USA > Michigan > Genesee County > History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 65
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The report of the first township-meeting was obtained from the files of tho Wolverine Citizen, and is from an article contributed by Hon. J. R. Smith in IS58.
DAVID MCNEIL.
MRS. DAVID MCNEIL.
4. Plassis ad ??
RESIDENCE OF DAVID MC NEIL, GRAND BLANC , MICHIGAN .
243
GRAND BLANC TOWNSIIIP.
On the 30th of March, 1835, the same board of audi- tors held a meeting, and examined and allowed the follow- ing statement of accounts :
Norman Davison. $2.50
Edmund Perry. 11.00
E. N. Davenport. 9.75
Jeremiah R. Smith 7.75
F. F. Riggs .. 1.50
James J. McCormick 7.50
Lyman Stow 1.00
Jeremiah Riggs
4.00
I. W. Cronk.
9.75
William Roberts 2.63
Caleb S. Thompson.
2.50
Rufus W. Stevens
1.00
Ogden Clark
4.00
James W. Crunk, Clark Dibble, and Loren P'. Riggs, trustees of school lands
13.00
61.88
Audit of Sept. 30, 1831, brought forward. 82.75
$147.63
We thus find that the total amount of expenditures for township purposes for the year ending March 30, 1835, in the territory embraced by the nine townships previously mentioned, was $147.63.
Jeremiah R. Smith's fees for services as township elerk for the year ending April 1, 1834, amounted to $11.
The itemized account of Norman Davison, supervisor and school commissioner, for the year ending April 1, 1834, reads as follows :
Towa of Grand Blanc,
To Norman Davison, Dr.
To holding election, 1 day .. .$1.00 " relurning votes from said town to county clerk's office, 4 days 4.00
services as school commissioner, } day 50
" " axeman on road, } day ..... 50
with town board, 1 day .. 1.00
$7.00
The first board of highway commissioners met April 1, 1834, and submitted the following report :
" Amount of days assessed, 224}, which was returned satisfied by the overseers of highways of the several districts. Commute-money not expended, $2.18. We have an opinion that there is no use for raising money for the repair of bridges or roads in said town.
" JOBS TODD, " EDMUND PERRY,
" JONATHAN DAYTON,
" Dated April 1, :834. Commissioners of Jlighways."
EAR-MARKS.
At an early day, when the flocks and herds of the pio- neers roamed at will, and mingled together, it became necessary for the owners to have some marks upon them by which to distinguish their own from their neighbors'. Ilence arose the custom of marking the ears of cattle, sheep, and swine, and of recording each one's special mark in the office of the township clerk. The following list, be- sides showing the names of many carly settlers, also de- scribes their individual mark :
Norman Davison, square crop off the left ear.
Paul G. Davison, square crop off the right car.
O. P. Davison, square crop off the right ear, and slit in the same.
James W. Cronk, swallow fork in the left ear.
E. N. Davenport, swallow fork in the right car.
Jeremiah R. Smith, square crop off the left ear, and slit in the same.
Joseph MeFarlen, shit in the left car.
John Butler, slit in the under side of the left ear.
E. R. Ewing, slit in the under side of the right car.
Jonathan Davison, slit in both ears.
Rufus W. Stevens, square crop and half erop off the left ear.
Ira Dayton, a ha'penny on the under side of the right ear.
Caleb S. Thompson, notch in the under side of the right car.
Augustus C. Riggs, half erop, the upper side off the left ear.
Nathaniel Ladd, crop from the back side of the right ear. Silas Smith, slit in the right ear, and ha'penny in the baek side of the left ear.
John Tupper, half crop off the back side of the left ear.
J. P. Fritz, square erop off the left ear, and hole in the same.
Alonzo Ferris, notch in the under side of the left car.
Newell Tupper, crop off the left ear, and swallow fork in the right.
Benjamin Pearsons, square erop off the right ear, and slit in the left.
Edmund Perry, half erop off the under side of the left ear.
William Roberts, square crop off the left ear and slit in the right.
Cyrus Baldwin, square crop off the left ear and slit in the under side of the same.
