History of Macomb County, Michigan, Part 75

Author: Leeson, Michael A., [from old catalog] comp
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, M. A. Leeson & co.
Number of Pages: 952

USA > Michigan > Macomb County > History of Macomb County, Michigan > Part 75

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Through the enterprise of Capt. Chamberlin, Asahel Bailey and Gideon Gates, the first schoolhouse was erected in 1328. It served as the district schoolhouse for many years, and was located on the roadside between the residences of Asahel Bailey on the south, Gideon Gates and Capt. Chamberlin on the north, and of old Mr. Finch on the northeast, where the north district schoolhouse stands. The same site was for many years later occupied by a much better building for a similar purpose. The original house was about twenty by thirty feet. an ample entry way reducing the school room to about twenty feet square. This too was the country meeting-house for many years, and here, by mutual agreement, the various denominations of Christians held religious services.

Hither was gathered the first school in the winter of 1828-29. Gideon Gates, as schoolmaster, was not a man of unnecessary activity. He usually sat perched upon a lit- the stool, nearly in the center of the little room, and ruled his little kingdom, not with a little rod of iron, but with a tremendously long hazel switch. Michigan can beat the world on hazel switches, and the largest of them grew right round that schoolhouse. The largest matured in 1828, and went into service that winter. The master seldom rose from his seat: the extended rod could reach to the farthest scholar, and the blows fell thick and heavy in each rebellion until there was unconditional surrender. The classics were not even pursued, but the King's English was captured, and, at times, pretty badly handled. Still, it is our pride to write the first school a success, and the first schoolmaster more than equal to the situation.

The next teacher was Miss Julia Chamberlin, a daughter of Gad Chamberlin, who sub- sequently married Luther Shaw. Her remains rest in the cemetery on the hill since 1835. She taught in 1828, and also in 1829.

Azariah Prentiss became head master of the school in 1830. Summer and winter he

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

supervised the studies with marked success. True, his afternoon nap in the long summer days was a little prolonged, and the boys gained many an extra recess, yet, during his waking hours, there was a spurring on in study which compensated fully for lost time.

Miss Sarah Baldwin, daughter of Dr. Baldwin; Miss Hopkins, sister of Cyrus Hop- kins; Miss Sophronia Ewell and Miss Standish, taught schools during the summer from 1830 to 1835, while the winter schools were presided over successively by Judge Prentiss, Gideon Gates, Halleck, Brown, Allen Buzzell, and perhaps another. There was a turbu- lent spirit prevailing at that time among the youth; yet the school-teachers of the past preserved order and maintained a standard much above the average of district schools.

Among the best educators of that time was Miss Jerusha Shaw, best known among the little ones as "Aunt Jerusha." She was the sister of Rev. John B. and Luther Shaw.

FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE IN ROMEO.

As early as 1834. the need of a higher grade of instruction than the district school afforded was very generally felt. The boys were growing rapidly to manhood, and there were no schools near at handl where hopeful daughters could receive the finishing touches of a liberal education. The advent of Ormon Archer marked a new era in the history of schools at Romeo. He was originally from Grandville, N. Y., a graduate of Williams College, and had been Principal of a seminary at Utica, N. Y., for two years. His acad- emy was established here in 1835. It continued until 1839, during which time it pro- duced some of the best students to be found in the State at that time. Among the pupils were the younger members of the Chamberlin family, the children of N. T. Taylor, of the

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

Abbott family. the members of Erastus Day's family, all the younger members of the Ewell family, of the Holman, of the Hollister, of the Gilbert, of the Bailey. families, with the Burbanks of Rochester, the Comstocks from St. Clair, the Benedicks from " over west." Green and Oran Freeman of this district, Hurd and Bancroft of Detroit, H. H. Wells. D. R. Shaw, the Lookes, Harvey Fuller. Peter Myers, the Thurstons, and many others from the neighborhood.

Profs. Nutting and Palmer are remembered among the early teachers. To these and their immediate successors, next to the liberal and enlightened course pursued by the peo- ple of Romeo, the enviable success of the schools here is largely due.

THE ROMEO ACADEMY.

