USA > Michigan > Eaton County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 103
USA > Michigan > Ingham County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 103
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ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIP .- LIST OF OFFICERS.
" An Act to Organize Certain Townships," approved March 17, 1835, contains the following :
"SECTION 5 .- Be it enacted by the Legislative Council of the Ter- ritory of Michigan, That the couoty of Eaton shall he a township by the name of BELLEVILLE, and the first township-mecting shall be held at such place as the sheriff of Calhoun County shall appoint in said county of Eaton, and shall be attached to the county of Calhoun for all judicial purposes."+
The original bill for the formation of this township, as it passed the Legislature and was approved by Governor Stevens T. Mason on the day specified, provided plainly that the name of the township should be Belleville, although it was intended by the petitioners that Bellevue t should be the name. The latter would certainly be in keeping with the location of the village, which was originally a beautiful burr-oak plain, and Dr. O. C. Comstock, of Marshall, says, " I can see great significance in the name of Bellevue at- tached to such a spot."
The second place where the township is mentioned in the State records is in the session laws of 1837, in sec- tion 36 of act number 49, approved March 17th of that year, and it there appears as Bellevue. Business has always been transacted under the latter name, but there is no act or record showing that the name has ever been legally changed from Belleville.
The first division of the township occurred on the 11th of March, 1837, when Eaton and Vermontville were formed, thus reducing its territory by half. March 6, 1838, the township of Oneida was organized, leaving Bellevue to in- clude the southwest quarter of the county. The next division was made March 15, 1838, when Kalamo was formed, including what are now Kalamo and Carmel, March 21, 1839, Carmel and Walton were organized, and Bellevue was left to include its present territory,-township number 1 north, in range number 6 west.
Previous to the fall of 1837 the county of Eaton was attached to Calhoun for judicial purposes, and township- meetings were held in Bellevue as a portion of the latter
+ Sce Territorial Laws, 1835, pp. 96-97, State Library.
# The original petition of the inhabitants of the township to tho Legislative Council, in February, 1835, prays that the name of the new town may be Bellerue, but by some mistake in copying it ap- peared as Belleville in the bill which passed the council. These facts have been discovered after thorough search in the records and files of the accretary of state's office .- Eniron.
" This name appears both Andrus and Andrewa.
411
BELLEVUE.
county, to which its returns were made. After the organi- zation of Eaton County, Bellevue was for some time its most important and thickly-settled township, and the county business was transacted at the village until the spring of 1840, when it was transferred to Charlotte, the county-seat, which was beginning to attract considerable notice.
FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING.
The following account of the first township-meeting in the township of Bellevue, held in April, 1835, was pre- pared by John T. Hayt in 1869 :
" The first election in Eaton County was held in the spring of 1835. The whole county was organized into the township of Belleville,* and attached to Calhoun County for judicial purposes. The township clection was ordered to be held in the log meeting-houso. Reuben Fitzgerald, Sylvanus Hunsiker, and Calvin Phelps constituted the board, and John T. Hayt was appointed clerk. At that time the township-twenty-four miles square-contained but four legal voters, viz. : Reuben Fitzgerald, Sylvanus Hunsiker, Calvin Phelps, and James Kimberly. The other inhabitants of the township had not lived there long enough to entitle them to vote. The board ordered Calvin Phelps to proclaim the polls opened, which he promptly obeyed. Stepping in front of the cabin, bis hat off, with a loud voice he proclaimed, ' The poll of this election is now open,' and warned all men, under the penalty of the law, to keep the peace, which created a hearty laugh hy the board. At that township-meeting the four electors voted unanimously for Sylvanus Hunsiker, Supervisor ; Sylvanus Hunsiker and Calvin Phelps, Justices of the Peace ; John T. Hayt, Treasurer; Calvin Phelps, Township Clerk; Reuben Fitz- gerald, James Kimberly, and Calvin Phelps, Road Commissioners ; Daniel Mason, Nuble F. Blossom, Lawrence Campbell, and James Tripp, Constables. The board, of course, in accordance with law, had to sit all day for the reception of votes, when they knew that only four voters constituted the whole constituency in the township, and they had deposited their votes within balf an hour after the poll was opened. Nevertheless, the board performed its duty according to law. Thus the township had a political existence, officers to exe- cute the laws were duly elected and qualified, and the laws could be enforced."
