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, W1IThI HISTORY

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maiden trip, and witnessed the fear and anxiety of the people
gathered on the river bank as they looked every minute for the
boat to be blown up.
A few years later the family moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, and were living there when General Andrew Jackson was
elected President of the United States. They often told of the
overwhelming ovation he received when he entered that city in a
stage coach drawn by six horses. He went overland all the way
from Nashville to Washington. The crowd following him increased as it reached Washington until there was a vast multitude
of people gathered to do him honor.
Mr. and Mrs. Whiteley were possessed of ample means, and
the luxury of travel was extensively indulged in, though the mode
of conveyance at that time was the stage coach, the canal boat,
sailing packets and on horseback.
From Wheeling, West Virginia, they moved to Toledo, Ohio,
going from there to Lansing, Michigan, in 1850, where Mr.
Whiteley was engaged in the boot and shoe business until his
death on May 30, 1859.
Their removal from Toledo to Lansing was accomplished by
Ieans of a large prairie schooner, drawn by the largest span of
horses ever seen in Lansing up to that time. It was a journey
requiring twenty-eight days. the railroad era in Michigan having
hardly begun. They were accompanied on this trip by their two
sons, James and John.
John Whiteley was a man of energetic character, marvelously
clear business judgment, great determination, and a business
man to whom much of the prosperity of Lansing is due. His
friendship when secured never failed; he was charitable, benevolent, and ever ready to assist the needy. In his home he was a
kind, indulgent husband and father.
James Whiteley was a splendid student, realizing great success
in later life as a farmer.
Mrs. Elizabeth Whiteley's ninety-first birthday was charmingly celebrated at the home of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. John
Whiteley, seventeen guests being entertained whose average age
was eighty-four years. The evening was an enjoyable one and it
was certainly an entertainment seldom equalled. The remainder
of Mrs. Whiteley's life was spent in Lansing and vicinity, and she