USA > Michigan > Kalamazoo County > History of Kalamazoo county, Michigan > Part 79
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Other roads were laid out as the progress of civilization made them necessary, most of them following section lines. The ones described were, however, the only ones in use during the early days of the township.
LAND-ENTRIES.
The following entries of land were originally made within the boundaries of the township of Alamo :
RES. OF . HUGH Mc. CALL, ALAMO, KALAMAZOO CO., MICH.
293
TOWNSHIP OF ALAMO.
SECTION 1.
Acres.
Solomon Chase, June 19, 1835. 80
William Finch, June 19, and July 20, 1835 .. 185.24
Solomon Case, Oct. 30, 1835. 40
Josiah Buell, Dec. 15, 1835
40
Jerome Thrasher, March 3, 1836
80
Rodney D. Hill, April 1, 1836 120
Justus Montague, Jan. 17, 1837. 40
D. D. C. and G. Bemis, Sept. 17, 1845. 114.26
SECTION 2.
Daniel Pomeroy, March 31, 1836. 320
John J. Howard, March 31, 1836 80
John Johnson, May 21, 1836. 40
John Hawkins, Aug. 8, 1839. 40
Stephen Kendall, Jan. 8, 1849
120.01
0. O'Niel and Martin Dinn, Oct. 9, 1849, 125.39
SECTION 3.
Andrew Turner, Oct. 14, 1835 120
John J. Howard, March 31, 1836 160
Alanson HI. Lea, April 23, 1836 120
John J. Howard, April 25, 1836
80
Ephraim Case, May 20, 1836
132.84
Stephen Cole, May 28, 1836 ..
129.32
SECTION 4.
Archibald Johnson, Oct. 14, 1835 .. 120
George W. Winslow, Dec. 31, 1835. 80
Cephas Hawks, March 28, 1836 215.99
Alanson H. Lea, April 23, 1836. 40
Stephen Cole, May 28, 1836.
216.71
Thomas Patterson, Jan. 12, 1837 80
SECTION 5.
0. Bushnell, May 14, 1836 213.81
0. Smead, Feb. 9, 1837.
40
Rufus Sheldon, May 11, 1837.
80
C. Blanchard, May 21 and July 1, 1838
80
Guy Carleton, Sept. 8, 1852
40
W. H. Edgar, June 3, 1854.
40
Lewis H. Weed, Sept. 9, 1854 .: 80
H. G. Wells, Feb. 28, 1855. 145.58 State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850. 40
SECTION 6.
Stephen Vickery, Feb. 25, 1835 132.36
Chauncey Pratt, March 10, 1836 71.28
Gilbert Higgins, Dec. 17, 1836 49.94
William J. Chadsey, Feb. 25, 1854 265.56
Peter Robert, Jr., March 7, 1854.
40
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850 40
SECTION 7.
Stephen Howard, Nov. 13, 1835. 80
0. Smead, Nov. 27, 1835 ... 80
Stephen Howard, Dec. 9, 1836, and Jan. 30, 1837 .. 120 Peter Robert, Jr., Sept. 5, 1848. 40
Phoebe Gorman, March 4, 1853 40
George T. Clark, Jan. 16, 1854 ..
111.96
Mary H. At Lee, March 7, 1854. 40
State Swamp Lands, September, 1850. 37.16
SECTION 8. .
William R. Churchill, May 7, 1835 120
Chauncey Pratt, March 10, 1836. 200
R. H. Howard, Jan. 12, 1837. 80
Elijah Tompkins, Jan. 13, 1837. 160
0. Smead, Feb. 10, 1837 80
SECTION 9.
Caleb Sherman, Dec. 31, 1835 40
J. J. Howard, March 31, 1836. 160
John H. Hawks, Dec. 6, 1836 40
Thomas Patterson, Jan. 12, 1837 80
E. Butterfield, May 5, 1837 240
Samuel Robbins, May 12, 1837 80
SECTION 10.
John J. Howard, April 25, 1836. 40
H. Coddington, May 17, 1836 320
Samuel Robbins, May 11, 1837 40
J. S. Patterson, Nov. 1, 1852. 40
SECTION 11.
Daniel Pomroy, March 31, 1836. 320
E. R. Squier, July 27, 1837 40
G. H. Seeley, Nov. 23, 1841. 40
A. S. Eaton. Nov. 29, 1841 .. 40
Daniel Pomroy, April 15, 1842 40
Fletcher Ransom, Sept. 25, 1843 80
Alexis Ransom, Sept. 25, 1843 40
State Swamp Lands Act, September, 1850 40
SECTION 12. Acres.
