History of Oakland County, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories, Part 40

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts & co.
Number of Pages: 553

USA > Michigan > Oakland County > History of Oakland County, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories > Part 40

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Justices of the Peace .- Hiram Barritt (four years), John Hodge, Jr. (three years), Charles H. Paddock (two years), George Taylor (one year), Lemuel M. Patridge, William Gamble (vacancy), Stephen Hungerford, Charles H. Patridge, Hiram Barritt, Alonzo Sibley, Amasa Andrews (vacancy ), Stephen Hungerford, Thomas Sugden, Hiram Barritt, Alonzo Sibley, Ezra S. Parker, Anson Whitney, Thorn Deuel, Stephen Hungerford (vacancy), Alonzo Sibley, Joseph E. Orr, William F. Stone (vacancy), Charles M. Orr, Thorn Deuel, Stephen Hungerford ( vacancy ), Stephen Hungerford (vacancy, one year), Harley Rounds (vacancy, two years), Stephen Hungerford (full term), Harley Rounds, Pliny Phillips (three years). Benjamin Brown (two years), Charles M. Orr, Benjamin Brown, Andrew Mckinley, Harley Rounds, Aaron Oyshterbank, Benjamin Brown, Peter S. Buck, Orson H. Smith, Aaron Oyshterbank, Francis B. Owen, William C. Kennedy, Orson H. Smith, Aaron Oyshterbank, George R. Tuttle, Louis A. Horton. D. Darwin Hughes, Aaron Oyshterbank, Oliver Evans, Orson H. Smith, William Wix, Charles D. Woodman, James L. Humphrey (vacancy), James L. Humphrey (full term).

WALLED LAKE VILLAGE.

The settlement of Walled Lake village was commenced by Walter B. Hewitt, in June, 1825, and Bela Armstrong, in May, 1826. In the vicinity Deacon William Tenny and Benjamin Hance settled about the same time, but not on the present site of the village. They were in Novi township. This little scattered colony, including the two last named, was soon increased by the arrival of Henry Harrington and his family, who purchased an acre of land of Hance, in Novi, and

erected thereon his cabin. In 1829, Cornelius Austin, a soldier of the war of 1812,; accompanied by his family, was the next arrival, who settled within a short distance of where he now resides.

Next following Mr. Austin came Warren Jarvis, and in a year or two Jesse Tuttle, and others who are mentioned among the early settlers of the township in the preceding pages of the history of Commerce. Mr. Tuttle located in the heart of the village, building himself a log house on the present site of the dwelling owned and occupied by his relict, the widow Martha E. Crumb. This (log house) Mr. Tuttle shortly converted into a tavern, to meet the wants of the sparse and straggling settlement, the Indians, and the few travelers that found their way by the Indian " trails" of the wilderness.

A rich alluvial soil, fine hunting and fishing, had ever made the banks of this beautiful sheet of water a great place of resort for the children of the forest. In fact, a limited number made it their permanent abiding-place, having a cleared field and orchard just south of Deacon Tenny's house, of which there yet remain two giant old apple-trees and two pear-trees, that annually afford fruit of an infe- rior quality. Their burying-ground, all traces of which are extinct, was located just south of Austin's original residence, and the old veteran relates how their chief contracted to give him a pish-co-pe-sha (horse) in consideration of his erect- ing a post-and-rail fence around this sacred place. The chief failed to produce the horse, and the fence was never built. The grand Indian trail from Grand Rapids to Detroit struck the lake at a point on the western outskirts of the present village, and, following the eastern bank around, left it upon its southern side. Where the hotel now stands was a favorite camping-ground for migratory tribes, and Mr. Austin relates that for weeks at a time he has seen as many as five hun- dred of them on this ground, and has been a spectator of their " green corn" and other dances and orgies. As neighbors he affirms none could have been better. They were inoffensive, respected the rights of the whites, and uniformly kept and redeemed their word. Their time was divided between land and se-pee (water), hunting, fishing, and trapping, and their numerous canoes made in summer an ever-lively scene on the blue waters of the lake.

