History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 62

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 62
USA > Michigan > Ingham County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 62


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).


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The next in point of arrival was Henry Lee, or " Squire Lee," as he was more generally termed, who had many years before emigrated from Saratoga Co., N. Y., to Illinois, and from there came in 1838 to Leroy, where he purchased 160 acres on sections 20 and 21, of Peter Westfall, who entered it in 1836.


With him came his wife and seven children, but two of whom now reside in the township. The family re- mained in Wayne County while a log shanty was being built, to which they then removed, cutting the woods


80


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HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.


before them as they advanced. Five weeks were con- sumed in making the journey from Illinois to Wayne County. James Rosecrance and Ephraim Meech were already located, the former having been the nearest neighbor.


Mr. Lee was formerly a merchant, and having been un- fortunate in trade came to Michigan to find a home, and, if possible, recover his lost fortune.


Many hardships were endured, and the outlook was at times discouraging. A journey of forty miles to Owosso was frequently made for milling purposes, and the oxen were shod at a cost of twenty-five miles of travel. Often on these journeys Mr. Lee had no boots, and his feet were clothed in rags sewed on tightly. Mrs. Lee was the happy possessor of a bonnet-the only one in the township- which was loaned over the whole neighborhood, and did duty for many years. It was a most accommodating bon- net, and would array itself in sober apparel with black streamers and assume an aspect of deep dejection on funeral occasions, while the various hues of the rainbow were not a eireumstanee to its bright colors at wedding festivities.


The first marriage was performed at the house of Squire Lee (his daughter, Rebecca Jane, having been united to Cyrenus Kinter), to which all the neighbors were invited.


The earliest religious services were also held here, Rev. Hiram T. Fero having been the officiating clergyman .* Among other early preachers were Rev. Alfred B. Kinne and Elder Bentley.


The earliest physician who practiced in the township was Dr. Whiteomb, of Wheatfield. Dr. McRobert, of Mason, was also summoned in eases requiring additional skill.


The first death that occurred was that of a Mrs. Carmer, who settled on seetion 28, and died in her own log house in 1839. Mrs. Meech kindly nursed her during her illness. A elergyman from Dexter preached the funeral sermon, only six settlers having been present.


Daniel Tobias came from Superior, Washtenaw Co., in 1839, and settled on seetion 7, where he had eighty acres, which he cleared, first having erected a log house and domiciled his family. He was among the most active and energetie of the early pioneers, and died in 1860.


Peter Judd entered land on section 18 in 1836, upon which Harry Judd settled two years later. He built the accustomed shanty and began labor, but not having been satisfied with his progress, vacated the land the following year, when it was purchased by Daniel Wilcox. It em- braced forty aeres, and was inelosed. Mr. Wilcox improved and converted the land into a productive farm, subsequently selling to Thomas Medberry. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox both resided in the township until their deaths.


Levi and George Rouse came in 1839, and settled on section 18. They found the land awaiting the axe of the chopper, and, after erecting temporary habitations, devoted themselves to the work of improvement. Both of these early settlers have since departed, but their wives still survive.


Edmund Alchin, in point of settlement, antedates many of the pioneers. He recalls 1837 as the year of his ad- vent, though his presence at that early date is not recol- lected by other early settlers. It is possible that Mr. Alehin may have been so remote from others as not to render them conseious of his presence. If he is correet he would eer- tainly rank as the second settler. His location was upon section 33, where he cleared fifty aeres for parties in New York, receiving for it $5 per aere and what he could raise, and having six years in which to perform the work. His father, later, purchased in White Oak, when his son re- turned. In 1847 he located upon section 23, on 120 aeres which had been partially cleared, oeeupying a dilapi- dated log school-house until a log dwelling was ereeted.


Mr. Alchin now has a spacious residence upon his land, which is cleared and well improved. James Alchin came with his brother and settled upon the same section, but at a later date removed to Shiawassee County.


