thrifty village sprang up
as if by miracle.
The first place of business was opened by A. P. Kellogg,
as a hardware- and grocery-store, and this was followed by
O. M. Hayward, with a dry-goods and grocery-store, and
soon after this Joshua Dobbs opened an extensive general
store, dealing in dry-goods, groceries, hardware, crockery,
clothing, boots and shoes, etc. The first hotel was built
and opened in 1870, by William Hakes. The steam saw-
mill was built by D. & M. Orewiler, in 1872, and is still
owned and worked by them. In 1874 a joint-stock com-
pany was formed for the purpose of manufacturing Strunk's
patent window-blinds. A shop was erected and fitted up
with the necessary machinery, a steam-engine put in, and
operations commenced. After running two years the busi-
ness was found to be unprofitable, and work was stopped
and has not been resumed. The building is now used as a
hardware-store. Two physicians settled there soon after
the village was started. Their names were Dr. George L.
Guy and Dr. J. M. Merry. Dr. Guy subsequently removed
to Camden. Dr. C. E. Miner was the first physician at
that point.
Though popularly designated as " Frog-eye," the village
was named by Wm. R. Montgomery, then register of the
county, after himself, in return for which favorable distinc-
tion he recorded the plat without receiving any fee.
At present Montgomery contains 6 stores, 3 carriage- and
blacksmith-shops, 1 steam saw-mill, 2 meat-markets, 1 hotel,
1 school-house, the railroad buildings, and nearly 100 dwell-
ings. Its population is about 300. It is one of the most
important shipping-points along the line of railroad from
Jackson to Fort Wayne, sending off an annual average of
200,000 bushels of wheat, besides large quantities of other
grains, pork, hogs, cattle, lumber, and produce of all kinds.
The first preaching of the gospel in this town was during
the winter of 1839, when Rev. Mr. Smith, a Methodist
itinerant, held services at E. T. Chester's house. Meetings
were held occasionally by the Baptists at an early day, they
being preached to by Hezekiah Barber, a resident of this
town. They did not, however, organize a regular church.
The Methodists continued their meetings, and about 1841
the Conference sent a circuit preacher named Rev. Isaac
Bennett to this section, and he preached here for some time.
Rev. J. H. Peitzel, who had been a missionary among the
Indians, also preached here several times. In 1854 the first
regular class was formed, and among the members were Dr.
and Mrs. James Cough, Joseph and Maria Seeley, John
and Huldah Myers, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Huggett, Mr.
and Mrs. John Bean, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fitzsimmons,
Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Haynes, Mr. and Mrs. Zebulon
Parker, Mrs. Joseph Ricks, Mrs. Harvey Seeley, and Mrs.
James Buchanan. Rev. William Doust was the first regu-
lar preacher, and he was sent here by the Conference of 1854.
Since that time regular weekly meetings have been held, at
the school-house until the church was completed, and since
that time in the church. The same minister has preached
here that was stationed at Reading through these years.
Revivals were experienced during the pastorate of Rev.
Wm. Doust, Rev. Noah Fassett, and Rev. Taylor.
Dr. James Cough was the first class-leader. The first
board of trustees was elected in 1869, and was composed as
follows, viz., Zalmon H. Gray, Thomas Fitzsimmong, John
B. Alward, Nathan Alvord, Eason T. Chester, S. W. Shue-
feldt, John Myers. The six last named, and William
McCluckion, constitute the present board. Nathan Alvord
is the secretary of the board, and J. B. Alward is the
treasurer, and also the secretary of the Quarterly Con«-
ference. S. W. Shuefeldt is the class-leader and steward.
A Sabbath-school has been connected with the church
since 1854. Joseph Seeley was the first superintendent,
and M. L. Perego is the present incumbent. John B.
Alward is the secretary. The school is in a prosperous
condition, and numbers about 75 members.
The church edifice, which was and still remains the first
and only church in this town, was erected in 1873, finished
in 1874, and dedicated to the worship of God in December
of the latter year. It is a handsome brick building, 35
feet wide by 53 feet long, with a handsome spire, but not
yet supplied with a bell. It cost about $4500, and will
comfortably seat about 400 people.
But little temperance work was done in Camden outside
of that incidental to the teachings of the church until a few
years after the close of the war, when a Good Templars'
lodge was organized. This was prosperous fur a time, but
finally became disgraced by the practices of some of its
members, and after an existence of a year or two it went
down. Matters rested thus until the " Red Ribbon" move-
ment was inaugurated at the West, and then the subject of
temperance reform began again to be agitated here. Sun-
day afternoon. May 27, 1877, Harvey Iddings, son of Rev.
Iddings, of Reading, delivered a forcible temperance
address at the Methodist Episcopal church, and at the
close of the meeting a pledge was circulated among the
audience, and a large number of signatures obtained. A
meeting was then appointed for the following Tuesday
evening, the object of which would be the organizing of a
" Temperance Reform," or " Red Ribbon" club. At that
meeting the organization was perfected by the election of
the following officers, viz. : President, Frederick Chester ;
Vice-Presidents, Giilman H. Derr, Hiram Bell, Martin
Fast ; Secretary, John B. Alward ; Financial Secretary, M.
L. Perego; Treasurer, Samuel Persons. Several com-
mittees were appointed, among them one to draft a set of
by-laws, which were, at a subsequent meeting, presented
and adopted. The club has held regular semi-monthly
meetings since its organization, which were addressed by
speakers from abroad, or selected from its members, and has
steadily prospered, adding new names to its roll of members
from time to time, until it now contains about 220 names.
The present officers, who were elected Dec. 26, 1877, and
hold their offices one year, are as follows, viz. : President,
Parley Brown; Vice-Presidents, M. L. Perego, L. H.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
309
Storer, A. Lawton ; Secretary, Guy Chester ; Financial
Secretary, Martin Fast ; Treasurer, Clinton St. John.
The first Masonic society was organized in Camden in
1865. Some time early in the summer of that year a peti-
tion was presented to the Grand Lodge of the State asking
for a charter for a lodge. A dispensation was granted by
the Grand Master, and the lodge was instituted and worked
under the dispensation until the meeting of the Grand
Lodge, when it was regularly chartered as " Camden Lodge,
No. 2^, F. and A. M." The fi^'st election of ofi&cers was
held Dec. 16, 1865, and the following were chosen, the first
four of them having acted in the same positions under the
dispensation, viz.: W. M., George N. Mead; S. W., G. S.
Crane; J. W., Frederick Chester; Sec, James C. Bradley ;
Treas., Orson D. Chester; S. D., Samuel Miner; J. D.,
Jacob Stambaugh; Stewards, Gillman H. Derr, H. T.
Crane ; Tyler, William Kunkle.
The hall over Charles R. Lackey's store was fitted up for
a lodge-room, and the meetings were held there until the
store was burned, when the lodge lost all its property. Busi-
ness meetings were then held at different times, but no
initiations or other work was done until the present store,
owned by Mr. Chester, was erected. Then a hall in the
third story of that building was fitted up for a lodge-room,
and has been used by the lodge since that time. The regu-
lar meetings are held on that Thursday evening of each
month which falls nearest to the time of the full moon.
The lodge numbers between 70 and 80 members. The fol-
lowing are the present oflScers : W. M., George N. Mead ; S.
W., Frederick Chester ; J. W., Nathan Alvord ; Sec, Gill-
man H. Derr; Treas., William Kunkle; S. D., A. A. Bax-
ter; J. D., Philip Shook; Stewards, Henry Spaulding,
Christopher Myers ; Tyler, William Stahl.
The fraternity of Odd-Fellows has very recently estab-
lished itself in this town, the first society of that brotherhood
having been instituted on the 35th of May last, by Deputy
Grand Master L. C. Tillotson, of Hillsdale, assisted by
Past N. G. Witter J. Baxter, of Jonesville.
The first and present officers are: N. G., John B. Alward;
V. G., Jonathan Fast; Sec, William A. Saunders; War-
den, Martin Fast ; Conductor, David A. Erwin ; O. Guard,
Andrew J. Longstreet.
The lodge is called " Camden Lodge, No. 312, 1. O. 0. F.,"
and is working under a dispensation until the Grand Lodge
meets and the charter is issued. It has been prosperous,
and now numbers 42 members. Its meetings are held at
Masonic Hall.
We give a list of the principal town officers, compiled
from the records :
SUPERVISORS.
1859. Eason T. Chester.
1860-61. Zalmon H. Gray.
1862. Thomas Fitzsimmons.
1863-64. Zalmon H. Gray.
1839-40. James Fowle.
1841-42. Eason T. Chester.
1843-44. Benjamin C. Bradley.
1845-48. Eason T. Chester.
1849. James Fowle.
1850. Wm. K. Montgomery.
1851. Eason T. Chester.
1852. Wm. R. Montgomery.
1853. Zalmon H. Gray.
1854. Wm. R. Montgomery.
1855-56. Eason T. Chester.
1857. Frederick A. Seymour.
1858. Daniel Van Etttn.
1865-66. Almon Day.
1867. Thomas Fitzsimmons.
1868. Almon Day.
1869. Zalmon H. Gray.
1870. Walter Young.
1871- 72. Charles B. Johnson.
1873. John B. Alward.
1874-77. A. J. Wigent.
1878. Andrew A. Baxter.
TOWN
1839-1841. Benjamin Fisher.
1842. Murray Knowles.
1843-44. Francis D. Young.
1845-46. Erastus Keyes.
1847-48. Murray Knowles.
1849. Benjamin B. Holcomb.
1850-51. Elisha Y. Palmer.
1852. Parley Brown.
1853. Benjamin B. Holcomb.
1854-55. David C. Tyrrill.
1856. Samuel Whaley.
1857. Talma H. Brooks.
1858. Stephen Fitzsimmons.
CLERKS.
1859-60. Nathan Alvord.
1861-62. Eli Alvord.
1863. Nathan Alvord.
1864. Joseph Seeley.
1865-66. Nathan Alvord.
1867. Jirah I. Young.
1868. Nathan Alvord.
1869. Wm. Chester.
1870-71. James C. Bradley.
1872. John B. Alward.
1873-74. Andrew A. Baxter.
1875-76. James C. Bradley.
1877-78. John B. Alward.
TREASURERS.
1857.
1839. Samuel S. Curtiss.
1840-42. Benjamin C. Bradley.
1843. Levi Hills.
1844. Oliver R. Cole.
1845-46. Benjamin Fisher.
1846. John G. McWilliams.-^
Benja. B. Holcomb.f
1847-49. Joseph Seeley.
1850. Richard Huggett.
1851. Orlando Patee.
1852. Daniel Van Etten.
1853-54. Frederick Chester.
1855. Edwin R. Stewart.
1856. Richard Huggett.
1857. Zalmon H. Gray.
JUSTICES OP
1839. James Fowle (4 years).
George C. Lewis (3 years).
Samuel S. Curtiss (2 years).
Eason T. Chester (1 year).
1840. James Holcomb.
1841. Benjamin C. Bradley.
1842. Timothy H. Wilkinson.
1843. James Fowle.
1844. James Holcomb.
1845. Benjamin C. Bradley.
1846. Salmon W^haling.
1847. Samuel Whaley.
1848. James Holcomb.
1849. Eason T. Chester (f. t.).
Joel Campbell (v.).
1850. Murray Knowles.
1851. Wm. Palmiter.
1852. Alonzo E. Richmond.
1853. Eason T. Chester (f- t.).
Elisha Y. Palmer (v.).
1854. Parley Brown.
1855. Almon Day.
1856. Alonzo E. Richmond.
1857. Frederick Chester.
1858. Parley Brown.
1859. Wm. H. Billings.
COMMISSIONERS
1839. James Holcomb.
Samuel Seamans.
Benjamin C. Bradley.
1840. James Holcomb.
George C. Lewis.
Samuel Seamans.
1841. George C. Lewis.
Samuel Seamans.
Benjamin C. Bradley.
James Fowle.J
1858. Wm. R. Worden.
1859-60. James M.Hagerman.
1860-61. James C. Bradley.§
1862. Zebulon W. Parker.
1863-64. Charles B. Johnson.
1865. George C. Crane.
1866. Wm. Chester.
1867. Robert Masters.
1868-70. Charles R. Lackey.
1871. Wm. Chester.
1872-73. Lewis H. Stover.
1874-76. Lorenzo B. Davis.
1877-78. Albert Walls.
THE PEACE.
I 1860. Benjamin A. Hagerman
(f. t.).
Almon Day (v.).
1861. Frederick Chester.
1862. Parley Brown.
1863. Charles Cooney.
1864. Benjamin A. Hagerman.
1865. Frederick Chester.
1866. James D. Fitzsimmons.
1867. Orlando C. Curtiss.
1868. Andrew J. Wigent.
1869. Frederick Chester.
1870. Judson B. Haynes.
1871. John G. McWilliams.
1872. Samuel W. Miner.
1873. Dr. James Cough.
1874. Thos. Fitzsimmons (f.t.).
Enoch B. Teachout (v.).
James Oliver (v.).
1875. John G. McWilliams (f. t.).
Gilman H. Derr.
Wm. Chester (v.).
1876. Loftus Stanton.
1877. C. P. Taylor.
1878. Wm. Chester (f. t.).
Thomas E. Cooney (v.).
OP HIGHWAYS.
1842. Morgan McCarty.
Chester Hills.
Thomas McKnight.
1843. Jeremiah Peck.
Samuel Seamans.
Thomas McKnight.
1844. George Swiger. ^
Benjamin Fisher.
John Trim, Jr.
^ Appointed vice Fisher.
f Appointed vice McWilliams.
j Vice Gray, resigned.
§ Appointed to fill vacancy, and re-elected.
310
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
1845
Jeremiah Peck.
1860
Hiram B. Alvord.
Richard Huggett.
186L
Addison T. Pownd.
Philander Wilkinson.
1862.
George Holcomb.
1846
Richard Huggett.
1863.
Hiram B. Alvord.
Joseph Seeley.
1864.
Nelson Palmer (f. t.).
Nahum Shaw.
Elmer Hess (v.).
1847.
W. P. Kingman (3 years).
1865.
John C. Higgins (f. t.).
J. a. MeWilliams (2 years).
Robert Morris (v.).
Joseph M. Hills (1 year).
1866.
Robert Morris.
1848.
Joseph M. Hills (f. t.).
1867.
George N. Mead.
Philander Wilkinson (v.).
1868.
Judson B. Haynes.
1849.
Almon Day.
1869.
Lorenzo B. Davis.
1850.
Benjamin B. Holcomb.
1870.
J. G. MeWilliams (f. t.)
1851.
Richard Huggett.
John C. Higgins (v.).
1852
Thomas Fitzsimmons.
1871.
Silas W. Huggett (f. t.).
1853
Orlando Patee.
Lorenzo Saunders (v.).
1854.
Edward Huggett.
1872.
E. P. Teachout.
1855.
William Miller.
1873.
H. B. Spicer.
1856.
Benjamin A. Hagerman.
1874.
William Franks.
1857.
Jesse Tucker.
1875.
Robert Masters.
1858.
Elisha Y. Palmer.
1876.
No record.
1859.
Joseph C. Dewitt (f. t.).
1877.
Adam Beaver.
Hiram Noyes (v.).
1878.
Adam Beaver.
ASSES
5S0RS.
1839.
Eason T. Chester.
1840.
James Holcomb.
James Holcomb.
1841.
Eason T. Chester.
Benjamin C. Bradley.
James Holcamb.
1840.
Eason T. Chester.
Benjamin C. Bradley.
COLLE
CTOR.
Benjamin C. Bradley.
1839-41. 01
iver R.
Cole.
OVERSEERS 0
F THE
POOR.
1839.
Samuel Seamans.
1847.
John Lords.
Joseph M. Hills.
Chester Hills.
1840.
Samuel Seamans.
1848.
Samuel Cough.
Joseph M. Hills.
James Holcomb.
1841.
Samuel Seamans.
1849.
Joseph Trim.
George C. Lewis.
James Corslet.
1842.
James Hall.
1850.
James Corslet.
Joseph M. Hills.
Gordon Chester.
1843.
James Hall.
1855.
Daniel Van Etten.
Chester Hills.
Elisha Y. Palmer.
1844.
George C. Lewis.
1856.
Daniel Van Etten.
Chester Hills.
Almon M. Mallison.
1845.
John Lords.
1857.
Almon M. Mallison.
Chester Hills.
Andrew Brannan.
1846.
Samuel Seamans.
1858.
Samuel Whaley.
Chester Hills.
George Cummings.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
ANDREW J. WIGENT.
Martin Wigent, the father of our subject, was born and
reared in Onondaga Co., N. Y. In early life was married
to Miss Mary M. Bartholomew, of the same county.
In April, 1834, he emigrated with his family to Ohio,
and settled near Toledo, where he remained about four
years. He then removed to Michigan, and purchased of
the government eighty acres of wild land, in what is now
known as Heading village, and on which now stands the
depot of the Fort Wayne, Jackson and Saginaw Eailroad in
Reading. He at first erected a log shanty, into which he
moved his family, and for the first few years they lived in
a very primitive manner. As there were no mills in the
vicinity, Mr. Wigent constructed one in the form of a huge
mortar, by burning and digging out the end of a log, with
which, placed on end, and by means of a large spring-pole,
the grain was pounded into meal. This mill was used quite
extensively for miles around by the neighbors for the first
year or two, until mills were built in the vicinity. Mr.
Wigent, in addition to farming, became engaged iij brick -
making. He reared a family of six children, named Daniel
B., Andrew J., George M., Richard E., Horace P., and
Lucy J. Of these all are living except Horace P., and all
are married and have families. Mr. Martin Wigent died
at his home, in Reading, in 1861, at the age of fifty-eight,
and Mrs. Wigent, in 1867, at the age of fifty-seven years.
Andrew J., the second son, was born in Onondaga Co.,
N. Y., on the 30th day of August, 1833. He was but a
young boy when his father came to their new home in the
wild woods of Reading, and the facilities for obtaining even
a common-school education, for years, were very limited
indeed ; but he managed to get a knowledge of the English
branches, principally by study at home in the chimney-
corner. At twenty years of age he commenced teaching
district school, which was his occupation for some ten or
twelve winters. The summer seasons were employed in
brickmaking and working at the mason's trade, in which
he became a very skillful and reliable workman. And the
numerous brick residences and other buildings erected by
his labor and skill in Camden and the adjoining towns
stand to-day as monuments of his industry, and a credit to
the enterprise and thrift of the citizens of this locality. On
March 25, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Belinda
Foust, of Cambria. Soon after his marriage, he moved on
to his land in the north part of Camden, where he still
continues. Mr. Wigent enjoys the entire confidence and
esteem of all his acquaintances, which has been repeatedly
manifested in his election to various offices of trust and re-
sponsibility in his town, such as inspector of schools, justice
of the peace, and supervisor for four successive terms.
He is known and recognized as a firm friend, a kind and
indulgent husband and father, a genial and sociable neigh-
bor, and that highest type of an American gentleman — an
honest man. Mr. Wigent and his excellent wife are the
parents of nine children, named Fred M., Frank S., Shan-
non L., Mary C, Ida M., Ada J., Rhoda, Bliss, and an
infant not yet named. All are living except Mary C. and
Ada J.
