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 INGIIAM COUNTY

Luther and John Norris. This was in 1837. It is said that H. H.
North came here the same year, but could not at that time be
called a settler as it was necessary for him to return to New York
for his family, and he was not fully settled here until June, 1839.
George Phillips settled here in 1839 on section 23, and afterwards
kept a hotel and post office at his place at Delhi Center.
Among the other early settlers may be named the several North
families, Alonzo Douglas, David Wait, Darius Abbott, John L.
Davis, Z. L. Holmes, Matthew King, Wm. Cook, Caleb Thompson, Wm. B. Watson, Price Welch, Josiah Hedden, Wm. Long,
Dennis Long, A. D. Aldrich, D. H. Hilliard and Perry Rooker.
The name Delhi is credited to Roswell Everett, just what he
took the name from is uncertain.
The first town meeting was held in a log school house at Delhi
Center, April 4, 1842. The whole number of votes polled was
twenty-two.
Henry H. North was the first supervisor. The first marriage in
the township was between Wm. P. Robbins, of Alaiedon, and
Lydia M. Wells, of Delhi, July 6, 1842.
Roswell Everatt and Eliza Ann North were married a few
months later.
The first building used for a hotel at the Center was built by
Price Welch in 1848. Among the landlords who later kept hotel
were Mr. Beebe, Joseph Hunt, Wm. Willoughby, Frank North,
John Decker, H. J. Aldrich, John Ferguson, Nathaniel Thayer,
David Laycock, Reuben Barker and A. J. Black. This hotel was
on the ground where the residence of Dr. Alexander now stands.
Some sixty-five years ago (1851) a man named Thomas Treat
built a hotel in the western part of Delhi Township on the angling
road running from Lansing to Eaton Rapids. It was built of
grout and was octagonal in shape. It was called the Octagon
Hotel. A frame dance hall was connected with the building.
This building was torn down several years ago.
A post office was established at the Center in 1848, with George
Phillips as postmaster. He was succeeded by Price Welch, and
since then the following persons have served: Caleb Thompson,
Samuel Hoffman, S. S. Gidney, L. W. Baker, James Wiegman,
Fred Phillips, John Ahrens, S. W. Mayer and Herbert E. Gunn.
All letters were addressed to Delhi Center until after the close