Simeon M. Perry, half erop off the right ear and slit in the left.
Emmaus Owen, slope crop off the upper side of the left ear.
Luman Beach, hole in the right ear.
Jonathan Dayton, crop off the left ear and ha'penny in the forepart of the right.
Ebenezer Bishop, half erop from the forepart of the right ear.
Benjamin Kimball, slope erop off the left car.
Frederick F. Riggs, notch in the under side of the left ear and slit in the same.
Chauncey Chapin, slope erop off the upper side of right ear.
Moses P. Butler, swallow fork in left car and hole in the same.
C. D. W. Gibson, a slit in the right ear.
Charles Bates, square erop off the left ear.
Xury Williams, square erop off the right ear.
Samuel Rice, swallow fork in both ears.
Benajah Tupper, slit in the under side of right car. Col. Sawyer, half crop in the under side of the right car and swallow fork in the left.
J. W. King, square erop off the left ear and a slit on the under side of the same.
Nelson H. Emmons, slit in the left ear.
James Van Valkenburg, notch on the under side of the left ear and slit in the same.
Alfred Brainard, erop off the left ear and half erop off the under side of same.
Amos Hallock, crop off the under side of right ear.
244
HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
George E. Perry, erop off the right ear and notch on under side of the samc.
Edward Parsons, notch on upper side of left car, near the end.
Charles Ferguson, a hole through cach ear.
Adin L. Allen, square crop off the right car and slit in same.
Philander Williams, crop off the right ear and a notch in the upper side of left.
Alpheus Chapman, notch on the under side of right car and slit in the left.
Philo Fairchild, half erop under right ear and notch under the left.
Parson Farrar, square crop off the right ear and two ha'pennies in the left, one above, one below.
William Eames, slit in the right ear.
J. K. Abbott, square crop off both ears.
Charles C. Pierson, square erop off right, slit in the left. David McNiel, notch from the under side of left car.
Garrett Freland, square erop off the right ear and two hall' erops from under side of left.
C. L. Knowlton, square crop off right car and hole in the left.
Jeremiah Slack, square erop off right ear and hole in samc.
Othniel Williams, square crop off right ear, notch in the under side of same, and a slit in the upper side of the same car.
John W. King, square crop off the right car.
Lewis Kennedy, square crop off the left ear.
James Greattrack, half erop in upper side of the left car.
Stephen C. Douglas, notch or ha'penny in the under side of the left ear and slit in the same.
Orson Scaver, a hole in the right ear.
Dudley S. Reed, square erop off the left car and a slit in the under side of the same.
Elisha Taylor, a hole in the left ear.
Hannah Hallock, slope crop off the right car, notch on under sido of the left.
The following is the manner of entering notices in the " Estray-Book :"
" Came into the inelosure of the subscriber, about the 1st of November, 1838, one horse brown, with one white hind-foot and white spot in fore hedd, and white streak oblike across the nose."
" Come into the inclosure of Abial L. Shaw, on the eve of Saturday, Nov. 25, 1843, two oxen, of good size sup- posed to be about ten years old, one of them entirely red, with large long horns, the other red, with the exception of a small white spot under the belly, and a part of the tail is white with the horus sawed off."
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
List of the principal officers from 1833 to 1879, inclusive, except for those years which cannot be filled by reason of the loss of town records, through the carelessness and neglect of township clerks :
Supervisors.
Township Clerks.
Treasurers.
1833. Norman Davison.
1531. Rufus W. Stevens.
Caleb S. Thompson.
Augustus C. Riggs.
Supervisors.
Township Clerks. Treasurers.
1836. Samuel Rice.
Augustus C. Riggs. No record. =
1837.
183S.
Caleb S. Thompson.
1839.
=
Jeremiah R. Smith.
1840.
1841.
Alfred Brainard.
1842. C. D. W. Gibson.
Joshua K. Abbott. ¥
1843.
1841. William Blades.
Jeremiah R. Smith.
1845. Jeremiah R. Smith. Caleb S. Thompson.
1846.
1847. Silas D. Halsey.
No record.
