Early History of Millington 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. 122-127 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 MILLINGTON. The township of Millington embraces what is known in the government surveys as town 10 north, of range 8 east. It is one of the southern towns of Tuscola County, and is bounded on the west by Arbela, north by Vassar, east by Watertown, and south by Marathon, in the zounty of Lapeer. The township was organized under a special act of the legislature of 1855, and when organized, the present township of Watertown was embraced with it. The bill was introduced by Hon. Reuben Goodrich, at the time senator from Genesee County. It involved a change of County lines, for previously the line dividing Lapeer and Tuscola Counties was, for some unexplained reason, so placed as to cut the present towns of Milling-ton and Watertown, and the town of Rich, Lapeer County, through the center. By act of organization the bill gave to Tuscola the full townships of ten 8, and ten 9, and to Lapeer all of 10 north and 10 east. The first township meeting was held in April, 1855, in a log-house, occupied by the late Amos Wolverton, on the southwest quarter of section 16, and one mile south of where Millington village has since been built. At that time extensive sugar camps in the vicinity were annually worked by the Indians. The kind- hearted Mr. Wolverton was the Indians' friend, and in him they reposed the most implicit confidence. When the sugar season was closed, and the Indians were ready to break up camp and return to their hunting grounds, they would bring in their surplus stock of sugar, carefully and neatly packed in "mocacks" made of the bark of the White Birch, and store them away in Mr. Wolverton's capacious chamber. Tons of sugar were thus deposited for safe keeping, until called for as needed in the succeeding months long after. It is a circumstance illustrative of Indian character, that though these packages were left for months unseen by their owners, and were often so near alike that a white man could not tell the difference, no Indian ever made a mistake and took the wrong mocack, nor was ever an Indian found so dishonest as to call for what did not belong to him. But the log house burned down many years ago. Mr. Wolverton's dust reposes in the Millington graveyard, and the Indians are dispersed, the Lord knows where. The sugar camps have been cleared up and transformed into fields of waving grain, the tall maples cut into cord wood, whose coal has been used to propel the smelting works of the Union Iron Company. FIRST SETTLEMENT. Edwin E. Brainerd, who now resides in Vassar, was the first white settler of the township of Millington. On the 24th day of December, of the year 1850, he took up his abode, with his little family, on the left bank of the Millington Creek, in the extreme northwest corner of the township, his homestead being technically described as the west fractional half, of the northwest fractional quarter, of section 6. Coming in just in time to spend the Christmas of 1850 in his wilderness abode, he remained on this spot with his family, the sole inhabitants of Millington for a little upward of four years. In this sylvan habitation the first white child of Millington, Elvira Brainerd, was born, on the 24th day of February, 1852. Marcus Tetesworth, the second white settler of Millington, emigrated from Goodrich, in Genesee County, Mich., and settled on the cast half of northwest quarter, of section 15. This was about the commencement of the year 1854. Immediately after, and almost simultaneously with Mr. Tetesworth, came Alfred Fox, who settled on section 10, but died before he had remained many months. Mr. Tetesworth remained many years, cleared up a fine farm, planted a large orchard and made other valuable improvements, when he was finally "gathered to his fathers," leaving a wife and large family of children. Several of his sons still remain industrious citizens of Millington, while his venerable widow still occupies the homestead. Mr. Fox's widow was many years ago married to Mr. George Turner, one of Millington's early settlers, and in her ripe old age still resides with her husband on section 13, while of his children, two live in Millington, one in Lapeer County, one in Genesee County, and one went to his long home in the South, a sacrifice to the cause of his country in the great rebellion. TOPOGRAPHICALLY. The surface of the township is gently rolling, sufficient