The congressional township of Milford, designated in the United States survey as township 2 north, range 7 east, was detached from Novi, December 30, 1834, and organized as a separate township by the Territorial legislature at the time above specified.

In giving the topography of the township, it will be sufficient to say that the principal stream in it is the Huron river, which enters the township near the centre of section 13, being the outlet of a series of lakes in the adjoining township of Commerce, on the east. Soon after entering the township it receives as one of its tributaries Norton creek, from the south, in said section 13. Within the corporate limits of the village it receives another very important tributary, Pettibone creek, coming in from the north, which is the outlet of the Pettibone lakes, in this and the adjoining township of Highland. Both the Huron and Pettibone afford valuable water powers, which are only in part utilized, leaving many yet for the hand of enterprise to develop. The Huron runs, at its entrance into the township, in a northwesterly direction, thence at the village westerly and south and southwesterly, and enters a lake, known as the Kensington Lake, on section 31. Below the village it receives three other small tributaries, one in section 9, one in section 16, and another in section 32. The surface of the township is decidedly rolling, and may almost be termed hilly in some parts. It has a very productive soil, made so materially by an intelligent and thorough culture, and the application of clover and plaster, changing the virgin soil from a deep golden hue to the darker one now presented. It used to be claimed, when the first settlers came, that they could not grow any of the grasses, particularly clover; but that state of things has long passed by. All the cereals for which Michigan is so noted are here successfully grown. The farmers now point with just pride to the products of the soil, the fruits of the orchards, their choice herds of cattle and sheep, their fine horses, and their yield of pork. The supply of pure water, obtained at small cost, on most of the farms is almost unlimited. The soil is mostly gravelly, with here and there some clay ; plenty of stone for all purposes of budding. The timber is principally of oak and hickory, much of which is of second growth.

The oak crowned hills surrounding the village of Milford, and down the valley of the Huron, form a landscape of wondrous beauty, and one well worth the pencil of the artist. Having thus briefly described the land within the limits of the township, let us now consider its early settlement.

The first entry made for land was by Amos Mead for Levi Pettibone, Esq., in the year 1827. This was the west half of the northwest quarter of section 10, and constitutes the site of that portion of the village of Milford lying north of the quarter line and west of Main street, and originated the name of Pettibone creek and lakes.

One of the earliest pioneers in the township was Elizur Ruggles, who came in and purchased lands of the government in 1831, and located on the same with his brother Stanley in 1832. Henry, another brother, came in the following year. They took up all the land now comprised in the Ruggles farm and village plat known as " Armstrong's addition," lying east of Main street. Only two white settlers resided in the township at this time, one by the name of Ayres, who occupied the Captain Abel Peck farm, in the south part of the township, and the other, named Allport, lived in a log house between the Fuller house and the river, on that forty acres of the Fuller farm next to the farm known as the Hoagland place, now owned and occupied by Mr. Whiting, on section 9.

Henry Ruggles, mentioned in the above connection, was accidentally killed at the house-raising of Pearson, on the farm now owned by Charles Inamells, in 1837.

The Ruggles erected the first saw mill in the township in 1832, of which more hereafter. Elizur Ruggles was a bachelor, and his brother Stanley was a widower, when they moved into the township, and they boarded with a family named Parks, who came into the country with them. The house in which they lived was the first house in the township. It was built of logs, on the brow of the hill, east of Dr. Brown's residence, on the site (or very near it) of his tenant house.

Captain Abel Peck came in the year 1831, and located on section 35, on the farm now occupied by his daughter, the widow of Lyman Bennett.

John Hayes settled on section 36 the same year, on the place now owned by Frank Heath, He was accompanied by two brothers ; but none of the family now reside in the township.

John Vincent came from Richmond, Ontario county, New York, in November, 1832. and took up the east half of the southeast (quarter of section 15, upon which he lived until his death, in April, 1877. His son now occupies the old homestead

Job G. Bigelow arrived in July, 1832, and bought of the government the north half of southwest quarter of section 33. He broke up and sowed to wheat forty acres, and put up the body of a log house, putting down a temporary floor. In October of the same year he moved his family into it, without doors or windows or even a roof But he soon finished it, and as there was no school house, or even school district, in the entire township at that time, and there being a few families in the vicinity desiring school privileges, Mrs. Bigelow opened a school in their own house, where she taught the children of the surrounding country for two years. It is believed that this was one of the first schools ever taught in the town, probably the very first one. One rather amusing incident connected with this first pioneer enterprise may be mentioned: Mr. Bigelow, during the fall, had hired a young man by the name of Richard Wilson. One afternoon, with two nephews of Mr. Bigelow's, who were there on a visit, it was determined to have a hunting expedition by way of recreation. Returning quite late in the evening, after partaking supper they retired for the night, with the exception of Wilson, who sat down upon the floor with his feet down into the hole intended for the hearth. With his head resting upon his hands and his elbows upon his knees, he was soon fast asleep. In the night, as the fire got low, being somewhat cold, one of the boys got up and threw upon the fire a basket of chips, on which one of them, on coming in from their hunt, had thoughtlessly thrown his powder horn. Again retiring to rest, he was soon in the land of tired hunters, from which he and all the inmates of the house were suddenly summoned by a loud explosion. It seems that as Soon as the fire reached the powder the above result followed, scattering the chips and fire all over the house, throwing poor Dick nearly to the back part of the room. Fortunately, no one was injured, but all were badly frightened.

Deacon Harvey Steele came in 1832, and settled on section 35, on the farm now owned by Henry Nicholson.

Isaiah J. Hudson settled on sections 20 and 21 in 1832.

About the middle of November, 1832, Mr. Potts and his father arrived from England, having left the docks at London October 11 of that year, being five Weeks on the voyage. William Potts entered the employ of Amos Mead. He still resides in the township, being its oldest pioneer

John L. Clark came into Milford township in 1833, and settled on the southeast quarter of section 28, on the farm afterwards occupied by A. Gillett.

Robert Crawford, together with his family, came here in 1833. This country was then a wild and howling wilderness. He purchased the farm now occupied by William D. Crawford, his son, on the 14th day of November of that year, of Griffith Johns and Calvin Lincoln, two hundred and forty acres for five hundred and fifty dollars. The former owners just named had made some improvements and built two log houses, but being sick with the fever and ague and some homesiek, they were glad to avail themselves of a purchaser and go back to the State of New York, In the spring of 1834, Alanson Crawford, the eldest son of the purchaser, came here and made additional improvements, it then being called Novi. In May, 1835, Mr. Crawford and his family started on their journey of removal here from Ontario county, New York, with two double teams and one single one, bringing with them six young horses. They came through Canada, arriving about the last of June. They undertook to come out from Detroit by way of the Grand River road. It was not worked much, and a part of the time they were obliged to turn aside in the woods where the mud and water were hub deep. But they finally reached the "Sand hill," leaving one of their wagons stuck fast in the mud ; returning the next morning, they hauled it out with another, team. William D. Crawford was with the family when they came in. He narrates his first journey to Milford village in this way: having to pasture their horses in the woods, not having much land fenced, the horses strayed. Going in quest of them in a northwest direction, he came to the Huron river; having followed a sort of trail he came where the village now stands. He found here a log house and blacksmith shop (Foreman's). He there inquired for Mr, Vincent's, when, taking a back track by way of Mr. V.'s house, he made home at last. Mr. Robert Crawford died in February, 1839. His remains, first interred in the old cemetery, now rest beside those of his wife, whose death occurred about six years ago, waiting the morn of the resurrection.

