USA > Michigan > Ionia County > Memorials of the Grand River Valley > Part 45
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There is little credit in being among the early settlers. It was not to go into distant wilds. Civilization had already a strong hold in the Valley, and the river gave easy communi- cation.
In 1843, we find the Jennisons, Freeman Burton, Charles Corey, Mr. E. F. Bosworth, and Stephen Lowing. There were at that time two houses at Jennisonville. Mr. Lowing had a mature family, who have made their mark as prominent citizens in Ottawa county. Lumber brought Lowing.
Soon after 1843, came Seymour Cunningham, Francis Spear. Booth Perry, Jonathan Scott (father of Sheriff Scott), and Andrew Rowles. There is little use in further giving names. for reasons given above.
The first school was No. 1 on Sec. S. It was organized Sept .. 1845: a frame house built at an expense of $112. Miss Ann Evarts (at present Mrs. Angell, of Grand Haven,) was the first teacher. The second school was organized about the same time, and was taught by Miss Bemis (now Mrs. Avery Brit- tain, of Grandville).
In 1838, Geo. Ketchum built the first mills at Jennisonville -a gang saw-mill and a grist-mill. He bought much land, and set out to do a big business; but his grist-mill burned. IIe failed and went to California. The Jennisons bought the water power, and 1,200 acres of land.
Iliram Jennison run the first raft of lumber down the Grand River.
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ALLENDALE.
The history of Allendale is very brief. It was a late day before it was settled at all; and its subsequent history is that of most other towns where lumbering is the chief interest. The land was, the most of it, purchased for its pine, and held for that by speculators and non-residents. Again, about 1836, the spirit of speculation was rife in the Eastern States; and there was a rage for purchasing Western lands. The man who had a little spare cash, came to Michigan or some other West- ern State; hunted the wilds for land; selected the best, and went off; leaving only the undesirable lots for the one who came to locate a home.
Until as late as 1855, a great proportion of the best farming lands was so held-at first with an iron grip; afterwards, from a disrelish of paying taxes-with a looser hand. Most of the really desirable land on the Grand River was so held. This was one of the reasons why townships, one or two removes from the river, were settled before those along its side. Back from the river was land that could be bought at Government price, or with State scrip. Near the river, the land was owned by, no one knew who; and was not open to occupation. Al- lendale, unfortunately, was in this category, and long remained a place for cutting lo'gs and hunting deer.
In June, 1843, Richard Roberts took up the first one hun- dred and sixty acres that was occupied by an actual settler. For several years he kept a place of entertainment for travelers. He sold out and moved to the place where he spent the rest of his life. In 1843-4, came Thomas Jones, John Hanna, and Ephraim Pierson. In 1844, Robert Scott came on; cleared a few acres, and went back. The family, his mother and brothers, Alexander and James, came on and occupied. He followed them two years afterwards. In 1845, Alexander Milne took up his residence in the town. Morris Reed located in 1847. These were the pioneers; others followed slowly.
In 1851, the Methodists formed a society or class of nine mem- bers-Wm. Comfit, Joseph Burlinghame, Johnson Balcom, Al- exander Milne, and their wives, and Lucy J. Spear. The class was formed under the ministration of the Rev. Wm. C. Comfort.
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About 1854, Albert Maxfield, a local preacher, organized a class of Wesleyan Methodists. Some of the other class joined them, and the original society ceased to exist. This society has had an active existence since; has now regular preaching, and some forty members. The society has no church edifice.
The Congregationalists, in 1872, began to bestir themselves; organized a society of about fifteen members, and, with the aid of some whole-hearted sinners, and of liberal people in other places, erected the first, and at present the only, church edifice in the town.
It is to be hoped that the Methodists will take counsel from wisdom, open their purses, appeal to the sinners, and not ap- peal in vain. That much-talked-against class of people are ever found ready to help, for they believe in the gospel, and like those best who pitch into them the hardest. Make the appeal to them, ye Wesleyans, after you have shown, by your own liberality, that you really believe what you profess to, and be assured the appeal will not be in vain.
The first school in the town was kept by Francis M. Burton, a Grand Rapids boy, who, in consideration of the fact that it was his first attempt at teaching-and further, in consideration of the fact that it was all they could pay-taught for $10 a month. This Burton was a genius in his way. When last heard from, he was in Oregon.
The town was organized in 1849; then consisting of town- ships 5, 6 and what of 7 is sonth of the river. The first meet- ing was at the house of Richard Roberts.
