This township is described in the government surveys as town 4 north, range 10 east. By proclamation of acting Governor Woodbridge, bearing date June, 1820, it became a part of Oakland township, which at that time included the north three-fifths of the county. It remained a part of this until May 29, 1828, when, by an act of the legislative council, recorded in volume 2, page 653, " Territorial Laws of Michigan," it was set off and united with Pontiac township, with a provision "That nothing in this act shall affect the assessment or collection of taxes heretofore made in the township of Oakland." This relation was sustained until March, 1835, when it was organized as a separate township, to be called Orion; and the first meeting was held at the (now) dwelling house of Jesse Decker, in said township.

Relative to the application of this name to the newly-formed township, there is some difference of opinion. It is generally believed, however, that the name was suggested by Jesse Decker, who was impressed by its beauty on seeing it in an old school book, and who urged its choice at the primary meeting.

The general character of the surface of Orion is broken by numerous hills, with small rose willow and hazel plains in different localities. A spur of "Bald mountain" projects into sections 35 and 36, and has an elevation above the general level of several hundred feet. Mt. Judah is in the southwest part of the town. Neither of these points is distinguished from the surrounding country, except in altitude, no ledges or strata of rock being found in them. Their constituent elements are sand and clay, intermingled with bowlders. This stone, found also in nearly every other part of the town, is used for building purposes.

The land surface of this town was originally covered with a growth of timber, principally oak. This was quite heavy along the water courses, and lighter on the more elevated grounds, often terminating in openings, which, on account of the frequent fires, were matted over with oak roots, or a growth of hazel and rose willow. Other varieties of timber, as maple, beech, elm, linden, birch, and aspen, are also found. Quite an area was originally covered with pine. Sections 5 and 6 18 19, and 20, were so densely covered with this timber that those localities were always spoken of as "the pineries." Cedar is found to some extent along the lakes, while the American larch grows profusely in the marshy sections.

It is estimated that there are about seventeen hundred acres comprised in the area of the several lakes of this township. This, together with the marshes bordering on them, produces some twenty-four hundred acres of untillable land and water surface. The remainder of the township is covered with a fine, productive soil, although varying greatly in quality. Perhaps no other township in the county has a greater variety of soil in the same area than Orion. The town has a chain of lakes flowing in a general northeastern course, with Paint creek as a common outlet. This stream is the only one of any size in the town. After receiving the waters of the several lakes it flows southeasterly, and discharges into the Clinton river at Rochester. Its descent is very rapid, affording excellent water power, which has been improved to some extent. The presence of a mineral along its banks gives the water of Paint creek a reddish tinge, whence its name.

The twenty-nine lakes found in Orion vary from three acres to hundreds of acres in extent, and being fed by springs are all clear, cool, and usually contain an abundance offish. Among the most noteworthy are Judah, Round, Long, Square, Elkhorn, Buckhorn, Voorheis, and Canandaigua lakes. One of these, Buckhorn, has no visible inlet or outlet. Its waters are very soft, and are highly esteemed for laundry purposes. Judah lake was named after Judah Church, who made an entry of land in its vicinity in 1820, Voorheis lake took its name from a Mr. Voorheis, who attempted the erection of a saw mill at its outlet, but without realizing sufficient power. An effort to get the water from Judah and Grass lakes was attended with no better success, and the project was finally abandoned as impracticable. Square lake is a misnomer, or a perversion of Squaw, as its general contour does not justify the former appellation. It is long and irregular, with comparatively high banks, and has but little swamp border.

Canandaigua lake, or Orion, as it is now called, is the largest in the township. By building a dam across Paint creek, its outlet, the level of the lake has been raised, forming many islands of the before projecting headlands. These islands, seventeen in all, vary from forty square rods to thirty-six acres in extent. The shores of some of them are somewhat submerged, while others have high and sloping banks. These islands are generally studded with beautiful oak, pine, and cedar trees, and viewed from a distance appear like settings of emerald in coronets of gold, when reflected by the light of the declining sun. The freshness of the waters of this lake produces healthful, invigorating breezes, and there are many excellent fisheries, which make it a favorite resort of the angler. The advantages of the lake are improved, and, besides utilizing its water power, it has be- come a famous place of summer resort. These improvements will be noted at greater length in connection with the village of Orion, which is located upon its banks.

Little if any traditionary history of the aborigines exists. A few trails led "through the town from Detroit to Lapeer, which until recently were quite well defined. One of these was along the route of the Detroit and Bay City railroad, which crosses and recrosses it, so closely does it follow its general course. Another trail was in the western part of the town. This was usually traveled by the tribes which had allied themselves with Great Britain when they went to Canada to receive their presents and annuities. On one occasion the smallpox broke out among them, and their dead and dying were left all along the route. There is also a tradition of the existence of a line of fortifications, used in Indian warfare, on what is now known as the Shick farm; but the evidence is too vague to warrant it much credence.