A ROMANCE

is connected with the early settlement of Walled Lake. The place being a regu- lar rendezvous for the aborigines, of course a trading-post was established there. This was kept by Messrs. Prentice & King, and thereby hangs a tale. It is said that Prentice, while a citizen of the State of Maine, loved one of its fair maidens. But, unfortunately, he was not alone in his amour. Another also loved the girl. Rivalry in love, next to jealousy, is generally conceded to be the most aggravating thing in nature. However this may be, the affair culminated in a duel, in which Prentice killed his antagonist, and was severely wounded himself. King acted as second in the affair, and both had to flee the State. Prentice being jilted by the girl he loved, became disgusted with civilization, and started for the west, and, accompanied by King, they became Indian traders. Some years afterwards they each married a daughter of the Indian chief Sheskone, who were two very beau- tiful Indian maidens. They lived very happily together while here, and when the Indians moved they accompanied them beyond the Missouri, where, for aught we know, they still live, happy in the companionship of the sons and daughters of the forest.

The business development of the village affords some items of interest, which we now present.

The first store was kept by the Indian traders Prentice and King, as early as 1830. The stock consisted principally of toys and trinkets, such as captivated the untutored imagination of the simple Indian, and a few cheap fabrics. The first regular merchant was William R. Adams, who established himself in busi- ness on the site of the residence of J. J. Moore, about 1833. His stock con- sisted of dry goods, Yankee notions, groceries, and whisky, mostly the latter, which, it is said, was plenteously diluted with the " beautiful blue water" of the lake.

Other merchants who have done business in the village were Thorn Deuel, a Mrs. Phillips, Benjamin Brown, and Dr. J. M. Hoyt. The present ones are Gage & Woodman.

The mode of business was cash, trade, and barter, principally the latter.

The first house erected in the village was the one by Deacon Tenny, and it yet stands to do service as a pig-sty for James D. Bateman, being now a half- century old. Then came Jesse Tuttle with his log cabin ; which was succeeded about the year 1840 by the more pretentious frame upright of the present " Peabody House," now kept by " mine host" George W. Wilson, an old hotel-keeper, who has been a resident of Oakland County for over forty years. The house was built by Harmon Pettibone, and the latter became famous as a resort for dancing-

* By lot on a tie vote.

t See history proper of the township.

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HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

parties. Not long previously, the " village doctor" came upon the scene in the person of James M. Hoyt, with M.D. diploma, fresh from an eastern college. After forty years' practice in the same place, the doctor is still there, but has del- egated most of his practice to his assistant, Dr. E. A. Chapman, on account of an injury received while in the practice of his profession, by which he almost entirely lost the use of his right eye .*

No remarkable rapidity of growth has characterized Walled Lake village, but it is a place nevertheless of considerable business, and is made lively in summer by the presence of numerous pleasure-seekers, drawn thither by the beauty of the scenery, the abundance of fish, the salubrity of the air, and the healthfulness of the water, which in nearly all the wells is strongly impregnated with iron, sulphur, and magnesia,-a trio of health-sustaining chemicals, which are highly beneficial alike to the invalid and the healthy.

An impetus was given to the place in 1836, when it was platted by Jesse Tuttle. Its development has been gradual but sure.

Among the professional men who have made Walled Lake village their home are Drs. J. M. Hoyt, Henry K. Foote, M. B. Eldridge, Ketcham & Richards, and James D. Bateman, attorneys. The business and manufacturing interests of the village are represented by one general store and post-office,-Roswell Wever, postmaster,-a steam grist-mill, cider-factory, cooper-shop, two black- smithies, steam saw-mill, two churches,-one each of the Baptist and Methodist Episcopal persuasion,-two resident physicians, and the same number of ministers, and one practicing attorney. Its population is estimated at about four hundred. It is a good market for all kinds of produce, and is situated in the midst of a fine agricultural country. The future prosperity of the village is assured.

THE VILLAGE OF COMMERCE.