The stump machine is at work in Allendale. Until that has done its work, civilized agriculture can make but little progress. Stumps, whether in the fields or in the human mouth, are un- poetic things. Rhyme to "stump" as you will, it is some word with low associations-as "lump, bump, dump, mump, gump, or trump-" the last with double meaning; the one associating it with Gabriel; and the other, with those unseemly pictures with which vacant heads are often amused. A wid- ower with a mouth full of stumps stands but a poor chance, unless his pocket is well lined; and a farm, with these unsightly objects disfiguring it, excites no poetic rapture. But they are
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disappearing, and the fields of Allendale will yet be as beau- tiful as her name. The town is one of capacities rather than a developed reality. The views on the river are fine; the land is good, and has a pleasing variety of surface; and the civiliz- ing agents are at work. It is easy to see what it will be.
All honor to the person with an ear for music, and with poetry in his soul, who, as godfather, named the young town. Were not our harp. long since hung on the willows, we would improvise a strain, that should wake some more youthful bard to sing of " Lovely Allendale."
There is but one human name (and that our own) that we can bear to see borne by a town. Allendale has no such load to bear. Other people feel about as we do. Therefore, we advise all young towns and villages to compliment no one; to imitate no one; but exercise taste and that alone. We said above, there was one excepted name. Should any people choose to give that name to their place, we should feel the compliment; but should not admire their taste.
POLKTON.
The temporary organization of the town was authorized oy the Legislature March 19th, 1845. Its territory consisted of four townships, 5, 6, 7, 8, N., R. 14 W. The first town meet- ing was appointed to be held at the house of Timothy East- man. At the first town meeting, the 14th of April, Timothy Eastman was chosen Moderator, and Robert F. Tracy, Clerk.
There were present 19 voters. The meeting was adjourned from Eastman's house to the school-house near by, where were elected :
Timothy Eastman, Supervisor; John N. Hopkins, Clerk; Paschal Maxfield, Treasurer; T. Eastman, R. F. Tracy, Benj. Hopkins, P. Maxfield, Justices.
Twenty offices were filled, of which T. Eastman had 3; P. Maxfield, 3; B. Hopkins, 3; Ephraim Parsons, Robert Tracy, and Charles Wiley, each 2.
The names of sixteen of the voters are found on the record. Timothy Eastman, Paschal Maxfield, Robert F. Tracy, Justus Stiles, Charles Wiley, Stephen Morse, Warren Streeter, Joseph
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Burlinghame, John N. Hopkins, Benjamin Hopkins, Daniel Realy, Ephraim Parsons, David Stanton, Paul Avery, John Gardner, James Charles.
One hundred dollars was raised for town purposes.
Indicative of the subsequent growth of the town, in 1847 the vote was 43; in 1848, 26; in 1849, 35. A reference to the summary of legislative action, will show that in this time the dimensions of the territory were undergoing changes.
The settlement of Polkton and Talmadge are in substance the same. A center of settlement was at Steele's Landing (now Lamont), near the line of the two towns. Neighbors found themselves in different towns. Most of the pioneers located on the Talmadge side. So the proper place for giving the rise and progress of the settlement is in connection with that town, and the village of Lamont.
Although at a very early day settlers clustered around Lamont, the town of Polkton made but little progress for quite a number of years. Timothy D. and Benjamin Lilly pushed on a distance from the " Landing " in 1843, and settled them- selves where they have ever since resided. They cut their own road from the Landing. Richard Platt, 1844; Sylvanus Waters, 1844.
Of the early settlers, or as early as 1848, we are able to give the names of Chauncey and Justus Stiles; Warren Streeter (transient), Peter McNaughton. Richard Stiles, Abraham Peck, Josiah T. Lawton, Walter McEwing (the first in the Cooper- ville part of the town), 1845; Sylvester Jackson, Ephraim Doane (transient). He was afterwards murdered at St. Louis; Henry Garter (transient), Paul Averill, a Canadian, who left on account of the "patriot war." Daniel W. Scott, who estab- lished a tannery,-the first between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, on Dorr Creek, east of Cooperville; Edward Streeter, by Scott; John Averill (son of Paul); John N. Hopkins and Wm. Platt.
The most of these, in green old age, are still living and en- joying the fruits of their labor. A few rest where we all must rest. Josiah Lawton died in 1863, aged 77; and Paul Averill died in 1873, aged 55; and John N. Hopkins (more identified with Spring Lake) is also dead.
