1880 Map of Putnam Township

     269. PUTNAM, one of the earlier formed townships of Livingston County, lies on its southern border, and is bounded west, north, and east by the townships of Unadilla, Marion, and Hamburg, and south by Washtenaw County. It includes township No. 1 north, in range No. 4 east of the principal meridian, as shown on the United States survey. Southeast from the centre is located the village of Pinckney, in a picturesque valley on the north bank of Portage Creek. The survey of the proposed Michigan Air-Line Railway crosses the township from east to west, passing to the north of Pinckney.

     The surface of the township is, in its greater portion, hilly and broken, although in the west and northwest is an extensive and beautiful plain, upon which are found excellent and highly-improved farms. Honey Creek passes nearly through the centre of the town, from northwest to southeast, and discharges into Portage Lake on section 36. Portage River, fed by numerous small lakes, traverses the southern portion of the township, and, after crossing into Washtenaw County, empties into Portage Lake, which is a large, fine sheet of water, covering several hundred acres, and lying partly in each county. Among the other lakes of the township are Mud, Bentley, Duck, Little and Big Barber, and Gosling. Parts of Half-Moon and Patterson Lakes also lie in the southwest corner of the town. Good power is furnished by Portage River and Honey Creek, and mills have been erected in several places.

LAND-ENTRIES

     The following is a list of those who entered land in what is now Putnam township, arranged by sections, with years in which the entries were made:
 

      By reference to the foregoing it will be seen that the first entries in the township were made in 1828. They were 160 acres on section 23, and in 160 acres on section 26, by Solomon Peterson, of this State, entered May 13th; and 80 acres by Flavona Wright, of Wayne Co., N.Y., dated May 14th. No other entries were made until 1831. The entries in 1828, as mentioned, were the first in the county.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS

     Col. Solomon Peterson, who had been commander of a regiment of militia in the State of New York, and who entered land in Putnam, as above mentioned, is said to have immediately settled upon it. This being the case, he was beyond doubt the first settler in Livingston County. He is also given the credit of having built the first house and barn in the county, both being frame structures. The colonel was, without dispute, the first white man who made his home within the limits of what is now Putnam township. His buildings were on the bank of Portage Creek, immediately southeast of the village of Pinckney. The colonel, who was a bachelor, was chosen first supervisor of Putnam after its organization, and was one of the foremost among its prominent citizens. He finally moved to the town of Dexter, Washtenaw Co., where his death occurred within recent years.

     James Jacoby, from the town of Hunter, Greene Co., N.Y., landed with his family at Detroit, Nov. 13, 1833,--the birthday of his wife. A tavern was rented twenty-four miles out of Detroit, and kept by Mr. Jacoby about two years. In 1835 the family removed to Putnam township, and settled west of the village of Pinckney, where he died about 1865. His widow yet resides on the old 271. place, and has reached the advanced age of eighty-six years.

     Henry Harris, from Somerset Co., N.J. (both himself and wife natives of Ireland), purchased land on section 34, in this township, in 1834, and settled upon it immediately. Colonel Peterson and John Sigler were then the nearest neighbors, the latter living a short distance east, on section 35. Mr. Harris has been dead over twenty years. His brother, John Harris, settled northwest of him, on the Portage River, near the subsequent location of Reeves' grist-mill. He died in the winter of 1878-79, in the village of Dexter, Washtenaw Co., whither he had removed. His son, John Harris, now lives in the township of Webster, in the last named county. Henry Harris' son, also named John, resides near his mother, on the old farm. Both the Harris brothers followed agricultural pursuits principally during their life in this town. Henry cleared and improved the three "eighties" he originally purchased, together with another, which he bought afterwards. When he came with his family he followed a "blazed-tree" trail, the, road not yet being cut out, through from Dexter. He built a log house a few steps south of the frame residence now occupied by his widow. They had at that time but one child,--a daughter,--who is now living in Jackson. Other children were born to them, but the family became scattered during the war of the Rebellion (1861-65). One son died at Union City, Branch Co., Mich., and another in Minnesota. John Harris is the only son now living in the neighborhood where his father settled nearly half a century in the past, and the farm has never in that time been out of the hands of the family.

