THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA. Township 14 north, of range 9 east, was organized by the board of supervisors at a meeting held December 31, 1855, and designated by the name of Columbia. The first township meeting was held at the house of David Clark on section 18. The inspectors of election were Wesley Hess, Andrew Marshall and Horace Marvin. This township had formerly belonged to Indian Fields. It belongs to the north tier of townships and is bounded on the north by Huron County, east by Elmwood, south by Almer and Akron and west by Akron. Its boundaries were slightly changed in 1879 by the annexation to its territory of sections 36 of Geneva and 1 of Akron, which in-chided the site of Unionville. Owing to the absence of the town records from 1856 to 1866, inclusive, the proceedings of town meetings and of town boards during those years cannot be given. It is known, however, that at the first town meeting there were thirteen voters present and fourteen offices to be filled. Allen Brewer was chosen supervisor; H. C. Marvin, treasurer ; Almon Achenbach, clerk. At the annual town meeting of 1883 the number of votes cast was 270. ENTRIES OF LAND. The following entries of land were made prior to 1860: TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST. SECTION 1. Martin W. Cramer November 10, 1852. Charles E. Fonda September 21, 1853. Charles E. Fonda October 18, 1853. Michael F. Wurster December 6, 1853. Levi Rumpel March 20, 1854. Edward Van Demark May 3, 1854. Levi Bluer May 3, 1854. Leonard W. Kile October 23, 1854. Samuel B. Covey April 23, 1855. TOWNSHIP. 15 NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST. SECTION 36. Wa-ba-ta-wance March 27, 1840. Christian Krepp July 20, 1852. Waterman Burlingham November 10, 1852. Horace C. Marvin October 14, 1854. Robert Kile October 23, 1854. Richard Goodwin March 2, 1855. Asa Butricks July 11, 1856. TOWNSHIP 14 NORTH, RANGE 9 EAST. SECTION 3. Philip Krickbaum May 80, 1855. Philo Harvey October 3, 1855. SECTION 4. Allen Brewer April, 1855. Philip Krickbaum May 30, 1855. Philo Harvey October 3, 1855. SECTION 5. Jacob Theobald August 26, 1853. John Mast August 26, 1853. Mathias Bizer December 2, 1853. Samuel B. Covey April 18, 1853. Mathias Bizer June 12, 1853. SECTION 6. John Van Demark May 3, 1853. Mac-ca-koosh October 10,1 842. Wa-ba-ta-wance October 10, 1842. SECTION 7. Daniel D. Dewey August 26, 1854. Daniel Marvin August 26, 1854. John Dunnovin November 8, 1854. SECTION 8. Daniel D. Dewey August 26, 1854. Daniel Marvin June 5, 1855. John Covey February 17, 1856. Abraham H. Farver October 13, 1856. SECTION 9. Michael Culligan October 27, 1856. James McDonnell November 6, 1856. SECTION 10. John McDonall November 1, 1856. James McDonnell November 6, 1856. SECTION 17. Daniel Marvin June 5, 1855. Abner S. Lamond January 24, 1857. SECTION 18. David Clark February 26, 1855. David Clark March 2, 1855. Hosea A. Waldo June 20, 1855. William Y. Phillips October 16, 1855. John Woods March 6, 1856. John Woods March 19, 1856. SECTION 19. Almon Achenbach December 20, 1854. Jacob Gould April 17, 1855. Aaron Hagenbach June 14, 1855. SECTION 20. Frederick Farver May 30, 1855. John Staley May 30, 1855. Jacob Hill June 14, 1855. John Shawll October 13, 1855. SECTION 21. Joseph Coiling June 5, 1854. Horace C. Hutchins December 5, 1854. William Bird April 17, 1856. Charles Conner April 29, 1856. SECTION 22. Joseph Colling June 5, 1854. William Abke November 24, 1858. William Abke March 23, 1859. SECTION 23. Joseph Colling June 5, 1854. Hermon Camp August 4, 1856. William Abke November 24, 1858. SECTION 25. Edward W. White November 22, 1856. SECTION 26. Henry H. Loomis October 19, 1855. Hermon Camp August 4, 1856 Duane Gillmore October 16, 1856. John Kelley March 8, 1858. William Hubbell June 2, 1858. James H. Cumings June 2, 1858. SECTION 27. Thomas Colling June 5, 1854. John Cleaver June 5, 1854. SECTION 28. Thomas Coiling June 5, 1854. John Cleaver June 5, 1854. Henry E. Gidley November 4, 1854. Raymond P. Case November 15, 1854. SECTION 29. Alinas Cole October 26, 1854. Jackson Gifford November 16, 1854. Jacob Hill June 14, 1855. William S. Albertson September 29, 1855. William King August 15, 1856. SECTION 30. Almon Achenbach December 20, 1854. Wesley Hess April 26, 1855. Joseph King June 5, 1855. Aaron Hagenbach June 14, 1855. SECTION 31. Wesley Hess July 14, 1854. Daniel Marvin August 26, 1854. Benjamin G. AlIegen October 14, 1854. SECTION 32. Matthew Tuman September 7, 1854. Ira Greenfield October 11, 1854. Alson Greenfield October 11, 1854. Silvester Smith April 17, 1855. SECTION 33. Willard Greenaus June 10, 1854. James Cleaver November 6, 1854. Thomas Jackson November 6, 1854. James Cleaver July 26, 1855. SECTION 34. John Coverdale November 6, 1854. James Cleaves November 6, 1854. Thomas Jackson November 6, 1854. SECTION 35. Samuel Tedford November 19, 1855. Charles Mallory November 19, 1855. Hermon Camp August 4, 1856. Ceylon M. Kelly December 30, 1857. Nathan J. Kelly January 2, 1858. SECTION 36. Edward W. White November 22, 1856. Nathan J. Kelly January 22, 1858. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settlement of Columbia was made in 1854 by H. C. Marvin and Andrew Marshall. The northern part of the county was then all new; no roads were laid out, but a little underbrush had been cut, and the settlers picked their way slowly through brush and over logs. The nearest postoffice was at Vassar, where also was the nearest grist-mill. Sometimes they went to Saginaw City to mill, but oftener to Vassar, traveling frequently nearly all night. When short of flour they often ground corn through the coffee-mill, taking turns at it, and grinding all the evening. Old boot legs they saved to half sole boots with, doing their own cobbling. The nearest railroad was at Pontiac. Traveling was done chiefly on foot. A great many Indians were camped in different parts of the county. Mr. Marvin, in speaking of early times says: "In 1854 I came from Ohio to Michigan. After we left Farrandville, there was no public conveyance, and I walked from Farrandville to King Allen's, three miles above Watrousville, in one day. The next week in company with King Allen and Andrew Marshall I went to Sebewaing. We spent the night with one of the old settlers, Frederick Schilling, and the next day started back. Coming to an Indian sugar-camp after we had traveled some eight miles, we rested, bought some of their sugar, and took a good view of the Indians, their way of living, etc. We then started to go through the woods south so as to strike the Allen neighborhood. We followed section lines part of the way, Mr. Allen leading until nearly sundown; then, as he was tired and wished me to, I took the lead, through a large cedar swamp covered with water. I was unacquainted with the country, but watched the sun closely, and after it became dark took the fixed star for my guide, and also felt the moss which always grows on the north side of trees. My companions felt certain that we were on the wrong course, and would have to lie in the woods all night. After traveling a considerable distance further we came to a chopping. Mr. Allen did not know where we were, but approaching a house that stood in the little clearing he knocked at the door, which was opened by one of his neighbors, Mr. John Kelsey. We had reached the desired destination of our journey. "My first building in Columbia was made of hewn timber in the form of a block-house 22x32 feet in size. I did the work, assisted by Andrew Marshall. The shingles were made from sapling pine in the winter by throwing the blocks on the fire in our shingle shanty to draw out the frost. We made them up, sap and all, and they still remain on the roof of a part of what is now called the Shellito House. What lumber I used for floors, doors, etc., was hauled through the woods from Watrousville and Wahjamega, costing me $25 per thousand feet. In the spring I cleared all the land I could, working early and late, planting corn and potatoes as late as June 16th, and sowing oats ten days later. My crops were good. I cut and sold prairie hay at $4 per ton. Oats sold for 5 cents a bundle. I often walked to Vassar, Flint or Saginaw. Have walked to Vassar between noon and dark and to Saginaw in less than a day, by way of Watrousville Junction. I came into this wilderness because I thought the country was good, and I have not been disappointed. The soil is rich, the climate healthful, and the rising generation will find desirable homes made so by the toil of the fathers." The first school in Columbia was taught in the winter of 1858-'59 by Mrs. Fonda. The school was taught in the first school-house built in the town, and was located on section 6. The first sermon preached in the town was by Rev. Mr. Klumph at the house of Samuel B. Covey, in the fall of 1855. The postoffice of Columbia was established about 1877, and Ruolph Nemode was postmaster. Present incumbent, N. B. White. At an early day the settlers in Columbia received their mail at the Akron postoffice, which is now Unionville. Among the early settlers were Isaac Santee, R. P. Case, W. S. Albertson, David Clark, Allen Brewer, W. J. Davis, E. Staley, Wesley Hess, Almon Altenbach, John and Mathias Bitzer. FARMING. Although the settlement of this section dates back about thirty years, the farming era commenced some years later. It is a well known fact that Cass River cork pine was a valuable commodity for years, and lumbering was carried on a scale that gave employment to hundreds of sinewy men and sustenance to their families. Settlers found lumbering paid better than farming, and so for years agricultural development was a thing that obtained no lodgment in the minds of the pioneer toilers. The almighty dollar was the incentive to labor in those days, as now, and the quickest way to earn the dollar was adopted as the means of livelihood. A change came one day, however, and the fact that the vast forests of pine had succumbed to the ruthless advance of the lumberman was graven on the minds of those who had taken up homesteads or purchased farms. The soil must be tilled for a livelihood, but before the tilling must come the clearing and burning. The pioneer farmer is a resolute specimen of the genus homo, and when he began his warfare upon the forest each year marked a considerable advance toward its ultimate subjugation. For a time the progress was slow, as the number of farmers was small and the hardships they had to endure were sufficient to make even a brave man shrink from the task. Gradually the holes in the woods grew larger and more frequent, and the log cabin gave way to more pretentious dwellings. But the forest was not the only enemy the farmers in Columbia had to contend with. The land is low, and in wet seasons much trouble was experienced. THE COLUMBIA SWAMP. From three to four sections in the northeast part of the town are covered by what is known as the Columbia Swamp. Previous to the fire of 1871 it was covered with a heavy growth of black ash, cedar and tamarack, and an occasional ridge of hemlock. The fire of 1871 burned over the surface, consuming the resinous cones and foliage and loosening the grip of the trees upon the soil, so that the hurricane which followed laid nearly the whole forest prostrate. In 1881 the fire found here the best of fuel, through which it swept with a force and intensity unparalleled in other sections of the country. The soil of this swamp is sandy loam and vegetable mold. Systematic drainage would undoubtedly render this as valuable as any portion of the town or county, and it is only a question of time when this result will be reached. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Services were for several years held in private houses in the town by Revs. G. Speckhart and J. L. Hahn. February 14, 1876, the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Unionville met at that place and adopted a constitution, providing in section 1 that the name of the congregation should be "The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's Congregation of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, of Unionville." January 22, 1877, a meeting of the male members of the church of full age met at their place of worship in the town of Unionville and elected three trustees, viz.: Gottfried Schultz, John Leger and Mathias Bitzer, thus legally organizing and incorporating the church. The number of members was nine; the pastor, Rev. J. L. Hahn. A small building and grounds were bought in the following year, and in 1881 a church was built two miles distant from the village of Unionville, in the town of Columbia. It is 26x40 feet in size and has a seating capacity of three hundred. Rev. Mr. Hahn is still pastor, but, having the church at Sebewaing and others under his charge, holds services here but once in three weeks. Arrangements are being made for a settled pastor, and a Sunday-school is to be organized. The trustees of the church are Christian Schutz, Reuben Bach and Gustav Streiter. Clemens Martini is clerk. SCHOOL MATTERS. According to the report of the school inspector of the town of Columbia for the year ending September 4, 1882, the school directors for the ensuing year were William Hamlin, Frank C. Edgar, Fayette Haynes, R. A. Lyman and William J. Davis. There were four whole and two fractional districts and five school- houses. The total number of children of school age was 401; number attending school during the year, 303. STATISTICAL. Census of 1860: Population, 94; families, 22; dwellings, 24; number of occupied farms, 18; number of acres improved, 494; number of horses, 1; number of cows, 42; bushels of wheat raised, 529; bushels of rye raised, 129; bushels of corn raised, 663; bushels of oats raised, 365; bushels of potatoes raised, 769; pounds of butter made, 2,800; pounds of cheese made, 500; tons of hay cut, 71. Census of 1870: Population, 424; families, 93; dwellings, 93; farms, 53; voters, 94; number of-acres of improved land, 1,572; pounds of butter made, 14,650; bushels of wheat raised, 2,715; bushels of corn raised, 914; bushels of oats raised, 2,170; bushels of potatoes raised, 2,125. Census of 1874: Population, 538; bushels of wheat raised, 4,041; bushels of corn raised, 8,890; bushels of potatoes, 4,657; tons of hay cut, 639. Population in 1880, 1,196. In 1882 the number of acres assessed was 22,769; total equalized valuation of real and personal property, $394,824; number of farms in 1881, 137; acres of improved land, 3,673; bushels of wheat raised in 1880, 1,823; of corn, 27,220; tons of hay, 1,168. TOWN OFFICERS SINCE 1866. YEAR. SUPERVISOR. CLERK. TREASURER. 1883 Alson Greenfield. Perry A. Marshall. John S. Coy. 1882 Alson Greenfield. R. H. Russell. D. C. Marvin. 1881 E. Staley. James W. Stiner. Andrew Marshall. 1880 E. Staley. Roswell Surine. Andrew Marshall. 1879 E. Staley. Griffin Covey, Jr. Herman Archibald. 1878 E. Staley. Francis A. Stiner. Andrew Marshall. 1877 E. Staley. Francis A. Stiner. Andrew Marshall. 1876 Alson Greenfield. Augustus Greenfield. Andrew Marshall. 1875 Alson Greenfield. Roswell Surine. Andrew Marshall. 1874 Alson Greenfield. Roswell Surine. P. C. Coy. 1873 Alson Greenfield. Roswell Surine. J. J. F. Auch. 1872 Alson Greenfield. Roswell Surine. H. C. Marvin. 1871 Alson Greenfield. John Russell. H. C. Marvin. 1870 Alson Greenfield. P. C. Coy. H. C. Marvin. 1869 Alson Greenfield. George H. Granger. H. C. Marvin. 1868 E. Staley. George H. Granger. H. C. Marvin. 1867 E. Staley. S. Ale. H. C. Marvin. UNIONVILLE VILLAGE. Twenty-seven years ago, in the spring of 1856, Samuel B. Covey and William J. Davis brought to their home at the present site of Unionville a small stock of general 'merchandise, perhaps $500 or $600 worth. Taught by experience the wants of the community, they included a liberal stock of mosquito netting. They did not open a store, but kept the goods at Mr. Covey's, for the convenience of the settlers. On their engaging in milling at Sebewaing, Horace C. Marvin succeeded to the merchandising business. After a year or two he commenced accommodating the traveling public. The hotel part of his establishment, a block-house sided lip, is now the north wing of the Unionville House. This was the beginning of Unionville, this point being thus established as a center of trade. The first platting was made by Mr. Marvin, and to this additions have been made by others. Its growth has been gradual, though for the last few years more rapid than at first. GLIMPSES OF UNIONVILLE. In a description of Unionville, made in the fall of 1872, we find the following: "Unionville is a growing village, in the northwest portion of Tuscola County. It contains a number of fine buildings, recently erected, with not a few in process of completion. The Merry House is a fine wooden structure, with ample accommodations for the present and future growth of the town. The residences of some of the citizens are excellent specimens of good taste; Mr. Marvin's, when completed, will be one of the finest in the county. "During the past year the Moravian denomination built a commodious church. The Methodist people held a church which had been for two years in a state of incompletion. The society had become thoroughly discouraged and disheartened, until at their recent quarterly meeting, held November 10, when the Rev. Mr. Perrin, presiding elder of the Saginaw district, succeeded in raising $500, the required amount for the completion of the edifice. The contract has been let and the work begun. Great praise is due this feeble society, struggling so hard for this devoted object. The interest taken in the movement by the leading citizens, as well as members of other churches, merits the highest commendation. The largest subscription was given by Mr. Marvin, the leading user chant of the place. He was seconded by Dr. Granger, R. White-side, Mr. White, Mr. Merry and others. Daniel Preston, of Detroit, had pledged $50. The whole community were very much elated at the success. Under these favorable auspices, and the faithful labors of their energetic pastor, Rev. S. J. Brown, we predict a prosperous year for the Methodist Episcopal Church of Unionville. "From a material standpoint, the outlook of this thriving village is very encouraging. The country around is heavily timbered, and the soil rich and fertile. Remote from any competing town, with facilities of ingress and egress, it cannot fail of becoming a place of considerable importance." Unionville in the fall of 1880 was mentioned as follows: "The buildings are of a much better class, generally speaking, than one expects to see in an inland village of three or four hundred inhabitants. There is also an air of neatness about the village that favor-ably impresses a stranger and renders his visit all the more pleasant. The Merry House, a leading hotel viewed from the standpoint of size and external beauty, is a very fine looking and commodious building, such as would be creditable to a place of much greater size. The Unionville Hotel is also a large hostelry prepossessing in appearance and capable of furnishing good accommodations to local and traveling guests. Of churches there are three, Baptist, Methodist and German, all neat and quite commodious sanctuaries. The mercantile business is well represented by live and enterprising firms who not only have neat store rooms, but display as large and neat assortments of-goods as could be expected in a place of its size. The residences are generally of a good class, and some of them elegant. H. C. Marvin, John S. Coy and Captain Greenfield occupy dwellings that would be ornaments to any city in northern Michigan. In many instances the grounds surrounding the better class of houses are in excellent order, and small orchards loaded with fruit abound on every hand. Unionville is a pretty and thriving place, but its progress has been retarded for some years by the lack of shipping facilities. Sebewaing has robbed it of its prestige as a wheat and produce market, but the business men and inhabitants are hopeful of a turn in the tide at no far distant day, when bands of iron will link the village to the outer world, and the puff of the iron horse will be heard in its streets." INCORPORATION. Unionville was incorporated as a village by act of legislature, approved April 1, 1879, which provided that the following described lands should constitute a village corporate: "The northeast fractional quarter of section 1, township 14 north, of range 8 east, the same being in the town of Akron; the southeast quarter of section 36, township 15 north, of range 8 east, the same being in the township of Geneva; and all that part of the southwest corner of section 6, in township 14 north, of range 9 east, described as commencing at the southwest corner of said section, thence running east 140 rods on the section line; thence north sixty-six rods, be the same more or less, to the north line of H. C. Marvin's land; thence west nineteen rods to the southwest corner of William Brady's land; thence north 105 rods to the northeast corner of land owned by John Gall; thence west 121 rods to the township line; thence south on said line 1710 rods to the southwest corner of section 6, the place of beginning; also the northwest fractional quarter of section 7, and west one-half of northeast quarter of section 7, in township 14 north, of range 9 east, and a strip of land joining the last description named on the south, described as commencing at the quarter stake on the west side of section 7, above referred to; thence running east on the quarter line 128 rods, to the southeast corner of the west half of the northeast quarter of section 7; thence south twenty rods; thence west 128 rods to the the township line; thence north twenty rods to the place of beginning; the same being in the township of Columbia." At the first meeting of the council, held May 1, 1879, D. C. Marvin was elected marshal and Isaac Keller engineer of the fire department. Rules having been adopted for the government of the council, the civil career of the village was fairly inaugurated. Prompt attention was given to the streets and walks and the erection of a pound for the detention of stray cattle -an ordinance which stands upon the records as No. 1 prohibiting stock from running at large within the village limits. A pound master was also appointed. The national game of ball playing was peremptorily shut down upon by the city fathers, so far as concerned its practice on the business streets. Also the shooting of fire-crackers. The laws of license for the sale of liquors were, and have subsequently, been strictly enforced. The ground being level, though neither low nor swampy, early attention was paid to drainage and the