James Mendham came from England in 1833, and settled on section 12 in Milford and on section 7 in Commerce townships, on the farm now occupied by his son, John J. Mendham

George Tuck came in 1837, and subsequently settled on the farm now owned by John Simons

David Pickett arrived in 1835, and settled on the farm formerly owned by Orin Goodell, on section 24.

The settlement of the township between 1836 and 1840 was rapid, a large influx of immigration pouring in, so that it is impossible to mention the names of all.
As illustrating the privations and hardships encountered by the pioneers in their travels to their adopted homes in the west, we quote the subjoined account, furnished by the person whose experiences are therein narrated to Mr. Henderson Crawford, and published by him in his able articles in the "Early History of Milford and Vicinity." This is a fair sample of a journey to the west in early times, and its insertion here dispenses with the requirement of a similar rencontre in the history of others, and which would necessitate a tiresome repetition:

"We have lately received from the hands of our venerable friend, Frederick W. Goodenow, now nearly seventy-nine years of age, the following statement of his early experience : he came to Michigan in 1826, from the township of Mexico, in Oswego county, State of New York, being about twenty-five miles from the city of Syracuse. Located on lands four miles northwest from Ann Arbor in the month of April, in that year, then returned east and removed with his family, consisting of wife, mother, and two children, in June following, shipping on a canal boat, on the 'raging canal,' for Buffalo. Traveling by this mode of conveyance was very tedious and irksome. At Buffalo they embarked on a steamer called the 'Enterprise;' but she proved a poor enterprise for them, as her accommodations were wretched in the extreme. Little better awaited them in Detroit, where they were obliged to take their lodgings on the floor at Uncle Ben Woodruff's Steamboat hotel, then the best in the city. He then hired John Hamilton, father of the Hamiltons at Flint, for forty dollars, to take him and his family through to Ann Arbor, their journey occupying four days. It rained most of the entire time on the road, being one of the very worst times he could possibly have chosen, in June; even the winter season would have been preferable. The water being very poor, surface water, consequently they were soon all sick with the different fevers incident to a new country, and could not get in any crops. Leaving word at Ann Arbor that they wanted help, it would come, and seeing the situation of the family, would take leave suddenly. Finally their neighbors came and cut marsh grass enough to winter their stock and stacked it, without any compensation, as they would receive nothing for their services. So if anyone wants to find neighbors good, kind, and true, let them seek them in a new country, if anywhere on earth. Procuring all the boards he could at Ann Arbor, only three hundred feet of poor oak, they formed their only shelter for twelve days, eleven of which it rained the most of the time. They lost a great many bedclothes by the wet weather. They then moved into their new log house, procuring basswood bark for floors. The next morning after their first night there they were greeted by the arrival of a visitor, a tall black bear was seen coming to their new place of abode. Mr. Goodenow fearing his visitor might be a little deaf, gave him a loud good morning, whereat Bruin suddenly turned tail and, leaving, was soon out of sight. There were no white neighbors within two miles, but the Indians were very plenty, almost too much so when drunk. They used to buy fresh meats and buckskins of the Indians, paying them in flour. In the following autumn Mrs. Goodenow went to Cleveland, Ohio, where she remained with her sister until the following spring, when she returned to her husband and family, with improved health and spirits, whereat they all rejoiced, as with returning health homesickness fled. Wild animals were very plenty ; the howling of the wolves was heard every night."

Bears and wolves were heard around their house almost every night, seeking something to eat. Mr. Goodenow purchased some sheep about a year after his first settlement, which he kept closely penned every night. One night the sheep were left out of their enclosure, and were found in the morning down by the river, all killed by the wolves. There were no frame buildings in Ann Arbor at the date of their first settlement. Provisions and stock came mostly from Ohio, cows selling at from eight dollars to eighteen dollars per head. Store bills became due 'when navigation opened,' rather than 'after harvest,' as in later days.

It was held on the farm now owned by John Kinsman, in 1836, The people assembled under the old "round top," a large oak so called which stood on an elevated spot The date, "July 4, 1836," was carved on the bark of the tree, which has since decayed, and has been removed. Thus has perished a venerable landmark, and one in which the people of the vicinity took a great pride.

In the new settlements consisted principally in social dancing parties, when the good old fashioned terpsicborean exercises were indulged in sans ceremonies and with a gusto that demonstrated the pleasure the folks of "ye olden time" took in "tripping the light fantastic toe." Among the first who furnished music at these entertainments were Saul and John Kinsman, who took up "the fiddle and the bow" when young men, and have played at dancing parties for more than thirty years. They still contribute to the amusement of the present as they did to that of the past generation of youth.

The subsequent development of Milford township forms an interesting chapter in its history. As a matter of course, the early settler's first move, after building his humble dwelling, was the improvement of his land ; which task was oftentimes the most difficult part of pioneer life. The first farm opened was that of Elizur and Henry Ruggles, who broke up that part of their farm which now occupies the site of block 2 of Armstrong's addition to the village of Milford, in 1832. On this they put in the first wheat, consisting of nine acres, which they sowed the same year

The first frame house was erected by Leonard and Pliny Phillips, in June, 1833. Its dimensions were sixteen by eighteen feet, and the getting out of the lumber, building, making the shingles, and inclosing occupied them just eight days. It now stands on the farm of George Harper, on section 14, the solitary landmark of the "long ago." To the old settler, this venerable monument of the early enterprise of its builders must act as a peculiar reminder of the past, and call forth most vividly the recollections of other days, days of hardship, trials, and troubles, such as fall only to the lot of the pioneer. But these times are o'er. One of its builders has gone the way of all flesh ; and the wife of the other has also long since departed. The other, who assisted in its erection and spent many of his first days in Milford beneath its shelter, now lives within a few miles of the old place, surrounded by the many comforts of rural life, and blessed with many of the bounties of Providence, as a reward for his industry and thrift.

The first brick house in Milford was erected by William McCollough, in 1847. It is now occupied by Charles P. Bennett.

The first roads laid out in the township of which any records exist were described as follows: "First, Beginning at the northeast corner of section 35 and the southeast corner of section 26, and running west to the county line, on the corner of sections 30 and 31 in township 2 north, range 7 east. "Russel Alvord, Louis Vandenburgh, Commissioners of Highways, April 27, 1833."
"Second. Beginning on the line between sections 3 and 4, where the line of the turnpike crosses the section line ; thence running north to the Huron river on the section line, ending on the line between sections 9 and 10 in township 2 north, range 7 east. "Russel Alvord, Louis Vandenburgh, Commissioners of Highways, April 27, 1833."
" Third. Commencing at the quarter stake in the line between sections 13 and 24 in township 2 north, range 7 east, and running west on the line of the section to the town line, ending at the corner of sections 18 and 19. " Russel Alvord, Louis Vandenburgh, Commissioners of Highways, June 14, 1833."

Was a log structure, erected opposite the residence of John Vincent, in 1835. This building was used up to about 1842, when the present frame structure was built, about one-fourth of a mile south of the original house, on section 21.

The person accredited with having introduced the first improved farm machinery into the township was Isaiah J. Hudson, who brought in the first thrashing machine about 1838. It was a primitive affair, having an open wooden cylinder, with spikes driven into it, which frequently came out and perforated the barn or buildings adjacent to the locality where it operated. It had no separating apparatus, and wheat, straw, and chaff came out in a conglomerated mixture; and it tuok a good workman to separate it, and a tough one withal ; for a portion of the grain scattered around within a radius of five rods, with a velocity which made itself felt on the faces of those whom it struck. What has not the past quarter of a century wrought in the way of improved agricultural implements!

