USA > Michigan > Hillsdale County > History of Hillsdale county. Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
Edwin J. March was admitted about 1861, served as colonel in the army, has since been prosecuting attorney of the county, and is now in active practice in Hillsdale.
Albert Dickerman, ex-colonel of an Ohio regiment, came to Hillsdale after the war, and has become the head of one of the leading firms.
The following is a list of the lawyers now resident in Hillsdale, nearly all of them being in practice : Spencer D. Bishopp, Albert Dickerman, Timothy E. Dibell, Cephas B. Dresser, Otto Fowle, James S. Galloway, Oscar A. Janes, George A. Knickerbocker, Ezra L. Koon, Edwin J. March, Lincoln B. March, William R. Montgomery, Michael McIntyre, Daniel L. Pratt, Charles W. Pratt, C. C. Parker, Benjamin P. Shepard, Alpheus St. John, Fred. H. Stone.
PHYSICIANS.
We have given some of the earliest physicians in the gen- eral sketch of the city. Among those who have practiced here since then, but are now dead or have removed to other localities, are Dr. L. A. Brewer, Dr. B. Curtis, Dr. J. L. Mills, and Dr. Geo. C. Smith. The physicians now resident here comprise the following list : Franklin French, Alonzo Cressy, A. F. Whelan, Robert A. Everett, M. Cham- berlin, John Falley, Herbert Harris, C. C. Johnson, W. T. Knapp, - Rice, John Simpson, John Warriner.
THE SCHOOLS OF HILLSDALE .*
The first effort to organize a school within the present boundaries of the city of Hillsdale was made in the year 1841. The nucleus of the present district was then formed, and steps taken to build a house commensurate with its wants. In 1842 a small, one-story house was erected, that accommodated the wants of the community until the year 1847. At that time the population had so increased that accommodations on a grander scale were demanded, and the district, in the fall of 1847, voted to build a new house, costing not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars, and to be constructed either of wood, brick, or stone, as might, in the judgment of the board, and those associated with them as a building committee, seem most economical. It was finally decided to build of stone, which was quarried near the present. city limits. The house constructed was two stories in height, and by " cramming," as was frequently necessary in those days, would accommodate two hundred
and fifty pupils. It was completed in the year 1848, and in September, 1849, the district organized in accordance with the session laws of that year, and the following-named gen- tlemen were elected as the school board : Samuel Chandler, Moderator ; Robert Allan, Director; Haynes Johnson, As- sessor ; Trustees, Henry Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt, Andrew Weir, Allen Hammond.
The Rev. Stephen C. Hickok, A.M., was engaged as principal for the succeeding year at a salary of five hundred dollars, with Miss Lawrence, Miss Ford, and Miss E. Ham- mond as assistants. Miss Lawrence was paid eighteen dol- lars per month ; Miss Ford and Miss Hammond, fifteen dollars per month, of twenty-six days each.
Very little attention was paid at this time to grading, and a regular course of study was hardly to be thought of. As a rule scholars brought to school such books as they hap- pened to be in possession of, and pursued such studies as their own fancy dictated.
Owing to the beautiful situation of the village, the ex- cellent and fertile country adjoining it, and the railroad facilities it enjoyed, it soon outgrew these accommodations, and in 1860 the district was compelled to build two ward houses in opposite parts of the village capable of accom- modating one hundred and fifty pupils ; in 1862, two more were built, capable of accommodating an equal number. With these accommodations a thorough system of grading was commenced. The school was divided into three de- partments,-primary, intermediate, and high school,-a course of study was adopted, and a very marked improve- ment made in every particular.
The school continued with the accommodations just men- tioned until the year 1867, when the village was again com- pelled to increase its school privileges. At this time steps were taken to build a house commensurate with the present and immediate prospective wants of the place.
