Benjamen Ensley

HIS township is 11 north, 11 west, and occupies the extreme southeastern corner of north by Croton Township, on the east by Montcalm County. on the south by Kent County, and on the west by Grant Township In the eastern part of the township are Round (or Conover) Lake, Baptist Lake, and Inglewright Lake each about 20 acres in extent. On the middle o] the south line is County Line Lake, and in section 7 is part of Moore's Lake. Ensley is one of the best agricultural townships, if not the best, in the county, and is well developed.

The township of Ensley was erected Oct. 18, 1858, and the first township meeting was held the first Monday in April, 1859, at the house of Benjamin Ensley, with Otis H. Kellogg, William S. Hillman and Hiram Suter as Inspectors. Augustus A. Kellogy was chosen the first Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following township officers were elected: George Wright, Supervisor William H. Cook, Clerk; Andrew Flynn, treasurer,

Luke Cook, Highway Commissioner; Charles H. Button, Drain Commissioner; Harvey Unrue and George W. Mutchler, School Inspectors; Marshall Buchanan, Alton S. Frey and James H. Haskins, Justices of the Peace; Luke Cook, Richard Terwilliger, Marshall Bucha nan and S. Wilbur Frey, Constables.

The population of Ensley Township in 1880 was 1,388.

There are now in the township eight whole school districts and one fractional district. For the year ending Sept. 3,1883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 20 was 456; number of children that attended school, 363; number of days of schoo l taught, 1,299 1/2 ; number of school-houses (all frame), 8; value of school property, $5,775; number of male teachers employed, 2; number of female teachers employed, 16; wages paid to male teachers, $240; wages paid to female teachers, $1,684.40.

The total equalized valuation of property in the township in 1859 was $26,618.50, and the taxation $226.25 In 1883 the valuation had increased to $$162,725, and the taxation to $1,562.21

Brooks

ACCORDING to the Congressional survey, Brooks Township is I2 west, 12 north, and is bounded on the north by Everett, on the east by Croton, on the south by Grant, on the west by Garfield. It, at first, connected the entire western half of the county and was one of the two first townships organized before the county itself. For many years it contained the west half of township 12 north, 12 west, and the east half of 12 north, 13 west. In 1880, the latter tract was used in making the new township of Ga rfield, and half a township was taken from Croton, by way of compensation. By this arrangement, the village of Newaygo is thrown on the line between Garfield and Brooks. The Muskegon winds through the township from east to west, crossing sections 24, 13, 14, 15, 23, 26, 27, 22, 21, 20 and 19. The Newaygo division of the Chicago & West Michigan railroad runs through the northwestern quarter of the township, crossing section 5' 4, 9, 17 and 18. In the southwestern corner lie Big Brooks (or Hess) Lake and Li ttle Brooks Lake. The former is about two miles long, and one of the largest bodies of water in the county. In the northwestern corner is Great Marl Lake, and portions of Little Marl and Pickerel Lakes.

Brooks was one of the two townships organized in 1851, before the county was organized. Isaac D. Merrill was the first Supervisor. At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following officers were elected: Sanford Brown, Supervisor; Frank Towns, Cl erk; James Herron, Treasurer; Otis Freeman, Highway Commissioner; Henry Hyde, Drain Commissioner; Samuel D. Bonner, School Inspector; Sanford Brown and John A. Brooks, Justices of the Peace; Aaron Courtwright, George King, John T. Thompson and Anselm Mill er, Constable.

The population of the township of Brooks in 1880 (then containing all of Newaygo village) was 1,497

There are now four school districts in Brooks Township. For the year ending Sept. 3, 1883, the number of children between the ages of 5 and IS was 502; the number of children that attended school, 295; number of non-resident pupils, 8; number of days o f school taught, 498 - number of frame school-houses, 3; number of log school-houses, I; number of pupils that can be seated, 384; value of -school property, $5,500; number of male teachers employed, 3; number of female teachers employed, 5; wages paid ma le teachers, $1,372; wages paid to females, $956.

The valuation of property in this township has increased from $44,613.33 in I853 to $127,775 in 1883, and the taxation from $189.79 in 1852 to $2,242 in 1883.



Newaygo is one of the oldest villages in Northern Michigan, dating back nearly half a century, and has been for over thirty years the county seat of a magnificent county. It has grown slowly, but steadily and surely, and now presents an appearance of p ermanent prosperity.