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The part of the town away from the river did not grow much until the D. & M. Railroad came through.
There was no school nearer than Eastmanville, until 1853. Then Miss Eliza B. Torrey taught a school of ten scholars, in a log house without windows, one mile north of Cooperville. That house did service until 1871. This Miss Torrey is now Mrs. Daniel W. Scott, near Cooperville.
Benjamin F. Cooper, in the spring of 1845, purchased the section, on which Cooperville is situated. It remained untouched until the D. and M. Railroad came through. Then Cooper, as an inducement, offered the company the undivided one-half of 160 acres, if they would locate a depot there, and call it Cooperville. He sent his two sons to start the place. They built a saw-mill, and opened a store. They stayed fom years, failed, and went back to Utica. Cooper got discouraged and did no more. After his death the property was sold to W. F. Storrs, George W. Danforth, Charles Hosmer and A. C. Ellis: and the place began to grow, and has since developed itself into a business place of some importance. It has at present seven stores, two taverns, one tannery, a saw and grist-mill; and the other adjuncts of a thriving country village. It has a good brick school-house, which cost $5,000. It is not a fancy structure, but a good, substantial, plain building. It was built in 1871. The first principal was Milo D. Alderson, who for two years pre- sided in it; and who gave general satisfaction. He was suc- ceeded by Geo. A. Farr; who, aided by two assistants, is now in charge. Scholars, 150.
Polkton has been the theatre of an unusual number of tragical deaths.
Albert Randall was killed by the fall of a limb of a tree, in 1850.
Frederick Marshall was the same year killed by the fall of a tree; and about the same time Frederick Whiteup, a Hol- lander, met a similar fate.
Peter Wilde, an old man, hanged himself, in 1875.
Harry Steele was killed by the bursting of a mill-stone.
Norman Hinsdale, at Lamont, was drowned while attempt- ing to rescue a boy.
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James Van Gorden, a young man, was killed by being struck on the head with a club. ITis assailant was a youth, who was sent to the house of correction two and a half years.
A youth by the name of Vanden Bowt was killed by the fall of a limb. IIe was not a resident.
Heman Leland was shot accidentally, about 1864.
The churches of Cooperville are the Episcopal Methodist, the Congregational, and the Free Methodist. The Congre- gational has ceased to have an active existence.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was started in 1866. The original elass were:
Walter McEwing and wife; Roswell Toothacre and wife; Robert Martin and wife; Mrs. Sours, Mrs. Austin, and two others.
For two years, meetings were held in private houses, and then in the hall over one of the stores.
After the Congregational church was built, the Methodists had the privilege of the house once in two weeks. In 1875, they bought out the right of the Congregationalists to the house- that society having run out. The class is still small.
The Free Methodists have an active organization.
WRIGHT.
Until April 5th, 1847, this town was a part of Talmadge. Its settlement and early history are identified with that town. At the date above given, the township commenced its separate political existence. It was in no great hurry to be set off- apparently better pleased with being a part of a large concern, than the whole of a small one.
At its organization, which was at the house of Leonard Roberts, the following were elected its first officers:
Silvius Waters, Supervisor; Ireneus Wellman, Clerk; Hiram C. McDearman, Treasurer; Edson Fuller, John McLain, Charles Dunning, Justices.
Who first made a beginning in Wright is matter of ques- tion. It was reached, not by pushing adventure, but in regular progress-going a little beyond-a part of the early settlers, feeling that they belonged to the settlements around Grand Rapids; and others that they belonged to Talmadge.
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As far as known, Justin Walker was among the first, if not the first, to locate in the town-he locating in the extreme southeast corner. He came with a wife and six children in 1839. It was but just stepping over the line of the town of Walker, which was pretty well occupied. They were then only one and a-half miles from neighbors. Mr. Leland came about the same time, and located northwest of Mr. Walker.
This Mr. Walker was killed at Grand Rapids, in 1863, by the kick of a horse. His wife died in 1874.
Several settlers came in 1840, among them the brothers Lilly (Benjamin and Timothy B.), who gave name to a part of the town-the "Lilly Settlement; " James Wheeler and John O'Brien.
