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 INGHAM COUNTY

There were many incidents in our pioneer life I can remember,
but shall have to omit them for it would make my story too long.
In 1843 we left our farm and moved to Mason. Mr. Meach
and another man took the job of building a barn for John Rayner.
While making one of the numerous trips found necessary back to
the farm in Leroy Mr. Meech saw two young bears about a rod
from him rooting in the leaves. This was only a few miles from
Mason. He jumped toward the little cubs hoping to capture
them. One of them ran away but the other laid down and cried,
when the mother bear came charging out of the bushes with vengeance in her looks. After facing her a few minutes Mr. Meach
thought "discretion the better part of valor" and climbed a sapling that stood near. He didn't stop until he was about twelve
feet from the ground, but the bear climbed after him and was five
feet up the tree before Mr. Meach thought to throw his coat in her
face. Then hearing one of her cubs near by she turned and left
the tree, and Mr. Meach lost no time in getting out of that
vicinity.
Among the pioneers that came into Leroy at the same time we
did there are none left except ourselves. Some came a year or
two later, and of those Mr. and Mrs. Dana, and Mrs. Daniel
Tobias are left. Nancy Tobias, daughter of Mrs. Daniel Tobias,
was the first white child born in the township. She was born
under our roof and received my name. She is now Mrs. Gordon
and lives in Leroy. These incidents are written as nearly correct as my memory serves me. Through all life's checkered
scenes I recognize God's unseen hand, that has kept me through
these years, and with gratitude I acknowledge His goodness and
humbly trust His mercies. NANCY MEACH.
WEBBERVILLE.
DR. F. N. TURNER, North Lansing.
In 1871 the present Pere Marquette Railroad was built from
Lansing to Detroit, making a direct route from the Capitol City
and the Metropolis of Michigan. Before this date the only direct
route was via the Detroit, Lansing and Howell Plank Road. Be