History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 70

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 70
USA > Michigan > Ingham County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 70

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).

Mr. Kilbourne and Mr. Bray commeneed to build the first dam over the Cedar Rivor at Okemos, but Mr. Bray taking in a partner by tho namo of Orman Coe, he seld his interest to Mr. Bray and removod to the farm where he now resides about 1843.

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MERIDIAN.

three runs of stone. The saw-mill was built in 1855, and the grist-mill in 1856 ; they were close together, and one engine furnished power for both. The engine was of thirty horse-power. These mills were burned in 1864, and in 1865 Mr. Walker sold the water-power to Amos Orton. Mr. Orton rebuilt the dam and grist-mill about 1866, and his son-in-law, F. Powers, rebuilt the saw-mill about the same time. The long race reaching across the bend in the river was dug by Mr. Orton. The grist-mill was operated by Orton until about 1879, when it became the property of a man named Blair, of the State of New York, who leased it to the present operator, Charles Bertraw. The present mill has three runs of stone. It has always done a fair business, but has never been a source of great profit to its owners. During the time in which Mr. Walker owned it he did a considerable amount of merchant work, but in later years it has been mostly employed in custom work.

Mr. Orton also erected a steam saw-mill, which was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. The machinery has lately (in 1880) been taken out and set up at Shaftsburg, Shia- wassee Co.

Saw- and Planing-Mill and Steum Bending - Works .- Theodore F. Davis erected his present quite extensive estab- lishment in 1866. It includes a saw-mill with planer at- tached, and bending-works. He cuts lumber and bends by steam material for wagons, carriages, sleigh-runners, bob sleds, etc., and gives employment ordinarily to five hands. The market for manufacturing material is mostly at Detroit, though considerable quantities are sold to small shops throughout the country. The works are driven by an engine of twenty-five horse-power.

EARLY HOTELS.

The first regular hotel-keeper was probably Freeman Bray, in his own dwelling, as early as 1840 or 1841; and he continued to keep a place of accommodation for travelers until his removal to his farm in 1856.

A building was erected for a tavern about 1850, by Wil- liam McGivren, on the corner east of the school-house. He kept it for a number of years in connection with his dwelling. Following him Russell Blakeslee was for a time landlord. He subsequently moved across the road to where the Barnes or Okemos House now is. The first building on this ground was erected by Melzor Turner as early as 1848, and occupied as a dwelling. Blakeslee made an ad- dition to it and opened a hotel. E. F. Barnes purchased the property during the war, and has kept it as a public- house since. He has also made considerable additions to it.

The Union Hotel was built by Rev. Merritt Harmon, a Presbyterian minister, about 1852, as a double dwelling. Iu 1856, Caleb Thurber became the owner, and converted it into a hotel. Among the landlords who have officiated in the building have been Ralph Willings, Otis Falls, Anson West, William Shuttleworth, and Benjamin W. Cushman, the latter having kept it since 1879.

Mr. Cushman was an early settler in Clinton County, a few miles north of Lansing, and assisted in finding the body of John W. Burchard, the first settler within the city limits of Lansing, eleven days after he was drowned,

in April, 1844, at his dam in North Lansing. Mr. Cush- man has recently made a large addition to his house.

MERCHANTS.

Freeman Bray may, perhaps with justice, be called the first " trader" in the village, if not the first merchant, for he trafficked more or less with the Indians who encamped for a number of years at Okemos after the settlers began to come in. The principal business was of course the traffic in furs and peltry of various kinds, for which he paid in such commodities as best suited the sons of the forest,- powder, calicoes, lead, trinkets, cutlery, and possibly a little " fire-water," which every redskin prized beyond anything save powder and ball. The chief, Okemos, was a frequent guest of Mr. Bray's, and his people were very friendly to the white man, and never stole from him, as Mr. Bray says, though they would sometimes be tempted to take the prop- erty of others.

The first regular merchant was probably Eli Morse, who opened a general store about 1853, and continued until Ebenezer Walker bought him out in 1854. Mr. Walker has been in trade at the same place since. His son George was connected with him for about four years, from 1865 to 1869, when he left the business and traveled on account of failing health, being much troubled with asthma. Traveling seemed to help him for a time, but he finally came home in January, 1880, and died at his father's place in May following.

Among those who have pursued the trade of merchants in Okemos have been Collins Thurber and George W. Stevens, about 1860 and 1862; Aaron Jones, 1868 to 1880 ; and the present ones, Ebenezer Walker, John Fer- guson & Co., general stocks; J. J. Brown, drugs, medi- cines, and groceries ; and A. J. McNeal, groceries, drugs, and medicines.

