History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 73

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457

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 73

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John Hall (deceased), who passed to his final rest in 1880, was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Dexter tp. He was born May 30, 1803, in Eaton tp., Washington Co., N. Y. His parents were members of the early Society of Friends, and he was reared in the "straight and narrow way," as his after life fully indicated. His mother died when he was an infant, and he was given to the care and protection of his grandmother till his father's second marriage, four years later, when he moved to Oxford, Che- nango Co., in 1808, remaining there six years. In 1814 he moved to Mayfield, Montgomery Co., and lived there till 1817. His father being a mechanic, John naturally took to the use of tools, and became quite proficient in that business. When a young man he formed a partnership with one Belding, and they did a thriving business in the jobbing line, up to 1837, when he emigrated with his parents to Michigan, settled in Lenawee county, where he fol- lowed his trade until he came to Dexter tp., in 1841. In this lat- ter place he developed one of the best farms in the county, raised a

Bit Chamberlain

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DEXTER TOWNSHIP.

family of children, and died at the ripe old age of 77. The old farm was left to his son John, jr., who now resides in a new house opposite the old homestead. John Hall, jr. was born Dec. 4, 1843, received his early education at Ypsilanti, and completed it at Ann Arbor. At the age of 33 he married Kate B. Gleason, daughter of A. W. Gleason, of Dexter. This marriage took place March 21, 1876. They have been blessed with 2 sons-Eugene W., deceased, and Homer G. Mr. H. is a member of the A. O. U. W., and also of the Masonic fraternity. The Hall estate consists of 215 acres of cultivated land and 25 acres of timbered land, all lying on sec. 25.

Green Johnson, Dexter tp., was born at New Lisbon, Otsego Co., N. Y., Aug. 13, 1828, and is a brother of the next mentioned. He came to Michigan with his parents at the age of 13, and received the greater part of his education in the district schools of this county. With industry and perseverance he acquired a small property, and from time to time has added to his possessions, till at present he owns 192 acres of good land, of which 50 is tim- bered, all lying on secs. 29 and 30. On Feb. 1, 1860, he was mar- ried to Cynthia W. Ferguson, born May 8, 1835, and of Scotch descent, having come with her parents to Michigan in 1838 and settled in Ann Arbor. They have 4 children living-Albert, Ettie, Ella and Freddie. Mr. J. has been a prominent man in politics, and filled the office of Township Treasurer in 1858, and that of Commissioner in 1873.

Horace N. Johnson, Dexter tp., is a native of Lisbon tp., Otsego Co., N. Y., where he was born in 1819. His father, Peleg Johnson, was of English descent, and his mother, Abigail Olive, of Welsh parentage. They came to Dexter tp. in 1833, when Horace was 14 years old. He received liberal schooling in New York, and also after coming to this county. At the age of 21 he had mastered the wheelwright trade, but never followed it as a business. On Nov. 9, 1846, he was married to Hannah Risley, and 8 children were the fruits of this union, 5 of whom are living-Clarence, Emeline, Valorus B., Willis N. and Herbert. The mother of these children passed away from earth Jan. 29, 1867. Mr. J. mar- ried Mary J. Brown, of Dexter, born at Palmyra, Ontario Co., N. Y., daughter of Jacob Brown. She came to Michigan with her parents at the age of two years. Mr. Johnson is the pos- sessor of 160 acres of land on sec. 29, and 200 acres on sec. 30. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a highly respected citizen.

Hon. William A. Jones, deceased, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., Oct. 2, 1811, and in 1833 removed with his parents from Mon- roe county, N. Y., to Michigan, settling upon the farm on which he died, in Dexter tp., the following summer. At the age of 25 he married Elizabeth S. Kidmore. Mrs. Jones died in 1858. About the year 1843 or '44 he was elected Supervisor of the township, an

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

office which he filled for 13 years, and nine years in succession. He was once elected State Senator, and was seldom free from the duties of some township office until failing health compelled him to de- cline being nominated for any office. He was a passionate admirer of flowers, and always had large beds of them at home, which he tended with the utmost care and precision. His health gradually declined for several years, although for the most part he was comfort- able until during the last two years of his life, when he suffered at times intensely. The disease that terminated his life on this earth was consumption.

