History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 81

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 81
USA > Michigan > Ingham County > History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan > Part 81

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).

though not sufficiently uneven to render travel difficult. The soil presents all the qualities peculiar to Michigan land. Clay, sandy loam, gravel, muck, and swamp prevail. These are quite equally distributed and, with the exception of the marshy land, are very productive. Oak, ash, black- walnut, and hickory are the prevalent woods, though tama- rack is found in the swamps. Fruits of all kinds abound, and the soil and climate combine to make the harvests in this regard abundant. The grain yield is equal to the average throughout the county.

LAND ENTRIES.

The lands of White Oak were entered from the govern- ment by the following parties :

Sertion 1 .- Ross Wakeman, Aug. 2, 1836 ; M. Muloney, Nov. 1, 1836; Wm. Faulk, Nov. 22, 1836 ; Jumes II. Woods, Sept. 4, 1838.

Section 2 .- John HI. Havens, June 11, 1836.

Section 3 .- John 1I. Havens, June 11, 1836 ; Ira Davenport, June 30,

& By E. O. Wagner.

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WHEATFIELD.

1836; Josiah Snow, Aug. 4, 1836; D. S. McGonegal, April 7, 1837 ; Wm. Alebin, Sept. 19, 1838; Thomas O. May, Jan. 31, 1839.

Section 4 .- Wm. Baker, July 2, 1836 ; Alfred Howard, July 16, 1836 ; Etbel Walker, July 1, 1836 ; Benjamin Iluger, Aug. 5, 1836; B. Kercheval, Dec. 17, 1836.

Section 5 .- John Van Duzer, July 1, 1836; D. B. Staples, Ethel Walker, N. G. Parmelee, Martha Walker, July 16, 1836; Simcon Cummings, Sept. 23, 1836; John and James Mulholland, Oct. 28, 1836.

Section 6 .- Alex. Skillie, June 6, 1836; Russell Wilkinson, June 30, 1836; Jenks Chase, July 1, 1836; Michael MeGuinness, July 5, 1836; Cicero Webster, Feb. 25, 1837.

Section 7 .- Alvin Haywood, Horace W. Brown, Mary Winans, June 30, 1836.

Section 8 .- Alvin Haywood, June 30, 1836; Patrick Davis, Aug. 3, 1836; Simeon Cummings, Sept. 23, 1836.

Section 9 .- Jobn Ileywood, July 2, 1836; 1Iall Deland, Aug. 1, 1836; A. H. Van Buren, Oct. 31, 1836 ; Fred. P. Townsend, Dec. 29, 1836.

Section 10 .- Wm. Taylor, Solomon Brain, May 25, 1836; Ira Daven- port, June 30, 1836; Orson Seymour, John Grace, Dee. 16, 1836 ; E. and J. Alchin, Oct. 10, 1840.

Section 11 .-

Section 12 .- John McKernan, June 7, 1836 ; Ira Davenport, June 30, 1836 ; Philip MeKernan, Aug. 2, 1836; F. MeMahon, Oct. 25, 1836; Jobn Walton, Dec. 8, IS38.

Section 13 .- John Wright, Jobn MeKernan, June 17, 1836; Lewis Dunlap, June 20, 1836; Andrew Burns, Patrick Mevis, July 1, 1836 ; Joab Grover, July 9, 1836 ; B. B. Kercheval, Oct. 29, 1836.

Section 14 .- Jobn MeKernan, June 17, 1836; John Wright, June 25, 1836; B. B. Kercheval, Oet. 29, 1836.

Section 15 .-- H. W. Ackley, April 25, 1836; George Southerton, May 25, 1836; J. J. Thorp, July 12, 1836; Ifall Deland, Aug. 1, 1836 ; Thomas Anderson, Aug. 2, 1836.

Section 16 .- School section.

Section 17 .- Silas Hubbard, Oet. 26, 1836 ; Lester Chappel, Dec. 16, 1836 ; Howell Reeves, March 8, 1837 ; George Reeves, March S, 1836.