Milford was detached from Novi township, and organized by the Territorial legislature, December 30, 1834. The records of the township meetings for the first decade are lost or destroyed, so that we are unable to give the entire list of officers elected at the first meeting, and the three principal ones subsequently, until 1845. On the authority of one who was present at the first meeting, however, we are enabled to state that the first township clerk was John Vincent, and the first supervisor Alfred Hayes. The gentleman above referred to also relates an amusing incident connected with the first election for supervisor. An Englishman named R. P ran against Mr. Hayes, and was beaten by a few votes. He was so chagrined at the result that he sat on a stone and wept, saying, " Hif hi can't be elected to office, hi 'ave more goold in my trunk than hany hof ye." He had a few pounds sterling, which, fortunately, consoled him in the absence of political honors.

The supervisors, township clerks, and justices of the peace of Milford from 1845 to 1877, inclusive, are as follows: Supervisors; Zebina M. Mowry (two years), Charles P. Holmes (two years), Z. M. Mowry, Harry C. Andrews (four years), Alfred Crawford, William Gamble, William A. Arms, Alfred Crawford (eleven years), Philip F. Wells, Charles P. Bennett (six years), James Rutherford, Walter Crawford, James Rutherford, present incumbent.

Clerks; William C. Hoyt, Harman C. Noble, Harry C. Andrews, Lorenzo L. Armstrong, Greorge Davis, Philip P. Wells, Morgan L. Smith, John A. Crossman, William A. Arms (two years), Henry B. Mowry, John Wood, Philip F. Wells, William B. Jackson, Henry B. Mowry, William B. Jackson, Daniel Morrison, Daniel W. Wells, Daniel Morrison (two years), Joseph F. Pickering, Charles Bennett (two years), Thomas M. Birdsall, Findlay H. Trump, Edwin Hubbell, Henry B, Mowry, Edwin E. Andrews (t>wo years), Edward Viges (died in ofiice, and Daniel Morrison appointed to fill vacancy), Findlay H. Trump, Charles E. Lovejoy, present incumbent

Justices of the Peace; Morgan L. Smith, Dugal Mclntire, John N. Clark, Henry Padley, Jonas Gr. Potter, Dugal Mclntire, Marcenas B. Wilsey, Joseph S. Birdsall, John N. Clark (vacancy), Philip F. Wells, Henderson Crawford, John Carter, Joseph S. Birdsall, William Hard (vacancy), William A. Arms, Thorn Pudney, Marcenas B. Wilsey (vacancy), Josiah H. Hulett, Cromwell Bowen, John Pearson, Henry Nicholson, William A. Arms, Lorenzo D. Ruggles, Henry Nicholson, George Bourns (vacancy), George Bourns (full term), Jehial B. Race (vacancy), Philip F. Wells, Henry T. Weaver (vacancy), Zebina M. Mowry, J. C. Pettinger (vacancy), J. C. Pettinger (full term), James Ellinwood (vacancy), George Bourns, Daniel Morrison, Abraham McCain, John C. Kinsman, Walter Crawford, Daniel Morrison, Abraham McCain, James Greason, Henry Nicholson (vacancy), Walter Crawford, Daniel Morrison.

Less than half a century ago the present picturesque site of the village of Milford was a smiling wilderness, uninhabited except by the aborigine. It lies nestled among the hills, and from almost every direction a pleasing view of the place can be obtained. It is now the scene of industry, and is peopled by a busy population. Geographically it is conveniently located, in the northeast part of the township of Milford, on both sides of the Huron river, which, with Pettibone creek and lakes, form a water power unsurpassed in the county. Elizur Ruggles is accredited with the dual honor of having been the first white settler within its present limits, and also with having erected the first house in the township, in connection with the Parks family, as already stated in the history proper of Milford township. Among the pioneers who came in prior to 1836 were Jabesh M. Mead, Aaron Phelps, Luman Fuller, William A. and Ansley S. Arms, and Truman Fox. Of those arriving between 1836 and 1840, whose length of residence constitutes them worthy of notice, were Dr. Henry K. Foote. D. M. Ladd, Philip S. Hubbell, John Crawford.

The first village plats were made in 1836, and recorded in August of the same year. These, with the various additions since made, are as follows: Jabesh M. Mead, part of old town, laid out in August, 1836 ; original town, by Calvin Eaton, same time; Aaron Phelps addition, 1838; Stephen and John L. Armstrong's addition, 1839; William J. Wells' addition, 1840; Joseph Nute's addition, 1869; John Hathorn's addition, 1869; Mowry's addition, 1870, by Zebina M. and Henry B. Mowry; Elizur Ruggles' addition, April 5, 1871; Charles Riley's addition, 1872 ; Andrews' addition, 1872, by Eliza B., Edward E., and George H. Andrews ; Bellevue addition, 1872, by Charles T. Stagg, of New York ; Job Austin's addition, 1872 ; John Hathorn's second addition, 1876.

The first store was erected by Jabesh M. Mead, and was kept by Ansley S. Arms, his brother-in-law, in 1836. It stood on the site now occupied by Henry Lingham's residence. It is a frame structure, and is now used as a store by R. F. Bridgeman, about eighty rods from' where it originally stood.

The first tavern was kept by the Widow Edmonds, about 1836. It was a small frame house, and stood on the site now occupied by the Central House, opposite the post office.

The first frame dwelling was erected by Ansley S. Adams, in 1836, and is now owned by Mrs. Robert Thompson, and occupied by her and her daughter, the widow of Dr. Z. M. Mowry

The first brick house was built by George Dunning, about 1847. It is now owned by William Shinnaman, and occupied by one of his workmen.

The first church edifice erected in town was the Methodist building, in 1841-42. It is now occupied by J. C. Dawson as a furniture store.

The first school house in the village was built about 1837. and stood on the present site of Mrs. Isabella W. Shepard's millinery store. It was a frame structure, painted red, and was known as the "old red school house." In it were held all sorts of meetings, from religious worship to political caucuses. Among it> early teachers was H. H. Tan Leuven, Esq., still a resident of the place. Contemporary with the above, a similar building, designated as district school house No. 5 ( the former was No. 4 ), was erected on the south side of the river, and stood in front of the site of Mr. D. M. Ladd's barn, at the south end of Clinton street. This house was used by Henderson Crawford, Esq., as a private school house for a short period. It now stands on Joseph Nute's place, and is used by him as a barn.

The first saw mill was built by Elizur and Stanley Ruggles, in 1832. They operated it for a number of years, when it passed into the possession of Stephen and John L. Armstrong, in 1839, and was owned and worked by them until about 1843. when it was purchased, together with the water power, by Major Hughes, and L. inducted by him until the destruction of the dam by the people in 1856.

"This dam business will be here partially explained. The citizens of this town, particularly those living along the banks and in the vicinity, had long suffered severe sickness from the spread of so much stagnant water over so large a surface. There was one period which many of us can remember in 1847 ; there were hardly well ones enough te take care of the sick. For four weeks here every day seemed like Sunday, naught could be seen on the streets except now and then a pale, sickly looking shadow inquiring for the doctor. Every effort had been put forth, legal or otherwise, to abate this terrible nuisance. Finally, in 1856, the property then belonging to Major Hughes, matters came to a climax. Hughes being absent in Ohio on business, one bright spring morning the farmers from up the river, with their teams, "gathered at the river," or rather at the dam, and before night not a log was left upon another, tearing everything down to the mudsill. Mrs. Hughes came out in her husband's absence, and took the names of the depredators, which were given freely. She told them they would hear from her husband. They told her they distinctly understood the consequences, but it made no difference. The dam was leveled, and today Milford is as healthy as any town of its size. The matter lingered along in the courts for years, but the farmers carried too many years for the major. They fairly out winded him. The building now forms the main building of Shepard's foundry."

