Otsego City

Otsego City

The village of Otsego, an incorporated municipality of some 1200 inhabitants, is an important station on the line of the Kalamazoo division of the Lake-Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, and is pleasantly located on the Kalamazoo River, sot here flows rapidly to the westward.

The surface on the south side rises some fifteen feet above the river, and, stretching back to the southward, presents a beautiful level plain - lands denominated by the pioneers "oak-openings." Here was established the original village plat. On the north side, after going back some forty rods from the stream, the land rises into a considerable hill elevation, furnishing unsurpassed sites for private residences and abundant opportunities for lawn and landscape gardening. This elevation, too, upon which is located the cemetery,* one of the most beautiful places of interment in the county, gives a wide panoramic view of the village and of the surrounding country for miles in either direction. Mineral springs famous for their medicinal properties are also located on the north side of the river.

all the others are five rods in width. Several handsome brick blocks are to be seen, and the private residences evince taste and refinement. The manufacturing structures, large, commodious buildings, are situated on both sides of the river. These, together with the beautiful iron bridge spanning the waters of the swiftly-flowing Kalamazoo, present a fine appearance to travelers passing on the railway. Nine feet head of water is here obtained, with a plentiful supply throughout the year. The race on the south side, which was excavated in 1836, is eighty rods in length; that on the north side is of more recent origin, and is sixty rods long.

With its great and unsurpassed water- power privileges, Otsego is rapidly moving to the front as a manufacturing centre. The flouring-mills manufacture flour from more than 200,000 bushels of wheat yéarly. Theye are mills for planing and for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, and fanning-mills, and an extensive chair-factory, which employs 100 hands. Hoes, corn-knives, and rakes are made in large quantities, - also carriages, wood-turnings, ete., - and there is an ample supply of all the smaller mechanical shops usually found in country villages.

Among the professional and business men of the present day are A. D. Botsford & Son, F. K. Cloud, W. ©. Edsell & Co., Samuel D. Foster, Albert R. Foster, Nelson W. Mills, George B. Norton, Rouse Bros., Charles D..Gaylord, Charles Shepherd, E. W. Sherwood, and Abraham J. Van Wyck, merchants; James M. Ballou, Mills, Peck & CUo., C. H. Prentiss & Co., Sprague & Yeckley- A. B. & C. D. Stuart, manufacturers; William L--Blair and A. & P. G. Hoag, flouring-mill owners;+ M. D; Prindle,-saw-mill owner; E. H. Botsford, postmaster; Charles H. Harris, proprietor of the Weekly Union; Julius M. Eaton, attorney; Milton Chase, John H. Fulton, 8. W. Thompson, physicians ; Edsell & Peck, bankers; A. M. Buck, D. W. Comstock, F. L. McCoy, clergymen.

Its Early History

As already mentioned, Samuel Foster and his family were the first settlers upon the village site, locating here in the fall of 1831. About one year later, by an understanding with Samuel Foster, who pre-empted it, Horace H. Comstock purchased the land from the general government, and through his influence.a post-office named Otsego was soon after established, Dr. Foster becoming the postmaster. Mr. Comstock was a native of Otsego Co.,N. Y. He came to the Territory of Michigan-in 1831 or 1832, and during the early days of both this and Kalamazoo County he was a most prominent actor, and operated largely in purchasing lands, platting villages, erecting mills, store-houses, dwell ings, ete.

It seems that he early, contemplated using the magnificent water-power privileges here afforded by the Kalamazoo, and the establishment of a village upon its banks, and in furtherance of this plan obtained the enactment of the following law: t+ H. Hall operates a flouring-mill two miles west of the village, and Messrs. Higgins & Scott another, four miles southwest of the same place.

of Michigan, That Horace H. Comstock and his heirs and assigns be and they are hereby authorized to build a dam across the Kalamazoo River at Otsego, in the county of Allegan,

"Section 2, The said dam shall not exceed five feet in height above Common low water, and shall contain a convenient lock for the passage of boats, barges, canoes, rafts, or other water craft, not less than seventy-five feet in length and fourteen feet in width, and shall be so constructed as to receive boats in slack water of sufficient depth below the ripple, and pass them to slack water above the ripple, for all the purposes of navigation on said river.

