History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan, Part 102

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & co.
Number of Pages: 716

USA > Michigan > Clinton County > History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan > Part 102
USA > Michigan > Shiawassee County > History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan > Part 102

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alry, was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and at the elose of the war went with the regiment across the Plains to Salt Lake City, Utah. In the spring of 1866 he was mustered out of the service, and returned to Elsie, where he has since resided, in the active discharge of his professional duties. He has been six years supervisor of the township in which his village is located. In the fall of 1876 he was elected representative to the State Legislature, by the Republican party, from the first district,- Clinton County. So well did he serve his constitu- ents that he was re-elected in 1879. He served upon several committees, among them that on insane asylums, in which he held the office of chairman. His duties necessarily called him away much of the time from the representative halls, but when present he was arduously engaged in duties which rank him among the foremost, always striking at the heart of any measure to which he was opposed sharp and effectnal blows, that produce more effect than the bold speculations and fantastical theories which, to a cer- tain extent, characterize many of the representatives.

DUPLAIN TOWNSHIP.

433

Upon the eastern portion of the east half of the southwest quarter of seetion 33 are traces of a group of mounds, the largest of which was probably twenty-five feet long, twenty feet wide, and three feet in height. Rows of other and smaller mounds appear to have joined the base of this large mound, and south of the latter was a clearly-defined oblong mound two and a half feet high, twenty-two feet long be- tween east and west, and fourteen feet in width between north and south. Southwest of the principal mound about twenty feet is another pretty clearly marked one, three feet high, twenty-five feet long, and fifteen feet wide. Near at hand is a circular mound about twenty feet through, from which human bones have been unearthed. Recent excava- tions in these mounds have brought to light human skele- tons as well as miscellaneous bones, and in one of them

evidences pointed to the existence, at one time, of altar-fires and possibly human sacrifices thereon.

On the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 33 were a number of small mounds, of which there is now no trace. Upon the farm of H. B. Smith, on the southeast quarter of section 27, is shown the site of a now obliterated large mound. Where it onee stood two peach- trees now grow. Mr. Smith recollects that the mound was more than thirty feet in diameter and four feet high ; that several second-growth maples adorned its sides, and that heavy timber surrounded it. Evidently these mounds served as burial-places, sinee in each have been found human bones, but whether the burial-places of Indians or members of a prehistorie race, as some savants claim, is simply matter for conjecture.

. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

MRS. WILLIAM TILLOTSON.

WILLIAM TILLOTSON.

Leonard Tillotson was born March 15, 1803, at Berk- shire, Mass. The family removed to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1814. At twenty-three years of age he married Miss Mary Thomas, of New Haven, Conn., rearing a family of six children. He died at the age of sixty-two. Mrs. Til- lotson, at the advanced age of seventy-five, in good health and sound mind, resides with a son, William, the subject of this sketch, who was born Nov. 23, 1826. In 1852 he came to the town of Duplain, and purchasing eighty acres of wild land on section 11, immediately began improving it. Sought and found a companion in Miss Mary E. Wooll,

whose family came, in 1854, to Duplain from Loraine, Ohio. They were married September 26th ; pursued their improvements, which have resulted in a finely-improved farm, and surrounded them with many comforts of life, upon which they can look with pride as the results of their industry. Surrounded by a large circle of friends, life passes pleasantly. Their union has been blessed with four children,-Marion, born Sept. 23, 1860; Myra, April 13, 1864; Ilattie, May 6, 1868; Willie, May 6, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson have long been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

434

HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

CHARLES R. DOTY.

GEORGE R. DOTY.

MRS. GEORGE R. DOTY.

GEORGE R. DOTY.

Josiah Doty's birth dates back to Nov. 18, 1792. He was twice married. One child was born to the first union. The second wife, Chloe (Rash), born March 24, 1793, bore him four children, three living to manhood. George R., the subject of this sketch, was born Dec. 30, 1821, at Seneca, Ontario Co., N. Y. When he was eight years of age the family removed to Greece, Monroe Co., N. Y., where the parents continued to reside until the death of Mrs. Doty, which occurred Sept. 19, 1876. The home was then broken up, Mr. Doty thereafter making his home with a son residing in Rochester, where he is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-eight.