As near as can be determined, the first entry of land in Orion township was made by Judah Church and John Wetmore, in 1819. They purchased a lot on section 19, in the "Big Pinery," probably on account of the timber. It was as fine a body of pine as grew in the southern part of the State. From this time to 1824 there is no record of land purchased. In that year, Moses Munson, Powell Carpenter, Jesse Decker, Philip Bigler, and some others, made entries in the eastern part of the town, but no settlement was made until the year following. In the spring of 1825, Samuel Munson first settled on section 24. He was a New Englander, and bringing the energy and enterprise of that country with him, he directed it to the development of his new home. He began at once to build a saw mill, on section 25, near his home, built a log house, broke some ground, and, perhaps, planted the first orchard.

He was soon followed by Jesse Decker, Philip Bigler, Jacob Bigler, and John McAlvey, natives of New Jersey, who came in the fall of 1825, and united with Munson in subduing the wilderness. They built log houses, and the place where they located, on section 25, was soon known far and near as the "Decker Settlement." Around it cluster the earliest associations of Orion township.

Jesse Decker, the acknowledged leader of these pioneers, was a man of more than ordinary ability and strong native sense. He was well fitted for the arduous work of counseling and leading the people who were soon to gather in the forests around him. In the February following, being an open month, he seeded three acres to wheat, and began some improvements which gave character to the neighborhood. At a later day he was one of the foremost men in the affairs of the township.

The same year, 1825, Philip Bigler located the east half of the southeast quarter of section 2, which is now the principal part of the site of the village of Orion.

In 1826 Josiah Dewev and Needham Hemingway, natives of New York, located in the neighborhood of Decker, in Oakland township, but became identified with the interests of Orion, A few years later Walter Dewey became a resident of Orion.

In June, 1831, Elijah B. Clark, of Wayne county, Pennsylvania, located in the southeastern part of Orion, west of Decker. He was followed a few months later by Asa Owen, from the same place in Pennsylvania, who located on section 14, near Mr. Clark's ; and in September, Eli Welch, of Cayuga county, New York, located on the north part of the same section, Thomas J. Carpenter, a son of Powell Carpenter, from Monroe county, New York, also settled on some of the land purchased by his father (in 1824) in September, 1831. This was on section 24. All there settlers made substantial improvements and became thoroughly identified with the town, aiding in the construction of the first school houses, mills, and churches.

Again there was a lull in the tide of immigration for several years ; but in 1835-37 it flowed with renewed vigor, bringing, in 1836, Charles F. and Ezra Carpenter. brothers, who located on section 12; and in June, 1837, Daniel P. Carpenter and family, who also settled on section 12. In the central part of the township Christopher Cole and Charles A, Carpenter made purchases of government land about this period; and west of them Asar Brown. Solomon D. Buchner. and Philip Hibler cast their lots, living in Orion through the trying times of 1830-37. Othera followed so rapidly that it would be a difficult task to classify all who deserve this distinction. A mere mention of the names of these hardy pioneers coming from the States of New York and New Jersey in the years 1834-38 will add lustre to the honor which already rests upon them for having been in the foremost ranks of settlers: G. W. Close, Wm. Merchant, Joel Seeley, D. Bagg, R. G. Rudd, John Parkhurst, Isaiah Bradford, and William Youngs; also the Kiles, Perrys, Waltons, McVeans, Suttons, Andrews, Goods, Gates, Osmuns, and Voorheis.

It must not be supposed that their daily lives were unattended by hardships and privations. From the time they left their homes in the east, until years after their settlement, most of them had a continual struggle with poverty, and suffered fur the comforts and conveniences of life. Coming to Detroit by steamer, they were left to find their way to their new homes over almost impassable roads. Often this journey was made on foot, wading through mud knee deep, or passing through forests whose quiet had until then been undisturbed by the tread of the white man. Erecting rude log houses, often covered with bark or boards, having only the simplest cooking utensils, and living on the plainest and coarsest food, they spent year after year, until their energy and industry triumphed over all the obstacles arrayed against them, when plenty and comfort came, ministering to all their wants. Theirs was a hard, stubborn lot ; and in view of the splendid achievements, as shown in the many neat homes and well kept farms dotting the township, the fruits of their labors, they should ever be held in grateful remembrance by those who have followed them.