The first view that the traveler gets of Newaygo is always a surprise. As he comes around or over some hill, the village bursts into full view all at once, with the suddenness of a "jack in the box." I people journeying through here thirty years ago, t he sensation on reaching Newaygo was novel as well delightful. For many and weary miles an unbroken forest, and then with the suddenness of enchantment a compact, smiling village right at their feet, a though it had been transplanted into the wilderness a nd set down in a sheltered nook for their specie convenience.

The Muskegon River, a strong and rapid stream, running between high bluffs, here makes a crescent shaped bend, and a small valley is made by the bluffs on the south side, receding from the river and cutting across the curve like the string of a bow. I' this crescent-shaped valley lies Newaygo, raised little above the river bottoms by a sort of natural race at the foot of the southern bluff. The view from whatever direction is highly picturesque. O the north is the river, hugging closely to the foot o t he steep and curving bluffs, beyond, which is rising ground with a few clearings, and the bare skeleton like dead pines, that stand like white tombstones of departed forests. The bluffs that rise almost per pendicularly from the riverbank are in many plac es bare of vegetation, scarified and abraded by land slides, and scores of roll-ways down which hundreds of thousands of pine logs have been plunged into tile river.

The village lies at the foot of the opposite bluffs, the principal part of it on one straight street that leads from the depot to the courthouse. The railroad comes to the river below and southwest of the village, creeps in along the face of the southe rn bluff, passes between the village and the river, which it crosses above the middle of the bend, and finds a way out of the valley through the deep ravine, by which Pennoyer Creek cuts its way to the Muskegon.

On the Business Street, there are a number of brick buildings, all new and constructed in 1883. Since the fire in the spring of this year, only brick buildings can be erected in the business portion of the village. The residences are almost entirely of frame, painted white. There is no ostentatious display in the direction of expensive residences. In viewing the beautiful grass-covered bluff overlooking the village and valley, one cannot avoid wondering that some wealthy citizen has never been tempted to crown its summit with a magnificent mansion that would be the pride and envy of the town. But this feature remains to be added, and the only large building o' the hill is the fine schoolhouse with its spacious yard and surrounding lawn. Streets ascend the hill both above and below the village, but the stranger see the face of the hillside streetless and pathless covered with meadows and orchards; and is puzzled to know how he shall reach the school building Finally he gets sight of a meandering stairwa y near the upper part of the village, and by diligent search or inquiry, finds the narrow path that leads to its foot, and climbs its long series of broad steps, wondering how many broken legs and arms it occasions among the school-children every winter.< /p>

The dam across the Muskegon River is between the railroad bridge and the upper wagon bridge, and is 14 feet in height. There is a dam across the mouth of the Pennoyer Creek, which comes dashing down from among the hills in a series of cascades and rapi ds, and a flume to convey its waters if necessary into the Muskegon above the dam. It is a fine sight to see the locomotive come out of the ravine at this dam, pausing, elephant like, before it moves upon the bridge, giving the passengers an opportunity t o look out upon the flashing, foaming waters, the dam, and the beauties of the suddenly discovered village.

Newaygo derives its name from an Indian chief of distinction, who lived in Western Michigan in an early day, before it was explored by the whites, and when the site of the present village and the hill above it were favorite camping grounds of the India ns. In 1836, the pine forests of Western Michigan had begun to be spoken of at the East, but it was left for years of growth and development in the Western States to create a market that would render-tinge manufacture of lumber profitable.

It was in 1836 that Augustus and Frederick, brothers of Hon. Henry Pennoyer, of Ottawa County, built a sawmill on Pennoyer Creek, which was the first settlement at Newaygo. This mill was afterward run by Samuel Rose and Robert W. Morris, and grist-mill was added to it. The next miller was the well-known John A. Brooks, the father of Newaygo village. He was an enterprising and energetic man, who, previous to his coming to Michigan had been a hotelkeeper at Stanstead, Canada. Until 1852 he transacted the largest part of the business of the place, and until his death, after the close of the war (in which he held the post of quartermaster), he was prominent in both business and politics, being twice elected to the Legislature.

