USA > Michigan > Ionia County > History and directory of Ionia County, Michigan: containing a history of each township: the name, occupation, location, and post-office address of every man in the county, 1872 > Part 9
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Just below the village a dam has been thrown across Flat River, and a saw-mill built which is doing quite an extensive business. The population of Smyrna is about 200. Cook's Corners, two miles north of Smyrna, is located on the plain ; has a large hotel, the main portion being sixty-two by seventy-two, three stories high ; three stores, one carriage and blacksmith-shop, one harness-shop, and one manufacturer and dealer in furniture. The hotel was erected to accommodate the traveling public, and it was also constructed in such a manner as to accommodate the "young folks," with whom it has ever been a favorite resort. On each return of the anniversary of American Inde- pendence, and on the first day of each year (or as near the first day of the year as Sun- day will allow), the young men and maidens from the region roundabout, far and near, and all such as delight in the "giddy mazes of the dance," never fail to put in an appearance at "Cook's," there having been on occasions as many as 265 couples, and never less than 150 couples, assembled to keep step to the enchanting tones of the violin until the " wee sma' hours, " and then they take up the refrain, " We won't go home till morning," but continue to dance away the hours " till. broad daylight."
The village of Belding, formerly known as Patterson's Mill, is located on Flat River on sections ten and eleven, where Charles Broas erected the saw-mill in 1843. Broas built a temporary dam across the river and did a small business, but in 1856 Lucius Patterson purchased the mill property, erected a substantial dam, enlarged the mill, and made other improvements. But Patterson was a lawyer of considerable eminence liv- ing in Grand Rapids, and his time and attention were given to his profession, and the place received no impetus during his ownership of the property. Wm. A. Knott sub-
HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
sequently purchased the mill, and in 1867 built a flouring-mill, having three runs of stones and the modern improvements, being a substantial structure with machinery for manufacturing the best grades of flour. The Belding Brothers, the extensive silk man- ufacturers, having their establishments in New York, Cincinnati, Chicago, and other cities, have a landed interest in the place in connection with Wm. A. Luther, Robert M. Wilson, and David E. Wilson, all men of capital ; and with such powerful influences the village is going forward with rapid strides. Wilson, Luther, and Wilson are resi- dents, and have just completed and put in operation a new saw-mill with a capacity of forty thousand feet of lumber in twelve hours, having a driving power equal to two hun- dred horse-power. The building is forty by one hundred and twenty-five feet, finished and furnished complete, and is the finest mill ever built in the county, unless it be the new mill just erected at Hubbardston, of which it is fully the equal. In addition to lumber machinery, they have two shingle-machines, each of which is capable of cutting from thirty to forty thousand shingles per day. These parties are also putting up a building forty by sixty-four feet, two stories high, for a sash, door, and blind factory, which will be in operation soon, and is to be run by H. H. & R. B. Gooding.
Within two years quite a large number of dwellings have been built; also several stores, and a large well-finished hotel, built and kept by S. S. Brown.
Through the liberality of the citizens, aided by the Belding Brothers, a railroad has been constructed from the village, connecting with the D. L. & L. M. Railroad at Kidd- ville, a distance of about two miles, crossing Flat River twice in that distance, making it rather an expensive road. But their lumber, shingles, sash, doors and blinds, flour and produce must have an outlet, and this was the only way to do it. There are two dry-goods, one drug and grocery, and one hardware store now, and considering the abundant water power, the supply of all kinds of timber for manufacturing purposes, the rich farming region by which it is surrounded, and the capital and energy that is brought into requisition, there is every reasonable ground to believe that Belding will soon take rank with the most important villages in the State.
KIDDVILLE,
Where Dickinson built the first saw-mill in the town, is located on Dickinson Creek, near its confluence with Flat River. James M. Kidd of Ionia is the principal landed proprietor, and owner oft he saw-mill there. His location and principal business inter- 'est being in Ionia, and the mill used to a great extent to supply lumber for his manu- 'factory at that place, it was not to be expected that there would be any advance made toward building up a village. Since the completion of the railroad through the place a station has been established there, and one of the best depot buildings erected that the line can boast of. A general store (dry goods and groceries) has been opened therc by a couple of enterprising young men, Messrs. Leonard and Divine, which is doing a fair business, and it is becoming quite a point for the shipment of farm products. The town is well supplied with postoffices, there being four : at Smyrna, Cook's Corners (Otisco), Belding, and Kiddville.
