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

It was so far to mill the corn was ground in the top of a stump
that had been hollowed out, Indian fashion. There were no roads
through the woods from one settlement to the other, nor to the
school. The way was found by trees which the surveyors had
blazed. The children went to school when possible and probably
prized their advantages more than the present generation who
have so many facilities for learning.
One of the pioneer amusements of that early day was to take a
boy, put him in a deer skin, toss him up and catch him.
Benjamin Perkins Avery was a man about five feet, seven or
eight inches in height, and weighed about 140 pounds; he had blue
eyes and light brown hair and was of a quiet and affectionate nature, temperate in his habits. In his old age he sometimes
smoked but finally gave up the practice entirely. He was a
Democrat, and although always interested never became active
in political matters. The only offices he ever held were commissioner of highways and poor commissioner.
He was a member of the M. E. church from early life. A hospitable greeting was always accorded the visitor, and the Methodist preacher often came there for a "Welcome Home." from
Deacon Avery. The training and example given his family of
sons had good effect, for all, in mature life, were consistent church
members.
For many years he served as class leader, until stricken with
shaking palsey, about twenty years before his death. The condition of his health obliged him to give up work and he deeded his
farm to his son Elias, who was to take care of him for the remainder of his life.
Elias, being by nature more of a mechanic than a farmer, sold
the farm and moved into the village of Dansville. After the death
of his mother in 1878, and later his wife, and business reverses, he
found himself unable to care for his father; so for the two years
which remained for this old pioneer to live he found a home with
his other sons. Rheumatism and paralysis rendered him entirely
helpless, yet the old man uncomplainingly bore his lot with
Christian fortitude. He died May 31, 1883, at Dansville.
His wife was a woman of much force of character. She showed
her Dutch origin very plainly in her appearance and by her thrifty
ways. Shewas very ambitious and even after losing her sight in