(P.163) On July 4, 1871, a meeting was held at the Melvin House, to organize a Pioneer Society. After discussing the proposition, an adjournment was taken to M. L. Gay's office in the rooms which are now Tidings office. William C. Rumsey was elected chairman and M. L. Gay, secretary. A committee, was selected to draft a constitution and bylaws, and arrangements were made for a public meeting, which was addressed by Judge Turner at the Court House, on Wednesday evening, September 27, 1871. The committee failed to have its constitution ready, but M. L. Gay had anticipated such a situation, and prepared one which was adopted. It provided that all persons, who were residents of the county previous to July 4, 1845, were pioneers, and eligible to membership. At the annual meeting in 1877, this was changed to 1850, and in 1880, it was changed so that all who resided in the county previous to 1855, were considered as pioneers, and entitled to membership.

     In 1871, A. G. Blood & Company started a five column quarto weekly newspaper, which they named the Howell Independent. It never paid expenses, and after nine months, was sold to J. D. Smith and Charles E. Cooper. Mr. Smith took part of the material to (P.164) the Republican office. Mr. Cooper continued the paper for a couple of months longer, and then gave it up.

     In the early '60s, William McPherson & Sons developed a merchant tailoring department, in which, in 1874, George Hornung was employed, and in which Arthur Garland became cutter, about a year later. This department did quite a little manufacturing for the clothing store of the firm. In 1879, Messrs. Garland and Hornung, then young men, formed a partnership and bought the department in which they were employed. By energy and skill, they succeeded in building up a large business with two or three men on the road, and their's soon became the leading industry of the town. In fact, there has been no time since they first went into business, but that the tailors, whom they employed, formed one of the largest bodies of working people in Howell.

     After some years, Owen W. Kellogg, who was an experienced clothing salesman with William McPherson & Sons, entered the partnership with Garland & Hornung, The new firm being named, Kellogg, Garland & Company, and a stock of ready made clothing was put in. Mr. Garland withdrew from this firm in 1892, after which it was known as Kellogg & Hornung, continuing for another year. Mr. Hornung then engaged in merchant tailoring in his own name, and has done a prosperous business for the past fifteen years. Mr. Kellogg went west. (P.165)

     After withdrawing from the old firm, Mr. Garland engaged in merchant tailoring, in which he has built up a large trade. In addition to his store here, he maintains one at Jackson and several agencies in the west, doing all the manufacturing in Howell. He also ran a macintosh factory here, for some years.

     Thirteen years ago, Mr. Garland purchased the Opera House, which he has since managed. He became a partner in the Bennett Hardware Company, which bought out Benedict & Ratz in 1907.

     Howell was visited by Catholic Priests as early as 1836 or '37. Rev. Fr. Kelly of Northville, was probably the first to hold services in Howell. The erection of country churches not far away, in different directions probably centered their worshipers there and made a long delay before the organization in Howell. Along in the '70s Rev. Fr. Daugherty of Brighton, who is remembered as an energetic worker, well liked by everyone, started the work here and St. Joseph's church is the result. The original church, 40x70 feet in size, was commenced in August, 1878, and completed the following year. It was enlarged and greatly improved about six years ago. With the commodious rectory and beautiful brick church, the society has a fine property. Under the most efficient leadership of Rev. Fr. Thornton, its prospects for a growing future are excellent.

     Fobes Crossman came to Howell in the early '50s and soon after became a partner with F. J. Lee and (P.166) Alex. McPherson in their general store. This firm lasted but a short time, after which Mr. Crossman prospected for business in Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and other places but returned to Howell in 1858 and formed a partnership with Wm. B. Jewett in the general mercantile business. May 1, 1873, Mr. Crossman bought his partner's interests and continued the business until his death Dec. 1, 1876.

     In the settlement of his estate Mrs. Crossman who was administratrix, sold the business to Frank J. Hickey and Charles M. Goodnow.

     Frank J. Hickey was born in New York state and came to Howell with his parents, N. J. Hickey and wife, when a small boy. When a young man he clerked three years for Wm. McPherson and afterwards formed a partnership with James B. Wing in the grocery business. After some years Mr. Wing purchased his interests in that firm and Mr. Hickey was out of business at the time of the death of J. F. Crossman heretofore noted, and the forming of his partnership with Mr. Goodnow,

     Charles A. Goodnow came to Howell in 1875. For some time he clerked for Mr. Jewett and later for J. F. Crossman. He was in the latter position when Mr. Crossman died.

