USA > Michigan > Lapeer County > History of Lapeer County, Michigan : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 29
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Elizabeth D., wife `of John M. Lamb, died October 6, 1882. She was born in Springfield, Burlington County, N. J., in 1811, and was married to John M. Lamb in 1831, and in 1835, with her husband and family, moved to Michigan, landing at Detroit. In 1836 the family, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Lamb and three small children, moved into the "old log house" half a mile east of the now village of Dryden-then a wilderness with a winding woods road leading to the southeast, known as the "messenger road." Here the many cares pertaining to the pioneer household were calmly met and expeditiously overcome. A farm was hewn out of the dense forest and made to yield an abundance, in which the industrious hands of a mother nobly assisted. During her resi- dence in this township she has seen the forests disappear and hun- dreds of happy homes brought forth that now dot our beautiful country.
The winding trails have disappeared, save here and there they may be traced through groves of timber, and the broad highways have taken their place. The pioneer's log house has been replaced by others more commodious, ornamental and convenient. Villages have sprung up and many of them have grown into cities; railroads have traversed our country and spanned the continent; her life was lived in a progressive age. Wars have visited our country, slaves have been made freemen, and on several occasions the "runaway" was cared for and comforted by the hands that are now folded in rest.
Eleven children called her mother-five sons and six daughters, all grown to woman and manhood. Three daughters preceded her into the great beyond. Left a widow November 3, 1871, she lived in her home well and cheerful until November 9, 1876, when she was attacked with paralysis for eleven months. She kept around her house until the second stroke reduced her to a helpless condi- tion on October 6, 1877. For five years she lingered, until the evening of October 6, 1882, when she passed quietly to the sleep that brings rest to the wearied form. . She was taken to her last resting place October 8, followed by a large concourse of friends and relatives. The funeral was held at the home, and Rev. Mr. Steele made a few very appropriate remarks. At close of services,
the lines which were composed by her husband upon receiving the news of his mother's death, over forty years ago, were sung.
The children who died were as follows: Sarah died in 1850; Caroline in 1866 and Mary in 1874. There are eight living, four of whom, Joseph L., William H. H., Lydia L. and Clayton J. are in the West; J. Merritt and G. Franklin in Dryden; Mrs. D. C. Bacon, of the Twin Elm House, in this village, and Mrs. Henry Bartlett, of this town, are the eldest of the family, and are ladies of rare merit, both of whom are active workers in the Ladies' Literary Society of the village. Mrs. Bacon is a woman of rare literary taste, and writes more or less for the public journals of the day
THE OLD LOG HOUSE.
The following article is from the pen of Mrs. Emma L. Bacon, a daughter of the late John M. Lamb, and has reference to the old family home in Dryden. We give it herewith:
"Once again standing on the broken door sill, a witness of the desolation, seeing the logs falling down, the roof that storms beat through, rafters giving way, doors gone, windows out, the plaster falling, the floor torn up, sills rotting, cellar caving in and a pile of brick and mortar. Squirrels have here a home unmolested; birds build their nests undisturbed; spiders are everywhere. A strange stillness is here. The wind comes and goes as it pleases through the empty house, sounding as if it was sighing. Perhaps it was I that sighed. Well do I remember the coming to this house, of father, mother and three children; how mother was afraid with only a quilt hung up at the door; how the new pine board floor plagued the tidy housekeeper before it wore off smooth; how father stood at the foot of the ladder leading to the attic, dancing a jig and singing, "such a getting up stairs I never did see;" how we almost suffo- cated with smoke the day the first brush heaps ware burned about our new log house. There is the window from which one moon- light night father shot at a deer feeding on his turnip patch. Those were the days when we borrowed fire of our neighbors; when the howling of the wolves made us frightened children, trembling in the trundle bed, cover up our heads. Those wolves killed the sheep; bears caught the pigs running in the woods; deer went bounding past, and by the smoke curling up among the trees we knew the Indian camp fire, and looked for squaw visitors loaded with baskets to trade for food. There where the old bricks lie, I see again a fire- place with its trammel and hooks; a "mantel piece" with brass can- dle-sticks, books, hats and mittens on it; a tin bake oven on the hearth; brass andirons; big backlogs and a blazing fire giving light and warmth as we sat and watched it curl and flash among the sticks of wood, changing them to coals and ashes. Around the hearth children cried about their troubles and were rocked to sleep; the boys' cold toes were warmed; work was done; tricks played; stories told; friends entertained; pipes smoked, and ague fits shook out. What histories and life experiences these old walis could tell if they might speak! Stories of toil and pain, work and rest, grief and joy, right and wrong, births and deaths, hopes and ambitions. It takes such a complication of things added together to make the total of life. On the whitewashed wall one brother asks this question :
"What is the use for man to strive To try to keep his works alive?' And another has written :
' With months and years time has rolled away And brought this old homestead to decay. Brothers and sisters are gone, far and near, But all to my heart seems very dear. Sisters have crossed to the golden shore,
Where is rest and peace forevermore. On us is stamped the hand 'decay' And written on all is, 'passing away.'