y those who have followed them. A few incidents will illustrate? their privations and condition in life : Owing to the immense immigration in 1836, all the produce in the country was consumed. Flour could not be had for love or money, although but a short time before it sold at twenty shillings a barrel. Mr. Asar Brown relates the extremity to which they were reduced, being obliged to use bread made from meal sifted again and again, until it had passed four times through this process. In this hour of need, Dr. Williams, of Pontiac, appeared as the deliverer of the starving settlers. He brought a large quantity of flour and corn from Ohio, and dealing it out alike to the rich and the poor, four pounds of flour and a peck of corn to each person, their wants were relieved until additional aid was brought. Again, the means of communication, owing to poor roads and lack of horses, were limited. The axe was always carried along, and often poles had to be "packed" a long distance to make a bad place passable for teams. Some of the settlers could not get even an ox-team. They were obliged to draw their loads by hand. In the winter of 1838, Charles A. Carpenter and his brother made the trip from their home to Lapeer in a day, drawing a hand sled, loaded with their tools and provisions, about three hundred pounds weighty, all the way. Others relate how they went on foot twenty miles to get a peck of flour or a few pounds of coffee; and these articles, instead of being regarded as necessaries, were often, looked upon as positive luxuries.

Nearly all the settlers built log houses at first, which were replaced as soon as their means would warrant by comfortable frame structures. Some of these have dune service to this day, although most of them have given way to more modern building.

The first frame barn was built by Jesse Decker, about 1830. It was a moderate sized building, but there were not enough whites in the country to raise it, and Mr. Decker employed a lot of Indians to help him. They worked very well until they got warmed up by the "fire-water" which was always supplied on such occasions, when they became quarrelsome, and indulged in several fights.

In 1836, Thomas J. Carpenter raised a frame barn without the stimulating influence of liquor. Inviting all his neighbors to the '* raising," he told them that he would not supply whisky, but hoped all would come. On the appointed day two sets of men appeared, one to raise the barn on temperance principles, the other to look on, with a supply of whisky to keep them in cheer. The barn was raised without any trouble either from the weight of the timbers or from the liquor men, who stayed in the lane, jeering those at work. That night they vented their spleen by throwing down forty rods of rail fence which Mr. Carpenter had constructed a few days before. The next day the temperance men returned and helped Mr. Carpenter to rebuild the fence.

In 1831, John Hankiuson, a native of New Jersey, built a two story frame building at Decker's, for a store house. He put in a good stock of such articles as were in demand among the settlers, and conducted the store for several years. He was a fine man, and his death, which occurred some years after, was much lamented. From this time there was no store in the township until Orion village became a trading point.

As early as 1830 Jesse Decker kept a public house, on section 25. In 1836 he was duly licensed by the town board to keep tavern. Thomas Abernathy kept a tavern about the same time, at the old saw mill, at what is now Orion. His first license bears the same date as Decker's. For many years Eufus Streator was the only blacksmith in the town. He built a shop at Decker's, in 1832, where he plied his trade with a good deal of success.

The first post office was established at Decker's, somewhere about 1832, with Jesse Decker as postmaster. The mail route was from Royal Oak to Lapeer county, and a Mr. Rose was the carrier. He traveled first on foot, then on horseback. He was a peculiar man, but a great favorite along the route. Some years later a stage line was established along the same route. Ira Pearsall was the first driver. It was regarded as a great accommodation, and quite an advance in civilization. About 1837 the ofiice at Decker's was discontinued and one established at Orion village, which now has daily mails. Between 1845-50 there was a post office established in the western part of the township, known as Jersey. John Lessiter has been postmaster here for the last twenty-seven years.

The first saw mill in Orion township was built by Samuel Munson, in the summer of 1825, on the northeast corner of section 25. It became the property of Jesse Decker some years afterwards.

A few months later, in 1825, Joseph Jackson built a small saw mill on section 12, on the Paint creek. Powell Carpenter bought this property in 1835, and improved it. There is now a saw mill near its first location, known as Rudd's mill.

In 1829, Needham Hemingway, Jesse Decker, and Philip Bigler built a sawmill on Bigler's land, on section 2, just below the present dam at Orion. They also built a log house for the sawyer, which was afterwards used as a tavern by Abernathy. The mill was burned in 1832 by some Indians, because the proprietors would not furnish them whisky ; but was soon after rebuilt by Mr. Hemingway, who had, in the mean time, become sole owner of the property.

About 1835, Thomas Drake built a steam saw mill in the "Pinery," section 19. It was supplied with good saws, but its engine was a wonderful wood consuming affair. It kept three men and a team busy to supply it. A few years. later, Messrs. Chamberlain, Dorr, and Trowbridge bought this property and commenced work on a large scale. They also laid out a town, calling it Bangor. Bui there was never a house built on its site.

They employed a large force of men to cut timber and work on the mill. Not being paid promptly, the men suspected that the company was insolvent, and resolved to deprive it of the work they had done. Accordingly, they kindled a large bonfire as an expression of their sentiments, burning up all the logs and wood they had cut. This event is still spoken of by the old settlers as the “Big Fire."

