History of Livingston County, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 43

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Daniel C. Marsh, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed of the early pioneers, and who still survives, established himself in Brighton, May, 1839. He was the first attorney in the village and township. In 1841 he was appointed prosecuting attorney and master in chancery for the county of Livingston. He is still residing in Brighton, but is not actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession.

John D. Appleton arrived in 1839, and followed the occupation of carpenter and joiner. He built the residence on Grand River Street, just below the Presbyterian church, and later erected a pub- lic-house of considerable size opposite the Brigh- ton Hotel. The building is generally known as the Appleton Block.

Harvey T. Lee came early, and was both farmer and hotel-keeper. He afterwards followed his calling of landlord at Byron, Mich.

Robert McLester was a pioneer of 1837, and en- gaged in the sale of dry goods soon after in part- nership with William R. Cobb.

The earliest blacksmith was Abram Fralick, whose shop stood on the site now occupied by the Appleton Block.

Among others who resided in the village in 1839 were A. P. Dickinson, who for many years served as constable, and died in 1878; Charles Spencer, who died the same year in the suburbs of the village; John G. Spencer, who died during the war of the Rebellion; Elijah Fitch, who was an early merchant, but removed from the place ; John Wilson, a mason ; J. D. Davis and S. S. Saunders.

Frederick C. Whipple, the second attorney of the village, and who became the most brilliant

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

of the lawyers of Livingston County, came to Brighton in 1840. He was the first editor of the old Livingston Courier, which was established in this village by Nicholas Sullivan in 1843, and be- came prosecuting attorney, circuit court commis- sioner, and judge of probate of Livingston County. He was associated in business with George W. Peck, another eminent lawyer, who came a year or two later to Brighton and afterwards held sev- eral high offices, among them being that of repre- sentative in the Thirty-fourth Congress. Both those gentlemen left Brighton early, Mr. Whipple removing to Howell in 1846. He died in Oceola township in 1872.

Among the settlers who came to the village in or about 1840 were Horace Lee, Warren Hill, Warren Acker, Daniel S. Lee, Sanford Beacroft, William Moon, Malcolm Fitch, Peter Fitch, Sum- ner Ross, F. D. Acker, Amrod Moon, and William McCauley,-the latter of whom attained consider- able political distinction and filled several offices, among which was that of State Senator, to which he was elected in 1852.

Orson Quackenbush, an early settler in the vil- lage, erected, in 1840, the flouring- and grist-mills now owned by Albright & Thomson, on Ore Creek. This enterprise was a great advantage to the people of the neighboring settlements and an advancement of the interests of the village.

David Thomson, having visited Brighton in its earliest days, and being favorably impressed with its prospects, became a permanent resident in 1843. He leased a building where the Presbyterian church now stands, and converted it into a foundry, which was the first one established in the county, and which he soon after purchased in connection with Charles Spencer. In 1856 he built the pres- ent brick foundry, on the corner of Grand River and North Streets. He resides upon a farm in the suburbs.

Ira W. Case came to the county in 1840, and to Brighton in 1847. He has been since that time actively engaged in mercantile pursuits.

The rivals in trade at this early day were Robert Thomson, a typical Scotchman, and William Noble, Jr., who recorded the first plat of the village. Both were characters in their way. Thomson kept a small store, suited to the wants of his customers, and exercised considerable ingenuity in the mark- ing of his goods, the value being generally gov- erned by the scarcity of the commodity. The store which he built was planned by the eccentric Daniel Jones, who, it was said, whittled the model of the building from a pine block with his pocket- knife. Mr. Thomson did not achieve any success in mercantile pursuits in Brighton.

Hugh Gordon, a corpulent son of the Emerald Isle, was the proprietor of a distillery in Brighton, in its early days. He was an exceedingly popu- lar man, for the commodity which he manufac- tured was always kept by him free, at the dis- posal of his numerous friends, who quaffed many a glass to the health of the burly host.

Ira P. Bingham, M.D., came to Brighton as early as 1835, but did not remain. In 1841 he re- turned and effected arrangements for a permanent residence the following year. Since that time he has been one of the influential citizens of Brighton. He enjoys an enviable reputation in his profession, which he has not followed assiduously since the cares of other business have absorbed his attention.

