The beautiful agricultural township described in official records as town 2 north, range 11 east, bears the local name of Troy. Its eastern boundary is the county of Macomb, and on its north, west, and south it has the townships of Avon, Bloomfield, and Royal Oak, respectively. Originally attached to Bloomfield, when that town comprised the south two-fifths of the county, it became an independent town in 1827, and in 1836 its bounds became co-extensive with the congressional township above described.

The surface of Troy is gently undulating, and is remarkable for its uniform appearance. The Rouge river, which forms in the northwestern part of the township, on section 5, and flows in a southwesterly direction through sections 8, 18, and 19 into Bloomfield, has some hills along its course, but they do not attain any great elevation, and all of them are readily cultivated. The Rouge is the only stream in the township. Its banks are low and swampy to a considerable extent, rendering the stream sluggish and unfit for water-power. Before the settlement of the country there was a brook in the northeastern part of the township, but there is now only a periodic flow of water in its channel. Another small stream flowed from the centre of the town southward, but this, too, is dry the greater portion of the year, except within a short distance of its source. Troy is not so well watered as some of the other towns of Oakland,' only one large perpetual spring being found. This is on section 15, on a cone shaped elevation, and emits a strong volume of water, which has a very salty taste. There are numerous small springs from the base of a low gravel ridge, running through the township from northeast to southwest, but these are affected by the drouth, and flow but a few months in a year. The water level is very low in the southeastern part of the town, and can only be reached by digging to a great depth. Numerous artesian wells have been dug in that region, and flow from a depth of a hundred feet.

The ridges of Troy were originally timbered with oak, with but little undergrowth, and often running into openings. The lowlands were more heavily wooded, principally with ash, elm, and beech. Hard maple abounded, affording many sugar-bushes. There was no pine, but an occasional tamarack, growing in the small marshes. The timber supply of Troy at present is ample.

The soil varies from a clay to a clay-loam, sand, and gravel, clay-loam predominating. There was not much plain surface, and nearly all the soil is extremely productive, yielding large returns of the different cereals and grasses. Mixed husbandry prevails, and much of the reputation of Troy as one of the foremost farming towns arises from this judicious method of cultivation.

The population is fourteen hundred, and the people are noted for their thrifty and industrious habits, which have made them one of the wealthiest communities in the county.

It is generally believed that the first lands purchased from the government were certain tracts on section 19, and the entries were made on the 12th of February, 1819, by Messrs. Castle, Hunter, Hamilton, and Fairbanks. No other purchases followed until October 22 of the same year, when Ezra Baldwin made an entry on section 18. In the month following, Michael Kemp made a purchase on section 3, and in December, Michael Beach became the owner of a lot on section 8.

From 1820 to 1822 a large number of purchases were made, some for actual settlement, and others for speculative purposes. Among those buying in that period were John Prindle, George Abbey, Joshua Davis, Ebenezer Belding, S. V. R. Trowbridge, Jesse Perrin, P. J. Perrin, Luther Fletcher, Aaron Webster, Stillman Bates, Wm. Wellman, A. W. Wellman, Silas Grlazier, Guy Phelps, Johnson Niles, Edmund Downer, Ira Jennings, Humphrey Addams, and Silas Sprague.

One of the first to make a permanent settlement in Troy was Johnson Niles, who was a native of Richfield, Otsego county, New York. He came to Michigan in the spring of 1821, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres on the northeast of section 9, receiving from the government a title signed by President Monroe. He returned to New York for his family, which consisted of his wife, Rhoda, whose maiden name was Phelps, born at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, his sons. Orange J. and George, and his daughter, Julia, and, embarking on a schooner at Dunkirk, reached Detroit after a fourteen days passage. He at once procured a conveyance for his few goods, and proceeded to Oakland County, which at that time had only some fourteen families living within its bounds. Being a carpenter by trade, he. assisted George Postal, of Avon, in erecting several buildings that winter, among them being the first frame house in the county. The next year he built a log house on his land, and moved there, at that time several miles from any settlement, in the primitive wilderness. He improved his land at once, and in the fall of 1822 seeded several acres with wheat, from the crop of which was manufactured the first flour ever made from wheat grown in Troy. The wheat was thrashed with a flail, and cleaned with a "grain-fan," and then he conveyed it to Detroit, going by way of Mount Clemens, forty miles, to be ground at the famous ox-power grist mill of General Cass. His provisions Mr. Niles was often obliged to carry on his back from Detroit, and that, too, by way of Mount Clemens, since the direct road was rendered impassable by the mud and water in the neighborhood of Royal Oak. His log house, though comfortable for those times, was utterly barren of what would now be called furniture. The only table the Niles family had was the board cover of an old fashioned bread tray, one end stuck in a crevice of the logs, the other supported by an iron wood stick stuck in a hole in the rude floor. The chairs were made of ironwood poles framed together, with elm bark bottoms ; and the bedsteads were of ironwood, with elm bark for cordage. This was the fit out which awaited Mrs. Niles, and in this home she lived many years without any near neighbors except the dusky sons and daughters of the forest, who held her in great esteem, and who never molested her, or treated her otherwise than with afibctionate kindness. Yery often Mrs. Niles would ride her Indian pony, unattended, to Pontiac, to do her shopping, following the trail through the forests, whose stillness was for the most part unbroken by any sounds save the yell of the Indian and the howl of wild beasts.

Mr. Niles lived at this place until his death, being from the first one of the leading men of the county, and the founder of Troy Corners. His connection with the affairs of this place will be recorded in a history of that village, and his political services will be noted in a personal sketch, following the history of Troy. Of the Niles family, George is the only remaining member, and now resides at the place where, fifty-five years ago, all was one vast wild. The others have all been gathered to their kindred dead, Johnson Niles finishing his earthly career on the 23d of March, 1872.

A worthy compeer, in every trait which distinguishes the true man, and scarcely behind Johnson Niles in pioneer enterprise, was Stephen V. R. Trowbridge. This notable family was one of the first to make a permanent settlement in the western part of Troy, and among the first in the township. Mr. Trowbridge came from Elmira, New York, in the fall of 1821, and settled on section 18. On this tract of land he lived, passing through all the gradations of life incident to a country transformed from a wilderness to an endless array of fertile fields until his death in 1859. His services for the town and State were of a high order, and promotive of their greatest good. He was the first supervisor of Troy, and filled that and other town offices many subsequent terms. He also served as a State senator, and identified himself with every project calculated to benefit society. His family imitated his example and became well known, not only in Oakland County history, but some of the members have achieved a national reputation. The oldest of his sons, Charles A., is a merchant in New York city ; another son, Rowland E., was a member of Congress for a number of terms, and now resides at Lansing ; William P. is a professor in Yale college ; Tillman is a missionary in Turkey Luther is a lawyer of note in Detroit ; and Guy M. is a farmer and a deputy United States collector. One of the three daughters married the distinguished missionary. Rev. Goodell, and accompanied him to Turkey, where they remained until his failing health warned him to return to his native land, where he shortly afterwards died, at Ypsilanti, Michigan.

The homes of Johnson Niles and S. V. R. Trowbridge were headquarters for the early immigrants coming to Troy. No one thought of settling in the township before calling upon these men and getting their advice as to the locality best adapted for settlement, and to procure such other information and material assistance as might be of advantage. And it was largely owing to the counsel and direction of these men that Troy settled so rapidly: there being more settlers within its bounds in a limited period than in any other township.

The settlers of Troy, coming prior to 1825, endured many hardships, and had to resort to many ingenious methods of living to avoid starvation. Let the his- tory of one serve to show what had to be encountered, what trials had to be borne, and what reward crowned their patient, persistent efforts to achieve the mastery over nature, and to reduce the untamed forest to a fruitful condition.

John Jones came from Jefferson county, New York, in the spring of 1822, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 19, where he purchased forty acres of land. The journey from Detroit to this place was made with an ox-team, and took several days, there being no roads, and all the signs they had to show where they were going were blazed trees. Arriving on their land, they built a log shanty, covered with bark, cleared a small piece of ground, and planted corn. They now took a job of chopping and clearing to earn money to buy a yoke of steers, as the little money they had when they came to the country was all spent, buying their land and provisions for the family, which consisted of his father and mother, and John's brother Joseph, and his sister Margaret. Having been obliged to go in debt ten dollars for the oxen, John shouldered his axe and started to hunt work to earn this balance. Wages were then low, from thirty to fifty cents a day, and a day's work meant the time from sunrise until dark ; but he earned enough to pay the debt, and felt rich when he was the undisputed owner of the cattle. While thus working, the family's supply of cornmeal gave out, and not having money to purchase meal, they took some of their growing corn, in August, dried it on the roof of their shanty, and then took it to the mill. This supplied food until the corn had fully ripened. In a few years they sold their first lot of land, and purchased a larger tract on the northwest quarter of section 21. On this they built a log house in the spring of 1824, which was covered with shakes, and which had a floor split out of logs. The work of clearing now went on apace, and although their food was more abundant, it was still of the simplest nature, and they esteemed themselves fortunate if they had pork, cornbread, and a few potatoes. A pound of tea and ten pounds of sugar would last them a year, and as to the luxuries of life, they knew not what they were. The winter was spent in chopping, often standing in water a foot deep, for they were compelled to do it to procure the means of life, and the money they needed to improve their land. Thus enduring years of toil and hardships, the recital of which would fill many pages, they received the reward of patient industry, and in the course of time found themselves elevated from penury to wealth, and in the place of the unbroken forest saw homes amid fields yellow with the golden grain. John Jones lived on his last farm forty-five years, then removed to Birmingham, where he now resides, a witness of the wonderful changes which have taken place in this county the past fifty years.

On the section northwest of where Mr. Jones made his last farm was Alva Butler, a native of Vermont, where he was born in 1798, but had removed to New York in 1804. From that State he came to Michigan in the fall of 1822, being one of a party of four young men who started with their packs on their backs for Buffalo, from which place they took boat to Detroit. He purchased a tract of land on section 17, where he settled a short time after with his wife, Hulda. This aged couple are still living on the farm originally settled. They had six children.

Solomon Caswell was born at Belchertown, Massachusetts, in 1796, and became a resident of the State of New York in 1805. Here he served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1817, and from there to Michigan in 1821. He remained at Detroit a short time, then prospected the country, visiting Oakland and other counties. Started home in the fall of 1821, but a storm drove them into the harbor at Buffalo. He remained in New York until 1823, when he came to his present place, on section 19, where he has since resided.

