4 10 10202 https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/874d9e35b43f908d60c3ba549e9e723c.pdf 69ad322881c25e09002f4b459c547814 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Books - Local History Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Hidden Search Text Enter Search Text that is always hidden except to edit. HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIP AND VILLAGE OF HOWELL, MICHIGAN -BYA. RILEY CRITTENDEN Author of Judson Vane's Revenge The Electric Wedding Phantom of Hallowe'en One Large Turnip Etc., Etc. • HOWELL, MICHIGAN Livingston Tidings Print 1911 IT\t rod uctiof\ r. HE son of pioneers of Howell, my first rpe ollt>ctions were associated wi tli early days here, These pioneers are gone. Only a few remain, last leaves clinging to the tree of life. With their departi.l.re go the st11rie1; of theil' lives, the foundation period of our local his Lory. More than twenty years ago when the writer was publishing the Livingston Herald, I conceived the idea of publishing a his~ory of Howell and had the work well under way when that paper was sold. The fire sgon after burned up all but one copy. Nearly four years ago the present work was commenced, the matter running in the Livingston Tidings as fast as prepared. Every possible effort has been mado to verify the facts and details, but some errors have crept in. The work of time too, ha1:, ·made some changes in the foHr years since the first chapters were printed. We believe however that the subject matter is nearly all correct history. It has been an honest effort to preserve that which would otherwise have been lo~t. THE AUTHOR s CHAPTEn l nerore tlle Sctt.lemcu t 'fhat portion of the history of Howell to\\"nship which is of interest to ns is rnainly inc:lnded in the :vears which have elap~ed since the white man found a l1orne here, still no history would be r,n111plcte without nt least a passing glance nt tl1c territory when under the domain of the red man alone. This townshi11 ,ms bonler territory between the domains of the Pottawattomies and Saginaw Chippewes although more especially within the territory of the latter tribe. N0 spl?- cial fends seem to have existed betwe,~11 these nations and in fact this territory was little more than their snmmer hunting ground where temporary villa(!es ,Yere erected nem: which the squaws raised their corn, maize, beans &.ncl pumpkins. As fall came ou they mostly left this section for their more permanent villages in the vicinity or Flint nud Shiawcsseetown. 'fhe tribe was scatteretl and badly broken up as a result of their alliance with the En~lish in the war of 1812, and early settlers found only roving bands of the tribe who had been the principal occupants of thi~ territory. According to traditions of th~ Chip1iewns, this section was occupied previous to their ownership, by the Sanks, a warlike tribe which was 8 llIS'I'ORY OF' HOWELL much hnted by them nnu who were completely destroyed by an nllinnce of the Chippewa _s', Pottawnttamies and Ottawas, uy a Eeries of mnssnc1·es followin~ n great massacre of their principal village on the Sngi na w river, from wl1ich only twelve women were ~pnret.l. 'rlie only warriors to escnpq the ·tommahnwk were a few who fled to their canoes nnd paddled ncross tlH! lnke. Au indian bmying ground on the farm of Ira Brayton, probably used by the Snuks : was tlnrn descl'ibed by Elisha II. Smith, in 1868: "On the north-west quarter of section twenty-two t.herc nro se,·ernl places of bural. Judging from the appearancP. of the mounds where they were interred, they i:nm· menced bm:ring their c1end at the top of the gronnd, covet·ing the corpse with earth. 1l.1hey then plar,e<l other bodies above this one, until the mouncl was seveml feet high. Several of these rnouuds have been opened fm phrenolo1?icnl observation. 'I'heir traits of character were found similar to those who lived here al the time of the s€'ttlement by thA whites. 'l'hc>y were uuried with the:r heads in a sonth-enstel'ly direct. ion. 'l'he In<linns who lived here at the time t.hr. mounds. were opene<l, had no knowledge of the,11. 0n t.he exposure of the bones to the atmosphere, U1cy wonltl soon <leeompose." 'l,he poor Chippewas were in eoustnnt dread of the spirits of the extermiuatc<l Snnks. If misfortune befcl them, if their traps fuilell tn liold the gnmc or if their rifles failed to shoot nc- <ml'!ltely, it wns the spirits of the Sanks and nothing lllS'l'OffY OB1 JIO\VEIJL' !J •• '\ . t.. •• • could they nccomplish until tl~'ei~ e'~i~ine men Juul been brought and tlie poor spii;its eithe1; $et nt , rest. or ot.het·wise qnicted. Several Indian trails rnn in this section, the most important of which wns the Grand River trail which took much the general direction of the i!ravel road in nfter years, except that north of · this place it bo1·e n little more uortlierly. A fol'k of the t.rail joine,l it. near the present villnge of Howell, 1·1rn11inign from the Illllian village near Shiawnsseetown. It wns moslly nlong the frail from Detroit that the oarly pionre:; fonnd thP.il' way to llo\\·ell mid neighboring points. Early claim to thi~; t-edion passed hac·k ancl fomth with the claims of French and English to Detroit nn<l Michilmackinac. At the close of the Revolntio11, l<Jnglish officers were instrumental in securing nu alliance of most of tl1e Jn<linns of the nOl'l11-westa nd n11 dfort was rna<le to l1olt1 the territory under I~nglish rule. General Antony \Vay11e wns ~ent with a body of troops, into whnt is now Ohio nn<l after n few victories, he succeeded in btinr,i11g tho I n<liuns to terms. His treaty of GrP-cnville, in J G95, wns the first agreement between the Unitr,l Stat,1s and Iu<1iu11s, rdat.ive to tbe lnnd which 110w forms Howell. By this treaty the Indians simply became subjects of the United States, nc-lmowle<lged their territory n part of the United States, and plnced themselve::, llll(]er the pr9teet.ion ~f this govemmei1t. In ,Tune, 179G, the forts of Detroit nnd 1\fi 1ckinnw' were rnnen<lered r.n<l 10 llIS'l'ORY OF HOWELL English rule over this territory ceased except for a short time during the wnr of 1812. The Northwest Territory embraced this section from that time until 1800 when it became part of the then new territory of Indiana. In 1805 the territory of Michigan was organized and William Hull was made its first governor. The township of Howell, with all the land in this section of l\Iichigan, was embraced in the territory ceded by the In•d ians to the United States government by a treaty at Detroit, ou November 17th, 1807, and its remaining so long without settlement is no doubt owing to the fact that a government surveyor sent to l\Iichi~an in 1815, with an idea of giving one hundred aud sixty acres of land to each 5olclier of the Revolution, reported that ''not one acre out of a huudred, if there woulcl be one out of a thousand, that would in any case admit of cultivation." Governor Lewis Cass failed to believe tl1is report a111.lh aving secured the proper assistance, in 1819 made an exploration which largely quieted the bad impression which prevailed. Several townships of thi::; county had white settlers before Howell; Putnam lencliug with the man whose name it bears, in 1828. This township formed a part of Wayne county, after its organizat~on until January ] G, 1818, when it became a part of Macomb county. It vrns. a part of Oakland county from January 12, 1819 until September 10, 1822, when it was placed with Shiawassee eonnty where it remained until the laying out of Livingstou county, March 21, 1834, but the organization of this county wns not pel'fected until March 24, 183G. CHAPTER II The First Settlement rrhP. yec.r 1833 may almost be set down in this township as a period of exploration. The recently erected but unorganized county drew many parties ,vho went over this township in searc-h of homes. Among these were John D. Pinckney, S. N. \Varren, George 1'. Sage, Moses Thomp:::on, Orman Coe. Checkly S. Palmer, C. C. r.l'robridge and John J. Eaman. The four last named have the honor of being the. fil·st to locate land in the township, the last two selecting eighty acres on section thirty-five and thirty-six respectively, 'Or a part of the present village of Howell. It is in the explo1:ation of Messrs. Pinckney and Sage and their party however that we nre most interested as the first settlements in the township resultecl from their trip. 1\ir. Pinckney ,•ms au energetic butcher of Hughsonville, N. Y. Not bein~ entirely sat.isllecl with his advjlntages he determined to emigrate to the then undeveloped west to which his father and brothers had preceded him. A trip by the Erie canal and Luke Erie landed him in Detroit, from where he went to Salem, \Vashtenaw County, which was then the home of his people. George S. Sage who was upon the same errand as Mr. Pinckney, joined him at his 12 HISTORY OF HOWELL father's and in company with Mr. Pinckney's brothers they set out together along the Grand River trnil, for the new unorganized county of LiYingston, as the most promising government territory npon which to build a home. They built a temporary hut with a Lark roof, about where the palacial home of 'l'horne & Farnsworth now stands, and spent a week prospecting. 'l'he timber was mostly oak onenings and the soil nlthongh not rn stroug as tl.at of heavy timberd land, was of good quality and because of the lighter timber, ,vas quicker nvailnble to the pioneers for homes. Along the creeks and low places coarse grass grew more lnxurieurly than after fire had bumed over the ground in early day. Often growing to the beigbt of a man's head, to these marshes seeming blemishes upon the face of the country, the pioneers were glad to go for su~tennnce for their stock, finding them trnly blessiurs in disguise. The beautiful lakes and complete wildness of their · surroundings made up a a series of picturesque scenery for those early pioneers over which the artists or Hon·el[ to-day wonld go completely wild. l\ir. Sage selected a homestead a little west of their prospcetor's cabin and .Mr. Piuckney one near Thompson's lake nt its southeast extremity. After making their minutes of the land selected for themselv,B nnd several other tracts, they retnl'lled to Salem and l\Iessrs. Pinckney and Sage went at once to the Janeloffice at Detroit, and located their land, after which HISTORY OF HO\VELL 13 they mtume<l to their homes and begnn active prepe1·- ations to move to their new land. On .i\lny 14th, J 834, l\Ir. Sage and his father James Sal?e ca,ue with their families und settled upon the land selected by Geo. T. Sage as noted above. James Sage's log house was erected upon the site now occupied by the elegant residence of \Vm. McPherson Jr., while George ·r. ~age's was across the Grand River frail to the south, or nearly in the center of what is now Grand River street. This was the first settlement in the town- 8h i p.. Mi:. Sage Sr. only lived about five years after settling here. He died June 29th, 183:1. The children of James Sage were George T., James R. and Chester A. George •r. Sage died in Marion townslii'p, Augnst 21, 1852. He was married to Miss Louisa Austin (later Mrs. Rev. G. \V. Genks of Brighton,) a short time before settling in Howell.. l\lrs. Sage's father, David Ausin, and family came from Salem and settled 011 section 33, 011 land selected by his son-inlaw, in June of 1834. l\Ir. Austin lived upon his farm until February 1, 1847, when he died. His wife followed her husband about a year afterwards. The oldest son of David Austin, David Jr., did not come to Michigan. :rifr. Austin's other children were .Johuathan, Louisa, wife of Geo. T. Sage, Melviua, afterwards Mrs. George Sewell, and Sally T:, afterwards l\Irs. Merritt S. Havens. Johnathan Austin who . came with his father, located what ie now the Gilks farm and lived there for a long time, but after14: HISTORY OF HO\VELL war<ls moved to the Upper Peninsula, . He was Yery prominent in school and other local matters. John D. Pinckney settlecl business matters in the east ancl bringing his family us for as Salem left them with his people there while he came with two men he liad employed, to erect a house for them, and arrived here soon after the others. He wns in much better shape financinlly than most of his contemporaries in Howell, and his capital soon mud~ him very comfol'table as compared with those about him although his honsc was the rcgu.latiou one room cabin of pioneer days. He brought with him a team of horses, the first to come to this section. His family came on in December of that year. In ]842 Mr. Pirwkney moved to the village of Howell, from his farm, ancl died here Feb. 11, 1861. The trials to he nrnt and diflicnlties to be ovorcome by these fir:;t settlers are not to be estimated by 11s. Ocea~ional trips into new sections of our country at the present day may furnish the basis of nu estimate. \Vith ox teams, little capital and very few conveniences of life, they commenced the wol'k of civilizing this wilderness, Elisha H. Smith described the sitnation in the following words. "The nearest inhabitants from the center of the township, nt the settletheut of this olace, we. re eighteen miles awa,.· . Iu a westerlv. direction, it was about forty miles to the' nearest settlement. The nearest mills were eii?hteeu miles distant." RUINS Of' THI F1ptST PptEIIB'fTERIAN CHURCH Built ln 1838. Torn Down ln 1908. HOWELL'S ""IR8T IOHOOL HOUSE :built In 1837. Still Standl11g. HISTORY OF HO\VELL 15 As the year 1833 could be set down as a period of exploration for Howell township, so the year 1835 should · be classed as the year of settlement. The rush for homes in the new county was fairly ou by opening of spring and the townt:hip was full of prospectors and the settlers comin~ to the laud locnteu in the previous two years. The first new settler was a bouncinfl boy who came into the home of George T. Sa!!e on January 23, 183;j announcing himself to be the first while child born in the township of Howell. A pointer of the har<l• ships in the life of these early pioneers is a little remembrance of l\Irs. John D. Pinckney in connection with the event of Mr. Sage's birth as told by her in after yea1·s. Johnathan Austin n. broth~r of I\frs. Sage, was sent to Ifonsiugton, after a doctor for the event. Mr. Anstin stopped at Mr. Piuekney's to borrow a horse to make the journey but the team were away and he was obliged to go afoot to secure the services of Dr. F. Curtiss of that place, who was physician to every family in Livingston County nt that time. It would take a good walker about half a day to make the j.ourney through the January snow, over the Grand River trail, and the doctor nearly the same time to return. Amonar the earliest settlers of 1835, to arrive _in tJie township from the east, were Villeroy E., John \V. and Elisha H. Smith, three br9thers whe came from Ontario county, New York, in May of that year. The lG HISTORY OF HOWELL last named lived here until quite an old man. For many years he was active in the county pioneer society and took great delight in recounting his experiences in the early days here. He wrote a history of Howell which had quite a local circulation about the time of its publication. Probably the next to arrive in 1835 was Moses Thompson and Ezra J. :Munday. Mr. Thompson with his son Lewis and daughters Rachel, (afterwards l\lrs. Houghtaling, later Mrs. Preston) and Lucinda, (.Mrs. Ezra Frisbee), left Herkimer County in April, traveled through Canada inn <lonble buggy drawn by the second team of horses brought to Ho,vell, and reached Detroit, on l\Iay 25th. The remainder of the family, Mrs. Thompson, Morris, Edward and l\laria, Elizabeth and Jaue, afterwards Mrs. Clark, Mrs Slader and Mrs. Crittenden, respectively, with Mr. Munday, left Herkimer County about a mouth later and after a trip of over a week by the Erie Canal and lake Erie, landed in Detroit, on the 7th of June, 'l'hree days later the entire party left Detroit, with their horse team and five yokes of oxen which Mr. 'l'hompson had bought in Detroit. The family stopped several days at Lyon while Mr. Thompson came on nnd commenced his house. Part of them arrived on Jnne 23 and stopped at Geo. -T. Sage's until their own house which stood just up from the bank at the north end of what is now known as Thompson's I l .i I ..· ' .. ., . I . ,. , , ,. ;. , -· ' ·. ~:•. . _I. ·' ., :!'!, .. ; • .- .· • :. . !_ ·-,~ . . CENTRAL :SCHOOL HISTORY OF HOWELL 17 Lake, was ready for them, which was about July 4th. The rest of the family ct.me about that time. By thi::: time the settlement inside of what is now the village of' Howell, or rather the home of John D. Pinckney, had come to be called Living~ton Center, and as a m?tter of almost necessity, .Mr. Pinckney's house had come to be almost a hotel for prospectors. On the 2nd of July, 1835, Alexander Fraser the the father of l\Irs. Pinckney, sold from the land located by Mr. Pinckney for him, the west half of the southwest quarter and the southwe::;t quarter of the northwest quarter of section 36, to David \Vetmore and Edward Brooks of Detroit, Later in the same year, after two or three deeds, the title to these tracts rested one-third in l!'lavius J. B. Crane and two-thirds in Edward Brooks. These gentlemen proceeded at once fo plat this 120 acres into the village of Howell. The old public sauare was reserved in their plat for public use, it being the idea of the founders of the village to have the county buildings located upon it. The prospective village was named Howell. Mr. Crane cited as his idea for the name, his friend Thomas Howell, son of Jnd!{e Howell of Canindagua, N. Y., but his most intimate friends were sure that Mr. Howell's pretty sister was the real person whose name the town bore. The name of Livingston Center was applied to the village for some years afterward. As noted above, the house of John D. Pinckney bad become almost the primative hotel and Mr. Pinckney 18 HISTORY OF HOWELL secured a contract from Cane & Brooks that they would erect a hotel upon their plot. Consequently they commenced drawing lumber from Woodruff's saw mill in Green Oak, soon after their plot was recerded, in November, 183:'>, and erected a two story frame house, 20x40 feet. in seze, the first in the township, on the site uow occupitd by the Opera House. On December 1, 1835, Amos Adams came in from Geneseo, N. Y., and opened the hotel under the name of the '·Eagle r.ravern.'' F. J. B. Crane, and Alexander Fraser at once became boarders at the tavern who with Mr. Adams' family became the first settlers within the original village plot as it existed before the additions were made. The Eagle 1'avern at once became the center of population for all business matters of the pioneer settlement. It was there that religious services in the township commenced. ·A lvin Crittenden, a young man afoot and alone, arrived in Howell before a door was hung m the village and on Nov. 24, 1835, hired to Geo. T. Sage for a year. It is largely to remembrances of this pioneer. father oi the author of this history, as he was wont to tell them in his latter days and to copious notes of a series - of most interesting visits with the late \Villiam McPherson sr. that the ernnts herein contained are due. Among others of these remembrances was the story of the first reli£?ious services which my father told as follows: '"Deacon Branch who had settled in Marion, thought HISTORY OF HOWELL rn he could not live without religious meetings, even in the wilderness, an<l hence he took it upon himself to commence them. He ,vent to Esauire Adams our noble landlord who kept the hotel in the village-for by this time the house was nearly finished, and Amos Adams occupied it for a hotel-and obtained consent to have religious meetings held in the sitting room. At that time the hotel was the only building in the village. Notice was accordingly J?iven, and on Sabbath morning, I cannot give . t.he elate but I think it was in the month of December, J 835, the people assembled, some coming four or five miles, and the sitting room was pretty well filled. Draeon Branch conducted the meeting, reading one of Dr. Payson's sermons. At the close of the services be called for a volunteer to close by prayer. No one came to his help bnt the deacon was not discouraged and gave notice for a meeting the next Sabbath. On the second Sabbath I volunteered to close the meeting with prayer Thus it happened that I was the second person who took part in a religions meeting in Howell. AftP.r that, if the deacon had to be away from the meeting any •S abbath, he brought to me a volume or Payson's sermons with a request that I should conduct the services which I did several times that year. On one of these occasions I read a serm0n from Wesley instead of the one Deacon Branch had selected and he never called upon me to perform the service again.'' Several others who afterwards became prominent in 20 HISTORY OF HOWELL local matters, arrived during that year. Elislia H. Smith in his History of HQwell published in 1869, summed up the settlement at the close of 1835, as follows: Section. Sectio11 . Joseph Porter· · · · · · · · · 7 ~,rancis Field. · , · · · · · 23 Samuel Waddel,.,· .. 17 Moses Thompson-.·· ·. 25 Whitely Woodruff, .. -17 Lewis Thompson ... · · · 25 DaYid H. Austin-··· -20 Morris Thompson., .. · .25 Villeroy E. Smith, .... 2t Edward '£hompson,. ·· 25 Elisha H. Smith,.··. -21 Ezra J. Munday.···.· 25 Nathaniel Johnson.· .. 23 Amos Adams-········ 36 Alvin Crittenden-, ... ,23 F. J. B. Crane- ..... · 36 Merrit S. Havens ..... 23 Alexander Fraser,···. 36 All of these earliest pioneers rest from their labor~, nnu we to-day enjoy tho blessings which their hardships have secured to us. CHAPrrER III Early Developments No soouer bad Crane & Brooks secured an oceupa: it f~r their Ea~le 'rave~n, the only bnil<lirig in their new plot of 120 acres for their t~wn of Ho~vell, thanth e·) begau. work to secure a post office, which ~vas kicated here OD January 15, 1836 arid FJavihs J. B. C1·nue appointed post master. His office was in the Bagi~T avern as a m~tter of necessib · for tLei·e . . . was no oth,er place.P revious to the location of the office, the few settlers in this .vicinity received t!~eir mail Rt Detrott, Ann Arbor, Plymouth and Kensiu~ton and inf act continued to do so for some time afterwards, as no p~ovisions were made for carry i~" mail to and from the new office, until March 20, when Le,vis Thompson took the coiit~act to make ,~e<:kly trips to Kensington, on horseback, for that pu~·pose. Soo~· after that date a mail route ;as Hfabiished from lio~ell to Grand Rapids, a~d J anies R. Sa tie undei-took to fi~d his ~ay over . the Indian trails, through the wildernes~, to carry the mail, a feat that he accehiplished ~uccessfully aft~~hi s firstt rip when heg. ot c.o ~pletely lost anda nd wa~ obliged to spend the nigbt. in the woods. An event occured on the same date with the loca22 HISTORY OF HOWELL tion of the post office, which must not be for~otten. While they were surrounded with the hardships and privations of pioneer life, cupid was a pioneer too. His first victory was the celebration of the marriage of Merritt S, Havens, the first carpenter in the townsllip, to Sally T. Austin. The marriage ceremony vrns ptirformed by Esq. Bingham, afterward Governor of Michigan. · The second wedding was that of Alvin L. Crittenden and Jane Thompson which occurred August 27 of that same year. Their wedding was made a social event. They were tho first couple in the county to be married ,by a minister, Rev. John Cosart performing the ceremony. l\ir. Crittenden borrowed a rig and drove to South Lyon the next day for a wedding trip, the first taken by any couple from Howell. Their wedding feast was right up to the very highest point of luxury in those days. Its central dish was a young pig nicely roasted and standing on a platter. That following winter Mr. Crittenden got out the lumber and built a house o.n a farm bought with the savings from his year'ij work at Sage's. He would get out a hardwood log at home, draw it to the saw mill at the foot of the lake just east of the head of the present flume, and go on to the pinery west of what is now the town, where he would cut a pine log to be left at the mill on his return. By the time the oxen had made the round trip it was night. During the evQning he would saw the two logs into lumber and MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC LIGHT AND WATER WORKS HISTORY OF HOWELL 23 get ready to repeat the rouncl trip the next day. The old house stood up the bank from the little lake on the McPherson farm in the north part of this town - ship and was torn down only a year or two ago. Mr. and Mrs. Crittenden only lived in it a year or two when they bought the farm which has been in the family since and is now owned by W. W. Crittenden and l\Ir. and Mrs H. D. Kirtland. They lived there until 1854 when Mr. Crittenden joined the M. E. conference, He served regular pastorates for twenty-six years when he and his wife returned to Howell to live. The meetings commenced by Deacon Branch in 1835, at Eagle Hotel, were soon held from house to house. Some time in January, 1836, a Presbyterian clergyman named Wm. Page, stopped at Deacon B1:anch's and word was sent out for services which werP. held at the Deacon's house in Marion. This was the first sermon in this vicinity but it remained for Rev. Johnathan Post a Baptist clergyman to preach the first sermon in this township, which he did sometime in Feburary at the home of George T. Sage. In April or :May of the same year the second sermon in this township was preached at Moses Thompson's and was by Rev. Mr. Kanouse, a Presbyterian clergyman. Some time in April or May A. L. Crittenden walked to Ore Creek, ( now Brighton) to attend a Methodist meeting which he heard was to be held there. While at this meeting he arranped for Rev. John Cosart to come to Howell in four weeks and 24 HIS'l'OUY OB1 l!OWELL prrnd1 and form II class. By snmo mistnke the notice was given n wrek to soon. ~rho people nsscmbled but a~ no preachr-r rn11w, they ,le~idell, nftel' a prayer meeting, to orguniz<>, a11d clcctecl Pardon BarnnrJ chnil'mnn nnd A. L. Critten<lcn secretary of the meetrng. No clnss book was to be had so A. L. Cl'ittenden who was ele~ted lender, folded a slrnct of writing paper to mnlrn a book, rnlecl it anu entereJ the numes of mem her;-; therein. The origonnl book ia now a keop~rnlrno f the family nnu contained the following names as the oi·igionnl class: "Alvin L. Crittenden Pnrd,,n Bnrnnrd, gJiza Ann Barnard, Peter Drewe1·, Dorcas Brewer. Sylvester Rountls, Polly Hounds, A~nhel Hon111lsl, \liny Sage, Nathaniel ,Johnson," Hev. Cosart came the uext Sn111lay, probably e:1rly in .J nne, au<l prPnehed tLe thil'J sermon in the township, the fil'it hy a l\ldho<list minister. Ile acknowledged the prore1lit1g:, of orgunizntion and reporte,1 it to the Ohio conference who $en~ ltev. \V,Bhington Jackson a3 a m;ssionnry to l.,i vin~ston Connly, during that foll. This was the first ehnrch Ol'giniz:1tion in the townsbip. Pnrdon Bar11nnl nnu A. L. Ct·itten<len were lici-nsed as exortc1·s by thiR C'.lr~ssN, ovember 4, 183G. Although Livingston County was laid out in 1.'{33, the act to orgnnizr. it wns not passed until March 24, 1836, The art erec·ting the township of Howell, was npproved the dny prr.vious. 'l'hc torritory inclndeu in the township by that net was the present townships of Howell, Oceola, Deerfield, Handy, Co- .t HISTORY OF HOWELL 2!i hoctah ancl Conway. 'rho first town meeting wui helJ in April, 1836. A caucus was called of which A. L. Crittenden wns elerk and he was Uwrefore given the work of ~Tiling the tickets, in which he was us~isted hy ,John \V. Smith. On the evening before the election s0meouc suggested thnt l here would be no fun withont two tickets and so another was nominated nearly likt! the first, except that 111. ,J. 13. Crane wus nominated for constable. The Inst nominated ticket was nlso wi·itten by the same two gentlemen and was victorious in the election.. Nenl'ly if · not all the white voters in the tonwship as organized tnrued out to the election which w.1s hol,l at the Magle Tavern. '!'ho boar<l consisted of Amos Adnms, 11\.J. n. Crnne, ,John \V. Smith and Johnathan Austin, with A. L. C1·ittenden as clerk. A ten pot and sugar bowl wcro borrowecl from the landlndy, to serve as ballot boxm; nrnl thirty-six votes we1·e ca~t. Officers elected were as follows: Supe1·visor Philcster Jessup;Township Clerk. 111• J. B.Crnne; Jnstic,!sof the Peace, Ezru Sanford, Ifarleigh H. Graves, John W. Smith; Colle~tor, L111-.rnci~ Fiel<l; Asse~ors, Jnstin Dnrfee, 1J,wi1l An~tin, Goot'!!C 'l'. S11ge; School Inspectors, Joseph Porter, F .. J. B. Crane, Johuuthnn Austin; Uighwny Commissioncl'.:1, John S,mforcl, Justin Durfee, George ·r. Sage; Constables, ,John D. Pinckney, l!,. J, B. Urane, l11runcis Fiel<l, gu~hn ll. Smith. Some of the work of these township officers was very crude. The nsscssment was written upon 26 HISTORY 01!, HOWELL half sheets of writing paper which were fastened to- E:ather at the ends with wafer!. When completed, it was fifte9n feet Ion~. Justice John W. Smith had a ease commenced before him but · after the points of law were argued, the case was discontinued by the plaintiff withdrawini? his suit and paying costs. This was the fir$ law suit in the township. At the time the county was or~anized a strong effort was made to locate the county site at Ore Creek, ( now Br:ghton) and the adherents to this project did not ~ive up entirely until the county bnildin~s were built in the preseat location. This opposition delayed the county election a few weeks until the three commissioners appointed by the Governor, to locate county sites iil counties where there were none, could be brought to this county when they located it on the old public square of the Crane & Brooks plat now occupied by Schroeder's hardware, the Episcopal church; etc. The first county election was held on the first Monday in l\:lay, 1836. and resulted in the tt lection of the following officers: Sheriff, Justice J. n~unett; County Clerk, F. ~T. B. Crane; Register of l>e~ds, Ely Barnard; Treasurer, Amos Adams; Cor- 01wrs, John 'W. Peavy, ,John Drake; Associate Judges, Elishn W. Brockway, Elnahan Noble. Only a p:ut of the county officers wen~ residents of Howell and t.hn.t fact made lit.tie difference. E~ven the jndge of probate did no office business during his entire term. 'l11w board or supervisors held th8ir first meeting in 0 r C'l 0 0 C :tJ -i I 0 C en .!Tl I I 0 rm 't .r- 3: 0 :t l HISTORY OF HOWELL 27 Howell, October 4, 1836, and organized by election of Eli Lee of Hartland, moderator. The Democrats recieved 142 votes in Livingston County, at the election in November, 183G, &nd the Whigs, 73. 'fhis was the first division along party lines in the county and many of the pioneers feared that it would break up the good feeling whieh prevailed. The democrats held a meeting and raised a pole near the Eagle Tavern. The whigs were much incensed at this and shor:ly after the close of the campaign, someone bored it down with an auger, on a dark night. In June of 183G a heavy freshet swe:Ied the Shiawassee River beyond what it has ever been known at any time. Among other damage done was the washing · away of the log bridge at the Grand River Road crossing, This item is noticed only as a sample of how lumber was secured before the date of mills. To .rebuild the bridge two men rnwed the lumber with a pit i!aw, one standing above the logs whieh were rolled upon the buttments and the other below,, the one below wearing a vr,il. \Vm. McPherson and family arrived on September 17, while this bridge was being rebuilt, and he bought the slabs from the bridge for the floor to his house. Originally what is now Thompsons lake was three little lakes with a tamarack swamp between. Mr. Thompson noticed the excellent mill site when he prospected in 1833, and located at the foot of the lake to secure it. His original log house stood just back 28 HISTORY OF HOWELL af the old house near the foot of the lake and was connected with it for years. The old house ·was one of the first frame houses in this countv. It .is now quite n ways back from the road, When it was built the road ran by it. The place is now owned by Mrs. Sherman. He also located the tract of pine in the western part of the town, to work in his pro1tpective mill. A dam ·was accordingly built and by its influence the wnter raised to about its present level. thus uniting the three Jukes. The saw mill was finished and commenced running in September, 1836, the first logs sawed being made into a chamber floor for \Vm. :McPherson's house. So many of the settlers were in need of chamber floors that Morris Thompson who had charge of the mill, would not saw more lumber for any one man than enough for his C'lrnmber floor, until all the settlers had had a chance to avail them~elves of those much needed conveniences for their homes. The fii st store in the village was opened by 1!1 • J. H. Crane, in a room in the Eagle Tavern, but it was r:ot a sncce~s and after two or three months, the goods were packed up and stored in the attic of the building. The first blacksmith shop was rather more successful. .Andrew Riddle, father of Mrs. McPher- son, came frc,m Scotland in the spring of 1•8 36 and built the shop before the arrival of his . family who came with \VmPherson's family in September. l\fr. l\'lcPherson'& house was built adjoining the shop and HISTORY OF HO\VELL 29 he and Mr. Ritl<lle eommenced work in the shop soon after his arrival. l\lr. Riddle moved to Oceola, during the next year and l\Ir. McPherson continued the business until 1841 when he engaged bnsineEs in partnership with Judge whom he continued but a short time. in mercantile Tumer with In 1845 be Lought a half interest in business with E. B. Taylor, the firm doing business under the name of 'l'aylor & McPherson for about two years when he bought Mr. 'l'aylor's interests, and continued the bnsirn~ss in his own name until 1852 when he formed a partnership with \Vm. Riddle, whieh continued nntil 18:,6. when \Vm. McPherson J L'. bought l\lr. ltiddle's interest and the business was continued until 1864 under the firm name of \V1:1. :McPherson & Co., it being ehange<l to the pre::;ent name at that time, and as hi:;; sons were becomin.: men he took them one by one into the firm. \Vhat is now the front portion of the main store was erected in 1857. As the old building grew to smalJ, additions were built upon its rear from time to time until it is now 120 feet deep with two a<lditional stores WPst of the old one. \Vith little change the firm continued until the close of 1887 when \Vm . .McPherson, Sr. retired nnd a new firm was organized composed of l\1. .J. McPherson, E. G. M<!Pherson and H. T. Browning, who continue the business under the old name. Mr. Browning retired ,Jannary 1, 1898. The McPherson bank was started in April, 1865, with Alexander McPherson in charge. He remained 30 HISTORY OF HOWELL in that position until 1890 when he engaged in banking business in Detroit, "\Villiam McPherson jr. took charge of the bank here at that time, uncl is still in that p0sition. There have been some changes in the firm among members of the family, but the name has al ways remained as it started, Akxander McPherson & Co. Preperations were made for n school in the fall of 183G and a building was commenced but no record remains to show positively whether it was occupied that year or early in 1837. Justin Durfee was tbc first teacher. The wolves which infested the country were among the terrors of pioneer life and many are the stories of narrow escapes from these dreaded tP.rrors . '\Vhen young fellows went to see their best girls the young Indies were often called upon to listen with beating hearts, to the howling of the wolves which beset their beans on their way home after bidding them adieu. The girls learned the direction of their fellow· s homes and guessed them sefelr there when the sound of the wolves' howling reached that direction. Two Germans by the name of Shrafts, came to Howell in 183G. A little before night t.hey broke their wagon. One stayed to guard the load while the other went to Moses '.rhompson's with the team, to stay all night. When he returned in the momingwith two of Mr. Thompson's sons, Shrafts was nearly tired to death and complained bitterly of the settlers' HISTORY OF HOWELL :n big burley dogs. "Why." said he, "the big bm-Jc.y <logs were so saucy. They would put their paws clear np on .the wagon and snap and snarl at me, and J ~ould hardly drive them off with my club.'' 'l'h•! . mystery was sooi1 solved by the Thompson bo~·s as l)art of the load wa~ some fresh meat. The poor IJerman was nearly scared to death ,vhen he found that he had been fightin~ wolves all night. The village as it appeared about this time "ns nicely <lescribP,d by Edward F. Gay who prospede,1 here in the fall of 183G and settled with his family in 1837. After detailing his attempt to reach Li vi 11g :,;- ton Center as the villare was then called, and loi,;ing the trail two or three times, he described his snc1!8S:-, in an nddress to the pioneer society in 1872, as follows: '''!'hough now becoming anxious to reach th~ Centn- I ~-as doomed still to wan<ler on t.he Hrge. I was on the trail, though among brush, and meauclt'ring the lake. Beholding a light, hope revived, but it was ai:ain ~xtinguished for before it was reac)wll the light disappeare~, for the very good reason that Mr. Moses Thompson and family had retired to ueJ. Not being willing to be thwarted in this, my seeon<l day's attempt to reach Livingston Center, I ballooctl for light under difficulties. The old gentleman soon put me on the right trail again, saying that after erossing a ravine and again rising the bluff I would behold the light at the Center, which had so often ~uided the lost and weary traveler. I found it a::, }Jf~ HISTORY OF HOWELL had said. and soon beheld Livingston Center, in the person of that noble landlord and life-loug h.otel keeper, Amos Adams. One single frame buildin" as a hotel, without a barn, together with three or four log houses, constituted Livingston Center. My horse wns fastened to a small oak tree against which a log was lying, with trou~hs cut in the side to feed the grain. The only familie::i, which I now recollect, • then residing in Hewell or vicinity, besides the Adams family, were Mr. McPherson, \Va. t..s on G. Thomas, Mr. ~age and son, David Austin, Sardis l>a ,·is, Herman Bristol, and Moses Thompson. The single men were Lewis, Morris, and Edward Thompson, .Mr. Critenden, Mr.Frisbee, Ely Barnard, ~Tohn Hnssle and Conrad Woll." I mediately after settling here in the spring of 1837, .Mr. Gay hunted out the remenant of F. J .. B. Crane's stock of goods from the attic of the Ea~le Tavern, nnd with about $1,600 worth of goods from New Y 01·k, opened the pioneer store of the village which mu intnined an existence for any great length of time. His store building was the second frame building in the town, being preceded only by the EaE;?"Tlea vern. At various times in its existence this building ·was use>d for a store, lawyer's office, post office, shoe ihop, place for holding meetings, minister's resiilence and family residence, and in its earlier history it often did duty for two or three of these purposes at once. rl'he old building, modoleci over, was for years the ,, >- l" Cl: < Cl: I Cl) ...J w (j w 7. 0: u< IJ'J .J .J l1J 0 I ' ~. I . .. \"· ' I HISTORY OF HOWELL 33 upright of a tenant house on Sybley St., owned by .J. l. VanDeusen and some of the material is now part uf the newly erect.eel tenant house of. \V. \V. Kenynn on the oh] :,;ite at the corner of Sybley and Ki-;t :-;trects. o<:eupied by Glen Brown and family. Probably the third frame building to be e1·ectcd in Jlo,\·ell ,vas the school house. This building wa8 erected on a lot donated to the village by ~,. .J. B. Cmne, for that purpose. Some provisions 1't'erer nat1e for it in the pl'evious year but as l\Ioses Thompsnu':,; saw mill was soon to be set in motion, the lrniltlrng was left until lumber could be secured from that som·cP.. It was occupied early in the summer, prnbably some time in June, an<l l\liss Abigal .Ada.11s, <laughter of the landlord, was t.he first teacher in a regular i;chool building. The building was nevn satisfactory to the district and numerous resolution8 to bnilrl 11ew ones are found upon the records. It was finally sold in 1848, and a room rented for school purposes for several years. 'rhis old building served as the frame part of the old Curtis foun<lry for some years . It has been occupied by Snedicor's poultry and egg business for several years past. The original sit,~ of the old building ,vas about midway between ( ·hri~. Schaffer's cement residence and Bernard Vvalker'~ barn. The friends of Howell us the county seat of tlw new county, felt that quite a victory had been achieved when Judge Fletcher held the first term <Jf court here, 34 HISTORY OF HOWELL . commencing November 8, 1837; It was held m the old school house which was used for that purpose for some time afterward, also for holding church services and other public meetings. Richard Fishbeck who came to Genoa with his fam· ily in 1835, moved to Howell the following year and opened the first shoe shop in the town. He continued in that business until his death in 1875. The business descended to his sons, S. G. and L. N. ,vho are still conducting it under the firm name of Fishbeck Broth· ers, on the same site where their father started it in 183G. Mr. Fishbeck built the third frame dwelling house in Howell. It is still standing on Walnut street uear the .Ann Arbor depot. Their old furniture yet remains thete just as Mrs. Fishbeck left it, probably the only case of that kind now in the county. James White, the first cnbinet maker in Howell, nl::;o arrived in 1836. In the spring of 1837, Esq. Adams arranged to build a log barn for his Eagle Tavern, which was raised in May of that year. Samuel "'.\Tade ll, father of the late Andrew D. Waddell, was injured during the raising of this barn, so that be died from the result of these, injuries, on l\'Iay 30, 1837, the first de.nth in the township. 