USA > Michigan > Ionia County > Memorials of the Grand River Valley > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
Michigan manufactures are now mostly in wood. Cotton and acool will, bye and bye, not all be worked up in the Eastern States. When the time comes that the noise of the spindle and loom shall enliven Michigan, Portland will be one of the manufacturing towns.
But don't, when you read these prophetic utterances, get your ideas too high, and refuse to sell water-power unless for mil- lions, and don't imagine that each village lot is a mine of gold. There is land enough for a city as large as London, lying all sprawled about in the vicinity, and the " good time coming" is far in the future; your venerable head may lie low, and an epitaph be over it, before the vision shall be reality. There- fore, be content for a time to be a village, and to do a vil- lage business. Your children may walk the streets of the
GRAND RIVER VALLEY. 81
city of Portland, provided there is the spirit to encourage the starting of some great manufacturing enterprise.
The same year that brought white settlers to other parts of the Grand River Valley, determined some to settle at Port- land. although none immediately settled there. Homes were selected, to be occupied at a future day.
The first location of land was in 1833, by Elisha Newman -some two hundred acres-where the village of Portland now is. He did not come on to occupy until 1836.
The first actual settler was an old man, Philo Bogue, who came with his family in 1834. The same year were added Joshua Boyer, John Milne ( Mil'na). Abram Hunt, Thomas Shepard, Ezra Ferrin, and Chancellor Barringer.
Bogue soon died-in 1836. Milne. an intelligent and re- spected farmer, also spent his life where he located. The rest of the 1834-men moved away: Boyer to Grand Rapids, Shep- ard to England, Ferrin to California. Barringer, after opera- ting at various places, disappears from the scene. 1835 added Josiah Young, Geo. Dutton, Wm. HI. Arms, Thomas G. Barnum. Lambert B. Barmim, and Thomas White.
1836 added John P. Miner, Wm. Dinsmore, David Brown, John Knox, Ashur Kilbourne, Willard Brooks, Charles Brooks, Almeren, James and Elisha Newman, and Samuel D. Smith.
In 1837, came S. A. Miner, Charles Taylor, Wm. R. Chur- chill (the first merchant). John Probart, Patrick Lawless, Abi- jah R. Schoff and Wm. Dinsmore.
1838, Alvah T. Way, Alfred D. Isham, Samuel Green and Geo. Marcy.
1839. F. C. Kenny and David S. Soles.
We carry the advent of settlers no further. In what has been given, Portland has been considered a center, and no at- tempt has been made to set the individuals to their towns. as the towns now are. Some of these persons are in Orange, and some in Danby.
ORGANIZATION.
What is now Portland, Danby. and the East half of Or-
6
.
S2
MEMORIALS OF THE
ange and Sebewa, was set off from Maple, and constituted a town, in 1838. The first town meeting was at the house of Joshua Boyer, April 2d. Elected:
Ira Webster, Supervisor; Almeron Newman, Clerk; Samuel Northam, Almeron Newman, Justices.
The records further show the names of .--
Abijah F. Schoff, William D. Moore, Phineas Coe, Fosdik H. Kilbourne, Chancellor Barringer, A. S. Wadsworth, Henry Smith, Charles Gott, William R. Churchill, Samuel Sutliff. James Newman, Samuel Freeman, John Milne, Robert Toan.
Portland Village was incorporated in 1869. The first char- ter election was held at Schofield Hall, May 3d. Elected:
Robert B. Smith, President; James M. Webster, Treasurer; George ITill, Assessor; William W. Bogue, Almeron Newman, Henry Bartow, Lorenzo K. Showman, William Dinsmore. Milton Sawyer, Trustees.
It is hardly necessary to say that, as Portland was a pioneer settlement, they had the same privations, inconveniences and hardships, that were so deeply felt at the other places-Lyons. Ionia, Grand Rapids, Grandville and Grand Haven.
Provisions were scarce, and purchased at almost fabulous prices, and at times almost unattainable. In some instances there was absolute starvation.
The first settlers were intelligent people, and they had the disposition to share each other's burdens. They were kindly aided by the Indians, whom they soon learned to look upon as friends. The fraternal feeling, that was the result of mutual dependence, continues still. Now, when the dark days are over, the old pioneers, when they get together, have many a kind word to speak of "days lang syne." Yet these were the " dear old times." Not because of privation and trials; but from the fact, that then soul met soul, and hearts and hands were open. What says Solomon about a dinner of herbs? With him that was hearsay, and it seemed to him highly poetic. The pioneers in the wilderness realize the whole of that. IIa! the old sinners feel it now in their very bones, when they meet one with whom they "ronghed it" in the wilderness.