The village was platted by John A. Brooks and Sarell Wood, in 1854. The palmy days in the history of Newaygo began m 1853, when a number of enterprising men at Glens Falls, N. Y., who had previously purchased large tracts of lands on the Muskegon River , organized the " Newaygo Company," and commenced building a dam across the river, and erected one of the largest mills in the county, in which I20 saws were run The company consisted of A. N. Cheney, L. L. Arms, A. F. Orton, H. J. Orton and Amasa B. Wats on. Almost everything to be used in this work had to be conveyed from Grand Rapids by teams, giving employment to a large number of men. Greater hotel accommodations were needed, and the Exchange Hotel was erected by Samuel W. Matevey. The Brooks House wa s erected four years later, by John A. Brooks. The mill added at once nearly 200 to the population of the village.

From this time forward, Newaygo was an important point. It became the headquarters of the lumber business north of Grand Rapids. Mr. Brooks secured an appropriation to improve the Muskegon River flats near Muskegon to facilitate the running of rafts, a nd the river was so far improved that steamboats made regular trips to Newaygo during favorable seasons. Appropriations were made for State roads, and a road was built 88 miles north to Traverse City, and the road to Grand Rapids was graded and turnpiked. Centering at Newaygo, 187 miles of State roads were built in different directions. Hon. E. L. Gray, who came to the village in 1854, and thenceforward took an active part in all public enterprises, built 99 miles of these roads. As lumber operations exte nded up the Muskegon River, the trade of Newaygo increased. Its two large hotels were crowded with guests. Its merchants handled vast quantities of lumbermen's supplies. Long trains of teams traveled the roads leading to Grand Rapids and Muskegon, and a d aily stage ran to Grand Rapids, and afterward to Big Rapids, while a stage ran to Muskegon every other day. The Newaygo post-office was for several years the distributing post-office for the Grand Traverse region.

But all this was the work of years, during which Newaygo shared in the ups and downs of the lumber business. In 1857 the old Newaygo Company was compelled, like many other institutions in that disastrous year, to make an assignment and re-organize. In 1856, J. H. Maze, now of Grand Rapids, started the Newaygo Republican, which was for many years the only paper in the county.

A new order of things began in 1867, when the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad was built to Cedar Springs, and a share of the northern traffic and travel diverted in that direction, and it became evident that the commercial importance of the town could only be retained by securing railroad communications with Grand Rapids. This was accomplished through the persistent labor and wise management of D. P. Clay, ably seconded by W. D. Fuller, Hon. E. L. Gray, S. K. Riblet and other prominent citizens. The ra ilroad reached Newaygo Sept. 1l, 1872, and from that time has done a prosperous business. In 1876 it was extended to Morgan Station on the Big Rapids branch of the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore railroad. Its final terminus will be at Traverse City.

Soon after the railroad was built, the village was greatly improved by the grading and graveling of State Street, at an expense of between $3,000 and $4,000. This street, upon which are nearly all the stores, offices and public buildings, is excelled i n few, if any, western villages.

The lumber trade, though it will continue some years longer, must yearly become less and less a factor in its business, and Newaygo will finally have to fall back on its agricultural resources, and those of the surrounding country, for its importance. Happily for the town, these are abundant, and of a high order. The waterpower furnished by Muskegon River and Brooks and Pennoyer Creeks is amply sufficient to run more machinery than now exists in any city in Michigan, and it can be managed and applied w ith little trouble and expense. The field is an inviting one to men of capital and enterprise, and when the one overshadowing business of lumbering ceases to monopolize both, they will doubtless be diverted into the many branches of manufactures for which Newaygo furnishes so fine an opening. Brooks Creek, with more than a hundred feet fall in half a mile, should be lined with factories, and Pen-.

At present there are Pennoyer Creek with like superfluity of power, should also be put into use, while the strong and stable cur. rent of the Muskegon awaits the day when its tireless force shall turn hundreds of turbines and do the work of thousands o f men. Pure water and rapid streams render Newaygo one of the most healthful places in the State.

