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

LANSING TOWNSHIP AND CITY, WITH HISTORY

471

pose in settling in the wilderness here was to keep in touch with
Michigan possibilities as a possible investment for Governor Seymour. Mr. Turner bought 75 acres of land in the northern part
of the city and the greater part of it lay along the Grand river in
the main section of the north side business district.
Having a business here that would keep him in the village of
Lansing permanently, Mr. Turner decided to erect a home that
would be in keeping with his standing in the State. There were
no sawmills here at the time and all lumber and finish for the proposed home had to be carted overland for miles. The material
for the home was assembled with great difficulty on account of
the absence of roads.
STILL IN GOOD CONDITION.
When finally completed the first frame house in Lansing was
considered a veritable "mansion" and one of the sights of the settlement. In the original Turner homestead were born the late
James M. Turner and Mrs. C. P. Black, now residing on North
street, within a short distance of her birthplace. Mr. Turner's
father continued to live in the original home for years. Some of
his activities while a resident here were the building of the railroad from this city to Ionia; the construction of a plank wagon
road from Lansing to Howell and the laying out of the city of
Lansing. Seymour street was named for Governor Seymour,
whom Mr. Turner represented in Michigan. Mr. Turner took an
active part in Michigan politics and was elected State Senator
from this district.
The old homestead is still in fair condition and tenable regardless
of its extreme age. Its imperviability to weather and time is
pointed out as an illustration of the dependability and stability
with which the earlier generations built.-State Journal, 1920.