Richard Putman came from Herkimer Co., N. Y., in 1836, to Wayne Co., Mich., and in 1839 settled upon land in Leroy, where he had in 1836 entered a fractional forty aeres on section 30. He moved upon this with ox-teams, and soon after began chopping and ereeted a log abode, to which his family repaired. A few settlers were already in the township, but deer, bear, and wolves were the more numerous inhabitants. The latter were especially annoy- ing. On one occasion they congregated in great numbers around his cabin, and made the air dismal with their howls during the whole night. The following day they departed and were never seen or heard of more, their visit having apparently been one of farewell. Mr. Putman resided on the place until his death, in 1856. Three daughters and a son are now residents of Leroy, the latter having 280 aeres on section 8.


Uriah Smith, formerly of New York, came from White Oak in 1839, and purchased 160 acres on seetion 23, but later sold fifty of it. fle cleared the land and rendered it highly productive, remaining upon it until his death, in 1878. Ilis son resides upon the same section.


Isaac Coleman, formerly of New York State, settled upon section 18 in 1840, where he had eighty aeres. He im- proved this land and erected a house of spacious propor- tions, in which he was the landlord of the first and most popular country tavern. At his house the township-meet- ings and the Fourth-of-July celebrations were held. The latter were eventful occasions in the little community. Daniel Tobias played the flute, Mr. Coleman beat the drum, and Squire Lee was president of the day. Ilorace Wilson, of Williamston, was usually the speaker. A bounteous repast followed, at which every one present was abundantly fed.


Henry Rix removed from Loeke in 1842, though a former resident of New Hampshire, and located on section 8 upon eighty aeres, twenty of which had been previously chopped. Many of the early settlers had already made clearings. Mr. Rix found much labor awaiting him, but succeeded in improving his farm and making it valuable land, upon which he still resides.


Peter Dietz came from Washtenaw Co., Mich., in 1843, and purchased of Peter Westfall 320 aeres of unimproved


ยท Mrs. Meech recalls Elders Minnus and Breckenridge as having preached at her log house in 1839, who may have been earlier than Ibose already mentioned.


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LEROY.


land on sections 9 and 10, upon which he erected a log house and cleared ten acres the first year. Hiram Dana was his nearest neighbor. Mr. Dietz effected a considerable improvement upon the farm, after which David Putman became the owner.


Oliver Geer came early, and for some time assisted Henry Lee. In 1844 he located upon section 20, where he owned eighty acres, which was by him converted into a fruitful farm. He remained in the township, where his death occurred in 1860, and his son now occupies the estate.


Newton Muscott, a former resident of Madison Co., N. Y., settled upon section 19 in 1844, where he owned a large tract of land. This was all unimproved, with the exception of a small clearing, upon which he erected a house of limited dimensions, and resided until his death, which oc- curred in 1869.


Levi C. Dean came the same year (1844) and found a home upon eighty acres on section 25. He still owns the land, and resides in Webberville.


Albert Gunsally removed from Wayne Co., Mich., in 1846, and settled on section 22, where he remained three years and cleared a farm of thirty acres. He then removed to Van Buren Co., Mich., where he tarried a brief time, and finally returned again to the township, where he settled upon his present farm of eighty acres on section 25. Thirty acres were cleared, to which he speedily added thirty more. He is an industrious and successful farmer.


Robert Cole and Nathaniel Pamment each came in 1852, the former having located upon forty acres on section 25, and the latter upon ninety-six acres on section 24. Mr. Pamment settled in White Oak ten years before, but having preferred the land in Leroy, changed his location. He is still a resident of the township, on the land he purchased, as is also Mr. Cole.


D. Knapp arrived in 1853, and purchased on section 16. This was uncleared. After erecting a log house he devoted himself to chopping, having been assisted by a neighbor, for whom Mrs. Knapp made a suit of clothes in return. He has since improved this land, and made it among the most productive farms in the township.


Alfred F. Horton, who has for years been actively iden- tified with the public-interests of the township, came from Lake Co., Ohio, in 1854, and settled upon section 16. While erecting a shanty of logs he remained with Daniel Knapp. The 160 acres he purchased were untouched, with the exception of a small tract that had been slashed, and no roads were open in the immediate vicinity. Ile cleared and planted four acres in corn for fodder, and hired sixteen acres chopped. Indians were numerous, a band being encamped on the creek near by. In 1875, Mr. Horton erected his present spacious residence, one of the finest in the township.


