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

ONONDAGA TOWNSHII AND ITS HISTORY

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operated by the Champ sisters, in what is now the Fred Cook
residence.
Passing on to a point on the river just below the bridge was
located, in a very early day, the ford on the Mason trail. This
trail extended eastward through East Onondaga to the "Hog's
Back" on what is now John Hayward's farm, thence along the
ridge to Mason.
In the vicinity of the ford the first government post office was
located in 1838, and operated by Postmaster Buell Buckland,
father of Warren Buckland, a resident of East Onondaga. As the
Indian trail was difficult to traverse he journeyed to Jackson on
foot where he received the mail.
While the Plank Road far surpassed any previous transportation enterprise here, it was soon rivaled by the Grand River
Valley Railroad.
This road was chartered in 1846, but its construction was not
attempted until 1866. During the two years following, it was
completed, and on July 4, 1868, the first train, consisting of flat
cars only, passed over the road carrying as passengers many who
are here today.
To those who granted the right-of-way for the road the usual
compensation of one year's free transportation was given, and
father tells how many old ladies took advantage of their opportunity by almost daily taking their knitting and making the
round trip.
Although hardships seemed to predominate in the lives of our
ancestors there was a sentiment of community loyalty and common interest which unified and strengthened them. They
worked, played and worshiped as one great family.
Religious advantages were limited and greatly appreciated in
the community, where the only meeting place was the school
house and the chief source of Bible instruction the home.
A general hospitality was extended to the "circuit rider" or
traveling parson, who visited practically every home, an honored
guest.
Foremost among these was Elder Walker, who traveled long
distances on foot to his appointments, receiving little or no compensation. His participation in the joys and sorrows of his
parishioners endeared him to those in whose service he spent his