The first grist mill was erected by Luman Fuller, in 1836. He continued to operate it until 1840. when he sold it to William J. Wells and he to Jacob Peters. the present owner, in 1847. The old mill started with two run of stone. It has been improved, enlarged, and repaired by Mr. Peters until the old structure has almost lost its identity in the present building. One run of stone has also been added, together with American turbine iron wheels in place of the old fashioned ones it formerly contained.

Stephen Armstrong and his nephew, John L. Armstrong, having purchased uf the Ruggles', all that portion of their property lying west of the Huron river, including the saw mill, as above stated, in the summer of 1839, built the "Armstrong: flouring mill." This continued to do business in that capacity until the tearing down of the dam, as narrated.

The Pettibone mills were built by W. B. Hebbard, in 1846. After operating them for a number of years he sold out to his brother Alva, and he to John L. Andrews, in 1859. The latter disposed of the property to Daniel E. Matthews in 1S72. who conducted the business about five years. In the spring of 1877, Messr. Morrison & Hungerford, the present proprietors, purchased the property. The mill has three run of stone, one Beloit, Wisconsin, iron wheel, and one overshot wheel. The amount of production in 1876 was: custom, 17,000 bushels; feed. 17,000 bushels; merchant, 9000 barrels.

Milford form quite an important item of its history, as pertaining to the development and prosperity of the village. Among the earliest manufacturing enterprises established here was the woolen factory, which was erected by W. B. Hebbard and George Davis, in 1850, and commenced operations for the manufacture of woolen goods the year following. These gentlemen continued the business until 1854, when Sterling Hebbard purchased his brother's interest, and the establishment was conducted by him and Mr. Davis until 1863, when the latter became sole proprietor by purchase. In the spring of 1877 he commenced the manufacture of Kentucky jeans, of which he turns out an excellent quality. The capacity of the mill is two hundred and fifty yards per diem ; capital invested, ten thousand dollars ; number of hands employed, twelve.

The Vowles cultivator works were established by Joseph Vowles, the inventor of the implement, in 1865. It is an improved cultivator, and designed for general use. It consists of a solid rod thoroughly side braced, and its perfect adaptabilityto all kinds of land and soils, its peculiar adjustability to any and all positions and circumstances, render it one of the most complete of modern improved agricultural implements. Mr. Vowles conducted the manufacture of his cultivator alone until the spring of 1876, when Ambrose C. Orvis became a partner, and the style of the firm was changed to Vowles & Orvis. The capacity of the works is six hundred cultivators per annum ; capital invested, fifteen thousand dollars ; hands employed, six.

The Milford agricultural works were established by P. F. & D. W. Wells, in the spring of 1865, in the present location. These gentlemen embarked in the manufacturing business as early as 1848, and had a small works opposite the Pettibone grist mills. In March, 1875, P. A. Shepard purchased the establishment, and now conducts the same in the building, a part of which used to be the old Armstrong grist-mill. He manufactures all kinds of agricultural implements. Capital invested, twelve thousand dollars ; hands employed, six

Jewitt Brothers & Tower are the proprietors of the foundry and machine shops established by the Jewitt brothers in October, 1875. Frederick E. Tower was admitted into the copartnership in the spring of 1877. They manufacture agricultural implements and hollow iron ware. Capital invested, five thousand dollars.

This banking establishment was organized May 11, 1876, under the style and title of John Wilhelm & Co., the company consisting of the following well known gentlemen : Thomas Hadley, James H. Cummings, J. S. Philbrick, and S. S. Wilhelm, of Holly. The senior member of the company resides in New York State. The business is managed by S. H. Wilhelm, who is the cashier, teller, and general factotum of the bank.

Corporate honors were bestowed upon Milford in a special charter granted by the State legislature, March 30, 1869, to which an amendment was added in 1871. The following gentlemen were elected, at the first annual meeting, to the offices opposite their names, respectively: President, Carnot L. Northrup ; Trustees for one year, William F. Hovey, William Greig, Crocker Hastings ; Trustees for two years, Philip S. Hubbell, Joseph Vowles, Daniel Morrison.

The following appointments were made by the trustees : Henderson Crawford, clerk ; George W. Dows, marshal ; Philip F. Wells, assessor ; Ed. L. Phillips, treasurer ; John L. Andrews and George A. Clarkson, overseers of streets. The subjoined is a list of the presidents : Carnot L. Northrup, Philip F. Wells, Benjamin F. Russell, Samuel B. Furguson, C. L. Northrup, Benjamin F. Wells, B. F. Howland, Daniel Morrison, C. L. Northrup, present incumbent. The clerks have been as follows : Henderson Crawford (two years), Edward E. Andrews (two years), Edward J. Bissell, present incumbent (four years).

A post office was first established at Milford in 1835, and Aaron Phelps was appointed postmaster. The business of the office for the first two years did not amount to more than twenty dollars a year, but after 1836 increased quite rapidly.

The names of those who have been appointed postmasters, and the years in which they entered upon the duties of the office, are as follows : Aaron Phelps, 1835 ; N. B. Eldridge, 1840 ; John Crawford, October, same year ; William J. Mills, 1841 ; Charles C. Foote, 1845 ; John Taylor, 1846 ; M. L. Smith, 1849; E. M. White, 1853; Henry J. Weaver, 1861; John Crawford, 1863; Abram McCain, 1866 ; John Crawford, 1869, present incumbent.

August 3, 1873, a money order department was established, since which time seven thousand eight hundred and thirty-five orders have been issued. The business of the office for the year ending July 1, 1877, was as follows ; Number of orders issued, 1239; amount of same, $19,294; number paid, 366 ; amount of same, $5672 ; number of registered letters, 344 ; number received, 172 ; amount of postage, $1612.

The religious history of Milford embraces quite an extended period. Religious meetings were held in the place some years before it assumed the dignity of a village, at a time, indeed, when a few scattered log houses constituted the entire settlement of its present site and the surrounding country. At first worship was had in private dwellings, and subsequently in the old red school house, prior to the erection of the regular church edifices, the first of which was not built until after 1840.

The pioneer religious organization was a Methodist class, formed in 1836, with Truman Fox as class leader, and Washington Jackson as preacher. There were six original members, namely: Truman Fox, Charles Haynes, Hiram Scollard and wife, "Lord" Balkcorn and wife. About the same time a second class was organized, and called the "English class," from the fact that the preacher and all the members of it were emigrants from England. There were eight constituent members, as follows : Robert Pearson, preacher, wife and two sons, Robert and Richard, Sutton and wife, Michael Bird and wife. The meetings were held at the residence of Mr. Bird until the log school house was erected, a year or so afterwards, when worship was had there. These classes continued to prosper until they were constituted a church, about 1840.