1848. Jeremiah R. Smith.
16
18 19.
1850. Julian Bishop. Othniel Williams.
Nicholas West.
1851. Jeremiah R. Smith.
Thomas Cartwright.
1852. Julian Bishop.
Silas D. Halsey.
1853. John Remington.
1854. Julian Bishop.
Simeon M. Tyler.
Alexander W. Davis.
1855.
1856. Jeremiah R. Smith. Cicero J. K. Stoner.
1857. Julian Bishop.
Charles L. Smith.
Morgan L. Curtis.
1858. Dennis Wolverton.
1859.
1860. John Remington.
=
Zerah Curtis.
1861.
1862. Silas D. Halsey.
Morgan L. Curtis.
Thomas Cartwright.
1863.
Charles D. Long.
Elisha O. Jennings.
1864. Alfred Dallock.
Morgan L. Curtis.
1865. 66
Alfred B. Miner.
1866. .
66
1867.
1868.
James Parsons,
1869.
John W. Snell. .€
1870. T. Portor MeWain. No record.
No record.
1871. John Slack.
1872. Michael Ferguson.
1873.
1874. 46
Daniel E. Salisbury. Addison Armstrong.
1875. Edwin ITarvey.
Charles J. Case.
1876.
G. R. Parker. 66
1877. Jonathan Crapser.
And. J. Hempstead.
1STS.
Arthur C. McCall.
1879. Oscar C. Beals.
Arth'r B. Armstrong.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Jeremiah R. Smith, Thomas Lowden, 1849; John Remington, 1850;
Gurdon Waterous, 1851 ; Charles Butler, 1852; Jeremiah R. Smith, 1853; James M. Goff, 1854; Philander Williams, 1855 ; John Slack, 1856; Jeremiah R. Smith, 1857 ; James M. Goff, 1858 : Alfred Halloek, 1859; David P. Ilalscy, 1860; Jeremiah R. Smith, 1861 ; Gibson B. Shaw, John Slack, 1862; Alfred Ilal. lock, Chaunecy S. Marvin, 1863; John SInek, 1864; Alexander W. Davis, 1865 : Chauncey S. Marvin, 1866 ; Alfred Hallock, 1867; John SInek, 1868; Alexander W. Davis, 1869. No record for the years from 1870 to 1873, inclusive. Dugh MeCall, John Slack, Dennis Wolverton, 1874, 1875; David J. Morse, 1876; Alexander W. Davis, Joseph P. Cook, 1877; Joseph P. Cook, John Slack, 1878.
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS.
Gurdon G. Cook, John Remington, John Butler, 1841; Gurdon G. Cook, Alvah Brainard, Jeremiah R. Smith, 1842; Gordon G. Cook, Alvab Brainard, 1843; Caleb S. Thompson, Alvah Brain- ard, James Van Valkenburg, 1844 ; Caleb S. Thompson, Xury Williams, Ira Dayton, 1845; Otbniel Williams, James M. Goff, A. L. Ellsworth, 1846 ; Othniel Williams, James M. Goff, A. 1 .. Ellsworth, 1847 ; William Eames, James M. Goff, Othniel Wil- liams, 1518; Arthur 1. Ellsworth, Othniel Williams, 1819; Joseph MeFarlen, 1850; Alfred Hallock, 1851 ; Xury Williams, 1853; Alfred Hallock, 1854; Isane Schram, 1855; John Rem- ington, 1856 ; Alfred Hallock, 1857; Isaac Schram, 1858; Rus- sell Forsyth, 1859 : Alvah Brainard, 1860; Isane Schram, 1861 ; Russell Forsyth, 1862; Isane Schram, 1864; Lueius King. 1865;
=
Joshua K. Abbott. Silas D. Halsey.
Asahol King.
Addison Armstrong.
Benajah Tupper.
David P. Ilalsey.
46
Jeremiah R. Smith. No record.
1835. Famuel Rice.
RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH P. COOK, GRAND BLANC , MICH .
2
2,
OLD HOME. BUILT 1836.
2
245
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP.