for the purposes of drainage, but more level in its north part, and on its east line, and near its southeastern border it breaks up in places into short hills. The soil is generally good, in parts very superior, though some thin soil is found near the north line of the township. Few townships in the State are better watered. Millington Creek traverses the township from the southeast to the northwest corners. A beautiful spring branch heads near the south town line and running nearly parallel with the Millington, crosses the State road half a mile south of Millington village, uniting with the Holmes Creek, near the northeast corner of section 18. Holmes Creek, rising in the southeast corner of Arbela, crosses into Millington on section 31, and sweeping first to the northeast and thence to the north, comes finally to the west and leaves the township about mid-way of the west line of section 7. These, with their tributary springs, afford abundant water for stock and farm purposes. The timber was of the stateliest character, as might be inferred from the fertility of the soil on which it grew. Beech, maple, basswood and elm were almost everywhere present, while much of the township possessed an inestimable wealth of pine. About one half of the celebrated "Gerritt Smith Tract," cut by the Otter Lake Lumber Company, was located in the southeast quarter of Millington; while along the east line considerable quantities were taken out by the celebrated firm of Avery & Murphy. Other portions of the town-ship contained less pine, though none were wholly destitute. And here let us pause for a moment's reflection: Thirty years ago, there doubtless stood upon the soil of Millington 100,000,000 feet of choice pine timber. This timber, if to-day manufactured and piled upon the docks of the Saginaw, would be worth a straight twenty dollars a thousand, or two millions of dollars, a sum sufficient to buy four such townships as Millington, with all of its improvements. Should not this be a lesson against the wasteful destruction of timber that is going on throughout our land? LAND ENTRIES PRIOR TO 1860. TOWNSHIP 10 NORTH, RANGE 8 EAST. SECTION 1. Charles Seymour, Horace R. Jerome and Francis G. Macy March 27, 1837. SECTION 2. Charles G. Southworth August 5, 1852. Isaac N. Blackman November 28, 1854. Nelson Hewes December 1 and 11, 1854. Royal C. Remick September 1, 1855. SECTION 3. Walter Beebe January 30, 1854. George W. Estes November 28, 1854. Austin Blackman November 28, 1854. Isaac N. Blackman November 28, 1854. SECTION 4. Austin Blackman November 28, 1854. James H. Hickox November 28, 1854. Henry Hudson December 6, 1854. SECTION 5. Ira Davenport September 13, 1853. Samuel Howard November 28, 1854. James H. Hickox November 28, 1854. Reuben Gustin November 28, 1854. Samuel Lapham December 25, 1854. SECTION 6. Martha Brainerd February 16, 1852. Orson Tousley November 3, 1851. George S. Clough December 27, 1852. Ira Davenport September 13, 1853. SECTION 7. Peter Weed October 28, 1836. Norman Brainard April 12, 1851. Abraham Leach August 3, 1852. Wesley Clough December 27, 1852. Ira Davenport September 13, 1853. Andrew D. Hawkins December 28, 1853. Daniel Stewart November 28, 1854. SECTION 8. William Dean November 10, 1851. Egbert Harvey January 5, 1853. Egbert Harvey March 21, 1853. Jacob Mack April 21, 1853. Ira Davenport September 13, 1853. Ira Davenport February 1, 1854. SECTION 9. Ezra Pease November 10, 1852. Jacob Hummel April 21, 1854. Townsend North April 21, 1854. Samuel Enders April 24, 1854. Warren A. Gustin December 9. 1854. SECTION 10. Ira Davenport September 13, 1853. Townsend North April 21, 1854. Samuel H. Hewes December 11, 1854. Anthony DeWitt December 18, .1854. Alfred Fox December 18, 1854. Simon H. Hart December 23, 1854. SECTION 11. Royal C. Remick August 15, 1852. Ira Davenport February 1, 1854. George Anthony September 11, 1854. Samuel H. Hewes December 11, 1854. Amos Hicks February 21, 1855. Marcus Gibbs March 1, 1855. SECTION 12. Royal C. Remick August 13 and 15, 1852. SECTION 13. Christoph Howard July 17, 1851. Royal C. Remick August 13, 1852. Harry T. Perkins March 30, 1854. William H. Brooks April 3, 1855. George Turner April 13, 1855. SECTION 14. Royal C. Remick August 13, 1852. Abraham W. Green November 10, 1852. Waterman Burlingham November 10, 1852. Cutler Tyler March 10, 1853. Milo L. Gates August 15, 1853. Luke Peaslee September 2, 1853. Adonis Johnson January 18, 1855. SECTION 15. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Anson Read May 3, 1853. Ira Davenport February 1, 1854. Edgar Sheldon February 10, 1854. Marcus Tetesworth December 9, 1854. Samuel Hewes December 20, 1854. SECTION 16. J ames L. Ketchum July 5, 1853. G. M. Higginson October 26, 1853. Enos & Reuben Goodrich March 16, 1854. Enos & Reuben Goodrich July 16, 1855. Amariah P. Ireland March 4, 1856. SECTION 17. Peter Weed October 28, 1836. Moses Blakeley September 29, 1852. Edgar Sheldon October 16, 1852. Egbert Harvey December 24, 1852. Egbert Harvey January 5, 1853. SECTION 18. Peter Weed October 28, 1836. Thomas J. Price May 31, 1852. Homer A. Beach June 24, 1852. Thomas J. Price July 13, 1852. Waterman Burlingham November 10, 1852. Thomas J. Price November 19, 1853. Bernard Beal November 29, 1854. SECTION 19. Homer A. Beach June 24, 1852. Cutler Tyler August 16, 1852. James Losee September 13, 1852. Edgar Sheldon October 19, 1852. John E. Kink February 19, 1853. SECTION 20. Wilber Talman September 29, 1852. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Anson Read January 22, 1853. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. George Shaw September 5, 1853. Egbert Harvey December 20, 1853. SECTION 21. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Anson Read March 10, 1853. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. Ira Davenport September 13, 1853. SECTION 22. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Ira Davenport May 25, 1854. Samuel Hewes December 20, 1854. Dudley Glynn December 25, 1854. Reuben Henry September 10, 1855. Reuben Johnson January 17, 1855. George Goodrich December 28, 1855. Daniel Larrable March 1?, 1859. Ephraim Wyllys December 30, 1851. SECTION 23. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Luke Peaslee September 27, 1853. Ira Davenport February 1, 1854. Luke Peaslee March 7, 1854. John G. Smith November 28, 1854. Jacob H. Hoover December 11, 1854. SECTION 24. Benj. F. Partridge September 30, 1852. Benj. Downing December 13, 1853. Moses Farnum November 28, 1854. William P. Bailey December 7, 1854. Vincent Alexander December 19, 1854. SECTION 25. Benj. F. Partridge October 9, 1852. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1851. Thomas C. Baker May 5, 1855. Sylvester Liscomb October 1, 1855. SECTION 26. Benj. F. Partridge September 30, 1852. Benj. F. Partridge October 9, 1852. Jacob Hummel April 24, 1854. Enos & Reuben Goodrich June 10, 1854. John Campbell December 4, 1854. Archibald Brew December 9, 1854. SECTION 27. Benj. F. Partridge October 9, 1852. Benj. F. Partridge Sept 30, 18522. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Ira Davenport January 31, 1854. Archibald Brew December 9, 1854. SECTION 28. Benj. F. Partridge December 1, 1852. Joshua W. Waterman July 14, 1853. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. SECTION 29. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. SECTION 30. Sylvester Butterfield December 1, 1852. Egbert Harvey December 4, 1852. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. Egbert Harvey February 14, 1854. SECTION 31. Egbert Harvey November 10, 1852. Nathan McComb July 12, 1853. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. John Haley April 14, 1854. David Graham November 28, 1854. Norridon D. Bennett November 28, 1854. Jesse Braford December 27, 1854. SECTION 32. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Joshua W. Waterman July 14, 1853. Joshua W. Waterman July 26, 1853. Ira Patterson November 4, 1854. Henry Merrow November 28, 1854. Samuel Bentley November 28, 1854. SECTION 33. Benj. F. Partridge October 9, 1852. Edgar Sheldon October 20, 1852. Joshua W. Waterman July 14, 1853. Ira Davenport January 31, 1854. George W. Bidwell December 21, 1854. Martin Barry December 25, 1854. Martin Barry January 20, 1855. SECTION 34. Benj. F. Partridge September 30, 1852. Benj. F. Partridge October 9, 1852. Benj. F. Partridge January 10, 1857. Judson Hart November 28, 1854. SECTION 35. Benj. F. Partridge September 30, 1852. Benj. F. Partridge October 9, 1852. SECTION 36. Benj. F. Partridge September 30, 1852. Frederick W. Backus March 21, 1853. THE VILLAGE OF MILLINGTON. This is an incorporated village in the town of Millington, on the line of the Detroit & Bay City branch of the Michigan Central Railroad, and on Millington Creek, a branch of Cass River. It originated in the business enterprise of Lane & Wolfe, who in 1859 constructed a saw-mill here. Seven years later a general merchandise store