The act of the Legislature incorporating the village of Newaygo was approved March 16, 1867, and the first election was held April 8, following. The principal officers chosen at that time were as follows: John H. Standish, President; Wilkes L. Stuart, Dexter P. Glazier, Aaron S. Skinner, John A. Brooks, Augustus Paddock and Henry Kritzer, Trustees; William D. Fuller, Clerk. The following are the present village officers, chosen in April, 1883:

President, John H. Simmons; Trustees, I. N. Robinson, Jno. A. Brooks, Aaron S. Skinner, Tyson Smith, S. D. Bonner, Sanford Brown; Clerk, Walter, R. Taylor; Treasurer, S. D. Thompson; Assessor Wellington Persons; Marshal, Aaron Courtright; Village Attor ney, William D. Fuller'; Street Commissioner, S. K. Riblet; Fire Warden, A. D. Graves; Health Officer, David W. Flora; Pound Master, Richard Potter; Constable, Fred Rode; Special Police, Hewett Potter, L. Meeker.

Regular meeting of Council, first and third Wednesdays of every month.

The population of the village was 703 in 1870, 976 in 1874 and 1,097 in 1880.

THE NEWAYGO COMPANY has been referred to as one of the main pillars of Newaygo's prosperity, by employing a large number of hands, and adding to the general business of the village. The years of depression following the panic of 1873 caused this compan y to suspend, and many considered it dead. In 1880, all its property was bought out by a new company, called also the Newaygo Company. The stock in this new organization was composed of 4,000 shares, of $25 each. The shareholders at that time (substantial ly the same as now) were as follows: D. P. Clay, 3,600 shares; Bennett Fulkerson, 130; John B. Graves, 50; Luther Colby, 40; George H. Hobart, 40; Albert V. Thompson, 40; Hugo Harbinger, 40, and James M. Edwards, 20 This company has steadily enlarged its business, and now employs about 125 to 150 men, besides the large number in the store of D. P. Clay & Co, and in Mr.

Clay's lumber camps. The principal branch of the business is the tub and pail factory, which employs about 30 hands and turns out daily about 575 pails, shipped to Grand Rapids and Chicago, chiefly. The company also has a planing mill, employing 20 han ds, two sawmills and a lumberyard, employing 80 hands. Mr. Clay also operates a flouring mill, on his own account.

THE NEWAYGO CHAIR COMPANY was incorporated in October, 1882, with the following stockholders: Lyman Guinnip, 500 shares; H. D. Guinnip, 100; J. F. A. Raider, zoo; John H. Simmons, 40; E. L. Gray, 40; A. V. Thompson, 40; C. C. Kritzer, 20; S. D. Thompso n, 20; Wm. D. Fuller, 20; H. J. Orton, 20. The company have their building completed, and are ready for the machinery. It is very advantageously situated, by the railroad. Its products can be loaded directly on the cars, and teaming will thus be saved.

The flouring mills of Henry Kritzer complete the list of Newaygo's present manufacturing enterprises.

Following is a list of the general business firms of Newaygo:

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION is represented by D. W. Flora (Regular), Tyson Smith (Homeopathic), O. Smith (Homeopathic), and L. F. McCormick (Regular); and the attorneys residing in the village are George Luton, A. G. Day, E. L. Gray and W. D. Fuller.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is the pioneer religious organization here, as elsewhere. The first sermon preached in Newaygo (or in Newaygo County) was delivered by Rev. William Kelley, June 30, 1850. There were at that time only three houses in Neway go. The Muskegon circuit, embracing Newaygo, was organized in 1852, and Newaygo charge was first designated as such in 1857. The church was built in 1860, when Rev. Thomas B. Granger was pastor. He appointed as trustees William Loomis, Henry Loomis, Pomer oy C. Spooner, John Morse and T. J. Randolph. At that time the Church had but nine members. The present membership, under Rev. Mr. Van Wyck, is about 50.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH is an old society, and has the honor of building the first church in Newaygo. The society was formed Nov. 8, 1855 with the following members: Sarell Wood, James M. Stryker, E. P. Chapin, Edmund Lamb, Edgar L. Gray, Ashley B. F urman and John H. Standish The first trustees were Sarell Wood, James M. Stryker and Edmund Lamb. Their church was erected the winter ensuing, at a cost of about $3,000.

The society has always been a strong one until the fire of 1883, which destroyed the church. A new building will be erected this coming summer (I884.)

