Early History of Fair Grove Township, Tuscola Co., MI This history was extracted from "History of Tuscola and Bay Counties, Mich. with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of their Prominent Men and Pioneers", published in Chicago by H. R. Page & Co. (1883), p. 131-140 This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. *********************************************************************** ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** TOWN OF FAIR GROVE. Fair Grove is said to embrace one of the best townships of farming land in Tuscola. The surface of the township is very nearly level with a slight descent toward the northwest. There are several small creeks which assist in the work of drainage, but before a thorough system of ditching was inaugurated the land was decidedly wet, and the mud of Fair Grove had a county reputation. The soil is alluvial and exceedingly rich. The timber is beech, maple, elm and basswood, and before the work of clearing was begun, the township was covered with delightful groves, from which fact the town derived its name. There is no waste land in the township and scarcely an eighty acre tract that is not occupied by the owner. EARLY HISTORY. The history of progress in Fair Grove dates from June, 1852, and the first settler was Amzy Clay, now a resident of the town of Ellington. Mr. Clay gives the following account of his family and their pioneer experience: " The first family that settled in the present town of Fair Grove was composed of my father, Henry Clay, myself, my sister Elizabeth, and a niece, Martha Ann Schofield. My father was born in Sussex County, N. J., September 25, 1783, and was consequently in his sixty-ninth year when we first came into the woods to make a home for ourselves. My sister Elizabeth was born December 4, 1820, and was in her thirty-second year. I was born October 17, 1828, in the town of Hardyston, Sussex County, N. J. My sister was born in the same county in the town of Sparta. Martha Ann Schofield was born in the town of Wantage, Sussex County, May 13, 1844. “My mother died in 1845 at the age of sixty, leaving a large family of children. My father died July 6, 1871. "On the 4th of May, 1852, we left Port Jervis, N. J., for Michigan, coming by the New York & Erie Railroad to Dunkirk, and thence by steamer to Detroit. At Pontiac we hired Joshua Terry to take us and our baggage to White Lake, Oakland County. After a few weeks' visit with relatives there, I started on the 31st of May in search of a home in the wilderness. After a short and unsatisfactory visit to Shiawassee County, I reached McGlone's, in what is now Juniata, and with him as guide went out to seek for a desirable location. Having selected the southwest quarter of section 15, township 13 north, range 8 east, I returned to Flint, and on the 9th of June entered my land with land warrant. June 16, my father, sister, niece and myself started for McGlone's. Leaving my sister and niece at Ira Tappan's, in Tuscola, my father and myself started on foot for McGlone's, reaching there about noon of the 18th. The next day we commenced chopping out the road known as the Sebewaing road, which had been laid out a few weeks before I made my entry. Two and a half miles were to be cut out in what was then the town of Rogers, and three miles in town-ship 13, range 8, now Fair Grove. It is to be remembered that on the 19th of June, 1852, the first blow was struck for the permanent opening of the old Sebewaing road running from Watrousville, in the town of Juniata, to Sebewaing, in Huron County. We were aided in this work by Jacob Winchell, Erastus A. Marx, David Gorier, a Mr. Blank, Joseph R. McGlone and Patrick McGlone, the latter using his team in logging out. We succeeded in clearing out about one and a half miles that day, so we had a good wagon track for that distance, stopping that night just to the northeast of the little creek crossing the road in the hollow southwest of the present residence of Simeon F. Wright, in Juniata. The 19th being Saturday, we stopped over Sunday with Patrick McGlone. The morning of the 21st we commenced alone to cut out road. The work being new to us was slow and tedious; and when we got on the low ground, the mosquitoes were very thick, and we had to fight them continuously; every little while placing our hands on the back of our necks we would kill hundreds of them, and our hands would be covered with blood; our faces and hands were bitten until they were sore and bloody, and still we worked on. Our progress was slow, being little more than half a mile per day; but by perseverance the work was completed Saturday night. Five o'clock found us twenty rods north of the quarter post between sections 15 and 22, every day having been a repetition of the first. The logs were cut off, the small timber cut and turned out of the way, and a good wagon track opened for five miles, three miles of which was in what is now Fair Grove. This was the first road by several months that was cut into that town. The logs were afterwards hauled out of the road by P. McGlone according to promise. "The next work was to chop and clear a spot to build a house upon, and this we had intended to commence the next week. Had my arrangements been carried out much time and money would have been saved; but we cannot look into the future and see what is in store for us there. On the 27th I started for Tuscola, having to go there on business, and before leaving requested father not to go down to work until I returned, fearing he might get lost in a country so different from that we had come from, as he was very easily turned around. There we had ridges, valleys, creeks, mountains, etc. Here we had a level country with no running streams at that time, as they were all dry or nearly so. He promised me he would not go, but being eager to hasten on the work, which was in fact delayed on account of this act of his, he started out alone on Monday morning, and before ten o'clock was wandering through the woods wild with excitement. When I returned from Tuscola and learned that he had gone to work I hastened out, but when I arrived upon the ground he, in his efforts to find his way out, was tramping deeper and deeper into the forest. He had his as with him, and had he begun chopping as soon as he found he was lost I might, being guided by the sound, have found him without trouble. As it was he was obliged to spend five days and four nights in the woods, suffering from hunger, thirst and fear, and from the immense swarms of mosquitoes that filled the woods day and night. A good deal of rainy weather also during the week kept his clothes wet about all the time. When he discovered that he was really lost he attempted to find the road leading from McGlone's to Vassar, but traveled in the wrong direction. He was in the midst of a wilderness many miles in extent, and became so confused as to lose all idea of the points of compass. Every day he kept walking and at night rested as best he could. During all the time he was in the woods he subsisted on berries, roots and bark. Sometimes after walking for hours he would find himself back at the very point from which he started. At such times be would feel that further effort was useless and death inevitable, but after resting for a time would start forward. One night he dug a hole in the trunk of a rotten tree large enough to admit his body and crawled into it, but his clothes being wet he became chilled, and having no matches he chopped all night in order to keep himself warm. "During this time search was being made, but without avail. On the fifth day several men, among whom were Joseph Selden, Charles R. Selden, Ezra and Jonas Belknap, William Jameson, John Morse and a Mr. Freeman, were working on the road near the present line between Juniata and Denmark; while thus engaged they heard sounds