William Finch, June 19, 1835. 160
Luther Follett, Aug. 14, 1835 200 Philo Seeley, Oct. 16, 1835. 40 George H. Seeley, Oct. 16, 1835 80
T. P. Sheldon, April 1, 1836. 160
SECTION 13.
Patrick Hillan, Oct. 31, 1835 160
James Horner, Feb. 2, 1836 160
Alanson Owen, May 25, 1836.
80
G. C. Holliday, May 25, 1836
80
Josiah Hinc, May 25, 1836.
40
A. W. Black wood, Oct. 11, 1845. 40
G. F. Clark, May 13, 1851 40
SECTION 14.
S. C. Whitlock, Aug. 5, 1835 40
D. J. Pierson, Dec. 8, 1835
80
Lebbeus Ball, May 16 and 24, 1836
80
A. D. Foster, July 6, 1836
80
D. S. Ball, May 28, 1836.
40
William Alford, May 7, 1838
80
Fletcher Ransom, Aug. 7, 1845, Sept. 6, 1845. 240
SECTION 15.
Philo Bronson, March 10, 1836 240
L. H. Moore, March 10, 1836. 160 Sylvester Clark, Feb. 25, 1837. 80 Samuel Robbins, May 11, 1837. 80
SECTION 16.
School section.
SECTION 17.
Julius Hackley, May 4, 1835. 160
Philo Bronson, March 10, 1836 320 Chauncey Pratt, March 10, 1836 160
SECTION 18.
George Kirkland, Nov. 13, 1835. 80
J. J. Howard, Nov. 13, 1835
80
R. H. Howard, Dec. 29, 1835 80
J. J. Howard, March 24, 1836.
80
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850. 254.72
SECTION 19.
I. Harris, Feb. 23, 1836
80
Joel Horton, March 10, 1836 160
Ira Harris, Jan. 12, 1837
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850. 284.75
SECTION 20.
John J. Howard, Nov. 11, 1835. 80 Frederic N. Francis, Feb. 29, 1836. 80
Sylvester Clark, March 8, 1836 80
Philo Bronson, March 10, 1836 240
J. J. Howard, March 31, 1836
80
George Smith, June 23, 1837 80
SECTION 21.
Philo Bronson, March 10 and 14, 1836. 400
L. Chamberlain, March 30, 1846 40
J. & O. Burpee, Nov. 24, 1847. 80
Emily Chamberlain, May 26, 1848 40
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850. 80
SECTION 22.
Ira Harris, Dec. 30, 1835. 40
Philo Bronson, March 14, 1836. 40
Alpheus Rude, Jan. 9, 1837 80
Milton K. Gregory, Feb. 9, 1837. 40
Oscar H. Gregory, June 15, 1837
160
Julius Hackley, May 31, 1838. 63.70
Phebe Ormsby, Dec. 7, 1853. 68
Fletcher Ransom, May 24, 1844. 39
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850 106.95
SECTION 23.
S. C. Whitlock, Aug. 5, 1835 200
Alpheus Rude, Dec. 16, 1835
40
O. M. Whitlock, Feb. 27, 1836, May 3, 1836. 120
S. C. Whitlock, May 20, 1836. 77.10
David Whitlock, March 14, 1837. 40
O. M. Whitlock, July 17, 1837 40
Thomas Nixon, Feb. 21, 1838 40
SECTION 24.
Samuel Foster, Feb. 1, 1836 160
Alpheus Rude, May 16, 1836. 40
Alanson Owen, May 25, 1836 40
Philander Bradley, May 25, 1836 80
George B. Chandler, May 25, 1836. 240
Oliver Davenport.
80
294
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
SECTION 25.
Acres.
Thomas E. Smith, Jan. 25, 1836. 320
Jonas G. Potter, Jan. 13, 1837. 160
William Larzelere, May 12, 1836 80
J. G. Potter, July 14, 1837. 80
SECTION 26.
T. C. Sheldon, Aug. 1, 1835. 80
D. J. Pierson, July 13, 1836 40
Wm. McCauly, July 13, 1836 80
David Crawford, Jan. 18, 1837. 80
Geo. W. Reed, June 19, 1837 40
Alonza May, June 19, 1837 40
Jason Wilcut, Sept. 14, 1837. 80
Orellana Beebe, Dec. 2, 1837. 40
L. Buckley, Dec. 2, 1837, and Jan. 5, 1838 80
Henry Hicks, Sept. 25, 1838 40
F. W. Curtenius, Dec. 17, 1853 40
SECTION 27.
