TEACHERS

     The following is a list of the teachers who have taught in the public schools, and is as nearly perfect as to names and dates as. it is practicable to make it.

      Of the various teachers who have been employed to mould the young ideas of the village of Brighton but little can be said. The records for several of the first years are very imperfect, and, in fact, the name of the first teacher does not appear at all, but is recalled by some of the first settlers and scholars in both of the forms given in the list. John C. Culver formerly resided in Green Oak, on the farm now occupied by Isaac H. Smith. Corydon Lee was a resident of the village of Brighton, and at different times filled the offices of township clerk and school inspector. John Gilluly graduated from the law school in the University of Michigan, entered upon the practice of law in the village of Brighton, represented the county of Livingston in the Legislature, enlisted as captain in the 5th Michigan Infantry in 1861, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. Daniel C. Marsh is still living in the village of Brighton. Martin Cranston now lives on a farm in the township of Tyrone. Mrs. Fanny Gilluly went with her husband, James Gilluly, to Kansas, where she is now living, at Lawrence. Many of the citizens of Brighton well remember Miss Caroline Gregory, of Northville, who taught school in 1856. She was somewhat strong in mind and body, and defied the directors' efforts to dismiss her from the school. Mr. Lee having locked her out of the school-room, she broke the door open, and, after thus forcibly effecting an entrance, went on with her school with few or no scholars. A compromise was finally effected, hostilities ceased, and Miss Gregory returned to her home in Northville. Mrs. Lucy Spencer, wife of John G. Spencer, is living in the State of New York. John Whitbeck, after teaching in 1858, was for several years principal of one of the ward schools of Detroit, and is at the present time living on his farm in the township of Hamburg. Darius F. Boughton, after leaving Brighton, studied medicine, became an M.D., removed to Wisconsin, and now holds the position of superintendent in the State Asylum for the Insane. Miss Aureilla Judson, wife of George G. Smith, still resides in the village. Levi D. Cook filled the office of township clerk and school inspector. He removed to Le Roy, N.Y., where he died some years since. Miss Mary Case was a resident of Hamburg, and has been dead some years. Miss Carrie O. A. Jaques was a resident of Nankin, Wayne Co., and returned to her home after teaching in Brighton. She is still living, and is the wife of Charles Church, a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss Marian Jones, now the wife of Willard Hendrick; resides in Hamburg. Miss Orzilla Acker, wife of Andrew Fuller, is now residing at Au Sable.

     Miss Adelaide Judson and Richard J. Lyon are yet residents of Brighton, and are almost the only teachers of ten years ago who have not found a mate. Miss Florence Chadwick has since married, and is now living in Illinois. Miss Mary Tock, now deceased, married Henry Lake. Ann Woodruff, wife of George P. Dudley, is still living in the village. John W. Crippen is yet living, and is a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Juliette Fonda removed to Saginaw City, where she has been for many years, and is yet teaching in the Union School. Adelaide A. Pease has taught more or less since her term in 1867, and is still a maiden lady. Orson W. Tock studied medicine, graduated at the University of Michigan, and is now practicing at Gaines. George A. Cable, when last heard from was studying medicine in Cleveland.

     213. Hannah J. Dartt was a graduate of a normal school of Pennsylvania, married Frank Holden, and died in 1877. Florence Pratt, wife of Elvin Stiles, resides in Green Oak. G. J. Holbrook, when last heard of, was residing in New Jersey, and was agent of a life insurance company. Carrie Withey, wife of George Wagner, now lives in Flint. Benj. F. Hickey married, removed to Kansas, lost his wife, returned to Michigan, and is now a resident of Oakland County. Emma E. Thurber is still a resident of Brighton. Mollie Blanck when teaching here was a resident of Howell. Lizzie Potter, since 1876, has been teaching in the public schools of Jackson. George A. Cady lives at Wayne, and has developed into a lawyer. Viola Cook married James Phillips, and now resides at Grand Rapids. Lizzie Foster, a former resident of Howell, married Wilbert Smith, and now resides at Big Rapids. Hiram S. Reed was and still is a resident of the township of Marion. Helen M. Elliotte, wife of Spencer D. Albright, resides at Stanton. Mrs. Eugenie Halleck is still living in Brighton.. Martha A. Weichers, Ettie Underwood, Elizabeth H. Buck, Mary McNamara, Lucy C. Smith, and Flora Stewart are as yet misses of Brighton. Elizabeth A. Lignian is living at Ovid. Harry S. Myers, the last principal, at the close of school, took the memorable advice of Horace Greeley, and at once "went West."

