Map of Oceola Township

     376.The township of Oceola lies near the centre of Livingston County, and is bounded north by Deerfield, east by Hartland, south by Genoa, and west by Howell. It is exclusively an agricultural township, having no village within its limits, and its improvements are second to none in the County. Elegant farm-dwellings, substantial and comfortable barns and out-buildings, and well-kept fields are evidences of the prosperity of its inhabitants. The soil is adapted to all its requirements, and the yield of grains and fruit is generally most satisfactory. Timber exists in considerable quantities. The water-courses are few, and frequently become dry during continued drouths. The surface of the township is generally rolling, and capable of excellent drainage. In places the elevations are almost worthy the name of hills, and many beautiful and picturesque locations abound.

     In an early day game existed in this township in abundance, in common with all the region surrounding, and it was but a question of sure aim to the settler whether or not he should have a bountiful supply of fresh meat. The rifle was the necessary companion of the axe, and the crash of the falling tree was heard in unison with the report of the weapon from which sped the leaden messenger of death towards the noble antlered buck. The deer, which once were plenty, have long since disappeared, yet various portions of the State in which they yet abound have become familiar to the sons of pioneers, who, like their fathers, enjoy the sports of the chase.

LAND-ENTRIES

     The following list includes all who entered land in what is now known as the township of Oceola, according to the Tract Book at the Register's office in Howell. The sections and years in which the entries were made are given:

Image of
Residence of Robert Browning,
Oceola, Livingston County, Mich.

     377.

SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

     Regarding, the first settlement in the territory now known as Oceola township there is some dispute, but from all evidence obtained the version given by Thomas K. Parshall, still living in the township, is thought to be the true one, and is as follows:

     H. H. Graves came into the township Aug. 31, 1834, and became its first settler. Henry Neff (or Harry, as he was more familiarly known) followed in November of the same year. These two persons, with their families, were the only settlers in the township until the 1st day of June, 1835, which witnessed the arrival of Thomas K. Parshall. On the 4th of the same month the latter settled, with his family in a log shanty, covered with elm-bark. J. T. Brown arrived in August of the same year (1835), and John Stevens came soon after. The latter built the first shingle-roofed log house in the township.

     During the winter of 1835-36 the five families* then living in the township occupied one small house and a log shanty, with its covering of elm bark. Sept. 5, 1835, Mr. Neff's son, Jerome Neff, was born, his being the first birth of a white child in the township. The first death was that of a child named Catharine Stevens, daughter of John Stevens, which occurred Nov. 1, 1835, soon after Mr. Stevens arrived. Mr. Parshall's father-in-law, Capt. Jeremiah Casady, died in February, 1837.

     Perhaps the first couple married in town were William Dean and wife,--her name not recollected. This was in the spring of 1838; the ceremony was performed by Thomas K. Parshall, Esq., and the occasion was the first of the kind upon which he had been called to officiate.

     McKinstry Sanders, from the town of Lee, Oneida Co., N.Y., formerly of Martinsburg, Lewis Co., moved to Michigan from the former place in May, 1836, and located in La Salle, Monroe Co. In October following he moved to Oceola, and purchased a farm a mile north of the present home of his son, Nathan M. Sanders. The elder Sanders now lives in the village of DeWitt, Clinton Co., Mich. His sons, Nathan M. and George, are the only ones of his children at present living in Oceola, Mr. Sanders resided In this town over thirty years. Nathan M. Sanders purchased land in Kent County,, went to it, and built a shanty upon it in 1842. At the same time he owned the place where he now lives, and finally disposed of his Kent County land. He has recently transferred a portion of this place to his sons, Albert T. and John F. Sanders.

     McKinstry Sanders was noted for his proficiency in the chase, and on one occasion, when coming home with sixty pounds of flour on his back, saw as many as fifty deer on the way. He was one of a quintette of "mighty hunters," composed of himself, Charles P. Bush, of Genoa, Elias Sprague, Nicholas Frink, and Henson Walker, Jr., and these wrought destruction in the ranks of the four-footed denizens of the forest. To Walker many of the settlers were often indebted for choice morsels of venison, which came in time of need.

      Roswell Pettibone, a native of Vermont, and later a resident of Genesee Co., N.Y., came to Michigan as early as 1828, and settled at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co. His wife came to the same county in 1829, from Seneca Co., N.Y., with her brother and mother,--Mrs. Sarah Terhune, a widow. She was married to Mr. Pettibone at Ypsilanti, where they lived until 1843, when they removed to the township of Genoa, Livingston Co., and settled on a place lying, on the Grand River road. In 1853 they came to the farm they now occupy, which is that formerly owned by Philester Jessup, and afterwards the property of a Mr. Pruden. Mr. Pettibone's son, James L. Pettibone, who is a native of Washtenaw County, resides on a farm west of his parents. The place on which the family located in Genoa was purchased of a man named Guthrie; upon it a log house had been built and an acre or two cleared when they took possession.    

