History of Livingston County, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 42

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" Privates died of disease .- Lyman Carl, Andrew J. Carl, John Hildebrant, Sherwood Hart, Jacob Zeely, Philander Helms, Charles Brockway, Reuben McFall, Simon Child, George Pennell. Reuben C. Smith, John Cummings, William Curtis, John Dorn, George Newton, William L. Whited, Daniel Morse.

" Privates wounded in battle .- David Robertson, William Cooper, William Cooper, Jr., Frederick Zeits, George W. Axtell, Norton Monroe, Noah Boothley, Sidney Carpenter, Charles Culver, John Tompkins, Alvah G. Blood, James Monroe, Vernon C. Smith.

" Privates who returned safe .- Peter May, Franklin B. Abbott, Orrin G. Wells, Andrew Woll, Peter Woll, Jr., Thomas Gil- christ, Henry Lake, Robert S. Mountain, Andrew J. Allen, Charles Hildebrant, Cyrus Carpenter, George Reed, James Reed, Cornelius Helms, John Daniels, Marion Hart, Jerome Helms, Leonard Helms, Henry Helms, Edwin Ware, William Clayton, Giles Donnelly, Joseph Preston, Chester F. Good- rich, William E. Bennett, Frank Whipple, Erwin Child, Marcus Child, Andrew J. Whitaker, George Wright, Henry Wright, David Wright, Theodore Huntley, George Bronner, Julius D. Smith, J. B. McLean, Henry Stansell, Amos Smith, Isaac Van Loon, Howard Glover, William Bennett, Martin Woll, Frederick Galloway, John Park, Edmund Hart, Edwin McKinley, Daniel Ellenwood, Elias E. Brockway, George F. Brockway, James E. White, Asa McFall, Ezra Whitaker, Azel Carpenter, William Brooks, James Larowe, Henry La- rowe, George Blackman, Lewis Tupper, Henry Musson, William Tate, Asa Wilson, Orson Deming, John Ferguson, Reuben Warren, Henry Boothby, Rinaldo Balcom, Sidney Harrington, Silas Peterson, Vertell Baker, George Whited, William Vandercook, John Boothby, Thomas Donnelly, Franklin Jordan, Andrew McKeene, Allen Stearnes."

HOWELL GRANGE, No. 90, PATRONS OF HUS- BANDRY.

This grange was organized in Howell, Oct. 13, . 1873, with 21 charter members, viz .: William J. Jewell, W. K. Sexton, Delilah Jewell, Mrs. Mary A. Lake, Mrs. C. L. Sexton, Daniel Case, B. S. Person, Alice Person, Mrs. E. Case, C. H. Person, Theodore Welcker, Mrs. Lucinda Person, H. O. Barnard, Mary A. Barnard, N. J. Holt, George Coleman, F. W. Munson, Eliza Coleman, Mrs. F. R. L. Munson, Henry F. Lake, Miss Emma A. Case.

The object for which these persons associated themselves together is declared to be " for mutual instruction and protection; to lighten labor by diffusing a knowledge of its aims and purposes ; for improvement intellectually, morally, and finan- cially; to develop a better and higher manhood Hosted by

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HOWELL TOWNSHIP.

and womanhood among farmers; to enhance the comforts and attractions of home, and strengthen attachment to their pursuit; to foster mutual understanding and co-operation."

The first officers of this grange were: Master, Theodore Welcker; Overseer, C. H. Person; Lec- turer, Henry F. Lake; Steward, W. K. Sexton ; Assistant Steward, Henry O. Barnard; Chaplain, Daniel Case; Treasurer, George Coleman ; Secre- tary, F. W. Munson; Gate-Keeper, N. J. Holt ; Ceres, Mrs. Daniel Case ; Pomona, Mrs. H. O. Bar- nard; Flora, Mrs. W. K. Sexton; Lady Assistant Steward, Miss Emma A. Case.

On the 9th of February, 1877, "W. K. Sexton was elected purchasing or business agent for the Howell Grange, and a resolution was passed for uniting individually and collectively in purchasing goods for cash at wholesale." This resolution was first put in effect on the 5th of March next following, and since that time purchases have been continu- ally made, and their amount has steadily increased.

On the 5th of October, 1878, the Genoa Grange united with Howell Grange for greater convenience, and in order to secure more effectually the objects of their association.

The present membership of the Howell Grange is 115. The grange meets on the first, third, and fifth (when a fifth occurs) Saturday afternoons in each month, in Knapp's Block, Howell village.