Fred and Frank, the two oldest boys, carry on the farm,
which consists of eighty acres, in a very creditable manner,
and they bid fair to sustain in their own lives the reputa-
tion and honorable character of their worthy parents.
In religious faith Mr. Wigent is what is known as
Advent Christian. We present our readers in this work a
fine view of the home, portraits of another pair of Hills-
dale pioneers, and this brief sketch as a tribute of respect
to their worth.
READING.
Previous to the year 1837 the territory lying in Hills-
dale County belonging to the fourth range west, as desig-
nated by the United States survey, was all included in the
town of Allen. The Legislature of 1837 was petitioned by
the inhabitants of this tract of country to divide it into
three towns, in order that the interests of the inhabitants
of each locality might be better served, the transaction of
pubhc business be facilitated, and the long journeys to at-
tend the elections, town-meetings, and meetings of the town
board — which necessitated in the case of some citizens a
journey of 17 or 18 miles — might be rendered unnecessary.
In accordance with the request of the petitioners, the towns
of Litchfield and Reading were erected. In the petition
the Legislature was requested to call the northern town
Columbus, and the southern one either Troy or Utica, but,
as these names had already been used by other towns, that
body, without consulting again with the petitioners, passed
the special act organizing the towns under the names of
Litchfield and Reading, supposed to have been taken from
towns of the same names in Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
At that time this town comprised all the territory south
of township 6 south, lying in the county, which included
the whole of township 7, nearly all of township 8, and a
portion of township 9, extending to the Ohio and Indiana
lines. The entire population of this territory was but 227
souls, less than an average of three persons to each square
mile.
By the act of a subsequent Legislature, that of 1839, the
town, was again divided by erecting the territory south of
township 7 into a separate town, under the name of Camden,
leaving the town of Reading as at present constituted, em-
bracing a territory six miles square, designated in the United
States survey as township 7 south, range 4 west. Allen
adjoins it on the north, Cambria on the east, Camden on
the south, and Algansee, Branch Co., on the west. Its
surface is gently undulating, was originally heavily timbered,
is well watered by spriqgs and streams, and is probably the
most elevated point in the southern part of the State, if not
in the entire lower peninsula. A high ridge of land occu-
pies the eastern part of the town, the culminating point
being at Reading village, and radiating from that point to
the north and to the southwest. From this ridge the
streams diverge in every direction, some of them going
south or east and reaching Lake Erie through the Little
St. Joseph's and Maumee Rivers, and the rest flowing west
or north, and reaching Lake Michigan through Hog Creek
and the St. Joseph's River.
In the west part of the town the land slopes rather ab-
raptly , forming a natural basin in v?hich lies a chain of
lakes reaching nearly across the town from north to south.
Near the line, betweei| sections 30 and 31, is the dividing
line between the waters which flow south and those which
flow north. It is in a marshy piece of land, and the north
and south parts each drain in an opposite direction. To
the south the waters flow into Turner's Lake, and, passing
through two other small lakes, form a branch of the Little
St. Joseph's River. The water flowing north forms the
inlet to a chain of lakes stretching north nearly five miles,
and formerly designated on the survey maps as "Hog
Lakes." The principal of these is now known as Long
Lake. It is nearly two miles long, and of an average width
of a quarter of a mile. The depth is variable, and the
bottom either sandy or muddy. Berry Lake lies east of
Long Lake and is a tributary to it. Hemlock Lake, de-
riving its name from the flict that its shores were formerly
covered to some extent with hemlock timber, lies across
the north line of the town, in section 5. It is irregular in
form, covers an area of about one quarter section, and is
rather shallow, with a fine, gravelly bottom. Round Lake,
a mile east of Hemlock Lake, is of about the same dimen-
sions, but nearly circular in form and of great depth, having
been sounded in some places to a depth of 70 feet. The
bottom is sandy in some parts and muddy in others. The
rest of these lakes, some ten or more in number, have not
been deemed worthy to be invested with names, and in-
deed, some of them are little more than ponds. These
bodies of water are generally well stocked with fish, and in
the spring and fall are covered to some extent with water-
fowl, tempting the sportsman to expend time and amunition
in efibrts to secure them for his use.
The township is noted far and near as being, as a whole,
one of the best in Southern Michigan. The soil is generally
a black, sandy loam, of great depth and fertility, or a rich,
mellow, vegetable mould, formed by the accretions from de-
cayed leaves and fallen timber, and equally as good as the
other. Under this lies a subsoil, from 10 to 15 feet in
depth, generally regarded as of a clayey nature, but which
seems really to be composed of a mixture of yellow sand
and marl, which reinforces the flagging energies of the
fields whose strength has been impaired by constant and
repeated cropping. A narrow strip of gravelly land of a
poorer quality lies along the sides of the valley in which lie
the lakes, and occasional swamps or marshes border the
lakes, but they form a mere fraction of the town. On the
northwest side of the dividing ridge we have mentioned, a
good many loose, widely-scattered stones are found, while
to the south and east they are very scarce. In no part can
the land be truly said to be stony.
Previous to 1835 this country was a wilderness in which
the Indians roamed, hunting and fishing, and occasionally
cultivating a little patch of corn in some spot where the
Minff of trees, or some other cause, had exposed a little of
311
312
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the virgin earth to the warm embrace of the sun, and the
only white men whose feet had trodden the forest fiistnesses
were the hunters, trappers, traders, or surveyors, whose bus-
iness had called them hither. Among these was a trader,
half merchant, half hunter, by the name of Rice, who lived
at Perrysburgh, Ohio, near the site of the present city of
Maumee. He was a bachelor, a peculiarly shrewd and in-
telligent observer of everything falling within his notice,
and boasted that he had an acquaintance with every town-
ship, stream, and lake in the Territory of Michigan. His
occupation had taken him to every part of the State, and
his habit of observation being known, his judgment was
often asked for by those purposing purchases of land in
this State. Near him were located several families from
the western part of the State of New York, who were
becoming!; very much dissatisfied with their situation on
account of the lands being so low and wet and the climate
so unhealthy. They asked Rice where was the best and
nearest government land that was open to settlers, and he
told them that this town embraced the best lands he knew
of, and advised them to take up land and settle here. In
accordance with his advice several families, including those
of John Mickle, Eleazer Gleason, William Berry, Ephraim
Wiltsie, Charles Powell, and others, removed and settled in
this favorable location. The lands proved to be so desirable
that the growth of the settlement would have been exceed-
ingly rapid but for the fact that large tracts had been en-
tered by eastern capitalists for purposes of speculation.
This is shown by the fact that the two first settlers, who
came only five weeks apart, were obliged to settle on farms
six miles distant the one from the other. In spite of this
drawback the settlers continued to come in respectable num-
bers, and finally, in 1837, it was thought that there were
enough of them to warrant the formation of the town,
though at the first meeting two of them were obliged to
accept two offices each, three of them three each, and one,
John Mickle, walked ofi" with the honors, emoluments, and
official responsibilities of four difl^erent positions.
The first settler was John Mickle, Oct. 5, 1835. Elea-
zer Gleason, with his wife, one child, and his wife's brother,
Wm. C. Berry, and Charles Powell and his younger brother,
William Powell, followed in November, and Ephraim Wilt-
sie in December of the same year. In January, 1836,
William Berry, Horace Palmer, Rensselaer Sutlifi*, and
Charles Lee came (all except Palnier, who was single)
with their families. In February following, Mrs. Lee and
child died, and Mr. Lee left the town. In April, Wright
Redding, Am mi Carpenter, and his mother came ; in May,
Jarvis Mason ; in June, Jefferson Kellogg and George W.
Halsted ; in October, Sylvester Whaling and Peter Betts ;
and in November, Newman Curtiss. These were the prin-
cipal electors in the organization of the town.
In April, 1837, George and John Pitzsimmons, father
and son ; in May, John and Asahel M. Rising, father and
son ; and through the summer and fall, Jonas P. Gates,
Jonathan Odell, William Tappan, Lewis A. Keith, William
Meek, Hiram Wiltsie, William Van Horn, Sidney Bailey,
Benjamin Lewis, and Garner Archer. In 1838, Martin
Wigent, David D. Prouty, William and Chester Morey,
Warren Chaffee, Bazaliel Palmer, Lorenzo and Bingham
D. Abbott, Charles Hughes, Daniel Kinne, Robert Berry,
Stephen Webster, Thomas Berry, John Fritts, A. H. Bar-
tholomew, George Brown, Oscar Whitney, Mrs. Betsey
Moses, Jacob Yalentine, Ralph Bailey, Melvin Bailey,
Almon Nichols, and a Mr. Sears; and in 1839, Ephraim
P. Purdy, James A. Galloway, James C. Galloway, Elmer
and Heman Hawse, Elmer Bacon, Horace Avery, Henry
Holdridge, Roswell and Royal Merriman, Daniel Murray,
John Dopp, and two brothers by the name of Hill settled
in the town, very nearly in the order here named. These
were strictly pioneers of the town, each taking up a farm
in the forest and at once entering upon the laborious task
of clearing and fitting it for cultivation.
Among the later settlers we find W. R Kidder, Smith
Wilbur, Harrison Bailey, Elihu Warner, in 1840 ; George
Campbell, Cornelius B. Reynolds, in 1 842 ; John Cole,
Charles Kane, Jefferson Stout, in 1843 ; Henry K. Abbott,
Ebenezer L. Kelly, Augustus F. Vaun, Samuel Whaley,
in 1844; Asa Warner, George Youngs, in 1845; Freder-
ick Fowler, Israel Thatcher, in 1846 ; Abigail Dopp, Bar-
ney Reynolds, in 1847 ; and Isaac H. Kellogg, Giles Cas-
tle, John B. Southworth, and his two sons, and M. H.
McClave, the exact date of whose coming is not known to
the writer of this sketch.
Of John Mickle, the first settler, it may be said that he
has attained a ripe old age, and surrounded by kind friends
and a comfortable competency of worldly goods is reaping
the fruits of an industrious, steady, and useful life. He
came from Oswego, N. Y., in 1831, and after living four
years a few miles from Maumee, Ohio, removed ^.o this town
in the fall of 1835, arriving at his farm on the 5th of
October. He was accompanied by his wife and one child,
and a hired man named Ephraim Wiltsie. They came
from Jonesville by way of Sand Creek, and opened the first
road to the south from that point. He purchased of the
government the south half of section 3, and assisted by
Almon Nichols, of Fayette, and a man named Wagner,
built his first log house or shanty near a spring about sixty
rods north of the section corner. This cabin was built of
unhewn logs, and its dimensions were 19 by 23 feet. While
* living in this shanty, Mr. Mickle was often called upon tq
entertain land-lookers, and also furnished a temporary home
for the families of no less than thirteen settlers while they
were selecting their lands and building homes of their own.
Three years later this shanty was replaced by a fine block-
house, built almost entirely of black-walnut logs squared
to the size of eight inches, and which was at that time and
for several years after the best house in the township. It
has since been clapboarded and is still standing, being occu-
pied by Daniel W. Mickle, a son of the first settler. The
first death of a white resident in the township occurred in
October, 1836, and was that of an infant child of Mr.
Mickle. His wife died in 1839, and he then married
Mary Fitzsimmons, the eldest daughter of George Fitz-
simmons, a subsequent settler. This was the first wedding
in town, and has proved a happy one to all concerned.
Soon after his arrival, Mr. Mickle hired Horace Palmer,
Jefferson Kellogg, and Ephraim Wiltsie to help him in the
work of clearing his land, commenced cutting the timber
about his house, and in the following spring had several
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
313
acres ready to plant and sow, and along with his other
crops sowed some apple-seeds he had brought with him,
and from them raised the first orchard in the town. He
was an early partisan in political matters, and was allied to
the Whig school until the Republican party sprang into
being, since which time he has been an earnest and con-
sistent supporter of its principles. Ever prominently in-
terested in matters relating to the prosperity of the town,
he has often been called to serve the people in a public
capacity. As early as 1842 he was chosen to represent the
county in the State Legislature in the capacity of represent-
ative. In 1841 he was elected associate judge of the Circuit
Court of the county, and in 1851 was again elected second
judge. He was an early member of the Baptist Church,
and has contributed largely to its success. Many of the
early meetings of that church were held at his house. His
family consisted of fifteen children, five of whom died in
early life; two, Mrs. Mary Carey and George, died in
Reading after reaching maturity ; and eight are still living,
— Eugene in California, and John Q., Henry C, Daniel
W., Benjamin F., Luther, George L., and Elias R., in this
town.
Eleazer Gleason, with his wife and one child, followed
the route opened by Mr. Mickle, and settled on the north-
east quarter of section 33 in the early part of November,
1835. He was from Seneca, Ontario Co., N. Y., and had
lived one year near Maumee City, Ohio. His first son,
William, was born in the winter of 1836, and was the first
white child born in Reading. He is now living in Iowa.
One other child, a daughter, died in her girlhood, and the
other eight children are still living, — Eleazer H., Mrs. Mary
Woodard, Ida, and Mrs. Harriet Potter, in Reading;
Charles and Lovinas in Allen ; Mrs. Jane Bristol in St.
Joseph County ; and Alvaro F. in New Mexico. Of Mr.
Gleason we can say that he has always been one of the
reliable citizens of the town, a practical and successful
farmer, and by his unobtrusive manner and the strict in-
tegrity of his character has always deserved, as he has ever
received, the love and esteem of his neighbors. He was
the first tax collector of the town, and held the office of
assessor as long as any were elected by the town, with the
exception of one year. He is still living on the farm he
first settled.
William C. Berry, who accompanied Mr. Gleason, was
the eldest son of William Berry, and upon his arrival here
commenced work at clearing his father's land. He is still
living in town, and is a successful farmer.
Of Charles Powell we can only say that he was elected
supervisor in 1838. In 1841 was elected county treasurer,
and after serving in that position two years removed from
the county, and is now living at Omaha, Neb.
Ephraim Wiltsie first came to this town with Mr. Mickle
in October, 1835, but soon after returned to Ohio, and
brought his family here in December of the same year.
He was a quiet, industrious farmer, and not given to much
meddling with public affairs. He now lives in an adjoin-
ing town, respected and beloved by his neighbors.
Of William Berry it may be said that he was one of the
substantial men of the town, was the first town clerk, and
also one of the first justices of the peace. In the discharge
40
of his public as well as private duties he was always faithful
and conscientious, and, by his investments in land, his care-
ful business management and his thorough farming, was
enabled to leave a competency to his numerous family. He
was thrice married and had thirteen children, eleven of
whom survived him, — William C, Mrs. Eleazer Gleason,
Mrs. Emma Russell, Mrs. Mary Meigs, Thomas, Gardner,
John, J. Byron, and Richard reside in this town ; Henry in
Camden, and Mrs. Hannah Barber in Algansee, Branch Co.
Horace Palmer did not, strictly speaking, belong to the
emigration of 1836, although he came here first in January
of that year. He was then a single man, and bought a
piece of land and commenced clearing it, but soon after
returned to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., was married, and in
1837 came with his wife and settled in this town. He is
still a resident, having a fine farm in the north part of the
town, on section 10. With this exception the settlers of
1836 have either emigrated or died, not one of them re-
maining to tell the tale of their trials and privations en-
dured in the work of reclaiming this rich country from the
dominion of the forest.
Qf the emigration of 1837 we find George Fitzsimmons
soon assuming a prominent position in the conducting of
the public afi'airs of the town. Elected treasurer of the
town in 1839, he served two years in that position, and in
1840 was chosen a justice of the peace. This office he
held for sixteen years, the last twelve, commencing in 1851,
continuously. In 1851-52 he was a representative in the
State Legislature. At a later date we find him contributing
largely of his influence, energies, and money to secure the
building of the railroad through the town. He was one
of the early members of the Baptist Church, and its sta-
bility and permanent success was largely due to his efforts
and to his generosity. He was from Rose, Wayne Co.,
N. Y., and with his eldest son, John, walked from there
to Fairport, 0., on Lake Erie, where they took boat for
Detroit. In May following Mrs. Fitzsimmons and her
family, with two wagons loaded with household goods,
came through Canada, ma Buffalo and Detroit, arriving at
this place on the 2d of June. The wagons were drawn by
oxen, and they drove two cows to stock the new farm. Mr.
Fitzsimmons first purchased the northeast quarter of section
26, and, as opportunity offered, added to it until he owned
560 acres. One of the earliest (if not the very first) re-
ligious meetings held in this town was a prayer-meeting
held at his house, and attended by his family and the family
of John Rising, in May, 1837. He died Oct. 9, 1870,
loved and respected by all who knew him, and leaving six
children, five of whom are living in this town, and rank
among its best and most enterprising citizens. They are
John, George, and A. M. R. Fitzsimmons, Mrs. Mary
Mickle, and Mrs. Catharine Palmer. The other son, Vin-
cent, was at that time living at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands,
where he was editor and proprietor of the Honolulu Gazette^
the government organ. He died about 1872.
John Rising is said to have been quite peculiar in all his
ways. He came to the town with a large family of sons
and daughters, and with means to purchase sufficient land
to settle them all. His improvements were readily made,
and he was soon in a position of comparative independence
314
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
and was recognized by his neighbors as a well-to-do farmer.
He was a Methodist and brought his religion with him
into the forest, and he is no doubt rightfully credited with
being the father of the sect in this town. His house was
always opened for religious meetings when no more con-
venient place was found, and the hard-worked itinerant
always found bountiful hospitality and a warm welcome
when he crossed its threshold. Neither did he hesitate,
or falter, or relax his efforts, until the full privileges of the
church were all firmly established in the town.
Jonas P. Gates was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and
came from the town of Seneca, Ontario Co., N. Y., settling
on section 34. He was one of the most energetic and
thorough farmers ever living in the town.
Sidney Bailey came from Lodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., and
settled on the west half of the northeast quarter of section
32. He died there some twenty-eight or thirty years ago.
His only surviving child is Mrs. Catharine Mallery, who
lives in town.
John Fitzsimmons and Asahel M. Rising are now prom-
inent farmers in the town, and Garner Archer in an adjoin-
ing town. The rest of the emigration of 1837 have mostly
emigrated or died.
The emigrants of 1838 were largely of a class of enter-
prising and energetic young men, generally of limited
means, but of great moral worth, well fitted to carry for-
ward the work, the foundation for which had been laid by
the pioneers. These entered with zest upon the work
before them, and the well-tilled farms, the fruitful orchards,
the elegant dwellings, and the commodious farm buildings
that grace and beautify the town, show how well they per-
formed their tasks, and with what measure of success their
labors were rewarded. While lack of space forbids any
detailed history of these men, we feel called upon to refer
more particularly to some of them, even at the risk of
having our remarks looked upon as invidious.
