Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Lincoln Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:33 pm Lincoln Township was organized under special act of the Legislature passed March, 1867. The meeting was held at the residence of T.M. Martin. James R. Carlisle was Chairman, C.A. Warren, Clerk, and James S. Donnelly, Moderator. Fifteen votes were cast at this election which resulted in the choice of James R. Carlisle for Supervisor, Martin Horan for Clerk, and Oswald Esner for Treasurer. James S. Donnelly, W.C. Burgess, James F. Denton and James R. Carlisle were elected Justices of the Peace; W.C. Burgess, James S. Donnelly and George Reed, Commissioners of the Highway; W.C. Burgess and T.J. Wilhelm, School Inspectors; Martin Horan, Asa L. Rice and Fred Media, for Constables. The township is divided up into eight school districts, with school buildings located on the following sections: No. 1, on section 26; No. 2 on section 27; No. 3, on section 8; No. 4, on section 2; No. 5 on section 10; No. 6, on section 16; No. 7, on section 20; No. 8 on section 21. They are all good frame houses, averaging in cost $600. School District No. 1 has on the rols 26 pupils; No. 2, 54; No. 3, 61; No. 4, 33; No. 5, 74; No. 6, 94; No. 7, 52 and No. 8, 57 pupils. William and Frederick Media, James Donnelly, Gardam Willson, Oswald Esner and J. W. Ash were the first settlers in this township. It has for its northern boundary Le Roy; eastern, Cedar; southern, Richmond Township; and on the west lies Lake County. It is number 18 north, of range 10 east. The township fo Lincoln is exceedingly well watered, having the Hersey River with its numerous branches, which meander through it; also by several small lakes. It was once very heavily timbered with pine, hemlock and the hard-woods; the the great raid made upon its forests by the lumbermen has made them look thin. The surface of the land is rolling, with a clay loam and a sandy soil. It is regarded good for farming purposes, and the township contains many fine farms, with good farm buildings. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad runs north and southnearly through the center of the township, with a branch road starting from the junction and running northwest through it to Luther, which have done much towards its development. It has three stations within its limits - Ashton, Milton Junction and Orono. These stations constitute the trading places for the people of Lincoln and furnish them the means of transportation. In 1884 there were 1,269 inhabitants. It is estimated there are 3,539 acres under improvement, with 157 farms, each averaging about 68 acres. In live stock Lincoln Township makes, in comparison with the others, a very good showing. Horses, 168; horned cattle, 571; hogs, 347; sheep, 334. At MIlton Junction, George Reed and William Tuttle keep a general line of merchandise. At Orono, about a mile south of Milton Junction, C.A. Warren has a general store. Below are the names of the Supervisors who have represented the township since its organization: SUPERVISORS. James R. Carlisle 1867-8 J.W. Ash 1869-70 B.E. Westfall 1871-2 J.W. Ash 1873 Frayer Halladay 1874 J.W. Ash 1875-7 Frayer Halladay 1878-80 J.W. Ash 1881-2 G. Willson 1883 Frayer Halladay 1884 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo32gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Marion Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:32 pm Marion Township was the last to organize and make up the full quota of townships for Osceola County. This was done by order of the Board of Supervisors made January 9, 1877. the meeting for the organization was held at the residence of C. Clark on the first Monday in April following. Ahira Chapin, J.r. Sawtell, and U.O. Chase presided at the meeting, which elected Ahira Chapin Supervisor. This tonwhsip is situated in the northeast corner of the county, in number 20 north, of range 7 west. It is bounded on the north by Missauke County, on the west by Clare County, and the south by Middle Branch, and the west by Highland Township. It is watered by the Middle Branch and its tributaries, and other feeders of the Muskegon River. The land is mostly covered with hard-wood timber, there being but very little pine, except in the eastern part. It is rolling in the northwest portions, and rather flat in other parts. Soil, clay loam with some mixture of sand. Population in 1884 was 194, showing an increse since 1880 of about a hundred. There are about 700 acres of land improved, with some 22 farms. Hay is regarded as the best crop. POtatoes also do well. Marion has six school districts, with two frame and three log school buildings, and are located as follows: No. 1, on section 35, and cost $275; No. 2 on section 1 and cost $300; No. 3 has a log house and is built on section 30 and cost $75; Nov. 4 has a log building which cost $50, and is situated on section 17; No. 5 is log, cost $100, and is built on section 6; No. 6 has no building. The scholastic population in this township is quite limited. Distric No. 1 has 20 pupils; No. 2, 26; No. 3, 4; No. 4, 14 and No. 5, 6 pupils on the rolls. The lumbering business was carried on here at one time quite extensively. The timber was cut and hauled to the Middle Branch and from it floated down to the Muskegon River, and thence onward. At Chesetopler Creek there is a saw-mill and a shingle-mill; also a supply store. There is another mill known as Clark's mill, where there is a postoffice. The nearest railroad station for the people of Marion is Tustin, on the Grand Rapids & Indiana. Immigration is coming in and the township is growing slowly. It has been represented by the folling named: SUPERVISORS. Ahira Chapin 1877-8 Daniel Marsh 1879 Ahira Chapin 1880-4 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo31gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.1 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Middle Branch Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:31 pm Middle Branch was one of six to come into the township organizations before the county was formally organized. This was in 1867, with J.B. McFarlane as Supervisor. It is situated in the eastern tier of townships, in number 19 north, of range 7 west. Its boundary lines are Marion on the north, Clare County on the east, Sylvan on the south and Hartwick Township on the west. This township is very thinly settled, and the principal business by those who have come in has been lumbering. The timber was pine, hemlock and the hard-woods. Originally there were some grand pine forest - unsurpassed by any of the townships - which have been depleted by the lumberman's ax. This timber was cut into logs, and then floated down the Middle Branch to the Muskegon River, and from along the course of this river they were taken up by the great saw-mills and manufactured into lumber. The forest sof this township contain some fine cherry, which so far has been mostly preserved, the owners holding it for future markets. Among the early settlers were J.B. McFarlane, U.O. Chase, H.a. Clark, A.W. Harrington, William Watson and J.M. Greer. The surface of the land is rolling, except in the eastern part, which is flat. The major portion of the land is samdy loam, with a clay sub-soil; other parts - the eastern - is sandy. There are three school districts in the township, with about 40 pupils attending. The school building in No. 1 is frame, located on section 10, and cost $325; number of pupils on list, 17. District No. 2 has a frame building, costing $300, and is located on section 13. This district has 13 pupils on the roll. The building in District No. 3 is located on section 30, and cost $325, and is a frame building; number of pupils in attendance, 9. This township had in 1883, 473 acres of improved lands, which was divided into 18 farms, with 1,589 acres of unimproved lands. The best crop to raise in this township is hay, and the next best is potatoes. The production in 1882 in wheat was 435 bushels, and in potatoes, 1,970 bushels, with 168 ton of hay. But very little attention, so far, has been paid to raising stock. The census of 1884 showed a decrease in the population from that of 1880, giving only 153. For the last year, since the census of 1884, it has been slowly increasing. The Middle Branch, with several little streams, meanders through the township and empties into the Muskegon River. There are four pretty good roads constructed, which run parallel with the section lines, and which meet the wants of the present inhabitants. Their nearest railroad station is Sears, in Orient Township, and at this place and Evart they do their trading and get their mails. It has been represented in the Board of Supervisors of the county by the following named citizens: SUPERVISORS. J.B. MFarlane 