History of Muskegon-
Whitehall  Township
Part 1

 

History of Muskegon County, Michigan with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Chicago- H. R. Page & Co.
1882
 

 
 

WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP



    In order to understand properly the municipal history of Whitehall and Montague it is necessary to recapitulate the history of

 OCEANA TOWNSHIP,

which included, until 1874, both Montague and Whitehall Townships, and the northern portion of Blue Lake. Oceana was itself an offshoot of White River Township, and was organized by the Board of Supervisors of Ottawa County, at a special meeting held at Eastmanville April 1, 1859, and the inhabitants interested were summoned to their first special meeting at 9 A. M., on the 18th day of the same month at the school house in section 20, Township 12, north, in Range 17 west, and the notice was signed by Jas. P. Scott, Clerk. The meeting having been convened as directed, the following officers were selected: Israel E. Carleton, Chairman; Evan Knudsen and Zersh Mizner, Inspectors of Election, and Moody Forman, Clerk; and to the credit of the people be it mentioned that their first motion was to appropriate one-half of the two mill tax for a township library. $75 was ordered for general expenses. A proposal to give $200 to the poor was voted down, and $25 was carried. Job Sargent was elected pound keeper over R. L. Harmon. It was then resolved that all studs and mules be prohibited from running at large, but on consideration, mules were allowed to retain their liberty, and the move to restrict swine was promptly voted down.
    There seems to have been thirty-five voters present, and the following is the list of officers elected:
 Supervisor, L E. Carleton; Clerk, Moody Farman; Treasurer, Andress Knudsen; Justices of the Peace, Lewis Grow, Thos. Seddon, Jas. B. Jewell; Highway Commissioners Jas. Jewell, Peter Hobler; School Inspector, I. E. Carleton; Overseers of the Poor, John Killson, Evan Knudsen; Constable, Thos. Sadden, Jr., Dan 'l Basom.
    The next important meeting was at the house of E. Knudsen, en Oct. '81, 1859, at which it was ascertained that from the Township of White River there was due the munificent sum of $88 for primary school fund. It appears that Daniel Basom had removed from the town, and his place as constable was filled by Volney B. Gee, and as Highway Commissioner by the appointment of Moody Farman.  There were but three accounts to settle, and but three members present, each of whom had an account for services, in all $14, which was allowed. Those present were Evan Knudsen, Chairman; M. Farman, Clerk; and Lewis Grow.
    On Jan 11, 1860, the Supervisors again met, and all they seem to have done was to pass about 8 dozen accounts, amounting to the sum of $83. 
    The next annual meeting of the township was held at the same school house as before, April 2, 1880. $150 was voted to be raised for the expenses of the past year. The mules were attended to this time, and it was voted to restrain them from running at large. The following were appointed Overseers of Highways:
 Bond District No. 1, Job Sargent; Road District No. 2, J. B. Gee; Road District No. 8, A. A. Parker; Road District No. 4, John Killson; Road District No. 6, 1. E. Carleton.
    They thereupon proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year, thirty-three voters being present, as follows:
    Supervisor, I. E. Carleton; Clerk, E. Knudsen; Treasurer, N. Sargent, Justices, Horace Jones, Jacob B. Gee, A. A. Parker; Commissioner of Highways, J. Killson; School Inspector, J. D. Pullman; Overseers of the Poor, John Webb, Randolph Ward;
Constables, Jas. L. W. Farnsworth, N. Sargent, M. Hines, V. B. Gee. 
    No meeting is recorded again until Jan. 12, 1861, when Messrs. Carleton, Parker end Knudsen being present, E. Grow and E. Knudsen were appointed road commissioners, and accounts amounting to $72 were passed, the Supervisor getting $37 and E. Knudsen $12.40, which shows how economically affairs were conducted in those early times.
    At the next annual meeting on April 1, 1861, Carleton, Knudsen and J. B. Gee, J. P., were present, and $100 was ordered to be raised for township expenses, and again to their credit be it mentioned, that one-half of the two mill tax was appropriated for district library. The Overseers of Highways elected were:
    Road Dist. No. 1, Hiram Staples; Road Dist. No. 2, J. B. Gee, Road Dist. No. 3, A. A. Parker; Road Dist. No. 4, D. Basom; Road Dist. No. 6, A. G. Vanholton; and Job Sargent for the "third term" pathmaster. The voters present, 30 in number, then proceeded to elect officers for ensuing year as follows:
    Supervisor, I. E. Carleton; Clerk, Hiram E. Staples; Treasurer, N. Sargent; School Inspector, I. E. Carleton-, Justices of the Peace, Jesse D. Pullman, Jas. Sewell; Highway Commissioners, R. L. Harmon, John Webb; Constables, Owen Soules, V. B. Gee, N. Sargent, W. J. Kennedy.
    No more meetings are recorded until Sept. 30, 1861, when vacancies perhaps caused by the war, were filled as follows: M. Farman, Clerk, and J. B. Gee, G. Franklin and Joseph Heald, as Justices.
    On the 7th of April, 1862, the next annual meeting was held, at which Job. Sargent was re-appointed pound keeper, and Overseers of Highways as follows:
    District No. 1, N. Sargent; Dist. No. 2, A. W. Clark; Dist. No. 3. T. J. Whitbeck; Dist. No. 4, E. Sargent; Dist. 5. John Gustavson
    The annual election, thirty voters being present, resulted as follows:
    Supervisor, I. E. Carleton; Clerk, M. Farman; Treasurer, N. Sargent; Justices. J. D. Pullman, I. E. Carleton, A. A. Parker; School Inspector, J. D. Pullman; Highway Commissioner, N. Sargent; Constables, N. Sargent, R. L. Harmon, Owen Soules. H. W. Landford; Assessors, J. D. Pullman, N. Sargent.
    On April 6, 1868, the next annual meeting was held. This time the animals running at large were still further circumscribed from that privilege by including jacks and swine, an invasion of the poor mans rights which no doubt caused a ripple of excitement at he time.
    Job Sargent was again appointed pound keeper. The meeting then proceeded to elect officers, only 26 voters being present, with the following result:
    Supervisor, I. E. Carleton; Clerk, Jos. Heald; Treasurer, N. Sargent; Justices. H. L. Brown. Dugald Leitch; School Inspector, L E. Carleton; Highway Commissioner, John Webb; Assessors, Jos. Heald, N. Sargent.
    On Dec 30th, of same year, accounts amounting to $94 were passed.
    At the next annual meeting, held April 4, 1864, $130 was ordered to be raised for contingencies, and swine were again allowed to root up the highways and enjoy the liberty of nature.