Daniel Herrick, a former resident of Washtenaw County, in 1854 settled upon 100 acres on section 24. A log house and a small clearing were found on his arrival. He has greatly improved the land, and in 1870 erected a com- fortable dwelling, in which he now resides.


Among other early settlers who assisted in rendering the township lands valuable by their labor were Harley


Bement, on section 24; Joshua Baker, on section 22; H. M. Wood, on section 23; Thomas Medberry, on section 18; M. Bennett, on section 29; Calvin Wilson, on section 24; James de Forest, on section 7; John Murray, on sec- tions 6 and 7; Alva Jones and Nathan Jones, on section 23; Alonzo Hooker, on section 15, and Luther Brown, on section 24.


ORGANIZATION.


The township of Leroy was organized March 19, 1840, as an independent township, having formerly been a por- tion of the township of Brutus, now Wheatfield.


CIVIL LIST.


The first meeting for the purpose of electing officers after township No. 3 north, of range 2 east, had become an independent township, known as Leroy, was held on the 16th day of June, 1840, at the house of Isaac Coleman. The ballots having been cast and counted, the following officers were declared elected : Supervisor, Levi Rowley ; Township Clerk, Oren Dana ; Treasurer, Isaac Coleman ; Justices of the Peace, Oren Dana, Daniel Tobias, Ephraim Meech ; Assessors, Daniel C. Wilcox, Daniel Tobias ; High- way Commissioners, Danel C. Wilcox, Isaac Coleman, W. Davis; School Inspectors, Ephraim Meech, Henry Lee, Levi Rowley ; Directors of Poor, Oren Dana, Henry Lee ; Collector, D. C. Wilcox; Constables, Daniel C. Wilcox, Levi Rowley.


The following is a list of township officers to the year 1880 :


1841 .- Supervisor, Ephraim Meech ; Township Clerk, Oren Dana ; Treasurer, R. S. Carroll; Justice of the Peace, Uriah Smith. 1842 .- Supervisor, Oren Dana ; Township Clerk, Daniel Tobias; Treas- urer, D. C. Wilcox ; Justice of the Peace, Isaac Coleman. 1843 .- Supervisor, Oren Dana; Township Clerk, James Rosecrance ; Treasurer, Isaac Coleman ; Justice of the Peace, John W. Turner.


1844 .- Supervisor, Ephraim Meech ; Township Clerk, Daniel Tobias; Treasurer, Isaac Coleman ; Justice of the Peace, Ilenry Lee. 1845 .- Supervisor, Ephraim Meech; Township Clerk, Daniel Tubias ; Treasurer, Isaac Culeman; Justice of the Peace, Uriah Smith.


1846 .- Supervisor, Thomas Medberry ; Township Clerk, Newton N. Muscott; Treasurer, Ephraim Meech ; Justice of the Peace, Daniel Tobias.


1847 .- Supervisor, Peter Dietz; Township Clerk, Perry Henderson; Treasurer, Henry Dietz ; Justice of the Peace, Oren Dana. 1848 .- Supervisor, Ephraim Meech ; Township Clerk, Daniel Tubias ; Treasurer, Newtun N. Muscott; Justice of the Peace, Isano Coleman.


1849 .- Supervisor, Newton N. Muscott ; Township Clerk, Perry Hen- derson ; Treasurer, Charles Meech; Justice of the Peace, Uriah Smith.


1850 .- Supervisor, Perry Henderson; Township Clerk, Henry Lee; Treasurer, Henry Dietz; Justice of the Peace, l'eter Dietz. 1851 .- Supervisor, Perry Ileoderson; Township Clerk, Charles Meech ; Treasurer, E. Meech ; Justiee of the Peace, M. W. Quacken- bush.


1852 .- Supervisor, Perry Henderson ; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz ; Treasurer, Thomas Medberry ; Justice of the Peace, William Brown.


1853 .- Supervisor, N. N. Muscott ; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz ; Treasurer, Uriah Smith; Justice of the Peace, Ephraim Meech.


