USA > Michigan > Kalamazoo County > History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan > Part 149
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
1875, Samuel Beane; 1876, C. E. Faunce ; 1877, John P. Reidinger ; 1878-79, Amandus B. Hanshue.
EARLY LAND-ENTRIES.
The following are the original entries of land embraced in the present township of Wakeshma :
69
1
546
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
SECTION 1.
Acres.
John Ward and A. Bronson, Jan. 27 and Feb. 26, 1836, and Sept. 1, 1851. 549.10
State swamp land, September, 1850 .. 70.94
SECTION 2.
W. Baker and H. Hervey, June 6, 1836. 320
George Howland, July 25, 1836 304
SECTION 3.
Daniel B. Eldred, Jan. 13 and Feb. 27, 1836. 80
Wm. Baker and H. Hervey, June 6, 1836. 240
George Howland, July 25, 1836 301.02
SECTION 4.
Daniel B. Eldred, Jan. 13, 1836. 80
Festus Hall, May 23, 1836 40
H. Hervey and Wm. Baker, June 6, 1836. 160
T. P. Sheldon, July 18, 1836.
40
George Howland, July 25, 1836. 296.92
-
SECTION 5.
J. H. Ostrom, W. R. Palmer, and T. R. Walker, March 26, 1836 ..
Jos. Caldwell, May 25, 1836 .. 69.89
Oscar Howell, May 25, 1836. 80
H. Hervey and Wm. Baker, June 6, 1836
80
George Howland, July 25, 1836
310.85
SECTION 6.
Joseph Caldwell, May 25, 1836. 392.68
Oscar Howell, May 25, 1836 152.33
George W. Allen, June 27, 1837 80
SECTION 7.
Warren Watkins, Dec. 7, 1836 80
J. W. Noyes, Dec. 9, 1836 80
John Tack, C. W. Rockwell, and J. A. Rockwell, Dec. 13, 1836.
402.44
SECTION 8.
State of Michigan ..
480
Gordon Miller, 1844
160
SECTION 9.
James Noyes, Nov. 7, 1835 160
Luther Carlton, Dec. 16, 1835 160
A. H. Ward, Sept. 25, 1836 80
A. J. Eldred, April 27, 1836.
80
H. Hervey and Wm. Baker, June 6, 1836.
160
SECTION 10.
J. Ward and A. Bronson, Jan. 27, 1836 320
A. H. Ward, Feb. 25, 1836. 160
J. Ward and A. Bronson, Jan. 27, 1836 160
SECTION 11.
John McCourvey, Jan. 5 and Jan. 12, 1836. 160 J. Ward and A. Bronson, Jan. 27 and Feb. 25, 1836 480
SECTION 12.
John McCourvey, Dec. 27, 1836. 80
H. G. Wells and S. Vickery, Jan. 26, 1836. 320
Stephen Vickery, Feb. 3, 1837 160
Asa Wixson, Nov. 24, 1845. 80
SECTION 13.
J. Ward and A. Bronson, Feb. 26, 1836 160
Nathaniel March, Feb. 18, 1837. 80
Philip Goodrich, Nov. 28, 1848. 160 John Cullen, July 2, 1849 40
Jane M. Van De Walker, Nov. 26, 1853 40 State swamp land, September, 1850 160
SECTION 14.
Amplins Blake, N. Blake, Jason Steele, and L. Bacon, April 29, 1836 .. 80 George Stearns and A. C. Bacon, April 29, 1836 .. 160 H. Hervey and William Baker, Jane 6, 1836. ..... 400
SECTION 15.
Asa Briggs, Feb. 15, 1836. 40 Samuel B. Rose, Feb. 27, 1836 80 J. H. Ostrom, William R. Palmer, and Thomas R. Walker, March 26, 1836. 160 Thomas Griswold, April 23, 1836 40 James Horner, April 29, 1836 160 L. B. Holcomb, May 10, 1836 80 Asa Briggs, Dec. 10, 1836. 80
SECTION 16.
School section.
SECTION 17.
Acres.
State of Michigan .. 480
Amos Nash, April 10, 1848. 40
Jacob Kreader, April 10, 1848 40
John L. Lawson, Oct. 20, 1851. 40
Thomas W. Flanders, Dec. 2, 1851. 40
SECTION 18.
State of Michigan.
SECTION 19.
State of Michigan.
SECTION 20.
State of Michigan.
SECTION 21.