    The meeting then proceeded to elect officers, 21 voters present, with the following result:
    Supervisor, I. E. Carleton; Clerk. M. Farman; Treasurer, N. Sargent; Justices, E. Knudsen, A. D. Rice, E. Grow; Highway Commissioner, T. J. Stanage; School Inspector, D. Leitch; Consables, 0. Soules, R. Ward, W. G. Allen, F. Sargent; Assessors, N. Sargent, T. J. Stanage.
    On the 15th of August, 1861, a special meeting was held to determine whether bounties should be given to certain volunteers, and eighteen votes were given for $100 each to three volunteers, and five for no bounty.
    On Dec. 24th the annual account, amounting to $112.49, was passed, $62 to Supervisor Carleton, who resigned at this session, Joseph Heald being appointed to fill the vacancy.
    At the annual meeting held April 3, 1865, $150 was ordered for repair of bridge across White Lake; the same amount for slab bridge between Dalton's Mill and White River; $100 for contingencies; $100 for fencing burying ground; $50 for the poor. The office of pound keeper for the whole district appears to have been too onerous for one man, so Job Sargent was appointed for the north side of White Lake, and Peter Hobler, for the south side.
    This time there were 62 voters present, and the following were elected for the next term;
 Supervisor, Jas. D. Sturtevant; Clerk, M. Farman; Treasurer, C. C. Thompson; School Inspectors, M. Farman, A. J. Covell; Justices, D. Leitch, P. Dalton, E. Knudsen, M. Hall; Highway Commissioners, Joseph Hinchman, P. Dalton, Jos. Heals;
    As Joseph Hinchman refused to serve N. Sargent was appointed in his stead. 
    On the 29th of May a meeting of the township boards of Oceana, Blue Lake and Dalton was held to adjust the finances, Oceana being represented by Sturtevant and Farman, Dalton by Hiram Stearns, David E. Califf and Simeon Freeman, and Blue Lake by A. P. Ware and B. F. Aldrich. The result, as far as Oceana was concerned, was to allow for contingent fund due $83, for library $30, and for war loan $210.
    At the next annual meeting on April 2, 1866, at first $80.16 was allowed for contingencies, but the $100 appropriated the year before for fencing the burying-ground being unexpended, it was voted to transfer it to the contingent fund, and to rescind the first motion for $80.10. Perhaps as a compensation for leaving the cemetery unfenced hogs and mules were solemnly restricted from running at large. Six hundred dollars were appropriated for roads and bridges.
    Job Sargent was again appointed path-master for the whole township.
   The meeting then proceeded to elect officers for the next term, 118 voters being present, with the following result:
   Supervisor, C. C. Thompson; Clerk, M. Farman; Treasurer, E. Knudson; School Inspectors, J. D. Sturtevant and D. Leitch; Highway Commissioners, N. Sargent and P. Hobler.
    On Sept. 11th it was resolved to levy $200 for the poor and $200 for the contingent fund.
    The expenses of the township seem now to have risen, probably in consequence of the necessity of developing its resources, as, on Dec. 22d, $120 was voted for the payment of accounts, and a week afterward $75 more.
    At the next annual meeting $600 was ordered for contingencies, $800 for roads and bridges, and $500 for the poor fund.
    There were 136 voters present and the following were elected:
    Supervisor, C. C. Thompson; Clerk, Chas. Cook; Treasurer, A. J. Foster; Justices, C. Cook, A. G. Hopkins and William M. Simon; School Inspector, E. C. Dicey; Commissioners of Highways, D. C. Brown and Wm. M. Simon.
    On April 6th, 1868, it was moved that the poor of the town be sold to the lowest bidder, and that such bidder treat then well.
    There were 289 voters present, and the following was the result:
    Supervisor, John A. Wheeler; Clerk, P. I. Hedges; Treasurer, Z. Mizner; Justices, P. I. Hedges, P. Dalton, G. S. Rosevelt, Jas. D. Sturtevant; School Inspector, H. E. Staples; Commissioners of Highways, G. W. Rice, John Miller; Pound Keeper, Robert Hawks.
    A financial statement showed that the 2 mill tax raised $515.51, township tax $2,113.51, and dog tax $51.
    At a meeting on June 26th, 1868, the Supervisor was paid $250.
    On July 15th C. L. Parks resigned as Constable, and Peter Hobler was appointed.
    On December 21st Robert Hawks was allowed $24, or $2 per month, for the use of the pest house, which would indicate the presence of some epidemic, which we find in the next resolution to be small pox, as A. G. Hopkins and Wm.. Simons are allowed eight days' services each, at $1.50, and $6 to Wm. Peck for services in case of small pox, under direction of the Board of Health.
    On January 9th, 1869, fences were ordered around the burying grounds. At the same meeting $200 was transferred from the contingent to the poor fund, which would indicate considerable distress
    On the 16th $50 more was transferred to the poor fund, a reminder of the effects of a hard winter; in all $850 were appropriated to the poor.
    At this time there was found to be in the treasury $780.38.
    At the annnal meeting on April 5th, 1869, $500 were appropriated for contingencies, $200 for roads, $1,000 for the poor, $50 for Whitehall cemetery, and $25 for the Harman cemetery.
    Two hundred and twenty-seven voters were present, and Israel E. Carleton had three votes more than Dewitt C. Bowen for the Supervisorship; Clerk, P. I. Hedges; Treasurer, Z. Mizner; Justices, G. S. Rosevelt and E. R. Burrows; School Inspectors, G. W. Rice and D. G. Scroggs; Highway Commissioner, A. W. Clark; Pound Keeper, C. C. Thompson.
    On May 24th $200 was transferred from the road to the poor fund.
    Clark Whitney was appointed Constable on `June 7th, but as he declined to serve Hiram Steams was appointed on July 21st.
    On the 21st of October it was resolved to raise $600 more for the contingent fund, and the Supervisor was allowed $500, and the Clerk $75.
    On February 2d, 1870, the only business done was to extend the time for the payment of taxes to March 1st, the first time such a resolution appears on the books.
    On the 19th of March, according to the petition of thirty rate payers to grant aid to the Michigan & Lake Shore R. R., the Board met. The petition was for $80,000 for said road, under certain conditions set forth, and was signed by C. C. Thompson, D. C. Bowen, J. Heald, and others. The scheme was to issue bonds to the amount of $30,000, at 7 per cent., the bonds to be not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, and to fall due, $5,000 on March 1st, 1875, and so on, $5,000 each year until paid. The vote was 856 yeas and 26 nays. The balance in the treasury at this time was $1,542.24.