'r he food of the pioneers in addition to what they mised on their farms, was largely venison and honey both of which could be had in abundance by hunting. Frnncis Monroe sr. used to laugh about how, in his HISTORY OF HOWELL ;33 younger years . the pioneers used to flock to eachuther's houses to visit, if anyone had been to the outside world, that they might get a taste of salt pork, dried apples or other similar lnxuries. Among the pioneer stories which C. G. Jewett i-emember8 from his parents, is the fact that they brought with them when they came to Howell in 1837, a quantity of salt pork and that neighbore; used to send in for a piece when anyone was sick and needed some little delicacy to tempt their appetite, Another early pioneer food was a flour made by grinding s,veet acorns which had been gat1ered and dried, and it wasn't at all bad to eat either. '\Vith the organization of the state, county and township, each offered a bounty for killing wolves and several pioneers made that ente·rprise almost their entire business for a time, the $17 for the scalp of each, provinl? quite . a fortune in those times. Prominent among these was Francis Monroe who earned quite a reputation in the winter of 1837, for a fight with a big black wolf which he had caught in his trap and in the killing of which he nearly lost his own life. The board of supervisors at its fall meetmg in 1837 submitted a proposition to the county to borrow $1,000 to build a jail, but it was voted down as was a similar proposition in 1838, and prisoners from this county were confined at Ann Arbor. On the 14th of April 1838, Rev. Thomas Baker of Highland, met at the village school house with 36 HISTORY OF HOWELL Silas 1.Jibble, Gardner Mason, Justin Durfee, Joseph A. Dibble, Sardis Davis, Sarah Field, Sarah Durfee, Lydia Austin and Hannah Austin all of whom held letters from or were members of Baptist churches in the east, and ufLer relegious · services, they proceeded to plan for the organization of a Baptist church in Howell. Silas Dibble, Gardner Mason and Justin Durfee were appointed a committee to prepare Articles of Faith and Practice and Church Covenant, This committee reported at a meeting held in the same place May 12, their report being adopted, Rev. Thomas Baker, the feunder of the church, was called to the pastorate at this meeting, a position which he filled nntil the clo:,e of the year when he ·was succeeded by Hev. E. Mosher. It was arranged to call a council of recognition which met at the school house, June 21. It was organized by the choice of Rev. E. Weaver as Moderator, and A. Kemis, Clerk. The records of this council show a representation of four churches by tlelegates; Highland, E. Lee, J. Tenny; Hartland, A. Lamb; Walled Lake, Rev. E. Weaver, J. Coe, N. Daniels; Kensington, Rev. A. P. Mather, D. Seely, E. Cole, A. N. Kem is. The church records show the following names received by letter on that date, and organized into a regular Baptist church: Silas Dibble, Aaron Sickles, Fanny Dibble, Hannah Austin, Joseph Dibble, Justin Dnrfee, Rachel Dibble, Lydia Austin, Daniel Case, Anna Dibble, Sarah Durfee, Laura Monroe. 'J.lhe ,_J 0 0 I () Cl) z 0 z ::> _j ....J UJ 0 I ----- --- ----- t- (.'.) co z z :; 0 0 z c.: 0 Ico LO co z I- .J :> c.o LI.I ex: 1- ...J :> OJ "' .. H1STORY OF HOWELL 37 nsual service of recognition was held on the same day. The sermon was preached by Rev. Weaver, fr0m Psalms xxvi, 8. The address to the church and hand of fellowship were given by Rev. Lamb. During its first year eleven were added to the church membership by letter. At the close of the second year the membership numbered thirty-two. Of the niue who joined during that year, six were by letter and three by profession of faith. rrhe first person received by baptism was Harriet :M. Sickles who was baptized April 14, 183a. During that year the church wa8 attached to the Michigan Association. Hon . .M:iloL . Gay <lescribed the organization of the Presbyterian church as follows: "'My first recollections of attending meeting in the then new town date to a year and three months prior to the foundation of this chmch. In the sprmg of 1837, I remember following along after my father in a winding path which led through the woods from the farm known as the Reed farm, down to the Center, then winding northward by another path through the woods to the Thompson log house on the bank of the pond, where meetings were held on~e in four weeks, by Elder Post who came on horseback, I think from Plymouth. Also in a fortnight thereaftei· we followed another trail westward to the small log house of James Sage, situated on the identical spot where \Villiam McPherson jr's. house now stands. There I think we occasionally listened to rt Methodist preacher; and the 38 HISTORY OF HO,\'ELL particular imt>ressiou there made upon my mind was the peculiar a~'d quaint style of starting the tune by old Mr. Sago who, although himself a Universalist, consented to act in the capacity of e:hoirister, and also to accommodate the neighbors with a pluce in which to hold meetings. Another impression was in regard to tha peculiar bent position required to be maintained by the taller persons when standing, to prevent their heads coming in contact with the crossbeams above. The sixteenth and seventeflnth days of June, 1838, are still fresh in my .nemory, as they were memorable days in the history of the little hamlet then known as Livingston Center. Those days fell on Saturday and Sunday and the meetings were held in the loft of a one-and-a-half story building whieh my father had recently erectf\d for a store. The floor of the room above was of rough boards and the cP.iling WljS nothing but the roof-boards and shingles, in close proximity to the heads of the adults; and th~ rough tamara!.! k rafters, with Lheir knotty projections, were a constant reminder that all should humble themselves in the business in which they were about to engage.'' The main portion of the old building d1scribed by Mr . Gay, is now the upright of Mrs. Burbank's residence. Some of it's material is in W. 'W. Kenyon's tenant house, as stated elsewhere. The busine~s of the meeting referred to by Mr. Gay, was the organization of the Presbyterian chmc:h by Rev. Henry Root The following were the origonal )> 2 z )> ::0 Ill 0 ::0 :,::, 0 ,m, 0 -4 HISTORY OF HOWELL 39 members: David H. Anstin, Josiah P. Jewett, Horaee Griffith, ArtP.mas Mahan, John T, Watson, George \V.: ,Jewett, Edward F. Gay, Price Morse, Andrew Rid<lle, \Villiam McPherson, Charles Clark, Lucretia ,Jewett, Catherine Griffith, Polly Ann Mahan, Hila Mahan, ·.Jrilia .Mahan, Sa.rah Mahan, Harriet L. \Vatson, Anise P, .Jewett, Clarissa L. Gay, Elvira Morse. Elizabeth McPherson, lllargaret Thompson, Matilda Clark, Mary Clark. 'rhree ruling elders were elected who also held the office of deacon. They were as follows: Fol· one year, George W. Jewett; for two years, John T. vVatson; for thJ'ee years, E<lwarJ F. Gay. The legal organization wits effected on the 7th of Jnly following. Meetings were held in the school house during the following year. Garrett S. Lake having worked at brickmaking in New York, commenced the m&nufacture of brick near Fleming, in 1838, and it is from his yard that the brick in many of the oldest chimneys in town came. About this time Amos Adams ceased to be proprietor of the Eagle tavern, it having been sold. He forme<l a partnership with ,Joseph Porter and built a saw mill on the Shiawassee river on section 27. This site was afterwan~s used for a carding mill and cloth factory bv Joseph M. Gilbert. Soon after starting bis saw mill Mr. Adams built a hotel on the south side of the Grand River road, west of the river. This building was afterwards moved across the road and was torn down about twenty years ago. Among a large co]- 40 HISTORY 01!, HO'NELL lection of pioneer relics owned by ~1ishbeck Brothers, is the old dinner bell brought from New York and nsed by !\Ir. Adams at the Eagle tavern. The first horses, cattle, hogs and fowls came with the earliest pioneers but the first sheep were brought here in 1838, by Ira Brayton. The "wild cat banking" scheme of those early days affected Howe] with the other towns of the yonug state. Messrs. Gay and Whipple enjoyed R very large trade. Money was plenty and everyone bought all they wanted. Sometime afterward, in describing these times, Mr. Gay said: ''I found it easy to take $100 a day, but I was not so easily sure that the wild cat money would be worth one dollar the next morning and was quite sure it would not be when Lewis 'l'hompson arrived with our weekly horseback mail." At one time Mr. Gay paid $40 to a hotel between lie re and Detroit,. The amount of the bill in good money would have been $2.50. A proposition was made to organize a wildcat bank in Howell and the initiatory steps were taken but before it wus perfected those institutions in other places began to crack and Ho,rell therefore escaped. In the fall of 1836 William Riddle was taken very sick and lay apparently at the point of death, for some time. 'l'his led the settlers to think of a burying ground and laud was given for the purpose by Alexander Fraser, John D. Pinckney and Moses Thompson. It was located near the south-east part of the lalrn. HISTORY OF HO\VBLL 41 Mr·. Riddle recovered and tha first burial there wa::; that of l\liss Davis, a sister of Mrs .. Johnathan Austin. '£he site of this burying ground was never satisfactory to the people. After it h11d been used for some time it was abandoned and a new burying ground was laid out where the Ann .Arbor railroad crosses Bernard street. The swing of the town to the east by the location of Court House square ·, sent the sP.t.tlement clear around this burying ground. \Vhen it was filled a new one wns sP.cured on the bank of Thompson's lake. Iu moving from the 1ir:;t burying ground to the second, · everyone did the work for their own friends. The ground was soon dng over in such n way that it was impossible to find several graves. The oldest daughters of Rev. and l\Irs. A. L. Crittenden and l\lr. and Mrs. I{ichard Fishbeck were among those which could never be located to transfer. The first lawyer \.Vellington A. Glover, settled in Howell in 1838 and opened his office in the store of E. F. Gay. He was an ardent vVhie-and that fact no doubt injured his practice somewhat in this strongl,old of Democracy, but it helped him to the office of postmaster to which he was appointed in 1841. In a few weeks after the lawyer came a doctor in tha person of Dr. Gardner ,vheeler who at once commenced the practice of his profession and continued to do so in this vicinity for more than twenty years, duringwhich time he was generally respected by all who knew him. 42 HISTORY OF HOWELL His office which stood where the Sabin block now stands, was moved in later years and is now a part of . the first house south of Parshall's mill. His residfluce which occupied the site of M. J. McPherson's home, was moved up the Byron road and is now owned by John Owen. The first land located in Howell township was the east half of the south-west quarter of seetion 27, on May 20, 1838. It was where the Grand River road crosses the Shiawassee river. Amos Adams flo,ved this land when he erected hiB saw mill a httle further down tht'! stream, anl~ considerable of 'it was in a mill pond for years. The old home of John D. Pinckney which was torn down to gmde Library park, was built about this time and was one of the most pretentious houses in the village. It had a brick oven built in the siJe of the fireplace, a decided luxury which l\Irs. Pinckney u~ed to take great delight in loaning to her neighbors who had no such convenience, to use for their baking. When l\Ir. Pincknev's family were coming to Howell they were given some apples where they stopped at Aun Arbor. The seeds were planted and produced the old apple trees which were cut when the house was torn «.lown. 'While not in this township, Wm. C. Rumsey's 8aw mill in Oceola, fumished so much of the lumber in Howell buildings tbat it should be not.iced. There has been considerable change too in the topoHISTORY OF HOWELL 43 grapby of the village. U. G. Jewett rt:members sneaking around a pond for ducks, about where William Whitacre is now buil<ling a home, aud many of the boys and girls of other days remember a faverite place to slide down hill a little ways this side of the P. l\L depot, which has all been graded away. In these tarly days pigeons were so thick that it was no fun to huttt them. A big tree which stands in Mrs. Dollie Butler's yard was one of their favorite haunts. If anyone wanted a mess of pigeons to eat they would go over there and shoot what they wanted and leave the rtist There are so many things of interest for this period ol our history that we are loth to leave them. It wonld be wrong however for ns to pass to a new period without a word of that sturdy class who settled here to create homes, the real foundation of any good civilization, but who, while backing every worthy enterprise, were more quitt iu their way of doing things. Two representatives of this class will always be remembered for their honesty of purpoe:;e and solid worth They were Rev. E. E. Gregory and William Smith. __} )~ring previous years the scanty crops which tbe pionee'rs had been able to gather bad only sufficed to keep them during the severest of privations. By the harvest of 1838 sufficient land had been put to crops to secure enough and to spare and the ingathering that season marked an advance of no little importance. ~ --- - - - - - - -i:r.i., -,- - · .. ·. .. _---- ·-:_=§ =~ ·?¥+ 1'<'1"'i~: :~1. ·--- ---- -- - .- - - - - . - -·---- -~- -- _-- -. -- - -- -- -·--- ~ - ~- -- --~- -- -_ , - --- ---- · __ __- .- _. . - - --- -~- --~ , STATION OF THE PERE MARQUETTE R. R. CHAPTER IV. Hotels nlitl Fun In his first address to the county pioneer society Judge Turner discussed the first settlers in a social way, He could not remember any extensive coionization but said that ''there were to be found among the early settlers men from Ireland, Scotland, England \Valec,, New England, New York, Ohio. . and the Canadas, They had never seen or heard of each other before. This sort of mixed settlement was as pleasant as any. The mormon is doomed to see the hated gentile climb bis fence ere it is scarcely built. The most carefully consorted communities can scarcely preserve their exclusiveness for an hour. I conclude therefore that Livingston county made as much progress and had realy as much amusement as any other.'' Hon, Jerome \V. Turner once said: "Howell was a tow-n from the start with a grin on its conntennnce, which never relaxed but continually flowed into guffa'- S." In 1839 Shubael B, Slitter emigrated to Howell from Aun Arbor, where he had moved from New York fonr :rears before, and bought of Simon P. Shope the tract east of the village on the GranJ River road as it was by this time called, about where it is rrossc·d by the Ann Arhor mil way. On this land there w If) "") 0 I ICC :> 0 () lJJ Ien 0 [L [L 0 i-" lJJ lJJ a: 1- (/) er w > cc 0 z <( 0:: 0 u. 0 w 0 Cl) J..: .. :> 0 (/) HISTORY OJ!, HOWBLL 45 was a house built by Alexander Fraser for a residence to which Sliter added a log and a frame addition an<l opened a hotel. 'ro this hotel and its proprietor is largely due the reputation for fun which Howell soon gained abroad. In an impromptu address to the pioneer society iu 1873 Judge Turner told this story: In these early days court week was the great occasion of the new county Everybody was at court. The crowd that gathered at Sliter's at such time was far beyond all his limited sleeping accomodations. His bar room floor was literally covered with jurors and witnesses during the nights. One night when the floor was about as densely pop· ulated as it could be with sleepers two lawyers named George Danforth and Olney Ila wkins from Ann Arbor, crawled out the back way, and by inducements in the shape of Indian corn, succeeded in calling two large hogs to the bar room door and getting them inside. Then they sta1-ted a bulldog Slitter owned after the bogs and quietly but swiftly retired to their beds in a rear passage. If Slitter's dog ever had any fail· ings they could not be urged against his persistency as a biter, The scene that followed would baffle discription. The squealing of a captured hog is always very thrilling but when dinned into the ears of sleeping men at the dead of night, and it is accompanied by vicious kicks and thumps on their bodies it is alarming. 46 HISTORY OF HOWELL The condition of affairs in these days is best descri bed by two gentlemen who were here at the time. "\Ve quote from Judge Turner and his son above quoted. "Men from the east who had no design of settling here, staged it out from Detroit, or over from Dexter, to spend a few days in laughing. One man I know, who resided in the city of New York, who has since told me that he was accustomed to travel through almost every tow1\ in the United States large enough to hold a meeting house without finding one that could equal Howell for fun. There was an abandonment nbont it, too, that gave it zest; men laughed in hearty deep-chested tone~ here in the back woods, and assembled to see the perpetration of a practical joke in more numerical strength than they did at n fnnernl. Nobody was in a hurrv, no one was careful or trcubled nbont many things; we had actors and an audience. l\'Ien forsook what little business they had for simple sport. One man I knew-EliJah Uoffn:n, a carpenter and joiner by trade,-who would come clown from the roof of a promising job to join in a little hilarity, and not be able to get away from it so that he eonld return in a month. The super-urgent business was fun; that was a complete plea to any declaration for clamages on account of any delay in work. Even shows which were supposed to carry about with them a sort of stereotyped humor which can make an hour passable, were tame concerns here in those early clays and it was two to one that someHISTORY OF HO\VELL 47 thing laughable would happen to them before tlH·Y left the place. Subjects of mesmerism underwent copious inundations of cold water; the magic lanter1i cnirass suddenly grew cloudy with ink, and the return of pewter and tin sixpences astonished the showman when he counted up after the performance. Apropos of this there were at an early day, organized in Howell, companies of squirters who were armed with pint and quart equii t guns with which they deluged all bibulous individuals. A man could get on a drunk in the daytime but he hnd need to watch the sun very closely and not be seen around after nightfall. "Some of the snbJects of this sport were somewhat ugly; for instance Levi Bristol, a square fighter, a man who wou:d have been known as an athlete among the Thebians, but who usually got cornered when he came to town. He was emphatically an ugly customer and he asserted in all sorts of forcible inelegance, that 'the first man who squirts any wate,r onto me'll get his head knocked off.' I remember as though it were but yesterday, his standing one aftP-rnoon nearly in front of KP,llogg & Austin's store-present location -and he looked like one of Dumas' 'coloseal wrest · lers' in the olympic ring, as he dared the whole town to fnmish him an antagonist who should come bearing a tin squil-t gun. Boy as I was I had read the story of Goliath of Gath, and when I saw a single person, a stripling in size emer!{e from a building on the street with a quart squirt gun at 'present arms' and advance 48 HISTORY OF HOWELL toward this gawk, I must confess I thought I could see a complete repetition of that historical incident. I do not know that I was certain then or that I am entirely positive now, who the lad was who went out against him, but he had a wonderful ~imilarity to one Leander Smith, who once lived in Howell, so similar as to puzzle people as to the question of identitj,. A fine stream from the youth's gun struck Bristoi fair and sq narc in the eyes! Bristol plunged do,vn like a kingfisher, and whirled himself along in knots and spirals through the dirt of the street uttering the most abominable yells that ever issued from human lips. He did not seem to know wherR he wus going or to hnve t.be least care. He burst through the front door of Elisha Hazard's grocery, knocking over a counter and roaring like a bull of Bnshan ! \\Tell, whisky and pepper-sauce in eqnal parts is not a very pleasant eye lotion, and Bristol's visits to Howell hecame more and more infrequent and of u less turbulent character. ''The general store was a rendezvous and its rnmnmoth stove became somewhat of n social shrine. There the people gathered and there they brongl1t unt their jewels, like the toads, after dark. These jewels served our pnrpose then, .r let us hope that they may not be entirely unregarcled now." • 'There lived here, a good many years ago, a rnnn who was familiarly called 'Old Cuff Simons,' of genial goocl-nnture, but he was prone to take to murh liquor. ,. ( ,! 3: m -l :r 0 0 r/l -l .,, "C C/l 0 0 "C J> r (') :r C :!I 0 J: 3m: -l J: 0 0 rn -l IT1 "C rn 0 0, , J> r '"O J> :!I r/l 0 z J> C) m HISTORY OF HOWELL 49 The boys, on certain occasions of his intoxication, would delu£e the old man with water to au extent which would satisfy any reasonable 'l'hompsonian. One evening they were engaged in this pastime in a hotel kept by George Curtis in this place, and an elderly stranger, who happened to be present - thinking it to be an imposition on the old man, strongly remonstrated with ·urn boys against what he termed 'such shameful conduct.' But what was his surpris~ when Simons turned upon him with open jack-knife saying: 'You're a transient person (hie) mind your Qwn (hie) business; the boys are going (hie) to have their sport.' In New York or Boston such interference might have been regarded as timely by a besieged drinker, but at Livingston Center it was rtsented by the victim with far more warmth than by his persecutors'' One day the boys secured an old crate in which dishes had been shipped, and go\it ready for Simons when he should get on a drunk. It wasn't a great while before they had use for their cage. "Old Cuff" thought the joke a good one when they coaxed him QUt Ol'l the public . square and got him into the trap, He roared and bellowed for awhile, imitating a wild • animal. After awhile he tired of it and wanted to get out but the old crate was fixed up too strong and it was half a day or more before he was released. About 1840 the land was full of prospectors and adventurers and these numerous hotels did a much larger GO. HIS1 10RY OF HO"\VELL business proportionately than . they would today. Alt.hough Sliter's was some llistance from town and a long stretch of corduroy road Jay between the village nnd the hotel it was a popular resort. It came to lw understood holrever that the man who i::topped there must expect to become the victim of some joke before he left and few· i;ot. away without an experience more or les::; f n nny. Sliter afterwards scltlcd in Deerfield where his wife diu1 . Aftm· that lte went to Kent county and started · nnother hotd but lost it in n trade fo1·J nnd which only existed in the miuc1 nf the t;pceulator l\'!10 bent him out of his property. Allen c: ,veston ~tarted sf'me kincl of a stage line bebveen Howell an<l Detroit. in 1838 and in 1840 began tbi.: Pl'L'Clinn of a Jiotel. Defore it was finished his c>yesight failed nlHl be traded the property a11d stag e line to Benjamine Spring for land 011 section IG. Spring completed the hotel aoc1 built a new slage whieh was probably a:: odcl as Ilic odd. character who ran the line. It was painted red and named the ''Red Bir<l." It was not only n vehic. le for land traffic bnt carried passengers safely through the rapicls n~r Detroit ,rlwrn it served as n bout. Spring was a worthy contemporary of Sliter. It is said thnt he hud u• boarder who was 1nore prompt to meals than he wns t.o. pay his bill. Spring met him at the dining room door as he was corning out with several boarders one day, and handing him some HISTORY OF HOWELL 51 1!1oney, told him 11 fo r pity sakes when you come next time, stop and pay for what you eat." Spring acknowledged himself beaten when the boarder took his cash and calling the crowd with him, went over to the har of another hotel and set-em-up. Spring was a great admirer of General Cass. The old vet1·an stopped at his hotel when campaigning here and Spring went into the dining room himself to see that his noted guest was properly cared for. .Judgt! of hi~ consternation when he saw the general pu.l a hair out of the butter. But S~ring was not t.o be daunted an<l called out to his wife, in a voice which could be hrard all over the room, telling her to go over to Uay's store and s~e if she couldn't find Rome butter in which the hairs were better rotted. One summer night in 1844, when a party of wen ,n1 e busy with cards at Spring' s hotel their hottle was left rn near the window that some boys reached in arnl stole it. The effect npon them was as a live •?oal which had roused Edward ~,. Gay who had de- <1ecided to try and better the condition by building a fempe1·ance hotel. Accordingly he talked the matter o,·er with his -neighbors and decided to buy the lot where the Goodnow block now stands, r.f the comer of Grand River and Division strP.ets. Unfortunately he told some of his nei~hbors of this decision and the opposition attemped to head off his temperance movement. Hezekiah Gates hurried off to Detroit the day before Gay was to go, and bought the lot. As soon as 02 HISTORY OF HO\VELL lie returned he began arranging for the erection of a hotel which afterwards became Union Hall and was prominent here for years . .i \:lr. Gay learned of the Gates scheme just before leaving for Detroit, and selected . another site which wa~ the lot upon ·which stands the buildings occupied by the Fi1·st ~tate and 8avings Bank and Barron & Wine's drug store. rn1is hotel was the first brick building in Howell and the first temperance hotel for miles around . 'l'he brick for its erection were burned on ~Jr. Gay's own farm in Marion, now occupied dy Eastman's dairy farm. Z. M. Drew furnished the lime from n kiln he had established near the Marion t.o,rn line. Hon. C. U. Ellsworth aftenvards a prornill( ·nt lawyer here, was the first landlord. .Mr. Ellsworth sure:y was Daniel like for he opened the hotel with a flag flying, to the Lree:..:e upon which was inscrib(' tl "Liberty and Temperance." Mr. Gay kept the hot.el for many yc·ars and tlten sold it. It was pm·c:has~d after n while by 1\Ir. Pebbles and its name changed to Livingston Hotel. It remained n t.emper- :rnc0 hotel nntil torn down when ,Jolin vVeimeister built the present block in 1869. Superstitions ones were not at all surpri~ecl at the fate of Hezekiah Gates and his project. The bnilding of his hotel proved too great a project for his financial resonrces. Before its completion he was obliged to go into bankruptcy. rrlrn property was neqnired by 11ayl0r & McPhersou and changed hands n number of (") :r C :a 0 :r HISTORY OF HOWELL 63 times until 1871, wh«!n Union }foll as it was theu known, was burned. Shaft's hotel which was built a little later than the others mimtioned, really belonged to this period. It's first owner was William U. Shaft who was Spring' s opposition in the stage hnsiness to Detroit. It drnnged hands several times until 1863, when it waR purchased l>y Benjamine H. Rubert who iuhlc<l a third story and ran the house suc(~essfully until hiR death. His son Seth B. Rubert mu the honse a mtmber of years. It has drn,ngcd hands two or thr ee times sinee l\Ir. Rubert clied hnt ::;till hears his n:nne. CHAP'l'Elt V. Not All 1''11n In urnst. he Legislature createll a boal'l1 of connty eo11u1t1:.-;s10ncrs.B nt litt.lc is left of their recol'(ls. Emn., · Be:1l, Charles P. Bush and Orman Hohn(•s c:011sti.ut te<l the bonrd. 'J'lw County Uommi~sioncrs cen.sccl to have authority ntter the Ll\gislalmc of 1842 and the boarc1 of supcr\'isor :~ was reorgn.nir.Pcl. It has met regt1larly enn· :-;i:we that. tillle . • f 1Hl~(! Kin~slt•y f;. Hi11~hnm the first Probate ,Juclgc c>f thi~ ccnmly, lua1 no oflieial business to perforlll. Hi :, olli<'.n wa~ nt lii:,.;r usidl~1wc in Onc11 Oak. The n:·xt, ~fll(}g-e, Ta11tc~\:V-:. 0tanh11rr, li\'ecl in Pinckm·y arnl heltl hi:-: C'.onrt: there. ~l'hc first will l10uclrnitted to prol>nt c ,ms that. of ,T:unes Sage, the first white settler c,f Howell, ,rlto l1il't1 June 2D, 183U. His will wns clatc-11, Ja nuar~- ] G of that year nnd was officially witncf- se,1 b)· l>r. \Vt\llingtuu A. Glover and "·ifo arn1 0. J. Pinek1w~·. Mt·. Sage's son-in-law, Joseph H. Pi1wk1w)·. \Yns appointed exe<mtor. The kgat f•(•:,; we1·ti l'lfr~. Sage wit1ow of t.lte cleeca.sed, anc1 l1Pr chil1l1·en, (h~org-e' l1. 0:!g'l\, ,fame::-:H .. Sag:'!, Chester A. Sn~l·, i.\fary A. W. Pinckite? and Hannah A. \Valker. 'l'h e duh..> oE record is qnite baclly fnde<l but it was 8ome!i111ei n ,Ju l.v. 18:JD. HISTORY OF HOWELL .J ud;;e Unorge Vv. Kneeland who w,1s electe,1 in J:-,1 0, lll')Vecl th,3 o1foie t.QH owell. HiR fir,;;t, lrnsi11<'ss wns on F1·l)1'11ary8 , 1841, when letters of a1l111i11istr.1- t.ion ,verc g-ranted in the estate of ,Josiah P. ,fowdt. The l-'re1'byterian society held most of its mt:etings in th•i village school house, HS did both the other 1le- 110111inationi:m:, 1til the year 1.840. In 183\J the so1'.iety liegan the erection of a ehnrch building whicih was completccl the following year. This drnrc11 or:g-inall :; stood a littl0 liorth of the Central School I-Ions! sq:i:=,r,i and fronted t,Q the south, amidst what wm; then a growth of u11de1·brnsh. 'l'he site proved to he a lrn<l one as in muddy weather, the church was alm0:;;;t inac- 11t1ssible, an<l it. was moved to nenrly the prt>sent sit.~ of the Knapp shops. Sometime aftennml the s(•<'iety became involve,1 by too extensive repairs to the h11il<li11~ :rncl it was sol<l at forcecl sale, to the highest hi1l- 1le1·. It wns aft<.?nrard8 moved to Divi~ion street. H)l(l occnpied by Staley's wagon shop for a g-oo<l many years. Its old ruins, ahout twenty feet fro1n the fir:';t. sd1ool honse, :;;till remain. \Vhen the church wa:;; first organi~ed it aclopted the union pl an but on Septemlie1· 21, 183!), by resolution it became Presbyterian and remained so until Jnly 2\J, 1843 when it changed to Congregational, bnt returned to Presbyterian October 27, 1845 and lrns hcen in that conn~ctiou sinee that date. As before referred to thne was a determined effort mu.de to move the county site to Brighton and th~ 1 · BG HISTORY OF HOWELL matter was brought before the Legislature m 18:H but ,vas defeated by the determined efforts of 111,.T . B Crane and others. This a~itation however hall th e effect to d~feat all projects to build su ti:ible building:-: when pr esented to the people as heretofore detailed in these pages. 'l'he earliest officers who had ofiice in Howell, all made their offices at the Eagle 'rnvern. li1. .J. B. Crane built a one story buil<lii1g of two rooms near the site of l\1rs. Amos 'f. Slader's present rt sidcnce, in 1837 and the county offices were ~oon rnov c<l to it, the building being rented by the eonnty. It. wnH nfterwanls purchased 88 will be noted further 011. 111 1842, the board of supervisors contracted wit.It Benjamin ~pring, for the use of his ball room in his hot.el in which to hold eonrt, for fifteen dollu,rs, lie to furnish wood. This nrraugernent onlr lasted for a 8hort time nnd tbe Presbyterian c:lrnreh was lea~cd for holding com t and all county meetings. 'l'he rental was twenty five dollars per term of eourt. for a time, and later, forty dollars per ·year, for all eonnty purposes. 'fhis latter arrangement. continued for about three years, until what is now known a.s the old court house, was completed In the spring of l84G, a vote was taken at each town 1m·cting, to build a court house and jail, and the hoanl of Supervisors elee:ted a building committee who acl vel'tistd for the reeieval of plans and spe<-ifications. Hy the time the bourtl met in October of that yea i;, they bad taken legal counsel and decided that they had not a legal HISTORY Ol.1i HOWBLL 57 right to levy a tax for the sam<~ and :,;o resolved. In the following year thl· Legislatme pa8S<\cla n c11- nbli11g ad :mu the bonrcl at. a spcciial rncding in ,Tune, 18-!G, arrangecl for the lrnihling of the old court . ho11:-:;e. After some clelny, the contract was let to Emos B. 'l'aylo1· ,vh<~e ompletecl the l11Lildin/.l{a te in the fall of 18!7. The total eost inelmliug extms, wus $;i,!J~8. By a resolution of the Board, the hc~lfry was e;:ectc<1 npon condition thut the people of Howell shonhl raist~ a suitable sum to purelrnse tl hell. \Vl1t·11 tl1e olc1 tonrt house was torn down, the lwll wa~ :::nvecl by Ji'ishlH·ck Brothers ancl others. It has sinee been properly mounted and stands ju:-;t insi,fo the bar railing i11 I.he i:irc:nit court rno111. \Vhl'll it <mme to lmildi11g thl) comt ho1rne, tlw lo<!at. ion bcc:n11Ha!n irnportant i::;::;ne. No one ltacl c:ared particularly where the <!OmmissioJLcr:::-;;h onhl Jocnte the) 1iom1ty :-;ite excc11t that it shoulcl bt~ in Howell lrnt when the lmil<ling:,; wen! to be <!OllllllCHce<l that w11~ another qnc:,;tion an<l especially so to Pdel' Uowdry arnl 1Dclwar<T1h ompson who had platted nclditio11s to the village a.nu were :-;m·ct hat if they eo11lcl r~et the lmilclings located 111>011 theil' land it wn11ld prove a boom to their ndtlitions. ..A.fter a proper 1)lfort they :-meceecledi n so doing and the connty site wa:-;d 1nnged from the old 1mblie :,;qnare south of Grauel Hivet· street. and west of \Valnnt street, to its present location, tl1P front part of the pl'esent square being donated to tlw c~onnty by Mr. Cowdry a.nd the north Jrnlf hy ]Hr. 58 HISTORY OF HOWELL 'l'hompson, the land presented including the streets clear around the present square. 'l'he lots of the originnl portion of town had many of them been purchas ed by speculators who were non residents and this fact with the moving of the county site, had much to do with chrmging the prin cipal part of the town t<, the new a<hlit.ions. \Vith the procuring of the 11P.w sit<.\, the old county office building was moved to the new squnrn in a position about midway b etween the prt\f.:- ent front . of t.he court house and the west side of tht~ sqnar e. vVhen the brick office building was erede<l' on that site it was moved to the north sid e of the squar e and was later sold to ·william B. 8mith wlw moved it a block east, on the south side of Grand Riv er street west of Bernard street, where it beeame part of the residence reccntl.v purchased by Osn1r Hesse. It has been rebuilt several times. Irnmecliately aft.er the court house was finished the board of snpetvi::-ors passed It resolution to all<!W all religious denomination~ to hold servic'.eS there and the proposition was ac<\epted hy all but Uw Presbyterians who alr e:uly lt:ul their chnr eh lmilt.. 'l'h e jail and sheriff ' s residence oecnpied the ground ft.001· of the old eourt honse and the eonrt nncl jm~· rooms the setoncl story. In 184D a contract was let to George W. and l!'rellerick ,J. Lee to build an office building west of the eonrt house, on the sit e occupied by the wooden offic£> building. 'l'his building was eompleted that year and HISTORY O"b.H, OWELL GU ac\ccpted hr the rnpervisors nt tlrnir ,Junnary mc•ding. H co:-;t $545.~:w. 'l'his hnilding !Sl'l'Vecilt s l)llJ'l)O:-itl uutil 1873 "·hen it was clemolis'tiP.<al nd n. bett er Oil<'. tonk i1s pince for th e Comity Clnrk nrnl lfogister of Deed:': offices. lu 185:J a huil<1iur was creeted for me of the .Jr nlg-e of Probate n.ud County 'l'rensm· e1·, <~n;;t of the conrt lt01rne, and similar to the o·ne thmt sta11Cling west of t.lw <!ourt hom;c, whichb ecanu: County Clel'k nml Jkg-i~- ter of Deeds omce~ after this building ,vas completed. \Vlien the square was clen.reu to make room for the new court house, much of the rnat erinl in th e thre e\ lmildings went into the Y1alls of the present court house. Rail roads were a big thing in tho~e <lays as well as now ancl about thi8 time a line was projedetl from Ddroit to Kensington, the1w<) tn llowdl ,llHl thene,\ to Shiwa:5see village, a line wltieh woul<l :c;cal''.fely li<~ urgl ~d as exceedingly promising toda,v. As l>dore referred to n cemetery wns locntell uear the sonthcnst part of t.he lak<~ lmt tht ~ ~itc wns not entirely satisfactory to all n1Hl auothcl' wns locut u<l near, ~r town bnt this proved no mor e sati~factory than the other. The matter was 1inaly settled hy the purchase of the old cemetery, of Eclwal'<l 'l'hempson in 1840. 'fhe first lmrial ,vas that nf Jlenl'y \Vhedm· u young man who was jnst entering manhood. Th e ::;ite of tlw old cemetry is now part of tlrn TolCLlo Ann Arbor and North l\Iichigan Railway gronnL1s wh1:re they a1·t~ r;ro~secl by B .n. ·nad street :m<l rnn a little e,l~t ()f 1:hc GO HISTORY OF HOvVELL ~tn·d ,rhel'e fS. B. Hnl>Prt's lnrnber·ancl c·oal yard 1s no,y lotat ed. Ahont, this time or a .Ettie before, the villag l~ acq11ired its first residrn1t pastor. B.ev. Hcnl'y Hoot ,rho liad been employell by the Presl>yt.erian cl111rcl1, mov ctl to IIo,vell ns · it.s pioneer in tha.t profession. Thi' people of t.his connty were of n litera.l'y taste arnl in 18:1:a org-nni7.ed a Union Lyceum which becam(· very 1wpnlar in those endy dnys. Ahont this time the F .leming post offit~e ,:vas established. ,T. ,v. ~miU1 was its first. postmaster nn!l tlw ofTil'e was located iu his resitlenee which stood 11enrly (lpposite to the present. farm ~.'esidence of Frank He- C'.OX, on the Grand River road. It. was aftenrnr1h: rnovP1l to six co1·1wrs wliere it. was rnnintainetl until so11H·t i me IIf t t~1· f1·t·Pr Hrll l lll'livery was estnblishe<l. 'l'he Marr l>uri11g gTomul wns also est.aulishecl in the (•arly 'JOs. 'l'lie old general trai11i11g days were seaso11s of revdrr mor e or le8s importuut from t.lw first, bnt their a111011nitn this connty we1e· of n comparntively small i111portnnce before 18-±3, As far back as the <ln~·s of Amos Adn111s there were some things accomplished in I.hi~ line nncl that. gent.le.man painted a flag for nsl ~ 011 tlwse ocensions, which is still iu existence, a treasured rcli<· in the home of (h-ol'gl· \V. 1\fonroe. In 184:l a regime11·t wi\s organized in this <:01mty with Col. 'l'im· oth.\· H.. Allison of Pinckiwy, in eommnnd. By an Ol'dt>r dalr<l li'eb. 7, 184:1, he divided t.he county into Nnnpany bc·at:s, }fonclr ancl HowPll being- nssigned to ) CXI J> 1l -l en -l "'O J> ::0 rn 0 z J> 0 rr, Gl one beat. Tho 1:0111p.rnyf rom this heat wn:,; 1:ompilr· atively well organiz<1 <l with Halph 1;,owler of Fowkrville, as captain. The t1'1)ops were 1mH,teretl i11 011 old public :.:;qnani, lint n portion of the forty sol<l to :M. .J . tuid Alexamkl' ~1<-Pliersnn, hy l\Irs. A. L. ('.J·ittemfon :,:;0011 after her lm:-band ' s death wns p1·e1rnrc(l for trai11ing purposes. The gen eral poor sncce8s of trainings of thi8 d1ara eter, to secure the <lcsircd ref: ults, causctl th e repeal of _the law soon after the a hove date and ended all cxtm1sive effol'ts of that d1:ll'acter iu Howell. The early pioneers were patriots as strong a::; m1111y who have <'.Ome ufte1· them. 'fhe first F'olll'th of .July <!eelbratiuu in this <!ity \\'H.S held nuder t,empel'aJJ•:c an ::1-1cies, in 184~-, in the grove wl1ere Uw Presbyt erian chnr<:11n ow stands. No att empt wns HHHle nt 1irn- ,vorks 0r other eYeniu~ (lemonstrntion. l\Ianufacturing in a piunee1· way, took quite a 'boom about this time. Andt'ew L. Hill opened a wago11 sl.10p in 184:2. Mr. Hill JtHHle the first cutter in tow1t for Philander Glover. It was afterwards pnrchastd hy .Judge 'l\n·n er who located here in 1840. In 184G \V. K. l\Ielviu and .James Lawther openet1 the ".Arent1e shop:;" and put np the lrnildi11g whit·h year:-; after, was built over into the Commerei:11 Hotd. In 1844, Hick~y and Galloway erected a fom1d1·y on the sit e of.Mrs. L. V. D. Cook's residen ce south of the tunn el. They not only mr.nufactnred all kinds of agricult .mal implements, hut all kin<ls of stove~, kettles, etc. 'fhe 8hops were :-nceessiYely owne,1 hy G2 HISTORY OF HO\VELL LernuE'l Hp<>oner and lDdward 'fhompson, \V. 0. An·her arnl lastly b~· Abig-nl W. Smith and Dexter li''ilkins, Tlwy were• bnmed while the latter gentlemen OWHP<1 tlwm. Dr. ½. H. Marsh settled here in 1847. The shol'es nf time in thi~ vicinity are lined witlt wreeks of sl'iect schools and other private Cllucational i11stit.11tions. 'l'lH· earliest of these wns by Theodol'(· Bri<lgenrnn wlio oplnw<l his Howell Seleet School ill U14:"i, in tl1!· ol1l J>resbyterinu elmreh. 'l'he sehool lived 011!.,·a li!ll<\ wl1ill! n11(ll lie<l in ti1ue to 111nkl1' ·oon1 for t.Iw Ulasicnl Sdcd. School whieh was start .c\cl in l>et·1•rnel,r of t.ltat year by Hev. G. F. McEwen, but. tlti s :~nll'rpl'ise soon kept. company with its preclecessor . .M r~. Mnriah L. Charles was the next nucl her sd(,rt . i;:ehool ,Yas q uitl• an institution in the summer of 184(i. The Hmn·ll A<'a<lem)' was opened April 1, 184G, and tn·1~11s1ei<l to lH' quih ~ an institution but the promis<'~ "·pn , 1w,·er rPali:;.:e<l. The fuilnre of the aeademr letl t.o tl1e o!'ganizat.ion of a stoek company of $10,000, cornrio~ cd of Jo~iah Tmner. F. C. 'Whippl e, Elijah l!'. Burt., Alrnn Isbell, Uardner Wheeler, George vV. Lee, ,Tolt11K enyon Jr., .Almon vVhipple and Edward K Ureg-0!',·,. This fir111n enr <lid a11,rthiug be,\·ond th(• prcH·urement of its charter. The old fra11H·s d1ool house provc·ll entirely imtdeqnnt e for the growth of the town and earl,\· in t.lw fortil'S: agitation for a new one began to grow. An nppropriation for a new building was made in J 84)i, lint was reconsidered. A fight between sections north nnd sont-.1n1f Orarnl Rin ~r st.reet was fnllr developed. ' I I I I I llISTORY OF HO\VELL G3 and lasted several years. The north side was never strong enoug·h to :-;ocnre the location alt-.J10ngh they managed to ilCcm·e ::;ont.h-sic1ers enough to change every location <lecicled upon from 184G to 184!J, and kept the hall rnlli1lg from the old irnblic s<1nare, the preseut sitt• <,f tho :'IL g, Clrnrch, arn1 nt.hers, until it:;; final location on the present i:;ite of the ('.entral scoool hnilcli11g, Deoemlic1· Hi, J 8-t.8. The question of loc:ation ,vcntlc1n o d,>til>t linvl~ c:cmLinm!<1l1 1nch1 011~<'.l' had not a resolution bt!cm passed in September, 1848, instructing the district board to sell the school honse which th ey clid and rented rooms in the Stage Honse for school purposes, ,John Dickson being employed to teach there . Tho first propnsition was to build a two story brick $Cliool house\ thirty-eight by fort.y-eight feet i11s i1/.eb nt a resolution to t.hi:-;e ffect created c:011- siderable opposition as the proposition to l1uiI<1 a '' c~astle'' rrhe size ·was <'.hanged to twenty-Hix by thirty-six feet lll!(l the building lrnilt for $10,000, by J~lijah Coffren. Willis \Viii~ wns tho first tend1er in the new building. In 184:D, a dissolution aro se in the Presbyt erian ehurd1 and Charles Clark, ~Irs. ~fariah Clark, Zeb-:.~lonM . Drew, Edward li'. Gay, 1\lrs. Clarsi::.a L. Gay, Benjamine vV. Cardell nn,l wife clrew 011t of that church and organiied a C01'lgreg·ational church. rrhe Bible society was organized in 1842 arnl die] considerable work until 1846. A new eociet.y wns organizecl in l84D which has been allowed to Jap1m al( i4 HISTORY OF HO\VELL thongh a small stock of · Bibles st.ill remained in the care of ,T. L. Pettibone Esq. unt .il his health failc><1a fe,\. years ngo. About this time t.he prevailing epiumnic of fun ma.king took a setback. 'l'he wife of a blacksmith named Horal.irwher <lied. Her bereaved husband failed to wait a sntllcient time after her fimcrnl, to snit his neigh btn·s i<1eas of propriety, before h(• married his Sl·co1ul wife. One result . of this co1H1ition of alfr.ir~ was the nrrtmg·ernent for n regular old foshiouecl hol'llillg. 'l'he late Dr. Hm1ti11gton who was alwa~·:-: n·:Hly for fu11 mts solic·itecl to captain t.J1e !i(,mi11g party l.,11(. lw <lL•clinedt l1e honor and clecidecl to presc ·Ht a (·01rntt·r attraction. Accordingly he UlTange<l "·ith a C(luple of c·onfedernt.es awl the three crawlecl np uenr Horabaeher's house unobserved by its occ11punts who wcro all unc:ouscions of what n,,·aitec1 them. In time t.be horning party arrived, led by He11jamin Spring who was literally covered with sleighbells . As he approached at the head of his crowd, t.he <loci.or antl his party opened upon them ,vith double banelled shot gnus. Spring cut and nm, nor \\'Ottl<l he go back. Some little noise was started liowevl'r, lmt word came from the house that the bride lintl been scared into hysterics and the doctor had a patil ~nt. on his hands. It took Yery little coaxing t.o se11d the crowd away for the joke was so badly on :Spring bPcanse of his scare, that ever,roue ..p nlled him h:wk to hi::: hotr.l t.o li<pwr up at his expense. rrhe PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I '-------- - ---- --- - ----- HIS'rORY OF HOWJDLL (·).,r)· whole thing Hgurecl ont so hard against him that lie was never anxious to lead again in anything of t.hat kind and as Sliter moved t.o Deerfield the t.wo Je11ders were out cf it and things quited down a bit. 'l'here were great tracts of land all a1·ontlll, which were nufenc cd and cattle were a.llowid to ·run at larg e during the days. Oc casionally one would c:0111e 11p mi ssing and the theory nsuall,v was that it had wan· ,ler cd into some of the 111tt1·sheasn d mired out of sigh~. ,Johnathan Austin lost, a eow and after awl1ile, gave it np 11s lo:5t. Ho11ie month:-- later a 11eig-hhor told him t.hat he had seen liiR <'.oW p:1.:-;t.nri11go n t.he p11bli,1 sqnure. .Mr. A.11$1i1 1 w«~11t l.o th e square and finding a cow which lookt ·d lik e his, drove her hom e . Tl1e11 Z. M, Drew's cow wns 1·c!porte<1 lost. In thμe it. ,,,.as l'e· ported to Mr. l h e w t liat .fo]ma.than Austin liad hii.; cow and he wc·ul , lo claim it. Bot .h men wnrn ~mre the cow was thc·irs nnd a law snit was the reimlt. Both "·ere leading BH'lllhers of the Pr esbyt eri :rn church nncl th er e Wil S quit .,~ a littl e row kicked np in c•hureh circl es over th e matt er. 'l'Jie t.rial c~~at«·<l no end of in terest. Both sid es preS(\Ht.ecl Iea<ling eit.izern,, who positively id entified th e cow aurl nvei·yt-.hing looked like a,n even strength for both sides nf the 1\as e . Hhortly before time for adjom·1111e111t for snpper, Dr. Hn11ti11g-· ton who was on e of tlw jmors casually ask e1l witne sses on both side s as to the milkin~ qualities. A,:stin's witnesses agre ed that his «:ow was a harcl milk e1·; while Drew's witne sses testifi ed that his eow was a very - GG HIS'rORY OF HO WELL easy milker. 'rhe case went to the jnry in the evening and they retumed a verdict i11Ja. fow niinutes, unanimous for Drew. During the intermission the <lo<:to1q· uietly went and milked the cow. As soon as they re&chc<l the jury room he tol<l his compa111011s ·what he had done. 'rhe faet that she was an easy milker settled the case. In those early days however, it <lidn't. settle the row. Another case about that time will remain a standing joke of the county as loug as the pionen ·s remain. A man had been arrested for stealing and was tuken into Circuit Uonrt where he stated that he had no mone) ' and Attomey Hrn,·kins wa~ appointed to defend him. Mr. Uawkins told the com!, that he did not want to go to trial without talkiug with his clie11t and wu~ allowed to go into a room aloue with liim. He is said to have asked the fellow if he was guilt,\' and was answeretl that he was. 'l'o his enquiry as to whether they could prove it his elient said t.lrnt. he guessed that tliey could for they fonncl t]H· stolen propcrt.~0 with him. Hawkins nsked him how nrneh money he had Hll(l took half of it.. He then point.eel to a window and t.oltl the prisoner to "g-it." He "got" and Hawkiw~ went off 0v er town. After awhile the sheriff hm1tt·d him up arnl told him the jndge wanted to eee him. Hawkine is said to have sauntered leisurely into the eomt room. \Vhen he entered alone the .in<lge enquired wltere the pn~oner was. Mr. Hawkins :replied courteously that. he was not the pri:-;oner's keeper and finally said that. • HISTORY OF HO\VELL (i7 tl1<'. last he :-:;awo f him he went through a window. 'l'h e jndge lrn1Tic,l offi«:en; after him bnt he was free. Another law snit which is 8till told of by the ol(l c~iti:r,eusw as on e in whid1 Ira Hmyton was defendant. H<~l rn.<1b e<~omc indebted to one of th e early pioneers in tJw smn of twent.y dollars and hutl giv en n mortgaf{e 011 t hree 1i.ne yokes of eat.tie worth several timeH that amount, bnt was not able to raise the 1i1oney ancl liis c'.reclitor cxpectecl to takn the ea.ttle. So 81ll'l\ was he nf st'.Cnring them 1J1at lie i::olil·itticl jobs of ''breaking · up'' new land expeding t.o <lo t.he work with the ::e: ,~nt:tle. E:r,ra Frisbee finally decided to help Mr. Brayton ont. Co1rnt:al1llDi nrfr.l: ,vho was lo11g1-·rn, 1ernbered he ~a11sn Im alwn~·s went hnrc!footecl, wn.s t.he offi<:er in !:hr <!HS(~ :rncl leanw,l of :Mr. Frishee's inh !n1.ion8. As :-,0011 as the Lidding rrnwhetl the nmonnt of tl1e ,lebt nntl l:o::;ts, he struck the cattle off to .l\lr. l~risl>cc who h\ft them with Mr. Bl'ayton. fn J1is effort:,; to sav e hi111sd f l\fr . Brayton hncl n~qnired a jrnlgement wltic;J1 ,mother man lwlcl ng:iinst his creclit.or, arnl had plact1l this ,vit.h Constable Durfoe fol' enllcction. .As soou a~ i\fr. Frisbe e pliw,<~<thl e mo11t·y 011 n table tc })H? for 1:11n cnt.tle the constable leviP.r1 11pon enough to :::n.tisfy tliis jndg-rnent Ull(l the gTinding creditor got out of th e whole transaet.ion <:onsicfornhly in the hole. \Vbile most of the pioneen ; rnacle the best of things and put np with privations, there were tl1ose who rniRsed the luxm·ic~R of th e ontside world. Amo11g these wns a mrrn nmni :<1B etts who settle,1 in fli e north HISTORY 0111H OWELL west. pa.rt of town in Ow enrly forties. He came from Nl·w Y<>l'ka rnl was ahvays lame11ti11g the fact that he ccmlcl not enjoy what his neighbors put up with. One morning it was fonn<l that he had taken poison ancl was dead. 'l,his was the first experience of this eltarader nncl \Vas ciuite a shock for thr p10nel'l' settler~. ])r. Unnluer Wheeler's location in Howell as the first · physician here was noted in a previous chapter. He was folknred in J83D, br Dr, Uhal'les A. ,Jeffries who remained here nntil 1840:l "·hen he mowd to W nslit~mt w eonnty. Di·. William Huntington :-;uct• e(•ded to his practi(• .e when he left Howell ancl remninecl here until his tlcath. His son Dr. Wm. U. H11111ingto11p rndicecl wiU1 his father for man.,· ,n'ar8 nnd :-:;uc-e<e·llel1 to the extcusi Vl' pradice whid1 he built.. Dr. Nichob Hnrll locatell lwrr. in 18-tl and remained for two yen rs . Dr. E. F. Ollls moved here in 18:l::l !mt never pradiee(l n great lleal. He was a fine penn, an and taught ·writing s<.:11001w hile here. Dr. William Dowlmnn came here frolll Englancl in 184G, hnt. nCVl\l'[ H'H«'ti1·ead great clenl. He vrns a l\1cthodis1 l<H'nl prend1t•r and did c·11nsiuembJPw, ork in that line in the western part of the c·onnty. Ht~ served a~ regnl;ir pnst.01· at StenllSflll in the npper peninsula in the latter '70s and as far a~ known never earne haek here. Dr. Thomas R. :Spence locatecl in Howell i11184G and lrncl an extrn~i ve pract.i<·C' for abont six .,·<·;1·~1, ffhP11 he movetl to Detroit. Dr. Andre\\. HIS'l'OH.Y 0}., HOWELL (i!) Bbtn1:i-: St'ttlcd hci·e in rn-i~ nntl ]will a leading · pin,·,· in !tis profe ss ion for 11 g·ool1 mnny ,rears. Dl'. \Vm. L. \V<'lls set.tied in !Jowell in 18:1:!J nnd enjo_n~<l a v1.·1·.,· 1~xh 'n::-vi c 1wa1.t•icc for tlw re~t of his life . .Atlorney \Vel!i11g't1ll1J \ Glow1·, Howell'~ lir~t law - yer, ,vns ahnnt . 1·.,-vo yc ;1r:::n; l,me in his profes::-ion IH'1·1~ an<l then .Josin h \Y, rmner came in 18+0. ~~1H 111 <1fter sett.ling· J-t,re ,Tn<lg·r, rrnrner ,vas nppointt ·rl 111nster in 1·hn.nt<.r',\'. H,! aim l>ecame clep11.,t· ,·ou11f,r clm·k under -Te~,::<' ~.fn .JW~w lin held the o1li<~•! nt._ tl1at. t.inH\ an:1 rli,l th,· wnrk or t-lrn ollk1~. .i\lr. ~lHtH!S n! ;-;igued in F1~hr11rnry. 18-+:~, .11H1t. 11!1 yonng law:,t \l' ,,·11~ appointed to 1 It,! pq,-:J·.i11;1. That . r,ou1ing fall Jin ,vas t~lt!<·h~ft"1n !h,• ,,l'fi,·c·a nd ngni11 in 184-4. In N,1vP11ilwr 184-(i, lie \\';t~: r·k,·h·d ern1ntr .inclge 11]1(11 ·e-,dl'd1 '<l in UtiO. 111 f 8."jfi h wn;-; 1·lnd1\cl -Tn<lgc of Pr1,hn '.1•. f11 l\'fny, 18:i7 he· wn:-;. 1pp:1i111:o·,,]1T, ](lge- of tlin N11pr1•m1· Uom-t. In t,Ji,~ J\r>v1111ilwr eledion of that. :, f~;:1· )1,• was ell'detl Cil'<'.11. i,lT11<lg·teo whit \h lie wn:-; r1•-1dcc'.l1:11 tlJl'(W tillles. I11 lHGO. 111d~·'cl'iu rner mov ed 1n Owo,'°o, to IH! 1w:ner the 1:(~1J11•.r of l1is r'.ireuit. /-le i·,>11ti1:no·d to 111nlrn flint his liom 1.' tll)1il hi~ 11t•ath i11 l!l07 . I l,· held seve ral impnrtm1t wn·1·1·11mentnl positio11s ,i1·1f-1· moving · to Owosso. In his r,nrly years in Howt •II. )11• n.t.tcnc1ccl to I.he 11il1e.si 111' liis oflicial posili0ns, engaged in other line:-: ot lrnsiJH\SS, and built up n 11it1i ln.w pradi1 :e. ~()()11a fter coming here he built the olllce lrnilding jnst :-:011fho f the city buil<ling, ,1wl .1 rcsi,1en1'.1~o n the lot now var.ant, nppo1-,ite Fi:-:li!H~r,k 70 HISTORY OF HOWELL Bros. shoe shop. He aftfinvard built the house nt the corner of Fleming and Hubbell streets, now occupie<l by LL C. Reed, which was his home for a good man.r years. Fredrick C. Whipple who settled in Brighton in 1841 and was the foull(le1· of the Livingston ( 'ourier, moved to Howell with the paper, in 184G and practiced law here for twenty-two year~. He serve<l the county as Circuit Court. Commissioner, Prosecuting Attorney and Judge of Probate at nn·ious times. He was a brilliant la wyn and wrts reeogniic<l as a leading jury lawyer of the state. Lauren K. Hewett sr.ttlcd here in 184:! aud practi<: ed law for about fifteen years. His brother Lewis H. Hewett was as:::ociate<l wit.h him here for some years. Ilielmrd B. Hall pnwt:ieccl law hcrt: from 184a to 1848. He aftcrwanls went. to California where he uecnme a detective of some consi<lerable not.e. James H. Ackerson became a lawyer here in 1843. His practice has the repntation of sharp do<lging rather than profound law. A story is told that he ,vas employed to defend a man ,rho was guilt.y of larceny. Ackerson saw defects in t.he papers and arranged ldt.h . . his man to break t.hem all(l then ruu him off while they were <lrawing uew 011es. F'or this pnrpose he rode one hors~ ancl led auotlwr when ht• went out to t.he country justice's fo~·t he examination. 'rl10 ~<:heme worked and the prisoner got ::::nfelya ·mi~·o n the extra horse. I-ll8T0ItY O~"' HOWELL 71 .John n. :.Uillingharn comnH'B<'.<.'dth e practice of law J1erc ahont 18-!G, and hacl a good business for abo11t fonl'teen yea1·s. He moved to Saginaw in 185H. While here on a Yisit nnd businm;s trip sometime Intel' , he wns ta.ken suddenly :-;ick ancl died. :rnstiu Lawyer ~cttlecl here to practice law i11 18-l(i l>nt ouly remninecl a frw ycal'i., moving from hc1·e to l'nion Cit.y, Brmrnh <ion11t.y,f rom where he afterw11nl~ rnovecl to Coldwntel'. He died vc·ry sn<ldeuly R fe\\' ~-ears ngo, lea Ying-n hnrnlsome property. His widow who is !'ememhere<l her<· as a most e<~l:entric chnl'acte,·, never admits anyone inside tlw clool' of her pah1<'.ial home nnd nevet· leaYl~:; it in the tbytime if she enn possihl.v avoid cloi ug- so. Pn1<:I i,•a lly all her con 1H•1·- t,ion with t.I1c ontsi<le world is !lone ,vit.h ht.'I' telephone . l~hRrles C. Mll::;wol'th, first. l:11111\onlo f Uny's temperatl<'. C hotel, stndic<.1l nw with Judge Tn1·1w11· tll(lw 11~ admitted tot .he bnr lwr(~ in HHS. lh i mnrrircl n (la11g-l1- ter of Mr. Gny and uw, ·rtl to Greenville in 18:il, whcrl~ }w bceame prominent, in his profo~sion nnd in politics. Ho se1Tecl t.ltat clii4Th·t i11 Congress with some lit.tie distindio11. Another of ,Judg€ Tnmrr's students wai, ,John Ji\ Farnsworth who nft.enrnr<ls hn· ('.llme a Congressman from an Illinois <listrict. \Villiam A Clark mo,·ell here from B;·ighton. while prosecuting attorney , about l~f>l. In t.he early 'GO she moved to ~nginaw. As noted prcvionsly TieY. l~dwnr<l K Gregory St\tt. led in Howell i11 1~:1!l. Ile live<l for ~ome time in 7"2 IIIS'l'Ol~Y 01•' 110\\'ELL l:ev. 11n nt·y TI.on!.'s llll fi 11i sl1rd hnnse nll(l as lw 11~r·11 I" ~ny. ' ' C1)0l..1·d by n stump in th,i strtd, ' ' nt. thaL ti11w lie tried l':1rmi11g 011 his fa1·m tln·<)<' mil<~s nwny. In 184-Gh e licen11H·p n~t.01·o f tla~ 1'1·esh.d1~1·ia11, ~lllll'el1 l,rrc :nlll snl'v1~,1 foit.hfo!J~-in thnt oositio:1 for t.wo yr.:ns . With the t·x<:l'pti011o f a ~ho1-tt int•) in O\\'of-sn, Mr. { lrPg-ory eont irnted to rr~ide iu HoW(!II until hi;:; d1~atli in lSFH. ]fo ,rn~ of a qniet nnd nu:rnnming nn- 1111t> hut of ~trrling < 'hri:-tia11 chnrad1~r . His nnrne \\'!Hi nsso,•bf .ecl \,·itl1 nil t!in organizations ror morn! 11plift.i n flit~ t>arl.\·, la~-~ of tl,L~ ,~nni11111ni.t y . Jo~Ppli H . Skil]H.,,·J.; "l'1·111·nd shor shop in Howell nhout. IS-10. Hi1- hn~i11P~s w:w g-r,Hln:1l15,·lc vclopcd iuto n gerll'ntl :-:t.ot·r wltic!i h,~ 1•.;lJ'l'it :.cl 011 fo1· a 1111mbnt· of yP:11':-, :wq11iri11gn- g-oocl pn1pP1-!;5· wliiC.'hk <!pt. hi111 .in plr :nty in his de,dir:i11g yf'nrs . .J nhu H. Nec·ly came h11 1t• nho11t lht· l-'HJllf' . limr. n::; ~lr. Nkilbeek. He wns n m:uw11 h.,· tr:ult•, th(• piom•rr i11t ;lwt li11e of h11sincRs t-o l i \.,, lwre. ~t'v«•1·alo f t Ji,, olclor hnildings are morn1nrn11ts of his lnbo1·. .J oseph Howe tlin pinn<'('I' tailol' "\YllH n11othe1· tn m·- 1 i ,·P nhont. thnt time. 'l1hc Living·ston Co11tier, a !he ,·olnnm folio p11pe1·, wus tlw first puhlishe<l in the co11uty . Its ftrst iss11P WU8 nt Bright.on on ,January 10, 184,L Nid10l1:1s Sulliv, m wns its first pnhlishcr an<l li1l'edel'ic·kC . \Vhipple wni;; its first edit.or. Early in October, 184:1, it wn~ 111ov(•t1 lo Howrll h~- it.s rn1bli:':'l1e1n·n <1 Lewis If. 111,r' d t. w a;, 1•111p I o.Htl as 1)'1 i IM. Us lit·:-1. i 1,S 11, . iJ1 · 1 r . 1 :1 I Howell ,vns (Jd .ob1:t ll. Al,ont llm~e ,veat·H nfkr moving- to Howell , Mr. Nnllinm soltl the Coul'il·t· to g, R. Powell nrnl it. " ·nH nfterwnrtl,:; ownc<l by ,villimn B. Smith and Uco1·ge l '. Hor,t. l!!Hle1· nll'. H,;1,l 'S rnanngernent tL(; paper di<·d in 18,>6. A fow uctn~l'- tisemonts from tJi,, Comic~l' nf' ;\la~· 10, 18-l8, rnn.,· l,1• of i11t:cre.-d;: "The Li,·i11g.;;ton Conric1· \\"ill lH! iss111·<elv ery Wi·1lnescb. y morning-, at tlw village of Hom·ll, J,iving:-{on l'o11nly, .Midtig·n11, K H.. l'ow('.ll t!<litor arnl proprietM. T1:1·111s0: 111•1 lnllnr 01111 fifty <icnts per :rnn111i n n<lv1HWP ol.lwrwii,,(, fwn <lo!l:l1·:w,; ill ht~ req11i1·eciln every cnse. ' ' "Hcwdt & Uul!, At.torn e.rs nwl l'.ouneellors nt La-.,· :t:Hl !-::>iocil torn in ( .!hmw, •r.,·, olHN' ovn T.,ee's Hton·. llowcll, J,idng~f:on •·omtl:y, Mir·.h. L. H. Hewct.t, l'n1st •1\11ti11g.. : \1:torn(·~·. R.H. JJnll, Nolm}· Public. ' ' ''L. K. He,n{t ., i\ttornpy :md Counselo1·, Cireuit : ('olll't C'o111111i~:-:i1,111O·r.f firr oppoi-it·e thC' Pnhl i,\ ~1J11are, I l,)well.'' "Z. H. l\lnl'sh, M. 1,., Pl1y!,;ici:rn nn1l Sul'ge011 , 01llf!C Oni> dool' en:-:t of tl1n Po~t Ofllce, flnwrll, Liv. Co. Mieh." "A. 8. Holli~ler, Wntch Mnlwr, Clod~i-;, Wntches, ,Jewelr~·. &t'.., of evc•,·y dcsm·iption, elenned, 1·epn.ire<l and wnnanterl. Shop one door en~t of tl11! Liviugst.011 Hotel." '':John \V. Smit Ii' .J wdi,~r. qi' t 11(! Pt>[l('.C, Ofii(·t~ Olli' ilou1· Wf '.St of th<' Po~t OfneP, o,·rr \\'. l:i<l<lle':-:~ 1·01·e, IJo\\·1,II, M iolt.'' 74 HlS'rOH.Y OU, HOWELL '· (.Jivingston Hotel, by N. Sullivnn, Howell, Liv· ingston Count.y, .Miehigou.'' ''Union Hall, by N. Smith, Howell, l\lich.' ' "New Harness Shop. opposite the Court Hou~e, kept by A. Hiscock." ''Physic & Snrge1·y. 'rlw uudersignctl having t'onued a partnership for the vu !'pose of practicing tl,e above profession, will be reatl,v :it all times, ( nnle:3s l!11gagecl iu prot'essionnl husiness) to attend sueh a:-: mny reqnire t.ht·il' seniee~. Onl'dner \Vheeler. 'rho111- ns H.. Spence.'' Atlverth;ements also appeared fol' Clnrk & Hopkius :111d \\'. A. Bucklnwl, general mN·chants; Bn~h & Co. ~rocerii, and L. 1(. Hewett, wheat buyer. The only item of local news in tl1c whole pnpcr l'eud 11~f ollows: · 'Going Abend. Ont' village i8 progressing with rapid strides; lrnihliug- n.fter building is ai·ising on t·ither hand, ,vhile the lrnutl-snw ancl lmmrncr of the 1,arpenten; almost deafen one. 'I'earing dow11, drnwiug off n,n<l rebuilding, is the order of the day . .i \lessrs. Hinrnnn & Bush ancl Hewett & Huntley have 1~omrncnced the cell:u· for a lal'ge two-story brick hlMk to be occupied as stores n.lHl omces. Onward is the 1tmreh of cmpil'e. \Ve are cre,litnhly informed thnt t.Jte entire stock of the Plnnk road fro1l'l DPtrnit lhl'Ough this plaec to the <\t1pitol , will soon ht\ taken 1111tl finished to this phwe. We opine 8Uelt good lnck for tho present.'' i I I . I I l I I '" ' C ll A PT EH \' I. For }:~rly Trnwl. JiHli,111tr nils m~re the first l'l>n.ds lll this :-.tw!ion. '1'\11•yf orme(i th1\ l1ighw11ys over whid1 t lw pi(111eer:,;; ennH' to lh<'ir wildemess homes. Ol'.cnsinnally t.li1\ ,rn~ons "·mil,1 1\nme np :i~ainst tlw treos wlii<'l1 grew :-;o nenr t.og-1.·l1wr t hnt one mnst he 1~11. t lwl'o1·e Lh1\~· 1.·0111<1 gd t.hro11g,h. Thi\ hliginni ngs 1'.otil1l 11:u1 11.,l·w 1l1.•atile1l as sneh, but somehow the 1wll'l'.!1 of p1·o~J·t·~s tt11·ned theSl\ inclian t rnils int<• ro1Hl;;, .Jul~· ·Hl1, 18a2, Co11g-rnss pa~sl'1l :111 nd. dirndingt, lte president ·. to nppoiut t.hrce eon1111i:--~ionl'l'Sto lay 011t a 1·0>1<lf or military aml olhPr pnrp<:r.·ri:;, fro111 Detroit through RliiawllsRee comity to the nwuth of tl11~ (hand river. Tlw sum of $2Ji00 wns ,•xpcmded <l11ri11g the next two yr.ars, in opc!11io~ a111l i{l'fl<li11g the 1it·i:;ht '11 milrs ont. 1111 8:-n,C o11g-r<·sa-;p p<ll't.ioned $:Zf>,000 mo1·1\, which opellf!<l the rnnd 01w h1111lll't\1l foet wi<lo throu~h t.lu• 1-imlwr, an1l liuilt bri1lges aH far as the Cedar river. A grant of lhe thornm11ll aeres of land was alE<> sem1red for the lintl)(l rin\r a11(l Nuginaw ron<ls, of whid1 om · ro,td re1•,ein•1l _ its shore. While tl1c work thus pl'ovide,l fo1· was in progress "MiC'hi~n.nhe 1•am1• a st.ate. S0011 afll'.J' .J rnl~,~ Turner 76 HIS'l'ORY OI41 HO\VELL c.ame to Ilo,H•ll i 11 "1840, he became intereslctl 111 t ht• project. Th'-' rnntl, wl1ieh he found opened to Brighton, was g-rnLhrnll.r "orked through Howell, nnd nem·- 1,\' to Fowlervill"", lurgel,r hy his efforhi for stat~ ~l'l.n·opl'iufir>':Jsn lll1 olhtr ,mys of securing fnnd'S for thut purpo H'. 1n 11111• -prin~ of 1841, $5 ,000 wn!-: transfenetl by tl1e Statt Legisl&tnrc from the "Nurt!tem \Vagon Rond,'' t.o the "Grund River rrurnpike," with which it wns op£·nec1t o Lausing-. 'l'bis :1ppro - printio11 wits i1a:ren~1d 1,y the addition of "11011 resident taxes" for all land within t'i'i'O miles of the road :1h11g the Jim• of Ilic improvement. 'l'lte lcgislntnre of 1),4!-., pass1..'d un ad providing that 10,000 acn ~~ of i11ternnl imr,1·ovPment lnn<ls be approprinted to 11uproviug tlw Ornnd Rin~r rnad from Howell to wha1 i~ no-w L:11rnin!Z, th c·n the ,-illage of i\lichig1111, ~,x tlwusund aercs in In!:ham county und four thousand ~<:res in Livingston county. With the aid of " large number of prirn!c snuscriptions whieh were socm·~d. this approp1·i:1tion nclcled to what hnd gone before , put the ro111l ,1:e~-.1 of IIO\'vell in fuirl,\- good condition. Bcforl' tliis time tlie singe linei- heret .ofore 111e11- t ioned, were doing n thri\'ing bnsine~s from How~!! 1o Detroit. A hunt 1842 or '4a, Halpl1 ~'o,Ylt1:1w·h o had bePom(, v,,ry m1w!t iut erestetl in the road w1·s·f.o f tnwa hecuus<~< :,fl iiH eonncctiou with it as <:ommis~i()Ju~I'. au<l C. B. \Yillittrn:-; of Williumston, put a lino of hunber w1tgons tn 1·uu:ti11gb et.ween Howell arnl Lausiur:. vd1ieh mpidly dt·rnlopcd ini:o n.uotlter sin{!<~ line i11 Urnt din'('.tfon. I \ l \ \ I ! r < z C Cl) -I 0 z 0 0 C: z -I -< 0 0 C :IJ -I :I: 0 C: (II I'll HISTORY OF HO\VELL 77 rrhe finit. Legislature of l\lichifan went 011 record fol' ronds. Act .s WP.rep assed for state roads everywhen i whel'e any one su:rnestecl them. If a very small percentage of those provided for hncl come to be rouds, tln pioneers would have \'ied with presl•nt day ti1x condit.ions. A mo11g thos«' which would hnve com(i 1u Howell wns a road from .A. llegan to Hnstings, to Chnrlot.te, lo 1\lnso11, to Howell , to intersect with the Grand Hh·er ro:Hl here . F' .. J. B. Cra1w of Howell, was OIH' . ui' i1.s eomrnissioncrs. The next Legislnb1rP, :-.eea1s to lrn ve insisted that something be done for this rond for another ad was passed for the same line. <:::uyC . Lee was named as eommissioner iu this act i11 place of Mr. Crane. In Ht18 the same line wn~ again provided for except t,lrnt. in descrihing ii, the line was reversed , the desm·iption c01nmen1 \ing at f lowell. Oeorg<! W .. J ewet.t was 01m of the eommissiorw1 ·s rw.m~<li n this net. It seems to hnv1! he«•n a cuse of three times and onf, howevf'J', for the 1·on«l was never built. In 1840 au ad was passed p10vi<li11g for R st.ate. road from l\lilforcl to Howell tmt it was neHr openell. ,vhile the proposerl line failed to touch HowelJ the canal fever whinh swept through this scdion abont . .1 8a7 should be noted in this connection. 'rhe Legislatnl'c appropriated $20,000 for the surveys. 11hree Jines were proposed which touched the county, The one which promised most was t.o (•ommen c,~ at Mt, 7H HlS'l10RY O.F1 HO\V~LL Clemens 011 the Clinton river and rmi to the month of the Kalamazoo river. It m·ossed Crooked lake in this cou11t\·. A branch cu.nal was promoted from Crooked lnke along the Huron river to Dexter, and a compau~· was clmrtereu for its construction. A~ late as 1845 the agitation for these water routes luHl life but they too died in t.he pape1· stages of the enterprise. [11 1843 a rail road project was 8tarteu. lmt far111L·1:- all nloug the line strongly opposed it on the groun1l that it would injure their teaming trude and make it unprofitable for them to keep so many hor~es, thus fon:ing them back to oxen for t.heir fum1 wot·k. Pal't.i!llly a~ au outgrnwth of thi:-- rail road agitn.tio11 there grew up a sentiment for a plank road whic:11 11111teriulizcd the next yeu.r when the Legislatnrt! passed tin act appointing Charles l'. 1 Bush and El.,· Barnard of Livingston county nnd Levi Cook, ,John Bli11dlmry and David Thompson of Wayne Count., · ::is n board of commissioners to solieit stoek to build the "Detroit and Granll Hiver Plank Hoacl.'J (Juite au amount was secured hut no where 11er1.trh e $50,000 wLich the eh' arkr p1'ovi<1e<l for and tlw projeet was f,.!IVCll Up. In 1850 another plank roatl eut.erprise wns sturted. GPorge W, Lee, Josiah Turner, B. \V. Dennis, F. 8. Prevost and Nouh Hamsdcll were appointed commissioners by ant of t.hc Lcgisla.ture, to solicit stock for the building of a plank roud from Howell to l:llS'l'ORY OB' HO\V.ELL Bn.o 11. The nt1 xt .Y. <.~:lJt·. lte ad was amcntleJ ·o'"v mnking- Nathaniel 'l'm·ner m.Hl Harvey'£. Lee 1:0111- missionnrs in plat·.e of B. \V. Dmrnis and ~,. ,J. Pl'cvost. 'l'he ~30,000 requireJ by their charter wa-, W)\'er :-e.cnrcd bnt c11oug1t was raised to mnkP, the promoters sure that it would pull throngh and their company was orga11ized by electillg George \V. Lee, pl'cshlen l, ,Josiah 'l'nrner :,;et~retaryn ull trcasn rer. April 3, 184.8, a company was incorporated witJ1 n 1'.npital stock of one-hnnclred nncl twenty-five thonsa.1111 tlnllar:,:;, to lrnil<l a plank roacl from Detroit to IlcnvdJ, nJso from a point on this road to \Vaterfo1·d, also from some other point ou the line, to .Milfonl. The ,~omp:rny was empowered to increase its stock t.wm1ty· five thonsnncl dollars at some future time, au<l tl1m1 to extc1H1 its main lino from Howell to ''the village of Mid1igan," uow Lansing . A eommission was se- -leded to solicit stoek, us follows: Henry Ledyal'd and A. S. Bugg of Detroit, ;Joseph 1\1. l\Iead of Ply- 111onth, Augustus C. Baldwin of i\lilfor~l, and ,Josiah 'l'nrrn·1· of Howell. By its cJrnrter this company wa:,; cmpower('d "t.o enter npon and take J)osscssion" of the Detroit a11<G.l rnud Ri,·er road. Hon. C. C. 'l'rowhridgeof Detroit, bet•.am.c presidt 1 11t of the compnny ancl Henl'y Ledyard, also of Detroit, secretarv arnl trcasure1·. '.l'he commission made a vigerous 1~anvn:::;s and soon had enough money to warant commencing work. During the year 1850 the plunk was laid to Howell und the great enterprise heHO ea Ille a focL The financi.tl suecess of t.lH' Det-l'oit. awl Howell road was nsrnre<l long before t.he planks we1·c all laid. 'fhis caused the organization of anof lie1· eomp:rny whid1 ~ecured its ineorpol'ution in the :spring of 18GO. Jnmes Seymour, Hinuu H. S111ith, Ephraim B. Danfort .h, George \V. Lee nntl l·'l'edel'ick C. Wltippil\ ,vere the commission to solic'.it sixt.v thousa1Hl dollars of i:::toek. Their com1m11y w:18 :triwn ~he Grand Ili ver road from Lansing lo Howell. They bad raised cHougb to commence work hy that fall and two .rears lnte1·, had the road completed. In t.hese dayli it is hard to grasp the value of su<'.11 a road to the developcment · of all thiE part of Mich- 1g-nu. H opened the way for the hundreds of teams wl1ieh dail.r pUS8C<l over it. 'l'he old st.uges wh.ieh were little more than luml>f't' wagons, gave place to four horse vehicles which 1:arried from twelve to twenty persons eoch. Wheu the planks wol'e out and rotted a:wny tlw eomr,any filled t.lw gaps with gravel whi(•h beeamc more and more substantinl nntil the e:~rl.v '70!-: whe11 public sent.ilnent against the tollgat<·s hpcame so gTeat that evP.ryone eould sc>r.t hat thev were not- to stand much longer. The <.·<1mpn11ir.tso ok off f'l1eir repair forees antl a.llowccl tlw road to 1·nn <lowll grnrl- 11nlly, until the people would ~ta.nd it no longp1· , nt11l in 1881 they ermwtl to t'.Oilf·~'.t toll her·e. 'l'he,r hung ou in other 1mrts of t.he line until some yNu·s inter. Th e old tollgnh- l10t1s1·s were mo,·ed hack and :-old ::. .,:.": · '. .. _-'\:... :·, : ·e ~· EAST WARD SCHOOL AND ATHLETIC FIELD HJS'rORY OJ•' HO\V ~JLL 81 for l'esideuces. Chal'ters of tlrn C\Olllpuni<is provided for gates every five miles. As Howel.l was the end of both roads, each compa11," nrnintnined a gate here~ the om\ just in the eastf'l'll part of town and the other at the brow of the hill ,iu8t. ,vest. of the village. 'rhis arrangement made it i111possihle for anyone to get ill or out of town without paying- the cent pm· mil e they traveled oil t.lint road, fo1· eneh horse they drove . lt. seems a uorni1ml nn1011nt but it, was a big enterpri:;e in t.be early day nn,1 pt1ill n large income on the investment hefo1·e tlie rnili·oad ,~nme here. In this conneetiou it lll:t.V !Jc well tu review the 1·a.il road projects und lleveloplllcnt:. here. A few miles b(~yon<l Brighton is a littlP sdtlement of very old houses and a one-story bri('.k bnildiug. This old town is Km1siugt.011. 111I .he n ~l'Y enrly ,lays it hacl a few aggressive 111c11 wl10 songht to build a city 1.h~re. The brick huil<li11g was 1lwi1· "Wild Unt" bank. It's failure with tlw <~onsequent Josi:; to people a.11t l,rough this seetiou, wnH theil' death blow. fn whatevel' enterprise their names appeared after t.hat, the people tume<l agn.i11st it.. lu l8H7 n rail road was projedetl from Det['()it to Ji,nrmington, t,) Kensington, to Howell, to Byron, t.o Shiawussee village. It is notieable tl11tt the chatter prnvidc<l that the company should not only have the right to propel cars by steam power, but by animals or a combinat, ion of any power they should deei<le upon. Th, \ commission to solicit stock for this enterprise had two . 82 HISTORY OF HOvVELL memLers from Kensingtou who were prominent iu tht• ,vork , a.nd the people refusecl to take hold with them. Even tlrn names of such thoroughly reliahle men as Ely Barnnl'(l of Howell. and others along ti.Jc line who wer~ members of the eommission, did not snftice to g-iv e the people contideuce and ther would not tnke hold. In 184 7, there was another railroad project her<!. (leorge \V. Lee, L. K . Hewett and K F. B,μrt we1·e fl1e Howell po1-t.ion of the committee .,vhich worked it np. The.r create<l quite n sentiment RtHl raised cousiderahle rnoue.v he,·e. Ot.lH.'1· pm tR-of the fow f'uiled to l>riug up t.l1eir port.io11 however and the company !!ever went far enough to e\·•~ll org-,mi,w. -Tune 17, 1864 a meeting was 11eld nt New Hudson i11 response to a sentiment whieh hnc1 long been growi ug, and the Detroit and Howell Huilroad Compau., · wus organized. 1,he board of cliredors elect.ea at t.hat time contained the · rnunes of .Tohn 11. Golloway, E. F. Burt. R. CJ. Rumsey, Joseph H. lVilcox, Eh I3nrnard, \\"illimu MePherson and .Marc11s B. ,vilcox of Howell. '!'he diredors organir.ed by eleeting Thco<lntns 1'. Lyon, president; E. F. Burt, sberctm-.r; ,vmiam l\fr Pherson, treasurer ancl Marcus B. ,vilcox, at.tomey. The cnpihll stock was placed at, $400,000 in shnres of fifty dollars each. Hiram Newman, Isaac \V. Husl1. P. B. Holdridge, Giles Tucker nnd J. lf. Swifr wer~ appointed n commission to secure the stock, '!'hero wm; a unity of purpo~e in Howell nt thnt c1a~· ll.l81'0H.Y 011' HOW ~;LL whidt ~urmounb.; c!vor.,·o bstacle. Led by \Villiam :\fr Pher: ;on who WRfi more., n.ct.iv~ iu t.1w\ "i1ol'tlmt <l 11101'1! l'cacl~· lo s:rn,·ifico his t.ime nud lahn1· tfom probably nnr other, the people went after tJw great projoet t.hey hail nmkrbtktm. A year l11ter ~250,000 hatl het'.B ~nh- :-;ci•ibed, nrnl ju Septmn\Jel', l8u<i, Presiiliml Lyon turnonnce!l that $300,000 h,t.(l l>Mn i;ee.m·e!l. 'L'hi~ w11~ t.h•} smn n!{reecl npon whc•n wot'k should begin. It, rr.q11irctl nnot.lter yt·~u·t o :wcure t.lrn sm·vey;; 1111'1 preliminnry engineering nnd then grn11in2' comnw11<!<~d . Mauy \Yill 1·ememhel' that . clay when t,hfl erow,1 ~11th· Pt·e,l ueal' a low place of i.:-rom\!l uot f1U' f'l'om wh,•1·c\ l.lw water lu.uk at tbc Howell st.ntiou »ow Kf,nn1lta:, Io ~ci\ tlw firt;t di1·t. rnovn for the new rn.ih·ontl. \Vilfo1rn :McPh1.~rs<mw lieele<l the ti ri,;;tl o:1tl; ,Tnnu,~D onelly IJ11· :-;eeon<l n11<.l George Greeunwu.v the tl1il'cl. A nnm\Jp1· uf Uownll p1~oplo followed, 011~ art~r nnother. Tli wit~ a :,;hrntliuk ~nbje('.t fot· talk Hl1~t .Hl.'. MePh 1~1·801J whede<l hi~ load P-ai-it ~1· t.lurn :~~l:Vo thel' of th,~ oltlnr ~1en wl10 t.ried H. . 8ouw stock 1rnb~1:1·ipLionfsa ilc!l to tn1\t1:riali1/.ti hn1 the ~ompany pushecl on with nll the tnl)ner H. 1~oul1l secure. When nbont. $240,000 had heen 11x.pe11,l1•d theil' fnudi:; gflve ont nn<l they wm·e obliged t.o qnit. 'l'hey hAd tHiconrpli!5hecl enough howe\'er to tU8UI'•\ t.1111 lmiJtliug of the roncl n.ml that was \Vllf'lt they Wltlltetl . ln t868 nnother eompu.ny was orgnnize<l to hnihl a railroad from Howell t.o Lcmsing. Howell peoplt'. were b<in<ling all their energies for the Deb·oit ro:111 8:l HISTORY OF HOWEI:,L and ouly n few becnmc financially . intel'e~ted in the IH )W line. .Toreph H. \Yilcox wns ono of its bonr<l of directors howeYer. 'fhc-y i;ecnred most of the frnl1- ehises and rigJ1t of ,var and had accomplished considel'n. hle of thn prelimiuary work when the ot]l('r eompnny was obliged to susp<md its operations. The wOl'k Rccomplished on the Detroit nnd Howell line hnd nlrenuy nttrnchi1i considerable att.£:nt.ion iu lin1111cineli relcs. ,vhen tho company wtts obliged t.o quit, ,Tnme'3F . ,Toyn n<l other Detroit . cn.pitnlisbi .intcl'estcd thcmsdYcs. Lenrniug tlrnt nll the old C'otllpnny w11nted 1qrn !ho co;;~trnction of the rond, fo<\V pn)posecl 1.oe n tel' into bonds to do this if t.bP.o ld conip1111yw ould give them what: they hnc1, nud Uiey eould :dF:o acquir (• the h<il(~in~Ro f tho Lnnsing nnd lfo,n·ll N.,mpuny. Th(;sf' l ('ni:i,: ":er,! accepted. .i\:lr. ,Jo~- :.i nu his 11ssociAlesn t. onc1i organized . 1drnt t.hey eallml the l.>i:truit, Lnnsin/;!' nnu l.nke l\lieliig-nn R. H. Company. anrl took np the work under their eont.rnet.. ~"- newly opened roail from Lansing to lonin was u.lf.:o aequircd by the com1)nny shortly ftfter tl1cy commenccrl opn ·nf ionH. '!'rue to theil' ngrel'mr.nt,s the new comp.Huy w<:nf ,·i~croutily to work nt both en.as of ,the liuc. In .Mny. 1871 the <'astem r.ml Vi'l18 np(.;IJC<l to P.tighton, and three months lat.(·r tl1b whole county turned ont t;o tt g-reot. celehrut.ion nt. Fon·lerville, udclressecl hy Dennis Shields or 11owc1l, wliich ,:elebrate<l the nc1rent ot tlw iron horse in that villnge. Aul?lrnt 22, 187 I l.llf) co JJ 0 2_ en G) JJ l'T1 l'T1 2 I 0 C en l'T1 I 0 l'T1 rr IU...;TOH,YO F HO\\T8f..1L line w·ns formally opened with an exmm~ion trll.iu from Detroit to Keywoo<l five mile:; heyon<l Greenvilln. 'l'Jw Detroit Post. in n~pod,i11g-the trip :-;n.id: ·'At Howell t.lw train wa~ re(·.eive<l with ::;omt~t.Jiingol' an oYn.tion. A ~ix-poun<l cannon hatl been h1·011glit iuto service aU<l tired tl saluh~ :1~ t.he t.l'ain mow<l up to t.he depot, whero were assembled an immense concomsn of peoph~ who t.e~tifit!,l thei1· gratification at the aniv11l of the part., · by d1eers and waving- ot' lum,lkerchief~. LrH1ieH t1isttib:1te<1 boquets. The people are entlmsiastie 0Ye1· l-hc aniYal of the iron horse iu theii· t.owu ant1 thoug-h the asse1111Jlnge H·a~ impromptu, it <.:.leal'ly irnlicatetl lh! joy whieh the.r feel over the eompletion ol' the railrnau for wlii<:11 they hn.v•.' workefl and w1Lited for :-;o many Jou~ yc,u ·s . 'rl1eir enthusin8lll . i:-.;· JHn·do11able. 'l'lie town hns i t popnlstion (>f over hvo t.hon8und, is one of the hand- :-;omest in t.lie state aud next. to Lanfling, probably tlw most i111port11not.n the line of the l'<Hlll." The road like most business project::;, has se011 its ups :uu1 clowns, but has 11carl,va lways Leen a pn.yingproperty. Its name was d1nuged to the Detroit, Lnn- ~ing n11<l Northern, WJt long after it cornmence«l rnunmg. It w1ls aequired · by the Pere M nrqnctfo :-;ystem a few ,venrs ag:), :mu is now · operating nnder that nnme. As far back as 1.86!), Ex-(fovernor Ashley of Toledo, proposed the eonstl'l1c:tion of a railroad throug-h Howell from that city, to the north. His cornpnn.r 86 waa organized in Ann Arbor, Oct. 28 of thut year :,atl abont $20,000 of cA.pital stock was sccm·L·ui n tl1is •~011nty. Right of way wu~ scrmred from Toled() t.o Ann Arbor, bnt us ouly about five per-cer,t. of the amount subscribed nor\h of Lhat plnee, was paid in , t)w roacl left. its ori~inul line nnd rnn to South Lyon which was its northern terminal for ll number of year-:-:. Oov. Ashley was one of those men who never gh·e up howeYcr, and wit.h lii8 sons, Harry and James 1\1. Ashley, kept at the project of extending northward. Tu 1888. their -work wus c1·owned with snecess !!nd th(:\ To let.lo, Ann ~\ rhor and Nort.11 .Michigan H. H. 1\'H~ eomplcted through Howell to Frnnkfort on Lake l\Iich- 1g-:rn. A few years l1tter a Hystcm of lnrg~ transl'1·r ~k:uncn: wns ef:-tnhlii-:he<l ncross Lnke l\lichigun to Menominee, nnd the rond hecanw II lcn<liuJJ t l'llllk li11e to the 11ol'tlnn~sr., nclopti11g as it.s trademark t.lH~ duim that . it. wns tlrn ''Ke,r to l\licliignn .. , Its namt'· lm~ bee11 eh1;11gr.iu! nt1ml1c1·,y f t.imc~ ns its owners hnY«> ( h1111gecblu t for scn :rnl ~-C':n·~p n~t it 11nsb een known ns "'rhe Ann Arbot' Lint'.·· When t:ais road soui::ht to t~rnss the ol<l rourl just south of Howell, they were rduserl the right of wny. 'l'lie triwks wore Jaicl up to the old road·~ right of wa.,· on both sides n nd one ~torn1.,· 8atnrday night, ll lnrce 2ang of men \\'('t·o hro11ght in from the Hout.Ii. liy <ln,rlig·ht Runday morning n hole hacl been dug rmder the old road and their tnwks W<'l"l' nnited. '1'11P next cfay 11n ,-rmecl e:urud was posted ther,, 11n<l bridge wld,,h I \ I I HH3'rOH.Y OF HO\Vl 1}l..iL 87 }rn.d hr .P-n prepflred f(,r t.l1e r,lacc, was put in. Offldnb of the t"1\'0 roa<ls hel<l IL conferonee Sunday evenini,.:- 1tnd seemed to got. togctlHn'. Tho new ,iompan.,· wa~ th1·ow11o ff its gmu·d and witl.1<..lrowit1 ; fmces. garl~· .Mondny morning the work trni n of the Ddroit, l..ian- ~ing and Northem appeurod on I.he se1inc with tt. lond of necessary nul.tcriitl, and lillou tlrn mt!. nndel' tiht> bridge. 'rhen ensued u. :-irio:;i ot1 digging oul. nncl till- . i11e up lRst.ing for r,onie time. A ,•.ornpromi:-rn wailinRllY nfl'o1~tedw hereby t.he new 1·oatlw 1t1- mov<!U t.o 1·h.e west sevet·nl.r otls and ;t . gmde 1•rossin!! with tt , st~- tion whic:b for :,rcm·s wa:; know11 as Howell .lunction, wttH .,;e<mrcd. It i::; w,w known ai,; Ann-Pt:re. A ,·111-y spirit.cu indign1ttio11 meeting of' Howell citi- :1.ens was held 1.t,t the <'.ou1.· thou;-;er lnrin~ Lho q imn·el. •r1u~ lil'st. i'rnin 1101-1".!1 from IHH·•~ carried II pnrt ,y or Howell lrnsinessmeu who pai<l t.wC)c lnllnn, apie1ie ant.l i.;p11ntt l11• afternoo11 in < h~oi-,~o. CHAPTER vn ner,re the W nr 'l'he r Ulltipendout Order of Odd Fellows antedate al I other Hecret orders in Howell, ns their old lodge wns institutctl by N. B. Nye, n. D. G . .M. of Ann Aubor, on September 5th, 1849. Its first otflcers installed wel'c: N. G., ;Josiah 1.'umcr; V. CL, L. K. Howett; 8ecrclary, ;J. U. Dilli111thum; 'l'rcaatu·cr, Lemud Spoo1rnr. 'l'he lodge hnd qttite tt prosperous exi:-itunce tor a m1mbcr of .Yctll 'H, but finnll.r ecascd to exist. Thnt snme ycnr, a digpcnsat.i011 was ~muted frotn the ~rnn<l lougt' by t.l10 JH)Wt~r of whieh the Howell ~laH011icl odge bo~au working. It \vus not eharti?t·ctl 11util January 10. 1850 . Its nnmber is as. rrlw lotl~e hOLm' lrns hecn Rtwecr::sively in the Einmau block wh~re the Hubbell block. now stnncl5, Leo block where 'l'opping block now ~ta.nus, old Grecnnwuy block. W cimeisle1· block. ol<l \Vinnns lJlmik nn<l th1· pl'c~e11t Mn~onie temple. The enl'ly "\\Ton,hipfttl Mm,- ters w,we com;ecntively, Amo::- Adtu11s. Oardncr, \Vlwelc,·, Henry H. Unrmon, Frederick C. vVhipple , ~anlin~ P. Hubbell. F'rnnk "\\;<'II.:S:.t 1xdias P. Hnbhell. Milo L. Gay, ,Joseph T. 'l'ituf;, \Villittm C. Rumsey, .Joseph T. 1.'ihrn, All>e1-t Rid<1lo, Sarclins f1 • Hubbell, Albert Hathawn,v. Snrdiaf- F. Hubbell , \Vul!-f•t· D. Wlwle11, ,John W. \Vrii?ht, . and Rollin l t. Pm·son. ,; ;: I ! i, t ,. ' ., '· .", JUS'l'OHY OF HO\VETJI~ 81) Ihufog :i\fr. lfofJia.wuy's tenn Im mo,·ecl away and Willi11.111L . Kunpp Scnio1· \Vimlon, filled out.the term. 'flw Howell foundry lon~ u11mag·ed by ,John M. 1rntl <:ecwge L. Clark, WAH built in 184!), by Stephen Cll\rk , fo1· the manur~wtm·e of stnYt~~ Rnd n.g>·ien]turttl ,inst · mg,.;. In rn;;n,i t WtH: pnrchnsecl hy GeoL·geu . 'fay]or nn<l Geo1·geL , Clark . Tn\"101s· ohl his int erest to Geo. L. Cltt.rk, ,vho sold a lrnlf to J'olm U. Gn.llowu,y, in hH>.J. 111. S. 'Wykoff m1tl H. B Bln,ckman were t1tkt:m int.A lh<i finn in ]8Ci7, !lllll "\Vi11inm ,vmiamson SOOll aft.cir hnn:ht. :'.fr. Gallown,y'R intermit, the firm ln~cmnlrnown as \Vyk ~,ff, Olnrk: & Co., which it continuecl, until 1874, when it WIIF! t'.]umged t.n \V"ykoff, Clark & lmme.u. l n Dcccml>er, 1.87G, th e '1"'holo plant, \'fhiel, Jiau heeome Ht, t.hnf. time I lie mo:1t. important. manuraetnl'iug ent,~q)l'isc of I hn town, WM, purch1u;ed h." ,Josiah l\I. Clark, who 11'lff·r1n1rds diecl tuul it lftH! th~,1 owneJ by ~r.M . Clark & Co., who di1l a ll'Cnernl iron :rncl woocl mn1111t'ad11nng lmsinn~s. 1'hei1· trn.do in the Hmw~Jl liaud ear bcmune worlcl wicfo, a. lnrge mmt· her hnd11g bce11R hippe,1 to ot.hcl' ,muntries. Their 111nnnfnct.nre of the Howell h1l.niltu· uxel wagon wzt1,; ttli,o quite extensive. l'hey grndnnlly 1·11.n ont. how- <:,·t,1·, and fi11n.llyq uit-. for mrnt of fimmci~s. 'rht~ hnilding- fi we1·e tom 1lown tc) ,~lr.nr f.llll ~qmwe for the < !arnegie Libi·uy. Tlrn Howt:ll grit,t. mill Ht the t'ont of Thompson's l~k~ was 1•ommcneed h,v George \V. aud Fredrick ,J. Lei; in 1849 Rn<l 1.o•mpletecl <lming the follo,vinc y~1t.r. HISTOitY O.F HOWI 1~L.L A few years later George ,v. . Lee became sole owm·r It,~ sold t.o William Willi11wson and it has 1:-iucc uc1·n owned by Zobnlon l\f. Drew, 'l,homns Birkett,, \Vil - liom Y . .Munson and Calvin \Vilcox, 'I1homas Hoylaud , Thomns Hoyland & Sou, and George Hoyland. Thi· present proprietor is A. 0. Hutchins. The mill has 11w1 ayH 1lo1wn . good husines::; nrnl is now ~hipping 1, J:;ngo nmonnt of flour in 11t1ditiou lo Hi:.c-ustom trade. 1111 850 8hubacl B. Slite,· l!ommei11.e•d the <!·1ectio11 or n stcnm saw mill 011 tho sit(; of the prosen t. Ci f.y ~lillL lfo soo11 sold pnrt . of the business to D. D. Chandler ancl Ucol'ge \V'. K11eelnnd who aft urward~ l1c1•ame 8olc OWllt!l'S.. TIH· mill wa~ bur11e<1i u 1851. ThP mill s11w1:d quiLt! nn nmo1111t. of tlw plank for f.lu! t..wo plnnk road:-- when thor Wt!l'1! htiilt. AftN· tb· li1·1\ J ndge K11eda11d bccnuie sol<· prorH'ic1 oi: and 1·1·- liuilt ii. 'I'he l!nginc put , in afl<!t the ti1·1w· as unilt b.,· H. C. allll II. B. Curti:::, aud was the first. olle buil1 i11 Howell. Aike11 Hol!ow11.'·, ,folt11 Hoyt, ~I. H. Axb• II. .J. I. VanDu~eu, 'L'11.vl·o 1& V:m lh1:-;cn an<l V1111- lh1se11& Whipple, we1·es 111·t•1\s:;ivtp• r-opl'ietor:-::. U11- tfor the 111t11rngmnento f t.lw la:;f. fir1u thP mill was rerno< loled into a gri~t. mill, nllll ~oou nft.ei· t.liat drnu~t· lw1:rrn:e thl'. propert .v. of .Latf.lOH & \V1·ight. It: wa ,- afh~1·wnrus pnrehn!"!ed hy P;, C. Wright & Sons who m1Hlt• au a~sig-nmeut iu ,Jul,v, 1.888. The 111ill wa:-: l>1H1.:.-J ! 1t b,r ,lolrn Bit·kluu-t. who rcibuilt it :rnd put i11 11 fnll uut.Ht of new mnehi1w1·y nrnki11g it CHll' oi' t.hc bt>:"t i.11l hi:--~Pct,ion. It. ltns !wen owned b~· l' . .A. Pnrslrnll i I i I I I r I JHSTOHY O.F' J.JO\VBLL ~.: for i,mnt ~·ears pnst. ~ncl is clnin!.(n la1·ge lrn;..;i11e!.i !'..IM l'. P1:m.;lmlll rns continue<l fht1 ~pir·it. of irnp,·ot"cment. si11n1· he bteinue Urn ownei\ anc1 lnl:-l pnt . i11n , l+u·gr. 1.m1 ou11t. of new 11iaehincrr. The~ Phoenix 1"01111dra.vn ti )h1d1iu(i Shnp, At t.h,, ~ont l1· west enrner oJ1D ivii,iou ;1.11<\ Sihlr..,· ~tt·eets, Wtt~ l>uilt hy 1\. \V. Smith & Co. , afti-:r the hmnin~ of t.lu· old ({fl.llcnrny fn1111d1-yin 18ii7. The 1'ono<ll'y mu; r,111·11F0d'1l 1·11m·.v2 2, 1800, fll: a lo~1-1o*f'7 ,200 . B. U. aucl II. H. Um·tie built new Hhop;:; on lh~t. s1mw ~it~ :dh·i· Urn fire. 1'he Curtiscs suM to Floyd S. Wrkoff . llll<l l'lw woJ'ki--were A.ft.crwnrc1~o wnecl by ,lohn H . IJRII OWH,Y, Il1~1ll')' n. Cnrti~ :11111C mt.is &, Son. 'J'h(' hm,i11n~!-.~'.l opped whil <~ th, ~ la~t 11n111l'dl lr111 had ii . 'l'bC\ fii~ t JJow• !ll ~d1ool h11ildi11g-wu.:-: pn1·chnl'ed hy i\l 1·. ( '.inti:,,. n.11111n m·nl to th r :-,:rnth -we..;.t <!Ol'li111· of hi" pl:rnt wJ11·:e.1 iL~ 1,lill f<hwd:-.: Thi' h11ildi11g-:a-r:e now 0Ci :11pi<1,l h~· W ;\. H1u•dic~ot & ~011 '~ ponltry A.nd ,~g~ l 111:'l.lil l~ ~s. lu 18.CG,; in :VI. M. <~la~:w-; ax f'Ol'lll•HI 11(; West , Ho w- 1dl, wit.lt ten member .~. ft; wiul rnninly ~npJ)lied IJ.' pME'f.01·s from Um, rd). It. con1.i nucd wit.Ji 111or·~ 01· l<~i-~: p1·n~perly, nnt ,i1 1865 ; whe11 ii'. Jwmune c:1·ippled hy t.h~ 1unviug- :nn1y of !,e,·crnl of ih, 11H~m~brt:-1, nn<l ri0011 cierl~c<l t:o l'Xi!:!t. Another i\L M. do~~ w:1~ 01·gani:1.(·«l «lnl'ing t,lw pnHl'.omt:eo f ~,<l~N~i< ]\ilp11t1·iek al, How, \ll. bnt ouly ni.u a few rr.ars . .,\ lin11I tl ii~ 1.i111, 1I·ii(· fo11·1 1•,11·11·,r:-:,1;.t.l,i ,·.v \\ ' l'J'I . r.nllf <1, l w ~:111 lo ~:-:~1111J1~ 1o h!i :: lo\\'n. ~ olt :mo11 ~ly lmil( !J2 HISTOHY 01', HOWELL ,·,hat l1as long been tn.llod the Four .l\lilo Honse, on tlw :;rude west of town, emu opened it in 1851. He wnFafterwnnls sucecdcd by 1'lortimer 'l'ow11scn<lv -:ho wa~ followed lir 1.'homu Gilchrhit ·who was landlol'cl for 11 ulrn; ber uf' ycnr8.. 1'he old building still stuuds but Ion~ Bin<·e <:o:rncttl. o he tt hotel. 