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 INGHIAM COUNTY

way he had to pass through a dense thicket in the woods, near
Hiel Phelp's house. One night after leaving Phelp's house he felt
an unusual timidty-a feeling he had never had before. He felt
that something was going to happen to him. As he neared the
thicket he heard the noise of some animal walking in the leaves.
He made up his mind he had got to meet a bear. He thought it
would not do to be a coward and run, so he mustered up his courage and moved on. Pretty soon he could distinguish something
passing between him and a large white stone that was quite plainly
seen in the darkness. He felt sure Mr. Bear was there and there
would have to be a fight or else some tall running, when he heard
"ugh, ugh," and an old sow ran off into the thicket. His hair
settled back on his head and he went on home.
Amaziah Winchell, of Ingham, said so many pleasant recollections of the past came crowding his memory that he hardly knew
where to begin. He thought the hardships of pioneer life were
often more in the imagination than in reality. He came, a poor
man's son, to Michigan in 1833, from a land of rocks, clay and
hard work. IIe first settled in Washtenaw county, and in 1836
located the farm in Ingham township on which he still lives.
He related an interesting incident of his being lost in the woods
one night from having taken the wrong trail.
H. A. Hawley, Vevay, said he would promise the pioneers to
prepare some remarks for the next annual meeting. He had
promised his wife and children that when he reached the age of 60
he would not work so hard as in the past, but take his ease. That
time was drawing near, and he had so much to do before it arrived
that he had not had time to prepare anything for the present
occasion. At the first town meeting, when Ingham and Leslie
were one, he had the honor of being elected constable.
Mr. Critchett, of Leslie, was town clerk. He related the story
of his adventures in coming home in the night from Mr. Critchett's where he had gone to qualify for his office. On his way
home he tried to follow the shore of Sycamore Creek, but after
stepping off into deep water once he dared not risk it any longer,
so made his way to the Hogsback and followed that, knowing it
would lead him to Mason. A wild animal about fifteen feet from
him at one time caused his hair to stand on end, but a flash of
lightning revealed that it was only a deer. He reached Mason at