John Vollentine and his sons, natives of New York, came to Michigan in May, 1821 Being without means to purchase land, they worked among the settlers, in Oakland and adjoining counties, until they had enough money to buy the northwest quarter of section 19, where they moved in 1823. After living there about twelve years, Mr. Vollentine moved to Bloomfield, where he died.

Issac Smith, also a New Yorker, had settled on section 18 about 1822, living there a few years, and then moved to Bloomfield.

Aaron Webster, from Cayuga county, New York, came to Troy in 1821, purchasing land on sections 6, 8, 17, and 18. Soon after moved to Auburn, where he engaged in a milling enterprise, and purchased a large tract of land in that locality, where he died in 1823.

Elizur Goodrich, also from Cayuga county, New York, came a few months later to the neighborhood, in Troy, where Webster had settled, and purchased his land. Goodrich had been a soldier of 1812, and was wounded at Chippewa, and came to MIchigan to better his condition in life, having six grown sons, Alanson, Ira, David, Zenus, Chester, and Willard, who became identified with the interests of Troy wad the neighboring towns, and are in every sense pioneers.

Mrs, Lucy Fish, a New Yorker, a widow, with three sons, located on section 19 in 1823. The year following she married Elizur Goodrich, whose wife had died just before he coming to Michigan, in 1823.

Captain Robert Parks, of Cayuga county, New York, who commanded a company in the war of 1812, came to Troy in 1822, purchasing four hundred acres principally on section 8, where he lived some years, then removed to Grand Rapids.

Michael and Caswell Beach, natives of the State of New York, were among the first settlers in the northwestern part of the town, locating on section 8, probably in 1821.

James Skidmore, from Cayuga county, New York, came to Michigan in 1823, locating on the northwest quarter of section 7. He returned to New York, married Philinda Beach, and came on to his place, where he now lives, his wife having died a few years ago, in a home very different from the humble cabin, furnished with furniture manufactured from the saplings growing close by. His house was destroyed by fire about three years after ; but his neighbors, with the generosity which characterized the true pioneer, came to his aid, helped him build a house, and contributed from their scanty stores until Mr. Skidmore was again able to keep house. These humble gifts he has preserved, and prizes them highly.

Elisha Glazier, a New Yorker, came to Michigan about 1820, and soon after settled on section 2. He operated a distillery at this place years after, probably in 1826. He was killed by a runaway horse throwing him against a gate-post.

Joshua Davis, also from the Empire State, was one of the first settlers on section 18, about 1821. He was a road commissioner, and helped build many of the early roads. Removed to Southfield, where he died.

Stillman Bates settled on section 8 about 1822. He did not remain long in the country.

Joseph Lane, a Canadian, came to Michigan about 1823, settling on section 9.

Jesse Gregory, from Cayuga county, New York, came the same year, worked for different parties in the township until he had earned means, then settled on section 15.

Wheeler Clark, a native New Yorker, settled on the southeast quarter of section 10. Cyrus Clark came about a year earlier, and settled on section 14. He subsequently removed to Detroit, where he died.

Henry Blount, a New Yorker, came to Michigan in 1825, perhaps a little later, and settled on section 10. He was a useful, well-known citizen of Troy, and died in that township in 1862.

Calvin Gibbs came to Michigan about 1820. He improved some property near Pontiac, which he traded for land in Troy, and on which he moved in 1823, where he lived many years.

Benjamin Phelps, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, moved to Michigan about 1825. He located on section 10, in Troy. Had one child when he came to the country. He removed to Pontiac, where he died, his wife surviving him.

Jehiel Smith, from Middlebury, New York, became a citizen of Troy in 1825, settling on the northeast quarter of section 21.

Ira Smith, a brother of Jehiel, came about the same time, and located on the northeast quarter of section 27. Here he kept a tavern for a number of years, was the postmaster at Big Beaver, and a prominent business man of that place. His wife survives him, and lives on the old homestead.

Riley Crooks, a bachelor, with his mother, Eunice, and sister, Polly, came from New York about 1823, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 20. He was the first town clerk, and was elected to that office at the time of his death, which occurred by a limb falling on him, while chopping down a tree, on the 27th of April, 1830

Pheroras I. Perrin, of New York, came to Michigan about 1821, but did not settle until 1824. That year he located on section 29, where he lived some years, then moved to Wayne county, where he died, in 1875.

Daniel Burrows had settled in the southwest part of the town about 1823, where he lived ten or twelve years, then moved to Independence.

Edward Martin, from Aurelius, Cayuga county, New York, came to Macomb county, Michigan, about 1823. Exchanged the land he had taken there for some land on section 6, in Troy. He had nine children and only one dollar in money, but he worked hard and was prospered. He was elected sheriff of the county, and held other offices of honor and trust.

Clement Pearsall, of Scipio, New York, became a citizen of Troy in 1825, settling on section 28. Had one child, Alanson B., now a resident of Flint, when he came to the Territory. In 1834, Michael Pearsall, the father of Clement, and his family, also came to Troy, and became one of its best citizens.

Harvey Perkins, also from Cayuga county, New York, settled on section 10.

Samuel Gibbs, from Livingston county, settled in Troy in 1826, locating on section 22. He had three children, Almeron, then nine years old, and who now lives on section 27, opposite the old homestead, Almira, and William. Mr. Gibbs died in 1861.

Perhaps among the first settlers on section 3, and that part of Troy, was the Wellman family. They came from Vermont as early as 1819. Among the members best known were Joel and Aaron, who were active in the affairs of the township and its religious interests.

John and Orrin Sprague, from Chenango county, New York, came in February, 1824, and settled on section 28.

Eben Crawford and his father, David, settled on section 33 in 1824. He improved this place, then moved farther north.

Robert Crawford, a Canadian, came about 1824, and settled on section 20. He sold his interests to William Poppleton.

Ramah Cole, from Ovid, New York, settled on the east half of section 21 about 1824. After improving his property he moved to Shiawassee county.

Rufus Beach, a New Yorker, came early in 1824, locating on section 28. He improved his farm to some extent, when, having embraced Mormonism, he moved west.

Clark Beardsley was a native of Cayuga county. New York. He visited Michigan in 1825, and located a tract of land in Troy. Returning to New York, he married the daughter of Michael Pearsall, and moved to his place in 1826. He was elected to various town offices, and held the office of sheriff four years. He died in January, 1876, at Detroit.

George P. Morse, of New York, came to Michigan about 1823, settling first in Royal Oak. In 1826 he moved to section 27, in Troy.

Friend Belden, also a New Yorker, settled on section 30 in 1825. His father had bought the land about 1820, and gone to New York to get his family, but died before he could return.

Ira Jennings, from Richmond, New York, settled on section 10 in 1825. Lived there until his death, in 1853, leaving a widow and six children.

John Everett, from New York, made a home on section 9 in 1825. Lived there ten years, then moved to Washtenaw county, where he died.

Silas Sprague located on section 4 in 1824. He had seven children when he came into the county. He improved his farm until it was in a high state of cultivation, and continued to live there until his death, in 1868.

Andrew Downer came from the State of New York about 1824, and settled on section 9. He has a grown son named Edmund, and a daughter Laura, who married Jesse Gregory in 1826.

James Bayley. from Cayuga county, New York, located on section 21 in 1825. He was a tanner by trade, and had been looking for a location, but having a strong love for the farm, he concluded to go to Michigan, where he might get land cheap. Came in 1824, and made a small clearing, which he seeded to wheat, built a log house, and made preparations to move the next year ; which he did, and lived on the place (adding to it by purchases until there are two hundred and fifteen acres) until 1868, when he moved to Birmingham, where he now resides.

Hiram Smith, from Orwell, Vermont, but later from Middlebury, New York, where he had married Louisa Pitts, came to Troy, Michigan, in 1829, settling first on section 22, and shortly after on section 16, where he built a log house, a trifle finer than those of his neighbors. It was made of dressed logs, and had a stone chimney, while the common log house had only a stick chimney. He had two children when he came, Josephus, then seven years old, and Pliny, an infant. Hiram Smith was a man highly esteemed by his townsmen, and was frequently called on to serve them, as is shown by the town records. He died on his place on the 21st of February, 1871, and Louisa, his consort, a week later, in March, 1871. Pliny, the youngest son, is now a resident of Grand Rapids.

Josephus Smith resides on the old homestead, having lived there nearly fifty years. He, also, has been actively interested in public matters, having held the offices of town clerk and justice of the peace many years, as well as the office of supervisor, which he at present fills.

Alfred Phelps, from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, settled in Troy in 1828, locating on section 10. Soon after he moved to section 21, where he has resided ever since.

Jesse Lee Stout and Olivia P., his wife, came from Richmond, Ontario county, New York, in October, 1832. Mr. Stout purchased land on section 9, of which about thirty acres were improved. With the exception of a short residence in New York, the family has resided on this place ever since, and has been actively! interested in public matters, Jesse Lee Stout having frequently been called upon to fill offices of trust, while his son, Byron G., now a resident of Pontiac, is well known in State history. The elder Stout died in 1874, Mrs. Stout surviving, and at present residing on the homestead

Samuel W. Harding and his wife, Ann, whose maiden name was Abbey, came from Richmond, New York, in 1830, and settled on section 17, where he built a house, which is still used as a dwelling. His trade was that of a cabinet maker, which he carried on until his removal, in 1836.

which he carried on until his removal, in 1836. Elias Daniels, from Scipio, New York, settled on section 9 in 1828. He removed to Grand Rapids some years after.

A. C. Trowbridge, from Painted Post, New York, settled in Troy in 1831 . He bought a farm of Zadoc and Aaron Wellman, on section 2, to which he moved in 1836, and where he has resided since.

David Rhodes, from the same place in New York, settled on section 1 in 1831. Mr. Rhodes died at this place in 1868.

Frederick Blount, a native of Livingston county. New York, settled on section 2 in 1832.

M. I. James, from Cortland, New York, came to Oakland County in 1824, He first settled in Bloomfield, and then in Troy, in 1835. He subsequently removed to Birmingham, where he now resides.

Henry A. Judd, a native of New York, settled on the northwest quarter of section 14 in 1836. His brother was a missionary to the Sandwich Islands, and his mother left Troy in 1846 to make him a visit. She remained in the Sandwich Islands many years, outliving three kings, her son and his wife, and became a centenarian.

Guy Phelps came to Michigan about 1822, and settled on section 3 soon after. He was a shoemaker by trade, and carried on that business at Troy Corners for several years.

Baxter Gillett, from Vernon, New York, settled in Troy about 1835. He subsequently moved to Rochester, and at a later day was interested in the milling business at Auburn.