was started by F.W. Brown. Other business enterprises, hotels, stores and shops rapidly followed. In 1860 a village was platted under the name of Lanesville. This plat was, however, abandoned with the name, and in 1872 another survey and platting was made under the name of Millington, which the place had borne since about 1866. This final platting was by Samuel Atwood, Joel Beckwith and D. N. Blocher, the last mentioned being the principal owner. A glimpse of Millington in 1867 may be obtained from the following notes made by a visitor at that time. "On Monday last we visited this town, and at Atwood's, or Millington Corners, where two years ago was a saw-mill and two dwellings, we found a hotel, 18x40 feet, two stories high, owned and kept by Edmond Beard; a store containing a fair general assortment of goods, belonging to F. W. Brown; a boot and shoe store, the property of Beach & Grin, just up and not quite finished; and two saw-mills, one owned by Henry Wolfe, and the other by Dacy & Merrill. These mills are both on the Millington Creek, and are driven by its waters. The Wolfe mill is capable of sawing 5,000 feet of lumber per day, and the Dacy & Merrill mill 3.000 feet. "A wagon shop and blacksmith shop will be erected this fall (so it is expected), and Mr. Wolfe is preparing to run a grist-mill in connection with his saw-mill. "Within the past three months four substantial framed residences have gone up at the Corners, and more are expected to follow. D. N. Blocher, who owns much of the territory about the Corners, in-tends very soon to plat a portion of his land into village lots, a movement which will be seconded by other land-holders at the Corners, and the initiatory steps thus will be taken to start a town. "One half mile east of the Corners a new school-house will be built immediately, which will cost not less than $1,000. An acre of ground pleasantly located has been secured for a site. One mile and a half south, on the Goodrichville road, another fine school-house is in process of construction, and will soon be completed, having a half acre of ground. "An idea of the increase of population about the Corners may be judged by comparing the school census of 1866 and 1867, which shows that the number of children in the district drawing public money in 1866 was forty-seven, and in 1867, this fall, was eighty. "The postoffice for the township is in Mr. Brown's store, and Samuel Atwood is postmaster." Another glimpse of Millington, in January, 1879, may be obtained from the following sketch made at that time: "General stores-O. P. Gould & Bro., H. A. Beach, L. Hause, R. Rathbun. "Groceries and provisions-J. H. Hoover, A. DeWitt. "Hardware and cabinet ware-I. T. Damon. "Druggists-J. A. Damon, R. Rathbun. "Wagon makers and blacksmiths-F. Jackson, A. Bostick, J. Titsworth, P. Baker. `"Foundry-A. Bostick. "Saw and shingle-mill-H. Wolfe. “Grist-mill--Rhodes Bros. "Planing, sash, doors and blinds-Phipps & Van Wagner. "Manufacturers of washing machines--Erb & Son. "Stave and heading-mill, capacity 6,000,000 per annum-P. Bach. "Boot and shoemakers-George Shafer. L. Degeer. "Harness makers-DeWitt & Walterhouse. "Hotels-Millington House, D. Rogers, proprietor; Chilson House, D. M. Baker, proprietor. "Saloon-Evarts & Austin. "Jeweler-J. Kennedy. "Dentist-H. Fox. "Millinery-Mrs. J. W. Brown, Mrs. L. Hause, Mrs. R. Rathbun, Mrs. George Shafer. "Dressmakers-Mrs. Lake, Miss Reed. "Physicians-D. Rogers, H. A. Bishop. "Clergymen-J. H. Curnalia, Methodist Episcopal; H. Miller and J. Bullock, Baptist. "The churches are in a flourishing condition. The Methodist Episcopal Society have a good house, 36x60 feet, and are out of debt. The Baptist intend building the coming summer. "We have a lodge of I. O. O. F's, which is prospering, having about $175 in the treasury. Also a lodge of the K. of H. and Good Templars, all doing a good work in their line. "Millington has a large trade from the surrounding country, and our merchants are doing well." POSTOFFICE. In 1853 a mail route was established between Clarkson and Bay City, and Amos Wolverton appointed postmaster, in the town of Millington. His successors in office have been Jacob H. Hoover, D. N. Blocher, Samuel Atwood, Roger Rathbun, A. DeWitt, and again D. N. Blocher, who was appointed August 27, 1883. _METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Millington was organized in 1861. Its legal incorporation was several years later, the record being as follows: "At a quarterly