The preachers from that time to the present have been Goodall and Thos. Brown, Thos. Fox, F. Brittain, Woodward, Greo. Bradley, Geo. King, David Thomas, David A. Curtis, Oscar F. North, Calvin S. Kingsley, John K. Gillett, P. G. Buchanan, John K. Gillett, I. W. Donaldson, M. W. Stambaugh, S. Calkins, Thomas Wakelin, F. Brittain, John Livingston (two years), Wm. Benson (two years), Elias Westlake (two years), Chas. P. Watson, Wm. Havener, George Taylor, Joseph S. Sutton, S. S. Littlefield, John G. Whitcomb (two years), E. C. Brockway, Thomas Stacker, Isaac Crawford, E. Yanorman, L. J. Whitcomb (two years), C. C. Lee, Dr. Luther Lee, J. F. Davidson (two years), and S. J. Joslin, present incumbent (two years).

The first house of worship was erected in 1844, and was dedicated by Henry Colelazer, presiding elder, and Rev. George Bradley, preacher in charge. The present fine brick edifice was built in 1875, and dedicated in January, 1876, by Rev. J. S. Smart. It cost nine thousand dollars, which, with the parsonage at two thousand dollars, makes the total value of church property eleven thousand dollars.

The present board of trustees is composed of the following gentlemen, namely: John Crawford, chairman; Wm. Potts, Wm. D. Crawford, Massam Pearson, Frank Potts, Joseph Openo, and A. D. Hagadorne, M.D

The stewards of the church are A. D. Hagadorne, John Crawford, Massam Pearson, Michael Bird, A. Dehil, Wm. Crawford, Thomas Wallace, J. Gamble. The present membership is one hundred and ninety-one; scholars in Sunday school, one hundred and fifty-eight; teachers, twenty-six; volumes in Sunday school library, two hundred and fifty.

Milford originated in the organization of a Presbyterian church in the summer of 1838. The society divided temporarily in 1841, and constituted themselves into two religious bodies, namely, a Presbyterian and a Congregational church respectively. They continued as such, worshiping in the old school house and other places, until 1845, when the two societies reunited under the title of the "United Presbyterian and Congregational church of Milford," and have since been known as such. Among the original members were Captain Abel Peck and wife, Ansley S. Arms and wife, Philip S. Hubbeil and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Wendell, Dr. Henry K. Foote and wife, and others.

The organization of the church in 1845 was effected at an ecclesiastical meeting of the members and congregations of the two religious bodies (the Presbyterians and Congregationalists above mentioned), which convened at Milford on the 2d of April of the year last named.

The officers elected at that time and place were as follows: Trustees, William Hale (one year), John Vincent and Ansley S. Arms (two years), Charles P. Holmes and Harry C. Andrews (three years) ; Deacons, Ansley S. Arms and Henry K. Foote, M.D.

The first stated supply who officiated in the old organization of the Presbyterian church was Rev. Albert Worthington, in 1838. He had been preceded, however, by a preacher, the Rev. George Hornell, who preached the doctrines of the Presbyterian faith in Milford a year or two earlier. Rev. Sylvester Cary served the congregation in 1840, and the Rev. Anson Smyth in 1845. The latter was pastor at the time of the reunion, and was the first minister installed after the inauguration of that charge. He served from 1845 to 1849, and was succeeded by Rev. Enoch S. Shepard, who died while in charge, in September, 1850. He was followed in the pastorate by Rev. William P. Jackson, in March, 1851. His pastoral labors continued until 1856, when he was succeeded by the following.

E. W. Shaw, from 1856 to 1857 ; B. F. Murden, from 1857 to 1863 ; Henry M. Swift, from 1863 to 1874; and J. M. McGregor, from 1874 to 1876. The first church edifice was erected in 1844, and dedicated in 1846 by Rev. Anson Smyth, the pastor in charge. The building is of wood, with a stone foundation, and is thirty-four by fifty feet. A spire has been added, and it has been otherwise repaired. Its seating capacity is three hundred, and its value is three thousand dollars.

The present membership is sixty-five. The board of trustees consists of Messrs. John Harper, William Foote, P. F. Wells, A. W. Arms, and F. M. Ladd. The Sunday school was organized about 1838 or 1839, and its first superintendent was Ansley S. Arms. Its place of meeting was the district school house on the north side of the river. The present superintendent is F. M. Ladd. Membership, including Bible classes, eighty-five. Both school and church are in a flourishing and prosperous condition

This church was organized in the year 1838, with thirteen constituent members, namely: Mrs. Abel P. Grow, William Y. Grow (now a minister of the gospel, and stationed in Pennsylvania), Isaiah J. Hudson and wife. Father Fitch and wife, Francis Hudson and wife, Deacon Benjamin Eldred and wife, Elder R. D. Pierce and wife, and Mrs. Lavilla Lampheir.

The first pastor was Rev. Rufus D. Pierce. His successors to the present have been as follows : Elders Keith, Ansel Clark, A. W. Baker. Elder I. Speer was in charge of the church as a supply in 1845, during which time a division took place, a part of the members going to Highland Centre (now Spring Mills), where they organized a separate society, which existed but a short time, when it disbanded, and most of its members reunited with the parent society at Milford. On the 6th of January, 1845, a meeting was held in the school house of William L. Webber, from the minutes of which we quote the subjoined.

God in his providence has seemed to indicate to us for a few months past that the time had come when another effort should be made to erect the standard of the Cross again in our midst. This meeting of the Baptist members in and about the village of Milford is therefore called to consider the propriety of an immediate church organization. After prayer for divine guidance, and consultation on the subject, the result was a determination to instantly attempt an organization. Brother Oliver Adams was called to the chair, and John A. Grow was chosen clerk. Prayer was offered by Rev. I. Speer and the chairman. After consideration, the following resolutions were introduced and adopted.

Resolved That we regard those present, to wit, Rev. ). Adams, W. B. Hebbard, John Wines, Abel P. Grow, John A. Grow, B. B. Chaplin, James S. Webber, O. Stoddard, Sarah Stoddard, Louisa Waterhouse, Sarah Wines, Alvira A. Hebbard, Phebe Ann Adams, Sarah P. Grow, and B. Calvin, as members of a church to be known as the Baptist church of Milford, Oakland County, Michigan.

Resolved, That we adopt the Articles of Faith and Covenant as recommended by the Baptist convention of the State of Michigan.

Resolved, That W. B. Hebbard be appointed deacon, and John A. Grow clerk of the church.

The annexed is a continuation of pastors : Elders Albert K. Tupper, W. G. Wisner, Charles Johnson. During Elder Johnson's pastorate a large number were added to the church. March 7, 1858, eighteen were baptized. Joseph Gambol followed Elder Johnson in 1860. From 1860 to 1870 the church was served by supplies: William L. Sanders, M. Roberts, Rev. Freeman, J. H. Morrison, and the present incumbent. Rev. Nathan Wright. The deacons of the church are A. G. Robinson, A. Waterbury, and A. P. Grow ; Clerk, George Bourns ; Trustees, Walter Crawford, George Bourns, John Welch, George H. Shear, and Frank Howard.

The church edifice was erected in 1853, and dedicated in the fall of 1854, during the pastorate of Elder Tupper. It is a frame structure, having a seating capacity for three hundred persons, and cost about three thousand dollars. Its original site was where Fox & Regole's lumber yard now is, but in 1870 the building was removed to its present location on the corner of Detroit and Muir streets. The present membership of the church is sixty.

In 1844 a Sabbath school was organized, which has been faithfully sustained to the present. Its membership is now seventy-five scholars and eight teachers. Superintendent, Judson Fielding.