removal of stagnant waters, and the streets of Unionville are now in excellent condition. The village having made purchase of a tract of gravel, and made liberal use of the same, the streets are in excellent condition. Sidewalks also have been laid and kept in good repair, to all parts of the village. There are as yet no adequate means of extinguishing fires, but the question is being actively canvassed, and undoubtedly this lack will soon be supplied. In the winter of 1881-'82 the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad was built through this section of country. At Unionville it had the strong inducement of a subsidy of from $1,000 to $5,000 raised by subscriptions of citizens of the village and vicinity, and right of way, and it was completed into the village in the spring of 1881. With its coming a new start has been taken, and the village is rapidly growing. POSTOFFICE. Until 1857 the mails had been brought from Watrousville by the settlers themselves, taking their turns to go once a week for the mail of the settlement. July 1, 1857, was an eventful day in the history of the towns of Columbia, Akron, Geneva and to the north, for on that day a United States mail carrier first made his appearance, and for a year he came through once a week, on foot, from Vassar to Sebewaing. Samuel B: Covey was appointed postmaster: the office was in his house in the portion of section 1, township 14 north, range 8 east, now included in the village of Unionville, and was called Akron postoffice. Mr. Covey and Amzy Clay, of Fair Grove, who was appointed postmaster in that town, were chiefly instrumental in having the route established. The first year of the war Lucius Waldo was appointed postmaster and the office was removed to a point about eight miles southwest of Unionville, on the Watrousville road, where it is still continued. A new office was established at Unionville with H. C. Marvin as postmaster. Mr. Marvin's successors have been Stephen Russell, John Staley, Jr., J. S. Coy and George J. Hill, the present incumbent. UNIONVILLE CHURCHES. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Services were held in the fall of 1855 and succeeding winter by Elder Klump in the house of Samuel B. Covey, in the town of Akron, and in Robert Bile's house, in the town of Geneva. And thereafter services were held with considerable regularity in the neighborhood. In the winter of 1857 a protracted meeting was held and as the immediate result, a class was formed in Thomas Nicholson's house. Frank Nichols was class leader. Services were held at private houses and finally in the school-house. At the first quarterly meeting conference of Sebewaing circuit, Flint River District, held at North Akron, October 9, 1867, the following persons, viz.: Thomas Nicholson, Hugh Willson, Henry W. Hess, Francis T. Nichols, Andrew Marshall, Horace C. Marvin and George E. Merry, were elected as the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Unionville. A church building was commenced about that time, but its completion was delayed for about six years, by lack of funds. For about ten years, however, it has been occupied. The church numbers about 100 members, and has a Sunday-school of an average attendance of eighty. The following have ministered to the church: Reverends Klump, L. Mitchell, J. Hamilton, A. Herrick, A. P. Lee, J. B. Russell, J. J. Gurnee, L. L. Houghton, A. Whitcomb, R. M. Hickey, J. A. Dunlap, W. H. Os-borne, W. J. Bailey, J. H. McCune and Rev. B. C. Moore, the present pastor. MORAVIAN CHURCH. After due notice as required by law, the Moravian Congregation of Unionville met on the evening of June 14, 1870, for the purpose of organization and incorporation. The following were duly elected as trustees: John Bitzer, Christian Hahn, G. Layer, M. Bitzer and J. G. Hoelyle. This organization was effected under the direction of Rev. Edward Regeness with about twelve families in connection with the church. A parsonage was built about the same time, the lower floor of which was used as a place of worship, the upper being occupied by the pastor and his family. In 1872 their house of worship was built at a cost of $2,000. It is pleasantly located in the edge of the village, and is a neat, plain building, having a seating capacity of about 250. The church numbers 140 communicants, comprising about forty families. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of fifty. Rev. Mr. Regeness was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Peter Gutensolhn, and he by Rev. Mr. Lehman. the present pastor. The trustees are William Prady, John Lang, Gottlieb Layer, Martin Lohrer and George Kaven. The elders are Martin Zimmer and Philip Gutensohn. Services are held every Sunday. BAPTIST CHURCH. April 26, 1875, the members of the Baptist Church of Unionville formed a body corporate under the laws of the State by adoption of a constitution and election of trustees. The following were elected, viz.: Charles D. Currey, Norman Merford, Samuel B. Covey, Roswell Surine, Horace C. Marvin and William J. Davis. The deacons of the church were Samuel B. Covey and Charles D. Currey. The corporate name adopted was "The First Baptist Church of Unionville." This organization was, however, suffered to lapse. For two years services were held in the school-house by the Rev. W. D. Potter. Subsequently Rev. A. A. Mead became pastor and reorganized the church. In 1877 a church building was completed and dedicated in July. The following description of the church and its dedication was made at the time: "The First Baptist Church at Unionville dedicated their commodious house of worship, economically erected at a cost of over $2,500, on Sunday last. The morning sermon was preached by Rev. J. L. DeLand, of East Saginaw, and the evening sermon by Rev. W. H. Osborne, pastor of the M. E. Church, Unionville. The pastors of the Unionville churches, with Rev. J. L. Reid, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Vassar, and Rev. I. B. Nunn, of Unionville, assisted in the dedicatory services. A sufficient amount had been raised and paid to leave an indebtedness of but a little over $1,000 to be provided for at dedication, which amount was received in cash or substantial pledges. The church numbers about forty members, and have secured as pastor Rev. D. W. Leonard, an old resident of the county, who has lately entered the ministry." The present membership of the church is about forty. Its trustees are W. J. Davis, Roswell Surine, James Surine, Cyrus Morford, John Covey and W. N. Covey. Rev. Mr. Dread's successors in the pastorate have been Revs. Currey, I. B. Nunn, D. W. Leonard, Taylor, and the present pastor, Rev. George Bionic. SCHOOLS. A union school was established some seventeen years ago for the towns of Columbia. Akron and Geneva, and a school-house completed about 1869. In 1877 this was made a graded school -under the charge of A. E. Cook. "At the annual school meeting held on the 9th of July, 1883, a financial report was read showing the total cost of the schools to be for the year, $773.91; total number of pupils attending school during the year, 193; total cost of education per capita, S4.01; total receipts, $1,536.46, leaving a balance of $762.55 unexpended; amount of library money received, 526.62. George E. Merry and R. S. Tolland were elected trustees for three years. The sum of $195 was voted for repairs to the school-house, etc., and $l5 as director's salary for the year. "At a meeting of the school board on Wednesday evening Samuel H. Wilson was elected moderator, R. S. Tolland, director, and William J. Davis, assessor. Charles D. Petershaus was engaged as principal and his wife as teacher in the primary department." THE PRESS. The Unionville Sun, five column folio, is what every community requires, a lively, newsy, local paper. It was established April 14, 1883, by Robert S. Tolland, who is its editor and proprietor. It is furnished at the low price of 60 cents per year; has a circulation of 675. It was started as an experiment, but has realized the hopes of its founder, and has not only been a success finauciully, but is aiding materially in the development of the country. ROBERT S. TOLLAND was born In Columbia, South Carolina. His father, grandfather and great grandfather were natives of the same State, his father having served as a sergeant in Marion's famous corps. At the commencement of the war of the rebellion his mother, being of Northern birth and training, brought her family North. His father, following his convictions, went into the Confederate army; was killed in battle. After a long term of active service in the Union army Mr. Tolland came to Michigan, and, being then but twenty years of age, established the Alpena Pioneer, in 1867. This venture proving a failure he was for nine years engaged in the capacity of foreman and city editor on the papers of Bay City: then as city editor of the Saginaw Courier. He afterward established the Caro Citizen, but on account of ill health, due to the hardships and exposures of the war, he sold out and went to Vassar. He there, as representative of a stock company, established the Times. Being obliged again to relinquish editorial labor on account of ill health, he returned to the Bay City Tribune as foreman. In April, 1883, he went to Unionville and established the Unionville Sun. He finds the location and work conducive to health and generally satisfactory, and his new venture becoming a financial success, as it deserves by the faithful, intelligent and efficient work put upon it. Mr. Tolland still suffers from disease contracted in his military service, and is the recipient of a small bounty. MASONIC ORDER. Northern Star Lodge No. 277, Free and Accepted Masons, was chartered February 24, 1870, with' the following charter members: Hon. George H. Granger, W. M.; Charles F. Sees, S. W.; John C. Santee, J. W.; Isaac Santee, secretary; Albert T. Cook, treasurer; Alonzo Whitcomb, S. D.; Jacob Gould, J. D.: M. P. Randall, tyler. The lodge room and furniture were consumed by fire in the fall of 1871, and progress was stayed thereby for a time, but on November 9, 187.2, through the efforts of Brother (hanger, the lodge was reorganized, and has been prosperous ever since. They have now nearly forty members, including some of the best and noblest of the community. The officers for 1883 are as follows: Hiram Cobine, W. M.; John Russell, S. W.; M. H. Vaughn, J. W.; John Covey, treasurer; C. F. Sees, secretary; Rev. D. W. Leonard, S. D.: E. A. Durkee, J. D.; Alva Moore, tyler; George H. Granger. E. C. Shaunan, stewards. Only two, Brothers K. Allen, Jr., and I. Keller have been transferred to the death roll. KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. Justice Tent No. 75 of this order was organized February, 2 1883, with sixteen charter members. Its principal officers are Hiram Cobine, Sir K. C.; Henry G. Dozer, Sir K. L. C.; Robert H. Russell, finance keeper: W. H. Standart. record keeper: Dr. Geo. H. Granger, examining surgeon: B. C. Moore, prelate: Geo. Cobine, 1st M. of G.: E. A. Durkee. 2d M. of G.: Myron Vaughn, Past Sir K. C. VILLAGE OFFICERS. YEAR. PRESIDENT. CLERK. TREASURER. ASSESSOR. 1883 Hiram Cobine. Daniel Schad. John S. Coy. Alson Greenfield. 1882 Georee .T. Hill. D. E. Dozer. John S. Coy. Alson Greenfield. 1881 Andrew Marshall. Robert W. Durkee. Jas. W. Stiller. Alson Greenfield. 