     The firm of Hickey & Goodnow, which was organized in 1877 was at once one of the leaders in the dry goods line and continued in that position until the death of Mr. Hickey which occurred in the great fire (P.167) of 1892. Mrs. Hickey and the estate held their interest
in the business until 1899 when they sold to Homer N. Beach and the firm has since been known under the name of Goodnow & Beach, their business holding up and increasing as the years go by.

     When the war broke out Birt Parsons of Brighton, was under age. That made little difference to one of his get there qualities and he skipped out to enlist. That he found a place in the First Michigan Cavalry a part of Custer's brigade, indicates that he was not very long in making up his mind to get into the great conflict and that he saw something of the war in its awful reality. Soon after mustering out in 1865, Mr. Parsons became a clerk for Wm. McPherson & Sons, where he remained until 1871.

     This history has heretofore told the story of the pioneer shoe shop of J. B. Skilbeck one of the first in Howell. This business developed until in the latter '60s it was quite a factory, located just West of the McPherson stores and employing over twenty men. When Mr. Skilbeck's son Pearley, became of age, he entered the business with his father, the firm being known as J. B. Skilbeck & Son. About that time they purchased the brick building now occupied by Sweet's grocery, and moved there. In 1871 Mr. Parsons bought an interest in this firm which was then known as J. B. Skilbeck & Co.

     About six years later Homer N. Beach united with Mr. Parsons in buying the Skilbeck interests and the (P.168) firm became Parsons & Beach. A stock of groceries had been added to the shoe line and the factory discontinued some time before this.

     When Mr. Parsons became vice president of the Michigan Condensed Milk Co. and went to New York, nearly twenty years ago, this firm was dissolved and Mr. Beach continued the business until about the time of his partnership with C. A. Goodnow, nine years ago, to form the present firm of Goodnow & Beach.

     Feb. 22, 1860, Howell experienced its second large fire. It originated in the foundry and machine shop of A. M. Smith & Co. which was totally destroyed. Wm. R. Melvin's carriage and blacksmith shops and the stage company's barns, owned by E. E, Hazzard, were also burned. The total loss was estimated by the Republican at that time, at $16,425 which was quite a sum for those days and awakened the people to the need of some organized method of fighting fire. The matter soon took form for March 6, 1860, a meeting of citizens was held to consider the matter. It was nearly ten years however before anything definite was done.

     January 18, 1868 an ordinance was passed defining a certain district down town in which no wooden buildings should be erected. This district has been changed several times.

     January 24, 1870, a resolution was adopted by the Common Council providing for the purchase of a hand (P.169) fire engine known as the Fire King, provided it should prove satisfactory, but it did not. Four years later, on January 3, 1874 the Champion Fire Extinguisher, the old chemical engine, was purchased for $2,000, of which half was was paid that year and the other half the year following.

     Having an engine it became necessary to organize a fire company. It was at first composed of the following members: John Neary, John McCloud, William F. Griffith, Patrick Hammill, Thomas Clark, Leonard Fishbeck, George Harrington. Perley Skilbeck, Frank Ackerman, Frank Archer, Charles G. Jewett, Mark Rubert, Homer N. Beach, Theodore Huntley, E. A. Young, Thomas McEwen, Henry Wilbur, Peter Clark, Birt F. Parsons, Edward Waldron, H. T. Browning, Edward Greenaway, F. G. Hickey, H. G. Sellman, William Beattie, George L. Clark, G. S. Burgess, R. H. Brown, Cassius Austin and Thomas G. Switzer.

     The first fire company was organized by electing the following officers:

     Foreman, John Neary; First Assistant Foreman, Thomas Clark; Second Assistant Foreman, Edward Waldron; Pipeman, R. H. Brown; Second Pipeman, John McCloud; Superintendent of Chemicals, E. A. Young; Assistant Superintendent of Chemicals, Henry Wilber; Secretary, William F. Griffith; Treasurer, Patrick Hammill.

     Over a year later, May 24, 1875, the Council took action for a suitable house for the fire engine and (P.170) company. The lot was purchased for $875, of Wm. McPherson & Sons, and the building was erected by Frank Kelly for $2,917.52.