The result was the building of the present beautiful cen- tral building in the year 1868. This building is completed in a very substantial and commodious manner, and will ac- commodate, in the most perfect way, five hundred pupils. The building is heated by furnaces, and is seated with single seats and desks of the most approved pattern, which are valued most highly by both teachers and pupils. At the time of taking possession of the new building, the school was divided into four departments,-primary, intermediate, grammar, and high school. The course of study in both primary and intermediate departments is limited to three years ; in the grammar school to two years, and in the high school to three years.
Each primary and intermediate school is divided into three grades of about twenty pupils each, one division being graduated each year, and another admitted. In a school of this size such a division has many commendable features, and works with as little friction, perhaps, as any that could be adopted. No scholar is graduated from one department to another without thoroughly understanding the studies taught in his grade. This is decided by a close ex- amination, conducted by the principal, taken in connec- tion with the pupil's general standing during the year, as indicated by the teacher's record. Promotions, as a rule, are made at the end of the term; but if a teacher finds a
* This sketch is principally taken from a pamphlet descriptive of the Union School, by Mr. Charles G. Robertson, the principal.
101
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
scholar in one grade capable of doing the work in the next one above, he may be promoted at any time during the year.
The board of trustees consists of six members; two elected each year, and two retiring from office. Each member holds his office three years.
The officers of the board consist of director, moderator, and assessor ; and they have uniformly made it a rule that no member shall receive any compensation for transacting the ordinary business pertaining to the school.
According to the regulations, it is made the duty of the principal to spend such a portion of his time in gen- eral supervision as the condition of the school may seem to require.
His general duties may be stated as follows :
1st. To classify pupils according to their attainments.
2d. To enforce an observance of the course of study and the use of the prescribed text-books.
3d. In cases of difficulty, to assist teachers in the discipline of pupils, and to secure an observance of the rules and reg- ulations of the board.
4th. To enforce rules prescribed for the conduct of pupils in the school building and on the school grounds.
5th. To hold monthly teachers' meetings, in order to secure greater harmony and give proper efficiency to the system of instruction.
Teachers are elected to their positions by vote of the board, and their examination is conducted by the board, or at their request by the principal of the school. Teachers are held responsible for the quality of their instruction and discipline, and are allowed to follow their own methods as far as is consistent with the general requirements.
Since 1847 the following-named persons have been em- ployed as principal of the school for the time set opposite their respective names : C. J. Dickerson, 1848-49; Rev. S. C. Hickok, 1849-50, at $500 per year; S. S. Coryell, 1850-51; Mr. Congar, 1851-52, at $41.67 per month ; William P. Clark, 1852-53, at $700 per year; Lewis J. Thompson, 1853-54, at $50 per month ; O. L. Spalding, two terms, 1854-55, at $50 per month; Prof. C. H. Churchill, one term, 1854-55, at $50 per month ; J. Pack- ard, two terms, 1855-56, at $50 per month; D. B. Taylor, one term, 1855-56, at $50 per month ; C. G. Reed, two years, 1856-58, at $50 per month ; J. N. Dayton, two terms, 1858-59, at $60 per month ; C. G. Robertson, four and one-half years, 1859-63, at $60 per month; R. H. Tripp, two years, 1863-65, at $70 and $80 per month ; C. G. Robertson, fourteen years, 1865-79, at $80, $100, $125 per month.
C. J. Dickerson, upon retiring from school, studied law ; was admitted to the bar in 1851; was twice elected prose- cuting attorney ; was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 10th Michigan Infantry in November, 1861; was elected judge of probate of Hillsdale County in 1864, and again in 1868. This office he held at the time of his death, Sept. 21, 1872.
Rev. S. C. Hickok died in 1850.
Lewis J. Thompson is now engaged in farming.
O. L. Spalding, upon retiring from the school, studied law, and entered upon its practice. Upon the breaking out of the late war he enlisted, and was, on account of
brave and meritorious conduct, promoted to a brigadier- generalship. After the war he was elected Secretary of State.
Prof. C. H. Churchill is professor of mathematics in Oberlin College, Ohio.