    In 1870 there were 289 present and I. E. Carleton was again elected by 165 to 124, over D. C. Bowers, as Supervisor; Clerk, Henry Slater; Treasurer, Z. Mizner; Justices, E. R. Burrows and Moses Hall; Commissioner of Highway, H. E. Staples; School Inspector, D. Leitch; Pound Keeper, Wm. E. Parker.
    On May 2d a vote to grant $4,000 to build a bridge across the head of White Lake was carried by 94 to 4.
    On the 31st of October $550 was voted to the Supervisor, $100 to the Clerk, $1,800 to roads, $700 for the contingent and $1,500 for the poor fund, and on Dec. 16th the Clerk was requested to charge the Treasurer $14,539.84 for taxes, as per assessment roll. The State tax was $421.90, county tax, $5,245.05, and the 2 mill tax $759.88.
    W. C. Sargent was elected pound master. 272 voters were present with the following result: Supervisor, John A. Wheeler; Clerk, H. Slater; Treasurer, Z. Mizner; Justices, D. G. Scroggs, Jas. Dalton; Commissioner of Highways, M. S. Perkins; School Inspector, D. P. Glazier.
    In January 1872 we find that the State tax was $790. county tax, $5,683; township tax, $2,800; school tax, $5,666. In all $13,479.
    At the annual meeting held April 1, 1872, there were 377 votes and H. E. Staples received 20 more votes for Supervisor than John A. Wheeler. Clerk, H. Slater; Treasurer, Z. Mizner; Justices, A. G. Hopkins, D. G. Scroggs; Commissioner of Highways, C. H. Cook; School Inspector, C. C. Thompson.
    On the 31st of March about $127 was raised for the care and burial of a small pox patient. On the 1st of November $500 was voted to build a pest house.
    The old book of Oceana Township has some rather quaint notices; for instance, it is recorded on May 25th that J. B. Gee about the previous New Years, took up a two year old "female swine" spotted black and white with a long bushy tail. We preserve the "tale" for posterity by recording it in our history.
 

WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL.

    
    In 1874 the township of Oceana was subdivided into two townships, the northern and western portions containing about nineteen sections, being named Montague Township, and the southwestern part containing 18 sections, being 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 88, 84, 85, and 86, and was named Whitehall. White Lake and the river were the general boundaries, although Whitehall has a small fraction across the river. In Montague is the village of Montague, as yet unincorporated, but there is a movement to do so among its most enterprising citizens. The township at its last census had fourteen more inhabitants than Whitehall. Generally the soil of Montague is quite sandy near the water, but speedily becomes a heavy clay or loam on leaving the river or lake. Whitehall is chiefly a sandy loam. Out of Whitehall has been taken the incorporated village of Whitehall from its western side, extending for about one and a half miles, on the east side of White Lake from near the head at Staples & Covells mill to the site of the old water mill, now Wilcox's, near which is a beautiful part of the village full of neat, clean residences with thrifty gardens, chiefly occupied by Swedes with a few Norwegians, and known as Johnson's Addition or more popularly as Swedentown. The inhabitants came here mostly direct from Scandinavia and have done well, working in the mills and teaming. They are a reading, thinking race, and are sure to make good citizens. Whitehall extends inland to Hall's Addition a distance of one mile.
    
    The division of the Township of Oceana was vigorously opposed by many, especially in the south, but was partly brought about by a feeling that in the north they had not the proper share of officials or influence. The first town meeting in Whitehall Township, was on Friday, April 10, 1874. The Inspectors of Election were H. E. Staples, H. Slater and A. Mears. Poll Clerk, W. F. Nufer and James Williams. 330 votes were cast for Supervisor; Albert Mears got 218, Z. Mizner, 112. The other officers were John Tait, Clerk; C. E. Covell, Treasurer; Justices of the Peace, P. I. Hedges, J. D. Pullman; Commissioners of Highways, H. Ruggles, P. Hobler, M. R. Stevens. For Constables, N. Patterson, W. Smart, F. M. Stewart, D. W. Covell; F. Hinman, School Inspector. $600 was voted for contingent fund; $400 for the poor, and $500 for roads and bridges. For overseers of high ways, Swain Nelson was elected for district No. 7, and William Sprague for No. 8. Watson Smart, pound keeper. There was however, a previous joint meeting of Montague and Whitehall, at the office of the Lumberman, on the 5th of March, 1874, Joseph Heald, chairman, and John Tait, secretary, for the purpose of dividing the funds and apportioning the indebtedness of Oceana. For road districts 7 and 8 Whitehall. there was due $348, and for school districts 3 and 4 about $85; for Montague road districts 1 to 6 there was due about $260, and for the school districts about  the same amount. It happened that a poor man, Henry Gibberts,  was buried at the public expense on the 10th of April, the very day
 set apart for the new town meetings, so it was agreed. to take $41-  rather an expensive funeral-out of the common poor fund to pay  the expenses. The amount of funds on hand to be divided was only $859.92, of which Whitehall got $474.46. The Board also  found Oceana indebted to the amount of $200 taken from the road fund for building a road to the trading post on the north side of the lake and $100 for a road on the south side; and $500 for the bridge between Montague and Whitehall. The total indebtedness of Oceana was $1,050, of which Whitehall was assigned $581.05.
 