John W. Noyes, Dec. 25, 1835
80
J. B. Dawkin, March 18, 1836.
160
H. Hervey and William Baker, June 6, 1836.
400
SECTION 22.
George J. Clark, Jan. 22, 1836.
80
80
D. A. Lovett, March 5, 1836.
160
Samuel D. Lovett, March 7, 1836
160
James Horner, April 29, 1836.
240
SECTION 23.
James Horner, April 29, 1836. 320 Amplin Blake, Nathan Blake, W. J. Steele, and L. Bacon, April 29, 1836 160
Jacob Dir, Dec. 20, 1853.
40
State swamp land, September, 1850.
40
A. R. Scott, Sept. 9, 1854.
80
SECTION 24.
J. H. Ostrom, W. R. Palmer, and T. R. Walker,
April 20, 1836 ...
480
Earl Durfee, Dec. 4, 1836. 160
SECTION 25.
J. H. Ostrom, W. R. Palmer, and T. R. Walker, April 20, 1836. 320 Ambrose Cock, July 12, 1836 160 Josiah Bennett, July 12, 1836. 160
SECTION 26.
Charles Taylor, July 12, 1836.
640
SECTION 27.
James Horner, April 29, 1836. 320
Chandler Pease, Nov. 1, 1852 240
Calvin Frost, Nov. 9, 1852. 80
SECTION 28.
H. Hervey and William Baker, June 6, 1836
640
SECTION 29.
State of Michigan.
SECTION 30.
State of Michigan.
SECTION 31. .
State of Michigan.
SECTION 32.
Nelson Washburn, Dec. 31, 1842. 80
Bara W. Moore, Nov. 14, 1843. 40
State of Michigan.
480
John C. Morse, March 14, 1848 40
SECTION 33.
George J. Clark, Jan. 22, 1836 80
J. H. Ostrom, W. R. Palmer, and T. R. Walker,
March 26, 1836
160
Charles W. and John A. Rockwell, Dec. 7, 1836.
320
A. B. Watkins, March 7, 1838.
80
SECTION 34.
George J. Clark, Jan. 22, 1836 80
Chauncey Pratt, March 19, 1836 160
Caleb Orcutt, Jan. 30, 1837. 160
0. W. Legg, March 4, 1837 40
Philip House, March 7, 1837
40
Joseph L. Taylor, March 7 and May 10, 1838.
120
R. W. Wilferton, March 25, 1839.
40
SECTION 35.
J. H. Ostrom, W. R. Palmer, and T. R. Walker, April 20, 1836 ...
160 Enos Hinman, July 8, 1836 80
547
TOWNSHIP OF WAKESHMA.
Acres.
R. W. Wilferton, March 25, 1839 40
L. H. Bishop, Nov. 27, 1845 40
Sylvester Fredenburg, June 24, 1852 200
Calvin Frost, November 9, 1852, and Jan. 11, 1854 80
William Kimball, April 19, 1854 40
SECTION 36.
William A. Tomlinson and W. A. Booth, March 22 and April 26, 1836. 480 John Ostrom, William R. Palmer, and Thomas R. Walker, April 20, 1836 .. 160
EARLY ROADS.
. As late as 1846 there was but one road in the township, known as the State road. This road ran on the section line between sections 7 and 18, on a section line from west to east, and at a distance of a mile and a half from the east line of the township diverged to the north and east. The earliest recorded road, with the exception of the one already mentioned, was surveyed the 13th day of October, 1846, " the whole of which road lies in township 4 south, of range 9 west, to wit: commencing at the quarter stake on the south line of section 5, running thence north three hundred and four rods and twenty links on the quarter line to the point where it strikes the town line, it being forty-seven links east of the quarter post at the south side of section 32, in township 3 south, of range 9 west, making in all three hundred and four rods and twenty links. This road is designated as a communicating portion of a road running north and south." The latter road passed through the southern portion of the township of Climax. The survey of this road was made by Randolph Nutting and approved by the highway commissioners, who were Nathan Kerr and Frederick Harrison.