The earliest settlement within the present limits of Commerce township was made on section 10, the site of the village, by Abram Walrod, in May, 1825. Following him came Reuben Wright, who took up one-eighth of section 10 in the fall of 1832. He came from Orleans county, New York, and still resides in the village. John Cook came in two years after Mr. Wright, and settled on the present site of the village. He came from Schoharie county, New York.

Jonas Higley arrived in 1835, and took up the most of the village site, as at first platted, which he subsequently sold to Amasa Andrews and Joseph G. Farr, by whom it was laid out into village lots in 1836.

After the village was fairly started large accessions were made to it. John Cook is accredited with having erected the first log house, next to that built by Abram Walrod. This was in 1834.

The first frame house was erected by Henry Paddock, in 1836. It is the cot- tage now occupied by the widow Stitts. Mr. Paddock was also the first merchant in the village, commencing business on a small scale in 1836.

The first tavern was built and kept by Richard Burt (of township name mem- ory), in 1834. He also kept the post-office in it. Joseph G. Farr kept tavern in a frame house in 1836, which was conducted for a number of years subsequently by Thaddeus A. Smith, Esq., and was destroyed by fire in March, 1866, while under his management and ownership. It stood on the site of the present hotel, now owned and conducted by Henry Van Gordon, than which no better hotel exists in the county.

The first grist-mill was erected in 1837 or 1838, by Messrs. Crossman, Seymour & Hoover. The work was done by John Nugent, millwright, an old settler of Bloomfield township. The mill is now operated by Scharnwebber & Barkham. A second grist-mill was built by Henry and Jerome Paddock about the year 1843, which, after running a few months, was burnt, and another building erected by the same parties. This was converted into a woolen-factory, and run by three or four ministers of the Methodist persuasion, who were not as successful in operating it as they doubtless were, or might have been, in running what Mark Twain irreverently calls a " gospel mill." The machinery was subsequently removed, and the building is now used by Messrs. Wix & Donaldson as a cider-factory with marked success.

The present prosperity of the village is shown by the following statistics: It contains three general stores, meat-market, hotel, post-office, two blacksmiths' and two wagon-makers' shops, a boot and shoe store, a grist-mill, a cider-factory, three churches, t-Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, and United Presbyterian,-each having a resident minister. It has a good public school, and a population of about three hundred.

Commerce village is pleasantly located on both sides of the Huron river. It is surrounded by a good farming region, and is quite an extensive market for wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, pork, and wool.

Commerce Lodge, No. 121, F. and A. M., was granted a dispensation by the grand lodge in 1859, and received its charter on the 13th of January, 1860. The first officers were Solon Cooley, W. M. ; William Wix, S. W .; Thaddeus A. Smith, J. W .; Daniel F. Clark, Treasurer ; Francis B. Owen, Secretary ; William Brown, S. D. ; John H. Patten, J. D .; Ulysses S. Buck, Tyler.

The present officers are Robert Malcolm, W. M. ; William S. Horton, S. W .; William S. Wood, J. W .; John Malcolm, Treasurer; Charles E. Dewey, Secretary ; Alfred H. Paddock, S. D .; L. F. Stockwell, J. D .; J. R. Macumber, Tyler.

The present number of members is sixty-two. The lodge rents the hall they meet in, which was dedicated to Masonry, April 16, 1872, by Henry M. Look, Esq., of Pontiac. Thaddeus A. Smith, ex-register of deeds, was Worshipful Mas- ter for six years.

THE VILLAGE OF WIXOM.

Among the early settlers of what now constitutes the village of Wixom were Lewis Norton, who settled on, and owned, what is now the south part of the village in 1830; Alonzo Sibley, most of the northeast part in 1831; Ahijah Wixom, the northern part of it in 1832.

The village was platted by Willard C. Wixom, son of Ahijah Wixom, on the 16th of September, 1871. It is pleasantly situated on both sides of the Flint and Pere Marquette railway, in the extreme southern part of Commerce township, and ex- tends over into Novi also. It now contains one general store and post-office, kept by A. W. Arms; a jewelry-store, a large wheat and plaster warehouse, and lumber- yard, kept by Wixom & Sibley ; a foundry and machine-shop, by C. P. Larcom ; cooper- and blacksmith-shop, depot, and telegraph- and express-offices. It has twenty-seven houses and nearly two hundred inhabitants.