    The Council of Whitehall met on July 24th, for receiving plans and specifications for a pest house 18x24 and 10 feet high, by Warren Wilder, for $245. The contract was signed by A. Mears, Supervisor; D. G. Scroggs and A. G. Hopkins, Justices of the Peace; John Tait, Clerk; and W. Wilder, Contractor. The Board met on the 12th of August and accepted the house and gave E. Vincent the painting at $12, and James Sprague the erection of outhouses, etc., $8.
 
    The tax roll for 1874 was, for State tax, $511.77; County tax, $2,512.91; rejected. $45.91; Township, $1,179.73; Highways, $49.99; School tax, $3,486.08. Total, $7,779.33.
 
    It is really wonderful how cheaply the government of the township was run this year by A. Mears, his charge for services as supervisor being but $100, and for account $37.67. The whole of the other accounts passed at the end of the year, being but $30.
 
    At the next annual meeting, April 5, 1875, $100 was ordered for contingencies; $300 for poor, and $50 for roads. S. Nelson was appointed Overseer of District 1, and M. Anderson for No. 2. There were 264 votes cast for supervisor, of which A. Mears received 147, and Z. Mizner 117. Jno. Tait was re-elected Clerk; C. E. Covell, re-elected Treasurer. S. S. Sage was elected Justice of the Peace; Marvin E. Curtis, Sr., Commissioner of Highways; F. Hinman, School Inspector; for Superintendent of Schools, A. C. Elsworth; for Constables, N. Patterson, and D. W. Covell: G. P. Freeman, Pound Master. On June 28, W. Smart was appointed Constable.
 
    The following, dated Oct. 8, 1875, will show the valuation of the township: Valuation of real and personal estate in School District No. 1, $245,395; tax voted, $1,800. No. 2, $6,345; tax voted, $280. No. 3, $8,110; tax voted, $50. Total valuation, $259,850. Total tax voted, $2,080. On the 22d of December the Board wound up the proceedings by passing bills amounting to about $150 all told. On the 28th of March it was recommended that $300 be raised for contingent fund and $200 for poor. The treasurer reported on hand. $858.
 
    The annual meeting for 1876 was held on the 3d of April, at which C. Badder and W. Sprague were appointed Overseers of Highways. A. Mears received 152 votes out of 153 for Supervisor. John Tait was re-elected Clerk; , C. E. Covell, Treasurer; G. J. Moog and J. D. Pullman were elected Justices; W. S. Sprague, Commissioner of Highways; A. C. Elsworth, School Superintendent; W. F. Nufer, School Inspector; N. Patterson, D. W. Covell, Dallas Johnson and Ariel Bliss, Constables. As Jesse Pullman objected to qualify for Justice, a special meeting was ordered for Aug. 14th, at which DeWitt C. Huffman was elected by 53 votes to John Widoe's 28.
 
    The following is the statement of taxes to be collected for 1876: State tax, $360; County, 2,111.06; Township, 643.02; Highways, 48.70; School, 2,481.26. Total, $5,644.04.

     On December 26, account for services for the year were passed amounting to $311.48, of which Supervisor Mears gets $150, the Clerk $61, and the Superintendent of Schools $23.
 
    An important meeting was held at the office of A. C. Elsworth, who acted as Deputy Clerk, on the 27th of March, 1877, at which Supervisor Mears and P. L Hedges were present. It was resolve to have Hon. G. M. Smith demand the Township of Oceana bonds for $30,000 from the Secretary of State with whom they had been deposited for Michigan Lake shore R. R., as the said company had failed to comply with the conditions, and the Statute under which the bonds had been issued had been declared unconstitutional by a competent legal tribunal; the bonds to be filed in the township clerk's office; and that Montague be consulted on the matter. The treasurer stated that he had received during the year $3,491.59, and paid out $3,577.43. The clerk's bond was fixed at $500. We may here state that no portion of the $30,000 of bonds was paid to the railway.
 