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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY.
"There are no more peaceful slumbers in the old chamber; young faces are gone, voices are silent, laughter is hushed, busy feet are elsewhere. The first barn, the big stumps, the old well and ' sweep,' the winding, trodden paths are gone. A jessamine still clings to the wall where young hands trained it, and a corn lily, planted years ago, summer still finds blooming. Not here are the young forms that went romping over the fields, climbing the wild cherry and plum trees, going with baskets after berries, gathering wild flowers, running down the lane, drinking at the 'iron spring,' skipping through the woods, swimming in the river, visiting the pine grove, and welcoming the maple-sugar times.
"Only a few years more and no logs, boards, beams or rafters will tell to the transient traveler of an old house here. The strong young man who planned and built it sat in the shade of the trees he planted; his hair grew white, his children came to men and women, the clay was heaped over his form, the rain washed his footprints away, his feet tread these paths no more. Viewing this decay the sighs will come! Why should they? It is here just as all nature's changes are-a beginning, an ending. Commenced and finished. All alone in the log house and this is the story it told me."
EARLY MOVEMENTS.
Mr. Sanford Maynard, one of the settlers of 1840, and one of the original proprietors of the mill of Maynard & Bro., selling out to his brother his interest in the mill in 1846, located for a time in Dryden, and built the first hotel in that place, and also the first blacksmith shop, and carried on both branches of business for a few years, sold out and went to Washington, and from there to Bran- don, Oakland County, and engaged in farming. In November of 1862, while ont in company with his sou chopping wood, and while cutting a tree and before it was supposed to be ready to fall, it was suddenly blown down by the wind, which was blowing a gale at the time, and falling in a manner unexpected by the parties, struck Mr. Maynard on the head and shoul.lers, killing him instantly. The tree, which was of oak, and about a foot in diameter, lay upon the dead father, and no one near but the son, a young man of about twenty years. With superhuman strength that boy lifted the tree and laid it one side, placed a coat under the head of his father, and ran for help. The remains were brought to South Dryden and buried by the side of a former wife.
In 1854 the Dryden Exchange was built by E. H. Baker, and has had numerous proprietors. Recently it has been refitted and is now kept by John Garlick.
The Twin Elms House was built in 1874 by Joseph Dowd. In front of this house are two elms which have grown to large size from sprouts within the recollection of the present proprietor. William Emmons and L. D. Van Kleek were proprietors, until Mr. D. C. Bacon purchased the property and is now its proprietor. Mr. Bacon is a pioneer of Almont and Dryden and Mrs. Bacon was a daughter of the late John M. Lamb.