1880 Geo. H. Granger. D. E. Dozer. Jas. W. Stiller. Stephen C. Hayes. 1879 Horace C. Marvin. D. E. Dozer. Andrew Marshall. W. S. Covey. TRUSTEES. 1879.-George E. Merry. Charles F. Sees, Hiram Cobine. Martin Lohrer. William H. Standart, George J. Hill. 1880.-John Russell, James F. Wilson. Lorenzo Phelps. 1881.-W. H. C. Standart, Clemens Martini, Isaac Springer. 1882.--Charles F. Sees. Arad B. Town, James O. Oakley. 1883.-Clemens Martini, George E. Merry. R. H. Russell. BIOGRAPHICAL. GEORGE H. GRANGER, M. D., was born in Wayland, Steuben County, N. Y. He first came to Michigan in 1863. In 1863 he went to Washington as a medical cadet, and in 1864 was an acting assistant surgeon in the One Hundred and Eighty-ninth New York Infantry, serving nine months with that regiment, it being mustered out in June, 1865. He was with his regiment, and was present at Lee's surrender. His literary education was acquired at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y., and the Genesee College, now merged into the University of Syracuse. After leaving the army he went to the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and in 1867 graduated from the medical department of that institution. He at first commenced practice in Bay City, but in August, 1867, moved to the village of Unionville, where he located permanently. He is known as one of the most skillful and accomplished physicians in Tuscola County, and socially as a very genial and enjoyable gentleman. He has represented his country in the State legislature two terms, having been elected in 1879, and re-elected in 1881. Was president of the village of Unionville, and has held the position of county coroner and several other minor township offices. Is a married man. JOHN S. Coy, banker, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 8, 1845, but was reared and educated in Port Huron, Mich. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, Company A, and served his country in the late struggle for liberty and the Union, until discharged January 20, 1864, for disability caused by six gunshot wounds. One of these was in the right shoulder, one in the right arm below the shoulder, one in the head, one in the left hand, and one in each leg. They were received in the battle of Gettysburg. He had previously fought in the second battle of Bull Run, and in those of Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, and several other conflicts. By these wounds he was utterly disabled from all work for three and a half years, and permanently disabled from most kinds of employment. He has had fifty- two pieces of bone removed from the wounded shoulder. On his return he remained a while at Port Austin and came thence to Unionville in March, 1868, and engaged for a time in dealing in hoops. He was married to Miss Flora L. Marvin, of Unionville, March 5, 1871. She was born in Andover, Ohio, September 14, 1851. They have one daughter, Gracie M., born in Unionville, November 16, 1875. Mrs. Coy came with her parents to where Unionville now is in 1854, when the trees of the lofty forest held unrivaled sway, and when water and frost seemed to defy the approaches of improvement and agriculture. But she has seen these recede before the invincible power of pioneer resolution and industry, and in their place there has arisen a beautiful and thriving town surrounded by fertile fields, fruitful orchards, and blooming gardens and affording unmeasured facilities for social and personal entertainment and delight. Mr. Coy, shortly after his marriage, bought an interest in the mercantile enterprise conducted by the firm of H. C. Marvin & Co., Unionville, and continued in mercantile life until September, 1882, in the latter part of that time conducting the entire business alone. On December 5, 1881, he opened the Unionville Exchange Bank, in which he has an increasing and remunerative patronage. He also invests in building dwellings for tenants in their rising town. Mr. Coy has served as supervisor of Geneva two years, is serving his second term as treasurer, and has been ten years postmaster of Unionville. ARAD B. TOWN, carpenter and joiner, was born in Villanova, N. Y., March 21, 1844. When about seventeen years of age he went to Chicago, Ill. Thence he went to Minnesota, where he remained three years; then revisited his native State; later went to Ohio, and from there came to Lapeer County, Mich. In 1868 he came to Unionville, where he now resides. On November 14, 1869, he was married to Miss Moina Wilson, of Geneva. She was born in Espyville, Penn., in August, 1849. They have a pleasant home on East State Street, and Mr. Town, in connection with his mechanical labors operates a cider manufactory at his village residence. HIRAM CORINE, mason, was born in Delaware County, N. Y., November 21, 1844. He grew to manhood and learned his trade in the home where he was born, and came from there to Unionville, Mich., in the spring of 1872. He at once resumed his former occupation, and has received from the first a liberal and increasing patronage. On November 18, 1877, he was married to Miss Maggie Thomas, of Columbia. She was born in Canada, August 6, 1852. Their religious choice is the regular Baptist Church. Mr. Cobine has always taken a cheerful and unabating interest in the progress and improvements of his town. He was one of the first board of Unionville trustees. He is W. M. of the Northern Star Masonic Lodge No. 277, and is a member of the Caro Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He is commander of the Order of the Knights of the Maccabees; and at the charter election of 1883, he was unanimously elected president of the thriving village of Unionville. DAVID E. DOZER, of the law firm of Dozer & Dozer, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 28, 1849. He attained his majority in his native State, engaged partly in agricultural pursuits and partly in school teaching. He took a commercial course in Zanesville Business College, Ohio, and later a law course in Ann Arbor, Mich. Here he graduated March 25, 1875. In the following April he came to Unionville and opened a law office, and at once received the patronage of the citizens of the place. On February 8, 1872, Mr. Dozer was married to Miss M. Frances Baughman, of Deavertown, Ohio. She was born there December 12, 1847, and was one of ten living sisters, and had three brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Dozer have one daughter, Vida E., born in the State of Ohio, November 8, 1872. He has been village clerk three years, and two years township supervisor. Religiously they are members of the English Lutheran Church. In 1878 Mr. Dozers brother, H. G. Dozer, came and engaged in the study of law under his instructions. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, September 19, 1857. He remained in his native State until coming to Unionville. Later he took a partial course of lectures at Ann Arbor, after which he still prosecuted his studies diligently and successfully in their own office, and was admitted to the bar May 7, 1881. After being admitted he entered the law office of Black & Quinn, of Caro, and remained until April, 1882, when he and his brother organized the law firm, in which they are now partners. They have not sought to kindle or fan the flame of sudden popularity, but they enjoy a large and steadily increasing practice in the pursuit of their profession. FRANCIS BRYDLE, clothier, was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, January 18, 1851. His youth was spent chiefly in Ohio and Pennsylvania. On April 22, 1874, he settled in Fair Grove, Mich., and engaged in engineering, which had been then for some time his occupation, and also gave some attention to agriculture. He had been married September 2, 1871, to Miss Exenie Butler, of Andover, Ohio. She was born there February 18, 1852. They have two children, Frantie Ray and Dedie May. Mr. Brydle came to Unionville March 18, 1882, and with Mr. H. A. Still opened a store of ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, which they are conducting with an increasing custom and unanticipated success. Mr. and Mrs. Brydle have been for some six years members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He also belongs to the order of the Knights of the Maccabees. HENRY A. STILL, clothier, was born in Fairport, Monroe County, N. Y., July 31, 1852. He spent his youth partly in farming, partly in mercantile work, and partly in railroading. He came to Fair Grove, Mich., in the spring of 1874, and engaged in agriculture in section 36. He and Miss Edna L. Beilby, of Pittsford, N. Y., had been married May 23, 1871. She was born in Monroe County, N. Y., February 15, 1851. They have six children, Fred C., Frank L., Albert and Alfred, twins, Arthur and Henry A. Mr. Still came to Unionville in March, 1882. and joined his finances with Mr. Brydle under the firm title, " Brydle & Still, clothiers, etc." Mr. and Mrs. Still are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. CHARLES F. SEES, dealer in furniture and undertaker, was born in Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., January 15, 1845. He came with his parents to Detroit, Mich., in 1850, and six years later went with them to Bruce County, Ontario. They returned to Detroit in 1862. In the fall of 1867 he came to Unionville. His employment in youth had been chiefly agricultural labor; but he had also given some attention to mechanical work, and on coming to Unionville he engaged in carpenter and joiner work as his chosen calling. On January 7, 1872, he was married to Miss Mary V. Kline, of Almer. She was born in Erie County, Penn., December 15, 1852. They have two children, Lewis D., born in Almer, October 25, 1872, and Vida A., born in Unionville September 25, 1880. On January 3, 1879, Mr. Sees opened his present enterprise in furniture and undertaker business, and since then has increased from an annual business of $450 to one of $2,800. Mr. Sees has served as justice of the peace since 1877. He has been school moderator two years and a member of the school board five years. He was a member of the board of registration for the first village election, and a member of the first board of trustees, and is serving in his second term in that office. He has also served one term as street commissioner. Fraternally Mr. Sees is a Royal Arch Mason, and secretary of Blue Lodge No. 277. Mrs. Sees is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. CAPTAIN ALSON GREENFIELD, supervisor of Columbia, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., January 16, 1833. He removed with his parents to Ohio when about seven years old, where he received his education and early culture, attending school two terms with James A. Garfield, late president of the United States. He first came to Tuscola County, Mich., in the fall of 1854, and bought lands in what is now Columbia. From this time he taught school in Oakland County some two years, after which he settled on his lands. At that time, what is now Fair Grove, and one of the banner townships, seemed to be all swamp and unfit for agricultural purposes. Columbia was also very wet and unpromising in appearance. He has seen the water three feet deep in the road track along where the Main Street of Unionville now presents its beautiful road surface to the gaze of the citizens. In 1856 or 1857, Mr. Greenfield was elected supervisor