262. Munsell, Lorenzo Backus, Assessors; Seth G. Wilson, James Wright, Lawson Judson, Justices of the Peace; Joab Grover, Chelsey Tupper, Washington Wing, Highway Commissioners; William Wright, Henry Canoll, Simeon Disbrow, School Inspectors; Josiah Loree, Collector; Richard M. Guggins, Lawson Judson, Directors of the Poor; Caleb Barber, Josiah Loree, Constables.

    Overseers of Highways. -- George C. Wood, District No. 1; Peter Chase, No. 2; Peter L. Wilhelm, No. 3; Jeremiah Nichols, No. 4; Lawson Judson, No. 5; Alfred Denio, No. 6; Ard Osborn, No. 7; Daniel Person, No. 8.

     At the general election held Nov. 5 and 6, 1838, the whole number of votes polled was 47, of which Hezekiah G. Wells, a candidate for the office of Representative to the United States Congress, received 22 votes, and Isaac E. Crary, a candidate for the same office, received 25 votes.

     The first township accounts were audited the last Tuesday of September, 1838, when bills to the amount of $39.31 were allowed.

EARLY ROADS

     The highway known at an early day as Wood's road was surveyed by John Farnsworth (since a distinguished politician of the State of Illinois), Sept. 20, 1836, and was the first opened to travel in the township. Other roads, known locally as the Centre, Kuhn's, Backus', Beal's, Osborn's, Dyer's, Smith's, and Carson's, were all laid prior to the formation of Iosco township.

     The following is a list of those whose names appeared upon the assessment roll as resident taxpayers of the township of losco in May, 1838, and shows also the amount of real and personal estate possessed and the taxes paid by each. Those designated with a star (*) are the only survivors. Miller and Wilson reside in losco, Nichols in Handy township, and Denio in Wayne County.
 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS

     The following is a complete list of township officers from 1838 to 1879, inclusive; showing also the whole number of votes polled each year for candidates for the office of Supervisor:

     1838-40, Ard Osborn; 1841, Lawson Judson; 1842-43, Lyman E. Beach; 1844-45, Ard Osborn; 1846, Samuel B. Douglass; 1847, Ard Osborn; 1848, Joseph Loree; 1849, Martin R. Foster;* 1850-51, Henry G. Davis; 1852, Dennis Conrad; 1853-54, Darwin A. Palmer; 1855, Henry G. Davis; 1856, John W. Wright; 1857-58, Samuel A. Mapes; 1859, Ard R. Smith; 1860, Samuel A. Mapes; 1861-62, Harry J. Haven; 1863-64, Cornelius H. Person; 1865-67, Isaac Stow; 1868, John W. Wright; 1869-71, Isaac Stow; 1872, Albert W. Messenger; 1873, Anson A. Stow; 1874, Isaac Stow; 1875-77, Albert W. Messenger; 1878-79, Isaac Stow.

TOWNSHIP CLERKS

     1838-39, Elbert Parker; 1840-42, Alfred Wells; 1843, Luther Haven; 1844, David T. Wood; 1845, William C. Post; 1846-48, Peter L. Wilhelm; 1849, J. R. Goodrich; 1850, Simeon Disbrow; 1851, S. S. Chipman; 1852-55, John W. Wright; 1856-57, Allen O. Haven; 1858, Martin R. Foster; 1859-60, John W. Wright; 1861-62, Simeon B. Merrill; 1863-66, Russell M. Cadwell; 1867, Albert W. Messenger; 1868, Stephen M. Hayner; 1869-71, Albert W. Messenger; 1872-73, John Elliott; 1874-75, R. R. Russell; 1876-78, John Elliott; 1879, Lyman K. Hadley.

TREASURERS

     1838, None elected; 1839-40, Ard Osborn; 1841, Lyman E. Beach; 1842-44, Alfred Wells; 1845-48, Horace Osborn; 1849, Darwin A. Palmer; 1850, Jonah Poyer; 1851, E. Barnum; 1852, Jonah Poyer; 1853-54, Joseph L. Post; 1855-56, Peter Lamoreaux; 1857-58, Simon P. Kuhn; 1859, Peter Lamoreaux; 1860, Hiram Parker; 1861, Jno. W. Ward; 1862-63, Barnard Denio; 1864-65, Anson A. Stow; 1866,

262a.

