History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 44

Author: Durant, Samuel W. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : D.W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 772

USA > Michigan > Eaton County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 44
USA > Michigan > Ingham County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 44

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For nearly two years the new church held services, some- times in private dwellings and sometimes in the public school buildings, without a regular organization. In the mean time Rev. Her accepted a call from another charge, and the little flock in Lansing made application to the strict and true confessional of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States to send them a minister. The Synod thereupon appointed Rev. II. Ram- low, a graduate of Concordia College of Fort Wayne, Ind., and also of Concordia Lutheran Seminary of St. Louis, Mo., to the charge.

On the 10th of September, 1871, the congregation or- ganized as the "Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, U. A. C.,t of Lansing." A board of trustees, consisting of the following gentlemen, was elected : F. Yeiter, J. Klotz, J. Keller. J. C. Schneider was elected secretary of the board. The present officers of the church are F. Yeiter, H. Rabe, and J. C. Schneider. In Decem- ber, 1872, Rev. Ramlow accepted a call to a church in Illinois, and was succeeded by Rev. J. M. M. Moll, who took charge of the congregation Feb. 2, 1873, and served his people faithfully for more than four years. In August,

1877, he accepted a call to the State of New York, and Rev. J. Bundenthal, the present pastor, succeeded him, and was installed on the 30th of September, 1877.}

At the present time the congregation unmbers 127 souls and seventy-three communicants, of whom twenty-five are entitled to vote in church matters. The average number of scholars attending the congregational school and cate- chetical exercises is twenty-three. The ladies' society has thirty- four members. Since 1871 the congregation has been a portion of the above-mentioned synod, and has, through its delegates, a voice and vote in all its delibera- tions.

The ground on which the church and parsonage stand was purchased from the State Nov. 2, 1871. The church building was erected in the same year, and dedicated Jan. 7, 1872. The parsonage was erected in 1873. The total cost of the property has been about $1800, upon which there remains an indebtedness of $500, which will un- doubtedly be paid in due time under the administration of the present worthy and energetic pastor.

SPIRITUALISM .¿

Like most other forms of religious belief, the doetrines of modern Spiritualism were very unpopular in the days of their infancy, and there was no exception to the rule in Lansing. From the earliest knowledge of its peculiar teach- ings down to the year 1866, little was understood concern- ing it in Lansing outside the circles of its immediate friends and adherents.

In the year last named an organization bearing the name of the "Society of Spiritualists of Lansing" was estab- lished, with at first a small membership, but which in a little time increased to about one hundred active workers.

The first president of this society was Mrs. S. D. Coryell, and among prominent pioneers in the cause were Martin Ryan and wife, Mrs. M. Ilavens, Mrs. S. Steadman, F. D. Carnahan, W. H. Cornell and wife, C. Packard and wife.

Public meetings were regularly held for a time in old Capitol Hall, and Giles B. Stebbins, Moses Hull, Mrs. L. A. Pearsall, and Dr. Barnard were among those who offi- ciated as speakers, the last named being employed for a time regularly.

A children's lyecum was also organized under the super- vision of Capt. Bailey, Mrs. S. D. Coryell being guardian, and Miss Carrie Stedman secretary. The objects, as stated in the constitution, were " The promotion of truth, justice, fraternal love, purity, beauty, music, art, health, science, philosophy, and spirituality."

The children were formed into elasses under such names as " Fountain Group," " Stream Group," " River Group," "Star Group," etc. The attendance was numerous, and the school was ably conducted by experienced teachers of " Progressive Philosophy."

The society flourished during a period of about three

* From minutes furnished by Rev. J. Bundenthat.

Unaltered Augsburg Confession.

į Mr. Bundenthat has in his library perhaps the oldest Bible and other theologieal works in Ingham County. The Bible is ene hun- dred and ninety-four years old, and other books date back from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and sixty-five years. They are all printed in German.

¿ Information furnished by Mr. A. E. Nugent.