The most prominent of these was Daniel Kinne, who
came from Erie Co., N. Y., and settled on section 21, on
the farm now in the possession of his heirs. Upon his
arrival here he at once took a prominent rank and was soon
called to official position. He served as supervisor (for
five years), justice of the peace, town clerk, and commis-
sioner of highways. In 1845 he was elected associate
judge of the county; in 1847, a representative in the
State Legislature; and in 1851, a member of the Conven-
tion to revise the Constitution of the State. In each of
these positions he displayed marked ability and rare good
judgment in all his acts. At a later period these same
traits and the energy of his character made him a con-
spicuous figure in movements to develop the resources and
promote the interests and growth of the town. Among
these we make mention of the plank-road from Reading to
Hillsdale, the cheese-factory in Reading, and the Reading
Manufacturing Company, designed for the general manu-
facture of household articles. By over-exertion in this last
enterprise he contracted a cold, which resulted in his death
in a distant State, far away from home, family, and friends.
His many virtues will long be held in tender remembrance
by the citizens of Reading.
Lorenzo and Bingham D. Abbott, two brothers, the first
from Yernon, Conn., and the last from Cayuga Co., N. Y.,
after living a short time at Maumee, Ohio, settled here in
the fall of 1838, on section 27. Of Lorenzo's family three
sons, Sylvester, Arthur, and Remus, and one daughter, Mrs.
Amelia Bartholomew, are living in town. Of Bingham D.'s
family one daughter, Louisa, and two sons, John and Oscar,
live in Reading, and two sons, Webster and Hascall, live in
Texas. Both of these pioneers are still living, the former
an honored and respected citizen and successful farmer of
this town, and the latter has very recently removed to
Texas.
Of Stephen Webster we may say that he came from
Seneca township, in Ontario Co., N. Y., and settled on the
farm he now occupies. He has taken an active part in the
conducting of town affairs, and has served as supervisor
five years, and also has held other offices in the town.
Thomas Berry was one of the earliest hotel-keepers in
Reading, and was the first tax collector after the town of
Camden was set off, holding that office three years. He
was the proprietor of the northwest quarter of Reading
village, and is still living on a part of the farm he first
took up.
Of Ralph Bailey it may be said that he was a man of
energetic character, strict integrity, and good business ca-
pacity. A carpenter by trade, he became a successful far-
mer, and accumulated a fine property. His worth was
speedily recognized by his neighbors, and at the next town-
meeting he was elected supervisor, and, with the exception
of the year 1872, continued in that office during the next
seven years. He was a native of Massachusetts, and lived
for a time in St. Lawrence and Wayne Counties, N. Y., and
Lenawee Co., Mich., before settling here. He died about
ten years after his arrival. Two sons, Harrison and Wash-
ington, are still living and rank among the substantial citi-
zens of the town.
Almon Nichols settled in the town of Fayette in 1834,
and removed here in 1838. He was quite a hunter, and
during his pioneer life killed many wolves. One day he
heard his dog barking furiously in the woods near his house,
and running to the spot, found him engaged in battle with
a large wolf that had taken refuge in a large hollow log.
Encouraged by his presence the dog renewed the battle and
"carried the war into Africa" by plunging into the log,
where he got his jaws locked in those of the wolf, and was
unable to either advance or retreat. Imitating the illus--
trious example of the famous Putnam, Nichols crawled into
the log and pulled out the wolf, making the dog act the
part of the rope, and soon put an end to the wolf's existence
by a few strokes of the ever- ready axe. He is now living
in the western part of the town, and has the name of having
been the best chopper that ever lived in town.
There are many others of those who settled here within
the first five years of the town's existence, who have filled
honorable positions and discharged responsible trusts con-
nected with the administration of township affairs, or are
still active participants in the daily affairs of life, whom we
would gladly mention did space permit and had we the
necessary facts to do so. Still we may safely say that, as a
class, the settlers of this town would rank well with any in
the State in point of intelligence, virtue, industry, thrift,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
315
and public spirit. '' By their fruits ye shall know them,"
and we will let the thriving township and beautiful, enter-
prising village they have built up by their efforts speak with
eloquent tongue and forcible words of their public and private
virtues.
The first town^pieeting met at the house of Judge John
Mickle, on the 8d of April, 1837, in accordance with the
provision of the act creating the town, and was adjourned to
Sylvester Whaling's. The meeting organized by choosing
William Berry, Moderator ; James Fowle, Clerk ; and John
Mickle, Inspector of Election. The following officers were
then elected, viz. : Supervisor, James Fowle ; Town Clerk,
William Berry ; Collector, Eleazer Gleason ; Justices of the
Peace, John Mickle, James Fowle, Samuel S. Curtiss,
William Berry; Assessors, Samuel S. Curtiss, Eleazer
Gleason, John Mickle, Wright Redding ; Highway Com-
missioners, Charles Powell, John Mickle, James Fowle;
Poor-Masters, William Berry, Samuel Seamans; School
Inspectors, Charles Powell, John Mickle, Timothy Larra-
bee ; School Commissioners, Frederick Perring, Eason T.
Chester, Rensselaer Sutliff; Constables, Eleazer Gleason,
Oliver R. Cole, George Halstead. Several of these officers
lived in what is now the town of Camden. Without fol-
lowing closely the political history of the town, we may
briefly state that from its first organization it was uniformly
Democratic for many years, until the political principles of
the Whig party, expounded and exemplified by such men
as Judge Mickle and Ephraim Wiltsie, who were, for a
time, the only members of that party living in the town,
grew upon the minds of the people and at last triumphed
over their opposers. For many years the political balance
was very evenly adjusted, a half-dozen votes often sufficing
to change the result in favor of either party. Upon the
organization of the Republican party its principles of equal
and exact justice to all, and of opposition to the greatest
blot upon our civilization, — American slavery, — won for it a
warm and hearty reception, and gave it the political control
of the town which it maintained undisputed until the elec-
tion in the spring of 1878, when the National Greenback
party elected their ticket by a good majority. At the fall
election, however, Nov. 5, 1878, the Republican ticket re-
ceived a plurality of about 25.
At the first fall election, that of 1837, the full vote polled
in this town was 41, and nearly half of those voters lived
in what is now another town. So rapid has been the
growth, that at the last election above mentioned, 581 votes
were cast, showing an average increase of over 2400 per
cent.
The population has increased from about 127 in 1837,
to upwards for 2000 in 1878.
The assessed valuation has increased from $137,678, in
1837, to $428,700, in 1878.
We here present a list of the names of the principal
town officers from the organization of the town to the
present time, which we have carefully compiled from the
records.
CIVIL LIST OF THE TOWN OF READING.
1837. James Fowle.
1838. Charles Powell.
1839-41. Ralph Bailey.
SUPERVISORS.
1842. Daniel Kinne.
1843-45. Ralph Bailey.
1846. Lewis A. Keith.
1847. John Hughes.
1848. Frederick Fowler. ^
1849. Daniel Kinne.
1860. Lewis A. Keith.
1851. Daniel Kinne.
1852. George Fitzsimmons.
1853. Daniel Kinne.
1854. Levi Barber.
1855. Daniel Kinne.
1856-58. Daniel Murray.
1859- 60. Lucien Meigs.
1861. Daniel Murray.
1862. George Campbell.
1863-64. Daniel Murray.
1865-68. Stephen Webster.
1869-71. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1872. Stephen Webster.
1873. Morton Meigs.
1874. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1875. Zebedee Culver.
1876. A. M. R. Fitzsimmons.
1877. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1878. George Young.
1837. Wm. Berry.
1838. Chas. T. Grosvenor.
1839. Wm. Berry.
1840-41. Lewis A. Keith.
1842-45. George Campbell.
1846-47. Eleazer Ray.
1848. George Campbell.
1849. Lucien Meigs.
1850. Wm. H. Barnes.
1851. Henry H. Ferris.
1852. Daniel Kinne.
1853. Henry I. Reese.
1854. Lucien Meigs.
1855. Daniel Murray.
1856. Wm. F. Turner.
TOWN CLERKS.
1857.
1858-
1861.
1862.
1863-
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870-
1872-
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
Harris B. Mead.
60. Wm. H. Benedict.
Samuel Whaley.
James R. Abbott.
65. Horatio P. Parmelee.
Henry K. Abbott.
Oswald A. Sutton.
Lewis H. Mallory.
Lucius E. Judson.
-71. Edward P. Wadsworth.
74. Henry F. Doty.
George F. Murray.
F. G. Carroll.
Isaac H. Kellogg.
H. Wayne Russell.
TOWN TREASURERS.
1839-
1841-
1843-
1845.
1846-
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851-
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
40. George Fitzsimmons.
42. Lorenzo Abbott.
44. Lewis A. Keith.
Daniel Murray.
47. A. H, Bartholomew.
Lewis H. Mallory.
John Fritts.
Benjamin Smith.
-53. Justin H. Ransom.
Cornelius B. Reynolds.
Richard Berry.
Lucien Meigs.
W. H. H. Crocker.
1858. Joseph Warburton.
1859. J. J. Gould.
1860. Bingham D. Abbott.
1861. George Campbell.
1862. Stephen Webster.
1863. Morton Meigs.
1864. Stephen Webster.
1865. James R. Abbott.
1866. Richard Berry.
1867. Isaac H. Kellogg.
1868-77. George Young.
1878. John Q. Mickle.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1837.
John Mickle (4 years).
James Fowle (3 years).
Samuel S. Curtiss (2 years).
William Berry (1 year).
1838. William Berry.
1839. Daniel Kinne (f. t.).
Ammi R. Carpenter (v.).
1840. George Fitzsimmons.
1841. John Mickle.
1842. Aaron Thompson.
1843. Daniel Kinne.
1844. Jonas P. Gates.
1845. Augustus F. Vaun.
1846. Heman Howes.
1847. Frederick Fowler.
1848. Randolph Densmore.
1849. Lewis Vaun (f. t.).
John Hughes (v.).
1850. Lucien Meigs.
1851. George Fitzsimmons.
1852. Sheridan H. Turner.
1853. James A. Galloway.
1854. Lewis A. Keith.
1855. George Fitzsimmons (f. t.),
Lucas Terpening.
1856. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1867. Asahel M. Rising.
1858. David Young.
1859. George Fitzsimmons (f. t.).
Egbert Carpenter (v.).
1860. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1861. A. M. R. Fitzsimmons.
1862. Isaac H. Kellogg.
1863. Hiram Shafer.
1864. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1865. Samuel Whaley.
1866. John B. Hendricks.
1867. Zalmon B. Stittson (f. t.).
John Mickle (v.),
1868. Ebenezer L. Kelly.
1869. Aaron Abbott.
1870. Samuel Whaley.
1871. Grove S. Bartholomew.
1872. Moses C. Cortright.
1873. Isaac H. Kellogg.
1874. William Schermerhorn.
1875. W. P. Carroll (f. t.).
G. S. Bartholomew (v.).
1876. M. C. Cortright,
1877. Isaac H. Kellogg (f. t,).
Ebenezer L. Kelly (v.).
1878. Samuel Whaley (f. t.).
D. Ellis Russell.
316
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS.
1837.
Charles Powell.
1849.
John Fitzsimmons (f. t.).
John Mickle.
Justin H. Ransom (1. v.).
James Fowle.
Cornelius Reynolds (s. v.).
1838.
James Holcomb.
1850.
Asahel M. Rising.
Samuel Seamans.
1851.
Sheridan H. Turner.
Stephen C. Perrin.
1852.
Justin H. Ransom.
1839.
Lorenzo Abbott.
1853.
John Fritts.
Daniel Kinne.
1854.
William C. Perry.
William Mickle.
1855.
Elias Hakes.
1840.
Daniel Kinne.
1856.
Stephen Webster.
Jefferson Kellogg.
1857.
Amasa Potter.
Jonas P. Gates.
1858.
Jefferson Kellogg.
1841.
Ralph Bailey.
1859.
A. H. Bartholomew.
Daniel Kinne.
1860.
John C. Warner.
Ephraim P. Purdy.
1861.
Jefferson R. Kellogg.
1842.
Justin H. Ransom.
1862.
Charles A. Hughes.
Garner Archer.
1863.
John C. Warner.
Horace B. Avery.
1864.
John Hendricks.
1843.
Daniel Murray.
1865.
Washington Bailey.
Jefferson Kellogg.
1866.
Charles Hakes.
Garner Archer.
1867.
Philander Lawrence.
1844.
Washington Bailey.
1868.
Washington Bailey (f. t.).
Daniel Murray.
Almon Lindsley (v.).
Ammi R. Carpenter.
1869.
Asahel B. Northrop (f. t.).
1846.
Washington Bailey.
Moses C. Cortright.
Ammi R. Carpenter.
1870.
Philander Lawrence.
Israel Slauson.
1871.
Alexander P. McConnel.
1846.
Melvin Bailey.
1872.
William H. Murray.
Albert Benjamin.
1873.
Chester E. Morey (f. t.).
Justin H. Ransom.
Zebedee Culver (v.).
1847.
Levi Barber (3 years).
1874-
-76. Leander H. McClave.
Stephen Webster (2 years).
1877-
-78. Daniel W. Mickle.
Augustus F. Vaun (1 year).
Henry C. Mickle (ap-
1848.
Daniel Murray.
COLLE
CTORS.
pointed vice Daniel
W. Mickle, resigned).
1837.
Eleazer Gleason.
1839-
-41. Thomas Berry.
1838.
Oliver R. Cole.
ASSES
,S0RS.
1837.
Samuel S. Curtiss.
1839.
Eleazer Gleason.
Eleazer Gleason.
Jarvis Mason.
John Mickle.
1840.
Jarvis Mason.
Wright Redding.
Aaron Thompson.
1838.
Eleazer Gleason.
Wright Redding.
Timothy Larrabee.
1841.
Jarvis Mason.
Ammi R. Carpenter.
Eleazer Gleason.
1839.
John Mickle.
William Van Horn.
DRAIN COMMISSIONERS.
1873-76. Henry H. Ferris.
1877. Lucien Meigs.
1878. Washington Bailey.
The settlers of this town came mostly from Western and
Central New York, or from the New England States, and
brought with them the ideas, beliefs, and practices of their
fathers. They believed strongly in the doctrine of free
education, and also in a liberal expenditure of labor and
means in carrying on public improvements. In the work
of building school-houses, opening highways, and building
bridges they were energetic, and as this work naturally
made taxes somewhat high, uftiny non-resident owners of
land were thereby forced to dispose of their land to actual
settlers, and this assisted in the rapid development of the
town. Up to the year 1840 but few roads had been laid
out and improved. There was one principal road, — that
opened by the first settlers, — leading from Jonesviile, the
county-seat, by way of Sand Creek, and entering Reading
on the west line of section 2, from whence it followed the
section line, with one or two changes of direction, to the
Ohio line. From this main road others branched oiF each
way, leading to the different settlements. There was con-
siderable agitation about this time of the question of re-
moving the county-seat from Jonesviile- to Hillsdale, or
some other point nearer the centre of the county, and the
citizens of Hillsdale and Reading made an effort to secure
the building of a road from Hillsdale through Reading to
the Indiana line. The Legislature passed an act authoriz-
ing the laying of a State road on the route proposed, and
appointed Ralph Bailey, George Fitzsimmons, and Barron
B. Willetts as commissioners to carry the act into effect.
The road was partially opened by those living along the
line, and 'was the means of opening a new market and point
of trade to the people of this region, who had previously
been confined to one market, that of Jonesviile. The
nearest mills were found at Jonesviile to the north, Cold-
water to the west, or Adrian to the east ; and frequently, in
times of scarcity, the settlers were compelled to go as far
west as White Pigeon, or as far east as Tecumseh, to get
supplies of flour and meal. Trade with the Indians enabled
them to get supplies of meat and maple-sugar of a some-
what doubtful character. These Indians were peculiar in
their dealings, taking nothing but silver in exchange for
their goods. Neither gold nor bank-notes would suit their
requirements.
At that time the census showed that the population of
the town had risen to 331, and the people began to ask for
mail facilities, the need of which they had felt for a long
time. Quite a general move was made to have a post-route
established, and to have John Mickle, the first settler in
town, a prominent man, and one politically in harmony with
the national administration, appointed as postmaster. Those
having the matter in charge did not move as promptly as
they might have done, and some other citizens, like the
" enemy" who " sowed tares while the husbandman slept,"
took advantage of their moderation, slipped a petition,
numerously signed by citizens of Adrian and vicinity, into
the hands of the department, and had the route established,
the contract for carrying the mail let, Ralph Bailey appointed
as postmaster, and Daniel Kinne as deputy, before the other
party got an inkling of the course affairs were taking. This
result was partially brought about by a rivalry that existed
between two neighborhoods, the one located on the Jones-
viile road in the north part of the town, and the other on
the State road in the south part of the town, and a little
nearer the geographical centre. It was also charged that
this was the work of a ring of which Ralph Bailey, George
Fitzsimmons, and Daniel Kinne were prominent members,
a fact which they did not deny and which they would not
willingly have had disproved. The route thus established
led from Hillsdale to Reading, and George Fitzsimmons
carried the mail for $26 a year, making one trip each week.
The route was afterwards extended to Willow Prairie (now
Fremont), in Indiana.
In 1847 the State apportioned to Hillsdale County a
share of the lands granted for internal improvements in the
State, and the county devoted it to the work of completing
the Hillsdale and Indiana turnpike. Solomon Sharpe, Esq.,
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
317
was appointed commissioner ; the work was done by people
alone the line, and the lands were taken in payment there-
for.
Up to and including the year 1850, the population of the
town was wholly rural and engaged in agriculture. There
was not a store, grocery, or hotel in the town, and scarcely
a mechanic. Looking back from that time we see that
many had settled quietly, grown into positions of prominence,
and become influential citizens of the town, and were ready
to enter upon any efibrt to develop its resources and in-
crease its prosperity and growth. They began to feel the
need of a common business centre, of better church facilities,
of more convenient places to trade, and of a development of
the manufacturing interests. Of course, the first move was
to determine upon a site for the proposed village. * Common
consent seemed to point unmistakably to the locality known
as " Basswood Corners," which derived its name from the
fact that about 10 feet southwest of the corner of sections
22, 23, 26, and 27, stood a clump of 7 bass wood-trees, each
about 20 inches in diameter, and all growing from one stump.
A short distance east of the corner, a blacksmith-shop, one
of those inevitable precursors of a village, had been built by
Horace Billings, on land bought of George Young, in 1846,
on the present site of the " McConnel House." In the sum-
mer of the same year, Morris Inglesby had erected a shop
for the manufacture of grain-cradles, on the site where the
" Reading House" now stands, and a year later, Dr. William
Hullinger erected the first frame dwelling in the future
village, just north of the cradle-factory. Dr. Hullinger was
the first practicing physician in the town. As this place
was the junction of the State and the Jonesville roads, it
was thereby rendered the most convenient point for a village.
Already a charter had been obtained for a company known
as the " Hillsdale and Reading Plank-road Company," with
the intention of laying a plank-road on the State road be-
tween this place and Hillsdale. The stock was largely
taken by citizens of this town and others living along the
line or in Hillsdale. It depended, however, for its success,
upon the energy and perseverance of citizens of Reading,
among the most prominent and active of whom were Col.
Frederick Fowler, Daniel Kinne, George and John Fitz-
simmons, Nelson M. and William F. Turner, and others.