Image of
William S. Caskey
Iosco Michigan

     William S. Caskey was born in Roxbury, N.J., Feb. 11, 1811. He lived with his father, Robert Caskey, who was a farmer, until he was twenty-one years of age. He came to Michigan in 1833, and took up a tract of eighty acres of land. He worked by the month for others until May 11, 1843, when he was married to Clarissa Wasson, who came with her father from Genesee Co., N.Y., in 1836, and settled in Unadilla. In 1844, Mr. Caskey commenced improving his land. He and his young wife moved into a log house on adjoining land and occupied it the first year, during which time a few acres of land had been cleared, and a log house of the rudest sort had been erected on his own land. From this small beginning, by the strictest economy

Image of
Mrs Wm. S. Caskey
Iosco Michigan

     and industry, a fine farm has been developed from the wilderness. Mr. Clark and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church at Plainfield; he assisted in its organization, and was for many years one of its deacons. He was charitable and kind hearted. He died Aug. 21, 1873, leaving four children,--three sons and one daughter. The oldest, Robert W., is a farmer in Iosco. He enlisted in Company L, Third Michigan Cavalry, and served until February, 1866. Jonathan B. is a farmer in losco. William S. and Sarah B. live at the old home with their mother, the latter now in her sixty-fourth year, who shares with them the cares and responsibilities of the farm. William S. Caskey was a just man and much respected. 263.

TREASURERS...cont.

     Jno. W. Ward; 1867-71, Stephen S. Westcott; 1871-73, George Laible; 1874-75, Silas C- Merrill; 1876-77, Freeman C. Peterson; 1878, Horace Mapes; 1879, LaFayette Peet.

COLLECTORS

     Josiah Loree, 1838; William C. Post, 1839-40; Ansel Niles, 1841. β

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

     Seth G. Wilson, James Wright, Lawson Judson, 1838; Lawson Judson, 1839; James Wright, 1840; John Wood, 1841; Seth G. Wilson, 1842; Dennis Conrad, 1843; Daniel Person, 1844; Asel Stow, 1845; A. M. Odell, 1846; Levi W. Munsell, 1847; Daniel Person, 1848; Everett Douglass, 1849; James Wright, 1850; Levi W. Munsell, 1851; Eli S. Babcock, 1852; Everett Douglass, 1853; Asel Stow, 1854; Levi W. Munsell, Horace Osborn, Ard R. Smith, 1855; Lyman E. Beach, 1856; Martin R. Foster, Eli S. Babcock, 1857; John E. Mapes, 1858; Levi W. Munsell, 1859; Eli S. Babcocks, Robert G. Martin, 1860; Gilbert Caswell, Isaac Stow, 1861; Isaac Stow, 1862; Allen O. Haven, 1863; Hiram Backus, Patrick Cummiskey, 1864; Ard R. Smith, 1865; Elisha C. Wright, 1866; John W. Wright, 1867; Daniel Person, 1868; Milton Bradley, William H. Simpson, 1869; Elisha C. Wright, Thomas W. Harford, 1870; Patrick Cummiskey, Dennis Conrad, 1871; Thomas W. Harfurd, William H. Simpson, 1872; Isaac Stow, 1873; Milton Bradley, 1874; Gilbert Munsell, 1875; Lyman K. Hadley, 1876; Stephen B. Person, 1877; William Willard, 1878; Gilbert Munsell, John Oakes, 1879.

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS

      Joab Grover, Chelsey Tupper, Washington Wing, 1838; Joab Grover, Levi W. Munsell, Washington Wing, 1839; Washington Wing, Levi W. Munsell, Joab Grover, 1840; Daniel Person, Asel Stow, John Loree, 1841; Daniel Person, Luther Haven, Dennis Conrad, 1842; Washington Wing, Asel Stow, Harrison P. Goodrich, 1843; James Wright, Martin R. Foster, William Gorton, 1844; Jonah Poyer, Ard R. Smith, Simeon Backus, 1845; Dennis Conrad, Simeon Backus, Isaac T. Wright, 1846; Simeon Backus, Dennis Conrad, A. S. Munsell, 1847; A. S. Munsell, 1848; Ard R. Smith, John Fewlass, 1849; Robert Roberson, 1850; Everett Douglass, 1851; William S. Caskey, 1852; Cornelius H. Person, 1853; Dennis Conrad, 1854; Asahel Goodrich, 1855; Charles Coleman, 1856; Dennis Conrad, 1857; Isaac T. Wright, 1858; Rufus S. Griffin, 1859; Dennis Conrad, 1860; Charles Coleman, 1861; Myron Parker, Daniel Person, 1862; Ard R. Smith, 1863; Dennis Conrad, 1864; Joseph Loree, 1865; Ard R. Smith, 1866; Dennis Conrad, 1867; Isaac Stow, 1868; Hiram Parker, 1869; Stephen S. Westcott, 1870; Dennis Conrad, 1871; Hiram Parker, 1872; Stephen S. Westcott, 1873; Philander Bull, 1874; Stephen S. Westcott, 1875-77; Freeman C. Peterson, 1878; Leander Purdy, 1879.

