BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 395-405

     JOHN D. REEVES. The ranks of the pioneers of Ingham County are becoming smaller with each passing year, for although they have subdued forests and converted vast tracts of uncultivated land into fields of waving grain and blushing fruits, yet Death is a foe against whom they have no weapon of defense. Among the few who still survive to enjoy the result of former years of toil is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical notice. He was born August 25, 1814, in Minisink, Orange County, N.Y., and is the son of Howell and Elizabeth (Wood) Reeves, also natives of the county in which their son was born.

     Until he was seventeen years old our subject remained under the parental roof, becoming thoroughly acquainted with the various details of farm life. In 1832 he went to the home of a brother-in-law, Benjamin Horton, with whom he sojourned about six months, aiding in the work of tilling the soil and harvesting the grain. Next he clerked (397) for a brother, Charles W. in West Town, N.Y., for early two years and in this way became familiar with business transactions. People were at that time beginning in large numbers to emigrate to the West, seeking in a newly settled country in opportunity to become independent. It was therefore natural that the attention of our subject was directed toward the new States and that he determined to come West.

     In company with Harvey Hill, Mr. Reeves proceeded westward in New York State and for a time engaged in making force pumps for mills; when he had completed this, he returned to his home via the Erie Canal to Troy, N.Y., thence down the Hudson to Newburgh. He remained on the old homestead until September, 1836, cultivating the farm. During the previous February his brother James had started West with horses and sleigh and had gone to Lima, Mich. Soon afterward another brother, George, followed with his family, going by way of Erie Canal and the lakes to Lima. In September the father of our subject gave him about $800 and advised him to go to Michigan and invest his money in lands. This he decided to do.

     Going to Albany, N. Y., Mr. Reeves boarded a canal boat, paying one and one-half cents per mile fare to Buffalo, and from there $8 to Detroit by boat. At Detroit he took passage in a stage coach for Ann Arbor. The roads being very muddy and almost impassable, he was compelled to walk the most of the first ten miles of the journey, and also aided in getting the wheels out of ruts which frequently hindered progress. On the third day out from Detroit the coach reached Lima, and Mr. Reeves, having secured gold in Detroit with which to pay for land, immediately set out in search of' a favorable location. Going north about four miles he came to where Henry Warner now resides; from there he proceeded northwest over a sparsely settled district with only an occasional wagon track to direct the traveler. A man named Heman Low, who had settled on the north end of the lake, directed our subject to a Mr. Gregory on the east side.

     In company with Mr. Gregory Mr. Reeves proceeded on his investigating tour and finally selected a tract of land in what is now Ingham Township. He then hastened back to Lima, and taking his brother's horse went to Detroit to enter his land, this being about November 17, 1836. The negotiations being now closed Mr. Reeves began to feel homesick and soon persuaded his brother George, to return East with him. They started on horseback during the latter part of November and after a tiresome journey of twenty-one days, much of distance being traversed through Canada, they reached Orange County.

     The brothers had been at their old home, only a few days when their former neighbors urged them to return to Michigan and take up lands for them. Our subject agreed to go if the people would make up $3,000 and would pay him $10 for every eighty acres taken, expenses included. Satisfactory arrangements having been made, he proceeded West with his brother and about $6,500. Nineteen days after they started out they reached Lima, it being then about the 22d of February. On the 4th of March following Mr. Reeves started out on horseback to look up land. As before he went to the home of Heman Low and succeeded in getting his company on a tour of inquiry

     The two gentlemen had one only a short distance when they stepped on a large log, from the opposite side of which a good-sized bear jumped out. Bruin, however, did not seem anxious to cultivate the acquaintance of his visitors and was soon out of sight. On the afternoon of the second day they found another man looking up land, and Mr. Low urged Mr. Reeves, to hasten to Detroit or the land would be taken. Mr. Reeves jumped on his horse and hurried to Pinckney, Livingston County, then followed the base line to Northville. It was not long before he arrived in Detroit and with the gold purchase money, he hastened to the land office and took up the land. As he turned to leave the office he met the man whom he had seen in the woods, and the stranger at once inquired how Mr. Reeves, reached Detroit so soon. Mr. Reeves replied that he "took across lots."