1867-70 U. O. Chase 1871 William Watson 1872 H.A. Clark 1873-8 A. W. Harrington 1879 J.M. Greer 1880-4 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo30gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.7 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Sears ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:30 pm This little hamlet was started before the advent of the railroad, which came in about the middle of September, 1870. Barker & Pratt started the business by putting in a supply store. They were soon followed by others, who opened stores, hotels, boarding-houses, saw-mills, etc. For awhile it was quite a flourishing place, with ambitious hopes; but when the railroad - which makes and unmakes towns - passed through and on, carrying its commerce with it, this hamlet settled back again to a conservarive ambition and reasonable expectations. It is located near the line of Orient Township, and on section 5. The site is pleasant and the country surrounding it is good. A postoffice was established here in the winter of 1871-2, with Nelson Ferguson as Postmaster. Mr. Ferguson was succeeded in 1877 by C.V. Priest, who still holds the office. Daily mails are received by rail. A Fourth-of-July celebration - which was the first in the township - was held here in 1872. C. Berch was the orator of the day. It was a great day for the patriots of Sears and the adjacent country, this Fourth-of-July, and it is still remembered and spoken of with pride and pleasure. BUSINESS INTERESTS. C.V. Priest carries a large, general assortment of merchandise and agricultural implements: is also dealer in lumber, shingles, telegraph poles and cedar posts. A Pierce keeps a general store, which he has recently opened. Henry W. Carsons keeps a hotel for the accommodations of the general public. Quite an extensive charcoal manufactory is carried on at this place, by the Detroit Union Iron Works. Hard wood is used mostly in making this coal. A little way from the town there are two saw-mills; one owned by Manly & Branderberg, located on section 4; and the other by J.H. Lanphear on section 5. Nelson Willoughby and McFadden do the black-smithing for the community. Mark L. Borland makes boots and shoes for the people here, and has done so since 1871. SCHOOLS. Sears is in School District No. 1, and the school-house is in town. They have a good school, with some 80 pupils on the rolls. CHURCH. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1871. First service was held by Rev. E. Fleming. Preaching has been supplied to this society from the Evart charge. Some 20 members belong to this congregation, who hold their meetings in the school-house, and have preaching every Sabbath afternoon. An interesting feature of this Church is its Sunday-school, which consists of 80 members, and is presided over by G.W. Delamarter. Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo29gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.3 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Orient Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:29 pm Orient Township is situated in the southest corner of the county, and is numbered 17 north, of range 7 west. It has for its northern boundary, Sylvan; eastern, Clare County; southern, Mecosta County; western Evart Township. It was organized by order of the Board of Supervisors, and held its first meeting at the residence of Wm. Wescott, April 4, 1870. Wm. Westcott, Joseph H. Powell and Daniel Weigel took charge of this meeting, which resulted in the election of Nelson Ferguson for Supervisor, Lemuel P. Jones for Clerk, and Wm. Westcott for Treasurer; David Weigel, Joseph H. Powell and S. H. Gordon were elected Highway Commissioners; Amos F. Blair, Obadiah Lloyd, Hosea Brown and Ransler Beckweith for Justices of the Peace, and Andrew Noyes for Constable. The township has four school districts, with school-houses located as follows: District No. 1, which is fractional, on section 6; No. 2, on section 21; No. 3, on section 11; No. 4 on section 33. In all these districts there are good frame buildings, costing from $400 to $800. District No. 1 has 80 pupils on the rolls; No. 2, has 60; No. 3, 19 and 4 have 24 pupils. The school at Sears, which is in District No. 1, is taught by J.B. Sleeger. Orient Township is well drained by Chippewa River and its branches. Big and Wright Lakes lie in the western part. The surface of the land is rolling, with a varied soil, - clayey, loamy and sandy. Anout three fourths of the land was heavily timbered with pine, a great part of which has fallen before the ax of the lumberman; the balance of the land was covered with maple, beech, basswood and hemlock. Hay and potatoes are regarded as the best crop, though grain does very well. About 2,000 acres are improved, and the acreage is increasing yearly. The first settlements were made in the spring of 1868 and made their locations as given: David Weigel, locating on section 4; John West on section 18; Wm. Tennant, on section 20; Obadiah Lloyd, on section 8; J.W. Powell and Wm. Wescott, on section 6; Amos Blair, on section 8; Samuel Gordon and Hosea Brown, on section 4; Andrew Noyes, on section 10; Nelson Ferguson, Henry Theyky and Lemuel P. Jones, on section 6. The first school opened was on section 5, and was taught by Miss Clara Gordon in a log school-house. The first marriage was celebrated in the township was between Luther Elmore, Sylvan Township, and Clara Jones. The wedding took place at the residence of Samuel Gordon, on section 4. About the last of Spetember, 1871, the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad was completed through the township. It runs along the northern line, deflecting a little southward and passing out through the middle of section 12. The first store opened in the township was at Sears, by Baker & Pratt, railroad contractors, in the spring of 1871. The lumber camps came in before the early settlers, who used to depend on these camps for supplies until they could replenish their stock, which, before the railroad was built, they hauled from Big Rapids, a distance of some 30 miles. More attention is being paid to farming than formerly, and new lands are constantly being brought under the plow. The population is estimated to be about 700, and is increasing. The township has two trading points, Sears and Chippewa, on the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad; the latter, however, is about broken up, owing to the withdrawal or change in lumber camps. At Big Lake there is a lumber and shingle manufactory, operated by V. Chandler and owned by C.L. Gray & Co. of Evart. The capacity of these mills for lumber is 1,200 feet; for shingles, 30,000 feet, per day. At Chippewa there is a shingle and saw mill, owned by George Jackson; also a supply store. Capacity of the saw-mill per day is 12,000 feet, and that of the shingle-mill is 30,000. Church services are held every two weeks in a school-house on section 21, by Rev. T.M. Huddle, of the United Brethren. Orient has honored the following named citizens as: SUPERVISORS. Nelson Ferguson 1870-3 B.N. Kellogg 1874 M.J. Boreland 1875 J.H. Powell 1876-7 J.B. Slazer 1878-9 J.H. Powell 1880 G.W. Delamarter 1881-4 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo28gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 5.0 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Osceola Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:26 pm In 1869, on the 5th day of April, the people of Osceola Township assembled together for the purpose of electing their town officers. At that period, those who could cast the little ballot for those whom they wanted for their public servants, were not quite as numerous as they are now in this township; yet they felt the importance of this action as much as they do at the present day, if not greatly more. The result of this meeting was the election of the following officers: Samuel Fitzgerald, for Supervisor; Edwin Hulburt, for Clerk; James Wetson, for Treasurer. Justices of the Peace - Joseph Young, H. Underwood, Cyrus Moulton and Smith Hawkins; Joseph Staninger, David Shadley and R. h. Coon were chosen for Highway Commissioners; and A.J. Mapes, R.H. Coon, John Rickets and Joseph Staninger, for Constables. This meeting was held at the house of Isaiah Mauer. H. Underwood, David Shadley and Isaiah Mauer were the Inspectors of the Election, at which there were 34 votes cast. At this meeting, they also voted a bounty of $5 for old, and $2.50 for young wolves, brought in, dead or alive. This liberal action of the voters was afterwards declared ilegal. Osceola is divided into five school districts with the location of school- houses as follows: District No. 1, on sections 16 and 21; No. 2, on section 26; No. 3 (which is the Evart graded school), on