In 1844 John Albert, a native of Holland, settled in the south part of Otisco, on sec- tion thirty-three. He purchased an entire section of land, and has since sold in small parcels to others who came from "Faderland," and many have purchased of other parties, so that the Hollanders have quite a large and flourishing settlement there; an industrious, prosperous people, and adding largely to the prosperity of the town. They are mostly Catholics, and in 1871 they crected quite an imposing church edifice, 36 by 55 feet, with spire 103 feet high, costing $4,500-complete in all its appointments, even to the bell.
- There are two union school-houses. one at Cook's Corners and one at Smyrna ;
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HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
and eight district schools, giving ample facilities to all in the town to secure for their children a good business education, which the citizens are not slow to avail themselves of.
The first minister that visited the town was the Rev. Mr. Freese, appointed by the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which then exercised jurisdiction over the State of Michigan, to a circuit extending from Grandville up Grand River to Lowell, and up Flat River to Otisco, and taking in the territory north of Grand Rapids as far as the township of Courtland. His first sermon was preached at the house of Munson Seely. Mr. Freese purchased a horse with the view of riding his circuit, but one trip on horseback was sufficient. IIe found it much more difficult to reach his ap- pointments with the horse than by going on foot ; so the horse was sold, and with saddle- bag on shoulder he made his rounds during the entire year, faithfully and earnestly doing the work committed to his charge, with all the zeal in carrying on the work in advance of all others, among the scattered population of the new settlements, so char- acteristic of the ministers of that denomination. The M. E. Conferences bring all territory within their charge, and they always find men among them so self-sacrificing that they are ready to spend and be spent and to undergo any hardships or privations to do the " Master's work ;" and Methodist ministers are the pioneer preachers in all new settlements.
The first marriage was that of Ambrose Spencer to Evelina Melvin, and they were obliged to travel to Ionia to find a person: legally authorized to perform the ceremony.
In 1844 the "Christian Church " was organized. Richard Ellis and wife, Erastus Jenks and wife, Allen Thompson and wife, and two children. Mrs. Boynton and Mrs. Stokes were the communicants at the organization. It is not known to the writer what minister officiated at that time, but the following year the Rev. Wilson Mosher became the pastor, and still maintains that relation, having continued in that capacity for a period of nearly thirty years.
The Congregational Church was organized in the village of Smyrna, March 21, 1868, and numbered seven persons, viz : George C. Spencer, Oscar F. Mann, Mrs. George C. Spencer, Mrs. Oscar F. Mann, Mrs. D. B. Hoppough, Mrs. Abijah Rich, and Mrs. Jerome Stoughton. Since that date several others have united, including Ambrose Spencer and wife; but the church is not yet self-sustaining, and receives aid from the Association.
RIVERS AND CREEKS.
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Flat River enters Otisco on the north side of section two, and pursuing a tortuous course passes through sections one, twelve, eleven, ten, fifteen, fourteen, twenty-two, twenty-one, twenty-eight, thirty-three, and thirty-two, having a course of full ten miles within the town, and is a stream of considerable importance. Large quantities of pine lumber arc annually floated down its waters from the pineries of Northern Michigan, and at Belding and Smyrna, where dams have been constructed, it affords immense power for manufacturing purposes.
Dickinson Creek runs in on the east side of section one, and empties its waters into Flat River on the same section, having a course of only about three-quarters of a mile in the town. At Kiddville it gives a valuable power. Scely Creek enters Otisco on section nineteen, and passing through sections twenty and twenty-one, it empties itself into Flat River, near the village of Smyrna. It gives a good power on the west side of the town, where there is a grist-mill and saw-mill, owned by Joshua Fish ; also at Smyrna, as mentioned in the notice of that village.
The surface of the land lying along Flat River is broken and rough, and there is considerable rolling land ; but much of it is plains," and level or gently rolling, so its
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HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
cultivation is easy. The soil of the " plains " is superior for the production of wheat, for which cereal the township has long been famous. Otisco lies in the center of one of the finest wheat-producing districts of the State. Vergennes, Grattan, and Oakfield, in Kent County ; Eureka and Fairplain, in Montcalm County ; Otisco, Orleans, Easton, and Keene, in Ionia County, comprises a district rarely equalled in the quality and quantity of its wheat.
