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 INGITAM COUNTY

born with an axe in my hand, but with a disposition to use one
while still very young," and the following from his rhyme story
plants a vivid picture in all minds of the life of a real pioneer boy:
"Of one event when I was seven years old
Perhaps you'll pardon here the story told;
A wornout axe of father's fell to me,
So straightway I was moved to fell a tree.
The biggest one by measurement I found,
And started in to bring it to the ground.
For two whole weeks I hacked and cut away,
Unconscious that my father watched me day by day,
He knowing well how dangerous my work,
And that my ignorance would not let me shirk.
As proud as Lucifer I'd planned to say
To my young mates, ' I felled a tree today!'
Alas, my tree was hollow; when cut through it crashed
Slumping before me, just completely smashed.
I kept the secret well. None ever knew from me
What fond hopes perished with that hollow tree."
After the war Mr. Webb returned to his home in Aurelius, and
since then farming has been his life work, and it has proved one of
prosperity to him. He is a man of broad understanding, very
public spirited, greatly interested in all agricultural matters, and
in the pioneer history of his county. He taught school in his
early manhood, and knows of the trials and hardships that fall
to the lot of pioneer teachers. He was for years connected with
the Ingham County Agricultural Society and one of its efficient
officers.
For fifty years he has been identified with the Ingham County
Farmers Club and the Ingham County Pioneer and Historical
Society, now serving his thirtieth consecutive year as its treasurer, ever ready to give of his time and his money to carry on the
work. He is intensely interested in carrying to a successful finish
the "Pioneer History of Ingham County" which the society now
has ready for publication.
He is an ardent church worker, and is well known for his philanthropic spirit and work. He is also a charter member of Phil
McKernan Post, G. A. R.