Section 18 .- Phineas P. Fox, Daniel Smith, May 30, 1836; Anna C. Torhert, July 14, 1836; Jubu Countryman, Aug. 3, 1836 ; Silas Hubbard, Oct. 25, 1836.

Section 19 .- J. Bennett, J. D. Doan, Jan. 26, 1836 ; J. Bennett, May 26, 1836; Juhn Sayer, July 14, 1836 ; Charles Tanner, July 14, 1836; R. M. Smith, Dee. 30, 1836.

Section 20 .-- Elijah Stanton, June 10, 1836; Hay Stevenson, Oct. 14, 1836 ; D. P. Dryer, Nov. 26, 1836; R. M. Smith, Dee. 30, 1836; Judson Dakin, Jan. 6, 1837; Lewis Austril, Jan. 6, 1837.

Section 21 .- Juhn Clements, May 9, 1836; Parshall Howell, June 10, 1836; William A. Dryer, July 2, 1836; Daniel Birce, July 13, 1836.

Section 22 .- George Brown, April 25, 1836; Parshall Smith, April 25, 1836; Hezekiah Smith, May 4, 1836; John H. Ifavens, June 4, 1836.

Section 23 .- Clark Post, July 5, 1836 ; Simeon Cummings, Sept. 25, 1836.

Section 24 .- Uriab Smith, May 13, 1836; Edward Mundy, June 15, 1836; Jobn Wright, June 17, 1836; Ira West, July 15, 1836.

Section 25 .- Richard Welling, Jan. 21, 1836; A. Osborn, May 19, 1836; E. Post, June 6, 1836; Richard Welling, Jan. 13, 1836; G. W. Graves, Oct. 28, 1836; William Everett, Aug. 15, 1850. Section 26 .- R. Welling, June 13, 1836; B. B. Kercheval, Oct. 29, 1836; llowell Reeves, March 8, 1837; Samuel Gillam, Nov. 6, 1846 ; John Gillam, Aug. 15, 1850.

Section 27 .- James Reeves, Feb. 27, 1836; Isaac Brovender, April 26, 1836; D. C. Hallock, May 30, 1836; Robert Goudy, Jr. June 7, 1836 ; John Blain, June 13, 1836; flowell Reeves, March 8, 1837.

Section 28 .- James Crownover, May 7, 1836; Henry Clements, May 7, 1836; John Blain, June 13, 1836.

Section 29 .- A. Dunn, March 5, 1836; T. F. Royce, March 8, 1836; Henry Clements, May 9, 1836 ; Rhoda Fuller, Feb. 3 and 8, 1837. Section 30 .- A. Dunn, March 5, 1836; T. F. Royce, March 8, 1836; A. Dunn, March 22, 1836; Andrew Hood, May 24, 1836; L. F.

Baker, May 18, 1836; Jonathan Thomas, June 18, 1836; William Miller, July 2, 1836 ; Agnes Graham, Dee. 16, 1837.

Section 31 .- Oliver llarris, May 5, 1836; George Reeves, May 30, 1836; William Ballentine, June 4, 1836; Jaures Graham, June 4, 1836; William Miller, July 2, 1836; B. B. Kerebeval, Dec. 17, 1836 ; Bennett and Ayers, May 10, 1837.

Section 32 .- Thomus F. Royce, March 8, 1836; John Wilson, June 4, 1836; Jacob Preston, Aug. 4, 1836; John Welch, Oet. 27, 1836; E. R. Daggett, Nov. 4, 1836; B. B. Kereheval, Dec. 17, 1836, and Feb. 3, 1837; Agnes Graham, Dee. 16, 1837.

Section 33 .- Herman Lonn, Jan. 21, 1835; Jobn A. Turner, April 18, 1836; L. C. Grover, April 26, 1836; Jesse Low, June 8, 1836; David Newsom, Sept. 21, 1836; Edwin Perry, Oct. 25, 1836,

Section 34 .- Daniel Dutcher, June 18, 1835 ; James Reeves, Feb. 27, 1836; L. C. Grover, April 26, 1836 ; John Welch, Oct. 27, 1836 ; William Davis, Nov. 22, 1836; Sally M. Glenn, Dec. 7, 1836.