About this time Robert Merrick gained possession of the mill, and from him it passed into the hands of his son Fred, who moved it to the present site of Mahopac about 1844. The mill and engine were much improved, so that now the "waste" furnished the necessary fuel. After operating it about ten years, he dismantled the mill, and sold the machinery to parties in Saginaw. It was the only mill ever operated by steam in the town.

About 1845, Harrison Osmun built a saw mill on section 6, which did the sawing for a considerable scope of country. It is still in running order.

In 1836, Powell Carpenter began work on his grist mill, on section 12. A dam was built across Paint creek of material found close at hand. It was strong and substantial, and enabled them to use an eighteen foot overshot wheel. The mill was a frame building, thirty-six by fifty-six feet, two stories and basement in height, and was supplied with three run of stone and good machinery. Its capacity was seventy-five thousand bushels a year. It was injured several times by floods, but remains to this day in essential feature as when built. It is now known as the "Valley mills," and is owned by R. Gr. Rudd & Son. The elder Rudd has been engaged as a miller in the township for thirty-six years.

In 1837-38, Needham Hemingway built a large flouring mill at the village of Orion, below the saw mill. It had three run of stone, and was capable of doing good work. It was destroyed by fire some years after. In order to get sufficient power, the dam across Paint creek was raised to the height of twelve feet. This produced an immense area of water, causing, in stormy weather, such a pressure against the breast of the dam that it gave way several times. The immense volume of water freed and rushing down the narrow valley caused great destruction. On one of these occasions the property holders living below the dam protested against its being rebuilt, and secured an injunction restraining Mr. Hemingway from proceeding with the work. But, in the meantime, the water remaining in the bed of the pond had become stagnant, and there was great danger of miasmatic diseases decimating the country. On the ground of such apprehension, the order was set aside so far as to allow the board of health to rebuild the dam as a sanitary measure. With this purpose in view, the entire country for miles around was aroused one Saturday night to get men and teams to rebuild it the coming day. As soon as the light dawned the forces began to appear, and by noon several hundred men and many teams were engaged in the work. Before evening the work had so far progressed that the dam was virtually rebuilt, and it was finished without further let or hindrance from the protesting parties. The dam has been destroyed three times in all, always giving way on the north side; consequently the channel has been much enlarged in that direction.

In 1872 the track of the Detroit and Bay City railroad was laid along the dam, and, to secure the necessary road bed, it has been strengthened in a very substantial manner by piles and curbing. The entire length of the structure is now about four hundred feet.

Some years before the destruction of the Hemingway mill, Mr. E. R. Emmons erected a very fine three story building, thirty-five by fifty feet, on the south side of Paint creek, for factory purposes. The mill being burned, Mr. Emmons bought the site, and thus gained entire control of the water power at Orion. He supplied his building with improved mill machinery, and in 1868 commenced grinding. The mill has three run of stone, with a capacity of seventy-five barrels of flour per day.

Soon after the formation of the Decker settlement, Samuel Eaton opened a school in a private house. It was attended by the children of the early settlers at that place.

About 1834 a log school house was built, at what was then known as Clark's corners, on the land of Elijah B. Clark. It was a rude building, poorly furnished, but served a good purpose for some years. Among the first teachers were Miss Jane Bagg and Miss Sarah Wooden. Both had a good reputation as teachers.

In 1836 the township was divided into four districts, and log school houses erected in different localities, and in these humble temples of knowledge most of the citizens of to-day received the first principles of their education. Among these houses may be noted the "Block," in the northwestern part of the township, and the "Shanghai," in the central part. Both had more than a local reputation.

The first school house at Orion was a frame building, erected in 1844. It is now used as a dwelling house by Alvah Rodgers. In 1868 the present structure, a fine brick edifice, thirty-eight by fifty-two feet, was completed at a cost of four thousand dollars. It will accommodate two hundred pupils. In other parts of the township good frame buildings have been erected for school purposes.

I. O. of O. F. A lodge of this order was established in 1849, meeting at Orion village. James Kingsland was the Noble Grand. A few years thereafter the lodge room and all its contents were destroyed by fire. Among the members of this lodge were a number of gentlemen who afterwards became prominent in State history, as M. H. Hart, Alvin N. Hart, Colonel J. R. White, and William Hemingway. These came from Lapeer, twenty-one miles, to be initiated. The order does not have a lodge at Orion at present.

Masonic, Orion lodge, No. 46, was organized in 1851. Its first officers were Jesse Decker, W. M. ; David Ketcham, S. W. ; and Asa Owen, J. W. Mr. Owen is still living, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The lodge has now sixty-five members, and has held regular meetings ever since its organization. It was burned out twice, the last time on July 9, 1874, when all the property and records were destroyed. This prevents the giving of as full a history as desirable.

desirable. Sons of Temperance, A division of this order was organized in 1852. James P. Keeler was the first W. P.