issuing from the woods, and knowing that Mr. Clay was lost, John Morse started out to see from whence the sounds came. A short distance away he saw a man wandering about and soon learned that he was the lost man. He was taken to the house of Ezra Belknap, where he was given the attention which his critical condition required. After a few days he returned home, but it was a long time before he recovered from the hard-ships endured during those five days." The foregoing circumstance narrated by Mr. Clay has become one of the traditions of the county, and if space would warrant, the incidents of those five days' wanderings would make up a chapter of thrilling interest. The big elm tree in which Mr. Clay dug for himself a couch stood by a small stream in what is now Gifford township, which was afterward named Clay Creek, and is still designated by that name. In September, 1852, Edward Howel came in, but remained only until about the following Christmas, when he returned to his former home in Wayne County. There was no further settlement in the town until about the 5th of October of the same year, when Zephaniah Wilber and family arrived. The day after came David P. Hinson and family, his brother-in-law, Nelson Vickery and family, and Mrs. Hinson's father. In the fall of 1852 Robert McFarland and his son John entered land, and the next spring Mr. McFarland and his son Andrew and step-son Charles E. Fonda came in and commenced improvements. The first marriage that was solemnized in the town was that of Miss Elizabeth Clay to John P. Wilber, son of Zephaniah Wilber, at the house of the bride's brother, Amzy Clay, November 2, 1853, the ceremony being performed by Lucius S. Marvin, Esq. In the spring of 1854 Mathias Ringle and his wife settled in section 21, and his brother-in-law, Romanzo E. Goodnough and wife, in section 28. September 22, 1854, was born to Mr. And Mrs. Ringle a son, David, believed to have been the first birth in the township. The second birth was October 2, 1854, William, son of John P. and Elizabeth Wilber. The first death was Mr. Calhoun, living on section 16. The first school district organized was No. 5, or Hinson District, which was organized while the township was attached to Rogers. A school-house was built in this district in the spring of 1856, and the first school was taught in it that summer by Caroline E. Stoddard, of Rogers, and during the next winter school was taught by Amzy Clay, as also during the winter term of 1857-'58. In June, 1856, Amzy Clay received his commission as postmaster of Fair Grove. ENTRIES OF LAND. The following list is of land entries made prior to the year 1860: TOWNSHIP 13 NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST. SECTION 1. Charles Knickerbocker October 28, 1854. Ebenezer Warn October 28, 1854. Mason T. Barker October 28, 1854. Nathan Clifford January 5, 1855. Norman Harvey September 22, 1855. Lysander J. Lewis December 21, 1855. SECTION 2. Charles McDuffee November 9, 1854. George Fairfield November 25, 1854. Joseph Newbold February 19, 1855. Norman Harvey September 22, 1855. Benjamin Billington October 8, 1855. SECTION 3. Robert McFarland November 1, 1852. John McFarland November 1, 1852. Austin Atchison February 16, 1853. Harriet Ann Fonda September 9, 1853. William Fairfield, Jr. March 30, 1854. William Burton June 8, 1854. Charles McDuffee November 9, 1854. Ransford S. Bryant November. 28, 1854. Robert Patrick December 23, 1854. Birdsey Perkins December 25, 1854. SECTION 4. Albert Van Voorhies September 4, 1854. James R. Phillips October 24, 1854. Lyman J. Corbin November 23, 1854. John Francis December 12, 1854. Lyman J. Corbin February 2, 1855. Robert Butler June 15, 1855. SECTION 5. Chester Baxter November 29, 1854. Thomas McGrady June 5, 1855. Michael Buchanan June 5, 1855. Jesse Stone August 20, 1855. Owen Kunkel September 6, 1855. Norman Cone September 11, 1855. Michael Buchanan September 9, 1855. David F. Steele September 9, 1855. SECTION 6. Webster H. Jones January 13, 1855. Jesse Stone September 24, 1855. John Jacob Richter October 3, 1855. William Gotwalt October 23, 1855. John Simott December 10, 1855. SECTION 7. Chester Baxter November 29, 1854. Thomas McGrady June 5, 1855. Michael Buchanan June 5, 1855. David F. Steele June 9, 1855. Michael Buchanan June 9, 1855. Jesse Stone August 20, 1855. Owen Kunkel September 6, 1855. Norman Cone September 11, 1855. SECTION 8. Albert Roe October 25, 1854. David F. Steele June 9, 1855. Jesse Stone August 20, 1855. Norman Cone September 11, 1855. Jesse Stone September 24, 1855. John G. Throop August 27, 1856. SECTION 9. Philander Hazen May 4, 1855. Robert Butler June 15, 1855. Wallace R. Bartlett July 27, 1855. Jesse Stone September 24, 1855. SECTION 10. Aaron Seaver July 14, 1852. Hermon Camp November 12, 1852. William Atwater December 1, 1852. Charles H. Summers January 12, 1853. Eli A. Eddy June 17, 1854. George Bryant October 28, 1854. Alonzo Fairbanks October 25, 1855. SECTION 11. Henry G. Sherman March 16, 1855. Thomas Graham September 12, 1855. William Fairfield August 12, 1856. George W. Black September 7, 1858. SECTION 12. David J. Pulsipher April 11, 1854. Edward R. Clifford November 2, 1854. Valentine Coats January 5, 1855. Henry G. Sherman March 16, 1855. William P. Convis March 16, 1855. Henry G. Sherman July 5, 1855. James Van Valkenburgh July 9, 1855. James Van Valkenburgh September 11, 1855. Mason S. Samson October 9, 1855. SECTION 13. Thomas Graham October 30, 1854. Anthony Harmon November 6, 1854. Morensi M. Sherman March 16, 1855. SECTION 14. Virgil L. Wilcox October 17, 1854. Thomas Graham October 30, 1854. Richard R. Jackson April 3, 1855. M. W. Sampson March 19, 1859. David Cutler October 16, 1855. SECTION 15. Elon Virgil June 9, 1852. Amzy Clay June 9, 1852. Henry Clay June 16, 1852. Hermon Camp November 10, 1852. Richard Pater July 6, 1854. Romanzo E. Goodnough November 27, 1854. Virgil S. Wilcox July 27, 1855. James J. Roberts October 9, 1855. John Lee October 9, 1855 SECTION 16. David Cahoon May 23, 1855. Amos Holmes March 21, 1856. Ann E. Cranston June 24, 1856. George W. Smalling June 24, 1856. Nathan Luce March 19, 1859. Leonard Smith April 1, 1859. David E. Cranston June 24, 1856. SECTION 17. William Cooper June 6, 1853. Orvil Otis December 27, 1853. Ira Tappan August 4, 1854. Alfred Benton November 4, 1854. Jonas Bellinger May 22, 1855. SECTION 18. David L. Steele August 20, 1856. Joseph R. McGlone November 5, 1856. Reuben Hitchcock July 19, 1854. James Otis January 9, 1854. Peter Honsinger September 18, 1851. Franklin Fairman May 28, 1860. George Burgess August 2, 1860. SECTION 19. Aaron Burdick September 23, 1856. Charles Patterson October 15, 1856. Reuben Hitchcock July 19, 1854. William Parks March 12, 1855. James A. Stowell January 13, 1852. Charles C. Mallory October 16, 1856. SECTION 20. Hugh Campbell October 13, 1851. Lucius Craul April 28, 1852. James A. Tice May 6, 1853. Charles White June 26, 1854. Harmon Streeter November 8, 1854. Benjamin Dennis December 20, 1854. John Dennis December 20, 1854. George Degroff March 7, 1855. SECTION 21. Hugh Campbell May 3, 1852. David Rengle August 22, 1853. James Wood November 14, 1853. Hermon Camp March 20, 1854. Aaron Watrous, Jr. August 21, 1854. Harmon Streeter November 8, 1854. George Degroff November 7, 1854. SECTION 22. Elon Virgil June 9, 1852. Asa Stoddard June 7, 1852. Benjamin Greene June 7, 1852. Daniel Chapman June 14, 1852. Lysander J. Lewis November 29, 1853. William C. Pratt September 10, 1854. SECTION 23. Virgil S. Wilcox October 17, 1854. Duifee Chase July 25, 1855. David A. Salisbury August 31, 1855. SECTION 24. Patrick Sheridan September 4, 1855. Obed Wright September 4, 1855. Alva Spaulding December 7, 1855. William J. Rawson July 5, 1856. SECTION 25. Daniel R. Sortwell December 19, 1853. Herman Andrews October 24, 1854. Samuel Moreland January 18, 