Jackson County Michigan History & Genealogy

Springport Township
History

1910 Maple St, Springport
Contributed by Paul Petosky

From "The History of Jackson County, Michigan"

   The act of the State Legislature of 1837-'8, organizing this township, took effect April 2, 1838. An election held on that day, at the house of Isaac B. Gates, resulted in the choice of Josiah Whitman for supervisor, and W. V. Morrison, town clerk.
Ebenezer Brown located the place now occupied by George Landon and known as the "Landon Farm" in 1834, and was the first settler in this town. Mr. Landon, however, came in 1835, and bought the place of Mr. Brown. In the spring of 1835 John S. Comstock and H., Fitzgerald moved in. Mr. Comstock located his farm in the southeastern part of the town.
    The following year the territory settled up quite rapidly, O. V. Hammond, Edward Ferris, John Oyer and others finding homes for themselves here. Henry Chase also located the place now owned by Stephen H. Ludlow, either in the fall of 1835 or early part of 1836. Isaiah Whitman located this year (1836) one lot north of the school section. Marcus Harrison built this season the first sawmill, which was located on section 26. Among the old settlers who came in about this time or the season following were Isaac B. Gates, David S. Mallory, James M. Jameson, Levi Hoffman, Stephen S. Ludlow, M. S. Brown and George Landon.
The first schools in town were taught by Julia Mallory and Luther H. Ludlow. The first frame school-house was erected in district No. 1, in 1838.
    The first sermon was preached in the town by Rev. Mr. Harrison, in a large log house, 30 feet square, standing in the road directly in front of the present residence of M. S. Brown. The Methodist Episcopal denomination has a church here, the only church in town, though there are two or three just on the township lines.
John S. Comstock, who came, as we have stated above, in 1835, built the first barn that was erected in the town. He also broke the first piece of land.
    Maria J. Comstock, now Mrs. Josiah Whitman, Jr., and a daughter of John S. Comstock, was probably the first person born in the town.
    The first postoffice was established in the village of Springport,— "Oyer's Corners,"—in the early part of January, 1838. Augustus Gaylord was the first postmaster. The Cayuga postoffice was established the next spring, and for 20 years M. S. Brown officiated in that office as postmaster. The Otter Creek and Springport offices are now the only postoffices in the town, the former having been opened in 1839, with Daniel Griffith as the first postmaster.
    The village of Springport, formerly called Oyer's Corners, is a flourishing little place that has sprung up quite rapidly since the railroad came in. It has over 400 inhabitants, some three dry-goods stores, two drug stores and groceries, a hardware, furniture, and agricultural stores, and a good hotel. There are also two steam-mills, and the prospect is good for the future prosperity and growth of this little village.
    The following election returns for November, 1880, show the political strength of the township: Electors—Hancock, 52; Garfield, 198; Weaver, 134; Governor—Holloway, 48; Jerome, 193; Woodman. 139. Congress—Pringle, 25; Lacy, 182; Hodge, 172. Senator—Wilson, 49; Goodwin, 193; Palmer, 127. Judge of Probate—Powell, 48; Gould, 192; Anderson, 138. County Clerk-Covert, 40; Van Horn, 195; Moe, 136. Register of Deeds—Townley, 80; Ray, 169; Hinshaw, 131. Sheriff— Winney, 50; Lockwood, 187; Terry, 142. Treasurer—Wheeler, 43; Ludlow, 192; Townley, 144. Prosecuting Attorney—Barkworth, 51;Sharp, 191; Hewlett, 137. County Surveyor—Bean, 48; Crowl, 195; Cook, 136. Circuit Court Commissioner—Merwin,48; Blair, 195; Merwin, 136; McDevitt, 47; Welsh. 196; McDevitt, 136. Coroner—Finn, 48; Bedford, 195; Cook, 136; Sammons, 48; Thurman, 195; Curtis, 136. Representative—Chapel, 46; Belvin, 185; Strong, 143.

BIOGRAPHICAL

Personal   sketches of many of the representative citizens of Springport Township are given on the following pages:

    John BAKER, son of Christopher and Mary Baker, was born in Tompkins County, N.Y., March 20, 1825. He received his education in the schools of that county, and in the fall of 1855, in company with his brother, F. O. Baker, he came to this county, settling on the farm he now occupies. March 24, 1857, he married Amy Bennett, daughter of Stephen and Louisa Bennett; she was born in Springport, in March, 1842; Mr. Bennett came here in 1838. They have 6 children—Sarah J., Benjamin, Bertha O., Oscar, Jessie M. and Lizzie. Mr. Baker came to Michigan in the fall of 1848, and remained here until the spring of 1850; then went the overland route to California; he returned in the spring of 1851 by the way of the Isthmus, and went to his native home in Tompkins County, N. Y. He has always been engaged in farming; has met with good success, and now has a good farm with a pleasant home.

    John E. BARTON was born in Putnam County, N. Y., June 14, 1813, and when 15 years of age he, with his father, removed from that place to Lyons, Wayne Co., in the same State. His home in Putnam County was back on a mountain, five miles from Cold Springs, opposite West Point; remained seven years on the farm with his father. In the fall of 1835 he married his cousin, Elizabeth Barton, and May 5, following, they started for Michigan with the view of making for themselves a home in the West. They came by the way of the canal and steamboats to Detroit, and the journey from the latter place was made by wagons. The newly married couple stopped until in the fall with James Jameson, then a bachelor, Mrs. Barton keeping house for that gentleman, and Mr. Barton worked by the month for David Adams. In June Mr. B. had located his land, the 80-acre lot on which his house now stands, and in December, 1836, he put up his log house. While working on it, the wolves were howling in the woods but a few rods from him, and he often amused himself in mocking them. Indians were common in those days, and it was three months after moving into the log house before Mrs. Barton saw the face of a white woman. Although Mrs. B. is nearly 68 years of age, she is still hale and hearty. She was born July 2, 1813, near the place where her husband was born, and moved to Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Barton are about the only pioneer husband and wife who came to this part of the country, both of whom are still living. Of their 10 children, 7 are yet living— Almira, Delia A., Jane, Helen M., Ida, Mary and John J. The land which Mr. B. located was known as opening land, and is sufficiently undulating to afford good drainage and impart a pleasing variety to the landscape. Here he has carved from the wilderness a farm, which has grown from 80 acres to 300, most of which is improved land.