Good Templars, A lodge was instituted September, 1862. Charles K. Carpenter was the first Worthy Chief.

Patrons of Husbandry, A grange of this order was organized February, 1874. It had sixty-one charter members.

John Lessiter was te first. to introduce blooded stock. In 1865 he brought five Durhams from New York, and has kept on adding to his herd until it numbers thirty head, with yearly sales of from eight to ten head. Since the introduction of this stock there has been a great improvement in the stock of the township, most of which is directly traceable to Mr, Lessiter's herd.

In 1872 the Detroit and Bay City railroad was built through the northeastern part of the town. Its building was a great benefit to the country, as it is an excellent road, and gives good shipping facilities. Other routes have been projected, but there is no probability that the roads will be built at an early day. Orion village is the principal shipping point for the township.

In 1838 a burial ground was set aside north of the village of Orion, on land now belonging to A. S. Warner. It is not at present in use, those buried there having been removed to the "Evergreen cemetery."

Perry's burial ground, on section 12, was first used in 1840. John Perry was the first person there interred.

The first burials of the settlers were made in the Bigler graveyard, in Oakland township, just across the town line. Here the mother of Samuel Munson was interred about 1828. About the same time Roxanna, daughter of Philip Bigler, was buried there.

It is a handsome tract of land of about three acres, lying north of Lake Orion, and within the corporate limits, of the village. Fine oaks and pines grow in a state of nature on the elevated ground of the cemetery, while its drainage is excellent. It is managed by an association, incorporated under the laws of the State. The association was formed in 1859, with D. C. Earl as president, and A. S. Warner, secretary. The present officers are E. R. Emmons, president, and A. S. Warner, secretary.

On Monday, April 5, 1^35, the first town meeting was held at the house of Jesse Decker, agreeably to an act of the legislative council, approved March, 1835. It was organized by choosing William Merchant moderator, and G. W. Close clerk. Fifty votes were cast, and the election resulted as follows.

Jesse Decker, supervisor ; Alexander McVean, clerk ; Joel Seeley, collector; Simeon Walton, Asa Owen, and A. McVean, assessors ; Elijah B. Clark, Philip Bigler, directors of poor ; Joel Seeley, Philip Bigler, and G. W. Close, commissioners of highways ; Joel Seeley and Gr. W. Walton, constables ; J. Bigler, S. Walton, and J. Decker, fence viewers ; G. W. Close, William Merchant, and E. B. Clark, commissioners of common schools.

The supervisor salary was two dollars that year, and the total expenses of the town were only thirty-six dollars and ninety-six cents, leaving a balance of two dollars and ninety-six cents in the treasury.

The records of the township from 1835 to 1859 were destroyed by fire, which makes it difficult to determine who were officers in that period. As far as has been positively ascertained, those elected to the principal offices, for a constitutional term, since 1835, were:
Supervisors.—Jesse Decker, 1836, 1841-42, 1844-45, 1847, 1853-54 ; E. B. Clark, 1837-38 ; C. W. Close, 1839, 1840 ; Gordon Chapel, 1843 ; Ezra Carpenter, 1846 ; Benjamin F. Sheldon, 1848-52 ; W. H. Spencer, 1855-56 ; C. K. Carpenter, 1857-58; Andrew Bradford, 1859-61; Noah Tyler, 1862-64; William E. Littell, 1865-69, 1872-77; Christopher Cole, Jr., 1870-71.

Town Clerks; William E. Littell, 1859; Vincent Brown, 1860-61, 1868, 1877; William Graham, 1862-63; Charles B. Rich, 1864-65 ; Theodore D. Rich, 1866-67.

Justices of the Peace; Jesse Decker, 1836-37, 1845 ; G. W. Close, 1836, 1838; A. McVean, 1836,1840, 1844, 1848; Hiram Voorheis, 1838, 1842, 1846, 1854, 1869; Robert Jarvis, 1830 ; Josiah Russell, 1841 ; John W. Kent, 1843; Warren Churchill, 1849, 1853; E. R Emmons, 1850; F, C. Myrick, 1851 ; John Hall, 1852, 1856 ; Andrew Bradford, 1857 ; Isaiah Bradford, 1858; George R. Tower, 1859; John Lessiter, 1860, 1864, 1868, 1872, 1876; Alanson C. Hemingway, 1861 ; Andrew Bradford, 1862; Asar Brown, 1863; William Honeywell, 1865 ; William E. Littell, 1866, 1870, 1874 ; Jesse B. Sharp, 1367, 1873; Payne Axford, 1871 ; John H. Lord, 1875 ; Joshua C. Predmore, 1876; Christopher Cole, 1877.

