\AX
GENEALOGY COLUECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRAR
3 1833 01071 6444
■^ ~\\c^
John Ball.
[For Sketch oj J.ife iee Page U.]
MEMORIALS
OF THB
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
BT
FRA^^KLIN EVERETT, A. M.
Has Oblivion a right to the Past?
CHICAGO :
THE CHICAGO LEGAL NEWS COMPANY.
•
1878.
Entered according to Act of Coiigiess, in tlie year 1877,
By Fkanklin Everett,
In tlie office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
STERIOTVI'KT) AND PltCSTK.l)
tiV THK
CHICAOO LEUAL NEWS COMPANY.
1164519
PREFATORY NOTE.
This work was prosecuted under the auspices of the Old Residents'
Association of the Grand Rivkr Valley, the members of that body
liaving the desire that the scenes of the past should not pass into obliv-
ion.
No pains have been spared to make it authentic, and to render it
worthy of the kindly reception of those for whom it was midertaken.
Without the aid of those who felt an interest in the work, it never
would and never could have seen the light. Knowing veiy well that
those who have been my patrons would not choose that their names
should be given, I must still be indulged in the public expression of my
heartfelt thanks to them collectively and individually.
The illustrations are mostly ft-om Crosscup .'^- West, of Philadelphia.
and challenge compai-ison.
For the critical accuracy with which the letter-press is presented, the
book is indebted to the accomplished proof-reader, Miss Mary Tomltn.
of the Chicago Legal News.
With this brief statement, the work is committed to the public, with
the hope that it will not be idly cast aside, or lightly appreciated.
F. E.
Grand Rapids, Nov. 15th, 1877.
OONTEl^TS.
PAGE
Alg'oma 159
-Alpine 165
Ada 171
Allendnle 500
Ball's StateDiont of Early Tun s 13
Bankinar (Early) 25
Berlin 88
Boston 99
Belding 131
Bowne 176
Byron 181
Birchen Canoe 289
Banking- 402
Crash, The 42
Cook's Corners 131
Campbell 140
Cascade 186
Caledonia 191
Cannon 196
Courtland 199
Cedar Spring's 219
Chippewa Mytholog-y 282
Cobmoosa's Lament 281
Crockery ,508
Danby 150
Early Times (Ball) 13
Easton 106
Fruitport 517
Getting- Extravagant 1 1
Grand River Valley in 1837 33
Gaines 202
Grattan 204
via COKTENTS
PAGE
Grand Kiver Valley in 1846 374
Grand Rapids 388
Topography 388
Streets 387
City Government 389
Communication 392
Fire Department 393
Schools 39(3
K. S. T 400
Banking 402
Churches : 405
Societies 41 1
Gypsum 543
< 5 rand Haven 413
(ieorgctown 496
Iluboardston 116
Harbor Improvements 526
Holland 456
Ionia 45
] onia County 154
Indians .' 269
Of Southern .Michigan 273
As foiind 276
Fiat River. 2S10
Holland 282
McKinney's Letters -285
Poetry -287
Superstition '28S
Canoe 289
Pipe Dance, etc 290
Treaties 29:5
Anecdotes 297
Acts conceming 298
Mission 298
Trader, First 525
Mythology 282
•Tamestown 5j j
Keene j_r^2
Kiddville jgj
Kent County .2g4
CONTENTS. IX
PAGE
Lyons 64
Lowell 210
Long Nose 295
Legislative Acts —
Ionia County .5:U
Kent County 5:!2
Ottawa County '):]i
Lumber ,54 j
Mink 7.-,
Matherton IK;
Mythology, Chippewa 282
Mission (Slater's) 29<S
Military ;jO^!
Martyrs 804
Men furnished 8:31
Third Infantry 882
Engineers' & Mechanics' 'MH
Sixth Cavakj' 848
Seventh Cavalry 849
Twenty-First Infantry 85G
Third Cavalry 864
Tenth Cavalry ;!6S
Second Battery :]12
Thirteenth Rattery :}78
Mythic Joe's Address :'.94
Muskegon County 418. 521
Salt Well 525
Muskegon 429
North Plains 109
Nelson 217
Newspaper, First 11
Orleans 124
Otisco 126
Orange 187
Oakfield 221
Old Residents' Assoc:ation 894
Ottawa County 418, 518
Oive 4S6
(Jttawa Homicides 522
Odessa 145
X CONTENTS.
PAGE
Occupation, First 1
Pewamo 78
Portland 80
Palo 121
Paris 229
Plainfield 2:55
Polkton 502
Persons (High Official) 535
Population 537
Ronald 117
Robinson 494
Robinson's ProelkUiiation 523
Smyrna - 130
Sebewa 142
Slater, L ' 301
Solon 241
Sparta 243
Spencer 248
Salt Well (Muskegon) 525
Senators and Representatives 535
Tyrone 251
Talmadge : 514
Virginias 255
Wright 505
Wyoming 257
Zeeland 477
MEMORIALS
OF THE
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
FIRST OCCXTPATION.
That the Grand Iliver Valley was ex})lored by the French
Indian Traders, we have anthentic traditions. Michigan has
long been known, and the two posts, Detroit and Mackinaw,
have been occupied for a long time as the centers of the In-
dian trade, and as inilitaiy posts. Missionary stations and
trading posts had been established before the region was open
to actual settlers. So it was with the Grand Iliver Valley. A
mission station w^as established about 1825 on the west side of
the river at Grand Ilapids, nnder the care of the Kev. Mr.
Slater; and two Indian Traders had located themselves among
the Indians. Soon after the treaties had opened the land on
the right bank of the river to settlement, Slater and his band
moved off. Their history is of little importance here, however
interestino; in itself. It left no permanent impression. The
Indian Traders, too, might be passed bj, were it not for the fact
that they both became citizens, foremost in developing the
region, when the white man took possession. These traders
were Ilix Robinson and Louis Campau.
These Indian Traders were living on Indian sufferance; had
no rights but such as were given by them, and by a license
from the Government. There were until 1833, no white per-
sons in the valley, except such as w'ere connected with the
Mission, or with the Indian trade.
a MEMORIALS OF THE
By common consent Robinson and Campau are considered
tlie pioneers; not merely as Indian Traders, but as settlers,
and workers for the settlement and development of the Grand
River region. As they will be more particularly spoken of
in bioo'ra])hical articles, no more will be said of them in this
connection.
The settlers of 1833 are spoken of in connection with the
places where they located. The four points occupied that year
were Ionia, Grand Rapids, Grandville or AVyoming and
Grand Haven. At first there was a diversity of opinion as to
where the big town would be. Louis Campau and Lucius
Lyon had faith in the Rapids; secured land, and platted it;
the one as "Grand Rapids " and the other as " Kent." The
settlers at Grandville had faith in their location; and there
platted a city. Those who came to Ionia believed in land;
and thought less of founding a city than of cultivating the
soiL
At and near Grand Rapids we at this time find the Cam-
pans, and those in their einploy.
In 1833. and while the settlement was Louis Campau and
his dependents, a young physician. Dr. Willson — a man whose
name is held in singularly affectionate remembrance — came to
try his fortune at the Rapids. He was fresh from the schools,
and brought nothing with him but his youthful wisdom and
gentlemanly manner; and these were his passport to public
confidence, and resulted in perhaps the deepest and most
affectionate respect ever felt for any person in the Yalley. All
concur in pronouncing Dr. Willson a gentleman. No single
voice has ever claimed for him less than that he M^as the ideal
nobleman — gentle, agreeable, sympatliizing, generous, intel-
ligent, manly. He came poor and empty-handed, without
medicines or instruments. Mr. Campau liked the young man,
and took him under his wing; bought for him a complete set
of instruments and a stock of medicines. When the boxes
came Willson fairly danced with delight. There was the
young Escuhapius fairly launched into practice among a pop-
ulation of fifty persons. He died about twelve years after-
wards, leaving a great blank — a dark, vacant spot in the
GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 3
Grand River Yalley. The feeling with wliich the early set-
tlers speak* of liiui, shows how strong- a liold he — the manly
physician — had on the hearts of the people. May we have
many more like him, and fewer of those soulless quacks,
whose only object is to grow rich on the sufferings, or nniiat-
nral crime of the base, the ignorant or confiding.
It has been said that the basis of civilization is the black-
smith's anvil block. Tins much is certain : that man can
make but little advance in the arts, or anvthino- that distin-
guishes savage from civilized life, without the labor and skill
<»f that artisan. The superiority of the Philistines over the
Jews is manifest in this : the Jews had no smiths. The Uni-
ted States, in their laudable endeavors to civilize the nomadic
tribes on our frontiers, do not send the cabinet maker and
jeweler, luit the farmer and blacksmith.
The first wlio placed his anvil and bellows in the Grand
Itiver Valley, was A. D. W. Stout. His shop was at Grand
Ttapids, at the foot of Pearl street, where now stands the Opera
House. There his bellows breathed its louij-drawn sio-lis,
and there he fashioned, first a fish-spear^ and afterwards the
many different articles demanded by the wants of the white
man or the Indian. This Mr. Stout was afterwards one of the
first settlers of Cannon. At the present writing (1876), he is
living in Plainneld. Mr, Campau during this year put up
some buildings ; built a jiole-boat — the "Young N^apoleon ; "
and the same year the Indian Mill was l)uilt, on the creek that
enters the Grand River in the north part of the city on the
west side. Its site was some 60 rods from the mouth of the
stream. It was a small concern ; just the cheap mill appro-
priate to the circumstances and time. It was of the old sash
saw, flutter-wheel pattern, capable of cutiing 1,500 feet of
boards in a day. The creek was dammed so as to make a
pond ; and the stream being insufficient to run the mill con-
tinually, it was operated by the pond ; that is, when the pond
was draM^n down, stop until it was filled. Tlie cheap run of
stones put in that mill were a wonderful convenience to the
inhabitants, as there was no chance for grinding elsewhere
nearer than Gull Praii-ie. The, it is to be hoped, perpetual
4: MEMORIALS OF THE
memento of that mill is the horse-block of the Hon. John Ball.
May no sacrilegious hand ever break up those sliones. Let
them do serv^ice in their j^resent conspicuous place, with the
addition, that thej be inscribed, "The first in the G. R. Yal-
lej. " They are among the few existing mementos of olden
times. The last of the pioneer buildings has given way to
something better. The mill-stoues may be an historical monu-
ment. Perhaps they may become as noted as the " Kock of
Plymouth" — the " Blarney Stones" of Grand Rapids. There
is this advantage in tavor of the Grand Rapids mill-stones :
they are an entity, while the Rock of Plymouth is a non-entity.
There is no rock at Plymouth, except some scattered boulders,
but the poet had sung —
" The breaking waves dashed high
On a stern and rock-bound coast;
And the woods against the stormy sky
Their giant branches tossed,
And the heavy night hung dark
The hills and waters o'er,
AVhen a band of exiles moored their bark
On the wild New England's shore."
Great was the dismay, in later times, of those who came as
jDilgrims to the spot where the May Flower nilgrims landed,
to find no "stern and rock-bound coast;" only a sandy beach.
And lookins^ for the woods, that tossed their iriant branches
against tlie sky, they saw only sand barrens, with scarcely a
shrub. Still, like Beecher's dog, Noble, they concluded, as it
w^as poetically a stern and I'ock-bound coast, a rock ought to
Iw there. That so much good poetry might not be spoiled, they
found a boulder, and made it poetically the rock on which the
pilgrims landed.
We are under no such necessity in doing poetic justice to
the Indian Mill. The chain of evidence is complete. Many
can bear witness to seeino; the netrlected stones, before Mr.
Ball, appreciating their historical importance, elevated them
from their obscurity by the side of the bi'ook. and placed them
where they are seen of all. Wo to the man who shall remove
them from that place, or break a fragment from those conse-
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
crated stones. Such a wretch would deserve to be talked to !
Let hini be compelled to spend a year reading Tupper's
poetrv! If we knew a direr retribution, we would invoke it
upon him.
The same year Mr. Barrigau, since Bishop of the Lake Su-
perior region, came on as a Catholic Missionary among the
Lidians. He built on the right bank of the river, for a school
house and chapel, what was afterwards known on the left bank
as the " Yellow Store Llouse." Barrigau, discouraged, went
off; and Mr. Campau moved the building across the river on
the ice.
It will be seen that a beginning was fairly made in 1833.
Five little bands of settlers were in the valley — at Lyons,
Ionia, Grand Eapids, Grandville and Grand Haven.
It may not be uninteresting to record how those pioneers per-
formed their journe}^, and how they fared after their arrival.
The only roads were the Indian trails — mere foot-paths. "\\ ith
these for a guide, they cut the roads for their teams as they
came along. They camped at night in the woods, and were
serenaded by the wolves. Arrived, they lived in huts, until
they could build log cabins for the winter. Winter found
them almost without food. Flour was not to be thought of
Their life approximated to that of the savage. It was a strug-
gle, not to enj% life, but to live. If one had brought on
provisions for his own family, his sympathies led him to
divide with those who had not; and, in turn, the common
hard fare was his. But tlie pioneer has faith and hope. Tlie
iirst vear struggled through, thev have food in store — and
they are ricli.
If the incomer had located on land, he spent the winter in
cutting down trees to browse his cattle, and to have a chance
in the spring to put in a crop.
Provisions had to be brought around the lakes, or packed in
from the southern part of the State. Pork could be bought
for §10 a barrel, potatoes for $4 a bushel, and flour was worth
a shilling a pound. Those who came in a year or two ai'ter-
wards, although their privations were many, had not the pio-
neers' hai-d lot, and are not entitled to the pioneers' credit. The
6 MEMORIALS OF THE
lips of those old settlers curl with scorn, when we grumble at
our food, or apologize for the poorness of our accommodations.
Years afterwards, one of them, in tlie full enjoyment of com-
petence, called at our humble residence. Like a fool, we
apologized for the humility of our house. " You should see,"
said he, " the first house I lived in. Yours is a palace com-
]iared with it." We meekly stood reproved, and silently de-
termined never to apologize again, unless we had done wrong;
at the same time comforted w^tli the thought, that the house,
humble as it was, would be treated Avith respect by a gentle-
wan or lady; and that what others thought, Avas matter of
indifference.
If you find yourself cold, and Avithout shelter, a Avigwam
with a fire is a beautiful thing. If tired, a heap of boughs
and a bear skin are a delightful couch. If hungry, a hoe-cake
is a feast. Good Christians may noAv enjoy their fine houses,
and the other ajipliances of Avealth ; but Avith a particular
thankfulness they revert to the "good old times" Avhen they
lived in a log-house, rode on an ox sled, did their ovA'UAVork,
and beguiled their evenings Avith a Jew's-harp. It did them
good to rough it a while. They Avere better men, and better
Avomen all their days from the discipline that taught them the
value of simple things.
But it must not be sup230sed that in this stFnggle for exist-
ence, the pioneer AA^ore a sober face, or moved Avith the air of a
convicted sinner. If such is your idea, Ave humbly beg you to
be undeceived ; for a happier set, be they saint or sinner, do
not exist, than those stray denizens of the Avood. "•Behold a
ncAV commandment I ffive unto a^ou : that ve love one an-
other." NoAvhere is the spirit of this so fully appreciated, as
in the back-woods. The few are a community, in full frater-
nity — each a sister or a brother. To the fullest extent they
cultivate the social spii-it. The hard work of the day done,
the evening is for social enjoyment. A neighhor, perhaps
several miles ofi\, is visited. The Avelcorae to each other's house
is hearty and demonstrative. There is no aristocracy; they
are all equals. They Avelcome Avith a cheer a ncAV arrival ;
and it is "Hurrah boys, to jiut him up a house." He soon
GEAXD EIVER VALLEY. 7
finds that a neiglibor is a friend, worth a hnndred of the thou-
sand dear friench he has left behind ; wlio made use of him,
hiughed at him behind his back, and deserted when lie needed
a friend. The settler in the woods is a friend just when a
friend is i^-ood for somethino;, in the dav of trouble and the
hour of need ; not a mere machine to help one consume his
surplus provisions.
There are seasons of precious enjoyment for pious souls,
and for those whose conversation is in things of this world.
For the first, a stray preacher of the Gospel penetrates the
wilderness, and to them " IIow beautiful are the feet of those
Avho herald the Gospel of peace! " All far and near are noti-
fied that there will be a meeting. At the appointed place and
time, all, saint and sinner, are present, and sit around the
room in earnest expectancy. The preacher conducts the ser-
vices; the hungrv souls are fed: and thev do not criticise.
Their ears and hearts are open (that is, the pious ones), and
they retire with souls refreshed. Small though the preacher
may be, he is welcomed as a preacher of the Gosj^el; and his
address is to them spiritual food. Should we find ourselves a
preacher of the Gospel, with talents too small to command a
salary, we would scout on the frontiers of civilization, and
]3reacli to the settlers in the woods. We should be sure of
being appreciated at our highest worth. AVe should be cer-
tain no one would go to sleep while we were holding forth;
that the best corner in the cabin would be given us for our re-
pose, and that our cofiee would be half molasses — " none too
sweet for the minister."
Then, as it regards those who think more of this world than
the next; they, too, have their hours of precious enjoyment.
T(» the young man it is poetic, romantic and entrancing to
yoke the oxen to the sled, and go to the jollification five miles
distant, at the house of Mr. . There the lads and the
lassies from near and far have met; "soft eyes, et cetera, and
et cetera." Mr. Ellis, the fiddler is there, brought from Grand
Eapids; and as his bow kisses the strings, light feet and heavy
stogas respond in a hearty break-down. Did you ever dance
like David, in the ecstacv of devotion? or, without devotion, in
8 MEMORIALS OF THE
the ecstacy of enjoyment? If so, you can appreciate a back-
woods dance. They have not the scientific cotillion, or the
melancholy minuet. They don't know the steps, nor the calls ;
but they do know that there is fun for boys and girls shaking
themselves to the music of the violin; and they do enjoy the
moonlight ride ; and the not getting home till morning. Don't
pity them too much, you conventional denizens of cities. These
back-woods rollickers pity you most contemptuously. Could
you have one hour of their whole-hearted abandon, you would
thereafter go to a fashionable formal party simply esteeming
it a penance due to the sin of crushing out your better na-
ture.
But where are we? In the Grand Kiver Yallev in the win-
ter of 1833-4; ruralizing, meditating and philosophizing on
the phases of humanity. Let us come back from our general-
ities, to Grand Rapids in 1831. Grand Rapids will be consid-
ered as a center, and not a town. The present city, made
equally from two towns, cannot separate its history from them.
The center of the settlement was the village.
1833 may be called the year of occnj)ation. A few — a very
few — had come in with reference to making homes for them-
selves. The two years that succeeded had the efi'ect to attract
attention; people came with different designs. One of the
first ideas was — make use of the water power. In 1834: Abra-
ham S. Wadsworth, a capitalist, came in, and purchased a good
deal of land at Grand Rapids and Grand Haven. He ex-
pended his fortune in attempts to do bushiess. Wadsworth
is i-ecollected by the pioneers, as a whole-hearted, noble fellow;
too ardent for a business man, and too visionary to succeed.
He did a good deal; but succeeded only in sinking his capital.
At Grand Rapids he built the second saw-mill. The recollec-
tion now is that he built it in 1834. Its site was, where now
is the Hotel at the corner of Canal and Pearl streets. A wing;
dam was made to turn some of the water to the left bank. An
immense reaction wheel was operated by about two feet head
of water. The mill never did much, and soon became only a
thing of memory. The nnirch of improvement has there
filled the river. The spot, however, will ever be historical.
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 9
as will AYadswortli's visionary scliemes; liis labors and his
failures.
In 1835, K. O. Sargeant, who also meant business, came on,
to sink capital, by doing business on a large scale. He had
purchased an interest with Lyon in the Kent Plat. He came
in with a posse of Irish to dig a mill-race. His entrance was
an '' event " in the back-M'oods town. Tliey entered the place
with their picks and shovels on their shoulders; Crampton, a
stout Hibernian, leading the van with his bugle, playing '' Hail
Columbia" and the " Shamrock of Erin" in tlie " Erin o-o Unum
E Pluribus Bragh" style, as a patriotic expression of Sargeant
and his crew. Tliis Cram^^ton played the same bugle on the
tirst steamboat that ascended above the rapids. He afterwards
became a thriving fai-mer in Ada. Old Noon Day thought
they were enemies, come to take " Wagoosh" (the Fox), as they
called Mr. Cainpau; and sent to him, offering his protection,
and the aid of his band to drive out the invaders. The canal
was commenced by Sargeant. But he sold out to C. C. Caroll;
and died a year or two after.
The work went on under the name of the Kent Company.
This company had great ideas; one of them was a monster
mill, and another, a great hotel. The mill was to be a large
flouring concern, and a saw mill with one hundred saws.
The company laid the foundation of the great hotel at the
corner of Bridge and Canal streets The floui'ing mill was
built, and the foundation of the saw mill was laid. A
'-wing dam " was built, running diagonally half way across
the river, turning the water through the "guard lock" into
the canal, which was to supply the mill. The canal, enlarged,
is the present left bank canal. The " wing dam " was near
where the present dam crosses the river. The hotel and saw
mill did not go up. Tlieir grand enterprises were iiever real-
ized. It is not to be recorded to the reproach of the Kent
Co. that they tailed. AVho did not fail about that time? None
felt the darkness of those times more than the inliabltants of
pioneer villages. The Kent Co. made a good beginning; and,
though they failed to cany out their great designs, they gave
Grand Rapids a start, and left as the mementos of the ex-
10 MEMORIALS OF THE
istence of the (ioiiipany, tlie canal and \\\e flouring mill, long,
and still known as the " Big Mill."
At this time there was a monthly mail to Kalamazoo.
Jefferson Morrison and James Lyman and his brother came
on to do business as traders. Morrison brought the first
stock of goods for " white folks" — in value about $1,500. Tliis
store was at the foot of Monroe street. Lyman's store was
on Waterloo street.
In 1836, Ilichard Godfrey built the first steamboat, tlie
"Gov. Mason." It was commanded by Capt. Kanonse. On
its first trip down the river, Cajjt. Stoddard had charge of it.
Tliis Capt. Stoddard, who first I'un a steamboat on the Grand
River, died in Barry county, in 1854. In 1838, the Gov. Mason
was wrecked off the mouth of the Muskeiron river.
The next year — 1837 — was amoiiir otlier tliino;^ sio-nalized
by the starting of a miserable abortion of a steamboat above
the Rapids. It was built l)y John Lloyd and others, and called
the " John Almy." The Judge did not long enjoy the distin-
guished lionor, for the boat never lived to do honor to him or
its builder. It did indeed go up the river, Crampton waking
the echoes of the woods witli his bugle, and causing a few
squirrels to climb a little niglier the tree-tops; but she never
com])leted her journey. When she had got as far as the muutli
of the Flat River, it became evident that her builder had mis-
taken her element: and had not. thouo-ht of fittino; her f )r
? or?
swimming in the water. She sunk, and the men waded
ashore.
In 1834, Joel Guild put up a building at the foot of Pearl
street, where now stands the National Bank building; and occu-
pied it as a boarding house and place of entertainment. About
the same time Richard Godfrey built a store house some dis-
tance below Pearl Street Bridge. Mr. Guild took up land t]n*ee
miles north of the city. He died in 1855.
In 1834-5, arrived Eliphalet and Isaac Turner, Ezekiel Da-
vis, Ezra, Lewis and Porter Reed, Joseph Marion (the first
carpenter), Lewis Moran, the Ringnotte brothers (the first
shoemakers), North (the fii-st millwright), Wm. Cb)d-
froy (the first tavern keej^er).
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 11
1835 closed witli a resident population of from 75 to 100, at
and around Graiid Tlapids. The next year the influx of j^eople
was great; and the spirit of speculation was rife, not only at
tliat place but along the river. For a view of the place and
(»f the vallev in jjeneral, at the time selected as the burstino- of
the bubble, the reader is referred to the article of ]Mr. Ball.
Some particulars will be noticed in addition.
GETTING EXTRAVAGANT.
In 1836, Jefferson Morrison, having been successful in busi-
ness, having been elected J udge of Probate, and, more than
all, being about to get married — h^iilt him a house. He ever
afterwards, with tears of humble penitence, called it "Morri-
son's Folly." Everj'thing w^as high, but he must have a fine
house; so a house he built; finished it in style, and seriously
eml)arrassed himself by so doing; run himself in debt $5,000.
This house was near the junction of Monroe and Ottawa streets,
whei-e now stands a block of stores. To show the ehano-e in
the fancy value of real estate: he sold that lioiise to Mr. Cam-
pau for $6,000, and took his pay in lots at $1,500 each; and
which, in the crash that followed, he could hardly sell for $150.
This same house, as good as new, was afterwards bought by
Capt. Gunnison for $700. Time did not work a greater change
in the valuation of that property, than it did in the other real
estate.
In 1837, the first newspaper in the Yalley was started — tlie
Grand River Thaes. It was edited bv George W. Pattison,
who was also its proprietor. The first impression of it is pre-
sumed to be in existence now. That impression was made on
cloth, and presented to Louis Campau, and always by him
sacredly preserved. In that paper, bearing date "April 18th,
1837," the editor announces his intentions in a modest saluta-
tory, and states that the regular issue will be deferred until
the 29th. It was then an enterprise to issue that sheet. The
place was a mushroom frontier vilhige, and Pattison had no
golden prospects before him, when he sent out his comely lit-
tle sheet. The leadino; article is here given:
12 memorials of the
"The Rochester of Michigan" in 1837.
fFrom the Grand River Times, April 18, 1837.]
Thongli youngr in its improvements, the site of this viUag-e has lono: heen
known and esteemed for its natural advantages. It was here that the Indian
Traders long since made their grand depot. It was at this point that the
missionary herald estaldished his institution of learning — taught the forest
child the beauty of civilization, and inestimable benefits of the Christian re-
ligion. Thi-s has been the choicest, dearest spot to the unfortunate Indian,
and now is the pride of the white man. Like other villages of the West, its
transition from the savage to a civilized state, has been as sudden, as its
prospects are now flattering.
Who would have believed, to have visited tl«s place two years since, when
it was only inhabited by dufeiv families, most of whom were of French origin,
a people so eminent for explormg the wilds and meandering rivers, tliat
^7i/s place would now contain its twelve hundred inhabitants'? Who would
have imagined that thus rapid would have been the improvement of this
romantic place? The rapidity of its settlement is beyond the most visionary
anticipation; but its location, its advantages, and its dune, were sufficient to
satisfy the observing mind, that nothing but the frown of Providence could
blast its prospects !
The river upon which this town is situated, is one of the most important
and delightful to be found in the country — not important and beautiful alone
for its clear, silvPr-Uke water winding its way through a romantic valley of
some liundi-ed miles, but for its width and depth, its susceptibility for steam
navigation, and the immense hydraulic pinwer attbrded, at this point.
We feel deeply indebted to our Milwaukee friends for their lucid descrip-
tion of the advantages to be derived from a connection of the waters of this
river with those of Detroit, by canal or railroad. A canal is nearly completed
around the Rapids at this place, sufficiently large to admit boats to pass up
and down, with but little detention. Several steamboats are now preparing
to commence regular trips from Lyons, at the mouth of the Maple River, to
this place, a distance of sixty miles; and from this to Grand Haven, a dis-
tance of thirty-five or forty miles; thence to Milwaukee and Chicago.
Thus the village of Oi-and Rapids, with a navigable stream — awaterjiower
of twenty-five feet fall — an abundance of crude building materials — stone of
excellent quahty — pine, oak and other timber in immense ciuantities within
its vicinity, can but flourish — can but be the Rochester of Michigan! The
Ijasement story of an extensive mill, one hundred and sixty by forty feet, is
now completed; a part of the extensive machinery is soon to be put in ope-
ration. There are now several dry good and grocery stores — some three or
four public houses — one large church erected, and soon to be finished in good
style, upon the expense of a single individual, who commenced business a
few years ago. by a small traffic with the Indians. Such is the encourage-
ment to Western pioneers! The village plat is upon a bold bank of the river.
extending l)ack upon an irregular plain, some eighty to a hundred rods, to
rising bluffs, from the base and sides of which some of the most pure, ci'ystal-
like fountains of water burst out in boiling springs, pouring forth streams
that murmur over their pebbly bottoms, at once a delight to the eye, and an
invaluable luxury to the thirsty palate.
New England may surpass this place with her lofty mountains, but not
with her greatest boast — purity and clearness of water. Our soil is sandy,
and mostly dry. The town is delightful, wiiether you view it from the plain,
upon the banks of the river, or from the bluffs that overlook the whole sur-
rounding country. To ascend these bluffs, you take a gradual rise to the
height of a hundred feet, when the horizon only limits the extent of vision.
The scenery to an admirer of beautiful landscaije is truly picturesque and ro-
I
GEAND EIVEII VALLET. 1
c»
niantic. Back, east of the town, is seen a wide-spread plain of burr-oak, at
once easy to cultivate, and inviting to the agriculturalist. Turning west-
ward, especially at the setting of the sun, you behold the most enchanting
prospect — the din of the ville below — the broad sheet of water murmur-
ing over the Kapids — the sunbeams dancing upon its swift gliding ripples —
the glassy river at last losing itself in it-s distant meanderings, presents a
sceneiy that awakes the most lively emotions. f3ut the opposite shore, upon
which you behold a rich, fertile plain, still claims no small amount of admira-
tion. Near the bank of the river is seen the little rude village of the more
ci\alized Indians — their uncouth framed dwellings — their little churches and
their mound-like burying places. The number and size of the mounds which
mark the spot where lies the remains of the proud warrior, and the more
humble of his untamed tribe, too plainly tell the endearments of that lovely
plain to the native aborigfines, and how quick the mind will follow the train
of associations to by-gone days, and contrast these reflections with present
appearances. Thus we see the scenes of savage life, cpn'ckly spread upon
the broad canvas of the imagnnation — the proud chieftain seated, and his
tribe surrounding the council fires — the merry war-dance — the wild amuse-
ments of the "red man of the forest," and as soon think of their present
unhappy condition ; the bright flame of their lighted pdes has been extin-
guished, and with it has faded the keen, expressive brilliancy of the wild
man's eye! Tlieir lovely Washfoiaiiff, upon which their light canoes hav^'
so long glided, is now abnost deserted!
It is from this point, too, that you can 33e in the distanc? the evergi-een
tops of the lofty pine, waving in majesty above the sturdy oak. the beech
and inaple, presenting to the eye a wild, undulating plain, with its thousand
charms. Such is the location, the beauties and the advantages of this yoiith-
ful town. The citizens are of the most inteUigent, enterprising and indus-
trious character. Their building-s are laro-e, tasty and handsomely furnished
— the clatter of mallet and chisel— the clink of hammei-s—t :e?»fn(y newdy
raised and recently covered frames — and the few skeleton boats upon the
wharve;^ of the river, speak loudly for the enterprise of the place! Mechan-
ics of all kinds find abundance of employ, and reap a rich reward for their
labor. Village property advances in value, and the prospect of wealth is
alike flattermg to all! What the result of such advantages and prospects
will be, time alone must determine.
But a view of this place and its vicinity, where we find a rich and fertile
soil, watered with the best of springs, and enjoying as we do a salubrious
climate, a healthful atmosphere, and the choicest gifts of a benign Benefac-
tor, would satisfy almost any one that this will soon be a bright star in the
constellation of Western viUag.^s. Such, gentle reader, is a faiut description
of the place from which our paper hails— from which, we hope, will emanate
matter as pleasing and interesting, as the town is beautiful and inviting!
ball's statement.
Tlie followiii^i^ com nn mi cat ion was sent hj the Hon. John
Ball to the " Old Settlers' Association," Beins- a man \vlio
O
has always moved with his eyes in liis head, it is specially val-
uabl'^. To relieve it from the charo-e of c.Q-otism, it is but
proper to say, that the design of the commnnication was to
give a sketch of his own personal relations to the Grand River
Valley in early times;
14: MEMORIALS OF THE
" Having resided some years at Troy and Lansingbiirg, N.
Y., in that year of speculation, 1836, 1 entered into a contract
with Dr. T.' C. Brinsmaid, Dr. F. B. Leonard, Mr. J. E. Whip-
ple, and a Mr. Webster, of those places, to go West, and in-
vest for them, on speculation, so much money as tJiey would
supply, for / had none. The talk was, some sixty or eighty
thousand dollars; but, from the change of times, it ended at
about ten thousand. I was to operate in any of the Western
(not slave) States; buy and sell in my own name, and receive
for my services one-fourth of the profits. So, in September of
that year I left Troy, and came to Detroit. There I was offered
city property, but prices seeming 1-igh, I concluded that gov-
ernment broad acres would be a surer thina; than corner-lots.
From what I learned there and what I had learned before, I
made up my mind that the Grand River district was the
promwed land, or at least the most proin'mng one for my
operations. So I purchased a horse, and mounting him, I
started out through mud which I found so deep that I was
unable to trot him until I got to Ypsilanti. I i-eached Ann
Arbor the first dav, where I fell in with some Is^ew York State
acquaintances, traveling the same way. The next day w^e
arrived at Jacksonburg (as it was then called), and the next at
John Ball.
Mr. Ball was born in a little log cabin on Tenney's Hill, in Hebron, N. H.,
Nov. 12, 1794. He was the youngest of ten children. His early years were
passed out of society, with no school advantages except such as were afforded
\yj a winter school of about two months. Liking books better than hard
work on the farm, and feeling that if he had a chance he could be something
more than a poor plodding being, he became impatient, and importuned his
father to let him go away to school. Consent was obtained, and for a time
he studied with a clergyman, who had a few pupils. Here he pursued Eng-
lish studies with great diligence, so that after a few months his teacher S3t
him to studying Latin.
Keligiously trained at home, he, at the early age of twelve years, became
skeptical, thoughtful and an independent thinker. He must see and realize
for himself. The result has been with him as with thousands of others not
anchored in unquestioning faith, he has ever been the prey of doubts and
fears— uncertain, as all will be, who, by searching, try to find out God.
Under the kindly encouragement of his teacher, he resolved to concentrate
all his energies upon tlie one great object — an education. He fitted for col-
GEAND KIVER VALLEY. 15
Mai'sliall. From there, going to Kalamazoo, I met for the
first time one Mr. Robert S. Parks. I tlien urged my friends
to continue their journey with me riorth, hut they declined,
saying they were unwilling to risk their lives and health by
iroinff anv further into the woods. Ilavinar roui-'hed it some
before that time, it sounded to me rather unmanly. Having
bid good-bye to my traveling companions, the next day I
mounted my pony and started, without any special fear and
trembling, alone.
When I left Troy, at the urgent request of my friends I pur-
chased a pair of pistols, and put them in my trunk. I left
them in my trunk at Detroit, not wishing the trouble of cann-
ing them, though I had considerable gold in- my saddlebags.
Everybody then carried money, and traveled on highways and
by-ways; stopped by dozens in the same log cabins, and slept
in the same common garret; thrusting their saddlebags and
packages loosely under their beds, and perhaps leaving them
there for days, though heavy with specie — for then only specie
bous-ht government lands. Still there were no robljeries heard
of Nevertheless, it must be confessed, in bargaining, people
did not always show themselves saints without guile.
I came on through Gull Prairie, where were a few settlers;
and found no more until I arrived at Yankee Springs. There
I stopped and enjoyed Lewis' rousing fire, and ])artook of his
lege at Salisbury Academy, living in the most economical way, and support-
ing himself as best he could. He entered Dartmouth College, and like
thousands of other poor, but energetic boys, ivent through, helping himselt
by teaching and work, and by the backing of some friends. And here let
the writer say, that any young man who has a mind worth educating, can
educate himself. His character and hia energy will open the way. Knowl-
edge is not locked from the 2yoor; it is from the indifferent.
After graduating, he went to Lansingburg, N. Y., where he taught school
—studied law for two years. Then he started out to seek his fortune; went
to Darien, Georgia. Was wrecked on the passage, but fortunately all but
one got ashore with their lives. At Darien he kept a private school. The
next summer he returned to New York, resumed the study of law; and
i n due time was admitted to practice.
He was soon after elected Justice of the Peace at Lansingburg. The
death of his brother-in-law necessitated the abandonment of legal practice,
and his devotion to the interests of the estate for two years.
16 MEMOEIALS OF THE
Avife's good cheer, as many of you have done. Continuing my
journey, the next day 1 came to Mr, Leonard's, on the Thorn-
apple, and observing some books drying in the sun, I was in-
formed tliat the day before the stage wagon had spilled its bag-
a'asxe wdiile crossino- the river, and that the trunk containing
these books was not at the time recovered; that it belonged to
a Mr. Johnson, a lawyer, who was bound to Grand Rapids. Tliis
was Simeon Johnson, whom every old settler well remembers.
I forded the river without wetting my boots. But then I did
not go through that deep hole into which some sinners, for
sport, one time led their fellow travelers.
Being bound for Ionia, on arriving at the Mcl^aughton
place, on the Little Thornapple, I took wdiat w-as called the
I'lat River trail, which led to the Grand River at what is now
Lowelh Ai-riving there, I stopped with Mr. Marsac, an In-
dian Trader, brother of our late worthy Mrs. Louis Campau.
This w^as my arrival in the Grand River Yalley, and the 14 th
day of October, 1836. Marsac and the Robinsons, at the
month of the Thornapple, were the only people between Grand
Rapids and Ionia. But soon after, Lewis Robinson settled at
the mouth of Flat Rlvei-, and Mr. Daniels and others in Yer-
gennes.
The next day I went up the trail on the north side of the
river to Ionia, and put up with Mr. Yeomans, since known as
Free once more, witL a restless longing to visit other regions, in conjunc-
tion -with a gentleman from Boston, he set ont in the spring of 1832, for
Oregon. On their overland journey they joined a party of mountain fur-traders
at Independence. In this route, Mr. Ball passed over the same region that
Fremont had the honor of erploring ten years later. On his return, at the re-
quest of Prof. SilUman, he gave the result of his observations in a series of
articles in the Joiinud of Science. These articles were considered an impor-
tant contribution to geographical science. Mr. Ball has not, as he should
have done, vindicated his priority to Fremont.
He spent a year in Washington Territory, in the winter teaching the half-
breeds, at Fort "Vancouver, and the next summer in starting a farm. He got
tired of farming, sold his crops to the fur company, went to California, and
from there to the Sandwich Islands — " Restless ever; ever roving."
Having seen what was worth seeing among* the Islands of the Pacific,
cruising awhile on a whaler, he turned himself homeward, and we find
him soon m the Grand River Valley.
GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 17
" Ju'vlo-e," who was then liviuir in liis orii^Inal cabin. There I
again met with Mr. Parks, and, as was no unusnal thing then,
occupied the same common room or chamber with liim and
Ills wife. There were many visiting the Land otKce there, so
every lionse and place was fnll, and there were so many pnr-
chasers, that Mr. Hutchinson, the receiver, soon took in silver
to the amount of his bail, and had to shut np the office, and
cart the silver through the woods to Detroit.
Having nothing else to do, a fellow boarder, Mr. Anderson,
aiid myself mounted our horses, and put out to look for pine
lands down in Ottawa, and came the first day to Grand Rapids.
This was my first visit. We put up at the Eagle Tavern, then
the only one in the place, and kept by AVm. Godfroy. It was
then November, the nights cold, the house not plastered, the
house full — two in a bed. AV^hen the lights w^ere out, I heard
from all quarters, bitter complaints of bed fellows that they
j>ulled the clothes off ; not just understanding that the cover-
ings being narrow Indian blankets, if a man covered himself,
he uncovered his neighbor. I rather enjoyed the complaining.
The next mornino: we rode down toGrandville before break-
fast. Tliere being no tavern, we were directed to Mr. Charles
Oakes for accommodations. Tliej'' answered that they could
feed our horses, but not us; but after urging our necessities,
Mrs. Oakes was moved to compassion, and gave us a cup of
As his liistoiy subsequently is given in the valuable contribution from
his pen on the early times, which here appears, we will summai-ily dismiss
Mr. Ball.
He has gone throug-h a long life with his eyes open; has traveled exten-
sively in Europe and America; has been a close observer of men and of na-
ture; has in an uncommon degree won the confidence of those who have
known him, and now at the advanced age of 82, is erect and athlectic in per-
son, and with intellectual powers unshaken by age, is still the careful ob-
server and student of nature.
He has always been characterized by the youthfulness of his feelings, and
by his love for, and interest in, the young. With them he has always been
the genial associate and wise counsellor. Known as " Honest John Ball,'
he has made his mark on the financial, social, educational and moral interests
of the Grand River Valley. He, in independent, cheerful age, is biding his
time. He has the happiness of knowing that he is appreciated, and of feel-
ing that he has good vears of life still before him.
18 MEMORIALS OF THE
good coffee. But then we wanted sometliing to carry into tlie
woods, and were told that there was nothing to be had in the
village; but that on our way a Mr. Ketchum was building a
mi!], and there M'e could get jjlenty. But on arriving there,
whore Jennison's planing mill now is, they informed us that
all they had was some flour and beef. So we waited until they
baked a loaf of bread, which we took, and some of the uncooked
beef; put into the woods, and took our course to a point where
Ave had some vague information there was pine timber. This
brought us, at dark, into the south part of what is now the
town of Blendon, and we camped on a branch of the Black
River. During the night, we heard the deer tramping about
us in the leaves, attracted, probably, by the fire; and the wolves,
as usual, howling in the distance. The next morning we ex-
])lored about for a time, but not finding what we were looking
for, we turned to come out, for we had taken but one day's pro-
visions. But after a time we found ourselves in the midst of
a line tract of pine timber, and immediately turned away to see
its extent, and under the excitement kept on until dark. Then
we lay down without supper, in order to have something for
breakfast. On waking in the morning, we found our blankets
covered with snow, and being still in the pines, we were unwil-
ling to give it up until we had explored still further. "VVe
■finally struck down towards the river, expecting to find some
road leadino- out, but there was none. AYe met some Indians
on the river, and offered them three dollars to bring us up to
Grandville in their canoes. But they declined, and we tramped
on, over bluffs and through swamps, till dark; kindled a fire
with our last match, and lay down, hungry and weary. The
next morninff w^e Q-ot out to Grandville about 9 o'clock, and
succeeded in o-ettina: somethino^ to eat, notwithstandino; the
scarcity. As yet nothing had been raised in Kent county or
Ottawa, and nothing like a supply in Ionia; and all had to be
brought by way of the Lakes from Buffalo or Cleveland. But
we had not explored the lands minutely enough for purchasing.
So, a short time after, my man, his son and myself, with a tent
and better outfit, went in again, and spent two or three days.
Giving them cpiite a bonus for their interest in the lands, I
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 19
•
entered the whole tract, 41 eiglity-acre lots, in my own name —
the same lands from which the Blendon Company, lon^ after-
wards, lumbered. This company were the Messrs. Brinsraaid,
Leonard and Whipple, mentioned before as furnishing the cap-
ital with which I operated. Finding the prospects of profit so
small, I had before given them a deed of the lands, charging
nothing for my services. Speculation IS.0. 1.
I was little at Grand Rapids the first fall and winter I was
in the State. But at one time, Mdien there, I went up through
the mud and among the stumps, to Bridge street, where Mr.
Coggershall lived, and met a man at an office west of his house,
and asked him the price of lots. lie — it was Judge Almy —
answered, that on Canal and Kent streets they were |50 a
front foot, or $2,500 a lot. I did not invest, and made no fur-
ther inquiry about lots in Grand Rapids.
One time, in the winter, I was at Grandville, wishing to
look for lands farther down the river, a Mr. White and some
other Grand Haven men there invited me to go down the river
on the ice Avith tlieni. Thev had a cutter, and the ice beinir
smooth, we all rode. Arriving at Grand Haven, I stopped at
Mr. Luke AVhite's, where I got acquainted with T. D. Gilbert,
Esq., Rev. Mr. Ferry, Mr. Troop, Capt. White, and most of
the then few inhabitants of the place. I then employed a
half-breed man, a brother of Mrs. Oakes, to go with me into the
woods, though it was mid-winter and the snow knee-deep.
We went out south, to and up the creek that falls into Port
Sheldon Lake, and so, about the woods for four or five days,
and came out at the mouth of the Bass River. When night
came on, we encamped in the lee of some fallen tree, scraped
away the snow, collected hemlock boughs for a bed, built up a
rousing fire, and made ourselves ver}^ comfortable. But it was
by the skill of my companion, for he was an old hunter, and
kiie^v well how to make camp. But I found no land that I
thought it aii object to purchase, so I came uj) to Grandville,
and went out into what is now Byron. When there, Mr. Na-
than Boynton, with his brothers. Perry and William, as board-
ei's, were the only inhabitants. There I found some 1,000
acres of good farming land, which I bought. I think Mr. Os-
20 MEMORIALS OF THE
good and Mr. Blake had then came to Grandville, and were
keeping the first tavern there.
I passed part of the winter at Detroit, going and returning
l>j different routes. One time I went directly south from
Ionia, on a trail to Marshall, passing through Vermontville
and Bellevue; stopped at the former place over night, finding
there only three families. At Detroit I met Capt. Victor
Harris, and told him about the Grand Hiver country. Gov,
Mason, Mr. Schoolcraft, with his half-breed wife, and many
members of the Legiblature, boarded at the American, where
1 had taken up my quarters. Judge Aim}" was the member
from the Grand River district.
They legislated boldly that winter; passed the law for mak-
ing the $5,000,000 loan; for the survey of three railroads and
two canals across the State; and the general wild-cat banking
law.
One day I was walking along Jefferson avenue, and over-
took two boys talking, and there was the discharge of a cannon.
One boy said to the other, " ]^ow, Michigan is a State." And
so it was. They wei'e firing at the news of its admission,
inst from Washino-ton. This was in Februarv. But thouijh
just admitted, it had been running on its own account from
October, 1835; had had the Toledo war, and all that. Finally
she submitted, and too^ the Upper Peninsula.
I returned by what was called the " N^orthern Route;" found
Pontiac a little village. They were building a mill at Fenton.
Elisha Williams was the only man in Shiawassee county, and
Scott in Clinton. So it was a day's journey from house to
house. From Scott's there was a trail direct to Lyons, through
the dense timber, 25 miles, and another road by Portland, where
there were a few families. I well recollect finding very com-
furtat>le quarters in the tavern at Lyons, kept by Judge Lyon.
One day, coming from Ionia, I was intending to stop at Mr.
Edward Robinson's, but, from the snow drifted on the open
Indian fields, lost my track, and turned back to a shanty
where some men were building a block house, which was
afterwards the tavern of Ada. They very kindly invited rae to
stop with them, saying they could put my horse in the shed.
GRAXD KIYER VALLEY. 21
•
and could give me lodgings; and thus I should be tlie iirst
traveler stopping at a public house in that place. One of
these persons was Mr. Burnett. I traveled all winter on
horse-back. Although the sleighing was good, I did not trust
its continuance.
My business had led me to travel much up and down the
Grand River country, and I had become more acquainted with
the people elsewhere than at Grand Ilapids. But in the spring
of 1837, I sat down at Grand Bapids to make it my permanent
home. I boarded at the Eagle, then kept by our late Mr.
Moran. Tlie three brothers ISTelson were boarders, and had a
store opjjosite. Being a little suspicious of Indian sugar, they
used to brinsr suo^ar from the store for their tea and coffee.
Charles Taylor had his shop over their store, and liorsford
Smith liad a store further down the street, Waterloo was
then rather the business street. There were two warehouses
on the river below, and two at the foot of Monroe street.
Uncle Louis Campau's mansion is still a part of the Rathbun
House. Richard Godfrey had a like house where the Catho-
lic church was built (the sad fate of that house is elsewhere
noted), and Myron Hinsdill lived where is now the Morton
House. There was also a building on the north side of Mon-
roe street, in which Drs, WilLsun and Sliepard had their office,
and Esquire Beebe (I think) his justice office. Dea. Page,
wnth his three beautiful daufrhters, Mrs. Richmond one of
them, and Judge Almy, lived where Butterworth & Lowe's
machine shop now is; and A. D. Rathbun had a shanty office
near Bronson stieet.
Though there were but few houses, there were a good many
people. There were the brothers Lyman, and Edward Emerson,
and then, or soon after, one Euller. I cannot say precisely
who were in Grand Rapids, as they were coming in fast, and
all full of hope for a continuance of good money-making
times that would make all rich. The citizens were friendly
and social; a stranger was kindly welcomed, and all soon be-
came acquainted. Quite a number of us who well recollect
those good old times, are still here.
There were many others. Mr. Thompson was the iirst
22 MEMORIALS OF THE
keeper of the Bridi^e Street House, and then Gen. Withe}^
Wm. Richmond was clerk of the Kent Compatiy. Mr. Cal-
der had a store near Mr. Coggershall's; Ed. Emerson, one on
Canal street; and many Erench people had followed Uncle
Louis — the- Godfroys, Mr. Marion, and many mechanics, who,
after tlie change of times, went to St. Louis and other parts.
The settlers out of the villao-e were Judffe Davis, and the
Heeds out by the lake; Alvan Wansley, the Messrs. Guild and
Burton, by the Eair Grounds; Esquires Chubb and Ilowlett
towards Grand ville; and then, over the river, Mr. E. Turner,
Capt. Sibley, the Messrs. Davis, and afterwards, Mr. Scribner.
Others had gone upon the lately purchased Indian lands,
and soon many more came in, and went upon the unsurveyed
lands north of the Grand Kiver.
Tliere was no grist mill this side of one near Gull Prairie,
nor was tliere need of any; for the little grain raised, whether
wheat or oats, was bought up for horse feed, at $2 per bushel.
There was a saw mill about where Sweet's Hotel now stands;
one wlierethe plaster mill stands, at Plaster Creek, and the In-
dian Mill, on Indian Mill Creek. They did put into the last
named mill a run of granite stones to crack corn, and the like.
At a later day, coming In j^ossession of that jproyeTty after
the mill had disappeared^ I removed these stones to the front
of my house, where they are an historical horse-block.
The Indians still lived on tlie west side of the river, and
planted laro-e fields of corn. Thev had a little church and a
J. O *;
priest — the simple-hearted and good Yizoski. Horace Grey
and his brother Lyman were also here; and that spring Horace
fmd I went down the river to Grand Haven in a kind of keel-
boat, sailed by Capt. Sibley, and pro]3elled by the current. We
wall^ed down the lake shore to Muskegon, where were then
living only Mr. Lasley and Mr. Trottier (called Trucky), In-
dian Traders. Martin Pyerson, the last time I saw him, told
me he was then clerk of Trottier, at $8 per month. On our
return up the river, we came as far as Yeomans (Lamont) in a
little "dug-out" canoe, as big as a clam-shell. Stopping over
night, we concluded that it would be easier to foot it up through
the woods than to paddle the canoe around by the river. On
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 23
our way, who should we meet Init Capt. Victor Harris, who
said he had come out to the Grand River on my recommenda-
tion of the country when he met me in Detroit.
That Sj)ring there was great activity in business here and
all over the country, and an expectation of a continuance of
the good times. But, as unexpected as a sudden thunder-storm,
a chano-e came over the countrv. The New York Leofishiture
]tassed a hiw authorizing the banks to suspend specie payment;
and Gov. Mason convened ours for the same j^urpose. At tliat
extra session they not only authorized tlie banks then in opera-
tion to suspend, but also such banks as should go into operatioTi
under the general banking law lately passed ; which resulted in
the killing of 40 wild-cat banks.
When I left Detroit in April, all was hope and expectation
of as good a season for speculation as the preceding one; but
Avhen there again in June, all tlie plats of choice lands and
villages were removed froui the walls of the hotels and public
])]aces, and all faces had so changed that one could hardly ]-ec-
ognize his acquaintances; and it was taken as an insult for one
to speak of land operations. But we w^re so deep in the woods
that we did not seem to realize, for some time, the great change
tliat had come over the rest of the world.
Among the Grand Rapids' enterprises, a steamboat had
been bought at Toledo to run on the Grand River. But on
the way it was wrecked on Thunder Bay Island, of Lake Hu-
ron. But the eno-ine was saved and brouo-lit around, and Mr.
Richard Godfrey built a boat, which made its first trip down
to Grandville on the 4th of July. We had quite a celebra-
tion; an oration on the boat, and great rejoicing generally on
that account.
Though I met no one in the Grand River Yallcy '"ho had ever
seen me before I came into the State, still, strange. , , they nom-
inated and elected me to the Legislature, to rejjresent the Grand
River district, consisting of Ottawa, Kent, Ionia and Clinton
counties. Almy and some others were aspirants, and had their
friends, still, my nomination was almost unanimous. Capt.
Stoddard (captain of the steamboat), a brother-in-law of Mr.
Bostwick, Avas the AVhio- candidate; a worthv man. vrho lived
afterwards at Charlotte.
24 MEMORIALS OF THE
There were then the two taverns — the Bridge Street and the
Eagle. The convention was held at the Bridge Street House,
and I was boarding at the Eagle. In the evening who should
arrive but the Hon. C. C. Woodbridge, the Whig candidate
for Governor — out canvassing. He was acquainted witli the
landlady, Mrs. Moran, and she introduced nie to hira. He
inquired of me for his friends — Messrs. Henry, Bostwick and
Stoddard. So, after he had taken his supper, I showed him
where they lived. Tiie gentlemen being out, I inti'oducedhim
to the ladies. The next morning, on meeting Mr. Trowbridge,
lie expressed, as well he might, his sui'prise at seeing in the
backwoods such a circle of accomplished ladies; and, also, that
a political oj^ponent should have been t-o civil to him.
There were but five places of holding the polls — there being
but five organized townships in the four counties. In Kent
county, Byron and Kent; in Ionia county, Ionia and Maple;
and in Clinton county, DeAVitt. The election was held at the
Bridge Street Hotel. All the voters of Ottawa county came
up on the steamboat, and, in a line, marched to the polls. I
was elected by a large majority, and in January, 1838, went to
Detroit on horseback. The going was very bad, foi" there had
been heavy rains and snow. ., At Detroit I put up at the Na-
tional, now the Kussell House.
The great questions before the Legislatui-e that winter, were
the location of the railroads, and the amount to be expended on
each road. For the improvement of the Grand and Maple
Kivers, $30,000 was appropriated, whicli was applied to im-
proving the harbor at Grand Rapids, clearing out the river
channel at the foot of Monroe street, and removinirthe sunken
logs all the way up the river to Lyons. Several towns were
organized. In Ottawa, Ottawa, Georgetown and Talmadge;
in Kent, Grand Rapids, Paris, Walker, Plaintiekl, Ada ancf
Vergennes. Some titles were given in the military line : Gen.
Withey and Col. Finney. Rix Robinson was made one of the
five internal im])rovement commissioners. There was a law
]ms.;ed authorizing Kent county to bornjw money to build a
court house; Squire Abel and Judge Davis were the supei--
visors of the county, and Squire Abel came in to borro\v
GKAXD EIVEK VALLEY. 25
money from tlie scliool-fund to build the said court house. In
his hurry, he got the money, much of it the bills of the failing
wild-cat banks; and I fear the county has some of it still on
hand.
The troubles in Canada resulted in bringing many settlers
to tlie Grand Kiver Valley.
I must say a word about bankhig at Grand Kapids. There
was the Grand River Bank, of which Almy was president and
Itichmond cashier. It was in the office of the Kent Co., on
Brid«:e street. Mr. Cooro-ershall and some others became dis-
satisfied, and undertook to establish another bank, to be located
in the Campan plat part of the village. They got a room over
Smith & Evans' store, about where the west part of Luce's
J>lock now is; and, after much urging, Louis Campau
consented to be president, and Sim. Johnson to be cashier-
They named it the " People's Bank;'' got plates engraved, and
some bills struck off, ajid even put in circulation. Tlie capital
stock was $100,000. So, under the law, it required $30,000 in
specie to start on. Being all ready, as they claimed, they sent
for the Bank Commissioner, Digby Y. Bell, to come, make
examination, and put the bank in legal operation. But instead
of finding the required amount of specie, he found but $6,000;
and they proposed to make up the rest by a draft of ]\Ir.
Coggershal!, of $20,000, on a broker in I^ewYork, and one of
Mr. Ketchum, on Chicago, for the balance. Mr. Bell did not
see the propriety of the arrangement, and said it would not
do ; so what next was to be done? They not only had bills out,
but they had received deposits; and the specie shown, I sup-
pose, was deposited to be drawn out as soon as the bank was in
o]>eration. They were very anxious to go on in some way, and
so far satisfied the commissioner that they could, that he agreed
to give them a month for the purpose. But then it was to be
on the condition that the means on hand should go into the
hands of a receiver, for the security of the bill-holders and de-
positors. AVhen it was talked over who that man should be,
tliev could ao-ree on no one but mvself. I did not at all like
any connection with the matter, but, after much urging, con-
sented to it. It was to be kept as it was for the month, except
26 MEMOEIALS OF THE
to pay out to sucli cash depositors as should dahn their money,
and to redeem their hills then in circulation. Without any
formality Mr. Bell handed me the keys of the safe, and said
there was about such an amount of specie in this safe; and
hills, and what he had passed u]3on as specie equivalent, in the
other.