ASSESSORS

     Asel Stow, Levi W. Munsell, Lorenzo Backus, 1838; Asel Stow, Lorenzo Backus, John Wood, 1839; William S. Caskey, Asel Stow, Peter Chase, 1840; Peter Chase, Asel Stow, Daniel Person, 1841; Lyman E. Beach, Levi W. Munsell, Peter Chase, 1842; Asel Stow, Joseph Loree; 1843; John Wood, Lyman E. Beach, 1844; A. M. Odell, Daniel Person, 1845; Asel Stow, D. V. Van Sickel, 1846; Samuel B. Douglass, D. V. Van Sickel, 1847; E. H. Noble, William Wooden, 1849; Daniel Person, Asel Stow, 1850; Emery Deal, Asel Stow 1851, supervisors, have performed the duties of assessors from 1852 to 1879, inclusive.

SCHOOL INSPECTORS

     William Wright, Henry Canoll, Simeon Disbrow, 1838; Lawson Judson, Daniel V. Van Sickel, John Wood, 1839; Alfred Wells, William C. Post, E. H. Noble, 1840; John Wood, Lawson Judson, Elisha H. Noble, 1841; Lawson Judson, David T. Wood, William C. Post, 1842; Jonas W. Wing, David T. Wood, 1943; Elisha H. Noble, Cornelius H. Person, 1844; Cornelius H. Person, 1845; Thomas Ferguson, 1846; Henry G. Davis, 1847; Cornelius H. Person, 1848; J. S. Wright, 1849; John W. Wright, Cornelius H. Person, 1850; B. F. Chipman, 1851; Harry J. Haven, 1852; Isaac Stow, 1853; Harry J. Haven, 1854; Thomas Wright, 1855; John W. Wilson, 1856; B. F. Chipman, 1857; Henry G. Davis, 1858; James C. Ferguson, 1859; Martin R. Foster, 1860; James C. Ferguson, 1861; Cornelius H. Person, Albert W. Messenger, 1862; Elisha C. Wright, 1863; Isaac Stow, Wolcott S. Haviland, 1864; James C. Gray, 1865; Elisha C. Wright, 1866; John W. Wright, 1867; Elisha C. Wright, 1868; A. W. Cooper, 1869; John Lamoreaux, 1870; John Connor, 1871; William E. Watson, 1872; R. R. Russell, Lyman K. Hadley, 1873; John Lamoreaux, 1874; Frank L. Wright, 1875; Ashbel W. Elliott, 1876-77; William Mapes, 1878; Jonathan B. Caskey, 1879.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS

     David J. Odell, 1875; LaFayette Peet, 1876; George C. Bradley, 1877; Eugene A. Stow, 1878-79.

DIRECTORS OF THE POOR

     Richard M. Guggins, Lawson Judson, 1838-40; Richard M. Guggins, Elbert Parker, 1841; Elbert Parker, Lawson Judson, 1842; Samuel H. Douglass, Joseph Loree, 1843; James Wright, Joseph Loree, 1844; Asel Stow, Washington Wing, 1845; A. M. Odell, Joseph Loree, 1846; Simeon Disbrow, Jacob Ward, 1847; Jacob Ward, Peter J. Kuhn, 1848; Jacob Ward, 1849; Daniel Person, Jacob Ward, 1851; Joseph Wright, Jacob Ward, 1852; Harry J. Haven, William S. Caskey, 1853; Ard R. Smith, 1854; Jeremiah Nichols, Emery Beal, 1855; Cornelius H. Person, Russell Marble, 1856; Ard R. Smith, Jonah Poyer, 1857; Jeremiah Nichols, Seth G. Wilson, 1858. ¥

DRAIN COMMISSIONERS

     James Sayles, 1872; Silas C. Merrill, 1873; James T. Hoyt, 1874; Lyman K. Hadley, 1875-76; Milton Bradley, 1878; John Elliott, 1879.