"Srorion 3. It shall be the duty of the owners of said dam, at all times, after the building of the same shall have been so far prosecuted as to obstruct the navigation of said river, to keep said lock in repair, and to pass any water craft or raft which can be admitted therein through the same without any unnecessary delay, free of all toll; and the said owners of snid dam shall be liable to the owner or master of any water craft or raft, in double the amount of such 'damages such owner or master may sustain from any unnecessary detention of said water craft or raft at said lock, to be recovered, with cost of suit, before any court having competent jurisdiction.

' "Secrion 4. Any person who shall destroy or in any wise injure said lock or dam shall be deenied to have committed a trespass upon the owners thereof, and liable uccordingly ; and any person who shall willfully and maliciously destroy or injure the said lock or dam shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction be punishable cess of Mr. Comstock's enterprise. But the crowning event of the year was the survey and platting of the village of Otsego.t This was completed on the 22d day of December, 1836, by O. J. Wilder, surveyor. The map of this plat shows the bridge, dam, and mill-race, and a " bed of first-rate iron ore" on the north bank of the river, some forty rods above the bridge. Also roads leading to Portsmouth, Kalamazoo, Paw Paw, to the mouth of the Kalamazoo, and to the rapids of Grand River.

"This town is situated on the rapids of the Kalamazoo River, immediately below its junction with Gun River, and at the head of steamboat navigation. The water-power of Otsego is not surpassed by any in Michigan, having a fall of fifteen feet, the whole river for

" Srcrion 5. Nothing herein contained shall authorize the individual named in the first se 'tion of this act, or his heirs and assigns, to enter upon or flow the lands of any person without the consent of such person; and the Legislature may at any time so alter or amend this act as to provide for the further improvement of the navigation of the said

During the next year (1836) a dam, mill-race, and sawmill were constructed. A bridge was built across the river at this point. The Buckleys were selling goods. Samuel Foster, in anticipation of future requirements, - the influx of ''land-lookers,'' - already had in active operation his little hostelry, known as " Otsego Hall;'* and, to still further increase hotel accommodations, J. S. Higgins came in and built a tavern, the building since (remodeled) occupied by Dr. Chase. Dr. Coats was here to attend to the bodily ailments of the afflicted. A school-house was erected near the site of the present Congregational church edifice, and the start thus made promised well for the suc- a race, and requiring no dam, thus affording sufficient power to drive any number of stone that can ever be wanted. Its peculiar location, in respect to other towns and the adjoining country, the concentration of roads leading to it, in connection with its immense water-power, render it one of the most desirable points in Michigan."

Samuel D. Foster began selling goods in the latter part of 1836. Roswell Crane took charge of the saw-mill in 1837, and built the Exchange Hotel for Mr. Comstock the same year. The hotel was then managed by Mr. Comstock for a few months, after which Mr. Crane assumed control of it. The first flouring-mill was built by Mr. Comstock in 1839. The resident tax-payers of 1840 have been mentioned in preceding pages, also a large majority of all other early settlers who settled subsequently ; to them the reader is referred.

The original school-house was burned in 1863, The present Union school building, a brick structure 50 by 80 feet, was built in 1868. It is surrounded by spacious grounds, some three or four acres in extent, well shaded with

Hawks, April 12, 1842. It was removed to Allegan soon after. Several other newspaper enterprises have originated here, which are mentioned in Chapter XX. * the general history.

Although the village suffered severely by fire in June, 1863, also in 1875, and again in December, 1877, it possesses no fire department or water supply that is at all efficient or worthy of notice.

