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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
The first preaching we had was in 1836, in the log school-house in his neighborhood. Rev. Levi Vedder, son-in-law of Elder John Harris, preached there while on a visit to relatives in Michigan.
Deacon Case had served in the war of 1812, and was wounded and drew a pension. He was a man of social worth, an active and exemplary Christian. He took a prominent part in matters that promote the public interests, whether it was for the school, the church, or in the general duties of the citizen. He was a successful farmer, as everything about his premises, his well-tilled and well-fenced fields evinced. He had brought a span of horses with him into the country. They were much better than the slow ox team for the road, and various other work. A man who owned a span of horses in those days was "looked up to" as much as a member of the legislature is now. Deacon Case lived to see the township of Battle Creek reclaimed from the wilderness he had found it, into well cultivated farms. And it is due to him to say that he has done his part, and done it well, in making South Battle Creek what it is to-day. He died in 1853, as he had lived—a true Christian man.
Mrs. Case now lives with her son, Thurlow, in Battle Creek, and Mrs. Morgan Beach, of South Battle Creek, are the only, members of that family now living in Calhoun county.
DR. JOHN BEACH.
Dr. John Beach settled in South Battle Creek in 1836, I believe, on the lands now owned by his sons Morgan and Darwin. He was a man of fine intellect, of literary culture, highly social, and a well-read physician. By his practice in our settlement he proved himself to be one of the best of physicians. He was a brother of Dr. Ashael Beach, of Battle Creek.
Michigan
Page 49
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