Thos. C. Sheldon, Aug. 4, 1835. 80
D. J. Pierson, Dec. 8, 1835. 80
Alpheus Rude, Dec. 15, 1835. 80
Eleanor Pierson, Dec. 16, 1835 80
Wm. Larzelere, May 12, 1836 80
John B. Holmes, June 6, 1836. 160
Wm. Taylor, Jan. 12, 1837. 80
SECTION 28.
Chauncey Pratt, March 10, 1836. 80
Philo Bronson, March 14, 1836 80
J. B. Holmes, June 6, 1836 40
C. Pratt, March 14, 1836 80
W. S. Hargin, March 21, 1836 80
Asa Bowker, July 25, 1837. 40
Edward Fuller, June 14, 1851 160
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850. 80
SECTION 29.
M. and N. Everitt, Nov. 2, 1835. 160
C. Pratt. March 10, 1836 320
N. and M. Everitt, July 11, 1836. 80
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850. 80
SECTION 30.
Joel Horton, March 11, 1836 240
Hiram Everitt, Jan. 4, 1850 40
State Swamp Land Act, September, 1850
SECTION 31.
Wm. Smith, Sept. 16, 1835. 664.44
SECTION 32.
Wm. Smith, Sept. 17, 1835 320
Daniel Malloy, Sept. 17, 1835 160
C. Pratt, March 10 and 22, 1836. 160
SECTION 33.
J. B. Holmes, June 6, 1836 160
Ethan Estabrook, July 18, 1837. 80
M. J. Sneddaker, Jan. 16 and Oct. 24, 1839. 80
Wm. Easton, June 10, 1850. 160
H. Hammond, Dec. 6, 1850 40
Mary Powers, March 30, 1852 80
F. W. Curtenius, April 4, 1853 40
SECTION 34.
Oliver Eddy, Sept. 10, 1835 40
David Pierson, Sept. 10 and Oct. 23, 1835 200
Hiram Ward, May 9, 1836 .. 160
J. B. Holmes, June 6, 1836 80
D. A. Doubleday, July 25, 1836 40
E. Estabrook, July 18, 1837 80
Wm. Campbell, Aug. 30, 1837 40
SECTION 35.
D. Albord, Jr., Oct. 2, 1835 80 Thos. Ward .. 80
Benj. McColley, May 9, 1836 160
Wm. McCauley, May 9, 1836 40
R. Aldrich, July 16, 1836. 80 Ebenezer Stone, July 16, 1836 80
T. P. Sheldon, Jan. 12, 1837 40
Geo. W. Reynolds, Sept. 11, 1837 40
SECTION 36.
Dewitt C. Ransom, July 13, 1836. 80
Geo. Bare More, July 13, 1836 80
Hiram Doane, Feb. 28, 1837. 40
P. Barber, Feb. 28, 1837 80
Elbon French, April 5, 1837. 40
Wm. P. Hydorn, June 1, 1837 80
Wm. W. Lewis, April 16, 1853 40
J. J. Follett and M. Turner, Jan. 11, 1854. 40
J. A. Ormsbee, Nov. 22, 1854. 40
Win. W. Lewis, Sept. 21, 1855. 40
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Reminiscences .- The earliest settler in the township, so far as can be determined, was William Finch, who founded what is known as the Finch Settlement, in the extreme northeast portion of the township, on section 1. Mr. Finch came in the spring of 1835 from Niagara Co., N. Y., and the following fall a man named Hutchinson was dis- covered living in the northwest corner of the township. The date of his coming was not ascertained, but it was gen- erally believed that it was subsequent to the arrival of the Niagara County pioneers. With Mr. Finch came his five sons-in-law,-Thomas Chamberlain, Solomon Case, James Kendall, Jerome Thrasher, and Henry Swarthout,-with their families. Mr. Finch entered 6 lots of land, embracing 80 acres each, a portion of which was in the township of Cooper, and, reserving 160 acres as a homestead, divided the remainder among his daughters. They found the land on their arrival altogether unimproved, and devoted their energies immediately to the clearing of a sufficient portion upon which to erect comfortable habitations. The wants of Mr. Finch, who was in feeble health, were first provided for, the remainder of the company uniting to erect a com- fortable shanty for him. He did not, however, long sur- vive the trying ordeal of the pioneer. His advent occurred in May, 1835, and four months later his children were summoned to his burial. His was the first death that oc- curred in the township.