It is not deemed necessary to trace the progress of settle- ment any further, as it has no historic value. Good land was the attraction, and people went to occupy it, just on the out- skirts of civilization. To locate there was not an adventure; and it was subject only to the inconveniences common to back- woods life. Its history is the development of one of the best farming towns in the State. The snug little village of Berlin, which at first clustered about a mill, is its business center. The railroad passing through, puts it in easy communication with the world. In thrift and wealth it will compare favorably with any rural town. In fact, a man owning land there ought to be poor, if he could not get rich from it. True, all have not; as some are born to be poor; and others choose present pleasure to future independence and respectability; and, as all experi- ence proves, there is luck, as well as skill in making a fortune.
But the general experience of mankind is, that if a young man will push into the woods, secure a piece of land, such as is found in Wright, go to work and develop it, keep out of debt, let whisky and fashion alone, he may in a green old age, sit in his front door and enjoy his meerschaum, while contemplating his waving fields, his flocks, herds, and well-filled pocket-book. Ilis turkeys will gobble around him; his lambs bunt the sheep in his yards, and his peaceful soul will be at rest. Who wouldn't be an old man, after a long, laborious, useful and honorable life? He looks on the land he has redeemed from
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the wilds; he looks on the children whom he has raised, and for whom he has denied himself; and the peaceful, cheering thought steals over him, that those children are impatiently waiting for his death, that they may enjoy the fruits of his labors. But what has this to do with Wright? Perhaps noth- ing. But it must be a strange town if it has not some such happy old men. But more commonly the man, when he finds himself too old to work, gives up the business and property to his son, relying on filial love and duty for the quiet enjoyment of an old age free from cares. He finds himself thrust into a corner, wearing his son's cast-off clothes-" the old man;" and by and by when he is found dead-hanged or drowned-a coroner's verdict is given, " Died by his own act. No cause can be assigned." But we will come back to Wright.
In the northern part of the town is a German settlement of abont fifty families, and about as many more over the line, in Chester. Most of these came in 1842. They were poor peo- ple, who came, not as a colony, but from different German States, to make for themselves a home. They did not come together, but settled, German near German. They are mostly thriving farmers; have a church (Catholic), a resident priest, and really form a German community. They were first set- tlers of that part of the town.
The Irish Catholics have a church west of Berlin, and the Adventists a society in the north part. There is no need of trying to hand down their history; for, if their doctrine is true, we all shall soon be " where the dew falls not;" if not true, but the idealization of fanaticism, it is charity on the part of history to help oblivion.
A reference to the census reports will show that Wright had some 500 inhabitants at the time it was set off; that its growth has been steady, if we suppose an error in the returns of the last State census, which shows a falling off. It is believed there was an increase. The same is observable in several other towns in the Grand River Valley-the State census less than the preceding U. S. Probably the explanation is, that the marshals, being paid per capita, made exaggerated returns in 1870.
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CROCKERY.
The Indian name, " Nunica," means " pottery," or carthen- ware. At or near the mouth of the creek that bears the name, considerable quantities of Indian pottery were found, which cansed it to be called "Crockery Creek." The Indian word " Nunica," has been retained by the rising village and railroad station.
Judge Hathaway, who was all of his life one of the most honored and prominent men of Ottawa county, and whose hold on the respect and love of the people was such as only a supe- rior and good man can have, was the first white settler in the town. He came from Claremont, Mass., in 1837, to Grand Haven, where he lived until Nov., 1839, when he came to the mouth of Crockery Creek. There he lived, monarch of all he surveyed, for six years. During this six years he cultivated the land some, made shingles, and cut logs. For shingles he could get from $1 to $1.50 per M. Logs in the river, delivered at the mill, would bring from $2 to $2.50 per 1,000 feet.
The style in which Hathaway and his wife lived was primi- tive, but they had no Mrs. Grundys for neighbors, and there- fore they despised not its simplicity. Their log-house admit- ted the driving snow. For four months Mrs. H. saw not the face of a white woman. They had Indians for neighbors, and lived on terms of friendly intercourse with them. And, as young couples uncorrupted by fashion often do, they looked forward to a home and independence, as the result of their niu- tual labors and as the goal of their ambition. Young love is trusting, and young hearts are hopeful; and young hands can grapple with difficulties, and young muscles can endure labor. As we pass the cabin in the wood; see the forest trees, laid by the ax, around it; observe the young man tirelessly battling with the forest, and every day proving himself a conqueror; we-that is, your humble servant-respectfully make our best bow, and grasp the horny hand of one we esteem a hero. He is one of the men who make the world, and who create wealth, which, when created, can easily make the soft-handed dandy, who lives to spend, and who dies, food for oblivion.