ST. MARK s PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL MISSION was organized in 1872. The pastors of the society have been Revs. Mosely Morris, E. W. Flower (now of Greenville), William H. Sparling (now of Geneseo, Ill.), and J. Rice Taylor (now of Poultney, Vt.). The last r egular services were held in October 1882. The society numbers 23, and the congregation about 60. In 1883, they have been erecting a very commodious, handsome brick church, which has already cost $1,300, and will cost finally $3,000 or more.

NEWAYGO LODGE, No. 131, F. & A. M., was consecrated with very solemn ceremonies Jan. 29, 1862. The following first officers were installed: Charles W. Leonard, W. M.; W. Irving Latimer, S. W.; Warren P. Adams, J. W.; Solomon K. Riblet, Treas.; Justus C . Hubbard, Sec.; Daniel Weaver, S. D.; George H. Mallery, J. D.; and John B. Folger, Tyler. The present membership of the lodge is about 60. The present officers are as follows: John Pittwood, W. M.; H. 1. Brace, S. W.; Hollis T. Reed, J. W.; E. S. Bennet t, Secretary; S. D. Thompson, S. D.; I. N. Robinson, J. D.; James McKee, Tyler. The lodge meets the Friday on or before the full moon of each month.

NEWAYGO CHAPTER, No. 138, R. A. M., was chartered Jan. II, 1865. Alanson St. Clair was the first High Priest; W. I. Latimer, the first King; and J. L. Alexander, the first Scribe. The present officers are as follows: S. D. Thompson, H. P.; J. H. Simmon s, K.; A. O. White, S.; G. W. Fry, C. of H.; J. Pittwood, P. S.; W. J. Pike, R. A. C.; George Luton, M. ad V.; J. W. Dunning, M. 2d V.; E. Edwards, M. 1st V.; I. N. Robinson, Treas.; W. Persons, Sec.; J. H. McKee, Sent. The chapter has about 40 members, a nd meets the Tuesday on or before the full moon, each month.

NEWAYGO LODGE, No. 254, I. O. O. F., was organized in February 1875, with E. O. Shaw as N. G.; William Glanville, U. G.; R. Surplice, Secretary; Aaron Courtright, Treas. The present officers are as follows: Aaron Skinner, V. G.; George E. Taylor, V. G. ; Pierce Picket, Perm. Sec.; C. K. Carter, Rec. Sec.; George King, Treas.; Mich. Rep. to G. L., William Graham, D. D. G. M. The lodge has membership of about 60, and meets every Monday.

NEWAYGO ENCAMPMENT, No. 82, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in March 1877, with William Glanville as C. P.; E. 0. Shaw as J. W.; Jerome Carpenter, H. P.; R. Surplice, S.; Aaron Courtright, Treas. At present, Robert Wallace is C. P.; George King, J. W.; Rans om Eckels, H. P.; Jerome Carpenter, S.; and George King, Treas. The membership of the encampment is 26, and it meets the last Friday of each month.

NEWAYGO LODGE, No. 886, I. 0. G. T., was organized Aug. I6, 1875, with 25 members, and the following officers: S. K. Riblet, C. T.; Mrs. S. F. Skinner, V. T.; E. A. Whitman, Chap.; Mrs. J. H. Edwards, Sec.; J. F. A. Raider, Fin. Sec.; S. D. Bonner, Tre as.; Wilford Knox, Mar.; Mrs. A. P. Day, I. G.; John Mapes, 0. G. The present officers are as follows J. H. Edwards, (5. T.; Mrs. J. H. McKee, V. T.; A H. Norris, Chap.; Walter R. Taylor, Sec.; Ernest Fuller, Fin. Sec.; Byron Joslin, Treas.; George H. You ng, Mar.; Jennie Fuller, I. G.; Mattie Rosewarn, 0. G. The lodge now has a membership of about 40, and meets Wednesday evenings.

NEWAYGO COUNCIL, No. 46, R. T. of T., was organized Nov. 4, I881, with 24 members. The first officers were as follows: J. F. A. Raider, P. C.; N. H. Walbridge, S. C.; S. D. Thompson, V. C.; M. E. Massie, R. S.; Lucy Utley, F. S.; Phoebe Millard, Treas. ; George Utley, Herald; Georgette Fuller, Guard; C. F. Atwood, Sent.; J. P. Gallagher, Chap. The present officers are as follows: L. F. Skinner, S. C.; David Millard, V. C.; J. H. Edwards, R. S.; J. F. A. Raider, F. S.; A. N. Jones, Treas.; Charles F. Atw ood. Herald; Mrs. J. H. Edwards, Guard; Mrs. Lucy H. Utley, Sent.; Marian Skinner, Chap. The council now has 22 members. It meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

FIRES.