The following account of the first township-meeting is from the records :+
"At a township-meeting held pursuant to notice from the sheriff of Cathoun County, at the school-house in the village of Bellevue, in the township of Bellevue, on the 6th day of April, 1835, Reuben Fitzgerald, being an elector, was chosen moderator, and John T. Hayt was chosen clerk. The following persons were elected to office :
" For Supervisor, Sylvanus Hunsiker.
"For Tuwnship Clerk, John T. Ilayt.
"For Assessors, Philander Baker, Reuben Fitzgerald, Calvin Phelps.
" For Collector, Daniel Mason.
"For Commissioners of Highways, James Kimberly, Lawrence Campbell, Calvin Phelps.
" For Constable, Daniel Mason.
" For Directors of the Poor, Benjamin Badou, Calvia Phelps.
" For Fence-Viewers, Daniel Mason, Philander Baker.
" For Roadmaster, Reuben Fizgerald.
" For Poundmasters, Benjamin Badoo, Alvinza Bonner.
" We certify that the above record is a true copy of the election of township-meeting, held, as afuresaid, the 6th day of April, 1835.
" REUBEN FITZGERALD,
" JOHN T. HAYT."
Among the " township marks" for stock recorded in the earlier years were the following :
John T. Hayt's mark for all animals,-a slit in the right ear and a notch in the left ear. May 10, 1835.
Sylvanus HIunsiker's mark,-a slit in the right ear. April 9, 1836.
William C. Fonda's mark, Dec. 18, 1836, -- " the ends of both ears cut off and slit inwards."
Ebenezer Avery's, December, 1836,-" a swallow-tail (or fork) in each ear."
Henry C. Hughes',-swallow's tail in the right ear.
David Lucas', Dec. 18, 1836,-" a notch in the left ear, about the middle (under)."
Reuben Fitzgerald's,-" slit in the left ear (point)."
Aaron White's, March 18, 1837,-W in the right ear.
At a meeting of the township-board held May 8, 1841, it was
" Ist. Resolved, That iu the opinion of the board, the public good does not require the licensing of three places for the sale of spirituous liquors in this town, and was carried.
" 2d. Resolved, That the board grant no license for selling spiritu- ous liquors in the town, and was carried.
"3d. Resolved, A. Grant have license for selling spirituous liquors, and was lust.
" 4th. Resolved, That licenses be granted to the stores in this vil- lage, with the exception of selling spirituous liquors, and was car- ried.
" 5th. Resolved, That A. Grant bave license, if he calls for it, with the exception of selling spirituous liquors and wines, and was car- ried.
"DAVID JUDSON, Town Clerk."
"July 10th .- The township-board met, on the application of A. Grant and others, to reconsider the subject of license.
" Resolved, On motion of S. Hunsiker, that Amos A. & W. M. Grant have license for selling spirituous liquor in the buildings he now occupies, as prescribed by law.
(Signed) " A. W. ROGERS, " ASA DAY, "SYLVANUS HUNSIKER."
In 1841 it was voted to raise fifty dollars to build a fence around the burying-ground near Bellevue, and the work was done by Reuben Fitzgerald.
Feb. 8, 1842, the town board met as a board of health, to consider public nuisances, and examined Battle Creek from the mills in the village down to the county-line. They decided the next day that " the mill-pond, above the rapids, so called, is a public nuisance," and wrote a notice to be served on John B. and Isaac E. Crary to re- move the same in twenty hours. They also notified Peter Reed to remove a quantity of slabs in the stream just below the bridge, and ordered the commissioners of high- ways to prevent stagnant water between the village and H. D. Hall's store.
The Messrs. Crary paid no heed to the notice served apon them, and the board, on the 15th of March, assem- bled at the mill-dam " and took about one and a half feet off from the top of the dam, and about twenty feet in length,"-or enough so no overflow was caused above the upper rapids.