There is no record to be found by which to learn who were the first township officers, but it is known that John L. Morse was the first Supervisor, and R. R. Cook the first Clerk.
The present town officers are : R. R. Cook, Supervisor ; William R. Hubbard, Clerk ; John G. Snyder, Treasurer ; C. L. Smith, Jasper L. Gage, R. S. Russell, and Richard Ellis, Justices of the Peace.
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PORTLAND.
P ORTLAND is one of the eastern tier of townships in Ionia County, being bounded on the north by Lyons, east by Westphalia, Clinton County, south by Danby, and on the west by Orange ; and derived its name from the village of Portland, located in the south part of the township.
Portland originally embraced the township of Danby and the east half of Orange and Sebawa, and was organized by an act of the Legislature, March 6th, 1838.
The first township meeting in and for the township was held at the house of Joshua Boyer, on Monday, the 2d day of April, 1838, and the following are the officers elected : Supervisor, Ira Webster ; Justices of the Peace, Samuel Northam and Almeron Newman ; Township Clerk, Almeron Newman ; Assessors, Abijah F. Shoff, Almeron Newman, and Charles Gott ; Commissioners of Highways, Wm. D. More, Chancellor Barrenger, and James Newman ; Collector, Samuel Freeman ; Inspectors of Schools, A. S. Wads- worth, Wm. R. Churchill, and Phineas Coe ; Constables, Samuel Freeman, Wm. H. Turner, and John Milne Jr. ; Overseers of the Poor, John Milne Senior, and Samuel Northam ; Overseers of Roads, District No. 1, James Newman ; No. 2, Samuel Sutliff ; No. 3, Fosdic H. Kilburn ; No. 4, Henry Smith ; No. 5, Robert Toan.
The second annual meeting was held at the house of Wm. R. Churchill, in the vil- lage of Portland.
One of the first transactions recorded by the township Clerk, Mr. A. Newman, was the granting of a marriage license on the 16th day of August, 1838, to Samuel J. Fox and Matilda Gardner, -probably the first marriage in the town.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The township of Portland has within it all the resources to make it one of the best townships in the State as regards its agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial pros- pects. The soil is very fertile, and well adapted to raise all kinds of grain and plenty of fruit. One of the staple crops is wheat, which is produced in a good season at the rate of thirty to forty bushels per acre.
RIVERS.
Grand River flows through the township in a zigzag course from the south to the north, entering on section thirty-three and leaving it on section four. In many places it runs very rapidly, affording immense water-power. The Looking-Glass River flows in on section thirty-six, thence in a northwesterly course, and unites with Grand River at the village of Portland, on section thirty-three. It also affords good water-power.
TIMBER.
From one to two miles on each side of the river the timber is principally oak, which is used for building purposes, fencing, lumber, staves, etc. The other part of the township is covered with beach, maple, basswood, ash, elm, etc.
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HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
SOIL.
The soil on the " openings," as they are termed, is gravelly-generally preferred- being of a light-gray color and containing a considerable amount of lime, which is one of the principal ingredients, it is said, that the soil should possess for successful wheat- culture. The soil on the timbered lands is heavier, and covered with several inches of vegetable mould, with a rich subsoil, and is well adapted for corn, vegetables, fruit, and wheat.
SWAMPS.
As a general thing there is but little waste land in the township. The principal swamp is located on section twenty-three, covered with tamarack, and contains about cighty acres. In the spring the water is said to be sometimes ten feet deep, containing fish that have made their way up through the outlet from Grand River. It is also said that a bear comes down from the north woods every winter and hibernates there. The drain commissioners propose to open its outlet and drain it. There is also another tamarack swamp located on section thirteen.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
About nine-tenths of the inhabitants are from the State of New York, or descend- ants of New Yorkers. There is a small German settlement on sections thirteen and fourteen, their principal business point being the village of Westphalia, where their church and separate school are located.
The first settlement made in the township was at and near the village of Portland, by Thos. Shephard, Philo Bogue, with his son, W. W. Bogue, and John Knox, with his two sons, Harvey and Alanson, who came in the year 1834. The first settlement made in the northern part of the township was made by Robert Toan, Sen., and his sons, Robert, Jr., William, and Thomas, in 1836, who still reside in that neighborhood. The following year Mr. Gardner Maynard, with his sons, John J., James F., and C. I., settled on section ten. Mr. James F. Maynard occupies the old homestead.