    C. V. BOCKOVEN, son of John and Sarah (Vanderbilt) Bockoven, was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 30,1818. They were both natives of New Jersey, where they had married and moved to New York while yet young. His father's family had come from Holland many generations back and settled in New Jersey. His mother was a cousin of the late Commodore Vanderbilt. Mr. B. grew up to the years of manhood on his father's farm, in Wayne County, N. Y. In November, 1838, he came to Michigan, and worked at his trade in Jackson until July 3, 1840, when he again returned to New York. While at his home, in Wayne County, Oct. 1, 1840, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Lombright. She also was born in Wayne County, in 1819. Soon after their marriage they came to Jackson CountyCounty. He had located some land in Ionia County, and was intending to go there to live; but while stopping with some friends in the town of Springport, they persuaded him to locate land in that town which he did, and settled the same season on the farm which he now occupies. Here 7 children were born to them, 4 of whom are yet living—Maria, now Mrs. Geo. Wilcox; Henry, living at LaPorte, Ind.; George E., who is still at home, and Carrie E., now Mrs. J. C. Tracy, of Illinois: William G. was a member of the 42d Ill. Vol., Co. E, and was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun at Warsaw, Mo., Oct, 27, 1861. Mrs. B. died July 31,1864. He was married a second time, in April, 1865, to Hattie C. Irons. She died in February, 1868, leaving no children. Dec. 1, 1868, he married Maria A. Ford, youngest daughter of William Ford, one of the pioneer men of the city of Jackson. Mr. Ford was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., in 1828. His father, Benjamin Ford, had been a soldier in the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. He afterward accompanied Arnold on his famous march from New England to Canada. Mr. Ford was married in Randolph County, Vt., to Rebecca Flint, and shortly after their marriage came to Wayne County, N. Y., settling on a farm where he lived until 1836, when he removed his family to Jackson, Mich. Eleven children were born to them, some of whom had preceded him to Jackson. All are now dead except Mrs. Bockoven. Mr. Ford had come with his son William to Jackson in 1835, and having considerable capital he purchased a large tract of land on which the city is now built. He made use of the fine water-power he found in the river, and put up what is known as the AEtna Mill, which he ran for a number of years; but during the financial crisis of 1839-'40, the property fell into other hands. Mr. Ford was one of the founders of the city of Jackson, and died here in April, 1845.

    William BOSS, son of Green and Marian Boss, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., May 11, 1824. At 10 years of age, the family removed to Erie County, Pa., where he lived until the spring of 1843, when he came to Michigan, stopping at Ypsilanti; he lived near here some 14 years; then he spent the next 10 years in Van Buren County, Mich.; then a few years in Wayne County., and finally came to the farm in Jackson County, where he now lives. He was married near Ypsilanti, June 8, 1852, to Alsina Mayo, daughter of Lyman and Charlotte Mayo; she was born in Erie County, N. Y., June 8, 1822, and came with her parents to Washtenaw County when she was six years of age. Her father, during the late war, enlisted, at the age of 61 years, in Co. D, 12th Mich.; was brought home from the battle of Shiloh, and lived but a short time after reaching home. Mr. Boss has 4 children—Hattie, William, Clarence and Ellen. Mrs. Boss and her youngest daughter are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Boss enlisted in Co. A, 13th Mich., and after serving a year, was discharged on account of sickness. He now has a good farm of 90 acres.

    William G. BROWN, son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth Brown, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., March 9, 1821. His parents were natives of that County. At the age of 15 years, he accompanied his father and three brothers, Amos H., Lewis and George D., to Michigan. They settled in Parma. His father had visited Michigan in the summer of 1835 and located a large tract of land in the south part of the town of Springport; a short time after returning, he sold this and made another purchase in the town of Parma; both of his selections proved to be good, and now constitute some of the best farming land in the County. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and well fitted for the pioneer work in which he took an active part. He died Aug. 16, 1853, at Spring Arbor, at the age of 65. A few years after coming to this County, Mr. Brown returned to New York, where he spent several years, attending school most of the time. Returning again to Jackson County, he was married in January, 1848, to Lucinda Landon, daughter of Herman and Betsey Landon; she was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., in February, 1829. They have had 5 children—Mary, Benton G., Herman L., Louisa (deceased), and Carrie. Mr. Brown and his family are members of the M. E. Church, at North Parma. In 1867, he was elected Representative in the State Legislature; he had been Supervisor of the town of Parma, seven years. In his business he has been quite successful, and owns one of the largest farms in the country. He is known by all as an honest, upright man.

    A. BRYAN, son of John and Sophia Bryan, was born in Camden, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 4,1815. He lived here until he readied the age of 18, when he removed to the neighboring village of Clinton, where he spent some time in learning the carpenter's trade. After becoming the master of his trade he again returned to his native town of Camden, but soon after, in the spring of 1835, came to Michigan, stopping near Farmington, Oakland Co. Here on the 6th of July, 1836, he was married to Louisa Comer, daughter of David and Betsey Comer, of that County. She was born in Middlesex, Yates Co., N. Y., in 1817. She came to Michigan with her father in April, 1830, when about 13 years of age, and kept house for him until in July, when he returned and brought the rest of his family.
    After his marriage Mr. Bryan continued to live in Oakland County until 1840, when they went to Lapeer County, settling on a piece of land 10 miles from any settlement. They lived here improving their land until 1844, when he traded it for a piece of wild land in the town of Tompkins, Jackson Co. When they moved on this piece of land they found that their nearest neighbors were a mile and a half distant. They continued to live here until in the summer of 1872, when they came to the village of Springport, where he is now living, engaged in dealing in flour, salt, lime, etc., also the business of undertaking. Their family consists of 8 children—Elizabeth (deceased), David, Comer (deceased), Pulaski J., Rosa Ann, Adelaide, Ruth (deceased) and Louis.
    Mr. Bryan has held many of the offices of the town where he has lived to the satisfaction of all. Since he has attained the age of 21 years he has not been free from some of the offices for a year. He is now Justice of the Peace.

    William, CHAMPLIN, son of John and Ann (Ray) Champlin, was born in Saybrook, Middlesex Co., Conn., Oct. 4, 1807; when he was 12 years of age his family moved to Seneca County, N. Y., where they remained for about three years, when they went to Freedom, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. They lived here for 10 or 12 years, when they went to Genesee County, N. Y., where they remained until 1851, when he came to Michigan, stopping for three or four years at Michigan Centre, then came to his farm in Springport Township, where he now lives. He was married in January, 1856, to Lucinda Nelson, daughter of Calvin Nelson. She was born April 12, 1833, in Canandaigua County, N. Y.
    They have 6 children—Lucian, Leslie, Orson, Erastus, Dora (deceased) and Anthon (deceased). Mrs. Champlin died in January, 1870, and is buried in the cemetery at Springport. In January, 1878, Mr. Champlin married Louisa Vanorder, widow of Charles Vanorder. She had a family of 10 children—George, Louisa, Emma, Martha (deceased), Julius, Eugene, Jennie, Henry, John and Mary. When Mr. C. was a young man he had learned the tailor's trade, and worked at it for some years, when he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and followed that for some time. Since coming to Michigan he has devoted his time to farming, with good success, having now a good farm of 240 acres.