     It is worthy of note that this building was only what was considered necessary for use of the fire department at that time, with the addition of a Council Room. Since then the department's facilities have doubled and more; the street commissioner's tools and supplies are stored in the building; the electrical shop has driven the fire department out of its hall for meeting purposes; and several other things have found a headquarters there. The result of this crowding has developed a feeling on the part of the department that it is not properly appreciated and its condition is one dangerously near disorganization. As no ground can be purchased for an addition to the present building, there is a growing sentiment for the sale of the present building and the erection of a new one adequate for present needs.

     The erection of the water works system in 1894 made a complete revolution in the department's equipment. It still keeps the chemical engine however, for use in two or three districts which are not yet reached by the water mains.

     Charles G. Jewett is a Howell production, until about four years ago he slept in the room where he was born. Descendant of a pioneer family he has seen Howell's development and has always been a leader along the line of (P.171) its improvement. Nov. 1, 1870, Mr. Jewett became a Howell businessman by the purchase of the old Andrews & Winans hardware. Two years later he built the block which long bore his name but is now
known by the name of Goodnow.

     About twelve years ago he moved his business to the Crossman building which he occupied for about eight years. Four years ago he left the general hardware trade to engage in plumbing and steam fitting in which he is a heavy contractor and a leading member of the state association. He has done the work in his line at the State Sanatorium. A year ago he added electrical supplies to that line and is now enjoying a large business with a number of regular employees.

     As heretofore noted the Howell post office was established Jan. 15, 1836, Flavius J. B. Crane was the first postmaster and the post office was in the Eagle Hotel.

     Ely Barnard was appointed to the office June 13, 1839. He first located the office in the building near where Schroeder's hardware now stands, but later moved to E. F. Gay's store. John Curtis was his deputy and conducted the office.

     Almon Whipple was appointed Feb. 9, 1841. He held the office four months, and continued it in the Gay store.

     Wellington A. Glover was appointed May 31, 1841, and continued the office in the Gay store. (P.172) S. F. Hubbell then a law student, noted as his deputy.

     Almon Whipple was re-appointed Sept. 1, 1843, and moved the office to his store on the site now occupied by the Detroit Mercantile Co.

     George W. Lee became postmaster April 14, 1849, and located the office in Lee Bros. store, on the site now occupied by Monroe Bros.

     Derastus Hinman was appointed June 7,1853, and moved the office to his store on the south side of Grand River street.

Frank Wells was appointed postmaster Feb. 25, 1855. His office was in a drug store a few doors east of where Tidings now is.

     Leander C. Smith was appointed March 16, 1861. For four years he maintained the post office in the Lee store where Monroe Brothers now are. He then moved the office to the site now occupied by the Porter Clothing Co.

     Henry T. Clark was appointed March 8, 1866, and reappointed June 1, 1868. He continued the office where Mr. Smith had kept it until the building was burned, and then moved to a building where Hotel Livingston now stands.

     William W. Kenyon became postmaster August 20, 1868, and was re-appointed December 10,1873. Under his management the office was elevated to the presidential class. Mi. Kenyon at first maintained the office one door west of the McPherson store. He moved from there to the site now occupied by (P.173) Marvin's jewelry store, later to the Cardell block, and still later to the store now occupied by Schnackenberg Brothers.

     Julius D. Smith became postmaster Dee, 14, 1877. He moved the office to the site now occupied by Mrs. Williams' millinery store.

     When Charles E. Beurmann became postmaster December 15, 1881, quite a struggle was on as to whether "Peanut Row" as the buildings facing State Street were called, should keep the office, Mr. Beurmann had leased the Greenaway building and paid $25 of rent, on condition that he received the appointment. When this became known the "Peanut Row" forces worked hard against his appointment. So confident were they that Mr. Beurmann would not receive the appointment that Mr. Greenaway leased his store to Henry P. Spencer's drug store and Charles H. Brown's jewelry store. They were hardly settled however before the appointment came and they had to move out.

     Isaac W. Bush was appointed postmaster January 20, 1886, and moved the office back to "Peanut Row." The big fire spoiled that place and he then moved to the room now occupied by the bar room of Hotel Livingston. The old fight for "Peanut Row" was compromised by Dr. W. J. Mills building a new building especially for the post office, where the Livingston Democrat has been since its present management took charge. Mr. Bush moved the office there (P.174) January 16, 1890. Thomas G. Switzer succeeded Mr. Bush and soon after moved the office to the room now occupied by Goodnow & Beech. After the second big fire, Mr. Goodnow desired to occupy his old quarters and the post office was moved to the Opera House block.

