************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Submitted by Cheryl VanWormer ERASTUS AND PHOEBE (ARNOLD) YEOMANS Erastus Yeomans was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, August 11, 1791. His parents were Daniel and Esther Yeomans. At the age of sixteen he removed with them to German Flats, Herkimer county, New York. The next year he became a teacher in one of the public schools of the county, and evidence of his efficiency in this capacity, at the early age of seventeen, is given in the fact that he continued in the same position for nearly three years, with an advance of salary each year. Soon after this, in the War of 1812, he demonstrated his fitness to be a citizen of the republic by taking his place in the ranks of her defenders. On March 19, 1815, Erastus Yeomans married Phoebe Arnold, of Fairfield, New York. His parents being advanced in years, their care devolved upon him and his wife, which duty was conscientiously discharged. Thinking that the future of his young family would be improved in the West, he joined the Dexter colony, to the then territory of Michigan, the magnitude of which undertaking can now hardly be estimated. For hardy men to plunge into the wilderness, going far from civilization and all of its comforts is hard enough, but to be accompanied by wives and large families of little children, seems at this day an insurmountable task, requiring to the limit the elements of heroism and patience and unfailing fortitude. But Ionians are today proud to know that civilization was started in western Michigan by a colony of fine, high-minded people, of whom any community could boast. With the official organization and administration of the affairs of his county and town, Mr. Yeomans was closely identified. He was appointed first postmaster of Ionia county, receiving his commission from Amos Kendall, postmaster-general under President Jackson, which position he held for six years. In 1841 he was elected associate judge of the county, continuing to serve in that capacity for eight years, and was always active in advancing the best interests of humanity and of the community, and it was in his home on what is now West Main street that the first church service was held in the new community on June 24, 1834, by Elder E. Loomis, agent of the Baptist Home Missionary Society and Elder E. Slater, missionary at the station of Grand Rapids. At this meeting, six persons united in conference: Samuel Dexter and Anna, his wife; Alfred Cornell and Nancy, his wife; Erastus Yeomans and Phoebe, his wife. Mr. Yeomans was a life-long member of the Baptist church and was the last one of the original colony to die--his death taking place in 1883, in the ninety-second year of his life; at his old home on West Main street. Mrs. Phoebe (Arnold) Yeomans was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island, March 18, 1797. Her parents, Job and Hannah Arnold, were of prominent families in the early history of Rhode Island. She was one of a large family of children, and early gave evidence of that amiability and strength of character which as wife, mother and friend made her in these relations a tower of strength always. She removed with her parents to Fairfield, Herkimer county, New York, where she was married to Erastus Yeomans, March 19, 1815, and this union proved to be a most happy one. Possessing to an eminent degree soundness of judgment and moral force, she bore with unfaltering spirit, the burdens and hardships of a pioneer mother, and was faithful to her generation in the sphere in which she moved. The children born of this union were Sanford A., Amanda D., Harriett, Hiram, Sarah M., Emily, Mary M. and Harriett A. Mrs. Yeomans entered into rest June 25, 1864, her memory being treasured by her descendants. In another history of Ionia county compiled by John S. Schenck and published in 1881, are letters from Hon. Alonzo Sessions and Rev. Alfred Cornell--giving their different views regarding the early days of the settlement--and following is a letter, written by Mrs. Erastus Yeomans, to her sister, Abigail Adams, of Albany, New York, soon after the colony had arrived at Ionia. Also an interesting note added to her letter, by her husband, Judge Yeomans. Mrs. Frances E. Burns, of St. Louis, Michigan, great commander of the Maccabees, and granddaughter of Mrs. Yeomans, owns the original and sent a copy to President U. B. Hayes, of the Ionia County Pioneer Society, and it came to public notice for the first time when Mr. Hayes read it at the annual meeting held at the Church of Christ, August 11, 1915. "Grand River, Ionia County, July 11, 1833. "Dear Sister: Having an opportunity of sending as far as Homer I will write you. You have undoubtedly heard