Incorporation

The first charter ¢lection was held in. the boot-and-shoe store of A. W. Blackmond, on the 15th of April, 1865, and the president, trustees, and marshal then elected were as follows: Willard Higgins, President ; William H. Ingram, Franklin Chadsey, Ethan Allen, Toker Foster, Henry C. Houghton, Wilson C. Edsell, Trustees; Byron Ballou, Marshal. J a

Religious

This body dates its history from the formation of. the First Baptist Church in Plainfield, which was organized at the house of Silas Dunham in Plainfieldt (now Gun Plain) Dec. 26,1835. The names of the constituent members were Silas Dunham, Curtis Brigham, S. Calkins, Elisha B. Seely, James Calkins, Alfred S: Dunham, Edwin S. Dunham, Tirza Dunham, Lydia Brigham, Joanna Calkins, Sarah Seely, and Matilda Calkins. Their meetings during the first few years were held at different points over the wide field which this church then covered, - sometimes. in the Guu Plain school-house, sometimes at the dwellings and school-houses in Cooper, in Otsego, and in Allegan, - Otsego being made the central point and permanent location in 1842.

The first pastor was Elder Jeremiah Hall, who was the moderator of the council held Feb. 4, 1836, for the recognition of the chureh. After Elder Hall, Elder Harvey Munger was pastor for several years, preaching only a portion of the time. Deacon Curtis Brigham, though not an ordained minister, preached acceptably during the early years of the society's history. Elder William A. Bronson was called to the pastorate June 24, 1844, and served about one year. Elder Harvey Munger followed him. In 1851, Rev. A.:M. Buck became the pastor, and resigned in 1857. Rev. H. Stanwood was called in 1858, and served one year. Rev. A. M. Buck was recalled in April, 1859, and'resigned in December, 1863. Rev. O. S. Wolfe was called in 1864, served until August, 1864, and was succeeded by Rev. H. B. Taft in November of the same year, who remained one year. Rev. A. M. Buck was again called in November, 1872, and is the present incumbent.

This was the mother-church in Allegan County, and was probably the first church of any denomination formed within its limits. In December, 1840, a branch was set off to form a church in Cooper. In January, 1841, a branch was set off to form the Baptist Church in Allegan. In April, 1864, a branch was set off to form a church in Trowbridge, and in May of the same year another branch was set off to organize the SE Ey Church in Plainwell. a

The house of worship now in use was built in 1855, and dedicated October 28th of that year. It has 250 sittings, and is valued at $1000. The church now numbers 65 members.

The First Congregational Church Of Otsego

This organization was formed in the Gun Plain schoolhouse, township of Plainfield, now Gun Plain, on the 8th day of January, 1837. At this meeting Rev. M. Knappen, of Gull Prairie, presided as moderator, while George N. Smith served as secretary.

The first meeting held in Otsego was on the 26th of February, 1837. Among the original members of this church were Rev. A.S. Ware and wife, Mr. and Mrs.

Chamberlin and son, John Forbes and wife, William Orr, Cyrenius Thompson and wife, George N. Smith and wife, Peter Head, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Adams, and others. The first house of worship, in the village of Otsego, was built in 1846. It was burned in March, 1865. The present church edifice was completed in 1867, and has sittings for 300 persons. Present membership of the church, 80.

This church was organized in 1842, the original members being Lucius Anderson and wife, Miss M. Builey, Sidney Ketchum, and Angeline Lane. The house of worship was. commenced in 1843 and completed in 1847. It will seat 250 persons, and is valued at $2000. Present membership of the society, 110.

A society of this denomination was organized by Elder Joseph Bates, of Monterey, on the 28th of December, 1861, the original members being Aaron Hilliard, Lydia Hilliard, George Leighton, Rocksilda Leighton, Margaret Shepard, Lewis Hadden, Mary Hadden, Hettie Hadden, Martin Leach, Esther Leach, Amanda Felshaw, Malinda Felshaw, Francis Felshaw, George Felshaw, Mary Russell, Paulina Russell, William Russell, Leroy Russell, Olive Russell, Augusta Hadden, Elizabeth Welch, Nathan Anway, Harriet Auway, John D. Pearson, Sally F. Pearson, Sarah Travis, Sjdney Hilliard, Cynthia Hilliard, Seymour Hilliard, Trecia Hilliard, and Sophronia Chappel.