In writing the educational history of Milford, we shall have to commence at as early a date as 1832 and 1833. There was then no organized school district in the township. The very first school of which we have any knowledge was taught by a Mrs. Bigelow, wife of Job G. Bigelow, who settled on the northeast quarter of section 33, and the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter, two hundred acres, in 1832; the farm recently owned by Rev. M. B. Wilsey, now owned and occupied by Mr. Fielding. In October of that year he moved his family into it, without doors or windows, or even a roof But he soon finished it; and, as there was no school house or even school district in the entire township at that time, and there being a few families in the vicinity desiring school privileges. Mrs. Bigelow opened a school in their own house, where she taught the children of the surrounding country for two years. The first organized school district in the township where a school was opened and taught was district No. 6, near the residence of Mr. Selden Vincent, one and a half miles south of the village. The school was opened in 1835 ; taught for the first three weeks by a Miss Chapman. When she was followed by Mrs. Leonard Phillips, who taught six weeks. When she was taken sick, abandoning the school. Among the pupils attending this school were six from this village, four from Henry Ruggles' and two from Stanley Ruggles'. Morris Andrews sent four, Moses Newman sent three, and Isaiah I. Hudson sent five, making about eighteen in all.

The old red school house in district No. 4, occupying the site of Mrs., Isabella Shepard's residence, north of the Central House, was the first school house built in the village of Milford, being built in the spring of 1837. The next one, built in 1838, was the old red school house on the south side of the river, in what was denominated then school district No. 5. It has since been removed to the premises of Joseph Nute, Esq., used as his barn. Its old site is now occupied by D. M. Ladd.

In giving the history of Milford's educational advancement, we will mention one who have been a pioneer in that important field ; we refer to Henderson Crawford, Esq. In his early youth he evinced a love for study and books that quite rapidly developed a proficiency therein far beyond his years. Oft leaving his companions in youthful sports, he would be found with a book, oblivious to aught beside. After attending some of the best schools in western New York, we find him first engaging as a teacher in the fall of 1836 ; little more than eighteen years of age. He taught his first school in Benton, Gates county, State of New York, near the place of his nativity, then and there establishing a reputation as a successful teacher and disciplinarian, overcoming many obstacles that had successfully puzzled many older heads by his firmness and determination to succeed where others had signally failed. He next taught, at an increased salary, in Gorham, Ontario county, his native county, meeting with the same success that had attended his first effort. In the following winter we find him again in the first named school, teaching there his second term. Coming west in 1830, he first saw this township and village in the fall of that year. He came here partly with the idea of becoming a resident, but equally so with the general idea of a visit to this country. He finally engaged as a teacher in the town of Farmington, Oakland County. Here he made the acquaintance of the young lady who afterwards became his wife, Miss Sarah W. Wood, of Commerce, in this county, she being one of his pupils. Mr. Crawford taught several terms in that township ; in fact, was teaching a select school there at the date of his marriage, December 30, 1841. Purchasing a farm in Livonia, Wayne county, of a Mormon, in 1839. he used to divide his time between teaching during the winter and fanning the balance of the year.

In the spring of 1842, the next spring after his marriage, he resolved to give his attention wholly to the latter occupation ; but many of his neighbors, who had known of his success as a teacher in Farmington, persuaded him to fit up rooms and open a select school during the winter seasons. He was thus occupied up to the year 1845, when, through inducements and persuasions of his old friend Dr. Henry K. Foote, he came to Milford in the spring of that year. Finding no school room suitable for his purpose, he leased the "old red school house" of school district No. 5, teaching there two terms. He next leased the building built by A. S. Arms, Esq., and formerly occupied as a church by the United Presbyterian and Congregational societies, and continued to occupy it on the site where it then stood. being the site now of the residence of Wm. Ogden, Esq., until 1850. That year he purchased the building, and removed it to its present site, east of Main street, near the railway and the wheat house of Lingham & Osborne. He then fitted it up nicely for the use he designed it, a first-class private school. Mr. Crawford was in the continued occupancy of this building as principal of his school fifteen years. He was not only a laborer in his own school, but elected from time to time to supervise the several schools of his township as school inspector, schools often taught by his own pupils. He found time to bestow a large amount of labor in these humbler fields of effort, thus giving the best years of his life in erecting an educational standard that has borne rich fruitage in subsequent years.

He was efficiently aided in his labor as an educator by his devoted wife, herself a teacher, in the care and culture of the younger classes of learners. She had established a fine reputation as a successful teacher previous to her marriage. One of the greatest inducements for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford to remain at their post of well doing for so long a period was the instruction of their own children, two daughters and six sons, now all grown to years of manhood and womanhood, ornaments to the society in which they live ; and, besides, they each loved the work in which they were engaged. The most devoted friends of these pioneers in education were those formerly under their care and instruction. Lawyers, physicians, divines, and teachers, with many of the business men of this and other places, each turn with pleasure to that period in their youthful lives spent under the kindly teachings of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford.

It may seem a work of supererogation to select the names of a few among so many of their old pupils who have since their school days distinguished themselves in their various pathways in public as well as private life ; but as Mr. Crawford has allowed us a glance at their names as recorded in his books, we have concluded to copy the names of a few that we have met and become acquainted with, sensible as we are of their worth. Judge John Moore, of Saginaw city, recently judge of the Saginaw circuit, and Democratic candidate for governor of this State in 1872, was one of the first names recorded as attending school in 1845 ; followed by that of Dr. James Sleeth, a druggist and physician of Byron, Shiawassee county, one of the surgeons in the army during the war of the Rebellion. Edwin and N. J. Hubbell, sons of Deacon Hubbell, the first still a resident of this village ; the second at the head of a commercial agency at Detroit ; Snaith Barnes, connected with the mammoth firm of Hannah, Lay & Co., of Traverse City. P. F. Wells and D. W. Wells, late " Wells & Brother," founders. Mrs. D. W. Wells, nee Nancy J. Lee, wife of the latter, lately deceased. Henry B. Mowry and wife, nee Mary S. White, still residents here. Mary J. Foote, now the wife of Professor T. D. Nutting, of Jacksonville, Illinois. William H., Charles C, and James L. Foote, brothers of Mrs. Nutting ; the first still a resident here, the last two residents of Saginaw ; the wife of Charles, Sarah Peters, and the wife of the latter, Caroline Shepard, were all attendants of Mr. Crawford's high school. Laura E. Fuller, eldest daughter of Luman Fuller, and wife of John L. Andrews. Samuel C. Fuller, brother of Mrs. Andrews, bookseller and postmaster of Traverse City. Sardis F. Hubbell and wife, nee Emily A. Mowry, of Howell, Livingston county. Willard C. Wixom, half-brother of Mrs. Crawford, founder of the village of Wixom. and senior partner of Wixom & Sibley. Margaret Wells, now wife of William A, Arms, a merchant of this village. Sarah A. Wells, her sister, wife of B. F. Davidson, a successful farmer of Highland. Reuben Wood, a brother of Mrs. Crawford, now a business man of Grand Ledge, Eaton county, and one of its first settlers. John Ross, M.D., physician and large landholder, in Texas. Bradley M. Thompson, a successful lawyer, now of East Saginaw. S. Emory Casey, railway superintendent, of Mississippi. Joseph E. Bigelow, son of the first teacher of the town (Mrs. Bigelow), lawyer, a graduate of the State university. Sanford Ladd, lawyer, also a graduate, now resident of Kansas City, Missouri. Clara Fuller, his wife afterwards. Thomas, James, Walter, and Sarah Crawford, still residents here, and Clark Crawford, now resident of Pontiac, children of Alfred Crawford, judge of probate of this county, and who died an incumbent of that office. Mary E. King, now the wife of Jason Richardson, of Leavenworth, Kansas. Cephas B. Robinson, who was superintendent of the Reform school at Lansing at the time of his death, a few years ago. Jay Marlatt, of Lyon, and his sisters, Margaret and Eleanor ; the first now the wife of Hiram Covey, and the latter wife of Spencer Renwick, of Lyon, Renwick himself one of their pupils. Rufus M. Ladd and wife, nee Maria Mudge, now deceased. Joseph Vowles, manufacturer and land owner, still resident here. Truman B. Fox, editor and proprietor of the Rochester Era, Rochester, of this county. A. W. Arms, justice of the peace, and resident merchant, Wixom. Elisha C. Newman, farmer, and resident here. H. D. Tenney, Findley H. Trump, and Mrs. E. A. Tenney, nee Harriet Stoddard, all residents and in business here. William Johnson and wife, nee Nancy Phillips, daughter of Leonard Phillips, Esq., residents of this town. Hundreds of names equally worthy of mention might be added to the foregoing list of names, but want of space forbids. Since the close of his labors, in 1860, Mr. Crawford has been engaged in various enterprises, which are more fully named in a brief biographical sketch in this work.