conference held on the Tuscola and Millington Circuit, held at Millington, December 17, 1870, the following per-sons were elected, to be known as the trustees of the Millington Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal Church, viz.: Marcus Tetesworth, Samuel Atwood, Alfred Foster, Alfred Johnson, Jacob H. Hoover, Homer H. Beach, Theodore Burnham, Daniel N. Blocher and Francis W. Brown." In 1875 a horse of worship was erected. The membership of the church at the present time is about 100. Rev. M. H. Davis is pastor. The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition, numbering about 100 members. FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. This society is among the earliest religious organizations of the county. Its first pastor was Rev. Mr. Comstock. It was not, however, incorporated until 1877. Its incorporation was as follows: "November 22, 1877, the duly qualified members of the First Free-will Baptist Society, of the village of Millington, met at the office of W. F. Riggs, in the village of Millington, for the purpose of incorporating themselves as a religious society. David At-wood was made president and W. H. Valentine, secretary of the meeting. The following trustees were elected, viz.: William H. Valentine, Christopher Dewitt, John Carlton, S. A. Comstock, Benjamin F. Long and D. N. Blocher; and it was determined that the church and society should be known as the First Free-will Baptist Society of Millington." In 1880 a neat, comfortable and commodious house of worship was erected. The present membership of the church is sixteen. The pastor is Rev. Mr. Schnell. A union Sunday-school of about sixty members is held in connection with the church. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. This church. was organized in 1878. It comprises about thirty families. Services are held every six weeks at the school-house two and a half miles west of Millington. Rev. Henry Pardenfielder is pastor. Efforts are being made, and with good prospect of success, to erect a church edifice. GOOD TEMPLARS. Millington Lodge No. 54 was chartered February 10, 1878, with forty-one charter members, R. C. Cope being W. C. T. The lodge is in a flourishing condition and holds regular weekly meetings every Tuesday evening, in which much interest is manifested, additions being made to the membership at nearly every meeting. SONS OF TEMPERANCE. Garfield Division No. 187, of the Sons of Temperance, was chartered February 24, 1882, with nineteen members. The society is prosperous, having a good attendance at its meetings, which are held every Monday evening. KNIGHTS OF HONOR. Enterprise Lodge No. 1195 was organized September 6, 1878, with sixteen charter members. Its regular meetings are held on the first Friday in each mouth. The present officers are: B. B. Ream, past dictator; D. L. Phipps, dictator; A. Bostwick, vice-dictator; A. Hopkins, assistant dictator; Thomas Macy, reporter; A. D. Walterhouse, financial reporter; A. DeWitt, treasurer. The membership is sixteen. KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. DeWitt Tent No. 69, of this order, was instituted December 26, 1882, with eighteen charter members. Its present membership is twenty-four. Meetings are held the first Wednesday evening of each month. The presentt officers are: Melvin Cobb, Past Sir Kt. C.; J. M. Torrey, Sir Kt. C.; Lemuel Everts, Sir Kt. L. C.; A. De-Witt, financial K.; D. L. Phipps, recording K. CHOSEN FRIENDS. Prosperity Council No. 51 was organized February 6, 1883, with thirty-three members. Meetings are held every Thursday evening. Officers: George C. Thompson, P. C.; D. C. Davis, C.; Mrs. Martha A. Tower, V. C.; D. P. Richardson, secretary; A. DeWitt, treasurer; Mrs. Rhoda Henry, prelate. STATISTICAL. Census of 1860: Population, 285; families, 64; dwellings, 64; number of occupied farms, 55; number of acres improved, 922; number of horses, 14; number cows, 80; bushels of wheat, 913; bushels of rye, 235; bushels of corn, 2,978; bushels of oats, 756; bushels of potatoes, 2,360; pounds of butter made, 7,955; tons of hay cut, 168; saw-mills, 1; feet of lumber sawed, 500,000. Census of 1864: Population, 400; number of acres of taxable land, 8,215; number of acres improved, 843; bushels of corn pre-ceding year, 1,079; bushels of wheat preceding year, 1,091; bushels of potatoes preceding year, 2,323; tons of hay preceding year, 409; pounds of wool sheared, 358; pounds of butter made preceding year, 6,352. Census of 1870: Population, 613; families, 124; dwellings, 129; farms, 93; voters, 144; number of acres improved, 2,289; pounds of wool sheared, 1,708; pounds of butter made, 14,635; bushels of wheat raised, 4,732; bushels of corn raised, 4,740; bushels of oats raised, 2,358; bushels of potatoes raised, 5,796; tons of hay cut, 707. Census of 1874: Population, 949; number of horses, 231; number of cows, 284; bushels of wheat raised, 6,000; bushels of corn raised, 11,169; bushels of apples, 1,390; bushels of potatoes, 9,507; tons of hay, 1,094. The report for 1879 shows 158 farms and 5,286 acres of improved land. Bushels of wheat for 1878, 21,374; corn, 15,576 bushels; hay, 1,235 tons. Population in 1880, 1,633. Total equalized valuation in 1882, $452,275. Bushels of wheat raised in 1880, 20,089; of corn, 35,-129; tons of hay, 768. - Number of farms in 1881, 112; acres of improved land, 4,474. SCHOOL MATTERS. The annual school report of the town of Millington for the year ending September 4, 1882, shows that the directors for the ensuing year were Frank Crippen, C. Dewitt, B. Youngs, Walter White, R. R. Atwood, Eli Lester and Wesley Case. There were I five whole and two fractional districts and seven frame school-.louses. Whole number of children of school age, 516; number that attended school during the year, 460. TOWN OFFICERS. YEAR. SUPERVISOR. CLERK. TREASURER. 1883 William A. Lenox. William N. Riker. Daniel L. Phipps. 1882 George C. Thompson. Welton Vanwagnen. Francis Rhodes. 1881 Henry A. Bishop. A. D. Walterhouse. Francis Rhodes. 1880 Ira A. Sprague. Henry A. Bishop. Christopher Dewitt. 1879 Daniel N. Blocher. Henry A. Bishop. Christopher Dewitt. 1878 Ira A. Sprague. Henry A. Bishop. Henry Wolfe. 1877 Ira A. Sprague. Henry A. Bishop. T. H. Burnham. 1876 T. H. Burnham. R. Rathbun. Ira A. Sprague 1875 John G. Smith. R. Rathbun. Ira A. Sprague 1874 John G. Smith. Welton Vanwagnen. Ira A. Sprague 1873 T. H. Burnham. Welton Vanwarnen. Ira A. Sprague 1872 Richard R. Atwood. David Rogers. William L. Tenney 1871 Richard R. Atwood. Welton Vanwagnen. Ira A. Sprague 1870 T. H. Burnham. Welton Vanwagnen. A. DeWitt 1869 Richard R. Atwood. Welton Vanwagnen. A. DeWitt 1868 Richard R. Atwood. Welton Vanwagnen. A. DeWitt 1867 Hiram Remich. Samuel Atwood. S. A. Comstock 1866 Hiram Remich. L. W. Cardwell. D. N. Blocher. 1865 Hiram Remich. L. W. Cardwell. D. N. Blocher. 1864 John G. Smith. A. W. Greene. D. N. Blocher. 1863 John G. Smith. D. N. Blocher. Jeremiah Youmans 1862 Bernard Beal. D. N. Blocher. Jeremiah Youmans 1861 John G. Smith. D. N. Blocher. Jeremiah Youmans 1860 C. Gordon. D. N. Blocher. Wm. Richardson 1859 John G. Smith. D. N. Blocher. Wm. Richardson 1858 Joshua Merrill. George Turner. Wm. Richardson 1857 Bernard Beal. Samuel A. Comstock. Jonah Parker 1856 Amos Wolverton. Jay Rice. Edwin E. Brainerd 1855 Amos Wolverton. Jay Rice. H. Patterson BIOGRAPHICAL. JOEL BECKWITH was born in the State of New York, but was brought up in Vermont., where he learned the trade of a machinist. Came to Michigan in 1855. Located first at Flint, where he. worked in McFarland's saw-mill. Built and run the first shingle-mill in that city. Afterward lived in Richfield Township, Genesee County, where he run a shingle-mill. Came to Millington in 1863 and cleared up a farm. Has held the offices of justice of the peace, highway commissioner, etc. Is married and has five children living. DANIEL N. BLOCHER was born in Clarence, Erie County, N. Y., where he was a farmer. Came to Michigan in 1851 and farmed it for some years in Genesee County. Bought land in the township of Millington in 1855, but did not settle on it until 1859, and on which he now farms it. Has been a lumberman and also run a shingle-mill in 1864-'65. Has held the offices of justice of the peace, supervisor, treasurer, county superintendent of the poor, etc. Has been justice twenty years. Was postmaster of Millington from 1861 to 1866, and again appointed in August, 1883. Is senior member of the firm of Blocher & Rathbun, druggists, etc. Married twice and has three children. OLIVER P. GOULD was born in Colden, Erie County, N. Y. He was brought up on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools and at the academy at Springville. He came to Michigan in 1861, and for a number of years was a clerk at Orion and Pontiac. Was in Gunn & Locke's establishment in Detroit in 1864- '65. Was in business at Metamora, Lapeer County, Oakwood, Oakland County, and Ortonville, Genesee County. Came to Millington