USA > Michigan > Ionia County > Memorials of the Grand River Valley > Part 19
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The first school in the Flat River settlement, or Vergennes, was taught in 1839, by Miss Caroline Baird, in a log house, built by the Robinsons. She closed her labors in the school by being married in the school house to Mr. Caleb Page. It was made a day of general jubilee. They both now sleep with the dead.
The next school was taught by Miss Maria Winslow, of Grand Rapids. She was the daughter of Dr. Winslow-the pioneer physician of the Valley; and for more than twenty years was known as a highly educated and efficient school teacher in Grand Rapids, and the towns around; and many are those who will remember her with veneration. She is now the wife of Heman Leonard, Esq., of Grand Rapids.
The first preacher in the settlement was Elder Mitchell, a Methodist missionary from the Ohio Conference. IIe soon found himself incompetent to endure the hardships incident to his pioneer circuit, and withdrew, to be succeeded by one who could endure them-the Rev. Mr. Frieze. Frieze was made of the right material for a missionary in the back-woods; with a physical constitution that defied labor to fatigue, and a soul singly devoted to his work. He had a cirenit from Grandville to Cook's Corners, in Otisco. On this circuit he was obliged to go on foot, generally guided only by Indian trails; often obliged to camp in the woods at night, when going from
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station to station, engaged in his labor of love. Buoyed by the desire to win souls, he was ready to endure all hardships, and to endure all privations. At one time, coming to Flat River. he got lost in the night, and floundering in the swamps, and wandering in the woods, his clothes were torn in tatters. Emerging at length, hungry and faint, he was ready to preach: but he was not in decent trim to appear before his back-woods' audience. He was supplied with clothing, and filled his ap- pointment.
Frieze made his home for a time in Cannon, and is num- bered there as one of the first settlers. He is now supposed to be in Ohio. Should he come in to the Grand River Valley. many an old pioneer would greet him with a double welcome. and a "God bless you, Frieze." It takes faith and godliness to preach on a circuit of forty miles, go on foot, and get no pay for it; but not much of either to preach for $5,000 a year, in a fashionable church, with the admiring eyes of a thousand to keep one in countenance. The poor heretical writer thinks he could preach under such circumstances; but such labors as those of Frieze, he is afraid he should leave to such as Frieze.
Lowell was set off from Vergennes, and organized as a town, April, 184S. The first election was held at the house of D. A. Marvin. The first officers were:
Cyprian S. Hooker, Supervisor; Timothy White, Clerk; C. S. Hooker, Daniel McEwan, Samuel P. Rolf, Ira A. Danes, Justices.
In 1849, by the Legislature, a bridge was authorized at Lowell.
In 1857, 500 acres of land were apprepriated for improving Flat River.
In 1857 the name of the village was changed from Danville to Lowell.
In 1859 an act legalizing the incorporation of Lowell was passed. (It had before been incorporated by the supervisors.)
The village never organized under this act of incorporation. In 1861 Lowell village incorporated by the Legislature.
In 1869 Lowell was authorized to re-survey.
Such in brief is the legislative history of Lowell. To give
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it, we have anticipated the history. Returning to the early times: A tract of land on the east side of the Flat River had been set apart as University lands; and had been pre-empted by Luther Lincoln, who built a log house there, which was used by Dan. A. Marvin as a tavern. Lincoln sold out his claim to Daniel Marsac, who, in 1847, platted it; and, liking his own name, called it Dansville. In 1950, Abel Avery, of Ionia, bought out Marsac. As yet Dansville was only a paper village. In 1846 Cyprian S. Hooker came from Boston; put up the first frame house; and moved his family into it two weeks from the time he commenced. In 1847 he erected a grist-mill, bringing the water in a race. In 1849 he built a dam across Flat River. He showed the Yankee disposition to do something. From his enterprise the village took its start. Soon a respectable public house was built by Mr. Avery; and by degrees the place developed, until it has become one of the smartest villages that are dotting the West; the Flat River is used to nearly or quite its full capacity for driving mills and machinery. It is a market town for the region north and south; doing perhaps as much business as any vil- lage of its size in the State.