     On April 8, of the same Year, Mr. Reeves started for the Ionia district to take up other lands, being accompanied by Dr. Hallock. Reaching Mason he remained for three days with Mr. Blaine, spending one day with Anson Jackson, the surveyor, in (398) looking up land. The nights were passed upon the floor of the cabin with some ten or fifteen men all of whom were evidently would-be-buyers. On the morning of the fourth day Mr. Reeves started by trail for Ionia and when they were near Okemos they found the Indians making sugar. Upon reaching the river they had to tear down a wigwam which was made of poles and bark, and convert it into a raft on which they crossed in safety.

     Next Mr. Reeves took the trail to Pine Lake, where they remained all night with two men in a shanty. Thence they proceeded to DeWitt and from there followed a wagon-track to Portland. When they came to the mouth of Maple River, there was no way to cross, so going back a half mile they noticed a house on the opposite side and a man with a canoe, whom they called over and who took them past the mouth of the river. From there they went to Ionia where as yet few people had located. On the return trip they pursued the same course, and staying one night with the men in the cabin were advised by them not to go to the river for fear of the Indians. Acting upon their advice they took a trail east toward Howell. After traveling all day they built a fire at night to keep off the wolves who kept up a frightful howling during the entire night. Early the next morning after a night of sleeplessness, they commenced their journey anew and about noon came to a tamarack swamp, which they had to penetrate. After reaching Portland they proceeded toward Lima, being then quite hungry. Soon they met two men with guns out hunting. Mr. Reeves remarked to them, "Do you know this is Sunday?" But they answered, "There is no Sunday here."

     Upon inquiring for something to eat they were told to follow the trail, which they did, finding a short distance away a cabin and there procuring what Mr. Reeves declares was the best meal he ever ate.
In Lima, Mr. Reeves staid about two months and then started for Orange County, N.Y., by the lakes, canal and the Hudson River. He staid in his father's home until October, when he returned to Michigan and sojourned with his brother James all winter, the victim of ague, then very prevalent in that newly settled country.

     George the brother of Mr. Reeves had removed to Pinckney, and in the spring of the following year our subject went to that town and engaged as clerk for his brother. In the meantime he hired settlers to break his land and Jonathan Thomas, Mr. Bennett and old Mr. Jacob Dakan sowed it in grain. After some time he went to work upon his land on section 36, Ingham Township, and put in crops upon the ten acres which had been ploughed. He further improved the estate by building a log house, drawing the lumber for flooring from Unadilla.

     Mr. Reeves now felt prepared to established a home of his own and in 1840, he was happily married to Julia Livermore, and for more than a half century this worthy couple have worked in the utmost harmony for their united interests. Seven children came to them, all of whom are now living. Louisa A., born September 16, 1841, married Ralph Muscott; Oscar B., born April 16, 1844, has never married and resides on section 19, Lansing Township, where his father owns one hundred acres of fine land, well improved with good buildings, etc. Oscar V. is the Clerk of Lansing Township, had been Drain Commissioner and School Inspector two years; Emma L., born April 17, 1845, is married to Horace Whiting and resides in Eaton County, Mich.; Franc A. married Henry Stilson and lives in Stockbridge, this county. The other daughters are Sarah J., Ella E. and Elva E., all of whom are single and reside with their parents upon their beautiful farm.

     Mr. Reeves bought his present place in 1869 and has embellished it with its fine improvements. In politics he is a Republican but will not allow the use of his name for office, preferring domestic quiet to the confusion of public life. He, however, was appointed Postmaster under Gen. W. H. Harrison which position he held nine years. The office, now known as Dansville, was then known as Ingham Post-office. Mrs. Reeves and two daughters are the members of the family belonging to the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, and are honored members of the best social circles of the community. Mr. Reeves, who is now in the twilight of a well-spent life, can look back upon a past of hard labor, which has been cheered by the loving companionship of his wife and the devotion of his children. He (399) well deserves the comforts which surround his later years, and there is no one who speaks of him and what he has accomplished for this section of country, without feeling that among all the venerated pioneers of the county, none are more worthy of reverence and esteem than he. It is the wish of his many friends that he and his good wife may be spared for many years to enjoy peaceful closing to their well-spent lives.