Newaygo's first serious fire was the burning of the Newaygo Company's sawmill, some years before 1870. The second fire of importance occurred on the night of Sept. 5, 1874. The flames were discovered by James H. Wiseman, while standing in the door of h is room at the Exchange Hotel, as they first issued from the rear of Luton & Sinclair's drug store. The alarm being given, at least 500 people were on the spot in ten minutes; but the building in which the fire originated was past saving, and the people t urned their attention to saving the buildings on each side of it, one owned by Hon. A. H. Giddings, and occupied by E. A. Simons as a grocery and lunch room, and the other owned and occupied by F. Jacobi as a grocery and dwelling.

So quickly did the flames reach the latter that Mr. Jacobi's family had barely time to reach the street before the rooms they had occupied were filled with smoke and fire. It was soon discovered that this building could not be saved, and the work of re moving goods commenced. Then the fire spread to D. E. Soper's drug store, and the goods were removed from there in a short space of time. The building, occupied by Mr. Soper as an insurance office was then torn down and dragged away, and thus the fire was prevented from spreading to Mr. Soper's book and jewelry store.

At one time it seemed impossible to prevent the destruction of Gidding's building on the west side; but a few of the coolest, most determined workers were stationed here, and although the cornice was on fire several times, they succeeded in preventing, any great damage. The losses were about as follows: Luton & Sinclair, loss on building and stock, $1,500, no insurance; F. Jacobi, building stock. household goods, wearing apparel, etc., $5,000, no insurance; D. E. Soper, two buildings, stock and fixture s of Palace Drug Store, $I,OOO on store, and $1,500 on stock. Mr. Soper had $500 insurance on his store, but none whatever on his stock. There was no lack of water, but the means of using it to advantage were entirely inadequate.

The Great Fire.

SUNDAY, April 29, 1883, occurred the memorable fire, which burned 30 buildings, and destroyed in all $5,000 worth of property. For many years the row of wooden buildings on Main Street had been considered a fire trap, and periodical agitation of the n ecessity of fire protection had occupied the minds of the people. But long continued exemption from the ravages of fire lulled the businessmen and property holders to rest, and the magnificent natural advantages for protecting the town by means of water w ere allowed to remain unused. Even the large pump and hose which had been placed upon the public square by private subscription was not in shape for use, and when the hour of danger dawned upon the village of Newaygo, her people found themselves at the me rcy of fire and flame. The following is the account given by the Republican:

"Sabbath morning dawned peaceful and smiling, and looked down upon a quiet town all unsuspicious of the rude awakening soon to break in upon its serenity and make it a day long to be remembered. At about half past eight o'clock in the morning the alarm was given, and soon the flames broke forth through the roof of the store building opposite the Brooks House, owned by E. L. Gray, and occupied by E. Pine as a jewelry and news store, and overhead for a dwelling." The cause of the fire is not certainly kn own, and as there are different reports concerning its origin, the question will doubtless remain an open one.

" It was soon apparent that the flames could not be stayed, and the work of saving property commenced. Men and women worked like heroes and a large portion of the movables were taken from the burning building and from those adjacent thereto. From this point the fire spread in both directions until it was finally stayed on the west at J. H. Edwards' hardware store, and on the east by the dwelling of J. H. Standish. In the meantime the flames crossed the street, and in spite of every effort on the part o f the workers, the 'Brooks House,' long the pride of the village, was a mass of fire and smoke. From this point the fire lapped up the old meat-market building, and the law and printing offices of W. D. Fuller, on the north, and, jumping over the brick st ore of S. K. Riblet, stopped by the way long enough to remove the old vacant store building once used by J. F. A. Raider, and also a small building next adjoining, occupied by Persons and Edwards as an abstract office, and which had been an eye-sore to th e villagers Here the Raider brick block stopped the further spread of the flames, although McKee and others on the south removed most of their goods and furniture to safer quarters.