Scetion 35 .- Daniel Duteber, June 18, 1835; 1[. Bullock, July 2, 1835; Blossom & Etner, Aug. 27, 1835; James Hypes, Oct. 13, 1835; A. F. Butterfield, March 8, 1836 ; H. Bullock, June 11, 1836; William A. Dryer, July 2, 1836.

Section 36 .- James Hynes, Oct. 13, 1835; John Gillam, June 16, 1836; B. B. Kercheval, Oet. 29, 1836; Amanda Townsend, Oet. 26, 1836; Lois Bissel, Oct. 26, 1836; Samuel Case, July 3, 1837.

TAX-LIST.

The following list embraces the names of resident tax- payers in township 2 north, of range 2 east, for the year 1844 :

Jobn Clements, John II. Clements, Ilenry Clements, David Howell, Alexander MeArthur, James Reeves, William Van Buren, David Newsom, Abram Van Buren, -- Oakley, - Moscho, I. N. Phelps and Hiel Phelps, William A. Dryer, Truman MeArthur, Alfred Ramsdell, William D. Stevenson, Radcliff Howell, R. Ramsdell, Thomas Anderson, M. Heywood, II. W. Ackley, Na- thaniel Parmen, Philip Salisbury, Edmund Alebin, James Alehin, Enos Smith, William Abbott, Jacob Countryman, Matthew Cowa- tus, Lewis Cody, Anna Horr, William Brown, Alfred Howard, A. N. Riggs, C. F. Chadwick, IIenry Wolcott, Samuel Wolcott, L. Main, Samuel Torbert, E. V. Carr, De Witt Morrison, Jonathan Thomas, Thomas F. Patrick, James Rathbun, William Ballentine, James Graham, Agnes Graham, George G. Sly, Asabel Monson, Hezekiah Riggs, Lucius Wilson, Thomas Stevens, Jacob Hev- don, Andrew Stevens, John Gillam, William Post, Asel Stow, James Hynes, William S. Ilall, Benjamin Gillam, Eber Hall, Jacob Acker, John Dubois, Benjamin Bullock, Matthew Dubvis, Jobn MeKernan, Stephen Havens, George Gillam, Warren Wil- son, Albert Wilson, Francis MeMahon, Robert Smith, Enoch Smith, Michel Michvanna, Ebenezer Sherman, Daniel Duteher.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

Daniel Dutcher claims and has the honor accorded him of having been the earliest pioneer who found a home within the boundaries of White Oak township. He was originally a resident of Montgomery Co., N. Y., from whence he removed to the western portion of the State in 1825, and to White Oak in 1835. On seetion 35 he chose a tract of 335 acres, upon which he built a log habitation, and for some months lived with his family alone in the wilderness. In June of the following year a band of pio- neers, thirty-six in number, arrived and enjoyed Mr. Dutcher's hospitality while selecting their lands or erect- ing houses upon them. They found the limited quarters of his shanty inadequate to their wants, and were obliged to improvise sleeping accommodations in their wagons or under such shelter as the forest afforded. There were at this time no roads, the Indian trail being the only guide. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dutcher in Decem- ber, 1835, whom they christeued Abigail. She was the

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HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

first white ehild born in the township. Mr. Dutcher still survives, and resides upon the northwest quarter of sec- tion 35.

Ileury and John Clements were the next settlers, having arrived in 1836. The former, in May of that year, entered land on sections 28 and 29, upon which he built the aceus- tomed log house and did some clearing. He later removed to Meadville and became the popular landlord of the place, remaining until his death.

John Clements owned a farm on section 21, and after- wards removed to Laingsburg, where he died. Ilis sons still occupy the farm. The father of the Clements brothers died in the township during the year 1836, or possibly a year later. This was the earliest death in the township.