Thomas Lee, a Yorkshireman, was a quaint character. He was a tailor by occupation, and kept in connection with his shop, a small grocery- stand. Thomas established an unenviable reputa- tion for beating his wife, and when the unfortunate victim timidly exclaimed that "she had no rights," he replied, with an additional blow, "Yes, you have; you have the right to do just as I bid you."

Erastus A. Pratt came from Lapeer County in 1844, and followed the vocation of blacksmith in the village of Brighton for twenty-two years, during which time he made most of the plow-irons used in the surrounding country. His first shop was located where the foundry of Mr. David Thom- son now stands. There was but a small portion of the village built when Mr. Pratt first came, preaching being held at the house of Daniel C. Marsh for want of a church edifice. A school- house had been built in the upper portion, the building being still standing, and used as a barn, lower down on Fitch Street. In 1867 Mr. Pratt bought a farm in Green Oak, on the banks of Silver Lake, and has resided there since, enjoying the retirement which a life of labor has brought him.

He relates an incident, which afforded him some amusement at the time, in connection with a series of Spiritualist meetings which were held in the village. Some wags had informed an itinerant exponent of that belief that Mr. Pratt and his family were ardent believers. He accordingly presented himself at their house, accompanied by his wife, bearing a letter of introduction and claim- ing their hospitality. Not at all dismayed by their presence, Mr. Pratt gave them a cordial welcome, and aided them in securing a place in which to hold meetings. The place was filled night after night, and the lecturer and medium were told that the house of their host was open to them, until what was intended as a joke, resulted in the most popular gathering of the season. oogle

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VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON.

L. Corydon Pratt, brother of Erastus, came from Fredonia, N. Y., in 1845, and has since resided in Brighton. He has served as postmaster of the village, but has now retired from active business.

Egbert F. Albright came into the county with his father, Amos F. Albright, who located at Hartland Centre, building the first house at the village and also the first grist-mill. The son, after pursuing for several years his trade of millwright in various parts of the State, came on the first day of May, 1848, to the township of Brighton, and in July, 1853, located in the village. After a brief interval in the mercantile business, he purchased, in connection with his partner, the flouring-mills built by Orson Quackenbush. His clear recollec- tion of early events has aided greatly in the compi- lation of the village history.

Brighton became an incorporated village in 1867, with the limits before mentioned. The platted area is not compactly built, but it contains many good and substantial, and some elegant, residences. Ore Creek, which flows through the central part of the village in a southerly direction, furnishes water-power to the mills within the corporation. For many years the village itself bore the name of this stream, being known as "Ore Creek" settlement, or village, and even at the present time an old settler will sometimes find himself employing this old name, when speaking of Brighton village.

An impulse was given to Brighton by the build- ing of the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad, and property advanced considerably on that ac- count. A reaction subsequently took place, and the village has not since that time made any ma- terial advance.

Sketches of the various churches and public and private organizations of Brighton are appended, together with mention of some of the leading business enterprises.

RELIGIOUS. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The early settlers of this locality embraced a large number of individuals of both sexes who had previously united with the Methodist Epis- copal Church elsewhere, and a class of members of this church was early called together.

Among those who presided at these early ser- vices may be mentioned Elder Cosart, a local preacher, and Elder Bibbins; and in the year 1837, Elders Fleming and Gillet were delegated to the neighborhood, each remaining one year. In 1843 was held the first quarterly meeting in the village. It was convened at the house of D. C. Marsh. The house, having at that early date been inclosed,

but not yet occupied, afforded a comfortable and convenient place in which to hold worship. It is still standing at the corner of the Grand River and Ann Arbor road, and is occupied, as formerly, by Mr. Marsh. This meeting was presided over by Rev. Mr. Colclaser.

