USA > Michigan > Clinton County > History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan > Part 109
USA > Michigan > Shiawassee County > History of Shiawassee and Clinton counties, Michigan > Part 109
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Morrison, the first storekeeper, soon sold out to David Sturgis, and he to M. E. Burroughs. George Stark, who had been selling a few goods from his house, bought out Burroughs, and soon after that joined Stephen Pearl in trade. When Pearl and Stark decided to remove they left their stock of goods with Robert Clark, a blacksmith, who had, with George P. Moore, set up the pioneer smithy in the village. Moore was a partner in the mill as well as in the blacksmith's shop, and was one of the village proprie- tors. ('lark continued his shop business while he sold
goods, and doing so well at the latter he relinquished the shop, and, devoting himself to trade, soon became a promi- nent merchant.
Martin Merritt built the tavern now called the Northern Hotel soon after the mill started, and in due season there came a Dr. Cargill, who boarded at W. N. Daggett's and practiced medicine about six months. Ile probably found the practice profitless, for he retired from the field in favor of Dr. H. A. Stokes, who stopped a year or so, and then Dr. A. II. Weston supplied the vacancy. Weston entered the military service in 1863 and returned no more. In 1864, Dr. E. R. Hayden opened an office, and tarried for the extended space of fourteen years. Eureka's physicians now number three,-Dr. Samuel Post, Dr. Hamlet llart, and Dr. E. S. Walker.
The mill built by Barrington, Potter & Williams stood until 1861, when a fire destroyed it. In 1863, Mr. Bar- rington built a new saw-mill and a grist-mill in 1865. Those mills are the ones still carried on by Barrington.
CHURCHES. THE GREENBUSHI CHRISTIAN CHURCH,
the oldest religious organization at Eureka, was formed May 14, 1856, at the Sherwood school-house, then a log strue- ture. The organizing members were Walter Pierson and wife, Albert Pierson and wife, Samuel Westbrook, and Esther Thompson, all of whom had been members of Chris- tian churches in Ohio. Elder Elijah Beard, who effected the organization, was employed to preach once a month, and in 1857, Elder Elisha Mudge, of Maple Rapids, was called to succeed him. In the spring of 1858, I. Coffman joined the church, and with Walter Pierson served as deacon. During Elder Mudge's term of service the school- house at what is now the village of Eureka was completed, and directly upon that event, in the fall of 1859, he preached there the first sermon delivered in the village. The subject was " The relation of science to religion," and so well pleased were the inhabitants with the introduction of religious services that Elder Mudge was engaged to preach at the village at stated intervals, his labors for the Christian Church at the Sherwood school-house continuing as before. lu the win- ter of 1859 and '60 a series of revival-meetings set in, and thirty-five persons were as a result received into church membership. At this time the place of worship was per- manently transferred to Greenbush village, and in the fall of 1860 a membership of fifty-six was reported to the Grand Valley Christian Conference.
Elder Mudge resigned in 1861, and Elder Beard was recalled. In 1865 he retired, and until 1868, Elder Mudge preached from time to time. Elder E. Crosby followed, and in 1869 a Church Society was organized for the purpose of building a church, which was, however, so slow in con- struction that it was not dedicated until 1871, the dedica- tion sermon being preached by Rev. D. E. Millard, of Jackson. Meanwhile, Revs. L. N. Barber and S. Brad- shaw occupied the charge, and Barber returning in 1871, remained until 1873. After that the pulpit was occupied successively by Revs. George Myers, O. P. Allerman, Frank O. Dickey, and Elijah Beard. Beard was succeeded by the Rev. Solomon Suyder, the present pastor, who
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466
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, MICIIIGAN.
preaches twice each month. The church membership is now thirty. The deacons are Walter Pierson and Ben- jamin Wadsworth.
UNITED BRETIIREN CHIURCII.
Previous to 1866, Rev. Mr. Shelley visited Eureka occa- sionally to hold United Brethren services in the village school-house, and in that year organized a elass with about twelve members. The school-house was used as a place of worship until 1870, when the present church edifice was completed and dedicated the fall of that year, Rev. Ben- jamin Mowers preaching the dedication sermon. Then the membership was twenty; now it is twenty-cight. Among the ministers in charge early in the history of the church were Revs. Miller, Briedenstein, and Kinney. The present pastor is Rev. J. J. Sly, in charge of the Ovid Circuit. The class-leader is Lester Wright, and the Sunday-school superintendent S. J. Mullet. The school is supported by the attendance in union of representatives of various relig- ious denominations, and has upon its roll about one hundred and fifty names.
EUREKA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CLASS.