1855. Herman Andrews February 6, 1855. Ezra Heath August 20, 1855. Elihu Arnet November 1, 1855. SECTION 26. Carlton Wilber November 25, 1853. Lucius S. Marvin January 21, 1854. Joshua N. Heath March 15, 1854. Simeon Daines March 24, 1854. Ralph Hollingworth January 26, 1855. Carlton Wilber May 11, 1855. Ambrose Mathews August 27, 1855. Oliver A. Dickinson August 29, 1855. Peter Bowen September 4, 1855. SECTION 27. Leonard Canfield June 9, 1852. William Hanna October 21, 1854. Bela B. Blakslee December 5, 1854. Watson Luther December 11, 1854. Oliver B. Wilcox June 29, 1855. Oliver A. Dickinson August 29, 1855. Peter Bowen September 4, 1855. SECTION 28. John P. Maxwell July 24, 1852. David Ringle August 22, 1853. John S. G. Bodge March 24, 1854. Hermon Camp March 20, 1854. Daniel D. Dewey May 5, 1854. James H. Streeter June 21, 1854. SECTION 29. David P. Hinson May 11, 1853. Marvin Hinson October 10, 1853. George Whitehouse February 7, 1854. John Houghtaling March 8, 1854. William Abell March 13, 1854. Madison J. Marsh April 17, 1854. Samuel Hinman June 17, 1854. Elijah Phillips June 23, 1854. James H. Streeter December 12, 1854. SECTION 30. Edward Packer February 8, 1855. Samuel W. Dexter March 30, 1854. Edwin Jacobs October 30, 1851. James M. Edmunds September 10, 1851. SECTION 31. James Spencer January 26, 1850. John Atkin February 16, 1852. James Spencer May 3, 1853. Albert Hailer October 8, 1853. Samuel M. Booth July 6, 1854. Patrick Connelly August 11, 1856. SECTION 32. David P. Hinson April 28, 1852. Levi Read August 26, 1853. James Bennett November 7, 1853. William Burton June 8, 1854. William Burton June 26, 1854. Thomas Streeter November 13, 1854. David P. Hinson January 13, 1855. Bela B. Blakslee January 17, 1855. SECTION 33. David P. Hinson April 28, 1852. Thomas M. Knight June 13, 1853. James Bennett November 7, 1853. Hermon Camp March 20, 1854. Elijah Phillips June 22, 1854. Charlotte Luther December 11, 1854. Hermon Camp December 16, 1854. Squire B. Crawford January 10, 1855. George Whitehouse May 18, 1855. Albert Arnold July 5, 1855. SECTION 34. Thomas M. Knight June 11, 1853. Storms S. Arnold August 24, 1853. James Rideout September 23, 1853. Albert Luther December 11, 1854. Henry Winchell April 17, 1855. Henry Brusie July 2, 1855. Peremilly Brusie July 2, 1855. SECTION 35. Carlton Wilber November 25, 1853. Michael Hiller December 19, 1853. Aaron Watrous, Jr. December 17, 1853. Daniel Dunn April 6, 1854. Daniel D. Dewey May 3, 1854. Michael Hiller February 21, 1855. Carlton Wilber May 11, 1855. Warner Vandusen October 23, 1855. Aaron Watrous August 5, 1858. William King August 12, 1858. SECTION 36. Daniel Kinyon July 10, 1852. John R. Root September 14, 1852. David Dunn July 16, 1853. George P. Root August 13, 1853. Daniel Kinyon December 8, 1853. Lewis R. Vangieson August 24, 1854. Willard Moreland November 2, 1854. Samuel Moreland January 18, 1855. CIVIL HISTORY. At a meeting of the board of supervisors held December 31, 1855, a resolution was adopted to organize township 13 north, of range 8 east, and that it be designated by the name of Fair Grove. The application was signed by P. B. Wilber, Thomas Graham, James Moreland, John Kelsey, Willard Moreland, Elihu Arnet, Ezra Heath, O. Wright, James H. Streeter, James H. Bennett, James S. Wood, Lyman J. Corbin, Robert McFarland, William Fairfield, Amzy Clay and Henry Clay. The application designated the name of Mont-Ville, and in case that should not be deemed admissible, suggested the names of Ladore, Forest Home, New Lebanon, Fair Grove, North Spy, New Durham, New Lisbon, North Farms, Middle Town and New Berlin. According to notice given by order of the board of supervisors the citizens of Fair Grove assembled April 7, 1856, at the residence of D. P. Hinson on section 29, township 13 north, of range 8 east, for the purpose of holding the first annual township meeting and perfecting the organization of the town. R. E. Goodnough and Robert McFarland having been previously appointed inspectors of election by the board of supervisors and D. P. Hinson having been appointed moderator, they proceeded to business. W. R. Bartlett was by viva voce, vote elected clerk of election; also by the board of election R. E. Goodnough was chosen assistant clerk. The inspectors and officers of election having been sworn in, it was voted to adjourn to the school-house near by, which was done. It was voted that a committee be appointed to select candidates, and T. Streeter, L. J. Corbin, J. Moreland, Philip Honsinger, Robert Butler and W. R. Bartlett were appointed. This committee re-ported the following list of candidates: For supervisor, D. P. Hinson; clerk, W. R. Bartlett; treasurer, L: J. Corbin; school inspectors, Charles E. Fonda, Webster H. Jones; directors of the poor, Z. Wilber, N. Northrop; commissioners of highways, R. Butler, J. Heath, T. Streeter; justices of the peace, R. E. Goodnough, Philip Honsinger, Thomas Graham, Robert McFarland; constables, Jasper Fox, James H. Bennett, Obed Wright. The meeting then adjourned for one hour, after which the first elected were Thomas Streeter highway overseer in Road District No. 12, and Elihu Arnett overseer in Road District No. 13. The result of the vote was as follows: For supervisor, D. P. Hinson was elected by forty-four votes; no opposition. For town clerk, W. R. Bartlett received forty-four votes and was declared elected. For treasurer, Lyman J. Corbin received forty-two votes and John Kelsey two, and Lyman J. Corbin was declared elected. For school inspectors, Charles E. Fonda and Webster H. Jones each received forty-three votes, and were declared elected. For overseers of the poor, Zephaniah Wilber and Noah Northrop received each forty-four votes, and were declared elected. For commissioners of highways, Robert Butler received thirty votes, Joshua A. Heath and Thomas Streeter each forty-four votes, and Amzy Clay thirteen votes; the three first were declared elected. For justices of the peace, Thomas Graham received forty-one votes, Robert McFarland forty votes, R. E. Goodnough thirty-nine votes, and Thomas Streeter four votes; the first four were declared elected. For constables, Jesse Fox, James H. Bennett, Obed Wright and George Bryant received each thirty-three votes, and were declared elected; Thomas Graham, Robert McFarland, R. E. Goodnough and Philip Honsinger received each one vote. It was voted unanimously to raise the assessment on land for the benefit of highways instead of voting a direct tax for highway purposes. It was voted unanimously that the town raise $50 for contingent and incidental fund to put the treasury in a situation to keep town orders par. This amount to be raised in addition to the demands of the present season. It was voted unanimously that the next annual town meeting be held at the school-house near D. P. Hinson's. July 7, 1856, the township boards of Rogers, Fair Grove and Akron met in Watrousville for the purpose of effecting a mutual settlement, making a division of moneys, credits, library books and indebtedness. The rule was adopted that the several townships mentioned should receive of moneys and credits and pay off indebtedness in the following proportion, viz.: Rogers, 59/100, Fair Grove, 275/1000, and Akron, 135/1000 , which arrangement appears to have been satisfactorily carried out. At a meeting of the town board held October 11, 1856, it was decided that the office of town clerk was vacant on account of the removal of the clerk from the township, and Amzy Clay was appointed. At the annual town meeting of 1859 the result of a vote upon the question of town or district libraries was fifty-two to one in favor of township library. At the annual meeting in 1861 it was voted that the treasurer make a demand on the town of Juniata for moneys due, and that if refused the proper officers take legal steps to collect. It was