     Hugh Clark, a native of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1832, and settled in Somerset Co., N.J. In the fall of 1836 he came to Michigan, and settled in Putnam township, on the farm he still owns and occupies. He was then unmarried. He purchased 80 acres of land from government, afterwards adding to it by different purchases from other hands. The log house he built and lived in stood immediately south of his present frame dwelling. He continued to live here in the solitude of bachelorhood until 1842, when he was married. His brother, William Clark, was here part of the time, and finally settled in the township, but moved subsequently to Missouri, in which State he still resides.

     When Mr. Clark came the Messrs. Root, of Ann Arbor, were operating a saw-mill a short distance southeast of his place, on the Portage River. The mill-dam was crossed by the county line, and the mill itself stood in Washtenaw County. This mill was kept very busy cutting lumber for the settlers, who at that time were arriving rapidly.

     West of Mr. Clark's was another saw-mill, built in 1835, probably by Solomon Bignall and Moses Babcock. George Reeves, of Pinckney, began a three-story frame grist-mill, near the saw-mill, in 1840, and finished it in December of that year, or the next. It contained four run of stones, and for years the business was large and profitable. The mill finally became the property of Reeves & Rose, and during the latter years of its existence its custom decreased, and but little grinding was done. It was destroyed by fire in the latter part of January, 1879. The saw-mill is yet standing. When the grist-mill was completed, ready for use, a considerable number of settlers assembled in it and held a holiday-party. Its first grist was ground during the same afternoon.

     George Reeves, from Orange County, N.Y., came with his wife and three children to Michigan in 1826, and located at Lima Centre, Washtenaw Co., where he remained until some time in I837, when he removed to Pinckney, and entered the mercantile business. The mill property, which he subsequently purchased, had been originally settled and improved by Solomon L. Bignall, who bought it from government in 1835. Upon removing to the latter place Mr. Reeves took his stock of goods with him, and in company with his wife's brother Timothy R. Allison, established a store. He also entered into partnership with Samuel Minot in the same business, and the three persons carried on two stores, Reeves & Minot owning one, and Reeves & Allison the other. Both have long been discontinued, and Mr. Reeves is now deceased. His family occupies the old place.

     Sanford Marble, a native of Massachusetts, and for some years a resident of Connecticut, emigrated from the latter State to Michigan in 1833, and settled on the site of the village of Pinckney. After one year he removed to the farm upon which his son, James M. Marble, now resides, on the plain in the western part of the township. When he first entered the township it contained but nine families, and when he moved to the present farm his only neighbor was a man named Foster, who lived on the present C. M. Wood place. The father of the last-named gentleman, John Wood, settled early in losco township, and subsequently moved into Putnam. The Wood place was also at one time owned by the father of Benjamin Eaman. The latter, who came to the township while Mr. Marble was living in Pinckney, was taken out by Mr. Marble to look at his land, and the two lost their way in the woods, remaining out overnight. They finally succeeded in finding what they were searching for. Benjamin 272. Eaman is now deceased, and his son James lives on the place opposite the Marble farm.

     When Mr. Marble came to this farm no one lived nearer to him in a northern direction than eight miles away, on "Provost's Plains," in Marion township. The next farm south of that taken by Mr. Marble was settled by James Grieves, who sent men to build a log house upon it the same year Mr. Marble located. Mr. Marble first bought a farm on the east side of the road, south of the one named, but in a short time sold it to Louis Fasquelle, a Frenchman. Mr. Marble's widow is living with his son on the old place.

     Freeman Webb, from Jefferson Co., N.Y., purchased his first land in Putnam in 1835, including 80 acres of the farm now occupied by his widow, on section 8. In the spring of 1836 he removed with his family to this State, and located near Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County. In the spring of 1837 he moved upon the farm in Putnam. At that time Samuel Burgess lived a mile north of him, and Cooley and Hiram Weller lived in the same neighborhood with Mr. Burgess. Benjamin Annis, who had moved into Michigan at the same time Mr. Webb came, and also lived near Ann Arbor, owned the farm next west of Mr. Webb's, but did not settle upon it until 1839. Mr. Webb, whose position in the township was that of one of its most prominent citizens, died in May, 1877.