    Rev. John S. COMSTOCK was born in Montville, Conn., Feb. 20, 1801, son of Joshua and Mary (Holmes) Comstock, the former of whom died in Salem, Conn., in 1828, and the latter in September, 1856, in Sandstone Township, this County, at the age of 88. They have had 11 children—Caleb C, Samuel H., Mary, Sarah, Joshua B., John S., Anson L., Fitch B., Ebenezer W. and William Pitt,—all dead but 3. John S. emigrated to this State in September, 1830, by the Erie canal and lake steamboat, coining from Detroit to Ann Arbor on foot. In 1833 he married Ruth Eastman, and they have had 4 children. Mr. C. is a minister of the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ. He has held many offices; had some experience in the Black Hawk war. P. O., Springport.

    Wilson COX was born in Lincolnshire, England, Feb. 8, 1836, son of Joseph and Jane Cox, natives of same place. When 13 years of age he came with his uncle, William Cox, to America, and settled in Tompkins County, N. Y. Here he lived until May, 1863, when he came to Michigan, settling on the place in Jackson County, where he now lives. April 4,1863, he married Miss Mary E. Mack, daughter of Daniel and Eliza Mack, of Tompkins County, N. Y.; She was born in that County in 1844. They have 3 children—Jennie, Fred M. and Robert W.; all are living at home. With the exception of a few years spent in the livery business in New York, Mr. Cox has always been engaged in farming, with fair success, and now owns a good farm of 80 acres in the south part of the town of Springport.

    Allen CRAWFORD, son of Stephen B. and Malinda Crawford, now of Albion, was born on the farm he now occupies in the north part of the town of Springport, in March, 1839. His father had come to Michigan in 1834 from Vermont, his native State. He married in Michigan and in 1836 took up the farm in Springport and a few years later moved on and began improving it. They had 3 children—Allen, Lucinda and Stephen. Allen has spent most of his time on the old farm. He was educated in the district schools and academy of Albion. From 1855 to '57 he spent in Adrian, Mich., in the hardware business. After that he came to the farm and has since been engaged in farming. He was married Feb. 1, 1860, to Annetta Onderdonk, daughter of Henry P. and Maria Onderdonk. She was born in Eaton County, Mich., Feb. 1, 1839. They have 3 children—Orrin F., Millard D. and Allen, Jr. Mr. Crawford is one of the most successful farmers of his town and owns a good farm of 360 acres.

    Joseph I. DEY, son of Lawrence I. and Margaret (Rose) Dey, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1824. Mr. Dey grew to the age of manhood in his native County, and by diligent application to his books received a good education in the schools of his County. While he was a young man he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and for a number of years taught school during the winter months and worked at his trade during summer. Since his removal to Jackson County he has tilled some of the offices of his town continuously for a number of years. He is also a Notary Public.
    On the 7th of June, 1848, in Allegany County, N. Y., he was joined in holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Lovina A. Thompson, of the same County. She was born in Allegany County, Oct. 5, 1828. They have 1 child, James W, born Oct. 11, 1850, who now lives in the town of Parma. In 1863 Mr. Dey removed his family from Allegany County, N. Y., to Jackson County, Mich., settling in the town of Parma, where he continued to live until 1875, when he removed to the village of Springport, where he is now engaged in the furniture business. The greater part of his life has been spent in farming, with good success.

    Merton S. DEY, son of John E. and Maria Dey, was born in this town in October, 1838. His parents had come a year or two previous from Allegany County, N. Y. He lived here for some years, when he went to the town of Parma. When he grew up he engaged in teaching school, which vocation he followed for several years; and when he became of age he went to the West. Here he spent his life in various pursuits, being for one year clerk in a justice court. Returning in 1877, he married Adeline Higgins, daughter of William L. Knowles, of this town. They have 2 children—Harry W. and Clara. Mr. Dey is now serving his second term as Supervisor. Mrs. Dey's first husband, S. R. Higgins, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., and came to Jackson County with his father, Samuel Higgins, when a boy five or six years of age and settled on what is known as the Higgins farm, where he grew up, and in 1860 married Adeline Knowles; they had 2 children— Eugene and Annie Higgins. He was well-known over the town and had held many offices. He died in February, 1870.

    J. W. DIXON is a son of Archibald and Esther Dixon, who came to Michigan with their family and settled in this township in the summer of 1836. Their family consisted of 6 children, 4 of whom are yet living—Samantha, Caroline, Reliance and Joseph W.; Lucius and Harriet died while yet young, the former being killed by the falling of a tree. The daughters taught some of the first schools in this township and Parma. They were natives of Cortland County, N. Y. The parents died in Springport about the year 1847. Joseph W. was born in Cortland County, N. Y., in November, 1825, and had come with his parents to this County; he lived here until after their death, then returned to his native County in New York, where he spent several years, attending school part of the time. In August, 1854, he was married to Miss Zenobia Bell, daughter of Newton and Phebe Bell; she was born in Westchester County, N. Y.; they have 2 children— Phebe, now Mrs. J. Comstock, and Armetta, now Mrs. Frank Hahn. In March, 1874, Mrs. Dixon died and was buried in the cemetery at Springport. Aug. 21, 1877, Mr. Dixon was again married, to Charlotte Hungerford, daughter of Stanley and Charlotte Hungerford, of this County; she was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1841; they have 2 children—Maggie and Charles. Mrs. Dixon is a member of the M. E. Church at Springport. Mr. Dixon is now living on the farm on which his father settled. In his business he has met with fair success, and now has a well-improved farm of several hundred acres, with pleasant surroundings. By his neighbors he is looked upon as a man ever ready to do that which he knows to be right. He has met with his misfortunes in life, but has met them manfully, and in the struggle has always come out the conqueror.

   R. Lee EVERETT, Sr., son of William J. Everett, was born at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., in 1824; his father was the son of Tyler and Lucy Everett, both natives of Massachusetts. At the age of 10, R. Lee went with his parents to Cayuga County, N. Y. Here he married in 1849, Susan E. Stringham, daughter of Joseph Stringham, and they have 3 children—R. Lee, William and Emily. In the spring of 1868, Mr. Everett removed to Charlotte, Mich., and in the fall of the same year came to the village of Springport.
   R. Lee Everett, Jr., was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., August, 1856, and came with his parents while a boy to Jackson County. He received his education in the school of his village, where he has lived with the exception of a year or two, which he spent in the West. He is a miller by trade, and plies his vocation in the only grist-mill of Springport. A few years ago he was made a Master Mason in the Springport Lodge. On the 23d of May, 1877, he married Esther A. Reed, daughter of Ephraim Reed, of Parma.