in 1875. Was at first in partnership with his brother, but bought him out in 1878. Is in the general mercantile trade; also carries on a furniture and undertaking business. Was president of the village for two years. Has been married twice, the first wife only living two years. Was married to his present wife, who was a Miss Mary C. Welles, in 1871. They have two children. AMARIAH P. IRELAND was born in Otsego County, N. Y., and came to Michigan in 1852, settling on a farm in Groveland, Oakland County, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to what is now the township of Millington, Tuscola County. Has been justice of the peace, highway commissioner, constable, etc. Enlisted in Company A, Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry, serving with the regiment until it was mustered out at Murfreesboro, Tenn., September 6, 1865. He is a stone mason by trade, but now follows farming. Married and has a family of eight children living. Mr. I. has been and is now a very powerful man, capable at one time of lifting 900 pounds. He relates as a reminiscence of the early days in Millington that he had to go to Goodrichville for flour once. The distance was twenty-five miles. He brought home with him fifty pounds. The condition of the roads was such that he could only carry twenty-five pounds at a time. This he would carry about two miles and then leave it and go back for the other twenty-five. By so doing he finally got the whole fifty home. That was "earning your bread by the sweat of your brow," and no mistake. GEORGE C. THOMPSON was born in Kendall, Orleans County, N. Y. For some time before coming to Michigan he was in the grain and produce trade at Spencerport and Holly, N. Y. Was also in G. W. Burbank's flouring establishment at Rochester, N. Y., for two years. In December, 1868, he located in Arbela town- ship, Tuscola County, where he bought land and made a farm. In March, 1881, he purchased the Millington House in the village of Millington, and has since kept that popular hostelry. In Arbela he was school director five years and moderator two years. He was appointed supervisor for that township, holding the office for five years by election. A vacancy in the same office occurring after he came to Millington, he was appointed in the fall of 1882 to fill it. In addition to farming he has lumbered also. Is married and has two children. DANA B. RICHARDSON, attorney, is a native of Tuscola County, having been born in Tuscola township. He is a son of the well-known and popular Colonel John H. Richardson. He was educated at the State normal school, Whitewater, Wis., and at the Michigan State University, from which he graduated in 1874. Was admitted to the bar at Saginaw City the same year. He was deputy clerk of Saginaw County for a time, and since coming to Millington has held the office of township superintendent of schools and village assessor. Married to Miss Alice V. Burnham in 1876. They have two sons. DAMON BROTHERS.—Isaac T. Damon was born in Lake County, Ohio. Lived for a number of years in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. In 1870 bought a farm in Arbela, Tuscola County. Commenced business in Millington in 1876, and rents his farm. Deals in hardware, tinware, etc. Married Mary Reed, of Ohio, in 1865. They have three children. During the war he served three years, being a member of the Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry. Was wounded at the siege of Vicksburg, and was sixteen months in hospital. John A. Damon was also born in Lake County, Ohio, and went with his family to Wisconsin. Was educated at the State University at Madison. Has taught school. Commenced to learn the druggist's trade at Beloit, Wis., in 1872, in which city he remained four years. Came to Millington in 1876 and opened a drug store. Has been village treasurer and superintendent of schools. Married to Ella G. Jewett, of Beloit, Wis., in 1873. They have two children. ANTHONY DE WITT, postmaster of Millington, was born in Holland and came to the United States in 1849 with his parents. He lived in New York State for about a year and then came to Michigan, locating at first in Oakland County. Came to Millington, Tuscola County, in 1854, and bought a farm in section 10, town 10 north, range 8 east, which he afterward sold. Enlisted in Company D, Twenty- third Michigan Infantry, and served through the war without receiving a wound . Has been township, also village treasurer. Has been in the