     Samuel Burgess, who has been mentioned, was one of the first settlers in the neighborhood of Pinckney, having lived a mile east of that village for some time previous to his removal to the farm in the north part of town.

     S. M. C. Hinchey, from the town of Gates, near Rochester, Monroe Co., N.Y., and a native of Saratoga County, came to Michigan in the fall of 1835, and settled in the township of Scio, Washtenaw Co. He purchased land in Putnam, cleared and broke 80 acres of it, built a log house and a barn, and moved upon it in the summer of 1838. The breaking was done by a man whom he had hired for the purpose, and who also helped about building. The barn which was then erected is yet standing, on the north side of the road, on Mr. Hinchey's place. When Mr. Hinchey bought his land, in 1835, but few settlers had come into the township.

     The first white child born in the township--and the honor is claimed also concerning the entire county--was Julia E. Pullen, daughter of Levi and Nabby Pullen, whose birth occurred in the month of April, 1832.

     Joseph Fletcher came from Ontario Co., N.Y., to Putnam in 1840, and resided in the township until his death, which occurred at a comparatively recent date, when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. He was an exemplary and respected citizen, and, as in the instance of the death of  many others, his loss was deeply felt.

     Levi Pullen, a native of the State of Maine, settled in this town in August, 1831. Among other early settlers were the following:

     The above names are taken from the records of the Livingston County Pioneer Association. Others who came early were M. S. Chubb, on section 1; F. R. Burden, section 6; G. Bennett, section 11; Ralph Swarthout, section 12, died in township; Samuel S. Fitch, section 13; John Dunn, section 14; Harry Gardiner, section 20; J. S. Nash, now deceased; S. A. Barton, section 50; and others.

     Many of the persons who entered land in this township, and probably a large majority of them, became actual settlers, while others, as was the case in all localities, purchased for speculative purposes, and never aided in the work of settling the wilderness. The early settlers of this town were men from high and low positions, and of numerous nationalities. The merchant, the soldier, the politician, the mechanic, and the farmer were here, and from various Eastern States, and even from across the ocean, came bold and hardy men, all with the true pioneer spirit, and by their hands a noble work was accomplished.

     The following persons comprised the resident tax-payers of the township of Putnam in 1844: (re-alphabetized by webmaster)

     The Village of Pinckney:
 

CIVIL ORGANIZATION LIST OF OFFICERS

     By an act of the Legislature, approved March 23, 1836, the township of Putman was organized, including the present townships of Putnam and Marion; the latter being set off March 11, 1837. There being objections against the name of the township, owing to its incorrect orthography, the letters were transposed by the Legislature, March 1836, and the correct name, Putnam, substituted for the old one. It was directed in the act organizing Putman township that its first election should be held at the house of Jacob Sigler, and, there the meeting was accordingly convened. The politics of the voters were not at that meeting allowed to dictate the choice of officers, as the inhabitants were too few in number. The second year, however, matters were different, owing to a gratifying increase, of population. The Whigs and Democrats were the political opponents of that day, and between them was the usual strifes. The Whigs were jubilant over the fact that they held the preponderance of power,--or supposedly so,--and made their nominations in caucus, apportioning, two or three offices to some of their number. Of that proceeding they partially repented, and offered some of the lesser offices to the Democrats, who refused them and made their own nominations. The result was a tie vote on some of the officers, the Democrats holding the winning hand otherwise, and at a special election to overcome the tie but one Whig vote was cast.

     The first annual township-meeting was, held at the house of Jacob Sigler, May 2, 1836. The following officers were elected, viz.: Supervisor, Solomon Peterson; Township Clerk, Furman G. Rose; Assessors, George Bennett, John A. Conaway, Hiram Wellar; Constable and Collector, Selden Pullen; Overseer of the Poor, James Canfield; School Commissioners, Thomas Ingram, Solomon L. Bignall, Alvin A. Holcomb; Justices of the Peace, F. G. Rose, James S. Nash, Pierpont L. Smith, Hiram Wellar; Commissioners of Highways, Alvin S. McDowell, James S. Nash, Levi Pullen.

     The following is a list of township officers for Putnam from 1837 to 1879, inclusive:
 

     At an election held in November, 1866, it was decided by a vote of 232 to 11 to raise $36,000 in the township to aid the "Grand Trunk Railway of Michigan," the track to pass within one mile of Pinckney village. The scheme was remodeled, and it was proposed to build the "Michigan Air-Line Railway." The sum of $20,000 was voted in its aid by the township, and excitement ran high. Real estate along the line, and especially at Pinckney, advanced fabulously in prices, and the prospects were that the road would certainly be built at the earliest possible date. But the great expectations of the people were destined to be disappointed. The road-bed was graded into the township from the west, but further operations were suspended, and Pinckney and the surrounding region settled back to its ante-railroad excitement status, where it has since remained.

VILLAGE OF PINCKNEY

     Joseph Abel, from Steuben Co., N.Y., came to the township in the spring of 1836 (April 18th), and located two miles northeast of the village, on a farm he purchased after he arrived. Six years subsequently he moved into the village, where his widow, who is also now the widow of James M. La. Rue, at present resides. The old Abel farm is occupied by William H. Placeway.

     James M. La Rue, also from Steuben Co., N.Y., settled at Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., as early, probably, as 1830. In the neighborhood of 1840 he moved into Putnam and located southeast of Pinckney, where his son, Charles F. La Rue, at present resides. Mr. La Rue subsequently moved into the village, where his death occurred.

     Furman G. Rose, from Bath, Steuben Co., N.Y., came to Michigan in the fall of 1835, landing at Detroit the first day of October. He settled in Putnam the same fall, on a farm east of the present village of Pinckney, just one month from the day he set foot in Detroit. He was accompanied by his wife and one child. In 1837 he moved to the village and entered the mercantile business, establishing the second store in the place. About 1847-48 he built the present "Globe Hotel," moved into it in the fall, and kept it four years. He had previously conducted the hotel business in a building which stood in the south part of the village, near the mill-race. It had been built by the founder of the village, William Kirtland, for both a store and hotel, and in it Messrs. Reeves & Minot placed the first stock of goods brought into the place, and opened the first store. Andrew and George Hood started the third store some time after Mr. Rose had begun business.

     When Mr. Rose arrived here in 1835, the inhabitants of the immediate vicinity were Benjamin Weller, Claudius Britton, Sanford Marble, and James Canfield, who all lived on ground now occupied by the village plat. Marble moved to the western part of the township, as previously stated; Weller afterwards removed to the township of Handy, where he died; and Britton and Canfield both died at Pinckney. Marble owned 40 acres southwest of where the "Globe Hotel" now stands; Weller lived east of him, on the south side of what is now the main street of the village; and Britton lived a little farther east, on the north side of the street.

     The plat of the village of Pinckney was recorded Aug. 9, 1837, William Kirtland, proprietor. His grist-mill was then standing at the south end of Mill Street, near its intersection with Water Street. The following concerning the new village was written on the plat by Mr. Kirtland:

     "The village of Pinckney is situated in the southern part of Livingston County, on Portage Creek, two miles from its entrance into Portage Lake. It is in the midst of one of the finest and best settled agricultural districts in the State, and is already the natural centre of business for not less than two hundred or three hundred families. A Flouring-Mill is now in operation, which has just been constructed at a cost of from Seven to Eight thousand Dollars, and there is no mill nearer than tell miles, and in some directions it will command the business for twenty miles. A good Temperance Tavern and Store have also been erected, and other buildings are in progress. A healthier spot is not to be found in Michigan. The State Road from Saginaw to the Chicago Rd. at Clinton passes through this place, and the Grand River and Allegan State Road is expected to intersect the former at this point. The lots are 66 feet in front by 132 feet in depth. The streets are four rods in width, and the Public Square is sixteen rods square."

     J. W. Hinchey's first addition to Pinckney was laid out on the northeast quarter of the southwest 275. quarter of section 23, April 1, 1868. A second addition by the same person was recorded March 1, 1871, and is laid on the west half of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 23.

     William Kirtland came to this place from the city of New York, in 1836. In company with a man named Davidson he set about building a gristmill, the timbers for which were brought to the site by Furman G. Rose and his brother-in-law, Joseph Abel. Davidson soon after sold his interest to Kirtland, and the latter finished the mill in 1837. The same structure is yet standing, but has been enlarged and improved to some extent. It originally contained two run of stones, and now has three. Mr. Kirtland also built a cooper-shop, which he rented to workmen of that trade. Seth A. Petteys, now of Petteysville. Hamburg township, was the millwright who erected the mill. When Mr. Kirtland laid out the village he sold lots rapidly for a time, a number of them being taken by mechanics, among whom were Messrs. Bertwhistle, Schoonmaker, and others. He subsequently returned to New York, and met his death by accidentally walking off one of the docks into the river and being drowned. He was quite nearsighted, which fact was the cause of the fatal accident.

     Mr. Kirtland's wife was a lady possessed of much literary ability, and is well remembered by those acquainted with her during her residence here. Under the nom de plume of  "Mary Clavers," she at one time wrote a volume, entitled "A New Home-Who'll Follow? or, a History of Montecute." The book has been both commended and severely criticised.

     About 1860 the firm of Thomas & Bates commenced the manufacture of "Climax Fanning-Mills" at this place, the business passing afterwards into the hands of Thompson & Richards. The original proprietors erected a building, and for two or three years conducted a good business. The manufacture of buggies and wagons has also been carried on here to some extent. Thompson Grimes began the business, and Daniel D. Richards and others worked at it afterwards. It is still continued by Messrs. Sykes & Son. Thompson Grimes is now a member of the Legislature from Livingston County.

     A post-office must have been established at the village as early as 1838-39, Mail was carried on horseback from Dexter, by James Pullen. James W. Stansbury, brother of Mrs. Kirtland, was the first postmaster. The office was kept at a later day in a store which belonged to James M. Eaman, in the south part of the village. It appears that a good-natured political strife was in order in the village during its earlier years, and even the appointment of a postmaster was not unattended with some difficulty and sharp practice. Furman G. Rose, a Democrat, was appointed to succeed Mr. Stansbury, who was a Whig, and a talented lawyer. The latter heard that Rose had been appointed, but was loath to recognize the fact, and continued to administer the affairs of the office. Rose finally outwitted him, however, and obtained possession of the mail, and the office was turned over to him. The citizens had been watching the tide of affairs anxiously. Freeman Webb, a staunch Whig, had loaded a small cannon, ready to fire, when the dispute should be settled, one way or the other, but one of the Pullens, probably averse to any noisy demonstration, so effectually dampened the powder in the gun that the salute was indefinitely postponed. The present incumbent of the office is Mrs. Sarah Young, who was appointed to succeed her husband, Charles C. Young, who died in office.

     James W. Stansbury, who located here in 1837, and was agent for William Kirtland & Co., was the first person who practiced law in the place. He became prominent in the county, and was elected and served one term as judge of probate. He removed from here to Ithaca, N.Y., but is now residing at Danville, Ill., where some member of Mr. Kirtland's family is interested in coal-mines. Another early lawyer in the village was Sylvester W. Barnes, who remained one or two years. Marcus B. Wilcox settled as a lawyer in Pinckney soon after 1850. He afterwards removed to Howell, and died there. Others have practiced at different times, but at present (1879) the place cannot boast of having a member of the legal fraternity in its midst.

     The first disciple of Esculapius to locate in the village was Dr. William Stevens, who came from the State of New York, and remained here ten or twelve years. His ability as a physician was questioned by the people among whom he lived. Drs. Stansbury and Angell came afterwards and practiced for a considerable length of time. Dr. Charles W. Haze, now residing at Pinckney, is a native of Wilson, Niagara Co., N.Y., and settled here April 20, 1845, when twenty-five years of age. He has continued in the practice of his profession during his residence in the place,--with what success the esteem in which he is held by his acquaintances will testify. Among other physicians who have at different times practiced here are Drs. E. J. Roberts (homeopathist), Silsby, and Sigler.

     The business of Pinckney in March, 1858, was mentioned in an article published in the Livingston Republican of that time, as follows:

     276. "The village of Pinckney is situated about a mile to the southeast of the centre of the township of Putnam, and is built around a very fine public square. The land upon which the village stands, and the immediate vicinity, is very level, rendering it a beautiful place. The inhabitants are an intelligent, hospitable, and enterprising people,--such as have given it peace and amiability at home and all unblemished reputation abroad

     "The business of the place is as follows: There are three drygoods stores, one grist and flouring-mill, two blacksmith shops, one hotel, two boot-and shoe-shops, one harness-shop, one grocery, one cabinet-shop, one tailor-shop, one jeweler, one cooper-shop, and two wagon-shops.

      "The first store we mention is the firm, of T. Grimes & Co., successors to A. Mann & Co. This firm has an extensive trade. There is probably no heavier firm in the County, outside of Howell.

     "The second is the firm of Fiquett & Coleman; this is also a heavy firm and does a large amount of trade.

     "The third is that of J. M. Eaman. Mr. Eaman has long been a resident, and formerly one of the first merchants in Pinckney; but he is now closing up the mercantile trade, and giving his attention to the honorable occupation of farming.

     "The grist and flouring-mill is owned by our old and venerable citizen, A. Mann. It has two runs of four and a half feet stones, and does a large amount of gristing and flouring. During the last summer we understand that Mr. Mann has built a fine water-wheel to the mill, at a very heavy expense; and we are also informed that he contemplates covering it anew the coming season, which will add much to its appearance and also to the appearance of the village.

     "The two blacksmith-shops are carried on,one by L. Noble, long an enterprising citizen of Pinckney. Mr. Noble has carried on blacksmithing, and will continue it, very extensively.

    The other is carried on by D. Richards, late of Dover. In connection with an extensive blacksmith business, Mr. Richards has associated with him in the wagon and carriage business Mr. Wm. R. Bertwhistle who are now manufacturing wagons and carriages second to none in the county, and at very reasonable prices. We advise all who wish to purchase to give Messrs. Richards & Co. a call.

     The other wagon establishment is carried on by J. & I. Sykes, who are doing quite in extensive business, especially in the way of repairing, in a prompt and workmanlike manner.

    "To say nothing of the character of the hotel for a few of the past years, we can now say the present proprietor, Mr. L. F. Rose, keeps one of the best hotels to be found in the interior of the State. Mr. Rose has lately taken to himself a 'partner for life,' under whose direction the household affairs will be well managed.

     "The two boot-and shoe-shops are carried on by T. Grimes & Co., and Fiquett & Coleman, extensively in connection with their dry-goods bade.

     "The harness business is carried on in all its various branches by Mr. Charles Clark who is one of the best workmen in the county.

    "Mr. A. Hinchey drives the sole trade in the grocery business. In connection with this he has a jewelry-shop.

     "We have but one cabinet-shop in the place. This is owned by "Mr. Silas S. Carroll, who does quite an extensive business.

    "The tailoring business is carried on by Mr. N. F. Picket. Mr. Picket has long been engaged in the business in Pinckney to quite an extent.

    "The cooper-shop is owned by Mr. A. Mann, who drives the business of barrel-making the year round for the supply of his flouring-mill.

     "To add to the beauty and appearance of the place, we have a Congregational and a Methodist Episcopal Church,--two as fine church edifices as are found anywhere in the interior of the State. Also a commodious school-house.

     "Revs. D. L. Eaton and P. C. Dayfoot, of Howell, have, about a week since, closed a revival in the Congregational, and the Rev. Mr. Lee, pastor, in the Methodist Episcopal Church. These meetings have resulted in much good being done.

"In the line of professional men we have two M.D.'s,--Drs. Haze and Rogers,--and one lawyer, Hon. H. B. Wilcox.

     "The village is surrounded with a good farming country and an intelligent and industrious set of farmers, giving good support to the business of the place."

MASONIC

LIVINGSTON LODGE,
No. 76, F. AND A. M.

     was chartered Jan. 10, 1856, with the following officers: M., Charles W. Haze; S. W., John R. Goodrich, M. D.; J. W., Furman G. Rose. The membership on the 31st of July, 1879, was 78, and the officers were as follows: W. M., William A. Sprout; S. W., H. F. Sigler; J. W., C. D. VanWinkle; Treas., Thompson Grimes Sec., F. A. Sigler; S. D., Cary VanWinkle; J. D. Samuel Gilchrist; Tiler, William Balch. The rooms of the fraternity are in the third story of the fine brick block built by W. S. Mann, and are neatly furnished and pleasant.

PINCKNEY CHAPTER, No. 86, R. A. M.

     was organized Sept. 6, 1872, with 12 members. Its first officers were: H. P., C. W. Haze K., William Ball; S., William H, Martin. Its membership in the summer of 1879 was 27. The following are the present officers: H. P., C. W. Haze; K., G. W. Hoff; S., F. G. Rose; Capt. of the Host, William A. Sprout; P. S., M. H. Twichell; R. A. Capt. T. Grimes; M. 3d Veil, R. E. Finch; AT. 2d Veil, Ira V. Reeves; M. 1st Veil, Gershom Swarthout; Sec., G. W. Teeple; Treas,, Thompson Grimes; S., R. E. Finch.

     An "Eastern Star Lodge" was formed March 1, 1868, and continued about five years. Mrs. Delia Hinchey was its president during the entire time. It had during its most flourishing period a membership of over 200 but finally ceased to exist for want of general interest.* A flourishing grange of "Patrons of Husbandry" also exists in the village.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES

     The First Congregational Church of Pinckney was organized in 1848, and at some time before 1858 built its present frame house of worship. The society is now free from debt, and has a membership of 45, of which number 12 are males and 33 are females. An excellent bell hangs in the belfry, and a good organ has been purchased for use in the church and Sabbath-school. The latter has an average attendance of 40. The present pastor of this church is Rev. Thomas J. West, whose predecessor was Rev. James Campbell.

     A flourishing Methodist Episcopal society also exists in the village, and has a frame church which was built previous to 1858. The present pastor is Rev. L. L. Houghton. A substantial brick church 277. has been erected by the Catholics in the northern portion of the village.¥ The Baptists at one time held meetings in the place, but never built a church, and their services were finally discontinued.

SCHOOLS

     Some time between 1835 and the latter part of 1837 a log school-house was built on the corner of the Marble-farm, where the present frame building in fractional District No. 9 stands. Miss Kitty Grieve, daughter of James Grieve, was perhaps the first teacher; she was at least one of the first.

     Southeast of the above, on the road to Pinckney, a frame school-house was built about 1839, but previous to either of these, a school had been taught in a log dwelling owned by Louis Fasquelle, near Mr. Marble's place.

     About 1839 a log school-house was built a short distance north of the site of the present building, in District No. 8, on section 5. The first or second teacher in this district was a Miss Joslyn. Two sisters in this family, named Sarepta and Samantha, taught, one in the district last named, and the other in what is now District No. 4.

     As early as 1835-36 a log school-house was built in the Harris and Sigler neighborhood, north of the residence of John Sigler. In this was taught the first school in the township. The present frame building in the district--No. 1--is located in the southwest part of section 35.

     A log school-house was built near the Dexter road, southeast of the village plat of Pinckney, about 1837, and in it the first school in the immediate neighborhood of the village was taught.

     The following statement of the condition of the schools of the township is taken from the report of the school inspectors for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878:
 

CEMETERY

     The cemetery at Pinckney contains the dust of many of the township's pioneers and respected citizens, among them being the following, viz.:
 

STATISTICAL

     In 1837 the population of Putnam was 367. In 1874 it was 1213. From the census of the latter year are taken the following items: 278.
 

     Among those who have kindly furnished information embodied in the foregoing are F. G. Rose, Esq., Dr. C. W. Haze, Mrs. LaRue, and others, at Pinckney; Mrs. Henry Harris, Hugh Clark, Mrs. George Reeves, Mrs. Sanford Marble, Mrs. Freeman Webb, S. M. C. Hinchey, and others, in various parts of the township. To all the sincere thanks of the writer are due and tendered.