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

ONONDAGA TOWNSHIP AND ITS HISTORY

697

WINFIELD AND NORTHWEST ONONDAGA.
By MRS. HENRY GIBBS.
It may be of interest to know something concerning the early
settlers of North Onondaga as well as of Winfield.
Joseph Gale came here in 1839, taking up a considerable portion of land, a part of which is now owned by his youngest son,
William Gale.
Three of his older children settled in this town, Charles Gale,
who lived in District No. 4 for many years on the farm now owned
by Roy Ives. Elizabeth, who married Joseph Pierson and settled
in District No. 1. John, who settled in the Plains District on
the farm now owned by his son, Fred Gale.
Peter U. Earle came to Onondaga in 1839, with a large family.
Two of his sons, Ed and William, were later connected with the
store in Kinnieville. His youngest daughter, Sarah, married
Charles Cogswell, and they spent their life on the old farm.
After the death of Mr. Cogswell the place passed into the hands of
Dr. Stimson, of Eaton Rapids, who had lived with them when a
boy.
Lawrence Ryan also came in 1839 with a wife and eleven children. Three of these settled in their home town-Milton, who
later moved to Mason, where he held many prominent offices and
became known as a poet of no mean renown; Horatio, who moved
later to the west, and William, who for many years made his home
in Kinnieville.
Richard Ferris was one of the early comers, and his son Edward
now owns the old homestead.
Abraham Van Buskirk came in 1853, and his daughter Frances
now owns the place on which he settled.
My own grandfather, William H. Tonn, came to Michigan in
1837, first settling near Pleasant Lake, but moved to District No.
4, Onondaga, in 1844, where he lived for several years.
Then there were the Sherd's, John, Arcaleus and Emmons, the
Battley's, Buck's and Decker's, all lived long and useful lives and
did much to help build up the country. They are now all gone
and almost forgotten.