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

some business for themselves and upon their own account, to be
self-reliant, to act upon their own responsibility and take the
consequences like men; teach them above all things to be good,
true, faithful husbands, winners of love and builders of homes.
A letter from Peter Lowe, the first secretary of the society, was
read at this time. in which he said: "I should be very glad to
meet with you all once more at your yearly meeting, but must
forego the pleasure. I have lived in your county over 50 years
of my life. Early in 1835, taking pattern from our neighbors, the
Indians, my father and I built a wicgwam and lived in it while we
erected a log house. I enjoyed my pioneer life about as well as
any part of it. We soon had white neighbors settle near us, but
those associates have nearly all passed away." (Mr. Lowe died
during the following year.)
At the annual meeting for 1891 there were 88 pioneers reported
to have crossed to the other side. As usual, the Mason people
furnished excellent music and also a free dinner to the crowd of
"old-timers" gathered at this reunion. Marshall Pease, the first
white child born within the present limits of Lansing city, was
present and sang "Ivy Green," with Mrs. W. II. Clark at the
organ. Hon. Rowland Connor, of Saginaw, was introduced by
President Barnes, and he gave a cultured address that was well
received. Ile predicted great changes through cultivation in
both the vegetable and animal worlds, particularly those which
would be seen in the human race in the next few generations.
Col. L. IH. Ives acted as toastmaster, when the following toasts
were given and responded to:
THE OLD FOLKS, Mrs. E. M. G. Hawlcy (later Mrs. L. II.
Ives) responded to in verse:
"Write us a song of the old folks,
Weave it with memories old,
Thrill it with ripples of laughter
From lips long since grown cold;
Scar it with flames of trial,
Bedew it with tears of grief,
Gild it with hope and courage,
And a love beyond belief;