     Henry D. Wilber became postmaster March 9, 1894, and moved to the store now occupied by the Whipple saloon. During the latter part of his administration George Barnes secured a contract with the government for a lease in the present quarters, and erected his building with the post office idea for its ground floor occupant. Mr. Wilbur moved the office there just before he retired from the position and there it has since remained.

     Timothy Smith became postmaster May 5, 1898. During his administration the rural delivery has been worked up to nine routes and a complete new outfit, up-to-the-minute in design, has been put in. The office has been running just too low but very near to the line for second class for some time past, and is booked for that change July 1st.

     June 28, 1876, a meeting was held at the Council rooms and a county medical society was organized. Howell names on the roll were: Z. Hawley Marsh, Wm. L. Wells, Robert C. Hutton, Cyrus Mather, Charles G. Cruickshank, Casper V. Beebe, Henry N. Spencer, Andrew Blank and Horace R. Hitchcock. Other physicians of town, who were obliged (P.175) to be absent from that meeting, afterwards gave their names to the secretary, but this was nearly all there was to the life of this organization.

     Medical societies of the country were considerably mixed up for several years but straightened out in 1902. The present plan calls for county medical societies affiliated with each other, forming district, state and finally the American Medical Society. A meeting was held in Howell, in 1903 and the Livingston County Medical Society was organized. It now includes all physicians of the county. Dr. Irwin of Oak Grove, is now its president, and Dr. R. H. Baird of Howell, its secretary-treasurer. The executive committee is Drs. Brown and Brigham of Howell. Dr. Claud Irwin of Hartland, Dr. Claud Sigler of Pinckney and Dr. Cohen of Brighton. Howell members are Dr. Wm. C. Huntington, Dr. R. H. Baird, Dr. E. H. Bailey, Dr. Janette Brigham, Dr. J. E. Browne and Dr. C. E. Skinner.

     Howell had a Good Templars lodge along in the '60s, which did excellent work. Its records are lost however and, little tangible can be learned. Another lodge was organized at the close of a meeting in the Presbyterian church, Oct. 8, 1874, by Charles P . Russell, then Past Grand Worthy Chief Templar of that order in Michigan. Julius D. Smith was its first Worthy Chief Templar and Mrs. H. G. W. Fry its first Worthy Vice Templar. This lodge was for many years one of the strongest social organizations (P.176) in the town and did a good work for the cause. Quite a number of those who had felt the curse of liquor were induced to take its obligations and became useful citizens through its influences. Several of the most active of Howell's temperance workers at the present day received their early inspiration for the cause in the teachings of this order.

     Among its active workers was Mrs. T. B. Knapp, whom the author of this history had the privilege of nominating successively, as District Secretary, Grand Vice Templar, and Grand Superintendent of Juvenile Temples, to each of which positions she was elected. She was elected one of the delegates from the Grand Lodge of Michigan to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge which met in Edinborough, Scotland in 1891, and to the sessions at Des Moines, lowa, Chicago, Ill., Saratoga, N.Y., Washington, D. C., Toronto, Ont., and Richmond, Va.

     Nov. 19, 1886 the Livingston Herald was established by the author of this history who was then a student in the law office of Hon. Rollin H. Person then practicing law in Howell. As is the custom with young lawyers, we were then dabbling as a real estate agent and wanted an advertising medium. Uncle Sam was not as particular in entering second class publications in those days, and the little Herald, composed of four pages of two columns each, and forming a sheet 8x10 inches in size when opened, was easily admitted to the mails even if its third page was (P.177) filled with advertising for its publisher. By the fourth issue Andrew Whitaker then a Howell grocer, wanted advertising space. Stephen Pratt, then a Howell druggist, soon followed. By the seventh week it became necessary to enlarge to a three-column size.

     After the big fire in March 1887, the Herald business had grown so that it became necessary to abandon either that or, the legal profession and the Herald was chosen. At the end of four years its first publisher sold the paper, a successful 6-column folio, to accept a position on the Toledo Evening News where he remained fox ten years.

     Messrs. J. L. Pettibone & Son who purchased the paper, published it but a few months and then sold to Thomas W. Brewer who has maintained it as a 6-column quorto, since that time.