This enterprise was completed in 1855, and after running a
couple of years proved unsatisfactory and was abandoned.
In view of the benefits anticipated as the result of the com-
pletion of this work, David D. Prouty and Thomas Fuller,
who owned the lands on sections 26 and 27 coming to the
corner, had platted a village on their lands, had it surveyed
into lots and streets, and placed on record in the register's
office. In the summer of 1852, William F. Turner and
George Young built the first steam saw-mill in the town, on
the site now occupied by Col. F. Fowler's carriage-shop.
This mill was removed to Allen some thirteen years after-
ward. In 1853, Dr. Hullinger purchased the cradle-fac-
tory, moved it back from the street, and on the same site
erected a hotel, which was, with the exception of a small
tavern kept on section 30 by Henry Holdridge, the first
in the town. This hotel, together with his residence, was
burned before it was fully completed, but was rebuilt the
following year as the Reading House, and has continued
one of the principal hotels of the place, in the hands of
difierent proprietors, down to the present time.
About the same time that the hotel was first started,
Nelson M. Turner erected a building, still standing, on the
northeast corner of Main and Michigan Streets, and filled
it with a stock of goods, such as is usually kept in country
stores. This was the first building in Reading that was
used solely for mercantile business, and is properly credited
with being the first store in town. About this time James
and John Orr, of New York, opened a pretty good stock in
a building on the southeast corner of Main and Michigan
Streets.
In 1856, the second era in the commercial existence of
the village was ushered in by the arrival in town of Messrs.
L. S. Parmelee & Co. and Messrs. Cone & Keiser with
large stocks of well-assorted goods, which they opened to
the public ; and by the building of a steam grist-mill by N.
M. and Wm. F. Turner and Alvin Griffith. Before this
mill was completed, Mr, Griffith purchased Messrs. Tur-
ners' interest, and completed and operated it himself for
some time. . It was the first, and still remains the only
grist-mill in the town, and after passing through the hands
of several persons, is now owned and operated by Sanford
Stiles.
Jasper A. Waterman in that same year started a shop
for the manufacture of pumps, it being a fine point for that
business, because of the abundance of excellent timber for
that purpose. He some years later added the making of
cheese-boxes to his business, and quite recently has invented
a new and novel mode of manufacturing barrels and kegs.
His improvement, which is covered by letters patent, con-
sists in cutting from the circumference of the log a con-
tinuous sheet or scroll in the form of a finished stave. This
is afterwards cut into staves of a width to form a barrel
from two of them, and then finished by being hooped in
the ordinary manner. This method saves a large percent-
age both in labor and in material, and is of great value.
The shop now furnishes employment to from 6 to 10 per-
sons, and turns off from $5000 to |15,000 worth of manu-
factures each year.
From this small beginning Reading has grown to its
present rank. Its growth from that time was quite rapid
for several years. There were constant new arrivals, and
new enterprises sprang up on every hand. Mechanics
came in, and manufactories were called for to supply the
demands of the people of the village and the surrounding
country.
The necessity for better church privileges resulted in the
erection of the Methodist church in 185-, and this was
followed in 1858 by the Free Baptist church.
As the village increased in size, it became evident that
to promote its growth and development, a closer and more
rapid communication with the commercial world was neces-
sary, as without it the activity and enterprise of the place
would be circumscribed and limited, and the village be a
tributary to Hillsdale, which was even then a thriving and
important railroad town and the county-seat. The project
of building a railroad from Jackson, in this State, to Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, to run through Fort Wayne, was at this time
being agitated, and to it the same minds that had conceived
318
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the building up of the village turned their attention, with a
view to secure the building of the road on a route running
through this place. The preliminary survey demonstrated
that the route from Jonesville to Reading necessitated a
heavy grade, and that a much easier grade could be found
by keeping farther east and following the valley of the
Little St. Joseph, passing through Hillsdale and Cambria
Mills, and thus reaching the headwaters of Elk River, in
De Kalb Co., Ind. But opposed to the easy grade was the
necessity of reaching such important points as Reading
and Angola, and Waterloo, in Indiana. A further induce-
ment was the material aid offered by these places. This
town bonded in aid of the railroad to the amount of $15,000,
and its citizens subscribed for 160,000 worth of its stock,
thus securing the road, which was built through the town
in 1868-69. The first regular train running from Jackson
arrived in Reading on the 9th of November of the latter
year.
Among the most active promoters of this undertaking
we find George, John, and A. M. R. Fitzsimmons, Col. F.
Fowler, Daniel Kinne, H. B. Chapman, G. G. Cone, L. S.
and H. P. Parmelee, John Fritts, J. A. Waterman, Thomas
Berry, and others. The wisdom of this undertaking was
made at once apparent by the fresh impetus it gave to bus-
iness, and the additional inducements it furnished for me-
chanics and business men to locate here. The farmers were
at once benefitted by the opening of a market at their very
doors, and the saving to themselves of the heavy cost of
marketing their surplus produce that had heretofore proved
so onerous a burden. At once, too, there was a demand for
better buildings to accommodate the business men of the
town, and in response to it, Mr. H. B. Chapman, Mr. L. S.
Parmelee, and Mr. S. C. Dodge united to build the first
brick business block, which was speedily completed and oc-
cupied. This marked the third era in the business life of
the town, and the increased prosperity induced the erection
of other fine, substantial brick blocks, of which there are
now seven in town, accommodating fourteen firms, engaged
in various branches of trade. The business of the village
is believed to have been quadrupled by the building of the
railroad, and the population more than doubled. The resi-
dences of the citizens both in village and town have un-
dergone a great change, and in beauty and worth will rank
well with any village or town in the State of similar ad-
vantages in point of wealth and population. This result
is due largely to the taste and liberality of her energetic
and public-spirited business men. Among others we may
mention Mr. H. B. Chapman, who, being the proprietor of
one of the additions to the village, has contributed largely
by the erection of good business blocks and convenient and
tasty dwellings. It was his choice to dot his plat with nu-
merous fine dwellings before offering the lots for sale. There
are, at present, five, very respectable churches in the town,
the four in the village having been erected in the following
order : Methodist, Free Baptist, Baptist, and Presbyterian.
The schools of the town are twelve in number, and are well
sustained by the people. The graded union school of the
village is especially worthy of commendation. This was
changed from a common to a graded school in 1870. In
1872, steps were taken toward the erection of a new school-
building, which was accomplished in 1873, at a cost of
$10,000. School was commenced in the new building,
Nov. 4, 1873. The district issued bonds to raise, the neces-
sary funds to build the school-house. The building stands
five rods back from the east line of Chestnut Street, and
faces Silver Street. It is built of brick, is three stories
high, with a basement^ and contains four school-rooms capable
of accommodating five hundred pupils. The third floor is
reserved for a hall. The building was erected under the
supervision of S. J. Woodard, E. W. Case, and H. E.
Barker. The school has on its rolls at present about two
hundred scholars under the charge of four teachers, and is
an institution of which the village may well be proud. The
present Board of Trustees is composed of A. B. Strong,
M.D., Assessor; G. G. Clark, Moderator; H. P. Parmelee,
Director; B. F. Tinkham, A. M. R. Fitzsimmons, and
George W. Fitzsimmons.
In 1873, in accordance with the wishes of her citizens,
the village of Reading was incorporated by a special act of
the Legislature, passed April 12. The territory included
in the corporation was one mile square, the centre being at
the corner of sections 22, 23, 26, and 27. The first elec-
tion was appointed at the school-house, but was adjourned
to the Howder House (now the McConnel House). It was
held on the 14th of April, and officers were elected whose
names, together with their successors, are given below.
The names of the first board of trustees and of the present
board are also given :
President. Eecorder. Assessor.
1873. Asahel B. Strong. Seymour J. Smith. Jas. C. Cunningham.
1874. Hasey E. Barker. J. Eldred. George Young.
1875. George Young. J. R. Jones. L. S. Parmelee.
1876. A.M.R.Fitzsimmons. Eugene Clizbe. George Young.
1877. Levi H. Thomas. " " " "
1878. " " William Rogers. Jasper A. Waterman.
Present Trustees.
First Trustees.
Sanford Stiles.
Henry F. Doty.
Thomas Berry.
Lucas Terpening.
Hasey E. Barker.
Leonard W. Pierce.
George W. Fitzsimmons.
John Q. Mickle.
Thomas Berry.
Samuel N. Curtiss.
Aside from the business enterprises already spoken of,
we now find several others worthy of notice, which we
sketch as briefly as possible The Colby Wringer Com-
pany's works were erected in 1872, by the subscriptions of
the citizens of Reading, and cost about $20,000. The
company was formerly located at Waterbury, Vt., but in
January, 1873, began here the manufacture of the Colby
wringers and washing-machines. A part of the building
was also occupied for a time by the Reading Manufacturing
Company, before referred to. Upon the breaking up of
that company, their branch of manufactures was taken up
and continued by the Colby Company. The manufactures
now amount to about $30,000 per annum, and employment
is furnished to. about 25 men. Besides this, considerable
piece-work is done outside the shop. The works are run
by steam-power, supplied by an engine of 45 horse-power,
and consume annually from one-half to three-quarters of a
million feet of pine, black-walnut, oak, and maple lum-
ber. The office of the company is in Vermont, and the
works here are in charge of J. R. Jones, Superintendent.
■'Mm
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
319
Thomas' Ink- and Blueing-Factory was established here
in the spring of 1872. It had been run in a small way for
three or four years at Waterbury, Yt., but soon after the
opening of the works here, it began to grow in importance,
and now ranks as the foremost of the business establish-
ments of the place. The sales during the past year have
aggregated about $75,000. From occupying a space of
1600 square feet the buildings have grown until they now
cover an area of about 15,000 square feet, and the help
employed has risen from 4 in number until nearly 50 hands
are employed at the works, beside the agents who are en-
gaged in selling the manufactures throughout the country.
Thomas' inks are now in use in all the departments of the
Grovernment at Washington, except the War Department.
Levi H. Thomas is the owner and was the originator of the
enterprise.
The Reading Cheese-Factory was built in 1866-67, by
Col. Frederick Fowler, Daniel Kinne, John Fitzsimmons,
and L. S. Parmelee, and has been in successful operation
since that time. The most prosperous season was that of
1872, when the sales aggregated over $22,000. The past
year the sales aggregated about $6000.
In 1874, C. D. Warner started a medical dispensary in
Reading for the manufacture of a cough-remedy, knoWn as
"Warner's White Wine and Tar Syrup." The business
has increased till the sales amount to about $10,000 per
annum, and furnish employment to about five persons be-
sides traveling agents.
In June, 1877, a new business was introduced here by
Mr. Stillman Parker, which is that of tanning and making
up buiFalo-robes. The tannery has a capacity of 2000
robes per annum, and employs about 20 hands. The busi-
ness is conducted under the management of Mr. R. Wilbur.
The first and only banking institution in town is the
Exchange Bank, of Chapman & Co., which was organized
in March, 1873, by H. B. and A. R. Chapman. It was
for some time carried on in the hardware-store conducted
by Mr. Chapman, but is now removed to fine and conve-
nient rooms in the new block recently erected, and is doing
a good business, furnishing the business men of the town
the facilities that go so far to make up success.
We may summarize the present business of the village
by briefly stating that there are about 25 stores and shops,
2 hotels, 2 liveries, about -25 manufactories and mechanics'
shops, and several firms and individuals dealing in grain
and produce ; in all, representing 35 different branches of
industry. Few inland towns can make as good a showing,
and we can justly say that it is owing solely to the energy
and liberaUty of the citizens, who have worked for the
general good instead of the promotion of selfish ends.
Two of these, whom we have not particularly referred to
before, are deserving of a more special mention from their
having also been called upon to serve the people in the
capacity of legislators. We allude to Frederick Fowler,
who was a member of the House in 1857, and of the
Senate in 1865, and who earned his military title by noble
service in the Union army, and to Rev. L. S. Parmelee,
who was a member of the House in 1*867, and has served
as postmaster since 1861, with the exception of the admin-
istration of Andrew Johnson.
The religious convictions of the people are well attested
by the numerous churches, brief histories of which we
here present, prefacing them with the remark that in each
case they are the best we were able to obtain.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized at an early day in the history
of this town. Scarcely four years had elapsed since the first
blows of the settler's axe awoke the echoes of the startled
forest before sufiicient numbers of settlers of the Baptist per-
suasion had arrived to warrant an effort to found a church of
that denomination in Reading. Consequently, a council was
called, which met at the house of Bazaliel Palmer, on th©
site of the present grist-mill, on the 24th of August, 1839.
This council was composed of Revs. Newman Havens, Tru-
man Burroughs, and Erastus Spear. The two latter were
the respective pastors of the churches at Brockville and
Jackson, Ind. Rev. Truman Burroughs was chosen Mod-
erator, and Daniel Weaver, Clerk, and the church was then
formed with the following members, viz. : Samuel and Ma-
tilda Seamans, Frederick and Abigail Perring, Daniel and
Emily A. Weaver, Stephen C. and Eliza Perring, Aaron
Thompson, and Ann Morey. The first officers of the
church were Samuel Seamans, Deacon; Daniel Weaver,
Church Clerk.
In June, 1841, the church joined the "Raisin River
Association," and remained connected with it until the
"Hillsdale Association" was formed, since which time it
has been a member of that body.
The pastors and those who have served as pulpit supplies,
for a greater or less period, have been, as near as may be,
in the following order : Revs. Truman Burroughs, L. H.
Stocker, Erastus Spear, Blanchard, Chamberlain
Fuller, A. Town, Truman Burroughs, J. D. Hosford, Joel
Lyon, Kelly, James R. Abbott, M. H. Prentiss, Ly-
man Palmer, S. D. Burlingame (who was ordained here
Dec. 20, 1871), M. H. De Witt, William Read, and J. C.
Armstrong, who is the present pastor, and commenced his
labors here in September, 1877.
At an early day a log meeting-house was commenced on
the corner opposite the grist-mill, but the work was given
up before much progress had been made, and the meetings
were, for a period of about twenty years, held at private
houses, barnS; and, later, at school-houses, until the present
Free-Will Baptist church in the north part of the town was
built in 1859. That church was built by the two societies,
and this society had the use of it for one-half the time.
Many of the early meetings were held at the house of Judge
Mickle, who joined the church at an early day, and has
been a prominent member and one of its principal support-
ers from that time. The present elegant church edifice was
erected in the year 1872, on the lot purchased of Mrs.
David D. Prouty, lying on the east side of Chestnut Street.
The entire cost of the church and site was nearly $10,000.
The year following a parsonage was built, adjoining the
church on the south, at a cost of $1000. Both of these
buildings are of brick, and add much to the beauty and at-
tractiveness of the village.
Samuel Seamans, George C. Lewis, Aaron Thompson, H.
H. Ferris, E. P. Purdy, E. L. Kelly, and J. C. Chappell, have
320
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
been the deacons of this church, and all, except Seanaans,
Lewis, and Ferris, are now living and acting in that capa-
city. The present membership of the church is 101.
The society was incorporated at a meeting held in the
North Reading meeting-house, in the fall of 1871. Rev.
Lyman Palmer was Moderator of the meeting, and Aaron
Thompson and H. H. Ferris, Inspectors of Election. The
following board of trustees was elected, viz. : Stephen Allen,
Levi Wood, Andrew J. Rising, John Fitzsimmons, Treas. ;
Henry C. Mickle, Clerk; Bazaliel Palmer and John Mickle.
The present officers of the church and society are J. R.
Abbott, Jr., Clerk of the Church ; Henry C. Mickle, Clerk
of the Society ; John Fitzsimmons, Treasurer ; E. L. Kelly,
John Fitzsimmons, Henry C. Mickle, Myron Perry, F.
Andrews, John Chappell, S. W. Post, Trustees.
•The Sabbath-school connected with this church was or-
ganized as a separate school in 1873, with Mr. Ebenezer
L. Kelly as Superintendent. He held that position until
the spring of 1878, when he resigned and Rev. J. C. Arm-
strong was chosen in his stead, and is still acting. Miss
Georgia Fitzsimmons is the Secretary, and the school is in a
fairly prosperous condition, with a membership of about 60.
FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first church of this denomination was the result of
a series of meetings held at the Berry school-house, three
miles southwest of Reading village, by Rev. L. S. Parme-
lee, in the winter of 1857. About 40 persons were con-
verted, and the meeting to organize a church was held at
that place on the 21st of February. It was then adjourned
to Reading, where the church was organized, March 1,
1857, the hand of fellowship being given by Rev. E. B.
Fairfield, President of Hillsdale College, to the following
18 persons who constituted the church, viz. : L. S. and Julia
A. Parmelee, J. H. and Margaret Smith, Charles and Lydia
Pierce, A. E. and Jane E. Griffith, Washington and lantha
Bailey, A. G. Bigelow, Fanny Stevens, Richard Dorlisca,
Rhoda Berry, Abigail Potter, Esther Gleason, and Maria
S. Worden. At this meeting Mr. A. E. Griffith was
elected church clerk.
Commencing with this small membership the church ran
along until the winter of 1857-58, when a series of union
meetings was held in connection with the Methodists, Elder
Parmelee and Rev. Wm. Doust preaching on alternate
evenings, and a general revival was experienced, by which
33 members were added to this church. A year later a
case of discipline created a disturbance, which resulted in a
loss of 17 members. From this time on, for a period of
eighteen years, the growth of the church was slow, steady,
and healthy, and perfect harmony reigned among its mem-
bers. Not a single case of discipline was necessitated, and
the membership at one time rose to 134. Near the close
of this era of peace and good feeling, in the winter of
1876-77, another series of meetings was held by Rev.
Giles Burnham, and was followed by a glorious revival of
the work of grace, and 40 members were added to the
church. A year later the members became divided on a
point of doctrine, which caused 52 members to withdraw
by letter from the fellowship of the church, leaving but
70 to maintain the organization. Since that time two have
joined, making the present numerical strength 72.
For the first eight years of the church's existence Rev.
F. B. Fairfield was its nominal pastor, but most of the labor
fell on Rev. L. S. Parmelee, who was styled the associate
pastor. He preached three-fourths of the time and dis-
charged all the other pastoral duties, and, at the expiration
of the eight years, became the regular pastor and continued
to act in that capacity till Jan. 1, 1878, making his term
of service twenty-one years. During that time he united
several hundred anxious couples in the bonds of matrimony,
and has preached over 800 funeral sermons. He has been
the principal mainstay as he was the principal founder of
the church in this village. He was born in Onondaga Co.,
N. Y., Aug. 20, 1815, and came to Reading in April, 1856.
He was not educated for the ministry and did not study in
any theological school, but was licensed to preach the gospel
and has met with good success in his ministerial work.
Since his resignation of the pastorate the pulpit has been
supplied by Rev. D. W. C. Durgin, President of Hillsdale
College,' and by Rev. C. B. Mills, also of Hillsdale.
The society was incorporated April 12, 1858, Rev. L. S.