of Columbia. The entire number of votes cast that year was twenty-five. He has served many years as supervisor, and has twice been chairman of the board of super-visors. He has served about four years as county treasurer, and two years as representative to the State legislature. He is justice of the peace and assessor of Unionville. On August 4, 1864, Mr. Greenfield received authority to raise a company for the Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry. He raised Company A, the first in the regiment in a short time. He went as captain with his company to the service of his country, and remained until mustered out of the service September 6, 1865, after the Union had triumphed over slavery and treason. His first lieutenant was Captain E. P. Allen, now of Washtenaw County. Mr. Allen left a remunerative situation in Vassar and Mr. Greenfield left his situation as county treasurer. They toiled in the strife side by side, and their military relations were mutually interesting and pleasant. CLEMENS MARTINI, manager of the business firm of John C. Liken & Co., at Unionville, Mich., (the said firm consisting of John C. Liken and Richard Martini, of Sebewaing), was born in Germany, April 20, 1853. He came to Sebewaing, Mich., in the spring of 1870, and at once engaged in the employ of Muellerweiss & Liken, of that place. In the spring following that firm dissolved, and he entered the employ of Mr. John C. Liken. In 1874 he went as manager of the business of J. C. & Co., to Kilmanagh. He remained there until December, 1877, when he came and took charge of their mercantile business at Unionville. Their business investments and interests have since then enlarged immensely. They have there now, beside their large and well furnished store, an extensive flouring-mill and grain elevator in successful operation, furnishing 6,000 barrels of flour and 500 tons of mill feed, beside their extensive custom work; and in company with Mr. Frederick Bach, of Sebewaing, under the firm name of Liken & Bach, they have a stave-mill, heading-mill and saw-mill, with a capacity sufficient for the manufacture of ten millions staves and twelve millions heading per annum. The whole enterprise furnishes employment for at least fifty men, and includes a capital of not less than $60,000. Liken & Bach also have a stave, heading and saw-mill, in the village of Fair Grove, with a capacity similar to those in Unionville. They are also preparing to erect a saw- mill at Akron Station, as an auxiliary to their stave and heading-mill at Sebewaing. In that prosperous village they have an extensive mercantile enterprise, conducted in a beautiful and commodious brick block, also a flouring-mill, and a grain elevator holding, when full, 25,000 bushels of grain. They have also a cooper's shop, and a large saw-mill for the manufacture of lumber. Mr. J. C. Liken is the owner of the Bay City, Sebewaing, Caseville & Port Austin Steamboat Line, and also of the Sebewaing & Ossoda Line. Mr. Martini records a pleasant and interesting business life thus far, and contemplates a bright future for this part of the county, especially in view of the inexhaustible fertility of the soil on which the general success and future wealth of the community chiefly depend. WILLIAM H. STANDART, hardware merchant, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, November 3, 1848. He removed with his parents to Attica, Ind., in childhood, and at the age of nine years came with them to Adrian, Mich., and remained there nine years, employed chiefly in farming. From there he went to Detroit as clerk in a hardware store, and later acted as traveling salesman for the firm of Standart Bros., for some five years. While in that employment he was married November 5, 1873, to Miss Mindwell Cook, of Adrian. She was born in Hudson, Mich., July 7, 1853. They have three children, Sarah A., Nellie and Rose. Mr. Standart came to Unionville March 1, 1876, and bought the hardware stock of A. B. C. Comstock, and opened the hardware enterprise, which he still conducts on Main Street. He has a well selected stock, worth some $6,000, accurately adapted to the demands of the citizens, and he has had from the beginning a growing trade. With Mr. E. D. Cook, he also deals extensively in agricultural implements. Last year they sold eighty-two of McCormick's mowers and reapers and self binders. He also has a tin shop in connection with his hardware store, from which he supplies all kinds of tin, copper and sheet iron furniture for his stoves and for customers. He has on Bay Street one of the most elegant dwellings in the place, worth some $2,000. It is about forty feet square in its largest part, with a front extension, and other appurtenances affording most inviting home conveniences and entertainments. The home occupies an acre of ground, and is situated in an extremely pleasant part of the rising town. In fraternity Mr. Standart is a member of the Northern Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. JAMES W. STINER, druggist, was born in Columbia County, Penn., November 7, 1854. He came with his parents from his native State in 1867, and settled on section 29 in Columbia, Mich. His time was spent chiefly in agriculture. In August, 1875, he engaged as clerk in the store of Greenfield & Bell in Unionville, and remained about four years. In November, 1879, he engaged as clerk with his brother, F. A. Stiner, in his drug store, and they added a stock of dry goods and groceries. In August, 1882, Mr. J. W. Stiner and his father, Henry Stiner, bought the entire stock of drugs and goods, and since then Mr. J. W. Stiner has conducted the business, which increases in proportion with the rapid progress of the town and surrounding country. In 1880 Mr. Stiner was elected treasurer of Unionville by the entire vote of the citizens. In 1881 he served as township clerk of Columbia, and also served again as village treasurer. In 1879 he was appointed a notary public, and is now serving in his second term in that office. TIMOTHY LOWTHIAN, physician and surgeon, was born in Princeton, Ontario, May 7, 1848. His youth was spent in his native country. In 1872 he came to Caro, Mich., and spent some five years in the drug business. In 1876 be engaged specially in the study of medicine under the supervision of William Morris, M. D. T. C. D., of Caro. He took his first course of lectures in the University of Michigan in 1878 and 1879. He graduated in the University of Buffalo in 1880, and in his attainments was one of the first in a class of fifty-six. He settled in Unionville in June of that year, and has built up a flourishing and steadily increasing practice in that prosperous town. He was married April 3, 1872, to Miss Margaret Morris, second daughter of Dr. William Morris. She was born in Florence, Canada, August 24, 1853. They have three children, Mary Sophia Morris, Henrietta Annie and William George DeMontmoreney. Religiously, Dr. Lowthian and his lady are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. GEORGE E. MERRY, hotel-keeper, was born in Oswego County, N. Y., June 3, 1828. He came with his parents to Pontiac, Mich., when fourteen years of age, and learned the carpenter and joiner trade with his father. At nineteen he commenced for himself, and continued in that business fourteen years in that place. He was married when about twenty-two years of age to Miss Emily Dewey, of Pontiac. She died in 1854, leaving one infant son, Edgar. Mr. Merry's second marriage was to Miss Nancy M. Dewey, also of Pontiac, January 1, 1855. She was born near Pontiac, October 11, 1835. They have three children, Frederick, Charles and Frank. In the fall of 1860, Mr. Merry came to Tuscola County and located land on Hickory Island. He settled his family there in 1861, and he came to Unionville and engaged in building for Mr. H. C. Marvin. He, with other help, built first a barn, then a bridge, then a store, and then another bridge, all in one season. In 1862 he brought his house from Hickory Island to where Unionville now is. He bought thirteen acres of land, one-half of it cleared, for $20 per acre, finished clearing it, and set out an orchard south of where State Street now is, and also continued working at his trade. He went and worked in Bay City in the summer of 1864, until harvest time, then carne home and harvested twenty- one acres of frosted wheat, but only got about forty bushels in all. The season previous he raised over forty-six bushels to the acre. In the fall of 1861, he took his family back to Pontiac, and he went out, as a government employe, to Duvall's Bluff, Ark., and began working at his trade, first for a few days at only $45 per month; soon his pay was advanced to $75 per month, and in about three weeks it was raised to $100 per month-and he was made second superintendent of the building department of government works. One pleasant day in February while there he went up White River on a boat with a large number of others to visit a certain farm. He and a comrade, Mr. Moore, were left on shore by the steamer, and hired a soldier to take them across in a small boat. When in the midst of the river, while the waves were dashing fiercely, the boat filled with water and swamped. Mr. Merry and his comrade attempted to swim ashore. Mr. Merry with great difficulty swam across a heavy current in the river, reached a fallen tree toward shore, and looking back saw Mr. Moore in the current. He cried out to him. "Moore, pull for your life!" Moore answered, "Merry, I can't make it!" Merry shouted, "You can make it!" but just then Moore sank and drowned. Mr. Merry swam and waded onward into the overflowed cypress swamp some distance, found a partial support by a tree, and called loudly for help; and by the hired soldier who had now reached shore and emptied the boat, he was heard and rescued, but had nearly perished from exhaustion and cold. In the season following he returned to Unionville and opened a store of general merchandise, in which he continued some five years, when he sold that, and soon after opened a hotel on the site he now occupies. About that time he suddenly lost a dwelling and contents worth some $1,500. He occupied his hotel some three years, then rented it for over two years, since which time they have occupied it steadily. The hotel is a fine three-story building beautifully situated in the center of the town with good sample rooms, and first-class accommodations for boarders and travelers, is furnished with commodious barn room for teams, and is conducted by kind and cheerful attendants, and with a steady view to the greatest comfort of the guests. Mr. Merry as a citizen is interested heartily in county and local prosperity, and is serving in his second term of office as a member of the board of trustees for Unionville. ASA BURK was born in Ontario County, Canada, in 1829. There he remained until 1859, when he came to Michigan and settled in Lexington, Sanilac County, where he engaged in farming. After three years' residence he removed to Lapeer County and engaged in lumbering and farming, continuing until 1878, when he bought a hotel at North Branch, Lapeer County, which he operated about a year. His health failing, he was obliged to give up business and went to California where he so far recovered as to be able to resume business. In May, 1883, he bought and took charge of the Merry House, a new and commodious