There is also a harness-shop by George Rogers; two shoemakers, Henry Phillips and John C. Phillips ; one millinery store by Mrs. H. A. Phillips ; two blacksmithing establishments by Huff & Turner and Henry Scovell ; wagon-shops by Mr. Starr, Frederick Thourer, and William McGivren. Among the early blacksmiths was Frederick Herre. There is also an express agency at the station, John Stansel filling the positions of station- and express- agent.

At the Corners, a mile east of the Agricultural College buildings on section 18, H. L. Cooke has a blacksmith- and carriage-shop.

PHYSICIANS.

DR. C. H. DARROW, from Schenectady, N. Y., was one of the first practicing physicians in the township, coming as early as 1859. Dr. Darrow was elected register of deeds in 1867, and removed to Mason, where he has since resided, though not in practice. He is man a of decided ability, and built up a large practice while at Okemos.

DR. S. W. IIAMMOND was also an early practitioner at Okemos, and was in partnership with Dr. Darrow for a con- siderable time. He removed to Mason some years since, and is still a resident of that city.

DR. JAMES F. SMILEY, formerly from Genesee Co., N. Y., came to Michigan and located in Lansing, from

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HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

whence he removed to Okemos about 1863. He was asso- ciated with Dr. Darrow for a time, and practiced in Oke- mos until 1874, when he removed to Marshall, Calhoun Co., Mich. He had a drug-store in connection with his practice, and was a prominent citizen, filling a number of public offices.

DR. J. B. PARK succeeded Dr. Smiley in 1874. Ile was born in Blairstown, Warren Co., N. J., May 6, 1851. Ile graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, at Phila- delphia, in the spring of 1873. In the same year he came to Michigan and located in Lansing, where he remained about one year and removed to Okemos, where he has since been in practice with good success. Ile belongs to the regular school.

John Ferguson, one of the early settlers of Delhi town- ship, has two sons in the practice of medicine in Okemos. DR. A. F. FERGUSON was born in Delhi, Mich., May 31, 1848. Ile attended oue course of lectures at Ann Arbor and one at the Lansing Homoeopathic College, and cour- menced practice in his native town in 1869, but remained only a short time, removing to Okemos in the same year, where he has since been in practice.

His younger brother, DR. J. W. FERGUSON, was born in Delhi in 1850, and graduated at the Cleveland Homœo- pathic College and IIospital in 1874, since which date he has been in practice at Okemos.

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. MASONIC.

Okemos Lodge, No. 252, was organized Jan. 15, 1869. The charter members, all dimitted from Lansing Lodge, No. 66, were J. F. Smiley, S. E. Jeffers, J. H. Winn, J. C. Gallup, Almeron Daniels, D. V. Smith, Stephen Smith, O. B. Stillman, George Walker, Collins Thurber, John Griffin, and B. W. Cushman. The members of Lodge No. 33, Lansing, living in Meridian township, have worked with the Okemos lodge since its organization.

The original officers were Dr. James S. Smiley, Master ; Senior Warden, S. E. Jeffers; Junior Warden, John II. Winn. The present officers are S. E. Jeffers, Master ; J. W. Burton, Senior Warden ; D. V. Smith, Junior Warden. The present membership is about thirty-six. The lodge occupies a hall over the store of A. J. MeNeal.

I. 0. 0. F.

A lodge of Odd-Fellows was organized in Okemos, May 22, 1874, with about twelve charter members. The present membership is thirty-three, and the officers are as follows : N. G., T. McManamon ; V. G., W. II. Cady ; Sec., Isaiah Janes ; Treas., S. N. Huff. The lodge occupies a rented hall in the village.

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

Cedar Grange, No. 235, was organized in December, 1874, with about thirty charter-members, all residents of Meridian township. The first officers were : Master, S. E. Jeffers; Overseer, Joseph HI. Kilbourne. The Masters since have been George B. Vanatta and D. V. Smith, The present officers are : Master, D. V. Smith ; Overseer, A. D. Hlatch ; Lecturer, Mrs. Sarah Sturges; Steward,

W. A. Sturges; Assistant Steward, Charles Foster, Jr .; Chaplain, Thomas Parker ; Treas., Ephraim Hart; Sec., Leonard N. Watson ; Gatekeeper, Isaiah Janes.

Lady Officers .- Ceres, Mrs. George Curtis; Pomona (not procured) ; Flora, Miss Susan Rayner ; Lady Assist- ant Steward, Mrs. D. V. Smith. The present membership is about forty paying members. The grange has au organ and choir, which furnish good music for their meetings. The chorister is Mr. A. L. Sturges; Organist, Mrs. Clara Hewitt; Assistant Organist, Mrs. Ada Whitman.