Parmelee presiding at the meeting, and H. B. Worden
acting as secretary. The following trustees were elected,
viz. : George Campbell, Elias Hakes, D. D. Prouty, George
-Youngs, and Washington Bailey. April 5, 1859, Frederick
Fowler was elected trustee in the place of D. D. Prouty,
deceased, and has held the office ever since. The first
deacons were Elias Hakes, George Young, and Lucas
Terpening. The first associated choristers were John W.
Stevens and A. G. Bigelow, who served about five years,
and were then succeeded by Martin H. Parmelee, who con-
ducted the singing from that time till the time of his death,
in the spring of 1878, a period of about fifteen years.
Previous to the building of the church the meetings were
held about a year in the Methodist church and for a short
time in the school-house. The church was built in the
summer and fall of 1858, under the supervision of Rev. L.
S. Parmelee, George Young, and H. B. Worden, building
committee. It is a wood building ; dimensions 34 by 60
^feet, with a steeple and spire 83 feet high, and comfortable
sittings for 300 people. Including $300 paid for a bell, the
total cost was $2600. It has been repaired once, a furnace
put in, an orchestra built on, and new seats made, costing
in all about $1500 more. The church lot, located on
Chestnut Street, was the gift of David D. Prouty. The
church was dedicated Jan. 1, 1859, by Rev. E. B. Fairfield.
The present officers of the church ar^ Frederick Fowler,
A. H. Hall, Washington Bailey, W. E. Austin, L. D.
Smith, Trustees; Washington Bailey, A. G. Bigelow, Dea-
cons ; W. E. Austin, Clerk of Church and Society.
The Sunday-school connected with this church was or-
ganized in 1858, and has had a continuous existence to the
present. The average attendance is about 70. J. A.
Waterman was the first Superintendent, and A. H. Hall is
the present one.
SECOND FREE BAPTIST GHURCH OF READING.
This society was organized through the efforts of Rev.
E. B. Fairfield, in 1858. The original membership was
. > ''''." -V 'rT- '•'' "i ^'M-^
'i'{ ^.45^
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIOAN.
321
drawn, to some extent, from the First Baptist Society.
Among the most prominent of the early members were
William Balcom, Marcus Balcom, and Glarner Archer, and
their respective families. The church was built in 1858,
the Baptist society paying half the cost and being entitled
to use it one-half the time. It cost $2300 and will seat
about 300 people. The pastors of the church have been
Rev. E. B. Fairfield, two Elder Davis's, Elder Rice, Prof
Dunn, and Elder Limbocker, the present incumbent. The
church has had a pretty large membership, at one time
amounting to 150, and it is now not much below that num-
ber. The church is located on section 3, on land donated
by John Mickle.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The First Presbyterian Church and Society of Read-
ing was inaugurated by a meeting held at the Methodist
church in Reading, on the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 5,
1868, of which Rev. F. R. Gallagher, D.D., of Hillsdale,
was Moderator, and G. B. Barnes was Clerk. The meeting
was well attended, and ten persons presented letters from
the Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale, two from the Pres-
byterian Church of Pleasantville, Ohio, and two from the
Christian Church at Salem, Ohio. Their names, in the
order mentioned above, were Jasper A. Waterman, Mary
Waterman, Hannah Stiles, Sally Van Etten, James
O'Donoughue, Laura O'Donoughue, Julia Taylor, Nancy
M. Hicks, Cornelia Strong, Olive Abbott, Ezra Ketchum,
Phebe Ketchum, Harrison Yates, and Susan R. Yates.
These were all received as members, and proceeded to or-
ganize a church by electing J. A. Waterman and Ezra
Ketchum as Ruling Elders, and G. B. Barnes as Stated
Clerk. A meeting of the session was then held, and Ellen
Morris, Lois A. St. John, Sarah J. Ketchum, and Lewis B.
Ketchum were admitted on profession of faith. After a
sermon by Rev. Mr. Gallagher, the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper was administered, which completed the services of
the day.
For the first year the services were held in the Methodist
Episcopal church, then for a little over two years in the
Free- Will Baptist church, and after that no regular preach-
ing was had until the church was built. The prayer-meet-
ings were, however, continued regularly and were well sus-
tained.
Rev. G. B. Barnes was the first minister, and preached
two years. He was not ordained to the ministry, however,
until after he finished his labors here. He was succeeded
by Rev. Mr. Fleming, who remained some three months.
Then, after a brief interval. Rev. James Quick came, and
served a year. Since that time Rev. E. M. Lewis, Rev.
James Curtiss, and Rev. W. F. Matthews have each served
a while as pastor, and at the present time Rev. M. L. Boo-
her is acting in that capacity. In addition to those already
named, Rev. Mr. Fleming, Rev. W. J. Stoutenburg, and
others have preached occasionally.
The question of building a church was agitated as early
as the year 1870, and a subscription was started for that
purpose. A lot containing 56 square rods was bought from
Mr. H. B. Chapman for $300, the most of which sum was
41
paid through the efforts of the ladies of the congregation.
They are also entitled to great credit for their indefatigable
efforts to secure the extinguishment of the debt incurred
in the building of the church.
The building was erected in the spring and summer of
1872, but was not finished off inside until the spring of
1873. June 22, 1873, the church was dedicated, the
sermon on that occasion being preached by Rev. George B.
Barnes, of Three Rivers. Rev. James Quick, of Bliss-
field, preached in the evening. The church is built of
brick, and is 38 feet wide and 55 feet long. It cost about
$5000; and the aid received from the Church Erection
Fund was $700. At the dedication a sum nearly sufficient
to liquidate the $2400 indebtedness was pledged, and $60
was raised towards purchasing an organ. The church is
neatly frescoed and well furnished, and has an organ that
cost $450.
The incorporation of the society was effected on the 24th
of January, 1870, by the election of the following officers:
Trustees, H. K. Abbott, A. B. Strong, Alfonzo Schafer, J.
A. Waterman, Ira Mead, Seymour J. Smith, Solomon T.
Green, Samuel R. Hicks, Byron T. Scammon. J. A.
Waterman, Chairman ; Edward P. Wadsworth, Clerk ; S.
T. Green, Treasurer; S. R. Hicks, Collector.
The board is at present composed of five members :
William Skinner, Zalmon B. Stillson, Byron T. Scammon,
James O'Donoughue, and Samuel Fawkes. Z. B. Stillson
is the clerk and treasurer of the board, and J. O'Donoughue
is the clerk of the church.
Deacons S. R. Hicks and John H. Boyden and Elders
S. R. Hicks and J. O'Donoughue are the present officers
of the church. L. E. Judson, E. P. Wadsworth, John C.
Bradley, E. J. Mills, and Dr. E. V. N. Hall have also
acted as elders during the church's existence. The mem-
bership has risen from 18 to a present active membership
of 74.
THE FRATERNITIES OF READING.
The Masonic fraternity was the first to start societies in
this town, and they first put in an appearance in the winter
of 1858. At that time a lodge was formed under a dis-
pensation from the Grand Lodge of the State, and continued
to work under that authority until regularly chartered, Jan.
13, 1860, under the name of
READING LODGE, NO. 117, F. AND A. M.
The lodge met with good success, and added rapidly to
its list of members. It purchased the hall in the third
story of the Reading House, and fitted it up at a total
expense of about $1500. It still continues its meetings
there on the Wednesday on or before each full moon. Its
present roll of members comprises 120 names. The lodges
at Camden, Cambria Mills, and Hall's Corners, all are off-
shoots from this lodge. We give below a list of the first
officers, and also of the present officers of the lodge :
First Officers,— W. M., George Fitzsimmons ; S. W.,
John Mickle; J. W., George Campbell; Sec, Lewis H.
Mallery; Treas , Bingham D. Abbott; S. D., Justin H-
Ransom ; J. D., S. Rising ; Tyler, M. Mallery.
322
HISTOBY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Present Officers.— W. M., L. W. Pierce; S. W., A. H.
Hall; J. W., J. W. Kelly; Sec, George F. Murray; Treas.,
John Fitzsimmons; S. D., S. G. Woodard; J. D., E.
Seekins ; Tyler, E. Mellon.
The second society organized by the fraternity was a
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, known as
SUMMIT CHAPTER, NO. 49, R. A. M.
It was organized, under a dispensation from the Grand
Chapter of the State of Michigan, June 8, 1867, and re-
ceived its charter, conferring full power as a subordinate
chapter, on the 24th of February, 1868. The membership
at the time of organization was 14, and has grown until at
present the number of members is 65. The regular con-
vocations were at first held on the evening of the fourth
Monday in each month, at Masonic Hall, but on March
23, 1868, the time was changed to the Monday evening on
or before the full moon in each month. The chapter has
been a successful working one from its formation, and har-
mony has ever pervaded its workings in all its departments.
The following are the first and the present ofl&cers, viz. :
First Officers,— R, P., C. B. Reynolds ; K., S. B. Mal-
lery ; S., John Fritts; C. of H., A. B. Strong; P. S., S.
Davis; R. A. C, B. Moss; M. of 1st V., Jasper A. Wa-
terman; M. of 2d v., L. H. Terpening; M. of 3d Y.,
Eleazer Gleason ; Sec, 0. P. Crittenden ; Treas., Morton
Meigs ; Sent., Daniel Kinne.
Present Officers.— H. P., A. B. Strong; K., C. B. Rey-
nolds; S., G. G. Clark; C. of H., S. J. Woodard; P. S.,
S. Davis; R. A. C, S. Orr; M. of 1st Y., B. Moss; M.
of 2d Y., William Fritts; M. of 3d Y., L. W. Pierce;
Sec, A. H. Hall; Treas., John Fitzsimmons; Sent., John
Fritts.
The third and last of the Masonic societies of Reading
was organized Feb. 2, 1870, and is called
READING COUNCIL, NO. 31.
It has a membership of 25. The following were the first
and are the present officers :
First Officers.— T. I. G. M., C. B. Reynolds; D. I. G.
M., Daniel Kinne ; P. C. W., John Fritts ; C. G., S. Davis ;
Treas., S. D. Mallery ; Rec, E. W. Reynolds ; C. C, George
Clark ; G. S. and Sent., Morton Meigs.
Present Officers.— T. I. G. M., C. B. Reynolds ; D. I. G.
M., John Fitzsimmons; P. C. W., S. J. Woodard; C. G.,
B. F. Morse; Treas., John Fritts; Rec, A. B. Strong; C.
C, W. S. Fritts; G. S. and Sent., S. Davis.
The fraternity of Odd-Fellows started at a later date the
READING LODGE, NO. 287, I. O. 0. F.,
having received its charter from the Grand Lodge of the
State on the 15th of November, 1876. The number of
charter members was six, and the lapse of two years' time
has added largely to the number of members, until 52 names
are now borne upon the roll. The lodge was instituted by
Deputy Grand Master L. C. Tillotson, of Hillsdale, assisted
by Witter J. Baxter, of Jonesville, and other members of
the order from sister lodges. The hall they now occupy
was fitted up and furnished by them at a cost of about
$600. The workings of the lodge have always been marked
by perfect harmony and good brotherly feeling. We append
a list of officers comprising the first and present incum-
bents :
First Officers.—^. G., H. W. Russell ; Y. G., S. N.
Curtiss; Sec, Eli R. Forquer; Treas., Wilson Haynes;
Per. Sec, Thomas Wyble ; Warden, B. F. Finkham ; Con.,
Ernest Canfield.
Present Officers. — N. G., William Rogers ; Y. G., Francis
M. Woodard ; Sec, Alden C. Eldridge ; Treas., 0. G. Berry ;
Per. Sec, R. B. Pettit; Warden, Wilson Haynes; Con.,
a S. Martin.
The Grand Army of the Republic is represented here by
a post, named in honor of one of Reading's noblest sons, —
a true Christian soldier, — who went forth to fight in defense
of his country, and laid his life a sacrifice on the altar of
Liberty. It is called
FRANK FORNCROOK POST, NO. 7, G. A. R.
It was organized June 12, 1878, " C. 0. Loomis, Post
No. 2," conducting the ceremonies. The officers elected,
and who are also the present officers, were Alfonzo Shafer,
P. C. ; William Rogers, S. Y. C. ; Abram Shafer, J. Y. C. ;
Rowland H. Weaver, Q. M. ; B, K. Bobbins, Chaplain ;
Nelson J. Pierce, Surgeon ; Wilson Haynes, Officer of the
Day; Frank M. Sherman, Officer of the Guard; W. H.
Petrie, Q.M.-Sergt. ; Grove S. Bartholomew, Adjt. ; John
C. Dugan, Sergt.-Maj. These, together with Nathan Yan
Fassan, Albert U. Potter, Frank Eaton, Andrew A. Baxter,
and Ezra Weaver, were the charter members of the post.
The membership has already increased to 29. The meet-
ings are held semi-monthly in Odd-Fellows' Hall, on the
first and third Wednesday of each month.
The inhabitants of Reading have always been a temper-
ate people, and to this virtue, no doubt, they are largely
indebted for their prosperity and progress. Whenever
called upon to express their sentiments at the polls, their
voice has ever been for the right. The first vote was taken
April 1, 1850, on the question of licensing the liquor
traffic, and the vote stood 47 for license and 55 against.
The vote on the prohibitory law, three years later, was a
still more full and decided expression of their sentiments,
the vote standing 123 for the Jaw and but 34 against it.
In support of these principles, and as a means of educating
the people and making their efi'oits united and effective,
several temperance societies have been formed at different
times, brief sketches of which are appended. The first
was a division of Sons of Temperance, organized in 1848,
and the next a Temple of Honor, started in 1859. Both
of these societies died out within two or three years after
their formation. The next was a lodge of Good Templars,
organized about 1871-72, and which, after a brief exist-
ence of less than one year, went down. The next was a
division of the Sons of Temperance, instituted in the fall
of 1875, which operated about a year, and then ceased
working. Then another lodge of Good Templars, known as
Residence of GEO. G. CONE. Reading. H'llsdaleCo.,Mich.
RESIDENCE OF SAMUEL C.DODGE, READING,MICH.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
323
PHAROS LODGE, NO. 945, I. O. G. T.,
was organized. It was instituted bj Rev. C. H. Ellis on the
1st of February, 1876, with 16 members. Its existence
has been, like that of all other similar organizations, marked
by many vicissitudes, but it is now, having passed the point
of the ebb, apparently rising, on the flood-tide, to prosper-
ity and renewed usefulness. The meetings are held every
Tuesday evening, at Odd-Fellows' Hall. We present a list
of the most prominent first and present ofiicers.
First Officers.— W, C. T., J. A. Cassidy ; W. V. T.,
Mrs. C. H. Ellis; W. S., H. W. Russell; W. F. S., Miss
Ada Ellis; W. T., N. P. Sherman.
Present Officers,— W , C. T., Daniel W. Mickle ; W. Y.
T., Mrs. Lavonie Mellon ; W. S., J. A. Cassidy ; W. F. S.,
N. P. Sherman ; W. T., Mrs. A. Roat.
The Gospel Temperance Reform movement was introduced
in Reading by a young lawyer from Lansing by the name
of Johnson. He was himself a reformed man, and at the
close of a stirring address one evening in February, 1877,
he organized the
READING RED RIBBON CLUB.
About 50 persons joined the first evening, and the fol-
lowing officers were elected : Corvis M. Barre, Pres. ;
A. M. R. Fitzsimmons, Yice-Pres. ; E. Foote, Sec. ; C.
Martin, Treas. Club-rooms were fitted up in Mallery's
Hall, a reading-room and library established, and weekly
meetings held, addressed by prominent speakers from abroad
or by local talent. The membership rapidly rose until it
at one time reached between 600 and 700. The club-room,
reading-room, and library were kept up for about nine
months. From that time the interest seemed to wane, and
the club displayed less activity. At present an effort is
being made to revive the interest in the work. The pres-
ent officers are Porter W. Thomas, Pres. ; Ernest Canfield,
Sec. ; Sanford Stiles, Treas.
The last of these aids to the cause of temperance reform
is the
woman's CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION,
a branch of the State Union, which was organized at a
meeting held at the Presbyterian church, April 4, 1878,
by Mrs. E. A. Hallett, President of the County Union.
The present membership is 45, and the Union has done
considerable to sustain the interest in the Reform Club as
well as to maintain its own standing. The officers at the
organization and the present officers are given below.
First Officers. — Pres., Mrs. E. W. Case; Yice-Pres.,
Mrs. J. T. Iddings; Sec, Mrs. E. J. Mills; Treas., Mrs.
H. W. Antisdale.
Present Officers. — Pres., Mrs. E. J. Mills ; Vice-Pres.,
Mrs. H. P. Parmelee ; Sec, Mrs. P. W. Thomas ; Treas.,
Mrs. H. W. Antisdale.
We now draw near the close of this imperfect sketch,
and it is fitting here to speak of some serious and sober
things that have formed a prominent and memorable, as
well as painful, part of the history of Reading. Ever since
the first transgression of God's divine law, the grim angel
of death has exercised relentless sway over the destinies of
mankind, calling from every field of labor and usefulness
the brightest and best at his pleasure. In his own time he
visits all, and none escape. As we have before mentioned,
the first death in this community was that of an infant
child of Judge John Mickle. The next two were those of
Mrs. Charles Lee and her infant child. Next was Mrs.
John Mickle, in 1839, followed closely by that of Mrs.
Tappan, mother of Chester Morey. The first man who
died in the town was Mr. Howard, the stepfather of Mrs.
Odell, who went into the woods to cut broomsticks, was
caught in a snow-storm, and, getting bewildered, wandered
about in a circle until he was overcome by exhaustion and
cold, and was frozen to death before he was found. All of
these deaths occurred before 1840. The visitations of
death are always the source of pain and grief, but, when he
comes in the midst of joy and happiness, his coming casts
a sable pall over our hearts, deeper and darker than under
other circumstances. One such occasion, and one which
will long remain fresh in the memory of this people as the
saddest event of their history, occurred on the 4th of July,
1859. A picnic and celebration had been planned on that
day to take place at Clear Lake, Ind., a noted resort for
pleasure-seekers, and a large number of Reading people at-
tended it. The time was employed in fishing, boat-riding,
bathing, and in pleasant social intercourse, until the day
was far spent, when a gloom was suddenly cast over their
enjoyment by an awful accident, by which 11 persons,
mostly young people and children, lost their lives. The
boat used for their excursions across the lake to an island
opposite the hotel was a frail craft, and illy managed by
those having charge of it, and when returning from one of
its trips, and still distant some 40 rods from the shore, it
suddenly careened to one side and capsized, leaving its
freight of human beings struggling in the water. As before
stated, 11 lost their lives, and, of these, 7 were loved and
respected ones of Reading. Their names were Isaac J.
Berry, Danforth W. Berry and his wife Miranda ; Salome
and Estelle, wife and adopted daughter of Wm. F. Turner ;
and Louisa and Olin, children of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson M.
Turner. This event cast a deep shadow on the entire com-
munity, and will ever remain a tender yet painful recollec-
tion through the coming years. But all is not dark, for the
poet sings, in a strain almost divine, —
" There is no death ! The stars go down
To rise upon some fairer shore,
And, bright in Heaven's jeweled crown.
They shine forevermore."
