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 INGIILAM COUNTY

Among the earliest physicians who practiced in Williamston
were Dr. Joseph Watkins, Dr. Wells and Dr. Cobb, who lived
about one and one-half miles north of the village, none of whom
were regularly educated for the profession. They were attempting
to practice here when Dr. Leasia located here about 1840. Dr.
Gray and Dr. Davis about 1860; there were also some others.
Dr. Coad came in 1868 and has been in practice here since that
time; Dr. Defendorf came in 1873; Dr. Campbell in 1876.
The attorneys that I remember before 1880 were Horatio
Pratt, E. D. Lewis, Quincy A. Smith and B. D. York.
The first action concerning public schools appears on record in
1840, when it was voted to raise a fund of $150 for their support.
The first items entered in the regular school record were in 1844,
February 10, when the first school district was formed, District
No. 1, to consist of sections 34, 35, 36, the west half of the southeast quarter of 25, the east half of the southeast quarter of 26, the
southeast quarter of 27, the southwest quarter of 24, and the
southeast quarter of 23, to be called District No. 1 of the township
of Phelpstown.
At that time Jesse P. Hall, O. B. Williams and L. H. Lounsbury
were inspectors of schools. On the 26th of April following District No. 2 was formed. On the 3d of May, 1845, District No. 3
was formed. These took away some of District No. 1. In the
spring of 1845 the inspectors purchased 185 volumes of books,
established a library, and appointed H. B. Williams librarian.
EARLY TEACIHES.
On the 8th of April, 1835, the inspectors certify that they have
examined Miss Mary Farrand in respect to her moral character,
learning and ability to teach a primary school, and consider her
well qualified for the discharge of that duty. A certificate was
issued her to teach in District No. 1, then comprising the nucleus
of the present village of Williamston.
Among others who were examined and licensed to teach from
1845 to 1850, we find the names of the following: Gilman Warren,
October 15, 1845; Miss Elizabeth L. Alverson, May 1, 1847; Miss
M. Demerry, June 19, 1847; Miss Jane Watson. November 19,
1847; Miss Armena Pitts, May 1, 1848; Miss Lovina P. Alverson,
June 7, 1848; Miss Sarah Jean Macomber, September 23, 1848;