Their first meetings were held at the house of George Leighton. In June, 1863, Elder M. E. Cornell held a successful series of tent-meetings at a point not far away from their present house of worship. Their church edifice is of brick, and situated on Farmer Street, ia the village of Otsego. It was erected in 1867. The members of this organization number 74 at the present time.

Secret Benevolent Associations

This society was instituted as Henry Day Lodge, June 7, 1871, the officers then installed being Henry Day, N. G.; A. S. Tompkins, V.G.; A. B. Way, R.S.; Nahum Gilbert, Treas. Other charter members were John B. Millard, D. F. Sweet, and Charles K. McKay. The name was changed to Otsego Lodge in 1873.

Biographical Sketch Hon. Wilson C. Edsell

This gentleman, whose name is so prominently associated with the history of Otsego and Allegan Counties, was born in Bradford Co., Pa., July 8, 1814. The family are of German-American origin. His parents were natives of New York and Connecticut, and reared a family of nine children. The elder Edsell was a farmer, and his family were brought up to habits of industry and thrift. Our subject's advantages for education were confined to the common schools of that day, but his thoughtfulness and close observation made amends for other deficiencies. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to the vocation of a carpenter and joiner, and upon attaining his majority he was in possession of a strong pair of hands, a good constitution, and was master of his trade. In 1835 he started West, stopping at Cleveland to recruit his finances; leaving Cleveland, he went to Sandusky, and entered the employ of George Lawton, a successful mill-builder, with whom he remained four years. Je gained the reputation of a fuithful, competent workman, and spent his leisure time in studying Nicholson's " Operative Mechanics," chemistry, natural philosophy, drawing, and history. In 1839 he built a large flouring-mill at Monroeville, Ohio. Here also he met his destiny in Miss Julia A., daughter of David Cleck, Hsq., whom he married the following year. Soon after their marriage they entered Oberlin College, and began a four years' course. In 1844 they joined a colony of thirty persons, who emigrated from Oberlin to Olivet, Mich., for the purpose of establishing a similar college at.that place, where Mr. Edsell, in company with Rev. John J. Shipard, founder of Oberlin College, Carlos Reed, and William Hesford, pur- * chased about twelve hundred acres of land for college, mill, and.kindred purposes. Mr. Hdsell was made treasurer, secretary, and trustee, and pushed forward the work amid many discouragements until it had gainéd a firm'hold upon the confidence of the people. Its admirable discipline and superior educational advantages now render it a power for good, and much of its after-success is attributable to the self-sacrifice and untiring energy of its first secretary, In 1849, Mr. Edsell removed to Otsego, where his energy and ability were soon recognized. in all the State courts, was justice of the peace sixteen years, trustee of the State Asylum: for the Insane, and twice elected member of the State Senate. Asa jurist he manifested clearness of perception, sound common sense, and in- ~ though advanced in years he is both aggressive and progressive. He has not confined his efforts solely to the practice of his profession, but has been one of the largest real-estate owners in the county, and in 1869 he, in company with H. N. Peck, established the first banking-house in Otsego. In 1866, Mrs. Edsell died. She was a lady of refinement and education, and esteemed highly. She was the mother of four children, two of whom are still living, - Chas. W., of the firm of W. ©. Edsell & Son, and Sarah, wife of H. N. Peck. In 1867 he was again married, to Mrs. Clara Hughes, of Kalamazoo. By the last union one daughter, Esther, was born. The salient points in the character of Mr. Kdsell are industry and economy, to which he attributes his success. Starting in at twentyone with only his natural resources and five dollars, he has attained success in all departments of life. He is one of whom the Latin phrase "Faber suze fortunx'" is eminently true. In his political and religious cotivictions he is a Republican and a Congregationalist. Socially, he is genial and courteous, and his hospitality and good nature are proverbial. He possesses that quality of bearing and manner, united with a fine presence, which not only favorably impresses the stranger, but endears:him to those who enjoy his society. Public spirited in the fullest sense of the word, he is one of those whose identification with any community is always productive of good.