J. Packard is a member of Congress from the Laporte District, Indiana.
D. B. Taylor is a practicing physician at Millburn, Ill.
J. N. Dayton is a member of the Michigan Methodist Conference, and is now preaching in the northern part of the State.
R. H. Tripp is superintendent of schools at Racine, Wis.
The present corps of teachers are Charles G. Robertson, Principal ; Mrs. Caroline Leland, F. H. Bailey, Miss Belle McIntire, Miss Nellie Wilson, Miss Minnie Blackman, Miss Lou Mansfield, Miss Millie Troy, Miss Ella Corwin, Miss Allie Bixler, Miss Lida Brown, Miss Maria Doyle, Mrs. Bessie Rideout.
The following is the record of school officers since 1846:
1847-48 .- Dr. Joel French, Director ; John W. May, Moderator ; James M. Raymond, Assessor.
1848-49 .- Dr. Joel W. French, Director; John W. May, Moderator; James M. Raymond, Assessor.
1849-50 .- Robert Allen, Director; Samuel Chandler, Moderator ; Haynes Johnson, Assessor ; Trustees, Henry Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt, Andrew Weir, Allen Hammond.
1850-51 .- Zachariah Van Duzer, Director; Franklin French, Moderator ; Haynes Johnson, Assessor ; Trustees, Samuel Glasgow, Robert Allan, Henry Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt.
1851-52 .- Alonzo S. Cressy, Director ; Henry S. Mead, Moderator ; James M. Raymond, Assessor; Trustees, Henry Waldron, Daniel L. Pratt, Samuel Glasgow, Walter Welch.
1852-53 .- Alonzo S. Cressy, Director; Henry S. Mead, Moderator ; C. J. Dickerson, Assessor ; Trustees, Daniel Beebe, Daniel L. Pratt, S. Glasgow, Walter Welch.
1853-54 .- Alonzo Cressy, Director ; Dr. John W. Falley, Moderator; Samuel Glasgow, Assessor; Trustees, F. French, James B. McCarty, Daniel Beebe, Christopher J. Dickerson.
1854-55 .- John P. Cook, Director ; Charles T. Mitchell, Moderator ; William Waldron, Assessor ; Trustees, James B. Baldy, James B. McCarty, Daniel Beebe, C. J. Dickerson.
1855-56 .- James B. Baldy, Director; Benjamin Fisher, Moderator ; John C. Miller, Assessor ; Trustees, J. M. Mott, John P. Cook, C. B. Van Valor, C. J. Dickerson.
1856-57 .- Frederick M. Holloway, Director ;- Joel McCollom, Moderator ; Harvey B. Rowlson, Assessor ; Trustees, John Beadle, J. M. Mott, John P. Cook, C. B. Van Valor.
1857-58 .- Franklin French, Director; Henry T. Far- nam, Moderator ; J. O. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, John Beadle, J. M. Mott, Benjamin Fisher, C. B. Van Valor.
1858-59 .- Henry L. Hewitt, Director; Thomas Weir, Moderator ; J. O. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, Timothy E. Dibell, John Beadle, Benjamin Fisher, J. M. Mott.
1859-60 .- Henry L. Hewitt, Director ; Thomas Weir, Moderator ; J. O. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, Joel B. Whea- ton, S. J. Fowler, Benjamin Fisher, T. E. Dibell.
1860-61 .- H. L. Hewitt, Director ; S. J. Fowler, Mod-
102
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
erator; Jacob O. Ames, Assessor ; Trustees, Joel B. Whea- ton, Benjamin Fisher, Harvey B. Rowlson.
1861-62 .- Joel B. Wheaton, Director; Dr. J. W. Falley, Moderator ; Harvey B. Rowlson, Assessor; Trus- tees, Jacob O. Ames, N. Turrell, S. J. Fowler.
1862-63 .- Joel B. Wheaton, Director ; Dr. J. W. Falley, Moderator; H. B. Rowlson, Assessor ; Trustees, Nelson Turrell, S. J. Fowler, C. T. Mitchell.