Rev. James S. Smart, a clergyman of some prominence in the denomination, became pastor of the charge at Brighton in 1847, and combined with his clerical labors the profession of teacher, in which he won a deserved reputation. Rev. John Levington, having been called from Milford, his residence, to minister on a funeral occasion at the house of Daniel S. Lee, in December, 1852, was invited to preach at Brighton, semi-monthly, until the meeting of the next Annual Conference. He accepted the invitation and organized a class of seven members, embracing Mrs. D. S. Lee, Mrs. A. Clark, Roswell Bains, Joseph Placeway, Mrs. Placeway, and Mrs. D. C. Marsh. Mr. Levington was a man of talent and an efficient worker in this new field. In 1853, Conference assigned Rev. William Benson and Elias Prindle to the Brighton church for one year. They were succeeded, in 1854, by Rev. William M. Hevener, under whose pastorate the little flock was separated from the Milford charge, with whom they had been formerly associated, and were accorded a distinct identity under the title of the Brighton charge. At this juncture the society organized itself under the State law as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Brighton. The first trustees were John G. Spencer, Israel Arms, Hannibal Lee, Jasper H. Buck, - Hendig, and Roswell Barnes. Desiring to have a permanent place of worship, the trustees, aided by their pastor, Rev. Mr. Hevener, purchased ground and erected their first house of worship and par- sonage, the former of which was on its completion dedicated with interesting ceremonies, the Rev. Seth Reid presiding. Since that time to the pres- ent the following pastors have been in charge of the church : Rev. L. C. York, who came in 1856, and remained two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Birdsall and Rev. J. M. Crippen, who filled a term of one year in 1858. In 1859, Rev. Jacob Dobbins officiated, and was followed by George Foote, who acted as supply for a year. Rev. J. O. Bancroft remained two years, and in 1863, Rev. J. S. Salton acted as pastor until his successor, Rev. D. A. Curtis, came in 1865, who remained two years. In 1867, Rev. Thomas Nichols was assigned to the charge, and remained one year, when Rev. W. J. Clack filled the pulpit for two years, and was followed by Rev. John Levington in 1870. In 1872, Rev. L. C. York became pastor. Rev. F. W. Warren officiated in

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

1874, and his successor, in 1876, was Rev. A. F. Hoyt, who remained one year; and after him, Rev. D. J. Odell was installed as pastor. In 1878, Rev. James Kilpatrick was assigned to the field, and is at present acting as pastor. Connected with the church is a flourishing Sabbath-school, under the superintendence of L. B. Stewart.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The nucleus of a Roman Catholic Church was first formed in the township of Green Oak at an early date, the visitations having been made by Rev. Father Morrissey, who made his circuit not oftener than once in three or four months. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Cullen, who re- sided in Ann Arbor, and held a monthly service, and instructed the children in the catechism. He was followed by Rev. Father Patrick Kelley, who became a resident priest, and held service and in- structed the children in the catechism at private houses until the autumn of 1838, when a log church was built, which was located in Green Oak, nearly two miles north of its centre. Sub- sequently the service, which had been previously held during the week, became an established Sab- bath service.

As suggestive of the scantiness of the worldly outfit of the holy father, it may be mentioned that his effects consisted of the vestments which he carried in a small satchel, and a trunk full of books. Oceola, Deerfield, and Beneker Hill were also a part of his mission, to which places, for many years, he repaired on foot, but finally his means permitted the purchase of a horse and saddle, which afforded him more comfortable means of travel. His old friend and parishioner, Mathew Brady, having re- moved to Genoa, prevailed upon Father Kelley to remove to that township, as being more central than his former residence. Here he purchased 40 acres of land adjoining that of his friend, and re- sided with him until 1857, when he was appointed parish priest of Dearborn, where he remained until his death. Rev. Father Lambert next suc- ceeded to the vacant field, who resided at Deerfield and made a post at Brighton, where he held ser- vice for two years at the houses of Thomas Ken- nedy and John Collins. In the year 1859 he was replaced by Rev. Father F. X. Pourett, who at first resided in Deerfield, but ultimately removed to Oceola, and continued his monthly visits to Brighton, the congregation having meanwhile stead- ily increased until it was found necessary, in 1862, to have more room. A vacant house was secured, in which service was held until 1864, when a site for a church was purchased from Ira W. Case, em- bracing one acre of ground. Nicholas Kennedy,

of Brighton, prepared a subscription paper with a view to raising funds for the erection of the new edifice, and presented it to Rt. Rev. P. P. Lefevre, bishop of Detroit, for approval, who very gener- ously headed the list with a gift of $100. Many Protestants also contributed and showed much kindly interest in the new project.

The following list embraces some of the sub- scribers towards the enterprise : John Long, Pat- rick F. McCabe, John Duane, John Laughlin, Rev. F. X. Pourett, Brian Timmons, Nicholas Ken- nedy, J. B. Lee, Ira W. Case, W. R. Cobb, Lyman Judson, L. C. Pratt; Moore, Foot & Co., and Oliver Bourke, Detroit.