The records of township-meetings for 1836 and 1837 are not filled out, but it is ascertained that in the former year David Lucas was township clerk. The following is a list of the principal officers of the township from 1838 to 1879, inclusive :
* See account of organization.
+ This necount is, of course, reliable, but does not agree with that of Mr. Hayt, who wrote entirely from memory.
412
HISTORY OF EATON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
SUPERVISORS.
1838-41, Reuben Fitzgerald; 1842, Andrew W. Rogers; 1843, Wil- liam R. Carpenter; 1844-45, Norman S. Booth ; 1846-47, George S. Avery ; 1848, Sylvanus Hunsiker; 1849, Horatio Hall; 1850, Reuben Fitzgerald :# 1851-52, John T. Hnyt; 1853, Horatio Hall; 1854, William P. Viele; 1855, James Hoxie ; + 1856, Alan- son Meech; 1857-58, Horatio Hall; 1859. Henry 11. Hickok ; 1860, Henry A. Ilunsiker; 1861, Benjamin Evans ; 1862, Henry A. Ilunsiker; 1863-70, M. W. Walker; 1871, John A. Spaul- ding : 1872, Henry A. Hunsiker; 1873, David Nelson ; 1874, John A. Spaulding; 1875, Horatio Hall; 1876-79, John A. Spaulding.
TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1838-39, Calvin Phelps; 1840, Caleb Woodbury, Jr .; 184], David Judson ; 1842, Alanson Meech; 1843, Henry llarris ;¿ 1844-45, Alanson Meech ; 1846, Benjamin F. Hinman; 1847, R. J. Grant, 1848, Horatio Hall; 1849, Elial Bond ; 1850, George S. Avery; 1851, David Lucas; 1852, William M. Grant; 1853, Sylvanus Hunsiker ; 1854, Oscar D. Spaulding ; 1855-58, Rossel B. Hughes; 1859, William W. Cule ;2 1860-62, Wait B. Morgan ; 1863, Martin S. Brackett, Jr .; 1864, Henry T. Stephens ; 1865 -66, E. M. Kingsbury ; 1867, Norman S. Booth ; 1868-71, Henry A. Hunsiker; 1872, E. M. Kingsbury ; 1873, M. V. Avery ; 1874-75, Edwin S. Hoskins ; 1876, Daniel D. Gardiner; 1877, Henry A. Hunsiker ; | 1878, H. A. Hunsiker; 1879, Porter M. Harwood.
TREASURERS.
1839, Caleb Woodbury, Jr .; 1840, Stephen Woodbury, Jr. ; 1841-42, John T. Hayt; 1843-45, George S. Avery ; 1846, Robert J. Grant; 1847, Uri Shapley; 1848-49, Russell Slade, Jr. ; 1850, Henry II. Hickok ; 1851, Norman P. Shumway; 1852, Sylvester Andrews; 1853, Michael W. Walker ; 1854-55, Henry A. Ilun- siker; 1856-57, Simeon D. Bardon ; 1858-59, Chauncey Dun- ning ; 1860, George F. Holden; 1861, Francis E. Andrews; 1862-63, Joshua B. Hull; 1864, James Holden ; 1865-69, Simeon D. Bardon ; 1870, J. B. Ilull; 1871-77, William Huggett; 1878, H. M. Allen ; 1879, David Nelson.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1838, John T. Ellis, Parley P. Shumway, Ruloff Butler ; 1839, Syl- vanus Hunsiker, Calvin Phelps; 1840, Asn Day ; 1841, Andrew W. Rogers ; 1842, Amaziah Darrow ; 1843, Sylvanus Hunsiker ; 1844, Asa Day ; 1845, Luther Brown ; 1846, Norman S. Booth ; 1847, Slocum H. Bunker ; 1848, Charles E. Beardsley ; 1849, John Sargent ; 1850, James Kimberly ; 1851, Horatio Ilall, Sylvanus Hunsiker, II. T. Fero ; 1852, Seneca 11. Gage, Sylvester Higgins ; 1853, John Sargent; 1854, Sylvanus Hunsiker ; 1855; S. Hun- siker, Alanson Meech ; 1856, Norman S. Booth, Win. Bonney ; 1857 ; Iliram T. Fero ; 1858, Edward M. Kingsbury ; 1859, John Sargent, John Ilart ; 1860, John Ilamlin ; 1861, Norman S. Booth ; 1862, William I'. Vicle; 1863, E. M. Kingsbury ; 1864, John Sar- gent; 1865, N. S. Booth ; 1866, Wm. P. Viele ; 1867, E. M. Kings- bury ; 1868, Jolin Sargent ; 1869, Silas Anson ; 1870, S. J. IIun- siker; 1871, no record; 1872, F. A. Ford; 1873, Enos Bough- ton, Irs Sargent, J. F. Sykes ; 1874, Frank A. Ford ; 1875, Jason B. Johnson ; 1876, Francis E. Andrews; 1877, Enos Boughton ; 1878, Frank A. Ford; 1879, M. W. Walker.