     AARON T. INGALLS. Some of the most thorough and efficient agriculturists of Michigan are among those who have devoted themselves quite exclusively to the breeding of good and superior grades of horse and cattle, and they are rapidly making Michigan headquarters for business of this kind and gaining a reputation for her in the marts of the world. The gentleman of whom we write makes a specialty of breeding trotting horses and roadsters and resides on section 9, Leslie Township.

     Our subject was born in Bergen, Genesee County N.Y., April 5, 1830, being directly descended from Benjamin and Malina (Humphrey) Ingalls. The father was born in the Green Mountain State and the mother first saw the light in Lima, Livingston County, N.Y., and there made her home until her marriage to the father of our subject. They lived for some time at Bergen, but afterward returned to Lima, whence they removed to Pembroke, Genesee County, there they Made their home until their removal in 1840 to Michigan. Upon reaching the Wolverine State, they made their home first on a farm in Columbia Township, Jackson County. and afterward removed to Onondaga Township, Ingham county. They came to this county in the year 1850, and the mother passed away here, about the year 1855, having completed a half century of noble and virtuous life. The father now makes his home with his son Aaron, with whom he has resided for many years. He has followed farming all his life and is now eighty-seven years of age. His early political views led him into the Whig party but he is now a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist Church of which his wife was also an earnest and active member. Their nine children were named Fitch, Sophronia, Aaron T., Benjamin, Francis, Lucinda, Susan, James and William. 

     The subject of this sketch had his early training upon the farm and in the district schools of Genesee County, N.Y. When eleven years of age he started out in life for himself working out for wages during the summer and in the winter working for his board and going to school. He was some twenty-two years old when he came in 1852, to Michigan, and after spending two years upon the farm in Columbia Township, Jackson County, he sold it and bought property in Onondaga Township, Ingham County. Later he disposed of that property and for several years speculated in land and also engaged in the mercantile business at Leslie, besides managing the Leslie Hotel for some three years.

     Desiring to live a more retired life he exchanged his hotel for a portion of his present farm and settled down to a life of a farmer. He has added to his acreage from time to time and now has two hundred and forty-five acres on sections 8 and 9, most of which is in a high state of cultivation. It is now several years since he has devoted himself largely to the breeding and developing of fine roadsters, and trotting horses, and he keeps about forty head of horses upon his place all the time. He is also raising thoroughbred Jersey cattle, and has one of the most desirable farms in Leslie Township upon which he has placed excellent buildings and all the accommodations for the comfort of both his family and his stock.

     Mr. Ingalls started out in life with no capital except a willing heart, strong hands, and a thorough determination to achieve success, and he has willingly endured hardships and hard work, and has never shrunk from any difficulties which have been presented to him. Besides his farming possessions he is a stockholder in the People's Bank at Leslie, and also has stock in the People's Saving Bank at Mason. His political views are such as will be found in the platform and declarations of the (400) Republican party, upon whose ticket he has been raised to several of the minor township offices. He is a Free and Accepted Mason of the Royal Arch Degree.

     In 1852 this gentleman was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Bolton, of Alabama, Genesee County, N.Y. She was a native of that place and a daughter of Abram and Marinda (Griswold) Bolton. Her married life was brief, as she was called from earth in 1855, passing away in Onondaga Township, Ingham County. The present Mrs. Ingalls is a daughter of Elon and Angeline Annis and she became the wife of Mr. Ingalls in May, 1861. Our subject had no children by his first marriage, but by his second union has three children, Emma, Minnie, and Aaron T., Jr. Leslie post-office is the address of this stock-breeder who stands well in both agricultural and commercial circles is all will attest who have had any dealings with him.