    Warren V. FULLER, son of Truman and Martha Fuller, was born in the town of Hamlin, Eaton Co., Mich., in August, 1840. His parents were natives of Orleans County, N. Y., and came to Michigan at an early period. Mr. Fuller was raised in his native town, and was married in January, 1862, to Eliza Houpt, daughter of Andrew Houpt; she died inDecember, 1862, leaving 1 child, who died in January, 1863. In February, 1864, Mr. Fuller enlisted in Co. R, 21st Mich., and was afterward transferred to Co. D, 14th Mich. In Oct. 1865, he married Lydia Dennis, daughter of Joseph and Mary Dennis, who was born on the farm on which she is now living in Springport, Aug. 8, 1843.
    They have 2 children—Elmer D., born in November, 1866, and Amanda, February, 1870. Mrs. Fuller's father, Joseph Dennis, had taken up the farm which Mr. Fuller now owns in 1838. He was a millwright by trade, and at this time unmarried. His brother, Cornelius, lived on the place and improved it, while he followed his trade in various parts of the country. He married Mary Evans, of Homer; she had come West with her sister, Mrs. Warren Sheldon, in 1838; the latter lives in Parma. After their marriage they moved upon the farm, where he died in June, 1847, leaving a wife and 2 children—Lydia, born in 1843, and Sarah Amanda, in 1845; the latter died in 1859. Five or six years after the death of her husband Mrs. Dennis married Francis Budine; they lived together but a short time, when Mr. B. died. In 1867 Mrs. Dennis went to live with her sister in Parma, where she staid until in 1874, when she came to Otter Creek, and put up a cottage on her farm where she, Mrs. Dennis, died Jan. 24, 1878.

    D. S. GILLETT, son of Charles and Dunna (Smith) Gillett, was born Dec. 19, 1817, in Tompkins County, N. Y. He was married Nov. 13,1839, to Electa Mack, daughter of N. H. and Nancy (Wager) Mack; she was born in Tompkins County, Dec. 27, 1817. Mr. Gillett, in company with his wife and 2 children, came to Michigan in October, 1843, coming by water to Detroit, and from there to Springport by team. They stopped the first night with Thomas Cranson, one of the first settlers in the town. At the time they came here many of their neighbors from New York had preceded them, so that when they came to the woods of Michigan they were not entirely among strangers. Of their 5 children but 1 is living—John M., who was born Nov. 17, 1840, in Tompkins County, N. Y. He was reared in Jackson County, and March 14, 1872, married Mary Worcester, daughter of Alpheus and Adelia Worcester; she was born Nov. 22, 1841. They have 5 children— Addie E., Liddie A., Charles S., Hattie May, and Alpheus J.: the last 2 are twins. While a young man Mr. G. united with the Baptist Church, and for the past 20 years has been a Deacon in his Church. Mrs. Gillett joined the Presbyterian Church in Ludlowville, N. Y., and is still a worthy member of that society. T hey have always been engaged in farming, and with good success, having now a comfortable home and a good farm.

    Mrs. Hannah GILLETT, daughter of Wm. and Hannah, nee Maxwell, was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 26, 1819. She lived there until she had reached the age of 14, when her family removed to Portage County, Ohio. She lived there until the fall of 1845, when she married Amon Gillett. Mr. Gillett was born in Rootstown, Portage Co., Ohio, May 26, 1820. In a few days after their marriage the young couple started for Michigan, to make their home in what was then called the far West. They located in Springport, Jackson County, where the family still live. Here 5 children were born to them, 4 of whom are yet living—William O., Julia E., Jay C. and Bert F., all living near where their parents settled many years ago. On the first of January, 1864, Mr. Gillett enlisted in the 1st Mich. Inf. While in Jackson he caught a severe cold, and when his regiment was sent to Grand Rapids he was taken sick and was unable to go with it, and died at that place Jan. 23, 1864. While young, both Mr. and Mrs. G. had united with the M. E. Church, and at the time of his death, held their membership at the Griffith Church; Mrs. G. still lives on the place to which she came when a young bride from the home of her girlhood. The "old log" house has given way to one of modern style. The farm is now one of the best in the neighborhood.

    George T. GRIFFITH is a son of Daniel and Harriet Griffith, both born in the town of Danbury, Rutland Co., Vt., where they grew up and were married about 1816. Here their 5 sons were born —Hosea W., George T., Plynn W., Marshall and Henry D. In June, 1837, the family left their native home in Vermont, and started for Michigan, George and his older brother coming through in a wagon, while the rest of the family came by way of the canals and lakes to Detroit. They located 160 acres of land on sec. 2 in the town of Springport, Jackson Co. As there were no improvements on the land, they resided with S. Reynolds until they could put up a log house. As time passed on the farm was improved, and soon grew to be one of the best in the neighborhood. The log house gave way to a more substantial and modern building, and ere the death of the father and mother they found themselves in a happy home, with plenty smiling at the door. They had both united with the M. E. Church while young, and remained worthy members of it until death called them away. They were among the members that organized the society near their place, which bears their name. In 1839 Mr. Griffith was appointed Postmaster of the Otter Creek office, which he held until the time of his death, except three months, when it was transferred to a place north of them. Since his death his son, George T., has attended the office. Mrs. G. died in 1847, in her 47th year. After her death Mr. G. returned to his native home in Vermont, where in 1849 he married Betsey Gared. After their marriage they came to Springport. She died here in July, 1864. In March, 1868, Mr. Griffith was taken away by death, in his 75th year. The boys are all living, except Plynn, who died at the age of 29 years, in 1850, near the old farm. George T., the subject of this sketch, now lives on and owns the old home farm. He was born in 1819, and came here when a lad 17 years of age, where he has spent his life. March 29, 1868, he married Lydia Griffith, daughter of Hiram and Betsey Griffith, of Vermont. She was born and reared in Rutland County, Vt. She died at her home in Springport, March 21, 1881.