The present officers of the Howell Grange are : Master, James Harger; Overseer, Charles Fish- beck; Lecturer, Peter T. Gill; Steward, George W. Fitch; Assistant Steward, Henry J. Sweet ; Chaplain, Theodore Welcker; Treasurer, Freeman Fishbeck; Secretary, Mrs. H. J. Sweet; Gate- Keeper, Simon W. Dickerson; Ceres, Mrs. Jasper Coleman ; Pomona, Mrs. Charles Fishbeck ; Flora, Mrs. E. Brown; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. David O. Smith.

RELIGIOUS.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN WEST HOWELL.

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized in West Howell in 1845 by Rev. Riley C. Crawford. John Clayton was the first class-leader, and the members of the class were, as nearly as can be ascertained, the following-named persons : Mr. and Mrs. Clayton (parents of the class-leader), Joseph Hogle and wife, William Brundage and wife, Mrs. John Clayton, Martha Clayton, and Jane Smith. Their first preaching was by the Rev. John Cosart, the first class-meeting being held in a log building owned by Clement Stebbins, and which was then or afterwards used as a school-

house. In 1850, Mr. Clayton was succeeded as class-leader by Joseph Hogle.

The preachers, after Rev. John Cosart, were Rev. Thomas Wakelin (about one year), Revs. Isaac Collins, Curtis Green, R. C. Crawford, Eli West- lake (circuit preachers), and others. A number of the clergymen who served with the Methodist Church at Howell village preached here also. The class-book of 1859 shows the members of the class in that year to have been Joseph Hogle, Mar- tha Hogle, William Brundage, Elizabeth Brundage, Oliver Reed, Louisa Reed, Rachel Stevens, Jane W. Smith, Nicholas Lake, Getty Lake, John Lasher, Mary Lasher, Ann Lasher, Charles Lasher, and Elizabeth Lasher. This book, under date of July 21, 1859, shows this class to be then embraced in the West Howell Circuit, Owosso District, Detroit Conference, and is signed at that place by " Riley C. Crawford, Pastor." The class declined on ac- count of the removal of several members, and ceased to exist about 1865.

Another Methodist Episcopal class was formed at West Howell in 1877, with Leonard Hoke as class-leader. It has about 15 members, holds its meetings for worship in the school-house at Flem- ing, and is connected with the Methodist Church of Howell village.

PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH OF WEST HOWELL.

This church was organized with about 40 mem- bers in the winter of 1869-70, and was incorpo- rated July 12, 1871. Its first pastor was the Rev. A. C. Fuller, whose successors have been the Revs. James McKinley, E. England, Israel Mudge, Rob- ert N. Mulholland, Jason Gee, Jared Warner, and C. B. Clark, the present pastor, who is also in charge of the classes at Lake, Thayer, and Marion, all embraced in the West Howell Circuit, having a membership of 80, with about 45 adhering mem- bers in addition. The church at Fleming (or West Howell) embraces 30 members, with Alonzo E. Ferrin as class-leader. Their place of worship is at present in the school-house of the district, but a church building is soon to be erected here, and also two others at other points within the circuit. The parsonage, located at Fleming, is valued at $600, paid for in full, and is occupied by Rev. Mr. Clark, . the preacher in charge of the circuit. The salary of his office is $500 per annum. The usage of the church is Congregational, and the pastor is elected, for a term of three years, by a majority vote.

CEMETERIES.

The Oak Grove Cemetery, at Howell village, is used by many of the inhabitants of the township Hosted by Of the townsh

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

as a place of interment, but there are three public burial-grounds in the township outside the village. The oldest of these is located on section 8, and was laid out as a place of burial in 1848; another on section 17 was commenced in 1850, and a third, laid out in 1853, is situated on section 22. In these the remains of many of the early settlers of the township have been laid away to their final rest.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

PETER BREWER,

one of the earliest settlers and oldest pioneers of Livingston County, now in his eighty-fifth year, is entitled to special mention in this local history. He was born in Otsego County, New York, Jan. 27, 1795. When he was some seven years of age

LITTLE

PETER BREWER.

his father moved to the then remote wilderness of Genesee Co., N. Y., where Peter grew to manhood.