     378. In the fall of 1835 four men from Ontario Co., N.Y., came into the township and entered land on sections 28 and 29. These were Henson Walker, Philester Jessup, Joseph Pinckney, and Ellis Luther. They all built shanties, and Mr. Walker settled with his family almost immediately, the others locating during the winter. Mr. Jessup afterwards became the first clerk of Livingston County. In the spring of 1837, Mr. Walker's daughter, Cassa Ann, was born, being one of the first white children born in the township. She became the wife of Edward Pettibone, and is now living in Ypsilanti, where her husband died.

     When the Walker family first came to Michigan it stopped a few months at Salem, Washtenaw Co. The elder Walker located his land in Oceola, and his son, John Walker, located the place where another son, Richard Walker, now lives. John Walker did not settle, but went back to Washtenaw County, of which he is still a resident. He sold his place to his brother George, who made the first improvements upon it, and occupied it six or seven years. The latter also now lives in Washtenaw County. Of the nine children--seven sons and two daughters--who came to Oceola with their parents,--Henson Walker and wife,--three sons, Richard, Thomas, and Robert, yet live in the township; one son, Henson, Jr., lives in the Salt Lake Valley, in Utah. The elder Walker died many years since. His widow is living with one of her daughters, in Ypsilanti.

     Jesse Mapes, an early settler in the north part of town, built one of the first frame houses erected in the township. The first was probably built by John T. Brown, and was standing in 1836. Mapes, at first occupied a small temporary shanty for a short time.

     William Barbour, from Orange County. Vt. (previously from Massachusetts), came to Oceola in 1836, and purchased land in sections 33 and 34, which he still owns. Returning East, he moved back with his family in the fall of 1837, and, settled upon his place. Mr. Barbour, who was himself a mechanic, concluded it was useless to waste time in building a log house, and therefore erected a frame edifice. The lumber was sawed mostly at Thompson's mill, north of Howell, from whitewood logs cut on his (Barbour's) own place. As there was no snow, they were drawn to the mill on bare ground. Mr. Barbour subsequently built one of the first frame barns in the township, securing help to raise from a distance of six or seven miles. Mr. Hardy's frame barn had been previously erected, and perhaps one or two others. Mr. Barbour's father, Zebulon Barbour, quite an aged man, came to Oceola with his son, and aided him in building his house. He owned no land here, and has been dead over twenty years. Mr. Barbour stopped for a short time, when he came, with Benjamin Earl, his nearest neighbor, across the line in Genoa. Mr. Earl was a cousin to Riley Earl, still living in Genoa. A Mr. Benjamin, brother of Nelson Benjamin, now of Genoa, was then living in Oceola, or came very soon after, and William Palmer, still a resident of the southeast part of the township, came the same year.

     Noah Briggs, front the town of Groton, Tompkins Co., N.Y., brought his family to Washtenaw Co., Mich., in June, 1835, locating in the township of Pittsfield, afterwards in Superior, a short distance north of Ypsilanti. During the following winter he located land in Oceola, upon which he moved with his family in the fall of 1838. In March of the same year he had moved into the county and rented a house of William Placeway, in the northeast corner of Genoa, where the latter kept a log tavern. During the fall Mr. Briggs built a log house on his own place, into which he moved. The farm was subsequently purchased by his oldest son, Anson C. Briggs, who now lives in Howell, while another son, H. G. Briggs, owns the property. Mr. Briggs, Sr., aided Joseph Whitacre in building a log house in the summer of 1838, on a tract adjoining his own, and lived with him until he could complete a house for himself, having stayed but a few weeks in Genoa. Mr. Whitacre has one son, David, living in Howell.

     William C. Rumsey, who had originally settled in Green Oak, sold out in that township in June, 1836, and in the fall of the same year built a log house upon the place he had previously purchased in Oceola (sections 29 and 30), and moved into it in November. The land he owned in this town was all taken from the government except 80 acres, which he purchased from second hands. In the winter following his settlement he prepared timber for a saw-mill, which necessary institution was built and in running order in June, 1837. The first lumber sawed in it was taken by Charles Van Keuren, who yet lives in town. Mr. Rumsey continued to operate his mill until 1847, in March of which year he moved to Howell, having the previous autumn been elected register of deeds for Livingston County. The property was not disposed of for some years, and the saw-mill was kept up until the amount of water in the small stream which furnished the power had lessened to such a degree that it was deemed impracticable to continue it longer. The frame dwelling which Mr. Rumsey now occupies in Howell was built in the spring of 1847, and occupied by him in June of the same year. The hardwood lumber used in its 378a.

Image of Edward Browning Residence  Oceola, Mich.

Image of   Robert Walker Residence, Oceola, Livingston Co., Mich.

     379. construction was principally sawed at his mill in Oceola. Mr. Rumsey held the position of register for four years, and was subsequently elected county treasurer, the duties of which office he performed an equal length of time.

     Daniel Whittaker (name also spelled Whitaker), from Wayne Co., N.Y., came to Michigan as early as 1833-34. In 1835 his son, Joseph, entered land in Oceola, and the family moved upon it in the fall of either that year or 1836. The place is now owned by William Whitaker and Thomas Walker. The Whitaker family was a large one, there being fifteen children. Of these, William and Daniel are yet residents of the township, and Ezra lives in Howell.