LIST OF DISTRICT OFFICERS

     John A. Weichers has been assessor since 1866. The growth of the district will be seen by comparing the figures of the earlier with the later years, in the following table:

     Since 1838 the district has expended for teachers' wages, $20,625 for buildings, repairs, and contingent expenses, 16,321; and the amount of primary money received aggregated $2385.13.

SELECT SCHOOLS

     The first of the select or private schools of Brighton was taught by Miss Mary B. Pratt, in the second story of the "Balch House," now occupied by Morris DuBois as a black smith-shop. Miss Pratt was a graduate of Fredonia Academy, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., from which place she came with her brother, Erastus J. Pratt (now of Green Oak), in 1845, and opened the first term of her school soon after her arrival. She taught several terms so acceptably that the public school was closed part of the time that she taught in Brighton. Sickness intervened. She closed school in 1847, returned to her home in Fredonia in the winter of 1848, and died in the spring of the latter year. She was succeeded by James Smart, who taught one term, either in the first school-house erected, or in the "Worden House," which stood on the site of the present Methodist Episcopal church.

     It is thought by some of the pioneers that Amos Foster taught a select school in the year 1848 or 1849.

     William Marsh, brother of Daniel C. Marsh, kept a private school during the summer of 1852 in the second story of the dwelling now occupied by Thomas T. Tunis. Mr. Marsh was assisted by Miss Carrie Sharp and Miss Chamberlain. He was succeeded in the same school-room by Miss Maria Osborn, sister of the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church.

     Miss Lavinia B. Fuller (now Mrs. Fonda) taught a select school during the summer of 1863 and 1864, in the "McCauley store," on the southwest corner of Grand River and North Streets. Miss Mattie Cope opened a private school in the building on the northwest corner of Grand River and North Streets, now occupied by Simeon B. Lockwood as a furniture-store, and taught one or more terms. Miss Adeline A. Pease kept a private school in John E. Weichers' store.

     214. Miss Sarah Ellen Case taught an infant school for a short time, in a room in the first story of the Appleton Block. John D. McLawlin taught several terms of select school, first in a room in the dwelling of James B. Lee, afterwards in "Weichers' store," also in the second story of John Duane's grocery, and in the Appleton Block. He was recently tutor in a commercial college in Detroit.

     Rev. Christian Warth taught a private German school in the dwelling of John E. Weichers, in the year 1864. Rev. Carl Schmalz, in the fall of 1875, kept open for one term, a German school, in the brick building on the west side, formerly used by Charles Schmidt as a bakery. Miss Paulina Ragoetzky also taught a German school, from July, 1878, to February, 1879. She has recently (July, 1879) opened her school for another term.

     For the above comprehensive view of the schools of Brighton the historian is indebted to Miss Kate C. Albright.

MASONIC

BRIGHTON LODGE, NO. 42

     received its charter Jan. 9, 1851, the officers named therein being William McCauley, W. M.; Robert D. Power, S. W.; John Ross, J. W. The first regular communication was held Jan. 16, 1851, at which meeting the officers for the ensuing year were chosen, as follows: George W. Peck, W. M.; John G. Spencer, S. W.; Charles Butterfield, J. W.; Roswell Barnes, Sec.; Wm. McCauley, Treas.; Charles Spencer, S. D.; Samuel D. Sayre, J. D.; Frederick Carlisle, Nathaniel G. Butterfield, Stewards; Truman D. Fish, Tiler.

     In 1857 the charter of the lodge was surrendered and a reorganization effected later under the title of 

BRIGHTON LODGE, NO. 247

     A dispensation was granted Feb. 3, 1858, to the following officers: Adolph Buch, W. M.; John A. Meyer, S. W.; Egbert F. Albright, J. W. The first regular communication was held March 2, 1868, and a charter obtained bearing date Jan. 15, 1869, the officers being the same as under the dispensation. The first communication under the charter was held Jan. 25, 1869, the officers being installed by Charles W. Haze, of Pinckney, as follows: Adolph Buch, W. M.; John A. Meyer, S. W.; Egbert F. Albright, J. W.; Chester Thomson, Treas.; Wm. J. McHench, Sect.; Benj. T. O. Clark, S. D.; Louis Meyer, J. D.; Robert J. Mountain, Tiler; Samuel H. Conely, John W. Stiles, Stewards.

