Avon Township

(currently Rochester Hills)

James Graham. Original Settlers---The Hersey - Russell -Graham Combine ---Memories of the Old Hersey Mill -- Mill Stones from Boulders -- Stoney Creek Village--- Rochester Platted--- Pioneers outside of Rochester --- First Corporation Officers-- Rochester Industries --- Western Knitting Mills -- Creamery and Flouring Mill -- The Schools --- Rochester Union School -- Waterworks and Fire Protection -- Electric Light and Power --- Rochester Newspapers --- The Churches --- Rochester Societies --- Biological Farm.  Parkdale -- Ferry Seed Company

    According to the original act dividing Oakland County into two townships; approved Jun 28,1820n Bloomfield township embraced the southern two-fifths of its area and Oakland township then northern three-fifths: Avon, of the present, therefore was included in the old Oakland township, and so remained until the 6th of April 1835.  As the first settlement in the county was made within its present limits,, its has generally been considered a miscarriage of historic justice that it did not retain the name Oakland itself.

James Graham, Original Settler

    These historic events are embalmed in the following statements:  James Graham, the bona fide pioneer of the county and the township, was an Irishman who emigrated from his native country some years before the Revolutionary war and settled among  the Pennsylvania Dutch.  His neighbors are said to have pronounced his name if spelt "Grimes." and at his death, or, at least, his eulogy, Albert G. Green, a Rhode Island literary man and a Scholar who spent the later years of his life in what was then the west, Wrote:

"Old Grimes is dead, the good old man; 

we ne'er shall see him more;

He used to wear an old blue coat

All Buttoned up before."

    James Graham raised a large family before he moved to Avon township, having previously lived six years in Canada.  His First location in Michigan was at Mount Clemens, Macomb  county, which township his son, Benjamin, assisted to survey in 1816, under Colonel Wampler.  On the 17th of March 1817, which happened to be St. Patrick's Day, the elder Graham, and his son Alexander and Christopher Hartsough, with their families, arrived on the banks of Paint creek and proceeded to plant the seed which has grown into the flourishing village of Rochester.  James Graham made a squatter's claim on the northwest quarter of section 21, a short distance southwest of the present site, but he had already thrown up a log shack at a point where it now stands, so Rochester was founded for all practical purposes.  The original Graham claim was the farm afterward located by Dr. William Thompson, and the sons, Benjamin and William, bought the southwest quarter of section 23 to the east, to which the veteran and ex-soldier of the Revolution finally moved to spend his last days.

    Alexander Graham settled on the east side of what afterward became Main Street, in the house built by himself and father, Where was born his eldest son, James in 1818.  The latter was the first white child born in the county.  The proprietors of the village subsequently gave the lot on which James Graham was born to him while he still a youngster, and owned it until his decease.

    Christopher  Hartsough married one of the daughters of James Graham, the elder, and after stopping a short time with his brother-in-law, Alexander, settled near Plymouth, Wayne county, where he died shortly after.

The Hersey - Russell - Graham Combine

    The first entry of land in the county was made by John Hersey, on the 29th of October , 1818, his claim being the south half of section 10, which embraced the Northwest quarter of the present village plat of Rochester.  He paid $2 an acre for it, only the first quarter of the purchase money being made at the time of location.  In the summer of 1819 Mr. Hersey sold his claim on the southwest quarter of section 10 ( the tract not included in present Rochester plat ) to Benjamin Woodworth, a hotel keeper of Detroit, and William Russell, who had but recently located and built himself a log house.  Mr. Woodworth never resided in Rochester, although he invested considerable money in its enterprises.

    In the summer of 1819 Messrs. Hersey, Russell, Woodworth and Alexander Graham combined their skill and capital to build a sawmill in section 10, on the banks of Paint creek.  This was the first of Rochester's industries.  The first sawing was done in October of that year, and subsequently a single run of stone was added for gristing purposes.  The stones were thirty inches in diameter, were taken out near Stony creek, and dressed by one of the Messinger family.  The old Hersey mill, as it was long called, stood near the site of the Eureka mills, erected in 1868 by Doctors Jesse and Jeremiah Wilson.

Memories of the Old Hersey Mill

    Fifty-five years after the building of the Hersey mill, Christian Z. Horton, one of the first settlers of the township, tells the story of the good uses to which his fellows put the bug boulders of Stony creek and vicinity, in the following:  " Over fifty years have passed away since the first sawmill in Oakland county was built by Mr. John Hersey, in the town of Avon, on Paint creek, a few rods west of the mill of the Wilson Brothers.  It stood on a line parallel with Walnut street, perhaps a little west.  In this mill was placed a run of stone, manufactured by one Mr. Wood, a blacksmith by trade, out of our common boulders, which abound in this section.  By the use of these stones Mr. Hersey ground the grain raised by a hand-bolt, also in the mill.  No other mill was nearer then a few miles this side of Mt. Clemens, on the north branch of the Clinton, some twenty miles distant, owned by Mr. Tremble (pronounced Trombley), which was built some time in 1818 or 1820, or thereabouts.  One of the persons who assisted in working Mr. Tremble's mill, lived in this village in 1842, names Joshua Sly.