The development of Portland, further than making clear-
83
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
ings in the woods, properly begun with the coming of the Newmans. The old gentleman brought the dimes; and the young men the enterprise to set those dimes to work. With some $6,000 capital at their command. they set to work build- ing a mill. They dammed the Looking Glass: dug a race some 60 rods long; erected a saw-mill-one of the old style of sash mills, capable of entting 3,000 feet in 24 hours; put in a run of stones; and fixed things by December, so that the settlers were not obliged to go to Pontiac to mill. What music to them was in the grating of those stones. Solomon's concert at the dedication of the temple was nothing in com - parison with it. Men, women and children danced with delight, when they assembled to see the first grist ground; and Big Injun said, " Ch!"
Soon after the Newmans, Abram S. Wadsworth commenced making improvements at Portland. In 1838, he bought out Shepard, and divided his land into village lots, and began de- veloping the water-power. He built a dam across the Grand River, dug a race and built a saw-mill. The dam went off with the ice the first spring. He cobbled up his dam, and built his mills, but never did anything with them. Wads- worth was a man of enterprise, but lacked business sagacity. IIe never brought his works to completion. He also did big things at Grand Rapids, Lyons and Grandville. But the re- sult was, he spent a fortune of $60,000 or more, and died a poor man.
He, discouraged, dismantled his mills at Portland, and sold the running-gear to Newman. When Newman had set his carding-machine agoing, Wadsworth looked on; and as he saw it making rolls, he said: " That is the first thing that succeeded in Portland." Newman was a clothier, and his works were the first of the kind west of Pontiac.
In 1837. Miss Jenny Berry opened the first school of 12 or 15 scholars, in a shanty where James street now is. She is now the wife of William F. Jennison, of Eagle, Clinton county.
Miss Knox, now Mrs. Adam L. Roof, of Lyons, taught the first district school in a log school-house on the hill above the railroad depot.
84
MEMORIALS OF THE
The first religious meetings were conducted by A. S. Wads- worth, in Episcopal style.
The Methodist; were the first preachers. The first sermon was preached by Monette, a missionary from the Ohio Confer- ence, in 1834; the service held in a log honse on the west side of the river, within a few rods of where the depot now is.
As Portland is one of the first places where Methodism got a foothold, and its influence somewhat central, we shall, in con- nection with the history of that church in this place, speak of it in its relation to other parts of the Grand River Valley. In doing this, we gladly avail ourselves of the well-done labors of W. H. Stone, Esq., of Portland, a man whose interest in a cause which is dear to him, has led him, as a labor of love, to trace the history of that church in the Portland vicinity.
What follows is his, and mainly in his language; and to him we would thankfully express our obligations:
At the time Monette came, there were but few families at or near Portland. The field of labor assigned him was from Shiawassee, on the east, to Grand Haven, inclusive. He trav- ersed over this immense territory for a time on horseback. But the country was thinly settled, the people were poor, and it soon became evident that the expense of keeping a horse conld hardly be met. Endowed with the true missionary spirit, he adapted himself to circumstances, and. after disposing of his horse, commenced his long, weary marches on foot, enduring the privations incident to such a life. As if to try his other- wise overtaxed energies, he was looked upon by some with suspicion, and regarded as a worthless man, palming himself off upon the public as a preacher, for the sake of gaining a livelihood. ITis health failing, he was compelled to leave his work before the elose of the first year. He was succeeded by Mr. Sebring. The less said about Sebring, the better. It is a tradition of Portland that, somehow or other, Sebring disgraced himself and the canse he represented; and some of the older people of Grand Rapids have a faint recollection of riding a Methodist minister out of town on a skeleton of a horse, with a bundle of straw, dressed in woman's clothes, behind him. But no one remembers the name of the said minister. They
Số
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
only remember, in addition, that on leaving, he thanked them for the lenient way they dealt with him, for he expected, and knew he deserved, a coat of tar and feathers, and a rail instead of a horse to ride on. Mr. Stone is here responsible only for saying that Sebring brought disgrace; the rest is from other sources.
In 1836, Michigan Conference was formed with three dis- triets in Michigan and four in Ohio. In 1840, the Ohio dis- tricts were withdrawn, and the bounds of Michigan Confer- ence restricted to the State. The new Conference of 1836 sent Elder Mitchell to this field, which was known at that time as the Grand River Cirenit. He was a young man of promise, and was well received; but, like his predecessor. remained only a short time. He was succeeded in 1838 by two ministers-Larman Chatfield and - Blowers. By mu- tual agreement the work was divided between the two men- Chatfield taking the northern part, and making his home at Lyons, and Blowers the southern, including Portland. Up to this time, preaching was had at very irregular intervals. and no class had ever been formed. During the year a class was formed by Elder Blowers, consisting of Herman Hull, his mother, Mary Hull; Mrs. Stanton, the mother of Robert Dut- ton; Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Sally Knox-the latter not a Metho- dist; four members in full standing, and one honorary-a Congregationalist. Mr. Hull was appointed class-leader.
Abont this time a log school-house was built on the west side of the Grand River. A school was opened, and the house used as a place of regular worship; services previously having been held at the house of Mr. Bogue.
This little beginning must have seemed to the settlers like the dawning of better days, shut in as they had been from the outer world, and deprived of the religions and educational privileges which contribute so largely to the sum and substance of earthly happiness. They endured many privations, of which we doubtless have but a faint conception. The Inxnries of life were not theirs to enjoy. To the few Christian souls, " beanti- ful were the feet of those who heralded the Gospel of peace."
They did not, like the poor sinner who pens these lines,
S6
MEMORIALS OF THE
criticise the elocution of the man who stood before them as God's messenger, but with thirsty souls they drank in the word, and thought of it, yea profited by it. (Stone is not re- sponsible for the last lines).
In 1839, Grand River Circuit was changed to "Lyons . Mission," and here commences the first official record of Metli- odism in Portland; the previous history being almost purely traditional. The work was supplied by Elder Chatfield, and included De Witt, Lyons, Ionia, and Portland as principal points. They were visited in turn by their pastor, and con- tributed their mite towards his support. During the first year each of these places was favored with one quarterly meeting; the first one in Portland being held the 28th and 29th of March, 1840. These places were then in what was known as the "Grand River Distriet," which embraced a large extent, including Flint, Saginaw, Lapeer, and all this section of the State westward to Grand Haven. The Presiding Elder, Elijah H. Pilcher, traveled over this immense field of labor on horseback, much of the way through dense forests, guided only by marked trees or Indian trails. He was succeeded in 1843 by Elder Chatfield, who traveled nearly the same territory for the four succeeding years. These men were often gone from their homes several weeks at a time, and must have sacrificed almost entirely the comforts of home life.
In 1839, Chatfield was succeeded by Z. C. Brown and Levi Warner, and these in turn by Allen Staples and Samnel Lap- ham, in 1840. In the fall of 1841 the work was supplied by William E. Bigelow and L. Chatfield, who, the following sea- son organized two Sabbath schools, the first on the circuit.
The following year, "Lyons Mission " was changed to "Ly- ons Circuit." The log school-house at Portland was burned, and a more pretentious building erected near the present site of the north building. This was used as a place of worship for many years, not only by the Methodists, but other denomi- nations.
Thus, we have briefly sketched the first of four decades, into which Methodism in Portland, and the region, may be divided. Struggling into existence under the most adverse circum-
ST
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
stances, its rise and progress can hardly fail to elicit attention and interest the minds of all. We, in different times, can but feebly appreciate the trials of these Gospel pioneers.
Thus far we have pretty closely followed Mr. Stone, who has done a good work, and put the denomination under obligation. As his article has special reference to the church at Portland, and was written for their special benefit, we cannot more than condense what follows. But we do wish each church had as good a historian.
Allowances made to ministers:
Quarterage $200 00
Table expenses 85 00
House rent 30 00
Horse feed. 20 00
Traveling expenses
5 00
Total $340 00
Making in all $680 for the support of two ministers and their families.
In 1852 a parsonage was erected at Portland-the first prop- erty owned by the denomination there.
In the fall of 1854, "Grand River District " was reorgan- ized under the name of "Grand Rapids District; " Eld. Pen- field, P. E. "Lyons Circuit " was changed to " Portland Cir- cuit." From the second decade, Methodism did not flourish; but the membership had decreased. In 1860, the Portland Society purchased an old school-house and fitted it up as a chapel, which they used until 1866, at which time, increased membership and increased means had enabled them to build and dedicate their present house of worship, which cost $7,- 500.
Present membership, 250.
We have been more particular in speaking of the Metho- dist church than we can afford to be of the other churches, as one of their members had given the means of tracing the early history of the denomination in the region. Of this we availed ourselves, saying much that was not particularly pertinent to the individual church at Portland.
88
MEMORIALS OF THE
The Congregational Church was organized by the Rev. L. M. S. Smith, in 1842. In 1853, they built their church edifice.
The Presbyterian Church dates from 1867. The Rev. Augustus Marsh has been pastor since its organization.
The Baptist Church was organized in 1840, with eleven members. The Rev. Moses Clark was the first pastor. The membership has increased to 140. The Rev. A. Cornell is in charge of it.
The Universalist Church was started in 1852, with ten members, under the pastoral care of Rev. C. W. Knicker- bocker. The church was dedicated in 1855.
October 24th, 1867, J. II. Wiekwire started the Portland Advertiser, which in 1870, was enlarged under the name of Portland Observer, Joseph Bailey, editor.
The village of Portland has made a fair beginning. It has already partially developed its fine water-power, and employed it in manufactures. Besides its saw and grist mills, it has a woolen factory, iron works, sash and blind factory, school fur- niture factory, stone works, etc. It is something of a trading center. Several lawyers there attend to people's social ailments. and several physicians to those of their physical frames .. They cherish their graded school; and they, respecting their present condition, have faith in their future. And the meek historian must say, "So have I."
BERLIN.
Berlin was first organized as Cass, in 1838-a temporary arrangement. For a particular statement of its limits, see " Legislative History of the County."
The first meeting for the organization of Cass was held at the house of Wm. Babcock, April 2d, 1838.
Officers elected: Alonzo Sessions, Supervisor; John E. Mor- rison, Clerk; Philo Bates, John E. Morrison, Wm. B. Lincoln, Alonzo Sessions, Justices.
The number of votes was 33.
The town of Cass existed four years, when, reduced to its present dimensions, the name was changed to Berlin; and the
1
89
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
first election under the new arrangement was held at the house of Wm. Eddy, April 4th, 1842. The whole number of votes was 53.
John E. Morrison, Supervisor: Geo. C. Overheiser, Clerk; Geo. Townsend, Herman Babcock, Justices.
In what follows we are mainly indebted to the IIon. Alonzo Sessions, both for material and language. He furnished Co- pious notes on the town. kindly giving the privilege of making such use of them as we chose. In general, his language is adopted.
In October, 1833, Alonzo Sessions spent several days within the present limits of Berlin. Then the marks of the surveyor were the only indication it had ever been seen by civilized man.
In November of that year, John E. Morrison came from Oakland county, and erected his log cabin in the northeast corner of the town. opposite to, and within half a mile of the present limits of Ionia City. In his cabin he put his wife and child, and with his axe he went to work, and made him- self a good home.
After the county was organized, he was the first county treasurer. He was a practical surveyor: was the first clerk of Cass; was several times supervisor, clerk, justice of the peace. etc. Mr. M. is still living just across the line in Ionia. He has seen something of the world besides, having spent one winter in Texas, a year or more in California, taking the haz- ards of the overland route. Two years or more with his family in Tennessee, after the war was over, convinced him there is no place like home; and he returned to live and die near where his friends are, and where his valuable life-work has been done.
In October. 1833, Alonzo and Job S. Sessions came from New York to Detroit, then by way of Macomb, Oakland, Liv- ingston, Shiawassee and Clinton, on foot to Ionia. West of the Huron River the country was an unbroken wilderness- the only road an Indian trail. Before leaving the border set- tlements, they procured a supply of raw pork and bread, upon which they subsisted, while they lodged upon the ground, with no shelter but the trees.
90
MEMORIALS OF THE
At that time there were three log cabins in Ionia partially completed and inhabited. That farthest west was occupied by Judge Yeomans, with whom they got lodgings while pros- pecting for land. After deciding to locate in Berlin, they floated down Grand River in a batteau (which the judge had laboriously managed to get as far up as Ionia, loaded with provisions for the new settlers, and desired to have delivered to the owner at Grand Rapids), stopping over night with Rix Robinson, at the trading post below the Thornapple, and reaching the Rapids in season for dinner the next day. The remainder of the distance to the Land Office at White Pigeon was made on foot. The camp the first night was at Ball's Prairie, in Barry county.