     John Powers, the present clerk of Oceola township, although not numbered among the early settlers of this town, is still a pioneer of the State, having come with his father, Edward Powers, from the State of Vermont in 1838 or 1839, and settled in the township of Highland, Oakland Co. His residence in Oceola dates only from the year 1866. The place now occupied by Mr. Powers was early owned by Anson Nelson, who settled upon it in the fall of 1836 or early in 1837. He is yet living with a son in LeRoy, Ingham Co., and has passed the age of eighty-nine years.

     Charles Van Keuren, a native of Ulster Co., N.Y., visited Oceola in June, 1836, and purchased land. In the spring of 1837--having returned East--he started from New York City with his family, consisting of his wife, three sons, one daughter, and his nephew, Tjerick Van Keuren for the new home in the West. Upon arriving at Buffalo, the ice was found to be so plenty in the harbor that boats could not push through. The family remained in the city, while Mr. Van Keuren and his nephew sought other means of reaching their destination. Proceeding to Cattaraugus Creek, they found the way clear, and taking a steamer at that point, the two soon found themselves in Detroit. The remaining portion of the journey was accomplished on foot. A shelter was necessary, and a phenomenal dwelling was erected, consisting of a few poles set up in cone shape, and covered with marsh hay. They had stopped for a night or two with Louis Norton, who lived on the farm adjoining to the north. The latter had come in the winter just preceding. He had a large family of children. On the 4th Of July, 1838, Mr. Norton, who had taken a job of clearing in what is now the Batcheler neighborhood, was killed by lightning while at his work in that vicinity. His body was discovered in the evening by Mrs. Hutchinson, who was returning to her home in Howell township, with her husband, from some place at which they had been making a "Fourth of July visit."

     Mr. Van Keuren and his nephew at once began building a log house, and help was so scarce that they were three days getting it raised. It was not yet completed when Mr. Van Keuren went after his family, with which he returned in August following.

     When Mr.Van Keuren purchased his land in this town (1836), Capt. Jeremiah Casady was laying up his log house, and when the former returned with his family the worthy captain had been called from earth, and his widow and her family were occupying the place. A man named Kneeland lived a short distance west, in Howell township.

     William McFail settled south of the Van Keuren place in 1837, shortly before the latter arrived.

     William B. Eager came with Mr. Van Keuren in June, 1836, and entered land north of the latter's place, where his son, Jacob M. Eager, now lives. Five men had started together from Buffalo, but only the two above named were able to get through.

     Among other early settlers were Jabez Mead and Dan. Fuller, the latter making the first improvements where Thomas Parks now lives. These were living in town in 1837, on the road extending eastward from the Van Keuren place. Messrs. Chapman and Gibbs were also early arrivals.

     Andrew Ferguson came about 1840 to the place now owned by Samuel Tomion, and made the first improvements upon it. Roswell Barnes and Montgomery Adams lived in the northwest corner of town, the former on section 6, and the latter on section 5. Both were respected citizens. Their stay in the town was of but a few years' duration. Adams is now a resident of Genesee County.

     One of the oldest orchards in the township is that on the farm of Charles Van Keuren, which was set out in 1839, and is still in good bearing condition. Most of the early settlers planted orchards as soon as possible, and this township is not behind its sisters in the production and quality of its fruit. The first potatoes raised by Mr. Van Keuren were mostly too small for use, yet he sorted out about twenty bushels of excellent ones, and from this it will be seen that the virgin soil was not backward in producing a large yield of whatever was intrusted to its covering.

     Asa Parker, from Genesee Co., N.Y., emigrated to Michigan as early as 1831, and settled in the township of Lyons, Oakland Co. Several years later, probably in 1835 or 1836, he moved to Oceola and located on the farm now owned by Francis Eager, near the present residence of his son, Danford Parker. Edwin Batcheler says he 380. visited Mr. Parker's house in 1836, and saw in it a floor of hewed logs.#

     Daniel O. Taft, from the State of Massachusetts, came to Oceola about 1842-43, and settled on the place now occupied by his son, Noah Taft, where he spent his remaining days. His death occurred in May, 1871. Danford Parker's wife is his daughter. Another son, James Taft, also lives in the north part of the township. Both Mr. Taft and Asa Parker were engaged in agricultural pursuits while they lived here.

     Harvey Parks came to Michigan, in 1836, from Madison Co., N.Y., and settled in the township of Mundy, Genesee Co. In 1849 he removed to Oceola, where he died. Part of his family still lives in town.

     Sallu Riddle, from Genesee Co., N.Y., came to this township in the spring of 1839, purchased from second hands the farm now owned by his son, Lucius E. Riddle, on section 15, and built the log part of the house yet standing. He then returned for his family, and brought them back in October of the same year. Although not the original purchaser from government, Mr. Riddle made the first improvements upon his place.

     John W. Botsford, now living east of Riddle's Corners, settled about 1840.

     Amos Walterhouse came to Detroit in the fall of 1835, stayed in the township of Dearborn, Wayne Co., until the spring of 1836, and then settled in Highland, Oakland Co. In January, 1842, he moved into Oceola. He is a native of New Jersey, and came to Michigan from Genesee Co., N.Y.