Alfred Lavey, farmer, Dexter tp., was born in New York Dec. 28, 1833, and is the son of Patrick and Rose Lavey, natives of Ire- land. His parents emigrated to America in 1827, and settled in New York, where they remained seven years. They then removed to Michigan, and settled in Dexter tp., in 1837, when the subject of this sketch was about four years old. He received a common educa- tion in the district schools of the county, but at the age of 19 was seized with the " gold fever," and went to California, remaining there engaged in mining till 1856, when he returned home. He had been somewhat successful during his four years' absence, and in 1857 was married to Ann Murthey, of Ann Arbor, purchased 80 acres of land on section 27, erected a comfortable house and set- tled down to active farm life. They have been blessed with 9 children-Francis, Rosanna, Charles, George, Elizabeth, William, Ellen, Louis, and Mary. Mr. L. has added to his estate at different periods, and at present owns 182 acres of fine farm land. He is a man of steady habits, a good citizen, and enjoys the respect of all with whom he is acquainted.

Christopher Mc Guire, farmer, Dexter tp., was born in North Ireland May 10, 1840, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1848, and to this county the same year, where he located on sec. 28 of Dexter tp. He suffered the loss of his mother in early life, she dying on board the vessel during the voyage to this country. His father died at his home in Dexter tp., Aug. 30, 1868, where the subject of our sketch now resides. He was married Sept. 15, 1865, to Anna Rabbit, of this county, and she bore him 7 children- Michael. Mary, Agnes, Rose, Emma, Alice and Christopher. She died Feb. 13, 1879. Mr. M. is the happy possessor of 515 acres of good land in Dexter and Lima tps.

W. H. Newell, farmer, living on sec. 25, one mile south of Hudson Corners, Dexter tp., was born in Middlebury tp., Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 24, 1847, where he was reared and educated. IIe came to Michigan in 1867, and located at Howell, Livingston county, where he was engaged in the fruit-tree business, and soon after appointed Deputy Sheriff, serving in that capacity for five months, then tendered his resignation, and since that time has fol- lowed farming as an occupation. Dec. 19, 1872, he was married to Eunice L. Warner, of Dexter, and settled in their present home, consisting of 65 acres of excellent land, eight acres being covered

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DEXTER TOWNSHIP.

by timber. Mr. N. has filled several local offices, to the satisfaction of all.

Henry J. Phelps, farmer, is the son of Isaiah and Clarissa Phelps, and was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., April 3, 1815. His parents removed to Michigan in 1832 and settled on sec. 33, Dexter tp., where the former died in 1864 at the age of 80; the latter departed this life f# 1878, at the advanced age of 88. Mr. P. has operated the homestead farm since 1843, and cared for his parents till death called them away. In 1844 he married Caroline Kellogg, a native of New York, and of New England descent. This union has been blessed with 3 children-Francis, wife of James Doty, of Dexter tp., Marion and Clara. Mr. P. owns 200 acres of land, 15 acres timbered, and in connection with his wife is a consistent member of the M. E. Church at Dexter.

Jesse Scott, farmer, sec. 36, Dexter tp .; P. O., Dexter; was born in Massachusetts in 1818, and is a son of Lemuel S. and Nancy (Bowen) Scott, natives of Massachusetts and of Scotch descent. They came to this county in 1831 and settled in Lima tp., where the former died in 1872 and the latter in 1854. Jesse was married Feb. 22, 1844, to Louisa Adams, born in New York in 1821, daughter of Nathan and Sallie Adams. Two children were born to them-Eugene M. and Frank A. Mrs. Scott died in 1847, and in 1848 he married Eunice C. Donaldson, born in New York in 1820, daughter of Benjamin and Eunice (Thompkins) Donald- son, natives of Massachusetts. They have 2 children-Edwin L. and Jemima L. Mr. Scott was elected Collector of Dexter tp., for one term, and at present owns 160 acres of well-improved land.

Andrew Smith, deceased, father of W. D. Smith, of Dexter township, was born at Annon, Scotland, in 1790, and came to this country with his parents in 1796, landing at the port of New York. His father was a surveyor by profession, but was offered and accepted a position as landscape gardener for Aaron Burr, remain- ing in this position two years, and then removing to Monroe Co., N. Y., where he followed his profession and accumulated quite a property, dying there in 1821. Andrew being a third heir, received but a small portion of the estate, according to the laws regulating the division of property. He had acquired a good education, which he found of great benefit to him in after life. In 1815 he was married to Lucinda Dillingham, and settled in Monroe county, where their 7 children were born, of whom was W. D. Smith, born May 21, 1828, and Maria, born Sept. 24, 1819. He came to Michigan in 1839, and entered sec. 16, Dexter tp., where he settled, and lived till death called him up higher. He died in October, 1849, at the age of 59. His son, W. D. Smith, owns 420 acres of the old section, 320 of which are improved. He has held several local offices, and is a prominent officer of the North Lake Grange.

William E. Stevenson was born at Hackensack, N. J., Oct. 23, 1831. His father, Hay Stevenson, was of Scotch birth, and emi'.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

grated to America when a young man; was married and remained in the East till 1833, when he came to Michigan with his family of 4 children, and settled on sec. 18, in Dexter tp. In this place William E. was sent to the district school, and obtained as liberal an education as it offered. On April 9, 1862, he was married to Margaret E. Southerton, but she only survived nine years after these nuptials were celebrated, leaving him childless. He married Anna C. Webb April 8, 1873. Three children are the fruits of this union-Emma L., Anna C. and William E. Mr. Stevenson owns 260 acres of land in Dexter tp., 160 acres in Oakland county, also 50 acres in Grand Rapids, Mich. He is an honorable man in all his dealings, and a successful farmer. Mrs. S. is a member of the North Lake M. E. Church.

Augur Taylor, farmer, Dexter tp., was born in England, Jan. 8, 1824, and emigrated to America with his parents, George and Nancy Taylor, in 1841. They came westward and settled in Una- dilla tp., Livingston county, Mich., where he remained with his parents until 1853, when he made a two years' trip to California in search of his fortune, returning in the spring of '55 with a comfortable sum in his pocket. He then purchased of David Dudley 240 acres of land on sec. 24, Dexter tp., where he now resides. Oct. 10, 1866, he was married to Elizabeth Ann Flinlaft, of Northfield tp., and the result of this alliance has been 6 chil- dren ---- Carrie A., Lillie G., Sarah N., Mary E., Myrta May and Bertie A., all of whom are living. In 1878 Mr. Taylor erected upon his property one of the finest residences in Dexter tp., being finished in modern style with latest improved conveniences. He enjoys the respect and good will of all his neighbors.

R. S. Whalen, farmer, Dexter tp., was born at Hartford, Conn., in 1845. His father, Thomas Whalen, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America when but a youth. He was a sculptor of some ability, and followed his profession as a life work, in the different towns and cities lying between New Orleans and New York. He died in the latter place when Robert was 10 years old, and where he had received an early education. Mrs. W. married Daniel Hagerty, with whom she removed to Michigan in 1855, bringing her son with her, and where he finished his education. In 1862 he enlisted in the 7th Mich. Cavalry, and served three years and 41 days in doing gallant and noble work in that long and memor- able conflict, engaging in 42 battles, and being only wounded once, which was a saber cut on his forehead. He was taken prisoner at Yellow Tavern, Va., May 11, 1864, and marched to Andersonville prison, where he suffered the untold agonies of hunger and thirst for four long, weary, dreary months. At the end of this time he was transferred to Milan and held for two months; afterward re-captured by the "boys in blue," and received an honorable dis- charge July 15, 1865. In 1867 he married Harriet E. Johnson, and by this union 2 sons were born to them, Emmet and Thomas. The mother died in 1863. In 1877 he married Mrs. Emma J.

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DEXTER TOWNSHIP.

Glenn, widow of B. H. Glenn. By this latter alliance 1 child has been born, a daughter, named Mabel, born Nov. 8, 1880. Mrs. W had 2 sons by her first marriage-Robert D. and Benjamin H. Mr. Whalen owns 160 acres on sec. 17 and 40 acres on sec. 8, which are the result of a life-long work, full of trials and hardships, but now sufficient to enable him to live comfortably the remainder of his days on this earth.

William Wood, farmer, Dexter tp., was born in New York Feb. 3, 1834, and emigrated to Michigan with his parents in 1844, set- tling in Oakland county. Mr. Wood's father was a carpenter by trade, and the son acquired enough of this trade when a boy to turn it to practical use in the future. After coming to this county, he entered school at Ypsilanti, where he obtained a fair education. Nov. 15, 1855, he was married to Lucy M. Glenn, daughter of John Glenn. They have 6 children-Jane, Lucy M., Clara B., Mary A., Bertha E. and Mattie M. He owns 140 acres of good tillable land, and is a member of the M. E. Church and North Lake Grange.

LYNDON TOWNSHIP.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS.

The township comprises 36 sections within the boundaries men- tioned in the act of organization. The soil is a sandy loam, with clay subsoil in many places. Many tamarack swamps are found within its limits, producing some good timber; but the principal timber is comprised in oak and hickory.