1880 .- Supervisor, John A. Spaulding ; Towaship Clerk, Daniel D. Gardiner ; Treasurer, David Nelson ; Justice of the Peace, F. E. Andrews; School Superintendent, Frank A. Ford ; Schoul Inspector, Juhn C. Deuel; Commissioner of High- ways, Sylvanus J. Hunsiker ; Drain Commissioner, Geurge W. Hlire; Constables, Eluner J. Holland, Charles Spaulding, Myron S. Anson, Charles T. Fonda.
· Declined to serve " now and forever," and Slocumn H. Bunker was temporarily appointed, Irs Tillotson being elected at a special meet- ing subsequently.
+ Resigned, and Alanson Meech appointed.
Į D. Darwin Hughes, deputy.
{ Removed fram township, and Alanson Mecch appointed temporary clerk.
[ Resigned, and Iliram M. Allen appointed.
VILLAGE PLATS OF BELLEVUE.
The original town of Bellevue was laid out Nov. 5, 1835, by Isaac E. Crary and wife, and was surveyed by C. W. Fish, deputy surveyor. It included the northeast quarter of section 28, in town 1 north, range 6 west, and was re- corded at Marshall, Calhoun Co. An extension to the vil- lage was laid out Feb. 15, 1837, by Reuben Fitzgerald ; the southeastern addition was platted by William P. Cole, June 30, 1858, and Barber's addition was recorded May 14, 1870.
INCORPORATION, LIST OF OFFICERS, ETC.
The village of Bellevue was incorporated by the board of supervisors, Oct. 16, 1867, to include the following ter- ritory,-viz. : The east half and east half of west half ot section 28, and the west half of the west half of section 27. Enos Boughton, John Evans, and Henry S. Robinson were appointed inspectors of the first village election, to be held Nov. 19, 1867, at the office of E. M. Kingsbury in said village. The census of the village in October, 1867, as taken by E. M. Kingsbury, was 98 families, or 548 per- sons. The following officers were elected Nov. 19, 1867 : President, Reuben Fitzgerald ; Trustees, R. B. Hughes, Wm. P. Viele, D. S. Snyder, Enos Boughton, S. Il. Gage, Henry L. Robinson ; Assessors, Sylvanus J. Hunsiker, A. J. Sawyer; Marshal, William W. West ; Treasurer, E. L. Snyder ; Clerk, John Evans ; Street Commissioners, Silas Anson, John Farlin, Seth Hall ; Poundmaster, D. B. An- son. J. K. Taylor and Seth Hall were appointed fire war- dens by the board.
The following are the officers elected since the above date :
1868 .- President, Enos Boughton ; Trustees, M. S. Brackett, H. A. Hunsiker, Charles B. Wood, 11. L. Robinson, Seth Hall, Lewis Scout; Assessors, John K. Taylor, M. S. Brackett, Jr .; Treasurer, Reuben Fitzgerald; Clerk (two years), E. M. Kingsbury.
1869 .- President, Henry A. Hunsiker; Trustees, M. S. Brackett, Enos Boughton, Seth Ilall, S. J. Ilunsiker, II. L. Robinson, ITorace Mason ; Assessors, John K. Taylor, M. S. Brackett, Jr .; Marshal, J. B. Hull ; Treasurer, Reuben Fitzgerald.