    Caroline HAMMOND, daughter of Ashbel and Minerva (Marvin) Hosford, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Rhode Island, was born in the town of Carman, Litchfield Co., Conn., June 18, 1818. When she was about three years of age her parents removed to the town of Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., where she lived until she was married to John S. Brown, in February, 1838. Mr. Brown is the son of Jeremiah and Wealthy Brown. He was born in Wayne County, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1814. Soon after their marriage they started for Michigan, coming by the way of Canada, and made the whole journey with an ox team, and arrived at what is known as Wade's Hill, in Tompkins Township, Jackson Co., on the 13th of May, 1838, and settled on sec. 7, where they spent many happy years, and where a family of 8 children were born to them, of whom but 3 are living—Luther C, Frank and John J. They had 1 son in the late war, Luther C, who enlisted in 1861 in Co. E, 20th Mich. Inf., and served for three years. Mr. Brown was a man that had always taken a great interest in education, and was known and esteemed all over his County. In his business affairs he had been quite successful and he had accumulated a large farm, one of the best improved in the County. He died here Sept. 21, 1857, and is buried in the graveyard near the old farm. April 17, 1873, Mrs. Brown married Hiram Hammond, of Hamlin, Eaton Co. Mr. Hammond had come to this place at an early period from near Rochester, N. Y., and located his farm. He died Jan. 15, 1876, in his 67th year, having been a resident of Eaton County for over 40 years. He had a family of 3 children by a former wife, all of whom are now dead. He had held many of the offices of his town. Mrs. Hammond is a spiritualist, as was also her husband.

    O. V. HAMMOND is a son of David Hammond, a native of Rhode Island. He came to Allegany County, N. Y., when a young man, and there married Parmelia Whitman, daughter of Josiah Whitman, one of the pioneers of Springport. They had 4 children— Charlotte L., now Mrs. J. S. Osborn; Oren V,, Hannah L., now Mrs. A. B. Paine, and Edward, who was killed during the late Rebellion, in June, 1862, at Merrill Hill. Mr. Hammond removed to Michigan in the fall of 1836, stopping in Spring Arbor. He located 80 acres in the town of Springport, where he moved his family in the fall of 1838, and on which his son O. Y. still lives. He died here, May 4, 1847; Mrs. Hammond lived here until Nov. 23, 1879, when she was laid by the side of her companion in the graveyard at Springport. They had both been members of the Baptist Church for many years. Oren, V. was born in Allegany County, N. Y., April 20, 1829. He was a small boy when his father moved to the farm he now occupies and on which he has since lived. He was married Oct. 12, 1851, to Rhoda A. Comstock, daughter of John S. Comstock, of this town; she was born in Lima, Washtenaw County, Oct. 6, 1834, and in the spring of 1835 her father settled in Springport. They have 8 children—Estella (Mrs. Frank Elmer), Jennett A. (Mrs. James Bullen), Frank A., James E., Belinda J., Perry C., Minerva A. and Annie M. Mr. H. has always been engaged in farming; during the past few years he has been engaged in growing blooded sheep, with good success.

    William E. HAMMOND was born in Providence, Rhode Island, April 19, 1826. When about two years of age he went with his parents to Allegany County, N. Y., where he lived until they came to Michigan in the fall of 1835. He grew to the age of manhood in Jackson County, receiving his education in the common schools. Jan. 19, 1851, he married Harriet E. Bangham, daughter of John M. and Annie Bangham, of Calhoun County. She was born at Black River, N. Y., Feb. 10, 1834, and came West while yet an infant with her family, when they settled in Washtenaw County; when she was about 10 years of age they removed to Calhoun County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are—Olive V., born April 20, 1852; S. J., March 26, 1855; J. A., Oct. 7, 1856; George D., Jan. 6, 1858, died March 3,1853; Almira A., born Aug. 24, 1869, died Jan. 2, 1874; Willis H., born April 18, 1875. Mr. Hammond is still living on the farm on which he was raised, and which his father had taken up from the Government. His father, Jonathan A Hammond, was born in Providence, Rhode Island, April 14, 1800; he married Esther Turtblott, who was also born in the same place May 3,1799; she was a great-granddaughter of the renowned Roger Williams; she is still living with her son William. Mr. Hammond died Sept. 3, 1867. They had 4 children—William E., Stillman, Elizabeth and Almira; Stillman and Almira are deceased. They removed from Providence to Allegany County, N. Y., in 1828, and in the spring of 1835 came to Michigan., stopping that summer in Washtenaw County, and in the fall of 1835 came to the farm where the family still live, in Springport. They built the first frame house that was built in this place.

    Erastus HAYDEN was born June 22, 1809, in Ulster County, N. Y., son of Newell and Vashti (Wright) Hayden, natives of Connecticut. While he was an infant his father removed to Wayne County, where he was raised. Feb. 14, 1830, he married Sarah A. Austin, of Williamstown, N. Y. In 1845 he removed his family to this County, settling on a new farm in Springport. After enduring many of the privations and hardships common to the settlement of a new country, he succeeded in making for himself and family a good home. He had 4 boys— Charles N., now practicing medicine in Lansing; R. B. graduated in medicine, and has been practicing some three years at Eaton Rapids; Lorenzo D. enlisted in Co. E., 20 Michigan Infantry, and was killed at the battle of the Wilderness; Jasper J. is married and living on the home farm. At any early age Mr. Hayden united with the M. E. Church and was ever one of its most worthy members until the time of his death, Jan. 9, 1877. He was licensed as a local preacher while living in New York, and soon after coming to Michigan was made a circuit preacher, and was perhaps the first that traveled through this section of country in that capacity. He was a man widely known and respected by all.

    N. N. HAYDEN, son of Newell and Vashti (Wright) Hayden, natives of Connecticut, was born Dec. 9, 1802, in Ulster County, N.Y. At the age of sir or seven years his family removed to Wayne County, N. Y., where Mr. Hayden lived until he had attained the years of manhood, when he went to Seneca County, of the same State, where he engaged in teaching school, which vocation he followed several years. July 17, 1832, he married Mary Saunders, of that County, who was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 17, 1815, and had come to Seneca County when yet a young girl. The fruit of this union was 3 children—Jacob N., Mary E. and Mary V., all of whom are now dead. In June, 1838, Mr. Hayden removed his family to Michigan, coming by way of the lakes to Detroit, and from thence by rail to Ypsilanti, as the railroad did not extend any further at that time; from there he came with wagons to his present farm in the town of Springport, Jackson Co., where he has since lived. Mrs. Hayden died here April 27, 1842, and Oct. 5 of the same year he married Hannah, daughter of Potter and Huldah Hammond, formerly of the town of Hanover. She was born in the town of Verona, Oneida, Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1816. By this marriage Mr. Hayden had 6 children—Huldah, Sarah (deceased), William B., Emma, now Mrs. B. O. Martin, Norton H. and Minnie. Wm. B. is married and living on the home farm; Norton H. is teaching in the Upper Peninsula. Mrs. Hayden died Feb. 24, 1880. They had both united with the M. E. Church while young, and have ever remained its staunch supporters. Mr. H. had come to Michigan in 1834 and located the quarter section on which he afterward moved.

    David L. HICKS, son of James and Esther Hicks, natives of Washington County, N. Y., was born in Orleans County, N. Y., June 20, 1822. He lived in Orleans County until he was 21 years of age, when he came to Jackson County, in the fall of 1843, his parents coming in the fall of 1845. They all stopped in the south part of the town of Springport. In August, 1848, he married Miss Fannie Henderson, daughter of John Henderson. She was born in Orleans County, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1827. Of their 4 children, but 2 are living—Flora and Cora. They have both been engaged in teaching for a number of years, and are among the most successful in that vocation in the County. In April, 1881, Flora was elected Superintendent of Schools of the town of Springport. Mr. Hicks has always been engaged in farming; has been Treasurer of his town for the past 15 years, and in 1879 served on the Board of Supervisors.

    William B. JOSLIN, son of Israel and Sally (Brown) Joslin, was born in Chittenden County, Vt., Sept. 6, 1814. Here he was reared, and received his education in the common schools of his County. At the age of 21 he went to Portage County, Ohio, where he spent several years, when he again returned to his native County. September 6, 1841, he married Miss Mary Bigham, daughter of Edward and Mary (Pliny) Bigham, of that place; she was born in Burlington, Vt., Dec. 22, 1824. Soon after their marriage they removed to Westville, Franklin County, N. Y.,   and about three years later, in the spring of 1846, they came to Jackson County, settling for a few years near the city of Jackson, in the town of Summit; then removed to the town of Parma where they lived until 1880, when they came to their present home at East Springport. Of their 6 children but 4 are living—Louisa, now Mrs. Julius Chapel, of Sandstone; they have one child, Eugene Chapel, aged 18 years. William P. enlisted in Company E, 20th Michigan; died at Annapolis, Md., at the age of 20 years, in 1864; Celia died in New York while an infant; Arthur married Alice Wood, and now lives at East Springport; Jesse married Alice Brown and lives in Springport; they have 1 child, Markel B., aged 14 years; Ida, now Mrs. William Helmer, lives in Parma; they have 1 child, Arthur, aged one year. During the late war Arthur was in Company K, 11th Michigan. Mr. J. has always been engaged in farming, in which he has met with good success; has held various offices in the towns in which he lived.

    Ben. A. JOY—The earliest we have of the American branch of the Joy family is in 1634, and commences with Thomas Joy, who was a member of the "ancient and honorable artillery company of Boston," and had two acres of land allotted to him in the center of Boston, and land adjoining, at Muddy Brook, as being one of the early settlers. Records in England show that he came from Hingham, Norfolk Co., about 1630. About 1635 we find him in a new colony, beginning the settlement of a new town, which they called "Hingham," where he spent the rest of his life. His wife was Joan, daughter of one John Gallop, an Indian trader. The Gallops were an ancient family, who had moved from Normandy to England. Thomas and Joan Joy had 8 children, 4 born in Boston and 4 in Hingham. Joseph Joy, the fourth son of Thomas Joy, was born in Boston, 1645, and married Mary Prince, the daughter of John Prince, of Hingham, in 1667. They had 15 children, all born in Hingham. Joseph Joy, the oldest child of Joseph and Mary (Prince) Joy, married, in 1690, Elizabeth Andrews, daughter of Capt. Joseph Andrews. They had 9 children. David, second son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Andrews) Joy, was born in Hingham in 1718; married Ruth -----, and removed to Rehoboth, Mass., where his 10 children were born.
    David, the fourth son of David and Ruth Joy, was born in 1724, and married Elizabeth Allen. He served in the French war in 1766, and removed his family from Rehoboth to Guilford, Vt. He died in Herkimer County, N. Y., 1809. He had 11 children. David Joy, son of David and Elizabeth (Allen) Joy, with his brother, Abel, joined the army at Cambridge after the battle of Bunker Hill, and served for some time in the war of the Revolution.
    David Joy (third) married, in 1776, Hannah Partridge, in Guilford, Vt. They had a family of 10 children—Patience, Hannah, Polly, Thaddeus, Comfort, Arod, Ira, Harriet, Almira and Benjamin. About 1800 the family removed from Guilford, Vt., to Fabius, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Here Comfort Joy, the fifth son of David and Hannah (Partridge) Joy, was married first in 1810 to Mary Bremer, and a second time to Cynthia Thorndyke, in 1845. He removed with his family to Michigan in 1839, settling in the town of Springport, Jackson Co. His children are—Catharine, Adeline, Harriet, David C, Alonzo, Mary L., Hannah and Jane. Comfort Joy died in this County in 1869. His son, Alonzo, married Phebe Burgess, daughter of James and Grace Burgess, of this County. She was born in Oswego County, N. Y., and come to this County in 1810. They have a family of 3 children—Ben. A., born Feb. 18, 1847; Alice C, now Mrs. Emery Ludlow, born Feb. 8, 1849; Mary J., now Mrs. S. J. Homer, born Oct. 20,1853; Alonzo Joy, father of Ben. A. Joy, was born July 19, 1825, and came to the farm on which Ben. A. now lives, when yet a boy. He died here in April, 1869. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Joy married Lorain Parmell, and now lives in Albion.
    Ben. A. Joy married, Oct. 24, 1871, Clara J. Ferris, daughter o Edward Ferris, of this town. She was born in this County, May 27, 1849. Their children are—Emma G., born Dec. 22,1872; Edna, B., Dec. 14, 1873, and died Dec. 1, 1874; Mabel, born Jan. 2, 1878; and Alice C, Dec. 13, 1879. Mr. Joy, the subject of this sketch, has always resided on the farm he now occupies. He received his education in the school of his town and the Union schools of Jackson and Albion. Since he has attained his majority he has held almost continually some of the offices of his town; was Supervisor in 1878. In politics he is a Republican. In the Parma Lodge, F. & A. M., Oct. 24, 1878, he was made a Master Mason, and when the lodge was organized in the village of Springport, he was made Master of the lodge. In his business he has been quite successful, having a fine farm of several hundred acres.

    E. A. LANDON, born Aug. 3, 1833, in Cayuga County, N. Y. His parents, Luther and Clarissa (Tracy) Landon, were natives of Connecticut and removed from their home in New York in the spring of 1837, coming with their family to Michigan, and settling on the farm on which Mr. Landon now lives, near the village of Springport, in Jackson County. His father had taken up a large tract of land from the Government, and after putting up a house he at once began to improve his land. His family consisted of his wife and 3 children—Martha, Sarah and E. A. Mr. Landon died in August, 1855, at the age of 57 years.
    They were among the pioneers of Jackson County, and coming to the State in comparatively poor circumstances, they succeeded by hard work and frugality in accumulating enough of this world's goods to enable them to provide comfortable homes for their children. During his life Mr. Landon became quite well acquainted with the pioneers all over the County, and is spoken of by all as a man ever willing to do that which was right and honorable. E. A., the subject of this sketch, was raised in this County, and was married in 1876 to Miss Ambra O. Bancroft, only daughter of William Bancroft, of Springport. They have 1 child—Lewis E. Mr. Landon now lives on and owns the old home farm, which has grown to be a fine farm of over 900 acres. In the vocation of farming, which he chose when a boy, he has been quite successful. Mrs. Landon continued to live on the old farm until in August, 1878, when death removed her at the advanced age of 78 years.

    George LANDON, son of Herman and Betsey Landon, was born April 11, 1830, in Cayuga County, N. Y. He was a small boy when his father came to Jackson County. He grew up here, receiving his education in the schools of this County and at the Albion College. He married Oct. 21, 1863, Helen Brown, daughter of Louis Brown. They have a family of 5 children— Agnes, Lizzie, Arthur, John and Robert.
    Mr. Landon is a staunch advocate of the temperance cause, and is known by all as a man of integrity and purity of character. He has been elected to fill many of the offices of his town, which he discharged to the satisfaction of all. He has always been engaged in farming, and in this as well as in everything else that he has attempted, he is successful. He now owns a fine farm pleasantly located, of 300 or 400 acres in the south part of the town.

    John LINN was born July 25, 1827, in Germany. He received his education in the schools of his native country, and when he had reached the age of 21 years he married, Sept. 10, 1848, Miss Catharine Path, daughter of Frank Path; she was born in the same County as Mr. Linn, March 18, 1828. A few days after their marriage they started for America. The trip proved to be a long one, as they were 48 days on the water. They lived in New York the first year, spending the first three months in the city of Rochester, and the rest of the year on a farm about 12 miles from the city, in Monroe County. In the fall of 1839 they came to Jackson County, living for a few years near Jackson, in the town of Summit. In 1863 they removed to the town of Tompkins, and after a residence there of about two years came to his farm in Springport, on which they now live. They have 6 children—Mary, now Mrs. Gideon Hessens, of Jackson; Kittie, now Mrs. John Robbins; Celia, Ella, George and Frank. Mr. Linn has always been engaged in farming, and now has a good farm of 160 acres of land.

    Caleb MINER was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., at the village of Nine Partners, on the banks of the Hudson, April, 27, 1812. He is the son of Elnathan and Amy (Weeks) Miner, natives of Long Island. When he was two years of age, his father being dead, his mother removed to Putnam County, N. Y., where he spent the days of his boyhood until he had reached the age of 10 or 11 years, when the family removed to Saratoga County, and a few years later to Wayne County, of the same State. Here he grew to manhood, and in 1830 he married Catharine Gee, who was also born in Dutchess County, N. Y.; is the daughter of Isaac Gee, one of the early settlers of this County. She died in Nebraska, where she had gone in hopes of recovering her failing health, April 30, 1875. Mr. Miner has a family of 6 children—Elnathan, Charlotte, Phebe, Caleb, Isaac and Newton. Mr. Miner came to Michigan from Wayne County, N. Y., in the fall of 1849, and bought the farm on which he now lives of a Mr. Hecox. He has improved it and now has a good farm and a pleasant home. He was married a second time, Feb. 2, 1877, to Phebe Mosier, widow of Arthur Mosier. She was a sister of his former wife, and was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1816.

    R. H. MYERS, son of Abraham Myers, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1827, where he lived until 10 years of age, when he went to Ulster County of that State. He lived there until 1847, when he went to the city of New York, where he joined Col. Stephenson's regiment. It was an independent regiment that was fitting to go to California. They left New York Aug. 9, 1847, going by way of Valparaiso and touching at the Sandwich Islands, and reached Sacramento in August, 1843, where the company were disbanded. Mr. Myers then shipped on a whaling vessel for the South Seas; but after being out a short time he, in company with six others concluded they would sooner brave the sea in an open boat than endure the tyranny that they were compelled to on board the vessel; they deserted the ship one night in an open boat, and after a week or more they came in sight of land, and after much trouble landed. Finding but a barren coast, they started inward and soon found natives, who showed them where some Spaniards had an orange plantation, from whom they learned that they were on the coast of Peru. Mr. Myers and his companions wandered through this country for about two years, when they found a vessel going to New Bedford, Mass. They shipped aboard this vessel and in due time arrived in New Bedford. For several years after, he was engaged on whaling vessels and made a number of voyages to the Polar Seas and around the coasts of Africa and China. After an absence of over six years, in which time his family had never heard of him, they supposing him dead, he returned to his home. His father was then living near Syracuse, N. Y.
    In the summer of 1852, he came in company with his father and his family, to Jackson County. Mr. Myers was married in Springport, Nov. 18, 1853, to Rebecca Tucker, daughter of Ichabod and Olive Tucker. She was born in Genesee County, N. Y. They lived in this County until in 1859, when they removed to Allen County, Kansas, remaining one year, when they returned to Jackson County, where they have resided since. In November, 1873, Mr. Myers came to the village of Springport, and was proprietor of the hotel for a year or two, when he engaged in general merchandising. He has a large patronage and has made a success of the mercantile business. They have 2 children—Charles and George.

    Benjamin PECKHAM, son of Samuel and Mary Peckham, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., May 26, 1815. He lived here until he had reached the age of 21 years, then came to Tecumseh, Mich., in May 1836; bought a piece of land here and lived on it until the fall of 1837, sold it and came to Jackson County, locating in the town of Parma, where he has lived since, with the exception of a couple of years spent in Albion, and four in Jackson. In 1840 he returned to Rensselaer County, where, March 25, 1840, he married Annie E. Cushman, daughter of Stephen and Ruth Cushman; she was born in Rensselaer County, July, 1823. They have 4 children—Merritt, Mary, now Mrs. C. C. Brown; William and Stephen, all living in Parma. Mr. P. has been Supervisor of the town of Parma during the years of 1846-7, l852-'3,1856-'7. In his business affairs he has been quite successful. He was perhaps the first man in Jackson County to introduce fine-wool sheep.