The Romeo Academy has been one of the most notable schools of learning in the State. It was the development, after the New England pattern, of the district school into a higher institution of learning, and was in its day well known and patronized through- out all this region of the State. From its halls have gone forth many men and women now active and prominent in all the walks of life. This academy was opened in 1835.

Dr. Hollister, speaking of the academy in 1878, recalled the names of Asahel Bailey and Mr. Finch, of Gad Chamberlin, Gideon Gates and Roswell Webster, and the location of the old schoolhouse nearly midway between them, while farther north was Sewell Hovey, northwest was Deacon Rogers, east was Erastus Day, southeast William Abbott, south Mr. Foot and Gurdeon Hovey, and a few other families, active in the formation of the first district school, variously located, in the spring of 1828.

When, in the fullness of time, the academy was to be, he recited the names of many of the old citizens, whose families were already growing up and in present need of such an institution. Among those named were Jacob Beekman. N T. Taylor, Asahel Bailey, the Gilbert family, Willard Guild, Sanmel Ewell, William Abbott, Capt. Chamberlin, Elijah Look, Henry Wells, Asa Holman. Standish. Erastus Day, Jacob Skillman, Sr., the Buzzell family, Raymond, A. W. Sterling, and many others. Then he gave a list of the younger married men, who, while yet their families were young. still gave to the uew en- terprise their hearty support. Among those named were M. T. Lane, Charles Farrar, Dr. Jeremiah Sabin, Dr. J. P. Whitney, Amos Palmer, Dennis Scranton, Martin Southwell, Mr. Winans, Mr. Sage, John Maitland, Henry Howarth, William Hulsart, Martin Buzzell, Linus Gilbert, Isaac Gilbert. Amos Hewett, Darius Ewell. Oel Rix.

And still another was a class of young men, all marriageable, whose needs were all prospective. the very mention of whom is to-day a little amusing as coming under this list. Among them as named were Aaron B. Rawles, John W. Dyar, Calvin A. Shaw, D. C. Walker, Dexter Mussey, Asa and Jerry Avers, Dr. H. B. Teed, Orin Southwell. Abijah Palmer, Nathan Palmer, Allen Buzzell, Carlton Sabin. Silas McKeen. Charles Chamber- lain, Sidney M. Kidder, Horace Bogart. James Snover, Jacob Smith, Blake Barrows, Jo- seph Gilbert.

Under the head of teachers, reference was specially made to Miss Jerusha Shaw, later Mrs. Owen, as the originator of the first private school, and to her personal agency in se- curing a Principal for the academy that was to be.

He referred very fully to the coming to Romeo of Ornan Archer as the first Principal of the Romeo Academy, and to the organization of that school in the fall of 1835.

The Doctor ventured to recount, as far as memory would serve, the families repre- sented in that school: Of the Abbotts. Franklin, Norman, Isaac, Jane, Elizabeth and Mary; of the Beekmans, James, Caroline and John; of the Buzzells, Allan and Stephen; of the Baileys, Prudence and Maria; of the Chamberlains, Joseph. Nelson and James; of the Days, Daniel. Levi and Lucinda; of the Dodges, Julia; of the Ewells, Holbrook, Hall,

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

Jane and Nancy: of the Gilberts, Joseph and Ira; of the Farrars, Merrill and Charles; of the Holmans, Sumner, George, Lura. Elizabeth and Cynthia: of the Looks, Asher. James and Eliza; of the Raymonds, Samuel and younger sisters; of the Skillmans, Jacob, Abram, Isaac and three sisters; of the Standishes, Susan: of the Wellses, Henry. From another list of those coming out of town, he noted the following: The Thurstons, Stock- ton, Bancroft, Hurd, Freemans, Fuller, Benedict. Peter Myers, Ducing and others. Among the young ladies mentioned were Miss Juliette Mckean. the Misses Burbank, the Misses Comstock, Miss Westbrook, Miss Louisa Benedict. Miss Bancroft. Miss Lucesda Mark- ham, and perhaps others.