James Hynes located land in October, 1835, on scetions 35 and 36, and the following year settled upon it. His farm embraced 160 acres, which he cleared, improved, and made productive. Ile still resides upon the place, and is one of the township's successful farmers.

Enoch Smith removed from Cortland Co., N. Y., in 1836, and settled on eighty acres upou section 24, on which he built a log dwelling and began the clearing of the land. Deer and wolves were abundant, and the Indian roamed the forest undisturbed. Ilis intercourse with the whites was confined to visits for purposes of barter, and his sup- plies of fresh game made him a welcome visitor. Mr. Smith still occupies the land he originally settled upon.

David and William A. Dryer entered in July, 1836, eighty acres on seetion 21. They were former residents of the Empire State, and on their arrival began the ereetion of a log house, soon after effecting a considerable improve- ment. They both later removed from the township, and Joseph Dyer is now the occupant of the farm.

Lueius Wilson came in 1837 and located upon land on section 30. Ile cleared and improved a large portion of his purchase, but later removed to California. He returned again to the township, where he died.

James Rathbun, another of the pioneers of 1837, chose a farm on section 31, which was entirely uncleared on his arrival. Ile converted it, however, into productive land, upon which he for some years resided, but ultimately left the township.

Edward R. Daggett the same year became a resident on section 32, which he had entered in November of the pre- vious year. This was destitute of improvement until Mr. Daggett's industry cultivated and made it a profitable in- vestment. ITis death occurred upon the farm, which is now occupied by his widow and son.

Alfred Howard entered land on section 4 in July, 1836, and settled upon it. Ilis residence was, however, brief. A few years later he sold and found a home elsewhere.

Abram Van Buren was a foriner resident of Onondaga Co., N. Y., from whence he removed in 1837 to a farin of 100 acres on section 34, bought of John Welch. In- dians were encamped in the neighborhood, and the scene on his arrival presented a primitive and uninviting aspect. Ile sold a portion of this land, and in 1847 removed to bis present residence, embracing eighty acres on section 35. Ilis sou is the present efficient township clerk of White Oak.

The township at this time had no resident physician, and the presence of Dr. Morgan, of Unadilla, was solicited in cases of severe illness. Later, Dr. Craft ministered to the needs of the settlers. Elder Sayers conducted the earliest religious services, and George W. Breckenridge made his advent soon after in the capacity of local preacher.

John Dubois, formerly of New York, settled in 1837 upon sixty aeres on seetion 35, his wife at the same time being owner of an additional sixty adjacent. The land was entirely uncleared, and the house of Conrad Dubois, in Stoekbridge, afforded shelter while clearing a space en which to ereet a log cabin. Mr. Dubois remained upon this farm and continued its improvement until his death, in 1880.

Iliel Phelps emigrated from Ontario Co., N. Y., to Dex- ter, in 1834, and in 1838 settled upon 120 aeres on section 29 in White Oak, which he purchased of William Turner. This was uneleared, with the exception of three aeres, which was chopped and had built upon it a simple log structure. Mr. Phelps moved with oxen and horses from Dexter, following the Indian trail, which was at times a very obscure guide. Ile began labor with a will, and the first year had cleared and partially sown ten aeres. Henry Clements was the nearest settler. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are still, in their advanced years, residents of their original purchase.

James Reeves, a native of Orange Co., N. Y., located in Washtenaw County in 1836, and in October, 1842, settled on section 27, in White Oak. In 1849 he removed to Stockbridge, where his death occurred at a recent date. Mr. Reeves was actively identified with the interests of both townships, and did much to advance their growth. He filled several important and influential offices during his residenee in White Oak.

Richard Oakley, another New Yorker, settled in 1839 upon section 33, where he converted the forest into a highly- improved farm. He remained upon this estate until his death, in 1878, and his sons are the present owners.

John MeKernan was a pioneer of 1839, and settled upon section 14, where he entered land in June, 1836. He found an ample field for his energies in the unimproved territory of which he was possessor. This, however, soon yielded to the industry of its owner, who continued to im- prove and increase the value of his purchase until his death.