     ISRAEL GILLETT. When the early settlers of any city have been men of character and ability--men who respected themselves and the laws of God and man--and who were inspired with a noble ambition to provide for their children and their children's children, we may be sure that a grand foundation has been laid for the upbuilding of that city. Such a foundation was given to Lansing, Ingham County, by the coming hither of such men as Israel Gillett, who has made his home in this city since November 10, 1852, thus ranking as among the oldest settlers here.

     This successful architect and mechanic, whose office may be found at No. 104 W. Michigan Ave., was born at Crown Point, Essex County, N.Y., March 4, 1827. His honored parents, Israel Gillett, Sr., and Susan (Bailey) Gillett, were New Yorkers by birth. The father was a farmer by occupation. The first twenty-four years of our subject's life were spent on his father's farm and there he received his education and worked in a factory as machinist and later on was set to learning the jeweler's trade. Upon starting out for himself he came to Lansing and opened a jewelry establishment here on Washington Avenue, in which he continued for sixteen years, being the second man here to open a shop of that kind. After one year he bought out his only rival in the trade and for seven years was the only jeweler in Lansing.

     In 1868-69 Mr. Gillett sold out his business and entered upon architectural work and the handling of real estate, mostly for himself. He also built and sold houses and carried on contracting and building for others and has continued in the architectural line up to the present time, and still superintends the completion of certain special contracts, although he is gradually closing out his business, and retiring from active work.

     Although interested in public matters as an intelligent man must always be, Mr. Gillett has never cared to mingle actively in political movements. His keen and intelligent interest in the subject of education and his well-known ability and excellent judgment have for seven years made him a member of the Board of Education. As a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 66, of Lansing he has taken the thirty-second degree.

     Our subject and his wife are now the oldest members of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, and when that body was organized he was one of the Trustees and one of the building committee appointed by the Quarterly Conference to superintend the building of the edifice and he is the only surviving member of that committee. For a number of years he has been the Trustee and Steward of that church and when they sold the old building and put up the new one he was again one of the building committee and practically was the superintendent of this beautiful structure which cost $50,000 and was only completed in 1890 with a seating capacity for one thousand people. It stands at the corner of Capitol Avenue, and Ionia streets and is an admirable building of Ionia sandstone and an ornament to the city.

     The marriage of our subject in 1851 united him with Sarah K. Seaman, daughter of Ransom and Susan (Day) Seaman. This lady was born in July 31, 1831 and her girlhood's home was Schroon Lake, Essex County, N.Y., her wedding day being (401) November 10, 1857. Their two children are Charles B. and Jennie S., the latter being the wife of Willis B. Kirby of this city and to her has been granted one child--Ralph G.

     EDWIN H. PORTER is the son of Seth J. Porter, whose history may be found under the combined biographical, sketch of J. B. & E. H. Porter, dealers in real-estate, who have a large business in the sale and exchange of property, also doing a large business in insurance, both life and accident. Our subject bought out the interest of Mr. N. B. Jones, that is, his local interests in the office. Since he has been so interested he has been very successful, doing a large and paying business, for so great is the confidence reposed in his judgment and word by dealers in real-estate and so reliable is he known to be that his patronage is very large.

     Edwin H. Porter was born at Marcellus, Onondaga County, N.Y., December 16, 1822, and in 1833 went with his parents to Kalamazoo. He remained a short time with his father and grandfather, who had a farm on the prairie. He procured it when the soil in that vicinity was virgin, being one of the earliest settlers in that part of the county. After spending the winter with our subject, Seth J. Porter moved to Kalamazoo where in the spring of 1834 he built the first frame house, which was then an object of pride in the village. There he remained until the following August when his decease occurred. He was a professional man, being a skillful physician and among the pioneer settlers he was regarded with the greatest affection and confidence. He was the second physician to come into the county, indeed the first of undoubted repute, it being questionable whether the one who preceded him could rightfully claim the title.