In the fall of 1844, George R. came to Livingston Co., Mich., and the following year, May 20, 1845, married Eunice Seeley, born Dec. 14, 1822. Her father, Seth C. Seeley, was a native of Connecticut, born Feb. 22, 1789, and was twice married, first to Anna Bradley, by whom he had three children; and the second time to Betsey Green, a native of Vermont, born Feb. 18, 1798; to this union were born five children. The family resided in Monroe Co., N. Y., until 1844, when they removed to Ionia Co., Mich. Both parents have since passed away. George and Eunice were married at her parental home, lonia County. The day following they took their departure for Livingston County

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FARM PROPERTY OF GEO. R. DOTY, ELSIE, MICH.

HOTEL PROPERTY OF GEO. R DOTY, ELSIE, MICH .

435

DUPLAIN TOWNSHIP.

with a single horse and buggy, it suffieing to carry them and their worldly effects. No permanent location was made by them, but they changed their location as his occupation of cooper required. In 1853 he received the appointment of light-house keeper at Mama Judee, on Detroit River; this proved the laying of a foundation for future success. For eight years he continued, his wife assuming the duties of keeper, he finding employment at the cooper's trade. In 1861, Mr. Doty moved to Elsie, Clinton Co., and for six years followed his trade. Previous to his coming he had purchased a hundred aeres on section 26, Duplain town- ship. The village of Elsie was becoming a place of some

importanee, and Mr. Doty decided upon opening a hotel, and accordingly purchased a suitable location, disposed of his farm, and on Christmas, 1867, his house was duly opened to the public. Success attended hin; the public gave him a liberal patronage, and the genial . host and his lady are known far and near. In 1877 he purchased seventy-seven aeres on seetion 13, upon which a part of the village of Elsie is located. In addition to the hotel he also conducts the farm.

To Mr. and Mrs. Doty have been given three children, of whom one only is now living, Charlie R., born Dec. 22, 1863.

LYMAN COBB.

MRS. LYMAN COBB.

LYMAN COBB.

Joshua W. Cobb was a native of Canaan, Conn. When of age found his way west to Rochester, N. Y., and helped to erect the first bridge across the Genesee River. It was commeneed in 1812, but not completed until 1814, the west side refusing for some time to build their half. Ile also purchased eighty acres of land now lying within the city limits. Becoming disheartened on account of the unhealthy location he, though having made a partial payment, aban- doned the place, pushing on west to Sheldon, Wyoming Co. ; purchased eighty aeres, which he afterwards sold, and removed to Niagara County ; remained there a short time, then returned to Bennington, Wyoming Co., where he re- sided for a period of twenty years. Ile then removed to Duplain, Clinton Co., and purchased forty acres on section 11, where he resided until his death, which occurred in May, 1852, his being the first burial in the cemetery at Elsie. Mr. Cobb was married quite early in life to Miss Susanna Doty, and raised a family of nine children. At present all are living, except one, a son, who died at Bowling Green, Ky., while in the army. Mrs. Cobb is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-eight, making her home among the children, where she is ever made welcome.

Lyman Cobb was the sixth in the family, and born Ang. 14, 1826, at Bennington, N. Y .; came West with the

family in 1844, and when of age purchased eighty aeres on seetion 13, Duplain township, from an elder brother residing in Oakland County, giving in payment two years' labor. Payment being made, he returned and began the improvements by which he has succeeded in making one of the finest farms in that locality. For several years he la- bored single-handed and alone, but his better judgment finally prevailed, and on April 20, 1853, he led to the hy- meneal altar Susan, daughter of Oliver and Sally Ilicks, natives of Wayne Co., N. Y .; they removed to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, where they resided nearly twenty years, and in 1852 removed to Elsie. Both have since passed away. Oliver Hicks served during the war of 1812. The family consisted of eleven children, seven living to maturity, Mrs. Cobb being the tenth in number. Mr. Lyman Cobb united with the church while yet a youth, and Mrs. Cobb soon after their marriage. Both have been prominently identified with the erection of the church building, and with the growth and prosperity of the society.

To Mr. and Mrs. Cobb have been born six children,- George W., Jan. 18, 1854; Susie M. (now Mrs. Davis), born Sept. 16, 1856; Samuel R., July 3, 1859; Ilenry P., Jan. 11, 1863 ; Dellie L., May 29, 1870; and Judson L., born Feb. 24, 1875.

436

HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

COMFORT RANNEY.