'fhe ccmetnrie1:10 11 ~ectiorn, f:e\·cut.een and t mmty-two beloug to thh ; pc-riocl,t lrn firHt haYing h('en eilituhlishr:di u l8GO nnd tho other iu 1858 . ..:\s predomily nute<l in this history, t.he <litlld ct tound itself iu t.lrn wiuter of 18:18·49, without 1l sdwol hon~ti, un<l n lo1Jg aud tedious fight c11suo<hl efor(' flnnl loc11tio11o f tht sito ru."Y <H'.(\Upiml by n11r (\ue 1:(:ntral "cli<,ol l,nildin~, wl1id1 WHr-,lone Rf II sel1ool tutnt.i11~ ltel<l 011 Dccl.'rnbe1·1 f,, 18-t8. It Vi'll8 tlieu t·egt.JYed to im·tr·w.:t tlw liourd 111 build 1l 1-eltuol li(lmW :-l8x4~ \'e('t iu ::::ize, 1w o ~t.01·.. , ut n eoi:'t ot' )j;t ,000. 'l'hi~ p\·opos:tion me\ t-ll mud1 opp,)E!it.ionh y citizen!- who iir\lled the p1·opof!:t·dh nildiug n "<;Hf-ltle, ' 1 that am,tlior meeting wns callo1l :ind the size of lilt: 1rni111ing cni dffwn t:o 26x3G feel. 'l'hc huilc1in.i,: wR.,: erectetl durl'iTJt: the eorniug !-l11mmt'r trnd fR11, and ins o(ir:npiell i 11 the winter, '\iVillhnn WU18 bt)iug tl.H:- tlret toiwhet· t l1erc. I u 1tH!'; th,rn n .vcnr it Wl.\S f,mud thnt tlH· hni]din~ ,,..ns t.oo !-lrnnll ,rntl roomH WCt'e nmtc·d i'or ,.:dwnl pul'por.;es, <Jutt,iilc. 'J'hi::;C Qntirn.t~du ntil t85tL \'fJH·n hy Yote of the dist.i·id, aihlitionl! w01·c rn,·u1" to ! he l,nildiug, l1n·gcf' tlinn its orig-innl si:t.l'. Cow<h·:·'f( H i1•01ul ud<litim1 to thr villn.,i:e eml>t·n,·<Hl I 0 11'1 r r G) ;JJ rrnn z I 0 C (I) rn () 0 r rn -i -i C 0 rn l> 2 0 () C C) C :s: co rn ;JJ (I) G) ;JJ 0 z C) I.he ea:lt, hnlf or tht~ nor.t.]Hr-f'Rt. <Jt111rh' ~1<•I' :,;ndi1111 t.hi,·fy-tivc. It eont.aiu ed fol'fy-niu(! ,\ere . .; uem· U,r• Byl'llll .rond. 'rh<.)p lat \VU!:, Jiled h,f !:!Hi 11,l111ini8( .J'fl· l,<n· of ll11•. l'. A. Comlry t'Hlil1rt., O<-,ntht>12· G, 185H. Iu tJ1e very erirl.Yd >1yt1 then ~ \\'Ile an i-l~ri(.1: tltm·H.t ~11- 1:iet.y in tuis county, th,~ Li, ·ini,:·-t..OTI Uount.y .J~i:ri- 1:ultm·Hl Soeiel;y, lmt 1111:~u of th•· nllr l.v pionet'l'H whl)r1t we hu.\·e interTit:wt•cJ, know 1wyt.liing- nh11nt 81rnh 1111 org:miz11t.iou. .:\_ meeiu:: wn,s hdrl at Llw 1:omt honi:!". ·rhm ·,;d,1y .F'ebt ·11:1i)' :H 185:-l, whieli pro,•.ei:1\ccl l'.t, 111·· l,!'tmii,i ,t L,iv i ngst:on U11nu t.r Ag-l'i,:nltnrnl Soci,it,y 1vit1 1 fra ;Jeuuings, of Or ,!t•n Oak, ;u; pr ei:.iident., :'iUtl ,li vi<<~: president from oaeh t:<:,wnship, the ,.me from Howoll boing Odell ~T. Smith. \Vm. A. Bnddu,n,l wnt-: trca1mret· and Elijnh F'. Bnrt, secrd.ary. 'l'he firi't J'nfr wns held u.t such town 11s would r11,i;e;t! th e mi):-t money to defrav cxpcuscH, and by t;hose lt!rmH weut h, Brighton. 'fh ucxt nicct.ing was lv~lcl PH I.be old pnhlic square in IIowuH, thi:- t.,rn·ti8hip h11ving-pledt,reil $200 toward expenses. For. rt few years it rotntt !~1 l•nek and forth from Brighf:on t,o How~ll, but in 1860 the society purchased gronntfa east of tho old t.oll ~ato, in Howell, aud t:he llrKt fair held upon t.h, society's own grounds wa~ in ffoptember, 1860. When the Ann Arb,)r J'Ailrofl<l wos completed i11 l.888, it 1·an between the bnil<lings nod rn,oo track, t.hn.-: ~poiling the olcl fair grnuuds for fair purposes. TJa~ aseocia.tion wns awntded quite heavy dnmng~s from t.be railroad c.ompnny and ChArlcs Fishbeck bonght · !J4 HISTORY O:F1 HOWELL Urn groun<]f.l. New grounds were purcht\8Nl ou tbillyron rotld just ontaid~ the villa.ge limitr.; tm<l 11ew 1,uildin~R wcro erected tl1ere. The fair continued a11- 11u ully there for six c,1· eii:ht years and rau out. Some yeu1-s 11\ter, .Mt~Pl1erson Brot.her8 took th~ ?:tount18 on 11 mm-ti;ur,:P. \Yilliam nud :M. ~.I. McPlinr- ~011 sold their interests to Alexand~r, and he sol<l th ... ~ri.. t11ndst o \V. W. Crittenden. fo 1898, Howoll bu~ineF-rnieu organized fm(l 1iclJ 11. ~lt f'.et fllir·, n lc,uling fc1thu·e of wl1ich was rt ltHfo:~ iluml pnr1ttlc. Mi8R Nellie Brooks Wl\8 elected (j\l(.'l)ll. ·L w' o yeori ll\ter, Miss Julio Dongclict. ffll8 queen. A third wns two y(•ar~ latur. 'rbe lttHor 1"i'Ni8 much of I !1(· till niYhl (>lll(-J', HJ1(l l1n1:1l :<•(·ll fr,ll(YWCh'<yl I\ tm·- n.intl tJ.}' ,vix:0111H rm~. The Lh-in~ston Ht•puh1icnn wnf:.1.:- ti1rt.t!d hy H. und L. i\l. Smit.li, Apf'il ~7th, l!";j()_ 'J1b£,·it sucu(!~H \\'1\!- ;,,,4.1me\'\·lomft .t he np Hn<l d1)1/\'tt 111·der for- about fvnr ,)'NU'S ut. t11t> 1•u(l o{' \thiel1 it w11~ <.;()]1flidembly( )l) tlw 1lc1,v1:1,: ru<l1:. t.ieoq~e W. Lee wn~ t11en incluee<l t1i 1.11ktl wlrl of il 1111dw ith his hrothe1· U'rcd Lee nnd ~1'\-tH·nol ther~. tb~Ptl np ll sort ot' f<tock eomi,aoy t\t'- nt11~emcnt. wl1ie]1g nn· tl1e pnbli1.mtio11u good t\ucw- 1·i11llm eking ·. 0f'ol'ge. L. ~tt~e l,ecl\m~ Uw e,litnl' 1~t 1lt1ll. lime. Gt><.)rg\e\' . L,•t gr1uhrnUy hony:ht out tl1~ \Jtkrcst ot tlw (ltl11)rn u111lh .,· l8G~, l11Hlt he vaper well ,·iAulJlii:;htd. H wns llwn i:-ol<tlo JrmWf\ BffWCNi. 1Yho 1·dited it. m,t.il he clit·<l h.1 18(W. Afte1· )fr. How0ri:1' do:ith, the p~.pl'\r ,,..,.~r ;ol<l 1:o A. D. WR,<1<1•a1n1d l. HISTOltY Of~ HO\V RLL 0. Smitli. .Mr. Smit.h bought his partner's iutere~I in 1868. He aftcrw:trdt3 took Fmnk H. Marsh as partner I\Uu later succei:;~ivel~G· eorge \V. Axtell, Solomon 1'. Lyon and K H. Vanderhoef. In 1877. ~mith & Vrmdc1·boofs old tho pn.pel' to L. C. Miller. After somo years he sol<l to It D. and Orriu Shlit· . In 1889, St.uir Brothers solu the Ucpublicnn t" <Jeorge Barnes whu hns lulcly fi!lsociute<lh is son Al· hnrt with him in the publication. In all its fo;t. <>f' ,~ditors nn<l pnblisbers, Republicnus oe thi~ eo1111t..,· hn,ve been fortnn~to in hnviug at t:lw henc1 of t.lwil' cmunt..Y0 1·gan, men of fenrlc8s clrnmete, ·, l.t·ue tu tlwir pnrty prinei1Jles, :mcl good "·11tcm~. It wn:; while he was editing tho H.1~publi<m.11 ttmt-. K 0. Stair wrote "'frixio, " whieh lw ~0011 after st11gccl, and which at once lJcea.nw a popular· hit ,: laying th,~ l'onndution for the handsome fc>t·tu,w which bo hors ncquil·ecl hy n long rnn of' snecc8~ in the t.Juint.1·ic1tl \\"OJ'ld. '£he uvolution whid1 hns d(i\-'r}loperl :,Orne of onr 1,res(•nt. bnsinesi;; ho118('8 fot·ms int1.,rc/4.itng ports of Howell's hi~tory. Tak<! i\lo111·~0 1BroUuirs for uxm11- plc. In 184:fl, Get,rge \V . urnl .F'retl .J. Leo st,u-tnd a gc1wm.l stofo in tho old \~Thip 11le hlock: on tho situ M Monroe Brothel's' 1we~cnt ~tor~. 'r,~oy enrs lnter-, George ,v. Lee built-. Uw first brick slol'e in Howell, ;i two story buildin!.( which · stoocl on the ground whm,: .Johnson's drug slol'e iR no~. and their store wni,; moved into it.. In 18f>2, 'li,rcd ~T. L~e sold out. t-0 hii-: ~)6 HISTORY 0~' HO,V]U,li brothel' and built a new store t.ho .next door weilt. The brotlu.•rs miitcd a for third stol'y over h<,(11s ftmil'-, wbich WfiB rented to the Masons fol' a. lodge roow. ,\i:: sooll :ts hi:; 1ww store wus complet.tid. F'red .I . Lee formed a iuutncl'sbip with Lemmi1l Spooner ancl tl11·,\·o pcn1:d II new stor«' thet·1·. Aftc~r a fErw yeal'~. they sold their busim•ss to B. B, Tnylo1·, ,Tho, lat!:"r sold nn intet ·t·~t. to Fobe~ Crossman. William B . •f twett alr;o nequil'ell ,m iuten•,,;t. there for tl 1:iuw. 1-kc,rgc \V. Ll:e flnnlly bona;ht t.hiE firm out., when \fr. Toylor went to Califol'llin . Jfo <:nt an t1rchwR~- h1•t.wec11th e t."'o st.orc8 and rim them together for .,orne font•. WIH:n Mt. Loe twerwrn qua1'te:rmast~1·i 1-1 1111'. nrrn,r. ht! 1ort. his lmsiuei:;R in ,.:hR.rgc of .i:\)F)Xtmdt1r .\lcPhn·~on , who }rnd betH a eh.!rk there f.,1·1 St•m•· 1 iuw . Mr. .M.cPlH11·so11 bou~lit :m intrro~1 il\ tlw :-1·oni nhoul thllt time. Henry II. l\IiJls fotmcd ,m ucqnaiutnnct~ rrith M.iE. .-.; lt111bollMe cPherson, in (·olleg·c. They ~f:rr. m~niNl in 185~. and lived nenr Kalumrtzoo fo1· ftbont thre t· .Ylrnn. They came to Howell in 1857 and Mr. Milb ho2nn elerkin~ for ·willittm McPherson. Soon after Ahixnnder McPber~on bought a~ interest in tue husi · 11es$M r. Mills hou/Jht. the L'eBto f Mr. Lee's inte1·es~s. 'l'hl"ir Htock wns movP1l into th<' weHt store. Loandor ( !. Smith t'ent.otl Uw t\nrner Htore and ui.cd t.lrn ,vest ~id<· for tho 1,ost ofl11•1\ the ei.u1t.s ide being rented to 11l11c1l·) RrtiH;. .\bout. ft rear la.ter, Mr. MillR bought his p:utuer'i':' i l HISTORY (}F1 HO\VELL !l'i. interest.8 :tnd conclneterl Uw husini;s;, alone for ~omf' yNirs wlien be ,1ssocinte<l hi:-; ~ou wit.Ji hirn. The firm of H. H. Mills & Sou \'\,'FIS 1t lenlling on,, her~ fOI" many yenrs. William i\lill!I \'-tntt. to ~ropoka, Kan~as. iu the ln.tf' '70d, and Ju.id the foundution for wht1t. hnr: clcweloped into the lurge:;t ge1wral stnro in t.hnt- dt.y. His fnthor fo1lowed him 11 few )·ears lat,~r. ln 1882, ~fr. Mills e;nl<lt .hc hmiiness to two enterprising roung men, who wcrC1 clerking for him 1\t t.lrnt time, Dwight D. Mom·M an,1 '\Vil! ,J. Cn.rl. A new fhm wns orgttuized uncfoi· the 11nnrn of i\fouro1:, Carl & Co., Mr. M.iJls rnmn.iuing in tht' 1.msinr.~:-; 1u; n liruiterl partuer t.o the nmount . of his i11,tcre~..t which was pnrclrnsed by t.ho young men nftcr the hig Hrn <>f 1888, which dost.ro:yecl the two old ~tore bnilclin~~- ~,or a fow months after the fire the firm clid husiuc~m; in tho Operu. House block. 'l'h1 ! \' made a kasc for tht.i new Greena.wuy block a...s; oou ns er·mplPtc1l, nnd hnve heen on thnt site since. About tho time of tho ~ccon<l big iirc in 1892, Gr.o. L . .Monl'Oo honght .i\fr. Cnrl'i:. intcrc~;t· in the firm. 'xnd that gen1fonrnn went into bus~nci~~ nt-. MnskAgon ITe ights. In 1901, the general st.ock was clo~ed out, 1m<l the firm have since dealt solely in sh()e,; and wall paper. Politics were very warm in Howell in the '50:s. \:Vhen Prof. F. W. Munson wns employed to superintend the schools here in 185G, there wa3 quite a qm~Bt. ion whether the bonrd would ~mploy anyone b11t a HISrrOH.Y OF HOWJ~LL <lt•mocrat. Prof. l\Iu11su11h atl uot ye!: gmduated whcu he came here, nnd went back tu Ypsiluuti fol' t.hnt pnrpose in Juue. The subject of his ornlion was '' Locks nud Keys.' 1 After cliscnssing vnriou~ locks nncl keys in other couutrics, Mr. 1'Inuson snid: · • Uut we need not go to foreign countries In our own south loud t.hr.re a1·e nearly four million humnu beings, who send fol'lh the cry, 'Unlock, unlock."' A Detroit Free Press reporter complimented Mr. Munson on his oration, but criticiscu tlmt. sentence. 'rhe pnpers reacht~d Howell, ~efore Mr. l\lllnson return rd, ancl were the co11seo f quite n warm welcome whr)n lie stcppc<l from the stnge lH·1·e. n~ wns el1arged wil'h making n l>lnck abolition f::peeeh, nnd somo people wanted hii:n t.nmcd ont of school for doing so . A good ~tory is toi<l hy severn.l men who WlJt·e little boys in the latter pnrt. of Prof. Munscin 's school work - here. frank 'Whipple ha<l been guilty of something which promised him n whipping, nnd was Rlrnt up in Mr. Munson's office. Sf~ver::tll ittle boys from one of the lower rooms, were ont to play. Hn1ry \\7ilbur l'Un nenr enough for the prisoner to cull to him and rtsk him to get him ont, before Mr. l\lm1sc•n got. back. A hasty consnltnt .ion wns l1<!]d. One little boy k1rnw where there was & ln<l<ln·,f onr or five blocks away, anc1 they went after ii'.. So cnreful wm·e thev that t.lrnt.c arried the ladder wny i\l'Otmd another block, so as 11ot to pilf:S the windows of their owu room, or b let t.heii· tenehr.r ~c<' HR ):hadoYr, n::. f:h0y raised it. H1S'l10HY OF HO\VELL [19 1"1':lllk Whipple got out nil l'ight, ::i.nctlh e ladder waipnt b11ck. So well <lid the boys work it, thnt no tc·nehcl' conld learn how t.11(~ escRpc was made aud I.hey never knew until long years nftet·, when tlw little boys wern men, ancl ol<l school dny~ wern tnlkod over. Ono duy in 1854-, 11 young colored man alighted from the stage at the old Union Hotel. His barber :,_ ehair was on toμ of the stage nncl he snitl be was going through to L:msiug, to start a lmrber shop. Sentiment . n good ways from the colored rs\cc, and itt t.he prei:;ence of an escaped slave, was two cliITcrcn1 things . George Wilbur coaxed the young man t.1, unload his chair unu go to work in his bar room . .H e did so, and by geuial ways, courtesy nnd strict honesty, made ll host of friends here. 'tihis first col - ored man, Abraham Losoford, paved the way for r.hut cordial sentiment to,vard his rnce, which hns always made them welcomo in Howell. He Ih·ed her,: to a good old age. Another colored man wns hern for n. few months before l\Ir, Losoford came but . he remained for so sho1-t it time thnt t.o· Mr. Losoford belon~s tbe title of Howell's first colored man. As previously notecl in this history the Livingston Courier suspended publication in 1857. 'l'he ofiie,~ was in a demornlizecl conclition, much of the type pied, .rnd generally run down. During the summer the material was purchased by Joseph 'l'. Titus, then n 100 HIS'J.10RYO F HOWELL :'Oung mun recently moved here from Jackson where lie had been running the Jackson Patriot, On th<' !ifth of August, 1857, he issued the first number of tbc· Livingston Democrat, then u six-columned folio, but :lfterward enlarged. His first office was in the second slol'y of the building now occupied by the Livingston Tidings, which had nlso hecm the office of the Livingsttrn Courier. Mr. Titus was a man of ability as n ·writer and his paper soon became one of the leadinrt: :1dvocates of his putty in this section. He ussociated his son John P. Titus, with him in the publication, :-;ome years afterward, and they continuPd us owner:-; until February 7, 1890, when they foiled in business. Leading Democrats of the county at once furmed n stock company and purchased the office. John Ryau · who was just retiring frum the county clerk's office, wns placed in charge und l\Ir. 'ritus was given employ_ ment on the paper. A few yeurs Jatcr he went to Toledo to live with his claui;htcr Mrs. James Wiugwith whom ha went to California ti, few years ago. Shortly after .assuming the manngcmeut of the Democrat ?\fr. Rynn 1mrchasecl the stock held by otho1· 111omberso f the company and has been the sole owner J'or seycral yeare pnst. Unuer his management the Demo<!rat has maintained its high stan<lal'd ns a, coun· tv newspaper n.nd rtn ardent oclvocnte of the party. A meeting was hold in the Uongregutionul church, ou the twelrth of December, 1857, to organize nu l~piscopa.l ehnNk Among t.hf•FAp resent were Hev . FACTORY OF MICHIGAN CONDENSED MILK Co. HISTORY OF HOWELL 101 Henry Bttnwell, Abel F. Butterfield, Joseph 'r. 'ritui:;. fl, U. Briggs, George Greenaway, George R. Hoyt , \Villiam A. Clark nnc1 .M. Lahouter. 'l'hc church took t;ho name of '' All Saints ( ·Jmrch of the town of Howoll." Rev. Henry Banwell was its first rector. Ifo wns follo,ved by Rev. George 0. Blackman who resigned Apr·il 17, 1865. Rev. Albert C. Lewis betame rector in iu 1866 and continued as long as the church existed, ,vliich wns until 1868, when the orguni:mt.io11 was changed. Pnrt of tho time this church was in (•xistence its services wc1·eh eld in the Congreg11t.ion11l drnrch nnd part of the time iu tho court house. ~rhe cha11ging of the orl!nnization referred to mu;; I be formation of St. John's Episcopal church which was effected on Tnasday, April 14, 1868. The ul'ticles were signed by Milo L. Gay, Joseph 'l'. 'fitus, Mark .J. Staley, L. D. ~mith, Silas Beardsley and Albert C. Lewis, pastor, and were filed in the county clerk's office the following day. This church practically cer\.z3ed to exist after a short time, largely becnusc some of its most active members moved away. In 1878, the cburch.lrnviug been strcngthene<l br two or three active men, principally by Waller ll. I3rown who had moved to Howell nnd engaged in the drug and book business, the Board of Missions of th•.\ Enstern Diocese of Michigan, sent Rev. R. H. Denni,., here as pastor, and St. John's church was revived. Services were held in the court houi:e until their church was erectecl. The plan was for quite an imposing 102 HISTORY OF HOWEI~L Htructnre to front on Sibley street, with a chapel which should unite in an L and front on \Valnut street. The chapel wns erected first .and no more has ever been «lone nbout the building.' The removal of Mr. Browu again crippled tho church antl it has never been as. prosperous as could be desired. It is now connected with Brighton nod l:Inmburg as on() parish, of whicl1 Liev. Harvey Kerstetter of Brighton, is rector. 'fhc tlrst building bumed in Howell township, WUf: the housu of :Mielm.el Brcuocr, situated on Section 25. This fire occul'l'ed in 1840. '.l'he first fit·e which inflietetl severe loss upoll tlw dllago, occurred in the evening of l\fondny, Sept. 28 . I 857, nnd swept the Ba~le Hotel, tho first building r·reetcd on the origirn:tl plat of the village in 1835, nnd 11c11rlyth e entire line of lmildings 011 the South side ,,f Grnnd River St1·,)d., het,\vecn Walnut and Eusl Streets. 'l'he account. nf thi!:1f lro, given by the Dcm- 1)crnt in its next issu~. wa8 118 follmvs: ·' A destructivti fire brnk(· out in this vil111ge at. about seven o'clock Mondnr evening. It commenced i11 Uw 'livery barn,· nenr Huntley's Engle Hotel. whid1 was soon wrnppeu in tfames. The wind wiw blowing stronglv .frnrn thii w,rt.hwest . .Mr. Hnn~~y·~ hnrn tnught next, thc11 lii!-i hold, then Bnlcom's SH· loon, then 'rreadwell's ~aloon, tltHl then the 'Old Stur;{i House.' All of t.h1i:-1 :tbuildings were consum<id h,v the flames, in nbout. one hour a11<Ilt half, in spito of tlrn dfo1'ts of the eitiz(~11s. 'fhe pro~ress of the firo I I. HISTORY O.D1 HOWELL 103 ciould not ha.w 1,er:n tu-rr~t:,~d here, had t.hey not pulled <low.n the tour smu!l hnilding~ t.hut. Rtoo<1 nr, t.ho rnf!.t part. of thr. i'nmr• blnd, . Owin(( to t.he hi~h ,dnd~, there witti grel\t ilnr.~cr of n lnrgc porti,m of Urn village heiugo 1.wopt Hwny. The burning c:indon, )!Ct fire t.o builllingi,; n•·nl'ly h;1\f' 11 mile clislnnl, ~1hich ,·rnreh appily ('xt.in~·t1i!-hJ1<l. Nenl'ly nll the h11Hinr·stl men on the sontl, si<l~o! f Oninif River Street., 11,sf n down n.s Vnn,lcrhoof' Hotel, rrnwved their r,ropr.rty into the stre1~!;,w hich nffotdNl a fine opport.nnity fm· t,l,ioviug, nnd thiR t111~ll ti,.•\"i'~e mployed. No on~ ean 11c1~on: nftor the origin of t.h~ flrc. 'l'hr· heoviest. loss (H~cm·r-; l:o 1\fr, llm,tley, who lost hi..: HII. His loss i~ esi;imnt.ecl ut. $;3 000. Balcom's saloon m.~ ,vorth nbout. $300, .foflge Kncelnnd's hnildingo ~lion! 'f;SOO,a nd t.lrn four ~mall hnihlings pullecl ,lown wr·rr· worth nbout. $1000. 'i'hc bn.rn wherP-the fin ~ origi - nated wng owned by ~lr. Orcen, of Dettoit.; lni,;sn honl 0i200. '!'here W;lS no in~lll'fl,ll('() onn ny of Uw huilcl · ings. l\fot;t of tho personal p:·operty wns savc1l mncl1 nf it in a. d11mn2"c<l i;:tatr. from the rnshnr.f.l~o f t.he men." Tho winter of ISf,:J-5.4: wn!I n very hard one he1·c. .: .A .t one time t.he snow went above the record of jni::.t ten years beforo that dufo, which, too, was nn ext. rc.nely hnrd winter. It wns n trifle over twenty- :-!even inches deep upon t.he level, probnbly the deep · est ever known here. .A.ll t.hc hay which hnd been cut, was usod np long hPforc spriug, nncl the ~d.U<·r~ J.04 HISTORY OF HOWELL were obliged t,o maintain t.hcir stock hy brow~iAg·. thnt is, by chopping trees, and allowing the stock to be fed upon their tops. '!'he writer rct1H1 mlwr~ hearing his fatht'r often tell of chopping n tree ever.r day, all through the lnt.ter pnrt of the wint.cr, and of how hungry tlu~ poor stock beeame in spite of the bm;t he could do for them. vn,cn 1hey henrcl u tree b(·gi11 to tall they ,vould rush for it und sevcrnl formerri lwd stock killed'in that wn~'. 'l'he last day he cut browsl" my father's best cow rnn under the fnlliug tree urnl was killed. One dl\y nlon~ in the spring, lw wn~ some distance from home when Im· fonnd a good sized lock of hur which someone hnd lost from n loud. n~ gathered it up carefully and cnnit!<l it ove1· three mile.-, to give his stock a taste of hoy. Nor did people fare much better t.hnn their stock. The gPneral need for pl'Ovisions hecnme so strong bPfore the harvest of 1854 thnt a eitizrm:' commilfr( · was org«nized with Henr~ ' Smith, father o! tlrn pres - ent Howell po8tmaster, a~ chai1·mu.u. This co1urnittc1· made a viirorous canvas of tho whole township, a~ then or&?anized, iuclndiug Cohoctuh. Samuel Bush'~ wheat, on what is now the Peavy farm, was 1kciLled to be the rfpest, and he was told to har\'est it. or , tlw committee would. Mr. Bush rcnclily cons~nted, 1rnd his wheat was eoon in tlw Hogue mill, from wlit·t·1· flour was dealt out. on a mt.ion lrnsis t.o the huugr., · peoplo. Whenever the liquut' clement. gels lo 1·u1111111g I . I I I i J 't I I I I I I I HIS'fOltY OF HOWJ.JLL 105 things all its owu way, a rnl\ctiou sets m and some· thiug is sure to follow. Such n condition was cxper · ience<l in Howell in 1855. In March of t.lrnt yen1·, rtbont. thirty leading In.die,~ of tho town bocnmc eo excited over the unrestrictecl 1-mlo of liquor, that tlrny took the matter into thcil' OWll hnnds. Mnrchin,: to t.110s aloon of Samuel Balcom, they proceeded to !'.1Inlt!h bottles ancl cnilks, until no liq nor remainotl. Long drawn out litigation followed, 11nd Mr. Balcom finally seJured a verdifJt f(l1· $5!0 sg;1inst several (If t.he leading women. Only n pnrt of it WllK ever col· lectell. The moral effect wns to st.iffcn the backbone of those in anthorit.v, nu«l 1·~sult:e,l in a much bctJ.cr enforcement of h1w. One of Bcujumitw Spring's retorts about t:his t.inH• is still told by our oldest residents. A mnn diecl wlw hnd long been one of hi:".s!p eciul frieuds. Ais the fn· neral proccl'.lsiou wn~ pM~ing his bu l'Oom, Mr. Spring aud ot.hei·~ stoo1l watching it, when Oll1'3o J' them noticed t.hat: he wus erying. Upon ro.llying him about it, Spring replied: '' [ tell you boys, this iti ~l pretty solemn occ11.sion. Jt,'!!i the first timelin a lonu while when he ha~ gon(\ hr withont 8t.oppin~ to takt: 1t drink." 'l'he first. fight in thiie township, which resulted ~eriously, occnrr,~tl in Octobcl', 185G, when Hcnl'y Hollis is alleged tn h~vo 8truek Gecr~e Ohcl't ,,·it.11 tt 11ock-yoke. Ohert liv<~llb ut it fow dBys and Holliii was arrc8t.ccl, chnr(!ed with murder. 'rho jury disR· 106 HISTORY OF' llOWE[,L ~reed ttUcl Hollis was released OU bonds. He was oever brought to trial again. On Jnly 20, 1857, John Lagrnuge, 'Yhilo intoximtteid, picked fuss with Sanford S. Mooro, and was !dlled ·during the quarrol. Moore plead solf-defense ii.nrl the coroner's jury so 1ound. Howell was represented at. L~nsiug, quite early in it!! histoty. In 1850 Georgf, \V. Kneeland was rep· r,15;ontutive from thi~ dist.rid. C!rnrlcs A. ,vilber ·mu; electod to that position in 18G5. Or Lite pby111iciansw ho settlod hiire in this decade, f>r. Henry J. Rumsey began prnetic ii: : in 1853. He lti;,d Leen in mercantile bmdn0ss Lfrn fvr a ~hort time -previomL Ile <lied hno in 1858. Dr. HcJbert C. Hutton comnn .~i:c'.ed pr1:1ctico bore rn 18~7. In hiH latter yearR ho n10<.0 E'd to Detroit. Dr. Hoary N. :3ponccr who <:H-llH: to · .F,owlcrville iu 1853, gl'r~dually extended hil4 practice to Howell, an<l ruov~d Lere in 1869, he lH~ving be~n elected judie qf pl'(1bato in 1868. AftE;r his torm of office he con · >.1i111cctol practice iu How,~ll. Henry H. Humou stutlil,d law in the office of !l<:.wd.t Brntl.iore while tcnchin~ in the Howell schools, ttwl wail udmittcd to prnd.ic·~ in 18{9. He held tht c,illceH of circuit court commissioner, prosecutin~~ at.- :,oruer i\tHl probl\te judftl:l. ffo bccnmeone of llO\nll'Er 11:m<linl~r~ wyet·!a nd coutiui1ed eo until bis death. Of hiw;h 11101·ttl idens;, be did urnctJ t@wartl t.he est&blish- Utent of thnt sontiruent whieh so Ion~ prevl\iled }u'lre, ·( .. HIS'l'ORY ()fl'' UO'WELL 107 the tl'ial of' ca~es 111)()11 ilteir merit:-: ,·at.her t11a11h ,v friek~ an<l subterfuge~ . .M ylo L. Utty ,rn!I a stnclent. ·wit11 Ji'. C. Whipple ;Hid ll'llH admitted in 18;):1. He rn11i11t:11i1uf~llld otlii ie i11 tl1e l'ooms now ocm1pi<'•l h)· Tiu~ Lh ·i11gsron 'l'iclin~ s for a nnml.rnr of yt\ars, lrnt. tnrns11etttl :l gcw~ral loa11ing a11d real estate businNJ8 mmc tlin11 n Jaw hm;- rncss. He engugecl in h1111\::i11agt. l~owlt•1·villt\ for a. \rnml>er· of years. Int.he early :.">Os.,M arm1s B. Wileox 111oevd h<;r1~ from Pinckue.L Ifr scrvccl us pni:,W<'.nling at101·1w~' for t.wo terms. '3nrclias F. Hnl,htll ,ms the first. J1nv ~trn1e11. tin tl1is connty, in the otJfoe of \Vellin~t.on A. <Howr, in 1~40 :rnd 1841. He ymwticcd iu Oaklnud 1:onnty nl,ont . fourteen ycnrs, :nu] ret.urnerl hr.re iu 185-!. J!P. ~erYerl RH eirenit ,~onrt; commissiou, \r 1111tthl l'ee te1·mi-: ns proseeuti11g af.b>rney. He lrn<l a larg e lt-gnl prn<it. ir.e here until his <leat.h. Audrev.· n. \Va<ldell, who live,1 here with hi8 pu- ~nt.:s in n nry early <lny, rt4nrne<l wit.h hii:1 family lo New York, ftfter the death of his fat.h(•t· iu 1~5!i. After a year in the oflice of John n. l>illinghnm, he was 1tdrnitted to Jmictice, He servc'1 two te1·1111u circuit court commissioner 1111dt wo term~ as vrMecntinr attorney. A leader in his profes@ion ancl u a. citizen or this _commnnit .y, his <leut.h was tn<•Urnt<l a¼lil a pnblie calamity. Another early ltrn·yer wns J eromc 'furn er, i;on nf 108 H.lWl'ORY 01' HOWJ!lLL Judge 'l'urner, who vru~ admitted to practic~ in 1857. He only practieed her~ a few years when he moved to Corunna . I 1 j . i I I ' I I I I I l I i 0 :0 < m z m l> :0 -l :r 0 1J (/) 0 z (/) r l> "m :t 0 m r- r 3: C) :r CHAPl.' Ell VIII m,wdl in th<:,W nr 'l'ho arrival of the stnge on the evening of April 14, 1861, will never be forgotten by many in Howell. 'l'hc dark cloud, which lrnd hung so heavily upon om national horizon, lrnd·bm·~t, and Sumpter had fnllen. 'rhe new~ came like n thundcrb<)lt to this vieinit.y. Old me1 .1 burst into tears, nncl m;rny were the homes where sleop fnilecl to enter thnt night. Among the earliest to go to his plac~ of hm,in<'s8 the next morning, was Joseph 'r. 'ritul'i, who wfts soon joined · by l?rnnk Mursb, then a typo on the Livingston Democrat. At Marsh'! suggestion, a flag waR borrowed and the first to fling the stn.rs nnd ~tripes to the breeze in Howell, after th£> fall of Ft. Sumptm·, wn~ .Mr. Titus, who raised it over his office, then in thti ·wooden building, now ocJupied by the, Livingston 'ridings nnd Hopper's insuranc(~ office, on Gran<l River St., opposite the Con rt. Honse. The flag Wlls soon joined by many more, and when President Lincoln's enll foi.· se\·enty-five ·thousnncl men arrived in Howell on the 15 of April, it created the wildest excitement. A very larce and enthusiastic "Union l\'Iass Meeting" wns held at the court house, · April 80. The court house, proving too small. the meetin~ wn.s adjourned to the public square, "•here two h,md~ 110 HISTORY OF HOWELL played nntional airs, and speeches were ma<lo by sev- 1~rncl itizens. A set of resolutions were adopted, of which the followinr wns tho lnst: "Resolved: That we devote ns an ohlution and willing sacrifice upon tho alter of our common country, all political party prejudices nnd an11nos1- ties, and by obliterating all party distinctions, to nnite Ui patriotic American citizens in defe•1ce of t}w perpet.uity and prosperity of the American Uniou ; :ind to such 3, line of conduct we cledicntc unrsclves , and ple<lge our lives, om · fortunes, nucl om· sucred honor to the cause of our country, and to the maintt~- 11auce of the Constitution nnd Union bequenthecl to u~ ns u precious heritnf!C of freedom, hy our heroi<'. :rncestors.'' The state had no money with which to equip soldierr; and n popular loun wns iuaug-nt·ukd. George \\T. Let· t:umishe<l $500 townrd t.his fn11d nn<l nceepted a position in the qunrtcrmnstcr's <kpartmeut. 'l'wo compnnies were soon in the field. One raised by Cnpt .. John Gillnly , became Compnny I of the li'iftlt ;\{ichigan lufontry, and its history will be uot.ed with that re~iment.. 'fhe othnr wns rnised by T. .i.e ut. .fas . .\h1lloy, und became pntt of Uompany K of tl.w fourth Iufant.ry, and we1·c the first in t.he Held of Howell soldiers. 'rlrn nnmes of Howell llll ' ll in thi~ c:ompauy were: Second Lieut. ~Jas. .Mulloy. 8ergt, -fonathan S. Shnrp, Sergt,, Edgnr Nobh·, Henry B0ot.l,1by,B . 0 . Dcnuuiug, ,Julius D. Smith. Willi1rn1 - 111 Bennett., D. ,\. Wilson, Cn.lvi11 ,vileox, Stephen H. F1ishh,~ek, .John Dorn, ..\ m erim1"'r rott.en, Ira Bolt ,rncl C1iles Donely. 'i'he~e m~·n, with quite a uu111ber of others trorn this county. m1tking in nil nbont half a company. mnrehetl a w11y rm111 U owdl. .May 21, 18(>1, amid !ht: wildest. (1xcitement.. ,\I; De.:der they were nnited with men from th :1t, Rn :tio11, to make n eompnuy, aJ11l proceeded to re11tli·;1,vo11a~t . A1ldnn, and ,June 2, l86J . were mustere,l iu, th e rcg-iruent numbering 1025 officer;; nnd men. };1ive days lntei·, they left AclriA·n, autl moved by the wat of 'rol,1 <lo ,nul Ulevcland, t.o Hur - risburi,:, P:i., ,vhne thny 1·en111inedn util ,July l, ?:hen I.hey moved to \Vn~hington, where they were ,ume,1 with Springticl<l rnnslwtP!. They 11elped to build the dcifencm; arouud Wnshington , fot· a short time but were ~oon trnmife1 l'ed into Vir(!iniR, n.ncl 11ome of them took part in tht· fil'st hatUe of Bull Run, tlw lf'onl'th being amoug t.he few t cgi1nents who snccccdcci in rttiring in goo<i order from that field. '!1he pol'- tion of the compnuy, not in Bnll Run fight, were stationed at Fairfax Court Honse, under commnncl of IJieut. Mlllloy, who resigned his commis!lion imme · cliately thereafter, nntl his company never saw hint again. It will be remembered that this company had enlisted under the firilt ciall for three month!, bnt when they were mustered, the term of 11ervicc was for three years, but 110 medical examination was mndt> nntil nfter the first bnt.tle of Rull Run. The result of 11~ IIISTORY ;.OP HO-WELL thig examination wns the discharge of 8. 0. Demm iug and Americus Totten, for disnbili ty, a.nd they wlwe soon followcc.1l> yH enry Boothby and U. A. \Vi~- r,ou, for the smne cause. Calvin \Vilcox, who wns in the l•,nil'fax Court House di vision of the com puny, w::ls tak,~n sick soou nft:e1·th e battle, nnd with Julius Smith and ,Tobn Dom were Roon nfteL· taken with typhoid fever and nlter tp1·rnsi n the ho~pital, were uiscl,arged, Smith weighiug- le!sl~tl urn 100 JH)utHlf!i, on liis arrivnl home . Dorn died in a, New York hrn.,pital. This left .J. S. Sharpe, Wm. Be1111dl, Edgal' Noble, Ira Uolt, ·. Gile:~ Donelly :ind Ste:pheu 0. Visbl>cck :L, thr, only Howell 1111!mbcros f the 1:omp1my. They ;:;pent the winter of (i 1· G2 in ca111p nf; l\1i11c1·Hs ill, Vn., and duri11~ t-111· 11exf, yeur, went ·wit.It :.lr;Clcll1111 to Y01·ktow11 a11d tlwuec up the peninsula. 011 this campaign Slmrpn -.,·11csa ptured nud the t.nlc of his ~uffering is told a111itlt he horrors of life nrnl death in 1Hiile1·sville pr1so11. Giles Donelly Wai,\ transferred to the in valid •·orps. \Vhen Capt. Dr.Puy of Ann Arbor, wa~ killecl iu the battle of Gaines .Mill, Hephen .J?ishbeck :SllW him full, and secured his sword :mc1 other thing!-, ,rn<l hn<l them sent home to bis wife, who has · them 111:,w. From the peninsula, the l'e~iment. wont nortl, witbJhc nrmy of the Potomac, nnd took prnt i11 tlw secuud battle of Bull Run and Antietam. After that . hntt.le, Stephen 11'ishlrnck wns transferred to the -U. S. t;uu boat Uludiulns, and ,vm. Bmrnett to th£· -:· \ HIS'l'OUY OF HOVIELL 113 t'ourth IL I. Battery, leaving B<lgnr Noble l\nd lr~i Holt, tl.10o nly Rowell Sl1ldiers with the Fourth Miclligau Infantry. Their next experience, was a rnarnl1 t.hrongh the muil nnd snow of Virginia, in December. 1862, and taking part in the Battle of Fredcl'icksburg. \\'here Holt was wounded n111.sl' Jon after clischa.rgcd. 'l'hen eame n Jong nncl lirnsomo march to Gettysburg. Tho F'ourth took part in the pursuit of tho enemy, nncl f\pent tho following ·winter in camp at Belton. Cnmp was broken, April 30, 186-1, nnu l\fay :'>, 6 antl 7 saw Mr, Noble with bis 1·rgimcnt 1 in the I3uttle of th1: Wildcmess, nnd throug ·h the dnys thnt followed in that long urawn out eouflict. Our Howell soldier re· ceived a wound in th~ leg, which laid him up for n Lime. 'l'he regimeut'8 time expired June l!J, 18(H. Of the regiment ·who culistE:d, only 223 were t.hcn muster€d out, and "129 of these re-enlisted as veterans, l\lr. Nou~e being- among them. Nearly · 200 of th<: original regiment hnc1 been killed or died of wounds. 'l'he new regiment opened its cnreer by taking part i11 the battle of Decature, Aln. The rest of its service wa~ principally guurd and picket duty, but in the hol !:!Un wns very hard on the men. Mr. NoblA hRs the distinction of being the only Howell soldier, nnd with Mr. Cnrprntor of Pettybville. t;he onl~· ones from this connty, who enlisted on th('. first call, served all through the war un<l returne,1 home. The seconcl body of men to go out from Howell O.>; 114 HISTORY OF HOWELL · above stated, became a part of Company I of the Fifth Michiga11 Volnntcor Infantry. It was credited to Brighton but was kuowu as Livingston Company. Its Capt.nin was John Gillnly of Brighton; First Lieutentant, Hudson B. Blackman, of Howell and Second Lieutenant Charles H. Dennison. Lieut. Dennison who was in command of an acl rnnce picket line near Alexandria, was the first membct· of the company to he hit ln- the enemy. He was wot nded through his heaJ. rrhe regiment wa~ in camp at Ft. Wayne, near Detroil, for senral months, perfecting its organi;. i;ation and drill. A gn·ut many people believed that it would nenr go tc, the front hnt the disaster nt Bull Hun ehnng-e1l that idea and on Sept. 11, 18Gl, it left fot· Ceveland 011 the steamer " 0 ::ean:" From there they we11t by mil t.o \,V:,.shingtotL Tu the regimental organi;.i;ation Lieut. Blackman bec-ame quartermaster iu which position he served during the war and ,vas brevetted Major 011 his discharge, Nov. 3, 186G. During its stay at l!,t. \Vayne the regiment made ma11y changes in its membership, several leaving to join other orgauizutions or to come home, and a good many enlisting there. ,vhen it left for the front ithad the following Howell soldiers in Company I: Sgt. ,T. Ashley Pond, Corp. John V. Gilbert, Corp. Willi:: nn Pullen, Privates Alexander C. Wil(iox, Lyman A. Wilson, Geor£e \V. \Veils, Emerson Soule, Alva \V. Scofield, Milton Bitcheock, Henry C. Goodrich, HISTORY OF HOWELL 115 .Merritt Ji\ Pullen and Albert Peckens besi<les many from various towns of this county, among whom were Ueorge Dudley and E. C. \Vright, who were residents of Howell for many years. When the regiment was mustered into service Lewis C. Tupper was in the hofpital at Detroit, from where he was not able to be released until F\~bruary, l8G2. He left at once for the fron l nnd was muste1·ed as soon as he arrived, February 24. He was taken prisoner October :27, 1864, but was returned to the regiment April HJ, 1865. Although participatiug in a uumber of slight skirmish es the Fifth did not get into battle until it reached Williamsburg, on Ma:v G, 18G2, when it was in Gen. Beny's third brigade of ( leu. Kearney's division which reached the battl e ground about the middle of the afternoon, and was iu the hottest of the fight from that time until dark, closing the dny with a heroic charge which showed the splendid fighting qualities for which it was afterwards noted. The regiment went into this fight about GOO strong of whom it lost IG3 in killed and wounded. Among the killed were Sgt. Ashley Pond, Alb ert Peckens and Merritt F. Pullen of Howell. John Gilbert was wounded. He was the first wounded soldier to arrive home in Howell. After about two years of recruiting health he enlisted in in the Sixth Michigan Cavalry with which he served to the end of the war. 116 HISTORY OF HOWELL · To follow the history of the Fifth would be to go with the army of the Potomac in all its trial~ and and final triumphs. On Dec. 13, 1862; Lt. Col. Gillu!y who left this county as captain of company I. yeilded up his life, while cheerin~ the regiment on. Maf"Blackman ~ecured his body and brought it home fo1· lmrial. Lyman A. \Yilsou wag wounded in J1'1y 18G2, and was lost to the record.; from that time forward . .Alex11nd~r C. \Vilcox found the soldier's life too strenuous. He was discharged for disability at Alexandria, in December. 1862. George Wells was sick Aurust 7, 1861, and there is no record o( what became of him. Emerson Sowle was discharged for disability at Fortress -1\Iomoe, Va .. Ma.v 1, 1862, after a term in the hospital. Milton H itcheock was taken sick early iu 1862 and <lied at Alexandria, Va., F,eb. 2 of that year. Henry C. Goocfrieh eame home sick in the ·sprinf! of 1862. When the spriug of l8G3 opened with its nPw commander. Geu. Hooker, the Fifth moved up the . Hap pahaunock. During that year the regiment made a nmnber of forced marches the most wonderful record being on July 2 when it moved ten miles in thl':H.-\ hours, reaching the Gettysburg battle ground at. 4 p. m. An hour lat~r it had lost 10;, men. By the followiu~ winter the regiment was so reduced in mun\ HIS'l'ORY OF HOWELL 117 l>ers tha.t it ,vas tet11rnetl to Micl1igan, ftrrivin,: in Detroit on ,January 4. The men were given a veteran furlough with their friends at home. When it was determined that the regiment wns coming home Andrew D. Waddell, Solemon 'f. Lyon and Fred E. Angell weht to work for recrnits. -rro e11- list then meant mort- than at any other time during the war. The reality of nil that awful strife wa~ upon them, but new men were secnrt.'d. Messrs. Waddeil and Angel were commissioned lientennnts of Company I. Lieut. \Vaddell's health would not stand the strain upon it and he was obliged to resign and come home after four months l!5ervice. Lieut. Angell only stood up under the strain a few months longer than his comratle in office. .Mr. Lyon l>er.arne second lieutenant of Company E, and was soon after promoted to first lieutenant of Company B, of which he l>ecame eaptain September 15, 1864, whern he served until the clo::e nl the war. Because of the shatteL"eu condition all along the lineR it was tbo~1ght l>e,;;;tth at the new mrn should be divided among the various companies instead of forming one new company as several had expected when they enlisted. Of the Howell men who enlisted at that time: Wm . N. Saunders was disdrnrge<l Dec, JO, l 863. \Vm. H. Scriver <lied c,f disease at Brady Statton, Va . , March, 2!, 1864:. Edwin H. Smith was w01.rnded at Hatch .rs Run, Va., ll8 HISTORY 0.1!,H OWELL Oct. 27, 1864. He was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Va., Fcu, 26, l86fi, and is supposecl to have died · at Uiehmon<l. Joseph Pruden Jr. was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, .May 6, 1864. David Robinson was wounded at the battle of the WiJderness, i\lay G, 1864, and was taken prisoner Oct. '.!.7, of that year. He was returned to the regiment May 17, 186G. George Newton died of disea!e at Baltimore, Md., Nov. 21, 1864, and is buried in the government cemetery the1·e. Geo, Pennell died of disease at York, Pa .• Aug. 9, 1864. Silas M. Perry was wounded in May, 1864. Jr:rnme G. Phillips was wounded May 6, 18G~. Thomas G, l\fan· was wounded and taken prisoner in May, 18G4, nnd died at Anersonville, where his rernnius lie in grave No. 2HiG in the government cemeJ tcl'V. Abraham Neely was killed at Petersburg, Va., in ,I uly,18G4. Uharles L. Neely was wounded Oct. 27, 1864, and died of disease in Washington, inJnly of the following year. John Hiluerbraut wa>.1w ounued l\iay, G 1864, and died of disea8e at Alexandria, Va .. Jun. 5, 18Gfi. Howard E. Glover wa3 wounded at Ha tchen Run, Va ., March 27, 186!3. He was sent to Harper Hos- I HISTORY OF HOWELL 11!) pital where he was dischareed two months later. Christopher Haynes was -killed in the battle of the \Vilderness, May 5, 1864. Charles Culver was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, from the effects of which he was discharged at York, Pa., June 27, 1865. Phila Curtis was killed at the battle of the \Vilderncss, May 5, 1864. Wm. H. Cnrtis died of disease .at \Vashingtoll, D. C .., April 22, 1864, Isaac Felter was killed in the battltt of the \Vilflerness, May 7, 1864. George W. Cooper was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May ·5, 1864. Wm. Cooper Sr. was wounded and tnken prisoner at Petersburg, Va., Oct. 27, 1SG.J-. He wtts returned to the regiment May 17, 186G. Wm .. Cooper Jr. was woull(leu Oct. 27, 1864. Cyrus L. Carpenter was ,vonnded .May G, 1864 und discharged at Pt. Lookout, l\ld., June 5, 1865. Sidney C. It. Carpenter was wounded May G, 18G4- an<l again on Oet. 27 of tlrnt year when he was taken prisoner. He was retnmed to the regiment April 22, 1865 and sent to a hospital .at Columbus. 0., where he was discharged on May 27. \Vm. G. Clayton was <liseharge<l at Philadelphia, Pa., ,June 9, 186G. ,James Canfield was wounded ut the battle of the Wilderness May 6, 18€4, anJ died at.Alexandria, where 120 HISTORY OF HOWELL he is buried in the government cemetary. Andrew J. Carl died in a hospital in New York, Aug. 24, 18G4, fron1 ,voun<ls at Petersqurg, Va. He was Luried in grave No. 143G of the National Cerneterr at Brooklyn, N. Y. Henry Carl was discharged at Washington, D. C . Nov. !J, 18G4, becanse of wounds received in the batt. le of the Wihlerness. Noah Boothby was wounded May 5, 18G4 and transfered to the Veteran Relief Corps eight months later. He was discharged at \Yashington, July 20, 18G5, Elias R. Brockway was wounded in the battle of the vVilderness, May G, 1864, and taken prisoner at Hatcher's Run, Va., Oct. 27, 18G4. He escaped Marci~ JG, lSGG but was so badly broken clown when he readied the regim~nt that he was sent to Washington where he was dischargell in June following. George Bronner was wounded l\1ay 12, 1864. G-eorge W. Axtell was wounded through his month and neck nt Hatcher's Run, Va., Oct. 27, 1864: and discharged .May 13. 1865. George Barnard was wounc1ed and missing May 13, 18G4. \Vm. J. Barrett was wounded .May 5, 1864. Frederick Zeiti was wounded May 13, 1864. Andrew J. \Vhitaker was wounded May 13, 1864. Wm. L. vVhitehed was taken prisoner :May 12, 1862 and lost to the records at that time. Ezra Whitaker was wounded May 5, 1864. I •/ i I I I I HISTORY O~., HOWELL 121 Edw ,in \Vare was taken prisoner June 22, 1864 and returned to the regiment in ,January fol!owing. John Wehner was wounded l\lay 5, 1864. Orin J, Wells was discharged Jan. 26, 1864. Henry Pate, Charles Hilderl>rant, Samuel P. Lord, Marion Hart, Wm. Brooks, Asa \Vilrnn, and Andrew J. Allen were the only oues who escaped 'without heing wounded or taken prisoners. February 10, 1864 the reorganized Fifth regiment · left Detroit, to return to the Army of the Potomac~. By the fifth of the following June the Fifth wa~ so badly cut to pieces with the hard fighting it ha<l undergone, that the Third Michignn which was also ; reduced to a mere skeleton, was merg ed with it. 1'be next years _record shows 54G killed, wounded nn<l m1ssrng. It was in the hottest of the lust days of fighting and took its place in that never-t,-,. bP--fogotten grand review in \Vashington . ,June 10. 1865 the Fifth lelt the vicinity of WasLington moving toward homP-. By .July 4, it had reached Jeffersonville, Ind. Where it was mustered out. On ,July 17th it arrived in Detroit where the men were paid off and discharged. The Ninth Michigan Infantry was raised iu the latter part of the summer and early autumn of 1861. It also rendezvoued at l!'t. WaynP., Detroit. William W. Duffield was its Colonel but was to have been promoted to Brigadier General about the mi<.ldle of the following summer. A ·severe w<mnd .prevented thii:; 12~ HISTORY O.B1 HOWELL arnl ~oon aftet· c:ompelletl him to resign. John G. Parkhurst its Lieutenant Colonel, was promoted to the command. The l'e!!imPnt moved from J<,t. Wayne, Oct .. 