     Archibald Nelson, brother to Mrs. Sally Riddle, came to this township in 1835 with his father, Jonathan Nelson. The former came to the State in 1832, locating in Farmington, Oakland Co. In 1835 he entered land in Oceola, and settled upon it probably in the fall of the same year, cutting his own road through from Highland.

     Russell Blood, from Alexandria, Genesee Co., N.Y., came with his family to this township in October, 1836. During the time from the preceding June they had lived at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co. Mr. Blood located upon the place where Amos Walterhouse now lives. He died on the 22d of February, 1851, and his widow subsequently became the wife of Mr. Walterhouse.

     Peter Y. Browning settled on the place where his widow now lives in 1836 or 1838, and became one of the prominent citizens of the township. Samuel and Edwin Batcheler, from East Douglas, Worcester Co., Mass. (natives of Rhode Island), came to Michigan in 1833, arriving in Detroit on the 17th of May, and pushing on to Commerce, Oakland Co., the next day. In that town they settled. In the fall of 1836 they sold their property and purchased land in Oceola, upon which they moved in February, 1837. Samuel Batcheler lives on a part, of the old farm, and Edwin's son, Benjamin F. Batcheler, occupies the other part. The latter served in the Federal army during the Rebellion, first as a private in the 26th Michigan Infantry, and afterwards as first lieutenant and acting captain in a colored regiment. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution.

     The land owned by the Batchelers in Oceola was bought of Hosea Root, who had entered it the same year, but made no improvements. upon it. Edwin Batcheler at present resides in the township of Marion, south of Howell. His wife came to Michigan in 1839 with her first husband, Salmon Adams, who had settled at Grass Lake, in Jackson County, in 1835 or 1836. Mr. Adams purchased land in Marion the same year from Flavius J. B. Crane, purchasing also in Oceola at the same time. He lived at Grass Lake until 1839, when he went East and was married, bringing his wife back with him to that place. In 1841 they--moved to Iowa, where they remained two years. In December, 1843, they returned to Grass Lake, and in July, 1844, moved to Oceola, where they resided until 1847, when they settled upon the land in Marion which Mr. Adams had bought in 1835 or 1836, it being the same now occupied by Mr. Batcheler. Mr. Adams died Sept. 1850, and his widow subsequently became the wife of Mr. Batcheler.

     Charles P. Hardy came to the township of Oceola in the fall of 1837. After a residence here of three years he removed to DuPage Co., Ill., where he yet lives, in the township of Milton, near Prospect Park, formerly called Danby.

     Mr. Hardy's father, Ephraim Hardy, entered land on section 23, in 1835. Early in 1836 he moved upon. it with his family, Joel and Joseph Rumsey coming with their wives at the same time. A log house (not of the best kind) was built on Joseph Rumsey's land, in February, 1836, and occupied for a time by all three families, or until other dwellings could be erected. Mr. Hardy worked at intervals upon his own log house, and had it finished and ready for occupancy late in the summer. He had taken pains to clear some ground and plant potatoes, etc., for future use, before hurrying much with his house. The old building is yet standing, on Section 23, opposite (north of) the present residence of his son, Ephraim 380a.

Image of J. W. Botsford	Image of Mrs. Hannah Botsford
Image of the Residence of J. W. Botsford, Oceola, Mich.

380b.

Image of Residence of J. D. Botsford, Oceola, Livingston Co., Mich.

Image of Residence of P. V. M. Botsford, Oceola, Mich.

     381. J. Hardy. It is 18 by 24 feet in dimensions, and was at first covered with "ribs and shakes"-- terms which all pioneers well understand. The family consisted of Mr. Hardy and his wife, two sons,--Ephrairn J. and Cephas,--and one daughter. Joseph Rumsey's wife was also a daughter of Mr. Hardy. At that time there were no other families living in their immediate neighborhood, the nearest being three or four miles away to the southeast, and a few others about the same distance to the northeast. Mr. Hardy died Oct. 12, 1838, and his was the first death which occurred in this part of town. He was at first buried on his own farm, and subsequently removed to the Riddle cemetery.

     Ephraim J. Hardy, who was eighteen years old when he came here with his father, has made the township and the old farm his home since that time. He is the only one of his father's family now living in town, and he and his brother, Charles P. Hardy, of Illinois, are the only surviving members of that family. E. J. Hardy has voted at every election since he became of age.

     Oceola Centre post-office was established late in the year 1840, after the Presidential election, on a mail-route established at the same time between Howell and Pontiac, via Milford. Hiram Goodrich was the first postmaster. Jesse Rumsey (brother to Joseph) was at the same time keeping a small store near the present school-house site in District No. 1. The store was opened that same summer and an effort was made to remove the post-office to it, but the wrong shade of the storekeeper's politics caused the failure of the scheme. Those who have succeeded Mr. Goodrich in the office are Joseph Rumsey, L. C. Crittenden, John G. Horton, Peter Y. Browning, Edward Browning and the present incumbent, Ephraim J. Hardy who took charge in the spring of 1861, soon after the inauguration of President Lincoln.