voted to raise one-half of one par cent on the valuation for roads and bridges. In February, 1864, at the written request of fifteen electors a special town meeting was called to meet on the 25th for the purpose of raising a township bounty for volunteers, not exceeding $200 per volunteer, in order to fill the quota assigned the township and thus avoid a draft. At this meeting the town board was instructed to pay all volunteers who have enlisted or may enlist under the call for 300,000 men the sum of $200; and to those who enlist under the last call for 200,000 men $100 each, and that bonds, orders or other evidences of indebtedness bearing 7 per cent interest be issued as required, and that volunteers tinder the last call receive $100 more, provided those under the first call receive $100 from the State. Also that the town board be authorized to enlist volunteers out of the township if necessary. Similar action was also taken at the annual meeting in 1864. The town board on the 5th of April, 1864, issued four bonds to pay bounties as follows, viz.: To Mason S. Samson, $200; to L. C. Miller, $200; to George W. Dutcher, $200; and to one not mentioned, $100. At the general election in November, 1874, the vote of Fair Grove upon the question of woman suffrage, then submitted to the people, was sixteen votes in the affirmative and sixty-seven in the negative. At the annual town meeting in 1877, 184 votes were cast. It was decided to purchase a site for a town hall and to raise $400 in yearly installments of $100 each to build a town house. John Francis, Thomas Graham and John S. Moor were appointed a building committee. It was voted to raise money to build a bridge across Squaw Creek in section 16. About the month of May, 1879, there appears to have raged in the town of Fair Grove a canine epidemic among the sheep, judging from the numerous reports, affidavits and appraisals of values of sheep slain. In May, 1879, the board decided to purchase a site for a town hall, as ordered by the annual town meeting in 1878, and appropriated $40 for that purpose. They further directed S. C. Wilder to get up plans and specifications and to advertise for bids. The contract was subsequently let to Albert Shellito, and in September, 1879, a very neat and convenient town hall was, after view, accepted as built according to the specifications, and there the next annual town meeting was held. The number of voters at that meeting was 238. The town hall was by subsequent action of the board put in charge of the town clerk, and he was authorized to open it for literary, political and religious meetings free of charge, a charge, however, being made for the use of the building whenever an admittance fee was collected. TOWN OFFICERS. YEAR. SUPERVISOR. CLERK. Treasurer Commissioner of Highways 1883 James Kirk. F. W. Harris. R. C Burroughs William Kirk 1882 James Kirk. F. W. Harris. H. N. Gotham William Kirk 1881 James Kirk. W. F. Stoddard. H. N. Gotham William Kirk 1880 John Francis. L. C. Wilber. L. F. Hinson James Kirk 1879 Edward J. Putnam. L. C. Wilber. L. F. Hinson John S. Moor 1878 William B. Waldo. L. C. Wilber. John Francis Watson Luther 1877 William B. Waldo. F. W. Harris. John Francis John S. Moor 1876 William H. Rose. F. W. Harris. John Francis John S. Moor 1875 William H. Rose. F. W. Harris. John Francis John Francis 1874 William H. Rose. F. W. Harris. John Francis Moses Mitchell 1873 I. N. Loomis. D. E. Cranston. John Francis Philip Honsinger 1872 I. N. Loomis. D. E. Cranston. John Francis William P. Convis, John Francis 1871 I. N. Loomis. N. L. Parmater. John Francis John Francis, Alonzo Cooper 1870 C. C. Stoddard. H. N. Gotham. John Francis Philip Honsinger 1869 C. C. Stoddard. H. N. Gotham. John Francis J. B. Graham 1868 D. P. Hinson. D. E. Cranston. John Francis John Francis 1867 John Francis. L. C. Wilber. Watson Luther Orvil Otis 1866 D. P. Hinson. L. C. Wilber. L. F. Hinson George Black 1865 D. P. Hinson. Price Campbell. L. F. Hinson Storms Arnold, J. M. Petershaus, E. R. Clifford 1864 Watson Luther. Amzy Clay. L. F. Hinson W. P. Convis, Orvil Otis 1863 C. C. Stoddard. C. E. Fonda. Watson Luther George Smalling 1862 C. C. Stoddard. C. E. Fonda. Watson Luther Ezra Heath 1861 Amzy Clay. C. E. Fonda. J. A. Heath Orvil Otis 1860 Thomas Graham. C. C. Stoddard. John Francis John McFarland, S. Fairbanks 1859 D. P. Hinson. C. C. Stoddard. J. A. Heath Jerome B. Wilber 1858 D. P. Hinson. G. Smalling. L. J. Corbin C. Knickerbock'r, R. Butler 1857 D. P. Hinson. Amzy Clay. L. J. Corbin R. E. Goodnough, C. Knickerbock'r 1856 D. P. Hinson. W. R. Bartlett. Lyman J. Corbin Robert Butler, Joshua A. Heath, Thomas Streeter STATISTICAL. Census of 1860: Population, 367; families, 91; dwellings, 91; number of occupied farms, 87; number of acres improved, 1,398; number of horses, 15; number of cows, 114; bushels of wheat-raised, 1,396; bushels of rye raised, 48; bushels of corn raised, 1,363; bushels of oats raised, 1,082; bushels of potatoes raised, 1,325; pounds of butter made, 5,940. Census of 1870: Population, 928; number of farms, 128; voters, 185; pounds of wool sheared, 3,345; pounds of butter made, 43,790; bushels of wheat raised, 6,677; bushels of potatoes raised, 8,489; tons of hay cut, 1,233; bushels of corn raised, 4,726; bushels of oats raised, 7,175. Census of 1874: Population, 1,056; bushels of wheat raised, 5,900; bushels of corn raised, 17,747; bushels of potatoes, 10,774; tons of hay cut, 1,580. Population in 1880, 1,609. In 1882 the number of acres assessed was 22,706; total equalized valuation of real and personal property was $476,815; number of farms in 1881, 212; acres of improved land, 8,222; bushels of wheat in 1880, 39,582; of corn, 67,643; tons of hay, 1,204. SCHOOL MATTERS. From the annual school report of the town of Fair Grove for the year ending September 4, 1882, the following facts are obtained: Directors for the ensuing year, John M. Petershaus, George Inglis, Bert Shellito, F. W. Harris, James Kirk, Philip Honsinger, J. S. Vandemark and John P. Reed. Number of school districts, eight, of which seven are whole and one fractional. Number of school houses, eight, seven of them frame and one log. The number of children of school age is 596, of whom 476 attended school during the year. FAIR GROVE VILLAGE. This is an unincorporated village in the town of Fair Grove, located in the east half of southeast quarter of section 17, and west half of southwest quarter of section 16. No plat of the village has been filed, and descriptions of lots sold have been made necessarily by metes and bounds. Some ten years ago a small store of general merchandise was kept here by D. Lane and sold subsequently to S. N. Aldrich, who has largely extended the business. This was about all of the village until the year 1881, when the advent of the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad gave this point prominence as a center of trade for the surrounding country. Since then the growth of the village has been rapid, numbering at present thirty houses, with others in course of construction. Its business enterprises consist of the sash factory of Liken & Bach, flouring-mill of Roby & Wylie, planing-mill of Trimble & Dougherty, wagon shop of Mitchell & Stanard, blacksmith ' shop of George Biles, general stores of S. N. Aldrich, R. C. Burroughs and R. Wakeman, drug store of Sprague & Stoddard, furniture, tinware and notion store of F. A. Rogers, agricultural implement warehouse of M. L. Aldrich, Charles Puffer's meat market, J. D. Burlingame's livery stable, and J. S. Streeter's hotel. Just south of the village and undoubtedly at no distant day to be included within its limits, is the church of the United Presbyterians. The Methodist Episcopal society and the United Brethren are preparing to build houses of worship. Twenty-six years ago a postoffice was established at Fair Grove