1870 .- President, R. B. Ilughes ; Trustees (two years), M. W. Walker, Horace Mason, Silas Anson ; one year, William P. Viele, S. J. Ilunsiker, J. K. Taylor; Assessors, John N. Hall, J. K. Taylor; Marshal, J. B. Hull ; Treasurer, Reuben Fitzgerald ; Clerk (two years), E. M. Kingsbury.
1871 .- President, John Evans; Trustees (two years), F. A. Ford, J. Farlin, 11. A. Ilmusiker; one year, to fill vacancies, George IFuggett, S. J. Ilunsiker ; Assessors, R. B. Ilughes, Enos Boughton ; Marshal, S. Aason; Treasurer, Rouben Fitz- gerald.
1872 .- President, Enos Boughton ; Trustees (two years), H. L. Rob- inson, Iliram Ovenshire, A. J. Sawyer; Assessurs, William Huggett, John N. Ilall ; Marshal, William Huggett; Treas- urer, A. E. Fitzgerald ; Clerk (two years), Alfred Rindge.
1873 .- President, Enos Boughtou; Trustees (two years), Il. A. Ilun- siker, Geurge ITuggett, S. J. Iluosiker ; Assessors, Geurge lluggett, R. B. Ilughes ; Marshal, W. W. West; Treasurer, A. E. Fitzgerald.
1874 .- President, Enos Boughton ; Clerk (two years), Edwin S. Ilos- kins; Trustees (twu years), Henry L. Robinson, Albert J. Sawyer, William Hluggett ; Assessors, Frank A. Ford, Albert J. Sawyer; Treasurer, Adelbert E. Fitzgerald ; Marshal, William B. Ruggles.
1875 .- President, Enos Boughton; Trustees (two yoars), Hiram Ovenshire, George Hluggett, Henry Hamlin; Assessors, F.
413
BELLEVUE.
A. Ford, R. B. Hughes ; Marshal, William W. West; Treas- urer, Daniel D. Gardiner.
1876 .- President, George Huggett; Clerk (two years), E. S. Hoskins; Trustees (two years), HI. T. Stephens, A. J. Sawyer, Il. J. Churchill; Tressurer, D. D. Gardiner ; Assessors, Frank A. Ford, John Evans ; Marshal, M. S. Anson.
1877 .- President, John Evans; Trustees (two years), D. S. Snyder, William Dexter, H. M. Allen; Assessors, John Evans, F. A. Ford; Treasurer, D. D. Gardiner; Marshal, E. J. Hol- land.
1878 .- President, John Evans ; Clerk (two years), Edwin S. Hoskins ; Trustees (two years), Albert J. Sawyer, Hiram Ovenshire, Henry L. Robinson ; Assessors, Frank A. Ford, J. R. Ifall ; Treasurer, Daniel D. Gardiner ; Marshal, Elmer J. Holland. 1879 .- President, John Evans; Trustees (two years), Willism Dexter, M. A. Hance, D. S. Snyder ; one year, to fill vacancy, J. B. Hull; Treasurer, D. D. Gardiner ; Marshal, Elmer J. Hol- land; Assessors, F. A. Ford, J. R. Hall.
1880 .- President, John C. Deuel ; Clerk (two years), Edwin S. Ifos- kins; Trustees (two years), Hiram Ovenshire, Henry L. Robinson, Joshna B. Hull; Treasurer, Daniel D. Gardiner; Assessors, Ilenry A. IInnsiker, Hiram M. Allen; Marshal, Elmer J. Ilolland; Poundmaster, Elmer J. Ilolland; Street Commissioners, Martin O'Donnell, John Evans, Silas An- son ; Fire Wardens, Charles B. Wood, Granger F. Anson.
The old Union Hotel at Bellevue is now known as the Taylor House. J. K. Taylor is the proprietor.
The grist-mill at the village was built in 1852 by Man- lius Mann, of Marshall. In 1871 it was enlarged and re- modeled by Gardiner, Mason & Co., and is now the prop- erty of Gardiner & Ovenshire. It contains three runs of stone and does both merchant and custom business.
NEWSPAPER.
