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

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

HIRAM SMITH.
Hiram Smith and wife Margaret came from Cortland Co., N. Y.,
in 1851. There were no roads from Detroit and they had to cut
their way through the woods. Settled on their farm on Columbia
road 1 mile east of N. Aurelius church. There they opened
and kept the first Post Office during the Civil War and after.
Used to walk to Mason to church through the woods, just a
narrow path. Had eight children, and their descendents in
Aurelius, and at this date, 1919, there are 30 of their great grandchildren living.
Renewed interest in local history is seen in Ingham county,
and it is very gratifying to the officers of the Ingham County
Pioneer and Historical Society, as each year carries the events of
the past into greater obscurity, and now is the time, if ever, to
gather and preserve the priceless records and stories of the past.
The township meetings introduced in 1920 are bringing much into
the treasure box of memories concerning the long ago, and at the
meeting held in Aurelius on September 16, 1921, much valuable
information was gathered, as its history was given by school districts. W. M. Webb was chairman and conducted the meeting,
and although he is well into the 80's, and has the record of being
the oldest native born Ingham county resident, the vim he showed
in conducting the meeting gave evidence that age had not affected
his efficiency in that line.
At the noon hour the old tin dinner horn that awoke the echoes
seventy years ago was "tooted" by Mrs. Lucy Jennings, the first
white girl born in the township, and as of old this call to dinner
received a ready response.
The program opened with old time music by local talent, followed by prayer by Rev. W. B. Hartzog.
By the side of a regulation silk flag which graced the platform
was one of unique appearance, over seventy years old. In these
days when the American flag is in evidence everywhere, it is interesting to learn the devices resorted to by the women of the
early forties in their efforts to bring before the public a banner to
symbolize their patriotism.
A flag for some patriotic demonstration in the Sunday school at
Aurelius was greatly desired-and Mrs. Fowler (whose two gray