      Andrew Riddle, the father of Mrs. William McPherson, of Howell, came from Scotland, and settled in the village named in June, 1836, and started the first blacksmith-shop at that place. He brought his family with him; one of his sons is now in business in Detroit. In the spring of 1837, Mr., Riddle moved to Oceola township, and not long afterwards built a blacksmith-shop one and a half miles west of Ephraim Hardy's place. His son, Andrew, subsequently carried on the shop. About 1855-56, Ephraim J. Hardy also built a blacksmith-shop, which has been abandoned but a few years.

     Hollon N. Lewis and William Palmer, living in part of the township, are among its oldest residents. The latter settled in 1837, and the former a little earlier. A Mr. Hecker settled in the same neighborhood quite early; he lost two sons during the great Rebellion of 1861-65.

     Harry Neff, who has been previously mentioned, built up a considerable trade with the Indians when he first settled, selling them whisky and other articles, and taking furs in exchange.

     Harleigh H. Graves, the first settler, was the first justice of the peace in the township, holding the office by appointment from the Governor before the town was organized. His place was on the east line of the township, near John T. Brown's, and is now the property of Mr. Owen.

     George Wright,¥  whose sister was Harry Neff's, wife, lived in town for a short time, but owned no land. He was a young mail, possessed a good education, understood various languages and was a close student.

      William E. Redding, who entered land in Oceola in 1832, did not settle until about 1836, during which year he helped the Batchelers build their house.

     Among other early settlers in this town were H. G. W. Fry, from New York, September, 1842; Abram Switz, from New York, May, 1847; E. Kellogg 1846; Jacob Snell, purchased land in 1836; F. Hetcheler, settled in 1845.

     The list of township officers accompanying this sketch contains the names of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the township, of whom the greater proportion have made their last long journey and entered upon the scenes beyond the dark river. The mention of their names must bring to their surviving friends and neighbors a flood of recollections of the days when all were with their might to carve from the forest homes for themselves and a heritage for those who should follow. Those who were then in their prime have nearly all passed from mortal gaze, and the youth of forty years ago is the middle-aged man of to-day,--his locks streaked with the silver that the brush of time alone can paint, and his mind awake to the solemn fact that ere many years he, too, must join the shadowy throng which has preceded him to the unknown hereafter and give place to the advancing generation.

     The following alphabetical list comprised the residents of Oceola township in 1844: (re-alphabetized by webmaster)

     Norman W. Hodges and Frances Hardy paid in the year given the highest taxes in the township, those of the former amounting in all to $13.73, and of the latter to $15.37, the amount paid by others seldom ranging above four or five dollars. The total taxes for the township in 1844 were but $612.49.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
CIVIL LIST

     By in act of the Legislature of the State of Michigan, approved March 11, 1837, "All that portion of the County of Livingston, designated in the United States survey as township three north, of range five east," was set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Byron, and it was directed that "the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the house of Hiram Goodrich." The territory included had previously formed a part of the township of Howell. On the 6th of March, 1838, the name was changed from Byron to Oceola, which name it has since retained. The change was made because another township named Byron existed in the State.

    From the original book of records the following entry, describing the first town-meeting in Byron, is transcribed:

     "At a meeting of the legal voters of Township number 3 north, Range number five east, held at the house of Hiram Goodrich, Samuel Mapes was elected Moderator; Artimus Nelson, Clerk, pro tem, Thomas, K. Parshall, Philester Jesup, Joseph H. Rumsey, Inspectors." £

     At this meeting it was voted "that there shall be a Town Bounty of Three Dollars per head on Wolves caught and killed by an Inhabitant of the Town of Byron, in said township."

    The following township officers were elected, viz.: Supervisor, Jacob Snell; Town Clerk, Artimus € Nelson; Assessors, John Van Tuyl, Russell Blood, Joseph H. Rumsey; Collector, Elisha Griswold; Directors of the Poor, Ephraim Hardy, Ellis Luther; Commissioners of Highways, Peter Y. Browning, Peter Martin, John Stone; Constables, Elisha Griswold, Israel Parshall; Justices of the Peace, Jacob Snell, Thomas K. Parshall, William C. Rumsey; School Commissioners, John Stone, Jacob Snell, Ellis Luther; School Inspectors, Samuel Mapes, William C. Rumsey.

    At a special election held June 6, 1837, Ephraim Hardy was chosen director of the poor, and Philester Jessup, John Stone, and John Van Tuyl, school inspectors. Before the election for 1838 the name of the township had been changed to Oceola.

    The following list shows the officers of that township from 1838 to 1879, inclusive:

OCEOLA GRANGE No. 164
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

     was organized about 1873. Its first Master was E. R. Merrithew. A building from a locality near by was moved, and used as a grange hall. After an existence of several years the grange became so much reduced in numbers that it was finally discontinued.