You will see now why I speak so particularly of this "Peo-
ple's Bank." The next morning, on opening the safe contain-
ing the j^aper deposits, I found missing some §2,000. I felt
it rather an awkward predicament. But soon Mr. Campau
came in, and said there were two keys to that safe, and he
thought Mr, Cook had the other one. After a time, Judge
Morrison came in, and said that while Mr. Ball was at dinner
yesterday, he took the missing money from the safe, and car-
ried it to the cashier, Mr. Johnson, who was sick at his room.
More of the money was soon drawn out by depositors and bill-
holders; and when the moiith came round they were no better
prepared to go into operation than before, and I had to keep
charge still longer. But, wishing to go East, Mr. Bostwick
took charge of what there was left, and I went back to Troy,
having been absent two _years, instead of a few months, as I
expected when I left there.
After visiting for a time, I picked uj) my law library, rather
scattered through the offices of the city, and returned to Grand
Ivapids, to the sur23rise of some; for it had been reported that
I was not going to come back, otherwise they said I should
have been again nominated for the Legislature. As it was,
they had just put in nomination C. A. Finney. I was atter-
wards, in 1840, put in nomination for the Senate, to be beaten
b}' II. P. Bridge, the opposing candidate.
When I first came to Grand Bapids, Louis Campau was
said to be worth $100,000; but when the change of times
came, he made an assignment of all his property for the bene-
fit of his creditors, except the Old Congregational Church,
which he deeded to his mother. He had built that church for
the Catliolics, and they held meetings in it for some. It was
to be paid for by the bishop; but from some disagreement, he
did not take it. After a time she sold it to the Congrega-
GRA^D RIVEK VALLEY. 2i
tioiial Society", reserving, however, the iron cross, the same
that lias since surmounted the stone churcli. I drew the deed
from Mrs. Campaii. Mr. Ballard was present, and nrged not
to have the cross excepted in the deed, saying that he could
worship nnder the cross. But she would not consent. "When
tliey wanted to take it down, men were sent np to remove it.
They bnilt a staging, and tried to lift it out of the timber in
which it stood. When they found they could not, they sawed
it off. Owing to a defect in their an-angements, it fell to the
ground, and in falling, carried with it one of the men, a Mr.
]*o3t, who, of course, was instantly killed. At the time I was
standing on the steps of the National Hotel, with D. V. Bell,
who remarked of the man being- killed: " It has only knocked
the shell otf." This was by no means said in a thoughtless
manner, but to express his religious views, that the body was
not the real man.
Mr. Campau had erected a number of other buildings,
among them the Eagle Tavern, the yellow store, and a dwell-
ing for his brother Touissant, on the corner where Luce's
lUock now stands. He had started Touissant in business, and
becoming surety for his goods, probably occasioned the neces-
sity of his making an assignment. Still he had considerable
left after all his debts were paid. His brother Antoine, C. P.
Walker and Judo-e Martin were his assignees.
Times became very dull in our valley, and there was very
little increase in the population. In Grand Eapids, there
was a decrease. Emigration all went jjast us to Illinois and
Wisconsin. There was no money, and our merchants, who
tried to do business, had to ti'ust the farmei-s on the strength
of their growing crops. But the wheat, when raised, brought
l)ut three shillings a bushel, so there Avas a general failure
of all business. We had enough to eat, but little to wear;
and if we could get money enough to pay postage, it w^as all
we expected. All that was done, was by exchange. Judge
Morrison says, that in building a pretty good house he paid
out but one dollar. All that was done, was by exchange or
"• dicker."
Times were decidedly dull; and to fill up the time, we used,
28 ■ MEMORIALS OF THE
in the evenings, to attend the Debating Society, of wliich C.
P. AYalker, Mr. Ballard and Charles H, Taylor were the great-
est talkers. And then we used to get up hops at the " Bridge
Street " and " National ;" had John Ellis for musician. This
same Ellis has "hung up his fiddle and his bow," and long
flourished as a successful mill-owner in Alpine, where he now
lives, retired from business.
Some settlers had gone on the government lands north of
tlie river, before they were surveyed. In some cases, the lines
cut their improvements badly, and then there was some clash-
ing among: the claimants. But it was ao'reed that a committee
of each township should settle these claims.
When the public sale of these lands came on, in August,
1839, the great question was, how to raise money to pay for
their lands, for they had expected to have made it by their
farming. Though told there was no danger, they were so fear-
ful that speculators would bid oif their lands, that they went
to Ionia with clubs to fight them off. But the speculators did
not come, as thej^had had enough of land speculation in 1830.
Still, some of these squatters borrowed money at 100 per cent.,
of Mr. Bichmond — acting for Gov. Hunt, of ISTew York — and
paid for the lots, giving a mortgage on the same. It was a
long time before some of these mortgages were paid ; and those
who let it pass, and did not buy, did much better, as you will
see further on. But were not those hard times with us?
Congress, in the session of 1841, granted to each of tlie new
States in which there were government lands, 500,000 acres
for internal improvements. The next winter our Legislature
passed an act, accepting that grant, and authorizing the Gov-
ernor, Mr. Barry, to make the selection, as Congress had
authorized. Knowing that I was a woodsman, he wrote to
me, askinc: me if I would select those lands. Not havins:
much business on hand, I answered that I would, but wished
his instructions, or at least, opinion, as to what class of lands
it would be best to take — ^whether pine or farming. Much to
my dissatisfaction, he said he should leave it entirely to my
judgment. Still, I accepted the appointment, and prepared
for the business. I went to the Land Office at Ionia, to pro-
I
GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 29
cure the necessary plats. Judge Lovell, who was then tlie
Registrar, politely gave me every facility. Frederick Hall
wishing to go out as an assistant, I employed him at twelve
shillings a day; and I also took James D. Lyon, then a youth,
as cook and camp-keeper, I was then boarding at Judge
Lyon's, who kept the Bridge Street House, and I had been act-
ing a^ agent for James IL ILitch, after Mr. AValker left. But
Mr. Yale had come on with full power of attorney from Mr.
Hatch, so I passed that business to hira; purchased an Indian
pony, tents, blankets, etc., and on the 20tli of March, put into
the woods — the groiind being as fully settled as in mid-sum-
mer.
Our first trip was up by the Wright settlement, and the
west part of Alpine, where we found Coffee and Goding, they
being the last settlers, three miles beyond any others. We
then went on and encainped the first night on a creek near tlie
north line of Wright. The next day, leaving Lyon to cook
supper and see that the pony did not stray, Hall and myself
ranged the woods far around to see the cliaracter of the land,
keeping our reckoning by the surveyed lines and surveyor's
ujarks, returning weary at night, ready for supper, and to
wrap ourselves in our blankets. This was repeated from day
to day, moving our camp as occasion required. In that tri])
we explored all that splendid timbered country in the east part
of Ottawa comity, down to the Grand River, along which were
the only settlers. After some ten or twelve days we came in
to get a fresh supply of provisions, and tlien went out again.
I had heard of prairie lands up on the Muskegon, so to see
them I went out by the east part of Alpine, and there found
My. Hills, three miles in the wbods, making sliingles; and his
accomplished wife got us a dinner. Hills soon after died.
His sons were then young, and probably did not expect all the
good fortune they have since realized. We encamped by
('amp Lake, and the next diy reached Croton. There we
found a saw mill, owned by a Mr. Peachim, who had pur-
chased of Mr. Brooks, then at jSTewaygo. To ray disa])point-
ment, the prairies proved to be but thin-soiled pine plains. So
we quit exploring in that direction, and struck -through for
so MEMORIALS OF THE
the Flat River, coming out about at Greenville. There I found
the country much more satisfactory — rich bur-oak plains and
good pine timber. I there found Luther Lincoln, who, with
his son, a boy of thirteen, were living a hermit life — the only
inhabitants of Montcalm count3^ Still he seemed glad of
company, and explored with us while in those parts.
There were in Otisco, Ionia county, Mr. Cook, Mr. Morse,
and a few others; in Oakfield, Mr. Tower and sons, Mr. Davis
and Mr. Orinnion; in Courtland, Mr. Bears and four or five
other families; four families in Cannon; one in Grattan; but
few at Plainiield, and none on the road from there to Grand
Rapids.
There was a good deal of feeline: and some alarm among our
people about the selection of so large a quantity of land in one
county, under the belief that they would be kept out of the
market by the State, or held at a high price. So, out of re-
gard to those feelings, I made a trip down the lake shore.
We w^ent out on the trail to Muskegon, where there was then
one saw mill; crossed over the head of the lake by boat, swim-
ming my pony; then by a trail to White River. At the head
of White Lake we found Charles Mears, the only settler north
of Muskegon. lie had a little mill on a small creek, and a
small sloop to ship his lumber to Chicago. His men, with
tlieir boat, set us across the lake. It made the pony blow to keep
his head above the water; but he w^eathered it, and we struck for
the Clay Banks, and so kept along, finding a stray boat to cross
the Pent Water, and went as far the Pere Marquette. We
then returned, exploring some, back through the country;
came to the outlet of the White Lake; forded it on the bar,
and came to the mouth of the Muskegon, expecting means of
crossing, so as to come to Grand R:ipids. But there was no one
there, and we had to go back round the north side, and en-
camp. The next day some Indians carried us over to Muske-
gon, and we returned on the trail in a rain, making rather an
uncomfortable encamping. We made ui3 our minds that our
trip down the lake shore was one that invited no repetition for
the pleasure of the thing.
I was instructed to miake rej)ort of such lands as I had se-
GKAND RIVER VALLEY. ' 31
lected to tlie Land Office, and also to tlie Government. But
thus far I had been looking generally, and had not reported
any. On inuch reflection, I made up my mind that, as the
State was deeply in debt for building railroads, and the State
warrants, as the State obligations were called, were in the
hands of many people all over the State, and the State had no
means of meetins; this indebtedness but these land?!, the Le^j^-
islature would be pressed on the subject, and would pass a law
putting the lands into the market at such a price that they
would sell, and be purchased by the settler. I therefore de-
termined to make the selections from the nearest unsold lands
up and down the Grand River. I afterwards made my exj^lo-
rations with that view, and soon made report of selections. I
continued my explorations until the 4th of July, and then
again went out in the fall. I was in the woods in Bowne,
when that fall of snow of more than two feet came on the 18th
day of November. The old settlers will well recollect that
winter, 1842-3, which lasted till some time in April— live
months. As I was about the country that tall, I noticed a
great number of hogs, and on asking the owners what they
were going to do with them, they said, "let them run." They
had lived through the previous winter on acorns, and if killed
now the pork would not pay for the salt. Quite three-fourths
of them were salted in the snow, and also some of the cattle.
Hall and Lyon had quit me some time in the spring, and I
then employed a Dutchman by the name of Thome as camp-
keeper, and carried on the business without further help. lie
has a tine farm in Alpine, bought with his wages.
I selected some lands, also, on the south side of the river, in
Gaines and Byron, and some in Ottawa, in Jamestown, and
Statesland, thus named from this fact. The quantity selec-
ted and reported was nearly 400,000 acres; the balance being
selected by other parties in other parts of the State. Mine
were mostly farming lands, but some pine.
As I anticipated, the State Legislature did, at the next ses-
sion, pass a law for the sale of those lands, at the nominal
government price of $1.25 per acre, payable in State dues;
warrants could then be purchased at 40 cents on the dollar,
32 MEMOKIiLS OF THE
bringing the lands at 50 cents per acre. After the passage of
this law, the settlers who had not paid for their lands — and
there were many of them who had not — wished me to report
their lands as selected, and I did so. The State Land Office
was then at Marshall, and when the sale came on in July, 1843,
they sent out by me to bid in their lands — having, most of them,
by some means, got the small sum required — and all got tJieir
places v;ltliout oj>position, for they sold so cheap, none were pur-
chased on S])eculation. After the lands had all been oft'ered at
auction, I made entry of a few lots, and paid for them with the
warrants I had received for mv serv-ices in selectins;. I
charged $3 per day, and got what was worth 40 cents on the
dollar; but in paying for the lands it was worth dollar for
dollar. But if I liad been paid in cash, as I expected, it would
have bought two and a half acres instead of one.
Though bat few purchases were made at the first sale, some
from the east part of the State having knowledge of the oppor-
tunity, made some purchases. After a time, emigrants bound
for the West, came to look, saying to me (for they all came to
me for information), "We don't expect to like Michigan lands,
but as they are selected lands, and can be got so cheaply, we
thought we would come and see. But, to their surprise, they
were well suited, and all purchased. On their report, a dozen
would follow, so that in a few years the great majority of those
lands were settled. I not only furnished them with plats, and
directed them to the lands, but purchased warrants, sent them
to the ofiice, and made the ]3urchases. If the funds were a
little short, I gave them time to make up the deficiency, and
if much was lacking, I would take the land in my own name,
as security, giving them a receipt for what they paid. I man-
aged to keep every man who came, in some way; and never
had occasion to complain that they did not, on their part, ful-
fill their eno-aijements.
I have been thus particular about those Internal Improve-
ment Lands, to remind you to how great an extent it advanced
the settlement of our valley. When, a few years afterwards,
the Hollanders came in, and took the balance of those lands
down near their settlement, and they and the other settlers
GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 33
came to Grand Rapids for their supplies, business revived, and
we moved on again.
None of these first purchasers had ranch means — just
enough to pay for their lands, and subsist till they could raise
sonietliing. For a time they got on slov/ly. What they raised
would bring but little. But they made improvements; their
calves grew; so that wlien prices improved, they fonnd them-
selves better oft' than they were aware; built barns and good'
framed honses, in place of their little first log cabins.
It does me o-ood to q-o over those then forest lands, alonn-
M'ell-made roads, lined with fine white houses, rich orchards,
and frnitful fields.
JN^inc oat of ten of those have succeeded — showini; that
cheap lands and industry are the surest road to competence,
especially for young men and those of limited means.
I do not at once recognize them all, but they do me, and re-
fer, with seeming gratitude, to their first coming to the coun-
try, and my aiding them in getting their farms. This, to me, is
better pay than the little fees they gave me for those services."
Uncle John, you are right. You have as many friends as
the minister, and many a heart says " God bless you."
THE GRAND RIVER VALLEY IX 1837.
There was a rush of settlers into the Grand River Yalley in
1836, and thereabouts; and a furor for locating lands as a
speculative investment; a mania for platting cities and sell-
ling lots. This M'as followed, of course, by a re-action.
From 1833 to 1837, may be called the years of occupation.
The furor j)a3sed, and the sober realities of backwoods life had
brought people somewhat to their senses. It was thought
ju'operbv the author to pause at this point, and give a general
and graphic view of the Yalley in 1837. To do this, the Hon.
John Ball, whose business called him at that time into every
])art, and made him acquainted with every person, was ap-
pealed to. To this appeal he kindly responded, by furnishing
the following article. There is no doubt that the public will
add their thanks to those of the author:
34 MEMORIALS OF THE
" In 1837 tlie Grand River settlement was far detaclied from
the rest of the world. To reach it from any direction had its
difficulties, and required much time. If approached by what
was called the northern route, through Shiawassee and Clin-
ton ctunties, it was a day's journey from house to house to
Ionia. The oidy other approach with a team and wagon was
by the " Territorial Road," as it was called, through C-alboun
and' Kalamazoo; then bv a day's lournev from Battle Creek
or Kalamazoo, to Yankee Springs, and another to Grand Rap-
ids, or other parts. This was the usual route to Kent and
Ottawa counties; keeping over the " openings " east of the
Thornapple River to Ada. There was a bridle patli or trail
throuirh the timbered lands direct out throurh Gaines to Green
Lake and Yankee Springs; and another througli Byron to Alle-
gan; and there was communication by keel-boats and "dug-
outs " up and down the river. By these routes all supplies of
iC'oods, and even most of the breadstuffs for Kent and Ottawa
.counties, were brought. In Ionia county, being longer settled,
thev raised their own Ijread.
A colony, under the lead of Mr. Dexter, had come into Ionia
in 1833; and a few as early into the other counties of the
Grand River Yalley. The Ionia settlers, as soon as possible,
made arrangements to be independent of the outside world,
•as far as it regards food. But in Kent and Ottawa they had
•come as mechanics, or to operate in platting toMais, and selling
«orner-lots. And here, so deep in the woods, they did not give
up their hopes in that direction until long after it was known
and felt in tlie habited parts of the country, that backwoods
village jilats were merely things on paper.
The traveler on horseback, by the usual route in those days,
would stop at night at William's; and later in the year at De-
Lang's; the next night at Scott's; and by the next night, riding
through a dense forest twenty-iive miles, he would reach Ly-
ons, perhaps Ionia. Or, by another route, through a more
t>pen country, he could go to Portland, and down along the
Grand River to Lyons. There were then at Portland, Mr.
Boyer and three or four others. At Lj^ons was a tavern, kept
by the late Judge Lvon. His brother Edward, since in De-
GEAXD EIVER VALLEY. 35
troit, was living in a fine little cottage on a bluff of the river.
There were perhaps some dozen other villagers, and a few
farmers. Mr. Eaton and Mr. Ii-ish, whose wives M'erc of the
Lyon family, liad farms up on the Portland road.
Three miles above Ionia was a saw mill on Prairie ^reek;
and on a little stream from the hill, a OTist mill. At Ionia
were a tavern, a store, mechanic shops, and a few dwellings,
all unpretending and limited in build and business. Put
hereabouts, in the country and in the woods, w^ere a number of
farmers — Esquire Yeoraans, a little below the village, in his
I02: house, and all the rest in theirs. If nio;ht overtook the
weary traveler too far aAvay to reach the usual place of stop-
])ing, he was always kindly welcomed to lodgings and fare,
the best the cabin afforded; and would find as marked proof
of good order, skill in cooking and neatness, as he would find
in the sumptuous mansion. And also in the cabin the trav-
eler would usually find a shelf filled Avitli instructive books;
and from conversation Avith the inmates he Avould discover
that they had been read. The people of the Yalley were so few
that the person who traveled much soon became acquainted
M'ith most of the dwellers therein, and the sparseness of set-
tlers led to greater cordiality when they met. Their common
Avants, sometimes for almost the needs of life, led to kindly
thought of each other, and kindly, neighborly acts. And then
they had the example of the Indians, then residing all along
the Yalley, who are always hospitable, and who not unfrequently
aided the first settlers, by furnishing the means of subsistence
from their cornfields and the chase. ii64:5dL9
The Indian is too good a farmer to ever till a poor soil.
Their cornfields were on the rich bottom land of the rivei's.
They had one at Lyons, in the forks of the Maple and Grand
rivers. Ionia was located on an old Indian improvement. An
extensive field was at the mouth of the Flat Piver, on the right
bank, and tlien again at the mouth of the Thornapple.
As the Indian mode of tillage Avas the laborious one of
breaking up the ground with the hoe. the settlers, in preference
to taking the unsubdued land, ploughed the Indian fields for
the privilege of cultivating a part; and, side by side, the In-
q
6 MEMORIALS OF THE
(lian corn generally looked the best, for the squaws were very
good with the hoe.
Rix Robinson, the first Indian Trader on the Grand River,
resided at Ada, and his brother Edward one mile below, in his
log house, from necessity larger than usual, to accommodate
his large family of 15 — his " baker's dozen," as he used to say.
Still, they often had to entertain the traveler bound to Grand
Rapids. The bedroom of the weary traveler was the roof or
garret part of the house, with good beds, eight or ten, ar-
ranged under the eaves, access to which was under the ridge-
pole; it being high enough there for a man to stand upright.
There were always two in a bed, and the beds were taken as
thejjarties retired; say, a man and his wife first, then two boys
or girls, and so on. This is mentioned as the usual manner at
stopping places. At first it would seem a little embarrassing
to women and modest men. But use soon overcomes that
feeling; and always in those times all seemed disposed to be-
have civilly, and to act the part of a true gentleman ; occasion
their kind entertainers the least possible trouble, and still re-
Avard them liberally for their fare, as was right they should, as
their food had come all the^way from 6001110 or Cleveland.
Uncle Louis Campau, as he was usually called, was the next
trader on the river, unless Mr. Generau, at the Maple, was be-
fore him. Campau sat down at Grand Rapids, and built his
log dwelling and warehouse about half-way between Pearl and
Bridge streets, on the bank of the river, the trail to which was
where now is Monroe street.
In the year 1837, the Grand River settlements were far de-
tached from the rest of the world. The approach from any
direction required much time, and was attended with some
difficulty. If by what was called the northern route, through
Shiawassee and Clinton counties, there was but one stopping
place in each — Lang's and Scott's. Then there were some
twenty-five miles of dense woods to reach Lyons, and about
the same to Portland. These were the usual routes in, for the
Ionia people.
For Kent county and the region below, the approach was
made usually by the so-called Thornapj^le road. This came
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 37
from Battle Creek to Yankee Springs, in Barry county; then
east of the Thornapple River, through tlie openings, to Ada,
where it joined tlie road from Ionia to Grand Rapids and
Grandville. The triavel below Grand Rapids was, in summer,
by keel-boats or canoes, and in winter, on the ice. There was
a trail, or bridle-path, to Grand Haven, and down the lake
beach to Muskegon, and also to Allegan. Sometimes there
was a winter road more direct, out, going through the heavy
timbered land in Gaines to Green Lake, Middleville and Yan-
kee Springs. There were other Indian trails in many direc-
tions.
Most traveling was on horseback, requiring five days from
Detroit to reach Grand Rapids. From Ionia, the traveler
crossed the Grand River at Ada in a canoe, into which he put
his saddle, towing his horse behind the boat. Coming from
the south, when the water was high, the crossing of the Thorn-
apple was in the same fashion. Soon scows were put on the
river, on svhich teams and loads could cross.
Ko roads as yet were made, nor bridges built, so the travel-
ing by wagon was rough and slow.
As to settlement, beginning at Portland, there were Mr.
Moore, Mr. Boyer, and some half dozen other families. At
Lyons, ten miles down the river, .a few more than at Portland.
At Ionia, the village was small, but there were quite a number
of farmers around. They made their first planting ground of
the old Indian imprvvement, where the city of Ionia now is.
Squire Yeomans had his farm below the village, and some had
settled on the other side of the river.
At Lowell, on the left bank of the river, was Mr. Marsac,
and on the right bank, on an extended plain, an old Indian
planting ground, was Louis Robinson. At Ada, were Rix and
Edward Robinson.
There was already quite a population at Grand Rapids.
Many settlers followed Mr. Campau from Detroit, and others
came from all parts East. The Messrs. Hinsdill, Henry and
others, from Vermont; Mr. James Lyman and his brother, from
Connecticut, and many, more than from all other States, from
Xew York. Perhaps at this time there were 500 in all — more
38 MEMORIALS OF THE
than at times could be well accommodated for room. It seemed
to be an attractive sjiot, where every comer seemed to think
it was the place for him to make a fortune. This was the case
in the first part of the year, bnt before the year was through,
that feeling had much abated, for it was in this year tliat the
speculation bubble burst.
On Monroe street tliere was then Louis Campau's two-story
frame house, since a 3)art of the front of the llathbun Mouse,
corner of Monroe and Waterloo streets. Mr. Richard God-
froy had a similar building a little above. Mr. Myron Ilins-
dill had one where the Morton House now is. Darius "Winsor
was on the corner of Ottawa and Fountain streets, and was
postmaster. The arrival of the weekly mail was an event. In
after times, if one had money enough to pay tlie liigh postage
of those davs, he thouo-lit he was well-off. There was a house
opposite the liathbun House, where Esquire Beebee and Dr.
Willson then had their offices. Both were worthy men, but
both soon departed this life. Dr. Sliepard was here, and at
times the only physician.
At the foot of Monroe street, where is now open space, were
three stores, or warehouses; one of them, then or soon, occu-
pied by Judge Morrison. Oj^posite, or where the buildings
between Monroe and Pearl streets stand, was Mdiat was called
the Guild House; and on the side hill, about where the Arcade
building stands, was a log house.
Down Waterloo street was the Eagle Tavern, then kept by
Louis Moran, and on the other side of the street were the stores
of the Messrs. Xelson (James and George), Down the street,
in the chamber over the store, was Mr. Charles Taylor's tailor
shop, and in the same building was Mr. Horsford Smith's store.
Opposite, on the river's bank, were three warehouses, one of
which is said to have been the first framed building in the
place, and was erected on the west side for a church. It was
moved over on the ice by Campau.
Going up street into the Kent plat, there were two or three
shanties on Canal street, two small offices on Bronson street,
built for the Land Office, expected to be at Grand Eapids in-
stead of at Ionia. On Bridge street. Mr. Coggershall lived in
GEAND KIVER Yx\.LLKY. 39
the house now standing east of tlie Bridge Street House. Op-
posite was tlie office of the Kent Compauy, Luilt by Judo'e
Ahny.
At thi3 time, though Caual and Kent streets Avere nearly
impassable by reason of stumps, and mud from the water ooz-
ing from the hills above, lots were selling for $50 per foot.
Thei-e was a passaljlo road from Fulton street to Cold Brook
under the bluff on the east. Canal street was, in wet weatlier,
little better than a quagmii'e.
There were as yet but few farmers in Kent county. Out on
South Division stj-eet, beyond the Fair Grounds, was Alva
Wansley, Over beyond, were Mr. Guild and Mr. Burtou.
Southwest df Reed's Lake, were Judge Davis and two Heeds.
Going down the Grandville road, all was woods. At Plaster
Creek was a small saw-mill. Plaster could be seen in the bed
of the stream near it. As one went on, to tlie right, and off
from the road, near a marsli, were the salt springs, with paths
deep worn by the deer coming to lick the salt water; and just
below, near the river, were observed the Indian mounds,
near where the railroad now crosses tlie river. On the left of
the road, farther on, was Esquire Clmbb's log cabin, and over
the cieek beyond were Mr. Ilowlitt and Mr. Thompson.
The first house in Grandville was that of Julius Abel, Esq.;
the next, that of Major Britton, Osgood & Bleake kept a
tavern — Osgood was a lawyer. Charles Oakes was there, and
a immber of others; and they claimed that, as the navigation
(if the river was so much better up to that point than it was
above, Grandville would compete with Grand Ila])ids. Then
some half dozen settlers had begun in the woods south of
Grandville. On liuck Creek, Ilavnes Gordon and AVriffht
had saw-mills. I^ear the mouth of Push Creek, the Mich-
igan Lumbering Company had a saw-mill, and a Mr. Ketchum,
of Marchall, one a little above. A little beyond, in Ottawa •
county, were Hiram Jennison and brothers. Beyond these few
settlers all Mas deep forest, to the lake, and to the then new
little village of Allegan.
Going down the river, three miles from Grandville, was a
Mrs. Burton. The next house, on the other side, w;is thr.t of a
40 MEMORIALS OF THE
Mr. Yeomans, where is now Lainont, squatted on the newly
purchased lands. Then, on the south side, below Bass
River, were Rodney and Lucas Robinson. No more in Otta-
wa, until Grand Haven. There were Mr. Ferry, wlio, with
Rix Robinson, owned the village jilat. The three brothers
AVJiite, Mr. Troop and a few others, were residents. This place
bchig the grand harbor- of the Grand River, soon to become a
big city, its lots, corners and all, were held at liigh prices.
'At Muskegon were two fur traders, Mr. Lasserly and Mr.
Trottier, with the lat-ei- of whom was Martin Ryerson, serving
as clerk at $8 per month.
The lands north of the Grand River, in Kent and Ottawa
counties, had only been purchased from the Indians the prece-
ding year; were not in the market, and were not even yet sur-
veyed. Still, settlers began this year to go on them, and to
make pre-emptions, as they called it. They erected log cabins
. in wliich to live, as all the farmers in the Valley did ; and nnmy
of the houses in the villages were of the same construction.
Still, then, as ever, these pioneers were hopeful, and seemed
quite happy.
All the impression the white man liad made on the country
was but a cypher. The largest clearings had but a few acres.
The old Indian clearings were of greater extent than the white
man's. Thetj had quite a tract cleared at the junction of the
Maple and Grand Rivers; at Ionia, Flat River, Tliorna]>ple.
At Grand Rapids their clearing extended along the i-iver tVom
Mill Creek down to a short distance above the Plnster Mills,
but not extendinfj; far back from the river. At Gi-andville was
the Little Prairie.
The government built for the Indians a mill on the creek,
near where it is crossed by the D. & M. Railroad. The Indi-
ans had a village of twenty or thirty houses, l)uilt of the luni-
lier sawed by this mill. In 1837, all the ground spoken of
above as then a cultivated iield, was planted with corn, which
the women well hoed. The men fished and hunted. They
lived all up and down the river, and through the country, as
evei" before; and every fall assembled at Grand Rapids to
receive pay for their lands.
GEAKD EIVER VALI,EY. 41
All beyond these Indian and white men's clearings was
one interminable forest, the same as before the civilized man
liad entered npon the lands. In this Yallej they lived in
peace, and mostly there were in those times confidence and
kindness between the difterent races. But there were some
wrono's, more often committed bv the whites than the In-
dians.
All was a grand and noble forest, with its tall pine, its sugar
tree and beech, and the sturdy oak scattered over what is
called the "openings." These opening lands extended along
generally on both sides of the river to a greater or less dis-
tance back, through Kent and Ionia counties, up the Fhit
Kiver to Greenville, and along the east side of the Thornap-
ple. From Grand Rapids to Plainfield, and about that vil-
lage, tliere was comparatively little timber, so that the travel-
er on the old trail could see quite a distance about him. This
scarcity of timber was also observable in parts of Grattan,
Oaktield and Montcahn. But all of Ottawa, the south part of
Kent, to the Thornapple, and the north part, commencing
even in Walker and the soutli part of Ionia count}^ were
heavily timbered with beech, maple, elm, oak and other liard
wood trees, Avith patches of pine. Towards and along the
lake in Ottawa county, the timber was pine and hemlock. In
these forests the travelers could often see the fleet deer cross-
ing his track, sometimes pursued by the wolf
On the west side of the river, near where the Bi-idge street
bridge is, were two block houses, where a Baptist Missionary
preacher or teacher, by the name of Slater, taught some of the
Indians. But Father Yizoski (the Catholic) had more con-
verts, and a little meeting house at their village below, which
was the onlv meetino; house on either side. In this, that
worthy priest would hold forth to the Indians, the French and
English-speaking people, to each in their own language.
Of course, there were no bridges over the river, but there
was a fording place between Islands K"o. 2 and 3, or below the
railroad bridge; and when the water was too high for fording,
a ferry-boat was used.
And now, the effect of the break-down of the wild specula-
42 MEMOEIALS OF THE
tion of 1836, and the higli hope of the first lialf of this year,
beo-an to be seen. Faces beo-an to indicate thouo-lit and care.
Busineis flagged, and Mr. Canipau's laborers and mechanics,
lacking occupation, began to seek labor elsewhere. Xo sale for
corner-lots, and money, to pay for bread to eat, grew scarce. In
Kent count J, not half enough grain, of all kinds, was raised to
feed the horses, and all else had to come from Ohio or New
York — for to the w^est of us, tliey had raised as little as we.
As anotlier trouble, our wild-cat money would not buy things
beyond our own limits.
Monroe street follows the ti-ail to Campau's Indian trading
post, on the bank of the river. It kept along close to the im-
passable swamp, extending north from the corner of Monroe
and Division streets, then wound along at the foot of an ab-
rupt hill from Ottawa to Pearl street. This same liill con-
nected with the (now disappearing) hill between Pearl and
Lyon streets. Beyond these hills the trail descended to Bron-
son street. South of Monroe street, the descent was steep, and
the ground was so low as to be deeply covered at high water.
The boat channel of the river was between the island and the
main, and the landing was where the blocks of stores now are
on the south side of Monroe street, at the foot of Canal street.
West of the foot of Canal street, north of Pearl street, was Mr.
Wadsworth's saw-mill."
The value of the above article will be appreciated in after
days. Its graphic simplicity will commend it to the general
reader, and the fact that it is from one who knew whereof he
wrote; wdiose memory is tenacious, and whose' honesty is pro-
%'erbial, renders its historical accuracy, reliable.
THE CRASH.
"The warrior bowed his crested head,
And tamed his heart of fire."
Grand Papids, then a village in the wilderness, had her dark
day in 1837; when the light went out in her dwellings, and
when bankrn2)tcy and ruin seemed to be the presiding genii
GEAND EIVER VALLEY. 43
(if the place. No town felt more tlie crusliing effect of the
financial revulsion which paralyzed the business of the coun-
try between 1836 and 1842. Durino- the few vears before^
(Irand Rapids had been one of the centers of speculation.
Settlers were filling up the region around, and great things
M'ere undertaken there; some wisely, and some based on sup-
posed prophetic vision. A saw-mill, the greatest in the world,
was begun; one that should "saw out young saw mills.^^
Lots were held, and sold at fabulous prices; there was money
ill everybody's pocket — " wild-cat ". money. Everybody was
getting rich. Speculators were greedily buying up land and
lots. No matter if a man did owe a few thousand dollars; he
had the land and the lots, which were sure to double their value
in a year. But as Burns says:
" The best laid plans of luice and men,
Gang aft agley."
All who lived in those times, know that there was the gen-
eral idea that fortune was ready to shower down her golden
treasures on the owners of wild lands or corner-lots. Lawyers,
doctors, merchants and capitalists at the East, became rovers
in the woods in search of lands. They bought lands and went
home to dream of fortune. Alas! in after years their counte-
nances elongated when they found it was all taxes and no sales.
We are afraid that they, as the Dutchman expressed it,
" thought cot tonf,^' when, annually, their agent reported taxes.
Some did more than think; they actually "swared" "the
lands might go to Mazes for all their paying taxes." But in
1835-C, land looked beautiful. Eainbow hues wei-e in the sky.
Ah I you have seen them in the floating bubble. But only
think of a bubble coveriuii: the whole United States. It was a
splendid bubble — it was an enormous bubble. The banks, in
the shape of expanded loans, had furnished the gas, and ten
million pairs of lungs were strained for its inflation. All at
once the bubble burst, and the banks, speculators, merchants,
all found themselves gaping and gazing into blank space.
The big buljble had all their hopes in it; when it burst, their
hopes were dissij)ated, and nothing was left but a bad smell.
44 MEMORIALS OF THE
Their first expression, in blank disma}'-, was, "Who would
have supj)osed it was hollow?"
" Then there was running to and fro
Of the iianic-stricken crowd,
And speculators' tears fell fast,
And merchants swore aloud. ' '
But why dwell on the dismal picture? It is all black; there
is no use in coloring it. Land and lots would not sell for any-
thing. Debts alone were undiminished. As a consequence,
about all failed. So general was this the rule, that the man
who had not failed was almost ashamed to walk the streets, so
wofully was he out of fashion.
When stricken down, a man will either die, live a cripple,
or get well. It is so with a community. The Grand Iliver
Valley recovered, after being crippled long. The year 1842
showed hopeful signs; the convalescence continued until 1840,
when, in full health, it entered on a career of rational prosper-
ity.
GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 4:5
rr
IONIA COUNTY.
IONIA.
Ionia was one of the points of earliest settlement, and is tlie
center from which the settlement of Ionia conntj radiated.
To all intents and purposes, Ionia and Lyons were but one;
and in pioneer history are to be treated as such.
It is scarcely proper to consider tlie trader, who has taken
np his abode among the Indians, as-a settler, or the bogus
manufacturer, who has sought the wilds for purposes of
concealment. There were the Indian Trader, Louis Generau,
and the bogus maker, Belcher, who had their places of busi-
ness in Ionia county before 1833, Still, the spring of 1833 is
the era of civih'zed occupation. Then a company, consistin
Samuel Dexter, Erastus Yeomans, Oliver Arnold, Joel Guild,
Edward Guild and Darius Winsor, all with their families, and
William B. Lincoln, a single man, came on in company, and
located themselves at Ionia. With the exception of Winsor,
who joined them at Buffalo, they started together from Ger-
man Flats, N. Y., April 25th, left Buffalo May Tth, came on
steamer to Detroit; left Pontiac May 14th, were at Fuller's,
Oakland county, the 15th, at Saline the 19th. At that point
tliey had before them the unbroken wilderness. From the
2()th to the 28th, they journeyed and camped in the woods.
Tliey were obliged to cut roads to get along through Clinton
county, A child of Dexter died on the way.
They brought with them some means, and they complain
of no great hardship. True, the journey through the wilder-
ness was fatiguing, but they had their families with them, and,
camped around the bivouac fire at night, they could enjoy the
novelty of their situation, and they enjoyed the romance of
their situation. The pathless wild was new to them; and
there was novelty in the wolf-serenade. Young men, love to
46 MEMORIALS OF THE
eoinbat and conquer. They had to conqner fallen trees, and
and deep ravines; but there was a hearty "Yo-hel" as they
i-olled the one from the track, and a pride of conscious man-
liness as they wiped their sweaty brows, having crossed the
other. But how was it with the women and children? Wo-
man is not such a frail, delicate being as tlie poets represent
her. When she nerves herself for serious action, she will
shame the men by her resolute and cheerful endurance. Be-
sides, she likes rustic life as well as a man. She tires of con-
ventionalities, and delights for a time in an adventurous, semi-
savage way of living. And the young folks— it is their glory.
The old survivors of that expedition will tell you they en-
joyed the journey. They had the spirit of youth, or middle
life, and that likes adventure. They felt that each day was
creating a memory. They have lived over that season a thou-
sand times. They have since battled with the forest; but the
individual trees thev cut down, have left no memorv; but that
big oak which lay in their way, and with which they joined
issue, that is remembered. They have since eaten many a
good dinner, now forgotten; but they still gloat over that sup-
per by the spring in Clinton county. And how those avIio
were boys enjoy the recollection of the way they used to chase
and scare those sneaking loafers of the forest — the wolves.
Perhaps they met a bear, lean from his winter's fasting and
sluggard rest, who stolidly passes by with his "you let me
alone, and I'll let you alone" air; and who, if politely invited
to turn out, will rise upon his haunches, double his fists, and
say, "turn out yourself; I'm a bear." Whether this company
met Bruin or not, tradition does not tell ; but he has met
others, and such is his way.
There were banks of streams to dis; down, so that the wagons
could begot acix)ss. But it was " hurrah, boys ! " and the road
was made. There were bushes and trees in the way, but this
"hurrah, bo3^s! " put both aside. Swamj)s must be got over or
around, but "hurrah, boys!" found the means and the way.
The exciting day's work done; the camp pitched — it was
then "Molly, put the kettle on." The mysterious "Black
Betty," that had been concealed all day, ajDj^ears, and receives
GRAND RIVEil VALLEY. 47
the hearty kiss of the tired, but cheerful groui). Soon, supper
comes smoking to the table— no, log. That dispatclied, the
male scions, each with his back against a tree, lights his pipe,
and philosophically contemplates the wreathing smoke, while
the more youthful ones get up a dance to extempore castanets.
Not so bad after all, this journeying in the woods, witli
enough to eat, a little of something else, and congenial com-
pany. But we will throw imagination aside. We talk and
live prose most of our lives. Poetry comes in as a luxurv,
not as everyday fare.
The 28th of May brought our pilgrims to Ionia, It was
too late for putting in crops by clearing the land, so they
bought an Indian plantation, plowed and planted five acres
with corn and potatoes. They paid the Indians $25 for their
crops and improvements.
They had come in prepared with articles for traffic, which
they exchanged for venison, fish, etc. They lived mostly from
the Indians, and nearly in Indian fashion, and on the most
friendly terms with their Indian neighbors.
The company mostly located on Sec, 19, They had some
spare means; had two span of horses; about ten head of cat-
tle. They got a few boards from the Indian mill, at Grand
Eapids, Dexter, Yeomans and Winsor built them log houses.
The rest lived in Indian huts, Before their (foods came round
the lakes, they were rather straitened. These did not arrive
until the middle of the summer. In the winter they had a large
coffee mill with which they ground their corn. This mill for
a considerable time was of great service to them and other
settlers. They had some flour brought around witli their goods,
and they had Indian sugar.
The Indian settlement was where tlie city of Ionia now is.
Some five hundred Indians, who were under the Flat Ttiver
chief, stopped there, for making sugar, fishing, etc. They also
raised some corn. As friends, the Indians and settlers lived
together, with mutual benefit. The first winter passed, the
Indians knowing they had sold their rights, cheerfully gave
up their cherished homes to the whites. The}^ knew that they
occupied only by the sufferance of the Government.
48 MEMOKIALS OF THE
There was some scarcity of provisions the first winter, reme-
died by laboriously transporting them from Gull Prairie.
Otherwise, as this company had come prepared, they tell of
little hardship or suffering.
It is proper here to state that the colon_y consisted of the Dex-
ter family, nine persons; Mr. Yeomans' family, nine persons;
Winsor's family, seven jjersons; Arnold's family, ten persons;
Joel Guild's family, seven or eight persons; Edward Guild's
family, — persons. In addition to these fomilies, as single
men, Dr. W. B. Lincoln, a young physician just commencing
})ractice, two unmarried brothers of Dexter — Winsor Dexter
and Warner Dexter — P. M. Fox and Abram Decker. The
fortunes of these jDioneers of Ionia county, it is proper here
briefly to state:
A. Decker did not stay long
Patrick M. Fox now resides at Muir.
Samuel Dexter spent his life at Ionia, where he died in
1856.
Judge Yeomans, in a good old age, is still living at Ionia.
Oliver Arnold, a blacksmith, is dead. His sons are at Ionia.
Edward and Joel Guild soon went to Grand Papids, and are
dead.
Darius Winsor also moved to Grand Papids, and is dead.
Dr. Lincoln, in a green old age, is still at Ionia.
Warner and Winsor Dexter were but transient residents.
Further particulars of these individuals may be gathered
from the biographical articles.
In November, 1833, an addition was made to the little col-
ony; Alfred Cornell arriving with a family, consisting of four
men, six women and two childi'en. The whole force of the
settlement was voluntarily directed to showing them how the
pioneer welcomes a new-comer. In two weeks a house had
been built for them; of course not a palatial mansion, but a
snug log house, built without boards, glass or nails; in which
blankets and sheets did duty as doors and windows, but after
all, as it was the best house in the settlement, they might have
put on airs; and doubtless would, had they been made of such
material as constitutes feshionable society. As souls were a
GEAND EIVEK VALLEY. 49
])iirt of tlieir personal outfit, tliev let tlieir cliiklren play with
the children of those Avho spent their first winter in Indian
hilts, and acknowledged fraternity Avith those who lived in
humbler dwellings. There are people now, living in princely
residences, and blessed with all the appliances of wealth, who
welcome others according to their mental and moral worth;
and do not measure them by the accidents of fortune. God
bless the whole lot of them! A rich man with a sonl in him
is a person worth bowing to. We see loom.en, too, (I didn't
say "ladies," as "women" is a much nobler word,) who,
abounding in all that wealth can give, still place themselves on
the level with common humanity, and prove their nobility by
their noble sympathy with all that is good, and pure, and holy,
whether found in a palace or a hovel. Unworthy is he whose
hat can stay on when he meets such a woman.
Were it not for this morbid propensity to preach, when
events furnish a text, the history would advance much more
rapidly. Descended from a long line of deacons, and destined
in youth for the pulpit, the propensity was ground into the
histoi'ian's nature. Well for the world that a lack of ortho-
doxy induced the conservators of the church to discourage his
ambition, otherwise, his interminable preaching would have
been terrible.
But coming back to the colony: They gave a heart- warm
welcome to Cornell and his family group. Cornell had, as he
supposed, made provision for the coming season, having laid
in a stock at Detroit. But the open character of the winter,
and the swollen streams rendered it imjDOSsible to get them to
Ionia, and in consequence there was, not hunger, but little
variety, and rather sliort commons. They learned to live upon
little; that eating was not the business of life, but that we eat
ti) live. Corn cake and maple sugar, with a piece of smoked
sturgeon, or a venison steak occasionally, is not so very terri-
ble. They had plenty of corn and Indian sugar, which is fully
equal to the "hog and hominy " of old Kentucky. What are
you growling about? In the writer's humble opinion, old Par-
son Jennings was about right. He (God rest his pious, jovial
old soul) was pastor long ago of a church in Western Massa-
4
50 MEMOIilALS OF THE
clmsetts. One da}^, visiting at the house of one of liis parish-
oners, the good lady comphiined of liard times. He took her
to task for her unchristian grumbling; telling her that if we
had potatoes and .salt enough to eat, we should be content, and
thankful to God for our blessings. Of course, in deference to
the dictum of the ''minister," she shut up, but had a thought
or two, notwithstanding. In due time the dominie (no, minis-
ter) was invited into another I'oom for supper. On the table
were a fine lot of baked potatoes and some salt — nothing more.
He reverently, and M'ith full expression of tliankfulness, in-
voked a blessing, and with the rest sat down. Looking at the
table, and then at the woman, he said: "Potatoes and salt are
good, and we ought to be thankful to God that he has bounti-
fully supplied them to us. But it does seem to me, that since
I am a minister, I ought to have a little butter."
Now these settlers had corn and su^ar, with fish and veni-
son, and they were not ministers, and had no business to grum-
ble; and historic truth compels the writer to say, there is not
■even a tradition that they did grumble.
In March the "victuals" came on from Detroit, and we are
afraid that young Doctor Lincoln had some practice in conse-
quence, but concerning that, contemporary history is reticent.
At this point we will briefly sketch the history of those who,
in 1833, formed the nucleus of civilized settlement in Ionia
county.
THE YEOMANS FAjSIILY.
It has already been stated that the old pioneer is still, in
feeble old age, a resident of Ionia. A long, useful and honor-
able life is drawing to a close. He waits to be o^athered to his
fathers- tlie last of those who brought their families with
them in J833. His son, Sanford^ has always lived in Ionia.
Amanda married the Rev. Alfred Cornell, and, as a mother in
Israel, has passed from earth.
Alanson and Hiram died as young men. Maria lives in
Ionia as the wife of J. K. Sandford. Mary is the wife of G.
II. McMullen,
The Guild and Winsor families are, in their history,
identified with Grand Eapids;
GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 51
- THE CORNELL FAMILY.
The fatlier is elsewliere more particularly noticed in a bio-
graphical article.
Ilis sons were Alfred, Daniel and Thomas, the last of
■whom came to Ionia with a wife and two children.
There were four dauo-hters:
Marv married Asa Spencer (now of Otisco). She died in
1S58. "^
Lydia died single, in 1835.
Caroline is the wife of Mason Ilearsey.
Sarah married Ezra Spencer, and resides at Saranac.
1834 brought as accessions, Geo. Case, wife and two chil-
dren, lie was drowned, 1836, at the mouth of the Thornap-
])le, which he was crossing on horseback.
William Doty, then a single man, brother-in-law of Case,
came with them and still remains.
John E, Morrison, with wife and one child. There is a
fine residence across the river from Ionia, where Morrison,
not much the worse for wear, is now to be found.
The next year, 1835, brought more accessions:
Mason Hearsey, who has been a 23art of Ionia ever since.
Alonzo Sessions — " May his shadow never be less."
Job Sessions — always a part of Ionia history.
Gilbert Caswell, with wife and five children. He lived in
Ionia some fourteen years. With him came —
Joseph Hadsall, wife and three children. He stayed but
about two years.
Elisha Doty, an old man, having with him a wife two
dfiuo-hters and a son. The son, Charles Dotv, died a i'e^v
years since. One daughter, Maria, married James CroHbrd.
She is dead. The other dauMiter soon went East.
Dexter Arnold, brother of the blacksmith, with wife, and
four children. He has always remained.
Benjamin C. Barber came with Caswell, and still remains.
Lyman Webster bought out Joel Guild, but did not stay
long.
Samuel II. Yates, with wife and son. He is dead. His
son, J. LockM'ood Yates, is still a resident of Ionia.
52 MEMORIALS OF THE
Osmond Tower (a single man). He wlio, in Ionia county,
lias not known Tower, is himself unknown.
Julius C. Abel, tlie first lawyer in tlie Yallej, first stopped at
Grandville; next tried Ionia awhile, where he took a leadino-
])art. He then went to Grand Rapids, and was long a noted
personage there. He died in 1873.
John P. Plaice; he died at Prairie Creek.
William McCosland, stayed several years; kept a hotel;
raov^ed to Wisconsin.
So far as known, these are all who settled at or near Ionia
before 1836. The organization of towns, placed some of these
in Easton and Berlin. But, identified in interest, and consti-
tutino; a neia:hborhood, tliev have been considered as one. The
three points in the county, from which settlement radiated,
were Ionia, Lyons and Portland.
The same principle will be adhered to in marking the pro-
gress of settlement, which, after 1835, was rapid for a time.
It has been found impossible to give the names and history of
but a portion of those who came in 1836.
Dnring that year settlers were pushing into almost all the
towns in the county. Of those who, in '36, settled at or near
Ionia, we have gatliered the names of :
Dan. D. Brockway, who was l)ut a transient resident.
S)dvester Thompson, now a worthy farmer in Easton.
Daniel Clapsaddle; lie was killed at a raising.
Mrs. Mary Smitli, a widowed sister of S. Dexter. She had
one son, Samuel E. Smith, and a daughter Jane, who married
Sylvester Thompson.
Jeremiah Eaton, staved one vear, and his courao-e ai-ave out.
George W. Dickinson, soon removed to Otisco; is now a
resident of Grand Papids.
There is little historic value in a further specification of in-
dividuals. 1833-1—5 had opened the way, and it is due to
those wlio were the pioneers, that their names should be a
part of the traditions. The i-eports sent back by these, caused
others to come, and it was comparatively an easy thing for
them to get along.
The colony did not neglect the wants of the young. As
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 53
early as tlie winter of 1834-5, Dr. Lincoln taught a school for
tliree months in a little building which he had for an office.
The next fall, Mason Ilearsey taught the first public school.
Amanda Yeomans kept the first summer school in 1836. She
was the first wife of Elder Cornell. She died in 1865, leavino-
the impress of a godly life.
The Christian people early began to hold ]mblic worship at
pi-ivate houses, reading sermons, etc., before the advent of the
one who, to use his own words, "had taken his life in his
hands, and come all the way from Ohio, to go into the back-
woods and preach the Gospel to the heathen."
This de^'oted luminary we will not here name. He was a
Methodist circuit preacher, and came to teach the heathen at
Ionia in 1835. He was a genuine specimen of the now ex-
tinct class — "■the roaring Methodist," with a voice like the,
" bulls of Baslian." He had zeal enough for a dozen preach-
ers, and lacked only brains and culture to have made him an
acceptable preacher to the aforesaid heathen. At one time
this missionary was roaring a hymn at a house where he was
stopping. Having exploded it through, he asked a young wo-
man present, if she sang. She told him she could, sing, but
did not. lie said to her, "Those who can sing, and don't,
should be made to sing." She snappishly replied, that those
who could not sins; without braviiii^: like a donkev, should be
made to hold their noise. He sighed at the display of human
depravity, and, in her presence, was afterwards unmusical.
Soon appeared, as herald of the gospel, Larmon (^hatfield,
then a yonng man. He was the pioneer ])reacher in many of
tlie tov/ns around; has always been identified with Ionia
county, and .the region around about it. Though not very
old, Mr. Chatfield is superannuated and l)roken, a wreck of
what he once was. As preacher and presiding elder, he spent
his years of active life with a people that now honor him as
the good man wdio did his best by example and precept to lead
others to a higher life. AVhat is left of Chatfield is at Port-
land. He is not what he once was — a man of vigor and mental
strength — but he is still the Christian gentleman, genial and
interesting when talking of scenes and events of long ago, but
54r MEMORIALS OF TUE
to wliom the present is a blank, leaving no trace on liis
memory.
Thy work is well done, Cliatfield, and thy Master is calling
thee !*
A postoffice was established in Ionia in 1835 ; Mr. Winsor,
postmaster.
STEPPING BACK A LITTLE.
In 1835, Ionia — what is now the whole county — first appears
in the political world as a town attached to Kent county. The
first town meeting was held at the house of Antoine Campau,
April 6th, 1835; Alfred Cornell, Moderator; William B.
Lincoln, Clerk. (Sworn by S. Dexter, Esq.) Elected:
Erastns Yeomans, Supervisor; William B. Lincoln, Clerk;
Franklin Clmbb, Gilbert Caswell, II. B. Libhart, Assessors;
Philo Bogue, John E. Morrison, Nathan Benjamin, Commis-
sioners of Highways; Samuel Dexter, John McKelvj^, Direc-
tors of Poor; Asa Spencer, Constable and Collector; Daniel
McKelyy, Constable.
At a special election, May 12th, called for that jDurpose, A.
Cornell, George Case, and John Mclvelyy were elected Com-
missioners of Common Schools; and William D. Moore, A.
Cornell, Jr., Nathaniel Soules, and AVilliam B. Lincoln were
elected Inspectors of Schools. This started the common
school system in Ionia county.
At the second township meeting — the last when Ionia was
attached to Kent county — the following ofiicers were elected :
J. C. Abel, Supervisor; J. E. Morrison, Clerk; J. Boyer,
Asa Bunnell, E. Yeomans, Assessors; Nathanial Soules, Con-
stable and Collector; I. Boyer, W. D. Moore, S. Dexter, Thos.
Cornell, Justices; Wm. S. Bogue, Lorenzo Dexter, Consta-
bles.
This meeting was held April 4th, 1836, the records say at
Ionia; but tradition says at Generauville. Joshua Boj'er was
Moderator.
In 1837, when Ionia consisted of two and a half tiers of
townships, the first year after the establishment of the county,
*Chatfield died in 1876.
GKAND EIVEK VALLEY. 55
Cjrus Lovell was elected Supervisor. Yotcd $50 to eiacourage
killing wolves; also $50 for the poor.
Skipping the special records of the succeeding elections, ^-e
will Simply give the Supervisors for a few years: 1838, Asa
Spencer; 1839, Cyrus Lovell; 1840, E. Yeomans.
Tn 1834, Mr. Dexter, much to the joy of the people, put in
u I'un of stones for grinding in his saw-mill. Before that, the
]>eople had either availed themselves of the aforesaid big coffee-
mill, or had gone to Pontiac or Gull Prairie, to mill; some-
times even carrying the grain on their shoulders. Incredible
as the last may appear, it is nevertheless true, that in some in-
stances it was done. In one instance, a man who had his grist
on his back, returning from Gull Prairie, was out in a snow-
storm, in which more than a foot of snow fell. He, however,
persevered, camped in the woods, and on the fifth day arrived
at his home, in the last stage of exhaustion. His wife had
given him up as dead, thinking he had perished in the storm,
and set out to find him, following the trail. Thrilled with joy,
she met him some miles from home. But so strong was the
revulsion of feeling that she could not eat of that fi)ur, pur-
chased at so terrible a price.
But in 1834, late in the season, they had a mill of their own.
The day when the first grist was ground, was observed as a
holiday. Everybody, his wife and all his children, were there,
to witness the great event, which showed them they were re-
lieved from the dread necessity of going forty miles to mill.
The first griGt ground belonged to Asa Spencer. It is reported
that it was tolled three times — first, by Dexter, then by Mather,
the miller, and last by John Dexter, because he thought the
tolling had not been done. Be this true or not, the story has
so floated down on the tide of time, aud was long used to illus-
trate the fixct that, while the mill was a God-send to the people,
it bid fair to be a good thing for the owner. This mill did
service for a number of years, and is remembered with grati-
tude by every old pioneer.
To Ionia — ^town and county — 1836 was a memorable year in
more senses than one. An element of Ionia's prosperity
wrought almost starvation. This year a Land Office M'as loca-
56 MEMORIALS OF THE
ted tliere, and the fever for. baying western lands on specula-
tion was running high. The rush of those greedy for lands
was immense, so that applicants were often obliged to wait
weeks before their turn would come. The othce was fairly be-
sieged b}' an elbowing crowd, each with his bag of specie,
clamorous for his chance. These must be fed and lodged
somehow. They ate the people out of their small stores of
provisions, and teams were dispatched to Pontiac for food. A
killing frost had destroyed the corn-crop and injured the pota-
toes. How the people wished the land-seekers had not such
appetites! As potato after potato disappeared down their
throats, the money looked mean, which they liberally paid.
Ox teams were dispatched to Detroit, and some of the earliest
sent were fortunate in their iournev. But in the winter the
trip was terrible. Hivers must be crossed, with the anchor ice
runnino'; and the a;rouiid was in such a state as to render the
transporting of a load, not impossible, but terribly dilhcult.
Thirty days would be consumed in a trip to Detroit. But pro-
visions mtist be had, and with almost incredible labor they got
them; and no one starved, though they ate vrhat was obtained
bv the sweat of their brows.
]S"otwithstanding what has been said, 1S3G was the big year;
for settlers, too numerous to particularize, came pouring in,
and of the right sort, too. To individualize would be invidious,
as this year closed with probably a tliousand people in Ionia
county. But it must be recollected that Ionia was then the
whole of Avliat was the next year the county.