Alvah Brainard, 1866; Isnae Sehram, 1867 ; Benjamin Newman, IS68 ; Alvah Brainard, 1869. No records for the years from 1870 to 1873, inclusive. Joseph P. Cook, t874; Alvah Brainard, 1875-187S.
CONSTABLES.
Asahiel King, Lueins King, 1819; Dudley S. Reed, Nicholas West, 1850; Nicholas West, Dudley S. Reed, 1851 ; Alanson Bort, Asa- hel Goff, 1853 ; Asahel Goff, John Case, 1854; Asel Goff, Lester 11. Williams, 1855; James A. Rice, Lucius King, 1856; Charles A. Baker, Morgan L. Curtis, 1857 ; Benajah Tupper, Theodore J. Wells, George Kline, Asel Goff, 1858; Lucius King, Willard J. Lamb, Edward A. Sawyer, Asahel Collins, 1859; William J. Lamb, Orville Owens, Asel Goff, Horace Embury, 1860 ; John J. Case, Asel Goff, 1861 ; Asel floff, John J. Case, Thos. Sheldon, 1862; Benajah Tupper, Lucius King, Orville Owens, 1863; Benjamin Newman, Asel Goff, William II. Butts, ISGI; Alfrod Bushaw, Benajah Tupper, Benjamin Newman, Robert Barnes, 1865; Rena- jah Tupper, Benjamin Newman, Robert Barnes, 1866 ; Benjamin Newman, Benajah Toppor, Henry Eckley, Joseph Wakeman, 1867 ; Wing C. Eames, Benajah Tupper, Benjamin Newman, Ed- ward C. Waterous, 1868; Benajah Tupper, Harrison Williams, Benjamin Newman, Daniel D. Howell, 1869. No records for the years 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. William B. Evatt, Benajah Tupper, Benjamin Newman, Wing C. Eames, 1874; Benjamin Newman, Daniel D. Howell, Benajah Tupper, George Borden, 1875; Daniel D. Howell, Benjamin Newman, John Scott, Joseph Taylor, 1876 ; Georgo W. Thompson, Arthur MeCall, Benjamin Newman, Jos. A. Wakeman, 1877 : Arthur C. McCall, Benjamin Newman, John G. Cook, D. Freeman Kline, 1878.
SCHOOL INSPECTORS.
Joseph King, 1849; Edward Parsons, 1850; Julian Bishop, 1851 ; Joseph King, 1853; Edward Parsons, John Slack, 1854; Levi L. Way, 1855; Morgan L. Cortis, 1856; Edward Parsons, 1857 ; Henry C. Fairbank, 1838; JJacob L. Parsons, 1859; llenry C. Fairbank, 1860; Morgan L. Curtis, 186t; Marcus D. Curtis, llenry C. Fairbank, 1862; Jacob L. Parsons, 1863; llenry C. Fairbank, 1864 ; Charles J. Case, Jacob L. Parsons, 1865 ; Darins Il. Stone, 1866; Charles .J. Caso, 1867 ; Morgan L. Curtis, 1868 ; George R. Parker, 1869. No records for the years 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873. Edward D. Parsons, 1874; Jesse P. Dewey, 1875; Wing C. Eames, 1876; George S. Porter, 1877 ; Charles J. Case, 1878.
The officers elected in April, 1879, were Oscar C. Beals, Supervisor ; Arthur C. McCall, Township Clerk ; Arthur B. Armstrong, Treasurer ; Darwin II. Forsyth, T. Porter Mc Wain, Justices of the Peace; Charles Baker, Jr., School Superintendent ; Charles J. Case, School Inspector; Isaac Sehram, Highway Commissioner ; George R. Shear, Drain Commissioner ; Arthur C. McCall, George W. Thompson, G. F. Campbell, Freeman Kline, Constables.
VILLAGES.
The village of Grand Blanc, a station on the line of the Flint and Pere Marquette Railway, is situated seven miles southeast of the city of Flint. It contains two churches (Congregationalist and Methodist Episcopal), two stores of general merchandise, one drug-store, one agricultural im- plement store, one small steam grist-mill, post-office, school- house, several small mechanical shops, and about 250 inhabitants.