     The old court house was for many years an honor to the County. Then its surroundings outgrow the building and it became an eyesore to everyone. It was several times a subject for discussion however, before action looking toward improvement could be secured from the board of supervisors. They finally submitted a proposition to build a new sheriff's residence and jail at an expense of $8,000, which was voted upon in the spring of 1887. The townships of Brighton, Deerfield, Green Oak, Hartland, Handy, Iosco, Putman and Tyrone gave decided majorities against the project a total of 961 but the rest of the county gave a majority of 1, 305 in majority in its favor, (P.178) thus leaving a net majority of 344 in the county, for the project, The Supervisors took the necessary action at their next meeting, and the present sheriff's residence and jail was, built the following year.

     With the jail out of the old court house, sentiment for the new one was more rapid in forming. The supervisors submitted the question to voters, at their January session in 1889. The townships of Handy, Putnam, Hartland, Deerfield, Brighton, Green Oak, Tyrone and Unadilla rolled up a majority of -1059 against the project, but the other towns gave a majority. of 1470 for the building, thus giving 411 majority in the county, and the new building was authorized.

     The Board of Supervisors met April 21 of that year, and elected a building committee consisting of L. J. Wright of Howell, George W. Barnes of Tyrone, Vincent Parshall of Oceola, Thomas Howlett of Unadilla, and Daniel Sabin of Conway.

     The corner stone was laid August 10, 1889, by Judge Turner. General R. A. Alger of Detroit, made the leading address, which was followed by a five-minutes address from a representative selected from each township.

     W. P. Van Winkle was president of the day. Calvin Wilcox was marshall of the parade which preceded the exercises. There were vice presidents from each township.

     The building was not completed until the following (P.179) year. The Opera House was rented for Circuit Court until the new building was ready.

     In the fall of 1886 two young ladies came to Howell under orders of the American Salvation Army to establish a corps here. They were Capt. Carlson and Lieut. Brownell. The old Masonic hall in the Weimeister block had been leased before they came, and benches had been fitted up for the prospective audiences. From the start church people of Howell rallied to assist the army, and the meetings took on a strong swing from the very first. By the third night the two officers had one recruit to go with them on the march and others rapidly followed. In time as the corps became more prosperous, the skating rink was leased and its meetings there, from night to night, were probably the most largely attended religious meetings which have ever been held in Howell. The audience was often counted as it left the building and its average number was about 685. During the summer of 1887, Gen. Moore who was the head of the organization, visited Howell. The occasion was one of general recognition and brought several thousand people from this and neighboring counties.

     A concerted movement was made by the army, the city churches and businessmen, to so favorably impress Gen. Moore that he would establish their state headquarters here, which was done. Two or three Howell people became officers and went out in the work, from here. In time however, new officers were appointed here, and the work lagged. Capt. (P.180) Carlson became Mrs. Nelson Yelland And Lieut. Brownell became Mrs. Will Fish. Both have always been respected ladies by all who have known them here.

     Some time after the American Army ceased to exist in Howell, the organization headed by Gen. Booth secured a foothold here and continued with varying success for some years. Among its officers was Mrs. Ben Porter who for several years past has done excellent work with her husband who has been a Methodist pastor and successful evangelist.

     On Saturday evening, March 12, 1887, as Andrew Whitaker and Burr Montague were going home after business places were shut up, they discovered the Monroe block at the corner of Grand River and State streets to be on fire. Mr. Montague ran to the side window which he had just reached when an explosion took place which threw him back across the sidewalk and over the hitching post, but not seriously injuring him. The inside of the building was torn from the basement to the roof and fire was thrown three stories, and onto adjoining roofs. In an instant the entire Monroe block was in flames and the fire spread very rapidly to adjoining buildings. E. P. Gregory who was then village president, telephoned to Ann Arbor and Lansing for help and both of those cities responded promptly with steamers. Before they arrived however, the Greenaway block which stood at the west end of the square where the fire started, fell inward (P.181) with a crash, thus making it possible to confine the fire to one square which could not have been done if it had fallen outward. The burned district covered the entire square of business blocks, except four small two-story buildings in the north-east corner. The loss was a very large one and divided among over thirty people and firms.

