As early as 1848 the following gentlemen made a beginning: Zerial Waterman, Ezra Burrel, A. Egleston, John and Richard Hilton, Timothy Colby, Ira Bonner, Ransom Surrarrer; also land was located by George Probasco and Edwin E. Haywood.
    In 1850 we record as settlers the names of Solomon D. Mosher, Nathaniel F. and Edward A. Westcott, Silas and Newton L. Fulkerson and Wm. Batterson.
    In 1851 Alex. Burdick, Case Ferguson, Ira Bonner, Daniel Bennett and Wm. H. Twiss.
    In 1852 a somewhat general settlement took place, among whom may be named, John Seaman, Wm. and Jerome Hutchinson, Marcus Muckey, Wm. Averill and Cornelius Loomis.

    Casnovia was organized by act of the Legislature during the winter of 1852-3. The first town meeting was held April 4, 1853, when the following officers were elected: Richard Hilton, Supervisor; R. S. Seaman, Clerk; N. F. Westcott, Treasurer; Richard Hilton, John Seaman, Daniel Bennett and Solomon D. Mosher, Justices of the Peace; William H. Twiss, N. L. Fulkerson and John Hilton, Commissioners of Highways; Silas Fulkerson and F. Cassidy, overseer of the Poor. Whole number of votes polled, 30.
    Since which the following persons have served as Supervisors and Township Clerks.
    SUPERVISORS- Richard Hilton, 1854-58; Oliver Walkley, 1855; Joseph Minnich, 1856; LaFayette Skinner, 1857; Nathan Whitney, for 18 years; R. G. Hutchins, 1875-76; Geo. Bolt, 1877-81.
    TOWNSHIP CLERKS- R. S. SEaman, 1854-55; Wm. Bonner, 1856; H. J. Russell, 1857; Nathan Whitney, 1858; Timothy Colby, 1859; (unreadbale) Hilton, 1860-63; Joseph Arnold, 1861; Joseph Minnick, 1862;(unreadable) Bowen, 1864; Wm. Averill, 1865; La Fayette Skinner, 1866-67; Herman Gilbert, 1868-60-70; L. M. Cox, 1871-2-3-4-5-6; John Herald, 1877-8-9-80; Hermas Gilbert, 1881.
 
 

    The settlers of this locality were wide awake in regard to securing the means of education for the rising generation, and among the early school districts organized may be  mentioned: District No. 1, June 30, 1853; No. 2, Oct. 20, 1853; two others April 15, 1854; another May 29, 1854; and another May 23, 1857; so that ample provision was early made in this direction.
    At present there are in the township five hundred and six (506) children who receive public money, of whom three hundred and eighty attended school in 1880. The whole number of school houses is nine, with a seating capacity of six hundred. Aggregate number of days of school for 1880 was 1,298; number of male teachers five; of female teachers nine. Number of months taught by males, 25, by females, 40 1/2. Total wages, males, $885.00; females, $890.00.

    The Casnovia Circuit was organized during the session of the annual conference held at Cold Water Aug. 31 to Sept. 7, 1870.
    Rev. L. W. Calkins was appointed to the charge. The several appointments on the charge were Casnovia, Canada Mills, Ashland school house, and the Seaman school house. At present there are only two appointments on the charge, Casnovia and John's school house. Among the preachers who have officiated since are found Rev. Geo. Donaldson, J. F. Jenkins, Thomas W. Gleghorn, R. H. Brady, M. D. Terwilliger and A. Hunsberger. The present membership is 103, and 11 probationers. a new and commodious church was built in Casnovia in 1877, and a fine Sunday-school is in operation. Among the early preachers who held services in different places before this were L. Bennett, T. J. Congdon, G. Madison, M. I. Smith, H. H. Bement and others. There are some other church organizations within the township, viz.; The North Free Will Baptists, at the Seaman school house, Church of Christ and Church of United Brethren in Christ at Bailey, generally small membership and irregular meetings.