Although it is the point where the Stevenses first settled in 1823, is situated on the old Saginaw road, and for many years was prominent in the history of Genesee County, its growth as a village dates only from the completion of the railroad in 1864. The post-office-Rufus W. Stevens, postmaster-was established in 1826. Ile opened his house to the public at about the same time. Previous to
this, and for some years after, he sold goods to the Indians. The first regular store was opened by Robert F. Stage and Ira D. Wright in October, 1835.
Thomas Irish and Daniel B. Wakefield were also carly tavern-keepers here. The bond given by Irish, Jan. 5, 1835, is herewith appended :
" You, Thomas Irish, do acknowledge to owe unto tho United States of America the sum of fifty dollars; and yon, John Todd and Phineas Thompson, do acknowledge to owe unto the United States of Amnerien the sum of twenty-five dollars each, to be levied of your several goods and chattels, lands and tenements, upon condition that whereas the above-bounden Thomas Irish is admitted to and allowed by this township-board to keep a tavern for the space of one year next ensuing, and no longer, in the house now occupied by the him, the said Irish, in the town of Grand Blank, and no other ; now, there- fore, if tho said Thomas Irish, during the time aforesaid, shalt keep and maintain good order and rule, and shall suffer no disorder nor unlawful games to he used in his house, or in any of tho dependencies thereof, and shall not break any of the laws for the regulations of taverns, then this recognizanco shall be void; otherwise, to remain in full force and effect. This you do severally acknowledge.
" THOMAS IRISH. " Joux TODD. " PHINEAS THOMPSON.
" GRAND BLANK, Jan. 5, 1833."
Whigville, a small village of about 100 inhabitants, and known at various periods as Dibbleville, Grand Blanc, and Gibsonville, is situated about one and one-half miles north- west of Grand Blanc Centre. It contains the church edifice of the Baptist Society, a school-house, and a few small shops. Ilere was erected the first saw-mill in the county, by Row- land B. Perry, in 1828. At one period-during the life- time of Mr. C. D. W. Gibson-considerable business was done here. Stores, taverns, and busy shops existed. But since the completion of the railroad its trade has been trans- ferred to the eentre.
SCHOOLS.
The first school-house-a small frame building-was erected by Edmund Perry, Sr., about 1830. It was sit- uated upon his own land, near the banks of a small stream, called the Big Run; and Miss Sarah Dayton, sister of Jonathan Dayton, taught the first school in this house.
Mr. Edward Parsons, school inspector, presented the following account to the board of town auditors in April, 1842, which was allowed :
" The town of Grand Blanc in account with Edward Parsons, as school inspector :
1842. DR.
Jan. 26. To visiting schools in the Farrar and Perry districts,
and inspecting a teacher .. .$1.00
Feb. 2. To visiting schools in the Smith and Butler districts,
and inspecting a teacher. 1,00
Feb. 9. Ta visiting school in Gibson district. 50
Feb. 15. To meeting the inspectors of another town for tho purpose of removing Mr. Parker 50
March 9. To traveling for public money, and attending a meet- ing of the board to distribute the same .... 1,00"
From the school directors' reports for the year ending Oct. 1, 1845, are taken the following statistics :
Children between the ages of 4 and 18 years, residing in the township, 374 ; under 4 years of age, attending school, 9; over 18 years of age, attending school, 20; attending school during the year, 352. Months taught in cach dis- trict by qualified teachers, G. Amount received from town- ship treasurer, $239.77 ; raised by taxes in the districts, $129.12. Number of whole districts, 7; number of frac-
2446
HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
tional districts, 3. Average amount per month paid teachers for winter term, $12; average amount per month paid teachers for summer term, $4.
Names of teachers employed during the year : District No. 1, Joseph King, Emina Wilson; No. 2, Ann L. Thompson ; No. 2,* Lucy Bigelow; No. 3, Jonathan Fel- lows, Laura King; No. 4, Laura King, Susan Dickinson ; No. 5, Thomas O. Townsend, Mary Webster ; No. 6,* Maria Ferris, Jane Smith ; No. 7, C. C. Pierson, Ellen Ferguson ; No. 8, Catharine Gorton, Adaline Main; No. 8,* Eliza Perry.
