Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

REPORTS OF PIONEER HISTORICAL MEETINGS

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He said if the farmers with improved farms who now complain of
hard times could step into the woods and get a living they would
have better sense. Let them leave out the cigars, liquor and
extravagant equipment.
Mrs. Hannah May, of Mason, a pioneer school teacher, said she
and her brother carried the mail to and from LaGrange in a bag
about the size of a work pocket. One was 11 years old and the
other less.
Rev. Brockway spoke of early days and mud in Detroit. His
father moved to Ann Arbor and it took him three days to make
40 miles.
Mrs. E. Stanton read an original poem of merit on early life
as she remembered it. T. W. Huntoon, W. W. Raymond and
H. V. Tallman told interesting experiences that were not placed
on record.
Frank Ives and Miss Rose Cranston sang a duet, very pleasing
to all.
The president had been doing research work during the year
and added some valuable information for future use.
When the west half of the county was all included in and called
Aurelius, a town meeting was held April 24, 1837, at the house of
Elijah Woodworth, with the following results: E. T. Critchet
presided, and Amos E. Steele was secretary pro tem; Peter Cranson, Benj. Davis and S. 0. Russell were inspectors of election;
supervisor, Benj. Davis; clerk, E. T. Critchet; Peter Cranson,
Henry Meeker, Peter Linderman and James Royston, justices of
the peace; A. E. Steele, Benjamin Rolfe, James Royston and
Stephen Tuttle, assessors; S. O. Russell, Otis Cranson, and Hiram
Austin, highway commissioners; A. E. Steele, Nathan Rolfe and
James Royston, inspectors of common schools; Benjamin Meeker,
Peter Cranson and Peter Linderman, inspectors of the poor;
Jeduthan Fry, collector, amd Jeduthan Frye, Jacob Armstrong
and Fin Rolfe, constables. One resolution provided that the justices of the peace should appoint a roadmaster, and he should
also be fence viewer; another provided for the payment of $7.50
per head for wolves killed by actual settlers. He also learned
that the first birth in Aurelius was that of Jane A. Gardner,
February 1, 1837. The Gardner family settled there in October,
1836.