J. B. and Robert Wilson eame from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and located on seetion 32, their father, John B. Wilson, having entered eighty aeres on the above section in 1836. The latter was killed by the falling of a tree in 1841, and the sons have sinee removed to seetion 27.

Christopher Patrick settled in 1845 upon section 29, where he improved the land he seeured and rendered it highly productive.

Abram Hayner came from Troy, N. Y., and chose land on section 34, embracing 190 acres, which at the time was unelcared. He hewed timber, and with it erected a dwelling, into which he removed when but partially com- pleted. He devoted himself to hard labor, and when, some years later, the primitive structure became uninhabitable, erected a substantial frame residence in which he now

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WHITE OAK.

dwells. Mr. Hayner is keenly alive to the interests of the township, and has filled many important township offices.

G. L. Carter removed from Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1850, and purchased land on sections 28 and 29, having built a residence on the latter section. Forty acres had been already chopped, and a log house and barn were standing upon it. In 1856 he erected a more substantial abode, and has continued to increase the dimensions of his farm until it now embraces 314 acres, all highly improved.

Among other pioneers who assisted in breaking the forests of White Oak were David Howell, who owned land on section 28; Hezekiah Riggs and Asahel Monson, who settled on section 29 ; R. Ramsdell and Thomas Anderson, on section 15; Truman McArthur, on section 20; David Newsom, on section 33; H. W. Ackley, on section 15 ; William D. Stevenson and Alfred Ramsdell, on section 9; A. N. Riggs and C. F. Chadwick, on section 4; Thomas F. Patrick, on section 30; William Ballentine and James Graham, on section 31 ; Philip Salisbury and James Alchin, on section 10; Samuel and Henry Woleott, on section 18; Asel Stow and Benjamin Bullock, on section 35; George Gillam, on section 24; Ebenezer Sherman, on section 34; William S. Hall, on section 36; Stephen Havens, on sec- tion 1 ; and Jonathan Thomas.

ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST.

White Oak was separated from Ingham township and organized as a congressional township, March 21, 1839. In accordance with an act of the State Legislature, notice having been previously given, the qualified voters of the township met at the house of Daniel Dutcher on the 2d of April, 1839. Cyrus Post was chosen moderator, and Wil- liam Ballentine, Henry Clements, and James Ratbbun in- spectors of election ; William A. Dryer was installed as clerk. The following individuals were elected to fill the various township offices for the ensuing year: Supervisor, John Clements ; Township Clerk, William A. Dryer ; Treasurer, Richard Oakley ; Justices of the Peace, Cyrus Post, Wil- liam Ballentine, Daniel Dutcher, Henry Clements ; High - way Commissioners, David P. Dryer, William S. Hall, A]- fred Howard ; Assessors, John McKernan, Hiel Phelps, James Rathbun ; Primary School Inspectors, Cyrus Post, John Clements, William A. Dryer ; Collector, William Post; Overseers of Poor, Jonathan Thomas, John Gillam ; Constables, William Post, William Van Buren. The re- maining Dames on the list embrace the more important township officers to the present date.

SUPERVISORS.

1840-41, William S. Hall; 1842, W. A. Dryer; 1843-44, John Clem- ents ; 1845-46, Griffin Paddock ; 1847, Lucius Wilson; 1848, John A. Turner; 1849, G. W. Andrews; 1850, Lucius Wilson ; 1851, Philip MeKernan; 1852, William C. Post ; 1853, Jobn Clements ; 1854-57, Abram Hayner ; 1858, George J. Sly ; 1859- 60, Abram Hayner; 1861-64, D. F. Osboro ; 1865-67, Willard Smith ; 1868, William C. Post; 1869-70, Abram Hayner; 1871- 72, D. F. Osborn ; 1873, W. P. Wilcox ; 1874, Willard Smith ; 1875, William H. Smith ; 1876-77, E. W. Woodward; 1878, George H. Willets ; 1879-80, E. W. Woodward.

TOWNSHIP CLERKS.