As a village it sprung into existence. It was only a ham- let, with its mill, its tavern, its stores, etc., on a small scale until the D. & M. Railroad was constructed. Then, what had been a vision of fancy in the mind of Marsac, Avery, and a few others, became a fixed reality-Lowell must be a market town. Capital was attracted there, and men of enter- prise selected it as their place to achieve fortunes. It did not grow up, as grow the villages that surrouned a mill, but sprung at once into a form that was based on solid substance. The style of building indicates independence, and little of the make-shift of many new places. Its blocks of stores would do credit to a larger place. Its streets, filled with teams, show trade. . Its mills and manufacturing concerns give evidence of business life. The churches show that religion has a hold there, and the well-sustained Union School is evidence that intellect and culture are not ignored; and the cosy houses bespeak a refined and independent people.
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IIUSTED'S NURSERIES.
HIusted's Nurseries, the largest in Michigan, were begun in 1862, on one-half an acre of land. In 1863, three acres were added. In 1864 Hnsted purchased eighty acres, and set out 40,000 apple trees, and a small assortment of other fruits. From that time he enlarged rapidly, going into a general nursery business, until. in 1872, the nurseries covered 200 acres of ground, and the sales were $50,000 a year. But it is sad to say that when blown up to this size, it "busted," and promises not to be so big a thing hereafter. In 1874, the property passed from Mr. Insted, into the hands of assignees, and Mr. Husted was left to ruminate on the impropriety of doing too big a business. IIe talks just as the boy does, whose father is putting him through a course of sprouts: "I never will do so again." There is such a thing as doing too big a business. Many a man has to go under because his debts are half as much as the amount owed to him. The balance sheet shows rich, but stern fact says, all is not well, that looks well on paper.
Hatchi & Craw's flouring-mill is a thriving concern, and the men who own it mean business.
And we would specially notice the enterprise of the Blodgett Brothers, who run a snug woolen factory. The making of cloth has in general been left to the States further east. We send our wool there, and then buy it back in the shape of cloth. It is hazardous, away from the manufacturing centers, to in- vest capital in cotton or woolen factories, for the reason that it is about impossible to get the skilled labor necessary to carry on the business. Men are unwilling to put themselves under the power of one company, so that, if discharged, they must go without employment, or go five hundred miles to seek it. For that reason, the manufacture of cotton has not come to us at all, and only a small number of woolen factories are in Michigan-those generally doing a small business. Knowing that these disadvantages attend the woolen manufacturer in Michigan, we look on the man or company that starts a pioneer factory with special favor; and hail their enterprise as we do
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that of the hardy woodsman, who opens the way with his ax. To invest $1,000,000 in a woolen or cotton factory at the East is only a business enterprise-an investment of capital. The man or company, that does it, is on a par with those who put up immense saw-mills in the pine regions of Michigan. The old Indian Mill at Grand Rapids, which would, with its clumsy sash, cut 1,000 feet of boards in a day, was a thing for history to commemorate; the bigger concerns that followed, are looked on only as things of business. The day will come when the Grand River region will be dotted with cotton and woolen manufactories; when the Grand, the Flat, the Rogue and the Thornapple rivers will be utilized; and the whirr of the spin- dle and the elack of the loom will enliven the cities and vil- lages on their banks. God speed you, Blodgett, in your at- tempt to prove that Michigan may manufacture, as well as raise, its wool.
It is true that all good things do not come at once. The saw-mill is the pioneer. Immediately follows the indispensa- ble grist-mill. Then come manufactures in wood; and, as the evidence that a higher plane is reached, of the textile fabrics, and articles of luxury and taste. Michigan is"still a young State, and has not reached her highest development; but, like John Brown's soul, she is "marching on."
The grave historian may stoop from his dignity, and speak of trifles light as air, for the amusement of the gay. But no apology is made for this little story of Rodney Robinson of carly times:
In 1837, Robinson went to Kalamazoo for bread stuff. IIe stayed over night at Yankee Springs. Many other teamsters were there, and also a minister. Yankee Lewis had a large fire-place, and the wood had burned down, leaving a great bed , of coals. Before going to bed they had prayers, and as they were getting ready to retire, a big bully, by the name of Scott, seized Rodney's dog and threw him upon the coals, evidently to pick a quarrel. Rodney seized Scott, and Scott followed dog. The company.cheered, and the minister said, " Amen; God bless you!" Scott was badly burned, but seeing the eye of Rodney, was not at all disposed to try his revenge. IIc
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said-" Guy Rivers! I did not suppose there was a man here who could do that." Robinson said-" I did.' Seott felt fight, but concluded to let out the job. We hope the lesson was remembered by the bully, and that a wholesome fear af- terwards would arise in his mine, lest the dog he would injure, should prove to be "a spaniel."