"As soon as the fire was fairly under headway, dispatches for help were sent to Grand Rapids and Woodville, and just as the flames were under subjection an engine from each town appeared upon the scene of action. The Grand Rapids engine left a quantity of hose, and the Woodville machine, manned by a brave set of men, proceeded to wet down the burnt district in a thorough manner. All day long the joint work of destruction and salvation went on, and as the shadows of night closed in upon the village, the stars looked down upon a scene of widesprea d ruin and disaster. One hundred heads were shelterless, save as cared for by their more fortunate neighbors, and many had lost their all. Still a spirit of cheerfulness reigned, and plans for rebuilding were talked of before the hot flames had sunk into sullen rest amid the smoking ruin they had so quickly wrought. "

The principal losses were as follows:

Scarcely had the ruins stopped smoking, when the work of rebuilding began, and, before the winter set in, several brick structures were completed, or well underway. "The Courtright," which succeeds the Brooks House, was formally opened Nov. I6. Severe as the individual losses were, it is certain that by another year Newaygo will be all the better for the fire. Better classes of buildings are going up, and the village is to have better protection from the destroying element. A liberal sum has been voted for

CROTON Township, 12 north, 11 west, lies in the eastern tier of the country, bounded on the north by Big Prairie, no the east by Montcalm County, on the south by Ensley and on the west by Brooks. The Muskegon River flows through the northwestern part, crossing sections 4, 5, 8, 7, 18 and 19. The Little Muskegon flows from east to west through the township, crossing sections 13, I4, 15, I6, 9 and 8. It joins the Muskegon in the southwestern part of section 7. In the southwestern part of the township are Pettit and Bills Lakes.

At the forks of the Muskegon is situated the village of Croton. This was once an important point, before the pine forests were cut away, but DOW its business is purely local. The first mill there was built at about the same time the first settlement wa s made at Newaygo, and the first land taken up in the county is at Croton.

Croton Township was called Newaygo until 1855. It was organized under that name in 1851, at the same time with Brooks Township, and then included the eastern half of the county. It was cut down to form Big Prairie, Ensley and other townships, until it contained but a township and a half. It remained of this size until 1880, when half a township became a part of Brooks Township, and Croton was reduced to its present limits.

At the last election, held April 2, 1883, the following township officers were elected: David Collins, Supervisor; Walter M.Pace, Clerk; Jerome A.Botsford, Treasurer; George Backart, Highway Commissioner; Lafayette Keeney, Drain Commissioner; Alfred E. Hall, School Inspector; Wesley C. Dancer, Justice of the e Peace; Simon Dancer, Gilbert Grow, William Cram, and Ambrose Fitzgerald, Constables.

The population of the township in 1880 was 807; that of the village of Croton, 118.

There are in the township at the present time four whole school districts and two fractional ones. For the year ending Sept. 3, the number of children between the ages of 5 and 21 was 238; number of children that attended school, 166; number of non-res ident pupils, 6; number of days of school taught, 860; number of school-houses (all frame), 6; number of pupils that can be seated, 350; value of school property, $2, roof number of male teachers employed, 4; number of female teachers employed, 7; wages p aid to male teachers, $573; wages paid to female teachers, $672.60.

The valuation of property in this township increased from $38,736.01 in 1853 to $80,755 in 1883; and the taxation of property from $35 1.37 in 1852 to $2,251.18 in 1883.

WaltersWeaver

Thaddeus L. Waters was born in New York, June 29, 1835. His parents, Harvey and Sarah (Dunning) Waters, were also natives of New York, where they were married and immediately went to Ohio. After living I in that State for nearly 18 years, they move d to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where they passed the remainder of their lives. Thaddeus spent his boyhood days in Ohio, attending the common schools of - that State, and at the age of 18 years came with his parents to Michigan. He taught school the last year he lived in Ohio and for two years after he came to Michigan. In the spring of 1855 he came to Fremont, this county, purchased 40 acres of wild land, and at once commenced to clear it and build a log house. He spent most of his time in locating lands, and nearly all of the old settlers were conducted through the vast forest, there being no roads leading to the north and west.