The lakes are numerous and beautiful. In many places the crystal sheets lay untroubled, embosomed within their surrounding hills. They comprise South lake, Collins lake, Bruen lake, Ireland lake, Gorman's lake, Clarke's lake, Watson lake, Cassidy's lake, Sugar- Loaf lake, Mud lake, Spruce lake, Sullivan lake, Wild-Goose lake, Half-Moon lake, Blind lake, Eagle lake, Daniel's lake, Boyce lake, n section 8, Wessel's lake, in section 18, Moran lake in section 29, Rook lake in section 35, and Moore lake in section 36. The ponds are extraordinary in their number and constituents. Few of them are surrounded with those murky formations peculiar to such small bodies of water, while many are almost great springs in the quality of their waters and clear approaches. The most extensive lake is South lake, which extends from the northeast quarter of section 10 to the heights in the northeastern portion of section 16. The southeast portion, with Eagle lake, and expansions of Gorman creek, may be said to occupy the greatest part of the northwest quarter of section 15. Collins, Bruen and Daniel's lakes, with six smaller bodies or ponds, are found in the northern sections of the township. Island lake, in section 23, presents a landscape pecu- liarly beautiful. Sugar-Loaf lake lies hidden behind a hill bearing a similar name; it covers a large area, and with Mud lake appears to occupy one-thirty-sixth part of the township. Cassidy's, Clarke's, Rook and Moore lakes are found in the southern sections. Through- out the district hill and valley abound, so that with all its lakes, streams, forests and homes, the township forms a tract characterized by a beauteous picturesqueness.

The salt springs of Lynd on are numerous and rich. The Hilde burgh lime rock, found in the township, is covered with shells and forms, perhaps one of the strangest subjects treated in the geological chapter. It may be said that every acre of land within the township is in the hands of an occupying proprietary. The mineral produc- tions are confined to tufa and shell marl. The district is purely an agricultural one.

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LYNDON TOWNSHIP.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES.

The number of acres of improved land in the township is set down at 11,433, the number unimproved 7,795, the number of farms 123. An equal division of the 19,228 acres of land in the township would show 1563 acres per farm. The number ofacres under wheat in 1879 was 2,795, yielding an average of 18.91 bushels per acre, and produc- ing in toto 52,853 bushels. In May, 1880, there were 3,000 acres sown under wheat.

The corn crop of 1879 yielded 68,468 bushels, grown on 1,212 acres; while the 234 acres devoted to oats produced 6,781 bushels. Three hundred and sixty-four acres of clover yielded 448 bushels of seed, and 16 acres of barley produced 303 bushels. Seventy-five acres planted with potatoes gave a yield of 4,387 bushels; 1,946 acres of grass land produced 2,140 tons of hay.

This exhibit does of itself show the wealth of the soil. Though dealing with 1879, it refers, in one instance, to the number of acres under wheat in 1880; and if the acreage has been so increased for the other crops, the statistics of 1880 will show an advance at once steady and encouraging.

SETTLEMENT.

In August, 1833, the pioneer brothers, Selah B., Josiah H. and Harrison W. Collins, arrived in the township. Without tarrying for a day of zephyr breezes they erected a forester's wigwam, cut & quantity of luxuriant blue-grass with which they surrounded their primitive house, and otherwise prepared for the advance of winter. Early in November they raised the first log house ever erected within the confines of Lyndon, but this remained untenanted until Jan. 1, 1834, when the eldest brother moved into it, with his newly wedded wife. During that year a clearance of 40 acres in extent was effected by the Collins brothers, and this joined two extensive plains, all of which received the name "Collins' Plains," and the lake near by that of "Collins' lake."

OTHER PIONEERS.

After S. B. Collins had established his home in this beautiful land, many flocked thither to make it their home also. During 1834-'35 the new settlement received substantial additions: Abner Bruen, John Green, Henry G. Holmes, Michael Gilman, Samuel Boyce, Nathan Rose, Dr. John Cooper, Abraham Burgitt, John Twomley, Alfred Bruce, Jasper Moore, William Watts, John Cole- man, Hugh Wade, David Coleman, James Stryker, William Wil- cox and George Sellars.

On New Year's Day, 1836, Josiah H. Collins and his wife settled on the farm now occupied by his brother Sidney. During the following summer he set out the first orchard ever planted in the

740

HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

township. Other settlers flocked toward the land in 1836, among whom were Horace Leek and family, who located on section 18; Eli Rockwell, on section 8; Orman Clark, on section 34, who is still living on the farm; Jesse Rose, Owen McIntee, on section 19, died in 1880 (this settler had reached the age of something over 104 years); John and Hugh Cassidy, on sections 32 and 33; Joseph Yocum, father of John K. Yocum; John and Ira Gifford, John Davidson, Joseph Webster and Stephen Dow, with families and friends. Patrick Haggerty, William Bott and Washington Beer- man made entries of their lands in 1836, but no improvements until 1837. A great many of the early settlers came from other portions of the county, and after once getting a good start the township settled up rapidly.

THE FIRST WHITE WOMAN

in the town was Mrs. Parmelia Collins, daughter of John Green, who settled on the farm now owned by Jeremiah Pickell, in 1836. Mr. Green died in 1880. Mrs. Winans and Mrs. Garry Briggs came soon after and were Parmelia Collins' first neighbors, although they settled in Livingston county, near the line.

THE PROMISED LAND.

In the earlier years the county was known as the "Promised Land," a name given all that part of the town west of the Short Hills, by Elnathan Noble, who a few years prior to the settlement made by the Collins's, had been on a hunting tour; and on getting on a high hill, not far from the village of Unadilla, looked west- ward, and, seeing the beautiful scope of country west of the Short Hills, returned to his friends in the eastern part of the county and told them that he had discovered the " Promised Land."

ORGANIC.

Prior to the organization of Lyndon that portion of Washtenaw, with Unadilla and Josce, of Livingston county, formed a district attached to this county for judicial purposes.

The first election for township officers was held on the first Monday of April, 1833,which resulted in the choice, for supervisor, of John Drake; for clerk, Peter N. Hurd; for justice, Elnathan Noble; treasurer, James McIntyre; for commissioners of high- ways, Selah B. Collins, E. Noble and Francis Lincoln. At the October election held in 1835 Stevens T. Mason got 7 votes for Governor. Edward Mundy received 1 vote. Seven votes were given in favor of adopting the Constitution and 3 against.

The township of Lyndon was organized under the act of the Territorial Government, approved in 1836, laying off that portion of Washtenaw county set forth in the United States' survey, as

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LYNDON TOWNSHIP.

township 1 S., of R. 3 east, into a township to be named Lyndon, and directing that the primary meeting of electors be held at the house of John Green. Subsequently, in April, 1837, the pioneers assembled as directed to the number of 42, conferred the honor of first supervisorship upon Horace Leek and elected Jesse Rose for the office of township clerk. This very important event in the his- tory of Lyndon occurred four years after the first settlers had established for themselves a home, and at a time when the entire voters of the township did not exceed 42 persons.

The supervisors of the township since organization comprise Horace Leek, Selah B. Collins, Wm. Wilcox, E. L. Day, John K. Yocum, Thomas Clarke, Washington Beeman, Geo. Rowe, Wm. Wessell, Thomas Young and Benj. C. Boyce. The clerks comprise the names of Jesse' Rose, John K. Yocum, Stephen Dow, John Harrington, Andrew J. Boyce, Andrew Greening, jr., Parminus Watts, Fred. A. Howlett and John Clark.

The list of treasurers comprise, among others, the following names: Samuel Boyce, Elnathan Skidmore, Aaron Palmer, Felix O'Neil, P. Watts, Patrick McKune and H. J. Drake. The latter has held the office for a period of 12 years.

PRESENT TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The supervisor of Lyndon is Benjamin C. Boyce; township clerk, John Clark; treasurer, Henry J. Drake; Wellington Bow- dish, justice of the peace, elected to serve until 1884. Walter Webb, Edward May and Edward Forman are also justices of the peace. Wm. Harrison Collins, commissioner of highways and drains. Wm. Stansfield, constable.

Benjamin C. Boyce held the office of justice for a period of 23 years, Horace Leek for 12; W. Webb, 16 years; Wm. Wilcox, 8 years; Michael Gilman was elected justice at the town meeting of 1837; Thomas Young was supervisor for 12 years; Horace Leek for 6 years; Wm. Stansfield has held the position of con- stable for 14 years.

CHURCHES.

There are no churches in the township, although the large major- ity of the people belong to one section or another of the Christian Church. The proximity of Chelsea, Dexter, Unadilla and Waterloo churches renders the building of houses of worship unnecessary.

TAVERNS.

There has not been a tavern in the township for the last 35 years. In the early years of settlement Wade, Snyder, Buck, Mosier and Healy kept houses of entertainment, and a few of them taverns. Wade's tavern, as described by J. K. Yocum, was a log house cov-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

ered with bark; into the side walls holes were bored, into which pins were driven; on these rested a split board or shelf. On this long shelf a bottle of whisky, a time-worn drinking glass and a pitcher with a broken handle were the only occupants. They got the water from Island lake. The other taverns were similar in al- most every respect.

SCHOOLS.

It has been stated that the first private school was conducted by Miss Angel Green, and the first district school by John K. Yocum. The latter was held in a log school-building erected in the fall of 1837, on section 18, and opened during the winter term. Miss Green was the second. teacher of this district school.

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History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 73

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1457

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457