THE RIDDLE CEMETERY

     is the principal one in the township to which it belongs. The spot was selected by Elijah Riddle (father of Sallu Riddle), who came here about 1840 or 1841, and he was the first person buried in it. Others who had died previously, and been buried in various parts of town, were taken up and removed to the cemetery when it was made ready for use. Among the pioneers and aged people buried here are the following, viz. :

SCHOOLS

     The first school in the township now known as Oceola was, taught in the summer of 1837, in a log school-house which was built that year on land owned by Andrew Riddle, ╣ in what is now School District No. 1, then known as the "Rumsey District." The same land is now the property of Daniel Whitaker. This first school was taught by Fidelia Persons, and was quite largely attended, as the neighboring settlers had generally large families. Especially was it the case with Daniel Whitaker, who was the father of fifteen children. There were pupils also from the families of Samuel Glover, Joseph and Joel Rumsey, Ellis Luther, Henson Walker, Joseph Pinckney, McKinstry Sanders, and probably that of Ephraim Hardy. This was the first school district organized in the township, and still retains the original number,--one. A frame school-house was subsequently built three-fourths of a mile east of the site of the old one. For some time the school in the "Rumsey district" was the nearest one which children from the western portion of town could attend. Some of Charles Van Keuren's family went to it in 1838. His daughter, Miss Martha Van Keuren, who had enjoyed the educational advantages of New York City, could not easily become accustomed to the ways of a backwoods school, and it was very much of a novelty to her. The log school-house was occupied by Daniel Whitaker as a dwelling after its abandonment for school purposes.

     On what is now the Browning Place a log school-house was built in the fall of 1837, and was very likely the second one erected in the township. One of the earlier teachers--although probably not the first--was Miss Mary Nelson.

     The log school-houses of the pioneer days exist at present but in the memory of those who helped to raise them, or attended beneath their roofs the primitive schools which there were taught. The buildings of the old model and material long ago gave place to the more modern edifices, and neatly painted school-houses. now exist in the majority of districts. From the report of the township school inspectors for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878, the following table is made, showing the condition at that time of the various schools in the township:

384a.

 Image of
Residence of E. J. & E. W. Hardy, Oceola Centre, Livingston Co., Mich.
Breeders of Registered Merino Sheep & Short Horned Cattle

384b.

Image of Peter Y. Browning

Image of Mrs. Peter Y. Browning

    The gentleman whose name heads this article was one of the most prominent of the early settlers in Oceola township. He was born in the State of Connecticut, in 1794. His father, a farmer, moved at an early day with a large family to Dutchess Co., N.Y. The son, who lived and worked with his father on the old farm for a number of years, was married in November, 1820, to Miss Sarah Ann Cramer, daughter of his nearest neighbor. He shortly after moved to Kinderhook, N.Y., where he stayed one year with his brother. He then hired a farm for seven years, but only remained four years upon it, after which he gave its control into the hands of his brother-in-law. He soon after leased six hundred acres in Livingston Manor, Columbia Co., and engaged for four years in an extensive dairy business. He finally purchased a farm in Henrietta, and lived upon it three years. The "Michigan fever" at last attacked him, and after selling his farm he came through, with a wagon, to this State, purchased four hundred and fifty acres of wild land from the government in Oceola township, and built a log house. At that time the town contained but few settlers. After purchasing his land he had but little left, but in the course of time was greatly prospered. Township offices were given him,--treasurer, etc., and he was also an early postmaster. At his death, in June, 1873, he left his widow in very comfortable circumstances, and she is managing the affairs of her fine farm of over two hundred and seventy-five acres, with her children all living around her. Her daughter married Mr. Armstrong, and is living in the township.

     The children of Mr. and Mrs. Browning are the following, viz.:
 

     385.
 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES

      Probably the first sermon preached in the township of Oceola was that delivered in May, 1836, at the house or Henry Neff, by Mrs. Neff's brother, William Wright. In the spring of 1838 the first denominational meetings in town were held by the Presbyterians, at the log house of Ephraim Hardy, Rev. Mr. Clark officiating. He was a young man who then lived in the township of Green Oak. The Presbyterians have at present, no society in town. Rev. William Page, a Presbyterian divine, purchased land in Oceola in 1836. He is said to have been the first Presbyterian preacher who delivered a sermon in Howell.

     The first Methodist class in the township was formed at the Browning school-house, in May, 1840. In the northern portion of town the inhabitants for a number of years joined with others and held meetings two miles north, in Deerfield; but finally, about 1850, they organized a separate Methodist class, and convened for worship in the school-house in the Parker and Taft neighborhood. Here their meetings were held until 1873, during which year their present neat frame church edifice was erected, the dedication occurring in the month of August. Among the early ministers who preached here were Revs. Horton, May, Westlake, Kilpatrick, and Millard. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Birdsall, who has charge also at "The Bogue," in Cohoctah, at Deer Creek, in Deerfield, and in the Green neighborhood, west from the church. The membership of the Oceola society is about 20.