Tlieu again, those wlio came in 1830 were not pioneei's.
Others had opened the way, and built saw-mills, a grist-mill;
had raised crops, and "the poor had the Gospel j^reachcd unto
them " by Monett.
But it is a noticeable fact that the men wlio have since been
looked up to, were the men of '36, or the years preceding. A
gentleman who was present at the raising of Alonzo Sessions'
house, and saw the group of young men who had come to-
gether, was forcibly struck by the impression that he had never
seen so line a lot of vouni»; men too-ether on such an occasion.
In fact, a disproportional part of the earliest settlers of Ionia
GKAXD RIVER VALLEY. 57
county were young men of talent and cliaracter. Tliev made an
impression Avliich has not been obliterated. This remark is
measurably true of most of the towns in the county, strikingly so
of Ionia; no town anywhere, for intellect and moral worth has
stood higher; the moral atnios])here has always been good,
and the dominant influence on the side of virtue. 'No place
has done more for education or religion than Ionia; and there
is no i^lace where it is easier to rally the people in a good
cause. For this, bless the early settlers. The time had come
when jS'ew England was not, as when she settled ''jS^ew Con-
neticut " or northern Ohio, cleansing herself of the worthless
part of her inhabitants. The time had come when the best
and most enterprising of her sons were looking to the West.
An Ohio man, some years ago, proposed as a toast, " Ohio
and Kentucky — the former settled by the oifscouring of New
England: the latter by the elite of Yirginia. See what free-
dom has done for the one, and slavery for the other." If, as
is true, Ohio was settled by those whom JS'ew England could
Avell spare, and its high civilization is a growth of an age, it
is not true of the Grand Kiver Yalley. Tlie time had come
when the flower of XewEno-land and AYestern ISTew York were
going to the West, as was deeply felt by those who were left
behind. Probably no AYestern State was settled by so good a
class of people as Michigan. Young as she is, her institutions
are being copied by the older States; and for civilization, re-
flnement and culture she need not blush in the presence of
old Massachusetts, which is the pioneer of American civiliza-
tion. ]\[assaehusetts is still fettered by some of her old ideas,
which the freer genius of Michigan has discarded; and there-
fore the strides of the young Michigan will be the more rapid.
But God bless the old ''Mother of States." A little conserv-
ative, as old people always are, she is a good, old motherly
State, and her children call her blessed.
But where are we? In Ionia, in 1S36. This 3'ear, in imita-
tion of older places, the 4th of July was celebrated; Alonzo
Sessions, orator, and Thomas Cornell, caterer, on the occasion.
Doubtless, the oration was good, for Mr. Sessions is not in the
habit of speaking unless he has something to say. But tradi-
58 MEMOKIALS OF THE
tion speaks not of liis oration, except that lie orated. But to
show that the ancients were not very different from the
moderns, while the intellectual feast is forgotten, the dimier
and the dance are still held in cherished remembrance. By
that dinner Mr. Cornell established his reputation, and the
dance is tJte one to which the grej veterans now look back as a
season when youth and beauty beguiled the hours in such a
way that the remembrance of it is a pleasure. They had not
a band of music, for all they could muster for the day's pa-
rade was a fife and drum. In the morning's divertisement they
had the strains of a backwoods Paganini — John Smitli — and
we will suppose that " soft eyes looked love to eyes that spoke
again," for that is nature. But, while the season was one of
social jollity, it was one where self-respect was preserved; they
were not dependent on artificial excitement; they were too
self-respecting to need or tolerate intoxicating drinks. When
the small hours of morning bade them seek their homes, all
were sober, all were happy.
That dance is one of the sweet remembrances of the " good
old times '' when social intercourse had a soul in it.
Passing 183G, the history of Ionia, for a series of years, is a
history of her losses of territory. Divided in 1837, by a north
and south line, into Ionia and Maple, and then shorn of one
township after another, we find her a simple town with a snug
little villao-e — the county seat — with a slow but steadv o-rowdi,
until the completion of the D. &M. railroad; then, instead of
being herself a tributary of Grand Papids,. she became the
central and market town of Ionia county.
Ionia has no natural advantages; it owes its existence, even as
a village, to the fact that on the arrival of the first settlers, the
Indians had a clearing^ which they obtained; and that being
nearly central, it was by the infant county made the county
seat, and to the location of the U. S. Land Office there. The
two last gave it a precedence over Lyons, which had some nat-
ural advantages. The prestige which it obtained by being tlie
center of public business, it has kept up; and business enter-
prise has not been lacking. She had the start of Lyons before
the railroad came, and the railroad left Lyons in the lurch.
GKAXD KIVEE VALLEY. 50
From the time that Ionia cut loose from her dependence on
Grand Rapids her progress has been steadily onward. Trade
received an impulse, some manufactories were started, and
wealth souo-ht investment there. Beautiful residences began
to adorn the hill-side and the plain; line churches arose; and
a noble school liouse — the pride of the place — crowned lie r
hill-top; and Ionia became a city. She is not, and cannot be
a great city; but it is, and will be, a place w^here people will
delight to locate for a pleasant, home-like vicinity. Ionia
jn-ides itself on the good order, moral worth and respectability
of the people. It is not a favorable place for the bands of
" bogus niggers" to exhibit; they are a little too self-respect-
ing for such. Temperance has a strong hold on the people;
though it must be confessed, some few people do drink on the
slv, or have some infirmitv that calls for medicine. A few
boys walk the streets with a cigar in their mouths; foi" it must
not be supposed that in a place as large as Ionia all will know
what belono-s to a gentleman, or that all the bovs have been
Avell brought up.
Ionia was incorporated as a village in 1855; as a city in
18T3.
TKADITIOXS OF lOXIA,
In 1842, a man got drunk at a tavern, and on his way home
fell from bis waoon and broke his neck. He was carried back
to the tavern; and his funeral held in the bar-room, in view
of all the display of what steals one's brains, and makes man
a brute. TheEev. Mr. Overheiser conducted the services.
As Mr. A. F. Bell has repented of all his vices, and reformed,
as we sincerely hope, we may be excused if we tell a story or
two of him in that time of his life, when, to use his own lan-
guage, "he had a fine chance for improvement."
There lived in the town, a Dr. Beckwith; quite a character
in his M-av, as mav be seen from his feasting the Lvonese.
Bell had mortally oiFended the Doctor; and in his wrath the
Doctor challenged him to settle the the aifair " according to
the code of honor." Bell accepted the challenge; chose pota-
toes for the weapons ; the place, the bridge across the Grand
Eiver, the parties standing at opposite ends and discharging
CO MEMORIALS OF THE
their missiles until honor was satisfied. With ineffable dis-
<^-ust. Beckwith refused to have anything to do with one, who
could show so blood-thirsty a spirit; and insist on such
iingentlenianly terms.
This same irrepressible Bell and another were once crossing
the Looking Glass River on a log, when a deer was floated against
it by the current. They seized the deer, held his head under
water, and drowned him. Having taken ofi" his skin, they car-
ried it on a pole between them to Lyons. On the way they met
a man, who was surprised to see them with a fresh deer skin, as
they had no gun. He asked them how they killed it. Bell
told him the facts in the case, but the man said, " Tell that to
some gi'een-horn that don't know anything." " That's just
what I did," was the cool answer.
In 1856, a beautiful little girl, seven years old, the daugh-
ter of- Page? went out riding on her pon}^, accompanied
by an older girl. In tlie principal street the saddle turned,
and the child hung by her foot in the stirrup. Frightened, she
screamed, which startled the pony, which, after dodging about
a moment, ran for the stable. The child's head was struck
against the side of the stable door, and she was killed. What
renders this peculiarly aggravating is, when the saddle turned,
and the pony was shj^ing here and there, a dozen men were near,
yet no one had the presence of mind or courage to fly to the
rescue and seize the beast.' Comment is needless.
The flrst wheat exported from Ionia was sent down the
river by Giles Isliam, in 1839 — 2,254 bushels.
The first birth in Ionia county was that of Eugene Winsor,
son of Darius Winsor, which happened in 1833.
Winsor has the credit of being the first born of white pa-
rents in the Grand liiver Yalley, but J^mily Slater got the
start of him by eight or nine years.
The following article is from the pen of one who knows
whereof he wrote, the Hon. Alonzo Sessions:
"No adequate idea can be formed of the difficulties and
dangers attending the first settlement of Ionia county, with-
out taking into account the condition at the time. It was a
GEAXD KIVEU VALLEV. CI
vast wilderness, a hundred miles distant from otlier settle-
ments, with no roads for communication in any direction, and
no possible chaimel for supplies but the circuitous, hazardous
and expensive water communication around the lakes and up
the Grand Jliver. The whole country was in the possession of
a strange and savage people, who would naturally regard the
new-comers as not entitled to a friendly welcome; with
abundant leisure, alwavs armed, and with sajyacitv enouo-h to
know that the incomers were at their mercv.
With scanty supplies; "with continued uncertainty as to ob-
taining more; "svith no slielter, exce])t the poor wigwams pro-
vided bv the Indians; with evervthino- to make and build
anew; with all the hazards of toil, exposure, sickness, suffer-
ing, starvation and death, they boldly took the risk, and con-
quered every obstacle. By kind treatment and honest dealing,
the Indians soon became friends, and often supplied the mate-
rial most in need when hunger came and ftimine threatened.
With a kindness or prodigality unknown among thrifty, cau-
tious people, they would divide their food, or part with all of
it, by turns, if the inducements were satisfactory. They often
became useful allies in navigating streams, and in other pur-
suits; and when the early settlers got in a condition to produce
a surplus of food, for a time after pay-day they were \qxx
good customers; and a limited commerce with them was con-
stant, and beneficial on both sides.
Under such circumstances, of course it was im230ssible for a
weak colony to make rapid progress. But men who had the
courage to make the attempt, were not the men to fail, and the
work progressed steadily from the outset. Fields were made
and planted; liouses, mills and barns were built, and the work
went gradually, but surely on; gathering numbers, tone,
strength and power to the present time.
The first settlers, like all pioneers, had a village, perhaps
city, in imagination in the immediate future, on their purchase,
and the location of the county-seat for some time became a
verv interestino- matter to them, and resulted in their tavor.
A stake was stuck in the ground and named "Ionia Center,"
thouirh not verv near the cei;ter of the countv.
62 MEMOEIAiS OF THE
Yery soon after the location of the county seat, the U. S.
Land Office was also moved there; and was the occasion of
great rejoicing, but it proved a very unfortunate thing for the
county. At the very time when the mania for speculating in
wild lands was raging, and the fever at its extreme height, the
Land Office was opened in the midst of an extensive tract of
the most valuable lands, just thrown upon the market, by offi-
cers so void of all sense of honor, as to practice daily, in open
daylight, the most bare-faced frauds upon poor men, that
desired small tracts to live on; and a criminal favoritism in the
interest of those who had money to bribe them, and to secure
large acres, to hold wild and waste.
Just at that time President Jackson's " Specie Circular "
came in force; and that enabled greedy officials to swindle
honest purchasers, in detail, and in bulk. It would require
too much space to describe all the methods of fraud and
swindling that were practiced, but a few of them will be given,
to-wit: The law required that each parcel of land should be
first offered at auction. The bids were required to be in writ-
ing, and placed in a box, previous to the day of sale. When
the time for final decision came, all bids were missing, except
the one put in by the favored one. Again, only gold or silver,
or the bills of a few favored banks were receivable for lands.
This was a surprise, sprung by the "specie circular;" and
many — in fact most poor men — came unprepared. The nearest
banks were at Detroit, 140 miles distant; and no road. A
broker's office, across the street from the Land Office, was a
good thing to have, for gold and silver was in demand at 10
per cent, premium. The broker's office sold specie while the
supply lasted; but gave out before noon and night. At night
and at noon boxes were seen to pass from the Land Office to
the broker's; and the specie, used to buy land was used twice
each day, and somebody pocketed 20 cents on each dollar of it
every day, and the money was taken from the pockets of those
that had no money to spare.
The result is soon told. Those who come to buy land to
make themselves homes, soon became disgusted, and left. It
may be wondered why they did not tear down the Land Office,
GEAXD Rn*ER VALLEY. 63
and tli3 office of the broker. But General Jackson was Presi-
dent, and " bj the Eternal " it might not have been safe. Tliey
left peaceably, and the speculators, as they are called, took the
land and held it from settlement and improvement. Some
])aid taxes upon it and others let it be sold for taxes ; and the
titles became mixed and doubtful, and careful men shun it.
Much remaining nncultivated and wild to-day.
The men who interfered to retard the settlement and improve-
ment of the county, probably had no such purpose. Most of
them are punished. But tlie fact remains — if they had kept
away, and left the land for those who needed it, and would have
made a good use of it, Ionia county would to-day be worth
double what it is, and would be second to no merely agricultu-
ral county in the State."
BAPTIST CnURCII IN IONIA.
The settlers in Ionia were not unmindful of their spiritual
needs, and as early as June, 1836, took the initiatory steps to
organize a church. Under the guidance of Elder E. Loomis,
agent of tlie American Home Mission Society, the prelim-
inary steps were taken to effect a church organization; steps
which resulted in the establishment of the " First Baptist
Church of Ionia; " which church is the "pioneer church" of
Ionia county, and, with the exception of the Mission Church
at Grand Rapids, the first in the Grand Kiver Yalley.
An interesting and extended history of this church has been
written and published by Dr. Lincoln, one of those who founded
the church, and who still lives as one of its venerated mem-
bers. From this history of the church l)y Lincoln, we con-
dense and select, to bring it within the province of this work,
the following particulars:
The first banded members of the preliminary organization
were :
Samuel Dexter, Erastus Yeomans, Alfred Cornell, and
their wives. June 24th, 1834.
At a meeting on the 23rd of August, Benjamin Barber was
received by letter, and W. B. Lincoln vv^as received as a candi-
date for baj)tism. At this meeting the church was organized.
64 MEMORIALS OF TIIK
The next meeting Lincoln was baptized, and was elected
chnrcli clerk.
On the 18th of Feb., 1837, the churcli met at the scliool
house in Dist. Xo. 1, and adopted articles of faith and cove-
nant, and received bj^ letter —
Geo. Dexter and wife, Wm. Wood and wife, Jeremiah Eaton,
Candis Dexter, Justus Barber, Mercy Smith, Delilah Clap-
saddle.
There also appear as members of the church, J. Eaton and
Robert S. Parks. At this date the membership was twenty.
In May, 1837, Elder Gangster, his wife and daughter united
with tlie church, and he became its pastor, in which relation
he continued until Aug., 1840, when he was succeeded by
Ilev. H. D. Buttolpli, who continued pastor until the close of
1844. In 1845, Elder Alfred Cornell became pastor, and con-
tinued in that relation seventeen years. During his time, a
house of worship was erected; the church recruited, and from
detachments from it, other churches were formed.
Since 1863 the churcli has been ministered to by J. II.
Morrison, two years; Elder Cornell, two years; Levi Parraely,
four years, during which time the new brick church was built;
J. ItOMdey, one year; Elder Deland (as supply for a time).
Present pastor, 1875, Rev. E. O. Taylor. Membership, 250.
Other churches may complain at the comparatively large
space given to the Baptist Church in Ionia. The reasons are,
it is the jpioneer church, and a warm-hearted member of it,
co)i mnore^ has furnished abundant material. A great major-
ity of the churches have failed to make any report at all ; and
of many, all that is said, is the gleaning of a sinner, who
made arrangements with some leading member of every church
for the particulars of its history. If any churches are not
noticed, it is from their owji tfxilure to interest themselves
in it.
LYONS.
It will be recollected that for a time Ionia county was all
one town, and attached to Kent county. In 1837, this big
GRAND KIYER VALLEY. 65
town was divided, and a tier and a lialf of towusliips on the
east were set off from Ionia, and organized as Maple. Maple,
in tr.rn, was shorn of her fair proportions by the organization
of towns, set off. What was left, in ISiO, dropping- the name
of ]\[aple, assumed that of Lyons, in compliment to the Hon.
Lncius Lyon, Avho figured prominently in the Gi'and Tliver
A'.dley in the earlier years of its history.
Those acant couriers of civilization, tlie Indian Traders, had
located there about 1S30. These were Louis Generan,
Brown, and Wm. Hunt ; the two last without their families.
Generan had identified himself with tlie Indians by taking an
Indian wife. He and Brown soon disappear from the scene.
Hunt, in ISol, l)ri)ng!it on his family, and lived and died at
Lyons.
There was also located there a lawyer by the name of Belcher,
with several men in liis employ or gang, ostensibly trading
with tlie Indians, Imt in realitv carrvino; on tlie manufacture
of " bogns." Belcher soon disappears, and they say that, hav-
ing commenced life in a way that gave him a fine chance to
improve, he has nnide good the ojiportunity; that be is not the
Belcher that headed a "bogus " gang at Lyons. I^o, no; that
was another fellow; no relation of bis, and he knows notbing
of him. Wisbino; to enconra^e all landable efforts for amend-
ment, we will not tell the name or whereabouts of that Belcher.
The first who, by bringing bis family, gave evidence that he
meant to stay, was Henry B. 'Lebhart. Mr. Hunt had been
there some time making np bis mind wlietber to settle or not,
and did afterwards take up bis pernnment residence, but not
until a year after Lebbart's appearance. Therefore, by com-
mon consent, Mr. L. was the pioneer settler. It will not be
M'ithouc interest to follow bim in his track.
Lebhart then (1833) was a young man of talent, with a wife
and young family. He came on in April, selected bis lands,
went back to ISTaples, Ontario countj^, N". Y., and came with
bis family, prepared to build a saw-mill, and was accompanied
by teams, bringing his traps in general and the machinery of
bis mill. He meant business. Some things be sent round
the lakes. They had to make their roads, and were over 20
5
66 ' MEMORIALS OF THE
days coming from Detroit. At what is now Lansingbnrg,
Shiawassee county, Lebhart left liis teams, and with two of his
horses, his wife and cliild, pushed on, folhjwing Indian trails,
and arrived at his chosen site, wdiere Lyons now is, July 4th,
1833 (a little more than two months after the arrival of the
lirst settlers at Ionia). Mrs. Lebhart, at the time of their
arrival, was in the last stage of exhaustion from fatigue. She
could not stand. She and her child were carried by the Indi-
ans to their settlement on the left bank of the river, and put in
the quarters of Belcher and his band. There she was laid on
a pile of bear-skins. Mrs. L. had before a slight acquaint-
ance with Belcher and his wife, and he acted a gentleman's
part in befriending her and hers while temporarily an inmate
of his house. The gang acted suspiciously, evidently feeling
that she was a spy on their conduct; and Belcher seemed de-
termined to protect her at all hazards, never leaving her a
moment unprotected. "Give the devil his due," is an old
proverb. Let Belcher be what he might, he was chivalrously
honorable in the execution of the charge he had undertaken.
There ^vere wran2:lino:s between him and his men on her ac-
count. She believed they wanted to kill her, especially after
they knew that she had found out their business. He never
left her and her child for five days, or until another shelter
was provided for them, and the teams had come in with their
provisions. They were supplied by the Indians,
While she, in her feeble, erxhausted state, was lying in
Belcher's cal)in, she was a great object of curiosity to the In-
dians, who were continually coming to see the " White Squaw.''
At one time she awoke, to be frightened by the sight of a big
Indian standing over her with a knife in his hand drawn back
behind him, as if ready to plunge it into her, he fixing his
eyes intently upon her; she screamed and fainted. Belcher
rushed to her side, and told her that he M-as a good Indian,
and that he was simply gazing at her with curiosity, and that
he merely happened to have his knife in his hand to cut some
tobacco. This afterwards she well knew was true — that he
was a good Indian — and a good friend he proved to be to the
" White Squaw."
GEAND EIVEE VALLEY. 67
The journey from Detroit was one of fearful hard sliips — cut-
ting roads, fording streams, building bridges, etc. The "mos-
quitoes were awful," bloodthirsty and unrelenting. Lebhart,
fearing liis wife and child could not endure much longer, left,
as before said, and pushed on, leaving tlie rest of the men to
endure the bardships of the journey, and to tight the irrelig-
ious, uncircumcised mosquitoes as best they could. Eut they
got through in a few days — a set of as tired sinners as ever
welcomed an Indian camp, or launched their curses at
" skeeters."
The child spoken of above is now ]\Irs. Ed. B. A.rmstrong,
of Saranac.
The first birth at Lyons was in 1834 — a son of Mrs. Lebhart,
wbicli died in a few days.
Lebhart and family lived in a tent until be bad got up the
saw-mill, and sawed boards for a bouse. The Lidians were
very kind, bringing pi'ovisions, etc. They bad only scant
clothing ; bringing only what they wore, sending the rest
around the lakes. Such clothes as they wore the}' got of the
Indians; thqir own did not come for two years,' and then all
spoiled. Their other goods came all right.
During the first year, Mrs. L. was chased by a big gray
wolf.
Mr. Lebhart was always a ]3rominent man at Lyons. He
was the pioneer Fourth of July orator of the "West ; at least
west of Pontiac. How the historian's pen would delight to
lino-er over the scenes of that dav. From the woods and
clearings the settlers had come in, in their best array, with
their wives and lassies, drawn by ox teams. The Indians,
knowing that the white people were going to have their big
" pow-wow," came out in all their paint and feathers to wit-
ness the scene. And, if we may credit mythology, the gods
of the sky and regions below were looking on in gaping expec-
tancy. Jupiter, in form of a big owl, was perched in the top
of a tree. Pluto, as an Indian, sat on a log near by; J^ep-
tuue, in the form of a big bull-frog, was in the edge of the
meadow, peeping out of a bog ; and anon be would lift his
voice and say " big thing ! " Mercury, in guise of a pigeon.
G8 MEMORIALS OF THE
sat on a tree, ready to carry the report to the assembled coun-
cil on Olympus. Yenus, as a young squaw, was squatted on
the ground, with Cupid, her fat pappoose on her back ; and
Mars, as a red-headed wood-pecker, was lazily clinging to the
side of a tree. The day wore on ; and this is (from memory),
the report of the next Olympian Chronicle: " The morning sun
was auspicious of a beautiful day for the celebration of the
anniversary of a nation's birth. Coincident with the first
glancing of the beams of the rising sun on the trees in the
east, the booming of an extemporized cannon (a bellows nose)
announced the sunrise of the glorious morning. The flag (six
l>andanna handkerchiefs) was floating in the wind. A barrel
of whisky was rolled out on the green. At ten o'clock the
meadow was alive with the denizens of the forest, who had
come to do honor to the occasion and the day. At eleven, the
procession was formed, marshaled by Bell, and headed by the
pioneer band — a fife and a jews-harp. Arrived at the stand,
the orator took up his glowing theme. Heport, if you please,
the chain-lightning. It is reported by the crashing thunder.
But on this occasion the celestial reporter was obliged to throw
down his pen, and, with the rest, join in the hand-clapping, and
the shouting, "Bully!'' Then followed the feast and the social
hilarity, when men and gods forgot all distinction, and on equal
terms commingled. Jupiter, an owl no longer, but an Indian
chief, tripped lightly in the dance with Mrs. Lebhart on the
green; Mercury, in the form of A. F. Bell, cavorted with the
young Indians, to the infinite delight of Yenus, who at the
time was playing the agreeable to Cocoosh. But why partic-
ularize? "When all were jovial, who was the jolliest? As the
sun, which, cloudless during the day, had admiringly looked on
the scene, was slowly and reluctantly descending to the west,
the crowd dispersed to their several homes. They mounted
their ox- wagons, cracked their whips, and shouted " Ge-lang!"
while the bellows-nose exploded in a farewell peal, which seemed
to be liberty's shout, "Long live America! long live Lyons!"
The accuracy of the above cannot be attested. Old Mercury,
the reporter, was given to story-telling, and had no more truth
in him than a modern reporter. This report is to be taken, as
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 69
Thncydides wisely remarks, ^^cum grano sails f which is freely
interpreted by putting your thumb on your nose and wagging
your little linger!
This was the first, but by no means the last or most memor-
able celebration of Independence at Lyons. One, a few years
later, " is still to memory dear." As a preliminary, we may state
that Dr. Beckwith had been made the butt of ridicule, through
a surreptitiously obtained letter of his to the " school-marm ;"
copies of whicli, to his intense disgust, and to the infinite
mirth of the Lyonese, had been posted on the trees and
fences. AYhen the "glorious 4th" came around, the Doctor,
to make them forget the joke at his expense, provided the
feast of the day. A beautiful dinner was spread, and all par-
took of the baked pigs, that had been seasoned with Croton
oil. History sometimes draws a veil — it vjill kindly do so
here.
Excuse digression. We will come back to 1833, during
which the company increased to 20 persons. Of these, were
AYm. Moore and family, among whom were two sons, William
and Daniel; JSTathan Benjamin, David Hunt, John Gee, John
Knox and family, and William Merrill.
William Hunt has before been spoken of. He came on to
stay in 1834. He lived in the village, kept a kind of a " stop-
ping place," where people could get something to eat, and
sleej) " heads and points " on the floor. He had no regular
business — -traded with the Indians a little, hunted bees, fished,
and did "odd jobs." He was a good, but not prominent citi-
zen. When Isham put up a better tavern, Hunt reniov^ed to
a farm three miles out of town, where he died about 1858.
His widow survived him about four years; she had long been
blind. His daughter Kuth was the first teacher in the town
of Keene. She married Benjamin Thompson, and "moved
West." Another daughter (from whom these facts are gleaned)
is now Mrs. Conner, of Easton.
A good story is told of these Hunt girls, and our friend
Blanchard, of Ionia. The girls, out blackberrying, treed a
hear. One of them stayed to keep him up the tree, while the
other ran to Eoof's oflice for help. Blanchard rallied several
70 MEMOEIALS OF THE
men, who, with dogs and guns, were at the spot in short order.
Finding the heroic girl had kept tlie hear treed, instead of
shooting him where he was, they wished to liave some sport.
So they, at first politely making their best bow to Bruin, iu-
vited him to come down, and play with the dogs. But he
only 23ut his paw to his nose, as much as to say., " I don't as-
sociate with dogs." They then tlirew clubs at him, but he
only growled. Blanchard said, "I'll bring him down." The
tree forked near the ground. Bruin was on one part, and
Blanchard, with a club, sprung up the other, and struck the
bear, they being on a level. Mr. Bear felt himself insulted;
and clinging with one paw to his limb, made a sweep with the
other at the one M'ho had desecrated his sacred nose. His
sweep was one inch too short to liit Blanchard; but it took
from him his vest and shirt; and the poor sinner hung to his
limb, not daring to move, about as scared a fellow as ever
bore the name of Blanchard. The others, seeing the predica-
ment, gave uj:) the idea of sport at the bear's expense, and
shot him, to Blanchard's infinite relief. He, Avhile there,
made a vow never to go into a tree again with* a bear; and
that vow has been religiously kept.
Talking of Blanchard, we will tell one more story, of wliich
he is one of the heroes and the narrator.
He was master of ceremonies at a pioneer wedding. The
event came off in a log house with but one room; and the
officiating ofiicer was a newly elected Justice of the Peace, who
had never seen any one married. Being a justice, he knew it
was his business to swear people, but he was saddly puzzled
as to wdiat kind of an oath to administer here. All were
ready, the couple had come down the ladder; were duly
paraded by Blanchard, and the justice placed before them. He
(the justice) stood hesitating; Blanchard nudged him, and
told him to proceed. He still stood as though petrified; B.
nudged him again, and told him to go ahead. The justice in
a loud voice said:
'' Mr. Jeremiah Hunt, hold up your hand. Do you swxar
by God Almighty that you take this woman for your wife?"
Answer. — " Yes."
GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 71
" Miss Ann Trip, do you swear by God Almighty that you
take this man for your husband?"'
Answer. — " Yes."
"Then I swear by God Ahnlglity that you are man and
wife; and God Ahiiighty's curse on the one that shall separate
you! Amen."
The historian has not told who that justice was. But he
was neither the first nor the last justice who was daunted out
of his wits, the first time he was called iipon to tie the knot
hymenial. The " humble speaker" knows that by his own "woful
experience. (See Harper's Magazine, 1863; Editor's Drawer.)
One story more, and we will dismiss the irrepressible
IManchard for the pi-esent. He and another fellow were
students with Roof. (We say " the other fellow," for fear Mr.
will be offended.) Mr. It. sent them to manage a
justice suit in another township. They started, and on their
way were full of their first cause. It was arranged between
them that Blan chard should examine the witnesses, and the
other should do the pleading. The suit was tried in a log house,
which was raised some feet from the ground; an open door on
each side. Young Blackstone got up to plead the cause, stand-
ino; with his back toward the door. He commenced "May it
please the Court, Sir! " And there stuck; spitting two or three
times, he said again: "May it please the Court, Slr!^'' step-
])ing back a step or two at the same time; but there he stuck
again. Growing desperate, he a third time exploded: "May
it please the Court, Sir!!'''' And stepping back again, fell
out of the door, turning a summersault as he went. Crawling
on his hands and knees, he stuck his head in the back door,
and said: " Go to hell with your old court! "
History moves slow when Blanchard is around. With him
on the brain, we got off" the track, and were guilty of at least
one anachronism; in our recollections of the report in the
" Olympic Chronicle," A. F. Bell was not, as an historical fact,
the one who fio-nred on that occasion, for he was not there, as
will be seen by what follows. But as it is just like him, and
the story is written, it shall stand. ^Xe hate to back down.
Fowler, in his chart of our head said, " self-esteem, vert/ large;
72 MEMORIALS OF THE
firmness, inordinate." Therefore we liave a character to sus-
tain, as well as the reputation of the phrenologist. We will
leave Lyons to itsetf until 1836. Some more settlers had, in
the meantime, pitched their tents, and there was beginning to
be the appearance of civilizatiou. 1836 was the year of a
general irruption of settlers and speculators into Ionia county.
The location of the Land Ofiice at Ionia, and the widely circu-
lated report of the character of the lands caused a rush, which
was almost inconceivable. This is spoken of in connection
with Ionia. Among those who, won by the fame of the new
Elysium, came on and pitched at Lyons, were Adam L. Roof,
a young lawyer, and A. F. Bell. They, with indefinite pur-
pose, found themselves in Michigan, at Jackson. Jackson was
then a shanty town, with little to invite their stay. Here they
o'ot news that the Land Ofiice was ffoino; to be removed to
Ionia, and they made^ up their minds to go there. They had
a boat built at Jackson, and put out down the river. About
ten miles down they found a jam of logs, which they got
around with the aid of some passing Indians. Tliey camped
in Eaton county, and in the night were much disturbed by
some mosquitoes, who came to "interview" them, and b}- tlie
serenaders that were out, probably to do them honor. But
th-ey — two inexperienced young lawyers — supposed the serena-
ders were hungry, and wanted them for supper. Just so the
kindest intentions are often misinterpreted. It may here be re-
marked that they recognized the voice of a panther among the
serenaders. Of those pmthers, more anon. A screech-owl
joined his unmelodlous voice in the general chorus of welcome.
That bird is singularly unfortunate, few admiring his music.
At times dragging their boat, and again floating in it,
camping on the bank at night, the fourth night found them at
Stone Ledge. On the 5th day they had their supreme terror.
They were boarded by a frightful "big Indian," who called out
" Quash-a-guni ! " Ball, who was saying his prayers at the
time, for fear had disposed his heart to prayer, pointed to his
gun; but the Indian pointed to the provision box, and made
signs that he was hungry. Without waiting to say "Amen, "
Bell gave the Indian. some food, and he left. Tliis Indian wa^
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 73
i6
Squa-gun, less frightful in character tlian in looks. He was
far from being an Adonis; more have mistaken him for Apol-
Ijon. When he left, the pallid fear and the voice of prayer
were changed to mirth, and jokes at each other's expense.
Bell complimented Roof on the alabaster whiteness of his
countenance, as becoming a youthful Appollo, and Roof, (the
sinner), said if he had Bell's pathos in j)i'ayer, he would
abandon the bar, and be a preacher. They shot a deer, and
secured the hams, as their larder was low, and went on to a hut,
occupied by a French trader, named Faro ; took a trail across
the bend of the river to Portland, leaving the canoe and bag-
gage with Faro, to be sent around by an Indian. At Portland
they found white men, and sung " Te Deum Laudamus." There
they attended a wedding — that of Joshua Boyer and Susan
Moore. Arrived at Lyons, and pleased with the aj)pearance of
things, they concluded to stay. About the time they arrived
the Indians had their " Green Corn Dance " and " Painted
Pole Dance," at which time they visited the graves, and made
their offerings to appease the Great SjDirit.
Lyons, or as it was called by the Indians, Cocoosh, was a
prairie — an Indian clearing of 1,100 acres, named after a
noted chief. Cocoosh was a negro, who, as a boy of twelve
years, was in the war of 1812, taken by the Indians. When
he grew up they made him a chief. He was buried on the
left bank of the river, in front of the Sons of Temperance
Hall. A picket fence, painted red, was around his grave.
Roof and Bell, finding no law wanted, shantied on the hill,
where Roof now resides, kept bachelor's hall, and turned their
attention to surveying — especially to the laying out of cities.
They, in company with Findley, laid out the city of Lyons, in
1837: platted about 1,000 acres. Taking Fred Hall as ax-
man, they platted eight cities in the wilderness. People had
found out where cities ought to be; but of all of them, Lyons
is the only one that ever rose to be a village. First, they laid
out New Burlington, in Clinton county, now a farm; second,
Clinton Salt Works, now a farm; third, Gratiot Salt Works, at
the bend of Maple River (now a good farm). Then Clinton
Centre, south of St. Johns (no village there). The fate of
74 MEMORIALS OF THE
the others was the same. The places refused to be ain^thing
more than a map. Lots were sold at the East in these prom-
ising embryo cities; and rueful were the looks of those who
came on to improve tlieir purchases. Tiiere were a good
many green ones in those times — the progenitors of those now
living. They would select from maps, lots in ''College
Square" or ''Arcade Street;" pay their money; take their
deeds, and come on to see and improve their lots. " College
Square " was a swamp, miles from a house; and "Arcade
Street " was a gully, with its muddy brook. Didn't they
swear! But who pitied the fools? Then it was that "Yankee
cuteness " was developing itself into " Michigan cussedness,"
and rapid was the development thereof Then it was that
"wildcat" money furnished the wind to blow up many a bub-
ble. How beautiful those bubbles were! But they were but
bubbles, and burst, of course. JSTothing was thought of but
land and loU. All were ffoing- to be rich. But when the
" Specie Circular " brought all up with a jerk, happy was he
who had an old horse and harness, or sometiiing called prop-
erty. The money afloat was useless, except to liglit a pipe.
The owners of lots would let them be sold for a six cents' tax.
Many were in the condition of the Irishman, who, passing a
])asture where a big bull was feeding, conceived the idea of
taking him by the horns and rubl)ing his nose in the dirt.
Full of the idea, he rolled on the ground, convulsed with
the wildest lauo-hter. Sprinffino; over the fence he seized the
horns of the bull. When all was over, he said, " It was well
I had my laugh before I got over the fence."
One word, on dismissing these surveyors, Roof, Bell and
Hall. The two first, after winning position at the bar, sunk
into the Legislature, and the last we hear of the third, he M'as
mayor of Ionia.
" Youthful hopes, and youthful i^romise,
Here see what they end in."
The specie circular, in 1S3T, found Lucius Lyon improving
the place. He was carrying out his schemes of building a
hotel, a dam, a bridge, etc. Gentle reader, have you e\'er, when
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 75
riding at full speed on a spirited lioi-se, liad liim come square
against a stump? Could you keep in the saddle, or did you find
yourself in tlie air, and then, bruised, bleeding, and devoid of
any feeling of manly dignity, crawling out of a mud-hole?'^
Lucius Lyon was, by the pressure of the times, obliged to aban-
don his wisely conceived schemes, and Lyons languished.
The splendid water-j^ower at Lyons was developed by degrees,
until it is one of the best in the State, and one which will make
Lyons a manufacturing town. Lucius Lyon began its devel-
opment. In 1856, Daniel Ball, having secured some interests
in Lyons, proposed to improv(} the water-power, provided the
citizens would take hold with him, and work for their own
interest. They came down to the tune of $S,000. The work
was undertaken, but came to a stand, when a number of the
citizens organized the "Lyons Water Power Company,"
bought out Ball's interest, completed the dam and race, so
that the water-power is a success.
The village was incorporated in 1857. A new charter was
secured in 1868. Its growth has been slow. Its visions of
greatness are things of the past, and the Lyonese are content
to be a village. They are proud of the unsurpassed loveliness
of the location, which attracts the eye of every passer-by. The
beauty of its scenery made it a competitor for the State
capital.
Ill the earlier yeare it was the rival of Ionia, and bid fair to
distance that place. But Ionia got the county-seat and the
Land Office; and Lyons was slow in developing the natural
advantage she had in her water-power. Then the railroad
came alono^, sroinor throuo-h Ionia, but leaving Lvons in the
back-o;round, and ffivino- occasion for the starting of the vil-
lages of Muir and Pewamo.
But we will not pity Lyons. "When that Vkj factory ga^'s,
up, she will snap her fingers at Muir, that now is sapping her
vitals.
MUIR.
Across the river from Lyons, whose location on the railroad
gave it a chance to rise, and whose existence \s, so much taken
from Lyons, is ]\Iuir. The following sketch, written by one
76 MEMORIALS OF THE
of her prominent citizens — A. Bjron Robinson, Esq. — will
give its history and its status in 1868. Succeeding events have
not necessitated any addition. This is copied from a business
directory of Muir, and has been approved as correct.
Tiie first settlers of the place were Dr. AY. Z. Blanchard, and
his son John C. Blanchard, who improved a farm there. It
was simply a farm until 1855. The village was incorporated
in 1871. For the rest, let Robinson speak of Muir:
SKETCH OF MUIK, IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
"Muir is situated on the Detroit & Milwaukee railroad, 117
miles Avest from Detroit, at the junction of the Maple and
Grand Rivers, and is the great lumber market for the vast pine
regions of Fish Creek, a tributary of Maple River. Tlie vil-
lage of Muir was first conceived, and some slight effort made
to develop a town in the year 1854, by the firm of Soule, Rob-
inson & Co., which then consisted of the late Ambrose L.
Soule, A. Byron Robinson and the Rev. Isaac Errett, who at
that time erected a large mill for the manufacture of pine
lumber, now known as the Begole Mill. The town was not
surveyed and platted until the summer of 1857, when the late
Richard L. Robinson and Benjamin Soule came into the firm,
and with renewed zeal and energy, the effort was then inade to
establish and develoj) a town at this point. The village was
accordingly surveyed and platted that spring, and at once be-
gan to assume proportions and rank among the towns of Ionia
county.
The village for a number of years, however, labored under
veiy great disadvantages. The original founder, Ambrose L.
Soule, a man of very great sagacity, business energy and
zeal, having been removed by death, in June, 1857, the whole
enterprise seemed to have received a stroke that would prove
fatal to the first conceived plan of operations, both in regard
to the town and the manufacture of lumber. But the impor-
tance of the interests of this point, and the general advantages
of the location, soon began to be felt, and from that time up to
the present, the place has had a stead}^, healthy growth, which
now brings it in direct competition with its more pretentious
ITT
GRAND EIVEE VALLEY. 77
rivals. The villa^^e numbers about 1,000 inhabitants, nearly
or quite one hundred buildings having been erected within tlie
last year, Avith the prospects of a very large increase tlie coining
year. The lumbering interest is the absorbing interest of the
town, there being now four large mills for the manufacture of
lumber, with a ca])acity of 20,000,000 feet per season, and a
prospect of more mills, soon to be erected, as the result of the
contemplated railroad from Marshall to Greenville, which has
been surveyed through this place, with every prospect of its
s}>eedy construction, the route having been found very favor-
able, and the citizens on the line having every assurance that
I)}" reasonable effort on their part, the whole road would at once
be placed under contract.
The village has four large dry goods stores, four groceiy
stores, two clothing, two crockery, one book, one hardware,
two drug, and three shoe stores. Also, one large shingle
manufactory, one large bakery, two livery stables, three black-
smith shops, a large flouring mill with a capacity of one hun-
dred baiTels per day, an extensive wagon manufactory, with
the full recpiisite number of eating saloons, restaurants,
etc., etc.
Tlie town has not been deficient in point of religious cul-
ture, their 1)eing a very large congregation of Discij^les, with
a splendid house for worship; also, a congregation of Presby-
terians and Methodists. The Presbyterians are now erecting
a very fine house for worship. The village is not incorpora-
ted, but a verj^ general feeling of harmony prevails, which,
havinop been faithfullv fostered and c:ired f'oi-, has given us
many of the advantages of a cor2:)oration, without the extra
taxation. We have a very fine public fountain in the sqnare;
also a verv comfortable svstem of sidewalks in our streets.
Our educational intei-ests are not what they might be, nor what
we hope they soon may be, our facilities for accommodating
the laro-e increase of scholars, within the last six or eight
months, being entirely inadequate. AYe have two buildings
and have a fully and completely organized graded school; but
our buildings are not what they should be for the large num-
ber of students in attendance. We liope soon, however, to be
78 MEMORIALS OF THE
second to no point in this important enterprise — tlie abundant
provision for the full and complete education of the youth of
this place.
Feeling that the importance of this point will compare favor-
ably with any other of the many v&ry desirable locations of
jSTorthern Michigan, those seeking new homes in the "West,
we feel confident cannot do better than make this a point for
observation. A. Bykon Robinson."
July 9, 1868.
West of Mnir, on the bluff near the railroad, are the ruins of
Jin intrenchraent, of which there is only a vague tradition. It
is a ditch encircling the brow of the hill on three sides, and is
neai'ly in the form of the letter C, the open side facing the
steep side of the hill, fronting the river. The length of the
ditch is ovei* 600 feet, and encircles the sides of the hill near
the top.
Old Cocoosh said there was a great battle between the resi-
dent Indians and a tribe who came from the Ohio River; that
the fight was on the plain, and that this intrenchment was for
defense. The position was well chosen, and could be easily
defended from an assault, but could stand no besieging, as it
had no water. It is a piece of Indian military engineering,
and is not bad — a kind of Bunker Hill affjiir. Give a man,
who has not learned how to surrender, a lot of men, who have
never been killed or whipped, and place them there, the
present writer would humbly beg to be excused from being
one of an attacking party, though perfectly willing, aided by
Gen. Thirst, to aid in its besieging.
This tradition is surely plausible. The ditch was never
made for anything but defense from a temporary danger. It
was probably a place for the women and children while the
braves were, day by day, fighting the thing through; and as a
a place to retire to at night.
The tradition is further, that the Southrons retired, having
got a bigger whipping than they came after.
PEWAMO.
There is in the to^vn of Lyons another village, incorporated
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 79
in 1871, and cnlled Pewamo; so named by John C. Blancliard
from an Ottawa chief, for M-liom he entertained a great respect.
Tlie village was laid out by Blancliard (father and son), Hamp-
ton Rich, Itobert Highan, and others, who purchased the
property of Messrs, INfosher and Hunt. The platting of the
village was coincident with the construction of the D. & M.
railroad. It is not expected to be a city; cities are played
out; but it is, and will be, a snug little village, a shipping
point, and place for local business. The public buildings are
three churches, three hotels ; and it has the usual complement of
stores, macliinic shops, etc. ; it has a flouring mill, and some
other machinery.
The first school in the township of Lyons was kept by Miss
Susan Moore, in a small log shanty built by Lebhart. This
M*as in 1834; she had five scholars. She, now the widow of
Judge Boyer, in a green old age, is living at Grand Rapids,
and her children and o-randchildren bless her name. God
bless the "school-marm," anyway, even when blessings are
scarce. One of them is worth a regiment of ftishionable ladies,
who live to be " supported ; " mere butterflies of fashion ; as
girls, a curse to father, always wanting money; a dead weight
on husband (poor man); and when dead, a nothing, but a name
on marble.
There's many a fine lady who will turn up her nose at plain
Mrs. Boyer. But Mrs. B. has done good in the world; Avhat
have 2^/<Ci/ done? The "school-marm" lives in many loving
hearts, and in time becomes idealized as a kind of divinity.
Again we say, God bless the "school-marm!"
At the time Lebhart came to Lyons, there was no settlement
nearer than Jackson. True, the same year brought settlers to
other points on the river. All was wild. The wild men of
the forest had their principal rendezvous at Cocoosh. The
Chiefs Cocoosh, Makatoket, Pewamo, Osaugee, Mukatebanee
and Okemose, centered there. For six months these were the
only associates of Lebhart and his wife. He lived to see
things changed, and died respected and lamented, March, 1874-.
Lebhart's name is attached to a creek in the town where he
put up the first mill. Let no sacrilegious innovator ever
change the name.
80 MEMORIALS OF THE
PORTLAND.
fn
Portland is situated at the junction of the Grand and Look-
ing Ghiss Rivers. It is one of the centers, from wliich civili-
zation radiated in the Grand River Valley; its occupation
being among the earliest.
It needed but simple common sense on the part of the early
explorers, to determine the fact, that at the mouth of the
Looking Glass River a town of more than common size would
grow up. That common sense would show them that the
Avhole force of both rivers was easily controllable; and that, in
Michigan, where there is a great water-power, a town is inev-
itable. Some towns locate themselves; others, like Ionia, are
located by man. jN^ature decided the fact that Portland 'must
be a place of im})ortance; man only discovered what nature
had decreed.
Portland is not so much a thing of the present, as an idea ;
a I'eality of the future. Neither a prophet, nor the son of a
prophet, but the grandson of a deacon, the writer predicts that
Portland will be the manulactnring town of the Grand River.
There the whole force of the two rivers can be readily con-
trolled, so as to use the waters of the Grand River three times,
and of the Looking Glass, twice. Railroads have given the
place communication with the world, and the water is clamor-
ing — " Put in the wheels."
Michigan manufactures are now mostlv in ivood. Cotton and
vwol will, bye and bye, not all be worked up in the Eastern
States. When the time comes that the noise of the spindle
and loom shall enliven Michigan, Portland will be one of the
manufacturing towns.
Bnt don't, when j'ou read these proj^hetic utterances, get your
ideas too high, and refuse to sell vfater-jDower unless for mil-
lions, and don't imagine that each village lot is a mine of gold.
There is land enough for a city as large as London, lying
all sprawled about in the vicinity, and tlie " good time coming"
is far in the future; your venerable head may lie low, and an
epitaph be over it, before the vision shall be reality. There-
fore, be content for a time to be a village, and to do a vil-
lage business. Your children may walk the streets of the
GEAND KIVF.ll VALLEY. 81
city of Portland, provided there is the spirit to encourage
the starting of some great manufacturing enterprise.
The same year that brought wliite settlers to other parts of
the Cirand River A'alley, determined some to settle at Port-
land, although none immediately settled there. Homes were
selected, to be occupied at a future day.
The first location of land was in 1833, by Elislia ]^ewman
— some two hundred acres — where the villa<j:e of Portland now
is. lie did not come on to occupy until 1830.
The first actual settler was an old man, Philo Bosrue, who
came with his family in 1S34. The same year were added
Joshua Boyer, John Milne (Mil'na), Abram Hunt, Thomas
Sliepard, Ezra Ferrin, and Chancellor Barringer.
Bomie soon died — in 1836. Milne, an intellio-ent and re-
spected farmer, also spent his life where he located. The rest
of the 1834-men moved away; Boyer to Grand Rapids, Sliep-
ard to England, Ferrin to California. Barringer, after opera-
ting at various places, disappears from the scene. 1835 added
Josiah Young, Geo. Dutton, AVm. II. Arms, Thomas G.
Barnum, Lambert B. Barnum, and Thomas White.
1836 added John P. Miner, "Wm. Dinsmore, David Brown,
John Knox, Asliur Ivil bourne, AVillard Brooks, Charles
Brooks, Almercn, James and Elisha I^ewman, and Samuel D.
Smith.
In 1837, came S. A. Miner, Charles Taylor, Wm. R. Chur-
chill (the first merchant), John Probart, Patrick Lawless, Abi-
jali R. Schotf and Win. Dinsmore.
1838, Alvah T. Way, Alfred D. Isham, Samuel Green and
Geo. Marcy.
1839, F. C. Kenny and David S. Soles.
We carry the advent of settlers no further. In what has
been given, Portland has been considered a center, and no at-
tempt has been made to set the individuals to their towns, as
the towns now are. Some of these persons are in Orange, and
some in Danby.
OEGANIZATIOX.
What is now Portland, Danby, and the East half of Or-
6
82 MEMOKIALS OF THE
aiige and Sebewa, was set off from Maple, and constituted a
town, in 1838. The first town meeting was at the house of
Joshna T>ojer, April 2d. Elected:
Ira Webster, Supervisor; Ahneron Kewman, Clerk; Samuel
Xortham, Almeron ITewman, Justices.
The records further show the names of —
Abijah F. Schoff, William D. Moore, Phineas Coe, Fosdik
11. Kilbourne, Chancellor Barringer, A, S. Wadsworth, Henrv
Smith, Charles Gott, William E,. Churchill, Samuel Sutlitf,
James Kewman, Samuel Freeman, John Milne, Robert Toan-
Portland Village was incorporated in 1869. The first char-
ter election was held at Schofield Hall, May 3d. Elected:
Robert B. Smith, President; James M. AVebster, Treasurer;
George Hill, Assessor; William W. Bogue, Almeron ISTewman,
Henry Bartow, Lorenzo K. Showman, AVilliam Dinsmore,
Milton Sawyer, Ti'ustees.
It is hardly necessary to say that, as Portland was a pioneer
settlement, they had the same privations, inconveniences and
hardships, that were so deeply felt at the other places — Lyons,
Ionia, Grand Rapids, Grand ville and Grand Haven.
Provisions were scarce, and purchased at almost fabulous
prices, and at times almost unattainable. In some instances
there was absolute starvation.
The first settlers were intelligent p3ople, and they had the
disposition to share each other's burdens. They were kindly
aided by the Indians, whom they soon learned to look upon as
friends. The fraternal feeling, that was the result of mutual
dependence, continues still. JSTow, when the dark days are
over, the old pioneers, when they get together, have many a
kind word to speak of " dnys, lang syne." Yet these were the
''dear old times." Not because of privation and trials; but
from the fact, that then soul met soul, and hearts and hands
were open. What says Solomon about a dinner of herbs'^
With him that was hearsay, and it seemed to him highly j)oetie.
The pioneers in the wilderness realize the whole of that. Ila!
the old sinners feel it now in their very bones, when they meet
one with whom they " roughed it " in the wilderness.
The development of Portland, further than making clear-
i
GRA^'D P.IVER VALLEY. 83
iiigs in the woods, properly begun with the coming of the
Newmans. The old gentleman bronght the dimes; and the
young men the enterprise to set those dimes to work. With
some $6,000 capital at their command, they set to work build-
in<T a mill. They dammed the Lookino; Glass; duo- a rac;;
some 60 rods long; erected a saw-mill — one of the old style
of sash mills, capable of cutting 3,000 feet in 24 hours; put
in a run of stones; and fixed things by December, so that the
settlers M'ere not obliged to go to Pontiac to mill. What
music to them was in the grating of those stones. Solomon's
concert at the dedication of the temple was nothing in com-
parison with it. Men, women and chiklren danced with delight,
Avhen they assembled to see the first grist ground; and Big
Injun said, " Uh!"
Soon after the Newmans, Abram S. Wads\yorth commenced
making improvements at Portland. In 1838, he bought out
Shepard, and divided his land into village lots, and began de-
veloping the water-power. lie built a dam across the Grand
Itiver, du2r a race and built a saw-mill. The dam went off
with the ice the fii-st spring. lie cobbled up his dam, and
built his mills, but never did anything with them. Wads-
worth was a man of enterprise, but lacked business sagacity.
He never brought his works to completion. He also did big
things at Grand Papids, Lyons and Grandville. But the re-
sult was, he spent a fortune of $60,000 or more, and died a
poor man.
He, discouraged, dismantled his mills at Portland, and sold
the runnino-^ofear to Newman. When Newman had set his
cardino:-machine ao-oini?, Wadsworth looked on; and as he saw
it making rolls, he said: " That is the first thing that succeeded
in Portland." Newman was a clothier, and his works were the
first of the kind west of Pontiac.
In 1837, Miss Jenny Berry opened the first school of 12 or
15 scholars, in a shanty where James street now is. She is
now the wife of William F. Jennison, of Eagle, Clinton
county.
Miss Knox, now Mrs. Adam L. Poof, of Lyons, taught the
first district school in a log school-house on the hill above the
railroad depot.
81 MEMORIALS OF THE
Tlie first reli2:ious meetino^s were conducted bv A. S. Wads-
worth, in Episcopal style.
The Methodists were the first preachers. The first sermon
was preached by Monette, a missionary from the Ohio Confer-
ence, in 1834; the service held in a lopj house on the west side
of the river, within a few rods of where the depot now is.
As Portland is one of the first places where Methodism got
a foothold, and its influence somewhat central, we shall, in con-
nection with the history of that church in this place, speak of
it in its relation to other parts of the Grand River Valley. In
doing this, we gladly avail ourselves of the well-done labors of
W. 11. Stone, Esq., of Portland, a man wdiose interest in a
cause which is dear to him, has led him, as a labor of love, to
trace the history of that church in the Portland vicinity.
AVhat follows is his, and mainly in his language; and to him
we would thankfully express our obligations:
At the time Monette came, there were but few families at
or near Portland. The field of labor assigned him was from
Shiawassee, on the east, to Grand Haven, inclusive. He trav-
ersed over this immense territory for a time on horseback. But
the countrj' was thinly settled, the people were pooi-, and it
soon became evident that the expense of keeping a horse could
hardly be met. Endowed with the true missionary spirit, he
adapted himself to circumstances, and, after disposing of his
horse, commenced his long, weary marches on foot, enduring
the privations incident to such a life. As if to try his other-
wise overtaxed energies, he was looked upon by some with
suspicion, and regarded as a worthless man, palming himself
oif upon the public as a jireacher, foi- the sake of gaining a
livelihood. His health failing, he was compelled to leave his
work before the close of the first year. He was succeeded by
Mr. Sebring. The less said about Sebring, the better. It is a
tradition of Portland that, somehow or other, Sebrino- diso-raced
himself and the cause he represented; and some of the older
people of Grand Papids have a faint recollection of riding a
Methodist minister out of town on a skeleton of a horse, with
a bundle of straw, dressed in woman's clothes, behind him.
But no one remembers the name of the said minister. Thev
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 85
only remember, in addition, that on leaving, he tlianhed them
for the lenient way they dealt with him, for he expected, and
knew he deserved, a coat of tar and feathers, and a rail instead
of a horse to ride on. Mr. Stone is here responsible only for
saying that Sebr'ing brouglit disgrace; the rest is from other
sources. ,
In 1836, Michigan Conference was formed with three dis-
tricts in Michigan and four in Ohio. In 184:0, the Ohio dis-
tricts were withdrawn, and the bounds of Michigan Confer-
ence restricted to the State. The new Conference of 18;3(!
sent Elder Mitchell to this field, wliich was known at that
time as the Orand River Circuit. He was a young man of
])ro!iiise, and was well received; but, like his predecessor,
remained oidy a short time. He was succeeded in 1838 by
two ministers — Larman Ciiattleld and Blowers. By mu-
tual ao'reement the work was divideil between the two men —
(yhatlield taking the northern part, and making his home at
Lyons, and Blowers the southern, including Portland. Up
to this time, preaching was had at very irregular intervals,
and no class had ever been formed. Duriiiir the vear a class
was formed by Elder Blowers, consisting of Herman Hull, his
mother, Mary Hull; Mrs. Stanton, the mother of Bobert But-
ton ; Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Sally Knox — the latter not a Metho-
dist; four members in full standing, and one honorary — a
Congregationalist. Mr. Hull was appointed class-leader.
About this time a loij school-house was built on the west
side of the Grand River. A school was opened, and the iiousc
used as a place of regular worship; services previously ha\ing
been held at the house of Mr. l^ogue.
This little beo-innino; must have seemed to the settlers like
the dawning of better days, shut in as they had been from the
outer world, and deprived of the religious and educational
privileges which contribute so largely to the sum and substance
of eartldy happiness. They endured many privations, of which
we doubtless have but a faint conception. The luxuries of life
were not theirs to enjoy. To the few Christian souls, "•beauti-
ful were the feet of those who heralded the Gospel of peace."
They did not, like the poor sinner who pens these lines,
86 MEMOEIALS OF THE
criticise tlie elocution of the man wlio stood before tliem as
God's messenger, but with thirsty souls they drank in the
word, and thouglit of it, yea prohted by it. (Stone is not re-
sponsible for the last lines).