MERIDIAN STATION AND POST-OFFICE.

A station was established on the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railway, ou section 36, soon after the completion of the road in 1871. A telegraph station was added in 1879, and the people hope to have an express office soon.

A post-office called Meridian was also established shortly after the railway was opened, probably some time in the year 1871, and James F. Carr was appointed postmaster. Mr. Carr held the position until April, 1879, when he was succeeded by Timothy L. Baldwin, the present in- cumbent.

Mr. Carr, in connection with the post-office, kept a small store down to about 1877, when he closed it out.

Enos Woodworth, formerly from Cayuga Co., N. Y., came to Manchester, Washtenaw Co., Mich., iu 1842. In 1861 he removed to section 1, in Alaiedon towuship, and from thence to Meridian Station in 1876. He opened a small store in December, 1877, just over the line, on sec- tion 32, iu Williamstown, and has continued the business since.

In 1878, A. A. Dwight established the lumber business at the station, and also opened a supply store in connection with the lumber trade at the same time, IIe has a steam saw-mill in Alaiedon township and one in Meridian on sec- tion 25, at the bridge over Cedar River, about one mile from the station. The Alaiedon mill is about four miles distant. IIe handles both hard and pine lumber, and has employed at times from forty to sixty men. In connection with his other business Mr. Dwight handles grain, and has during the past season of 1880 erected a new grain ware- house.

A steam saw-mill was erected at the station by Uriah Moore and Asbury Long about 1871. It has since been the property of William Gibson and Morris Brown; Enos Woodworth and Gibson ; Woodworth aud Ilenry Coller ; Coller and M. B. Barnes ; Timothy Baldwin and Burlin- game, and the present firm, John Barnard and Timothy Baldwin, who carry on the sawing business and have re- cently added the manufacture of boat oars. They are doing a brisk business.

About 1874 a stave-factory was put in operation by Chapman & Mason, who continued it for about eighteen months, when they removed it to Fowlerville, in Livingston County.

Samuel Brown has carried on the blacksmithing business at his shop, a quarter of a mile north of the station, for the past twenty years.

Leonard Osborn is purchasing grain at this point the present season.

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MERIDIAN.

OKEMOS STATION.

This has been a regular passenger-station since the open- ing of the road in 1871. It is one mile south of the post- office at Okemos village, and about six and a half miles east by south from the station at Lansing. It is a point of con- siderable traffic in grain, stock, and lumber. A gentleman by the name of Stewart is doing quite an extensive busi- ness in handling grain, having unusual facilities in Detroit for the accommodation of the business ; and there are also stock-buyers operating at this point.

PINE LAKE STATION AND POST-OFFICE.

This point is on the Chicago and Grand Trunk Railway, on the line between sections 10 and 11, the station being on section 11, and the post-office on 10. The post-office was established about June 1, 1879. Edward Elliott is postmaster. He also keeps a small assortment of patent medicines, candies, nuts, groceries, etc. The station was established in 1878. There is a water-tank and siding.

The township is well supplied with railway-stations and post-offices, having three of each, well distributed.

PINE LAKE PICNIC- AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

One of the finest pleasure resorts in this portion of Mich- igan is located at the northern extremity of Pine Lake, on the northeast quarter of section 3. This locality has been a favorite resort for pleasure-seekers for many years, the lake being the only considerable body of water in this region. Thomas Bateman appears to have been the first person to furnish boating facilities. R. W. Surby bought land of Bateman and also his interest in the boating busi- ness, and erected the first building for the accommodation of the public in 1870. In 1871 he built a hall, which was subsequently torn down to give room to the present commo- dious one. In 1873, George W. Northrup became a part- ner with Mr. Surby in the enterprise, and the firm put up the frame of the " Lake House" and erected a barn. In the fall of 1874 Surby sold his interest to Northrup, and Origin Hardy became a partner with the latter. Under their administration the hotel was completed aud the re- mainder of the buildings now on the ground were erected.

Subsequently Northrup sold to the brothers Origin and Anson Hardy, who have continued to improve the grounds and add attractions to the place. They now own about thirty acres of land purchased of various parties, and have an unusually attractive resort. They have some twenty- five or thirty row- and sail-boats, and intend to put on a pleasure steamer in the spring of 1881. A small steamer was brought from Lansing and launched on this lake in 1876. This was afterwards taken to pieces and the engine transferred to a new boat built for the Messrs. Hardy. This last was sold to parties in Portland, lonia Co., Mich., in June, 1880. The buildings consist of an extensive hotel, a dancing-hall, two barns, an ice-house, bath-house, boat- houses, etc., with swings and other attractive features, all situated in a fine grove of oak and hickory timber. The place is well patronized through the warm season, as many as six thousand people having been on the grounds at one time. Boating and fishing facilities are excellent.