UNION CHURCH
OCEOLA CENTRE

     The Congregational and Methodist denominations had for some time held meetings in this vicinity, occupying the school-houses, In February, 1870, a gathering was held at the house of Ephraim J. Hardy, and the subject of building a church was brought up. It met with such a favorable reception that a committee was the next day appointed, with executive powers, and the building was soon begun. Upon the 10th of July following it was dedicated, free from debt, and from that time the society--Union, and not denominational--has had a surplus in its treasury. The two societies which had been previously organized -- Congregational and Methodist furnished the greater portion of the building fund, but were aided largely by outsiders, and the structure, although owned by a Union society, was dedicated as a Methodist Episcopal church. It is a fine frame building, at present occupied regularly by the Methodists, who have a membership numbering about 40. The pastor is Rev. Mr. Lyon, of Hartland, which is also in his charge.

     A Catholic society has existed for a number of years in the eastern part of town, and has a church and cemetery at the line between Oceola and Hartland, east of Oceola Centre post-office.

     On section 31 the manufacture of brick and drain-tile is carried on to considerable extent by J. Brayton. The quality of his wares is said by those competent to judge to be excellent.

     Among the many who have furnished valuable information to the writer in this township are Thomas K. Parshall, Nathan M. Sanders, Mrs. Roswell Pettibone, Richard Walker, Ezra Whitaker (of Howell), Charles Van Keuren and family, Lucius E. Riddle, Amos Walterhouse and wife,--the latter formerly Mrs. Russell Blood,--Archibald Nelson, Samuel and Edwin Batcheler, Ephraim J. Hardy, Charles P. Hardy (of Du Page Co., Ill.), Anson C. Briggs (of Howell), William Barbour and William C. Rumsey (both of Howell), and numerous others, to all of whom sincere acknowledgments are tendered.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

EPHRAIM J. HARDY

     Prominent among the business men and pioneers of the township of Oceola, is found the gentleman whose name appears above. He is one of a family of six children, and was born in Sudbury, Rutland Co., Vt., in 18l7. His father, Ephraim Hardy, led the life of a farmer. He was a strictly moral man, although he never united with any religious society. In November, 1835, he removed with his family to Michigan, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in what is now Oceola township. A log house was built, into which the family moved in the spring of 1836, after having remained in Washtenaw County during the winter. The removal took place May 1st. The log house is yet standing, in a fair state of preservation. Six families settled in the township the same spring, yet the neighbors of Mr. Hardy were of considerable 386. distance from his place.$ Living so far in the wilderness, the family was necessarily subject to many trials and some discomfort. To get milling done it was necessary to go with an ox-team to Ann Arbor. In the matter of worldly possessions they were, however, better off than many of the pioneers of the region, for their live stock numbered thirteen head of cattle, five sheep, and three hogs. The elder Hardy died at the age of fifty-eight years, and of his children but two are now living, --Ephraim J., on the old farm, and Charles, in DuPage Co., Ill., where he removed at an early day.

     On the 22d of December, 1841, Ephraim J. Hardy was married to Miss Harriet Haines, who died in 1859, after becoming the mother of seven children, of whom but two are now living. July 10, 1859, Mr. Hardy was married to Miss Rebecca Haines, whose death occurred Jan. 25, 1876. In March, 1878, he a third time entered the matrimonial state, being then wedded to Miss Esther Murray. Mr. Hardy owned at one time nearly seven hundred acres of land, but has divided it among his children

     In 1848 or 1849 he began to breed and deal in fine-wooled sheep, starting with a choice herd purchased in Vermont. He was careful to buy none but the best, and with one exception has bred only the Spanish Merinos. He has had in flock at one time as many as seven hundred, and in the autumn of 1879 was the owner of three hundred. His sheep have generally been awarded most of the premiums at the various places where they have been exhibited, and his farm has also taken the first premium as a model for general improvements and excellence. In 1874, Mr. Hardy began dealing in short-horn, cattle, and has at present eight thoroughbreds in his herd. For some years previously his cattle were of a choice grade.

     Politically, Mr. Hardy is a Republican, having espoused the cause of that party at its birth in 1854, and has been a faithful supporter of its principles to the present day. He has occupied various positions of prominence in his township ¶ and county. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster at Oceola Centre, and continues to discharge the duties of the office. For a number of  years he was Commissioner of Highways, and assisted in laying out most of the roads in the township. His father's house was among the first built in Oceola, but few families having previously settled.

     Mr. Hardy was one of the original board of directors of the Livingston County Agricultural Society and has been one of its main-stays in the years which have since elapsed. µ He was for a number of years its president. He was also one of the organizers of the Livingston County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was chosen its first president, serving eight years; and his administration of its affairs was most judicious and beneficial to the company.

     As a citizen, Mr. Hardy ranks among the most respected in his neighborhood and throughout the region of his acquaintance. His residence is situated opposite (south of) the time-worn log dwelling built by his father, which has received the buffetings of the storms of forty winters.

J. A. VAN CAMP

     Mr.Van Camp was born in Kingwood township, Hunterdon Co., N.J., in 1808. At the age of sixteen he went to the State of New York and hired to Thomas Burt, w ho owned a farm and a blacksmith-shop.

Image of
J. A. Van Camp
Photo. by Brown, Howell.