    Casnovia Lodge, I. O. of O. F., No. 849, organized June 2, 1881. Eighteen charter members. Edward Farnham, N. G.; Milan L. Squeir, V. G.; James H. Shaw, Warden; Martin Frank, Conductor; Albert Norris, R. S. N. G., Adam Hizer, L. S. N. G.;Robt. J. Side, R. S. V. G; Jacob Holben, L. S. V. G.; Wm. W. Fenton, Corresponding Secretary; Hugh Kelly, Recording Secretary; Benj. Holben, Inside Guard; Nelson J. Crigger, Outside Guard; E. Lynch, R. S. S.; H. J. Crosby, L. S. S. Membership Aug. 1, 1881, was 28.
    Trent Lodge, No. 802, I. O. O. F, Sept. 6, 1877, with eight charter members. George Rupp, N. G.; H. Avery, V. G.; V. Sim, Recording Secretary; David Leichty, Permanent Secretary; Geo. Webb, Treasurer. The present membership is sixty-five, with Lucius Pickett, N. G.; Warren Carpenter, V. G.; George Rupp, Treasurer; E. Conklin, Recording Secretary; Noah F. Fales, Permanent Secretary.
    Tyrone Grange, consisting of members partly from Kent and partly from Muskegon Counties, was organized March 6, 1874, with thirteen charter members present. Membership (1881) was thirty-one. The building is on Section 25, Casnovia. Original officers were E. E. Haywood, Master; F. A. Bails, Secretary; F. N. Westcott, Overseer; Wm. H. Twiss, Treasurer; Uriah Chubb, Lecturer; M. J. Bonner, Steward.
    Trent Grange, P. of H., No. 372, was organized April 8, 1874. The following named were elected its first officers: Nathan Whitney, Master; Thomas J. G. Bolt, Secretary. Since which time the following have acted as Masters and Secretaries: Masters- Geo. W. Bolt, 1875-6-7-8; Tracy Woodward, 1879; Joseph Minnick, 1880-1. Secretaries- Thos. J. G. Bolt, 1875; Orrin Whitney, 1876; Hermas Gilbert, 1877-8-9-80-81. At the time of organization one hundred and seven (107) were elected to become members, most of whom were initiated. The present membership is eighty. In 1879 a large hall was built, the dimensions of which are 60x80, and 22 feet in height, which carries an insurance of $1,700.
    Knights of Honor, No. 2,248, located at Bailey, was organized June 25, 1880, with nine charter members. John A. Spring, Dictator; Daniel B. Galentine, Reporter; John S. Ingram, V. Dictator; Chas. W. Killen, Financial Reporter; Orvin Headley, Treasurer; Albert Morse, Guide; Jacob Probasco, Sentinel. Present membership twenty-four (24) and is in a prosperous condition. Meetings 1st and 3d Friday evening of each month.
    Good Templars Lodge, No. 809, is located at Bailey and organized Aug. 13, 1874, with eighteen (18) charter members. The following were among the first officers: Miles Chubb, W. C.; Mrs. Louisa Thurston, Secretary; Mrs. Mary L. VanDusen, W. V.; J. S. Miller, Treasurer; Lewis Babcock, Marshal. Present Membership, thirty-five (35); meetings each Saturday night.

    There are quite a number of saw mills in different parts of the township doing considerable business in a quiet way. R. P. Hanna built in Casnovia village a pump factory in 1873, added a cidar mill in 1875, and a heading mill in 1881.
    D. Bartram brought from Lambton Co., Ontario, in 1867, a saw and shingle mill, which was burned down March, 1880, rebuilt the same year and sawing about a half million feet of lumber and a million shingles; located at Canada Corners.
    There was a saw mill at Trent as early 1852, built by C. C. Darling. In 1854 the Whitney Bros. purchased the mill and over seven hundred acres of land, and went immediately to making improvements. In 1857 a grist mill was added. The mill is run by the waters of Crockery Creek.
    About a mile further up the creek Mr. W. H. Fulkerson built in 1861 a shingle mill. It is now owned by S. B. Olmstead, and made in 1880 about five million shingles.
    G. B. Slocum, who owns several sections of land in the southwest part of the town, built a saw and shingle mill at Slocum's Grove about 1865. It has a capacity of about 4,000 feet of lumber and 25,000 shingles daily. In 1873 L. B. Murray built a saw mill at Bailey, and in 1874 added a shingle mill. In 1876 the establishment was changed to a stave factory and doing a good business, employing from six to twelve men.
   E. E. Haywood and brother are doing more in the lumber business than any other firm in this locality. In this township they own and run a saw mill at Moon, which does a large business as well as mills in other localities.
    Casnovia village was organized by Act of Legislature during the session of 1875-6, being located partly in Kent and partly in Muskegon Counties. The following were its first officers: A. C. Ayer, President; R. H. Topping, M. L. Squeir, Wesley Hanna, Joseph Kies, H. A. Irish, B. Fulkerson, Trustees.
    Present Officers- M. L. Squeir, President; R. H. Topping, S. S. Haseltine, H. J. Kelley, Wesley Hanna, Alex. Hanna, Elias Kinsley, Trustees. The village contains a population of 300, a good church, new brick school house, two general dry goods stores, two grocery stores, two hardware stores, one drug store, three millinery stores, one furniture store, two blacksmith shops, grain elevator, livery stable, hotel, Lodge I. O. O. F., M. L. Squeir post master.