Mr. Waters was married in Fremont, this county, May 27, 1855, to Laura J., only daughter of Daniel and Emily A. (Salisbury) Weaver, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. They were married in the latter State and went at once to Michigan, then a Territory, settling in Adrian. In 1855 they came to Newaygo County, where Mr. Weaver built the first log house of Fremont, which was used as a hotel, store and postoffice; it s was also used as a school-house, and the first couple s ev er married in Fremont was married in this same log house, the couple being Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Waters. The house was built on the lot nearly opposite the new brick schoolhouse on Main Street. Mr. Weaver also built the first frame house in the town, which n ow stands directly opposite the brick schoolhouse and the first frame barn, which stood on the spot where the brick schoolhouse now stands. Mrs. Weaver died in Hesperia, this county, Dec. 22, 1879; Mr. Weaver still resides in Hesperia.

Mr. and Mrs. Waters have had five children; Alpha F., born Jan. 20, 1857; Theron D., May I, 1858; Albert J., July 4, 1860; Frankie E., Aug. 3, 1868, end Hiram J., March 30, 1878. Mr. Waters enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in Co. G. 2d Mich. Cav. and served ear ly three years. He was in the battle of Perryville Ky., Thompson's Station, Tenn., and the battle of Chickamauga. At the last named battle, Sept. 20, 1863, he was taken prisoner, and was retained until the close of the war, being confined at Richmond, Va. , two months, Danville, Va., six months, and ten months in that terrible prison at Andersonville, where so many of our brave soldiers were sacrificed; he was in the last squad of men that passed out of that dismal den of horrors. He received a bayonet wou nd in the hip by a rebel guard, while in Danville He now receives a pension, which he justly deserves.

Mr. Waters has been engaged in surveying since 1867. He surveyed and laid out the town of Hesperia, this county. He has held the office of Township Clerk three years, and is now Drain Commissioner of Sheridan Township. Mr. and Mrs. Waters are members o f the Seventh-Day Advent Church. In politics Mr. Waters is a prominent member of the Greenback party.

DaniealWeaver

Daniel Weaver, merchant and miller, Hesperia, was born in Berlin, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. April 28. 1811. His parents, Stutt and Rachel Weaver were of English descent, and natives of Rhode Island. They both died in Michigan, at an advanced age. When but an infant he was taken by his parents to Berk shire Co, Mass., where he received a di strict school education and worked on a farm until he was 18 years old. At that time he went to Wyoming Co. N Y., where he was apprenticed to a carpenter and joiner After completing his trade he went to work for the man to whom he had been apprenticed, an d remained until he was 21 years old. In the summer of 1832 be came to Adrian, Mich., where he lived until the spring of 1838, working at his trade. March 14, 1833, he was married, in Genesee Co., N. Y., to Miss Emily A. Salisbury, daughter of Philip and Clarissa (Curtis) Salisbury, who was born in New York, Sept. 1, 1811. She was well educated and taught school several years previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver returned to Lenawee County, thence to Hillsdale County, where he worked on a farm, an d was also employed by the county to superintend the building of the courthouse. He remained here until 1856, when he moved to this, Newaygo County, and settled on what is now Fremont Center. It was then an unbroken wilderness, and not two permanent settl ers within many miles. When the town first started it was named Weaverville, but has since been changed to Fremont. He first built a sawmill, then two stores and a gristmill, and other stores soon followed. He then erected a Masonic hall. It is by his ear nest efforts that a wild forest has been converted into a beautiful town of 1,000 inhabitants.

In 1866 he moved into Denver Township and located on section 30, where he has spent an active and useful life. The first year he built a sawmill, and in the second year laid out the town of Hesperia, which has grown to a village of 500 inhabitants. He does an annual business of $12,000.

Dec. 25, 1874, Mrs. Weaver died, leaving four children: Philip, born Feb. 22, 1834; Laura J., Jan. 20,1839; Leland S., Dec. 12, 1843 Daniel L., Feb. 21, 1849; Clarissa, born Feb. 20, 1837, died in 1838; John B., born Feb. 12, 1852, died in 1853. April 27, 1879, Mr. Weaver married, in Ingham County, Mrs. Savilla (Campbell) Walling, daughter of Daniel and Mary A. (Ames) Walling, natives of New York, and she was born in Cayuga County, that State, Sept. 5, 1838. They are members of the Advent Church Mr. W. is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Fremont, and was honored with the office of Master. He was Justice of the Peace I4 years, and Supervisor several terms. In politics he sympathizes with the Democratic party.