Young as Lowell is, it has had its centenarian, in the per- son of Mrs. Lucky, mother of Mrs. Patrick. She died, aged 103. Hler portrait was taken when she was 100.
In contemplating these rare specimens of humanity, who outlive their generation and themselves, we can see the full beauty of the language of a Shenandoah chief, who said: "I am an aged hemlock. The winds of an hundred winters have whistled through my branches; I am dead at the top. Why I alone of all my kindred remain, the Great Spirit only knows." But,-
Life's long waking ended, She sweetly sleeps at last.
NELSON.
Nelson was one of the last towns organized in Kent county, being content to remain a part of a double town, until she had men enough to fill the town offiees, without giving each man an office, and the best man two or three. Instead of claiming to be of age when a dozen voters could be mustered. she waited until she had fifty-four. The town was set off, and named by the Board of Supervisors, Oct. 13th, 1854. It was organized at the house of Charles H. Leake, April 2d, 1855. with the following officers;
Supervisors, Geo. Hoyle; Clerk, Geo. N. Stoddard; Treas- urer, Charles H. Leake; Justiees, Simpson Anderson, Samuel Punches, Harlow H. Stanton.
It matters little who were the pioneers of Nelson. The first use of the town was to rob it of its pine, of which it had an abundance. Stripped of that, it was not inviting. Its settle- ment and its enterprise have been governed by pine. That is disappearing, and the second class of enterprise is developing
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itself-that of making homes and farms on the stripped pine lands. It is a laborious business; but it is to be observed that where soil is, man will cultivate it. Where there is a chance, a man will live. The pioneer picks out the best land, if he has brains and judgment; he holds on upon it, clears it up, and gets rich, of course. What is left is taken afterwards by those, who do not choose to lead a hermit life in the backwoods, until their children have grown up as wild as the beasts in the woods around them. There is the school- house, where his children can be taught; the church, where he and his can worship; society, that he can enjoy; and a piece of-not the best, but still fair-land, where he can make him a farm. He does not look for future wealth, but for a respectable home, and he achieves his wish. & The writer, in search of knowledge, found himself in Nelson. Being some- what weary with his ramblings, he stopped by the road-side to chat with a man past middle age, who, with his son, was clearing up a piece of stripped pine land. He pitied the old gentleman, as he looked at the frightful array of stumps, that must be eradicated, before his land could have a decent appearance. He sat down on a log, lit his pipe, and having cast a sympathizing glance at the man and his son, began to condole with them. But he soon found that he had better spend his sympathy on those, who, like himself, feel they are wise on subjects they have never investigated-a great class, who are hard to argue with. It is generally found to be true, that people who have an opinion on a subject they know nothing of, are satisfied with very feeble arguments to sup- port it. The present philosopher found the man was glad to have secured for himself and family the ownership of that land, and gave the reasons, above shown, for securing it. " He could get a living on it, and they were among folks." The result was that the traveler, as he rose from the log, rested from his fatigue, was prepared to proceed on his way, a wiser man. Hence the profound philosophical reflections above. He determines that henceforth he will not pity those who do not feel their grief.
It is now believed that Wmn. II. Bailey, who came in July,
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'51, was the first settler in the town. He was soon followed by John S. Jones and some fifty others. Had they come in when civilized man was far away, we would have handed down a dozen of the first, as venerated pioneers. But as it is, a citi- zen of Nelson must have done something besides "locate" to be deemed worthy of historical mention; he must commit some startling crime; have done some noble deed, or "IIere lies Mr. Blank " on a gravestone, will in coming years be all the proof that he ever lived. Then rouse ye, you people of Nelson, or you will be food for oblivion. Do things worth remembering, and the future historian will render you im- mortal.
The village of Cedar Springs is partly in Nelson, and its history is the leading part of the history of the town; that will occupy a separate article.
CEDAR SPRINGS.