The Doctor spoke of the ladies' school of Miss Martha Makepeace, later, Mrs. E. W. Giddings, referring to the culture of the lady and of the remembrances that are to-day still cherished by her pupils. He then spoke of his three years' absence pursuing his studies elsewhere, and of his tinding, upon his return, the school re-organized and flourishing un- der the direction of Prof. Nutting and his estimable wife, and his daughter, Miss Marcia. He named some of the pupils in Prof. Nutting's school: Andrews, Johnson, the Trow- bridges, the Parks, Wattles, Allison, Donaldson. Cooper. Poppleton, Welch, Hall, Lane. the Holmans, Farrars, Sexton, Leete. Ames. the Chandlers, the Hodges. the Harts. Ker- chival. the Brownrows, the Burts, the Taylors. Nuttings. Wells, Newbury. Beekmans. Parmelee, Owen, and of the young ladies. Misses Dickinson, Mary Taylor, Delia Newbury. Mary Mack. Lorissa Prentiss, the Misses Leete, Maria Holenbeck, Kate Trowbridge. Caddy Beekman. Augusta Abel. the four Windiates, Miss Henry, Melissa Crittendens. the Bron- sons, Miss Cole, Miss Calkins and others. Up to Prof. Nutting's time, school was held in the First Congregational Church building, when the church was moved west and called the academy. Nutting purchased this property and occupied it as long as he remained.

The school was called the academy during Prof. Nutting's time. He was assisted by the members of his own family.

Charles H. Palmer succeeded Prof. Nutting as Principal of the school. He conducted it for many years successfully.

Isaac Stone. son of Isaac Stone, an old settler of Ray Township, was the next Prin- cipal. During his term, the principal citizens of Romeo organized a body corporate, under the name. " The Dickenson Institute." This name was adopted in honor of Nathan Dick- enson, who donated three acres of land for educational pruposes on the present site of the Union School. The Legislature had not previously provided for the organization of edu- cational bodies, so that the school was organized under the lyceum act.

Then the school building, as now used, facing on Prospect street, was built. The style of architecture was rather ecclesiastical, and the cost of building, over $3,000, to- gether with $1.000 presented to Mr. Dickenson, which sum he donated toward the build- ing of the school. The Trustees were Edward S. Snover. P. R. Hurd. Dexter Mussey. E. W. Giddings and Neil Gray, Sr. These gentlemen continued to hold the office of Trustee until educational affairs here were organized under the general law.

The first union school was formed after much opposition from a few members of the Board of Trustees of the Dickenson Institute.

Prof. D. B. Briggs, now Deputy Secretary of State, succeeded Mr. Stone in the win- ter of 1855. He remained until the close of the spring term of 1857, when Prof. G. W. Perry, now of Chicago. succeeded Mr. Briggs. He conducted the school from the fall of 1857 to 1859.

Daniel Poor was the next Principal. Mr. Poor died recently at Wenona, III. His stated salary as teacher of the school here was 8500 per year, together with tuition fees. He remained until Prof. E. B. Wood took charge of the school, and he remained until the arrival of Prof. Jepson. Prof. Webster was the next teacher.

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

The principal students of the school during Mr. Palmer's time were: I. Hubbell, Member of Congress; A. S. Welch, Moses Coit Taylor; A. W. Meaddaugh, lawyer: France, William and Bruce Chandler, Knox Gavin, William A. Throop, D. J. Davidson, Cortez Fessenden, I. S. Newberry, - - Johnson, -- Setterlee, Gelucia A. Gibbs, S. W. Fowler. David N. Cooper; James B. Eldredge, present Judge of Probate; Henry and Theodore Chase, C. P. and Edward Leete, Milton H. Butler.

In Stone's time: J. C. Lowell, now of Jackson, Mich .; Dwight N. Lowell, a lawyer of Romeo; Irving D. Hanscom, Prosecuting Attorney: George P. Andrews, now a physi- cian at Detroit; Hugh James and Neil Gray; Henry and Jacob Rawles-the latter a Major in the United States Army -and A. B. Chandler. J. P. Poppleton was one of the teach- ers in Prof. Palmer's time. Dr. Hamilton studied under Briggs. This gentleman is at present Treasurer of Lapeer County. Rufus P. Palen, now a lawyer of Santa Fe, studied here under Prof. Poor.