The grandparent of Comfort Ranney was a native of Connecticut; emigrated to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and pur- chased eighty acres of land at government prices, of which the public park in the city of Cleveland is now a part. He engaged in ship-building, putting afloat the first boats of con- siderable tonnage built at that place. A few years later he sold his land at a slight advance upon the price he paid, closed out his business, and removed to Summit County,

COMFORT RANNEY.

Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1834. Luther B., a son, was born at Hudson, Summit Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1809. Farming seems to have particular fascination for him,-almost inherent, -- as he has continued at that occupation, and now at the advanced age of seventy-one manages a large farm, leading in many of the arduous physical duties required in that calling. Comfort, the subject of this sketeh, was born in Boston, Summit Co., Ohio, on Feb. 7, 1838. He, in company with Leach, Sheldon, and Clark, came to Clinton County and purchased a large tract of land, erected a steam-mill, and engaged quite extensively in the manufacturing of lumber. Also Ranney, Leach, and Berry in 1879 erected a large custom flouring-mill at Bath, which they are still operating. Since 1874 Mr. Ranney has had the management of the lumber and mill interests. But on the death of his brother-in-law (Mr. Leach) he leased the mills and returned to their farm in Clinton County, and intends to devote his time to the im- provement of his farm and rearing of fine stoek, in which he has always taken great pride. Dec. 18, 1868, Mr. Ranney united in marriage with Miss Mary M. Hesser, of Nevada, Wyandot Co., Ohio. They are the parents of four children,-Luther B., Sadie M., Luella, and James.

WILLIS LEACH.

Willis Leach was born May 23, 1831, in Summit Co., Ohio, where his parents had located in an early day in the settlement of that county. When twenty-three years of age

he married Miss Mary Ranney, with whom he lived six years, when death's summons came to her, leaving a family of four children,-Willie E., Luther J., Burritt E., and Mary J. Again, on July 16, 1861, he married Sophia Ran- ney, a sister of his first wife. By his second wife he had eight children,-Cora A., Melvin C., Sallie P., Floyd, Leon B., Morris K., Lucetta L., Nora W.

In January, 1865, he moved to Duplain, Clinton Co., and, in company with D. F. Sheldon, O. A. Clark, and C. Ranney, purchased two hundred acres of timbered land and

WILLIS LEACH.

erected a steam saw-mill, which was successfully operated for three years. In 1868, Sheldon, Ranney, aud Leach purchased several hundred acres of wild lands in the south part of Saginaw and Gratiot Counties, to which they re- moved their mill. The following year, 1869, Leach and Ranney purchased the interest of Sheldon. From the date of Leach and Rauney's purchase to January, 1872, the mill property and Inmber was three times destroyed by fire, and still they prosecuted the work with a will and energy worthy of success. Mr. Leach's health being somewhat impaired, he determined upon removing to the first purchase to recuperate, and for the better advantages of schooling his children. IIe continued in failing health until March 2, 1880, when death's summons came, regretted by all with whom he had been associated.

CHAPTER LVII.

EAGLE TOWNSHIP .*

Location and Natural Features-Settlements and Early Incidents- Schools-Churches-List of Township Officers-Eagle Village.

EAGLE is the southwestern township of Clinton County, designated in the United States survey as township 5 north, of range 4 west. The surface, generally undulating, be-

* By G. A. McAlpine.

437

EAGLE TOWNSHIP.

comes hilly and terminates in places in abrupt bluffs near the Grand River. The banks of the Looking-Glass are less precipitous, and the northern part of the township is more level. Along the Grand River the timber is mainly oak and the soil is somewhat sandy in certain sections. The timber along the Looking-Glass is basswood, beech, and maple, and the soil is heavier. By these streams and many rivulets the township is well watered and drained. In agriculture this township ranks among the most produc- tive in the county.

It was observed at an early day, by Marshal Meade and Mr. Townsend, who owned land between the rivers (which, on sections 16, 17, and 21, approach by abrupt curves within less than two miles), that, while the distance to Portland by the almost direct course of the Looking-Glass was less than ten miles, and the distance to the same village by the course of the Grand River was reported to be nearly forty miles, the fall of the two streams appeared to be, on an average, nearly equal. This fact led to the conclusion that there was considerable difference iu their respective levels in Eagle. Mr. Townsend accordingly employed John Mullet, a competent surveyor, to run a line between the rivers on the sections above referred to, in which work he was assisted by Alexander Chapel, Ezekiel Miles, and Lewis Miles. This survey demonstrated that there was a fall of more than twenty-one feet from the surface of the Grand River to that of the Looking-Glass. The ground between them was favorable to ditching, and in no place was a deep cut necessary except through the narrow rise on the shore of the Grand River, and even here it did not offer any serious obstacle to the plan of uniting them by this means. Mr. Townsend expeeted in this way to secure one of the most extensive water-powers in the State. His death, however, terminated this splendid enterprise, and the immense power up to this time is undeveloped.