26, 1861 and was the first Michigan regiment to join the Western Divh,ion. An epidemic of mPasles broke out t!tat. fall and sent a large pet· cent. of the regiment to the hospital. On ,July 13, 1862 five companies of this regiment i·hich were encamped in a g1;ove near i\Infreesl.H>ro, 1'enn .. were suddenly attacked by l•'orest's rebel cavalry in force fully ten to one of the str ength of the Ninth. Col. Parkhurst and his brave rnen, although :::urprisnl in the ouslought, witheld the (•1u•my in sneh a way tliat Gen. Forest withdrew all(l went o\·er about two miles where he easily captured the 1'hir<l Minnesota regim ent and a battery of nrtillny which ,vere sent to the rear .. A single company of the Ninth whid1 had been ~tationed at the eomt house iu l\infreesboro, held Gen. Forest fot· two hours before they su1Tendered. Het.uming in the afternoon Gen . .F1 orest suc,~eoded, nfter another hal'd fight, in captnring the five <iompanies whic·h had driven him off in the morning. The rebel commancler recognized the valor of hi~ pri~on(•rs b~· issuing an order that all members of the Ninth should be mounted. 'fhis was easily done ::>n the hor ses they had emptied of their riders during the fight.. On the other hand the Minnesota troops, in(dnding the Colonel and slMff, were compelled to HISTORY OF HO,VELL 12:-3 rnarel1, when the column started for the rear. During the confusion after the surren<lcr, several members of th,~ Ninth sncc·ee<lP(iln escaping. No l'Gport could be mnde of them by their offic·ers and their names found their way to the <lescrters' ,~olumns. BeliE<ving that the Niuth would nc,·e1· be reorganized some of them at once joined other regiments ai1d did good service. ·rhey have had the trouble of securing the proofs to clear official records neverthcles~. Many of the enlisted men were soon aft.er parolled and 1n time the offieers were exchanged. When Col. Parkhurst was exchanged in December, 18G2, he set about reorganiziog his regiment. <; e11. Thomas issued nn order espP.cially eonnnending the regirneut for its heroism in the fight at l\lnfree;.;horo, and ap- . pointing Ud. Pa,·khnrst ns his provo officer. The Ninth theh became the i1rovo gnnl'll of U1!11. Thomas' division and continued so until the close of the war. 'fhere are many duties which devolve npon the nrovo. Among others it takes a posit.inn i11 tlie rear during battle, and drives those who wonld rn11 hack into the fight . In the di~d1arge or this duty there is often call for cool bravery. Its men must hold · their heads when the whole army are panie f-t.ricken. If the provo breaks in a crisis, nll is Jost. 'f hc history of Gen. 'fnomas' division shows that he made no mistake in selecting the .Ni 11th fart.his important place. In more than one occasion they held the army t0 business a-nd tnrned a panic into n (:harge, 124 HISTORY O.F1 HOWELL lndiviclual historf of Howell men with the Ninth is as follows. Charles P. Lake, enlisted Oct. lG, 1861, re-enlisteu De(~. 7, 1860 at Chattanooga, Tenn. Appointed corporal Dec . ,, 1860, sargeant, Oct. 2U, 1864. l\Insterecl out at Nashville, Tenn,, Sept. 15, 1865. Henry LaHowe, enlisted Feb. 12, 1864. joinecl regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., 1!,eb. 2U, 1864. Dischargecl for disability at Nash ville, Tenn., Aug, 10, 1865. ,Tames P. LaBowe, enlisted Feb. 27, 1864, l\1nstered out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. lG, 186G. Jerome G. Bncklai1d enlisted as corporal, SPp t ~3, 18Gl. Diecl of disease at Tullahoma, Tenn., Aug . 2G, 1862. Lyman Carl enlist.eel Oct. 1, 1861. Died of disease . at l\Iufreesboro, rrenn., Jan, 16, 1863. Henry L. Lake enlisted Oct. 16, 1861, re-enlist t~d Dee. 7, 1863. Paroll ed'and sent to Camp Chase, 0 ., Jul~· 13, 1862, corporal. Discharged at J aekson, Mich,, Sept. 28, 186G. Andrew J. Allen enlisted. Oct. 24, 1861. Siek in hospital at West Point, Ky., in January, 1862. \Vm. E. Bennett enlisted Oct. 1, 1861. Re-enlisted Dec. 7, 1863. l\lnstered out at Nashville, Tenn, Sept. ·rn, 1865. Winton B. Brooks enlisted. Oct. 9, 1861, l'e-enlistecl Dec. 7. 1863. l\lustered out at Nashville, 1'enu, Sept. lG, 1865. HISTORY OF HOWELL · 125 .John H. Mills enlisted Oct. :,, I861. Ou <lntv with Eleventh Infantry from Dec. 28, 1863, to i\Iarch 24, 186-!. Discharged at Atlanta, Gn., Od. 14-, 18G4. Henry I\Ins&on enlisted Sept. 2u, I8Gl. Parolleu .July 13, 1862. 3ent to Camp Chase, 0., Jan. 18ua. On dnty with Eleventh Infantry from Dec, 28, 1863 to March 24, 1864. Discharged at Atlanta, Ga., Oet. 14. 1864 . .J ames Reed enlisted Feb. 1, 1864. ,Joined rngiment March 4. 1864. ~lnstcreu ont at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 15, 186G. Everett Sargent, e!:listeu. Oet. 7, 18GJ. Wom, <lecl in acti,,n July 13, 1862. Regimental color bearer from .Jnly, 1863, to Dec. 1863. Appointed s1!rgeant O'!t. 15, 1864; first sargeaut Oct. 15, 1864. Disd1argcd to accept promotion, Dec. 31, 1864. Commissioned Second Lientenaut, Nov. 24, 1864. .Mustered out at Nashville, •renn., Sept. lG, 1865. Chauncey Shearer enlisted Oct. 3, 1861. Mnsterecl Oct. 15, 1861. No fnrther record. Barnard B. Smith enlisted Oct. 24, 1861. P,n·olle<l and sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, ,July 13, 1862. Diseharged by order of vVar Department, Gardner E. Smith enliste<l Oct. 5, 1861. Died of disease at .i\:Iufreesboro, Tenn ., June. 1862. Bnried in grave :ijo. 249G in National Cemetary at l\Infreeshoro. Reuben C. Smith enlisted Oet. 7, 1861. Died of disease at West Point, Ky., Nov. 30, 1861. 126 HISTORY OF HOWELL Vernon 0. Smith enlisted 0Jt. 5, 1861. Discharged for disability at Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 27, 1862. After the battle of Mufreesboro joined the Fourth Michii? an Uavalry. George Stafford enlisted as corporal Sept. 27, 1861. Re-enlisted Dec . T, 1863. Appointed sargeant Dec. 7, 18~3. .l\lustered out at Nashville, T{'nn., Sept. 15, 1865 . .E zra Whitaker enlisted Sept. 25, 1861. Joseph Duffy enlisted S€pt. 30, 1861. Dieu of disease at West Point, Ky., Od . 28, 1861. The ~.,ifteenth Michigan was raised and organized in the fall of lSGl, br Col. ,L M. Oliver. Its rendezvou was at Monroe. Ou .March 27, 1862, it left for the front ancl went rigltt . into action at Pittsburg Landing where its initiation saw thirty -three officers and men killed, sixty·fonr wounded nnd severi ; missmg. Most of the work of thi3 ragiment was in Mississippi and Alabama until F~bnrnry, 1864, when it was sent home on a veteran fnrl1111gh. 'rhe greater portion of the men re-cnlisteu and we11t.w ith Gen. Sherman marching through Heorgia and to the sea. It was the fate of t.lii s regiment at least four ~im es to hold the position ot great.est danger and importance in battles an<l each time it proved true to the selections made by its commanding offieers, for these positions of trm-t and honor. It was returned to Detroit in August., 18G5 ftnd mnstBred out ~ept . l of that year. I HISTORY OF HO\VELL 127 Howell men with the Fifteenth were as follows Edward Allen enlisted March 17, l8G2. Re-enlisted Feb. 2, 18G4 at Scottsborn, Ala. Wounded in action at Atl1rnta, Ga., ,July 22, 1SG4. Mustered out at Little Rock, A1·k., Ang. J2, 18G2. Elisha F. Allen drafted Ap:il -1, 1865. Deserted at Louisville, Ky., June 3, 186!>. Samuel Axtell enlisted Dec. :n, 18Gl. Died April '.!4-,1 862, Butritd at Sprini:; Grove 1\Prnetery, Cincin- 1rntti, Ohio. Hora(:e E. Barbour enlistctl Dre. G, 1861. Sargeant. Wounded in action at Corriuth, l\liss., Dec. 18G2. Dischar~ed on sur~eon's certifieale of «1i~ability. at Ht.. Louis, Mo., .Jan. rn. J8G:J. Nelson Beardsley enlisted Dec. rn, 1861. Killed in action at Corinth, Mis:; , Od. 3, 1862. Andrew J. Bishop enlisted a:c; Sc,1011d Lieutenant Company B, at organization, Dec. fi, 1861. Commissioned _l1lirstL ieutenant. Oct. 1862, Actinl? Adjutant, Oct 1864. Acting Regimental Qnartermaster, Nov. and· Dec. 1864. Commissioned Captain, Jan. 12, 1864. Dis,:harge<l at expiration of term of enli~tment, Jan. 28,1865. Spencer Bowen enlisted Jan. 4, 1862. Deserted at Pittsburg L:mding, Tenn., April, 1865. William P. Briggs enli~ted Dec. 9, 1861. Died of disease in Howell, July 18, 1862. Charles Brockway enlisted as corporal, Dec. 9, 1861 Died of disease at .Jdrerson BRrracks, Mo., May 15, 128 HISTOiiY OF HOWELL · 1862. Buried in National Cemetary at Jefferson Barracks. Elias E. Brockway enlisted as drummer, Dee. H, 1861. Re-enlisteu ~,eb. 15, 1864, Mustered out at Little Hock, Al'k., .Aug. 1~, 1865 . . George F. Brockway enlisted Dee. 9, 1861. Uecnlisted Feb. 15, 186-1. Mustered out u.t Little Rock, Ark. Aug. 13, 1865. Isaac tJountrymau enlisted Nov. 6. 1861. Wound - ed in action at Shiloh, Tenn., April 6, 1862. Diseharged for disability, Aug. U), 1862. J.ohn DaniAls enlisted Nov. 17, 1861. Re-enlisted Feb. 2, 1864. Corporal. Mustered ont Rt Little Roc~k, Ark., Aug lB, 186G. Marcellus Dickinson enlisted from Handy, Dec. 7, 1861 discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability at Uoriuth, Miss., J nne 1~, 1862. After re(!aining his health he re-enlisted in the Nint.h and served there unlil the elose of the war. He has sin<:e lived in Howell Albert G. Dorrance drafted April 4, 1865. Mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Ang. 13; 1865. William Dorrance drafted April 4, 1865. Mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Ang. 13, 1865. Daniel A. Ellingwood substitute for Wm. l\lcPherson drafted May 21, 1865. l\f nstered out at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 13, 1865. George W. Fox substitute for Charles B. Damon drafted Feb, 13, 1863. dargeant March 16, 1865. Mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 13, 1865. :c 0 IT1 rr- 0 1l IT1 :,:, l> :c 0 C (/) r~ ) HISTORY. OF HOWELL 129 Uo1·nelius C. Helms enlisted Dec. 9, 1861. Diseharged on surgeon's certificate of disability at Chewalla, Ttmn., Aug. 9, 1862. Henry U. Helms substitute for William 8tewart drafted Feb. 10, 1865. Uorpural . Aug. 30, 1865 . Mustered out at Little Roek, Ark., Aug 13, 1865 . .J erome D. Helms substitute for John Hubbard drafted Feh. 10, 1863. .Mustered out at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 13, 1865. Nicholas ,J. Holt dratted April 4, 1865. Mm;tered out at Little Rock., ·Aug. 13, 1865. Leonard Hook drafted April 4, 1865. Charles H . Lonsbery enlisted Jan. 25, 1862. Dis- '!harged on surgeon's certifieate for disability at Chewalla, Tenn., Aufl. 3, 1862. Clark Lcunsbery enlii:;ted Jan. 25, 1862. Missing in action at Petetsburg Landing, Tenn., April 6, 1862. William B. Pixles enlisted .Jan. 12, 1862. Discharged on surgeon's ctrtificate for disability at Chewalla, Tenn., Aug. 9, 1862. George W, Place drafted Anril 4. 186f>. Deserted at Lom;ville, Ky., June 21. ]86f>. Silas S. Richmond drafted April 4, 1865. Deserted at Lousville, Ky., June 21, 186G. Theodore R. Staley drafted April 4, ] 865. DiRliharged at Alexandria, Va., July 3, 1865. Theodore Washburn enlisted March al, 1864. Killed in action at Atlanta, Oa .. July 28, 1864 . .J acob Zely enlisted Dec, 5, 1861. Died of disease at Monterey. Miss., May 8, 1862. 1:!0 HIS'l'ORY OF HOWELL Hec:miting for t.he 'rwenty-second Infirntry ,~01J1 rne11et:"dJu ly 15, lS62. 'l1wo months latel' it was 111iu,- tered into service, tlw men coming from Livingston, Onklaud, l\fa,cornb, St. Clair, Lapee1' and SauilHl'. <:cnmties which tl1en ,mrnr,osed the fifth congressional di~t.rid. Ex-Oo\'. Moses Wisner bec::me it~ -first Colo11el aad served faithfnll.r int.hat po::;ition until hi~ c1( 0 at.h from typlwi<l frvn, .fan. 4. 186:3, at LP.xington, Ky . Col. Ez;1·aC . Batton fut 111:rny years 1·t<:vgnized lendP.r in s1Jldicl' ,~ird e::; i11 Huwell, was captain of Company A, enli::-Uilg-from Farmington. Col. Hem·y 8. Ueau who was in commarnl <luri11gsome of its hnn.11: ~:L ~:nvi<:l', <:11li:e:<-:1tf rom (h·t:en Oak, ns eaptain o( Co111r,any H. 011 leaving .Michil!a11 t:IH: 'l'wenty-seconJ wui:: ~eut to Kentucky. As soo11 ni; it. reached firhting gTonnd Uol. \Visncr ordcrE'cl it oilt t.o the front some distnme iu the lead of ot,b~~r reg ·irn ent :::a: lready thc1·t~, .wd prnposed tc>m ove right Oil tu Riel11nond if the rest would only follo,Y. An ord erly soon presented the compliments of the co111matH1i11g general and Uol. Wi:mer narrowly e~capcd a 1·01ll't 1nartial for .1 f~tart ia hi::- ~oldier eareer. lts brave commander did not live to see much of t.l1e htv·cl fightini:r before the boys in blue marched on to Richmond, but the Twenty-second had its full share. Its loss on the second day at 81iicamauga was :372 out of the 584 officers and men who went into HISTOR.Y OF HOWELL un t.hat fight. It was the work of the 'fweuty -s,~cond in this fight which made the foundation for that beautiful poem "The Ro1ik of Chit!amauga." With cartridges all gone thP- 'l'w~nty-8ec1md kept on fighting. 'rhey made two charges with fi~d hayonets but empty guns, which will go down iu history . All their acting fieid officers went down and the littl1 1, rcnrnant remaining that night, was commanded by a eaptain. The Twenty-s ecnud ,va...;d;e tail,~d to the work of e11- gineers and medrnni<:~ for some time, and for month~ served with th~ Ni,nth aR rese1·v(~ hl'igad<' to the am1~- of the Cumberland, able of the time. doing provo dnt~, com,i<lerlt. participatP-<1 in the a<lvan<~e or. Atlanta. It wai,, ~et·ving at Nashville, Tenn,, when the orde1·s eame to muster ont on .J nme 2G, 18(i;,. 'l'he 1rnxt clay it lf'.f't for home . Howell men with tbe Twenty-::;eeon,l wen-\ as follows: Lewis Brown, enlisted as sPcoud lieutenant, ,Jul.r al, 1862. Promoted t.o first lientena11t. ,Ja11. r,, 186H, and to captain, April 1, l!J65. .M1rnterflcl out ,Jnne 26, 1865. David Hiscott. enlisted Aug. 14, 18u2. Died Od. J 1, 1863, at Chattanooga, 'l'eun., from wouuds tt· eeived at battle of Qhieamauga. Corporal. ,Jan. 5, 1863. Buried in National Cemetery at Chattanooga, grave No . 1,107. Peter A. Rorahaeher enlii,ted from Cohodah. Aug. 20,1862. Mustered out ,Jan. 26, 1865. Hns lived in Howell for several years past . 132 HISTORY OF HOWELL Mark H. Smock enlisted Aug. 14, J 862, Corporal. Mustered out June 26, 1865, George Bush enlisted Aug. 14; 1962. Mustered out ,Tune 26, 1875. ,John G. Ferguson enlisted as corporal, Aug. :,, 18G2, from Unadilla. Discharged for disability at Louisville, Ky., May 8, 1863. Lived in Howell until his death in 1902. Norton M. Monroe enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Dis- . charged at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 8, 1863, on account of wounds received at battle of Chicamauga. Lemuel D. Polly enlisted as waggoner, Aug. 12, 1862. Deserted at ~now's Pond, Ky., Sept. 16, 1862. li'1reeman Rorabacher enlisted as corporal, Aug. 15, 1862, from Lyons. Discharged at Detroit, June, 26, 1865. Has resided iu Howell for a number of years. Nearly every township in this county had men in the 'l'wenty-second. many of them enlisting at Howell but as far as we can learn, the above were the only Howell men in that organization. In the latter part of ,July 1862 John U. Culver of Hamburg. afterwards Captain, with one or two others, commenced the work of recruiting a companv to join the Twenty-second. When tbev reached Pontiac they found that regiment all filled and after some deliberation, proceeded to Jackson where they became Company E of the Twenty-sixth. Another company of this regiment was recruited in the south part of this county. The regiment 900 strong, left Jackson HISTORY OF HOWELL 133 011 December 13, 1862. Its first real duty was about four months service as provo guaril in the vicinity of Washington. May 26 of the following year the regiment saw its first fighting at Suffolk, Va., but it stood its gror.nd li.ke veterans and repelled a strong charge. Capt. Culver received a wonnd in this his first fight, from which he died a few days later. Shortly after this the Twenty-sixth was again in luck in being assigned to the duty of c;uelling the draft riots in New York. When they arrived there however they were made a reserve force and the faet of their presence did the work whi!e the men enjoyed life in camp. October 13, this life of comparative ease was broken up and the Twemy-sixth became part of thf\ Army of the Potomae, arriving in Virginia in tirue for Mine Run. It was often in the front ekirmish line and won m::ny enconimm; as the hest skirmishers in the Army of the Potomac, Probably its heaviest :fighting was at Spotlsyva.nin although it participated in the heavy work of the Army of the Potomae during all those memorable days from Mine Run to the surrender of Gen. Lee. On that eventful day, the Twenty-sixth was in the skirmish line and the ttag of truce passed through its lines. For some days afttn- the surrender the 'fweuty-sixth was detailed to guard the ~aptured artillery and other arms. It participated in the grand review at \VashHISTORY OF HOWELL ington and arrived home on J nne 7. It was a week later howeve1 before it was paid off and disbanded. Howell men with the Twenty-sixth were as follows: Fred N. Galloway enlisted Ang. 15, 1862. Discharged t0 accept promotion, November, 1862 Hanis A. Hickok enlisted Aug. 8, 1862. Corporal, Stipt. 10, 1862. first lieutenant and adjutant, July 29, 18G4. Captain June U, 1865. Mnstered out at Alexandria, Va., ,June 4, 1865. neorge W, Lake elisted Aug. 8, 1862. Died Sept. 8. J8G,t, at City Point. Va., of wounds received in neticH1 at Ream's Station, Va., Aug. 25, 1864. Newton rr. Kirk for three terms county clerk and a resident of Howell for many years, enlisted from · Hartl&nd, as Corporal, Aug. 11, 1362. Seargent ,July 3, l8G3. vVonncled in action and taken prisoner at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864, Returnee'! to regiment Dec. 15, 1864. Discharged to Rccept promotion, Sept. 5, 18G4. Mustered as captain ef <~olored troops, Sept. G, 18G4. Discharged Jan 30, 18G5. Andrew J. McKean enlisted Anr. 15, 1862. Discharged at Philadelphia, Pa., ,June 10, 1865. Hobert S. Mountain enlisted Aug. 17, 18G2. Sick at Alexandria, Va., Aug,25, 1864. Herman Preston enlisted as corporal, Aug. 14, 1862. Reported Sargeant Major, Dec. 12, 1862. Second lieutenant, March, 30, 1863. Discharged on account of disbility, Dec. 3, 1863. HISTORY OF HOWELL 135 Eli Rambo enlisted Aug. 14, 1862. Killed m action at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864. John W. Thompkins enlisted Aug. 22, J 864. Discharged for disability at Rochester, N·. Y ., May 15, 186fi. Mal'tin Wall enlisted Aug. 8, 186~. 'fransferred to invalid corps Sept. 30, 1863. Discharged at Elmira, N. Y., July 2, 1865. Philo B. \Vines enlisted as corpoml, Aug. 8, 1862. Di~<~har·gt"adt Detroit, J nne 3(1, 1865. Harvey P. \Ving enlisted Aug. 8. 18G~. Wounned in net.ion May 24, 18G4. Dii-~harg1~d nt. Baltimore, ,;\1d., May 26, 1865. Oe•n·ge K \Vright Ptllisted .Ang. 8 1862. \Vounde<l in ad.ion at.SpotJ,ri;:lvauiH, Vu., May 12, 18':i4. DiRcharged fo:- disability at Portsmouth Grove, R. I., ,Tan. 2, 1865, In addition to those already named thel'e were a good many Howell soldiers scattered '. through other organizations ai. follow~: Braeket .r. Allen enlisted from Mundy, in the Twenty- third infantry, Aug. 11, 1862, at Flint. DiRcharged at Alexandria, Va ... Tune 28, 1865. Has lived in Howell for a number of year11:. George Barnes, ~',11!1stitute for his father John Barnes who was drafted at North Shade. Oct. 5, 1864. Discharged at Raleigh, N. C., · Oct. 17, 1865. Ex- H1..1perinte11dento f 8cboot!; a.r.d publisher Livingston ll1·pnhli<!an 11.Ht owell. laG HISTORY OF HOWELL Azel Uarpenter enlisted in Uompany K, First Engineers and l\Ieehanies, Nov. 21, 1861, as artificer. Discharged for disability nt Nashville, Tenn., June 3, 18G2. Harvey Devereaux enlisted in Company K, l!.,irst gngineers and Mechanies, Nov. 23, 1861. Died of cfoiease at Nashville, 're1.in., fleb. 20, 1863. Buried in National Uemetery , Nashville, 'renn. ,Tarecl L. Cook enlisted as sergeant in Uompany D, ~ixth Uavalry, Rept. G, 1862. 'l'ransferred to invalid corps, 1\lareh 31, 1SG4. Discharged by order, ,July 18, 186G. Franklin G-oodrieh enlisted in Uompany K. First li}nginecrs and Meeha.nics, Nov. 27, 1861. Discharglecl at Naahville, 'l'enn., May 28, 1862. Re -entered service in Company K, Second fofantry, March 26, 1864. l!'irst Sergeant. Di~charged at St . Mary's Hospib-il, Detroit, April 2G. 1865, by reason of wound~ receive• in action. Benjamin B. Head, enlii:;ted as teamster in sixth Cavalry Oet. 2, 1862. Discharged for disability, March 24, 186::l. Asa McFall enlisted in Battery C. l!.,irst Light Artillery, Oct . 11. 1861. Discharged for djsability, Feb. 9, 1862 . Reuben .Mcl!,all enlisted in Battery C, l!,irst Light .Artillery, Dec. 1, J 861. Died of disease at Luka, Miss., Sept. 3, 1862 Geori:e H. Miles enlisted in Battery C, Fi~st Light I, I I I .i,! i: I ¥ HISTORY OF HOWELL Artillery, Dec. 8, 1861. Discharged for disability, Nov. 6, 1862. Allen U, Stearns enlisted in Battery 0, :first Ar· tillery, Dec. 12, 1861. Veteran Dec. 28, 1863. Sergeant. Mustered out ,July 22, 1865. Stepher D. Steaaman enlist{ld in Battery H, Jnrst Light Artillery, Dec, 2, 1861. Discharged for disability, February, 1863. Peter Cameron enlisted Infantry, March 28, 1864. 1865 rn Company F, Second Mustered out ,July 20, Franklin Goodrich enlist .ed in Cnmpauy K. Second Infantry, March. 26, 1864. Discharged for di!'.lease, ,James Barnhart enlisted in Company G. Se'\·enth Infantry, March a, 18G:~. •rram,ferre.d to Invalid Uorps, Feb. 15, 1864 . Oliver Lampman enlisted in Uornp::ny K, .B.,irst Engineers and :Mechanics, Nov. 21, 1861. raken prisoner between Huntsville, Ala., and War Force Tenn., May 20, 1862. Artificer. Dischaged at Columbus, 0., F3b. 4, 1863. David Wright enlisted in Company B, ll.,irst Engineers and Mechanics, Dec. 5, 1861, Died Od. 2, 1862. Buried iH Nathional Cemetery, Nashville, 'l'enn. Simon Dolph enlisted in Uompany B. Eighth Infantry~ Feb. 29, 1864. Died in Anden ;onville prison, Aug. 14, 1864. Ed ward A. Hart enlisted in Company A, 'renth 1a8 HISTORY OF HOWELL Infantry, Oct 21, 1861. Discharged July 2, 1862. Sherwood Hart enlisted in Company A, Tenth Infantry, Oct. 27, 1861. Died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 17, 1862. Hugh McKeever enlisted in Company A, Tenth Infantry, Oct. 27, 1861. Discharred for disability, June 21, 1862. Edward Haney enlisted in Company B, ~,ourteenth Infantry, April 19, 1864. Mn~tered ont July 18, 1865. Peter Malosh enlisted in Company .13, Sixteenth Infantry, March 23, 1865. Mustered out July 8, 1865. tlames Barney enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Infantry, March 29, 1865. l\lustered out July 8, 1865. Charles Moore enlisted in Company G, 3ixteenth Infantry March 28, 1865. Mustered . out July 8, 1865. John Carney enlisted in Company I, Sixteenth Infantry January 2, 1862. Dischargeil for disability Aug. 24, 1864. William Robinson enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth Infantry, March 18, 1865. Mustered ont July 8, 1865. George Reed enlisted in Compay I, Sixteenth Infantry, Dec. 10, 1861. Dicharged Feb. 18, 1863. Stephen D. Harrington enlisted in Company H, Twenty-third Infantry, Sept. 9, 1862. Mustered out June 28, 1865. I j { r [ . . .. HISTORY OF HOWELL 139 Henry Hagadorn enlisted in Company G, Twentyseventh Infantry, Feb. 10, 1863. Died of disease, ,June 9, 1864. William Campbell enlisted in Company K, Twentyeighth Infantry, Sept. 22, 1864. Mustered out Seot. 13, 1865. George W. Lincoln enlisted in Company K, Twent\. -eighth Infantry, Sept. 22, 1864, Died of disease at Nashville, 'l'enn., July 10, 1865. William Mershon enlisted in Company E, 'rwen ty eighth Infantry, Sept, 20, 1864. Mustered out ,June 13, 1865. Aaron Selleck enlisted in Company A, 'fwentveighth Infantry, Sept. 12, 1864. Mustered out ,June 5, 186G. Myron Simpson enlisted in Company K, Twentyeighth Infantry, as corporal, Sept, 22, 1864. :Mustered out June 6, 1865, Palmer G. Tripp enlisted in Company F, 'fwentyeighth Infantry, Sept. 24, 1864. Mustered out May 30, 1865. Alfred Wright enlisted in Company .v-,, 'fwentyeigbth Infantry, Sept. 26, 1864. Mustered out June 5, 1865. ,John Walker enlisted in Company K, 'l'wentyeigbth Infantry, Sept. 26, 1864. Mustered out June 5, 1865. Ltverett J. Wood enlisted in Company H , Twentyeighth Infantry, Aug. 30, 1864. Mustered out June 140 HISTORY OF HOWELL ~, 1865. Edwiu A. Burch enlisted in Company B, Second Cavalry, Nov. 19, 1863. Killed in action at Oxford, Ala .. April 28, 1865. ,Joseph Krozier enlisted in Cumpany E, Second Cavalry, Nov. 20, 1863. Mustered out April 22 1865, 11,rancis Crantlall enlisted in Company E, Secone. Cavalry, Nov. 20, 1863. .Mustered out Aug. 17, 1865 Levi Bush enlisted as buglar in Company K, Tenth Cavalry, Hept. 5, 1863. Died of dise!lse a.t Knoxville, l'enn., Jan. 7, 186f>. Bnried in Government Cemetery at Knoxville. Herbert H. Glass enlisted in Company K, Tenth Cavalry, Ang. 2n, 1863. Mustered out Nov. 11, 1865. ,John Swanger enlisted in Cornf)any K, . Tenth Cavalry, April 26, 1864, Died of disease in North Carolina, Jan. 17, 1865. Renben H, Warren enlisted in Company K, Tenth Cavalary, Sept. 9, 1863. Mustered outNov, 11, 1865. Samuel Warring enlisted in Company K, Tenth Cavalry, Oct. 16, 1863. 'l'ransferred to Veteran Re- ~erve Corps, May 1, 186G. Luther H. Frink ~nlisted in Company I, U, S . Sharp Shooters, Dec. 14, 1864. Ad elbert F. Peavy enlisted from Hamburg, Sept. a. 1863, in Company K, Tenth Cavalry. Mustered out Nov. 11, 1865. Has lived in Howell nearly all the time since the war. t I i I CHAPTER IX Ir. War Times The €ast line of the original plot of the village of Howell crosf:les Grand River street about at Barron & . Wines' drug store. As previously noted the fight for the loeatinn of the court house ended in the selection of the present square, half of which was t. pon land donated by P. A. Cowdry and the rest hy Edward Thompson, Mr. Thompson was first to formally plot his addition to the village which extended north from the line marking the center of the section, whieh would cross Divison street just Routh of the Wilcox block, and the Ann Arbor Railroad at the northeast corner of the Rubert lumber yard. . The plot was about two lots wide at its eastern side, and four at iti- western, and ineludeto much of what is now considered very choice residence property. 'fh~ Cowdry addition included UP.arly all the town south ,;f the Thompi:;on addition to the Pere l\lar<111ette Railroad. All the eafitern portion of the bus ine~s i:;edion of Grttnd Jtiver strE.et is on this addition. Jlfr. C'owdry arranged for a se(~ond addition to the village whieh was surveyed Nov. 16, 1852. It embraced forty-nine acres between Wetmore street and 142 HISTORY OF HOWELL Byron road, and north of Grand River street, north west of the original plat. :rvfr. Uowdry die,1 before thi3 addition was advaueed very far. The plat was filed by the administrator of his estate Oct. 2G, 1853. ,Joseph H. Wilcox was the Hext to enlarge the village. He platte<l thirty-two lots south of LivingstoB street, nrar where the Pere Marquette railroad now runs. His plat was tiled for reC'ord Aug. 1, 1867. Almon \Vhipple's first aduition was east of the Cowdry addition to the old fair ground, and north of Gra,nd River street. 'l'he plot is dated on ,January '!.7, 1868. Mr. Whipple's second addition, which was platted in the hi.I Jf 1871, lies east of that part cf the Uowd1,y addition, wbieh is south of Grana River street. Heirs of George W, Jewett platted sixty-four iots south-west of the original village plat, and began selling lots in 1868. Their plat was recorded on May 23 of that year, The tendenuy of the town to grow to the east acted a~ainst this addition for years. Its desirability hmi eome to be m(,re fulls realized of late and houses are going up therP more rapidly. The McPherson family <'.RH(a?ht the genet·al idea which prevac1ec1 Howell in 1868, that the town was to honm, and laid out an ac'!rlition from Thompson's addition north, with Di vision street as its western bouudry. Aug. 24, 1874 they followed with a sec ond addition east of their first, to Thompson's lake. .. i ! 'I l ; ' I HISTORY OF HOWELL 143 During 1874 they al~o plotted their two Prospect Place addition's. The first of these is north of Grand River street and west of the Byron Road; the second embraces a small territory south of Grand River street, opposite the first. Cardell's addition embraces the la1,d between McPherson's 8ecom.dP rospect place addition and the original plot. In 1875 T. W, Mizner platted the hill south east of town which he named Wash~ngton Heights ndditio11. It contrins nineteen blocks. Quite a number of houses have been built there but it is largely vacant as yet. Fredrick J. Lee and L. S. Montagne platted a small tract in the south eastern portion of town, between Cowdry's and other additions in that part, and it became Lee and Montague'fi addition. In 1871 Alexander and William McPherson platted an addition west of Pinckney road and south of the Pere Marnuette railroad . Joseph B. Skilbeck platted an addition which was recorded May 30. 1874. It included ql!ite a tract east of Pinckney road and south of the Pere .Marquette railroad. Quite a settlement grew up on these udditions but it did not become a part o_f the corperation of Howell until the granting of the last village charter bv the LP.gislaure in 1891. They are in Marion township. There is quite a large tract in the northwestern part of town, including the milk factory and resi144 HISTORY OF HOWELL deuce lots near there, which has never been platted and is still describrd by metes and bounds when transfers @ccm·. By act o( the State Legislature approved March 14, 18G3, "all that traet of country situated in the towrnfr1ip of Howell, in the County of Livingston, in the state of Michigan, which is known and discribed as follows. to wit: i::P.etion3 5, section 3G, the south half of seetion 25 aud the south half of section 26, in township No. 3 north, of range No. 4 east, be and the same is hereby marle and eonstituted a town corporate, by the name, style and title of the village of Howell" The first charter electinn was held May 4, 1863. 8ardias .F'. Hubble was the first village president; Andi-ew D. \Vaddell, recorder; Asa VanKleek, treasurer; ,Jo.en H. Galloway, assessor; Marcus B. Wilcox, William H. Melvi11, V~'illiam McPherson Jr., John Hoyt and Philo t'urfo, were the trustees. Up to 1870 the Yillage officers elected WP.rea s follows: 1864-President, ,Toseph M. Gilbtrt; Recorder. Mylo L. Gay; 'l'reasnrer, Frederick ,J. Lee; Assessor. John H . . Galloway; rrrustees, Johe Cummiskey, Nathan T. Hickey, George L. Clark, Luther M. Glover, V. R. T'. Angel. 18G5-President, Sardis I!1. Hubbell; Recorder, Mylo L. Gay; Treasurer, FredHiek !T. Lee; Assessor, John H. Galloway; Tmstee::., James Bowei's, William R. Melvin, George L. t!lark, William E. Huntley, Marcus B. Wilco.1.. SOLDIERS MONUMENT HISTORY OF HOWELL 145 1866-President, Mylo L. Gay; Recorder, James Bowers; Treasurer, William R. Melvin; Assessor, Isaac W. Bush; Trustees, George Taylor, John Jones William E. Huntley, .Frederick J. Lee, Sardius F. Hubbell. 1867-President, Sardus F. HubbPll; Recorder, Joseph T. Titus; Treasurer, William R. Griffith; Assessor, Orrin H. Winegar; Trustees, Andrew D. Waddell, William R. Melvin, Leander U. Smith, William E. Huntley, Geo. S. Clark. 1868 Preflident, Au<lrew D. Waddell; Recorder, M)lo L. Gay; Treasurer, R. H. Rumsey; Assessor, Oren H. \Vinegar; 'rrustees Leander C, Smith, \Villiam E. Huntley, Oeorge L. Clark, Alexander Me- Pherson, Henry H. Harmon. 1869.-President, Mvlo L. Gay; Recorder, Joseph 'r. Titus; Treasurer, Royal H. Rumsey; Assessor, Orrin H, Winegar; · Trustees, William E. Huntley, Edward McGunn, Sylvester Andrews, Henry P. Wheeler, Levi D. Smith. Our readers will remember the story of Howell's first school house built in 1837, which is yet standinl?. This school house wai:-; never satisfaetory to the district and in 1845 it was sold. The old Presbyterian chnrch was rente<l for school purpoi;eS for awhile as was the • 'academy building" which stood nearly where the Republicau block now standi:;. It was three years before the location of a school house was determined, after the old one was sold. The 146 HISTORY OF HOWELL fight on this question was one of the most stubbornly contested of any which Howell has ever seen. Five different . committees were appointed at as many school meetings. 11he northwest corner of the old public square, near where the Knapp shops now ::;tantl, the site of the Methodist church and other site.:: in that neig,hborhootl · were chosen at various times by tht:1 committees, only to he turned down by sr>hool meetings. 'L1lw present site of the Cenb-al School was finally adopted Dec. 12, 1848. A two ::;tory brick building 38x48 feet in size wns at first determined upon lint the opposition called this a "Casth~" ar.d on Feb. 29. 1849, succeeded in getting the siz~ cnt dow:~ to 26x3o feet.. Promoters of the lar~et· builuing kept up their contention and were jubiluut. when in 18:iO it. beeame necessary to rent more room. [n 18:il it was voted to enlarge the building but it was not brought about until 185G. This too soon proved inadequate aud in 1866, Sardit s I!,. Hubbell offei.'ed a resolut~on in the annual school meeting, whieh resulted in t.he erection of the splendid building which is now occupied by the Central S<'hool. 'l'hc; bonds provided for erection of the Central sehool building were for $15,000 at seven per cent, t 1,000 of principal to be paid annually. The bnildin:- commit.tetl selected was H. C. Briggs, Sardias F. Hubbell, \Vrn. McPherson Sr., J. I. VanD(,nsen and ,Joseph M. Gilbert. Thifl eommittee went over plans and decided the HISTORY OP HOWELL 147 amount to be too small for the purpose so nothing more was donE- until after the next school meetin2' when $5,000 more was voted. The contract was Jet to R. B. ]{ice of Detroit, for $15,650 with $700 additional for finishing the third story which was not ,~c-ntemplated at first. In addition Lo this the district furnished brick and other materials from lhe ol<l building ~nd quite an amount in addition to that. By the time the building was finished and ready for use, which was for the winter term of 1869, the total cost was $31,000. It may be interesting in this conneetion to speak of teachers in the old building. The old recor<ls i.lre defective but us nearly as they ,~nn b,~ Jenrned the principals were as follows: W. Mills, 1849-50; John S. Dixon, 1850-G~; Seth Beden, 1853-54; ,J. 8. Houst.0,11, 1855·i"J6; F. \V. Munson, 1857; L. Barnes, 1858-5!) D. Cramer, 1859-60; Charles W. Bowen, 1860-m~; Rufus 'l\ Bush, 1862-6:3; Michttel McKernan, 18Ga-65; S. S. Babcock, 1865-66; Joshun S. Laue, 1866·67; L. S. M011tague 1867 for twenty weeks 11ntil the old hnild· ing was torn down. 'rhere were sevPral steps toward a graded school durini? the nineteen years the olcl building was ns~d. The greatest of these steps was made during the administration of Prof. Bush who prepared the first course of study. Since moving into the pre!:'ent building superint•m148 HISTORY OF HOWELL dents have been as follows: S. S. Babcock, 1869-70; 'I1. U. Garn~r, 1870-73; .M. W. Schreeb, 1873-; 4; W. Carey Hill, 1874-77; Elihu B. Fairfield, 1877-80; Geo. Barnes, 1880-88; S. G. Burkhead, 1888-90; W. H. Hawks, 1890-94; R. D. Briggs, 1894-99; W. D. Sterling, 1899-lJOl; H. E. , Agnew, 1901-(12 J. K . Osgerby, 1902-1908; Fred Fullerton, 1908. B. D Galloway graduated in 1869 and was the :first from the Howell schools. The total number of gardnates to date is 526 of whom twenty-two were in the last clasg. Th0rough work has always cbanct6rized the schools and this fact has attracted a large li:st of foreign pupils. The High School now numbers about 150 of whom over half are foreign student~. The total school enrollment is now 595. The total cost of running the schools last year was $12,561 of which $8,457 was for teachers' salaries. The schools received $1,144.37 for tuition of foreign pupils last year. Howell has always reeognized the importance of a good school board, and elected its best citizens to membership there. The present board with time of service of each, is as follows: Thomas Gordon Jr. 20 years; W. P. VanWinkle, 16 years; E. A. Stowe, 8 years; Lyman Thompson, l vear; Dr. C. E. Skinner, 1 year. E. K. Johnson and E. C. Shields, who retired from the board at the last school meeting, had both served for several years. The present corps of teachers is as follows; Super · HISTORY OF HOWELL 149 intendent, Fred ~'ullerton, mathematics; Grace Bailey, science; Alma Sharp, Greek and Latin; Lois Bai:-h, English; Lillian Andrews, session and librarian; Alice Johnson, German and History; Kate Ruen, music and drawing. Eighth grade, Leona Morton; Sixth and Seventh grades, Mae Marshall and Carolyn Pierson; Fourth and Ififth grades, Mable Woodward and Bessie Lane; Second and Third ~rades, Blanche Crandle, Alma Hetchler and Mary ltsell; Beginners and First grade, Goldie Holt, Susie Barron and Ione Parker. In 1886 t.he Central building had become so crowded that the basement had been utalized for school rooms, u condition which was not admired by parents of children who were quartered there. Everone agreed that a new bnildiug was a necessity but the question of location was a source of much division. It was settled a year latflr, by the agreement to build two four l'oom buildings. The east ward building was erected in 1888 and Miss IDmma Lamb who had taught for several years in the Central building, became the first principal there. The total cost of the building was $4,867.85, not including grueling. side walks, wells, out building, etc. The West \Varel building was erecti-'d iR 1890 and cost a few dollars more than the East Ward building. Iu1863 a young man named Embury, who bad just graduated from a business college at J:i..,enLonw, as backed by his father to come to Howell and start a 150 HISTORY OF HOWELL bank. He was associated with other gentlemPn under th• firm name of Brockway Embury & Co. and their bank was cnlled the Exchange. 'rhe young gentleman led a very fast life here and is remembered by older settler:::; for his hunting outfit, high bJooded hounds, etc. It. did not take him u great while to run through with his property and he soon passed off the scenes here. This bank was started in a building about where H. K. White & Co . are now doing business. In 1865 the building now occupied by the McPherson bank was erectPd for its use . As previously detailed in this hi5tory, Alex. Mc· Pherson & Co. opened a bank in a small office partitioned in one corner of the building which stood where Parker's drug store now stands, in 18e5.. In 1868 this bank purchased the building, fixtures and business of the Exchange bank and has done business there since that time. About a year ago a former resident of Howell ·who bad occasion to travel across the pine barrens of Northern Michigan found Embury there, struggling for !.\ mere existance on one of those sandy forties, After an exchange of stories of the old life in Howe!, Embtuy said: ''Now I'm up here on forty aare::i of land trying to raise white beans tc live on. There's one thing I've got to console myself. I lived while I lived." Hnd John Weimeister died a month before he did, his name would have gone down iii history, as one of HISTORY OF HOWELL 151 the most aggressive ancl public spirited citi~cns, who has ever boosted for Howell. Born in Germany, in 1824, hi> came to this conntry in 1854. His first lrnsiness enterprise was a boot, shoe and grocery store in Genoa, where wbat has long been known · as the ''Dutch GroceJ"y'' now stands. Later lw ran the mills at Oak Grove. Tn 1863 he associated himself with Neil O'Hearn. and they opened a hank in Howell. Mr. Weimeister at once commenced the erection of the block which long bore his name and which includes Hotel Livingston and the Whitacre building just east, which was their bank building. Several other buildings about town are monuments to his enterprise. Among them is the building which was occupied by A. J. Prindle's deJ•artment store for many years. In this building the firm of Weimeister & O'Hearn ran a large general store during a good part of the ~ime thef did bnsi ness together. Along in the '80s his health gave way and when the crisis came after the dissolution of the old firm of Weimeister & O'Hearn, whi<\11o e<mrt·t><A1u gust 14, 188H, and he had associated hi:;; so11A lbert with him in business the condition of his health prevented that. activity which would have saved the finuneial P-rush, an<l the doors of his various business enterprises were elosed. HiR failure came likr. a thunderbolt to the eomrnunity and was followed in about ten day~ hy hiR death, Thursday, October 3, 1889. Mr. Weimeister's property was invested largely in 152 HISTORY OF HOWELL real estate, which went at very low prices at the forced sale and the various creditors, including bank depositors, were heavy loosers. \Vhen Edward P. Greg-ory was nine ruonths old bis father the late Rev. Edward E. Gregory huilt a house which is now a part of Lbe house in which Mr. Gregory bas his office, and the family became residents of Howell village. As a young man Mr. Uregory studied law with Wileox & Waddell and took lectures at the StaLe University. He was examined and admitted with Dennis Shields, For a year he practiced law at Corunna and would probably have continued in that line but for the changes brought about by the war, and the fact that he became part of the ptovost marshal's force in the sixth c011gressional distriet, with head quarters at Flint. When the war closed Mr. Gregory returned to Howell and formed a partnership with F. N. Monroe in the hardware business, under the firm uarne of Monroe & Gregory. Soon after engaging in bnsirJess the firm bought the building which occupied the site at the corner of Grand River and State streets, where they continued until 1872 when Mr. Gregory sold his interests to Mr. Monroe who ,:,ontinued the business until the big fire of March 12, 1887, when the building and stock were the first of the rnan.v burned. A year or so after that Mr. Monroe moved to the upper peninsula. I I I' I ii t ·1 HISTORY OP HOWELL 153 After retiring from the hardware business Mr. Gregory engaged irr real estate, He also served the t0wn as justice of the neaae for eight years, when he was identified with the movement in the erection of the milk factory in 1892 and beciune superintendent there. He held this position for nine .,ears, four of which he was also SUJ'erintendent of the Lansing fact()ry . During his superintendency the business of the Howell factory was developed from nothing to seventy-five tons of milk per day . Since leaving the factory Mr. Gregory has built up an excellent herd of Holsteins upon his farm, looked after his real estate and loaning interests and secured what tmjoyment he could from life. In an interview recently he said ''I am approaching the allotted yearR of man. I have enjoyed my life and I have never seen a time when nature looked brighter. The song of the birds never sounded sweetPr. .My friends are dearer to me than they ever were before.'' At various times }fr. Gregory ::.erved as township clerk, councilman, village president and circuit court commissioner. He bas always been a leading worker and held official positions in the Presbyterian church. He was chairman · of the citizens eommittee whieh secured. ~he Sanitorium for Ho well and has alway~ been an energetic and loyal citizen for the town . He has often been tendered high political positions but has refused them. His candidacy for electcr to vcte for Taft and Sherman, wae; over his protest. 