In 1839, Grand Iliver Circuit was clianged to "Lyons
. Mission," and here commences the first official record of Meth-
odism in Portland; the previous history being almost purely
traditional. The work was supplied by Elder Chatlield, and
included De AVitt, Lyons, Ionia, and Portland as principal
points. They were visited in turn by their pastor, and con-
tributed their mite towards his support. During the first
year each of these places was favored with one quarterly
meeting; the first one in Portland being held the 2Sth and
20th of March, ISiO. These places were then in what was
known as the "Grand River District," which embraced a large
extent, including Flint, Saginaw, Lapeer, and all this section
of the State westward to Grand Haven. The Presiding Elder,
Elijah H. Pilcher, traveled over this immense field of labor on
horseback, much of tlie way through dense forests, guided only
bv marked trees or Indian trails. He was succeeded in 1843
by Elder Chatfield, who traveled nearly the same territory for
the four succeedino; vears. These men were often o-one from
their homes several weeks at a time, and must have sacrificed
almost entirely the comforts of home life.
In 1839, Chatfield was succeeded by Z. C. Brown and Levi
Warner, and these in turn by Allen Staples and Samuel Lap-
ham, in 1840. In the fall of 1841 the work was supplied by
William E. Bigelow and L. Chatfield, who, the following sea-
son oro'anized two Sabbath schools, the first on the circuit.
The following year, "Lyons Mission" was changed to "Ly-
ons Circuit." The log school-house at Portland was burned,
and a more pretentious building erected near the present site
of the north building. This was used as a place of worship
for many years, not only by the Methodists, but other denomi-
nations.
Thus, we have briefly sketched the first of four decades, into
which Methodism in Portland, and the region, may be divided.
Struggling into existence under the most adverse circum-
GEAND KIVEE VALLEY. 87
Stances, its rise and progress can hardly fail to elicit attention
and interest the minds of all. We, in different times, can but
feebly appreciate the trials of these Gospel pioneers.
Thus far we have pretty closely followed Mr. Stone, who has
done a good work, and put the denomination under obligation.
As his article has special reference to the church at Portland,
and was written for their special benefit, we cannot more than
condense what follows. But we do wish each church had as
good a historian.
Allowances made to ministers:
(Quarterage $200 00
Table expenses 85 00
House rent 30 00
Horse feed 20 00
Traveling expensss 5 00
Total $340 00
Making in all $680 for the support of two ministers and their
families.
In 1852 a parsonage was erected at Portland — the first pi-op-
erty owned by the denomination there.
In the fell of 1854, "Grand Piver District" was reorgan-
ized under the name of "Grand Papids District; " Eld. Pen-
field, P. E. "Lyons Circuit" was changed to "Portland Cir-
cuit." From the second decade, Methodism did not flourish;
but the membership had decreased. In 1860, the Portland
Society purchased an old school-house and fitted it up as a
chapel, which they used until 1866, at which time, increased
membership and increased means had enabled them to build
jmd dedicate their present house of worship, wdiicli cost $T,-
500.
Present membership, 250.
AVe have been more particular in speaking of the Metho-
dist church than we can afi^brd to be of the other churches, as
one of their members had given the means of tracing the early
history of the denomination in the region. Of this we availed
ourselves, saying much that was not particularly pertinent to
the individual church at Portland.
88 MEMORIALS OF THE
The Congregational Cliurcli was organized by tlie Rev.
L. M. S. Smitli, in 1842. In 1853, they built their church
edifice.
The Presbyterian Church dates frojn 1867. The Rev.
Augustus Marsh has been pastor since its organization.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1840, with eleven
members. The Rev. Moses Clark was the first pastor. Tlie
membership lias increased to 140. The Rev. A. Cornell is
in charge of it.
The IJniversalist Church was started in 1852, with ten
members, under the pastoral care of Rev. C. W. Knicker-
bocker. The cliurcli was dedicated in 1855.
October 24th, 180T, J. II. Wickwire started the Poi-tland
Advertisei', which in 1870, M'-as enhirged under the name
of Portland Ohserver, Joseph Bailey, editor.
The villao'e of Portland has made a fair beo'inninij. It has
already partially developed its fine water-power, and employed
it in manufactures. Besides its saw and grist mills, it has a
woolen factory, iron works, sash and blind factory, school fur-
niture factory, stone works, etc. It is something of a trading-
center. Several lawyers there attend to people's social ailments,
and several p]i_ysicians to those of their ]>liysical frames.. They
cherish their graded school; and they, respecting their present
condition, have faith in their future. And the nieak historian
must say, '' So have I."
BEKLIISr.
Berlin was first organized as Cass, in 1888 — a temporaiy
arrangement. For a particular statement of its limits, see
"Legislative History of the ('(jiinty."
The first meetino- for the oriJ-anization of Cass was held at
the house of Wm. Babcock, April 2d, 1838.
Ofiicers elected: A]nuzo Sessions, Supervisor; John E. Mor-
rison, Clerk; Philo Bates, John E. Morrison, Wm. B. Lincoln,
Alonzo Sessions, Justices.
The number of votes was 33.
The town of Cass existed four years, when, reduced to its
present dimensions, the name was changed to Berlin; and tlie
GEAXD RR-ER VALLEY. 89
first election under the new arrangement was held at the liouse
of AVm. Eddy, April 4th, 1842. The whole number of votes
was 53.
John E. Morrison, Supervisor; Geo. C. Overheiser, Clerk;
Geo. Townsend, Herman Babeock, Justices.
In what follows we are mainly indebted to the Hon. Alonzo
Sessions, both for material and lani^uage. He furnished co-
pious notes on the town, kindly giving the privilege of making
such use of them as we chose. In o-eneral, his lano^uao-e is
adopted.
In October, 1833, Alonzo Sessions spent several days within
the present limits of Berlin. Then the marks of the surveyor
were the only indication it had ever been seen by civilized
man.
In Xovember of that year, John E. Morrison came from
Oakland countv, and erected his ]o^ cabin in the northeast
corner of the town, opposite to, and within half a mile of the
present limits of Ionia City. In his cabin he put his wife
and child, and with his axe he went to woi'k, and made him-
self a good home.
After the county was organized, lie was the lirst county
treasurer. He was a practical surveyor; was the first clerk of
Cass; was several times supervisor, clerk, justice of the peace,
etc. Mr. M. is still living just across the line in Ionia. He
has seen something of the world besides, hiiving spent one
winter in Texas, a year or more in California, taking the haz-
ards of the overland route. Two years or more with his
family in Tennessee, after the war was over, convinced him
there is no place like home; and he returned to live and die
near where his friends are, and where his valuable life-work
has been done.
In October, 1833, Alonzo and Job S. Sessions came from
Xew York to Detroit, then by way of Macomb, Oakland, Liv-
ingston, Shiawassee and Clinton, on foot to Ionia. West of
the Huron Biver the countiy was an unbroken wilderness —
the only road an Indian trail. Before leaving the border set-
tlements, they procured a supply of raw pork and bread, upon
which they subsisted, wdiile they lodged upon the ground, with
no shelter but the trees.
90 MEMORIALS OF THE
At that time there were three loo- cabins in Ionia partially
completed and inhabited. That farthest west was occupied by
Judge Yeomans, with wlioni they got lodgings while pros-
"j)ecting for land. After deciding to locate in Berlin, they
floated down Grand River in a batteau (which the judge had
laboriously managed to get as far up as Ionia, loaded with
provisions for the new settlers, and desired to have delivered
to the owner at Grand Rapids), stopping over night with
llix Robinson, at the trading post below the Tliornapple, and
reaching the Rapids in season for dinner the next day. Tiie
remainder of the distance to the Land Office at White Pigeon
was made on foot. The camp the first night was at Ball's
Prairie, in Barry county.
As without tools, teams, seed and provisions, they could do
nothing towards developing the land they had secured, and as
their money was gone for land and in expenses, they went to
work to earn monev with which to make a beginning. Alonzo
went to Ohio and taught school, while Job remained in Michi-
gan, working on a farm. As wages were low, nearly two years
passed by before they were in condition to return. It was in
June, 1S35, that the}' commenced to make for themselves homes
in Berlin.
Alonzo Sessions left Dayton, Ohio, on the 25th of May.
There are some incidents connected with the journey, that may
interest those only used to modern facilities fur travel. lie
purchased two horses, on one of which he packed his two
trunks; on the other he rode; changing from the one to the
other to equalize their labor. Traveling northward, along the
Miami river, and frequently fording it, he soon entered a dense
and nearly unbroken wilderness, where there was only here
and there a settler. In places there were no roads, and scarcely
a trail. It was raining daily, and every river, creek and bayou
was full and overflowing. Many of the latter were more diffi-
cult to cross than the rivers, being more swollen and muddy.
In places, canoes were found at the crossings; but more fre-
quently he crossed on the back of one horse while leading the
other. In this way he made his way to Defiance, several times
swimming the rivers. At Defiance his troubles and dangers
GKAXD KIVER VALLEY. 01
were not ended. The only -way to get into Michigan tlien, was
to go down the river troni Defiance by way of Perrysburg;
and there were swollen creeks, without bridges, in abundance.
From Perrysburg he rode to Ypsilanti, where he met his
l»rother, left his trunks, and both started for Berlin on horse-
hack. At Marshall, they turned north, slept at Bellevue; and
rt>de through a dense, unbroken forest, where there was neither
road nor trail, yet swamps in abundance. Their weary journey
ended by arriving at Ionia on the 11th of June.
They immediately went to work on their land; planted some,
hired team and tools, put about ten acres of land in condition,
and sowed whejit upon it early in September.
In November, Alonzo Sessions built the second log cabin in
Berlin, and in 1837 he built the first frame barn. He has been
much in public life, for which, see the article that accompanies
his portrait.
Job Sessions came to Berlin with his brother in 1835. He
brought no money with him, or other means, hut he had
industry, strength and courage. He cleared and improved two
good farms, and after putting them in good condition to live
on, sold out and went to Spring Lake. He was several years
treasurer of Berlin. He did his full share in opening and
making roads and bridges; and in all the privations, labors,
struggles, disappointments and progress of pioneer life man-
fully performed his part, and bore his full share.
Amasa Sessions came to Berlin in 1836, and made a begin-
ning in the dense forest, on sections 3 and 4-, about one mile
south of the river. He had very little to begin with, except
his hands and a stout heart, a strong will and unyielding pur-
pose. He made one of the best farms in the county; put
everything in order, knew how to keep them so, and accumu-
lated money. He was several times supervisor, justice, etc.,
discharging every duty honestly and faithfully; and has, as
he deserves, the respect and confidence of every one that
knows him.
William Reed came in about the same time, and built a
cabin on section 3. He had a small family, and but little else.
He was a man of more than common force and energy. What
&^
MEMORIALS OF THE
lie undertook he accomplished. lie made two good farms in
Berlin, with valuable buildings complete; and was still at
work with unabated energy and courage, when lie unfortu-
nately met a sudden death by the hand of a temporary tenant
on his farm. His oldest son, William, has made a good farm
near his father's, and is one of the most valuable, thriving and
wide-awake men in town.
William Babcock came to Berlin in 1836, from Ontario
county, I^ew York. Being past middle age, he had accumu-
lated property in New York. For particulars of Mr. B., see
biographical notice accompanying his portrait. Mrs. Babcock
was a model wife and mother, and she had only to live to make
all dependent on her prosperous and happy. Too soon she
went to her grave, and the Deacon never married again; he
soon left his tarm, became his own executor, and died in 1871
at Ionia, aged 88. His three youngest sons are still living
in Berlin — all men of more than ordinary intelligence, who
have earned and secured the respect and confidence of all who
know them.
In the spring of 1836, Elisha Doty came to Berlin to live.
He built a small frame house — the first in the town. About
the same time his three sons — Charles, William and Allen —
came in. William is the only one of the four now living.
Eleazur Murray came about the same time, and is still resi-
dent in the township. He brought very little with him exce])t
a young family, mostly girls. But he had industry, energy
and courage. He has made a good home for himself and fiim-
ily, and has been one of the most useful citizens.
George II. Coe came into Berlin in 1839, and built a cabin
on Sec. 3, where he still resides. He came poor, but has made
a good farm ; has children grown up as useful citizens. He
has secured for himself the confidence and respect of all who
know him, and still has the prospect of many useful years
ahead.
David Woodruff" came at about the same time, and from the
same place, as Mr. Coe, He was absent a few years, as a pio-
neer in Montcalm county, but returned, and has been one of
the most useful and valuable citizens.
GEAXD RIVER VALLEY. 03
A little later came Solomon Tanner, who was a natural pio-
neer. Born in the woods, he had made his mark in New York
and in Eastern Miclu'o-an l)etbre he came to Berlin. He knew
how to use an axe, a handspike, oxen, etc.; and he has left a
very plain mark in Berlin. He did too much logging alone;
and just when he had got a good farm, good buildings, and
evcrvthing comfortable around him, he became sick, sent for
a doctor, (of what school, Mr. S.?) and had to leave. He was
a quiet, peaceable, unassuming, vet energetic, thorough man;
attending to his own business faitlifully, and performing every
duty with fidelity and promptness. He had the confidence of
all who knew him.
Xelson Beekwith came in 1S3T, and settled on the north
j)art of section T. He was poor, and with his young wife went
into his log-cabin before it was completed. He was handy
witli tools; had more than usual perseverance and industry, and
niadehimself a good, comfortable home. He built a good house,
and was in circumstances to enjoy what he had earned; with
liis children around him, and with good prospects for the future.
15ut in the night, when all were in bed, his house took fire.
In his efforts to save his children from the flames, he perished
Avith the child that he gave his life to save. His widow and
survivino^ children are still in Berlin.
Robert F. Hall came about the same time, put up a frame
shanty, and made some improvement on section 6. He liad
no family, but lived alone and made what headway he could,
until one fatal day, in an attempt to cross Grand River — it is
not known precisely how or when — he was drowned. His
Itody was found some time after, floating in the stream. He
Avas put down deep in the soil, and all his hopes, plans and
expectations were buried with him.
Abraham Eddy came in 1837. He was a middle-aged man,
])Oor, with a large family, some of them grown, and none A'ery
vouno;. He commenced on 40 acres at the so nth west corner
of section 2, which he cleared, and to which he added more
land, good buildings, and all needed improvements. He made
]iionev; settled his children around and near him; lived to see
them prosperous, and died quietly, in March, 1875, at the age
of 88. ■
94 MEMORIALS OF THE
Jolni W. Young settled on section 2 at about the same time;
made many improvements, but was compelled by ill-health to
give up farming. He now lives in Ionia.
Lyman Simmons, at about the same time, settled on a lot of
timbered land on section 11. Yery few. of our early settlers
have had more to contend with, or more to discourage them
than Mr. Simmons. But his industr}^ energy and courage-
have been equal to every emergency, and very few men in
Michigan, or in any other new country, can show better re-
sults for the time and labor expended, than he can. His farm,
his buildings, liis orchards, and finally, everything about him
are models of comfort, neatness and thrift.
One of the most enterprising and valuable of the early set-
tlers of Berlin was Dr. William B. Lincoln. He came to
Ionia (as noted elsewhere) in 1833 ; and peddled the first pills
that did execution in the county. Xot finding enough to do
in Ionia, he bought a lot on Sec. 11, in Berlin. The Doctor
was industrious, and handy with tools, a true Yankee
in energ}' and thrift; and in the intervals of time, when his
professional services were not in demand, made and mended
boots and shoes; made doors and sash, or did any useful work
that came in his way; among other things, serving the public
as Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace. Tlie Doctor got a
xrood farm well under wav, when his father came on from Yer-
mont and took his place, he returning to Ionia. He was a
good, kind, attentive and humane physician ; no obstacle could
keep him from his duty to the sick, and hundreds are living
to appreciate and testify to his kind care and devotion in their
time of sickness and danger.
Some time about 1812, Joshua Clark and his son, Edward
O. Clark, came to Berlin and made a home on Sec. 33. They
came from Kew York at a very early day, had previously
lived some time in Marshall and !Niles. Joshua was well
along in years, but was a man of extraoi'dinary industry and
energy; had too much ambition for his strength; was a first-
rate mechanic, understood his trade, and was too honest to
slight his work. Though his constitution was weakened by
sickness, and lie was seldom well, he accomplished wonders,
J
GRAND EIVEK VALI-ET. 95
and all that he did was done well. After clearing up a farm
in Berlin, they went to Orange, made a good farm there, sold
out and went to Saranac, where the old man died at the age of
78. Edward O. lived mostly with his father, until his death,
and is now in business in Ionia. He married Olivia, daughter
of Deacon Babcock. Harriet, the second daughter, married
Joseph M. Babcock, in Berlin. Mrs. Clark was a model
woman, wife and mother. She died in Ionia in June, 1872,
ao;ed 79 vears.
I am about to speak of two of the early settlers in Berlin
that have displayed extraordinary energy and thrift iindei-
circumstances of discouragement. Joseph Howard, a poor
Englishman, and much poorer cobbler, came in 1843, put up a
poor log shanty on land not his own, by mistake; yet near his
cabin he had the misfortune, as was thought, to own the poor-
est 40 acres in town. He had a wife, and family of small
children, and nothing else. But she was a good woman and
a help, and they took hold together. The children were made
useful, and taught to do what they could. They worked hard,
lived cheap, earned and saved until the poor 40 acres was made
productive, 65 acres more added, and all brought into good
condition; good buildings erected, money saved and loaned on
interest. Joseph lost his good wife, retired from business, and
his son William reigns in his stead, the worthy son of a v/or-
thy sire.
The other was Henry P. Gates, who came from the Iloosier
State in 1845, to escape the sickness which he and his family
were subject to the whole time they were there. He had a
wife and several small children, a pair of scallywag steers, and
a miserable old wagon, and that was all. He traded all, ex-
cept his wife and children, for a fraction of a little over 50
acres on section 5, being part swamp, and the balance side-hill,
balancina: the account with his note. He had Yankee blood
in him, and knew how to work fast and well. He was bv
nature industrious, faithful and honest; and with health came
energy and effort, and finally success. He has purchased 80
acres more land; has made a good farm with good buildings,
and is living with his family in comfort and peace; and may
long live to enjoy the fruits of an active and useful life.
96 MEMORIALS OF THE
Thus far we have closely followed Mr, Sessions. With liim
the work was done con amove. The author is feelingly aware
that his work would be more valuable if every town had its
man, who could so appreciatingly " tell what he knew."
ADDITIONAL.
Among the earliest settlers in the town may be placed, Philo
Bates (just over the line, in Ionia), Benjamin D. Brand, Wm.
Heed, Nathan and AVilliam Pierce (1837), ]S[elson Beckwith
and Wm. Elvert. In the spring of 1838, Beuben W. Stevens
and Luke Howard. Mrs. Taylor (over the line, in Ionia) states
that they came from Washtenaw county, in the winter of
'37-8. They came in the winter because then they could cross
the streams on the ice. They brought a family of six children.
Their journey lasted six weeks; and they thought they had a
good time. Their goods were brought through by ox teams.
It took about all they had to get through. They were soon
very happy in a log cabin ; managed to get something to eat.
Mr. Taylor died in Feb. 1871, aged 79 years.
Let us listen to the yarn of that son of Erin in South Ber-
lin, whose line farm and i>-ood liouse show the result of his
enterprise; and whose frank cordiality invites confidence and
respect — Francis Humphreys.
He came to Berlin from Boston, Mass., in the spring of 1839;
having left Ireland fourteen years before. He came to Bellevue ;
and then the problem was how to get on to Berlin. There
was no road or track; the woods were dense, and no one there
would attempt the job of forwarding them. But he was en-
couraged by being told that there was a man several miles
north of Vermontville, who might possibly be secured — Mr.
Peter Kinny. Humphreys left his wife, and went to seek
Kinny. On the way, at night, he was treed Ijy wolves, who
tried to get at him. He fired at them with his pistols, and had
the satisfiiction of hurting some of them. Early in the morn-
ing, benumbed with cold, and hungry, he got down from his
perch, where he had passed a sleepless night; came on, and
found his man. Kinny was in bed, but got up, received him
kindly, and seeing that he was famished with cold and hunger,
told him to lie down on the bed and get a little sleep if possi-
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 97
ble, wliile lie got liim some breakfast. An arrangement was
made with Kinnv, whom he soon took a likino- to, to ffo back
to Bellevue, get his family and goods (abont 16 cwt.), and go
tlirough to Berlin for $40. Kinny, with two yoke of oxen,
went back for-the load; and got to Yermontyille in five days.
Nothing serions occnrred so far; bnt here commenced the tag
of war. Tlic hardships of tliat jonrney were almost incredible;
tugging tlirougli swamps, cutting out trees, getting across
streams; in some instances beino- oblio-ed to take the wao-on
apart, and carry that and tiie load piece-meal across a swamp,
often not making half a mile in a day. Snow fell during the
time and the cold sleety storms caused suffering in addition tu
their exhanstiiig labor. Serenaded at night by wolves, tired,
cold and wet, for live weeks they struggled on — and got
through. It cost Kinny his life; he was so used up he never
recovered. This is pioneering.
To further show how people lived and fared, take the case
of Zopher Alderman and his family; and it may be observed
there is nothing unique in it. There is a sameness in old set-
tlers' stories. What is said of a settler in one town, may be
safely predicated as having been tlie experience of those in
others. We have thrown in a characteristic trial or adventure
— some here and som.e there. Combine them, and suppose
they all occurred in one town, and the picture would be true — •
a picture of pioneer life.
But to Mr Alderman. He came with his family from De-
troit to Ionia. He was fifty-five years old ; had a wife and
eight children — from twenty-four years down. He had pre-
viously bought eighty acres of land. A yoke of oxen and tw'o
cows were about all the property he had. Still vigorous, and
able to endure the hardest labor, he and his boys " pitched
in; " cut and cleared twelve acres; chopped six more; work-
ing for others for something to eat. Tliey soon had food of
their own raising; but clothes and a little money for taxes
came hard., to. say the least. A son of Mr. Alderman, now re-
siding in South Berlin, says, that one pair of linen shirts lasted
him two years; mended and re-mended by every available kind
of cloth, they did service until, patch tipon patch, they were
7
08 MEM0EIAL5 OF THE
curiosities. Taxes were a triglit, for tliey must be moneij.
Labor would command food, but not money; and 'the money
must be ffot, cost what it would. Jobs w^ere let by the towns
to make roads across the SAvamps. The roads were of two
kinds, the 'M'ail-road" and the " loi^-road." The rail-road
was made by grubbing out a track, covering it with s])lit rails,
and putting on the rails eight inches of dirt; tlie log-roads, by
lavino- down loo's as striuo-ers, and covering the track with
logs, putting on the same amount of earth. There would be
tierce competition for these jobs, which were casJi. Mr. A.
states that he and others have taken these jobs — rail-road at
ten cents, and log-road at twenty -five cents a rod; where, by
the hardest labor, workimj; early and late, a man witli a yoke
of oxen could earn twenty-five cents a day. That seems up-
hill business, but such things are not the hardest a pioneer has
to submit to. Think of a man taking a bag of wheat on his
shoulder, and going forty miles to mill; returning, wading in
the snow — a four days' trip — which was done in Ionia county.
That "your humble speaker" would not have done. lie
would have done as Mr. Alderman did — make a big mortar,
and bruise the grain, content to eat for life; and not be so
particular to have flour biscuit, purchased at so dear a rate.
William Babcock, when he came on, was 62 years old. He
brought his wife and eight children, and took up "land enough
to give each of them a farm." His five boys and three girls
were, Julius, Hiram, Joseph, Ilenrj^, Marcus, Dolly, Lucy and
Elizabeth. There w^as another son, but he never liv^ed much
in Ionia county, so he is not counted. He would, if counted,
make nine. Julius died at Lowell, a farmer, in ISoS. Hiram,
Joseph and Marcus are in Berlin, and Henry in Ionia. They
are all too young to have half done their life-work. Dolly,
wdien she came on, was the thii-d wife of Philo Bates. She is
now the wife of the Bev. Georo'o C Overheiser, of Ionia.
Lucy now lives, the wife of Ed. O. Clark, of Ionia. Elizabeth
is also in Ionia, the Mate of Harvey Harter; all still livino- after
forty years, and all in one vicinity. Had they been Yankees,
one would have been in Texas, another in Oregon, a third in
Kansas; but here they all keep together, and it is to be ho]:)ed
that they do it from "natural affinity."
GEAKD ElVEK VALLEY. 99
Pliilo Bates (over the line, in Ionia), having been much mar-
ried, brono:lit on considerable of a tamilv. His danjrhter liar-
riet married Dr. Gorham and H. H. Smith (not both at once),
and resides in Jackson.
Orpha died in Jackson, the wife of H. Lathrop. Susan is
in Jackson, the wife of C. Knickerbocker. "William P. and
Pliilo live in Ionia.
Philo Bates, Sr., died in 1838.
Benjamin Brand, who is mentioned as a pioneer, soon re-
moved to Orange, where he lived a substantial farmer. lie
died in 1871.
William Elvert is still resident in Berlin.
Edward Butler was killed bv a fall from a wagon in 1873.
He was an earlj settler — a very worthy man.
On the farm of Alonzo Sessions is a " congeries " of minei'ai
springs, one of them chalybeate, and another '' white sulphur.'"
If the " mineral spring" business had not been so fully played,
there are no places better fitted to start the excitement than
Dauby and Berlin. Danby with her chalybeate, and Berlin
with her " white sulphur " waters. The spring on Mr. Ses-
sions' land may be taken as the sure indication that gypsum
underlies that region ; whether available or not, only explora-
tion' can tell.
BOSTOX.
The settlement of Boston dates from 1837. when Worcester
English, Timothy White, Jesse Williams, Cyprian S. Hooker,
James Hoag, Moses M. Gould, Jeremiah Stannard, Orman
Hunt, David Whitney, Becket Chapman, James M. Talent,
and Albert Clement, located themselves in the part of the town
of Cass which is now Boston.
They were followed, in 1838, by Pile}' and Diocletian Hess,
and Jared Stocking-.
In 1839 was added, as far as can be ascertained, Marvil
Church.
1810 brought in Pichard Yosper, Edson English, Sylvester
Train, Stephen Xute and Edward Carveth.
For some years but fevr settlers came in. About 1816, the
100 MEMORIALS OF THE
town began to fill up, and was tlien rapidly settled. Retnrn-
ino;, we will individoally trace these pioneers.
Some of them, in green old age, are still where they hewed
ont for themselves a home in the woods; but not now "wid
axe on the shonlder away to the woods," iN^o, no; they are
(jnietly smoking their meerschanms in the doors of their
painted houses, looking over their broad acres, where " lowing
herds " and "waving grain " give promise of beef, bread, and
a piano. Yes, fat, hale and jolly, these old fellows and their
" vrouws" are enjoying their homes; cracking their jokes
with their grand-children; telling them bear and wolf stories;
spinning yarns about Indians; talking over "old times" with
each other, and must it be said— sio-hino- for the "i>;ood old
days," when a log house was their palace; a wood-chuck their
dinner; a shingle-bolt their chair, and when they went up a
ladder to their rest under the roof, to sleep, serenaded by
wolves, owls and katydids. But such is " poor human nature."
The nigher to savage we are, the happier; the less thought, the
more feeling; and the more feeling the more enjoyment. We
heap up wealth, build and adorn sumptuous houses, with car-
peted floors; have our sofas, our mirrors and chandeliers ihere;
store our minds with the lore of ages, and find after all, that
wealth and wisdom are not happiness. But, was there ever a
more foolish sentiment uttered than,
" Where ignorance is bliss
'Tis folly to be wise."
Just as though men lived to be happy. Let those be " happy"
who have no higher aim. Let them, if they please, pant for
a heaven where they shall spend an eternity in ecstatic delight,
singing one eternal hallelujah; or let them, while here, be for-
ever contriving how they may be "happy as a fool." Bah!
I am not, old gentlemen, sneering at you because you are
happy in the enjoyment of well-earned wealth and peaceful
hours, or that you look back on the happy days long ■^^'sX.
Then you were happy hecause j'ou M-ere doing something, and
you are now happy because you have clone something. And
if you ever walk the streets of the ISTew Jerusalem, you will
GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 101
not find it a place wliere "eternal delights " are purchased l)v
a short life of spirtnal longing here, as we purchase a big laugh
at a circus for fifty cents. Happiness may come in the train;
but the soul that is worth saving, delights in heing^ in action,
in beneficence; and looks forward in eternity to being one witli
the Eternal in beneficence and love. The fool is happy, be-
cause he is an animal. And, kind reader, I lio^^e you may at
times be hapj^y, as a relaxation from tliat thought and labor
that prove you a man. But let me tell you, you poor, selfish
spiritual animal, if your "humble speaker" should ever be
commissioned door-keeper, where Peter now stands, and you
come sneakino; to the door to o-et in, because vou want to be
happy, the door loill not open.., but there will be some hinting
that 3'ou have mistaken the place,
" Life is real; life is earnest;
Happiness is not its aim."
Away off again! Excuse me, denizens of Boston. It was
well meant, and there is wisdom in it.
Worcester Eniilish, the pioneer, died April 18th, 1851. lie
was a jovial, kind-hearted man; the life of the social circle; a
good neighbor, and w^orthy citizen. His son, Edson English, a
man respected by all, died at Grand Bapids. Another son,
Harvey, died four days after his father. His only surviving
(lauoliter is Mrs. Horace Robinson.
Timothy White came March, 1837, and still lives on his old
place. Mr. White, if you were only dead, we would talk abcnit
you; but disliking flattery, and meaning to speak evil of no
one, we respecfully lift our beaver — no, straw hat — and wish-
ing your shadow may never be less, pass on. But, en jxissant,
will savthat Mr. White eno-ineered a road throuffh the swami:>s
in Campbell, and secured a mail by that route; helped cut a road
to Ada and Cascade; was first postmaster, in 1839. He and
the rest of the company that came with him, had to cut their
road from Yankee Springs. Winter, as it was, they had to
wade the Thornapple and Coldwater, wading breast deep in
water full of anchor ice; camping in the woods with their ox
teams. One time, in "the days of happiness," he went to
102 MEMORIALS OF THE
Grand Rapids for provisions, took one liundred pounds on his
shoulders, and came home in a day. He was one of the com-
missioners to re-survey the old Clinton road froni Jackson to
Grand Kapids; also to lay a State road from Lyons to Ada.
So, Mr. White, as you have done something; it is to be hoped
as long as you live you may smoke your pipe in happiness, and
that when the old "mortal coil is shuffled oft','' it may repose
under a good epitaph. "So mote it be; Amen."
Jesse Williams did not long survive his coming; dying Aug.
5th, 1838; leaving one son, Elbridge G., and a daughter, Mrs.
A-7m. Hatch, of Lowell. As he had no time to show himself,
his history is personah
Cyprian S. Hooker, in a good old age,,is li\-iiig at Lowell,
where hats are reverently dofted to him, and where his many
friends lately buried him in rich gifts at his golden wedding.
He has long been a public man, and a sketch of his life is
found elsewhere. In 1841-2 he built a saw-mill at Saranac,
where the " Red Flouring-mill " now stands.
Jared Stocking was the first cabinet-maker. He moved
away, and is dead.
James Hoag was killed in the spring of 1851, by the fall of
a limb from a tree. He left no family but a wife. His loss was
deeply felt. He was an energetic, persevering man, fitted to
achieve success; and was a leading, influential person.
Moses M. Gould still resides on his old farm; quiet, snug
and happy. His wife, to whose tenacious memory we are in-
debted for most of the dates here given, can tell you more facts
than any other person; and is never inistakeii. If such a
memory was in every town, the historian's work would be easy.
She will give you the year, the month, the dav and the hour
that any event occurred, and there is no use in disputing. The
copious notes, dictated by her, Avere shown to other old set-
tlers, and by them confirmed in every particular, and gen-
erally with the remark, " There is no use disputing Mrs. Gould
on dates."
Jeremiah Stannard still lives in the southwest part of the
town; has won a good name and independence.
Ormand Hunt came from Yermont. He died in 1861, aged
GEAND EIYEE VALLEY. IC
o
(m. lie left two soii§ und one dauii'liter. The yoiiiiL^est son.
Herman, died a soldier; the other, Simeon, is county register.
The dauo-hter is Mrs. James Eno-lish.
l>ecket Chapman, the first shoemaker, still dignifies Boston
M'ith his presence.
Riley J. Hess and liis brother, Diocletian, came from Sten-
ben county, X. Y. Riley was a Free- Will Baptist preacher,
the first i)9rs::»n who ever conducted religious meetino-s in
Boston. Tiiey were held at the house of Worcester English;
afterwards in the school house. He died at Grand Rapids in
]873. Diocletian Hess died in 1851, aged 41. An interesting
event of the early times occurred in his family. His wife car-
ried the dinner to the men, who were at work in the woods.
Returning, she got lost, and, bewildered, wandered until neai-
])erishing. She was found by the neighbors, who had rallied
for the search.
Marvil Church died in 1863, at the age of 08. One son,
Harvey, still lives in town ; anothei*, Robert, is in Campbell.
Stephen Xnte was a farmer; stood among the more prom-
inent men of the town. He was from Tunbridge, Yt. He
died in 1802, aged 57. His widow and son still occupy the
farm.
Svlve^tor Train came from Tanbrid^'e, Yfc. He was an
energetic, stirring man, with a good many peculiarities; a
genius of his own sort; one of the most thrifty iarmers. He
died in 1865, at the ripe age of 72, leaving a large family that
he had trained for high respectability.
^Vlbert Clement w^as also from Triinbridge; was a surveyor;
a prominent man in the town. At the age of 50, he died in
1802. His widow is in Saranac.
Richard Yosper is now, in vigorous manhood, dispensing
justice at Saranac; a terror to sinners, and to those who have
rights, a fountain of hope. Long may he wave! and long may
his cheerful visao-e be one of the clieerinjy sio;hts in the town
where he has grown up, until lie is of it the chief magistrate.
Mr. James M. Talent; we have reserved him foi' the last,
chat we may indulge our propensity to talk, and he furnishes
the material for pointing a moral or gracing an idea. He
104 MEMORIALS OF THE
still resides in liis old log house. Th^rest of liis compeers
liave discarded logs, and erected tlieir second houses, but he
is true to liis first love. He helped build the first log house;
has always lived in a log house, and has reverently made up
his mind to die in his log house. There, on his fine farm, lie
welcomes his friends with simple kind-heartedness, and, on
the down-hill side of life, with the wife of his youth, is enjoy-
ing the rustic simplicity that, once a necessity, has become
the choice of their lives. Mr. Talent, let that old house be;
leave it as a landmark; something to remind posterity of the
simple life of the pioneers. You will never find another-
house a home; you are too old to learn to put on airs, and to
begin life in a new house. Every log ha.j its hallowed associ-
ation. That old fireplace is sacred, foi- iminy a pleasant hour
has been passed before it. How would you feel in a painted
house, with a carpet on the floor, and obliged to use a spit-
box? It is thickly enshrined with moss — let it be; leave it to
those who have no associations, to desecrate the old house.
But, would you have thought it? Since writing the above
we have visited Boston. As, with soul filled with sweet sen-
timentality, we caiiie in sight of the rose-embowered CDttage,
our disgust was ineftable at seeing a new, painted house in
close proximity. Our indignation vented itself in unspoken
wickedness, when we thought of so much fine writing and sen-
timent spoiled — rendered utterly inappropriate and useless.
Well, he never will enjoy himself in the nev,' concern; and
Avhat was written in full belief in his bucolic simplicity, shall
stand as v/ritten, to remind him of what he should have done*.
But Mr. Talent is not the only one who has disappointed
fund hopes and expectations. The writer, himself, must pk^id
guilty. A fond mother built a castle in the air. She looked
forward to the time when her son should grace a pulpit; but
the graceless youth was too intensely human to be a divine.
" Sic transit,'- et cetera.
The pioneer school in Boston was kej)t by Miss Susan A.
Church, in a log school-house on the farm of Edson English.
She is now Mrs. Elbridge AVilliams, of Boston.
The fii-ot birth in the town was that of Betsv Ann Gould,
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 105
Oct. 29tli, 1S37. Mi^. Gould is sure she is not mistake^ in
the date, as she vxn there lierse'f. Betsy Ann is now Mrs.
Albert Aldricli, of Boston.
Tlie first boy wlio lionored Boston by choosing it as his
hirth-phi3e, was Henry Hes?, son of Diocletian and Lydia
Hess. ' September, 1838, was the time. His birth-place was
a tent made of quilts.
We mig'lit tell, of an embryo city, laid out by Robert Hilton
and James Hoag, on the clear stream that empties at Saranac,
A saw-mill was there built by Hoag; and prophetic vision
pictured a thriving village, with that as a center. They felt
that if no village was there, there was a fine place to pat one.
They platted and mapped it, and called it " Waterville."
Alas, for hopes! AVaterville only existed as a map and a saw-
mill; and Saranac, at the mouth of the stream, sprang up be-
cause it could not help it. Another proof that not men, but
circumstances, chanfja the sites of towns and villaires.
The township was organized April, 1838. First meeting at
the house of Worcester Eno-lish. *
C. S. Hooker, Supervisor; Jesse "Williams, Clerk; C. S.
Ht)oker, Worcester English, Moses M. Gould, Timothy White,
Justices.
In lS-i9, the part of Keene south of the river, was added to
Boston.
In 1869, Saranac was chartered as a village, and Wm. Mer-
cer elected President.
The village contains about 800 people, has a superabundance
(ff churches — no less than eiglit. Its pride are its school house —
which cost $13,000, and is an honor to the brains of the peo-
ple — and their fine iron bridge across the Grand River. They
have a fine, but not large water-power, which runs two saw
mills and a flouring mill. A stave factory was put up in "^^d^.
There are also an oar factoj-y, and other minor concerns. Seven
doctors there attend to the ills of the body, and f )ur lawyers
to the mental and pecuniary evils of the region round about;
while the worshipers of all kitids and names, in the towns
around, have here their spiritual center.
In the cemetery is a monnnient showing how fearfully the
lOG MEMORIALS OF THE
late war visited one family — tlie family of Lewis. Three
brothers — Royal P., Daniel L., and George S. Lewis — all died in
the war.
Another monument records the tragic death of Nelson Beck-
with, who perished in the flames of his burning house, in the
vain attempt to rescue his little son, Dec. 28th, 1862.
The churches are: Baptist, brick church, 1870; Episcopal
Methodist, wood; Episcopal, wood, 1859; Free Methodist, no
t'diiice; Wesleyan Methodist, wood, 187-1; Congregational,
Wood, ] 873; Seventh Day Advents, no building; Evangelists, no
building; Spiritualists no building — all in the little village
of Saranac.
At this place we will speak of Wesleyan Methodism, and
shall do it in the language of Elder D. A. Richards, of Saranac:
" In accordance with your request, I cheerfully undertake
to give you such items of interest, relating to Wesleyan Meth-
odism in Ionia county, as are at my command.
" Wesleyan Methodism was introduced into Ionia county
about 1815. Among the tirst preachers who visited this
county were Re^^ R. D. Howe, of Orleans, recently deceased,
and A. W. Curtis, who yet lives — a venerated father in Israel.
There are organizations at present in Berlin, Easton, Sabewa,
Campbell and Saranac, numbering some one hundred and fifty
inembers. They have a church edifies in Berlin, and another
in process of erection at Saranac. There are at present two
ministers residing in the county — Rev. B. W. Backus, of
Berlin, and myself." •
EASTON.
In treating of the early times at Ionia, that place was con-
sidered as a center of settlement. It was considerable time
before the present town lines were established. When they
were established, the territory covered by the Ionia settle-
ment, formed itself in the three towns — Ionia, Easton and Ber-
lin. The city of Ionia is clos^ upon the borders of the town-
ship. A considerable proportion of what is written of the
Ionia settlement belongs to Easton. Hence, in giving to each
GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 107
town its clues, there is necessarily some repetition. Eastor.
was identified with Ionia until 1843, when it became an inde-
]iendent town. Its first township meeting was held at the
tavern of Simon AYelcli, April 3d; at which time and place it
was organized, with the following oflScers: Supervisor, Thomas
Cornell; Clerk, Sanford Yeomans; Treasui-er, Erastus Yeo-
mans; Justices, Malcom McLaughlin, Thomas Cornell, Daniel
S. Brownell, AVilliam Fleming.
The settlement of the town commenced in the spring of 1833,
hy Erastus Yeomans, spoken of in connection w^ith the Dexter
colony. He located in that part of Ionia which is now Easton,
r.nd where he now (1875), in venerable old age, is still resident.
His family consisted of himself, wife, and seven children —
three sons and four daughters. Judge Yeomans was appointed
postmaster of Ionia in 1834, and held that ofiice until 1840.
He w^as subsequently one of the county judges for several
years; always a leading man, highly respected for his intel-
lectual and moral worth. Two of liis sons died young; the
other, Sandford A., has long been one of the most enterprising
and successful business men, a public man, holding various
oflaces in the town and county. He was a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention in 1867.
The Cornell family, spoken of in connection with Ionia, be-
longed to Easton. There were tlu'ee sons, Daniel, Thomas and
xVlfred, all still living. Daniel has never had a famil_y.
Thomas is on the original homestead; has long been a public
man; was first Clerk of the town, County Treasurer, County
S\u'veyor, etc.; one of the men the people delight to honor.
Alfred is known as a Baptist clei-gyman; at present pastor of
the church in Portland. Still he is in his Master's service, with
good years of work, as we hope, remaining before him, and
enjoying in an eminent degree, the good will and res]3ect of
tlie community where he long has been an efiicient laborer.
For nineteen years he was pastor of the Baptist Church, iu
Ionia.
Dexter Arnold and family located on Sec. 13, in 1835. He
had four sons — Aaron, "Walter D., Wm. D., and Irving. Wal-
ter D. has for many years been a member of the firm of Rich
108 MEMOKIALS OF THE
& Co.; a tlioroiigh business man; and enjoys that reputation
wliicli is won by sterling integrity. William D. is a farmer;
has several times been supervisor. The other sons did not
remain as permanent settlers.
Without attempting to particularize the years, the following
may be given as the earlier settlers of Easton ;
George Case, B. G. Barber, Jared and Thomas H. Conner.
Ezra AVinslow, Elisha Doty, John ISTorth, Calvin M. Bice,
Chauncey Stebbins, and their femilies; James Crawford (un-
married); Simeon Welch came in 1835, and located on Sec.
19; Eichard M. Bishop, in 1836, on Sec. 8. In 1857, Mr.
Bishop was accidentally shot while eating his dinner on a log
in the woods, where he was chopping; the hunter who shot
him supposing hira to be a deer. Joseph Barker located on
Sec. IT, in the spring of 1837. George W. Dexter, with a
family of eight children, in 1838, located on Sec. 20. Ho
died in 1848, and six of his children died in the short space
of tliree years — two of them drowned at one time. One of
his sons is still a resident. Wm. Muselman came in 1837,
and located on Sec. 7, and Wm. Fleming in the tail of 1838.
Stephen Dexter and family — wife and' three children — came
from Washtenaw county with his brother, Geo. W. Dexter,
and settled on Sec. 20, in 1838. But two of this family are
now living — a son and daughter.
William Winslow came to Ionia in 1835, and soon be-
came a resident of Easton, locating on Sec. 14, where he still
resides. His fatlier, Ezra Winslow, came soon after, and died
in 181-2. William Dildihe and Charles came into the town in
1813, and located on Sec. 10. Isaac Finch settled on Sec. 28,
in the fall of 1839. Mr. Finch died in 1874.
Mr. George Case, who was spoken of as one of the early
settlers, was drowned in 1836, in Grand Biver, just below the
mouth of the Thornapple, while attempting to swim his horse
through the stream. He, and Thomas Cornell, Esq., were on
their way to Grand Bapids. He lost his life through ni:)t
knowirta; the fact that a horse in swimmino-, should not bo
strongly reined against the current, but should be mainly left
to himself, Beinins^ ao;ainst the stream is liable to turn the
GEA^^D KITEK VALLEY. 109
liorss upon liis back, submerglui^ the rider. Tlie same liorse
had been safely ridden through the same place by Dr. Lin-
coln, its owner.
Easton is essentially an agricultural town, with an undu-
lating surface. Originally a part of it was timbered land,
and a part of it openings. As an agricultural town, it will
compare favorably with any in the connty.
The saw mill, built by Dexter in 1S33, was in Easton.
^[ost of the brick used at and near Ionia are inade in this
town. The Intermediate State Prison, nominally located at
Ionia, is over the line in Easton.
The histoiy of Easton is so interwoven with that of the
Ionia settlement that there is no separating them. So far as
a rural town depends on a city, E-aston is as much a depend-
ency as the township of Ionia. For a series of years they
Avere one in organization and in sympathy. With different
civil relations, they still are one.
Clustering around the little village of Ionia, the first settle-
ment was in three towns, as they are now; those who took
wp land being as much in one as the other.
For the facts embodied in this article the author is wholly
indebted to Dr. Lincoln, of Ionia, who has otherwise laid himt
nnder obligations, by the aid and kindly interest he has shown
in this work In Oriental language, "May his shadow never
be less," and may the pioneer doctor and teacher in his de-
clining years enjoy the full respect due to kindliness and
worth.
NORTH PLAINS.
Xorth Plains was an outlying portion of Lyons, and its early
history is blended with the histoiy of that town,
April 1st, 1814, it was organized as a town, having nnder its
protection the two towns immediately north. That part of
the township which lies south of the Maple River was left as
a ])art of Lyons.
The first town meeting, as appears from the town book, was
held at the house of Bartley Dunn. The first town oflicers
were:
110 MEMORIALS OF THE
Katlianiel Sessions, Supervisor; George Germain, Clerk;
Silas Crippen, Treasurer; Hector Hajs, Chauncey Conkej, H.
V. Lebliart, Nathaniel Sessions, Justices.
In reality, Wra. Sessions was supervisor tlie first year, as
his father, X. Sessions, resigned on account of ill health; and
William was apjiointed. This does not appear on the record,
one leaf of which is missing. The name of Wm. Sessions
appears as supervisor, with no record of the change.
The number of votes was thirty-six.
Voted that the town officers have six shillings a day for ser-
vices; $90 were raised for town expenses, and $10 for the
poor.
On the records of the xear are found the names of Bartly
Dunn, a blacksmith, died 1850, aged 56; Kathaniel Sessions
— in a good old age, still living in N^ortli Plains ; Hector Hays,
also still living in the same place; Chauncey Conkey, soon
moved away; Hiram Brown, Geo. D. Kellogg, Geo. W.
Germain, and Major D. Mills, still resident; Baker Borden,
moved to Grand Bapids; Moses De Long, Lyman Williams,
Lorin Jenks and Yalentine Lewis, transient; Henry Y. Leb-
hart, died at Lyons, 1871:; Silas Crippen, died 1852; Jay Olm-
sted, died 1868, aged 57; Wm. Sessions, lives at Ionia; John
Jennings, lives in Bonald; Caleb Bundy, died 1855; Samuel
Staughton, dead; Caleb Crippin, died in Isabel county;
Alvin B. Smith, dead; John Mclvelvy, died 181:7, aged 57;
Jacob Dunn, dead; JosejDh Bundy, died in the army.
The honor of being the first settlers of jS^orth Plains is
amicably divided between Hiram Brown and Hector Hays.
who left Ontario county, !N^. Y., in October, 1836, with their
families, and in company wended their wearj^ way to the wikks
of Michio:an. Thev were not without means; each had a yoke
of oxen, wagon, and a little money. At Detroit they pur-
chased extra teams; loaded their families and provisions on
their was^ons ; sent their household ffoods around the lakes and
took the trail for Ionia. It was their intention to have kept
together, but the lazier team and heavier load of Hays, made
it irksome to Brown to keep back, or for Hays to keep up. At
Pontiac Hays told Brown to " go ahead." Brown went ahead,
GRAND RIVER VALLEY, 111
and, by arriving four days sooner than Hays, secured the dis-
tinction of being the "first settler." Arrived Oct. 9th.
This journey vas one of labor and suffering; streams were
to be forded; a heavy snow fell while they were on their jour-
ney. Xights were spent camping under trees. They were
not used to that style of living, and it is no wonder, if, before
the weary journey was ended, they wished themselves back in
old Ontario.
Brown arrived at liis camping ground in North Plains, Oct.
5th, 1836, and Hays four days later. They camped for a
M'hile until they could get themselves log houses, which they
did before winter. They had provisions, young hearts and
stout hands, and they went to work. They had neighl)ors at
the south; but in all other directions all was a " hooting wild-
erness." " Finny streams," " lowing vales," and " howling
wildernesses " are hackneyed terms, whicli from use have lost
their poetic charm. When we recollect that in the wilds of
Michigan, the owl was the settler's chief serenader, the term
'•hooting wilderness " is seen to be singularly expressive and
poetic. But let all future writers bear in mind, that the felicit-
ous expression is copyrighted.
In 1837, the accessions were: Jay Olmstead, Nathanial Ses-
sions, Moses Dean, Anson D. Glass, Silas Crippin, Wm. Vanco,
and Major D. Mills.
Afterwards the filling up was slow for some years. Among
those arriving in the succeeding years, we notice, Geo. W. Kel-
logg, '39; Mrs. Elizabeth Palmer and sons, Samuel E. Staugh-
ton, George W. Germain, John McKelvy, William W. Edmins-
ter, Jireh Baker and family, his son Horace Baker, and Bartly
Dunn.
The history of this town is not so much its settlement, as
of its steady development into fine farms and thriving villages.
Its pioneers, Brown and Hays, in a good old age, still live,
enjoying the well-merited respect of the people, wlio have
always looked up to them as among their leaders. But few
of the other pioneers still add the dignit}^ of their venerable
presence to the town. Of many who have j^assed away, we
are sorry to say, no stone marks their grave. We have all
112 MEMORIALS OF THE
manner of " associations " now-a-clays; would not a " Pioneer
jVIonnment Association " be a graceful addition to the number?
Of Hays, it m? j be said, that if his lazy oxen deprived him
of the distinction of being the pioneer of l^orth Plains, he was
in another sense the pioneer. He first furnished fatted heej
to the citizens of Grand Rapids. That is an event of too
much importance for the liistorian to pass over. He had
raised a yoke of steers; but in their development one of them
grew up the most ungainly brute that ever disgraced a farm —
so big that he could not be matched, and so ill-shaped that if
he had been mated with his equal, Hays did not wish to be
branded as their owner. . "Wliat was to be done? " I will fat
him," said Hays; and he did it. He fed him a year, took him
to Grand Papids, and sold him. There several clubbed to-
gether, bought the monster, paraded him, decked with ribbons,
through the streets, while a herald announced his slaughter the
next morning. The morn of sacrifice came. Each denizen of
the village came for a piece of the " big ox." Tliey had eaten
nothing before but beef " fatted lean " on browse and marsh
hay. Such a smacking of lips as there was there that forenoon
was a joy to witness. The universal greeting was: "Did you
have some of the beef?" "Wasn't it delicious?" So great
was the rush to the slaughter-house, that by eight o'clock in the
mornino', nothina: was left of the meat but the tail and half the
liver. ]Srothing was heard during the day but praises of the
beef. It was a day long to be remembered by the residents
at Grand Eapids.
When Hays returned home, he sat down to figure on his
"bio; ox," and the result was:
(Jx Dr.
Cost of first four years $50 00
Feeding five tons of hay at $8 per ton 40 00
100 bushels of potatoes at 20 cts. per bushel 20 00
75 " corn at 30 cts. per bushel 22 • 50
Marketing 5 00
$137 50
Cr. cash on sale 56 00
Clear profit $81 50
GRAND RR^ER VALLET. 11
Q
" Well done, ox ! Hencefortli be tliou identified with the
corporeal sj-stem of tiie citizens of Grand Rapids, and I will
enjoy the, profit of thj living- identity."
.Ilistoricall)^, iS"orth Plains has the advantage of a tragedy,
which is still shrouded in mystery. In the spring of 1838 tlie
settlers and community were horrified by the murder of the
tamily of Ansel D. Glass, before mentioned as one of the pio-
neer settlers of the town. Public opinion is still divided as to
who was the perpetrator. Glass lived four miles from any
neighbor. The last known of him he had cut his foot badly
on the instep; this was done up by Major MQls, who, with his
wife, went there at the request of Mrs. GLass. This was about
the middle of March. Judge Brown, out hunting, came to Ghxss'
house, found it ]>artly burned, and saw the partly consumed
remains of several persons; he spread the report, and soon an
excited crowd gatliered. A coroner's jury was empaneled, who
investigated the case, but could arrive at no conclusion, except
that Mrs. Glass and her two children were murdered. The
excitement was intense; Glass could not be found. Some cir-
cumstances pointed to the Indians as the murderers, and the
fear of the Indians almost paralyzed the people. Cobmoosa
and the Indians came to the scene of the mnrder; they endeav-
oring to exculpate tlie Indians of the Yalley, still sajnng it was
Indians' work. An eye witness, Capt. Parks, says that the
mien of that chief, as he addressed the Indians there, was of
the most impressive dignity. Although his address was not
understood by the whites, the eloquence of tone and action was
comprehended and felt by all.
No effort was spared by the Indians to allay the fears of the
settlers. By every imaginable act of kindness they tried to
conciliate irood will, but all in vain until the storv of the dis-
covery of Glass was circulated. Then confidence again re-
turned, and the settler, when he bade his loved ones '' Good
night," did it without fear, and slept in peace.
Four Indians, not belonging to any of the river clans, had
been loafino^ around for some time, and were not seen after the
murder of the Glass family. The Indians laid the deed to
them. Others believed that Glass was the murderer, and that
8
114 MEMORIALS OF THE
he liad rnn away. IS'o motive can he assigned for tlie deed
heino^ done hy Glass; and besides, being crippled by a recent
wound, he could not have run away.
Our opinion is, that these Indians got into a quarrel with
Glass; took him from his house, murdered and secreted himi
then returned and finished up tlie job by killing Mrs. G. and
the cliildren, and firing the house.
It was reported afterwards that Glass was seen and identified
out by the Mississippi river. A warrant for liis return to tlie
State was got out, bnt never served, for the reason that there
v^-cre no funds in tlie treasury to pay the expense. A promi-
nent man in the county informed t'lie writer that he himself
invented the story of the discovery of Glass, to allay the set-
tlers' fear of the Indians. No one felt safe. He was satisfied
that the Indians of the Yalley did not do the deed, and, to re-
assure tlie people, manufactured the story. His name is not
here iriven. Those who know what it is to be afraid of In-
dians, will excuse the fraud. But until the above alluded to
man shall see fit, over his own name, to tell his story to the
public, the memory of Glass will be cou2)led with the belief in
his three-fold murder.
Mr. McKelvy, who more properly belongs to Lyons, brought
the first " civilized hogs" into the Grand River Valley. Those,
who have seen the old-fashioned, yellow, long-nosed grey-
. liound hogs of Michigan, Avill appreciate this act of McKelvy.
Those, who in former times ate " Western pork," know
well the difference between a civilized and a savage
hog. The hog, unrefined by culture, is a savage beast;
lean as a wolf ; one-third nose; a sinister, gaunt, long-eared
nuisance. Cultivated, he is the noble Suffolk, with his sleek
sides stuffed with juiey pork; or the beautiful Chester, whose
mild eyes and glossy sides seem sinilinglj^ to say, "eat me."
What cannot culture do? 'Tis as useful in man as in the hog.
Under culture, the old brutal swine, cursed by the Jew; a by-
word for sloveidy brutishness, is disappearing; yes, has disap-
]ieared. AVhen will culture cause to disappear the brutish,
superstitious, even unhogly, human swine? Alas, it is to be
feared that " careful selection" and the knife will never exterm-
inate the old kind, as in America thev have done with the hog.
GRAND raVEE VALLEY. 115
Let us do honor to Miss Sarah Sangster, wlio first, in a little
slianty, hept a ])rivate scliool near Mr. Hays'. Slie -was the
daughter of a Baptist preacher, and is now, if living, Mrs.
Flo3'd (a widow), in California. This is not the only tov/n
that cherishes the name of Miss San^ster. In another part of
this book our opinion is freely given of the "school-marms.*'
We will only add here onr advice to vonno^ men. In lookins: for
a good wife, one who will be a helpmate and a companion, and
a wise mothei* to- your children, don't look among the fashion-
able Misses (if you have brains), until you have seen the
'* scliool-marm."
Tlie jjreachers who penetrated the town when it was the
back-woods, were Mitchell, Chatfield and L. M. S. Smith,
(otherwise spoken of). But the one who has the honor of
being the first was jSTathan Mount.
As an historical event, we might tell of the preparation by
the Second xVdventists of their "ascension robes" and their
Avaiting for the final trump; but sickened disgust at fanatic
superstition prompts to draw the veiJ, and name neither per-
sons nor time. It is sufficient to say there is pity for dujjes,
scorn for knaves, and contem.ft for fools. The town has had
its Second Advent spasm — hope 'they learned common sense
by it; but vain is the hope. Those whose foreheads "slant
back" will have some dear delusion, and will pray about those
who cherish "human reason."
In passing, we will say a few words about Jolm McKelvy,
w]io sleeps in the cemetery at Xorth Plains, but wlio belonged
to Lyons. He brought in the first drove of cattle, and the
first seed wheat. In 1838, his son, John, Jr., brought in the
first thrashing-machine — an 8-horse power — going to Roches-
ter, K, Y., for it. Tlie wheat was sold in small quantities to
the settlers, for ^5 per bushel.