Until March 15, 1841, town 5 north, range 4 west, was included in the township of Watertown. On the previous year Jared Iligbee had circulated a petition which was signed by the voters of said town, asking the Legislature that it be set off as a separate and distinct township. In compliance with this petition the township of Eagle was formed, and although the name does not apply to town 5 north, range 4 west, previous to the date given above, in order to prevent confusion it will be necessary in these pages to use it in connection with the first settlement of the township.

In 1831 three steamboats-the " Superior," the " Henry Clay," and the " Robert Fulton"-plied the waters between Buffalo and Detroit. Among the many passengers of the last-named vessel on its trip westward in the month of June of that year, were the families of Anthony Niles aud Ste- phen B. Groger, from Genesee Co., N. Y. Scattered here and there about the boat were little groups of men, women, and children, surrounded with boxes of goods, bundles of bedding, clothes, barrels, cooking-utensils, and everything, from an ox-cart to a fire-shovel, that could be of use on the frontier. A variety of resources indicated in this instance at least unity of purpose; and it is probable that nearly all were actuated by the same motives, and had the same end in view.

Some were there who were more wealthy and some pos- sibly who were poorer in this world's goods than those men whose names we have given, but few could compare at all with either of them in physical power. It is said Anthony Niles never met his equal with an axe, and few men were found able to stand under a load which Stephen B. Groger could carry. These men and their families were the first settlers of Eagle. Upon reaching Detroit they employed two men with teams to bring them and their families to Troy, Oakland Co. The next year Anthony Niles, Daniel Clark, and Austin Wood followed an Indian trail from Pontiac to an Indian village, which occupied the site upon which Portland now stands. They were favorably impressed with the country along the route, but did not at this time select any particular locality as a future home.

In the month of February, 1834, Anthony Niles and Stephen B. Groger with their families set out from Troy westward, but, as subsequent events proved, without any definite purpose as to where to locate. In the township of De Witt, the teams which had been secured to bring their families and goods were mired, the horses being " all down at the same time." The women, children, and goods were carried through the deep mud and water several rods to higher ground, the horses after much trouble were finally extricated, and by means of ropes the wagons were drawn across the marsh, and after an infinite number of trying and tedious delays the party reached the cabin of Capt. Scott, who had come to De Witt the fall previous.

Ilere we must again introduce the name of Daniel Clark, and his companions Heman Thomas and John Benson, who also required shelter under the roof of the hospitable but rough and eccentric captain. As these parties were all bound westward, in the direction pursued previously by Clark and Niles, down the Looking-Glass River, it was decided to build boats and a raft to assist in the expedition.

The men of the party at once began their construction, and after several days' diligent work completed two boats and a raft. The boats, commonly known as dugouts, were each made from a whitewood log, and were about eighteen feet long and two and a half feet wide. They were lashed together, the goods were loaded on the raft, which was a huge, unmanageable concern, and the trip down stream commenced. It was not all smooth sailing, however. After proceeding about six miles the raft struck a snag, and all efforts to free it proved futile. Clark and his companions went ashore in the boats and camped to await the arrival of Anthony Niles and Stephen Groger, who, with their families and one yoke of oxen, were trying to make a way through the wilderness, and who did not make their appear- ance until evening. The next morning (the water having risen somewhat during the night) the raft was freed, the families carried across the river in the boats, and the jour- ney resumed.

In the afternoon a landing was made on the south shore of the river, on the southwest quarter of section 14, town 5 north, range 4 west. The next morning the goods were transferred from the raft to the boats and it was abandoned. They then continued their way down the river, and finally reached the Indian village (already alluded to) on the pres- eut site of Portland. On the way one of the overloaded

438

HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

boats nearly capsized. It righted, however, with no more serions loss than that of a eoop of fowls and the free appli- cation of cold water to some of the passengers.