There were other subscription papers circulated by Nicholas Kennedy, John Duane, and Niel O'Hearn, who resided near the site of the new edi- fice, and consequently lent a willing hand to the work. The pastor was also assiduous in his labors, and contributed not only in actual labor, but in zeal and enthusiasm, greatly to the success of the undertaking.

The progress of the new edifice towards com- pletion was rapid. Every individual who had the interests of the church at heart gave cheerfully, either of his substance or in such labor as he was able to perform. Ere long they were able to enjoy the fruit of their efforts in the completion of the exterior of the building, and service was held within its walls before the interior was finished.

Father Pourctt continued his ministrations to the little flock at Brighton until 1870, when he was placed in charge of the church at Redford, near Detroit, and was succeeded by Rev. Father Rafter, who brought with him the same zeal and enthu- siasm that had made the presence of his prede- cessor so invaluable in the Brighton-field. He devoted his energies to the liquidation of the debt, and very soon was afforded the satisfaction of wit- nessing the church building free of incumbrances. He was called to Bay City in 1872. His suc- cessor was Rev. Father Wheeler, who made Fen- tonville his residence until 1876, when the bishop instructed him to occupy the residence that had been completed in Brighton.

Father Wheeler was very successful in his work, having endeared himself greatly to his people. He left very tangible evidence of his labors in the diminished debt, and the decided improvement in the morals of the Catholic portion of the commu- nity. In 1877 he was appointed parish priest at Owosso, and was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Dough- erty, in March of that year, who entered upon his labors with a debt of $1000 confronting him. Bringing much energy to the work, he succeeded the first year in liquidating the obligation, and soon

VILLAGE OF BRIGHTON.

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after remodeled the church, ornamented it with stained-glass windows, at an additional cost of $800, and made a very perceptible improvement in the grounds. Evergreens were planted, the street graded, and a substantial and ornamental iron fence inclosed the lawn.

The society this present year is entirely free from debt, and the congregation has grown so rapidly as to necessitate the building of a consid- erable addition to the church. A vestry and steeple are also among the improvements contem- plated. In addition to the Brighton field, Father Dougherty has charge of the missions at Iosco, Oceola, White Oak, and Fowlerville. At Howell a new and elegant church has just been completed, and the one in Oceola has been thoroughly re- modeled. In Brighton there are 70 families, 90 in Oceola, 38 in Howell, 14 in Iosco, 20 in White Oak, and 14 in Fowlerville.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

In giving a history of the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, it would seem proper to give an idea of the state of society and the causes which conduced to its organization.

In the autumn of 1852, a little more than a year previous to the organization of the church, the Rev. Chauncey Osborn and wife, of Grand Blanc, Mich., came here with a view to establishing per- manent religious worship. There had been pre- vious efforts made by other leading denominations, but they had not been successful. Brighton, like many other villages in a new country, had an un- enviable reputation, both religiously and morally. It was much like the town that Sandy resided in, who, being inquired of as to the state of re- ligion in his village, replied, "It is very low, very low, only myself and Davie, and I have my doubts about Davie."

During the first year of Mr. Osborn's labors, the Rev. John Levington, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Milford, organized a class in Brighton.

Mr. Osborn being asked what induced him to come, replied that he had heard "they had no minister, never had, and did not intend to have;" but he came in the name of his Master, who said, " Go into all the world and preach the gospel; and lo ! I will be with thee always." Trusting in him, he came.

Mr. Osborn held two services in the school-house each Sabbath during the year. Mrs. Osborn opened a select school at their residence to assist in their support, her husband having no stated salary at that time.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, 1853, the following per- sons assembled at the residence of Mr. Osborn,

and were examined for reception into the church : Jason Clark and Mrs. Mary Clark, his wife, by letter from Presbyterian Church, Green Oak ; Mr. Isaac Smith and Mrs. Catharine Smith, his wife; Mrs. Lydia Benjamin, by letter ; Mr. John T. Wat- son and Mrs. Harriet Watson, his wife, from Pres- byterian Church, Howell ; Mrs. Samantha B. Lee, Congregational Church, Farmington; Mrs. Su- sannah P. Osborn, Congregational Church, Grand Blanc; and Miss Mariah Osborn, Congregational Church, Monson, Ohio.

These formed the nucleus of the First Presby- terian Church of Brighton, of whom, at this writing, July, 1879, three only are living, viz., Mrs. Samantha B. Lee, Mrs. Lydia Benjamin, and Mrs. Harriet Watson.