1863-64 .- Prof. S. J. Fowler, Director; J. W. Falley, Moderator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Alvah Foster, J. B. Wheaton, H. B. Rowlson.
1864-65 .- Joel B. Wheaton, Director ; John P. Cook, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Alvah Foster, J. W. Falley, H. B. Rowlson.
1865-66 .- Joel B. Wheaton, Director ; John P. Cook, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Alvah Foster, J. W. Falley, H. B. Rowlson.
1866-67 .- Joel B. Wheaton, Director ; John P. Cook, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Alvah Foster, S. J. Fowler, J. W. Falley.
1867-68 .- J. C. Wyllis, Director ; Alvah Foster, Mod- erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, H. J. King, J. W. Falley, J. P. Cook.
1868-69 .- J. C. Wyllis, Director ; H. E. Whipple, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, H. J. King, J. W. Falley, J. P. Cook.
1869-70 .- Albert Dickerman, Director; John W. Fal- ley, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor; Trustees, John P. Cook, H. E. Whipple, H. J. King.
1870-71 .- Albert Dickerman, Director ; H. E. Whip- ple, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, H. J. King, J. P. Cook, J. W. Falley.
1871-72 .- Albert Dickerman, Director ; H. J. King, Moderator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, John P. Cook, William Russell, J. W. Falley.
1872-73 .- C. E. Mott, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod- erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, J. P. Cook, L. R. Penfield, William Russell.
1873-74 .- C. E. Mott, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod- erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, J. P. Cook, L. R. Penfield, H. T. Farnam.
1874-75 .- C. E. Mott, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod- erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, L. R. Penfield, William Russell, H. T. Farnam.
1875-76 .- J. P. Cook, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod- erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, L. R. Penfield, William Russell, E. L. Koon.
1876-77 .- J. P. Cook, Director ; J. W. Falley, Mod- erator; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, Wm. Russell, E. L. Coon, L. R. Penfield.
1877-78 .- J. P. Cook, Director ; L. R. Penfield, Mod- erator ; C. T. Mitchell, Assessor ; Trustees, E. L. Coon, J. W. Falley, Rev. W. W. Raymond.
1878-79 .- Rev. W. W. Raymond, Director; John P. Cook, J. W. Falley, Moderators; Charles T. Mitchell, G. W. Knight, J. Kay Fisher, Assessors.
HILLSDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fire Department of this city had its first inception so far back as the year 1847, when an application was made
to the village authorities from several citizens praying to be organized into a fire company. The petition having been granted, Neptune Fire Engine Company, No. 1, was or- ganized, and a board of fire wardens appointed. Neptune company seems principally to have expended its energies upon the drafting of an elaborate constitution and by-laws, comprising many articles and many more sections, in which the duties of members were specified and various fines im- posed, but the more important work of securing an engine wherewith to turn their zeal to practical account was appar- ently neglected.
We find in the records that a uniform was the next thing legislated upon by the city fathers. It was to be of scarlet flannel, a hunting shirt with broad collar, full bosom, reach- ing to the knees, with a pocket in each side; a black leather belt attached to the back of the shirt with a large buckle in front, on the back of the belt to be painted in white letters " Neptune Fire Company, No. 1." There was also to be a cap corresponding with the uniform.
Thus equipped, these valiant firemen only awaited the presence of an engine to demonstrate the efficiency of their force, but no money having been appropriated for the pur- pose, they resolved themselves into a Bucket Company, and did good service on many occasions. Indeed there are now sundry good citizens who maintain the superiority of this primitive method of combatting the fiery element over the more modern steam appliances.