Benjamin Page, from Madison county, New York, came to Troy in 1836, to work at his trade, carpentry, building the Presbyterian church. Now resides on the Silas Sprague homestead.

Humphrey Addams, from New York, came to Troy about 1822, and located on section 1.

John Waldron, from Seneca county. New York, came to Troy in 1822, and purchased land on section 4. The following year he brought his family, and lived on the place until his death, in 1867. His wife died in 1877. They had five children, all of whom now live in Oakland County.

Stoughton Thornton made a purchase on section 4 at an early day, probably in 1821. He became a resident a short time after, and lived here until 1833, when he sold his farm to Henry Waldron, also from Seneca county, New York. Mr. Waldron resided upon this place until 1846, when he moved to Pontiac, where he now lives, being the president of the Oakland County Pioneers' Society. William Crooks, a brother of Riley Crooks, came a short time after the death of his brother, about 1832, and settled on that place.

William Poppleton was born at Poultney, Vermont, in 1795, but removed to Richmond, Ontario county, New York, when he was seventeen years of age. Here, in 1814, he married Zady Crooks, having by her seven children, two of which died in their infancy, two in ripe womanhood, and the remaining three, two sons and a daughter, are now the only surviving members of the family.

In 1823, William Poppleton came to Michigan to purchase land, and made a selection in the southern part of section 20, in Troy. To this place he came in 1825, with his wife and two children, Orrin and Sady, aged respectively eight and seven years, making the entire journey from New York to Michigan by wagon, thirty-two days being required for the trip. Arriving on his land, in December, after many hardships, resulting from the poor roads over which he passed, he at once built himself a pioneer's home, and began the work of developing the country. To this he applied himself with such energy that in 1845 his small farm had swelled its proportions to twelve hundred acres in extent. He lived on his old place until 1856, when he moved to a place just east of Birmingham, where he resided until his death, in 1869, his wife having died in 1862. Mr. Poppleton was a man of great industry and the strictest integrity, and was the supervisor of his town for several years. He was also elected to the legislature in 1842. Orrin, his oldest son, engaged in mercantile pursuits at Birmingham in 1840, and has been engaged in trade there ever since, occupying since 1843 his present place of business, and being, perhaps, the oldest and most prosperous merchant in the county. He was also elected to the Michigan legislature in 1852. The surviving daughter married D. Hoxsey, and now resides in Troy. The other son, Andrew J., was thoroughly educated for the profession of law, and in 1851, in company with Governor Richardson, became a citizen of Nebraska, when that Territory was comparatively uninhabited. They settled at Omaha, and at a later period platted that city. He became very distinguished in his profession, was a member of the Nebraska legislature, and is at present the attorney of the Union Pacific railroad.

Justice Toms, a native of New York, came to Troy in 1824, and settled on section 19. He afterwards removed to White Lake.

Abner Robinson, from the same State, came the same year, and settled on section 30, where he died.

Josiah Alger, from Bloomfield, Ontario county, became a citizen of Troy in November, 1823, settling on section 32. He had nine children when he came. J. H., the oldest of seven sons, was then nearly fourteen years old. In 1836, Josiah Alger and family moved to Genesee county, Michigan, where the parents died. J. H. Alger returned to Troy in 1857, and now resides at Birmingham.

Samuel Patrick, from Cayuga, New York, settled in Troy, on section 18. About 1830 he removed to Bloomfield.

Solomon Mathews, a New Yorker, came about 1823, and settled on section 7, where he lived until his death, A son, born there in 1824, removed to Pontiac, where he engaged in business. Another son, Solomon, was colonel of the Fifth Michigan Cavalry, and is at present United States marshal; and Whitney, a third son, is a sheriff in Michigan.

Washington Stanley, from Castile, New York, settled in Troy in 1826, purchasing on section 30. Lived there until his death.

William Stanley, a native of Vermont, but later of Ontario county, New York, moved to Michigan in the fall of 1823, settling on section 29. He had one child when he came, but a son, Luther, was born September 3, 1824, The father died in Troy, and Luther moved to Birmingham in 1854, where he now resides. He was appointed internal revenue assessor in 1863.

William W. Martin, from Scipio, Cayuga county. New York, came in the fall of 1825, and purchased land on section 23. He returned for his family, and settled in 1826. Lived in Troy until 1840, when he removed to West Bloomfield.

William Martin, the father of the above, came in 1828, and settled on section 23. He had two sons nearly grown, John E.. and Josephus, and a daughter, Sarah J who married Allen M. Parks, a son of Captain Parks, and now resides in the southern part of Troy.

Ebenezer Martin, from Washington, New York, settled on section 33 about 1832. Lived there until his death, at the age of ninety-four years.

Calvin Perrin, a native of Ontario county, New York, settled on section 32 about 1823. Died there, and was buried in the Perrin burial ground.

Jesse Perrin, his brother, settled at the same time on the same section. He moved to Indiana a short time after.

Willard Daniels, from Cayuga county, New York, settled on section 4 about 1823. Removed to the northern part of the State.

E. M. Francis settled in East Troy about 1833. He now reside in Pontiac. David Ford, a New Yorker, lived in the central part of the township about 1828.

Calvin Marvin, a native of Connecticut, came to Troy in 1824, and settled on section 32. He moved to Clinton county in 1835.

Ira Toms was born in Massachusetts, but his father moved to New York when Ira was a lad. He then moved to Canada, and from there to Michigan, in 1824, settling on section 28, in Troy. Lived in that township until 1857, when he became a resident of Birmingham. He had a son when he came to Michigan: David C, now living in Birmingham.

Martin M. Toms, from Ontario county, New York, settled in Troy, on section 33, in 1826. Also moved to Bloomfield, in which township he now resides.

William Cone, from Ontario county, New York, became a citizen of Troy about 1833, settling on section 14. He was for many years supervisor of the township, and a prominent man in its affairs.

Thomas Gibson, an Irishman, came to Troy about the same time, and settled on section 13.

Lyman Fuller, from the State of New York, located on section 5, probably in 1825.

Settlements were not made so early in the southeast of the town as in other portions. Among those first settling there were the Perrys, Coomers, Anthers, Aldrichs, Channahans, Richards, Hutchins, and Jacksons.

Among other early settlers of Troy were Stephen Chatfield, from Ontario county, New York, who had grown up sons, named Edward, Hiram, Ira, and Daniel; William Lowes, G. C. Nelson, Isaac Baldwin, Laura Philbrick, and many others, who subsequently became residents of other towns, and will be noted in their history.

The character of the pioneer's home in Troy differed but little from those described in other parts of this volume. There was the plain log house, with its stick chimney, and a roof made of bark, boards, or shingles, as the means of the settler would permit or as his mechanical skil would enable him to construct; and there, also, were the other rude building, with their primitive accompaniments. But when the art of building had so far progressed that a stone chimney was considered a necessary adjunct of these forest homes, their occupants began to develop a taste which led them to build frame and brick houses. One of the first of the former class was the dwelling erected by Benjamin Phelps, about 1827, the shell of which is at present used as a barn by Clark Harris.

As soon as mechanics could be procured, frame barns began to appear on every hand, among Ae first being those of Michael Beach, Caption Parks, William Poppleton, and Jehiel Smith, erected from 1823 to 1827.

Orchards were planted as soon as trees could be procured ; and when the settlers once became aware that fruit grew well and abundantly, large numbers of trees were set out, from which generous returns were realized ; and soon many lowly homes had an abundance of what was a few years before regarded as a luxury, and which lent an additional charm to the group assembled around the fire hearth, as it made its appearance in a heaped up basket of apples or the brimming mug of cider.

It is pleasant to note the changes which have transformed this township from its sylvan condition to one of superior cultivation and improvements ; from the era of log houses, necessarily constricted and bare of the conveniences of comfort, to an array of beautiful homes, furnished with all that can make life happy ; from the rude shed, often constructed in haste to shelter the settler's little stock, to the imposing barn, whose walls house fine horses and large herds of improved cattle; it is a pleasant and profitable task to note all these changes, and ascribe the work to the industry, self-denial, and patient efforts of the men and women whom we love to call pioneers.

The unanimous testimony of the old settlers of Troy is that its early roads beggar description. The natural drainage of the country was not sufficient to carry away the surface water in winter and spring, leaving the greater portion of the town in a semi-inundated condition. This water had a strong affinity for the friable soil, and mixed with it on the least provocation, producing the worst form of mire, whose depth varied from six inches to six feet. It was necessary to ditch and corduroy very many of the roads to make them passable.

Troy had this advantage, however: the surface of the country permitted every section line to be used for a road, and the law of the State making all section-lines public highways has been fully complied with. The township in this respect is more fortunate than any other in the county.

One of the first roads officially located in Troy was the Paint creek road, in 1829. The general course of this road is north until it reaches the northwest corner of section 11, whence it passes eastward half a mile, then deflects diagonally to the northeast part of the town. An effort was made to plank this road, about 1852, by the company which had been chartered to grade it ; but the project was soon abandoned, and it was graveled instead. The other roads of the town having been much improved meanwhile, the company did not find it profitable to keep its road in repair, and abandoned its charter somewhere about 1860.

At the first town meeting, in 1827, when Royal Oak and Troy formed one town, fourteen road districts were formed. This number was increased until, in 1876, Troy alone had forty-two districts. The report of the commissioners in 1832 gives a glimpse at the condition of the roads as they then were : " We desire to report that we had assessed fifteen hundred and thirty-nine days of work, and that fourteen hundred and eighty-six days were performed; and that the roads are yet in a very bad condition, and require a great deal of labor to make them otherwise." This board, composed of William Poppleton, Ira Jennings, and John F. Keyes, did much to improve the condition of the roads, the former, especially, laboring with great zeal until he had persuaded his fellow citizens that good roads were possible in Troy. How truly his ideas have been realized is attested by the roads of the township today. Nearly all the road-beds are firm, —many of them graveled,—and of the eighty miles of roads in the town hardly a mile deserves to be called poor.

The privilege of attending school was extended the youth of Troy soon after its settlement, but there is no record of the division of the town into regular districts until 1833, although a school-board was elected in 1831, composed of Clement Pearl, S. V. R. Trowbridge, Erastus Crispy, Thaddeus Thompson, and Willard Daniels. A portion, at least, of this board was continued in office from year to year, and the divisions made in 1833 were, perhaps, based upon the report of this first board.. At that time seven whole and six fractional districts were formed, whose boundaries were so irregular that they cannot be described in the brief space here allowed. Later there were numerous changes, so that but few of the districts remain as when first established.