All the records of the Romeo school district were burned February 12. 1876. A dec- laration made by Albert E. Leete, M. A. Giddings, Harvey Mellen, and the Director, Irving D. Hanscom, certified that the Trustees elect, and the time of the expiration of their terms of office, at the time the records were burned, were as follows:

Albert E. Leete, term expires 1877: Samuel A. Reade, terin expires 1877; Moses A. Giddings, term expires 1876; Timothy A. Smith, term expires 1876; Harvey Mellen, term expires 1978; Irving D. Hanscom, term expires 1878.

This board held the first regular meeting at the office of Irving D. Hanscom October 5. 1875. Since that time, the officers of the board have been:

1875-A. E. Leete, Moderator; Irving D. Hanscom, Director: Samnel A. Reade, As- sessor and Treasurer.

1876-A. E. Leete, Moderator; I. D. Hanscom, Director; Samuel A. Reade, Assessor. 1877-The same officers were re-elected.

1878-M. A. Giddings. Moderator; James Newman, Director; Samuel A. Reade, As- sessor.

1879-M. A. Giddings, Moderator; Irving D. Hanscom, Director; Samuel A. Reade, Assessor.

The officers elected in 1879 were re-elected in 1881.

RELIGIOUS.

Congregational Church. - The church was organized here in a log schoolhouse August 16, 1828. The town then consisted of a handful of houses of most primitive architecture, and was called the Indian Village. Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles, a missionary bearing a com- mission from the American Home Missionary Society, and residing at Pontiac, came into this settlement and looked up the few scattered sheep, and organized them into a church, and from time to time thereafter came, always on foot, by an Indian trail, from Pontiac, and broke to the little church in the wilderness the bread of life.

The corporate members were only seven in number, viz .: Zelotus Stone, Gad Cham- berlain, Deacon and Mrs. Rogers, William Abbott, Mrs. James Leslie and Chauncy Thorpe. All these have finished their earthly pilgrimage except Mr. Stone, who resides in the town of Ray.

The church has had. for a longer or shorter period each, the services of eleven differ- ent ministers: J. W. Ruggles, L. Shaw, P. Barber, J. B. Shaw, S. Hardy, R. R. Kel- logg. O. C. Thompson. G. W. Newcomb. P. R. Hurd, H. O. Ladd, T. B. Haskell, and the present pastor, M. W. Fairfield. Four of these were duty installed-Mr. Kellogg, in 1843; Mr. Hurd, February 12. 1851; Mr. Ladd, February 16, 1870; and Mr. Fairfield, May 4, 1875.

Cyrillein Bailey

フ

Asahel, Bailey,

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

Eight brethren have served in the office of Deacon: Nathan Rogers, Dexter Mussey, Seth L. Andrews, Arannah Gilbert, Asa Holman, Watson Loud, M. A Giddings and H. O. Smith. Of these. three have "fallen asleep"-Deacons Rogers, Gilbert and Hol- man.

The Sunday school was organized early in the history of the church, but at what pre- cise date is unknown. It has always been a prominent and flourishing department of the church work. Fourteen different brethren have served in the office of Superintendent: Rev. L. Shaw, Mr. Giles O. Archer, J. R. Taylor, D. Mussey, Prof. Poor, M. T. Lane, Mr. McIntyre, U. T. Nichols, W. F. Abbott, N. Dickenson, C. F. Mallary, W. Loud. M. A. Giddings, O. C. Thompson-who is the present efficient Superintendent, in his tenth year of service. Brethren Giles, Lane and Dickinson have been transferred to the Great Teacher's school above.

In addition to ordinary religious interest and increase of membership by conversion from time to time in connection with the usual means of grace, there have been six seasons of special revivals, when considerable numbers have been hopefully converted and gathered into the church, and the church been specially strengthened. These revivals occurred in the years 1832, 1838, 1852, 1866, 1871 and 1876. At these times, the pastor has been acceptably aided by ministerial brethren from abroad, both pastors and evangelists. The special meetings resulting in these revivals have sometimes been held by the church alone. but ordinarily and the most powerful have been union services.