In the war of 1812 he was drafted, and served a short time. He adopted the vocation of a farmer ; purchased some land in Niagara County, where he was married, May 10, 1821, to Miss Dorcas West. In 1835 he came to Howell and located one hundred and twenty acres of land; returned to New York, and in 1836 came on with his family and commenced the improvement of land. Himself and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in New York, and assisted to organize the first class and Methodist Church in Howell. He hewed the timber for the first house of worship of that church. In 1837 he was assessor and highway commissioner. His

wife died Feb. 25, 1863. He was again married, March 1, 1865, to Mrs. Abigail Munger, with whom he lived in Shiawassee County some thirteen years, when she died, and he returned to the old home in Howell, to live with his son Almon. By his first wife Mr. Brewer had six children: one died in infancy ; a daughter married William L. Jones, and they both died in 1848, leaving two children ; Orlando S. married Mary Jane Moore in 1849, daughter of William Moore, from New York, he settled in Howell in 1847; Almon married Olive Whitbeck, and lives at the old homestead; Eber is a farmer in Shiawassee County. All are re- spected citizens, and well settled in life.

SOLOMON HILDEBRANT

was born at Lockport, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1826. His father, Robert Hildebrant, emigrated to Living- ston County in the fall of 1842, and purchased eighty acres of land where Solomon now resides, upon which there was no improvement. Mr. Hildebrant rented a place about one mile south until he could make improvements on his own land. There he died Jan. 28, 1848. He had built a log house and cleared several acres of land on his own place, but had not moved at the time of his death. When the family came to Michigan there were nine children; two more were added after they came to Howell, all of whom are now living except two sons. Ruel enlisted in the 9th Indiana Regiment, was transferred to a battery, and killed at Chaplin Hills, Ky. John was in the 5th Michigan Infantry ; was in the battle of the Wilderness, where he was taken sick and died on his way to the hospital.

Solomon is the oldest of the children. To him the heroic mother looked for assistance. They moved the family to the then new log house, and continued the struggles begun by the father to secure a home. By their industry and good management ease and comfort have been secured, other lands added, the log house super- seded by a fine and commodious one with com- fortable out-buildings and pleasant surroundings. Here the mother makes her home, but is relieved from all care of business. Solomon Hildebrant is among the substantial and leading men of Living- ston County. He was married, April 7, 1863, to Miss Harriet A. Coleman, who was born at Che- mung, N. Y., April 21, 1839, daughter of Joseph Coleman, who now resides at Howell. Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrant are active and consistent members of the Methodist Church of Howell gle

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PUBLIC SCHOOL, BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN.

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VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON.

THE village of Brighton embraces within the limits established in its incorporation, a rect- angular tract of land, approximately one and a half miles in length by one mile in width, taken from the southwest corner of the township of Brighton. Its length is on the west line of the township, adjoining Genoa, and its width is on the south line, adjoining Green Oak. The line of the old Grand River road passes through, and makes a somewhat abrupt angle in the village, and the post set by the commissioners to mark this angle has been mentioned as the centre, around which clustered the few scattering buildings which formed the nucleus of the village of Brighton.

The original purchasers from the government, of lands lying within the present limits of the vil- lage, and the dates of their several purchases, were as follows : Maynard Maltby, of the State of New York, about 66 acres, August, 1832; Horace H. Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., 80 acres, March, 1833; John M. Coe, of Oakland County, 80 acres, June, 1834; Anthony Gale, of Hartford, Conn., 80 acres, September, 1834; Josiah Leonard, of Ni- agara Co., N. Y., 40 acres, May, 1835 ; Truman B. Warden, of Wayne Co., Mich., 80 acres, June, 1835 ; Philip Stewart, 40 acres, June, 1835 ; Elijah Fitch, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., about 66 acres, July, 1835; Elizabeth Cushing, of Wayne Co., Mich., 135 acres, May, 1835 ; Wm. Noble, of Hart- ford, Conn., 40 acres, July, 1835 ; Philip Stewart, of Wayne Co., Mich., 120 acres, October, 1835 ; Samuel R. Dakins, of Wayne Co., Mich., 40 acres, January, 1836; Anthony Gale, of Livingston Co., Mich., 40 acres, January, 1836; Ezra Rood, of Wayne Co., Mich., 40 acres, September, 1836.

The first two settlers within the present corpora- tion limits were Maynard and Almon Maltby, from New York State, the latter of whom still survives, and resides in Green Oak township. Maynard purchased 65 acres of land on section 31, Brigh- ton, in the summer of 1832, as noticed above. The following year they erected a log house, and inclosed with a fence, six acres, which they had sown with wheat. In the fall the brothers repaired to New York State and taught school during the winter. In the following spring they returned to their Western home. Maynard Maltby (having meanwhile married) brought his wife with him to

