*****Copying of the files within by  non-commercial individuals and 
libraries is encouraged.  This message must appear on all copied files. 
Commercial copying must have permission. *****
Submitted by  Cindy Bryant


					MICAJAH DOUGLASS
				MRS. LAURA  J. (SHERMAN) DOUGLASS
			    MRS. MALVINA L. (JACOBS) ALDRICH DOUGLASS

	Orlin Douglass was born in Addison, Vt.   He was of Scotch descent, his grandfather 
having been born in Scotland, from whence he emigrated to America.  When Orlin was fourteen years
old his parents moved to Ontario Co., N. Y., where he grew to man's estate.  Arrived at his 
majority, he moved to the town of Rush, Monroe Co.,  N. Y., where he cleared up a farm.  He
afterwards came to Michigan, and settled in Kent County, where he died.  His son Micajah was born
in Rush, Sept. 24, 1828.  After becoming of age, he struck out in life for himself, working by 
the month at farm labor.  In 1851 he built, in company with his cousin, a saw-mill in Steuben 
Co., N. Y., which they ran for a couple years or more, when Mr. Douglass sold his interest to his
cousin and, as soon as he could get his money, came to Michigan.  This was in 1854. He went to 
his brother-in-law in Kent County, with  whom he started out in search of land in a new country. 
They came to Bloomer township, in Montcalm County, and from there through the woods to the
township of Ferris.  There was then no white man living in the town, and  but one entry had been 
made, that of Mr. Ferris.  Arrived at the corner of section 12, he saw a tract of land that 
suited him, and he started back, and on his way met Mr. Ferris cutting his way in.  He went to 
the land-office and bought three hundred and twenty acres of the government.  This took all his
means, and we next find him in the lumber woods at Grand Haven, then in a saw-mill at Grand 
Rapids, where he worked until compelled by illness to quit.  He was sick all summer.  Getting
better, he went the next October into the woods, and on his farm erected in the most primitive 
manner a log house.  He then went to Fallisburg, where he was married to Miss Laura J. Sherman,
daughter of Ebenezer and Almira (Rosebrook) Shermam, born in Monroe Co., N. Y., June 3, 1836.  
The result of this union was five children,--viz., Lydia Jane, born Dec. 4, 1856; Ida F., April 
23, 1861; Nellie A., Oct. 26, 1866; Alona M., Jan. 22, 1869;  and Mary, Aug. 1, 1871, died Sept. 
5, 1871.  Mrs. Douglass died Jan. 11, 1872.  On the 3rd day of March, 1872, Mr. Douglas again 
married, his bride being Mrs. Lavina L. Aldrich, born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1835, 
daughter of Royal and Delight (Aldrich) Jacobs.  On the 22nd of March after his first marriage
Mr. Douglass moved on to his farm.  The snow was two feet deep, and it was very cold.  His house
was not chinked, and had neither doors nor windows.  The first night they stayed with Archibald 
Collins.  The next day he chinked up one corner and put in a floor, and that night was passed in 
their own house with blankets for doors and windows.  A few days' work made them comfortable, 
and for ten years it was to them a happy home.  With never-ceasing industry he plied the axe, 
and today the result of his toil is one of the fine farms of Montcalm County, two hundred and 
twenty acres under improvement, while a fine house, grounds, and  outbuildings meet the eye of 
the passer-by.   He has engaged in lumbering winters, and is esteemed and looked up to as a 
Successful and honorable business man.   A Republican of the stalwart kind, he has been many 
times the standard-bearer of his party in his township.  He has been supervisor, treasurer, 
justice, and has held with credit most the offices in the gift of his townsmen.  He was the 
first Master of Sumner Grange, and has many times represented his town and country at party 
conventions. 



This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN" 
by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881.  Pages 464-465.  Ferris Township.