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

houses and were often seen roaming through the forests. They
loved pie and were very friendly when their wants were supplied.
In early spring Mr. Housel would go to the farm of Mr. Dewey
and help sort apples. The supply was then divided and the children of both families would have a feast. Many years have
passed, but one of the finest orchards in the district is located on
the Housel farm.
Graded schools were unknown in those early days, but a practical education was considered as great an honor as a graduated
course of today. All the early settlers have passed on to a much
needed rest, and Mrs. Robert Wright is the only one now a resident of the district. William Galloway, of Leslie, was a former
pupil there.
Mathias Housel was a Civil War veteran, and Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Wright are "Gold Star" Parents.
DISTRICT NO. 4, LESLIE.
By MRS. ABBIE STILES.
About 78 years ago school was kept in an old log building on
the northwest corner of where Albert Stitt and Leon Taylor now
own farms. The district was large, the east line including the
Theodore Clark farm, now known as the Jim Bailey place.
In 1843 Elizbeth Godfrey taught in this building. The seats
were slabs, smoothed with an adze. Long pegs were driven in
auger holes made on the under side to form the legs. The desks
were built against the sides of the buildings, and those wishing to
write turned completely round on the backless seats, and used
the desk behind him.
Miss Waterhouse, Miss Morehouse, Phoebe Holmes, Ada Whitmore and George Phelps were teachers in this old building. Two
pupils who attended school at that time are still living-Mrs.
Mary Austin, aged 87, and Mrs. Lecta Abbey, aged 84.
Seventy years ago Alfred Young taught there. Mr. Young
took much interest in John Leach, then 21 years old, and advised
him to come and get a better education so that he might do something easier than the hard work of those times. He attended