from us. Mr. Yeomans wrote Mr. Adams, by Mr. Fox, of Columbia, a young man that came along with us with a view of purchasing land, which he has near by. Mr. Yeomans has purchased three hundred acres of land and paid for it and is well pleased with it; he says he never enjoyed such a contented mind in Herkimer county. His health has not been better for many years at this season of the year, and the children and myself are all well at present. Dear sister, I do think that I do realize the goodness of the Lord in supporting us through a long and tedious journey. "We left Frankfort April 25 and arrived in Buffalo, May 5, and to our great surprise found Harriett Stark living there. She and her husband came to our lodgings about an hour before we left for the steamboat. They were well. They were going to leave the place in a day or two for Cleveland, Ohio. We had pleasant weather on the lake. There were between five and six hundred passengers, besides nine horses and two yoke of cattle. The most of us were very seasick. We left Buffalo Monday morning and arrived in Detroit Wednesday night at ten o'clock. There we stayed until Saturday, when we took our wagons. They were all heavily loaded. Mr. Dexter's oxen and cows were ready for him; the others bought at a reasonable rate. There were twelve cows drove on a part of the way gave milk, which helped us very much on the way. We were nine days traveling in the woods after we left the road. I cannot make you sensible of the appearance we made, sixty-three in number, cutting and clearing our way for heavily loaded teams where a wagon never ran before, making hasty puddings, baking bread in tin bakers, washing dishes, some eating on a log, some on the bottom of a washtub. "We hired a pilot and gave him fourteen dollars to go through with us. The Indians were very friendly on the way, but they were few in numbers. We are not afraid of them; they often fetch venison, baskets, cranberries, etc. we bought five wigwams for twelve shillings each, where we reside at present; the men are going to building houses soon. I never saw vegetation grow so fast as in this place. The ground appears to be very rich and fertile. The men all went to work on Mr. Dexter's land and made a fence. We have corn, potatoes, beans and melons and a variety of other kinds of garden stuff. We have received our goods, a part of them were brought up the river by the French and Indians, the others, our men went and got themselves. "I often think of you all and the rest of my friends and when I think of the distance that separates me from them, it gives me feelings that you can realize in part. I cannot say that I am discontented. I hope it will be for the best that we come to this place; but that we do not know; we must never expect to escape trouble, disappointments, sickness and death, but feel to put our trust in God. "Our land joins Mr. Dexter's and is well watered. Oliver's land is on the other side of the river opposite ours. I think that this country will settle fast, as people are coming in from all parts to view and purchase land. Our Doctor Lincoln is, we think, a fine young man. I think he will teach school for us as soon as winter. Mrs. Dexter lost her youngest child on the road; he had the canker rash. I expected this dreadful disease would enrage amongst the children but it did not. There were some few that had the rash. I wish you and family were here. I think there will be roads in a few years. There is a road laid out from Detroit to Grand River, which is already begun. "Amanda says I must tell Aunt Adams what a fine babe we have. She has grown finely all the way. Please give my love to all your family--the children send theirs too. Remember us all to Mr. Fosgate's family. Sister Susan's health is very poor at present. Philena's health is much the same. I could write more, but have not time. "PHEBE YEOMANS." A shorter letter was added by Mr. Yeomans: "D. Friend: I have only time to say a few word to you respecting land in this country, the quality of which is equal, if not superior, to any I ever saw, particularly on Grand River. The springs and streams of water are first quality. Land may be selected with heavy timber, or little timber, or no timber. I have bought upwards of three hundred acres, embracing portions of each kind--well- watered, and I have no doubt of the county seat being fixed near by it or on it, as it is near the center of the county and the situation is very eligible. We have ten or twelve acres of corn which I guess will compare with any in the state of New York. I was never in a country which I think offers greater advantages for a poor man to settle in than this. They are far superior to my anticipations. I have been two trips down the river after our furniture and pine boards for my house, which I hope to see erected soon. The land along the river is excellent and the prospect delightful. If you should believe my story, and I think it will bear investigation, I shall expect to see you settle here. "E. YEOMANS." After the colony arrived at the location of Ionia, which was their destination, the morning of May 28, 1833, amid the bustle and confusion, Mr. Yeomans went to one side a little way and sitting down upon a log wrote out the following hymn, after which he called the rest of the colony about him, read it to them, and they held there a service of song and prayer. GRATITUDE TO GOD We'll praise they name, O God of grace, For all thy mercies shown--- We've been preserve to reach this place, And find a pleasant home. In journeying far from distant lands We've had thy constant care; Have been supported by thy hand To shun each evil snare. Through dangers great and toils severs, Thou, Lord, hath led our way; Thou art our helper, ever near, To guide us day by day. Help us, O Lord, to raise our song Of gratitude to Thee; Great God, to Thee all praise belongs, From land to land, from sea to sea. From a letter which was sent the writer in February, 1916, written by Mrs. Yeomans to her sister in the East, late in 1834 or the spring of 1835, we quote: "We have been blessed with our healths the most of the time since we have been here. We think we are pleasantly situated for a new place. I think you would be pleased with it if you and your family were here. We have a very good little society. I think better here than any settlement on the river. We have thirteen families within three miles. We have a meeting every Sabbath at our house, and Sabbath school after meeting. We have a temperance society formed consisting of twenty-three members. "You have doubtless heard of Susan's (the wife of her brother, Oliver Arnold) death before this. She died on February 11, 1834, and in August following little Amanda followed her mother to an early grave. O may these lessons of affliction teach us the uncertainty of all earthly enjoyments. Brother Dexter (father to William and Walter D. Arnold) was here last fall. He was very much pleased with his land here. He thinks he shall remove here next spring if his family is so that he can. * * *" "PHEBE YEOMANS." Added to this letter is one written by her daughter, Amanda, who afterward became the wife of Rev. Alfred Cornell, to her cousin--from which we quote: "I am very much pleased with our situation. I do not wish to be placed back again, although I often wish I was there a short time to visit with my friends and old acquaintances. Our house is a new country style built of logs, but far better than any I ever saw in New York state. Before we left German Flats, we anticipated some fear of the Indians, but they appear perfectly harmless. There are none living near us. They frequently bring cranberries. We have a fine parcel of apple trees growing and they look very thriving. Crab apples and red plums grow spontaneously in this country. We have a good society of young people in this place. I think a better one of the size is seldom found. * * * You would like living here, I think. It does not appear like most new countries. Michigan is settling very fast. * * * I almost forgot to tell you Sanford and myself have been on a visit to the rapids of Grand river, a distance of nearly forty miles. We visited the three Mr. Reeds. They have very pleasant situations near a small lake. We went down the river in a small boat. * * * Your sincere cousin, AMANDA YEOMANS." The following is an old "love token" sent to one of the daughters of Judge and Mrs. Yeomans, intending to be an acrostic of her name: AN ACROSTIC. So frail is beauty, dearest youth, A trifle when compared with truth; Riches is virtue's brightest gem, Adorns the fairest diadem. Here dearest Sarah, you will find More beauties to adorn thy mind; A heart that's gentle, meek and kind. Rise the, above all earthly joys And join your youthful notes to sin. You'll then be happier far than King; Ever with Angels you'll rejoice. Oh! happy child! come time your voice, Mingle the highest notes of praise Around the throne of God's free grace; New glories 'll spread before they face. This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA COUNTY, MICHIGAN: HER PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS," by Rev. E. E. Branch. Vol. II. Indianapolis, Indiana: B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 1916. Pages 484-489. (Also contained on the facing page 465 in this book are pictures of Louis and Sophie Campau, Oliver Arnold, Dr. and Mrs. William B. Lincoln, Judge and Mrs. Erastus Yeomans, Rix Robinson, and Hon. and Mrs. Samuel Dexter.)