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

378

PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

One on section 14, called "The Pioneer Cemetery," purchased
in 1859 and "The Maple Ridge" Cemetery, purchased in 1884.
All are located on sandy knolls and kept in good condition. Associations have been formed to beautify and care for each, in co-operation with the town board.
There is also another cemetery in the southwest part of the
township called "The Markham Cemetery." This is private
property and not under control of the town board.
Dr. Levertt P. Chaddock came to Delhi in 1850 and practiced
medicine for many years. I think it was in 1884 that he retired
from actual practice, but was often called upon for council.
Dr. Wm. Matthaie was a practicing physician in an early day,
also Doctor's Joel S. Wheelock and Jefferson Ohlinger.
The first school in the township was taught by Miss Lydia M.
Wells in the cabin of George Phillips. She also taught the first
two terms in the log school house at the Center.
The first school house at the Center was built of logs about 1840.
In 1852 a frame building was erected. This did duty until 1875
when a brick building took its place. This burned Nov. 17, 1914,
and the following year a modern and commodious school house
was built. Three teachers are employed and ten grades are
taught.
The Presbyterian church was organized April 5, 1865, principally through the instrumentality of Rev. Alfred Bryant. Rev.
Hosea Kittridge was also a valuable assistant. The original members were: James Thorburn, Sr., Wm. Somerville, Mrs. Jane
Somerville, Mrs. Mary Hedden, Mrs. Susan Thompson, Mrs.
Harriet Stanton, Mrs. Fanny Itarkness, Church Wilbur, Mrs.
Hannah Wilbur, James Thorburn, Jr., Mrs. Marion Thorburn,
Casper Lott, Mrs. Catherine Lott, Mrs. Mariah Mallory, Miss
Alice M. Mallory (now Mrs. Pixley), Miss Hattie Stanton (later
Mrs. Geo. Bristol), Mrs. Arena Gunn, Wm. Irwin and Mrs. Jane
Thorburn, Mr. G. W. Mallory joining a little later. The first
minister was Rev. Alfred Bryant, who remained three years at
this time, returning again in 1877 and staying nearly three years
more.
There were a few Methodists in Delhi at an early date. Rev.
Bennett used to preach in the dwelling house and school buildings,
and his followers at that time were Mrs. Isabella Abbott, Mrs.