School Directors .- District 1, Adam C. Kline; No. 2, J. K. Abbott; No. 2,* Edmund Rix; No. 3, James O'Donoughue ; No. 4, C. C. Pierson ; No. 5, Alvah Brain- ard ; No. 6,* A. L. Ellsworth ; No. 7, James Hall; No. 8, William Roberts; No. S,* Samnel Winship.
SCHOOL STATISTICS-1878.
Whole districts, 6; fractional, 4. Children of school age residing in township, 420; attending school during the year, 381. Frame school-houses in township, 9 ; brick, 1. Seating capacity of all the school-houses, 555. Value of school property, 86450. Male teachers employed during the year, 10; female, 12. Months taught by male teach- ers, 45; by female, 37. Paid male teachers, $1227.10; paid female teachers, $588.90; total, $1816.
Receipts for the year from moneys on hand, Sept. 3, 1877, two-mill tax, primary school-fund, district taxes for all pur- poses, and raised from all other sources, $2614.10.
Expenditures .- Paid teachers, $1816; paid for build- ing and repairs, $141.80; paid on bonded indebtedness, $22.59; paid for all other purposes, $242.80; amount on hand, Sept. 2, 1878, $390.91 ; total, $2614.10.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Previous to the organization of any religious society in this township, the early settlers had been visited at irregular intervals by Elders Benedict and Gambell, Baptist preach- ers, and Rev. I. W. Ruggles, a Presbyterian minister from Pontiac. Meetings were held in the small log school-house in the Perry settlement, and frequently in the dwelling- houses of the inhabitants.
FIRST BAPTIST CIIURCII.
This society was organized June 1, 1833, with 26 con- stituent members, as follows : Daniel Williams, Alfred Brainard, John Tupper, Newell Tupper, Alden Tupper, IFarrison Tupper, Alexander K. Tupper, Jason D. Austin, Philo Miner, John P. Fritz, Robert T. Winchell, Philander Williams, Betsey Tupper, Hannah Tupper, Isabella Tupper, Aseneth Brainard, Sarah Brainard, - Miner, Susanna Fritz, Electa Williams, Sophronia Straw, Almira Phelps, Lovina Gilbert, Lovina Williams, Sarah Perry, and Eunice Austin.
At the first meeting it was voted " that Brother Alfred Brainard copy the articles of faith and government, and take our minutes for this day. That Brothers Williams, Winchell, and Brainard be a committee to request brethren from the Association to meet in council, and present us be-
fore said council for fellowship." Deacon Daniel Williams was chairman and Alfred Brainard elerk of this meeting.
At a covenant-meeting, held Oct. 5, 1833, it was voted " that $21.25 be paid Elder Benedict for preaching, and that the elerk give Elder Benedict a writing expressing our satisfaction with his labors and faithfulness, and request - ing his appointment as a missionary for another year, and request him to forward the same to the committee of the American Baptist Home Mission Society."
Eli Gilbert was received by baptism Aug. 4, 1833, and Mrs. Phelps by letter the same day. Other admissions during the year 1833 were Amasa Short, Thomas A. Fritz, Lester Williams, John Richards, and Rhoda Richards. In 1834, Mr. Cheney and wife, Julia Ann Remington, Hannah Van Tiffin, and Joseph and Sarah Gambell.
Those received during 1835 were Norris Thorp, E. N. Johnson, Esther Allen, Deborah A. Allen, Aseneth Rem- ington, Dudley Brainard, Perry Lamb, Mary Lamb, and Phebe Thorp. In 1836, Barton B. Chapin, Caroline Cha- pin, David Lyon, Eunice Lyon, Edwin Lyon, Jonathan G. Firman, Marilla Firman, David Gregory, Abigail Gregory, Elihn Remington, Charles Goff, Parmela Goff, Julia Ann Watkins, Electa Stiles, Laura Tupper, and Amanda Watkins. In 1837, Margaret Williams, Anna Goff, Hopkins Allen, Mrs. M. Johnson, Nancy Snapp, Eliza King, Alvah Bishop, and Electa Bishop. In 1838, Elijah Jordan, Betsey Jordan, Laranthia Bigelow, David Allen, Sophia Allen, and Alsina Parker.
