|
|
Michigan Abel Bingham
When the ship canal at the Sault was opened, Mr. B. and family were among the number of those who were invited on board the steamer Illinois, when she passed through the "locks" for the first time, June 18th, 1855. The Indians were now comfortably settled in their different villages, having houses built, cultivating gardens, and by hunting and fishing, made suitable provision for their families. The beneficiaries (or boarding scholars) had all attained their majority, and Mr. Bingham, now in his seventieth year, thought it advisable to bring his missionary labors to a close. On consulting with the "board" he received an answer approving the plan, immediately closed his school, and made preparations for his departure. On the 22d of October, 1855, took passage on the steamer Illinois, with his family and one Indian girl, arrived at Grand Rapids in November, and made it his home for several years, with his youngest daughter, Mrs. J. C. Buchanan. He continued his ministerial labors in the city and among the smaller churches in the adjoining towns, doing good as opportunity offered, and in all his life proved himself what he was, an heroic, unselfish Christian man, devoted to his duty, and the good of others, as it was made known to him.
Early Michigan Preachers
Page 33
|
|
|
|
|
|