The road districts were established by the highway com- missioners at a meeting held at the house of J. J. Gardner, March 30, 1847. Other roads were established as the needs of the settlers demanded.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The earliest settler upon the soil of Wakeshma was Jacob J. Gardner, who first appeared in the township when it was a wilderness and located upon section 15. Finding no neighbors, he was obliged to depend wholly upon his own exertions in his efforts to improve his land and make for himself a comfortable home. He emigrated from Columbia Co., N. Y., and became a resident of the township in 1843. Mr. Gardner's integrity of character and his indomitable will made him one of the most influential of the early pioneers. He was chosen the first supervisor of the town- ship, and from that date until his death held many of the important offices within the gift of the people. His knowl- edge of parliamentary law and his excellent judgment made his influence important in the administration of pub- lic affairs. After a long life of usefulness, his remains sleep in sight of the homestead in which his life had been passed.
The following list embraces the tax-payers in Wakeshma for 1846, the year of its organization :
John Ker. Caleb Orcutt.
John Beard.
Joseph Heminway.
Charles Carver.
Wm. B. Logan.
George Beard.
Matthew Cullen.
Nelson Washburn.
Cornelius Cuyler.
Russell Worden.
A. R. Scott.
Jacob I. Gardner.
D. B. Eldred.
Asa Wixson.
I. Hall.
Elias Stilwell.
I. P. Sheldon.
Frederick Harrison.
Caldwell.
David Stilwell.
C. Howell.
James Stilwell.
John Baughy.
Wm. Fairchild.
Joseph Caldwell.
John Stilwell, Jr.
I. Tack.
Nathan C. Ker.
C. W. Rockwell.
Ward & Bronson.
I. W. Noyes.
Ward & Co.
Stephen Vickery.
Blake & Co.
G. S. Stearns & Co.
R. French.
P. Hasbrouk.
T. Miller.
- Rundle.
H. T. Palmer.
C. Blackman.
A. H. Ward.
I. Horner.
Ward & Bronson.
L. B. Holcum.
J. McCamsey.
Rachel Crowell.
N. Marsh. Wm. Baker.
E. C. Valentine.
John Potter.
I. F. Abbey.
H. S. Sanford.
Asa Day. Edward Day.
John Benham.
James Graham.
R. Nutting.
I. E. Johnson.
O. Valentine.
Charles Grant.
E. N. Shelton.
Lee & Platt.
F. P. Tuttle.
E. A. Hayden.
Richard Reed.
F. Booher.
E. C. Seaman.
C. W. Rockwell.
James Noyes.
E. Harding.
Aaron Proctor.
M. O. Clark.
Daniel Lovett.
George Clark.
Wilder.
I. Deming.
A. Cook.
C. Pratt.
J. Bennett.
J. L. Taylor.
Benjamin W. Davis.
J. Hays.
C. Pease.
R. M. Wilferton.
George Howland.
E. Chisman.
Henry Harvey.
Lyman Bishop.
- Eldred.
Wm. A. Booth.
Harvey & Co.
The next pioneer who cleared the forests of Wakeshma was John Beard, who came from St. Lawrence County, in New York, later in the same year, and purchased 40 acres of Harvey Jaycox, to which he added 80 acres, and later an additional 80, the latter having been purchased of Wil- liam Beard. Upon Mr. Beard's arrival, he immediately turned his attention to the building of a shelter for his family, which consisted of a log house covered with bass- wood shakes. Mr. Beard had 12 children, but one of whom was born in the township, and who were on but one occa- sion together at the same time. His son George still re- sides in the township. He is known as a successful farmer, and a man of remarkable memory. Leveritt Beard, another son, was the first child born in the township, his birth having occurred in 1844.
Nelson Washburne may be ranked as among the fore- most of the early pioneers, having made the township his home in 1842, and entered 80 acres of land in December of that year. This he at once improved and made pro- ductive.
The first religious service in the township was held at the log house of Mr. Washburne. Services followed soon after at the house of Jacob J. Gardner, which were led by Edward Chesebro, from Calhoun County.
Caleb Orcutt came from Cincinnati in 1837, and entered
.
Ostrom & Co.
J. W. Allen.
E. A. Hayden.
M. Ragan.
548
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
160 acres of land on section 34. The date of his settle- ment it is impossible to give, though he may be ranked among the earliest pioneers, He first filled the office of township clerk, and acted as the second supervisor. His career was, however, brief, as a fatal illness ended his life in 1849, after which his family removed to Minnesota. His son later resumed his residence in the township, and died there in 1872.
John Stilwell, with his sons, Elias and David, removed to the township in 1842, when they chose a home on sec- tion 8. David removed to section 14, where he purchased 80 acres and still resides. They were among the earliest township officers, and took an active interest in affairs of public import.