    The annual meeting for 1877 took place April 2d, K. F. Morse, Poll Clerk. It was voted to raise for contingencies, $200; poor, $200, and roads, $25. S. Nelson was elected Overseer of Road District No. 1, and Jacob Hanson for No. 2. There were about 263 voters present, and A. Mears received 166 to C. C. Thompson's 97 for Supervisor. John A. Wheeler was elected Clerk; G. J. Moog and P. I. Hedges were elected Justices; Jesse D. Pullman, Superintendent of Schools; A. W. Slayton, School Superintendent; W. F. Nufer, School Inspector; W. L. Sprague, Commissioner of Highways; D. W. Covell, J. W. Johnson, J. N. Smith, and A. Bliss were elected Constables. At a special meeting, July 31st, H. A. Spink received 43 votes to B. F. Reed's 13 for Justice in place of D. C. Huffman, removed; and the said Spink had also to act as poll clerk, owing to the absence of Mr. Moog who, being also an undertaker, had to attend the funeral of a Mr. Hinchman. On the 27th of December accounts to the value of $291.95 were passed for services, of which Supervisor got $150, the Clerk $50, School Superintendent, $22. The following is the statement of taxes for 1877: State tax, $710.00; County, 3,229.02; Rejected, 16; Town
ship, 4,111.30. Total, $8,066.38.

    On Jan. 28, 1878, Dr. Carr was voted $34 for care of poor; Dr. Wheeler, the treasurer, received during the year for taxes $4,248.54, and for library fund $159.47, and paid out $8,958.95, and had on hand $1,211.46.

1878.

    The annual meeting this year took place April lst, K. W. Woodward Clerk of the polls: Anton Menges was elected Overseer for Road District No. 1, and Jacob Hanson for No. 2. Dr. Wheeler was unanimously elected Supervisor; G. J. Moog, Clerk; C. E. Covell, Treasurer; P. I. Hedges, Justice for full term, and D. G. Scroggs for vacant  justiceship; Asa W. Slayton, Superintendent of schools; J. D. Pullman, School Inspector; 0. W. Kimball, Commissioner of Highways. Dr. Wheeler was appointed Health Officer August 6th.
 
    On October 28th there were present Dr. Wheeler, J. D. Pullman, and G. J. Moog, when it was resolved to pay the Supervisor $300, and raise $200 additional for contingencies.
 
    On December 31 C. McKinzie was elected Constable instead of John W. Johnson, removed to Montague.
 
    On April lst, 1879, the Board settled with the treasurer as follows: Balance on hand March 29, 1878, $1,211.46. Received for taxes during year, $5,881.18. Total paid out, 6,709.53. Balance on hand, $388.11.

1879.

 
    The annual meeting for this year took place April 7th, W. T. Croxon, Poll Clerk. $400 was ordered to be raised for contingencies; $500 for poor, and $50 for roads. A. Menges was elected Overseer of District No. 1, and M. Anderson for No. 2. Three hundred and forty-one votes were cast for Supervisor, of which John A. Wheeler received 202, and P. I. Hedges 129. Robert Stevens received 337 votes out of 338 for Clerk; C. E. Covell got 204 to C. Chick's 134 for Treasurer; R. M. Hedges had 202 to H. A. Spink's 140 for Justice of the Peace for vacancy, and B. F. Reed 197 to Price Morse's 140 for full term of Justice of the Peace. H. Stearns became Highway Commissioner. A. C. Elsworth received 201 to Dr. Wooldridge's 132 for Superintendent of Schools; W. F. Nufer got 204 to 137 for C. A. Hammond for School Inspector.
 
    On the 13th of November $300 was voted for salary of Supervisor, and $100 additional was ordered to be raised for contingencies. The taxes to be raised this year were: Contingent, $500.20; poor, 500; roads, 50; highways, 35.18; schools, 6,875.79.
 
    On April 7, 1879, there was on hand in treasury $383.11; received during year 6,692.15; expended during year 6,348.28. Balance April, 1880, $526.98.
 
    On April 3, 1880, there was ordered to be raised for contingent fund, $600; poor, $500; roads, $10.

1880.

 
    At the annual meeting held April 5, A. Menges and W. R. Anderson were chosen Overseer of Roads. Two hundred and thirtyseven votes were cast for Supervisor; John C. Lewis received 143 to B. F. Reed's 93; C. A. Hammond, of the bank, was elected Treasurer by 172 to M. B. Covell's 61; R. Stevens was elected Clerk by 220 to G. J. Moog's 13; Justice of the Peace, Dr. Johnson for full term, but he never qualified; L. Brutz for vacancy one year Justice of the Peace; C. Klett was elected Commissioner of Highways; for Superintendent of Schools, J. 0. Banks, 49 to 1. M. Weston's 81; School Inspector, A. C. Elsworth 146 to F. Hinman's 79. April 21st Dr. Wooldridge was elected Health Officer.
 
    On Jan. 3, 1881, bills amounting to $78.60 were passed. For 1881 $600 were ordered for contingencies, $500 for poor, and $100 for cemetery improvement.