The number of bushels of wheat shipped from the warehouse of Messrs. Wixom & Sibley during the year 1876 was thirty-five thousand, number of pounds of wool forty thousand. The proprietors of the place took a wise course when they laid out the village, by donating lots for manufacturing purposes, the depot site, and other enterprises. Private building lots they put at a reasonable figure, and thus insured the sale of several, and the development of the village. Wixom bids fair to become a place of considerable importance, thanks to the energy, enterprise, and integrity of its proprietors.

RELIGIOUS.

The religious history of Commerce forms an important item, and one which will interest those who are identified with the churches. We shall arrange the historical sketches of the several denominations chronologically, irrespective of numerical strength or extraneous influence.

The first public religious service was held at Walled Lake, in 1833, by Rev. Caleb Lamb, under the auspices of the Baptist denomination, of which he was at that time an evangelist. He was followed by his brother, Nehemiah Lamb. The pioneer religious organization was the

BAPTIST CHURCH OF WALLED LAKE,

which was formed in February, 1834, Rev. Mr. Noyes officiating. The origi- nal members of the society were Deacon William Tenny and wife, Eber Hunger- ford and wife, Randall Colvin and wife, Mrs. Sprague, Jabez Brown and wife, Misses Elizabeth and Sarah Brown, Miss Ward, Mrs. Harriet Hathorn, Justin Walker and wife, Miss Lovina Wilkins, and Lewis Mead and wife. Justin Walker was elected clerk. The society used to conduct their services for the first few years in the old log school-house which stood where the house of Theodore Moore now stands.

The following preachers have served the congregation : Caleb Lamb, Nehemiah Lamb, Noyes, Morrell, Elijah Wever, Pennell, Eaton, Jones, James, Baker, At- wood, Morse, Adams, Isaac Lamb, Roscoe, Tenny, Bennett, Fenton, Clutes, David Loomis, S. Chase, Waxman, R. Dunlop, Rowe, Isaac Lamb (recalled), L. G. Clark, and W. M. Welker, the present incumbent. Of these, the most suc- cessful was Elder Elijah Wever, who was born in Washington county, New York, in 1799. He was hopefully converted at about thirteen years of age, and united with the Baptist church. His residence was early changed to Camillus, New York, where he married. Here, also, he was reclaimed from a backslidden state, and when restored to the divine favor his mind turned to the Christian ministry as the work designed for him by the Head of the church. Under this conviction, ere he had reached twenty years of age, he made his first effort in preach- ing the gospel in Camillus, March, 1818, continuing to the time of his death, fifty years. On the day of his ordination he had the privilege of baptizing twelve young converts, the first fruits of his long and successful ministry.

On closing his pastorate of three years, he settled in East Mendon, New York, where, amidst rich displays of grace in the conversion of sinners, he preached twelve years, and gathered several hundreds into the church. He soon thereafter commenced work as an evangelist, for this purpose going to Medina, New York.

. # See biographical department.

t See under head of Religious.

162

HISTORY OF OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

In 1836 he moved to Michigan, and for several years was pastor over this church, where God still honored him with a successful ministry. During his pastorate at Walled Lake two hundred were added to the church, and he baptized sixty persons in one day. He subsequently evangelized, in this State and Ohio, with great acceptability.

Elder Wever did not have the advantages of a liberal education to aid in fitting him for the ministerial work. His transfer from the plow to the pulpit was quickly accomplished. God called him to preach the gospel, and he felt that he must do it to the best of his ability. In connection with what grace did for him in enriching his heart with spiritual experiences and the knowledge of the truth, he had a natural adaptation to public speaking, combined with energy of character, which gave him great power in the pulpit. He had a genial spirit, a strong, active mind. and readiness in meeting emergencies, eminently fitting him to exert a strong influence over others. He loved the work committed to his hands, and pursued it with commendable earnestness. But impaired health compelled him at length to desist from his labors, and locate himself where he might quietly spend the evening of his days. For this purpose, just before his death, he pur- chased a house in Bellevue, the residence of some of his children. He super- intended the necessary repairs, but ere they were completed, after a severe sickness of five days, God called him up higher, to occupy the " house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." He met death with quiet, Christian composure. In reply to an inquiry by his companion respecting his prospects in the future, he said. " My trust is in Jesus." An hour before he expired he applied his fingers to his wrist, searching for his pulse. Its throbs had ceased. Apparently un- moved, he said to his friends, " My pulse is gone." He examined his hands, saw the sure indications of approaching dissolution, and calmly awaited the moment of his departure. "See with what peace a Christian can die."