The first house built in the township was in 1833, and is accredited to John Milne, formerly of London, England.
Among the early settlers whose names deserve to be put on the roll of honor for their bravery and hardships, may be mentioned Abram Hunt, settled in 1834; Wm. H. Armes, 1835; Wm. Dinsmore, Daniel Brown, 1836; Alfred D. Isham, Charles Taylor, John Probart, S. A. Miner, Wm. R. Churchill, P. Lawless, 1837; Alvah T. Way, Samuel Green, George Marcy, 1838; F. C. Kinney, David S. Soles, 1839; N. B. Barnes, 1841; H. F. Safford, William Lewis, Oliver Morehouse, A. F. Morehouse, Isaiah Decker, H. H. Van Horn, James White, 1842; Justus S. Sandborn, John Ham- lin, Joseph Roe, 1843 ; Simeon B. Coon, William Baldwin, Stephen Pilkinton, 1844 ; James L. Whitlock, 1845; D. W. Morehouse, Harvey Bartow, 1846; O. D. Howell, 1847; John Adams, F. G. Lee, 1848, and D. A. Simons in 1849. 'All the above set- tlers, with a few exceptions, were formerly from New York.
INCIDENTS OF EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The pioneers of Portland had many hardships and deprivations in common with the rest of the surrounding townships, but those that still survive are never disposed to complain when taking a retrospect of the past. They entered the howling wilderness, encountered many dangers, and, through industry and perseverance, have truly been the architects of their own fortunes. In traversing the townships and viewing the many fine farms, neat cottages, and well-filled barns, there is every evidence of intelli- gence and enterprisc.
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HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
The greatest difficulty experienced by nearly all of the first settlers was a want of supplies for the first year or two. The only way to get them was to bring them in wagons from Detroit, or to receive them from Grand Haven, after having them sent around the lakes. At this time the price of provisions was enormous ; pork, $40, and flour $20 per barrel, and almost everything else in the same proportion. It is related by James Newman, who has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the town, that at one time they cooked the last morsel of food they had in the house, for breakfast, without knowing where the next meal would come from. In this state of affairs Mrs. N. gave vent to her feelings by crying, but was encouraged by her husband to trust to Providence ; that they would be provided for in some way. While their faith was tried to its utmost a load of provisions was brought into the place about 10 o'clock, from which they had a sumptuous dinner, with much rejoicing, and received a supply for the future.
Mrs. Knox says the nearest market to obtain salt was in Detroit; that at one time she had but a tea-cup full of salt in the house, and had to divide it with her neighbors. Mr. G. Marcy also states that one year, just before harvest, his family lived one week almost entirely on vegetables, without any bread.
These are but a few instances of many that might be told of the hardships of the pio- neers that have led the van of civilization.
For a number of years the Indians were the nearest neighbors, but were not known to commit any depredations, unless through the influence of drink, and then the chiefs were ready to punish the offender. An anecdote is related of a trader with the Indians at Portland village, who used to sell them trinkets and whisky in exchange for fur. One day an Indian got pretty drunk, and wanted more whisky, and was refused. He then attempted to stab the trader, when he was prevented by the knife being knocked out of his hands. The trader then went to the chief and complained of the Indian's conduct ; whereupon the chief took him before the trader, and had him so severely whipped that he was unable to get out of his wigwam for a week ; when he made his way back to the trader, demanding more whisky, asserting that the trader had whipped him just two quarts too much.
LARGE FARMS.
Among the largest and best farms in the township are those of John J. Maynard, 320 acres ; Laban A. Smith, 480 acres ; Bethuel Hitchcock, 360, and P. R. Howe, 625 acres.
POSTOFFICES.
There are three postoffices established in the township. Dr. Root is postmaster at Portland ; Mr. Stanley, postmaster at Stebbinsville, of Collins postoffice, and Rev. Mr. Worcester, postmaster of Maple postoffice.
INDIAN MOUNDS.
On the bluffs, overlooking the Looking-Glass River, on the north side, are mounds which are very ancient, and are supposed to antedate the present race of Indians, as they know nothing of them as regards their age. It is supposed they were raised in honor of the noted dead of the aborigines. Every mound, so far as search has been made, contains the remains only of adults of very large stature.
RAILROADS.