In April, 1880, Rev. C. A. Jacokes, of Duplain, organ- ized a class at Eureka with about twelve members. Mr. Jacokes preaches to the class in the United Brethren class once in two weeks.
GREENBUSHI METHODIST EPISCOPAL CLASS.
This, one of the earliest religious organizations in the township, was formed about 1855, in what was then known as the Wildcat school-house. In IS60 it contained about fifteen members, and in 1865 moved over to the Sherwood school-house, where services were held until 1877, when the Grange Ilall was occupied. There the class still worships once each fortnight, Rev. Mr. Hamilton being the pastor, and Peter Fleagle the class-leader. The membership is about thirty. A union Sunday-school meets in the same place, and is prosperously patronized.
MANUFACTURES.
The most extensive manufacturing interest in Greenbush is the fanning-mill factory of W. T. and R. E. Davies on section 15, founded by them in 1855. The Davies broth- ers had worked at the fanning-mill business in New York State, and in 1855, with the savings of a few hundred dollars, were prospecting in Michigan for a location where they might set up in that business on their own account. That location they concluded to fix somewhere near the route of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, about half way between Corunna and Fonia, at each of which places there was a fanning-mill factory. Visiting St. Johns, they found it a place " of logs, fire-heaps, and mud, without a passable road anywhere," and although John Swegles offered to donate them land as an inducement to them to locate their factory there, they would not stop, but pushed on with intent to visit Craven's mills, in Duplain. En route they stopped overnight at Alvah Richmond's, in Greenbush, and that night attending school-meeting, met
David Sevy, who carried on near his residence a little shop where he made chairs and spinning-wheels. Sevy soon learned the bent of the brothers' inclination, and suggested that they might do worse than make their location right there, adding that he would agree to do what " turning" they might need. They considered the suggestion favora- bly, and the next day decided to start their factory there, rented Sevy's shop, and arranged to board with him at two dollars per week. They began business Oct. 5, 1855, and that year, unaided, made one hundred fanning-mills entirely by hand, and sold them as fast as they could make them. The next year Henry Toms, a former fellow-workman iu" New York State, came along, and having a little ready money, of which the brothers then stood in need, he bought a third interest in the business. During that year the firm turned out one hundred fanning-mills and one hundred milk-safes. In 1857, R. E. Davies went out on a pedestrian collecting tour, and after an absence of a week got back with just one hundred dollars. This was the year of the financial panic, and Michigan banks went down right and left. Of the one hundred dollars every dollar but a twenty-dollar Ohio bank-bill was Michigan money, and al- though it was presumably good when Davies took it, it was worthless when he got home. Such a condition of things discouraged Toms, who sold out to the brothers .. They kept right on with rugged faith and persistence, and by 1859 had reached a prosperous era. They then removed their works to their present location, and have each succes- sive year expanded and strengthened their business to its present considerable proportions. They employ sixteen men, and manufacture yearly five hundred fanning-mills and two hundred milk-safes, all of which they sell directly through their own agents in various portions of the State.
The Greenbush Foundry .- This manufactory antedates any of Greenbush's manufacturing enterprises. It has been in active operation since 1850, when Samuel Rowell and Stephen Pearl undertook upon section 36 to make plows and andirons. Pearl disposed of his interest to Zelotes Avery, who was in turn bought out by Samuel Rowell, his partner. Mr. Rowell carried on the business until 1873, when he retired from active pursuits and the foundry passed to the possession of his son Stephen, who is still its proprietor. He employs five people, and manufactures plows, cultiva- tors, drags, ete., besides doing a large business in the way of general repairs. The annual product of his foundry aggregates one hundred and twenty plows, one hundred and thirty-five cultivators, twenty drags, and upwards of six thousand plow-points.
Greenbush Pump- Works .- II. L. Post settled in Green- bush in 1857, upon seetion 4, where a Mr. Tubbs had cleared about five acres. He used to make pumps for his neighbors, but devoted to the production of each no more skill than was necessary to simply bore out a common log and trim it down. In 1864, however, his son Leonard conceived the idea of starting a pump-factory of some pre- tensions, and in that year, accordingly, he put up ou section 4 a small affair, which he carried on until 1866. An in- crease in his business then warranted an extension of faeili- ties, and in the year last named he built the works on sec- tion 8 which he still controls. He manufactures yearly about
PARK HOUSE.
PARK HOUSE GREENBUSH, CLINTON Co. D. S. FRENCH, PROPRIETOR
467
GREENBUSH TOWNSHIP.
three hundred pumps, two hundred milk-safes, and a mis- cellancous list of agricultural implements, etc.