This John McKelvy was a cliaracter in iiis way; a man of
strong intellect, of stern integrity; sympathetic and helpful to
the needy; energetic in business, and not to be trifled with.
He served in the war of 1812. In 1827, he settled seven miles
north of Pontiac; and, in 1834, moved to Lyons, where he
improved a large farm, and secured a handsome property. He
IIG MEMORIALS OF THE
died in 1847, a2;ed 57. One son of ]iis — Daniel — went to the
Mississippi, and was brought back to die. A daughter is the
wife of elolm E. Morri:on, of Ionia; and his son and name-
sake is a lawyer and farmer in North Plains.
This John McKelvy can tell you many a good story of
those "dear old times." Get him, Hays, Brown, Mills, and
the other old sinners — no, settlers — together, their pipes all
lit, a good pitcher of cider on the table, and they will spin
yarns enough — all intensely interesting to the actors — -to make
a book. But gentle reader, a story from the mouth of a living
actor in the scene, is one thing; a printed report of it as taken
down by a reporter, is quite another. Listen to the aforesaid
old fellows, laughing until their jolly old sides ache, as one
remembrance after another comes up; you laughing yourself
into convulsions in the sympathy of full enjoyment. Then
go home and try to write it up. It woriH he written. A
spirit cannot be caught. Life is made up of coinmon events of
the inteusest interest to the individuals, but no common event
will bear printing. You' have worked hard, dear reader; have
been a good man or woman ; but have you given one line to
history! Of most of us good folks, the only record will be on
a stone: " Died Dec. 16th, 1879, aged Gl years, 5 months and
21 days and a half" How many a useful career has no more
record !
MATHERTON.
This is a snug little village, bearing the name of its founder,
Asaph Mather, who, in 1844, bought out Beckvvith & Co.,
who, two years before had made a beginning — built a saw
mill, etc. It is now a snuo; little villasre — such as will cluster
itself about the mills.
The place is capable of further development. Of it, Mather
has been, and is, the center and the soul; in more senses than
one, the "biggest man in town." A steam saw mill was built
by Mather in 1873. A school is ke[)t all the year.
HUBBARDSTON.
Under the auspices of the Ilubbardston Lumbering Com-
pany, and centering around their works, is the snug village
with the above name.
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 117
This company was composed of Thomas Hubbard, l^oali
Hitchcock, IS^ewton W. Taylor, Wilson Homer and l!^elson F.
Kogers.
They, with a capital of $75,000, laid out the village, and
put up mills in 1865. They have a saw mill of 40 M per day
capacity, sash and blind works, and are erecting works for
the manufacture of 'V'arious articles from hard wood. The
villan^e contains seven hundred inhabitants; a s^raded school,
with five teachers.
The viilao-e has three taverns, six stores, one lawver, two
doctors, one foundry, three churches — the Methodist built in
1868, the Congregational in 1868, and the Catholic in 1869.
It lias also a printing ofli?e and newspaper.
The water-power is one of the best in the country, and capa-
ble of further develooment.
In tlie cemetery at iN^orth Plains, may be found another
instance of the coincident death of an old couple. Moses
Rounds, 1868, aged 75; his wife, Sophia, the same day.
It is to be supposed they were married; that they were
imbued with an idea, now obsolete, that a man and his wife
are one. Would it not be well if people had not become so
much wiser than the original lawj^er, who promulgated that
idea. My hat came off at this grave. I know not who they
were, except they were ''Moses and Sophia Rounds;" but
between them there certainly was one soul.
RONALD.
The following account of Ronald is mainly from an article
prepared by the Rev. John Van Yleck, and published in the
" Ionia County Directory." Mr. Yan Yleck is an old resident,
and speaks of what he knows. The language of Yan Yleck is
not used, but we are happy to acknowledge our obligations to
him, and to Mr. Dillenl)ack,,who has kindly consented to our
use of the article.
Ronald was first broken into in the spring of 1837, by George
Younger and Joshua Shepard. Sliepard's location is now
the county poor farm. He did not survive but a short time
He left a widow and three sons — William, Chauncey and
118 MEMOEIALS OF THE
IS^orman, who remained on the farm and cleared it up. Sam-
uel Yates had before (1835) settled sonth of the town line,
locating part of his farm in Ronald. Shepard's farm was near
the south line.
In tlie autumn of 1837, came the Hev. John Yan YJeck and
William Wood, who pushed further north; Yan Yleck locat-
ing where now is the village of Palo, and Wood on Sec. 19.
In the winter following, the father of Yan Yleck came on to
look; looked, saw and approved, and the next suinnier moved
on with his iamilv. The family consisted of Mathew Yan
Yleck, his wnfe, three sous, John, Albert and Peter, and two
daughters, Catharine and Sarah. The entire family are still
living; the old patriarch is happy, seeing his sons and daugh-
ters all aronnd him, enjoying the good things of the world, and
the respect of the community, of which they and he were the
pioneers. The family secured an abundant supply ^>f land,
and have held on upon it.
They had no neighbors for several years; and a journey
through the "tangled wilderness" to the abodes of civilization
was no trifle. The old gentleman and his wife, on the shady
side of 80, in their cosy home in Palo, are biding their time.
Intellect is still clear, and though the departure is at hand, con-
scious of a life well spent, and proud of the family they have
]*eared, they look not back with regret, and have no fears of
being forgotten. The hoary head, which is the crown of a life
well sjxMit, has always its veneration, and we reverently take
off our hat to the venerable old man and woman, peacefully
linishing life's wearying pilgrimage. We do not say "live
forever," for it is our hope, in peaceful and honored old age,
'' to lie down with our fathers." So, when the time comes,
wlien " the wheel is broken at the cistern," and the pulses of
life beat without emotion, we hope that loving hands will lay
vou away where the angel of the resurrection will find you.
Be yours a peaceful old age awhile longer, while intellect holds
sway, and while life has its charms. AYhen these fail, it is
sweet to rest. Who wishes to live, a human nobody — a shat-
tered lantern, in which no light is burning ? Benedicite !
Moralizing on old age, we have sti-ayed from Ponald.
GEAKD RIVEll VALLEY. 110
Catliarine Yan Yleck inarried George D. Tasl^er, and now
survives as liis widow. Their rnai-riao'e was tlie first event of
the laud in the town. At the rural wedding, an immense wild
turkey was a part of the feast; whether served in ancient
Spanish style, like the peacock at Don Pedro's feast, "all
dressed in tire and feather,'' tradition doe.T not sav. That the
tiddler came from Io:iia, with his old violin, to start the rural
swains and country lasses into the hilarious dance, is not su])-
])osable — for her brother was a minister; the dance was under
the church's proscription; and the violin was banned, excom-
municated and abhorred. It had not yet won its plac3 in the
churches and at Christian homes, for the good reason that it
liad kept bad companj". Young reader, beware, and take a
lesson from the violin. H yoit are found in low company, you
will not find your place in higher. Xo, thcv did not have a
violin; J)ut the young dominie cracked many a sly joke, that
exploded in hilarious laughter. Wliy, let alone the dominie
for waking up a Avedding party. N(jw, they are much like
other genial people; but in time past they were just like a bot-
tle of champagne — still and long-visaged until the cork was
taken out. Then, thouo:h long-visaged still, there was an ex-
])losive effervescence. We don't say it was in this case; only
that this luas dominical nature; a fact which proves that grace
cannot altogether conquer human nature.
In 1838, Alanson Snow (since dead) came, Avith a large fam-
ily, and. located in the middle of the town. His fathei--in-law,
Pangborn, was brouu-ht on w^ith them. He was a Revolution-
ary soldier; kept alive, as was said, to draw his pension, much
longer than there is any sense or propriety in living; alive long
years after all show of intellect had disappeared, and almost all
* signs of even life; dying, at last, over one hundred years old,
from mere lack of any oil in the exhausted lamp. T(> live so
is dreadful. Death, t'lou art not " the king of terrors" to a
good old age. Thy presence is welcome, as bringing a peace-
ful rest. AVliy sometimes forget to come when life is a weari-
ness and a curse?
Of senses bereft,
And all that is dear,
120 MEMOEIAiS OF THE
The little that's left
Is out of its sphere.
0, is there not sadness
In an old man's doom!
And say, is it madness
That welcomes the tomb ?
The same year came Lafayette Church, now a minister m
Gratiot county. He made some improvements and went away.
So also came and went J. J. Foote.
In 1839, Stephen and Wellington Page settled in the town,
where they held prominent place among the good citizens;
they now reside in Ionia.
Eli Soule came in 1840, but left for other parts. Wm. Jen-
nings came in '42. He now is in Ionia. Joseph L. Freeman
and family were added in '43, and the same year Daniel
Dodge. His sons say he was not that Dodge whose epitapli — ■
" He dodged the good,
But never dodged the evil;
He dodged his best and all he could,
But could not dodge the devil," —
has become classic. Xo, lie was not that Dodge, but another
man of another family. That Dodo-e was a Dr. Dodo:e, of
Thomaston, Maine, and this epitaph, composed by himself, was
truly expressive of the character of the old reprobate. Tlie
Konald Dodge was another sort of man ; and among his sons
were two lawyers, one doctor, one editor, and two teachers.
No old bach., like the Dr. Dodge of Thomaston, or sucli a
man, ever raised sncli a family. Two of his boys — the twins —
look so much alike, especially Elvander, that they scarcely
know themselves apart.
1845 brono-lit the Mosier familv, Geo. Sessions and Phineas
Hutchins. Sessions went away after a few years, and, as a
consequence, was killed by the caving of a mine in California;
a warning to such as desert Ronald.
Alpheus Hawle^y came in '40 — a man who was death on bears,
wolves and muskrats, as well as a successful farmer, and
valued citizen. He is still resident. His tribute to his coun-
trv was two sons, who died in the war.
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 121
Slowly the town filled np. In 1846, at the time of its
organization, there were 26 voters. At the organization ^Ym.
Jennings had the honor of being the first supervisor.
In 1845, that " Mother in Israel," Mi-s. Dodije, organized
a Sunday school. This woman died at the residence of her
son, in Ionia, in 1872. The pioneer school was kept by John
Yan Vleck — only 5 or 6 schoLars,
About 1854, Albert Van Vleck, thinking it was too bad for
the people to go to Ionia for their matches and tobacco, opened
a little store, where he kept those articles; also, calico, sugar,
etc. Soon around the store centered the blacksmith, shoe-
maker, carpenter, etc. This decided that there was the place
for the church, the school-house, and the et ceteras of a country
center, and the pretty village of Palo is the result. In honor
of the victory at Palo Alto it received its name; a name suf>--
gested by Van Vleck, and given hj acclamation, when the
news of that victory first came.
Palo is now a snug country center. Here the Baptists and
Methodists have their churches; and here they have several
manufacturing concerns, and the usual complement of stores,
doctors, mechanics, etc., of a thriving country village. The
place has no natural advantages, but is what man made it.
Ronald has its traditions. It once had a magistrate — a jus-
tice or an esquire — not learned indeed in the law, but fertile
in resources. This dignitary was called upon to weld two into
one, which he did to his own and their satisfaction. To his own;
for he had been sadly in need of a dollar to send to Ionia for
whisky and tobacco; to theirs, for a life of blissful union was
now begun. But earthly bliss is often evanescent: Ere
twenty days had elapsed, the married couple presented them-
'selves again at the justice's house. " We cannot live together,"
said Obadiah. '■'■1 loorv't live with him," said his charming-
Sophia. "Can't you unmarry us? " said both together. The
justice pondered, and scratched his judicial head; he took
down the " statutes," searched them, and ruminated deep and
long. He found no laio to authorize the deed. He
thought again — "What man has done he may undo; this
is common sense, and should be law." Rising from his
122 MEMOKIALS OF THE
magisterial chair, he said: "Obadiah and Sophia, stand up,
and take each other by the hand; do you solemnly promise to
separate, and bother each other no more?" Answer of both:
'' You bet on that." " Then I unmarry you — get along with
you — you couple of greenies; associate with owls and porcu-
pines; only get out of my sight — git! " And they '' got " incon-
tinently and instanter.
Another dim tradition is one, in wliich the Jlev. Yan Yleck,
a horse, a deer, a fire-brand and a pair of scissors are mixed
up. But whether it Avas that Yan Yleck, riding along an
Indian trail, saw a deer; andliaving snatched the remnants of a
pole from a burning brush-pile, mounted liis horse, pursued,
overtook and knocked down the deer witli the blazing brand,
and then cut his throat with a pair of scissors; or that a deer,
riding a pair of scissors, chased Yan Yleck, knocked liim down
with a horse, and cut liis tliroat with a fire-brand; or, that a
horse, riding a fire-brand, pursued a pair of scissors, knocked
them down with Yan Yleck, and cut their throat "v^ith a deer,
is quite uncertain; antecedent probability is in favor of the
first way of stating it; but the tradition is mixed. This mucli
is sure — some such event did haj^pen.
We will follow the fortune and the fate of a few more of the
pioneers of Eonald.
Alfred Yan Yleck has always lived at Palo. There he is as
happy as 1,000 acres of prime land, fiocks, herds, money in
the bank, and a good name, can make him.
George Younger, was an industrious, hard-working Scotch-
man; an honest, sober man. He has paid the debt of nature.
Win. Wood, lived in Eonald but a few years; removed to
Otisco, where he built a mill. He died at Saranac, about 1871.
Benjamin F. Pew, who should liave been mentioned as com-
ing in about 181:0, lias alternated between Ronald and Califor-
nia. He was a "patriot "in the McKenzie war in Canada;
was a prisoner at Quebec. Released, he concluded to let the
Canadians do their own patriotism. He has since thrived by
attending to liis own business as a merchant at Palo. He has
been a mighty hunter.
Wm. Jennings, left Eonald; but left behind the regret tliat
GKAND EIYEK VALLEY. 12
n
he chose Ionia. He labored for the good of the community,
and had a strong hold on their respect, which he had worthily
won. He is now a merchant at Ionia.
Ronald was oro^anized as a town in 1845. Its lirst officers
were:
William Jennings, Supervisor; William J. Clark, Clerk;
Uoyal Howell, Treasurer; John Ransom, Parley Eaton,
CJhauncey Goodwin, Joseph L. Freeman, Justices.
PALO BAPTIST CHURCH.
ITie Baptist Church at Palo was organized March 18th, 1846, with twelva
members — seven men and five women. About three hundred have since
been admitted by letter or pi'otession. The Rev. John Van Vleck, who was
one of the constituent members, was the first pastor, and has served, in all,
seventeen years in that capacity.
This church was the first in Ronald ; and for several years the only rehgious
society in town. Its growth has been steady and healthy; and a quiet, yet
powerful influence for good has gone out from it during all the years of its
existence. It has a good frame meeting house — built about 1860. It has now
a membership of over 150 persons, and is, under the leadership of its present
pastor. Rev. H. A. Rose, likely to continue a prosperous and useful religious
society. J. V. C.
The following communication is left to tell the story of
Methodism in this recrion. It is s^iven in the lananiao-e of the
writer. We only wish we had such reports from all the
churches as we get from Ronald:
PALO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH.
This church consists of three Classes : the Palo, "West Bushnell and South
Ronald Classes, havmg a total fuD membership of one hundred and forty;
l)robationers, twenty.
The present pastor, Rev. Burton S. Mills, receives a salary of .fSOO, and
parsonage, $100 — $900. The parsonage was built in 18oS. In the years
1869-70, a church building, 86 by 60 feet, was erected and furnished with a
bell, organ, carpet and furnace, at a total cost of $4,500, and dedicated, free
of debt,- August, 1870.
Since that time sheds have been built containing ten stalls, and costing
§500.
The West Bushnell Class have a neat little chapel nearly completed, cost-
ing about $1,500, which they expect to dedicate, free of debt, betbre the close
of the present year.
Tlie first organization within our present limits, was the Class at Long
Plains, in the year 1846, organized by the iDreachers in charge of either the
Ionia or Lyons Circuit — Revs. F. A. Blades and Comfort. This is the
124 MEMORIALS OF THE
present South Ronald Class, and some of the oi-iginal members are still living'
and members of the Class.
In 1854, the Michigan Annual Conference organized the Matherton Cir-
cuit, consisting of this and several other Classes. In 1856, Palo Class was
added, ijnd in 1861-2 these had increased to ten Classes. In 1862, Palo Cir-
suit was formed, and in 1870, consisted of five Classes, two of which in that
year were set off to Bloomer Circuit, leaving the charge consisting of the
three Classes as they exist at the present time, the oldest being the original
" Long Plains Class " of 1846. A. E. Halbert,
Palo, Nov. 4th, 1875.
OKLEANS.
The liistoiy of Orleans is of settlement and growth, with no
striking events to render it peculiar.
It was not a town by itself until 1846. The first town
meeting was at the residence of Ira Wheeler. The first town-
ship ofilcers elected were:
Gilbert H. King, Supervisor; Seneca H. King, Clerk; Ira
Wheeler, Treasurer; Gilbert H. King, Jesse Wood, Guy Web-
ster, Gerret Snetiker, Justices.
The first school was kept by a Miss Hewitt, in the chamber
ber of a log house.
The first settler was Guy Webster, in the southeast corner
of the town, in 1838; he came in March. He was followed in
May by Joseph Collins; and soon after by Erastus Higbee in
June ; and bv Asa Palmer and Lorenzo D. Bates in December.
Of these, Webster and Higbee are dead. Tlie rest have moved
off', leaving Mr. Palmer alone in his glory.
In 1839 a few more came — Daniel Iloyt, who still resides
on the land he first purchased; and, by the way, he was the
first preacher in the town; Archibald Sangs^'er and Chester
Schoffield, both of whom moved away; and Joseph Collins.
In Collins' family occurred the first death in the town — that
of his son Joseph, Jr., in the winter of 1839-40. Also in his fam-
ily occurred the first wedding. Two young fellows from Otisco,
Wm. G. Bradish and Hiram Baxter, being out hunting one
day, discovered Collins' charming daughters, as they were
picking blackberries. The consequence was that, some time
afterwards, Thomas Cornell, Esq., of Ionia was called to the
house of Collins, and by him four were made two — that is, if
man and wife are one.
GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 125
We cannot give the date of the entry of others, neither is it
important. Orleans was settled at a time when it was only to
go one step further.
We have as earlv settlers the names of Jesse Wood, Alexan-
der Howe, Martin Eckart, Gilbert H. King, Wm. R. Kidd,
Wm. Bradley, Samael Raby, and Joseph C. Green. All of
M'hom 'are dead. As transient residents, we find Agnus Mc-
Pherson, Isaac Harwood, Milo K. Cody, David Courter, Rob-
ert W. Kidd, Dcwitt C. Hurd, Chester Goss, and Marvin
Ilaight. Of those who came to stay, stayed, and at this writing
1 1875) are living residents, were Edward B. Post, Richard
Hill, Richard Hale, Albert Dorr, Ira Wlieeler, Samuel T.
Kidd, Warner Wlieeler, Thomas Keep, W. Gonld, James C.
Beach, Seneca H. King, Lewis J. Holcomb, Charles Chad-
\yick, Hiram Hall, Adam Bussard, and Joshna Hall. The
list above giv^en are reported to have come from 181:2 to 1846,
inclusive.
A quiet farming town, it has gone on the even tenor of its
way; every one, as a general thing, minding his own business;
thus engaged, they have prospered. They have onh^ modest
churches, and are not overstocked with them. The Seventli Day
Adventists have a church; also the Free Methodists, and the
Episcopal Methodists. There is a pretty Town Hall — erected
in 1871.
Such is, in brief, the history of this excellent town — no his-
tory at ah. It is a good place to live in, and the distance from
there to heaven is the same as from Ionia. Are we to suppose
that because Ionia has her spires pointing heavenward, the
people there worship God more devoutly than in Orleans?
Perhaps, too, Orleans will build her temples, and decorate her
altars. But at present she is content with rural simplicity.
That she does not associate ignorance with simplicity, her ten
school-houses attest. But still she has no history — long may
it be before she has any.
Since writing the above, we have clipped from a paper the
following obituary notice:
"Died in Ronald, Dsc. 23d, (1874,) Mrs. Lucretia AVebster;
aged 84.
126 MEMORIALS OF THE
'"The deceased and her husband, the late Gen. Webster,
came to Ronald in 1838. Thej were the first settlers in the
town of Ron aid (Or! eans ?). In the! r house m any an early settler
found a hospitable welcome and a temporary home. Few women
were so universallv esteemed as Mrs. Webster in the com.-
munity, where she had so long lived, and where she died.
She was, in the truest sense of the terra, a Christian lady.
Attentive to the poor, kind to the sick, and warmly sympa-
thizing with the afflicted ; an excellent neighbor, a true friend
und counselor; she was an invaluable member of society, and
has left behind her a name that will not be forgotten."
That is but a part of what was said, but if that is true, and
she was your mother, you are not a very bad man. Good
and wise women don't raise low families.
OTISCO.
Otisco, then composed of towns 7 and 8 K., R. 8 W., was
oro-anized by act of Leo-islature in 1838. The first town meet-
ing was held at the house of Ambrose Spencer. There are no
records of the meeting in existence. From the memorj^ of
individuals is gathered, that John L. Morse was elected super-
visor; R. R. Cook, clerk; Geo. W. Dickinson and IT. Ilorton,
justices.
In 1836, five men — Daniel Ilorton, Xathaniel Ilorton, Geo.
W. Dickinson, Patrick Kelly, and Monson Seely, pushed
several miles beyond the bounds of civilization; and, delighted
with the appearance of the region, shouted '* Eureka!" As
neither of them had " college larnin," it is not certain where
they got so much Greek. They had been told it was Indian
for "Bunkum," but that was an imposition. It means, "I
have found it.*' So the historian was told by a college student,
who was airing himself on a vacation, and displaying his
knowledge before us — a lot of country rustics — and a college
student ought to know. He said that Demosthenes, king of
Ethiopia, suspected that he had been cheated by the one who
made his crown, and that it was not pure gold. He carried it
to Hydrocephalus, his principal wise man, and desired him to
GRAND ElVER VALLET. 127
ascertain if the base inetals had been niino-led with the a-old
of the kingly crown. Hydroceplialns long pondered, but
scratched liis woolly pate in vain. The idea wonld not come.
l>nt one day — weary, dirty and dejected — he thought to refresh
himself with a bath. He ordered his slaves to fill the trough.
and laid himself therein. He observ^ed that as he descended
into the water the water arose. An idea now flashed into his
mind; he could solve the problem of the crown. He leaped
from the bath, and without waiting to put on even a figleaf, ran
through the streets of Babyhjn, shouting, "Eureka! Eureka!!
Not exactly so with our explorers. With them it meant
"Good, A, No. 1;" and their judgment has been respected
until the present day.
Of course they pre-empted land, put them up huts, cut down
trees, and made an opening. From their report, it was bruited
far and near that " Otisco Plains" Avas the promised land; and
the same year, Rnfus R. Cook, Abdel Adgate, John L. Morse
and Amos H. Russell came on to see — saw, and stayed. They,
in turn, told of Otisco; and the filling uj) was rapid. Soon
Otisco had no land to spare.
Of those coming in 1837 and '8, we are able to give the
names of Ambrose Spencer, Charles Broas, Yolney Belding,
Thomas Stocking, William Russell, Edward Ingalls, John
Shaw, Tiberius Belding, Joseph Fisk, diaries H. Morse, John
L. Morse, Robert W. Dav^is, Loring Benedict, Alonzo Vaughn,
Paul Hewitt, James Moon, Moses Collins, Alvin Moe, Gilbert
Caswell.
There was everything to invite the settler, and its settlement
was more rapid than of any other rural town in the Grand
River Valley. This was in a great measure owing to the fact
that it was little work comparatively to subdue the " Burr Oak
Plains."
The original occupants " squatted" on tlieir land, before it
was in the market. They, and the other squatters in Ionia
county, banded themselves together by an alliance, offensive
and defensive, against that abomination of the settler — the
speculator; and swore by the beard of Nebuchadnezzar to wreak
summary vengeance on the reprobate, who should dare bid on
128 MEMORIALS OF THE
their pre-emptions. One graceless fellow, not having the fear
of God or sqnatter before his eyes, did bid; and the last seen
of him, he was all heels; going from Ionia like a streak of
blue lightning; a yelling, infuriated score of squatters raising
a cloud of dust in his wake. He went back East, very much
disgusted with Ionia county.
The lirst marriages were those of Ambrose Spencer and
Evelina Melvin, of Ionia, consummated in Ionia; and that of
Asa Palmer and Rjsa McDonald, by N. Horton, Justice of the
Peace.
The first birth, was a daughter to Amos Pussell, (now Mrs.
Fales, of Kendallville). The first male child born in Otisco,
was the since Senator A. B. Morse.
Otisco, did not -long escape the notice of those energetic
scouts — tlie Methodists. While the Episcopalians hold the
fortresses, the Presbyterians and Congregationalists do battle
in the open field, and the Baptists valiantly defend the coasts
and rivers, the Methodists are scouting and skirmishing,
wherever there is a lurkino: enemv, or a sins^le soul in dano-er.
The first who found a few souls in Otisco was the Rsv. Mr.
Frieze, who was appointed hy the Ohio Conference to patrol
from Grandville to Otisco, and manfully he did it. On foot,
he traversed the region. He felt that souls were of infinite
worth, and, willing to sacrifice self, he, unwearied and unflag-
ging, gave himself to his mission. His first sermon was at
the house of Munson Seely. Think of it, ye dainty preacliers
who have taken up the trade to get a living; think of these
devoted servants of Jesus, who preached Jesus in log-cabins
or under trees, unpaid, except by the still whisperings of a
voice within, which said, "It is my master's work; I will glory
in doing it." With portmanteau on his arm, as he is wending
his way from station to station, the forest will echo with his
song;:
"And shall I shrink to bear the cross?
He bore the cross for me."
Floundering at night in a swamp, or lost from the trail his
soul still clings to the "promises;" and, wearied in body, he
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 129
meets those to wliom he bears his message as the ambassador
of heaven to lost and sinful sonls.
Those pioneer Methodists, like Frieze, ware no silk stock-
ing gentry, who, standing in cushioned pulpit, will gracefully
close their e^'es and address a beautiful prayer to an admiring
congregation. jSTo, like Jacob, they wrestled with the Almighty,
and would not let him go. They had no quartette to whom
was deleo^ated the sins^inij:. Thev suns; because their burnino-
souls must pour themselves in song. The people listened, not
to be entertained by a Unishcd sermon, but as sinners, wel-
comins: the messas^e of salvation. Those were the times when
the preacher was heard; when tliey believed what was
preached, and when there was awelcom? to those who brought
fjood-tidino-s to the sin-sick souls, lomj-inir for paace. Alas !
Methodism is not what it was; and hence its waning power.
The first to " pass over Jordan" in Otisco, were Clarissa Fisk
in June, 1841, and Eliza Stocking at about the same time.
In the cemetery at Cook's Corners, may be found a reminder
of how strong are the bonds holding together an aged couple,
who were married not to be divorced even by death. Of such
it is no uncommon thini?, " that one in life thev are one in
death." These are the monuments of " Dea. Dimmick Ellis,
aged 81," and his wife lies by his side, having survived three
weeks. Again, in the same cemetery, we find IN^oali and
Xancy Rich, dying the same year. Often, full often, is'it seen
that it breaks tlie heart-strings when the companion of long,
long years, is taken away. Earth affords no anchorage. The
lone one languishes a day, a week, or a year, and rejoins the
lost one. The first persons the writer ever saw buried, were
an aged man and his wife, in one broad grave. Forty years
from that time, their son and his wife were buried in the same
manner. Perhaps there are few cemeteries that do not tell
the same story — an old couple who were otie in soul, and all to
each other.
And since we are in Otisco cemetery, and thinking of
wedded life, we will look at the monuments of Alva and Jane
Moe, where one survived the other twenty-eight days. We are
glad to record any evidences that people have souls.
9
130 MEMORIALS OF THE
But we Avill come back to these pioneers:
Daniel Horton, removed to Iowa, 1850, where he and his
little bov were drowned while crossins; a river.
I^athanial Horton, left for Iowa at about the same time.
Geo. W. Dickinson, lives at Grand Rupids.
. Patrick Kelly, came with Dickinson as a hired man — a good-
hearted Irishman. lie made a good farm for himself and a
ii'ood name. He now lives in Orleans.
SMYRNA.
Near the southern border of Otisco, on the I'lat River, is the
])retty village of Smyrna.
Operations were commenced there in 1843, by Geo. W.
Dickinson, Calvin L. Smith and Gilbert Caswell; who built a
mill. Smyrna is now a village, that centers around its mills.
There are a saw mill, grist mill, sash, blind and door factory,
planing machine, furnace, five stores, etc., and 300 people.
There are two churches — Baptist and Congregational.
The following brief sketch of the history of the Baptist
church in Smyrna, is from IST. G. Chase:
"Rev. Amos Chase, of Ada, preached occasionally, and then steadily to
the inhabitants of this place; and was honored by the Master; but Eld.
Underbill, of Vergennes, was ministering there at the time of their organi-
zation.
The constituent members were only six : James W. Buttolf, Maria But-
tolf, Judson Buttolf, N. G. Chase, Lucinda Chase, Wm. E. Douglass.
Several others who were not prepared for membership, soqu identified
themselves with the number. One-half of the constituent members remain;
the others are harvested.
Mr. Underbill became their first pastor. Rev. A. Waterbuiy soon suc-
ceeded him for a short time, when Rev. John H. Rosco became pastor. The
pastorate has since been filled by Rev. Messrs. Charles Clutes, A. D. Wil-
liams, F. Prescott, L. B. Fish, S. E. Faxon, A. Cornell, E. Wright, and
Henry King, the present clergyman.
The labors of these ministers were crowned with success in the baptism of
many on a profession of faith; and, other places becoming too strait or una-
vailable, the people* arose in the might of an unseen Arm, and built a neat
little church edifice in 1868. Present membership, 63."
The Congregationalist Church in SmjTua was organized March 21st, 1868,
* Mr. Chase's modesty left out the fact that he himself did one-half of it.
The two acts are just characteristic.
GRAND EIYER VALLEY. 131
witli seven members: George C. Spencer and wite, Oscar F. Mann ami
wife, Abijali Rich, Mrs. D. B. Hippough and Mrs. Jerome Stoughton.
cook's coexees.
This is a snug little villains on tlie plain, witli its tavern and
its store. It has long been noted for its hotel, -where the.
young and the gay have often met, and "forgot to go home
till morning." There Cook, tlie genial landlord, lias spread
the bountiful board, and gathered the beautiful dollars. We
must sadly state that since the above lines were written. Cook
has bsen gathered to his fathers, and there seems to be some-
thino: missing at the " Corners."
" There is a reaper, his name is Death,
And he has a sickle keen."
KIDDVILLE.
This little village is also in Otisco. It has its history, its
present reality, and its expectations. Here (historically) Dick-
inson built the first saw-mill in the town. Here (preseut fact)
they have a railroad station, with a fine depot; and they have
mills, stores, etc.; and here (prospectively) a snug village must
be. The principal proprietor is James M. Kidd, of Ionia.
r.ELDIXG-.
This-village, towards the northeast corner of the town, is
likely to be the " city;" for here they have capital, determina-
tion and pluck, and, withal, a grand water-power.
In early times — the date lost in antiquity — Lucius Pattisou
made a beo-innino- at what is now Beldino;; dammed the river,
dug a race, and put up a saw-inill. The place did not amount
to much until June, 1871, when a company, composed of Da-
vid E. Willson, A¥in. A. Luther and Robert M. Willson, pur-
chased the water and twenty acres of land of Wm. A. Knott.
The only improvement was a grist-mill, which they did not
purchase. They j^aid $10,750.
They commenced operations immediately; built a saw-mill.
At the same time they purchased a one-fourth interest in 80
acres of land adjoining, paying $2,000. In company with
Milo M., Hiram H. and Alva X. Eelding, they ])latted the
132 MEMORIALS OF THE
most of the 80 acres. The first year tbey built tlie saw-mill —
capacity 50,000 per day. A sash, door and blind factory is
owned by Fargo & Gooding.
The head of water is twelve feet — not now using but eight
feet. The power is not one-third used.
The village has now 400 inhabitants, with the usual busi-
ness of a country village, in addition to what rests on the
water-power. A branch railroad comes there. The company
own ninety -five acres of land across the river, which they are
intending to plat. There is a good graded school, with two
teachers; two churches — the Christian and BajDtist.
The Christian Church was organized in 1844. The pioneer members were
Geo. A. Phillips and wife, Mrs. Boynton, Mrs. Stokes, Erastus Jenks and
wife, Richard Ellis and wife; Alva, Thompson, wife son and daughter. The
next year the Rev. Wilson Mosher became its pastor, and continued in that
relation until his death in 1873. They have held their meetings in school-
houses and halls, but propose soon to build a church at Belding. Present
pastor, David E. Miller. Number 35.
KEENE.
The foliowino; account of the "settlement" of Keene was
furnished the publishers of the " Ionia County Directory," by
a well posted citizen of the town. Tlie author of this book,
on visiting the town, ascertained that, with a few minor cor-
rections, the report was correct, and that but little more could
be gleaned. With his thanks to Mr. Dillenback, we gladly
avail ourselves of the results of his inquiries.
Keene is inhabited by a "peculiar" people; whether
"sanctified and set apart" is not known, but this much is
certain: the town is not like other towns. In other town^^
there is a mixture of saints and sinners; farmers, mechanics,
merchants, professionals, etc., but here they are all of one
sort — farmers. It is not certain that they are not as religious
as the people of neighboring towns, but as yet they have
neither priest nor church of any kind. It may be that some
jovial sons of Bacchus may there be resident, but this much
is true — the town has neither tavern nor grogshop. A low
whisky -hole was once set up, but it died of delirium tremens
or starvation, and no sneaking scalawag has ventured on an-
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 133
otliei'. The town has never had a store or mill. The people,
with the exception of one blacksmith and a rake-maker, are
all farmers The reason of this seems to be, it is encom-
passed with villages on its borders. On the east, at no great
distance, is the city of Ionia. Just on its southern border,
across the river, is the village of Saranac, and on the nortli,
just on the line, is the village of Smyrna. In these are the
churches where the Keeneites worship. They have eight
chances to find their own order in Saranac; three in Sniyrna, and
still more in Ionia. There they go, and having helped build
and sustain these, they are not so green as to build chui'ches
in the town; having no need of them. They can go to mill
at either of the aforementioned places; and also they can there
find a mechanic, and can buy their tobacco, and the thousand
and one things civilized desire may call for ; and there, too
(if they have the pass-word), they can get their whisky. So
we will not call the Keeneites a forlorn and forsaken people.
If you look at their farms and houses; contemplate their
'' lowing herds," their " bleating flocks," and their "grunting
swine," and then take a look at the well-fed owners, nuietlv
sitting before their doors, smoking the pipe of peace and in-
dependence, you will be disposed to envy them their peaceful
lot. Far from all " middle-men," and other intermeddling
characters — such as lawyers, ministers, doctors, shoemakers,
and the like — happy, thrice happy, Keene.
"No base mechanic enters here;
No intermeckUing lawyer near,
To spoil our heartfelt joys."
Keene was out in the woods, out of the pale of civilization,
nntil late in the fall of 1837, when two young men from Mon-
roe county, jST. Y., discovered it, took a liking, bnilt a man-
sion, 10x16, and went to chopping. Their names were Orrau
Owen, and Charles Ilickox. Edwai-d Butterfield and Cyrus
Rose discovered their tracks and followed. They commenced
work February, 1838. Butterfield soon brought in his family,
and is recognized as the first settler. Kose moved in the next
December.
134 MEMORIALS OF THE
In 1838 were added, Philip Monk and liis sou, James Monk,
Canadians; Morton Reynolds, also from Canada; John Follett;
John Conner, from Oakland county; James Chrysler (Cana-
dian); Samuel Wells, from St. Lawrence county, ]^. Y., and
and Dexter Cutter. Of these, Mr. Butterfield died in 1846,
Mr. Hickox in 1870 ; Mr. Conner was killed by the falling of
a tree, in 1852.
In 1839, Philip Monk, James Baird and Elijah Sprague
were added to the settlers; David and Stephen Shaul; also
Jennison Henry and Simon Heath, John L. Covert, Elijah
Sprague and family; Wm. Lott, Thomas Beattie, with Nathan-
iel, his son, and his son-in-law, Joseph Brown; Prindle Hub-
bel and Robert Taylor. Thei'e raay be error in the date of the
advent of some of these:
" Oblivion comes careering on,
In the still fresh track of time."
Wm. Lott kept the first, the last, the oyily shop for the
dissemination of poor whisky to thirsty, besotted, brutish men,
who forget why they are not swine.
Thomas Beattie came not as an adventurer, to make a home
for himself; he was an old man, who came with his son, and
long since has gone to his rest.
Hubbell died where he had lived, about 1855.
Mr. Brown was killed by the running away of his oxen.
Philip Monk, came an old man. He died about 1860.
Charles Hickox was never a permanent resident. Died at
Greenville, 1873.
Jennison Henry w-as killed in '51, by a falling tree.
Of those mentioned, several eventually found themselves in
Saranac or Boston ; of these were James Baird, Cyrus Rose,
Samuel Wells, James Monk, John Follett, James Crysler.
John L. Covert moved to Yergennes, where he still lives.
Simon Heath left Keene for Ionia, Athere he died about
1857.
The brothers Shaul, went back to Canada.
Mr. Baird died in '64, and Mr. Sprague, in '63; Mr. Monk
in '63.
Robert Tavlor is long since dead.
GEAXD ElVElt VALLEY. 135
It will lience be seen that Lnt few of the "oriirinal settlers
are in the town of Keeiie, or hare laid their bones in her soil.
AVe must iro back a little on the tra'jk of time and record
t/ie event of 183S; when, on the ever memorable May ITth,
the glad parents — Morton and Alvira JReynolds — welcomed the
Urst baby, t/ieir baby, to the town of Keene. The few resi-
dents shouted the news from hut to shanty. " They've a baby
at Reynolds'!" Xothiug- was thought of but Reynoldo' baby.
" Have you seen the baby?" Tiie house was besieo-ed by the
young and old, each anxious for a peep at the dear little new
one. Old Father Monk gave it his blessing; to which Mrs.
JJutterfiekl added a cap, and Owen a cradle. True, this ac-
count of their doings is all apocryphal; the record and tradi-
tion merely showing that a baby teas horn. The rest is what
is supposed to have been done; the historian not being willing
to believe they were a lumpish set of humans, without huuian
souls. They liad souls, and therefore they welcomed the
" baby " and jubilated the event; and novr and henceforth that
jubilation is histor}-.
The first death in the towu, was that of Mary, the wife of
Eobert Eose.
The pioneer wedding occurred in IS-iU, when Alvin Butter-
field led to the altar — no, Esq. Dexter's — Miss Plena Phipps.
Xow we do wish that those who make history, would write it.
Xow here is all we know of that great event — the names and
the date. It is one of the four great events of life — the most
important of all. To be Jo/vi, married., divorced, and die, are
the events in a life history. The Jirst and last are inevitable
to all. The second and third how few escape; or, driven by
their strong impulsions, attempt to avoid?
Did you ever attend a primitive wedding? We cannot
describe this one, for we have already told all we know; the>j
inere married. But we can describe a backwoods wedding.
A bushel of doughnfits is fried,wild turkeys or ducks are cooked,
blackberry pies baked, and a jug of " be joyful" brought from
atar. xVll, for a circuit of miles, are notified, and in due time
appear at the log hcuse. Bascom, with his wife and children
have come five miles on an ox sled. Simp;on has come on his
136 MEMOKIALS OF THE
liorse, witli his wife behind him. Elnathan has come on foot,
dressed in his best, leading his intended, the fair Koxana, by
the hand, or gallantly carrying her on his back across the
intervening streams. Obadiah, with no girl, is there alone.
For the style of marrying, see "Lyons."
Then conies tlie feasting, the dancing under the trees, the
kissing of the bride, with the freely expressed wishes of the
guests — prominent among which is the hope that the happy
pair will not long be alone. Hope has given wings to imagi-
nation, and visions of sons and daughters appear — untashion-
able articles now-a-days, miless with the "foreign element."
But recollect, we are sj^eaking of the days of primitive sim-
plicity, before fashion came round. Tiie few maidens present
(for they are a scarce article in the Avt)ods) are looked at fondly
l)y the bashful swains; and, with averted eyes, seem to think
of nothing but the new-made bride. Sly minxes they are;
they all want Obadiah, but he does not know it. He feels
that he is the crawkiest vouno* man of the whole, and is aw-
fully jealous of Peter.
But the time comes when tbey all must go. Esq. Smith
tells Dan and Roxana they can ride with him; he has no
one but his wife. They thank him, and say they can go on
foot. The Esq. did it just to test them. He recollected that
he was young once; and how easy it was then to walk, espe-
cially on a moonlight evening.
The new couple go hand in hand to the cabin prepared;
and, with bright hopes for the future, begin life together. The
bride has a kettle, two chairs and a table for furniture, and her
y(ning heart is pleased with these. Bravely they struggle to
make for themselves a fortune and a home. Where stood their
little log house, you may now see the house that tells of taste
and wealth ; a.nd there the little grand-children come at Christ-
mas, to hear grandpa tell his bear stories, and to eat of grand-
ma's pies and cakes.
Keenc was a part of O.tisco until lSi2. Its limits have
since twice been changed. The name was given by E. Butter-
iield, from his native town in T^ew Hampshire — a practice of
which the historian does not approve.
GKAND ElVEK VALLEY.- 137
The first election was held at the house of l^athaniel Beat-
tie, on Monday, April 4th, 1842, at which thirty-nine votes
were cast; and the following persons received the honors of
tlie hio;hest ofhces:
Asaph C. Smith, Supervisor; Cyrenus Day, Clerk; Samuel
Wells, Treasurer; John L. Covert, Joseph W. Sprague, Aaron
Ilardenburg, Zacheus H. Brewer, Justices.
A post-office was established in 1845; A. C. Smith, P. M.
Miss Ruth Hunt was the first school teacher — the date and
place not reported. The first school house was built in 1842,
where the Potter school-house now stands.
The fine bridge across the Flat River was built in 1869.
The fi:*st settlers squatted on lands that were a reservation,
and had never been in market. They joined in the general
conspiracy against the " speculator " — a movement which made
it unpleasant for any one to bid against a pre-emptor.
The inhabitants of Keene have generally got rich by attend-
ing to their own business. They have looked well to their
schools, and have furnished little business for the lawyer.
" Yive la simjjlicite rurale! "
ORANGE.
This town has given little to record, except its settlement
and organization. Its independent existence commenced in
1845, when it was set off from Portland and Berlin. Tlie
first town meeting was at the house of Dean W. Tyler. At
its organization the principal officers were:
Alexander K. Hall, Supervisor; John Brown, Clerk; Myron
J. King, Treasurer; Adam A. Lewis, Dean M. Tyler, Alexan-
der Dalziel, Justices.
The settlement dates from 1836; and those who have the
honor of being the first settlers, are Seely Arms and Benjamin
Brand. Mr. Brand built a house — the first in town — -entirelv
of wood and bark, without a nail.
In 1837 Thomas Marsh was added; and in 1838, Ira F.
Levalley, Dean M. Tyler, his sons, Dean and Isaac, and his son-
in-law, John Brown, George Jourdon, and Samuel Grinnells.
In 1839 came in David Kenny, with five grown-up sons,
three of whom the next year brouo-ht on wives.
138 MEMORIALS OF THE
For 1842, we find S. W. Badger; and for 1843, James
Hnmplireys.
The settlement at first was slow, as some other towns liad
the reputation of being more desirable land, and so Orange
was neo-lected nntil the first feverish rush of emio-ration and
speciilation was over. Calm, sober, second thought, in after
years, settled it steadily, and it was found that Orange had as
good land as Otisco or Xorth Plains. The fact was made patent
in the settlement of the Grand Kiver Valley, that a man,
accustomed to Eastern lands, was no judge of land in Michi-
gan. The first selected lands were often the poorest in the
region. jSTot a few of the earliest settlers have told the writer
that their stilections were the very poorest they could have
made. And, let me say, that the best land is still slighted.
One good citizen of Orange complained to the writer that
" great damage was done to the town by the statement in the
directory," that the town had a considerable amount of mao'sJi
land. ]!^ow one acre of that despised " marsh" is worth the
best three acres of upland in the town. If you don't believe
it, drain and clear one of those swamps, and then grow fat and
rich on the surprising fertility of it. Afraid of the work, are
you? It is not so much work as to subdue the same value of
dry land. Give a man of spunk a good marsh, and in after
years you will see his jolly cheeks fairly liai">ging down with
fatness, and his old leather pocketbook will be bursting with
greenbacks. Bankers will touch their hats to him, and his
townsmen will elect him " supervisor,"
My farm shall have just 10 acres of upland on it, the rest
shall be frog pond. People put their thumbs on their noses
and wagged their little fingers, when Governor Crapo selected
for himself 1,000 acres of frog pond for his farm. The same
persons, passing by few years later, could only gape in blank
astonishment, when seeing that on t]iat 1,000 acres there was
hardly room to stack his crops. So, if you have a mud marsh
on your farm, don't feel insulted if anybody notices it, but
blandly intimate that you are going to drain it after harvest.
Benjamin Brand was a worthy Dutchman, quietly pursuing
the even tenor of his way. lie recently died.
GEA^'D RIVER VALLEY. 130
Seely Arms was a respectable, but not prominent man. He
i-esided in Orange until his death in 1865.
Thomas Marsh, in a good old age, and enjoying a compe-
tence, is where he did battle with the forest, or harmlessly
chased the deer.
Dean M. Tylers course in Orange was short. He was the
man looked up to, the few years he stayed. He was killed by
ci falling tree, in 1848.
Is it not a little surprising that so many of the pioneers
were killed by tailing trees? Men do not now get killed by
them in Michigan. No, it is not surprising. They came from
the open country, and knew not the dangers of woodland life.
There is no safety or caution which is not the jjrice of death.
A few have to be killed to teach carpenters and masons to build
their stao-ino-s. Once in a while a man has to be torn limb
from limb, to show men that there is danger in revolving shafts
or drivino; belts. Once in a while a man has to be cut in two
to teach people to have their eyes open, and their thoughts
about them, when around one of those death-dealing circular
saws. ]^ow and then one must be blown up or shot, to teach
]3eople that gunpowder is an article that will bear Watching. But
there is one danger that fails to give its note of warning, al-
though it has been instructively dealing in death — the danger
in coupling cars. Deaths uncounted have failed to teach the
lesson they intended. I ask no patent for the invention ; but
no more of those accidents would occur if the railroad was
fined S100,000 for every such accident. Fear would inspire
the proper caution; and a man might couple cars all his life,
and die of old age. But why this preaching, and what is its
lesson? Learn where is the danger; habitually /<?«;' that dan-
ger, and you are safe. You will not be killed by a falling tree;
von will ]iot cut vour foot, and vou will not be blasphemino-
by talking of " inscrutable providences."
Of Tyler's sons, one — Dean — soon moved to other parts;
the other — Isaac — still graces Orange by his presence, and long
may he wave!
John Brown was a leading man of fine business capacity;
manly, pious, and honorable; had a good deal to do with town
140 MEMOEIALS OF THE
affaire, for tlie people felt their interests were safest in tlio
charge of men who knew the distinction between right and
wrong, and who also were possessed of that too rare article — a
conscience. He died in 1860.
George Jourdon, his hard work over, now lives in Port-
land; rich enough, if he does but know it, and as happy as
good dinners and a jolly soul can make him. He can spin
yarns about old times, and shake his fat at the remembrance.
When you see him, just ask him to tell some of his hunting
stories; es23ecially, about his chasing a bear in the night, with
nothing on but his shirt — tearius: tlirouo^h brush and over logs.
until shirt was gone, still chasing bruin, until the varmint was
treed and shot; and you will laugh, too. Tlie fact is, Jourdon
was educated in the Calvinistic faith, and believed in "perse-
verance."
David Kenny was killed in a few years Tyy a tree. One of
his sons soon died; the others moved away. A very respecta-
ble family.
The venerable Elder Chatlield was the first preacher in
Orange. This pioneer of the Gospel in Ionia county, super-
annuated, died at Portland.
Like most quiet, orderly country towns, Orange has but lit-
tle historv. No startling circumstances have horrified the
community; and the town being born, has quietly, peacefully
grown to maturity. Things have gone on in the regular
channel. They have courted and married; and children have
been born to them. They have changed a savage wild into
fields, waving with grain; have built and adorned theii; beauti-
ful homes, until Orange is a fine rural town. And yet it has
no history but a " bear story." Just as though the town it-
self was not an engraved history, of which each stroke of the
ax was a letter. But a history, written on the earth is one thing
— history in a book is quite another. The book takes no note
of the everyday events, when these everyday events are all
that is truly real.
CAMPBELL.
This wealthy, beautiful and excellent town, on account of
the lateness of its settlement, has no pioneer history, except
GEAXD RIVEK VALLEY. 141
"what centers aronnd two brothers — Irisliiiien — after wliom tlie
Xown was named. These were Martin and Jeremiah Camp-
bell, who, on Christmas day, 1840, took possession of their
land; where they lived for seven years before they had a
neighbor. Jeremiah Campbell was a bachelor, and has always
remained such. Martin had a wife and family.
The Campbell's did not, like most pioneers, come in poor.
Jeremiah brouo-ht in fourteen head of cattle and Some of " the
root of all evil." He built him a shanty; browsed his cattL?
durino; the winter. How much his brother brought is not
"known. Martin, after some years, went off to California, leav-
mp; Jeremiah, with a maiden sister, on the place where he first
bciran his almost hermit life in the wilderness. There he
lives. The fact that he is' the patriarch of the town; that it
bears his name, that he was its first Justice of the Peace, have
not puffed him up with pride, or made him feel any bigger
than when he first took up his residence in the woods. He
apparently wears the same shirt he did then, smokes the same
pipe, has the same simple furniture, is true to his old religion,
and, in old age, is the same Jeremiah; a center of interest; an
interesting fossil — a man of his own sort. On coming in he
bought only eighty acres of land. He had ma-ny adventures
while hunting his cattle; he has sat up all night, listening to
the musical concerts of the wolves; was once scared nearly to
death by a panther — which proved to be a screech-owl. He
has been twice burned out, and now lives in a snug little house,
where he can indulge his simple tastes; and, on the down hill
side of life, is happy and respected. He has scorned to be any-
thing but Jerry. Go and see him, shake the hand of an hon-
est man, and think whether the people did right when they
irave the town his name.
It was not until 1848 that other settlers moved into Camp-
bell ; then came four brothers — Amasa, Calvin, Charles and
]^,rarcus ]S!'ash ; Marvill Church, Wm. Mercer; Alexander H.
Ibishnell. Joseph S. Whitney, Thomas Q.Frost, Henry Briggs
and Alvin Briggs.
The to-wn was set off from Boston, and organized in 1849;
the first meetinn- was at the house of Marvill Church.
142 MEMORIALS OF THE
First town officers : Supervisor, Wm. Mercer; Clerk, A.
H. Biislinell; Justices, Jeremiah Campbell, Alviu Briggs,
Martin Campbell, Amasa Kasli.
The number of voters was 14, nearly all of whom were
placed in office, and some had a plurality.
In religion, it must be admitted, the inhabitants are not
united; no less than five church organizations existing in that
rural town, viz: Wesleyan Methodists, Episcopal Meth-
odists, Dunkards, Christians and Presbyterians. The Du7ik-
ards are the only society that has a church building; a small
one, near the south line of the town.
"With little to speak of as matters of history, the town has
much of which it may well pride itself — the results of quiet in-
dustry. Later in settlement than any other town in the county,
it presents to-day as few evidences of the poverty and necessi-
ties of early times as the older settled towns. The first houses
Iiave mostly disappeared, and the inhabitants of Campbelltown
(let that be the last time it is called Cam23belltown— call it
Campbell) do not feel that they are in a new country.
SEBEWA.
It is refreshing to come to a town the pioneers of which had
the good taste to give it a musical and poetic name, instead of
condemning it to be known by some uncouth sound, which
happened to be the name of some m«?i.— perhaps a great man,
perhaps a small one— ambitious that his town shall from him
be called "Smithville" or " Jonesburg." Again, who can ap-
prove of that lack of self-respect that gives ns many small
places named after great ones?
I reverently take ofif my hat to the pioneers of Sebewa.
They could appreciate the music of the beautiful Indian word,
by which they designate a small stream; and, appreciating it,
applied it to their embryo town, and also to their principal
stream, though they improperly call it " Sebewa Creek," when
it should be '-'-The SebewaP
Sebewa was a part of Berlin from the time of its organi-
zation nntil 1845. Its first election was held at the house of
Jacob Shower man, March 19th.
GRAND RIVER VALLEV. 143
Xo record of the organization of the town is in existence,
except a copy of tlie act of the Legislature authorizing the or-
ganization of the town, directing that the first meeting siiall
be at the house of Jacob Showerman (without date.) Under
that is a list of accounts, audited in October. From that list
and tlie memory of some of the old residents, we make out
that
Benjamin D. AYeld was Supervisor; Anson AV. Halbert,
Clerk; Edmund Sanborn, Geo. W. Dickinson, Justices.
The first pro23er record is of the 2d year— 1846.
It is a matter of tradition in the town that sixteen Voters
were at the first election. From the records of the 1st and 2d
years we gather the names:
Joseph Munn, Paul Steel, Benj. D. Weld, Edward Sanborn,
A. W. Halbert, John C. Smith, Wm. Ilogle, John M. Tirrill,
Jacob Showerman, Orrin Merchant, Hi chard Fleetham, Moses
Ilogle, Walter Harmon, Eleazer Brown, John Maxim, G. W.
Dickinson, Elkanali Drake, Rufus Goddard, John Waddell.
Some of these were transient, and have passed from mem-
ory as well as from the town.
The antiquity of Sebewa dates back to 1836, when a man
bv the name of Jones settled on Sec. 1. But scantv uarticu-
lars can be gleaned, as he stayed but a short time, when he sold
out to Mr, Ilogle and disappeared. This much is known: he
and his wife came in on foot, bringing all their worldly goods
in their packs. Perhaps they found it lonesome with nobody
l3ut wolves and bears for company, and, discouraged, sold out
to the first land-looker who would 2:ive them the means to o-et
away. We hope he is now a village squire somewhere else,
looked up to and venerated; but among the numerous family
of Jones, it is useless to inquire for the Jones, the pioneer of
Sebewa.
John Tirrill, Charles W. Ingalls, and John Brown (not the
John Brown " whose soul is marching on,") are accredited
as being the first permanent settlers, moving in in 1838. They
were three Yermont Yankees, Some others had located their
lands before, but did not immediately possess them.
In the fiill of '39 Jacob Showerman moved in with his
144 MEMORIALS OF THE
*
family. In '40 were added Stephen Pilkinton, Moses and
William Hogle, and John Smith. In '41 John Waddell and
Benj. J). Weld, and in 1844 Rufiis Goddard, For some years
the settlement was slow. Heavy timber may be the reason.
Sebewa, when first settled was merely on the outskirts of civil-
ization — about 17 miles off — that distance from Portland. Yet,
though not called on to do as the earlier settlers of Ionia
county did, they still can tell their stories of the early times,
when going to mill was an event; the nearest was at Port-
land, and they had no roads. To get their grinding done,
the neighborhood would club together, and generally
send David Goddard, then a youth of fifteen, with an
ox team, and ten bushels (a full load). He would start early,
with their benedictions, and at ten o'clock at night be at' the
mill. There his o-rist would be OTound in the nic^ht. Mean-
while, he would turn out his team, eat his supper, wrap
himself in his blanket, and sleep until morning; then,, re-har-
nessing Buck and Brindle, he would wend his weary way
homeward. Some miles from home he would be met by a
neighbor, with a lantern; and, on his arrival, be greeted as a
hero and a benefactor. The women, seeing there was a prospect
of biscuits, would greet him with a " God bless you, David! "
The boys would pat and praise the oxen, who had so oxfully
performed the pilgrimage, and so cheerfully drawn the load.
All were happy when David got back from mill.
Thus began David's popularity in Sebewa — a popularity
which the man retains. All swear by David now — think he is
the best fellow livino; — " a good deal more honest than there is
any use in being." They make him supervisor, postmaster, and
a general factotum ; never watching him, for they know it is all
right if David has the managing. A good name is a good
thing; but sometimes it is rather an expensive luxur}^
Little can be recorded of this excellent agricultural town.
Its history is the development of fine farms.
It has four church organizations. Presbyterian, Baptist,
Deciples, and Wesleyan Methodist.