D. C. BACON was born in Oneida County, N. Y., in 1818 re- maining there until 1834, following which he spent two years in Ohio and Kentucky, then came to Lapeer County, Mich., and lo- cated in Bell River in the township of Almont. Removing in 1838 to the village of Almont he engaged as salesman in store for the firm of John & William Steel and afterward with Shaw & Dyar. In 1840 he built the first house on section 16 in the township of Almont and established the first stage line between Almont and Royal Oak via Utica and Romeo. In 1845 he returned to Almont, remaining two years, when he went to the township of Imlay and set up for the firm of Imlay, Beach & Co., the first steam engine brought to the county. He then returned to Almont and took up land from the government on section 18, which he improved and
lived upon three years, when he came to Dryden and was in the employ of John M. Lamb for two years when he formed a partner- ship with him under the firm name of Lamb & Co. He afterward went to Almont and purchased the National House which he con- ducted five years, and then located on a farm on section 21. In 1873 he returned to Dryden and engaged in mercantile business, the style of the firm being Bacon, Emmons & Co., which was con- tinued up to 1875, when he purchased the hotel in Dryden which he has since carried on. In 1839 he married Miss Jane Hall, eldest daughter of Seth Hall of Dryden. She died in 1854, leaving one daughter-Francis O. He was again married in 1856 to Miss Emma Lamb, eldest daughter of John M. Lamb. Mr. Bacon was supervisor in 1873. Was one of the originators of the P. O. & P. A. Railroad and gave the ground for the station.
THE VILLAGE CEMETERY.
The first burying ground in this part of the town is located a mile north of the village, and is now thickly dotted with graves. The ground was purchased by the Dryden Interring Society, which was organized in April, 1842. The ground was purchased of Mr. Seth Hall. The officers of the society first chosen were as follows: President, Henry Van Kleek; clerk, Joseph Chamberlain; collector, Holden Tripp; treasurer, Ethan Squier; sexton, John Gould.
About 1870 the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association was formed and ground purchased of John M. Lamb for a village cemetery. Improvements are being made and the grounds made fitting for the object for which they are set apart.
DRYDEN LADIES' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
There is, perhaps, no society of like character in the county that has become more noted than the one bearing the above name. Its early history is very fully given in a paper written in 1876, by Mrs. Emma Bacon, which we give as follows:
"In March, 1871, a company of ladies living in this place, were enjoying social visits. One suggested forming some kind of a society; others encouraged the idea; they met at the house of Mrs. L. Sessions, March 29. Mrs. Joshua Manwaring, nominated to preside at the meeting. It was decided the society shall be a Ladies' Library Association; the object to furnish reading at a small cost to all that would accept the privilege. Officers were chosen as follows:
"President, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; secretary, Mrs. Joseph Man- waring; treasurer, Mrs. N. B. Eldredge.
"Active members to consist of married ladies only; admittance fee $1; meetings weekly. Mrs. Jesse Emmons and Mrs. Joseph Manwaring were appointed to construct by-laws.
"Our first books were "Ik Marvel's" "Farm at "Edgewood," Holland's "Letters to the Jones's," and "Goldfoil," given by Mrs. J. C. Lamb.
"Our first book-case was a little box nailed to the wall, with room on its one shelf for six books. Mirthfulness called it a "famous affair," and proposed a white curtain to improve it. Having books, Mrs. Sessions became librarian, and Mrs. Brophy vice-president.
"An anticipated carpet called together an assortment of rags to cut and piece; add to these a cup of tea with picnic suppers, and the weekly meetings, Wednesday afternoons, passed pleasantly away until June 14th, when the approved by-laws were signed by Mrs. J. C. Lamb, Mrs. Joseph Hodson, Mrs. N. B. Eldredge, Mrs. John Porter, Mrs. William Eggleston, Mrs. Joseph Manwar- ing, Mrs. J. J. Lamb, Mrs. James Brophy, Mrs. Jesse Emmons, Mrs. George Clark, Mrs. Henry Bartlett, Mrs. Miner Fuller.
"This afternoon a building was rented for the use of the After completing business, each lady took her chair; society.
WEBSTER , Photo.