Joseph Heminway was a resident of the township before its organization, and first filled the office of school inspector. He resided upon 160 acres, which he purchased of Ward & Bronson, who entered it for purposes of speculation, and lived upon this land until his death.
A. Nutting and his son Randolph were among the earliest purchasers of land in the southwest portion of the township. Randolph Nutting was a surveyor by profession, and the evidences of his professional skill are apparent in every portion of the township. He was a man of scholarly attainments, but eccentric in his tastes, and lived, apart from his neighbors, the life of a hermit. His death oc- curred in 1879.
In 1843, Russell Worden and Charles Carver arrived. They both purchased uncleared land on section 32, which by their energy and industry they converted into produc- tive farms.
John D. Kerr was among the early settlers upon section 20. With him came his son Nathan, who, in conjunction with Charles Root, built a saw-mill on section 11, which, though of limited capacity, sawed much of the timber used in that early day.
Cornelius Cuyler was one of the pioneers of 1846. He purchased of Stephen Vickery, who had previously entered it, 80 acres on section 12. The township in the immediate vicinity of his purchase was in a very primitive condition at this time. Wolves were abundant, and the game of the forest afforded an easy subsistence to the Indians, whose wigwams were seen at frequent intervals. Mr. Cuyler first built a house of logs and then removed his family to their new habitation. At the expiration of a few years he re- moved to Athens, where he died.
An early festive occasion of some significance in the township was the union of Mr. Cuyler's daughter to Mat- thew Cullen,-the first marriage in Wakeshma.
Asa Wixson was one of the pioneers of 1845. He came from Chemung Co., N. Y., and located, in November of that year, 80 acres on section 12. He remained with his family at Athens, with a settler named Dolph, until a log house was constructed, into which they removed on its completion. He then began the clearing of his land, having succeeded in improving ten acres the first winter. The following spring ten additional acres were chopped, half of which was sown with wheat. He became a suc- cessful farmer, and died in the township in 1871. His son Ozias has laid claim to his having raised the first
wheat in the township, though it is quite probable that a wheat crop was produced earlier than 1846.
Augustus R. Scott purchased 80 acres of Asa Briggs, on section 15, in 1846. Mr. Scott was one of the foremost citizens of the township, a man of sound judgment and much force of character. He was the second township clerk, for many years supervisor, and filled other important local offices. His widow still resides upon the homestead.
A settler named Valentine, who lived west of Fulton, then known as Wakeshma Centre, died in 1846. A few of the settlers came to the funeral with ox-teams, the place having been reached with difficulty, owing to the want of roads. A prayer was offered on the occasion, but no fur- ther service was held. This was the earliest death in the township.
John and Matthew Cullen were in the township during the year of its organization, but did not enter land until 1849, in July of which year Matthew purchased 40 acres on section 13. They erected a log house and cleared the land embraced in the purchase, and later sold to Benjamin Atwood.
Sylvester Fredenburgh was a former resident of Wayne County, though born in Columbia Co., N. Y. He made Michigan his home in 1852, having purchased 200 acres on section 35. The land was then in a primitive condition, but Mr. Fredenburg's industry soon converted it into pro- ductive fields. He immediately built a log shanty, and soon afterwards the first frame barn in the township. The log house not meeting the requirements of his family, he after- wards erected his present spacious residence. This boasted not only a cellar but a cistern, and was altogether the most pretentious residence that appeared in Wakeshma for years. Mr. Fredenburgh was active in the organization of the early school districts, and has, by his well-directed enter- prise, been greatly instrumental in the growth and pros- perity of the township. The successive years in which he has filled the office of supervisor indicates the confidence manifested by the people in his executive ability. He is a prominent Mason, and has been Worshipful Master of the Wakeshma Lodge from its organization, with the exception of the present year. Mr. Fredenburgh was also instru- mental in building the two churches of the township, in one of which he is an active officer. He still resides upon the land he originally purchased.
Benjamin Atwood was a pioneer from Steuben Co., N. Y., and early settled in Calhoun Co., Mich. In 1854, being attracted by the superior quality of the land in Wakeshma, he removed thither, and built the Atwood Mills on section 11, which are still running. He also for a brief period kept a store in the vicinity. Mr. Atwood was a man of strong personal traits, and firm in his convictions. His frank expressions of opinion during the war called forth severe judgment from others, but his subsequent course proved these criticisms to be groundless. He died in 1874, on the land he originally purchased.
Jeremiah Mears removed to the township in 1854, and has at various times owned many farms within its precincts. He now resides at Fulton.
Samuel R. Culp was the pioneer of a small colony of set- tlers from Ohio, from whence he came in 1856, and pur-
.
549
TOWNSHIP OF WAKESHMA.
chased the south half of section 24. This portion of the township was then a wilderness, and Mr. Culp devoted him- self in the spring of his arrival to the clearing of a sufficient portion upon which to erect a log house, to which he removed his family in the fall. He also built a saw-mill the same year, which was run by steam-power, and began operation in December of 1856. This mill was kept actively em- ployed for ten years, and sawed 2,000,000 feet of lumber per year. It was the second saw-mill in the township, the Atwood Mill being the first.
For some time after Mr. Culp's arrival the southeast portion of the township was entirely unsettled, his location being one and a half miles from a road and two miles from the nearest log house. His presence, however, soon attracted a band of settlers from his own State, among whom was Anthony Fritz, who arrived the same fall and purchased a half interest in the mill. George Mason and family and Sidney Draper and family followed soon after and settled on section 25. They all enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Culp (27 in number) until they were able to erect houses of their own, the size of this elastic log residence having been 16 by 24 feet. George Mason subsequently removed to sec- tion 16, where he still resides. Sidney Draper later emi- grated to Kansas.
David Kindy was the next Ohio pioneer who selected a home, and now resides on section 24.
Mr. Culp subsequently purchased other lands in the township, and finally removed to Athens, where he is now engaged in mercantile pursuits.
VILLAGES.
Fulton .- The little hamlet of Fulton, formerly known as Wakeshma Centre, and still designated by that name by many old residents of the township, is located on the four corners of sections 15, 16, 21, and 22. The land, with the exception of the portion on section 16, was entered by Joshua B. Dawkin, Daniel A. Lovett, J. H. Ostrom, W. R. Palmer, and Thomas R. Walker, in March, 1836. These parties bought for speculative purposes, and sold again long before the first log house was erected, or any preliminary steps were taken towards making it the business centre of the township.
The first settler in Fulton was John Y. Lipe, who emi- grated from Onondaga Co., N. Y., and purchased 80 acres, a portion of which is now occupied by the hamlet. He first built a log house, and subsequently engaged in the manufacture of shingles, for which the demand was limited, and easily supplied by Mr. Lipe's industry. He afterwards removed to Wexford County, where he now resides.
Nathan Kerr came soon after and bought the half of Lipe's purchase, embracing 40 acres. He was employed in a saw-mill, built on section 11, but resided in the family of Mr. Lipe.
Calvin Frost, who now resides at Fulton, where he owns a productive farm, came from Canada, and was engaged as a contractor on the Michigan Southern Railroad. In the fall of 1851 he pre-empted land on section 26, on which he erected buildings and improved five acres. He subse- quently purchased a land-warrant and located 80 acres, embracing his improvements, Nov. 9, 1852. He cultivated
the remaining portion, and ultimately removed to his present residence.
Henry Selkrig built a store in 1869, which he filled with a general stock of goods. The building was three stories in height, the remaining portions having been built by the Good Templars and the Masonic lodge. Mr. Selk- rig did not, however, remain long, his successors being Wil- liam Green & Son. They were in turn succeeded by G. O. Byington, who afterwards removed to the store he at present occupies. The building erected by Mr. Selkrig ultimately passed into the hands of the Hon. Zachariah Chandler.
The hamlet, which in the business season has quite an important trade, has two churches, a flourishing school, taught by Miss Minnie Pierce, two general stores, the pro- prietors of which are G. O. Byington and Messrs. Culp & Bond, one hardware- and boot- and shoe-store, kept by A. F. Cropsey & Co., a drug-store, owned by O. G. Cook, who is also deputy postmaster (G. P. Mason being the postmaster), a blacksmith-shop, kept by Hakes Brothers, one harness- shop, owned by S. B. Lovin, a wagon-shop, the proprietor of which is G. F. M. Wright, and a boot- and shoe-shop, kept by C. Mullen. J. R. Mears carries on a general un- dertaking business. The place also boasts two physicians, Dr. G. P. Pease, who represents the allopathic, and Dr. W. H. Haskin the homoeopathic school.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal .- A class was early organized in Wakeshma, and meetings were held in the school-house at Wakeshma Centre. The society attained such strength that it was determined, under the ministry of Rev. J. W. Hal- lowell, in 1871, to erect a house of worship. The work progressed so rapidly that the church was nearly completed the same year, and the following year witnessed the dedi- catory services. The pastors in succession since the organ- ization of the society have been :
Revs. Frank Gage, John Clubine, 1854; Noah Fassett, 1855 ; F. W. Hoag, 1856 ; - Ostrom, 1858; - McCarthy, 1860 ; J. Gore, 1861; -- Kise, 1862 ; A. W. Torry, 1864; Wm. Paddock, 1867; C. T. Van Antwerp, 1869; J. W. Hallowell, 1870; J. A. Van Fleet, 1873; J. White, 1875 ; J. F. Orwick, 1876; W. M. Ball, 1878.