The Union School was formed by the consolidation of districts 4 and 5, September 6, 1869. The old building was repaired, and the frame portion of the present structure was subsequently erected. The trustees were John L. Andrews, William Greig, B. F. Wells, H. H. Van Leuven, and Daniel Morrison. The first principal was G. A. Brown, who was followed by P. M. Barker, Jesse Mclntire; and in 1877 he was again engaged. The present corps of teachers consists of G. A. Brown, principal ; Mrs. Imogene Brown, Misses Eunice A. Ruggles, Emma Stephens, and Ida Lamphier assistants. The number of scholars enrolled is three hundred and forty, number attending school, three hundred and two ; number of months taught, ten ; value of building, six thousand dollars : seating capacity, three hundred and fifty. The graduates of the class of 1877 were Misses Mary Harper, Lizzie B. Thomas, Susie L. Browne, and Linnie B. Hutchison.

The common schools of Milford township generally are in a prosperous condition, have comfortable houses and good teachers; and the people evince a commendable interest in matters pertaining to the education of their youth.

This Masonic body was organized January 13, 1865, with the following officers: James B. Newton, W. M. ; Joseph Pickering, S. W. ; David S. Martin, J. W. The officers elected and installed at the last annual installation were : B. M. Ladd, W. M. ; John Pettinger, S. W. ; John Honeywell, J. W. ; C. L. Northrup, Treasurer , T. M. Birdsall, Secretary ; A. J. McCall, S. D. ; William Price, J. D. ; H. D. Tenny, Tyler. The society rent the hall they meet in, which was dedicated as a temple of Masonry December 21, 1869, by Hon. H. M. Look, of Pontiac. The present membership of the society is one hundred and eight.

It was organized May 10, 1870, under a dispensation granted by the general grand chapter of the State of Michigan, with twelve charter members. The following were the first officers of the chapter, viz. : T. A. Smith, H. P. ; I. P. Jackson, K. ; S. B. Ferguson, S. ; H. D. Tenny, C. H. ; B. M. Ladd, P. S. ; J. F. Pickering, R. A. C. ; Charles W. Gate, M. 3d V. ; F. H. Trump, M. 2d V. ; William P. Seever, M. 1st V. and Treasurer; H. Crawford, Secretary; D. S. Martin, Sentinel.

At the present time the chapter consists of thirty-nine members, with the following officers: I. P. Jackson, H. P. ; William P. Seever, K. ; P. S. Shepherd, S. ; H. D. Tenny, C. H. ; B. M. Ladd, P. S. ; J. F. Pickering, B. A. C. ; J. Allen, M. 1st V. ; J. Pettinger, M. 2d V. ; William Stephens, M. 3d V. ; A. G. Shofer, Treasurer ; F. H. Trump, Secretary ; J. S. Wooton, Sentinel.

It was instituted May 22, 1873, with the following charter members : W. B. Chapell, J. N. Lisk, S. M. Brown, Daniel Parbell, Charles Phipps, A. H. Hungerford. J. N. Lisk was elected the first Noble Grand, and W. B. Chapell the first Vice Grand. The present officers are: George Dunham, N. G. ; Rev. N. Wright, V. G. ; Charles Van Dusen, Secretary ; A. D. Mosier, Treasurer. The present membership is fifty.

It was instituted April 9, 1877, by D. D. S. Dictator, A. Terry. The charter members and first and present officers are : C. L. Northrup, P. D. ; E. C. Roberts, Y. D. D. ; William H. Sebring, Dictator ; S. L. Bowe, A. D. ; James Van Dusen, Guardian ; George Foot, Sentinel ; Alvah Phillips, Reporter ; William Stephens, H. Rutzep, J. S. Wooton, and J. S. Hewitt, Trustees ; Dr. Hagadorn, Chaplain ; Dr. B. Johnson, Treasurer ; C. E. Lovejoy, Financial Reporter ; A. H. Hungerford, Guide ; C. Van Leuven. The present membership is twenty.

Since the inauguration of the red ribbon or temperance reform movement over the country, nearly every village and hamlet in the land is represented by a local organization. Milford has quite a flourishing club, and one which has done, and is doing, a great deal of good in the cause of temperance and in the reclamation of the victims of the bowl. It is very gratifying to those interested to observe the beneficial results of the movement, as having been the means of reforming a number of local inebriates, who, apart from the habit of intemperance, are good men and worthy citizens. The series of temperance meetings, lectures, and festivals which have been had, under the auspices of the Milford Beform Club, have tended in a sensible measure, by social intercourse and moral suasion, to do what social ostracism and legal measures signally failed to accomplish.

On the 16th of May, in the year of our Lord 1877, a largely attended mass-meeting was held at Milford, for the purpose of organizing a red ribbon or reform club, which was done by enrolling a membership of two hundred and thirty, and electing the following officers : President, W. F. Wait ; First Vice-President, William Perigo ; Second Vice-President, Edward Kelley ; Third Vice-President, B. F. Howland ; Secretary, L. McCoy ; Financial Secretary, Frank Hubbell; Treasurer, E. C. Roberts ; Steward, Walter Crawford ; First Marshal, John Briggs ; Second Marshal, Henry Servis ; Sergeant-at-Arms, William Greig.

The club has rented for one year the room on Main street formerly occupied by H. H. Van Leuven as a store. Since the organization of the club its membership has increased to four hundred. It is now in a flourishing condition, and the enthusiasm that has characterized its operations so far will, doubtless, insure an enduring permanency, and a success commensurate with the intensity of interest that actuates the principal supporters and friends of the institution.