154 HISTORY OP HOWELL The "Know Nothing" movement or Native American Partv as it called itself, grew up along in the '50s, in the form of secret lodges. Its existence in Howell was not generally known until early in the 60' s, when the lodge was occupying a hall in the second storr of the building where Parker's drug store h;: now. At that time the entrance to the second story was by WR.Y of a stairway which led up to a porch on the front. There was also a stairway at the birnk end of the building. The strength of the • 'Know Nothings" became an important one in that political campaign an<l Georg-e \Vilh<'r under-took to find out by counting how many men went up to their meeting. In some wav it got to the men of the organization what was going on and a plan was qnickly fixed up so that the members would go up the front stairway and then down the rear way. They would then walk around a block or two and go up again. Wilher's count ran up into the hundreds nud the strength of Howell's lodge of "Know Nothings'' not only scared local politicians but got to the ears of F:tate political workiri;: who were set very much to wondering ir the new party had as many followers in other towns. It was not until after election and the new party showed up with only a small vote that the affair leaked out in detail. Mr. Wilber seems to have been a re~ular pessimest. He ardently opposed all railroad agitation with the argument that there would not be enough people who HISTORY OF HOWELL 155 could afford to travel betwe1;n here and Detroit, to pay expenses He predicted that at the greater expense for running the railro:1d they would have to eharge s0 much more than the stage coaches that tLey wouldn't carry as many passengers as were then ridini:? on those vehicles. ,John W. Wright built the first planing mill in Howell in 1869, on Clinton street between Center and Walnut s~reets, It was burned April 27, 18i'5 . .M1·. ·wright soon after huilt the planing mill south of the Pere Marquette railroad, which is still managed by his son Frank Wright. Along in the '60s Howell citizens began to make themselves felt in the political world. George W. Lee was a presidential elector in 18GO. John H. Galloway was State Senator in 18Gl, and ,vmia.m A. Clark in 1863. Henry H. Harmon wRs Hepresentativr. in the State Lrgislature in 18€3, and l\Hlo L. Hay in 1869. Dennis Shiel<ls '>TUS bom Sept. 19, 183G an<l came to Howell <-arly in 185!). Re stnddied law with H. H. Harmon and -.-.-:ua.;d mitted to the bar Dec. :n, 1861, settling in Howell for the practice of that profession. He rapi<lly advanced nn<l for several years, there were very few cases of importanre w1hich weie tried in this county, iu. which he wns not upon one side or the other. His popularity is attested by tlie fact that at eight different times h" was elected prose , cu ting attorney. lie wn~ president of the village at 156 HISTORY OF HOWELL one time and served in several other official J•Ositions. In 1872 h~ formed a partnership with John U. Shields, which lasted for three years. During all his life Mr. Shields was a leader for all laudable public enterprises. a good citizen in the community. He died Aug. 30, 18!J8. Edmund U. Shields, his son was admitted to prac: tice in 1896 and his brother l!,ranris J. Shields was admitted in November, 1898. They succeded to the practice of their father which they have maintained anu built up, under tne . firm name of Snields & Shields . Another who settl~,l in Howell about the samP, time as Mr. Sbiel<ls, WU$ 11. CJ. Briggs who arrived here in 18GG. Hoon after coming Mr. Briggs engaged in the jewelry business which he followed until his death, a few years ago, earning thA title which he carried for several years of the pioneer jeweler. Mr. Briggs was strong in argument 1md for scver<il years was one of the leading speakers for the Republican narty, in every political campaign in this county. Asa Va11Kleck came to Howell in 1853 and worked as contracto .': and carpenter, considerable of the time some years, with Frank Kelly. \Vheu the Presbyterian church was built, they bought the old church and used it for some years as their shop. In 1863 l\ir. VanKleek formed a partnership with George L, Sage under the firm name of Sage & VanKleek, and stat'ted n gl'Ocery store. This firm lasted bnt a short I I I 1 ! i l ' j • I ! HISTORY OF HOWELL 157 time when Mr. VanKleek lried farming on the old Charles P. Bush farm in Genoa. In 1883 he purchased the furniture stock of Wm. Griffith after that gentleman's death. He continued in the furniture business until about five years ago, whE-n he . sold that businehs to Schnackenberg Bros. who added undertaking ·to the line. '\Vht>n the Firr;t State and Savini?s Bank was organized he became a clii·ector, a position which he has eontinned t.o bold. He has been vice nresident. of the bank since the death of Charles Curtis, A lh,t of persons who have held offices is givf'n below, but it is incomplete for the y?ars between 1836 and 1850, for the reason that the old township record <~overing those years has been Jost or destroyed, and onl~· a partial and defective list of officers elected during that period has been gatl1erc<l from other ~ourees. Such as are given, however, are known to be authentic, viz: 1837.-Snpervisor. John W. Smith; Town Clerk, Jonathan Ansti1i; ,Justices of the Peace, Heorge W Kneeland, John W. Smith. ' 1838.-Supervisor, Rial Lake; 'rown Clerk, John \V. Smith; Justices of the Peace, ,John T. Watson, Odell J. Smith, Wellington A. Glover. 18~9. -Town Clel'k, Morris Thompson; ,Justice of the Peace, Allen(~. \Veston. l 840.-Town Clerk, Morris: Thompson; ,Justice of the Peace, Gardner \Vheeler. 1841.-Town Cle:-k, Morris 'rhompson; Justice of the Peace, John W, Smith. 158 HISTORY OP HOWELL. 1842.-Supenisor, George W . . Kneeland; rown ·:: '7 l~ Clerk, M. S. Brennan; Justice of the Peace, Josiah Turner. 1843.-Supervisor, Oeorge Vv.· K neeland; Justice of the Peace, Odell J. Smith, 1844.-Supervisor, Rial Lake; Tow~r Clerk, Gardner Wheeler; Justice: of the Peace, James H. Ackerson; Treasurer, "\Villiam McPherson; ~chool Inspect. or, Edward E. Gregory; Dire<~tors of the poor, Dernstus Hinrnon, Vicrory Curtis. 1845,-8upervisor, Odell J. Smith; Town Clerk, Gar,lner \Yheeler; ,Justice of the Peace, John W. Smith, Nelson G. fabt>ll; (to fill vacancy caused by resignRtion of Josiah Turner). 184/L.:_ Hnpervisor, Gardner Wheeler; Town Clerk, Lauren K. Hewett; Justice of the Peace, William Lewis. 1847 .-Supervisor, O<leli J. Smith; Town Clerk, L. K. Hewett; ,Justice of the Peace, Richard B. Hall, 8a m nel l\L Yerkes ( to fill vacancy). 1848.-Snpervisor, Frederick C. Whipple; Town Clr:rk, D. D. r_r. Chandler; Justice of the Peace, Lauren K. Hewett. GeorgP. W. Kneeland (to fill vacancy) 1849 .-Supervisor, \Yilliam McPherson; Town Clerk. Hemy H. Harmon: Jnstiee of the Peace, ,John' \V. Smid1. 18GO.-Snpervis01, Gardner \Vheeler; Clerk, Henry If. Hn.1·mo11; Treasurer John B. Kneeland; Justice 1.f' tiH: h '!tH'.e, n~"ry Lake; Commissioner of high- I • J l l l t l 1 . ·, ; HISTORY OF HOWELL JG!) ways, Edward rrbompson; School Inspel!tor, John A. Wheeler; Directors of the Poor, Richard P. Bush, Josiah TurJ.JP.r, 1851.-Supen-bor, Derastus Hinman; Clerk, ,Johu A, Wheln: Treasurer , John B Kneeland; .Justi(~es of the Peace, Job~ H- Galloway (full term), William Mo:.-e ( to fill vacancy); Highway Commi ssioner, David Carl; School Inspector, Gardner Wheeler; Dire11tor~ ~f the Poor, James 1\1, l\Iunay, \Villiam L. \\Tells. 1852.-Supervisor, Richard P. Bush; Ulet·k. Mylo L. Gay; rrreasurer, ,John B . K11eel11nd; ,Justices of the Peace, Gardner Wheeler ( full term), William Moore ( to fill vacauey); Highwa.v Commisiouer, Elisha H. Smith; School Inspector, William A. Clark; Directors of the Poor, ,John D. Gifford, ,Josiah Turner. 1853.-Supervisor, Richard P. Bush; Clerk, Mylo L. Gay; Treasurer, John B. KIJeelan<l; ,Justice of the Peace, L. K. Hewett; Highway Commissioner, Samuel M. Yerkes; S«ihool Inspec.tor, Gardner Wheeler. 1854.-Supervisor, Gardner Wheeler; Clerk, 1\/ylo L. Gay; Treasnrer, ,John B. Kneeland; ,Justice of the Peace, William More.; Highway Commissio1rnr, Daniel Case; School Inspector, William A. Clark. 1855,-Supervisor, Willim C. Rumsey; Clerk, Mylo L. Gay; Treasurer, John B. Kneeland; ,Justice of the Peace, Odell J. Smith; Commissioner of High ways, Dexter Filkins, Wm. Lake· School Inspector, Wm. B. Jewett. 160 HISTORY OF HOWELL 1856.-Supervirnr, William H. Rumsey; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascum; •Justice of the Peace, Mylo L. Gay; '.1.1reasurer, Na than Pond; Highway Commissioner, Charles Hoot; School Inspector, George · P. Root. 1857.-Supervisor, John B. Kneeland; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; 'l,reasurer, Andrew Blanck; Justice of the Peace, lJauiel Case; Highway C'o'mmissioner, David Lewis; School Inspector, John Huston. 1858.-Supervisor, John H. Galloway; Clerk, Henry U. Briggs; Treasurer, John W. Richmond; Jurtice of the Peace, Andrew D. Waddell; Highway Com- ' missoner, Dexter J, F_ilkins; School Inspector, B. Howard Lawson (full term), William B. Jewett ( to fill vacancy.) 1859.-Supervisor, John~. Galloway; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; rrreasurer, John W. Richmond; Justice of the Peace, John Marr; Highway Commissioners Charles Root, Stephen S. More; Schoel IuspP.ctor, J. A. Pond. 1860.-Supervisor, .Tobn H. Galloway; Clerk E Rollin Bascum; 'l,reasurer, John W. Richmond; Justice of the Peace, Mylo L. Gay (tnll term), \,Yilliam Lake (tc fill vacancy); ·Highway Commi~sioner, Stephen S. More; School Inspel\tor, Andrew Blan~k. 1861.-Snpervisor, \Villiam t', Rumsey; Clerk. E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, Henry C. Briggs; ,Jnstice of the Peace, Daniel Case; School Inspeetor, .Tabez A, Pond; Highway Commii:sioner, S".:'lornon Hildebnrnt, t 1 i i t i ·I ,i 1 ! .l .!, ' ...•.,. . ! J: 0 I'll rr 0 :i: l> 3: 1l 0 z HISTORY OF HOWELL 161 1862.-Supervisor, William C. Rumsey; Clerk E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, Giles Tueker; Justice of the Peace, Dennis 3hields; Highway Commissioner, · Ueorge Wakefield; School Inspector, Henry H. Harm, m ( full term), J. Bruce Fish beck (vacancy.) 1863.-Supervi:::;or, Giles Tucker; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom; Treasurer, Leonard B. Wells; Justice of the Peac : , William Lake ( full term), \Villiam More ( vaean cy; Highway Commissioners, SteJ•hen More George \Vakefield; School Inspectors, Ebenezer Bunnell ( full tel'ln), George \Vilber, (vacancy). 1864.-Sup el'visor, Giles Tucker; Ulerk. E. Holfra Bascom; Treasut·er, Leonard B. Wells; Justice of the Peare, Mylo L. Hay; Highway Commissioner, Solomon Hililebrn·~t; School ln;;pectors, Elijah F. Burt (full term), Dennis Shields (v.acancy) 1865.-Supervisor, Alm ·::n Whippl"'; Clerk, E. Rollin Bascom (died during this term, which was c0mpleted by . \Vallace \V. Carpenter); Justice of the Peace, Daniel Case; Treasurer, Leauord B. Wells; School Inspectors W. W. Carpenter (fnll term), l) eunis Shields (vacancy). 1866-Snpervisor, ·Isaac W. Bush; Clerk, Royal H. Uumsey; Treasurer, Lorenzo B. Sullivan; Justiec of the Peace, Wallace W. Carpenter; Highway Commissioner, Stephen S. More; School Inspector, . Dennis Shields 1867'--Snpervisor, Oren H. \Vinegar; Clerk, Royal · . . II Rum!::ey; Treasurer, Elbert H. Bush; Justice of I62 HISTOH.Y 0~, HOWELL the Peace, Friderick H. \Yhipple; Highway ,Jommi1:iioner, Solomon Hildebrant; ~chool Insper.tor, Wallace W. Carpenter 1868-Supervisor, Oreu H. Winegar; Clerk, H~nry T. Clark; Treasmer, Elbert C. Bush; ,Justice of the Peace, Nicholas Lake; High way (fommissioner, ,Jes$,.! }!arr; Scnool Inspector, Philander Bennett. 1869-Snpervisor, 0. H. Winegar; Clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; 'I1i-easurer, William B. Smith; ~Tustice ef the Peace, ·william More; Highway Commissioner, S. S. More; S1:hool Inspector, Ferdinand W. Munson. j l .! UHAPTER X Midst Blessings or Peace On July 4, 1871, a meeting was held at the Melvin House, to organize a Pioneer Soc:iety. After discussing the proposition, an adjournment was taken to M. L. Gay's office in the rooms which are now Tidings office. William U. Rumsey was eleeted chairman and M. L. Gay, secretary. A eommittee was selected to draft a constitution and bylaws, and arrang 0 ments were made for a public meeting, which was addressed by Judge Turnn at the Court House, on Wednesday .. vening, September 27, 1871. 'rbe eommittee failed to have its constitution ready, hut M. L. Gay bad anticipated such a situation. and prepnred one which was adopted. It provided that nil personi::, who were residents of the county previow, to ,Tnly 4, 1845, were pioneers, and elligible to menwership. At the annual meeting in 1877, this was changed to 1850, and i• 1880, it was changed so that all who resided in the county previous to 1855, w~re considered as pioneers, and entitled to membership. In 1871, A. G. Blood & Company started a five col umn quarto weekly newi-,paper, which they named the Howdl Independent. It never paid expenses, and atter ninfl months, ,vas sold to J '. D. !)mith and Charles E. Cooper. Mr. Smith took part of the material te 164 HISTORY OF HOWELL the Repllblic~n office. Mr. Cooper continued the paper for a couple of months longer, and then gave it up. In the early '60s, vV·i. l'l iam McPherson & Sens de- . '. veloped a merchant tailoring depfl.rtment, i1i which, in 1874, George Horii~ng was employed, and in which .Arthur Garland b~came cutter, about a year later. This department did,, . quitf> a lit+-le manufacturing for the clothing store ,of the firm. In J 879, Messrs. Garland and Hornung, then young men, formed a partnership ancl bought the deoartment in which . they were employed. By energy and skill, they succeeded in building up n lat·ge business with two or three men on the road, and their's soon became the leading industry of the town. In fact, there bas been no time since they first went into business, but that . the tailon, 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 & Sous, entered the pnrtne!'!'hip with Garland & Hornung, tlie new firm being named, Kellogg, Garland & Company, and a stock of ready made clothing wtts put in. Mr, Garland withdrew from this firm in 1892, after which it was known as Kellogg & Hotnung, continuing for anothe1 year. Mr. Hornung then engaged in merchant tailoring in his own name, and bas done a prosperous business for the past fifteen years. Mr. Kellogg went west. .t, ' .,' .' •1. ·~ ,\ _ HISTORY OF HOWELL 165 After withdrawing from the old firm, Mr. Garl3.nd engaged in merchant tailoring, in which he has built up a large trade. In addition to his i_;tore iwre, he maintains one at Jackson and several agencie~ in the west, doing all the manufaduring in How"ell. He also ran a macintosh factory here, for some years. Thirteen years ago, Mr. Garland purchu.3ed the Opera House, which he has since managed. He became a partner in the Bennett Hardware Company, whid1 bought out Benedict & Ratz in l!J07. Howell was visited by Catholic Priests as rnrly ns 1836 or '37. Rev. Fr. Kelly of Northville, was J·robably the first to hold services in Howell. 'l'he erection ot couutry churches not far away, in different directions probably centered their worshiper.,; 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 ener~etic worker, well likecl by everyone, started the work here and St. ,Joseph's church is the result. The original church, 40x70 feet in size, ,vas commenced in .A.ugnst, 1878, and completed the following year. It was eula~ged and greatly improved about six years ago. With the comodious rectory and beautiful hrick chrm~h, 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 Howeli in the early '50s and soon after becamt, a partner with F. J.. Lee and 166 HISTORY OP HOWELL Alex. McPherson in their general store. This firm lasted but a short time, after ,vhich Mr. Crossman prospected for business iu 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 Uhsiness. May 1, 1873, Mr. Crossman bought his partner'i: interests and continued the business until his death Dec. 1, 1876. In the settlement of his estute Mrs. Crossman wl10 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 hi:; parents, N. J. Hickey and wife, when a small boy. vVhen a youn~ man he clerked three years for \Vm. McPherson and afterwards formed a partnership with James B. Wing in the grocery business. Aft.er some years Mr. \Ving 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 clerketl for Mr. Jewett and later for J. F. Crossman. He was in the latter position when Mr. Crossman died . 'l'he firm of Hickey & <,loodnow, which waR orfi? anized in 1877 was at once one of the leaders in the dry gcods line and coutinued in that position until ilae death of Mr, Hickey which occured in the great fire HISTORY OF HOWELL 167 of 1892. Mrs. Hickey and tne estate held their interest in the business until 189!) when they sold to Homer N. Beaeb and the firru has since been known under the name of Goodnow & Beach, their business holding up and increasiug as the years: go by. When the war broke out Birt Parsons of Brighton, wa~ under age. 'l'hat made little difference to one of bis get there qualities anci he skinped ,rnt to enen list. 'l'hat be founu a place in the First Minhigan Cavalry a part of Custer's brigade, indicates that he wa:s not very long in making up his mind to get into the great conflict and that he 8aw something of the war in its awful reality. Sann after mustering out in l8G5, .Mr. Parsou::; became a t.:lerk for \Vm. McPherson & Sons, whe1·e he remained until 1871 This history has heretofore told the story of , the pio1.ieer shoe shop of J. B. Skilbeck one of the first in Howell This business develsped until in the latter '60s it was quite a fadorv, located j11st west of the McPhPl'son i:tores aHd employing oyer twenty men When .M:r. Skilbeck's son Penrlcy, became of age, he entered the business with his father, the firm bting known as .J. B. Skilbeck & Son. About that tini~ they purclwsed the brick building 110w occupied by Sweet's grocery, and moved there. In 1871 Mr. Parson~ bonght an interest in this firm which was then known as J. B. Skllbeck & Co. About six years later Homer N. Beach united with Mr Parsons in buying the Skilbeck interestR and the 168 HISTORY OF HOV{ELL firm became Parsons & Bench. A. stock oi groceries lrnd been a<ltletl to the shoa line aud the factory discontinued some time beforn this. When Mr. Parsons became vice president of the Michigan Condensed Milk Co. and went to New Y 01·k, nearly twenty year:; ago, this firm was dissolved and Mr . Bench continued the business until about the time of his partnership with l'. A. Goodnow, nine years ago, to form Lhe present firm of Goodnow & Bench. 1Peb. 2~, 18GO, Hovrell experienced its second large fire. .lt originated in the foundry nnd maehine shop of A. :M. Smith & Co . which was totnlly destroyed. Wm. R. l\lelvin's caniage and blacksmith shops nnd the st11ge eompany':; harus, . owned by E. E, Hazzard, were also burned. 'l'he total lo~s was estimated by the Repnbliean at that time, at. $16,425 whieh was quite a snrn ft>r those days :!nd uwakened the 1,eople t.o the ne"d of Rome orga11iied method of fighting fire. 'l,he mntter r-1oont ook form for Marcli 6, 1860, a meeting of citi~e111:w1 as held to consider the mat.ter . It was nearly ten yeat·s however oefore anything definate ,va~ done. January 18, 1868 nn ordinance was passed defining a certain district clown town buiLlings should be erected. changed several times . in which nc wooden This district has been •J anuary 24, 1870: a resolution was adopted by the Uommon Uouncil providing for the purchase of a hand r t r :( .•• •: HISTORY O.F HOWELL 169 fire engine known as the Fire King, provided it should prove satisfactory, but it. uid not t<'our years later, on January 3, 1S74 the Champion Fire Extingui:::,her, the old chemical engine, was purchased for $2,dOO, of which half was was paid that year nud the other half tlie year following. Havil9.g an engine it became necessary to organize a fire company. It was at first composed of the following members: John Neary, John McUlond, William F. Griffith, Patl'ick Hammill, Thomas Ulnrk, Leonard Fishbeck, George I-forrington. Perley Skilbeck, l!,rank Ackerman·, Frank Archer, Charles G. Jewett, Mark Rubert, Homer N. Beach, Theodore Huntley, E. A. Young, Thomas McEwen, Henry \Vilbnr. Petitr Clnrk, Birt F. Parsons, Edward vVnldron, H. rr. Browning, Edward Greenaway, .b'. H . Hickey, H. U. Sellman, "William Beattie, George L. Clark, G. S. Burgess, H. H. Brown, Cassius Austin and Thoms G. Swibrnt·. 'l'he first fire company was organized by electing the following officers: Foreman, John Neary; First Assistant. Foremau, 'l'homa~ Clark; Seeond Assist ':lnt Foreman. EJwnrd Waldron; Pipeman, IL H. Brown; Second Pipeman, ,John McClond; Superintendent of UhP.micals, E. A. Young; Assistant Superintendent of Chemicals, Henry Wilber; Secretary. \Vil!iam F. Griffith; 'l'reasurer, Patri<>k Hammill. Over a year later, May 24, 1875. the Uouncil took action for a suitable house for the fire engine and 170 HISTORY OF HOWELL company. The lot was purchased for $875, of Wm. MePherson & S011s, and the building was ererteil by Fmnk Kelly for $2,917.52. It is worthy of note t.hat this building was 011ly what was considered necessary for use of the fire department at that time, with the addition of a Council Room. Sinee theu the depnrtmP-nt's facilities have doubled an,l more; the street commi~sioLer's tools and supplies are stored in the building; the elect.cical &hop l1as <lrive11 the fire department out of its hall for meeting purposes: and several other tings have found a headquarters there. 1'he result of this <.r·owding has developed a feeling on the purt of the department that it is not properly app ·t'ciat.t'd and its condition is orn~ <lungerously near disor~anization. As uo ground cun be purchused for an addition to the present Lmilding, there is a ~rowing sentiment for the sale of the pre::;ent building and :he erection of a new one adequate for present needs. The erection of the water works system in 1894 made a complete revolution in the di:ipartment's equipment. It still keep::; the chemical enE?ine however, for use in two or three districts which aro not yet 1·eached by the water mains, Charles G. Jewett is a Howell production. Until about four years ago he slept in the room where l,e was born. Descendant of a pioneer family he has seen Howell's develoJ)emen t and has always heen a leader along the line of HISTORY OF HOWELL 171 its improvement. Nov. 1, 1870, Mr. Jewett became a Howell businessman by the purchase of the old Andrews & Winans hardwaie. Two years later he built the block whieh long bore his name but is now known by the name of Goodnow. About twelve years ago he moved his busine ss to the CrosRman building- which he occupied for about eight years. Four veurs ago he left th e general hardware trade to engage in plumbing and steam fitting in which he is a heavy contractor and a leading m ember of the state association He has done the work in his lite at the State Sanitorium . A year ago lie added electrical supplies to that line and is now enjoying n large busines:;; with a number of regnlur employPes. As heretofor noted the How ell post oflice wai,; established Jan. rn, 18B6, B'lnvi~~s ,J. B. Crnne was the first postmuster and the post office was in the Eagle Hotel. ' Ely Barnard was app0inte<l to the oflice Jnnti J:l, 1839, He first located the office in the building n ear when 8chroeder's hardware now stnuds, l>nt Int.er moved to E. B,. Gay's stor e . John Curtis was his depnty and conducted the oflic:e, Almon Whipple was appointed Feb. 9, l84l. He held the office four month~ and continued it· in the Gav store. Wellington A Glover was appointed May 31, 1841, and continued the office in the Gay stor,.,. S. F. 172 HISTORY OP HOWELL Hubbell then a law student, acted as his deputy, Almon Whippie w11s re-appointed Sept. 1, 1843, and I!loved the office to his store on the 11ite now occupied by the Detroit Mercantile Co. · George W. Lee became pr.stmaster April 14, 1849, :111dl ocated the office in Lee Bros. store, on the site now ocCllllitd by Monroe Bros. Demstus Hinman was appointed June 7, 1853, and 1111,vedt he office to his store on the south side of Uraud. Inver stl'eet. l•'nu:k \Velis was appointed. postmaster Feb, 25, J ti05 . His office was in u dru~ store a few d•ors t11~t . of where 'ridings now is. Lnallller C. Smith waH appointed March 16, 1861. For fonr years he maintained the post office in the Lee ~tore where Monroe Brothers now are. He then mo, ·ed tlte oilico to the site now occupied by the Por t.c1·C 'lot.l1ing Co. Hem ·y 'l' . Clark ·wns appointed March 8, 1866, and !'(!appointed ,June l, l8GS. He continued the office where Mr. Smith had kept it until the building was l,ur11e1l, :m<l then moved to a building where Hotel LiYi11g·~tonn o-w i-tanc1s. William \Y. Kenyon been.me postmuster August 20, 1Sfi~, and wa:--re-appointed Deeember 10,1873. Undel' his 1u:11tagement the offtce was elevated to the presi- 1h\;ll :al <'.la~~. l\lr. Kenyon nt first maintained the oiii,·c urn~ 1loor west of the McPherson store. He n10\ ·L'.d from there to the site now occupied by Mar- ! l i ! I l 1J HISTORY OF HO\V ELL 1 ,..,, . / ,, vin's jewelry store, later to the Cardell l1l<wk, a 111: still later to the store now ocenpiecl hy ::-i.l(m· al '.l,11: 1 berg Brothers. ;., Julius D. Smith became postmaster Dec, 14, 1877. He moved the office to the site now occupied by Jin ;, Williams' rnill'inery store. When Cha1·les E. Reunrnum became . postmaster December 15, 1881, quite a struggle wa~ on as to whether "PPanut Row'' as thr- buildiugs faeing State -Street were called, should k eep the oflfoe. Mt·. Beurrnann had lt'-fH;ed the Ureenaway building and pui,.l $~., of rent, on condition that he re,.eived the appointment. \\Then this bet~ame known the "Peanut Row" forees worked hard against his appointment. So confident w1·re they that Mr. Bcnrmann wonhl not receive the appointment that M1, G1eenuWt1y Jea:=.cd his store to Henry P. Speneel''s drug store and Charles H. Brown's jewelry store. 'l'hey were lum]ly settled however before the appointment came and they had to move out. Isaac W. Bush was appointP.d postmask1· ,January 20, 18S6, and movedtheoflicP. back to ''Peannt U,')w." The big fire spoiled that place und he then moved to the room uoweccupied by the bar room of Hotel Livings- ·tori. The old fight for "Peanut Row" was t!Om· •promised bf IJr. W. J. Mills building a new building especially for the po st office, where . the Living-::-tot1 ·nemo~rat has been since its present management. to.of- . charge. lHr. Bush moved the offiee th~re 174- HIS'fORY OF HO\VELL January 16, 18fl0, Thomas G. Hwit~er snceePdt><l ~fr. Bush nnd soon aft1~1 moved the office to tbe room uow occupied by (foorlnow & Beech. After the second big fire, l\'lr. G-ood11owd esired to oecnp,r his old quarters and the post nfliee wns moved to the Opera Hom:e bloek. Henry D. Wilber beeame postmaster March D, 18!J4, and moved to the store now occupiet1 by the Whipple saloon. During the ldter part of his n<lmiuistrution Georgr, Harnes :-.ecnred a contract with th~ government for a !vase in the pre~ent quarters, and ereeted his building with the po~t oifiCl' idea for it5 ground floor 11ce:npant. .!Ylr. Wilbur moved the office there just before he retired f::-om the po::;ition and there it ha::<s i11ce rc,mnined. 'rimoth,r Smith became po~tmaster May 5, 1898. During his administration tlH! rural delivery has been worked 11p to nine routrs and a comμlete new outfit, np-to-the-mi_nute in design, has beeii put in. The offiee has been runuing just too · low but very near to the line for second cla$s for some time past, and is booked for that change July 1st. ,June 28, 1876, a meeting w>1s held at the Uouncil rooms and a county medical ~ociPty was organized Ho\veH names on the roll were Z. Hawley l\:Iarsh, Wm. L. Wells, Robert U. Hutton, Cyrus Mather, Charles G. Uruickshank, Casper V. BeP.be, Henry N. Spencer, Andrew Blank and Horace R. Hitch- <.o· ek. Other physicians of town, who were obliged HlSTOltY OF HOWELL to be absent ~·rom that me eti11g, afterw:nds g-nve 1heir 11anie8 to the i-;eeretary, hut . tl1is wns nenl'ly all UH~,·~ was to th~ I ifo ()f this orf?:miiat.ion. Medi1:al RoeietieR •>f the c·onntry were con$iderahJ., · mixed np rm·:, ;evernl years hut . stmighte11e1l out i 11 U)02. 'I'he pre~,_.ut plnu (·.alls fol' <'onntr 11:1d1i1·:1l Hodetie!:- aflilliat.ed with end1 other, forming <fo,trid., sta,te ~nd finally the American Medi<~nl 8oeil'l.y. .,-\ Jieeting was held in Howell, in 190:l an<l the Li,·iug!"- ton County 1\ledical Societ.y was organize<l. It no" · inclnde~ all physic '.ians of tl1e com~t.y. Dr. Jrwi11 of Oak Grove, is 110w its president, and Dr. H.. H. Bait ·d of Howell, its seert:tnry-treasnrer. 'rhe ext~entive commit.te,, i~ Drs. Brown 'l11<l Bri~lrnm of Howf'II. Dr. Claud Irwin of Hart.J:m<l, Dr. Clawl Rigler of Pinckney a:H1 l>r. Colum of ilrightnn. Howell mem - ben; ~p·e Dr. \\'rn. C. Huntington, Dr. H. 11. Bnirc1, Dr. E. H. Bailey, Dr. ,Janettn Briglinrn, lh-. ,J. 1'~ Browne rmd }Jr, U. E. ::4kinner. Howell had a. (food 'rempl::irs lodt?e alo11l; in 1 ht\ '60s, whicl-t did excellent wol'k. Its r11c<mls are lost however and littl e tangible ea.n be lea.med. Auother lodge was orgonir.e<l at the elose of :i meeting in the Presbyterian church, Oct. S, 1874, lJy Cha 1·leH P. Russell, then Past Grand Worthy Chief Ternplar of that order in Michigan. ,Jnlins D. ~mith w:.ts it~ first Worthy Chief Templar a11<Ml rs, H. G. W. Frr its first Worthy Vice 'remplar. 'l'his lodge was for many years E>ne of the strongest social organi~atirms; 176 HISTORY OF HOW.ELL in the town and did a i:ood work for the ·cause. Quite ,. number of those who had felt the curse or liquor were in<lucP.d to take it~ obligations and became useful citizens through its influences. Several of the l!_lost active of Howell'5, temperance workers at the present day received their early inspiration for the en.use in the teachings of this orcler. Among its active workers wafl Mrs. T. B. Knap~1. whom the author of this history had the privilege or uomin!lting successively, us Dh:trict Secretary, Grand ViP-e Ternplar, and Grand Superinte11deut of Juvenile Templer,;, to each of which positions she was elected. She war,; elected one of th~ delegates from the l~rand Lodge of .Michigan to the Right Worth? Granu Lodge wltieh met. in rndinborough, Scotl11n<l. in 18!)1, and to the sessions at Des Moines Iowa, Chi1~11go. Ill., Saratoga . N . Y., Washington, n C., Toronto, Ont., aud Hichmond, Vn. Nov. 19, 1886 the Livinl!ston Herald was f'stablished h,r the author of thb history who was then u. student in t.\ie law office of Hon. Rollin H. Pirson then pnwtil'in~ law in Howell. As is tl1P. eustom with yunng l:iwyers. we we1·e then dabbling a:; u. real estate :~gent. and wunted an a<lvertisirig medium. Unele ~am wa~ not as partic11In1· in enteri11g second class pnl>li1\ation~ in those days , and the lit.tie Herald, t'.011111osedof four pages of two eolumns each, and fnl'ming a sheet 8x10 inches in sir.e when opened, was (~a:-ily rulmi~ted to the mail~ even if it~ third page was HISTORY OF HOWEJ.L 177 filled witk. advertising for its publii.:her. By the fourth issue Andrew Whitaker then n. Howell grocer, want11d advertising space. Stephen Pratt, then a Howell druggist, soon followed. By the seventh week it be<.ame necessarv to enlarge to a three-column size. After the big · fire in March 18H7, the Herald business had grown so that it heea 111~ necessary to abandon either that or the leg:;tl prof'r·:-~.ion an« the Hnald was chosen. At t.he end of four years its first pnblh;her sold t.he paper, a 1,UC'.<'.PS~Gfn-lc olumn folio, to 8CCept a· position Oil tht: 'l'o}edo }]ver1in: ~ews where he 1·1miair11·fdo r ten ~·eare. Messrs. ,J. L. Pettibone & Sou who purchased the paper, published it bnt a fc,v months and then eold to Thomas W. Brewer who has mnintaine<l it ss n 6-nolnmn quc,rto, since that time. 'l'he old court honse was for many years an houor to t.he Connty. Then it-, sm·r·ontHlings out.grew the hnilding and it beemne a11 (~Y~~orc to everyone . It was Rt!veral tirnei\ l'l i;mhjed fol' (liscn~sion however, before action looking town1·d improvem~nt could be s~<>nreclf rom t.he l>onrtl of t,;npervisors. 'fhey finally snhmitted a proposition t.o hnild I\ new sheriff's residt•n ee and jail at an expen~e of $8,000, whieh was voted upon in the :--pring of 1887. 'rhe towm;hips of Brighton, De-cdicl<l, Oreen Oak; Hnrtln11d, Han<ly, Iosco , Putman nn<l Tyrone gave decided mnjoritie1 againist the projed a total of 9G l - hut the rest of the 1.o•unty gave a majority of l,arn; majority in its favor, 178 HISTORY OF HOWELL thu1- leaviug a net majority of 344 in the county, for the projeet, 1'he Superviscrs took the neces- Hlll'Y acticn at their nexL meeting, and the present sheriff's residence and jail was built the follo,v· ing year. vVith the jail out of the old eourt house, seutiment for the new one was more rapid in forming. The supervisors submitted the question to voters, at their .Janua,·~· seRsi011 in 188H. The townships of Handy, Putnam, Hartland, Deerpeld, Brighton, Green Oak, Tyrone and Unadilla rolled up a majority of lOG9 against the project, hut the other t.owns gave n majority of 1470 for tl1e building, thus giving 411 majority iu t.he <:ounty, and the new lmilding was authorized. 'l'he Board of Supervisors met April 21 of that year, and elected a building committee consisting of L. ,J. Wright of Howr.11, George W. Barnes of Tyrone, Vincent Parshall of Oceola, Thomas Howlett of Unadiila, and Daniel Sabin of Conway. The (\Orner stone wns la.id August 10, 1889, by ,Judge 'l'nrner. General R.. A. Alger of Detroit, mnde the leading address, which was followed by n the-minutes address from a representative selected from each township. W. P. Van Winkle was president of the day. Calvin Wileox was mm·shall of the parade which preceedeu the exercisei:;. 'l'here were vice presidents from each township. 'l'he building was not completed until the followin~ ., ,', . . ·\ HISTORY OF HOWELL IW year. The Opera House was rented for Circuit Comt until the new building was re:idy, In the fall of 1886 two young ladies came to Howell under orders of the American Salvatioti Army to establish a corps here. They were Capt. Carlson allC1 Lieut. Brownell. The old )fa.sonic ha!l in the Weimeister block had been leased before they came, and benches bad been fitted up for the prospeetive audiences. l!1 rom the start drnrch people of Howell rallied to assist the army, anc1 the meetings took 011 a strong .swing trom the very first. By the thircl night the two officers had one recruit to go with them on the march and others rapidly followed. In time as the <:oi-ps became rnor~ prmiperous, the skat.ilig rink was leased and its meetings there, from night to night, were probably the most largely attended religeous meetings which have ever been hel<l in Howell. The an<lienee was often counted as it left the building and its avnage number was about GSG. During the summer of 1887, Gen. Mool'e who was the head of the organization, visited Howell. The oecasion ,.,-as one of general recognition and brought several thousand people from thi:--n.nd neighboriug- count ieH. A concerted movem2nt was rnacle by the army, the eity churches and bnsi acssmen, to ~o favorably impress Gen . .M0orc: tlrnt he wonlc1 er-;t.ublish their state headquarters here, which wa~ <lone. rwo or three Howell people became oflicers and went out ill the work, from here. I u time however, new officers were appointc<l here, and the work lagged. Capt. LONG LAKE, FROM WEIMEISTER COTTAGE, NEAR HOWELL. 180 HJHTORY OF HOY/ElJ., · Carlson lwcarne Mrs. Nelson ·· Yelland and Lieut. Brownell be<:ame Mrs. ~Yill Fish. Both· have nlwnys heen respected ladies hy 11ll who haye kuown t:lwrn here. Rome time nfter t.he Arner-iean Army ceaRed to <>xist. in Howell, the orQ'anization headed by Ge11. Boollt secured a foot .hold here nnd <·ontinned with nlryiug success far ~ome ~·ear:;. Amon~ its officers wns Mrs. Ben Porter who for several yenrs past has done <·xcellent work with her h11~hiwcl who hns been a Methodist pnstor und successful evung-Plist.. On Satnrday evening, Marc:h 12, 1887, <1S Andrew Whitaker nnd Burr Montngue ·weJ'e going hmu<i nfter business pluees were $]rnt up, t11ey. disc•r1vf'red the Monroe block nt the corner of Grn11d River aud ~tate streP.ts to be on fire. Mr. Moutagne ran to the iaide window which he h11d just reached when an exploiiion took place which threw him back across the sidewalk and over the hitching po~t.. but not !-.\rriou::,Jy i njur111!.;' him. The insiile of the building wni;; tot u from t.lu• basement to the roof nml fire ';\·us thrown three i-tories, t1.nd onto adjoining J·oofs. in ,m im,tant tlie entir·t> Moncoe block was in flnmes and the fire ~prea ~l ve1·y rapidly to adjoining buildings. E. P. Gn•gor.v who wa~ then village president, telephoued to Ann A l'l>or and Lansing for ht-Ip, nnd both of those citi(lS responc1e,1 promptly with steam11rs. Before t.hey arrived however, the Greenaway block which stood at the wri-t end of the square where the Are Rt.nrtt>rl, f,,11 invmr<l ''' .:, ,' , HISTORY OF HOWELL 181 with a crasl.l, 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 busine\'ls blocks, except four small two-story buildings in the north-east corner. The loss was a verv large one and divided among over t.birty people and firms. Just as the fire "ngine was pulled to the scene somecne in the Court yard called ·'Tom Clark" and added some epithet. and fired, The shot just grazed Mr. Clark's clothing, glanced from thP engine and hit Al. Fishbeck but its force was too much spent to do much damage. The crowd rusbej across tLe street but failed to find the shooter in the darkness. The shot, witb the fact that Mr. Monroe who was an active tempera nee wor·kel', had received a letter threatening to burn him out if he diclu't stop his prohibition work, caused r.on~iderable excitement at the time, but no one was ever brought to justice. Tuesday, ~fay ~4. 1887, occurred the death of Jay Cnrso·n. Mr. Corson was born in Green Oak, nnd was alwc1,ys known to Howell people. After !!raduating from the law department of the University of l\liehii~tm in 1880. he was given such a welcome to Howell us few youug 111en receive. After a few mon~l!s he ti ied life in Alpena and Detroit, 'lnd returned to Howell in 1883, He was elected Circuit Court co1~rni8sioner in the following campaign, and was villn.i;e president in lSSr,, declining the honor of II I, I 1~2 I;lIS'fOitY OE, HOWELL u second nomination. In 1886 he was nominated for proseenting attorney in t.he Republican county eonvention, by acclamation. His health failed so that h e was not able to make a vigot·ous campaign, but he re,: eivecl more votes than uny other candidate upon his ticket, and all but five vote::. iu his native town of Oreen Oak. At the age of twenty-nine years, jrn;t u~ greut pro::-peets ::;eemed to oven befon , him, Jar Corson' s life stoi·y dosed here, to ope11 iu the hereafter. Tw0 or three efforts were made ar, •·nrious time:-:; to organize u Living8ton Uonnt.r ::-:;unday school assuciatiou. A mv.eting was held in the Presbyteriau chnrch in 1888, and au org-uni~ation w11s perrected. I<,rank Holden of Gre,!n Oa.k, wa~ elec~ed president and IL C. lteed then of Oceola, was secretary. The first 1:ounty convention was also h~ld in the Presb.r· terinn ehurch, ou April Hi and 17 of that yeu,·, and was very succeissful. County Sunday school couveutious were held rt·~ulnrly from that. time forward, for a qood muny )ears and much good was accomplished. It. was finally allowed to lapse however . .A convention wns held ut. the M. E. church lost year ttnd the or!Zanization was revived. \Vhen the first organization wa~ perfected each towm;hip in the county was reor~anized by electing . a president anJ seeretar). A. Riley Crittenden was 1 ·resiclen t of the Ho,,..ell association and Mrs. Sarlih T. Lyon secretary. 'l1he Howell association was active in the work during their term of office. 'rl1e ·t HIS'l'Oit.Y OF HOWELL otlicers which followed them nllowed it t0 lnnse. In the enrly '80s, P:rofR. Gt-1orgeB arn(•s and Thoma~ 1lordon ,Jr: con<lnct(•d n normal f.tnining school for t.eiwhers, in How1tll, during the summer vacation. About fift.)' youn!! people of tl1e county availed themselves of the opportunity for review and preparation for the fall teachers' examination. 'l'he s-:!hool proved such u complete success that n similar school wn~ held b) theso gentlemen or other locnl e<lncators for some years. 'Pbe central school building was Je:u,e<l for the purpose aud the 1:-10'..,'elslu mmer schouls nttracted considerable attention, drawillg btudents from ciuit.e a territory beyond the t\onnty lines. 'l'hey proved to be qnitt: an enterprise too for the town, as · the young people ha.:\ to lie mnir,t.aine(l here, an<l qnite a trade in all lint'~ rf':-rnlt.ed. 'l'bompson's lake Im$ nlwa.n; ,•ontnmed n number of springs from whieh flow Yery cold wnter. 'rhese form eurrent.s which olten catd1 S\.vimmers who nttempt long distance swimming nnd dunget·ous (~l'Ulllps re snlt.. 'l'his has led to a 1111mber of drow11ings . ..\: 11other cause of t.he~e r.atllstrophiei-i i~ the olosene&R to t.own and its terupt .ation whPn the iee is 1.ot yet Htrong enough iu the foll. One of the snddest. ol this ln.tter was the drowning of Uliffcml Cnlrer n bright, promisi11g boy of twelve years, 011 Thmsdav, Nov. 22, 1888 .. · For over hnlf nn hour the ht>rnie boy hung to the ice arn1 wuitr.<l for the help which wus vu.inly trving t.e reach hir:i. At. last benumbed 18-1 HISTORY OF HO-WELL by the cold water called nut his good byes ann let go to sink out of sight, nutil the ice was brokr.n to tlw srot and the l>ody was 1eronred, ubout thee hoai'3 Inter. The last drowning in Thompson's li1ke, Thursday Jnne 28, HlOG, was also a peculiarly ~ad one. rrbe victim was Kern Beumwnn, a r,opula.r and promising ~·our.g man who g-radua.tell from the Howell High School three years befo1e, and had just completed his law course at the University of l\11chii,,an. ~le went. t.o the lake fqr a svdh.. 