When Anthony Niles reached the vicinity where the goods were transferred he pitched a large tent, which he had brought with him, on section 23. On the next day he was delayed to search for one of his cows, which had strayed away, and did not continue his journey until the afternoon. An entire life is sometimes modified by a little incident of no apparent importance in itself, and in this instance it is probable that had it not been for his long and tedious search the fine forests and streams of Eagle would not have been fully appreciated. As it was, Mr. Niles fol- lowed his companions to the Indian village, but after living two weeks in a wigwam he declared he had found no place that suited him so well as the land by the little stream where he had camped and lost his cow. The whole party at last returned. Its members took minutes of the several parcels of land which each wished to enter, and Daniel Clark and Heman Thomas set off on foot for the land- office at White . Pigeon, to enter land for themselves and for Anthony Niles, Stephen B. Groger, and John Bensou. All chose land on section 23. Daniel Clark entered the east half of the northeast quarter. Heman Thomas entered ferty acres for himself and forty for John Benson, on the southeast quarter. Stephen B. Groger took the west half of the southwest quarter, and Anthony Niles chose the west half of the northeast quarter.

Anthony Niles and Stephen B. Groger must be considered the first settlers in the township of Eagle, as the other members of the party, after entering their land, did not re- tuan to the township till in the summer and fall following. Anthony Niles built the first cabin in the township, and for this purpose his son Ezekiel, who had accompanied him in all his wanderings, chopped down the first tree probably that was felled in the township about the 1st day of March, 1834. This eabin stood near where Mr. Niles pitched his tent when he first came to Eagle on his way to Portland, and the site is now nearly marked by the east barn, which he built many years after. He also prepared and planted a piece to eoru and potatoes, but the erop was very light.

Stephen B. Groger built the second cabin in the towu- ship, and planted the second pieec to corn and potatoes. He worked for Capt. Scott, in De Witt, at odd intervals for a number of years. It is said that at one time after working all day he walked home, carrying one hundred pounds of flour, a quarter of a deer, and several other articles for the use of his family.

In October, 1834, Susan M. Groger was born. This was the first birth in Clinton County. Stephen B. Groger died in 1878. Until recently his wife occupied the old home.

John Benson and Hemian Thomas were the next to set- tle permanently in Eagle. They immediately built cabins on the land entered the spring previous. Mr. Benson sub- sequently moved to lowa, where he died. His son Edwin was the second child born in Eagle, and the first male ehild born in Clinton County. Ile enlisted and died in the late war. Heman Thomas and wife still live in the township.

They probably alone are left, the only couple who came to Clinton County in the fall of 1834. Their son, G. W. Thomas. who was a lad at the time of their settlement, also lives in Eagle.

After entering his land, in the spring of 1834, Daniel Clark returned to Eagle accompanied by David Clark, his brother. They felled the timber on about five acres, and then returned to Pontiac, Oakland Co., to which place Jonas Clark had brought his family in 1833. In the fall of 1834, Daniel Clark and his brother Henry came to Eagle and cleared and sowed the field to wheat which had been partially prepared the previous spring. Henry Clark moved to Ingham County, where he still lives one of its oldest pioneers. Jonas Clark brought his family to Eagle in the fall of 1835. David Clark, his son, one of the oldest and most respected citizens, now occupies the old home- stead.

In the fall of 1834, Anthony Niles built a log house, which was twenty-eight by thirty feet. Houses have histories as well as men sometimes. In this rude log structure was organized the first church society in Eagle; and a little later, when the settlement of the surrounding country was an assured fact, and the youth with their sweethearts were wont to assemble for a " social dance," its rough floors were the smoothest to be found. Beside its great fireplace, heaped with logs, William Cryderman wooed and won the fair Alvira, daughter of Anthony Niles, and their nuptials, the first in the township, were celebrated in it in 1837. Travelers, few or many, always found ample cheer and shelter beneath its basswood roof.

The settlement of Eagle was gradual, until the rush of immigration in 1836. In 1835, however, several settlers came in, who, in addition to the family of Jonas Clark (al- ready mentioned), deserve notice. Oliver Rowland and his son Flenry entered land on section 13. The latter is still a resident of the township. John B. Shear settled on sec- tion 26, where he still lives. Iu 1836 the first frame build- ing in Eagle was erected. It was a barn, and was built for Jesse Monroe by Anthony Niles and his son Ezekiel. The lumber used in its construction was hauled from Port- land, where a saw-mill had just been completed. Mr. Mon- roe had recently entered one hundred and sixty acres on seetion 7.

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History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan, Part 102

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885 Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & co. Number of Pages: 716

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, D.W. Ensign & co.
Number of Pages: 716