Nor is that young wife in her log-cabin to be passed lightly
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by. With love in her heart she has left her father's house, to share the fortune and the labors of her chosen companion. She don't ask your pity. She is happy, with her brave husband and the dear little ones that give life to her humble cottage. God bless yon, young wife and helpmate; your hopes will be realities.
At the time Hathaway settled there were no roads of any kind, the river was the only available way of connection. The tangled fallen timber, the swamps, and the ravines rendered traveling other than on foot nearly impossible. The land in the township was mostly State land. Settlers generally located on State scrip, which they bought for from 50 to 60 cents on the dollar, paying nominally $1.25 per acre. The young State of Michigan, trying to go too fast, got in debt, and not being able to pay, her promises to pay got to be looked upon with (lisfavor; they were property to get rid of. The State received large grants of land from the United States. As a wise means of restoring State credit, and as doing the best by her creditors that she could, it was decreed that State script should be receiv- able at par for State lands, and that land should be sold at the United States price. As will be seen from the article of John Ball, a good deal of this State land was selected in Ottawa county ; and the way of paying for it facilitated its settlement. Some of the land in Crockery was located on the 1812 soldiers' bounty warrants. The region escaped the notice of the spec- ulators of 1836-7, and, when the land was bought, it was by those who meant to occupy it.
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Next after Hathaway, were three brothers Patchin, who employed themselves getting in logs for Ringnette and Boldan. Their job of logs was the first put into the Grand River, in 1838. This Boldan was a half-breed French Indian, who lived with Charles Oakes at Grandville. From a shantying Inm- berman, Manly Patchin became one of the earliest actual settlers, as did James N. Patchin and another brother.
About 1840, Henry Dusenbury came in; soon after built a mill up the creek. He afterwards went across the lake, and to California, where he was killed.
William W. Kanouse came in 1840 or 1841. He after- wards lived at Grand Haven.
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In 1844, Charles T. Gibbs and Charles Rose came together: the next winter and spring, - Barringer, -- Van Dyke, Uriah IIellums; in 1846, Silas O. and Theron F. Hunter. Ebenezer and Arza Bartholomew.
It was hard living for the first settlers of Crockery. Going to mill was taking a canoe to Grand Rapids. To get some money was to put in logs, or cut cord-wood. Mr. Gibbs cut cord-wood near the river; carried it to the bank on a wheel- barrow; loaded it on a raft of logs, and sold it at Grand IIa- ven for one dollar per cord. Ingenuity was taxed to get something to eat.
The Indians had possession along the river. Some fifty or sixty of them lived at Battle Point, where they purchased abont seventy acres of land. The chief was named Magobie. (nicknamed Saginaw Coosco-Black Bird). He was a powerful and handsome man; generally called a good Indian. He lived to a great age-was supposed to be near one hundred years old when he died. Ilis son, Ahmoos, was a man of influence among them. At a later day, Joseph Cobmoosa bought land there, and had a farm. He was drowned at Grand Ha- ven. One of their number-old Shiawas-was present and helped at the burning of Buffalo. The Indians of this clan were used at the battle on Lake Erie, and afterwards would go to Toronto for the annuity paid them by the British. They did not consider themselves treated with much respect by those they served in that battle. An Indian, wounded, was thrown overboard; a white man was not.
A good Indian-Nattawas-lived near Hathaway, who always supplied him with game. He was poisoned to death at Grand Haven.
About three miles above Battle Point, was another com- pany of about one hundred. Their chief was Shiawas-a proud, fine looking, keen and powerful man. He and his band went away about 1839.
A few of the Indians are still at Battle Point.
The name "Battle Point " is suggestive of history. As it is pointed out to the traveler on the river he naturally desires to know what was the great event which left its record as a name
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on the place. As he knows that no battles of our nation were near the Grand River. he inevitably comes to the conclusion that here the Indian braves met on the field of death. He inquires for Indian legends of the bloody fray, but Indian tra- ditions have not come down. Yet is there not a dim tradition among the earlier occupants of the region, that on this point. Captain Kanouse and Henry Dusenbury, in desperate fight with fists and words, contested their pre-emption claims. In honor of that fight, the place has since been called " Battle Point." When the anxious inquirer has heard thus much, he is too disgusted to ask, who got whipped; and should he ask, no one could enlighten him.
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