Cedar Springs, so named from the fine springs, bordered by a cedar grove, owes its existence as a village to no Providen- tial distinction, but to the will of two men, who said: "Here shall be a village; here shall be a county seat, and a business center." One of these men is the same N. R. Hill who now dispenses justice in the village he has founded, and who smil- ingly walks the streets, as though he knew he was appreciated -- a man, whom sinners fear, and whom saints respect. As he is still in his prime, we will not write his eulogy. But the day may come, when, as in venerable age he takes the air, the Cedar Springers will doff their beavers as he passes along, recognizing the sagacity that pointed to the location, the wis- dom that fostered the rising place, and the modesty, that did not name it Hillopolis.
The other father of Cedar Springs is Benjamin Fairchild, who platted the part of the village that lies in the township of Solon. He was very influential in getting settlers, and in securing the railroad. We are sorry to record the fact, that in those operations, instead, as he should, of making a fortune, he lost one. But as long as Cedar Springs has an existence, Fairchild will not be forgotten.
These two men, having determined that a place should arise
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on their land, platted their swamp, and invited occupation by giving alternate lots to those who would build. The few wise ones who looked on, put their thumbs on their noses, and winked with the left eye. But they knew, as the railroad was coming north, a place must be built np somewhere about there; it might as well be in their swamp as anywhere. By giving lots or selling for a song, and giving credit for that, they accomplished their end. Cedar Springs is a place, but those who founded it, have to work for a living.
But few people located at Cedar Springs until the railroad was completed to that place. For a time it was the terminus; and it sprung immediately into importance. Mills, for the making of lumber, sprung up as if by magic in the region around; and the lumber interest, centering there, became immense. It is now a lumbering town, there being forty-five saw-mills within five miles of the village. This lumber finds its exit by the railroad, and is tributary to the business of Cedar Springs.
Resting, as it does, on lumber, the place will continue to prosper as long as the lumber lasts. It will by that time be, like Ionia, the central place of a region; the market-town; and as they confidently expect, the county seat of a new county, whose center is about there. They have failed thus far to secure the new county, but probably will in time succeed.
Considering the short existence of Cedar Springs as a place of any importance, we cannot but commend the public spirit that has established her excellent graded school, and erected her noble school-house-perhaps the best in the county ont of Grand Rapids; that has built her two churches-the Baptist and the Methodist; and that is so persistently pushing the project of a new county.
Cedar Springs was incorporated in 1871. The first election under the charter was held at the house of B. Fairchild; ad- journed to the office of John Thetge, April 2d; when and where the following were elected its officers:
Benjamin Fairchild, President; Joseph H. Maze, Recorder; E. P. Hayes, Treasurer; Edward C. Wamsley, Jacob Bickart, Geo. W. Hogle, - Jolinson, R. Kromer, M. Slosson, Trus- tees.
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The village is built of wood, and invites the fire-fiend. Let them take warning from Muskegon.
The " Wolverine Clipper" has been rendered conspicuous by the indestructible Maze.
A Masonic lodge is there, wise in the lore of Solomon and Hiram Abiff. And above all, at Cedar Springs the people have faith in themselves. When making our formal bow to them, we shall wish them God-speed.
Miss Clarinda Stillwell is accredited as being the first teach- er-summer of '57. She is now Mrs. Leathers, and resides in Illinois.
She was followed by Prof. Bicknell and wife. Bicknell was afterwards County Superintendent of Schools; now resides, as a farmer, near Cedar Springs.
The next was Anna Lot. She was the first in the county to g'et a State certificate. She now flourishes in Alpine, as Mrs. Chauncey Field.
Then followed Jenny Lane, a teacher of rare excellence, win- ning hearts, and controlling by genuine respect. She has passed from earth.
Professor Charles Borst had charge of the school one year, assisted by his wife, Miss Maud Lane, and others.
The first school-house was a shanty; the second a good frame building for sixty scholars; the third, which was opened Jan. 1st, 1873, is a noble structure, worth $20,000.
Cedar Springs believes in education.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
Organized Feb. 12th, 1859, with 29 members. Had no settled pastor until Nov., 1863, when the Rev. A. Wellman became pastor. He stayed but a short time. In April, 1854, Rev. N. Stillwell took charge, and remained un- til Oct., 1867; during which time the church increased to 84. Rev. Charles Oldfield took charge Oct. 31st, 1867, and remained until June, 1870; during which time a house of worship was erected, costing about $4,000, and the membership became 105. He was followed, for ten months, by Rev. J. G. Spooner: who was succeeded by the Rev. J. Payne (before and since of the order of United Brethren). In October. 1872. the Rev. Mr. Oldfield again took charge, and remains. Membership, 144.
