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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1PIONIEEIR hISTORY OF ISNGIIAM COUNTY

Again and for the last time I commend the
Michigan troops to your continued care and support. They have never failed in their duty to
the country or to the State. Upon every battle field of the war their shouts have been heard
and their sturdy blows have been delivered for
the Union and victory. It is my sole regret at
quitting office that I part with them.
Last message Jan. 4th, 1865.
ORIEN AUSTIN JENISON.
Orien Austin Jenison was born in Watertown, N. Y., May 22,
1823. His father died before he was born, and his mother was
left with eight children dependent upon her. His schooling ended
when he was twelve years old. -Ie then went away to a distant
town and began to support himself as a clerk in a store and from
that time was self-supporting. He remained away from home a
year and then returned to work in a store. He continued to live
in and about Watertown for several years. During this time he
practiced artistic penmanship and became expect in the use of a
pen. He then maintained himself until he was twenty-one as a
writing master. During all this time he contributed to the extent of his power to the support of his mother.
The day after reaching his majority he started away from home
with just a six-pence in his pocket, bound for St. Lawrence county,
N. Y. He made his way from place to place, earning what he
got to eat by "setting copies" for the farmers' children along his
route. Published writing books were unknown in those days and
the beautiful examples of penmanship which he wrote for children
to copy when learning to write were highly prized. Reaching
St. Lawrence county, he remained there two years, following his
business as a teacher of writing. From thence he started west,
and reached Detroit August 28, 1846. He had nine silver dollars
in his pocket when he landed. The family has one of them yet.
Within three days he had secured a position in the private land
office of Macey & Diggs. The Capitol was located at Lansing
the next year and Mr. Jenison was sent by his firm to establish a