There are records of the examination of teachers in 1838. and of the licensing of Rosina Preston, Zylpha Phelps, Augustus C. Baldwin, Emily Gillett, Arabella Keys, Henry I. Pearsall, Sherman Pearsall, Silas Eaton, Truman Johnson, and Cyrus Smith to teach in Troy, they being adjudged the possessors of good moral characters, and the ability to instruct in the common branches.

Log school houses were built in each of the newly formed districts, where such buildings did not already exist, and these, in time, were supplanted by frame structures or brick buildings. But prior to this arrangement schools were taught in different parts of the town. In the central portion a school was taught about 1829, in the old Baptist log church, by a Miss Hopkins, where the Smiths and Pearsalls, and others of that neighborhood attended. Later, a school was kept in a deserted log house on section 15, by Miss Beulah Parks, and one on section 16, by Miss Hastings, at a still later day. Josephus Smith also taught in that neighborhood several years later. A school was established at Troy Corners at an early day, whose history will be detailed in that connection.

Among the first marriages remembered by the people of Troy were those of Elizur Goodrich and Jesse Gregory. The former was a widower, his wife having died a short time previous to his coming to Michigan, and after he had made preparations for that event. The year following his settlement, in 1824, he married Mrs. Lucy Fish, a widow, who had come to Troy a few months before. Jesse Gregory married Laura Downer, an estimable young lady, about 1825 or 1826.

The honor of having been the first born in this new town appears to belong to Luther Stanley, now of Birmingham. He is a son of William Stanley, and made his appearance on the 3rd of September, 1824. In the latter part of the same month, of that year, a son, Almeron, was added to the membership of Solomon Mathews' family. Both of these have become a part of the useful citizenship of Oakland County, being well known in its affairs. A third birth followed soon after. On Christmas day of 1824 the home of Silas and Amanda Sprague was blessed by the appearance of a gift rather unusual to the occasion, a sprightly girl, who was named Sarah. She grew to womanhood, and married Colonel Robert Davis, of Pontiac.

Perhaps the first grown person who died in Troy was Mrs. Ramah Cole, in about 1827. She was interred in the Crooks cemetery. Riley Crooks was one of the next to depart this life. His death was accidental, having been caused by the falling of a limb from a tree which he was chopping down, on the 27th of April, 1830. He was a well-known citizen, and his untimely death was much lamented. A few years later a daughter of Captain Parks died, after a lingering illness; also a Mrs. Demond and Mrs. Samuel Harding. The former were buried on section 7.

There are four public cemeteries in the township, all controlled by the board of health, and all well-ordered and finely kept. The largest of these burying grounds is on the southwest quarter of section 2, and contains about three acres. The location is good and the drainage excellent. A large number of interments have been made there, and it is now the principal cemetery in that part of the country. The next one, in point of area, is on the northeast quarter of section 20. It is generally known as the Crooks cemetery, and contains two and one-half acres. Some of the first interments in the town were made at this place, and the ground contains some fine monuments. A burying-ground of one acre is found in the western part of section 32, and another of the same size on section 7, which are used by the people of those localities. There is, also, a private burying ground on section 10, belonging to the Niles family.

In the absence of a record of those who participated in the second struggle for American independence, the following list is made up from the recollection of neighbors of the departed heroes, and may not contain the names of all who are entitled to this honor.

Captain Robert Parks commanded a company in New York, and rendered good service, participating in several engagements. Elizur Goodrich also served in the American army in New York, and was wounded at the battle of Chippewa.

Solomon Caswell was another of those who aided the American cause, and afterwards came to Michigan, and Moses Benedict is also credited with such a service. Of these, two are yet alive, Captain Parks, residing at Pontiac, and Solomon Caswell, on his farm on section 19.

This township has never been noted for its manufacturing interests. There are no streams affording water power, and its rich agricultural resources have made farming an almost exclusive interest. Nevertheless, there have been several enterprises, aside from several small distilleries in the early years of the town, which deserve mention in this connection.

About 1852, Edmund Gillett built a steam saw-mill on the east part of section 22. It was an establishment of considerable capacity, and was extensively operated until it was destroyed by fire. In 1857, Gillett built a new mill on the south line of the same section. This soon passed into the hands of Pearl Mitchel, who sold it to a Mr. Bromley, and while he was operating it, about 1866, the mill was again burned. Mr. Bromley at once rebuilt it, near the old site, and then sold the property to John Lamb and Lewis Smith. The latter at present owns the mill and operates it several months in the year.

A man named Chilson erected a steam saw mill on the southwest of section 34 about 1848. This soon became the property of Samuel Blair, who worked it sometime, producing excellent lumber from the dense forests in that locality. It has been owned by a number of different men, and is at present the property of Henry J. Bowers, being still in a serviceable condition.

Johnson Niles built an excellent steam saw mill on section 4, which was used to work up the walnut and other hard woods growing in that region. Large shipments of walnut were made to eastern markets, and the mill was a profitable enterprise as long as good logs could be procured. It was then, after being operated about twelve years, dismantled and the machinery taken to Lapeer county.

The first record of a township meeting held in the bounds of Troy is that of May 28, 1827, when the legal voters of towns 1 and 2, now Royal Oak and Troy, assembled at the house of Riley Crooks, on section 20, to hold their first annual meeting. Prior to this both these towns were a part of Bloomfield, having sustained that relation from 1820 to 1827. In 1836, Royal Oak was set off from Troy, and became a separate township.

The record of the first eight elections, then, includes Royal Oak. The result of the first election was as follows: Supervisor, Stephen V. R. Trowbridge ; Town Clerk, Riley Crooks ; Assessors, Socrates Hopkins, Jehiel Smith, Elizur Goodrich ; Commissioners of Highways, Henry Blount, Wakeman Bradley, Calvin Marvin ; Collector, Edmund Downer; Overseers of the Poor, Robert Parks, Joseph Chase ; Constables, Jonathan Chase, Zadoc Bates, George Taylor ; Road Overseers, District 1, Elizur Goodrich ; District 2, Edward Martin ; District 3, Jesse Gregory ; District 4, Aaron Wellman ; District 5, Alva Butler ; District 6, Joshua Davis ; District 7, William Poppleton ; District 8, Robert Crawford ; District 9, Thomas J. Perrin ; District 10, James Volentine ; District 11, Abram L. Hoagland ; District 12, Samuel Torbert; District 13, James Landon ; District 14, Alanson Goodrich,

Daniel Burrows, Socrates Hopkins, and Henry O. Bronson were justices of the peace by appointment of the governor.

The next meeting was held at Riley Crook's, and subsequent meetings were held in barns, houses, and hotels, in different parts of the town, until 1848, when a frame town house was erected on section 22, as near the centre of the town as practicable, where the meetings have been held ever since. The house is well adapted for its intended purpose, being provided with cabinet cases for the preservation of the records and other matter of interest and value to the town. From the town records we make some excerpts, which will show the condition and progress of the township at different periods.

At the meeting; in 1828 it was voted not to come under the act regulations; common schools.

Not to have a pound.

To raise twenty-five dollars for the support of the poor.

To raise fifty dollars for the contingent expenses of the town.

" That this town will give any white person five dollars for every wolf that shall be taken and killed within the limits of the town the year ensuing."

In May, 1830, a special election was held to fill the vacancy in the office of the town clerk, caused by the accidental death of Riley Crooks. Bamah Cole was elected to fill the office.

At the election in April, 1 836, a tax of ten dollars was voted to build a bridge across the Rouge river.

At the first annual settlement of the town board, in March, 1828, Supervisor Trowbridge reported the entire receipts as seventy-two dollars and fifty cents, and the expenditures as sixty-two dollars and eighty-one cents, leaving a balance of nine dollars and sixty-nine cents. This account was attested correct by Justices. Daniel Burrows, Socrates Hopkins, and H. O. Bronson.

Twenty-one years later, in 1849, the expenses were more than four hundred dollars. The assessed value of the town was one hundred and thirty-nine thousand and eighty-six dollars, and in 1876, twenty-seven years later, this had increased to five hundred and ten thousand seven hundred and thirty dollars. The entire tax in 1849 was thirteen hundred and twenty-six dollars and forty-seven cents, and in 1876 it was four thousand one hundred and eighty dollars and thirty-three cents, an increase of about three hundred per cent.

Since 1827 the following persons have been elected for constitutional terms, supervisors, town clerks, and justices of the peace:

Supervisors, Stephen V. R. Trowbridge, 1828-30, 1838, 1847, 1858; Jesse Gregory, 1831-34, 1848 ; Johnson Niles, 1835-37 ; James Bailey, 1839 ; Salmon J. Mathews, 1840; William Poppleton, 1841-42 ; Edward Martin, 1843-44 ; William Cone, 1845-46, 1849-51, 1855-56, 1859, 1863, 1865 ; Benjamin Page, 1852, 1857; Jesse Lee Stout, 1853; Friend Belding, 1854; Josephus Smith, 1860, 1862, 1864, 1866, 1873-77 ; J. W.' Mathews, 1861 ; Garden G. Clark, 1867-69 ; Guy M. Trowbridge, 1870-72.

Town Clerks; Riley Crooks, 1827-30 ; Socrates Hopkins, 1831-32; Samuel W. Hardin, 1833; Edward W. Peck, 1834-36; Nathan Davis, 1837; John A. Jackson, 1838; Oscar H. Chipman, 1839 ; Hiram Smith, 1840-41, 1853, 1867-70; George A, C. Luce, 1842, 1844; Joel P. Toms, 1845-48 ; Clark Beardsley, 1849-52 ; Stephen G. Conley, 1854, 1862 ; Josephus Smith, 1855-59, 1871-72; John Buttolph, 1860-61, 1863-66 ; Adams Bailey, 1873-75 ; Dwight Buttolph, 1876-77.

Justices of the Peace; William R. Crook, 1837; Charles Howard, 1838; Hiram Smith, 1839, 1843, 1857, 1865; Johnson Niles, 1810; S. J. Mathews, 1841; James B. St. John, 1842; George A. C. Luce, 1844 ; Israel Bickford, 1845 ; Edward W. Peck, 1846 ; Jesse Lee Stout, 1847, 1851 ; Samuel Gibbs, 1848; James Bailey, 1849; Benjamin Page, 1850, 1854, 1862, 1866, 1870, 1874; Abram Perry, 1852; Clark Beardsley, 1853; Mason I. James, 1855; William U. Phelps, 1856, 1860, 1864, 1868, 1872, 1876; Lorenzo D, Locey, 1858 ; William A. Dennison, 1850 ; Benjamin Daniels, 1861 ; Guy M. Trowbridge, 1863, 1867 ; Gurden G. Clark, 1869 ; Montgomery Shutes, 1871, 1875 ; Josephus Smith, 1873, 1877.