As early as 1825 the pioneer missionary made his appearance among the settlers of Orion. Elder Norton, a Baptisst, Elder Warren, a Methodist, and Elder Earl, a Protestant Methodist, are remembered as being among the first to proclaim the gospel in those sparsely settled regions of the county, their meetings being held in the houses of the mast prominent settlers in different localities.

In 1831-32, Rev. Frazer Methodist, of the Ohio conference, preached regularly in Orion. He was followed by Rev. L. Hill, of the same conference, who organized the first Methodist class in Orion, at the house of Hiram Barnes, in 1833. It was composed of Hiram Barnes and wife, Job and Elizabeth Sherman, and their daughter Ellen, Thos. J. and Juliette Carpenter, Samuel Eaton, Joel Eaton, wife and daughter Jane, William Merchant and wife, and Elizabeth Wyckoff in all fourteen. This class was now regularly supplied, and services were held in the school houses in the east part of the town. Among those who preached on the circuit of which this was one part, were Revs. J. H. Davison, E. IL Pitcher, Washington Jackson, O. F. North, F. Britton, J. Gray, H. Morgan, J. Boynton, Wm. Mothersell. T. Woodard, R, Pengilly, S. Steele, H. Hall, Wm. Bigelow, H. N. Brown, E. D. Young, B. F. Prichard, S. P. Lee, John Gray, Thomas Seeley, Wm. McKibby, John G. Whitcomb, James R. Noble, A. Minnis, Theo. C. Higgins, S. Bessey, S. Bird, B. H. Hedger, Rodney Gage, and A. Laing.

While in charge of the latter, steps were taken to build a church at Orion village. The corner stone was laid in June, 1872.

On the 11th of January, 1873, while the Rev. J. R. Cordon was in charge, the lecture room was dedicated, and on June 14, 1874, the whole house was formally dedicate by the Rev. Dr. Ives, of New York. It is an imposing structure, built of wood, thirty-eight by sixty feet, thirty feet high, and is surmounted by a spire one hundred and four feet high. The house has three rooms below, and a handsomely finished audience room above. The entire cost was about seven thousand dollars. Rev. Cordon remained pastor until 1875, when Rev. D. Whiteley assumed charge, and is now the pastor. The church has eighty-five members.

In 1870 the Methodists organized a Sunday school, which met in a hall until their church was complete. Vincent Brown was the superintendent. He is also the present incumbent. The membership of the school is one hundred. It sustains a library of two hundred volume.

About 1833 a society of Congregationalists was formed at the house of N. Hemingway, then living in Oakland township, by Revs. Ruggles, Worthington, and Shaw. It was styled the "Congregational Church of Paint Creek," and was composed of Apollos and Matilda Dewey, Hannah Coleman, Lydia Pottor, Parmelia Baldwin, Polly Becker, Walter Dewey, Peter Brewster, Nancy Whitney, and Lucinda Owen. Rev. J. W. Ruggles was elected pastor, and Apollos Dewey deacon and clerk. Meetings were held in the Perry school house.

This was the germ of the society which was reorganized at Orion village, January 18, 1853, by Revs. Isaac W. Ruggles, D. L. Eaton, P. R. Hurd, and H. A. Reed. The members connecting themselves were Freeman Hall, Hannah Hall, Jane Hall, Thomas C. Carr, Josiah Dewey, Hannah Noble, Almira Churchill, Joseph Tindall, Patience R. Small, Almeda Tindall, Philo Van Wagoner, and Phoebe A. Van Wagoner.

At an election held April 7, 1853, Josiah Dewey and Joseph Tindall were chosen deacons, John Hall clerk, and Rev. D. L. Eaton pastor.

A neat frame church was erected in 1854, thirty-five by fifty feet, to which a session room, twenty-six by eighteen feet, and a kitchen, twelve by eighteen feet, were added in the spring of 1877. The entire cost of the building was five thousand dollars. It is very complete in all its arrangements.

Following is a list of the pastors who have been connected with the church since 1853: Rev. D. L. Eaton, till 1855 ; Rev. E. T. Branch, 1855-66 ; Rev. Wm. E. Stickland, 1866-68 ; Rev. Whitney, 1869-70 ; Rev. Samuel Phillips, 1871-73; Rev. Robert Hovenden, 1875-76. In April, 1877, Rev. D. Payson Buede was elected the present pastor. The membership of the church is now seventy-five. A. S. Warner is the present clerk

A union Sunday school was held in this church years ago, but no record of it can be found. In 1875 a Congregational school was organized, with Deacon John Taylor as superintendent. This office was also held by Alanson Predmore and W. L. Carpenter, who is the present incumbent. The school has ninety members, and one hundred and fifty books in its library.