contains about 900 inhabitants, and is doing nearly as much business as Casnovia. It has a stave and heading mill, two general stores, drug store, hardware store, grocery store, meat market, blacksmith shop, one Lodge of Good Templars and Knights of Honor, and two church organizations.
    The hamlet of Trent located on sections 9 and 17, has a population of about sixty, and contains a grist and saw mill, two stores, one drug store, Grange Hall and two blacksmith shops.
    Canada Corners and Moon are hamlets of about the same size as Trent, each containing a post office. 

    George Bolt was born in Devonshire, Eng., March 10, 1842. Settled in Ottawa County, Mich., in 1858, and in Casnovia in 1871. Has been Master of the Grange four years, and is serving his second term as Supervisor. He was married May 29th, 1864, to Acelia Bradbury, who was born in Lisbon, Ottawa Co., Feb. 28th, 1849.

    Sylvester Moore was born in Medina Co., O., Sept. 14th, 1844. He settled, in connection with his father's family, in DeKalb Co., Ind., in 1846, and in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., Mich., in 1854. Enlisted in the 10th Mich. Cavalry in 1865. He married, Sept 15th, 1867, Ella Jackson, who was born in Medina Co., N. Y., May 12th, 1852. They are the parents of five children. His father's name was Drayton H. Moore, who was born in Hamburg Co., Mass., May 6th, 1805, and died Dec 23d, 1879. He was married Sept. 22d, 1833, to Sophronia Loomis, who was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., March 4th, 1817.

    Chauncey E. Koon, M. D., was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Oct. 1, 1841. In connection with his father's family he settled in Hillsdale Co., Mich., at a very early age. He attended college at Hillsdale, studied medicine and graduated at the Chicago Medical College in 1872. He at once made his residence in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., Mich., and commenced the practice of his profession, which he still continues. Mr. Koon enjoys the esteem of the public in a large degree, and especially in surgery, in which he is called in all difficult cases, for many miles around. He enlisted in the 11th Mich. Inf., in 1861. In 1862 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant; afterwards First Lieutenant and Captain. Served three years. He was married Sept. 2d, 1866, to Rebecca S. Clarke, who was born in Monroe Co., Ind, May 22d, 1848.

    Austin C. Wright, M. D., was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 22d, 1859, and graduated at the Monroe Collegiate Institute at Elbridge, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in 1878, when he settled in Michigan. He there studied medicine and graduated at Ann Arbor State Medical University in 1881, being among the highest of his class, which numbered on hundred members. While a student at Ann Arbor Mr. Wright occupied the position of city editor of The Daily News. At present he is engaged in his profession at Kent City.

    M. J. Bonner was born in Branch Co., Mich., April 4th, 1841, and settled in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., in 1851. He enlisted May 20th, 1861, in Company F. of the 3d Mich. Inf., and served in the department of the Potomac three years; was wounded in front of Petersburg, and also May 12th, 1864, in the charge at Spotsylvania. His brother, L. J. Bonner, enlisted the same time and was killed May 6th, 1864, in the Wilderness. Mr. Bonner was married Sept. 8d, 1865, to Josephine A. Russel. His father, Ira Bonner, was born in New York in 1812, and died at Casnovia August 26th, 1875.

    J. A. Sherwood was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 25th, 1820. He moved in early childhood to Herkimer Co., N. Y., and in 1836 to Buffalo, N. Y., where he practiced law. He settled in Casnovia in 1872, and at present is the lumber inspector for E. E. Haywood & Bro., at Moon.

    Samuel M. Moore was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., May 9th, 1836, and settled on section 23, Casnovia, In June, 1872. He was married June 30th, 1861, to Mary Loomis, who was born Dec. 25th, 1840. They have two children.