OAKFIELD.
Oakfield commenced its political existence as a town in 1849.
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It had before been a part of Courtland. The first town meet- ing was held at the school-house, known as the " White Swan" school-house. The first town officers were:
Thomas Spencer, Supervisor; Harry MeArthur, Clerk: Harry Osgood, Treasurer; Harvey D. Pond, David J. Gilbert. Wm. M. Gould, Thomas Spencer, Justices.
In the first organization of towns, the township, where there is a settlement, was constituted a town, with several sparsely settled or vacant townships attached, so that they in their infancy might not be entirely out of the world and in the cold. Oakfield had been in this relation to Courtland. It claimed to be of age in 1847, and petitioned to be set off and author- ized to do business for itself. But, by a legislative blunder, Courtland and Oakfield were reorganized under the name of Wabesis; and as Wabesis they existed together two years. Pity one of them had not retained the well chosen name. In 1849 the error was rectified, and T. 9 N., R. 9. W., started her independent existence, under the not bad name of " Oakfield." It was not, however, exactly independent existence, for T. 10 N. was still considered juvenile, and left temporarily under the maternal guardianship of Oakfield.
The first white man who made the place glad with his smile, or caused it to groan under the strokes of his ax, was our jolly, whole-hearted, genial friend (they all call him friend), Wm. R. Davis. He is there yet-a little older-but just as much of a boy as ever; cannot speak without raising a laugh; is every- body's uncle; and, (may he live forever,) everybody's friend. God bless your genial old soul, Davis, and be hanged to you! if you are not a regular old game-cock! May your family never run out, (there is a little prospect of it,) and your name always be- Wm. R. Davis!
Davis came from Madison Co., N. Y., having temporarily resided at Sharon, Washtenaw Co. His advent in Oakfield was June 5th, 1838. Ile had with him his wife and child, and enough of the world's goods to supply until crops could be raised. IIe "pegged away" in the wilderness alone with his wife and baby for a year; whistling for company, when alone he swung his ax, or hunted the grizzly-no, brown-nosed
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bear; when, lo and behold, some neighbors came-Isaac Tower. Wm. Thornton, and Stephen Tower. These four, with their families, were the sole residents in the town until 1842, when Thomas Crinnion (a son of Erin) and the Rev. David I. Gilbert put in their appearance. Stationary again for two years, when Sheldon .Ashley was added to the little community. Mr. Ashley deserves more than a passing notice. Having some means, he had soul enough to know that the world was not for him alone. Soon settlers eame in greater numbers: many having no property, and suffering hardship. Mr. Ash- ley was their friend in need, helping them along, sympathiz- ing with them; trusting them until they could help them- selves. Mr. A. is still an honored resident, and will not thank the historian for blazoning his deeds. But if he is vexed, it cannot be helped. History deals in deeds and not in feelings. When a light is kindled it is not proper to cover it with a half bushel. His neighbors tell stories about him, and he does not try to live down their reports.
Ashley's brother Abner came with him. He now lives in Greenville.
Several families eame in 1845, as far as we can gather. Benjamin Potter, who is still resident. He ean beat the best man in telling a story. If not happy himself, he has enlivened many an hour for others. Benedicite!
Gabriel Stevens; still lives in his old place; not very old: minds his own business; and of course prospers. May it be long before the angel, whose name he bears, shall eall him.
Eli White, the good old man died in 1863, aged sixty-five. He was a public man; often held town offices; was candid. honest and honorable.
Wm. Gould died about 1865, leaving a large family and a good name.
Thomas Crinnion, now lives in Courtland.
David J. Gilbert moved in with his family in 1842. He was a local preacher; quite an influential citizen; a man who set a good example. He died in 1873, aged about 65.
William Thornton; went to Rockford; was elected sheriff of the county. Now resides in Grand Rapids.
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McArthurs. The three brothers -- Giles, Harry and Eric. (We begin to believe in the traditionary "Three brothers who came over.") The McArthurs came from Ohio in 1845. Of these, Eric died in 1875. The others are still among the substantial men of Oakfield.
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