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

BUNKERIIILL TOWNSIII AND ITS HISTORY

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The first permanent improvement was made by David Fuller
on section 7, probably in 1837. Henry Wood was next to make
improvement, and he also came in 1837. There were others who
came in that year, among them John O'Brien and Job Earl. Of
the settlers of 1837, William Vickary still lives on the farm he
bought in that year on section 32, and is now 84 years old. John
O'Brien died last year (1890) on the farm he bought in 1837, on
section 25. George E. Wood, son of Henry Wood, lives on the
old homestead on section 1. Of the family of Job Earl, who came
with him in 1837 and yet living in Bunkerhill, are Mrs. Amanda
Watterhouse and Charles Earl.
The first white child born in this town was Charles H. Wood,
son of Henry Wood, born April 7, 1837. I am aware that other
historians have said that Mary Bunker was the first white child
born here. An uncle of Mary Bunker told me a short time since
that Mary's father was not married until 1840, and that Mary
was born in Henrietta, Jackson county. This leaves Charles H.
Wood undisputed possessor of the honor of first birth. (Charles
H. Wood died in 1922.)
The township was settled quite rapidly during 1838-39, so that
in 1840 there were twenty voters. By an act of the Legislature,
approved March 21, 1839, the township was organized. Said act
also provided that a town meeting be held at the house of David
Fuller in said township.
The officers elected at the first town meeting were:
Supervisor-David Fuller.
Clerk-Uzziel C. Taylor.
Treasurer-David Fuller.
Assessors-Henry Wood, Tristram Smith. George Taylor.
Collector-Harvey Taylor.
Directors of the Poor-Ebenezer Whitmore, Brutus Hoyt.
Commissioners of Highway-Ebenezer Whitmore, Job Earl,
Tristram Smith.
Justices of the Peace-Henry Wood, Tristram Smith, George
Taylor.
Constable-Brutus Hoyt.
Of those who voted at the first township meeting only one is
left now living in the township they helped to organize, and that is
William Vickary, who yet holds the fort on section 32. John