|
|
BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
Deacon William Betterly came from western New York, and settled north of Goguac Prairie, sometime in 1836, I think, where he improved a farm and spent the most of his life in Michigan. During the latter part of his life he lived in Battle Creek, and died there on the 10th day of July, 1870. Deacon Betterly was a man of decided ability, and has left an example of a noble Christian character. He was deacon and influential member of the Baptist church. He was originally a Democrat, but became a Republican on the formation of that" party.
Deacon John Grodevant came to Michigan a few years later, settling on his land, some ten miles south of Battle Creek, where he did his part of the pioneer work in clearing up his lands and making a fine farm. He sold his farm and removed to Battle Creek, where he died some few years ago. Deacon Grodevant was a most worthy man, and we can say of him, as of Deacons Cross and Betterly, they have made the world better by their having lived in it, and dying they have left a valuable record in their noble Christian lives.
HARVEY B. LEWIS.
Harvey B. Lewis was born in Hardscrabble, Chittenden county, Vermont. He made a visit to Michigan in 1833, prospected about Calhoun county, and I think extended his tour to a trip down the Mississippi. He settled on his lands in South Battle Creek, in 1835. He seemed not to have forgotten the green hills of his native state, for he selected a portion of Battle Creek tumbled up with knolls, which many would have passed by as of little value. Yet-he made a fine productive farm of it.
Michigan
Page 52
|
|
|
|
|
|