Reuben K. Hardy, father of the Hardy brothers, settled

on section 6, Meridian township, about 1857. The old people are dead, but the property remains in the family.

We are under obligations to the following, among others, for information furnished : Ebenezer Walker, J. II. Kil- bourne, Freeman Bray, R. D. Sowle, Runa Morton, M. W. Barnes, Mrs. James A. Hamilton, B. W. Cushman, Enos Woodworth, J. W. Burton, J. H. Wilson, A. D. Hatch A. L. Sturges, Drs. J. B. Park and A. F. and J. W. Ferguson, Mrs. George Culver, C. F. Mullett, and Edward Elliott.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

GEORGE B. VANATTA.

Few men are living in the State of Michigan, as con- pared with its population, who are natives, and born as early as, or prior to, 1835. Among that few is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Northfield township, Wash- tenaw Co., July 3, 1835. His parents were Aaron B. and Cynthia (Baughart) Vanatta, both natives of New Jersey, where they were married about 1829, removing to Michi- gan in 1832. In traveling from Detroit they were guided by a pocket-compass. When George was about fifteen mouths of age his mother died, his father marrying again and remaiuiog on the land which he had entered, up to his death, which occurred iu 1877. By this last marriage he had seven children, four of whom are living near Ann Arbor, Mich. George remained at home, attending district school, with one term at State Normal School, and assisting his father, until the age of twenty, when he came to Ingham County, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in the township of Locke, and at once commenced improv- ing it, soon after marrying Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James and Elizabeth Smith, both of whom were natives of New York and early settlers in Washtenaw County, where Mrs. Vanatta was born Nov. 12, 1836, Mr. Smith having located land in Clinton County soon after removal there, where he died in February, 1866, his wife surviving him only until the following autumn. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom Mrs. Vanatta is the ninth. Eight are still living.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vanatta occurred April 13, 1856, and in the fall of 1858 he exchanged his farm in Locke township for eighty acres of his present farm on section 13, in Meridian township. On this there was thirty acres partly improved, and to it they have added, from time to time, until now the home farm consists of five hundred acres, with three hundred acres improved. At one time it consisted of eight hundred and forty acres. He has always been a leading farmer of his township, rais- ing all kinds of farm productions, besides dealing largely stock, of which he is quite an extensive breeder.

To Mr. and Mrs. Vanatta have been given eight children, -viz., Cynthia A., born April 18, 1857, now Mrs. Elliott, of Williamstown township ; Carrie J., born Sept. 30, 1859, now Mrs. Baughart, of Lansing ; Rosie E., born Dec. 18, 1861; George M., born Sept. 21, 1863; Theron A., born

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IHISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

GEORGE B. VANATTA.

Jan. 23, 1866 ; Octavia, born April 20, 1870; Bertha C., born March 3, 1872; Fernando E., born Oct. 19, 1878.

Mr. and Mrs. Vanatta have been members of the Free- Will Baptist Church for the past twenty years.

ALONZO PROCTOR.

This gentleman with commendable pride traces his origin to the Green Mountain State, where in Cambridge, Frank- lin* Co., he was born April 13, 1815. He was the fourth in a family of nine children, his parents both being natives of Massachusetts. Alonzo remained at home, assisting on the farin summers and attending school winters, until he was eighteen years of age. He then went to Massachusetts

MRS. GEORGE B. VANATTA.

Mr. Vanatta, although not an active partisan, has always taken considerable interest in politieal matters, voting the straight Democratie ticket, and being frequently the nomi- nee for supervisor and minor offices in his township.

M-C

MRS. ALONZO PROCTOR.

and hired by the month, remaining there about two years. Meanwhile his parents removed to Niagara Co., N. Y., where he joined thein, but only to stay one year, going thence to Illinois, and for some six years kept up this roam- ing life, visiting different States, finally meeting his parents in Michigan, to which they had removed in 1836, loeating first in Stoekbridge township, afterwards selling and buying where Alonzo now lives. Here the father died in 1870. April 8, 1847, Alonzo married Miss Sarah Gugins, who who was also a native of Vermont, where she was born July

* Now in La Moille County.

Ofप्त

RESIDENCE OF GEORGE R VANATTA

MACHINHAN To lunges. A.

MERIDIAN.

289

31, 1830, her mother being a native of the same State, and her father of Canada, the family consisting of four chil- dren, Sarah being the second. They came to Michigan in 1830, where the parents both died, the mother in 1844 and tbe father in 1847.

