USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan > Part 59
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Eliza Van Fassen, born in Connecticut; died in Ypsilanti Nov. 2, 1874, aged 83. Abel A. Pasco, born in New York; died in Augusta Sept. 7, 1874, aged 80. Mary Gregory, born in New York; died in Ann Arbor city Mar. 1, 1875, aged 80. E. West, born in Vermont; died in Ann Arbor city Jan. 29, 1875, aged 84. Frederick Haniski, born in Germany ; died in Ann Arbor May 15 1875, aged 81. John Johnson, born in Maryland; died in Ann Arbor city Dec. 26, 1875, aged 94. Elizabeth Halalen, born in Pennsylvania; died in Ann Arbor Dec. 28, 1875,aged 83. Dennis Mahan, born in Ireland; died in Superior Aug. 29, 1875, aged 82
Robert Powell, born in Massachusetts; died in Bridgewater Jan. 15, 1875, aged 84. Orson Leland, born in New York; died in Northfield Sept. 2, 1875, aged 83. Samuel Botsford, born in Connecticut ; died in Northfield Sept. 13, 1875, aged 86. Lucy F. Sears, born in Massachusetts; died in Northfield Jan. 23, 1875, aged 85. Henry Row, born in Connecticut ; died in Sharon Aug. 9, 1875, aged 80. Jacob Paul, born in Germany ; died in Scio Dec. 16, 1875, aged 88.
Frederick Kuhnle, born in Germany ; died in Scio Feb. 26, 1875, aged 89. John Marst, born in Pennsylvania; died in Pittsfield Jan, 21, 1875, aged 83. Nathan Knapp, born in New York; died in Pittsfield May 25. 1875, aged 88. Barbara Hunt, born in New York ; died in Lodi Oct. 22, 1875, aged 91.
.
592
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Anna Aeldheid Landwehr, born in Prussia; died in Freedom, Aug. 13, 1875, aged 89.
Nathan Follett, born in Massachusetts; died in Ypsilanti Oct. 14, 1875, aged 82. Frazier Harris, born in New York; died in Ann Arbor July 31, 1876, aged 85. Daniel Crippen, born in New York ; died in Superior March 1, 1876, aged 81. Sophia Peck, born in Connecticut; died in Superior Sept. 30, 1876, aged 84. Abby O'Rourke, born in Ireland; died in Ann Arbor city Feb. 8, 1876, aged 99. Joseph Esterbrook, born in New Hampshire; died in Ypsilanti March 10, 1876, aged 84.
William Dillon, born in New Jersey; died in York Sept. 4, 1876, aged 84. Polly Beach, born in New York; died in Lima Jan. 29, 1876, aged 85. John Fullington, born in Ireland; died in Augusta May 1, 1876, aged 85.
Benjaman R. Walworth, born in New York; died in Manchester Dec. 29, 1876, aged 82.
Henry Depew, born in New York; died in Sylvan May 23, 1875, aged 81. Catherine Stuck, born in Pennsylvania; died in Pittsfield Sept. 21, 1876, aged 80. Annie Cresson, born in New York ; died in county-house April 17, 1876, aged 88. Mary Carney, born in Germany; died in county-house Dec. 24, 1876, aged 80. Ellen Coyle, born in Ireland; died in Webster Dec. 3, 1876, aged 85. Adna Shaw, born in Vermont; died in Saline, March 21, 1876, aged 80. Orange Risdon, born in Vermont; died in Saline Nov 26, 1876, aged 89. Zerah Jenkins, born in New York; died in Bridgewater Jan. 15, 1876, aged 80. Horace Kellogg, born in New York ; died in Ann Arbor Aug. 8, 1877, aged 87. Rosa Donahue, born in Ireland; died in Ann Arbor July 18, 1877, aged 80. Frank Dougherty, born in Ireland; died in Ann Arbor March 10, 1877, aged 84. Elizabeth Johnson, born in New Jersey; died in Lodi June 18, 1877, aged 86. Anna Bradly, born in Ireland; died in Ann Arbor Jan. 24, 1877, aged 82. Melune Lane, born in New York; died in Ann Arbor city June 24, 1877, aged 83. Maurice Dwyer, born in Ireland; died in Dexter Sept. 19, 1877, aged 88. Jane Leonard, born in Ireland; died in Ypsilanti city, Dec. 2, 1877, aged 82. Elisha Eldridgen, born in Massachusetts: died in Ann Arbor city Sept. 8, 1877. aged 88.