Eruna D. Bacon, Le. Le. Hillikes SISTERS.
TWIN ELMS HOTEL
TWIN ELMS HOTEL, D.C. BACON, PROPRIETOR, DRYDEN , MICH .
Dile, Bacon
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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY.
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others carried the rags; another carried the books, now four in number, and the library was moved to the rooms since then occu- pied by the association.
"More months were gone, September came, and the 'hit or miss' rag carpet was tacked upon the floor. Visitors came, leaving ten cents, and partook of the social supper. Strawberry and ice cream festivals picked up the change, and the 'wee bits' gathered in the treasury
"Many will remember the terrible fires of October, 1871; how fearfully it raged in the northern counties of our own Michigan; how the uncontrollable element made want and destitution among new settlers. With the rush and roar of a tornado, it swept through the heavy timber, leaping from top to top of those large pine trees. Hemmed in by fire in every direction, it is no wonder some of those poor souls "thought the end of the world had come." And then we worked for the homeless; quilts were made; busy hands filled boxes with clothing and provisions for sufferers forty miles north of us.
"By November 29th, $50 were expended, and we counted forty-three volumes. To-day each member drew a book. How bright and new they are. Beautiful books, we know your worth! More ladies joined the society: Mrs. H. Porter, Mrs. Joshua Man- waring, Mrs. S. Rockhill, Mrs. L. Sessions, Mrs. A. Tappen, Mrs. R. Gage, Mrs. S. Manly, Mrs. William Rogers, making in all twenty-three active members, and twelve silent ones, the husbands of the ladies. February 24th, at the last meeting of the first year, our prospects were better than we had dared to hope for.
"Another year began and the officers elected were: President, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; vice-president, Mrs. Seth Hall; secretary, Mrs. J. Manwaring; treasurer, Mrs. Henry Bartlett; librarian, Mrs. Jesse Emmons.
"Donations of books were thankfully received. A. J. Squiers, S. E. Randolph and Jesse Emmons gave books valued at $4 each. Also legislative documents by J. C. Lamb and O. D. Conger. The latter, though seldom read, have their work to do, making a good appearance, filling vacant shelves, and containing information we, as women, ought to know, if we do not vote yet. Additional mem- bers were added to the association as follows: Mrs. O. Lewis, Mrs. William North, Mrs. J. Darwood, Mrs. J. Rupert, Mrs. A. Bartlett, Mrs. N. Wells, Mrs. B. F. Randolph, Mrs. A. J. Squiers.
"Vigilant work continued. Money came from socials at our homes; we got up suppers and paid 10 cents to help eat them; our furniture improved; we possessed 169 books, and the second year finished with $26 in the treasury.
"The months of the third year passed away with officers as follows: President, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; vice-president, Mrs. J. Rupert; secretary, Mrs. J. Manwaring; treasurer, Mrs. Seth Hall; librarian, Mrs. Jesse Emmons.
"Mrs. A. H. Curtis and Mrs. F. Laman became members. We had now 300 volumes at the rooms, and $100 in cash. Energetic financiering and faithful diligence established a literary institution.
"Time went on with silent steps. Sorrow's cloud was over us. Death came, for the first time, among our number, and claimed Mrs. Jesse Emmons. We lost an earnest member; missed a cheer- ful companion ; separated from a friend, and mourned her vacant chair. Members performing official duties at this time were: President, Mrs. Seth Hall; vice-president, Mrs. J. Rupert; secre- tary, Mrs. J. Manwaring; assistant secretary, Mrs. H. Bartlett; treasurer, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; librarian, Mrs. A. Bartlett; assistant librarian, Mrs. J. Darwood.
"Among our living workers we welcomed Mrs. J. M. Shumar and Mrs. William Booth. At the close of the year our secretary reported a gift of Swedenborg's works worth $50. There were
then 400 volumes in the library, $100 in the treasury, and "Pro- gression" our mnotto.