To Mr. and Mrs. Proctor were born ten children, of whom seven are living: Asa M., born Sept. 7, 1844, now married, bis farm adjoining his father's ; Myrta H., born Jan. 2, 1858; Fred L., born June 28, 1860; Jennie M., born Oct. 17, 1862; Mira Bell, born April 20, 1866; Normal A., born April 24, 1869 ; and John D., born Sept. 9,1872.

Mr. Proctor has always followed farming. His first pur- chase contained forty acres, which he bought of the gov-

ernment, and which his son now owns. His farm now contains seventy acres.

In politics he was formerly a Whig ; latterly he has been a Republican, and he has been chosen by his fellow-towns- men to fill different offices of trust.

His farm lies on the Gravel Road, some five miles from Lansing. He has tended the toll-gate fourteen years, and his father tended it some seven years previous ; in fact, ever since the road was built it has been kept by some one of the Proctor family.

In religious belief Mr. Proctor's views are liberal.

Mr. Proctor's grandfather on his mother's side, Joseph Dane, was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary army, and was present at the battle of Bunker Hill.

WLIAANS

JAMES N. SMITH.

This gentleman, one of the leading agriculturists of Cen- tral Michigan, was born in the town of Hector, Tompkins Co., N. Y., April 20, 1830, and was the eldest in the family of Jonas and Mary (Gilmore) Smith, which con- sisted of six. The elder Smith was a farmer, was born in Tompkins County in 1807, and married in February of 1829. In 1833 he removed with his family to San- dusky Co., Ohio, where he resided until his death. Ile was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was one of the prominent citizens of the county. He held various positions of trust and responsibility, notably among the number that of sheriff and county commissioner; the latter position he filled acceptably for six years. He held the office of justice of the peace for eighteen years. He was an energetic and successful farmer, and acquired a 37

competency. James received a common-school education, and remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age. He studied civil engineering and surveying, and for several years was engaged as a teacher. In 1854 he mar- ried Miss Rachel Short. Shortly after his marriage he pur- chased a farm, which he carried on in connection with that of his father. Ile took an active interest in political mat- ters, and in 1858 was elected county clerk. At the ex- piration of his term of office he was re-elected. He dis- charged his duties with fidelity to the trust reposed in him, and with credit to himself.

In 1864, Mr. Smith disposed of his property in Ohio and came to Michigan, where he purchased seven hundred acres of land, which is a part of his present estate of twelve hundred acres, a large portion of which is under a high state of cultivation. Since coming to Michigan, Mr. Smith

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HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

has eschewed polities, and has devoted himself to farming and stock-growing. He has a large herd of Galloway cattle, of which he is said to be the largest breeder in the United States.

Mr. Smith has devoted much time and study to the subject of drainage, and is considered to be standard au- thority on anything pertaining thereto. He is county drain commissioner, and in this capacity his services are of great value to the farming community. As a farm manager he is undoubtedly one of the most proficient in this part of the State, and his services are in great demand.

He is one of the organizers and charter members of the Central Michigan Agricultural Society, and has probably

done more to advance its interests than any other member of the organization. The society was born under adverse circumstances, and has had to contend with many difficul- ties and embarrassments, and its success is largely attributa- ble to the untiring efforts of its present superintendent, James N. Smith. The exhibition of the Centennial year was highly successful, and the officers of the society, --- business men of the city of Lansing,-knowing that it was due largely to the efforts of Mr. Smith, and to show their esteem and appreciation of his services, presented him with an elegant cane suitably engraved.

Altogether, Mr. Smith is one of those leading spirits whose identification with any community is always produc- tive of good.

MRS. JOIIN SALTMARSHI.

JOHN SALTMARSH.

John Saltmarsh was born in London, England, Aug. 21, 1815, and is one of a good old-fashioned family of fif- teen children. His father was a dairyman. John started for himself when eighteen years old, although considering himself an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty- three years of age, when he secured a helpmect by marrying Miss Mary Foster, also of English extraction. This union was blessed with two children. Mrs. Saltmarsh had pre- sided over her home only five years, when death called her to try the realm of the unknown. Mr. Saltmarsh, after leading a lonely life for three years,-the loneliness of which only those who have experienced it can realize,-married his wife's sister, Miss Sarah Foster, and soon after, with his family, set sail for America ; this was in July, 1848. After a tiresome voyage of six weeks he reached the United States, and immediately proceeded to Pontiac, Mich., where he arrived in the following September. Here they remained through the winter, and in the following spring located on the farm where he now lives, which contains one hundred and sixty acres, on section 13, Meridian township. Though owning other lands, he has always made this his

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History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 70

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