About 1844 a Presbyterian society was formed in the western part of the town, whose meetings used to be held in the "Block" school house. For some years it had a prosperous career, and steps had been taken for the building of a church. But the dissensions arising between the old and the new schools of the church prevented the consummation of this purpose, and the society was dissolved about 1852.

In 1836, James Stillson, a traveling auctioneer, platted forty acres, on the northeast part of section 11, for a city. He had a highly colored view of it made, representing wharves, with steamers arriving and departing, public parks, graded streets, numerous fine buildings, and all the appliances of a city. He called the lake Canandaigua, and the embryotic metropolis Canandaigua city. Taking his plat to the east, he made fabulous representations of the advantages which this coming city of Michigan offered, and succeeded in selling a number of lots at exorbitant figures. The remainder of the lots he offered at public sale in Detroit, and received a bid of six cents a lot for them. Some of his eastern purchasers came on to the supposed city, only to find it a bit of marshy ground, with not the least sign of habitation. Thoroughly disgusted, they left the country, and their city lots to whoever wished to possess them. E. R. Emmons' mill now stands on the site of the paper city.

But nature had bestowed her gifts upon this place with too lavish a hand for them to remain long unused. Here were advantages that need but be improved to make them the foundation of a thriving town. Realizing this, Needham Hemingway platted the east half of the southeast quarter of section 2 in 1838; and this now forms the principal part of the present site of Orion. A few months later, John Perry platted sixteen blocks on the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 1, calling it Perrysburgh. It is now an addition to Orion. In 1858, Jesse Decker platted an addition of thirteen blocks on the east half of the northeast quarter of section 11, being part of the same ground that Stillson had platted twenty-two years before.

The early growth of Orion was not remarkable, but rather in response to the trade created by the surrounding country. The first frame house erected was used for hotel purposes by Thomas Abernathy. It was in the northern part of the village. It is still standing, and is now the property of Stephen Seeley. Among other buildings put up at an early day was a large house, not far from the mill, for a tavern. It was called the "Orion House," and was owned by David Shadbolt. It is still used for hotel purposes.

In 1842, Enos Gage, a mechanic of superior ability, erected the first brick house, from brick burned in the village by Mathias Varhite. His yard was the only one in all that section of the country, and was patronized for many miles around for brick to build chimneys. With the exception of the school house in the village, no other brick house was ever built in the township. It is still in good condition, and is now occupied by Mr. Gage's widow

Robert Jarvis and Paul Rice opened the first store in the village in 1838. Jarvis was also the postmaster of what was then known as New Canandaigua. It had a weekly mail. In 1854 the name of the post office was changed to Orion, and a semi-weekly mail supplied.

In 1842, Simeon Andrews opened the second store.

About 1837, Dr. Smead located at Orion as the first physician. A year later he associated Dr. Bugbee with him. Dr. Power also practiced in the township.

L. L. Treat was the first lawyer in the village. He was an able counselor, and his services were widely sought. In 1841 he drew up an application for a public school in the village, and soon thereafter they succeeded in establishing one of the best schools in the county. In 1865, Mr. Treat was sent to the senate of Michigan from Oakland County.

Josiah Russell was the joiner of the village. He subsequently removed to the western part of the State, when he became a judge.

Robert Jarvis was the justice of the peace. He was a man of shrewd sense, and his decisions were generally final. In those days lawsuits were numerous, and justice was meted out freely.

John Sanders, Jacob H. Brown, and N. B. Miller opened blacksmith shops in the village from 1838-40. Of these, Mr. Miller still follows his avocation in the place, having had many patrons for thirty years.

In 1859, Orion was incorporated, but its charter was repealed in 1863. The records of this period have been carried away, so that not much can be said concerning its municipal government.

In 1862 nearly the entire business section of the village was destroyed by fire. Recovering from this blow, it was again, 1869, chartered as a village, and is now governed under it.

The first election held under this charter, April 12, 1869, resulted as follows: President, Isaiah Bradford ; Recorder, Naaman J. Ingersoll ; Treasurer, Vincent Brown ; Assessor, Simeon Andrews ; Trustees, Alanson Predmore, John H. Lord, William B. Littell, Nelson Beemer, Henry R. Crawford, and William H. Ferguson.