179

CITY OF LANSING.

years, and many additions were made to its ranks; but at length, owing mostly to the removal of some of its promi- nent supporters, and the necessarily heavy expense incurred in managing its affairs, the public meetings were discontin- ned, and the society ceased to exist as an organized body. From 1870 to the spring af 1880, the cause languished or remained entirely dormant. At the latter date a call was circulated for a meeting to be held at the residence of Dr. A. W. Edson, which convened on the 6th of May. The meeting was called to order by A. E. Nugent, who stated its objects briefly, and after a careful review of the situation it was decided to effect an organization, which was accord- ingly accomplished, and the following officers were chosen : President, A. E. Nugent; Vice-President, Dr. A. W. Edson ; Secretary, Mrs. Lucy E. Buck ; Treasurer, Mrs. G. Merrells. A board of directors was also chosen, con- sisting of S. P. Buck, J. Smallwood, and Mrs. Esther S. Nugent.

The organization was designated as the " First Society of Spiritualists and Liberalists," and its objects, as set forth in its declaration . of principles, are the " Advancement of Spiritual Philosophy and the Promotion of Free Thought." Private meetings only were for a time held every Sunday, at which ordinary business was transacted, and interesting topics discussed for the " good of the cause."

The first public meeting of the new organization was held in Mead's Hall, on Sunday, Aug. 1, 1880, and proved a very successful one, a numerous and appreciative audience being present. The speakers were Rev. Charles A. Andrus, of Flushing, Genesee Co., Mich., and Dr. Henry Slade, the noted medium, with Miss Agnes L. Slade, nicce of the latter, as vocalist.

The society has thus far prospered, receiving additions to its numbers, and holding interesting and instructive meetings.

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION .*

This institution was organized under a law of the Legis- ture approved March 27, 1867. Articles of association were signed April 13, 1877. The original members were, Louis De Lamater, President ; Byron G. Coryell, Secre- tary ; Luther A. Ingersoll, Corresponding Secretary; H. P. Bartlett, Vice-President ; George A. Hasty, Treasurer ; A. C. Nichols, George A. Morrison, Eugene S. Thompson, M. S. Collier, D. K. Fuller, A. T. Davis, E. E. Burdick, and Theodore A. Hildreth.

Since the organization until the present time (July, 1880), meetings have been held in Bartlett's Commercial College rooms ; but steps are being taken to fit up rooms in the old Capitol, which will be occupied by the associa- tion and Mr. Bartlett's college together.

In October, 1878, the State convention of these associa- tions was held in Lansing, and under its influence con- siderable accessions were made to the membership, which, at the present time, in active working condition, numbers about fifty.

During the winter of 1878-79 a series of revival meet- ings were held in the churches of North Lansing under the

management of the State secretary of the association, which resulted in something like a hundred conversions, many of whom united with the churches.

Regular meetings are held for business quarterly, and meetings of the board of directors every month. Bible readings are conducted every Wednesday evening. For a considerable time meetings were held at two of the churches in Delta township, Eaton Co. These have been discon- tinued, but regular semi-monthly meetings are now held at the Grove school-house, in Watertown, Clinton Co. The present officers are H. P. Bartlett, President; B. G. Coryell, Vice-President; A. T. Davis, Treasurer ; Will A. Wilcox, Recording Secretary ; George A. Hasty, Corre- sponding Secretary.

UNION SUNDAY-SCHOOL.

A Sunday-school is maintained in the city by the union of a large number of the Protestant Church organizations. The following statistics we find in a report made at the last union Sunday-school convention, held at the Central Meth- odist Episcopal church on Sunday, July 11, 1880. The report covers the quarter ending June 30, 1880 :

SCHOOLS.

Number of Officers and

Number Scholars, in-

cluding all classes.

Total Number

Belonging.

Average Attendance

of Officers and

Teachers.

Average Attendance

of Scholars.

tendance.

Additions to the

Total Amount of

Collections.

Central

Methodist Epis-

297

192

218

$41.38

First Presbyterian ....

145

64.84

Plymouth, Congregational.

298

328

132

158

32.61

Franklin Street, Presby- terian ....

150

172

101

120

23,39

First Methodist Episcopal ...

167

188

109

14 16

First Baptist

194

214

107

25.24

African Mission

715

4114

5.67

Free-Will Baptist.

9.03

Methodist Protestant

...

4.58

Totals

186

1407

1593

15614

774

93014

120

$219.90

The Catholics and Lutherans support separate schools, including both parochial and Sabbath-schools.

CEMETERIES.