     After her husband's death our subject's mother remained in Kalamazoo until 1837. She had meantime married Horace Stimpson of Rochester, N.Y. They then moved upon a farm in Van Buren County near Paw Paw and there remained for several years. Finally they removed to Allegan where Mr. Stimpson died. After his father's death our subject had returned to his childhood's home in the East and remained with friends, attending school, until 1839 when he came to his home with his mother. He continued his studies that year and in the spring of 1840 went back to Kalamazoo to go into business for himself. His mother, whose maiden name was Cynthia M. Haines, died in this city in 1888, at the age of eighty-five years.

     Binding himself out in 1840 to a manufacturer of carriages, our subject spent the next five years as an apprentice in learning the carriage-maker's trade. At the expiration of his term of service he carried on the business for himself for a couple of years, when he sold out and engaged in the grocery business, continuing to be thus employed until 1857. At that time he sold out his interests in the grocery line and became Assistant Postmaster. His brother-in-law, Mr. James A. Walter, was appointed to the position of Postmaster in Kalamazoo and there our subject remained until 1862. He then enlisted in the War of the Rebellion and was appointed First Lieutenant and Commissary of the regiment which was the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. He was mustered in July, 1862 and was sent to the Department of the Cumberland. He remained in active service until December, 1864, and then resigned his commission on account of ill-health. During his service he was a participant in the battles at Stone River, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga and was one of the beleaguers at the siege of Atlanta.

     After his return Mr. Porter again went into public service, being appointed Quartermaster on the staff of the Provost Marshal and remained in the position until all matters pertaining to the war were closed up. In 1866 he was appointed to a clerkship in the State Land Office and served in that capacity until July when he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of the Land Office under Gen. Pritchard, which office he retained until 1871. At the date above mentioned he went into the Auditor-General's office and there remained for twenty years, but this spring the change in the Government in which the Democrats took the lead, was disastrous to him, as he is a most ardent Republican and on losing his position he went into partnership with his brother in the real-estate and insurance business as before mentioned.

     On December 22, 1845, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Adeline E. Walter to whom four children were born, their names being as follows: Harvey W., Charles E., Alice A. and Nellie R. Alice is now Mrs. George H. Seymour and Nellie is Mrs. C. R. White. Mrs. Adeline Porter died June 23 1865. He was a second time married, his bride being Miss Emily E. Nash, of Lansing. She is a daughter of Charles E. Nash, one of the early pioneers in this vicinity. Mrs. Porter is devoted to her husband and his interests, making for him a delightful home life. They are members of the Congregational Church and are representative people in the city.

     ROBERT MANN. There is nothing that shows the innate refinement and gentleness of a man's nature more than a care for the exquisite blossoms that crown the most patient and diligent efforts at cultivation. A cruel or unkind man, or a careless or inappreciative man would never succeed as a florist, for the tender green things under the charge of such a person are entirely at his mercy, to be starved and choked, or to be fed, watered, and warmed at his will. Neither can an ignorant man succeed in this calling, for ignorance is stupidity and inappreciativeness, and one who is so watchful and intelligent that he can understand the unspoken language that tells of the needs, or thankfulness for care, of the green thing that gladden our homes and crown all festive occasions, is neither stupid nor ignorant, but humane and tender.

     Our subject who is the head of the firm of Robert Mann & Son who have charge of the most extensive greenhouses in the city, is located on South Washington Avenue, where he has extensive grounds, having two and a half acres devoted to the business. Their trade is mostly wholesale being engaged in forcing early vegetables and in selling in a wholesale way to the grocers of the town. Mr. Mann was born in Ipswich, Mass., January 23, 1831. He is a son of Jabez and Mary (Peatfield) Mann, the family being of English origin, having emigrated from England to this country and settled Ipswich in 1827. Our subject's father, directly after his marriage, devoted himself to the occupation of shoemaking, but during the last years of his life was a manufacturer of knit goods. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, he being a Trustee and one of the stanch old men of his time.

     The education enjoyed by our subject was acquired in his native place, where he finished in the grammar school, and then became engaged in the tin business in the city of Boston, Mass. He removed from that city, however, to Hillsdale, Mich., in August, 1849, and while still a boy he launched out alone engaging in his trade as tinner, and for a number of years worked as journeyman at that place. In 1876, he came to the city of Lansing, having, prior to coming here, married Miss Ann Alice Clark, a daughter of Caiphas Clark. She was born July 7, 1840, and is a native of England, having come with her parents to the United States when only one year old.

     On coming to Lansing in 1876, our subject engaged in gardening and in the business of a florist, first renting the land which he used and gradually increasing his business, until in 1882, he purchased the place which they now occupy, and which alone as a real-estate deal has been a most fortunate and profitable investment. It is one-half mile inside the city limits and in fine condition for sub-division. This they put into shape, added large greenhouses and now do a fine business in forcing vegetables and flowers. In 1886, they also built upon the place a fine two-story frame residence, which is a home that is striking in its beauty of surrounding, its location and the way in which it is kept up. Mr. Mann is now one of the prominent and successful business men of the town. Our subject and his wife are the parents of three children, Robert H., who is associated with his father in business, having been so occupied since 1878; Florence L. and Mary A.; all are still at home, and form a delightful society within themselves. The young ladies as well as the young gentleman, are bright, intelligent and accomplished, and the air about the home is filled with the sunshine that young life and enthusiasm brings. The family are members of the First Presbyterian Church and are enthusiastic workers in that body, doing all in their power for the upbuilding and sustaining of the Gospel work. Our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias and from his social relations, has derived many substantial benefits as well as social pleasures.

     CYRUS ALSDORF. The name at the head of this sketch is that of one of the pioneer settlers in Ingham County, he having come here in 1856, which, late as it may seem to a resident in an older State and county, showed very few of the present improvements. Prior to coming here Mr. Alsdorf had located in Pontiac, Oakland County, settling there in 1853. He was born in Ulster County, N.Y., October 14, 1825, and is a son of Levi Alsdorf, who is descended from the Alsdorfs that were the original patentees of what was known as the Holland Land Purchase.

     When our subject was a lad of eight years of age his parents removed from Ulster County to Genesee County, N.Y. Most of his education, however, was acquired in Wyoming County and there he attained manhood and was united in marriage with Loretta Melcher, who was a daughter of Samuel Melcher, a pioneer in this State from Vermont. Mrs. Alsdorf was born in the year 1829. Their marriage was celebrated June 6, 1846. In 1853 he came with his wife to Michigan and settled in Pontiac. He was there employed in the freight office of the Detroit & Pontiac Railroad. Two years later he came to Ingham County, where his father-in-law had located, settling in Meridian Township. For a time our subject there engaged in farming.

     Not as familiar with agricultural as with commercial life he preferred the latter and soon accepted a position as foreman in the Reform School shop, being installed in his position while the institution was yet in its infancy. He was there until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted as principal musician in the Fourteenth Michigan Infantry. In the fall of 1862 he was promoted while at Tuscumbia, Ala., to be leader of the band, First Brigade of Second Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps which was commanded by Gen. James D. Morgan. He served all through the battles of Corinth and the summer campaign of 1862-63. He was a participant in the battles of Stony River and Chickamauga and was finally discharged on account of disability. While lying at Frank Anderson's cross roads at Sequatchie River, he was sent to the hospital and remained there until his discharge, which took place in December, 1863.

     He remained at home until the spring of 1864, when he re-enlisted in the post band under Gen. Scofield and remained until the close of the war. On returning to the North our subject went back to the Reform School and remained there, filling the position which he had previously occupied until 1868, when he received a call to go to the Wisconsin Reform School as Assistant Superintendent. He responded to this call, but at the expiration of the year he was urged to return to his old position and came back as acting assistant Superintendent, which position he maintained until December, 1871, when he purchased a half interest in the old Holmes drug store and has devoted himself to the drug business ever since, changing neither his location nor his mode of procedure in business. The firm is now run under the name of C. Alsdorf & Son, he having taken his son into partnership on the retirement of his former partner. Since engaging in the drug business, fortune has smiled upon Mr. Alsdorf and he is now one of the most prominent business men in the city.

     Mr. Alsdorf is the possessor of a beautiful home at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Shiawassee Street. It is most graciously presided over by his wife, who is an estimable and refined lady. The house in which they dwell is commodious and (404) attractive and is delightfully located in the midst of a velvety green lawn and surrounded with the choicest shade trees. It is indeed a home where a man might spend most happily the declining years of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Alsdorf  have the following children: Frank, who is a wholesale manufacturer of harness and is located at Albion; he has a wife and three bright children, whose names are Maude, Monroe and Don; Stella is the wife of Charles L. Seeley, a prominent stock-raiser near the city; she is the mother of four children--Dewey, Fay, Marian and Leonard; Fred is in business with his father; he also has a wife and family, his children's names being Grace, Louise and Richard. The family is not so scattered but that it admits of frequent reunions and the children with their broods of children make the old home merry and fill with delight the fond hearts of their parents who are so fortunate in that their children are such noble men and women. Politically Mr. Alsdorf is a stanch Republican.

     OSCAR F. CAMP. A record of the experiences of the early settlers of any country is ever of interest to readers, and the pen of the writer never speeds over the paper more cheerfully than in recounting the brave endurance of hardship and the heroic encounter with the savage elements of nature which are experienced by pioneers. For this reason the biographer enjoys sprinkling in among his more commonplace tales an occasional sketch of the pioneers of Michigan.

     The gentleman of whom we write, who was one of the earliest settlers of Lansing, Ingham County, first located about sixteen rods north of his present beautiful home which is situated at No. 716 High Street, making his residence in a log shanty in the depth of the forest. This was in 1848, as he had purchased land in 1847, before Washington Avenue was hewed out of the forest, and at that time that roadway had simply been cleared of underbrush, so that teams could creep through, but the main part of the timber was still standing. In addition to his home lot Mr. Camp has a beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres which is within the City limits.

     Our subject was born in Alexander, Genesee County, N.Y., December 7, 1818, and is a son of James and Betsey (Tudor) Camp, formerly from Hartford, Conn. the father was a farmer and a pioneer in Genesee County, settling there after the War of 1812. Our subject grew there to his maturity, learning the trade of a mason at Batavia. The father lived upon the old home farm until the day of his death. When about twenty-five years old Oscar Camp purchased the father's old homestead and established himself as a family man. His bride was Miss Rhoda Judd of Bethany, N.Y., to whom were born four children, namely: Alice V., now the wife of Charles Hocabout of this city; Charlotte; Gertrude, wife of Tracy Merrills of Lansing, and Jeanette, Mrs. Joshua McNorman.

     When Mr. Camp brought his family to Lansing, in 1848, they came with three teams from Detroit and having settled them in the old log shanty he went to work to clear off his farm. As soon as he was a little settled and had things in trim for regular work, he hired a man to do the heavy part of the farming and he worked at his trade. His work may be seen upon many of the prominent buildings of a decade ago, and he put up both the City Bank and the Central Bank and was foreman for the city in the construction of the bridge abutment. He has kept his farm under excellent cultivation and now has a portion of land which is considered among the most valuable in the city. Up to 1891 he has paid over $9,000 taxes upon his farm. When he purchased it he paid $20 for six acres of land. $13 for eighty acres and $6 for another forty.

     Mr. Camp has filled several offices of responsibility and trust in the community, having been Alderman for the First Ward and being on the School Board and in both of these positions he has been of great use to the city on account of his excellent judgment and aggressive yet prudent methods of work. He attends and supports the Universalist Church and at the time that this religious body erected a house of worship he was on the building committee where his knowledge of methods of (405) building and the value of material was very profitable to the church. About three years after coming to this city he was bereaved by the death of his wife and he married Mrs. Martha (Barker) Judson, who was a widow previous to her union with him. He is a Democrat in his political views but still rather independent in regard to his vote, as he makes it a point to study the needs of the community and the characteristics of the men who seek office before using his ballot to place them there. He is one of the oldest living settlers who have made their home in Lansing, and his value to the community has not been measured simply by his activities, although they have been great, for they have been supplemented by his influence for good in moral, social and industrial spheres.