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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6PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAL I COUNTY

MARY L. SHERMAN.
Energy, unselfishness, constant service to others, and great
musical ability are some of the things remembered about Mary L.
Sherman, known to her friends as "Minnie." She was born June
22, 1851, on a farm four miles east of Dewitt.
Fatherless at four, in 1857 she came with her mother to Lansing,
where she spent the rest of her life. She attended Cedar and
Townsend street schools, the Lansing high school, and the Lansing
Academy, conducted by C. C. Olds, on the site of the present
R. E. Olds home.
Miss Sherman was one of the pioneer music teachers of this
part of the State, having classes in Williamston, Okemos, and up
to the time of her death a very large class in Lansing. She studied piano and organ in Detroit. When thirteen years old she began her career as organist at the Central Methodist church, continuing for nine years. During six of these years she was also
organist at the Michigan Industrial School for Boys, and for over
three years never missed a service at either place. Then for six
years she was organist at St. Paul's Episcopal church, and for two
years at the First Baptist church.
The first money raised for the Pilgrim Congregational church
was $500, and of this Miss Sherman raised one-half. For seven
years she was organist for the "Pilgrim Branch" on North Larch
street, and worked untiringly for the organization. She was a
member of Lansing Rebekah Lodge, and of the Unity Club. So
well she kept the spirit of youth that death seemed premature
when it came January 7, 1921.
In the midst of her busy life she found time always to lend a
helping hand to others, among other things bringing up an orphan
cousin from babyhood.