It is with satisfaction, proud though sad, that we recall to-day the fact that this con- gregation has not been wanting in self-sacrificing patriotism. ' For the preservation of the integrity of the Union, and for the maintenance of the national life against armed rebell- ion, it furnished thirty-six brave men, whose names we do well to cherish: Amos, Elam and Sabin Abbott, Lyman B. Holman, Nathan D. Mussey, Jeduthan Predmore, Jacob T. B. Skillman, Henry Wells, Jr., John S. Raymond, William A. Frazier, William Chand- ler, R. F. Selfridge, Frederick Rath. S. D. Raymond, Cyrus Y. Durand, G. L. Crawford. William Hulsart and his three sons-Dexter. Robert and Charles --- A. H. Leete, Thomas and James Moreland. Hannibal Nims, Jacob Rawles, C. P. Dake, I. D. Hanscom. David and Dwight Smith, Frank Barber, Eugene and Oscar White, W. H. Pool, and Thomas, James and Albert Weightman.

Of these, the three Abbotts, L. B. Holman, A. H. Leete, Robert Hulsart, Thomas Moreland, Hannibal Nims, Dwight Smith and Engene and Oscar White died in the serv- ice- nearly one-third of the whole number. The names of all these soldiers, and espe- cially of these eleven dead heroes and martyrs for liberty- the liberty of their country and of all mankind-are a most precious and highly prized legacy of this Christian congregation.

The service of song has always received special attention, and there have been brought to it more than ordinary musical talent and culture. Great harmony has, for the most part. characterized the choir, and marked fidelity and enthusiasm in their work.

When such names as, in the earlier choir, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Newbury, Mrs. N. Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. M. T. Lane, A. Bailev. A. B. Rawles, W. Hulsart, Dr. Leete. H. O. Smith. S. H. Ewell. Charles Farrar, Dr. Loud, and in the later choir, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Owen, E. C. Newbury. John Ford. J. Vaughan. H. O. Smith, Dr. Loud, Miss Mary Smith, Miss Mattie Owen, Miss J. Mussey and Mrs. Rolls, are recalled, this fidelity and success will occasion no surprise.

We statedly contribute to the Foreign Missionary cause through the American Board: to the Home Missionary cause through the American Home Missionary Society; to the Southern work through the American Missionary Association; to the church building cause through the Congregational Union; and to the Bible cause through the American

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Bible Society. Our contributions to these various causes have been considerable, but could be wisely increased, as we hope that they will steadily be.

There are connected with this church a Woman's Missionary Society. a Dorcas So- ciety, and Children's Missionary Society-" Little Sunbeams." These societies are all in good working order and doing satisfactory service.

We have had three meeting-houses -- the first erected in 1833, by Charles Chamber- lain, builder: the second, in 1842, by Mr. Wilcox; and the present commodious and taste- ful one was completed in May, 1877. These have all been on the same lot. and no loca- tion could be more desirable in the town.

The house is gothic in style, with a commanding tower, and all most thoroughly and satisfactorily built. The work is first-class work from foundation to turret, inside and out. The building embraces the audience room, 65x52 feet, seating 600 persons, and can easily accommodate 800 people by bringing in extra seats; a chapel, which seats 200, and can be made to seat 300 by throwing back the sliding doors; a ladies' parlor, a library room and a Dorcas room-all these on the first floor. There are furnace and domestic apartments, cisterns, etc., in the basement. The building is lighted throughout with gas.

The entire cost of this structure, including the furnishing, gas works, clock in tower, etc., is about $32,000. It is probably as good and as handsome a building as has ever been erected in the State for this amount of money. We are particularly happy in saying that it is all absolutely paid for, and paid for in voluntary contributions in sums ranging from 25 cents to $6,200.