1854 .- Supervisor, E. Meech; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz; Treas- urer, William Hopkins; Justice of the Peace, Daniel Free- man.


1855 .- Supervisor, George W. McCollom; Township Clerk, Henry


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HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.


Dietz: Treasurer, William Vorce; Justice of the Peace, William P. Huzard.


1856 .- Supervisor, George W. McCollom; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz; Treasurer, William Vorce; Justice of the Peuce, P. P. Alger.


1857 .- Supervisor, L. D. Lighthall; Township Clerk, Hiram Rix ; Treasurer, M. Bennett : Justice of the Peace, William Brown. 1858 .- Supervisor, L. D. Lighthall ; Township Clerk, John Ruby ; Treasurer, L. C. Dean ; Justice of the Peace, William P. Hopkins.


1859 .- Supervisor W. D. Ilorton; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz; Treasurer, Ira Miller ; Justice of the Peace, Thomas Horton. 1860 .- Supervisor, N. N. Mascott; Township Clerk, Iliram Rix ; Treasurer, HI. O. Monroe; Justice of the Peace, Oren Dana. 1861 .- Supervisor, N. N. Muscott; Township Clerk, Henry Lee ; Treasurer, Madison Bennett; Justice of the Peace, William Brown.


1862 .- Supervisor, William D. Ilorton ; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz ; Treasurer, Madison Bennett; Justice of the Peace, P. P. Alger.


1863 .- Supervisor, Cornelius Dietz; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz ; Treasurer, J. K. Kirkland; Justice of the Peace, James JIuston.


1864 .- Supervisor, Cornelius Dietz; Towuship Clerk, Henry Dietz ; Treasurer, J. K. Kirkland; Justice of the Peace, Orco Dana.


1865 .- Supervisor, Alfred B. Kinne; Township Clerk, Henry Dietz ; Treasurer, James J. Dana; Justice of the Peace, Uriah Smith.


1866 .- Supervisor, Henry Dietz ; Township Clerk, P. P. Alger ; Treas- urer, James J. Dana; Justice of the Peace, S. B. Bement.


1867 .- Supervisor, J. K. Kirkland; Township Clerk, Albert F. Hor- ton ; Treasurer, Alexander Dockstader; Justice of the Peace, George II. Galosha.


1868 .- Supervisor, J. K. Kirkland; Township Clerk, Albert F. Hfor- ton ; Treasurer, Alexander Dockstader; Justice of the Peace, Oren Dana.


1869 .- Supervisor, Sidney A. Murray ; Township Clerk, A. F. Horton ; Treasurer, Alexander Dockstader; Justice of the l'eace, Hiram Rix.


1870 .- Supervisor, A. F. llortoo ; Township Clerk, Iliram Rix, Jr. ; Treasurer, David Putman ; Justice of the Peace, George M. Smith.


1871 .- Supervisor, A. F. Horton ; Township Clerk, Hiram Rix, Jr. ; Treasurer, David Putman; Justice of the Peace, Ralph P. Hall.


1872 .- Sopervisor, J. W. Gifford ; Township Clerk, Perry Ostrander; Treasurer, William Woodburn ; Justice of the Peace, John S. Iluston.


1873 .- Supervisor, A. F. Horton ; Township Clerk, Perry Ostrander; Treasurer, William Woodburn; Justice of the Peace, G. H. Galosha.


1874 .- Supervisor, A. F. Hlorton : Township Clerk, Charles E. Pad- dock ; Treasurer, Abram Decker; Justice of the Peace, Chester Cahott.


1875 .- Supervisor, S. A. Murray ; Township Clerk, H. S. Hatch ; Treasurer, J. O. Gifford ; Justice of the Peace, John W. Gifford.


1876 .- Supervisor, S. A. Marray ; Township Clerk, Henry S. Ilatch ; Treasorer, C. W. Chapman ; Justice of the Peace, Iliram Rix.


1877 .- Supervisor, A. F. Horton ; Township Clerk, Lafayette Gordon ; Treasurer, Charles W. Chapman ; Justice uf the Peace, George II. Galusha.


1878 .- Supervisor, A. F. Ilorton ; Township Clerk, Lafayette Gor- don ; Treasurer, William Il. Marsh; Justice of the Peace, Perry Ostrander.