CONSTABLES

     Josiah Loree, Caleb Barber, 1838; William C. Post, Lorenzo Davis, 1839; William C. Post, Ansel Niles, 1840; Joseph B. Cole, Ansel Niles, 1841; Ansel Niles, Chelsey Tupper, 1842; Chelsey Tupper, Ansel Niles, 1843; Chauncey B. Clements, Ansel Niles, 1844; Everett Douglass, Putnam T. Smith, Ansel Niles, 1845, Everett Douglass, Putnam T. Smith, D. F. Osborn, 1846; Albert Freeman, William Lincoln, J. M. Himes, 1847; Albert Freeman, Thomas Sager, Albert Sleight, William Davis, Jr., 1848; Thomas Sager, Henry Wooden, J. C. Post, William Davis, Jr., 1849; Thomas Sager, Henry G. Davis, S. P. Kuhn, John W. Jewell, 1850; Thomas Sager, Levi Ward, 1851; William W. Wells, Jonah Poyer, 1852; James B. Odell, Alvin Ward, Joseph S. Post, Leroy Backus, 1853; Charles Odell, Alvin Ward, Ichabod Chase, William Davis, Jr., 1854; Alvin Ward, Charles Coleman, Thomas Sharp, Peter Larnoreaux, 1855; John W. Ward, Peter Lamoreaux, Charles Coleman, Ard Osborn, 1856; Gilbert Munsell, Simon P. Kuhn, William Simons, Alvin Ward, 1857; Gilbert Munsell, William H. Wilcox, Alvin Ward, Simon P. Kuhn 1858; William H. Wilcox, Gilbert Munselll, John W. Ward, Thomas Sager, 1859; George D. Odell, Hiram Parker, 264. Gilbert Munsell, Hiram Perry, 1860; Andy Pearson, John W. Ward, Anson A. Stow, Hiram A. Parker, 1861; Barnard Denio, June Holcomb, Thomas R. Simpson, Anson A. Stow, 1862; Daniel Miller, Barnard Denio, Elias Jackson, Anson A. Stow, 1863; Thomas R. Simpson, Anson A. Stow, Charles Conrad, Joseph Loree, Jr., 1864; Joseph Loree, Jr., Anson A. Stow, Thomas R. Simpson, William F. Mead, 1865; Joseph Loree, Jr., William P. Drumm, Stephen M. Hayner, John W. Ward, 1866; Stephen S. Westcott, John W. Ward, John Witty, Reuben Williams, 1867; Anson A. Stow, John Witty, John W. Ward, Jay Redfield, 1868; Stephen S. Westcott, William H. Richmond, William M. Hart, Gilbert Munsell, 1869; William M. Hart, Stephen S. Westcott, Watson Lister, Aaron W. Cooper, 1870; Harry J. Haven, Levi Fewlass, Edwin W. Acker, B. S. Person, 1871; James Hoyt, E. W. Noble, Gustavus Foster, Freeman C. Peterson, 1872; Philander Bull, Gustavus Foster, Jay Redfield, John Dutcher, 1873; James T. Hoyt, Stephen S. Smith, Jay Redfield, Gustavus Foster, 1874; Albert P. Foster, John M. Bradley, James T. Hoyt John Rathbun, 1875; Gustavus Foster, Charles E. Peterson, William Ogle, Robert Elliott, 1876; William H. Mapes, Silas C. Merrill, David Green, George Phillips, 1877; George D. Odell, William Bird, Israel Bennett, Philander 1878; George D. Odell, William Rector, Haver Lerg, 1879.

EDUCATIONAL

     The first school districts were formed Nov. 27, 1837, while this town still formed a part of Unadilla township. Four districts were organized the same day, three of which are now known as the Munsell, Wilson, and. Mapes districts. Others were formed soon after. Which district is entitled to the honor of building the first house for school purposes cannot with certainty be told. However, tradition says it belongs to the Munsell district.

     The first records of any schools are for the year 1839, and show reports from four districts as having had schools for at least three months by a qualified teacher, and this would indicate that several houses were constructed the same season and at about the same time, which is the more probable. The whole number of scholars reported from the four districts was 57, and the amount of public moneys received was $22.80, an average of $5.70 to each district, or 40 cents per scholar. As to the first school taught in the township, however, there can be no question. This school was held in the summer of 1837 or 1838,--probably the former,--in a private dwelling on section 17, and was taught by the lady of the house, Mrs. Henry M. Wood. This does not seem to have been a district school, or if so, the pupils were not confined to any particular part of the town, and it was undoubtedly a private enterprise. The first schoolhouses were usually built of logs, quickly and cheaply, with a large, open fireplace on a hearth of clay or, stone, and with planks split from logs for flooring. The seats were benches made from logs opened in halves, dressed on the flat side with an axe, and legs secured in two-inch auger holes at either end. The desks were long boards or planks fastened to the inside walls. No taxes seem to have been levied for building purposes, or at least no record can be found of any, and it is very probable that the first school-houses were in most cases built by, the volunteer labor of those inhabitants residing within their respective districts. (The foregoing sketch concerning early schools is an extract from a paper prepared by the Hon. Isaac Stow, of losco, for the Livingston County Pioneer Society.)

     The teachers first mentioned in the records as receiving certificates were Miss Victoria A. Lyman and Miss Margaret Foster, who, on the 9th of May, 1844, were granted certificates to teach primary schools. In November of the same year C. H. Person received a teacher's certificate.