Brighton. With his brother he soon after began the erection of a saw-mill upon the stream known as Ore Creek, running through the embryo village. Much of the material used in the construction of the early houses of the vicinity was sawed at this mill, which was known for years after as the " Old Maltby Mill." At the first township election May- nard Maltby was elected justice of the peace, and continued to hold the office until his death, which occurred in January, 1840. Mrs. Maltby, who is now Mrs. D. C. Marsh, of Brighton, has a very vivid recollection of early days, and especially of the annoyances experienced from the numerous bands of Indians that passed between Detroit and the camping-grounds westward. Though not dis- honest, they were very destructive, and were espe- cially fond of terrifying the ladies by brandishing their tomahawks and marking the doors of Mr. Maltby's house in a mysterious manner, as though some dire punishment were to be visited upon the family, yet no serious results followed their visits. At a later date, when the demand for Western land became greater, and land-lookers viewed every eligible acre in the county, Mr. Maltby's house afforded them a welcome shelter.

John Cushing came to the village (or rather to the place where the village now is) in 1835, and built a log house, which he occupied for a long time, but afterwards purchased and removed to a house on Grand River Street, where he spent the remainder of his life. His son, Benjamin Cushing, resided for a while on the farm of his father, but finally purchased the ground where the Brighton Hotel now stands, and erected a tavern, of which he was for some years the landlord. He then re- tired to the farm, and after a brief interval returned to the tavern. Mr. Cushing also kept, for one year, the first log tavern built in the village, by William Dutcher, on the site now occupied by the residence of John Becker on Grand River Street. He bore a reputation as a genial landlord, and was regarded as a man of very marked social traits. His death occurred in the village in 1860.

Robert D. Power was one of the earliest settlers, and his erection and opening of a public-house, in 1836, was one of the first steps taken towards giving the place the character of a village. His tavern-house was a log structure that stood oppo-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

site the present site of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Power was a man of much force of character and intuitive shrewdness, and, being somewhat inclined towards politics, exerted a con- siderable influence in that direction among the early settlers of the neighborhood. He was after- wards elected to the offices of representative in the State Legislature, and sheriff of Livingston County.

Brighton assumed still more the character of a village by the arrival and location there of its first physician (who was also the first in the county), Dr. Wilber Fisher, in the year 1836. His practice extended for a circuit of many miles, and his faithful steed was called upon constantly to exer- cise his powers,-more of endurance than speed. Malarial fevers were incident to the clearing of the new country, and the doctor's attendance was in frequent demand. Dr. Fisher was a peculiar character. It was rumored that he possessed no diploma, though he was certainly a member of an adjoining county medical society ; but with this he was able to inspire his patients with a certain confidence in his skill. His medicines were cer- tainly given in sufficiently large doses to cure, if quantity were the desideratum. Altogether, Dr. Fisher was not an unsuccessful practitioner, and his presence in those early days cheered many a quaking victim of the ague.

William Noble, Jr., was one of the early settlers in Brighton. He came from New England, and brought with him many Puritanic ideas. He was very scrupulous in his religious duties, and held the use of liquor in abomination, which, in those tippling days, was sufficient to confirm his repu- tation for eccentricity.

Anthony Gale was another of the earliest settlers in the village. He is described as a man of irascible temper, quick to resent a real or fancied wrong, but withal kind-hearted, and a keen and active man of business. He was the owner of the land on which the original plat of the village was laid out. This he sold to William Noble, Jr., who surveyed from it the first, or " Noble Plat" (known as the " Lower Town"), and recorded the same July 3, 1837. He also sold ten acres lying in the form of a square, on both sides of Grand River Street, to William Dutcher, who soon after laid out an additional plat upon it. On the 19th of July, 1838, Anthony Gale laid out upon his unsold lands the "Gale Plat" of the "Upper Town," and recorded it in the same year. A large number of the lots were sold to various purchasers, and the remainder was sold in one parcel to Harvey T. Lee .*

* On the 19th of December, 1868, a plat was made by J. B. Lee, known as the "J. B. Lee addition," and about the same date

In the original village plat of 1837 the first two lots were purchased by Almon and Maynard Maltby. The one purchased by Almon Maltby was the lot now occupied by Mr. S. Dubois on Grand River Street, and on this was erected the first frame house within the limits of the village corporation.

The year 1837 saw the erection of the first school building, which was located upon ground now occupied by Patrick Donley on Grand River Street. The first teacher in this was a Mr. Jerald, who taught for two successive winters, and was succeeded by Miss Sophie Olney, who had charge of the school during the summer of 1838. This young lady arrived at the settlement on a visit to her sister, Mrs. Harwick, and was induced to re- main as teacher.