    C. Porter, lumber grader at Haywood's mill, Moon, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 14th, 1849, and settled in Casnovia in 1872. He was married July 3d, 1868, to Mary J. Stevens, who was born in New York State Feb. 20th, 1817.

    G. W. Loomis was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Nov. 28th, 1842. He enlisted in Battery G., 1st N. Y. Light Artillery, Oct. 4th, 1861. He served in the Army of the Potomac, and was in nineteen heavy engagements. He settled on section 23, Casnovia, in 1866, and was married June 16th, 1868, to Marinda Loomis, who was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1850.

    Edwin E. Haywood was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 3d, 1826. He settled in Eaton Rapids, Mich., in the Fall of 1841, and in Muskegon City in 1846, and located land in Casnovia, in section 25, where he still resides. Mr. Haywood has large holdings of land in other localities, and is extensively engaged in the lumber interest.

    Wm. H. Twiss was born in Brutus Township, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Aug. 3d, 1825, and settled on section 25, Casnovia, in 1851. He was married in Seneca Co., O., Aug. 17th, 1847, to Electa Bennett, who was born in Ohio June 13th, 1829.

    M. Holden was born in Somerset, Mass., March 30th, 1831, and settled in Missouri in 1859, remaining till 1864, when he located in Casnovia, in section 25. He has been twice married- first on Jan. 6th, 1855, to Elizabeth Kenliher, who died Dec. 20th, 1873. His second marriage was celebrated Oct. 21, 1879, with Mary A. Frink, who was born in Yates Co., N. Y., Jan. 9th, 1840.

    Nathaniel F. Westcott was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., July 13th, 1826. He was married Nov. 5th, 1848, to Phoebe J. Fulkerson, who was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., July 28th, 1827. He settled on section 26, Casnovia, in 1850. Mr. Westcott was Road Commissioner for fifteen years; also Township Treasurer. He died July 18th, 1879.

    Azariah Lynch was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Sept. 11th, 1832. He settled in Ohio in 1841, and in Casnovia in 1850. He was married Nov. 15th, 1857, to Abigail J. Green.

    Jacob Probasco was born in Casnovia Sept. 6th, 1858. He was married Dec. 8th, 1976 to Polly Miller, who was born in Chester, Feb. 20th, 1858. His father, George Probasco, was born in Pennsylvania in 1827, and married Sarah Surrarrer in 1850. He settled in Casnovia in 1848, being one of the very first settlers.

    A. J. Simmons was born in Carthage, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1834, and settled in Casnovia in 1857. He is a farmer and lives in section 26. He was married Nov. 11th, 1855, to Josephine E. reed, who was born March 16th, 1833, at Sacket's Harbor, N. Y. They are the parents of thirteen children, only four of whom are living. The record of the deaths is: Everett, March 22, 1862; John, March 5, 1865; diphtheria, the terrible scourge, took the next five, Julia Ann, June 1, 1870; Edwin, June 3, 1870; Asa, June 4, 1870; Evaline, June 9, 1870, and Rebecca, June 19, 1870. Byron died March 8, 1878, and Edna, Aug. 23, 1875.

    R. P. Hanna was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 1840. He followed lumbering till 1865, when he settled in Casnovia and was known as a builder and contractor. In 1873 he built a pump factory, added a cider mill in 1875, and a heading mill in 1881, all of which he still owns and operates. He was married Jan. 13, 1870, to Amelia Stevens, by whom he has two children.

    Henry M. Nichols was born in Livingston Co., N. Y, May 23, 1841. He moved to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and remained there until 1862, when he enlisted in Battery F., 1st Mich. Light Artillery, and served nearly four years. He was in forty-seven battles- from Somerset, Ky., to the battle of British Cross Roads, N. C. He was married June 17th, 1866, to Ellen L. Barber, when he settled in Casnovia, and now resides on section 22, and is engaged in farming and brick and tile making.

    D. Bartram was born in Ontario, Can., Dec. 17, 1827. He moved to Lambton Co., Ont., in 1847, and remained till 1857, when he located at Canada Corners, Casnovia, and is engaged in the manufacture of sawed lumber and shingles.

    P. A. Thompson was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., June 6, 1829; settled on section 35, Casnovia in 1853; enlisted Jan. 20, 1862, in the 16th U. S. Regulars; wounded at Stone River in the right arm and side; served fifteen months. Married April 7, 1850, to Rachel Pruden, who was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., April 15, 1829.