Under an act of the State Legislature, approved April 3, 1848, granting lands to religious societies, schools, and for burial-places, the State donated to the township of Lan- sing blocks No. 247 and 248 of the original town-plat of the " Town of Michigan," being located in the northeast corner of section 16, for cemetery purposes. There were probably a few interments, but for some good and sufficient reason it was concluded to purchase other grounds, and these blocks accordingly reverted to the State and were sold for building purposes.

On the first day of December, 1851, James and Horatio Seymour, and their wives, executed a warranty deed of twenty acres, situated in the northwest corner of section 15, to the township of Lansing, for the sum of four hun- dred dollars ($400).+

" There has been considerable discussion as to whether this ground was deeded expressly for burial purposes, and would revert to the

# From information furnished by Will A. Wilcox.

copal

330 172

108

...

School.

Teachers

Total Average At-

180

HISTORY OF INGIIAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

In 1859, Lansing village was erected into a city, and the cemetery was included within its limits. On the 27th of September, 1867, the township authorities, by virtue of authority conferred upon them by the legal voters, decded the cemetery to the city for the sum of one dollar, and the ground was used for burial purposes until the growth of the city and the unfavorable location made it necessary to pro- cure larger and more suitable grounds elsewhere.

MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY.

On the 6th of May, 1873, after a careful examination of several localities, the city purchased of Jolin G. Miller the east half of the northeast quarter of section 27, town 4 north, range 2 west, containing eighty acres, with a good brick dwelling, a frame barn, and orchard, for the sum of $8000, equivalent to $100 per acre.

The tract was immediately laid out in sections and lots, and the remains of those interred in the old ground have been gradually transferred to the new locality, until nearly all are removed, and the remainder soon will be. Owners of lots in the old cemetery are allowed to make an exchange of lots, being allowed the amounts paid in the old ground, which applies in payment of lots in the new. The first sale of lots in the new cemetery, according to the record in the city clerk's office, was made on the 18th of June, 1874. The farm-house on the premises is occupied by the sexton.

The entire tract of eighty acres has been laid out into sections and lots, and about one-third of the area at the north end has been occupied and improved. The ground is admirably adapted to burial purposes, being composed of a light sandy soil, well elevated above the valley of Syca- more Creek, which skirts it on the west, and sufficiently diversified by hills and valleys to admit of picturesque arrangement ; some of the more prominent elevations reaching an altitude of sixty feet above the creek. A thick growth of forest-trees covers the abrupt slope or bluff along the creck, and the remainder is clear of timber. The city has expended considerable sums in grading and graveling avenues and walks, and in planting a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees, the annual outlay being in the neigh- borhood of $2500. The tract rises gradually from the north into considerable hills in the central portions, and then slopes by a gentle descent towards the south, the ex- treme southern end being somewhat low and unfit for burial purposes. The area available for such purposes is probably seventy acres.

Two remarkable natural features contribute to the beauty of the tract. In the extreme northwest corner, adjoining the highway, Sycamore Creek describes a compound curve which incloses two curious peninsulas. These can be trans- ferred by a small outlay into a novel feature, and one that

would add greatly to the attractions of the place. It is the intention to improve and beautify this portion of the grounds as fast as the finances will permit. An exchange has already been made along the original western boundary, making the creck for a considerable distance the line, and bringing its curious windings within the limits of the cemetery.

The other remarkable feature is the beautiful natural basin in the northern part, which is a depression in the surface exactly like a tin basin, being of an oval form, about 250 by 200 feet in diameter, and sunk below the common level from ten to fifteen feet. It is perfectly dry, and has been finely smoothed over, its sloping bank covered with sod, and three gravel walks constructed from the rim of the basin in a graceful curving form to the level bottom below, which is grassed over and planted with clusters of evergreens. Water never stands in the grounds, and a grave left open through a heavy rain remains perfectly dry. There are three quite expensive family vaults and a large number of fine monuments already constructed and erected, and the northern portion begins to assume the appearance of a great rural cemetery. Among the conspicuous monu- ments are the one dedicated to the soldiers who fell in the Rebellion ; that of the Barnard family, of fine, light-colored granite ; the Turner monument, of Scotch and American granite ; and the beautiful and unique monument erected by the Glaister family over the remains of their son. Mr. Glaister, Sr., was the master-builder of the new Capitol, and has executed from Ohio sandstone a remarkably beau- tiful and appropriate memorial.