Centre with Amzy Clay as postmaster. In March, 1881, it was removed to Fair Grove village, and D. E. Cranston, the present postmaster, was appointed to the office. CHURCH HISTORY. About the year 1861 a class of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Fair Grove by Elder Bancroft. The services of the church have been held with general regularity to the present time. There are now two classes holding services in the school-houses. A formal organization for incorporation was made at the fourth quarterly conference of the Watrousville circuit held at Watrousville June 12, 1875, when the corporate name of "First Methodist Episcopal Church of Fair Grove" was adopted, and the following trustees elected, viz.: William H. Rose, Edmund McCready, S. N. Aldrich, Charles Partlo and E. W. Johnson. Preparations are being made for building a house of worship in the village of Fair Grove. A church of Seventh Day Adventists was organized in 1865 by Elder Van Horn with six or eight members. It was formally organized for incorporation March 12th, 1869, articles of association being signed and the following trustees elected, viz.: Christopher Cramer, David Ferren and and B. Perkins. The church has now thirty members with a Sabbath-school of forty members. Elder William Ostrander is the preacher assigned to this circuit. The church building, situated two and one-half miles north of the village of Fair Grove is unfinished, though occupied for religious services. Jane 22, 1883, was incorporated the "Board of Managers of the Fair Grove Congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church," by which act the powers of the corporation were vested in the ruling elders, deacons and the pastor. This was done in conformity with the requirements of law, and to enable the congregation to hold property. Its original organization, however, dates back for several years. In 1882 a house of worship was completed at a cost of about $2,000. The membership is about fifty-five. The Sunday-school numbers 110, with an average attendance of fifty-five. Services and Sabbath-school are held every Sunday. The pastors of the church have been Revs. Shanks, Hill, and the present incumbent, J. R. Wylie. At a quarterly conference of the United Brethren in Christ, held at Fair Grove September 16, 1871, a board of trustees was elected consisting of Richard T. Hunter, David E. Cranston and Amos Huntington, with authority "to build a parsonage-house," and to hold the same house and property for the benefit of the said church. The membership of the church was about twenty-five; the pastor, Rev. William Price. There are now two classes in the town, one to the west, and the other to the north of the village of Fair Grove. Rev. W. H. Drake is pastor, and holds services with each class every Sabbath. Grounds have been secured and material collected in Fair Grove village for a house of worship, which it is hoped and intended will be soon erected. Articles of association were entered into May 10, 1875, by John E. Cragg, James Gaunt, J. G. Gaunt, Phebe Gaunt, Mary Gaunt, Phebe A. Gaunt, Mary Yeomans, Esther Williams, Sarah Yeomans and C. D. Petershaus, "of the denomination called the Methodist," for the purpose of forming a body corporate. The name of Fair Grove mission or circuit was adopted, being located in the townships of Fair Grove and Gifford. This was the formal organization of the church under the laws of the State. Their house of worship is in the southwest corner of the town. Services are held every Sunday. BIOGRAPHICAL. D. P. HINSON settled in Fair Grove in the year 1852, and died May 4, 1882, at the age of eighty-four. He was born in the State of Connecticut. Married in the State of New York, February, 1821, to Miss Sarah Vickery. Settled in Michigan in 1827, and in Fair Grove in 1852. He was one of the oldest Masons in the State, and was connected with all the important events of the county of Tuscola. DAVID E. CRANSTON, postmaster, merchant and notary public, was born in Roxbury, Delaware County, N. Y., June 16, 1813. At the age of fourteen years he removed with his parents to Wayne County, N. Y. He spent some four years there, and then returned to his grandfather's in his native county. Here, in 1833, he commenced teaching school, and continued steadily in that profession until 1845. He was married December 20, 1835, to Miss Mary Davis, of Marbletown, N. Y. They had four children, Ann M., Thomas C. (killed in the army), Elizabeth O. (now Mrs. Will iam Partlo), and Mary I. (afterwards Mrs. M. Murphy), deceased in April, 1879. Mrs. Mary Cranston died August 11, 18 44. Mr. Cranston's second marriage was to Miss Ann E. Smalling, of Goshen, N. Y., May 4, 1845. She was born on Long Island, October 4, 1817. They have four living children, Frances (now Mrs. D. Bussing), Henry, Eliza (now Mrs. C. Dutcher), and Emma (now Mrs. F. Rogers). Mr. Cranston came to Tyrone, Mich., in May, 1845, and resided there until 1856, when he sold his estate there and came to section 16, in Fair Grove, where he now has a pleasant home. He has also a store of drugs, groceries, etc., in Fair Grove village, where in connection with the postoffice he conducts a steadily increasing business. On January 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, when he was over fifty years of age, and served his country until the Confederacy was quashed. He had in the war one son, two brothers-in-law, two sons-in-law, and seven nephews. His son was killed; one nephew was starved to death in Andersonville prison; and another came home from Danville prison with his mind perfectly demented. Mr. Cranston has served as township clerk in Livingston County four years, and in Tuscola County he has served as county surveyor eight years, justice of the peace four years, and as notary public some ten years--and to that office he has just received another appointment. He has been a local preacher among the United Brethren in Christ since 1871. FRANCIS W. HARRIS, farmer and mechanic, was born in Chardon, Ohio, September 23, 1842. He was reared and educated in his native State, and in 1865 he went to Madison, Ohio, from whence in 1872 he came to section 22 in Fair Grove, Mich. He had been married to Miss Ellen Foster, also of Madison, October 23, 1867. She was born there December 16, 1842. They have one daughter, Mary C. They have eighty acres of land, with nearly thirty acres improved, a fruit-bearing orchard of various fruits, and pleasant home conveniences. Mr. Harris has been school moderator eight years, and is now school director. He has been township clerk nearly five years, and deputy clerk two years. Religiously they are Episcopal Methodists, and. he is a steward in that church. JASPER STREETER, hotel-keeper, was born in Oakland County, Mich., March 9, 1843. He came with his parents to Tuscola County when nine years old. His time has been spent chiefly in farming and butchering, and dealing in meats. He was married March 8, 1866, to Miss Augusta Luce, of Fair Grove. She was born in Steuben County, N. Y., October 8, 1852. They have two children, Carrie and Carey. Mr. Streeter opened his hotel in Fair Grove village in September, 1881, and his patronage ever since then has increased steadily. Almost every day his tables and rooms are all occupied, and to his present accommodations, already large, he intends forthwith making further additions. His good barn furnishes warm shelter for teams in winter, and cool shade in summer. He also conducts a well-supplied meat market, thus furnishing the citizens of their rising village and flourishing township with the luxury of fresh meat all the year round. Mr. Streeter carried the mail through from East Saginaw by way of Vassar, and Elkland to Forestville on Lake Huron the first time it was taken through. SYLVANUS N. ALDRICH, merchant, was born in Ontario, N. Y., February 8, 1836. He was reared and