1840, William A. Dryer ; 1841-44, William Ballentine; 1845-46, James Reeves ; 1847-48, William Post; 1849, David Howell ; 42

1850-52, Abram Ilayner; 1853-55, Ilenry Clements ; 1856, William Wilson ; 1857-58, William C. Post ; 1859, W. R. Wil- son ; 1860-61, David Cooper ; 1862, Abraio llayner; 1863, Ste- pben M. Ilayner ; 1864-66, William C. Post ; 1867-68, J. P. Wilson ; 1869-71, John B. Wilson ; 1872, Andre M. Hall; 1873, John B. Wilson ; 1874-77, Charles Stephens; 1878, Samuel F. Rogers ; 1879, Oren L. Lathrop ; 1880, Lyman A. Van Buren.

TREASURERS.

1840-44, Ilenry Clements; 1845-46, Lucius Wilson; 1847, Hiel Phelps ; 1848, John Gillam ; 1849, no record ; 1850, John Gil- lam ; 1851, Nelson Osborn ; 1852-53, Hiel Phelps; 1854, J. C. Granger ; 1855-56, Lucins Wilson ; 1857-60, Enoch Smith ; 1861, Samuel B. Williams; 1862, William IT. Smith; 1863, Robert C. Smith; 1864-65, Isaac R. Williams ; 1866, Hiel Phelps; 1867, Robert Wilson ; 1868-69, Enoch Smith ; 1870-71, Parshall llowell; 1872, Warren P. Wilcox ; 1873-74, Thomas McKernan ; 1875-76, Alexander 11. Clements; 1877-78, Jobn Ilynes ; 1879-80, Oscar Johnson.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1840, Cyrus Post, Alfred lloward, Daniel Dutcher ; 1841, S. V. R. Church, D. P. Dryer ; 1842, R. Ramsdell, Cyrus Post, Lncins Wilson ; 1843, George J. Sly; 1844, Joha Clements, Thomas Stevens; 1845, George J. Sly; 1846, Lewis Cody ; 1847, Griffin Paddock ; 1848, Thomas Stevens; 1849, George J. Sly, William Brown; 1850, John McKernan, Enoch Smith ; 1851, C. H. Chad- wick, Enoch Smith; 1852, Thomas B. Godley ; 1853, George J. Sly ; 1854, D. F. Osborn, Miles Lowell, G. W. Andrews; 1855, Isaac Davis ; 1856, Franklin Dart, Isaac Stow; 1857, George J. Sly, W. P. Wilson, Nelson S. Oshora; 1858, no record ; 1859, N. S. Osborn ; 1860, Warren P. Wilcox; 1861, William C. P'ost ; 1862, E. W. Woodward; 1863, Elias S. Clark ; 1864, Daniel L. Cody ; 1865, 11. J. Stoner, Levi Alcott; 1866, E. Woodward; George M. Hall, George W. Andrews; 1867, Abram Hayner, Ira Miller; 1868, Ira Miller ; 1869, Frank Lathrop, Joseph Fielding ; 1870, E. W. Woodward ; 1871, Andre M. Hall: 1872, Ira Miller ; 1873, M. B. Townsend, S. N. Scoville : 1874, Abram Hayner ; 1875, Robert Wilson ; 1876, John R. Potter; 1877, M. B. Town- send; 1878, Enoch L. Smith ; 1879, Charles II. Carpenter ; 1880, John R. Potter.

EARLY ROADS.

The earliest records of the commissioners of highways have transmitted only descriptions of roads surveyed at a period several years later than the organization of the township. There is, however, little doubt that the car- liest highway that passed through the township of White Oak was familiarly known as the State road from Pinckney to Dexter. It traversed sections 30, 34, and 36. Other roads were surveyed as the presence of settlers demanded them, many of which were designated by the names of in- dividuals whose lands they invaded.

MILLVILLE.

The land on which this village is located was first owned by James Reeves, in whose name it was entered Feb. 27, 1836. It was subsequently sold to Nelson F. Osborn, who disposed again of a small portion to Elias S. Clark, by whom a saw-mill was erected. He parted with a half-in- terest, and later sold the whole to Lemuel Woodhouse, who is the present owner.