The present stewards are D. J. Fritz, J. Hull, J. McIn- tire, W. C. Smith, P. Dier, G. W. Brownell, O. M. Gates. The trustees are J. Dir, J. B. Hawks, C. Snell, D. Rich- ards, D. F. Bartsha, J. Tomlinson, S. Vickers, F. Harrison.
Connected with the church is a flourishing Sunday-school, over which W. Mapes is superintendent, who is aided by an efficient corps of teachers.
Evangelical Reformed Church .- This religious society was organized on the 5th of May, 1866. The first officers were George Snyder and John W. Gibson, Elders ; Bern- ard Mathes and Charles C. Cratser, Deacons; H. G. Hess, Treasurer. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Z. Beam.
The church edifice was commenced in 1869, the corner- stone being laid on the 9th of October in that year. It was completed and dedicated in the following year, 1870. The pastors since the first mentioned have been L. M. Rershner, Samuel Z. Beam, - Readinger (not installed), Solomon Ream, and D. H. Reiter, the present pastor. The
550
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
original membership numbered 13; the present number of members is 96.
MASONIC.
Wakeshma Lodge, No. 284, F. and A. M., was granted a dispensation and held its first meeting Sept. 10, 1868. Its charter was granted January 15th of the following year. Its first officers were W. H. Overholt, S. W .; Charles Burnham, J. W .; E. H. Coller, Sec .; W. H. Selkrig, Treas .; A. A. Holcomb, S. D .; J. R. Seymour, J. D .; S. P. Marsh, Tyler. J. W. Codman, one of its charter members, was also a former member of the lodge to which the notorious Morgan belonged. The present officers are G. O. Byington, W. M .; D. J. Fritz, S. W .; C. Burnham, J. W .; S. P. Marsh, Treas. ; N. R. Hakes, Sec .; J. N. Barker, S. D. ; J. W. Carr, J. D .; E. B. Ford, Tyler. The present membership is 48.
SCHOOLS.
The first school-house in the township was built near the log house of J. J. Gardner, some time after his advent. The early teacher in this rudely-constructed building is not remembered by the surviving settlers. Soon after a school was organized embracing the children of the families living on section 32, and a log school-house was built, the first teacher being Miss Crucia Ann Tuttle.
School-houses followed the arrival of settlers until the township is well supplied with means of instruction. There are in Wakeshma 6 whole and 4 fractional school districts, presided over by the following directors: J. G. Wicks, N. R. Wakes, Joseph Crotser, A. S. Pomeroy, William Culp, Nathan Holcomb, Thomas Copley, J. C. Mears, George Eberstein, and I. F. Alvord. The whole number of pupils receiving instruction is 463, who are taught by 10 male and 11 female teachers. The total amount paid them in salaries is $1488.50.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DR. DAVID HAINES.
This gentleman was born in Cortland, Westchester Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1805. His father, James Haines,* had a family of eight children. He was a farmer, but preached the gospel to some extent after moving to Onondaga Co., N. Y. In 1821 he removed with his family to Rochester, Monroe Co., in the same State, where his son David at- tended the high school until he became of age, when he began the study of dentistry, in a short time taking up also the study of medicine. These studies were prosecuted during a period of about eight years. After a short practice in Roch- ester he located at Toronto, Canada, where he remained two years, and where, on the 11th of May, 1836, he married Miss Mary Ann Burrell. Six children blessed this union, viz. : James D., born Dec. 8, 1837, went South before the war and has not since been heard from ; Mary L., born Sept. 4, 1839, married to Mr. Codman, and lives in Wakeshma
township; Medora E., born Aug. 5, 1841, now deceased ; Charles H., born May 17, 1843, married Miss Barkley, and lives in this town ; Elizabeth H., born Nov. 27, 1845, married F. J. Alroid, now living in Wakeshma; Isabella, born Dec. 9, 1847, married A. J. Pulver, living in Wa- keshma. Mrs. Haines died June 22, 1849.