Thomas Chamberlain, two days after the arrival of the pioneer band, became very ill. There were no conveniences at hand, and not even a temporary shelter could be made available, as time had not permitted even the erection of a rude shanty. His wife made as comfortable a bed as was possible upon the ground, first spreading beneath it green boughs, and placing over it the wagon-top for shelter. Here for three weeks he lay, with no ministrations save those of a devoted wife, who was both nurse and physician. About him were the family, who availed themselves of such temporary protection as could be afforded by tents con- structed of boughs. Finally, upon hearing that a physi- cian was procurable in Otsego township, Dr. Coates, of that place, was summoned to the bedside of the patient, and at- tended him during the remainder of his illness, and was also called later to the bedside of Mr. Finch. He was the first physician who practiced in Alamo.
This little colony no sooner became permanent than their efforts were directed towards the means for securing the preaching of the word of God in their midst. Services were held as early as 1835 at the log houses of the set- tlers, the first preacher being Rev. Mr. Woodbury, of Kala- mazoo, who visited them occasionally. Rev. Mr. Williams, of Indiana, a circuit preacher, followed him, and held ser- vice for several months. Rev. Mr. Smith, a clergyman of the Congregational Church, held religious services in the first school-house, and continued them for two years. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Shepard. Rev. Mr. Gage, a circuit preacher, also ministered to the flock, and Rev. Mr. Brigham, a Baptist, and Elder Knappen were among the occasional preachers.
Julius Hackley came from the old county of Livingston, in New York, which has contributed so largely to the
295
TOWNSHIP OF ALAMO.
growth and enterprise of Michigan, in 1835, and made Kalamazoo County his future home. In company with him was William Churchill, of Genesee Co., N. Y. They heard on their arrival favorable accounts of the land in the township of Alamo, and started on a prospecting tour. On arriving at Otsego they separated, Mr. Hackley coming to this township, and Mr. Churchill continuing his progress in Allegan County. Mr. Hackley, after a careful examina- tion of the ground, purchased 160 acres on section 17. There was not a single settler in the immediate neighbor- hood at the time. His friend Churchill had meanwhile found land in Allegan which pleased him, but, having in- sufficient means to complete the purchase, Mr. Hackley advanced $50 and took half of the 80 acres he entered, disposing of it again in 1841.
Not intending to locate at once in Michigan, he returned to New York State, and came again in 1836 on a tour of speculation, and devoted his time principally to examining land. In 1837 he made the tavern of Moses Austin, in Pavilion township, his headquarters, making purchases of land, and at intervals laboring in the county as occasion offered. At this time Mr. Hackley was probably the largest landed proprietor in the township, owning at one time 22 80-acre lots. He soon after returned to his former home, took to himself a wife, and they became residents in the fall of 1837, making their bridal tour with an ox-team and bringing their household goods with them. On their arrival Mahlon Everitt's log house afforded them a hospitable home until a shanty was erected on their land, to which they removed at the expiration of four weeks. Their nearest neighbor at this time was a man named Smith, who, with his family, had penetrated the forest and erected a hovel, in which he dwelt with his family while he pursued the life of a hunter. Squire Miles resided four miles north, in Allegan County, and built the saw- mill known as the Miles Mill. Daniel Ball was their nearest neighbor on the eastern side. On the west, for some time, there was no indication of active life, but in the following spring, while Mrs. Hackley was pursuing her household avocations, she heard the crowing of a cock, which indicated the presence of settlers, whom they after- wards found to be in the adjoining county.
Soon after the advent of Mr. Hackley came a family named Howard, for the purpose of making sugar and shingles. They lived very nearly on the place now occu- pied by Lucian Pickard, and remained but four months, returning each succeeding year.
Mr. Hackley's temperance sentiments, which were firmly established, met with a severe test. On the occasion of raisings, which previously occurred, the custom of offering liquor had met with a general assent throughout the town- ship. Mr. Hackley, having occasion to build a barn, deter- mined to have a temperance raising. This was contrary to all precedent and a bold innovation, and he was assured would result in total failure to the enterprise. He never- theless persisted, and with the aid of his efficient wife, who heartily sympathized with his temperance views, a very tempting collation was spread, and all the good things which were procurable, and could gratify the palate, were placed upon the board. Forty-eight neighbors were present,
the frame of the new barn speedily ascended, and all pro- nounced the good cheer of the hostess not only satisfactory, but excellent.