The first cemetery in Reading was the Mickle or North
Reading burying-ground, and the next the one near Eleazer
Gleason's. There are now five burial-places in the town, all
under the supervision of the town board of health. The
largest is a newly-opened ground north of the village, which
is being improved with walks, drives, trees, and shrubbery,
and will be a pleasant and beautiful cemetery.
Another cloud that has passed over this community in
common with all others, was that caused by the Rebellion of
1861-65, which called forth so many of our noblest sons to
do battle in defense of the national honor and integrity, and
324
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
which quenched by its bloody sacrifices so many bright and
promising young lives. We ever cherish and seek to per-
petuate the merits and fame of these noble defenders of our
country, by instilling in the minds of the rising generation
a true estimate of their noble self-sacrifice and their unfal-
tering patriotism. With this in view, we point with pride
to the list of Reading soldiers who went forth to the con-
flict, from which so many of them came not back.
In closing we may say that we have endeavored a& briefly
as possible to portray the principal events in the history of
the town, and now leave it to the enjoyment of the peace,
prosperity, and happiness which ever follow in the wake of
earnest endeavor and a faithful observance of the Christian
virtues. Since the first crops were harvested Reading has
never been dependent upon others for bread or the many
things that make life pleasant and happy, and we only wish
for her and her people that they may be permitted to bask
in the same sunlight of prosperity through future years.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
325
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN COLE
was the son of Joshua and Innocent Cole, of Wayne Co.,
N. Y. Hfe was born May 8, 1819. When Mr. Cole was
thirteen years of age the family removed to Geauga Co.,
Ohio, where they were engaged in farming. Mrs. Innocent
Cole died in 1843, at the age of fifty- two years. Joshua
Cole died at the age of fifty-five, in 1844. They were the
parents of nine children, of whom John Cole, the subject
of this sketch, was the eldest. At the age of eighteen
John went back to the State of New York, and made his
home with an uncle until 1843, when he was seized with a
desire to get a farm and home of his own. He came West
to Jonesville, Mich., and bought of Murphy and Yarnum
one hundred and sixty acres of wild land, in the town-
ship of Keading, at three dollars and seventy-five cents per
acre.
He at once commenced work on his land, first of all by
erecting a log house, and then commenced the work of
chopping, logging, and burning off the timber, brush, etc.
During the next two years he became acquainted with Miss
Anna Sarles, daughter of Garry Sarles, an old settler of
Fayette township. This acquaintance ripened into court-
ship and marriage. They were united on the 7th day of
October, 1845. They went to housekeeping at once, and
three years later he erected a frame house, which, with some
additions, has been his dwelling-house up to this time. He
has a fine, productive farm, well adapted for the grains and
fruits for which Hillsdale County is so justly celebrated.
He has been especially successful in the cultivation and
production of peaches, as by his own peculiar method he
rarely fails of having a fine crop every year.
Mr. Cole and his wife have reared a family of five child-
ren, whom we briefly notice, thus : Benjamin is married,
and resides on a farm of his own, one mile from his parents.
John is also married, and resides at Fremont, Newago Co.,
Mich. He is engaged in the hardware trade at that place,
and he and his father are partners in business and own a
large amount of property, consisting of lands and village
lots in Fremont. Willie W., Martha A., and Amanda M.
are young people, still at home with their parents.
Mr. Cole comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his grand-
father having fought all through the war for independence
in the ranks of the patriot army. All through life he has
been uniformly successful in all his undertakings, and by
prudence and good management has amassed a very com-
fortable property. He is in religious faith a Universalist ;
in politics, a Democrat of the old school ; in social inter-
course kind and affable, and enjoys the confidence and
esteem of all who come in contact with him. Mr. Garry
Sarles, the father of Mrs. Cole, came into Hillsdale County
in 1835, and in 1838 died, leaving his widow and a large
family of children dependent upon themselves for a living.
Mrs. Sarles lived to an advanced age and to see her large
family of children all grown up into useful men and women.
Mr. Cole has contributed to this work a view of his farm-
home, to be found on another page.
HIRAM B. CHAPMAN.
The activity, energy, and perseverance, the variety and
changes of occupation, the genius and versatility displayed
in the career of Mr. Chapman very strikingly illustrate a
peculiar feature in the life and character of the American
business man, and afford many useful lessons of great
value to the young men of to-day. Of course we can only
glance briefly at a few of the most characteristic incidents
in the life of Mr. Chapman, commencing with his birth,
which occurred Sept. 15, 1817, at Sandwich, N. H. While
an infant his parents removed to Fairfield, Yt., and after a
few years to Orleans Co., N. Y., and soon after to Portage
Co., 0., and thence to Wood Co., 0., and in 1835 to Gib-
raltar, Wayne Co., Mich. In the intervals of all these
frequent removals the young lad was engaged in attending
the schools, and assisting his father in the farm labors. At
nineteen years of age he bought his time of his father for
seventy-two dollars, and from that time on for a number of
years his occupation was varied by almost continued changes,
at first attending school, then as clerk in a store, next as cap-
tain of a sloop in the Detroit River, then as clerk in a grocery-
store in Detroit, and assisting in the survey of the Grand
Traverse region,. next as a teacher in Monroe Co., where
he became acquainted with and married Miss Elizabeth
Chamberlain. They were married on the 21st day of
April, 1840. He at once erected a log house on his pur-
chase of sixty acres of wild land, and then commenced life
in earnest by alternately working out at fifty cents a day,
and in chopping, logging, and burning off his land. By
unceasing toil, ably assisted by his noble and energetic com-
panion, in five years he had cleared off forty acres, and pur-
chased an addition of forty acres to his farm. In 1847 he
traded his farm in Monroe County for four hundred acres
of wild land in the towns of Reading, Hillsdale Co., and
Algansee, Branch Co. He built a log house, cleared off
and put in fifty-five acres of wheat the first year. For
the next eight years he was engaged in clearing up and
erecting buildings on his farm. He became very successful
in raising stock for sale on his farm, and as a dealer in
the same. His children were all reared and received the
wholesome lessons of farm life, and with it the strong,
robust health and habits only to be acquired in the atmos-
phere of a farm home. On February 28, Mr. Chapman
was called to mourn the loss of his companion, who, for
twenty-five years, had shared the joys and sorrows of wedded
life. She was known among her relatives and friends as a
devoted wife and mother, and by a large circle of acquaint-
ances respected and esteemed as a kind neighbor and sin-
cere Christian. The vacancy in his household caused by
the death of his wife was filled by his union with Miss
Elizabeth A. Morse, of Detroit. In 1865, Mr. Chapman
leased out his farm and moved into the village of Reading,
since which time he has been engaged in building stores,
dwellings, and business blocks, etc., in the village; and
in company with one of his sons has carried on the hard-
ware, and for the last five years a banking business.
Mr. Chapman is the father of ten children,— Elbridge
R., Clarence H., Alanson W., Adelbert R., Asenath M.,
Lury E., Jay W., Almond D., Lottie R., and Jennie A.
Of these all are living except Elbridge and Alanson. Clar-
326
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
ence, Alanson, and Adelbert were cavalry soldiers in the
Union army in the great Rebellion, and Alanson was killed
in South Carolina. All are married except Asenath and
Almond. Mr. Chapman by a long life of industry, pru-
dence, and sagacity has accumulated a fine fortune, the most
of which he has invested in improvements in the village of
Reading, and it is conceded that he has accomplished more
towards building up and advancing its interests than any
other person in it. He has recently erected one of the finest
dwellings in the county, complete in all its appointments.
Mr. Chapman, although a man of wealth, is plain and un-
assuming in his manners, sociable and chatty with his
friends, agreeable and polite to all who approach him. The
view of his beautiful residence, which will be found on
another page of this work, is a handsome contribution,
dedicated by him to his children, relatives, friends, and to
every patron of this work in Hillsdale County.
HARRISON BAILEY
is of English ancestry; his grea^t-grandfather settled at
Bridgewater, in Massachusetts, at an early date in the his-
tory of this country. He became engaged in farming, and
was one of the first in this country to manufacture ashes
into potash. He reared a large family of children, and
died at an advanced age. Joseph, Jr., the grandfather of
our subject, was bom at the old home in Bridgewater, grew
up to manhood, and married and reared a large family of
children. He was a mechanic, and lived to a ripe old age.
Ralph, the father of Harrison, was born at the old Massa-
chusetts home in Bridgewater, in 1782 ; he became a farmer,
a mechanic, and at intervals followed the sea as a whaler.
He was married in early life, and reared a family of ten
children, named as follows: Catharine, Sidney, Catharine
(2d), Washington, Harrison, Melvin, Adeline, Melvin (2d),
Adonis, Mary Ann. Of these only two are living, — Har-
rison and Washington. In 1830, Mr. Ralph Bailey emi-
grated to the Territory of Michigan, and settled at Monroe;
soon after he moved to the present town of Blissfield, in
Lenawee Co., Mich. ; and afterwards the family moved to
Reading, in Hillsdale Co. Mr. Ralph Bailey died in 1847,
at the age of sixty-five years.
Harrison Bailey was born March 21, 1813, in Wayne
Co., N. Y. During his younger years he attended the
common schools and assisted on the farm, and until he was
twenty-five years of age he followed farming and jobbing.
At this time he was united in marriage to Miss Salome
Dunton, of Monroe, the daughter of Winslow Dunton and
Nabby P. Allen, who came of a long line of English ances-
tors. They went to housekeeping at once on their farm in
Blissfield, where they continued until 1841, when he sold
out and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Reading, which has been his permanent home ever since.
They are the parents of eleven children, as follows : Sarah,
Mary, Julia N., Harriet M., Guy A., Yalorus, Frank W.,
Ernest H., Mittie, Ralph W., and Ada S. Of these all
are living except Mary, Harriet, and Mittie, and all are
married except Ralph and Ada, who are at home with their
parents.
Mr. Bailey has a fine, productive farm, on which he has
recently erected a very fine, commodious brick residence, at
the north end of his farm, opposite to the old residence,
which stands at the south end. Mr. Bailey and his ex-
cellent wife both enjoy the esteem and confidence of a large
circle of friends and acquaintances. In politics Mr. Bailey
is a Democrat of the old Jackson type, and believes in the
teachings and maxims of the fathers and founders of the
Great Republic. He and his lady are known as upright
and consistent Christians, having been for many years
honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It
is with much pleasure we present our readers, on another
page of this work, a fine view of the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Bailey, accompanied with their portraits.
CHARLES KANE.
While general history treats of the rise and progress of
nations and governments, their wars and conquests, and
records the great events of the past, and the mighty deeds
of kings, presidents, generals, statesmen, judges, and other
great and distinguished men of the past and present, it is
proper that some of the real representatives of the people
should be assigned their proper place in such a work as
this, — that those upon whose shoulders the responsibilities
and weight of this great republic chiefly rest are deserving
of more than a passing notice in these annals. And it is
with pride we call the attention of our readers to the life
and character of Charles Kane, of Reading.
He was the son of William and Betsey Kane, of Otsego
Co., N. Y. He was born in 1818, and never had the ad-
vantages of even a common school. He commenced work
as soon as he was old enough to do anything on a farm,
and at the age of thirteen worked all winter with his father,
threshing grain with a flail. At the age of fourteen he
lost his mother. When he was seventeen he worked for
three weeks putting in a piece of wheat, living on nothing
but milk as it came from the cow. He continued with his
father until twenty-two years of age, when he was united
in marriage to Miss Lucy Sanford, of Monroe Co., N. Y.
In 1844 he and his wife came to Michigan, determined
to secure a home for themselves, but with nothing to pur-
chase one but willing hearts and strong arms. He came
to Reading, and at once commenced work, jobbing for the
first year. He then worked a few months by the month,
but finding he could make more money by chopping by the
job, he followed the latter. And for the next six years
he was engaged the most of the time in chopping on the
lands of his neighbors by the job or acre, and at intervals
clearing off and working on his own purchase of forty acres.
He afterwards made a purchase of eighty acres adjoining
his first.
In all Mr. Kane, with his own hands, chopped off over
three hundred acres, and fitted it for logging and burning.
And to-day he is living in a large and commodious farm-
house, with convenient out-buildings, and a finely-cultivated
farm, on which now stands the prize orchard of Hillsdale
County. Mr. Kane, notwithstanding the disadvantages
he has had to contend with in the want of an educa-
tion, is to-day respected and esteemed as one of the model
"^^^^. ^;; -; . :^> j:, v?^?^^>^^^^^;^|a^^#&^i^rSc^*^^ :
RESIDENCE OF A. D. SOUTHWORTH, READING-, MICHIGAN.
RESIDENCF OF WILLIAM TERPENING, READING. fllLLSDALE C? MiCH,
HISTORY OP HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHiaAN.
327
farmers of Reading, and an honor to his neighborhood.
He is still a hardy, fine-looking specimen of the American
farmer, and although about sixty years of age, he looks
younger than many men of forty-five. This is probably
largely due to the fact that he has always had a conscience
void of ofi^nse, that he never owed a debt that was not
paid on or before it became due, and that in all his life he
never had a suit at law.
Mr. Kane is the father of five children, — Newton, Louise,
an infant deceased, Lucy, and Charles W. Of these, New-
ton is married to Miss Josephine Bird, daughter of Erastus
Bird, an old settler of Allen township. They have one
child, and are at present at home with the old gentleman,
assisting in carrying on the old home-farm. Newton has
a farm of his own in Eaton County, consisting of one hun-
dred and sixty acres. Lucy is married to Oscar Folger ;
they reside in the township of Cambria, and they have one
child. Charles W. was recently married to Miss Alvada
Hollinshead, of Reading, and they are at present at home
with their parents.
On the 23d day of November, 1876, Mr. Kane was
bereaved in the death of his estimable life-long companion,
who departed for the better world, after sufi*ering for many
months. She was for many years an honored member of
the Baptist Church, and was known and respected as a
candid and consistent Christian. It is with pleasure we
are able to present our readers with a view of the home,
and portraits of this excellent pair of old Hillsdale pioneers.
A. D. SOUTHWORTH.
The subject of this sketch was born Nov. 25, 1834, in
the town of Perrinton, Monroe Co., N. Y. He was a son
of J. B. Southworth. He moved with his parents to
Michigan in 1844, where his father bought a farm, and he
helped his father on the same until he was twenty-four years
old. He then bought fifty-eight acres of wild land adjoin-
ing his father's place and commenced to improve it. In
1866 he was married to Sophia A. Crin, and built a house
on his place and moved into it the same year. They have a
family of two children, — Anna Adell, born May 20, 1867,
and Charles Augustus, born Feb. 3, 1869, having lost one
child in infancy. By industry and perseverance Mr. South-
worth, with the aid of his good wife, has improved his place
and added to his farm, and now owns one of the good farms
of Reading, a picture of which will be found on another leaf
of this book. He has always taken an active part in church
matters and is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church.
HENRY K. ABBOTT.
George Abbott, the venerable ancestor of a numerous
progeny, emigrated from Yorkshire, England, about the
year 1640, and settled at Andover, Mass. Here he lived
and reared a large family, and died at an advanced age, on
the same farm now owned by John Abbott, one of the sev-
enth generation from George. William, one of the sons of
George, was born in 1657 and died in 1713. His son
Philip was born in 1699 and died in 1748. Next in de-
scent was one of his sons, Joseph, who was born in 1735
and died in 1814. He was a man of distinction in his
generation, — widely known and distinguished for his patri-
otism and moral virtues. He was a wealthy farmer, and
during the ever-memorable struggle for independence was a
colonel of militia in the rebel forces.
Delano, one of his sons, and the father of our subject,
was born in 1774. He was a farmer, and was also engaged
in the manufacture of woolens at the town of Vernon,
Conn., and in 1829 removed to Ira, N. Y. He reared a
family of four sons and four daughters, and died, at the age
of sixty-four years, in 1838.
Henry K. Abbott was born near Hartford, Conn., on the
25th day of December, 1816. He attended the common
schools of that day until seventeen years of age, when he
went to learn the carpenter's trade. After serving his ap-
prenticeship he worked at his trade for ten years, and, hav-
ing during this time by industry and economy accumulated
a little money, he came West in quest of a farm.
In 1842 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of
wild land in the township of Reading, about ten miles
southwest of Hillsdale, which has been his permanent home
ever since. After his purchase he returned to the State of
New York and again went to work at his trade, which he
continued for two years. During this time he became ac-
quainted with and married Miss Olive P. Grinell, of Jeffer-
son Co., N. Y., and in the fall of 1844 they came on to
settle permanently on their new farm in Reading.
They resided for a short time with his brother, until
they could erect a small frame house on their own land.
For the next few years he was engaged in chopping, log-
ging, and clearing off his lands, — and, by untiring industry
and perseverance, in a very short time became one of the
leading solid farmers of Hillsdale County. As the years
rolled on, the inherent sagacity and business shrewdness of
Mr. Abbott began to tell favorably in his finances. He, in
fact, became known as one of the most successful farmers in
the county, and as one of the most extensive wool-growers,
— and it is entirely due to his sound judgment in regard to
all that pertains to the routine of wool-growing, fruit-
growing, and cropping generally, that has made him a man
of wealth and consideration where so many have failed.
He at one time owned farms amounting to four hundred
and seventy-five acres, but he has recently sold off some,
so that his present farm consists of two hundred and eighty
acres, beautifully situated, on which, a few years since, he
erected one of the finest farm-residences in Hillsdale County.
Mr. Abbott and his excellent wife are the parents of six
children, — five sons and one daughter. Eugenia, the eldest,
is the wife of W. J. Meader, and resides at Elkhart, Ind.
Jerome, who for several years has been an extensive wool-
grower in Colorado, is a single man. Angus H. has been
married and his wife is deceased ; he resides on a farm in
Reading, near his old home. Walter C. is engaged in the
commission business in the city of New York. Horace C.
is a partner with his brother in Colorado, and Charlie W.,
who is a young man, is still at home with his parents.
The reader will be pleased to find a beautiful view— on
another page of this work — of the farm-home of one of the
esteemed citizens and solid men of Hillsdale County.
328
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
FREDERICK FOWLER.
Conspicuous among the old residents and active business
men of Hillsdale County is Colonel Frederick Fowler, of
Reading. His parents, Richard and Anna Fowler, were
natives of Massachusetts. They reared a family of nine
children, — Henry, Frederick, Franklin, Louisa, Horace,
Sophia, Emily, Timna, and Melissa. In 1814, Mr. Rich-
ard Fowler emigrated to Ohio with his family. He re-
mained there engaged in farming until 1834, when he
removed to this county. Having reached Jonesville by
the Chicago turnpike, he and his sons cut their own road
through the woods to their destination, on section 30, in
the present township of Adams. There they cleared up a
good farm, and there Richard Fowler died in 1847, at the
age of fifty-six years. His widow passed away in 1873,
aged seventy-eight years.