Among the most prominent things of his life-work, as well as being the most satisfactory to himself, are, he says, the following: The pleasure and satisfaction of assisting and taking care of his aged mother, who lived to be ninetyfour 'years old; the part he took in the founding and establishing of the Olivet College; and his uutiring efforts in the anti-slavery cause, and the organization and perpetuity ef the Republican party.

TuIs is one of the three townships of Allegan County populated chiefly by Hollanders, and may, perhaps, be regarded as the stronghold of the people of that nationality in the county. It is described in the United States survey as township 4 north, of range 14 west, being bounded on the north by Ottawa County, south by Heath, east by Salem, and west by Fillmore.

The surface of Overisel is quite varied, the elevations in the southeastern portion often reaching the dignity of hills, while in the centre the slopes are more gentle. There area few swamps, so small, however, as not materially to lessen the value of that district. The northern and southwestern portions are level and productive, and afford many advantages to the agriculturist.

Rabbit River, which makes its way, with many windings, through the southeastern portion, enters the township from Salem on section 25, flows southwestward, and passes out into Heath on the southern line of section 34. This stream is fed by several small creeks, which rise in the northern portion of the township, while the tributaries of the Black River water the northwestern corner of the township.

A considerable portion of the soil of Overisel is a sandy loam, while in many localities a strong clay Joam abounds, and in others the clay is mixed with gravel, a vomposition which produces as good crops as are to be fuund anywhere in Allegan County.

Wheat finds a congenial soil in Overisel, the average crop being quite equal to that of neighboring townships. Corn is also grown to profit, and other grains are cultivated with like success. In some localities the wheat-crop has yielded 35 bushels to the acre, though it is not claimed that the average production will reach that figure. The last available census - that of 1874 - reported that 1305 acres of that grain had been harvested during the previous year, which had yielded 22,418 bushels. Seven hundred and forty-six acres of corn had produced 26,059 bushels of that cereal, while of other grains 19,224 bushels had been raised. Grass is grown with much success, and hay of a superior grade is produced, the yield in 1873 having been 1990 tons.

On nearly all the farms there are fine orchards, which generally produce very fine apples, that fruit being the one principally in favor among the Hollanders. There are very few peach-trees, hardly any one raising more peaches than are desired for home consumption.

. The timber of Overisel embraces most varicties found elsewhere in the county. Beech and maple are the staple woods, while ash, elm, hemlock, and pine also abound. The last-named timber is principally found along the borders of Rabbit River, though most of what formerly grew there has been used for building or exported.

The population of Overisel is chiefly composed of Hollanders, who emigrated from their native land direct to Michigan, though a small band of settlers of American de- order, and neatness of this people are apparent even in a hasty survey of the township. The lands are mostly well improved and substantially fenced, while comfortable dwellings of brick or wood, together with capacious barns and out-buildings, are seen on nearly every farm. The population has increased materially since the census of 1874, and is now estimated to exceed 2000 persons.

The hospitality and civility which are marked characteristics of the Dutch race are fully maintained by the people of Overisel, as the writer can most willingly testify. There was only a single exception to the courtesy and friendliness with which he-was received. There is among the Hollanders of this township but little rotation in office. Those who have filled positions of trust with ability and integrity are secure in their tenure of office, and are but slightly affected by political changes, as may be seen by a glance at the list of officers which closes the township history.

