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 INGHAM COUNTY

one aged two years and the other three months. Later she with
her husband settled at Eaton Rapids. Her husband here did the
work of justice of the peace, lawyer and undertaker. He helped
to cut the first trees and build the first building in Eaton Rapids.
It is said that he prepared for burial the body of everyone who
died in the place until he too passed away.
Mrs. Collins was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bunker,
pioneers of Ingham county, who lived on a farm near where now
stands the Bunker church in Aurelius Township. In 1876 Mrs.
Collins settled on a farm in the western part of Delhi, and this is
still her home. Her grandson and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Everett, live with her. She is remarkably well preserved for one of her
years; her mind is clear and at times she loves to tell anecdotes of
pioneer days, which are very interesting to her hearers.
Just who was the first whilte child born in Delhi Township I
cannot say for certain. Henry Phillips was born June 5, 1841,
and I have been told that this was the first birth.
If I undertsand correctly why it was requested that this paper
should be prepared, it was that a history of Delhi Township should
be preserved for the benefit of coming generations. Believing
this to be the object I would not end the paper without telling
something of what is being done in our town today.
First I would mention our churches. There is the German
Methodist church with Rev. Theodore Hey as pastor. The Presbyterian church, whose pastor is Rev. Winfield S. Sly, and the
Methodist Episcopal church presided over by Rev. George Brown.
There is a feeling of good fellowship existing between the three
churches. There is a Sabbath school in connection with each,
and a good work is being done.
In the western part of the town is another church called the
Grovenburg Methodist Protestant church. Rev. Thompson is
the pastor. This is a very flourishing wide awake little country
church, and is doing much good.
About 1900 there was a post office established near this church
called West Holt, with Samuel J. Haley as postmaster. This was
continued until rural service was established.
There are three general stores in Holt. Gunn and Foredtert
are the proprietors of one. The postoffice is situated in this store,
with Herbert E. Gunn as postmaster. For several years there