1879 .- Supervisor, Sidney A. Murray ; Township Clerk, Franklin S. Ilorton; Treasurer, Rufus J. Neul; Justice of the l'eacc, Ira Merrill.


1880 .- Supervisor, John S. Huston ; Township Clerk, Franklin S. Horton ; Treasurer, Rufus J. Neal; Justice of the Peace, George M. Smith; Highway Commissioner, Joseph E. Wilcox ; Superintendent of Schools, Marcus B. Sweet; School Inspector, Henry M. Silshy ; Drain Commissioner,


Morris M. Smith ; Constables, Rufus J. Hammond, Isaac Adams, Frank Cule, John Frazier.


EARLY HIGHWAYS.


The following highway, designated as the " Meech road," is copied from the records as having been the earliest re- eorded :


"We, the undersigned commissioners of highways of the town of Ingham, county of Ingham, do certify that we have on this 4th day of September, 1838, laid out and established a road in town 3 north, of range 2 east, of which the following is the survey :


"Beginning on the town-line at the corners of sections 18 and 19, running east on section-line 565 rods, 9 links, to the corners of sec- tions 16, 17, 20, 21; thence south on section-line 960 rods to the towo-line at the corners of sections 32, 33; thence east on town-line 160 ruds to the south quarter-post of section 33. Whole distanco, five miles, eighty-fivo rods, seven links.


" A. JACKSON, " County Surveyor. " JOHN CLEMENTS, " LUCIUS WILSON, " Commissioners of Highways."


The following highway, known as the "Dana road," was laid out and established on the 27th of September, 1838, by John Clements and Lucius Wilson, commissioners : " Commencing at section corners of sections 16 and 17, in town 3 north, of range 2 east; thence north on said line to section corners of sections 4 and 5 on the town-line between towns 3 and 4 north, of range 2 east."


The above highways were surveyed before Leroy became an independent township, and other roads speedily followed as the population increased. These, however, were not well cleared or improved until some years later, and the axe was at an early date the inevitable companion of the settler on his journey.


EARLY SCHOOLS.


The first school building in the township was located on section 19 on the township-line very soon after the advent of the earliest settlers. It was taught by Mrs. Ephraim Meech, more familiarly known as Nancy Meech, wife of the earliest settler. Children came a distance of three miles, many of whom had no shoes, and rags sewed about their feet as a protection against the cold were the only substitute. They brought a dinner of johnny-cake with them, which would often freeze in the school-room, so cold was it.


The second teacher was a young man named IIazard, from Dexter, who was not successful in his discipline, and abandoned the field, which was resumed by Mrs. Meech, who finished the term.


Jane Ilazard taught next, and was followed by Miss Loantha Spaulding, now Mrs. Sweet.


As the population increased, the patrons of this school were confined to the immediate neighborhood, and other school-houses were built for the convenience of settlers.


The school territory of the township is now divided into six whole and three fractional districts, over whom the following board of directors are appointed : A. F. Horton, J. Kirkland, Alexander Darrow, Garrison Stark weather, William Tobias, George M. Smith, C. W. Chapman, C. P. Smith, James Dunn.


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LEROY.


The school property of Leroy is valued at $4075, which includes one log and eight frame school-houses. During the past year 428 scholars received instruction, 23 of whom were non-residents. They were under the immediate care of 4 male and 14 female teachers, who received an aggre- gate amount of $1455.80 in salaries. The total resources of the township for educational purposes are $2935.14, of which $237.07 is derived from the primary school fund.


WEBBERVILLE.


Silas Alger at an early date purchased land on sections 5 and 6, where he located a saw-mill .* Circumstances influenced him to remove to section 10, where he again built a saw-mill, which he conducted for some years, and then removed to Salt Lake. On the death of Mr. Alger, Mr. H. P. Webber, his son-in-law, became administrator of the property, and managed the mill, in addition to which he opened a store. A post-office was located at this point by the government, which was known as Webberville. On the completion of the railroad an effort was made to estab- lish a village here, but a stronger influence decided its loca- tion at the point where the present village of Webberville now stands, on section II, where it occupies a portion of the southeast and northeast quarters of that section.