Frederick Fowler was born at Ferry, Geauga Co., Ohio,
on the 5th day of February, 1815. He remained with his
parents until twenty-one years old, assisting in the labors of
the farm, and acquiring a fair English education. Soon
after reaching his majority he took and carried out several
large contracts for clearing oiF and grading the Michigan
Southern Railroad immediately east of Hillsdale, besides
partially clearing up a farm in Hillsdale township. About
1837, his brother Henry and himself bought seventy-six
acres of land, known as Fowler's addition to Hillsdale City,
on which they erected sixteen dwellings. They also en-
gaged in the dry- goods trade in Hillsdale ; but as Henry
died at sea, on a voyage to Havana for his health, Fred-
erick closed the business, having obtained two hundred and
forty acres of wild land in Reading, and built a log house
upon it. He moved thither in 1846, and there he has re-
sided, engaged in farming, to the present time. By pur-
chase this tract now contains four hundred and forty acres
of land beautifully situated, with fine buildings, and all the
accessories of a first-class farm. Colonel Fowler is also the
owner of several other farms, besides considerable village
property, etc. Notwithstanding his numerous agricultural
and business enterprises, he has been very active in all mat-
ters relating to the public welfare. He was one of the
principal agents in procuring the location of Hillsdale Col-
lege at Hillsdale, and has been one of its trustees from the
beginning to the present time.
Always an ardent Republican, Frederick Fowler was one
of the foremost to take up arms when his country's life was
a'ssailed. In the summer of 1861 he raised a company of
horsemen, of which he was commissioned as captain, and
which became Company G of the 2d Michigan Cavalry
(Phil. Sheridan's regiment). In the fall of 1861 the
regiment went to the front. Capt. Fowler was with it at
New Madrid, Corinth, Chaplain Hills, and numerous other
conflicts, as well as in raiding through Virginia and East
Tennessee, burning bridges, tearing up railways, and other-
wise crippling the enemy. Being promoted to the position
of lieutenant-colonel in June, 1863, he resigned and returned
home. Colonel Fowler was also supervisor and magistrate
of his town; was elected a representative in the Legislature
in 1857, and in 1864 was chosen to represent Hillsdale
County in the State Senate. He was married on the 13th
day of January, 1842, to Miss Phebe L. Willits, of Lock-
port, N. Y., and they have been the parents of six children :
Helen, wife of J. C. Merriman, of Reading ; two who died
young; Henry M., of Jasper Co., Mo. ; and Fremont and
Frederick, Jr., still at home. In this brief sketch we have
confined ourselves to the barest facts, which show the
character of Frederick Fowler, one of the very earliest
pioneers of Hillsdale County, more clearly than we could
do by any labored eulogy. He is a type of the active
workers who have made the wilderness change to fruitful
fields, and as his energy has added to his own possessions,
it has at the same time benefited the community in which
he lived. The example he has set has borne its fruit. As
a farmer, soldier, legislator, and neighbor, he may be well
satisfied with the record he has made.
WOODBRIDQE.
The township of Woodbridge, lying in the interior of
the county, a little southwest of the centre, was formed
from Fayette in 1840. Its original territory embraced
within its boundaries the present townships of Woodbridge,
Cambria, and the west half of Amboy. Cambria was set
oflf in 1841, and part of Amboy in 1850.
It now contains a total area of thirty sections, and is
bounded on the north by Cambria ; east, by Ransom ; south,
by Amboy ; and west, by Camden township.
The general surface is elevated and rolling, quite regular
in its character, except along the water-courses and in the
northern part, where the bluffs and knolls rise almost to the
dignity of hills. The entire township was covered, origi-
nally, with a heavy growth of timber, chiefly beech, maple,
linn, poplar, black and white ash, with considerable oak,
hickory, and black walnut. A few acres of the primeval
forests are still found scattered here and there over the
township, giving evidence of its former wealth and magnifi-
cence in the grand deciduous trees once so common to this
section. The soil is of a clay and gravelly loam, very fertile,
producing corn, potatoes, fruits, and the various cereals in
the greatest abundance and perfection. As a grazing and
stock-raising township, it has few superiors in the county.
St. Joseph's River, its principal water-course, enters the
township from the north, and flows southwest through the
central part. Silver Creek, flowing southeast, intersects the
northeast part. These streams, and their numerous small
tributaries, afford good water-power privileges, and excel-
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
329
lent drainage, rendering possible the tillage of nearly the
entire township. Cub Lake, lying partly in this town and
partly in Cambria, is found near the centre of the north
border.
The township has a total area of 19,228 acres, of which
6000 acres are improved, and in 1874 contained a popula-
tion of 1386 inhabitants, of whom a large majority are agri-
culturists.
FIRST ENTRIES OF PUBLIC LANDS.
The following are the names* of those who purchased
land of the United States prior to April 27, 1838, and
whose lands were situated within the present boundaries of
Woodbridge.
These lands were all situated in township 8 south, range
3 west.
Section 1. — Wilder & Hastings, Barnett Wightman,
Elisha Brown, A. S. & Stephen Clark, John K. Willis.
Section 2. — John B. Norris, Celesta Goodrich, Elisha
McNeill, Joseph True.
Section 3. — H. P. Sartwell, Joseph K. Williams, John
Morgan, Celesta Goodrich, Francis Nelson, Schuyler W.
Cotton.
Section 4. — A. J. Comstock, A. S. & Stephen Clark,
Dwight Woodbury, Russell Forsyth, John Morgan.
Section 5. — Henry Forman, Dwight Woodbury, Rus-
sell Forsyth.
Section 6. — David W. Whitford, Henry Forman, Wil-
der & Hastings.
Section 7. — Andrew Taylor, George W. Jermain, Amos
Bigelow, Wilder & Hastings, Dwight Woodbury.
Section 8. — George W. Strong, Ezekiel Lamphere, Green
Hubbard, A. S. & Stephen Clark, Russell Forsyth.
Section 9. — P. H. Sartwell, Burton H. Lamphere, Green,
Hubbard & Lyster, William N. Green, Dwight Woodbury.
Section 10.— H. P. Sartwell, A. F. Oliver, Lothrop &
Buck, Dwight Woodbury, Stiles Stanton, Edwin Randall.
Section 11. — Jesse Chapman, Abram Andrews, Dwight
Woodbury, Stiles Stanton.
Section 12. — William Saxton, Wilder & Hastings, Stiles
Stanton, August Ford.
Section 13. — Jacob Clark, William Sherman, William
P. Green, Elleferrouno Elraseo Maxon, John Stuck, Irwin
Camp, John McYickar.
Section 14. — Lothrop & Buck, Ralph Pratt, Dwight
Woodbury, William Sherman, Stiles Stanton, John Mc-
Yickar.
Section 15. — Sartwell & Oliver, Joseph R. Williams,
Lothrop & Buck, A. S. & Stephen Clark, William P. Green.
Section 17. — Samuel McCourtney, B. Harrington, Wil-
der & Hastings, Dwight Woodbury, A. Forman.
Section 18. — Ira Barton, Wilder & Hastings, Dwight
Woodbury.
Section 19. — Ebenezer C. Aiken, Wilder & Hastings,
Dwight Woodbury, John W. Johnson, William P. Green.
Section 20. — E. C. Aiken, Green, Hubbard & Lester,
A. S. & Stephen Clark.
*At the time this list was compiled (1838) by Hon. I. P. Chris-
tiancy, the ownership of nearly the entire township was vested in the
men whose names are here represented.
42
Section 21. — Joseph R. Williams, William O. Wood, E.
C. Aiken.
Section 22. — Lothrop & Buck, Wilder & Hastings, E.
C. Aiken, George W. Jermain.
Section 23. — Wilder & Hastings, John McYickar, C. H.
& William T. Carroll.
Section 24. — William Greenleaf, I. C. Yoorhees.
Section 25. — Green, Hubbard & Lester, Stiles Stanton,
C. H. & William T. Carroll, John R. Willis.
Section 26. — Green, Hubbard & Lester, Stiles Stanton,
John R. Willis.
Section 27. — C. Pratt, C. L. Grant, P. Bronson, William
P. Grant, Wilder & Hastings, Green, Hubbard & Lester,
Sally Ann Falkner.
Section 28. — Joseph R. Williams, C. Pratt, C. L. Grant,
P. Bronson, William G. Grant, Thomas Burt, William P.
Green.
Section 29. — Joseph R. Williams, A. S. & Stephen
Clark.
Section 30. — William P. Green, Stiles Stanton, and
Sally Ann Falkner.
Of those named in the foregoing list, William Saxton,
Jacob Clark, Burton H. Lamphere, John B. Norris, and
John W. Johnson seem to have been the only ones who
became actual settlers. The remainder were speculators,
who had purchased these lands of the government for $1.25
per acre.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The first permanent settlementf within the present
bounds of Woodbridge was made by William Saxton, who
came from Raisin, Lenawee Co., Mich., and settled on the
northeast quarter of section 12, in the winter of 1834-35.
Mr. Saxton came from Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y.,
originally, and had been a resident of Lenawee County
since 1830. He purchased his land — 160 acres — of the
government, in 1834, and during the fall of the same year
came on and built a log cabin. He was accompanied by
his wife and four sons, — then small children, — viz. : Wallace,
James, Stephen, and John. During the last nine miles of
his journey, he was obliged to cut out his own road for the
passage of his ox-team and sled. Mr. Saxton served as a
soldier during the Black Hawk war, and is now a resident
of the State of Iowa.
The next settler in the township was Jacob Clark, who
came from Andover, Allegany Co., N. Y., and settled first
in Monroe Co., Mich., where he remained two years. In
December, 1836, he located upon the north part of section
13, the present site of the village of Frontier. Mr. Clark
had also purchased of the government, visited his land the
fall previously, and erected a small log cabin. His sons
Robert W. and Sylvester, and daughters Rebecca, Sarah,
and Eliza, came with him. Mr. Clark drove in, and owned
f It is claimed by some old residents that a man named Story was
the first settler in Woodbridge. He came from the East, had aban-
doned his wife, and, in company with another woman, settled down in
the wilderness, on the line between sections 7 and 8. He built a cabin,
and cleared some four or five acres, cutting in on both sections. After
a brief period his place of concealment was discovered by his wife,
or her friends, when he again fled to parts unknown.
As early as 1838 the ground cleared by Story was covered with a
luxuriant growth of red raspberry bushes.
330
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
the first span of horses in the township. One of them,
with its mate, had been driven by him from Allegany Co.,
N. Y., to Monroe Co., Mich., in 1834.
Daniel Saxton, a brother of William, came from Canan-
daigua, N. Y., and settled here in 1837. He is a resident
of the town at the present time, and assures us that at the
time of his arrival the only families living in what is now
Woodbridge were those of his brother William Saxton and
Jacob Clark.
Samuel Wheeler came from Benton, Yates Co., N. Y., .
and settled in Woodbridge, — then Fayette township, — on
section 10, in December, 1838. He had purchased five 80-
acre lots, and paid for his land before coming. He was
possessed of considerable means, and was the first to open
a farm to cultivation to any considerable extent.
In September of the same year Richard Bryan and his
family came in from Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Mass., and
settled upon section 5. He had served as a soldier during
the war of 1812, and was accompanied here by his sons
William, Richard, Jr., John, and Ezra, all of whom are
residents of the township at the present time. When the
elder Bryan built his first log cabin, the lumber which he
found it necessary to use in the construction of gables,
floors, doors, etc., was carried from Cambria Mills on his
back. The elder son, William Bryan, built the first framed
house in 1841. It was a small structure, and stood on the
west half of the northeast quarter of section 5. John Bryan
built the second framed dwelling, some four .or five years
later. This was a more pretentious edifice. Worthy neigh-
bors, who still resided in log dwellings, when called upon to
express their opinion of neighbor John's enterprise and
taste, replied that they "preferred log houses, they were
warmer."
Harvey Fish, a native of New York, came in from Ohio,
and settled upon the farm now owned by John Bryan, late
in the fall of 1838. ' Roman ta and Luther Phinney, bro-
thers, settled upon section 10 — the Harrington place — at
about the same time.
In January, 1839, the settlement was increased in num-
bers by the arrival of the families of Burton H. Lamphere
and Patrick McCartney, who, though originally from On-
tario Co., N. Y., came in from Plymouth, Wayne Co.,
Mich. Messrs. Lamphere and McCartney had visited the
township the fall previously, purchased their land, and,
together, had erected a log cabin for Mr. Lamphere on
the northeast corner of section 9. McCartney's lot was
situated one mile west of his neighbor's (Lamphere' s),
being the northeast corner of section 8.
Mr. McCartney, who is now a resident of the village of
Cambria Mills, relates that when he settled in Woodbridge,
with his wife and two small children, his possessions consisted
of a small load of household goods (which he had hired a man
from Plymouth to bring in for him), a cow, a yoke of steers,
and a pig. In midwinter his family occupied the cabin
before it was completed. The surrounding country for
miles was heavily timbered with forests of beech, maple,
linn, whitewood, white and black ash, with considerable
oak and black walnut. He remembers that the timber
growing upon sections 4 and 5 was especially handsome.
Deer, wild turkeys, wolves, bears, and oats, and many other
species of wild fowls and animals, abounded on every hand.
As an instance of the abundance of deer, he mentions that
some two or three years after his settlement here he was
engaged by two well-known hunters, named Pulaski Fraker
and Leonard Swiger, to take into Hillsdale deer, killed by
them, and that at one load he hauled 20 deer from the
residence of James H. Fullerton to the small store kept by
Henry and Fred Fowler, in Hillsdale.
Ephraim Hoisington also became a resident in 1839.
Cyrus Patterson came from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
and located in Toledo, 0., in 1837. He afterwards re-
moved to Lenawee Co., Mich., where he remained until
January, 1840, when, having purchased land in township
8, range 3, he settled upon the premises where he now re-
sides. Mr. Patterson was elected supervisor in 1844, 1845,
1846, and again in 1851, and has honorably served his
town in various other official capacities.
John W. Johnson, another well-known pioneer, became
a resident during the same month and year. He came
from Broome, Schoharie Co., N. Y., and settled in Oakland
Co., Mich., in 1835. While a resident of the latter county
he purchased his present homestead in Woodbridge, and the
deed for his land bears the bold signature of Andrew Jack-
son. His sons, Orrin B. and John L. Johnson, came in with
him. His nearest neighbor was Patrick McCartney, who
lived to the north of him, about four miles distant. James
H. Fullerton lived to the southeast, at about the same dis-
tance. The nearest grist-mill was at Jonesville, and it occu-
pied three days' time to go there with an ox-team and return.
Mr. Johnson's log cabin was not built until after his ar-
rival on the ground of his future home. It was occupied
by his family before completion. But a good rousing fire
was kept burning continuously in the wide, old-fashioned
fireplace, and the generous heat imparted from it made
ample amends for the unchinked crevices in the outer walls.
During the remainder of the first winter, assisted by a man
whom he had hired, he cut down the timber on ten acres,
and in the spring planted one-half of it with corn and po-
tatoes, from which he obtained a good crop. The following
fall the whole ten acres were seeded with wheat, which he
bought at Jonesville for 37 i cents per bushel. This crop also
yielded well. He relates that when the wheat had begun
to ripen he was obliged to keep his children out around the
field during the daytime, to drive and frighten away count-
less numbers of wild turkeys that he doubts not would have
destroyed his crop unless this precaution had been taken.
Deer also were so plentiful that, during the first winter,
they came up and browsed on the tree-tops, while the wood-
chopper was at work on the trunk of the same tree.
Lemuel Blount, with his sons Albert and Amasa, came
from the town of German, Genesee Co., N. Y., and settled
on the preinises where he now resides in March, 1840.
Asa L. and Joseph Divine, Jr., brothers, came from
Springfield, Lucas Co, Ohio, in 1841, and settled on sec-
tion 6. Two years later their father, Joseph, Sr., and
brothers, William and James, became residents of the
township. Representatives of these families are now v^ry
numerous in the northwest part of Woodbridge. The
Divines came from Cayuga Co., N. Y., and during the war
of 1812, Joseph, Sr., served as captain with the New York
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
331
State troops on the Canadian frontier. Among other set-
tlers who came in during the winter of 1840-41 were
Orrin Cobb, Urias Hoyt, a Methodist preacher, Jacob
Sumner, and Chester Stoddart, the first supervisor of the
township.
Previous to 1838, John B. Norris, a resident of Canan-
daigua, N. Y., had purchased of the government the south
half of section 2 and north half of section 11. In the
fall of 1840, accompanied by his son, Joel B., he visited
his purchase, and erected a log cabin on section 2. This
house was occupied in May, 1841, by Jared B. Norris and
his wife. A few years later the father and sons, viz., John
B., Jared B., Joel B., James B., Jason B., and Jackson B.
Norris, all became residents of the township.
Calvin Young and sons, Francis D., Milton, Ebenezer,
Job, and Jeremiah, from Monroe Co., N. Y., settled upon
section 19 in 1842.
Other settlers of the years 1842 and 1843 were Dennis
D. Wright, Curtis and Obadiah Seeley, John Ashley,
Chauncey Ashley, Isaac P. Hoag, Robinson S. Lock wood,
a prominent township officer, and who built the first saw-
mill on section 10 about 1845, Lewis Sprague, who has
creditably served his townsmen in many official capacities,
Jeremiah I. Sabin, Horace Starkweather, and Silas P.
Thomas.
Cornelius Fuller and sons, Orson, Sidney, and David,
from Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., settled on the farm now
owned by David Hatch, in 1844.
The residents of 1850, other than those already named,
were as follows : William Groodwin, Rufus Wyllys, William
Bell, Daniel Campbell, Adolphus Randall, Danford Fish,
Thomas Finch, Samuel Purches, William Burgess, Mer-
ritt J. Chappell, Theodore P. Carbine, William Purches,
Truman Sampson, Edmond Yan Vlack, Seth Tubbs, Chas.
S. Billings, Nelson Kellogg, Fernando C. Horton, Warren
Stevens, William Yigkers, Orlando H. Avery, Levi Weston,
Albert Weston, Lewis Beck, Levi Hill, Alanson Yan Ylack,
Benona Samson, William H. Clark, Jonathan B. x\bbott,
Mr. Brown, Daniel P. Whitney, Orrin Yanakin, William
Luke, S. W. Farr, Aaron Steele, John A. Beard, George
Lee, Mathew Fairfield, Simeon Steele, William Osborn,
Josiah Jenkins, Edwin Hungerford, Stephen and Elias
Hungerford, Henry Alverson, Walter Baker, Chauncey
Mayfield, Thomas Braman, Martin H. Roe, Cornelius
Acker, John Sanderson, and Peter Perry.
James A. Keech was married to Miss Sarah Clark in
the fall of 1838. This was the first marriage. Squire
Packer, of Litchfield, officiated. The first birth was that
of Erastus Phinney, son of Romanta, who was born in
1838. The first death was that of Eliza, daughter of Ja-
cob Clark, who died of scarlet fever, in the spring of the
same year (1838).
CIVIL HISTORY.
By an act of the Legislature of the State of Michigan,
approved Jan. 28, 1840, Woodbridge was formed from
Fayette. Its original limits, and the place designated for
holding the first township-meeting, were by that act defined
as follows :
"All that portion of the county of Hillsdale, designated by the
United States survey as townships numbered 7, 8, and fractional
township 9 south, of range 3 west, be set off into a separate town-
ship, and organized by the name of Woodbridge, and the first town-
ship-meeting therein shall be held at the house formerly occupied by
John McDermaid, in said township.