Government Entries

Section 16. - Bought in 1863 and 1864 by L. Hopman, F. Copeman, E. Kalen, M. Slotman, A. Fooustra, H. Lankherst, G. Nyhuir, John Kayes, J. Howner, J. H. Berkel, Jan Korterink, J, Kickenfeld.

Section 27. - Bought from 1836 to 1865 by Joshua Clark, Charles Butler, Elisha Moody, Kinnig and Kollen, F. B. Stockbridge. Section 28. - Bought in 1836 by D. 8S. Wilder, 8. V. R. Trowbridge,

Section 34. - Bought in 1834, '35, and 7386 by H. Y. Britain, William P, Patrick, Fetterman and Abbott, Trowbridge and Parks, Benjamin Eager, Norman Allen.

Section 35. - Bought in 1835 and 1836 by Alanson Sumner, L. A. Mills, Fetterman and Abbott, Joel Bowker, Elisha Moody, Trowbridge and Parks, Silas Trowbridge, Charles Butler.

Early Settlements

During the year 1847 a colony of twenty families, under the leadership of Rev. S. Bolks, embarked from Holland for the hospitable shores of America. They remained a year in the State of New York, and during this interval Rey. Mr. Bolks came to Western Michigan, a larger colony of his countrymen having located in the southern part of Ottawa County a short time before.* He first determined upon Fillmore as a location for his colony, but finally decided on Overisel.

land, Ottawa Co., and received temporary shelter. Here they remained until log houses could be constructed on the ground they had selected for each family, when they immediately moved into them. The colonists brought with them Holland gold, with which they desired Dominie Bolks to enter 2000 acres of land at Ionia, Mich., where the landoffice for this district was then located. This land was then distributed by lot to the various heads of families, and all seem to have been entirely content with the tracts that this method of division assigned him. In this tract was embraced a farm of 63 acres, which was given to Dominie Bolks as a pledge of esteem by the colonists,

The families who accompanied Rev. Mr. Bolks to Overisel and made the first settlement there in 1848 are here enumerated, with 'their location: Egbert Nykerk, with a wife and one child, who located upon the east half of the northwest fractional quarter of section 19. In his family also lived Aarand Teeslink, his wife's father, with a wife - and four children. Gerret Veldhuis, with his wife and four children, located upon the southwest fractional quarter of section 19. .Gerret H. Lankheit, with his wife and two 'little ones, became a resident of the south half of the southeast quarter of section 19. He lived upon this land until his death, in 1865.

Henry Beldman, accompanied by a wife and one child, settled upon the east half of the northwest quarter of section 20. Berend Wieldrayer, with five children, found a home upon section 18, of which he had received half of the southeast quarter, embracing 80 acres. Mr. Wieldrayer died in 1879, having lived to thé advanced age of eightyone years. _Gerett J. Immink, accompanied by a wife and six children, settled upon the west half of the northwest quarter of section 20, and afterwards bought the east half of the northeast quarter of section 19. He is now deceased, as is also his wife, who lived to the age of eightyfour years. A son of the same name occupies the farm.

William Hulsman, with his wife, removed to the west half of the southeast quarter of section 17, embracing 80 acres. Hendrick Klumper, with his wife and three children, located upon the east half of the southeast quarter of section 18, on which he lived until his death, in 1875. His son now occupies the homestead. Gerret J. Figuervever, accompanied by his wife and child, found a home on section 8, of which he received the west half of the southwest quarter. With him came his father and mother, who are since deceased.

Evert J. Fokkert, wife, and child became residents of 40 acres on section 7. He died many years since, and left his son, Mannes Fokkert, in possession of the farm, upon which he now resides. John W. Agteres, with his wife and three children, removed to the west half of the east half of the southwest quarter of section 8. He died some years since, and left the farm to his widow, who now resides upon it. Henry Kleinheksel, accompanied by his wife and five children, settled upon the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 8. He enjoyed the distinction of having been the earliest pioneer in Overisel, and lived upon his land until 1875, when his death occurred. His son is now the owner of the farm.

two children, found a home upon section 9, where he owned 160 acres. His son now resides upon the same farm, Henry Kroezre, with a wife and three children, owned the east half of the southeast quarter of section 8. He died very early, and the widow, with her son, has since cultivated the farm. Jan Schipper, accompanied by a wife and five children, settled on 40 acres on section 20.