     After a short time he went to Springport and engaged at blacksmithing. While working, at his trade in Ulysses, Tompkins Co., N.Y., he was married, on the 14th of December, 1829, to Miss Catharine Cole. In 1835 he removed with her to Michigan, and after a short stay in Oakland County, removed to Green Oak, Livingston Co. He made most of the iron-work in the old Woodruff mill, and while there he earned money enough to purchase forty acres of land. He finally sold out 387. and built a small house and shop at the toll-gate, where he made most of the iron-work for Peck & Campbell. He at length went to Detroit, and purchased one hundred and ten acres of land in the township of Oceola, on which he is now living. Subsequent purchases have increased the size of his farm to two hundred and seven acres.

     Mr. Van Camp was perhaps the pioneer blacksmith in the county of Livingston. Politically he is a Democrat; although many times the choice of his townsmen as the person to fill various offices, he would only accept that of Highway Commissioner.

WILLIAM HAZARD

Mr. Hazard, who is a native of Steuben Co., N.Y., came with his father, Chester. Hazard, to Genoa township in 1836. With the exception of a year spent at school before leaving New York, he resided with

Image of
William Hazard
Photo. by Brown, Howell

his father until 1856, assisting in the management of the latter's farm. In the year named he was married to Miss Cynthia Wait, of Howell, and this couple are the parents of three children, -- one son and two daughters,--all living at home. In 1869, Mr. Hazard was elected supervisor of his township, and held the position three years. He is at present Superintendent of the County Poor, and has continued in that capacity five years. In his own township he has held every office except that of treasurer. Politically, Mr. Hazard is a Democrat.

ROBERT WALKER

     This gentleman, born in the State of New York, in 1831, came with his father to Oceola township, in 1835. When of sufficient age to begin to acquire an education, he attended the district school during a few months in the winter. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age, and after the death of his father was married to Miss Fidelia Cole, daughter of one of the pioneers of Green Oak township. A short time later he purchased forty acres of wild land, upon which he built a cheap dwelling. A new house was in 1871 destroyed by fire, since which he has built another at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of four children, of whom all except the oldest daughter, -- married to Mr. W. Eager,--are living at home. Mr. Walker is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres well improved.

RICHARD WALKER

     Henson Walker, the father of the above named person, was born in the State of Maryland about 1789, and was a farmer. In 1809 he moved with his family to the State of New York, and rented a farm near Clifton Springs. After moving from place to place for a few years, be finally emigrated with his family of eight children to Michigan. After staying a few months in Washtenaw County he moved into Livingston, and settled in Oceola township, where he built first a shanty and then a log house. This was in the winter of 1834-35. § Richard Walker purchased eighty acres of land for himself, and remained with his father until twenty years of age, when he went to Washtenaw County and worked with his brother three years on shares, He then returned to Livingston, and for five years was employed by Mr. Buckland. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Goeway, who bore him five children. She died after they had been married fourteen years, and September 3, 1865, he was married to Mrs. Caroline Cash, by whom he has had four children, she having by her first husband one son. Mr. Walker has at present an excellent farm, containing two hundred and twenty acres.

EDWARD BROWNING

     Edward Browning was, born in Kinderhook, N.Y., in August, 1821, and in the fall of 1836 came with his father to Livingston Co., Mich. The family consisted of seven children, and settled in Oceola. A log house was erected for their accommodation. Edward Browning remained with his father about twelve years, and was then married to Miss Helen Beebe, the daughter of an old settler. For nearly twenty years they continued to live in the old log house. Three children were born to 388. them, of which number but one--a son is living; he married Miss Wealthy Kellogg, and all live in the same home. Mr. Browning was the fourth person to hold the office of postmaster ‡ in the township, being appointed under President Buchanan, and continuing in the position four years. His farm--which first included eighty acres, earned by him in seven years' work for his father--now comprises four hundred acres, of which forty belong to his son John. The latter also owns a half interest with T. A. Walker--another early settler--in a flouring-mill at Parshallville. The farm is one of the best in the township. Wool-growing and wheat-raising are extensively engaged in by Mr. Browning. John, the son, has two children, a son and a daughter.

ROBERT BROWNING

     This gentleman was born in Dutchess Co., N.Y., Sept. 15, 1828, and accompanied his father, Peter Y. Browning, to Livingston Co., Mich., in 1836, coming by wagon through Canada. He was one of six  children who were with their parents in that journey. The family occupied the log house which was built for them on the farm in Oceola township. Robert Browning remained on the home farm until after he was twenty-one years of age, and in 1852 started for the golden land of promise, California. On his arrival at Omaha, he was taken sick and could go no farther. His parents, learning of his illness, went after him and brought him back to his home. In the spring of 1853, he and his brother John started on a much longer journey, their objective point being for Australia. There they remained several years, and Robert, after they had returned to this country, spent four years in Nevada and California, visiting also Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Washington Territory, and finally returned home, leaving his brother in San Francisco, and worked on the old farm for three years. Aug. 22, 1870, he was married to Miss Delia Delano, youngest daughter of Israel Delano, a pioneer of Hartland township, in which the daughter was born. He purchased one hundred and forty acres from his father and Mr. McGuire, built a house, and now resides with his family near the old home. Mr. and Mrs. Browning are the parents of one daughter, who is living at home.