************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm
************************************************

Submitted by Cheryl VanWormer 



				JAMES AND LYDIA M. (RUSSELL) MOON.

	In tracing out the early surroundings of some of our best representative men we often 
find that chilling adversity companioned their youth and that hard labor filled their early 
years.
	These reflections have arisen from hearing the reminiscences of one of our most esteemed 
citizens, James Moon, a man whose name is associated with the earliest settlement of the town of 
Otisco, and who by his own exertions has risen to the position of one of the substantial men of 
the town.  He was born in Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Jan. 16, 1820.  His father, James Moon 
was a farmer in Jefferson County; moved to Herkimer County and Western New York, and came to 
Michigan in 1836; remained in Jackson County a few years, then came to Otisco and "squatted" on 
eighty acres of land, February, 1839.  Subsequently bought the land, built a comfortable home, 
where he died, leaving a large family of children, of whom James, the subject of this sketch, was
the oldest son.  He remained at home until he was twenty-one.  Soon after that he pre-empted 
eighty acres of land in Otisco, upon which he made a small improvement.  Being entirely without 
means, progress was slow.  By his firm resolution and strong arm he kept steadily on, determined 
to have a home.  Jan. 17, 1847, he was married to Lydia M. Russell, formerly of Cortland Co., 
N. Y., where she was born Sept. 27, 1826.  The year after they were married Mr. Moon built a 
small log house on his land, and commenced in earnest to improve his farm.  Here this pioneer 
couple have diligently worked for more than thirty years.  The original eighty acres of land have
expanded to one of the largest and finest farms in the township, bringing its owner such returns 
as place him beyond the necessity of labor, and giving him the position of a substantial, 
representative man.  As this pioneer couple look back to their small beginning, they have the 
satisfaction of having acted well their parts, as they enjoy their well-earned competency and the
respect of all.  Six children have been born to them, four of whom are now living,--Adelbert L., 
Frank L., Dayton F., and Alton.



This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN" 
by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881.  Page 290.  Otisco.