    R. G. Hutchins was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., Oct 4, 1840; enlisted August, 1862,,, in the N. Y. Volunteers; served over three years in the department of the southwest, and in seven regular engagements; settled in Casnovia in 1866 on Section 35. Has been supervisor two terms. Married Jan. 1, 1866, to Maria H. Phelps, born in Clinton Co., N.Y., Sept. 27, 1844.

    Solomon Deavenstratt was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, July 22, 1829; settled in Eaton Co., Mich, in 1853, and in Casnovia, Section 14, in 1858. Has been twice married, first Sept. 25, 1854, to Elizabeth Paine; second marriage March 10, 1881, to Mrs. A. McManus, who was born in Branch Co., Mich, Jan. 15, 1842, and settled in connection with her father's family (Timothy Colby) in Casnovia in 1848, being one of the very first settlers.

    Orrin Whitney was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, August 15, 1825; settled in Casnovia in 1854. Has been school inspector, and is serving his second term as treasurer. Married Nov. 25, 1852, to Mary E. Cook, who was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Oct. 20, 1831. Three children.

    Joseph Minnich was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct. 4, 1823; settled in Casnovia in 1855, on section 3, where he still resides, owning four hundred acres of land, and is a very successful farmer. Has held the several township offices of supervisor, treasurer, clerk, justice of the peace, etc., and is the present Master of Trent Grange No. 372. Married May 21, 1846, to Harriet S. Wyllys, who was born in Portage Co., Ohio, Dec. 12, 1828.

    Oliver Walkley was born in Middlesex Co., Conn, April 30, 1809; settled in Lenawee Co., Mich., in 1837, and in Casnovia in 1858, on Section 3, where he still lives. Has been supervisor and justice of the peace. Married Nov. 15, 1830, Parthena Smith, who was born in Conn., April 20, 1812. Mr. Walkley had two sons in the war of the Rebellion

    LaFayette Seaman was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Dec. 30, 1831; moved to Hillsdale Co., Mich., in 1842, and settled in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., in 1853, on Section 4,, where he now lives. Married Sept., 1861,, to Roxana Moore; has seven children. His father, John Seaman, was among the very first in his section of the town to make a settlement. He was born in Ulster Co., N. Y., July 14, 1804. Married April 29, 1827, to Lucretia Wyllys, who was born April 19, 1803, both of whom are still living, (1881).

    Dr. Victor Sinz was born in Switzerland, Dec. 30, 1838, and was educated in Classics at Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, and received his medical education at Naples, Italy. Settled at Frelandsville, Indiana, 1859. Served in the U. S. army of the Rebellion for three years and five months as assistant surgeon; was twice wounded. Married March 4, 1866, to Mary Cleland, who was born at Liberty, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1848. Settled at Trent Casnovia Tp., Muskegon Co., in April, 1872, as a practicing physician, which occupation, in connection with a drug store, he still continues.

    Nathan Whitney. If we look among our pioneers for men who have been closely identified with the progress and and interests of a locality, we shall find no one more so than Nathan Whitney. He has been closely identified in the government of his locality, having been township clerk, school inspector and supervisor for eighteen years, representative to the State legislature, etc. He was born in Huron Co., Ohio, Nov. 11, 1821; settled in DuPage Co., Illinois, in 1844, and in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., Mich., in 1854, and engaged in farming, and at present is the owner of 240 acres of land in that township. Mr. Whitney has been twice married, first Sept. 12, 1844, to Matilda Chambers, who was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., February, 1824, and died March 26, 1858; second March 4, 1860, to Lovicy Henry, born Monroe co., N. Y., Sep. 23, 1829.

    George Carrington was born in Leicester, England, April 6, 1831; settled in Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1840. When he arrived at his majority he traveled in California and other places till 1858, when he settled in Ashland and engaged in farming on Section 33, where he still owns a farm of 186 acres. In 1869 he also engaged in the mercantile business at the village of Trent, Casnovia Township, which he still continues. He was married Dec. 16, 1857, to Sarah Mitchell, who was born in England, Jan. 12, 1837.

    Benjamin Whitney was born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1823; settled in Kent Co., Mich., 1849, and in Casnovia Tp., Muskegon Co., in 1854, and engaged in farming and milling, which he still continues, being the owner of the gristmill at Trent. Has been treasurer and collector two terms. Married June 26, 1851, Rachel Blauvelt, who was born August, 1832, and died October 22, 1877.