    The treasurer's s statement was : balance on hand April, 1880, $528.98; received during year, 7,750.20; expended during year, 4,494.51; balance on hand March 29,1881, $3,784.30, out of which balance was voted for services for 1880, $377.80, of which $300 was for supervisors.

1881.

     The annual meeting was on April 4; present, J. C. Lewis, Supervisor; P. L Hedges, J. P.; R. Stevens, Clerk; J. B. Folz, Poll Clerk. A. Menges was elected Overseer for Road Dist. No. 1, and W. W. Elston for No. 2. For contingencies, were ordered, $600; poor, 500; cemetery, 300; roads, 50.
 
    The election then took place, at which John C. Lewis received 205 votes and P. I. Hedges 92; R. Stevens unanimously elected Clerk; C. A. Hammond, Treasurer, E. D. Thompson, Justice of the Peace for full term, and C. 0. Jefford, Jr., vacancy; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Wolodridge; Commissioner of Highways, C. Klett; School Inspector, W. F. Nufer.

    On June 30, 1881, D. W. Covell's resignation of constable was accepted, and C. McKinzie elected in his stead. Dr. Wooldridge received $25 for health inspectorship.
 
    The election in 1882 passed off quietly. Two tickets were in the field, the Republican Temperance Ticket, and the Temperance Prohibition Ticket. The first named ticket was successful throughout. The following are the majorities: Supervisor, J. J. Gee, 41; Clerk, Rob't Stevens, 53; Treasurer, Chas. E. Covell, 49; Justice, (full term), L. Ashman, 39; Justice, (to fill vacancy), C. P. Nearpass, 55; School Inspector, (two years), Wm. Nufer, 42; School Inspector, (one year), Fred A. Hinman, 46; Commissioner of Highways, Christopher Klett, 50; Constables, Fred A. Hinman, Orsamus E. Perry, John Stearns, Samuel Gotta.

WHITEHALL VILLAGE.

 
    This village has a very beautiful and romantic situation at the head of White Lake, and is separated from Montague with which it was once municipally united by the White River, down whose quiet channel, flow innumerable rafts of logs. The Mouth, the place where the lake communicates with Lake Michigan, is about six miles below the village. Whitehall occupies the eastern portion of Whitehall township, having the lake to the East and the river to the Northeast, its situation being strikingly similar to that of the city of Muskegon. The banks of the river as it enters White Lake are low and marshy, but are being rapidly filled up with the sawmill refuse. The shores of the lake on both sides are studded with indentations; so as to form excellent dockage and considerable length of coast line. The lake contracts between Maple Grove and the Southern part of Whitehall, after which it expands. The Chicago & West Michigan Railway running between New Buffalo and Pentwater, enters the town from the South, running along the low ground to the West and passing through a wooden tunnel below Thompson street thence to Montague. The U. S. government has straightened the course of the river at its mouth by a canal, but the river is not used by vessels to any extent, its main use being to float down logs, for which purpose it has been boomed out by the Booming Company.

    The village of Whitehall is a lively and progressive place. and the people are both progressive in their tendencies and hospitable to strangers. Although the village had a severe blow in 1881, it is remarkable with what buoyancy of spirit the calamity was received, and with hearts that were stout and brave, they prepared to rebuild their town better than before, with brick instead of wood.

    Whitehall possesses every element of success, her leading men are enterprising, and yet conservative enough not to be carried away by visionary schemes. The village has many pretty residences and the number of these is increasing. There are not many non-resident capitalists, and there is a disposition to unite and build up the place. Besides the immense lumber interests there is considerable manufacturing, chief of which is the Eagle tannery. There are some good business blocks and good stores, and the village is rapidly recuperating from its fire in 1881.

EARLY HISTORY. 

 
    Much that is interesting relating to the early history of Whitehall will be found recorded in the general history of the county under the headings "Early History of White Lake," and "White Lake Sawmills." The first sawmill was by C. Mears in 1838. The first steam mill built by Capt. Dalton in 1867.
 
    The first general store was by C. Mears in 1859, D. Leitch, Wm. Spriggs, J. D. Sturtevant and Mr. Gregg, were the successive managers. It was sold to Albert Mears, August 1, 1861, and is running still.
 
    The second store was by Thompson & Covell in 1862, sold to Franklin & Wheeler in 1865, who sold to Louis Bratz, in 1866.
 
    The third store was by Sturtevant & Sprigg in the old Union Hotel barn in 1865 or 1866.
 
    The fourth store was by D. J. Foster in his block burned in 1881. He and his son Albert opened in 1866, closed in 1869 when K. F. Morse & Co. took it for their hardware store.
 
    The first hardware store was by Thompson & Pemberton in 1867 sold in 1869 to P. Morse & Son.
 
    The first drug store was by Zerah Mizner in Wm. Weston's old barn in the fall of 1865. Next E. M. Ruggles started in 1867, J. A. Wheeler in 1868, Dr. J. H. Sandburg in 1875. The first bank was by F. Blackmarr 1869, now the Whitehall National Bank.
 
    The first blacksmith and wagon shop was by Thompson & Covell in 1863, who first hired M. M. Robinson to manage, and afterwards sold to him. The first hotel was by Peter Hobler in 1862 the Union Hotel, burned January 1, 1870. The second hotel was the Cosmopolitan by Cain in 1866, burned August 1, 1881.
 
    The first printing office the Forum, was started by Ben. Frank October 28, 1869. The Harwood House was built in 1869 by John Gustavus and Ben. Treat, H. Harwood, - Wilcox, A. M. Boice and Nelson Patterson have been some of the managers.
 
    The first lawyer was Duane Thompson in 1865.

     The first doctor was J. A. Wheeler 1865, and Dr. Mizner the same year, Dr. Squires in 1866, W. LaMontange and J. McKinnon in 1866, then came Drs. Marvin, Gaylord, Johnson, Carr, etc.
 
    The first saloon was by Wm. M. Simons 1865.
 
    The fire department was organized May, 1864, H. E. Staples perpetual chief.
 
    The first bridge across to Montague, built by W. H. Parks in 1864.
 
    The first tannery-the Eagle Tannery- was built in 1866, sold to Austin & Freeman in 1868, to Michigan Leather Co. in 1870, and to Eagle Tanning Works 1871.
 
    The first book store was started by J. W. Crombie, in 1867, sold to G. P. Freeman 1871.

     The first grocery was by T. Bennett & Co.. followed by Pratt & Bro., R. W. Norris, and A. G. Hopkins.
 
    The first furniture store was Moog & Hill.
 
    The first machine shop by Rodgers & Cooper in 1871, burned 1873. 

    The first telegraph office opened 1867, P. I. Hedges, operator.

     The first Express office was in 1870, agents Morse, Sturtevant, Emery and Banks.
 
    First railroad in 1870, Paul L Hedges first station agent, succeeded by C. W. Redfern. Chas. J. Otis in 1882.
 
    First post-office in 1862, A. Mears first postmaster, followed by W. M. Simons, Clark, Parks, Sturtevant, Hedges, and Hon. C. C. Thompson.
 
    The first stage line by Gale Nichols.
 
    First lodge of Good Templars in 1866.
 
    The first officers of the village in May, 1867 were A. Mears president. D. Thompson recorder, C. C. Thompson and A. M. Thompson elected to office.
 
    Harbor Company first formed in 1869, Congress added a grant of $45,000 to their subscription of $20,000.
 
    Boom Company first organized Sept. 5, 1870, first officers S. T. Cone president, C. H. Cook second president, Joseph Heald third, D. C, Bowen fourth.

    First train of cars entered the village Oct. 29, 1870.
 
    March 4, 1871, Rev. J. G. Shaeffer, first Congregational minister.
 
    The greatest building year of the village was probably 1874 when the following buildings and others, valued at $240,000, were erected:
     Staples & Covell's mill, $50,000; Covell & Nufer's a shingle mill, $10,000; Norris & Green's shingle mill, $15,000; the bank, $28,000; Congregational church, $20,000; Lutheran church, $3,000; Catholic church, $3,000; Episcopal church, $6,000; engine house, $8,000, &c.
 
    The year 1875 witnessed the climax in the number of saloons. Whitehall had twenty-two and Montague only thirteen. Probably jealousy was the result.
 
    This year, also, Wheeler's drug store and the post office were burned; loss $8,000.
 
    The White River Fruit Improvement Company was first formed in 1875.
 
    Whitehall, in 1867, is described as a flourishing village of 1,000 inhabitants, with ten saw mills, six stores, three hotels and one tannery. Daily mail, A. Mears, P. M. A. A. Cain, Peter Hobler, and J. Gustavus are the hotel keepers. Dicey & Leith have an iron
foundry; Moses Hall is Justice of the Peace; Franklin & Wheeler are general merchants; Duane Thompson and W. H. Parks are lawyers; Lee, Sanders & Scully have a stage line; J. McKinnon, physician. The saw mills are held by Heald, Welch & Co., Hedges,
Ferry & Co., Hinchman & Covell, Hopkins & Lewis, J. W. Miller, and Ocobock & Co.