The quiet little village of Big Beaver, or the Beaver, as it is most generally called, is located at the intersection of the cross roads separating sections 22 and 23 and 26 and 27. The place derives its name from a large dam, erected by a colony of beavers, across the little brook near the place. This stream is now nearly, if not altogether, dry, and its name, Beaver creek, fails to express its true nature. The situation is favorable for a country trading point, being surrounded by a rich agricultural country, which is quite densely populated.

The first house erected at. this point was that of Ira Smith, of Middlebury, New York, who settled on section 27 in 1825. He kept the first tavern in this building, about 1828, continuing it about six years. About the time he discontinued his tavern Benjamin Wooster opened a blacksmith-shop at the corners, but he stayed only a short time, when he removed to the western part of the State. From this time until 1855 there was no effort made to establish any shops at this point, and the only thing to mark the place as different from other cross roads was the post office and a store about half a mile north.

The first store kept in the southern part of Troy was opened by Benjamin Sturgis, on the east line of section 22, about 1848. He carried a fair stock of goods, and continued in business there until his store was burned, about 1862. In 1863, Mr. Sturgis started a store at the corners, keeping it but a few years, when he was succeeded by Gurden Clark, who conducted it three years, then sold out to Andrew Ebling

In 1857, Ira Smith erected a frame store house on section 26, in which he put a stock of goods well adapted for the trade of the place, and carried on the business for nearly ten years. This was the second store in that section of country, and the first at Big Beaver,

Six years later, in 1863, Michael Ebling built a fine two story brick house, twenty-two by thirty-four feet, on the corner of section 22, which he designed for mercantile purposes, and where he opened an excellent store a short time after, which he kept six years. George Felker succeeded him, and for about a year carried on the business, when Andrew Ebling purchased his interest and established a trade, which he still continues. Mr. Ebling enlarged the building in 1876, and now has a very fine room, which enables him to carry on the business successfully.

In 1873, John Eager opened a store in the building erected by Sturgis, where he continued in trade about three years, leaving Mr. Ebling the sole merchant of the place.

The post office at Big Beaver was established about 1837 ; Ira Smith was appointed postmaster, and held that position until 1856, when Michael Ebling was appointed his successor. The latter served until 1860, when the office passed back to Ira Smith, who retained it a few years, and was then succeeded by Gurden Clark, who served until the appointment of Andrew Ebling, the present post- master. The office was supplied with daily mails when first established, which were carried from Royal Oak to Romeo, and from Royal Oak to Lapeer county, several stage routes passing through the place. Among the early drivers was Ira Pearsall. A Mr. Rose was another of the mail contractors and stage owners that succeeded Pearsall. When the Grand Trunk railroad was built, east of this region, the daily mails were discontinued, and a tri-weekly mail was supplied from Royal Oak to Troy Corners, and return. This arrangement still continues.

Aside from the log tavern kept by Ira Smith, there was no regular hotel until about 1857, when Edmund Gillett erected a frame house for this purpose, on the comer of section 23. Here he dispensed comfort for man and beast for about five years. There was at that time considerable travel on the Paint creek road, which passes through this place, and the hotel did a thriving business. The house was enlarged from time to time, and changed hands frequently, among the keepers being Samuel Benton, James Bingham, and Nicholas Mooney, who closed up the house in 1873. These numerous changes were not favorable to the character of the house, and it soon lost what reputation it had acquired at an early day, becoming more noted, at last, as a place where Bacchus delighted to hold his court. The old building has been changed into a private residence.

The first blacksmith to settle permanently at Big Beaver was Andrew Ebling. He is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and came to America in 1854. A year later, he settled at Beaver to carry on his trade. He built a good brick shop, getting the material of Henry Judd, on the southeast corner of section 22, and there, for fourteen years, he swung the hammer to the music of the anvil, doing a thriving trade. When Mr. Ebling engaged in mercantile pursuits, he was succeeded by George Terry, who is the present smith at this stand.

There were other blacksmiths at this point, having shops opposite Ebling's, among them Gillett & Son and Nicholas Mooney. Neither carried on the trade more than a few months at a time.

In 1855, Alvin Shadbolt, a New Yorker, opened a wagon shop at Big Beaver, opposite the brick blacksmith shop, where he worked about four years. His interests were purchased, in 1860, by Frederick Schlaack, of Mecklenburg, Germany, who carried on the trade until his death, in 1872, when Augustus Schultz, the present owner, succeeded him.

A shoe shop was opened about 1857 by a German named Gage, he being the first in that business at Beaver. Other shoemakers were a man named Deere and John Pax, a Canadian, who has carried on the trade about twelve years.

A tailor shop was opened in 1875 by Frederick Eckelberg, and is still conducted by him.

A cooperage was established about 1850 by E. W. Millard, near the corners, where he has carried on the trade ever since, having now the only shop of this nature in the township.

The first school house in this locality was a log building on the east half of section 22, near its south line. This was replaced by a frame house about 1845, which was used for school purposes until 1857, when a fine brick building was erected on the east line of section 22, which is the present school-house. Religious meetings were also held in these houses, and the brick building was used for this purpose until 1875.

The history of this society dates back to 1845, or perhaps prior to that period. The Methodist missionary hunted up those professing that faith, and, as soon as circumstances warranted, established regular preaching-places at the houses of the pioneers and in the humble school houses. Among the first Methodist members were William Phelps and his mother, and a Mr. Davy, a local preacher. Among the first pastors was Salmon Steele, and later pastors were Revs. Baughman, Allen, Hedger, Warren, Hood, Crane, Davidson, and Bird. These ministers resided at Birmingham, and supplied this class in connection with the church at that place.

In 1861 the membership of the class was about twenty ; this was increased until there were fifty five members in 1875, the increase being largely the result of a revival in the winter of 1873-74.

The connection with Birmingham was severed in 1873, when the class became a part of Troy circuit, which relation is still preserved. The pastors since this change were Revs. Hedger, Houghton, and Tuttle, who is now the minister in charge. Andrew Ebling, a local preacher, has also labored among this people for fifteen years.

The class had nearly sixty members in February, 1875, when it was determined to erect a church at Big Beaver. A society, called the First Methodist Episcopal church of Big Beaver, was formed, and a board of trustees, composed of A. Ebling, Wm. H. Phelps, John Lamb, Sr., John Lamb, Jr., and Adrian Gibbs, was chosen to immediately begin the work of building. A site of one acre of ground on the east line of section 22 was purchased, and a very fine frame church, thirty- four by fifty-two feet, with a spire containing an excellent bell, was ready for dedication on the 17th day of October, 1875. The consecration services were performed by Dr. Joslyn, of Albion College, and his appeal for aid to free the church from debt met with such a hearty response that enough was secured for that purpose and a balance for the contingent expenses. The entire cost of the church was about three thousand six hundred dollars. The house is handsomely finished, and has three hundred sittings.

A Sunday school was organized at Big Beaver about 1850, with William H. Phelps as superintendent. Its meetings were held in the school house until the completion of the church, when the school was transferred to that building. Its membership is at present one hundred, and Adrian Gibbs is the superintendent. The school is supplied with periodical literature.

Big Beaver is making a steady but unremarkable growth, and now contains about twenty-five houses, with a population of seventy-five.

The first to make settlement at this place was Johnson Niles, in 1822, who built on the northeast corner of section 9, and began at once to lay the foundation for making it a trading-point by supplying himself with trinkets, with which he bartered with the Indians. A larger stock of goods was procured several years after, and a store started on a small scale, but which proved so successful that Mr. Niles opened a full stock somewhere about 1830. He continued in trade about twenty-five years, although not at the same place, the changes in the business making it necessary for him to seek more commodious quarters. About the time that Mr. Niles opened his trading room he also opened a tavern, entertaining the traveler in a right royal manner in his log house, which had become a double building by the addition made to accommodate this business. He was also appointed postmaster in 1833, thus giving the new settlement weekly mails from Detroit.

In the meantime Guy Phelps, who owned the southwest quarter of section 3, opened a shoemaker's shop, being the first of his craft to engage at that business in the place.

A blacksmith shop was next opened, about 1831, by John Miller, who took Guy Phelps' old log shanty for a shop. Miller built himself a frame house, which is still in use in the place. He conducted his trade a number of years, and had the reputation of being a skillful workman.

The place now began to assume an air of considerable importance. It became a centre of trade, and, as it was on one of the most important thoroughfares leading from Detroit to the northern part of the Territory, there was a strong probability of its becoming one of the future towns of the then rapidly-settling county. The idea was quickened into life when Johnson Niles announced his intention to make it the leading place north of Detroit, and to this end held out flattering inducements to such as were seeking a location. Men of capital, mechanics, and professional men soon found a home here ; churches were built, schools were established, and the cross streets of the place were crowded with the teams of those who had come for miles around to trade and supply themselves with provisions to carry into the regions beyond.

In the dawn of this bright prospect for the place, Edward M. Peck opened a store about 1831, which he conducted about ten years, then moved to Pontiac, where he became one of the foremost business men of that place.

Alanson Pierson also engaged in the mercantile business about this time, being followed shortly after by Mason I. James, Smith & Howard, and Nathan Davis, all of whom opened stores at Troy, so that it had in 1835 and 36 six firms engaged in mercantile business.

Harry Sprague had also opened another hotel, thus giving the place two public houses ; and the demand upon them was so great that Johnson Niles built a large hotel, raising it on the fourth of July, 1837. This house still remains, but is not used as a tavern at present. It was named the Troy hotel, and was conducted by Harry Sprague, who proved a most genial landlord.

Troy at this time had three physicians; the first to locate there being Dr. Thaddeus Thompson, about 1830. He practiced about eighteen years, then moved to Detroit, where he still resides. Dr. N. D. Stebbins came about 1831, remained, perhaps, ten years, and then also moved to Detroit. Dr. O. H. Chipman was the third, coming about 1832, and continued his practice until about 1842, when he became a resident of Grand Rapid.

It also had a brilliant young lawyer, George A. C. Luce, who came from New York about 1835. He married a daughter of Johnson Niles, and became thoroughly identified with the interests of the place, living there until his death, about 1850.

In 1838, Mr. Niles platted sixteen blocks on sections 4, 9, and 10, on the corners, and on the section line roads, for a town, which he called Hastings, in honor of E, P. Hastings, then president of the Michigan bank. But the decline of the place had come, and the new name was never accepted.