     The Inspectors' Annual Report for the year 1845 furnishes the following statistics as to the number of children of school age residing in the township, and the amount of public money disbursed: District No. 3, 34 scholars, $10.23; District No. 4, 22 scholars, $6.62; District No. 6, 22 scholars, $6.62; District No. 7, 53 scholars, $15.95.

     Teachers receiving certificates in 1845 were Charlotte M. Kirtland, Russell Brown, and Jonathan Foster. In 1846, Ellen Richmond, Lucinda Stafford, Polly Stafford and John Wright. In 1847, Charlotte Moon, Emily Clark, Betsey Bliss, C. H. Person, and John Wright. Misses Rhoda Wilhelm, Keziah Woodin, and Mary Beal were also licensed prior to 1850.

     At the latter date, districts 1 to 5 inclusive reported 161 scholars, and the amount of money received from county and township treasurers was $78.36.

     Among those who received teachers' certificates during the years from 1850 to 1855 were Isaac Stow, Jonathan Foster, Elisha C. Wright, Mary Ann Cool, Sophronia Haven, Annette Chipman, Rhoda Wilhelm, Dennis Wright, Lydia Granger, Daniel Cobb, Thomas Seeley, Harry J. Haven, Mary Smith, Margaret Ferguson, Thomas Wright, Mary Martin, Emily Emery, Miss H. Smith, and Caroline J. Morrison.

     The number of scholars reported in 1860 were 235, and the amount received from the primary-school fund $108.00.

     In 1870 districts 1 to 5, inclusive, reported 211 scholars, and the amount of primary-school money received and apportioned $104.16.

     The following statistics are taken from the annual report of the township board of education, for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879:

264a.

Image of
Amanda Douglass
Iosco Michigan

     Amanda Douglass; a woman well known through Livingston County for her enterprise and good common sense, was born in Rensselaer Co., N.Y., Nov. 4, 1804. Her maiden name was Vredenburgh. Her ancestors were Hollanders, and emigrated to America before the Revolution.

     When she was two years of age her father moved to Washington Co., N.Y., and settled on a farm near White Hall, where she lived until she was married, Jan. 22, 1823, to Samuel B. Douglass. His father was also a farmer, and lived near White Hall. Samuel remained with his father until he was twenty-five years of age, when he went to Wayne Co., N.Y., with his wife and one child, and engaged in the mercantile business for fifteen years. He there made a trade for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Handy, Livingston Co., Mich. Upon this land he had a log house built, and moved there in August, 1840, where he remained ore year, when he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which there was a frame house and some sixty acres partially cleared at what is now known as Parker's Corners, in the town of Iosco. He at once built a barn, and commenced improving the land. Not being a practical farmer, and his time largely occupied with other matters, he had made little progress on the farm when he died, Sept. 11, 1847, in his fiftieth year, leaving a wife and five children.

     Mr. Douglass was a man of large business capacity, and by his own exertion had acquired a good business education. Was a practical surveyor, had a good knowledge of the law, and became quite famous for his success in the pioneer courts. Politically, he was a Democrat. In all town matters he took an active part, filling some of the offices, among them that of supervisor.

     Upon his death, Mrs. Douglass assumed the responsibility of the family, and nobly has she performed the duties devolving upon her. The large tract of native forest has been transformed into broad and fertile fields, the many wants of the family have been supplied, and their position in the community maintained. She is charitable and hospitable to all local public enterprises. She gives liberally to the Protestant Methodist Church at Parker's Comers; she gave the land, and contributed liberally to its erection and support. She has been the mother of six children; one died while the family lived in New York. Everett, the oldest son, is a prominent business man at Big Rapids, Mich.; Helen married Thomas Segar, a farmer, who lives adjoining the old home; Sarah married Myron Parker; she died, leaving three children, who live with their grandmother; Robert died at the age of eighteen years; Samuel was killed by a falling tree. And now, after a long and industrious life, this venerable pioneer upon whose head have fallen the frosts of seventy-five winters, looks back with the satisfaction of having acted well her part, as she enjoys a large circle of friends and a well-earned competency.

Image of
Amanda Douglass Residence
Iosco Michigan

     265.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY OF IOSCO

     The first religious meetings were held at the residence of James Wright, in the spring or early summer of 1837, by Elder Sayre. He continued his ministrations for a year or more, holding meetings here, and in adjoining settlements, about once in four weeks. The first class contained a membership of some nine or ten, among whom were James Wright and wife, Richard Acker and wife, William Wright, Seth G. Wilson and wife, Abram Van Buren and wife, and Ard Osborn. During the same summer Elder Sayre organized a class in the Munsell neighborhood.