SECRET ORDERS.
GREENBUSH LODGE, No. 209, I. O. O. F.
This lodge was organized at Eurcka Jnne 3, 1873, and chartered Feb. 20, 1874. The charter members were Wil- liam Spade, John J. Bowers, S. M. Post, William Cobble- stone, L. Randolph, L. N. Barber, and W. Il. Morrison. The first list of officers included William Spade, N. G .; S. M. Post, V. G. ; J. J. Bowers, R. S .; W. II. Morrison, Treas. From the date of organization to the present those who have filled the chair of Noble Grand have been William Spade, S. M. Post, J. J. Bowers, Benjamin Austin, Jackson Page, James Lindley, C. L. Putt, I. D. Richmond, and David Henry. The present membership is forty. The of- ficers are David llenry, N. G .; Chauncey Sevy, V. G .; J. R. Jeffreys, R. S. ; William Funk, P. S. ; J. J. Bowers, Treas.
GREENBUSHI LODGE, No. 318, F. AND A. M.
This lodge was organized at Eurcka June 23, 1873. The first officers were J. R. Carter, W. M .; J. E. Power, S. W .; Robert Clark, J. W .; Eli Tinkelpaugh, S. D. ; Il. A. Smith, Sec. ; Wm. J. Havens, J. D. ; Henry Demott, ยท Treas. ; Thompson Kirby, Tiler. J. E. Power and J. R. Carter have occupied between them the office of Worship- ful Master since the organization of the lodge. The mem- bers number now forty. The officers for 1880 are J. R. Carter, W. M. ; J. L. Eagles, S. W. ; II. H. Smith, J. W .; II. V. Pray, Sec. ; Robert Clark, Trcas. ; I. N. Eagles, S. D .; Charles Hunt, J. D. ; Uriah Higbce, Tiler.
KEYSTONE GRANGE, No. 226, P. OF II.
This flourishing grange, which has an active membership of one hundred and fifty, owns a finely-appointed grange hall and store on section 16. Regular sessions are held each Saturday. The officers for 1880 are John Keiser, M. ; C. L. Putt, O .; - Altman, L. ; Peter Fleagle, Chap- lain ; Roswell Dexter, See. ; John Matthews, Treas. ; D. Perkins, Steward.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CAPT. DAVID S. FRENCHI .*
Capt. David S. French, of St. Johns, Mich., was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., April 4, 1844. Lewis and Maria (Sargent) French, his parents, were carly settlers in the Ohio Valley. Ilis father, a lawyer for thirty years in Cin- cinnati, maried a daughter of one of the leading families of that city.
Mr. French was educated in the schools of Cincinnati. The year that he should have graduated, Mr. Lincoln issued a call for seventy-five thousand men. Thirty-six hours afterwards the Cincinnati Zouave Guard, to which Mr.
French belonged, entered the service. They were incor- porated in the Second Ohio Infantry, and went to Baltimore and Washington. Mr. French was engaged in the first Bull Run fight, and was mustered out of service Aug. 6, 1861. In August, 1862, although but cighteen years of age, under protest of friends and relatives, he again sacri- ficed the comforts of home for his country, and enlisted as private in the Eleventh Ohio Infantry, under Gen. J. War- ren Keifer. He served in West Virginia during 1862 and the spring of 1863, participating in the battles of Strasburg, Capon Springs, Moorfield, Romney, and Win- chester, remaining in Winchester, Va., until driven ont by Lee's army in their advance into Pennsylvania in June, 1863. After this the army to which he was attached hastened forward to reinforec the Army of the Potomac.