    Christopher POPE, son of Henry and Rhoda (Pendell) Pope, was born in the town of Lyons. Wayne Co., N. Y., October, 1812. At the age of 20 Mr. Pope went to Fredersburg, Canada, and in 1837, he married Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Jacob and Lena Smith. They were both natives of Canada. Mrs. Pope was born in the town in which she was married in February, 1813. They continued to live here until the fall of 1839, when they came to Michigan, settling on the farm on which they now live. They have 1 child, Jacob S. Pope, born in March, 1838. He grew up to the years of manhood on the farm on which he still lives, receiving his education in the schools of his County. He married in January, 1868, Jane Antoinette Adams, who was born in this County in February, 1838, and is the daughter of David and Hannah Adams of this County.
Two years previous to their moving to this place Mr. Pope and his father had made a visit to Michigan and located the land on which he afterward settled. They have a fine farm of 280 acres. Mr. Pope has been Class-leader in the M. E. Church for the past 40 years. He has also held many of the offices of his town.

    Arad J. STARR, son of Joseph and Ruth Starr, was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1811. His father was a farmer. At the age of 12 years his mother died, and when he reached 14 his father died, and he lived with his older brother, Dewitt Starr, until he was 17 or 18, when he went to his uncle, George Ludlow, and engaged with him to serve an apprenticeship at the millwright trade for three years, at nine cents per day. After his term of service was out he followed his trade in that County until he was about 25 years of age, when, in the fall of 1836, he came to Jackson County, Mich. He returned the same fall, and in the spring of 1837 came again and lived with his brother-in-law, S. H. Ludlow; in the fall of 1838 he again visited his home in New York. May 9, 1839, he was married to Caroline, daughter of Archibald and Esther Dixon, one of the pioneer families in the town of Springport. She was born in Cortlandville, Cortland Co., N. Y., May 21, 1817, and came to Michigan in the spring of 1837, her father's family having come the fall previous. Children—Mary, born Jan. 14, 1849, and Frank, born Nov. 7, 1851. Frank was married Sept. 25, 1876, to Mary, daughter of Oscar and Melissa Olmsted. She was born in Shiawassee County, Mich. A short time after their marriage, in 1839, Mr. Starr removed to their farm in the town of Parma, where they lived about 15 years, when they went to the village of Parma, where another year was spent. They then bought a farm in the "Quaker settlement," in the same town. In the spring of 1835 they came to the town of Springport, and in 1862 removed to the farm on which the family are still living and where Mr. Starr died Jan. 26, 1881. A short time after their marriage, they both united with the M. E. Church at the " North Parma Church." Mr. Starr was a diligent searcher of the Scriptures, and was licensed to exhort in the M. E. Church about 20 years since. Some five years ago, after carefully reading the Scriptures, he embraced the faith of the Adventists, and since that time, joined that society in his devotions. Mrs. Starr had been a member of that Church for some 15 years. Mr. Stan was truly an exemplary man.

    Abram VAN GORDON, son of Isaac and Rose Van Gordon, was born in Orange County, N. Y., July 25, 1805. His family moved to Yates County, N. Y., when he was about 10 or 11 years of age, where he lived until 1828, when he moved to Orleans County, of the same State, and being a carpenter and jointer by trade, he plied his vocation for several years in this and the adjoining counties. Dec. 4, 1831, in Orleans County, he was married to Catharine Freeman, daughter of John and Ann Freeman. She was born Feb. 18, 1814, in Saratoga County, N. Y., and they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are now living—Hannah, now Mrs. G. Dunham; Amanda, now Mrs. H. D. Griffith, and William. In the fall of 1835, Mr. V. came to Michigan and purchased of the Government the land on which he now lives. He returned to Orleans County, and in the fall of 1846 removed his family to Michigan, settling on the farm on which they are still living. He has carved out of the woods a fine farm, and now has a pleasant home with cheerful surroundings.

    George WILCOX, son of Asa and Sarah (Price) Wilcox, was born in Allington, Bennington Co., Vt., Oct. 29., 1806. His parents were natives of Dutchess County, N. Y. While he was yet an infant, his family removed to Warren County, N. Y. Here he lived until he had reached the age of 17 years, when he went to Jefferson County, where he went to school what time he could during the winter. He married in Jefferson County, April 27, 1828, Azubah Graves, daughter of Lemuel and Eleanor Graves; she was born in Jefferson County, Feb. 29, 1808. They have 9 children, viz.: Daniel, now living in this town; Ellen, now Mrs. H. Johnson, living in Missouri; Norman, living in Illinois; George, who enlisted in a California battalion; his regiment was taken to Massachusetts and there was transferred to the 3d Mass. Cav; at the battle of Gettysburg he was taken a prisoner and sent to Andersonville; is now living in the city of Lansing; Samuel died in Illinois in 1861; Elisha enlisted in the 42d 111. Vol., Co. H; while on the skirmishing line near Atlanta, Ga., he was killed July 22, 1864; Harvey was a member of the same company as his brother Elisha. He went out to battle in November, 1864, and was never heard from; Asa was in the 6th Mich. Heavy Art., Co. H, and died in July, 1864, in the hospital at Natchez, Miss.; Sarah, the youngest child, died when two years of age. Of the 4 sons that went out to battle for their country, but 1 returned. The rest gave their life as a sacrifice for the cause of freedom. In the spring of 1832 Mr. Wilcox, with his family, started for Ohio. They stopped at Erie, Pennsylvania, about six months; lived near Cleveland some six years; removed to Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio; staid there but a few years; returned to the place near Cleveland, and in the fall of 1848 came to Michigan, settling at Springport, where he has since lived. At the age of 13 years he joined the Baptist Church; some years after united with the M. E. Church. He has been licensed as a local preacher for the past 26 years. In politics he has always been a staunch Republican.

    Heuben YERENTON, son of John and Rhoda (Covey) Yerenton both natives of Connecticut, was born in the town of Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., March 15, 1818. Mr. R. grew up in his native County, and in the fall of 1836 accompanied his father to Michigan, settling in the town of Green Oaks, Livingston Co. When he had attained the age of about 23 years he left home and went to Allegan, Mich., where he spent several years, when he came to Sandstone, Jackson Co. After dwelling here for a time, he came to the town of Springport where, in 1854, he married Lurena Hicks daughter of Nathaniel Hicks, of that town. She was born in March, 1828, in Orleans County, N. Y., and came to Jackson County in 1845. After their marriage they removed to Eaton County, where they were engaged in farming for several years with fair success. Some 15 years ago he came to the village of Springport, where he has since carried on a general store, and is one of the oldest and most successful merchants of that pleasant village.