'l'he tlar \,·u::; vel'y warm and he wa~ without donbt attached with crmnps which took him clown. His body was uot in the water a grent. while liut. it "·a~ impo~sible to resuscitate hi!n. In De~ernber, 1888, t.liree or four cases of small pox <1eYo)J,edi n Uowdl and one in the country near town, Georg-in Fishbeck who boarded with his uncle l\lurry li1ishbeek, died of the d:ea(1 disease. \-\'hen the first <!a8es developed evf>ry p1;ecautic,n was taken to head off a fmtber spread of the disease and it wa~ confidently expected that lhi~ bud been ae:eomplisbed, All three papers thPn pnbli$hed in Howell hnd items to the effect. that. thPre waf:; no further dang-er. The day after they were issuec G. J. Cook who was clerking in one of the storei:; came down with va·rioloid. Humor confounded him witn C. L. Cook t.he wellknown grocer. The Pinckney Dispatch sounded u warning to keep away from Howell, and alleged that the papers and people here were rnisrepresen t:ng . the I ,. '! ' ' l 1 I . I ' I . I i ; i BJSTORY OF HO-WELL 18fi situation. '_T'hes care worked and it was ~pl'i•1g bef..:,re it was over and busir:ess resumed its normal condition. rfii.ere have been t\vo or three similar scares at various times, but this one was probabls 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: 1880-:3npervisor, George \V. Fitch; clerk, \Villiam F. Griffith; t1easurer, Thomas G. Switz:er; 8chool i11spector. Charles A. Phillips; snperintentleri.t of schools, Hugh Conklin . He resigned December 7, and rrhonws G-ordon ,Jr. wa8 appoiu ted; highway commissioner, vVilliam .J. \Vallrn .tu; drain eommis- ~ioner, Harvry R. Dm:fee; Const.ables, Nelson A . .! ~elder, George B. Haymour, Charles B. Benrmann ,Tr., C. Frnnklin Dorrarl(' .C, 1881-Superyi:.;01·, Timothy Smith; clerk, Henry D. Wilber; trensnrer. \Villiam H,. Miller; snpcrintendent of sch11ols, Thomas Gordon ,Jr. Ile J'esignecl and Frank 0. Burt was appointed; school inspector Horace P. Bump; highway t·.ommissioner, gugene J~. Latson; constablfls, Andrew if. Rounds, R. H. B,umse. y, Edg-ar Noble, vV. II. White. 1882-SuperviEOl', Albert Riddle; clerk, Seth B. Rubert; treasurer, \Villiarn lt l\:[iller; :,;ehool inspector, two years, HatTY .J. Haven~, one year, Sidney H. Burt; highwav commissioner, DaYid P. Luke; constable, \Vlliiam Brower, nppointcd by town boanl. • •j I . ,I :I I :1 1 ,,,1 I: ! : i .J i .i j 18G HISTORY OF HO,YELL I883-Supervisor, Homer N. Beach; clerk, Seth B . Rubert; treasurer, Leslie E. Woodruff; highwav commissioner, David P. Lak1'; constables, Amos Winegar, P . Mcl\ianus . 1884-Supervisor, Homer N. Beach; clerk, \Villiam C. Spencer; treasurer, Leslie E. \Voodruff; school inspector, David D. I-forger; highway commissioner, \,Vesley W. Crittenden; drain commi~sioner, Isaac W, Stowe; constabl"'s, H. H. Clark, Benjamin H. Perkins. 1885-Supervisor, George \V. Axtell; clerk, Seth B. itubert; treasurer, ~rank P. Archer; school in· spector, Lewis C. Mil~r; highway commissioner, Thomas Hale; constables, H , H. Clark, S. D. Anderson, Jerome Wilber, Eclwin Smith. 1886-Supervisor. AlbP.rt Riddle; clerk, Amos Winegar; treasurer·, Louis J. Wright; i::chool iu~pector, Frank D. Filkins; highway commissioner, 'l'homas Hale; drain commissioner, David P. Lake; constables, John Ronstin, Ro.oert A . Chambers, Alfred Copeland. 1887-Snpervisor, Newton T. Kirk; clerk, William M. Force; treasurer, 'l'imothy Smith; school inspector David 1.J Harger, vacancy, Jay Coraon; highway commissioner, George Howard Jr.; eonstubles, Walter S, Papworth, Charles H. White. 1888-Supervisor, Lewi!'! J. Wright; clerk, Judd Yelland; treasurer, Timothy Sm 1th; school iRspector, Perry G. Burdick; highway commissioner, David P. .,,,. . ·: . . 1 ·;;i JliS'l'ORY OF HOWELL 187 Lake; drain commissioner, ,James Canfield; constables, George Lown, Will Peavy. 1888-Snper·visor, Lewis J. Wright; clerk, ,Judd Yelland: treasurer, Frank Crandall; school inspector .AndrEiw B. Fishheck; highway commissioner, Edwin \V. Smith; chain commissioner, Gem·ge Lown, 1890-Supervisor, Lewis J. Wright; clerk. H. L . . Wa:ker; treasurer, Frank Z. Hubbell; school inspector, Ed ward .J. Drewery; justice of the peace, George B. Rayrnour, vaeanc,y, David Robison; highway commissioner, Richar,l Hale; drain commissioner, William Line; con:;;ta.blE>sG, eorge Lown, E. D. McKinley .John F. Marr; hoard, of reyiew, Frank 0. Burt, Gilbert L. \Volcott. 1891-Snpervisor, Lewis .J. \V1·ight; clerk, Geor~e C. Allen; treasurer, Frank Z. Hubbell; school inl'ipedor, Charles Gilks; jnf-ti,~e of the peaee, E. P. Gregory; highway cummissiontr, Richard Hale; constables, Vernon C. Smith, George Lown, ,Juliu8 B. \Vhitaker; meml,er board of review, Hilbert l... Wol· cott. 189~-Superv:sor, Hollier N. Bcad1; el erk, An· drew B. :B.,ishheck; treasurer, ,James Ryan; :;;chool in· spector, Vernon C. S:nith, vacancy, Henry H. vVine~; highwav l'.ommissioner, Enria:-; rilalT; drain eommit:isioner, ,villiarn Line; e,.mstubles, L. ,J. Wri~h t, Ge::>rge L. Lown; board of review, Gilbert ]... \Vol- '~ott, Davin P. Lalrn. ]89:-3-Snriervisor, Homer N. Bea,~h; elerk, An188 HI.STORY OF HO-WELL drew B. FisLbeck ; treusurcr, James Ryan; scluol inspector Joseph S. Brown; justice of the peace, Vernon C. bmith; highway cowmissioner, Eurias Marr ; meI:lber board of review, DRvid P. Lake. I894-Supetvisor, Homer N. Beach; c!erk, Frank J. Holt; treasurer. Amos Winegar; school i nspedor, M. L . Carpenter; justice of the peace, Eugene A. Stowe; highway commissioner, R1c:hard Hale; drain commissioner, William Line; board of review, David P. Lake, Solomon Hildebrant. 1895-Supei ·visor, f!omer N. Beach; clerk . E'rank J. Holt; treasurer, Amos 'Ninegar; school inf:pector, Hoy Fitch; justice of toe peace, Dwight H. Fiteh; highway commissioner, Richanl Hale; member board of review, Daniel Bergin. 1896-Supervisor, Amos Winegar; clerk, Frank J, .H~lt; !r£:Ul:'UJeWr alter W. Kn1:1pp; Hhool im:pector G. Clyde Brown; justiee of t.be peace. Robert R. \\Takefield; l highway c-cn ni i$i::-, un, EmiP.s :!.\1arr; "7:~1n,table~, L1 rnuel A. Wight, Frank Durfee, Patrick Devlin, ~tephen G . Fishbeck; mrmbe1 board of review, David P. Lake. 1SJ7-Supervisor, Amos Winegar; clerk, Frank J. Holt; treasurer, Walter W. Knapo; highway commissi0ner. Enrias Marr. 1898-Supervisor, Walter W : Knapp; clerk:, l!.,r1mk J. Holt; treasurer, Richard ~J. Barron; highway commissioner, Jame3 E. Fi~s. 1899-Supervisor, 'Walter W. Knapp; ~lerk, Frank I i . \. i, ! I~ - -- . . ::}}\:'\ ·::w./;·: . ..J ..J UJ 0 i: faJ UJ C: ff) Cl: w > 0: 0 z ct Cl: (!) LL 0 w 0 (/) :I: I-- Cl: 0 z \__. I ,, '1 I ( ! ,,;·.:' ~;:.:._. ·• . '·· . . HISTORY OP HOWELL 189 ,J. Holt; treasurer, .Richard E. Barron; school inspector, Benjamin J. Wessinger; hi1?hway commissioner, James B. Filkins; cor,stab]P.~. David P. Lake, 8tephen G. Fishbeck; member board of review, Thomas Lamoreaux. HJOO-Su!i}ervisor, Walter W. Knapp; clMrk, Frank J. Holt; treasurer, John B. Barron; school inspector C. E. White; justice of th6 peace, David D. Harger; highway commissioner, ,vrniam H. Peavy; constable, 8tephen G. Fishbeck; member board of review, Eurias Marr. 1901-~upervisor, W. H. S. Wo<1d; clerk, Frank J. Holt; treasurer, John B. Barron; scho0I inspector Samuel M. Yerkes; justice of the peace, Richard D. Roche; high·va~· commissioner, William H. Peavy; constAbles, FrP."',nHn Rorabacher, S. David Anderson; mPmber board ,..,f review, Laverne D Brodcway. 1!)02-Supervisor, W. H. S Wood; clerk, Frank ,T. Holt; treasurer, Plin G. Henrv; ~chool inspector, R. Bruce Satttrla; justice of thf.! peace, Glean S. Mack; highway commissioner, vVillinm H. Peavy; com-tables, SAmuel D. Ander~on, Freeman Rorabacher, Henry H Collins. HJ03-Supervisor, ,John Kirk; clerk, Frank ,J. Holt.; treasurer. P. J. Henry. l!J04-Snpervi3or. Tim P. Stowe; clerk, :B,rank J. Holt; treasurer, Wilhnr B. Johnson; school inspector, R. B. Satt.erl:i; justice of the peace, David D. Harger; Lo fill v:1c~ncy, Anilrew J. Brown; highway 190 HISTORY OF HOWELL commissioner, lUchard Hale; constables, Hemy H. Collins, Stt-phen G. Fishbeck; member board of review, Eurias Marr. -1906-8upervisor, Tim P. Stowe; clerk; Frank J. Hol~; treasurer, \.Vilhur John sou; school inspecte>r, Howard Warner; justice of the veace, Ricb~rcl Roche; hii?hwav commissioner, Richar-d Ha.le; con stables, Stephen Fishbeck, F. Rorahacher, Roy Jubb, William H. Peavy,; member board of review, Gilbert Sargent. 1906-Supervisor, E. Miller Beurmann; clerk, Frank J. ?-lolt; treasurer, James H. Miner; school 1 nspector, H.. Brnce Satterla; jnstice of the peace, Alfred E. Papv;orth; bighwav commissioner, Frank M. Miner; con::itables. H. H. Collins, Freeman Rorabacher, William J. Culver, Harry L. Willia:ns, member board of review, Frank R. Crandall; librc1ry directors, Thnma~ Gordon Jr., 1\1. J. McPherson. W H. S. Wood. 1907-Supervisor, ..8 M11ler Bcurmann; clerk, Frank J. Holt; treasurer, James H.. M.iner; · si:hool pinse':!tor, Howard C. Warner; va~anry, Jolm Earl ; justice of the peace, Herbert Satterle; highway eomrnissioner, Engeoe E . Howe; constables, Fred Sttrcker, William J. Unlver, He"'rY H. Collin s , FrH1 Satterla; member board of review, Adelbert F. Peavy; lidrary directors, George Barnes, Albert D. Thompson. Ul08- Supervisor, E Miller Bcunuanu; clerk, HISTORY OF HOW.IDLL Hll Frank J. Holt; tieasurer, Anurew .J. Brown; school im;pector, vVm. R. Wbitaker; justice of the peace David D,. Harger; librflr~ directors, R. Bruce Mc- Pherson, Geo. H. Chapel; Highway commissioner, Eugene E. Howe; constables, Wm. ,T. Culver, Albert Satterla, 1:fon!'YH . Collins, Freeman Rorabacher; memher board of revif:lw; Frank R. Crandall. rno9-Supervisor, E. :\1iller Beurmann; clerk. Frank J. Holt; treasurer, Andrew J. Brown; ·justrce of the peace, Richard D. Roche; highway commissioner, Job1.. P. Lockwood; highway overseer, Charles Melentine; constinles Wm. F. Culver. Ray E. Lats0n, Henry H. Collins, Freeman Rorabacher; library directors, Louis S. Brook~, Martin J. Mc- Pherson; member of reyiew, Adelbert F. Peavy. CHAPTER XI Up to No,r In 1880 Bunter & Hulmes tb,en building c•(mlruc · tor::. hel'e, cornmcmced the P.ractiuu of au opern house. The building was openeu 111 1881, with Joseph Je.ffer~on. It was at once a conTt•nieDce for the town v.·hith was fully appreciated and ha~ n.hn1 rs eiajoyed a loynl pat.ronage from Howell people for public meetings. As a play house the patronage has bet•11 0f ~lrn streaked order, sometimes strong alld theu not so good, but usually pretty fair for a town the size of Howell . 1-'he buildi11~ rnterprise proved to heavy for tht! b11ilders and th" bailding l\'cnt CHi the mortgl3gu . lt was owned for imhil11 by Detroit parties nnl1 · wa:c; then purchased l>y Arthur Garlnnu who hu~ sine~ mar~aged it iUltl 1·ond\lcted his lrn~ines::-thL~re. October ~. lfH):!, f1re broke out in the lrnRtmPnt of Isaac Bush's grocer~ on Grand HivC'r ~treet , betweeu Division a.nd ~tate streets, The flue &.top had f:dllm on.t of the chirnne~· in the bt\semenl. People in the store adjoining, hnrned out s~me papers ::i.nd truck, in their stove, The fire w~s drtnTn down througb tho ehiu.1ney, with tht rest1lt already giveu. It bad a ·.:~~- ..·. !. . ... · . ~':· -f. .·.J... , ·.'~, HISTORY OF HOW Ji]LL 1 !J good he11dwa~· before diiwovered. and was ~oon beyond ccmLrvl. A!l the buildings iu thnt 1.Jlock, fronting on Grand River sL1·,-et, except the east storf', were burned. 'l'he losR was e::stimatecl at $75,000, -i\.mong the hcuvy loosers were Hickey & (foodnow who occupied a douhle store. The building collapsed brforA anyone cxi,ecte<i and t:everal people bad very narrow ,e:,cupes. Oliver Cook had to be pulled out. Mrs, Ji1 • G. Hir.key ,vas cuugbt by one foot, 'lnd <'ulled loudly for tbos!'I 11ear to get an nxe and cut off her foot. Crowbars were secmrcrl 1111d slrn wni:-; finally pried loosP., --Yith great effort. l_:'rnuk U. HiekPy and Darwin Wines were very Hoon mi~sed. ']'heir ren1flinR wore found in the ruins as soon as th e fire was sufficiently under control ~o that th~ anxious ones could senreh for them. Mr. Hickey was sPnior mea1ber of the lirm. .Mr. Wines \';as a ('.Ontractor und builder. In the fall of 18HOI -LH1.C harles Fishbeck who was soou to retire from office of Jndg1\ of Probnto, took steps to organize a second bank for Howell. J . A . .rilay who had had sowe experi1 ·11ce i11 the business was securc·<l to :ea<l ir, the ent e rprise and sev~ral good men were soon inl.erestec1. Preliminnr:v meetings w~re beld iu Fisbr,eck's office. The application for a charter was filed Nov. 28 of that year. The charter wns granted ,Jan. 12, 18!)1. Miller Bros. who httd for years run a saloon and cigar factory, abont that timP bought the block where 193 HIS'l'OH.Y OF HO\VELL they lrnve since bren. 'I'lrn room they vacated was fitted up far the bank which took the LH\me of FirHt State and Savings Bank of Howell, l\lir,higun. The first officers were ULarles Fishbeck, president, Frnnk G . Hickey, vice president; J. A • .May, cashier; directors, Uhurles l'lll'tis, Frank: G. Hickey, Charle~ Fishbeck, Asa Va11E::tet·k. J . A . .May, John H.yan, !:-:i.B . Rubert. l'he bank 01,cned for business Jan. 13, 1891. 'fhe present board of direct<,rR are Charles A. Uooduow, Arthur Gn.rlaud, Asa Vun.Kleek, George Barnoi,, Joh11 Rrnn, li1 • 0. Burt, W. P. Vari Winkle, The officers are, presitbnt, W. P. Van\Vinkle; vice prei-.;ident, Asa VunKleek; cashier. A. L. bmith; n~siHtant en.ohier, L. R. ~Janning. (;eorge H. Hu:wl wot id who wns tl1e fin,t ngent line for the Ann Arbor R H iulPt·esu·d hiu1s1-M in u fnct.ory projent nnc1 rail:'ed tlic 11,c1:essttl'.Vr noney to sc- <:n t·e A. A. and Fr«·d Piatt and E«lwanl Pol'lcr \Yho 111uvf:dh e!'ef rom H11dscm with tlwir b~111liug works. The company took the unrnes oi '.L'lie llowoll Manufacturer (J(). aud n1:111ufaelnre«l ,1nite a11 ex- 1e11sive line ofbeut woodwork. In 18Dl tht ·ir works . which stood near the present milk faet.ory site, \Vere hnr 110d, 'fhey w,~re 1t'llllil. ni r,u a rnnch srnuller !icale but wero lmmed ugai n i11 1893, By this time they hnd worket1 nr aht,Ht all t.Irn availaLle tim1 er in this ~eet.ioo 1rnd t.he worh wcm1 never rebuilt lrnre, The Pintts mond t0 Lnn~ing. lll~TOR'f OF HOWELL 194 Along- in the '80s James M. Turner of LansiIJg , organized a milk faetory tlwre, taking the _name of Michigan Co11deni::edM ilk Co. In time hti «:asnnlly askPCl \Vm. l\lcPherson or.cduy, if be knew where a man · eoul<l be secure<l to take holt1 of their business in Nnw York, to look after ~ale::1. This talk led to the employment of Birt F. PnrRon~ who clo.:od ont. his 1rnsine$ S hen· and moved to New York. for that pur - pose. Shortly nfter this Jnme~ F. ~loy ;mil C, H . Bulil of Detroit, 1w,~n11c(l the business from .Mr. Tnrner, Largr!ly thron~h l\Ir . J>nrsons' personal etl'o:ts t)1P husrne~s grew nutil t.hr, eompAny required more milk thnn ono factory'~ «·apneity. Mr. Pan~ons l'f'D1ern· hered hi-s ol«l home town :11111 took the rnnrfor np hr.re. A rnroling wa.c: h<'l1l i11 tli~ Opern Hon~o 111 1891 nnd t.hn reqnired ho111tR nf $5,000 wns rni.~e<l t11 srcn rn the fuetory. Fo1· 1,nme 1'rn1e milk w11~ Fhipp<'d to Lan~in~. H:,: t.he time t.lw fn~toi·y wn1-; r<·ndy ttw,·c· wns milk PII · ongh <·orning in In Rtn.i·t work hrr1~. It. \'\'llS Opt>ne<l in 1893, with E. P. (hPgon · n~ snporintcmdont .. Tfo rr~ii:,11<d in 1901 nnrl Wm . ~. Sn.nderlnnclR ~nccE'ch•,l him to thnt. ooRition. 1'fa~ R of 1.hnt.y cur. rr1i~ fnrt.ory hns for yPnrR rf'crh'erl an nvcrnr.e of !l0,0(10 pound!4 of milk rm.· ,lay. It hns avera1r1:d paying the farmer8 $:-360,000 per year for mllk, :u11l over $4<1,000 pc1· yent· tn }1rlp. Other fa<'tories ban paid in chi>1:ksa t. pnnic.~· t.imcs hut the HO\':'l'lll factor-y 195 HISTORY OF HOWELL has uiways ornvided the eash without a single failure. 'l'he value to the whole ,~ornmunity, by having thi:i atream of money Ho wing i:! 1 P-gularly. winter II nd 1mmmer, is beyoud compC'tio11. In 1881, W, K. Sexton who then !i,·ecl on his fan• in Marion, bong ht serne Holstein cattle at Ht. Clairville, N. Y. He wa~ t-O wei l plen!:'e<l ,, i th them thl\i when thP. man from wlu,m he p11rchase1l imported from Hc,llund in 1882, Mr . Sexton f:Pcured some to come with liis. At that time this sectio• was co11sidernbly note.d for Dnrham cuttle ttnd Mr. Sexton's blaek ano. white st.oel~ crenterl atl ~iurls or eomnwnt when he showed them n.t the con11t) fnir tbat full. He hn<l cnrefnlly st.nddied his ln·e~d how - ever nud given the111 11 s1-ivere test, un11 pinned hi11. faith to tlJC Hol~IPius . 1;,ul' his enrl'ful work in those dtws t.Jrn ind1rnl I'." hne hns much to he thankful. In thnt first imp.irtntion was u noble cow ·:;it.h th'l drnrnct.eristie Hol111nc.l name of Houwtje. Recognizing her vulne Mr, SPxt.o,, move.:: his operations largely toward hi>r family. He i1n,i;l;i ved to set them amoni? the count!'\'\; le~dn·s. Frn.11k Metz who worked for Mr. Sexton, cutH?ht. his ur,•or and entbnsiasm. and was the second Holstein man here. Horace Norton !:loon followed . All of these were in Marion but they laid the foundation for what hns become, heyond any qneslion, Howell's greatest anJ most paving erterprise, The advent of the milk factory h11d much to rle Hl$1.10RY OF HOWELl, 196 with the developement of the Holstein industry. R. C. Reed, now o~th e firm of Reed & Know 1,~;,,; Fra11k Crandall, The McPi1erson Farms Co., Dr. W. C. Huntlngton, F. W. \lunson, W. W. Crittenden, J. W. Worbington, E. l-'1 Gregory and other Howell farmers are extensively engaged in Holstein breed mg . The A. lt. 0. movement which requires record of production before registr.r, has found hearty support here, and the fame of Flowell cattle, iucluding several formers in other towns, is as wide ns this country. Messrs. ~eed and Cra,1dall have been officers of the state and national Holstein breeders associations. Uar load lots of th ')roughbreds are regularly shipped fro·n this markel to breeders every whPre, Howell bein~ tbe only place where choice specimens o[ this breed cnn regularly be purchased in such q~a.utities. The ti·a1le in Holstein gradPs too is ,ery large. Bo many buyC'l'S come from all parts of the country thnt D. M. Bec·kwith has made it his regular bm;iness for some time pa!:t t" aet as a sort of broker to bring, theRe bt1yers in contact with the cattle available for sale on farms in this county. In the matter of rncords, Howell cattle nre right at the fre,nt . Houwtje K. Pietertje DeKol. No. 61,543, leads with a record of 99 .6 pounds of milk in one day and 675 pounds in seven days. Her butter record in seven days was 18.98 pounds. She is owned by McPherson Farms Co. The 90 pound class ht1s a large number of cows hereabouts. 197 HISTORY O.P' HOWELL Going pt ices paid to farmers for thoron ghbrid Holsteins run around $250, with choice animals more than doubling thoi:)e figures. F1,r grades the farmers are receiving $60 tn $80 . Year after year, in the state medical society, tbe question of establishing a stute sanitorium for th e treatment of tuberculosis, was di:::cus.sed. Committees were often appointed, only to be turned down by the Legislaturo. In 1905 t.ne matter was brought. on aguin by a paper in the stn.te meclical society, by Dr, Hartz of Detroit. It was decided to make another trial and Dr. Hartz bellame · chnirrnan of 1,he committee t0 take the matter up nt Lan~ing. Somt local pbysicinns becnme interested and. brought the matter to the ntteniion of Senator Rumer and Representative VnnKeuren of this district, 11url posted them as to tbe need and vnlne of such an institution, ,v11nn the hill reached the Lrgislature, tbey were both among its stronQ~·st sunpc,rters · When it passed with nn appropriation of $30,000 to establish the instirntion nnd mninta.iti it fot the coming two yei-ns, Dr. W. U. Hunt.ingto11, to use a modern expression, got busy. Dr. Huntiu1?ton'fl son Harrr hud recE-ntly returned from treatment in a similar institution in the ea~t. He nnd his father, at once bei:.?an a search of property in this vicinity for the most available site. They picked the grounds we:ch were nfterwards decided upon. HISTORY OP HOWELL 198 Dr. Huntington then called a meeting at the "eugine house", and the matter was taken up, It was decided to go after the institution and committees w~re anpointed nccordingi.v. E. P. Gregory who wag chairman of the meeting, became chnirman of the genf'rnl committ~e. Eyeryone pulled together and the institution was secured. rrhe first board, was Di< Hartz of Detroit; Hon. Geo. W. Teeple of Pinckney; ]?rank B. Leeland of D~troit; Dr. Lohnson of Grnnd Rapids; Dr. Gray of Clnl'e and Dr, Copeland of Ann Arbor. Dr, Kennedi• of Detroit was its first superintendeLt. The local committee raised the money to present t.he site to the stut(', as nn in<lncerneDt to locate hr.re. D1·, Pierct3 l~ now superintendent. The present hoard is dS follows: Dr. Hartz of DetrQit; Dr. Johnson of Grauel Rnpids; Hon. Geo . W. Teeple of Pinckhey; Dr. Gra.r of Clare; Dr. Hmsdnle of Ann- Arl.1or, and Dr. F. Il. Leeland of Detroit. In 18J8, B. A Bowman opened a little bazaar store in tile C,1rdwell hloek It wusn 'ta very large im;titution and while Howell hns a welcome for large and small alike, r10 one thought a. great deal about it anyhow. In :.\fr, Bowman's cles:i ii:; n little brown e•1ve!ope labeled "First sale, March 15, 1898." It co11t .:.:insf ive rents. \Vbile the stock wa, :miall, it8 owner possessetl 1nl! JD • HISTORY OF HOWELL domitable will, courage, courtesy and hustle.' These qnalities didn't show up on the first invoice, but they went right into the business with the little stock. After •.twhile, the ~tol'e moved to a more central lora· tion and then to one of I.he }ingest stores in town. rrhen came a balcou~·, n blsemont. fittecl up foi· additional department:;:, a com111<,diouss tore house erected iu the rear and au umwx in another building. At the sta1-t, Ml'. Bowman arid a Loy took care of all the tradc.i and had lots of time. Now, ~even clerks are regulady empluyed, lllOte Oil SattmJn.rs and in the holiday !-!eason, as high as twenty-eight have been reqniretl to lake care of the t.rndc . 'rl10 little store has l!row11 to be I.he lenckr in ii.:,; li11cs. Its n marvelous clevelopment. In the early '80s. 1"m11k H. Bush built Howell's first greculwn::;c. It stc,ocl on lltf' ground no-w occupil'd by John Kingque1:,t.'s house. Por two or three vears he did n good ln1sinrs. nnd then having engnge<l in the news and i:onfcctionury business allowed bis g1 eenhou~r, to go <lown. B? the way thi:,; yolllH! man's cnnfediona1·y hnsi uess was in the roo111 now occnpi• cl by Kirk'::; millinery rtore on Stat-e street His peanut roaster wns u. new thing rn H()w<:1,1 t1llll gnvd him a l.:ig lnrnincs, and this m tnl'll gnYe to tl1e row of t.wo story business places, then lnt.ely erec•tu1, t.he name of "Peanut Row\ whid1 it has si11ee hc·ld. About. twent,Y years ng-o, l\irs Geo. B. Lake who r . 'ff. I . • 11,: It I·;I; ,... 11rl 1 :11 ~: {4 . G~5 . .·1~ ·~ .. \ ·' i J 1 HISTORY OF HOWELL ~00 was then livin~ with her father, Dr. Z . II. nlnrEh, built a small greenhouse adjoining her home. .Ahont that time a yonng man named S11mnel D. Chaney arri vea · in Howell and arranged to work for Mrs. Lake for his no:.wd, tind go to ~chool. The greenhouse tec:nme lari;rely his care. Chaney afterwur<ls became _an operator 011 thf Chicago Bop.nl of Trade, where he made 11 ha n<lsome fortnne. He retire<l a few years ago and built a splendid h01ne at ,Joliet, Ill . , and ha!= a fine :rnmmer home nt. Chnntauqna Lake N. Y. Soon after '.Mr. Chaney gaye np his jnh of working in the g::eenhonse for his board, .J. Albert. Brown was emplo)'ed by .Mrs. Lnke. He worked for her abont seven years, and thirteen vears ago, pnrchase<l tl1e property. Under l\Ir . Brown's skilful management t~e business of flower culture has <leveloped to one of the best irr this section of the state, en.Hing fo1· several large houses, well eqnipned with the very latest appliances. The idea of raiGing vegetables nndP.r glass wns new here when Lee Chamberlain took: it up wi1h Howell people in HlOG. He snr,c!Peded i 11 iutore$ting enpital with him and ()rgauized the firm of Lee Chamber lain & Co. Arrangements were mac.le with the \Vater Works and Ele ctric Li iht Board to rnn waste steam from their works for heating purpo£es and the green houses were built. In J !}07 the eld fh:m was cha1~ged to an ineorporatiun under the name 201 f1ISTOB.Y OF HOWELL of How .•11G rrnnbot,~eCo., Mr. Chamberlain remaining in the general management : At this writing two houses eacli two by twelve rods in size, have been under cultivation since the company began operations, · and a third is to be erected in the very near future, The leading products are lettuce, tomatoes and cuembers which find ready mark et at hoIDe and in the citiei, all through the winter. Another greenhouse was built by Walter Papworth; in connPction with his market garden business, some yenrs ago. It has laid tl,e foundtition for quite an exten.5ive industrr, Every spring, tomatoes and other plants which ar~ started there, are shipped to towns all through this part of the state. When William McPherson first established hig store in Howell. o. few drugs were amon~ the sto ~k nH they nre in all country stores. Later, when be fcrnfed the nartnershin with William Rhldle and rnovel1 to the comer now occupied by 0, J. Parker's dtug store, the druE?s became a main stock, gradually develoning, until a few years later, a fully equipped drug store wu~ to be found there. In time the late H. P. Browning came here to clerk in this drug st.Jre, md fol' some Jears managed it for l\fr. Mc- Pherson and Son. Ln.ter this stock was owned by Henry D. Wilber who rnn it for a good many years, finailf moving to the old \Vinans block, where crockery, etc, was nddecl, and where it went out in the first big fire which swept that block. HISTOHY OF HOWELL .Another rnrly drng ~tore m1:,.; run by E, A. Youuj.!'s who gailled quite a l'f')lHtatiuu with hi~ 111(Hti1·inl·:--. l\lr. Youngs ~old out to W. F. Uritlith who r,rn t.lw i-;to1c fur a short timP nt1d :-:old it. to 0. ,J. Parker, twent.,-five re:m, ag0. :?iir. l'nrker 1110\'etl to the M . .J . McPherson blo<~1w': heu it wn:-; t:0111plet.e<la nd h•1:-: l.•een the1·~ i-inl'I:', lmt is ~0011 tn mm·r to tlw Uree11am1y blJck. ATJother eat·ly drng storf' wa~ J>r. Hla111•k'1-. 'II \\'HS 101·:ited in t!tt~ Oreen hl01·k, aftc·nr11rd:,.;,k nown as ,\lcKeever hlo,·k. Or . Blan1·k :--old to A. H. Phin11Py who moYed the fhwk to thr Va11KlePck hloek, whrl'e it was solrl to Tim P. ::;u,\\'t: nnd K K. ,Jolrns1111. Thr.y we~·e tog-ether for 1-~Yen or ei,d1t years, w!JP11 illr. ,Johnson, in .li-iSO, bought liis partner':-; i11terf'st·;e;. \\'hen this "'ll!:,: done, t}w i-tcwk w11s in what. is 110w krn,wu as Monro1~ Brot.h1·1'11 ' ldock. It wni:: 111nv1•11 from ther,~ lo the Gregory bl,wk in ~!JO!J. Sometimt> nftei· :,;:ellini.:l-iiF-inten•$ts in the !inu of ~towe & Johni-on, Mr. St.n,H' stnrtecl II new <irn~ !:-tore, whi<:h lie 1·nn for !':OJntt"i 111ea ntl I lien i-old -to Barron & Wine:--. Drs. Spenct'r & Hut .ton tlll'I ied :1 g10wi11g st<wk ot medi<.'ines in their office~. \Vhcn the:-;e m.'re n11ited in the format.ion of tbPir medical partnership, it pret :- ty nearly macfo a drug :.;tore of itself. They wen~ leaders in their line for !'iome years, and were sutceeded by H~nry P. Spencer, who sold to E. Hercnclean, who :lftenrnrih; faileil ,rn<l the stotk wn~ largely ~old (J) 0 C J: (J) 0 m 0 Ti C) XI J> z 0 :0 < ro :0 (J) :0 m m ::r: 0 rm r 208 HISTORY OF HOWELL at auction, the balauce beiu!? stored for some yeMs, in a barn. Another very early drug store was that of Frank Wells. He moved from here to Lansing where h~ was prominent in Liusiness circl6s for several years.· In 1901 W. H. S. Wood was elected Supervisor and he propo::;ed a petition ior a vote on the propo- S!tion of not to exceed a one mill tax for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a township librarv, and among the firQt signers thereof were M. J. McPhPrson, Wm. Van Winkle and K. S. B. Holt. Meanwhile 1\lr. Woed also wrote to Andrew CarneJ;?ie who offernd $10,000 for a library Luilding if sight · and ten percent er $1000 was promi,.ed for• aunual maintenance. The vote ,vas taken at the April eleetion in rno2,u o great dfort being made to iufl. ueuce voters, except some quiet argument~ and letters in the pref's by members of the Howell Woman's Club, Mr. \Vood having stated that he desired the voters and taxpayer~ . to exercise a careful and consistent choice in supporting or rejecting it, bnt it carried by a vote of about two to one. The Township Board then aupointed suitable c·ommittees ana thE:.p lan:5 of archttect. E. E. Meyer:; of Detroit, who was alsn the archete~t of the Stat~ Cup1tol nt Lansing, and those of 'l'exas, Colorado and Illinois were accept~d. l\ieanwhile, the sons of William l\foPherson, viz. Wm. Jr., E. G., l\L J. nnd Alex. secured and purj I ; . HISTORY OF HOWELL 204 chased the entire block on Grand River street for1:nerly occupied by ,he old foundry and presented it fora site, die . ceLtrel fro1;1t where t 11e building st;rnds being ac.cepted by the township and the romoinder of the block by the village ns a park. It was decidtd to build the library of field stone or glacial granite, found in fields near here an1 it has certainly made as fiiie nn appearing library building · as there is in the t::tate and being cm the. best thorougiifarP., is generally noted and remarked about by all strangers passing in automobilt·s, etc The con~ract was let to G, Kuehnle, he being the only bidder on the 6ntire bnil<li11g lilld it was commenced in the spring of HJ03, hHt after getting the waHs up and roof boards un, the contrar.tor faihid and it so remained until Mr . Camegie wns induced by M. ,J. McPherson, to make a further appropriation of five thousand dollars, by which it w:1s completed and the oui1ding was open'"n for use Thnrsd1y, Novembet· 19, 1906, with an address by H.ev. Dr. J. H Barkley ()f Detroit. The first Bvard ol Township Library Commissio11· ers, elected in 1903, consisted of M. J. i\tcPherson, W. H. S, Wood, Rev. Brooke, Thomas Gordon .Jr., Ge0rge Chapel and George Barnes and since then, R. B. McPh~rson, A, D. Thomp~on and Rev. Cooper have acterl tnereon. Miss Lucy Chapel was appointed librarian. 'rhe books of the Ladies Libra1 ·y Associatiou, were· trans 205 HISTORY OF HOWELL ferred tu it. The e:hildren ,,f Mrs. William McPherson Jr., prllsented five hundred dol!ar::: worth , of new books, the late Solomon . Hilde,,rant and Dr. W. J Mills and others ~ave :..,ooks and W . .Ii . . 8. Wood gave about two thousand law arld E!'OvernrnPnt reports. When l\'1iss Chapel resigned Februar) 14, 1!)10, Mrs. Myrtle Wilkinson was appointed to the position. · The library i~ opened every weekday from two to five p. rn. und 011 l\fonday, Wednesday and Saturday eyeniugs from seveu to nine p. 111.. It ,.ow has about G,000 volumes, and is mneh used uud apprecinted br tne public. and especialiy the pupils in the public schools. It belong~ to the entire township of How~ll, i~ a free circulnting librar~, books being allcn•el: to he kept two week~. except refrrence books. A law Wd.S pa~sed in 190G. d:-awn by W. H. S. \Vood and introduced b.,· Senritor George Bi:trnes, al· lowing adjoining town!:; t.o join with Howell in its st1pport an<l use, bnt. it hris not ns yet been availed of liy tbern. In ,January, 1907, Prof. D. F, Clark established the Howell Business College, uffllliated with the Bliss Business Uollegfl of Flint, Prof. F. 1\1. Dye was placed in chnrge for tho first year. Prof. W. A. Clnrk became the Ilene} of the school the following fall and is still in that posit.ion, The college bok a lligh grade for its work, from the start, and hus mnintained it. It~ list. of stndents im8 been IArger each yrnr thnn t.he yenr before. },,: ? -; ,,',. . -- ·--·-·-------------- HISTORY OF HOWELL 206 OIJ May 9th, 1909, A. Riley Urittendeu learned that a Detroit factory was looking for a location with more canital. The business lookeJ go0J and he soc,n arranged to bring the parties into contact with How - ell people. Before 110011 the next day th~ mutter was practically cinched ar:d on May 20th a contrud was signed whirh resnlted in the establishment of the Wic~km1n1 Wire ,v0 1 ks here. The company is incorporated for $12,000 with H.J. Wir,kman, Hobert S. Layman, Wm. McPherrnn Jr, R. B. McPherson, 1\:I. J. McPherson, B E . .McPherson, 0, J. Parker E. U. Shields, Jay C. Walton and Fre<l P. Schroeder ns stockholders. I ts first officers were: Pre::;ident-R. B. :McPherson. Vi~e President and GE-neral Ht~pei-intendent--H. ,J. Wickman. Secretary-Treasnrer-H. E. McPherson. The romoany manufaetures a line of wire specialties with a twisted wire ~avetrongh holder ns a leader. Its first Eeason was highly ::;ucessful nD<l prospects are bright for a material increu::;e in business. Wm. H. Wenk developed a genius for medrnnics as a small boy, on n farm in Deerfield. HP. gradually ievelopcd a saw mill and cidet· mill and made quite a line of cider mill machinery. Early in 1908. he outgrew his country facilities and bought a site from A, M. \Veils on the bank of Thompson's lake. There he erect1:d a building in the upper portion of which he placed his Deerfield business. In the basement 207 HISTORY OF HOWELL he equipped a first-class r.reamery. Capital was mteresterl in this change and the Howell Mannfactuiug Oo. wns the result. It was incorporated at $15,000 , The new industry was opened for business Sept. 15, 1909 aud seem:; to be enjoying a pros· perous ll.nd growing patrouage . City officials of Jate years have been ·as foliows: 1870-President, Henrv H. Mills; clerk, Dennis Shields; asse~sor, Wm. Ct1rtis; trustees, Albert Riddle, 'Wm. C. Rumsey. Francis N. Monroe, Calvm \Vilcox, Andrew D. \Vaddell; marshall H. C. Brig~s, st~·eet commissioner, Solemon T. Lyon; nonnd master, J&mes Fitzgerald; trearnrer, H. U. Brigg~. 1871-Pregiclent Sardiae f11 • · Hubbell; clerk, Andrew D. Waddell,L assessor, ·wm.B . Smith; t.nisteec,, Neil O'Heai·[J, George H. Uooper, Floyd H. Wvkoff, Charles G. Jewett, nnd George Gree,naway; mar~hall, Leonard N. Fishbeck; street commissiouer, William E. Huntly; treasuret·, fJeonard N. Fishbeck, 1872-President, Sardias F. Hnhbell; clerk, Andrew D. Wn11dell; nss"'ssor, Calvin Wilcox;t1ustees, ,Tohu W. \Vright., GeorgeL. Sage, Robert C. Hutton. ~John M. ,vhite, ,Toh11J ones; marshall nnd trea~mrer, Henry A. Whipple; street commissioner, Wm. E. Hnutly. 1873-President, Niel 0' Heorn; clerk, Edward B, Gregory; assessor, Harry J, Haven; trustees, F. · N . Mouroe, Asa VanKleeck, \Vm. Beattie, Sylvester Andrews, Albtrt Riddle; mari:;hall and tJ'easurer, Hiram Hoppe:r; street commissioner, Wm. 0, Rum· SP)'. !l ISTOHY O:B, HO WBLL 208 1874-President, .B,. N, .Mourot>; cle1·k, Hoyal II, Rrnusey; as\3essor, Beuj, Rnbert; trustees, \Vm . 'vV. Finton, ,Tames A. Preston, William rn. \Vnt&:011, Honce G, \V, Fry. George Bmih; .l\fr, Fry never qualified and g , B. Grng-ory wns elected to n1rn11ey; ::-:treet commissiouer, Ulrn1·l,~s B1i1.d1111n; 11111n,hall nnd treasurer, W1u. Hn1nanl, 187G-Presirie11t, Horace Halbert; de1 ·k, K f'. <.frego1·y; asse~sor, F. ,J. Hi ckey; trustees, \Vrn B. ,Jewrtt, .J. M, White. l!""'r<!LlericHk , Hi own, ltoswell .:\lo~.t., Er ,:~tus \Vatl'(in s ; 11rnr::d1all and treasurP1 ·, \\Tm . .B,. Barnard; street <:mnmiseiollf·I', C, Brigham. 187<i-l're sideut ., ll:11T.1· .1. Haveu; clerk, ltullin H . Per sou; assfssor, Alh 1·1t Biddle; trnstff'~, .Arn Va11Kleeek, Hobert A Challlbers, Willi:'1111L . KunpJ>, ,John vV. Wrighl, N"il 0' llenm; 111n..rsltalal 11d trens· nrer, G.:o:.. Uu~h; street. <!Ollllllif-'~ioBer,, John Lee. ]877 Presidt>ut., Asa V!!nKlrFck; del'k, Hollin H, Person~ 1,:-51sp~sor, Wrn. B. Srni tl1; tnrntees, H. H. H,nmsPy1 L. N. l!""'ishoeck,S tepht-n 8, Mo,,1·e, H. A, Chambers, ,J, \V. \Vrig-hi; · mnrsl1111l a.n<l t.l'easurer Arthur F. B'ield; street eo111ruissione1·, Thomas J. \Vinegar: pound ma~ter, ,Jolin Rons ton. :878- President, Neil 0' Ht>arn; l{oyal H. Humsey; assessor, Willio ,m 13. Smith; trustees, \Vm. H. Gilkes, Leonard N. FishbPck, Harry ,J. Haven, Frank Kelly, George H. \Vnrren; street. comniissiouer, Thomas J. Winei;rnr; treiisurer, Thomas Lilark; health offir,er, Vv.L . Wells. 20D HISTORY OF HOWELL 1879-President, John · H. Galloway; clerk, R. H. Rumsey i assei:::sor, Benj, H. Rubert; 1,rustee, Asa VanKleeck, Mylo L. Gay, Wm. :B. s~ith, .F. N. Monroe, Leandt>r C. Smith; street cnmmissioner, T. J. Winegar; marshall, Thomas Clark; healt'2 offieP.1· H.R, Hitchcock. 1880-President, Leander C. t,mith; clerk, Royal H. Rumsey; trustees, F. N. Monroe, Theodore B. Knapp, Wm 1\foPbersou Jr, Asa VanKleeck, W. W. Kenyon; sssessor, Albert Riddle; street comrnisioner, Ubaries Brigham; treasurer, Thomns Clark; health officer, R. C. Hatton. 1881- P{·esident, Wm. B, Hmith i derk, Clrnrles H. Brou 1 n; asessor, Albert Riddle; trustees, Wm. W. Kenyon, RobPrt A. Chambers, Theodore B. Kna1·p, John M. Clark for one year, Horner N. Rench, F. N. Monroe, Charles L, (1ollier, L. N. Fishbeck for _two years; street commissioner, Alonzo Teasdale; treasurer, rrhomas Clark; hoalth ()fficer, Henry N, Spencer. 1882-President, Harry J. Haven; elerk, Frank O. Burt; assessor, Albert Riddle; trustees for two years, Henry D. Wilber, Edward Greenaway, Lorenzo H. t3ulivan, to fill vacancy, Leslie E. Woodrnff; ~treet cornmissi.oner, A. Teasdale; marshall, Thomas Clark; pound mas tar, J obn Herbert; health offi~er, lienry N. Spencer. 1883-PresideIJt, vVrn. W. Kenyon, clerk, .Patrick J. Hammel: assessor, H. G. W. Frv; trustees, John " . ' ; I ~ • . ;_ . <.-·/; . '., .. ,. I !- I'' . . HISTORY OF HOWBLL 210 V. Gilbert, John W. Wright, Edwin C. S,veet 'l'heodore · B. Kn .a pp; vacancy, Charles A. Wood 1 street co~missiouel.·, A. Teasdale; treasurer, Thomas Clark. 18~4-Pre~ideut, George P. Dudley; clerk, George H. Chapel; a::..sessor, Homer N. Bet1ch; trustees, :B,rank P. Archer, Charles 'B,1itz, Alfred E . .t'apwcrth, Loreuzo H. Sulivan, vacancy, Winton B. Brooks; night watch, Thomas Clark. 1885-President, J uy Corson; clel'k, George H. Chapel; 1h,se;::;sorG. eo:·ge W. Axtell; trnstees: Thomas G. Switzer, EL.iger Nobh,, · Frank J. Holt, Culvin Wilcox; hetJlth officer, E. B. Pratt; strt-et commissioner, Uhar!es Brigham. I88G-Pr~siaent, E . G. McPherson; clerk, ·will. Force; assessor, Albert Ri<ldle; trustees, F. G. Hickey, William Switz, A, E. Pupworth, W . B . B1·ooks; vaeanc). L .. J. Wright; heaHh officer, n, W. ColPman; marshal and tlea~urer, S. B. Hubert; strel:'t commissioner, Charles Brigham; lamp lighter, Edgar Carpenter. 1887-PresidE- ...t.,. Edward P . Gregory; cle1·k, vVilliam M. Fotee; s~efsor, :Newti,u IGrk; tl'llstees. H. C. Wrie-ht, vuri"aucy, George W . Axtell, Charles .B'ritz, Cbarlcs L. Collier, William H . :Monl'oe, vacancy, Fre·J P. · Schrot-Jd,·r; marshull aud treasurer, Seth H. Rubert; uight \Vtttch, Walter S. Papworth; street commissioner, Winton B. Brooks; h~alth officer, ,John A. Wessinger 211 HISTORY OF HOWhlLL 1888-President, Dennis Shi11lds; cler'.!.. Bernerd L. Walker ; assessor, Thomas B. Clark; .trusteeE>, .Cyl'us S. Sweet, Amos Winegar, Wallace W. Barnard, George H. Chapel, mq,rshall and treasurer, Jerome Wilber; lamp lighter, Jarvis Miller; nibbt watch, Th@mas B. Ulark; health officer, Robert H. Bell, building inspector, L. J. \V light 1889-PresiJent, W. P. Vttn\Vimdt>; clei'l,, A. Hiley Crittenden; asses~or, Lewis J. Wriid1t; t.ru~tees, Henry C. Wright, Thomas O'Connor, Rnliert B, Bell, Andrew B. Fisll.beck, vacancy, Edw11rd ~1anue street commissioner, A. S. Cooper; rnart-liall, night watch and treasurer, Thomas B. Cla:·k; lJealth officer, Will U. Spencer; building iuspectors, C. L. Collier, L. J. Wright, Charles Johmon. 1891)-President, Wm. P. VanWinkle; clerk, Edward J. Drewery; l:iSSeSf=OrL, ewis J. Wright; trustees, Amos Wineg111·,E dwaril Manne, t'l'ank Z. Hubbell, Chas. E. Marston, vac,H::cy John Bickliart; murshall and trea&urer, Lyman V. D. Cook; health officer, Robt. B. Bf-11. 1891-President, Wm. C. Huntington; clerk, Edison Wilber; asi::essor, Lewis J. Wright; trustees, Thomas J. Winegar, P. D, Skilbeck, Thomas Barron, Daniel Purkey, vacanoy, Charles Arnold; street commissioner, A. S. (looper; marshal! and treasurer, L. V. D. Cook; health officer, Dr. R. B. Bell. :!.892-Pres. John Wright; clerk, Andrew Fishbeck; assessor, H. N, Be<\ch; treasurer, James Ryau; HISTORY OF HOWELL 212 trnstees, ,Te1·ome Sherman, Henry ,Jones, Sylvester An<lrews, ,John Bickh·trt; he·llth officer 0. N. Moon; night watch, Thomas · B. Clark; attorney. W. f>. Van Winkle; <,ll eet commissioner ·, ,John Farnsworth; marshall, T. ,J. Winegar; pound master, John Her· l•ert. l\ir. \Vinegar only served a short time as marshall and resigned. Hyr011 Phinps w11s elect"ll t) vacan1~y. 1893-Presiaeut., Jdm \V. \Vright; clerk Edison J. \Vilbi>r; ai;:sessor, Homer N. nench; treasurer, ,Jnmt>s By an; trustees, Fred F. Hubbell, Henry D. \Vilber, Edward C. Sweet, R. Bruce McPherson; mar shtill, St.i>phr.n O. l"ishl>eck; health officer, Alex 0' Neil; 11igl1t watch, 'r. B. Clark; ::;treet commissioner, ,John Farnswol't)1. 18H4-Pr ..~. ident, A 1thm Gnrhmd; "IE'rk, Edison .J. Will,er; 1tssessor, George P. Durlley; tr~asurer, Mill,•r Heunnan; trustees, Herhert J . Acklt3y, A. D, Thoinp ~,rn, Q!arence ,J. Cf)nk, Hugl1 A. McPherson, varancy John E. Gilmore; rnn.rshall, l\L J, Dempsey; uight , watch, Byron !J. Langworthy; water trustees, Thoma!. Gor<lon Jr. Miles W, Bullock, W. C. Huntiugton; ,vuter clerk and impector, Geo. P. Dudiey. 1895-President, ,J. C Walton: clPrk, Henry H. Wi11es; ass~ssor, Homer N. Beach; treasurer, E. i)liller Bt>u rmann; trnstees, C. E. Burns, S. M. Armstrong, GPn, .W. Axtell, Albert Thompson, Hngh A. McPhrrson, Frank Frieund: inarshall, l\I. .J. Demp:sey : stre( :t rommissioner, John Farnsworth: 213 FUSl'OHY OF HOWELL health officer A. O'Neil; attorn~y Luke S. Monta.gue: resigue~ July lf>, D,vig-ht Fitch Hppoiuted: ni!!ht watch, B, D, Langw~,rthr. li-<96-PresirJent, Robert B. Bell; clerk Henry H . . \Vines; tJeasurer, Walter W. Knapp; assessor Amos \\'iuegar; trusteE:s, Audre,v B. Fishbeck, Frank l!,reiund, Hugh A. · McPherson; attorney Dennis Shields; night wntch, Will R. Knapp; ma::shall, Henry Per,tibone; health officer, Alex, O'Neil; fire warden, L, N. F'ishbtck; street commissioner, John Farnsworth; poni1d mast.et, Joirn Herbst; scave 11ger, Abram VnnBlaricum. 1897-President, A. D, Thonrnson; clerk, Ara L. V. D. Cook; asi:-essor, Antos Winegnr; treasurer, Walter vV. Kun pp; tru~tfe~. Ualvi11 Wilcox, Daniel Ra.tz, J 1nvid L. Yonug; street commi~sioner, Jos. Gibouloug; ni!?ht watch, Edgar Corson; rnarshull, Jerome Wilber; health officer, Dr. J. E. Brovvne; attorney, Cl1mde ~rayton; fire warden, Fred Hopper, snperintendn1t and clerk of water works, W P. Govier. 1898-Presiaent, Louis E. Howlett; clerk, Ber· nard L. Walker~ treasurer, R.. E. Ban on; assessor, Walt.er W. Knapp; trustees, Ernest L. Avery, Frederick P. I<;uler, Homer N, Bea<·h; stnC't commisson~ r. ,John Da11iel8; night. wnt~h, Heury Pettibone; attomey, w· H. S. Woud; nrnrbhall, -Eli L . Snyder, henlth offt':!P.l'A, lex. O'Neil; fir~ warden, L. N. Fishher. k; board of assessors, Everett. D. Sorgent, .Julius HISTORY OJ!' HO\VELL 214 Hesse, Fred F. Hubbell; smveyor, l\liles \V. Bullock; superintendent water worl\s, George S, Dmfee. 18~HJ-President, Louis E~ Howlett; clerk, Uernard L. Walker; tren.snrer, Rielrnnl E. Borron: assessor, Walter W. Kna1111; tmstees, Calvin Wilcox, U. P'rank Shields, Amo~ Winegar HIOO- President, Louis E. l luwlctt; clerk, Charles P. Adn.rns, trea 'i>Un-r, ,Joh11 B. Barron; assessor, \Vnlter vV. Kun pp; trustees, Byron Kell~, Electus Hadel en, Uhinles \V. 8lrnrp; water der;<, B. J. ·wilber; elect.l'ic light, nu,1 wnte,· (lo1muission, Fr1!