Mr. Hackley still maintains his temperance principles, and not even sweet cider has ever touched the lips of one of his children.
Indians at this time were numerous, and at first caused no little consternation among the female pioneers, who were unaccustomed to the dusky forms and formidable weapons of the red men. One morning, when Mrs. Hackley was alone, five stalwart Indians appeared and demanded breakfast. She proceeded, in great fear, to pre- pare a meal for them, of which they partook quietly, and, after handing her twenty-five cents in silver each, departed. On another occasion she was frightened in the same man- ner, but, upon learning that her visitors before partaking of her repast knelt and offered thanks, she was no longer afraid. These Indians had been 'Christianized, and were members of the Selkrig mission, located in an adjoining county. One of the Indians of this mission purchased of Mrs. Hackley a piece of pork, which at the time he was unable to pay for. He made promises which inspired very little faith. Months after, however, as they were passing, after breaking camp in the neighborhood, one of the band was sent to liquidate the debt. This is another of the many instances which illustrate the integrity of the red man.
William Taylor entered, Jan. 12, 1837, 80 acres of land on section 27. He was nominated for first township clerk by Asa Rude. Not having been long in the town- ship, and having met but a few of its residents, he was a comparative stranger to the voters, but was so cordially indorsed by Mr. Rude as to secure the election.
Alpheus Rude entered 80 acres on section 27, which his father, Asa Rude, subsequently occupied, the son en- tering for himself land on sections 23 and 24. The elder Rude was especially active in matters pertaining to the interests of the township, and filled many public offices.
W. S. Hargin located upon 80 acres, which he entered March 21, 1836, on section 28. He later settled upon land which was purchased of C. Pratt on section 29. Seth C. Whitlock was another one of the pioneers of 1835, who located 77 acres on section 23.
Mahlon Everitt came to Alamo from Livingston Co., N. Y., in the fall of 1836, and entered 240 acres upon section 29. He drove with horses from Detroit over roads so im- paired by recent rains that their progress was extremely slow, seven miles being the distance accomplished in a single day. The land was entered the year before the family became residents. His neighbor on the east was Asa Rude, who was three miles distant, while on the south was Charles H. Hurd, who was double that distance. He traveled nine miles to the west before reaching the land of Mr. Derosier, and five miles north was Myron Hutchin- son.
Mr. Everitt's brother Nelson had come in the spring of the same year, and erected a shanty which afforded them shelter on their arrival. After becoming comfortably set- tled the winter approached, and Mr. Everitt constructed of such material as was procurable a sleigh, with which he did
296
HISTORY OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
much teaming for his neighbors, at much more reasonable rates, however, than those extorted from him on his arrival in the county, when he was obliged to pay $90 for a single load transported from Detroit to Alamo.
The third winter after his arrival he was forced by the scarcity of flour to go abroad for a supply. After traveling thirty miles to Little Prairie Ronde, he made an effort to obtain the needed article, but was unsuccessful. From there he proceeded fifteen miles farther to La Grange Prairie, and met no better success, and finally his journey ended at Whitmanville, Cass Co., where he found a mill and an abundant store. On his return he found that the family had subsisted for two days upon potatoes brought them by Mr. Howard, of Genesce Prairie, who, on visiting the neigh- borhood in search of land, had learned their destitute con- dition and brought them a supply of food, which he ob- tained on his return home.
Mr. Everitt's farm was entirely surrounded by land pur- chased by parties for purposes of speculation, which pre- vented improvements in the neighborhood and retarded greatly the progress of the school interests. There was no school in the immediate vicinity of his residence, and his little daughter was obliged to make a pilgrimage of two miles daily to the nearest school-house. These facts in- fluenced him to change his residence to Kalamazoo, where he now resides.
An incident occurred in 1839 which caused no little consternation in his family. A well had been dug on his land, which did not in all respects prove satisfactory, and Mr. Everitt determined to improve it. It was necessary to descend into the well to accomplish this, which he did. The walls were not securely laid, and after he had fairly begun his work they gave way and slowly enveloped him. Grad- ually the débris accumulated around him, until it reached his head, and the prospect of rescue for a brief time seemed doubtful. Fortunately, his man appeared upon the scene in time to lend his aid, and by taking his arms, which Mr. Everitt had sufficient forethought to lift above his head, he was rescued from what seemed certain death. Mrs. Hannah Everitt, mother of Mahlon, died in 1839. Her death was among the earliest in the township.