Harvey French, born in Massachusetts; died in York Aug. 15, 1877, aged 88. Isaac Dermill, born in New York; died in York April 15, 1877, aged 86. Jordan Ochery, born in Canada; died in Saline Feb. 9, 1877, aged 86.
Eliza Grady, born in New York; died in Saline Dec. 9, 1877, aged 83. Alton Andrews, born in Connecticut; died in Ypsilanti city March 30, 1877, aged 86.
Hannah Ferrier, born in New York ; died in Ypsilanti city Jan. 29, 1877, aged 89. Henry Pomeroy, born in Massachusetts; died in Salem Aug. 31, 1877, aged 91. Phebe Valentine, born in New York; died in Webster Sept. 1, 1877, aged 86. Nancy Conlin, born in Ireland; died in Webster Jan. 15, 1877, aged 80. Owen Conlin, born in Ireland; died in Northfield Feb. 19, 1877, aged 80. Joseph Gallop, born in New York; died in Manchester Aug. 18, 1877, aged 80. Asher Taylor, born in Pennsylvania; died in Manchester Oct. 12, 1877, aged 80. Martin O'Connor, born in Ireland; died in Northfield June 22, 1878, aged 83. Phebe Brokaw, born in New Jersey ; died in Northfield June 7, 1878, aged 90. Dennis Ryan, born in Ireland; died in Northfield March 30, 1878, aged 88. Mark Burhance, born in New York; died in Northfield Dec. 30, 1878, aged 85. Elizabeth Horrigan, born in Ireland; died in Webster May 18, 1878, aged 80. Sylvester D. Noble, born in New York; died in Ann Arbor Jan. 28, '78, aged 84. James Kingsley, born in Connecticut; died in Ann Arbor Oct. 17, 1878, aged 82. Lewis Barr, born in Massachusetts; died in Ann Arbor Sept. 14, 1878, aged 86. Abigail Murray, born in New York; died in Superior Aug. 23, 1878, aged 85. Daniel Smith, born in Canada; died in Superior March 15, 1-78, aged 80. Moses T. Collin, born in New York; died in Ann Arbor July 14, 1878, aged 83. Andrew Birk, born in Germany; died in Ann Arbor city April 6, 1878, aged 90. James Johnson, born in New Jersey ; died in Ypsilanti Sept. 15, 1878, aged 84. Lucy Pullen, born in Massachusetts: died in Ypsilanti Sept. 6, 1879, aged 86. Eve Blum, born in Germany ; died in Bridgewater June 27, 1878, aged 87. Eliphalet Lewis, born in New York ; died in Salem May 12, 1878, aged 84. Luther Graham, born in Connecticut: died in Salem April 11, 1878, aged 80. Joseph Wykuff, born in New York: died in Salem Sept. 7, 1878. aged 85.
593
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Henry Bowers, born in New York; died in Salem April 16, 1878, aged 80. Henry Sheffield, born in New York; died in Salem June 20, 1878, aged 80. Phebe Smith, born in New York; died in Saline April 27, 1878, aged 81. Polly Waugh, born in Vermont; died in York May 30, 1878, aged 81.
William McMichael, born in Pennsylvania : died in York May 31, 1878, aged 81. Gertrude Robison, born in New York; died in Sharon June 3, 1878, aged 81. Henry C. Whaley, born in Connecticut; died in Sylvan April 15, 1878, aged 80. John Howland, born in Massachusetts; died in Ypsilanti Nov. 23, 1879, aged 81. Charlie Warner, born in Connecticut; died in Dexter Sept. 2, 1879, aged 86. Joseph Arnold. born in New York ; died in Dexter Dec. 13, 1879, aged 83. David Montinie, born in New York; died in Superior Jan. 19, 1879, aged 82. Calvin Knickerbocker, born in New York ; died in Ann Arbor city Feb. 17, 1879, aged 83.