The following persons were chosen as officers of the church : Jason Clark, Isaac Smith, and John T. Watson, as elders; Jason Clark and Isaac Smith were chosen deacons; John T. Watson, Treasurer, and Isaac Smith, Clerk.

The articles of faith and covenant of Washte- naw Presbytery were adopted, and sixteen by-laws for the government of the church were adopted.

The organization of the church was consum- mated on Sabbath-day, Dec. 18, 1852, by the fore- going members publicly giving their assent to the articles of faith and covenant of the church, after which the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by the pastor. Feb. 15, 1854, the church was received under the care of the Wash- tenaw Presbytery.

Eighteen members were added the first year, and $75.24 was contributed to the Incidental and Be- nevolent Fund, which will compare favorably with more recent contributions. The first death among its members was that of Mrs. Baetcke, Aug. 24, 1855. The first baptism was administered Sept. 6, 1857, to Charles S. Lee, William O. Lee, and Wal- ter E. Lee, sons of J. B. and S. B. Lee; also to William S., infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Kel- logg.

The Methodist congregation, now having a regu- larly appointed minister from Conference, with the Universalist denomination, occupied the school- house a part of the time; Mr. Osborn, therefore, opened his own house to his congregation. In February, 1855, the Masonic Hall was secured for one year. In June following, Mr. Osborn's health failing, he went East and remained until the next March, when he returned and occupied the school- house again, the lease of the hall having expired. During the greater part of his absence services were kept up by ministers from Washtenaw Pres- bytery, sermons being read by some of the mem- bers.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

In the winter of 1857 the subject of building a house of worship was agitated, and a society was organized in February for that purpose. March 23, 1857, a committee was appointed to act with the trustees of the society,-Mr. J. B. Lee, Deacon J. Smith, and Hiram Kellogg. A subscription- paper was circulated and enough subscribed to warrant the trustees in entering into a contract with Mr. Frederick D. Acker to build a house of worship 32 by 48 feet, with 18-feet posts, for $ 1 500. In June, the corner-stone was laid with appro- priate ceremonies by Mr. Osborn.

The church was completed and dedicated March 3, 1858. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Hoyt, with prayer by the pastor; the Rev. Mr. Foster preaching in the evening,-all of whom "rest from their labors and their works do follow them." The Ladies' Benevolent Society contributed their share (as they usually do) in car- peting and furnishing the church. The society received $300 from the Church Erection Fund, without interest, on condition that there be a col- lection taken up yearly until it was all repaid. The conditions have been fulfilled.

Mr. Osborn's last sermon was preached March 14, 1858. He received for his labors $400 a year, about one-half of which was paid by the American Home Missionary Society. Mr. Osborn gave one- tenth of his income to benevolent objects. He was an accomplished scholar, a sound theologian, and a great worker in his Master's vineyard. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn's religious influence was percep- tibly felt for many years. A man residing in the village was heard to say that "he used to chop wood on the Sabbath, and thought it no harm ; but, somehow, since Mr. Osborn came, it did not seem respectable." Mr. Osborn removed to Dear- born, near Detroit, where, after a few years of faithful labor, he, with his wife, were called home to receive their reward.

The Rev. D. L. Eaton, of Howell, succeeded, preaching his first sermon March 28, 1858. He preached every alternate Sabbath, in Pinckney, for the first year. He with Mr. O. Parker, of Flint, held a revival-meeting for three weeks, hopefully converting fifty-five persons. Mr. Eaton closed his labors April 1, 1860. The congregation was with- out a pastor about four months, when the Rev. William King, of Jackson, preached his first ser- mon Aug. 5, 1860, and remained with the church until March, 1861. He also has gone to his rest.

Mr. King was succeeded by Rev. R. G. Mc- Carthy, a licentiate of Detroit Presbytery, who preached Sabbath afternoons at New Hudson. He was ordained by the Washtenaw Presbytery, June 5, 1861. He closed his labors in March, 1864.

The Rev. Benjamin Franklin, of Saline, began his labors as pastor July 23, 1864. He preached in the afternoon at different times at Pleasant Val- ley, Bitten's School-House, and Hartland Centre. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were great workers in the church, having a large congregation and Sabbath- school. Mr. Franklin did much to improve the church edifice and build up the congregation. He remained with the church nearly six years, preach- ing his last sermon April 24, 1870.

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History of Livingston County, Michigan, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 43

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

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