hotel in Unionville, Tuscola County. In 1851 Mr. Burk married Nancy Schell, a native of Canada. They have had ten children, of whom nine are living. ROBERT H. RUSSELL, druggist and grocer, was born in Delaware County, N. Y., August 12, 1843. He was reared in his native State. His employment was chiefly agricultural, but he also wrought at the carpenter trade. On December 31, 1868, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scheerder, also of Delaware County. In the fall of 1869 they removed to Missouri and spent three years; then they came to Unionville, and shortly after went back to Delaware County, N. Y. In the fall of 1874, Mrs. Russell died, leaving one daughter, Carrie E. In the spring of 1876, Mr. Russell returned to Unionville, and. spent .some time in carpenter work. On January 1, 1879, he entered the employ of Mr. J. S. Coy, and served in his store of drugs and groceries some four years. His second marriage was to Miss Ella J. Durfee, of Bay City, on January 13, 1880. She was born in Bay City January 1.2, 1862. They have two children, Cora Amilla and Elsie May, both born in Unionville. On September 15, 1882, Mr. Russell bought the mercantile enterprise of Mr. J. S. Coy, and since has conducted the business in groceries, drugs, paints and oils, varnishes and medicines, with increasing patronage and gratifying success. Mr. Russell has been assistant postmaster since 1879, and is serving as clerk of Columbia, and is a member of, the board of trustees of Unionville. He also belongs to the order of the Knights of the Maccabees. STEPHEN C. HAYES, farmer, was born in Oakland County, Michigan, April 7, 1833. He spent his youth chiefly in his native county. He first visited Tuscola County in 1850. Vassar then had only three or four dwellings and one boarding shanty. From there he went to Saginaw, then, later, to Thunder Bay River, when the site of Alpena was not yet underbrushed. He spent some time there in fishing, and remained there alone, watching the fish and fishing apparatus for six weeks, and only saw four persons in the entire time, and, like Selkirk, "from center all round to the sea, he was lord of the fowl and the brute." The rest of the season he fished on Thunder Bay Island. Next he spent nearly two years more in Oakland, and after this nearly nine years in Saginaw, variously employed, and then settled in Wisner, Tuscola County. On July 12, 1864, he was enrolled in the fifth Michigan Veteran Volunteers, Company D, served his country until the close of the war, and was discharged July 19, 1865. He was only a few rods from President Jeff. Davis when that Confederate dignitary was captured. Here turned to Wisner in 1860, and on Feb. 20, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary J. Woodman, also of Wisner. She was born in Canada, Jan. 19, 1845. Their only son, Willie C., born Oct. 9, 1871, died of diphtheria Dec. 3, 1881. In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Hayes came to Unionville, where they still reside. Very much of his time since then has been spent in the employ of H. C. Marvin, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. GEORGE FORD, road master of the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railway, was born in England, Jan. 16, 1883. He left his native country at the age of eighteen years and came to New York, and thence to Ohio and engaged in the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Company on the track department. He spent some seven years on that and other roads, and later, was about two years on the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Road. After this he served as foreman on the grade of the Flint & Holly Road, and then as foreman in the track department. Thus he worked his way upward in the employ of the F. & P. M. Company and later became road master on a part of the Grand Trunk Road. After this he returned to the employ of the F. & P. M. Road and served as foreman of the track department, laying the track and ballasting the road from Coleman to Mount Pleasant. He also laid a large portion of the steel on the western division of the F. & P. M. Road. Next he engaged as foreman on the grade of the S. T. & H. Road, and broke ground three days before any other person, with a very small force the first week, but afterward ran up to as high as fifty men and ten teams, and so onward till the grade was nearly completed. He was then appointed to superintend the laying of the track, and twice afterward to ballast the road. This be has done so finely that the traveling public claim that the road is not excelled in smoothness and firmness by any road in the State. All this work, from the beginning of the laying of the track has been done under the supervision of C. S .McMillan, Esq., superintendent of the road. At the same time Mr. Ford's steady employment and timely promotion by the company gives fitting expression of his skill, industry, integrity and trustworthiness in his chosen calling. He has literally worked his way up from the shovel to the responsible position of road master, which he now occupies. His present residence is in the pleasant and thriving town of Unionville. EDWARD VAN DEMARK, farmer, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., Aug. 24, 1824. He was reared in his native state. His employment was chiefly farming. He came to Tuscola County, Mich., in the spring of 1854, and settled in what is now part of Columbia, then a part of Rogers. He had been married to Miss Margaret Bluer, also of Tioga County, Sept. 14, 1848. They have had eight children, six sons and two daughters. From Sebewaing to their place they came by a mere winding, trail, with a hired ox team. Where Unionville now is, there was one log house. It was vacant and Mr. V. went into it with his family. There were about two acres chopped there but not cleared off. Thus, in those pioneer times, Mr. and Mrs. V. began opening a home in the forest for themselves and family, undergoing all the hardships and disadvantages incident to such brave undertakings. Mrs. M. Van Demark died in June, 1855. Mr. Van Demark's second marriage was to Miss Cordelia Wilson, of Unionville, June 6, 1856. She was born in Espyville, Penn., June 24, 1833. They have three sons and two daughters. Mrs. C. Van De-mark also was a pioneer in Akron, and has shared the pleasures, the encounters, the romances of forest life and times from 1856 onward. Mr. Van Demark has 120 acres of land, with about seventy under cultivation. He also has a fruit-bearing orchard, an excel-lent dwelling and other buildings and inviting home-comforts. Mr. V. has been a school officer some fifteen years, and school inspector about nine years. He was one of those who organized the township of Akron, was its first supervisor and has served four years. He records that in 1854 the place was nearly overrun with mice. He has once seen one and a half bushels of mouse bones in one heap, where they had been drowned in a kettle. He killed seven in one night that ran up his arm as he lay in bed. His best mouser that season was an owl, who used to catch them, skin them with his beak and devour their carcasses. WILLIAM A. HAYES, farmer and carpenter and joiner, was born in Burton, Ohio, May 25, 1829. He was raised in his native State; learned his trade in his youth. He came to Bay City in 1856, and engaged in building dwellings among the trees then still standing where the business blocks of the city are now located. One year later he came to Tuscola County, and settled in what3vas then section 7, in Akron. He had been married Sept. 28, 1852, to Miss Sarah Baird, of Franklin, Ohio. They have had five children, Charles, George, John, Eliza, deceased, and Austin. When they first came to the place the only road was a narrow, underbrushed sleigh track. Wagons were not then in use. They, at times, had to walk logs and fences to keep out of the water. Mr. Hayes has worked devotedly at his trade since coming to the county. He has sometimes carried his tools five miles before breakfast to engage in the work of the day. He was the first carpenter in the place, but has not kept a record of his work as a builder. On August 10, 1864, Mr. Hayes enlisted in Company A, in the Twenty- ninth Michigan Infantry, and served his country in the suppression of the late rebellion, until discharged, in August, 1865, after the close of the war. During his service he suffered severely from typhoid pneumonia, but by the use of a self-selected remedy he finally recovered. Mrs. Hayes found it very afflictive and difficult to manage the home and family alone, but she and they braved the encounters nobly, and worked outside and raised corn and garden products for their sustenance and comfort. Mr. Hayes now has thirty-five acres of land, with twenty-eight under fine cultivation, a large, thriving or-chard and an inviting home. He has refused $60 per acre for his lauds. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. HENRY W. HESS, carriage maker and farmer, was born in Columbia County, Penn., Aug. 18, 1824. His grandfather, Henry W. Hess, Sr., was a soldier in the revolutionary war. His father, Christian Hess, and his father's brothers, were soldiers in the war of 1812. His maternal grandfather, Mr. Bisher, was a maker of violins. Mr. Hess left his native State in 1847 and went West to Chicago before Chicago had a railroad. He spent two years in the West and over ten years in the South. Later he visited Tuscola County, Michigan, and in October, 1861, he enlisted in the First Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, Company F, and served his country over three years. In the winter of 1861 he took part in the campaign through Kentucky under General Thomas and fought in the battle of Mill Springs. He returned to Louisville, went thence to Nashville, thence to the battle of Shiloh and took part in the siege of Corinth. The rest of his time after this he was with the Western army. He and his comrades were discharged at Atlanta, Ga., but continued under arms until they came to Nashville, Tenn. They came to Michigan for final settlement. In December, 1864, Mr. Hess bought lands in section 1, Akron, now a part of Columbia, Mich. He cleared up his farm, beginning March 30, 1865. Later he was married to Miss Mary Ambruster, of Sebewaing. She was born in Ohio, Nov. 28, 1847. They have eighty acres of land, all under cultivation and pasture. They have a fine thriving orchard, all planted by his own hands. He has excellent buildings and a truly delightful home. He has on his farm a notable flowing well, over 104 feet deep, which when first opened, discharged several barrels of bituminous coal, and attracted large numbers of visitors from Saginaw, Vassar, Bay City and various other places. He has been overseer of highways several terms, and has served as school assessor for nine years. Religiously, he is an Episcopal Methodist. Mrs. Hess belongs] to a German church in Sebewaing. In his travels and services in the Union Mr. Hess has visited Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Indian Territory, Kansas and Texas. He has been in the principal cities of the Union. He has visited the Mammoth Cave iii Kentucky, and slept in the house where President Polk was born. This rare entertainment he enjoyed when on his trip to the World's Fair in New York in 1853. SAMUEL B. COVEY, retired farmer, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., November 7, 1800. He spent his youth in his native State. On January 5, 1817, he and Miss Nancy Nowlin were united in marriage. Mr. S. B. Covey's children are Albert S., Hannah M., Jane, Betsy, John, Griffin S., Clarinda and Melinda, twins, Samuel E. and William N. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Covey located 940 acres of land in what is now Columbia, Mich. His family arrived in the fall following. They settled where Unionville now is. They came to their place, not by roads, but through the woods by blazed trees. They had to go to Vassar to mill and for their mail. Mr. Covey erected the first frame house and barn built between Watrousville and Sebewaing. In 1857 a mail route was established. Mr. Covey was the first postmaster of Akron postoffice, and served six years. Mr. P. Ricker was the first mail carrier. Mrs. N. Covey died November 23, 1866. Mr. Covey's second marriage was to Mrs. Lois Hudson, of Akron, July 3, 1867. Mr. Covey has distributed his lands among his children. He has been justice of the peace twelve years and township treasurer two years. He has belonged to the Baptist Church since 1821, and Mrs. Covey has belonged about forty years. Mrs. N. Covey, also, was a member of that church. JOHN COVEY, farmer, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., May 4, 1827. He was reared in his native State and came to what is now the township of Columbia, Mich., before it was organized. In 1855 he began opening for himself and family a home in that dense but beautiful forest. He had been married February 25, 1850, to Miss Mary S. King, of Gilford, N. Y. She was born in that State June 13, 1828. They have two children, Griffin and Linnie, now Mrs. James Hinmon. They came to their place by way of Bay City, when it was just commenced, and when $5,000 would have bought the whole village, now the third city in the State. The land in their location was wet, but very rich. Oxen and sleds had been driven through from Sebewaing to Watrousville by a blazed trail. There was then no other road. Many articles of clothing and some of their provisions they had to bring all the way from Flint. They erected first a board shanty and lived in it five years, but he erected a frame barn, the first in the town, and had it ready for his first crop of wheat. His frame house was one of the first two built in the township. He assisted in organizing the township when there were only thirteen voters in it. He has 400 acres of land in sections 5, 8 and 14, with about eighty under cultivation, a thriving orchard of the best varieties of fruit, excellent buildings, and a truly pleasant home. Mr. Covey states that deer and other game were very plentiful in those early days. His gun secured the most of their supply of meats. He has killed 150 deer, two hears, and some other game. One of the bears he killed with his knife, while the bear held a large dog firmly in his teeth, never loosing his hold until he bled to death. Once Mr. Covey shot four deer with a single barreled rifle without stepping out of his position. Mrs. Covey, also, is skilled in using the gun. She has shot one large deer and various small game. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Covey are members of the Baptist Church. Politically he has been a life long Democrat, and fraternally he is treasurer of the Northern Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. He has served as a school officer and justice of the peace. WILLIAM BRADY, farmer, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., June 20, 1839. He came with his parents to Sebewaing, Mich., in 1854, and lived there until he attained his majority, employed in farming and other industrial pursuits. On May 6, 1862, he was married to Miss Catharine Baur, also of Sebewaing. She was born in Germany July 30, 1835. They have had six children, Rosetta, George, Simon, William H., Sylvester, deceased, and Charles S., also deceased. Mr. Brady and family cleared up a large farm in Sebewaing and resided there until 1875, when he bought 146 acres in sections 5 and 6 in Columbia; and they have now about 110 acres under cultivation. They have over five acres of thriving orchard of apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes and small fruits, an elegant dwelling and commodious farm buildings. Mr. Brady is raising the Percheron Norman breed of horses, imported from Illinois. He finds them a very superior breed, and has already six fine young animals, and hopes to soon place some on the market. Several Percheron stallions have been purchased by the United States Interior Department for the improvement of stock in the interior. Mr. Brady has also dealt largely in agricultural implements in his township. He has been highway commissioner and school director in Sebewaing and highway commissioner and justice of the peace in Columbia, and is a member of the school board in Unionville. HUGH WILLSON, retired farmer, was born in Washington Township, Penn., August 29, 1802. He spent over half a century of his life in his native State, employed partly in farming and partly in black-miffing. In October, 1854, he came to where Unionville now is, then a forest with Indian trails instead of roads, and began preparing a shanty for his family. In June, 1855, six members of his family arrived, and took possession of their new home. Mr. Willson had been married in 1829 to Miss Ann Collins, of Chenango, Penn. She was born there May 6, 1810. Their children are Cyrus, Cordelia, Andrew, Matilda, deceased, Sarah, also deceased, Isaac W., Samuel H., James F., Mina, and Edward L., who is also deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Willson have battled bravely and successfully with the privations and hardships of pioneer life, and with forest trees and water and frost; but they have lived until a beautiful and thriving town has arisen in their midst, sustained by fertile country all around, and affording all the advantages of modern culture and religious privilege. They have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church about thirty years. He has been class leader six or seven years, and over three years superintendent of Sabbath-schools. He has also been supervisor of Geneva. In politics he is a Republican. His four sons, Cyrus, Andrew, Isaac and James, all fought in the suppression of the late rebellion. Cyrus was wounded in the neck, in the shoulder and in the arm, and now receives a pension for his services. ISAAC W. WILLSON, farmer, was born in Crawford County, Penn., April 26, 1842. He came with his father's family to Tuscola County, Mich., in June, 1855, and worked on the parental home lands until about twenty-two years of age. In 1863 he bought 120 acres of land just west of Unionville, and cleared and put in sixteen acres of wheat. On June 10, 1864, he was enrolled in the First Michigan Infantry, Veteran Volunteers, Company A, and served his country until discharged July 9, 1865, after the Confederacy had been annihilated. He fought in the battles of the Yellow House, Hatcher's Run, the siege and capture of Richmond, and eight other engagements, closing up with the capture of General Lee and the Confederate army. He arrived at home from the service July 18, 1865, and later suffered about one year of severe illness, seemingly induced by his exposures in the service. On February 22, 1866, he was married to Miss Anna M. Pierce, of Sebewaing. She was born in Pontiac, Mich., April 18, 1837. They have three children, William E., Eben I. and Alanson C. Mr. Willson bought his land all on credit, and had only a steer, calf and an ax. The calf ran away and was lost, but the ax played slash with the forest. They began without a door in their dwelling or a table in their room, but by persistent effort and rigid economy they have secured for themselves cultured fields and fruitful orchards, a good dwelling, and a most inciting situation. During these pioneer efforts they have lost a barn by lightning, containing fourteen tons of hay and 300 bushels of wheat, besides other grains and valuable farming utensils, worth in all over $1,000, only receiving $554 insurance. Politically Mr. Willson is a Republican. Religiously they are Episcopal Methodists, and serve as official members in that church. They find their highest gratification in personal piety and social and religious progress. RAYMOND P. CASE, farmer, was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., February 12, 1822. He was reared and educated in his native State, employed chiefly in agricultural enterprise. On December 9, 1851, he was married to Miss Adliza Weed, also of Saratoga Springs. She was born in Greenfield, Saratoga County, May 7, 1834. They have had two children, George, now deceased, and Francis Emmanuel. In the fall of 1854 they came to Genesee County, Mich. In the fall of 1855 they came to Watrousville, on their way to section 28 in Columbia, where he had previously bought 240 acres of land, but the country was so intensely wet and muddy that they were compelled to remain there until February, when they reached their new home in the forest, where there was not as yet a single clearing made. They moved into a vacant shanty near their lands, and prepared a shanty on their own place roofed with boards, and moved into it without any doors or windows, and finished it afterward. They had to bring the straw for their beds all the way from Watrousville. Mr. Case gave his watch for the bringing in of one load of his goods from that place. His last cent of cash he had paid out as taxes. They themselves, in coming in, rode on an ox sleigh as far as Mr. Santee's place. Two days were spent in getting that far. The next morning Mr. and Mrs. Case took their trunk on a hand sleigh and made their way through the woods by blazed trees to their own place, over two miles distant. They earned their living and paid for their lands by dint of hard labor and strict economy. They lived thus in the forest seemingly alone, yet they were not lonely. They record that they enjoyed life as well then even in the midst of pioneer disadvantages and encounters, as they do now in the contrasted situation which they enjoy at present. Mr. Case now has ninety-five acres of land, with about fifty-six under cultivation and pasture. He has a thriving orchard of excellent varieties of fruit, an elegant dwelling worth some $1,500, and commodious out-buildings constituting a beautiful farm home. He assisted in the organization of the township, but has persistently declined all municipal office. Mr. Case has served several years as leader, and several as steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church. EMANUEL L. STALEY, farmer, was born in Columbia County, Penn., September 25, 1835. He came from his native State to Columbia, Mich., just before he attained his majority, and with his father opened an improvement in section 20, and afterward resided there until 1873. They came by rail to Holly, by stage to Bridge-port, and on foot by the way of Tuscola, Vassar and Watrousville, and by a sled road from Morland's through the woods to their place. Once in coming from Sebewaing with oxen and wagon, a cooking stove and furniture and other goods, he had to ford the Wiscoggin Creek, when the water flowed over his boot-tops as he stood on the stove in the wagon. The team swam and drew the load after them, and all came through