As without tools, teams, seed and provisions, they could do nothing towards developing the land they had secured, and as their money was gone for land and in expenses, they went to work to earn money with which to make a beginning. Alonzo went to Ohio and taught school, while Job remained in Michi- gan, working on a farm. As wages were low, nearly two years passed by before they were in condition to return. It was in June, 1835, that they commenced to make for themselves homes in Berlin.
Alonzo Sessions left Dayton, Ohio, on the 25th of May. There are some incidents connected with the journey, that may interest those only used to modern facilities for travel. He purchased two horses, on one of which he packed his two trunks; on the other he rode; changing from the one to the other to equalize their labor. Traveling northward, along the Miami river, and frequently fording it, he soon entered a dense and nearly unbroken wilderness, where there was only here and there a settler. In places there were no roads, and scarcely a trail. It was raining daily, and every river, creek and bayou was full and overflowing. Many of the latter were more diffi- cult to cross than the rivers, being more swollen and muddy. In places, canoes were found at the crossings; but more fre- quently he crossed on the back of one horse while leading the other. In this way he made his way to Defiance, several times swimming the rivers. At Defiance his troubles and dangers
91
GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
were not ended. The only way to get into Michigan then, was to go down the river from Defiance by way of Perrysburg; and there were swollen creeks, without bridges, in abundance. From Perrysburg he rode to Ypsilanti, where he met his brother, left his trunks, and both started for Berlin on horse- back. At Marshall, they turned north, slept at Bellevue; and rode through a dense, unbroken forest, where there was neither road nor trail, yet swamps in abundance. Their weary journey ended by arriving at Ionia on the 11th of June.
They immediately went to work on their land; planted some, hired team and tools, put about ten acres of land in condition, and sowed wheat upon it early in September.
In November, Alonzo Sessions built the second log cabin in Berlin, and in 1837 he built the first frame barn. He has been much in publie life, for which, see the article that accompanies his portrait.
Job Sessions came to Berlin with his brother in 1835. He brought no money with him, or other means, but he had industry, strength and courage. He cleared and improved two good farms, and after putting them in good condition to live on, sold out and went to Spring Lake. He was several years treasurer of Berlin. He did his full share in opening and making roads and bridges; and in all the privations, labors, struggles, disappointments and progress of pioneer life man- fully performed his part, and bore his full share.
Amasa Sessions came to Berlin in 1836, and made a begin- ning in the dense forest, on sections 3 and 4, about one mile south of the river. He had very little to begin with, except his hands and a stout heart, a strong will and unyielding pur- pose. He made one of the best farms in the county; put everything in order, knew how to keep them so, and accumu- lated money. He was several times supervisor, justice, etc., discharging every duty honestly and faithfully; and has, as he deserves, the respect and confidence of every one that knows him.
William Reed came in about the same time, and built a cabin on section 3. He had a small family, and but little else. He was a man of more than common force and energy. What
92
MEMORIALS OF THE
he undertook he accomplished. He made two good farms in Berlin, with valuable buildings complete; and was still at work with unabated energy and courage, when he unfortu- nately met a sudden death by the hand of a temporary tenant on his farm. His oldest son, William, has made a good farm near his father's, and is one of the most valnable, thriving and wide-awake men in town.
William Babcock came to Berlin in 1836, from Ontario county, New York. Being past middle age, he had accumu- lated property in New York. For particulars of Mr. B., sec biographical notice accompanying his portrait. Mrs. Babcock was a model wife and mother, and she had only to live to make all dependent on her prosperous and happy. Too soon she went to her grave, and the Deacon never married again; he soon left his farm, became his own executor, and dicd in 1871 at Ionia, aged 88. His three youngest sons are still living in Berlin-all men of more than ordinary intelligence, who have earned and secured the respect and confidence of all who know them.
In the spring of 1836, Elisha Doty came to Berlin to live. He built a small frame house-the first in the town. About the same time his three sons-Charles, William and Allen- came in. William is the only one of the four now living.
Eleazur Murray came about the same time, and is still resi- dent in the township. He brought very little with him except a young family, mostly girls. But he had industry, energy and courage. He has made a good home for himself and fan- ily, and has been one of the most useful citizens.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.