The Bellevue Gazette was established by Alfred Rindge, in June, 1872, and Edwin S. Hoskins became proprietor May 1, 1874. The latter gentleman has continued its publication to the present time, and aside from his duties as editor and publisher he is the secretary of the State Senate. His paper is independent in politics, and is a seven-column folio sheet, printed on a hand press. It has a good circulation.
BAND.
A band was organized in the village shortly previous to the Rebellion, and flourished for a time. Another sprang into existence about 1871-72, and " died away" like the strains of its music, and the present one was organized in the summer of 1880. It consists of ten pieces, with Frank Phelps as leader.
SOCIETIES AND ORDERS.
Bellevue Lodge, No. 83, F. and A. M., was organized under dispensation, March 19, 1853, with the following members : William M. Grant, W. M .; Sylvanus Hunsiker, S. W .; Reuben Fitzgerald, J. W .; Henry A. Hunsiker, Henry H. Hickok, William J. Hickok, and David Lucas. The members met Oct. 26, 1853, and chose the following officers: David Lucas, Sec .; H. H. Hickok, Trcas .; H. A. Hunsiker, S. D .; William J. Hickok, J. D. A charter was granted Jan. 10, 1856, when Reuben Fitzgerald was W. M .; H. H. Hickok, S. W .; and David Alackner, J. W. The membership of the lodge, July 21, 1880, was eighty, and the officers were as follows: H. T. Stephens, Wor- shipful Master ; S. H. Bush, Senior Warden ; E. J. Mar-
shall, Junior Warden ; HI. A. Hunsiker, Treas .; A. E. Fitzgerald, Sec .; James Huggett, Senior Deacon ; William Dexter, Junior Deacon ; O. M. Mahau, Tiler.
Bellevue Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., was organized Nov. 29, 1867, with the following as charter mem- bers: M. S. Brackett, H. P .; James W. Ilickok, K .; Silas Anson, Scribe; R. B. Hughes, C. of H .; Hiram Ovenshire, P. S .; William P. Viele, G. M. 3d V .; Henry A. Hunsiker, G. M. 2d V .; S. J. Hunsiker, G. M. 1st V .; P. F. Taylor, Sec .; Ilenry L. Robinson, Treas .; Gilbert Blue, R. A. C .; Ezekiel Blue, Sentinel. The membership, July 20, 1880, was about thirty, and the officers were: Francis E. Andrews, High Priest; Silas Anson, King; Hiram Ovenshire, Scribe; Henry A. IIun- siker, Captain of the Host; S. J. Hunsiker, Grand Master 3d Veil; S. Bush, Grand Master 2d Veil ; William Dexter, Grand Master 1st Veil; James Huggett, Royal Arch Cap- tain ; E. J. Marshall, Principal Sojourner ; H. A. Hodge- man, Sentinel; Seneca Palmer, Treas .; J. K. Taylor, Sec.
Bellevue Lodge, No. 307, I. O. of O. F., was instituted Dec. 25, 1876, with six charter members,-G. F. Anson, T. F. Hull, S. M. Abbey, J. L. Anson, A. L. Winans, William Johnson. The first officers were : John C. Deuel, N. G .; G. F. Anson, V. G .; E. Sackett, R. S .; Charles Hnll, P. S .; S. M. Abbey, Treas. The present mem- bership is forty, and the officers are : Charles Hull, Noble Grand ; Theodore Hull, Vice-Grand ; W. H. Addington, Rec. Sec .; L. B. Cook, Per. Sec .; G. F. Anson, Treas.
Bellevue Lodge, No. 296, I. O. G. T., was organized, as it at present exists, Jan. 3, 1866, although a lodge had been formed previously and become extinct. Martin S. Brackett was the first Worthy Chief Templar. The present membership of the lodge is about sixty, and the officers are : J. D. Grinnell, Worthy Chief Templar; Mrs. John Evans, Worthy Vice-Templar ; John Evans, Worthy Mar- shal; Mrs. J. N. Hall, Past Worthy Chief Templar ; Jen- nie Trowbridge, Sec .; G. F. Anson, Fin. Sec .; Sarah Gay- ton, Treas. John Evans, of Bellevue, was for over twenty years secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State, and is at present Grand Worthy Chief Templar.