LITTLE
DR. DAVID HAINES.
In 1824, Dr. Haines was employed as clerk in a variety store in Rochester, N. Y. In 1832 he was a member of the Rush Institute, at the same place, it being composed of young physicians and medical students. Dr. Haines was secretary during its existence. In 1834 he was appointed surgeon in the 18th Rifle Regiment, 2d Division State Militia, under Col. A. W. Riley, and served until the com- mand was disbanded, in 1839. He was candidate for alder- man in the Fourth Ward of Rochester, against Moses B. Seward, a nephew of Mr. Lincoln's Secretary of State, and was defeated by a majority of three votes. Upon being strongly urged, he allowed his name to appear as a candidate for the same position the following year. The laboring class of the city learned the men on the ticket with him were in favor of enlarging the Erie Canal, and all the candidates were elected by their votes, they seeking the furtherance of the canal project, because it was likely to furnish them with work. During the last two years of his medical studies, the doctor practiced considerably in Rochester, and after his course was completed, continued in practice for a short time. In 1853 he came to Michigan and bought a farm of eighty acres in Wakeshma township, to which he has since added two hundred and sixty-three acres, and dis- posed of forty. After a residence of six years in this town, he removed to Leonidas, St. Joseph Co., where he also re- mained six years, finally returning to Wakeshma, where he still resides. The doctor is a Republican in politics, and has never sought office. He consented to be a candidate for supervisor of Wakeshma in 1854, but was defeated by a majority of five, none of his party being elected. He
* Mr. Haines preached occasionally during a period of fifty years, and died when he had almost reached his ninetieth year.
1
551
TOWNSHIP OF WAKESHMA.
has since declined to accept the nomination for any office, partly, as he remarks, from a " constitutional dread of exer- cise ;" and it was only by strong persuasion that he ever consented to allow his name to be used in political affairs, as he has always been opposed to " running for office."
SYLVESTER FREDENBURG.
Some time previous to the Revolutionary war eleven brothers by the name of Fredenburg came from Germany and settled on the Hudson, where they became wealthy and influential.
The subject of this memoir traces his descent from one of the brothers above mentioned, from whom he is removed
VithAMS
SYLVESTER FREDENBURG.
four generations. He was born in the town of Kinder- hook, Columbia Co., N. Y., April 8, 1823, where he re- sided until he attained the age of twenty-seven, when his father, Martin Fredenburg, removed with his family to the town of Arcadia, Wayne Co., N. Y. The elder Freden- burg was a man of sterling worth and marked ability. He took an active part in political matters and filled many local positions of trust. He represented his town as supervisor many years, besides filling other minor offices. Both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Polly Skinkle, died in Arcadia.
In 1852, Mr. Fredenburg came to Wakeshma and set- tled on the farm where he now resides, which he purchased from government. This farm he cleared, and the fine home of to-day is the result of his own industry.
In 1845 he married Miss Jane M. White, of Sodus, N. Y., who was born in Ghent, Columbia Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1828.
Mr. Fredenburg has been prominently identified with the development of Wakeshma, and has occupied many positions of trust, the duties of which he has discharged
with fidelity. From 1867 to 1876 he represented Wa- keshma upon the Board of Supervisors, where he was re- garded as an able and efficient member. In his political belief he is a Democrat; in his religious connections a member of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Freden- burg holds an enviable position among the citizens of his town, by whom he is considered a man of good business qualifications and unquestioned integrity, and is intrusted with the settlement of many estates, which occupy the larger part of his time.