     The Wright class kept up its organization, slowly but surely increasing its membership, worshiping in school-houses and the dwellings of its members, until May, 1854, when measures were taken for building a church edifice.

     Rev. William E. Bigelow, presiding elder of the Ann Arbor district, thereupon appointed Joseph S. Post, William Wright, Joseph Wright, Elisha C. Wright, James Wright, Horace Osborn, and Enoch Smith trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Iosco, and the society was regularly incorporated.

     Soon after, a small church was erected upon the east side of section 20. In 1874 it was deemed advisable to remove the church to Iosco, or Parker's Corners. This was finally accomplished, and it was then rebuilt at a cost of $1600. It has sittings for 300 people.

THE PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH OF IOSCO $

     This society was organized by Revs. R. Bamford and M. Munn in 1845. The members of the first class were William Simons and Angeline, his wife; William C. Post and Ursula, his wife; Margaret Wilhelm, and Delia Hempstead. This class then belonged to the Ingham Circuit, and remained a part of the same until 1857, when it was set off from Ingham and embraced in the Livingston Circuit.

     The pastors of this society and the dates of their coming are shown as follows:

     John A. Parks, 1846; R. R. Ransom, 1847; John A. Parks, 1848; B. Bayne, 1849; J. R. Savage, M. L. Perrington, 1851; M. L. Perrington, J. Card, 1852; J. K. Stevenson, 1853; Wm. D. Tompkinson, 1854; Jesse Kilpatrick, 1856; H. H. Johnson, 1857; J. A. Nichols, 1858; H. H. Johnson, 1860; Thomas Plackett, 1861; J. H. Morton, 1862; M. D. Angell, 1863; S. Clark, 1865; H. W. Hicks, 1866; J. S. McKinley, 1868; A. C. Fuller, 1870; J. F. Kellogg, 1872; Wm. D. Tompkinson, 1873; J. F. Kellogg, 1875; Samuel Riley, the present pastor, 1877. A neat church edifice with sittings for 300 persons was built in 1873, at a cost of $2800. The society has a present membership of 40, and a flourishing Sabbath-school numbering 70 scholars and teachers, of which Enoch S. Osborn is superintendent.

     A class of Protestant Methodists was formed in the south part of the township in 1850. They hold meetings in the Wilson School-house.

FIRST SABBATH-SCHOOL

     Elder Piper, a Presbyterian or Baptist divine, held meetings at the house of John Wood, on section 17, in 1838 or 1839. Mr. Wood with his daughters are entitled to the honor of organizing and conducting in the summer of 1838, in their dwelling, the first Sabbath-school, and it was a very successful one.

CEMETERIES

     The Munsell Burying-ground Association was organized and incorporated according to the laws of the State of Michigan, March 17, 1854. The officers first elected were Peter J. Kuhn., President; Martin R. Foster, Clerk; Seth G. Wilson, Collector; and John Fewlass, Treasurer and Sexton. The Original plat is described as follows

     "Commencing at a stake on the quarter-post line running east and west through section fifteen in township two north, of range three east, said stake being situate in the centre of the public highway running east and west on the said quarter-section post-line, and about fifty rods from the eastern post of said section fifteen; thence running north sixteen rods; thence east nine rods; thence south sixteen rods to the centre of the said public highway; thence west to the place of beginning."

     Other places of burial are situated upon sections 3 and 29. 266.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

LUANA STOW

     one of the early pioneers of Livingston County, was born Nov. 30, 1807. Her parents, Calvin and Elizabeth Wilson, emigrated from the State of Massachusetts to Vermont in 1785, about six years before the admission of that State as the fourteenth member of the Union. But little is known of her early ancestors, except that they emigrated from Ireland at a very early period in the history of this country, and that they were Protestant in their religious views.

Image of
Luana Stow
Iosco Michigan

     Mrs. Stow was the sixth and youngest child of the family, and was married in November, 1829, to Asel Stow. She resided in the vicinity of her birthplace until September, 1836, when, with her husband and family of two children, she removed to Livingston Co., Mich. At this time the country was new, and its forests unblemished by the march of industry and civilization. Mrs. Stow, reared in a home of plenty, felt keenly the loss of the many privileges deemed indispensable in older communities. In the summer of 1838, and again 1856, she visited her former home and friends in New England.

     Of a family of six children four only survive, three sons and one daughter. Her husband, Asel Stow, died in August, 1854, aged fifty-two years. He was a robust, energetic, and determined man, and seemed especially fitted for pioneer life. A man of more than ordinary business talent, he became influential in public affairs, and filled many of the responsible township offices.

     Mrs. Stow still resides at her old home with her second son, Anson A. Stow. An exemplary Christian and devoted mother, she, in her declining years, is surrounded with plenty and many loving friends.

HON. ISAAC STOW

     eldest son of Asel and Luana Stow, was born on the 10th day of December, 1830, in Weybridge, Addison Co., Vt. In the autumn of 1836 he emigrated with his parents into the western part of Livingston Co., Mich., then an unbroken wilderness, inhabited only by the red man and wild beasts of the forests. The family, accompanied by Seth G. Wilson and wife, after a tedious journey by canal and lake, arrived at Detroit about the middle of September. Here they were soon joined by Nathan Jones and family, an uncle who had driven his father's team overland from the State of Vermont, and made their way, over roads that to other than the indomitable pioneer would have appeared simply impassable, to their future homes on the very borders of civilization. To relate the thrilling incidents and severe trials of Mr. Stow's early pioneer life would prolong this sketch beyond its allotted bounds; we will, therefore, only add that he continued to reside with his parents during his minority in the township where they first settled, since known as Iosco, assisting in making from the unsubdued wilds of nature what in time became a home of plenty, and where his aged Mother still resides.

     At an early age Mr. Stow exhibited those studious traits of character which have since made him a man of position and influence in the community where he resides, and a valuable aid in the development of a new country.

     Before leaving New England he had attained to more than ordinary proficiency in his studies for one of his age (not yet six years); but for several years after his arrival in Michigan he enjoyed very limited educational advantages, schools being few and usually of an inferior type. However, during his boyhood he was a constant student, giving his spare moments to study,--often carrying text-books with him while laboring in his father's fields. At the age of sixteen, mostly by his own unaided efforts, he had mastered those branches usually taught in the high schools and academies of the country, and became a successful teacher. At the age of eighteen he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His correct deportment and studious habits won him many friends, and prepared him well for life's earnest work.

     After reaching his majority he began business on a new farm in the township of White Oak, Ingham Co., of which, at the expiration of one year, 267. he disposed, and at the earnest solicitation of his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Seth G. Wilson, who were child less,--resided with them about two years. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining that received from his uncle, making a fine estate of two hundred and eighty acres. In November, 1853, he was married to Miss Ruhamah Palmer, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., who still lives, a devoted wife and mother, and a useful member of society.

     On the death of his father, which occurred in August, 1854, he yielded to the tearful entreaties of his mother and returned to the old homestead, taking charge of the estate, of which he was soon after made administrator. Here he remained until his younger brothers arrived at manhood, when he purchased a tract of land not far distant, of which, by industry and perseverance, he and his energetic companion have made a desirable home.

     The family, consisting of four sons and two daughters, three of whom have attained their majority, still remain beneath the parental roof. They are well advanced in scholastic attainments, of good deportment, and fitted to take prominent positions in any community. Eugene A. now fills the office of superintendent of schools with credit and honor to himself and his constituents.

     Mr. Stow, early in life, took a leading position in the public affairs of his township, and during the Rebellion spent much time and money in filling the several quotas of troops called for by government, and his liberality, when acting officially in the care of the families of enlisted soldiers, was unsuccessfully used to defeat him at the next election. He has given largely of time and money to the support of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Iosco, and to the building of its neat and tasty church edifice. Although affiliating with the political party usually in the minority, he now holds and has filled the office of supervisor a large share of the time for the last fifteen years, and has been prominent in the affairs of the county. In 1874 he was elected to the Legislature, and was a member of that body when that memorable and closely-contested election of United States Senator occurred which ended in the defeat of Hon. Zachariah Chandler and the election of Judge Christiancy.

     Mr. Stow has good business qualifications, and with a mind more logical than brilliant, seldom arrives at false conclusions, or fails to succeed in whatever he attempts. He has many friends, and enjoys the proud satisfaction of having largely assisted in laying the foundations of the material and religious prosperity of the community about him.

     As a citizen, he contributes his full share in the defense of right and virtue, and towards the suppression of vice and immorality in every form. In sketching briefly the life thus far of such a man, we must conclude that, however unpretending, it has been eminently useful, and that without men of stout hearts and inflexible purpose the wilderness -- the rude frontier--would never be transformed into prosperous communities, where the heterogeneous elements of pioneer life are changed and blended into beautiful harmony, indicative of a much higher order of civilization.

SETH G. WILSON

     was born at Weybridge, Vt., Nov. 30, 1798. He lived with his father until he became of age, but worked out by the month a portion of the time. Sept. 19, 1823, he was married to Philena Sturdevant. Mr. Wilson, with his father, purchased a

Image of
Seth G. Wilson
Iosco Michigan

farm, where he worked until the spring of 1836. He then sold out and came to Iosco, in company with Asel Stow, who had married Mr. Wilson's sister. Mr. Wilson located one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he now lives. In the fall of 1836 he built a log house, and commenced the improvement of what is now a fine and fertile farm. He was present at the first town-meeting, and was elected justice of the peace, an office he held for eight years.

     Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Vermont; they brought letters and united with the same church at Munsell's, and assisted in organizing the Wilson class. Mr. Wilson has been a class-leader for more than thirty years. 268.

     Having no children, and feeling the need of some assistance in their old age, they made an arrangement with Silas C. Merrill, in 1863, by which he received their property, and, in consideration therefor, was to care for them during their natural lives. Mrs. Wilson died Nov. 10, 1866. Mr. Wilson, upon whose head have fallen the frosts of fourscore winters, is still in the enjoyment of good health and looks back upon the past with the satisfaction of having acted well his part.

     His successor on the old farm, Mr. Merrill, was born in Butler, N.Y., Oct. 18, 1833.. He came to losco with his father, Benjamin Merrill, who died Nov. 18, 1841, leaving a wife and two sons. Simeon enlisted in the 5th Infantry, and died at Andersonville prison. Silas C. has been twice married. His first wife was Harriet Conrad, who only lived a few months after their marriage. His present wife, Mrs. Adelaide Stewart, formerly Miss Miller, was a daughter of Wm. Miller, who settled in losco in the spring of 1836, and who died in September, 1874.

Image of
William H. Kuhn
Iosco Michigan

Image of
Mrs. William H. Kuhn
Iosco Michigan

     William H. Kuhn was born in Livingston Co., N.Y., Jan. 30, 1822. He came to Iosco in the spring of 1837 with his father, Peter J. Kuhn, who was a man of limited means, and had a family of eight children, --four sons and four daughters. They were among the earliest settlers in the town, and their success may be attributed to their industry and good management; as the boys grew up to manhood they sought homes for themselves.

     April 12, 1846, William H. Kuhn was married to Miss Martha Wilson, daughter of Warren Wilson, who came from Vermont and settled in White Oak, Ingham Co., about 1838. In the summer of 1846, Mr. Kuhn purchased eighty acres of land, of which there were a few acres cleared, but no buildings. Making a small payment, and working out as best he could to get money for the other payments and the necessaries of life, it was two years before he was enabled to build a log house, and then it was of the rudest kind. But by persistent energy the improvements were made and other lands added, until a fine farm is the result. The log house was deemed too small and inconvenient; a new and substantial residence was planned and all preparations made to build, when Mr. Kuhn was taken sick, and died May 28, 1871, leaving a wife and eight children,--four sons and four daughters. The entire responsibility of the family and of the farm fell upon the mother, who has courageously discharged her trust. The house has been completed according to the original plan, the farm has been carried on, and the affairs of the family so conducted as to reflect great credit upon the mother and the children, who co-operate with her. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn were members of the Protestant Methodist Church, in which he was a class-leader for several years.

JAMES WOODEN

     ranks among the enterprising men of losco who have contributed towards the development and improvement of Livingston County. His father, William Wooden, was a farmer in Waterloo, N.Y., who subsequently came to Iosco, cleared up a farm on section 5, where he died in December, 1876, in his seventy-seventh year. 269.

     James Wooden was born in Waterloo, N.Y., April 8, 1823. He came to Iosco with only one hundred dollars, and purchased a piece of wild land. He had cleared a few acres and built a log house when he married Lydia C. Hart, in January, 1854. His location on section 5 was covered with heavy timber, which required years of labor to remove, and render the land available for tillage. With energy and industry, this farm was developed into one of the finest in the county,--embracing three hundred and sixty acres, with large improvements, spacious buildings, and pleasant surroundings,--a view of which may be seen among the Iosco illustrations.

WILLIAM J. JEWELL

     was born in Warren Co., N.J., Nov. 19, 1818. His parents died when he was young, leaving him without means or protection. He was reared among strangers. When twenty-two years of age he came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he worked by the month for two years, from the wages of which labor he saved three hundred dollars. He then came to losco and purchased eighty acres of land, where he now lives. This was in 1842. February 17th of that year he was married to Delilah Smith, daughter of Robert Smith, who came from Cortland Co., N.Y., and settled in Ingham County, where he died at the age of seventy-six years.

     Soon after Mr. Jewell was married he built a rude log house. Being almost destitute of means, the early improvements were made only by the greatest exertion; the progress although slow, has been sure. The original eighty acres has expanded to one hundred and sixty, with large and commodious buildings, and with such surroundings as indicate an abundance of this world's goods.

     Mr. Jewell has been the father of two children, --a daughter, who died when fourteen years of age, and a son, Fobes C., who was born June 10, 1864.