SCHOOLS.
The early schools have received mention at the hands of Mr. Hayt, and his notice of them will be found in another place. The old brick Union school building at Bellevue was burned in 1877 or 1878, and the schools of the village are now kept in the old Eagle Hotel, which quarters are entirely too small. It is probable that a new building will soon be erected, although no provision has yet been made. The school is conducted on the graded plan. The following items are from the report of the township school inspectors for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879 :
Number of districts in township (whole, 5; fractional, 4) .... 9 children of school age in township 673
in attendance during year. 532
days school taught.
1361
school-houses (all frame).
9
seatings in same ... 680
Value of school property
$3465.00 Number of teachers employed (males, 5; females, 14). 19
Wages paid same (males, $752; females, $1415).
$2167.00
Total resources for year.
3896.94
Amount on hand Sept. 1, 1879 373.83
Total expenditures, less amount on hand.
3523.11
414
HISTORY OF EATON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
RELIGIOUS.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Bellevue .- The following sketch of this church is taken from the historical record in the church :
The first sermon in Eaton County was delivered in 1833, at the house of Reuben Fitzgerald, by Rev. John D. Pierce, of Marshall, a Presbyterian minister. In the spring of 1834 three Methodist families settled in the place, and some time in the following summer Rev. Mr. Hobart preached the first Methodist sermon in the place. In the fall of 1834, James F. Davidson was appointed to the Calhoun Mission, Detroit District, Ohio Conference, James Gilruth, presiding elder, with Richard Lawrence for his colleague. Mr. Davidson was the first traveling preacher who visited Bellevue. In the same fall (1834) he organ- ized the first Methodist class at the place, consisting of James Kimberly, Sophronia Kimberly, Sylvanus Hunsiker, Permelia Hunsiker, and a Mr. Vacker,-five altogether, -James Kimberly, leader. In the fall of 1835 the Ano Arbor District was formed, with H. Colelazer presiding elder, and E. H. Pilcher and F. A. Seaborn were appointed to Calhoun Mission, which included Bellevue. In the spring of 1836 the Michigan Conference was formed. Mr. Colelazer continued as presiding elder of Ann Arbor District, and Elijah Crane ministered to the Calhoun Mission. Mar- shall Circuit was formed-and included Bellevue-in 1837. It also included nearly a dozen other charges, to which Elijah Crane was appointed, with one to be supplied. In the fall of 1838 Marshall District was formed and E. Pil- cher appointed presiding elder, which position he retained four years. Alvin Billings and Allen Staples were appointed to the circuit. In 1839, Benjamin Sabin was appointed, and James S. Ilarrison in 1840. In the fall of 1841 Eaton Circuit was formed, including Bellevue, to which Levi Warriner was appointed. Others were: 1842, S. C. Stringham ; 1843, David Knox ; 1844, Henry Chapman ; 1845, Reuben Reynolds ;* 1846, S. A. Osborn and J. S. Sutton ; 1847, E. L. Kellogg; 1848, J. F. Collins ; 1849, Amos Wakefield ; 1850, Amos Wakefield and Henry Harris. In the fall of 1851 Charlotte Circuit was formed, including Bellevue, and O. D. White was appointed. Following him were: 1852, S. P. Barker ; 1853, E. II. Day; 1854, George Bradley. In 1855, G. W. Hloag was appointed to Bellevue. In the spring of 1856 the Detroit Conference was formed, including that portion of the State east of the principal meridian. In the fall of 1856, Rev. Salmon Steel was appointed to Bellevue, and was succeeded by the following : 1857, J. T. Congdon ; 1858, J. I. Buel; 1859, T. II. Bignell; 1860-61, T. B. Granger ; 1862, George W. Sherman ; 1863-64, J. E. McAllister ; 1865, Alanson Coplin ; 1866, Wilson Gray ; 1867-69, W. M. Colby; 1870-71, I. Taylor ; 1872-74, S. C. Woodard ; 1875-76, William Riley; 1877-80, C. S. Fox, present pastor, whose place will be taken, in the order
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