section 34; No. 4, on sections 13 and 14; No. 5, on sections 19,20, 30 and 29. In District No. 1 there are 66 pupils enrolled; No. 2, 41; No. 3, 434; No. 4, 37, and No. 5, 28. The shool building in District No. 1, cost $1,200, No 2, $450; No. 3, $6,000; No. 4, $100, and No. 5, $470. This township is numbered 18 north, of range 8 west, and is bounded on the north by Hartwick, on the east by Sylvan, on the south by Evart, and the west by Cedar Township. The Muskegon River runs across the southeast corner of the township. The Chippewa Creek, and several other streams heading in the northern part, course through the township and empty into the Muskegon. Like most of the other townships, the land is rolling, with a clay and sandy soil. For many years the lumber business was the principal industry. Its extensive forests of timber was a paradise to the lumbermen, who reaped fro them golden harvests. Lumber railroads were constructed in different parts of the township to facilitate transportation. Most of these tracts have been taken, and though the great bulk of the timber has been carried off, yet an extensive business is done in this line. About 3,000 acres of land is now under improvement, with about 100 farms. It stands the fifth in stock-raising, with a rapid increase in this department of industry. Among the earliest settlers were Isaiah Mauer, Samuel Fitzgerald, H. Underwood, David Shadley, James Wetson and Smith Hawkins. James a. Lunney & Co. have a lumber and shingle manufactory about four miles north of evart. Most of the timber now is brought to Evart, which is also their postoffice. The Evangelical Association has a church about three miles from evart, with 40 members. It is presided over by Rev. E. Weiss. A new church edifice was erected last year, and dedicated Nov. 9, 1884. Something more of the history of this township will be found in that of Evart village on preceding pages. It has been represent by the following named: SIPERVISORS. Samuel Fitzgerald 1869 E.H. Underwood 1870-1 E.J. Lemert 1872 E.O. Martin 1873 J.W. Mathews 1874-6 C.A. Waffle 1877-80 E.C. Cannon 1881-4 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo27gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.4 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Reed City ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:25 pm Upon the pleasant banks of the Hersey at the junction of the Flint & Pere Marquette and Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroads, is situated the prosperous and rapidly growing town of Reed City, and, at present, the largest in Osceola County. The site chosen for this village was pre-eminently a good one. In the business portion the land is well adapted for business blocks, while around the business center, in the suburbs, are beautiful locations for residences. No better location than this for a town coud be found in the county, and none with superior advantages. With the clear waters of the Hersey meandering around it, offering, in addition to its attractions as a water course, the best of facilities for manufacturing establishments; with the juntion of the two great railroads that traverse the State, and the lovely rolling grounds formed to gratify every taste for the location of homes, and shaded with grand old forest trees, it would seem that nature had left nothing more to be wished for. While the track of the Flint & Pere Marquette was in process of construction, and early in the year of 1870, Devenport Brothers came here with a stock of goods and opened a general store. This was the first business house opened in the place. Mr. Gibbs came soon afterwards and also opened a general store. He was followed by E. Trout, who opened a drug store. Wm. Blank came along about this time with a stock of liquors, and, attracted by the busines features of the new town, concluded to cast his fortunes with it. Nathaniel Clark, who is amoung the first settlers, came in the fall. He footed it up the railroad track from Hersey. Arriving at the town, he began the construction of a home by locating a site, cutting off the timber, clearing up the ground and building a dwelling. The railroad was completed to Reed City, and the locomotive steamed up with its train of cars about the middle of November. In the spring of 1871 Lonsbury & Crocker started a general store. About this time the crossing of the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad by the Grand Rapids & Indiana had been fixed at Reed City. This action of the latter company determined the future prosperity of the town and settled the question of its success, and from this period commenced its rapid growth. One business house was quickly followed by another, together with dwellings, and soon this site, which a few short months previous was but a wilderness, had the appearance of a thriving town. Early in the fall of 1871 the Grand Rapids & Indiana completed its track through the village, and continued its construction northward. The Baptist Society was the first to erect a church building, whihc was in the early part of 1872; and this society was the first to hold religious services. The first school taught in the town was by Miss Mary Clark, and was opened in 1872 in the Baptist church. Reed City Village was incorporated by a special act of the legislature, passed Dec. 3, 1872. The act of incorporation having been decided illegal by the courst, the village was re-incorporated in April 1875. The officers of the first organization consisted of Charles Clark, President; J.N. Crocker, D.M. McClellan, H.C. Stoddard, M.O. Green, J.L. Heath and JOhn Moore, Trustees; O.V. Monroe, Clerk; and Stephen Kessinger for Marshal. The village plat embraces one-half of section 9, one-fourth of section 10, one- half of section 16 and one-fourth of section 15. It is located 69 miles north of Grand Rapids, and 179 miles from Detroit. The population now is estimated to be over 2,000, and is increasing very rapidly. The location of the United States Land Office at Reed City was of great advantage to it, as it brought land dealers here and facilitated the settling up of the country. At the time the twon was platted, which was in 1872, it contained less than a score of people. Compating this with the present number of inhabitants, it will be seen that there is scarcely a town in the country that has developed faster. It is surrounded by a finely located and rich farming country, and these farms are yearly increasing their acreage of cultivated ground. It has a good water transportation, and by its two railroads it is connected with all the great busines interests of the continent. The manufacturing industries, though already extensive, are constantly enlarging. Liberal expenditures have been made in improving the streets, grading off the ground, laying sidewalks, etc. There are many first class business blocks, and they are well constructed for elegance and durability. Many of the residences, too, are conspicuous for their architectural beauty and the lovely and pictureesques grounds which surround them. There are also several quite fine church edifices, and a large and handsome school building. For sporting men, Red City is a favorite headquarters. The grayling and other fish are quite plentiful in the waters of the Hersey, and the woods adjacent to the town are abundantly supplied with game. The location is extremely a healthy one, and malarial and pestilential diseases are unknown. The people are wide awake and energetic, and endowed with that enterprise so essential to the building up of a great city; they are ready to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented which will increase their business or advance the interests of their town; they are also liberal-minded and hospitable. With these elements in her citizens, with her splendid location and fertile country surrounding her, with her extensive manufacturing advantages, and ready transportation facilities, Reed city can only look forward to a constant and rapid growth and a prosperous future. BUSINESS. T.H. Peacock has an extensive planing-mill. He also manufactures sash, doors, blinds and moldings, and is a wholesale lumber dealer. He established his business in 1876, and has now one of the largest establishments in the county. The Reed City Roller Mills, Morris & Martin, proprietors, were first started in 1876, with the old buhr system. In 1882, they adopted the roller system, putting in eight sets of rollers. The machinery is run by water power, with a turbine wheel, having a 14-foot water-fall. The capacity of this mill is 100 barrels per day. The machinery of this mill is complete, and arranged with the skill which only experience can give. The flour manufactured is as good as any in the State. I. Grant has also a flouring-mill, with