educated in his native State, and spent his early time mostly in mercantile employment. He came first to Fair Grove, Mich., in the spring of 1857, and in 1861 he and his family came and settled in section 32, and at once began to open up a home in the beautiful forest. He had been married to Miss Maria L. Haggerty, of Lewiston, Niagara County, N. Y., November 13, 1859. She was born there February 5, 1842. They have four children, Helen L., George N., Charles M., and Sylvanus Brice. Mr. Aldrich has devoted some time to farming in his Michigan home, but has had to return occasionally to his native place for the benefit of his health, and while there has engaged in mercantile life. In 1874 he opened a mercantile enterprise in Fair Grove, consisting of dry goods, groceries and general merchandise. His patronage has increased regularly with the rise of this flourishing township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Caro Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. His motto is: Brotherly love, relief and truth. EBENEZEB WEST JOHNSON, farmer and dealer in real estate, was born in Plymouth, Ohio, April 3, 1884. He came to Tuscola County, Mich., in April, 1854, and shortly after engaged in working for Mr. Ira Tappan for one year at $100. With those earnings he bought eighty acres of land in what is now Fair Grove, then a part of the township of Rogers. In 1856 he chopped ten acres of land where the rising village of Fair Grove is now being built. When he became of age he and Lavias Hinson were the only young men in the township. He assisted in organizing Fair Grove Township. David P. Hinson named the township, and was its first supervisor. Mr. Johnson helped to erect the first barn built in Rogers (now Juniata and Fair Grove). He also attended the first national celebration held in Rogers, going with others of the settlers on foot to Watrousville. Mr. D. P. Hinson was the reader and speaker of the day. Mr. Johnson's time for a while was spent partly in Fair Grove and partly in Ohio. On January 1, 1860, he was married to Miss Julia M. Shaw, of Sheffield, Ohio. She was born there May 11, 1842. Their children are Elmer L., Lillian M., Oliver T., Adelia A., Rowena M. and William Foster. Elmer was born in Ohio. All the rest were born in Fair Grove. In September, 1861, Mr. Johnson enlisted in Company E in the Seventh. Michigan Infantry, at Camp Monroe, and went directly to Washington, and when in camp near there was seized with typhoid fever, but, recruiting a little, he accompanied his regiment to near Poolsville, Maryland. Here he soon became very ill, and after some three months severe suffering, he was honorably discharged because of disability arising from heart disease brought on by the hardships and excitement of camp life. From this ailment Mr. Johnson is still a sufferer. In November, 1862, he and his family came from Ohio to settle in their Fair Grove home. From Fentonville to Vassar they brought their goods with a hired team through a track in places almost impassable, and through the last three miles Mr. Johnson literally led the horses by their bridle-bits in the dark, through the mud and among the stumps; and when he arrived be greatly resembled a monument of mud. From there they came through a desperate road in an ox cart to their destination. They have now about sixty-one acres of land in section 17, having sold part of the estate in town lots for the village now rising rapidly just where their fields formerly were. They have also an excellent fruit bearing orchard of various fruits, having some apple trees of their own growing, now one foot in diameter. Mr. Johnson was the superintendent of the first Sabbath-school in Fair Grove. He has been overseer of highways, and is now assessor in his school district. He and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has frequently been leader of the class and Sabbath-school superintendent and teacher, and is now one of the building committee for the erection of the new Methodist Episcopal Church. MILTON L. ROBY, of the firm of Roby & Wylie, was born in Logan County, Ohio, October 23, 1838. He received his early culture in his native State, and in the fall of 1863 he settled in Branch County, Mich., and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He had been married to Miss Nancy Fulton, also of Logan County, February 7, 1859. She was born there in May, 1887. They have had eight children: Thomas, now deceased, Margaret J., now Mrs. E. C. Becker, Susan A., Sarah B., Rhoda M., Jessie M., Elton L. and Nellie A. They came from Branch County to Fair Grove in March, 1880. He has eighty acres of land in section 27, about forty of which are now under cultivation. Mr. Roby is a partner in running a steam threshing machine, and also in the flouring-mill in Fair Grove village. The mill has been built at an expense of some, $8,000, with a capacity for grinding about eighty barrels of flour in twenty-four hours. They have a steadily increasing amount of custom work, sometimes crowding their convenience for doing their own grinding. Mr. and Mrs. Roby are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. JOSEPH S. WYLIE, of the firm of Roby & Wylie, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, January 4, 1854. He resided there until August, 1880, when he came to Tuscola County, Mich. His early employment was chiefly farming. He engaged in his flouring-mill enterprise in Fair Grove village about the first of October, 1882, and with his partner is sharing profitable returns from their investment. In 1879 Mr. Wylie was married to Miss Martha Tate, but she was taken from him by death July 16, 1880, and one week later was followed by their infant babe. Mr. Wylie is the youngest heir to his father's estate, his share of which is due him in 1884. Religiously he is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. MRS. E. WARD, formerly Mrs. E. Cutler, came with her former husband, Mr. Cutler, from Ohio to Fair Grove, Mich., August 31, 1857. The old Sebewaing road was then the only one in the township. She thinks there were not then a dozen houses between Pine Run and Tuscola village. They were three days coming from Fentonville and changed teams twice, and then finished the trip on foot and carried two children on their backs. Some years later Mr. Cutler and his son (by a former wife), both left their pioneer homes to help quash the rebellion, and both lost their lives, leaving Mrs. Cutler alone to grapple with the hardships of a new country in war time, with three children to provide for, one of whom was blind. She records hard times, but has never suffered for want of food. They have now some twenty acres cleared on their farm home, and enjoy a comfortable situation. PHILIP HONSINGER, a farmer, was born in Alburgh, Vermont, April 21, 1819. He spent his youth and early manhood in his native State, mostly in farming. On August 28, 1842, he was married to Miss Almira Mott, also of Alburgh. She was born there October 6, 1823. They had two children, Albert and Celia. In 1843 they went to Bangor, N. Y., spent seven years there, then sold their estate and came and settled in Oakland County, Mich., in the fall of 1850. In September of the next year he visited Tuscola County and bought 160 acres of land in what is now Fair Grove, then a part of Rogers. He thinks his was the first deed given of lands in Fair Grove. They came to their new place in August, 1855, and opened them a home in the dense but beautiful wilderness, which was almost all solid woods from Watrousville to their place. They came in by the way of Watrousville, by an underbrushed track cut by Messrs. Otis some time before when coming in as choppers. Mr. Ira Tappan had made a beginning three miles from Watrousville in Rogers. Mr. H. had chopped eight acres before his family came. Three acres of this he cleared, sowed with wheat