Hendricus Maatman; his wife and three children, located upon the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 17, and also purchased the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 20. His death occurred during an early period of the colony's history, and his son has since cultivated the land. LL. Slatman, one of the early pioneers who left Holland in 1847, died in Syracuse, N. Y., soon after his arrival. 'His widow and five children removed to Michigan with the colony, and settled upon the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 19. William Oolbekkirck, who was unmarried on his arrival, located upon the northwest spiibae of the southeast quarter of 'section 19.

Mannes Kleinheksel itil upon scetion 20, where he had the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter. Gerret J. Haller, also an unmarried man, had the east half of the southwest quarter of section 17. Gerret Maatman and his wife established themselves upon section 8, where 40 acres was allotted to them. He lived upon his farm until his death, in 1876, when his son became owner of the property. John Schwuurusau did not locate land with the colony, but: soon after entered a tract in the township which he improved and made his residence.

Mannes Boers avd two children settled upon the west fractional half of the southwest quarter of section 6, his wife having died in New York. Berend Timmerman, with his wife and four. children, located upon the east half of the northwest fractional quarter of section 7.

Gerret M. Brouwer, with his wife and two children, chose a farm on section 24, in the township of Fillmore. These last four settlers purchased their lands direct from the government, and not through the agency of Rev. S. Bolks.

The same fall there arrived me Holland-William Heckman, wife and four children, who settled upon the east half of the southwest. quarter of section 6; Hendrick Eskes, his wife and three children, who chose a hides in Fillmore ; John Bolks, who was unmarried, and also located in Fillmore, on section 24; Gerret Schoten, his wife and five children, who purchased 160 acres on section 17; Gerret Vreelink, with a wife and five children, who entered 80 acres on section 8.

In 1849 came Hans Kok, his wife and six children, who located upon section 7; Mannes Slotman, with a wife and four children, who became settlers on section 20 ; and Rev. Gerret J. Nykerk, who is still living, and officiates as pastor of the Reformed Church of Overisel.

Hendrick Brouwers, who came from Hanover in 1848, remained in Allegan until the fall of 1850, having meanwhile purchased land on section 17 in Overisel, where he then settled. In 1854 he bought 115 acres upon section

9, on which he at present resides. Henry Michmershuizen built a house upon his land, on section 18, as early as 1848, but did not remove to it until later, having remained two years in Allegan. Cornelius J. Voorhorst left the province of Overisel, in Holland, in the spring of 1847, and came direct to Holland, Mich., where he remained until his settlement upon his farm, in 1848.

Fred Copeman came in 1851, and with his wife located upon 80 acres on section 7. Lucas Daugremond preceded him by a year, and with his family settled upon section 18, where he built a blacksmith-shop and conducted a thriving business. Mannes Kok settled upon the land formerly owned by Dominie Bolks. Doon Nienwenhuis located with his family upon section 7. Z. Vujteveen and family settled upon section 20, and John W. Neveuzel upon section 30. John Von Kerde and Gerret Kooiker were also among the later settlers.

R. Koning came from Zeeland, Mich., in 1866, and embarked in mercantile pursuits. He soon after erected a substantial building, and conducted the business of a general store, adapted to the country trade, for a period of eight years. Later he purchased a large tract of land, and is now extensively engaged in real-estate operations.

Jan Van Dau settled upon section 3, and resided upon his farm during his lifetime. Jan and Geraud Van Rhu also located on the same section. Roeluf A. Weurding, with his family, found a home on section 2, where he purchased the south half of the southeast quarter, and Albert Vredevelt secured the east half of the southwest quarter on the same section.