The soldiers' monument stands on one of the highest elevations in the cemetery, overlooking nearly the whole grounds. It is constructed of Ohio sandstone, in the form of a plain obelisk resting upon a square base, and is alto- gether about twenty fect in height. The design is plain and exceedingly appropriate. Ou the faces of the plinth arc cut in relief the coats-of-arms of the United States and the State of Michigan, a stack of muskets with laurel wreath, and the simple legend, " OUR FALLEN HEROES."

The ground on which this monument stands is owned by the " Order of the Stars and Stripes," and the monu- ment was erected chicfly by the " Ladies' Monument Asso- ciation of Lansing."

The State Reform School for Boys, the Masonic and Odd-Fellows' orders, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the German Working-Men's Society, the Order of the Stars and Stripes, and perhaps other organizations have selected large plats, which are being improved and adorned by them with great good taste, and will eventually form attractive features of this city of the dead.

The cemetery is under the management of a board of three trustees, appointed by the Common Council of Lansing, one being appointed annually after the first year. The present board (1880) consists of James Johns, chair- man, William L. Reed, and John S. Tooker; Charles D. Cowles, clerk.

original owners in case of sale for other purposes; but an examina- lion of the deed shows that there was no stipulation in tho mattor, and the city can dispose of it as may be deemed best.

مريضبـ

181

CITY OF LANSING.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

HON. JAMES TURNER.

Hon. James Turner was born at Cazenovia, N. Y., April 1, 1820, and was a lineal descendant of Humphrey Turner, who emigrated from Devonshire, England, and settled in Plymouth, Mass., in 1628. His father, Fran- cis S. Turner, and his mother, Deborah Morton, were married at Middlebury, Vt., in 1799. His grandfather, Jonathan Turner, married Bridget Arthur in the year 1772. His great-grandfather, Paine Turner, was married at New London, Conn., Nov. 3, 1745, to Eleanor Haines. Samuel Humphrey Turner, of the seventh generation, now owns and occupies the old farm in Scituate, Mass., where his ancestor, Humphrey Turner, lived and died, the farm never having passed out of the family.

Mr. Turner's early educational advantages were quite limited ; but, having a great love for books and an ardent desire to obtain such an education as would fit him for the active duties of business life, he improved every opportu- nity that came in his way. In 1840 he removed to Leoni, Mich., where he became clerk in a store. He afterwards traveled through the country with a wagon, selling goods and purchasing producc. In 1841 he removed to Mason and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he con- tinned until 1847. When the capital of the State was located at Lansing, he removed to that place and erected the first frame house in the north part of the city. For some time he carricd on the mercantile trade, and then eu- gaged in the construction of the Lansing and Howell plank- road, of which company he was treasurer and manager. The building of this road was of vast importance to this section of the State. Mr. Turner carried it through against many obstacles, securing a large amount of foreign capital to complete the work. In 1860, upon the election of John Owen as State treasurer, Mr. Turner was appointed deputy State treasurer, the duties of the office being under his exclusive supervision for six years. In 1864 he origi- nated the project of a railroad from Jackson to Lansing, which was subsequently known as the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad, and devoted the greater portion of his time to the successful prosecution of the work. He was treasurer and land commissioner of the company from its organization until his death. Mr. Turner was also in- terested in the construction of a railroad from Ionia to Lan- sing, of which company he was treasurer, superintendent, and a member of the first board of directors. For a num- ber of years he was agent of Eastern holders of Michigan lands, by whom he was intrusted with large sums of money for investment. During a period of several years he was agent for the Society of Shakers in the investment of money. In 1866 he was elected a member of the State Senate from the district embracing Ingham and Clinton Counties. He was prominently identified with the railroad legislation of that session, and was a member of the finance committee and chairman of the committee on the Asylum for the In- sane. Mr. Turner was greatly interested in the educational interests of Lansing, having been one of the founders of the first Union school in the city, and also of the Michigan