    "I will here related an incident which was currently reported amongst the early settlers of this part of Michigan in regard to this mill, before there was any other mills in the territory, except windmills and a mill in Detroit worked by oxen.  The incident was this: John And William Graham had occasion to take a large grist of wheat to be ground and bags sufficient for the bran, and on the way they agreed to a course of action in order to ascertain the means by which such a large grist should shrink so much by grinding, and especially a good sample of wheat, which enigma had for a long time been circulating through the country unsolved.  They drove to the mill, the grist was received but could not be ground till late in the night.  William had taken a good supply buffalo robes and blankets, and resolved to sleep in the mill -- making his bed near the hopper.  Mr. Tremble wanted them to go to MT Clemens for a gallon of whiskey. John however, went while William Slept -- one eye open.  Mr.  Tremble took the required toll.  After John Returned, and the night rolled along  --  the mill ground slowly -- the grist needed another tolling, which was done, whereupon William arouse from his slumbers, Replaced the last tolling and as much more.  An hour or so passed and a third tolling was done.  The result was that William arose again, replacing as before.  Still the grist lingered, and another resort of tolling was had, with the same result; ans another until all the wheat that William could find in the mill was done, They (the Grahams) had not bags enough to hold the flour, so they left the balence and the bran to be taken at another time, which time was never come.

Mill Stones From Boulders

    "My object in writing this sketch is more particularly to bring to notice the use some of the boulders that have been promiscuously strewn over this country were put to in an early day by the pioneers, and by whom.  I Cannot give the precise date when Mr. John Shippy, then a young man (since deceased), commenced manufacturing mill stones from boulders but I think it was in 1824 or 1825.  His first set was for the late Nathaniel Millard of Stony Creek.  The nest set was for the late Mr. H. Lathrop, which were put in the old mill, the frame of which composes the upright of Barns and Brothers' paper mill.  An incident in the manufacture of this set of stones is worthy of notice: Mr. Lathrop's hand, employed to assist Mr. Shippy on the stone, had left and by request of Mr. Lathrop, Mr. Shippy employed his younger brother, Mr. Smith Shippy, to assist him.  He worked for him two days, when in using the hammer his fingers became so cramped that it was with difficulty he could unclasp them from the handle, besides being fearfully swollen.  Mr. Lathrop paid him the sum of two dollars for his work -- a bill on the bank of Ypsilanti -- it being the first money he ever received for work.  He was very choice of it, intending to buy a sheep with it.  So laying it one side until chance offered,  some three weeks passed, when he was told the bank was broken.  

    "Mr. Shippy Manufactured a set of stones for Mr. Lyman J. Wilcox, which did good service.  After Mr. Wilcox built his new mill he sold the set to parties in Lapeer county.  It is supposed that Mr. Shippy made a set for Mr. James A. Henry also.  He also went to Grand Rapids and manufactured one or twp sets there.  The set of stones by Mr. Williams, and what has become of the others I am unable to tell, hoping however, they are doing good service for the inhabitants of the country."

Stoney Creek Village  

    The little settlement of Stony creek, about half a mile northeast of Rochester, had its origin in the locations and labors of  the Taylors.  Lemuel Taylor, a Baptist exhorter in broken health, with five sons,  purchased a tract of two hundred acres.  The land, which was divided by the father among his sons, included a mill privilege, and in 1824 Nathaniel Millard, a son-in-law, joined the Taylors in the improvement of the property.  They built a saw mill and a gristmill of the usual crude construction and furnishings, but as the elder Taylor died in August 1827, he did not live to see the projects of himself and family greatly prosper.

    Lemuel Taylor was a chair maker and a wheelwright by trade, and very soon after coming to Stony Creek built a shop where he made these articles, thus combining practical with religious affairs.

    In 1824 Elisha Taylor, one of the sons, opened a blacksmith, and Mr. Millard (afterward Judge) exposed a small general stock of goods for sale at his log residence.  Soon after, a more pretentious store was established by Elkanah Comstock, who had erected a small building for the special purpose.

    A post office was established at Stony Creek the year following the coming of the Taylors and Mr. Millerd was appointed postmaster.  The latter continued to reside there until his death, and was locally honored in every  way.