The pastors of the society sinee Elder Benediet have suc- ceeded each other as follows : Elder Joseph Gambell, 1834, who remained two years. July 12, 1836, it was voted " that Dudley Brainard preach when we have no other preaching." Rev. Elijah Jordan came in January, 1838; J. A. Keyes, 1839. May 24, 1839, Dudley Brainard was given a letter " to preach the Gospel wherever God, in His providence, may cast his lot." Revs. R. D. Pierce, 1840 ; Samuel Jones, 1842; Daniel Delano, 1844; Joseph Gam- bell, 1845 ; Nelson Eastwood, 1849; T. H. Facer, 1851 ; C. Deland, 1853; Israel Fay, 1855; A. H. Cole, 1856; Israel C. Atherton, 1859 ; C. Johnson, 1864; Harley Mi- ner, 1866; M. Mulcahy, 1869; P. Olney, 1871; S. T. Grow, 1871; R. J. Lobb, 1872; O. B. Smith and C. H. Richardson, as supplies ; B. D. Miller, 1875; Samuel Needham, 1875; George Sharp, 1876; Edgar Randall, present pastor, April, 1879.
The present church edifice was commenced in 1849 and completed in 1851. It is situated in the small village of Whigville, and has sittings for about 200 people. It was dedicated May 21, 1851 ; sermon by Rev. T. H. Faeer ; text, Matthew 6, 10,-" Thy Kingdom Come;" dedicatory prayer by Rev. Joseph Gambell. In February, 1874, 25 members obtained letters of dismission to form the Mundy Baptist Church. Present membership, 78. Scholars in Sabbath-school, 66. Mrs. Ilannah Tupper, superinten- dent.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
On the 13th day of July, 1833, a number of professed Christians met at the house of Deacon Josiah Owen, in Grand Blanc, for the purpose of uniting together in the fellowship and communion of a church. Rev. Isaae W.
# Fractional districts.
RESIDENCE OF THE LATE MICHAEL FURGESON, PRESENT RES.OF JOHN W. BLOOM, GRAND BLANC, GENESEE CO MICH
247
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP.
Ruggles, a missionary of the American Home Missionary Society, was present, and served as moderator. After a season of prayer, those present gave a relation of their expe- rienee. Letters from the churches from whence they came were then read, and those present, viz., Josiah Owen, Susan Owen, Cyrus Baldwin, Charles Butler, John Butler, Sarah P. Butler, Emmaus Owen, Cynthia Maria Owen, Almira Smith, Cornelia Smith, and Sarah Ann Butler, then entered into covenant to walk together as a church in all the ordinances of the gospel. They resolved to take Con- gregationalism as the rule of church government. At this meeting Josiah Owen and Cyrus Baldwin were chosen deacons, and articles of faith adopted.
Samuel Rice represented the society at the meeting of the Detroit Presbytery, Feb. 10, 1835.
The first meetings were held in the log house and barn of Deacon Josiah Owen, then in the Butler school-house, and still later in the Smith school-house, where they were continued until their present church edifice was completed. Until 1836 the society had no regular pastor, the pulpit being supplied occasionally by Revs. John Beach, Isaac W. Ruggles, John Dudley, and Hiram Miller. George Ilornell, their first regular pastor, began preaching one-half the time in 1836. 1Ie was followed by Philander Bates, in 1838; Ebenezer MeDowell, 1841; Ira Dunning, 1841 ; Joseph W. Smith, 1842; George King, 1844; Chauncey Osborn, 1846; George Winters, 1853; Alonzo Sanderson, 1862; Samuel Breed, 1867; John V. Ilickmott, 1869; William Woodmansee, 1874; Lewis P. Frost, 1876; and Alfred T. Waterman, the present pastor, in 1878.
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