Wm. Sanders, birthplace unknown ; died in Pittsfield March 19, 1879, aged 100. Jane Smith, born in Scotland ; died in Ypsilanti Jan. 10, 1879, aged 82. Aaron Wright, born in Virginia; died in Ypsilanti May 24, 1879, aged 80. Jacob Larzelere, born in New Jersey ; died in Ypsilanti Aug. 17, 1879, aged 90. Patrick Kirk, born in Ireland; died in Ypsilanti city July 8, 1879, aged 82. John Smith, born in New Hampshire; died in Ypsilanti July 21, 1879, aged 96. Sally Carpenter, born in New York ; died in Ypsilanti Feb. 22, 1879, aged 82. Lydia Van Tassel, born in New York ; died in Ypsilanti Aug. 17, 1879, aged 95. Roxanna Williams, born in New York; died in Ypsilanti city Aug. 21, 1879, aged 80.
Patrick Trainor, born in Ireland; died in Northfield Nov. 25, 1879, aged 89. Ephraim Darling, born in Massachusetts ; died in Augusta May 25, 1879, aged 88. Ezra Seeley, birthplace unknown; died in Augusta Sept. 8, 1879, aged 84. Phillip Vedder, born in New York ; died in Augusta Dec. 15, 1879, aged 91. Almira Van Zine, birthplace unknown; died in Manchester Jan. 9, 1879, aged 84. Regina Horning, born in Germany; died in Manchester Nov. 7, 1879, aged 84. Johanna Tuorney, born in Ireland; died in Scio July 13, 1879, aged 80.
Andrew McHaney, born in Ireland; died in Bridgewater Feb. 10, 1879, aged 80. Ann'M. Hoffman, born in Germany; died in Ann Arbor city April 18, 1879, aged 90.
Eliza Smith, born in England; died in Ann Arbor city Feb. 2, 1879, aged 93. Alvah Junman, born in New York; died in Ann Arbor city March 23, 1879, aged 82.
Catherine Young, born in Ireland; died in Lyndon Oct. 27, 1879, aged 98.
Mary Yanson, born in New York ; died in Salem Sept. 12, 1879, aged 80.
William Schoney was born in New Jersey. He died at Ypsilanti . Feb. 15, 1870, aged 101.
Owen McEntee was born in Ireland, and died in Lyndon township, of old age, Dec. 30, 1878. Age unknown; some relatives say 104; others 110.
Wm. Saunders, died in Pittsfield township, of old age, March 19, 1879, aged 100.
DIVORCE RECORD.
Notwithstanding the divine injunction, " What God hath joined together let no man put asunder," the courts of the land year by year are called upon to dissolve the marriage tie. Flimsy excuses are invented by husbands and wives who may be tired of one another's company, the courts are appealed to and the command of God disobeyed. While not the province of the historiaa to com- ment upon facts, yet there are matters of history that should be laid bare that all may realize that reforms are necessary. There have been since the organization of the county 9,701 couples united in marriage, an average of 180 per year. In the same time there have been 513 cases of divorce, showing one divorce to every eight-
594
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
een couple married. The following table shows the number of divorces granted each year:
1834.
1
1848.
4
1859
12
1870
20
1835
ยท
1
1849
7
1860.
13
1871
23
1836
2
1850
2
1861
6
1872 20
1838
1
1851
11
1862.
.23
1873
19
1839
0
1852.
12
1863.
22
1874
20
1840
4
1853
6
1864.
.28
1875.
18
1841.
1
1854.
6
1865
.23
1876
15
1842
2
1855
7
1866
27
1877
13
1843
1
1856
7
1867.
26
1878
9
1846.
1
1857
13
1868
.15
1879
16
1847
1
1858
13
1869.
.36
1880
.25
(Up to November 22.)
CHOLERA WAR.
" Wars and rumors of wars" have often been rife in old Washte- naw, though but few know there was once a cholera war in the county. The Legislative Council, in 1831-2, passed an act which was approved by acting.Gov. Mason, permitting the authorities of each town or village to prohibit emigrants or travelers from enter- ing their territory, and gave authority to call out the militia for that purpose.
When it became known at Ypsilanti that cholera was in Detroit, in 1832, the authorities called out a company of militia, under com- mand of Captain Josiah Burton. The company was stationed at Bowen's tavern, three miles east of Ypsilanti, on the Chicago turn- pike. When the stage came along from Detroit with the mail and passengers, it was stopped and a parley ensued. There being no arrangement made, the driver attempted to run through, and one of his horses was shot down. It was thought he was killed, but on being helped up, the driver put whip to his horses and passed on without another shot. It is probable the militia thought there might be danger in stopping the United States mail. In fact one of the brave men-Lorenzo Davis-who was Deputy Postmaster at Ypsilanti, was reported to the Department for this act. After an investigation the authorities at Washington dismissed the case without decapitating Mr. Davis.
Samuel Pettibone, in writing of this war, said: "At this time I was living east of Bowen's tavern, on the Chicago road, and the news of the fight with the stage caused many to wish to avoid Yp- silanti, so I often acted as pilot to run them past the village. A few days after the battle, along came the Governor, Stevens T. Ma- son, on his way to Mottville. He wanted to run the guard and shun Ypsilanti. We went across the north part of the plain, crossed the Huron at the upper bridge, and came into the Chicago road west of the village. It was four miles to the first tavern west, and only half a mile back into the village, and by going around we had not passed a tavern after leaving Sheldon's. The pressure was too
595
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
great-he must go back to the village. He was arrested by Elipha- let Turner, who brought him to the sheriff, Dr. Withington, and after a short but stormy discussion, the Governor was allowed to depart, and he instantly started for Mottville. The first official act the Governor was known to do was to take away the Doctor's commission as sheriff, and appoint in his stead William Anderson, of Ann Arbor."
WASHTENAW COUNTY CENSUS.
1880.
1874.
1870.
1864.
1860.
| 1854.
1850. | 1845.
| 1840. ] 1837.
Ann Arbor City.
8,108
6,701
7,363
5,731
4,447
Second W'rd
1,340
2,890
1,208
1,134
Third Ward)
1,337
2,451
1,501
1,090
Fifth Ward
738
742
11,991
Sixth Ward,
1,224
1,360
968
Ann Arbor Town
1,400
1,396
1,383
1,211
2,055
4,799
4,870
4,143
2,944
Augusta
1,630
1,383
1,470
1,215
1,139
891
808
695
646
559
Bridgewater
1,255
1,074
1,379
1,135
1,291
1,123
1,148
1,075
923
Dexter.
868
856
889
855
857
877
760
775
596
Freedom.
1,371
1,120
1,261
1,358
1,336
1,191
1,214
1,222
956
795
Lima ..
1,023
991
1,052
1,012
992
982
912
960
895
Lodi.
1,376
1,232
1,344
1,082
1,319
1,199
1,234
1,154| 763
1,077
1,063
Lyndon.
735
830
823
725
823
735
501
1,279
805
Pittsfield
1,235
1,157
1,121
930
1,331
1,312
1,232
1,197
1,152
1,208
Salem
1,192
1,175
1,216
1,213
1,360
1,255
1,343
1,424
1,390
1,354
Saline
1,904
1,806
1,955
1,561
1,967
1,498
1,631
1,636
1,364
1,130
Scio
2 291
2,062
2,495
1,905
1,820
1,780
1,783
1,737
1,442
Sharon.
1,161
1,026
1,087
977
1,000
936
869
800
782
Superior
1,253
1,161
1,268
1,312
1,346
1,103
1,127
1,267
1,398
1,378
Sylvan.
2,266
1,884
1,931
1,623
1,587
1,107
924
865
480
Webster
967
911
974
856
1,106
975
1,011
950
838
York
1,722
1,485
1,575
1,232
1,573
1,272
1,360
1,312
1,114
1,197
Ypsilanti.
1,459
1,439
1,565
1,359
1,35'
3,468
3,052
2,651
2,419
2,280
Ypsilanti City ..
4,987
5,211
5,471
4,189
3,956
First Ward)
3,020
3,168
908
736
675
Third Ward.)
1,323
922
885
Fourth Ward!
888
757
712
Fifth Ward 5
1,967
2,043
1,312
1,073
1,090
1,274
1,116!
1,070
793
Manchester
2,394
2,509
2,516
1,590
1,712
1,468
Northfield.
1,272
1,189
1,300
979
1,373
1,248
594
1,040
701
41,869 38,598 41,434 34,050 35,757 28,844 28,569 26,979 23,571 21,817
In 1830 the county had a population of 4,042; in 1834 it had 14,924.
A RETROSPECT.
One hundred years ago the Revolutionary war was in progress. A small colony of fearless men were battling for their rights with one of the most powerful nations of the earth. Thirteen States, extending back from the sea-coast but a short distance, with but three millions in all of men, women and children, white and col-
First Ward!
1,931
1,793
1,352
Fourth Ward
1,538
1,151
871
361
Second W'rd
596
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
ored, completing the whole. The Great West was unknown. True, a few adventurous spirits had pushed their way through this unin- habitable waste, and in the name of the King of France, proclaimed it part of that realm; but, in their wildest imagination, it is doubt- ful if they ever conceived the idea that in less than a century of time it would be inhabited by a thrifty, enterprising race, and be the most productive region of the world.
Three-fourths of a century ago the territory of Michigan was organized, while containing less than four thousand whites, nearly all of whom were of French descent, and the greater part living in the then village of Detroit. Fourteen years after, the Indian title to a portion of the lands was extinguished, and they were first thrown open for settlement. Three years more passed away, when, in 1822, the territory comprising the county of Washtenaw was placed upon the market, and the boundaries of a new county de- fined. Eleven years previous, three adventurous Frenchmen estab- lished a trading post on the site of the present city of Ypsilanti, but soon after abandoned it. In 1823 the first permanent settle- ment by whites was made, and from this time dated the onward march of Washtenaw county.
Fifty-eight years-from 1823 to 1881-with its joys and sor- rows, its trials and disappointments, have passed into history. The old and middle-aged of the first years of the history of this county have passed away. They fought a good fight in reclaiming waste places; they finished their course, and now rest from their labors, while "their works do follow them." The young of that day are now aged men and women, who have lived to see the wilderness " blossom as the rose," and now calmly await the summons to "come up higher."
Fifty-eight years ago the waters of the various rivers and creeks of Washtenaw county were unobstructed as they passed on to the lakes and from thence to the seas. The axe of the woodman was not then heard in its forests; its prairies were unbroken by the plow, and all nature was in its most pleasant mood.
Fifty-eight years ago less than half a dozen families inhabited the county. They were separated from friends, with no convenient means of communication. The railroad, the telegraph, the tele- phone and the phonograph were unknown. Mail communications were not established, and the nearest postoffice was Detroit, thirty miles away, with only an Indian trail and the Huron river leading in its direction.
Fifty-seven years ago there was not a mill in all Washtenaw county, all supplies of flour and meal being brought by way of the Huron river on flat boats to a point within a few miles of the pres- ent city of Ypsilanti. At that time there was not a church or a school-house in the county and the school- master was unknown.
Fifty-six years ago the first school-house was built, and a step taken in educational progress.
597.
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
Fifty-four years ago the county was duly organized by an act of the Legislative Council, and a proclamation of Gov. Cass. At that time there were less than 3,000 souls within its borders.
Fifty-two years ago the first number of the first paper printed in Washtenaw made its appearance, and the great lever was then in- trodnced which tends to move the world, and which has exerted an influence upon the minds of the citizens of the county which will never be known and can never be realized.
Fifty-one years ago the population of the county had increased to 4,042, which in four years more, or 47 years ago, had been in- creased to 14,924, and still farther increased in 1840 to 23,571. An increase was reported every decade, being 28,569 in 1850; in 1860 it was 35,757; in 1870 it was 41,434; and in 1880 it was 41,869.
Forty-nine years ago the fears of the inhabitants of the county were aroused and the militia called out to defend their homes and firesides from the dreaded Black Hawk, who was three hundred miles away.
Forty-eight years ago the first house of worship was erected in Washtenaw county, its inhabitants previously worshiping in school- houses and by the firesides of the pioneers.
Forty-seven years ago the first court-house in Washtenaw county was erected, and every citizen was proud of the fact that Justice would have a permanent abode worthy of the fame and good name of Washtenaw.
Forty-six years ago " war's dread alarm " was sounded, and the brave men of Washtenaw hastened to drive back the ruthless in- vader who was trying to rob Michigan of some of its fair territory. The Toledo war has its place in history.
Forty-five years ago the excitement ran high in Washtenaw with reference to the rights of a State to retain its territory against the dictation of the General Government.
Forty-three years ago the first railroad was built through the county, and it was then placed in close connection, by means of the iron horse, with the rest of the world.
Twenty years ago the news was flashed over the wires that the rebels had made an attack upon and compelled the surrender of Fort Sumter. Immediately a call was issued by the President for 75,000 men, and supplemented in a few days afterwards for 300,000 more. The brave sons of Washtenaw, ever ready to respond to their country's call, rushed to the front, and upon the fierce battle- fields of the South many of them poured out their life's blood.
Washtenaw county in the past has always taken an advanced po- sition. Never has it taken a backward step. Whether in the cause of religion, temperance, or education, it has always stood in the front. In educational progress, no county can compare with it. Its University, its Normal, its graded and its public schools, are all of the best. As it has been in the past, so, doubtless, it will be in the future.