In the year 1857 the department was reorganized and two companies formed. The Eagle Fire Company, No. 1, with E. D. Coon, as Foreman ; E. A. Howard, Secretary ; and Joseph J. Clark, Treasurer; and the Baw Beese En- gine Company, No. 2, with James B. Baldy as Foreman ; George E. Hollaway, Secretary ; and O. G. Dayton, Treas- urer. The same year, at a meeting presided over by C. T. Mitchell, it was resolved to organize a Hook and Ladder Company, which was accordingly done, with Wm. Wald- ron as Foreman ; N. B. Bowen, First Assistant; C. B. Smith, Second Assistant ; J. H. Pratt, Secretary ; and John Beadle, Treasurer. It was known as the Hillsdale Hook and Ladder Company. Here again the propensity of the early residents to legislate is apparent, in the drafting of a complete set of by-laws, while the more important work of procuring trucks wherewith to transport their ladders and buckets was not ac- complished. The fire companies had meanwhile procured suitable engines, and were regarded as an efficient working force. Connected with the department were also two Hose Companies. Eagle Hose Company, No. 1, was organized Aug. 1, 1857, with Wm. L. Stone as Foreman ; Henry Case, Secretary ; and L. M. Keating, Treasurer. Baw Beese Hose Company, No.2, organized the same date, had for its officers, Wm. M. Taylor, Foreman ; C. S. Graff, Secretary ; and O. N. Rice, Treasurer.
The Eagle Hose Company was, in 1871, reorganized, and its name changed to that of Union Hose Company, No. 1, with J. P. Hallett as Foreman ; R. E. Whipple, Assistant; F. M. Whipple, Secretary ; and C. S. French, Treasurer. Its present officers are Clarence W. Terwilliger, Foreman; L. Beck, Assistant Foreman ; E. C. Fowler, Secretary ; and E. B. Van Valkenbergh, Treasurer. The officers of Baw Beese Hose Company, No. 2, are
103
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
William Perry, Foreman ; Nicholas Smith, Secretary ; Christopher E. Miller, Treasurer. During the year 1876, the subject of purchasing a steam fire engine was agitated. There were several meetings of the Council at which the matter was discussed, and measures were taken to ascertain the advantages of the various manufacturing establishments whose steamers were in use. Through the active exertions of Dr. A. F. Whelan, who manifested a laudable interest in the Fire Department, an engine made by Clapp & Jones, Toledo, Ohio, was finally purchased at very advantageous figures, one of the old engines having been given in ex- change for it together with two bonds of a thousand dollars each,-one payable the 1st of March following, the other one year from that date, at eight per cent. interest. The fire companies were then disbanded, and the management of the steamer intrusted to a salaried engineer, who is aided by two assistants, delegated from the hose companies each month. The present fire department consists of Ira B. Card, Chief; Clarence W. Terwilliger, Assistant; W. O. Corwin, Engineer.
OAK GROVE CEMETERY.
Oak Grove Cemetery, which is the burial-place of the city, is located north of the college, and one mile and a half from the centre of the business portion of the city. It is finely located, and remarkable for the undulating beauty of the ground and the variety and luxuriance of its foliage. Oak Grove Cemetery Association was organized in accord- ance with the statutes of Michigan, and at its first meeting, held Nov. 21, 1859, H. E. Whipple was chosen president ; and Joel B. Wheaton, Clerk ; Hiram Pierce, Treasurer ; and J. J. Long, Sexton. The association after having been organized proceeded to the selection of a site having suffi- cient natural advantages and within reasonable distance of the city. The present ground north of the college was finally agreed upon and twenty acres purchased. It was im- mediately laid out in lots, ranging in price from ten dollars to twenty dollars, according to size, the larger being twenty- four by twenty-four feet, and the smaller twelve by twenty- four feet. The price was afterwards increased to fifteen and thirty dollars, and still later to twenty and forty dollars.
It was afterwards found expedient to increase the size of the ground, and five acres more were added, the first twenty costing six hundred dollars, and the additional five, four hundred and seventy dollars. A by-laws and constitution were then drafted and adopted, May 29, 1860. In Decem- ber, 1861, L. Olney was elected President, and Alonzo Hopkins, Vice-President; and the same month a "lot was set apart for the purpose of a burial-ground for such persons as may be killed or die while in service of the United States army as soldiers or sailors." April, 1868, G. W. Under- wood was elected President; L. P. Reynolds, Secretary ; and H. Waldron, Treasurer. During Mr. Underwood's presi- dency the large stone gate on the south side was erected, at a cost of about one thousand dollars. It is a solid structure and an ornament to the cemetery.