three run of stone, where he manufactures first-class flour. Capacity, 300 bushels per day. In connection with this business Mr. Grant has a saw-mill and planing-mill, and a livery and feed stable. William Horner is another of the large manufacturers of Reed City. He has a planing-mill, matching and molding machine; puts up boxes for shipment, and is a general dealer in lumber. He established his business in 1882. He is a young man and has the energy and strength to manage the large and increasing business before him. Collins & Amspoker are extensive manufacturers of furniture, and is very creditable to Reed City. They established their business in 1876, and employ at present 15 men. W. H. Whipple has a planing mill, also an elevator, and is a large dealer in grain. The Reed city Woolen Mills is one of the prominent and valuable industries of the town, and was established in the spring of 1884, by William Lambert. The people of Osceola County can procure at this factory, at very reasonable rates, the best of goods in his line of manufacture, such as flannels, fulled cloths and woolen yarns. Mr. Lambert has four looms and employs from 12 to 15 men. P. & J. Bittner have a water-power roller mill, situated on the Hersey a little below town. They have four sets of rollers. In town they have also a flour and feed store, and are dealers in grain. Stodard & Bros. are dealers in general hardware and mill supplies, of which they have a very large and complete assortment. They opened their business in 1873, and have now one of the largst hardware stores in the county. They put up the first brick block in town, which was 1874. Densmore & Bros. carry a well selected stock of dry goods and grocieries. Seymour & Smith deal largely in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes. F. J. Tracy keeps dry goods, notions, etc. Cook Brothers carry a general line of hardware and mill supplies. Muehlig & Huss are dealers in hardware. William & Kerry deal in groceries. John M. Cadzow has general merchandise. C.H. Coles is a jeweler with a well-selected stock and goods in line. D.M. McClellan has a dry-goods and clothing establishment. Edward Fletcher & co. keep boots and shoes and rubber goods. Fred Ballacker has a boot and shoe store. Gharles G. Loase has a banking house, established Jan. 1, 1880, and was the first bank opened in Reed City. Marble and granite works by C. H. Mason. The good ladies of Reed City are well supplied with milliners and millinery goods by Mesdames L. T. Bayliss, E. Gilbert and Connaut. The Misses Lamberts are dressmakers, and do fancy work. Miss Yates is a dress and mantua maker. C. Tothweller and J.H. Auer are merchant tailors, and keep the gentlemen of the city well dressed. Thre are three first class drug stores in the village, which carry a fine assortment of goods in this line. They are represented by P.N. Lonsbury, E.R. White and P.H. Hoonan. W.H. Smith has a general furniture store. Another important branch of industry in this town is the manufacture of brick. This business is carried on by L.d. Webster and Wm. Jaching. A good quality of brick is made by them. Bowie & Mills have a machine shop, where they attend to all business given them in their line. A.C. Barclay and Hawkins Brothers are dealers in groceries; so also is C.J. Fleischauer. G.W. Shay has a livery and sale stable. H. Buergman, jeweler and gunsmith. William curtis supplies the town with news. T.H. Clayton is a dealer in furniture. R.L. Wilcox keeps a fruit stand. H.K. Smith and H. Gerhart have a large assortment of harness and saddlery, and goods in line. McCulloch & Haynes carry a general line of groceries and provisions. The bakery business is represented by John Russell and R. Reiners. William Blank has a grocery (one of the oldest in town) and a saloon. John Melvin has a furnitre store. Fred Fleischhauer, B.C. Curtis and C. E. Barnes have restaurants. John Howden, H. Kelly & O.S. Buck supply the town with markets. D. Adams is a dealer in real estate. Avery & Williams has a pop factory. Fred P. Atherson and Frank H. Nix have photograph galleries, and are skilled in their art. There are two skating rinks in town, run by Higbe & Avery and Hamilton & Titus. Reed City is liberally supploed with hotel accommodations. Among the first of these stands the National Hotel, with E. A. Carroll as landlord. This hotel is a three-story building and is located on the best site in the town. The house is well appointed throughout; the cuisine is first-class and the service is attentive and good. This is one of those favorite hostelries that make a traveler feel at home and comfortable. Landlord Carroll is one's ideal of a host. He is ever cheerful and happy, and is always around to see that his guests are well attended to. If they are sad and lonely, he will cheer them up; if they are homesick, or have the blues, he will, in order to comfort them, take a game of pedro with them. This is a great resort for traveling people, and of those that want good living, good company and good cheer. The oKs House is a good hotel and has a fine location, being near the depot. It is kept by Messrs. Bradley & Gray. The house is well furnished, sets a good table and is well spoken of by the traveling public. The Gilbert House, George Gilbert, proprietor, is located near the depot. The hotel is a good one, the landlord is a genial fellow and has many patrons. At the depot there is a first class eating-house, presided over by D. Adams, who is a very popular caterer. This is the best point on the railroad for the traveler to supply the inner wants. Denistry is represented by D. C. Felt and H.B. Peck. Reed City has a very able Bar, which is represented by Messrs. Holden & Whitney, who are also extensive dealers in real estate. In the same line are Cooper & Winsor, Melville Stone and W.E. Bellows. The village is a very healthy place, yet it is well supplied with the followers of Esculapius. The M.D.'s are Collins & Nevill, E.S. Richardson, C. H. White, A. W. Miller, D.S. Taplin and Albert P. Heckman. Reed City shows her musical taste by supporting a good brass band. It was organized in 1884, and has 16 members, with Q.D. Hoyt as leader. President A. T. Amspoker; William Adams, Treasurer; John Auer, Secretary, and L. B. Avery, Drum Major. The United States Land Office is a consolidation of the Ionia and Traverse Districts, and was transferred to Reed City soon after it was laid out, - or a few years after, - being established in April, 1878. Nathaniel Clark is Register and W. H. Mitchell is Receiver. It embraces the western half of the State. There is yet to be disposed of in this district about 50,000 acres of Government land. The location of this land office at Reed City was a great benefit to the town. The enterprising citizens of this place have organized an industrial association, the object of which is to further the interests of the town, but more particularily to assist worthy manufacturers who want aid in extending their business. They are clear-headed enough to know that if they build up the manufactories they are establishing the foundation for the future growth of their village. The president of this creditable organizaion is Charles H. Holden, an able lawyer and an extensive dealer in real estate, and a man who is aiding very largely in the growth of Reed City. The Reed City Hospital and Sanitarium, a branch established by the Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota Hospital Company, was opened in 1884, and is established on the ticket system. A ticket is issued for one year and is sold for $5, which entitles the holder to medical attendance during this period if sick. They have a large four-story brick building, centrally located, and constructed with all the modern improvements. There are 110 rooms in the establishment, many of them large and elegantly furnished, and all well fitted up. Each patient has a separate room, which is carpeted and contains a complete chamber set. A large dining hall is on the first floor, the tables of which are furnished with first-class table ware and supplied woth the best that the markets can afford. Patients that have no tickets are also admitted, and at reasonable rates. Dr. Norman Johnson is managing physician, and Dr. H.T. Jones is the resident physician and surgeon. This hospital is one of the attractive features of Reed City. The postoffice was established in Reed City in 1872, and E. Traut received his commission as Postmaster. He held his position until 1877, when he was succeeded by James N. Crocker, who is the present incumbent. This is a salaried office. Mails daily, by the two railroad lines. This office handles more mail matter than any other in the county. EDUCATIONAL. The people of Reed City have erected for the education of their children