Thomas G. Carpenter was a former resident of Orleans Co., N. Y., and emigrated to Michigan in May, 1837, pur- » chasing 80 acres on section 12, upon which he still resides. He brought with him three horses, and reached his destination without meeting any serious obstacles, but met with more formidable difficulties after their arrival. Mr. Carpenter was obliged to exert himself to provide for the wants of his family, and walked ten miles to Kalamazoo each morning to his daily labor, and returned at night with his day's earnings upon his back to supply their needs. For three weeks before the harvest they were without bread, subsisting principally upon potatoes and meat. For nine days he worked upon the plains, receiving as compensation a bushel of potatoes a day. Animals of all kinds peculiar to the country were abundant, and wolves were especially obtrusive, frequently appearing at the door and greeting the family with their unearthly howls. Notwithstanding all these hardships, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are both alive and comparatively vigorous, the former being now in his eighty-fifth year.
Uriah L. James came in 1837, and worked a farm on section 12 on shares. His son John later purchased 140 acres, embracing this farm, and now resides upon it.
James Tallman came from Geneva, N. Y., in 1837, and first became a resident of Washtenaw County. In 1849, being favorably impressed with the land in Alamo, he re- moved thither, with his four sons,-Aaron, Easton, J. Vedder, and Henry A.,-and purchased of one Godfrey 560 acres on sections 20 and 21. He employed a man to break up 30 acres before he moved upon the land. The family, on their arrival, received a hospitable welcome to the house of Daniel Ball, on section 14, now occupied by Myron Parks, where they remained for six weeks, until a compara- tively comfortable shanty was erected, after which a more spacious log house was built. The sons remained at home, and assisted the father on the homestead until they attained their majority, when each was given a tract of land. Aaron received 80 acres on section 20; Easton, 80 acres on sec- tion 21; J. Vedder, 80 on section 20; and Henry A. was given the tract formerly owned by Aaron, he having re- moved to the homestead farm. The land was entirely in- closed on the arrival of the Tallman family, deer and wolves being the chief inhabitants of the forest. Indians were numerous, who wandered through the country hunting and fishing, and bartering venison, deer-skins, and fish for flour, pork, and potatoes, a loaf of wheat-bread being their especial delight. A dog owned by Mr. Tallman was their aversion, and inspired them with such terror as to make a circuit through the fields preferable to the chances of an encounter with him.
Daniel Ball has been already mentioned as living upon section 14, where he settled in 1837. The family consisted of four bachelor brothers, for whom the mother presided in the culinary department. They were former residents of Chautauqua Co., N. Y.
John, David, and Timothy Johnson came in 1836, and located on section 2.
Ephraim Case entered, May 20, 1836, 132 acres on section 4, and became a permanent resident, as did also E. Butter- field, who chose section 9 for his home, upon which he located 240 acres in May, 1837, and speedily improved it.
C. M. Wheeler came to the township in 1838, and pur- chased land which he still owns. His father was one of the survivors of the Revolutionary war, and died in the township at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
G. H. Seeley and A. S. Eaton each purchased 40 acres on section 11, in November, 1841, and Luther Follett en- tered, in the summer of 1835, 200 acres on section 12. He was the first tax collector in the township.
Tilly Sanford removed from Cattaraugus County in 1844, having located 120 acres on section 8. The land was pur- cased of Cyrus Giles, who probably bought it of William Churchill, who entered it from government. Mr. Sanford came to the township in 1839, and erected a shanty on the land he had purchased, but was compelled by ill-health to return to his former home after a residence of one year. During this brief period he, together with his sons, main- tained a bachelor's establishment. The shanty they erected served later, with an addition, for a very comfortable resi- dence, until 1852, when a spacious dwelling replaced it.
-
RES. OF JOHN W. JAMES, ALAMO.
TOWNSHIP OF ALAMO.
297
Many Indians visited the home of Mr. Sanford,-princi- pally those belonging to the Slater mission, which had been established in Richland. Mrs. Sanford still survives, and resides upon the homestead, Mr. Sanford having died in 1853.
Henry and George Piper came to the township in 1841, the former purchasing 80 acres of Fortesque Crittenden, and the latter locating on section 16.
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