In 1871, Horace Blackmar was elected President, and Daniel Beebe, Vice-President. During their official term a contract was entered into to construct the gate and resi- dence at the eastern entrance to the grounds, the cost of
which was nine hundred dollars. In 1873 a public vault was found to be a necessity, and one was erected of brick on the north side of the grounds.
During the summer of 1878, a windmill and tank were constructed, from which pipes were laid to con- vey the water to every part of the grounds, and by this means trees and shrubs are constantly moistened and main- tained in growing condition. The annual decoration-day services are regularly observed, and on these interesting oc- casions very meritorious orations have been delivered. The residents of the city feel a just pride in their finely-located cemetery, and are rapidly improving and beautifying their lots.
Hon. Henry Waldron has built a private vault, and there are several imposing Scotch granite monuments. Mr. E. G. Reynolds is the efficient and obliging secretary of the association.
ST. PETER'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Mission Work .- The Protestant Episcopal Church in Hillsdale, in the early days, was under the fostering care of the mother church at Jonesville. The Rev. Darius Bar- ker, Rector of Grace Church, Jonesville, held the first ser- vice in the village of Hillsdale. As related by himself, on a Sunday of November, 1839, he groped his way through the then forest, where now stands the thickest settled por- tion of the city, inquiring the way to Hillsdale. The vil- lage proper then stood chiefly on the field which is now the county fair ground ; and this religious service was held in the hotel of Adam Howder, within the inclosure of the present trotting course. One disinterested party entered grievous complaint on the following day, because Sunday having been pleasant, the workmen were detained by the service from digging potatoes, which were covered with snow on Monday.
How often the reverend gentlemen visited the place is not known. Further missionary work was done by succes- sive rectors from Jonesville during the following twenty years, being in order the Revs. Luman Foote, Robert S. Elder, Chas. R. Huson, and Levi H. Corson. Services were held in any place found most convenient, private houses, the railroad depot, and the Methodist Church build- ing. Removals of church families from Jonesville to Hills- dale increased the number of interested workers, speedily and successfully establishing the mission.
Organization .- On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 1844, at a meet- ing held in the county rooms, Rev. Luman Foote pre- siding, the parish was organized according to law, under the title of St. Peter's Church. At a subsequent meeting, Ezekiel H. Humphrey was elected Senior Church Warden, Eli C. Kellogg, Junior Church Warden, and Rockwell Man- ning, Henry S. Platt, John B. Dill, Charles Powell, Wil- lard W. Wood, William T. Howell, Alexander S. Griswold, and Robert Allan, Vestrymen.
On Thursday, March 18, 1858, at a meeting of the parish, Rev. Levi H. Corson presiding, a re-organization was effected under the revised statute of 1857, by Wm. R. Montgomery, Freeman H. Mott, Franklin Gridley, Richard Rowe, Edwin A. Howard, Henry T. Farnam, Lucius A. Bostwick, Eli Van Valkenburgh, and Harvey B. Rowlson.
104
HISTORY OF HILLSDALE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
The number of vestrymen was made six, to be elected annually, on Wednesday of Easter week. On Wednesday, April 3, 1858, the six vestrymen were elected, as follows : Isaac Owen, Richard Rowe, Lucius A. Bostwick, Edwin A. Howard, Wm. R. Montgomery, and Freeman H. Mott.
The annual election was shortly afterward ordered, with- out legal warrant, to be held on Monday of Easter week, and the number of vestrymen was changed annually, at the pleasure of the meeting, from six to ten. In 1873, the Legislature, by special act, legalized Monday, in Easter week, as annual election day, and established the number of vestrymen to be seven, including the wardens.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.