Elder Wever was in all pastor of Walled Lake Baptist church fifteen years. During his ministry, which extended over fifty years, it is safe to say that he baptized more than three thousand persons. Of his children four remain, namely, Melita, widow of Thomas Caruss, Bellevue, Eaton county, Michigan ; Roswell, postmaster at Walled Lake; Permilia, wife of R. S. Howard; and Cyrus, near Saranac. Ionia county.

We close this brief sketch of the life of a good man in the words of Elder H. K. Stimson, in his excellent work " From the Stage-coach to the Pulpit." Referring to Elder Wever and others he says, "They did their pioneer duty faithfully. Their fragrant memory is a rich heritage to the church. Let their names forever be embalmed in grateful hearts. Among them let Wever be remembered gratefully as long as any. He was their equal."

To return to the church history. The school-house referred to at the com- mencement of this sketch was burned in 1836, after which they held their meetings at the private residence of Jabez Brown. In the spring and summer of 1837 a church edifice was erected, on the ground now occupied by the cemetery at Walled Lake. It was a frame building, twenty-eight by forty feet in size, and cost five hundred dollars. The present building was erected in 1854. Its dimen- sions are thirty-two by forty-four feet, and it cost eighteen hundred and fifty dollars. It is capable of comfortably seating about three hundred persons.

The present membership of the church is ninety-five. The membership has been diminished by frequent dismissals for the purpose of organizing churches elsewhere. The Baptist churches of Commerce, Novi, and Portland, Ionia county, were formed by members from this church.

The present church officers are Isaiah Simmons, D. M. Tyler, F. C. Sever- ance, and H. N. Jones, deacons ; J. M. Hoyt, M.D., R. S. Howard, D. M. Tyler, John Severance, and H. N. Jones, trustees; the church society was organized in 1837.

There is a flourishing Sabbath-school connected with the church, which was formed in 1837, under the superintendency of Joseph Donaldson, who used to walk six miles, and never missed a Sunday during his two years of office. The present number of members is seventy-eight. Superintendent, Martin V. B. Hosner ; Secretary, Miss Carrie Tyler ; Treasurer, Dr. E. A. Chapman.

THE FIRST FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH

of Commerce was organized March 21, 1838, by elder Cephas P. Goodrich. The constituent members were Alonzo Sibley, Esq., and wife, Daniel Curtis and wife, James Baird and wife, Moody R. Fletcher and wife, Lyman Bennett, and Mrs. Electa Burch, of whom but the latter and Alonzo Sibley survive. The first officers of the church were Moody R. Fletcher and Alonzo Sibley, deacons ; M. R. Fletcher, clerk.

The pastors who have served the congregation, and the dates of their respective pastorates, are as follows :

Rev. C. P. Goodrich, from 1838 to 1843; Rev. Maron Pierce, from 1843 to 1844; Rev. E. W. Norton, from 1844 to 1850; Rev. G. H. Davis, from 1850 to

1852; Rev. W. R. Norton, from 1852 to 1853; Rev. Samuel Wire, from 1853 to 1860; Rev. D. C. Parshall, from 1860 to 1861; Rev. H. Miller, from 1861 to 1863 ; Rev. Joseph B. Drew, from 1863 to 1865; Rev. R. L. Howard, from 1865 to 1869; Rev. William Jenkins, from 1869 to 1872; Rev. J. B. Drew (supply), from 1872 to 1873 ; Rev. E. M. Carey, from 1874 to 1876; Rev. G. H. Hubbard, from 1876 to 1877; Rev. O. E. Dickinson, the present incumbent, installed in April, 1877.

