USA > Michigan > Ionia County > History of Ionia County, Michigan : her people, industries and institutions, Volume I > Part 45
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There is no date of Oliver Arnold's second marriage, or his wife's maiden name. She came with the colony to fonia, and died on February 11, 1834, only about eight months after their arrival, aged thirty-nine years, one month and twenty-seven days, leaving Mr. Arnold with four children of her own and five by his first wife-nine children in the wilderness. Susan Arnold, the second wife of Oliver Arnold, was doubtless the first grown white person to die in Ionia county. There were no burying grounds, no churches and, I think, no minister, no coffin and no huummber to make one, so planks were split from trees and a rude box was made to answer for a coffin. A pleasant spot was selected on top of the hill, some three hundred feet southwest of their cabin, and there she was laid to rest. Oliver Arnold wished to be laid beside her, and when he died. twenty-five years later. his wish was carried out, and today they are sleeping side by side on the land they bought of the government. The spot is located about three hundred feet due south of the present Arnold factory on the very top of the hill. under the spreading branches of a large beech tree.
The four children born to this second marriage were Chauncey Fair- childs Arnold, born on April 24, 1824. and died on September 23. 1901. at his home in South lonia, aged seventy-seven years, four months and twenty- five days, James Hutton Arnold, born on September 4. 1826, also died in South Tonia. Mary Amanda Arnold, born on June 5. 1828, and died on August 8, 1834, aged six years, two months and three days, only six months after her mother died, and she was buried on the hill by her mother. George Wesley Arnold, born on March 21, 1832, died at his home in south lonia, March 11. 1888, aged fifty-five years, eleven months and eighteen days, and is buried in Balcom cemetery.
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The maiden name of Oliver Arnold's third wife was Fannie Bourden, and she was an aunt to the late Hiram Bourden, and great aunt to Byron Bourden, now living east of Palo. No children were born by this mar- riage. Fannie ( Bourden ) Arnold died on April 15. 1866, aged seventy- eight years, eleven months and eighteen days.
SHORTAGE OF PROVISIONS.
Before the colony left Detroit they bought a quantity of flour and shipped it to Grand Haven. It was five months on its way and a trip was made to that place after it. It was found to be damaged and worms were devouring it, but these were sifted out and every particle saved, as it was considered precious, as there were no mills to grind wheat or corn. If corn bread or cake was had. the corn had to be hammered fine, then sifted and for many years the only way to utilize corn easily was in the shape of hulled corn, and hulled corn and milk were their main living for several years. Later Mr. Welch settled west of lonia on the stream now known as Bellamy creek. He improved the water power and put in a saw-mill and a grinder that would grind corn.
Oliver Arnold was a blacksmith by trade and as the government had established a shop at Grand Rapids, to do work principally for the Indians, Mr. Arnold got employment there and worked several years, in fact was forced to do so to keep his large family from starvation, for while some of his elder children were large enough to earn money, there was no chance here to do so. In later years the creek near his house was made to turn a grindstone and operate a bellows in a small shop he established near his home, and later the water power the creek afforded was improved in a more modern way, and it now furnishes power for the Arnold machine shop and foundry owned by Mr. Fred E. Arnold. the only descendant that still makes the old Arnold homestead his home. Fred E. Arnold was born and always lived on some part of the land his grandfather. Oliver Arnokl. bought of the United States government in 1834, and is the son of George Wesley AArnold. Mr. Arnold still has two deeds from the United States of America to Oliver Arnold. The first is dated November 4. 1834, and is signed by President Andrew Jackson, and describes the west half of the northwest quarter of section 30. Another deed. dated May 1, 1839, signed by Martin Van Buren, President, describes the west half of the southwest quarter of section 30.
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Job Arnold, the father of Oliver Arnold, was a native of Smithfield, Rhode Island, and was a soldier during the Revolutionary War.
[This account of the life of Oliver Arnold was compiled by his grand- son, Fred E. Arnold, of South Ionia].
ERASTUS YEOMANS.
Erastus Yeomans was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, August II. 1791. His parents were Daniel and Esther Yeomans. At the age of sixteen he removed with them to German Flats, Herkimer county. New York. The next year he became a teacher in one of the public schools of the county. and evidence of his efficiency in this capacity, at the early age of seventeen. is given in the fact that he continued in the same position for nearly three years, with an advance of salary each year. Soon after this, in the War of 1812, he demonstrated his fitness to be a citizen of the republic by taking his place in the ranks of her defenders.
On March 19, 1815, Erastus Yeomans married Phoebe Arnold, of Fairfield, New York. His parents being advanced in years, their care devolved upon him and his wife, which duty was conscientiously discharged. Thinking that the future of his young family would be improved in the West, he joined the Dexter colony, to the then territory of Michigan, the magnitude of which undertaking can now hardly be estimated. For hardy men to plunge into the wilderness, going far from civilization and all of its comforts is hard enough, but to be accompanied by wives and large families of little children, seems at this day an insurmountable task, requiring to the limit the elements of heroism and patience and unfailing fortitude. But Ionians are today proud to know that civilization was started in western Michigan by a colony of fine, high-minded people, of whom any community could boast.
With the official organization and administration of the affairs of his county and town, Mr. Yeomans was closely identified. He was appointed first postmaster of Ionia county, receiving his commission from Amos Ken- dall, postmaster-general under President Jackson, which position he held for six years. In 1841 he was elected associate judge of the county, continuing to serve in that capacity for eight years, and was always active in advance- ing the best interests of humanity and of the community, and it was in his home on what is now West Main street that the first church service was held in the new community on June 2.1. 1834. by Elder E. Loomis, agent of the Baptist Home Misisonary Society and Elder E. Slater, missionary
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at the station of Grand Rapids. At this meeting, six persons united in conference: Samuel Dexter and Anna, his wife: Alfred Cornell and Nancy, his wife: Erastus Yeomans and Phoebe, his wife. Mr. Yeomans was a life-long member of the Baptist church and was the last one of the original colony to die-his death taking place in 1883, in the ninety-second year of his life, at his old home on West Main street.
Mrs. Phoebe ( Arnold ) Yeomans was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, March 18, 1797. Her parents, Job and Hannah Arnold, were of promin- ent families in the early history of Rhode Island. She was one of a large family of children, and early gave evidence of that amiability and strength of character which as wife, mother and friend made her in these relations a tower of strength always. She removed with her parents to Fairfield, Herkimer county. New York, where she was married to Erastus Yeomans. March 19. 1815, and this union proved to be a most happy one. Possess- ing to an eminent degree soundness of judgment and moral force, she bore with unfaltering spirit, the burdens and hardships of a pioneer mother, and was faithful to her generation in the sphere in which she moved.
The children born of this union were Sanford A., Amanda D., Harriett, Hiram, Sarah M., Emily, Mary M. and Harriett A. Mrs. Yeomans entered into rest, June 25, 1864, her memory being treasured by her descendants.
In another history of lonia county compiled by John S. Schenck and published in 1881. are letters from Hon. Alonzo Sessions and Rev. Alfred Cornell-giving their different views regarding the early days of the settle- ment-and following is a letter, written by Mrs. Erastus Yeomans, to her sister, Abigail Adams, of Albany. New York, soon after the colony had arrived at Ionia. Also an interesting note added to her letter, by her hus- band. Judge Yeomans. Mrs. Frances E. Burns, of St. Louis, Michigan, great commander of the Maccabees, and granddaughter of Mrs. Yeomans, owns the original and sent a copy to President U. B. Hayes, of the lonia County Pioneer Society, and it came to public notice for the first time when Mr. Hayes read it at the annual meeting held at the Church of Christ. August 11. 1915.
"Grand River, lonia County, July 11, 1833.
"Dear Sister: Having an opportunity of sending as far as Homer I will write you. You have undoubtedly heard from us. Mr. Yeomans wrote Mr. Adams, by Mr. Fox. of Columbia, a young man that came along with us with a view of purchasing land, which he has near by. Mr. Yeomans has purchased three hundred acres of land and paid for it and is well pleased with it : he says he never enjoyed such a contented mind in Herkimer county.
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His health has not been better for many years at this season of the year. and the children and myself are all well at present. Dear sister, I do think that I do realize the goodness of the Lord in supporting us through a long and tedious journey.
"We left Frankfort April 25 and arrived in Buffalo, May 5, and to our great surprise found Harriett Stark living there. She and her husband came to our lodgings about an hour before we left for the steamboat. They were well. They were going to leave the place in a day or two for Cleve- land, Ohio. We had pleasant weather on the lake. There were between five and six hundred passengers, besides nine horses and two yoke of cattle. The most of us were very seasick. We left Buffalo Monday morning and arrived in Detroit Wednesday night at ten o'clock. There we stayed until Saturday, when we took our wagons. They were all heavily loaded. Mr. Dexter's oxen and cows were ready for him; the others bought at a reason- able rate. There were twelve cows drove on a part of the way gave milk, which helped us very much on the way. We were nine days traveling in the woods after we left the road. I cannot make you sensible of the appear- ance we made, sixty-three in number, cutting and clearing our way for heavily loaded teams where a wagon never ran before, making hasty pud- dings, baking bread in tin bakers, washing dishes, some eating on a log, some on the bottom of a washtub.
"We hired a pilot and gave him fourteen dollars to go through with us. The Indians were very friendly on the way, but they were few in numbers. We are not afraid of them; they often fetch venison, baskets, cranberries, etc. We bought five wigwams for twelve shillings each, where we reside at present ; the men are going to building houses soon. I never saw vege- tation grow so fast as in this place. The ground appears to be very rich and fertile. The men all went to work on Mr. Dexter's land and made a fence. We have corn, potatoes, beans and melons and a variety of other kinds of garden stuff. We have received our goods, a part of them were brought up the river by the French and Indians, the others, our men went and got themselves.
"I often think of you all and the rest of my friends and when I think of the distance that separates me from them, it gives me feelings that you can realize in part. I cannot say that I am discontented. I hope it will be for the best that we come to this place: but that we do not know ; we must never expect to escape trouble, disappointments, sickness and death, but feel to put our trust in God
"Our land joins Mr. Dexter's and is well watered. Oliver's land is on
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the other side of the river opposite ours. I think that this country will settle fast. as people are coming in from all parts to view and purchase land. Our Doctor Lincoln is, we think, a fine young man. I think he will teach school for us as soon as winter. Mrs. Dexter lost her youngest child on the road; he had the canker rash. I expected this dreadful disease would enrage amongst the children but it did not. There were some few that had the rash. I wish you and family were here. I think there will be roads in a few years. There is a road laid out from Detroit to Grand River, which is already begun.
"Amanda says 1 must tell Aunt Adams what a fine habe we have. She has grown finely all the way. Please give my love to all your family- the children send theirs too. Remember us all to Mr. Fosgate's family. Sister Susan's health is very poor at present. Philena's health is much the same. I could write more, but have not time.
"PHEBE YEOMANS."
A shorter letter was added by Mr. Yeomans :
"D). Friend: I have only time to say a few words to you respecting land in this country, the quality of which is equal, if not superior, to any I ever saw, particularly on Grand River. The springs and streams of water are first quality. Land may be selected with heavy timber, or little timber, or no timber. I have bought upwards of three hundred aeres, embracing portions of each kind-well-watered. and I have no doubt of the county seat being fixed near by it or on it, as it is near the center of the county and the situation is very eligible. We have ten or twelve acres of corn which I guess will compare with any in the state of New York. I was never in a country which I think offers greater advantages for a poor man to settle in than this. They are far superior to my anticipations. I have been two trips down the river after our furniture and pine boards for my house, which I hope to see erected soon. The land along the river is excellent and the prospect delightful. If you should believe my story, and I think it will bear investigation. I shall expect to see you settle here.
"E. YEOMANS."
After the colony arrived at the location of lonia, which was their destination, the morning of May 28, 1833. amid the bustle and confusion, Mr. Yeomans went to one side a little way and sitting down upon a log wrote ont the following hymn, after which he called the rest of the colony about him, read it to them, and they held there a service of song and prayer.
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GRATITUDE TO GOD.
We'll praise thy name, O God of grace. For all thy mercies shown- We've been preserved to reach this place. And find a pleasant home.
In journeying far from distant lands We've had thy constant care; Have been supported by thy hand To shiun each evil snare.
Through dangers great and toils severe, Thou, Lord, hath led our way ; Thou art our helper, ever near. To guide us day by day.
Help us, O Lord, to raise our song Of gratitude to Thee; Great God. to Thee all praise belongs, From land to land, from sea to sea.
From a letter which was sent the writer in February, 1916, written by Mrs. Yeomans to her sister in the East, late in 1834 or the spring of 1835, we quote :
"We have been blessed with our healths the most of the time since we have been here. We think we are pleasantly situated for a new place. I think you would be pleased with it if you and your family were here. We have a very good little society. I think better here than any settlement on the river. We have thirteen families within three miles. We have a meet- ing every Sabbath at our house, and Sabbath school after meeting. We have a temperance society formed consisting of twenty-three members.
"You have doubtless heard of Susan's ( the wife of her brother, Oliver Arnokt) death before this. She died on February 11, 1834, and in Angust following little Amanda followed her mother to an early grave. O may these lessons of affliction teach us the uncertainty of all earthly enjoyments. Brother Dexter ( father to William and Walter D. Arnold) was here last fall. He was very much pleased with his land here Ile thinks he shall remove here next spring if his family is so that he can. *
"PHERE YEOMANS."
Added to this letter is one written by her daughter, Amanda. who afterward became the wife of Rev. Alfred Cornell. to her consin- from which we quote :
"I am very much pleased with our situation. I do not wish to be placed
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back again, although I often wish I was there a short time to visit with my friends and old acquaintances. Our house is a new country style built of logs, but far better than any I ever saw in New York state. Before we left German Flats, we anticipated some fear of the Indians, but they appear perfectly harmless. There are none living near us. They frequently bring cranberries. We have a fine parcel of apple trees growing and they look very thriving. Crab apples and red plums grow spontaneously in this country. We have a good society of young people in this place. 1 think a better one of the size is seklom found. * You would like living
* here, I think. It does not appear like most new countries. Michigan is settling very fast. *
* I almost forgot to tell you Sanford and myself have been on a visit to the rapids of Grand river, a distance of nearly forty miles. We visited the three Mr. Reeds. They have very pleasant situations near a small lake. We went down the river in a small boat. * Your sincere consin, AMANDA YEOMANS."
The following is an old "love token" sent to one of the daughters of Judge and Mrs. Yeomans, intending to be an acrostic on her name :
AN ACROSTIC
So frail is beauty, dearest youth, A trifle when compared with truth:
Riches is virtue's brightest gem,
Adorns the fairest diadem.
Ilere dearest Sarah, you will find
More beauties to adorn thy mind: A heart that's gentle, meek and kind.
Rise then, above all earthly joys And join your youthful notes to sing. You'll then be happier far than King: Ever with Angels you'll rejoice. Oh! happy child! come time your voice.
Mingle the highest notes of praise
Around the throne of God's free grace:
New glories 'Il spread before thy face.
WILLIAM B. LINCOLN.
Dr. W. B. Lincoln, of fonia, Ionia county, Michigan, was the third of nine children of James and Lucy ( Whitcomb ) Lincoln, natives of Massa-
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chusetts. Soon after their marriage they moved to Vermont and settled in the township of Peru, Bennington county, where William was born, December 29, 1807. With the exception of seven years in the state of New York, he spent his time in Pern until he was seventeen, working and attending school alternately as opportunity offered. Ile decided to prepare himself for a teacher and soon acquired a knowledge of branches taught in the common schools. From that time until he had completed the study of his profession, school teaching was his winter work and farm work his delight in summer.
After having finished his preparatory studies he entered the office of Dr. Abraham Lowell, of Chester, Vermont, as a student. Having com- pleted his three-years term of study and attended two courses of medical lectures at the Clinical School of Medicine, in Woodstock, Vermont, he graduated in May, 1832. In the summer of that year he practiced at Man- chester, Vermont, and taught school during the winter in the same place. The following spring he visited Boston and shortly after his return set out on horseback on a prospecting tour. On his arrival at Herkimer county. New York, he learned of the formation of the Dexter colony, whose desti- nation was lonia, Ionia county, Michigan. After visiting Mr. Dexter at his residence in Schuyler he decided to accompany them.
They left Utica on April 25. and arrived in Ionia May 28, being one month and three days on the way. The entire Grand River valley below Jackson was then an unbroken wilderness inhabited only by Indians and wild beasts, with now and then an Indian trading station. On arriving here and viewing as best he could the conditions and surroundings he con- cluded to cast his lot with the colony and make Ionia his home. In the meantime a colony settled where Chicago now stands, without a doctor. Hearing of the young Doctor Lincoln from the East about to locate in lonia, they tried to induce him to leave Michigan and come to them, offer- ing him, among other things, forty acres of land where the city of Chicago now stands. He replied, "I have stuck my stakes-and here I stay." and he remained here all his long and useful life.
WORK OF A PIONEER PHYSICIAN.
For the first year or two of his professional services in the conmy, his time not being fully occupied, he turned his attention in the intervals of leisure to whatever would best subserve the interests of the colony. Year
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by year as the settlement extended, his business also extended. For many years he was the only physician in this region, and frequently traveled into adjoining counties, a distance of forty miles, on horseback, with big leather saddle-bags strapped securely to the saddle containing all kinds of remedies, and some instruments, never sure where he might be called, or what might be needed before his return home. Many times when the old Grand river was on a rampage or when floating ice would not permit his fording on horseback, he would row across, then walk thirty or forty miles to see some sick person.
At one time an Indian chief became very angry at the paleface doctor and threatened his life. Many warnings came but without driving away the man who had come to stay. At last the dread disease, smallpox, appeared among these Indians who begged for the paleface to come and cure them, but the old chief said. "No. I will not send for him for he would not come if I did." At last news came to the colony of their terrible condition and without waiting for the call. Doctor Lincoln went to their relief. He found among others the chief's son, almost beyond help, but managed to save his life, thus winning the undying gratitude of the old chief. Nothing in the Michigan woods was then too good for his friend the doctor.
In 1834 Doctor Lincoln built the first frame house. Part of this house is the home of Dr. T. R. Allen, lately deceased. On July 5, 1835. he mar- ried Anthy P. Arnokl, a daughter of Oliver Arnold, one of the original members of the colony. They were the first white couple married in the county. This young wife was a truly helpmate, never refusing to aid the sick and suffering-many a helpless sick man was carried to this little home to be cared for and kept until well enough to go on his way. Com- forts were few and luxuries unknown, yet no one ever knew this faithful couple to refuse to divide what they had among others who needed it worse than they.
Doctor Lincoln was elected the first township clerk of lonia, the town- ship then embracing the entire county. The first meeting was held on April 6. 1835. He was afterward justice of the peace, school inspector and assessor. Doctor Lincoln was a Whig and when that party disbanded became a Republican. He was one of the charter members of the Baptist church, which was organized in 1834, was its first clerk and was one of the trustees for years, also a deacon.
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DOCTOR LINCOLN'S DESCENDANTS.
William B. and Anthy ( Arnold ) Lincoln were the parents of five chil- dren, three daughters and two sons. William Tully and Horace Greeley died early in life, the latter while attending Kalamazoo College. The first daughter, Julia E., was born on September 30. 1836, and was married to Virgil S. Eastman, of Waterville, New York, on July 3. 1854. The second daughter, Marietta, was born on August 25. 1838, and was married to. Dr. H. B. Barnes, of lonia, July 18, 1861. The third daughter. Jennie, was born on November 15, 1853. and was married on September 3, 1873, to George W. Nelles, of Ionia.
His long residence in Ionia, his eminent social and professional abilities, have made Doctor Lincoln's name a household word in his own section. Ile will be remembered as a man loyal to his God. a true friend. a kind husband and father, a Christian gentleman, and an earnest worker in all enter- prises for the general good of society. Doctor Lincoln passed out of this life on June 12, 1882, and the last writing or business that he attended to was to write a notice of the pioneer meeting, May 28; ahnost to the last was his mind on his beloved colony. Mrs. Lincoln survived him until April 8. 1893, when she passed to the Great Beyond.
The three daughters, Mrs. Virgil Eastman, of Waterville. New York; Mrs. II. B. Barnes, of Iowa, and Mrs. George W. Nelles, of Muskegon. and four grandsons. Dr. William Lincoln Barnes, of Atlanta, Georgia : Ray- mond Lincoln Barnes, of Birmingham, Michigan; Howard S. Eastman. of Waterville, New York, and William Lincoln Nelles, of Detroit, Michigan. are the surviving members of the family.
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