Elias S. Clark, in 1873, erected a grist-mill on the north- west corner of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 27, which is propelled by steam and now in full operation. There are, in addition, two stores, owned by Elias S. Clark and John E. Burgess, respectively, and a cooper- shop, by Isaac Letts. The township post-office is on sec- tion 34, Wm. J. H. Ackerson being the postmaster.

330

HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

WHITE OAK GRANGE, No. 241.

The organization of this grange was effected January, 1874, with the following members as its charter officers : J. B. Wilson, Master; Isaae Davis, Chaplain ; Joseph Dyer, Overseer; Christopher Patrick, Leeturer ; Abram Hayner, Sec. ; O. Phelps, Treas. A special hall was erected for the use of the grange on section 2 the year of its organization, in which the meetings are held.

Its present officers are J. B. Wilson, Master ; Sarah Phelps, Chaplain ; Willis Binding, Overseer ; Christopher Patrick, Lecturer ; Philo Phelps, Sce .; S. N. Seoville, Treas.

SCHOOL STATISTICS.

The early schoul records convey little information of value to the historian, and are chiefly records of the various alterations in the boundaries of school districts from 1839 until the present time. The board of school inspectors of the newly-organized township of White Oak met on the 30th day of April, 1839, at the office of the township clerk, and, having chosen John Clements chairman and William A. Dryer clerk, proceeded to a division of the township into districts.

The following divisions were then made :

Fractional District No. 1 embraced seetions 13, 24, the east half of the northeast quarter and the east half of the southeast quarter of seetion 14, the east half of the north- east quarter and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 23, and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of seetion 25 of the township of White Oak, and sections 18 and 19 and the north half of the north half of seetion 30 of Ioseo in Livingston County.

Fractional District No. 2 embraced sections 7, 18, the north half of 19 in White Oak, the east half of 13, and the east balf of the northeast quarter of 24 in Ing- bam.

District No. 3 embraced the southeast quarter of seetion 30, the southwest quarter of 29, and sections 3, 31, and 32 of White Oak.

Fractional District No. 4 embraced sections 25 and 30, the east half of 35 and of 26, the southeast half of 23, the southeast quarter of 24 in Ingham, the south half of 18, the north half of 30, the southwest quarter of 30, and the northwest half of 29 in White Oak.

The earliest school was opened in 1836 in the fractional distriet then embracing a portion of Stockbridge. The school-house was located in the above township near the division-line, but had among its patrons the early settlers in White Oak. Elizabeth Lowe was the first instructor, and presided for three successive terms. Probably the Clements district enjoyed the earliest educational privileges afforded within the township limits. The township is now divided into five whole and three fractional districts, over whom preside the following board of directors: W. H. Smith, C. Zoeum, S. Gains, William T. Godly, Charles Odell, Thomas Western, W. Il. J. Ackerson, and J. W. Ifendrick. The total number of children receiving in- struction is 273, of whom fifteen are non-residents. They are under the superintendence of five male and twelve female teachers, who receive in salaries an aggregate amount of 8974.50 annually, The school property includes eight

frame school buildings. The total resources of the town- ship for educational purposes are $2188.81, of which $214.63 is derived from the primary school fund.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ABRAM HAYNER.

In the month of June, 1846, Abram Hayner arrived in White Oak, Ingham Co., from Saratoga Co., N. Y., aecom- panied by his wife and three children, the oldest a boy of nine years old, and possessed the sum of only thirty-five dollars. Hle came to seek a home where land was cheap, and where his efforts would not be cireumseribed by the wealth of those around him. Seeuring eighty acres on sec- tion 34, he erceted a log house, and made such other im- provements as their limited means would permit. The winter following he taught school in District No. 2, receiving in payment for his services the publie money, and the balance of his hire in work performed by residents of that district, upon his farm, logging and clearing.

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History of Ingham and Eaton counties, Michigan, Part 81

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