On the 6th of July, 1863, immediately after the battle of Gettysburg, Mr. French was transferred with his regi- ment to the Army of the Potomac, and took part in nu- merous engagements during the remainder of that year and the spring of 1864. IIc was in the campaign with Gen. Grant from the Rapidan through the Wilderness, and its numerous engagements to Richmond. In July, 1864, he was promoted to the second lieutenancy, and during that month the Sixth Corps, under Gen. Wright, to which his regiment belonged, was ordered to the defense of Washing- ton against Gen. Early. After the battles of Kernstown, Monocacy, Md., and Frederick, the corps was ordered to join Gen. Sheridan's army at Ilarper's Ferry, Va. Dur- ing the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, Mr. French took part in the battles of Opequan, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and after the last battle was commis- sioned first licutenant. On the close of Sheridan's cam- paign he was transferred with his regiment back to the Army of the Potomac. In 1865 he joined in the final assault on the outer line of works of the last stronghold of the Confederacy, Petersburg, and took part in the attack which carried the place, April 2d, and culminated in the surrender of Lee. He was brevetted captain for merito- rious conduct in this campaign. He was mustered out of service July 1, 1865, and engaged in general mercantile business at Brookston, Ind., four years. In 1870 he en- gaged with the St. Johns Manufacturing Company at l'iqua, Ohio. The following year, at the request of the president of the company, he removed to St. Johns, Clin- ton Co., Mich., to act as secretary and general manager of the business of the company. In 1877 he was elected president of the village, and re-elected in 1878-79. Ile is a member of the Consistory in the Masonic fraternity, and has taken all the degrees in the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery. He is an Episcopalian. He east his first vote for Grant, and is an active Republican. Hle married, May 26, 1866, Cornelia B. Mitchell, daughter of Joseph M. Mitchell, a pioneer settler in Miami Co., Ohio. Energy, perseverance, and strict integrity have marked his course in life. In December, 1879, he traded his village property for an elegant farm of two hundred and twenty acres, four miles north of the village ; it has been known as Coleman's Hotel. Since its change of hands it has under- gone some very marked improvements, and under its new name (The Park House) it is a desirable summer resort,
* From "Eminent Men of Michigan."
468
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN.
and has had the praise of all the surrounding citizens and his large circle of friends.
DAVID LEVY.
This gentleman was one of a family of six children, and the only one now surviving; was born in New Hampshire, June 19, 1804, his parents, Joseph and Mary (Blake) Levy, being also natives of the same State.
When David was six years old his parents removed to Vermont, and at thirteen removed with him to Genesee
DAVID LEVY.
Co., N. Y., where they both died, his father in 1848, his mother surviving three years later.
David remained at home until he reached the age of twenty, assisting his parents. Feb. 24, 1824, he was married to Miss Rhoda Baker, a resident of the same county but a native of Vermont. Here in Genesee County they re- mained for some fifteen years, David following his trade as cabinet-maker. In the spring of 1839 they removed to Michigan, coming by wagon to Buffalo, lake to Detroit, thence by wagon to this township, locating first on section 23. They were one of the first families to settle in that part of the township, and Mr. Levy and Mr. Daggett being the only ones left of the first pioneers of this section. Mr. Levy's first purchase was of forty acres, to which he soon added forty, clearing and improving them.
To Mr. and Mrs. Levy were born seven children, of whom only four are living, these grown to maturity, married and settled, living near their father. The mother, after endur- ing all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and burying three of her children, succumbed to her trials and in 1870 passed from earth, regretted and mourned by many friends besides her husband and children.
Mr. Levy for three years subsequently lived with his daughter, Mrs. Covertson, when he was again married, his
second wife having been a Mrs. Stiles. She only lived four years. Since her death he has resided with his eldest son.
He is in politics Republican, and has held a number of township offices, among which are supervisor (two years), township elerk, justice of the peace, and highway commis- sioner. He is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist denomination, as was his last wife, and although seventy- six years of age assisted in planting corn this spring. Is hale aud hearty, retaining his full mental faculties, a true pioneer of pioneer days.
WILLIAM T. AND ROBERT E. DAVIES.
William T. and Robert E. Davies were born in England, the first named in Kent County, Aug. 30, 1829, the second in Sussex County, Oet. 5, 1830, and are the sons of Robert and Mary Ann (Thomas) Davies. Their father traces his ancestry to Wales ; served as sergeant in the Eng- glish army twenty-six and one-half years ; he was with Wel- lington in the battle of Waterloo, after which he was dis- charged from the service and pensioned for life, receiving in addition in consideration for past services an appoint- ment from the government as station-keeper at the ancient town of Winchelsea, where he died in August, 1859, at the advanced age of seventy.
Robert, Jr., came to America in 1849, and was followed by William two years later. They located at Lyons, N. Y where they learned their trade, that of fanning mill making, of John Gilbert, serving an apprenticeship of three years. They then came West, locating the first year in Grand Rapids, working at the same trade. In 1855 they moved to Greenbush and established their present business, first renting a shop of David Levy, manufacturing the first one hundred mills by hand. The second year they added the manufacturing of milk-safes, taking as a partner an old schoolmate, Henry Toms ; he only remained one year. In 1859 they bought their present home, which then had but little improvement, but by their energy and zeal they have erected their buildings, increased their business until at the present time they employ fourteen men in building mills and safes. They also combine farming with their manu- facturing, owning three hundred and thirty-six acres in their home-farm, besides one hundred and twenty aeres in Gra- tiot County. When they started their capital was health, a strong arm, and willing heart, and not over five dollars in cash when landed in America.
William was married in November, 1856, to Miss Janette Levy, daughter of Daniel Levi, Esq. To them have been born two boys and four girls. Robert was married in Grand Rapids, June, 1866, to Miss Alice Thomas, who was a native of Lyous, N. Y., born Aug. 8, 1833. They are the parents of two boys and two girls.
After the death of their father their mother came to Michigan, where she lived with her sons until her death, which occurred in 1874, at the ripe old age of seventy- seven.
In polities both are Republicans, and have filled several of the various township offiees. Robert was for eighteen
FANNING MILL FACTORY
W. T. DAVIES.
ROBT E. DAVIES.
RES. OF W. T. DAVIES.
RES. OF R.E.DAVIES.
469
LEBANON TOWNSHIP.
years towuship clerk, and William several years highway courmissioner.
Robert and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. William is liberal in his views, and his wife is a member of the Adventist denomination.
W. T. Davies' residence is on the same side of the street as the factory.
CHAPTER LX.
LEBANON TOWNSHIP .*
General Description of the Township-Original Surveys-Land-En- tries-First and Other Early Settlements-Salt-Works Village and Wildcat Banking-Residents in the Township in 1840-The In- dian Chief Makitoquet-Educational and Religious-Civil Ilistory of the Township.
THIS township, which was designated in the field-notes of the United States survey as township No. 8 north, of range No. 4 west, lies in the extreme northwest coruer of Clinton County. North Shade, in Gratiot County, forms its northern boundary ; North Plains, in Ionia County, its western ; while Essex and Dallas townships, respectively, iu Clinton County, are situated upon its eastern and southern borders.
The surface, diversified by plains, occasional bluffs, and rolling uplands, is drained by the Maple River and its numerous small tributary erceks and rivulets. The former stream in its flow towards Grand River crosses the town- ship diagonally from the northeast to near the southwest corner. It has a sluggish current, offering no advantageous mill-sites. Back from it in either direction for the distance of about one mile occurs a surface more than usually broken and covered with loose bowlders. The original timber was principally of the deciduous varieties common to the Peninsular State, and in consequence the soil is well adapted to grazing and the production of corn, fruit, vege- tables, and the various cereals.
Lebanon boasts neither a railroad, village, church, or post-office. Mail facilities are afforded at the village of Maple Rapids, in Essex township, also at Hubbardston and Matherton villages, which lie mainly in the township of North Plaius, Ionia Co., yet encroach upon the limits of this.
The fair-grounds of the Central Fair Association, com- posed of members residing in the counties of Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, and Montcalm, are located on section 18, just cast of the village of Ilubbardston. The grounds, about thirty acres in extent, are very pleasantly situated, and the annual meetings are largely attended.
Agricultural pursuits occupy the chief' attention of the people. Many buildings evince taste and wealth, while the . farm-lands seem to be under a high state of cultivation.
ORIGINAL SURVEYS.
In February and March, 1831, Robert Clark, Jr., ran out the boundary liues of the territory then first designated
township No. 8 north, of range No. 4 west. The work of subdividing the same was performed by Orange Risdon from July 26 to Aug. 10, 1831. He also meandered Maple River in October of the same year. Both Messrs. Clark and. Risdon were entitled Deputy United States Sur- veyors, and did their work under contract and instructions received from William Lytle, Surveyor-Geueral of the United States. They reported the lands as generally good, rolling, and heavily timbered.
LAND-ENTRIES.
The following list includes the names of those who pur- chased of the general government lands situated in this township.
SECTION 1.
William Hoskins, May 7, 1836.
Charles N. Bristol, Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 13, 1836.
David P. Weeks, Clinton Co., Mich., May, 1850.
Warren A. Sherwood, Lockport, N. Y., December, 1852. Joshua W. Waterman, Detroit, Mich., August, 1853.
SECTION 2.
Alvin Billings, Richland, Ohio, Feb. 15, 1837. Luther Briggs, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1837. Warren A. Sherwood, Lockport, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1852. Joshna W. Waterman, Detroit, Mich., Aug. 18, 1853.
SECTION 3.
Bradley True, Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 15, 1837. Alanson Aldrich, Wayne Co., Mich., Fch. 15, 1837. Alvin Billings, Richland, Ohio, Feb. 15, 1837. John Ennis, Jackson Co., Mich., July, 1853. Joshua W. Waterman, Detroit, Mich., August, 1853. Chauncey D. Webster, Clinton Co., Mich., April, 1854.
SECTION 4.
George W. Dickinson, Ionia Co., Mich., Nov. 8, 1836. Sylvanus Hopkins, Sept. 4, 1851.
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