The first plat of the village, which is known as " Mc- Pherson's Plat of the Village of Leroy," was surveyed by Andrew D. Waddell, and recorded Dec. 18, 1871. It is acknowledged by Wm. M. MePherson, Elizabeth M. Me- Pherson, Wm. M. McPherson, Jr., Jennie M. McPherson, Alex. McPherson, and Julia C. McPherson.


An addition known as " Fisher's Addition to Leroy" is described as "located on section 1I, being in the south- east corner of the northeast quarter of said section 11, township 3 north, of range 2 east." It was surveyed by Louis D. Preston, Dec. 16, 1861.


This land was originally entered in 1836 by Ebenezer Jessup, Jr., and Henry W. Delevan for purposes of specu- lation, and by them sold to the subsequent owners. Wm. M. McPherson, having platted the village then known as Leroy, erected the first store, which was later burned and rebuilt of brick, and is now under the management of F. E. Lansing. Lots were disposed of and a hotel built by John Wilson, after which a building used both as dwelling and store was erected by George Markell. J. R. Dart built an extensive saw-mill, which was followed the same year by the erection of the flouring-mill and three stores. The railroad having been completed in 1871, the depot was soon after located at the hamlet, with Mr. Munson as station agent, and a strong impulse was thus given to the village. It has since continued to progress. New and commodious buildings have been erected, and an increasing business has promoted its vigorous and healthy growth. There are now three stores kept by Frank E. Lansing, Lowe Bros., and J. O. Hitchins ; one hardware store, owned by John Har- ris; two harness-shops, belonging to Chauncey Dolph and - Cooper; a drug-store, kept by Dr. G. W. Langford,


who is also postmaster; two grocery-stores, Frank Fellows and W. M Younglove respectively being proprietors ; two shoe-shops, owned by Thomas Donnelly and Samuel Craig ; two markets, two blacksmith-shops, and a flourishing hotel, of which John Kelly is landlord.


The health of Webberville is guarded by two physi- cians, Drs. R. B. Smith and G. W. Langford. Chaun- cey P. Newkirk is the sole representative of the legal fra- ternity.


The school building of the district was formerly located three-quarters of a mile west, but a new and commodious structure was erceted in the village in 1876, which is occu- pied as a graded school. Marcus P. Sweet and Miss Lane are the instructors.


J. R. DART'S STEAM SAW-MILL AND STAVE- AND BARREL-MANUFACTORY.


This enterprise was established in 1872 by its present owner, who erceted the mills for the purpose of utilizing the hard- wood of the vicinity. It is provided with an en- gine of seventy horse-power, which gives the mill a capacity of 20,000 feet per day, or 6,000,000 feet per year, which is principally shipped to Detroit. In addition, 30,000 bar- rels per year are manufactured, for which a ready market is found in Chicago. t


CHARCOAL-PITS.


The Detroit Furnace Company erected during the present year extensive charcoal-pits, for the manufacture of that com- modity, adjacent to the village. Fifty cords of wood per day are transformed into forty-five bushels of charcoal. This is shipped to Detroit and consumed in the company's extensive furnaces.


Egbert Keeler is the proprietor of a flouring-mill, which is managed by William Burch. It is conveniently located and devoted principally to custom work.


RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.


BAPTIST.


The earliest services in connection with the Baptist de- nomination in the township were held at the house of Henry Lee, and were conducted by Elder 1I. T. Fero, the pioneer preacher of the neighborhood. He at a later date organ- ized a church, to which he personally ministered for some years, after which he was succeeded by Elder Colby, who became the stated preacher, services having been held at the houses of Mr. Lee and Edmund Alchin, and in a log school-house on section 23. Rev. Alfred Kinne and his son, Alfred B. Kinne, were later clergymen who preached at regular periods.


A season of decline was then experienced, and for years services were abandoned or held at long intervals. A revival occurred with the ministry of Elder Hill, and under the ministrations of Rev. J. W. Henry a church edifice was erected at a cost of $1250; the building committee were Messrs. Lloyd, Alchin, Beasan, Pamment, and William




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