The Presbyterian church was organized in 1835, by Rev. Lewis Mills. Its
original members were :
GKAND EIYEK VALLEY. 145
D. W. Goddard, Robert Allen and wife, Hannah Goddard, Jrary Co?, E.
B. Buclcman and wife, Bcnj. Bartlett and wife.
Tiiey have a small church edifice, which was dedicated February, 186G.
Present membership, about twenty. No settled pastor.
The Baptist church was organized AprU 3d, ISoS. Original members:
Josiao C. Clark and wife, Samuel Fr?ehouse, Cai'los Pierce and wife.
Stephen Rider and wife, Addison Rice and wife, John Jackson and wife,
Cyril Carpenter and wife, Elkanah Carpenter and wife, Samuel Carpenter (a
preacher), Mary Betts, ilargaret R. Griffin.
The first pastor was Elder Saurael B. Townc.
Cimrch dedicated in 1872.
Present membership abDut seventy^fiv?.
Of tlie other religious societies we have no information,
A willow tree of remarkable growth may be seen in front of
Mr. Goddard's honse. As a boy, he stuck the stick in the
ground. It is now more than ten feet in circumference.
Sebewa is a great town for wlieat.
ODESSA.
Tiiis town was set off from Berlin in 1846. The first town
meeting oi:" thirteen voters was held at the house of Myron
Tupper, in A]:»ril of that year. There were seventeen offices
to till, and thirteen men to fill them. The names that appear
ou the records, with the number of offices given to each, are
given below:
Myron Tupper, 1; John D.White,!; Kenben Haight, 2;
Geo. E. Kibby, 2; Asa Houghton, 2; Esteven Eussell, 2;
Hiram S. Lee, 1; Benj. F. Tupper,!; Wellington Eussell, !;
James A. Galloway, 2; Daniel Hetor, !.
Poor Joseph Hetor went home that night a private citizen.
First lown officers: Myron Tupper, Supervisor; Esteven
Eussell, Clerk; John D. White, Treasurer; Hiram S. Lee,
Eeuben Haight, Benj. F. Tupper, George E. Kibby, Justices.
Odessa was an unbroken wild nntil !839, when Myron Tup-
per, accompanied by Harvey Kibby, came on, chopped five
acres, and planted some corn and potatoes. In the fall, Tupper
brought his family. jSJ^ext came Wellington Eussell, the same
year. Tupper, Kibby and Eussell shantied together the first
winter. Eussell and Tupper still (!8T6) live on the land they
first occupied. Kibby, disregarding the divine command, let
10
146 MEMORIALS OF THE
liis name run out when he died — an awful warning to all old
bachelors. It does seem strange, when a wife may be had for
the asking, that so many will shiver alone, darn their own stock-
ings; live with no little fond arms about their neck; die, and
go to the grave, where they will be forgotten. Are you
not ashamed of yourself, you undignified old liach., when you
look at your neighbor, i\\e family man? See him, with two
little ones on each knee; six more clino'ina' on his chair, be-
sides the one that is treading on the kitten's tail, and that one
with his hand in the sugar-bowl! Perhaps it is all because
Sally Ann Sago said she "would rather be excused." You
unregcnerate, white-livered, ftiint-hearted, soft-headed non
compos! Give up because one ])artlcular finli i!!i\& not bite
your hook! Live a despised, slovenly, undignified old bach.,
just because one girl said no! A dozen others were peeping
sly at you, longing for a chance to say " yesf'' each one of
them worth two of that red-headed vixen. Fie, fie! "Faint
heart," et cetera.
The history of Odessa moves slow, when the historian stops
to moralize; but is it not the ofiice of the historian to be the
Mentor of his own and future ages? Again, the advantages
of history lie not in the simple facts chronicled there, but in
the lessons drawn therefrom. It is the historian's province to
see what these lessons are, and by a wise and philosophical
use of them, be the great teacher of the world. Xo more will
I apologize for digressions. Henceforth I will feel the true
dignity of my position.
Coming back to the tame recording of events: next came
Hiram Lee, who, at the present writing, lives in Keene; hav-
ing achieved a fortune bv hard labor and enero'v. Then.
Benjamin Russell, whose life's labor, well done, was ended in
1870. Benjamin R. Tupper came in 1840, and is still resi-
dent.
As those who came in 1842, or thereabouts, may be men-
tioned, Esteven Russell, John D. Hite, Reuben Ilaight, Geo.
E. Kelly, James N. Galloway, Asa Houghton, Daniel and
Joseph Hetor.
The town (one of the best) has but little history. There was
GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 147
the usual up-hill work, incident to hewing out homes in the
lieavy forest; a moderate stock of adventures with the deni-
zens of the woods. But it was only twelve miles from civil-
ized settlements, mills, physicians, and the other requisites of
civilization. Lonelv tlier mio-ht be, but half a day would
carry them where white folks lived, and where they could get
their corn ground, buy tobacco, whisky or calico; they h.ad
only to plod right on, cut down tree after tree, subdue field
after field, and the Odessa of to-day was the result. While
there has been little in particular to record, the ao-o-refate of
the whole is a firm, well-cultured town; built up and developed
insensibly. AYe will still hope that no special historic event
shall intrude itself into the regions of rural simplicity. Leave
the bio; schemes and the oreat crimes to the cities. Go there
yourself, when you must have a bust ; there do your drinking, and
there commit all your irregularities. Come home to Odessa
sober; there sow your wheat; there train your children, and
there sleep in honor when your life-work is done; and be sure
that atil^ection may, with truth, inscribe on your humble monu-
ment, somethino; that mav read like —
Or:
A true-hearted father; a citizen good;
His life labor done, is resting him here.
She guided her children by wisdom and love;
And has now set a light in the window above.
But if you respect the good town of Odessa, don't oblige
the people to strain conscience when they place such an epi-
taph over you.
The first child born in Odessa (and she, not liking the wild-
woods, went to "Woodland, Barry county, to be born) was
Ttosetta, daughter of Myron Tupper. She died in ISTO, the
wife of Esteven Russell.
The first death was tli^t of a daughter of Hiram Lee. An-
other daughter of Lee was accidentally shot by her father.
Religiously, Odessa has not made much of a show. The
Free-Will Baptists first got a footing, and the first man who
preached there was Riley Hess, one" of those devoted, pioneers
148 MEMORIALS OF THE
who sought the stray Lambs in the wilderness. He has closed
his earthly labors; having served the lirst generation in the
Vallev, by his holy example illustrating the religion he pro-
fessed, and. inculcated, he rests now. Greater men have suc-
ceeded; but who has left behind him more of the atmosphere
of holiness than the humble Hess?
For a series of years our friend, Myron TupjDer, who seems
to have been the factotum of the town, was their preacher.
He cannot be accused of making merchandise of the gospel ;
for he preached for nothing and boarded himself for many long
years. Tapper was a zealous evangelist; preaching in this and
other towns; riding thirty or f)rty miles on a Sunday, and
preaching two or three times. Think of that, ye kid-gloved,
smooth-spoken, self-serving preachers, who temper the gospel
to the tastes of a fashionable congregation, and preach for
eclat and a big salary. Tupper never received $50 a year;
worked on his farm for a living, and gave the Sabbath and liis
unwearied labors to his fellow men and to God. Tupper, I
like you, and would be glad to hear you preach. But I slightly
fear I should merit the sarcasm of the Methodist class-leader,
who, in answer to the man who in class-meetino' thanked God
for a free religion, stating that for the ten years he had been a
Methodist it had cost him but 25 cents, devoutly raised hi.i
eyes, and said, "God have pity on your poor, stingy soul!"
The Free-will Baptists kept up an organization for some dozen years. Hess
was tlieir first preacher, and aiterwards Tupper. It has languished and died
out.
The' United Brethren have lately secured a standing. The original Class
was org.mized in 1866, a.nd consisted of Daniel Mower and Wife, Nicholas
Arney; Isaac Ma.urey and wife: C. E. Brelz; Thomas Cooley and wife, imd
P. a' Wacks.
Their present (1876) membership is about forty-five. They depend on
circuit preachers.
In 1875, they built a house of worship, 45 by 50 feet— cost $3,000. Well
done. Brethren!
All the religion there has ever been in the town, has been of
that humble, quiet sort, which consists in the worship of God,
and in the practice of the Christian virtues. They have not
brought in the fashionable sort, for the Frce-AVill Baptist or the
GKAND KIVEK VALLEY. 149
Brother does not take stock in aristocratic piety; and does not
require a plusli-corered cushion on which to kneel to say his
prayers. No! no! no! Like tlieir Master, they can sit with
publicans and sinners, and kneel by the side of the humblest,
in worship of the Eternal. Under the tree or in the school
house, they can preach the simple religion of Jesus; and lov-
ingly invite all who have souls to join with them in spiritual
communion. If you liave a better religion than that, please
display it. T'ou did not get it from Je&us of Nanaretli.
An adventure of Mr. Crapo is an episode in the history of
Odessa, and is of no small interest. In 1868, in company
with Samuel F. Alderman, he was out in Montcalm county,
land-looking, when he shoidd have been at home, leaving
wild-wood rano-ino; to the vouuir. He had the misfortune to
split his foot, so that it was impossible for him to proceed or
return. They were forty miles from any settlement. The
next day Alderman started to iind a lumber camp, which he
believed was sixteen miles south, and where he hoped to get
help. He got lost on the way, and did not return for six days.
He (Alderman) suffered everything but death; was badly
frozen, starved and faint; yet his grit carried him through,
and he found Comstock's lumber camp. From the camp
eleven men came without delay to the rescue of Crapo.
In the meantime Crapo, believing Alderman had perished,
himself prepared to die. His provisions were nearly exhaust-
ed. What little he had he husbanded to protract life, for how-
ever certain death is, we ask a day more. He cut his name on
his gun-stock, that, if found when dead, he might be identified ;
and languishing, waited his final hour. But the loud cheer
of Comstock's men roused him from his dream of death to
the consciousness of life and safety. They were the finest
looking lot of men he ever saw; each one a perfect Apollo.
They carried him on a litter sixteen miles to their camp,
where his wants were attended to; and he lives to tell the
story.
Two lessons may be learned from this adventure of Crapo:
1st. Old men should stay at home, or keep in the settle-
ments.
150 MEMORIALS OF THE
2nd. If you must split your foot, do it about home, for
forty miles in the wilderness such a thing endangers life.
And 3d. There is a very strong popular prejndice against
a " cloven foot."
DANBY.
The early history of this town is identified witli that of the
settlement, which centered at Portland. . Its own political his-
tory commenced in 1845. Until that time it had been a part
of Portland.
The town held its iirst meeting at the house of Chancellor
l>arringer, April Yth, 181:5; 26 voters present. 'No poll list is
in existence, but the following names are found on the records
of 1845:
Abijah F. Schoflf, Oscar P. Schoff, Elkanah Drake, John
Campton, James Burns, Matthew Davenport, AYm. Cronkrite,
Henry Jones, Lorenzo Sears, Charles G. Brooks, Alpha David,
Xathan Wyman, Geo. S. David, John D. Brown, Geo. A. Kil-
bourne, Ashur Kilbourne, Chester Davenport, Elias Bailey,
Ileuben Hopkins, Benj. Horner, Erastus Miner, Wm. H. Turner,
Henry Allman, Geo. W. Peake, Sydney C. Perry, Lorin Barr.
The list of names here given is not the poll list of the town,
but the names of those who voted at the first meeting:
Abijah Schoff, Supervisor; John Campton, Clerk; Matthew
Daven})ort, Wm. Cronkrite, Henry Jones, Lorenzo Sears, Jus-
tices; Charles G. Brooks, Treasurer.
On the list of those 2vho voted at the fall election, we have
the additional names of Jonathan Bailey, Justus Bailey and
Gep. Davenport.
Of the early settlers it cannot now be ascertained who were
the first. John Campton came in with his family in March,
1S37. He is certain that he found in the town: Ashur Kil-
bourne, Abijah Schoff, Willard Brooks, Charles Brooks, Wm.
Cronkrite, Isaiah Frost. Soon after came, that year, John D.
Brown, James D. Korris, James Burns, Patrick Murtaugh,
Seth Hull, Beuj. Horner, Chester Gleason, Chancellor Barrin-
ger, ]*^atlian Wyman, Elias Bailey, Isaac DeWitt.
After 1837, settlers came in more rapidly.
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. l.jl
The first school was kept by Hester Ann David, in what it^
now Dist. Xo. 1; commencing Dec. 6th, 1844. Her school
was in a shanty. She is now Mrs. Sonles, of Portland.
Relifrioiisly, the Methodists have alwaj"s had full swmg- in Danby; were
the first to occupy the field, and in substance, have had it entirely to them-
selves. Of them the first class was gathered June 14fch, 1833, by Eld. Orrin
Mitchell, who came bat on^e; and consisted of: John Campton, Aarin
('ampton, Jonathan Installs, Charles W. Tngalls and wife, iSTancj' Hull, AVni.
I'ronkrite and wife. Soon joined: John F. Tirrill, Martha A. Tirrill, John
D. Brown, Charlotta Brown, Stephen Pilkinton, Abigail Tirrill.
The first class-leader was J. Campton. who has tilways since filled that
position.
The church occupy School House No. 1. No other denomination lia>
ever had an organization; though many in the town are connected with the
churches in Portland.
The fii'st birth in Danby, so far as known, was that of
C'harles Brooks, Angust 28tii 1838.
The o-rini messeni>'er — death— first o-ave his summons to the
wife of Abijah Schoft*. She was buried on their own land, and
her grave is surrounded by a picket fence.
The first white man buried was Wm. Cumming.^. To show
tlic primitive style of doing things among pioneers — he was
drawn to his grave on an ox-sled, and to lower Iiini into it,
use was made of the onli/ halter in tlie settlement, and a log-
chain. He sleeps there just as quieth^, as he would if drawn
in a plumed hearse, and lowered to his resting place by less
simple means. In the back-woods a funeral is a solemn thing.
AVe are familiar with death in the citv. The funeral corte^-e
passes in pomp along the street. AYe inquire, '' Whose funeral
is that? " look at the hearse, count tlie carriages, and let it pass.
l)Ut it is not so in the woods. There a funeral is a sad reality.
They can make no pageant display; but with the deepest
solemnitv, loviuijly beai' the dead to the humble m-ave.
Tears till all eyes as the hollow thud of the falling earth tells
the sad tale, that a brother or sister is shut out from tlieir
sight forever. Manly bosoms heave, and woman's eye is tcary,
as thev turn from the o^rave, and seek their homes.
'■ Bury me where most the butterflies are,"
Was the youth'ul naturalist's dying prayer;
152 MEMORIALS or THE
" lay me wliei-e my fathers are laiil,"
The dying patriarch feebly said ;
'Tis the last fond wish, fall ott expressed;
" In my own dear land be my final rest,"
Where kindred friends and neighbors come,
And bedew v/ith tears the lowly tomb.
In the dying breast the hope will rise,
That loving hands will close the eyes;
That loving hands may bear the bier;
Tliat loving eyes will shed a tear;
That loving hearts will yet be found
To consecrate the swelling mound;
l^hat loving hands will plant the rose
Upon the gTave where we repose.
In living souls to have a share
Is nature's last, its yearning prayer.
INDIANS.
In Danby at the time of its first occupation by the whites,
v/as a small settlement of Indians on section 22, on land now
owned by C. Ingalls. Their number is supposed to have been
about 150. The name they gave to their settlement is vari-
ously remembered: " Chim-i-me-con," "" Mishshiminecon," and
'" Michimmeny Cahniny."
■ Tlie old lady, Mrs. Brooks, who lived eight years with the
Indians as almost her only companions, and became as much
master of the Indian language as of her native Irish, says the
name was " Chirainicon." Their chiefs were Da-mek, and his
half brother, Mau-uk-wood.
Prominent among the others were Onewanda, !N"acquit,
i^egumwatin, Sisshebee, Nikkenashwa, Whiskemuk, Pasliik,
Squagun, and his sons, Thargee and Chedskunk.
Damek was a frio-htful lookins^ Indian, and not a verv ii-ood
man. jSTacquit was a good Indian. jSTegumwatin and Nick-
kenashwa were bad fellows. On the whole, the clan, as found,
were rather a set of low-lived Indians.
About 1850 a missionarv came to preach to them, by name
Manasseh Ilickey, a Methodist. The Indians were having a
drunk v/hen he came, and were disposed to do violence to him.
Through the benevolence of a lady in jSTew York, a mission
house was built, and by the aid of the people and Missionarv
K.)ciety, implements of husbandry were furnished them, airl
a school establislied.
gkAjS'd kiver valley. 153
When there had been preaching, the chief men would hold
a council on what they had heard, and if they approved, the
speaker was invited to give them another talk.
The preaching was through an interpreter. The mission-
school was taught by Mr, Campton. An educated Indian
woman had tauglit before. Louisa Boo-ue afterwards tauofht
there. In time Campton became their spiritual leader.
Soon the Indians very readily received the instruction of those
Avho labored for them ; and, under their leadership formed a
church, Tlie cliange in their character was great; they took
to the practices of civilization; divided their reservation into
small allotments; built log houses; cultivated the ground, and
tried to live like white folks. The women got the idea of neat-
ness; learned to sew, wash, and keep house. They became
constant at church, and adopted the dress of the whites. The
men became more gallant to the women. They generally
adopted the religion that was preached to them; entering
readily into the spirit of the church, singing, j)raying, etc — in
fact, became a band of civilized Methodist Indians. They went
off to the reservations in Isabel county. Their former teacher
and preacher, Campton, is still in Danby, and is happy in the
thought that his labors resulted in raising a band of brutilied
savasres to the rank of men, Believino; that is the case, we
make our respectful bow to Campton, as to one who has done
some good in the world; who has lived not altogether for self,
but who sought to serve humanity and his God,
Kind reader, pause a moment. Is the world any better for
your having lived in it?
In Danby, on the left bank of the river, is a mineral spring,
which needs only a little enterprise and the effrontery to tell
of marvelous cures of epilepsy, palsy, gout, rheumatism, scrof-
ula, etc., and the brazen assurance of a resident quack to make
it a famous watering place. It is on the place of Mr, Mills;
and the tufaceous deposit from it, which is immense, has been
burned for lime. It is a very strong chalybeate water, depos-
iting ochre in great quantities. This ochre is a good paint.
Were not so many worthless mineral springs cracked up until
people begin to see through the humbug, this might be brought
154 ME]SrOIiIALS OF THE
into notice, wliicli is doubtless equal to any chalybeate spring
in tlie world. But " Vive la humbug!'''' Springs that are as
good as sea- water, are resorted to as to a Bethesda; the water
bottled and shipped off, as a life-restoring panacea; while
Dan by waters, which have health and curative powers in them,
are a mud bank by the side of the river.
Were not Dauby a pleasant town, the Grand Kiver is very
f )olish to linger so long in it, meandering, as it does, through
eighteen sections of its land before it reluctantly leaves, turn-
\\\Z acrain and as-ain; fondlv lino-erino; — loth to bid farewell.
Xo wonder, for 'tis a peaceful town, where are not a dozen
sects, pulling each others' liair, but each holier than the rest
(in their own esteem). Ko, that is not Dauby. TAey worship
God in a school-house, and have not yet come to that point
of civilization where the church is the center of fasliion, and a
place where,the poor cannot decently appear. Money! money!
money! thou Mammon of all ungodliness, why has thou des-
ecrated the church? Wliy hast thou not left one place where
rich and poor may stand, each on his individual merit, as a
Christian and a man!
It is related of a German king, that, being sick, he set a
page to read his prayers. The young man, as he was praying
in the name of his king, left out some of the most deeply pen-
itential and humiliating passages. The king interrupted, and
asked what that meant. The youth said, "I feared your maj-
esty would not like it." "l^one of 'your majesty'-ing here,"
said the king, " reniember we are in the presence of our God,
Avliere I am a' good-for-nothing, sinful rascal, as well as you.
Go on, and give me the worst of it; I deserve it." But I am
afraid that when I go to church to show my new coat, I don't
l(X)k on the humble one whose coat is seedy, as my equal in
the presence of the Lord. Perhaps He has a different opinion
about it.
IONIA COUNTY HISTORY RESUMED.
The territory, until settled, was for judicial purposes, at-
tached to Kalamazoo county. In 1835 the county first liad
political existence, as a town of Kalamazoo county. AYhcn
GEA^'D KIYER VALLEY. 155
Kent county was organized in 1836, Ionia was attacLed as a
town to Kent, and as such remained one year.
As a town of Kalamazoo county, the first meeting was at
(fenerau's, April 6th, 1835, on the right bank of Grand River,
one hundred rods or so from the mouth of Maple River.
Pliilo Bogue, Chairman; Dr. Lincoln, Clerk.
Officers elected: E. Yeomans, Supervisor; Dr. Lincoln,
Clerk; Asa Spencer, Collector.
A fall hoard of officers was not elected. The supervisor
acted as assessor.
Second meeting at same place,
Ionia county was established by act of Legislature in 1837.
^Vt the same time the county was divided into two towns — Ionia
and Maple. The first township meeting in Ionia to be held at
the house of Samuel Dexter; the first meeting in Maple at the
house of William LIunt. (Lyons).
Ma])le consisted of all the county east of a line dividing the
f^econd tier of townships in the middle. The rest of the coun-
ty was Ionia — or two and a half tiers of townships on the
west.
In process of time, towns were formed by cutting off from
these. For particulars, see the history of the several toAvns,
and the summary of Legislative action.
There is no important purpose served bj- tracing all those
temporary arrangements, and the subsequent mutations, by
which rivers have been made to be township boundaries.
At first the county started her political existence with two
towns — Ionia and Maple. The records of the county are
partly not in existence, and those of Maple cannot be found.
The records of the doings of the supervisors are missing.
What is gathered is from the book of the connty canvassers,
and the records of the courts.
The first meeting of the county canvassers was at the house
of Asa Spencer, and the result of the county canvass was:
For Associate Judges: Isaac Thompson, 292; Truman H. Lyon, 187; Wil-
liam Babcock, 104.
■ Judge of Probate: Cyrus Lowell, 116; Wm. D. Moore, 173.
Sheriff: E. W. Curtis, 191; H. V. Lebhart, 93. *
156 MEMORIALS OF THE
Clerk: Asa Brunnell, 183; Erastus Yeomans, IIG.
Coroners: Pliilo Bogua, 187; Thaddeus 0. Warner, 293.
Treasurer: Robert S. Parks, 106; John E. Morrison, 185.
District Surveyor: Buel H. Mann, 220.
Register of Deeds: Mason Hearsay, 102; Ad;xmL. Roof, 189.
In November A. F. Bell was made County Surveyor.
The above shows on the highest vote 293, which is assumed to be nearly
the number of settlers entitled to vote. These were scattered in Ionia, Ber-
lin, Danby, Easton, Lyons, North Plains, Orange, Otisco, Portland and Ro-
nald, and there was one settler in Campbell.
In 1838 there were five towns, whose votes were canvassed, viz: Portland
Maple, Ionia, Boston and Otisco.
The officers chosen were: John Plaice, Sheriff; Lawson S. Warner, Clerk;
Thomas Caswell, Treasurer; William Dallass, Register.
In 1840 six towns — Cass having been added — sleeted: Samuel Dexter, As-
sociate Judge; Henry Buston, Judge of Probate; Alonzo Sessions, Sheriff;
Abram S. Wadsworth, Commissioner; Osmond Tower, Clerk; John C. D.'x-
ter. Register; Asaph Walker, Treasurer.
In 1812, Keene appears in the towns represented.
Wm. Crumer, Sheriff; David Irish, Clerk: Asaph Mather, Treasurer; Wni.
Dallass, Register.
1843. Fred. Hall, Register of Deeds, and Cyprian Hooker, Sheriff.
1844. North Plains added.
Hiram Brown, Sheriff; Hampton Pticli, Clerk; Isaac G. Frost, Treasurer;
Fred. Hall, Register of Deeds; W. Z. Blanchard, Judge of Probate; Erastus
Yeomans, Almsron Newman, Associate Judges.
1846. Added: Danby, Sebewa, Ronald, Orange, Odessa, Orleans.
Officers: A. F. Bell, Representative; Luke Harwood, County Judge; Vol-
ney Eaton, Sheriff; Hampton Rich, Cierk; I. G. Frost, Treasurer; A. F. Carr,
Register of Deeds.
1843. Cyj'us Lowell, Representative; Peter Coon, Sheriff; Abram V. Ber-
ry, Clerk; John C. Dexter, Treasurer; Ethan S. Johnson, Register of Deeds;
John L. Morse, Judge of Probate; Lambert B.Barnard, Erastus Yeomans,
Associate Judges.
1850. Sixteen towns — Campb?ll having been added.
J. C. Blanchard, Prosecuting Attorney; C. M. Moseman, Treasurer; E. S.
Johnson, Register of Deeds; A. C. Davis, Clerk; Hiram Brown, County
Judge; Gilbert H. King, Judge of Probate (to fill vacancy); Asaph C. Smith,
Sheriff; Erastus Yeomans, Joseph Boynton, Associate Judges of Circuit
Court.
1852. Charles W. Ingalls, Representative; Charles M. Moseman, Treas-
urer; Alvin C. Davis, Clerk; Adam L. Roof, Judge of Probate; Thomas
Cornell, Register of Deeds; Ami Chipman, Sheriff; John C. Blanchard,
Prosecuting Attorney.
1854. C. Lovell, Representative; C. A. Holmes, Sheriff; W. B. Wells,
Cl^rk; A. Williams, Treasurer; H. Hunt, Register of Deeds; Harvey Bartow,
Prosecuting Attorney.
GRAND EIVEfi TALLEY. 15 i
1856. A. Sessions, Representative; C. A. Holmes, Sheriff; W. B. Wells,
Prosecuting Attorney; J. L. Morse, Judge of Probate; A. Williams, Treas-
urer; A. Cornell, Clerk; Oscar Thompson, Register of Deeds.
1858. Abram Alderman, Sheritf; W. B. Wells, Prosecuting Attorney; E.
S. Johnson, Treasurer; Clark 0. Preston, Clerk: Julius Jennings, Register
of Deeds.
1860. A. Alderman. Sheriff; John L. Morse, Judge of Probate; C. 0.
Preston, Clerk; Julius Jenner, Register of Deeds; Albert Williams, Prosecu-
ting Attorney.
1862. John S. Bennett, Clerk; Joseph Rickey, Register of Deeds; Geo.
Ellsworth, Treasurer; Wm. W. Mitchell, Prosecuting Attorney.
1864. Willard Wells. Judge of Probate; J. S. Bennett, Clerk; J. Rickey,
Register of Deeds; C. A. Preston, Treasurer; W. W. Mitchell, Prosecuting
Attorney.
1867. Sandford Yeomans, County Superintendent of Public Schools.
1868. A. Alderman, Sheriff; W. B. Wells, Judge of Probate; Edgar M.
Marble, Clerk; Silas Sprague, Treasurer; Vernon H. Smith, Register of
Deeds; B. Morse, Prosecuting Attorney.
1870. Edson P. Gilford, Sheriff; Henry C. Sessions, Clerk; John Morton,
Treasurer; Alfred H. Heath, Register of Deeds; E. W. Marble, Prosecuting
Attorney.
1871. Charles A. Hutchins, Sap2rintendent Common Schools; Eb. D.
Kelsey, Drain Commissioner.
1872. E. P. Gilford, Sheriff; Wm. B. Woodworth, Judge of Probate;
H. C. Sessions, Clerk; John Morton, Treasurer; A. H. Heath, Register of
Deeds; E. M. Marble. Prosecuting Attorney.
1873. Wilbur H. Moon, Superintendent Public Schools.
The first term of the Circuit Court was held in a building
occupied by Daniel Ball, as a store (now the Granger House),
in May, 1837, Epaphroditus (we give the whole) Ransom pre-
siding. The only business transacted was to admit to practice
xVdam L. Roof. The second term was in E^ovember, 1837,
same Judge, Isaac Thompson associate; grand jury empan-
neled, Samuel Dexter, foreman. Cyrus Lovell was appointed
Prosecuting Attorney; Charles Smith was admitted to the bar.
The grand jury returned several bills of indictment (not speci-
lied). It seems tliat at that early day there was wickedness,
or, at least, suspicion of it. The court adjourned, doing no
luisiness further, except dismissing a petition to establish a
ferry at Generauville. May term, 1838: same Judges; C.
Lovell appointed Prosecuting Attorney. First cause, John
Lloj'd ^'. Allen Hutchins; default entered against judgment.
Several causes were tried, mostly complaints for selling liquor
158 MEMORIALS OF THE
to tlie Indians. One case of div^orce was preliminarily acted
upon. Here we have tlie proof that the ancients, like the
moderns, sometimes found Hymen's yoke not easy, and his
burdens not light. We intentionally refrain from giving the
names of the yoked cat and dog, who first in Ionia county ajD-
plied to the courts, and there ventilated their disgrace and
shame.
"State of Michigan v. Wm. A. Burgess; assault and bat-
tery." Prisoner pleaded not guilty ; whereupon the prosecut-
ing attorney entered a nolle jpros. to the indictment, etc., etc.
Mr. Burgess, it is clear you didn't strike him; but he de-
served all you gave him. You didn't hit him any too hard,
the blackguard! Hope the next time he behaved so, you gave
him another thrashing.
The first criminal case was that of Louis Generau, who was
convicted of murder in the Kent Count}^ Circuit Court, and
sent to prison. The second was The People v. Thomas Riley,
for forgery. Verdict, not guilty.
GEANB EIVEE VALLEY. 159
KENT COUNTY.
ALGOMA.
Algoma had existed as a part of God's earth ever since the
waters were drained from North America, It had also existed
as a part of Plainfield since the organization of that town.
.Vs such it remained until 184^9, wlien, by act of Legislature,
it was estaljlished as an independent town, taking its name
from a steamboat, then plying on Grand River. Not that they
named the infant town, as many people name their infant
progeny, in compliment. They chose the name because they
liked the sonnd. In this they showed they had at least one
person of good sense, and poetic taste in the territory to be
named. Because it had that one person, it will ever glory in
the most musical and poetic name of any town in the Grand
River Valley. By the way, that humble servant of the public
— the writer of these memorials — is not pleased with the names
through which the earlier inhabitants decreed that for all time
the people should live in a region and atmosphere of the
blankest prose. In the first place, there is a disposition to
laugh when one sees a hen-coop protected by cannon. Is there
less of the burlesque, when the name " Grand" is applied to
a fifth-class river, to a snug little city and a country village?
Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Grand ville will never be the
theme of song, condemned, as they are, to bear their burlesque
and unmusical names. Look at the prosaic names given to
towns; most of them the name of some man, country, or big
city.
AVhy cannot people feel a pride in originality? And why
were not ears tuned to appreciate musical sounds? A child is
bom to one, who is conscious of no genius, and he names him
John or Patrick; for that is the most common name; and he
wishes to be like other folks. Or, conscious of the humble
160 MEMORIALS OF THE
origin of liis child, he seeks to ennoble him by giving him a
name, that somebody has made famons, unconscious of the
burlesque. Your humble writer would not do so. ]^o, no!
When children are born to him, the alphabet shall be ques-
tioned as to its capability for forming musical and poetic
words. If applied to to name a town, he would not suggest
his own, or any other unnoted name, with the vain idea that
tlie town would dignify the man. Let names die when the
sexton has covered the man, if the man has done nothing for
wdiich he should be remembered. Don't condemn a town to
be a tombstone, to perjjetuate some name that should be for-
gotten; or to play second-fiddle. Goldsmith has sung of sweet
"• Auburn," but where is the poet that will ever sing of " New
London." To her musical name the vale of Wyoming has be-
come classic, grand; but what post will, or can, give charms to
New York, New Jersey, or New Hampshire? So bew^are, yc
imitators; beware, ye toadies!
But returning from this digression, yet without an aj)ology,
for it is the business of the historian to commingle lessons of
wisdom with the details of history, which give him the text.
The first towm meeting was held at school-house No. 3 (Plain-
field numbering), April 2d, 184:9; Smith Lai^ham, Moderator.
Offiers elected: Smith Lapham, Supervisor; Wm. Thorn-
ton, Clerk; A. L. Pickett, Treasurer; Morgan Allen, John H.
Jacobs, John Hamilton, Justices.
Number of voters, 30.
The following statement of the settlement and progress of
Algoma is mostly from an article published by H. N. Stinson,
Esq. Let it be understood that while he is to be credited with
all that is of any value in it historically, he is not responsible
any further. If, in every town, some one, himself an actor, had
done as Mr. Stinson has done, this book would have been much
more valuable.
The first settler — AVm. Hunter, came from the State of New
York, in 1842 ; and built a log-house. He stayed a year or two,
and went away. In 1843, Smith Lapham, from Washtenaw
county, bought out Hunter, and settled where now is the vil-
lacre of Rockford. He erected a mill on the left bank of Roo^ue
GKAND EIVER VALI-ET. 161
Kiver; and with a few goods, opened a modest store. He was
soon foTlowed by the Hunter brothers, who built a saw-mill
on the right bank, using the same dam as Lapham. They had
a sale for their lumber to the new settlers, who were rapidly
coming in.
In the year '-14:, Wm. Thornton, a Yermonter, came in, and
erected a machine shop.
In 1S45, arrived A. L. Pickett, also from Yermont; Joshua
Briggs, from Yates county, N. Y.; John Davis, Benjamin
I'ottingell, and B. IST. Pettingell, his son; all three from Ing-
ham county; Henry Hersel and Ilenrj'-Shank, from Ohio; who
1 located in different parts of the town.
By common consent, the part of the town, centering at the
mills, was called Laphamville. In 1845, the people built a
shanty and opened a school, with Miss Amy Ann Lapham as
teacher.
The same year a post-office was established, with S. Lapham
as postmaster; and the same year, the Be v. James Ballard
held meetings in private houses. This is by no means the first
or the only town, where that now venerable man was the first
to herald the gospel. JSTow he i-ests from his labors. Age is
creeping on; and feeble health has warned him that his days
of labor are ended. In years gone by, he was one of those
who preached the gospel, but never livsd upon it. It is little
of this world's wealth, that he has ever received for his preach-
ing. He tao7'7terl on his farm for a living; and preaclied
because he believed/ loved the service of the Master, and
loved the souls of men. Eccentric, perhaps (he always liad
the name of it), he cared little for this world's opinion. He
never asked how much would be paid; bnt whether it was
God's will, and his duty. He has outlived the time, when to
be an "Abolitionist" was to be considered "eccentric;" and
when clergymen, afraid of losing their salaries, dared not feel,
or pray for those in bonds. Where he preached in log-houses
and sustained himself, others, well sustained, are preaching in
dedicated temples; and he, biding his time, can say: "jS^ow
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." Ballard, perhaps no
lofty monument may mark thy resting place; but your name
11
163 MEMORIALS OF THE
is engraved in many a lieart; and your history is a part of the
history of civilization and Christianity in the Yalley of the
Grand River.
After 1845, the settlement of the toAvn was raj^id, and there
is no necessity of being particular.
The first marriage in the town was June 22d, 1845, when Isaac
Baker and Harriet Lapham joined fortunes, not contemplating
divorce. The union was legalized by David C. Gilbert, Esq.
The first birth was their daughter Eva, in March, 1846.
The first death was that of Barney Lapham. a native of Kew
York, in 1845.
In 1851, Harvey Porter opened the first public house — the
" Algoma House." It was burned in 1864, and the " Stinson
House"' erected on its site.
In 1852, Chase and Juclson put up the first grist-mill, which,
enlarged and improved, is still standing.
In 1859, the village was platted, and named " Lapham ville."
The same yenr the Baptist church was erected — the first in the
])lace — and an addition was made to the school-house.
About this time the "■ Lapham ville CottHer^'' was started by
Frank Drew. It was a failure. Wm. Hicks attempted to
continue the paper, but could not.
In 1850, Ensly Martin built a foundry, which, vastly im-
proved, is in existence.
In 1865, the Methodist Episcopal Church was built.
In May, 1866, the village was re-platted by Mr. Caukin;
incorporated by the supervisors, and named (the Lord knows
why) " Rockford." At this time the number of inhabitants
was 315.
The first villaoje ofiicers were:
Smith Lapham, President; George French, Clerk; Cyrus
Kent, Robert House, M. T. Arbor, J. B. Hewitt, T. ]S^. Bark-
er, R. L. Blakeley, Trustees; Richard Briggs, Marshal.
ISTumber of votes, 05.
In 1868, trains first passed Rockford. In 1870, the present
school-house was built, costing $20,000. This school-house is
the jiirominent object; and it tells a big story for the place.
Schools are civilizers. About some other institutions there is
GEAIST) KIVEE VALLEY. 16o
diversity of opinion. But tliat the place where they have a
line school-house, a first-chiss principal, and a corps of well-
selected teachers — and where the people are willing to sustain
them — is a civilised place. People of sense choose to live
there. But oh, deliver us from being obliged to live where the
school-house is a mere shed, and where they get the " cheapest '"
person they can to run the school. In such places we are a])t
t(i find the grog-shop the chief educator; and there we find more
politicnins than men of brains.
In 1871 a new charter was obtained; the number of votes
at the first election under it, was 142, indicating quite a
UTOwth under the village oro^anization.
Goino; back a little: the growth of the town was slow at
first; previous to '44, the only commimication with the world
outside was by Indian trails. In 1844, the Rev. Isaac Bar-
ker came from New HamiDshire, and located in Courtland; cut
the first road from the village to Courtland.
In the spring of '48, the first school district was organized,
and called Xo, 3 of Plainfield; they voted to raise .$200 to
Iniild a house; there were then 28 scholars in the district.
In the fall of '48, a meeting of the citizens was held,
preliminary to having the town set oflf from Plainfield. The
meeting was at the house of Lapham.
In the fall of 1849, John and Mike Furlong opened the
first store, exchano-ino; sroods for lumber and shino-les, the cur-
rency of the i-egion.
In 1850, John Cox commenced blacksmithing. He became
po]3ular and ambitious, and wanted to be Governor; but dis-
appointed in his ambition, he shook the dust of Laphamville
from his feet, and went where he hoped merit would be ap-
preciated.
The pine land attracted speculators, who bought up large
tracts, and either held on for prices, or stripped the land of its
pine. ^Ye need not name those who, without becoming citi-
zens, owned large tracts of land. They don't develop a town,
and the town has no interest in them. They make or lose
some money out of the places, and disappear.
February 2Sth, 1861, was a dark -day for Algoma. Daniel
164 MEMORIALS OF THE
Barber, an lionored citizen, started to go to Grand Rapids to
pay over to tlie County Treasurer the tax of the town, amount-
ing to something over $600. Oh the way he was murdered
and robbed by ^Villiam Kingin. Kingin was arrested the
same day, and is now serv^ing his life-sentence in the State
prison. The whole affair is among the inexplicables. Kingin
was not, in common estimation, a bad man. He was going
along with Barber, carrjn'ng an ax on his shoukler. Falling
beliind, a thought struck hhn, and he acted on that thought.
With a blow of the ax he split the skull of Barber. He
hurled the ax into the snow, then rifled the pockets of his
victim; went on a little way, and threw the pocketbook into
a stream. Eemorse took the place of the first frenzy of greed.
In the jjrison he is among the most exemplary of the prison-
ers; penitent and self-accusing — seemingly trying, as far as in
him lies, to atone for his one great crime. He is spoken of
by the warden as a model prisoner; a moment a fiend, repent-
ent for life. Since writing the above Kingin has died.
An incident of early times is well told in a Rockford paper,
by Gilliert Lapliam, Esq., a lawyer at Lansing. We will let
him tell his own storj^:
" I was one of the oldest inhabitants, and have many lively
recollections of old times, in the pleasant village of Rockford.
That is, I was there when the village sprouted; and believe I
only lacked one thing of being the youngest sprout in the place.
I tiiink that I and a little red dos:, with crooked \e^s> and an
oval tail, whose name was ' Don,' killed the first woodchuck,
that migrated to the place; and' I believe that we, that is, Don
and I, know more of the chipmunks, red squirrels, rabbits,
])artridges and snakes in the vicinity, than any other man,
woman or do«:.
I remember that Don and I once set a trap for a woodchuck
at a hole in the hill-side. It was a nice fresh hole, and he and
I were much pleased and excited at the prospect. The next
morning's sun-rise found us at the place, and, sure enough,
we had him; for nothing was to be seen but the chain of the
trap, drawn as far into the hole as the clog would allow. We
seized the chain, and, with a long strong pull, out came the
GRAND KH^ER VALLEY. 165
animal, and Don and I pitched into him without ceremony.
But how the woodcliuck went back on us! In fact it was not
a woodchuck, but a ' Mephitis Americana,' or, in phiin Eng-
lish, a shmik^ not one of tlie imported kind, but truly Ameri-
can. And what a smell Mas there, my countrymen! AVo
fought it out, but when we got through, the best man living
could not have told which was the skunk. I believe I made
an effort to back down into the hole, firmly convinced that I
had been transformed in the fight; that I was a skunk, and had
been attacked by the doo-."
SCHOOLS.
Tlockford had simple plain buildings for her school or schools
until 1870, wdien the present house was erected, as heretofore
stated. The first principal was Prof. McEwan, a man of fine
culture, assisted by three ladies — two Misses De Pew and Miss
Martin. McEwan stayed but 1^ years. He was followed by
Prof. O. O. Fletcher, the present principal. Expense annually,
$5,775.
ALPINE.
There are some doubts as to who first penetrated into the
wilds of Alpine, and is deserving of the honor of being handed
dow^n to future generations as "the first settler." This much
is rescued from the dim traditions of antiquity:
III the fall of 1837, Solomon AVright, a man educated at
AVilliaras Colleo-e, Mass., came with his family from the State
of New York, and pre-empted eighty acres of land in the
southwest part of Alpine. His eldest son, Benjamin, also
pre-empted land. The old gentleman, not rich, had five boj^s,
and, as thev have o-iven name to a town near bv, and have not
been ciphers in the world, we will here give their names:
Benjamin, Solomon, Noadiah (better known as "Dutch"),
Andrew and Jeremiah S.
The Wrights found no settlers in the west part of the town,
or in the north part of Walker. Thei-e were in the town three
Frenchmen named Peter Labelle, Joseph Genie, and another,
name forgotten. These Frenchmen put uj) a mill on govern-
166 MEMOKIALS OF THE
inent land; stayed two or three years, and went away. Further
it is not known that there were any residents in town when
the Wright family came in the fall of 1837.
Two brothers, James and Francis Blood, arrived the same
fall, and located themselves near Wright.
Of these pioneers of Alpine, Solomon Wright, 2d, is the
only one remaining in the town. In his goodly mansion on
the south line of the town ; he has long enjoyed the respect of
the community, where he has had a leading influence. Adverse
fortune has come upon him, but if the good wishes of the peo-
ple could carry him through, his house will again be one
where genial hospitality and good companionship will win and
perpetuate good Avill.
The old gentleman — ^Solomon, Sr. — was never an active
man in the region. He was a scholar rather than a business
man. He died at a good old age, August, 1853.
JSToadiah C. (Dutch.) Why everybody knows Dutch Wright.
We say " Dutch," for he has so long borne that name, that
should you say " Noadiah " he would not mistrust he was
meant. He signs his name " 'N,. C. Wright," but it is question-
able whether he would not have to refresh his memory by look-
ing' at the fomily Bible, before confidentially telling what " jS^.
C" stands for. He lives in a big house, paid for with money
which came of his understanding " horse." That beast he
does understand; and he conceives a most profound respect
for a man who can cheat him in ahorse trade. As an example:
A man in Grand Kapids was in possession of an otherwise
good-looking horse, that was Mind. One day a bright thought
came into his head — he would go and put a drive on Dutch
Wright. So, fortitying himself, he harnessed his nag into his
wagon, and leisurely drove along to the " Wright settlement."
At the same time Dutch had a very good-looking horse, that
he was anxious to get rid of, for reasons not now known. As
the city fellow was leisurely and meditatively dri\-ing by
Wright's farm, AVright was plowing by the side of the road,
with his worthless beauty and a plain, valuable beast ft)r a team.
Being slightly acquainted, both stopped, discussed the weather,
the last political news, etc. In the meantime, Wright con-
GKAXD RIVER VALLEY. 1G7
ceived and suggested a horse-trade, to wliicli tlie citj cliap
seemed entirely indifferent. Wrio-lit finally offered him either
one of his team; not doubting wliicli he "vvould take. The
offer was ascapted, and the exshinga made, to the infinite
chagrin of Wright, when he saw him take the plain horse.
Mentally, he soliloquizsd: "That man is not so green as I sup-
])Osed; he understands " horse." The citj man departed, and
the farmer soon found that his new acquisition " though having
eves, saw not." Did he get mad? Xot he. lie threw up his
hat, and shouted himself hoarse; then sat down on a stone,
and laughed until tears came into his eyes,. Calming himself
bv deii-rees, in measured tones he said: " I have found the
genius at last; I have found mv master; I have found the man
M'ho can cheat Dutch Wright in a horse-trade. By the ''Hoke-
fenoke and the livinj;: Jino:oes! I'm his friend forever!!" Tic
sought out the genius, and they consecrated the beginning of
the warmest friendship by copious libations at Wright's ex-
pense. Speak evil of that man, or intimate that he is not a
genius — the king of " ho7'S3 men," and look out for the
- Dutch" of Wright.
James Blood died in AValker, and his brother Francis sold
out after a time and moved awav.
We learn of no accessions until 1840. This year brought
John Coffee from Ohio, with Eichard Coding, Jacob Snyder,
a German; John Plattee, Turner Hills, and Koel Hopkins.
Turner Hills was a Vermonter. He came Mdtli his wife and
family to Grand Kapids in 183S. In 1840, he took up forty
acres of land, near where now is the hotel in Alj^ine. That
he had slender means is indicated by his taking uj) so little
land. He cut his own road more than two miles. At that
time there was no settler in the east part of the town. He
J.
died in 1842, after haying fairlv made a beginning, leaving
four sons and a daughter; and one who remained his widow
— " Mother Hills" — until her death, in 1873. A word for this
noble woman. Slie united native <;ood sense wdtli ijreat infor-
mation — ^^as one of the "oracles" of the town; her opinion
valued, and her diameter spoken of as combining in its
elements all that is noble and vronianly. S'.ie was the conn-
168 MEMOKIALS OF THE
selor of the old and young; and slie died at a good old age,
with the hlessings of the community, and the veneration of
the tamily slie had reared. As a matte?' of coui'se, her fami-
ly was not a failure. The time has not come to speak freely
of them; as tliey are living, and not silver-grey with age.
Let them work awhile longer, and fulfill the destiny marked
out for them by a wise mother.
The individual who pens these lines, always makes his most
reverent bow to a loise mother. God bless a mother, anyway.
But when she is good and unse, she needs no praying for; she
is a fountain of blessings herself; and happy are the children
M'ho call her '• mother."
The Catholic church first " sainted " and aftervv^ards deified
the abstract idea of a good mother, under the name of "' Mary ;"'
and it was the best thing that church ever did — it sanctified
the holiest idea; and taught people to love, to reverence, and
to worship purity ., goodness and motherhood as divine; and
when combined, to deify that idea.
The writer is no Catholic. But, " heretic" and "sinner" as
he is, he does feel that, in advancing the purified idea of
" Mary" to the rank of an object of worship, the Catholics have
given to religion a purifying influence; they have sanctifed
virtue, and thrown a charm around it; a charm which will aid
in purifying the hearts of the votaries of the church. ]>rot be-
lieving the dogma, still we say, "• Blessed is its spirit; and with
the Catholic idea, blessed is Mary."
"We were never made for the pul])it, and therefore think
there was wisdom in our not taking to it as a ]irofession. We
cannot stick to a text, but are continually flying oif in a tan-
gent. An idea strikes us, and ofi' we go, until we find our-
selves we scarce know w^here. But we'll come back to Alpine. .
The few succeeding years are mingled in the minds of the
"old settlers," and they will be here jumbled together.
Thompson Cassou is to be not^iced, who came in '42, and
died in '48. He was a good-hearted, public-spirited, intelli-
gent and moral Scotchman; a natural leader; a goocispecimen
of a, man. lie had not secured fortune*, but he died with the
respect of all. When ag(K)d man dies, all feel it; but at the
death of a human animal tears are scarce.
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 1C9
In 1S43, came Joliii Catlicart. In 1850, lie was stabbed by
a neig-libor under tlie influence of liquor, and died in conse-
quence. The man was sent to prison. iVbout the same time
came John Ilaire, who lias since been seen, heard and felt at
Georgetown, Ottawa county. Also Stephen Coon, who died
in 1850. Three sons of his are now respectable physicians in
Lisbon and Casnoria. Coon could not have been a veiy bad
man, or he had a good wife.
Here, too, may be mentioned Henry Church, Mdio still lives
in the nortli of Alpine.
In June, ISM, came " Uncle Edward Wheeler," — the first
supervisor of the town — everybody's " uncle." Wheeler is an
old man now, and we will talk about him. He is a great pet.
Tlie children hail him, "Uncle Wheeler, ain't von s'oinir to
give us a kiss?" , "Give me the first onel" The genial old
soul loves everybody, and everybody loves him. When he
dies there will be a big funeral, and many eyes v'iU be dim.
God bless your genial old soul. Uncle Ed.
Wheeler, when he came, had a family, and some money. He
bought IGO acres of land, which, jxiying in _State scrip, cost
him $104.50. A brother-in-law, Harry Wilder, came with
him, who bouglit 40 acres of land of Wheeler, and paid for it
by cutting down eight acres. (Land is not so paid for in Alpine,
now.) Wilder died in 1858; a good man and devoted Chris-
tian.
At tliis date we find, also, Baltus Shafter, Joseph Kipler,
Casper Cordes, Moses Rxmsdell, Sherman M.Pearsall, Harvey
Monroe, Francis Greenly, Henry Porter, P. Fox, John Avery,
Robert Delmar, Henry and Lorenzo Dennison, Philip Cum-
mings and his sons, and perhaps some more. Greenly was
killed by lightning. At this time (1844), Wm. II. Witliey had
a mill on Mill Creek.
Al])ine was long identified witli Walker. She was slow to
claim to be of age, and lived contentedly as "JSTorth Walker
until ISIT. Tiien, in April, she held her first election, at the
school-hotise iii the southeast corner of the town.
The first oilicers were: Supervisor, Edward Wheeler; Clerk,
C D. Scheuick; Treasurer, Casper Cordes; Justices, Wm. II.
Withcy. John Coffee, John Colton, John Tuxbury.
)?
170 MEMOKIALS OF THE
The name was singularly cliosen, and is not the most appro-
priate. Every town is apt to have a dictatorial voice; and the
north half of "Walker had its man wlio Tnust dictate. He de-
cided that the pine trees of the east part of the township should
furnish the name; and his poetic genius conceived and brought
forth tlie name — " All Pine." In the name of the whole, he
decided that the infant town should be so baptized. Mrs.
Hillsj seeing that "All Pine" was destined to be the name,
suggested that one " 1 " should be dropped, and the two words
condensed into one, which would still preserve the " pine,"
and be more musical. A sly twinkle was in her eye, as dic-
tator said, "That's jist the thing."
The tourist will look in vain for its " towering heights" and
"beetling crags" where "leaps the live thunder." He will
come prepared with alpenstock, to scale the snow-crowned and
rocky heights — ^to trace the glacier in the mountain, defile, or
to dodge the avalanche. But, wandering, he finds a region
fair and smooth as a lady's cheek; and, disgusted, he calls
out to a passing denizen: "Where are your Alpine heights,
and your Alpine vales?" Citizen Hills, for such is he, says to
him: " Hwe you no poetry in your soul? Can you not
GonceivQ mountain scenery, and enjoy the idea? Are you so
prosaic as to see only tame reality?"
By this time the disgusted traveler has put distance between
himself and Hills. Nevertheless, the spirit of poetry is on
Hollis, and he apostrophises:
" Ye crags and peaks, I'm with you once again,"
et cetera, et cetera, and so forth; until, in a fine glow of poetic
rapture, he extemporises:
Time was wlaen Indians was scalpin'
One another, up here in Alpine.
The remainder is unwritten.
Situated, as the town mostly is, in-the best land in Michigan,
it is no wonder that thi-ift and wealth abound; that goodly resi-
dences and and noble farms are the rule and not the exception.
The land was mostly taken on State warrants, when land was
GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 171
lying around loose, " all sprawled about," and hardly considered
a tliino; of value. "Times cliano-e, and we chano-e with thein."
The men who joined issue with the " heavy timber " now rest
from their labors, either in their graves, or in their otium cum
dignitate, which, translated by a college student, means,
"smoke their pipes and oversee." A few, like Buck, Murray
and Pearsall, don't know wdien they are rich enough, and work
from habit. But most of the old fellows look on their broad
acres, and let the boys do the work.
There are two churches in the town, the Baptist and the
Catholic.
ADA.
Ada was authorized by the Legislature to commence exist-
ence as a town in 1838. Its limits were the present town of
Ada, and what are now Cascade and Caledonia. It received
its name from a little child of the town, "Ada Smith" —
daughter of the first settler, Sidney Smith — now the wife of
James Miller, Esq., of Grand Kapids.
The lands pre-empted at Ada were mostly river bottoms,
some of the best land in the country. Titles could not be ob-
tained until 1839. Some improvements had been made; the
1jlock-house tavern, long known as the "VVithey house, had been
built.
When the lands were sold, several persons secured large
tracts.
Bix Robinson, by favor of the Indians, by the treaty, had
some 600 acres.
Loan and Perry Hill secured 600 acres on the right bank of
the river two miles below the bridge.
Ilhodes, 500 acres, now known by his name.
Lucius Lyon, 1,000 or so along the Thornapple and where is
the village of Ada.
Charles Kobinson pre-empted below the Ilhodes place; Rix
Church in the same region.
Torrey Smith, two miles above the bridge, on the right
bank of the river; Simeon D. Holt above Smith.
John and Wm. Spence, next below the Pettis farm, where
is the school house.
172 MEMORIALS OF THE
Hix Robinson, as an Indian Trader, came to the Grand
River in 1821, and established several trading posts, maldng-
bis central place with the Indians at Ada. Being a person
withont rights, and at the sufferance of the Indians, he can
scarcely be called for many years a settler, but rather a so-
journer. He was, in reality, the pioneer of the Yalley. He
identified himself witli the Indians for purposes of trade.
When the land was opened for settlement he became a settler
with others. As he will be the subject of a special article, no
more will be said of h-im here.
Sidney Smith is reported to have been the first after Robin-
son who took up his abode in this town. His residence was
a short distance west of the Ada Bridge.
The real settlement fairly commenced in 1836. In 1837,
we find John Spence, AVilliam Spence, Edward Pettis, Ed-
ward Robinson, with a large family of sons; John W. Fiske,
Gen. Withey, Digby Y. Bell, Zerra Whitney, Torrey Smith,
A. H. Riggs, Putnam Hill, Elias Crow, Enoch Price, Minos
G^ypson, Rix Church, Lot Church, Charles Robinson, Wm.
Slauson, Perry Hill, Loan Hill.
Enoch Price and Elias Crow took lands near Pettis.
Pettis located by a fine spring on the bottom lands, where
he now lives.
Minos Gypson w^as Pettis' neighbor.
Edward Robinson located below Rix Robinson.
Yery early in the history of the town, they saw that at the
mouth of the Thorn apple was the place for a city, or a village,
at least. Accordingly, and in the spirit of the times, a village
was platted, and the lots were sold/b?' taxes, until all was ab-
sorbed in the farms surrounding — no one owning a village.
When the D. & M. Railroad established their depot there,
and Clement put up mills on the Thornapple, in 1853, it be-
came self-evident that a village must be there. A portion of
land on both sides of the Thornapple was laid out, and a snug
little place has grown up — this time on the ground and not
on paper. Before that time there had been the nucleus of a
village on the other side of the river. There they had a store,
the school-house, blacksmith shop and several houses.
GRAND KIVEE VALLEY. 17
<y
A brido'e was at an earlj day built by the State, wliicli fell
in 1852, with several men on it at the time. None, however,
were killed. The present toll-bridge was built in 185B; it is
now free.
In 1854, the second school-house was built near where stands
the school-house of to-day. It, was a very respectable wooden
structure. Moses Everett, then recently from Kew York, a
teacher by profession, was first placed in charge. About 1870,
tiie second house havino^ become too small to accommodate the
rising village, the present brick house was built, and the school
opened in it.
Two churches, Baptist and Methodist, attest the interest of
the people in religious observances; and the snug houses and
business places the thrift of the pleasant village.
Ada had its Indian band; their planting ground was on
l>oth sides of the Thornapple, at its myuth. A small band of
them, at the time of the extinction of the Indian title, located
tliemselves on the left bank of the river some miles below,
where the Catholics establislied a mission. These Indians,
under wise leadership, became civilized; had as good farms as
their neighbors; as good houses, cattle and crops. They, how-
ever, broke up and went to the reservations at Pentwater.
This settlement was known as " Boshaw's," so called from a
French half-breed, who was influential amongst them.
