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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
He was a man of varied information; he had gathered, from close observation in travel, much knowledge of the parts of the country he had visited, and could impart it in an interesting manner to others. He was a natural geologist, and had obtained much knowledge of that science, not from printed books, but from the open volume of the country wherever he traveled. He had assisted Douglass Houghton in his early geological surveys in Calhoun county, and rendered valuable aid to that eminent geologist whom we lost when he was the most useful to us.
Mr. Lewis lived many years to enjoy the fruits of his early labors in clearing up his farm. He was a whig in politics and a worthy member of the Baptist church. He died some ten years ago.
ALLEN WILLARD
was born in Hartland, Windsor County, Vermont. He was educated at Dartmouth College, and was a fellow-student at this famous seat of learning with Rufus Choate. 'His son, George Willard, informs me that his father predicted Choate's distinguished career long before he was known to the American public, as its most eminent lawyer and brilliant orator. While at college Mr. Willard says Choate evinced the fine linguist. It was ever a delight for his class to hear him render his lesson in Virgil or Cicero into English. He was the best writer and scholar in college.
Allen Willard removed from Vermont to Michigan in the summer of 1836. He first settled in Battle Creek township a little south of where he now lives; selling this land, he located in the Dr. Beach neighborhood, where he improved a farm; this he sold and bought the Hermes Sweet place on the east side of Goguac Lake, where he at present resides. He is now 81 years old. Mr. Willard is a man of clear intelligence and sterling character.
Michigan
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