History of Fairgrove Michigan

This document provides a history of Fairgrove Township, Michigan, from its beginnings as unsettled land to its development as a community by 1956.

“Fairgrove Centennial, 1852-1956” starts with an introduction explaining the purpose of the manuscript and acknowledging those who contributed to it. The main text, written in 1949 by Eliza Black Atkinson, a long-time teacher in Tuscola County, focuses on the families who settled in Fairgrove before 1890.

“Fairgrove Centennial” covers a range of topics related to the township’s history, including:

• How settlers acquired land and the challenges they faced in establishing farms and homes.
• The development of important infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and churches.
• How families lived and interacted with each other, including their work, social activities, and traditions.
• The creation of local government and essential services like fire protection.

The book also includes information contributed by Eva Misner Aldrich and the Fairgrove Township Library Board. It uses stories of individual families to show how the community of Fairgrove grew and changed over time.

Note: This copy of the original book has been reproduced by offset. Pages consequently are not of original quality and may appear very faint.

Table of Contents:

1. Fairgrove Township in Tuscola Michigan, p. 2
   The document recounts the township’s establishment, including the formation of Fairgrove Township in 1855 and its early settlers. It highlights the hardships and pioneering spirit of these settlers, who transformed the wilderness into a thriving community.
2. An Indian Character, p. 7
3. Families, p. 7
   Brief family histories provide insight into the lives of the township’s early families, including their contributions to Fairgrove’s development. These stories include details of land acquisitions, contributions to community life, and intergenerational connections within the township. Families: Adams, Aldrich, Allan, Arnold, Barber, Bennett, Black, Burroughs, Bussing, Campbell, Cartwright, Caufield, Clay, Cranston, Cutts, Davis, Davison, Everett, Foster, Gardner, Gaylord, Gordon, Graham, Harris, Hinson, Hoffman, Honsinger, Houghtaling, Hunter, Inglis, Irish, Jameson, Jennings, Johnson, Judd, Kirk, Luce, Luther, Mantey, Maxwell, McAlpine, McCloy, McCormick, McCreedy, McFarland, McLuney, Misner, Montei, Moore, Otis, Parish, Partlo, Pike, Richter, Ringle, Roby, Rohlfs, Shearer, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Staub, Stoddard, Wilber, Wylie,
4. 1899 Citizens, p. 24
   An incomplete list of citizens residing in the township in 1899.
5. Community Life and Infrastructure, p. 25
   The document describes the early social and cultural life in Fairgrove, including details of amusements like husking bees, quilting parties, and dances. It paints a vivid picture of the attire and social norms of the “Gay 90’s.”
6. Doctors Practicing in Fairgrove, p. 29
7. Chronological Arrangement, p. 30
   Chronology of Fairgrove Michigan history
8. Churches in Fairgrove Township, p. 32
   Brief histories of several churches provide insight into the religious and spiritual foundations of the community.
   • History of Methodist Episcopal Church, p. 33
   • History of Evangelical Church, p. 34
   • Fairgrove Mission Church, p. 35
   • History of First Presbyterian Church of Fairgrove, p. 35
   • History of Grace Lutheran Church, p. 38
   • History of St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, p. 38
   • History of Other Churches, p. 38
9. History of Local Education, p. 38
   The evolution of local education is chronicled, from the first school districts to the development of the Fairgrove Rural Agricultural School. The narrative highlights the expansion of educational infrastructure and curriculum, underscoring the community’s commitment to education.
10. Government History, p. 42
    A brief account of the township’s governmental formation and development, listing key elected officials over time, reflects on the civic structure and administration.
11. History of Fire Department, p. 44
    The narrative covers the establishment and evolution of the fire department, highlighting the community’s efforts to improve safety and emergency response capabilities.
12. List of Disastrous Fires in the Village, p. 44
    Several significant fires that shaped the community’s history and development are recounted. These events underscore the challenges faced by the township and its resilience in rebuilding and moving forward.
13. Did You Know That, p. 45
    A collection of miscellaneous facts and anecdotes, titled “Did You Know That?”, provides quirky and interesting tidbits about Fairgrove’s history, offering a glimpse into the community’s unique aspects and historical moments.
14. Who Remembers? p. 47
15. Patriotic Services Rendered in Civil War, p. 48
16. Advertisements, p. 49

Source

Atkinson, Elizabeth, Eva Misner Aldrich, Fairgrove Centennial, 1852-1956, Fairgrove, Michigan : Fairgrove Township Library Board, 1956.