By the way, the Catholics civilize the Indians. Their mis-
sionaries do not rely simply on preaching the Gospel; they do
not try to do all at once; have patience, and succeed; win'le
Protestant zeal has generally resulted in lowering the charac-
ter of their missions. Protestant zeal has over-shot itself, not
being directed by wisdom.
The Protestant missionary has aimed, in the first place, to
" convert" the Indians, and is satisfied if he can see them pray-
ino; and sinirini;. lie indoctrinates them in a theoloo-v they
caimot understand, and numbers his "converts." The
Catholic, on the contrary, shows the Indian the advantages of
civilized life, of agriculture and tlie arts; and not by bold
attack, but in a sidelong way, introduces his religion. Tiie In-
dian is cool-headed, and tlie Catholic does not try to vs'ake in
174 MEMORIALS OF THE
liini religious entlmsiasm. He works coolly; gains slowl_y;
and soon has the satisfaction of seeing liis Indians what he
wanted them to be — civilized men and the adherents of his
chnrch. Cannot Protestants learn a lesson from them? The
Protestant, on the contrary, tries first to make tliem the
adherents of his church, and hopes and expects that civiliza-
tion will follow. The result withi the Indiaiis has not been
what the Protestant hojjed and prayed for.
Perhaps no man has lived there whose influence was more
felt tlian that of Mr. Perkins, who bought 600 acres or more
of land at the mouth of the Thornapple in 1853. This land,
and the other lands around it had been cultivated on the " skin-
ning" principle until tlie owners, conquered by the weeds, had
taken down their fences and thrown their fields into common.
Perkins knew the advantage of running tlie plow more than
four inches deep. He fenced these ab^mdoned commons; put
in and^f/i down the plow; and showed the first year his 100
bushels of corn, and his 40 bushels of wheat to tJie acre. This
oneTesson he taught the j^eople of Ada. " The gold lies deep
in the ground;" and by that one lesson he doubled the value
of the town. I^ow, Perkins was not a saint, but he was the
farmer who taught Ada the real value of their lands, and
*' civilized" their farming. It is strange that while the pro-
phetic bullfrog is always calling out to the farmer " Beam deep!"
be does little more than scratch the surface, and seldom gets
more than fifteen bushels of wheat to tlie acre; when "beam
deep" gives 40 ! If you plough your ground with one horse,
one horse can carry off the crop. About ten years ago the
writer was talking with a farmer in Ada — a man, by the way,
who knew more of a good many other things then he did of
farming.
This man said his "land was poor; " he could get no good
crops from it; and was told in reply: "Your farm, sir, is one of
good capabilities; it is good land; but I am afraid you do not
know how to persuade it to give its crops." The farmer sold
tliat land to one who -had before raised forty bushels of wheat
to the acre; and, as he knew what "beam deep" means, he is
getting rich from off his excellent farm. These farms want a
GRA^-D KIVEK VALLEY. 175
good deal of severe discipline. "Wlien one has put his farm
under proper discipline, it is cheering to see how happj" he
looks about harvest time. I wish 1 owned one thousand acres
of the Ada bottom lands, and knew how to cultivate them I
Tlien I would get my wife a gold watch, and mj daughter a piano.
At a very early period, Ada was one of the stopping places;
and a block-house tavern was kept by J. W. Fiske, and after-
wards bv Gen. Witliey. That house did service as a tavern
until as late as 1855, and like Yankee Springs Hotel, was fa-
mous. Fiske, the first keeper, now resides in the town of
Grand Kapids, near where he won a name in another log-
house, and where he built a fine brick hotel by the lake, that
bears his name.
CONGREGATIONAL CHTJKCH.
BY REV. E. BOOTH.
Congregational Churcli of Cascade, organized Sept. 24, 1849, with nine
members, viz:
G. G. Bailey, J. A. Barker, Christina Dennison, E. K. Dennison, Delia G.
Bailey, Hezekiah Howell, Margaret Howell, Caroline Barker, Charles Coger.
The whole numbar who have joined up to this date is 92. Number died
and dismissed, 46. Lsaving present membership, 46.
Rev. R. J. Hess preached for the church about three yeai's, after which
there were no services except occasional preaching by Rev. E. Prince, until
Aug., 1851, when Rev. J. Ballard became pastor, and continued three years.
In Aug., 1860, the church took the name, " Congregational Church of Ada,"
and the placa of meeting was changed to the village of Ada.
In Oct., 1863, Rev. N. K. Evai-ts commenced preaching, and continued
three years. He was followed, in Feb., 1867, by Rev. D. L. Eaton, who also
preached three years, occupjdng the Baptist church. In March, 1870, Rev.
E. Booth commenced preaching, and has continued until the present time.
In 1871, the church commenced builchng a house of worship, which was
completed, fm'nished and dedicated Jan. 10, 1872.
The house is .32 by 50, 18 feet high, Gothic style, frame cased with brick,
and cost — includmg lot, horse-sheds, bell, stoves, carpets and cushions — about
!li3,100. This sum was raised by the people of the place, with the aid of
.§300 from Congregational Union, and about $500 from friends abroad and
neighboring churches.
Mrs Margaret Howell is the only pne remaining of the original members
of the church.
The church is now free from debt, and in prosperous condition.
A BIT OF CHUECn HISTOEY.
On a recent anniversary occasion the Rev, E. Booth, the
176 MEMORIALS OF THE
worthy pastor of the Ada Congregational Chnrch, preached a
sermon from whicli the followino- tacts are Meancd:
On the 2-ith of September, 1819, the Congregational Churcli
of Cascade was organized with nine members — G. Gr. Bailey,
Jesse A. Barker, Christina Dennison, E. R. Dennison, Delia
G. Bailey, Ilezelviali Howell, Margaret Howell, Caroline Bar-
ker, Clias. Cog3r. Of these only one— Margaret Howell —
remains in connection with the church. In April, 1860, the
place of meeting of the churcli was changed to the village of
Ada, and the name was chanored to " Cono;re2:ational Church
of Ada," which name it still bears. The church met in the
school-house and afterward in the Baptist chnrch. In the fall
of the year, 1870, it was decided to build a house of worship.
With some assistance from friends at home and abroad, the
effort was successfnl, and on the 10th of January, 1873, a neat
house was dedicated, costing, with its iurniture, bell, horse-
shed, etc., $3,100. Since that time the church has taken anew
lease of life, and its prospects are brighter than ever before.
During the quarter century of its existence, the church has
enjoyed three revivals; ninety-two names have been placed on
its roll of members. Forty-five of these are still in connection
with the church. As far as known, only five have died. The
church has had five acting pastors — -B,3v. R. J. Hess, from 1849
to 1852; Bev. J.Ballard, from 1859 to 1863; R-v. j^. K.
Evarts, from 1863 to 1867; Rev. D. L. Eaton, from 1867 to
1870; Rev. E. Booth, from 1870 to 1875. The intervals of
this service hav^e been supplied more or less by transient
preachers.
Like most of the Congregational churclies of the AVest, this
church has been fostered by the American Home Missionary
Society, and it is hoj^ed that its moral and pecuniary powers
for good will, in the future, amply repay the prayers, and
labor, and money that liave sustained it for the jjast twenty-
five years.
BOWNE.
The pioneer of Bowne was Jonathan Thomas, v/ho in 1836
entered a large tract of land in the southwest part of the town.
GKAND EIVER VALLEY. 177
He broTiglit on witli liiin William AVoolley, FreLlerick Thomp-
son, Israel Graves, and their families. From Toledo they
came, with ox teams; and were two weeks on the jonrney.
At this time it was a " new country," but they proceeded to
make themselves comfortable. If yon- wish to know what it
took to make a man of means comfortable, imagine a log
shanty 12x16, and in it stowed three or four families. Mr.
Thomas soon found himself unfit for the hardships and priva-
tions, to which he had not been inured. He was taken sick,
and was carried l)ack, on a bed, in a sleio-h, to Xew York.
«
The same man, lying on his bed in a wagon, went to Kalama-
zoo, during the first summer, for wheat, when out of provis-
ions.
In the spring of 1S3S, Ro.5well Tyler and his three sons —
Itoswell, Loren B., and Asahel It., — ventured in; also Malcomb
and John McXaughton, who broke up land and put in wheat.
In tlie fall, Norman Foster and J. C. Beach were added.
Afterwards, in the course of a few years, William Stuart, Jas.
Truax, Daniel C. McYean, Jared Miller, and Abraham Lowe.
Thus its will be seen, that though Bowne was remote from
any of the river points of settlement, it was at an early day
taken possession of. Although there was a scattering of set-
tlers along the river before, 1836 was the year when possession
was taken in earnest; and that year witnessed the occupation
of Bowne by Thomas and his band. It was a venture further
from the river than any other of that year.
At first the settlers leaned -on Thomas and the Indians.
Thomas had money; they worked for him, clearing his land;
and would sell turnips and potatoes to the Indians; getting
money and venison. Among the Indians then resident was
Pegu — a good-hearted, noble fellow, of whom all speak with
respect and gratitude. He is now at Pentwater; but would,
find himself among friends, should he come back to Bowne.
Another of the early Indian favorites of the settlers, AYasPoka-
nomino, who is now a thriving farmer at Freemont Centre.
The Indians of Cascade, Caledonia and Bowne were a mix-
*
tureof Ottawas and Chippewas. They did not belong to any
mission, and were known as " Pobinson's Indians." The old
12
178 MEMORIALS OF THE
leader was Casiia, avLo resided tliree-quarters of a mile from
AYliitney's tavern. lie attempted farming. His wife was a
most lady-like woman; held in the liighest esteem by the
whites. A number of their kindred were settled around
them; among whom she was "a good mother." Tlie writer
well recollects the first and only time he saw her. She was
riding her pony, on her homeward journey from Grand Hap-
ids. We remarked to the man in company that she was ''a
respectable looking squaw," and received the answer : " Slie is
a venerable woman." In fact, human dignity does not de-
pend on complexion or race; and we are happy to notice, that
people with souls are beginning to appreciate that tact. What
makes the difference? What color is a human soul? In
former times, the British military uniform was scarlet. An
otticer met a little negro boy in the street, and showed his sense
of disgust. Little darkey put his thumb on his nose, an<l
said; '' You was as black as I be till you was biled." Little
nig was a philosopher, and had seen lobsters, living and
cooked. And let me ask you, who look with lofty self-com-
placency on 3^our white skin, as your patent of nobility, and
with contempt on the one who is of a different hue, are you
a gentleman, or are you merely a boiled lobster ? But in our
wise reflections, we have strayed from Bowne. Revenons a
nos inoutons.-
Therewere some troubles with the Indians, due to whisky.
But, on the whole, they made themselves useful; and, indeed,
they were indispensable. Their hospitality was hearty and
sincere, and, where they professed friendship, it was true and
reliable. The Indian, uncorrupted by association with the
baser element of the whites, is chivalrously honorable, honest
and true. His friendship or his enmity is reliable. He don't
smile in your face and stab in tlie back. He don't ask the
(juestion, "Can I conveniently do this stranger the favor
asked?" So the settlers in Bowne found them, and they re- J
member the Indians with respect and gratitude. I
What an event to tiie early settler is "going to mill!" We
now have the saying, '• As plain as the road to mill;" as though
going to mill was as simple a thing as going to the barn. Let
GRAND EIVER VALLEY. 179
US ^'o to mill with Mr. Thompson once, in 1837. It was to go
to Kalamazoo with oxen, through the woods; camp out, and
get along as he found himself able. His oxen straved awav;
and M'ith his journey and hunting his oxen, he got hack in eight
days. His wife, wearied with waitins;, and fearino- dano-er, set
out on foot and alone to find her husband, and met him return-
ing. A specimen of an old bachelor met heron the way, who.
on learning why she was so far from home, and so earnest, said,
" I, too, would marry if I could get such a wife." There are,
even now, some women who consider their husband a part of
self, AYe won't say " God bless the man who has such," for
God has anticipated the prayer.
A little episode of these times may illustrate the primitive
way of dealing with sinners. A specimen of that genus had
stolen some money from Mr. Camj^au. They caught him, and
chained him up in the barn at TVhitney's tavern. Then Whit-
ney and Campau matured their plan. Campau was to disap-
pear, which he did, but put himself where he could see tlio
sport.
Whitney went to the rascal, told him Campau had gone for
an officer, and that it would go hard with him; that he (Whit-
ney) wished to befriend him, and would let him go before Cam-
pau got back, if he would clear out. He told him to take the
shortest cut to the woods, and having got under cover, to put
distance behind him as fast as possible. This the fellow upon
Ids sacred honor promised to do. Whitney then undid the
padlock that held him chained ; he shot for the woods, and was
seen no more. In the meantime the two were holding their
sides until he was out of hearing; and then they exploded. By
the way, ^v'llo ever repented of telliiig a lie to a thief?
A pair of panthers were seen by Mr. Thomas, between
Bowne and Middleville. They were afterwards seen by two
men who had rifles, near Ball Prairie, on the Thornapple;
but the men dared not shoot. These panthers have been traced
across the southern part of Ionia county, where they were
repeatedly seen; across the southern part of Kent county, to
Talmadge, in Ottawa county, whei-e one of them was killed;
the other has maintained an aliVi ever since. In speaking of
180 MEMORIALS OF THE
the beasts of the forest, this pair of panthers are the only ones
spoken of by the old settlers as having been seen. It is
doubtful if that beast was ever anything but a stranger and a
pilgrim in Michigan, The settlers can tell bear and wolf
stories until tliey cease to interest; but all we can hear of the
dreaded panther is of this one pair, and they were a couple of
cowardly sneaks, probably expelled from society and ashamed
to be seen ; their most daring exploit being to chase a defense-
less boy, and be scared by his shout.
By reference to what is said of Caledonia, it will be seen
that Bowne was united with that town until 1849. The set-
tlement had been slow, and it seems that but few voters par-
ticipated in the first election.
The first meetino; was at school-house ISTo. 1. the first Mon-
day in April.
Elected: Supervisor, Roswell F.Tyler; Clerk, Daniel C.
McVean; Treasurer, Justus C. Beach; Justices, Daniel Mc-
Kaughton, Jared Miller, I^orman Foster.
Sixteen names are on the record, in addition to those above:
Henry C. Foster, Frederick Thompson, Abijah Pool, John A.
Campbell, Loren B. Tyler, James H. Truax, Asahel K. Tyler,
Wm. Gibson and John Underwood,
Since the organization of the town its progress has been a
steady one of filling up and developing as an agricultural
town. Its first saw-mill was built on Sec. 36, in 1855; its
only grist-mill was put up by A. D. Thomas in 1862.
The first census we have of the town is that of 1851, when
the population was 357.
The progress of filling up can be seen by referring to the
summary of the census returns. The U. S. census, of 1850,
makes no mention of Bowne. In 1845, the two towns num-
bered 127; in 1850, Caledonia, 99.
At the present writing (1875) several of the pioneers are
living and resident. Norman Foster, a quiet, sensible,
straightforward man, died in 1870. Asahel Kent died in
1840, and John P. Mc^aughton, in 1841, Koswell C. Beach
closed the life of a wortliy citizen in 1862, John Underwood
died in 1868, Malcomb P, Mc]N"aughton died many years ago.
GRAND KIVEK VALLEY. 181
The s«rviv.;rsot' tlie earlier days are still a band of brothers,
bound bv the ties of lono; asi-o. xVs as^e silvers their hair, thev
more and more live over the days '" lang-syne," when far in
the wilds thej drank deep of the fraternal spirit. It is a no-
ticeable fact tliat if any of these pioneers of Bowne had a fault,
the survivors have foro-ottenit. They are eloquent in praise,
but speak of no failings. They partake of the spirit of the
sono-:
CD
k
" I know not, I ask not, if guilt's in this heart;
I but know that I love thee, whatever thou art.*^'
It may seem that a very inappropriate use is made of tlie
beautiful lines of JMoore; but just live ten years in the woods,
with a few scattered neighbors, and then tell me if "love" is
too strong a word to express your feelings towards those who
were your comijanions in seclusion. I shall make no apology
to the old fellows in Bowne, for they told me so themselves.
Speak disrespectfully of one of their forest companions, and
see if they don't flare.
BYRO:S^
Bvron is an outo-rowth from the Grandville settlement. Bv
a reference to what is said of Wyomiiig, it will be seen that
Grandville was one of the earliest settled places on tlie Grand
Biver; that the organization of the town Avas coincident with
the organization of the county. The two townships, five and
six, north range, twelve west, were made a town, with the
name, Byron. In this union they continued until 1848, when
a separation was effected; the southern town retaining the
original name; the other assuming the name of AYyoming.
The fact that Byron was a heavily timbered townshij;), re-
tarded its occupation. The openings to the first settlers
seemed more inviting; there was free passage; and the labor
of clearing, and getting in a crop, was comparatively small.
For these reasons the heavy timbered lands, which experience
has proved to be the best in general, were not the first sought.
Let u-3 not, gentle reader, reprove their lack of sagacity. You
or I, under similar circumstances, would have done as they did.
182 MEMORIALS OF THE
The land for some miles from tlie river was of the class
called "openings;" further back, on either side were "tim-
bered lands." As the character of the openings has changed,
so that nothing of the kind is now seen in the settled parts of
Michigan ; and as the generation of those who have grown np
in the region, have seen nothing of the sort, it mav not be
considered amiss to give a description of the "openings"
lands.
Looking at any piece of oak woods, two distinct growths
will be observed; one of very scattering large trees, and the
other a thick growth of smaller ones. The larire trees were
all that was on the land when the region was first occnpied.
The land was "opan;" no fallen timber, and nothing but the
very scattered oak trees to obstruct the view. A wagon or
load of hay could be driven anywhere.
The settler had only to cut down or " girdle " the scattered
oaks, put in the plow with a strong team; and sow his ground.
iS^either the " openings " nor the " prairies " were natural.
They were the result of the Indian practice of burning over
the lands; with the double object of making them more open,
so that they could see their game, and rendering the region
more healthy. Where the lires killed the whole of the wood,
the result was a ^;>ra/7'zV. A¥here they only killed the young-
growth, it was an opening/ just as good for Indian purposes.
Where the undergrowth was oak or hickory, the fires killed
only so much as was above the ground, leaving the root to
sprout up again. This gave rise to what received the name of
"grubs," that is, strong, heavy roots, with only an insignifi-
cant bush growing from them. The root of a shrub an iuch
in diameter would be sufficient for a tree of several inches;
and would have a spreading top, like a mushroom. A fire run-
ning through would kill all these young bushes. In a year or
so all would be clear. In general there was nothing which
could not be cut with the brush-scythe, or torn uj) by the
plow.
There were two ways of preparing the ground for a crop.
The first has been indicated — with a strong team " break " the
land, and pull out the roots, partly by the harrow, and partly
GKAXD EIVER VALLEY, 183
by hand. The second war, to " grub " the ground, or dig out
cacli root •with, an instrument made for that purpose.
This was the more hiborious and better way, as it left the
land in a better condition to receive the crop. A breaking
team of tliree or four yoke of oxen could "break" an r.ere in
a day, but tliere was still all the labor of " pulling out." A
stout man would "grub" witli his mattock and ax, an acre
in a week. A class of men in early times owned teams and
made a business of "breaking." Those, who could not pav
the "breakers," or who wished their land earlier under good
culture, "grubbed." The openings are a thing of the past;
therefore, this explanation.
Again, the earl}' settlers had not been backwoodsmen. They
came from a region, cleared by their fathers, and were little
accustomed to the use of the ax. To them a heavy standing
growth of timber, and the great fallen trees, were formidable.
A tree was not then, as now, a little mine of wealth, but itAv^as
a nuisance — to be got rid of, and that, too, by the hardest labor.
Therefore, we will not censure the wisdom of the pioneers for
their preferring the openings to what tliey well knew would
prove to be the better " timbered, lands."
It required a little nerve to push into South Byron; a few
settlers were early there. It is not now known that any one
located before 1836, when several came into the northern part
of the township. Three brothers — Nathan, Jerry and Wil-
liam Boynton; another "three brothers" — Justus C, Jacob
and Charles Rogers. It is generally conceded that Xatlian
Boynton was the first. He proceeded to put up liis " palace"
— split logs for roof and floor, with clay and sticks for a
chimne}'. AVe have called it his " palace," and not without rea-
son, for every old pioneer confirms the fact, that his first
i-ude shelter had more attractions in his eyes, then any house
that subsequent good fortune enabled him to build, and, ^'Je
helieve them. Go into the woods yourself, camp under trees
until you can get up a 12x20 log house, toit/i a fire place, in it,
and then see if your dreams, the first night you ai'e in it, are
not of a palace — your oion JiOine. Ah, my dear sir, or madam,
log houses were before painted verandas, and sand was used
before carpets.
184 MEMORIALS OF THE
Mr. Rogers broiiglit some means with liim, so tliat he coiikl
liire much done, and in two years we find liim harvesting 100
acres of wlieat, which he sold for 37|- cents a bushel.
Slowly one after anotliei' ventured into the timber, to combat
with the forest, to conquer a home and a farm. In 1837, we
have Harmon Kelloirg, John Harmon ; and in 1838, Harvey
Kibby, Ella Judsou, Hiram Lockwood, Alden Coburn,
Benjamin Eobinson, Ephraim Chamberlain, Wm. R. God-
win and Cyrus Jones. It is uot absolutely certain that all of
these came in 1838. The memory of the survivors does nut
always agree. They came about that time.
In the years immediately following, came Charles Lane,
(transient), James B. Jewell, Amalek Taylor, Joseph Gallop,
Larkin Ball, Eli Crossett, Peter Goldin, AVm. Olmsted, Henry
A. Yan Nest, Samuel Hubbell^ — only one or two a year. As
late as 1814, the south part of Byron was an unoccupied wild.
In .that year Ezekiel Cook settled near the southwest corner,
and had no neighbors nearer than four miles.
The settlement of the town was so slow, that for ten years
some one was a pioneer in some part of it. We cannot follow
each one, neither is it necessary. This one fact is patent:
that it was twelve years after the lirst settlers came in before
thev had inlial)itants enouiili to feeblv commence as a town bv
themselves. The reason has been given above.
Tlie recollections are that 184C-7, \vere the years of real
occupancy, and the records of the votes of old ad new Byron
indicate that there was quite an influx in 1847.
In 1847, the vote for supervisor in the town, as then (Byron
and Wyoming), was seventy, when, it is well lannvn, the prin-
cipal vote was at and around Grandville. Upon the organiz-
ing of the new town in 1848, the vote was fifty-two, which
indicates that either in 1847 the south Byron voters stayed at
home, or that many settlers came in in 1847. In new towns
voters go to towii meeting. That is their holiday.
Indicative of the relative population of Wyoming and
Byron, at the settlement bstween tlie two towns, May, 1848,
Byron received 28 1-10 per cent, of the money on hand.
At the gubernatorial election in the fall of 1847, the vote of
GRAND RIVER V^VXLEY. 185
the two towns was ninety- tliree. In 1850, the popnlation was
309. A reference to the censns reports will sliow" that it then
filled iij) rajjidlj.
Bjron is essentially an agricultural town. It has two little
villages — Corinth and Byron Center — both of which sprung np
around mills.
Corinth (forinerlj Cody's Mills) is on the line between Gaines
and Byron, partly in each town, and is a hamlet of about twenty-
five houses. It originated with three brothers by the name
of Cody, who, in 1866, put up steam grist and saw mills.
They did business about three years. The mills then passed
through several hands, and were unsuccessfully operated. In
1872, they became the property of Isaac I). Ilazen and W. 11.
Russell, who have successfully carried on the business since.
In 1860, a furniture factory was started by a joint-stock com-
pany. The company did a good business one year, when the
factory was burned. The company re-built, but failed to make
the concern a success, and broke up, deeply involved. The
village has at present no prospect of growth — -is a jdeasant
little country center.
The other village — -Byron Center — is of recent origin, in
1871, Mr. Tpwner built a saw-mi!l for cutting hard lumber.
In 1872, he platted a village by his mill. Stores, shops, etc.,
naturally clustered themselves there, as there was the mill and
the railroad station. At present, the village has about twen-
tv-five houses. A Methodist church was built in 1S73.
The old settlers have a good many stories to tell about the
wolves. These sneaky pests were thickest in the shady timber.
They were seldom dangerous, but at times were provokingly
impudent. The writer lia> not heard of any one being killed
by wolves in the Grand River Yalley, though many have been
obliged to fight them, or take to a tree. Singly, the wolf was
despisel; in packs, they were dangerous. A good club, a reso-
lute eye, and a shout, generally, in the daytime, would disperse
the reprobates. It was not safe to be surrounded by them in the
niglit, as James M. Barney, of Byron, learned in 1850. He, un-
willing that his cow should be beef for wolves, after listenin<r
CD ^ C?
to what thev said one niMit bv his yard, sallied out with some-
186 MEilOKIALS OF THE
wliat more wrath than discretion, to argue the question of the
ownership of said cow. The wolves, seeing vengeance in his
eye, and a shooting iron in his hand, did not stop to argue the
case, but retreated to the bushes, Iceeping all the time one eye
on Barney. He, thinking wicked words, entered the bushes;
and there tlie wolves, abandoning their claim to the cow, de-
bated with him until broad daylight, whether he should not be
mutton for wolves. He used all his eloquence to prove that
man was not made for wolves, using his gun as his aid, and he
got his case.
One of the stray panthers, otherwise spoken of as having
traversed the south part of Ionia and Ottawa counties, was
seen in Bj^ron, but there was no adventure with it.
In the spring of 1836, a tornado did some damage in Byron
and Paris. In Bvron, it blew down the house of J. C. Roofers;
and in Paris, that of Cyrus Jones. 'No one was seriously in-
iured, thouo-h several were badlv scared. Who wouldn't be?
The humble writer got mixed up in one once, and while the
trees were crashing on all sides, gave a specimen of magnifi-
cently tall walking. He has never since wished to look a tor-
nado in the face, and speaks of them with trembling respect.
We like the balmy air, and the gentle breeze, angl we respect
the strong gale. But when the air gets its back up, and is in
a wJiirlwind of jjassion, we forget poetic sentiment; at least
that was the case with the writer.
The first organization of Byron is given in the history of
Wyoming.
CASCADE.
Cascade was a part of Ada until 1848. The first town
meeting was held at the house of Wm. S. Gunn, April 3d,
1848; Harry Clark, Moderator; J. R. SteM^art, Clerk. The
first officers were:
Peter Teeple, Supervisor; J. P. Stewart, Clerk; Asa Den-
nison, Treasurer; Leonard Stewart, Zerra Whitney, Justices,
JSTumber of voters present, 50,
One hundred dollars voted for town expenses.
Cascade did not claim an independent existence at so early
GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 1ST
a stage as many other towns; content to be a i>art of a town
until it was some evidence of respectability to be a town
officer.
Its pioneer occupation dates from 1836 — ^"lie year of the
rush of land-seekers into the Yalley. First came Lewis Cook,
followed the same year by Peter and George Teeple, and
Hi ram Laraway.
In 183T, the only person who is known to have settled in
the town is Edward Linen, the pioneer Irishman; soon fol-
lowed by more of Ids countrymen, who have proved the advan-
tages that result to the sons of overcrowded Ireland, when they
leave their country for their own and their country's good;
their oion, for they can find a home, competence, wealth and
respect; their country's, for each one leaving gives better
cliance and wages to tiiose who remain.
It is hard for a man whose sole capital is a nervous body, to
achieve property and position where labor begs employment.
.V British statesman once said in parliament, " It is no mys-
tery to me how the man with a thousand pounds can increase
it to a million; but it is a mystery how a man, commencing
with nothing, can obtain a thousand pounds." The Irish peas-
ant knows full well that in Ireland he cannot be respectable
without property; and that there property is practically be-
yond his reach. He knows of a land aci'oss the sea, where he
can be a man among men. Cascade shows some of the
results,
Mr. Linen was not long the only Irishman in Cascade, for
the next year several more took up land in the town: James
May, David Petted, John Farrell, James Annis, "Wm. Annis,
Michael Matthews, Patrick, Christo])her and Michael Eardley.
Of these, James May, Edward Linen and Michael Matthews
are still res'dent; men of means and respectability.
David Pftted died in 1870.
James Annis died in 1865.
William Annis was frozen to death in 1861; found, snowed
under, a mile from his home.
Patrick Eardley died in 1855.
Christopher Eardley removed to LaPorte, Ind., and there died.
188 MEMORIALS OF THE
Micliael Earclley was a good scholar, educated for a priest.
He lield town offices — was respected and looked up to. He
died in 1870.
The same year (1838) brought Frederick A. Marsh, whose
tragic death, in 1846, sent a thrill of horror through the town.
Returning from Grand Eapids, he was thrown from his wagon,
and killed.
Hiram Laraway also came to a premature and unnatural
death. He perished by cold, between his home and Ada, in
the winter of 1841-2. Of him we know little. His widow,
" Aunt Mar}^ Laraway," the sister of the Teeples, lived until
1809, a model of virtue and amiability — bravely enduring
hardships — training her sons and daughters as only a good
mother can. God bless such a woman ! But there is no need
of that prayer, for God always does that; and blesses those who
have the happiness to call her "mother;" and St. Peter, who
holds the keys, with his liat in liis hand, makes to her his best
bow, as she enters the gate. Blessed is the memory such a
woman leaves behind — the choicest legacy to her children, in
whose souls she is enshrined a saint. She was killed by
fallino- from a cherrv tree, in the summer of 1869.
The brothers Teeple are still honored residents of the town;
they have been among the most prominent citizens; hav^ebeen
looked to as "all right;" and it is still customary to "swear
by Teeple."
From 1838, the town filled up steadily and slowly. The date
of the advent of each is a matter of little interest; settlers came
dropping in, one by one; among whom we note: Zerra "Whit-
ney, with his four sons — Peter, Ezra, Oscar and Chester — who
arrived in 1841, and originated Whitney ville, long a noted
stopping place on the wilderness road between Battle Creek
and Ada. Mr. Whitney, Sr., was elected the first Justice of
the Peace, and everybody knew him. He died in Wayland,
Allegan county, in 1873. These sons of Wliitney came with
families, and have all either died or deserted, leavinaj nothinir
but a name attached to a j^ortion of a town. Well, a name
and a fame are all we. can leave. How few leave anything.
Oscar died in 1848; the others moved to other j)arts.
GRAND EITER VALLEY, 189
1842 brought Edward D. Gove, from Massaeliusetts, and lie
sta3"s in Cascade yet; also, Cliaiincey Sears, with his two sons,
Horace and Austin. The venerable patriarch is still in town,
and so is Austin. Horace is in Caledonia. About tLis time
also came Eber Moffit (who died in '68), and the brothers,
Michael and Joseph Cronninger, who now live in Caledonia,
The first postotfice -was established in 1847, at Whitneyville;
Wm. C, "White, postmaster. The first quarters postage
amounted to $2.25. For several years the postofiice at Bowne
took its mail from Whitney ville; it was carried in a little
bag, suspended to a boy's neck. There was then dignity in
the office of postmaster. The lofty individual who could put
1*. M. after his name, had to live upon the dignity, and not
the emoluments oftheoflice.
At this time there were but three occupied houses for six
miles south. Eastward for ten miles there was but one
settler.
The first school was near Cook's Comers, and was taught by
Miss Matilda Hill, in 1840. She was the sister of Perry Hill,
of Grand Rapids. The log house built for that school, was
burned down in a few years. -
Mr, Aickley, spoken of as a pioneer in other towns, was the
first to hold meetings in the town.
What is said in connection with the town of Paris, about
the cold winter, is equally applicable to Cascade. Three feet
of snow fallini'' in Xovember, and tlie remembrance of that
l>uried by succeeding falls, made an impression on the bones
and sinews of the settlers at the time; and on their memories
afterwards. But they lived through it, and saved most of
their cattle,
A more than passing notice is due to the memory of Asa W,
Dcnnison, who, with his brother Gideon W. (Uncle Gid.),
came in the spring of 1845, Dennison was a man of sterling
Avorth; a leading official man in the town; respected and
looked up to. He was killed by a kick from a horse in 1857.
In 1849, the Ilev. Eli Prince — a man whom ill-fortune had
follow^ed, opened a small store in Cascade villnge. He was a
man of large stature, genial in his nature, public-spirited, true
190 MEMORIALS OF THE
and honorable. He identified himself with every good work
that was going on. He was unflinching in duty, yet was
more led by generous instincts than by the sense of obligation.
The children learned to court his smile and gentle word. The
people made of him a factotum, for they had learned to look
to his ever willing heart in seasons of rejoicing or of sorrow.
His life illustrated the beauty of an unselfish soul, true to
the pale star of principle. He died in 1863; aged, 65. As
in life he sought not himself, so, when dead, he directed that
no monument should mark his grave. He lies thus in a ceme-
tery, which he gave to the town. But the people of Cascade
will not forget w^here '•' Elder Prince" is buried.
Cascade village is a small hamlet, clustered around the mills,
the central place of the business of the town. The Thornap-
ple River here gives a good water-power, which may be made
to do more service than at present it is compelled to do.
Whitneyville, so called, is not a village, but simply a public
liouse, where in days past it was hoped a village would be.
Cascade does not invest much in the externals of religion.
The Catholics have a small church, built in 1856. The Meth-
odists, United Brethren and Christians have a foothold, and
keep up organizations.
Since the mineral spring fancy took hold of Michigan, Cas-
cade has been one of the places, to which the sick have resorted
to use the " healing waters." The springs have established a
reputation for curing many diseases, and are resorted to by
seekers of health. Fashion has not made it a resort, as they
have not the facilities for making the place attractive. They
have no buildings as yet but a simple bath-house.
One little story of olden times in Cascade is too good to be
lost; illustrating the fact that "human natur" among the
ancients was as vicious and as simple as among the moderns.
A Mr. S — ., one of those honest, simple-hearted men, that
sinners always delight to play practical jokes upon, had a
horse, which he wished to exchange for a yoke of oxen. He
heard that in another part of the town was a man, who wished
to exchange a voke of oxen for a horse. So he saddled his
|X)ny, rode over, and made the bargain. The question now was,
GEAKD KIVER VALLEY. 1!>1
liow to get liome the saddle. The man, who now had the
horse, tokl him to put it on one of the oxen ; and to get on
liimself and ride ; that the ox was used to being ridden. S —
saddled the ox and mounted to go home. The ox took to his
heels; and there was no mane to cling to. The saddle slipped
over behind the ox. dragging S — by the stiiTups, to the im-
minent peril of his life. Seeing that death or release must
come, by a desperate effort he got free, with a poor opinion of
his ox as a saddle beast, lie said that when he was dragging
at the heels of the beast, he promised his Maker, if he ever
got out of that scrape alive,- he would never ride an ox again;
a vow which he religiously kept.
CALEDONIA.
Caledonia was organized as a township. May 4th, 1840, at
the house of Peter McNaughton. The town at its organiza-
tion consisted of what is now Caledonia and Bowne. The
first officers were:
John P. Mcl^aughton, Supervisor; Justus C. Beach. Clerk;
N^orman Foster, Treasurer; J. C. Beach, Loren B. Tyler, Mal-
coml) P. MclSTaughton, Asahel Kent, Justices.
One hundred and fifty dollars was raised for town expenses.
The following names of voters are found on the record; and,
as a specimen, showing how easy it was " to get office " in
early days, the number of offices, to which each was elected, is
set against the name:
John P. MclSTaughton, 1; Eoswell Tyler, 4; Justus C.
Beach, 3; Malcomb P. MclSTaughton, 2; Loren B. Tyler, 1;
John A*. Campbell, 2; Asahel Kent, 2; Asahel Tyler, 1; Is^or-
man Foster, 3; "VVm. B. Thompson, 1.
All went home with their official honors thick upon them.
^NTone of them could put on airs, or refuse to let their children
])lay with those of their neighbors; for they too were officers^
children.
The town was reorganized by act of Legislature in 18G9.
In 1838, Mr. Asahel Kent conceived the idea of a public
house in the wilderness, on the Battle Creek trail. He
accordingly came to Caledonia, then merely T. 5 'N., R.' G
192 jMemokials of the
W., and opened the " Kent House," which soon becims
famous. And wlij? There was the jolly landlord, and his
smiling dame, ever read_y to welcome the weary traveler to a
good fire, a smoking dinner, and a liome-like, social visit.
AVliat though the house was of logs, and the lodgings per-
haps a shed, — the welcome was genial, the fere good, and
"" Kent's Tavern" became an institution where one was sure of
good cheer; and Avliere he "stopped again." The viands were
not dealt out on the principle, sq manifest at some of our
restaurants, where each waiter seems to think he is a jjriest,
administering the sacrament. Tlie table was "heaped" with
what was good, and the beaming landlord, having cut the
meat into huge slices, would say, "Lay to, and help your-
selves, gentlemen and ladies; no -ceremony here." It seemed
to be his delight to feed the hungry. The greater their appe-
tites, and the faster his victuals disappeared, the more beam-
ing was his look. He loved to see his guests enjoy them-
selves, and the long breath of perfect satisfaction and full-
ness, as they withdrew from the table, was music to his ear.
Kent, the bountifnl, soon passed away, with many blessings
on his head, and his widow (as widows often do) married
aii-ain. But slie didn't leave the house. Xo. She and her
husband, Peter McNaughton, still kept up the establishment,
which became as famous as " MciS^aughton's " as it had been
as "Kent's."
This tav^ern is a thing of memory. The opening of other
lines of travel caused the Battle Creek trail or road to be
deserted, and the tavern died the death of the rightequs.
After a while, one after another, dropped in the settlers
who came to live from the soil. Kent had fed the hungry, and
lodged the weary; his residence alone breaking the monotony
of interminable woods. James Minsy came to raise sometliing
to feed himself and children, in 18-39. Soon followed Orse-
luus Eathbun, Lyman Gtrold, Hiram McXiel, Eber Moffit,
Peter McNauo-hton, Levi Tobev, John Sinclair, Henrv Jack-
son, and Warren S. Hale. The exact date of the advent of
each is not known, neither is it important. Some. of them
M'ere after 1810. The names already given are probably all
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 193
who were in Caledonia and Bowne, at tlie time of its ori^-ani-
zation as a town. For a number of years but few came to
stay, though many passed tliat road, for it was on the " Battle
Creek Stac-e Koute." Fancy not, srentle reader, that this " stajre
route'' was a smooth McAdam road, with its toll-gate once in
ten miles. It was merely a trail in the wilderness, with here
and there an otherwise imjDassable place made passable. The
stage was a heavy wagon, covered with painted cotton cloth.
The road was dotted at long intervals by the settler's cabin.
There were Gull Prairie, Slater's Indians and Yankee Springs,
on the way; as for the rest, it was "timbered lands" and
" openings." Yet this w^as the " thoroughfare " until the open-
ing of the Kalamazoo Plank Poad, in 1852. Then the genial
landlord, Lewis, at Yankee Springs had to go to tlie Legisla-
ture, or be forgotten ; for his famous log tavern was deserted^
Then the McN^anghton house ceased to pa3^ Campau, and
the other drivers cracked their whips for the last time; and
looked to some business other than driving and tipping over
stages, for a living.
Many are -the adventures on that route; our own amoTigthe
number. Among others we note that of our fellow citizen,
H. P. Yale. He went to sleep on the way, and in the midst
of his pleasant dreams, the stage gave a lurch and landed him,
heels up, head and shoulders in the mud. He gathered up
the fragments of himself, rubbed the mud from his eyes, and
laiifjhed. of course. At another time the driver had the honor,
in a dark night, of tipping into a mud-hole, John Ball, Mrs.
T. B. Church and her bab}^ Fred. Fred came near being
drowned, orsmothered in fhe mud; and then the country would
have lost an embryo soldier, who was too j)roud to accej5t oflice,
though commissions were thrust upon him; and a7"Z^ would
jiave lost one, whose quaint conceits are a part of the spirit of
Harper. Our own adventures on the route might be passed,
as 25erhaps of every day occurrence — a simple break-down,
where a jolly song by Capt. Parks was cut short at the second
verse; and to this day remains unsung. The driver was the
same Edward Campau, whose pleasant residence is now where
he can overlook the scene of that catastrophe. There he, with
13
194 MEMOKIALS OF THE
his fair wife — Yankee Lewis' dangliter — liis cattle and his
herds, is a well-to-do fanner; and is happj to welcome to his
home those whom he tipped over on the Battle Creek road.
Lonof life to vou, Edward! And mav vour sonl never be less
open, or yon r home less blessed.
We mnst, at one fell swoop, come down to 1846, when a man
arrived, who "meant business ;" who, seeing the fine water-
power afforded by the Thornapple river, determined to
monopolize that power; and to a great extent he did. Where
he saw power, he purchased the land. His name was William
H. Brown. Among his doings was putting up the first saw-
mill; and, in comjDany with W. S. Hale, the first grist-mill;
Jiround which has sprung up the village of Alaska. Brown
laid out the village in 1860.
This Mr. Brown had an adventure, which, at the time, he
wished he was well out of. Returning in the winter from his
possessions in Caledonia to his home in Middleville, in a
nifrht of darkness and storm, he i^ot lost. In the snow
he lost the trail; and had no way but to leave his pony
to its instincts. But he soon found himself jinking into
that sleep which is the precursor of death from cold. He
dismounted, and walked backward and forward until morn-
ing, to keep himself alive. With the coming of light, he
trusted to his horse; for he, himself, had no idea of direc-
tion. His horse took him to Green Lake. There he was
tracked, and found by those who searched for him, expecting
to find him dead. We are not told what vows of reform he
made in this dismal journey, but it is presumed that they
were many and sincere. Neither are we told that he had any
evil ways to reform. But how" natural it is in trouble to think
over all our sins, promising reformation, if spared, with time
effectually to repent. Who ever knew of a blaspheming repro-
bate, who did not pray and promise, when he saw death look-
ing him right in the face? And who ever knew the halter
to press the neck of one who had not reformed and become a
a saint? AVhat a good thing is danger to bring sinners to
-their knees! A pious negro woman had in vain tried to make
her little woolly-headed sinner of a son say his prayers. But
GEAND RIVER VALLEY. 195
the reprobate would sing " Jim along Josj^," instead of, with
eyes closed and clasped hands, saying " j^ow I lay me down to
sleep." She had exhorted him, whipped him, prayed at him.
scolded him, and taught him to say his prayers; but he
wouldn't pray, and she was forlorn. One day she heard him
screaming, and running to the door, she saw the old cow had
him between her horns, buttins' him agrainst the fence, and he
was screaming in his fright "O Lordy! O Lordy!" She
clapped her hands with delight, and said "Bress de Lord I
the old cow has brought him to his prayers," and left the cow
to finish his conversion in her own wav. BTistorv does not
tell whether Johnny became a saint; but it is to be presumed
he did; and that he was swung into heaven at the end of a
rope.
The villao-e of Alaska has been mentioned as an outgrowth
from the enterprise of Mr. Brown. It is where it may be con-
siderable of a place, and it has already made a fair beginning.
The water-power is first-rate, and is capable of further develop-
ment. The water can be used several times in a short
distance. As years pass on, Michigan wiU turn her attention
more to manufactures, and then the Thornapple will be dotted
with Yankee notion factories; and Alaska do business in a
thousand of the gimcracks that are the wealth of the land of
wooden nutmegs and steady habits.
There is a Baptist church at Alaska, and a Methodist church
in the central part of the town.
The G. E,. Yalley Eailroad crosses the southwest corner of
the town. A small villaore is there, which has made a bewin-
ning in the way of using the power at its disposal.
On the farm of Ed. Canipau is a noted beaver-dam, whicli
once made a pond of several acres. The dam is in two parts;
one eighty and the other sixty yards in length. Its height
was apparently three feet or more. By the rotting of the
material, and the trampling of cattle, it is now a simj)le ridge
of earth, a foot or more in height. It is built on a spring
marsh. Near the m'iddle of the dam is a kind of island of
solid earth. Taking the height of the dam on that, and
where at the ends it is on solid earth, the general height must
196 MEMORIALS OF THE
liavG been about three feet. This sfreat work of beavers is
not near as long as the one in Tyrone, but it was a " big
thing" for so small animals to build.
CANNON.
Until 1846 Ccinnon was identified with Plainfield, being in
no haste to assume independent existence. Its population at
that time was near 300. The villa2:e of Cannonsburr had
been named before; and the town took its name from the
founder of the village. The Legislature gave the name
Ohurchtown, which the town never assumed, but organized
under the self-assumed name of Cannon, the first Monday in
April, 1846. The first meeting was at the house of Cornelius
Slaght; 64 voters.
Supervisor, Andrew Watson; Clerk, Henry H. Worden;
Treasurer, Louis D. Dean; Justices, Harlow T. Judson, John
Bishop, Denias Iline, Jarred Sj)ring.
Settlement commenced in the town in 1837. Andrew Wat-
son and A. D. W. Stout were the first to locate. In 1838, Isaac
Tomlinson put in his appearance; and in 1839, Wm. M. Mil-
ler. The real settlement of the town, however, dates from
1840. The few scouts, before mentioned, had opened the way,
and this vear se tiers in numbers followed, amono- whom (if
the}^ were not the whole) were James Thomas, Ethiel Whitney,
Zebulon Rood, Japhet Gilman. In 1841 were added, Henrj
M. Miller, Ebenezer Smith, Samuel Steele, Oliver Lovejoy, the
Rev. Mr. Frieze.
In the few succeeding years we find, Ames Griswold,
John Hart-well, James Dockerj, Loyal Palmer, Martin John-
son, Cornelius Wample, Wm. C. Young, John C. Chapman,
Robert Howard, Major AVorden, Mindrus Whitney, Thomas
B. Young, Sidnej S. Haskins, H. E. McKee, John French,
brothers Richard, Abram, William and Eli Lewis, Leonard
S. Young, Jared Spring, Joseph Lameraux, John Rogers,
Smith Bailey, Harrison Pitcher, Philip Thomas, Zeph Adams,
Thomas Hall, Norman Aikley, Smith Bailej.
Of these, the monuments in the cemeteries say — Died:
William Lewis, 1853, aged 38 years.
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 197
Harlow T. Jiulson, 1SG5, aged 62 years.
Hugh E. McKee, 1855, aged 44 years.
Joseph Laineraux, 1858, aged 58 years.
Sidney S. Haskins, 1854, aged 47 years.
John Hartwell, 1872, aged 77 years.
Demas Hine, 1872, aged (!>6 years.
The viHao-e of Cannon sbnrg: owes its first existence to E. V>.
Bostwick, who, as agent of LeGrand Cannon, an Eastern man
who owned large tracts of land in the town, in 1843, made
preparations for erecting a mill, platted a village, and 2)ut up a
few log houses. This Bostwick has left his name in more than
one place in Kent county, and to the credit of Cannon they
have o;iven it to one of their beautiful lakes. To manas^e the
business, and build the mill, came Sidney Haskins; Harlow T.
Judson as millwright, Samuel Jones as boss of the concern,
and Cornelius Shight. Haskins was the first one who cut
down a tree at the place. A log house was built for him
and his family. In the spring a small frame building was put
up for a store and dwelling (now the back part of Ellis' store).
Before that the log store had also been the residence of Slaglit
and Haskins, and their families, each having one room. Close
quarters, but that was the best the place afforded, and it be-
hooved them to be content.
As an inducement to settlers, lots were gweri to those who
would improve them. The blacksmith put up his shop there;
the shoemaker came; the carpenter built his house there; a
doctor there displayed his sign. A school-house was located
there. A lawyer came and looked — thought there were not
people enough to make their quarrels profitable tcrhim, and
located at Grand Kapids. In fine, a little, snug village scat-
tered itself on the hills around the mill and "modest store. At
present they are left out in the cold by the railroads, those all-
controlling directors of the destinies of places. Yet they have
hoj)es from a railroad that is in their mind's eye; and then —
and then — they hope to put on airs! They have a fine, steady,
but limited water-power, which is capable of being much fur-
ther developed. They have a beautiful and varied site; fine,
romantic surroundings; and they are not without hope. In
198 MEMORIALS OF THE
the village are a good union scliool-liouse, a Metliodist and a
Congregational church.
Tiie aforesaid LeGrand Cannon, after whom the town was
named " Cannon," presented the town a cannon, as his thank-
oft'cring for the compliment paid him in naming the town
" Cannon." And ever since, the inhabitants of Cannon, in all
their jubilations, cause that cannon to wake the echoes of the
town of Cannon.
" Nevertheless," (as H. W. Beecher said,) the greatest beauty
of the town is in her unrivaled lakes. The two — Silver Lake
and Bostwick Lake — for their crystal waters and beacli-like
shores, may challenge comparison with anything of tlie kind
in the wx)rld. To see them is to admire. The shade of Bost-
wick cannot but be well pleased that this lake is his memento
on earth; and my shade, when I shall have become a shade,
would rejoice could the name of the other be called its name
and memento. O ye Cannonburgers, cause that to be true,
and I will give you a bigger pulf than your cannon gives you
on the 4th of July. Yes, indeed; I will soar into poetry.
Less beautiful lakes than these are Loch Lomond and Loch
Katrine, that so often have waked the poet's song; and a far
less beautiful one near Grand Kapids is the pride of the phice,
a fashionable resort, and the center of their rural pleasures.
When thai railroad comes along, the lakes of Cannon will not
be merely boundaries of farms, places to water horses and to
catcli fish.
CHURCHES IN CANNON
Congrega^onal at Steele's Corners. Organized in 1847, by Rev. J. Ballard
and Dea. Page, with ten members.
Smith Bailey and his wife, Eunice, Parraelia Pitcher, Chloe Scott, Samuel
H. Steele and Mary, his wife, Stone and wife, John Campbell, Harlow
T. Jndson.
The preachers have been. Revs. Isaac Barker, two years; Geo. Overheiser,
two years; Jehiel H. Hard, five years; Daniel Sessions, two years; James
Ballard, five years; Evarts, two years; Danforth Eaton, four j'ears.
Present preacher, Wm. Irons, since 1872.
The church, o2 by 48, was built and dedicated in 1853.
Present membership, 51; just having dismissed 15 to form a new church
at Cannon sburg.
The Methodict Church at Steele's Corners was first started as a class, in
GRAND EI VEK VALLEY. 190
1843, of four members: Johnson and wife, Ebenezer C. Smith and Sally
M., his wife. The church, 30 by 40, was built and dedicated in 1853. Pres-
ent membership, about 40.
INCIDENTS.
In 1843 or 1843, Mr. Seth Lockwood built a large barn in
Oourtiand. To raise it, it was necessary to muster the whole
force of three townships — Courtland, Plainfield and Cannon.
Mr. James Thomas built the first barn in Cannon. When
the first bent was partly raised, it came to a dead stand. They
could not raise it with the force they had, and they dared not
let it down. They made out to prop it where it was. By
chance two men came along, and with them as a reinforce-
ment, they put it up.
A. trip to Grand Rapid s was a three days' affair.
In 1840, Mrs. Gilman was confined, Mr. Oilman rode two
days to get a girl, in vain. Wherever he went all were sick
with ague; general suffering — not well ones enough to take
care of the sick. He, while seeking for help, often had to min-
ister to the immediate wants of others — to give a cup of water,
etc.
"On a circle of stones they placed the pot^
A circle oF stones but barely nine;
Tliey heated it red and fiery hot,
'Til the burnished brass did glimmer and shine.
They rolled him up in a sheet of lead —
A sheet of lead for a fiuieral pall;
Then plunged him into the caldron red,
And melted him — head and bones and all."
»
The practical application of the above sublime quotation is
Mot patent to the general reader, but the shrewdly wise will
see it.
COURTLAND.
The settlement of this town is peculiar. A colony of
eleven well-educated men in 1838 selected this town as their
place of residence. One of their number. Barton Johnson,
came ahead as an explorer. The rest soon followed with their
families. Their names were: Philo Bears, Barton Johnson,
200 MEMOKIALS OF THE
Benjamin Botsford, John Austin, Wm. R. Davis, Jolin Bar-
low, Alexander Dean, Sabin Johnson, Thomas Addison,
Anson Ensign and Irani Barney.
They located their lands contiguous to each other. They
organized the town and resided several years alone — a happy,
social and moral community. They had enough for fraternity,
enough for society, and enough for a school. They were at
home in each other's houses, and prided themselves in eacli
other's good name and character. But the intruding stranger
would come in, among whom we have gathered the following:
Rice Austin, Loren Austin, Philo Austin, Nelson Miles,
Chauncey Parker, Philip Becker, Henry Bai'low, David
Haynes, John Carlyle, Horace Colby, James Kingin, Jacob
Snyder, Morgan Hunting, George Shank, Joseph Davis,
Amasa Squiers, Wm. H. Myers, Alman Thompson, Horton
Bounds, ITathan Bounds, AVilliam Rounds, Lenas B. White,
Alfred Stilwell, Calvin Thompson.
Perhaps some others were of as early a date as some of
these.
Of the original company:
Philo Bears, who organized the band in AVashtenaw county,
stayed about ten years, and went to Grand Traverse, where he
died.
Alexander Dean was an enterprising farmer, and a good
man. He died in 1871 — aged 78 years.
Barton Johnson has been a leading official man, and still
graces the town with his living presence.
Sabin Johnson, after living like a good citizen in Court-
hxnd until about 1860, moved to Roekford, where he died,
three or four years after.
Sabin Johnson, Jr., followed in the footsteps of his worthy
father, and died about '54. A good, upright man.
Thomas Addison, having lived the life of a good man, died
in 1875, aged 67 years.
Benjamin Botsford became insane and died in the poor
house.
Anson Ensign died in 1854, aged 49.
Iram Barnes lives in Nelson.
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 201
Wm. R. Dav-is lives just on tlie line in Oakfield. Those,
who, in that region don't know him, don't know much.
John Barlow was accidentally shot at Plainlield.
Mrs. Barton Johnson was the first white woman in town.
It is a little doubtful who taught the first school. It is
claimed for three — John Davis, John Austin and Emily Dean.
Miss Dean kept a school for a time in a shanty. She was fol-
lowed by Amanda Loomis and Harriet Patrick. Miss Dean
is the wife of John Austin of Courtland. Miss Loomis is in
San Francisco. Miss Patrick died about 1870.
The pioneer ])reacher was the otherwise mentioned James
Ballard. About the same time the zealous young Methodist
preacher, Frieze, came among the people and made this town
a part of his mission.
In 186G, the town was the scene of a fiendish murder, which
excited the community at the time. One Durfee, who had
been living in Ohio, had a paramour, M'ith whom he had lived
some years. He came with her and her child to Grand
Rapids, where he hired a livery team, and they went on a ride
in the rural towns. Having come into a secluded place by
the side of one of tlie lakes in Courtland, he stran<>;led lier
with a rope, dragged her into the bushes, left the child near a
house; returned the team, and disappeared. The child was
found nearly famished; the murdered woman discovered; the
case skillfully worked up; Durfee tracked out, arrested, tried,
and sent to prison, where he is said to have died. Durfee was
a fiend; and marked as such. The child is adopted into n
worthy family in the town; and tliinks liimself their son.
The name of his foster parents will not here be given, as we
do not \\ash to dispel the illusion of the boy, whose good for-
tune it was that his mother was murdered.
The town was organized in 1839. Supervisor, Philo Bears;
Olerk, Tliomas Addison; Treasurer, David Haines; Justice,
John Austin.
It was customary in the early settlement, at first to
unite several townshi])s and organize them as a town. One and
anotlier would soon be set ofi". Courtland was shorn of all its
dependencies, and reduced to its present limits in 1846. In
202 MEMORIALS OF THE
1848, by a legislative blunder, it was reorganized with Oak-
lield, under tlie name of Wabesis, Its status was restored by
the next Legislature.
From the cemetery and other sources we glean of those who
have passed away:
Mary, wife of Joseph Ilaynes, died in 1857, aged 91.
Noel Stewart, died in 1847, aged 60.
Lucy, mother of Philo Bears, died in 1841.
Dr. Ezra Chaffee, died in 1853, aged 66.
Annanias Worden, died in 1861, aged 71 — father of Com-
modore Worden, of Monitor fame. His venerable widow is
in Grand Rapids.
Alexander Dean, died in 1871, aged 78.
Sabin Johnson, Jr., died in 1854.
John Carlyle, died 1874.
Wm. Carlyle, died iu 1856, aged 51.
James Kingin, died in 1873, aged 60.
Morgan Hunting, died in 1868, aged 63.
Amasa Squires, died in 1860, aged 65.
First settled by a fraternal colony, Courtland has not lost
the character they first gave her. With little for the historian
to say, it is a good town; as respectable as though she had
had twenty murders instead of one. Therefore don't think
yourselves slighted because little is said.
GAINES.
Gaines did not take its plase as an independent town until
1848, having been until that date identified with Paris, after
the or<ranization of that town in 1831).
The settlement of the town was at first slow; the same rea-
sons retarding its occupation that are given in connection with
Byron — the heavy timber and the prospective hard work in
fittino; the land for cultivation. The growth of timber in
Gaines was very heavy. Where such is the case, and no value
is attached to it, it is repellant.