    George A. Miles, born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 21, 1817; settled at Grand River, Mich., in 1856, engaged in the lumbering business, and moved to Casnovia Tp., Muskegon Co., in 1869, and is engaged in the mercantile business. Has been justice of the peace twenty-four years, and is the present postmaster of Trent. Married Nov. 21, 1843, to Elizabeth H. Marshall, who was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., and died Dec. 25, 1850; second marriage Jan. 17, 1852, to Catherine M. Tooker; five children.

    Alex. McInnis, born in Argyleshire, Scotland, November, 1822; settled in Elgin Co., Ontario, in 1832; moved to Lambton Co., Ont., in 1840; remain till 1866, when he settled in Casnovia Tp., Canada Corners, where he still resides. Married Feb. 1, 1854, Nancy McClellen; six children.

    Herman Gilbert, born in Seneca Co., Ohio, , April 19, 1842, moved to Kent Co., Mich., in 1849, and to Casnovia, Muskegon Co., in 1851, settling on Section 8. Married July 3, 1862, to Josephine E. Rowland; second marriage April 2, 1977 to Kate M. Hall, who was born in Ashland Tp., MIch., June 5, 1856.

    Hermas Gilbert, born in Seneca Co., Ohio, Nov. 3, 1839, moved to DuPage Co., Illinois, 1844, and in Kent Co., Mich., in 1849, and in Casnovia, Muskegon County, in 1854. Has been constable, township clerk, and secretary of Trent Grange. Married Sept., 18, 1864, Minerva A. Hart, who was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., April 24, 1839.

    Eugene W. Cranmer , born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Nov. 19, 1849; moved to Alpine, Kent Co., in 1851, and to Casnovia in 1876, settling on Section 9, where he still resides. His occupation, a farmer, od more particularly a nurseryman, furnishing fruit trees and ornamental stock. He also has a peach orchard of 1,700 trees. Married Feb. 17, 1875, to Ida. M. Chatterdon, who was born in Alpine, Kent Co., March 3, 1855.

    S. B. Olmstead,  born in Northumberland county, Ontario, June 29, 1843; moved to Kent county, MIch., in 1855, and to Casnovia in 1857 and engaged in the lumber and shingle manufactory at Trent, owning a saw and shingle mill. Married Jan. 1, 1868, Agnes A. Minnich, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1851.

    George Brown, born in Wayne county, Mich., Aug. 4, 1831; settled in Casnovia Township, on section 16, in 1860. Enlisted in the 1st Mich. Light Artillery, January, 1864; served under Sherman till the close of the war. He married Lydia Norton, in 1855.

    John Spring, born in Kent Co., Mich., Aug. 17, 1847. Early in life engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store at Grand rapids. In 1870 he commenced the dry goods business on his own account at Grenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., remaining till 1875, when he transferred his business to Bailey, Casnovia Township, and is a member of the firm of Spring & Lindley. He married Sept. 2, 1872, Frances M. Love, of Grand Rapids.

    Rufus B. Lindley, born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 5, 1830. Early learned the joiners trade which he worked at till 1875 when he engaged in the mercantile business with J. Spring at Bailey. He married, May 11, 1854, Louisa Love, of Grand Rapids.

    Chas. Fraligh, born in London, Ontario, June 22, 1823. Settled in Casnovia in 1868, and died Feb. 16, 1881. He married Dec. 8, 1842, Hannah Zavitz, who was born Feb. 4, 1822

    James I. Walker, born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 2, 1825. Learned the trade  of blacksmith and wagon maker and carried on that business till 1865, then coupled farming with it till 1871 when he started a hardware store at Bailey, and in 1879 changed to the grocery business, which he still continues. Has bee Highway Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Walker has been twice married, first Oct. 8, 1846, to Fannie Gaines, who died in 1854; second marriage Jan. 23, 1859, to Mary C. Berry, who was born at Little Falls, N. Y., March 22, 1830. Four children.

    A. W. Fenton, born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y, May 8, 1837. Settled with his father in Kent Co., Mich. in 1846. Engaged in farming till 1876 when he settled at Casnovia and commenced the drug business which he still follows at Bailey. He married May 23, 1861 Sarah S. Porter, who was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 1841. His father Cornwell Fenton, was born in Rutland, Vt., July 24, 1796. Settled in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., about 1836, and died in Kent Co., Mich., July 14, 1865.