CAPT. ALBERT A. HOLCOMB,
one of the prominent farmers of Wakeshma, was born in the town of Lodi, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May 29, 1833. He was the son of Alanson R. Holcomb and Nancy Slaughter, pioneers of Washtenaw County, having settled
LITTL
CAPT. ALBERT A. HOLCOMB.
in 1828. In 1833 the family moved to Jackson County, and from thence to the town of Charleston, Kalamazoo Co., where the old people died. Capt. Holcomb received an academical education, and remained with his father upon the farm until he was twenty-seven years of age. In 1863 he purchased the farm where he now resides, which origi- nally consisted of two hundred and forty acres of unim- proved land, but by additions has become one of the largest and most productive farms in the township, embracing four hundred and forty acres. In 1863, Capt. Holcomb received a commission as first lieutenant in the volunteer service, and in October of that year went out in command of Company K, 28th Regiment Michigan Volunteer In- fantry. He served with distinction during the war, and participated in the battles of Kinston and Nashville, N. C. In 1858 he married Elizabeth, a daughter of Robert Minnis, of Washtenaw Co., who was born in Ann Arbor March 5, 1837. They have been blessed with two children,-Bar- nard A. and Howard G. Although not a pioneer of
552
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
Wakeshma, Mr. Holcomb has done a great deal of pioneer work. His farm was originally heavily timbered, and when he first settled there was not a tree cut within a mile and a half. He has been prominently identified with town and county politics, and is a staunch Republican. He has occu- pied several positions of trust and responsibility, the duties of which he has discharged with fidelity. For seven years he filled acceptably the office of deputy sheriff.
STEPHEN R. MARSH.
When the words flashed over the wires which carried to the North the news that the first gun had been fired by traitors upon Fort Sumter, and that a long and gloomy war was upon us, there was no man who more freely responded to the President's call for troops or who left home and fam- ily more willingly, to go forth and, if need be, give his life upon the altar of his country's freedom, than Stephen R. Marsh. He enlisted as a private in Company A, 11th Regiment Michigan Infantry, on the 24th of August, 1861, to serve three years. Before leaving the State he was made a corporal, and in January, 1862, was promoted to sergeant. In March, 1863, he was again promoted, to 2d lieutenant, und in April, 1864, to 1st lieutenant. He was in the battles of Stone River, Davis Cross-Roads, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Dallas, Re- saca, Kenesaw Mountain, and Marietta; and was discharged with his regiment on the 30th day of September, 1864. No truer, braver soldier ever shouldered a musket or car- ried a sword, and no danger was so great or situation so hazardous that he would not face it if duty called. This is written by one who knows whereof he writes; who many times sat with him at the same mess-table, and often saw him in places that tried men's souls. This is written for the history of Kalamazoo County, as a tribute of love and esteem for a brave soldier and a warm friend.
VALENTINE CORNWALL,
one of the early settlers of Wakeshma, was born in the village of Clonkehune, Roscommon Co., Ireland, in the year 1818. He was the youngest in a family of eight boys and one girl. His parents, Michael and Isett Corn- wall, were people in good circumstances, and gave their
children liberal advantages. Valentine received a good common-school education. He was reared in the Episco- palian faith, and lived under the paternal roof until he was eighteen years of age, when he decided to come to America. Knowing that a trade would be of material
VALENTINE CORNWALL.
assistance, he apprenticed himself; after the completion of his indentures he went into business, and upon the death of his father, in 1838, he took passage for America, in company with his older brother James. They settled in Canada, where two brothers, Michael and Edward, had preceded them. Edward was a wealthy farmer and a prominent citizen, and Valentine was in his employ some four months, when he went to the county of Oxford, where he purchased a farm. Here he resided fifteen years, when he sold his property and came to Wakeshina, and purchased the farm where he now resides, which originally consisted of three hundred acres of unimproved land. In 1876, Mr. Cornwall was married to Miss Matilda Swanwick, who was born in the town of Bedinlough, Roscommon Co., Ireland. In his political and religious affiliations, Mr. Cornwall is a Republican and an Episcopalian. He has acquired a com- petency, the result of a long life of industry and economy. He has two children, Isett and Mary Ann.
APPENDIX AND ERRATA.
THE following additional items were received too late for insertion in the proper place :
LIST OF JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.
Hon. Wm. A. Fletcher.
Hon. Epaphroditus Ransom.
Hon. Benjamin F. Graves.
Hon. Charles R. Brown.
Hon. Charles W. Whipple.
Hon. Darius C. Comstock.
Hon. Abner Pratt.
Hon. Josiah L. Hawes.
In the list of attorneys the names of Oscar T. Tuthill and Hon. Julius C. Burrows, present member of Congress, were inadvertently omitted.
Errata .- On page 114, second column, line 36, for mutual read mental ; page 115, first column, line 45, for New Beford read New Bedford; page 116, first column, line 4, the period after the word court should follow the word practice.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.