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

392

PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

Rapids in 1920, having moved there but a short time before from
Washington, D. C., where he had been Judge of Customs Court of
Appeals. He had served as circuit judge in Grand Rapids, and
was a member of the supreme court in Ingham county. His name
was well known, not only in Michigan, but through the United
States.
To Robert was born Alonzo, Clifford, Fred, Frank, Almerion
and Sarah Dunham.
To Wm. was born Wm., Jr., Martin, Richard, Louisa Haff, and
Mallie Medkiff Eisenbiss.
Alexander had no issue.
All of these children were born on the Plains. The original
Montgomery homestead on the Onondaga Township corner was
later owned by the Schimmerhorn's, Waller's, Hewett's, Henry
Olmstead, who built the house that now stands there, and others.
In 1837 the Robt. Haywood family settled on the corner one
mile east of the school house. Their children were Robert, Dr.
Abner, Henry and Harriet, who married a son of Rev. Crane.
The school district was organized in 1837, and the first school in
the township was taught in the Plains' school house in the summer
of that year. It was a small log building and the Huntington
family occupied it for a residence the next spring until they could
build themselves a home. However, school had been held in this
building before this, supported by families without public aid.
The brick structure which now stands there was built in 1865.
Marcella Parker taught the last term in the old school and went
to school to a male teacher in the new school during the first term
taught there, and this was Dudley Bateman.
The site for the school house was bought of John Montgomery,
$70 being paid for a square acre. Almeron Parks was the carpenter and the building cost $2,000.
In 1877 the district voted money for the ornamental pine trees
along the Plains road. In the early days the stage coach passed
along this road from Eaton Rapids to Mason. It was a fine road
and horseback riding was much indulged in, making of this road
a rather famous race track.
In 1838 John French obtained three or four hundred acres from
the government, east of the school house. The later owners were
Wm. Miller, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Mull and Richard Blair.