unharmed. On March 12, 1863, Mr. Staley was married to Miss Mary E. Kline, of Almer. She was born in Columbia County, Penn., August 3, 1844. They have had seven children. Those living are Wallace B., Marvin B., Sarah J., Clara, Louis, and Effie May. Two little loved ones are deceased. Mr. Staley now has eighty acres of land in section 32, and forty acres in section 28, where he now resides. He has in all nearly sixty acres of improvement, a large fruit- bearing orchard, good farm buildings, and a truly entertaining home. He has chopped over 100 acres of land in Columbia. He sold his former farm which he had improved by his own labor, for $4,000 ten years ago. He has been highway commissioner four years, and supervisor about fifteen years; and has served as chairman of the board of supervisors. He has also been three years superintendent of the poor for the county; and county surveyor four years. Politically Mr. Staley is an active Republican. Fraternally he is a member of Northern Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and glories in "Brotherly love, relief and truth." REV. ISAAC SANTEE was born in Shickshinny, Penn., November 20, 1816. He received his education and early culture in his native State, worked some years as a blacksmith, and came to Tuscola County, Mich., in 1855. He bought nearly sixty acres of land, and settled in section 30, in Columbia, then a wet and frosty forest. In building his shanty they had to carry all the logs by hand and put then up without a team. They covered it with elm and black ash barks, and moved into it. He had been married December 10, 1837, to Miss Sarah A. Hess, of Columbia County, Penn. She was born there July 8, 1818. They have had seven children, two sons and five daughters. They cleared the first three acres on their place entirely by hand. The first corn he planted was with an as to open the ground-he covered the hills with his foot. When he brought his family and baggage in from Watrousville, he had to leave the wagon stuck fast in the mud the first night of the journey, and also the second. Finally they carried the luggage the last forty rods by hand to get it to their place; yet he paid $8 dray bill. He often backed in their provisions from Sebewaing to their place. He has carried eighty-four pounds of supplies at one load. Mrs. S. A. Santee died of heart disease January 16, 1878, having been for many years a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Santee was converted February 21, 1840, and was soon after an assistant leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He became leader in 1842. He was licensed as an exhorter in 1844, and was licensed to preach by Rev. T. B. Sargent in 1853. He was ordained a local deacon by Bishop Janes in 1867, and local elder by Bishop Ames and others in 1872. He preached the first sermon ever preached in Akron at the first religions gathering in the township. It was the funeral of a child, and was held at E. Van Demark's. Mr. Santee was guided through the woods to the place by a dog in pursuit of his master, who had gone in advance to the funeral. Since then he has married fifty persons, and has attended about 125 funerals. Thus he has braved the toils and encounters of social and religious pioneer life in his community; but now, stated religious services are held in sight of his dwelling, and he has seen the waving forest change to fields of rare fertility, orchards of delicious fruit, and gardens blooming and beauteous. In his own pleasant home he has forty acres of improved laud and ample supplies of fruit; and though infirm in health, he still labors for the good of others, waiting for the call of the Master to the home beyond the river. He has served as township clerk, and also as justice of the peace. JOHN G. VANGIESEN, farmer, was born on Crusoe Island, N. Y., July 11, 1832. He came with his parents to Wayne County, Mich., in 1830. His youth was spent partly in farming and partly in rafting. He first visited Tuscola County in 1854. The next year he bought 160 acres of land in section 24 in Akron, and had some opening made soon after, and about the fall of 1858 he built a shanty, and began making further improvements. On January 1, 1867, he and Miss Samantha Santee, of Columbia, were united in marriage. She was born in Columbia County, Penn., July 15, 1848. They have had three children, Hattie, now deceased, Medora and Sadie. They now have ninety acres of laud, with about fifty under cultivation, a fine fruit-bearing orchard of various fruits, and inviting home comforts. He has been highway commissioner and town-ship clerk, and is school assessor in his district. In politics he is a thoroughbred Greenbacker. In his labors as a hunter and trapper be has killed some 500 deer, about a dozen wild cats (one of which was over five feet long), and not less than 100 foxes, beside a number of mink and of martens. WESLEY HESS, farmer, was born in Columbia County, Penn., November 24, 1824. His youth and early manhood were spent in his native State. He was employed chiefly as miller and farmer. He was married to Miss Melinda lisle, of Columbia County, in March, 1849. They had one son, Coenburg, born December 18. 1849. Mrs. M. Hess died in February, 1852. Mr. Hess and Miss Laura A. Piper, of Monroe, Penn., were married July 20, 1854. She was born in Berkshire County, Mass., April 13, 1835. They have had three daughters, Melinda A., the first child born in Columbia, Mich., now Mrs. I. Burger; Martha L., afterward Mrs. G. Smith, now deceased; and Mary E., now Mrs. H. Reed. Mr. Hess came to Columbia, Mich., in April, 1855, before the township was organized. He paid $100 in gold for the bringing in of his family and 400 pounds of baggage from Pontiac by stage to his place. He bought 200 acres of land in section 31, at ten shillings per acre. They cleared some forty-five acres 2nd prepared them a comfortable home, and on February 10, 1863, he was enrolled in the service of his country, but was discharged in July, 1863, because of epileptic fits. These fits brought on sore eyes, which continued five years. This was followed by an accident which resulted in a permanent stiffness of one leg since 1868. In those early days Mr. Hess secured preaching in his dwelling for some three years by Rev. Mr. Crane and others of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He assisted in organizing the township and gave it its name; held the election and was one of the first justices in the township. He served some five years as justice of the peace, and has been super-visor several terms. In politics he is a Democrat. In his sportsmanship he has killed over 700 deer, one bear, some wolves, a host of coons and numbers of small game. He has sold $74 worth of furs and skins in one season. ALONZO W. WOOLEY, farmer, was born in Rutland, N. Y., September 10, 1844. He came with his parents to Genesee County, Mich., in 1854, and on April 1, 1869, they came to Akron and bought 110 acres of land in section 36, having about $1,200 of capital, and opened a home in the dense but delightsome forest. On August 16th, of that year, he was married to Miss Matilda Chapman, of Watertown. She was born in Handy, Mich., December 31, 1849. They have two sons and three daughters. They built a small shanty on their place among the trees, and had to push the nearest trees with pike poles when felling them, to prevent them from falling on the dwelling. They braved the toils and hardships of pioneer life steadily and energetically, and by their own labor secured about seventy-five acres of improvement, enclosed with excellent fences, and on this a large fruit- bearing orchard of apples, pears, cherries, plums and small fruits, a good dwelling, two large barns and truly pleasant home enticements, which they have lately sold for $4,000. Their present home is in section 31, Columbia, where they have eighty acres of land, with seventy under cultivation, with good farm buildings, a plentiful supply of excellent fruits, and a most inviting situation, for which he gives $3,200, leaving a handsome cash margin for other investments. AUGUSTUS GREENFIELD, teacher and farmer, was born in Russell, Ohio, adjoining the birth-place of the late President Garfield, November 19, 1840. He was reared and educated in his native State. In the spring of 1861, he enlisted in the Ohio Infantry, and served with the three months' troops in guarding rebel prisoners on Johnson's Island, Sandusky Bay, and was discharged at the end of - his three months' term. In 1863 he was commissioned as first lieutenant of the Second Geauga Militia. In the spring of 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio National Guards, called out by Governor Todd for 100 days, and served until again discharged. He returned home sick, but soon recruited, and in the following fall he came to near Watrousville, Mich., and spent the winter with his father. In the spring of 1865 he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, and served until September following, when he received his final discharge, after the Confederacy had been quashed. In the following winter he taught school in Juniata. Next spring he bought 160 acres of land in section 33, Columbia. On March 3, 1867, he and Miss Latona B. Kline, of Almer, were joined in marriage. Their children are Byron and Mary Lulu. His place when he bought it was in a wild condition, and his improvements have been made by dint of labor and economy. Much of his time is spent in teaching, but he has about forty acres of his farm improved; has a thriving orchard and a pleasant home. He has served one year as township clerk, and several years as township superintendent of schools. He is also chairman of the Tuscola County Committee of the National Greenback Labor Party. HENRY KING, farmer, was born in Luzerue County, Penn., May 3, 1834. He came from his native State to Columbia, Mich., in the spring of 1856, and bought eighty acres of land in section 31. He cut the first stick on his place, and erected the first frame house in the township. - He hewed the studding and rafters, and split out the lath, made the shingles himself and drew the lumber from Heartt's mill, at Wahjamega. He occupied his home some six years without a companion, but on April 26, 1865, he was fuarried to Miss Mary Jane Hayman, of Portsmouth. She was born in Columbia County, Penn., February 25, 1847. They have had seven children; Ida S., Alice A., Lillie M., Lizzie J., Della A., and Latona E. are all living; little Bessie A. is now deceased. They continued the pioneer enterprise of clearing and building and improving their forest home, doing most of the work with their own hands ; and now the forest has disappeared, and they have about seventy-five acres of their land under fine cultivation, about three acres of thriving orchard of apples, pears, plums, cherries and small fruits, an elegant dwelling and commodious barns, constituting a most delightful farm home. When they first came to their place they had to cut their roads on the ridges or high strips of land. It took about two days to go to Sebewaing with an ox team and return ; and the same to Watrousville, then their nearest post-office. Mr. King is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been commissioner of highways four years, township clerk one year and school director, six years. In politics Mr. King is an active Democrat.