     The present officers are: William M. Power, W. M.; William W. Mann, S. W,; Thomas F. Lown, J. W.; Egbert F. Albright, Sec.; Chester Thomson, Treas.; Orson Toncray, S. D.; Freeman Vanderlip, J. D.; W. R. Cobb, Samuel P. Moon, Stewards. 

THE BRIGHTON CITIZEN

     was established in September, 1871, and was first published under the name of the Brighton Bulletin by A. G. Blood, and printed in the office of the Howell Independent. The same year it was purchased by George W. Axtell, then of Howell, who at the same time secured a complete outfit for a printing-office and removed to Brighton, where he issued the paper until Nov. 18, 1877. Its title was by him changed to the Citizen, the first number of which appeared Jan. 2, 1872. The task of publishing successfully a weekly paper in Brighton was a difficult one, and with its slender income the proprietor found its revenues hardly sufficient to meet the daily wants of his family; but with perseverance came success, and the Citizen soon became an established and profitable fact. Its circulation rapidly increased, and its columns, filled with advertisements of the businessmen of the county, were evidence of the hold it had obtained upon the popular regard. It had at first been issued as a seven-column folio, but its publisher soon found it necessary to change it to a five-column quarto. In November, 1877, W. H. Bowman, of Howell, and J. D. Ellenwood, of Brighton, purchased the Citizen of G. W. Axtell, and continue to publish it under the firm-name of Bowman & Ellinwood. The circulation has considerably increased since their management of its columns, and it now ranks among the leading papers of the county. Connected with the office is a job-printing department, where the various styles of work are executed with a promptness that has given universal satisfaction and won for the office much patronage.

BRIGHTON GUN CLUB

     The country which surrounds Brighton presents a most attractive aspect to a lover of sport with the gun and fishing-rod, the numerous beautiful lakes abounding in various kinds of fish while their banks, together with the adjoining woods, are frequented by woodcock, wild duck, partridges, etc. With a view to enjoying these sports in their season, and at the same time establishing such rules as would lead to the preservation of game and the prevention of indiscriminate shooting out of season, a number of the residents of Brighton have organized the Brighton Gun Club. It has an elaborately drawn constitution and by-laws, which each member is required to sign, while at the same time he pays a nominal entrance fee.

     215. Its membership is divided into three classes, active, life, and honorary,--no individual being eligible to the latter distinction who is a resident of the county. Its first meeting was held Aug. 15, 1877, at which the following officers were elected: G. J. Baetcke, President; F. T. Hyne, Vice-President; R. E. Baetcke, Secretary; Charles Cushing, Treasurer; Luther Frink, Prosecutor; and Henry Soule, O.W. Babcox, Henry Rohn, George W. Thomson, Directors.

     As affording an opportunity for practice, the club have made special arrangements for glassball shooting, the adjoining fair-grounds affording a fine opportunity for this diversion. The club has a membership of 31. 

THE BRIGHTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

     In February, 1876, a committee of nine were appointed by the Common Council of the village, pursuant to a public call at the office of S. H. Conely & Co., for the purpose of organizing a hook and-ladder company, to be called the "Brighton Hook-and-Ladder Company, Number I,'' for the protection of the village against fire.

     George G. Smith was chosen chairman, and S. H. Conely secretary of this committee. A subcommittee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, consisting of W. W. Lewis, R. J. Lyons, Jr., and S. H. Conely. The following gentlemen enrolled their names as the first members of the company: George Carpenter, William Mann, A. Giles, W. W. Lewis, S. H. Conely, George G. Smith, C. Dewitt, Gib Abrams, R. J. Lyons, George Ratz, Ira Thomson, H. Soule, August Schmidt, A. A. Reed, G. W. Sweet, James Van Loon, Robert Jolly, C. A. Birge, William Sutherland.

     The first officers were chosen by ballot, as follows: Samuel H. Conely, Foreman; W. W. Lewis, Assistant Foreman; R. J. Lyons, Secretary; Clinton DeWitt, Treasurer.

     The matter of purchasing a hook-and-ladder truck and other appointments incidental to a complete equipment of the fire company having come before the Council, after much discussion it was decided to purchase one of Babcock's hook-and-ladder trucks, with four complete ladders and eight patent fire extinguishers, four on either side,- the cost of which was $900. James Thomson was elected keeper of the chemicals. A uniform was adopted, consisting of a black silk cap, red shirt, and patent leather belt, and on the 4th of July of the year of Organization the company made its first public-parade in its new uniform. Many compliments were bestowed upon their fine appearance, and to the ladies they were especially indebted for floral offerings and other decorations.

     For the year 1877, Samuel H. Conely was elected Foreman; Clinton De Witt, Assistant Foreman; F. J. Lown, Secretary and Treasurer; and Henry Soule, Keeper of Chemicals.

     For the year 1878, Henry Soule was chosen as Foreman; Eugene Slayton, Assistant Foreman; T. F. Lown, Secretary; C. E. Cushing, Treasurer; G. W. Thomson, Keeper of Chemicals.

     The present officers are Henry Soule, Foreman; Eugene Slayton, Assistant Foreman; Thomas F. Lown, Secretary; Charles E. Cushing, Treasurer; George W. Thomson, Keeper of Chemicals; and O. A. Birge, his assistant.

     The following names comprise the department as it at present exists: Henry Soule, Luther Frink, Thomas F. Lown, Ira Thomson, Charles T. Cushing, Eugene Slayton, Peter Fay, William W. Pentlin, John Hutchings, William Stanfield, Thomas Williams, Henry Rohn.

BRIGHTON CORNET BAND

     The association which embraces this band was formed Jan. 1, 1875, the gentlemen who comprised it being S. Davis, R. J. Lyons, Charles Withey, S. J. King, R. M. Fillmore, G. W. Thomson, and George Wagner. It was deemed best to raise as far as possible, by subscription from the townspeople, a portion of the funds necessary to purchase instruments. This was done, and $112 very willingly subscribed, after which the instruments were secured, and an addition to the membership occurred. With their advent, the band was regarded as fully organized, embracing the following names: George Wagner, S. J. King, William Bigham, George W. Thomson, C. Kuhner, William Sturburg, C. A. Withey, R. J. Lyons, J. D. Ellenwood, and John Donley. George Wagner was chosen as leader, and the services of John Kinsman, of Milford, were obtained as instructor, under whom the band made rapid progress.

     Their first public appearance was made on the following Independence Day, and a festival for their benefit was given in the evening, which resulted in an addition of $50 to their treasury, and materially aided them in the purchase of a bandwagon, which became, with the frequent calls from abroad, a necessity. In August of the same year, George Wagner resigned, and J. D. Ellenwood was elected to the position of leader. At the expiration of four months the members concluded to dispense with the further services of an instructor, and depend upon their leader and regular practice to attain proficiency.

     Their services were in much demand during the summer of 1876, and funds were secured which enabled the band to pay all its indebtedness.

     216. Early in the fall of the same year an effort was made by several residents of the village to organize another band, and for a time with so much success that James Savage, of Detroit, was secured as instructor, a set of instruments were obtained, and considerable progress was made by the members. It soon became apparent, however, that Brighton was not a village of sufficient compass to sustain two musical organizations, and with the expiring year ended the existence of the new band.

     In the early part of the year 1876, Mr. Ellenwood resigned the position of leader and his membership, and C.H. Coe became his successor. In the spring of 1878 a complete uniform was purchased, which enabled the organization to present themselves fully equipped on public occasions.

     The Brighton Band, after having passed through many vicissitudes, is still a perfect organization, and at the present time has a reputation commensurate with the perseverance and skill of its membership. Its present organization is Walter Acker, Edgar Weichers, S. J. King, H. A. Coe, R. J. Lyons, E. F. Albright, Herman Loehne, Nelson C. Thomas, and Charles H. Cobb.

     Herman Loehne acts as leader, but during his temporary absence J. D. Ellenwood fills the position. 

THE BRIGHTON MILLS

     known for a brief time after their erection as the Ore Creek Mills, are at present owned by Albright & Thomson. They were built and owned by Orson Quackenbush in 1840, and sold in December of that year to William A. Clark. In 1845, Mr. Clark resold the mill to its original owner, who remained its proprietor until 1847, when it was sold to Evert Woodruff. Two years later Lyman Judson purchased it. The mills had been run previously by a breast water-wheel of a fashion long since rendered obsolete, but with Mr. Judson's advent as proprietor, a French turbine wheel was introduced in 1852, and the mills enlarged, the north wing having been added. In 1856 the present proprietors took possession, and have owned them since that time. They are almost exclusively devoted to custom work, and two run of stones are employed. The mills are located at a central point in the village of Brighton, and are largely patronized by the surrounding community. Under the proprietorship the old turbine wheel has been replaced by three others of improved style, and considerable addition has been made to the capacity of the mills.

C. T. HYNE & SON

     This firm, which is composed of Charles T. Hyne, and his son, Frederick T., are buyers and shippers of grain and farm produce, and dealers in lime, plaster, coal, etc. They ship about 150,000 bushels of wheat annually, which is loaded by an elevator connected with their storehouse, run by horsepower, which enables them to transfer the grain direct to the cars without intermediate handling. It is shipped by the Detroit, Lansing and Northern Railroad, whose track runs directly past their establishment, and finds its way to Detroit, and from thence to the Eastern market. They are also large buyers of wool, and may be regarded as among the important business enterprises of Brighton.

CONELY & SMITH'S STEAM PLANING-MILL

     This firm confines its business principally to the manufacture of mouldings, flooring, siding, ceiling, and are also dealers in lath and shingles. The timber, which is procured in Montcalm County by rail, is received in the rough state, after sawing, and by them dressed and converted into more finished material.

     They employ a steam-engine of twelve horsepower, and find a ready home market for all their product, though a limited quantity is shipped by rail to adjoining towns. This firm are also dealers in agricultural implements, and the various appliances connected with them.

B. H. LAWSON & COMPANY'S BANK

     was organized in April, 1871, under the name of B. H. Lawson's Bank. In June, 1873, it was reorganized under the style of B. H. Lawson & Company's Bank. It has most of the patronage of the village and the surrounding country.

THE GLOBE IRON-WORKS

     enjoys the distinction of being the first foundry within the limits of the county. Mr. David Thomson became a citizen of Brighton in 1843, and early sought an opportunity to engage in the mechanical pursuits he had followed in his native land. He obtained the lease of a building whose location was accessible, and converted, it into a foundry, which he soon after purchased, having taken into business with him a partner, the firm being known as Thomson & Spencer.

     Finding the increasing trade required more spacious quarters, he built, in 1856, the substantial brick foundry corner of Grand River and Fitch Streets, and removed to it. At the time Mr. Thomson first embarked in business farmers were obliged to depend upon Ann Arbor and Dexter for all agricultural implements which were necessary to the cultivating and breaking of the soil, and even the sharpening of plow-irons necessitated 217. a journey of twenty miles. It will readily be seen that Mr. Thomson's foundry was a source of much congratulation, and many demands were made upon his skill.

     Most of the wares manufactured are such as are used in agricultural pursuits, the staple article being plows.

     Wheelbarrows are also made, and the demand for them has been considerable in the immediate vicinity. An engine of ten horse-power is employed in the building, and the market for the products of the foundry is principally found in this and adjacent counties. All the implements made have established the reputation of the proprietor for the excellence of his work.

THE WESTERN HOTEL

     was erected in 1873, and is now owned by P. D. Skillbeck, the present proprietor, R. M, Filmore, having leased the building from him. It is a substantial brick structure, three stories in height, with numerous spacious rooms, and conveniently located within walking-distance of the depot. It enjoys a liberal share of patronage from the traveling community.

THE BRIGHTON HOTEL

     was built as early as 1850, by Benjamin Cushing, and additions have been made to it since that time. It is located in the centre of the village, on Grand River Street, and is kept by M. C. Case. Having been long established and well maintained, it enjoys a reputation that brings to it a considerable portion of the custom of the neighboring country as well as much from abroad.

VILLAGE OFFICERS

     The village officers elected since Brighton obtained a village charter, are as follows: