1880 Township of Unadilla Part B. Pages 311-316

     311. Plainfield, where his son, Aaron Westfall, now resides, moved finally to Stockbridge, Ingham Co., where he died. He built a tavern at that place, and kept it a number of years. C. B. Westfall and his younger brother, Albert, --the latter of Plainfield, -- are the only representatives of their father's family now living in the township. Albert did not move from Plymouth until some years after the others had settled in Unadilla.

     John Shields, a native of Ireland, emigrated to New York in 1832, and in May, 1836, removed to Michigan from Watertown, Jefferson Co., in the first-named State. For two or three years he lived at Dearborn, west of Detroit, and in 1840 came to Unadilla, and settled north of the place he now occupies. His present farm, on section 14, was first settled and improved by a man named Chipman, who sold out to Henry Hartsuff Mr. Shields purchased of the latter.

     Charles Bullis was one of the earlier settlers in the eastern part of town. His son, Charles E. Bullis, at present resides on section 13.

     John Winans, from Albany Co., N.Y. removed with his family to Michigan in 1834, settling in the township of Scio, Washtenaw Co., In April or May, 1836, he came to Unadilla, and took up his residence on land previously owned by George Bennett.
* Mr. Winans, who engaged exclusively in farming during his life in this town, resided on this farm until his death, which occurred late in the fall of 1843. In 1845 his widow and son, Edwin B. Winans, moved into the township of Hamburg, and in the latter, on the south shore of Pleasant Lake, the son now lives. They located at Petteysville, where Mrs. Winans died in July, 1852. E. B. Winans worked four years in the carding-mill at the village, owned by S. A. Petteys. He has since become one of the foremost citizens of the county, as he long has been of the township in which he lives. In the fall of 1875 he was elected judge of probate for Livingston County, and entered upon the duties of the office in January, 1876.

     So rapidly did settlers locate in this township that in 1837 it had a population of 642, and bore the appearance of a much older settled community. Its villages were flourishing, and its forests were rapidly giving place to cultivated farms. The smoke from the chimneys of the log cabins ascended from many localities over the territory then included in the township, which embraced what are now Unadilla and Iosco. Previous to the formation of the county, a part of Lyndon, Washtenaw Co., was also included.

     The following were residents in what now comprises the township of Unadilla in the year 1844: (re-alphabetized by webmaster)

Abbott, Abram Jackson, John
Abbott, Cyrenus Keenan, Patrick
Angel, Henry Kirtland, Joshua
Angel, V. R. T. Lewis, Artemas
Backus, Gordon Lincoln, Francis
Backus, O. J. Livermore, James
Beale, Emery Lyman, Clark
Bennett, George Lyman, Hollis F.
Bird, David Marsh, Zerias
Bird, William S. Marshall, Archibald
Birney, James McAlser, Sarah
Birney, Timothy McCabe, Edward
Bullis, Charles McCabe, Patrick
Bullis, Robert H. McConachie, John
Bullis, William McIntyre, James D.
Bullock, Hezekiah Mead, William S.
Bullock, Rebecca Montague, Lucas
Carpenter, William Montague, Alexander S.
Carson, William Morgan, Peter
Caskey, William Noble, Albert C.
Chalker, Gideon Noble, George
Chipman, Charles Noble, Sylvester G.
Chipman, Lemuel F. Pardee, Wheeler
Chipman, Luffier Pyper, Alexander
Chipman, Samuel S. Richmond, George W.
Clawson, Levi Riggs, Clinton
Cobb, William S. Rodgers, Charles
Cole, Alexander Sales, Stephen B.
Cool, C. G. Schenck, William L.
Cool, John Schoonover, James.
Cool, William S. Secord, Lorenzo
Coy, John S. Sharp, Hattie C.
Crafts, Edward Shear, Richard
Craig, James Shield, John
Craig, William Skidmore, Sarah
Daniels, Gilbert Sprout, Rowley A.
Danser, John Stevens, Henry
Davis, George Stiles, Henry
Davis, Robert Sutherland, Edward
Davis, William Sutherland, Samuel
Denton, Daniel Sutherland, Solomon
Du Bois, William Sutherland, Thomas
Dunkin, Charles Sutton, Hiram. 
Dunn William H. Taylor, Isaac
Dutton, David Taylor, John
Dyre, Philip Taylor, Richard
Ewers, Tillison Tetley, Betsey
Falk, William Thompson, Elijah C.
Fay, Sela B. Titus, Ebenezer
Filch, , James Topping, Albert G.
Foster, James S. Topping, Alexander
Foster, Jonathan B. Townsend, Samuel
Gladon, Charles Vanatton, Jacob
Glenn, Charles Van Dorn, John B., Esq.
Glenn, Robert Van Sickle, Samuel F.
Goodrich, Joshua Vanderpool, William
Green, Esac Wasson, John
Gregory, Philander Wasson, Myron H.
Hartsuff, Henry Wasson, Samuel
Hase, Lawrence C. Watson, John
Haworth, Richard Westfall, Cornelius B.
Hill, Dudley R. Westfall, Levi
Holmes, David Westfall, Reuben
Hopkins, Philander Williams, Amos
Howell, John Williams, William A.
Isham, Harry Winans, Theron
Ives, Orrin Wood, Abner B.
Ives, Samuel G.  

312. Village of East Unadilla

Babcock, Moses (saw-mill) Howell, Charles
Cleveland, J. P. Kirtland, Benjamin
Cornell, Stephen Montague, Luke
Dixon, D. R. Taylor, George
Field, Junius L. Tuttle, Chester J.
Hartsuff, Joseph L.  

     Among other early settlers in the township, whose names appear on the records of the County Pioneer Society, were the following: Patrick McLeer, native of Ireland, settled November, 1837; T. McLeer, native of Ireland, settled November, 1838, John Wasson, from New York, settled June 18, 1837; Dennis Shields, from Ireland settled January, 1841: J. Cool, settled in 1836; J. Morgan, settled in 1837; J. L. Crosman, 1843; O. Bangs, 1848; John Marshall, 1845; and others, of whom mention will be found in connection with the villages at or near which they located. Many who were temporary residents of the township, subsequently seeking homes elsewhere, as the pioneer spirit prompted them, would be named here if aught could be ascertained of them definitely, but it is impossible to learn of all, as in many cases no sources of information exist.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION
CIVIL LIST, ETC.

     Unadilla was formed, by act of the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan, March 26, 1835, and, as mentioned, included what is now losco and a portion of Lyndon, Washtenaw Co. On the 6th of March, 1838, Iosco was set off, --the county having been previously organized, and the south part assigned to Lyndon and Unadilla was left in its present shape, including township 1 north, in range 3 east.

     By provision of the act erecting this township, its first election was to be held at the house of Elnathan Noble, but it was adjourned to that of Baxter Collins, and the following-named officers were elected: Supervisor, John Drake; Township Clerk, Peter N. Hard; Justice of the Peace, Elnathan Noble;
¥ Treasurer, James McIntyre; Highway Commissioners, Selah B. Collins, Elnathan Noble, Francis Lincoln.

     The second annual township meeting was held April 4, 1836, at the house of Elnathan Noble. At that time it was "Voted, that E. Noble, John Drake, and P. N. Hard be delegates to attend a county convention to nominate county officers."

     Jan. 1, 1844, a license was granted to William S. Mead to keep a tavern in his dwelling-house at the village of Milan (now Unadilla). April 15th in the same year, a license was granted to C. J, Tuttle "to keep a tavern and vend spirituous liquors in the house he now occupies in the village of Milan," license to expire on the last day of April, 1845. June 18, 1869, it was decided--by a vote of 104 to 1--to raise the sum of $20,000 in aid to the Michigan Air-Line Railway Company, who should extend their track across this township. The result of this scheme is fully mentioned in other places in this work.
**

     The following is a list of the officers of the township of Unadilla, from 1836 to 1879, inclusive, as compiled from the records:

SUPERVISORS

1836-37 Elnathan, Noble
1838 Solomon Sutherland
1839 Philander Gregory
1840-43 John Cool
1844-46 Henry Angel
1847 John C. Stedman
1848 Alison Denton
1849 John Cool
1850 W. H. Dunn
1851 S. B. Reynolds
1852-53 John C. Stedman
1854 Orla J. Backus
1855 Theron Winans
1856 S. B, Sales
1857 John C. Stedman
1858 William S. Bird
1859 Archibald Marshall
1860 John Jackson
1861-62 John C. Stedman
1863-65 John Jackson
1866 Stephen B. Sales
1867 Jonathan B. Foster
1868 Samuel B. Reynolds
1869-72 Stephen B. Sales
1873 Halsted Gregory
1874 William W. Wood
1875 John J. Watson
1876-77 Jonathan B. Foster
1878-79 Thomas Howlett
TOWNSHIP CLERKS
1836-37 Peter N. Hard β
1838 Emery Beal
1839 John Jackson

1840

Horace R. Northrup
1841-42 Philander Gregory
1843-44 Albert G. Topping
1845 George Taylor
1846-47 Daniel R, Glenn
1848 James W. Forshee
1849 S. S. Chipman #
1850 O. D, Chapman
1851 William Rounseville
1852 Alexander Pyper
1853-54 William E. Gregory
1855 Cyrenus Abbott
1856 J. H. Marvin
1857-58 R. C. Marvin
1859 William W. Wood
1860 Seth B, Torrey
1861-62 James Craig
1863 C. J. Glenn
1864-65 S. B. Torrey
1866-74 James Craig
1875 Morris Topping
1876-77 James Craig
1878-79 Sylvester G. Topping

ASSESSORS

1836

Jacob Dunn, Francis Lincoln, James D. McIntyre
1837 George C, Wood, Lemuel F. Chipman, John Drake
1838 John Sutherland, Samuel Townsend, David Bird
1839 David Holmes, David D. Bird, Samuel Townsend
1840 Samuel Tetley, S. Townsend, John Sutherland
1841 S. Townsend, John Jackson, Robert Glenn
1842 John Jackson, J. L. Hartsuff
1843 Samuel Townsend, Philander Gregory
1844 S. Townsend, William H. Dunn
1845 Henry Hartsuff, David Holmes
1846 William H. Dunn, Moses Babcock
1847 John Cool, S. B. Van Size;
1848 J. C. Stedman, William S. Cool
1849 J. C, Stedman, O. J. Backus
1850 James Craig, David Holmes
1851 D. Dutton, J. C. Stedman;
1852 S. Townsend, Isaac Taylor
1859 O. J. Backus, John Cool
COLLECTORS
1836 James D. McIntyre
1837 Samuel G. Ives
1838 Levi Westfall
1839 Samuel G. Ives

1840-41

Van Rensselaer T. Angel

312a.

Image of
Hon. Samuel G. Ives

HON. SAMUEL G. IVES

     The subject of this sketch, who for over forty years was one of the most enterprising and prominent men of Livingston Co., Mich., was born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N.Y., Dec. 21, 1812.

     The years of his boyhood were spent in his native town. From early childhood he was entirely dependent upon his own efforts for a livelihood, with surroundings not calculated to develop the latent forces within him, except, perhaps, to teach the lesson that if he was to accomplish anything in life it must be by his own exertions. The years of his majority found him with but the rudiments of a primary education, with worldly effects not exceeding in value one hundred dollars, and, that invested in a running horse. And now, without doubt, the first step taken was the laying of the corner-stone of his future prosperity and success, and, although but dimly foreshadowed, was sufficiently prominent to stimulate mental activity and physical vigor in every effort.

     By dint of good fortune he exchanged his "racer" for eighty acres of land in the almost unbroken wilds of Michigan, situated in township 1 north, of range 3 east, now Unadilla, Livingston Co. March 17, 1835, with high hopes and youthful ambitions, he turned his face toward the setting sun,--on foot and alone he started for Michigan.

     The incidents of this journey and the events of the succeeding months are still referred to by him with animation and just pride. After experiencing considerable delay, traveling by various means of locomotion, he finally reached Detroit. From here the journey was toilsome and laborious indeed; however, the variations were quite sufficient to break the monotony. Following an Indian trail, going by "blazed" trees, crossing swollen streams, and, lastly, by the aid of a "land-looker," he was enabled for the first time in life to stand upon his own soil.

     The site selected for building was soon cleared, a log house sixteen by twenty-two feet rolled up, arrangements for clearing and putting out to wheat about four acres, and Mr. Ives returned to New York.

     This proved to be the nucleus to his future home, and to it he added, from time to time in after-years, as he was prospered, until he became the happy possessor of one of the finest and most productive stock and grain farms in Central Michigan, with pleasant and attractive rural buildings overlooking the entire estate.

     August 30, 1835, Mr. Ives married Miss Maria Louisa, daughter of Hon. Josiah Hedden, of Lansing, N.Y., and
on the sixth of October following they bade adieu to the scenes of their childhood, with all their hallowed influences, for their home "out West."

     Here they were to live to see the tall, unbroken forests swept away, and in their places come waving fields of grain; to see the long, winding trail of Lo and his followers transformed into a broad highway, and traversed by commerce and thrift; to see the ever-moving waters of the beautiful streams, which for ages had borne the rude canoe of the dusky fisherman, turning the wheels of industry, and aiding in the development of the country and its resources. Yes, this lone spot in the wilderness, possessing only the beauty and grace of nature, was to become to them the dearest spot on earth,--their home. Here, for nearly forty years, they toiled together, in sunlight and shadow, heart and hand, and under the smiles of a kind Providence, whose overruling power they ever recognized, they were abundantly blessed "in basket and in store."

     As the fruit of their wedded lives eight children were born to them, seven of whom grew up to manhood and womanhood, five of whom are still living. All are married, pleasantly circumstanced, following honorable pursuits, and located within a circuit of a few hours' ride.

     Mr. Ives has always taken a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the growth, development, and prosperity of his adopted county, contributing freely and generously to every enterprise looking to the elevation and well-being of society.

     To-day, nearly a dozen churches, within a radius of as many miles from his old home (whose spires, pointing heavenward, are silent monitors for good), received from him in the course of their erection substantial aid and encouragement. To him is due, perhaps, more than any other, the credit for the erection of the Methodist Episcopal church at Williamsville in 1853, the second church edifice built in Livingston County. For nearly thirty years Mr. Ives has been a prominent and active member of this society. The moulding influence of his life upon his community, in favor of morality, temperance, and religion, will live and be felt long years after he has been laid beneath the beautiful granite shaft that now adorns the family plat at Williamsville Cemetery. Here rests the companion of his youth, the mother of his children, who for nearly forty years was the sharer of his joys and sorrows alike, a helpmate indeed, who departed this life Oct. 4, 1871.

     Hospitable and liberal, his house was for many years the
312b. home of the itinerant minister of the gospel; and in the years agone, when the itinerancy meant something more than it does in Central Michigan to-day, such men as Revs. Wm. E. Bigelow, J. M. Arnold, Samuel Clements, Dr. Fisk, T. C. Gardner, and scores of others-many of whom are gone to the mansions above-have found here a hearty welcome and a happy fireside.

     In this connection it might be well to mention that Mr. Ives is a brother of Rev. B. I. Ives, D.D., of Auburn, N.Y., for many years chaplain of the Auburn State-prison, a man of enviable reputation as an orator, and well known throughout the nation and the Christian world as the "great Methodist dedicator;" the man who has dedicated more churches and raised more money for clearing church debts than any other man on the continent, if not in the civilized world.

     In politics, Mr. Ives was an Old-Line Whig, and cooperated heartily with that party until the organization of the Republican party, when he at once adopted its creed, and has ever been a strong advocate of its principles. Mr. Ives has been called to fill many positions of public trust and confidence. He was for sixteen consecutive years justice of the peace, and had a happy faculty of settling by arbitration, and without costs to the belligerent parties, a large percentage of the cases that came to him in his official capacity.

     In 1844 or 1845 he, with V. R. T. Angel and Freeman Webb, was instrumental in raising a company of cavalry under the then existing military laws. At its organization he was elected to a lieutenancy, and, later, upon the resignation of Capt. Webb, was commissioned by Governor Epaphroditus Ransom as "Captain of Livingston Troops," which position he retained until the disbanding of the company. Mr. Ives was the first Republican representative from Livingston County in the State Legislature. Elected in 1854; was re-elected in 1856, and also served at an extra session.

     Though not a public speaker, by his earnest, forcible manner of argument he became an effective and efficient legislator, an honor to his constituents, and enjoyed the confidence of his political opponents. In 1874 he was unanimously nominated State Senator for his district, but, owing to a complication of circumstances, he peremptorily declined the honor.

     During the late war Mr. Ives was instrumental in raising and forwarding to the front many soldiers for the Union armies, giving freely of his time, money, and influence. He was appointed by Prov. Mar. McConnel, of Pontiac, enrolling officer for his district, the perplexing and oft times unpleasant duties of

Image of
Mrs. Samuel G. Ives

      which office he performed with fidelity, meeting the hearty approval of the department. He was particularly prominent in raising men for the 26th Regiment of Michigan Infantry, in which command his son, Maj. L. H. Ives, of Mason, Mich., served with distinction and honor. He was Presidential elector on the Republican State ticket in 1872. Commissioned by Governor Bagley a "commissioner for the additional asylum for the insane" at Pontiac, in 1874, he proved a very efficient member of the board during the erection of the buildings; this position he still retains. In 1875 he was appointed by the Governor a trustee to the institution. His elections or appointments to positions of trust and honor were never augmented by having been connected with any organization or society calculated to give him political preferment, but were rather the public recognition of personal fitness, and, though his party in his township and county were oftenest in the minority, he never suffered a defeat. He was for many years a stockholder and director in the projected plank-road from Dexter to Lansing, five miles only of which was ever completed. Strictly speaking, this enterprise was not a financial success.

     Farming and stock-growing has been his principal occupation, and in these he has demonstrated what may be wrought out by economy, industry, and frugality. At various times, however, Mr. Ives has owned a controlling interest in a saw-mill, flouring-mill, a country store, etc., but these have always been secondary. Few men enjoy a right fine team of horses better than Mr. Ives, and very few farmers in Michigan have owned more or better.

     In 1876, having practically retired from active farm life, and in order to better meet the public demands upon his time, he turned over to his son, Frank E.,--who, by the way, is one of the rising, clear-headed young agriculturists of his county, and destined to become one of her solid men, the entire control of the old homestead of three hundred and forty acres of land, and removed to Chelsea, Washtenaw Co., where he still resides. Since living there he has been president of the village and a member of the Common Council. Although having lived out nearly his threescore years and ten, Mr. Ives still retains the full mental and physical vigor of his middle life, and bids fair to live yet many years to enjoy the mercies a bountiful Providence has so liberally bestowed upon him. His present wife, Mrs.. Mary A. Duncan, is an estimable lady. Theirs is a happy home, and with an ample competence, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and hosts of friends, he is enjoying the later years of an active life. 313.

TREASURERS

1839 Luke Montague
1840-41 Hezekiah Bullock
1842 David Holmes
1843-45 V. R. T. Angel
1846 Daniel Barton
1847-48 James Birney
1849 John Jackson
1850 Garry Briggs
1851 W. Bullis
1852 William S. Cool
1853 Robert Brearley
1854 James Craig
1855 Robert Brearley
1856 John Fulmer
1857 L. Hopkins
1858 D. A. Dunkin
1850 John Shields
1860 Nelson A. Glenn
1861 C. G. Cool
1862 Gurdon Ward
1863 W. S. Livermore
1864 G. S. May
1865 J. B. Foster
1866 Wm. J. May
1867 Isaac S. Davis
1868 Wm. D. Hartsuff
1869 Wm. J. May
1870 Robert H. Bullis
1871 Robert Brearley
1872 La Fayette Peet
1873-74 Robert Brearley
1875-76 Joseph Kirtland
1877-78 George Abbott

1879

Samuel Placeway

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

1836 E. Noble, J. Tetley, L, Dunn, Francis Lincoln
1837 John Wood
1838 David Holmes, Solomon Sutherland
1839 Joseph L. Hartsuff
1840 John B. Van Doren
1841 John Sutherland, Samuel Tetley (the latter took the place of Elnathan Noble, deceased)
1842 Daniel Denton
1843 J. L. Hartsuff, John Jackson
1844 John B. Vandoren
1845 George Bennett
1846 Samuel G. Ives, Wm. S. Bird
1847 Joseph L. Hartsuff
1848 Samuel Townsend
1849 George Bennett
1850 S. G. Ives, Theron Winans
1851 J. L. Field
1852 G. W. Richmond
1853 Theron Winans
1854 S. Townsend, S. G. Ives
1855 J. L. Field
1856 S. Townsend
1857 S. P. Reynolds
1858 D. S. Denton
1859 J. L. Field
1860 Morris Topping
1861 Daniel Wright
1862 S. G. Ives
1863 O. H. Obert
1864 Morris Topping
1865 Daniel Wright
1866 Archibald Marshall
1867 Junius L. Field, Frederick Sharp
1868 Royal Barnum, Wm. S. Bird, Jonathan B. Foster
1869 Wm. S. Braley
1870 Wm. S. Bird
1871 Wm. J. May, Halsted Gregory
1872 Jonathan B. Foster
1873 Wm. S. Braley
1874 Royal Barnum
1875 Zenas A. Hartsuff, Wm. A. Williams
1876 C. Nelson Bullis
1877 Wm. S. Braley
1878 Wm. A. Williams, D. O. Dutton
1879 Daniel Barton

SCHOOL INSPECTORS

1836 Peter N. Hard, John Drake, Jacob Dunn, Elnathan Noble, James Tetley
1837 James Tetley, Gad C. Dibble, William Wright; $
1838 Jame, Tetley, Gad C. Dibble, David Holmes
1839 J. L. Hartsuff, Guilson Morgan, John Winans
1840 James Tetley, Abraham Abbott, Joseph L. Hartsuff
1841-42 James Tetley, J. L. Hartsuff, Alexander Pyper
1843 J. L. Hartsuff, Alexander Pyper
1844 J. L. Rice, A. Beal
1845 Alexander Pyper;
1846 George W. Noble
1847 Alexander Pyper
1848 Joseph L. Hartsuff
1849 O. D. Chapman
1850 Alexander Pyper
1851 W. W. Wood
1852 Joseph Hartsuff;
1853 T. McLeer
1854 Joseph L. Hartsuff; +
1855 A. B. Wood
1856 T. M. Joslin
1857 William W. Wood
1858 L. Hopkins;
1859 Jonathan B. Foster
1860 James Shields
1861 Thomas J. Hays
1862 Loren Hopkins
1863 Halsted Gregory
1864 Oliver L. Smith
1865 Halsted Gregory
1866 John O. Stedman
1867 William D. Hartsuff
1868 Ira C. Backus
1869 Geo. Reynolds
1870 William W. Wood
1871 Jonathan B. Foster
1872 Benjamin F. Chipman
1873 La Fayette Peet
1874 Thomas Howlett
1875 Jonathan B. Foster
1876 John O. Stedman
1877 Albert H. Watson
1878 John O. Stedman
1879 William W. Wood.
TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS
1875 Halsted Gregory
1876-78 William F. Bird
1876 Eli F. Carr

EARLY ROADS

     The following were among the first highways laid out in the township, and the routes of most of them have since been changed.

     Dunn's road, "commencing at a stake on Tetley's road, south 70 degrees east, 21 chains and 25 links from quarter stake between sections 17 and 18, and terminating at a stake on the north line, 11.50 links from quarter stake between sections 5 and 8, town 1 north, of range 3 east." Surveyed l0th of July, 1835, by John F. Farnsworth, Deputy District Surveyor.

     Tetley's road, "commencing at a stake on the town line, 12 chains and 50 links north of the quarter stake on section 12, town 1 north, of range 2 east, and terminating at the quarter stake between sections 20 and 21, in town 1 north, of range 3 east." Surveyed July 9, 1835.

     Drake's road, "commencing at a stake on the Dexter road, south 76 degrees west, 28 chains from the quarter stake between sections 2 and 3, town 1 south, of range 3 east, and terminating on Peterson road, north 48 degrees east, 18 chains and 25 links from the quarter stake between 26 and 27, in town 1 north, of range 3 east." Surveyed July 11, 1835.

     Saw-Mill road, "commencing at a stake on Drake's road, on the east side of the mill-yard, south 62 degrees east, 23 chains and 14 links from the quarter stake between sections 34 and 35, in town 1 north, range 3 east, and terminating on the Dexter road, at a stake south 51 degrees east, 22 chains and 50 links from the quarter stake between sections 33 and 34." Surveyed July 11, 1835.

     The foregoing were all the roads surveyed in the township in 1835. Among those laid in 1836 were a continuation of Nathan Rose's road, alteration of Collins and Green's road, Palmer's road, Prospect Hill road, Centre road, Base Line road, Hard's road, Chipman's road, Sutherland's road, Broad Trail road, and Ives' road. The last four were surveyed by Richard Peterson, Jr., and the others by John F. Farnsworth. The latter person, who studied law with judge Turner in Howell in 1842-43, removed soon afterwards to Kane Co., Ill., and became one of its most prominent citizens. He was long a leading legal practitioner, and represented that Republican district fourteen years in Congress.

     In 1840 what was called the "Beaver Dam Road," angled across the western portion of Unadilla township, from a point half a mile south of the present school-house in District No. 12, to the farm now owned by John Jackson, thence on to Lansing, Ingham Co. The southeastern terminus of the road was at Dexter, in Washtenaw Co.
314.

Its name came from the fact that after passing the line between Livingston and Ingham Counties, and in the latter, it crossed an ancient beaver-dam, at the outlet of an extensive marsh.

     Another early road angled more to the north, across what is now the C. B. Westfall place, finally terminating at Plainfield. From the fact that no underbrush was found in the forest, it was possible to see a long distance among the trees, and teams could be driven almost anywhere, except having occasionally to avoid large trees.

VILLAGE OF WILLIAMSVILLE

    Amos Williams, from the State of Connecticut, came to Michigan in 1833, with his brother-in-law, Eli Ruggles, to visit relatives in Pontiac, and also called on Nathaniel Noble, an old acquaintance who was living at Dexter. Mr. Williams was a millwright, and at the instance of Mr. Noble came with the latter to examine the privilege the latter had discovered, at what is now Williamsville. The result was that Mr. Ruggles located the 40 acres already mentioned, and the men returned to Connecticut. In the fall of the same year, Mr.Williams came back, in company with his son, Samuel Williams, his son-in-law, Garry Briggs, and the latter's wife. These were the first settlers in the township, and Mrs. Briggs was the first woman who had set foot within its limits. For four weeks she lived in the wilderness, without seeing another woman of her own color, although Indian squaws were numerous. During that winter the men built a saw-mill, and its operations commenced in the spring of 1834. During the latter year Amos Williams went after his family, returning with them in the fall. Their nearest neighbor, when they first came, was Henry Warner, who lived ten miles southeast, in Washtenaw County. Stephen Stevenson was, at the same time, building a log house on the shore of North Lake, also in the county named. Indian trails or lines of marked trees were the only highways.

     January 30, 1837, Darwin N. Edson and the heirs of Curtis Noble laid out a village, and called it Unadilla, the same which is now known as Williamsville. Edson lived in Greene Co., N.Y.

     The work was done under authority of Elnathan Noble, who was attorney for Edson and the heirs of Curtis Noble. The survey
£  was made by John F. Farnsworth. The saw-mill stood on the river, south of the village plat.

     Mr. Noble presented a lot to Mrs. Briggs, in honor of her being the first white female inhabitant of the township, and Mr. Williams built a house upon it for her, in which the Briggs family lived a number of years. Mr. Williams' son, William A. Williams, now resides at the village, and a second son, Samuel Williams, is a resident of White Oak, Ingham Co.

     Large quantities of lumber have been sawed in the old Williams mill, the frame of which is yet standing, although it has not been in operation for several years. The mill-privilege is said to be an excellent one for a small stream.

     In the summer of 1847 David Holmes built a store at the village, and filled it with goods the same fall. He and Anson Denton entered into partnership, and conducted business about two years. Mr. Holmes, who was a Baptist deacon, owned a fine farm, but was so unfortunate as to lose it in unprofitable mercantile pursuits. His place is now owned by his son, William S. Holmes. Mr. Denton, Holmes partner, purchased the latter's interest and moved the merchandise into a room in William A. Williams' house, where he continued in trade for a time. James Jamieson afterwards kept a store about a year in the same place, and since then no efforts have been made in the mercantile line in the village.

VILLAGE OF PLAINFIELD

     Numerous Indian trails crossed each other at or near the site of Plainfield, and the locality seemed to be a favorite camping-ground among the red men. Cranberries abounded here, and this fact doubtless had its weight. The chief best known to the settlers of this region was "Toag," whose followers could not be kept in hand, and were generally thieving and drunken. Instances are related of their entering houses when the men were away from home, and scaring the women into giving them food, and even clothing.

     Some time in 1835, Jacob Dunn and Levi Clawson started together for the West, from Newton, N.J. Mr. Clawson stopped in Ohio, while Dunn came to Michigan, purchased land and settled upon it, being the first to locate on the site of Plainfield. During the following winter Mr. Clawson came to the same place and purchased, and found Dunn living in a log house on the south of his (Dunn's) farm. He learned afterwards that the road was to be laid on the section line north of him, and moved his house to it. Dunn was the only man living at the place when Clawson entered his land. The latter returned to Ohio, and in May, 1837, removed with his family to his place at Plainfield, where he has since resided.
314a.

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Plainfield, Livingston County, Michigan

     315. In the mean time Fleet Van Sickel bought land at Plainfield, but soon sold to Philip Dyer, who became the second settler at the place. Dyer was also from New Jersey, and located here in 1836. He and Dunn both kept taverns. The place was originally known as Dyersburg, but upon the establishment of a post-office the name, Plainfield, was given by Mr. Dunn, after a town in New Jersey. John Cool and family came with Dyer and located west of the village, where two of his daughters are now living. Samuel Townsend settled in the fall of 1836 on the farm now occupied by John Van Sickel, who married one of his daughters.

     Philip Dyer's youngest son, John Dyer, occupies his father's old farm. A daughter of Mr. Dyer is now the wife of A. L. Dutton, living on section 16.

     David Dutton, from Oneida Co., N.Y., came to Michigan in 1834, and after a short stop in Scio, Washtenaw Co., settled at Lima, in the same county. In May, 1837, he moved to the farm, half a mile northwest of Plainfield, now occupied by his son, D. O. Dutton. He died May 29, 1867, and his widow makes her home most of the time with her children at Eaton Rapids, Eaton Co., although her sons, D. O. and A. L., in Unadilla, have her company at times.

     When Fleet Van Sickel sold his place at Plainfield to Mr. Dyer he paid the money to his brother, Samuel F. Van Sickel, who purchased land southeast of the village, where his son, Edgar Van Sickel, now lives. S. F. Van Sickel came from New Jersey in company with Levi Clawson, and after a short stay in Ohio proceeded to Dexter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., finally locating in Unadilla. One other of his sons, David, lives near Edgar, southeast of Plainfield.

     Samuel Wasson settled northeast of Plainfield in 1837. The old farm is divided between his two sons, Myron and John, who reside upon it. Mr. Wasson came from a locality about thirty miles from Buffalo, N.Y.

     The first physician in the neighborhood was Dr. Morgan, who came at an early day from Ohio, with his family, accompanied by Mr. Tuttle and family. This was previous to 1839. The doctor was much esteemed by his acquaintances, and ranked high as a physician. After the death of his wife he removed to Indiana. He was the only physician who ever lived here any length of time. He had an extensive ride, ranging into the township of White Oak, Ingham Co. The vicinity of Plainfield was always noted for its healthfulness, and Dr. Morgan once remarked that "if it were not for White Oak he should starve to death" Dr. D. M. Greene located here in the spring of 1879.

     Albert G. Topping, from Cleveland, Ohio, settled in Plainfield in November, 1839, living for a short time in a house on Philip Dyer's place, while building a log house for himself. That structure occupied the ground upon which now stands the residence of his son Morris Topping. When not busy on his own -place, Mr. Topping was employed by Dyer. He died in 1844, from the effects of the amputation of his leg, rendered necessary by a white swelling. His son, Morris Topping, in the spring of 1853 built the store he now occupies, and began business in October of the same year, having continued in the same place since that time. He is now the oldest merchant in the place; has also a large stave-factory and coopering establishment, manufacturing about 20,000 barrels per annum. This business was started about 1864.

     Mr. Topping built his stave-factory first, subsequently adding a saw-mill, and finally a grist-mill. All were burned about 1875, but the stave-factory and grist-mill have been rebuilt. Steam is the motive-power used; the grist-mill has three runs of stone, and does both custom and merchant work.

     E. T. Bush has a planing-mill and cider-mill which have been in operation about ten years.

     The first store in tile village was established by Rice A. Beal, since prominent in his connection with the State University at Ann Arbor. He first appeared as a peddler of clocks, etc., but finally built and stocked a store and managed it a number of years. He went afterwards to Howell, where he owned a fine establishment, and finally removed to Ann Arbor, where he now resides. His father, Emery Beal, settled at Plainfield about 1837.

     Plainfield post-office was established about 1837-38, with Emery Beal as postmaster, and was kept in the latter's house. Mail was brought from Milan (Unadilla post-office), the route extending from Ann Arbor, via Dexter, to Unadilla and return. Some mail was afterwards brought in from Mason, Ingham Co. A tri-weekly mail is now received from Fowlerville, the route extending from Fowlerville to Unadilla. A man named Burnett, who lived east of Plainfield. held the office a short time, succeeding Beal. Rice A. Beal was subsequently appointed. In 1853 when Morris Topping established himself in business, he received the appointment of postmaster, which position he has since retained.

     The present hotel at the village was built in 1876 by Morris Topping, and its first landlord was William Oxtoby. The present proprietor is A. D. Spaulding, who has occupied it since the fall of 1879. The building is a frame structure, and the first regular hotel in the place. 316.

VILLAGE OF UNADILLA

     A village, called "East Unadilla," was platted April 14, 1837, the survey being made by Richard Peterson, Jr., but it was not recorded until April 21, 1840. The proprietary names on the plat are Robert Glenn and Thomas G. Sill,--the latter the administrator of the estate of John Drake. The plat, as acknowledged, bears date April 16, 1840. The village was originally locally known as Milan; but when it became necessary to establish a post-office it was ascertained that another office of the same name existed in Monroe Co., and while the office was named Unadilla, the village was recorded as East Unadilla, to distinguish it from the Unadilla mentioned elsewhere.

     John Drake, the founder and one of the proprietors of the village, built a dam across the Portage in 1835, and as soon as possible thereafter erected a saw-mill, the lumber used in its construction being sawed at Williams' mill at Williamsville. Robert Glenn had entered the land, and gave Drake 40 acres on which to build his mill and improve the water-power. Glenn built a grist-mill in 1838, the same being a part of the mill now standing. It had originally but one run of stones, but a second was afterwards added. Glenn subsequently sold a half-interest to Dr. Field. Others were proprietors at different times, and it finally passed into the hands of the present owner, George Hoyland, who inserted a third run of stones. Dr. Field, Charles Duncan, and Seth A. Petteys all had shares in the mill at one time with Glenn. Petteys built the grist-mill for Glenn, and afterwards erected a carding-machine in his own interest, but finally abandoned it, owing to the supply of water being insufficient to run all the mills. The old wheel in the grist-mill was a heavy one of the overshot pattern. An improved turbine wheel is now in use.

     John Dunning, from the town of Byron, Genesee Co., N.Y., came to Unadilla in December, 1846, and entered the mercantile business, and has continued in the same to the present. With the exception of during the first eighteen months after his arrival, he has occupied the building in which he is now located. It is the first frame building erected in the village, and was built by John Drake for the purpose of a store and dwelling.

The store--the first in the place-- was kept by Drake & Dibble, and necessarily contained but a small stock. Drake died within a year after the store was built, and its contents were purchased by Mr. Ward, of Ann Arbor, now deceased. Mr. Drake first lived in a log house which stood near his saw-mill in the southwest part of the village, a few rods south of the Presbyterian church.

     W. S. Livermore, one of the firm of O. H. Obert & Co., at the village, came from Richfield, Tioga Co., N.Y., in 1844, with his uncle, John C. Stedman, now living north of Unadilla. Since July, 1864, he has been engaged in business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Obert. The present brick store occupied by the firm was built in 1873.

     William Gilbert, from Cayuga Co., N.Y., located in Unadilla village in the spring of 1837, and established the first blacksmith-shop in the place, on the lot where W. S. Livermore now resides. The frame of the shop is yet standing on the north side of the creek, whence it was removed and since enlarged. Mr. Gilbert's mother and the wife of Luke Montague were sisters.

     Mr. Montague, also from Cayuga Co., N.Y., located land both in Unadilla and the township of Lyndon, Washtenaw Co.; he also purchased some from Aaron Palmer (son of James Palmer, who had settled with his sons, Aaron and Benajah), who is now living in the village. Mr. Montague purchased in the fall of 1836, and returned to New York for his family. When they came back in the spring of 1837 Mr. Gilbert was one of the party. Montague settled first on the Palmer Place, across the line in Lyndon, and lived there about a year, building a house on his-place in Unadilla in the mean while. In the latter Dr. Field lived for a time, afterwards moving into the village and building a house on the hill in the south part. The doctor afterwards moved to the present W. S. Livermore place, where he died.

     Mr. Montague sold the Palmer place to his son, Alexander Montague, when he moved to his place in Unadilla.

     One of the characters of this region at an early day was an old man familiarly known as "Deacon" Barnes. He lived to be about ninety years of age, and died a few years since in Ingham County. He lived at Williamsville, and was a blacksmith by trade. With much satisfaction he would relate his apprenticeship experiences, and his stories led his listeners to understand that he served his apprenticeship before the Revolution. He was a bachelor, and possessed a remarkable memory, but no education. At one time he was employed in a shop at Dexter, Washtenaw Co.

PHYSICIANS

    Dr. Junius L. Field, the first physician in the township, was a very popular citizen and an excellent physician. For years he was the one sought after by the sick of the vicinity. He was very

     * The place was more recently owned by William Wallace, and is now the property of one of the Reasons.

      ¥ Appointed by Governor Mason.

     ** See histories of Putnam and Hamburg.

     β In the latter year William S. Martindale was elected in Hard's place, at a special meeting.

     # Removed from town, and John T. Smith appointed to fill vacancy.

      € Removed from State, and George Burchard chosen in his place.

    $ Fitch Chipman and John Wood chosen at special election.

     +Also spelled McLear.

     £ By an act of the Legislature approved March 25, 1846, all that portion of the recorded plat of Unadilla lying on the east half of the east half, of the southwest quarter of section 28 was vacated. No decree of court has been recorded to make this vacation legal, however.

     "Unadilla village" was laid out June 11, 1836, on the east part of section 33, by Mary Winans and Alexander Pyper, the survey being made by John Farnsworth. This was abandoned, and the village of East Unadilla is known at present as Unadilla.

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