    Chas. F. Russell, born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1839. Settled in Casnovia in 1856, on Section 15, now lives on Section 24. Enlisted in the 12th Ill. Cav. in 1863; served three years under Gen. Banks. He married May, 1859 Silence M. Seaman, who was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., April, 1830. Father's name was Wm. H. Russell, born in Vermont, Oct. 6, 1804, died April 22, 1871.

    John Herald, born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1835; moved to Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1856, thence to Missouri in 1867, remained a year and settled in Saginaw Co., Mich., in 1868, and in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., in 1871, and resides on Section 21. He married Feb. 15, 1862 Sarah Young, who was born Dec. 25, 1838 and died Feb. 18, 1875. Mr. Herald has been Township Clerk four years and elected Supervisor for 1881, but resigned on account of ill health.

    John A. Mills, born in Chittenden Co., Vt., Feb. 23, 1826. Settled in Stark Co., Ohio, in 1837 and in Muskegon Co., Mich., in 1854, and soon after engaged in making sawed shingles, being the pioneer shingle maker in this locality. Now is engaged in farming on Section 16, Casnovia Township. Has been Township Treasurer two terms and Director of the Poor. Married Dec. 11, 1847, Emeline Harlow from New Hampshire, who died May 29, 1850. Second marriage Dec. 12, 1850, to Caroline Dingman, who was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1839.

    Levi B. Seaman, born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., May 8, 1836. Settled in Hillsdale Co., Mich., in 1842, and in Casnovia in 1853. Has been township Treasurer three terms, and School Inspector. Married January 1861, Hattie Mitchell, who was born in England, 1838.

    L. B. Murray, born in Pollet Township, Vt., Sept. 9, 1820. Settled in Washington Co., N. Y., in 1828, remaining till 1837, when he moved to Erie Co., N. Y.; there remained till 1842, when he settled in Calhoun Co., Mich. In 1857 he moved to Tyrone, Kent Co., two miles east of Bailey. He has generally been engaged in farming and now has a 240 acre farm in Tyrone, but resides in Bailey. He married Dec. 9, 1846 to Mrs. Sarah E. Probasco, maiden name Surrarrer.

    Wm. Averill, born in Syracuse, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1828. settled in Ottawa Co., Mich., in 1848, and very soon after moved to Muskegon Co., and in 1850 purchased his present farm on Section 32, Casnovia Township. Has held the offices of Commissioner of Highways, Township Clerk, School Inspector and Justice of the Peace. Married Jan. 1, 1855, Adeline Ferguson, who was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., July 2, 1835.

     Myron Abbott, born in Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 2, 1851. settled in Casnovia in 1859. Has always followed milling which he still continues in connection with owning and running a steam thresher. Is acting Postmaster at Slocum's Grove and Notary Public.

     Hinson Cole, born in Seneca Co., N. Y., Sept. 28, 1821. Settled in Oakland Co., Mich., in 1831, and in Muskegon Co., in 1857, on Section 7, Casnovia, where he still lives. Married 1850 to Betsy young who died in 1859. Second marriage 1860 to Martha Lambeck.

     Smith K. Lewis, born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1832. Settled in Casnovia on Section 7, in 1861. The same year enlisted in the 3d Mich. Inf. Served three years in the Department of the Potomac; wounded at the second battle of Bull's Run, also in front of Gettysburg. He married Sept. 2, 1879, Shelda M. Young.

     James H. Lobdell, born in Fairfield, Vt., Sept. 6, 1818. Settled in Chemung Co., N. Y., in 1835 engaged in freighting on the canal, being owner of a boat. In 1842 he settled at Eaton Rapids, Mich., moving to Lansing in 1849 and to Muskegon Co., in 1857; was the first Sheriff of the county, also brought the first stock of goods to Casnovia. He married, July, 1838 Ruby Ann Lewis, from Chemung Co., N. Y. Mr. Lobdell at present is engaged in farming on Section 18, 240 acres.

     Amos Slater, born in Washington Co., N. Y., March 30, 1821. Settled in Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1854, and in Casnovia, Muskegon Co., in 1857, on Section 7, where he still lives. Besides being a farmer he owns a saw mill on Section 11, Moorland. Was Supervisor of Bridgton Township, Newaygo Co., and has been Treasurer of Casnovia. He was married Dec. 10, 1846 to Lydia A. Wallace, who was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 1823.