The panic attending the suspension of the " wild-cat" banks, the building of the railroad through Royal Oak, and ultimately through Pontiac, the increased growth of Rochester, on account of its water privileges, all tended to detract from the importance of Troy and to depreciate its value as a trading point. Its population, numbering at one time several hundred, was diminished month by month by removals; and the business once centered at the busy corners had dwindled down to its small beginnings. The postman's horn was now heard less frequently, and the gay and festive throngs who used to frequent the place had departed forever. Like the ancient city bearing this name, Troy had reached the summit of its glory, and then sunk into such a comparative condition of decay that even now, before the generation which inhabited it has passed off the stage of life, it former greatness is almost forgotten. The present population of the place is about sixty, and its business is as follows : store, James Hall ; shoemaker, D. O. Ramsey ; wagon- maker, N. Voorheis ; blacksmith, F. Cutting ; tinsmith, Henry Russell ; carriage-painter, J. S. Leonard ; carpenter, Clark Harris ; house painter, S. M. Niles.

Aside from the hotels at Troy Corners, there was a tavern a mile east of the place, known as the "Union Corner hotel." The well-known H. O. Bronson was the keeper of this place in 1842. Subsequently A. Barnes purchased the property and enlarged the house to commodious dimensions. It was a favorite stopping place for the teamsters on the old Paint creek road, who often gathered there to the number of a score. With the cessation of travel on this road departed the usefulness of the hotel, and it was soon after deserted. The building still remains, a weather beaten and time worn structure, a silent witness of the busy past.

The post office at Troy Corners was established in 1823, with Johnson Niles as postmaster. This position he held many years, and was succeeded by his son, Orange. The present postmaster is Frank Cutting. The first mail service was via Mount Clemens, and was carried weekly from Detroit. Soon after the mails were more frequent, and the route was changed via Royal Oak. At a later period the office had daily mails from Royal Oak, served by a stage company, whose route extended from that place to points north in Lapeer county. When this line was withdrawn the mails were supplied only tri-weekly from Royal Oak and Big Beaver and return, which is the present service.

Soon after the settlement of the Rev. A. S. Hollister as the rector of St. John's, he opened a select school in a frame building which was just a little beyond the present residence of N. Voorheis, Esq. The latter house was used as a dwelling by the rector, and also furnished a home for some of the pupils coming from abroad. The school was well attended by the youth of the surrounding country, and had some students from Detroit and other cities, swelling the number up to fifty or more. Many of the prominent men of the present received the benefit of the good dominie's instruction, and recall with pleasure their school days at Troy.

Rev. Hollister left the place in 1843, and his position was taken soon after by Rev. S. N. Hill, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Under his principalship the school preserved its excellent reputation, and was continued with great success several years, when it was closed permanently in consequence of the decline of the village.

A public school was taught in a log house on section 9 about 1825, where William Morse was one of the teachers. A short time after its erection this house was destroyed by fire, and another log building took its place. This, too, was burned, as well as several frames subsequently built by the district. A fine brick school house was then built half a mile west of Troy Corners, on the south line of section 4, which is at present used for school purposes by district No. 2, which includes Troy Corners.

The following history is compiled principally from an admirable sketch of the church, read before the Michigan Baptist association in 1876, by the Rev. J. E. Bitting, who was at that time pastor in charge:

The Baptist church in Troy was the third church of that faith organized in Michigan. It was originally a branch of the Pontiac church, and the members of that church living in the southeastern part of the county had established regular covenant meetings. At one of these covenant meetings, held May 21, 1825, steps were taken to organize an independent Baptist church. Willard Daniels and George P. Morse were appointed delegates to lay this request before the Pontiac church, and ask for letters of dismission for those who wished to unite with the new movement. The request was granted, and at the next covenant meeting, Elder Comstock being present, seventeen names were reported as constituent members, viz. : Nathan Jones, Calvin Gibbs, George P. Morse, John Everett, Samuel Hubbell, Lydia Jones, Cynthia Daniels, Mary Jones, Francis Douglass, Deborah W. Gibbs, Esther Cole, Lucy Wellman, Willard Daniels, Avery Jones, Nathan Douglass, Ramah Cole, and Edward Swan. At the meeting a committee was appointed to prepare articles of faith and a covenant. Their report was adopted August 25, 1825, and a council of recognition was called. This council, composed of Rev. Elkanah Comstock, John Southard, and Henry Stevens, from the Pontiac church. Rev. Lemuel Taylor, from the Stony Creek church, met September 29, 1825, and recognized the brethren and sisters as a regular Baptist church, called the "Baptist church in Bloomfield."

On January 28, 1826, this new church appointed delegates to meet the other two churches, Pontiac and Stony Creek, at Stony Creek, for the purpose of forming the platform for an association in Michigan, and the next Sabbath another delegation was appointed to attend a council at Farmington, probably to recognize the fourth church in the association.

It is probable that Rev. John Buttolph was the first pastor of the Bloomfield church, though perhaps only as a supply. He was received to membership June 25, 1826. "This worthy brother was permitted to live but four months after his arrival in the Territory," and his connection with the church consequently was short.

Northrup Jones was the first deacon John White was the first licentiate, and the first baptism was that of Aaron Wellman, received February 24, 1827. For the first two years the society worshiped in a school house. In 1827 the first meeting house was built. It was a log structure, on the “cross-road," half a mile south of Troy, on section 16. Its name was also changed to "The First Baptist church in Troy." The membership at that time was forty-one, and the church had no regular pastor. A call was extended Elder Eaton, of New York, to come and serve the people for one hundred dollars a year in produce, the church agreeing to furnish what at six shillings a bushel, corn at three shillings sixpence, pork at five dollars per hundredweight, and house rent at twenty-five dollars a year. Elder Eaton did not accept this munificent offer.

On the 28th day of August, 1828, the church voted “to have no fellowship with Freemasonry, or any who uphold the institution of Freemasons in any wise. “It was supplied monthly, for six months of this year, by Elder Clark, for four dollars a visit. Other preachers, visiting friends in the Territory or passing through the country, often ministered to the church, but there was no regular pastor until July 4, 1829, when Rev. John Booth, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, came in response to an advertisement in the New York Baptist Register, followed by a whole years correspondence. He received a salary of one hundred dollars a year, and divided his labors between this and Stony Creek church. In 1831 the Troy church supported Rev. Booth alone ; but soon after he divided his pastoral labors between this and the church at Auburn, which had just been organized.

In February, 1832, the church again changed its name, this time to "The Troy Baptist Union Society." A board of trustees was also appointed, and a resolution was passed to build a new house of worship; but, being unable to agree upon a site, and owing to the lack of harmony, occasioned by the manner of raising money by "averse" or direct tax on the property of the members, the project of building fell through. About this time Elder Booth resigned his pastorate, having served four years and a half. During his connection seventy-eight persons joined the church, thirty-nine by baptism and an equal number by letter and experience. The membership of the church was now about one hundred and ten.

Following Elder Booth's resignation the church was without a pastor for four months ; then Rev. Moses Clark supplied, preaching half the time for eight months. He was succeeded on July 1, 1835, by Rev. Stephen Goodman, also a half time pastor, at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars per year. About four months after this, on the 23d of November, 1835, the building of a meeting house was again agitated, and resulted in taking measures for this purpose. The pastor made several journeys to New York to obtain men, and after much effort the house was completed the latter part of 1836. It was a plain structure of wood, with spire and gallery, and was built on the northeast quarter of section 9, nearer Troy than the old building. The church was dedicated January 4, 1837, and the society began a prosperous career, enjoying a protracted meeting of several weeks, in which the pastor was assisted by Revs. Weaver and Barrett, which ranked in the conversion and baptism of about seventy persons. Elder Goodman served until April 27, 1839, when he severed his four years' connection by a resignation. During this period there were received into membership one hundred and forty-one persons, one hundred and five by baptism and thirty-six by letter. The number belonging was now over two hundred. The church immediately called Rev. John E. Mitchell, who commenced his pastoral labors May 1, 1839. His work was attended by another addition to the membership, fifty-six uniting, thirty-five by baptism and twenty-one by letter. In October, 1840, Elder Mitchell tendered his resignation because he could not get a suitable dwelling for his family, which he was obliged to remove to his farm, distant fifty miles.

Six weeks after, he closed his labors. In November, 1840, Rev. William Barrett was called as pastor. He was a man of great ability, and had many friend.

Now followed a dark period in the history of the church, a period which nearly enlightened the brightness of its past, and which almost obscured its future pathway. Damaging reports concerning the pastor's character were circulated. There were attended with much excitement and considerable hard feeling among the members, seriously interfering with the work of the church, and causing many dissensions. The church delayed an investigation for some time, and Mr. Barrett having withdrawn from the pastoral office, but not from the membership of the church, the reports of his bad character all the while continuing, the membership was distracted, and the church was " like sheep having no shepherd." Finally, in 1843, the right hand of fellowship was withdrawn from Mr. Barrett, and the cloud which had so long enveloped the church was broken, revealing a divided, scattered membership of not quite a hundred. There was no regular pastor in all this period, although Rev. Dennison preached at irregular intervals, and others occasionally ministered to this distracted people.

Near the close of 1843, Elders Weaver and Simmonds came to labor with this church; a "meeting of days," continuing three weeks, was held. " The Lord poured out his Spirit. The church was again revived, and union and peace restored. Likewise sinners were converted, backsliders returned, and the Lord be praised for his unspeakable goodness to us. “At the close of the meeting the church roll contained the names of one hundred and sixty-two members.

On the evening of January 31, 1844, the church held an experience meeting. It was continued until a late hour, and some of the tallow candles having been left carelessly burning into the pine sockets in the gallery, after the dismission of the congregation, the meeting-house took fire and burned to the ground. The church was now again obliged to worship in the school house ; but it was united and harmonious, and soon took measures to rebuild.

In the spring of 1844 a building committee, composed of James Bayley, Solomon Mathews, and N. Douglass, were appointed, and subscriptions, payable in notes, were taken to erect a new house. These notes were placed in the hands of James Bayley, and upon him devolved the burden of the work. About this time the doctrine of "Millerism" made its appearance in the church and the community, producing much excitement. More than a majority of the members were carried away with it, among them Deacon Douglass of the building committee. But Mr. Bayley thought it better "to occupy until the Lord came," and pressed his work to a successful completion, although general fanaticism prevailed. He held the notes of the members, and they generally honored them, so that the entire building was erected, all paid except one hundred dollars, which was shared between Deacons Bayley and Mathews; and the house was dedicated October 12, 1844, free of debt, by Rev. Supply Chase.