     Just as the fire engine was pulled to the scene someone in the court yard called "Tom Clark" and added some epithet, and fired. The shot just grazed Mr. Clark's clothing, glanced from the engine and hit Al. Fishbeck but its force was too much spent to do much damage. The crowd rushed across the street but failed to find the shooter in the darkness. The shot, with the fact that Mr. Monroe who was an active temperance worker, had received a letter threatening to burn him out if he didn't stop his prohibition work, caused considerable excitement at the time, but no one was ever brought to justice.

     Tuesday, May 24, 1887, occurred the death of Jay Corson. Mr. Corson was born in Green Oak, and was always known to Howell people. After graduating from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1880. he was given such a welcome to Howell as few young men receive. After a few months he tried life in Alpena and Detroit, and returned to Howell in 1883. He was elected Circuit Court commissioner in the following campaign, and was village president in 1885, declining the honor of (P.182) a second nomination. In 1886 he was nominated for prosecuting attorney in the Republican county convention, by acclamation. His health failed so that he was not able to make a vigorous campaign, but he received more votes than any other candidate upon his ticket, and all but five votes in his native town of Green Oak. At the age of twenty-nine years, just as great prospects seemed to open before him, Jay Corson's life story closed here, to open in the hereafter.

     Two or three efforts were made at various times to organize a Livingston County Sunday school association. A meeting was held in the Presbyterian church in 1888, and an organization was perfected. Frank Holden of Green Oak, was elected president and R. C. Reed then of Oceola, was secretary. The first county convention was also held in the Presbyterian church, on April 16 and 17 of that year, and was very successful. County Sunday school conventions were held regularly from that time forward, for a good many years and much good was accomplished. It was finally allowed to lapse however. A convention was held at the M. E. church last year and the organization was revived.

     When the first organization was perfected each township in the county was reorganized by electing a president and secretary. A. Riley Crittenden was president of the Howell association and Mrs. Sarah T. Lyon secretary. The Howell association was active in the work during their term of office. The (P.183) officers which followed them allowed it to lapse.

     In the early '80s, Profs. George Barnes and Thomas Gordon Jr. conducted a normal training school for teachers, in Howell, during the summer vacation. About fifty young people of the county availed themselves of the opportunity for review and preparation for the fall teachers' examination. The school proved such a complete success that a similar school was held by these gentlemen or other local educators for some years. The central school building was leased for the purpose and the Howell summer schools attracted considerable attention, drawing students from quite a territory beyond the county lines. They proved to be quite an enterprise too for the town, as the young people had to be maintained here, and quite a trade in all lines resulted.

     Thompson's lake has always contained a number of springs from which flow very cold water. These form currents which often catch swimmers who attempt long distance swimming and dangerous cramps result. This has led to a number of drownings. Another cause of these catastrophes is the closeness to town and its temptation when the ice is not yet strong enough in the fall. One of the saddest of this latter was the drowning of Clifford Culver a bright promising boy of twelve years, on Thursday, Nov. 22, 1888. For over half an hour the heroic boy hung to the ice and waited for the help which was vainly trying to reach him. At last benumbed (P.184) by the cold water called out his good byes and let go to sink out of sight, until the ice was broken to the spot and the body was recovered, about three hours later.

     The last drowning in Thompson's lake, Thursday June 28, 1906, was also a peculiarly sad one. The victim was Kern Beurmann a popular and promising young man who graduated from the Howell High School three years before, and had just completed his law course at the University of Michigan. He went to the lake for a swim. The day was very warm and he was without doubt attached with cramps which took him down. His body was not in the water a great while but it was impossible to resuscitate him

     In December, 1888, three or four cases of small pox developed in Howell and one in the country near town. Georgia Fishbeck who boarded with his uncle Murry Fishbeck, died of the dread disease. When the first cases developed every precaution was taken to head off a further spread of the disease and it was confidently expected that this had been accomplished. All three papers then published in Howell had items to the effect that there was no further danger. The day after they were issued C. J.. Cook who was clerking in one of the stores came down with varioloid. Rumor confounded him with C. L. Cook the well known grocer. The Pinckney Dispatch sounded a warning to keep away from Howell, and alleged that the papers and people here were misrepresenting the (P.185) situation. The scare worked and it was spring before it was over and business resumed its normal condition. There have been two or three similar scares at various times, but this one was probably the most severe the town has ever seen. During two or three weeks, at the height of the scare, only four teams went down Grand River street.

     Late township officers are as follows: