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Sebewa Recollector
THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR,
REGISTER OF FUNERALS 1901 - 1913; SUNFIELD, MI 1901: Chas. Middaugh, age 1; Mrs. Geo. Meyers, 51 years of age; Mary J. Brailey, 50; J. I. Brown, 76; Myron Bosworth, 1; Child, 1; Tressie Bera, 28; Ann Rogers. 1902: Frank Gorham, 22 years of age; L. Green, 55; Charles L. Hampton, 46; William Sackett, 80; Conrad Becker, 71; J. C. Briggs, 72; Miss Curtis, 23; Sarah E. Prescot, 68; Kenneth Sayer, 3; Eliza Nichol, 66; Francis Cheal, 80; Daniel Bishop, 32; Florence Erdman, 34; Ellen Derby, 58. 1903: M. E. Grinell, age 75; Gertie Tessman, 20; Melvina Kidd, 72; Jeremiah Jacobs, 86; Lydia Beinsmith, 29; Harmon Barnes, 83; George Pool, 81; Florence Leninere, 30; Aaron Bark, 64; John Potter, 84; Mary Bennett; Henry Cramer, 87. 1904: Harrison Evans, 70 years of age; Anna Luscher, 88; Jada Grenger, 66; Ellen Hunter, 73; Geo. Kearcher, 69; Harold Peacock, 2 mo.; Sidney Foerman, 26; J. H. Neff, 63; Sarah Neff, 64; Aaron Peabody, 91; J. Benedict, 47; John Dow, 67; Wm. H. Bishop, 63; Elizabeth Potter, 81; Ella Beal, 3 mo.; John H. Hammond, 66; Geo. B. Thorp, 61; J. M. Shaver, 60; Anna M. Geisel, 82; Leonard Lumbert, 2 weeks. 1905: Clarah E. Moore, age 57; James Sherard, 50; Baby; B. F. Beekman, 59; Bosworth (stillborn); Cora March, 26; Samuel Ruff, 94; Mary Burlincourt, 75; Gladys Shaver, 14; R. L. Loomis, 78; Mary Priestman, 71; Bary Benschoter, 65; Jonathan Nichol, 82; Peral Stambaugh, 3; Sarah E. Mathews, 79; Anna Sayer, 44; Ohio Geisel, 36; Chas. Edwins, 26; A. C. Halladay, 76; Homer Knapp, 36; D. W. Litchfield, 70; Hannah Orser, 60; Purl Shaver, 36; Fuller (stillborn); Henry Dilley, 68; James Kidd, 74; Wm. Tomlinson, 41; Angila Filloon, 52; J. T. Marsil, 31; Edith O. Cooley, 29; Goldie M. Reynolds, 7; Daniel Huelett, 55; Emma Bosworth, 33; M. Culver, 1; L. C. Mathews, 81; Chas. Mead, 87; Edward A. Ives, 55; Pheba Pack, 69; Mary E. Lusk, 64; Elizabeth Raymond, 70. 1906: Charlotte E. Knapp, age 52; Lucina Bosworth, 71; Levi H. Filloon, 59; Elmer E. Hough, 39; Libbie S. Castle, 47; Lola M. Snyder, 26; Vern J. Goodrich, 8 mo.; Cloid Sanders, 21; Jacob Metzear, 84; Victor Burlincourt, 76; John Alcock, 78; James Porter, 79; Jerome Deuel; William Bennett, 84; Amanda R. Baughman, 2; William Norris, 61; Paul F. Boyer, 6 mo.; Herbert Preston, 38; Bruce Preston, 10; Nellie E. Ingalls, 20; William Lessman, 57; DeLoss Bishop, 70; Samuel P. Bliss, 79; Ransler Peling, 77; C. Brown (infant); E. M. Van Houten, 60. 1907: Catherine Stemler, age 61; Lucy M. Loucks, 60; Clinton E. West (infant); E. M. Bascom, 82; A. Prescott, 75; Harriett E. Soles, 44; Stephen M. Sackett, 72; John W. Welsh, 79; Bessie J. Friend, 24; Chas. Uridge, 66; Ada Branich, 26; Savina Tessman, 24; Electa Mead, 70; Wesley C. Fay, 63; Roxana Cawkins, 84; Roy C. Fogle, 17; Clara Bell Hyde, 25; F. F. Magden (infant); Chas. Jackson, 73; Edd Hubbs, 72; Nellie I. Miller, 38; Alfred L. Mapes, 69; Fannie E. Bishop, 27; M. Richardson; Emma S. Towns, 48; Mary Karcher, 82; Emily Smith, 77; John Sayer, 73; Emeline Walch; Judith Van Houten, 75; Alex J. Field, 73; Kelly Bosworth, 64; Marion York, 2 mo.; Elkanah Carpenter, 88; Ellen J. Dilley, 46; Elizabeth Hammond, 51; Ben Middaugh, 75; Nathan J. Smith, 75; Margaret Pool, 74; Silas Rawson, 71; Anna M. Stinchcomb, 44; Villa Smock, 27; Nettie H. Dilley, 35; Cynthia Barnes, 81; Loyd R. Childs, 1. BERA & MAPES REGISTER: 1907: Anna Cramer, 92 years of age; Rosa B. Halladay, 75. 1908: Leo K. Bosworth, age 30; Fred Erdman, 20; Henry Baughman, 74; Joseph O. Fleetham, 71; Christena Greiner, 75; C. Friendly; Amy Burns, 77; Amos Steel, 48; Adrian L. Smith, 30; Lilian White, 68; Wayne C. Mapes, 7 mo.; Jacob Hunmen; Sophia Gierman, 82; Alexander Figg, 92; Martha Hoover, 63; Burton S. Richard, 36; Gerald Hunt, 3; Susan Warren, 65; James Wilson; James Tomlinson, 73; John D. Smith, 85; Anna Howland, 51. 1910: L. Loomis, age 85; Henry H. Alleman, 87; John R. Petrie, 77; Frank Linhart, 62; Drusilla Williams; Sylvana Culver, 41; H. H. Wilcot, 19; Mary A. Halladay, 3; Georgia A. Eldred, 24; Pearl Brownfield, 52; Elizabeth Bottdorff, 81; Child of Claud Lumbert; Florence Keurcher; Fern Reese, 1; Lucy Collingham, 75; Ophelia Philips, 55; Mahlon Reese, 81; Mary Knapp, 39. 1911: Warren Gorham, age 86; Christian Frantz, 81; Mrs. W. H. Hardsock, 49; John Troub; Ester Park, 75; John Niles Town, 77; Jonah Carpenter, 94; Mary Jane Probasco, 72; Wilson Mann, 72; Jacob Collingham, 87; Amos Wooden, 75; Hazel Wescott, 10 mo.; Infant of Ludwig Hahl; Guy A. Green, 33; T. Luellen Inglis, 40; Jacob Jummel Jr., 30; Jemima Brumbaugh, 61; George Rawson Hunter, 19; David Gunn, 57; Ethel Van Dass, 32; Child of Arthur Dass, 2; Alta Baker, 16; Josie Hiar, 29; Alden Childs, 54; Noble Sackett, 77; Virgie Sagendorf, 2; Sarah Elizabeth Norris, 62; Wm. Thomas Shipman, 5 mo.; Emmeline Moore, 65; Willis Dewit Curtis, 67; Robert Witherell, 58; Anna DeCamp, 87; Infant of Bert Linhart. 1912: Anna Louise Preston, 64 years of age; James Rhodes, 84; Lottie Lundquist, 19; David Stinchcomb; Johnnie W. Joppie, 3; Marguerite Russ, 6; Sarah Smith, 73; Henry Spuce, 66; Adelphia O. Childs, 66; James Wilson, 77; Sarah Hummel, 63; Millie M. Stinchcomb, 38; James C. Beardsley, 58; Elmira Field, 75; William H. Pettingill, 74; Fanie R. Spencer, infant; Mrs. Della McClelland, 52; Geo. Fogle; Marquis Hammond; Wilmot Sears, 64; Mary Erdmans, 68; Geo. W. Gragg, 64; Edward Jessup, 5 mo.; Verne E. Barnum; Arthur Dirr, 7; Jacob Stemler, 66; Emma Geisel, 40; Daniel C. Moore, 66; Benjamin Probasco, 81; Martha Richards, 61; Mrs. Mann Jackson, 70; Clark Richard, 67; Frank H. Bacon, 67; Rebecca Laird, 85; Margarette M. Brown, 73; Ivy May Dilley, 33; Virginia Cheal, 51; Albert W. Meyers, 60; Winfield Prutt, 29. 1913: Lewis Staples, 60 years of age; Roy Bosworth, 50; Carl K. Beech, 7 mo.; Lovina Huff, 76; Alexander Lemmon, 76; Robert Barry, 89; Sally Ann Town, 77. ESTABLISHING THE PORTLAND
CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH IN SEBEWA Although the Henry Kenyons had been lured to Sebewa from Holland, Michigan in the early 1900s, their family was originally from Pennsylvania and therefore would be known as Pennsylvania Dutch. But as Mr. Kenyon had lived so long among real Hollanders, he was quite fluent in speaking the Holland language. Among others, Luurt Huizenga learned about the great future in farming that was promised for residents of Ionia County. A visit to the Henry Kenyon farm convinced Mr. and Mrs. Huizenga that this was the place to move with a family of five healthy sons and a daughter. Both families agreed that little more than a “disturbance” could be raised in all that sandy soil of Ottawa. The move was accomplished after Mr. Huizenga purchased the Merritt Allen farm through the Sunfield realtor, Charles Lundquist. It was on the east side of Sebewa Township and near the Kenyon farm. The house, though vacant at the time had lately been used as a “logger’s inn” and was to stand the family in good stead for many years. Its ample size made it a natural choice for the Church meetings that would be held there. The Huizengas, like many another family moving to a new area, sought a place of worship that would satisfy their spiritual needs. They attended churches in the area for a few years. However, since more families of Holland descent were now living within visiting range of one another and being accustomed to having worship services in their “mother tongue”, the possibility of becoming a Mission Station was explored. It was during the summer of 1912 that Mrs. Huizenga sent a letter to the Board of Missions of the Christian Reformed Church to inquire about the possibility of a church being organized in the area. Her home was offered as the initial meeting place. The offer was accepted and the meetings began with one service each Sunday in the Holland language. I clearly recall Mother Huizenga telling on several occasions of how the old sewing machine with its removable cover was used as the first pulpit. The families of Jacob Bakker, T. Plaggemeyer and Albert Van Kampen were among the first to attend the meetings which were held regularly until winter set in. With the coming of spring, more folks had learned about the efforts being put forth by this small group of Hollanders fostering a Christian cause. Their interest made necessary a larger building for the meeting place. In April of 1913 the use of the Pierce schoolhouse was granted rent free to the group. The deserted old schoolhouse is still visible, a mile distant, to travelers on the Clarksville Road. Mr. Jacob Bakker was appointed as leader of the congregation and agreement was reached to have two services each Sunday in the Holland language. That first winter had many discouragements and there were times of deep depression---even to the point of giving up the whole project. But with the coming of another spring, still more families of Holland descent had located in Ionia County and the prospects for a Church seemed much brighter. It was soon evident that still larger quarters would be needed to accommodate the increasing attendance. The legal organization took place at the Pierce schoolhouse on June 22, 1915. Although the preceding activities had begun in Sebewa, the new Church was to be called the Christian Reformed Church of Portland, Michigan. A roll call showed nine member-families present plus several others who were interested who were not yet communicant members. At this writing there are only two Charter Members living in the general area; they are Miss Grace Huizenga and John Huizenga. The North Sebewa Wesleyan Methodist congregation with their church located at Clarksville and Shilton Roads offered to share their building with our people. We met there for some time and then heard of a church building that was for sale for the sum of $300 but if bought, it would have to be moved. The building was located five miles north, near the Riker School. This quotation from the PORTLAND OBSERVER gives the origin of the church at the original site on the west side of Sunfield Highway in section 10 of Orange Township. “December 8, 1874---The First United Brethren Church of Orange was dedicated last Sabbath with appropriate services, Bishop Edwards of Baltimore officiating. There was an outstanding debt of $800 against the house but after the sermon in the space of about 30 minutes the sum of $1,085 was raised in money and subscriptions. There were several who gave $100 each and two ladies, at least, who gave $50 each. In addition to this a very liberal collection was taken. Immediately after the means were raised to pay the indebtedness on the house, it was, in a solemn and impressive manner given to the great I AM for whose worship it was built. “B. M. Schenck’s History of Ionia and Montcalm Counties states that the building cost $2,100 and that United Brethren meetings were held in the King schoolhouse prior to the building of the church. We had chosen a site for our church at the corner of Clarksville and Sunfield Highways. The purchase of the building was made from an old fellow named Jim Crow who formerly lived in the Travis District. The next question was, “Who would move it for us?” When the need was made known a young man who owned and operated a threshing rig said he would do the job. The young man was Roll Aussicker, brother-in-law of Isaac Bazan. Early in January of 1922 the moving was ready to begin with Owen Striker of Sunfield engineering the job. The move was made in 64 hours on narrow country roads at a cost of $128. Mr. Striker was in the moving business and had the equipment and the experience to move such a large building. A large steel cable was attached to the building and strung out ahead to a pulley anchored to a steel stake in the frozen ground. Gerrit Smith says he can vouch for that because it was his job to drive the stake each time. The cable was then returned to the building where it passed through another pulley before being attached to the pull of Aussicker’s Baker steam engine. Thus when Roll applied the power he traveled three times the distance the church was moved. When the cable was fully extended and the pulleys closed their distance, the hitch was released and Van Kampen’s horse was hitched to the forward pulley to string out the cable for another go after the steamer had backtracked for the new hitch. So it went---hitch and haul, hitch and haul for mile after mile until the Clarksville Road intersection was reached. Rev. J. R. Brink, who had been at the helm of the project since the beginning, stuck right with the men during the whole process, walking the entire distance and many times laying his hand on the slowly moving building as if to steady it. To bring the building into location, a swing was made around to the east side of the Travis schoolhouse. Elmer Creighton recalls the steam and smoke from the puffing engine clouded the windows of the schoolhouse and caused so much excitement that the teacher dismissed school for the day. Elmer was one of the fortunate ones who got to watch the proceedings as his father had come to see the operation. The final movement of the building was accomplished with a horse and winch. Next a need arose for a home for the future pastor, who would be serving the congregation. A house was purchased from Ben Probasco from its site two miles south on Sunfield Highway. It was moved onto its new location near the Church in January of 1924, again with Owen Striker doing the job. This time Sam Creighton with his Greyhound steamer and Frank Cassel with an Advance steamer supplied the motive power. Parishoners worked to make the house a comfortable home for its future occupants. Gradually the services changed to the English language---at first on a share and share alike basis and later the Holland language was dropped. The hardy folks who had the insight and courage to establish a new church would see a vast difference today with modern heat and lighting replacing the old wood burner and the kerosene lamps and now an electronic organ for the music. The Christian Reformed Church of Portland, Michigan, is now standing at the corner of Sunfield Highway and the Clarksville Road seems a fitting monument to the faith and persistence of its founders. Ministers who served this church were: Rev. Wm. Alkema 1925-28 Rev. Lambert Van Haitsma 1929-1943 Rev. Dick Oostenink 1943-1945 Rev. Bernard T. Haan 1946-1949 Rev. Andrew DeVries 1950-1955 Rev. Richard Vande Kleft 1955-1959 Rev. Harmon Kuizema 1962- THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR, CORRECTION OF AN OMISSION: In the April issue of The Recollector in the article on The Portland Christian Reformed Church, the name of one of the ministers was inadvertently omitted. The corrected list is as follows: Rev. Wm Alkema 1929-28 Rev. Lambert Van Haitsma 1929-43 Rev. Dick Oostenink 1943-45 Rev. Bernard T. Haan 1946-1949 Rev. Andrew DeVries 1950-55 Rev. Richard Vande Kieft 1955-59 Rev. William Vande Kieft 1959-62 Rev. Harmon Kuizema 1962 A GLIMPSE AT SEVEN GENERATIONS by Gladys Shetterly Cook – My parents, Ozro B. Shetterly and Lillie Rowe Shetterly came to West Sebewa from Orange Township shortly after they were married in 1891. Our farm was on the south side of section 7 on Henderson Road. Ozro’s parents, Charles and Polly Hakes Shetterly, lived on Reeder Road north and west of Collins. They came to Orange from Barry County but had previously lived in Ohio. My mother’s parents were Robert and Emma Barber Rowe. Emma’s mother, my great grandmother, also named Emma, and whom I can rember before she died at age 93, came from England. The story goes that she once got the prize for having the prettiest head of hair of any girl in London then. Ozro B. Shetterly attended school in Barry County and at the Keefer distict in Orange. After my parents were married they spent most of their lives at West Sebewa where my nephew, Phil Shetterly and family now live. My grandfather Shetterly lived with my parents in his retiring years. When my father retired from farming, he and Mother moved to what is now my home in Lake Odessa. It was then that my brother, Dale, took over the farming until he, too, moved to Lake Odessa and left the farming to Phil’s efforts. I was born on the Sebewa Farm in 1893 and went to school at West Sebewa. Clare Murphy was my first teacher. He was followed by Alta Johnson of Lake Odessa for two years before Bertha Hagerman taught for the next four years. When I graduated from the eighth grade, Glenn Coe, Leona Coe Westbrook, Iailah Rebedue, Ella Peacock Wilson were in my class. We had our graduating exercises at the Presbyterian Church, just south of the West Sebewa store. We had commencement night and we all marched up on the platform and got our eighth grade certificates. It was a high big night for us. Previously we had gone to Lake Odessa to write the county eighth grade examination and had passed it. Other pupils in the school as I remember them were Arthur Creighton, Theron McNeil, Bill Downing, Clarice Goodemoot Andrews, Jessie Waring Oatley, Mabel Sexton Valentine and Gladys Snyder Cook. After the eighth grade came high school at Lake Odessa. My folks made arrangements for me to room and board with a family by the name of George Carr. He was the baggage master at the railroad depot. My father would bring me to Lake Odessa on Monday mornings and would come for me again on Fridays so that I could be home on week ends. The second year I boarded with a family by the name of Cooley. They were old people who had lived west of Lake Odessa. The last two years of my high school I lived with the Ora Lapo family. Mr. Lapo ran a hardware store. He had a daughter, Iva, who later married Dale Griffin. In my first year in high school, George Downs was the superintendent. We had a teacher by the name of Nettie Van Houten. In my last two years Kittie Van Houten, Nettie’s sister, taught. They came from Portland. I think we had a baseball team and a girls’ basketball team for a little while, though I never played. There was no gymnasium in that school building. We had a janitor by the name of Heaton. One of his tasks was to ring the bell, which was then in the belfry of that old school building that burned in 1922. That is the same bell that is mounted in front of the present elementary school building. Mr. Heaton was always careful to ring the bell a few taps longer if he saw somebody hurrying to get there on time. There were thirteen in our graduating class of 1910 and there are six or seven still living. They are Helen Cheetham, living in Montana; Dale Griffin, who lives in Grand Rapids now and Stanley Dann, Ethel Morrow Jackson and I all living in Lake Odessa. Veda Laop Blickenstaff lives somewhere near Detroit and I believe Lottie Healy is still alive, living in Grand Rapids thoug I don’t know what her married name is. We had class night and graduation in the Lake Odessa Methodist Church, one following the other. I cannot remember who was our speaker or what advice he may have given us. THE VILLAGE OF SUNFIELD LONG AGO – Written for the children of Sunfield, Heritage Day, Michigan Week, May 1972 by Mrs. Richard Berg People have long thought that Sunfield didn’t begin until the late 1880s when the railroad was built; but in 1878 the Editor of the PORTLAND OBSERVER wrote “Sunfield is booming! Two new stores are going up and there is a sawmill, cheese factory, livery, blacksmith, furniture store and many others.” The railroad did not cause Sunfield to begin, but it did keep it alive. So it seems that Sunfield is now about 94 years old. The sawmills cleared the land and sawed logs into boards for buildings. The small logs, they laid close together to make roads in wet places. These were called corduroy roads and at the GAR Hall you still see a piece of one that was dug on Jackson street last summer, about three feet beneath the present street. Another early business was brick-making. The clay from the pit on what is now Dale Steward’s farm made bricks of a soft yellow color. Two of the houses made from Sunfield brick are at the corner of First and Washington Sts. This brick yard was very busy. In one week it shipped 100,000 bricks to the new town of Lake Odessa. Did you know that some of Sunfield is in Greenfield Village? The old buildings next to the railroad tracks used to be a flour mill. In 1929 when Henry Ford was collecting things for his museum, he came to Sunfield and bought the old machinery from that mill as well as the hitching posts and rails that had been on Main Street. Ask to see them next time you go to Greenfield Village! The first school was made of logs and stood on the south side of M-43 as you go toward Lake Odessa, just about where our Village limits sign is. It was called the Burns School because it was near a Mr. Burns’ house. It was built in 1845 and was used until 1856 when Mr. John Dow gave ¼ acre of land which is now the northeast corner of First St. and M-43 and a new frame schoolhouse was built. This was also used for meetings, elections and entertainments until the present school was built in 1893. The old school was moved up on First St. and was the Methodist Church. Later it was made into a home and is now the Shilton’s house. When people moved into town from the country they brought their livestock with them and it was common to see pigs, cows and chickens wandering down the streets. Most people had a barn which housed not only animals, but a bright, shiny buggy and a horse or two for pulling it. It was 1907 when the first automobile came to Sunfield and in 1908 there were six of them. The printing office of the SUNFIELD SUN was where the Fixit Shop is now and on the opposite corner was a big 2-story wood building owned by Dr. VanAndee. He was also a druggist, the postmaster and sold drugs and groceries. The people worked very hard, but they liked fun, too. Such things as singing school spelling bees, dances and the ever-popular baseball, which they played in a pasture that is now a part of our park. The Sunfield Cornet Band was popular far and near and played for fairs, picnics and parades and gave weekly concerts in the band stand that stood where the Fargo Station is. In 1899 the village incorporated so it could govern itself and Joel, Bera, grandfather of Jack and Larry Mapes was the first Village President. The Village Hall was built in 1904 and the first electricity in Sunfield was made in the rear of the building in 1920. The Sunfield Historical Society hopes you will enjoy seeing their display at the GAR Hall today and that you will want to learn more about the people who worked so hard to make a place for you and me to live. THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR,
HERE LIES THE BODY OF JONATHAN INGALLS---REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER (from the scrapbook of Ella H. Gunn is found this clipping giving more information about Sebewa’s Revolutionary War soldier.) The body of Jonathan Ingalls lies in a field a short distance south of Sebewa Corners. The stone marking the burial is placed close to the roadside where it may easily be read by those who pass. The stone was prepared from native Ionia county rock by John Shell of Ionia and was designed with taste as well as with a thought to permanency. Mrs. Levi Marshall, regent of the chapter (Stevens Thompson Mason Daughters of the American Revolution) led the ceremonies. Following the reading of the ritual the purpose of the placing of the stone and some of the projects of the Chapter were told by Miss Kate L. Benedict, former regent. She stated that the work done by the Chapter is conducted largely to preserve for posterity the interesting and historical facts and legends concerning Michigan and to make it as interesting a place through which to travel as many historic places in the east are today. Mrs. Marshall formally presented the red granite monument to the public as Geer Smith and Marian Morse drew the cords which raised the American flag from the cut surface of the rock. At the grave of Jonathan Ingalls the ceremony was brief, but impressive. Mrs. D. L. Spaulding, a granddaughter of the Revolutionary War veteran, read a brief account of his life before the assembled crowd. According to the facts given by her, Ingalls was born in Exeter, N. H. May 4, 1762. Entering the Revolutionary War at the same time that his father did, when the youth was but 13 years of age, he served throughout the entire war, which won for the colonies their freedom from the British government. He was with the forces commanded by Gen. Benedict Arnold when, angered by what he thought insufficient recognition for his valuable services at Saratoga and by a rebuke from George Washington later, he planned to surrender his forces to the British. Mr. Ingalls served through the entire war. He came to live in Sebewa Township about 1837. He was previously married in 1785 to Abigail Cleveland, an aunt of former President Grover Cleveland, of the United States. Mr. Ingalls died October 2, 1843. Rev. W. K. Spencer gave the principal address at the unveiling ceremony. He pleaded for the type of loyalty to the nation which actuated Jonathan Ingalls to withstand the privations of the Revolutionary War. He urged that people of today be more mindful of what our forefathers did to make the nation great and to strive to set an equally fine example to our descendants. SEBEWA CENTER’S FIRST HOMECOMING: The homecoming at Sebewa Center, held the last day of school, June 2, (1923), was attended by upward of 150 persons, which included teachers, pupils and residents. More would have been present had it been possible to find all the old school records, so as to send invitations to all. A potluck dinner was served, cafeteria style and was one of the big features of the day. After dinner, picked teams played baseball, which was especially enjoyed by the young. The program was in charge of Elmer Gierman, and consisted of songs, speeches and reminiscences. Charles Ralston gave a very interesting talk on the history of the school district and included in same the minutes of a school meeting held in September, 1864---the earliest record to be found. At this meeting it was voted to have four months school in winter and three in summer. It was also voted to hire a lady teacher. Lovina Meyers was hired for the winter at $16.50 per month. Margaret Young was hired for the summer at $10.00. It was voted to assess $1.00 for each pupil and $15.00 for incindentals, which is certainly some contrast when compared with school expenses of today. Names and ages of pupils attending the school that year were read, but one of whom, Jacob Luscher, of Ionia, being present. At that time the schoolhouse was a mile east of where the present one stands. In 1883 ground was bought of Ed Kenyon and the present schoolhouse erected. Orrin Goodrich was the first teacher. Mrs. Robert Gierman expressed appreciation of what the school has meant to the community; also of its value to her and her family. Mrs. Lydia Meyers, Mrs. Gierman’s mother, was teacher of the Center school at one time---while the present Mrs. Gierman and her future husband were scholars there. (This, no doubt is an error in reporting as Mrs. Meyers taught the school before she was married.) In time Mrs. Gierman herself became the teacher, occupying this position for three years. Now the Gierman children are pupils and perhaps some of them may also teach the school in future years. Men who had been punished by whipping while attending school, were asked to rise. Evidently all were very good, for only one man, Peter Britten, who must have been a real boy, arose. Asked to relate his experience, he gave a thrilling account of one whipping, which brought forth storms of applause. Remarks were made by Mrs. Lydia Meyers and Hugh Wellfare, former teachers. It was voted to have the homecoming an annual affair. Robert Gierman was chosen president and Elmer Gierman secretary-treasurer. Among those from away who attended the homecoming were: Dr. Martha Hixson of Grand Ledge. Peter Britten of Riverdale. Mr. and Mrs. Perry Heaven and little son, Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Gibbs and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Barclay, Mrs. Matilda Wood, Marvin Kenyon, Portland. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Pettingill and children Norma and Dale, Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Mel Blossom and granddaughters, Alice and Thelma Oatley; Mrs. And Mrs. Harry Tussing, Lake Odessa. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Luscher and Glenn Smith, Ionia. Joe Arnold, Edmore. THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR,
BUILDING THE SUNFIELD ROAD by Howard Cross – In 1924 contracts were let for building the Sunfield road in three sections. The part from Eaton Highway to Bippley Road went to Dohney and Johnson. Homer and Carl Pierce and John and Charlie Campbell took the low ground section from Bippley Road to the Clarksville Road and the stretch from Clarksville Road to Portland Road went to Homer Pierce. I worked as a truck driver on a cabless Model T Ford dump truck with a Warfore transmission for Dohney & Johnson. Also on our crew were Casey Barber, Charlie Kenyon, Harold Meyers, Charlie Weaver, Stub Fees, Hubert Ritenburg, Bill Knapp and a man by the name of Forester who lived a little west of me on Henderson Road. Of this group I think I am the only one still living. The grading for the road was done by teams pulling plows, buck scrapers, dump scrapers and a four-wheel road grader. All of these were used variously to make a road grade of shoulders on either side of an eight-foot section of six inches of gravel. The gravel came from Hall Ingalls pit at the bend of the creek north of the bridge on Rippley Road. The gravel was dug from the pit by a dragline, a scoop attached to a looped cable and powered by a stationary engine. The gravel was screened and piled in a machine operation and from there it could be loaded by gravity feed to the dump trucks. We were able to make a good many trips in a day. Toward the end of the project we used some White trucks. We had about ten trucks in use. Bill Knapp was in charge of spreading the gravel on the road bed. The next spring I followed my employer to Farmington where I hauled milk to the condensery. This man was married to a niece of Henry Ford. Henry would drive out to Farmington two or three times a week for a visit. Many a time he would ask me to get into the old swing with him for a chat. He would carry on a conversation of the commonest things as would any neighbor. End. NOW THE COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION DOES IT – Following the July 10 two-to-one approval by the Sebewa Township voters to raise a tax of two mils for three years for road improvement, some construction has been done on township roads. For most of the distance from Bippley to Musgrove on Shilton Road, ditches have been cut and shoulders graded and made ready for gravel. Almost in a twinkling of an eye, it seemed, for the grader and scrapers came in the morning and were finished before the day was over. What a contrast to 1924 or the early 50’s when Bippley Road was graded and graveled! Road Commission officials have made it known they will not tolerate the plowing-in of the ditches. Any complaints of that offense will be prosecuted under the law protecting the highway as constructed. HISTORY OF THE HALLADAY SCHOOL AND SEBEWA TOWNSHIP – The Halladay school reunion was held at the schoolhouse Friday (year not recorded) with 95 present. A dinner was served and a fine program given in charge of the president, Mrs. Lee Culver. Mrs. Herbert Avery was the secretary. The dinner, program and visiting were enjoyed by all. At the business session, Percy Ball was elected president and Ida Reahm, secretary. A very complete history of the Halladay school district and of Sebewa Township was compiled by Mrs. Zoe Brooks and read by Miss Lillian Bidwell. Mrs. Brooks spent a great deal of time in gathering material and writing the history and it certainly was very interesting and Mrs. Brooks’ work was greatly appreciated by all. The following is part of the history as written by Mrs. Brooks: The first white settler resident in Sebewa Township was a Mr. Jones, who, with his wife, came in 1836 carrying their belongings on their backs. They were poor but thought they might earn a living in the woods. Living in a tent, they soon sickened of starving on roots and herbs and, being surrounded by the howling wolves, moved on. The same year Jacob Showerman came on a land hunting expedition. He waited two weeks at Ionia’s land office for his turn in selecting 160 acres on section 22, then went back east. In 1838 John Terrill became a permanent resident on section 25; Charles Ingalls and John Brown on section 36. All three were from Vermont. The forest wild gave way before the sturdy blows of their ringing axes. In 1839 Wm. Hodge, Jahn Maxim, Joseph Munn, Jacob Showerman and Eleazer Brown came. Showerman and Brown arranged with Terrill to house their families until they could arrange to lodge them. For four weeks twenty persons lodged and lived in Terrill’s little log cabin of one room. Brown settled on section 26 and his daughter, Luriette, was the first white child born in Sebewa in 1841. (Editor’s note: In volume one, number one of the Sebewa Recollector is cited the birth of Martin VanBuren Terrill November 13, 1838.) In 1843 Terrill developed water power on Sebewa Creek with Anson Halbert (his son-in-law who came in 1841) and built a sawmill west of the Corners. Halbert built a log house at the Corners and opened a store in part of it. In 1843 came Benjamin Weld; in 1844 Rufus Goddard, whose 15-year-old son, Daniel went to mill for every one in the neighborhood. The roads were in horrible condition and it would take him two days to go to Portland with 10 bushels of wheat. He would start early in the morning with a pair of oxen and wagon and reach there about 10 o’clock at night and would bunk in the wagon wrapped in a blanket while his grist was being ground. In 1850 Pierce Cook, Nathan Steward, Frank Brown and Solomon Hess settled on the northwestern corner of the township. A. M. Ralston came in 1852 and settled on sections 8 and 17. Later J. C. Clark, George Snyder, John Waring and John Johnson came. About 1844 John Olry, Elkanah Carpenter, Andrew Estes, Wm. Reeder, Major Brown, John and Thomas Waddell, Stephen Pilkington, Moses Hogle and John C. Smith came. In 1852 there was a road on the line between Odessa and Sebewa townships known as the State Road. Then came Peter Mapes, David Griffin, Edward Sandborn, Orin Merchant, Wm. Estep, Chancey Lott, Jacob Green, I. Bretz, E. Probasco, T. J. ___, A. Garlock, P. Greiner. There were 16 taxpayers in 1845. Taxes were not high in those days but money was scarce. Carl Bidwell holds a receipt given by Charles G. Brooks, treasurer of Danby Township dated 1845 to Lorenzo Sears for $5.37 tax on 200 acres. First township election was held in 1845 at the home of Jacob Showerman at which 19 men voted. In 1853 42 persons voted and among these were Apollos E., Elihu ___ and Daniel Halladay, Charles Derby, Jacob Collingham, Lucius Showerman, Jacob ___, J. A. Whelpley and John Cooper. A number of these served as supervisors. In honor of Charles Ingalls it was proposed to call the township Charlestown, __ Rufus Goddard suggested the Indian name of Sebewa, meaning “little river” for the creek winding there. The first post office was established January 24, 1847 with Benjamin Weld postmaster; in 1853 Hiram Trim was postmaster; in 1854 Lucius Showerman was appointed postmaster and the office was moved to his home; in 1857 it was moved back to the Corners to the home of John Friend, postmaster; in 1854 Mr. Friend built a new house and opened a store in part of it and he ran this store until 1879. In 1876 he (Mr. Friend) gave the Methodist people, who were holding meetings ___ a nearby blacksmith shop ___ acre of land and $500 to help build the present M. Church. Before the church was completed, Mrs. Friend died and her funeral was in the grove known as the U. B. camp grounds. In 1849 Chauncey Lott and Jacob Green started a grist mill on Sebewa Creek, west __ the corners. In 1851 Mr. Hulse came to the Corners and sold a trunk full of goods to Aretus Howland, who opened a store. In 1854 Mr. Barber erected a tavern next door south of Friend’s house and later landlords were P. G. Cook and Hiram Trim. Some time later a tavern was built where Mrs. Duffy’s home is and this was operated by H__ Halladay and still stood there in 1890 when Charles Brooks, as a child, moved ___ with his parents from across Grand River in Danby. The first information regarding schools was dated January 12, 1846 and was called fractional school district No. 6 of Sebewa and Sunfield. District No. 1 was organized February 11, 1846. District No. 6 was formed April 13, 1852. Julia Wyman taught in the first school which was on the site now a part of Carl Bidwell’s farm and Mrs. Lorenzo Sears, nee Miss Samantha King, taught school in her log cabin home which stood on the site of Mrs. Clara Conkrite’s farm, there being at this time no roads, just paths through the woods and no schoolhouses. An Ionia county history book states the present Halladay schoolhouse was built before 1863. It is said this was painted blue and at one time was called the “Blue School”. Richard Fleetham, great grandfather to Will and John Fleetham, owned land on the corner and donated this school land. It is presumed it is called Halladay School because so many by that name owned land here. There were 16 taxpayers in 1845. Sebewa Township had one village within its limits known as Cornell and was laid by Pierce G. Cook, an agent of Elizabeth Cornell of New Jersey. It was platted April 11, 1867 and contained 96 lots and was also platted in Danby in 1880 and was renamed Sebewa. The first school reunion was held in June 1915 at the schoolhouse. In June 1917 it was held at the U. B. Camp Grounds and on June 13, 1918 at the annual reunion Rev. H. W. Ellinger gave the address of welcome and in behalf of the organization a service flag was presented to the school bearing stars for the following boys: Forrest Dinsmore, Richard Miller, Coyn Castle, Don Benschooter, Walter Brown, ___ Erdman, Corporal Otho Lowe, Thomas Richie, Dale Halladay, Archie Tryon, Lynn T. Anderson, Lawrence Friend and Captain Earle Spencer. The annual school reunions are held each year the second Friday in June at the schoolhouse. Three and four generations have attended this school. The clipping for this report is from the late Ella Gunn’s scrapbook. THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR,
For the years of 1859 and 1860, here are some of the items and prices in the store as shown in Mr. Cook’s account book. However trivial these purchases may seem in comparison to today’s offerings, they were the things that thrilled the family as store-bought goods. A small saddlebag would have held most purchases. Mr. Cook is in his store with these items for sale from time to time. 1859: 1 pint alcohol $ .20, 1 gun cone .10, 1 stone crock .25, 2 tumblers .25, 1 meat dish .31, ¾ yards alpaca .47, 62 feet plank .32, 1 fourth reader .50, ¼ lb. Alum .03, 1 bottle essence .08, cap lace .25, 1 lb. Salts .25. 1860: opium .13, camphor gum .13, whiskey .06, 1 darning needle .01, county order 4.00, Subscription on Ionia Journal 1.00, 1 ½ yds. Lace .38, 2 lbs. saluratus .16, garden rake .50, 8 fish hooks .24, manure fork 1.15, 1 gal. jug & contents .85, ½ lb. Allspice .10, 1 qt. Whiskey .20, 1,000 feet lumber 8.00, boy’s work in haying 9 ½ days 4.75, Postage on Letter .02, Cradle nib .18, 1 box pills .25, 1 rocking chair .63, Horse to Portland .25, opium .05, ½ lb. fine cut .19, fever powders .10, Paregoric .12, Quinine and calomel .50, Buggy to Portland .25, 1 flour duster to Henrietta Howell .10, Ink .05, 1 ball twine .12, 1 file .10, 1 bottle ague cure 1.00, 1 watch key .25, Order for coffin E. A. Nichols September 24, 1860 2.00, 1 oz. nutmeg .13, 3 lbs. Tallow .37, 31 ft. black walnut .31, 12 sheets foolscap .12, 2 hanks linen thread .12, 31 lbs. Buckwheat flour .41, 2 oz. extract .12, castor oil .10, 1 peck onions .25, 1 shawl 1.25, 1 broom .18, Oxen 3 days’ plowing 1.50, Trip to Lyons 1.00, Slate pencils .02, 1 rock chain 1.00, Setting shoes 1.05, 1 hat 1.00, 1 cap .63, 1 lamp 1.00, To horse keep 1.87, Horse shoeing .45, 12 lb. beef .72, Fix buggy for Mrs. Smith 2.50, Keep horses over night .45, 19 ½ lbs. Pork .78, killing hog .38, 1 pitcher .38, 13 lbs., 13 oz. butter 1.74, 17 lbs cheese 1.38, 1 bush scythe (to be paid for within 1 year) 1.00, 1 curry comb .19, 1 spade 1.25, 1 wooden bowl .50, 2 yds. Tape & 2 doz. Brass nails .15, 1 pair gloves .25, 3 bottles pain reliever .75, 3 yds jackinett cambrie 1.12, 1 lb. salts .13, Land side for plow .63, 1 augur .50, 1 wooden bowl .63, Chalk line & 2 fish hooks .07, 12 sheets of paper .12, ½ lb. tea .25, 1 scythe snath .50, 48 grains quinine .25, 1 bottle gargling oil .50, 1 scythe stone .18, Door hanging .33, t tumoler .12, 1 pitcher .13, 1 axe halve .06, 1 padlock .19, fix clevis .15. 1878 Items: Staple & ring and mend chair .60, Fix axe .38, Bushel bagas .13, Wintering cow 10.00, 5 lbs. Sugar .45, 1 lb. soda .10, 1 box matches .07, 2 pairs slippers .75, 1 can oysters .30, 3 lb. crackers .15, cloth for baby’s cloak 1.50, Cloth for wife’s circle 2.00, Myself & team one day 1.00, Scouring brick .08, Claria E. Cook’s photos 1.25, 3 yds. Cotton .30, 3 yds. Linen .25, 1 box collars .15, 1 dozen buttons .08, mouth organ .15, 1 spool thread .05, ½ lb. cinnamon .15, ½ lb. ginger .10, Team in barn .50, 2 cords wood .80, Kerosene oil .30, 20 yds. Carpet 2.50, 1 nursing rubber .15, Butchering hog .75, 2 cigars .10, 1 pair overshoes 1.50, 2 quarts syrup .33, 5 lbs. Sugar .45, ½ ton hay 4.00, 200 lbs. Flour 5.00, 1 tooth brush .15, 4 lemons .10, cod fish .53, 1 bar soap .20, 1 lb. raisins .12. From 1860 to 1878 the pattern of purchases had changed to all sorts of things that might have been considered extravagances before 1860. Most of the 1878 items were purchased by Mr. Cook after he had left the store and was in Portland as Justice of the Peace. THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR,
NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF POLLY (INGALIS) TIRRILL, 1872-75: SEBEWA’S CENTENNIAL FARMS: THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR,
THE SHAY FAMILY: THE DIARY OF POLLY TIRRILL (CONTINUED):
AN ADDITION: Further scrutiny of the current Sebewa plat map THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR, Meet Dorothy (Gunn) Robb – THE ROSINA ITEMS for November 5, 1890 state “John Gunn, well known to a good many people hereabouts, started for Texas with his wagon and team. He had the misfortune when as far as Clifton City, Mo. of being delayed by the death of one of his horses”. Mrs. Robb sent an inquiry to the Ionia County Clerk about her family origin. She is the granddaughter of John Gunn and the great granddaughter of Samuel Gunn and Carolyn (McCoy) Gunn. Mrs. Rob lives in Falun, Kansas. THE FINAL DAYS OF THE TRAVIS SCHOOL by Donna Elliott – THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR, THE SEBEWA RECOLLECTOR (MI),
Last update April 07, 2009 |
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