"The fifth year found the officiating members nearly the same as the last, and the following new members: Mrs. B. McNeil, Mrs. G. Robinson, Mrs. D. C. Bacon, Mrs. R. Squiers, Mrs. P. Ulrich.
"On Wednesday afternoons, business and the usual cup of tea; visitors are gladly entertained, their 10 cents undisturbed. We have gratitude for the support men have given our undertaking, and for the money they have contributed to our treasury.
"We began the sixth year with officers as follows: President, Mrs. Seth Hall; vice-president, Mrs. H. Bartlett, secretary, Mrs. G. Robinson; assistant secretary, Mrs. D. C. Bacon; treasurer, Mrs. J. C. Lamb; librarian, Mrs. A. Bartlett; assistant librarian, Mrs. J. M. Shumar.
"In our financial book, since the first year, there is written the names of forty-five book renters. On our shelves there are 468 volumes. We have $100 at interest, $450 insurance; greenbacks remaining, and our credit good.
"When selecting books we aimed for variety-theology, his- tories, biographies, romance, poetry, juvenile and miscellaneous works. Fiction is read the most. These get soiled and worn, but are mended and made to last as long as possible.
"Our years have been celebrated by anniversaries with music, speaking, charades, tableaux, dancing and suppers. Combined exertion, good attendance, interesting entertainments, and pleased attention, resulted in satisfaction to performers and spectators.
"Launched boats do not always find smooth sailing. Our enterprise has its critics, but we believe true what 'Aunt Mary' quotes from Lorenzo Dow: 'If stones are throwed, it is a good apple tree'.
"There is a strong attachment for the little brown building among the trees. Our Centennial maple is near the door. Hope was planted with it, love is around it, and we have faith our tree will live.
"Here is a 'thank you' for those who have appreciated and assisted our women's work. May there always be some blessings in life for them."
Since 1876 Mrs. A. M. Rupert and Mrs. H. J. Lamb have been secretaries, the latter being the present incumbent. Mrs. Seth Hall has been president since 1875. In 1881 Mrs. Joseph Manwaring succeded Mrs. J. C. Lamb as treasurer. Librarians since 1876, Mrs. A. Bartlett and Mrs. B. Breden.
The building owned by the society was built for a saloon in 1858, by a Mr. Goodrich. It was afterward rented for a shoe shop, and then two ladies purchased and moved it to its present position, from the opposite side of the street. They occupied it as a milli- nery store until the library society first rented and then purchased it.
The society has a surplus fund of about $300, and the library contains about 700 volumes of books. There are twenty members and forty book renters. The annual anniversary is celebrated with some form of social entertainment, which is an important event in the social annals of the town.
Of the charter members there are now remaining, as members, the following persons: Mesdames J. C. Lamb, R. Emmons, J. Hodson, J. Manwaring, J. Porter.
FRUIT DRYING ESTABLISHMENT.
The principal business enterprise of Dryden is the fruit drying establishment of Darwood & Lamb. Mr. Darwood established this business in 1876, and carried it on alone till 1881, when the fac- tory was burned. It was rebuilt the same year and has since been operated by the firm of Darwood & Lamb. The factory in size is forty by eighty feet, two stories in height and has a capacity of 350 bushels every twenty-four hours. The benefit of this enterprise to
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HISTORY OF LAPEER COUNTY.
the town and vicinity is apparent, as it furnishes to the farmer a ready market for his apples, which are a considerable product of this section.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
Dryden Lodge No. 150, F. & A. M., was chartered Jan. 14, 1864, with N. B. Eldredge, master, and Jacob C. Lamb, senior war- den, and eleven charter members. The officers for the present Ma- sonic year are as follows: Thomas W. Williams, W. M .; Elijah Bartlett, S. W .; W. J. Reynolds, J. W .; Yates Ferguson, Sec .; James Brophy, Treas .; Edward B. Lemmon, S. D .; William H. H. Cheastro, J. D .; Peter C. Snover, tyler. Regular meetings the Saturday evening on or before the full of the moon.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
Dryden Lodge No. 89, I. O. O. F., was chartered Jan. 16, 1866, with the following charter members: Clayton B. Randolph, Joseph B. Hodson, Peter C. Snover, Darius Alger, Jacob C. Lamb, B. P. Randolph and Joseph Darwood. Its first principal officers were, Clayton Randolph, N. G .; J. Hodson, V. G .; Jacob C. Lamb, Sec. The lodge has a present membership of nineteen. Regular meet- ings every Saturday evening. The present principal officers are, J. Merritt Lamb, N. G .; William Goodenough, V. G .; William Ball, Sec. ; D. Edgerton, Per. Sec .; Joseph Darwood, treasurer.
KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES.
Tibbal's Tent No. 84, Knights of the Maccabees, was instituted March 1, 1883, with sixteen charter members; one has since been added. The officers of the tent are as follows: Sir K. P. C., Jos. Manwaring; Sir K. C., Wm. H. Alcott; St. C., Willis B. Joslyn; Rec. K., Wm. Brumby; Fin. K., John Heenan; Prel., James D. Brophy; Phys., Drs. Braddon and Stearns; Sergt., William H. H. Cheasbro; M. at A., D. Edgerton; first M. of G., Robert B. Good- ing; second M. of G., Julius A. Porter; Sen., William E. Ridley; picket, John Stearns.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
Dryden Grange No. 396, of the Patrons of Husbandry was in- corporated April 16, 1874, with twenty-two members. William North was master, J. C. Lamb, secretary and E. Whittaker treas- urer. The present membership is thirty. Regular meetings Friday evening on or before the full moon. The present officers are as follows: Master, Elijah Bartlett; overseer, Geo. B. Terry; lect- urer, E. B. Lemmons; chaplain, Enoch Squiers; steward, Austin Atwell; lady assistant steward, Miss S. Baker; Ceres, Miss Whitta- ker; Pomona, Mrs. Geo. B. Terry; Flora, Mrs. Timothy Utley; gate keeper, Samuel McClusky.
In 1870 a graded school was established in the district, which includes the village of Dryden. A beautiful and commodious school-house was constructed the same year on an eminence just north of the center of the village, at a cost of about $4,000. The school is now in charge of Chas. E. Parmlee, assisted by Annie J. Ridley. The number of scholars in the district is 136.
There is one church building in the village, belonging to the M. E. society, a history of which has already been given.
The building of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad through the county, built up Imlay City, and Dryden village contributed liberally of its population. Mr. Joseph Manwaring was the only merchant left in the village. After a time the village recovered from the fever of emigration, and, in 1883, the completion of the Pontiac, Oxford & Port Austin Railroad, which passes through Dry- den, promises to give new impetus to the business of the village by the facilities of transportation which will be afforded.
The first postmaster at the village was John M. Lamb. He was succeeded by William Quatermass, and he by Joseph Manwar- ing, the present incumbent.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
SETH HALL, a pioneer of 1836, was, during his life, a highly respected and influential citizen of Dryden. His death occurred April 4, 1878. He was born in Connecticut in the year 1801. When about three years of age his parents removed to the State of New York where he, early in life, married Miss Lucy Quatermass, who died in 1841, leaving nine children, all of whom, except one, are dead. In 1836, Mr. Hall came to Michigan and settled in the town of Dryden. May 8, 1842, he married Charlotte Hincks, daughter of James C. Hincks, who came into Dryden from Macomb County. They had eleven children, six of whom are living, viz: Seth, Marth, Frederick and Nellie, now living in Almont, and Lucy and Clarence Edwin who live in Dryden. Theron, Seth and Wes- ley served in the army during the war. Abner Hall, son by the first wife, is living at Imlay City. Mr. Hall lield the offices of supervisor and justice of the peace and was known throughout the county as "Squire" Hall. Mr. Hall was a member of Dryden Lodge No. 150, F. & A. M., and upon his death the following resolutions were adopted by that body:
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