The Detroit, Lansing, and Lake Michigan Railroad passes through the township from the northwest to the southeast, crossing Grand River at Portland. It was completed to Portland about the 20th of November, 1869. The Marshall and Coldwater Railroad,
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HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
whose northern terminus is to be the Straits of Mackinaw, is now in progress, and will run, when completed, through the western part of the township, crossing the Detroit, Lansing, and Lake Michigan Railroad near Stebbinsville.
SCHOOLS.
The people of this township show a commendable interest in their common schools, in that they are erecting comfortable school-houses, furnishing them with patent seats and apparatus, and lengthening their school terms, and employing well-qualified teach- ers. The school-houses are numbered and located as follows :
School District No. 5 (fractional, Portland, Orange, Sebawa, and Danby). The school-house is located on the southwest quarter of section thirty, and is known as the Knox school-house; was erected in 1871-the value of school property is $1,500-is twenty-six by thirty-six, has a good bell and belfry, and is furnished with patent scats. Has eight months' school in a year.
School District No. 2. The school-house is known as the Hamlin school-house, and is located on section fifteen. The school is maintained eight months, at a salary of $225 to $250 to the teacher.
School District No. 4. The school-house is located on section seventeen ; erected in 1868 at a cost of $1,000; school kept open nine months each year at a salary of $270.
School District No. 6. School-house located on the northwest quarter of section thir- teen ; erected in 1872. Is twenty-four by thirty-two feet in size, with belfry, and fur- nished with patent seats ; value, $1,000. Seven months school maintained.
School District No. 5. The school-house, known as the Howe school, is located on section five. Erected in 1853; valued at $600; maintains school seven months each year.
School District No. 4 (fractional, Portland and Orange). Known as the Gibbs school-house, erected in 1868; has a good bell and belfry, and is one of the largest and best school-houses in the township. School property valued at $2,000. Is partially supplied with apparatus, and maintains school eight months in the year, at a salary of about $300.
School District No. 3 (fractional, Portland and Orange). The school-house is known as the Taylor school-house ; is located on section thirty. Value, $600. Eight months' school each year.
School District No. 1. Organized in 1848, with nine scholars. The school-house is located on section number twenty-four, and is known as the Howell school-house. Erected in 1872 for $800. Dimensions, 24 by 34. School maintained six months each year.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1872.
Supervisor, Samuel K. Gates; Clerk, George Whitney ; Treasurer, John Benson ; Justices of the Peace, Fayette Shook, S. K. Gates, E. Newman, and A. J. Southard ; Highway Commissioners, Levi Shotwell, J. M. Benedict, and L. A. Smith; School Inspectors, Joseph Stebbins, M. B. Beers, George Whitney ; Drain Commissioner, L. A. Smith.
VILLAGE OF PORTLAND.
The village of Portland is beautifully located in the southwest part of the township, at the confluence of the Looking-Glass and Grand Rivers. It is situated on the Detroit, Lansing, and Lake Michigan Railroad, 111 miles from Detroit and 23 miles from Lansing, amidst a fine farming country, having a good water-power, and surrounded with ample building material ; is fast becoming a large and thriving manufacturing
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HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF IONIA COUNTY.
town. As an evidence of its thrift, we may mention that its population in 1870 was 1,068, and is now over 1,500.
The following is an extract from a sketch of Portland. in 1868, by A. F. More- house, Esq., one well acquainted with its early history, and identified more or less with its progress :
The land on the east side of Grand River was entered in the year 1833, by the late Elisha Newman, Esq., who, with his two sons, Messrs. Almeron and James Newman, and their families, emigrated to this place on the 24th day of May, 1836, from West- ern New York.
The difficulties encountered will be appreciated, when it is understood that roads were as yet unknown, and their way through the unbroken wilderness had to be liter- ally carved out.
They immediately commenced the erection of a saw-mill, deriving their water-power from the Looking-Glass River. By the greatest exertion the mill, in which was placed a small run of stone for grinding grain, commenced running in December of the same year. This run of stone did all the grinding for the surrounding towns as late as the fall of 1843, at which time the present flouring and grist-mill of Messrs. Newman & Hixson was built.
The village on the east side of Grand River was surveyed into lots by B. H. Mann, in the year 1837, since which time the village has steadily increased in population and wealth ; as rapidly as any village in this section of the State.
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