The Methodist Church .- In 1824, Albert Finch, then an old man, was the pioneer who first opened his house in this district for religious worship. He made his home the abode of the first ministers of the Gospel, and his house a church, while yet there were neither churches nor hotels. At his house the first Methodist class was formed in 1824. Two circuit ministers were assigned to this and other points adjacent, viz., Isaac C. Hun- ter and Elias Pettit. The first Presiding Elder, being for 1824, was Z. H. Carter. The pastors for 1825-26 were John James and James Armstrong; for 1826-27, John James; for 1827-28, William Runnells and John James; for 1828-29, William T. Snow; for 1829-30, W. T. Snow and Curtis Stoddard, Presiding Elder; for 1831, William Sprague and Mr. Browning.

From 1824 to 1828, meetings were held at the house of Mr. Finch, until the school- house was completed, in the winter of 1828. The first quarterly meeting and conference ever held here was assembled in that schoolhouse in February, 1829. The second quar- ferly meeting was at Niles' Corners, in Troy.

From 1831 to 1835, Rev. Leonard Hill and Rev. Luther Whitney wers stationed on this circuit successively. In 1835. Henry Brakeman came. The pastors since that time were Revs. Comfort: Luther Whitney, second term, in 1839; H. Brakeman, 1841; Thomas Fox, 1843; John Russell, 1845; L. D. Price, 1847; David Thomas, 1849; M. B. Camburn, 1850; J. Jennings, 1852; William Bigelow and Luther Shaw, Presiding Elder, 1853; George Taylor, 1855; John Burnham, 1857; E. W. Borden, 1859; William Mahon, 1860; S. Clements, 1862; Elisha Pilcher, 1865; William Bigelow, second term, 1868; J. S. Smart, 1871: E. E. Caster, 1873; A. J. Bigelow, 1875; John Kelley. 1878; Thomas Stocker, 1879; and .H. S. White, 1881-82.

The principal men connected with the building of the new church were John A. Tins- man, James Starkweather; E. S. Snover, though not a member of the church, was a most liberal subscriber. The movement to build this house of worship was originated by T. P. Kennedy, J. A. Tinsman and James Starkweather. The Trustees of the church at the time were: T. P. Kennedy, Chairman; Alex Shelp, Secretary: E. S. Snover, Treasurer; James Starkweather and John A. Tinsman, members of board. The corner-stone was laid

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HISTORY OF MACOMB COUNTY.

in June. 1872, and the house was dedicated June 8. 1874. The total cost of building and furniture was $42,000. The society numbers 235 members. The Sabbath school numbers about 225.

The Trustees are: Rev. S. S. White, Chairman: T. D. Coe, Treasurer; T. P. Ken- nedy, J. A. Tinsman, Isaac N. Brabb, G. W. Brabb. William Brabb, James W. Thoring- ton. James Keel, Lyman Kendrick, with Alex Shelp, Steward and Secretary.

The first church edifice was built in 1840. Since that time, the society has made marked progress. In numbers, it compares favorably with the Methodist Episcopal socie- ties of the county. The new church is one of the largest and most imposing structures in the county, and is an evidence of that just zeal which characterizes the Methodists of the village.

Christian Church. - This church owes its origin to and is the outgrowth of several societies, gathered and organized within the limits of the county, as follows, viz .: Elder John Cannon. now living in the town of Shelby. and known as the pioneer preacher of the Christian denomination in Eastern Michigan, first came into the county in 1832. In 1833, he settled in the town of Shelby, and began preaching in the towns of Shelby and Wash- ington, extending his circuit as far south and west as Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County. The first baptism administered by him was in the town of Macomb, May 23, 1835. The first organization was effected in the town of Shelby, June 27, 1835, consisting of seven mem- bers, with John Cannon. Pastor: Edward Hoard, Deacon: Levi Hoard. Clerk. This so- ciety continued to prosper, and in 1842 transferred its place of meeting to the town of Washington, near where the village of Washington is now located. Elder Cannon contin- ned as pastor of this society mainly up to the year 1853, but it enjoyed the labors also of Elders James Knight, Horatio N. Richards, Thomas MeIntyre and others.

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History of Macomb County, Michigan, Part 75

Author: Leeson, Michael A., [from old catalog] comp Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, M. A. Leeson & co. Number of Pages: 952

Author: Leeson, Michael A., [from old catalog] comp
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, M. A. Leeson & co.
Number of Pages: 952