and got a crop of twenty-seven bushels. This he cleaned with a hand fan of his own making before taking it to mill. In the summer of 1856, he went out south and earned $40 to aid their family finances. Thus they pioneered their course. Their eldest son when small had to go three miles through the woods to school, and other aspects of their surroundings were equally wild, but by dint of earnest effort the disadvantages of those early clays were overcome and a pleasant and comfortable home secured. Mrs. Honsinger died May 6, 1856. On February 7, 1858, Mr. H. was married to Miss Almina Oakley, of Akron. She was born in the State of New York, June 10, 1828. They have five children, Harrison, Alice, Frank, Mary and Adeline. Some time ago they sold the pioneer estate, and they have now eighty acres of excellent land in section 19, seventy-five of which are under cultivation. They also have an orchard of apples, cherries, crab-apples and small fruits, an elegant dwelling, and other farm buildings, rendering their farm home a most inviting situation. Now, instead of the hooting of the owl in the near forest as of old, they have the shrill hoot of the railway whistle, as the train comes puffing across their fields from Sebewaing or Saginaw. Mr. H. has been highway commissioner five years, and three years justice of the peace, and is now in his eleventh year as school director in his district. He has belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church twenty-two years, and was the first leader of the class organized in the woods. Mrs. H. has belonged about twelve years. JAMES C. LUCE, farmer, was born in Monroe, Penn., August 12, 1827. He went with his mother to Greenwood, N. Y., in childhood, and resided there until 1852. His father had been accidentally shot when James was about two years old. Mr. Luce was married to Miss Betsy Gardner, of Scio, N. Y., September 11, 1850. She was born January 31, 1833, in the house in which she was afterward married. Their children are, Augusta, Shubel N. (now deceased), Celie, James, Ida (now also dead), Joel, George and Rose. In the spring of 1852 they came to Vassar, and shortly after settled in Gilford. He took up eighty acres of land, cleared a small piece, erected a log shanty and covered it with shakes, but twice had the roof blown off from over the family within. The lands near them were taken up but not settled for some years. Mrs. Luce spent nearly four years with no neighbors but Indians, except one white settler who lived over four miles away. She often remained at home while he went away from home to work. She once got in contact with a bear, partly tamed, and had her clothing torn from her person, but escaped without serious injury. Mr. Luce has at times carried their provisions from Vassar, sixteen miles, to their home on his back, carrying fifty pounds at a load. By steady work at home and abroad they gradually overcame the hardships of those early days, and became comfortable in their pioneer home. On March 2, 1859, they came to section 21 in Fair Grove, and again prepared them a pioneer home. Here they repeated many of their former toils, but had less disadvantages than in Gilford. In September, 1864, Mr. Luce enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, and served until mustered out of the service in 1865, after the close of the war. He now has eighty acres of land, seventy of which are under cultivation, He has also an excellent fruit bearing orchard and pleasant home surroundings. He has served as school director twelve years, and fifteen years as overseer of highways. Mrs. Luce died in peace, of congestion of the brain, November 11, 1881. She had been religious over twenty years. The son and daughter also died of the same disease. Mrs. Luce had served as midwife at the birth of 104 children in Tuscola County, and once attended five births in forty-eight hours. EZRA HEATH, farmer, was born in Williamsfield, Ohio, November 3, 1827. He came from his native State and settled in section 25, in Fair Grove, in May, 1860. He had bought his land in February, 1856. On August 5, 1859, he was married to Miss Malinda Collar, of Fair Grove. She was born in Kendall, N. Y., November 14, 1834. They have two children, Mary L. and Leonard G. They came to their place when all around them was a dense forest, except a few small clearings south of their place. Their first dwelling was made of poles and boards; was 12x16 feet in size, and was covered with boards. Their bedstead was made of poles. They had stools for chairs, and they used a cross-legged home- made table, but never suffered for food or clothing, and now, where the lofty forest used to wave they have fertile fields, remunerative crops, delicious fruits and increasing home welfare. They have 160 acres of land with about 100 under cultivation. They have also a thriving orchard of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries, grapes and other small fruits, an excellent dwelling, good farm buildings and plenteous home comforts. Mr. Heath states that one Alva Spaulding, formerly of Ohio, came to Fair Grove in the fall of 1856. He took up forty acres of land on section 23, and worked out most of the time to support a large family. He often went and chopped hard all day for provisions for his family, and had only bran bread for his breakfast, dinner and supper. He also had to back in their provisions from Watrousville to their home, a distance of six miles. JOSHUA A. HEATH, farmer, was born in Williamsfield, Ohio, February 7, 1821, and spent his youth and early manhood there, chiefly in farming and mechanical employments. Some twenty-eight years ago he came to Tuscola County, Mich. He was married July 10, 1858, to Miss Cynthia F. Butler, of Andover, Ohio. She was born there July 30, 1842. Their children are Emerson, Selah, Eddie (now deceased), Clarence and J. C. (now also deceased). They have a quarter section of land in section 26, bought directly from the government. He has about seventy acres under cultivation, an orchard of apples and plums and an inviting home. He has served as highway commissioner and as treasurer of his township. Mrs. Heath is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church. MRS. NANCY HILLER was born in Rome, N. Y., June 10, 1819, and came to Genesee County, Mich., in November, 1847, with her husband, Michael Hiller. Resided there about ten years. Settled in section 35, in Fair Grove in June, 1856. There was then not even an underbrushed road to their place. Mr. Hiller was killed by a falling tree October 26, 1858, and Mrs. H. was left (with her son) to provide then for ten children, and a few months later for eleven. Afterward three sons went to the army, three others of the family died of fevers, one son returned home and died, and thus the task and troubles of the pioneer mother increased more and more. She and her children have lived a whole week at a time with only the milk of one cow for the whole family to drink to sustain life; and they have lived forty-eight hours at a time without any food, the little ones patiently saying, "0, ma, I'm so hungry!" but no food could be obtained. One winter Mrs. H. was for two months unable to get a dress. Five cent calico was 40 cents a yard. But these sufferings have passed away. They have now 120 acres of land with about sixty improved, and with a fruit bearing orchard and a comfortable home. PETER MAXWELL, farmer, was born in Duanesburgh, N. Y., June 24, 1828. He came to Jackson County, Mich., in 1859; removed to Livingston County in the fall of 1865, and came to Tuscola County in the fall of 1868. He had been married, July 3, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth M. Wheaton, of Newfane, N. Y. She was born in Seneca County, July 14, 1833. They have had eleven children. Those living are Burt D., Carrie B., Tillie A., Arthur T., Sarah J. and Walter