Organized March 18, 1874, by State Deputy C. M. Wood, with the following charter members: John Sherwood, Master; J. C. Kinsman, Overseer; E. C. Newman, Lecturer; John J. Mendham, Steward; A. B. Kinney, Assistant Steward ; Francis Potts, Chaplain; William Clark, Treasurer; James Greason, Secretary ; John Beed, Gate-keeper ; Mrs. Francis Potts, Ceres ; Mrs. E. C. Newman, Pomona ; Mrs. Kate Kinney, Flora ; Mrs. J. C. Kinsman, Lady Assistant Steward ; Richard Hale and wife, Joseph Dickerson and wife, H. B. Kinney, Mrs. William Clark, Mrs. James Greason, Mrs. John Beed, Mrs. John J. Mendham, Daniel Calkins, Orlando Calkins, Christopher Calkins and wife, Daniel Houghton, Francis Houghton, Albert B. Kinney, Alford B. Kinney, Charles Palmer, Lawrie Potts, Ambrose Orvis, Thomas Stevens and wife. The membership at first was thirty-six ; it has since been augmented to sixty. They formerly occupied the hall over Wm. Potts' agricultural implement store, in Milford, but now meet in the residences of some of the members. The officers elected at the last meeting were: E. C. Newman, Master ; John K. Beed, Overseer ; D. A. Calkins, Lecturer ; John Bush, Steward ; H. B. Kinney, Assistant Steward ; William Potts, Chaplain ; J. C. Kinsman, Secretary ; William Clark, Treasurer ; Francis Potts, Gate-keeper; Mrs. Francis Potts, Ceres; Mrs. E. C. Newman, Pomona; Mrs. Kate Kinney, Flora; Mrs. J. P. Dickerson, Lady Assistant Steward.

The most prosperous period in the history of Milford was during the years from 1850 to 1856. In the latter year the Detroit and Milwaukee railroad was constructed, and in a large measure took off, the trade of the village. The business portion of the community saw that the only way to obviate the decrease in trade was to open railway communication with Milford, and thus, partially at least, secure to it the business that the Detroit and Milwaukee railroad had taken from it. For the furtherance of this enterprise several meetings were held, which were devoid of the desired results up to 1865, when the act of the legislature, known as the "Enabling Act," was passed, by which the people were authorized to subscribe by tax and otherwise to the Holly, Wayne and Monroe railway. The work of subscription was commenced under Messrs. Henderson Crawford, chairman of the board of commissioners, and David H. Kirkpatrick, engineer of the company. These gentlemen succeeded in negotiating about three hundred thousand dollars of the company's stock, and in 1869 five mile contracts for the construction of the road were let to various contractors. Bridges were built, piles driven, and grading done to the extent of two hundred thousand dollars, when the financial management found that it was impossible to continue operations for the want of funds. It was finally decided to negotiate with the Flint and Pere Marquette railway company for aid ; which was accordingly done. In September, 1871, the road was completed; and in May, 1872, it was consolidated with the Flint and Pere Marquette railway and its various branches, assuming the title of the above road, as at present.

The construction of the road, and its subsequent consolidation with a prosperous corporation, had the desired effect on the prosperity of the village, and gave an impetus to its growth and to the development of its manufacturing and business interests which are highly beneficial to the place

A.S an evidence of the material importance of the village we will state that it now has four general stores, of which those of John Crawford and F. M. Ladd are among the most extensive. There are seven grocery stores, of which those of James Austin & Bro., E. C. Bennett, Lovejoy & Son, Hubbell & Smith, Crawford & Van Dusen, and B. C. Bridgeman are the principal ones. It has three drug stores: J. S. Hewitt, Davis & Grundy, and D. Morrison, Several dry goods stores, notably those of William A. Arms, Thornhill Brothers, and H. Ratzek. A number of boot and shoe stores, among which Milton Williams, W. F. Barrett, and B. F. Russell take the lead. There are two furniture stores, conducted by F. Ferguson and J. C. Danson. The village is supplied with all of the modern facilities for the transaction of its business, such as the post office, with daily mails from all the principal points on the railroad, and from various villages by regular routes, an express office, telegraph office, and railroad depot.

The manufacturing interests are extensive, as can be seen by reference to the notices of the most important of them in the preceding pages of this work. It has two hotels, the "Milford House," of which William Odell is proprietor, and the "Central House," under the proprietorship of Frank Bice. There are two livery stables, run by P. C. Slaughter and Horace Pinny.

Milford is situated in the midst of a fine agricultural country, and is a good market for all the products of the farm. There are several extensive grain buyers, the most prominent of whom are Stephens & Roberts, and two grain elevators.

The moral and intellect status of the place is sustained by various religious and benevolent institutions, churches, schools, etc. It has four churches, denominationally clarified as follows: one Methodist Episcopal, one Congregational and Presbyterian, one Baptist, and one Roman Catholic. It has a good graded school, in the management of which great care is exercised, both in manner of its work and in the selection of its teachers. The place supports a weekly newspaper, which, under the editorial control of J. P. Jackson, its present proprietor, is an ably-conducted and interesting family journal. It has one lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, a lodge of Knights of Honor, a Red Ribbon Reform club, and reading-room, and a grange of the Patrons of Husbandry.

The delightful location of the village, which lies nestled on the banks of the Huron. Surrounded by verdure-clad hills and fertile plains ; the salubrity of the air, and its consequent healthfulness ; the abundance and cheapness of its domestic market, and its ample facilities for travel and transportation, render it one of the best places for business enterprise or retirement in the State. And many farmers who have toiled for years on their land, and by persistent industry and care have made it bring forth its increase, are now enjoying the fruits of their labors by spending their declining years in comfortable homes in the village

In fine, the indications for the subsequent prosperity of Milford are highly flattering: and that it will one day become a place of very considerable importance is a fact established beyond reasonable doubt. It had the good fortune to be settled by an enterprising and thrifty class of people, and the impress of their work is ineffaceably left as a criterion for the present generation, who are energetically engaged in its fulfillment.

Foremost in the ranks of the profession in Milford is found Dr. Henry K. Foote, who looted here in 1838, and of whom a more extended notice is given elsewhere. He died in 1863. Dr. Fox came the same year as Dr. Foote, and died after two years' residence, in 1840. Dr. Zebina M. Mowrey located in Milford in 1841. He was a graduate of the. Berkshire medical college, Massachusetts, and a most thoroughly educated physician. He died while riding, August 1, 1874, of disease of the heart. He was a man of distinguished ability as a physician, and highly esteemed as a citizen. He was in practice for several years with Dr. Henry Foote, and with him was honored with official position by the vote of the people. He was in the State legislature in 1847, and the constitutional convention of 1850. Dr. Joseph Browne settled in Milford, July 17, 1850. He was a graduate of Edinburgh University, Scotland, and was formerly a surgeon in the British navy. He died April 23, 1877, of apoplexy. Dr. Robert Browne came to Milford in 1849, and Dr. Alexander Bryce about the same time or later. Dr. D. S. Martin located here in 1845, and removed to White Lake in 1875, and engaged in fanning. Dr. Robert Johnston settled here in the spring of 1866. He is a graduate of the Ohio medical college, at Cincinnati, and also of the Bellevue Hospital medical college. New York City, and is still in practice. Dr. W. F. Honey located here in 1868. He is a graduate of Cleveland medical college, Ohio. He removed to Bay City, Michigan, in 1875. Dr. A. D. Hagadorn located in Milford in 1873. He is a graduate of the medical department of the University of Michigan, and is yet in practice here. Dr. Charles G. Davis located in Milford in 1875. He is also a graduate of the Michigan University, medical department, and is in practice here.

We acknowledge ourselves indebted to the following persons for assistance in the compilation of the history of Milford: Henderson Crawford, Esq., Leonard Phillips, William Potts, Ansiey S. Arms, Thomas Curdy, John L. Andrews, Mrs. Laura E. Andrews, John Crawford, Abel P. Grow, Seldon Vincent, Mrs. Charles T. Riley (formerly the Widow Mendham), C. L. Northrup, Charles Lovejoy, township Clerk, and others.