Most of the members who had embraced "Millerism" found their way back to the church again, and became useful members.

While the church was building, Rev. G. D. Simmonds preached as stated supply in the Presbyterian church, and for a short time after the church was completed. He was succeeded by Rev. Babcock, who remained about four months.

The church was now without a settled pastor for about three years and a half, until the Rev. Henry D. Buttolph was settled as pastor, April 19, 1845.

In February, 1847, the church set aside the articles of faith and covenant, adopted years before, and substituted the following: "Resolved, That we consider it the duty of all those connected, or proposing to connect themselves, with this church, that they, without the least known reason, devote themselves to God, choosing the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to be their God and portion, for time and eternity, promising most solemnly to make the word of God their only rule of faith and practice.

Rev. Buttolph resigned at the end of two years, and was succeeded a few months later, in July, 1847, by Rev. S. Goodman. The membership was now only eighty-five, but this was increased by sixteen at the close of Rev. Goodman's pastorate, in 1850.

After seven months, in April, 1851, Rev. Samuel Cornelius became pastor, continuing three years, and resigning April 20, 1854. During his ministry the church adopted new articles of faith and covenant, such as are now generally in use in Baptist churches, which are now the doctrines of the church. There were forty-one additions to the membership, eighteen by baptized and twenty-three by letter.

There was again a lack of harmony, several members having considerable difficulty with the church authorities. Under these circumstances Rev. J. Ross became the pastor, in May, 1854. He was a man well calculated to effect compromises, and succeeded in restoring harmony. In the spring of 1855 the church was blessed with another revival, resulting in more than forty baptisms, swelling the membership to one hundred and forty-nine members in 1856. Rev. Ross closed his labors in November, 1859, leaving the church with one hundred and thirty-two members.

The church was again without a pastor five months, when Rev. A. Snider was called, in 1860. He was succeeded by C. G. Purrett, who remained until April 1, 1863. There were now one hundred and eight members.

The church was again without a pastor over six months; then Rev. T. S. Wooden, a recent graduate of the Hamilton theological seminary, was called, and accepted September 15, 1863. He was ordained in February, 1864, and served until 1866. The actual membership of the church was now only seventy-two. In this stage of financial weakness propositions were made to unite with the church at Rochester in maintaining a pastor, but the project was never consummated.

Rev. J. L. De Land was the next pastor, serving the church two years, and closing his labors in April, 1869. During the following summer Elder Mendell supplied the church with preaching, and reported seventy-nine members.

Rev. Wm. Hartley was called December 4, 1870. He continued pastor two years, resigning December 4, 1872. Another interval of a year and two months, in which period the church had no pastor, followed ; then an arrangement was effected whereby the church was supplied in connection with the church at Birmingham, Rev. D. Gostelow serving both churches for two years. He was followed, under a similar arrangement, by Rev. J. E. Bitting. The church is at present without a pastor, and has a membership of sixty-two. The meeting house was repaired in 1875, and is now a plain but neat place of worship.

The church has a history extending over more than fifty-two years, in which period it has witnessed several stages of decay so marked that its very existence was threatened. It has also had seven revivals, which have had great influence on its history. It has participated in fifty-three ecclesiastical councils, helped to organize twenty-two churches, and has aided in many projects whereby the interests of the Baptist church were advanced. Its membership is small at present, but its usefulness has not departed, and it is but reasonable to suppose that it will yet be a positive power in Troy.

A Sunday school was organized by this church in 1830. It has been continued, with some intermissions, from that time to the present. Josephus Smith is the present superintendent. There are seventy members in the school, and it has a library of one hundred volumes.

As early as 1827, Elder Warren, a Methodist, preached in Troy township and organized a class of those professing the doctrines of Methodism, a mile and a half east of the present village of Troy. Among the original members were the Blount families, the family of Andrew Downer, and others of that neighborhood. The class had no remarkable increase of membership, as the field was well occupied by other denominations, and the society had no place of worship except the school house. From this time until 1860 preaching was maintained, generally in the afternoon, the society meanwhile increasing slowly in financial strength and numbers. About this time the question of building a church was agitated, and, as some of the other societies worshiping at Troy had suspended their work, the moment was thought very opportune. A proposition to build a church east of the village was defeated, but the old church belonging to the Episcopalians, and erected by that society in Troy, in 1837, was purchased by the Methodists about 1862. At this time the class was served in connection with Utica, that place having the preference for the morning service. In 1867, Rev. L. H. Dean was on this circuit, and under his preaching a great revival was produced at Troy, which resulted in many additions to the membership of the society. It was now thought expedient to demand morning services for at least one-half the time, Utica to have the remaining half This proposition was not received with any favor by the Utica members, and another, based upon the willingness of the Troy society to pay two-thirds of the pastor's salary if the entire morning services were granted, was also denied them. Convinced that the welfare of the cause demanded such a movement, the society besought conference to set the Troy charge of "from Utica, and make it a separate supply. This petition was granted by the Detroit conference, at its session held at Ann Arbor, August, 1868, and Rev. W. H. Benton was appointed to the new Troy circuit, which was included in the Romeo district. A few years later the Big Beaver appointment was added to the Troy charge, and is still served in that connection. Since 1868 the following reverend gentlemen have served as pastors : Wood, Baskerville, Deacon, Hedger, Houghton, and Tuttle, the present pastor, who was appointed in 1876. While Rev. Houghton was pastor in charge, in 1875, the old building was completely remodeled and enlarged, so that it is now a handsome little country church. Rev. Wm. Fox, then the presiding elder of the Romeo district, performed the dedicatory services on the 12th day of August, 1875. From that time the work has become fully established, and has assumed respectable proportions. The present membership is sixty-two, not including probationers. The official board consists of Stephen G. Conley, Elisha Hill, and Miles B. Clark. J. Jennings is the present class leader. A Sunday-school is maintained by the church. Its present membership is about seventy-five. Rev. William Tuttle is the superintendent.

Following as the missionary successor of Rev. Alanson W. Weiton, who came to Michigan in 1821, the Rev. Richard F. Cadle came, in 1824, as the representative of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, from New York to Detroit. Although assigned to all Michigan, his efforts were principally exerted in Detroit and vicinity, and resulted in the organization of St. Paul's church, at Detroit, in 1824, and St. Andrew's church at Ann Arbor, in 1827.

St. John's church was organized by Rev. Cadle in 1829, and is, , therefore, the third Episcopal church in Michigan. Of its early membership and officers little can be said. The later history of the church was one of dissolution, and it is presumed that the records have been lost ; but chief among those interested in the establishment of the church were the Niles family, Alva Butler, some of the Spragues, and, later, Greorge A. C. Luce.

The meetings were first held at the school house, but in 1837 a neat frame church was erected in the eastern part of the village, in which services were held until about 1851. A few years later the parish became extinct, and about 1862 the church building was sold to the Methodists by the Zion church of Pontiac, the title to the property having vested in that church on the dissolution of the society at Troy.

The rectors of St. John's were : from 1835 to 1845 Rev. Algernon S. Hollister; 1843 to 1845, Rev. Sabine Hough ; 1847 to 1850, Wm. H. Woodward, who was the last rector employed by the church.

The extinction of the parish is traceable to commercial rather than to spiritual causes. As Troy Corners declined other places became more important, notably Pontiac. Some members moved away, and the few remaining members could not bear the burden of sustaining the church alone. Its dissolution was unavoidable, and there is nothing left of St. John's but the precious memories which cluster round it as one of the pioneer churches.

About 1831 the Rev. George Eastman began his labors as a Presbyterian missionary at Troy Corners. He was a faithful, devoted minister of the word, and his labors were crowned by the organization of a society, accepting the doctrines of the Presbyterian church, about 1833. There were twelve constituent members, among whom were Silas Sprague, Stephen V. R. Trowbridge, John Waldron, Deacon Goodale, Lyman Fuller, Henry Waldron, and A. C. Trowbridge.

Stephen V. R. Trowbridge and Deacon Goodale were elected deacons, and, a short time after, Silas Sprague and John Waldron were added to the official board. The meetings were held in the school house, alternating with those held by other societies. The membership had so much increased, principally by accessions by letter, that, in 1835, Rev. Ashabel S. Wells was called as pastor. His pastorate continued four years, and marked the most important epoch in the history of the church. His preaching, in the winter of 1835-36, promoted a revival, which extended throughout the entire town, and resulted in thirty-two accessions to the membership of the Presbyterian church.

The church was now so strong, and its increasing wants so obvious, that it was determined to build a house of worship. This purpose was at once carried into effect, and a fine frame edifice was erected, at a cost of two thousand dollars, in the summer of 1837, by John Thomas and Benjamin Page. A parsonage, at a further cost of seven hundred dollars, was also built. The church was consecrated in the fall of 1837, by the Rev. Noah M. Wells, the first Presbyterian minister in Michigan, who was at that time pastor of the church at Detroit. For some years it enjoyed a remarkably prosperous career, its membership being more than a hundred, composed of well-known families then living in Troy and Avon, some of whom remained steadfastly attached to the church as long as it had any existence.

But with the development of the country and the change manifestly wrought by the decline of Troy Corners as a trading point, as well as the losses of membership by deaths and removals, came a change to the church which so much weakened it that it was not thought politic to continue the organization, or let the church eke out a struggling existence, when its remaining members could connect themselves with neighboring churches, which had been subsequently formed. Accordingly, the services were suspended, and in 1868 the church building was sold to the Presbyterian society of Royal Oak, whither it was removed for a meeting house.

Besides Rev. Wells, Revs. Tucker and Hill were pastors of the church, and Revs. Fairchild, Smith, and Hornell stated supplies. Thus ended the career of a church whose members were never distracted by internal dissensions, where harmony and brotherly love prevailed, but whose dissolution was caused solely by material changes outside of the church, and over which it had no control.

The following account of a black bear party is from the pen of the late Clark Beardsley: About the 10th of September, 1829, a man by the name of Samuel Williams, living one mile south and a half mile west of Johnson Niles, went out after his cows with his dog. He came in contact with a bear and two cubs, about forty rods east of Alvah Butler's corner ; the dog drove the bear and cubs up a bushy swamp oak tree near the road. Mr. Williams took off his coat and tied it around the tree, and, leaving the dog to watch the coat and the bears, started to arouse his neighbors. In the course of a few hours some fifteen or twenty persons had assembled, among whom were S. V. R. Trowbridge, Samuel Satterlee, Luther Webster, Henry Blount, and Salmon J. Mathews, who was a first rate shot. A fire was kindled, and then two messengers were dispatched to Johnson Niles' distillery, about a mile east, for two gallons of whisky.