general mercantile trade since 1867. Has a wife and one son. THEODORE H. BURNHAM is a native of Madison County, N. Y., and was born in 1842. He came to Tuscola County in 1868 and located in the township of Millington on section 4, where he has since resided. He cleared up his farm from the wilderness, and although his location is on the borders of the sandy plains, has demonstrated the fact that the soil is fruitful and will give generous returns to those who will cultivate it intelligently. Mr. Burnham has filled many of the township offices, including that of supervisor three terms, justice of the peace, treasurer and school inspector. He was married in 1870 to Miss Elizabeth Maguire and has three children. DAVID ROGERS, M. D., was born in Broome County, N. Y., near Binghamton, in 1833. In 1866 he came to Michigan and located in Millington, where he has since resided. He studied medicine with Messrs. Jackson & Burr, of Binghamton, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1866. Soon after his arrival in Millington he built the Millington House, which he conducted until March, 1881, but at the same time practiced his profession. He has held the office of town clerk, and was post-master for many years, resigning in favor of the present incumbent. He married Miss Jennie Begle, of Otisville, Genesee County, and has two children. IRA A. SPRAGUE was born in 1838 in Lawrence County, N. Y., and in 1844 came to Livingston County, Mich. In 1852 he moved to Tuscola, and in 1861 came to the township of Millington and settled on section 7, where he now resides. Has cleared over one hundred acres of his present farm. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry and served to the close of the war, being discharged in July, 1865. Was with Generals Sherman and Thomas in all the important engagements in the Western Department. WILLIAM S. LENNOX, deceased, was born in the State of New York in 1815, moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1858, and came to the township of Millington in 1862, where he settled on section 7 and remained until his death in 1878. He married Miss Eleanor Logan and had a family of nine children. JOHN LENNOX, was born in St. Mary's, Canada, in 1852, and came to Millington with his father in 1862. In October, 1877, he married Miss Josephine C. Betz and has two children. CHARLES WEBSTER was born in Connecticut May 26, 1805, and moved to Niagara County, N. Y., in 1819. He came to Macomb County, Mich., in 1829, and in 1855 to Millington, settling on section 30, where he now resides, and where he has cleared up a farm of 160 acres. Was married in 1826 to Miss Hope Brainerd, of Connecticut, and raised a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now living. DAVID LANE was born November 3, 1823, in Ontario County, N. Y., and came to Genesee County, Mich., in 1836. In 1859 came to the township of Millington and located on section 9, where he now resides. With his father's help he cleared up four hundred acres of land in Genesee County, and has cleared up a large farm in Millington. He married Miss Saphronie Gravel in 1845 and has a family of ten children. JOSHUA MERRILL, deceased, was born in Windham, Maine, October 17, 1806, and came to St. Clair County, Mich., in 1852. In 1855 came to Millington, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1869. He was married in 1836 to Miss Mary Rackliff and had a family of ten children. He endured many of the hard- ships incident to pioneer life, and helping to clear up a new country was engaged in lumbering for several years prior to his death. J. F. MERRILL was born in Maine, March 7, 1839, came to Michigan with his father, and has been a resident of the township of Millington since 1855. He was married June 27, 1866, to Miss Mary Jane Guthrie, and has a family of five children. He is engaged in farming on section 10. JOHN G. SMITH was born in the county of Cornwall, England, July 28, 1814; came to Canada in 1832, and in 1835 to Michigan, while it was yet a territory, and remained a year. In 1849 he moved to the State and resided in Wayne County until February, 1855, when he came to Millington and commenced clearing a farm of 450 acres, on section 23. He helped to organize the township in the spring of 1855, which then embraced the present township of Watertown, and polled but thirteen votes. He was married January 1, 1837, to Miss Elizabeth Prothers, who was born in South Wales, in 1819. They have raised a family of twelve children.