598
HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
WASHTENAW COUNTY OF TO-DAY.
As it is impossible for the pen of the historian to do justice to the past, even so will he fail to properly present the Washtenaw of to- day. No county in the State can show a better record. In its churches, its schools, its manufacturing interests, its public and private buildings, in fact everything that goes to show a progressive people, it has taken a leading position. It has to-day two incorpo- rated cities, four incorporated villages, and four unincorporated villages. It has a population of 42,000 thrifty and enterprising people. The great power of the Huron and tributary streams have been utilized, and scores of manufacturing institutions flourish upon their banks.
In the early day citizens of Washtenaw county met for worship in school-houses, barns, or private dwelling houses, anywhere they were permitted, and glad were they of the opportunity; to-day churches are upon every hand, from the plain, unpretending frame. where a few zealous men and women gather together " in the name of Jesus," to the imposing brick or stone, with bells pealing forth a joyful welcome to one and all to come and " drink of the waters of life."
The old log school-house has long since been displaced, and to- day are found, especially in the larger villages and cities, school buildings of handsome architectural appearance, costing many thousands of dollars each, and equipped with every appliance that can promote the cause of education. The comfort of pupils has been secured by the introduction of suitable seats and desks. Maps. globes, philosophical apparatus, music, libraries, cominodious play- grounds, well ventilated apartments, beautiful plants and flowers. are all used as accessories, and the result is a humanizing influence. A large revenue derived from taxation is annually raised sufficient to maintain a scholarly corps of teachers. In addition to the public schools there are in the county two institutions of learning that have a world-wide fame, the University of Michigan, located at Ann Arbor, and the State Normal School, at Ypsilanti. Under the most patient, persistent efforts they have been made what they are, a credit to the county and State, and to the general cause of edu- cation.
Washtenaw county boasts of another civilizing influence in her newspapers, 14 weekly and one daily ; all of which are well and ably edited.
In manufactures, though not so large as some others, yet a very respectable showing is made. The paper-mills and flouring-mills do a large and flourishing business.
In agriculture and horticulture, Washtenaw county stands in the front of all the counties in Michigan. Little vacant land is to be found in any part of the county; many acres, which a few years ago were thought to be worthless on account of swamps, are to-day the most productive farms in the State.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
SALEM TOWNSHIP.
The history of Salem is happily without any of those terribly sensational characteristics which at the period of their occurrence startle a community, and the history of which would now cause a blush of shame to mantle the face of a citizen of the township wherein such deeds were committed. Salem does not offer one such event to history. Its record is one of pure and simple progress, unmarked by crime or whisky. In the compilation of this his- torical sketch the members of the township pioneer committee have given a singularly able co-operation,-a co-operation expected only from men who take a pride in carrying out promises whether made or implied. The biographical section of this history, though beyond the control of the committee or of the writer of thissketch, has been well prepared, and in its compilation the men of the town- ship made light the labors of the biographer.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF SALEM.
The first American settlers of Salem were John Dickenson. Joseph Dickenson and Mrs. Amy Dickenson, all natives of New York, who left Seneca county in 1825, and located lands on sections 13 and 14, in the fall of that year. About the same period Elkanah Pratt, better known as Dr. Pratt, met John Dickenson in the forest and claimed him as a neighbor, so that for a long period the question, Who is the first bona-fide settler? was discussed. Now, however, it is conceded that the honor belongs to the Dicken- sons, as they preceded Dr. Pratt by a few days. In 1827 Dickenson built the first log barn ever erected in the township, and three years later (1830) constructed the first frame barn. Edmund Pratt, son of the Doctor, came in 1826, and erected the first log dwelling- house. Jesse Peters and Mrs. Peters arrived in the township with Mr. Pratt. Royal Wheelock came as early as the year 1825; Aaron Blood in October, 1825; he settled in Salem in 1826; Joseph Lapham, in1828; Jacob Bullock, in April, 1827; Constant Woodworth, in 1826; Daniel S. Burch, in 1827; P. C. Murray, in 1828; Luther Gray- han, in 1829; Orson Packard, in 1828; George Renwick, in 1827; John Renwick, in 1825; Joseph Stevens, in 1826; Samuel, John and Robert McCormick, three brothers, in 1827; Ashley Root, in 1830:
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