Jephtha Whitman built the first log house, in which he lived and kept a store and postoffice. The first hotel was a double log house built and run by William Sutton. The first school was taught by Miss Louisa Dell man, in a log house erected for that purpose. The first church organization was the Methodist, in 1836, with seven members. Rev. Mr. Staples was the first minister. The first Methodist church edifice was dedicated in May, 1852, R. R. Richards presiding elder. The trustees were Hiram Wakefield, Josiah Osgood, Daniel Reed, S. D. Wilson and Samuel Warner. A Baptist church was organized in 1852, with fifteen members. The Congregational church was organized in 1858, with the Rev. George Barnum as pastor. The first frame building was erected by David M. Haight, and was occupied as a store. The first gristmill was erected in 1852 by Franklin Cawley and Dennis Wakefield. The first plat of the village was made in 1852 by Franklin Cawley, who platted an addition in 1858. The first name given the village was "Brighton," but owing to the fact of there being another village in the state of the same name, it was changed to Morenci by Mr. Whitman and S. D. Wilson. At that time there were four stores in the village, the original one having ceased to exist.

From this time, 1852, until the present the village has steadily grown in importance and wealth. It was incorporated in 1871, and is now one of the most thriving business points and growing centers of population in the county, outside of Adrian and Hudson. There is a splendid public school system, adequate churches, and a sound and progressive social sentiment, while the village today is one of the handsomest and most desirable places of residence in the county. The business interests of Morenci are large and varied. There arc two banks with an abundant capital, with surplus and deposits amounting to more than $500,000. Two brick and tile yards have recently been opened with good material and very large capacity. The Chappell Healing Furnace Company is an important industry. E. W. Scofield, dealer in furniture and undertakers' supplies, manufactures a casket fastener that finds a ready market. The Michigan Brick and Tile Machine Works is a prosperous concern. The Morenci Holler Mills Company, merchant millers, is also another flourishing concern. The Ohio Dairy Company commenced the manufacture of condensed milk in 1902, and consumes daily more than 13 pounds of milk, the product being about 4.800 pounds. In 1902 the Morenci cheese factory made more than 148,000 pounds of cheese. There arc many more important enterprises that go to make up a prosperous and happy community. The village is the center of an excellent farming region and enjoys a large patronage from the nearby Ohio farmers.

The village has recently expended over $14,000 in laving brick pavement upon the principal streets, and the business places are lighted with electricity.

For railroad facilities the main line of the Wabash railroad, the Fayette branch of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, and the Toledo and Western electric line furnish adequate and complete- service. Other public improvements are contemplated.