E. Those deceased were George A., William H., Edwin H. and Franklin L. and Francis L., twins. On July 23, 1862, Mr. Maxwell enlisted in the Twentieth Michigan Infantry, Company F, and served his country in the late civil war until discharged May 12, 1865, for disability, caused by a gunshot wound in the right hand and wrist, received in front at Petersburgh. They have now forty acres of land in section 20, in Fair Grove, with about thirty acres improved, and with a thriving orchard and an inviting home. They have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1858. He is at present a steward, leader and Sabbath-school superintendent in that church. NATHAN SHERMAN, farmer and carpenter, was born in Vermont, August 4, 1812, and came with his parents to Newfane, N. Y., when about eighteen years old. Later he returned to Vermont and learned his trade, and on September 7, 1839, he was married to Miss Polly Thompson, of Vermont. She was born in that State August 9, 1821. They have four living children, Nelson B., Duane, Loella and Benona. William, the second son, died at the age of thirty-three, in great peace, leaving a wife and one child. Mr. Sherman and family came to Fair Grove, Mich., in the spring of 1860, and settled in section 20. The place was a forest. The land was wet. The water in the creek was knee deep, and abounded with fish. They have given $5 for having a barrel of flour brought from Watrousville, when the price of the flour itself was only $5. It took the man about two days to bring it and return. - They have now nearly eighty acres of land, all under cultivation,.and pasture. They also have an orchard of apples, peaches, plums, cherries, grapes and other small fruits, and an inviting home. They are members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. NELSON B. SHERMAN, farmer, was born in Vermont, February 2, 1841, and came to Michigan with his parents in 1860. On February 18, 1862, he enlisted in the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, Company C, and served his country in quashing the late rebellion. He fought three days at Gettysburgh and was in the battles of Winchester, Cold Harbor, Travillion Station, Thoroughfare Gap and numerous other conflicts. After the close of the war he served in guarding the overland stage route over the Rocky Mountains from the attacks of Indians. During his service he was promoted to the rank of corporal in his regiment. He was honorably discharged from the service September 28, 1865. Shortly afterward he re-turned to Michigan. He was married October 14, 1868, to Miss Helen J. Cook, of Hartland, Mich. She was born there December 14, 1840. Their children are Raymond, Elroy and Orrisa. They have 140 acres of land in sections 17 and 19, in Fair Grove, and have thirty acres under cultivation, with a good dwelling and other farm buildings. Their church preference is for the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Sherman has been a member therein ever since the age of fifteen years. W. E. H. GAYLORD, architect, builder and painter, was born in Painted Post, N. Y., November 17, 1822. He went with his parents to Ohio when about thirteen years of age, and afterward resided a while in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, and came to Fair Grove, Mich., in 1868. He had been married to Miss E. L. Hutchins, of Perry, Ohio, March 26, 1846. They have had nine children, Marion E.;, Margaret E., Myraette E., George W., Mary E., Minetta E., Charles H., May E. and Minerva E. Mrs. Gaylord died July 20, 1869. Three of the children still reside with their father in the village of Fair Grove. Mr. Gaylord serves as township school inspector, has been justice of the peace about six years, and is also a notary public. On October 8, 1861, he enlisted in the Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and served his country in suppressing treason, until discharged in February, 1863, for disability caused by a gun-shot wound in the right arm, received at the battle of Shiloh. GEORGE W. CRANE, merchant, was born in Oakland County, Mich., February 2. 1850. He removed from there in his youth to Genesee County, and later went to Saginaw County, where he resided several years, employed as saw filer and foreman in lumbering, in both of which he enjoyed profitable success. On August 23, 1881, he opened a commercial business in Sebewaing, in Huron County; but just one year later he transferred his business to Akron Station on the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railway, where he had invested in lands suitable for a village enterprise, believing that business facilities there offered pleasing inducements. He soon realized the correctness of his former estimate, as there is already one saw-mill running and two more in course of erection; one store also beside his own has been opened; also two blacksmith shops and a postoffice. There is also a hotel in prospect in the near future, and most of this on ground where a few months ago the forest was unbroken. Mr. Crane conducts a well furnished store of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes and general merchandise, with a steadily increasing custom, and has almost daily requests' for lands for residences and business plats in the rising village, of which he has thus become the founder. On March 9, 1882, he was married to Miss Dora Mast, of Sebewaing. She was born in Unionville, Mich., March 18, 1862. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Crane stood six feet in height and weighed 155 pounds, and, had assisted in clearing a farm of 120 acres; but he then betook himself to his trade and to various studies, thus qualifying himself by dint of earnest effort and toil both socially and financially for the success in business enterprise which he and his companion now enjoy. He started business with $2,700, and in eighteen months has increased to $4,500. SPENCER L. JUDD, farmer, was born in Geauga County, Ohio, December 16, 1844. He received his education and early culture in his native State, and in early life became accustomed to agricultural pursuits and dairy work. He was married August 29, 1866, to Miss Mary R. Foster, of Madison, Ohio. She was born December 15, 1847, in the dwelling in which she was afterward married. They have four living children, Charles A., Nellie M., Roy S. and Edith Louise. They came to Fair Grove, Mich., in April, 1872, and settled in section 2. They have 120 acres of land, with about 100 acres under cultivation and pasture. They have a young orchard of various fruits, good buildings and a pleasant farm home. One fine orchard has been destroyed by borers. Mr. Judd's barn and out-buildings are especially commodious and convenient. Others may do well to imitate them in building. The barn proper is 34x50 feet, with twenty feet posts, and with elegant windows to light the threshing floor. The drive room, 20x28 feet, has sixteen feet posts. The horse stable and granary are under the main body. The stable for cattle is a part of the shed, which has one part sixty-nine feet long and eighteen feet wide; it also has a wing sixty feet long and sixteen feet wide, and all built with fourteen feet posts; and the whole supplemented with adornments and appurtenances both beautiful and useful at a cost of some $2,000. Scarcely any of the settlers raised wheat enough for their bread when Mr. Judd first came to the place, but he prepared about six and one-half acres and sowed it with wheat, and he received about twenty-five bushels to the acre. His second crop on the same ground averaged about thirty, and the third about forty-six bushels to the acre. This aroused almost all in the place to at once engage in wheat raising. Mr. Judd has now on one of his fields the eleventh successive crop of beautiful wheat. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Judd are Episcopal Methodists.