This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rclawson186 Surnames: Cowden, Adams, Robinson Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.chautauqua/21283/mb.ashx Message Board Post: ..from the Michigan County Histories and Atlases.. MONTCALM COUNTY, MICHIGAN SOME OF THE EARLY SETTLERS The permanent settlemen of Maple Valley township began in 1858 when Heber Cowden, with his family, settled on the northwest fractional quarter of Section 11. He was a native of Washington County, New York, whence he came direct to Jackson County, Michigan, in 1835, where he continued to reside until 1858. On coming to Maple Valley he built a cabin and began a clearing and continued to reside on this land until his death, in 1862. His death was the first in the township. Mr Cowden was a well, hearty man, but one day, coming into the house from his work, complained of feeling ill, and in five minutes he died of heart disease. The funeral took place at his cabin. He was buried on his own land, near the lake, in a beautiful spot. also from the previous page in this history, it lists the following landowners on Section 11: Allen Wright, Heber Cowden, Abel T. Cowden, Charles Cowden. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.