    In the spring of 1824 the Herseys, Rochester promoters, moves to the vicinity of Stony Creek, John Hersey and Barton Allen building a dam and sawmill some distance up that stream.  This was shortly after the Taylor - Millerd mill was erected.  Mr. Hersey died in March 1856, his don, James A. afterward becoming a resident of Oakland township.

    Stony Creek was laid out as a village in October, 1830, by Nathaniel Millerd, and Elisha and Joshua Taylor, sons of Lemuel.  Mr. Millerd made an addition in 1842, and in 1847 completed a gristmill.  In 1867 the plant was remodeled by Johnson Matteson into a woolen mill which was active for some years.  But Stony Creek did not fulfill its early promise, or the expectations of its founders.

Rochester Platted (1826)

    The founding of Rochester has already been narrated.  In 1826 Governor Cass, Austin E. Wing and Charles Larned, of Detroit, laid out the original plat of the village.  Nine small houses then formed the settlement.  Previous to that year few settlers had arrived; besides those already mentioned, John Shippy, the Jacksons and Mr. Hill on the Clinton river. In 1823-24 the flouring mill was built on the Clinton by Perrin & Mack and David Dort was the resident miller.

    Seneca Newberry, Rochester's first merchant, came to the village in 1827, being a cousin of the widely known Oliver Newberry of Detroit.  He continued to do business in the village for many years, and died therein May 13,1877, at the age of seventy-five.

    William Burbank came to Rochester in 1828 and, with his family, was one of the original members of the Congregational church.

    In September , 1830, Almon Mack, son of Colonel Stephen Mack, founder of Pontiac, settled in Rochester, and opened the second store in the village.  He went to the legislature afterwards and was esteemed during his subsequent life one of the good and able men of the village and the county.  The post office at Rochester was first established in 1829, with George N. Shaw as postmaster.   The mail was first brought in on horseback, and afterwards by stage, from Royal Oak.

     The first hotel was opened in 1828 by John M. Mack in the house built by Mr. Shaw in the previous year.

Pioneers Outside of Rochester

    A number of prominent citizens of the township settled outside of both Rochester and Stony creek, some of them moving to the former when it was evident that it was going to be quite a place.  About 1819 George Postal Sr., came from Ontario county New York, with his wife and seven children, and took a claim on section 20, along the Clinton river.  There, in 1825, he erected a sawmill, and a number of years afterwards his son Charles, built and operated a gristmill.

    In the spring 0f 1819 Dr. William Thompson located on section 8 west of Rochester, but finally settled on section 21, to the south (the old Graham "squatter's" claim, of 1817).  In 1820 Dr. Thompson built the first frame barn in the township.

    Daniel LeRoy had settled in the spring of 1819, but Levi did not arrive until considerably later.    

    Roger Sprague, who was a man of middle age and an "Honorable" when he moved his family from New York to section 27, about two miles south of Rochester.  He died in July 1848, sincerely and generally mourned.

    Others might be mentioned; but these are certainly representative, and lack of space is the excuse for omitting a more extended list.

First Corporation Officers

    The village of Rochester remained under the general government of the township of Avon until April 12,1869, when the following officers were elected of the new corporation President, Jesse E. Wilson; trustees John H. Hutaf, William Newell, Daniel L. Jennings and George W. Vandeventer; clerk Marsden C. Burch; assessor, William J. Weir; treasurer, Hugh D. Bitters: marshal Herman Bennett.  Mr. Burch was also appointed city attorney.

    On the 1st of February , 1847, Hosea S. Richardson and Isaac Adams platted an addition east of the original, and subsequently Lysander Woodward surveyed an addition on the southwest quarter of  section 11 (northwest quarter of the present village plat).  following is a good description of this early Rochester: "The original plat is most eligibly and beautifully located on a high plateau between the Clinton river on the south and the Paint creek on the north, the latter also winding its sinuous way along the eastern side of the plat.  The bluff sides of the plat on the south show the former channel of Paint creek as in the glacial days its much more heavier floods undoubtedly cut its channel through the moraine, seeking its present level.  In this wearing-away process it has left two of more conical mounds which, at first appearance, might seem to be the handy work of man, but upon closer inspection the architect stands reveled in the apparently modest creek that winds along their base.  The Bluffs on he north and east side of the creek and along the Clinton add picturesqueness to the otherwise beautiful prospect. " the site of Rochester, it should be added, is not only beautiful but healthful.

    During the past ten years three subdivisions at the north, south and west have been added to Rochester and hundreds of people now occupy fine houses both in the outskirts of the village and elsewhere in the township where a comparatively short time ago, the land was devoted to farming.

