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

REPORTS OF PIONEER HISTORICAL MEETINGS

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and mail was dear. Frequently before we could get a letter out
of the post office we had to pay 25 cents postage, and it bothered
us to raise the money as it represented half a day's work. We
followed trails through woods for miles to get our mail, and then
paid dear for it. But take me back to pioneer days, for they were
full of enjoyment.
"Recollections of early town meetings."-H. J. Dana: Never
made a speech, but am a good chopper and can make good hand
spikes and rails. Have dug out a good home. Our first town
meeting was held in Ingham for Leroy. Four townships then
held a meeting. My father was elected supervisor by one majority. They made torches and brought the vote to Mason,
through the woods at night, and canvassed it next morning.
"Some of the saddest and some of the pleasantest memories
of days agone."-Rowland Connor: Recently made a trip
through parts of Kentucky where scenes were like 100 years ago.
They do not progress, but are ignorant of the blessings of civilization. Did not see a book in my travels among them.
"Our early justice courts and their incidents." —I. L. IHcnderson: Had my first acquaintance with justice courts 20 years
after the State was in operation, and for 10 years was closely
associated with them. Those who then held justice court were
often unremunerated but they were able and true to their convictions, and superior to many who now hold the office for the money
they can get out of it. Had a case before Justice J. A. Barnes,
who called in two other justices to sit with him. It was a little
supreme court. 0. M. Barnes, H. A. Shaw and J. M. French were
the attorneys on the other side of the case. We all boarded at a
country hotel until the sheriff discovered a frisky pig in the act of
mixing the biscuits, when some of us moved and boarded with a
farmer during the rest of the trial. It was a long and important
case. Justices now should not be compelled to make money out of
their courts. The justices are the important ones.
"Home-made clothing; hats and caps. How we got them."Oramal Rolfe: Came here in 1836. Told of gathering and preparing flax, straw, wool, and the way they were used in making
clothing.
"Remembrances of pioneer births, deaths and marriages."J. J. Tuttle and Hiram Rix, Sr.: Mr. Rix said deaths were few