Prior to 1864, worship was held in the school-houses. In that year, however, the present church edifice was erected, and on the 12th of January, 1865, was appropriately dedicated to the service of God, by the Rev. Mr. Fairfield, D.D., then president of Hillsdale college. The dimensions of the building, which is a frame structure, are thirty-six by forty-four feet, with a steeple and belfry. The present value of the house is about four thousand dollars.

In 1864 the church society was incorporated, and a board of trustees was elected. The present board consists of the following gentlemen : Alonzo Sibley, M. G. Porter, E. L. Powers, Byron Lake, John Patten, L. Sibley, and Seth Nicholson. The present officers of the church are O. H. Smith, Alonzo Sibley, and Seth Nicholson. Pastor, O. E. Dickinson. The present membership is one hundred.

Contemporary with the organization of the church a Sabbath-school was insti- tuted, which is now in a flourishing condition. The number of its teachers and scholars is one hundred and seventy-five. Superintendent, Rev. O. E. Dickinson ; Assistant Superintendent, Darwin Bennett ; Secretary, J. L. Sibley ; Librarian, Byron Powers; number of volumes in library, one hundred and fifty.

THE REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH OF COMMERCE

was organized June 27, 1839, and a council convened for the purpose of perfecting the organization on the same day, and was called to order by Reuben Wright, the secretary of the church. Prayer was offered by Rev. Joseph Elliott. Rev. E. Wever was chosen moderator, and Rev. J. Booth secretary. There were twenty- eight delegates present from different churches. The following list comprises the original membership : Reuben Wright, John Hodge, Jonathan Fish, Matthew Hungerford, John Cook, Martin Richardson, William Smith, James Olmsted, Henry Reed, Elizabeth Olmsted, Caroline Smith, Catherine C. Fish, Abigail Reed, Cynthia Payne, Lavina Cooley, Sallie Thurston, Rebecca Smith, Sarah M. Hungerford, Sallie J. Whitney, Sarepta Rollin, Mary Andrews, Alma Comstock, Henry D. Smith, Edwin Olmsted, William Reed, Martha E. McWithey, Anna Olmsted, Reuben McWithey, Jotham Mitchell, Elizur Thurston, Tryphena McWithey. The first deacons were John Hodge and Jonathan Fish, who were appointed December 21, 1839.

October 25, 1840, Rev. Asahel Keith and wife became members of the church, and according to the records Mr. Keith became the first pastor of the church. The succession of pastors from 1842, the close of his pastorate, to the present has been as follows : Rev. J. Goodman, May, 1842; Rev. G. Pennell, September 30, 1843; Rev. E. Misher, December 2, 1844; Rev. ---- Lamb, February 28, 1846; Rev. E. Wever; Rev. A. Keith, July 29, 1851.

From the close of 1851 to 1853 the church was supplied by different minis- ters; and from 1853 to 1857 no records exist whereby it can be definitely deter- mined who served the church as pastors. From April 26, 1857, to April 30, 1859, Rev. Wadhams was pastor. From August 4, 1860, to July 6, 1861, Rev. Tenny was pastor. From the close of this pastorate until July 4, 1863, the church had only supplies. On that date, however, Rev. Palmer Brooks was in- stalled, and continued to serve the church until October 31, 1865. The tide ebbed and flowed until June 1, 1867, when Rev. Clutes became pastor, which re- lation he sustained until August, 1870. Rev. R. Dunlap succeeded him, Novem- ber 5, 1870, and remained with the congregation until February, 1872. The next shepherd of the flock was Rev. Groat, who commenced his labors May 23, 1872, and closed them October 4, 1873. Again the church was without a pastor until June 4, 1876, when the present incumbent, Rev. C. C. Mackintosh, was installed.

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History of Oakland County, Michigan, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories, Part 40

Author: Durant, Samuel W Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts & co. Number of Pages: 553

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts & co.
Number of Pages: 553