The first regular religious services in Brighton were commenced by Rev. William A. Clark, D.D., who came from New York City and settled in the township in the spring of 1837. Occasional ser- vices had, however, been held here before that time by Elder John Cosart of the Methodist, and by Rev. Jonathan Post of the Baptist, denomina- tion, as well as by some other clergymen.

Lewis M. Curry and wife came from Bradford Co., Pa., and in May, 1837, located within the village, as it was called even then, though it con- tained but very few settlers. Most of the Noble plat was still covered with the original forest-trees, and these the owner would not allow to be felled until the lots were purchased. The young boys of the neighborhood, determining that some of them should come down at all hazards, assembled one night, built a fire, and feigning to be on a hunt for coons, began a vigorous chopping of the trees to secure the animals, as they pretended. One un- suspecting citizen rushed out with his gun and fired several shots before he comprehended the ruse. Mr. Curry purchased a lot on the corner of Grand River and North Streets, and erected upon it a house of unusual pretensions for those times. Some of the lumber for this house was drawn from Farmington, Oakland Co., and the remainder was supplied by Maltby's saw-mill, on Ore Creek. After Mr. Curry had been here a brief time, the prospects of the village not equaling his expecta-

the " McCauley addition" was platted. " McPherson's addition" was made Dec. 8, 1871. Soon after, fine maps of this plat were distributed through the country, and after much advertising the lots were offered at auction, many inducements having been extended to attract purchasers. A large number of the lots in this plat were sold in that way, and some of them have since had comfortable and elegant residences built upon them, the sales having been mainly effected by the prospective growth of Brighton, incidental to the completion of the railroad, which runs nearly through the centre of the " McPherson plate'd by Google

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VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON.

tions, he rented his house for a year and returned to the East, resuming his residence in Brighton at the expiration of that time. He spent but a por- tion of his time in the village, his occupations calling him much from home. Though making no pretensions to excellence above his neighbors, he established a reputation for kindness and gen- erosity, and many instances of the substantial aid he afforded the needy and suffering are related.

An incident illustrative of his character was re- lated to the writer by Mrs. Curry, who is now Mrs. David Thomson, of Brighton township. Mr. Curry had subscribed towards the support of re- ligious services, and his wife concluded one pleas- ant Sabbath morning that she would attend meeting. and perhaps, if invited, assist in the singing, for which she had an excellent voice. Arraying her- self in her black silk gown, with her best bonnet adorned with bright flowers, relics of a more lux- urious life at the East, she proceeded to the prim- itive church. On arriving she found herself late and the door closed against her. The steward confronted her with the question, "Are you a member of the church ?" She replied, " No, but we help pay the preacher, and I've come to join in the worship." "Are you seeking religion ?" he added. "No," she replied, and (being probably a little incensed at the question) intimated that she would find very little of it in that church if she were. The steward informed her that the doors were closed, and she could not be admitted.

Filled with indignation, Mrs. Curry returned to her home, and was met by her husband, who inquired the trouble. Benjamin Cushing, who from his house opposite had observed her on her de- parture, and wondering at her sudden return, came over to inquire also as to its cause. She replied, relating the facts. Mr. Curry was very angry, and, with some strong expressions, remarked that he would soon make an opening in that church-door. He went to the fence and, securing a stout rail, summoned Cushing to his aid. Together they departed for the church with the rail on their shoulders, determined to batter down the door. On their arrival one of the deacons appeared, and, asking them the occasion of their formidable preparations, was informed of their errand. He assured them that an easier entrance could be ob- tained, and, throwing open the door, invited them in. They entered, and remained till the service was over, while Mrs. Curry remained at home to cook a good dinner for the deacon.

Lewis V. Curry, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Curry, was born Oct. 25, 1837,-the first white child born in Brighton village.

The first death in the village was that of Tru-

man B. Warden, who died Nov. 29, 1837. He had come to Brighton in 1836, and located on the spot now occupied by the Methodist parsonage. The second death was that of Ebenezer G. Fox, on the 19th of the following April.

The first marriage in the village also occurred in 1837, it being that of a Mr. Winchell to a widow lady, whose name has not been ascertained. The ceremony was performed by Maynard Maltby, J. P.

William R. Cobb came from Vermont to Brigh- ton in the fall of 1838, and opened a store on the present site of the Methodist church on Grand River Street. Later he removed to a building which he had purchased, standing on the present site of Cobb & McHench's Block. The building was removed to make room for the new block, and it is still standing on Mill Street. Mr. Cobb re- tired in 1864. His present residence is on East Street, where he has a tract of some 24 acres of land.

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History of Livingston County, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 42

Author: Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 617

Author:
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 617