The principal officers elected since then were: In 1870, President, Isaiah Bradford; Recorder, N. J. Ingersoll; Trustees, Henry R. Crawford, Nelson Beemer, and Wm. E. Ferguson. In 1871, President, John R. Plumley ; Recorder, Wm. E. Littell ; Trustees, Vincent Brown, Isaiah Bradford, and A. S. Warner. In 1872, President, John R. Plumley; Recorder, Wm. E. Littell; Trustees, Joshua C. Predmore, E. R. Emmons, and Darius Wilbur. In 1873, President, John R. Plumley; Recorder, Wm. E. Littell; Trustees, Isaiah Bradford, Vincent Brown, and Thomas N. Reynolds. In 1874, President, John R. Plumley; Recorder, Wm. E. Littell; Trustees, John Berridge, Thomas Sherdy, and Alanson Predmore. In 1875, President, Willard Humphrey; Recorder, Joshua C. Predmore; Trustees, Thomas N. Reynolds, Peter Kline, and James C. Seeley. In 1876, President, Vincent Brown ; Recorder, H. F. Higby ; Trustees, Adam R. Shoup, David Conn, and Isaac S. Kitchen. In 1877, President, David B. Ketcham ; Recorder, James W. Seeley ; Trustees, Peter Kline, James S. Porrit, and Henry Blanchard.

On the night of July 9, 1874, nearly the entire business area of the village was again destroyed by fire. This was a severe blow to the place, crippling its business to some extent; but the village has about recovered from its effects, and now does a fair business, as will be seen from the following resume:

Agricultural implements. Carpenter & Owen; barber shop, Charles Farmer; blacksmiths, N. B. Miller, Thomas Sherdy ; broom maker, R. Hurlbut ; books and notions, A. S. Warner ; boots and shoes, J. R. Plumley ; carriage factory, W.- Humphrey & Son ; cooperage, Charles H. Seeley ; drugs, A. Merrick ; dry goods, Joshua C. Predmore ; foundry, Ketcham & Smiley ; furniture, Gustavus Fluri; grain dealers. Carpenter & Owen; groceries, Belles Brothers; hardware, D. Conn; harness, Vincent Brown ; hotels, "Sims House,"R. Sims, "Lake House," D. I. Dunton ; lumber, J. C. Seeley, Francis & Johnson Brothers ; meat-market, J. W. French ; milliners, Miss Kate Crawford, Mrs. J. W. French, Mrs. Lane ; newspaper, Weekly Times, James W. Seeley, editor and proprietor; postmaster, A. S. Warner ; physicians, H. J. & A. R. Reynolds, C. A. Spencer ; restaurant, Mrs. E. Whitcomb ; undertaker, Isaiah Bradford.

Orion has an excellent cornet band of ten members, led by Vincent Brown. The many celebrations held at the place call out the band frequently, and it always maintains its well earned reputation.

It was organized April, 1877. Its object is to furnish a superior quality of butter for the Detroit market ; also to ship pure milk and manufacture cheese. It is officered by David B. Swayze, president, and Payne Axford, secretary. In the spring of 1877 a "creamery" was built by the association at Orion village. The main building is twenty by forty feet, with a wing ten by twenty feet. The creamery is supplied with the most approved apparatus, and is operated very successfully by Lane & Coe.

The beauties and advantages of Orion lake as a place for summer resort have already been alluded to. As soon as the Detroit and Bay City railroad, which runs along its shore, was completed, it became frequented by pleasure parties from Detroit and other metropolitan cities. About this time E. R. Emmons improved a natural park on the north shore of the. lake, which was used for picnic purposes. In 1874 he placed a small steamer, the "Little Dick," on the lake for excursions, to this park and the many islands of the lake. In 1874 a, party of gentlemen purchased one of the finest of these islands, and formed themselves into an association with the above name. The incorporators were C. K. Carpenter, L. L. Treat, John H. Lord, Hiram Andrews, Alanson Predmore, Simeon Andrews; Lewis B. Hemingway, Isaac S. Kitchen, Robert Sims, C. F. Whitcomb, and Isaiah Bradford. They immediately began a series of improvements which have made this place one of the finest in the country. They constructed a fine bridge one hundred and fifty feet long, to connect the island with the mainland. Upon the island they built a reception hall one hundred feet long, surmounted by a tower eighty-four feet high. From this a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding country may be had. In a natural amphitheater west of the tower a rostrum was erected, and seats for an audience of several thousand. They also purchased the "Little Dick," and constructed a wharf and boat house opposite the island, and within a few rods of the railroad depots. From this regular trips to the island are made, giving parties a ride over one of the handsomest sheets of water in the State.

"At the outset of the enterprise it was resolved by the managers of the park to permit no intoxicating liquors to be sold on the premises. This resolution has been adhered to, and societies, schools, and private picnic parties are here entirely free from the annoyances often caused by the sale of this common enemy of the public peace."

The foregoing history of Orion was compiled largely from personal information given by Hon. C. K. Carpenter, Hon. L. L. Treat, Hon. E. B. Clark, Eli Welch, Powell Carpenter, A. S. Warner, Vincent Brown, Charles A. Carpenter, the Orion Times, Asar Brown, John Lessiter, Mrs. J. R. Cordon, Mrs. Walter Dewey, E. R. Emmons, Ezra Carpenter, and others, to whom the historian hereby expresses his indebtedness.