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 INGIIAM COUNTY

DANIEL ACKLEY
Was born in Batavia, N. Y., and in 1829 he married Sarah Wortman. They migrated to Leslie in 1836 and settled on a farm
north of the village. Bears were plentiful at that time. One
Sunday morning as Mr. and Mrs. Ackley were taking a walk she
saw an animal which she mistook for an Indian pony, but Mr.
Ackley shot the animal, which proved to be a bear seven feet and
two inches in length. Two children were born to this couple.
BENJAMIN DAVIS
Of Jefferson county, N. Y., came to Michigan in 1836, but remained in Wayne county until January, 1837, then moved to the
land in Leslie on which he filed a claim in May, 1836. He was
twice married, and was the father of eight children.
JAMES ROYSTON
Was born in the State of New York in 1800. He came to Michigan in June, 1836, and located on the place where L. A. Royston
now resides. The family came by way of Buffalo to Detroit on
the lakes, and from Detroit by ox team. At the time Mr. Royston
built his log cabin there was but one other family within the limits
of Leslie. He can well be called one of the founders of the township, as he was elected justice of the peace at the first township
election held 1838. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Royston, one of them, William, died of sunstroke at Resaca de La
Palma in the Mexican War.
ELISHA GODFREY
Came to Leslie in 1836 with his family. When he reached Grand
river he found a bridge made of logs which would sink into the
water when stepped upon. The father was unwilling to venture
with his family in the wagon over this primitive crossing. His
little daughter, Betsey, who was a cripple, bravely placed her
crutches on a log and pressed it down until it was stationary, then
swung herself onto the log and treated the next one in the same
manner, until she crossed in safety. This little girl certainly deserves a place in the list of heroic pioneers. Her father was not