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

52

PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHIAM COUNTY

"When I think of the old pioneers all over the county, one by
one, as I very often do. my heart swells with emotion and true
brotherly love. Most especially should we be careful of the fair
fame of those who have gone to their reward. Many of them had
warm friends, some of whom may be with us today, and we should
respect their feelings. They, tie dead, are but just a step or two
before us, just over the line, and we too will soon have told our
last pioneer story to the friends here.
"Not only for the above named object do we meet, but to obtain and hand down to posterity an authentic history of the first
settlement of each township in the county, with incidents and
anecdotes, joys and sorrows, deprivations and hardships of individuals, that all in turn experienced more or less, which could not
fail to make an interesting volume which we could sell for enough
to pay all expenses and leave a handsome balance in the treasury.
"The initiatory steps have been taken, committees have been
appointed with this end in view, and some considerable progress
has been made of which we shall be informed by the secretary,
and I hope before the close of the meeting today the consummation
of this much desired object may be assured."
At this meeting a man from each township was appointed to
report the death of pioneers to the secretary, so that they might
be tabulated.
As in every preceding meeting the historical committee was
urged to bring in all the interesting material it had been able to
collect.
The officers of last year were re-elected, with the following
Executive Committee: Wm. -I. Horton, Vevay; O. M. Barnes,
Lansing; J. M. Williams, Williamston.
Fifth annual meeting of the Ingham County Pioneer Society
was held at the M. E. church in Mason on May 29, 1877, and
opened in due form.
The secretary reported the following deaths during the year:
Israel Ames, Lansing, aged 80.
Hiram B. Fuller, Leslie, aged 70.
John Strickland, Alaiedon, aged 90.
Israel Chapman, Alaiedon, aged 62.
Ephraim Meech, Leroy.
Nichols Lewis, Vevay.