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

BUNKERHILL TOWNSHIP AND ITS HISTORY

359

and is not prepared to see so large and flourishing a church, with
commodious school buildings adjacent, a modern rectory, and a
well kept cemetery across the road.
Rev. Fr. John F. Farrell, now in charge of the parish, has furnished a very comprehensive history of this parish, following it
through all its vicissitudes from the time of its first inception.
HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BUNKERHILL
TOWNSHIP, INGHAM COUNTY.
The history of the Catholic Church in Bunkerhill Township
begins with the coming of the first Catholic family to that place in
the year 1839. This was the family of Mr. James Markey. One
of the sons, Patrick, had arrived a short time before and was
followed in that year by his parents, brothers and sister. The
emigration of this family from their native Ireland was typical of
that of many of the families which afterwards settled about them.
In many instances some courageous youth first ventured forth
into this land of opportunity, and, through a hard struggle with
primitive nature, earned sufficient to enable him to send for his
loved ones and unite them again in America.
The Markey family lived on the farm now occupied by Mr.
Timothy McCann, lying east of the church. For some years they
were deprived of religious services. At that time Father Kelly,
a remarkable pioneer missionary, had charge of the Catholic
settlers throughout a large part of southern Michigan. He rode
on horseback from one settlement to another, and on his arrival
at a Catholic settlement word was sent to the neighboring families, and the next morning Mass was offered in one of the homes
of the pioneers. One of his missions was White Oak. On a trip
to this mission he first heard of the one Catholic family at Bunkerhill. Missionary zeal prompted him to find them; so he set out,
though it was winter, accompanied by Mr. McKernan, of White
Oak, and made the long journey on horseback over the primitive
roads. An incident recalls his welcome. A rainstorm had overtaken them on the journey, and the white vestments, used for the
services, which Father Kelly carried with him, had become soiled.
That night after all had retired Mrs. Markey washed and dried