When they returned it was ten o'clock ; each one then took an eye opener, and was soon capable of shooting straight enough to miss the bear. There were some eight or nine guns, and they were frequently fired. Soon the old bear came down, and drove the dogs away, and pretty much tore the coat and pants off the person of Elijah Sanborn, in a tussle with him, and succeeded in getting away. The firing continued, and one of the cubs came down and got away. The meeting was then called to order by S. V. R. Trowbridge, and it was resolved that there should be no more firing till daylight, so as to give each one a chance to shoot at the bear. Accordingly all took a good drink and, after building a fire, lay down. It was then about twelve o'clock, and most of them were in a condition to lie quiet. Just at break of day, Luther Webster crept off quietly to some distance from the sleeping, and firing upon the bear, brought her down, much to the dissatisfaction of the party, each of whom wanted a shot. That was the end of the only bear party of which there is any record.

The early settlers of Troy were often obliged to resort to a system of exchange, called "dicker." in order to procure what they most needed. Edward Martin thus relates his experience attending his efforts to procure a pair of breeches, and the sad fate of the unmentionables after he had worn them only a short time.

Although pretty well supplied with clothing when Mr. Martin came to Troy, in 1824, they were soon torn, running through the brush, and having no money he could get no pants, although those he wore were reduced to a lot of strings. In this extremity he took some of the corn he had raised to the distillery, exchanged it tor whisky, and then traded the whisky to the Indians for buckskin for a pair of breeches, and felt very proud of them when he had them made up. In this pleasant frame of mind he returned from the woods, one evening in April, to learn that he must yet go after his cows. After finding his cattle, he started them for home, and then wearily plodded after them. It was now quite dark, and being very tired, Mr. Martin sat down by the roadside to rest. He soon discovered that he had not selected the most eligible location upon which to repose his weary body, and his new buckskins were well-nigh ruined. But his wife assured him that she could readily wash them, and she did. But knowing nothing of the nature of such goods, the water was too hot, and she had hung them by a hot fire to dry. In the morning Mr. Martin found his breeches as hard as a bundle of bones, and however much he tried to get them on, he found that they would not yield; and he was again breechesless. In this dilemma the house was ransacked, and finally an old pair of cast off pants were found, which were again pressed into service. His family provided their own clothing by spinning flax. In those days trails, bustles, and clamshell bonnets were not worn,

The people of Troy have not been spared the excitement which follows the vigorous preaching of a new religious doctrine. On at least two occasions they have realized to what an extremity fanaticism will reduce men who are other- wise crcdit4id with being sober-minded and deliberate in their judgment. This fact was especially noticeable at that period when "Millerism" most abounded. Placing implicit reliance upon the prophecies of the leaders of that sect, men of strong and well developed minds expected the consummation of earthly things at an appointed time, and disposed of their property at a great sacrifice, because they would not need it after the resurrection of the saints. Several parties in the township sold their cows for five dollars a head, and others turned their stock into their corn fields. A general listlessness and apathy to business prevailed, which was not dispelled until it became too apparent that men were no judges of "times and seasons," and that Troy was, in all probability, to be the habitation of mortal beings who must follow the occupation of the farm and the work shop for some years longer.

Not altogether unlike this was the effect produced by the di^emination of the Mormon doctrines. Although involving more sacrifices and requiring greater effort to secure the promised reward, there were some who accepted the faith with all simplicity, and became tired of the labor necessary to transform the wilderness into a fruitful field. This state of mind is well illustrated by a little incident in which Rufus Beach, one of the settlers who had embraced Mormonism, was one of the actors, the other being Joseph Chase, or more generally called Uncle Joe.

Passing by Beach's clearing, Uncle Joe discovered Rufus seated on a stump in his garden, with his hoe standing by his side, and the weeds growing thick among his beans. Uncle Joe was slightly addicted to stammering, which rather increased the impressiveness of his witty utterances. Calling out to Beach, Joe said, " Whu-whu-what are yu-yu doing there?" With along drawn sigh Beach replied, " Well, I am trusting confidingly in the Lord, who says he will not withhold any good thing from him who walks uprightly, which I am trying to do, as you well know." The response of Uncle Joe was a plain, common-sense rebuke : " Wu-wuwu-well, Bu-Bu-Beach, yu-yu-you ne-ne-needn't thi-thi-think Gu-Gru-God wu-wuwill hu-hu-hoe yu-yu-yur bu-bu-beans in for you." Both these personages are now dead, Uncle Joe having remained here, a good citizen, Beach having followed the saints to Utah, where he died.

An amusing incident, illustrative of the manner in which justice was dispensed at an early day, is told of Johnson Niles. Under the Territorial laws the penalty for selling whisky to the Indians was severe, and those who dealt with them were obliged to use the utmost caution to prevent detection. Mr. Niles was an Indian trader, and was regarded as a chief of Nippisings, his Indian name being Ken-ne-dank. For security and protection he made an underground store house for his whisky and provisions, and on one occasion a certain deacon who was not on friendly terms with Ken-ne-dunh saw an Indian emerge from this store house with a jug in his hand. By coaxing the Indian and resorting to subterfuge the deacon got a taste of the contents of the jug, and at once proceeded to get Keane-dunh indicted by the grand jury, of which body Ken-ne-dunk was himself a member.

The affair created great excitement, and much interest was taken in the trial. An able counsel was procured from Detroit to prosecute the case. The grand jury convened, the testimony was taken, and was so conclusive of the guilt of Ken-ne-dunk that there seemed no escape for him. But the grand jury, fortunately, sympathized with the prisoner, and a happy thought occurred to one of the jurymen. There was no law to punish one Indian for selling whisky to another Indian, and he raised the point that Ken-ne-dank being a chief among the Nippisings, had a right to sell a brother Indian whisky. The reasoning was sound, the vote was taken, and "no bill" was the finding.

The following little incident will show how dense the forests of Troy were in some localities, and how liable the inexperienced settler was to lose himself in the very neighborhood of his home. James Bailey came to the country a bachelor; after making a small clearing and building a cabin, he indulged a fancy that some day one of the gentler sex would share this home with him, and help him rear another of more stately proportions after the wild had been subdued. Early one foggy morning in the fall, before the memory of his dreams had vanished, Mr. Bailey started to the spring for water, when, lo 1 a vision presented itself to his amazed sight. Seen in the distance, it was phantom like and weird, yet bore the image of a woman, as it stood motionless in the centre of his wheat patch. Can it be possible, thought Mr. B., that my wish has been anticipated, and that a woman has really appeared to share with me my pioneer lot, or has my sight deceived me? Slowly he approached the object, and saw, beyond a doubt, what was clearly a night cap, then the dress of a woman, and, lastly, the woman herself with a pail in hand. Soon she addressed him, and said she was the wife of a new settler, who had recently come, and that in following her cow, which was uneasy while being milked, on account of the mosquitoes, she was led away from her home, until she did not have the faintest idea of its direction, and had concluded that the best plan for her to follow was to go to the middle of the field and there wait until some one should chance to see her. Mr. Bailey gallantly escorted the perplexed woman home, and a few months thereafter realized his expectations in the person of his excellent wife, whom he brought to Michigan from New York the next spring.

There were many trees of unusual size found in the primitive forests of Troy, but the tree here described was a giant among them and deserves to be perpetuated. One-half mile northwest, on the northeast quarter, section 25, once stood a swamp oak tree, twenty-four feet in circumference, measuring fifty feet to the first limb, which limb was one foot in diameter ; at eighty-two feet from the ground another limb was growing two feet in diameter, and at ninety-six feet another limb was eighteen inches in diameter. At this last named point the body of the tree was three feet in diameter. The top having been carried away, the exact height of the tree could not be definitely determined, but it was estimated at one hundred and sixty feet. Within a radius of twenty rods twelve trees were fallen, being oaks and sycamores, from four to six feet diameter. Eight trees were standing at the time the measurement of this giant was taken, which were from three to four feet diameter at their bases. A few rods west, on the farm of Dr. Cantrell, an elm was cut measuring six feet diameter at the base. About eight years ago (1869) the big tree fell, being prostrated by a heavy wind. The twelve trees which were lying on the ground in its vicinity had been prostrated in the same manner, and were rotten.

Although isolated to some extent from their neighbors in the outer world, the people of Troy did not forget their fealty as Americans, and were keenly alive to the patriotic requirements of the nation's natal day.

They had resolved to commemorate it in the manner predicted by the immortal Webster so far as they were able, and in true pioneer fashion when these resources had failed them. Accordingly, they met at the house of William Poppleton, on the fourth of July, 1826, with such firearms as they could command, and after having indulged in a general fusilade, the object of which was to see how much noise their guns would make, they appointed one of their number to read the Declaration of Independence and Washington's Farewell Address, to which they listened with rapt attention. After this they partook of a dinner, prepared by Mrs. Poppleton and her neighbor women, consisting of pork and beans, bread, and pumpkin pies, having at the same time a general reunion. Following this was the burning of some more powder, and a game of baseball, in which Alva Butler, Ira Jennings, Harry Blount, John Jones, Ira Toms, William Stanley, Orrin Sprague, Jesse Gregory, Daniel Burrows, Jesse Perrin, Ramah Cole, James Bailey, Solomon Caswell, John and James Volentine, Johnson Niles, Calvin Marvin, M. M. Toms, Pheroras Perrin, and others participated.

The day was pleasantly spent, and although they had no orator to flap the wings of the American eagle and show them the greatness and power of their country, there can be no doubt they were fully imbued with this sentiment as they went to their quiet homes.

The history of the township of Troy has been compiled from the official records of the town, and from the personal recollections of some of its present and former citizens, among whom are Josephus Smith, Dwight Buttolph, Andrew Ebling, James Bayley, Solomon Caswell, George Niles, A. C. Trowbridge, Rev. Tuttle, James Skidmore, Alva Butler, Mrs. Jesse Lee Stout, Hon. Henry Waldron, Hon. O. Poppleton, Luther Stanley, Ira Toms, William Martin, J. H. Alger, and Almeron Gibbs. The writer tenders his thanks to these and others who have assisted him, and expresses the hope that his efforts to perpetuate the memory of Troy's pioneers will not be in vain ; and he assures all that whatever inaccuracies this history may contain are the result of conflicting judgment and difference of opinion unavoidably attaching to a work of this nature, and not of a disposition to misstate facts.