Female College. Upon the organization of the board of education in 1851 he was elected member, and held the position during life. His business ability, unimpeachable honor, and integrity gave him a financial power in carrying forward great public works which few men in the State possessed. He was a warm friend of the temperance cause and an earnest Christian. He was an active member and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for nine- teen years was superintendent of the Sabbath-school. In politics he was identified with the Republican party from its organization. He married, Oct. 1, 1843, Miss Marian Monroe, daughter of Jesse Monroe, of Eagle, Clinton Co., Mich. Ten children were born to them. Mr. Turner died at his home in Lansing, Oct. 10, 1869. The board of directors of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad passed a series of resolutions expressive of their regret at his death, among which was the following : "As one of the originators and managers of the public improvements placed under the charge of this board of directors, this company and the communities benefited by the construction of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad owe the deceased a debt of lasting gratitude for his early, earnest, unyield- ing, and well-directed efforts in behalf of this enterprise ; for his persevering industry and sterling integrity; for the wisdom of his counsels and the vigor of his execution." Mr. Turner was a man of commanding personal appear- ance, being six feet four inches in height and well propor- tioned, weighing two hundred and forty five pounds. Ile possessed great strength and remarkable powers of endur- anee. He was kind-hearted and benevolent to a fault, and a real friend and helper to the poor.

HON. ORLANDO M. BARNES .*

Hon. Orlando M. Barnes, of Lansing, was born at Cato, N. Y., Nov. 21, 1824, and is the son of John and Anna Barnes. He is a descendant in a dircet line from John Barnes, one of the early Pilgrim Fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock, and in many of his characteristics recalls those of his good old Puritan aneestry. In June, 1837, the parents of Mr. Barnes removed with their family to Michigan, and settled in Aurelius, Ingham Co. After having acquired the usual elementary education in the schools of that day, Mr. Barnes entered the University of Michigan, and graduated with honor in the class of 1850. On leaving college he chose the law for his profession, and, after devoting one year to preparatory studies, was ad- mitted to the bar and located himself at Mason, the county- seat of Ingham Connty. Here his strict attention to the duties of his profession, his eminent ability, and profound knowledge of the law soon secured him a large practice. In the spring of 1852, on the death of the prosecuting at- torney, Mr. Barnes was appointed to fill the vacancy. On the expiration of the term, in the ensuing autumn, he was elected to that office, and in 1854 was honored by a re-clee- tion. In 1871 he withdrew from the active practice of his profession, in order to devote his entire attention to the in-

# From Eminent Men of Michigan.

182

HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

terests of the Jackson, Lansing and Saginaw Railroad Company. He has been secretary of the company sinee its organization, and has served.it in the legal capacity of counselor and general attorney with marked ability, and to the entire satisfaction of the corporation. Since 1872 he bas been land commissioner. In this position, which re- quires the management of the vast tracts of land granted to the company, and to which labor and responsibility com- mensurate with its importance are attached, his performance of duty has been above criticismu. In political cireles Mr. Barnes' talents have secured honorable recognition. In 1862 he was elected to the State Legislature, where he served one term, and in April, 1877, he was called to the office of mayor of the city of Lansing. He is president of a national bank in Lansing, and is held in the highest esti- mation by his fellow-citizens of all classes. Personally, Mr. Barnes is of fine appearance and commanding presence. There are few subjects of interest of which he has not made himself master. During the years 1872-73 he trav- eled in Europe, gaining information as well as enjoyment. His conversational powers are of a superior order, and in his hours of relaxation from the cares of business he is a most genial and interesting companion. Mr. Barnes is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has held various official posi- tions in that body. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and also a Knight Templar. He recognizes his Puritan ancestry in professing the doetrines of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member. Mr. Barnes married at Albion, Mich., June 26, 1852, Amanda W. Fleming, daughter of the late Jolin Fleming.

GEORGE E. RANNEY, M.D.,

SURGEON OF MICHIGAN SECOND CAVALRY.

Biography treats of the individual; it is not history. Ilistory treats of men in the mass; it is not biography. Still, the two are " intimately and all but inextricably in- tertwined." "Twin sisters they are, looking on each other with the kindliest smile; both feeding the lamps of knowl- edge, but pouring their pure oil from different vessels."

Very forcibly are we reminded of this remark of Bayne's in the present sketch. Up to a certain point it is biography, pure and simple ; then it becomes biography and history in about equal proportions; then once more it returns to biography and history disappears, still leaving behind it, like the rivers of California, golden sands too precious to remain ungathered.

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History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 44

Author: Durant, Samuel W. cn Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia : D.W. Ensign & Co. Number of Pages: 772

Author: Durant, Samuel W. cn
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia : D.W. Ensign & Co.
Number of Pages: 772