" This act shall not in any wise affect the collection of taxes assessed
in the county of Hillsdale for the year 1839, or in any township thereof;
but the same shall be collected as if this act had not passed.
"This act shall take effect, and be in force, on and after the first
Monday of April next.
" Approved Jan. 28, 1840."
The township derived its name from Gov. William
Woodbridge, for many years Territorial Secretary, and
during the years 1820-21 acting Governor of the Territory
of Michigan.
Cambria was set off as a separate township March 15,
1841, and the west half of Amboy, being the fractional
township of No. 9 south, range 3 west, March 28, 1850.
PROCEEDINGS OP TOWNSHIP-MEETINGS FOR THE YEARS
1840, 1841, AND 1842.
The township clerk for the years 1840 and 1841 neglected
his duty so far as recording the names of the township
officers elected and holding office during these years. He
even fails to inform us of his own name.
The following is the entire record of the proceedings of
the first township-meeting, copied verbatim :
"At a meeting of the electors of the town of Wood-
bridge, held at the house of Lorenzo Rice, Monday, the
6th day of April, 1840, Hiram V. Weaver was chosen
Moderator ; Samuel Wheeler, Samuel Orr, Moses Willits,
Baron B. Willits, Inspectors ; and Ira Mead, Clerk.
" Voted three dollars bounty on wolves.
'' Voted three dollars bounty on Bears.
" Voted that hogs be free commoners.
'' Voted that all boars found running at large shall be
altered at the risk of the owner.
" Voted that our next township-m'eeting be held at this
place."
The recorded proceedings of the township-meeting for
the year 1841 are as follows:
" At the annual township-meeting for the town of Woodbridge, held
at the house of Burton H. Lamphere, 1841. Voted that a bounty be
raised on bears of five dollars, to be paid the killer. Also five
dollars to the wolf. Voted that fifty dollars be raised for the payment
of the above bounty. Voted that one hundred and fifty dollars be
raised for the expenses of the township. Voted ten dollars for town
books and book-case. Voted that all swine run at large, except boars
over three months old, which if found at large, to be altered at the
risk of the owner. Adjourned to meet for next annual meeting at the
residence of Chester Stoddard.
" Chester Stoddard,
(Signed) "Harvey Fish,
"Jacob Sumner,
"Jacob Clark, Inspectors."
At the annual township election, held in the spring of
1842, the following-named officers were elected :
Supervisor, Chester Stoddard ; Township Clerk, Burton
H. Lamphere ; Treasurer, Jacob Sumner ; Assessors, Urias
Hoyt, Luther Phinney ; Inspectors of Schools, Jacob Sum-
ner, Jared B. Norris, Urias Hoyt ; Overseers of the Poor,
Dennis D. Wright, Lemuel Blount ; Commissioners of
Highways, Jared B. Norris, John W. Johnson, John
332
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
King ; Justice of the Peace, Chester Stoddard ; Constables,
Dennis D. Wright, Romanta Phinney ; Overseers of High-
ways, District No. 1, William Saxton ; No. 2, Cyrus Patter-
son; No. 3, Samuel Wheeler; No. 4, Chester Stoddard;
No. 5, Patrick McCartney ; No. 6, Joseph Divine ; No. 7,
William D. Stout.
Following are the names of the principal township oflScers
from 1842 to 1878, inclusive :
SUPERVISORS.
1842-43. Chester Stoddard.
1844-46. Cyrus Patterson.
1847-48. John King.
1849. Lewis Sprague.
1850.^- William Bryan.
1851. Cyrus Patterson.
1852. Eichard Bryan, Jr.
1853-54. Lewis Sprague.
1855. Joel B. Norris.
1856-58. Sylvester W. Farr.
1859-
1861-
1864.
1865.
1866-
1868-
1870-
1877.
1878.
60. Lewis Sprague.
63. William Divine.
Warren Atwood.
William Divine.
67. Jason B. Norris.
69. Warren Atwood.
76. Peter Hewitt.
Jason B. Norris.
Amos H. Bartholomew.
TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1842. Burton H. Lamphere.
1843. Samuel Wheeler.
1844-47. Robison S. Lookwood.
1848. Gideon G. King.
1849. Robison S. Lookwood.
1850-51. Richard Bryan, Jr.
1852-53. Jonathan B. Abbott.
1854-57. Alanson Van Vlack.
1858-60. William Divine.
1861-64. Horace Carbine.
1865-71. William A. Calkins.
1872-74. John D. Freed.
1875-77. Warren Atwood.
1878. John E. Hueston.
TREASURERS.
1842.
Jacob Sumner.
1862
Peter Hewitt.
1843.
Chester Stoddard.
1863
Warren Atwood.
1844.
William Bryan.
1864
Joseph Ellis.
1845.
Chester Stoddard.
1865.
Jason B. Norris.
1846-48. Jared B. Norris.
1866.
Alonzo Hewitt.
1849.
Harvey Fish.
1867.
John W. Johnson.
1850
Daniel D. Divine.
1868-
-69. William N. Lewis.
1851.
Lewis Sprague.
1870-
-71. Henry M. Ewing.
1852.
Robison S. Lockwood.
1872.
Thomas C. Robinson.
1853-
-57. Walter Baker.
1873-
-76. Hiram M. Powers.
1858.
Lewis Sprague.
1877.
Samuel Ingalsbee.
1859-
-61. Jason B. Norris.
1878.
Orrin Carpenter.
JUSTICES OF
THE PEACE.
1842.
Chester Stoddard.
1854.
Walter Bak«r.
1843.
John King.
Robison S. Lockwood.
Richard Bryan.
1855.
Joseph Divine, Jr.
1844.
Jared B. Norris.
1856.
Milton Young.
1845.
Cyrus Patterson.
1857.
Allen S. Perry.
Lewis Sprague.
1858.
Robison S. Lockwood.
1846.
John King.
1859.
Luther Rogers.
Milton Young.
John P. Pettibone.
1847.
Lewis Sprague.
1860.
Milton Young.
Urias Hoyt.
1861.
John P. Pettibone.
1848.
Eleazer Millard.
1862.
Francis D. Young.
1849.
Orrin Vanaken.
1863.
Joseph Divine.
John P. Covey.
1864.
William Divine.
1850.
Samuel Wheeler.
Henry W. Comfort.
Levi Weston.
1865.
John P. Pettibone.
1851.
William Bryan.
Luther G. Rogers.
1852.
Harvey Fish.
1866.
Francis D. Young.
Walter Baker.
Luther G. Rogers.
Milton Young.
James G. Rounds.
1853.
Walter Baker.
Rufus Willis.
1867.
Warren Atwood.
* At the annual spring election of 1850, Gideon G. King was chosen
supervisor, and John King justice of the peace. A few days subse-
quently Amboy was formed. As the Kings resided in Amboy, a
special town-meeting was held, April 29, 1850, and Bryan and Wheeler
were elected to fill vacancy.
1868.
Samuel Divine.
1873.
Nathan C. Gavitt.
Merritt J. Chappell.
James Noble.
1869.
Nathan C. Gavitt.
1874.
Francis D. Young.
Lewis Harington.
1875.
Joseph Divine.
1870.
Francis D. Young.
Jonathan Sherman.
Elijah G. Gibbon.
1876.
Jonathan Sherman.
1871.
Luther G. Rogers.
1877.
Frank Van Duzen.
Merritt J. Chappell.
1878.
George Blouot.
1872.
Warren Atwood.
Francis D. Young.
COMMISSIONERS
OP HIGHWAYS.
1842.
Jared B. Norris.
1854.
Harvey J. Cox.
John W. Johnson.
1865.
Alden B. Nash.
John King.
1856.
Jason B. Norris.
1843.
Joseph Divine.
Harvey J. Cox.
Burton H. Lamphere.
David L. Russell.
Cyrus Patterson.
1857.
Harvey J. Cox.
1844.
John W. Johnson.
1858.
Merritt J. Chappell.
Gideon G. King.
Robert Martin.
Richard Bryan.
1859.
Harvey J. Cox.
1845
Gideon G. King.
Peter Hewitt.
Joseph Divine.
1860.
William Fitzgerald.
Richard Bryan, Jr.
Joseph Ellis.
1846.
Gideon G. King.
1861.
Peter Hewitt.
Lewis Sprague.
Albert E. Weston.
Isaac P. Hoag.
1862.
Albert E. Weston.
1847.
Gideon G. King.
1863.
William Fitzgerald.
Lewis Sprague.
1864.
David N. Hatch.
William I. Bennett.
1865.
John Ingalsbee.
1848.
Charles Clark.
1866.
Peter Hewitt.
1849.
Isaac P. Hoag.
1867.
Joseph Stoddard.
Orrin Johnson.
1868.
Peter Hewitt.
1850.
Jason B. Norris.
1869.
Hugh Loughrey.
Alanson Van Vlack.
1870.
Benjamin Rochelle.
Walter Baker.
1871.
Andrew A. Ewin.
1851.
Walter Baker.
1872.
Franklin Fuller.
Levi Hills.
1873.
Albert Vincent.
1852.
Josiah Jenkins.
1874-
75. Andrew A. Ewing.
1853.
Alanson Van Vlack.
1876.
Franklin Fuller.
Harvey J. Cox.
1877.
Washington Whitney
1854.
Joel B. Norris.
1878.
Hiram M. Powers.
ASSES
SORS.
Urias Hoyt and Luther Phinney were elected in 1842; Harvey Fish
and Lemuel Blount in 1843 ; and Cyrus. Patterson and Alanson
Van Vleck in 1852. In all the remaining years the supervisor
has served as assessor.
TOWNSHIP LEGISLATION IN REGARD TO SOLDIERS'
BOUNTIES, ETC.
" To the Town Board of the township of Woodhridge^
in the county of Hillsdale^ and State of Michigan: We.
the undersigned legal voters of the township of Woodbridge,
in the aforesaid county and State, do hereby request your
honorable body to issue an order, and call a special town-
meeting in the aforesaid township, according to provisions
of the law in such case made and provided, for the purpose
of taking a vote to raise by tax on the taxable property of
the township (and to issue bonds of the township for the
same) the sum of one thousand three hundred dollars, or a
sum of money sufficient to pay to each person who may
volunteer into the service of the United States (under the
call of the President of the United States, dated Oct. 17,
1863, for three hundred thousand volunteers) the sum of
one hundred dollars, and to transact such other business as
may come before the meeting. Dated at Woodbridge this
12th day of December, 1863." Signed by D. C. Cher-
rington, James Divine, C. L. Northrup, T. P. Carbine, L.
Benson, 0. Carpenter, D. Divine, W. D. Harrington, Joseph
Divine, A. Baker, A. E. Weston, and Peter Hewitt.
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
333
In response to this request the Town Board, composed
of Messrs. William Divine, Supervisor; Horace Carbine,
Township Clerk ; and John P. Pettibone, one of the Jus-
tices of the Peace, ordered a special township-meeting, to
be held at the town-house, in said township, on Wednes-
day, the 30th day of December, 1863. Of the 121 electors
present at this special township-meeting, 101 voted in favor
of paying a bounty.
Feb. 13, 1864, the Town Board issued an order, naming
Feb. 24, 1864, as the time when another special township-
meeting should be held, to take action whether a bounty of
$100 should be paid to each volunteer enlisting in the
United States service, and accredited to the town of Wood-
bridge. At this meeting the whole number of votes
thrown was 108, of which there were in favor of a bounty,
58 ; against bounty, 49 ; defective, 1.
At the annual township-meeting held April 4, 1864, it
was voted, —
"That the town of Woodbridge pay a bounty of $100
to each person who has volunteered into the military service
of the United States since the commencement of the present
war, who has not received $100, or has not deserted from
the service, and all of those who may volunteer into the
military service of the United States during the year a.d.
1864. All that have received any portion of $100 shall
receive enough, with that which they have received, to
make $100.
" That the township raise by tax on the taxable prop-
erty of said township $1000 annually, and the interest
thereon, to redeem the bonds of said township, issued to
procure volunteer soldiers to fill the several quotas of said
township."
The foregoing proceedings of the annual town-meeting
were by a vote rescinded at a special township-meeting held
at the town-house, April 25, 1864, and in their stead, it
was voted " that the fund was to be available to those
only who were already in service and credited to the town-
ship, and to those who should enlist between the 25th day
of April, 1864, and April 1, 1865."
It was voted, in 1848, " to raise $100 to build a town-
house as near the centre as may be." The vote was re-
scinded the following year.
In 1855 it was voted " to raise $250 to build a town-
house, the site to be the northeast corner of section 16.
Voted $10 to pay for the site, and that John A. Beard, A.
Fuller, and Cyrus Patterson be building committee."
The following agricultural statistics are compiled from
the census report of 1874 :
Acres of taxable land 19,220
" improved land 5,692
" wheat growing, June, 1874 1,608
" " harvested, 1873 1,493
" corn << " 1,175
Bushels of wheat " " 18,622
" corn " " 53,222
" all other grain harvested, 1873 13,369
" potatoes raised, ** 4,794
Tons of hay, « 840
Pounds of wool sheared, " 7,188
" pork marketed, " 120,470
" butter made, " 42,520
" fruit dried for market, " 6,695
'* maple-sugar made, " 5,445
Bbls. of cider made, " 222
Acres in fruits, " 402
Value of fruits and vegetables, " $39,315
Number of horses, 1874 378
" mules, " 9
" working oxen, 1874 10
" milch cows, " 456
" other cattle, " ^47
" swine, '* "^33
sheep, " M84
" sheared, 1873 1,625
VILLAGES.
Frontier^ situated in the eastern part of the township, is
a post-office station on the route from Hillsdale City to
Amboy. It is 11 miles south of the former place, and con-
tains 2 stores, steam saw-mill, stave-factory, several small
mechanic shops, and about 150 inhabitants.
The first settler upon its site was Jacob Clark. Warren
Atwood, Esq., general merchant and postmaster, opened
a store here about 1863. Dr. W. A. Calkins, a well-known
physician of the township, began to practice at about the
same time.
SCHOOLS.
In 1840, when Woodbridge included the present towns
of Woodbridge, Cambria, and part of Amboy, the board of
school inspectors met and organized (by describing certain
boundary-lines) 11 school districts. But little was done,
however, to further the advancement of education until
1843, when the first school-house, a log one, was erected
one-half mile west of the southeast corner of section 5.
May 4, 1844, the board of school inspectors met, and or-
ganized by electing Isaac P. Hoag chairman. They then
proceeded to examine Jane M. Barclay, " who offered herself
as a school-teacher. Finding that she possessed the neces-
sary qualifications to teach a primary school, a certificate
was granted her."
From a report made Nov. 1, 1844, we find that the total
amount of money to be apportioned for school purposes was
$19.98, which was divided as follows: To District No. 1,
18 scholars, $8.39; to District No. 2, 24 scholars, $11.59.
Total, $19.98.
Lucinda D. Lockwood and Emily Fish were granted cer-
tificates as teachers April 12, 1845.
The total amount of school moneys on hand for the year
ending Nov. 1, 1846, was $50, which was apportioned as
follows : To District No. 1, 23 scholars, $19.49 ; to District
No. 2, 22 scholars, $1864 ; to District No. 7, 14 scholars,
$11.86.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The Methodists were the first to form a religious society,
which they did as early as 1842. They usually met at the
house of Silas P. Thomas, and were visited by Elders
Scott, Jones, Jackson, and other circuit preachers, who
held meetings once in two weeks. Among those who were
connected with this organization were Chester Stoddard
and wife, Jacob Sumner and wife, Urias Hoyt and wife,
and Mrs. Harvey Fish. The society was long since dis-
banded, and no organization of this denomination exists in
the township at the present writing.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH OF WOODBRIDQE.
This society was organized at the Johnson school-house,
by Rev. John N. Martin, Jan. 29, 1853. The original
members were 13 in number, as follows ; Joseph Divine,
334
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
William Divine, Dorothy Divine, Jerusha Divine, Esther
Divine, Parmelia Divine, George Divine, Almeda Divine,
Sarah Divine, A. S. Divine, Betsey Stevens, Hannah Avery,
and Elmira Williams. A house of worship was erected in
1861, costing $1500, and will seat about 250 persons.
Among the pastors of this church who have succeeded Mr.
Martin maybe mentioned Revs. Myron Wheeler, D. Holmes,
B. Baldwin, W. O. Dinnis, J. W. Rhoades, Asa A. Millard,
Miller, W. H. Clay, and Aaron B. Lilley, the present
pastor. Present membership, 18.
THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF WOODBRIDGE.
This society was organized at the school-house in District
No. 3, by Elder L. S. Parmelee, March 17, 1860.
The constituent members were Franklin South worth, 0.
H. Avery, D. D. Divine, E. Van Vlack, L. Chase, Henry
Frost, William Gillis, Warren Stevens, Elmira Williams,
Lydia Weston, Esther Divine, Mary Southworth, Hannah
Avery, Permilla Divine, Sarah Yan Vlack, Mary Chase,
Caroline Frost, Jane Gilles, Sarah Divine, Julia Hall, Lu-
cretia Vickers, Elizabeth Weston, Lydia Fish, Eveline
Williams, Mary A. Williams, Nancy Murray, Emeline
Marsh, Harriet Drake, Robert Taylor, A. E. Grifl&th, Jane
Y. Griffith, Emrancy Cox, William Weston, Philomela
Gilles, Horatio Cone, Alice Cone, and Perces Rogers. A
church edifice was commenced in 1867, and completed
two years later. It cost $1500, and has sittings for 250
persons.
Elder Parmelee remained with the society as its pastor
for several years. Since his departure they have had no
settled pastor. Present membership, 10.
THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH OP EAST WOOD-
BRIDGE.
A class of this denomination was formed at the school-
house in District No. 1 about 1850. Among the first mem-
bers were Chauncey Ashley, Betsey Ashley, Palmer Carey,
David Fuller, Olive Fuller, Daniel Bailey, Ruth Bailey,
Franklin Fuller, Lovina Fuller, Ransom Scovill, Adelaide
Scovill, William Saxton, Frank Nevins, and Jane Rath-
bone.
A church edifice was commenced about 1866, and com-
pleted some six or seven years later. It has sittings for 200
people. Present membership, 35. Rev. Mr. Stockwell,
pastor.
CEMETERIES.
In 1844 the town board was constituted a board of
health, and $25 was voted to purchase a burying-ground
and to fence the same. The supervisor was authorized to
select a plot of ground suitable for the purpose. The plot
selected is situated near the southeast corner of section 10.
Other grounds have since been laid out for burial purposes
on sections 5 and 20. These grounds are all under the
control of the town board, and all necessary expenditures
for repairs, fencing, etc., are paid by the township.
Our thanks are due to Cyrus Patterson, John W. John-
son, John Bryan, Lemuel Blount, Patrick McCartney,
George Divine, Robert W. Clark, Daniel Saxton, David
Fuller, Franklin Southworth, John E. Hueston, township
clerk, and many others, who have rendered us valuable
assistance by the information imparted concerning the
history of Woodbridge township.
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