<1 P Schroeder, 0 .. J. Parker, Calvin Wilcox. l!JOl-l-'re~ide11t Thornns Cfordon ,fr.; elerk, Uhnrle:,,; P. Adam~; treasurer, ,John B. Bur, ;Pn; a::;sess<,r, \V. H. S. Wood; trmtec:,, John 'J'. B111111etCt,h aril's I•'. Hhields, T. 0. Newc·mnb; nttonwy, U'. ,l. ShieJdf:; surveyor, l\:I. \V . Bullock; scavl'l1ger, Charles Ac:kley; pound master. Charles Bn b(loek; fire wardf'n, L. N, B1 ishbeek; water clerk, Edson ,J. Will;er. ~902-Pre~ii~ent, E. P. Ore2ory; di•rk, ,Jame~ I. VanKeuren; assessor, \V H. l:::,, \Voocl; trcn~nrer. A. K. Tooley; trustees, Byron Kells, Adolph G, K1wlml ueorge vV. VanVen,t; strr.et eo111mi~sioncr. John Famswortb; surveyor, 1\1, \V. Bullo('.k; night w11tch, \Vm. Culver; S'!::tVfnger, A. V;mBlaricum; pounc1 mas.ttr,,JacobHeld; tire wnrdeu, L. N. I?ishbeck; ,\fr. VanKenren left Ho\n.ll during lii~ term arnl L. R. Manning was elected clnk. 1903...:..President, David D. Harger; clei·k, L. H, 215 RISTO RY OF HOW .h]LL l\lmrning; treasurer, Albert _K. 'rooley; tm~tees, for two years, Edward A. Garland, ·wm. Whitaker, Charles Sharp, for one year Charles Granger; assessor, W. II. S, Wood; nttorney, Jarnfs A, Grsene; health officer, H. H, Baird; night ,rntch, Wm. J. Culver; street comruis::ione1·, John Farns· worth; marsball, Thomas Clork; fire warden, L. N. Fishbeck; surveyor, M. W. Bullock; rnanugf'r, Alonzo B. Johnson; pound master, Thomds H. Clark; members board of review, Wm. Whitaker, '11 . P. Stowe. Mr. Clark's health faileLl during this year and Freeman Rorabarher was appointed his assistant; building inspector, Robert Chamben;, .Asn VanKleech. 1904-l?residt-ut, Amoe Wiu egut·; clerk. Luther IL l\Ianuing; treasurer, Ueorge A, Wimbles; trustees, Henry Jubb, Chal'les L. Granger, John Henr} Helmer, assescor, 'l'imotby P. Stowe; secretary watel' works entl electric light commissioner, D . Hartnell; pountl master, Geo . B. Rn,vmour; fire ·warden, L. N. Fishbeck; marshall, H. H, Collins: he!llth officer, lL H. Baird; night watcli, \Villi:m1 Culver: scavanger, Alonzo B. Johnson: attorney, James A. Greene: street commissioner. · George H. Dieterle. ..r , 1905-President. Electns Hadden: cledc, Luther , ( f'.. R. Manning; treasurer, WilbPr B. Johnson; trustees Edward A. Garland, Andrew 0. Hutchins; assessor , Tim P. Stowe, Alfred Copeland; marshal!, Freeman Rorabacher; health officer, R, ll. Baird; night . watch William Culver: attorney, David D. Harger: street HISTORY OF HO WBLL 216 commis::;ioaer, John Farnsworth: uontH.1 nrnster, George B. Raymonr: firP warden, L. N. Fishbeck: scavenger, Ohnrle,; Aekley: member electric light an<l water commission, vV, P. (i.-ovii~r, t rank vVright. H)06-Pre8ident, Chester A. Parshall: clerk, \Villiam E. H1;1nch: treasurer, Wilber B. Johnson: trustees, Harry L. vVilliams, l;,, Elmer 1\1\Jls, Bmmett J. Whalian, to fill \.fl.Caney, Eu~eu,~ A. Stowe: asses sor, .ill. Miller Beurmnnn: 8trect comrnissionnr, James Riley: attorney, W, P. Van \\i·inkle: health omcer, J.E. Browne: night watch, W. J. Culver: lire wnrden, L. N, Fishbeck: nieml>n 1-\lectric light 1111wd ater worirn commission, Jay C. Walton : rnembt rs board of review, Asa. Vn11 Kleeek, B. P. Grl!/.!Ol'Y, 1!)07-President, Hugh A, l\lcPherson; rlel'k, William B. Bene ii; t ren r-m; er, .J1 111H' !- 11, 1\1in er; trustr) es, Edmund U. Shields, Claude B. Unlver, vVillinm E. Snnrlc,rla1Hb; n~sessor, K Milin Bnm·nurnn; street cornrnissio11e1·, ,Tamm; Uilciy; health oflieer, ,T. g. H:·owm~; attorn<~?, n. D. l{oehe; 11ight wnteh, vV. ,l, Un 1v er; rnarshall, W .. J. Culver; fire wrn·tfo11, L. N F,ishbeck; m em l·,ers lwar<l d review, H.01ne1· N. Beaeb, E. P. Gr, ·r{ory; 111ernhei .electric light. and water works commission, E. A. Howman; rnerehwy ~ommission, L . P. l\folemly. rno~-President, Amos Wirwgar; clerk, \Villinm E. Beach; · treasurer, Jamel,, H. l\'liner; t.mste,~s. Walter W, Knapp, Georg€' \\'. '\Vright, Joseph Frank; a~sessor, J<J, Mill er Heu rm aim; rnarslrnll. 217 HISTORY OF HOWELL Freeman Rorabacher; night watch, W J. · Culver; health officer .J. E. Browne; meml,Pr electric . light and water. commission, Calvin Wilcox; fire wurclen, L. N. Fishbeck; street connnissicn~r, John Fn.rnsworth; attorney, Richard D. l{oche; member:. board of review, Daniel Ratz, E . P. Gregory; sec-n·tary electric light and water commission, L. P . .Mele)l(h, 1909-President, , :alvin Wilcox; clerk, ,John f1a£!- man; treasurer, A. J. Brown; tr11s-r;ees, :B', J. Fishbeck, ueorge J . Payne, vV. J. Lnrkin; a~se~sor, E. Miller Beurmann ; merr.nc1s electr-ie light aud water commission, to fill vacancy, A. J. Pnrker; fnll term, David Young; members bonrd of reviev,·, Daniel Ratz, Johu Kirk; att.<Jrney, Louis Ho~vlett; health officer, E. H. Bailey; fire warden, L. N Fishbeck; stJ'eet commissioner, Geor!?'e Bdghum; sewer fospe<'.· . tor and rnrve,;or, Hobert ,Long: . marshal!, Freeman Rorabacher: secretary electric light and water com· mission. L. l'. Mf'lendy. 19IO-l'resident, Thomas Gordon Jr: clerk, John A. Hagman: treasurer, A. J. Brown: trustees, E. J. Drewerr, Elmer Snuth, Jos~ph Frank: assessor, E. Miller Be1nmRn 11: street commissioner, E. E. Howe; marsball, l laniel Ratz; night watch, Wm. J. Culver; member qlectric tight and water commission, E. A. Bvwman: fire warden, L. N. Fishbeck; sewer inspect()r and surveyor, Grant Dunning; secretary electric light and water commis~ion, L. P, MelP11dy, members board of review, C, A. Parshall, James Miner . ' ... ·,., ' I I \ ! HISTORY OF HOWELL 218 June 28, 1906, · A. Riley Crittend~n returuerl to Howell and established H. small wef:'k1y paper named Livingston TiJiogs. In a few wePk8 it was changed to twice a wee&, nnd that 11all to th, Pe tinws a week. It lrns been a prospt•1ons puhlieation from the :-!lart, as a result of hard work by th~ publisl,er uni bis wit't . In Nowmber HllO, the Herald having pre Yiously gone into the hands of its creditors, it arquired that puhlicution and am alga matfd the two plantf:. Largely through th"' influe11CP. of Tirlings tl1P Howt'll Commel'cial eluh Wf\8 forn :t'il in 1910 Its birth eorumemot·ating i:h~ visir. nf Graud Rl:lpirli:: wholesnlP dt-alt-!rs who we1·e rntPrt»ined t,v How1-ll husir.et::s men at. the 'Vornans c1ub roums. Its offie»1s wPre; Prf~ident, R. B MePh?rson; Vi<·e president, E. A. Stowe ·: secretary L. R. Manuing-; trtasurer, D ' L Youn~; executive committee L E . Howlett, E. A. Bowm·au, 0 . J . Parker, C. A. Goodnow, F. P. Schroeder. When Mr Manning moved awtty A. L, Smith was eh·cted in hi~ place. The club secured the Ewer Wrench .and 'l\ioi .Mfg. Uo for which $15000 of local stock wus raised, the ol<i comp0uy holdin!? $10,000 ot str>ck in the new eompany here. It has built a huildiog and is jm,t fairly getting under hendway. HISTORY OF HOWELL 219 INDEX Page Adams' Mill . .............................•••............. 89 Advertisements Early .............. ..... ................ . 73 All Saints Church ....................................... 100 Ann Arbor Rail Road .. . ·. ............................... 85 Assessment Roll, First........ ..... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 26 Bank, First ..... ..... ...... . ..... .. .................. 149 Bapt,ist Church Organized ............................... 85 · Bending Works.,., ••..... . ............ ... ............ 193 Bible Society ... . ............ . ....... . ....... . ......... 63 Bi11gh11m Kingsley ...... .. . . . .. ........... ... .... . . ...... 55 13lacksmith Shop, First ...... . .. ... .................. . .. 28 Bowman, E. A........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . ... ..... 198 llrickmaking .. .. . .............. . .................... . 39 Hridgebuildini:r in Pioneer Days . ............... . ......... 27 Briggi::, H. (} ..................... ; .................... 156 Burying Ground, First ............................•..... .40 Canal Project................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 77 Cardell Addithm............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143 Carnegie Library .. :... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 203 Cemetery Located. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . ......... . 59 Centrnl School Building ............. . ..••.............. 146 Charaeteristics of County .............................. . 12 Ubnrter Election, Firs~ .... .................... .... ..... . 144 Circmit Court, First .................. . ......... : ..... :33 City Grist Mill ..................... . : ........... . ........ 90 Commercial Club.... . ............ . ................... . 218 Condensed Milk Co, ......... . .....••....... . ... . ....... 168 Congregational Church ................................. 68 Corporation officers; Early . ............. ... ... ... ....... . .............. 144 Later ................. ........ ......•..... . .... ,207 : ; . ·... .,.. ~.: ;. ·.' HISTORY OF HOWELL. 220 Corson, Jay.. . .. . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. . .. ... -. .. .. . .. . .181 County Agriculturu.l Society....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. 93 County Commissioners. . . . ............................. 54 CountJ Election, First ................................ 26 County Fairs... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 93 County offices; At Eagle Tavern ......................... . ....... 66 First Building for ............ . ................... 66 Buildings Erected . . . . .............................. 58 County Seat; Brighton Agitation .. :. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . 66 Location of ... . ................... . ... . ............. 26 County Sunday School Association ....................... 182 Court House. . . . . . . . . . ................. _.. . ............. 178 Contract Places for ................ . .... . ..... : . ... 56 First Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ . ......... 56 Old Bell for ........... . .......................... 67 Site for Located .............. . ................... 67 Used for Religcrns Services..... . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... 58 Cowdry's Addition ............ . ......... .. ......... ,92-141 Cow Lawsuit .............. .... .......... . ............ 66 Death, First in Howell ................... ... ............ 34 Detroit and Grand River Plank Road ..................•. 78 Detroit and Howell Pl auk Road ........................ 79 Detroit and Howell R. R.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 81 Doctor, First ......................................•..... 41 Domestic Animal!!. . . . . ................... . .............. 40 Drowning in Thompson's Lake ..................• . . . . . 188 Drug Stores.: .......... ... ................ . ....... .... 201 Eagle Tavern, First Hotel... . ... . ...... . ........ .. ..... 18 " " Burned . ............. . .................... 102 Ewer Wrench and Tool Mfg. Co ....... ·... . ............ 218 Excursion, First to Owosso ........... .. . .. ......... ... ... 87 Factories, Early .......................................... 61 Fair Ground Changed .••........... . ....... . ........... 93 Fires First Building Burned ...................... . ...... 102 Fire Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Second Large Fire . . .. .. . .. . . . ............... 168 221 HISTORY OF HOWELL Great Fire of 1887. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 180 Fire of 1892 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. .. 192 First State and Savings Bank ...... .. ....•............ 192 Fleming Post Office .................................... 60 Fvod of the Pioneers . ....... . ............ . .•.......... . . 84 Four Mile House..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... 91 Fourth of July Celebration . . . . . . . . . .............. . . 61 French and English Claims ........... . ......... . ......... :o Fun, End of the ...................... · . •..... ..... ....... 64 Garland, Arthur .. ... ...... ......•..................... 164 General Tr11ioing ............................. ............ 60 Goot.l now & Beach .......... . ............... . .... . ...... 168 Good Templars ...... ... . •.. ...... ,', .................. 175 Green Houses .•••... . ............. . ................... 199 Gregory, R.ev. E. E ................................... 71 G1·egory E. P.......... . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 152 Hickey & Goodnow ................................... 161.i Holstein Cattle Iu:lustry . . .............................. 195 Honies, First in Howell. .................................. 14 Howell and Byron Plank Ron.d ............................ 79 Business Coll ege ......... . . . ...... . ............. 205 ...i · '' F<>t1nd1·.y.. .. .. ,. . . ................... ........ ,89 Howell Grist Mill. . . : .... .. ... ............. . ......... 89 Howell, How Named ...................................... 17 Howell Independent ................. : ................. 168 Howell Ma.sonic Lod~e ............ . ................... 88 Howell Township Org-anized ............................ 24 Howell Village Platted ....................... . ......... 17 Howell Village Incorporated .... . ........ . .............. 144 Indian Burying Ground ..... . .. .. ....... .... ........... 8 ludian Owners Here.................. ... . . ......... . ... . 7 ludian Territory ........... . ............................ 10 Indian Trails ........................ : .... . ............... 0 Indian Treaty,First HerA ................................. 0 Jr.ii, Proposition Voted Down .................•..... : ... 85 Jewett Addition . . . . . . . ..... : .... ... ....... . ........ 142 Jewett, Chas. G. ·.. ............................... : .... 170 K11ow Not,hi11gs ................................ ; ....... 154 / ' . ..... . Laud, First Located .................... ·· :: : ··: ~~;~~. ;1~l , HISTORY OF HOWELL 222 Lansing and Howell Plank Road.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 80 Ladies' Liquor Rai.d . ..................................... 105 Lnwyers Early ........................................... 6\J 1 ' In lfowell······ ............................... 100 '' Fi1·st.... . . . . . . . . . ............................. 41 Lawsuit First ........................................... 26 Liberty Pole, First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 27 Livingston Center, Appearance in 1836-37; ................ 31 11 •• so called .............................. 17 II County, Laid Out ........................... 10 " '' Organized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 10 II Courier ..................................... 72 II Democrat .......... ·. ....................... 09 II Herald ..................................... 170 '' Republican ................................ . . 94 11 'l'idingP .. .' ........ . ......•........... -....... 218 Losoford, Abraham ....................................... 99 I • Macomb Co , Part of ..................................... 10 Mail Carrier, ,First ........... . .......................... 21 Mail, where Before Post Office Here .......... . .......... 21 Marr Burying Ground ...... , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... GO Medical ~ociety. . . . . . . .................... . . . ......... 174 Methodist Church ........................................ 24 Milk Factory ............................................ 194 Mills, H. H. and Son .................................... \JG Monroe Bros.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................. 95 Munson Prof. F. W ................................ . ..... 07 Murder Trial, First .. . .................. . ........... 105 McPherson Additicrn .................................... 142 Bank ............. . ..................... 29-150 ., Wm , Arrival. .............................. 27 ., " & Sons ............................... 20 Newspaper, First ............................. . ........ 72 Normal Trnining School. ............. . ................. ,183 Northwest Territor 3 ...... . ............................ 10 Oakland County, Part of. ..... . ........................... 10 Odd Fellows Lodge, First. ............................... 88 Opera House ..................................•........ 102 Parker 0. J ...... , ..................................... 201 223 HISTORY OF HOWELL Parsons & Beach . ..................................... 67 Parsons, Rirt F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 194 Pere Marquette R. R. ...... ·. ............... . ............ 85 Phoenix Foundry and Machine Shops...... . . . . . . ........ 91 Physicians, Early ...........•..... . ... . ... ; . . . ......... 68 ,, In Hov\'ell. ............... ·.. . .............. 106 Pinckney Home ...... :· ............ : .................... 42 Pioneer Society .... ·. ........................ . ......... 163 Politicians, En.~·ly ...... ... ; . ; ; .· ................ .... .. ..... 155 Political Parties, FirstiElectiou by ....................... 27 Postmaster, First ....... : ................................. 21 Pust Office S0c ·1red Here ................... . ........... 21 Post Office aud Post Masters .... ·. ..... . ......... . ...... 171 Pottawattomie Indians ................... .' ...... .. ...... 7 Presbyterian Church Early Connections ............................. ,.55 First Cburcl.J Built ................................ 55 l<'irst Pastor................ . . . . .. . .. .... . ....... 60 Oriranizntion of ..•.... ·. . . . . . . . . ........... , ...... 54 Prisoner Escaped............ . ................ . . . . . . . ... 66 Probate Jurlge, First. ................................... 55 ., ,, Early .................. ... .............. 54 Public Scht>OI Building .................................. 62 ,, ,, First ....................................... 30 Rail Road, First Project .... . ........................ , .... 78 ,. ,, First Built .. .. ................................ 84 ., ,, Crossing War ............... ·...... . . . .... .. . 86 ,, ., Indignation Meeting ............ .. ........... 87 Red Bird Stage .......................................... 50 H.ellgious Service, First ............................ . ..... 18 Report.eel Land Worthless., •••........................... 10 nepresentative!'I, Early ............. . ....... ..... , ..... . 106 Howe, Joseph ............ .... '. .......................... 72 ltubert Hotel.. . ..... . . . . . .......... . ..... .. .......... 53 Saginaw Chippewa Iadiaus · .................. . .......... 7 Snlvn.tion Army ........................................ 179 Sanks, ·Former Owners ..... . ........................... . .. 7 Saw Mill ................. ·. .. . ... . ............... . . . .... 28 School Bo!'l.rd and 'feacl.;ers ............................. 148 HISTORY OF HOWELL 224 Sch0ol Site Locn.tod....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 140 Scboo!bonse, First ........ . ........................... 83 School TeAchers, Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 147 Sele.ct Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. (}2 Sermons . First ... . .............. . ............... . ..... 23 Settlement8, First ... . ............ . ............. . .... 10 13 Settlors, First ........................................ . .. 11 Settlers, List of En.rly ................................... 20 Shaft's Hotel ... . ... ·.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Sheriff Residence and Jail ...................... .. .... 177 Sbiawttssee County, Part of. .................. . .. : .... . 10 Shields, Dennis ... . .... . ............................... 155 Shields & Sbieids .. . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ....... 150 Shue Shop, First .................. . . . .. . ................ . ~4 Skilbeck, Joseph H ..................................... 72 Sliter's Hotel.............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sliter's Saw Mill., ....................................... 00 Small Pox......... . ... . ......... . . . ..........•........ 184 Sprin1rs Hotel... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Squirters ....... .. ... .. ................. . ....... . ........ 47 Stage Lin9s ........ . ..... . ..... . ...... . ............... 70 Stai:, E. D ...... . .................................... .. .. 05 State Roads.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 75-77 State Sanitorium ............. . ..................... . . 107 Store, First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 28 ,, First Permanent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... ,. . . . . . . . . . . 32 Street Fairs ................................ . .............. 04 Suicide, Early............ . ......................... . .... 67 Sullivan, Nicholas ...... . .......... . ............... . ...... 72 Superintendents of Schools ........................ . ..... 148 Supervisors, First Moetiog of Bonni .......... . .. . ........ 27 Supervisors, Perwunent Orgu.nizatlo11 ........ .. .......... 54 St. John's Episcopal church ..... . ................... . ... 101 St Joseph's, Catholic church ........................ . ... lOo 'l'em perance Hotel ........ . ................•.............. o2 Temp,orary . .Ruilding, First ....... . ....... . ............... 12 Thompson's Addition .......................... . .... . .. 140 '.fhompson's~ lake ... , ... .· ....... . ........... . ............ 28 Toll Road, . E'nct of ................................. . ..... 80 \ 225 HISTORY OF HOWELL Town Meeting,, First .............. . ....................... 26 Township Officers, First ....... , .......................... H57 ,, ,, Later .................... . ............ 185 Township Sunday Schcrnl Association ................... 182 Train, First in Howell .................................... 85 '!'ravel, Early . ........................ ..................... 76 'furner, Judge ................................. , .. . ..... 75 Twisting of Lawsuit ... , ................................ 67 Union Hall ....................... ....................... 52 Union Lyceum ......................................... . 60 Union Scbool Building ........ . .. . . . ................. 92-146 VanKleeck, Asa ........................................ 156 Ward Schools ...... .. ................................... 149 Washington Heights Addition...... . . . . ....... . ........ 143 Water Works ......................... . .................. 170 Wayne County, Part of ..... . ......................... 10 Weddings, First .................. : ....................... 22 Weimeister & O'Henrn ........ .. ....... . ................ 151 Wenk, Wm. H, Urearnery ............... . . . ............ 206 West Howell M. E. Church .............................. 91 White Child, First ..................................... Hi Whipple Addition .......................... : ............ 142 Wickman Wire Works .............................. . .. 206 Wilcox Addition....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 142 Will, F'irst iu Probate ....... ... ... . .... . ................ . 54 \·\ ildcat Hanks.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ .... 40 Winter, Very Ha rel....... . .......... . . ....... . . . ...... 103 \\ ' olf B,,uuty ................ . ............ . ..... ... ... :.35 W11lf Stories ..... . . '..· ...... . .................... ._ . ... .. 30 Wright'& Pltrnlng Mill....... . .... . .............. 155 Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. Use the Windows Snipping Tool to capture the area of the document you want to save. If you want multiple pages printed please see staff to print the pages you want. <a href="https://howelllibrary.org/technology/#print" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">View the library's printing information.</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A History of the Township and Village of Howell Michigan -1911 Description An account of the resource A History of the Township and Village of Howell Michigan -1911 Subject The topic of the resource History Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Crittenden, A. Riley Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Livingston Tidings Print Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource No Copyright - United States Type The nature or genre of the resource Text history https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/1f071fcd8408a97de0fd7287d30ede28.pdf 3d3f44be17562f79e2a4366a6196a37f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource House Histories Description An account of the resource The Archives may have house history information that is not yet available digitally. Please contact the archives if you are researching a house and cannot find information in the digital archive. If we cannot find anything in the Archives you can use the information below to start creating a house history.<br /> <h2>Useful Information For Doing A House History</h2> <ul> <li>Start by contacting the <a href="https://www.livgov.com/rod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Register of Deeds for Livingston County</a> to start researching the ownership of the property.</li> <li>Research the family names of the owners of the property through <ul> <li><a href="http://archives.howelllibrary.org/collections/show/6">Local History Collection</a></li> <li><a href="http://archives.howelllibrary.org/">Digital Archives</a></li> <li><a href="http://ancestrylibrary.proquest.com/aleweb/ale/do/login" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ancestry Library Edition</a> <strong>(In Library Use Only)</strong></li> <li><a href="https://livingstondaily.newspapers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newspapers.com</a> <strong>(In Library Use Only)</strong></li> </ul> </li> <li>Upon completion, consider donating a copy of the house history to the Howell Area Archives to add to this collection.</li> </ul> Also the Howell Carnegie District Library has a few books on how to do a house history.<br /> <ul> <li><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/catalog/?record=1176524#iiicatalogresults" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tracing Your House History: a Guide for Family Historians</a> by Gill Blanchard</li> <li><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/catalog/?record=1049715#iiicatalogresults" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">House Histories: a Guide to Tracing the Geneaology of Your Home</a> by Sally Light</li> <li><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/catalog/?record=1098192#iiicatalogresults" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discovering the History of Your House and Your Neighborhood</a> by Betsy J. Green</li> </ul> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. <span>Please </span><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a><span> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry.</span> Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource House History of 127 Jewett Street, Howell, Michigan Description An account of the resource The house history portion of the book <a href="https://catalog.howelllibrary.org/Record/.b12476675?searchId=2425734&amp;recordIndex=1&amp;page=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T3N R4E City of Howell, Plat Map #1, Lot 56: better known as 127 Jewett Street Howell by Debbie Mikula</a><br /><br /><span>This book contains many warranty deeds, a 1916 Sanborn Fire map, a 1933 Assessor's map and a mortgage survey map of 127 Jewett Street. The book notes the architechtural design, renovations, and landscaping.<br /><br /><strong>Names mentioned:</strong> John Pinckney, George Sage, Hiram Smith, Margaret Pinckney, Alice Pinckney, Gertrude Pinckney, Alexander Fraser, Eagle Tavern, Thompson Lake, Peter Cowdrey, Samuel Cowdrey, George Decker, John Fraser, Euphemia Decker, S.P. Shope &amp; Co, Maria Cowdrey, George Taylor, Benjamin Cardell, Mary Taylor, Aurelia Cardell, Philander Kellogg, Mary Ann Taylor,  Frances Webb, Emma Clark, Stephen Moore, Sarah Hetchler, James Tazzman, Ella Tazzman, William Richards, Carrie Richards, Amy Lyon, Amy Taft, Edward Wakefield, Mary Wakefield, Victor Wakefield, Ella Wakefield, Dennis O'Leary, Laura O'Leary, William Richards, Carrie Richards, Florance Wakefield, Leon Stowe, Laura Uptegraff, Virginia Brooks, Mike Bartkowiak, Sue Bartkowiak, Richard Mikula, Debbie Mikula</span> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2024-05 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Debbie Mikula Subject The topic of the resource Houses Deeds Dwellings house howell jewett https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/a8ca94024b42a5a17ded93b8e6d05174.jpg d6cfa25aa620c1ff8126a399b55348af Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Exterior view of McPherson Memorial Hospital and fire escape. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/c386d35e8ef2debeb959a0d67846665c.jpg b56ebfa8ff0756f0d1390b0400009b44 https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/4ad9a6cb97627adbba933f2674ecd477.jpg 58311a0b615a44468587ae83e18c73b2 https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/d7dcf3003c823066defd459d457ad25c.jpg 8ec461af61fa8d50ebc2235c685b285c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bassinets are crowded into a small nursery in McPherson Memorial Hospital. Unknown person https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/27e1e24c320b4be0fafeb34b021a2a38.jpg bdf7b483e52b4852bfab07b88d4a3c24 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Taken from the corridor, this shows the business office at the McPherson Memorial Hospital where 2-3 people usually work. At left with her back to the camera is Carol Norton, facing front is Joan Creighton, and at the right is Jean Brand. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/5709c7165e0110cc93a0cf6cfe8ce369.jpg 4654654253494b7fc353dfca25144d1c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Unknown doctors are performing surgery in the only surgery room in the McPherson Memorial Hospital. The operating room was on the east side of the second floor. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/b2ffbe7d9a7d5b1bb94e9e4a52c54b85.jpg d3a6d7bcca22569a75d1c256c62da002 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Unknown doctors are performing surgery in the only surgery room in the McPherson Memorial Hospital. The operating room was on the east side of the second floor. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/1598592661f5d19944039e09b381719b.jpg 95c33a315efa85d5d2534014ae469305 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Typical hospital bed at McPherson Memorial Hospital, Howell, Michigan https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/76780cfb3fb5f8aba3ac7cd5ca833799.jpg 5d372fe84bf9e35138e0158675752802 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource McPherson Memorial Hospital storage area https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/5246da72102b06fe80e6b4a55c0100bb.jpg b08c2718557b153cd2921a8c4af7048e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kitchen facilities for McPherson Memorial Hospital were in the basement. They made on average 100 meals a day for three meals a day for patients and some staff also ate there. Left to right are Gladys Cunningham, Minnie Smith and Ada Whinnery. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/804c623b90ae9586b21b60f507309f94.jpg 7c6744bad27d1be72cf4d872cfa6a1fd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Kitchen facilities for McPherson Memorial Hospital were in the basement. They made on average 100 meals a day for three meals a day for patients and some staff also ate there. Left to right are Gladys Cunningham, Minnie Smith and Ada Whinnery. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/4e3cb48f7fad579938d7d14a2ede1ad9.jpg e4db5c49352df315b2af7e2b2b2dca75 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A small laboratory at McPherson Memorial Hospital. 6000 examinations were made in this laboratory during 1954. The technicians are Mildred Gentry (left) and Susan Glendenning. https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/40c6e8ea750eca9e11ba920a304b0a5a.jpg e760917c5f63487e5f676669d21d02ed Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource McPherson Memorial Hospital, interior Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - Places Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. Please <a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data film negative Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource McPherson Memorial Hospital, Howell, Michigan - 1956 Description An account of the resource McPherson Memorial Hospital was located on N. Michigan Ave and Clinton St in Howell, Michigan in 1956 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1956 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://livingstondaily.newspapers.com/image/453915690/?terms=McPherson%20Hospital&amp;match=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">33 Bed McPherson Hospital, Livingston County Press, 1955-01-12</a><br /><a href="https://livingstondaily.newspapers.com/image/453915690/?terms=McPherson%20Hospital&amp;match=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Births jumped to 495 in 1954, Livingston County Press, 1955-01-12</a><br /><strong>(In library use only)</strong><strong><br /></strong> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Subject The topic of the resource Hospitals Hospital buildings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper hospital howell mcpherson unknown https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/b9da01e44709598c87f968ec66f94f22.jpg 12e0ec6446ddc47e71013b9339f635f2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - Places Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. Please <a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data film negative Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Howell Carnegie Library, 314 West Grand River Avenue, Howell, Michigan, 1947 Description An account of the resource Duane Zemper, photographer, shot this night view of the Howell Carnegie Library, Howell, Michigan in 1947. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Subject The topic of the resource Libraries Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Undetermined Type The nature or genre of the resource Image grand river avenue howell library https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/77a8f41c46261597509e1df6316bbbab.jpg 8a4dbe563cbd66d12f3cb62c67b2c65f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mike Hagman, Fred Catrell https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/83929f2820eae11125daa39b9eeb6883.jpg 8efe537fbd7e4623c2bbadd123fb8c43 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Time Capsule Plaque, Mike Hagman, Fred Catrell https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/dbcef0ab515d523b6eb3772a119a3133.jpg a6af04539757515a1c4db2c747b21b60 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Mike Hagman, Fred Catrell https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/beb665a981a1be1089b28217b1922ece.jpg 70190746b68d8407a8b6889e845dbbb2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dick Kline https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/2f2b26b643af2e3778c494270bc3d271.jpg 584ad5c326c423e3f51ebe250ffaeca1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dick Kline https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/91443b2b9fa16c56a07cc50644456fe7.jpg c11e7c278e70feb3b09e1d69063bb555 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Dick Kline https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/840bd216408946d2c93036d17e42ea5b.jpg 92f27b5e3df934b6d77a841609e18f3a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - Events Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. Please <a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data film negative Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Howell Carnegie Library, Howell, Michigan, Laying of the Brass Plaque, Time Capsule, June 1977 Description An account of the resource They recorded the placement of the Brass Plaque on the Stone in front of the Howell Carnegie Library.  The plaque marked the placement of the Time Capsule which was buried March 9, 1977 by the Howell Bicentennial Committee.<br /><br />The man chipping away at the stone in preparation for the plaque was Dick Kline of Kline's Lettering Service, Durand, Michigan.<br /><br />The men placing the plaque were Mike Hagman, city councilman,  and Fred Catrell, Executive Director of the Howell Chamber of Commerce.<br /><br /><a href="https://livingstondaily.newspapers.com/image/454111000/?terms=%22Stone%20plaque%20Library&amp;match=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">View the June 22, 1977 Livingston Daily Press &amp; Argus Article</a> <strong>(in library use only).</strong> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977-06 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Subject The topic of the resource Libraries Time capsules Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Undetermined Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Type The nature or genre of the resource Image chamber of commerce howell library time capsule https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/5f8a3aab1f4470e4fda3c8ba3bb50f7b.jpg 57937dc88e514313af31c95628c5c6fa Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - People Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. Please <a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data film negative Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Carmen Kypke, Pole Vaulter, 1960<br />Howell High School, Howell, Livingston, Michigan Description An account of the resource This is a portrait of Carmen Kypke, taken by Duane Zemper in 1960.  The photo is labeled "Held 1947 Pole Vault record, 11'6' for 20 years". <br /><br />An article in the Lansing State Journal dated May 18, 1951 described Carmen Krypke of Howell as leader in the class of pole vaulters in the Lansing area.    The Livingston County Press on May 23, 1951 reported that Carmen Kypke cleared the pole vault bar at 11 feet, 4 3/4 inches to establish a record for the Howell High School and to set a record for Wines Field in Ann Arbor.  His winning vault broke the field meet record by two inches.<br /><br />Carmen Kypke was born in 1933 in Chicago, Illinois.  After graduating from Howell High School in 1952, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956.  Mr. Kypke died in Montgomery, Alabama in 1987.<br /><br />Location: unknown Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Subject The topic of the resource Athletes Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright Undetermined Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Type The nature or genre of the resource Image howell howell schools sports track and field unknown https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/858151785e9245e8c03b845064495a07.jpg 70ac54dbe446decc1c819889f8d00329 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - People Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. <span>Please </span><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a><span> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry.</span> Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Probate Judge Susan Reck, Livingston County, Michigan - 1994 Description An account of the resource Probate Judge Susan Reck, Livingston County, Michigan - 1994<br /><br /><span>Susan Reck was Probate Judge for Livingston County from 1989 to 2007.</span> Subject The topic of the resource Judges Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1994 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Type The nature or genre of the resource Image howell judge livingston county courthouse https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/5ee8d779eed454dd6dcc46ab5fb81674.jpg e99cb056c7e450cbd7f47b19a85ab0e9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - People Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. <span>Please </span><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a><span> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry.</span> Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 53rd District Judge Michael Hegarty, Livingston County, Michigan - 1994 Description An account of the resource 53rd District Judge Michael Hegarty, Livingston County, Michigan - 1994<br /><br />First appointed in 1992, re-elected in 1994, 1996, and 2002. Retired in 2005. Subject The topic of the resource Judges Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1994-04 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Type The nature or genre of the resource Image howell judge livingston county courthouse https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/25d72ced37a770bf8cb26949f232c100.jpg 09552ae09d2fe41a57bb78a404c2ff00 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - Places Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. <span>Please </span><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a><span> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry.</span> Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Inside of the First Baptist Church on Church Street in Howell, Michigan - April 17, 1949 Description An account of the resource Easter Sunday in old wooden First Baptist Church on Church Street in Howell, Michigan. Reverend Meeden standing in the middle in the back of church. Rest of people are unknown. Subject The topic of the resource Baptist church buildings Church Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1949-04-17 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Type The nature or genre of the resource Image baptist church howell unknown https://archives.howelllibrary.org/files/original/fec144e482d97b9324d6346a18b538a8.jpg faba69c4471b7ffb6ef03dddfccc0f4b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Photos - People Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Rights Note Extra Rights information for In Copyright or Copyright Undetermined items. Howell Carnegie District Library makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright in any published material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright. Note Extra information that can be shown with the item. Such as how to get a physical copy of the item. <span>Please </span><a href="https://howelllibrary.org/howell-area-archives/#archives-inquiry">submit an inquiry</a><span> to the archives if you want a better quality digital image or a print. Include the title of the image and reason for print/digital image with your inquiry. Archives staff will contact you regarding your inquiry.</span> Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photograph Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Howell High School Football Team Places Trophy in Trophy Case, Howell, Michigan - 1955 Description An account of the resource Coach Harold Fulk (left) watches Oliver Albright (center) and John McCloskey (right) place the champion undefeated team trophy in the trophy case.<br /><br /><span>Had not been undefeated since 1896.</span> Subject The topic of the resource Football teams Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1955 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Duane Zemper Relation A related resource <a href="https://archives.howelllibrary.org/items/show/8572">Howell High School Football, Howell, Michigan - 1896</a> football high school howell team