a fine, large two-story school-building, and secured the services of able and experienced teachers. This is the school district No. 7 in Richmond Township. The building cost $5,500, and has a seating capacity of over 400; yet it is not large enough to meet the wants of the citizens, as they have to rent rooms outside. There are 412 pupils on the rolls. A full English course is taught and the school is thoroughly graded up to eleven grades. A.B. Perrin is Principal, and is assisted by Alvira Brown, Mattie Dalzell, Bertie Yorks, Nettie Thompson, Orell Brown, Euphrasia Johns and Lily Clark. The Principal seems to be a man born to instruct the young; if not, he is certainly well adapted for it, and understands the science of imparting in a pleasant way the knowledge he possesses to others. Besides these qualities, he is as much interested in this large family of children placed under his care for instruction, as though they were his own. RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. St. Philip's Church, Catholic. - Mission service has been held here by this Church for about ten years. In 1880 they completed their church edifice, which cost $3,000, and is a good, substantial structure. A station was established in November, 1883, and Rev. Father M.T. Nyssen was placed in charge. Membership about 30 families. A parsonage is yet to be built. Services every other Sunday. Father Nyssen has charge of the Evart Chhurch, holding service there every two weeks. The Catholics of Hersey come to Reed City for worship. First Congregational Church. - This church was organized Dec. 29, 1872. The members that formed the first organization were Daniel A. Lathrop, J.N. Crocker, Mrs. T. Clark, Mrs. Harriet Hart, Mrs. Loretta A. Smith, Mrs. Sarah J. Franklinberger and P. F. McClelland. The last mentioned was chosen Pastor. As this society increased in membership, the necessity of having a place of their own for worship was felt, and accordingly a movement was made in this direction, which resulted in the construction of a fine church edifice at a cost of $3,000. This was dedicated Jan. 26, 1879, by Rev. Wallcott B. Williams. Present membership is 75, with Rev. George L. Bench as Pastor. This society has a very neat church, and is in a thriving condition. Methodist Episcoapl Church. - In 1878 this was in a circuit embracing Reed City and Crapo, with Rev. J. Turner as Pastor. Services were held in the Baptist Church. Mr. Turner was succeeded in 1879 by Rev. J.B. Knott. In 1880 Mr. Knott was succeeded by Rev. W.H. Thompsonm and during his administration the foundation of the church was laid. In 1881, Rev. J.W. Hallenbeck was appointed to take charge, who in 1883 was succeeded by J.W.H. Carlisle, under whom the church edifice was carried to its present stage. The next pastor to preside over this congregation was Rev. G. Daniels, the present worthy incumbent. The membership now numbers 125, and is incresing. The cost of the building so far is $7,000. When completed, which is only to finish up the towers and some minor details, it will cost $8,000. It is a fine edifice, built of brick, and constructed with architectural beauty. It is the finest church building in the county. A large and interesting Sabbath-school is attached to the church. The Baptist Church was organized in 1872. M.O. Green and wife, George Haycock and wife, Wm. Johnson and wife, Mrs. N. Clark, Mary, emma and Ela Clark were the first members. The society was founded by Rev. D. L. Deland, of Saginaw. A church edifice was erected the same year of the organization of the society, and was the first built in the village. Later members - H.B. Peck and wife, Theodore Talbot and wife, S.F. Thomas and wife, Calvin Thompson and wife, and E. N. Traut and wife. The first pastor was REv. Mr. Chapman. they first organized as a "Church and Society." In 1881 they organized under the new statutory law, as a Church, dropping the "Scoeity." Previous to and after the change, Rev. O. S. Wolfe was Pastor. Rev. Wm. P. Squiers is the Pastor now in charge of the Church, which has a membership of 65. Cost of church building was $1,500. The Evangelical Lutheran Association was established in 1878, with 40 members. They have a church building under construction which, when completed will cost $1,600; lot and property, about $3,000. The present Pastor is Rev. B. Merg. It belongs to the "Synod of Michigan." This church has two schools. - one in the village with about 45 pupils, and is a parochial school, with the other branches, together with the English. The other school is in the country four miles, and has 35 pupils. Evangelical Lutheran, Synod of Missouri (Inaltered Confession of Augsburg). This society was organized in July 1867, by the Rev. John Karrer. A church building was erected in 1881. Membership, 55 voters. Cost of building and property, $1,500. Rev. H. Juengel is the present Pastor. The Evangelical Association was established in 1879, with about 30 members. This society is completing a church which will cost about $3,000, with the parsonage included. The church building was dedicated Nov. 28, 1884. Service every two weeks by Rev. E. Weiss, of Hersey. Present membership, 80, with an interesting Sabbath-school. THE PRESS. Reed City, with all her advantages, would not have progressed very rapidly without the aid of the newspaper. The people were cognizant of this fact and have had one of these potent auxiliaries to the development of a new country with them from the organization of the village, and this is the Reed City Clarion, which was established in the spring of 1872, by C. K. Fairchilds. From that date it passed through several hands and was finally purchased by L.A. Barker, who is the present editor and proprietor. It is now a nine column folio paper, published weekly, with a circulation of about 1,100. Mrs. Barker has lately added a new power press, at a cost of $1,000, and otherwise improved the establishment. This journal is ably conducted, and the editor is looking carefully after the interests of his patrons, and especially those of Reed City. This paper is Republican in politics, and has been so from its foundation. The Union Banner, J. H. Whitney, editor and proprietor, is a weekly paper, was established in 1884, sending forth its first issue March 8. It is a Prohibition paper and has a circulation of about 400. It is a newsy little sheet. SOCIETIES. Reed City (Masonic) Lodge, No. 363. - This lodge was instituted Jan. 21, 1883. Charter members - L.B. Winsor, Willis B. Slosson, Edwin Trump, John F. Twitchell, H.B. Peck, J.C. Tobias, Simon Vanakin, Calvin Thompson, Lewis J. Johnson, Fred M. Mason, Robert J. Johnson, James F. Hall, James R. Youngs, Isaac Peacock, Benjamin F. Reynolds, Jacob Bush, Caharles Corwin, I.N. Thompson, Peter T. Morris and JOhn Quinn. Present membership 60. The lodge has a fine hall and is in good working order. Chapter No. 112. - Instituted Jan. 16, 1884. Charter members - L.B. Winsor, Willis B. Slosson, A. B. Diggins, John F. Twitchell, JOhn Densmore, Robert W. Hull, Edwin Trump, Lewis J. Johnson, Arthur B. Slosson, John F. Quinn, Charles I. Bellany, Jeremiah A. Tobias, Alonzo M. Shank, James A. Ladd, H.H. Hammond adn Thomas Guilmer. This chapter meets in the Blue Lodge hall, is well equipped and in good working condition. Grand Army of the Republic, Steadman Post, No. 198. - This lodge was chartered Oct. 30, 1883, with the following members: C. H. Holden, I. Grant, A.G. Buck, G.H. Gilbert, P.M. Lonsbury, H.C. Stoddard, N. Clark, J.Q. Patterson, P.W. Vaughn, V. R. Coles, Louis Barrett, L.D. Webster, A.C. Loomis, Alfred Brown, J.C. Langdon, Isaac Watkins, C.M. Ferdon, John Mitchell, C.C. Church, E.A. Cross and Joseph Frankenberger. This post is equipped with 32 muskets. It has a good hall and is in a growing condition. The I.O.O.F. No. 316 was instituted Aug. 12, 1878, with the following charter members: T.H. Peacock, T.H. Willson, G.H. Gilbert, J.Q. Patterson, J.F. Racliffe, R.D. Simonton and George Mort. Encampment No. 95. - This lodge was established March 29, 1883. Charter members - T. J. Amspoker, H.H. Freedman, G.H. Gilbert and C. E. Barnes. These lodges are well equipped, have a good hall and are flourishing. Patriarchal Circle No. 12 was organized May 12, 1883. Members - J.N. Crocker, H.C. Stoddard, H.E. Buck, Frank H. Nix, T.J. Amspoker, Charles J. Flinn, M.N. Witherell, J.C. Holden and J.H. Gilbert. FIRE DEPARTMENT. Reed city has been progressive in the establishment of its fire department. It has adopted the Holly system with the Dean improvement. Connected with this is also the water-works for the supply of town demands. The works are located on the banks of the Hersey. Here there is a fine spring of pure water, with a resevoir into which the spring water flows for a reserve supply. A pipe is extended from the pumps to the river for use in case of fire. Mins (eight-inch) are laid through the principal streets, with hydrants placed at proper places and connecting with them. Water is forced direct from the engine through the different mains, and is so arranged that all the force, if necesary, can be concentrated at any one given point. There are alarm stations about the town, with wires connecting with the engine house. The engine is about 45-horse-power, and is always ready. cost about $10,000. Operating with this system there is an organized hose department, with three hose companies and one hook and ladder company, which are organized as follows: Cataract, No. 1 - Charles Vaughn, Foreman; Jacob Marzoff, Assistant Foreman; F. M. Mason, Secretary; John Twitchell, Treasurer. Eclipse, No. 2 - H.K. smith, Foreman; John Hamilton, Assistant Foreman; Burt Trumbull, Secretary, and T.J. Amspoker, Treasurer. Tempest, No. 4 - Foreman, Miles Callahan; Assistant Foreman, Sherman John; Secretary and Treasurer, Will Fleischhauer. Hook and Ladder No. 3. - Foreman, W.M. Slosson; Assistant Foreman, F.J. Tracy; Secretary, L. B. Winsor; Treasurer, N.A. Stoddard. These companies have 2,000 feet of hose to operate with in case of fire. H.C. Stoddard is Chief of the Fire Department; T. J. Amspoker is Assistant Chief; L.B. Winsor is Secretary and Charles Wolf, Treasurer. Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo26gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 27.0 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Richmond Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:24 pm The territory that is now embraced by Osceola County was attached to Mecosta County for judicial purposes by act of the Legislature passed in the year 1859. The Board of Supervisors of Mecosta County, by resolution passed Jan. 2, 1861, organized, this territory into a township which was called "Richmond." Richmond was the maiden name of D.A. Blodgett's mother, and the township was named after her on account of her son, who, with commendable regard had requested it. The election was held under the order of the Board, April 1, 1861, at the residence of D.A. Blodgett, in said township. Alex McFarlane and D. A. Blodgett were appointed Inspectors of Election. Sixteen votes were cast at this meeting, which resulted in electing D.A. Blodgett for Supervisor, J.G. Robbins for Clerk and Benj. F. Gooch, William Berger and Alex McFarlane, JUstices of the Peace; William Berger and Joseph Ryan, HIghway Commissioners; JOhn McBride, charles Broth, anson Berger and T. B. Haynes, Constables. Richmond is located in the southwest corner of the county, is in number 7 north, of range 10 west, and is bounded on the north by Lincoln, on the east by Hersey, on the south by Mecosta, and on the west by Lake County. Benj. F. Gooch takes precedence as the pioneer of this township, who located for himself a home on section 25, in 1855. After him came J.G. Robbins, Anson and Wm. Berger, Alex McFarlane, T. B. Haynes, Joseph Ryan and John McBride. Richmond Township has nine school districts and two graded schools, - one at Reed City and the other at Hersey. Distict No. 1 is located on section 34; No. 2, on section 30; No. 3, on section 6; No. 4, on section 17; No. 5, on section 24; No. 6, on section 3; No. 7, on section 16; No. 8, on sections 22 and 27, and No. 9, on section 11. The land in this township has an undulating contour, with some very fine level fields. The soil is clay loam, and in parts sandy. It was well timbered with the hard-woods, with pine, hemlock and basswood. Red cherry is quite abundant in some portions of this township, which is held in reserve by its owners for future demands. It is drained by Hersey River and its branches. The Flint and Pere Marquette and the Grand Rapids & INdiana Railroads pass through the township; the former enters from the east about the middle and passes out westward on section 7; the latter comes in about midway from the south, and runs northward nearly parallel with the county line, going out on section 4. Good highways are built on nearly all of the section lines, and many of them are well graded. It ranks the first in improvements and in production. It is estimated that there are 7,500 acres improved, with about 175 farms. The statistics of 1882, the latest, gives 1,444 acres of wheat, with a yield of 23,700 bushels. The estimated number of acres planted last year (1883) in wheat, os 1,700, with a production of 67,250 bushels. The hay lands in 1882 numbered 1,393 acres, with a yield of 1,344 tons. The stock business is quite extensively carried on. In 1883 the number of cattle on hand was 907, and 353 horses. The production of wool this year was 4,752 pounds, which was sheared from 974 sheep. In 1884 the population of th township was 3,150, and has an assessed valuation of $820,000. The first school taught in the township (and the first in the county) was by Alice Jones, on section 25, in 1862, and the first child born was Mary, daghter (sic) of J.G. Robbins. In those early days, as well as at the present time, there were people who liked to take what did not belong to them, particularily if they could get it on a dark night. They wished to reap whether they sowed or not, and with them, as with people from time immemorial, stolen fruit tasted much sweeter than any other. Mr. Gooch planted and cultivated with a good deal of care an orchard. But little benefit, however, did he derive from it. Orchards and fruit were scarce in those times. He set his wits at work finally, after many tedious nights of watching, and devised a plan which he executed. This was to string wires about and around his orchard, and connecting them with a wire running into his house. To this wire was attached a bell, which was placed over the head of his bed. This scheme worked admirably; and it was not necessary either for him to go out after the bell rang to fire off his shot-gun, for the fruit thieves fled with parcipitate haste. Though this was before the days of dynamite, yet those moonshiners thought these wires connected with some infernal machine, and after that he had the pleasure of gathering his own fruit. There are many fine farms in this township, with farm buildings about the average. Usually the farmers are out of debt, with their lands all paid for, and many of them in independent circumstances. It has two very thriving towns, Reed City and Hersey, where the people do their trading, carry their products and get their mails. The history of these two villages contains many incidents connected with Richmond Township, to which the reader referred. Richmond Township has been represented in the council halls of the county by the citizens named below: SUPERVISORS. D.A. Blodgett 1861-5 Rufus E. Morris 1866-8 S. E. Lane 1869 William Stiege 1870-2 Nathaniel Clark 1873 Stephen Kissinger 1874 R.W. Page 1875 William Stiege 1876 M. O. Green 1877-80 C.B. Dean 1881 Nathaniel Clark 1882-3 W.W. White 1884 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo25gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 6.3 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....Osceola County Jail ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:22 pm This is a less imposing building, but it is adequate to meet all the wants of the county and holds all the prisoners that have been placed within its walls. The people of Osceola County are not very criminally inclined. The structure is located in one corner of the court-house block, is made of wood, and contains three cells, with family apartments for the sheriff. It was erected at a cost of $3,500. Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/osceolac24gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 1.1 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....Osceola County Court House ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:21 pm >From the time the county was formally organized and the county seat located at Hersey to the completion of a court-house, the county rented a building for a court room and offices. During the winter of 187-2, or early in the year 1872, Mr. D. A. Blodgett (to whom the county is much indebted for many benefits conferred) proposed to the county, through its Board of Supervisors, to donate a block of ground in the town of Hersey and $3,500, toward the construction of a court-house, if the county would give the balance. This liberal proposition was accepted by the county, and the erection of the court-house was begun. It was completed in 1873, about mid- summer, and was formally taken possession of and the officers duly installed in their respective office rooms. The cost of this structure is estimated at $8,500. Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/osceolac23gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 1.5 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....Osceola County Poor Farm ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:19 pm At the annual session of the Board of Supervisors in 1872, it was determined, after a short conference, that the proper thing for the county to do was to make some provisions for its poor. Accordingly a committee was appointed to select and purchase a suitable grounds for this purpose. Acting upon this authority, the committee selected and purchased 160 acres on section 28, in Sylvan Township, about two miles north of the village of Sears, at a cost of $2,000. The first building was erected in 1873. Since this time many improvements have been made, and the farm has been brought under good cultivation. The rooms are comfortably furnished, and are amply sufficient to meet the present demands of the county. The poor that are sent here are kindly treated, and their wants attended to. Such institutions speak well for a county, insomuch as they represent the charity and benevolence of its people. We would have been much pleased to give further details regarding this institution, and made repeated efforts to secure this information while at Hersey and since, but failed, because the parties to whom we applied, and on whom we had to depend, did not respond to their promises. Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/osceolac22gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 1.9 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Sylvan Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:07 pm SYLVAN TOWNSHIP was organized by order of the Board of Supervisors made Oct. 12, 1869. The meeting was held on the first Monday in April, 1870, at the school-house. John H. Lamphear, M. Kelly and JOhn E. Dearin, who had been appointed by the Board, presided at the meeting. J.H. Lanphear was chosen Supervisor; J. E. Dearin, Clerk; and W.P. Kelly, Treasurer; M. Kelly, G. Brooks and L.B. Bartholomew were elected Highway Commissioners; L.H. Gibbins and J.H. Lanphear, for School Inspectors; C.B. Smith, L.T. Elmore, L.B. Barthomew, for Constables. Sylvan is in the western tier of townships, within one of the southern line, and is numbered 18 north, of range 7 west. MIddle Branch is on the north, Clare County on the east, Orient on the south, and Osceola Township on the west. The surface of the country is undulating, and in some parts quite broken, with a mixture of clay, sandy and loamy soil. It is exceedingly well watered, having the great Muskegon River, which comes in at the northeast corner of the township and, running in an oblique course, passes out near the southwest corner, the Middle Branch, which empties into the Muskegon, and several other large streams. Sylvan Township is timbered principally with pine, and for many a large lumber business was carried on here. Its numerous water-courses afford splendid facilities for the transportation of logs, and this was taken advantage of by the shrewd lumberman. The pioneer lumbermen in this township were D.A. Blodgett amd Thomas D. Stimpson, who came up the Muskegon River in 1850 and located their camp where the Doc and Tom (which derived its sobriquet from their given names) River effects a confluence with the Muskegon. This was the beginning of the lumber business in this township, and in fact in the county. Among the first settlers in this township are John H. Lanphear, John E. Dearin, W. P. Kelly, L. H. Gibbins and G. Brooks. It has four school districts with a fair representation of school children. The school-houses are located as follows: District NO. 1, on section 31, and cost $700; number of pupils on the list is 66; No. 2 is located on section 7, and cost $760; number of pupils represented is 33; No. 3 is located on section 34; cost $650, and has 62 pupils on the rolls; No. 4 is on section 4; and cost $250, with 20 pupils on the list. Sylvan has about 1,500 acres of land improved and about 100 farms. Hay is regarded as the best crop. The townshi is better adapted for stock-raising, or dairying, than agriculture. The first sermon delivered in the township was by Rev. Mr. Watson, of the United Brethren Church, in 1869. This society has now two organizations in Sylvan, on section 31, and on section 33. Services are held every two weeks in school-houses, and are presided over by Rev. T. M. Huddle. Sears is the trading place for the people of Sylvan, and to this place - which is their nearest railway station - they come for their mail. John H. Lanphear has a saw-mil, which is located about one mile from Sears. About two miles from Sears, on section 28, the County Poor Farm is located. Sylvan Township has now a population of some 500 souls, and from its first numbers to the present time has been represented by the Supervisors named below: SUPERVISORS. J. H. Lanphear 1870-3 L. H. Gibbins 1874-5 P. A. Ferguson 1875-7 A. J. McCarn 1878 P. A. Ferguson 1879-80 L. H. Gibbins 1881-2 W. H. Sowles 1883 Warren A. Wagar 1884 Additional Comments: 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo18gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.3 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Sherman Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:06 pm Sherman came into the union of townships in 1868, with H. Wiest as Supervisor. Isaac Reems, George and J. E. Grove were the first settlers in the township, which was in the year 1866. Isaac Reems located on section 26, and the Groves on section 12. Amos Bell came soon after them and settled on section 24. Oliver Platt located in 1868. He was a trapper and devoted his time to this business, catching mink, marten, fishers, etc. Sherman is situated in the northern tier of townships, and is numbered 20 north, of range 9 west. Wexford County lies on the north, Highland on the east, Rose Lake on the south, and BUrdell Township on the west. It is watered by several little lakes, and two branches of Pine River, one of them sometimes called "Rose Lake Outlet." The timber mostly is the hard-woods, such as maple, beech, elm and cherry, with but little of the soft woods. IN the eastern part the soil is sandy loam and gravel, and in the western, clay loam. The surface of the country is quite uneven. Sherman has six school districts, all of which have organized schools and school buildings. Three of these buildings are frame and three log, and are located respectively on sections 11, 25, 7, 5, and 20. The first school taught in Sherman was by Esau Deffenbaugh, on section 14. About one eigth of the land is under cultivation, which is divided into about 120 farms. In wheat production this township ranks the fifth, and in potatoes the second; in hay the third. The average yield of wheat per acre is 14.14, and the highest yield is 42 bushels. Stock-raising is receiving some attention from the people. In 1884 there were 200 milch cows and some 300 of cattle of other kinds. Fruit culture is increasing, and it does well, especially in the line of apples. The early settlers had to cut their way into the township, by making their own roads through the wilderness as their settlements advanced. Now they have pretty good roads connecting with all the sections, and running on the sections lines. It ranks the sixth in population, with a steady increase. The gentian plant grows quite plentifully in the woods, which is gathered by the people in large quantities and sent to the markets. The trading place for the people is Tustin, in BUrdell Township, and here most of them get their mails. They have one postoffice in the township, called Dighton, which was established in the spring of 1884, and is located about four miles northeast of Tustin, on section 22. There are some very good farms and farm buildings in the township. It is growing steadily, is in a prosperous condition and has an estimated population of 850. The Methodist Church has an organization in the township, with a church building on section 14. It was erected in 1882 and dedicated the same year. Rev. Mr. Green is the Pastor. Services are generally held every Sabbath, with a good attendance. This township has honored the following named citizens as SUPERVISORS: H. Wiest 1868-9 Joseph Shank 1870 R. H. Jones 1871-2 C.O. Edwards 1873 B. H Jones 1874-5 Oliver Platt 1876-7 Wm. W. Convis 1878-84 Additional Comments: History of Sherman Township 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo17gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb

Osceola County MI Archives History .....History Of Rose Lake Township ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Jan Cortez http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00020.html#0004939 January 9, 2008, 9:04 pm ROSE LAKE was organized under authority of the Board of Supervisors given Oct. 12, 1870. The first election was held on the first Monday in April, 1871, at the house of Wm. McKinzie. Inspectors of said election were Wm. Wood, Wm. McKinzie and J. N. Miner. Officers elected - Wm. Wood, Supervisor; L. Price, Clerk; and G. W. Oliver, Treasurer; Highway Commissioners - G. L. Hinkley, D. Lanigan and S. A. Wells; School Inspectors - G. L. Hinkley and S. A. Wells; Constables - W. G. Shepherd and J. N. Miner. It is numbered 19 north, of range 9 west, and is bounded on the north by sherman, on the east by Hartwick, on the south by Cedar, and the west by Le Roy Township. It has five school districts, with three school-houses, located as follows: District No. 1 school-house is located on section 29. Building is frame and cost $800. Number of pupils in attendance, 79. No. 2 has a log school-house, which is built on section 3, and cost $150, with 49 pupils in attendance. No. 3 has a frame building located on section 15, costing $300. In this district there are 34 pupils. Nos. 4 and 5 have no buildings, and no report of school population. About one-half of the lands in this township are what is called stump lands. The pine lands are sandy, and rather flat; the hard-wood lands are clay loam with a rolling surface. It is watered by one of the branches of Pine River, which forms the outlet to Rose Lake. This lake is about two miles long, and from one-half to one mile wide, and is located in the northern part of the township, which is dotted over by numerous other little lakes. The principal business of this township is lumbering, which is carried on extensively. Comparitively speaking, but little farming has been done here yet, and the farming interests are secondary. W. M. McKinsie, Wm. Wood, L. Price, G. L. Hinkley, S.A. Wells, J. N. Miner and A. E. Sawyer are credited with having made the first actual settlements. Its railroad station and principal trading place is Le Roy, on the Grand Rapids & INdiana Railroad, which runs along near the western line of the township. The population, as shown by the census of 1884, is 673, an increase of about 200 in four years. Business interests are centered principally in Sawyerville, which is situated by one of the little lakes on section 32. Here A. E. Sawyer has the largest lumber manufactory in the county. Operations were begun for this establishment in 1873, by cutting roads, etc. During the winter of 1873-4 the machinery was hauled in and a tramway was constructed from the mill to Le Roy, a distance of three miles. In the spring everything was completed and the saws were started. Average amount of lumber cut annually up to 1880, was 5,000,000 feet. In 1880, another saw and a steam feeder were put in, increasing capacity to about 12,000,000 feet annually. The lumber is transported over the tramway to Le Roy, and from that place sent to the various lumbermarts. Mr. Sawyer employs at times over a hundred men. He has a blacksmith shop here, mostly for his own use, and a general store. Metcalf & Knowles have a saw and shingle mill on section 23, with a daily capacity in shingles of 40,000. This mill was moved from Sunrise Lake. On section 13, Joseph H. Spiers manufactures shingles and clapboards. Capacity of shingle-mill, 40,000, and the clapboard-mill, 5,000 feet, daily, which is handled by C. L. Gray & Co., of Evart. A Methodist Society has been organized at this place, and is served every two weeks from the Le Roy charge. Services are held in the school-house. The following named citizens have served the township as: SUPERVISORS: Wm. Wood, 1871 B.G. Moulton, 1872-3 Wm. Wood, 1874 B.G. Moulton, 1875-6 James McHugh, 1877 O.L. Millard, 1878 A.J. Archbold, 1879-80 O.L. Millard, 1881-2 B. Monaghan, 1882-4 Additional Comments: History of Rose Lake Township 1884 Portrait & Bio Album of Osceola Co. Chapman Brothers, Chicago File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/osceola/history/other/historyo16gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 4.7 Kb

Lenawee County MI Archives Photo Person.....Brown, Tommy C ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Michele Olson westoncemetery@yahoo.com January 9, 2008, 5:10 pm Source: Unavailable Name: Tommy C Brown Photo can be seen at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/lenawee/photos/brown134538gph.jpg Image file size: 105.0 Kb Obit taped to back reads: -Little Tommy Brown died at his home Sunday evening, Feb 4. Tommy had always been a great sufferer. He was only 4 years, 5 months and 9 days old. The funeral was conducted by Elder Iler from his late home, on Tues. afternoon. The remains were deposited in North Dover Cemetery.- File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/lenawee/photos/brown134538gph.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 1.1 Kb

Genesee-Wexford-Mecosta County MI Archives Deaths.....LYSHER, Henry Russell July 1, 1941 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Marcia Shears u08554@hotmail.com January 9, 2008, 11:31 am Name: LYSHER, Henry Russell Date Of Death: July 1, 1941 Time: 6:10 a.m. Place Of Death: 1510 Cronk St, Flint, Genesee Co., Mich. Residence: 1510 Cronk St, Flint, Genesee Co., Mich. Gender: Male Race: W Age: 78 Years, 5 Months, 15 days Marital Status: Widowed Spouse: Date Of Birth: January 15, 1863 Place Of Birth: Antwerp, Ohio Mother's Name: Unavailable, Unavailable Mother's Birthplace: Unavailable Father's Name: Unavailable, Philladaum Father's Birthplace: Unavailable Cause Of Death: Ca. of stomach, Cachexia (1 year) Hospital: Unavailable SS Number: Unavailable Occupation: Unavailable Funeral Home: Unavailable Doctor: J. J. Gutow, M.D., 5523 S. Saginaw St Coroner: Unavailable Informant: Mrs. Ella Congdon, 1510 Cronk St. Date Of Burial: July 3, 1941 Place Of Burial: Cherry Grove Cemetery, Cadillac, Mich Date Recorded: July 2, 1941 Source Of Record: Death Record from Genesee County Michigan Certificate No.: Vol D36, Page 556, Local File 768 Name: (Adopted name Bennie F. Moore) Additional Comments: The informant was his daughter Ella and the house he lived in was her and her husband, George Congdon's. His wife's name was Catherine "Katie" Alice MCCLELLAND. Other records indicate that his parents were Lewis H. and Matilda LYSHER. He was my great-grandfather. File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/vitals/deaths/lysher265gdt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 2.1 Kb

Genesee-Lapeer County MI Archives Obituaries.....LAESCH, Meta L December 7, 1967 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bonnie Petee globetrotter101@juno.com January 6, 2008, 7:36 pm The Flint Journal - date not known LAESCH, Meta L - Lapeer, age 79, died December 7, 1967. Rest of obituary not copied - see Flint Journal for additional information File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/obits/l/laesch2746gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 0.7 Kb

Genesee-Bay County MI Archives Obituaries.....TAYLOR, Pearl Josephine December 7, 1967 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bonnie Petee globetrotter101@juno.com January 6, 2008, 7:34 pm The Flint Journal - date not known TAYLOR, Pearl Josephine - Bay City - age 65, died December 7, 1967 at the residence. Funeral Services will be held Monday at Hill Funeral Home, Grand Blanc, Rev, Donald Wenstrom officiating. Burial in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Additional Comments: See the Flint Journal for complete obituary. File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/obits/t/taylor2745gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 0.9 Kb

Calhoun County MI Archives Photo Place.....Oak Hill Chapel November 17, 2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Dave & Robin Ellis davenrobn@gmail.com January 6, 2008, 12:28 pm Source: Oak Hill Photo can be seen at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/calhoun/photos/oakhillc29418ph.jpg Image file size: 95.5 Kb Oak Hill Chapel File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/calhoun/photos/oakhillc29418ph.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/mifiles/ File size: 0.7 Kb

Genesee County MI Archives Obituaries.....ORNE, Victor D December 8, 1967 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bonnie Petee globetrotter101@juno.com January 6, 2008, 6:07 pm The Flint Journal - date not known ORNE, Victor d. - Grand Blanc, age 64, died December 8, 1967 at St. Joseph Hospital, Flint. Funeral services will be Tuesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. John Bush officiating. Burial in New Calvary Cemetery. Additional Comments: See the Flint Journal for complete obituary. File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/mi/genesee/obits/o/orne2744gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 0.9 Kb