The old " Gull Eoad " ran through this township, and the
earlier occupants located themselves near it. Yet, though the
town was accessible — just on the limits of civilization — but
GRAND RITEK VALLEY. 203
few ventnred in. The first is said to have been Alexander
Clark, in the spring of 1837, who took up land at the part of
the town since called Kelloirfyville. The next year added Al-
exander L. Bouck, and the Kellv brothers, Foster and Charles,
Joseph Blain, Andrew Mesnard, Rensalear, his son, and Orson
Cook. In 1839, Silas Burlington was added to the little
number.
1840, added: R. E, Jonqs, Thomas Blain, and Wm. II.
Budlong. AVith those three families the town was stationary
for some years. AVm. Kelly came in the fall of '43.
We are able further to give as early settlers, without the
exact date of entry: Bryan Greenman, Stephen A. Hammond,
11. R. Sessions, Wm. Kelly, Daniel Woodward, John E. Woods,
James M. Pelton, Peter YanLew, Peter, William and David
Dias.
At the organization of the town in 1848, the vote was thirty-
five. There were elected as the principal officers:
Peter Yan Lew, Supervisor; James M. Pelton, Clerk;
Charles Kelly, Treasurer; Joseph Blain, Jos i ah Drake, Robert
Jones, Justices.
The pioneer school in the town was taught by Miss Mary
Darling, in a little building near where stands the "Red
School House." This was in 1842. She afterwards married
a Methodist minister, by the nanie of Glass, and resides in
Grand Rapids.
The United Brethern have a flourishing society, and a
church in the south part of the town.
The society was organized by the Rev. S. C. Buck, in 1858.
As the result of a protracted meeting, he gathei-ed a band of
about forty. They held their meetings in school-houses, until
the erection of their church in 1867: this cost $2,700. The
society have a parsonage and settled pastor — the Rev. Mr.
Mower. Mr. Buck is still resident in the town. The church
now numbers about seventy.
The history of the town has few salient points. When we
look at its splendid farms, we can see, its history — the changing
of the forest — the haunt of bears, wolves, and wildcats— into
the town as we see it.
204 MEMORIALS OF THE
Since 1870 the town has had raih'oad connection by the G.
R. Yalley Road. A station called "Hammonds" has given a
chance for a business vilIao:e and a market center. But the
town may be set down as almost purely agricultural, and as a
farming town it will not sufier by a comparison with any
other.
For two thino-s Gaines will ever be memorable: The one the
motto borne on her banner at the time of the Buclianan Presi-
dential campaign; and the other, the fact that she was the first
town in the State to show that manhood was to be respected for
its worth, and not its color. For this conquering of deep-rooted
prejudice, all honor to Gaines. In 1873, Mr. Hardy, a colored
man, was elected Supervisor. Is not Gaines the pioneer on
this patli of civilization?
We might tell "wolf and bear stories" a<:Z infinitum, hut
who cares for these, unless the interesting fact of somebody's
being killed by the "varmints," is connected with them. But
Gaines has no such interesting episodes in lier history; as it was
in every case the beasts that got killed, and not the men. We
might tell of Johnny Green catching a wolf-trap with his heel,
but think we will not, as Johnny is now a poi-tly Justice of the
Peace, and mi<i:ht be offended should he read the storv.
A reference to the census table, given in the general history,
will show that Gaines, after 1850, was not slow in filling up.
As it is a town that must necessarily be almost exclusively
agricultural, it may now be considered fully po23ulated, and
that too, by people who know the value of the soil they occupy,
and appreciate the town. In some parts there is still the
new appearance; but the evidences of recent settlement are
fast disappearing, and the evidences of thrift and increasing
wealth meet the observer in every part.
GRATTAN.
Grattan was not one of the first settled townships. It had
remained a part of Yergennes from its organization in 1838,
until i846, when it was organized as an independent town,
with a name of its own, given as a compliment to its Irish
settlers.
GRAND KIVEE VAI.LET. 205
The first meeting was at the bouse of Converse Close; 23
voters were present. Elected: Milton C.Watkins, Supervisor;
Volney W. Caukin, Clerk; Erastus W. Beasom, Treasurer;
Samuel H. Steele, John P. Weeks, William Burne, Luther B.
Cook, Justices.
It was not until 1843, ten years after civilization had been
imported into the Grand Klver Valley, that any one located
in Grattan. In 1843, a number of Irishmen having left Ire-
land because it was not a good place for a poor man, and
havino- worked on the railroads until each had a swellinir by
his side, caused bv a wallet with bills in it — a swellino- which
was the result of hard labor Avith the shovel ; tired of being
bossed around bv overseers, and thinkiiio; that it would sound
better to be "Mr.," with, a farm, than "Pat," with a shovel,
bouglit land and settled in the south part of Grattan and the
north of Ada. That is iust the wav with the ioUv sons of
Erin. Born in a beautiful island across the sea, he early comes
to the conclusion that that island is a good place for a man who
is born without a silver sjjoon in his mouth, to emigrate from,
lie sees no way for a poor man to become a proprietor, and it
is hard for poverty to maintain self-respect. They have heard
of a land across the sea, where wages are high and land is
]>lenty and cheap. In family council they determine to go to
that land and be respectable. They hoard up their scanty
earnings until they have secured enough to send one across
the sea. AVith many a benediction, Dennis goes. Arrived
with empty pockets, he takes the first work that (jifers, which
is ffenerallv on the railroad. With a miser's Q-r'w he holds on
upon his wages. He goes ragged, sleeps in a shanty; but he
is working for love, and self is forgotten. Soon, counting over
his little pile, he finds he has enough to bring over his broth -
ei-; and instead of getting a new coat, he sends tlie money to
Ireland, and soon has the haj^piness of welcoming Michael.
Two of them are digging now; two are receiving pay, and
two are working for the family. They soon have money
enough to bring over the rest. Now they feel they can start
in life. They dig away, they don't pay rent, nor wear fine
clothes. They live in a shanty, and lay up their earnings
S06 , MEMORIALS OF THE
until they can buy them farms. The writer of these memorials,
years ago, when the D. and M. railroad was in embryo, used
to pass the gangs of shovelers in Ada, and occasionally crack
a joke with some of the Irish hiborers; seldom without getting
better than he sent. He did then rather pity the poor fellows,
who were good for nothing but to dig and vote. But years
have passed on; the writer's head is whiter, if not wiser. In
his perambulations, he comes to good farms, painted honses,
and the accompaniments of thrift and wealth. Going in, he
is met at the door by Dennis or Pat, one of his old railroad
acquaintances; ten or a dozen bright-eyed children of all ages
are there; an organ is in the parlor, and pictures on the walls.
That is Irish fashion. Look at Grattan, Ada, and Cascade,
and see the end of the railroad diggers! Sirs, my hat is off
— your most obedient. I honor the one who made himself.
It may seem that we are far from Grattan, but we are right
there. The men who first located, as above mentioned, were
Richard Giles, Dennis McCarthy, William McCarthy, John
McCarthy, John Sullivan, Morris Scanlan, Michael Kennedy.
John Delaney, John Bi-annigan, Frank Murphy, Michael Far-
rell, William Byrnes, Edward McCormick, Patrick Fingleton,
Andrew McDonald, Michael Doyle. These came in 1S43, or
soon after.
In 1844-5, came Luther B. Cook, Wm. Smith, Converse
Close, Jared Watkins, Henry Green, Anthony King, Yolney
V. Caukin, David Ford, Ira Ford, Alvah Andrews, Jedediah
H. Wood, Solomon Tower, Joseph Tower, Sheldon Ashley,
Milton Watkins, W. S. Fuller, N'ehemiah Smith, Alanson
Kin<T , Leonidas Scranton, John Rogers, Nelson Holmes, Ed-
ward Bellamy, jSTathau Holmes, Barlow Bartow, Emmons
Wood.
Marshall King has the credit of being the first-born of Grat-
tan, dating from December, 1844.
Death first knocked at the door of Mr. Springer, and took
away his five-year-old boy, in the fall of 1846. Four others of
the family soon followed. Is there fate in it? If such things are
"providences," verily the ways of providence are inscrutable.
Soberer common sense says, the Divine Providence moves by
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 207
a system of wisely harmonized law, under wliicli we come in-
to existence, live and die; tliat nnder this system all "partial
evil is nniversal good." 'Tis for tlie good of tlie whole that
we die. Death is neither a penalty, a chastisement, an admo-
nition, nor a curse; why shroud it with superstitious fears, or
make it the reason for blaspheming tlie bountiful Giver of
Life?
In new countries, as in regions of higher civilization, the pro-
pensity to marry will show itself. Human nature exists in tlie
woods a good deal more than it does in cities. In the woods,
a man finds a wife a good help-mate; he cannot contrive how
to get along witliout one. In the city, the man painfully thinks
whether his finances will allow him to support one. Go past
a log house in the woods: three or four two-legged boys are
making a racket out of doors; two or three girls are in the
liouse — one tending the baby, the others helping motlier. Siie,
good woman, is uj) to her elbows in the wash-tiib; barefoot,
and with her hair over her eyes. Turn up your nose, will you?
That woman has more soul than three of your fashionable
belles, who curse children as " incumbrances," and live for— not
home — but self and " society." That woman will soon tread
« her parlor carpet; better dressed, but no more a lady than now.
Those boys, too, in her old age — one of them a supervisor,
another a justice of the peace, and another a congressman —
will come home at Christma?, and reverently do honor to that
very woman you sniff at. Shame on you ! I should think you
had always lived in a city!
We begun to talk about marrying. Well, Converse Close
and a girl in Grattan talked about marrying; they talked on
the subject several times, until they could not see each other
without making it their theme, and would meet specially to
talk about it. The upshot of the whole was, they concluded to
get married. But there was a difliculty in tlie way — there was
no one near to legalize the deed, and pride forbade them to go
away to get married; or, modern fashion, get married and run.
The line of the county was half a mile distant; beyond that
line, in Otisco, lived Esq. Cook; but out of Ionia county he
could not go to marry anyone. He met them at the line in
208 MEMORIALS OF THE
the woods, and there^ie standing in Ionia county, and tliej
in Kent — lie made one of the aforetime two — Converse Close
and Mary Potter. Like sensible folks, they went to their own
cabin. The next day, he was cutting down trees, and she was
cooking his dinner, mending his pants, and feeding her pigs.
They don't live in a log house now; and they have not got
divorced.
The first school in town was in a private house, and kept by
Miss Mary Watkins (daughter of Milton AV.). The first
school-house was built near the residence of C. Close, in 1847,
and Converse Close was the first teacher.
The Union school-house was built in 1867, and cost $3,000.
Asa Slayton was in it the first principal. Mr. Slayton has all
liis life been a teacher — a thorough teacher, a common sense
teacher, and no hunibug; "there is not a bit of nonsense
about him." He won't, for popularity's sake, cram, for exam-
inations, and fool people into the belief that their thick-skulled
])rog3ny, under his inspiring tuition " on the new plan," have
liecome marvels of scholars. No, that is not Asa Slaj- ton, and
therefore^ he has not got rich by teaching.
Tiie first school, in which Grattan had a chance, was in a
district fractional with Oakfield, on the corner west of section
1. The house was in Oakfield, about where the church stands.
Wm. Ashley was the first teacher — in 1846. Mr. Ashley is
'now a lawyer at Grand Rapids. The Miss Watkins, spoken
of above as the one who first taught a school in Grattan, is
now known as Mrs. John B. Colton, of Grand Rapids.
Grattan Center is a little village that has centered itself
around the mills, built by Bellamy & Holmes, in 1850. It is
not essentiallv difterent from the manv countrv villages
that start with a mill. It has become the place where the
town business centers — a snug little place — the center of a
beautiful, wealthy and flourishing town— a town beautifully
diversified with hills and lakes, fine farms and tasteful dwel-
lings.
Perhaps no township in all Michigan can boast more
of those pretty inland lakes and ponds than Grattan, there
being no less than twentv-four, varying from 30 to 300 acres
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 200
ill extent, besides ponds too numei-ons to mention. Tliesegive
a cliarni to tlie scpneiy. To some of them tliey liave given iin-
poetic names. Thev can never be famous-in somj, if condemned
to be called " Crooked," " Muskrat," etc. No, they will be only
fide-ponds. Milton AVatkins, Converse Close, and John P.
Weeks! I appoint yon a committee to give poetical and musical
names to these lakes, and then I, or some other great poet,
Avill give them a place in immortal verse; and your town shall
be like " Sweet Avon," a beautiful place, existing in the halo
of a poetic idea. But I won't sing of '' Muskrat Lake.''
The Muse don't stoop so low. Call it An v^r';^?*?, and even the
fishes in it wm'11 be poetical; and the poet, iiis eyes in a fine
frenzy rolling, can tlien sing of its beauties, in deathless
numbers. These lakes are not plebeian, and should not have
plebeian names. Tliey are a part of the poetry of landscapes —
something to remind mankind that the idea of heauty is next
to that of utility in the Eternal Mind. There is a good deal
in a name. If I see a beautiful irirl, I dislike to hear her
called Peggy Ann.
Jr-i
CnURCHES,
BAPTIST CHURCH, ON THE LINE OF OAKFIELD AND GRATTAN.
This church was formed by Elder Starkweather, with nine members, set
off from the church in Otisco. These were: Kmnicum Randall and wii'e,
Deacon Morey and wife, Sheldon Ashley and wife, James Wiley and wife,
and Mrs. Thomas Reed.
The church edifice was built in 1803.
Its preachers have been the Revs. Starkweatlier, Roscoe, Coe, Chase, Pres-
cott. Miller, Monroe, and Buell.
Two churches have since been set off from this — the White Swan, in 1865,
and the Grattan, in 18G7.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Father Vizoski, in 1844, established the mission, and was the means of
liuilding'the first chapel, the little buildin.sr near the present church. It was
a building about 18 by 24 feet. The families mentioned above as the Irish
settlers in Grattan and Ada. were those whom Vizosln gathered as the nu-
cleus of the church. Since the death of that sainted missionary, (I call him
sainted though he has not been canonized), some fifteen different priests have
been in charge. At present, the church is under the care of Father Bernard
A. Quin, and is perhaps the largest CathoHc church in the Valley out of the
city ofGrand Rapids— embracing' 145 families, residing in Ada, Grattan, Ver-
gennes and Cannon.
14
210 MEMOKIALS OF TUE
Tiiey HOW worship in the third churcli edifice. Tlie first was the small
chapel above spoken of. The second was a fine wooden structure, built under
the management of Father Rievers, at an expense of $8,000, and which wii.'^
burned in 1869. Not discouraged, they built again, and dedicated, in 1871.
the noble structure that now stands. Its cost was $12,000.
Since writing the above, that noble structure has been burned.
LOWELL.
The early history of Lowell is the history of Yergennes.
The two townships were together organized as Yergennes, and
continued in that relation until 1848.
The montli of the Flat River was one of the points of earli-
est occupation; and was one of the centers from which settle-
ment radiated. The several centers were Grand Haven,
Grandville, Grand Kapids, Flat River, Ionia, Lyons and Port-
land. All of these points were occupied in 1836, or before.
In this article the .^/«6; i?u'e/' settlement will he considered.
In the ultimate arrangement, a part of it constituted the town
and village of Lowell, and a part remained Yergennes.
The first white resident near the mouth of the Flat River,
was Daniel Marsac, who came from Detroit for the purpose
of trading among the Indians. He did not, until 1831, estab-
lish a reii'ular trading station. Then he erected a los; house
on the left bank of the Grand River, opposite the mouth of
Flat River. Marsac remained an Indian Trader, with no
rights bnt Indian suiferance until the region was open to set-
tlement. He then became a settler.
The real settlement at Flat River, dates from October 13th,
1836; when Lewis Robinson, Philander Tracy, Sylvester
Hodges, Alva Jones, all from Sci]3io, l^ew York ; came up the
river and located on the town line, two miles northwest of the
mouth of the Flat River. Tliere was at that time no one resi-
dent but Marsac. Tracy and Robinson had been there before,
in July, and made their arrangement with the Indians; and
Tracy stayed awhile to build a house, which he partly completed.
When the rest came on they finished it. It was on the right
l)ank of the Flat River, forty rods below Avhere now is Halch's
grist-mill. This house was built partly for a store, to be used
by Rix Robinson, in his trade with the Indians.
GRAND KIVEK VALLEY, 211
Tlie imderstanding with tlie Indians was, that they were to
let Robinson have their old field, if he would break up another
piece for them; and twenty acres of openings were broken np
for thera^
Robinson and Tracy fenced in about eighty acres, including
what of the villao-e of Lowell lies on the rio-ht bank of Flat
River. Plodges and Jones split the rails. There Hodges sot
the first apple trees; one of which is now (1875,) standing on
what is owned by Mrs. Caroline Snell.
Luther Lincoln came the same fall, and located on the left
bank of Flat River, where Lowell now is. This Lincoln is
the same one, wlio was before a pioneer at Granville. The
same fall came Ebenezer K. Bickford, who started a house,
but did not bring on his family until the next spring. Mr.
Bickford stayed bat a few years. These are believed to have
been all who came in 1836. Mr. Hodges alone remains where
he first located himself; the others having either died or
moved away.
In their immediate vicinity, and in intimate relations with
them were three oi" four hundred Indians, under an aged cliief,
whose name is variously given as Wobwindego (white giant)
and Wobskindip. He died that winter, and was succeeded by
his son Shogwogeno, a young man. Kobmoosa (the walker,)
who had for wives three sisters of the young chief, was sub-
chief. The chief had three brothers; men of fine presence
and character — Ashkilbegosh, Acango and Wabesis.
Quite an influx of settlers signalized the year 1837, many
of whom were transient. With reo-ard to some there is
doubt as to the date of their advent; the memory of the old
settlers not aitoixether a2:reeino;. We can without much hesi-
tation place iii this year: John Thompson, James Thompson,
Cyrus Bennett, George Bisbee, John Fox, Phillip W. Fox,
James Fox, Dr. Silas Fallass, John W. Fallass, Caleb Page,
Thompson I. Daniels, George Brown, Rodney Robinson,
Lucas Robinson, Lewis Robinson;
These took up land before it was survej^ed. The three Robin-
sons were brothers of Rix Robinson, and were part of the ship
load of Robinsons that entered the Grand River in 1835.
212 MEMORIALS OF THE
1S3S sliows quite an addition to tlie settlement — as far as
we can gather: Charles Xewton, Eliab Walker, Christopher
Misner, Solomon Lee, Anthony Zerkes, Elder Wooster, Slier-
raan Wooster, Morgan Ljon, William Kobinson, Adam Van
Deusen, Alfred Van Densen, Jesse Van Deusen, Walter Van
Densen (blind), Walter Hjler, Jacob Francisco, Wm. B. Lyon,
Hansom Jio\i\ Matthew* Patrick, Samuel Rolf, Ira A. Danes,
Albert Smith, Ebenezer Smith, C. A. Lathrop, Samuel Moye,
Joseph Dieffendorf, Daniel Dieffendorf, David Dietiendorf.
There will be no attempt further to trace the progress of
settlement. The town was organized as Vergennes, in 1838.
For ten years the two townships were together. Wlien Lowell
was organized, the settlement did not cease to be a commu-
nity, though belonging to two towns.
The first school in the Flat River settlement, or Vergennes,
was tauglit in 1839, by Miss Caroline Baird, in a log house,
built by the Robinsons. She closed her labors in the school
by being married in the school house to Mr. Caleb Page. It
was made a day of general jubilee. They both now sleep with
the dead.
The next school was taught by Miss Maria Winslow, of
Grand Rapids. She was the daughter of Dr. Winslow — the
pioneer physician of the Valley; and for moi-e than twenty
years was known as a highly educated and efficient school
teacher in Grand Rapids, and the towns around; and many
are those who will remember her witli veneration. She is now
the wife of Heman Leonard, Esq., of Grand Rapids,
The first preacher in the settlement was Elder Mitchell, a
Methodist missionary from the Ohio Conference. Il-e soon
found himself incompetent to endure the hardships incident to
his pioneer circuit, and withdrew, to be succeeded by one who
could endure them — the Rev. Mr. Frieze. Frieze was made
of the riijht material for a missionarv in the back-woods; with
a physical constitution that defied labor, to fatigue, and a soul
singly devoted to his work. He had a circuit from Grandville
to Cook's Corners, in Otisco. On this circuit he was obliged
to go on foot, generally guided only by Indian trails; often
obliged to camp in the woods at night, when going from
GRA^;D KIVEK VALLEY. ^216
statiou to station, eno-aored in his labor of love. Buoyed by the
desire to win souls, he \yas ready to endure all hardships, and
to endure all priyations. At one time, coming to Fhit liiver,
he got lost in the night, and floundering in the swamps, aud
wanderii.g in the \yoods, his clothes were torn in tatters.
Emerging at length, hungry aud faint, he was ready to preach;
but lie was not in decent trim to appear before his back-woods'
audience. He was supplied with clothing, and filled his ap-
pointment.
Frieze made his home for a time in Cannon, and is num-
bered there as one of the first settlers. He is now supposed to
be in Ohio. Should he come in to the Grand River Yalley,
many an old pioneer would greet him with a double welcome,
and a "God bless you, Frieze." It takes faith and godliness
to preach on a circuit of forty miles, go on foot, and get no
pay for it; but not much of either to preach for $5,000 a year,
in a fashionable church, with the admiring eyes of a thousand
to keep one in countenance. The poor heretical writer thinks
he could preach under such circumstances; but such labors as
those of Frieze, he is afraid he should leav^e to such as Frieze.
Lowell was set off from Yergennes, and organized as a town,
April, 1848. The first election was held at the house of D.
A. Maryin. The first oflicers were:
Cyprian S. Hooker, Supervisor; Timothy White, Clerk; C.
S. Hooker, Daniel McE\yan, Samuel P. Rolf, Ira A. Danes,
Justices.
In 1849, by the Legislature, a bridge was authorized at
Lowell.
In 1857, 500 acres of land were apprepriated for improving
Flat River.
In 1857 the name of the villao^e was chansred from Danville
to Lowell.
In 1859 an act legalizing the incorporation of Lowell was
passed. (It had before been incorporated by the supervisors.)
The village never organized under this act of incorporation.
In 1861 Lowell village incorporated by the Legislature.
In 1869 Lowell was authorized to re-suryey.
Such in brief is the legislative history of Lowell. To giye
214 MEMORIALS OF THE
it, we have anticipated the history. Eeturning to the early
times: A tract of land on the east side of the Flat River had
heen set apart as University hinds; and had been pre-empted
hy Lnther Lincoln, who huilt a ]og house there, which was
nsed by Dan, A. Marvin as a tavern. Lincoln sold out his
ehaim to Daniel Marsac, wlio, in 1847, platted it; and, liking
liis own name, called it Dansville. In 1S50, Abel Avery, of
Ionia, bought out Marsac. As yet Dansville was only a paper
village. In 184G Cyprian S. Hooker came from Boston; put
up the first frame house; and moved his family into it two
weeks from the time he commenced. In 1847 he erected a
grist-mill, bringing the water in a race. In 1841) he built a
dam across Flat River, He showed the Yankee disposition
to do something. From his enterprise the village took its
start. Soon a respectable public house was built by Mr, Avery ;
and by degrees the place developed, until it has become one
of the smartest villages that are dotting the West; the Flat
River is used to nearly or quite its full capacity for driving
mills and machinerv. It is a market town for the region
north and south; doing perhaps as much business as any vil-
lage of its size in the State,
As a village it sprung into existence. It was only a ham-
let, with its mill, its tavern, its stores, etc., on a small scale
until the D. & M. Railroad was constructed. Theii, what
liad been a vision of fancy in the mind of Marsac, .Avery,
aud a few others, became a fixed reality — Lowell must be a
)narket town. Capital was attracted there, and men of enter-
prise selected it as their place to achieve fortunes. It did not
grow up, as grow the villages that surrouned a mill, but sprung
at once into a form that was based on solid substance. The
style of building indicates independence, and little of the
inake-shift of many new places. Its blocks of stores would
do credit to a larger place. Its streets, filled with teams, show
trade, . Its mills and manufacturing concerns give evidence
of business life. The churches show that religion has a hold
there, and the well-sustained Union School is evidence that
intellect and culture are not ignored; and the cosy houses
bespeak a refined and independent peoDle.
GRAND RIVER VALLEY, 215
iiusted's nurseries.
Ilusted's Nurseries, the largest in Micliigan, were begun in
1862, on one-half an acre of land. In 1863, three acres wei-e
added. In 186i Ilusted purchased eighty acres, and set out
40,000 apple trees, and a small assortment of other fruits.
From that time he enlarged rapidly, going into a general
nursery business, until, in 1872, the nurseries covered 200
acres of ground, and the sales were $50,000 a year. But it is
sad to say that when blown up to this size, it "busted," and
promises not to be so big a thing hereafter. In 1874, the
property j^assed from Mr. Husted, into the hands of assignees,
and Mr. Husted was left to ruminate on the impropi-iety of
doing too big a business. He talks just as the boy does,
whose father is putting him through a course of sprouts: " I
never will do so ao-ain." There is such a thin<>: as doino^ too
biii; a business. Manv a man has to ffo under because his
debts are half as much as the amount owed to him. The
balance sheet shows rich, but stern fact says, all is not well,
that looks Avell on paper.
Hatch & Craw's flourinc^-mill is a thrivinor concern, and the
men who own it mean business.
And vre would specially notice the enterprise of the Blodgett
Brothers, who run a snug woolen factory. The making of
cloth has in general been left to the States further east. Yv^e
send our wool there, and then buy it back in the shape of cloth.
It is hazardous, away from the manufacturing centers, to in-
vest capital in cotton or v/oolen factories, for the reason that it
is about impossible to get the skilled labor necessary to carry
on the business. Men are unwilling to put themselves under
the power of one company, so that, if discharged, they must
go without employment, or gr> five hundred miles to seek it.
For that reason, the manufacture of cotton has not come to us
at all, and only a small number of woolen factories are in
Michiiran — those o-enerallv doinij' a small business. Knowin<>'
that those disadvanta-jres attend the woolen manufacturer in
CD
Michigan, we look on the man or company that starts a pioneer
factory Avith-spccial favor; and hail their enterprise as we do
216 MEMORIALS OF THE
tliat of tlie liardy woodsman, who opens tlie way witli liis ax.
To invest $1,000,000 in a woolen or cotton factory at the East
is only a business entei-prise — an investment of capital. The
man or company, that does it, is on a par with those who put
np immense saw-mills in the pine regions of Michigan. Tlie
old Indian Mill at Grand Rapids, which would, with its clumsy
sash, cut 1,000 feet of boards in a day, was a thing for history
to commemorate; the bigger concerns that followed, are looked
on only as things of business. The day will come when the
Grand Kiver region will be clotted with cotton and woolen
manufactories; when the Grand, the Flat, the Rogue and the
Thornapple rivers will be utilized; and the whirr of the spin-
dle and the clack of the loom will enliven the cities and vil-
lages on their banks. God speed you, Blodgett, in your at-
tempt to prove that Michigan may manufacture, as well as
raise, its wool.
It is true that all good things do not come at once. The
saw-mill is the ]Koneer. Immediately follows the indispensa-
ble grist-mill. Then come manufactures in wood; and, as the
evidence that a higher plane is reached, of the textile fabrics,
and articles of luxury and taste. Michigan is 'still a young
State, and has not reached her highest development; but, like
John Brown's soul, she is "marching on."
The grave historian may stoop from his dignity, and speak
of trifles light as air, for the amusement of the gay. But no
apology is made for this little story of Rodney Robinson of
early times:
In 1837, Robinson went to Kalamazoo for bread stuff. lie
staved over ni^'ht at Yankee Sprino;s. Manv other teamsters
were there, and also a minister. Yankee Lewis had a large
fire-place, and the wood had burned down, leaving a great bed «
of coals. Before going to bed they had prayers, and as they
were getting ready to retire, a big bully, by the name of Scott,
seized Rodney's dog and threw him upon the coals, evidently
to pick a quarrel. Rodney seized Saott, and Scott followed
dog. The company, cheered, and the minister said, "Amen;
God bless you!" Scott was badly burned, but seeing the eye'
of Rodney, was not at all disposed to try his revenge. He
GEAND KIVEK VALLEY. SIT
said — " Gny Hi vers! I did not suppose there was a man hen^
M'ho could do that." Kobinscn said — "I did.' Seott felt
tight, but conchided to let out the job, AVe hope the lesson
was remembered by the bully, and that a wholesome fear af-
terwards would arise in his mine, lest the dog he would injure,
should prove to be " a spaniel."
Young as Lowell is, it has had its centenarian, in the per-
son of Mrs. Lucky, mother of Mrs. Patrick. She died, aged
103. Her portrait was taken when she was 100.
In contemplating these rare specimens of humanity, who
outlive their generation and themselves, we can see the full
beauty of the language of a Shenandoah chief, who said: "I
am an ao-ed hemlock. The winds of an hundred winters have
whistled through my branches; I am dead at the top. Why
I alone of all my kindred remain, the Great Spirit only
knows." But, —
Life's long waking ended.
She sweetly sleeps at last.
NELSOJSr.
Nelson was one of the last towns organized in Kent county*,
being content to remain a part of a double town, until she
had men enough to fill the town offices, without giving each
man an office, and the best man two or three. Instead of
claiming to be of age when a dozen voters could be mustered,
!she waited until she had fifty-four. The town was set off, and
named by the Board of Supervisors, Oct. 13th, 1854. It was
organized at the house of Charles II. Leake, April 2d, 1855,
with the following officers;
Supervisors, Geo. Iloyle; Clerk, Geo. IST. Stoddard; Treas-
urer, Charles H. Leake; Justices, Simpson Anderson, Samuel
Punches, Harlow H. Stanton.
It matters little who were the pioneers of I^elson. The first
use of the town was to rob it of its pine, of which it had an
abundance. Stripped of that, it was not inviting. Its settle-
ment and its enterprise have been governed by pine. That is
disappearing, and the second class of enterprise is developing
218 MEMORIALS OF THE
itself— tliat of making homes and farms on the stripped pine
lands. It is a laborious business; but it is to be observed
that where soil is, man will cultivate it. Where there is
a chance, a man will live. The pioneer picks out the best
land, if he has brains and judgment; he holds on upon it,
clears it up, and gets rich, of course. What is left is taken
afterwards by those, who do not choose to lead a hermit life
in the backwoods, until their children have grown up as wild
as the beasts in the woods around them. There is the school-
house, where his children can be taught; the church, where he
and his can worship; society, that he can enjoy; and a piece
of — not the best, but still fair — land, where he can make him
a farm. He does not look for future wealth, but for a
respectable home, and he achieves his wish. * The writer, in
search of knowledge, found himself in Nelson. Being some-
what weary with his ramblings, he stopped by the road-side
to chat with a man past middle age, who, with his son, was
clearing up apiece of stripped pine land. He pitied the old
gentleman, as he looked at the frightful array of stumps, that
must be eradicated, before his land could have a decent
appearance. He sat down on a log, lit his pipe, and having
cast a sympathizing glance at the man and his son, began to
condole with them. But he soon found that he had better
spend his sympathy on those, who, like himself, feel they are
wise on subjects they have never investigated — a great class,
who are hard to argue with. It is generally found to be true,
that people who have an opinion on a subject they know
nothing of, are satisfied with very feeble arguments to sup-
])()rt it. The present philosopher found the man was glad to
have secured for himself and family the ownership of that
land, and gave the reasons, above shown, for securing it.*
'• He could get a living on it, and they were among folks."
The result was that the traveler, as he rose from the log,
rested from his fatigue, was prepared to proceed on iiis way,
a wiser man. Hence the profound jihilosophical reflections
above. He determines that henceforth he will not pity those
who do not feel their grief.
It is now believed that Wm. II. Bailey, who came in July,
gk.v:nd river valley. 210
'51, was the first settler in tlie town. He was soon followed
by John S. Jones and some fifty others. Had they come in
when civilized man was far away, we would have handed down
a dozen of the first, as venerated pioneers. But as it is, a citi-
zen of Xelson must have done something besides "locate"
to be deemed worthy of historical mention; lie must commit
some startlins; crime; have done some noble deed, or "Here
lies Mr. Blank " on a gravestone, will in coming years be all
the proof that he ever lived. Then rouse ye, you people of
]S^elson, or 3'ou will be food for oblivion. Do things wortli
remembering, and the future historian will render you im-
mortal.
The village of Cedar Springs is partly in ]!^elson, and its
history is the leading part of the history of the town; that
will occupy a separate article.
CEDAK SPKIiSfGS.
Cedar Springs, so named from the fine springs, bordered by
a cedar grove, owes its existence as a village to no Providen-
tial distinction, but to the will of two men, who said: " Here
shall be a village; here shall be a county seat, and a business
center." One of these men is the same 1^. R. Hill who now
dispenses justice in the village he has founded, and who smil-
ingly walks the streets, as though he knew he was appreciated
— a man, whom sinners fear, and whom saints respect. As he
is still in his prime, we will not write his eulogy. But the
day may come, when, as in venerable age he takes the air, the
Cedar Springers will doff their beavers as he passes along,
recognizing the sagacity that pointed to tlie location, the wis-
dom that fostered the rising place, and the modesty, that did
not name it Hillopolis.
' The other father of Cedar Springs is Benjamin Fairchild,
who platted the part of the village that lies in the township
of Solon. He was very influential in getting settlers, and in
securing the railroad. We are sorry to record the fact, that in
those operations, instead, as he should, of making a fortune,
he lost one. But as long as Cedar Springs has an existence,
Fairchild will not be forgotten.
These two men, having determined that a place should arise
220 ~ MEMORIALS OF THE
on their land, platted tlieir swamp, and invited occupation Ly
ffivins: alternate lots to those who would build. The few wise
ones who looked on, put tlieir thumbs on their noses, and
winked with the left eye. But they knew, as the railroad was
coming north, a place must be built up somewhere about there;
it might as well be in their swamp as anywhere. By giving
lots or selling for a song, and giving credit for that, they
accomplished their end. Cedar Springs is a place, but those
who founded it, have to work for a living.
But few people located at Cedar Springs until the railroad
was completed to that place. For a time it was the terminus;
and it sprung immediately into importance. Mills, for the
making of lumber, sprung up as if by magic in the region
around; and the lumber interest, centering there, became
immense. It is now a lumbering town, there being forty-five
saw-mills within five miles of the village. This lumber finds
its exit by the railroad, and is tributary to the business of
Cedar Springs.
Resting, as it does, on lumber, the place will continue to
prosper as long as the lumber lasts. It will by that time be,
like Ionia, the central place of a region; the market-town; and
as they confidently expect, the county seat of a new county,
whose center is about there. They have failed thus far to
secure the new county, but probably will in time succeed.
Considering the short existence of Cedar Springs as a place
of atiy importance, we cannot but commend the public spirit
that has established her excellent graded school, and erected
her noble school-house — 23erhaps the best in the county out of
Grand Rapids; that has built her two churches — the Baptist
and the Methodist; and that is so persistently pushing the
project of a new county.
Cedar Springs was incorporated in 1871. The first election
under the charter was held at the house of B. Fair-child; ad-
journed to the oflice of John Thetge, April 2d; when and
where the following wei"e elected its officers:
Benjamin Fairchild, President; Joseph II. Maze, Recorder;
E. P. Hayes, Treasurer; Edward C. Warasley, Jacob Bickart,
Geo. W. Hogle, Johnson, R. Kromer, M. Slosson, Trus-
tees.
GRAXD ElVER VALLEY. 221
The villaore is built of •wood, and invites tlie iire-fiend. Let
them take warninsj from Muskeo-on.
The " AVolverine Clipper'' has been rendered conspicuous by
the indestructible Maze.
xV Masonic lodge is there, wise in the lore of Solomon and
Hiram Abiff. And above all, at Cedar Springs the people have
faith in themselves. When making our formal bow to them,
we shall wish them God-speed.
Miss Clarinda Stillwell is accredited as being the first teach-
er — summer of '57. She is now Mrs. Leathers, and resides in
Illinois.
She was followed by Prof. Bicknell and wife. Bickuell v/as
afterwards County Superintendent of Schools; now resides, as
a farmer, near Cedar Springs.
The next was Anna Lot. She was the first in the county to
get a State certificate. She now flourishes in Alpine, as Mrs.
Chauncey Field.
Then followed Jenny Lane, a teacher of rare excellence, win-
ning hearts, and controlling by genuine respect. She has passed
from earth.
Professor Charles Borst had charge of the school one year,
assisted by his wife. Miss Maud Lane, and others.
The first school-house was a shanty; the second a good
frame building for sixty scholars; the third, which was opened
Jan. 1st, 1873, is a noble structure, worth $20,000.
Cedar Springs believes in education.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Organized Feb. IStli, 18-j9, with 29 members. Had no settled pastor until
Nov., 1863, "when the Rev. A. Wellman became iiastor. He stayed but a
short time. In April, 1854, Rev. N. Stillwell took charge, and remained un-
til Oct., 1867; during which time the church increased to 84. Rev. Charles
OklGeld took charge Oct. 31st, 1867, and remamed until June, 1870; during
which time a house of worship was erected, costing about $4,000, and the
membership became 105. He was followed, for ten months, by Rev. J. G.
Spooner; who was succeeded by the Rev. J. Payne (before n^.d since of the
order of United Brethren). In October, 1872, the Rev. Mr. Oldfield again
took charge, and remains. Membership, 144.
OAKFIELD.
Oakfield commenced its political existence as a town in 1849.
232 MEMORIALS OF THE
It had before been a part of Courtland. The first town meet-
ing was held at the school-house, known as the " White Swan"
school-hoase. The first town officers were;
Thomas Spencer, Supervisor; Harry McArthur, Clerk;
Harry Osgood, Treasurer; Harvey D. Pond, David J. Gilbert,
Wm. M. Gould, Thomas Spencer, Justices.
In the first organization of towns, the township, vp'here there
is a settlement, was constituted a town, with several sparsely
settled or vacant townships attached, so that they in their
infancy might not be entirelj^out of the world and in the cold.
Oakfield had been in this relation to Courtland. It claimed
to be of age in 1847, and petitioned to be set off and author-
ized to do business for itself. But, by a legislative blunder,
Courtland and Oakfield were reorganized under the name of
Wabesis; and as Wabesis they existed together two years.
Pity one of them had not retained the well qhosen name. In
1849 the error was rectified, and T. 9 IST., P. 9. W., started her
independent existence, under the not bad name of " Oakfield."
It was not, however, exactly independent existence, for T. 10
]^. was still considered juvenile, and left temporarily under the
maternal guardianship of Oakfield.
The first white man who made the place glad with his smile,
or caused it to groan under the strokes of his ax, was our jolly,
whole-liearted, genial friend (they all call him friend), Wm. P.
Davis, He is there yet — a little older — but just as much of
a boy as ever; cannot speak w^ithout raising a laugh; is every-
bod^'-s uncle; and, (may he live forever,) everybody's friend.
God bless your genial old soul, Davis, and be hanged to you!
if you are not a i-egular old game-cock! May your family
never run out, (there is a little prospect of it,) and your name
always be — Win. R. Davis!
Davis came from Madison Co., N. Y., having temporarily
resided at Sharon, Washtenaw Co. His advent in Oakfield was
June 5tli, 1838. He had with him his wife and child, and
enough of the world's goods to supply until crops could be
raised. He " pegged away" in the wilderness alone with his
wife and baby for a year; whistling for company, when alone
he swung his ax, or hunted the grizzly — no, brown-nosed
GRAND ElVEPv VALLEY. 223
bear; when, lo and behold, some neiglibors came — Isaac Tower,
Win. Thornton, and Stephen Tower. These four, with their
families, were the sole residents in the town until 1S42, when
Thomas Crinnion (a son of Erin) and the Rev. David I.
Gilbert put in their appearance. Stationary again for two
years, when Sheldon Ashley was added to the little community,
Mr. Ashley deserves more than a passing notice. Having
some means, he had soul enough to know that the world was
not for him alone. Soon settlers came in o-reater numbers;
many having no property, and suffering hardship. Mr, Ash-
ley was their friend in need, helping them along, sympathiz-
ing with them; trusting them nntil they could help them-
selves. Mr. A. is still an honored resident, and will not thank
the historian for blazonins^ his deeds. But if he is vexed, it
cannot be helped. History deals in deeds and not in feelings.
AYhen a light is kindled it is not proper to cover it with a half
busliel. His neighbors tell stories about him, and he does not
try to live down their reports.
Ashley's brother Abner came with him. He now lives in
Greenville.
Several families came in 1845, as far as we can gather.
Benjamin Potter, who is still resident. He can beat the
best man in telling a story. If not happy himself, he has
enlivened many an lionr for others. Benedicite!
Gabriel Stevens; still lives in his old place; not very old;
minds his own business; and of course prospers. May it be
long before the angel, whose name he bears, shall call him.
EiiAVhite, the a:ood old man died in 1863, as^ed sixtv-tive.
He was a public man; often held town offices; was candid,
honest and honorable.
Wm. Gould died about 1865, leaving a large family and a
good name.
Thomas Crinnion, now lives in Courtland.
David J. Gilbert moved in with his family in 1842. lie
was a local preacher; quite an influential citizen; a man wlio
set a good example. He died in 1873, aged about 65.
William Thornton; went to Bockford; was elected sherifr
of the count}'. Now resides in Grand Bapids.
224 MEMORIALS OF THE
McArtliiirs. The three brothers — Giles, Harry and Eric.
(We begin to believe in the traditionary " Three brothers
who came over.") The McArthurs came from Ohio in 1845.
Of these, Eric died in 1875. The others are still amono-
the substantial men of Oakfield.
Morris Hart, a genial, social character, a resj^ectable farmer,
died about 1868.
John Davis cams from Madison county, ]^.Y., July, 1850, a
blacksmith by trade. For many years he was a successful busi-
ness man, public-spirited and generous. The people delighted to
put him in office; they were as confident as the old Scotchman,
who, when his dominie asked him why he was always atten-
tive when a stranger was in the pulpit, but quietly slept when
he preached, replied: "When you preaches, I know it is all
right, but I cannot trust a stranger." The people hnew it was
all right if Davis had the mana^ino-. A series of misfortunes
"broke him up," and reduced him to the forge again. There,
bidding defiance to fortune, he works for a living in Grand
Rapids. Our most reverent obeisance to honest " Old Rag-
ged."
elames Elsley, .was respected as a good man when in a con-
dition to be responsible. He was considered a monomaniac;
was feeble and sicklv. He died in 18T2, ag-ed 76.
William Peterson, still alive, a jovial old soul who will en-
joy life as long as he lives, and will die with a joke. Every-
body likes "Uncle Billy," because everybody finds something
to lauo'h at when he is around. Lono^ life to Uncle Bill.
Isaac Tower, who, with commendable public spirit, had
raised a large family of six sons and four daughters, came to
Oakfield in 1839, to provide a new home for himself and them.
He lived but a few years, dying in 1848, his wife in 1850. His
sons, Job and Lewis, are in California; Samuel removed South;
David lives in Greenville; Winslow died in 1854, while
Stephen, a by no means insignificant man, alone remains in
Oakfield, on the old farm. Hannah married Zenas G. Winsor,
Esq., of Grand Rapids. Their nuptials, the first in the town,
were solemnized by the Rev. James Ballard, May 2d, 1840.
Mrs. Winsor died in 1869.
GEAXD EIVEB VALLEY. 225
The first school in Oakfield was kept by Miss Sarah Davis
(now Mrs. Almond Thompson, of Courtland), in the summer
of 1845, in a private house. She had six pupils. The first
school-house was l)uilt soon after; and Harry McArthur was
was the first teacher in it. Mcx^rthnr is a man who, as an
(.'ducator, has left his mark on this and otlier towns. The
mark made bv a iicood teacher is an unerasable one, and Mc-
Arthur's mark is of tliat character. lie died in 1S7T, leaving
a blank in Oakfield.
The Rev. Mr. Aicklv, otherwise mentioned as a pioneer, was
tlie first preacher in Oakfield.
The first birth amoTiG; the settlers was that of William
Ilenrv Harrison Davis, son of AVm. R. Davis, April 2J:th,
1840. He was a paragon of a baby; so liis mother said; and
mothers onQ-ht to know.
The first time death put in his unwelcome apj)earanc^, was
an event of more than ordinary interest. Orren Gilbert, a
l)rotlier of the Rev. D. Gilbert, coming from another town, was
frozen to death on Long Lake, in March, 1833. He was dis-
covered by an Indian; the Indian went around him without
going near, ascertained that he was dead, went to the whites
and led them to the spot, and was very particular to show that
his tracks were around and not ujp to the dead man; that he
might be above suspicion.
The next funeral was of an old lady — Mrs. Stewart — in 1848.
An interestino- item of Indian history has its center in this
ti )wn. and has giv^en name tothe largest lake. The Indian chief,
AVabesis (White Swan), a talented half-breed, was one interested
ill making the treaty by which the Indians ceded the land to
the government. The Indians were enraged at those who
consummated the act. Wabesis was also accused by them of
keeping the money paid for the purchase. Instead of killing
him, as they intended, in hopes of compelling him to disgorge
liis ill-gotten gains, they sentenced him to remain "on the
limits " by the side of this lake. A certain space was allowed
him, to go beyond which was death. There lie lived a num-
ber of years with his family Finally, another chief, Neog-
gainah, craftily enticed him beyond his bounds, induced him
15
'226 MEMORIALS OF THE
to go to tlie "green corn feast" at Plainfielcl; there got liini
drunk, and killed him with a fire-brand. Thev buried him
Indian fashion, in the rising bank, his head above ground; a
crib built around to defend his grave. In that crib they daily
placed food, tobacco, etc., for the nourishfng and comfort of
the dead, but now lamented, Wabesis. His skull, broken by
the brand, now adorns a New England rausenm.
The story of Wabesis is told in by no means mediocre verse
by the talented Mrs. Kutts, of Oakfield. From it, we extract
the following lines on the burial of Wabesis:
" 0, pitiless the liand to slay
Where vengeance lured its baffled prey,
While Wabasis defenseless stood,
And dared the throng, athirst for blood.
But, when his voice in death was still,
Memories thronged, the heart to thrill;
• And many feet, with silent tread, %
Moved slow, in honor of the dead.
In regal state the chief was laid,
With death-dance to appease his shade.
But not forgot — for white man's gold.
Their pleasant hunting grounds were sold;
And when the dark night-shadows came.
With many a torch-light's glaring flame,
They bore the big chief to his rest
Upon the highland's lifted crest.
They placed him sitting on the hill.
That he might see the white man till
The broad plains, where his fathers sleep,
When gone were all his people's feet.
They placed him sitting in his grave,
Where he could see the gleaming wave;
And watch the white man's big canoe,
When faded were the forms he knew.
They placed him by the white man's trail,
That he might see the stranger pale;
And where his passing feet should be
A long rebuke to treachery.
They roofed him o'er with little trees;
And bade him wait, and watch through these.
But wofully the red man rued
The day their hands in blood were brued — *
For, ever at the feast of corn
Was heard his voice in taunting scorn;
GEAXD EIVER VALLEY. • 227
And here and there his vengeful soul
Led on the hunt for hidden gold;
Then in some lone and tangled fell,
Would ring his wild, unearthly yell.
Each new moon on his grave they laid
Tobacco, to appease his shade.
But still the chief, who laid him low,
Grew nerveless as an unstrung bow;
And when the White Swan's drooping head
Told Indian that his soul had fled,
He went not on the death-trail, lone —
The red chief, tqo, had with him gone."
' AVere we good at telling "bear stories," we might give some
from Oakfield, Bear stories are good things to scare nanghty
hoys with, especially that one where a bear incontinently
chewed up forty-three saucy boys who insulted the good minis-
ter. ]-)Ut me)i\eiivn to be but little afraid of the varmints, and
I'ather fdce to have them about. The reason is, the bear is a
tliick-skulled brute, who never can be taught common sense;
don't understand traps; is good game, and in a contest with
man is almost sure to come out second-best. When encount-
ered by men or dogs, instead of "23itching in " like a common
sense hero, or manfully '' retreating," he will eitlier raise him-
self on his haunches, double his fists, and say — "-come on" —
like a boxer, hitting right and left at the dogs, while the
man has a glorious chance at him with his gun; or, like a
fool, as he is, he will take to a tree; never being able to get it
through his scalp that a tree is the last place for a hunted bear.
Oar advice to all bears is " charge or retreat." But they will
never heed it; and because of their bearishness, they, of all
wild l)easts, are the first exterminated.
The first bear-adventure was that of William It. and John
Davis, who encountered one of the biggest, as they were com-
ing from their work some miles from home. They were re-
turning with the trophies of the day — four raccoons — on the
back of their horse, when they encountered Mr. Bruin. lie,
like a fool, took to a tree, and the woodman drew up the death-
dealing rifle; when behold! the cap was gone, and they had
■not another. William cut a good switch, mounted Dutch, and
thrashing him. into a run, disappeared; arrived, breathless, at
2 28 MEMORIALS OF THE
Mr Crinnion's cabin, and panting, could only exclaim, "caps!
Have you any caps?" Mrs. Crinnion, good soul, tliinking lie
was crazy, showed him the caps she had prepared for her ex-
pected baby; but he frantically thrust them aside, saying
something that sounded like '' darned fool;" seized a brand from
the fire, mounted and " vamosed." Quick as frightened Dutch
could run, he was by his brother and the bear. John took a
<leath aim at bruin, and, when ready, gave the word to William,
who held a coal.
The gun went oiF, and bruin fell;
Four hundred weight of bear,
All in a limp and bleeding mass,
Gasping and djing there."
But now came the tug of war. When bruin had yielded
his spirit in a long-drawn sigh, the question arose how to get
him home. Whoever has attempted to handle a dead bear,
will appreciate the difficulty. He is about the limpest tiling
in all creation. If you lift him by the ends the middle lies
on the gronnd. H you lift him by the middle the ends are
not raised. They tried to put him on the back of the old
horse, but he had got his Dutch up, and though the most
stolid beast that ever wagged a bob-tail, was thoroughly
aroused to the indignity of carrying a bear. He cavorted
and snorted, and said in the plainest horse-language: "I'll
see your old bear in— the woods, first." But John, too, had
got his spirit up, and he argued the case with the old horse
by first blinding him with his pocket handkerchief. The
horse became meek and penitent, and the bear, after infinite
labor, was loaded upon him.- They wended their way home;
skinned and dressed their game, said their prayers, and slept
the sleep of the righteous.
CHURCHES.
Tlie First Baptist Church was built in 186:1, at a cost of $2,200. Mr.
Sheldon Ashley has the credit of being very efficient in securing its erection.
The Second Baptist Church had its origin in a revival in 1865, under the
ministration of the Rev. C. C Miller. A church of forty-two members was
organized in 1866, and in 1867 they built their house. Miller continued as
pastor of the church until 1871. He was followed by the Rev. R. Monroe,
who stayed two years, since which time th'^y have had no stated pastor.
GRAND EIVEK VALLEY. 229
This Rev. C. C- Miller is a man of his own sort, a, man of decided talent
— zealous in religion and politics, between -which he regularly alternates.
If there is a revival to be got up, he is there. When the presidential elec-
tion comes around. Miller is there, also, — a leader and a power. In the
county he has been a Warwick, disposing of offices and ofHceis athis will,
yet never seeking office himself. Th3 campaign ended, he is the parson
again — takes kindly to th6 hymn-book and pastoral cares. Beware how you
tread on his toes. He is a fighting parson, means to be right, but whether
right or wrong, he will "go ahead" in what he believes is right. Go it.
Miller! Religiously and politically, many call you blessed. May yoar
shadow be like that of the Sequoia and your voice that of a son of
Boanerges. Be thou still, where thou art, a terror to evil-doers, and a
beacon ahead to guide the saints!
PARIS,
Paris is an outgrowtli from the center at Grand Rapids.
Pioneers had found the way to the Grand Piver and had car-
ried, or sent, to otlier places a favorable report; and soon there
was an influx of settlers and speculators, who took up all desi-
rable lands within easy reach of the central places. The region
was scarcely open to settlement or purchase, before there was
a swarm of those, who were looking for land. About, or quite,
tlie most desirable land around the settlement at Grand Papids
was in the township of Paris. It invited occupation; andM'as
very soon mostly under claim.
As far as now known, the first settlers were Joel, Edward,
and Daniel Guild, Barney Burton and James Vanderj^ool.
Burton is believed to have been the first. He pitched his camp
a half mile south of the Fair Grounds; securino; 240 acres.
He put up the first house and the first barn. The raising of
that barn was an event. Men sufficient could not be collected;
and it was got up in three days by using ingenuity.
The above mentioned persons settled in tlie township iii
1833-4 — near the northern line.
In 1834, five men — Abraham Laraway, Alexander Bonk,
James Clark, Jacob Friant and Orleans Spaulding, started
together from the east part of the State; came on foot a part
of the way, and the rest in an Indian canoe. They did not
take uj) land imtil 1836; then they located themselves in the
east part of the town; and cut out a road to Grand Paj^ids
230 MEMORIALS OF THE
Alexander Clark came in 1834, and his brother Benjamin soon
after.
In tlie few succeeding: years we note : ]N^icolas Carlton, Hiram
II. Allen, Alva and Jared Wansey, the three brothers Shoe-
maker (DeWitt, Clinton and Robert,) Stephen Ilinsdill, James
]>alhird, Hubert Barr, Thomas Davis, Ezekiel Davds, Arnott
Davis, Luther Davis, Thomas Davis, Jr., and Mrs. Pattison
with her three grown sons- — Jacob, Minor and James.
Many of the first settlers of Paris were poor. James Patti-
son says he had $7, a cow, a hog, a dog, and a wife. Minor
Pattison had $2, an ax and gun. They liad three months
])rovisions. They chopped five acres the first winter. They
did not consider their case a hard one. The Pattison family,
their good mother at the head, had found them a home; and
tliey worked to develop it. Tliey did not sell out, but have
ever resided where first they made their humble beginning.
That part of the town is known by their name. The good old
lady Pattison, having kejDt herself the head of the family until
the last, in a venerated old age, died in 1866. She was one
of tJie women. With energy enough to reasonably supply
half a dozen, she W'ent to work; the first two years on wages,
then, as the owner of forty acres, which under her wise and
eneriretic manao-ement o^rew to be 350. She came into the
Valley with her five boys, two of them youngsters. She set
the boys the example, and they all stuck by^ Mother, all swear
by Mother, and all pitched their homes near Motlier, in Paris
( »r Cascade. If all* mothers were like her, we should not have
so many lazy, shiftless men.
Poor Benjamin Laraway soon became blind. Notwithstand-
ing, with the aid of his extra wife, he managed to get along
pretty well. He died in 1870, having been blind thirty years.
Benjamin Clark is still on his first place. He does not
swing his ax now, but smokes his pipe, reads the papers, and
enjoys what he worked for.
The case of Orleans Spaulding is nor without its special in-
terest. He came with but little means, and went to work,
clearins: his lands. In the meantime his wife died, and he was
grievously afiiicted with ophthalmia, so that for years he was
GRAND KIVER VALLEY. 231
blind. Ill this state lie cliopped and cleared two acres of land,
planted corn, and stru2r2:led for a livino-. Dnrino- the time
that he was blind, he one time went to the Rapids to see if in
any wa\" he could make a raise of something to eat. In some
]>lace of business George Evans encountered him; and, in his
direct way, said to him: " Spaulding, what are you here fori"'
Spaulding told him his situation, and what he wanted. " Here,"
said Evans, '•' take this, and go to 's grocery, and get what
you want;" at the same time handing him an order on that
grocery in Evans' favor. Spaulding took the paper, went and
got three or four dollars' worth of provisions, and had them
indorsed. Yery thankful, he returned the order to Evans,
Avho, looking at it and seeing the small amount indorsed, said,
'' Go back again, and get what you need. AVhat you have got
Avon't last a week. Take up the whole order." This was but
the beginning. With no immediate prospect of pay, and a
fair chance of losing all, he continued to force upon Spaulding
his accommodations until they amounted to several hundred
dollars; never hinting at payment; generously waiting until
better times enabled him to cancel the legal indebtedness; and
then tal'ing^ not asking, his pay. The debt of gratitude can
never be canceled; and the memory of Evans, who died under
a cloud, Avill ever be dear to Spaulding. It may here be added,
])arentlietically, that this conduct of Evans toward Spaulding
A\as no exceptional instance; for, be his faults what they may,
no more generous-nearted man ever lived in the Grand River
Valley than George C. Evans. And probably the history of
the State cannot furnish another instance where the show oi
justice was so shamelessly outraged as when he, for an act
which showed no moral turpitude, was sent to the State Pris-
on, there to die.
The town of Paris was organized in 1839; then including
Gaines. The first meeting was at the house of Iliram Allen.
Supervisor, Joel Guild; Clerk, Iliram II. Allen; Treasurer,
Robert Barr; Justices, II. II. Allen, II. B. Smith, Barney Bui--
ton, Alexander Clark.
On th 