Rochester Industries

    The Industries of the village were founded in the Hersey - Graham mill in 1819; the flouring mill built by colonel Mack on the Clinton river in 1823-24 (remodeled in 1868 for the barns Brothers' paper mill); the wagon and blacksmith shop of George M. Shaw and the distillery of Griggs & Taylor, on the Paint creek, which went into operation in 1826; the Norton sawmill on the Clinton, in operation from 1825 to 1837; Johnson Niles' flouring mills, built in 1837, and transformed into the Rochester Woolen Mills in 1869; The foundry of Dr. D. L. Jennings established in 1859,, and the "Eureka mills," erected in 1868 on the site of the old Willcox Distillery.

    The Detroit & Bay City Railroad reached Rochester in October 1872.  That line is now part of the Michigan Central, and its completion was the commencement of the brisk and growing Rochester of the present.  Its business, manufactures and passenger travel have now completed outlets through the Michigan Central and Grand trunk Systems, and the Detroit United Railway.

The Western Knitting Mills

    One of the leading industries of Oakland county and the chief manufactory of Rochester its represented by the Western Knitting Mills, manufactures of men's goods, exclusively.  The concern was established in 1891 by C. S. Chapman, and while it was operated at first on a small scale, the business under his management expanded gradually and continually until it assumed its present large proportions.  Between two hundred and three hundred machines are in constant operation, and the annual output of the factory reaches the quarter million mark.  Lumberman's socks, men's half hose, gloves and mittens are the products of the factory, and their line in known to the trade throughout the United States.

    Mr. C. S. Chapman, who founded the business in 1891 was a New Englander by birth, born in Proctorsville, Vermont in 1864.  At the age of sixteen he began his acquaintance with business life as a clerk in a clothing store at Ludlow, Vermont and later was in the employ of the well known firm, Jordan, Marsh & Company, wholesale dry goods dealers in Boston, Massachusetts.  When his parents removed to Michigan, Mr. Chapman accompanied them, and in Detroit was engaged with Edson, Moore & company, remaining in their service for ten years.  His natural resourcefulness and latent ambition prompted him to make a venture in the manufacturing business, with the result already set forth.  Mr. Chapman was president of the company until his death, which took place on May 5,1912.  He was Succeeded in the presidency by Mr. W. H. Yankey.  C. D. Joslyn is vice president and William Chapman manager of the firm.  The concern was originally known as the Western Knitting Company.

Creamery and Flouring Mill

    The Rochester creamery Company was opened for business on September 20,1909, and is a cooperative affair, with officers and directorate as follows: Henry Rewold, president and manager; William A. George, secretary; H. J. Taylor, Treasurer, George Switzer, John Tienken, Gust Snitcher and Oliver Patterson, directors.  The Creamery has been operated at a profit since its opening, and is one of the solid institutions of the county.   The output for 1911 was as follows: Total pounds of butter fat 63,654; total pounds of butter 78,027.  Overrun 14,370 pounds.

    Rochester's flouring mill, run under modern methods and with up-to-date machinery, is conducted by S. W. Barkham & Son.

The Schools

    The first school taught either in the township of Avon or in the village of Rochester was opened in 1823 in the log house of Alexander Graham. In 1828 Gad Norton and William Burbank built the first regular house for educational purposes on the lot now occupies by the Congregational church, which had been donated for that purpose by the proprietors of the village plat.  Miss Maria LeRoy was the teacher.  It was a small frame building, subsequently moved to the corner of Main and Third streets and occupied by Dr. R. C. Sprague as a drug store.  In 1850 it was removed to the opposite side of the street and used as a blacksmith shop until destroyed by fire in 1869.

    The second schoolhouse was built in 1835 on Walnut street and was also burned, in the spring of 1843.  from that time until 1846 the public school was taught in the basement of the Christian church.

    During the year named the third schoolhouse was erected on Pine street, subsequently moved to the east side of Walnut street, in 1857 was sold to Henry Miller and still later was used as a town hall and for religious purposes.  It, also, was a victim of the flames a number of years ago.

Rochester Union School

    In 1847 a building was erected for academic purposes and the so-called Avon Lyceum was opened by Professor Robert Kedzie.  It attained a high standing as a private school, but in 1857 ceased to exist as such, and its property was transferred to district No. 5 of Avon township.  As that district adopted the graded, or union school system, in September 1865, it has since been known as Rochester union school.  The old Lyceum building was burned in 1881, and the following year the handsome structure of brick and stone was completed which is still occupied.  The first cost of the building was $8,000, and the summer of 1907 a $6,000 addition was erected to meet the demands for better accommodations.

    Professor F. W.  Wheaton, who has been at the head of the school for the past five years, is a most capable educator.  He is assisted by nine teachers, the 340 pupils being divided as follows: High school 65; other grades 275.

Water Works And Fire Protection

    Rochester has a good system of water works operated on the gravity plan. As completed, it is thus described in the souvenir number of the Era issued in 1907: "About 1894 several Rochester gentlemen conceived the idea that the village could be provided with water on the gravitation system.  On the farm of William Fox, two and a quarter miles west and north of Rochester, is a spring, or rather a series, 150 feet higher then the village.  A competent engineer was engaged who pronounced the project of conveying the water from the springs to the village, feasible.  After several weeks of agitation the question of waterworks was submitted to the people and carried overwhelmingly.  A plat of ground covering one acre, was purchased by the village, and the work of developing the wells commenced.    Since which time 23 acres more land adjacent have been acquired by the village.  A series of wells were sunk in the springy soil to the depth of 60 feet or more, Which were connected and run into a main 12-inch pipe, which was gradually reduced to 8 inches.  The contract for the building the works was let to T. C. Brooks, of Jackson, who employed home labor.   Over six miles of pipe was laid, and the pressure being sixty pounds gives the village one of the finest plants in the country.  All this at the cost of less then $35,000.  Additions to the pipe lines have been added until today there are 10 miles of pipe and 375 water takers, with the revenue of $1,850 per year.  The analysis of the water shows a purity unsurpassed by any water in the state.  Rochester is proud of her waterworks system and well may she be.  A well equipped fire department of two companies is maintained to still further protect the property of the village against fire.  The first public test of the system was July 4,1895.

    "With the completion of the new reservoir at the waterworks the system is on better footing then ever.  The new reservoir was commenced in May, 1906, and completed August 8,1907.  The dimensions are 225 feet long, 100 feet wide and 22 feet deep, with a capacity of 2,000,000 gallons.  The bottom west and north sides, are 6 inch cement, four and one, the bottom resting on 555 piles.  The south dam is 26 feet high ( four under level)  and is 9 feet at base, sloping up on the south side to an 18-inch top.  This is made of 3 and 1 concrete and is heavily reinforced with carbonized steel rods.  Water is furnished the new reservoir by springs from the bottom.  A 10-foot driveway surrounds the reservoir,  perfectly graded to a 6-inch slope from the inside.  The old reservoir is 12 feet higher then the new one and consequently does not draw from the new until 12 feet of water have been exhausted in the old."

    The village has a volunteer fire department of some twenty members, divided into two companies, under a chief.  It was organized in 1896, the year after the water works were placed in commission, and is considered an adequate auxiliary to the protection afforded by the strong water pressure.

Electric Light And Power

    Rochester has an adequate and well built electric light and power plant erected by Ambro Bettes in 1897and 1900 sold to the Detroit United Railway.  Then it became an Edison concern and in 1909 the Rochester Electric Light & Power company, its present owners, came into possession of it.

Rochester Newspapers

    The Rochester Era was established May 22,1873, by T. B. Fox, who conducted it until his death in 1893, and its editor and proprietor has since been his son, W. A. Fox.  It is a weekly and independent.  The next Rochester paper was the Star which began to shine May 19,1876, under the manipulation of Van Burget & Macoy.  It has been a "back number" these many years.  the Clarion (weekly), the second existing newspaper to publish the good points of the locality and the county, issued its first number August 19,1898.  Charles S. Seed is its present editor and proprietor.  The Clarion is also independent.  

The Churches

    The congregational church, of which Rev A. G. Gates is pastor, was organized on the 1st of July, 1827, and is therefore the veteran religious society of Rochester.  Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles, of Pontiac, was most instrumental, among the clergy, in forming the new society, and perhaps the most prominent laymen were William Abbott and William Burbank who were chosen its first elders.  The first services were held in a little log cabin on the Burroughs farm, but were, but were continued "from house to house," until the erection of a church building about 1839.  Rev. Luther Shaw and Rev. A. S. Wells were the first settled pastors.  During the eighty-five years of its history, the society has had some forty-five pastors.  The church edifice now in use was dedicated in 1854, during the pastorate of Rev S. N. Hill.

    The first Baptist church at Rochester was formed in the Stony Creek Baptist church edifice on Jun 1,1854, and the following trustees were elected: L. W. Cole, L. G. Tanner, N. J. Millerd, Lemuel Taylor and Charles Copeland.  At the annual meeting, January 1,1855, trustees were again elected to fill vacancies and building committee appointed.  In 1855 the society purchased the Christian church edifice and completed it, which they occupy to the present day.  It affords three hundred sittings and is valued at something like three thousand dollars.  Zena Coleman was the first pastor and served from June 1855 to 1857.  he has been succeeded in the pastorate as follows: Elder E. Steele 1857-59, Martin Coleman, 1859-61(died in November 1861); Elder Snyder, supply from November 1861 to September 4,1862; Elder King, 1862 until he entered Civil war service, and again on his return therefrom in 1865.  During Mr. King's absence the society had no pastor.  Mr. King resigned October 1,1866, and was succeeded by Rev. E. Tenny, who supplied the pulpit from January 1,1867 to December 1868; Rev. D. Gostellow. 1868-1869; Silas Finn, February 1,870, to July 1,1871; A. M. Swain, October 29,1871, to February 1874; Rev E. D. Daniels, supply from August 18,1874, to April 10,1875; R. S. Chase, to September 1,1875, when he was succeeded by Rev. T. S. Wooden, who served from 1875to July 1881; E. Chesney, October 1881 to September 1883; W. H. Miles, July 1885 to December 1887; S. Hendricks, January 1,1888 to 1889; John Shepard, May 1889, to May 1890: H. Churchill, August, 1890 to October, 1891; George M. Adams, April 1892 to July 1894; A. S. Forshee, November 1894 to November 1897; L. D. Dunning, November 1897 to December 1898; H. N. Conrad, December 1898, November 1901; D. Q. Barry, April, 1902 to September 1903; C. L. Marriman, December 1903 to December 1904; Rev. Ferris October 1908; H. V. Gould, November 1908 to November 1909; Rev. Wright, February 1910 to Sseptember 1910; Wilson Whitney, March 11,1911 to the present time.  The church has a present membership of one hundred and is enjoying a pleasing state of prosperity in all its branches.

    As early as 1858 a number of places were opened for Methodist services in the Oakland circuit and the pastor of that circuit was requested to supply preaching for the various points.  The size of the circuit, however, prevented the granting of the request.  Application was made to Rev. S. Calkins, presiding elder, who sent Rev. Daniel Birney, from Canada West, to the new territory as a missionary.  He held preaching services at Mount Vernon, Stony Creek, Hubble's Schoolhouse, Rochester, Ewell's schoolhouse and other points were formally organized into a separate circuit, called the Rochester and Stony Creek circuit, and Rev. L. T. Mitchell appointed in charge.  The next year the Stony Creek circuit was recognized, and Rev. Mitchell was appointed to preacher in charge. At the conference of 1860, a committee was appointed to purchase a parsonage at stony Creek, which was done accordingly, and eighty-one dollars subscribed for repairs on the building.  the entire cost of the building was five hundred dollars.  In 1861 Rev. Alexander Gee was appointed in charge, and in 1862 conference united the Stony Creek circuit with the Utica circuit but in 1863 disunited them.  Rev. James R. noble and Rev. Francis W. Berry were the pastors of the united circuit.  In 1863 Rochester was made one of the regular appointments of the Stony Creek circuit, and rev. W. J. Johnson was the preacher in charge.  In 1866-67 Rev. William Taylor was presiding elder and Rev. James E. Armstrong pastor.  On July 7,1866, the parsonage at  Stony Creek was destroyed by fire, and the lot was sold to pay the encumbrance thereon.  As a church edifice had been purchased in Rochester in 1866 and as the greatest numbers of members in the circuit were located at this point the name of the circuit was changed to the Rochester circuit, and the church formally organized as the First M. E. church of Rochester, on July 7,1866.  Rev. R. McConnell was the pastor this year, and the first trustees of the church to effect a legal organization under the laws of the state were Jonathan Hale, John N. Dewitt, Samuel G. Niles, William Newell and James Riggs.  The church and lots at Rochester cost about six hundred dollars, Rev. J. B. Varnum served from 1867-69; Rev H. Hood from 1869-1870; and Rev S. Johnson from 187001871.  In 1871 a church was built at Mount Vernon, costing two hundred dollars, and the parsonage at Rochester was commenced and  completed in 1872, Rev. Johnson being largely instrumental in bringing about these changes.  In 1872 Rev. A. B. Clough was a pastor and Mount Vernon and Graham were appointments of the Rochester circuit; during the last six months of the year, however, the appointment of Graham was supplied from Troy, and the numerical strength of Rochester charge thus lessened materially.  Rev R. Bird was the pastor in 1875-76, and John Armstrong succeeded him in the pastorate in the latter named years.  In 1876 a fine new chapel was built at a cost of three thousand eight hundred dollars.  It was erected on the old site, and has a seating capacity of three hundred.  It was constructed with a view to rearing a main edifice in front of the present chapel, Should the growth of the society make that desirable, and is a well equipped and convenient place of worship.  Rev. Armstrong's pastorate lasted until 1879, and he was variously succeeded as follows: Rev. William Way; 1879-83; Rev. J. P. Varner 1882-83; Rev. Eugene Yager, 1883-84; J. P. Frier 1884-86; Rev O. J. Robinson 1886-89;Rev R. L. Heirson, 1889-90; Rev J. R. Beale 1890-91; Rev William J. Campbell, 1891-95; Rev D. C. Challis, 1895-98; Rev O. J. Blackford, 1898-01; Rev C. H. Morgan, 1901-02; rev Thomas A. Greenwood 1902,04; rev H. C. Whitney, 1904-06; Rev D. H. Yokem, 1906-10; Rev Fred Irving Walker who assumed the duties of pastor in 1910 is yet the incumbent of the charge, and is conducting the affairs of the church with characteristic zeal and fervency.  The present membership of the church is one hundred and seventy-five.  The Sunday-school, which has a goodly attendance, is one of the most thriving branches of the church work.

Rochester Societies

    Rochester Masonic bodies date their existence from the year 1850 when the Stony creek Lodge, the original Masonic lodge in Michigan, was removed to Rochester and its name changed to Rochester Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M.  The early history of Masonary in Michigan is of a most interesting nature, The organization of the Stony Creek Lodge being effected prior to the formation of the grand lodge of Michigan, that lodge being granted its charter from the grand lodge of the state of New York in the year 1826.  The exact date of the organization is not known, Owing to the destruction of the records by fire in 1868, but among the original members of the lodge were a number or pioneers, whose names were recorded in the memories of the younger generation and thus their identity with the lodge established.  Some of these are: Jesse Decker; who was one of the earlier worshipful master of the lodge; Joshua Taylor, who was worshipful master more then eighty years ago; Daniel B. Taylor, Peleg Elwell and Calvin Chapel.

    The old lodge was the one and only lodge in the territory to keep its lights burning during the reign of the anti-Masonic excitement which endured from 1827 to 1840.  The lodge members built their meeting place on one of the summits that crown the heights of the hamlet of Stony Creek.  It was an octagon shaped room, and they names the site Mount Moriah.  Here for twelve years or more, Joshua Taylor and his confreres kept the lodge illuminated on the nights of its regular meetings, and when at last the waves of passion and prejudice which had assailed lodge of Michigan, after a long period of inactivity, returned to the labors of the order, Stony Creek lodge appeared before the grand lodge and received her charter as Stony Creek Lodge No. 5  The lodge continued to exist thus until 1850, when, as stated above, it was removed to Rochester and its name changed to Rochester Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M.

    Again in 1868 the hall of the lodge was destroyed by fire and for a second time the records were burned, thus rendering it impossible to secure a complete list of those who filled the Oriental chair previous to 1853.  Since that time the office of worship master has been filled as follows: J. V. Lambertson, 1853-68; Dr. J. C. Wilson, 1869; Samuel Barnes, 1870-84; William H. Jackson1885-87; Arthur E. Collins, 1888-89; Richard D. Watson, 1890-91; Arthur E. Collins, 1891-97; Alexander Ross 1897; Richard D. Watson 1898-99; A. L. Craft 1890-1905; Joseph M. Flumerfelt, 1906-07; Louis E. Becker, 1908; William J. Fraser, 1909; Richard D. Watson, 1910-11; Philip E. Butts,191.

    Present officers, other the worshipful master: William D. Mercer, J. W. ; O. J. Lasenby, S.W.; H. J. Taylor, treasurer; J. D.; II F. Stone and G. M. Thompson, stewards; H. F. Strong, Tyler.

    Rochester chapter No. 137, R. A. M. was organized November 24,1896, with officers as follows: P. C. Butts, high priest; D. B. Kressler, King; C. G. Lomason, scribe; A. E. Collins, treasurer; W. W. Gifford, secretary; A. E. Collins, C. H. ;Edward G. Palmer, P.S.; M. L. McClure, R. A. C.; H. F. Jones, third veil; A. A. Griffin, second veil; A. L. Mann, first veil.

    The present officers are: W. J. Fraser, high priest; O. J. Lasenby, king; F. L. Fisher, scribe; H. J. Taylor, treasurer; E. J. Lambertson, secretary; H. V. Rabin, C. H. ; J. M. Flumerfelt, P. S.; S. A. Newman, R. A. C.; W. F. Skrine, third veil, C. W. Upton, second veil; W. A. Fox, first veil; H. F. Stone, steward; G. M. Thompson, steward; William Frenken, organist; F. C. Miller, Chaplin; F. T. Taylor, sentinel.  The lodge has a total membership of sixty-four members.

    Rochester Lodge No 68, independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted April 19,1866, by R. W.  Dennis, grand master of Michigan, and the first officers of the lodge were as follows: W. J. Weir, N. G.; Dr. F. M. Wilcox, V. G.; C. S. Goodison, recording secretary; John H. Hutaf, per. secretary; C. F. Cook, treasurer; L. Woodward, P. G.; H. King, Chaplain.  Six candidates were admitted at the first meeting. The present Officers of the lodge are: H. Hotchkiss; G. Goodison, treasurer; A. Steward, conductor; William Wood, warden. Present number of members about two hundred.

    Rochester Rebekah Lodge No. 390, was organized on February 25,1903, with the following officers: Worthy grand, Matilda Fisher; vice grand, Gertrude Fox; recording secretary, Emma Drabner; financial secretary, Louise Heinze; treasurer, Ann M. Goodison.  The present officers are: Worthy grand, Eda Goodison; vice grand, Carolyn Spaulding; recording secretary, Gertrude Fox; Financial secretary, Eva Livingston; treasurer, Lena M. Bridges.  The lodge has a present membership of seventy-seven members.

Biological Farm, Parkdale

    Close to the village of Rochester is situated one of the most unique enterprises known to the country,- the Biological Farm at Parkdale, owned and operated ny the Biological and Research department of Parke Davis & Company, wholesale druggists, of Detroit, Michigan.  This progressive concern has for many years been deeply engaged in the study of therapeutics and has given valuable aid to medical science through their research department.

    In 1908, in the furtherance of their work, it was decided best to purchase a suitable farm near Detroit where horses producing antidiphtheric and other sera, cattle producing small pox vaccine, and other animals, might be kept under the best possible natural conditions. After a great deal of search it was finally concluded that the district around Rochester, offered almost ideal conditions, the country being rolled uplands with a certain amount of well drained river bottoms,  thus offering a variety of forage grasses throughout the grazing season.

    The farm consists of three hundred and forty acres, located direct east of and immediately adjacent to the corporate limits of the village of Rochester.  It is most excellently drained by Clinton river, which crosses the farm from the west, and Stony creek, which crosses it from the north, joining Clinton river on the premises.  All low spots have been drained by tilting.  Clinton river and Stony creek are natural trout streams, the water being clear, cold and swiftly flowing, their sources being in the numerous springs in the gravel hills extending along their banks.  In those fields which are not supplied naturally by the streams, springs have bee developed and their waters conveyed into large cement troughs, which insures that every field in which animals are kept is well supplied with the best of living water.  Special endeavors are being made to develop the natural beauty of the farm by conserving and adding to the trees and shrubs growing upon it at the time of purchase.  Private roadways have been laid out and graded and trees planted along their borders and about the buildings.  The farm is bisected from the west to the east by a roadway, which two years ago was carefully regraded by the state.

    Near the center of the farm are located the two dwelling houses and the barns that are used especially for farm purposes.  The biological buildings proper have been located, in order to avoid dust and arrange for the most sanitary conditions possible, about eighty rods from the highway on a commanding hilltop which overlooks the entire premises.  The beautiful valley of the Clinton river and Stony creek is spread out like a map immediately in front of the buildings and offers an extremely attractive combination of stream, hillside and woodland.  

    The buildings were all designed especially for the purpose for which they were to be utilized, the simplest and most sanitary construction available being employed.  There are two large stables designed especially for horses, a commodious vaccine propagating building, which is so located that the two floors may be entered from the ground at different levels.  This building is most complete in its equipment and contains numerous specially constructed aseptic rooms for the handling of biological products, sterilizing room for preparing glassware, boiler room, dynamo, pump and various other types of machinery needed for work of his kind.  All the biological buildings are supplied with running water from an elevated tank which is kept filled by power pump taking the water from the well about three hundred feet deep.

    There are two hundred horses kept on the place, numerous goats, sheep and other animals.  In order that the animals may receive the best possible attention, the resident superintendent is an experienced veterinarian as well as a biologist.  The farm, for its management, requires a force of about twenty men.  All operations pertaining to the production of the sera and vaccines are carried out with the most careful attention to sanitary requirements in keeping with the main biological laboratory located in Detroit.  It is the aim to produce therapeutic agents of the highest possible quality.  The products are but partially elaborated at Parkdale and shipped in bulk to Detroit for further attention.  It is believed that as time passes greatly increased facilities will be needed to keep pace with the great developments that are being made in medical and veterinary biological work.

Ferry Seed Company

     In December, 1902, the Ferry Seed Company which had formerly conducted a farm near Pontiac purchased a half section of land (south half of 36), a few miles southeast of Rochester for $50,000.  This has been developed into one of the greatest seed farms in the country, and is widely known as "Oakview."